Well, five months later... I have appeared from behind the scenes at the "Live with Jason and Chrissy" show. Now that Fall has officially arrived (but with the central air running) I figured I am long overdue on updating the life of my children. Maybe I am over committed in my professional volunteer position that I have accepted, but I vow to keep this somewhat updated. Maybe I need to not update Facebook pictures, but blog instead. :)
We did some fun family events this summer. We traveled to Terre Haute a couple of times and even celebrated Carly's big number two there. We cheered Jason on as he rode his bike across Indiana with a fabulous group of guys, including "Uncle" Tim (the kids' Godfather). We traveled to Michigan's Schuss Mountain over Caitlin's big number 8 with Jeff and Lauri for four days, where the kids played in the sand and tubed behind the boat (all three of them). We took the kids to Kalahari, which is a humongous indoor water park. Marc and Sandy (Jason's brother and sister-in-law) visited from Canada. It was a great time for the cousins to get together. We also went to Cedar Point for a day as the roller coaster enthusiasts Caitlin and Carson rode their hearts out.
School came so fast this time, it just seems like time gets faster and faster. This time we sent two off to school. It is amazing that Carson went off to preschool at the Academy of Angels. The first two days were a bit scary with a lot of fears and tears. With a little help from a big sister that is upstairs in the second grade, Carson was safely delivered to his class led by the hand of Caitlin. It was a very proud moment as a mother to see her take over in such a mature way. Now the days are speeding by with constant stories all the way home from the pick-up line.
Fall sports are in full swing, but going in so many directions. Caitlin decided to stick with her two sports for one more year, cross country and soccer. The conflicts are minimal when it comes to her, but Jason and I are always in two separate places. He is also the coach of Carson's soccer team this year. I missed his first goal on Saturday because I was at Maumee Bay at a CYO cross country meet. I was so sad, but quickly recovered after seeing it did not even bother him that I was not there. So a sample schedule this past weekend was crazy, soccer pictures at 8:00 a.m. and a soccer game at 9:00, followed by an hour drive to a cross country meet for Caitlin. Carson had pictures at 10:15 and a game at 11:00. Then we had a birthday party in the afternoon when we finally arrived back together. It was so fun! Now it is time to do it all over again this weekend minus the pictures!! Cannot wait to see sleepy eyes at the cold 8:00 a.m. pictures.
As for the young one of the house, she is a gem... many stories and lines to share. Too many to post, too many to remember (reason for needing to stay on top of the blog). So here is to the lost blogs and the many more that I will try to create. She is happy in to be in tow to all of the events we go to her for her older siblings. She worships the ground they gallop, skip, and roll around on.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Good times, quiet times...
It has been a "quiet" couple of weeks around the Koomen house. By quiet, I don't mean noiseless, but uneventful. I did not make time to blog because it did not seem right to always blog about Carson's funny sayings, Carly's boisterous personality, Caitlin's negative attitude.
Caitlin is still in full "swing" of tennis two days a week. She has started soccer season which her father is still coaching her team. She has been so unhappy the last couple of weeks and she has given Jason and I reason to question our parenting skills. Her life is perfect. She has a loving parents and friends, a great school, excellent health, but still she can find the negative in everything. We are learning, as we do everyday, that parenting is not an easy task. So I spend time talking to friends and looking for things to read about how to get her to snap out of it. There is a lot of emotion to raising a girl, and something tells me that Caitlin will be the easy girl. The last couple of days have improved, we are just taking the "love" approach. Positive reinforcement and a lot of hugs. I guess being the oldest is not the easiest... the expectations are higher and the attention is less. We are working on evening that out a bit.
We went to the zoo on Saturday with 15 of Caitlin's fellow Girl Scouts. I am the fearless leader of the bunch (hmmmm... another thing I said "YES" to) and it was a good time. It was 85 degrees and sunny, not something we have been used to yet this spring. Carson and Carly went around the zoo with Jason. Carson insists that he should be a Girl Scout because he wants to do everything the girls do. OH NO!
Caitlin scored two spectacular goals at her soccer game on Saturday. She was happy and we were proud. Those were her first two of the season, and they happened all within 5 minutes. The field is bigger, the goals are wider, and the competition is stronger... we are having fun!
Carson has been enjoying his new ride, a "Trail-a-Bike." Jason's running partner gave him this tremendous bike for us to have for our kids. It hooks to one of our bikes and turns it into a tandem so that Carson, or whoever, can keep up. Carly sits in the bike trailer still, but Carson thinks he is the big stuff.
Carson has also found out the books with cars, trucks, trains, tools, etc. are things of the past. He is following in his big sister's footsteps and enjoys reading. He loves to hear whatever is being read. He still loves Mr. Roger's - the only TV show he enjoys with the exception of America's Funniest Home Videos. He found Mr. Roger's on the web and I can occasionally hear Trolley dinging in the den.
Carly, the communication giant of the house, is a constant chatterbox. If you don't hear her the first time, she screams it. She is loud and a screamer, where does this come from. She must do everything the big kids do and the trampoline is her favorite. I hear chants of "jump, jump, jump" always coming from the sliding door. She will spend the whole day on there, unless Carson is driving the Gator, and she must have a ride. She has started telling stories and information and she can put together almost any phrase now. Last night at dinner she heard the "ice cream truck" and said it right away. The baby phase is gone, welcome to the two's.... the terrific two's.
Caitlin is still in full "swing" of tennis two days a week. She has started soccer season which her father is still coaching her team. She has been so unhappy the last couple of weeks and she has given Jason and I reason to question our parenting skills. Her life is perfect. She has a loving parents and friends, a great school, excellent health, but still she can find the negative in everything. We are learning, as we do everyday, that parenting is not an easy task. So I spend time talking to friends and looking for things to read about how to get her to snap out of it. There is a lot of emotion to raising a girl, and something tells me that Caitlin will be the easy girl. The last couple of days have improved, we are just taking the "love" approach. Positive reinforcement and a lot of hugs. I guess being the oldest is not the easiest... the expectations are higher and the attention is less. We are working on evening that out a bit.
