More Christmas decorations to come down

Today, the girls and I went to Charlotte to help take my parent's Christmas decorations down. We had a good bit of fun trying to take the tree the apart. I'm not sure what happened, but the bottom two pieces would not come apart. Dad had a few laughs watching us trying to get things back into boxes; I'll just say next year will be interesting when we pull it all out again.

I also cut my Dad's hair for the first time today. He has decided to keep it short and I like it. I told him I'll try to remember to bring the hair clippers up when I go up. Just to keep it "fresh". lol

The girls have spent the last few days working on some, interestingly awesome, LEGO creations.



Jesse's Theater

 

They are performing "The Lion King".

Every theater needs a concession stand!

Chloe's "Redneck Community Center"



Chloe's "Redneck Community Center" - a pool table

Chloe's "Redneck Community Center" - bon fire

Chloe's "Town of Awesome" - the Dept. Store

 

Chloe's "Town of Awesome" - the dog park

Chloe's "Town of Awesome" - the library

This is a video of Jesse's Garage. I thought she did a great job; she is far more creative than I ever was. I suppose she gets it from her Dad.

So, now you will understand why our living room currently looks like this:

My hope is by this time tomorrow it will be clean again.

What a find!!!

We went to do a bit of shopping yesterday. Not really to look for "after Christmas deals", but to get a few things we needed. We found ourselves at Target. Go figure! We were walking past the college football stuff when I saw a small, stuffed Clarice (from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer). She came home with me and I immediately placed her on our tree.

Today, we went back out. Yesterday at Target, we wound up getting cold things so we couldn't go to Lowe's to get what we needed there. Today, we started at Lowe's. Chloe picked out a new stocking...camo! lol  I found a stocking too. It is blue with Rudolph, Bumble, Hermie and Santa and it sings! By next Christmas I will have forgotten all about it, so it will make me happier when I see it.

We also went to Target, because we forgot tissues. And if you know me and my allergies you know we need them. We were wondering through the Christmas section (John wanted some smoked cheese) when I found Rudolph to match the Clarice I found yesterday. SCORE! Now, they are both on the tree.

Christmas 2014

I'll say this first, this is my third post today. I had two drafts not posted in hopes of going back to add photos. I gave up on that aspect and just posted them. Now, on to today.

Yesterday we celebrated with my parents in Charlotte. We had a good visit. I was hoping to cut back on the food a bit, but Dad got the cooking bug. We had so much food! And every bit was delicious.

Today is Christmas. And when you have a tween and a teen, who both still enjoy the season, it is always a full day. Today was spent putting together Santa's present...a trampoline! Oh, my!

Every one is tired tonight, but all content with all the time we have spent with one another.

Another week of interesting moments

We tried to go to the State Fair on Columbus day; however, the traffic was so crazy we changed our plans in mid-stream. We wound up at Cromer's for corn dogs and did a bit of shopping at the "good" Target.

That Wednesday, we finally made it to the fair. We took a picture of Chloe with her displayed photograph. She really liked the photo that came in first place. Of course, our favorite thing is the food. We had mini-doughnuts, deep-fried red velvet Oreo cookies, and sausage dogs.

This past Wednesday, the girls and I went to Charlotte to help Dad with a few projects. The girls helped him with his tablet. I'm glad they could help, because I couldn't. lol  I mowed the leaves that had already fallen, but there will be more to mow later.

Friday we had another art class. The girls enjoy them so much. I don't think it is because of the art nearly as much as the horseplay afterward. They are meeting new people and just enjoying themselves.

Saturday we put summer away. Yes, it was time for the pool to come down. We emptied most of the water last weekend. This weekend we dried and folded it before putting it back in the garage. It is always a little sad when we have to put it away.

Today, was un-Thanksgiving in the Morgan household. We had turkey, sage dressing, cranberry sauce, and a pecan pie. We totally forgot the green beans, but we made up for at dinner by eating a Caesar salad.

Wow! Mid-November already!

