The Cary Happening's

Stephanie's Report Card

2009-11-23T09:32:00.002-06:00

Last tuesday was my very first parent/teacher conference with Stef's teacher. We went over her report card and her behavior in class. She is excelling in class with just about everything. She has a little trouble with her sequence words and gets some of her shapes mixed up. Ms. Stotts says that is normal but she is above average. They are going to start reading this sememster. Yikes my 4 year old reading!!!! I think she is going to have to skip kindergarten next year :-) She loves writing her name and one project the teacher has done is in the first week of school she had the kids do a self portrait,then at the end of October she had them do another one. What a difference 6 weeks or so makes. I am so proud of all her acomplishments!!!!

Fun Saturday afternoon

2009-11-15T16:45:00.003-06:00

One of the perks of living in Las Vegas is the local and teacher discounts to see shows. This was the case with "The Lion King."

Neil's parents came down over this past weekend for his birthday and wanted to get together with everyone (Neil's friends) and thought going to the this show would be a great opportunity to do so. Right now there is a 2 for 1 deal until the end of December for teachers to see "The Lion King" and we took advantage of it.

What a FANTASTIC show! Even if you are not a theater type, you will enjoy this. Take your kids if you ever get a chance- I can't gush enough about this show! VERY family friendly. Aside from stressing getting my assingments done and preparing for YW in Excellence, I had fun! Flat Stanley didn't make it because he wasn't where he was supposed to be :)

Christmas Fun

2009-11-13T09:06:00.000-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Mad Libs

2009-11-10T11:13:00.001-06:00

I used to do Mad Libs in school when I was little. Well months and months ago Donnovan and I were out and saw them in the Target $ bins ( I think). So after cleaning his room thoroughly the other day he wanted to do a few of them. So this is the one that he gave me all the words for. Needless to say he is still quoting it!!

Still Trying to be cool

2009-09-23T08:35:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had to take Donnovan to his drs appointment. After I took him with me to go to mine (just blood work). I asked him if he wanted to go back to school and he said no, so I said we are going to look for pants for you then. This boy is growing like a weed, I can't just go to the store anymore and pick something up for him he has to try things on. So I said we were going to stop at the thrift store first and see what we could find, he tried on over 20 pairs of pants and we bought 7. He was so excited because most of them are Old Navy jeans and there was a Abercrombie pair in there as well. Talk about being a cool mom, he couldn't wait to get dressed this morning. He was up and dressed by 6:15am I bet you can't guess what pair he wore today!

What is cool?

2009-09-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

We are dealing with how to be cool at school this year with Donnovan. When we went clothes shopping it took twice as long as it normally has since he had to inspect everything and match everything. A few weeks ago I was helping Donnovan organize his binder and came across a note, I asked him what it was and he said I could read it. A big moment for a mom in my opinion, reading a note that wasn't for "my eyes only" Anyhow there was a list of things written down by a girl no less. She was giving Donnovan tips on how to be cool, such as: get your teeth whitened (I told him to brush everyday) dye his eye brows (he has the light light eye brows like me)skinny jeans ( I told him no way, I thought those looked stupid and he agreed) baggy skater shirts, VANS (mind you he keeps bugging me about these) talk like a skater, get contacts, dye his hair blond with red highlights (he really liked this idea) get awesome belts, listen to music that I have never heard of, and she went as far to tell him that he needs to have a favorite color of black or green and my all time favorite she told him to get a spray tan (what do people have against being white?) So now he is on a mission to get contacts and other things on this list, when did becoming cool become so hard?

Waiting 4 the bus

2009-08-24T20:51:00.001-05:00

This is Nene on her first day of school waiting for the bus that never came:

John took her to school but she was so disappointed.

First Day of School

2009-08-24T20:50:00.001-05:00

We made through the first day of Pre K and 6th grade. A few fumbles along the way but all in all it went well. For whatever reason the bus company never called us about Stef's route so she didn't get to ride the bus, then the school tired to put her on the bus to come home but luckly John was there to intercept, Donnovan got off at the wrong drop off and had to walk in the heat (he said he wasn't sure if the bus driver was going to stop). Ben enjoyed a quiet morning to himself watching movies and not having to share the couch or anything.

