School

Last week Grant started his 3 school.  The week started off quite dramatically with Grant screaming in pain on Monday with a tummy ache.  We went through the day assuming it was gas from constipation and then later that night, attributed it to nerves after Grant declared that he had butterflies and a froggy in his tummy when he thought about school.  Later in the week we discovered he actually did have a bug when Jason also had the nasty stomach ache.

when asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said a golfer like his daddy.  Good thing we got him a golf bag for his birthday!

Tuesday he woke up excited for school.  He even woke up before his alarm which is pretty good for our little sleeper.  He really hates mornings so I anticipate his happy attitude to go back to grumpy morning Grant really soon!  I got to spend the whole morning in his class with him that day.  He had so much fun digging in the sandbox and riding his (already) "favorite" blue bike.  They ate a snack, went on a hike through the trails, made a craft and played inside at all the learning stations.  They sure pack a lot in 3 hours!

He found his coat hook!

playing in the sandbox- he gets 20 min of outdoor play first thing in the morning.  Rain or shine.

heading off on his first hike- he will take a 30 min hike every morning.

finding shapes and colors on the nature hike with Miss Lonna

so proud of my little reader for going straight to the books!

by the end of the morning, he (and all the other kids!) were pretty much over it.  A lot of crying and fits were witnessed the last 20 mins!

As we got into the car on Thursday, he looked at me and said,"don't worry mom, I am going to be a brave boy."  Melt my heart!  On the drive there, he expressed his concern over what to do if he got lost and was really worried about a tree falling on him.  On how I love how little minds think!  We walked in and he was clinging to my leg but once it came time for me to leave, he was such a big boy.  I was sure I was fine until I turned around to leave and suddenly felt the tears streaming down my face.  Can't believe my little boy is all grown up.

Hopefully he is as excited to go back this week!

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Cutest thing Ashton says right now- Oopsy daisy.  It is so cute, it just makes me smile every time I hear him say it.

2.   I was looking for some Greek seasoning in the international aisle at Meijer the other day.  I laughed out loud when I came across the "southern" section.  It included hush puppies, creole seasoning, hot sauce, etc..... since when are the southern states considered international????

3. A few weeks ago Ashton walked up to the table to eat lunch and proclaimed,"no chair. I sit table" and pushed the chair holding his booster seat onto the ground and climbed into a normal chair.  Who gave this kid the rights to grow up so darn fast?????

4. I thanked Grant for being a good boy the other day while we were out and about and he responded, "I did the best I could mommy."  LOL.

5. Anyone else get totally addicted to the show Camp this summer?

6.  I laid down on the couch the other day and got ready to watch my favorite fall movie, Mystic Pizza and realized our VHS player has finally bit the dust.   I suppose it is finally time to join this century update my favorite movie collection to DVDs!

7.  Ashton and bugs do not get along.  He was stung by a bee last week.  He reacted fine to it that day.  When he woke up the next day he was covered in one large hive all over his tummy and back.  Thankfully Benadryl cleared it up within 24 hours.  This past weekend, he got bit on his cheek by something while out with J on our property.  He woke up the next day with his cheek all swollen.  After a day of Bendryl, he woke up the next day with his eye all swollen.  We headed to the dr where he received an antibiotic shot because the Dr was concerned about infection.  We had a follow up appt the next day and it was finally looking better.  We left the office with a script for oral antibiotics and a referral to an allergist.  Yippee.

8. Ashton's favorite phrase right now,"I do it."   I love that he is a little more independent, but he gets so frustrated when he can't do everything and I get frustrated when he insists on doing everything his way when I am in a rush!

9.  Grant starts school next Tuesday.  He is going to a new nature based preschool so most of his learning will be about nature, animals, etc.... I am so excited for him, but am also a little anxious to send my baby off to his first day of school.

10.  Blessing of the week: medication.  The Dr informed me that when he was a resident (not that long ago) he would have had to admit Ashton for IV antibiotics and cat scans to ensure the infection didn't spread and affect his eyes.  Thank God for antibiotic shots that they can give you in the office and save you an overnight stay in the hospital.

Camping

On Friday we returned home after our week long camping adventure.  I had never been camping and really, this wasn't necessarily camping, more like RVing.  However, we were at a campground and had a campsite so I am calling it camping!