I have really been wanting to post. We have done some exciting things lately: birthday dinners, zoo with friends, book clubs (more me), etc. Time is never on my side and with the new meds making me constantly sleepy, life seems to be breezing by me.

We took a trip to the zoo a few weeks ago. In fact, I think we took two trips; maybe it was three trips in a matter of weeks. All of our trips were great fun, especially the ones with the Finnocharios. I asked Jesse if she enjoyed doing things with them, even though their oldest is Chloe's age. I've been thinking about that for awhile now. She enthusiastically said yes. I think she enjoys being the older one in the group and having the little ones hanging on to her. lol

We also went to the zoo with John. Of course, I didn't take my camera. And of course that is when we would have taken so many awesome shots of the animals. It was just one of those days. We also took a snack, so we wouldn't have to eat lunch there; but all that did was make John hungrier, so they ate there anyway. Some days are like that.

On the 11th, we went down to Augusta (GA) to have dinner with some of John's family. His nephew, Tyler, was having a birthday the following day so many of us got together to celebrate. It was the first time John and I met Tyler's girlfriend. They have been dating well over a year, I believe, maybe even two, but we never managed to be at the same place at the same time. Now, we have met her and we are both looking forward to getting to know her better.

This weekend we went to my parents to celebrate my Mom's birthday. She and Tyler share a birthday. It started out horribly wrong. Rosie went in and the first thing she did was scratch Dad's hand. It instantly turned purple, then black. It bled some too. Dad, being Dad, blamed himself rather than Rosie. I blame myself because I usually remind everyone (of us) to go in with Rosie to make sure she doesn't jump on Dad. Daughter fail!

Then at lunch my Mom decided to give the girls a lesson on fire safety. Well, on what not to do to be safe. We picked lunch up at a local fish place. My Mom was sitting at the table with her Styrofoam container. Well. Mom had lit the candle on the dining table and didn't realize her container was being burned by the candle. When I went to sit down I noticed the candle was lit, then I noticed the hole in the container. I blew out the candle then laughed until I cried. Mom laughed too. My Dad just shook his head. Jesse's response, "Grandma!!"

The girls made Grandma a present this year. She loved it!

The other item of interest that came out of that trip was another fail on my part. I borrowed Chloe's Tinker Bell key ring with her house key to lock the door Saturday. Somewhere along the way...I lost it. Did I mention I didn't ask if I could borrow it (they were all already in the truck)? Of course, she bought it at Disney World. And, of course, they don't have a Tinker Bell key ring on-line. Parent fail!

NOTE: I didn't post this until late December because I was hoping to go back and add photos. Oh, well. lol

Crazy life!

It has been two-and-a-half weeks since Jesse became ill and truthfully we have accomplished very little school work since then. We did a bit last week, but because John was home last Thursday and Friday (and he was off Monday)...well, you can see how getting anything done would be difficult.

In fact, I was behind in fixing their schedules for their work. Imagine my surprise last week when I went to add in times for Chloe's October schedule and there was not one! There was actually not a spreadsheet made yet for October! Really?! Oh, my, I do have much to do. So today became my "fix it" day. It took me about two hours to fix, and create, their October spreadsheets but they are finally done. I am now caught up to the 24th of this month, which I delights me to no end. It is truly the small things in life that make me happy. lol

All four of us went to Charlotte this weekend, so my folks could celebrate John's birthday with him. We had a good visit. And plenty of good food. My Dad taught the girls how to make chicken and dumplings. They did a great job. In fact, they cooked the entire lunch with directions from Grandpa and did a great job.

I took a break, after doing all that spreadsheet work, and was browsing Facebook. A friend of mine posed the question about chores and allowance. I have to say we do pay the girls an allowance for chores; however, things are not going as well I had hoped. I hoped the incentive of cash would help them do more around the house. It hasn't worked quite like I'd hoped.

