Wormy's World

On Theology

2010-06-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the car one Sunday evening, waiting for Daddy to come out of the grocery store:

Chloe: Mommy, I know how you can go to Heaven.
Me: You do? How?
Chloe: Just believe in God.
Me: Well, actually, Sweetie, it's not enough to just believe in God. You have to believe in Jesus. Lots of people believe in God, but they don't believe in God's Son, Jesus.
Chloe: Oh... (thinks)... Hey! I think I know why they don't believe! I think they don't believe because it's very confusing.
(Eli: It's not confusing to me!)
Chloe: It's confusing because Jesus and God are the same person. And, also, if Jesus is God, and God is eternal, how can Jesus be borned? How can He be borned a baby if He was already eternal? Sometimes it's hard for me to believe, too, because it's very hard to understand.
(Eli: It's not hard to me! I believe it!)
Me: Well, Sweets, that's why it's called faith. We believe because the Bible is true and it tells us these things. We believe what we can't understand and can't see. That's faith.
Chloe: Yeah. I believe it. I just don't understand it.

I love how deeply Chloe ponders the Scriptures, and how she so freely admits what she knows and doesn't know, what she understands and doesn't understand. And good ol' Eli. Always the contrary voice trying to one-up his big sister.

On Marriage

2010-06-16T05:36:00.001-07:00

Chloe and Eli are building a house with blocks in Eli's room when Daddy comes in to chat.

Daddy: Hey guys! What are you building?
Eli: We're building a house! He wants that much gold on it (points at yellow blocks), but she won't let him.
Chloe: She's the wife. She doesn't like it.
Daddy: Oh...
Chloe: She wants it all taken off, but the workers have all gone for the day.

A Saturday on the Eno

2010-06-09T12:54:00.001-07:00

For years Patrick and I have been curious about the Eno River. We've read about it, researched it, contemplated it, yet we never bothered to make the 30 minute trek into Orange County to see it for ourselves. This past weekend, we finally packed up a picnic, some extra clothes, and the kids, and headed over to the Eno. It did not disappoint. The weather was extremely hot and humid, but the river provided just enough relief. The trails were beautiful, the suspension bridge terrifying, and the river rocky and cool. The kids loved all of it, especially playing in the river, so we will definitely be heading that way again soon.

AWANA Awards

2010-06-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Chloe and Ella both completed their first year of Sparks. They got more commendations than any other Sparks having both completed and reviewed their first book, as well as completed an extra credit book. Chloe absolutely loves AWANA, especially game night, and is constantly bemoaning the three month break until starts up again.

Soccer Saturday, Take II

2010-06-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Chloe for finishing another season of developmental soccer! The coach was so proud of Chloe's willingness to hustle after the ball, and to get up and try again when she fell down.

Success!

2010-06-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

I wrote a little less than a year ago that I would be attempting a new venture in my house, Covil Preschool. At the beginning I stated that my goals would be to teach Chloe to read, and to teach Eli his phonics. While I wasn't at all faithful in posting our weekly preschool reports, I was faithful to keep preschool going throughout most of the year. I am so excited, and a little bit shocked, to report that my little project was a rousing success. Chloe can not only read, but she does it quite well. Eli is at the beginning stages of sounding out words, and is very eager to be reading like his sister. I am now working on Chloe's attrocious handwriting, and doing some beginning reading and writing activities with Eli. The kids loved Covil Preschool and still beg for it every Tuesday and Thursday. There is a slim chance that my lazy streak will pass and I will start doing actual lesson plans and crafts with them again, but chances are, as I said, quite slim.

Daddy Date Night

2010-06-09T11:55:00.001-07:00

Chloe and Patrick had a wonderful time on their first official date. A local Chick-Fil-A was having a Daddy/Daughter night, so they took advantage of it. They had white tablecloths and flowers on all of the tables, carnations for all of the girls, goody bags with chocolate and Build-a-Bear coupons among other things. Everyone got to pick the dessert of their liking off of the menu for free, and the daughter's meal was free. Afterwards they went to Build-a-Bear and made Chloe and new friend using $15 in coupons. The whole night ended up being just over $10. Talk about a cheap date!

Chloe spent the whole afternoon getting ready. I dried her hair, painted her nails, lotioned her up, and then she chose her favorite outfit, sparkly shoes, and her locket from Aunt Hilary which always makes her feel special. She was so excited, and even a little nervous. While we were waiting for Patrick to get home from work, Chloe said, "I can't wait to see Daddy! I bet he's going to be so handsome!" As soon as Patrick pulled up, long before I even heard him arrive, Chloe darted out the door, and starting running to his car. Realizing about halfway there that ladies don't run, she abruptly stopped, smoothed her hair, and walked the rest of the way to her Daddy. He was waiting with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He loaded her into his car, and away they went.

Strawberry Season

2010-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Strawberry picking time has come and gone once again. I was able to take the kids to our favorite spot, Buckwheat Farms over in Apex on two separate occasions. We also stopped at local fruit stands a couple of times and paid 4x the price to enjoy berries and save a little time. The strawberries were absolutely delicious and the kids loved picking and eating them. They also enjoy visiting with the farm animals. The peacocks were putting on a particularly, um, interesting show the day we went with friends.

Most Beautiful Flower Girl Ever

2010-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Chloe, the Patriot

2010-03-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Translation: What can we do in America? We can live happily ever after.

Sunday Art

2010-03-17T13:32:00.001-07:00

This is a scan of one of Chloe's Sunday School projects. Kudos to anyone who can list what pics 1-4 are. Hint: They are all from the life of one Bible hero!

Catching Up.. We Could Be Here Awhile!

2010-03-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

There is so much to say, yet I remember so very little. Blogging, in reality, takes very little time as far as posting text is concerned, yet the mental fortitude required can be remarkable. Most days, I sit down after the kids are put in bed for their midday rest with intentions of catching up on the blogs, both to keep you informed, and to have nice journal entries for myself, only to find myself an hour later, eyes glazed and staring at a screen of some sort, brain shut down, and children getting up. Life makes me tired. Besides jotting down stories, there's the not so tiny matter of trying to keep the look fresh and current, the sidebar widgets functioning, and spending hours getting pictures to upload correctly. Just the thought often makes me reach for a remote instead, or on a really good day, a book. But today is different. Today I will refresh the looks of both blogs and I will type. It may not be anything snappy, but it will be something which is more than there's been in the past two months. So without further excuse, I will delve into the subject at hand, the Worm herself.

First some great news- Chloe was recently accepted into Cary Christian School, a classical Christian school with a mile long list of accolades and a beautiful campus mere minutes from our house. We are so excited for her to start school in just four short months, and talk about it often. Before being accepted, Chloe had to have an interview alone with the principal. I was so incredibly proud of her bravery and maturity. Although she began to get teary in the car, as we readied ourselves to go in, she quickly explained, "my eyes just keep watering. I don't want them to, they just do it all by themselves. I don't understand!" Then she wiped away the tears, stood tall, and walked right in. The ten or so minutes we had to wait for her name to be called were somewhat nerve-racking, and she complained of her "tummy dancing a lot" but in the end she did absolutely fantastic. The following week was mine and Patrick's interview with the principal. We were so impressed with her demeanor and her clear love for the Lord. We started in prayer, shared our testimonies with her, and spent a long time just chatting about both our spiritual and educational convictions and desires. She told us that Chloe completely "nailed" her interview, and that she was very bright, which we were so happy to hear. We are so incredibly thankful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to enroll Chloe in a school that we thought was completely out of our reach. He led us there, opened the door, and paid out way in. We completely and utterly don't deserve His grace and provision, but are so thankful for it!

Chloe is becoming more and more independent and has even made a new best friend of a sweet little girl at church. She gets to spend a couple of afternoons a week with her, and occasionally goes over to her house for supper. They are incredibly sweet together, both having quiet, easy-going personalities, and brains full of imagination. On Sunday mornings, the two of them look like they just stepped off of the pages of an American Girl doll catalog, two little, adorable dolls created to play together. The run to greet one another, yelling each other's names, and hopping around from the joy of nothing more than being together. They run and climb outdoors, play quietly inside, and spend hours discovering "mysteries" and writing them down in their journal. As far as I can tell, most anything can be a mystery, which I don't quite get, but it keeps them busy and happy.

Chloe is a little author, and has filled several notebooks to the brim with her illustrations and stories. Most of them contain a cast of characters including Mommy, Daddy, Chloe, Eli, the King, and the Queen and their adventures with things like kidnappers and tornadoes. Her drawings are crude at best, and she doesn't spend much time perfecting her coloring or her handwriting. Her stories on the other hand, are full of great vocabulary words, interesting plots, and great amounts of emotion. It's fun to just watch and see her interests and talents take shape.