The Friday that our RV was delivered was a rough day.  I was running errands, trying to pack for a week long trip that required a lot of stuff and then we had some news about our house plans that sent me directly downhill.  I didn't end up getting to the campground until about 7 and within 2 minutes of checking in, the skies opened up and it downpoured for about 20 minutes.  I sat in the camper with my boys who were scared out of their mind with the thunder and lighting and the sound of the rain pounding the top of the camper and I wondered what I had gotten myself into!  Once the rain cleared out, the boys ventured outside and played in puddles while I unpacked the car and our spirits instantly lifted.

Saturday was our family day.  With such a busy summer, it was a rarity to have all of us together for an entire day.  It was so refreshing!  We took a walk through a nearby neighborhood to look at houses, the boys rode bikes around the campground, played on the playground, petted the goats and bunnies in the petting zoo and swam in the pool.  At night we made hobo pies (so.much.work!), went on a candy hayride and then went to the pool party hosted by the campground.  The boys had so much fun swimming with about 100 other kids.  Made me crazy as it became harder and harder to keep track of them as it got darker and darker!  At one point, Grant got out of the pool and declared he had kissed two girls!  They were both 8 and above!  Jason and I both decided that he is going to be the boy in school that has lots of girls for friends.  The girls were all over him and he is only 3!

this is as close as Ashton was willing to get after his goat biting incident last fall!

The next day we went to church then headed back into town to celebrate Jason's birthday with family on the boat and at the beach,

On Labor Day we headed back into town for the annual Truck Parade and then spent the rest of the chilly day with family at the campground.  I have never experienced such a dramatic end of summer as I did that day watching all of the campers check out at 1:00 to head home.  After that, we pretty much had the campground to ourselves.  We rode bikes to the beach, ate ice cream for lunch, stayed up late by the campfire and then did it all again every singe day of the week.  Jason and I even snuch into the hot tub after the kids were asleep and then walked around the campground then around again. 

I can't say enough good things about our camping adventure.  Obviously this was a special vacation because it was something we won so were indeed spoiled. The campground had flowers and a big basket of treats waiting for us upon arrival, they brought us wood for our campfire, they let us use the bikes and Burley at no cost and the best part-  they treated us to a date night out with babysitting included!  Our camper was also amazing!  I had my doubts how we would handle being in such a confined space, but it worked out just fine.  We were richly blessed by all of those gifts, but the best part about the trip in my opinion was just slowing down, hanging out with just the four of us, talking, playing, and making a lot of wonderful memories.  It seems like all summer we have been running around trying to get things picked out for our house, then waiting and waiting then getting some news that threw all of our hard work out the window, then re-doing the work then waiting and waiting....it has all taken a toll on us.  This week allowed us to forget all the house stuff and just have fun for once this summer.  I will be forever grateful to my husband for winning this trip for us and to Oak Grove Campground and American RV for spoiling us rotten! 

 Camping sure is exhausting!

 As well as the laundry afterwards!

I had to laugh when I looked up from my laundry pile to find the boys sitting in the boxes I used for packing.  They claimed they were boats- so cute!

 

Ten

1.  The other day we were driving in the car and telling jokes.  You know, kids jokes that don't make any sense but they think are hilarious.  Grant said,"mommy, you are always so silly.  I appreciate that about you."  I made him repeat it just to make sure I heard him right.  Where does he come up with these things???

2. After a month of being sick, I am finally feeling better.  I started off with a nasty virus that everyone in our town seems to have.  Unfortunately, my sore throat stuck around for 3 weeks.  It would go away for a day or two and then come back.  I finally went to the dr and found out I had a sinus infection.  So thankful to finally be feeling 100% again.  Having no energy while being extremely busy is no fun!

3.  I took Grant to see his first movie the other day- Planes.  I think I was more excited than he was!  We walked in the theater and he sat down and looked at me and said,"mommy, you didn't tell me the tv was going to be this big."  So cute!

4.  Up until last week, Grant has had no interest in picking out clothes, getting himself dressed, etc... Last week he came downstairs totally dressed and he even matched.  I was so impressed.  Yesterday, he came down in this lovely ensemble...

5.  Ashton seems to be in his,"no" phase.  Everything that you say or do gets a,"no" reply. We are also starting to see his stubborness come out big time as well.  He refuses to ride in the stroller and just screams when you put him in- he wants to walk by himself and also refuses to hold your hand which doesn't work for me.  I have tried the wagon, but he gets a little ways, he suddenly says home and starts the screaming process.  This is starting to limit our outings because I am sick of all the nasty looks I get from people when I am pushing a stroller with a screaming child!

