Conversations

Mom: Come here my snuggle bug!
Kyleigh: I'm right here.
Mom: No I was talking to Mason (he gives me an eye roll).
Kyleigh: No mom (very sarcastically) you were talking about me. Silly mom.


This is a much better conversation than the one happening in the kitchen where Mark is helping Valynn with her homework and she's very frustrated with her Math. She was home from school today with a headache so she had quite a bit to do, she also had piano and Girl Scouts tonight so it's turning into a late night.

Kyra isn't adjusting to the time change very well. She's been asleep by 7:30 the last 3 nights. This means she's up early in the morning as well. Sunday morning she was up as 6:00 and needed to be reminded that she needed to be quiet because everyone was still sleeping.

Emotional Week

Talk about a week of roller coaster emotions. Valynn turned 10 which led to disbelief and shock. Mark took what is hopefully his last test, celebration and relief. Kyra tells me on the way to school on Friday that she doesn't need me to walk her in to preschool because she's big enough to do it herself, sadness and pride. Mason received the news that potatoes weren't the cause of his stomach problems, potatoes can stay in his diet, thankfulness and joy.

Friday night Mason had a wiener roast for Boy Scouts. Valynn had her sleepover birthday party last night. It went well and the girls got along, we roasted hot dogs for supper. Today was the bratfest at church. The kids were thrilled to have hot dogs three days in a row, mom not so much. We had Valynn's birthday supper tonight, finally. Deep fried shrimp, onion rings, and sweet potato fries. We closed the garden for the year today by digging up the carrots and sweet potatoes.

Mark is traveling to Kansas tomorrow for work, he'll be back on Wednesday. This means I have to do piano, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts on my own. Here's Mark's latest cake creation and the pinata Valynn and Mark made. Have a great week!

Valynn is 10!

Wow, can you believe that? Valynn turned 10 yesterday. She is turning into an amazing young lady. School is going well for her except in math. Last week she was the only one in her class to get an A+ on the Social Studies test. I don't think she even studied, which makes me feel like a bad parent after talking to a couple of parents with kids in her class that failed the test saying they studied with their child for a couple of nights leading up to the test. When I say she's not doing well in math, that's not entirely accurate, she still has an A in the subject, it's just that she's struggling with it. She has already started on simple algebraic equations 4l=16 or c + 10 = 12. For some reason she can't grasp these equations, yet if I put the equation in story form she solves it no problem. Today she had a career fair at school, she research being a veterinarian, created a poster, made a hand out, and dressed up as a vet and gave a speech about it. She said it went well.

Last night I worked the PTO bookfair, it went good and I came home with a few books for the kids. One of the books I got was a science book and I read part of it to Kyra and Kyleigh. There was a section on space where it talks about space being a vacuum. Kyra then asked "If space is a vacuum can you talk or do you have to have a space helmet on to talk". I didn't know whether to be proud that she could deduct that sound doesn't travel in a vacuum or chagrinned that she was concerned about being able to be heard if she's in space. Kyra is really starting to pick up reading and likes to read to Kyleigh. In face, she can be a little too helpful. Kyleigh has homework every Wednesday after preschool. When we get home Kyra has Kyleigh get her homework out and then tells Kyleigh how to do it or as the case this week, does it for Kyleigh. The preschool teacher just laughs when I tell her that technically Kyleigh isn't doing her own work but we both agree she is still learning.

We get Mason's biopsy results tomorrow. He's been getting headache at school so we are trying to figure out what might be causing them, they aren't so bad that I need to pick him up and they aren't long lasting.

Last weekend was relatively quiet, we didn't have to go anywhere or do anything on Saturday. On Sunday we went to the Catholic church and then I had a council meeting at the Lutheran church so Mark took the kids to Panera for bagels. We watched the Vikings game when we got home and then we went for a family bike ride on the Rock Island Trails. We biked from Wyoming to Toulon which is about 4 miles one way. We stopped and had a picnic on a bridge on the way back. Monday Valynn and Mason had their yearly check up. They are both doing good, and then the old three kids had to get shots. Kyra is almost ready for Kindergarten, she just needs and eye exam which we'll get next summer. Monday night was piano and Boy Scouts. Wednesday night was CCD. Tonight is swimming which I think I forgot to mention, two weeks ago at swimming I reconnected with a good friend that I lost touch with about 10 years ago. She was the one who gave me a ride to work every morning when I was subbing and couldn't drive after my accident when I was pregnant with Valynn. It was great to reconnect with her.

Tonight is Mark's last class and he is done with his MBA! We are so proud of him and all of his hard work. He gets two chances to pass this final, which he has to do in order to graduate but I'm sure he'll do just fine. Tomorrow Kyra has school, we're meeting some friends at McDonald's, picking Mason up from school for his doctor's appointment, and then meeting the Cub Scouts for a wiener roast at a Boy Scout camp. Saturday Valynn is having a sleep over for her birthday. Sunday I'm teaching Sunday school and then it's the bratfest for the Lutheran church.

