Febreze Party and Swim Class

Last month I hosted a Febreze House Party. I was amazed at all of the wonderful goodies Febreze and House Party sent me. I was able to give all of my guests some amazing gift bags. They were completely shocked by the generosity of the gifts received.

For most of the party, Kaitlynn and Dave were at an event called Mini Chefs. Kaitlynn got a sucker for spinning the wheel, a zipper bag with measuring spoons, whisk and spatula, an apron and a small Strawberry Shortcake doll and DVD. They had a good time at the event.

Kaitlynn and I attended Monday Makeover twice last month. MawMaw, Kaitlynn and I had dinner at El Nopal and then went to Kaitlynn's swimming class.
Kaitlynn had a great time with MawMaw at class! They sang songs, worked on floating, kicking, blowing bubbles, walking like an alligator and diving for rings. The teacher told us that Kaitlynn is doing great. She said she has had such a huge turn around from the first night and that you would never know she was the same child. She said Kaitlynn is such a fish now. It was wonderful to hear the teacher brag on Kaitlynn. I think she really likes Kaitlynn and I know Kaitlynn really likes her. We really like her too and are so appreciative of her. She really got Kaitlynn comfortable with the pool and learning to swim.
MawMaw and Kaitlynn played in the pool until closing time! MawMaw told Kaitlynn she was pooped and Kaitlynn said "You pooped in here!" Kaitlynn thought she meant she pooped in the pool! Such literal thinking. It's so cute!

In the car on the way home, Kaitlynn was putting on lip gloss. I asked her who she was getting all fixed up / gussied up for. She said "I gotta look good for daddy!" Isn't that sweet?!

Dave and I watched Paranormal Activity. It was an interesting movie. I thought it was supposed to be a true story, but wasn't sure because of the different endings.

Ticket to the Beatles

Several weeks ago Kaitlynn, Nick and I met some moms and kiddos from church at Suson Park for a playdate. Kaitlynn and the other kids interacted a little. The kids had fun running around and playing on the playground while us adults got to know each other. We ate lunch and then most of us started leaving for naps and such. Kaitlynn and Nick tried rock climbing, then Kaitlynn helped Nick swing, Kaitlynn climbed the wall to the big slide and before we left Kaitlynn and Nick had fun swinging.

That evening Kaitlynn, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to Jungle Boogie. Ticket to the Beatles was the band playing. It was really crowded. This band has drawn the biggest crowd so far. We met up with some friends and had a good night!

Organization

Kaitlynn and I went to church for MM. Unfortunately, Kaitlynn was the only child there, but she enjoyed helping us.

When we got home, I was determined to get the living room looking better - basically Kaitlynn's toys more organized and put up. Kaitlynn helped me vacuum. While I was vacuuming the living room (along with the couch and couch cushions), she vacuumed the hall and main bathroom. Then we moved on to the dining room and kitchen. Unfortunately, that's when both of the vacuum cleaners pooped out on us. So now we are in the market for a new vacuum cleaner. We have terrible luck with them. They are constantly breaking and we are constantly replacing them. I cleaned and organized Kaitlynn's room. I bagged so many toys / stuffed animals to put in storage and organized all her toy bins, totes, and toy box. It looks better, although it is still crammed with toys. Her room is really small. Next, I took on the kitchen - mainly the area where Kaitlynn's toys are. She has a table and chairs set, play kitchen, dishes and food for her kitchen, dress up stuff, pretend cash registers and 2 noodle tubs. I moved everything off of her table and organized them in containers underneath the table. It looks better (at least for now). Finally, I tackled Kaitlynn's shoes. She has a shoe organizer for under her bed, but somehow her shoes don't seem to find their way back there. As I was going through her shoes, she was missing mates to 2 pairs of flip flops. Luckily, I found the mate to 1 of the flip flops.

