Moving

We are moving! About a month ago Brian accepted a job as a Student Minister in Jay, OK.  So pretty much to our 10 year anniversary of living in North Texas we are packing up again.  I am definitely more nervous about this move than when we moved from Northwest Arkansas 10 years ago.  Back then I moved from family with 2 babies but now I have 3 children and we are moving them away from pretty much everything they have know.  We all grew up here.
Anyway, we will be hitting the road on Saturday the 21st.  We will still have our house in Howe, TX until we can sell it. I don't expect it to sell until the summer but we can pray it will happen sooner.

It is a big month at our house.  Brice and Zyla-Bell both have a birthday and this is all we talk about.  We also start soccer practices and games for all 3 children.  And this is year we have allowed Cadence and Brice to play fall baseball and softball.  In addition to this, we are continuing our involvemnt with one of our local Homechool Co-ops.  So we are are almost NEVER home.

As soon as the kids get out of school we rush home to have dinner and do homework.  We will leave the house sometime around 5:30  and return about 8:30.  Then it's baths, snack, and bedtime.  Believe it or not the kids are usually asleep by 10 if not earlier.  We get up at 6:30 and start all over pretty much 7 days a week.

School has been going good for kids.  Cadence is age group does most of their school work on the computer so she is struggling some with sitting in front of a computer a good portion of the day.  Brice is whizzing through his school day and rarely has much homework.  Zyla-Bell seems to be outsmarting everybody and is possibly getting kicked out of Kindergarten.

We probably should have put Zyla-Bell in 1st grade but we didn't.  Her birthdate is 9-19 and she only missed the cut off day by 19 days.  We had worked with her on  several things but we had not push her to get too far ahead.  She did not have constant sit down work like Brice and Cadence has had over the past 5 years.  So we decided to stick with Kindergarten in case there is a few things she could learn or improve on. Well I guess GOD could have other plans.  Her teacher informed us on Friday that they would test her to see if she could go to the 1st grade.

   

Hmm! What a difference a week makes. I spent most of my free time at home on the phone with the college I am attending.  For some reason getting financial aid to be approved before school starts should take all summer. Luckily one person in the whole business office understood my pain and had the financial aid office eating out of my hand by Friday.

I told a friend this week that I hold people to a certain standard depending on their status in life.  A lot of people with higher statuses....like college degrees disappoint me greatly.  It truly makes me wonder if going to college is really worth it.  It is one thing if you do not know better, but those who do, better set an example.

Anyway, we ended the week with Cadence becoming sick.  Just out of the blue she had a fever on Thursday afternoon.  Her fever became higher over night to 104.3 so I called the Dr. promptly at 7:30 Friday morning.  We took her in and she has pneumonia.  PNEUMONIA!!!??? How or why I don't know.  What I read about pneumonia doesn't make sense has to why Cadence has it. It has pretty much wiped her out.  We did go out for a few hours today, as she thought she felt up to it, but as soon as we got home  she went back to bed. Her head hurt. So she may not get to go to school her first day of school.

Of course, I am stuck here all weekend to deal with the sick child and trying to figure how I am going to do all the other things I was suppose to do this weekend.  Church, grocery shopping, last minute school shopping, my school work, packing bags for school, lunches packed, laundry, ironing, etc. all while Brian does not use a sick days to help.

WOW! Last post was over 3 years ago. Life has been busy but yet so much has been accomplished. At the end of June we completed our 5th year of homeschooling. I finished my 3rd year of college and 1 year of returning back to the working world. Brian is halfway to working at Best Buy for 13 years. As the summer has rolled right past us, we enjoyed 2 small vacations up in Arkansas and church camp. Kayleigh (my step sister) graduated high school and few weeks later my brother came home (from Florida living)for a visit. The kids also attended a soccer camp and 2 local VBSs. We are now getting ready for the school year. The kids will be attending a private christian school this year. Even though we will probably eat beans and rice for every meal, we do feel this is the best option at this point. Zyla-Bell will be in Kindergarten, Brice will be in 3rd, and Cadence will go into 5th. We are all looking forward to this change and praying for the best.

