Coby's Party at The Fun Farm

Coby had his hot wheels party at The Fun Farm on Saturday. He has been asking when we are going to the 'barn' (looks like a barn...so I guess thats why he calls it that)....for weeks.

He wanted a hot wheels theme....and everything he got was hot wheels related. He got 2 carriers for his hot wheels...and still needs another....because he received so many new cars to add to the dozens he already owns. He got a race track to run his cars on, a parking garage....and several other play sets.

Chase his friend from school....got to come....and coby wanted him to sit right next to him....and he would tell everyone....Chase is MY BEST FRIEND!! :)

Coby had a blast.....well that's it on parties this year....now come Christmas....LOL!!!

Coby Turns 5 & Get Well Hunter

Coby turned 5 yesterday. He had a party at school.....then we had cupcakes at Maw's since it was his actual birth day....then his party was today at The Fun Farm. He had a little friend from school come named Chase. They also went to pre-K together. He had a hot wheels party. He received LOTS of hot wheel cars, carrying case's to put them in.....and lot of other hot wheel accessories!!

Tidbits about Coby at 5:

-Favorite Color: Pink...though he likes orange and yellow too
-Favorite song: (changes weekly)...but he can be heard singing Lips of an Angel, and Don't call him a cowboy, and Pink...by aerosmith
-Favorite Toy: Hot wheel cars....(of course)
-Loves to ride the school bus
-Loves to play his gameboy
-Loves to eat gold fishies
-Loves to tell 'tall' stories about his 'blue house'
-When he gets mad...he tells us to 'buy' a new Coby....LOL
-Still has trouble saying some words...but they come out too cute
---like Negative....comes out as netatitive
---tempature....comes out as temtature





ETA: I found out that my nephew Hunter was mauled by a pitbull on Thursday. He is at Children's in Dallas. He is doing better than expected....though he has several surgeries ahead of him to replace the skin on his head. He also has fractures to is hands....which have to be dressed 2 times a day....and we are all praying for NO infection from the bites!! I will update when I have more!!!

Back To School

Today was the first day of school for the kids. Kaitlyn's teacher is Ms. Tumminello...Kase got Ms. Raney (KK's teacher from last year)...and Coby got Ms. Cetta. All are really nice...and I am anxious to see what this year will hold for them!!

Kase and Kailtyn stayed all day...but Coby goes on the 20th...then starts on the 24th....and he is ready!!!

Kase and Kaitlyn got on the bus as usually.....but there was a change due to the bridge being out next to the house and we didnt know......so Mr. Lynn had to bring the kids home after he finished his route!! So they will be riding bus 4L till the bridge is fixed wich will be end of November!...so we will see how that goes!

Getting Ready for School

School starts here Thursday the 13th. The kids are ready....and I have to say...so am I!! They want to see their friends....and I want to sleep in peace on the days I have to work....LOL!! I started buying uniforms early...and have been picking up school supplies since the sales started in July. Backpacks, lunch bags, and shoes are all purchased....we are just waiting!!



This is Coby's first year at BIG KID school...so he is a little TOO excited....he has been asking everyday to go....(I wonder how long that will last?) Coby's 1st day wont be till the 24th....but he will go Thursday...and then another day for testing before his actual first day.

So other than that....nothing new is going on.....just enjoying the remainder of the summer.

Our Hermit Crab Family

I would like to introduce you to the newest members of the family.....

this is Kase's crab.. Elvis...he is really active.....acts like a monster truck...and walks over everyone....

this is Coby's crab....Rocky...he likes to walk ALOT...so he and Elvis make good house buddies

this is my crab....Rainbow Brite....pretty laid back....and EATS alot.....

this is Keith's crab...Termite....this wee little fellow pretty much keeps to himself....but will come out and play

this is Kaitlyn's crab...Carly....she likes to play with Termite...but also loves to sleep ALOT

Gulfport Beach

We decided to pack up the kids and head to the beach yesterday. We drove to Mississippi and headed up Hwy 90....nothing but 26 miles of sand and water. It really was breath taking. We set up the canopy and let the kids play in the water. We hadnt been there long when it started thundering....and lightening....so we packed up and headed back up the beach toward Long Beach and Pass Christian...where it was clear of rain...and we set up again on the beach. We got in about 3 hours before the wind picked up....and we had to bring down the canopy. It would have been ok....but it was hard to keep everything from flying off. So after chasing the lid to the cooler....and the toy pail...we decided to call it a day...as far as the beach goes.

We headed into Biloxi...and went to the Hard Rock Cafe.....this was a first for all of us. It was such a neat environment....lots of rock and roll history everywhere. This one happen to be a hotel, casino and cafe. The food was good....a little over priced...but I guess you are paying for the name.

We began our trip back home....and stopped in at Souviner City....to pick up a few momentos of the trip. Well I was thinking T-shirts, cups, or maybe even hats....but instead we came home with HERMIT CRABS. They had the coolest colored shells....so we let the kids pic out there favorite....and even Keith and I got one.

It was nice day vacation.....the kids loved it...we all enjoyed being outside on the beach...and playing in the warm water. We hope to make it a weekend trip next time!

