Fall Field Tripping

Today, MaKenna took a field trip with her class to Mrs. Stonebreaker's Pumpkin Patch (the same one Morgann hit up yesterday). And although I wasn't there (I wasn't there yesterday either), I can see that the girl, front and center, in bright pink had a blast. Surely, that is what the wide open grin is saying! It's screaming it for heaven's sake.

There is no worrying about MaKenna and school right now. She counts the days over the weekend until she sees Mrs. Onjukka again. By the end of the year, she will be counting the minutes seconds. MaKenna is loving every single minute, of every single hour, of every single day spent at Heidi Ho. We love her being there. Growing there. Learning there. And making friends for life there. I've made a few friends for life there myself, right there in the Heidi Ho hallway.

Me. Me. Me. Me. I want on the gurney and I want to try to lift the air tank. Which by the way, Mason could not. Those are heavy! After four trips to the fire station, the second grade interactive tour is by far the best. I can't believe how much I learned today with Mason and his class! We walked the mile to the La Grande Fire Station and then took a bus ride back to Central this morning. I felt this is where I needed to be. To be eyeing the teacher and students, ensuring my decisions have been OK, so far.

So, what do you know? That a city fireman's gear is 45 pounds. And that a little discipline goes a long way. The more I am around Mason's class the warmer my heart feels. It certainly isn't Mrs. Onjukka. But nobody else is her. Mason's second grade teacher is unlike any other teacher he's had. (For me, she may be a little Mrs. Pauls-ish.) At first that felt bad, given all the other circumstances. After spending ample time in the classroom this year (weekly reading groups and Art lessons) my mind is...swaying. Swayed.

Mason brought home his first weekly progress report! Last year he earned E's (excellent) nearly everyday. It was almost a given, I began to wonder if he deserved them. After seeing the box next to excellent checked and reading her comments- Mason is very capable, hardworking and responsible. He is a thoughtful student. I. Like. Her. Mason likes her. The truth is, I started to like her last week. And what I like is that he truly deserved those marks. He's that good and I know she doesn't just give those E's away! This is working!

My little squirt.

Today a friend shared with me that she had heard that Mason's teacher uses a spray bottle on the students in her class this year. Like you would an animal? She replied yes. She asked if Mason had said anything about this. He hadn't. I wouldn't expect him to. He mostly has only shared that his teacher is a little bit mean. But overall, she's okay. She'll do. We heard a few horror stories going into the year. But my initial feeling was that a little structure just might do the kid a lot of good.

A little bit of prompting. She lets us take our shoes off in class. She makes us walk the track for PE. She is mostly nice. I am a good kid in class. I don't get sprayed. But Gxxxxx, did. Well he has a few times. I don't want to get sprayed. I'm afraid to get sprayed. I worry about getting sprayed. Mom translation, this is not okay!

For the last two years, I haven't felt like I have had to volunteer. In the class. Every week. I have volunteered, just not that structured. It was not necessary. At tonight's Open House, I signed up for every Thursday from 10:00 to 10:50. I get to help with a reading group. I get to see what is going on in the classroom. I get to watch him interact. Because who am I kidding. It's really all about him and knowing he is safe and comfortable in this learning environment. That he can actually learn there and not worry.

I did have a little side conversation with the School Principal tonight. I casually asked to schedule a meeting for the next day. She was nice enough to see me then. When I shared my concern, after she drug me in her office, she shared that I was the second parent to report it. The other reported this morning. The school will be looking into it. I should know more by Friday.

I also just marked my calendar for the first Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting this year. September 20, in the school library. What else can this Momma Bear do? Oh I did that. Finally. Remembered to sign the kid up for football. And the hubby up to coach said football. Checked. That. Box. Wa.Hoo.

Loving to the moon and back.

Snow Blast 2011= Happy Kids!

