M&M: School Fundraising

 

Mysia and Malachi were looking at a paper showing prizes for selling school cards for fundraising. Malachi had brought it home earlier in the week. Now if you have kids, or young enough to remember, you know that these fundraisers give an option once a certain number has been reached. It's a pretty good incentive, and there are some really neat gifts!

Both were excited about all the offers abailable. One that grabbed their attention is that If they can sell 15, they'll get choice of a megaphone or mini-locker. Mysia pointed it out and told Malachi, "if we get that high, we'll definitely have to pick the mini-locker, there's no way Mom and Dad will let us bring the other thing in the house.... Ever."

Malachi responded with nodding head, "yup..."

LOL! They know!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (08/18/13 - 08/24/13)

Sunday was Lydia's birthday. I woke her up before heading to church for van route and gave her card. The kids then gave her their card creations once they woke up. We enjoyed the services, and afterwards, Mysia went with Granny and Granddad to play piano at the nursing home. She did very well. The rest of us went home and took naps. We watched a little bit of tv before heading back to church. After the evening services, we treated Lydia to a late supper and dessert at Rib Crib for her birthday. Several of our extended family members met us there to celebrate as well!

Monday was a day of nice weather. We got up and did our well with our new morning schedule! The kids made it to school, and Lydia and I made it to the workplace on time!!! After school, I dropped the kids off at Granny's house and headed back to work to until five. That evening, the kids and I put their school supplies up and got supper ready. Mysia was disappointed that no homework was sent home. I had them take their showers and be ready for bed, then let them watch tv and play until Lydia returned home from her Zumba class. I then mowed the lawn before it got dark.

We had nice day on Tuesday. Lydia started her classes for the semester. That evening we ate supper and I headed out for church drama practice. Lydia and Mysia worked on homework. Mysia was disappointed that she was only given one sheet and that it was "too easy". The kids were ready for bed when I returned home. Lydia worked on homework until bedtime. She was exhausted.

We got of to school and work with no problems Wednesday morning. Mysia was excited since it was the start of the BRIDGES program. She was hoping that she'd have homework. She claims that her day in the special education program as a 10. She did have a few pages of homework, and Malachi was pleased to announce that he is glad that he won't have any until the first of next month. The kids got to spend time at granny's after school, then it was home to eat and get ready for church. Lydia attended a Zumba class after work, so once she arrived home, she quickly ate and we headed out. It was the first day for Master Club's Children Services, so it was fun and adventurous at church. Afterwards, the kids went to bed and Lydia worked on some homework.

I left for work on Thursday and Lydia dropped the kids off at school before heading to her college classes. After school let out, I dropped the kids off at Granny's and went back to work until 5.   Once home for the evening, we had chicken sandwiches for supper and I rushed off to the Men's Bible Study at church. Lydia and the kids got things ready for our vacation for the weekend. When I arrived home, the kids were already in bed asleep. Lydia worked on PTA projects and homework. I helped pack and get things ready to go into the van for our trip. Lydia gave me a much needed haircut before bed.

Friday was full of excitement. I got up, packed our stuff in the van, and then left for work earlier than normal. Lydia and the kids got ready for the day, and packed the rest of their things. Lydia then dropped them off at school and headed into work. Once I arrived at the radio station, I did what needed to be done around the office before the entire staff left for Silver Dollar City. We spent the entire day on the park handing out our hand fans (that I designed) to all those attending the Southern Gospel Picnic festival. I got to hear some great music, and bug people as I tried to give them each a fan. We finished and my boss dropped me off at the hotel (Splash Country Inn). Lydia got off work, met the kids at school, attended a PTA meeting, and then picked up some supper for her and the kids while they headed to Branson to meet up with me. As I waited, I cooled off in one of the outdoor pools. I then ate supper when they arrived, and the kids and I enjoyed the indoor water park for a few hours while Lydia tried to focus on her homework. We came back to the room, and Lydia joined us in the indoor pool for a swim before bed.

We were all tired on Saturday, so we slept in. Not the easiest thing to do on a different bed in a hotel room. We ate bagels for breakfast and then headed out to White Water. We spent hours in the tidal wave pool, riding each slide, and floating down the lazy river. We ate a quick lunch at the van (peanut butter & jelly sandwiches). We returned to the water park and did many of the same things over again. By the time 5pm came around, we were all tired. Back at the hotel, we napped and watched some Disney movies on the tv. After supper, quesadillas on the George Foreman grill we brought along, we went back to the indoor water park. It didn't take long for the kids (and us) to get tired, so we went back to our room and went to sleep!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (08/11/13 - 08/17/13)

Sunday was Anniversary Services at church. There Warren family sang in the morning services and then again after lunch. Our pastor celebrated 30 years. After the afternoon service we came home and the kids took naps. I took the change and mowed the lawn since it had finally dried up from all the rain we've had for the past week and a half. It took longer than normal due to the grass being so long. There wasn't any evening services, so as a family, we played games on the Nintendo Wii and watched Netflix before bed. By the way, the kids beat us on several of the Wii games. Ugh!