Chloe loves dancing. A lot. We may actually break down and let her go to ballet or classical dance camp for a week this summer. We have fought it for so long, and her love just won't go away.

Chloe's favorite toys still include My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake. She is also into superheroes with Eli, her favorite being the Super Mario Brothers (which Eli argues are NOT superheroes) and Buzz Lightyear and Superman. She loves to read and to listen to me read. We have finished reading all three of the My Father's Dragon books, as well as the ever weird James and the Giant Peach, and almost completed Mr. Popper's Penguins. I think we may tackle an American Girl book next, or perhaps a Beverly Cleary. I've been completely impressed with both children's ability to comprehend the plots of the books we read, and answer questions about the text. They also remember scenes from the stories, and recall them when scenes from own lives mimic those of the beloved characters. She loves, loves, LOVE being an AWANA Sparky, and is great at memorizing scripture. Her favorite thing in the world is game time. (Who would have guessed?) She loves movies, her current favorite being Wall-E. And she wants me to share with you that her favorite colors are blue, pink, orange, yellow, and green, and her favorite shapes are stars and hearts.

She says funny and profound things constantly. You would really enjoy her quotes. If only I could remember them.....

It's the Holiday Season

2010-01-05T06:15:00.001-08:00

Another Christmas has come and gone. This was perhaps the first time that I truly felt we embraced and enjoyed every moment and every aspect of the holiday season. Our month was filled with:

Faith

Fun

Family

and Friends.

Chloe loved every minute of the holiday, and cried sweet tears when it was all said and done. She loved giving gifts as much as receiving, was diligent in reminding us of our Advent readings, constantly remembers to be thankful and asks for help on her thank you notes, and is already talking about being a shepherd again next year. The return to normalcy, however, has been quite nice. Normal times are, after all, what makes the holidays fun and special in the first place.

The kids mostly received the "classics" for Christmas this year, including a Light Brite, Legos, Etch-a-Sketch, games like Checkers and Go Fish, and new playground balls. Chloe also recieved a couple of modern pleasures including a My Little Pony Teapot Palace which has proven to be her favorite new gift. That or the handheld vSmile game that she is addicted to. Her face seems to be planted on a screen more often than I'm happy with. She loves, and is quite thankful for everything she has, especially for "Jesus dying on the cross for everything I need," and for that I am ever joyful.

Covil Preschool: Days 14,15,16

2009-12-17T14:25:00.001-08:00

Covil Preschool just wrapped up its first semester, and I must say, it was quite successful! For a recap of the past three lessons, click on over to Eli's blog. There are no pictures because my hands always seemed to be covered in glitter and glue or filled with books and children. Maybe soon I will be able to get back to taking pics of the completed crafts, but no promises! I am constantly thinking and considering what we should study next. I think next year we will do a unit on space, and maybe something on fairy tales. I try to keep my ears open to the kids' likes and interests of the moment, and currently that remains knights and pirates. Maybe we'll do some lessons on knights and pirates, but it's pretty unlikely.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things..

2009-12-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

An interview with Chloe, age 5.

Foods: Pizza, Meatloaf, Watermelon, Strawberries, Dessert

Books: My Little Pony Books, Care Bear books, Strawberry Shortcake books

Toys: Microphone, Ponies, My Little Pony Ferris Wheel and Roller Coaster

Friends: Ella, Ryan, and Samuel- he's really sweet, and Hannah, and Rebecca, and Melanie

TV or Movie: My Little Pony, Toy Story, Care Bears

Things to Do Inside: Play Games like Thomas cards and Horton, do schoolwork, play superheroes with Eli

Things to Do Outside: Play games, Draw with Chalk, Ride Bikes, Go to the Park

Places to Go: to church, Myrtle Beach, the beach, the pool, Mimi and Grandpa's house, Grandma's house

Favorite things to do at Christmastime: Open presents, look at Christmas lights and drink hot chocolate, peek in our stockings, stay up and watch Christmas shows, sing Christmas songs, be a shepherd

Things That make Me Happy: Dolly, Mommy, Daddy, Eli when he be sweet, game time at Sparkys, Mimi, Grandpa, Grandma, even all my Great Grandmas

It's a Wrap!

2009-11-10T04:44:00.001-08:00

Fall Photo Shoot: Siblings

2009-11-10T04:27:00.000-08:00

Fall Photo Shoot

2009-11-09T18:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Cheer Bear

Pumpkin Day Finale

2009-10-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

"I want my pumpkin to be sad. He's sad because he's not with his Mommy and Daddy anymore, and he doesn't even know where they are!"

The Worm Today

2009-10-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Who Chloe is today:
An emergent reader
A ready soccer player
A 100-piece puzzle putter togetherer
An excited Sparky
Future baker
Kind and gentle
A patient teacher
A gift giver
Painter, colorer, and overall crafter
Pizza eating machine
Beautiful both inside and out
Brother's best friend
An exerciser
A reluctant eater of vegetables
Owner of the world's largest sweet tooth
Biker (of the 4-wheeled variety)
Only ten months away from school
A neck-breaking hugger
Mommy's favorite student
Neat and tidy
Possesser of a heart 10x bigger than average
Logical
Thoughtful
Weather geek
Map lover
Presidentially obsessed
Loves her family, and can't bear to leave them
A singer, dancer, and songwriter
Too much tv lover
Mommy and Daddy's little girl
A precious child of the King.

Happy Birthday, Chloe!

2009-10-29T18:36:00.001-07:00

Chloe is 5 years old today. Five. I just can't believe it. I've spent the day filled with all kinds of emotions. I've laughed and loved. I've cried some tears. I've reminisced, and I've settled myself back down into the present. I feel so blessed to be her Mommy, and am so incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the past five years of my life discipling, disciplining, and watching her grow. I pray the Lord will watch over her and keep her all the days of her precious life.

A Special Visit

2009-10-29T18:20:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to visit with my Grandma and Grandpa Millikan from Indiana this weekend while they were vacationing in Myrtle Beach. Chloe got to play putt-putt for the first time and loved it "almost as much as soccer!" We had a great dinner followed by a nice, long walk on the beach to wrap up our day. The kids had a wonderful time, and Chloe, in her sweet spirit, is devastated to know it will be a long time before we get to see them again. I'm thankful for the wonderful day we were able to share with them!

Fall Means Fair!

2009-10-29T18:04:00.001-07:00

It was state fair time again, and per usual, the kids and I made it out two times before the fair packed up and moved on. Chloe would have nothing to do with the animals (mine and E's happiest part), except of course the mules which had signs indicating they were biters. She has seriously taken the My Little Pony fan thing to the next level. Chloe's favorite part was the rides, and I don't mean the kiddie ones. That girl loves to spin! The first day we rode a lot of younger type rides along with the Merry Mixer. We learned our lesson for round 2, and spent our monies on faster rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl and the Spider. I drug the kids' favorite babysitters along with us for round 2, to ride spinny rides in my place. I was so thankful they came!

Covil Preschool: Days 12-13

2009-10-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Since my last update we have had two very special sessions of Covil Preschool. Since Autumn is a favorite time of year in our house, and since every preschool in America celebrates apples and pumpkins, I decided we would have Apple Day and Pumpkin Day.

For Apple Day, I was completely unable to check out any apple related books from the library, since, as stated earlier, every household in America was celebrating apples. I found two fun printable books for the kids to cut and color, and took the opportunity to talk about authors and illustrators. The kids were thrilled to illustrate their own stories, and took every opportunity to read them over and over throughout the week! One book was about the seasons of an apple tree, and the other was a rhyme called Five Apples Up On Top. We also made apple pie pops like Bakerella, and cut apples in half to reveal the star pattern, talk about the apple's parts, and dip them in paint to make prints on canvas bags. It was a wonderful day of fun and learning.

Today was Pumpkin Day, which was quickly revealed to be Chloe's "favorite preschool yet." We read a couple of books on pumpkins that I got early from the library (and am now paying daily fines on,) and then got down to business. We described the outside of an official Holden Brothers pumpkin, then cut the top off and dug in! The kids were fascinated by the strings, slime, and seeds that were found inside. Chloe insisted that the strings were actually cheese. She did a great job digging around and pulling out the innards. J hated it, and refused to play with us, disliking the feeling of slimy hands. After our hands-on pumpkin station, we headed to crafts. We made paper plate pumpkin pies with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg sprinkled on them and completed with a cotton ball dollop of whipped cream. Earlier in the morning the kids and I made Pumpkin Pie Play-Doh, and after our first craft, they spent awhile making Halloween cookies and pies out of the yummy smelling dough. Then, we ended the morning with one more craft, a pumpkin inside and out, complete with real seeds and yarn for strings, and a few fun pumpkin songs. It was a fun and exhausting day!

