Days with the Dorans

Our goal this summer is to try and see Grandma every couple of weeks. We went up north yesterday and Grandma took us to a Hands-On Science Museum. The kids had a lot of fun and it was hard to decide which pictures to use on this blog since there was so much to do, so I am just covering some of the highlights. First the kids learned about their bodies. They loved sitting in the giant mouth and brushing all of the teeth- they also learned about the human heart and listened to different hearts beating. (kids' hearts, dogs' heart, etc) There were a lot of areas where they could create things- like art, and build things with blocks and magnets. Ali Jane and Joey took turns sending balls up a ramp and then catching them, while Zach played with magnets and drums. There were cars that they could play in and pretend to gas up and they all loved 'driving' but it was a bit hard to share since they all seemed to like the same car. Ali Jane said her favorite part was the kitche...

The bigs had a great week at VBS- and came home sharing everything they learned about God which was very cool. Church today was held under the big tent and was awesome! During the service, Pastor Paul read a reading about Moses and Ali Jane got quite excited and ran to Papa to tell him about Moses. Grandma wasn't able to make it down (we're going to visit her tomorrow) but Uncle Dan, Auntie Steph & Maddy came. There were 595 kids that came to Vacation Bible School this week but Zach was not one of them. That meant he didn't get to sing the songs with the kids. (Though he does sing them in the car.) He was very excited though because after the food and some of the activities he hopped up on the stage with Nana and took the microphone right from her and you could hear him loud and clear- I don't know how he'd be with so many other kids... He's a lead singer kinda guy...

I am a sucker for info mercial 'must haves'- Or I should say that there are three things that I've gotten that were originally advertised on infomercials that I LOVE! I feel like I should get a kick-back for writing this blog... The first thing I bought was my Magic Bullet- I already blogged about that if you've been following- but I love the smoothies and salsa I make with it and it is a MUST have if you're a mommy! make your own baby food- it's cheaper and healthy! The second thing we got was the Shark Mop- and having two dogs and three kids at home (one of whom spills milk regularly it seems- and no it isn't our darling Goose who does drink from a cup...) I found myself mopping sometimes twice a day! PAIN! The Shark Mop is brilliant! Two seconds to do- cleans the floors wonderful (even my hard wood) and no extras to buy! (cleaners) A must have for sure! But my most recent infomercial buy (that I actually bought after watching it and didn't get...

Since school has been out Ali Jane has been calling her Nana & Papa and asking for a sleepover. She and Joe had slept there once before and now that school was out it made sense to ask for another overnight visit. The only problem was that Joey got sick. Jonasen complained that his stomach hurt and all day he was sick. He was throwing up every two hours! (No other symptoms though thank goodness!) When Al asked Nana and Papa if she could come over they said sure- she told them that Joey was sick though and asked if Zach could come instead. (Zach had never slept over before.) Nana & Papa agreed though I think were a little nervous how he would be. Al packed up her backpack all by herself (and she had everything she needed) and also brought her current favorite book "Purple- licious " and a princess puzzle she got at the dollar store. I dropped off the kids before my HUGS meeting and they had no problem saying goodbye- Al looked through the window and Zach through th...

I am excited to say that as of today I am officially done with school! It took me only two and a half days this year to close me room. (which is my all-time record!) My mom (who always helps me set up and close my room) and the kids came up today for last minute details- The bigs were great- they kept themselves busy with coloring and reading and Zach pretty much followed me all over the building. And so now my summer officially begins! I'm only taking one class this summer and a few workshops and such but otherwise I am officially in stay-at-home mom status! Let the fun begin!!! (After I rest up from the last couple days!)

It's official! I'm having a baby. I had lots of emotions today- and if you're up for the details you can check out the pause blog- if not- I will just pass on some words that my friend Diana said to me- and I find myself getting a lump in my throat just thinking about it... "So now when others ask what you're having you can say, a baby- with confidence," That's my prayer! Thanks for reading- Please keep us in your prayers!

OK- So I didn't get the best pictures or video... thank goodness for words! The 'Spring Sing' this year was fun! Ali Jane announced that she wasn't going to be shy anymore (yeah!) And I'd watched and listened to her practicing the singing and movements for weeks! I am happy to announce that she no longer is the girl checking out her nails while everyone else sings... now if we could only get her to look like she's enjoying herself! Seriously!?! Where is her smile? Joe had a great time rocking out on his guitar- especially after all the 'formal' singing was over and he could sing his 'Rock Band' songs! And Zach... well he sat in my lap- (Which explains the rocky video!) Of course he did stand and clap when he was supposed to and sing the "NA NA" song- but refused to do any of it from anywhere beyond an arms reach of his Mommy! Auntie Jodi and Randy came which was an added bonus! I had other videos- but am posting just one... I realize ...

I was shocked last week when I got a call (actually three calls) that said school was cancelled because there was no power! When my mom came to watch Z in the morning, I told her I didn't need her because school was cancelled. I drove the bigs to school and when I got back to the car there was a voicemail- and sure enough- plans had changed and they were now calling all of the teachers back to school. Small problem- Nana was at the gym working out- so Zach came to school with me... To be honest, I could have gotten much more done at home on my computer entering grades while he was in his own environment, than I did at school Zach loved coloring, stacking my big dice and reading books but of course wanted my attention the whole time. I finally got wise and took a sucker from my 'treats' bin filled with treats and toys that I auction off to my students (Don't worry- I don't use real money- but ' Doran Dollars'). Zach was a sticky mess when I finally heard f...