Where did the weekend go? OH yes...sleepovers...basketball...soccer...play practice...fire pit...shopping...and guitar hero world tour band!!
I had a great time at Kristen's basketball practice! I don't usually get to go as I have the other two's practice at the same time, but it was fun to work out with her. She really understands the game and has lots of enthusiasm! We will work on the skills, but as she told me the other day, basketball is just not in her blood like swimming is. Touche! But still a fun 2.5 hours!!
All three had soccer. William had an incredible game (although at one point his head careening towards the boards had visions of dental bills dancing in my head). His Truman United team won 3-2. Kristen had an awesome game on Sunday and her team won also and they went to the pizza joint to celebrate! Kate had an over the top game for futzal. I tried to get some video so you can see how it is a bit different from indoor or outdoor. She scored and won 3-1.
Kristen and I had a "Frenchy" marathon play practice. I think I have all the lines memorized! Now if she just hits her cues!!
We spent a very nice evening Friday out at the Firepit until midnight. The temperature was never lower than 50 and we watched the fog roll up our "Ohler mountain." It was completely foggy by the time we walked home to bed!
We picked up Guitar Hero world tour band on Saturday at the mall and all I can say is "we love it!" There have been many, many hours spent playing drums, lead guitar, bass, and microphone singing on the wii. After 3 hours of mall shopping with two girls loaded with gift cards all I can say is "phew!"
This morning it was difficult for everyone to get out of bed, but we were all excited to see our friends at school!! So I imagine that Tuesday morning will be worse than today! The break is never long enough!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday fun
The kids and I spent our last "free" day at the movies. We saw Bed Time Stories. The kids loved it. We all agreed that raining gumballs was our favorite part.
This evening Kristen and I had a mommy daughter date. We spent 2 and half hours walking around the art museum. She recognizes many artist now. VanGogh is her favorite. She was also able to notice subtle differences and similarities in certain paintings, even one of the curators noticed that she picked up on the faces in the American art gallery. Here is a picture of her in front of an Oceanic piece that she replicated (and is in my closet to be framed someday!). Her elementary art teachers did an excellent job of exposing her to different artists and styles.
Then we went to The LOOP and Fitz's root beer and had some appetizers and an ice cream float! No she did not eat all four scoops of ice cream but she came pretty close.
While in the LOOP we ran across Sara Teasdale's star. She just so happens to be a Missouri Poet that Kristen studied in fourth grade. She had to dress up as her and give a speech. We were surprised and happy to walk right up to it!
At home Kate and Wil played Monopoly :-). Good day for all!
This evening Kristen and I had a mommy daughter date. We spent 2 and half hours walking around the art museum. She recognizes many artist now. VanGogh is her favorite. She was also able to notice subtle differences and similarities in certain paintings, even one of the curators noticed that she picked up on the faces in the American art gallery. Here is a picture of her in front of an Oceanic piece that she replicated (and is in my closet to be framed someday!). Her elementary art teachers did an excellent job of exposing her to different artists and styles.
Then we went to The LOOP and Fitz's root beer and had some appetizers and an ice cream float! No she did not eat all four scoops of ice cream but she came pretty close.
While in the LOOP we ran across Sara Teasdale's star. She just so happens to be a Missouri Poet that Kristen studied in fourth grade. She had to dress up as her and give a speech. We were surprised and happy to walk right up to it!
At home Kate and Wil played Monopoly :-). Good day for all!
2008 still...
Oh, AND Kristen had her tonsils out in '08! Don't even want to revisit how horrible that week was! Are we glad we did it? Yes, just wish she didn't have such a hard time of it. But the "operation underwear" was classic.
Kate was chosen to be in the chariot races to represent Truman and her team of three WON!
and if I remember more stuff I am going to just edit this post and add it here!!
Kate was chosen to be in the chariot races to represent Truman and her team of three WON!
and if I remember more stuff I am going to just edit this post and add it here!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Some things I forgot...