I would LOVE to show you pictures, but for that I would need an assistant! Any volunteers??

Covil Preschool: Days 10-11

2009-10-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Day 10

Book: Have You Seen My Duckling? by Nancy Tarfuri

Emphasis: Counting, Repetition

Game: Memory Match- match the Mommy Duck with and uppercase letter to her Baby Duck wearing the correct lowercase letter

Craft: Paper plate ducks

Snack: Duck food (aka Honey Nut Chex Mix)

Letter: E (for eyes.. I know it doesn't work phonetically.. it was the only thing I could come up with to stick on)

Day 11

Book: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Emphasis: Sizes, Love and Kindness

Game: Bunny Hop, Stop, and Hug

Snack: Skipped for McDonald's lunch :)

Craft: Bunny Hugs cards (aDORable!)

Letter: G (is for glue)

On Nutrition

2009-10-01T12:01:00.001-07:00

Chloe comes to me after we return home from a fun day at the mall, with her stomach audibly gurgling and rumbling.

"Mommy, I think my tummy is saying, I don't want that chocolate drink! I like water and ice best!, but my mouth is saying, More, more chocolate drink! That's yummy!"

I think that pretty much sums it up!

Soccer Saturday

2009-09-19T16:49:00.001-07:00

Chloe started soccer today. We've talked all week about how it's okay to be scared to do something new, and that it's okay to cry, as long as you can stop after a few minutes. I, admittedly, was equal parts nervous and excited about diving into this new feat. I was never any good at soccer, but I always loved it, and hoped Chlo would get into it as well. When we first arrived, she was excited about finding the right field and meeting "new friends," yet as we inched closer to Field #2, the shakes started, and eventually the tears just had to fall. Chloe clung nervously to my leg as other kids played on the field, kicking their balls around and shooting five inches from the goal. Several other girls were clinging to their mommies and daddies appendages for dear life. We only had to wait a couple of minutes before Coach Lindsey arrived. The sweetest little soccer coach I've ever seen. It turned out Colonial put all of the girls on one team, and assigned them a wonderful, young lady as coach! I was so excited to see this from the beginning, but, by the end I was breathing a huge sigh of relief. The girls were flanked on either sides by boy teams with big, swarthy men coaches who were yelling and running complicated drills the first day. The girls practiced running with their balls and played several fun games to get used to each other and to practice listening to Coach's instructions. When it was time for water break, Chloe didn't even want to leave the field to get some, she was having so much fun! At the end of the hour, Chloe ran from the field, gave me a high five, and yelled," Mommy, I LOVE soccer! It's my favorite!" Score.

I love how she holds her hands when she runs.
The girl behind her has amazing hair.

Stopping the ball while keeping her balance proved a little tricky.

So happy!

Covil Preschool: Days 8-9

2009-09-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Day 8:
Book- Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Emphasis- Counting, Predicting, Collaging
Craft- Mouse in the Meadow collages
Snack- Snakes in the grass breadsticks with cinnamon sugar
Chloe really liked this book. She caught on to the cleverness of the mice, and loved how they used their brains to trick the greedy snake. She has read it over and over, and acted out the scenes. I love to see my little ones get excited about literature! I pray their love of reading grows with them.

Day 9:
Book- Lunch by Denise Fleming
Activity- Make Lunch books of our own. They are SUPERcute.
Craft- Sponge paint different colored mice and add details with markers
Snack- Cheese sticks and crackers
Game- Picky Eater Mouse
Letter of the Day- E
(sorry there are no pics for today. sometimes it's hard to be teacher, assistant, and photographer at once!)

Answer to Chloe's Code from last Saturday:
Puzzl- Puzzle
Pllo- Pillow
Clrg Bg- Coloring Book (don't know where the g came from!)
Cri- Camera
Blp Bio- Bunk Bed

Birthday Wishes

2009-09-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Her list is getting lengthy, so I thought I would share it with you all. I dont expect her to get all or any of this stuff, but I promised that I would make a list for her, and that she could use her birthday money to buy whatever she wants provided she saves and tithes first. Without further ado:

Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Cafe Playset

My Little Pony Sweetie Belle's Gumball House

Play Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe

Any of the My Little Pony playsets that come with tiny ponies and a billion little accessories, esp. the pizza party or cheerleading ones.

Anything at all My Little Pony (the theme of this year's party)

Anything crafty

Yesterday we saw a My Little Pony/Play Doh combo that was supercool

And that's all. For now anyways. I have a couple of things that I bought 75-90% off after Christmas at Target. Cool because I save lots of money. Uncool because I can never get what she wants at the time of her birthday. The savings most definitely wins out, though!

While at the Park

2009-09-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Mommy, I wanna be a boy because I'm hot, and then I could have short hair. Also, I really don't want to have to have a baby inside my belly one day.

Saturday Morning

2009-09-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Chloe despises yardwork. She likes to hike and play in the woods. She loves to go to the lake or the park or the mountains and just be in nature. She really seems to enjoy being outdoors, until, someone produces a rake. Then she's as scarce as a good, cool breeze in the middle of July. She just completely disappears! Today when I got home from a Ladies' Secret Sister Breakfast, I found my two boys working hard raking the yard (we filled two big trashcans with leaves just from the front yard!), but Chloe was nowhere to be seen. I went inside to get changed, and found my little sweetie working incredibly hard in her own right, planning Strawberry Shortcake's birthday party. She was creating decorations and cards, and was in the middle of writing a list of all the things Strawberry hoped to get for her birthday, perhaps inspired by her own impending birthday and the evergrowing list of requests she has been formulating. When I walked into the room Chloe excitedly said, "Look, Mommy! I sounded them out. Wanna see?" The list said:
Puzzl
Pllo
Clrg Bg
Cri
Blp Bio

Each item had a line next to it, and ones that had been "purchased" had check marks. In the end Strawberry received everything she wanted. This gave me the perfect opportunity to explain what the word "spoiled" means!

Wondering what the list said? Leave me a message with your guesses, then I'll let you know on Tuesday when I blog again. And just so you know, Chloe couldn't even read the last two a bit later. They're not even close.

Covil Preschool: Day 7

2009-09-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

Day 7

After a little holiday, Covil Preschool resumed today right on schedule! As usual, the craft was fun, the snack was weird, and the treasure box was the best time of day!

Book- It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles Shaw

Emphasis- Shapes, Repetition

Craft- The kids created Cloud illustrations very much like the ones in the book. They measured and poured and stirred by themselves to create milk paint with water, powdered milk, and blue food coloring. The kids chose a shape to tape on plain paper, and painted over the entire sheet with milk paint. Then the shape was removed, leaving a fun cloud behind!

Snack/Activity- The kids made "Cloud Puff" out of powdered milk and marshmallow fluff. It was the consistency of old PlayDoh. They had fun molding their fluffball into a fun cloud, and then chowing down on it.

Game- Cloud Charades

Letter of the Day- D as in Diamond

Chloe's cloud painting- a birthday cake!

Molding her Cloud Puff

It's a doughnut!

After preschool, we had a picnic lunch and two hour "recess" at Kidstown Park in Apex. The kids had so much fun playing with their friends!

Chloe loves the balance beam.

Covil Preschool: Day 6

2009-09-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

Day 6
Emphasis: Colors, Numbers, Opposites
Book: Freight Train by Donald Crews
Activity: Fill a colored "freight car" with items of the same color from throughout the house
Craft: Make a Daytime painting of a Freight Train and a Nighttime painting of a Freight Train
Snack: Use Sweet and Salty Chex Mix to make a food train
Game: Each child got the chance to be the engine and called out colors to the others who would be freight cars. If a child was wearing the color called, they would get in line behind the engine. When everyone was in line, the engine led the cars in a trip around the house
We also went outside for recess to enjoy the beautiful weather and because Chloe asked, "Mommy, can we go outside and do recess just like real schools?"

Daytime Train
Night Train

Playing with our food.

Covil Preschool: Day 5

2009-09-01T10:49:00.001-07:00

Day 5
Emphasis: Zoo Animals

Books: 1,2,3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle, Noisytime for Zoo Animals, Splashtime for Zoo Animals, and Mother and Baby Zoo Animals by Caroline Arnold

Activity: Create Zoo maps with construction paper and markers. Draw animals in four corners and use black strips to create roads on the map. Discuss shortest routes to get from one place to another. Practice finding things on the map.

Craft: Animal headbands

Game: A variation of "Mother May I?" and then "Pretend Zoo" per Chloe's request.

