Long Day

Today was a pretty long day for all of us.  We were up early...had to run to the store...no naps...and I got to take some engagement pictures for some of our friends at Forest Park.  When I got home Charley was fast asleep in her room clinging to the balloon she got at the store this morning.  And yes....it is a Cardinals balloon...we don't discriminate in this house.

Monkey Joe's

Jon was working late this evening, and since it has been warm, I decided to take the kids to Monkey Joe's for some air conditioned fun.  They always love going, and they hadn't been since we went for Thi and Justus' birthday last year.  They had a great time, and were hot and sweaty by the time we left.

The Muny

Jon's boss gave him a couple of tickets to the Muny for this evening.  We got to see Aladdin.  It was a little warm, but there was a nice breeze.  The show was really great.  Jon and I both really enjoyed it.

Clean House

I read an e-card the other day that said, "Trying to clean the house with children is like trying to brush your teeth while eating Oreos."  Most days this is totally true.  The kids are professional mess makers, but somehow I managed to get the house clean today.  I am sure it won't look like this for long, but for the moment it looks nice.

Members Only

Jon and I attended the members meeting at our church tonight.   The great thing is that our church has this little playground, so Jon and I were able to meet before the meeting so we could eat a quick dinner.  The kids love being able to play out on this playground, so it worked out well.

Time Out

Justus had a rough day today.  He wasn't listening at church.  He also had a tough time when we got home.  He got kicked out of the pool in the backyard for fighting with his sister and sent into the house.  His punishment was that he wasn't allowed to swim for the rest of the day.  Here's hoping tomorrow is a little better for the big guy.

Eye Doctor

Today was the day I got to take Charley to the eye doctor.  She did really great and had fun.  Sure enough she does need glasses.  The doctor said that she will most likely grow out of them though.  Her eyes just need a little strengthening.  So check back next week for a picture of the cutest little girl in glasses you will ever see.

The Suite Life

Jon called me from work this morning to let me know he won 2 tickets to the Ed Jones suite at Busch.  I scrambled and found a babysitter...our wonderful neighbor to the rescue.  Jon and I had a great night enjoying the free food and drinks, and the great seats....in the air conditioning.....the only way to watch a game when it is 100+ degrees outside.  We even got to see some of the fireworks.

Well Visit

Charley had her 3 year well-visit.  She is in the 70th percentile on weight and the 90th for height.  She also had to get three shots.  I also talked to the doctor about her eyes because her right eye doesn't seem to focus in on the same thing.  The doctor recommended an eye doctor visit....guess we'll see what that brings.

Happy 4th!

We are celebrating by taking the kids downtown for fireworks.  I'm pretty sure we might just be crazy....but Happy 4th!

Justus' Van

 This van passed us today while we were in Fairview.  Justus said...Mom, there goes my van.  Where is my van going?

Les Mis

So I started reading Les Miserables for.ev.er ago.  I didn't realize when I started it how long it was.  I usually can finish a book in a few days....but not this book.  It's an okay book, but I kind of wish I could just be done with it already.

Rough Morning

Matthias had a rough morning.  He woke up not feeling well and getting sick.  I felt so bad for him.  He even fell asleep in the tub.  He got sick a few times, but he bounced back and was fine by afternoon. 

Working Man

Justus got to go to work with Jon today.  He was really excited about it.  I dropped Justus off.  They ate lunch and did a few things at Jon's desk.  Jon then took the rest of the day off and they went to see Brave.  Jon said there were a couple of scary parts, but overall it was a cute movie.

Dirty Feet

Summer is in full swing and that means it gets dry and dusty....which leads to dirty feet.  I'm pretty sure the bottom of Thi's feet were black before I put him in the bath.  Yuck!

Pre-K

Charley had her Pre-School screening today.  She did really well.  Her strongest area was language...which wasn't really a shock.  The other areas she didn't score that great....right at or below her age level.  They said she is still pretty young though, and that the others would develop.  We should find out next month whether or not she gets into the pre-k program.

Cutie

Charley loves my sunglasses....I don't blame her really ;).

