Thankful Thursday, an addendum

Kent was not impressed with my shortened version of Thankful Thursday yesterday.  So, here you go.

I'm so thankful for my parents.  We had dinner at their house last night and they pulled out all the stops.   We all left happy and full and brought home tons of leftovers.

I'm thankful Kent is taking a few days off next week.  He almost never takes a day off.  I'm really looking forward to just hanging out as a family.  Hopefully we can take a couple of fun day trips.

I'm thankful for my personal assistant, aka my mom, who does things like snap adorable photos of my children when I can't.

I'm thankful for (free!) library movies and a BFF that saves the best seats in the house for my crew and me.

I'm thankful that Kase loves the water.  See above and below. :)

I'm thankful that Kase runs everywhere he goes nowadays.  Mostly because his cheeks actually jiggle when he runs and I cannot get enough.

I'm thankful for my monkey. Kylee will climb anything.  Pretty sure she has more upper body strength than I do.

I'm thankful (I think?) for Vine.  I can almost not handle any more social media in my life but the kids think it is hilarious.  Kent is trying to get me to hop on the Vine bandwagon but for now I just watch (on his phone) the videos he makes of the kids rather than do it myself.

I'm thankful that Ankeny Sanitation delivered us a new trash can.  Our old one was super gross
(hot weather plus dirty diapers- yuck).  I'm doubly thankful that the trash went out today and I just saw the guys put our whole old trash can and it's contents in the truck.  Gone for good!

I'm thankful that when Kase wakes up he starts off with a soft and sweet "Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma" that I love listening to.  Then it eventually turns into a super loud, "Mom!!!!" and then I know he means business.  Mom, come get me, now! :)

Happy weekend!

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for my little strongman.  Also hilarious that Kylee actually fits in there, no?

I'm thankful for neighborhood birthday parties.

I'm thankful Kylee didn't get hurt when she tried the FlowRider at Cascade Falls last weekend.  If you're not familiar, the FlowRider is a simulated surf-type thing.  Actually, just click here because it's hard for me to explain.  Anyhow, as we waited to scan our passes on the way into the pool last weekend, Kylee happened to be standing by a sign that showed what height you had to be to do which things (water slides, FlowRider, etc.) and I casually mentioned, "Hey Kylee, you're tall enough to do the FlowRider!"  To my surprise, she wanted to try it right away! And she did a great job! So fun to watch.  Kael was so proud of her too, and told everyone in line, "That's my sister! And she isn't even in kindergarten yet.  Can you believe she's doing the FlowRider?"

Short and sweet this week.  How's your week going?

The kids: a short, but unsolicited update.

Kael

It left as quickly as it had come.  My Kael is back. He woke up Monday morning (after a particularly rough Sunday) and it was as if the fog had lifted.  He turned back into his happy, agreeable self.  I wish I knew what flipped the switch.   His baseball season is over and he is loving his triathlon training.  The actual race is July 27 and he can't wait! His social life is also keeping him pretty busy (which wasn't the case in our old neighborhood) as kids are frequently knocking on our door asking if Kael is home to play.  How awesome.

Kylee

Kylee is, simply stated, me.  She's a little me.  She says things like, as we're loading up in the car, "I suppose it would be wise for me to try to use restroom before we leave."  She drinks iced coffee and she likes it.  The hard stuff.  We're not talking about sugared-up Sbux drinks here.  We're talking about black coffee from our own house, cooled, poured over some ice with a teensy splash of milk. Exactly.like.me. Kylee is done with tumbling for the year (and perhaps forever, if you ask her).  She is SUCH a monkey at the playground- performing flips and pullovers of all sorts on the equipment but doesn't seem interested in being signed up for gymnastics.  Or soccer.  Or softball.  Or anything for that matter.  And I'm ok with that.  For now.  :)

Kase

Kase has been waking up several times a night again, which I haven't figured out yet if it's an ear infection, teeth, or neither. He occupies his wakeful hours toddling around our new landscaping, picking up rocks, digging in the mud...you know, boy stuff.  His tan still draws stares.  A neighbor shook his head last night, saying, "Honestly he is the tannest baby I have ever seen."  The curls are probably going to have to get cut soon, because when he gets his hair wet at the pool it hangs down (nearly) to his shoulders.

That's all.  Short, like promised.

What's going on with your kids?

