Kate went on her first field trip two weeks ago. Her teacher and I planned it together so that I could be there with her. We went to Westgate and let the kids play at the splash pad. We then went to see Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs in 3D! We ended our day with lunch and headed back to school. The kids had such a great time. Our cousin Rylee is in her class as well so it is so nice that the two of them get to experience all of this together. It was so nice to be able to be there with Kate. Being a teacher I am lucky that I get to have my daughter with me all day at work, but when field trips or special events come up it is hard because I am not always able to be there. This was perfect! We had such a good day!
We have welcomed yet another baby into our family! My brother and his wife welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world on September 21, 2009. She was expected to be a big baby, (Kari is known for that) and she lived up to that. She weighed in at 8lbs 15 oz. For us that just means we have more to love! She is truly beautiful. For the first two days of her life she did not have a name, but now they have picked one and I think it is ust perfect. It was so nice to be able to go down to the hospital and visit with them. I so much enjoyed seeing my brother beaming with pride when he was able to introduce me to his daughter. He had this big smile on his face the entire time. We love you guys! Welcome baby Chloe! Our family has been so blessed this year with new life!
I come home from work on Thursday and this what I see. Chris is standing behind the wall and the kids are running around the corner and he scares the living daylights out of them. Their laughter is priceless. At this point, Kate sort of expects it, but she still gets very spooked as she would say. My children's laughter brings me to such a great place!
Today I took the kids to the children's museum with Aunt Kelly and Abby, Maggie, and Sean. We had not seen each other in so long. Kate had been begging to go see them, but with school it has been really hard to get together. We met Aunt Kelly at her house and began to load up. As we were loading Maggie turns to me and says, "Aunt Chrissy, look there is a police officer. Did you know that you can pay them a lot of money and they will take your picture?" Needless to say I think that the speed cameras have caught someone in their house a few times! It was priceless and gave us all a good laugh. We stopped and got some lunch so that we could take it into the museum with us. We all ate and surprisingly Connor actually sat in his high chair without throwing a fit. After lunch it was playtime! We started with the noodle forest, the ice cream stand, and the grocery store. The kids had so much fun! The girls loved standing behind the ice cream stand and serving anyone and everyone who would come up to them. Then it was off to the pizza kitchen and the ball room. Sean and Connor had so much fun in the ball room. It is amazing how kids can be so entertained by balls rolling down tubes! The girls served Kelly and I many delicious items including: pizza, diet coke, and Abby's special salad! When we were full we moved on to the bikes. The kids had such a great time going through the bike wash. Connor used the small push car. He loved it. As we were getting ready to leave we found this great vacuum exhibit. You place these soft plush balls into a vacuum and you watch them spin through the maze and shoot out the other side. The kids loved it! We had such a good day! Kate said on the way home, "Mommy thanks for such a great day, you're the best!"
Today was Sports Day at Chick Fil A. Chris has been looking forward to this day all week. He had the kids clothes laid out and everything. Chris loves when he gets to dress the kids in sports apparel. The kids were so excited. We loaded up in the car and off we went. We got to chick fil a and it really was not too bad. And then the place got packed. They had 2 people working the counter. I mean come on. You are giving away free chicken sandwiches and you have two people working. The line behind us extended out the door. The Kids were so impatient. Actually Kate was great, but Connor was horrible. Did you know at Chick Fil A they do not help the next person until the person in fornt of them gets their food. I mean the place is packed and the stupid lady won't help us because the people in front of us have not come up to get their food yet. I do love that at Chick Fil A they are always so nice, but come on. So we finally get our food. We bring the kids back to eat. They of course want to go play. Chick Fil A has the worst playground in the world. It is actually enclosed and you have to go open the heavy door just to go and play. Needless to say all Connor wanted to do was watch the door open and close. I swear, I love him, but I sometimes think something is very wrong with him. Lunch was a disaster. We ended up leaving with our food and I told Chris that I never wanted to go back. He seemed to be content with the fact that he got his free sandwiches and got to dress the kids up. For that I am happy!
I put this song on my blog because this is the official get up and go song of the tax household! Kate and I jam out to this every morning and sing it in the car on the way to school. Connor even jams out!
She is here! Madison Elizabeth was born on August 20th, 2009. Kerry had such a long labor and ended up delivering by c section. She was a true fighter! We are so glad that she is finally here! She is just the sweetest thing. I was able to go out there last weekend to visit and help. She is such a good baby. Kerry and Todd are doing a great job. I was so glad that I got the chance to go out there and spend some time with them and love little Madison up!
