Blog Bio from May 2016

I'm updating the blog bio for all of us, but after reading through the current one I decided I should post this one so that it did not get permanently lost.  Here it is:

This is what happens when two math geeks marry and have four kids!

Jenn
I am a stay at home mom. I love to quilt, sew, craft, blog and read. Sometimes I love to cook, sometimes I hate it, mostly because no one will help with menu planning but everyone complains about what I serve. I hate doing laundry and dishes. I love a good novel, but am not much of a non-fiction or literature reader . I love animals and rescue. In addition to our four two-legged kids, we also have three four-legged kids, plus an extra long term four-legged guest. Having a foster dog or two is not that unusual for us as I am a sucker for an animal in need. I love my kids and being a mom, except for when I want to run away from it all. In my next life I would like a clean house.

Michael
Our crazy leader. He loves all things Texas A&M (whoop!), college football, good beer, coaching kids sports, and his family. He even loves his wife enough to put up with all her crazy ideas, pets, and foster pets.

Sam-I-Am
Our firstborn Samuel Frank who died at birth in 1999. He was our gorgeous, curly, red-headed baby boy. He may not be with us on earth but he is still a big part of our family. We miss every day and love him very much.

Le President
Our oldest son Rehm. He is my walking encyclopedia. He loves politics, band, scouts, friends, school, learning, debating, leadership, and being right about everything, even when he's not. We affectionately call him Captain Oblivious because if there is something happening that he is not the center of he is completely clueless. He is currently binge watching The West Wing and mad that we didn't clue him in to the show ages ago. He only likes to read non-fiction, which I really don't understand.

Latte
Our oldest daughter. She is the most empathetic girl I know. She loves school, swim, dancing (even though she doesn't take lessons but will be part of the middle school team in the fall), performing, and all things social. She is loud and dramatic, mostly in a good way. She hates riding long distances in the car. She is as stubborn as her mother, especially when dealing with her mother.

Rubylicious
Our feisty second daughter. She is very dramatic. Her world is one of extremes. There is never any doubt about how Ruby feels about something or someone. She loves gymnastics, reading, friends, arts and crafts, making a mess, and her pets. Ruby is currently reading the Beverly Cleary Ramona series and the Junie B. Jones books.

DirtOur cautious third daughter. She is very sensitive and likes to do things in her own way and own time. She loves to play sports, any kind of competition, getting dirty, being tough, reading, playing with the neighbors, being in the middle of the action, choir, and scouts. She dislikes change of any kind for any reason. Eliza Claire is currently reading the Little House on the Prairie series and just finished the Percy Jackson series.

Updated May 2016

Dinner Conversation with Eliza Claire

Tonight Michael and I were both sitting with Eliza Claire while she finished a late dinner after softball. I don't know quite how the conversation started but it had something to do with how much she likes to snuggle with me. Which turned into a conversation about the future.

Me: When you grew up I'm going to come to your house and tell you "I need snuggles!"

Eliza Claire (giggling): No you won't!

Me: Sure I will. Your kids will be complaining about wanting to snuggle with you and I'll tell them they can't because it is my turn!

Me: When you grew up are you going to have a husband and kids?

Eliza Claire: Yeah!

Me: Are you going to have a job, as well?

Eliza Claire (more giggles): Early I'm going to have a job but not when I have kids.

Michael: Are you going to stay home and snuggle with them all day?

Eliza Claire nods.

Michael: What if they are all boys?

Eliza Claire: Then I'm going to go to WORK!

Of course we all cracked up at that point. She is the cutest thing.

Jenn

Ready for Softball

Eliza Claire got her uniform today. She immediately wanted to try it on. Her first game is Tuesday. Her team is the dolphins.

I don't know if you can see her socks. They have waves and "dolphins" on them. Given their colors and team name were decided before looking for socks, I thought these were a great choice.



Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Palette Expander 3 of 4

Eliza Claire got her palette expander this week. Charlotte had hers removed last week. I found the timing funny. I joked with the girls that the orthodontist was going to sterilize Charlotte's appliance and use it for Eliza Claire. Neither girl thought that was a good idea.






Eliza Claire is our third child to have a palette expander. Ruby will be getting hers in 6 to 12 months. Every single one has a cross bite.

