Tuesday

If I hear "where's my dada? where's my bwudda?" one more time, I might have to scream. Or laugh - cause that's all you can do at this point. Even though we're spending lots of time together and I've spent a whole lot of time reading books and playing on the floor with Rory, she does not like that she's missing out on something. I have a feeling that adjusting to Camden being at kindergarten all day is going to be tough. She's being very sweet, just very clingy and wants to be entertained non-stop. By the way, out of the blue she has started calling Brian "dada" instead of daddy; and she calls Camden "bwudda" instead of Camden.

Brian and Camden left several hours later than planned yesterday, but they still made it and had a very full afternoon/evening of swimming and setting up camp. The best quote of the days comes from Camden asking, "is the bathhouse going to be open tonight because they know it's a special camping trip for my birthday?"

Manda Bean/Lliella Designs: Princess and Her Pet

2nd Annual Camping Trip

We woke up this morning at 4:45 to Rory yelling saying "mommy, I ready to get uuuupppppp." Thank goodness Brian was already awake because I couldn't manage to drag myself out of bed. She's back down now and sleeping peacefully.

We seem to be back to square 1 with Camden on the swimming front. At the pool Friday, he wanted to jump in as long as you're there to catch him. He's so concerned with not getting water on his face/head that he refuses to try to actually move his arms or legs in the right way. It is maddening because he absolutely would not even try (despite being tossed in by Brian on multiple occasions), and he spent most of the afternoon sitting on the side of the pool. It's something we've noticed about him for several years now - if it's hard, he refuses to try. We work with him quite a bit on this and while he's slowly improving, I have a feeling kindergarten will be a wake-up call for him. We've tried to explain (and not just about swimming) that it's not about how successful he is at the task, it's about doing your best and trying your hardest. So far, not sinking in.

Brian and Camden leave for their second annual birthday camping trip this morning. I think it's a toss-up as to who is more excited. Rory, on the other hand, is not thrilled about being left behind although she's convinced that we're going to spend our time eating ice cream and shopping. I actually do have errands lined up for us each day, and I'm happy to have some one-on-one time with her. While staying outdoors for 48 hours seems like the worst idea ever for me, Brian and Camden think it sounds like a little slice of heaven (which is why it's a father/son trip). I'm very glad the rain seems to be over, and I hope they're able to have a wonderful time.

Kristen Rice: Clarity

Zoe Pearn: Some Like It Hot

A fabulous surprise

Back in May I won a drawing on Lauren Reid's blog for some custom designed layouts, and was so excited to receive them last week. The big surprise, however, was that Kellie Penn who is on Lauren's team donated the pictures she took of the kids in Illinois to be scrapped! It was incredibly generous of her, and Lauren's team scrapped way more pages than I ever anticipated. Enjoy!

scrapped by Lauren Grier

scrapped by Deca

scrapped by Stacey

scrapped by Stacey

scrapped by Stacey

scrapped by KeelyB

scrapped by igrove

scrapped by chengie

scrapped by Becky

scrapped by Alice

scrapped by Karen

scrapped by Nicole

scrapped by Karen

Better

I am happy to report that Rory's eye is much better! I took her back to the doctor yesterday, and he said that it was improving and should be okay. By last night, it was only swollen halfway closed. While we were there, we also asked about her crazy mosquito bites, and the doctor prescribed a strong steroid cream to use when she gets bit that should help with the blistering. I left the house with her at 8:00 yesterday morning, and we didn't get home until 12:30 so it was kind of a long morning. I had a doctor's appointment, and then we had time to kill before her appointment.

Considering that I have done very little housework this week (hence, all the scrapbook pages), I need to spend several hours working on the house. We're also planning to take advantage of my friend Shelly's pool this afternoon. Tomorrow we're making a quick trip to Clarksville so I can (finally) get my new glasses and to do a little bit of shopping for Brian and Camden's upcoming camping trip.

My random Friday list:

• Rory is quickly becoming a huge fan of anything Dora. It's the only TV show that keeps her attention for any amount of time. We went to Toys R Us yesterday to shop for Camden's birthday, and she thought she was in Dora heaven. I think I see a Dora-themed birthday party heading her way in September.
  

• Despite the fact that Camden seems to have turned into the mean big brother almost overnight, he was still very sweet and protective of her yesterday. The fact that this happened as he tackled her in the pool is beside the point.
  