Kaitlynn had swim class. Dave and Kaitlynn played in the shallow part of the pool before class started and then Kaitlynn got right in when it was time for her class to start. I was so proud of her during swim class. I think she has conquered her "fear" of the pool. She is so brave! They sang songs, splashed with their hands and the teacher worked on having the parents hold the kids while they kicked their legs in the water. Kaitlynn started moving her arms, too! She is a natural, a fish! She put her face in the water a few times and was OK with that. With 5 minutes left in class, they went over to the shallow part and let the kids "dive" for rings. Kaitlynn had fun throwing the rings in the water and going after them. At one point, she fell in and went under the water, but was brave enough to get back in the water and continue playing. After class, Dave and Kaitlynn continued playing in the water - the shallow and deep parts. She is so much more confident. She is just so stinking cute walking around in the shallow part of the pool!

On the way home from swim class, Kaitlynn informed us (again) that she needs a TV for her bedroom (actually she said TVs)! I don't know how comfortable I am with that at all. We have a TV in our bedroom and I know we really shouldn't. I don't want her to think she has to have the TV on to go to sleep. It's such a bad habit to start. I know we are not setting a great example, but it's hard to break bad habits.

After Kaitlynn went to bed, Dave and I watched "The Lovely Bones." It was a good movie, however, I did not agree with the girl's "heaven." I do not believe that when we die and go to Heaven, we will still be tormented by something that happened to us here on earth. There will be no looking back or wanting revenge. There will be no tears, longing or sadness. To me it was like the girl went to hell. How horrible to be dead and keep reliving your death or waiting for revenge! I felt is was a twisted view of "heaven", but thought the acting and the rest of the movie was decent.

Ella's Birthday Party

We attended Kaitlynn's friend, Ella's 3rd birthday party. The party was in her backyard. It had a Wiggles theme and was a backyard pool party. It was a lot of fun, but super sweaty hot out. It was so hot, at times we were hoping it rained just to cool us off. The kids were all fine because they had the water to play in. The party had face painting, music, games, sprinkler pool, wagon, slide, play house and an appearance by The Wiggles (actually teenage boys dressed as The Wiggles).

Kaitlynn fell asleep in the car. She slept until it was time to get ready for church. We attended service and Kaitlynn attended her class. When I came in to pick her up, she was sitting on the floor with one of the teenagers that helps out and 2 other boys. The teenager was reading them a story. Kaitlynn found her picture that she made and was ready for some hot chocolate.
This week's lesson: Jesus was a friend to the blind men. The kids brought home this really cool Lil' K Map Book that discussed the Bible story and being a friend. I hope they get these for all their lessons. Bible verse for the week: "A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

New Play Area

A few weeks ago Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to South County Mall to check out their new play area. First, Kaitlynn had to take a ride on the ice cream truck. These rides aren't near the play area, but we had to pass them because of where we parked. I think she is getting out of the phase where it is fun to just sit on the rides. She now wants us to put money in the them! And she will stay on them!
Kaitlynn had fun at the new play area and didn't want to leave because she said she met some new friends.

Kaitlynn stayed at MawMaw's for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Dave and I attended a dinner at church. We had a great dinner. God is doing some awesome things there!
Dave went to pick up Kaitlynn from MawMaw's. MawMaw showed Kaitlynn the gift she bought for Annabelle. Kaitlynn said she needed to open it for Annabelle. MawMaw told her that if she opened it, she would have to keep it. Kaitlynn asked if she would be mad at her and MawMaw said no (of course). Then she asked if I would be mad at her. MawMaw told her no. So now she has a new baby doll. She loves this doll. It came with a pacifier, cup, bottle and a bear. The doll's hands are magnetic so it can hold the bottle, cup and bear.

Picnic, Church and GNO

June 5th Dave, Kaitlynn and I attended a Retirement Center Picnic. This picnic had a petting zoo, pony rides, games, train ride, face painting, balloon animals and lunch.