We went to the zoo on Saturday with 15 of Caitlin's fellow Girl Scouts. I am the fearless leader of the bunch (hmmmm... another thing I said "YES" to) and it was a good time. It was 85 degrees and sunny, not something we have been used to yet this spring. Carson and Carly went around the zoo with Jason. Carson insists that he should be a Girl Scout because he wants to do everything the girls do. OH NO!
Caitlin scored two spectacular goals at her soccer game on Saturday. She was happy and we were proud. Those were her first two of the season, and they happened all within 5 minutes. The field is bigger, the goals are wider, and the competition is stronger... we are having fun!
Carson has been enjoying his new ride, a "Trail-a-Bike." Jason's running partner gave him this tremendous bike for us to have for our kids. It hooks to one of our bikes and turns it into a tandem so that Carson, or whoever, can keep up. Carly sits in the bike trailer still, but Carson thinks he is the big stuff.
Carson has also found out the books with cars, trucks, trains, tools, etc. are things of the past. He is following in his big sister's footsteps and enjoys reading. He loves to hear whatever is being read. He still loves Mr. Roger's - the only TV show he enjoys with the exception of America's Funniest Home Videos. He found Mr. Roger's on the web and I can occasionally hear Trolley dinging in the den.
Carly, the communication giant of the house, is a constant chatterbox. If you don't hear her the first time, she screams it. She is loud and a screamer, where does this come from. She must do everything the big kids do and the trampoline is her favorite. I hear chants of "jump, jump, jump" always coming from the sliding door. She will spend the whole day on there, unless Carson is driving the Gator, and she must have a ride. She has started telling stories and information and she can put together almost any phrase now. Last night at dinner she heard the "ice cream truck" and said it right away. The baby phase is gone, welcome to the two's.... the terrific two's.
Monday, March 30, 2009
My Reason for a Perfect Weekend
Jason was able to help organize the first annual Pump and Run 5K here in town. He made wooden signs and took ownership of what he was in charge of. Part of him missed out on the run, but he is doing a full marathon next weekend, check blog next week. :) He also was able to watch the entire NCAA division II championship game on TV to see our Alma Mater, Findlay, win the game.
Chrissy got to go shopping with friends and eat at PF Chang's all afternoon/evening on Saturday. It was a nice break to prepare for a week without the traveling husband.
Caitlin started off her weekend by being picked up at school and bringing Lucy home with her. Lucy spent the night. They played outside for hours on the trampoline, and going around the neighborhood. She then participated in the Girl Scout Water Stop at the Pump and Run. It was a ton of fun! She was also able to hang out with big Carly all day at the Smith's house on Saturday. Carly is in 6th grade and Caitlin felt like big stuff hanging out with her.
Carson fun weekend started on Sunday with standing on the altar at church with mom and Stephanie. He was able to come up and stand with me the whole time during the scrutiny. He was so GOOD! Then the real deals came... his dad took him to the Train Show and the University of Findlay Jazz ensemble. He had a blast! He took lots of pictures, so I will be posting them later. What a ham... At dinner last evening he proclaimed, "the weather is just miserable" and that really made us chuckle.
Carly's weekend was pretty uneventful. She took her baby for a walk around the block in the stroller. It is just amazing how grown up she looks pushing that little stroller around!
Chrissy got to go shopping with friends and eat at PF Chang's all afternoon/evening on Saturday. It was a nice break to prepare for a week without the traveling husband.
Caitlin started off her weekend by being picked up at school and bringing Lucy home with her. Lucy spent the night. They played outside for hours on the trampoline, and going around the neighborhood. She then participated in the Girl Scout Water Stop at the Pump and Run. It was a ton of fun! She was also able to hang out with big Carly all day at the Smith's house on Saturday. Carly is in 6th grade and Caitlin felt like big stuff hanging out with her.
Carson fun weekend started on Sunday with standing on the altar at church with mom and Stephanie. He was able to come up and stand with me the whole time during the scrutiny. He was so GOOD! Then the real deals came... his dad took him to the Train Show and the University of Findlay Jazz ensemble. He had a blast! He took lots of pictures, so I will be posting them later. What a ham... At dinner last evening he proclaimed, "the weather is just miserable" and that really made us chuckle.
Carly's weekend was pretty uneventful. She took her baby for a walk around the block in the stroller. It is just amazing how grown up she looks pushing that little stroller around!
Is There a Professional in the House?
I would like to think that in a few years, there may be...
Caitlin came home from tennis lessons last week to proclaim to the housetops that Coach Hayes is moving her to the 9-12 year old group. Each group a proper name (current Future Stars), but I prefer to use the age group term because Caitlin is still 7. She said to Coach, "I am only going to be 8 in September, you do know that right?" Coach told "Catie with a C" (he is the only one who calls her this) that he goes by ability, not age. Caitlin was beaming to know that she was going to be with the "older" kids. We are so proud of her and she truly loves it!
I heard her at dinner last night groaning that basketball is over. I did not have the heart to tell her that soccer season was right around the corner, because I loved hearing her sadness over basketball being over. I love her enthusiasm for any sport that she plays. Her dad certainly does too.
I am sure I constantly gloat about the good things, and we all know there are good and bad. Caitlin is just doing so well in school and sports and we just want to savor these moments because it won't always be perfect. I know, the older they get the harder it gets.
Caitlin came home from tennis lessons last week to proclaim to the housetops that Coach Hayes is moving her to the 9-12 year old group. Each group a proper name (current Future Stars), but I prefer to use the age group term because Caitlin is still 7. She said to Coach, "I am only going to be 8 in September, you do know that right?" Coach told "Catie with a C" (he is the only one who calls her this) that he goes by ability, not age. Caitlin was beaming to know that she was going to be with the "older" kids. We are so proud of her and she truly loves it!
I heard her at dinner last night groaning that basketball is over. I did not have the heart to tell her that soccer season was right around the corner, because I loved hearing her sadness over basketball being over. I love her enthusiasm for any sport that she plays. Her dad certainly does too.
