Broken times 2

Soccer is the sport of our family. It is how we spend our time. Our younger kids have always been involved in soccer because they started tagging along to games and practices very early in life. It is fun to support each other and as parents we encourage it. I would be lying if I said that the kids love to go to one anothers games....they don't. The reality is, once they get there they seem to be very "into" the game and end up being part of the cheerful crowd. Soccer is also responsible for some not so positive family times.

There seems to be some a correlation between soccer and broken arms in our family. So far the girls have taken fall as victims.

When Kara was in Kindergarten she was playing on a playground (monkey bars specifically) during a soccer tournament and she fell and broke her elbow. It required pins and surgery to fix it.

Then in August 2010 there was a phone call from the nurses offices at the school. Soccer had once again taken an opportunity to test the strength of Kara's arm.

During lunch recess there was a friendly soccer game taking place and Kara was participating. After an obvious sign of a broken arm visually, we rushed to the ER. Confirmed BROKEN. Not only was her arm broken, it needed to be set. So off to sleep with some emergency room special, Michael Jackson Juice as it's called.

After a couple of minutes it was set and wrapped. She was a trooper!

So, when was the next curse of the broken soccer arm ?

September 2011, Devri was practicing with her high school team when it happened. During the season and until the end of the semester, Devri had her A4 class period at the high school. It was common for them to practice soccer and play some soccer related games. One day they had a challenge called "goalie wars" and the object was to keep the ball out of the goal. When it was Devri's turn, the ball came racing in and she hit it away with her arm - and immediately knew it was not without consequence. In pain she exited the goal and took hold of her arm. After some faculty and her coach took a good look they recommended a phone call to mom and dad.

Off to the Dr's office we went. Broken arm, cast for 6 weeks and padding and brace for a while longer. She played the season with a CLUB on her arm. Her coach has now advised her that she is never allowed to play goalie again....ever.

Let's just hope this is the end of the broken bones, because there is never an end of soccer.

So that's what they're called!

Welcome to.......DOINKEES!! Apparently Owen has had a little name mix-up and while shopping at the store he declared that he loved these (note the large pic above). "Remember mom, once I had DOINKEES?" HA, I laughed ALOT! How cute.

Owen had a birthday...that his mom didn't blog!

Owen turned 4 last year at the end of November. I know it doesn't seem possible, but four years can slip by and come and go in a flash.

I especially want to record the funny things that my four-year old says, and my over neglected blog is where I chose to record it:

*For his birthday he wanted legos, a little einstein set, a pink castle house (hey, he's four), hot wheels, car move set (that is what he calls Lightning Mc Queen?), a legos helicopter and pretty much everything he saw at the store was a recommended birthday gift

*His most recent number of choice.....15-8.

It's time to get up at fifteen-eight, when there's a lot of items to count he describes the amount as fifteen-eight, and if a car goes really fast then it goes fifteen-eight.

*He is his own kind of obsessive compulsive. He is determined to have everything in it's place and a place for everything. You would think that having a child like that would be golden, but really it can sometimes be TOO MUCH. If his shoes aren't in the cubby, he can't move on. If the toys aren't in his room, he can't eat lunch. If his coat is not on the hook, he can't go to the bathroom. Sheesh, relax a little!

*A little word of advice: Don't get in the car and go anywhere if it requires going on the freeway. He "hates" the freeway. One of his first questions when pulling out of the driveway is whether or not we will be traveling the freeway. Thanks to our long drive to California in Oct-he thinks the freeway is just that long everywhere you go.

I'll try to enjoy this last 4 year old year I will have! No more babies means no more fun 4 year olds to look forward to. I guess I'll have to spoil him ;)

School is in full swing!

What a great start we've had so far into the new school year. Not saying much since we are still in the first few days, but still, it's been very positive.

Devri....." I love school mom! It's so much fun and I don't know why but my friends say they don't really like it. I like it because it's fun having more classes and feeling like there's more responsibility. It's going to make me feel like I am older and I can handle more stuff!"

