Mini-p

Good Job Nathan

2012-02-02T19:20:00.002-05:00

Nathan got his second report card of first grade and he did great. He really didn't have much room for improvement but he is now above grade level in reading, writing and spelling and at grade level in math. His grade equivalent score is 4.1 which means he is comparable to those of an average fourth grader in the first month of school. He also received a national Percentile Rank of 99. Which means he scored greater than 99% of students nationally in the same grade..... so what do I have say AHHHHAHHHH the college fund is looking rather small these days!!!Keep up the good work Nathan and you better get a scholarship because mommy is going shopping tomorrow!!!

Star light, star bright!

2012-01-25T21:19:00.003-05:00

As we were leaving piano lessons tonight riding in the car through the sound of the radio, Owen screaming and Nathan asking me if he could play with my iphone one hundred times I heard a faint whisper in the back seat. It was Caitlin she was singing star light star bright first star I see tonight. She was singing it softly and peacefully and as I looked out of the corner of my eye I saw the star. I let her sing it a few times hoping I could remember this memory forever and I asked her "Caitlin what are you wishing for" Her response " I want to go for a ride on a horse". Well we might just have to do that again real soon. Thanks Caitlin for making me smile and for just being you! I hope no matter what you always remember to wish upon the stars!
Love Mom!

Mini- Vacation

2012-01-16T10:23:00.017-05:00

We busted Nathan out of school at noon on Friday and headed down to Myrtle beach for a mini-vacation over the long weekend. This was the view from the room. It was too cold for the beach but we found plenty to keep us busy and had a great time.

Nathan check out the kids bedroom! Nathan is happy as long as he doesn't share a bed with Caitlin and I totally understand . Sharing a bed with Caitlin is like trying to sleep on a trampoline with three two year olds on it.

Funny story. On the way to the beach Carl asks me about our hotel room. This place has an awesome indoor water park, actually two, its half the distance as Great Wolf Lodge and 1/4 of the price so it was an awesome find!!!! I was reading my confirmation email to Carl, I told him we had a two beedroom condo, one beedroom with a king and one with two queens. etc.... When we got there Caitlin walked in and said, Mommy and I are sleeping with the Queens. Daddy, Nathan and Owen can sleep with the king! Too Funny.. I had to explain to her that there were no real Kings and Queens in our room that is just how you describe the size of the bed. The room was awesome with two bathrooms and a big jacuzzi to warm everyone in after a trip back from the water park. Carl enjoyed all three t.v.'s so no football was missed not to mention trips to the bar for more beer when we ran out.

Owen and Dad check out eh submarine. Caitlin is on the right side. There were water slids in every park but I had to hold Owen so I never got a picture.

Nathan and Caitlin watching the big bucket fill with water.... uh oh watch out!

This is what happens ... fun fun!

Hi Mom this is fun!!!!

Each waterpark had a couple of pools and play structures. There was something for everyone. The best part, it was warm warm warm. The kids were comfortable in just bathing suits.

No trip to the beach would be complete without a new pet hermit crab!

Water park number 2 with a lazy river. That is Nate on the left swimming around. I wish I had a pic of all three kids riding on the dolphins it was so cute.

There was a splash area just Owen's size if he fell down he could touch and get back up.

Look I made it!

Mom this is so fun!

Nate enjoyed playing fusball. There were other activities in the water parks, magic shows and the kids made tie dye shirts.

A happy ending to happy day!

Water parks make tired kids!!!!1

Back into the swing of things!

2012-01-16T10:09:00.008-05:00

I was using a flashlight to look at Nate's tooth. Owen just came out of nowhere and smashed a car into his face. He knocked out one of his baby teeth. Nathan is just so nice to Owen. He is so kind and gentle with him and Owen well he is very kind now if he could just figure out the gentle part. After Owen smashed his tooth he gave him a hug and blew kisses and even cried while he cried but geez Owen do you have to be so rough!

Look Mom my teeth are fine!