Okay the day was finally here! I have looked forward to this day for a long time, but I have also dreaded it! My sweet girl was starting Kindergarten. She is growing up! All summer long she was so excited for the first day. Since she is attending my school she got to come to my classroom a lot over the summer and meet her teacher Mrs. Harris. We went shopping for all her school supplies and uniforms and she was all set to go. That Sunday night I real to her, "The Night Before Kindergarten." Well it was over for me at that point. I had already lost it. I was sobbing. I tucked her in and said good night. I had to mentally prepare myself for the next morning. Not only for her starting kindergarten, but for my 1st day back as well. I knew that I would be emotional and I needed to be ready to greet my kids and assure their parents that they would be fine. 1st graders are still a little sad on the first day. So I went to be okay with the fact that Kate was going to start Kindergarten. I woke up that morning and was ready for the day. We got lunches packed and we were ready to go. Chris took Connor to school and then came and met us at school. Grandma and Grandpa came as well. We got out of the car and walked into school and Kate turned to me and said, "Mom, it is okay. I am going to be just fine. I love you, have a great day." And that was that. She ran off to play on the playground. Now I was crying even harder I think because she wasn't sad. I think as moms we expect that they will always cry when we leave or pull on us when they don't want us to go. She is becoming such a big girl and this just affirmed it. I then had to get into teacher mode for my kids. I left Kate in the hands of Chris, Grandma, and Grandpa. The nice part about working there is that I can go see her and check on her whenever I want. That is reassuring. The bell rang. All the kids lined up. I had my sunglasses on the whole time, because I was still very teary. I brought my kids into the classroom and of course like normal about 10 sets of parents came in as well. So I started the day still teaching with my sunglasses which I am sure parents were really concerned about. I finally took them off and told my class, "You might see that my eyes are a little red because I was sad this morning that Kate was starting Kindergarten. I am fine now and we are going to have a great day!" To which one of my students responds, "Mrs. Tax, don't worry she is going to be fine. We will help you if you are sad." Geezzzzzz, can't I get a break. I then loose it again. I finally compose myself and we do continue to have a great day. Kate had a great first day of school. She just loves it there! She loves Mrs. Harris her teacher. I am truly so proud of her and am so excited to see what this new chapter in her life will bring.
Okay everyone, I know it has been such a long time but we are back online! Since I last posted many things have happened.
Connor turned 2. I can't believe it. He gets so much cuter everyday. His personality is really starting to shine through. He is talking so much and really becoming such a little boy. He started sleeping in his own big boy bed. He had no problem with this at all. We created a little camping room for him and he loves it. He brings so much joy to our lives. I love that he is so full of energy. I love that he wakes me up in the middle of the night just to say hi. I love that he gives the best hugs and kisses. I am so blessed to be his mom.
We spent many a day by the pool. It was a great summer! We were able to have many friends over and had so much fun. We purchased this great underwater camera. It takes pictures and videos. This was the "toy" of the summer. We have some great memories.
My brother turned 40. I can't believe it. My sister in law threw him a surprise party. It was a great night to celebrate what a great person he is. We had a little incident with Kari and the baby, but all was well.
We had baby showers for my sister Kerry and my sister in law Kari. It was a very busy summer. Two new additions coming to our family. They were both great parties. I also went out to LA for Kerry's shower there. It was a great trip! I am still convinced that we should open our own party planning business. We do it so much and we all have so much fun.
Chris and I took the kids to the Biltmore for a mini staycation! It was an interesting time. We had fun but it was really crowded. The kids were able to swim and we even watched Madagascar in the pool. Kate thought that was great! We had some major troubles with our room, but all and all it really was great! Kelly was kind enough to take the kids for a night so we could have a break. We went to a great dinner and saw The Hangover! The funniest movie ever! Thank you Kelly so much for giving us a break!
The kids and I went to Pinewood with Kelly and the kids. We rented a big cabin and the weather was beautiful. It was a perfect weekend. We took the kids on walks and bike rides. We were able to go to the country club and play in the rec room and go swimming. The kids had a blast. I want to do this every year. It was so great to spend time with Kelly and let all the kids play.
We truly had a great summer. I am already ready for the next one! I have made a little photo montage from the summer, Enjoy!
Last weekend I took the kids to the splash pad at Marley Park. They had such a good time! Kate even saw her friend from school, Elizabeth. They had so much fun together. It was such a great afternoon. Connor loves to those water cannons! He could play with those for days!
So this year at Christmas Santa brought Connor and Kate a sand and water table. It is so great. The kids go out there and play forever! They love it. Connor still tries to eat it. You would think after the first 10 times he would stop putting it in his mouth, but he still does it. Kate loves to have sand tea parties. She invited all her princess friends and she has so much fun! It is so great to see them play together and having so much fun!
