Getting Crafty

I've spent the last couple of days working on some Halloween craft ideas. I know it's not October yet but it will be soon!

This weekend we took a fun-filled trip to Concord, NC to the Great Wolf Lodge. The kids had a great time swimming and howling like wolves. They stayed in a Wolf Den complete with bunk beds, wolf murals and their own tv. What else could a kid ask for? Well, apparently a stuffed dragon. Both had to have red dragons before we left the resort. I had hoped they would choose a wolf to serve as a souvenir of their experience but they went for the dragons. They had a great time swimming, playing in the arcade and meeting Wiley Wolf.
Upon checking in both kids wanted the top bunk; however, as night fell only one lone cub entered into that domain....Emma. Jehu was "too scary" as he always says. He wanted to sleep with mommy.
The trip also included a shopping excursion at Concord Mills where we picked up lots of clothes for school! Jehu got some cool cords and henleys; Emma got a sassy hat and belt plus cute jeans and shirts that will look soooo cute with her pink cowboy boots. :)

Flower Garden

It's amazing how quickly plants will grow! I've enjoyed watching butterflies flitter about the blooms. :)

Swimming Lessons

Day 1 - 4

Emma has really embraced swimming. She has used the noodle to float and loves to wear her goggles. Jehu surprised us by getting in the water the very first day. Although he hasn't ventured away from the water's edge it's encouraging to see him splash and play. He even stuck his head in the water on day 3 and screamed...he thought that was great fun!

Memo Board

About six months ago my dad gave me some sheet metal and wooden frames so I could make magnetic memo boards for the kids' rooms and the kitchen. I finally got around to putting one together and here's how it looks. The magnets have buttons on them for decoration.

Memories From Childhood

The other night Kiki came over to visit and eat pizza! Emma got the Barbies out and it became a walk down memory lane. See the cool Barbie case that folds out and has twin beds? Wow! It even has pillows, rugs and entertainment options. They thought of everything!!!

Elmer Fudd and other things...

The other night Jehu sang "Rock-A-Bye Baby" while he tried to go to sleep. He sounded just like Elmer Fudd.

Wok a bye baby in the twee top

When the wind bwos the cwadle will wok

when the bough bweaks the cwadle will fall

down will come baby cwadle and all

It was difficult not to laugh - it was just so cute. Earlier in the evening he had thrown some of his stretchy lizards, snacks, frogs and worms up on the ceiling...one lizard is still stuck. He'll come down...eventually.

Much has happened since my last post. My father in-law passed away on December 23rd after battling recurring boughts with pneumonia for about 18 months. It was hard to say good-bye but is comforting to know he is in a much better place and in wonderul health! I can imagine him filling his parents in on all the events of the past 70 or so years. They died when he was about 9 within a week of each other of pneumonia.

Joe and I took a much needed vacation to Antigua where we enjoyed some true rest and relaxation. When we left it was 20 degrees in Charlotte so the 80 degree weather there felt devine. We missed the children but enjoyed quiet time. After 7 days in the sun, two massages and a facial I was feeling almost human again. Huge thanks go out to those who made this trip possible: Mimi, Kiki and Becky - you guys are angels! Plans are already in the works for a trip to Jamaica - probably when school is out. :) Can't wait!

I have returned to work in order to assist with student body elections and as with every other year there is a lot of drama. Hopefully after the run-offs next week things will calm down. My last day is scheduled for March 18th.

Jehu is working on doing the do on the potty. I'm so proud of him!

Emma has decided she wants long hair - we'll see how long that lasts since she cannot stand to have it brushed. :)

Both kids have a favorite new name for people: poo poo butt They especially like to say it to each other which means our turtle (Tattle) has been quite busy listening to the moans and groans of the Doozies.

Mom and Bob gave the kids battery operated cars for Christmas. Emma picked out the pink Barbie Mustang and Bob picked out the

John Deere Gator for Jehu. They love to ride in them but have difficulty steering...so, for the next foreseeable future someone one must walk beside them and help with that.