So warm we even had a water balloon fight last weekend! This crazy weather!

Wow where does the time go! We have been getting back into our school routine. Enjoying our free evenings before soccer gets started in a few weeks. Right now we just have piano and boy scouts. Everyone is doing well. Caitlin had a cold last week but after a few days out of school and rest is doing much better. Nathan ran a fever all day yesterday but is doing much better today and Owen oh Owen. Owen is doing much better in many areas!!!! I wish we could reset his wake up clock past 6 am but I really can't complain because Carl gets up with him most (all ) of the time on the weekends so I can get ready for the week ahead. I did get up with him once this year but not sure that once counts! Owen is starting to communicate ! Yippee. We have been teaching him sign language and his favorite and our favorite is help please. When he starts screaming and pulling at our leg we just say Owen help please and he he redirects to sign and ahhh its so nice. He also started saying boat! He has had the b sound for a while and in speech and at home we have a box filled with things that start with the letter b. Many times a day we review the b box so time will tell. Owen and I have ENT appointments this week. We are just going to check Owen's hearing, we all know I am deaf so lets help the doctor can finally get the fluid out of both of my hears and I can get out of the cave I have been living in since August. I can't wait to hear again!!!!!!

The Week After Christmas

2011-12-31T16:17:00.013-05:00

The weather has stayed warm, the kids are well and Owen even slept after 6 most days this week! WOW , we had a fun week, playing in the yard, doing a little cleaning and just relaxing!

This is the lizard that Caitlin caught outside

She is such a little naturalist. About 30 minutes after this picture the lizard bites her and I hear her scream! Funny

A trip to the Aquarium with Grandma was fun fun fun. Owen check out the otters. He loves the fish love loves loves them!

This was really funny, this a projector that projects water and fish on the floor and the fish move around. We had to tell Owen it was okay to get it because he thought it was real. Then when he stepped out he sat down and felt his shoes and couldn't figure out why they weren't wet! SO FUNNY!

Caitlin you are cute!

We made lots of trips to Grandma's house for dinner, so fun to be able to walk and well you know what that means!

Drink lots of wine!!! Thanks Grandma!

Took the kids to the Wildlife Sanctuary just up the street, Caitlin pet the opossum ew yuck, its fur was actually soft.

We took a Trip to Fort Macon to check it out. Caitlin said it was " not cool" " just boy stuff"!

This kid looks just like his daddy! Cutie pies!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T11:38:00.014-05:00

We had another amazing Christmas. The kids got over their colds just in time and everyone was happy and healthy! We got to spend time with our family and friends! Thanks so much for all the wonderful gifts. I missed the pictures on Christmas eve as I plugged my camera in to charge and then misplaced the battery ughhh. .. I have pics on my iphone but need to download them so maybe someday. Christmas Eve was spent at Granny's house with the gang.. Aunt Caren, Claire , Carlie and Grayson and then we met Grandma, Grandpa , Aunt Ali and Uncle Troy back at the Priechenfried house. Christmas morning was exciting. I just don't know what we would do without Uncle Troy taking everything out of boxes and putting batteries in everything. Nathan got two remote controlled planes and one car this year all air hogs... w

Caitlin got a new bike from Santa!

Owen liked his Fisher Price Train.

Look a boat in my stocking! Boats are Owen's favorite he screams every time one goes by.

Caitlin got the movie Dolphin Tale a favorite!!!

Aunt Ali and Owen.

Caitlin presents her gifts to Aunt Ali and Grandma, she painted everyone.

Nathan opens a pogo stick!

Nate's favorite, Black hawk blue sky. It takes pictures and videos. The boys headed out and had fun playing with it Christmas day.

Caitlin's favorite toys this year were pillow pets. She got a mini pillow pet from Grandma and a big pillow pet from Uncle Bob. I had to take 5 or 6 picture here because they were all blurry she was so excited she was jumping up and down!

The kids got so many awesome gifts, they really do like them all.

A little Christmas Beyblade competition.

