tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35403627477548575862024-03-14T01:47:58.746-07:00LIFE OF THE STEVENS' FAMILYBrooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-32859013774437950572011-08-16T10:39:00.000-07:002011-08-16T12:34:04.586-07:00Dentist Appointment<div>It is that time of year for all of Camden's checkup's before school starts. Last week he had a dentist appointment. Dentist polished his teeth and checked for cavities...no cavaties....YAY!! I did have some questions for the dentist after we had finished the checkup. Camden has lost 5 teeth (top two front, bottom two front and a side one) and only one has grown back in. He lost his bottom two front teeth last November and they have not come through yet. The dentist said some teeth can take up to a year to come in but most of the time it only takes a couple months. He decided to do xrays to see what was up. The xrays looked good and he could see the bottom front permanent teeth trying to come up. He said Camden's mouth is very small for all his teeth (I had the same problem when I was a kid, should of had braces) and the space is so small for his premanent teeth to come through right now. If they do come through they are probably going to be crooked or some pushed back or ahead. I don't care what they look like as long as the darn things come through! Dentist also said he will probably be a good candidate for braces when he gets older! So anyways if these teeth do not come through we will be heading to an orthodontist to check them out. Since the other baby teeth he has not lost are sort of blocking the permanent teeth trying to come in there is a possibility we will have to start pulling some of his baby teeth....yeah doesn't sound fun! Also sometimes they will try and cut the gums to see if the teeth will come up. I don't like the dentist myself and he is starting to hate the dentist after hearing that! Pulling teeth and cutting gums...who would actually like the dentist after that?!?</div><div>He also has 4 more of his molars (not sure what they are called but they are the ones kids get in between the ages of 6-7) coming through and they are pushing his teeth to make even less room. So yeah this is not a major thing because it can be fixed but wasn't expecting to hear what he told me. I actually did notice a couple days ago a little white coming through the bottom gums....hopefully they both will just come through and we won't have to deal with the orthodontist!</div>Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-26474973917553381742011-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:002011-06-30T13:30:00.959-07:00Summer...........has been CRAZY BUSY at our house!!<br /><br />I am having a hard time believing that the 4th of July weekend is approaching fast....ok so fast that it starts tomorrow! Crazy! Not sure when the past 2-3 months have gone! I always think that once the 4th is over the rest of the summer goes even faster...ugh!!<br /><br />Anyways it's been so long since I have updated I am not even sure where to start.<br /><br />Brad and I have been busy between work, running kids everywhere, weddings, weekend getaways, etc! Whew! I think we maybe have one or two weekends that are free until the end of August. I keep saying "Next summer won't be as busy!" Yeah pretty sure it actually gets worse every summer! Oh well I do like being busy but some days I just want to sit on the couch and do nothing!<br /><br />Here is what has been going on with each of us.....<br /><br />Brad-<br />*Just was accepted into DRE school. He will have training down in Des Moines for a Month and training in Phoenix, Arizona for a week or so. Once he passes this school he will be a Drug Recognition Expert for the State of Iowa. He is very excited about this upcoming adventure!<br />*Still on the city council and keeping plenty busy with meetings, etc.<br />*He is home a couple days a week so he is always running the kids to kids klub, swimming, ballgames, etc. He also helped coach Cam's tball team this year.<br />*Here in a few weeks he is going out to Chicago to stay with Brandi and Jeff for a few days. He will be doing a ride along with under cover cop during his stay. The cop is actually good friends with Jeff and Brandi. I'm not so excited about this. The guy he is doing the ride along with I have seen on t.v. doing undercover work. So I have seen the area where he will be doing his ride along and it freaks me out!! The Phillies are playing at Wrigley while he is out there so he will be going to a game with Brandi and Jeff. (Brad is a phillies fan) They have season tickets right behind home plate and it will be pretty much all cubs fans?! I am guessing he might not want to wear Phillies apparell...lol!!<br />*We bought a new motorcycle in May so he has been trying to ride when he can. He says he wants to do some more riding but the weather doesn't always coroperate!<br /><br />Me-<br />*My life the past month has consisted of working and running home after work (or having to leave work early) to pick up the kids, get them ready and scurry out the door to get to Cam's games. This happened 2-3 nights/week. It got a little crazy at times but we made it through it with no problems :)<br />*(Backing up a couple months)My wonderful hubby and kids bought tickets back in May for my friend Anne and I to see Tim McGraw....it was tons of fun!!!<br />* The end of May Brad and I were able to go to Altoona for the baptism of our goddaughter Clairie. We had a good time with the Sigwarths and were very honored to be there for Clairie's special day!<br />*Ready for the weeks to SLOW down. We have alot of upcoming plans/getaways in July/August/September that I am ready for but then again that means school will be fast approaching and we won't have many summer days left!<br />*Enjoying being able to make it to a few of my brothers bb games. He actually has been playing a few games close to us so it's been nice to go watch. He is a darn good catcher and having a pretty good year!<br />*Enjoying spending time with the kids outside, and going on bike rides. The weather hasn't been the greatest this summer but we try to get outside as much as possible!<br /><br />Camden-<br />*Graduated kindergarten the end of May. Wow it's really hard to believe he is going to be in 1st grade. We received his last report card and he did awesome!! His last dibels scores blew us away again.Very proud of him!<br />*Tball started the beginning of May and his last game was this past Tuesday. He told me the other night that "he is ready to sign up for next year!" The kid loves to play ball!!<br />*As Camden gets older I think he is going to start getting bored at daycare. As of right now he likes daycare and enjoys being there with all his friends. Our daycare has a kids klub every summer so I decided this summer to sign him up. He has it twice a week. One day of the week they stay in town and do something fun and the other day they take a field trip our of town. He LOVES it! A few of the field trips that I can remember have been: Nature Center, Mill Creek State Park, Cherokee Museum, Miniature golfing. It's a good way to keep the kids busy in the summer!