Gosh, it's been more than one month since my last family post. So much has happened! I've been to see Aunt Kay who has survived a brain anuerysm -- yes, wow! survived. She is out of the hospital and nearly ready to return to work. John and Kari held watch from the moment it happened in late October to the point of seeing her bon voyage from the rehab hospital. It is really the miracle of 2008.
We went to San Antonio for Thanksgiving and it was so wonderful. We actually drove for the first time in nearly a decade. The boys were so good. On our trip, I killed the two remaining tadpoles inadvertently by turning the heat on. They essentially cooked. The kids have barely forgiven me, but Page received an ant farm from Santa so he's ready to focus on a new animal. While in San Antonio for Thanksgiving, the boys spent time at the ranch and Mom and I were able to tootle around and shop. Jett was always in tow and a good boy. Dinner on Thanksgiving was at Aunt Jerri and Uncle Tom's. It was delicious . . . and very layed back and relaxing. We brought our Wii so the boys were entertained playing and watching football on their huge flat screen televisions.
The Christmas season has been very different this year. We stayed in Fayetteville and Santa came here. We spent Christmas Eve with Freida and Gilbert, Christmas Day at our house and the evening at the cabin. Santa was good to the kids. The "elf on your shelf" had been watching, so it was well-deserved. The elf watches and reports to Santa if you are good or bad. He returns in the morning when you awake to a different place. Page had a friend spend the night early this week. The elf moved while they were watching a late night movie, and they got scared and ended up in bed with me -- two big 9 year olds!! Hilarious! Page is now a believer -- for sure!! What fun we have had! Wayne has kept Page and Declan at the cabin to squirrel hunt and Jett and I have been at the house. He's loved playing with all his new toys -- tractor, trailer, blocks, tools, crane, dump truck . . . and more. He loves his tiger that meows and moves. He named him "Cheeto" after his "all-time" favorite chip.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Great Fall Fun! Hunting Season is Here
Wayne has had a chance to finally do what he has wanted to do ever since we started our family. He has been able to take the boys hunting with him. Declan actually participated in shooting a doe with Wayne. See the picture . . . Declan's smile couldn't be any bigger. Page has been able to hunt twice this season with Wayne.
Also, we are raising tadpoles . . . see how funky they look. I was cleaning their bowl on Thursday evening. Jett was helping. He proceeded to help pour one of the tadpoles down the drain. It was a sad moment in the Woolsey house -- I was mad. Page was crying, and Wayne was trying his darndest to find the tadpole in the disposal. What a circus! We have two left.
Also, we are raising tadpoles . . . see how funky they look. I was cleaning their bowl on Thursday evening. Jett was helping. He proceeded to help pour one of the tadpoles down the drain. It was a sad moment in the Woolsey house -- I was mad. Page was crying, and Wayne was trying his darndest to find the tadpole in the disposal. What a circus! We have two left.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Survived Halloween
We survived what I now believe is a holiday that competes with Christmas! We were so busy . . . we had the Butterfield Fall Carnival. I was charged with the silent auction -- ugh! It was well-worth it because we made more money than ever before!! I also worked with amazing women on the committee. I dressed up for the auction like a "female" version of a vampire. Late that night, Declan asked me where I had put my mask. Funny . . . I didn't have a mask on -- ever!!
Miss Robin came in town from Napa and was able to share Halloween with us. Wayne carved the wonderful pumpkins, and we passed out lots of candy. Jett didn't want to put on a costume, so he helped pass out candy to all of the trick or treaters. He was hilarious! He'd say "scary" when someone came to door who looked spooky or gruesome. Page and Declan spent the evening with friends and loaded-up on candy. Neither wore the costumes we had purchased. They still have tags on them in the closet. The boys wore jeans, hoodies and skelton masks. It was a fun Halloween for us!