I am still taller

2009-08-24T02:15:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I needed to take Donnovan in to get his back to school shots, yes he had to get 3. There was a new requirement that all 6th graders have a 2 shot of the chicken pox, anyhow he was weighted and measured. He is 5'2. So I am copying a picture from my friend's blog and here it is:

I am still taller, but for how long?

Ben

2009-08-19T11:50:00.001-05:00

The kids love playing outside on the trampoline with the sprinkler. I love it too since in this TX heat they can play outside for a long time, yes my water bill may be a little high but it is worth it. Well when it is time to come in I can bring them in one at a time and shower them and then so on to the next one, well Ben wanted nothing to do with the waiting so I wrapped him in a towel and put him in the sink, he couldn't get out but I got some great pictures!!!

Picture show

2009-08-17T23:44:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures from camp and what Flat Stanley and I have been up to!

Update

2009-08-16T19:06:00.002-05:00

I survived another year of camp! This year we had a nice wind storm. I've never heard the wind sound like a freight train before, but am now a believer! We had a good group of girls up there and just enjoyed our time.
I have about a week left of my first masters class- yay! I've enjoyed going back to school so far. I received the books for my next two classes so I guess I'm really in this.
We go back to school this week (teachers at least). I'm "excited" to start a new year because I'll be working with the K-3 grades. It'll be nice to not have to spread myself all over so much. I have some new ideas for decorating my room and am anxious to get going.
I'll post pictures of camp later.
Hope everyone is doing well. Good luck to all my nieces and nephews in school! Donnovan- a middle schooler?!?!?! Yikes :)

-Tia

Big Red Glasses

2009-08-01T06:48:00.001-05:00

The kids and I were going through tubs of memories this week while John was gone. I came upon some glasses that I had to wear while I was in HS. I put them on and didn't say anything to the kids, as soon as they saw me they were laughing so hard. They all wanted to try them on, then I got a laugh. Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday DAD

2009-07-29T18:37:00.002-05:00

Today is my dad's birthday!! I think he is 29 or somewhere close to that. I am grateful to have him as my dad and I appreciate all that he does for me and my family. I love the fact that he is forgiving. I know that I have disappointed him in the past but he has forgiven me and has moved on. You know they say you tend to marry men like your fathers and when I was little I remember thinking, no way, no how, no way, well many years later I did just that. I just didn't he was such a great guy until I got married. Thanks dad for all the lessons you have taught me, the hugs you have given me, the advice that I get whether I want it or not, the way you treat mom, and best of all for being my dad!! I love you!!

-Katie
The favorite

Mom and dad's

2009-07-22T09:58:00.001-05:00

Nene and dad putting in the new garbage disposal.

Mom and dad putting in the new garbage disposal, yes it did get put in and works fine.

Seth and I playing with jewelery.
Seth playing all by himself.
The boys playing whatever.

Updating

2009-06-26T11:43:00.002-05:00

Howdy!
Thanks to all of our military moving experience, I was able to "properly" load a 10 ft. UHAUL last weekend and help one of my friends move. I had some rope left over from when I was moved out here (because we Cary's keep everything...) that I used to tie stuff down. My friend called some other friends of hers to bring their pick-up truck because she didn't think we'd get it all in there. HA! So little faith! There was enough room to put another couch and some boxes on. She cancelled the pick-up.
I was also nominated to drive the truck. Everyone else was too 'chicken' we'll say :) They claimed that I had the most recent experience driving a larger vehicle with my new SUV and all- give me a break! I guess it's one of my many hidden talents, hehehehehe :)
I start my masters program on Monday. Yikes! I'm a little nervous. I thought this school year would calm down a bit in the summer but it's just gotten busier and crazier. This program will take a little less than 2 years and it's one class at a time. That's good for me!
Our stake had camp kick-off last night. We're getting geared up to go. Should be fun!

There's your latest update from Las Vegas. You'd think there be more interesting things happening here...

