Big, Bouncing Day with Kinley

Yesterday I had to go to work to pick up a parking permit.  It's a job that takes a minimum of two minutes.  Except for the fact that until I park, walk to the campus police station, fill out the papers and walk back - with Kinley, mind you, it takes sweet forever.   So I convinced (pretty easily) Earl to ride along with me.  Afterward we would go to a new bounce place nearby and have a little fun time with Kinley.  

Dare I say that we all loved this place.  It's clean, safe and has lots of fun bounce toys!

We played for almost 2 hours and then headed across the street to Cracker Barrel for lunch. 

We had high hopes that Kinley would be worn out and take a great nap.  We weren't disappointed.  She was asleep ten minutes into the ride and slept another 3 hours at home.  

Hope you had some fun with mommy and daddy today, Kinley!

Happy 60th Birthday, Pappy!

Pappy thought his birthday might just slide by unnoticed.  He even left town for a few days.  Little did he know that while he was away, we were planning a little party for him.

The "boys", also known as Shane, Kyle and Earl, suggested pizza, wings and beer for the menu.  I couldn't very well argue with that but I did add cake to the line up.   It was tough to come up with a dessert since my dad claims to "not really like dessert."   This whoopie pie cake was amazing, though, and went nicely with the other junk food we consumed.  

I'm kind of sad because I forgot to get a picture of me with my dad.  This picture makes up for it though.  Three kids who LoVE their pappy!  

We ALL love you, Dad.  Happy 60th birthday!

A (Not So) Sick Day

Cooper has a note from the doctor declaring him signed off of school for today.    If she saw him today, she might rethink that decision.

In all honesty, he did wake up feeling pretty yucky and crying because of throat pain.   A little motrin and a second dose of antibiotics goes a long way.   Before lunch we had completed the Lego hospital.
I was fortunate enough to be canceled from work today.  Usually I would complain loudly about that but today I really wanted to be with my little guy.

We made a quick trip to Wal-Mart around lunch time and made a spur of the moment decision to get a his hair cut since we didn't have any other children with us to entertain or otherwise protest.   When we got home Cooper asked to make cookies.

Now, if you saw my freezer you would know that the very last thing we needed was more cookies.  I do believe that we still have at least two tins of Christmas cookies we are working on.   BUT, I could hardly say no and so we made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Cooper declared today the "very best day ever" and said that I made his day.     He very rarely has me entirely to himself for the whole day, so despite being sick, today was a special treat for him.

We spent our last hour of peace and quiet drawing together.  This is our house as if it were sliced in half and you were able to see inside.  It turned out really well.   

Glad you're feeling better, buddy!  I had an awesome day, too!

Divide and Conquer

Last night Cooper came to me complaining that his throat hurt.  I'll admit to waving him off at first, I mean the kid was just sick two weekends ago.  And two weeks before that, too.  But later in the evening when he appeared before me looking pale and radiating heat I knew  exactly what we were dealing with - strep throat.  Again.  

Cooper being sick posed a little hiccup for the Mowry family who was already feeling stretched thin this weekend.  Wee worship responsibilities for me, usher responsibilities for the kids, a Sunday afternoon birthday party, Earl's only day off in 13+ Days and Mimi and pappy out of town.  Sheesh.  It didn't take too long once the sun came up this morning for is to determine how we would divide and conquer these tasks.   It was boys vs. girls today.  

The boys headed to the doctor to confirm our suspicions, then to the pharmacy and wal-mart.   The girls tackled Sunday school, church, a quick lunch and the birthday party.   I was sweating it a little as we arrived at the roller skating rink for the birthday party.  Kinley had already been through a full morning at church and now I was taking her skating without having had a nap. 

Apparently it was my lucky day because the girl was amazing!   I rented skates for her and she didn't blink an eye, just started skating .

And she.had.a.blast!!!!

McKenna had a wonders time skating with her friends.   For once I decided to let her do her thing and not embarrass her for pictures.  Though I snuck this one when she wasn't looking.  She took kinley for one lap around the rink and Kinley thought that was the coolest thing ever.