<br />*Today he left for church camp. He really wanted to do the overnight camp but I wasn't so sure he was ready for that quite yet. We talked him into doing a day camp and next year we would allow him to do an overnight if he still wanted. He left this morning and we will go pick him up tonight. I am excited to hear about all his fun stuff he was able to do!<br />*Bible school next week....he always looks forward to this week!<br />*He is not ready for summer to be over but he is looking forward to the 1st grade.<br />*He is reading like crazy! Wow! He could read some words throughout the books but since the 2nds semester of Kindergarten he is really reading. He obviously needs help with some words but does well! It's nice because Maeci loves books so if I don't have time to read to her Camden will.<br />*This summer he is really enjoying riding his bike, playing with friends, and swimming! <br /><br /><br />Maeci-<br />*Awww this girl gives me a run for my money!! She is so stinkin' naughty somedays. She is also pretty loveable!! She can be a sweetheart with lots of hugs and kisses but if she is mad, watch out! Her attitude at this age is nothing like Cam at the age of 2. I have two completely opposite kids!<br />*She has no fear-She will do about anything!<br />*Mimicks everything Camden does!<br />*When she is mad watch out because she is going through another hitting stage. (It's not to bad but she is still doing it)<br />*Loves to drive her brother crazy! She always wants something he has and vice versa. It usually ends up in a fight...and Maec does NOT back down from her brother!<br />*She does love her brother and somedays they do get a long well. When he is not home she is always asking "Where's brother, Where's Tamden (Camden)?"<br />*Loves to draw with markers, read books, and ride her little bike!<br />*Literally OBSESSED with her babies. She sleeps with them and they go everywhere she goes. Usually she wants to take one or FOUR babies with where ever we go. I usually try to limit it to 1-2...lol! She rocks and feeds them. The latest is she has to burp them! She is so funny sometimes!<br />*Talking like crazy! Her new favorite saying is "uh oh spaghettios"<br />*Brad told her the other day 5 times that she needed to go clean her room. The last time he told her she folded her arms together looked at him with a grouchy look and said "Fine" and she trudged down the hallway to her room! Lol! She is a pistol!!<br />*She can count to 10! One day we were counting and I thought she could just count to 5 but she kept counting to 10! She also knows a few of her colors. Blue, Purple, Red and Green<br />*Has another obsession-ELMO! She insist that she watch Elmo Pets a million times a day. The first thing she says when she gets up in the morning is "Watch Elmo Mommy?"<br /><br /><br />Well this is getting way to long so I am going to end it! I know I went back and forth between stuff but I just wrote it as it came to me. Hope everyone has a good 4th of July weekend!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-38641655365708924942011-06-30T10:01:00.000-07:002011-06-30T11:51:36.538-07:00Summer......<div>......has been absolutely BUSY!!! </div>Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-25979774705735869332011-03-08T13:40:00.000-08:002011-03-08T14:05:28.076-08:00There is so much sickness going around here it's crazy! I walk in to daycare and see signs of what my child was exposed too, you see a status on FB having sick kids, and Camden always is telling me someone is sick out of his class! Wowzers! This has been a horrible winter for the colds in my house. Camden was always sick up until he was 1 or so. After his immune system was built up he maybe gets 2-3 colds A YEAR...which wasn't so bad! Well just this winter I think he is on cold #4! Maeci has had her fair share of colds this winter too! Last week Camden starting running a fever on Wednesday night so I called the school on Thursday to tell them he would not be in. The secretary told me just out of Camden's class the day before there were 6 kids out with Influenza A, B or strep....and it's really bad in the school. Oh great! He had a horrible cough, runny nose and a fever....off to the doctor we went! Doc said this has been a really, really bad winter and the last few weeks for the cold and flu! If it continues he can see more schools shutting down. Luckily Camden's test were all negative so he just gave us a med to help with the cold and off we went. Little did I know this fever would last for 5 days! He did not go back to school til noon yesterday. His fever is gone but his cough is still awful at night...but we just have to let it runs its course! Camden brought home a note yesterday after school that was talking about all the sickness going around and last Friday they had 9 kids out of his class sick! The doctor also told me that they have had a couple cases where the kids are testing positive even though they have had flu shots! (They might have had a more mild case of Influenza if they got the shot) Hmmm.....I thought I was safe getting my kids the flu shots?!? I am hoping whatever Camden had doesn't spread in our house to everyone else! Hopefully Spring is coming SOON and we can get rid of these germs and let some fresh air in the house!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-78165251253433746162011-03-04T11:22:00.001-08:002011-03-04T11:29:09.427-08:00CamdenParent-teacher conferences were a couple weeks ago and since we didn't have to meet with his teacher she called with some test scores of his! He took the 2nd part of the dibels testing a month ago. The first part was at the beginning of the year and his scores were great and well over the average score. The second part he did awesome! The averages are different from the first part to the second part. There are also some more parts and more advanced areas...like more reading and mathematics. We are so proud of him as once again he scored well over the average on all the parts of the tests. In a couple test he scored 25+ over the average. Way to go Camden!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-76828185066392850402011-03-04T09:20:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:35:05.575-08:00MaeciLast night I was reading Maeci an animal book and I was asking her what each animal says. After awhile of the animal sounds she was kept saying "mommy" as we were reading the book. Not sure what she wanted so I said "What does mommy say?" Maeci's response (as she is points her finger at me) "No, No"<br />Do you think that she hears that word from me a little to much?!? I think so.......Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-46297696624752268042011-02-14T13:30:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:07:58.322-08:00Officer's worst nightmare....Last Friday Brad called me at work with some horrible news. An officer that works for the Sheldon Police Department (Obrien County) 17 year old daughter was killed in an accident. It's a nightmare to lose your daughter but also a nightmare for a dad/officer to be on duty that day and be the first on the scene. Brad has always told me this is one of his worst fears about his job. It has happened to someone that Brad works with and we are very saddened of the tragic loss of this young girl. Please pray for Officer Woods and his family during this difficult time. Pray that God will give them strength as they lay their daughter to rest tomorrow.Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-89138938925333331342011-02-14T09:54:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:33:02.034-08:00The weather is warming up and we are loving it in our house!! My kids were starting to go crazy being couped up inside all day when the temps were very cold!! I checked the weather and it's supose to be a high in the 50's a couple days this week...YAY!!! I am so sick of winter! The snow is melting fast with the warmer temps. My driveway was pure ice from all of our wonderful storms we have had....pretty sure I almost fell a handful of times! Yesterday with the nice temps Brad, Oz, Calee, and Camden chipped/shoveled off all the melting ice!<br />Anyways Spring is near and we are excited!<br /><br />It seems lately that is non-stop going in our house! We have been SO busy!! Here's what been going on with the Stevens'-<br /><br />Camden-<br />*A couple weeks ago he had a two weekend camp for basketball. He had so much fun and learned alot! We were able to watch him play during half time at the HS game.<br />*His normal week is sooo busy...wrestling on Tuesday and Thursday night and church on Wednesday night. By the time Friday comes he is ready for a couple days off...me too!! He does really well with his busy schedule :) He is already asking when soccer is going to start.....he is always on the go! I know he is only 5 but I can't imagine what it's like when he gets older. And we don't push him to do these things, it's his choice if he wants to do wrestling or not! Church he doesn't have much of a choice....he loves it so I have no problem getting him to go on Wednesday nights. Sometimes I feel for a 5 year old this is to much during the week but he doesn't have a problem with it!<br />*Doing great in school! It's conference time this week at school and Mrs. Menke sent a letter home and talked to Brad that she does not have to meet with us because he is doing great and she has no concerns...oh one concern...to listen a little better :)<br />*Camden has been asking on and off for me to have another baby...but it has to be a boy!! He does not really understand that we don't have a choice if it's a boy or girl. I think he is getting bored with his sister! I am a 100% sure there won't be anymore babies in our house...ok maybe not a 100% , maybe 80% sure! I get that baby itch every once in a while!<br />*He can't wait to be 6...I swear ever since the day after Christmas that's all he has talked about! It has slowed down a little bit but give it a couple weeks and he will be constantly asking about his birthday! I guess birthdays are a big thing to little kids. Not sure what we are doing for his birthday but this year I am going to try and make his birthday cake...yikes...hope he doesn't pick anything to hard for me to make!!<br /><br />Maeci-<br />* She is my.......naughty, little, cute, devil, blue eyed, stinker, baby girl! Awww this girl gives me a run for my money! She is so naughty at times...her newest thing is spitting at you...yes spitting...nothing comes out of her mouth but just the action of spitting! Yep probably learned that at daycare! She is going through a stage of hitting and throwing some major fits....wow! Oh well it's a stage and it will pass! I am just glad I didn't have 2 kids that had the terrible two's!<br />*Ok on to the good stuff..... She can be the sweetest little girl, likes to give lots of hugs and kisses! If someone gets hurt she is always there rubbing their head and saying " it k" (it's ok)<br />*Talking alot!<br />*Obsessed with babies!! She is always feeding and rocking her babies. When she is rocking her babies she always sings to them, more like hums some tune...it's so cute!!<br />*Potty time....about a week ago we introduced the potty to her. We are not pushing her but letting her get comfortable with knowing what it is, etc. If you push a kid it will be harder to get them trained! It's not an everyday thing we do right now but wanting her to get used to it. The other day she was standing in the front of the toilet trying to go potty like a boy...oh my..thinking she has watched Camden a time or two! She will say "potty, potty" and even though we are not really potty training we take her and sit her on the toilet!<br />*Toddler bed...yikes...yes we are going to be switching her over sometime soon! Camden was in a toddler bed at 20 months so we will be trying to see how Maec does! I told Brad I will be leaving the crib up just in case she doesn't do well in the bed! Not sure exactly when we will be doing it but sometime soon!<br /><br />A couple weekends ago we celebrated Christmas with Brad's family in Des Moines at a hotel/waterpark. It was a great time and it was nice to see everyone!<br /><br />This past weekend we celebrated Christmas at my house with my mom/family. The kids were excited to see everyone and we had a good time! The weekends go way to fast though!<br /><br />Well that's about all for now.......Enjoy the warmer weather this week!! :)Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-4006995383608350992011-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:002011-02-07T07:50:52.165-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE_fYhqV4Ds7KBWjgpEAuefQ9NfAPdUFQi1IDV8_gohK0ufN_taJlqqZR1eM4ID8lwmFb8hVwqofFeBpllsz5SIZw4wqB525IZr_nSBEZcqyu3sCeDJo7wBes1PuGblBmiSzD8wvg3wsp/s1600/rodgers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570969843002485506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE_fYhqV4Ds7KBWjgpEAuefQ9NfAPdUFQi1IDV8_gohK0ufN_taJlqqZR1eM4ID8lwmFb8hVwqofFeBpllsz5SIZw4wqB525IZr_nSBEZcqyu3sCeDJo7wBes1PuGblBmiSzD8wvg3wsp/s400/rodgers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p align="center">The Lombardi trophy is coming home!!</p><p align="center">CHAMPS!!!!</p><p align="left">Wow, what a game last night!! We have a very happy house right now! I was SOOOOO nervous in the 2nd half when the Steelers were making a run and came within 3 points....pretty sure I couldn't quit shaking! I guess I would rather have a close/exciting game then a blowout game. Ok maybe a blowout(Packers being on top:) ) wouldn't have been so bad for my nerves...lol!! </p><p align="left">I am already excited for next season! I think my husband is hoping he gets his season tickets this year...oh wait I should say my season ticket since it's in MY name!! We are on the list for one season ticket and also for 2 season tickets. His name is on for the 2 tickets and we might not get those til we are 60 yrs old.(the list is very long) As for the one season ticket we should either get that this year or next.(Although it may be longer now that they have won the super bowl...who would want to give up their tickets after just winning the super bowl!?! I sure wouldn't!) We actually got offered it this past season but turned it down because they were only offering the package for half the games and we wanted the full season! We will have to wait and see! GO PACK GO!!!!</p><p align="left"></p><p></p>Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-45508192481304583782011-01-20T08:39:00.000-08:002011-01-20T09:23:23.628-08:00So I am just a little annoyed and going to vent just a little.......