Way Back When-esday

Going through pictures on my computer and moving them to an external hard drive and trying to organize. Wow. Talk about blasts from the past.

Our wedding day - July 25, 1998

Jog A Thon - 2010

Click here to view these pictures larger

A Chat with the Principal

I went to the monthly PPTO meeting (the PTA of Connor's School) this week. I get 2 hours of  service credit for going so why not! Right? So aftwards, the principal approached me last and was like "Are you Connor's mom"? I was like uh yeah. She started going on and on about how much of a delight he is and how cute he is. Apparantly, he is the bathroom monitor so he makes sure that no one is talking in there (not sure how long it lasts) and he is just very grown up about his position making sure no one talks etc. The vice principal was there too and said he even caught me the other day talking. =) So my son is now well known! LOL! The principal told me she told the teachers and was like if this kindergartener can do this kind of a job I think all of our students should be able to. LOL!

The weekend

Well I'm really posting to write about the weekend (pretty low key as far as we are concerned LOL!). But I also wanted to take this opportunity to say there was NO TEARS! There was no FIGHTING and there was NO whining this morning. I was so very very very happy!! Connor did say he didn't like wearing his button shirts to school but he said it matter of factly and without whining or complaining. =) Coincidentally, his teacher must have said something to him about buttoning the bottom button. I didn't fight with him last week about buttoning any of the buttons. I let him be. It was enough that he put it on! This morning, he said just the bottom button Mom. And he tried to button it himself. I asked, did your teacher tell you that? He said yes.

So for the weekend. Friday night was the welcome back picnic at school. Connor did have fun. I think. Although he was VERY disappointed that we did not win the raffle. And he had a little tiff with some boys. He actually went out onto the grass and was playing with a bunch of boys. While he told me later they were in his class, I highly doubt that. So anyway, someone kicked the ball (i think I don't remember them throwing it) and Connor and some other boys ran to the ball. Connor got there first. He then basically tackled the ball and picked it up. After that I didn't see what happened until i saw him walking back towards the playground where the girls were playing. I asked him what happened. He never cried but he was upset because "those kids didn't want to play with him." I guess he wanted to throw the ball but they wouldn't let them. Surbjit said later he thinks they were supposed to be kicking the ball not picking it up. So we told Connor next time, he needs to find out what the rules of the game are and play by those rules. He probably wasn't supposed to throw it and that's why they didn't want to play. So the rest of the night was Connor at the playground wanting Surbjit and/or I to watch him play. He tried to play with Emily but her and Taylor were busy playing with our friends daughter Kaylee that also goes to St. Pius. But all in all, they all had fun (and got McD's for dinner that night!)

Saturday we woke up and it was the whiny crying day I like to call it. ALL DAY LONG. WHINE WHINE WHINE. Really??? We had soccer for Connor at noon. One of the parents has to stay with the kids and help them practice and then referee the "game". They basically split the kids up into groups of 6. They practice for like 20 mins and then they break and then they play a 3 on 3 game. Connor really did pretty well. He was able to steal the ball quite good from other players but I guess towards the end, he was complaining that he was tired. (I swear that is the story of his life!). But he said he had fun and liked it better than tball.

After soccer, we ran home, did a potty break and headed to Carbon Canyon park for my niece's birthday party. It was a beautiful day. Of course all the kids wanted to eat was candy. (Mental note - NEVER put the goody bags out until the end of the party, especially if they have candy in them!). We were finally able to get them to eat some pizza but they mainly ran around, tried to catch bugs (they got cool bug catchers and magnifying glasses) and played on the playgrounds that were there.

Sunday was basically a church day. I took Connor to mass (although after about 10 mins in, he wanted to go home. I made him wait until they do the gifts to the altar. That way I could turn in my donation ugh). Then we came home and Surbjit and Bigi took the kids (and Mona - my other niece) to the Gurdwara. After they came home, the girls took a nap and Connor and I headed to the grocery store. My goodness, whiny whiny again! He got better towards the end because I wouldn't give in on what he wanted. I'm hoping he's learning but geese! He's never been that bad at the store before. Oh well.

Came home and played and went for a walk the five of us. Then we ate dinner and went to bed. Well, Connor went to bed. The girls played in their beds for almost 2 hours!! Ugh. I so wish I could separate them. I think that would solve a lot of that problem but now its too late. I think they would cry for each other. LOL. At least they woke up this morning semi decent.

So that was our weekend in a nutshell!

