A Day in the Life - Sunday

Well, this will complete the week of ~A Day in the Life~ segment on my blog for now. It's been good to be accountable to writing and to documenting how our days are spent.

This morning our church celebrated 35 years.  I wanted to attend church, Peter chose Sunday school, Campbell went to Sunday school, and Alex came with me to worship. We needed to pick up Conleigh about noon, so we only attended one hour at church.  I loved the 9:30 worship. It is "rock & roll" church and the music really gets to me. The drums, guitars, organ, piano. It is great. Alex really enjoyed it too. After worship, he asked me if we could do this every time and he said, "we all get ready for church, everyone goes to Sunday school and he & I go together to big church."   He is so sweet when he isn't overly hungry or tired.

The bishop of our synod was here today and did the sermon. His topic was What Are We Doing Here? He talked about how Jesus would go find the 1 lost sheep even though he had 99 following him.  He said it all so much better than that.

So on our way to south Austin to pick up Conleigh at Grace & Katie's, we stopped off about half way to look at a piano that I had seen listed on craigslist yesterday.  We are now the happy owners of a piano! It isn't at our house yet. I still need to figure that part out.  It is pretty old, but it looks nice. It is Baldwin brand and hasn't been played in a long time, I'm sure.

Then we head on further south and arrive at the Golson's.  Conleigh immediately asked if she could stay longer.  It sounds like a fun party. They swam, made tye-dye shirts, watched movies and played.   After a short visit with everyone there, we went through the drive-thru at Whataburger and then went to the Brick Fiesta.  What is the Brick Fiesta you ask?

A LEGO convention!  When we arrived the tickets were sold out, there was about 1 1/2 hours left of the public exhibition and they were telling people that you could wait in the line and may get in for a few minutes before closing.  We decided to give it 10 minutes and see how much the line moved. We saw about four other families from our neighborhood in the line. And, we got in with over an hour to spend at the exhibit.  It really was amazing what people have built with Legos. Alex was in wonderland. He loved it. The girls were interested too until Conleigh finally announced, "Can we please go home? I cannot stand to see any more legos."  With that, we exited.

Batman!  The 13 year old in the background by Conleigh built this. He designed it himself and it took three months to construct! He was willing to sell it for $6,000.

Next stop, Amy's Ice Cream.  Enough said.

Harry Potter fans unite!

For real...all Legos.

This Dinosaur which was huge was Alex's favorite. It had the date 2003 on it.

When we got home, Peter sanded the table a little bit, Conleigh went to her room for a nap, and Alex and Campbell put their bathing suits on and I sprayed them with the water hose for about 20 minutes. They laughed and laughed.  We had a hodge podge, what-can-you-find-in-the-kitchen kind of dinner. 

Peter directed the kids on a little pick-up around the house while I ran to Wal-mart for a few things.  When I got home, we got the kids in bed and Peter hooked up his new amplifier for the golf cart. Oh goodness, we are going to be low-ridin' through the 'hood.

Peter and I are watching Hope Floats.  I made him watch this when we were first dating and he still remembers how terrible it was.

A Day in the Life - Saturday

Got to have a Maui-Wowi at the meet.

 Final Home Meet of the Season today

Shark attack!

This house is too pooped to pop. I got up at 4:30 this morning to be on the tent set up team for the last home swim meet.  It was a great job. It was over in 40 minutes.   Peter got the kids up and to the pool at 5:40.

Baby, there's a shark in the water...

 Kids did great this morning.  Conleigh won three heat ribbons. Her confidence level has really come up during this swim season.
Alex and Campbell both got heat ribbons for their free relay teams.  Alex also got 3rd in 25 free, 4th in 25 back and 1st in 25 butterfly. He tied for first with his bud Matthew.
Conleigh felt good about all her swims. She is usually in the second fastest heat on events. She usually ends up in the range of 11th to 14th place.
Campbell has a good time and dances almost each time she is on the starting blocks.