Kelson...."My favorite thing about school was recess. (of course it was) I liked my teacher and I have some friends in my class. My teacher talks forever, but at least she didn't give us homework."

Kara....." We get to have a pajama party and eat lunch with the teacher on FRYTOG FRIDAY?? if we get our points for the quietest table. I love school! It's so much fun at lunch because I have friends I sit with."

These comments made me feel so good when I talked to each of them. Devri started JUNIOR HIGH, for the love! I remember going to junior high. I remember a lot about it so it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Here we are already with a daughter in 7th grade?? Im hoping the excitement doesn't wear off too fast, but I am aware as in years past-it always does. :( If they can just maintain positive attitudes and do the homework, that will make me happy enough. Some mom's are a bit broken hearted to have their kids off to school, but for me it is an opportunity for absence to make the heart grow fonder. NO constant stream of crusty countertops and messes about the house for a few hours a day. NO arguing, boredom, or doors left wide open. Aaaah, I love it! Refreshed and smiling I will be when they greet me at the door. "I love you school".

Run Run Run

This summer we have had our two oldest kids participating in track. They have actually really liked it and it has been a great way to maintain conditioning over the summer. They both have their strengths and Devri certainly takes herself very seriously when it comes to "winning"! She took first in 3 events and Kelson took first or second in his running and softball throw-I cant remember which one? was the first or second...I just know he's awesome and did very well. They might find their niche here but soccer and baseball are their firsts. Always something to keep the mom running ;)

Summers quick approach!

I haven't blogged for a long time (not that anyone is missing it) but I really feel like I have some summer fears as it approaches.

Don't get me wrong, I like summer, the sun, swimming with the kids, sending kids outside to play for hours, camping and fishing, a relaxed bedtime, and other summer stuff. I just get anxious about the close proximity of my children for extended periods of time allowing them to torment each other more frequently.

You know that sound,....

"He's bothering me!" "Leave me alone!" "She's touching me!" ?? We've all heard them. I know I do, and they are very normal. Obviously if kids are at school, separated, in classes, not at home-I hear all this less. I'm gearing up, bring it on!!

All in all, I have really great kids. Normal, but great kids. I hope that they will allow me a break from the task of "referee" this summer. Who knows, maybe they'll all be best friends, begging with kind loving words for each other to play? Maybe??

Devri and the D.R.

Ta Da, all about the Dominican Republic in the 6th grade. Last week at school, Devri finally got to put together her country report that she has (well, we have) been working on for months. It was very well done. Her display board was put together nicely and she should be commended for putting such effort and time into it. I vaguely remember doing these kinds of things in elementary school, but I know that when we did them we actually had to find a library book and look up the info. Times have changed and for the most part the www was a great tool for info.

I bought $10 worth of plantains for her to give as samples. For those of you who don't know, a plantain is another type of banana. Devri found out quickly that young children would not try them if she called them plantians, but would eagerly take a sample if she called them bananas. Silly kids :)

Glad it's over, but proud of the presentation and for a good daughter/student....on to JUNIOR HIGH WE GO! Ahhh

Tooth News

Another good picture of one of my darling children. Kara had three teeth pulled last month and it was quite an adventure. She was growing her permanent tooth behind the baby tooth on the bottom and that meant it was not going to push the baby tooth out. Kara, as cute as she is, had a small defect in her teeth genetics (it is genetic as my dad and older sister both had the same issue). She grew an extra baby tooth. She grew three bottom incisors instead of two. All good though-there is no "extra" permanent tooth. The purpose of pulling out all three teeth in one day was to create more room for the right teeth to come into place. Here's the GORGEOUS smile she gave the camera to document the day. Say "Cheese"!!

12 yrs old....really?

Owen's cheesy face in this picture, priceless!

It is way over due and way slacker of me, but I am still going to post a big BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT for Devri's birthday this month. It was on the 6th (so at least Im still in the right month for talking about it) and it was a big landmark in her life. Young Womens, the last year of being a tween, and just a big number 12. She is such a great 12 year old and I love spending time with her. If only that mother/daughter friendliness can stick? Please!! Happy Happy Birthday Devri....You are a great sister, friend, daughter, comedian, student, reader, artist, soccer player, and athlete.