<br />This morning I was on my way to work and I could see flashing cop lights about a mile up the road. As I got closer I realized a deputy had someone pulled over on the opposite side of the road. Of course I slowed down as I was getting closer because I could see 2-3 cars coming toward me. I didn't think I would have to come to almost a complete stop since I was on the opposite side of the cars and the deputy, etc. The truck (coming toward me) that was the first in line did NOT SLOW down a bit and maybe moved over 5 inches as he passed the deputy. I ended up coming to an almost complete stop thinking I would just stop so the truck could come into my lane a little to pass the deputy/stopped vehicle! Oh no he did not and probably didn't even take off his cruise control. Being a cops wife that stuff freaks me out....that deputy could easily get hit by someone that is careless and not slowing down. I know this is probably on the bottom of my list of stuff that freaks me out being a cops wife....cuz I know there is alot worse things that these deputies/officers deal with! I have seen on cop shows before where an officer gets hit because of careless drivers! Maybe I freaked out a little much on the whole thing this morning but that deputy was my husband! Even if it wasn't my husband I still would of been annoyed with the whole thing.<br />Also, once last thing and then I will be done.<br />People PULL OVER for an Ambulance with flashing lights! It doesn't matter what side of the road you are on....slow down and get over! Had an experience with that a couple weeks ago. Not going to get into the story but you get my point!<br />Ok I am done....sorry if that annoyed you but I had to vent!<br />Have a good day!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-76362888870995240852011-01-17T06:55:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:15:55.876-08:00WinterI am soooooo sick of winter! Today I drove to work on icy roads and it sucked! I am thinking maybe I should of waited a couple hours before I came in. I don't mind having a drive to work but when the weather is crappy I don't care for it. Camden had 2 days last week off of school due to the foot of snow we received.....I guess I had two days off too! Last night there was sleet and the wind was blowing...once again 2 hour late start for the school kids today. I think they will have school but who knows! Oh how I want some warm weather right now. If I wouldn't of just started this job I would be flying somewhere warm right now for a vacation!! I am thinking SPRING right now!!!<br /><br />This is a conversation Camden and I had yesterday driving to Sheldon...(it fits in with the warm weather/crappy winter)<br /><br />Camden(as many birds were flying right at my windshield)- Mom, ya know some birds fly south to have warm weather since it's so cold here.<br />Me-Yep Cam you are right. Maybe we should fly south to have warm weather?<br />Camden-Well then why don't we?....I like the snow for awhile but I am ready for summer.<br />Me-Me too....It would be nice to go somewhere warm right now!<br />Camden-(thinking about it) But mom we can't fly south we don't have wings.....(he is laughing)<br />Me-Very true Camden....A plane has wings and we can go that way! lol<br /><br />He is so funny somedays! He is getting sick of the snow and cold too. He loves the snow for a couple months and usually about this time he is wanting it to be summer!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-1582616669861254712010-12-15T08:34:00.000-08:002010-12-15T10:03:58.076-08:00Little Miss MaeciMy precious little daughter is going to give me gray hair sooner that I would like! She is going through the terrible two's early...or I guess I think that's what it is! I also think she is going through a seperation from mommy stage. Gosh I am sooooo glad I never really had this with Camden!! It's funny too because she really only acts like this when I am home or around. She does wonderful when Brad is home with her and is very good at daycare! The minute I get home from work/pick her up from daycare she is attached to my leg and crabby!! I walk in the door at home and she gives me an awful look and hits the closest thing to her. I was talking to my friend about this and her son did this when she picked him up from daycare. She told me it means it's a sign that she missed me. When I switched jobs and went back to work full time she actually adjusted very well. So now I am not really understanding why she is doing this. I know it's just a stage but it drives me crazy! I thought maybe she wasn't feeling good or she was in pain. She doesn't have a cold, her ears were just checked last week (which they look great and the tubes are actually still in..which I thought they were coming out) so I would say she is just being a little stinker! The ENT did say that her tonsils are huge and she will def need those out eventually. She doesn't wake at night but she is sure a restless sleeper. That is probably being caused from her mouth breathing which can be caused by large tonsils. He said if we have to put tubes in again he would take the tonsils out. Normally he don't do it til they are 3 or older but he said she is a big girl and she would do just fine! I am hoping we can hold off at least til she is over 2 years old. When Camden had his tonsils and adenoids out at 3 it helped ALOT!! I swear it's always something with my kids. I think they pick up every bug that goes around the daycare or at school!! Oh well it will get better and I know I am not the only one that has sick kiddos all the time! I look back to when I was a younger and would get sick. They didn't do half the procedures they do now with kids.<br />Maeci is also going through a stage of hitting. She gets mad she hits. She doesn't hit at daycare but at home she does. She even has tried to bite her brother twice! Oh gosh I really hope she doesn't start doing that all the time. I remember working in daycares and dealing with kids that would bite. Some kids just go through the biting stage but I am really hoping it doesn't get worse! I just have to keep telling myself this will all pass and it's just a stage they go through!!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-58416171687090347262010-12-01T07:19:00.000-08:002010-12-01T08:28:10.788-08:00Graduating.....Yep my baby girl is graduating to the big room at daycare next week. This weekend she turns 18 months old and I can't believe it! Before I know it she will be graduating from preschool, high school, etc. Time goes way to fast! She transitions in the big room a few days a week now and she is so little with all the bigger kids! Daycare said she will do fine because she can hold her own when it comes to bigger kids. There are right because she usually doesn't back down when it comes to getting a toy taken away, getting hit, etc!<br />So here is what my monkey has been up too....<br /><br />*She is a momma's girl lately. The past couple days she has started a stage again of mommy has to hold her all the time and I can't walk out of her sight! Frustrating for me at times but oh well it will pass! I think her ears have been been bothering her the last few days so that could be the reason behind her being so attached to me. We have an appointment on Monday with the ENT and I have a feeling a new set of tubes is what he is going to say. Her last set are in the processing of coming out!