Alex in the shark tank

The meet was over and we were home about 1:15.  Conleigh is at a slumber party tonight for Katie & Grace's 8th birthday.  Campbell rode with me to deliver Conleigh.   On the way, we stopped at Costco to pick up their birthday cake. Kathy had run out of time to pick it up and it was on our way, so easy-peasy.
Alex had a total meltdown and is asleep in the recliner and Campbell is listening to my ipod.

Good night.

A Day in the Life - Friday

Peter took Conleigh and Alex to chess club before dawn this morning. By that, I mean he had the kids out the door by 6:40am! This summer they are meeting at the donut shop on Friday mornings. Today there were six kids there. 
Everyone was dragging this morning for the last day of VBS. They were tired.  They reported to me that over 8,000 cans of food were donated this week. What a great mission.

During the kids VBS time, I went for a 35 minute walk. It felt good.  After showering, I went and walked around Goodwill. It's always an adventure in there. I bought a couple of books for Conleigh. She is breezing through the books lately.  I kind of wonder if she is really reading every page. She is going so fast.  This was my find of the day. It's a little small for our mantle, but I'll figure something out.   

Embarrassing, but true, you can see the water damage on the ceiling.  We'll be having that fixed and confirmation of carpenter ant exinction next week.  Like the finials? I bought those at GW a couple of weeks ago. I'm going to paint them.

I got home with it, put it on the mantle, and the pest control people called. I had forgotten they were coming. Thankfully, they hadn't been by yet. They were just giving me the heads up that they were on the way. In the meantime, I had to go get the kids. When we came back, the pest control guys were hovered down by our garage.  They found carpenter ants.  The guy is a real chatterbox and goes into way more detail than I need on carpenter ants.  When I changed out my picture for the mirror over the fireplace earlier, I had noticed a pile of wood looking shavings, so I show the exterminator that, and guess what? Carpenter ants.  Sadly today, we dropped close to $400 to treat for carpenter ants and bugs. Ugh-ola.

I had zero plans for the kids today. I turned on the tele and we all chilled out. Seriously, nothing happened here from 1:00-4:00. We had DVR'ed a movie last night and the kids watched it today.  Conleigh was invited to her friend Emma's birthday party at 4:30. I trucked us over on the cart. My sweet, sweet friend Liz offered for Alex and Campbell to stay as well. Her son is Hayden who is Alex's #1 friend.

I snoozed in the chair for a little bit. Peter went back & picked up the kids at 6:00. They came in the door for less than five minutes and were out the door again to the last (and only one we attended) swim meet pep rally.  While they were one, I emptied the dishwasher and straightened up a bit.

The kids are exhausted. Tomorrow mornings early wake up call should be thrills-ville.

A Day in the Life - Thursday

French toast was the order of the day for breakfast.  Alex wanted to have a sofa pillow fight before we left this morning. We did that and walked into VBS just in time. The kids each took applesauce again. They informed me that there are over 5,000 canned goods that have been donated.  They need to get to 7,000 with donations tomorrow to match last year.

From VBS drop-off, I went to Kohl's to return something and to pay my bill.  I then promptly spent almost the same amount that I had just paid off. I bought some new sneakers, undies for Alex, jeans, and some jewelry.  Target was next on my list to return something. Yay, I walked in and out without spending any money.  Of course, then I walked next door to Michaels and found some 12x18 frames.  For Father's day, we had a collage of pictures made in a 12x18 for Peter.  I didn't really think he thought that much of the gift, but the other day, it was lying kind of sideways and he walked over and said, 'don't let this get bent.' Now, it is framed.

After those errands, I came home and registered Campbell for a Kinder-readiness camp that will be at our elementary school in a couple of weeks. I had a hankering for lasagna, so I raced to the grocery, picked up supplies, raced home & put stuff in the fridge, and then went up to Hope to pick up the kids.  We ate lunch at Wendy's.  Oooh, Is that the second time in my "day in the life" week that I had to write we ate at Wendys? Well, I think the kids had the exact same menu items they had on Sunday.  Hamburger for Conleigh and chicken nuggets for Alex and Campbell. 

Silly friends.