-Sarah

Vacuum Cleaner

2009-06-08T10:07:00.001-05:00

We went to the Thrift store on saturday evening. This is something I enjoy doing and if we are not rushed for time I can get John into as well. The kids love it and enjoy searching for the perfect "treasure". Well this is a new store for us and they were having a sale, that is kind of funny huh? Anyhow the sale was 10 books for $2. What a bargain. My kids love to read and such an awesome price. So as I was searching for just the right books, ( I found 30 and they all looked brand new )John found a vacuum cleaner. He called me over and I came over thinking it was one for the house. No, it was a Barbie one that Nene wanted. Well apparently I took long to walk over to John because 2 little boys took off with it, which started the tears and the drama. So I said no big deal, they are not going to buy it ( mom sense) we will just get it when they put it done. So we followed them for about 10 minutes ( no not stalking ) just wondering up and down the aisles looking for stuff. The boy's walked away from and I walked over to it and asked the mom if she was going to get and she said no and I said thanks I will take it. The best thing, it was $1.75 and didn't look used at all. Happy mom and happy girl!!!!! My house is clean! John can't figure out why the kids like to clean? Gee I don't know.

Glitter Toes

2009-06-08T10:05:00.003-05:00

This is the finished product. I think they are so fun and look really good in the sun!!!

The House

2009-06-04T09:10:00.001-05:00

End to the car saga

2009-05-28T00:39:00.001-05:00

Eddie is sleeping in my parking space tonight! Everything is done and looks good.

-Sarah

Field Day

2009-05-24T16:29:00.002-05:00

If you can believe it Donnovan got a third place in hurdles!!!! And he threw a pig, if you want to know more you can call and ask him about it :-)

-Katie

Stupid Blood #3

2009-05-22T09:07:00.003-05:00

Well my numbers are still high so I am on 7.5 mg of cumidin everyday and I am getting a new prescription for my cholesterol, if my mail every gets here. I have to go back in on tuesday to get rechecked to see what I am again and what needs to be done at that point. We are almost all the way unpacked just a few little odds and ends to put away. Looking forward this weekend, I need some sleep. John has been "out of town" this week so late nights and getting the house in order by myself is hard. I will take some pictures this weekend to post. Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!!!!

Stupid Blood #2

2009-05-14T08:42:00.002-05:00

Well went to the appointment and still don't know what is going on. The dr said my blood thickness was at 11.4 and I should be at about 2-3. HE has no idea why it is so high so I got another blood test and should get the results today. He says if we can't get this under control fast back to the hospital for me. Not only that but he is still concerned about my cholesterol, he checked that as well so I am hoping the number has gone down some.

-Katie

Beast vs. Man

2009-05-13T23:06:00.004-05:00

The "13th" day of any month has to be bad- it's not just reserved for Friday's any more.
One the way home from work today, two big dogs ran across three lanes of traffic to get cornered by the front driver's side of my fender. Yes, of my NEW car!!! This picture looks like it's of a dirty car, but that yellow stuff came from one of the dogs. The damage wasn't as 'bad' as I thought. I'm guessing it's still gonna cost a penny or two to fix because bits and pieces of the plastic broke off. There's some damage underneath that I can't see, but can feel as I drive- mostly whatever was holding the bottom section of the fender on. Yippee.
-Sarah

House Pictures

2009-05-13T13:02:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures of our new house.

Stupid Blood

2009-05-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

Well I am off to the drs today after getting a phone call yesterday saying that my blood is to thick and the dr wants me in right away!!!! He doesn't understand why since I am taking 6mg of cumidin, that is a lot I should be pretty thin. I hope that there isn't anything wrong, will post the results later.

-Katie

My Birthday

2009-05-12T14:39:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post a friendly reminder that my birthday, yes the Favorite as most of you know me as, is having a birthday in 16 days. I wanted to give you plenty of time to get your shopping done and if you need ideas let me know, I have many :-) Hope you have a lovely day and happy shopping!!