OH Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-23T07:36:00.011-05:00

Here is our tree. The kids are so excited!

Owen loves the train! He loves it when Nate and Cait run it for him!

It has been a week spent with family and friends celebrating and maybe a little drinking! I need to do a better job of removing beer bottles from the picture frames. BAD MOM!!!!!

UUghhh that Beer bottle again!

Oh look a wine glass and a beer bottle hahaha. As you can see the only way we stay sane during the holiday season is to drink copious amounts of alcohol. As I was in Food Lion yesterday filling my cart with wine, I got a few stares. Whats wrong with buying wine by the cart ??????

Good Times!!!!!

2011-12-19T21:04:00.008-05:00

Caitlin getting ready to make some Christmas cookies. I forgot the after picture!

Caitlin wrapping presents, she is so determined. She did it all by herself. Why in a wetsuit you ask. Well you never know when you might go swimming , I guess...

All done. I lover her zest, she just makes me laugh. Today we had a moment but I was to exhausted to do the right thing so I will tell you how I totally messed up parenting. I noticed Owen's stocking was sitting on top of the mantle because it was ripped. I asked the kids if they ripped it down. Of course it was " NOT ME"! I know it was Caitlin because Nate could care less about a stocking and Owen could not have put it back and Caitlin has taken quite an interest in the stockings. So I say Caitlin did you rip the stocking down and then put it back. " Oh no mommy I think an elf might have done it" Mom says " Caitlin elves are short so I don't think they could put it back on the mantle" Caitlin " Well Mom I think the tree grew an arm and did it because Daddy watered the tree so it grew an arm and put the stocking back on the mantle" .... At that point I just said Oh and walked away. I decided the story was so good I would teach a lesson another day. Today I was to tired to care!

Oh they are so cute. Owen I love taking your picture because pictures are quiet and you are not!

These are the three kids that I took out to get hair cuts, groceries and the post office today. Upon getting to the shopping center I realize we only have three of the six shoes we needed. UGHHH Really Caitlin you forgot your shoes!!!!! I was not going back I was on a mission. When we left the grocery store I gave the kids $ to put in the Salvation Army bucket. The guy wished Caitlin a Merry Christmas and said " I hope Santa brings you some shoes". Owen lost one shoe on the way out the door. Oh well tomorrow is a new day!

The Cousins make a Gingerbread village.

Nice!

Hanging with the cousins!

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-17T18:39:00.010-05:00

Here are some pictures that didn't make the Priechenfried Christmas card this year. Getting Owen to stand still is much like getting a cat to preform on command!

Owen sees a boat I am sure, his favorite.

Coughing Bells, Coughing Guns!!!!

2011-12-17T08:33:00.010-05:00

Nathan said he wanted to look nice for his Christmas party! Oh he is such a good kid! We have so much fun!

Opening our presents from Nathan at his party.
He made us many nice ornaments!

Caitlin gives Lindsay her present. She found it at the dollar store it said "#1 Baby sitter" Oh she is the best without her where would I be. She really loves Owen now that's an awesome sitter!!!

Nate gets a Lego Ninjago from Lindsay..... how did she know!!!

As you can see from the title it was a week of cough, at one point as Carl and I lay in bed deciding which kid needed our assistance. Owen was croupee and Nathan was the usual I said it sounds like they are doing it in unison. Owen was pretending he was getting a breathing treatment. Too funny! He can't figure out what that loud machine does but since his brother needs it he must need it to!

Caitlin makes reindeer cookies at her Christmas party!

Nathan crashed Caitlin's school party!