Kaitlynn had a couple of pony rides. She loved petting the baby geese. The lady even let Kaitlynn go in the cage to play with the geese. She also pet the sheep, donkey, alpaca, rabbit, hen, calf and other pony. We rode the train (that went up and down the street). She played some games: duck pond, bowling and bean bag toss and won some prizes (sunglasses, bubbles, keychain, candy, etc). We ate lunch. Kaitlynn got her face painted (a butterfly on her cheek), but when the clown put glitter on it, it got in her eyes and she freaked out. She ended up wiping it off. It was a really hot and sticky day, so I am sure the sweat and glitter didn't feel good in her eyes!
We went to church that late afternoon / early evening. Kaitlynn said she didn't want to go, but as soon as we got there, she was ready for class. She was just tired from the picnic. When I came to get Kaitlynn after class, she was sitting at a table coloring with some other kids and one of the teachers. I think she must like hanging around the teachers, which I think is fine. She immediately told me their Bible story: Jonah got ate by a big fish and then was spit out. The memory verse for the week: "Children obey your parents" Colossians 3:20. They played in a pool / whale ball pit (among other things). She had her usual cup of hot (warm) chocolate and we had to get going.
I went to an Easy & Elegant Dinner Party at my friend Heather's. It was Heather's birthday, but she was hosting a House Party with Calphalon & Williams-Sonoma. It was a small group of us: Amanda, Ashley, Pam, Kit, and Colleen. We had so much fun chatting, drinking, eating and getting a tour of Heather's house (that her husband built). I can't wait to get together with these ladies again some time soon.

Eckert's Memorial Day Festival

Sunday, we went to church.
Kaitlynn enjoyed her class.
She couldn't wait to fill the hummingbird feeder with food so we could hang it outside.
She had to take some pictures of mommy and daddy preparing lunch.
MawMaw, Kaitlynn, Dave and I went to Eckert's for their Memorial Day Festival. Kaitlynn had fun riding on the airplanes, riding 3 ponies, feeding 2 zebu, a camel and goats, playing in the sand box, riding a tricycle and taking a train ride. She loved pushing the kiddie cart around the market. We had a good dinner at the Country Restaurant and delicious frozen custard at the Custard Shop.

Kaitlynn's cheeks were red and had bumps on them for most of the day. We didn't notice any bumps on her arms. We decided to get some Benadryl, as the pediatric dentist suggested. She was still acting extremely irritable at times. However, she still wanted to go and do things. She didn't want to stay home and most of the time seemed like she was feeling well enough to go out. The Benadryl seemed to help with the redness and bumps.

Going to be a Doctor

Several weeks ago, I attended my last Bible study class. I learned so much from this class and I loved learning about The Bible with this group. What a wonderful learning environment! A place to ask questions and really start to understand The Word.
Kaitlynn and I went up to the hospital to visit MawMaw. Dave met us up there after work. MawMaw was doing well. Kaitlynn loved being up at the hospital. MawMaw was on the same floor as her last hospitalization so she had the same nurses and techs. Kaitlynn had lots of "friends" there (from before). As we were walking down the hall to visit MawMaw, she told me that she was going to be a doctor. We wouldn't be surprised!
Before we left for the hospital, I told her to look in the mirror to see how she looked and she said "I look beautiful!" I love her confidence! BTW, she did look beautiful and was told that by almost everyone that passed her in the hospital.

Doctors Appointments and ER

One day last month, we had a busy day of doctors appointments. We took MawMaw to an appointment, in which her doctor said she needed to go to the ER that evening and be admitted to the hospital. Kaitlynn had her pre-surgery appointment with her pediatrician. The pediatrician checked Kaitlynn's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and listened to her lungs. She said she was confident Kaitlynn could go through the procedure / surgery without any problems. Between appointments, we had lunch and let Kaitlynn play in the play area at Burger King.

Hanna and Adam watched Kaitlynn so Dave and I could attend our last class at church. We met some really cool people that we hope to continue to stay in contact with. After getting home from class, I took MawMaw to the ER and she was admitted to the hospital.