One would think that a skiing post would include pictures with kids on ski's. Not this one. Yes the family did get some turns in, including MaKenna who fell once. That fell meant screaming and crying. She then quickly MASTERED the carpet! We left the carpet with her smiling from ear to ear and headed straight for the snow fort. She found a hiding spot and kindly asked Aiden to come sit with her for the picture below. Giggle.

The Anthony Lakes Snow Blast was more about the other stuff. Like downhill dummy races, a HUGE snow fort, friends, fireworks, dinner and live music (read: dancing in snow gear).  Check out the rocking Lodge! I'm thinking next year we need to par-tay no kid style! Maybe not.

The Snow Blast was the first opportunity to purchase next years Season Passes, too. Thanks to my parents, we received a VERY early Christmas Present by joining the Anthony Lakes Season Pass Family. The pass works for the rest of this year and yesterday, too. These little girls couldn't be happier, they know more lodge time is coming!

We ditched Mason with the neighbor family for the majority of the day. Him and his buddy jumped, skied, jumped and did more jumps! Shhhh, before leaving town we stopped at Blue Mountain Sports and I snuck a pair of twin tip ski's on hold for Mason. Even with a June birthday, he'd love a longer and trickster set of ski's. This kid is off the hook on the slopes. E suggested I use a description word like nuts, crazy, etc. Mason is a lover of the snow. I'm a lover of helmets! Picture below, Mason dancing right before the fireworks!

We added Aunt Cassidee to our family for the season pass, she's in the process of mastering Broadway right now! And excited to become a snowboard bum! E and I are excited because when we bring her, we are thinking we can sneak in a run or two minus children! Win-Win! And fireworks!

Is It Friday Yet?

Because this has not been my week, or theirs--all those M's I blog about. Probably FOR SURE not theirs because as MaKenna put it first thing Monday morning, "Daddy is nicer." That was in response to me asking her why she would rather have Daddy home instead of me, as we climbed the stairs into Kim's house. According to my boss, I set myself up for that answer. She's right. OK. They are right. I knew what the answer was going to be. But, he had just left Sunday afternoon. And things had not gotten that bad. YET.

I sailed through Monday at work. Came home. And. Whew! Cry. Scream. Ruckus. Fight. Squeak. Squeal. You name it, I heard it. Clever me, put the kids to bed at 7:30. Sound asleep they slept, right until the moment I sought out my shut eye. They were thirsty. One fell off the bed. And into the wee hours we slept like newborns. Catching an hour at most before a wake up.

That's right. I was late to work again Tuesday morning. One of them wouldn't put their coat on. The other their shoes. The next had an accident right as we all finally were ready to walk out the door. All I could do is yell at them. I know my Love and Logic. I have not been using my Love and Logic.

I only can wish that I had a video of Tuesday evening. Although it started off quite nicely. Kim must have noticed my rising stress levels and sent me home, when I picked up the kids, with a super tasty Mexican casserole. Mason had seconds. While the girls stood in the hall for what I don't have a video for. Screaming back and forth. Just making high pitched yelling sounds one after the other. Until they decided to go essentially into an all out brawl. Really? Over a, well to be honest I can't even remember!

When I arrived late my third day in a row at the Court, I shared my struggles of Wednesday morning (a crying for no reason child at 5:30 A when everyone could have used much more sleep) and then my entire week up until that point. As I shared my flood gates opened and my really- bad -really- NOT- Love and Logic- WAY- too -much- yelling- parenting- style- of- the- last- three -days- hit- me. I couldn't stop the crying. I have never felt like such a bad parent!

So, what have I done since my ah-ha moment? I brought Morgann her missing bum-bum (blanket) at nap time. I picked both the kids up, with smiles and in no rush to get back to the office, after school today. We went to Dairy Queen for dinner and ended up really only eating our ice cream! And while the older kids were at Awana's I snuggled with Morgann. Here's the proof!

And despite how bad I felt things were going at home this week, Mason still brought home the Super Bee today! And just because it's a good place, I'd like to add that last week he received all E's again-that's 2 weeks in a row!