SuperGrover navigates his way around the zoo on Chloe's zoo map.

Chloe's zoo map. Clockwise from top left: Lion, Monkeys, Giraffe, Tiger

Chloe chose to be a giraffe because they have loooooong necks.

Close-up giraffe

One Sunday Morning

2009-08-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

Covil Preschool: Day 4

2009-08-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

Emphasis- Color
Book- Mouse Paint
Activity- Overlap ziploc bags filled with colored water to see different colors
Craft- Make colorful scarfs by dipping straws in colored water and dropping drops onto paper towels
Snack- Crazy Colored Pie made with Fruity Pebbles
Letter of the Day- B

Ready for students!

Red + Blue= Purple

Color drops. Chloe had lots of fun dropping different colors on top of each other to create new shades.

Fruity Pebbles Pie

Lazy Daze Festival

2009-08-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

Firefighter C

Decorating her shaker

We made a cornhusk doll.

An ice sculpture. No idea what it was once supposed to be.

This pirate had the whitest teeth in the history of the world. Seriously.

We didn't get to see their show because of the thunder and rain.

Covil Preschool: Days 2-3

2009-08-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Day 2:

Emphasis- Shapes

Book- Brown Rabbit's Shape Book

Activity- Find objects in the room that match the shape in student's present

Craft- Dip shapes in paint and make shape prints, then add a cover and bow to make a present like Brown Rabbits

Snack- Sweet Brown Rabbits

Fun and Games- A rendition of Duck, Duck, Goose called Color, Color, Shape that didn't really work for E and J. Balloons from book time proved to be great amusement.

Letter of the Day- A

Solo Time- Bob Books

Day 3:

Emphasis- Alphabet

Book- Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert

Activity- Place toy fruits and veggies to plates labelled with their starting letter

Craft- make placemats by dipping veggie and fruit slices into correct color paint and placing them onto paper (we're laminating them at Staples this afternoon :)

Snack- fruit slices and PB

Solo Time- Bob books and BJU K5 math workbook (B gave it to us because she decided not to homeschool. Chloe is already on page 120/320 and hasn't needed much help yet!)

A Presidential Update

2009-08-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Chloe: The Foodie

2009-08-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

On the days we go to the pool, the kids are responsible for making sure their water bottles and lunchbags get to the car, and from the car to the poolside table. When we get settled into the car,
Chloe asks, "Momma can I look in my lunchbag now?"
"It's not time to eat yet, sweetie."
"Oh, I know, Momma. I just really like to look!"
"Well, ok, then, sure."
"Yummmmmmmmmmy! You've made me a good one today, Momma! This looks GREAT!"

Heehee... now if only I could get her that exuberant about supper!

Covil Preschool: Day 1

2009-08-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today was our first day of school! "Just pretend school, right, Mama? This isn't real school!"

If only all of our friends knew how Chloe felt about their homeschooling choices. ;)

We had an amazingly fun first day. I checked out a book from the Teacher's Resources section of our local library that is filled with lesson plans using well-known children's books as their jumping off point. Each lesson has a song, a craft, a snack, a learning game or two, and a physically active game. Today's book was Clap Your Hands by Cauley, and it was a good way to ease into our new routine. The children both had an absolute blast, and probably had no idea they were actually learning. You can only pretend learn at pretend school, after all! During Chloe's solo time we worked on reading from her Bob books we checked out of the library, and on her Presidents. She did great on her Bob books, sounding out words, and working on adding sight words to her repertoire. With Presidents, she has a hard time remembering Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Harry S Truman, but other than that, pretty much has them down. She not only has them memorized in order, she also recognizes their faces, and can name them out of order, and when we randomly see their pictures in books or on television.

Chloe's crazy costume for our parade

I look forward to seeing my children learn and progress as this final year passes by. I know I don't need to teach her to read, because, as Grandma says, "That child will be bored out of her skull when she finally goes to school!" But, I look forward to the bonding that will take place as we learn and grow, and to the sense of accomplishment we will both feel when we wake up one day and realize we did it!

The (Un)Official End is Here

2009-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Summertime is drawing to a close. At least in the crazy, hazy, lazy days kinda way. It's still hotter than ever, and probably will be for quite some time. Chloe had the time of her life this summer going on her first vacation, her first camping trip, her first real 4th of July celebration, her first T-ball class, trips to the beach and the zoo, and she FINALLY got to ride on a subway! It certainly did not disappoint. It was almost as good as her Chincoteague pony ride, every My Little Pony fan's dream! She has been one happy little girl. Since settling back into a home routine, she looks at our vacation photo album often, and loves to talk about the things we did, in a "Mommy remember when we...." fashion.

As we settle into our Autumnal routines, we are sure to have more fun and more memories to record. We will be starting preschool here at home. Chloe will be in a developmental soccer league at a nearby church. When the weather cools we will resume our almost daily picnic lunches at the park. The State Fair will be here before we know it, providing endless opportunities for fun memories. I am excited to see how much fun I can pack into this coming year, my last as a full-time caretaker of my precious little ones. Soon I will have to share the responsibility with others, and I am suddenly completely unhappy about the prospect.

2009-07-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

You may have to turn it up pretty loudly to hear :)

No More Cheese, Please

2009-05-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight was AWANA awards night. Chloe has been a Cubbie for two years, and will probably be one for one more before moving up to Sparkys. After several attempts to take an award winning photo of my little bear with her certificate, I finally (playfully) snapped, "Chlo! Stop cheesing!"

And this..

became this:

America's Next Top Model face.

Riding Her Bike

2009-05-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Chloe has gotten so good at riding her bike! She spins round and round in the cul-de-sac, and hardly ever panics or cries! I'm so proud of how brave she has become.

At the Park

2009-05-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Trying out my new Mother's Day gift :)

Thanks, Grandpa!

2009-04-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my family looks like we walked straight out of a 50's sitcom where everyone is way too happy and everyone and everything is perfect (minus the big skirt and old-fashioned hairdos, of course). This morning was one of those times. We were able to spend a fun morning at Pullen Park riding the boats, the train, the carousel, and the curly slide, eating a picnic lunch, and wandering around enjoying the catfish, turtles, and waterfowl. The day was absolutely gorgeous, breezy and warm, but not the slightest bit hot, and the children were perfect. The kids are so sweet and thankful for all they got to do. Over and over they told me, "Thank you so much Mommy for this special day!" and, "This is my favorite! I loooooooooove the carousel!" and, "You're the bestest Mommy in the whole world!" They also could be seen hugging each other and holding hands without prompting every now and then. They were just so happy. People often ask me if my kids are as good at home as they are in public, or comment on how much Chloe and Eli love each other. And while I normally scoff and make a big to-do about how not perfect my kids are, I want to take a moment to say how truly thankful I am for my sweet kids. No, they're not perfect, but, their parents are even farther from the mark. And no, they're not always good at home, and no, they don't always treat each other so sweetly, but they often do. They truly love each other. They truly have grateful hearts. And while I can say with all certainty that there is nothing I have done that makes them this way, they are this way. All thanks be to God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ who has begun such a beautiful work in my little household, and in the tiny hearts of my precious little kids. And I know He will complete it! I can't wait to see what He does next! And, I can't wait until we go on vacation because my children make me feel like every little thing I plan is the very best day of their lives.

Thanks for Grandpa for funding such a fun outing! :)

Who taught that girl to drive??? Ouch!!

They wanted to be the caboose today.

Happy on her horse.

In motion. She is not cheesing. She is absolutely this giddy.

The Silver Lining, er, Belltower

2009-04-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

On our fun outing to Pullen Park this morning, I turned a little too soon, and ended up right in the middle of Wolfpack Country. "Where are we, Mommy? Is this still Raleigh?" came Chloe's cry from the backseat. "Yup. This is NCState, where Daddy went to school." "Ooooh! I don't like NCState. I like Tarheels." Grinning, we entered the traffic circle, much to the kids' delight, and as we careened out, I pointed out the belltower. "Oh! That's neat. NC State has some cool stuff, too, I guess. Just like Chapel Hill has cool stuff, right Mommy?" "Yeah, I guess so." "I have three favorite cities, Mommy. Raleigh, Sher-lotte, and Chapel Hill! They're my faaaaav-rits!"

Dandelion Wishes

2009-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Our front yard is littered with what are, according to Chloe, "the most beautiful flowers in the WORLD!" Little yellow petals are scattered about among the clusters of clovers we call our lawn. While I actually think the little things are kinda darling (I do love yellow!), I'm sure Chloe would be shocked to find that the world refers to her beloved beauties as (gasp)weeds. Weeds or not, they are certainly a great source of entertainment for kids. What other flower can be used as paint in its prime, and into a great alternative to bubbles when it has morphed from yellow to little white tickles? And as an added bonus, no one yells at you when you pick them.