Monday morning kicked off with Lydia rushing off to college. She has a special one week class that is required for her degree. After leaving Malachi with his sitter, Becca, I dropped off Mysia at Boys & Girls Club and went to work. After her class, Lydia went to work for the rest of the afternoon. I took Mysia to piano lessons and then we all met at home and then headed off to visit Lydia's extended family. We visited, kids played, ate supper and had cake in celebration of MeMaw's birthday.

Today was the last day for Malachi to have a sitter. They baked a cake in a shape of a Lego block and played Wii games. That evening, Lydia and I went to school to meet the kids' teachers. Mysia and Malachi were excited. Mysia has class with several friends. When Lydia showed up at the school, we discovered that the van had a flat tire! While Mysia attended Bridges (gifted program) orientation with Lydia, Malachi played in the playground while I put on the spare tire. One of his best friends from daycare was there, so he was thrilled. Once home, we ate supper and got things ready for school. The the kids' teachers gave them "jitter glitter" to put under their head so that they are 'bright' for the next morning... oh boy!

Excitement filled our house on Wednesday since it finally arrived... yup, the first day of school! We had most of everything packed, and Lydia left to make it to her class. the kids and i made it to school in time.I picked them up are we headed home. Both had stories to tell. Mysia was disappointed that there was no homework! We put up the lunch boxes and Mysia practiced her piano while I got supper ready. Malachi and I read the boxcar children book #1 and Mysia read one of her books. Lydia came home after work, we ate supper, and then headed to church for evening services. Malachi didn't make it all the way, by the time the sermon started, he fell asleep. Once at home, the kids went to bed. Lydia stayed up working her project for class. We had the windows open to let in the nice cool air, and boy... it felt great.

We seem to have found a routine, and everyone got to up and ready on time on Thursday. It was a cool morning, a bit unusual for the month of August. Remember that 'jitter glitter"? Well, since it had gotten a bit cold during the night, Malachi had obviously buried himself in the covers and under his pillow. Glitter was caked onto his face and head when he walked out of his room. We tried our best to clean him up before leaving the house, but there was still enough in his hair to make his head shine in the sunlight! After breakfast,  Lydia went to class and I dropped the kids off at school before getting to work. That afternoon, I picked the kids up from school took them to Granny's house so that they could spend the time with her and Grandad through supper. They shared their new school experiences. Lydia and I got to enjoy supper together. I attended a men's Bible study at church, and the kids were dropped off at home. By the time I returned, they were already in bed asleep!

Friday seemed to have come pretty fast. We got up and got ready and got the kids to school on time. It was the last day for Lydia's week-long class, and she was happy with how it went. Lydia picked up the kids after school and they went to the library before heading home. That evening, I cooked hot dogs and cheddar bratwurst on the grill. The kids played for a bit, and then we did housework for most of the evening.

Saturday was busy! We got up, ate pancakes for breakfast, and the kids and I headed out for TaeQwonDo "Spar Wars". Mysia and Malachi participated in the 'tiger tails' tournament. They did very well, and it was fun watching all the action. Mysia did very well and we enjoyed cheering everyone on. We ate the concessions that were available and watched our class members in the Sparring Tournament. Lydia had stayed home to get some things done and do a grocery run before the afternoon. When the tournament was over, the kids and I headed over to Granny's house to play while Lydia held a ladies' spa party at our house. Once finished, we spent the evening relaxing. We read books, watched a movie, and got ready for bed!

~Matt

Week Rundown! (08/04/13 - 08/10/13)

Sunday was still rainy. The sump-pump for our house was working overtime. I ran the vans for morning services at church. We also heard the news that our first niece was born by the end of services! Mysia spent the afternoon with Aunt Abigail. Malachi watched "Cake Boss", took a nice long nap, and then we read a book before returning to church that evening. Mysia ended up going back with Abigail and spent the night. We returned home and ate grapes and cucumbers before finally going to bed.

Mysia spent Monday with Abigail. They went shopping with grandma. She had piano lessons before we returned home for supper. Lydia attended Zumba class while the kids and I played games and read books.

On Tuesday, Lydia took Malachi for kindergarten registration. Mysia got to go swimming for the last time of the summer with the boys and girls club. That evening we ate sloppy joes and watched an episode of Robin Hood on Netflix. The kids took showers before bed.

We attended event services at church on Wednesday. Back at home, we ate cucumbers and read books before going to bed.