-Katie

Dirty Grandpa

2009-05-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

Grandpa and Stanley were doing yard work last Saturday. Actually, Stanley was hiding in the house while Grandpa did all the work. As you can tell, Grandpa really, really gets into his work The yard looked good, but I laughed and laughed when I came home from the store and saw how dirty Grandpa was from head to toe. Yuck!!

Mother's Day Flowers

2009-05-08T14:48:00.002-05:00

Thank you to my favorite Texas relatives for the 'purdy' flowers!! Love ya's-------Mom/Grandma

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2009-05-05T09:26:00.001-05:00

Ahhh the rain!!! Will it ever stop, as a matter of fact after today's thunderstorm's pass we should see sunny skies for a bit. We are only about 6 inches away from being out of the drought. We were over 20 at the begining of the year. We went to Walmart on saturday and while we were in there it started pouring so we went looking for an umbrella since ours broke it was not a big deal except that they only had 2 left in the store. So I picked up the Golf size one and off we went to check out. While we got the kids situated (D was at home sick but calling us to let us know the weather update) and out we ran. John and were so soaked. We parked next to the gutter and Ben started freaking out cause the water was up to my ankles and he was afraid I was going to get sucked into where the aligators lived. I was laughing so hard I could hardly get them into the van. I had fun and enjoyed a good laugh, off to home we came and changed into dry clothes.

-Katie

Hey Popeye!

2009-04-30T19:28:00.001-05:00

Nice to see your imagination hard at work. Fun blog picture. Now share some stuff with us.

Mom

Ben vs. Desitin

2009-04-30T16:41:00.003-05:00

Let me tell how hard this is to get out of carpet, laundry hamper, shoe box, bathroom sink, bathroom carpets and towels, trains, play kitchen, and most of a little boys. HARD!!!!!!

Donnovan vs. Uncle Scott

2009-04-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

What do you think?

Blowing Grandma's Bubbles

2009-04-29T08:33:00.003-05:00

Again here in TX you do not wear clothes outside when you go to play.

-Katie

John and Ben

2009-04-27T10:47:00.002-05:00

Do you think they look alike?

Pioneer Weekend

2009-04-26T19:39:00.001-05:00

Here I am, o pioneer one!

2009-04-24T22:31:00.001-05:00

YAY for the violin!!! Obviously I'm a bit biased when it comes to instruments :) Concert sounded good.

-Tia

Donnovan's Concert

2009-04-24T09:31:00.002-05:00

The Concert

2009-04-24T09:25:00.003-05:00

Donnovan had his 5th grade concert last night. I have to say I rather enjoyed it. I think he did a really good job and sounded really good. He told me last night that he wants to play next year as well. When you listen to this you have to remember this is the first year for these kids. There was 3 elementary schools that were playing and they only had an hour of practice together.

2009-04-23T18:58:00.003-05:00

WOW! Ben looks sharp with his new glasses :) I can Donnovan in him.
Glad Stephanie knows all about geography. You should point out 'B suri' on the map. Gotta love it!

-Sarha

Mom this one's for you...

2009-04-22T18:58:00.002-05:00

We were in the car earlier and Nene was talking about where her grandma's are. She was talking about the one in B suri and she said "she likes me a lot" I thought it was so sweet. Then Donnovan read a letter from grandma and grandma mentioned to Nene that she needed to say Hi to the gecko's and Nene said "but they are nice and they like to look at me but they don't want to be in B suri", she is so serious about things sometimes. She loves her grandma in B suri and likes it when she calls and sends letters. Keep up the good work, mom!

-Katie

Ben's Glasses

2009-04-21T16:54:00.002-05:00

Again...

2009-04-20T11:58:00.003-05:00

He is gone AGAIN!!!! Hopefully this week will be calmer and we will find a house. Keep us in your prayers that we get something this week so we can move next week. And also about this summer. I am trying to work something out with Marshall so.... Mom I am glad you got your van back and it is fixed and better then ever. Hope everyone is having a good monday!