Miss Robin came in town from Napa and was able to share Halloween with us. Wayne carved the wonderful pumpkins, and we passed out lots of candy. Jett didn't want to put on a costume, so he helped pass out candy to all of the trick or treaters. He was hilarious! He'd say "scary" when someone came to door who looked spooky or gruesome. Page and Declan spent the evening with friends and loaded-up on candy. Neither wore the costumes we had purchased. They still have tags on them in the closet. The boys wore jeans, hoodies and skelton masks. It was a fun Halloween for us!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Halloween is approaching
This weekend we dedicated our time to the annual Butterfield Trail Elementary School pumpkin decorating contest. Page has participated since kindergarten, so you can imagine how anxious Declan was to get his pumpkin created this year. We spent most of Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Sunday evening creating our masterpieces. Declan bounced out of bed this morning ready to show his school his -- he is confident -- prize winning pumpkin. Take a look at our final products -- a scary bat (by Declan) and an electric guitar (by Page). We'll find out the results on Thursday! Keep your fingers crossed --
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Page's Ball Game
Well, the two undefeated teams met eye-to-eye today. Page's team (The 'Dawgs) won 20-19. The last play was made by Page. It was a game winning block because the other team was positioned to make a touchdown. He did such a good job . . . so good that he broke his mouthpiece. He loves football!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Class Reunion Weekend
What a wonderful weekend I had! I traveled to San Antonio last Thursday all by myself -- sans Wayne and kids -- to attend my 20 year class reunion. Thursday night Mom and Dad took me to a fabulous restaurant, Wild Fish, where I had the most amazing piece of Sea Bass I've ever eaten in my life. It was definitely the "hip" place to be -- the bar was filled to the brim with pretty people and lots of energy. We went home to watch the Pallin/Biden debate. Sleep came quickly and there is nothing better than sleeping in the room I slept in for so many years of my childhood.
Friday ranks as one of the best days ever -- fun, fun, fun! Mom and I "power shopped" all day at NorthStar Mall. We didn't break for lunch until 3:30 p.m. When we did, we sat in the car and ate a sandwich Mom prepared and then headed back into Macy's! What a blast! I flew into the house at the last minute to change and get dressed for dinner and a reception at the V-Bar downtown with old classmates. We had so much fun visiting and dancing. The evening ended at The Bonham. It had been years since I had been there -- 20 probably (if not more).
Saturday was another fabulous day. Mom had arranged a luncheon for moms and kids at Paesano's. Lorie, Lisa, Jeff, Rebecca, Della, Caryn and Carol all came. Most of us had our moms with us. We were so noisy that we kept apologizing to our waiter. There was so much to catch up on. That night we headed to our reunion and didn't return home until 3:30 a.m. It's taken all week for me to recover from lack of sleep. It was a trip I will always remember.
Friday ranks as one of the best days ever -- fun, fun, fun! Mom and I "power shopped" all day at NorthStar Mall. We didn't break for lunch until 3:30 p.m. When we did, we sat in the car and ate a sandwich Mom prepared and then headed back into Macy's! What a blast! I flew into the house at the last minute to change and get dressed for dinner and a reception at the V-Bar downtown with old classmates. We had so much fun visiting and dancing. The evening ended at The Bonham. It had been years since I had been there -- 20 probably (if not more).
Saturday was another fabulous day. Mom had arranged a luncheon for moms and kids at Paesano's. Lorie, Lisa, Jeff, Rebecca, Della, Caryn and Carol all came. Most of us had our moms with us. We were so noisy that we kept apologizing to our waiter. There was so much to catch up on. That night we headed to our reunion and didn't return home until 3:30 a.m. It's taken all week for me to recover from lack of sleep. It was a trip I will always remember.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Jett's Birthday Weekend (2008)
What a wild weekend! We had a great time at the football games on Saturday for Page and Declan. Page's team nearly lost to St. Joseph's . . . you know those Catholic boys. It was a "nail biter" but we ended-up winning by six points -- whew. Declan had a blast at his game too. We've gotten to know so many new parents from Butterfield. We feel blessed.
Fayetteville was buzzing with "Bikes, Blues and Barbecue". For those who have never been here for the event, it's a sight to behold. Supposedly, it is now the third largest bike rally in the United States. Sandra Bullock's husband, Jesse James, was even on Dickson Street -- crazy!
On top of getting prepared for Jett's birthday celebration, there were play dates involved for Page and Declan -- Aiden, Collin and Trey. We were busy carting kids back and forth all weekend.
Another milestone was taking Jett to church. He did great . . . I think he'll be invited back next week. He loved taking his dollar bill to the front of the church during the collection. He came back telling us all about the "money mommy! money mommy!"