6. We are heading out for our first ever camping adventure in a few weeks.  We won a "luxurious" trailer from a contest a few months ago.  Turns out, we are getting a smaller RV which isn't exactly what I was thinking when we were told it would be luxurious, but, it is better than a tent!  Are there any tips of what to bring, recipes to make, etc.. that you want to share?  Like, what to do with a toddler that usually sleeps in a pack and play when there is no room in your RV for a pack and play?  I am all new to this so anything you have to share is welcome.

7. As we start to purchase things for our new house  (that hopefully someday will actually get started!) I have decided that no one makes boy shower curtains.  There are so many ruffles and polka dots out there but nothing that is boyish unless you want to spend $50+.  Why is it so hard to make something cute for a boys bath that doesn't have frogs or ducks on it?  I just want a curtain that will last for more than a year- is that too hard to ask???

8.  The other night I set down an ear of corn on Ashton's plate.  He chowed that thing down in about 2.5 seconds and asked for another and it was gone in record time as well.  I think we have finally found his favorite food!

9. Have you ever noticed that it is hard for some women to accept a compliment?  The other day someone told me they liked my dress.  I then responded with a thanks and then a long explanation of where I got it and how I got a great deal on it.  Why is it so hard to just say thanks?  I always feel like I have to justify the purchase or make some sort of explanation.  I started paying attention when I compliment others and I am definitely not the only one to do this!  My current challenge is to say thanks and walk away. 

10.  Blessing of the week:  it seems like I have heard a lot of stories lately of cancer and sickness and life altering injuries.  These stories always remind me how blessed I am with three healthy boys (jason included) and to never take a minute for granted.

Cottage 2013

Between our annual cottage trip with Jason's family, my parents renting a cottage by the lake in our town, Grant not napping anymore (leaving me no computer time) and house building stuff, my blog has seriously become neglected.  I apologize to all the family out there waiting for their weekly update!  I just need more time or at least for the family that is complaining to come babysit :)

A couple weeks ago we went on our annual trip to the cottage with Jason's family.  It was hard to believe that it was five years ago that I dreaded this trip.  We had just lost the girls and I was in a really bad place.  Being there for that week with family and all the kids was so so hard. As I reflected back on that week, I was just so thankful to be in a good place mentally where I can go enjoy all of the kids and not have all those envious feelings anymore.

The weather was less than cooperative.  It was chilly, windy and rainy so most days were spent wrapped up in a blanket watching the kids play in the yard.  I was bummed that Grant didn't get a lot of time in the lake because I really wanted him to work on his confidence with swimming.  Ashton on the other hand was very comfortable.  He is already trying to put his head under water and blow bubbles like the big kids.  I have a feeling he might just pass Grant in swimming lessons next year!

Here are a few a lot snapshots of our week...

Grant and his cousin loved these kid kayaks.  They spent hours on a rainy day paddling around.  They could have cared less that they weren't sitting on them correctly!

Seriously, this kid is so darn cute that I just want to pinch him sometimes:)

That must have been a crazy ride on the wave runner with grandpa! 

 My boys fishing....

And then there is this little guy that melts my heart all over again with those blue eyes and white hair!
He insists on wearing his goggles even though he never actually puts them on his eyes.

Family tube ride minus Grant who was deathly afraid of anything that moved.  We had to bribe him just to sit on the tube for a picture.  Ashton however cried to get off the tube he loved it so much!

This is what happens every time I ask Jason to take a pic of me and the kids.  He complains about it and then the kids cry.  All I want is to look back on the pics in 20 years and know that I was actually on the vacation with them.  Is that too much to ask???

Grant has been bugging me for a super hero cape for a while now.  When his cousin asked for one for his birthday, I knew I couldn't get away with not getting one for G.  So, we did a sticker chart and worked on his whining and his listening and at the end of the week at the cottage, he was rewarded with his cape.  Of course, I had to get Ashton one too because I didn't want to deal with the arguments over one cape!

My annual cottage pics... my how they have grown!

 To another year at the cottage.....

