Keeping the Tooth Fairy in Business

This has been a big week for the kids. Jacob lost a tooth yesterday. We were at a restaurant and he said "mom, I bit into a seed". I didn't think anything about it. Jack later noticed his tooth was gone and we thought he swallowed it once again, but the "seed" was actually his tooth, so we were able to put it under his pillow. Today, Jenna lost her first tooth (how sad). The tooth fairy is going broke, but at least I remembered last night to put the money under the pillow!!

Happy 7th Birthday, Jacob

Today, my "little" boy turns 7!! Happy Birthday, Jacob!! I can now tell people I have a 9, 7 and 6 year old instead of saying two six year olds that are not twins!!! After Joshua was born we waited a little while but knew we wanted another child. With all the problems I had getting pregnant with Joshua we didn't know how it would go. I went to the doctor for my yearly only to find out that I was pregnant!! Then I had a miscarriage. I was so devastated. I knew I couldn't do this on my own. I didn't want to go through everything again. The doctor told me to wait one cycle and start trying again. I never had a cycle. One night I felt sick and I couldn't shake the feeling. A friend called and I told her and she said "your pregnant". I had to meet Jack somewhere to give him some money so I did that and then ran to CVS to get a pregnancy test and sure enough it was positive. Jacob gave me some scares throughout my pregnancy, but God blessed us with a beautiful, healthy baby boy! We love you Jacob!!! Happy 7th birthday!!

Schools Out........

Today is the last day of school. I'm not sure if I am happy or sad! The end of school means end of the year parties. Joshua had his Tuesday. His class went to Noah's landing (which I may have to visit this summer). I couldn't go to his because I had to go to Jacob's. Jacob's class had his at White Deer Park. Then Tuesday night Jenna's class had hers at Mrs. Morris' house. I'm so grateful for the great teachers my kids were blessed with. Each of them were so awesome and I couldn't have asked for better.

Jacob's Party

Jacob's birthday is Saturday the 29th. Because we will be out of school and because it is a holiday weekend we decided to have a party for him this past Saturday. We went to Adventure Landing. After much research, this seemed to be the best place as far as value. For under $100 (we had 8 kids) we got popcorn, pizza, and all the drinks we could have. They also gave the kids goodie bags, provided the paper products, gave Jacob a birthday mug. We also gave each child 40 tokens to play games, one game of laser tag and they got unlimited golf for almost 2 hours!! He has told me several times how fun his party was. I think we definitely got our moneys worth!!

Early Edition of Money Saving Monday

Monday mornings are rough, so I thought I would post early again. This week was a FABULOUS money saving week. To start the week off, I got two FREE bottles of Herbal Essence shampoo, a three pack of Dial soap and some Old Spice hair and body wash (not for me of course). Next I saved at the grocery store. Harris Teeter ran their Super Doubles, so of course, I was there. I saved $30 in coupons (this is not counting the savings of using my VIC card). Coupon clipping does pay!! Finally yesterday at the yard sales (we managed to get some in before the rain) the kids got two videos, I bought a game for 25 cents and some great Christian hardback books for 50 cents each. Jack managed to snag a deal on some action figures which are worth some money on Ebay, so hopefully we will make some money. I LOVE saving my family money!! Sorry I didn't take pictures, but I have a lot on my camera from Jacob's party.

Field Trip

I've been busy working so much, but I had the chance to go on Jenna's field trip Tuesday to Marbles Kids Museum. I'm so thankful for the days off so that I can go with my kids on their field trips. Both of my kids have enjoyed this place so much that I think I will take them back one day during the summer.

football fun

I decided to try to record some of Joshua's game Saturday. I didn't get much footage because it is hard to follow him, but I did get this one play where he pulled the flags off the other team. He did really good on defense this week and stopped some potential touchdowns. We won again and are now 3-0. Go Jets!!

Money Saving Monday

I had a great week again. I got some shave cream, panty liners, and two deodorants all for free this past week. On top of that, I was able to go to some yard sales for about 45 minutes Saturday before my day got incredibly busy. Jacob got a video for 25 cents, Joshua found a book for 25 cents, I found Jacob a nice pair of shoes for $1 and we got a new DVD/VCR player for $7!! Our DVD player broke and we wanted a new dvd/vcr player and we ended up with one that was better than the one we had!! Can't wait to see how I can save this week!!

Sports mom

I think I'm going to get a new license plate that says "sports mom" on it. I must admit I enjoy running around with my kids seeing them compete in sports. I try to stay "calm" but it doesn't work. The main thing I like is that my kids WANT to do this. I'm not pushing them in to anything they don't want to do. Jenna chose soccer over gymnastics. Joshua chose football over soccer (although he would play soccer if I let him). Jacob now has an interest in tennis and I'm trying to find a place for him. I love to see them find something they want to do. Unfortunately we are not a "music" family (although I wish I could get a piano and give them lessons...need a bigger house) and I am definitely not artistic, so I am glad they go with something they are good at. Jenna scored at least one goal in every game but one. She doesn't smile or cheer or gloat. She just kicks it in, walks back and gets ready for the next kickoff. Her season is now over so all we have is football on Saturday mornings.

