Tonight was a rough night at gymnastics. Katherine had just vaulted and was walking back down the "run way" to give it another try. She got distracted, watching the older girls, and tripped over this metal double bar set thing... I'm not sure how to describe it, but just trust me... she totally smacked into a metal bar that was about shin height. Not pretty! She was in tears and had to ice it for about 10 minutes. It's still hurting her now.....
In any event, on the way home we were talking about what had happened in class and then went on to discuss her day at school. Out of the blue, she tells me that her PE teacher keeps having to "self correct" herself. Self correction is the educational term for "whoops, I totally messed that one up, let me give it another try". When I asked her why her PE teacher had to self correct, she told me that her teacher keeps calling her KATIE. Heaven help her! Katherine is definitely NOT a Katie, and NO ONE calls her that. Ever. UUUUUGH! Evidently the kids in her class also have to tell this teacher that her name is Katherine. I think I'll be calling the school or sending a "friendly" reminder to the gym teacher reminding her of my daughter's name. As we discussed it further, Katherine began to wonder aloud if the teacher didn't like her name because she rarely addressed her by name. Great. She shouldn't even think such thoughts -- especially in first grade. Thankfully, she's proud of her name, self confident and unaffected by the perception of other people. With that said, it still annoys me. I don't want her to lose "Katherine" because some gym teacher would rather call her Katie. UUUUUGH!
In Caleb news, he had a Pop-pops day today. My dad called and asked if he could pick Caleb up from school and spend the day with day with him. Caleb was thrilled. He absolutely couldn't wait. My dad took him out for lunch, and then they went to North High School and Caleb engraved his name into a couple of pencils and insisted on doing some for Katherine as well. How sweet is that? My dad had a few errands to run, so Caleb went with him. They had a blast together. I finally picked up a worn out little boy after gymnastics tonight. I love that my dad honestly loves spending time with the kids and makes such an effort to develop a relationship with them. It warms my heart to see them growing so close, knowing that this relationship is one that Caleb will carry with him for the rest of his life.
We are in full birthday mode around here right now. Matt's parents are coming tomorrow for Katherine's party on Saturday and then Sunday after church we are leaving for Minneapolis for a few days. I have lunch reservations at the American Girl store on Wednesday, which I can't wait for, we are going to do plenty of shopping, go on rides at the mall, and hit the water park. It's going to be a great couple of days away!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
7 years
Seven years ago today I became a Mommy. For the first time, I held the baby girl I prayed my whole life for. She is such a blessing, and my life is richer, more fulfilling and over flowing with joy -- all because of her. She has changed my life ... all for the better and I can't imagine a world without her in it.
We spent the whole day celebrating today. Last night, I blew up balloons and covered her floor with them. When she woke up this morning, she was dancing around, laughing, and so appreciative that we took the time to make her day super special. She then gave me a great big hug and said, "Thank you Mommy. You always take the time to do extra special things for me. I love you so much. You're the coolest Mom I know"! She melts my heart! Needless to say, covering the kids' floor with balloons on the morning of their birthday is our newest tradition!
For lunch, she wanted to go to Ruby Tuesdays so we picked her up and met my parents for a little mid-day celebration. I brought cupcakes into school so that she could share them with her class, and celebrate there as well.
After she got home from school, she sat on my lap and just cuddled for about 45 minutes. Andrew was still napping, Caleb wanted to work on his "homework" and her and I just sat in the chair and talked about her day.
She picked Texas Roadhouse for dinner and we had the whole crew join us -- my parents, Isaac and Elizabeth, Sonja, and Laurie, Morgan and Steve. She got her fill of steak and got to ride on the on the saddle so it was all good! We then went home for more cake and presents.
Oh, the funny thing about her present..... She wanted a trampoline, but some of our neighbors weren't super excited about the liability and the eye sore it would become. However -- at the end of day, anyone who knows me, knows that my kiddos will always "win" over friends/neighbors as long as I think it's reasonable...... and I think that a trampoline is reasonable. ;-)
Well -- Since the ground is still covered with snow and we don't have room in the garage for a 15+ foot box, I made her a card and said that it was good for one trampoline. We'll get it in a month or so when we can set it up right away. I put the card in an envelope, wrapped it in a small box, which was wrapped inside a bigger box, which was inside a gift bag. When Katherine got home, she ripped the gift bag off the counter and burst into tears. It clearly wasn't the trampoline she has been begging for for months now. I had to laugh! So, to sweeten the pot, I offered her $200 for the bag. The deal being that I'd give her $200 and she would give me the bag. If she chose the money, she had to keep it .... meaning that after she saw what was in the bag she couldn't change her mind. You know what she chose????