Well, the kids were playing in the front yard while I was enjoying reading Huckleberry Finn from the front steps. Chloe picked a dandelion ripe for blowing when I called out, "Make a wish!" "A wish? What kind of wish?" I told her any kind of wish, and filled her in on the deep-rooted tradition of dandelion wishes. Excited about this new aspect of her blowing game, she began twirling around and around wishing for a wish to wish! Finally, she yelled, "I know! I got it! My wish!" "What is it??" "I wish that we could move back to Raleigh, and that Raleigh could move by Sher-lotte! Is that a good wish, Mommy?" "That's a perfect wish, sweets." I don't think either will happen in the near future, but I do love how her little mind works!

One More..

2009-04-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how much these two love each other. I hope it continues into adolescence!

Christ has Risen!

2009-04-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Our front yard is still shady at 9am, so good Easter pics were hard to come by! We had a wonderful Resurrection Day. Chloe loved quoting verses throughout the day about the Lord's resurrection. She is such a sweet, faithful child.

More Theology

2009-04-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Chloe said to me, "Mommy, actually, the soldiers did the right thing because Jesus had to die in order to save us from our sins, right?"

Best in the World

2009-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Theology of the Worm, a continuing series

2009-04-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

C: Mommy, where is Jesus right now?

M: He's sitting beside his Father in Heaven, waiting for God to tell Him it is time to come get us.

C: But, Mommy, how can Jesus sit beside God when he is God?

M: (thinking)

C: Mommy, Daddy likes my questions!

M: (Feeling a little frazzled since I, myself, don't truly understand the Trinity, I resort to the apple illustration. The same illustration that I have always found insufficient, confusing, and well, lame.) Well, Chloe, it's kind of like an apple........(insert whole spill here)

E: Wait. What did you say, Mommy? Did you just say Jesus is an apple? Because Jesus is NOT an apple!

This morning...

C: Mommy, when God made all those first people, who took care of them? Babies need someone to take care of them!

M: Oh, Chlo! God made Adam and Eve all grown-up, remember?

C: Oh yeah. But what did he make Adam out of?

M: He made Him out of the dirt, the dust, remember?

C: Oh, and Eve? What did He make her out of?

M: He took a bone out of Adam and made Eve, remember that story?

C: Yeah, but, so, what kind of stuff did he make me out of? (pokes her tummy and looks confused)

M: Well, the Bible tells us God makes us each special, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that He knows all of our days even before we were born. It also says He makes us in secret, so we don't really know how He makes us, just that He makes us.

C: OH! A secret! That's good!!

And 2 days ago, talking to Daddy

C: Daddy, did Jesus make everything?

D: Yep. The Bible tells us that Jesus is God, and He made everything.

C: Well, then, if He made everything how could he get borned in this world? I mean, how could a baby be God? How could a baby make himself? How can God make Himself??

D: Good question, Chloe. I guess it's just a mystery.

Daddy Blog: Mommy in the Mountains

2009-03-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

Mommy has been at the mountains today (ladies conference at the Wilds) so it's just been Daddy and the kids. Everyone has survived the day with nothing more than a few scrapes and bruises. Here are a couple of quotes:
Chlo (after a few bites of her PB sandwich): Daddy, is there crunchy peanut butter on here?
Me: Oh sorry, Chlo. I forgot you like crunchy.
Chlo: Mommy doesn't forget. She doesn't forget because she's a mommy.

(After giving me a tight hug at bedtime)
Chlo: I gave you a big, big hug, Daddy. It was a special present for you because we had such a fun day!

Wormy's Words

2009-03-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite quotes of late:

Chloe: Mommy, I am going to be very good at the park today. I am not going to cry or complain even one time! It will be a special treat just for you!
(At the park both kids were wonderful. Forgetting about the pre-park promise of politeness, I praised the kids thoroughly when we got back in the car.)
Me: You guys were awesome at the park! That makes Mommy so proud! Thank you very much!
Chloe: I told you you would get a special treat today!

In order to encourage Chloe to not cry when I drop her off at the gym or school, I bought an after Christmas clearance My Little Pony advent calender with surprises behind 24 doors. As we were drawing to the end of the calender:
Me: Chloe, it looks like we are almost done with the calendar. I think that means you have learned that you don't need to cry when Mommy drops you off. What do you think this means you should do when we run out of doors?
Chloe: Um, Mommy, I think it means you better buy another calendar or I might just have to cry again.
Me: (sigh.)

Chloe: I love everybody in the whole family! I love Mommy. I love Daddy. I love Eli. But I love Dolly best of all.
Daddy: (feigns sadness and disbelief)
Chloe: Oh, don't worry, Daddy! I love you! I love everybody in the whole family very much! I just love Dolly more!
Me: (the next day) Oh, goody gumdrops!
Chloe: Goody gumdrops! That's what Grandpa says! I looooove Grandpa. He's SO silly!
Me: (I couldn't resist) You love Grandpa? Well, who do you love more? Grandpa or Dolly?
Chloe: (pauses and thinks, then holds up two fingers)
Me: Two?
Chloe: (nods head) Both. I love Dolly and Grandpa both the most of all.

Chloe looked out the backdoor to see the workers working in our yard.
Chloe: Mommy, I think we should put some water and snack on the porch for them. That looks like very thirsty work!
(she just warms my heart.)

More SNOW

2009-03-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

Though initially thrilled, even the kids are ready for the snowy days to be behind us. After only thirty minutes outside they begged to come in, retiring to the living room where a morning of Sleeping Beauty, Toy Story 2, and bowls of popcorn were waiting.

The Birthday Season

2009-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

The birthday season has come and gone leaving us all a year older and wiser and a little plumper. It seems to arrive every year only a day after the holiday pounds have been lost!

This year on top of the various parties we had a great time at Dunes Village where Chloe braved the waters and even went a couple of times on the water slide. The first night we booked, Patrick and I stayed alone, and the kids headed back to Mimi's (and Grandpa's, I should mention) house after water play, pizza, and cake. The second night they got to stay in the room, too! They loved it. They actually slept together on the couch bed after a latenight viewing of Cars. The next morning they got to pick out a muffin and juice at the onsite coffee shop, watch several shows that only come on cable, and then we headed to my old place of employment Build-a-Bear where Chloe made a blue (of course!) bear decked out in Hello Kitty jammies and Hello Kitty slippers. She appropriately named it Hello Bear. Afterwards we went to River City for burgers and fries, and headed back home. Chloe had an absolutely wonderful time!

Check out the family cake Mom had made for the party. I love how Chloe's name is on a fallen leaf since she is the only outlier with a fall birthday!

The Winter Highlight Reel

2009-03-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

Winter is making it's final plea to stick around today, while all of us in the C household are longing for the warm breezes of spring. Opportunities to take an evening walk around the lake and to visit a different park every day for a picnic lunch are just around the corner. We simply cannot wait.

Here are some of our favorite memories from winter:

Disney on Ice! Grandma came up and treated us all to a very exciting night of family fun. Despite Chloe's high fever and oncoming case of croup, she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She still talks about all of our fun adventures that night! We started the evening at Michaelangelo's, our local Friday night pizza place (serving a large 2 topping pizza for only $7.99 after 4pm and fountain drinks for $1!) and had our usual pizza and drinks. The kids received special cups to kick off the night. Then we headed to the pre-show where we got to meet Cinderella, admire all of the princess's gowns, and gaze into Mirror Mirror on the Wall. The show was simply amazing. The talent that it takes to skate and dance around while wearing large, ridiculous costumes astounds me. The scenery was wonderful, too. We saw Mickey and all of his friends, the cast from Cars, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and a grand finale with Tinkerbell. After the show ended we finished off the night with a run to Krispy Kreme for some fresh hots, since we happened to be "in the neighborhood."

The girls and I with Cinderella. Melissa screamed "I love you!" to her and received a very sweet "I love you, too!" and a blown kiss.

Tinkerbell. So cool.

This is the doll I made for Chloe for Christmas. She named it Chloe and loved it to literal pieces. I am now trying to learn to mend. I didn't think the girls I made them for would love them so much! I envisioned shelf-sitting dolls!

We tried to start new traditions of homemade gifts, baking parties, gingerbread houses, and advent. For the first time, I think we can truly say we savored the season and worshipped Christ while looking forward to the celebration of His birth throughout the entire month. The kids also received fleece blankets made by Patrick and I during the evenings when they were asleep, and bikes from Craigslist. They were absolutely thrilled with all of it.