I did learn something new with this go round. Each crank of the appliance pushes the palette by 1/4 mm. A penny is 1 mm thick. We will be expanding Eliza Claire's palette by six pennies, almost a full inch! I've decided that orthodontia is modern day torture.



Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

No Sleep for the Weary and other Sunday Happenings

Ugh! I just left Charlotte's room. She had a horrible time falling asleep tonight. She was stressed over not being able to sleep which just makes it that much harder. She kept falling asleep, snoring or talking, then waking and swearing she had not been to sleep at all, yet. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! We've got to find a better solution.

In the morning I have to decide whether to wake her at her regular time or let her sleep and then freak out when she wakes and realizes she is late for school.

This morning I left everyone the same message in their hearts. I hid them in their seats at the table knowing that everyone doesn't usually sit down to eat breakfast together on Sundays.



Ruby had breakfast first. She came back upstairs with a twinkle in her eye. She snuggled up to me and asked if she really was my favorite. I assured her that she was. She gave me the biggest smile and hug. It was adorable.

All went well until we came home from church and Charlotte found her heart. Everyone just happened to be in the kitchen, Charlotte read hers aloud, to herself. Immediately there were multiple exclamations about each person having that message. Eliza Claire declared that she found hers first so clearly she was the favorite. Ruby informed her that she had found hers before Eliza Claire and was therefore the favorite. I assured them all that they are all my favorites. Luckily, they all took it in good humor and today's message did not backfire.

Ruby's head is looking better today and is bandage free. Still a bit bruised but healing, I just realized that I forgot to put any Rawleighs on it before I sent her to bed. My Granny swore by this salve for everything, but especially bruises. Mom even reminded me today when I talked to her and I still didn't do it.



It was such a nice day that Ruby asked if we could eat dinner outside. She offered to clean and set the table. It was a lovely evening for dining outside. It's a good thing we got that end before the next arctic blast this week.



Eliza Claire has decided that since I am hiding surprises for her that she should hide surprises for me. Being seven she can not wait for me to find them. She always comes to give me a nudge in the right direction. Tonight, she left these treasures for me.



Her note says, "You're my star." She really knows how to make a mom feel special. Maybe, I'm her favorite!

Jenn - the favorite mom

Weird Weather, Weird Week, Wonderful Words

The weather has been strange this winter. We have had to late start days and tomorrow will make our third full bad weather day. Today was a delayed start day and it turned out all the precipitation, a trace in most places, ended up well south of us. Tomorrow may very we'll end up the same way. No school and no bad weather. Only time will tells us.

It doesn't help that we had teacher work days Monday through Wednesday of this week. I enjoyed our days off but I was happy to have them going back to school for the rest of the week. That means, my children spent exactly five hours in school this week.




Tonight I found this lovely surprise from one of my children, Eliza Claire. It says: "Before you sew I love you. Love, someone in your family. PS. One kid." Isn't it adorable? I think someone likes her daily Valentines. Today I put their hearts in their lunch boxes. I love that they are feeling special and are learning to do nice things for others in return.

Jenn

Fixed for Now

Before



After



Since we are on February break I scheduled dentist and orthodontist appointments for today. Dentist for all and orthodontist for Eliza Claire.

Rehm's appointment had to be rescheduled due to a band rehearsal he had to go to. Can you hear my annoyance in my typing? Ugh! And he told me about it at the last minute.

In addition to a cleaning Eliza Claire also had her front two teeth repaired. She spent an hour an a half in the dentist's chair and thirty minutes later had to have X-rays and spacers at the orthodontist. She was a trooper and her new teeth look great!

The big question is, how long until she does something to these teeth again? Any bets?

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Overheard from the Backseat

But stealing is more fun! ~Eliza Claire

What?! It seems Ruby was telling Eliza Claire that she should ask to borrow Ruby's socks before taking them.

Meanwhile Charlotte was doing a neb treatment for her wheezy cough that just won't go away.



Given our afternoon of appointments. I was glad she could do the treatment in the van on the way to the dentist.

Jenn

Eliza Claire on Reading

Reading is awesome because it lets your imagination go wild! - Eliza Claire



I'm sure her teacher will be as thrilled as I was to hear this. I love having children who love reading. I am blessed that all four enjoy the pastime.