The bag of course. And now the count down is on for the snow to leave so that we can get the "eye sore" some of my neighbors will undoubtedly hate. Can't wait! Let the fun begin! My little girl is a happy camper! Love it!
Happy birthday Katherine!
We spent the whole day celebrating today. Last night, I blew up balloons and covered her floor with them. When she woke up this morning, she was dancing around, laughing, and so appreciative that we took the time to make her day super special. She then gave me a great big hug and said, "Thank you Mommy. You always take the time to do extra special things for me. I love you so much. You're the coolest Mom I know"! She melts my heart! Needless to say, covering the kids' floor with balloons on the morning of their birthday is our newest tradition!
For lunch, she wanted to go to Ruby Tuesdays so we picked her up and met my parents for a little mid-day celebration. I brought cupcakes into school so that she could share them with her class, and celebrate there as well.
After she got home from school, she sat on my lap and just cuddled for about 45 minutes. Andrew was still napping, Caleb wanted to work on his "homework" and her and I just sat in the chair and talked about her day.
She picked Texas Roadhouse for dinner and we had the whole crew join us -- my parents, Isaac and Elizabeth, Sonja, and Laurie, Morgan and Steve. She got her fill of steak and got to ride on the on the saddle so it was all good! We then went home for more cake and presents.
Oh, the funny thing about her present..... She wanted a trampoline, but some of our neighbors weren't super excited about the liability and the eye sore it would become. However -- at the end of day, anyone who knows me, knows that my kiddos will always "win" over friends/neighbors as long as I think it's reasonable...... and I think that a trampoline is reasonable. ;-)
Well -- Since the ground is still covered with snow and we don't have room in the garage for a 15+ foot box, I made her a card and said that it was good for one trampoline. We'll get it in a month or so when we can set it up right away. I put the card in an envelope, wrapped it in a small box, which was wrapped inside a bigger box, which was inside a gift bag. When Katherine got home, she ripped the gift bag off the counter and burst into tears. It clearly wasn't the trampoline she has been begging for for months now. I had to laugh! So, to sweeten the pot, I offered her $200 for the bag. The deal being that I'd give her $200 and she would give me the bag. If she chose the money, she had to keep it .... meaning that after she saw what was in the bag she couldn't change her mind. You know what she chose????
The bag of course. And now the count down is on for the snow to leave so that we can get the "eye sore" some of my neighbors will undoubtedly hate. Can't wait! Let the fun begin! My little girl is a happy camper! Love it!
Happy birthday Katherine!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The sweetest thing....
When the kids returned from Christmas break, Katherine had a new little girl in her class. She moved from out of state and her family didn't know anyone in town. In preparing for Katherine's party this weekend, I called up her mom (as I didn't have their address yet) and invited her to the party. We had a wonderful conversation and discovered tons of things that our girls have common, and even though they will be out of town and can't come to her party, we have plans in the works for a few play dates.
Anyway, as the conversation was winding down, she told me that she was so glad I called her. Her daughter, Jenna, was having a hard time adjusting to school. Evidently, there is a huge jump in the educational standards between Johnston and the school they came from, and she is having a very time academically. In addition to that, Jenna hasn't met very many new kids outside of school -- partially because of the weather and no one is outside, and partially because her only "outside school activity" is in Ankeny. She went on to tell me that they met with Mrs. Snow (Katherine and Jenna's homeroom teacher) to discuss some of these issues.
As any parent would, they want Jenna to meet some nice kids and develop friendships. When they discussed this desire with Mrs. Snow you know what she told them??? (She has a daughter in first grade as well). She said that if her daughter went to Beaver Creek, she would want her to be friends with Katherine. She told them that Katherine was one the nicest, most genuine girls she has EVER had in class, and that she definitely wasn't "diva'ish" or exclusive. She told them that Katherine would be a great girl for Jenna to hang out with, and was an all around wonderful kid.