Mother's Day Weekend

Saturday, we went to Botanical Garden and Grant's Farm for the first time this year. Botanical Garden has a dino exhibit. Kaitlynn was excited to look around the Garden for dinosaurs, even though there were only 2 exhibits (unless you actually went through the paid exhibit). We walked around the Garden and Kaitlynn fed the Koi fish. She loved feeding them. Then we walked around some more. Kaitlynn enjoyed taking pictures. At one point, she was actually taking a picture of every step she took. It was so funny! At the Botanical Garden, it was pretty windy, but thankfully the sun was out almost the entire time we were there. We went to lunch at the Bread Co. and then went to Grant's Farm. At Grant's Farm it was pretty chilly and windy. The sun wasn't out as much, but we still had a good time. Kaitlynn and Dave spent quite a while with the goats. First, Kaitlynn tried feeding them through the fence because she didn't want to go in the pen. Eventually, her and Dave went in the pen and after spending about a half an hour with the goats, they were finally able to get a few goats to drink from the bottles of milk. I guess the goats were very full from being fed by all of the people visiting. Kaitlynn rode the carousel and we looked at the other animals. Kaitlynn said the elephant was talking to her. When asked what about, she said something about the water. She had a snow cone, while Dave and I had our 2 samples of AB products. Yum! We walked around the stable and then headed home.


Mother's Day Declaration
I wanted you before you were born. I loved you when you were born, I saw your face and I knew that I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for you. To this day, I will. This is the miracle of life.
This came from a friend on facebook.

A Mother
When you're a child she walks before you,
To set an example.
When you're a teenager she walks behind you
To be there should you need her.
When you're an adult she walks beside you
So that as two friends you can enjoy life together..
Author Unknown

Sunday we had Kaitlynn dedicated at our church. What a special way to celebrate Mother's Day! To honor God that way and to make a commitment to raise her in the church community was so amazing. I look forward to the day that she is old enough to make the decision on her own that Jesus Christ is her Savior and she wants to be baptized.
Our families met us at church for the service. Dave, Kaitlynn and I had a family photo taken. We helped our families find seating. Then we waited in the lobby with the rest of the parents and children being dedicated. We talked with our dedication mentor couple. They were so supportive to us on Sunday. All of the dedication families processed in and stood in front of the church. Our lead pastor talked about what dedication is. Then our associate pastor introduced all of us to the church community. We were given a moment of prayer, where our families were able to come stand with us and pray with us. Our mentor couple said a prayer with us and our families. What a powerful moment!
We took Kaitlynn to her class and went back to service. After service, we sat outside of church with our families and talked. Kaitlynn had fun opening her gift from Hanna and Adam.
We went to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. After lunch MawMaw gave Kaitlynn a present. It was a beautiful cross frame that says "Bless this child."

Easter

First let me start by saying "Jesus has risen! He has risen indeed!"

We woke up early and had an Easter egg hunt around our house after getting dressed. Kaitlynn got her Easter basket from us. We went out for breakfast to a nice little cafe, which was awesome. We went to church. What an amazing and uplifting worship service. The music and the teaching were so amazing! What a great way to worship Jesus! After hanging out at church, we went up to the hospital and had lunch with MawMaw and Hanna. It seemed to take forever for MawMaw to get discharged. We went to her house and started cooking Easter supper. What a delicious supper! We were truly thankful this Easter as we remembered what Easter was truly about - Jesus dying for our sins and rising from the dead. We were also so thankful for getting to spend it with our family that we love so much and that are so supportive of us.

Kaitlynn had fun painting with her new Mickey and Minnie Mouse paint set and making a chocolate bunny hutch. She loved hanging out with the family, especially her cousins.

April Fool's

I took Kaitlynn to her Kids in the Kitchen class. There are a lot of kids in that class and most of them are 4 or 5 years old. The theme was Foolish Foods.
Kaitlynn fell asleep as soon as we got in the car. We visited MawMaw in the hospital.
Kaitlynn was pretending to be MawMaw's doctor. She was asking her what was wrong and what hurt.

We met daddy and Hanna at home and went to Bread Co for dinner. Hanna hung out with Kaitlynn while Dave and I attended the Good Friday Experience at our church. It was an amazing experience and really put things into perspective.

Palm Sunday

Sunday, March 28th we attended church. It was an awesome service.
In class, Kaitlynn received a palm and made a palm leaf.
I visited MawMaw at the hospital. They scheduled to do the scope procedure on Monday to try to identify the bacteria.