Long time

Its been a while since I posted.....just been busy...working....enjoying the summer with the kids....but mostly working.

Everyone is fine. Coby is ready for his birthday...he is constantly asking is it here yet. He has decided on a Hot Wheels party.....his favorite!! He spends hours driving his cars all over the house. LOL Kase is getting better at listening. He still has his stubborn times....but he is understanding that being bad has consequences. Kaitlyn is the same.....she needs to work on her attitude. Its hard being the ONLY one that is the adult in this family. All the progress that I make.....Keith undoes because he doesnt know how to be a parent.

Me....I am fine...just tired. Life would be easier if I had a little help....but I guess that is all in God's master plan....well at least I hope so. I started working for a staffing agency making more money....I still work for North Oaks Rehab....but this will help supplement my income....and they have an office in Tyler....so who knows what the future holds??

Well going to get off....its been a long day...and I need some quiet time!!

A New Pet

Finally...I get a few days off. Last night was BUSY....to say the least. I am off till Thursday....so I plan on being productive by sorting,organizing, and throwing away 'stuff '...and getting ready for the school year.

I went to walmart.......to get some storage containers. We walked past the fish tanks...and Coby started in about wanting a fish....well I REALLY dont want anything else that requires food to survive....but instead...I bought 2 crabs. I have to purchase another.......so all three kids will have one....of their own!

This is BUMBLEBEE (Coby's)

This is FREDDY (Kaitlyn's)

.....and when I get another....Kase decided his would be named Texas....LOL

Tricky Trigg Magic Show

We went to the library today for a magic show. Tricky Trigg the magician was there performing. The kids loved it. Kaitlyn even went up on stage to help out. It was a great show....and he kept the kids attention the whole hour. Afterward we went to get snowballs....Kaitlyn and Coby got banana...a first for them....Kase's was strawberry....a usual....and mine...wedding cake...of course!!

Now we are back home....relaxing....I plan on doing some scrapping tonight...while I transition into sleeping during the day so I can stay up all night at work.

Movie Night

Keith and I took the kids to see Transformers at the movies tonight. I really was skeptical because the kids love to talk and ask questions when we watch movies....and I know I hate to hear people talking in a movie theater...! But all in all....it went ok......Kase was a little wormy in the begining...but once the movie started he settled down....Kaitlyn she was fine....Coby did get kinda bored.....or tired I guess...because he kept changing seats...and wanting to talk...not really paying attention to the movie. He really tried....but he feel asleep about 5 minutes from the end. He was sooo cute....we woke him up to leave...and he told Keith...OK...we can go back and finish the movie now....LOL!! That was one LOOOONG movie....it was almost 3 hours long....but well worth it!!

Puzzles

Lately Keith and I have been addicted to puzzles. He was putting one together Monday...well it was suppose to be him and Kaitlyn...but that didnt last long...LOL So when I got up.....I joined him in putting it together. Since then...we put together 2 more...and just bought a fourth...a 1000 piece one. Its probably one of the ONLY things we can do TOGETHER that we dont get into a fight over....LOL

It's a stress reliever....because there's no wrong or right way to assemble it.....you just do it. I remember as a child putting together puzzles and then glueing them on the back so I could put them into a frame. Keith also enjoyed putting puzzles together as a child. We hope to make this a family time activity....and include the kids into our new (well really old) found happiness....but the puzzles will have to be made of few pieces....because there attention span is negative 1....LOL!!

Happy 4th of July

We didnt have anything big planned....just popped some fireworks with the kids....and hung out at home. I had to work the last few nights...so I didnt plan anything....because I knew I would be tired! We plan on cooking out tomorrow...while the kids play....so I guess it will be more of a 4th of July WEEKEND!! The kids really enjoy the fireworks.....not the noise but the lights!!

Time flies...when your having......

TO WORK....ha...bet ya thought I was going to say...FUN! LOL I guess we are having some fun. Nothing to really brag about. Its too hot to be outside....even to play in the water. Kaitlyn was playing outside with Annalise...for only about an hour....and her arms and shoulders were almost black. Poor Coby....I dont think he will EVER get a tan....he just gets RED...and then turns back white. I have to make him wear a hat because I am scared he will burn his scalp since he still doesnt have much hair...LOL!!

This past week...I spent cleaning...cleaning...cleaning....I really made some accomplishments. Still trying to sort through all the kids clothes....and shoes....but I actually feel like my house isnt a pig stye.....and I owe Kaitlyn a BIG THANKS....because she was such a big helper...and that was BEFORE she found out she was getting some MONEY....LOL!!!

Everyone is doing good. We have big plans for this month. This weekend if we dont make it to see the fireworks we are planning on getting some for the kids to pop here. Then kids are going to see a magician and Harvey the Rabbit (big name over here)....over the next couple of weeks. Then I hope to take them to Dixie Landin and Blue Bayou....which is outside of Baton Rouge by the end of the month.