Today

Today is so crazy!! Minus the snow making things worse, my stepdad is having surgery. Shawn slipped on ice Monday night and broke is femur bone is several places. He previously has had two knee replacements and recently stints put in his heart. Both not helping out is situation.



At first, we did not know if we could find a ortho. to perform the surgery. His regular ortho. could not perform the surgery and thought we might have to find a trauma doctor in another city. Luckily, Dr. Hanby said he could do the surgery. I hope he can.



My mom and sister(Amanda) are at the hospital. Thanks to the 2 ft of snow they received, they are there without any support that was going to be there. Shawn's daughter (Kayleigh,14) and his mother can not be there. We can not be there. Folks from Church can not be there. At this point, if anythings goes wrong it could be a very bad situation.



I do not want to think the worse but I am. For the past 15 yrs., it has been one death after another and I am really hoping this is not going to continue. Since each have been a close relative or friend, they have each messed with my emotions. I have stress to many people that spending time with family and friends is more important than money, possesions, anything but God.



I have not done much since 6pm last night, except sit on the couch. I am so stressed, my head and chaw/cheeks hurt. Brian was suppose to be home today but went to work. Possible he will be there until they close. The kids of course are climbing the walls. Nothing I suggest is good enough. We have books we need to practice reading, DSs and Leapsters to play, computer to play, barbies, cars, etc. But no, they want this, they want that.



I hope getting all this down helps me have a better time with this.

2011 is here!!

So basically I have not post anything in almost a year. I had few post drafted but never completed them. With Facebook it is almost not as important but I would like to start posting again.
A lot of things ended 2010 for us. Some good, some not so good. We are thankful that 2010 is over and we are able to start 2011 off with a new beginning.
Spring Soccer season is on its way and Softball/Baseball will start shortly after. We will be balled out by the end of May. All kids are excited to get the ball rolling!
Homeschool has started off great this second semester. We added piano lessons to our afternoon activities. Cadence still struggles with reading but within the next week, I believe, it will get better for her. She will have reading glasses by Wednesday!! We will also start our 10 week classes that we attend with other homeschoolers this Friday.
Springs is going to be busy for us! We hope you enjoy yours.

 

Cadence turn 6 on May 16th. We can not hardly believe it but time is flying. In her six years she has become a very bright girl. Artistic, Athletic, Godly, and Strong Willed all describe Cadence. She has help me out so much with both of her siblings.

We celebrated her birthday with a friend party and a family party. She was very gratefull for all the friends who made it to her nail party. Even more grateful for the gifts she received from everyone.

Garden 2010

 

Our garden started out pretty good this year. We planted Sunflowers, corn, tomatoes, green beans, okra, zuchinni, lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots and few more things. Everything produced except the corn. The stalks grew but no corn. We only had one okra plant that produced. We are still getting tomatoes but the heat pretty much killed the rest of it. We are in hopes of planting a fall garden but the heat is just to much right now. Maybe next week......

Snow and Valentine's day

We had snow this year for Valentine's Day. It actually snowed 3 days before V-day so some of the parties planned with the kids friends was delayed until Monday after. Brice need to make a box for his class so we decorated a huggies wipe box. For some reason I started saving these and glad I did because there was a Lightening McQueen box and all Brice really needed to do was put hearts on it. Cadence got her box out she made when she was in Pre-k 3 and sproused it up a little. We also made a few homemade valentines.












Brian was able to be home the day after it snowed so he spent most of the day outside with the kids.

Gymnastics

Cadence and Brice started taking gymnastics in January at University of Gymnastics in Sherman. They both have been talking about it for a long time and they constantly acting like acrobats in the house. Jumping off the couch, flipping of the couch, trying to do cartwheels, etc. I was using more energy putting them in time out and spanking than they were being acrobats. They kept doing it no matter how much trouble they got into. We figured if they are going to act like this we might as well get them training before they really hurt themselves.