I am sure I constantly gloat about the good things, and we all know there are good and bad. Caitlin is just doing so well in school and sports and we just want to savor these moments because it won't always be perfect. I know, the older they get the harder it gets.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Changing of the Seasons
Spring has sprung, so that took us to Wal-Mart to go in search of a bigger "big-boy" bike for Carson. After going around the block with him on his little bike and seeing how exhausting it was for him to keep up with us, we felt it was time for a big bike. He was so excited to go shopping especially since his behavior had improved so much. (We did not have one timeout last week on the step - been a problem since his little sister encroaches in on his space many times). He even bought a kickstand to go with it since we were trying it out on two-wheels without the trainers. Exciting times!
You can also tell when spring has arrived since the big green box has been pulled from the shelves in the garage. The trampoline has risen again, with a new escape proof hatch for Carly. She now spends many minutes screaming at the sliding door to "JUMP." She loves to be on it just like her older siblings, but since the broken arm it makes me a little nervous.
It is also warming up when the kids are insistent that it is shorts weather, ugh! I am picking my battles so if you see the Koomen kids running around in shorts, they do really have parents with good judgement.
I forgot to mention the best part about the bike shopping, we left the class rabbit "Travel" in the bike section. Caitlin brought Travel home for the week from Mrs. Greer's class and we decided to take her out for a little adventure, oops! Well at least we remembered her before we left the parking lot!
You can also tell when spring has arrived since the big green box has been pulled from the shelves in the garage. The trampoline has risen again, with a new escape proof hatch for Carly. She now spends many minutes screaming at the sliding door to "JUMP." She loves to be on it just like her older siblings, but since the broken arm it makes me a little nervous.
It is also warming up when the kids are insistent that it is shorts weather, ugh! I am picking my battles so if you see the Koomen kids running around in shorts, they do really have parents with good judgement.
I forgot to mention the best part about the bike shopping, we left the class rabbit "Travel" in the bike section. Caitlin brought Travel home for the week from Mrs. Greer's class and we decided to take her out for a little adventure, oops! Well at least we remembered her before we left the parking lot!
The "Buppy" vs. The "Potty"
Who will win? Will she be able to give up the pacifer a.k.a "BUPPY" before she is 21 months, or will she be potty trained before the time expires with the "buppy?" She proclaims everytime the diaper comes off she wants to go potty... so now she does it and she tries even when she does not have to go. We have even had to sing the "bye-bye song" when she surprised herself and went #2. The pacifier has been downgraded to bedtime only use, so we have hurdled a major step. Stay tuned and see who wins the showdown. Did I mention they don't make Pull-Ups to fit that less than 20 pound teeny thing?
I Spy...
It is a famous game in our house, in our car, and sometimes in church in times of desperation. Carson and Caitlin love to play it. It creates the best distractions and passes a little bit of extra time that needs to be spent. This time though I am not playing the game, but spying a change in Carson... could it be? Do we have room for more of these in our house? Can a blondie really look cute with them? WHAT is IT you ASK? FRECKLES! Last week we were outside enjoying a 70 degree day for about four hours. I watched him play his hardest, then we came inside and there they were. The cutest freckles on his face. I remember when we moved to Findlay almost five years ago and it happened to Caitlin too. She started getting freckles and they were just a delightful little addition to that red hair. I mean do they really have a chance with Jason and Chrissy as parents who are loaded with freckles? Yes, a blondie can really look cute with freckles... he has enough cheek space for freckles beside those cute little dimples.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Chair, the Stool, the DOG?
She uses everything, and anything to climb onto to reach whatever destination is that she is going for. I am tired and distraught over this because we are two weeks out from cast removal and I am finding her in places that should not be reached by a 20 month old. "Challenge" is a great word to describe Carly. She has mood swings, tantrums, but is still the cutest little red-headed stinker in the house. I laugh when I say she is easy going... she is with schedules and meals, etc. She just has this certain evilness about her that worries me. I will probably sit back and chuckle over this entry someday... but c'mon Carly, Philly was not meant to climb onto to get you onto the kitchen counter!
A Few Questions for the Wee Lads
Answers by Caitlin - 7 and Carson - newly 4
1. What is something mom always says to you?
Caitlin - "I love you."
Carson - "Go to the door and see if there is a train coming Carson."
2. What makes mom happy?
Caitlin - "do my chores without you asking"
Carson - "ME"
3. What makes mom sad?
Caitlin - "when we don't listen"
Carson - "when our power goes out"
4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?
Caitlin - "tickle me"
Carson - "you toot"
5. What was your mom like as a child?
Caitlin - "you had red hair"
Carson - "you played with dolls"
6. How old is your mom?
Caitlin - "31"
Carson - "8" but the day before he told Stephanie "60"
7. How tall is your mom?
Caitlin - "72 inches
"Carson - "2"
8. What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
Caitlin - "take naps"
Carson - "wash dishes"
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Caitlin - "miss me because your helper is not home"
Carson - "clean up"
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Caitlin - "famous figure skater"
Carson - "race car driver"
11. What is your mom really good at?
Caitlin - "always finding anything everyone else cannot"
Carson - "skating"
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Caitlin - "you are good at everything"
Carson - "putting screws in the wall"
13. What does your mom do for a job?
Caitlin - "take care of the three of us and daddy"
Carson - "clean dishes and cook lunch"
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Caitlin - "hot dogs, no PIZZA"
Carson - "carrots, beans, and milk"
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Caitlin - "cook the best food in the world"
Carson - "you read to me a lot"
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Caitlin - "Daphne from Scooby Doo"
Carson - "Tom from Tom and Jerry"
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Caitlin - "we read books and play Wii"
Carson - "play games"
18. How are you and your mom the same?
Caitlin - "same eyes"
Carson - "brown hair"
19. How are you and your mom different?
Caitlin - "you are tall I am small"
Carson - "we do not match"
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Caitlin - "you give me presents at times I don't need them"
Carson - "you lay with me"
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Caitlin - "Game night with friends"
Carson - "eat dinner somewhere"
22. What does your mom do for you?
Caitlin - "help me with my homework"
Carson - "read to me"
23. What is the best thing about your mom?
Caitlin - "you are the most loving mother"
Carson - "you make food for all of us" (the way to a man's heart is through his stomach:)
24. What is the worst thing about your mom?
Caitlin - "(laughing) pimples, there is nothing worse about you but your pimples"
Carson - "you stink sometimes"
25. What is your moms favorite thing to do?
Caitlin - "go shopping"
Carson - "eat ice cream"
1. What is something mom always says to you?
Caitlin - "I love you."
