If only I could capture the pure delight in her face as she discovered she could do this slide all by herself!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wilsons at Wilson Park
Wilson Park is probably my most favorite park in NWA. It has the best playground for little kids -- actually 2 of them, swings, a trail with bridges, lots of open spaces to run and the coolest rock castle with a little pond. And, the best part is that it's just minutes from Madeleine's school which makes it the perfect spot to stop in the afternoons before heading home! And, thanks to this unseasonally warm weather that is gorgeous we've been doing just that !
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Farewell, Winter
It seems that winter has passed us by this year -- BOO. I decided that when earlier this week, the ice cream truck, pulled into the neighborhood behind us as we were coming home from picking Madeleine up from school. And, since it was right behind us, of course we had to chase him down and get him to stop!!
It turned out to be the perfect day for ice cream -- not so hot that it would melt all over us, but with playing and running around, just hot enough that we could use a cool down.
Harrison chose Sponge Bob. Since he can't watch it, at least he can eat it. :)
Madeleine went for the big Rocket.
I chose an ice cream sandwich for Charlotte because I thought it wouldn't be too messy. Wrong! But, she thought it was oh-so-good!
We decided that we'd have to try and sample all the different ice creams that you can get from the ice cream truck starting now. It's going to be a fun spring and summer!
We ended the day by playing outside and walking around the pond.
Madeleine and Harrison were ready to go in before Charlotte. So, she climbed herself up to the top of the treehouse and parked it there. Thankfully, Madeleine was able to go get her; if I'd gone up, I'm not sure I would have ever made it down. :)
We are loving these warm days, but I'd still be ok with a snow day!!
It turned out to be the perfect day for ice cream -- not so hot that it would melt all over us, but with playing and running around, just hot enough that we could use a cool down.
Harrison chose Sponge Bob. Since he can't watch it, at least he can eat it. :)
Madeleine went for the big Rocket.
I chose an ice cream sandwich for Charlotte because I thought it wouldn't be too messy. Wrong! But, she thought it was oh-so-good!
We decided that we'd have to try and sample all the different ice creams that you can get from the ice cream truck starting now. It's going to be a fun spring and summer!
We ended the day by playing outside and walking around the pond.
Madeleine and Harrison were ready to go in before Charlotte. So, she climbed herself up to the top of the treehouse and parked it there. Thankfully, Madeleine was able to go get her; if I'd gone up, I'm not sure I would have ever made it down. :)
We are loving these warm days, but I'd still be ok with a snow day!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Funday Monday
What a fun day we had yesterday! Matt had to work all day, but Madeleine had a holiday at school and we made the most of it. I'd planned some things to do away from the house, but Charlotte came down with a high fever Sunday and was still a sick little girl on Monday -- so we scrapped those plans and had a fun day inside instead.
We started by letting them have a "sleepover" in Harrison's room on Sunday night. We put the blow up in there for Madeleine and they were sooo excited about this! Thankfully, we didn't have to be anywhere the next morning because there were a lot of giggles and whispers before they finally went to sleep.
They'd requested breakfast in the room the next morning. I made them a muffin tin breakfast (and used up all those cereal boxes that just have a little bit left in them). They quickly gobbled it up!
Sweet Charlotte spent most of the day like this...
or this....
Madeleine and Harrison were quite content to play together in their rooms that morning. I never get tired of listening to them in there, in their own little world, playing. After lunch, we broke out the paints and they spent most of the afternoon happily painting. I have many, many masterpieces around the house today. :)
After baths and dinner, I brought out the rice bucket that I'd been saving for a rainy day. Charlotte was starting to perk up from the Motrin and played for a bit with them before having an early bedtime.
I really intended this as an activity for Harrison and Charlotte, but Madeleine loved it too. They had their mean guys/princesses in there and were putting their imaginations to good use! Then they used it to play with the food stuff. This was such a hit that Harrison woke up this morning asking to do it again. They made a HUGE mess, but thanks to the shopvac, it was easy to clean up!
Such a fun, fun day at home! I love days like this and sometimes it's good to have a whole day at home ~ it you look closely, Madeleine sports 3 different nightgowns during the day. :)
We started by letting them have a "sleepover" in Harrison's room on Sunday night. We put the blow up in there for Madeleine and they were sooo excited about this! Thankfully, we didn't have to be anywhere the next morning because there were a lot of giggles and whispers before they finally went to sleep.