Bad teeth

We started the New Year off with visiting the dentist every week for the first month. Cadence's developed an abscess tooth the weekend after Christmas and had it pulled a week later. This tooth was one of her top left back molars. The weekend right after that tooth was pulled her right side of her mouth became sore and by Monday her right side of her face was swollen. Much worse than the left side. She had another abscess tooth and ended up with having both top back molars pulled. We knew that she had cavities but did not have an appt. to get them filled until the end of Jan. Cadence was excited about loosing the tooth and did ok getting the first tooth pulled. When it came to getting the second set pulled it was a little more drastic. We end up going to two different dentist because the first dentist felt sorry for her and wanted to put her to sleep. However that was going to take a least another month to get an appt. for that. Luckly another dentist in town, obviously with more experience, was able to get them pulled without putting her to sleep. Anyway this is over and we are being more strict on what Cadence is doing. I personally had but more trust in her on not eating to much junk and getting her teeth brushed good. Candy no longer exist in the house and a little more supervision on brushing teeth. (she always finds the candy no matter where or how high I put it) Here is few pictures of the first tooth. Fill free to use this as an example on eating way to much candy and not brushing good can effect your teeth.





By the way, Brice does not have any cavities.

Summer and Fall past us by. We have been so busy that I almost forgot about our blog.
Cadence has been played soccer again this past fall. She did good at making goals and I think she is finally understanding to pass the ball and not kick it from her teammates. We are homeschooling her for Kindergarten. I think it is harder for me than her but we are making it through. She is writing in cursive and breezing through her Math. The reading is a little more difficult. She does not want to do the blends nor is she understanding how to sound out words. She is sounding them out but not getting the word. Brice has been shouting out the word. Cadence is more of a sight person.
Brice turned 4 in September. He started Pre-K 3 at Texoma Christian School in August. He really does not like going but he has fun while he is there. Brice also participates in the homeschooling when he is here. He has taken an interest in the cursive writing and I feel like he might start reading before Cadence. We'll see....
Zyla-Bell is now 1! She started walking about 2 weeks before her birthday and has not stopped yet. She still drinks her milk out of a bottle but everything else is in a sippy cup. She loves to hang out with Bubba and Sissy and feels like a big kid when they include her in things like "snack time" or "movie time". She says a few words but most words is using sign language or she will just point and say "Ah Ah"

Brian is still working inconsitent hours. Meaning he works 40 but every day and every week is a different schedule. Since all this rain came he has not been able to keep up with the outside work. However, if I can keep him off his phone long enough, he has helped me with some inside work. He also tags along with the grocery shopping or running errands that need to be done.
As for me, I did start babysitting a couple of kids back in August. Along with Cadence's school work this keeps me pretty busy during the day and we must stay on a schedule. In the evening its dinner and whatever cleaning I can squeeze in between church, soccer practice, and grocery shopping.

I will leave this blog with a special request. If you are not already, please pray for Hannah Grace Crumby and her family. You may visit a website concerning her health: www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgracecrumby


Thank You,
Carrie Dean

Zyla-Bell is 9 months

About the only exciting thing going on at our house right now is the new things Zyla-Bell is doing. She has 3 of her front teath. Her left top front tooth just broke threw so she really has all 4. She has started eating a lot of table foods. She almost does not wanted anything else but we still figure out a way for her eat 2 jars of baby food a day plus her formula.

She, of course, is saying "dada" all the time and even knows to say it when you sign it to her. She started saying it on Mother's Day. She also knows how to sign the word "more". So we ask her if she wants more and she will put her hands together as if she is signing it. She can crawl, move to sit up position from crawl position, and her favorite song is "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands". Her 9 month check up went great. She weighs 18 lb 2.5 oz and is 26.5 inches long.


We did have VBS at our church this week and the kids enjoyed going to that this week. Cadence was also able to attend VBS at Howe First Baptist church last week. Both weeks have been a lot of fun and helped in passing the time until vacation time with Brian next week. We will spend a few days at home and then head up to Northwest Arkansas to spend the 4th of July with family and friends.

Have fun watching fireworks!!

Carrie Dean

Cadence is 5!!!!