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful our landscaping is in! This place is definitely starting to feel less "new construction-y" and more home-y".

I'm thankful that I'll get to meet my nephew in less than a month.

I'm thankful that the summer weather is really tuckering out my babe.  Kase slept through the night last night and has been taking two solid naps a day.

I'm thankful for homemade ice cream.

I'm thankful for some super fun plans tonight.

I'm thankful Kase got his one year vaccinations taken care of.  We went in at least five times in anticipation of getting shots and every time he had a rash, a fever, a cold or something that made us postpone them.  Yesterday he finally got 'em!

I'm thankful for this kid who has the ability to make me cry and then two seconds later make me laugh.

I'm thankful I finally got to watch Kent water ski this year! Kael was thisclose to trying to ski again, but the water was pretty choppy so he didn't.  I haven't used my once-a-year-ski up yet.  See, my sisters and Kent love to ski and I feel like I should love to ski but I just don't.  However, I do make myself ski one time every year just to make sure I still got it.  Waiting for the water to warm up and clear up a bit before I brave it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Recital!

Since September, Kylee has been in a tumbling class and this weekend was her big recital! I was so excited for her to have the chance to be center stage- both literally and figuratively.  We spend a lot of time at the ball fields (all year round- soccer, football, baseball) for Kael and I spend a lot of my time and attention on Kase because of his age, so I was really happy for Kylee that it was totally her night. And she rocked it.  

 

Chalk rock scar isn't going to slow her down. :) She did, however, tell me, "Mom I feel so much better when I have lipstick on." Girl is five going on fifteen.  

I didn't get any pictures during the show, but Kylee (and Kent) were awesome! She was a natural up there on stage.  Kylee came home with a couple big bouquets of flowers, candy, and some new earrings and a necklace.  I think she felt pretty special.  

A big thanks to Keith, Cindy, Kevin, Katherine, Kyle, Bill and Doe for coming to watch and help with Kaser! I know my mom was bummed they were out of town so she couldn't come to the show, but no worries, I bought the video so we can watch it anytime.

Awesome recital, Kylee Kay!!!

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful we've hit our summer stride. As in, we're sort of settling into a routine and sort of getting used to different schedules and sort of figuring out how to agree on the best use of our free time.

I'm thankful my mom and the Vogel kids came over to visit the other day! The kids love playing with their cousins and we had Kael's beloved Stuffed Crust pizza from Pizza Hut for lunch.

I'm thankful that Kylee is ok after a scare on Tuesday night.  She often collects "chalk rocks" from the park and she had put (a fairly sizable) one in her pocket.  Well, a few minutes later she was doing a pullover on the bar on the playground and as she flipped around, the rock did too and it caught her square in the middle of the forehead.  I thought for sure we were in for an ER visit the way it was bleeding at first, but it all turned out fine.  I was so proud of how she handled herself during the whole thing.  What a trooper.

I'm thankful for my little California import.  Kase's blonde curls and enviable tan often raise eyebrows when I'm at the pool with him.  Yes, he is mine.

I'm thankful Kylee loves Safety Town (a local day camp to teach soon-to-be-kindergartners about all things safety related) but not so thankful for some of the stories they told her.  She came home the other day and relayed a very detailed story about a kidnapping that honestly had me scared to death.  I suppose it's good to scare the kids a little but...I don't know.  I'm too protective I guess.

I'm thankful for the age difference between Kael and Kase.  Last night Kael was playing peek-a-boo at the park with Kase, both of them happy as could be.  I sighed, wishing time would just freeze.

I'm thankful for hot days that result in tired kids.

I'm thankful (every.single.summer) for the library reading program and the Dairy Queen coupons the kids receive from it that help me justify a trip for ice cream.

I'm thankful that we haven't had to make a trip to our pediatrician this week.  Yet.  She joked last time I saw her that we should be getting some sort of "Frequent Flyer" type bonus. Har-di-har.  But seriously.  Between rashes, immunizations, and ear infections, we have been keeping that place in business this spring.

I'm thankful for the first ice cream truck visit to our neighborhood.  The kids were so so happy. Ten points to anyone who guessed that Kylee picked the rainbow colored sno-cone that had a gumball (!!!) inside. :)

I'm thankful that Kent and I agree that we are not at all ready for Kase to grow up.  Or any of the children, really.  But what is it about your last kid that makes your heart just ache a little bit when they reach a milestone?