Open House

Today we had an open house so after church we grabbed a quick lunch and then it was off to the city pool.  I think we all had a pretty good time.  It kept us occupied and it kept us cool.

I Scream

I have really wanted to give ice cream making a try.  So today while I was at Wal-Mart I picked up this little ice cream maker.  I found a recipe for vanilla ice cream on pinterest and gave it a try.  It turned out pretty good.

Bloom

When I went  outside today I found these pretty little things!  I'm so excited that my flowers are blooming.  I planted them as seeds.

Happy Birthday!

How is it possible that this little girl is 3 today!?!  She is getting so big.  She is quite the chatter box too.  She speaks in full sentences.  She is potty trained.  She has a pre-school screening in just a couple of weeks.  Pre-school!  What!?!  She had a really good birthday and got a lot of great presents.  A mermaid Dora, a sleeping Dora, a Disney princess castle, and lots of new clothes.  And she got a Dora ice cream cake.  Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!!

Dead Bird

So I went out to water the flowers this morning and the kids brought my attention to the dead bird in our yard.  It's just out in the middle....not under a tree or anything.  I'm kind of curious as to how he died.

Summer Fun

Our neighbor put this little pool up for the kids...and she even gets in with them.  She is way braver than I am.  The kids love it though, and we have been spending a lot of time out back in this little pool. 

Daddy's Home

This afternoon we got to pick Jonathan up from the airport.  I think we were all excited to see Daddy.  While waiting the kids entertained themselves going up and down the stairs.  I'm so thankful Jon is home.  Being a single parent is hard work.

Daddy's Car

We have been spending a lot of time outside lately.  Normally when we are outside Jon's car is at work with him...but since he is gone this week it's been in our driveway.  For some reason the kids have started climbing on his car and sliding down the windshield.  I have had to get them off several times....not before I took a picture though.

S'mores

Since Jon is out of town I am trying to keep the kids and I busy...mostly so I don't go crazy being on my own.  This evening I built a little fire out back and we made s'mores and hotdogs.  I think the kids had a good time.  I know they enjoyed eating their s'mores.

Yikes

This morning we got up and had to take Jonathan to the airport.  He is headed to Philadelphia for the next couple of days.  When we arrived back home it wasn't but a few minutes until Charley fell and gashed her leg.  I don't even know how she did it.  I was cleaning out the van and the kids were playing in the backyard.  She claims she just fell.   I may have gone into a slight panic because I thought she was going to need stitches.  Once I got it cleaned up I realized it looked much worse than it actually was.  I put some ointment and a band-aid on it and she was good to go.

Haircut

It finally happened.  Charley cut her hair.  It's not nearly as bad as I feared.  When she first walked towards me she was holding a few clumps of hair, and  I was so scared to assess the damage.  Thankfully she only cut this little piece in the back and also a small piece from up front.  You can't even tell.  I know it could have been much worse. 

Rare Moment

This is a rare moment in our house.  All three children sitting together and not yelling, hitting, or crying.  It was wonderful...even if it was only a brief moment.

Wall Art

When I went home to Mt. Vernon this old window was one of the things I picked up.  I got it hung up and all decorated.  I'm pretty satisfied with how it looks.

Ties

This evening Jon and I went to Jos. A.Bank.  Jon needed to get a couple new shirts, and while we were there we did a little tie shopping as well.  I love to pick out ties for Jon.  We have really different tastes, but he is good about humoring me with my tie selections.

Love Bug

I love this little girl.  She is going to be 3 in just a couple of weeks.  How is that possible?

Obsessed

I have been pretty obsessed with fingernail polish.  I this maybe I'm addicted.  Maybe there is a program for that?  Today's choice Essie's A Crewed Interest.

More Pretties

I really love these flowers. (I think maybe I mentioned our wonderful neighbor yesterday.) I even put some by my bed so I get to open my eyes to these pretties.

The Best

We really do have the best neighbor.  She spoils not only our children but Jon and I as well.  She has been bringing me fresh flowers from her sisters hydrangea bush....which I just love.  I think Jon enjoys it too because it saves him money.