They'd requested breakfast in the room the next morning. I made them a muffin tin breakfast (and used up all those cereal boxes that just have a little bit left in them). They quickly gobbled it up!
Sweet Charlotte spent most of the day like this...
or this.... 
Madeleine and Harrison were quite content to play together in their rooms that morning. I never get tired of listening to them in there, in their own little world, playing. After lunch, we broke out the paints and they spent most of the afternoon happily painting. I have many, many masterpieces around the house today. :)
After baths and dinner, I brought out the rice bucket that I'd been saving for a rainy day. Charlotte was starting to perk up from the Motrin and played for a bit with them before having an early bedtime.
I really intended this as an activity for Harrison and Charlotte, but Madeleine loved it too. They had their mean guys/princesses in there and were putting their imaginations to good use! Then they used it to play with the food stuff. This was such a hit that Harrison woke up this morning asking to do it again. They made a HUGE mess, but thanks to the shopvac, it was easy to clean up!
Such a fun, fun day at home! I love days like this and sometimes it's good to have a whole day at home ~ it you look closely, Madeleine sports 3 different nightgowns during the day. :) Friday, February 17, 2012
What a Difference a Week Makes!
This has been quite a week around our house. One of those weeks that actually has crept by, which is rare. Change always seems to make time slow down it seems and this week has been no exception.
This week started with Matt starting a new job. Last Tuesday, I met Matt for lunch as we often do since Harrison is in school and we just have Charlotte with us. He'd been at an IF meeting that morning and commented to me at lunch that "something was up." He didn't know what, but he knew that something was going on. That night, he got an email from the Director of Curriculum asking Matt if she could meet with him soon. They set up the meeting for the next morning and during that meeting she asked him if he would be willing to take a the position as the interim Director of Mathematics for Fayetteville Schools. Wow.
We talked about it that evening and prayed about it. He had to give them a quick answer since the position was vacant and they needed someone asap. He told her yes on Wednesday night, met again to see his office on Thursday and had Friday to wrap things up at Ramay before he started on Monday. It was a whirlwind week for sure.
This is a HUGE job. He'll be working with all the elementary teachers and all the secondary math teachers for the remainder of the school year. The job will actually last until the end of June though since he'll be doing professional development that month.
This is such an honor for Matt to be asked to help out with this job. It's been a crazy week so far and he's certainly been thrown into the fire. The job will eventually be open and he's been encouraged to apply, but how many times do you get to try out a job before applying for it?? And, it's going to give him a chance to see how he likes being in a more administrative role and give him a chance to work with making their math program even better.
Matt could not be better suited for this job. It's definitely a change, but he has the schooling and the work background to handle it. If I can brag on my hubs for a minute -- I know he will be great at this. He is so likeable and gets along well with everyone. He is open to listening to other ideas and opinions besides his own and isn't so prideful that he can't change his mind if another idea is better. He gives credit where it is due. He is the ultimate team player and can work with anyone. He is incredibly level headed and can take criticism without taking it personally. He is smart and full of good ideas and his enthusiam is overflowing. This week he has been overwhelmed with the work ahead of him, but he's still positive and excited about the work ahead.
So, that's where we are. We're having to make some changes and sacrifices as we make this transistion. It's going to mean less study time for him during the week, and much much more on the weekends. But, it's not forever. And, it's such an honor that he's been asked. We'll survive with help from our friends and lots and lots of prayer. :)
This week started with Matt starting a new job. Last Tuesday, I met Matt for lunch as we often do since Harrison is in school and we just have Charlotte with us. He'd been at an IF meeting that morning and commented to me at lunch that "something was up." He didn't know what, but he knew that something was going on. That night, he got an email from the Director of Curriculum asking Matt if she could meet with him soon. They set up the meeting for the next morning and during that meeting she asked him if he would be willing to take a the position as the interim Director of Mathematics for Fayetteville Schools. Wow.
We talked about it that evening and prayed about it. He had to give them a quick answer since the position was vacant and they needed someone asap. He told her yes on Wednesday night, met again to see his office on Thursday and had Friday to wrap things up at Ramay before he started on Monday. It was a whirlwind week for sure.
