Tuesday!!!

And the week keeps going! Can't believe it's already Wednesday. Started the day off with a new outfit from my friend Brenda. Rylee was pretty proud of it! And it was school day for Cody! He was so excited, he had asked everyday since the last school day if it was time to go back.

We headed up to school and did some work while he learned. We ended up with another little girl too...isn't she cute? She's 16 months...yup you read that right, 16 months, big ol' thing huh?

After school we went by and picked up the twins and came home for lunch and playtime.

While the little ones took naps and the big boys played games I mowed the backyard and cleaned out the trailer.

About 4 weeks ago our trailer broke so we took it to the shop. It took forever to fix the air conditioner, which ended up being a mud daubbers nest, and the motor to the slide out. Anyway, we were pretty sure Cody's Ipod was in it and couldn't find it the day we took it to the shop so he has waited patiently for the camper to be fixed. Finally it was and we found his Ipod under his bed, that is what happens when you and your brother play games when you're supposed to be sleeping and then mom walks in and you stash your Ipod somewhere...not really remembering where you stashed it in the morning!! So that's the good news.

The bad news is...here are a list of things you shouldn't leave in your camper while it's at the shop for 4 weeks: extra contacts, swim suit, favorite pair of shorts, frozen hamburgers, yogurt, milk, butter, cheese, ham, bacon, sausage, and peaches. All I can say is...UGH, GAG, ICK, GAG again. We weren't planning on it being gone that long and we honestly didn't even THINK about the fridge stuff. Sure wish we would have! And now here's the problem, the smell has permeated the freezer, I defrosted it again, wiped it down really good, sprayed Lysol, and put in baking soda. Any other ideas on how to get the rancid smell out? It's finally gotten off my hands and nose thank goodness...seriously, it was disgusting.

Everybody woke up from naps and we headed to Wal-Mart to get some things. When we came back the boys decided they wanted to camp out so we got the tent out and I helped them set it up. They were sooooo excited!

Don't know if you can technically call it camping out when the inside looks like this, but oh well.

Neither Justin nor their parents thought they would make it all night, I was on the fence about it. Justin worked late so of course when he got home he had to scare them. In fact he scared all of us, I heard a noise on the front porch and then the door swung open. He had turned off his lights about 1/2 mile from the house and coasted down the hill into the drive, never touching his brakes...stinker. Anyway, he went straight to the gun safe and outside. He hid behind a tree and fired off a shotgun round...loud, loud, loud. There were some screams and then laughter. I went out to check on them and they thought it was hilarious. Little did we all know Justin was still out there hiding behind a tree, I went in and went to bed and then I heard Justin scream and then the boys screamed. Ahhhh, good times.

So that's about it. We had an excellent Tuesday. Hope you did too! Love and miss you all!

Monday already??

Another Monday down the tubes. Spent the day finishing up Cody's homework and cleaning up from Justin watching the kids! :-) Cody's working on writing his numbers, he has a little bit more trouble with them then letters, but he's getting there! He had an audience while he worked. Everyone would cheer for him when he was finished with a page.

And then Rylee and Logan decided to put on a variety act while he worked. Poor kid had to avoid all kinds of distractions...with a bunch of giggles.

Finally Rylee got interested in stickers and painting...here's the bad news, when mom is fixing lunch and Rylee is "playing" with stickers, they don't always end up on paper, a lot of them end up on the body instead!

I got the laundry done and the house picked up and threw the paint covered girl in a bath. She of course only wanted Logan to help her get dressed. She loves that boy!!

And then she got sick of waiting for him to figure out the nightgown and walked around like this instead! he finally got it figured out and wanted to get a picture with her...but before I could snap it Cody got out of the shower and jumped in...crazy kid.

Then it was just crazy fun play time until Justin got home. Don't know and didn't ask what they were doing I just heard lots and lots of laughter while I was fixing dinner. Which by the way was meatloaf. You know it's a good recipe when kids are asking for meatloaf...geez.

And that's about it. Hope you guys are having a great week so far. Love and miss you all.

And for those of you who have asked: A PTA membership is only $10 and you can send it to me with a check made out to Gypsy PTA. As they said in our conference this weekend, you can change a child's life for less than $1 a month.

Thanks again everyone!!! Love ya!

WOW!

So Thursday we played around all day and got ready for the PTA Convention. The kids wanted to try to make t-shirts so they designed their art work while I packed. And check out who got his first trophy!!! Way to go Cody! He was so very excited, carried it and wore his hat around...proud proud!

And of course Rylee had to get involved in the picture process. Check out her face...that's what happens when Rylee does art! :-) AND why she has to take her shirt off!

Anyway, Friday morning I left bright and early to head to OKC for the PTA Convention. It was at the Cox Center so it was of course very nice. There were four of us that went so we got a suite at the Renaissance...very nice. Had lots of laughs and learned lots of new things...and here's something we learned...