I imagine there are going to be a lot of these posts as things come to me in the middle of the night! While the kids were at my sisters on Christmas Eve, they decided to go caroling in the neighborhood with their cousins. It was so very touching. Several people offered them money and candy. They actually accepted one dollar bills from an old man, everything else they just said, no thank you and Merry Christmas. The best part was an older lady who was moved to tears by their singing. I have great kids!
And in 2008 there was an earthquake! First one the kids have ever felt, wanted to record that. Like I said earlier, I am never going to be able to post everything!
And in 2008 there was an earthquake! First one the kids have ever felt, wanted to record that. Like I said earlier, I am never going to be able to post everything!
New Year's Day
Can you say TIRED? New Year's Eve was once again a huge party. Lots of food and fun! There are about 15 "regular" kids that celebrate New Year's Eve with us. The kids had tons of food and playing outside in the freezing cold (they never seem to mind when it is cold out). Kristen choreographed a huge dance routine for 3 of the boys and 3 girls and they put on several dance shows for the adults! Midnight came with all the neighborhood out front, huge firework display, lots of noise making, sparklers, silly string, etc. Then the DOBBS family who lives behind us, set off their annual professional fireworks show (ok so it is not official, but every year we have lived here they have a few professional fireworks right after midnight)! Wil was the first one to crash around 1:30 and Kate and KJ made it to 5:00 (yes a.m.). Everyone was up at 11 eating a full breakfast with the neighbors and it was a fairly nice day so they played in the woods and then played school downstairs for hours. Around 5:30 p.m. KJ fell asleep on the chaise and then Wil fell asleep on the couch right after. Kate made it to 7:00 (she's always afraid she's going to miss something ;-). It was a very fun evening and low key day!
And the van is gone...new car picture tomorrow!
And the van is gone...new car picture tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Reflections of 2008
So last night I was listening to those around me talk of ’08…for some it was GREAT ’08 and for others it was HATE ’08…both made me laugh, but the best part was everyone agreed they were going to SHINE in ’09!! How fun!
So here is a brief look back at ’08 (p.s. I thought it was more GREAT than HATE ;-)
January…40th birthday trip to London with my mom!
February…Kristen 11! Gets her first cell phone, which is her NUMBER 1 “great” for ’08! And cousin Hannah was born on Kristen’s birthday!
March…Kate turns 9 (and she did shine!) with a roller skating birthday party! She tried out and made her first club soccer team. She plays for WC Arsenal and we can not say enough about the coaches (First Jay, Now Kevin) who have increased her skill level and understanding of the game. Many, many hours of enjoyment watching WC practice and play!! And a trip to Memphis for an out of town tournament.
April…taking the kids to their first “real” concert, Jimmy Buffet at the outdoor amphitheater. Riding in the limo to the concert…dancing in the lawn!
May…Kristen being awarded a Glory Award from the state of Missouri. Our trip to Jefferson City to see her accept the award. Could not be more proud of what a truly kind and gentle soul she is.
The whole month of May was about KJ…ending of elementary school, fifth grade trips, fifth grade field day, fifth grade swimming, fifth grade party, and DARE graduation. 
She had a incredible year, she was chosen as Truman’s ambassador for her fifth grade year by a vote of her teachers. She represented Lindbergh School District as a student of Character, presenting to a national board on why LSD should receive a character award! Her artwork was also selected by a panel of LSD art teachers to be shown at the Lindbergh Art Gallery for the 08-09 school year! WOW what a fifth grade year she had!!
June…trip to New York City with my bff Brandi! Kidless in a big city with a bff? Mental stimualation and a ton of fun…who could ask for more!! Figured out the bus system and subway!
Kids first trip to Disneyworld. This is definitely top on everyone’s ’08 list! (Thanks Uncle David!) The funniest part was watching Kristen, Kate, Wil and Noah in the airport singing the “We’re going to Disneyworld song” (ok so a chant they made up;-) BUT it made everyone smile and talk to them. How can you not be moved by that kind of excitement! Everyone agree the only thing that would have made that a perfect trip would have been if their cousin Tyler hadn’t broken his leg just before the trip and he could have gone with us!!