Oh OWEN!!! Well as you can see he is consistently pointing. And we always know where he is because he screams constantly . He is now waving to say Hi and I even caught it in the next photo. I am working with him more trying to get him make vowel sounds. The speech teacher says repetition repetition . He was evaluated and diagnosed with developmental speech disorder, Severe Expressive language and vocabulary impairment, Severe Receptive Language impairment; Severe articulation impairment and possible motor impairment Severe Expressive and Receptive Language Impairments, and the list goes on. That is what they have to write to get insurance to pay for it I am guessing! They did evaluate him and on the Preschool Language Scale which measure expressive communication and auditory comprehension an average score ranges from 85-115, he got a 30. For children his age this puts him in the moderately-severely below average range. On the MacArthur Communicative Developmental Inventory he was assessed at <5th percentile. Normative data suggest he should use approximately 120 words and use 1.62 words in a sentence on average. Owen indicates a severe vocabulary deficit.

Okay so am I am worried , nope not really I just want him to stop screaming and talk because it would make things easier and quieter around here. I realize he is the third child and a boy and in due time he may catch up on his own. Bottom line is at 2 Nate started preschool so I am looking at this like Owen's preschool. Once a week he gets to play with really really really cool toys. Oh man they have the best toys there, imagine every cool Fisher Price toy you played with as a child. Ms. Mary gives him her undivided attention and he seems to be responding. Not with words but he is starting to communicate. He says Hi and waves consistently now! We practice things like sitting in the waiting room in chairs on our bottom and holding hands in parking lots. It is a few hours of Owen time. Caitlin comes along but she is my helper! Oh did I mention there is an awesome new organic market right next to speech HAHAHAH! I am going to give this 6 months and see how it goes. If he consistently makes improvement we will stop , if not we will increase to twice a week.

Our goals in speech:

1) Owen to use 5 words to request wants or needs.

2) Owen to imitate at least 5 simple sounds (owl, ow, wee).

Okay so here we go lets hope we laugh about this in 6 months!!!!!

Owen waiving "Hi" on command!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas (Nate's favorite song)

2011-12-12T20:46:00.015-05:00

The kids and Carl at Carl's work Christmas party.

This is what happens when you leave Owen for 3 seconds to go upstairs and get Caitlin dressed! He tried to transfer the sugar to a casserole dish but was not so good at it! OHHHH Owen

Well this is what Caitlin was getting dressed in, decided I had to take a picture after I cleaned up the sugar!

Carl made the kids baby gingerbread houses out of icing and graham crackers they just couldn't wait until the decorating party next week!

Nate made a bimini dog outside his house. How cute!

Caitlin helping rake leaves.

Okay Santa we are ready. We got two packages of presents this week one from Uncle Bob and one from Grumppa and Grammy Lucy! WOW will there be room for Santa gifts!!!! Thanks!

Fun Fun Fun!

Owen feel down our brick stairs today and well looks like they won! He is tough though so no big deal! I will just have check on him ten times tonight while he sleeps. My sweet angel! HAHAHAHA

Tis the season to wonder what season it is?

2011-12-07T20:53:00.012-05:00

We started off Sunday morning with Christmas crafts. The kids love making crafts and some of you might find these in your mailbox soon. Probably not we do them every year and well the post office just makes me postal!

This is what its like doing crafts with Owen! He is always so much help!

Here is the picture of the tree we made for Owen to play with while we decorated the real tree. With the "tutu" that Caitlin made for it. He was interested for about 45 seconds.

Daddy and Caitlin start hanging the ornaments.

Here is Nate hanging ornaments, he was a big help this year. Finally at the end of the day I asked him why he didn't smile for any of the pictures you know the mom in me. Thinking my head" he's sad" " what could be wrong with him" " Why is he so down"..... his reply " my lips are chapped I can't smile" hahahahahah I have since bought him some chapstick!

On our way to Carl's work Christmas party. Owen was chasing squirrels.

Put on the Christmas pjs to get a good shot. I will do this no less than five times between now and Christmas to get the right one!

This is what its really like.

Or like this..... Okay we will try again soon!

Well its been anything but December like here the past week but the weather men say that the winds of change will blow. Its been too nice to bake cookies, write cards or even finish decorating it feels more like beach weather. Okay well on Sunday we turned on the AC and decorated the tree. Next week when it cools down Caitlin and I will hit the kitchen for some baking and well I guess I will do the Christmas cards this weekend.