Our Jett is now a big 2-year-old and what a blast he had at his party -- presents, balloons, cake and more cake. He knew how to blow out the candles and everything. He's such a big boy. He loved opening his presents. He received clothes and lots of trucks which are his favorite. He did get a new Barney tape much to Page and Declan's dislike. They are tired of the Barney tunes. Jett wants it playing 24/7. It's hysterical!
Fayetteville was buzzing with "Bikes, Blues and Barbecue". For those who have never been here for the event, it's a sight to behold. Supposedly, it is now the third largest bike rally in the United States. Sandra Bullock's husband, Jesse James, was even on Dickson Street -- crazy!
On top of getting prepared for Jett's birthday celebration, there were play dates involved for Page and Declan -- Aiden, Collin and Trey. We were busy carting kids back and forth all weekend.
Another milestone was taking Jett to church. He did great . . . I think he'll be invited back next week. He loved taking his dollar bill to the front of the church during the collection. He came back telling us all about the "money mommy! money mommy!"
Our Jett is now a big 2-year-old and what a blast he had at his party -- presents, balloons, cake and more cake. He knew how to blow out the candles and everything. He's such a big boy. He loved opening his presents. He received clothes and lots of trucks which are his favorite. He did get a new Barney tape much to Page and Declan's dislike. They are tired of the Barney tunes. Jett wants it playing 24/7. It's hysterical!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Declan's First Football Game
It was a great day in the Woolsey house today. Page played his second football game and won 40 to 12 (first game pictures are already posted), and Declan played his first game! Declan even scored a touchdown!! He had so much fun. It was a good time watching because the teams include kindergarten and first grade students. Some of the kids can really move. Declan maybe smaller, but he can "juke 'em" as he tells us.
Page had a good week at school learning multiplication and all about longitude, latitude. the equator, prime meridan and more. Of course, he constantly complains about having to read. I hope there is a magic moment when he reads a book that transforms his thinking about chapter books. Right now he looks at them and simply thinks, "this is too long and will keep me from playing outside!"
Jett is a pistol! Without a doubt, he is on the fringes of being two-years-old (seven days and counting). In the same breath, he is the happiest, smiling-est, sweetest little boy ever. He loves talking and enjoys the fact he can actually name things now. He points at most everything and calls its name.
He is also in love with his sitter, "Miss Tisty", as he refers to her (name is actually, Christy). He adores her and we are lucky. I think it's pretty mutual. We are doing better on the days we go to school now that we come home at 12 Noon instead of 2:30 p.m., but mom can hardly wait to lengthen the time a bit.
Page had a good week at school learning multiplication and all about longitude, latitude. the equator, prime meridan and more. Of course, he constantly complains about having to read. I hope there is a magic moment when he reads a book that transforms his thinking about chapter books. Right now he looks at them and simply thinks, "this is too long and will keep me from playing outside!"
Jett is a pistol! Without a doubt, he is on the fringes of being two-years-old (seven days and counting). In the same breath, he is the happiest, smiling-est, sweetest little boy ever. He loves talking and enjoys the fact he can actually name things now. He points at most everything and calls its name.
He is also in love with his sitter, "Miss Tisty", as he refers to her (name is actually, Christy). He adores her and we are lucky. I think it's pretty mutual. We are doing better on the days we go to school now that we come home at 12 Noon instead of 2:30 p.m., but mom can hardly wait to lengthen the time a bit.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Okaloosa Island (August 14)
What a beautiful day! It was perfect . . . the temperature, waves, water, everything! It was also very simple. We were either on the beach or at the pool.
Declan has perfected his freestyle, and Page taught him how to dive. Declan did great. I think watching the Olympic swimmers this week on television inspired him.
Page did meet some friends and spent time crashing into the waves with them. He was frustrated when we made him come in for hamburgers at lunch. Wayne fixed them.
Page also learned that he will have his teacher of choice for the third grade, Sherry Watson. I still don’t know how he got her. He is very lucky.
Jett napped long and was raring to go afterwards. His vocabulary is getting really good.
For dinner as a celebration, we went for seafood to the Crab Trap. It was good but of course challenging with a two year old.