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Since I did a whole post on Grant a couple weeks ago, I thought it only fair to dedicate one just to Ashton.  Especially since he is up to so much lately.  I feel like I can't remember it all!

2.  Ashton's bed time routine.... read 3 books, let him turn off the light, say a prayer and then hold him in your arms until he says, "sleep." He doesn't always say sleep right away, but whenever he says it, it means he is ready.  If you try to lay him down before he says sleep, you will only get tears.  He usually sleeps from 8-8 but that has varied a lot with summer activities.

3.  Ashton's favorite part of bed time routine is reading his books.  He has about 10 to choose from and he knows all of them by heart.  He picks out which one by actually saying what he believes is the title, "pillar" for Hungry Catepillar, "stars" for Twinkle Twinkle, "moon" for Goodnight Moon, "babies" for his baby colors/babies/body parts book, etc...  As we read, he starts to say what is coming up on the next page- he actually has memorized all of his books!  His favorite right now is, "boom boom" aka Chicka Chicka.

3.  Ashton talks so much.  When I looked back at my blog to see when Grant started talking, it wasn't until July.  Ashton is obviously trying to get ahead of the game because he started talking back in January!  It never ceases to amaze me the words he says.  He repeats just about everything you say now and wants you to explain everything you are doing so he can understand it.

His lovey is the little lamb that my mom gave to the girls.  He calls it his bunny and carries it around everywhere.

4.  Ashton loves to say, "bye" to everyone.  I mean everyone.  When we go out to eat, every person that walks by our table gets a wave and a "bye".  He is definitely a friendly little tike.

5.  Ashton is pretty much potty training himself.  About 80% of the time, he tells us when he has to poop so he can go on the potty.  Not so much with pee yet which is why I am not anywhere near ready to potty train him.

6.    Doesn't look comfortable to me, but he was in a such a sound sleep that he must have been comfy!

7.  He wants to be everywhere and do everything that Grant does. I think this is the explanation for his advanced talking and his desire to go on the big boy potty.  He loves to be held and loved on especially when he wakes up. 

8. Ashton is no longer a good eater.  He likes green beans but only Rachel Rays recipe.  He loves asparagus but throws blueberries and peaches on the floor.  There are days he barely eats anything and then days he stuffs himself silly.


9.  Ashton never sits still.  He barely walks anywhere - he runs.  He LOVES to swim and feels as if it is perfectly ok to jump in the pool anytime (hence the reason he is always wearing swimmies by water). 

10.  Blessing of the week:  every night when I pray with Ashton, I thank God for him.  His life was a surprise to us.  A gift we never expected. His smile and his love for life keep a smile on my face and hearing him say,"luv you" when I kiss him goodnight makes me feel like even though we have been through hell, life is pretty darn good.

11.  For anyone who wonders where Ashton comes from- he looks JUST like me when I was little.  Our scanner is broken so I had to take a picture of a picture so not great quality, but you get the idea.  This is me and my mom at 19 months.
 

thanks

Thanks for all your love, support, kind words and encouragement over the last week.  I am always amazed at how loved you all make me feel through this blog, through facebook and through personal emails.  The simple fact that you remembered without me saying anything just means the world to me. 

On Thursday, I braved the beach with Grant and Ashton.  It is our tradition to go to our favorite beach in South Haven.  However, Jason wouldn't take off work and I just couldn't imagine carrying all that stuff, plus two kids down that incredibly long walk to the beach.  So, I opted for a closer version in the town we will soon be moving to because it has a shorter distance from car to water.  We got there right away when it opened and enjoyed about 4 hours playing in the sand, riding the waves, eating a picnic lunch and then playing some more.  It was a wonderful day with just us and was a great reminder of just how lucky I am. 

Of course, it was 98 degrees with 100% humidity that day so leaving the beach with bags, tired/hot kids and sand everywhere left me totally exhausted.  We came home and played in the pool in the backyard and waited for J to come home and then we enjoyed a nice dinner out just the four of us.

I attempted my first cookie cake since I have not been happy with the ones I purchased the last few years.  I am no cake boss, but it tasted good and cost about $18 less than the one I bought last year!  

I had purchased Chinese lanterns to let off at night, but again, it was so darn hot that we opted to wait until Sunday.  Instead we just went to the cemetery and left our flowers, told Brooke and Alexcyn how much we loved them and missed them and then came home to enjoy the nice, cold air conditioning!