Time For Your Check Up! Time For Your Check Up!

Don't you just love this Doc McStuffins song?  We've been singing it all week, because I decided to squeeze all of the kiddos' summer doctor appointments into one week.  It also just so happens to be the same week as VBS.  I...am....dragging!!!  But, it might because I stayed up really late on Monday night to watch the Bachelorette Season Finale and After the Final Rose.  After each season, I swear that I won't watch the show any more, but somehow it always sucks me back in and makes me do crazy things like stay up way too late when I shouldn't.

On Monday, all of the kiddos had well kid check ups.  As we were walking into our pediatrician's office, I heard someone say, "Yep, she's got four of 'em!"  (We always hear comments about the size of our family, but this summer, the comments have been extra CRAZY!  I might have to write a whole post on the things people say.)  While we were there, I got asked if we home school.  I'm not sure what, but something about our family says home school.  I get asked very often. The kids all got weighed and measured.  Evan and Karsyn are both tall for their ages.  They both measured between 75-80%.  I knew Evan was a big guy, I just didn't realize that Karsyn was tall too.  The girls' doctor told them that Karsyn may be the little sister, but they'll be looking up to her one day. =)  Evan's doctor thinks he'll be taller than Jason - he's 6'1".  Addi and Payton always measure in the 50% for height.

Everything went well at the check ups, until Addi had to get 3 shots.  She screamed and cried.  I can't say that I blame her.  I know that shots hurt. When one sister in our family hurts, they all do.  All of Addi's distress caused Payton and Karsyn to start screaming and crying too.  As I was considering doing a nose dive under the exam table, Evan decided to take matters into his own hands and not so very kindly tell all of his sisters to stop crying.  Between trying to console three sobbing sisters, I had to correct Evan's behavior. (Side note, telling someone to stop crying is never effective.)  As much fun as that all was, the appointment wasn't over yet.  Let's just say, samples were due.  The girls weren't quite done with their melt downs yet.  When we stepped out of the restroom, three Pharmacuital Reps gave me the stink eye.  Later in the day, I kind of giggled about it all.  It's sweet that Pay and Karsyn care so deeply for Addi.  I'm sure one day, I'll tell the kiddos and we'll all laugh.  But in the moment, it took everything I had to remain calm and patient.   By the time we checked out, everything in the world was right again.  Before the mini melt downs, the girls' doctor laid hands on each of the girls and prayed over them.  I love taking my children to Christian doctors.  There have been very few times we've left their office without praying together.

Tuesday, the kiddos all had dentist appointments.  It went so much better than the doctors' appointments the day before!  Hallelujah! Even better, Jason got to come along with us.  It was Karsyn and Addi's first dental check up.  Karsyn didn't want to do the panoramic x-ray.  It looked really scary to her.  She was a little bummed that she they didn't have any orange tooth paste, but over all, she did great.  Addi did the panoramic x-ray like a champ.  It turns out that she does have one little cavity.  She's being referred to a pediatric dentist to have it filled since her mouth is so little. For reasons that I'll never fully understand, Evan and Payton absolutely love going to the dentist. They always look forward to going.  Payton is going back for a braces consult soon.  She's going to have quite a bit of work done to her teeth over the next few months/years. Evan's teeth are looking great.  More likely than not, he'll be a brace face too.  It's still a little early to know for sure on him.  The kiddos all did so good that they got to pick prizes out of the treasure chest.  One kind of funny thing that happened, I had an in depth conversation with the hygienist.  When I was checking the kids out, she came out and thanked me for talking to her. Sometimes, people just need a listening ear.  All of the ladies that work at the dentist office are very sweet.  It's not the first time I've had a conversation like that with one of them. ha!

This afternoon, Payton and Addi had eye exams. (Evan had one over Spring Break.  We'll wait just a while longer for Karsyn.)  Addi's peepers see perfectly.  This did not come as welcomed news to her, because she really wanted purple glasses.  Payton, on the other hand, will soon be a glasses girl.  She had talked with her cousin, Emily, about glasses and I guess they decided together that they should have the same frames.  Since Emily sees the same doctor, Payton had the assistant check Emily's chart so that they can be twinsies.  She's can't wait to surprise Emily soon when she shows up with the same glasses. =) They crack me up!

And that was all of our summer appointments.  Although, Addi does have speech tomorrow.  Just to add more fun and craziness to our week, we've decided to have not one, but two switch-a-roo sleep overs this week.  Tomorrow night, Evan will stay the night at our best friend family's house.  Their daughter Katelyn will sleep over here.   On Friday, Payton will stay the night with her cousin Emily and Stephen will sleep over here. =)  Sunday we're going to MO.  We'll rest next week....maybe.