Wow! I know she's an amazing girl, but for her teacher to single her out and tell a new family that she'd be the perfect friend for their daughter - wow. Just wow.... And the best part -- it wasn't for my ears. The comment wasn't intended for me to ever hear. Someone else thinks my little girl is as amazing as I do -- well almost... LOL!!
In other news - right after I dropped Katherine off at school this morning, I took the boys to the doctor. Andew has full blown strep throat, and Caleb's throat is red and raw. Dr. Jon didn't swab Caleb but he has every reason to believe it will turn into strep... (Evidently strep takes a while to fully "show itself" which is why the rapid test can come back negative, but you can still have strep.. In other words, if you catch it early enough, the rapid test will come back negative but after the cultures grow for 48 hours it will turn positive). Given the fact that Katherine's birthday is on Wednesday, we have her party on Saturday, and are going to Minneapolis on Sunday, we're treating all three kids with antibiotics. This is the worst timing for something like this and the real kicker is that it was totally preventable. I'm not happy........ Oh, and on top of that -- Matt comes home work from today and mentions that he thinks he's getting it. Great. Really *bleeping* great. Did I mention that I'm not happy? UUUUGH. This is the worst week for something like strep to invade our house.
I can't believe I haven't blogged about this either, but....
My brother got engaged in December. Katherine is going to be a flower girl and is super excited about it. She's become obsessed with weddings and wants to learn everything she possibly can about the big day. Literally, she's watched the video of our wedding no less that 20 times. Anyway, I had a preschool meeting tonight, and when I got home, I found her sitting in our bed, guled to the TV watching The Bachelor Wedding special on TV. I had to laugh. She's so serious about this wedding thing! I love it!
Anyway, as the conversation was winding down, she told me that she was so glad I called her. Her daughter, Jenna, was having a hard time adjusting to school. Evidently, there is a huge jump in the educational standards between Johnston and the school they came from, and she is having a very time academically. In addition to that, Jenna hasn't met very many new kids outside of school -- partially because of the weather and no one is outside, and partially because her only "outside school activity" is in Ankeny. She went on to tell me that they met with Mrs. Snow (Katherine and Jenna's homeroom teacher) to discuss some of these issues.
As any parent would, they want Jenna to meet some nice kids and develop friendships. When they discussed this desire with Mrs. Snow you know what she told them??? (She has a daughter in first grade as well). She said that if her daughter went to Beaver Creek, she would want her to be friends with Katherine. She told them that Katherine was one the nicest, most genuine girls she has EVER had in class, and that she definitely wasn't "diva'ish" or exclusive. She told them that Katherine would be a great girl for Jenna to hang out with, and was an all around wonderful kid.
Wow! I know she's an amazing girl, but for her teacher to single her out and tell a new family that she'd be the perfect friend for their daughter - wow. Just wow.... And the best part -- it wasn't for my ears. The comment wasn't intended for me to ever hear. Someone else thinks my little girl is as amazing as I do -- well almost... LOL!!
In other news - right after I dropped Katherine off at school this morning, I took the boys to the doctor. Andew has full blown strep throat, and Caleb's throat is red and raw. Dr. Jon didn't swab Caleb but he has every reason to believe it will turn into strep... (Evidently strep takes a while to fully "show itself" which is why the rapid test can come back negative, but you can still have strep.. In other words, if you catch it early enough, the rapid test will come back negative but after the cultures grow for 48 hours it will turn positive). Given the fact that Katherine's birthday is on Wednesday, we have her party on Saturday, and are going to Minneapolis on Sunday, we're treating all three kids with antibiotics. This is the worst timing for something like this and the real kicker is that it was totally preventable. I'm not happy........ Oh, and on top of that -- Matt comes home work from today and mentions that he thinks he's getting it. Great. Really *bleeping* great. Did I mention that I'm not happy? UUUUGH. This is the worst week for something like strep to invade our house.
I can't believe I haven't blogged about this either, but....
My brother got engaged in December. Katherine is going to be a flower girl and is super excited about it. She's become obsessed with weddings and wants to learn everything she possibly can about the big day. Literally, she's watched the video of our wedding no less that 20 times. Anyway, I had a preschool meeting tonight, and when I got home, I found her sitting in our bed, guled to the TV watching The Bachelor Wedding special on TV. I had to laugh. She's so serious about this wedding thing! I love it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