Our PTA was awarded not only the Oklahoma State small school PTA of the year but ALSO received the award of NATIONAL small school PTA of the year as well. I did an interview with them and it should run in the September issue of PTO Today. So excited!!! And I'd like to thank all of you who donated, sent Box Tops, and joined our PTA (which by the way it's that time again!). It is because of people like you that we were able to do all the things we did to earn these awards. I am so proud of all of us. Woohooo!!!! We also got an award for 100% membership, which out of ALL the PTA's in Oklahoma we were one of 11!!! Not too shabby!

Anyway, Justin had the kids so on Friday they went to pick up our camper which has been in the shop. Then they went bowling and to lunch. Then of course to Wal-Mart to figure out what to eat. And what's funny is they bought the same stuff we already had at the house...except of course for the ice cream cake. :-) Saturday they loaded up and headed to OKC for Rowan and Eli's birthday party. The kids had a blast! Lots of inflatables and laser tag...now who wouldn't have fun?? Then they went to Heath and Tiffany's for some pool time. (Thanks again guys) I had the girls drop me off at my mom's Sunday morning so I could just ride home with the family. We played some Tetris, which Justin stinks at, and then put Rylee down for a nap. Justin took the boys swimming at the pool in Surrey and then we had some Taco Bueno and came home. What an awesome weekend for everyone!!!

Hope you guys had a great one too. Thanks again to everyone who has supported our efforts at the school. You guys rock!!

What a week!

Monday morning the twins came over bright and early to hang out. Which of course my kids loved! I didn't' tell them they were coming so it was a huge surprise when they ran through the front door. Loved to hear their giggles. We played around all day and I got some reading done...been wanting to finish a book and then I even got to start another!!

Tuesday we went up to school and finished the 2nd coat on some trim work. And now we're DONE!! Whooooohoooo! So happy to have the painting behind me! Now we're getting the floors ready for stripping and waxing and then we'll put up new rubber baseboards. The place looks great, a fresh start for a fresh year! While I was working Cody was at SUMMER SCHOOL!! This is the first year they introduced it, it's a sort of tutoring program for summer. Cody wasn't nervous at all, went right in and sat down, ready for school. When the bell rung he ran out waving goodbye to his new friends. I am so happy how excited he was. Talked non stop about it to the car and then all the way home and then on the phone with Justin. :-) On the way home we picked up the twins again and they hung out another day with us. Which gave me more time to read and get some chores done.

Wednesday was another workday on the floor, didn't stay long because we got done pretty fast. However, while we were working the kids were getting into trouble!! Yup, trouble. They walked in the door and were wet from head to toe. It apparently started raining and all the kids decided to play in it. Luckily everyone just laughed, but I will tell you that 2 of them had to ride home without clothes on they were so wet!!! Car seats take forever to dry out. I think everyone was just happy to have the rain! When we got home we had lunch and the little ones went down for a nap. I finished my book and started getting things ready for the PTA convention this weekend. So excited.

For some reason Rylee is enjoying showing off her belly...don't know why and hope it ends soon but anytime I try to take a picture of her, this is what I get. Now that's a belly!! My friends son loves these shirts and grew out of them...now my boys love the shirts. They are a little HUGE on Cody, but he doesn't seem to mind since he matches Logan.

And that's about it. It's been a really great week. Hope you're enjoying it as well. Love and miss you all!

Another weekend down!

Well happy Monday to you all! Hope you had a fabulous weekend like we did. I'll start with a couple older pics that I just found on my camera though...Logan and Cody and worked super hard on Legos this summer. Here is Logan's version of our truck and camper. Not too shabby huh? This is when the electricity was out and it was cooler outside than in. A little sprinkler time!!

We went to the cove and jumped of the boat for a little bit. The boys of course love it and Rylee is finally getting to the point where it's ok. She actually jumped off the other day, not scooted. But of course Justin caught her so she didn't really go under. Oh well, we'll get there!

Snack time!!

Fourth of July!! The kiddos getting an education in firework lighting. Check out Rylee...she seems a little nervous.

And Cody getting to light a tank.

Here is pretty much all I saw of Logan...running. He's light those rockets and bolt. At least I know he's still smart enough to run fast instead of just watching it burn!

Sparklers...don't know if she loves them or being with her daddy more!

Ok, now for this weekend!!! We had lots and lots of company. Aunt Connie and Uncle Mo, Debbie and her family, and Dona and her family...now that's a party!! And a pretty good one, when people see 2 boats, 2 jet skis and 22 people coming...they'll leave. :-) Anyway, some of us ventured out in the heat and enjoyed the water,

While others enjoyed the shade and family time.

And of course...Logan enjoyed food.

As did the little ones.

There was horseshoes, jet skiing, food, knee boarding, skiing and lots of laughter and fun. Always my favorite way to spend a weekend! However, there was a kink in the day...Russ lost his wedding ring...his second wedding ring...in the lake. Don't know how he does it, but literally he had, after 5 years I think, just bought a new one!!! So this is how most of the day Sunday was spent, searching for the ring. Goggles, masks, sifting buckets, shovels, walking...poor guy never found it.

Rylee likes to spent any amount of time with Justin, she doesn't care doing what. Here he let her put mud on his legs and then wash them off...over and over and over again.