I have a little secret up my sleeve for Friday. A surprise trip to the Pendleton Children's Museum. Just me and my M's. Hopefully I'm going to start going back up on their NICE-PARENT-METER! Because being a mean parent isn't fun. Neither is being a single parent.

Mario, Luiji & Family

I always try to theme us for Halloween. It gets me more motivated and excited. What I've been really wanting is to be an M & M family. I even know who's who for colors. My soft side gave in this year. Mason really wanted to be Luiji and I wanted to support him. So we went from there.

Saturday night I dressed up with a mushroom hat.  But since most people didn't really notice what I was and instead just thought I was crazy, I passed on dressing up Sunday night. Everyone else looked super-fantastic, though. We walked to the High School. Hit up a number of houses on the way.

Played games--throw the sponge at the person (rather odd), ring toss, Halloween bowling, face painting, fishing, haunted house. And the classic cake walk. Morgann picked out a plate of cupcakes first walk around. MaKenna cake walked until she was able to get that plate of cookies she eyed upon entering the HS commons area.

On our walk home the Phil & Ted was at maximum load. Full of at least 7 sodas from the ring toss game, two plates of cupcakes/cookies, warm coats, two little girls pushing thirty pounds each in costume and 3 bags full of candy. We still made stops on our walk. And for each one Morgann insisted on getting out, running to the door, showing the person her candy and thanking them for more. MaKenna, too.

Whoa, someone loves Halloween. So much so, she sits on her porch dressed as a huge ugly witch with a remote controlled broom. Scaring Scarring all children who step on her porch. Including mine. See video, taken right after Morgann and MaKenna screamed in sync. Love it.

Super Bee-Havior

Mrs. Cadwell found a little first grader, on the second full day of school, that deserved the class super bee. A symbol of a child that day who had been safe, respectful and responsible all day! That just about sums up Mason, perfectly.

I am not surprised, just super proud!

Welcome, Change.

Now that I am done bitching voicing my opinion nonstop about Mason going to school fewer days than his three year old sister the first week, guess I had to vent here, too. I'm ready for the week to roll on, we have changes taking place, people!

First up, big bro starts at a new school. Central Elementary, FIRST grade. Long, shaggy hair and all. Right after we squeeze in a lock cutting appointment.

MaKenna is off to Heidi Ho. Good thing, we weren't ready for a year without it! She is so excited for school. And ready to be a pre-schooler.

Morgann's going to find herself in a new place, too. Another friend of mine will be watching the kids.

*A little fruity pizza fun. Purchase a pre-made tube of sugar cookie dough, roll into little pizza's. Bake as directed. Whip 8 ounces of cream cheese, a half of a cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla together. Frost the cooled "pizza's" and chill. Just until your kids are ready to decorate with fruit topping of their choice.

What did this weekend have in store for us?

This weekend is La Grande's annual Crossing the Blues festival. It provides entertainment and art galore. Friday night the kids and I stumbled upon the live music, found friends and decided to make a night out of it. The first performance was the Marchfourth marching band and the best description for what we saw came from a friends Facebook post, "marching band kids who grew up, did acid and decided to turn it into a career." As you'll notice from the video, he isn't too far off. MaKenna and Morgann just wanted to shake their booty's! We stayed through the Wasteland Kings and then headed home. Because Mommy needed some sleep.

The festitivities in La Grande Saturday, for us, started with the La Grande Triathlon (go mommy go) and a kids duathlon for our friends. Mason opted to not participate because there was no bike leg. Instead he went to the bike shop right after where he asked nicely to test ride a trick bike. He was able to and his smile was perma. He took two trips up and down the sidewalk. And graciously said thank you right before we left.

After naps we headed down to dinner with our cousins Irelyn and Bryson and their Mommy. Followed by live music while dancing in the streets, it just might not get any better for local fun for all. Well, I attempted to get a sitter last minute so the adults could head back down to the beer garden...It's probably better that our old faithful girl was having her own girls night!