<br /><br />*Adjusting really well to me going back to work full-time. When Brad is on dayshift and she is at daycare all day can make her a little overtired but not to bad.<br /><br />*Starting to adjust better to the time change. Before the time change she slept from 7:30-7:00/7:30. Since the time change she started off sleeping from 7:30-5:00/5:30. With her getting up so early her whole daytime schedule was messed up. She used to take one nap in the afternoon but with her getting up so early she wants a nap by 10:00 and maybe another one late in the afternoon. Now that she is adjusting she is sleeping from 7:30-6:00/7:00. Most mornings when she gets up and we don't have to be anywhere she will lay on the couch and go back to sleep for another hour or so.<br /><br />*Starting to say alot of words. Here are just a few....Mommy, Dada, Hi, Bye, Night, Melmo(Elmo), Papa, Tanku(thank you),baby, bottle(for her baby),wa-er(water),ball. Everytime she drops something she will say, uh oh. The other night she got a hold of the tv remote and took off running with it. Brad went to get it from her and she kept running and saying uh-uhhh! It was pretty funny! Seems like everyday she is learning new things to say. She doesn't say words all day long and if you want her to say something to show someone else she will NOT do it! Although she did say "papa" so my dad could hear it. Most of the time it's still alot of babbling that comes out of her mouth that I have no idea what she is saying. She tries to carry on a conversation with you and pretty much all it is a bunch of "baby talk" But it's funny because it's like she is trying really hard to tell you something. Soon she will be talking like crazy!<br /><br />*She can point to all her body parts.<br /><br />*She can tell you how old she is.<br /><br />*Loves to sing songs!<br /><br />*Books!! Wow the kid could read books all day long! I love it! I just put in my order for Usborne books and got her a lot of books for xmas!<br /><br />*Has a mind of her own! If she doesn't like something she will let you know. Her new thing is giving you a dirty look. Such a little stinker.<br /><br />*Tough little girl when it comes to her brother picking on her. She doesn't really back down to often and fights back!<br /><br />*Hitting....if she's mad she hits! Grrr!<br /><br />*OBSESSED with Elmo! She loves Sesame Street! Next to Elmo she loves Cookie Monster.<br /><br />*About a month or so ago she got her last eye(I call it eye tooth but I think it's canine) tooth in. She now only has her 2 year molars left to get.<br /><br />*Loves going to WWW(wild worship wednesday) on Wednesday nights with me. She loves being with all the kids and her favorite part is the singing and dancing at the end of the night.<br /><br />Well that's about all with Maec. There is something new with her everyday. She is so much fun to be around and I love the age she is at! It's just so hard when they grow up so fast. Just got to thinking that soon Camden will be 6! Oh my!!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-75213731892049797022010-11-16T08:08:00.000-08:002010-11-16T08:27:25.365-08:00I don't get some people.......I am sure most of you have heard about the Algona convenient store shooting last night. A guy robbed the store, shot and killed the clerk. He then headed to Humboldt where he shot and killed another clerk at a convenient store. What was going through this person's head? Why didn't he just take the money, food, beer, or whatever he wanted? Instead he took a women's life. I am very frustrated and scared with all of this happening so close to home. Everyone says it doesn't happen in small towns. Well yes it sure does! I recently found out the victim was from Bancroft and kids go to NSK. I know of this family and one was in my brothers class. My heart and prayers go out to this family during this difficult time.<br /><br />Everyone just say a prayer for these families that were involved in this tragedy!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-43122667823403559882010-11-04T07:37:00.000-07:002010-11-04T08:40:08.020-07:00Parent-teacher conferencesWell our first parent-teacher conferences for Camden went great! Mrs.Menke said he is doing well in school and loves to learn. He really is into the sounding out and learning to read more words. They do this phonics thing (not sure the exact word) with there hand movements while trying to learn letters/words. Camden is doing it all day long at home and is thrilled when he sees/hears a new word and he can sound it out. When he goes to bed at night we hear him reading his book and sounding out words! I just love seeing him do this! Makes me feel good that he is enjoying learning these things!<br />Mrs.Menke also told us about these 2 assements they do for reading(I believe it's for Title 1 reading) and one other thing I think is dibels?? They do different assesments in each grade depending on the age and what grade they are in. The average for his age/grade on each assesment is to score equal to or greater than 8. On Camden's first one he scored 25 points over the average (which is 8)...the best out of both kindergarten classes. The second one he score 12 points over the average. He will be assesed again in January and next May at a different level. In January assesment the average number he should get should go up to I think equal to or higher than 25. He has already passed that in his first assesment! That was great news to hear!!<br />Of course he has a few things to work on...like not talking so much! She said every student in her class needs to work on that! Overall he is doing great and we are very proud of him! His report card was good so he gets a reward of going to the book fair tonight to get some books:)Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-49217642514783123852010-10-28T11:59:00.000-07:002010-10-28T12:52:16.118-07:00FootballThe NSK Eagles took a loss last night in the state playoffs to Remsen Union. Congrats to Brett and the Eagles on a great season! It was sad seeing my brother finish up another high school sports season. I am not sure what I am going to do once Brett is done with sports. It will feel really weird next year not going to high school sporting events to watch him play. I am sure I will stay busy with Camden's sports schedule. :)<br />I still have a hard time this year with Oz graduating. It is so wierd that the "Beadle" boys are not out there playing together! Now that Oz is gone and I go back to games to watch Brett, people still call them the Beadle boys. During homecoming week someone came up to me and said that it's different not having the Beadle boys out there and they miss seeing them play together! I do too! The time goes way to fast and it's hard to believe this is Brett's senior year! I am very proud of him and all of his accomplishments this year!<br />................Bring on the baseball season!!!!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-35577779849204766642010-10-20T18:46:00.001-07:002010-10-20T18:59:50.680-07:00Camden- "Mom does your perfume smell like dog?"<br /><br />Me- "What?!? No, why?"<br /><br />Camden "Well the bottle has a dog on it so it must smell like dog!"