Learning Ally has been a huge help to my tow that have dyslexia. It allows them to read books their peers are reading without the frustration. We are lucky that our school provides accounts for both of our girls who need this wonderful tool.


Jenn

I Just Don't Know What to Think about This

Eliza Claire's class did an assignment where they had to make campaign posters. Several of the children had slogans about being able to get you friends, being nice, being good students, being able to get you what you want. This is Eliza Claire's poster:




In case you can't read it, it says, "I'm willing to do anything, Vote for Eliza!" How do I interpret this? She's willing to lie, cheat and steal for your vote? She'll pay you for your vote? She'll be your friend for your vote? She'll do your homework for your vote? Not exactly what you want to see on your seven year old's school work. I can't wait to ask her what she meant by this. I'm sure it is something much better than what I'm thinking. And, if not, I'll start explaining why this is not what you want to say or do to win elections.

Jenn

Why?

Please tell me why my girls can not use toothpaste neatly? It is constantly all over the counter and sink, caked on their toothbrushes, on the floor, on the cabinet fronts, everywhere. I noticed yesterday, while laying on the bathroom floor with Ruby, who was mad about something and refusing to go to bed, that there is even a spot about the size of a pencil eraser on the ceiling! It is just gross, disgusting, and drives me crazy!



I'm seriously considering taking away the toothpaste and making them just brush with water for a while.

Jenn

Why Does This Child Always Injure her Mouth?

Yes, Eliza Claire has done it again! She has chipped/broken her front teeth. Permanent teeth. Permanent teeth that came in undamaged even though she fell injuring the baby teeth in a way that we were concerned would also damage the permanent ones. This girl seems prone to always injuring her mouth. I don't get it.






Honestly, I'm just glad this injury seems to be primarily cosmetic and not overly painful.

I just realized that I didn't mention how she did this. She was riding her scooter and hit a crack. She must have fallen tooth first into the sidewalk. I'm shocked she didn't bust her lip or injure anything else.

Jennifer

For My Dad

Eliza Claire did this at school for Veteran's Day. It just came home this week.



It says, "Veteran's Day is important to me because my Papa was in the military. I think he fought in World War II. I really love him."

He actually fought in Vietnam. World War II was over before he was born. I guess the good news is she knew he fought in a war, even if she didn't know which one.


Jenn

Bingo

We had lunch with the grandparents today. Bingo was the pre-lunch entertainment.









Everyone was enthralled. You would have thought they were playing for prizes or money. They weren't.

I love continuing my family's Sunday family lunch tradition. I think it is good for all three generations involved.

When we left it was raining. This is how my kids reacted.








In other happenings today, I was very proud of Charlotte. She helped Michael lead worship at the 8:15 service. Getting up in front of 60 or more people can be daunting. Charlotte read the call to worship and the prayer of adoration. These are not easy things to read when you are ten and have a learning disability. She totally rocked it.

Eliza Claire came through the house practicing her zombie walk. According to her the key to an authentic zombie walk is dragging your right foot. Dragging your left foot is a dead give away that you are a zombie imposter.

The girls spent the entire afternoon running around outside with the neighborhood kids. I love that Texas winters typically allow for lots of outdoor time. I guess it partially makes up for the six months of the year that being outside is unbearable.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Friday

Today has been another fun and laid back day.






I've officially lost my mind and started a block of the month quilt at a local quilt shop. I didn't know what has possessed me. I hope I'm not in too far over my head. At least I'm trying something new and getting out of my comfort zone.

Shoe shopping with Rehm was not torture today. I'm so glad he has settled on a brand he likes. Now we can be in and out in half an hour. And they didn't cost a fortune.

Ruby told Cici at lunch "to be responsible" when Cici asked her to do a cartwheel in the restaurant. Of course, Cici was joking.

Papa took Charlotte and Eliza Claire fishing today. Eliza Claire caught her first fish. At least, she says it is her first. I think she has caught some before but if so,Nashe doesn't remember. If the anglers are anywhere near accurate (truthful), the fish was a two foot long carp. Charlotte was not so lucky. She didn't even get a bite!

Papa called Charlotte "Cheese Bob" this afternoon when she was wearing a stool on her head. He meant Sponge Bob but didn't come up with it. Charlotte is now calling him "Cat Head" because Phineas is sitting on the back do the chair he is sitting in.