-Katie

Pricilla's home

2009-04-19T19:15:00.003-05:00

She's back home in the garage where she belongs! The car place even fixed the bump on the back door. Picked up the van on Friday and must say dad and I were impressed with the quality of work that was done on the van. I have an appt. to get the safety and emissions tests done tomorrow and will go get new plates while I'm at it. Then old Prissy will really be styling.

Mom

2009-04-18T19:40:00.002-05:00

Sorry to hear about the bump and bruises, but it's FUNNY just the same! (some day I might not think so...)
The Easter pictures look good. Where did you go to get them done? Stephanie is on her way to being a heartbreaker, isn't she- acting all cute and innocent. Live it up!

-Sarah

P.S. Have really enjoyed driving "Eddie" around. I've gotten lots of compliments :)

While dad is gone the kids will get hurt...

2009-04-16T09:32:00.002-05:00

OK so he was running around after scouts waiting for his ride, he was told under no circumstances that he is allowed to run around the building, it is still the church building whether it is Sunday or not, well he was running or rather being chased and he tripped and feel into the metal doors in the gym. Cut his head and I guess was bleeding really bad. He came home and the mom (Melissa, thanks) that took him and came in to tell me the real truth as to what happened. Donnovan always forgets a few parts, like the ones that he is involved in. So I looked at it and had him take a shower so it could clean up a bit. So he came out and his head was still bleeding, I am trying to decide what to do. I decided to put him to bed (he was so tried and didn't want to go to the ER because they would have to give him a shot in his head to numb it)it is amazing to me how fast the hurt disappears when faced with something like that. I was up till about 1am to keep checking on him. He woke up this morning with a bit of a headache but I am sure with a little Tylenol he will heal nicely. He tried to tell me that he could just stay home since all he would be doing at school is just sitting there listening to people talk about careers. Nice try son!

Then earlier in the day we outside cleaning up the backyard and I told them if they hurried we could go take showers and then watch a movie. BIG MISTAKE!! Ben was hurrying and face planted into the concrete. So I rush him inside and wash his mouth out. He kept telling me, "Mommy it's bleeding" so he has a little rash on the outside of his upper lip. The only one (knock on wood) that hasn't gotten hurt yet is Nene. We still have to get through today yet.

John Gone

2009-04-14T10:49:00.002-05:00

John is gone again. He left this morning and won't be back till late friday, then he leaves again on monday. Ben surprisingly has been the one that is having the most trouble with this. When John got home late last friday, Ben just clung to him all weekend. Kind of nice for me though. Then today as we were taking John to work he (Ben) just cried and cried and wanted to go with daddy to work. Hopefully this week Ben will behave better. I don't remember misbehaving while dad was gone.

-Katie

The Kids

2009-04-13T11:05:00.000-05:00

2009-04-13T11:02:00.001-05:00

Tell me which one you would like me to send you and what size you want, if you want to see more let me know and I will send an email to you with more.

-Katie

More Easter

2009-04-13T10:45:00.003-05:00

Easter Pictures

2009-04-13T10:43:00.002-05:00

Good News

2009-04-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

Pricilla is gonna live. Dad had her towed to a more reputable shop and they said the work can be done with no problem!! YEA!! Will take several days to make her better, but I can wait. Whew! Really didn't want a different vehicle.
Hope y'all have a great Easter and at some point during the day you remember the real reason we celebrate.

Love to all---------------Mom/Grandma

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T11:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter from the Bernard's!!!

My ABC's

2009-04-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

Write one or two words for each letter that describes something about you. (Its not as easy as it seems.)

A - adorable
B - black sheep
C - cute, cuddly,crafty, Cary
D - dreamer
E - exotic
F - friend
G - grateful
H -hungry
I - intense
J - joker
K - Katie
L - loud and loving
M - mom
N -nurturer
O - obnoxious (sometimes)
P - proud of my family
Q - quirky
R - red head
S - sister
T - trooper
U - unbelievable
V - very tired
W - witty
X - lots of x-rays
Y - yacky
Z - Zach is my brother

Try it!!!