I can say I am done with the directories for the most part. I delivered them to the schools on Tuesday. I did get a phone call today that the bus drivers normally get directories for each of the buses and vans so I had to order some more directories, but those will be easy to deliver when they come in, I can send them with Valynn and Mason when they get on the bus.

Have a great weekend, I'll post pictures of the birthday girl this weekend!

Wow, I'm a little behind

It's been almost three weeks since I've updated. I guess this will be a long post. I'm really missing my emails reminders if I don't post in over a week from Grandma Hinds. So I'll try to get everyone caught up on our crazy lives.

On September 17th Kyra came down with the first illness of the fall, she got a fever. We were supposed to have friends over but had to reschedule with them. Sunday Valynn, Mason, and I went to church and Sunday School. On the 19th Mason had an appointment with his GI doctor. His next endoscopy is October 7th. So far he is feeling good and he gained 1 1/2 pounds in 1 month. He now tips the scales at 51.5 pounds. On the 24th we went to Cat's Autumn Adventure. The kids had a great time. Valynn and Mason climbed the rock climbing wall 8 times, all the way to the top. They played in the bouncy houses, made candles, and rode ponies. They played some games, made a picture frame, and had lot of food to eat. We had to hurry home so we could take Mason to a birthday party.

On the 25th we were finally able to get together with the Bane's. We had a great visit as always and ate at the Mexican restaurant in Princeville. On the 27th the kids and I went to the school for the open house so I got to see their classrooms. On the 29th Kyleigh had a field trip to the zoo. We took the neighbor boy with us since his mom couldn't go because Luke's brother was sick. The kids had fun looking at the animals, eating a picnic, and playing on the playset. Kyra started school on the 30th. She was excited to be back at St. Edwards with Ms. Angie. Mason ended up being sick on the 30th, he had a bad cough and a slight fever. On October 1st Valynn went to a movie with her friend Robin for Robin's birthday. Valynn had fun and enjoyed a Dolphin's Tale. On the 2nd the kids went to their friend Alex's birthday party. They had fun playing games at the Community Center. Yesterday Mason went on a field trip fishing at Wildlife Prairie State Park, today Valynn went. I didn't get to go with but they had fun.

Class is going well for Mark, he won't be done on the 13th like I thought. He'll be done on the 18th. He doesn't have class next week so that should give him plenty of time to study. He has decided to walk through graduation in December. I'm still trying to talk him into a little get together to celebrate his graduation, we'll see.

The real reason I haven't updated is because I've been incredible busy with the PTO directory. The first proof sent to me was missing over half the addresses and after trying to resend information in different formats I ended up converting all the addresses in the excel file into a document file myself and aligning it how I wanted it. This took me over two days and since then I've had to go through a couple more proofs. The directories are now being printed and hopefully after this week distributed. PTO has kept be busier than I anticipated but it should slow down after the book fair next week and hopefully we'll have the kinks worked out next year. I've also had a few things going on a church that have kept me busy.

I hope everyone is doing well. We're getting ready for a three day weekend, Mason gets a four day. The following weekend is Valynn's sleepover for her birthday. I'm having some trouble admitting that I will soon have a ten year old. Here are a few pictures from the Autumn Adventure.

Firsts

We have had a few firsts around here the last couple of weeks. Last Tuesday was my first PTO meeting as vice president. The meeting went well and we were impressed that the Superintendent and Principal both came. I also got my first newsletter done and out before Friday. On Wednesday Kyleigh has her first day of preschool. She did very good and held her own with all 7 boys. That is a picture of her with her teacher Ms. Deann.

On Thursday Kyra and Kyleigh had their well child visits. They are both healthy and growing as they should. Kyleigh is still my little peanut tipping the scales at 26 pounds. Kyra weighs 34 pounds. Thursday at 4:00 I got a phone call from Mason's teacher, can you bring cookies or bars tomorrow? I made sugar cookies and pumpkin bars. On Friday morning I worked my first sub job of the year. I went home, picked Kyra and Kyleigh up from the sitters, had lunch with Bonnie and Jerald, visited with Mark who decided to take a half day off, dropped Kyra and Kyleigh off with Danielle and headed back to the school for Grandparent's day.

Bonnie and Jerald made the trip down to be Mason's Grandparents. We are so grateful that they were able to do it, on such short notice (Mason gave me the note on Tuesday). Mason had fun and I think they did too. I briefly met Valynn's teacher in the morning and then I pulled Valynn out of class so she could at least see Bonnie and Jerald.