The discussion on the post was chores are for those who live in the home and makes things run smoother for everyone. Something I've tried preaching for awhile, along with, "if you want Momma happier then clean up after yourself." That too has not worked so well. lol  What many of the moms said was their children earn money by doing extra things around the house that is not normally expected. I think I'm going to take this up with John to see if we can come up with something for our household. All I know is something needs to change. I really enjoy and clean organized home, but I feel like I rarely have one longer than a couple of days in a row, then it needs a total overhaul again. It aggravates me to no end. Don't get me wrong I love and adore my family, but I wish they were neater. lol

Last week Jesse was sick. So, last week there was no school, and no volunteering. Luckily, she was much better by Friday, so Chloe could volunteer and they could attend their "Meet the Masters'" class.

John had a PT test last Wednesday, so he could help grade the tests on Saturday. While he was working last weekend, the girls and I (and the dogs) went to visit my parents. We had a good visit.

This week school was put on hold, because John took the van Tuesday to work and someone left their books in the van. Let's face it, it is quite difficult to work on school work when your books are in a different county.

Today, we were finally back to school. I am glad we at least got one day accomplished since John is off until Tuesday.

Another art class...

and this time I remembered to bring my camera!

Today, they studied Edward Hopper. At first I thought, "who is Edward Hopper?!" Then I looked him up in our art book and realized though I didn't know the name I knew at least one of the paintings. I missed most of the presentation today (two of us were setting up the tables and chairs), but most of his images were quite fascinating.

We've been everywhere!

We went to Edgefield a couple of weeks ago to take Oma (John's Mom) out for lunch. We had a good time and way too many giggles. Grandma Morgan can be quite amusing! Of course what set her off the most was trying to climb into John's new truck.

Last week was a busy week with school. Both girls had geography presentations due on Friday, and they both did very well. They actually had to turn in a lapbook on a country of their choice and give an oral presentation to John and myself. Like I said, they both did very well.

Thursday we went back to CCT for "How I became a pirate". We actually met my cousin and her two boys. They all had so much fun; the play was wonderful! We all had lunch together afterward. The girls will confirm we had a three-hour lunch. Phoebe and I talked for quite awhile after we ate. We were waiting for the restaurant staff to kick us out, but they were very kind. They always are, which is why it is one of my favorite places to eat.

This past Sunday was the Autry family reunion. They are my mother's, mother's side of the family. I was not happy when we arrived and I realized I had left my camera at home. Dang it! My cousin, Phoebe again, and my cousin-in-law, Dawn, are going to send me some pictures when they get a moment. I'm looking forward to one in particular of Dawn's son and myself. He is adorable! We haven't seen him in quite awhile and he has grown so much!

Monday, we took Chloe to turn in her artwork to the State Fair. The whole way over she said she wanted me to do the talking for her. When we walked through the doors low and behold it was Ms. Betsy from CCT (we always do gift wrapping in December with her). I didn't have to say anything more...Chloe was off and running! lol

Yesterday the girls had their annual well visit with their doctor. Jesse is going to have to have a little test done and Chloe's cholesterol was way too high. And Chloe has fallen off the weight chart again and she is barely clinging to the height chart. So, she'll go back in four months to check her height, weight and cholesterol again. Personally, I think she is just wonderful where she is, chart or no chart.

A new direction

There are so many ways to homeschool these days. You can choose to stay home and do everything yourself (my personal favorite!). Or choose from several different homeschool schools (yes, there is such a thing) to take classes from science to sewing. You can even (gasp!) go through the public school system to take classes on-line. I know people who do all of the above. But this year. Well, this year we are trying a class outside the house.

We are gathering with about seven other families, twenty-four students participating, for "Meet the Masters" (an art class). We had our first class yesterday. I admit I am not an artsy person. Okay, I enjoy the occasional crochet project but that is about it. The girls have learned so much more than I ever knew thanks to YouTube. But while standing there listening to the instructions I was lost. Julia, who is running the class, laughed at me. She has known for awhile "I don't do art" but she is realizing I was not exaggerating. lol

I think the girls enjoyed it. They had to sit together to share the watercolor crayons because our other pack is on backorder. I thought it was rather funny. I think most of the moms thought the siblings would sit together to share their supplies. Instead, many of them were getting up and walking across the room to get a new crayon, then back to their sit.