Playdate and Birthday Party

Friday, we attended a playdate at Eileen, Gabe and Merci's house. Emily, Ella and Beatrice were also there. It's always interesting getting the kids together because you never know how they are going to interact with one another. Gabe and Merci gave Kaitlynn her birthday gift, since they were unable to attend her birthday party. The kids wanted to open it up and play with it, but since the playset had small pieces, I decided it would be best to wait until we got home to get all the pieces out.

Saturday morning we attended Kylie's 3rd birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese (and got to meet her new baby sister, Ava). After all the kids arrived, Trisha gave the kids their tokens to play games. Kaitlynn had so much fun playing the games and riding a few rides.
Pictures of Kaitlynn from the games / rides.

The kids were called back to the table to eat lunch, Chuck E. Cheese came out and we sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl. Kylie opened her gifts and the kids went back to playing games. Kaitlynn had a good time at the party.

Kaitlynn made this bracelet for Kylie. She likes making bracelets for her friends.

Dave and I still needed to eat lunch, so we went to McDonald's. Kaitlynn played in the playland while we ate lunch. It was perfect. She had a great time playing with the other kids. There were A LOT of kids there, too.

We went home and got cleaned up and attended church service. Kaitlynn went to her class and learned about being kind.

3 Year Check Up

Thursday, I attended my Women's Group / Bible Study then Kaitlynn had a 3 year check up at the pediatrician's office. She proudly got on the scale and couldn't wait to get her height measured. They checked her temperature and then we went to a small room where they checked her blood pressure and hearing. Kaitlynn asked the nurse if she could use the kitty cat blood pressure cup. She did great getting her blood pressure taken. I thought it would freak her out when it tightened up, but it didn't. She did great with the hearing test and didn't mind the nurse putting the ear buds into her ears. She sat listening intently. I was so proud of her at being such a big girl. Her weight and height are in the 75th percentile. Her blood pressure was great as well as her hearing. The pediatrician talked to Kaitlynn about nutrition and her jobs around the house. Kaitlynn gladly answered her questions and told her about her birthday party. Kaitlynn's medical forms for preschool were filled out. When it was time to check out, Kaitlynn (as usual) had no problems asking for her cookie and sticker. She was not going to let them forget to give them to her! After the appointment we went over to Bread Co and treated ourselves to a special drink. Kaitlynn and MawMaw had a strawberry smoothie and I had an Iced Caramel. Yum!

Sharing, PW and Beauty

Sunday we attended church. Kaitlynn attended her class. This week's lesson continued to be about sharing. After church, we went home to eat lunch and then went to pick up Kaitlynn's birthday gift - a Power Wheels Jeep. She had so much fun driving it.

That evening, Kaitlynn and I were in the bathroom. She was looking at herself in the mirror (a small freestanding one) and I was telling her how beautiful she was. She moved it towards me and said "how do you look?" I said "what do you think?" She said "you look beautiful mommy." Then later while I was downloading the pictures from the day, she said "I'm going to take a picture of you because you're so pretty." Isn't she sweet?

Friday Night Live

Friday night I attended a Women's Friday Night Live at my friend Casey's church. Casey, Mary and I met for dinner and then went to the event. We had such a good time! Beforehand, we picked out 3 classes / sessions that we wanted to attended. My first session was different from Casey and Mary's. I attended Nutrition and Health. They attended Salad and Dessert Creations. I really liked the Nutrition and Health session, as it was very thought-provoking. It really gave some good insight and information on some things that I would like to change with my family's diet and eating habits. The second session we all attended was Devotions for Kids. This was an amazing class that really gave some great resources in starting this very important time at home. Our third session was Who Are You? (How God Defines Us). This was such a powerful session to end with. I was so happy to have a girls night out and I couldn't think of 2 better women to attend this with. I can't wait for more events like this and / or more time with these 2 awesome women.
Kaitlynn and Dave had a night at home. Aren't these pictures adorable?

Valentine's Day

Sunday the 14th, we exchanged Valentine's gifts. Dave gave Kaitlynn some chocolates. Kaitlynn and I gave Dave some books, a Valentine's cookie and some crafts the she made. Dave and Kaitlynn gave me a couple Victoria's Secret bras and matching panties and some Godiva chocolates. We gave Kaitlynn some candy, a Bratz doll (Valentine's Day collector's edition), flash cards, notepad with pen, puzzle and activity book.