<br /><br />HAHA!!! He was in the bathroom while I was getting ready and happened to see my perfume bottle sitting on the counter. It is from the Victoria's Secret pink collection. He still didn't understand why there was a "dog" on the bottle! LOL!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-35266071343341325942010-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:002010-10-18T12:04:34.801-07:00In church yesterday morning I was looking through the bulletin and saw we were going to sing 2 verses of "Amazing Grace". Yes I love this song but I usually never can hold it together when singing it. It makes me think of all the special people I have lost in my life. Just last week was 6 years since my Gma Esta passed away. She was one special Gma to me and I miss her so much! The days of playing there after school, the mini pizza's, the dixie cups, twiddling her thumbs, and her love for her grandkids were just a few of the things I miss about her! Everytime I would walk in the door she would say "Well hi brooke!" I miss those words! I miss her!<br />Also I have been thinking alot lately about my Gma Beadle who passed away this past January. I miss her terribly! It still hasn't fully sunk in that she has gone to heaven and is not with us anymore. Everytime I would go visit she would always greet me "well hello Brookie!" I miss hearing that everytime I walk in her house now. She was so special to me and I felt very close to her. I miss her love for her family, great cooking, and family get-togethers with her. Oh yes I definately miss that look she would give whoever was giving her a hard time while she was cookingor in the kitchen....it was the look of "you smart ass!" I can picture that look right now and I love it! :) I could go on and on about her and the things I love! I just heard the only day from the boys that farming season reminds them alot of Gma. They said they miss the little red car pulling up with dinner! Of course Gma would always bring the best meals to the field too!<br />These two hold a special place in my heart and all of the other loved ones I have lost!<br />So back to church yesterday......<br /> We start singing "Amazing Grace" and I got about 5 seconds into it and starting crying! Pretty sure the lady next to me thought I was crazy!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-71055921220522114892010-10-15T18:39:00.000-07:002010-10-15T20:06:27.995-07:00The season for colds is here..............I swear the minute fall/winter begins the sickness begins around here! About 6 weeks or so ago Camden woke up with high fever and a cough that sounded like a seal. I figured it was croup so I took him in and sure enough it was croup. Meds helped and he was better.(doc said alot of kids had been in to be seen for croup) About a week after that Maeci had a hoarse voice and had a cough but not as bad as Cam did. I gave it a couple days and it got worse so off to the doctor she went. They said she had a cold and possibly the start of croup. Put her on meds and couple days later she was better. I ended up getting a hoarse voice and cough just at night but didn't think I needed to go to the doctor. I never get sick so I figured I would just get over it. It didn't get worse but after about a week and a half I was sick of coughing at night so I went to doctor and they ended up putting me on medicine. The same day I went to the doctor Camden was home sick with Brad with yet another fever. I thought I would give it some time and see if he would get over it...sometimes it's just allergies with him! I don't always like to take them to the doctor right away because sometimes it can be just viral/allergies and they have to let it run its course. I usually can tell if it's just the snotty nose or if it's something more than that. While I was at the doc I told him about Camden running a fever and not feeling well. He said strep was now going around like wildfire.(which I knew about 5 people that week that had strep and it's been posted on the school website saying numerous cases of strep) He told me to see how Cam was over night and he would call in a on hold antibiotic if we needed it for him(this was a Friday) I got home after my appointment, looked in Camden's throat, found a very red throat and a few white patches. His symptoms were a sore throat and fever....strep! So back on another med! So he got much better once he started his medcine and seems to be ok now. Yesterday I was at work and Brad stopped in while he was working and said he felt like hell and had a horrible sore throat. This morning he woke up, could hardley talk and had a fever. Since our doctor pretty much knows it's going around our family he didn't make him come in and ended up give him a antibiotic for strep. He figured it was strep since Camden had just had it. He was in bed at 6:30 tonight! The doctor said the first strain we caught was just the cold/croup crap and now the strep. So hopefully Maeci and I don't get strep. Maeci is just dealing with cutting her last 3 eye teeth and one of her 2 year molars...she's a little grouchy!! At least she still sleeps great at night even though she is teething! I feel like all we have done around here is go to the doctor and take medicine! Thank god for great insurance! Hmmm wonder what my pharmacy bill is going to be with all this medicine we have been on!<br />It's so crazy for Camden to get sick twice in a couple months. Now that he is getting older and his immune system is built up he maybe has 1-2 colds a year. Maeci was always sick during her first year of life but that seems to be getting better. So hopefully we get better and get rid of these germs around here for awhile! Oh yeah I forgot to mention that kids are out of school now for the flu......oh the joys!!!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-66279889906588097752010-10-13T06:42:00.000-07:002010-10-13T08:11:56.519-07:00CamdenEvery night we go through Camden's folder, go over his papers and talk about what he learned that day. After getting his homework and reading done we get everything back in his folder/bag for the next day. Every night before he goes to bed we tell him where and who will be dropping/picking him up from school the next day. We have to write a note to Mrs.Menke telling her that Cam will be riding the daycare bus after school. Brad was dropping off Cam this morning at school but he would have to go to daycare this afternoon. I was gone this morning before everyone got up and it totally slipped my mind to write the note for Camden today.(usually I do that at night) I called Brad to see how the morning went and he told me that Camden asked him if mom remembered to write the note for him to ride the daycare bus after school. Oops I totally forgot all about it. It's crazy though that he remembered a little thing like that and Brad and him were not even talking about it.... those little things to me are big things to him! It's not like he would be left alone at school because daycare knows the monthly schedule. I am sure Camden will let me know that I forgot this moring to write the note! Thank goodness Brad was home to take care of it! Oh well it happens! It's just crazy that he remembered that!