Well I hope the flooding rains are over. I would like for it to dry up some and hopefully get some much needed outside work done. Some of our garden is growing but it is too early to tell if all the seeds planted have been washed away. Luckily we did not plant our cantelope, watermelon, pumpkin, and okra seed yet.

This month has been busy thus far but I believe we should be event free for about 5 weeks. Cadence only has 2 softball games left and Brian's days off should go back to normal (having 2 days off in a row and not split up).

We took a 3 day trip up to Northwest Arkansas for Mother's Day weekend. During the days we attended graduation party for my cousin Jessica's husband, David. Spent most of Sunday with my mom - going to church, lunch, and spending the afternoon at her house. Brian and I attended Calvary Baptist church on Sunday night and had dinner at Mojitos with the Vinsons. We enjoyed the Grace notes choir at Calvary and were able to visit several of our friends and catch up. Brian and I could not believe how much grown up the everyones kids seem. It has only be 3.5 years since we moved.

This past weekend we celebrated Cadence's 5th birthday. On Friday, at the last minute, I decided to take her and Brice to see the lastest Hannah Montana movie. We had our own private party since we went so early in the afternoon. Friday night my family drove down not only for Cadence's birthday but in hopes to watch her play softball Saturday morning. However, it rained overnight and the games was cancelled. So we just hung around the house in the morning and let her open presents and then we went to Chuck E. Cheese in Allen, TX for lunch. We spent the afternoon at the outlet mall in Allen and then meet up with the "Ya'll Hungry Crowd" from our church at Crows in Anna, TX. (Excellent Food) This ended up being an extra birthday celebration for Cadence but it made the day memorable for her. The kids love our church family and I am pretty sure they are liked by them. That evening I finished up Cadence's Barbie Birthday cake and we enjoyed it before bed. Sunday was a fun day for the kids to spend with Nana, Papa and the Aunts after church. They always hate to see them leave.

One last celebration for Cadence was a party with her friends. This is the only thing she has wanted constant for the whole year. A party! We did this at our house, outside, and provided a Taco Dinner. Several of her friends showed up and they had a good time running around. Thanks to all that came!

Enjoy some pictures of the kids.

Carrie Dean

Spring 2009

Well I hope all have survived the wonderful rain we had this spring. We are glad for sunshine at our house!



We have had a busy spring thus far. It started by taking a road trip to Californian in March. Best Buy had an achievers event and the store Brian works for was fortunate to achieve the goal and receive a free trip to Anaheim, CA. Brian could bring 1 guest free but other had to be paid for. So, we drove to save on plane tickets for Brice and Cadence and Best Buy reimburse us the our plane tickets to pay for our gas and hotel rooms to stay in. Since we drove we was fortunate to not only see the secenery of the west but visit with Brian's brother and Aunt Linda, and distant cousin of mine, Kenneth Gray. Included in the Best Buy package was a 4 night, 4 day stay at the Marriot near Disney Land, day trip to Santa Monica, 2 day trip to Disneyland and California Adventures. We did have few Best Buy function to attend but that included a fun night at Dave and Busters (free dinner and games), a concert with a band called Chicken Feet (free dinner again), volunteer work sending care packages to Iraq, and one last night of awards (free dinner and free babysitter). The kids had a blast and experience many different things. Brian's brother and family was able to spend 1 day at Disneyland with us. So Cadence and Brice enjoyed part of that day with their cousins. After the 4 day BB event we spent 2 days with Brian's brother and family. Brian's Aunt Linda graciously let us stay at her house 3 nights as well. It was a good time. On the way home, Brice did get sick and we ended up stopping at the Ardmore, OK ER. He is doing ok now but we are still not sure what he was sick from.



After our trip it was Easter and then the start of softball and soccer pratice and games for Cadence. We have also planted a garden, which we hope is survived all the rain.

Winter Is Almost Over

Well we loose an hour of sleep tonight. I feel like I just got up on my sleep from September! I hope all has gone well for everyone this winter. Not to much as been going on here in North Texas. Just the ever changing weather temp. and now the windy, windy days. We are looking forward to spring and hitting hard with a driving trip to California.

