Jumpin' Monkeys!

In an effort to prevent ourselves from going crazy with our kids out of school (and it being soooo cold and rainy), some friends and I took our kids (and a few extras) to Jungle Jumpers, a bouncy house place in Winder. It was great!! It is beautifully decorated in the foyer and hallway, the jumping room is super nice with couches and wing back chairs. The bathrooms are nice and big with changing tables. It was so clean and nice. I would highly recommend it to anyone who lives in the area and is looking for something fun to do with your kids. Check out the website for all the details.

Party Time!

We have finished up school for 2009! Today was party day for Karlee and Kendall. I found a great babysitter (who doesn't have another job and can work during the day) to keep the twins while I did a little bit of Christmas shopping and then hit the party circuit. Kendall's was first - she was so excited about it. They had a feast: apples, grapes, cheese cubes, Christmas tree cookies, white chocolate dipped pretzel sticks, cheese puffs, fudge covered oreos and apple juice. The juice was the biggest hit since they only get water at snack time everyday. Then they made paint swirl ornaments and listened to 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. After the party, I took Kendall back home and then headed to RBES for Karlee's party. It was so much fun, but like a whirlwind - so crazy with 16 kindergartners running around. They played Santa Bingo, made Magic Reindeer Food, iced and decorated ice cream cone Christmas trees, made snowmen snow globes, had a book exchange and ate a snack. It was such a fun day and I loved seeing all the fun crafts they made especially the ornaments. I have a small tree for only hand-made ornaments but I think I will have to get a bigger one for next year.

Thanksgiving Queen

FINALLY!!!

We have been trying to lose this (our first) tooth FOREVER. After much, much drama when Ken and I tried to check pull it out, it fell out when Karlee was brushing her teeth before school this morning. With no drama at all.

Bright Spot in a Gloomy Day

What a yucky day today - rain, cold, wind. Not fun at all - but we did have one bright spot in our day. Kendall, Kourtney, Kamryn and I got to go to lunch with our "adopted" college students. Our church has a program to pair college students with family in an effort to help them connect and have a "home away from home". We have known about our two girls for a while, but had not been able to find a time to meet with them. We finally worked out a chance to meet them today at Chick-fil-A (Kendall's favorite. Okay, my favorite too.) We had a great time meeting with Jillian and Melody and we are excited about getting to know them better. I can already tell that they will be great Christian examples for the girls.

I Want S'more!!

Ken had been promising the girls that he would take them fishing. Kendall was upset that she didn't get to go to the ballgame today so Ken decided that after the game we would go down to the lake and fish, have a bonfire and roast hot dogs and make s'mores! We called Papa, Kerry and Aunt Amy and the boys to join us. The girls loved fishing with their new pink & purple Barbie fishing poles - but were bummed because they didn't catch anything. The roasted hot dogs were delicious and s'mores just might be my MOST favorite dessert of all time. Karlee had a little loose tooth drama near the end of the night, but a hug from Tanner was all she needed to feel better.

A Day in the Life . . .

Several people have asked me recently - "what's it like, how do you do it, what's your typical schedule like?" So I decided to document a typical day in our KRAZY life. Obviously I missed some things but hopefully this will give you an idea of what happens around here on a daily basis.

Happy Halloween!

First Birthday Fun!!

I cannot believe that it has been one year since we have had the babies. It seems like yesterday that I was on bed rest waiting impatiently for them to arrive. We celebrated with a huge birthday/thank you party for all those who blessed us (and the babies) during this time. We had a great time visiting with old friends (I'm so glad you (and Derron & DJ)came!!!) and new friends, watching Kourtney "drive" her new pink car and eating yummy snacks and birthday cake. Poor Kamryn had did not feel good - she was running a little fever by the time we finally got home. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed our chance to say thank you to all of our friends and family. (Special thanks to Mary & Chris for coming back early from their trip and taking pictures for me!!)

"Top Secret Personal Beeswax!!!"

Karlee and I discovered Junie B. Jones a little over a year ago and we love her. She is the funniest kindergartner/first grader I know. Sometimes I am laughing so hard when we are reading that I have to stop and catch my breath. Junie B. is always getting into some kind of trouble and it is so fun to find out what happens in the end. Karlee has been asking about a Junie B. movie for months, but I read somewhere that the author, Barbara Park was not interested in making a movie about Junie B. Karlee was very disappointed. When I saw that she was coming to the Classic Center as a children's musical, I think I was more excited than Karlee (but she was pretty pumped too!) It was fall break so Ken and I both got to go and we took Kendall as well as Karlee. We met the Griner boys and some other friends there.