Chloe and Dolly on Christmas morning

During our holiday travels, the kids got pretty much everything they wanted from all of the various grandparents. Chloe began her My Little Pony collection thanks to generous gifts from Nana, and believe me, it has flourished! The girl is nuts for Ponies! She also received a laptop and a tiny vacuum cleaner that are played with daily.

This season we received three ocassions of snow much to Chloe's delight. Every morning that she woke to find it outside of our front windows Chloe would exclaim, "He was right! Mommy! The weather man was right!!" She had much fun catching snowflakes on her tongue, eating snow cream, throwing snowballs at the boys, and making numerous snow angels.

All I Want For Christmas

2008-11-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

a Laptop like this one

a Crest spinbrush with Hello Kitty

a crib/cradle/bed for Dolly

a vacuum cleaner like Mommy

an iron and ironing board like Mommy (like I ever use it as anything more than a storage shelf!)

a washer and dryer

anything Rose Petal Cottage (where, apparently, all your dreams come true)

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Chloe!

2008-10-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Chloe is already four years old. Time has flown by, on the one hand. On the other, I can't really remember life without her. She has been such a blessing to me, and a constant source of conviction. She is one of the sweetest children I have ever known, full of concern for everyone around her, and with a lovely attitude that remains unblemished by bitterness and cynicism.

Chloe loves to learn, and spends many hours at her desk doing her "schoolwork", a preschool workbook with sheets on phonics, counting, handwriting, rhyming, patterns, early math, etc. She is going to be very ready when Kindergarten finally rolls around!

She is really into opposites, and loves to play the wonderful game of calling everyone and everything the opposite name (ie calling me "Daddy" and Patrick "Mommy"). A single game can last for hours or even days. It's terribly fun. Emphasis on TERRIBLE.

Chloe has decided that she will NOT be athletic. She constantly tells Eli "When you grow up, Buddy, you are going to play (insert every sport), and I am going to watch and yell, YAY ELI!!" She did recently tell Patrick that she might play badmitton when she grows up. I guess we shall see.

She has quite the eye for Strawberry Shortcake, Dora, and Princesses, finding them any and everywhere no matter how miniscule they are. She announces over and over again in a loud voice when she finds them. ("Dora, Mommy! Dora! Look! It's Dora! Do-Ra!")

Chloe adores her family. Every extended member. She cries for days every time we have to part ways with a grandparent or aunt or cousin or even an honorary uncle.

She rides her bike with training wheels rather well as long as you appear to be holding on. The second she even suspects that you may have possibly even loosened your grip, she throws her arms toward you and bails off, leaving the bike to careen down the cul-de-sac and crash into the neighbor's curb.

She asks lots of doctrinally interesting (read: difficult) questions, and talks a lot about going to Heaven and living with Jesus. She can't wait to get there.

She still has some anxiety when I leave her, but I think she is testing me more than anything. I've caught many stray smirks and smiles as the tears have rolled down when she thought I was not looking.

She makes up songs about everything. Constantly. Some are really amusing. Occasionally they are even kinda good. Mostly they're just weird. Today's song was: Tree! Tree! Tree! Tree! Tree fall down. It falls down on the sign and on the road. Trees fall down all the time. Trees fall down on the strawberry. Trees. Fall. Down.

Followed by, "OK Eli, now you sing it!"

E: "Don't know how."

C: "I'll teach you again. Listen this time, OK?"

E: "K"

Chloe repeats song with surprisingly little variation.

C: "Now it's your turn, E"

E: "Don't know how!"

C: "Yes you do, E! Try!"

E: "K, Trees. Tree. Tree. Tree fall down on Strawberry Shortcake."

C: "NO! NO! Trees not supposed to fall on Strawberry Shortcake! That's not how the song goes!"

She loves to teach Eli. She teaches him puzzles, letters, colors, and about Jesus.

Strawberry Shortcake is her hero.

Fall Means Fair!

2008-10-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

The kids loved the NC State Fair this year. The freebies, the animals, the stomach sickening rides, the fried things on sticks. The whole thing was a hit. We got to go twice this year. Once on free day with our friend Hope and her kids, and once on Saturday with Mimi and Grandpa. I'm actually already looking forward to going again! It always leaves me with the yearning to go back to my roots and become a farmer. On the other hand, I didn't even keep the cactus my dad gave me alive. I don't think that bodes well for my new way of life. The goats would make me happy, though.

The Silver Lining

2008-10-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

The past two months have been full of sorrow and grief, pain and fear. With the death of Daddypa, Granny's fall, Tootie's new shoulder, Tony's two heart surgeries, and MeMaw's torn ACL (not to mention Mimi's therapy, Mama's MRIs and XRays, and a couple of hearty colds for the wee ones) I couldn't help but become afraid and discouraged from time to time. It's been a blessing to know the peace of Christ through it all. I don't know how one makes it through such tough times without it. Besides resting on the Lord, we were also able to really wrap ourselves in one of the greatest blessings God has given us on this earth. The love of family. Though this time has been hard, very hard, we have had countless opportunities to spend with one another. The kids were able to spend days and days at Mimi and Grandpa's while Patrick and I did what we could do to help Grandma and to grieve. Then there was a week long stay at Grandma's for the kids and I, with many more to follow. Tootie came and hung her hat for a week here and another week there, and MeMaw and Poppa came to enjoy the kids and work in our yard, so Patrick and I could get away for a time of spiritual refreshment at the Wilds. It has been so wonderful to constantly be around the people we love the most. I just hate that it only happened as a result of tragedy. I look forward to the day when we can all be closer together, or when we all get cars like the Jetsons to drastically cut down on the commute. I just hope it happens before the kids are too cool to hang out with us anymore.

A Day Out With Thomas

2008-10-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

We decided earlier this year that when Chloe's birthday rolled around, we definitely wanted to attend A Day Out With Thomas. This year it just so happened that Thomas was at the NC Transportation Museum during the first weekend of October, and Chloe's birthday, as you know, is not until the last weekend of October. Thus began the month of the birthday.

The day was incredibly fun. I had no idea there would be so much to do when we signed up. We had been to ride the Santa train before, and figured Thomas Day would be on the same scale. Boy were we wrong. There were Thomas tattoos, Thomas mini golf, Thomas train tables, a Thomas bouncing house, Thomas stamping, Thomas coloring, A live show with Bob the Builder, a room where you could watch Thomas videos and listen to Thomas storytelling, a giant Thomas made out of Legos, train displays like you wouldn't believe, and of course, the cherry on top, an actual steam engine Thomas that peeped and pulled and took children on rides. The kids had an unbelievable time! They are already talking about when we go back next year (which we won't be doing, by the way. It was fun and all, but, once is enough!). We took a break halfway through the day and had a picnic lunch with cake and everything under a beautiful tree in a nearby churchyard. The weather was perfect. On the drive home we stopped at the beloved Sir Pizza in Asheboro for supper. Chloe couldn't have asked for a better birthday party... except of course to ask for two more of them!

We'll Miss You, Daddypa

2008-08-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

August 3, 1942- September 1, 2008

An Oldie but Goodie

2008-08-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

This happened a while back, but I forgot to post it, and don't want to forget!

One morning, Eli was chasing Chloe around the house, sword pointed, causing her to scream and feign distress. Around and around and around they went, chasing and screaming, chasing and screaming, when I heard Chloe shriek in a loud voice, "Lord! Lord! Lord, please help me to forgive this pi-rate!"

The Summer Highlight Reel

2008-08-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

As promised, our summer in one post or less!

June

The Highlights: Our annual trip to Buckwheat Farms in Apex to pick strawberries. Chloe still talks about the "funny goats" and the horses she got to pet and feed strawberries.

Taking an impromptu week-long beach week, just Mommy and the kids. It happened to be the same week as the annual Forrest family beach week with Grandma Kepley, so we had a blast with Jillian and her whole family. Chloe got to play with Ava, on the beach. Chloe + Ava = BFF!

Our first trips to the pool with friends.

Eating LOTS of "ice cream on a cone." "Choclit on banilla, please. That's my fav-rit!"

A short, yet special, get together with Nana and Ed at Ann and Dean's house.

Spending an entire week at Mimi and Grandpa's house. Chloe couldn't wait for us to leave, and constantly asked, "Are you going to New York City now, Mommy?" or "Go to New York City! See you next week!" not stopping until we finally left. The highlights of her week included going to the beach with Grandpa and riding a boogie board, and going to the pool with Mimi and riding a golf-cart.

The Lowlights- Going to the pool the first couple of times. Chloe would hold so tightly to my arms while wrapping her entire body around mine, that I thought I would drown.

Having to leave Mimi's house to return to this prison we like to call "Home." She still complains about not getting to live with Mimi forever.

