Spring "Break" comes to an end.

It has been quite and eventful week and a fast and furious weekend. I am happy to have had time with all of my grandchildren, but certainly am exhausted. We got Aubreigh and Joel delivered to Austin yesterday and drove back home today. Shortly after arriving in Austin we had a pet emergency had spent several hours and lots of money at the emergency vet clinic. But all is well and school starts tomorrow. Now maybe I can rest! (Don't tell my principal.) This post ends this blog. I hope you've enjoyed it. I sure have.

"I Feel Pretty!"

I took my girls to the beauty shop today for haircuts. Both of them were excited, but especially Kielyn. She jumped up and down when I told her where we were going. "Me first, me first!" So, she was first. When Jennifer put her hair up with pins, Kielyn said, "I look like Jasmine." (Jasmine is the Disney princess from "Aladdin" for those who do not live in "princess-land" as we do.") Aubreigh decided to try bangs this time. I think she looks very pretty in them. While Aubreigh was getting her cut, Kielyn (who wore her ballet leotard, her tap shoes, and khaki capris to the appt. ) found that the painted cement floor made for fine tap dancing. She put on quite a show for the clients and stylists.

Thursday

Today was the last day of soccer camp. I thought it was a FIVE day camp......apparently I was wrong. The boys loved every minute of it. This morning was very tiring. I think the family time honeymoon is wearing off for all of us. But after naptime, the remainder of the day was great. The kids played outside with the neighborhood kids. I had a messy house to clean up, but the weather was so nice....and I wouldn't have many more afternoons to spend with all the kids......so, I chose to go outside and play, too. I remembered my sister telling me that a dirty house can wait. Well, it waited and now it is cleaned up. Amazing how that happens. I am sure that we will get to bed early tonight. Just Joel and Steve and me tonight. A nice, quiet evening.

Games, Games, Games

After returning home from McDonald's, things settled down again. The little ones napped a while. Cameron and Aubreigh played chess. As the little ones awoke, more games began. Cars, Barbies, Discovery Toys building toys, WII, Battleship, and poker (they learned this from their PAPPA.) The best part of the afternoon - NO TELEVISION. I was amazed. They didn't even realize that it wasn't on. Cameron and Steve are still in the living room playing chess. It's been a good day.

What A Morning!!

After an amazingly calm three days, on Wednesday morning, the wild ones arrived! Everyone was wired. I administered the proper dosage of ADHD meds to the patients, but I must admit that I was tempted to sneak some into everyone's chocolate milk. We made it to soccer camp and I returned to pick up the mess that they left behind. Just as I got the kitchen cleaned and myself showered, it was time to do the soccer camp pick up. Afterwards, I spent too much money at McDonald's to fill up the kids on greasy, high fat foods just so that they could play on the playground and so that they wouldn't mess up my house. Is that so wrong?

Priceless Moment

With a houseful of grandkids, quality individual times come rarely. Tonight was a night to remember with Joel, my little "Sugarbear." Aubreigh went to stay with her Daddy, so for once, Joel was the only grandchild spending the night. I commented to Steve that I believe this to be the first such night in his entire life. Because he had lost his first tooth, I pulled out a very special book for our nighttime story. "Little Rabbit's Lose Tooth" was purchased for his mommy, Natalie by Steve in 1985 on the occassion of her first pulled tooth. The opportunity to read the same book to my little grandson was quite heartwarming. After the book, he put his tooth under his pillow and asked how the tooth fairy would get his tooth and deliver her prize. He told me that if she lifted his pillow, he would feel it and wake up. He said, "She must have magic that makes the tooth fly out from under the window." I said, "Yes, there is magic." This was a priceless moment. The kind that I live for.

A Big Day For Joel

Joel arrived in Odessa with a very loose bottom front tooth. At soccer, his mouth received a little hit and the tooth became looser. After dinner, the tooth just fell out in his hand. But we praised his bravery and promised him a visit from the tooth fairy. The Odessa tooth fairy gives $5, but his mommy tells me that their tooth fairy gives $20. What to do? What to do?

Mamma Kathy Learns the Hard Way

Oh my gosh!!! I just learned that my grandson, Joel, doesn't open the toilet seat when he pees. Why didn't his mommy warn me????

Girl Time

The boys are at soccer camp .... just Aubreigh, Kielyn and me. How easy is this? We've watched "Beauty and the Beast," played games, dressed Barbies and brushed hair. Now I remember the days three decades ago when I raised my April and Natalie. It feels exactly the same. Except for the fact that in half and hour, we pick up the boys!

Soccer Camp

The first day of soccer camp was a huge success. Cameron and Brennon are experts, but this was Joel's first experience with futbol. All three boys were all excited about staying with their coaches. Brennon and Joel went with the youngest group and posed for my camera. Cameron joined the big kids' team and acted as if I didn't exist. He was sending me mental messages to keep that camera away from him! So I did. Apparently I am already becoming an embarrassment to the young man. When I picked them up at noon they were famished. After a short romp on the playground equipment across from the soccer fields, we went to Fazoli's for lunch. I have never seen these kids eat so much. The young ladies preferred to spend the morning at home with me. Soccer requires running and sweating and they are just like their mamma in that regard. They went with me to pick up the boys from camp and off they went to the playground. It was a very good morning. We even managed to get a quick nap despite the interruption by the plumbers.

A SLIGHT KINK IN THE PLANS

Just needed to sit down and vent for a minute. All has gone well this morning. But, just as I am about to put my tired kids down for a nap, the plumbers (that were scheduled days ago) just arrived! Crash, bang, saw, and NO WATER. And Brennon needs to do #2!

First Night Sleepover

On Saturday night, our house was full of kiddos. They actually played very well together. The girls enjoyed the doll house and the Barbie dolls. The little guys played outside for a while and then did some playing in the house. Cameron spent his evening on "Guitar Hero." I bathed kids and brushed lots of teeth. Steve picked up after us. Doesn't sound like much fun for us, but we love our babies and our home is their home.

I'll trade you one dog for two kids....

Cameron and I made the three hour road trip to Sonora. He watched movies and played with
Cassie. Cassie was a wonderful traveler. She was glad to see a "doggie pit stop" when we hit interstate 10.