I need to update

And since I've been so horrible I'm so sorry! Let me just hit some bullets:

1. Taylor is completely potty trained!!! YEAH!!! Now that was not that hard. THANK YOU PRESCHOOL!!! Emily is potty trained at night so no pull ups for her AT ALL. Taylor still needs pull ups at night although she doesn't like to wear them.
2. Connor started Kindergarten. It was great! Then Wednesday hit, and Thursday and Friday and the following Tuesday he was screaming hysterically because he didn't want to me leave. Then on Thursday he was screaming hysterically because he didn't want Daddy to pick him up. Make up your mind boy!!
3. Connor still does not like buttons. I shocked and awed him the first week but every day the second week was him saying I don't like buttons! Ugh. He needs to get over that.
4. Taylor and Emily started a new year at preschool. They moved Emily up to the Busy Bees (3 year old class) and Taylor stayed back in the Sunshines (2 year old class). Hopefully these couple of months of separation will benefit them both. Taylor is way too dependent on Emily.
5. Taylor and Emily had their first dentist appt. Taylor screamed hysterically. Emily didn't even utter a whine.
6. We went and visited Grandma and Grandpa for Labor day weekend. It was nice to see them and the Aunt's and Uncle's and cousin Evan.

I think that's pretty much the highlights. Connor starts soccer this Saturday. Should be interesting. Hopefully he takes to it better than tball! I think he will though it's much more fast paced. The girls finished gymnastics and did great. I'm thinking of signing them up to do dance at school. I think they would both enjoy it a lot.

I'll try to update more! Sorry it's been so sporadic. I'll try to be better!!!

Pictures from Heather

Click here to view these pictures larger

3 Short Weeks

until Connor starts Kindergarten! How crazy is that? It seems like yesterday I was just waiting for him to arrive! Now my baby is going to be starting Kindergarten. I find out this Thursday who his teacher is going to be. =) I can't wait. It's also the day I get to fill out all the FUN paperwork of daycare, volunteering etc. So much fun! NOT! Then afterwards we are going camping. It should be fun. New campground. No one else is going with, just our family, so we can work on our schedule and don't have to worry about anybody else. There is a pool and a small splash waterpark at this place. And multiple playgrounds. I'm really looking forward to checking it out!

Potty trained????

Well the week before we went camping the teachers at preschool decided it was time to potty traing Taylor. Really? Before we go camping? Ugh. It was rough. The first day she didn't go in the potty at all. Having several accidents! The second day, more of the same. The third day, I think she went pee pee once. Then it was time to go camping. I tried. I really tried but after the first day I couldn't deal with it anymore. Not after she pooped and didn't tell me and then when I went to have her go potty, poop falls out on the bathroom floor. =( Ugh. So she was in pull ups the rest of the weekend. Fastforward and it's the second week. She's back to school. The first day, one accident. The second day one accident. Third day one accident and then the fourth day NO accidents and no accidents at home either! Can I say she is fully potty trained? No. Are we almost there. YES!! I can see light at the end of the tunnel!!!

1st Haircut

Yes. It has taken me 2 1/2 years to get the girls first haircut. What can I say. Taylor's hair was just nice and flowing and thick and I wanted Emily's hair to grow. But it got to a point where Emily needed something done to her hair because it was so many different lengths in the back. So I bit the bullet. Taylor did NOT want to get her hair cut. She literally tried to JUMP from the chair but we bribed her with a lollipop and Kung Fu Panda and she sat and did really well. Emily was THRILLED to get her hair cut. No crying no whining and she wants to go back again. Of the two, there is a HUGE difference in the before and after of Emily. Taylor really only needed the dead ends cut off and you can tell she got her hair cut but not as much as Emily. Here are some pictures:

Taylor Before:

Emily Before:

Taylor After

Emily After:

All I have to say of Emily is where did my baby go? She looks like a little girl now and not my baby. Gosh they are growing up so fast!

Connor's first trip to the race track

Emily ready for cowboy dress up day

Busy Saturday

So last Saturday was BUSY. And I don't mean busy like I've said in the past but BUSY!! First Friday night was Kids Night Out. We ended up getting there at about 10:40 to pick the kids up and got busy talking to the teachers and didn't end up leaving until 11:40!! Yikes!! Connor and Emily ran around with the other kids that were still there. They played Simon says and just chased each other. It was cute to watch. Taylor wanted me to hold her so I did. She put her head on my shoulder and then proceeded to fall asleep!! Ha ha! Only Taylor! So needless to say, the kids didn't go to bed until almost midnight.