This is a HUGE job. He'll be working with all the elementary teachers and all the secondary math teachers for the remainder of the school year. The job will actually last until the end of June though since he'll be doing professional development that month.
This is such an honor for Matt to be asked to help out with this job. It's been a crazy week so far and he's certainly been thrown into the fire. The job will eventually be open and he's been encouraged to apply, but how many times do you get to try out a job before applying for it?? And, it's going to give him a chance to see how he likes being in a more administrative role and give him a chance to work with making their math program even better.
Matt could not be better suited for this job. It's definitely a change, but he has the schooling and the work background to handle it. If I can brag on my hubs for a minute -- I know he will be great at this. He is so likeable and gets along well with everyone. He is open to listening to other ideas and opinions besides his own and isn't so prideful that he can't change his mind if another idea is better. He gives credit where it is due. He is the ultimate team player and can work with anyone. He is incredibly level headed and can take criticism without taking it personally. He is smart and full of good ideas and his enthusiam is overflowing. This week he has been overwhelmed with the work ahead of him, but he's still positive and excited about the work ahead.
So, that's where we are. We're having to make some changes and sacrifices as we make this transistion. It's going to mean less study time for him during the week, and much much more on the weekends. But, it's not forever. And, it's such an honor that he's been asked. We'll survive with help from our friends and lots and lots of prayer. :)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Valentine's 2012
We had a great, but busy, Valentine's Day this year. It started out great, with Matt sending me flowers! I was completely surprised by them -- with his sudden transition this week into a (BIG!) new job, I didn't think he'd have Valentine's on his mind, but he surprised me! And, I love them!
Thanks to pinterest, I had a blast making valentine's for the kids this year! These are the ones Harrison took to preschool.
And, the ones for his teachers.
These were Charlotte's valentines that we gave to a few of her friends. I'm thinking I'll be using these again, they were so cute (and I still have a kagillion bubbles left over).
I'd made these last week for Matt to take to work for all the teachers, but since he's not there anymore, I stuck them in everyone's lunch.
This month is teacher appreciation for the 2nd grade teachers at Madeleine's school. I made these for her to take.
After getting everyone settled (Madeleine off to school and Harrison at preschool), Charlotte and I ran home to pick up and do some laundry. Then it was back to Harrison's school for his party. The director of his school is amazing and full of fun ideas! They had these cute bags to put their valentines into.
After handing out valentines they spread out and got to look at their haul. :) I'm amazed by the craftiness of these moms! All the valentines were adorable!
Again, this party fell during Charlotte's naptime, but she did pretty well. She ate her lunch during the party (again).
The party setup.
Harrison sitting next to his best bud, Drew. These boys are a mess together, but love each other so much! I'm so thankful for this sweet friendship.
After filling up, they did a fun activity of stacking conversation hearts.
After the party, we headed home for Charlotte to get a quick nap before we had to pick up Madeleine. It was a busy afternoon -- we picked up Madeleine, grabbed a quick snack at Sonic and headed back to her school because I had a Board Meeting & PTO meeting. Fun way to spend Valentine's huh? :) After all that, we met Matt at our favorite Mexican spot for some dinner, which made a Happy Valentine's to me since I didn't have to cook! Then we headed home for the kids to see their surprises. Charlotte and Harrison both had M&Ms and a new book.
And, Madeleine had M&Ms and some roses from her Daddy.
Here's Matt with his 2 little Valentines. :)
Thanks to pinterest, I had a blast making valentine's for the kids this year! These are the ones Harrison took to preschool.
And, the ones for his teachers.
These were Charlotte's valentines that we gave to a few of her friends. I'm thinking I'll be using these again, they were so cute (and I still have a kagillion bubbles left over).
I'd made these last week for Matt to take to work for all the teachers, but since he's not there anymore, I stuck them in everyone's lunch.
This month is teacher appreciation for the 2nd grade teachers at Madeleine's school. I made these for her to take.
After getting everyone settled (Madeleine off to school and Harrison at preschool), Charlotte and I ran home to pick up and do some laundry. Then it was back to Harrison's school for his party. The director of his school is amazing and full of fun ideas! They had these cute bags to put their valentines into.