-Katie

2009-04-07T23:05:00.002-05:00

Mom- really! A hard topped Jeep? You can't get much in there. What about a SUV of sorts? What makes the van "totaled"?
Good luck in getting all this sorted out! Hope you enjoy whatever you end up with :)
-Sarha

Tuesday

2009-04-07T19:14:00.002-05:00

Day 2 without John and Ben is going crazy. I think he is going thru some sort of seperation anxiety. He better sleep it off tonight and be better tomorrow. While we were at the grocery store tonight he decides to throw his cup at an oncoming car!!! Then he laughed. Of course I couldn't do anything since the people in the car were watching but as soon as they drove past I smacked his hand and told him not to do it again. He laughed at me.
Donnovan took the math part of his TAKS test today and got done WAAAAAAY before anyone else and of course they made fun of him again. He told us last week finally why he doesn't like to go to school. He says the kids make fun of him cause he is smart and then they call him a jerk. I asked him why they did that and he told me it is because he is better than them. I had to count to ten before I carried on. I told him with that attitude he would have no friends and they would call him that. So we talked about how to not raise his hand for EVERY answer and see if he could help those around him. I also told him under any circumstances is he better than anyone else. None of are. We may be better at something but never as a whole. I am thinking I don't like this growing up stuff.

-Katie

Poor Pricilla

2009-04-07T19:10:00.002-05:00

Poor Prissy the van has been declared 'totaled'. Several options are available and we are looking into each. I get to keep the rental til the 15th, which is a relief to Seth as I told him we would be sharing the jeep-----------not!!!!! Will let you all know if Prissy will be salvaged or if I'll be pimped out in a new red, hard-topped 2009 Jeep Wrangler. toodles--------Mom

2009-04-06T20:29:00.000-05:00

waa, waa for you, Golden Boy! (hehehe)

-Sarha

Watch Your Thoughts...

2009-04-06T19:14:00.001-05:00

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny..

-Katie

6APR09

2009-04-06T17:00:00.005-05:00

i had a long post telling of all my wild adventures and tales but when i went to publish it, it said someone else was trying to do the same thing and i didnt save it so i feel sorry for all of you you dont get to read my awesome blog entry, just this semi awesome one.

-Zach

2009-04-06T16:50:00.004-05:00

i want my picture on the followers list. I want cinnomon rolls as well! I just got done running five miles today half of which were on the beach. It was good. I need to start wearing my head band so i dont get the salty sweat in my eyes anymore it burns. School was canceled after lunch due to the heavy rain and tornado advisary. so i worked out in my room with my weighted vest i got the other day. Been doing lots of push ups and pull ups with it on. Not easy by any means but i need to get myself prepared for ground school. If you havent heard i have decided to persue the ground route in my "Intelligence Specialist" career. I would be going out with the seals and i would be attatched to a seal team and would do everything they do. I am really excited for the adventure i am partaking in and as well as the training i will be getting into!

-Zach

(Zach I just hit the publish post button for you - Katie)

2009-04-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

This is a GREAT idea!

-Sarah

2009-04-05T09:02:00.003-05:00

The cinnamon roll tradition continues with all of us girls making them and sharing with others. Mine came out really good this time, even tho' my daughters seemed to have had problems.

-Mom

Blow Thingy

2009-04-04T16:02:00.004-05:00

The other day John and I couldn't find Ben. He has a habit of hiding in our bedroom closet and getting into things. So we have learned to put anything of value up. (and yes that includes the potty paper) Well we found him in the closet the other day unwrapping tampons!!! We didn't laugh cause he was very serious about opening it. We did ask him what he was doing and his reply was "look at me" What he did was take the tampon apart and was then blowing on it and making the other part shoot across the room. Zach I know you are laughing right now and you are probably thinking that you wish you had one to try it. Mom keep an eye on your tampons next time Zach is there!!

-Katie

New Blog

2009-04-04T15:30:00.001-05:00

This blog is for all of us to keep in touch, post pictures, share stories, thoughts and news. I am so excited about this. I have my own personal blog that I have been keeping up to date since January and I love it. I don't write in journal's so this is my way of keeping a journal. If you have any questions let me know and have fun blogging.