Saturday was the very busy day. Connor slept in until 7:30. I ended up waking up the girls at 8am because we had to eat and get ready for gymnastics! Plus Connor had tball pictures at 9:30. Bigi was going to go with me and the twins for gymnastics but ended up getting called into work. Uh oh! So I called up Shawn and she saved my life! She was able to come with us and help me out with the girls. We don't see her that often so I was worried the girls wouldn't "take" to her but they sure did! I was even having a problem with Emily during the first class because she wanted Shawn instead of doing the class with me! LOL! Fortunately, we shouldn't have this problem again since tball is only during the week. I've also switched both girls to the 10:05 class and I'm signing Connor up for the 10:05 class for his age group since he was so adament about wanting to be in the gymnastics class.

So we went to gymnastics from 9 until 11. And Surbjit took Connor to tball pictures at 9:30. Once we got home, we gave the kids a snack and then headed to the beach for Mona's birthday party. We got there a little after Noon. It was beautiful! I was a little worried at first because the sun didn't appear to want to make an appearance but as soon as we got to the beach, it came out. =) The kids LOVED playing at the beach and I loved this beach. I want to go back again.

Taylor, Emily and Connor enjoying lunch.

Playing in the sand

Emily all wrapped up.

Surbjit had to meet me at the birthday party because he had to go sign up Emily for swim lessons. So we had two cars there. After we were done, we went back to the house, dropped off my car and headed up to see John and Melissa in Victorville. We haven't seen them since December because they had moved to South Dakota for John's work but thankfully, they were able to move back home at the end of May! Yeah!! So we drove up there and let the kids play. They had so much fun! Connor and Mackenzie drove around in the Barbie Jeep. Taylor and Emily rode Mackenzie's bikes around the driveway and Kendalynn joined in too. Then we moved to the backyard to BBQ and play on the swing set. It was a fun night but another late one. We didn't leave until 10:30. Needless to say, the kids all fell asleep on the way home (Surbjit too!) and we didn't end up getting home until almost midnight.

We were all able to sleep in on Sunday though! Surbjit, Taylor and Emily stayed home all day. I went to church and took Connor with me. He did amazingly good considering that was the first time he ever went to church with me. I think it helps that they go to chapel at preschool! Then he went with me to run errands. So it was a nice semi-relaxing day.

Thankfully this weekend we have nothing planned. Just 4th of July which we are going to a friends house to BBQ and let the kids swim and jump (we rented a jumper!). I'm sure we'll have fun. Then Surbjit and I are off Monday but preschool is open! So the kids will go to preschool and maybe I'll get to relax a little for once. ;)

The Rainbows Class

So there are 5 classrooms at the kids preschool. They are as follows:

2 year olds - Sunshines
3 year olds - Busy Bees
4 year olds - Precious Doves
4 year olds - Shining Stars
5 year olds - Rainbows (Pre-K)

The Rainbows are meant for those kids that are older but can't or aren't starting kindergarten. So during the school year, they are mainly old 4 year olds and young 5s. Well Monday starts the summer session at preschool and we were notified yesterday that Connor is going to be moving to the Rainbows. =D There are only two kids in his class moving there. I am so happy for him. I think this will be perfect to allow him more learning time and a way to grow and get accustomed to going to kindergarten. The school he is attending next fall was offering a summer school for the kindergarten class. Unfortunately I couldn't do it because of logistics and timing. With him starting in the rainbows, he will still get that pre-k type refresher course before he starts kindergarten. Yeah!! And let me tell you, I was hesitant because I didn't know how he would take it - he is estatic!! He was so happy when I told him!! So Monday will be his first day in his new class. =)

I'm calling in sick

to work tomorrow and we are taking Connor to see Toy Story 3!! Woo Hoo!! This will be his first movie! Yeah! Now the debate is whether we want to take the girls. Hmmm. I say no. They won't sit and watch a 30 min show let alone a 1 hour and 45 min movie. Now if they were like Connor was at this age I'd say totally let's try it but they are not as "zoned" on the TV as Connor was/is. So we will see. Then the plan is to pick up the girls (if they don't go with us) and go to Knott's for a couple of hours. Then we have a graduation party for our friends daughter at 7pm.

Saturday will be just as busy with Gymnastics at 9:15 and 10:05am and then go and attempt to sign up for swim lessons at 12:30 if there is still room. Yikes. Busy busy. At least Sunday we have no plans. So maybe I'll get to breathe then. =)

Busy Busy Busy but we did have a break!

This past weekend was a low key type weekend. Well as low key as you can get in my family. LOL! Friday night we stayed home. The kids played outside LATE. The neighbor across the street came over with her two sons. Diego is turning 4 this month and the baby is 8 months old. The kids LOVED talking to the baby and making him laugh. And Connor and Diego had a grand time riding the truck and quad all over the front yard. We didn't end up eating dinner until after 7:30pm that's how late we were playing outside!