• Three things I saw while people watching Thursday: (1) A woman in her late 40's (this is just a guess of course) wearing a pair of hot pants. You know, the ones that leave your hind end falling out. It was like a train wreck - you couldn't look away. (2) a mother clearly still in her pajamas at the free children's movie. And, no, not the cute lounge wear kind of pajamas that you might be able to get away with. (3) A mother in the same theater who was there alone with her infant. Something tells me the movie wasn't for the baby.
  

• Can I just say that entertaining a 2 year old while wearing a paper gown in a closet-sized room is not the easiest thing to do. Hearing "good job, mommy; I so proud of you" while peeing in a cup was fun though. :)
  

• Rory no longer wants me to carry her everywhere; sit on my lap while watching cartoons, etc. "My wants to do it myselssss" is what we hear over and over. Why did I ever complain that me was all she wanted. I miss it.
  

• Thanks to the non-stop coverage, Camden now knows who Michael Jackson is. He said, "Is that a boy? A girl? What is WRONG with that man?" after seeing him for the first time.
  

• Despite the fact that I used a waterproof sunscreen with 55 spf yesterday, Rory still came out of the pool with new tan lines. How is that possible?

• Camden has rediscovered a sheriff's gunbelt, toy gun, and badge that he got several years ago. You can just imagine the fights that have gone on in our house this week. Rory holds her own with an orange water gun, and she's pretty much got the Charlie's Angel pose down.
  

Credits here

The one-eyed girl

So yesterday turned out to be slightlybusier than planned. We did go to the movie and while the adults snoozed through it, Rory was bored out of her mind, Camden enjoyed it. Basically, give him a moving screen, and he's happy.

Rory's eye continued to get worse, and when she woke up from her nap with the eye completely swollen shut, I called the doctor and they wanted to see her right away. Turns out doctors are concerned when your 2 year old's eye is swollen shut and red for no apparent reason. They put her on an antibiotic, and we're headed back this morning. This is definitely one of those times I wish we didn't live so far from our pediatrician!

My experience today with Rory's eye was different to say the least. On a normal day she gets lots of stares and comments (let's be honest - she's seriously cute and is a socialite; most people can't resist her). It's very common to leave a trail of sighs behind us not to mention those who actually compliment her. Today her face looked quite disfigured and it was strange to get sympathetic looks from adults; twice I heard mothers shushing their children as they pointed and made comments about her eye. By the way, Rory cracks up every time she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

The picture totally doesn't do it justice (this pic is from last night; it's even worse today).
I should take a profile pic - there is a huge lump hanging over her eye.

So on the schedule today is a doctor's appointment for me followed with an appointment for Rory. Sounds like a fun day for the two of us, doesn't it. :) Camden will be staying home with Brian as he works and gets ready for Sunday. Hopefully we'll have time to jump in the backyard pool this afternoon.

Dani Mogstad: True Blue

Amber Clegg: Rush

Re-llergic to Action

This is what Rory woke up like this morning. Camden said she was re-llergic to action. :) It actually looks worse in person. The picture does not do the swelling and coloring justice.

Brian (just barely) survived the teen camping trip and they did stay up all night. Needless to say, he came home and took a nap, then was in bed by 8:00 last night.

We're going to take advantage of Regal Cinemas free family film festival and take the kids to see a free movie this morning. I've even got a coupon for free popcorn!

Based on the number of layouts I have to share this morning, I clearly spent most of the day in front of the computer!

Traci Reed/Susan Bartolini: Shabby Daddy

SSD Fun in the Sun

Dani Mogstad/Manda Bean: Happy Camper

Manda Bean/Heather Roselli: GlobeTrotting

Lauren Grier: Day Trippin'

I love Chuck

Is anyone else having trouble believing that it's already July? Seems like the summer is just flying by. In fact, Brian's last few weeks at home are very full and Camden starts kindergarten in less than 5 weeks!

Brian took twelve teenage boys camping last night and I think the boys had no intention of sleeping so I'm sure he's going to come home this morning exhausted. Camden and Rory were kinda pitiful - they were so upset that he was gone. Rory, especially does not understand time yet and couldn't understand why he wasn't going to be home for bedtime.

