Gettin' Crafty Take 2

Remember my previous post with the canvas and tape?  We did some finger painting today, and are you ready?   Ta-Da.....

Obviously the one doing the taping (me) could have been a bit more careful, but really they are 4 1/2 and 20 months.  It's cute no matter what.  

Gettin' Crafty

Now that summer is here I knew I needed to stock up on some craft supplies.  We were out of construction paper and finger paints so those were a must but I also had a few other things up my sleeve.  

My in-laws got me a gift card to Hobby Lobby for Christmas.  I was hoping to find a table for our foyer.  I've had luck in the past with accent furniture there but just couldn't find anything this time.  I don't really know what I want, I'll just know it when I see it.  I decided to take that gift card and stock up this week on fun activities.

Hobby Lobby really needs to rethink their idea of a shopping cart.  You just can't fit two kids and all your stuff in there.

The end result of our shopping trip was this; canvas for finger painting, finger paints, construction paper, sun catchers (the ones you paint and the ones you bake), butterfly garden, make your own volcano, and a kit to mold and paint your own model cars. 

 We've already done a few items.  I was super excited about the sun catchers.  I can remember doing this is a kid.  Cooper was so patient helping put the crystals in the correct spot.  My OCD just wouldn't let me do it anywhere, it had to be correct.  I should have taken a picture of it on our patio door.  It's cute!

We also molded a car and truck, he worked super hard at painting the car.  We haven't painted the truck yet, I'm sure it will take no time. 

 He also got a little carried away with the paint.  The paint on his nose stayed there most of the evening.

 This is what I am most excited about, I found an idea on Pinterest I can't wait to do.  This is the first step.  I need to get Cameron's ready and we will be all set.  Can't wait to show you the finished product.

I attempted to mold the volcano last night.  It takes a couple of days to get going.  First you mold it, then you paint it, then you erupt it.  Ms Crafty over here put the eruption chamber upside down, so we either need to buy a new kit or see if we can get a couple additional bags of plaster.  Hoping we can find plaster at the craft store. 

Stayed tuned for more craft adventures at the Lee house.  I know you will be waiting.

Party like it's 1997

 After 15 years, we finally had a class reunion.  We tried for our 10 year but didn't get enough responses and had to cancel.  A group of guys decided to take on the task this year and although I had my doubts, they pulled it out.  I did hear they were each out about $300. 

It as nice to get all dolled up and get a few hours away.  I did feel a little bad for Steve, it can be awkward when one spouse didn't got to that school.  He works with a girl I graduation with and another girl I graduated with is a dating a guy he graduated with.  That helped out, at least he had people to have talk to.

 This is Majella, back in high school people used to say we looked alike.  My mom even thought she was me at a basketball one night.

 We were sitting at the tables talking when I glace up to find they are opening our time capsule.  I had forgotten about this thing.

 First thing out was our section championship t-shirt.  They had a table set up for our deceased classmates, 6 in all.  We put the shirt in front of Ryan, just so happens the picture they obtained for him was one of us winning that game.  History lesson here, my senior year was the last year that Indiana had one class basketball system.  We were in Jeffersonville's sectional.  It was a David vs Goliath.  And we won!!!!! 

 I had also forgotten that the poem we wrote signed by us was also in the time capsule.  Everyone started yelling read it, so Laura and I read it together.   Of course halfway through no one was paying attention :) 

 This was probably the funniest thing of the night.  I mean really?  This was our 15 year high school reunion.

 We ended up having an early night so Steve's parents didn't have to stay too late.  It was good to see everyone again and laugh about old times.  However, nothing could compare to waking up and being with my kids once again. 

Graduation Day

Since my 15 year class reunion is approaching, I wanted to share something with all my loyal blog readers.  As senior class president I was asked to say a speech at graduation along with our 3 Valedictorians and 1 Salutatorian.  I ended up teaming up with one of the Valedictorians Ryan Sommerville, we wrote a poem about our experiences from kindergarten through graduation.  We had known each other since we were 5, it ended up being super easy and we threw it together in a night.  Less than 5 months after graduation Ryan was killed in a single engine plane crash on his way back to ISU where he was studying to be a pilot.  He, along with 5 others who have since passed, will be missed Friday night as we celebrate our 15 year reunion.  Here is that poem.

Graduation Day

The time is finally here for that special day in May,

We have finished all of our schooling and today is graduation day.

The journey has been long and now it is finished at last,

It is time to move forward, but we must not forget our past.

It all started in kindergarten with a game of show and tell,

We first leared to read adn the letter people taught us well.

Moving to Pleasant Ridge we were introduced to new teachers and a new school,

We learned to write cursive and the playground was very cool.

Jonathan Jennings was only just a small trip to next door,

Mr. Stover was principal and the school was ours to explore.

Sports were introduced along with saftety patrol too,

The stop light in the cafeteria definitely seemed new.

Physcial Education, music, and the library began to intermix,

In Mr. Pearson's art class we rolled up paper sticks.