Mixed Emotions......

I feel like today is my last free day at home. I've been so busy with appointments, subbing and other things that I haven't had many free days lately. Next week Jenna has a field trip and then the following week the kids are out of school. I thought about just laying around today, but there is so much to do around the house that I can't get it all done.
I'm anxious for school to be out. It means it is time for our beach trip, no more running around in the morning like a crazy person, no more tests to study for, projects to get done. While I'm anxious for the end, I'm also a little sad. I won't have any more days to myself (I'm sure that sounds incredibly selfish) and I don't know what I'll do during the summer to keep the kids occupied/entertained. We don't have a pool membership or any place to go like that. The free movies this summer doesn't look too promising. A lot of them are ones that we have seen or that we have. My mind is blank right now. I hope to come up with some routine or schedule to help me get organized so that we aren't wasting our days. I'm also praying that Jack will be going to Chicago in July and that things will work out for me to go with him.

Mothers Day

I hope you all had a nice Mother's Day. Mine was great. My kids and husband gave me breakfast in bed. I don't think I've ever had breakfast in bed, so it was a real treat. The only thing was that we still were rushed to get to church and I couldn't enjoy it more. It was nice to have someone cook and cleanup. They served me pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast, and diet coke!! I also got a top of the line can opener, which I desperately needed. We went to church and I was disappointed that once again, I missed the mother's day message. Seems like every year I have children's church, but I enjoyed being in there with them anyway. Later that day Joshua, Jenna and I went to Kohl's and I stopped by coldstone for my free mother's day ice cream.......I LOVE coldstone! I wish mother's day came more than once a year because it's nice to get pampered like this!

Flag Football

Joshua started flag football a few weeks ago. I've been a little nervous starting a new sport, but he is learning quick and he LOVES it. Today he scored 4 points (two (2) extra point attempts) and had several pulls (where they pull the flags off the opponents). I was so proud to see him. Each week they also work on a personality trait. The person who demonstrates that the best earns a medal. First week was sportsmanship and I can't remember what last week was, but this week it was courtesy. Joshua won the medal for showing courtesy the best. He was helping people by picking up their flags and handing it to them, picking up the ball for the ref, congratulationing the other team when they scored. He has wanted that medal for the past two weeks, so he really worked hard and did great. We are also 2-0 so far!! Go Jets!! Needless to say, I am feeling very proud this Mother's day.....not only for the success of Joshua, but for all my kids.

My best friend

I love Jack. He's been so good to me. He's been calling me lately from work checking on me to make sure I'm ok. When I was sick earlier this week with strep, he took the kids so that I could rest, cleaned up, unloaded the dishwasher for me etc. He bought dinner Monday night so that I wouldn't have to try and cook. He's been very supportive and encouraging through my "recovery" time. He has been very supportive about next year. He told me it was ok for me to quit preschool and be a "full time sub" if that's what I wanted. (I know we can do it, but we may never go on vacation or dates again!!). It's been so comforting the last couple of weeks to be able to lean on someone else. I love you sweetheart!! Thank you for all your help and support!

future choices

I've been really busy the last week subbing. I subbed Thursday for Jenna's class, Friday for Jacob's class, half day on Monday and all day today for Joshua's class. I have really enjoyed it, but I can tell it is also wearing down my body. I'm still working at the preschool, and running around like a crazy woman, so I think all of that added together has hit me.
Anyway, Mrs. Davis thanked me the other day for subbing. She said it was so nice to call someone who wanted to work and would tell her yes, unless I was working. More and more I don't see a non-teaching job opening up for next year, but I'm still hopeful for the future. She did tell me that she would use me as a "full time sub" (love that term), meaning she would call me first like she does now. They plan on having 12 teachers next year, maybe 13, if Joshua's class can grow enough to split. I don't think that will happen. Anyway, she told me each teacher can take 8 days off. Some don't take anything or don't use up the 8 days. Some use more than 8 days. That is 96 possible days off. If I got 55 days of subbing (that sounds like A LOT) than I would make as much as preschool......hmmm something to think about I guess.
Enrollment is down at preschool still. I'm thinking I will not get 5 days next year, and right now no one is secure in their job. Just more thought into what to do next year!!!!

3+3=6

Someone once told me that after you have two kids it's nothing to keep adding more (ask the Duggers that....19 and counting). We added 3 more to our mix last night and it really hasn't been a problem. Wes and Joshua are entertaining themselves, Wes and Will are doing the same as well as Jenna and Skye. All I have to do is do a head count and make sure I have 6 instead of 3!!

Last night Monica asked us over for dinner. She was brave to take on 8 of us!! The kids had a blast....playing, feeding the animals and fishing. They were really tired when we got home. Thanks Monica for having us over!!