WE LOVE YOU!

YO with a sideways E

Today I got a late Christmas present. It was late because Kelson left it in his backpack over the Christmas break. We didn't worry too much about what was in the kids' backpacks over the long holiday, but this morning we found this gift and some other interesting things.

The best was this gift. The worst was the rotting, mold growing through the zipper, oozing banana in Kara's lunchbox. There are no pictures of the banana because we were all sick from the sight and I don't want to see it again.

Back to the gift..... Kelson made me this great self portrait frame. He did it at school. I love it. The best part was opening it and using my imagination to figure out how all of the parts had meaning. The top says YO, and then there is a sideways E. I noticed it sort of looked like maybe he spelled "YOM". He did. And what does in stand for you ask? It is short for "Yo Momma" :)

I've heard him say that to me before, but I didn't really know he felt like it was the way he wanted to address me on his personal Christmas Gift. Apparently, it's meant to be loving. I'll take it!

Next, the white candies on the top corners. There are still the typical red stripes you see on peppermints, but the fronts looked so glossy white. He explained that he wanted them to be plain white so he licked them til they were and then glued them on. Oooh, " that's nice too" I thought.

And the red candies on the bottom corners, they were decorated with a little extra color - from an ink pen. Hmmm, nice touch I guess?

Anyway, I just found a lot of humor (he his a humorous kid) in this late, but very thoughtful gift! I don't want to forget it. I also thought it might bring a smile to someone else's face. Kids make life interesting for sure!

Dancing Queen!

What a new experience for the Hartle family. Devri has signed up and participated in the school's ballroom dance class. This month they had a performance and we were able to see her "MOVES". She did very well and is anticipating the next round of classes after the Christmas break. Our family is not a family of dancing stars, but maybe if she sticks with it we'll have lots of future performances to help us fall in love with Ballroom. So far it's still a little new and interesting! Kelson looked as though he was in pain trying to watch, but when I asked him if he wanted to sign up next, he looked TERRIFIED! :o
Good Job Devri! We are proud of you and your willingness to get up on your own for your early ballroom classes.

Monet? Picasso?

Kara had some fun in the back yard with friends the other day. They ask me to come look at their sidewalk chalk drawing. This is a picture taken from the top deck to the patio down below, so it's a BIG drawing. At first I just saw a distorded face-like drawing that was produced by 3 six year olds. Then I get the narration and detail of what each part is:

This is a baby.

That's earwax coming out of it's ears.

The hair is in knots.

That's blood coming out of the eyes.

The nose is running with "wet snot" as they called it.

It's mouth is ripped open.

And of course it's throwing up.

Oh, and I almost forgot....it's teeth are falling out too.

I was a little taken back trying to decide if this was considered gruesome or if maybe they really just had a super fun time drawing a crazy thing with chalk. I'm going to make myself feel better and assume it's not the beginning of a new children's art genre.

Silly Girls :)

We survived - Super Soccer Season!

The fall soccer season is coming to a close. Our family is non-stop each year as the season rolls around. Kelson played his first year on a city competition league, and Devri played her second year of AAA club soccer. They've both been playing since they were 4 years old.

The biggest improvement has actually taken place over the last year for both of them. We are so proud of all their hard work and dedication (not to mention parents cars literally becoming the soccer buses) as they helped teams play the games. Devri has a couple games next week and a tournament that will finish next weekend. Hopefully there will be more goals scored and titles won. I guess the definition of "soccer mom" really means that you eat, sleep, and drive to and from soccer constantly. It's also a good thing that the season comes and goes, so I can gear up for it to come again. Dan has played on two teams as well this year, so I'm truly living life in all things soccer.

Go Teams Go

New Species

There has been a new discovery at our house.