Jenn

All About Eliza Claire

Eliza Claire brought home a paper she did on the first day of school that was titled All about Me.  Here is what she had to say about herself.

What words best describe you and your personality?  Like school

What is your favorite activity to do with others?  Play Wii

Describe your family.  Fun, Crazy

What is your special talent? Singing

What is your most treasured possession?  Bear

What is your favorite activity to do alone?  Play with my toys

What is your favorite school subject?  Reading

What person do you admire most?  Mom

What career would you like to have in the future?  Beluga whale trainer

I love this girl so much.  She is so much fun.  I am lucky to get to be her Mom.

Jenn

Twins being twins

The girls wanted to snuggle last night. I think they were just trying together out of going to sleep.









Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Curls

Charlotte has discovered that she can roll her own hair and wake up with curls whenever she wants to.

Last night she rolled her hair and Ruby's and put Eliza Claire's in a bun so they would all have curls this morning.

Ruby woke up with not a single curler still in her hair, and thus stick straight hair. Eliza Claire's hair was still wet so she had no curls. Charlotte was in tears because she had waves on one side and tight curls on the other.

Of course they were trying to leave the house for early church.

Charlotte and Ruby were not happy. Eliza Claire was unphased by the results.

Charlotte decided a pony tail would make hers acceptable.

Ruby needed curls. She left the house with hot rollers in her hair and instructions on when to take them out. I have no idea if she ended up with curls or not or what they looked like. But she wasn't pitching a fit any more so hopefully the results didn't start a new one.

Ah, life with girls


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Night Time Songs

My girls have always insisted that I sing them a bedtime song.  Strangely enough it is not something Rehm has ever requested.  Rehm was always so happy to go to bed and to sleep that he rarely cared about prolonging the bedtime routine.  Of course now that he is older he will do anything he can to push his bedtime back but he still doesn't request songs.

Charlotte has always requested the same song.  Honestly we've probably been singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to her since she was a year old.  Every night, it never varies.  It must be Twinkle, Twinkle.  I have modified the words a bit to make it more special.  "You're my diamond in the sky, Twinkle, twinkle little star, How I love just who you are!"

Ruby has had a few songs.  For about six months when she was two, her song was John, Jacob, Jingle, Hiemer, Schmidt.  Then she got stuck on what she refers to as "Doddle, Loos" which is A Bushel and a Peck.  I don't see her changing her pick anytime soon. 

Eliza Claire was stuck on ABC's for a very long time, she specifically likes the Go Fish version which has a bit added to the end.  Then about two years ago, I sang the Oscar Mayer Bologna song one day when making bologna sandwiches for lunch.  All the kids looked at me like I was crazy.  I did what any good parent would and quickly found the original commercial on YouTube and played it for them.  Eliza Claire has asked for "Oscar Mayer" almost every night since.  When I was singing it tonight I wondered if we would ever move on to a more appropriate bedtime song.  For some reason singing about bologna doesn't make me feel all special and loved, but it seems to work for her.

While Rehm has never wanted songs, he did go through a phase where he had a game he played every night.  He was probably 4 or 5 at the time.  When we would tuck him in he would tell us three random words, like ball, fish, and star, and would would have to go back in his room a few minutes later and tell the words back to him.  I guess he was making sure we didn't have early signs of dementia.  Over time it evolved and he started using the same three made up words each night, hee-ya, doo-ah, dub-a-dee.  When asked what the were he told us dub-a-dee was a salty drink.  The others never had a meaning.  He has always been a very unique kid.

It is funny to me how different and special each one of my kids are. 

Jenn

Another Eliza Claire First

Last week Eliza Claire became the first kid in the family to have teeth pulled. Charlotte will argue that she was first as the orthodontist pulled one of her front teeth that just required a bit of wiggling. It did not have to be pulled he just did it because she was there and it was really lose

EC went to the dentist at the end of June and we learned she had an abscess and would need at least two teeth pulled. I told her that if she wiggled them a lot she could probably get them out before her appointment. She said, "No! I want Dr. Watts to pull them!"

The morning of the procedure she told me her "tummy felt a little nervous."



Dr. Watts staff was amazing. They were so kind and patient and nurturing.



She did a great job.






Now I just have to get used to the gapped tooth smile.






Jenn- Posted from my iPhone