I'm thankful that it's RECITAL WEEK!!! Dress rehearsal is tonight! I'm equally excited for Kylee's tumbling performance and the Daddy/Daughter dance. :)

I'm thankful Kael's social calendar has been filling up recently.  He went to a friend's to watch a movie the other night, rode his bike over to play at another neighbor's for awhile today and got invited to watch some basketball with another friend.  Couldn't be happier for him.

I'm thankful Cindy came over last night.  Seriously she FILLED our fridge and pantry with food and provided dinner for us, which couldn't have come at a better time.  (It's a busy week for us.) She also helped me wrangle Kase at Kael's baseball game.  She's just good stuff.  :) Now if only I can get the ball rolling on getting them moved to Ankeny...;)

I'm thankful that when I tried to buy a bottle of wine at the store the other day, I got ID'd.  The check-out gal told me she was sorry but she couldn't sell me the wine.  Um...what?? Turns out my license expired! Nearly two months ago! Eeeek! I can't believe I had no idea and can't believe no one caught it since then!

I'm thankful that we (as in, me and the three children) survived a trip to the DOT to renew my license.  Kent told me I was crazy for even attempting going there with the kids but they did great! Now I don't have to deal with that place for another five years.  Whew.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday (on a Friday)

I am thankful that I am babysitting this summer. The extra income is nice, but built-in buddies for my kids is even nicer.

I'm so thankful for a really fun day yesterday at the Children's Museum in Iowa City.  I was so happy that my mom joined us on the trip! She was a HUGE help and treated us all day long! The kids loved the whole experience, but the Grocery Store and Pizzeria topped their lists.  We also enjoyed Whitey's ice cream (yum!) and a quick stop at the mall playplace.  I would have never ventured this far from home alone with all three kids- thanks, Mom for an awesome day!!! We love spending time with you!

I'm thankful the weather has been a little nicer lately.  It still hasn't felt like summer, but at least the rain has subsided for awhile.

I'm thankful for a low-key weekend ahead.

What are you thankful for today?

Kael

It's been awhile since I've posted anything with any real substance. As much fun as it is for me to share cute pictures and fun stories of the kids, every now and then it just feels good to write something real.  Something with a little depth.

Kael.

He was really ready for the school year to be over.  By the end of the year he started using words like implore properly in sentences so I knew my second-grader would be ready for the challenge of third grade. His teacher had given me a huge smile at the end of the year: "I know who Kael's teacher is next year.  I can't tell you, but I can tell you that you're going to be really happy."  So, by all accounts, we are ready and excited for third grade.

What we weren't ready for was summer.  In past years I have tried to prepare a schedule so Kael would know what was going on each day.  He thrives on a schedule and the flexibility of summer can be difficult.  But, in other years, I've gone to a lot of work prepping a schedule, only to have him still struggle with the transition from school to summer. So this year, I worked a little bit on creating an "I'm Bored" jar with tons of ideas to keep him occupied.  I came up with a ticket plan so he could manage his Wii/TV/DS time on his own.  I explained that I would be expecting him to help out with a few (light) chores. But I didn't go overboard with the scheduling and planning.  I even had hope that the fact I'm babysitting some friends part-time this summer would help Kael adjust.

But the fact remains.  The first weeks of summer are hard for Kael. Every.single.year.  Overplan/no plan. Overschedule/no schedule.  Babysit/no babysitting.  Strict/laid-back.  It doesn't matter.  He's edgy.  He's talking back.  He's emotional.  I saw a side of Kael yesterday that I haven't seen in a loooong time when we decided to go to the old pool (closer to our house) instead of Cascade Falls (the one with cooler slides and diving boards).  He was not just upset, he was near distraught and I could see that he realized he couldn't get his emotions and actions under control.  And the other kids saw.  And I could see he felt embarrassed.

And I didn't know how to help him.  And it was hard.  It was hard to watch him struggle.  It was hard not knowing the right thing to say.  It's hard that to this day I still don't fully understand how differently his brain works than mine.  It's hard to see that the fun, care-free days of summer are not always so fun and care-free for Kael.  

And once again, I know we'll settle in to a routine. We always do, even if it takes longer than I'd like.  I know Kael will soon be back to his fun-loving, race-running, baseball-playing, joke-telling self.  And then? Then we'll forget that there were ever days like these.  We'll make it a summer to remember.

How's your summer going?