Can you imagine what Mason's face looked like when his tire was flat mid-walk downtown tonight. What?We have to go back to the bike shop? I guess so!!! SMILE!

Coming to Heidi Ho Soon,

MAKENNA J. MILLER

3 YEARS OLD

What has happened to my little girl? In the blink of my eye, she is going into Pre-School. To Heidi Ho. Following in her big brother's and Daddy's foot steps. She say's she can't wait. I can't wait for her. Our bike rides lead us to the playground. Where we stop a while and talk about all the new stuff she'll learn. Mason tells her about Sand and Paint Time and what he liked best. He tells her he wishes he could go to Heidi Ho this year, too. And when I ask him why? He responds, "to be with my sister!"

Week-Off

I remember when spring break was more than, just another week. It was a week-off of school. A week to have fun. Go places. Be a kid.

This week Mason is having so much fun, his voice relays all of the thrill. He's on the farm with Grandpa Dan and JJ. Making memories. Coraling cows. Skiing. Fixing heaters. Hanging out at middle school volleyball games. Riding bikes. Shooting hoops. Seeing family. Overall, it sounds like he is having a BLAST. Lucky him.

Weekend #2, A Success!

We took one child out of the equation this weekend and it was a success. MaKenna no longer has su-su's. At all. Don't get me wrong, she is still my mischevious, middle child that carries around a bum-bum. The one, when searching for her, for this exact picture, was found sitting on the couch with her baby. Eating a fresh cupcake that she snuck out of the kitchen. Leaving me one cupcake short for Mason's snack bucket. Which in turn worked out to her benefit because I made another 12 plus some heart cakes.  

Good thing it was a successful weekend--she is looking just too old to have a pacifier still.

Happy was requested by MC.

So check out the kids' new kicks. We got a little adidas'd out. R & C, the local boot store, came through with basketball shoes for Mason, the ONLY reason we went. And as soon as MaKenna tried hers on, there was no taking them off. Of course we couldn't leave Morgann out. Nor would she let us. So a hundred bucks later, we left in style. But mostly importantly with Happy kids.

*Maybe I should add an Our Parents Our Suckers, tag.

Maybe next weekend?

If you don't like crying babies, I recommend you not watch/listen to the following. They are crying for a reason. I We took the su-su's away, finally or so I thought, Thursday night. I spent an hour in front of their door, right after I spent the hour before rubbing their backs and singing them songs and reading books and getting water and tucking them in, with their extra special blankets.
And with that, our first real attempt lasted until approximately 1:10AM. When we I in a sleep walking daze gave in and accidentally put a pacifier in each of their mouths because they both woke up at the same time, crying some more.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

As for right now, they are sleeping, happily (that means with su-su) and I am enjoying the quiet time. We'll try again Thursday and the Thursday after that, until we make it.

Must I document everything?

And the answer is, yes. Mason and MaKenna had their second dentist appointments this week. And both of them did better than their first.

I made these appointments quite some time ago, but did not tell the kids. I'd hate for Mason to have to worry longer than needed. So I told them (what I thought was) the night before. Mason cried alligator tears and MaKenna talked herself up. Telling Mason not to cry, she'll go first. She can't wait to see the dentist.

I bribed Mason by telling him he could miss school, tomorrow. Then E said, wait it's only Wednesday, Stephanie. Oh. No. Mason you do have to go to school tomorrow and worry about the dentist for an entire day.

We looked at the calendar only to realize that Mason didn't have school on Friday. (Conferences for only the kids who need them--didn't get a call, yay!) So no missed school and a dentist appointment.

Up until they were in the room MaKenna said she'd go first and that she wasn't worried. But boy, did her eyes get big when she saw the chair. And she cried. And Mason became the big brother. Doing awesome. No cavities, no melt downs, things look great! Mason, your awesome!