By the time we arrived home the boys were getting to work on a new Lego.  Cooper has declared that daddy can take him to the doctor any time if he's going to buy him a gigantic Lego afterward.   

Uncle Shane is on call for watching Cooper tomorrow since Mimi and Pappy are not due back in town until Tuesday.   

And so, today turned out relatively well.  We teamed up and everyone got what they needed.  There were even a few perks thrown in there, one of them being three tired kids who are fast, fast asleep.  

Ready, Set, Dash - Dragon Dash 2013

 It's that time of year...the annual Dragon Dash was held this week and last week at the kids' schools.   Last Friday, Earl, Kinley and I had a chance to watch Cooper as he dashed around the gym.

 He finished his 15 minute run with nothing more than some rosy cheeks and a little sweat.

After the Dragon Dash I had the chance to spend some time in his classroom.  The kids exchanged Valentines and had a sweet snack to celebrate the holiday.   As an extra treat, Cooper got to come home with me instead of riding the bus!

This morning Kinley and I, along with Mimi and Pappy took time to go watch McKenna in her 5th Dragon Dash.  She's an old pro by now, easily knocking out a fifteen minute run.

The kids had a great time and the support of those who turn out to watch the kids is amazing.  The schools raised an unbelievable amount of money once again this year.   I love that instead of selling stuff that we don't need, the school focuses on fitness and achieving a goal.  

Way to go McKenna and Cooper!!

Enjoying the Last 74

The winter has been long.  I think I have established that at least one hundred and fifty plus times on this blog along.    But last night on Facebook someone mentioned that there are only 20 some odd days until "spring".  Really?  I suddenly felt like I have been so lost in the cloudy, cold, snowiness of winter that I didn't realize spring really is just around the corner.    And then later last night in speaking with McKenna about her book point goals I was even further astounded.  "Only 74 more days of school," she said.  WHAT!!!!!  I am just getting used to having a fourth grader, just getting good at having two kids in school all day.   Seventy four more days until summer vacation but seventy four days closer to being mom to a first grader and a fifth grader.   So, it has happened to me again.  In the day to day time has raced by.  I wish I could pause it.  Let it go by in spurts when it suits me best...like this winter...I could have done without it.   But is that really true? We all say that we can't wait until spring arrives?  Is that really what we want, to blow through these days that are our life? A few days ago I would have answered with a resounding "YES"!  Thanks to a little perspective that came my way I am changing my tune a little bit.  Okay, so I do hope that we are done with snow and I would gladly welcome some warmer temperatures.   But for as long as I can I'm going to enjoy each day because time is not slowing down and sometimes I feel like I'm missing a lot.

106 short (school) days ago

The Calm Before the Next Storm

Things are starting to get a little strange around here.  Cabin fever has hit us hard.  We have had enough days off of school and certainly enough snow.    Kinley appeared like this earlier today.  She's a hot mess with her mismatched pajamas, stinky binky and enough nerf paraphernalia to go to war with the weather.  

Around 9 am when I heard the weatherman announce a change in the forcast from 1-2 inches of snow tonight to 2-5 I about had a meltdown.  I originally has planned a trip to Bloomsburg to a new bounce place for the afternoon.  But with McKenna nursing a sore throat last night I nixed those plans and figured we would be headed to the Doctor.  Lucky for me she was feeling better this morning but maybe not quite up for bouncing. So, I quickly decided that after our morning chores were done we were heading to Mimi and Pappy's house.  From there we would spend some time at Kyle and Cady's doing some sledding.   We had to get out of the house before yet another snow day.  My sanity depended on it. 

McKenna and Cooper had a great time.  The snow was deep and made it tough to trudge up that hill!  Kinley and I went down about five times before we both cried "uncle".  The snow is just too deep for the poor girl.  She was content to watch her favorite movie on the iPad while the big kids enjoyed a little more time on the hill. 

I am praying that tomorrow is the last snowfall and snow day of the year.  I hate to wish time away but I booked our summer vacation this week and I am dreaming of warm, relaxing days!  

Dinner and A Lego Movie

Sunday morning we got up early and decided to head out to breakfast.  We skipped church (shhh...) and decided on Perkins for omlets and pancakes.   