Carson - "Go to the door and see if there is a train coming Carson."
2. What makes mom happy?
Caitlin - "do my chores without you asking"
Carson - "ME"
3. What makes mom sad?
Caitlin - "when we don't listen"
Carson - "when our power goes out"
4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?
Caitlin - "tickle me"
Carson - "you toot"
5. What was your mom like as a child?
Caitlin - "you had red hair"
Carson - "you played with dolls"
6. How old is your mom?
Caitlin - "31"
Carson - "8" but the day before he told Stephanie "60"
7. How tall is your mom?
Caitlin - "72 inches
"Carson - "2"
8. What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
Caitlin - "take naps"
Carson - "wash dishes"
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Caitlin - "miss me because your helper is not home"
Carson - "clean up"
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Caitlin - "famous figure skater"
Carson - "race car driver"
11. What is your mom really good at?
Caitlin - "always finding anything everyone else cannot"
Carson - "skating"
12. What is your mom not very good at?
Caitlin - "you are good at everything"
Carson - "putting screws in the wall"
13. What does your mom do for a job?
Caitlin - "take care of the three of us and daddy"
Carson - "clean dishes and cook lunch"
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Caitlin - "hot dogs, no PIZZA"
Carson - "carrots, beans, and milk"
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Caitlin - "cook the best food in the world"
Carson - "you read to me a lot"
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Caitlin - "Daphne from Scooby Doo"
Carson - "Tom from Tom and Jerry"
17. What do you and your mom do together?
Caitlin - "we read books and play Wii"
Carson - "play games"
18. How are you and your mom the same?
Caitlin - "same eyes"
Carson - "brown hair"
19. How are you and your mom different?
Caitlin - "you are tall I am small"
Carson - "we do not match"
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Caitlin - "you give me presents at times I don't need them"
Carson - "you lay with me"
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Caitlin - "Game night with friends"
Carson - "eat dinner somewhere"
22. What does your mom do for you?
Caitlin - "help me with my homework"
Carson - "read to me"
23. What is the best thing about your mom?
Caitlin - "you are the most loving mother"
Carson - "you make food for all of us" (the way to a man's heart is through his stomach:)
24. What is the worst thing about your mom?
Caitlin - "(laughing) pimples, there is nothing worse about you but your pimples"
Carson - "you stink sometimes"
25. What is your moms favorite thing to do?
Caitlin - "go shopping"
Carson - "eat ice cream"
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Delinquent Blogger, The Trumpet, and The Healer...
Why yes I am a delinquent blogger, thank you. I have everything stored in my giant memory bank, and it is about to explode (for various reasons). We have survived Family Reading Night, then event that I chaired at St. Michael this year. It was a success, and now I may just be able to return to normalcy, whatever that is in this house. Well at least I will have more time to blog.
The kids are doing well. Carson is happy at four, any surprises? He has a new sidekick that makes a tremendous amount of noise. He received a trumpet, a real trumpet, from his grandpa Jeff and Teresa. He loves it, and man can he make some serious music. We were so shocked when he got it because we did not think that he could produce enough wind, we were way off. He has inherited the Davis wind... no stoppin' him. It was a funny thing though because it was damaged in shipment and we had to go through some hoops returning it and getting a new one, but throughout all of it he learned patience. So now he has a steel drum, a saxophone, a trumpet, some cymbals, a piano, a drum, a harmonica, and a recorder. Can I just say, NOISE???
Carson is also spending a lot of time writing on paper, and getting ready for "basketball practice." His imagination runs wild, and I love it. He sits for stories and loves to be read to at night. His love for books has been passed on from his sister. We went shopping at Tractor Supply the other day, he loves that place. He bought a truck and horse trailer and some Breyer horses, all with his birthday money. He was so proud! Today when we went to the children's liturgy at St. Mike's, he was able to wear dress shorts! He LOVES shorts, and when we were on the way home... his most famous line "can I put on basketball shorts?"
Caitlin is zipping right through first grade. The academics don't challenge, but she is learning the challenges of friends. It is the whole tattling age, and "I am not your friend" things that I don't like for her to deal with at school. All facts of life I am sure! I gave her a kiss at school and she wiped her mouth after that, I told her she is not allowed to wipe off my kisses, and she said "I am allowed to wipe of that lipstick." She was Dani's first passenger on Wednesday, Danielle got her license and picked Caitlin up at tennis lessons. She was so excited to get to ride in the car driven by Dani. She has given up chewing gum for Lent, and she doing a GREAT job. She still continues to help with Carly, loves her brother and is highly annoyed by him too!
Carly is CAST FREE! Yeah she no longer has that bulky weapon on her arm. She seems much happier, but still ornery. She continues to mimic everything you say, but carries on conversation with anyone like she is five. We are no longer using the polka dot highchair, she is now at the table with the rest of us. The baby stages are gone and we are becoming a full-fledge toddler. I cannot believe it... the diaper bag is getting smaller too!
The kids went to Fort Rapids Waterpark with Grandma Kathie last weekend. They had a great time with their cousins, Cassie and Tim. Caitlin was independent and off on all the water rides, Carson enjoyed the rides he was tall enough for and Carly is purely a water LOVER! All three of them will be so fun this summer at the pool! Thank you for a fun weekend Grandma!
The kids are doing well. Carson is happy at four, any surprises? He has a new sidekick that makes a tremendous amount of noise. He received a trumpet, a real trumpet, from his grandpa Jeff and Teresa. He loves it, and man can he make some serious music. We were so shocked when he got it because we did not think that he could produce enough wind, we were way off. He has inherited the Davis wind... no stoppin' him. It was a funny thing though because it was damaged in shipment and we had to go through some hoops returning it and getting a new one, but throughout all of it he learned patience. So now he has a steel drum, a saxophone, a trumpet, some cymbals, a piano, a drum, a harmonica, and a recorder. Can I just say, NOISE???