Campbell went to play at Keira's today. We picked up Alex's friend Evan on our way home, and Conleigh's friend Josie came by shortly after we were home to get her, so they could go to a pool.

Josie is visiting with her mom from New York. They moved there at the new year. I understand Josie is missing Texas quite a bit.  After racing up to Cedar Park to pick up Campbell, Alex, Campbell and I stopped for Icees on our way home. Once home they were tired and grumpy. They plopped in front of the TV, and I started dinner.

Josie and her mom Diane stayed for dinner. We had lasagna, salad and garlic bread. I had never made lasagna, but I found an easy recipe and it turned out well. I took the advice of several commenters  (speaking of comments...I could use some comment love!) and added mushrooms and basil.  Conleigh liked it. That made my day.  The other kids ate cheese pizza.  Diane and I had a nice visit after the kids had excused themselves and started playing Nerf guns.

Peter ate and ran. He is out with his friends shooting pool tonight.

Nice, huh?

The kids are pooped. Tomorrow is the last day of VBS. Signing off...

A Day in the Life - Wednesday

The house feels glorious.  I love Vickie, our housekeeper.  She works so hard and makes our house so clean & fresh feeling. She is usually here for six hours when she comes every other Wednesday.  I am so thankful for being able to have someone come & change the sheets, sweep & mop the floor, dust and much more.

I got the kids to VBS this morning and came home and worked on emails. When Vickie arrived, I helped clean up the art area, and then I hit each of the kids rooms and filled their trash cans. Conleigh, our treasure keeper doesn't throw anything away. She seriously may be a hoarder.  I tossed all sorts of doo-dads in there.


After showering, I carted up to Hope.  I had an appointment to meet with someone from Hope Children's Center. I am so conflicted on where Campbell should spend next year in school.  At Hope, they have a private kinder program.  If she were able to go there, we could then make a decision next summer whether she is ready for kinder or 1st.  Unfortunately, we are #2 on the waiting list.  I hope to have Alex's tutor who is a kinder teacher at Spicewood, spend some time with Campbell, and if possible assess her opinion of readiness.

I went and picked up a crew of kids. We took the Schultz children home to their house and walked into our house one minute before the babysitter showed up.  I left shortly after while she fed the kids. I went and worked in the country club dining room. It worked. I then breezed through the grocery store to pick up something to make for dinner.  I raced home for a 2:30 phone appointment.  The professor didn't answer. She never returned my call and now hasn't responded to email.  We are trying to close up a large adoption at UT. Ugh.

Alex got off to soccer in a carpool. This is what he came home looking like:

I think he looks like a coal miner!  That indoor soccer floor is filthy. I'm glad he is enjoying the *all you can eat soccer* this summer.  While he was gone, the girls & I did Bendaroos for a bit and then they chilled while I made meatloaf for dinner and planted a few plumeria that we bought in New Orleans.  Three of four in the soil.

 So...

Meatloaf = not a big hit with our kids. Bummer.

After dinner, we carted up to the club and did some swimming. It was nice family time. The kids all practiced their dives off the new starting blocks and we just goofed around. I rode in the back of the cart with Campbell on the way to the club and with Alex on the way home.  I'm not such a good backwards rider. It makes me very nervous and feeling out of control.

The kids all jumped in the shower. I have to include here that it is so nice that Alex & Conleigh can each finally turn the water on & off in their shower and get the temp right and really handle the whole thing on their own. It is just a big step forward and I'm enjoying it.

How long has it been since you've seen one of these? 

God's Eyes were the craft today at VBS.  Kids loved it and want to make more.

Goof ball Alex and sweet pic of C

 It was a good day.  Who knew going to bed in the 10:00 hour could make one not exhausted the following day? I think I'll try that strategy again tonight. 

Day in the Life - Tuesday

Is it only Tuesday?  Geez. I'm exhausted. Peter said I have my days and nights mixed up, so I plan to hit the sack early tonight.