Track and Field Day events at JJ were always very fun,

But our grade school days were over, and it was now time to move on.

It was time for something bigger and junior high was it,

The school was brand new and our possibilities were infinite.

Having lockers and seven classes a day were both something new,

We thought we knew it all but really had no clue.

Now that we were in middle school discipline was always enoforced,

If you tried to set the locker room on fire, you would be suspended of course.

Birthday parties at the Civic Center became a middle school tradition,

Any spot in the tan locker bay was always good for French kissing.

We were off to Washington DC on a special eighth-grade trip,

Although our time was spent on a tour bus, we had fun quite a bit

At the honor's day banquet many awards were given out,

Each one was well deserved and that was without a doubt.

They tried to serve tasty food, they tried as hard as they could,

But school food is school food, and it is never very good.

Three short years had passed and we had finished junior high,

Although it was very sad, it was time to say good-bye.

We were the incoming freshman making our debut,

We wondered if all our nightmares were going to come true.

We all seemed so very small and the school so very big,

The place appeared to be a great big tree and us a little twig.

It was not long before each and every one of us found our groove,

We began to find our way around and we all had something to proove.

We had to prove that we were strong and we too could survive,

High school was nothing more than a larger junior high.

One by one we recieved our license after completing Driver's Ed.

"Remember to wear your seat belt," was the expression our parents said.

Our junior year rolled around and prom was drawing near,

We spents lots of time and money trying hard to prepare.

Mardi Gras was the theme and we had lots of fun,

The money was well worth it when it was all said and done.

In the fall of '96 the school was ours for the taking,

We were all senriors and graduation was in the making.

Basketball and football were both very successful,

We are hoping for baseball and softball to also win sectional.

"People look at my hand," was what Mr. Bradley would say,

While Ms Berry and Ms O'Neal would always  brighten our day.

They laid on the work as much as they possibly could,

Preparing us for college, saying it was for own good.

Mr Griffith was both a friend in and out of class,

But if you made him mad, he would tell you to kiss his _____.

And to all the other teachers who influenced us along our trip,

Thank you very much for never letting us quit.

Spring Break came around and it symbolized the end,

We all went our different ways but stuck with our close friends.

The seperation of our class will be a very sad event,

But leaving this school behind will be very excellent.

After 13 long years of school we are proud to suggest,

Our senior year of high school stood out above the rest.

It has been a long trip and we can no longer delay,

For the class of 1997 it is finally graduation day.

Here we go again...

Back at Cameron's 18 month appointment we voiced concerns over Cameron's language.  This is no where near the concern we had over Cooper, but once you have a child go through it once you tend be more proactive.  I don't think he has an articulation issue, he just needs more words.  He also understands our language perfect.   They refered us to First Steps and we even changed our minds a few times until we finally decided to go ahead with the evaluation.   That took place this afternoon, they are in fact seeing a delay in social and communication skills.  I'm not 100% in agreement with what they said, I'll explain, but it is very low cost and it can't hurt to get a therapist in here.  They may work with him for a few months and decide he's perfectly fine.

Why don't I agree?  First of all, his appointment was scheduled for 3:00.  He takes a late nap, but no biggie I would just need to adjust it and he would have been fine.  Cooper went to my in-laws so he wouldn't be a distraction and they called me at 12:20 saying they were running ahead of schedule and could they come at 2.  Thankfully we were out and he could fall asleep on the way home.  However, I had to wake up him when they got here and he wasn't himself at all.  Then my mother-in-law called.  Normally I woudn't have answered but since she had Cooper I felt like I needed to.  Well that ended it.  The kid is obsessed with my phone.  It is usually in hiding.  He spent a great deal of time crying trying to find it in my pocket.  The only words he spoke was bye-bye as they were leaving. 

We have another meeting next week to discuss the full results and get names of therapists.  My goal is to get one that is available when Cooper is in preschool.  I just think he will be too big of a distraction.  However, we do have the whole summer for him to be here.  They said if we have Cooper in a library program they could meet us there, but the library only has programs the month of June.  I'm sure I'll figure it out somehow, I always do.  I will be 100% shocked if Cameron's therapy continues beyond the age of 3 into the school system.  I just think he needs a little push.

It's officially summer!

Cooper had his last day of preschool and speech today which means it is officially summer for us!!  I am so ready.  Preschool is such a huge commitment with drop off and pick up with not a lot of time in between to get things done.  I am more than ready to have some free time.  I couldn't be more proud of my guy for all he has accomplished and learned this year.  Check out his first day picture compared to his last day. (I still can't figure out this new blogger stuff, last day is on left and first day on right.)

Today was their class their class picnic at the park across the street.  It didn't take long for little boys to realize it would be more fun to throw rocks in the creek than it would be to play on the playground.

Even little brother got in on the action.

The teachers had leftover ice cream and popsicles from birthday treats.  It was the perfect snack this morning. 