July…family trip to Hilton Head. What fun to mark off the miles with the kids…to drive on to the island and stop at the HH museum! Got a little history of the island and bought our first souvenirs, mine favorite being the red/white lighthouse lamp that is in my bathroom. Jet skis on the ocean and parasailing were on the top of everyone’s ’08. And of course what can be better than long days at the beach and nights at the pool with the people you love most in the world.
Summer also included lots of swimming in David’s pool. Swim team with the Fenton Sharks, watching the kids set personal records and Kristen excelling in all her strokes! There were trips to the creek and camping and a very memorable float trip with the Morton’s! Hours in our own pool on the back porch and on the trampoline!!
August…Kristen starts middle school. For the first time ever she is not riding with me in the car to and from school. Hard to believe how much I missed her. Those precious minutes in the car with the kids every day, checking in on their plans and seeing how the day went. Our good friends the Morton’s got a boat and we spent a lot of time on the river enjoying their and our friend’s the DuPonts boat.
October…Is there anything more fun than dressing up and eating candy?
November…Thanksgiving at my cousin John and Jan’s house. My memories of Thanksgiving were at John’s mom’s house, my Aunt Irene and I love that my kids look forward to going to J&J every year on Thanksgiving. The annual walk, Cousin Mark’s flashlights, mashed potatoes, bourbon slushies, and Chrusciki! We missed the teepee this year :-(. And our first trip to see Trans Syberian Orchestra!
Wil and Daddy going to get Sonny Snickers Ohler!!!
And well DECEMBER….I have pretty much blogged, although I have decided it would be impossible to record everything the kids do! Just this morning Wil was laying on the floor making up a song for Sonny about what a good dog he is…Kate and Wil chasing each other around the house…Kristen sleeping until noon and our conversation yesterday about her passions and hopes and dreams for ‘09…Sonny’s trip to the Vet yesterday…plus our beloved red van may be gone by the end of the day (see now you have to come back tomorrow and see what happened ;-). Could never capture every moment, but gonna try to keep a glimpse of it.
I know there aren’t many that read this, I am keeping it for a year as a record for the kids and me…but if you are reading this, know that you are so special and loved and that my kids are so blessed that you are in their lives! Remember SHINE in ’09! (((hugs)))
So here is a brief look back at ’08 (p.s. I thought it was more GREAT than HATE ;-)
January…40th birthday trip to London with my mom!
February…Kristen 11! Gets her first cell phone, which is her NUMBER 1 “great” for ’08! And cousin Hannah was born on Kristen’s birthday!
March…Kate turns 9 (and she did shine!) with a roller skating birthday party! She tried out and made her first club soccer team. She plays for WC Arsenal and we can not say enough about the coaches (First Jay, Now Kevin) who have increased her skill level and understanding of the game. Many, many hours of enjoyment watching WC practice and play!! And a trip to Memphis for an out of town tournament.
April…taking the kids to their first “real” concert, Jimmy Buffet at the outdoor amphitheater. Riding in the limo to the concert…dancing in the lawn!
May…Kristen being awarded a Glory Award from the state of Missouri. Our trip to Jefferson City to see her accept the award. Could not be more proud of what a truly kind and gentle soul she is.
The whole month of May was about KJ…ending of elementary school, fifth grade trips, fifth grade field day, fifth grade swimming, fifth grade party, and DARE graduation. 
She had a incredible year, she was chosen as Truman’s ambassador for her fifth grade year by a vote of her teachers. She represented Lindbergh School District as a student of Character, presenting to a national board on why LSD should receive a character award! Her artwork was also selected by a panel of LSD art teachers to be shown at the Lindbergh Art Gallery for the 08-09 school year! WOW what a fifth grade year she had!!