After handing out valentines they spread out and got to look at their haul. :) I'm amazed by the craftiness of these moms! All the valentines were adorable!
Again, this party fell during Charlotte's naptime, but she did pretty well. She ate her lunch during the party (again).
The party setup.
Harrison sitting next to his best bud, Drew. These boys are a mess together, but love each other so much! I'm so thankful for this sweet friendship.
After filling up, they did a fun activity of stacking conversation hearts.
After the party, we headed home for Charlotte to get a quick nap before we had to pick up Madeleine. It was a busy afternoon -- we picked up Madeleine, grabbed a quick snack at Sonic and headed back to her school because I had a Board Meeting & PTO meeting. Fun way to spend Valentine's huh? :) After all that, we met Matt at our favorite Mexican spot for some dinner, which made a Happy Valentine's to me since I didn't have to cook! Then we headed home for the kids to see their surprises. Charlotte and Harrison both had M&Ms and a new book.
And, Madeleine had M&Ms and some roses from her Daddy.
Here's Matt with his 2 little Valentines. :)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Getting Ready for V-Day
The days leading up to Valentine's Day were busy ones for us. I got a little "heart" happy and made lots of heart-shaped goodies to get us in the mood for the big day. :) I cut everything from sandwiches and toast to cheese into heart shapes -- might as well take advantage of the kids being at the age they totally love that kind of thing!
I made these heart truffles which were a huge hit!
And some heart shaped cookies. Not our usual big cut-out, iced, all-out cookie shindig, but these were easier and they were just as happy with them. :)
We celebrated an early Valentine's Day with Madeleine's class on Friday. I spent most of last week covering 20 shoeboxes in white butcher paper (no small task!) to get ready. Here's my sweet Charlotte in her new outfit from my new favorite spot -- LollyWollyDoodle. :)
We arrived at Madeleine's school while the kids were at PE and got everything set up. I was pretty nervous how this was going to work, since the party fell right in the middle of Charlotte's nap time. I'd saved her lunch for then, so she spent the first bit of the party happily eating in her stroller. Then she got up and roamed around, entertaining all the kids. :) Madeleine's teacher, Mrs. L, is awesome and so so sweet to my children.
I made these heart truffles which were a huge hit!
And some heart shaped cookies. Not our usual big cut-out, iced, all-out cookie shindig, but these were easier and they were just as happy with them. :)
We celebrated an early Valentine's Day with Madeleine's class on Friday. I spent most of last week covering 20 shoeboxes in white butcher paper (no small task!) to get ready. Here's my sweet Charlotte in her new outfit from my new favorite spot -- LollyWollyDoodle. :)
We arrived at Madeleine's school while the kids were at PE and got everything set up. I was pretty nervous how this was going to work, since the party fell right in the middle of Charlotte's nap time. I'd saved her lunch for then, so she spent the first bit of the party happily eating in her stroller. Then she got up and roamed around, entertaining all the kids. :) Madeleine's teacher, Mrs. L, is awesome and so so sweet to my children. The started the party by decorating their boxes, which these 2nd graders took very seriously. They spent the first 30 minutes working on their boxes and then they quickly exchanged their valentines.
Harrison was my big helper and so good during the party! He spent a big part of the time talking Mrs. L's ear off -- at one point I heard him tell her "I only go one kind of potty at school." Yeah, great. I think she got a good laugh at that. :)
We finished up the party with some valentine bingo and yummy snacks. I checked Madeleine out early and we headed home for Charlotte to get some rest. Poor girl, she was asleep before we left the parking lot and slept for 3 hours. It wore her out!
Harrison was my big helper and so good during the party! He spent a big part of the time talking Mrs. L's ear off -- at one point I heard him tell her "I only go one kind of potty at school." Yeah, great. I think she got a good laugh at that. :)
We finished up the party with some valentine bingo and yummy snacks. I checked Madeleine out early and we headed home for Charlotte to get some rest. Poor girl, she was asleep before we left the parking lot and slept for 3 hours. It wore her out! I love being up at Madeleine's school and seeing all the fun things she is doing and learning. Being the homeroom mom is a lot of work, but so worth every late night! Madeleine is alway so excited to have us up there!
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