Carson is also spending a lot of time writing on paper, and getting ready for "basketball practice." His imagination runs wild, and I love it. He sits for stories and loves to be read to at night. His love for books has been passed on from his sister. We went shopping at Tractor Supply the other day, he loves that place. He bought a truck and horse trailer and some Breyer horses, all with his birthday money. He was so proud! Today when we went to the children's liturgy at St. Mike's, he was able to wear dress shorts! He LOVES shorts, and when we were on the way home... his most famous line "can I put on basketball shorts?"
Caitlin is zipping right through first grade. The academics don't challenge, but she is learning the challenges of friends. It is the whole tattling age, and "I am not your friend" things that I don't like for her to deal with at school. All facts of life I am sure! I gave her a kiss at school and she wiped her mouth after that, I told her she is not allowed to wipe off my kisses, and she said "I am allowed to wipe of that lipstick." She was Dani's first passenger on Wednesday, Danielle got her license and picked Caitlin up at tennis lessons. She was so excited to get to ride in the car driven by Dani. She has given up chewing gum for Lent, and she doing a GREAT job. She still continues to help with Carly, loves her brother and is highly annoyed by him too!
Carly is CAST FREE! Yeah she no longer has that bulky weapon on her arm. She seems much happier, but still ornery. She continues to mimic everything you say, but carries on conversation with anyone like she is five. We are no longer using the polka dot highchair, she is now at the table with the rest of us. The baby stages are gone and we are becoming a full-fledge toddler. I cannot believe it... the diaper bag is getting smaller too!
The kids went to Fort Rapids Waterpark with Grandma Kathie last weekend. They had a great time with their cousins, Cassie and Tim. Caitlin was independent and off on all the water rides, Carson enjoyed the rides he was tall enough for and Carly is purely a water LOVER! All three of them will be so fun this summer at the pool! Thank you for a fun weekend Grandma!
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Fourth Birthday to REMEMBER!
Okay - so Monday (President's Day) was Carson's fourth birthday. We finally made it after the whole weekend of celebrating, he was thrilled to say that he was finally four. He was so pumped about his big day that the energy level was just exploding. J took the day off to spend with all of us in honor of Carson's day, Caitlin already had the day off with the exception of tennis, and little ornery Carly was ready to go. We were helping Lisa, Jade, and Josie gather their belongings when we heard a loud scream. The scream would be coming from the bathroom where Carson had just dashed off to shower with his dad. I thought to myself , "he could not possibly be in trouble on his birthday?" I ran in as I always do at the sound of the cry, and there was Jason holding naked Carson who just had a large toilet seat and toilet lid come crashing down on his most private area. There was swelling, blood, and a lot of tears. It was an unpleasant way to start the birthday. He said so many funny things about it after the pain had subsided (many hours later). I love how he told the story to many people but just kept it plain and simple.
This was just the beginning of injuries for the little man on his birthday. To keep a long story short, he fell through an opening in a dock (without water underneath) and hit his mouth on a boat on the way down. Thank goodness his foot caught him and thank goodness he is tough.
Happy birthday Carson J!
This was just the beginning of injuries for the little man on his birthday. To keep a long story short, he fell through an opening in a dock (without water underneath) and hit his mouth on a boat on the way down. Thank goodness his foot caught him and thank goodness he is tough.
Happy birthday Carson J!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Things That I LOVE...
I was standing in the family room today watching the weather radar (anticipating the worst) and listening to the computer generated voice... Carson runs in from the kitchen and watches right along with me, and then says "is that God talking in there?" I love that...
This morning we were at Dr. Mike's office for Carly's millionth x-ray and the beep, beep, beep comes across their intercom/radio. Carson freezes and says, "is it going to flood?" Everyone laughed for a second, then stopped and wondered why an almost 4 year old would have that on his mind... (his trains are in the basement). I love his concern...
I love that tonight Caitlin said she was going to live by the 10 Commandments this week.
I love music, our kids love music... but I make music choices that other parents would probably cringe at, I love the top 40 music and so do my kids. We are great parents that teach right and wrong and the kids know that we don't use foul language or be rude to one another, but this is great... Carly first song that she can sing was a shocker to us because we do listen to a lot of children's music. The TV ads for the Grammy's came on during the news last week and she heard Katy Perry singing, she comes running around the corner in her 18 month old voice and sings, "I KISSED A GIRL." I know you are all cringing right now... It is not foul language or being rude. :)
I put Carly into the real bathtub tonight, she seemed so happy to be out of the kitchen sink for a bath. So tonight, I love trash bags to put around broken arms.
I know that one of my kids is going to be a meteorologist because they all watch the weather, even Carly. Carson builds a pillow shelter when he knows a storm is coming and Caitlin just prays. I love that my kids don't watch TV much, but when they do it is Mr. Rogers for Carson, and the Weather Channel for everyone!
I love that Carson is SO excited for his birthday!
Those are the "loves" that I could remember this evening... there will be plenty more to share as we get close to the "lover's day."
This morning we were at Dr. Mike's office for Carly's millionth x-ray and the beep, beep, beep comes across their intercom/radio. Carson freezes and says, "is it going to flood?" Everyone laughed for a second, then stopped and wondered why an almost 4 year old would have that on his mind... (his trains are in the basement). I love his concern...
I love that tonight Caitlin said she was going to live by the 10 Commandments this week.
I love music, our kids love music... but I make music choices that other parents would probably cringe at, I love the top 40 music and so do my kids. We are great parents that teach right and wrong and the kids know that we don't use foul language or be rude to one another, but this is great... Carly first song that she can sing was a shocker to us because we do listen to a lot of children's music. The TV ads for the Grammy's came on during the news last week and she heard Katy Perry singing, she comes running around the corner in her 18 month old voice and sings, "I KISSED A GIRL." I know you are all cringing right now... It is not foul language or being rude. :)
I put Carly into the real bathtub tonight, she seemed so happy to be out of the kitchen sink for a bath. So tonight, I love trash bags to put around broken arms.
I know that one of my kids is going to be a meteorologist because they all watch the weather, even Carly. Carson builds a pillow shelter when he knows a storm is coming and Caitlin just prays. I love that my kids don't watch TV much, but when they do it is Mr. Rogers for Carson, and the Weather Channel for everyone!
