the real Day 6

I took the kids to Target before lunch and picked up lunchables as a quick and cheap lunch. They loved them. Streed and Ella, that is. That afternoon our good blond buddy got in town and we were so excited. That night was the first social of the summer--Beach Olympics. It is my favorite because it is usually the only one I can take the kids to, which means it is the only one I attend. It is laid back and the kids have so much fun. I brought a bat and soccer ball out there for the kids knowing they would want to copy the big college students doing their relay races. The little ones were really into the buckets and shovels that Jill thought to bring. All in all it was a great night. So, I was too tired to post. I got in bed after I dusted off the sand. I know. As Shana would say, "Don't Judge Me!"

Day 6

tomorrow, tomorrow. i'll post tomorrow. it's only a day away!

another break from the day-to-day posts

We had a fun night at Pier Park on Friday night, I think
(the days run together)

Nate was trying to get some loving from his new friend

Streed and Isaac wrestled the entire time

31 or 13

I am watching the MTV Movie Awards right now because I saw on Facebook today that I would see a sneak peek at the Twilight New Moon movie trailer. I mean come on. Am I 31 or 13?

And BTW, I am super excited about the new movie! The trailer looked great. Way better than the first. I am going to reread the book again real soon. As soon as I buy the entire saga off of Amazon.

I mean really, 31 or 13?

Day 5

SBP officially started today. We had a meal with everyone tonight at the church. This should be great...two meals provided a week. I mean, what mom wouldn't love that? Uhh, this one! It is just too much. Not too much work, just too much stress. There are 10 kids here right now and STREED is the oldest. All the kids sit (ha) in one corner. They sit for about two seconds and then the wrestling begins. Two drinks were knocked over. Ella almost broke a snare drum. Nate got tired of his high chair. I realize the beach project is not designed for families. I embrace that. I am going to do my own thing while I am here rather than try to fit my kids into the schedule. I do not know if that is the best attitude but I think it will help me to have a better attitude.

We are super excited that there are so many Southeastern students here! And there are several more overseas in Tailand.

Day 4

I was reading "Don't Make Me Count to Three" by Ginger Plowman. It is an awesome book with really practical advice for parenting. A particular scenario had to do with whining. What she did with her daughter was talk to her about how she did not speak with self-control. She made her wait 5 minutes and then try to ask again. I have tried to work on Ella's wording a lot lately. She just does not get it. I am constantly getting her to rephrase her beggings into more of a kind request..."May I..."

This happened twice today...no lie

Ella was whining about something.
I asked how do you need to ask me for something?
She said, "Please?"
I said, "No, put it in a full sentence."
PAUSE She was thinking
"Pwetty Pwetty Please?"

Day 3

I met our neighbor today. He walked out his door and asked me, "How do you put up with them?" I pretended I did not understand him. I asked, "How do I keep up with them?" He said, "No, put up with them." I told him I loved them. He said, "You have 3 of them. Hmmm. I am a W.C Fields guy. I hate kids and dogs."

This was the end of our conversation.

Day 2

This is supposed to go at the bottom of the post.

I am going to have to start dressing the kids before the morning escape. We will have to leave our room every morning for Nate's nap. It was hot and a tad boring. I should have taken a book with me. We stayed out there for a while but eventually had to wake him up. Streed was begging me saying, "please I am sweating!"


We ate lunch in another wife's room--6 kids, 3 moms and at one point 3 dads. It was a little much.

After nap activity!

After naps we went swimming. This was a highlight. I really enjoyed swimming that late in the day. It is a small pool but it is nice. The steps in the shallow end were big enough for all the kids to play on. This will be a daily activity I am sure. Streed got brave once he saw what his friends could do. Ella was still a little more careful. It really passes the time until dinner. The only thing I may add is walking when they/we get up from nap.

Dinner was great. Since we don't have a kitchen yet, we pitched in with the Baxters and ate delicious tacos. We ate at some picnic tables out near the pool in a big field. I know it sounds random but it was great. I told Kim I would be glad to have her cook and grocery shop all summer if I just had to pay her. She did not think that was a great idea. The field was great because the kids could play after they ate. (SEE FIRST PICTURE) The weather was awesome. I remembered that every year when we get here I am amazed at how great the air feels. Then a week later the heat sets in. So, we are going to enjoy our outside dining while we can. The rooms are really small so it is good to get out and be around people.

another day down. and now down we all go.

Day 1

Neil, Nate and Mama

The day started in Mobile with a half-way point stop at Aunt Robyn's. My mom and Neil came over to visit. Nate was quite taken by Neil. He basically sat in his lap the entire visit. We then loaded up and went on our merry way. The boys were with me and Ella was with Chip.

We are staying at a new facility this year. Correction, new to us. I had looked it up online a few days ago and was quite impressed. It seemed really nice considering some of the past establishments we have inhabited. I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived. Our room was clean! That is a feat in itself. The tub seems new as does the bathroom tile. ALSO-we thought there were no adjoining rooms which meant we were going to have two separate rooms and that I would sleep with the kids each night. However, we have an adjoining room!!! This was sweet of the Lord considering it was not something I even prayed about. But, the 2nd room is not available until Sunday so we are all piling up in the KING SIZE bed for a few nights! Those who know us well know that is nothing new. Here are some pics from our room as we were settling in and getting ready for bed.

After all the staff got semi-settled (translation: cars unpacked and rooms coated with lysol) we all headed to Pineapple Willy's for dinner and play time. The outside dining deck sits out over the sand. So, while we waited for our food the kids were able to work off some energy that was pent up from traveling. The kids are always excited to see the other staff kids. They so look forward to their time at the beach project every year. Here are some of those pics. The cute little dark haired baby is a few weeks younger than Nate and I am in love with her.

Nate loved the sand

duane with most of the kids
sweet ella loved it too.

streed was too busy playing to get a pic of him

but here he is two years ago in the same shirt nate is wearing today

on the first day of beach project

It is only 9:35pm but I am quite weary from days of packing and traveling. And the family bed is calling my name. Everyone has finally passed out. Day 2 will begin quite soon. Night Night

The Chronicles of PCB--The Facility, the Family, and the Focus

I decided today that I will blog everyday while at the beach project. I know there will be many opportunities to share humorous stories as well as give insight into the project itself. The posts will center around the facility, our family, and the focus of the project. Enjoy...I know you will.