It was a great show. Karlee really liked it. I caught her doing the dance moves and singing along with the theme song at the end. Mary and I loved Camille and Chenille, Lucille's "new" best friends in 1st grade - I think we laughed as hard as the kids!

GGM's 90th Birthday!!

We have had a lot going on this fall but I wanted to catch you up on my grandmother's fun 90th birthday party we had on Saturday night. GGM's birthday is actually in November but it was hard to find a time when we all could come to NJ to celebrate. So, we decided that everyone would come here and we would all be able to celebrate - even though it is a little early. My aunt Lois and uncle Bob flew in from Indiana and mom hosted a party for GGM. Ken "catered" the event - he grilled chicken, steak, tilapia and veggies. He also fixed twice baked potatoes and apple cinnamon pecan salad with blue cheese vinaigrette. The food was delicious and the company was great. We had a nice time visiting with everyone and looking at old pictures of GGM. The kids had a great time running and playing and the twins enjoyed walking/crawling around.

Happy Birthday Grandmother Mickey! And many, many more!!!

Game Day

Since it was a cold, rainy day we decided to skip the tailgating (and the game) and stay at the house. Ken was planning to go to the game with some friends so we invited the Griner boys (and their parents) to come over for some burgers. Mary made some yummy buffalo chicken dip and we had grilled burgers, chicken and hot dogs for the kids. After we ate, we sent the guys off to the game in their rain gear. The kids had a great time playing - Kendall had been waiting for "the boys" all day. They played legos, k'nex and kindergarten. They had the most fun wrestling - and "only a couple" of them got hurt. Mary and I planned the SS fall social - lots of fun! A great night spent with friends.

Busy, Busy, Busy

We have been busy, busy lately. The week before last we were house-bound for the week with the flu. Kendall was the only one who officially tested "positive" but I took Karlee to the doctor with Kendall and he said she probably had it too since she was running a fever. So Karlee stayed home from school M-W and Kendall (who only goes Tu & Th) stayed home all week. Karlee went back on Thursday but had early release on Friday so she was home by 11:30. We also stayed home from church on Sunday, Wed and Sun again. Needless to say - by the end of the week we were desperate to get out of the house - and have a break from each other.

On Saturday & Sunday we headed out for a "get-away" - we were looking for a recliner to replace the one in our bed room that had broken. (Now, I know that you are thinking "a recliner? . . . in the bedroom?" Yes -in the bedroom and I use it EVERYDAY!! It was the ultimate bachelor recliner that Ken had before we even knew each other. When we moved to this house, I emphatically told him that it was not going in "my new house". He made his case and I finally agreed that it could go in the bedroom. I am willing to admit - here in public - that I used it more than he did. I nursed and rocked all four of my babies, slept many a day and night, graded more papers than I care to think about, read over 500 books, folded hundreds of loads of laundry, fixed many, many pig- and ponytails and enjoyed countless movies and TV shows all in the recliner. And one day last week, I sat down and that back just fell off - I guess 14 years is pretty good for a recliner. Anyway, we wanted one exactly like it but did not want to pay and arm and a leg for one.) We searched Athens and the Mall of Georgia area and found nothing. So Ken's parents checked around Macon and found one that sounded like it might work. So we headed there on Monday (Labor Day) and found a great recliner for a GREAT price in Macon. Karlee and Kendall also found a recliner that suited their fancy!

So Monday we spent the day in Gray, Tuesday we headed back to school in full force - Kendall and Karlee both. Kendall had a great time - she really loves it and really missed it when she was out. Tuesday night I had a MOMS (mothers of multiples) meeting at Taquiera del Sol (awesome corn and shrimp chowder and good conversation with other moms who know what it is like to have TWO - or more - kids the same age) and then headed to bible study. We finished our current study and are getting ready to start a new study next week - We will be reading and discussing Crazy Love by Francis Chan and I am sooo excited. It is going to be great. Wednesday we headed back to church for family night supper, AWANA, Puggles and bible study (Beth Moore's The Inheritance - it is AWESOME and no homework!!!) Thursday morning we had the Kindergarten breakfast at Karlee's school. Everybody went - Karlee was a little concerned because that "would be six people and we would probably need a whole table and my class only has three tables you know." We quickly explained there would be plenty of room because they would be using the whole cafeteria for the breakfast and there would be enough room for all the kindergartner's and their families.