Okay so I know that I am way behind on my posts, but I am going to attempt to catch up. Things have been so busy that I have not been able to find time to write on our blog. Between work, school, coaching softball, family, and Kate's tball, I am about to fall over! Needless to say things are beginning to wind down around here. The end of the school year is approaching and I can't wait for summer. This year for Easter we all decided to get together for Easter to color eggs. This year of course we had a new addition, Finley. He didn't color any eggs, but he was as cute as ever! My mom was so nice to allow us to come to her house and color eggs. We had to do it inside because it was raining. The kids had such a good time. It was nice to have the older kids (Brody, Logan, and Carter) to help the younger ones. Connor slept the whole time so that made it really easy. I do love Connor, but those of you who know him know that the eggs would have been all over the floor and the coloring stuff all over his head!
Easter morning the kids got up way too early and saw what the Easter bunny had brought them. I think the Easter bunny went a little overboard this year:) They found all the eggs that the Easter Bunny had left them. Connor surprised me this year. He really loved picking up the eggs. He would fill his basket and then dump them all out and start all over again! And as always, Kate was super excited and so enthusiastic! They had so much fun playing with their new toys.
This year we did something different and we went to Colleen's house for Easter. They had everyone over for a BBQ and had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. They had so much fun. It was a great day with good food and great family!
After I was done talkign wth Kate she then said to me, "Mom what about Connor?"
I love it when Connor...
wants to suggle. He is such a good snuggler. He will get his blanket and comes right over and lay with me. As a toddler he is so busy and those times when he stops and sits with me are so precious.
blows kisses and says bye bye. Every night when we put his to bed this is what he does.
runs down the hall and says, "go, go, go" Connor says very few words, but this is one of them.
I love is when he plays with Kate. He loves her so much and looks for her if he can't find her.
I love it that he loves to explore the world! He is so intrigued by things. He loves to check everything out.
Connor is such a sweet boy! He loves his mom and that makes my heart very glad! He is such a happy boy and is so sweet with his kisses. He is stubborn, but which toddler is not. I love you very much Connor!
The past few weeks have been a little rough for me. I have been working a lot, out of town , and just in a bad mood. My children sometime feel the brunt of it. I sat down with Kate the other day and said, "Kate I just love you so much! I love all the things that you do." Of course she said, "Like what?"
I said, "I love you when...
You wake up in the morning and come into my room and say, "Good morning mom, It's a beautiful day!"
You go over to your brother when he falls down and says, "Are you okay Connor?"
I love it that you love to sing and dance. I can't always understand you but I love your passion about.
You have a tea party with all the princesses in your room when you are supposed to be sleeping. (Kate will often play tea party when she is supposed to be sleeping. I know that I should intervene, but to hear her through the wall in our bedroom is priceless!)
You stop what you are doing and come running over to me and say, "I love you mom!"
Kate is such a sweet girl. She is emotional and a little dramatic at times, but that is what makes her who she is. She is such a good big sister and loves her brother very much. She is my child who is so full of life and says the funniest things at the perfect time! She loves her family and is so grateful for things. The excitement in her when she gets to go somewhere or see someone is priceless. I love you Kate!
A couple week ago we took Brody, Logan, and Carter for the night. They are at a fun age. We stayed up late playing Americal Idol on the wii! I love this game. It is just so fun. My inner rockstar comes out. Due to some recent posts on my friends pages I am highly recommending this game for Jillian and Lindsey. Carter who is the youngest decided that he wanted to sing Behmian Rhapsody.WOW! That is about all that I can say about this performance. Watch and you will see why. We truly enjoyed having them over. They are such good helpers with my kids and they love to take care of them and make sure that they are okay. We love them to pieces and were so glad that we got to spend time with them.