I've recently discovered the TV show Chuck and so after I got the kids in bed last night, I settled in for a night of TV and watched several episodes. Cracks me up! I'm working my way through season 1 on-line. My sister tells me it just got picked up for a third season so my plan is to be caught up by the time the new season airs.

I didn't do much scrapping yesterday, but I did finish these two pages up.

Kaye Winiecki/Studio Flergs: A Perfect Day

Traci Reed: Walkin' on Sunshine

Red, White, and Blue

Clearly this was not a memorable weekend since I can think of no blog-worthy material; I'll just let it be with a few red, white, and blue pictures.

In their patriotic church attire

Trying to get a little love out of Emma

Rory just looks evil in this picture. :)

Success!
You should have seen both of them turn and immediately wipe their mouths off.

Have you ever seen more fake expressions?

Only slightly better.

We had a slight injury. No worries; he was okay!

Camden's Swimming Lessons

Friday's Random Thoughts

Just a few random thoughts from the week. Enjoy the holiday weekend!

• Camden has been W.I.L.D. this week. It's like he can sense freedom (a.k.a. kindergarten) just around the corner. Heaven help his teacher if he's this active when school starts.

• Rory has discovered Camden's preschool Leap Pad. It entertains her endlessly. Unfortunately, what she really likes to do is press the same button over and over again which results in the same sound over and over. I remember Camden doing the same thing. It is maddening, but she loves it.
  

• Camden's swimming lessons went well this week. He's not scared of the water and can now jump off the diving board and go down the water slide with no problem. We're not quite sure the 4 days of lessons were worth the money considering she didn't do alot of instruction (i.e. never once told them basic rules such as no running around the pool, cup your hands when you swim, etc.). She mostly just sent them off the diving board over and over again. We could have done that!
  

• I enjoyed a girl's night out last night with my friends Tina and Kathy. It was SO much fun! We met at Pei Wei for supper then hit the movies. I always forget how wonderful it is to be with old friends who truly know you (and love you anyway). I miss seeing them every day at work and knowing they're just a 4-digit phone extension or short walk away.
  

• Despite the fact that we've had pool time, hours of outdoor fun, late nights, and swim lessons, the kids are sleeping less and less during these summer days. It's like we can't wear them out! The adults in this house, however, are quite worn out.
  

• Enough with the Michael Jackson coverage! Hard to believe, but there actually are real events taking place more important than the messed up life and death of the king of pop.
  

• "Don't play with the dead bugs. No, don't put the bugs in your pocket. Just stop playing with bugs!" Something I've repeated over and over this week. Want to take a guess as to which child it was directed to? I"ll give you a hint: it's not Camden.
  

• What you don't want to hear from your 5 year old after a swimming lesson, "hey, daddy, did you see me sink?"

Gina Miller/Kate Hadfield/Rachel Young: Backyard Bliss

Gina Miller: Sandy Toes

SSD Blog Challenge

You Are a Pineapple Smoothie

You are adventurous and brave. You aren't afraid of much. You are in love with new experiences. You are usually the first to try something. You get bored rather easily, and you need to be challenged in life. You are turbo charged. Most people find it impossible to keep up with you in any capacity.

What Flavor Smoothie Are You?

You'd Almost Think . . .

. . . that they love each other!

Naptime

Poor baby! I found her sacked out on the living room floor last night after missing her nap yesterday. And do you notice the big red spot on her face? That would be one of those nasty mosquito bites that is weeping and blistering up. I'm hoping it doesn't scar as badly as the ones on her arms and legs!

Zoe Pearn: Bloom and Grow

So Proud

The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday: upper 80's, sunny, slightly windy, and very low humidity. The kids (and adults) had a blast at the pool, and we were soooooo proud of Camden! He jumped into the pool, he used the diving board, he used the big water slide and had fun! This is the child we could barely get into the pool last year. Rory was pretty fearless as usual. She really loved the slide and went down it over and over and over again.

Camden also had his first swimming lessons yesterday, and it went really well. I'm glad we had gone to the pool first because everything he did at the pool they covered in his lesson so he had a little bit of experience.

Brian's parents are keeping the kids today while Brian and I have run a few errands and go out for lunch. I'm hoping to eat here!