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-42639164162550872282010-10-11T18:05:00.001-07:002010-10-11T18:59:50.647-07:00UpdatesWell it's the start of the 3rd week of my new job and things are going great! We are still trying to get a routine down but for the most part it's going well. I will admit it's a huge change and I am exhausted by the time I get home after work. I am sure that will get easier as the weeks go on. The kids have adjusted well to it and don't seem to have any major problems. The only thing I notice with Maec when I pick her up from daycare is she is really tired! Probably because she don't like to take long naps at daycare. She will get used to that too and really it's not that bad! Thank goodness she is only there 2 or 3 days a week! Daycare said she is so good and such a happy little girl at.(That makes me feel good) Camden does fine and he actually loves going to daycare after school when Brad is working. He gets pretty tired too. At night both kids are in bed and sleeping by 7:30-7:45. Some mornings when I leave for work at 7:25 I don't see them because they are still sleeping. It's hard for me when I am used to being home most of the day with the kids. Overall it will just take some time for me to get adjusted to. Brad is pretty much Mr.mom when he is home on his days off during the week. He always has helped with housework and doing things with the kids, but now he does alot more. I am so thankful for him!:)<br /><br />Here are a few other updates on the kiddos....<br /><br />Maeci-<br />*16 months old<br />*She is my little devil!!! Oh boy she is naughty somedays!<br />*Likes to pick on her brother and get into all of his stuff just to make him mad. She will grab something of his and take off running!<br />*Starting to say more words. The things she does impresses me somedays.<br />*Loves to play/watch football. We will start yelling "go pack go" She starts clapping her hands, runs to get the football, runs to the tv and points at it. It's so cute.<br />*Loves to rock-a-bye her babies<br />*LOVES books especially if they have elmo in them. Yep she is definately an Elmo fan.<br />*Likes to dance<br />*A little chunk....I think she is going to be built like me.<br />*Starting to be a picky eater. She used to eat anything you put in front of her but that sure has changed!<br /><br /><br />Camden-<br />*5 1/2 years old<br />*Loves school..Brad took him to the movies a couple weeks ago and they ran into one of his teachers in his room. She told Brad that Camden is very well behaved and does well in school....good to hear!!!<br />*Doing great on all of his papers he has been bringing home.<br />*Can be mouthy at times...especially at night when he is tired!<br />*Picks on his sister.Somedays he loves to do things with her and somedays he doesn't want her near him!<br />*Loves being outside<br />*Enjoys church...couple weeks ago www (wild worship wednesday) started. He loves going and enjoys telling me the bible story when he gets home. I am helping teach so most nights I already know the bible story.<br /><br />Well that's about it for us.<br />Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather! Happy Fall to everyone!!!!:)Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-6342293245094457672010-09-14T18:59:00.000-07:002010-09-14T20:11:46.867-07:00Life Change.....Yep my life is about to change in just over a week! I have accepted a position with the O'brien County Conservation as a full time secretary. I am excited, nervous, and scared! This is going to be a GREAT job for me and I am ready for this challenge but it's going to change not only my life but the rest of my family too. When I first got pregnant Brad and I had decided I would only work part time so I could be home with the kids. I am thankful for Brad's job that I have been able to be home alot the past 6 years. I worked in daycare for about 3 years and only worked an average of 28 hours a week. The past 3 years that I have been at the hospital I really cut down on hours (which was awesome once I had Maeci) and only worked about 12 hours a week. Once Camden was in school and Maeci was a little older I said I always wanted to go back to work full time. I do love my job at the hospital because of the work I do, the hours, my co-workers,and it's very flexible! There isn't any chance of me being able to have more hours, or a full time position. My job there has been assisting in surgies, computer work, ordering for hospital/clinics, invoicing, etc. There is an opening for a surgery assistant now at the hospital. It would include maybe a few more hours a week and 24 hour on call time 3-4 days a week/weekends. I thought about it but with Brad's schedule it would not work out for us. He works different shifts and it would be hard being on call when he is working. With Brad working his shift of overnights and two small kids not sure what I would do with them if I got called in for emergency surgery in the middle of the night. I am really going to miss working at the hospital and miss seeing my co-workers everyday! It has been a great learning experience and Baum Harmon Mercy hospital has been great to work for!<br />So this new job just happened to come open and I thought I may as well apply for it. I love doing clerical work as that has always been an interest to me. When they called me to offer me the job I was very excited but had some anxiety of how my kids would handle the change. I will be working Monday-Friday 8-4:30. It will be different for me because I am used to being home by noon and doing what I want all afternoon! Maeci will have the biggest change because she is used to being home with mommy in the afternoons. Now she will either be at daycare or home with Brad. Camden won't have that big of adjustments because he will be in school most of the day. He will have to go to the after school daycare program through our daycare but he loves it so I don't see much of a problem with that! Brad has a 2 week rotation on his schedule so one week he will be off and home with her 3 days, and the next week he will be home with her 2 days. Some days that Brad has to work she will only be there half days. The biggest will be when he is on his dayshifts she will have to be there the whole day! She loves daycare so I am sure she will get used to it! Brad said her being a mommy's girl is about to change into a daddy's girl! Whatever!!!:)<br />I am going to have to figure out a whole new morning rountine which will be interesting until we get used to it! Oh yeah and I will have to get out of bed a little earlier! LOL!!! Oh well I am sure I can handle that!! So once again I am very excited but scared at the same time. I think the biggest adjustment for me is having to be away from my kiddos most of the day:( I am sure it will all be fine once we get used to it, but it's a little scary making this life change!