July

The Highlights: An Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in Apex. Chloe liked the moon bounce, painting, water run, and playing Lucky Ducky the most. She also particularly enjoyed her patriotic sno cone. (I don't know why. It was rank.)

Fireworks! Chloe loved our escapades to view the fireworks in the Wal-Mart parking lot (2 days in a row. Thank you, Mother Nature.), and enjoyed every second of the show. She reminisced "Remember America's birthday party, Mommy?" for weeks afterward.

The church picnic on the future site of College Park Baptist Church!

Filling her picnic basket with our lunch nearly every day, and going to a park after my workout. I would let her pick the park most days, and she would describe her desired locale, "how about the park with the climber in the sand?" or "how 'bout merry-go-round park?" or "let's go to park by water-lake!" or "let's go to the park with the bridge today!"

Watching the new ducklings grow from babies to "little girls" to "big girls" all in a month's time.

The Durham Bulls baseball game. Patrick’s company has season tickets to the Bulls, and we got to go. We got to watch the game from the 2nd row, just behind 1st base. The kids had a blast. Chloe liked Wool E. Bull, the cartoons on the big screen, and the music more than the game. She really got into the YMCAing and clapping and rooting and such. We were certain we would only stay for a short time, and were completely ok with that, but the kids loved it so much we got to stay until the fireworks! This time we got to watch them close up! Chloe loved them, and was absolutely giddy while watching them. She squealed with delight, and smiled so big I thought her face would break.

Going to the pool and JUMPING in with Melanie and the other big girls. Un-be-lievable. Truly.

AUGUST

The Highlights- Mama and Daddypa's surprise party. Chloe loves nothing more than a birthday party.

Going to the Science and History Museums with Carrie, her bro, and her boys. Tons of fun! Chloe really liked the butterfly room this time. She was especially thrilled with all of the big blue ones. (Cause Blue's my favorite colorrrrrr!)

Tootie and Ally and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. Thanks to the constant commercials of the rat and all his promises of fun on PBSkids, Chloe has been begging to go for some time. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint, and she had an awesome time! It helped (my nerves, especially) that there was only one other little boy there for the entire first hour of our outing.

Playing with Ally. I was almost sad she doesn't have a big sister. She just loved having Ally here to play with and talk with for the week.

A Mt. Airy trip complete with Pilot Mountain, Speedy Chef, and Tootie's house. Chloe LOVED the mountain, and found a perfect rock to bring home and add to her collection.

A day in the old neighborhood. Lunch at the old pizza place, a drive by the old house, playtime at the old park (which has been completely renovated and is incredible, I might add. Figures.), and a sprinkled doughnut, hat, and balloon from the old Krispy Kreme. In Chloe's words, "You're the goodest Mommy of the world, Mommy! What a fun day! Thank you so much for the fun day, good Mommy! I love you!"

The lowlights- Tantrums, talking back, and intense anxiety when I leave her in the gym or church nursery. It's tiring, sad, frustrating, and downright bizarre. She would normally trade me for most anyone at our church in a heartbeat. Hopefully this will soon past.

Daddy Blog: Tricycle Tragedy

2008-08-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

I can still see her desperate face screaming in slow motion, "Daddy, noooooooooooo!!" I had placed Chloe on the porch and Eli by the fence so that I could watch them as I backed the van out of the driveway to make room for shooting hoops. Unfortunately the trike that was directly behind the van did not receive the same care. I heard Chlo's scream right about the same time I heard a strange crunch and scraping sound. I hopped out to survey the damage. It wasn't pretty. But Chloe sweetly and gamely tried to ride the trike afterwards. She could only go in circles and the trike would occasionally tip over. I think I should probably buy the girl a new trike.

Daddy Blog: If, Then Logic

2008-08-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

It always warms a parents' heart when their child learns new social skills. Like the art of blackmail. Drawing some kind of connection between the themes of the previous post and the previous post before that, Chlo now announces to me, "Daddy, if you say, 'Wolfpack is stinky,' then you can win!"

Daddy Blog: Divided House Indeed...

2008-08-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

More like stacked house. Chloe announces to me often in a sing-song voice, "Wolfpack is stinky! Tarheels is good!" Wonder where she got those ideas...

Daddy Blog: The Race Home

2008-08-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Having to take two cars to church on Sunday evening (Terri has choir practice) has led to a "race" home after service. Chloe has decided to abandon her Daddy allegiance in favor of girl allegiance and cheers vigorously for Mommy to win. Chloe holds this position even when she is riding with me. She has decided not only that Mommy should win, but that Daddy shouldn't win. "Daddy," she says, "Don't win. You aren't supposed to win." Another time she counseled me, "The Lord doesn't want you to win." She has also chided me, "Daddy, Mommy is a very nice Mommy. Don't win!" She has even led her brother astray with her rubbish. In the past Eli would shout through the windshield for Mommy to get out of the way, but now chimes in, "Don't win, Daddy!"

Beyond the Blue

2008-08-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

In the car, on the way home from church, on a particularly beautiful Sunday. The sky was bright blue and full of billowy, fluffy white clouds. Chloe said to me,

"Mommy, I want you and me to get on an airplane and fly up in the sky. Then we can fly up into the cloud, and when we get there, we can open the door, and get out, and play with the Care Bears! That would be fun, wouldn't it, Mommy? Can we do that, Mommy, can we? Or do I have to wait until I get bigger??"

On Women's Roles

2008-08-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I told Eli he was "awesome at baseball" and Chloe immediately responded with, "I'm awesome at being a cleaner, right Mommy?" Then, before I could answer she darted to her room and returned with an armload of pretend food, then announced "and I'm also an awesome cooker!"

In the car today, Chloe asked who I was talking to on the phone. "Daddypa," I responded. "Oh! Is Grandma there, too?" "No, she went to pick up Melissa from school." "Oh, well, is Memaw there?" "Nope, she's at work." "But Mommy! Girls aren't posed to work!"

On (Southern) Marriage

2008-07-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, isn't Daddy your cousin, like Melissa is my cousin?"

"Nooo, not cous-in. Hus-band. Sheesh."

Opposite Confusion

2008-07-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Chloe loves to listen to listen to this CD over and over again in the car. She always asks for it ("the yellow one please, Mommy!"), and pretty much refuses to listen to anything else ("but this CD is NOT my favooorrrrite.") It's gotten to the point where one of my all-time favorite CDs is even starting to get on my nerves, but that's another story. We were listening to it again yesterday, when she yelled up to the front seat, "Mommy, can you put it on a softer song, please?" So, I turned it down. "Mommy, I can't hear it!" I turned it back up. "But, can you turn it to a softer song, please?" Very confused, I put it on the next song. "This is not softer." So, I put it on the next song. "This one is not softer, either!" So, I put it on the next-next song which just so happened to be her favorite of all (It Is Well With My Soul). "Thank you, Mommy! This is very much softer!" And she began to belt it out.

Then today, the kids were playing games while I ate my lunch and watched the news. Chloe was playing Cootie, and Eli was playing Old MacDonald. Old MacDonald is a game of matching baby animals to their mommy, complete with animal sounds and songs. As they were playing, Eli was getting frustrated because he couldn't figure things out. So, Every couple of seconds, I had to ask Chloe to please show Eli how to do this or please show Eli where that was (because verbal commands throw him for a loop). Finally, she looked at me and said, "Mommy, I think Eli should just get a softer game for him." To which I replied, "It is kinda loud, isn't it?" She looked at me like I was an idiot, and replied calmly, "No, Mommy, it's not too loud, I just think he needs a softer game to play." Then the lightbulb went off. Softer= Easier.

Baa Baa Black Sheep, Chloe Style

2008-07-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Have you any more?

Yes sir, Yes sir

Three blags four

One for my masser, one for the day

And one for the little one who lays in the lane

On Art

2008-06-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

One morning at the table, Chloe turns to me and says:

"Mommy I'm not going to scribble scrabble anymore. I'm going to try to color in the lines. Eli, do you still scribble scrabble because you're a baby?"

And she stops scribbling. Just like that. I wonder how long she's been hiding away this whole line staying in ability from me.

On Traffic Safety

2008-06-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Riding (for the first time) in the childseat on the back of Daddy's bike, as he pulls from the sidewalk onto our neighborhood street, Chloe asks with utmost concern, "Daddy do cars runover bicycles or no?"

On Modesty

2008-06-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Strolling around the lake on a warm afternoon, shirtless male runners running toward us, Chloe yells in her loudest, most concerned voice:

"UH OH! He's nakey! He better get some clothes on right now!"

To which he (thankfully) responded with a polite laugh as he passed us by.