June…trip to New York City with my bff Brandi! Kidless in a big city with a bff? Mental stimualation and a ton of fun…who could ask for more!! Figured out the bus system and subway!
Kids first trip to Disneyworld. This is definitely top on everyone’s ’08 list! (Thanks Uncle David!) The funniest part was watching Kristen, Kate, Wil and Noah in the airport singing the “We’re going to Disneyworld song” (ok so a chant they made up;-) BUT it made everyone smile and talk to them. How can you not be moved by that kind of excitement! Everyone agree the only thing that would have made that a perfect trip would have been if their cousin Tyler hadn’t broken his leg just before the trip and he could have gone with us!!
July…family trip to Hilton Head. What fun to mark off the miles with the kids…to drive on to the island and stop at the HH museum! Got a little history of the island and bought our first souvenirs, mine favorite being the red/white lighthouse lamp that is in my bathroom. Jet skis on the ocean and parasailing were on the top of everyone’s ’08. And of course what can be better than long days at the beach and nights at the pool with the people you love most in the world.
Summer also included lots of swimming in David’s pool. Swim team with the Fenton Sharks, watching the kids set personal records and Kristen excelling in all her strokes! There were trips to the creek and camping and a very memorable float trip with the Morton’s! Hours in our own pool on the back porch and on the trampoline!!
August…Kristen starts middle school. For the first time ever she is not riding with me in the car to and from school. Hard to believe how much I missed her. Those precious minutes in the car with the kids every day, checking in on their plans and seeing how the day went. Our good friends the Morton’s got a boat and we spent a lot of time on the river enjoying their and our friend’s the DuPonts boat.
October…Is there anything more fun than dressing up and eating candy?
November…Thanksgiving at my cousin John and Jan’s house. My memories of Thanksgiving were at John’s mom’s house, my Aunt Irene and I love that my kids look forward to going to J&J every year on Thanksgiving. The annual walk, Cousin Mark’s flashlights, mashed potatoes, bourbon slushies, and Chrusciki! We missed the teepee this year :-(. And our first trip to see Trans Syberian Orchestra!
Wil and Daddy going to get Sonny Snickers Ohler!!!
And well DECEMBER….I have pretty much blogged, although I have decided it would be impossible to record everything the kids do! Just this morning Wil was laying on the floor making up a song for Sonny about what a good dog he is…Kate and Wil chasing each other around the house…Kristen sleeping until noon and our conversation yesterday about her passions and hopes and dreams for ‘09…Sonny’s trip to the Vet yesterday…plus our beloved red van may be gone by the end of the day (see now you have to come back tomorrow and see what happened ;-). Could never capture every moment, but gonna try to keep a glimpse of it.
I know there aren’t many that read this, I am keeping it for a year as a record for the kids and me…but if you are reading this, know that you are so special and loved and that my kids are so blessed that you are in their lives! Remember SHINE in ’09! (((hugs)))
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Christmas
Ok,so it is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. Actually four Christmas celebrations have come and gone. Before I completely forget everything that happened here are the highlights. Christmas Eve starts with three excited children jumping on my bed! Everyone up, showered, dressed, presents in car and off to Chutka's (my sister Amy) for Brunch with Big Grandpa and Grandma. The gift of the morning was a "time out" bear. It is actually a frog with a timer in his belly that you set when your child needs a time out. The funniest part is that all the boys, Wil, Tyler, Aidan, and Noah immediately proceeded to do things bad to get them in trouble. It was quite humorous once we figured out what they were doing!!! My sister's monkey bread was the hit of the morning. From there we all proceeded to Christmas Eve mass. Three sets of parents and nine kids, what were we thinking?? The service was beautiful, they had a good children's choir and the youth band played lots of TSO (Trans Syberian Orchestra) songs, which was a great treat for our family as we started our holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with the TSO concert downtown! Right before the service began, an usher asked Chris if our family would like to take up the offetory gifts, he passed the torch to Amy and Eric as it was their parish ;-). After several musical pews...yes that means parents and kids changing seats, the service underway and Amy's family and my two girls take up the offetory gifts (enough to bring tears to my eyes). Then baby Hannah (who was born on Kristen's birthday, so actually it is their birthday now :-), fell asleep and I got to hold her in my arms and watch her sleep, of course, now thinking that this little girl was Kristen 11 years ago, more tears...sigh. It was nice to remember the reason for the season.