Before long it was time to say good-bye for the summer, but not without a quick picture with all his teachers. 

Ms. Melinda; phonics

Ms. Amy; director

Ms. Erica; arts and crafts

Cooper couldn't leave without getting a picture with Kolton and Kylie.  He loves these two kids, maybe it's twin thing. Oh, and their dad is Charlestown Police Chief, the helped blocked traffic on Hwy 3 so we could all cross the street.  Super cool!

Finally it was off to Jonathan Jennings for one last speech class.  This is Ms Smith, his therapist.  He loves her, and so do I!  I have been so thrilled with the change in venue for therapy.  Steve wants to try and get our kids into Silver Creek for school, I'm silently saying a prayer they don't get in.  I have such a wonderful experience at JJ, I'm gonna be sad if he goes anywhere else.  Plus, all his friends from Wee One's are going to either Charlestown or New Washington.

I got a little sad while leaving the picnic today, I can't believe is done with one full year.   Luckily, he will be back with all the same kids and teachers.  I saw where JJ is having camp kindergarten tonight, that means that last night was Wee One's graduation, tonight is camp kindergarten, and tomorrow is their class picnic.  That is enough to drive a mom to drink.

We are going to be super busy next year with three days of school and one day of speech.  I am going to take it in and enjoy every minute this summer, okay maybe not every minute :)  I know once September arrives it will all be over before I know it. 

One last thing, not only are we going to Chuck E Cheese tonight to celebrate, we are also celebrating Cooper being dry in underwear all night long for almost 2 weeks!  We are so proud!  He is mighty proud of himself too. 

A Sneak Peek

A while back Brittany texted Tracey and I to let us know that she was going to be in town for a bridal shower and asked if we would be interested in doing a photo shoot.   Brittany has started her own photography business, For His Glory Photography.  She sent me a few sneak peeks.   I really have no words.

Happy Mother's Day

 I went almost the entire day today without taking pictures.  It was such a relaxing day, for me anyway, that I just forgot.  We had already celebrated with my last week.  Her birthday was last week as well so she came over one night for pizza and cupcakes.  I stopped by the Pie Kitchen to get her a cupcake and came out with 5.  She is having a hysterectomy next month and told me she just wanted me to help her out and go the grocery for her a few times.  Sounds easy to me :)

I told Steve that all I wanted for Mother's Day was a nap.  Between my birthday and a little trip I have planned I didn't really need anything.  He delivered!!!  I got an hour and a half nap.  It was awesome!  It's been a long time since I've had one of those.  When Cameron woke up from his nap we all cuddled in the bed for a while.   Perfect in so many ways.

We celebrated with his parents by going to dinner at Cracker Barrel.  I wanted to take some pictures but this was the best I got. 

 After dinner everyone came back to our house for dessert, which Steve and I got for everyone and I picked out.  Dutch Caramel Apple Pie.  It was amazing. 

I know Mother's Day is supposed to be all about celebrating moms but really, I wouldn't be a mom without my two boys.   They are what makes me a mom, I feel like I should celebrate them.  Or really, celebrate God, he is the one who gave me my babies.   Don't get me wrong, it's a hard job, but it's also blessed job.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

iPhoto Dump Day

I have seen posts out there where people post all their photos from their phone.  I take lots of pictures with my phone, it's much simpler than looking for and grabbing my real camera.  So here goes.

We have about 40 minutes to spare between school and speech on Tuesdays, we always go to my mom's house for quick lunch.  The boys love to play on her piano.

Cooper was practicing with scissors on Tuesday, he has come a long way this year.  He is cutting almost a perfect circle.

 We went to the zoo on Wednesday with our church group.  Cooper needed his picture on almost everything.

 Steve went to the Bat's game on Thursday, he brought me back some German Roasted almonds.  Best husband ever!!!!! 

 Cooper has finally learned how to ride his bike.   I knew he could do, he just needed confidence and not give up.  I have video I will try and post.

 We fired up the fire pit for the first time tonight.  We hope to get lots and lots of use out of it this summer.  If anyone wants to come over and make Smores, just give me a ring.

A Mother's Day Card

Cooper made a Mother's Day card at school this week.  This thing had me in stitches.  They decorated the front then the teachers asked the children questions and wrote their answers down inside.  I picked him today and when I got back in my car I saw that my mom had called.  I called her back before I drove off and was decided to go through his folder at the same time, not realizing this was what was in there.  I was in tears I was laughing so hard.  I couldn't speak, I was trying to tell my mom what it said but I couldn't get it out.  Then she was in tears.  I am confident that 30 years from now this will still be my favorite card ever. 

Here are the answers just in case you can't read it:

Why did God make mothers?

Because he knows that I was gonna love Mommy

What are mothers made of?

They are straight

What kind of little girl was your mom?

 A little baby.  God hadn't made me yet

Why did your mom marry your dad?

Because she loves daddy

What does your mom do for fun?

She puts on make-up

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

I would make her flat

Hope you got a good laugh, I sure did!