All the kids have grown like weeds since Thanksgiving. Cadence and Brice are both 2 inches taller. Zyla-Bell is almost 6 months, 17lbs, and 23 inches long.

Cadence is no longer going to her pre-school and has started spring soccer and softball. Our church has started rewarding the kids for learning memory verses, so she learned 7 verses in 2 weeks. We are hoping to keep up the challenge so pray for Cadence (and us) that we can continue this.

Brice is not old enough to be on an actual sport team but he his very good at everything he has tried. He is getting better with his numbers and letters as well. But other than being a great big brother he is not had much of a change in his life.

Zyla-Bell is eating 2nd foods and drinking water out of a sippy cup. She definitely likes to eat and hollers every time she sees food going into any ones mouth but hers. She is sitting up and playing very well.

Brian is looking forward to much need vacation times this spring and summer. As for me, I am preparing us for our trip(s) and working on organization to start homeschooling Cadence and Brice.

The kids and I will be in town Tues (10th) thru Fri. (13th) this week. If you would like to see us shoot me an email at cldtx59@yahoo.com or on Facebook.

Carrie

6 Month Overview

Hello! Just thought I would post on our blog since we have not update everyone lately. Brian and I get pretty busy around the holidays and personally feel I like we are just now catching up this year. I was sick most of December, first with a stomach bug and then with Bronchitis. By the time I was over Bronchitis, mid-January, I found out that I am pregnant. We did not tell anyone for 5 weeks. My first doctors appointment was not until the end of February and until then I was miserable. The only thing I could eat was fruit plus I was a little upset at first. Most of the problem was being sick, working, and not being able to catch up. My last day to work was March 28th. With Brian working ridiculous hours and traveling all over Dallas, I just felt like I would never be able to keep the house clean, run Cadence and Brice around, plus a third child.

Since I have not worked, I feel much better. Brian and I have been able to get several projects around the house completed and started. We have more family time, which is benefiting Cadence and Brice a great deal.

We were able to find out the gender of our third child on April 23rd. We will be having a girl!! I was really expecting a boy until about 2 weeks before. My sleeping habits were becoming the same as when I was pregnant with Cadence and difficulty deciding on a girl name pretty much game me a clue. We do have a name picked out not but the final decision will be made later. We are open to suggestions still but however the name must be as unique as Cadence's name.

We were looking forward to May 16th. Cadence turned 4 and she could not wait. Everyday she would ask how long. We are planned a party for her at our house on May 17th and both grandparents made it to the party along with my sisters, Amanda and Kayleigh and several school and church playmates.

Cadence last day of pre-school this year was May 23rd. She has learned so much and taught Brice a great deal too. Her teacher notice she very artistic, diligent, and a good friend. I hope to take what she has learned and be able to teach Brice more in depth this summer. So far it does not look like Brice will be able to go to pre-school next year. His birthday is not until the end of September and you are suppose to be 3 by Sept. 1 to start. There is still a possibility the will let him in if they have extra room but chances are looking slim. Brice is also potty training. He pretty much has the peeing part down but has very seldom pooped in the the potty. We will be on the potty training 24/7 starting this week since Cadence is out of school and we are not running to town 3 extra days a week. Lastly, they are both interested in music, mostly singing, but I do hope to teach them the basic of playing the piano. I am not sure how good I will be at teaching but their interest should help.

Some of you now about the house damage we have occurred in just the 1 year of living in it. (Actually the first 4 months) Some relieve has been lifted from our shoulders. With all the wind and storms we have recently had, we were able to file a claim with our insurance on the roof. This took care of the water we had leaking into the house from the ceiling. The insurance gave us money for the the roof, paint for three rooms, and new carpet for two rooms. The roof being replaced did not cost as much as the insurance gave us money for. So therefore, we should be able to repair the drywall damage we have and possible replace the Tile in the front of the house with some other flooring.

Brian is on vacation this week until June 3rd. We are going to attempt to paint several of the rooms in our house. Right now everything is just one color. Brian wants try to rehang/replace the damaged drywall but I am not sure I want him to. Neither of us have any experience on home improvement but it is a small area so we might try it.

That's all for now. We will try to update later.


Carrie