Six in Pix - Week 9

Here's week 9 of Six in Pix.

July 23, 2014 - The kiddos and I went to see Madagascar 3 at the Kid's Free Summer Movie Festival.  It's a really cute movie!  When the movie was over, we brought Jason lunch at the flip house.  In the afternoon, Evan taught Karsyn how to play Candyland.  She's such a smart little lady.  She picked it up right away.  Payton and I made a batch of brownies in the evening for our evening Uno tournament. 

July 24, 2014 - Evan had his last basketball game of the season.  The boys got a brutal beat down, but they fought hard until the last buzzer.

July 25, 2014 - I took the kiddos out for snow cones and to the splash pad.  At the end of the day, I sure enjoyed putting my feet up and watching a little TV. (This was an uh-oh...I gotta take a picture kind of day.)

July 26, 2014 - We headed to the pool when Daddy got off work...we just had to wait for Karsyn to stop finding dandelions.  This little lady loves flowers.

July 27, 2014 - VBS week kicked off.  We invited Stephen to come along.  The kiddos all had a super good time!

July 28, 2014 - The kiddos had well child checks in the morning.  In the evening, we were off to VBS.

After taking all 4 kiddos to the doctor and then helping out at VBS, I was pretty tired.  But, I was really looking forward to watching the season finale of the Bachelorette.  I stayed up until midnight watching it all.  It ended how I hoped that it would. =)

July 29, 2014 - The kiddos had dentist appointments in the morning.  In the evening, we went to day 3 of VBS.

And that was our week!  Hope yours was great!

The Weekend What

We can count how many weekends we have left before school starts on one hand!  Wow!  So, here's what happened this weekend.  Saturday, the kiddos and I did housework until Daddy got home from work.  Keeping the house clean on summer break could be a full time job.  Daddy got home and we headed to the pool, but not before Karsyn picked and blew a few dandelions.  My goodness!  She looks like such a big girl here!

 Jason had to clean the pool when we got there, so the kiddos patiently waited.

Finally, it was time to get in.  I thought Payton looked extra pretty. 

 We all had a lot of fun in the pool.

We left the pool and settled down for a movie night.  The kiddos piled into the girls' room and watched Frozen.  They were all so tired, they only watched about 15 minutes.  Jason and I watched The Notebook.  It's such a sweet movie.  I need to read the book.  I love Nicholas Sparks.  

Sunday morning, we really looked forward to church, because our best friend family was visiting.  We went to the same church for a few years together before both our families left.  They were really excited to try the new church, because several other families from our old church are now attending.  Nana and Papa came again too.  I'm cautiously optimistic that we may all be attending the same church again. =)  After church, we went out to eat with our best friends.  It's always a good time when our families get together.  We came home and most of our little family took a nap.

I enjoyed a big bowl of peppermint ice cream.  Uncle Billy surprised me this week when he stopped by with a carton of my favorite ice cream.  He's such a great brother.  (Thanks again Billy!!!!)

Vacation Bible School kicked off tonight.  We picked up Stephen on the way.

 Karsyn decided that she would only stay with her group if her Daddy went with her.  I wanted to help too, so I went with Addi's group.  It was a lot of fun.

The boys were pretty pumped after!

 It was a great weekend, but like most, it went by way too fast.  This week, is going to be crazy.  Somehow, I ended up scheduling every single summer appointment the same week that we have VBS.  Well kid check ups are Monday.  Dentist appointments are on Tuesday.  Eye doctor appointments are on Wednesday.  Speech Therapy is on Thursday.  Friday is going to have to be pajama day!

Summer Basketball Wrap Up

Last night, Evan had his last basketball game of the summer season.  I had spent the morning on the phone with Nikon, because I wanted to take real pictures of this game.  Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do over the phone to get my new camera to work.  So, cell phone pictures it is. Back to the game, it looked like the boys were going to have to play 4 on 5. At the last minute, we had a fifth player show up.  The odds just weren't in our favor for the game.  We didn't have enough players to sub out and the other team was very tall.  Evan always measures in the 80% in height for his age, but check out how short he looked next to the other players during prayer.

 The boys got one last pep talk from their coach and then it was time to play.

This league has slightly different rules than other leagues we have played for before.  Most leagues the kiddos have played on before only allow full court press during the last two minutes of the game.  This league allows it the entire game.  Without being able to sub, our boys were getting wore out.  One of the boys on our team fought a little too hard.  That afforded the other team many opportunities to shoot free throws.

Even though the other team kept a strong lead the entire game, our boys never gave up.  Evan really hustled out there.