As soon as breakfast was done we met Melissa.  We had made plans months ago to see the Lego movie together.  

Cooper had been feeling under the weather for a few days but definitely perked up to watch a movie about one of his favorite things - Legos!!

The movie did not disappoint.   We all enjoyed it.  

What I'm thinking while watching the Olympics

I should warn you that this post has absolutely nothing to do with the Olympics.   In fact, there is some type of snowboarding on but I'm not even paying attention.   I just managed to sit down for the first time today (it's 9:33pm) and honestly I am too tired to even channel surf. 

The kids are all on my mind tonight.  Surprise, surprise.   I usually would happily head to bed right about now and melt Into my pillow.  However,  tonight the youngest two kids are sick.   Kinley has a sinus infection she just can't seem to kick.   Our favorite PA changed the antibiotic this morning.  Augmentin. Yuck. The good news is that it should surely put this infection behind us.  The bad news is that it tastes awful.  Kinley feels a bit betrayed after 10 days of yummy amoxicillin.  All the pediatric nursing experience in the world will barely out a dent in trying to get this nasty stuff past her lips twice a day.   But, we press on.  

Cooper's class celebrated the 100th day of school today.  He took 100 Lego's in a ziploc bag for show and tell.  The class was also challenged to dress like they were 100 years old.  It was cute to listen to what they perceived a 100 year old person would look like.  Cooper dresses in a shirt, tie and we plastered his hair with baby powder. 

He had a fun day but came home with a fever.   If feeling sick isn't bad enough, tomorrow is pajama day in his class.   The fact that he missed out on making gingerbread houses the last time he was sick brought about many,

Many tears tonight when he realized he will likely miss pajama day also.  Sigh. 

And then there is my McKenna.  She is such a good girl.  This morning she fed Cooper breakfast while I got Kinley dressed and ready.  She helped him pack his backpack and tonight I came downstairs to find that she had helped Kinley onto the potty.  She is such a big helper.    Since it's the first Thursday of the month I got to sit in on her dance class tonight.   I can't emphasize ebough how wonderful it was to watch her dance and smile and have an absolute wonderful time.   It took us awhile to find dance but she really seems to genuinely enjoy it.  

So, they are on my mind tonight and every night really.   Good night all.  

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Today was another snow day at our house.   After a morning spent baking cookies and watching movies we headed outside in hopes of making a snowman.

We apparently missed our opportunity.   The snow had a hard crust of ice on the top so we settled for sledding and fort building instead. 

Kinley spent the majority of her time out doors swinging.   I think she is secretly channeling spring and I can't say that I blame her one bit.  

Of course all good snow days include a nap.   Poor Kinley has continued to battle a sinus infection so she slept most of the afternoon.   And no, she does not have her fingers up her nose as it appears in the picture!

Here's to dreaming of snowmen, spring and all things green and flowery!

Little Slices of Heaven

Lately it seems as though the only photos I take are ones with my iPhone.  I have no idea what I did without it.  Having a camera close with me all the time allows me to capture so many moments that would otherwise go undocumented.

Sunday morning just before leaving for church I found Cooper and Kinley snuggled together on the couch watching a movie on Cooper's iPod.  I love this picture because it shows just how much they love each other even though most days they fight like cats and dogs.

I forgot to take my iPhone camera off the black and white setting, so when I snapped this picture this morning at the bus stop I was pleasantly surprised.   I love how it turned out.  McKenna has been asking Mimi to make her an infinity scarf and today was the first day she wore it.  Of course, you have to love the panda hat, too!

After school the kids and I took advantage of a decent snowfall.  Take note, Kinley is attempting to shovel the yard.  

More panda love.  It's hard to see McKenna's face in there!

Cooper and I spent most of the time testing out these new snow board sled thingy's!  He was more successful than I was.  It seems the idea is to get a running start and then flop down on your belly.   I'll let you picture me doing that for a minute.  Now picture the sled not moving as I flopped on it.  Yeah, it was that good.  I pray I can walk in the morning.   We are expecting 6+ inches of snow on Wednesday so at least I'll get to try again. 

So that's all from our little slice of life so far this week.  It's only Monday so there's bound to be more fun in store!