The kids got up early this morning, before me anyway, so I don't know actually what time they decided to rise & shine.  We got breakfast of pancakes & sausage. I didn't give a list of options. I've been working to clean out the food in the freezer, and these pancakes needed to go.  We loaded up our vienna sausages (24 cans) and headed to Pandamania. The children easily found their groups and didn't look back at dear old ma.
I got back home and was out the door for a walk at 8:48.  Since VBS starts at 8:30, that's a pretty quick turnaround.  I walked for at least 45 minutes. Man, are my shins aching from the hills in the neighborhood.  I got home and showered and then I sat in the recliner. Yes, I did. I know there was a list of things to get done,but  I didn't do it. I sat there until 11:45 and then I put some mascara on and went to get the kids.
We had made plans with friends to go to the mall for lunch and then to see Cars 2.  All the kids ate pizza.  Conleigh's friend Josie who moved to New York is in town, so she & her mom met up with as as well for the afternoon. The kids loved the movie, no surprise.  It was fine. I worked hard not to dose off, but it was a well done show. We spent close to five hours at the mall today. Great indoor fun for the too hot to handle outdoors.
When we got home close to 5:30, Peter was making spaghetti & meatballs. It was really good. The kids danced and sang to the VBS CD. They love it, and it seems like they are learning a lot!
Peter & I are trying to straighten up now, so the housekeeper can work here tomorrow.   We have so much stuff. Calgon, take me away...

A Day in the Life - Monday

Vacation Bible School started this morning bright & early.  I woke the kids up about 7:45, they each ate pancakes & sausage for breakfast and we were off in the golf cart to Hope Pres Church.  Pandamania is the theme this year (as it is at many, many churches).
 Crazy Lion Alex is a Bear and is with his buddy Hayden.  Kung Fu Conleigh is a duck and knows all 4 of the other girls in her group.  Kung Fu Campbell (she chose the same name as Conleigh and surprisingly Conleigh didn't throw a fit) is, I can't remember her group name, but she has one friend she knew and when I picked her up today, she was talking about a new friend. Yay!

While the children were learning "God Made You" (the leaders say that), and then the kids answer with "Bonzai,"  I went for a walk. I think I made it about 35-40 minutes. That's the first time in a very long time that I have taken a walk. After a quick shower, I had two conference calls for work and did a few other work related items and then headed to swim practice to pick up the kids ribbons from the meet on Saturday.  They did so well.

Conleigh got 5th in 25 butterfly

Alex won 3rd in freestyle and 4th in backstroke

Campbell got 7th in butterfly (totally hilarious because she definitely disqualified on it, but the stroke judges had mercy on the sweet little girls this week and didn't DQ any of them).

I went on up to the craziness of VBS dismissal and picked up the children. We came home and ate lunch together at the table. They were telling me all about VBS. I love how excited they are about it.

Alex had his reading tutor come over at 1:15. I'm glad we are doing that for him this summer.  He just needs to practice, but it is so hard to make that happen.  He likes his tutor and they seem to be working well together.

Campbell & I colored with some of her new markers and coloring books during his tutoring and Conleigh messed around in her room. We have a no TV, no computer policy while Alex has his tutoring.

At 3:15, we headed out to go to soccer.  Alex & his friend Matthew had soccer class, so the girls and I went to the mall to get Conleigh some new shoes. She only has two pair of shoes that she wears and the ones she wore just last week hurt her this morning. When I felt her toes, they were right at the end of the shoes.  She did get a whole school year out of them. This afternoon she found some sneakers and another pair of closed toe shoes.  She is set at least for a little while. The girls had a ball trying on high heeled shoes and we went through Claire's and had fun with all the accessories.  Perfect girl time.

Peter & Alex met us at a new restaurant called Senoritas.  As Peter says, "Grand opening. Grand closing." We won't be going back.  

This evening I watered the plants and Peter made a trip to Home Depot.  Conleigh got totally into learning sign language from the computer. As a matter of fact, she didn't speak after about 7:30. Everything had to be in sign language for her.  Campbell & Alex were practicing their Ninja Kung-Fu moves. We had a good time.

Off to bed....