After the game,  I could see a look of defeat written all over Evan's face.  I saw him searching the crowd for my face.  He looked at me and I gave him my "It's going to be okay" face.  I think all mamas have a look they can give their kiddos where they just know everything is going to be alright.  Evan looked at me and then looked down.  He looked back at me and nodded a couple of times.  The defeat on his face was soon replace by a smile.  I love having a conversation with no words.  Evan may play summer basketball next year, but he won't be playing this fall.  He's going to focus more on soccer, wrestling, and band.  Some of my most favorite moments have been watching him out on the court.  I'm proud of the way that he has played the game and the leadership he always shows.  Not matter what he plays, he'll always be the MVP in my book.

Splishing and Splashing Away {2014}

Here's a couple of fun summer videos.  If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen them.  Hope you enjoy!

 

Watermelon Minis

The kiddos' watermelon patch picture CD came in the mail today.  I'm so excited to share them!  If you live in Northeast Oklahoma, I highly recommend Walker Photography.  Christy is so sweet and patient.  She was great with the kiddos and I look forward to doing business with her in the future.

Our Children

Evan

Our Girls

Payton

Addisyn

Karsyn

I love them all!!!!

Six in Pix - Week 8

Two months of summer have come and gone...oh my!!  School starts in a month!  Here's week 8 of Six in Pix.

July 16, 2014 - We had the best time at the zoo with Mindi, John, Millie, James, and Molly.

July 17, 2014 - Addi had Speech Therapy in the early afternoon.  After we went to Target, because all 3 girls have been asking for Spy Phones and were just sure that was the place to go.  It wasn't a complete shocker that we weren't able to find any. Where does one find a spy phone?  I just don't know.  The girls settled for these light up fans.   They had the most fun playing with them in the dark.

July 18, 2014 - We spent another day at the zoo with Aunt Kary, Natalie, Emily, Stephen, and Leon.  The kiddos had a little too much fun with this Dino.

July 19, 2014 - After a busy day of bargain shopping for groceries and trying to put together the new swing set, we had Movie Night.

July 20, 2014 - We went to church and then spent the rest of the day playing outside.

July 21, 2014 - The heat is back on!  I took the kiddos out for snow cones.  Evan always picks out the strangest flavors.  He made his own creation of mango, birthday cake, and cotton candy.  He said it was so good that he plans to get it next time!  He offered me a bite, but I declined. =)  After snow cones, we met up with Aunt Kary, Natalie, Emily, and Stephen at the splash pad.  Nat felt bad that Addi got upset with her at the zoo and made it up to her by spending time playing with her in the water.  She's such a good cousin!  Karsyn played along with them too.  Emily and Payton were inseparable as usual.  Evan and Stephen spent almost every second at the water cannons.  Some giggly girls kept splashing them with water.  Ugh!!!  This is all post worthy of itself, but my camera batter died.  =(

July 22, 2014 - The girls had gymnastics in the morning and we spent the afternoon playing in the backyard.  It was the kind of day the required an extra amount of patience, grace, and an early bedtime.  After the kiddos were all snug in bed, I did a little online retail therapy. 

Hope you had a great week!

Adjusting

As the new school year approaches, I have been made humbly aware of just how much change is taking place in our little family.  At church on Sunday, I wrote down in my notes that change is going to happen.  Ever been to a sermon that you felt like was just for you?  God knew what I needed to hear.  Sometimes though, change is tough.  It's especially tough when you like things the way they are.  My Grandma Paula always tells me that I am living in the best years of my life.  She's right.  If I could just freeze time and soak this season in a little longer, I would.  I know that's not possible and I also know that I'd be robbing our family of the joy that is in store as the kids grow up.  So, I will try my best to embrace all of the changes that are taking place or will take place soon.  I'll learn to adjust.

A big recent adjustment, which has been a huge blessing, is Jason's changing positions at work.  Having him closer and working a more normal schedule is amazing.  He'll never be a 9-5'er with weekends and holidays off in his line of work, but his schedule now is as close to that as it ever will be. It's such a far change from his old schedule.  He used to work around 70 hours a week on a rotating over night schedule. It was tough on all of us.  When school starts, he'll be able to take Payton and Addi most days of the week.  The girls are looking so forward to daddy taking them.  He'll also be able to help with after school practices, depending on which day of the week they fall.  He has every Sunday off now and we love knowing that he can always be at church with us.