Over spring break Chris and I went to vegas with our good friends Ed and Cara. We left on Wednesday and for some reason I was very anxious. The kids had a bit of a cold so our daycare situation switched last minute. I was very nervous to go. I don't know why, but I was. Ever since I had children traveling without them as been a scary thing. God forbid something happen to us they would be all alone. I know you are thinking, "Wow she is so dramatic, but this is what i actually think about before I go on a trip. We dropped the kids off st Sheila's house and off we went to the airport. My feeling of uneasiness did not subside when the first song I heard on the radio was "Turn this car around." I wanted to call the whole thing off right then. We made it to the airport and on the plane. Still a feeling of uneasiness. Of course I checked everyone out to see who would be riding with me. No problems in flight and we landed just fine in Vegas. Las Vegas! We were finally here! We got to our hotel, Treasure Island and officially started our vacation. I do highly reccomend Treasure Island, they just remodeled all the rooms there- and they have a Krispy Kreme on the premisis. Our friends Ed and Cara arrived and the party really began. We decided to go to the Sahara to gamble to play on some lower limit tables to warm up. We are all blackjack players. That was a huge mistake. Chris and I lost so much money. THis never happens to me there. I always win something. So Cara and I moved on to craps. Bigger mistake. I might as well have just handed my money to the dealer and said, "keep it" because that is what happened. It was pathetic. As we were leaving Ed hit it big in the penny slots. He was sitting their gambling becuase it was so cheap and he wanted the free drinks. We all do it there in Vegas- I know how pathetic. Ed won a whopping 100 bucks int he penny slots- that is a lot of pennies. After the BIG win we went back to our hotel and off to bed we went.The next day was spent just hanging out by the pool and shopping. It was really nice. No worries, no children pulling you in a million different directions it was just relaxing. All parents need this kind of time every now and then. We went to this mall at the end of the strip so Cara and I could get our shopping on and Ed and Chris were not too thrilled, but they came along anyways. Now let me tell you about this mall. It is huge. It is apparently sponsored by Apple. Outside the mall there is this huge patio with small carts and little places to eat. They have music playing there. Let me say that again, they have a song playing there. This place plays the song, "I tried to do handstands for you" from the apple ipod comercial all day! I am not kdding. It is the only song that they play. Those poor employees. It is so loud and it never stops or changes. Can you imagine??? Horrible! Thursday night we went to Samba, which is a Brazillian steakhouse. You pay a set price per person and you get all the meat you want. The cook it and bring it to you. The waitor brings it out on this sword and cuts it for you. It was amazing!!!! Cara and I tried a little of everything and then were content. Ed and Chris on the other hand, felt they had somthing to prove. Chris did not last as long with ed being the winner of the night. Way to go Ed, I am proud of you. After that we had were in food coma. I had to go to bed because I think my body was in shock from all the meat! Kerry had reccomended it to us and I am so glad! Friday was just another day of pool and shopping. Cara and I went into Sephora and again the men ahd to wait outside, well because they know better! It was then time to say goodbye to our dear friends. We have known Ed and Cara since College and we are just truly blessed to have them in our lives. They are Connor's godparents and we are just so honored to have that special relationahip with them. We get along so well and we and just glad that we can stay so close adn do so many things with them even though they live in California. I had a great time in Vegas, but I was super excietd to get home and see my beautiful children. I missed them so much.
Finley has arrived! My sister Kelly and her husband Jay welcomed baby Finley on Monday March 2nd. He was born healthy and mom is doing great. I took the afternoon off work and went down to the hospital to go visit. He is just adorable. His older brother and sisters came down to the hospital to see him. They were just so excited. They all go to hold him and spend some special time with mom. My sister Kerry and I took Abby, Maggie, and Sean to dinner at Chilli's. We had such a fun time with the kids. They all ate and then it was into the car to go home to bed. I brought them all back to their house and got them ready for bed. The whole time they just kept talking about baby Finn. It was very sweet to hear. Baby Finley is just so cute. We just love him tons already. Welcome baby Finn!
On January 24th we had a shower for my sister Kelly. Now for those of you who don't know her she has 5 year old triplets (Well they will be 5 on March 5th). They found out they were pregnant in July. What a miracle. This baby was a very unexpected but truly welcomed! We are all just so excited to meet baby Finnely. (I am not sure that is exactly how that are going to spell his name.) I am not sure how my sister does it all. Having triplets and a baby on the way is a huge task. No matter how busy she is or how tired she is she always finds time for me. I so look forward to our several phone calls throughout the day. I think that I talk to her more than anyone else. She is always willing to listen, help out, or just vent with me. She is there when I have to tell her about the winner of the biggest loser or the guy who made an idiot out of himself in American Idol. She is there when I have to talk to her about the saddest movie I just watched on Lifetime or the crazy lady who I just saw in the store who should not have kids. She is there when I need to laugh, cry, or when I need to just get away from my own world for a little bit. I have learned to much from her. Our children are only 8 months apart and that is such a bonding agent. We have become so close because of that I think. We are at the same stage in life and I am just so glad that I have her to walk through it with. I love that our children love each other so much and I love that Kate wants to go to Aunt Kelly's house everyday! I cannot wait to meet my new nephew and to Love him up so much! Thanks Kelly for always being there and thanks for being such a good example for me to follow! I love you!