Thursday was the last day Lydia had free from work, so I took it off as well and we made it a family day. We all slept in and the kids played while I made pancakes as a late breakfast. We then left for the Mall. Our first stop was to JC Pennys. There, Malachi tried on a few vests with dress-pants. At Sears, Mysia got to model several outfits, and we picked up a new dress for her. Before leaving the mall, we stopped by a toy store that had games and books. Once home, we had hamburgers for a late lunch/early supper. We worked on getting the school supplies organized and did housework. Malachi cleaned his room, and we worked on going through the many things in Mysia's room. She had tons of notes, doodles, and papers that needed be sorted through. It time for bed when we finished.

Mysia got to spend the day with Granny on Friday. Malachi had fun with his sitter, Becca. Going back to work after a day off with family wasn't much fun for Lydia and I, but we made it through. Lydia and Mysia attended the baby shower for Aunt Ana that evening. That left Malachi and I to fend for ourselves for supper.  We played and watched tv together until the girls got back.

Saturday was busy from the start. I woke up early that morning with stomach trouble, so I rested in the morning while Lydia and the kids got up and went to see VeggieTales for free at movie theater. They then attended TaeKwonDo class. The afternoon was spent with my extended family. The cousins played while we ate and visited. We had fun time catching up as well. That evening, the kids had baths and played before bed.


~Matt

Week Rundown! (07/28/13 - 08/03/13)

After the busy day without naps, Sunday was destined to be a bit tiring for me! Malachi and I woke up and attended Men's Prayer Breakfast at church, and then he spent the morning with Granddad and Granny while I did the church van route. Lydia and Mysia met us at church for morning services. Malachi went back to Granddad and Granny's house for the afternoon, while the rest of us went home. After lunch, I napped. Mysia watched "Care-bears" while Lydia read a book, enjoying the peaceful afternoon. I dropped Lydia and Mysia off at my mom's while I headed to church early for drama practice (we'll be performing the skit on the 25th of August).

Monday turned out to be interesting. Malachi was supposed to have lunch with me and then spend the afternoon with his Aunt Abigail, but Mysia had some stomach problems at the Boys and Girls Club, so she got to join us! She remained with me in the office for the rest of the afternoon. We visited with Granny before heading home. Lydia had some queasiness throughout the day, so she skipped her zumba class. After supper, I took the chance of the nice weather to mow the lawn. We opened the windows (something quite odd for the last week in July) and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

After a night of storms and heavy rainfall, we woke up Tuesday to find that our backyard was flooded. I'm so glad I had mowed the evening before! Lydia went into work after dropping Mysia off at Boys and Girls Club. I took the day off from work to spend with Malachi. We got several things done around the house and played. We spent some time beating levels on Super Mario Brothers. After lunch, we visited Grandma Taylor and Aunt Abigail, then returned home for a short nap. Once Lydia and Mysia came home, we ate hotdogs and bratwurst while watching a few episodes of "Robin Hood" on Netflix. There were a few household chores that needed done before bed, and we watched it rain again!

On Wednesday, I left for work and dropped Mysia off at Boys and Girls Club. Lydia texted me once I got to work. On her way to pick up our sitter, Malachi broke out in hives while in the van! She stopped by the store and got him some Benadryl. He was fine for most of the day, but that evening we wondered if something had actually bit him on the neck and arms. We're not too sure. His breakfast was a banana and strawberry yogurt. For supper we had pizza, and Mysia used a couple we had found from earlier in the school year that she had for a free personal pan pizza! She was excited about it. At church, several of the older women approached us for a remedy for Malachi's allergic reaction that was visible on his neck. They said it looked like poison ivy, or something similar. The suggestion was to try the blue Dawn dish-soap. So, once home, he had a shower and I scrubbed him down. He smelled like our clean dishes!!! He admitted that it did stop the irritation. I checked on him during the night, and he seemed to be sleeping well.

One of the first things I did Thursday morning was check on Malachi. His neck had some red marks, but it was noticeably better. Whew! Mysia and I got ready and headed out. Lydia worked on the grocery menu before she took Malachi with her for the shopping around town. We had a quick supper that evening and then headed to church to meet with our Tae-Kwon-Do class for a snack and awards. All four of us were awarded yellow belts! Yay! Malachi got awarded the "Spirit Award" for most improved student. It was a great night!

Mysia spent the day with Granny on Friday. After work, we tried taking the kids to the library, but they were already closed. We returned home and ate supper. Malachi gave us a a but of a fit with eating, and was acting tired, so he went to bed. Mysia stayed up and played Mario on the Wii.

We woke up Saturday to rain. A lot of it! The backyard was flooded once again. We attended Tae-Kwon-Do class, learning some new kicks. Before heading home, we stopped by the library. Mysia and Malachi had finished their book reading charts and received a free book. We spent time there checking out books and letting the kids put on a puppet show. We ate a great lunch at home and the kids took naps. Lydia worked on the finances (she's great at it of course), and we did housework. I also had some computer projects I'm working on that I tried to tackle. The kids worked on their rooms before a simple supper and took baths. Mysia played some games on the computer and Malachi played with toys before bed.

~Matt