We hate for tomorrow to be our last day – at least I am sad it is our last day. I could stay here another week!
Declan has perfected his freestyle, and Page taught him how to dive. Declan did great. I think watching the Olympic swimmers this week on television inspired him.
Page did meet some friends and spent time crashing into the waves with them. He was frustrated when we made him come in for hamburgers at lunch. Wayne fixed them.
Page also learned that he will have his teacher of choice for the third grade, Sherry Watson. I still don’t know how he got her. He is very lucky.
Jett napped long and was raring to go afterwards. His vocabulary is getting really good.
For dinner as a celebration, we went for seafood to the Crab Trap. It was good but of course challenging with a two year old.
We hate for tomorrow to be our last day – at least I am sad it is our last day. I could stay here another week!
Okaloosa Island (August 13)
Lots and lots of rain . . . the waves were incredible but not for us to play in. The lifeguard’s flag was red all day and they were manning the surf warning people of the powerful water.
In the morning we walked the surf looking for jelly fish. Page and Declan had a system. One would put it in the net. The other would dig a hole and bury it. There were hundreds. The crazy thing is how quickly the sea changes. Upon our arrival there was not a jelly fish in sight. Yesterday with the storm, they were everywhere.
Wayne went to Destin and had lunch with Sparky. He confirmed that our winds were about 45 miles per hour. Wow!
The boys played on the laptop, watched Scooby Doo and played Wii. We also did laundry. Eventually, I pulled a puzzle out and we spent most of the afternoon and evening putting it together. Wayne and I loved doing it, of course, but to our surprise, Declan liked it too. Jett was the challenge. He was like a Ninja quietly sliding to the table, grabbing loose pieces and throwing them all over the room. Page was not much into it.
We were in the pool for a short period but the boys thought it was too cold. This was after they had been begging us all day to swim!
By about 5 p.m. the sun finally shone and the wind died down. We headed to the beach with everyone else who had been hibernating all day. We couldn’t go in the water, but we all wanted to be on the shore searching for shells and seeing the affects of the winds and water.
Beef tenderloin was for dinner. We are hoping for a sunny day tomorrow!
In the morning we walked the surf looking for jelly fish. Page and Declan had a system. One would put it in the net. The other would dig a hole and bury it. There were hundreds. The crazy thing is how quickly the sea changes. Upon our arrival there was not a jelly fish in sight. Yesterday with the storm, they were everywhere.
Wayne went to Destin and had lunch with Sparky. He confirmed that our winds were about 45 miles per hour. Wow!
The boys played on the laptop, watched Scooby Doo and played Wii. We also did laundry. Eventually, I pulled a puzzle out and we spent most of the afternoon and evening putting it together. Wayne and I loved doing it, of course, but to our surprise, Declan liked it too. Jett was the challenge. He was like a Ninja quietly sliding to the table, grabbing loose pieces and throwing them all over the room. Page was not much into it.
We were in the pool for a short period but the boys thought it was too cold. This was after they had been begging us all day to swim!
By about 5 p.m. the sun finally shone and the wind died down. We headed to the beach with everyone else who had been hibernating all day. We couldn’t go in the water, but we all wanted to be on the shore searching for shells and seeing the affects of the winds and water.
Beef tenderloin was for dinner. We are hoping for a sunny day tomorrow!
Okaloosa Island (August 12)
We woke up to storms. The waves were huge. We were in the condo most of the day because of the rain. I took a nap when Jett napped. Afterwards, I took the boys to Destin to “putz” around so Wayne could relax and nap. Wayne laughed that it was an expensive nap. We purchased a raft, oars, net and larger shovel. Page, Declan and I agreed we needed all of these things!
In Destin, we went to Target and as we approached the building a homeless man asked if we could spare a coin. I handed him a one dollar bill. Seconds later a woman came toward us and said, “you know he is going to purchase alcohol with that money. I would not help him.” The boys were overwhelmed at how rude the woman was, and a discussion about homeless people ensued.
We were able to put the boat to good use in the afternoon. What a blast! Page loves it as does Declan. People were surfing if that gives you any idea of the waves. We watched the boys closely.
Jett is now the water hose celebrity. Everyone keeps laughing at this little boy who wants to stand by the hose all day.