We went to the Zoo for their Mardi Gras Parade. We got to watch the March of the Penguins again. We were up really close this time. It was so awesome. Kaitlynn loved it! Penguins are one of her favorite animals. Kaitlynn had her face painted like a Mardi Gras mask. She made a penguin with a toilet paper roll. We had a good time, despite the weather. It was snowing and pretty cold out.

We adopted a king penguin for Kaitlynn. This is part of a Valentine's / birthday gift. With the adoption, she received a 12" plush king penguin, adoption certificate, color photo and fact sheet, car decal and t-shirt transfer, name on the Zoo Parents Kiosk for 1 year and an invitation to the Zoo Parents Picnic.


After the Zoo, we went to the evening church service. Kaitlynn didn't get to attend her class. She really missed it, but it isn't offered at that service.

Church and Bowling

Sunday the 7th, we attended church. Kaitlynn attended her class. They continued learning about Jesus' love for them. After church, we were sitting in the lobby drinking coffee (and hot chocolate). I asked Kaitlynn to do something and she said she couldn't because she was watching these boys - 2 boys were running around outside. That girl sure likes the boys!

That afternoon, we went bowling with Aunt Neese, Hanna, Adam, Brandon and MawMaw. We had such a great time!

End of January Updates

Sunday the 24th, we attended church. Kaitlynn went to her class. She ran right in and stayed the entire time. Later when I asked her about class and what her friends' names were. She excitedly told me about the boys! Uh-oh, are we in trouble? Boy crazy already!
Their lesson was "Jesus stopped the storm. Great is our Lord and mighty in power. Psalm 147:5 I can ask Jesus for help because of his great power."

Kaitlynn loves painting her own nails!

MawMaw and I took Kaitlynn to see her first movie. We saw Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel. It was adorable and Kaitlynn loved it. By the end of the movie, she was dancing in the aisle. It was great! Of course, MawMaw treated Kaitlynn to a new purse and a pair of lady bug clip-on earrings. We had a great time. Kaitlynn was wore out and fell asleep after the movie. It was a total Girls Day Out!

Kaitlynn and I attended Motor Masters class. The theme for class was The Circus. For the gross & sensory motor stations, they rode an elephant, walked the balance beam, jumped on the trampoline, hit a ball that was above their head while standing on an elevated surface, had to figure out how to get through a set of hula hoops and swung from a bar. For the fine & sensory motor stations, they played wack a mole, a couple duck games, cut straight lines, used tongs to put popcorn in popcorn containers, played with play-doh and played at the water table.

Kaitlynn attended preschool with MawMaw. She had a great time with the other kids.

Kaitlynn attended a playdate with friends at Kangaroo Kids.

We met some of my old high school friends for lunch. It was great getting together and sharing where our lives are now and fun to meet the spouses and kids.

Kaitlynn and I were driving to MawMaw's, Kaitlynn said "I love you mommy." I told her I loved her too. She said "no you don't." I told her "Oh, yes I do." She said "more than cheese burger and fries." I reassured her that I love her "more than cheese burger and fries." Not sure why she said this. Especially since I am a vegetarian - I don't eat cheese burgers!

Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to the mall and to Claire's to look for a new pair of clip-on earrings for Kaitlynn. She watched a 6 year old get her ears pierced and decided she wanted to get her ears pierced. After talking with daddy, we decided she needed to wait. We still think she is a bit too young for that. It's a big responsibility and we want her to be able to take care of them.

Sunday the 31st, we went to church. Kaitlynn ran right into her class. They learned about Jesus' love for them. The Bible Truth for the week was: Jesus loves me. The Bible story told about parents bringing their children to Jesus.

After church, we picked up MawMaw and went to the Zoo. It was cold, but sunny out. The Zoo was having a Delta Dental Winter 2010 event. We missed the Delta Dental show, "Land of Smiles", but did get to watch the Penguin's March. We ate lunch, then Kaitlynn got her face painted. We went to the Bird House and to see the big cats.

To see videos and more photos, check out my other blog. Don't have the link, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com.