Splish Splash

Joel bought the kids a water slide. this year so we would not have to put up the pool. They really seem to love it. Their friend Natalie came over to play on the slide today.

Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons-Josh took swim lessons again this summer. He learned so much last year we thought it would be good for him to learn new techniques and become a stronger swimmer. By the last session they were swimming 5 warm up laps.

Disney World 2008

We went to the Pirate and Princess party and had tons of fun! Belle went back to the hotel with Joel's parents and Joel, Josh and I stayed and rode several rides. Josh loved Splash Mountain, but his favorite was Tower of Tower. He also went on Everest and Space Mountain.

What a great visit! We finished our trip with a day at Magic Kingdom. We thought we would only have time for a few rides, but luck was on our side. As Joel, his parents and the kids were coming off the train they were greeted by Disney Officials and given "Dream Fast Passes". So we were able to go on every ride we wanted that day. Hook and his buddy were trying to steal the kids fast passes.

Belle Turns Four
Belle turned four while we were at Disney. As a special treat she got to go to the Bippitty Boppitty Boutique. She had her hair done and picked out a special princess dress, shoes, wand and crown. She refused to have her make-up done

but looked like a princess anyway

Checking our luggage at the airport.

We had to get up very early to catch our flight.

As you can see the kids are only half awake.

Josh loves having to wake up when it is still dark to leave for a trip. It does add an element excitement to a trip.

Wake Up

Why is it during the week I have to threaten the kids to get out of bed, but on the weekends they are up before I would normally wake them during the week? Is this a sick plan that Granparents plant in our children to get back at us for all the early mornings.

During the week I go into Josh's room all sweet and nice---"Joshy, wake up sweetheart it is time for school." Hmm, nothing! "I know you dont want to get up, but you have to"...Nothing...Hmmm should I be worried? So the light goes on-it's alive, he moved. A few more nice words of encouragment. Oh and dont let me forget to say --inbetween my all this coaxing I am packing his lunch and getting his snack together, oh and of course the money for the fundraiser to help pay for the art teacher. That is another story in itself. Let's just say Josh hates art day, all they do is watch a movie and draw. Great glad I am working so hard to pay her! Back to the story...Josh buddy time to get up or we are going to be late, you want some cereal?? Great he is back asleep. Oh I better check the news, maybe we will have a snow day. Granted it is 58 degress, but in the south threat of snow during school hours can lead to school cancelation. Bummer nothing.

It is time to change tactics...Joshua get up now or you wont be able to go to the YMCA and swim tonight. It worked he sits up. Of course he is mumbling about hating school and all the work he has to do. "Josh you just had all weekend to rest, it is Monday a brand new start!!" I hate Mondays he says today is Art and I hate art do I have to go to school. Urgh! That Art class is my demise. Only 4 more days to go before the weekend.


I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree. When Josh was a baby I thought, I am morning person. I go to bed early and wake up early. Then reality hit. Morning does not start at 8:30. It starts between 6:00 and 6:30. Now I go to bed later and get up earlier. So Saturday is my one day to sleep in. I am feeling pretty good about this too. Josh is spending the night at a friends house so he wont wake me up. Joel leaves for work. Ten minutes later Belle is in my room. She cant just crawl in bed. She has to pry my eye open with her cold little fingers. "Hi Mommy, morning time...Wake up...I want chocalate milk. I look at the clock 6:30

OK Mom, I get it, your punishing me for all the early mornings.

Addition Facts

Josh finally passed his #6 addition facts! His teacher sent a note home last Friday-she wanted us to work on the 6's. Apparently, Josh has a nervous breakdown when he takes the test. So we worked all week. I gave him a practice test on Thursday and he about fell apart. He gets so worried about the time, that he can't concentrate. The more he practiced, the more his confidence grew and he did not seem to get so nervous. If anyone has any advice on how to calm his nerves please let us know? I have tried everything. HELP!

Birth of a New Blog

Hard to believe that I am actually doing this! I thought it would be a great way for all our family and friends to watch the kids grow and keep in touch with us! If you know me expect a ton of pictures, a little bragging and hopefully funny stories. Hope you all enjoy-The Stireks