Yesterday was a day of adventure for my kiddos. As you know Logan has got the hang of skiing this year, Cody had figured out the knee board and they both love to tube...ok all three do but...they cooked up a plan on the way home from lunch. Then they asked if they could do it. Here's the plan...Logan will knee board WHILE Cody stands up behind him holding onto his life jacket. Yup, now does that sound doable?? Well, it is!!!! You wouldn't have believed it even if you saw it. Funniest thing, and what was even funnier was all the giggling you could hear as they drove by. They thought it was hilarious, talked about it the whole way home. Not often do you see a kid knee boarding with a 4 year old hanging on behind. Good memories.

Anyway, made it home after a long week apart and I can tell you...nice to have everybody home again. They however had a BLAST. I forgot to get the pictures from Amy but there are some good ones! What lucky kids to have an awesome aunt who will take them EVERYWHERE and let them eat EVERYTHING!! :-) Thanks again Amy...and Russ for letting Logan stay up late...they had a fantastic time!!

Love and miss you all!

Lake Time

Well, another weekend gone. But what a great one it was!!! Justin took off Friday and Tuesday so we made a 5 day weekend of it...and it was awesome!

We were all packed up and getting in the car Thursday night after work when we heard a noise coming from our well. Justin and I went over to look and sure enough it was a crazy noise. Got the kids out of the car and came in and called a plumber. About an hour later one showed up. Turned out, thankfully, that it was just a valve at the top of the well that had gone bad, he replaced it and we were on our way.

Thursday night we went straight to bed. Friday we got up, ate and hit the water. And here's the exciting news of Friday...Logan finally got up on skis!!! He was so excited, he tried all last summer to ski and just couldn't get it, but yeahhhhh, he got it!!! This is actually a picture from two weekend ago, but oh well...this is what happens when we go under a bridge. The kids raise their arms up and yell, don't know how or why it got started but it always makes Rylee smile!

Saturday we woke up and went to Tenkiller to hang with one of Justin's biggest customers who were camping out there and have been wanting us to hang. We stopped for lunch on the way and finally got there. It was the busiest lake I've ever seen!!! Literally we turned the corner into a cove and ran into hundred's, yes hundred I'm not exaggerating, of boats and swimmers. They were all tied up together. So weird. I think our kids were the only ones there too. We hung out for a couple hours just floating and jumping in. About the time our kids got sick of it, the other people did too so we headed back to the lake house. Only to find...a hot house. The electricity was out and had been for quite some time. We were all hungry so we went to dinner...only to have the electricity go out there too!!! Luckily, it didn't last too long. When we were done eating power came back on so we went back and put 3 tired kids to bed!

Sunday we woke up bright and early again and headed to the water. We met up with the parents of the guy Justin used to always go to the lake with and their grand kids. Logan loved having an older kid there!! We played around all day and came home to...a hot house. Power was out again, ugh. Everyone decided to go to our favorite Italian place except the kids, Grammy, and me, we went to a buffet and then ice cream...yum. Came home, took cold showers and decided it was cooler outside than in. Now that's sad. The kids played in the sprinkler until everyone came back from dinner. Then we headed out to watch fireworks!!

Monday morning we woke up and shot of some fireworks for the kids. Every one of the enjoyed it!

Rylee got her first sparkler.

And she was VERY proud of herself!

Very, very proud.

The kids lit them in the street and then would run back in the yard...Amy and I thought they looked like a gang in this picture...don't mess with em'!

We played ALL day Monday at the water. Lots and lots of fun, but the kids were ready for night time. They got to do more sparklers...this is Rylee.

And this is Cody...Logan's too "cool" for sparklers now I think. Didn't even do one!!

Justin and Russ bought some fireworks and put on a show for us on the island. It was awesome...here's one of the good ones. Not too shabby for amateurs huh?

Tuesday we headed out to the water again, but this time it was nice and quiet. Seems that everyone had left.

Over father's day weekend the kids and Pappy built a volcano, remember?? Here's a great picture of it!!

And check out this kid. It's Cody!!!! He has been wanting to knee board all summer and finally it was calm enough to try. He did great!!!! He loves it too! So big!

Tuesday night Amy decided she wanted to have a couple more kids. Now, don't get excited everyone, she doesn't want her own, she wanted mine!! :-) So Logan and Cody got to go to Texas with them!!! Oh my goodness they were excited! Can't wait to see all the pictures and hear the stories...maybe that will make Amy blog!!!

Rylee and I did a lot of work yesterday. Still working on the school and getting it ready for August. We went over to my friends house that afternoon and hung out too. Rylee is really enjoying her alone time. She always wants to be the center of attention and man, she is now! It's very quiet however, don't know how we used to do it with just one kid! She did however go in Logan's room and call for them after her nap...pretty sure she'll be ready to see them on Friday!!

Hope you guys had a great weekend. Love and miss you all!

Misc. Pics

While we were at the lake last weekend I snagged some pictures off Amy's camera...couldn't resist this one. Now that's cute huh? ;0) Remember when Russell came up and played, here's the better shot with Amy's super camera of Rylee in the bucket!

Just a couple cute ones I thought. Love and miss you all!