I love that Carson is SO excited for his birthday!
Those are the "loves" that I could remember this evening... there will be plenty more to share as we get close to the "lover's day."
Monday, February 9, 2009
Some Of My Recent Favorite Pictures...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I Only Set the Camera Down for One MINUTE!
I am the mom with the camera in one hand and the video camera in the other. This while I am passing out snacks and retrieving toys, oh and trying to watch the basketball game of the eldest Koomen child. Today as I watched her play in her striped socks and green uniform she scored her first basket. She stole the ball and dribbled down court, shot the ball, and scored. This happened while the video camera lay on the chair beside me while I was trying the get the shoes and socks of the youngest Koomen child. :) It is in my memory at least, but it was sweet for Caitlin to have that happy feeling.
Her new favorite song is Love Story by Taylor Swift... she lights up when she hears it! I just had to put that in here, for my memory!
Her new favorite song is Love Story by Taylor Swift... she lights up when she hears it! I just had to put that in here, for my memory!
The Return of the "SMOOTH STREET"
For the longest time I did not have any requests for the "smooth street." I don't know if it was because it was snow/ice covered and it was no longer smooth, but thanks to the balmy 40 degrees the smooth street is back. It is the only other street in our neighborhood and it was paved last summer (remember I wrote about Carson and I watching all the heavy trucks doing the work?) so Carson insists that we drive that way home every time we enter the neighborhood. No matter what song is on, or what conversation is happening, there is a voice that radiates from the backseat as soon as we hit Woodworth, can we take the "smooth street?"
Did I mention it was 50 here today? Carson was shouting to the rooftops that is was shorts weather, and he was on the roof for a moment today... with his father who was taking the Christmas landing strip off the thawed roof. He was proud of his shorts and the fact that he could stand on the roof.
Did I mention it was 50 here today? Carson was shouting to the rooftops that is was shorts weather, and he was on the roof for a moment today... with his father who was taking the Christmas landing strip off the thawed roof. He was proud of his shorts and the fact that he could stand on the roof.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Some Current Fun Facts
Carly
- currently sporting a fiberglass cream colored cast that smells different each meal she has...
- the cast will be with us for another 3 weeks
- a "food sock" was developed since I could no longer face the yogurt smell in the cast (a week later)
- has been using her "buppy" (pacifier) a little too often since the break of the arm
- I could not face taking the "buppy" away at 18 months since she has an extra 3 pound weight to carry around.
- watching her try to eat a raisin with her right hand and she could not get the cast to her mouth was so cute... but so sad!
- does not use a blanket of choice, but uses three blankets to drag around...
- loves to push the baby in the stroller
Carson
- slightly getting excited about preschool and has decided to not cross it out for good
- still wearing shorts no matter what the temperature
- very sad that the snow will melt eventually
- loves toothpaste and loves to shop for it
- visited pediatric dentist today to go in next week to get two small fillings and sealants... :(
- still has his "big blue" a blanket grandma Kathie made for him when he was a baby
- he likes to feel the ties on the blanket
- wants it to be summer so he can jump on the trampoline, but still wants snow
- loves the computer and is able to navigate around his favorite websites (Webkinz, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr.)
- loves to play the Wii on his own
- he can spell his name and starting to write it!!!
- still taking a nap about every other day
Caitlin
- still has her "blankie" and it is a must have
- "Cookie" is her stuffed Golden Retriever that is also a MUST have a night
- had her first UPWARD basketball game and did very well
- had a birthday movie and sleepover this weekend with Olivia
- was devastated at the thought of Philly being gone forever last week when he ran away :(
- has started the third quarted of first grade, hard stuff...
- doing great with Coach Hayes in tennis lessons, she will be a star someday...
- recent funny - "I am watching the lottery, no it is JOOOPERDY, you know WHEEL OF FORTUNE" that all came out in one breath!
- currently sporting a fiberglass cream colored cast that smells different each meal she has...
- the cast will be with us for another 3 weeks
- a "food sock" was developed since I could no longer face the yogurt smell in the cast (a week later)
- has been using her "buppy" (pacifier) a little too often since the break of the arm
- I could not face taking the "buppy" away at 18 months since she has an extra 3 pound weight to carry around.
- watching her try to eat a raisin with her right hand and she could not get the cast to her mouth was so cute... but so sad!
- does not use a blanket of choice, but uses three blankets to drag around...
- loves to push the baby in the stroller
Carson
- slightly getting excited about preschool and has decided to not cross it out for good
- still wearing shorts no matter what the temperature
- very sad that the snow will melt eventually
- loves toothpaste and loves to shop for it
- visited pediatric dentist today to go in next week to get two small fillings and sealants... :(
- still has his "big blue" a blanket grandma Kathie made for him when he was a baby
- he likes to feel the ties on the blanket
- wants it to be summer so he can jump on the trampoline, but still wants snow
- loves the computer and is able to navigate around his favorite websites (Webkinz, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr.)
- loves to play the Wii on his own
- he can spell his name and starting to write it!!!
- still taking a nap about every other day
Caitlin
- still has her "blankie" and it is a must have
- "Cookie" is her stuffed Golden Retriever that is also a MUST have a night
- had her first UPWARD basketball game and did very well
- had a birthday movie and sleepover this weekend with Olivia
- was devastated at the thought of Philly being gone forever last week when he ran away :(
- has started the third quarted of first grade, hard stuff...
- doing great with Coach Hayes in tennis lessons, she will be a star someday...
- recent funny - "I am watching the lottery, no it is JOOOPERDY, you know WHEEL OF FORTUNE" that all came out in one breath!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Gettin' a Little Behind...
Okay Girl Scout Cookies, broken arm, missing dog, and snow... I may be a little behind on blogging, but not low on stories...
Being the leader of a unit of 21 first grade Girl Scouts has its pros and cons. I am in it for the fun times with the girls and Caitlin seems to enjoy me as the leader of this pack. I am not in it for the paperwork, the money losses, or the sales, but you have to do ALL or NONE. So I am taking the "all" route, and when the 1800 boxes of cookies have to be picked up and delivered, I may decided to take the "none" route. Caitlin sold her goal of 250 boxes and that is wonderful, especially since her goal was 1500 all because she wanted the tickets to Cedar Point. She is now settling for a nice "hoody."