Here are just a few pictures from yesterday. I clearly do not have the settings right for the bright sunny day because my colors are strange, but at least you get the general idea. :)

First time off the diving board

Weekend Wrap Up

Our cheap $3 local theater (and by local I mean less than 30 minutes away) was showing Night at the Museum 2 this weekend so we took the kids on Friday night. I admit that it's kinda nice that Camden is almost 6 and capable of watching a few movies that we'll enjoy as well. We had lots of laughs, and Camden spent the rest of the weekend telling us his favorite parts over (and over) again. Rory, on the other hand, was not impressed at all by the movie and spent 2 hours climbing up and down off my lap.

Saturday and Sunday were pretty uneventful although when I read in the newspaper that a new local (and by local I mean 10 minutes away) nail salon opened up this weekend and all services were 20% off, I did march myself on over and got a manicure/pedicure Sunday afternoon. When Rory woke up from her nap, the first thing she noticed was the new polish on my fingers and toes and insisted on a little manicure/pedicure herself. She loves for me to paint her toes, but she doesn't really like the sitting still when we're finished part.

Today is very full. I'm meeting Amanda for iced coffee and some scrap and coupon talk this morning. When I get home, we're headed to our friend Shelly's pool; this afternoon I'm meeting Angel to practice music for Sunday; Camden's first swimming lesson is at 4:00, and we're going to a baseball game tonight. Whew! Anyone else tired?

Dani Mogstad: True Blue

Lauren Grier/Manda Bean: Along Came Miss Happy

Lauren Grier/Manda Bean: Whistle While You Work

For William and Xavier

According to Becky, William and Xavier gets hours of enjoyment out of Camden and Rory videos, so here are a few more to keep them entertained. (and I'm pretty sure that only 3 year olds and grandparents are going to find these very exciting)

Out of the blue, Rory started giving her baby CPR - weeks after we took a CPR class.



One of Camden's hits during his last game of the season.



Rory will sing this song to anyone and everyone who will listen. Can I just mention that she had JUST gotten out of bed this morning when she started singing it and I grabbed the camera. In case you can't understand her, she's singing "it's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring, bumped his head, couldn't get up the next morning."



Rory's new thing is to "shake it, shake it."

Friday

Oh, I would love to say that yesterday's kid-free morning was wonderful, but I spent it in bed (and the bathroom) with the stomach flu. It seems to still be persisting this morning so we're canceling our date night. So disappointed! We also had to skip the pool and the movie last night. Rory, of course, was pretty oblivious, but Camden was really disappointed. The good news is that we can reschedule both of those things.

Here are some random things from this week:

• Rory prefaces everything she says by "I needs." She needs me to carry her, she needs her milk, she needs to go swimming, etc. And if you could only hear the drama in that little word!
  

• Rory says, "Oh, maam!" all the time. Of course, she means "oh, man!" but I'm not going to correct her.
  

• Because I'm sure you've all been on the edge of your seat waiting to hear, my Ambien prescription is working out wonderfully. I've had consistent 7 hours of sleep for the last 5 nights now. It may be the most well-rested I've been since high school.
  

• Camden played at the kitchen table with play-doh for two hours one day this week. TWO HOURS. Rory, on the other hand, has been banned from play-doh because she just wants to eat it.
  

• Rory's favorite game these days is to pretend that she's the mommy and I'm the baby. If you could only hear the sympathetic drama in her voice when she says, "ooooohhhh, baaaaaabbby, what's wrong?"
  

• It's been very good for Brian to be at home the last several weeks. Gives him a whole new perspective on why I'm ready to pull my hair out by the time he gets home from school every day. If it's not the constant screeching from Rory in response to the teasing from Camden, then the never ending questions and descriptions of the Star Wars game Camden is making up and trying to teach 2-year old Rory will do it. Not to mention the play-by-play of every Wii game he plays. And how Rory repeats every single word Camden says. Yep, any of those things will do it!

Have a great weekend!

Kid-Free

Brian is taking the kids out for breakfast and running some errands, which leaves me with a few kid-free hours. The mature and responsible way to spend that time would be to clean the bathrooms and vacuum the house, but who am I kidding. I'm probably going to kick back with a book for a while then get in some scrapping time.

After Brian gets home, we're headed to my friend Shelly's pool, and then tonight we're taking the kids to see Up. Should be a fun day!

Kristin Cronin-Barrow: Cherry Sweet
Traci Reed/Scrap Kitchen Designs: Shabby Daddy