Saturday we woke up and just chilled out around the house. Then we all went to Target. Geesh! At least they have carts where I can fit 3 kids. YEAH! I so should have taken a picture! oh well. And the Target we went to even has produce now! So the kids spied a watermelon and bananas so we got them. Then we went home and played all afternoon. I also introduced the kids to the Wii. Was that a mistake? Nah. The LOVEd playing Just Dance and Connor did great at bowling. But when I asked if they wanted to go outside, they didn't hesitate. =D Of course we played the Wii again on Sunday too. LOL! Then it was time for our slumber party. =) We rented a new movie from Netflix (Ice Age:Dawn of the Dinosours) and we spread a blanket and pillows out and laid down and had popcorn. Connor loved the movie. The girls - well they just aren't into TV like their brother is. Not sure if that is good or bad.  Only time will tell! Emily ended up falling asleep before the movie was over. I turned off the movie and Connor, Taylor and I proceeded to fall asleep. Let's just say the floor - not that comfortable. At least for us adults!

Woke up on Sunday. I went to church and then came home and Surbjit took the kids to the gudwara with Bigi while I went to the grocery store. When they came back, we played a little Wii then went outside and played some more until it was time for dinner.

So low key weekend. ;) Thursday we are leaving to go visit Grandma & Grandpa. The kids are so excited. Not sure if they are more excited to see Grandma and Grandpa or their dogs, Duchess and Penny!! Two of my Aunts and Uncles on my Dad's side are visiting from Michigan so it should be a fun trip. Plus Saturday all of the kids are supposed to be there so we will finally get a chance to get all seven of us in one picture. I don't think we've ever all been in the same room since my Mom and I moved back from NY in 1990!!! Yikes. Definitely a picture moment that's for sure.

In upcoming sporting news - I did sign Connor up for Tball. He starts that 6/22. It's Tuesday/Thursdays from 5- 5:45pm. Then I signed both the girls up for Gymnastics. Taylor's class is at 9:15 and Emily's is at 10:05. It's a parent and me so I'll get to do stuff with them. Then of course starting this month is swim lessons too. We are going to miss the first round but we'll start after that with Mon- Friday 5:55pm classes. And yes, that means on Tuesday-thursday we will be EXTREMELY busy until Tball is over (the beginning of August!).

So that's a little recap of the Singh household for now. I'll try to update more often but NO promises! LOL!

Memorial Day Pictures

Click here to view these pictures larger

The Aftermath

This is what happens after a weekend of no naps and late bedtime!! But
well worth it! =)

POTTY TRAINED!!!

One down, one to go! And then I'll be DIAPER FREE! Oh my god. What will that be like?!?! I cannot even imagine. Can you believe I have had to change diapers since November 23rd 2005!!! That is 1,646 days as of today! COME ON TAYLOR!!! Let's get rid of the diapers.  So the great news is I don't have to pay the extra potty training fee at daycare anymore starting next month for Emily. (By the way, it is Emily that is potty trained. She hasn't had an accident in over two weeks I think. Watch I just jinxed myself!) It's so nice! And while we do remind her to go potty (and she puts up a fight occasionally) she will tell us when she has to go. Even when she has to go Poop!! YEAH!!!! I am beyond excited. Now if only Taylor would get interested. Even a little bit. She flaty REFUSES to use the potty. I guess the plan at preschool is start potty training her in mid June. I laughed when Surbjit told me that. They can try but I don't think they'll be successful. Taylor has a mind of her own. Hello - this is the girl that decided not to walk until 19 months. But when she did, she took off and you'd never guess she hadn't been walking for months! I'm not worried or stressed over it. Shoot, Connor wasn't potty trained until 37 months. I'm just happy I only have one in diapers now. WOO HOO!!!

Surprise Text Message

So I was at work the other day and I get a text message. I look at the number and I'm like who the heck is that?? Then I look at the text. It's a picture:

That's Emily and one of her preschool teachers! She must have seen my cell phone number somewhere and decided to send me a picture. She also sent this one:

She said Emily was hanging out with her during her break. Too cute! Was a very NICE surprise to get during the day!!!

This Weekend

I don't know what to do with myself! Tonight is Kids Night Out at preschool again. The kids LOVE going and for the price, we can't beat a night to ourselves! Our only problem is making sure we don't fall asleep and pick them up by 11pm! LOL!

Then on Saturday night, Uncle Harjinder and Aunt Edith invited the kids over for a sleep over. Wow! Two night in a row! What will we ever do with ourselves! LOL!