I made it to Carson's preschool open house last week. Once again I enjoyed being the parent and not the teacher. I sat there trying to figure out just how to pry his little fingertips from his carseat come September. He did ask me to tell the teachers "it is okay to wear shorts under my pants." We have hit the same development stage that Caitlin went through, SHORTS. Shorts no matter what the temperature, situation, or snowfall amount. Just this morning, I picked him up at the neighbors and he came out in shorts, but he had on snowboots, winter coat, and hat! Just a phase I am sure. He convinced me that he was okay to shovel the new 9 inches of snow in shorts, but I did some bargaining and got him in the house.
Caitlin has started Upward basketball, and her father has decided to be the assistant coach since no one really expressed interest. I am fine with the practices, it may the games that I am not into so much with the one-armed bandit running around the gym. The basketball program is great, they have nice uniforms (very important to Caitlin), they learn a bible verse each week, and they do a lot of team prayer. She is the youngest on the team, but seems to catch on quick, and she loves it.
Yesterday in the car Carson informed me that he is going to have boobies just like his daddy when he grows up... nice conversations we have inside the doors of the van. I did get more detail from Jason that they had this conversation about boy boobies at Y after swimming last week. The anatomy part of parenting is not always easy, it seems right up there with discipline.
Oh, did I mention above that the dog ran away? Four and half years here at Woodworth Drive and the dog has never left the yard, and he left.... crossed railroad tracks and all. He was collected by the dog warden and we had to "retrieve" him. It was the scariest hour for the kids. They were all in a panic. It was snowing and mommy was out searching the neighborhood on foot, then driving, then recruiting the neighbors. We got him back and that is what is important, but what next?
Carly is doing well with her broken arm, with the exception of the fit she threw on Sunday night and threw herself over her crib side and onto the floor. It is amazing what that child can do, Houdini I tell you... She is our first to escape the crib, but I think she scared herself by how hard it hurt. Thank goodness she did not damage the broken bone any more, and did not create any more broken bones. We had a great check at the doctor today, only three of four more weeks in the cast. She has a new cast on and it smells so much better. I am so in awe of her behavior at each of these visits. She is small, brave, and friendly... not a tear or a yell. She did not even have food or drink (in case Dr. Mike needed to do surgery) this morning and she was still awesome after being awake for two hours. I finally have a BRAVE one... sometimes good, sometimes bad, I just have to keep a good eye on this one.
That is all I can think of on this snow day... need to get back into the blogging habit... just have found many other interesting things to do on these cold winter days.
Being the leader of a unit of 21 first grade Girl Scouts has its pros and cons. I am in it for the fun times with the girls and Caitlin seems to enjoy me as the leader of this pack. I am not in it for the paperwork, the money losses, or the sales, but you have to do ALL or NONE. So I am taking the "all" route, and when the 1800 boxes of cookies have to be picked up and delivered, I may decided to take the "none" route. Caitlin sold her goal of 250 boxes and that is wonderful, especially since her goal was 1500 all because she wanted the tickets to Cedar Point. She is now settling for a nice "hoody."
I made it to Carson's preschool open house last week. Once again I enjoyed being the parent and not the teacher. I sat there trying to figure out just how to pry his little fingertips from his carseat come September. He did ask me to tell the teachers "it is okay to wear shorts under my pants." We have hit the same development stage that Caitlin went through, SHORTS. Shorts no matter what the temperature, situation, or snowfall amount. Just this morning, I picked him up at the neighbors and he came out in shorts, but he had on snowboots, winter coat, and hat! Just a phase I am sure. He convinced me that he was okay to shovel the new 9 inches of snow in shorts, but I did some bargaining and got him in the house.
Caitlin has started Upward basketball, and her father has decided to be the assistant coach since no one really expressed interest. I am fine with the practices, it may the games that I am not into so much with the one-armed bandit running around the gym. The basketball program is great, they have nice uniforms (very important to Caitlin), they learn a bible verse each week, and they do a lot of team prayer. She is the youngest on the team, but seems to catch on quick, and she loves it.
Yesterday in the car Carson informed me that he is going to have boobies just like his daddy when he grows up... nice conversations we have inside the doors of the van. I did get more detail from Jason that they had this conversation about boy boobies at Y after swimming last week. The anatomy part of parenting is not always easy, it seems right up there with discipline.
Oh, did I mention above that the dog ran away? Four and half years here at Woodworth Drive and the dog has never left the yard, and he left.... crossed railroad tracks and all. He was collected by the dog warden and we had to "retrieve" him. It was the scariest hour for the kids. They were all in a panic. It was snowing and mommy was out searching the neighborhood on foot, then driving, then recruiting the neighbors. We got him back and that is what is important, but what next?
Carly is doing well with her broken arm, with the exception of the fit she threw on Sunday night and threw herself over her crib side and onto the floor. It is amazing what that child can do, Houdini I tell you... She is our first to escape the crib, but I think she scared herself by how hard it hurt. Thank goodness she did not damage the broken bone any more, and did not create any more broken bones. We had a great check at the doctor today, only three of four more weeks in the cast. She has a new cast on and it smells so much better. I am so in awe of her behavior at each of these visits. She is small, brave, and friendly... not a tear or a yell. She did not even have food or drink (in case Dr. Mike needed to do surgery) this morning and she was still awesome after being awake for two hours. I finally have a BRAVE one... sometimes good, sometimes bad, I just have to keep a good eye on this one.
That is all I can think of on this snow day... need to get back into the blogging habit... just have found many other interesting things to do on these cold winter days.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Don't worry someone is standing beside her!
This is Carly right after Dr. Mike put her splint on while she was laying on the kitchen counter. I know looks like we are headed for disaster with a baby on the counter with a candle burning and scissors in the background, but I promise she was in good hands during this photograph. Everyone is picking on me and saying, children's services are on the way, but she is my baby and I take good care of her ;) You cannot stop a train, and she is a full-steam engine (in dire need of a haircut)!
Headline News: 18 Month Old Red Head Breaks ARM!