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-66873783985196924372010-08-23T07:06:00.001-07:002010-08-23T07:42:12.283-07:00A mouthy 5 year oldYes from the title of this post I am sure you can tell that I now have a very mouthy 5 year old. I have never really went through the terrible two's with Camden but I would have to say these mouthy five's are the worst I have ever seen! Don't get me wrong he has been naughty and a little mouthy during the last couple years, but the last couple months have been the worst!!! He is acting out so bad I am not quite sure what to do with him! He talks back, mimicks everything you say(especially when we are discipling him) and screams at you! He never acts like this when mom and dad are not around though. Daycare has said he is one of the best kids there and usually listens to them if he has to be told not to do something. Really the only time he acts out is if mom and dad are with him at home or wherever we may be! I am sure this is just a phase and it will get a little better.(it's not going to get completely better because numerous people tell me if only gets worse..joy!)<br />A couple nights ago we were at our friends house for supper and he was not listening at all! I was so frustrated! Our friends said they had all been through it and some are still going through it! I guess I am not the only one that has a mouthy kid! I look back working at daycare's and being around other people's kids and I pretty sure I have seen kids that are alot worse than Camden is right now! So we are continuing our discipline to see what works and doesn't work.<br />Maeci is starting early with her attitude...way to early!!! I think she is picking up bits and pieces from watching Camden. Her newest thing is starting to hit! I know she see's that at daycare too. The other day I went to pick her up and a little boy went up to her, hit her, and took her toy she had. So what did she do? Hit him back! Oh the joys! Hoping this gets better and we can figure something out!<br />On a better note....<br />Camden starts Kindergarten tomorrow! I am sad because he seems so little to be going to school! He is so excited and has been asking non-stop for the past 2 weeks when he is going to school. I am hoping his attitude we are having at home does not start at school! Like I said before he never had any problem with daycare or preschool so I hope he doesn't start acting naughty in kindergarten. (I will be checking with his teacher to see how he is doing after a couple weeks).<br />Anyways in the next couple days I will post some first day of school pictures!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-76396771216838912622010-07-16T06:24:00.000-07:002010-07-16T07:10:36.969-07:00SummerWow summer is flying by and it's going to be over before we know it! This summer has been crazy busy for us. I was just looking at the calender and we do not have a free weekend until the end of August! Oh my! So here's what's been going on with the kiddos......<br />Camden~<br />*Loves being outside during the summer riding his bike, swimming, playing with friends, etc.<br />*Played t-ball in June and loved it! He was so tiny compared to the other kids but he did great!<br />*Last week he enjoyed going to bible school, making crafts, singing songs, learning bible stories, and playing games.<br />*Next week he has swimming lessons. He hopefully will start learning more how to swim in the next couple years with lessons. He loves the water and can do the basic kicking your legs and moving your arms. He has been getting better with going under water as last year he didn't do it to much because I think something scared him!<br />*Very excited to start school in August. He asks daily when school is going to start. It's going to be a change for him but he will do great and I know he will love it! He is growing up way to fast and he is going to have one sad mommy the day I take him to his first day of school!<br /><br />Maeci~<br />*This girl is on the go non-stop and never sits still!<br />*Cutting 4 molars right now so she has been on the crabby side.<br />*Learning so much at this age. It's amazing how kids at this age catch on to stuff so fast. If I tell her to pick up toys she runs to pick up a toy and put it in the toy box. Yes it's usually just one toy she picks up but at least she knows. When we are ready to leave the house and go somewhere and I tell her lets go bye-bye. She will go get her shoes, bring them to me, and sit down for me to put them on her. Usually she tries herself to put them on but can't figure that out yet! If I ask her to get a diaper she will go get me one or sometimes she brings me 5..lol!!<br />*Words she is saying- Mom/mama, dada, hi, dat (that). You ask her what a fish says and she does it with her mouth..it's so cute:)<br />*She can point to her eyes, mouth,and nose when we ask her where they are.<br />*LOVES the motorcycle. When Brad starts it in the garage she runs and starts pounding on the door and yelling "dada"<br />*She still is a chunky monkey and loves her food.<br />*Loves to throw food on the floor from her highchair when she is done eating..drives me crazy!<br />*She has an attitude...wow! Camden never was like this at this Maeci's age. She will let you know when she is mad. Throws herself on the floor yelling and then usually will try and hit you.<br />*She loves to play outside and to go swimming. Somedays I have to drag her in throwing a fit because she doesn't want to come in!<br /><br /> Brad and I are keeping busy with work, running the kids here and there, going to the boys bb games,etc! We are on the go constantly! Well gotta go...Maeci is officially done eating breakfast because she is throwing it on the floor...grrrr!!!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540362747754857586.post-4023201476180320162010-06-14T16:21:00.000-07:002010-06-14T16:41:28.606-07:00WeekendThis past weekend we headed back to Swea to celebrate Maeci's birthday. We had a great weekend with our family! Friday late morning we got to my dad's and spent the afternoon there playing outside. Camden got a chance to get his BB gun out and learn a few pointers from Papa. My dad being a hunter just loved watching Cam shoot his gun:) Maeci just played around and enjoyed watching Brad mow my dad's yard. I think it was a bad idea that Brad mowed because now he wants a mower like they had...lol! I am thinking that huge thing would mow our small yard in about 10 minutes or less...don't think it's necessary for our yard! Late afternoon we left dad's and went out to eat with Buzz, Tab, and Cass. After supper we headed back to Buzz and Tab's and relaxed while the kids played.<br />Saturday we woke up to pouring down rain. I was bummed because Maeci's party was at the park. By the time the party that afternoon the rain had stopped and it was pretty wet but the party still turned out great and the kids had fun playing! After cupcakes, ice cream, and opening presents we went back to Buzz and Tab's to relax. We were all pretty lazy and decided we didn't want to cook so we went out to eat uptown that night. Brad's parents ended up being there along with Stac and Mike so we sat around uptown and visited with them and then Buzz brought up the idea of a bonfire! Oh boy the kids were so excited. I put Maeci down to bed once we got home and we all sat outside and enjoyed the fire for awhile. The kids did some sparklers and roasted marshmellows. Buzz also had some left over fire works from last year that he lit off and entertained the kids for awhile!<br /> Sunday we packed everything up and made a stop at Brad's parents and then headed home. It was nice to get home but we had a great weekend back home too!Brooke Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04257377905891373952noreply@blogger.com0