In the early evening we met Sparky (Warren’s boat captain) at the yacht club in Destin along with his wife, Michelle. They gave us a tour of the boat. It used to be called Black Tip 2. It has been renamed to Titanium 5.0. It is a beautiful boat and the boys enjoyed it. We said goodbye and extended our thanks to them. Hopefully Wayne can see Sparky (Mark McCann) again before we leave.
Afterwards, we went for seafood at a restaurant called Gilligan’s in Destin. The boys loved their fried shrimp and catfish. I had crab cakes that were so-so.
We ended the evening watching a movie with popcorn in bed.
Until tomorrow – hopefully it will quit raining early!
In Destin, we went to Target and as we approached the building a homeless man asked if we could spare a coin. I handed him a one dollar bill. Seconds later a woman came toward us and said, “you know he is going to purchase alcohol with that money. I would not help him.” The boys were overwhelmed at how rude the woman was, and a discussion about homeless people ensued.
We were able to put the boat to good use in the afternoon. What a blast! Page loves it as does Declan. People were surfing if that gives you any idea of the waves. We watched the boys closely.
Jett is now the water hose celebrity. Everyone keeps laughing at this little boy who wants to stand by the hose all day.
In the early evening we met Sparky (Warren’s boat captain) at the yacht club in Destin along with his wife, Michelle. They gave us a tour of the boat. It used to be called Black Tip 2. It has been renamed to Titanium 5.0. It is a beautiful boat and the boys enjoyed it. We said goodbye and extended our thanks to them. Hopefully Wayne can see Sparky (Mark McCann) again before we leave.
Afterwards, we went for seafood at a restaurant called Gilligan’s in Destin. The boys loved their fried shrimp and catfish. I had crab cakes that were so-so.
We ended the evening watching a movie with popcorn in bed.
Until tomorrow – hopefully it will quit raining early!
Okaloosa Island (August 11)
The day was very different regarding weather. We had a storm move in about 10:30 a.m. The umbrellas came down and all of the families went into our condos for a long lunch. Again, I napped!!! Strangely the rain moved south of us, so there wasn’t much water – just lots of dark clouds taunting us. We brightened up our day by making chocolate chip cookies to have with lunch.
Once the rain moved out around 1:30 p.m., we had a great afternoon hunting for shells on the shore. We have found many pieces of huge sand dollars but no whole ones. We also attempted to catch small crabs. They were much too fast burying themselves.
Wayne headed to the store to pick up items I would have never have thought to bring --- TP, paper towels, salt, pepper and oil.
Jett fell “head over heals” for a girl named Jordan. She looks just like a babysitter and loved playing with him in the pool.
The water was strange with lots of seaweed – not chunks but it was almost like green water. Wayne would come out of the water with green all over his chest. It was strange.
We a met a precious family from Bentonville. We’ve also met families from Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Pork, fresh carrots and mashed potatoes were dinner. We are about to each iced brownies that just came out of the oven.
Jett is asleep. He still loves the water hose and has made a name for himself – of course!
Declan and I are brown, brown, brown!!!!
Once the rain moved out around 1:30 p.m., we had a great afternoon hunting for shells on the shore. We have found many pieces of huge sand dollars but no whole ones. We also attempted to catch small crabs. They were much too fast burying themselves.
Wayne headed to the store to pick up items I would have never have thought to bring --- TP, paper towels, salt, pepper and oil.
Jett fell “head over heals” for a girl named Jordan. She looks just like a babysitter and loved playing with him in the pool.
The water was strange with lots of seaweed – not chunks but it was almost like green water. Wayne would come out of the water with green all over his chest. It was strange.
We a met a precious family from Bentonville. We’ve also met families from Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Pork, fresh carrots and mashed potatoes were dinner. We are about to each iced brownies that just came out of the oven.
Jett is asleep. He still loves the water hose and has made a name for himself – of course!
Declan and I are brown, brown, brown!!!!
Okaloosa Island (August 10)
August 10
What an amazing day! The wind was perfect -- the water is crystal clear and warm. The temperature was even better. There very little (almost none) seaweed.