Down on the Farm

Today we went to Mt. Vernon to hang out with my best friend from high school.  I love getting to spend time with her.  We went to her grandparents farm.  It was a little warm, but the kids loved it.  They got to play on hay bails, ride in the back of a truck, and go fishing.  Justus was a natural fisherman.  He must take after his Papa.  All-in-all it was a really fun day.

Zoo Trip

This morning we went to the zoo.  Our neighbor joined us...and she even brought a zoo membership...which got us free parking and free train passes.  The kids really enjoyed the train.  I don't think we had ever ridden the train at the zoo before.  We all had a really good time.  Although if I'm being honesty I got a little cranky towards the end because the kids were getting tired and it was kind of warm.  It was worth it though!

Pretty Nails

Charley is reaching that stage where she wants to do everything herself.  I have to admit letting her paint her nails herself was really hard for me.  I can be a little bit of a control freak.  I'm glad I let her though because she was super proud of herself.

Yum

I saw these on a blog the other day and thought they would be a quick, cheap, and easy breakfast for the kids.  They are just fried biscuits coated in sugar.  They are pretty good and the kids really enjoyed them. 

It's Official

I guess we are going to give this another shot.  We'll see how it goes.

Rascals

Ed Jones had a softball tournament today...Jon didn't participate, but all Jones employees then got into the Rivercity Rascals game this evening (since the tournament was played on their field).  We decided to go since we have been wanting to take the kids to a baseball game and figured this was a cheap way to see how they might do.  They actually really enjoyed it.  I think the best part was they also got to see Fred Bird...Matthias (our Cardinals fan) loved it.

Splash Pad

Jon worked late this evening....and the kids were a little cranky so I decided to go for a little car ride.  I decided to go check out the park behind our house.  I knew this splash pad was supposed to be opening at some point and was super excited when I saw the water on.  I pulled in and let the kids go wild.  I so didn't care that they were in clothes.  It was fun for them and gave me a break from their crankiness.  It was a win/win.  They loved it and I'm sure we will be making some more visits in the near future.

School's Out

Today was the boys' last day of school.  And for Justus it was his last day of Pre-K.  I think they are more excited than I am for summer break.  When am I going to run errands?  Oh well...I'm sure we will all survive and will have a great summer!

Monkey

Matthias is my little monkey.  The city cut down some trees in the empty lot next to us in preparation for the overpass they are supposed to start at some point.  Thanks for cleaning up the mess O'Fallon.  Oh well, Matthias has loved playing on the fallen trees.

My Boys

It's been pretty nice out lately, and the kids really enjoy riding their bikes on the sidewalk infront of the house.  Jon and I will sit out on the front porch and watch them.  Justus decided to join us on the porch for a bit today.  I love these two boys!

Oops

So the little girl that lives a couple door down from us decided today would be a good day to throw a rock at our van and break our window.  Okay....I don't think she planned on breaking the window.  I know it was just one of those things.  Does anyone know someone good to fix a van window?

Happy Mother's Day

A most wonderful day to celebrate....ME!  When Jon asked me what I wanted I told him I just wanted to be able to go shopping all by myself.  Maybe that is kind of selfish....but I think I'm okay with it.  While I was shopping I discovered that Starbucks had 1/2 priced fraps....Happy Mother's Day indeed.

Baby Bird

Justus found this  little egg in the yard.  I told him he should be careful with it because there might be a baby bird in there...although I knew there probably wasn't : /  Anyways, he did eventually drop it.  He then told me...Mom, there wasn't a baby bird in there only eggs.

Mommy Love

I found this in Justus' backpack.  He kept telling me over the past few days that he "loved me into pieces".  I guess I know now why he was saying that.

End of the Year

Today Justus and Matthias' pre-k classes had an end of the year picnic at the park by our house.  It was fun to see the kids interact with their friends from school.  I always enjoy seeing the kids in a different environment than home.  They had a good time playing and eating pizza.  I can't believe school will be out in just about a week.