Christmas Tree Tutu

2011-12-04T12:35:00.001-05:00

Caitlin asked me if I could get her the scissors this morning. I said "Why do you need the scissors" She replied " I am making a tutu for my Christmas tree" She had a little Christmas tree that she was decorating for Owen to play with. She was making it a Christmas tree skirt. SO CUTE! I took a picture I will post it soon!

Thanksgiving Birthdays

2011-11-29T15:44:00.013-05:00

Another year already! WOW they are growing up so fast. I am getting old ! I don't want to get old!!!!

Playing a game of UNO!

Uncle Jeff flew in from Japan to spend Thanksgiving and our birthdays with us. Owen really loves to play tackle with him.

Getting ready for the dinner!

Caitlin and Lindsay made us all our own Turkey napkin holders for the table! So cute!!!!

For her birthday Caitlin got to go on a horse ride! She was all smiles!

She loved it! Thanks Aunt Ali!

Owen just texting with Carl's phone. Oh boy this kid! WOW that's all I can say! He is so hard so so so hard! He is very cute! Trust me the only reason he is still here is because he is just so cute!!!!

Nathan is just so kind, gentle and caring with Owen. Caitlin is also very very good with him. The boys have a connection.

My cub scout. I know I need to put on all his patches and badges but I just never seem to have time! Or let me rephrase that when I head up to my sewing machine, Owen the destroyer always follows!!!!!

Okay well I guess I didn't post any birthday pictures. We had a great relaxing Thanksgiving. The weather was amazing and now we are getting ready for Christmas aHHHHHH. We get it all started with three parties this weekend let the games begin!!!!!!

TGIF

2011-11-29T09:31:00.002-05:00

Caitlin just said to me " MOM I want it to be TGIF" I said " Oh yeah why?" She said that means " Oh boy its Friday"! To bad its only Tuesday! Now wonder where she heard this, could it have been preschool?

Caitlins 5th Birthday

2011-11-20T09:03:00.015-05:00

Check out those horse cakes, they were so easy! Compared to creations of the past, these took minutes!!!!!

Caitlin had a great 5th birthday party at the gymnastics center. Why 10 days early you ask? Well next weekend is Thanksgiving and the weekend after her birthday the first weekend in December is filled with Holiday parties so we did it early so we kicked off the holiday week with a birthday party. All of her cousins and best friends Bryn and Maggie were there . Granny and Granddad helped all day with Owen as it was our second party of the day. The soccer season ended so mom was up on Friday night making soccer cupcakes and horse cakes. It was easy and fun! The kids got to do obstacle course which included a whale bouncy thing. There was gymnastics and fun fun fun!

Getting ready for some fun!

Sitting down for cake and icecream!

Make a wish Caitlin!

I wasn't sure if one would be enough so I made two cakes, so she got to blow out candles twice.

She loved all her gifts!

Jump Jump Jump

Run , jump , run, jump repeat = tired kids!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone loved the rope lift, well except Caitlin, she must have her moms fear of heights!

Grayson loved to wiggle his toes!

Caitlin and Maggie BFF!

A perfect ending to a perfect day!

Girls Day!

2011-11-13T18:30:00.007-05:00

We had a fun fun trip to Chapel Hill to see the Rockettes Christmas show. We left on Saturday morning and took our time, we stopped for pictures at the lake on the way up!

Caitlin loves nature as much as her mom!

My fun girl!

We spent time will Alice who was a Rockette from 1941-1943. She is going to the show next week and will be recognized.

Bob said " No one cares that I was a bomber pilot" Poor Bob!

Waiting for the show to start. Caitlin loved it and so did we. Ali got us awesome seats we were just a few rows back. Thanks Aunt Ali!