Then off to Bushia's to exchange presents with my siblings and mom. The kids waited all of 30 seconds after we got there to tear into the huge pile. The highlights for my girls were their gift cards to the mall (yes, they have already been to the mall to spend some of it!) and Wil's highlight was his football (not to be a surprise as it was his first word). They all made out with a ton of presents, so here it is Christmas Eve and Santa hasn't even visited yet! The best part of dinner at my mom's was the snowball cookies! They have been my favorite for over 40 years now.
Home by 10:30 and cookies and milk left out for Santa. Everyone asleep by midnight and Santa left his goodies. The "rule" at the house is no one wakes mom and dad up until 8am, they made it to 7:30 :-). Santa leaves their stockings on the landing with magazine, crafts and fun stuff to do so the kids were up at 6:30 playing with their stocking stuffers, but after an hour they started "checking" on us. LOL. The big present this year was a new trampoline, ours after 10 years has seen its better days. Kristen got the green ipod that she asked for (it has been her ears constantly since she opened it), Kate got a Nintendo DS game, and Wil got Mario Kart and Sonic Olympic games for his Wii. Not to mention a dozen other gifts from underwear (yeah mom ;-) to clothes, to games and books. It was a very sucessful morning, with turnovers, Christmas music and mom and dad back in bed for a nap by 9:30.
Everyone back awake at 11:00. Five people in and out of the shower and off to Uncle David's where my Mom and Aunt Vic host Christmas dinner. My mom of course presents a huge meal of ham and turkey, three kinds of potatoes, green beans and more. So yummy! And that doesn't include the desert table which is overflowing! Lots of laughs and stories told! It was a great holiday! Sorry the memories are so short, but they were getting away from me!
Then off to Bushia's to exchange presents with my siblings and mom. The kids waited all of 30 seconds after we got there to tear into the huge pile. The highlights for my girls were their gift cards to the mall (yes, they have already been to the mall to spend some of it!) and Wil's highlight was his football (not to be a surprise as it was his first word). They all made out with a ton of presents, so here it is Christmas Eve and Santa hasn't even visited yet! The best part of dinner at my mom's was the snowball cookies! They have been my favorite for over 40 years now.
Home by 10:30 and cookies and milk left out for Santa. Everyone asleep by midnight and Santa left his goodies. The "rule" at the house is no one wakes mom and dad up until 8am, they made it to 7:30 :-). Santa leaves their stockings on the landing with magazine, crafts and fun stuff to do so the kids were up at 6:30 playing with their stocking stuffers, but after an hour they started "checking" on us. LOL. The big present this year was a new trampoline, ours after 10 years has seen its better days. Kristen got the green ipod that she asked for (it has been her ears constantly since she opened it), Kate got a Nintendo DS game, and Wil got Mario Kart and Sonic Olympic games for his Wii. Not to mention a dozen other gifts from underwear (yeah mom ;-) to clothes, to games and books. It was a very sucessful morning, with turnovers, Christmas music and mom and dad back in bed for a nap by 9:30.
Everyone back awake at 11:00. Five people in and out of the shower and off to Uncle David's where my Mom and Aunt Vic host Christmas dinner. My mom of course presents a huge meal of ham and turkey, three kinds of potatoes, green beans and more. So yummy! And that doesn't include the desert table which is overflowing! Lots of laughs and stories told! It was a great holiday! Sorry the memories are so short, but they were getting away from me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)