On Sunday I ran my first half marathon. My time was 2:08. My goal was to run it in 2:30 so I'm happy with my time. The course was difficult because there are quite a few hills but what a beautiful run through a cemetery. It was a gorgeous morning and Mark and the kids met me at the finish line.

Yesterday was Valynn's first Girl Scouts of the year. Today Kyra and Kyleigh have storytime. Kyleigh's first storytime at the library. Tonight Mason has his first Boy Scouts Pack meeting of the year. Tomorrow Kyleigh has school and tomorrow night Valynn and Mason have CCD. Thursday is gymnastics for Kyra and Kyleigh and the first swimming lesson of the fall for Valynn, Mason, and Kyra.

Kyra is patiently waiting for school to start for her, I can tell she's getting bored at home but I think she'll be better now that storytime is starting. Tomorrow she gets to go with me to the school to help with PTO things while Kyleigh is at school. I have to go to the school one more day this week to take care of directory stuff, but I got all the information to the printer.

I'm going to do some reading while I'm still kid free during story time. Enjoy the double rainbow that shined upon us last week.

Happy Birthday Mason and recovering....

On Saturday September 3rd Mason turned 8 and here is how much his parents love him. Seven boys came to help him celebrate, 4 boys stayed the night, 3 of the boys it was their first time spending the night at a friends house, and when they arrived we were in the middle of a severe thunderstorm which means it rained and most of the playtime had to be spent indoors. Yep, that's love. As much as Mark and I were dreading this night (much more than when Valynn has had a sleepover), for the most part it went well. We had a slight problem with sharing the toys he got for gifts. By 11:30 all boys were sleeping and by 6:30 all boys were awake. Mason had fun and in the end that's what matters. Pictures from the party and of Mason's Bey Blade cake (it's a Japanese cartoon).

On Sunday we attend the late Catholic church service, went to Bob Evans for lunch, and then Valynn and I went to Jo Ann Fabrics while Mark and the others wandered around the mall.  Valynn asked if she could sew a dress so we went and found a pattern and material so she could sew her own dress. Mark and I then worked in the yard and garden. We picked the popcorn and found some plants overrun by weeds. Today Valynn and I have washed the material, ironed the material and pattern pieces, and cut the pieces out. She got step 1 of the sewing done and decided to be done for the day.

Last week Mark ended up staying home sick on Wednesday which worked out nicely because Kyra stayed with him while Kyleigh went to her meet the teacher for preschool. Kyleigh had fun and starts this Wednesday. If nothing else this year she will learn to stand up for herself, she has quite a few strikes against her. She's the only girl in a class of 8, she's the only one from Princeville (although she knows others from church), she's the smallest, and she's the youngest. I think she will be fine and have fun.
Pictures from Kyleigh's meet the teacher day.

5 years old!

Kyra turned 5 on Sunday. After counting down for month the big day was finally here. We went to the Lutheran church on Sunday where the congregation sang Happy Birthday to her. I had a council meeting and then we came home to watch Avatar the movie. We have watched all of Avatar the cartoon and the kids really enjoyed the TV show, the movie, not as much. For supper Kyra wanted nachos and blueberry peach pie. Mark made it home in time to have supper with us and Kyra made the pie.

We had a good weekend. Saturday the kids were wonderful when we were at the church working. They played outside for almost 4 hours so we could get things done inside. Sunday school can now begin. I've got most things lined up and currently working on getting the material printed.

Kids are enjoying school. Mark starts back tomorrow night. I've been busy this week getting the office cleaned (that was where I put everything that was given to me when I returned from North Dakota). I baked 8 dozen zucchini muffins yesterday and still didn't make a dent in the squash that was given to me.

I didn't get my run in but it wasn't because I didn't try. The neighbor's graciously volunteered to watch the kids while I did my run. Unfortunately it was cut short because a storm came through and Robbie came and picked me up when he saw lightning. I knew rain was coming and was hoping it was just rain so I could do my run.

We are getting ready for Kyra and Kyleigh's birthday parties on Saturday. Stayed tuned to see how we pull of a Tinkerbell, horse themed birthday party.

Outsmarted

First Day of School

How can she sleep like this and not fall down?

Silo slide at Farm Park

It seems I have to restock my arsenal. Most nights at supper during the school year we play 2 truths and 1 lie. We have found this is a fun way for the kids to talk about their day, even Kyra plays. Each person tells 2 truths and 1 lie from their day and the rest of the family has to guess which is the lie. Tonight as we sit down for supper Mason tells us that he was the caboose at school today. A few minutes later we start playing the game, when it gets to Mason he says "I was king today, I was the caboose today, and I was purple light today". So obviously we thought that the caboose was 1 truth and who has ever heard of purple light so the purple light must be the lie. As it turns out he lied earlier about being the caboose to set us up to fail during the game.