Kaitlyn finally talked me into cutting her hair. It really turned out cute...though its weird because she has ALWAYS had LOOONG hair. It now falls right past her shoulders (that was as far as I was going)....and it is still all one length. She spent the first day just turning her head back and forth because it was so much lighter. She even loves that she can brush it all by herself with no problems...which will help when school starts. I will post a pick soon!!

Well thats about all..I work the next 2 nights...so I going to do some cleaning to stay up!!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn

Yesterday Kaitlyn turned 7 year old. We had her party today at The Fun Farm. I suprised her by inviting a little friend of hers from school.......her BFF Isabelle. Her theme was princess....of course!! We were in the car yesterday and she said...."I can't believe I am 7, Mom your little girl is growing up...huh?"....then she says "I am almost grown"!!.....LOL

Tidbits about Kaitlyn:

1.Loves to play dress-up

2.Insists that SHE needs makeup on...just like me

3.Loves her fingernails and toesnails painted PINK

4.Favorite color....PINK (suprised)

5.Favorite Movie....Grease

6.Loves to play her PINK gameboy

7.Favorite Song....Honkey Tonk....Badonkey Donk

8.Writes on every piece of paper she can find little notes to everyone......even my photo paper

9.Won't let you throw away said paper....and keeps ANY piece of junk mail that passes through this house....(a pack rat...just like both her paw paw's)

10.Loves to wear dresses.....to town,out to eat, or to play outside (her sister was the same way)

11.Loves to read EVERYTHING-Favorite books are the Junie B Jones series

Well here we are again....another week....has flown right by...why do the days go soooo fast. It makes me wish that we lived the 600-800 years that are talked about in the bible....I just might feel like I have enough 'time' to live life to its fullest...LOL!!

Keith and I have started on the Atkins diet....well Keith has been on it for a few weeks already...but I started on Wednesday. It seems alot easier this time around....because I get to eat lots of veggies....and even fruit. The diet has come a longgg way than what it was 20 years ago. Anyway....stay tuned for before pics......and updates as we take this journey to a healthier life!!!

This week has been HOT HOT HOT....I worked Monday...and Friday....decided to relax tonight......and I work again Sunday.

Kids are enjoying summer...well not the heat...but the wake up whenever and go to bed whenever....LOL

Coby made this for me....he came to me and said....this says 'I love mom'....LOL....love how he is sounding out words...and trying to write them too....

Then Kaitlyn has decided that when we say a bad word...we should deposit a dollar into her piggy bank.....(we did this before...put money in a jar for a rainy day for bad language...) but this is HER version....and she adds " if you run out of money....you can put checks in there..and I will just cash them..."....LOL....

Kase of course come to give me hugs....and then says....RUB MY BACK. Everytime that boy gets near me....he wants me to tickle something......his head, back, tummy, or arms. I guess he inherited that from me.....I still love to have my back rubbed while falling asleep....LOL

Well thats all for now.....gotta start supper...and watch kids play outside!

Our First Camping Trip

We are back from our camping trip to Tickfaw State Park. What an experience!! This was the first time the kids have been camping-slept in a tent-or went on a nature walk.

We went to the Nature Center to get a map upon arriving in the park...and there was a ranger showing different animals......the show was almost over but this was the one we got to see......

Kaitlyn was standing with me....and I could feel her start to breath faster as the ranger walked over by us with it...LOL The park ranger had it in her hands (with gloves on)...so we really got close. We learned some interesting facts about tarantulas. The boys were interested in all the other animals in the cages......here is one.... Coby really liked this one....LOL

This was an interesting section of the Nature Center...its called the touch and learn section. You can feel fur, alligator teeth, bones.....all sorts of stuff. The kids really enjoyed this....they loved reading the information about each item to us.

We started the day off on Saturday with some fishing in the catch and release pond!! We didn't catch anything.......it was sooo HOT...and of course the kids didn't want to kept there line in the water for longer than about 5 minutes. We were going to fish in the river....but the piers were all open...and I wasn't going to let the kids near the water without life jackets!!

Next we went on a nature walk. There were several trails around the park. We chose the trail near the edge of the park that you take to launch the canoes to travel down river. It seemed like we walked FOREVER...but all in all probably it was only a mile. These trails have NO vehicle access so it was quiet....and really beautiful. The kids found some animal tracks, some bamboo, and of course LOTS of bugs!!

Then we spent some time at the Water Playground. This was enjoyed the most...(I think). There were these buckets...that filled up with water and once filled dumped out on the kids below....LOL They had sprayers....that the kids ran through.....or just stood under.....LOL After a HOT day...this was a great ending.

We went back to the campsite...and while the kids were playing in the sand.....Keith and I cooked Hot Dogs on the grill......

.......and Keith built a fire in a fire pit. .......(wished I would have remembered the marsh mellows....LOL)

...then when dark came....we put the kids in the tent....to sleep.

Keith and I joined them soon after. It was a great night to camp out. It wasn't hot....or muggy.....we even had to use blankets because it got a little chilly come morning. We all were awake by 8:30.....and we packed up everything......(this was our campsite as we were leaving)

We took the kids by the gift shop to get something to remember their first camping trip. Then we headed home!!!