All week Kate has been talking about her Valentine's Day party at school. She has been making cards and and getting everything ready all week. She has been so excited to go through all the kids names and put them on the cards. When we were done with all the cards she said to me, "Mommy, wait. We are missing someone berry special." I am thinking to myself, Oh how sweet she wants to make her dad and I a card. No the next best thing, we were missing our dear friend Carter. Now for those of you who don't know. Carter is my friend, Jillian's son. They are about the same age and they go to the same preschool. The two of them just love each other. So we got to work on Carter's Valentine. Oh, the effort that went into this was out of this world. I won't spoil it since her has not gotten it yet. She was so excited to give him his valentine. As she put it in her backpack she said, "Oh mom I just know that Carter is going to love this. He is just my bestest friend." I know, too cute! Off to school she went. I had told Jillian today to see if she could find Chris because Kate had something for him. Chris was running late so they missed each other. Bummer! I got home from work and I did not even get in the door when Kate comes running up to me and says, "Mommy, Mommy look what Carter gave me!" She was so excited for her candy, playdoh, and Bear. Carter had come by the house to give her the valentine. She was so excited. Now Chris did not know that Kate had one for him so Carter left empty handed. (We will fix that tomorrow.) Kate carried that bear around all night. When it was time for bed we could not find it. She was hysterical. We looked everywhere for that bear. We finally found it. After many tears I was able to get her calmed down and into bed. As I tucked her in she said, "Oh, sweetheart bear I am so sorry, I will never loose you again." So dramatic! We said our prayers and in them came a special one for Carter, "God please keep Carter safe and thank him for this bear. It is the bestest thing in the whole entire world. I just love that Carter and Jilliant (this is how Kate says Jillian's name.) Amen." So sweet. We are so glad to have friends so close to Kate's age. They get along so good and we are so thankful for that.
Recently our household has been taken over by The Little Einsteins. This is a show on the Disney channel. The kids love it! Connor does not say much but he definitely knows how to say "Pat" and when. If you have never heard the theme song this first video will introduce it for you. The next video is of Connor doing his favorite part of the whole show.
Kate has made a new friend. Her name is Kelly and she loves to spend time at our house. Kate plays with her all the time and she truly cares about her. She has slept over many times already and has also gone on road trips with us. Where did we meet such a great friend? What a good question! Kelly appeared at our house one day. I am actually waiting to still see her because yep, you guessed it, Kelly is Kate's imaginary friend. Kelly comes everywhere with us. One day last week we were going to the store and Kate wanted to take Kelly. I told her fine. I try not to respond too much to all of this. She buckles Kelly in and we are off. We are in the aisles of Target, because we go there all the time, and Kate is skipping down the aisle with her arm stretched out holding "Kelly's" hand. She is laughing and talking to her like she is right there. I know, creepy! On our way home from the store Kate fell asleep and went to bed for the night. At 1:00am I hear crying coming from her room. I go in and see her sitting on her bed. I am thinking, poor baby she had a bad dream. She then says hysterically crying, "Mom, I left Kelly in the car!" Oh my! So yes, you guessed it we had to go out to the car and get Kelly. Mind you it is freezing outside, but rather not fight the battle of a lifetime so I go get "her" from the car and Kate is happy as ever. She apologizes to Kelly and then proceeds to tell me that Kelly is going to sleep on the top bunk. Whatever! At this point I just want to go to bed!
So I am not sure if I am supposed to find all of this cute or if this is supposed to creep me out! Because to be truthful it does. I know she is only 4 and it is normal, but going out in the middle of the night to get her friend out of the car, come on!
Okay so I know that it has been a long time since I have posted, but I will do my best to add some posts to catch you all up.
Kate recently had a Snow Day at her preschool. The school had snow delivered and Kate was so excited. All I heard all week was about snow day! She was so excited. So the night before we got her backpack packed with her jacket, gloves, scarf, and boots. She was ready. She slept with her backpack by her bed because she did not want to forget it. Now of course snow day was happening before I got off work so I was not able to be there. My dear friend Jillian was up there to see Carter and stayed to make sure that Kate was okay. She took some pictures so that we could see how it went. Thanks so much Jillian for checking in on her and making sure that she was okay. Thanks for the pictures! They are great!
Needless to say Kate had such a good time. No we just have to figure out a way to make her understand that it only happens one day a year!
My nephew Sean got a geotrax airport for Christmas. They set it all up and everyone was playing in the back room at my parents house. Sean turned it on and Connor fell in love with it! I am not sure why, but he started laughing so hard. You can actually see him doubling over because he is laughing so hard. It was so good to see him enjoying his time with his cousins! Turn up your volume!
