off to have some peaches

Wow, my father in-law will be here in less than half an hour to pick me up and take me to the airport. We're bringing along the kids, and my brother in-law just in case the dude starts to melt when I actually get out of the car. I don't think A will have any clue what is going on, she' s used to me going places and wouldn't get that I was going on an airplane. Ah, as I sit here typing this, dude is hugging me and saying "Mom, pweese don't go on an airplane. I want to come too." Oh boy, this should be fun.

Once I get passed the leaving the car part my only worries are getting passed security with my knitting needles (I have the TSA statement printed out in case they give me a hard time), and take-off. God I hate take-off. I figure I'll be able to eat lunch and have a Starbucks before I have to board, both of which will help my nerves greatly.

So Atlanta, Amanda, Stitches South.... Here I come baby!!!!

the never ending illness

Ugh...

We've been sick for almost a month now counting Andy and the kids. D had it the least of the bunch, just a headache/sore throat for a few days but L and A were hit hard. Almost two weeks for each of them, both getting a break for about a day and then getting a lot lot worse before getting better. L has really been hit hard. He started feeling bad the Friday before Easter, got a bit better, then worse, then better, then worse. Both he and Miss A fought high fevers for almost 5 straight days, and his has come and gone too. Tricking the poor dude (and us) in to thinking he was better, only to come back harder within 24 hours.

I am hoping that he is on the last part, as his fever has stayed away for more than a full day and the congestion has moved in to his chest where it can get broken up and stay gone. It has meant an upset stomach and lots of hacking though, neither of which are pleasant.

D took an overnight trip with school to a camp in WI to have two days (and one night) of in nature learning. They will do/have done a rock quarry, a pond viewing and looking at scum under a microscope, along with some really fun craft times too. Both Andy and I went in the 5th grade, it's a bit of a rite of passage around here and something that is really looked forward to by anyone even approaching 5th grade. I was shocked by the price at first, but then found out that it included all meals, transportation on a nice Coach bus with a movie (not the old yellow school buses), all activities, etc. So while still painful on the wallet, it was worth it. She comes home tonight and I cannot wait to hear how it went. We sent her with a camera, so if I get the pictures developed soon I can scan them in to the computer and post with her trip details.

Just a small update from our corner of the world. Pics and camp details to come soon.

totally not kid related

So just to share a bit of what is going on in our world that is not kid related...

Andy is doing great at work, we feel very blessed to have his job and his skills keeping us afloat in these times. It's golf and baseball season, so I am trying to get a better understanding of both in the hopes of actually enjoying these things with him this time around! If I can get him to teach me to golf, it might be a fun thing for us both.

I have applied for school, and while I was hoping to start this summer it looks like it will have to be this fall. That's okay, what ever puts me on my path to getting my RN. I am hoping that I will be admitted to Oakton's nursing program, it is pretty competitive so I need to take a few classes and really ace them in order to stand a chance. Fall will be very busy for me, for us.

Besides school and the kids, I am just really enjoying cooking, baking and knitting. I'm still going to my weekly knitting group and loving it more and more. Getting out of the house for "me" time once a week has given me a much healthier life balance. Speaking of getting out of the house, next week I am flying to Atlanta to spend the weekend with my friend, Amanda, without the kids!!! Andy will have all three Friday through Sunday and this will be my first trip by myself since Deja was 2 or 3. I am very nervous and very excited. She's got a great weekend full of food, running, and Stitches South (a most awesome knitting convention) planned for us.

I'll leave you with a few pics of non-kid stuff just for fun.

One of several pairs of socks that I am working on (this one has been finished, its mate is on the needles now)

Homemade tomato soup, my current favorite

Focaccia fresh out of the oven (and seen above paired with the soup)

two whole months

Wow, I logged in today and realized that it's been two whole months since I've posted anything. And longer than that since I've posted any updates or current pics of the kids. So so bad, so so sorry! There was a three week fiasco where we switched internet providers and lost all service (but yea for large credits) and honestly, I'm up to my ears in toddler mayhem on a daily basis. Good toddler mayhem, but it keeps me up and moving and away from the computer for most of the day.

Little Miss A is such a toddler now, she's talking more and more and she is a dare-devil in the worst way. She can climb on almost anything and has no sense of fear. She loves pushing buttons and especially has her daddy figured out when it comes to that.

L is insanely smart (yes, I know all parents think that about their kids). He's thriving on puzzles and sports and anything that lets him move or think. We're currently getting over a bout with the flu, but he's handled it like a champ.

D got a shining report card and is really thriving in school which is wonderful. She's discovered a few book series that she likes, and it's great to see her get in to reading as much as I did (and still do). Her best friend moved in above us and it's been non-stop running back and forth which is about all I can ask for as a parent of a pre-teen. So thankful to have someone that she likes so close by.

I'll try to be better on the updates, there is more, but I don't want a mile long post. So for now I'll leave you with some newer pics of the kids...