Okay the news of the week is that Carly, our youngest red-head, has fractured her arm. The break is on her radius mid-way between her thumb and elbow. She is our child with no fear, and we were beginning to think she could not feel pain, until Tuesday night. She was standing next to Caitlin on the bench, where Caitlin was reading a book, and she lost her balance and tumbled to the floor. She became the puppy with an injured paw that evening. We were not sure if it was nerve damage, bruise, or a break, but we waited until yesterday morning to take her in. She put on a show for the doctors, nurses, and x-ray girls. She was sooooo good. There were not any tears shed at all. It was a crazy day with making appointments and making our way through the snow to get to where we needed to be. A great thing happened with one phone call, Dr. Mike (family friend who happens to be an orthopedic surgeon) came to our house to put a temporary splint on her until he puts her cast on Monday. I have to laugh because everyone knows how rough Carly can be and we have already been warned that she will use the cast as a weapon (I however had to be the one with the cast to the temple at 6:45 this morning). I don't know how we got two older wimps and one young brute. She has managed to continue through life just fine, even learning to use her left-hand as if she was left-handed. The tough part is finding clothes and coats to fit over the cast. Well, here is looking to the next four weeks with a positive outlook on health insurance for the whole year... since we managed to meet Carly's deductible in the first month of 2009.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Snow FUN!
Snow catchers...
Loving the big white flakes!
big sister giving little sister a tow....
the THREE MUSKETEERS!Winter time fun...
We made it out to the reservoir on Saturday with friends. It was a packed house considering it was our first major snowfall of winter. The kids had purchased snow tubes with their Christmas cash and we thought we would put them to good use. It was a blast! Caitlin's tube can hold four kids easy and Carson's is a double rider. Caitlin's motto, "the more the merrier" (like her mother). Carson's motto, "no I am good with one other rider or just by myself." Carly enjoyed the sledding festivities. She survived the winter conditions for about one hour and twenty minutes. She got to go down the hill just like the big kids! There is nothing like the giggles that come out of the mouths of the kids when they are flying down the hill. I love winter and all that comes with it, even the wet clothes and the wet tracks through the house. We are now expecting frigid conditions for the next couple days, which brings school delays and cancellations, YIPPEE!
Out of the mouths of babes...
Okay so this might not be the most kid friendly entry, but I cannot go another day without mentioning the funny things that Carson says... and they are only funny to adult ears.
Carson was splish splashing in the tub on Sunday and I see that he has taken outdoor play balls in the tub with him. I am okay with that because this is what boys do. I then see them flying out of the bathroom door and rolling across the hall with water spraying all over. The best part is the boisterous words that flew out of the bathroom, "my balls are washed, I am all done."
Carson was casually eating peanuts with his father, when he belts out, "I hurt my nuts." You can imagine Jason's reaction to this... (we only use "toot" in our house, so this was bad) Carson had bit down and hurt his teeth, but instead thought he was injuring the peanuts he was eating. NICE!
Carson was splish splashing in the tub on Sunday and I see that he has taken outdoor play balls in the tub with him. I am okay with that because this is what boys do. I then see them flying out of the bathroom door and rolling across the hall with water spraying all over. The best part is the boisterous words that flew out of the bathroom, "my balls are washed, I am all done."
Carson was casually eating peanuts with his father, when he belts out, "I hurt my nuts." You can imagine Jason's reaction to this... (we only use "toot" in our house, so this was bad) Carson had bit down and hurt his teeth, but instead thought he was injuring the peanuts he was eating. NICE!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
SURPRISED LOOK...
"C-A-R-S-O-N" as he read from his beanbag chair to his little sister... Carson was proclaiming to the housetop that Carly needed to move over one beanbag chair and she would be on her own. I then asked him since he was creating a teachable moment for himself, "when is your birthday?" "February 16th." I then proceeded to ask him his phone number, just to see what he would say. He rattled it off without hesitation, area code and all! Yes, you can say that there was a suprised look involved. School is right around the corner... but who needs school? Carson exclaims, "Caitlin TEACHED me!"
Monday, January 5, 2009
The 2008 Holiday Photo Spread
Caitlin preparing for her Christmas program at school...
Carson and Caitlin showing off their projects at Lowe's Build and Grow
Griffin and Carly playing in the ball pit
Carson and Daddy taking a ride on the Christmas train.
Morgan cutting Carly's hair for the first time.... good-bye MULLET!
At the Zoo checking out the Christmas lights.
Riding the carousel at the Toledo Zoo
Caitlin and Olivia getting ready for their half time performance at the University of Findlay Men's basketball game.
The Koomen and Swaney kids running the Jingle Bell kids run.
Angie celebrating NO CAVITIES for Caitlin!
A boy and his dog!
Caitlin and mommy at the tubing hill!
Caitlin and Ellie heading down the hill!
Auntie Sandy and Carson getting ready for a big ride down the hill!
Caitlin and Ellie being snow babes!
Best cousins going for a skate...
See any resemblance?
Carson loving his ride on the GO train in Ontario.
Carson and Sam waiting for the GO train to arrive
Carson and Uncle Tim working on the train
The cousins enjoying a New Year's Eve skate
Chief Carson enjoying his new fire suit from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lauri...
Elle and Cee posing for the camera.
Julie and Chrissy saying "CHEESE"
Emily and Chrissy
The kids enjoying their beanbag chairs on Christmas night. Thank you Grandpa and TT!
Sarah and Carson making Christmas Eve dessert...
Caitlin and Rachel at Bob Evan's for breakfast.
Carson with a hitchhiker on his new bike!
The brothers going for a ride on the HOTSEATS
Some of the Koomen clan at the tubing hill 
A dad and his dog preparing for a big ride on the hill
Ellie and Carson loving on each other!
Best friends and cousins!
The Partees over to PARTY with the Koomens
Father Rick over to offer some spiritual guidance to a somewhat possessed looking Carson.
The best picture of Uncle Tim (Koomen Godfather) and Carson!
A picture from the ice storm in Findlay. The trees were amazing, but the picture from a 70 mph moving car does not do it justice.
Carson and mommy cheesing for the camera.
The Swaneys and the Koomens prepare for the big Marathon Christmas Party.
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