A Visit with Nana

2008-06-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

On Opposites

2008-06-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Me: Chloe, what's your favorite letter (to make in sign language)?

Chloe: Y! (shows me Y)

Me: Why do you like Y?

Chloe: 'Cause it's not hard.... It's soft!!

And another:

Me (on a particularly grown up day): Chloe, you look so old today.

Chloe (looking a little put-out): I'm not old! I'm new!

On Politics and Religion

2008-06-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Sees Barack Obama on tv, turns to me, and says,

"Mommy, is that God?"

Chalk C

2008-05-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

At a Glance

2008-05-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Chloe loves to tell everyone "I am three and a half now, but Eli is still two."

She prefers tv to the great outdoors.

The girl loves tacos.

She is hooked on phonics, and knows what all of the letters "say." She can sound out words with little prompting, but isn't reading on her own.

Ice cream makes her happy.

Her imagination is vivid, and she loves to play with her little people and their house. In her dollhouse world, Grandma spends all of her time reading her Bible in the rocking chair on the porch. Whenever the family goes somewhere Grandpa drives, and Mommy has to stay home. At night, Daddy sleeps in the bathtub, Grandpa sleeps in the crib, and Mommy gets a bed.

She loves to feed the animals at the lake. (geese, ducks, turtles, and fish all like old popcorn)

She is completely over the whole notion of naptime.

She loves to eat, and went from hating peanut butter to loving it.

She wants to live beside Mimi and Grandma.

I've never seen anyone panic the way she does. Except maybe her MeMaw.

She is amazing with the computer.

She asks me a million times a day "Mommy, what should I do?" Which is polite Chloe-speak for "I'm bored."

She still loves the water! (Check out the beach pics on flickr)

She says, "Girls like Tarheels, Boys like Wolfpack." to which Daddy answers, "That's right Chloe!"

She wants to be a boy so that she can wear underwear because panties don't have Thomas on them.

She wants to obey and make Jesus happy and her teachers happy and her Mommy and Daddy happy.

Daddy is still "Dee Dee Daddy Boy."

She ALWAYS notices when anyone gets a haircut.

She likes to use the word always, such as, "I like to eat ice cream always."

She wants to play the violin, the guitar, and the piano.

She wants to be a Mommy just like Mommy when she grows up.

End of an Era

2008-05-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Chloe's favorite color is no longer "blue, light blue and dark blue," but, instead "all different colors."

War Between the States

2008-03-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chloe was doing her United States puzzle when she yelled to me in a high-pitched, slightly patronizing voice,

"Mommy! Look! Little tiny state is crying."

I look in to see her waving the puzzle piece with Vermont and New Hampshire over her hand, repeating "Wah! Wah! Little state's crying. Wah. Wah." over and over again.

I had to ask. "Why is he crying, Chloe?"

"He's sad because I wanted to put big state in first!"

And she triumphantly places Texas right where Texas belongs. Then she laughs like it's the funniest thing in the world. Admittedly, at that very moment, it was.

I Hope It's a Phase!

2008-03-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Chloe has begun calling me "Momma" instead of "Mommy." This makes me very sad.

Party Time

2008-03-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Melissa's 5th Birthday party. I can't believe how fast time flies! The kids had lots of fun playing with bubbles and balls and balloons and eating cake. There are lots more pics of the party and the aquarium on Flickr!

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, BLUE! Fish

2008-03-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

(The jellyfish were her favorite because "They're blue. That's my favorite color!!")

We went to the NC Aquarium on Friday to spend a little family time together. We were headed to the hometown anyway for P to do a little studying with Dad, so we figured we might as well take a detour along the way. It had been awhile since we were able to do something fun together. We went to the aquarium, had a picnic lunch, and rode the ferry to Southport. The kids had an amazing time. Not one single fight or tear all day long.

The Big News!

2008-02-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

No more pacis!

Yep, you heard me right!

No more pacis!

Not at day, not at night!

Wormy's Words

2008-02-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

*Patrick is helping Chloe do the monkey bars at the park. She is sitting with her bottom in the crook of his arm, as he carries her from bar to bar.

Me: Are you the Queen of the Park?

Chloe: No.

Me: Oh, well, are you the Princess?

Chloe: Nooo. I'm the Wormy of the Park.

**During her nighttime song of "____ Loves Chloe." During Mimi's verse.

"Mimi loves Chloe, Mimi loves Chloe, Mimi loves Chloe, Because you're her Dar-lin"

Chloe looks up, says: Mimi lives too far away. It makes me peepee in my pants..... (gets excited) But I don't peepee in my pants! I only peepee in potty!

***Nighttime prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank you for chicken pie!

Fun Facts

2008-02-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

Chloe has officially renamed Patrick "Diddy Daddy Boy" and always refers to him or calls him by this full name.

She is 60% height and 80% weight.

She can officially do 65 piece puzzles, which astounds me. (Maybe I'm just being a Mom, but that seems crazy to me... especially since I really don't have the patience for a 65-piecer.)

She has finally seen a couple of episodes of Dora, and likes her.

When asked, "What did you learn at church today?" she actually tells me instead of just saying, "Learned about JESUS!"

She loves to eat nuts.

She loves the childcare at the gym. This baffles me.

Chocolate milk is her favorite. Especially the kind from fast food restaurants. For some reason it just tastes better than the home version of Skim Milk mixed with Trader Joe's Organic Midnight Moo.

She will do anything for chocolate. Except try meatloaf.

Grandpa Calls Me Sweetie

2008-02-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

Wormy's Words

2008-01-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

In the car, Eli is whining

Chlo: What's wrong, Buddy? Is it your throat? (plants idea in his head)Your throat hurts doesn't it? (nods head knowingly)

Eli: Yeah.

Chloe: I'm sorry Buddy, I'm sorry your throat hurts. God will make it better, Buddy. God will make your throat not hurt anymore!

Eli: Yeah.

The kids each got a scooter with 3 wheels from someone at church. Chlo got a Dora one, and Eli a Spiderman one. While scooting all around the house:

"Look at me, Mommy! I can do it! I can scooter! Just put one foot on scooter and one foot on rug. See? Daddy can't ride my scooter because he's too big. Maybe on Monday. Maybe Monday he will be little, and then he can ride the scooter."

Randomly:

"When I was a monkey, then I could climb up there, when I was a monkey!"

Tarheel Born and Bred, aka, Indoctrination Starts at Birth

2008-01-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

I was subbing in Chloe's class today (all 3yo), and during free time, Chloe and two other kids (I won't use there names since I don't know their parents or if they would mind) were sitting at a table with me playing with floam. When I hear:

Boy: Teacher! Teacher! Look at this!

Me: Oh, cool! Is that a boomerang?

Boy: No, it's a wolf. (looks at me like I'm stoopit) See here's his eye (points at something nonexistant), and here's his little eye.

Me: Oh, I see! (not really)

(time elapses)

Boy: Teacher! Look, I made another wolf! (points to indention) See his eye, and his other eye.

Me: Cool, Boy! Why do you like to make wolves so much? Do you like the Wolfpack?

Boy: (expression of intense pain fills his face) No! I don't like the Wolfpack! I like the Tarheels.

Me: (turns to Chloe) Did you hear that Chlo? Boy likes the Tarheels!

Chloe: (looks to boy, excitement all over her face) I like the Tarheels, too! I don't like the Wolfpack! Eli likes Wolfpack.

Me: (to boy) Yup. Chloe's brother and Daddy both like Wolfpack, but we like Tarheels.

Boy: (very serious) Good. I like Tarheels. I wish that other team would just stop playing and go away.

Teacher Mommy

2008-01-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

One of Chloe's teachers was out sick today, so her other teacher asked me to sub with her for the morning. At first I was a little skeptical about how it would work out, but everything was fine, and I actually had a great time doing it. It was neat to see how Chloe interacts with other kids (very rarely, I found), how she listens, how she learns, and what exactly she does every week while I am in my Bible study. She loved having me there, too, which made it all the more special. On the way home I asked her if Mommy was a good teacher today, and she answered, "No, Mrs. Amy is the good teacher, not Mommy. And Mrs. Susan, too. But Mrs. Susan is sick today. Mommy is not a teacher. Mommy is Mommy." It's fun how she only thinks of me as "Chloe and Eli's Mommy" and nothing else, while all along, I have the privilege of being the biggest and best teacher she will ever have.

Daddy Blog: Positive Reinforcement

2008-01-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

I had just returned from my PE exam review class.

Chloe: "Were you a good boy at school, Daddy?"

Me: "Yep! I was a good boy!"

Chloe: grabs my arm "Thank you, Daddy. Thank you for being a good boy at school." Gives me a big neck hug