I'll soon be adjusting to being a working mom again.  I'm excited and nervous.  I'll only be working 16 hours a week Monday through Thursday.  Morning are going to be hectic at first.  I've been working on a schedule for us all and trying to get things organized to make mornings flow as smoothly as possible. I know we'll need to lay out our clothes and pack lunches the night before. The kiddos and I have done a practice drive through of all of the schools.  I am really looking forward to teaching a class of three year-olds every day.  I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

Evan has a huge adjustment period ahead.  In a few short weeks, he'll be a middle schooler.  He's already decided to adjust his schedule. =)  He's decided that he wants to give band a try.  He's hoping that he'll get to play the trumpet like Jason.  He's also hoping that he'll end up getting offered a full music scholarship just like Jason did. Making that decision made us very happy, but it also made us kind of sad too.  In order to pick up band, he had to give something up.  So after this summer, Evan will be giving up basketball.  He'll still play soccer and will start wrestling. I think it's a good choice for Evan, but I'll sure miss watching him out on the court.

Payton will be adjusting from being the little sister on campus to being the big sister on campus.  She's so excited to get to look out for Addi.  She's also really excited that she won't have to hear how cool it is that her big brother skipped a grade.  There are days when it really drives her crazy. She'll be adjusting to a new dance schedule.  She'll be picking up lyrical and gymnastics too.  She's can't wait.

Addi is over the top excited about going to Kindergarten.  She asks nearly every day if school is starting.  I know she's ready, but it'll be a huge adjustment for me.  I'm going to miss her so much during the day.  As much as I'm going to miss her, Karsyn will miss her even more.  They are so close and it's going to be hard.  I'm confident that Addi is going to be great in Kindergarten.  She is going to love school.

Between Addi going to school all day and Karsyn starting school, she'll really be adjusting.  Karsyn will go to school every day with me and be in my class.  I know she's going to try to run the show, but I think she'll do wonderful. At the beginning of the year, we still referred to Karsyn as our baby, but she reminds us every day that she is now a big girl.  

For the next month, we're going to try enjoy the rest of summer break and be in preparation of all these things to come. I know that when it is time, our little family will adjust just fine.

The Weekend What

We've been having a lot of summer fun away from the house this week, so it was really nice to spend most of our weekend at home.  It's also been really nice that Jason has part of every weekend off with his new position.  We've really been enjoying all of the time that we get to spend with him now.   While Jason was at work Saturday morning, the kiddos and I went grocery shopping.  We decided to try a new (to us) discount grocery store.  We did save some money, but we still ended up going to Wal-Mart.  It's always fun to change up the routine, but I think we'll stick to our old faithful.  When Jason got home from work, we ate dinner and the headed out to the back yard.  We bought the kiddos a new swing set and the kiddos were more than ready for us to put it together.

 Karsyn did her very best to be patient.  She also did her best to pick out her own clothes. =)

 Payton was a very hard worker.  She loves helping Daddy.

Evan also loves helping Daddy.

Addi was too busy playing to help with the swing set, but she did decide to relax with Payton for a bit.  Addi also picked out her own clothes...just in case you were wondering. ha!

 We worked outside until the mosquitoes picked Karysn up and started to fly away with her.  The kiddos all got several bites, so we decided it was time to go inside.  Then, we had a movie night.  We watched The Lego Movie.  Payton, Addi, and I didn't really care for it.  The girls decided to watch Strawberry Shortcake in their room and I worked on a few projects.  Karsyn and Jason fell asleep about 20 minutes in. ha!  Evan really enjoyed the movie.

Sunday morning, Payton and I got up early to get lunch in the crock pot and to make blueberry muffins.  Once we got the muffins in the oven, Jason got up and cooked bacon.  Yum!  We went back to the church that we've been visiting for the past month and really enjoyed it.  I think we may have found the one!!!  The kiddos are all really loving it.  Addi and Karsyn learned about Noah's Ark today and did this really fun craft.

I love sticking lunch in crock pot before church and coming home to a meal.  Karsyn, with a little help from Evan, set the table.  She gets so excited when I ask her to help.  We enjoyed a yummy lunch and then Addi had us all laughing when she started making silly faces.

The kiddos and I cleaned up the table.  Jason went outside and finished up the swing set.  The kids could not wait to play on it for the first time.

They wouldn't be my kiddos if they didn't have a few wipe outs.

After playing for a while, the kiddos got a little pool time in.

While the kids were playing, Jason worked on cleaning the coil on the air conditioner.  He called Evan over and gave him a little lesson.

We had so much fun, that we played outside until dinner time.  Daddy grilled us hamburgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob.  It was very good!  The little ladies were so tired!  They barely made it through dinner and bath time.  Jason and I put them to bed and then had an Uno tournament with Evan and Payton.

Girl power prevailed.  Payton and I tied for winning the most games. Yay!!!  Evan and Payton both take after Jason in that they play to win.  They get so competitive!  But, they also take after me and like to get silly.  We were all trying to talk in different accents.  It was so funny!  We played cards until bedtime.  It was a great weekend!