It's been a whirlwind few days. On the 12th Valynn and Mason had a swim party for completing a reading program put on by Rep. Leitcher. They had fun and by the end of the night Mason was going down the waterslide without a life jacket. Valynn jumped off the board once but she didn't like it because they didn't let her wear her goggles.

On the 14th we went to the Lutheran Church picnic. We had fun as always, can't beat the food! On the 16th the kids and I went to the Forest Park Nature Center, Fon du Lac Farm Park, and Wolf Fish Hatchery. We then went to Mason's doctor's appointment and met Mark to go get Valynn and Mason new passports in Lacon. We had supper at Hardee's because Mason was given the go ahead to try potatoes so he wanted curly fries. Mark then took Mason to Unpack your backpack night for the 2nd Grade while the girls and I bought groceries. Wendesday the 17th was the first day of school for Valynn and Mason. Today Kyra and Kyleigh went to Danielle's while I went to town and picked out a Christmas Program for Sunday School with another teacher, stopped at Leaves 'n Beans (is it a bad sign if the lady knows me by name? She said she's really good with names and faces), and Kroger.

Keep Mark's mom in your prayers. She went into the hospital early Tuesday morning with chest pains. She was transferred from Onamia to Minneapolis for more testing. Today she underwent a triple bypass. Mark left early this morning for Minnesota to be with his family. He should be back late Sunday night.

We have a busy few days ahead of us, tomorrow I'm going to the school to meet with a school employee to discuss directories for the PTO. On Saturday we have a church cleaning day and a Sunday School teachers meeting. Sunday I have a church council meeting. Somewhere in there I have to can almost 40 pounds of peaches and get a 10 mile run in (not sure how that will happen with Mark gone).

Have a great week!

North Dakota

It's hard to believe it almost been a month since I've updated the blog but we haven't been around much. On July 11th we took Buttons back to the vet. The vet said his eye is healing nicely and she won't have to remove the eye, we'll have to wait a few more weeks before we can tell if he has sight or not. On the 15th Vaynn and Mason went swimming at the local pool as a reward for completing the summer reading program at the library. On Saturday the 16th Valynn and Mason went swimming at Mason's baseball coache's house for an end of the season party.

On Monday the 18th the kids and I loaded up and headed off to North Dakota. We spent Monday night with our friends the Scheel's in Mankato, MN. We had a great time, the kids played outside the whole evening and then had sleep overs with their kids in their rooms. Tuesday was a long drive to North Dakota but the kids were great. I'm very blessed with how well the kids travel, that's not to say we don't have our moments but overall it's usually smooth driving. We had a good time in ND but unfortunately this wasn't a trip of fun as much as work this year. A week before leaving my parents got 1 1/2" of mud from the sewer in the basement. A lot of time was spent trying to get the basement in order before the burial. I got put to work mowing, cleaning pool, painting, cleaning, and cooking. This isn't to say we didn't have time for fun. The kids got to go swimming more then they have in the past, usually with Uncle Brady because the water was too cold for me. The kids are getting much better in the water. Mason jumped off the board without his lifejacket. Valynn can do a flip off the board. Kyra will get in the water and swim all over the shallow end with a floaty. Kyleigh also is a fish in water. They got to sleep out in the camper, basement, living room, and bedroom or wherever they chose to sleep. Kyra and Kyleigh drove the Gator and Valynn and Mason got to drive the golf cart. We also got to meet Cousin Joy.

On the 29th Mark flew into Minot. The kids were excited to see him. Friday night all the aunts, uncles, and cousins came over for supper. It was great seeing everyone. Some I haven't seen since our wedding, others I saw back in May at Tyler's wedding. On Saturday we had my Grandma's burial and lunch was served by the Auxillary and then went out to Dick and Linda's for supper. We had a great time visiting everyone at Dick and Linda's because it was 1:00 in the morning before we got back to Lignite. Valynn got to sleep over at her cousin Elizabeth's house. It sounds like the girls had fun and cousin Jerome survived a houseful of girls.

On August 1st we dropped Mark off at the airport in Bismarck and spent the night with Brady and Jodi. Tuesday night was spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa Rinkel. Wednesday we stopped to see my college roommate Christy and her two boys, we also saw Aunt Bonnie briefle. We made it home late Wednesday night. Here are some pictures and video from our travels.

Sugar and Spice and everything nice....

That's what sleeping girls are made of. Here is a picture of Kyra and Addy taking a nap yesterday.

Kyleigh fell asleep on the floor. Last Friday we went to Sugar Grove nature center with the Bane's. The kids had fun as always because they love exploring.

Mason had his last baseball games on Saturday. They won their last two games. Mark has been taking each of the kids to breakfast this week for a little one on one time. He finally gets done with class and then we leave him for two weeks. The kids and I are leaving on Monday for North Dakota. The kids are excited to be going but disappointed that the State Fair was cancelled due to the flooding.