Thursday afternoon I had my first session of S3 - Super Science Sleuths - the science class that I am teaching a Kendall's preschool. I have eight 3 and 4 year olds and we had a great time learning some basic science skills for our first class. This week we will be learning about WATER - wonderful, wet, water. Thursday afternoon was soccer practice and then dinner with my cousin Kerry. Friday was a little slower, just a trip to Sam's for tailgating food. Saturday was GAME DAY - GOOOOOO DAWGS!!! But before we could tailgate, Karlee and Ken had soccer and then Karlee had a birthday party at the skating rink. After the party we headed down to the Ramsey for our tailgate. We enjoyed hanging out with family and friends - the Fullers and Griners stopped by for a while. Then Ken and I headed home with Kendall and the twins to meet the babysitter. We dropped them off - all crying of course - and headed back to the game to join Karlee and Ken's family.



Sunday held an Open House for our new church building, family reunion for lunch, Birthday party for our neighbor in the afternoon and children's choir that night.

Now here we are - another Monday - beginning a week that looks just a busy as the last.

My dog sister ate my homework!

While Karlee was out sick earlier in the week, we e-mailed the teacher to request her work. Ken stopped by and picked up a packet of work for her and we decided to work on it while Kendall was asleep. The babies were happily playing in the bonus room and I was working in my scrapbook room. All of the sudden I heard "Hey baby - don't eat that! It's my homework!" Kourtney had gotten a worksheet off the table and apparently still hungry from lunch - helped herself to a bite.

BAT GIRRRRRRL!

Another First Day

Kendall had her first day of school today. She is proud to tell you that she goes to "Friendship", and that "Miss Suz-ANNE and Miss Cris-TEE" are her teachers. She was quite proud of herself this morning as we were getting ready to go. She wanted to carry her bag with no help and even tried to pick up the bags of supplies as well. She hopped right up into the truck with Ken and Karlee, gave me a big smile and waved as they drove off. She and Ken dropped Karlee at school and then headed off to breakfast. As the entered The Big Easy, the man behind the counter called out "Good Morning Ken! Who's that you've got with you today?" They had grits, bacon, toast and some great conversation. Kendall informed her daddy that she was going to play and "make a silly face" at Miss Suz-ANNE. She went right into the classroom when they got to school and headed back to the kitchen area to get the babies. It sounds like they had a busy day:

Art : "Momma-I paint with my fingers!"
Outside time: "I swing and go on slide!"
Storytime: "I sit on my K, Karlee and hear story"
Snacktime: "petzels and teddy bears"

I am so glad that she had a good first day and I know that she is going to love going to school!!

Grocery Trippin'

Just a typical day in the Wells household - laundry, breakfast, baths, picking up toys. Oh yeah, and go grocery shopping. The new Publix off 316 in Bethlehem is only abut 10 minutes from the house. It is new so it is very nice and clean. All the people are super friendly and they always have lots of sample. If we go in the morning it is never crowded and best of all - the buggies. They have "rocket ship" buggies that have a place for two kids at the front plus two baskets for groceries as well as room underneath. The top basket is perfect for Kendall to ride in. So I can go by myself and still be able to get groceries. I used to go but I would have to take the stroller and then I couldn't fit very many groceries in the basket.

(Kami - Don't text and drive!!)

We had a great time - Kendall got a cookie, the twins "drove" around and I got everything I needed.

Hula Hoop Queen

It is hard to get information out of Karlee about school. I don't think that it is because she is unwilling to share, but rather that she "can't really remember anything." So we probe and pry for any little bits of info that we can get. Which is why I was so surprised yesterday when she offered this story:

"Mama - I won an award. I was the best hula hooper! I was the best so I had to go to the boys room and show them how to do it. "

How about that! I didn't even know she could hula hoop. We don't even own one - I have mention once or twice getting one but we have never gotten around to it. Maybe now we should.