A picture at the hotel after the show! I didn't get a picture of us drinking at the Carolina Brewery on Franklin Street. Although given that Carl was still in the emergency room with Owen I figured taking pictures at the bar was not a good idea. Owen came down with Croup on Thursday of course and he was in bad shape. For the record I think Croup is the one of the worst childhood illnesses, this was our third time. Nathan had it twice. We did everything we were supposed to do, humidifier, hot shower, cold air, fluids , Ibuprofen. We held him the entire night Thursday night. On Friday night we alternated taking him on car rides at 1:00 and 3:00 AM. I must admit I felt guilty when I left for girls trip but I knew Carl would be able to handle it and boy did he do great! Although even when you know he will be in good hands when your husband calls you to tell you he is taking your son to the E.R. there is that knot in your stomach. So anyway he is doing much better today after a few rounds of steroids. Lets see its November 13, should be go back and read blog posts from the past . It is usually around January that I say I am packing the kids up and heading to an island in the Bahamas until Spring. Would anyone like to join me, It think its time to go now!!!!!! Please oh please let me sleep through the night. Oh and one more thing I WILL NEVER SHARE A BED WITH CAITLIN AGAIN! WIGGLE WORM!!!!! Cough, wiggle, cough, wiggle, kick, cough, wiggle , toss, turn, cough, wiggle , repeat!!!!

Just some things!

2011-11-05T18:23:00.007-05:00

Owens favorite thing to do is play in the sink!

Look at the smile, but boy is he trouble! I still do not have a single word but we have seen some signs of improvement this week. Big things and I mean big, keep reading!

Well I can pour water on my head.. Okay just cause it was funny this isn't really improvement.

I started pointing to show dad I want more corn bread and more Miller Lite (just kidding about the Miller Lite). I have also started waving this week. I know most kids do this at like 6 months and well I am just taking my time. It is very very frustrating for mom and dad because I scream alot and mom thinks I want to talk but I don't really make to many different sounds just grunt and ahhhhhhhh. So yes, I am starting speech next week. I know I know everyone says I am fine and if one more person tells mom that Einstein didn't talk until he was five or something she will give you the bird! Spend a few frustrating days with screamy and you will understand why a little communication might be a good thing. Okay so its back to J.Z. Mann we go, it worked for Nathan. How is mom going to fit this into her schedule I am not really sure! Getting Nathan O.T. was awesome and well Nathan is awesome. He got his second report card yesterday and he continues to do great. He is above grade level in reading and writing and at grade level for math and spelling. Oh and the other thing I started to do this week is point to my nose. I have been working with Owen to point to his nose, ears, eyese for well about a year and now finally he points to his nose and says honk!!!! It is kind of a nasal sound so its not a word , I mean why would he say honk right, thats a word and Owen doesn't say words!!!!!

I have not been posting as much as I usually do. Its just because we have been so busy. Soccer is almost over Caitlin is done and Nathan will finish up in two weeks. We had a germ come through the house and with three kids its always fun. Nathan got it first , then Owen, and now Caitlin. It hit both Nathan and Caitlin hard so looks like tonight will be another sleepless night but I got a great treat last night. Last night was the USMC ball. There is a ball for each unit and last night was Carl's unit. We had a great time and although we took the camera I didn't take a picture. Okay I guess I had a glass in my hand all night!!! Anyway I wish I had taken a picture because I was quite proud of how far I have come in the last 12 months. My dress from last year was size XL, not sure what size that is but I don't like that size. This year I was in a size 6 whoohooo! The ball was in Wilmington and and our room overlooked the river. We have stayed at the Hilton many times but this time we got lucky either that or rank is starting to work in our favor. Its kind of weird, I am so proud of Carl but as we move up in rank I am starting to feel old. Some of the Marines that work for Carl were born in 1992 AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I was a junior in high school!!!!!! Okay enough of this I am not getting old.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-05T17:57:00.009-05:00

Dad carved the pumpkins with the everyones help.

Putting Owen in the lion costume required a lollypop.

Getting ready to get some candy!

Look at that tail!

