Nothing new

It's been awhile since I posted. I guess we are just busy with life...the kids are back into somewhat of a routine after Christmas break and growing, growing, growing... time to move to the next size up for all three of them! I saw Raymond darting to the bathroom in his skivvies the other night and realized just how skinny that kid really is. Certainly not for lack of eating. Kevin says he was the same way growing up. We both think Ray will be taller than his dad one of these days. I just can't believe that that is my baby, when I look at him. A few more months and he'll be 8. Zachary has finally found his voice and has no trouble using it. He frequently gives his "opinion" in matters and has coined a few phrases that we hear frequently. "Raymond, stop teasing me" is a favorite as is "you stop that this minute". Both funny, in that he is simply repeating what he has heard... Addison is coming into her own, as well. She has what we affectionately term an "Addie-tude", complete with the Rau pouty lip. I posted some photos of her in her glory awhile ago. She's something else and I can't get enough of her daddy simply stating, "she's beautiful, isn't she?!" Not that he's really asking...

Santa Pictures

I'm just a sucker this time of year... they must see me coming! There are just so many fantastic things to see and do during Christmas and it all makes me feel so festive, especially visiting Santa. Actually, I always take my kids to see Santa and usually get the token picture. Now, instead of buying the poor quality prints from them, you can simply buy a CD with the image on it and get your own prints! Gotta love that! I noticed that you are now also allowed to take pictures of your kids and Santa with your own, personal camera (provided you make a minimum purchase). Guess I'll file that away for next year! Anyway, here our three...after only a 20 minute wait ;o)

New Camera!

My fabulous husband got me a new digital camera for Christmas and since my other one is not really working, he gave me the new one a bit early. Besides, who'd want to miss out on Christmas pictures?! Anyway, we went outside and I took a bazillion pictures, trying to see what the different settings did. I snapped a few of Addison whining and they turned out to be my favorites, so I did a little enhancing and this is what I came up with

I didn't do anything to these, I just thought they were really neat

Meet the Thompson's

Have you ever ran into somebody you hadn't seen in years? Sometimes it's awkward and you wish you'd just kept walking, but other times you kind of click and it's like no time at all has gone by. Well, I didn't actually run into Julie, but our encounter was definatley closer to to the later. We went to high school together and haven't seen much of each other over the years. We have exchanged Christmas cards and I can remember meeting for lunch at least once, but we haven't really stayed in touch. Boy was I missing out! Julie and her husband are working on adopting their 5th child and they each have such an amazing story. I hope you'll take a moment to check out her website http://www.bringingerichome.blogspot.com/ and follow them on their journey to now bring Matty home. She is an amazing woman and I am proud to call her a friend.

Which way did she go?

Saturday's are usually busy for us. We spend the mornings cleaning and recovering from the past five days of constant arrivals and departures, which inevitably reek havoc in our home. I also try and get laundry done and clothes ironed. Today was one such day - the kids were busy cleaning their room/playing and I had just taken another load of clothes out of the dryer and had every intention of returning immediately to move the clothes from the washer into the dryer. I got sidetracked, which is a common occurrence and then realized I didn't know where Addison was. I called for her and started looking through the rooms. She's a bit of an escape artist. Now that she knows how to open doors, nothing is safe! Raymond hadn't seen her, so I sent him looking, as well. A few minutes later, he called from the laundry room for me to come and look. At first I was irritated, but when I saw what he had discovered, I was tickled beyond belief! There she sat with grapes in had, enjoying her snack in the comfort of the dryer.

What now?

School's out at 2:45 and typically, Mrs. Cummings doesn't bring my kids over from the nursery until 3:15. It's a sacred half hour in which I am able to do a whole host of things I don't have time for during the school day and am unable to do when my kids are running amok. I also am able to tutor any students needing extra help, at that time. The other day, Mrs. Cummings had to leave early, so she brought my kids over shortly after school was out. No problem, they know their way around my classroom.

I was busy helping a student with algebra when Zachary declared that he had to use the bathroom. Again, not an issue; the bathroom is literally right outside my classroom door, so I sent him on his way. (He's done this before) Several minutes later, I'm deep into a math problem and hear comes my oh so precocious (except when it comes to using the facilities) 3 year old... pants and underwear down around his ankles and toilet paper in hand. I caught a few astonished glances in our direction as I hastily pulled Zach all the way into my room and shut the door. What now? He had brought the TP out of necessity but hadn't gotten around to using it yet (need I say more?) Do I wipe here or haul him back to the bathroom, with his pants still down. ...because if I pull them up...

Happy Veteran's Day