I was wanting to take my camera for pictures of the first class; however, I forgot it. We had to take everything for art class, including lunch, to the library while Chloe volunteered. The camera slipped my mind while gathering school work, library books, snacks and lunch. I think you can see why it may have slipped my mind. I am hoping to be able to gather more things a day early for the next class. Fingers crossed!

Threatt Reunion!

Today was the Threatt Family reunion. The holiday weekend and illness dwindled our numbers, but those who were there had a good time.

 

 



John's new ride

John has been wanting a new truck awhile now. We actually went to a couple of dealers a few weeks ago, but he wasn't happy with either of them. Friday afternoon he called me. "I need your help this afternoon."

"With what?"

"Picking up my new truck."

"Stop it. You're messing with me."

The conversation went on a few more minutes and I hung up not really knowing if he bought a truck or not. He arrived home that afternoon with a new key in his hand. He really did buy a new truck and I really am happy for him.

Always something!

The Monday after the Battle of the Books, Chloe woke up with a sore throat. And since we were planning on visiting my parents that weekend, I didn't want to take any chances. She went to see the doctor that afternoon. She didn't have strep or anything infectious. No meds! That was good. We all figured it was her allergies and hoped she would be able to attend her first library volunteer ice cream social the following day.

At 1:30am, those hopes were dashed. Chloe had not slept well all night, but at 1:30 I thought I would go check on her. I suppose "mother's intuition" kicked in. I covered her then kissed her forehead. She was boiling! I woke her up to take some Motrin and kept my fingers crossed it would bring down the fever. It did thankfully. But there was no way we could take her to the party. She felt awful, for various reasons.

I spoke with Ms. Cathy before the party to inform her Jesse would be receiving Chloe's award for her. Chloe was one of only two to receive the Presidential Voluntary Award this year. Ms. Cathy made a point to explain Chloe was not well and Jesse, her sister, would receive it for her.

We didn't have school most of that week. She felt bad for a few days, then John felt bad. He had already taken a vacation day for Friday so the week was shot as far as school went. But we made it to my parents'. I wish I could say the visit was wonderful. It was, but I know my Dad was not feeling well. He didn't want to say anything. We left a little earlier than we planned so he could rest. He was starting chemo again this Monday and needed rest. I did talk to him later that night (after he had a nap, which he won't take while we are there even though we try to get him to) and he sounded much better.

This week has been better. We have worked on our school work every day. We are even getting ready to start a new art class...Meet the Masters. We are actually going to have class with other homeschoolers. This will be our first adventure, except for Book Buddies a few years ago, to have class outside our home. The girls are excited about it. Me? Well, I'm on the fence but I hope it goes well.

Camp Week!

This week was Kershaw County Day Camp. The activities were the same as last year: archery, fishing and a nature hike. The only difference is this year they were actually able to fish; no rain this year. They enjoyed themselves and saw some friends they had made last year. One of them is planning on doing the next play at the Fine Arts Center, so I guess we'll see her again soon.

Jesse finished her book she received for her birthday on Wednesday. She is now starting the entire series over again.

Chloe is ready for the Battle of the Books tomorrow and I hope her team does well.

Jesse's birthday

As hard as it is for me to believe Chloe is eleven, it is more difficult to believe Jesse is now thirteen! It seems just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. But here we are.

She refused to plan anything this year. She just wanted to do whatever whim set upon her for the day. She had talked about going out to IHOP for lunch, but in the end decided against it.

I think her day was rather set after she opened her presents that morning.

 

Over 2,000 pieces! She stayed in her pajamas all day, while working 12 hours to finish it. She has decided to keep it together, for awhile, and display it in her room. I really don't blame her.

She has not started the book yet, but I know by the end of the week she'll finish it.

At lunch, it was raining so she decided having her Dad pick-up lunch at Marco's would suit her fine.

She and Chloe baked her cake Friday; she and I finished it Saturday. It is an ode to National Ice Cream Sandwich day, which is the same day as her birhday. The icing is the "ice cream". It was really good and she did a good job putting it together.

I think overall she had a good day.