She also rode the bus for the first time yesterday. She was a little nervous at first but her good friend Will called to tell her all about it. He explained how fun it was, how "you don't even have to wear your seat belt" but that you do have to "sit down in your seat all the way home." She smiled and nodded, then told him okay, handed the phone to me and told her daddy "I still don't want to ride the bus." We convinced her to try it for one day and see how it goes. She did well - didn't seem nervous or scared when she got off but she was sooooo hot. Her cheeks were flushed, she was sweating and she told us it was "too hot - she wasn't riding tomorrow!" I asked her to try one more day but I am afraid it is going to be just as hot today so maybe we will take a break until the weather cools off just a little. She is excited about having art today and I look forward to seeing what she creates. She also told us Mrs. Brown said they will have homework on Tuesday, so I am anxious to see what she brings home.

Off to Kindergarten

Karlee had a great first day at kindergarten. Ken walked her in this morning but she had no problems going right into the classroom. She ate almost all of her lunch - I was worried that she wouldn't eat and then be hungry later. She loved the playground at recess, especially the jungle gym and was very disappointed when they had to go in early because of thunder. She built hula hoop houses in PE and sat at the yellow table for lunch. I was almost in big trouble because I forgot to send a snack but it was Tripp's birthday so they had Popsicles for snack time.

I was a little sad this morning but Kendall, the twins and I kept busy. I played legos with Kendall, checked up on all the back to school moms on facebook, took Kendall to the bathroom, heated bottles, helped Kendall get dressed, fed the twins, uploaded the "back to school" pictures, changed diapers, fixed and ate breakfast, took Fred out, cleaned up the kitchen, gave Kourt and Kam a bath, folded clothes, put the twins to bed, folded more clothes, cleaned up the bonus room, washed some clothes, put Kendall to bed, made my tutoring flier, picked up legos, k'nex and Mr. Potato Head, cleaned up the bathroom from bathtime, put away clothes, took Fred out, got Kendall up, played babies with Kendall, got the twins up, changed diapers, fixed lunch, fed the twins, took Fred out and finally loaded everybody up to get Karlee.

I hope tomorrow is another great day for Karlee.

The Night Before Kindergarten

I can't believe that Karlee will be starting kindergarten tomorrow. We went to open house today and met her teacher. Her teachers are Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Looney. I understand that Mrs. Brown's husband was the former principal at RBES and she is nearing retirement. I think that she will be good - Mrs. Looney seems really fun as well. We checked out the PE schedule and met the PE coaches. Karlee will have PE tomorrow so no flip flops. That put a kink in our first day of school outfit (it was a skirt with new flip flops) so we had to make an alternate choice. But it will still be cute - she gets to wear her new tennis shoes so she is excited about that. We toured the school and saw the art and music rooms - she really liked the music room and has already decided what instrument she wants to play first (if I remember correctly it is the violin and then the drums.) We met the media specialist, looked around the media center and most importantly - found the Junie B. Jones books!!! We walked through the line in the cafeteria and talked about how to get your lunch - although I think we will be bringing our lunch most days. After all, that is why we got the cute monogrammed lunchbox. Before we left, we signed up for PTO and Ken even went to the first meeting tonight. We are so excited that her friend Luke from church is in her class. He is a sweet little boy that Karlee has gotten to know and Ken and I have gotten to know his parents as well. I love his mom and I am excited about getting to know her better over this year. I prayed all morning that they would be in the same class and isn't God amazing - they are sitting right next to each other!!!
I am excited for Karlee - she is going to love school. I am a little sad for Kendall. I think that she is going to miss her big sister. I am not so sure about Karlee especially after I heard this conversation today:
Karlee: "Kendall - I'm going to kindergarten. Are you ready for kindergarten?"
Kendall just laughs
Karlee: "Well, I am because I'm tired of you hitting me and biting me all the time."
Which is not so true - Kendall DOES NOT hit and bite her all the time although lately they have been fighting over everything. I think that Karlee will be too busy during the school day to miss Kendall but if she were to stop and think about it, I know that she will miss her. I am sending Ken alone with her in the morning instead of going with them - that way no one will see me crying except my sweet Kendall who I am sure will be very concerned.

I know that she will have a great day and I can't wait to pick her up tomorrow afternoon and hear all about it.