We decided to let MaKenna try. But it didn't work. And really she is too young anyway. So they re-checked her front teeth from the fall into the brick fireplace last year. They seem fine and will check again in six months. Poor girl, she didn't get anything out of the treasure box, but did bring home a new toothbrush.

* I wish I would have grabbed a pic of Mason while in the dentist chair, but I couldn't let MaKenna down, she might have ran away, as fast as she could.

D Up, Baby

After a long December and even longer 2009, we are tightening our budgets. Which might be some of the reason our blog is being neglected. The kids are finding their fun by just being kids in our cozy little home. Depending on what our realtor says next week, our first home might go on the market soon. Another reason I am trying to save more--the need for some extra square footage. Somehow we multiplied faster than originally planned. But I know planning was never for me, at least major planning. This means those finishing touches that have been put on the backburner are back on the list of things to do, right along with the daily's.

Hanging around at home is also giving me ample opportunity to test out my new Love & Logic parenting style. Nap times all of a sudden are a breeze. And as I give up power in places I do not mind, I am learning these kids are quite smart. They had me figured out all along. We are also going full force ahead with the Vicks and other anti-cold remedy defenses. MaKenna eating green boogers, Morgann sneezing mile long snot and Mason coughing doesn't make for that fun of adventures.

The kitchen defense is the same, from way back in 2008, only adding about an inch or two of height. His shoes still squeak. And today he is the United States of Americans team with the selected tank. Friday night we took the kids to the High School basketball games. They all sat through the girls and then the boys. Coming one day this week- an update from Mason's school, I'll give you a hint, he's reading.



And for my defense, Triple Flex. Triple strength Glucosamine, Chondroitin Complex and Hyaluronic Acid. Whatever that is. I'm just hoping it makes my knee feel a little better. I have BIG racing plans for 2010! Ending with the Seattle Marathon (or half if need be) in November and somewhere in the middle the STP.

Dear Arial,

I dream of you and all the other princess--Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Belle. I cannot wait to meet you in almost a week. Love, MaKenna

You Can't Have Too Many Babies

Mason and MaKenna came to the kitchen telling us (E & I) that they had three babies. Whoa. Slow down kids. I told them. They said we are the Mom & Dad. Our babies want to go for a walk. Bye.

And as for Morgann. She is single parenting. But always feeds her baby well.

Something New

Today we tried out a new daycare. We've been with our only provider, Gina, over 4 years. Losing her has been very hard, but we are managing. Overall, it's my impression that the girls had a good experience. Neither one cried when I left. Both seemed happy when I picked up.



Mason too tried something new today. He rode the public school bus service from Willow to Heidi Ho. The service called to tell me at 11:30 that Mason never got on the bus at school. They just wanted to confirm that he ended up doing something different. Nope. He should be there. I seriously panicked and speed dialed the school. According to them he was bussed. After 4 phone calls and 1 text, I found him. At Heidi Ho eating lunch. Talking about a happy bus ride with his friends. I am still not sure how he managed to get lost in bussing, but was relieved, big time, that he was smiling and never knew of any concern. Had he known, he may not willingly get on the next bus.


I'll take the girls back tomorrow for a few hours. I hope things seem the same there because happy kids truly equals a happy mommy.

Someone....

Get this girl a new bike. Hers got broke! So she tells the entire bike shop in her loudest voice possible. This video is after about a 5 minute commotion. Finally the bike salesman stopped trying to sell me a bike and went over to her. Realizing she might have more luck convincing daddy, I wasn't getting anywhere. Only then did I realize I had my camera to video. I really missed the best part. Isn't the bike cute, though?

The first thing she says is: "Someone get me this bike because my bike got broke."

PS. Her bike didn't really "get broke". So please don't take this literally JJ & Dandaddy! She isn't ready for a bike just yet.

Coming tomorrow: The remainder of this bike shop trip and other Saturday festivities. Yes. Another La Grande festival, but it was a goodie!