Jett and I were on the beach at 7 a.m. and then headed to the grocery store, Publix, while the older boys slept. We came home with two boogie boards, so we hardly had time to unload groceries before we were begged “to death” to hit the waves. We were on the beach by 9:30 a.m. (at the very latest).
Page adored the boogie board. At one point, Declan told me I should have gotten a board for Wayne! Page and Wayne were catching waves together all day. Declan loved it when Wayne took him in the water and let him stand on the boogie board.
Jett was completely occupied with the sand – bucket, shovel, rake, etc. He was such a good boy and loved the waves. Of course, one of Jett’s favorite parts of the beach is the water hose where we wash off our feet before entering our condo.
Declan is our swimming pool boy, but by mid-morning he became very comfortable with the waves and salt. He was most interested in the “sea slugs” that invaded our waters throughout the day. He captured hundreds. They only come once a year to mate and then they depart. They are only supposed to be here a few days. They look like a huge flying snail without their shells. They don’t bite or hurt you but are a bit weird to swim with.
We saw no jelly fish – thank goodness!
Other highlights:
Everything at the grocery store is either $5 or $9.
I saw someone today I know from Wee Care in Fayetteville.
We ate homemade spaghetti for dinner – delicious!
I took a nap!!
Wayne was given a $35 Cuban (the real deal) cigar from a man we met. He and his family (a generation ahead of us) were set-up near us. They are from Baton Rouge and he is an attorney who fights the IRS.
Most people keep asking us how we got our condo – first floor that is perfect distance from the pool and the beach. It is wonderful!
Until tomorrow!
What an amazing day! The wind was perfect -- the water is crystal clear and warm. The temperature was even better. There very little (almost none) seaweed.
Jett and I were on the beach at 7 a.m. and then headed to the grocery store, Publix, while the older boys slept. We came home with two boogie boards, so we hardly had time to unload groceries before we were begged “to death” to hit the waves. We were on the beach by 9:30 a.m. (at the very latest).
Page adored the boogie board. At one point, Declan told me I should have gotten a board for Wayne! Page and Wayne were catching waves together all day. Declan loved it when Wayne took him in the water and let him stand on the boogie board.
Jett was completely occupied with the sand – bucket, shovel, rake, etc. He was such a good boy and loved the waves. Of course, one of Jett’s favorite parts of the beach is the water hose where we wash off our feet before entering our condo.
Declan is our swimming pool boy, but by mid-morning he became very comfortable with the waves and salt. He was most interested in the “sea slugs” that invaded our waters throughout the day. He captured hundreds. They only come once a year to mate and then they depart. They are only supposed to be here a few days. They look like a huge flying snail without their shells. They don’t bite or hurt you but are a bit weird to swim with.
We saw no jelly fish – thank goodness!
Other highlights:
Everything at the grocery store is either $5 or $9.
I saw someone today I know from Wee Care in Fayetteville.
We ate homemade spaghetti for dinner – delicious!
I took a nap!!
Wayne was given a $35 Cuban (the real deal) cigar from a man we met. He and his family (a generation ahead of us) were set-up near us. They are from Baton Rouge and he is an attorney who fights the IRS.
Most people keep asking us how we got our condo – first floor that is perfect distance from the pool and the beach. It is wonderful!
Until tomorrow!
Football season has begun! Page had a great game on Saturday and even scored points for the team. He loves playing . . . I think more than he ever thought.
Declan is also enjoying football. Even more so, he loves school. Surprisingly he is eating lunch at school. He had to get over the idea that he might drop his tray. Wayne went to school to help him one day. Once over the fear, he is now a regular!
Jett is absolutely precious -- all smiles and laughter. He is a real stinker though. Yesterday he climbed onto the dining room table and removed all of the crystals -- one by one -- from the chandalier. It took me forever to put them back on. He moves like a stealth bomber.
Declan is also enjoying football. Even more so, he loves school. Surprisingly he is eating lunch at school. He had to get over the idea that he might drop his tray. Wayne went to school to help him one day. Once over the fear, he is now a regular!
Jett is absolutely precious -- all smiles and laughter. He is a real stinker though. Yesterday he climbed onto the dining room table and removed all of the crystals -- one by one -- from the chandalier. It took me forever to put them back on. He moves like a stealth bomber.
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