According to the 2 year old, there is now a "Prinemansterous"

type of insect. Actually the kids caught it, and now the newly named insect is living in a former home of a hermit crab. The captive green thing even got a chance to go visit the first grade class with Kara this morning. I thought I should record this because if there was a reason to rename the Praying Mantis, I think Prinemansterous is a good fit. Really I just thought it was a cute thing for one of my kids to say-and I don't want to forget it. Thanks to all the kids in life that give us some good laughs and keep us thinking by what they say!

Picture party fun

I never have too much excitement running through my blood when it comes to throwing a KIDS BIRTHDAY party, or any birthday party for that matter. It's just never been something I've anticipated or enjoyed. However, for Kara's Birthday this year we had a friend party (I decided until the kids are 16 they can have one on their even birthdays ;{ ) and it was actually sort of cute. And I admit it was a little fun to plan. Nothing big, we had a "jungle animal" theme and went miniature golfing. But when I uploaded the photos, that was the best part. All the cute kids, animal background, colors, and SMILE on Kara's face made it worth it. Until next time....let's hope since Devri is up next, she'll pick to go do something fun with the fam-because thats and option too. ;)

Goggles vs. Glasses

What do I know? I found that I underestimated this kid's knowledge one day as I watched him play with his TOOL SET. How funny and cute it was to watch him as he was playing while wearing all the equipment.

So, we had the following discussion:

Me: Keep your glasses on Owen, Im going to get the camera.

Owen: Ok, they are poking my eyes.

(I fix them carefully so they feel more comfortable)

Me: Now lets take your picture. Say "cheese" at the camera, oH, but leave your glasses on.

Owen: Cheese......mom, Achooly (Actually), these are goggles-not glasses.

Alrighty then. We are now very clear on the proper jargon and his pics turned out great.

Elementary KIDZ

Okay, now that I've leveled out my celebration of the "kids being at school", I thought I should post how fashionably ready they were to go. Of course both of the girls cared quite a bit about the clothes they got for school. Kelson however, just requested as usual, that I pick something out for him....he doesn't really care. He wore what I picked and so he must have liked it? Devri, 6th grade, comment after first day of school "It was really great! I just sit in front of this kid who blows on the back of my head and slides his papers up until they are rubbing the back of my neck. Im seriously sick of it already.

Kelson, 4th grade, comment first day of school: "It was fun. I have this new kid in my class though, he's so bad. Our teacher almost pulled his card on the first day" (a card is a discipline technique) Now, I realize you might be thinking "Kelson is missing an eye?" Well, we are battling amblyopia, an eye condition more common than I was aware of. If he wants to be at all functional in the sports world of boys, he must wear this patch over his eye daily until we strengthen the muscles in the other eye. NOT FUN

Kara, 1st grade, comment on the first day of school: " I loved it! I didn't get to eat all my lunch though. There was this kid in my class who peed his pants too."

Now, Im saying, "Did my kids really enjoy their first day of school, or were they just preoccupied with thoughts about what other kids do at school?" Maybe sitting in a controlled environment made them think more about what was happening around them. They were so used to care free summer. Now it's over :)

And where did the time go?

I came across this picture.....and wondered where the time has gone?

He's going to be 3 in November.

I'm going to need to remember that my baby is only a baby for a little while.

He is hilarious right now with all his silly words:

Bajender=Band Aid

Irritating= Tape Measure

Thicup=Sippy cup

Feethefer=Phineas and Ferb (the kids show for those of you who have Disney channel)

Shalow=shower

Hantannah=Hannah Montana

Four wayer= Four wheeler

And the best one is....the location of what he calls my "pocket". You know that space in the mom's shirt between the shirt and the girls? Ya, that's my pocket.

Silly Boy??

Dinner time toys!

I thought this was humerous. One dinner evening the toy car was "suppose" to sit on the highchair tray, when actually we found that the Police had been in a little accident. How fitting! This is what it looks like when bean dip becomes fun - instead of food :)

You tell em Owen.

We took a little "time filler" trip to Thanksgiving Point Animal Farm on the last day of school.
Owen was not impressed by the adult goats ramming and shoving the baby goats out of the way
in order to get corn kernels from us. He told them what he thought!!