It was raining before the kids left for trick or treat but stopped after a few minutes. The rain held off until 9 pm which was nice and everyone had fun. I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked but oh well. Owen wore the lion costume I made for Caitlin two years ago and he was cute. Owen even got the hang of it after a few houses and would dive his little hands into the candy bowl.

How do you make a baby?

2011-11-03T13:09:00.001-05:00

Well Caitlin and I were reading in her room last night. A book about horses . She is horse crazy, if you couldn't tell from the cowgirl Halloween costume. Anyway she asked me, " Mom how do you make a baby horse?", Well um the mommy and daddy horse make a baby horse you know just like Mommy and Daddy made a baby Owen. I figured this long explanation would be enough to satisfy her curiosity and all would be well. No mom I mean HOW DO YOU MAKE A BABY HORSE! Okay not knowing where to turn with this, is it god, a stork or do I tell her the real deal. Okay well the biologist in me said, well the mommy horse has an egg and the daddy horse has a sperm and they meet and make a baby. She looks at me and says" Mommy horses don't lay eggs!" It was at this point she realized I clearly had no idea what I was talking about and we continued to read the book. WHEW!!!! Okay Halloween pictures coming right up.

Third Annual Priechenfried Halloween Party

2011-10-29T14:38:00.013-05:00

Good times had by all. I had lots of help ! Thanks so much to all my helpers. I didn't do any cooking this year so it was easy and after the past few weeks around here I needed easy.

I never get as many pictures as I would like because I am always running the show. The kids had a blast and we played a few new games this year. Here is Owen with Grandma the Owl.

Icing cupcakes with Aunt Ali!

Nate's cupcake with extra candy !

The cousins ready to party!

Claire and Caren dressed like every male in eastern N.C.!

Bite the gummy worm with no hands is always a hit!

This years favorite game was candy corns on the spoon! I think our judges added to the excitement. Thanks Grandpa, Jason and Janelle.

Pinata time! Everyone loves the pinata!

Nate takes a swing!

The two cowgirls, how cute!

Caitlin Soccer Pictures

2011-10-14T09:52:00.006-05:00

Oh remember the first three years of her life when she wouldn't smile and taking pictures was hit or miss. She is just so pleasant to be around and I am having so much fun with her. She is doing this so I cry when she gets on the school bus next year right? It is has been a total transformation this year. Can she stay this sweet until she is 18 please please please!!!!!

Oh so cute!

My girl!!!

Fun Fun Fun.... well sort of!

2011-10-14T09:29:00.008-05:00

We spent the kids college funds at the fair on friday night! Fun Fun

Bumper Boats was a big hit.Everyone liked the Merry Go Round.

Since we are now over Impetigo it was time to move on to our next illness. I have to admit this one almost made me loose my lunch! I will not give you the details. We are all being treated for pinworms. I guess this a common one if you have kids everyone has to get it once. I am sure we will get it twice because that is how we roll! Yes thats a prescription for the whole family. Just one pill this week and one pill next week. No big deal and no side effects. I took my pill last night and I feel fine. Okay the bad part. I spent all last week doing laundry and getting impetigo off of every surface. This week its pin worms ohhhh geez. Dee cleaned on Wednesday and yesterday I did everything again. All sheets, towels, blankets and pajamas and I had help from Lindsay!!!!. Right now as we are doing it over again. Time to do more laundry, wash hands, do laundry, clean a toilet, wash a towel, wash hands...... The fun just never stops at the Priechenfried house. Anyone want to come visit????????????

Well we had an fun long weekend. Carl got off for Columbus Day and didn't have to work until Wednesday. We used the time to do a little fishing , head to the fair and mullet festival and I think we might have relaxed but I am don't really remember that part!

Nate Soccer Pictures

2011-10-12T08:54:00.010-05:00

Well he hasn't played to many games. After a dry summer we have had lots of rain the last few weeks but hopefully soccer games will start to be more regular and I can take some pictures on the field someday! The pictures turned out good. Is it just because I am looking or can you see the impetgo under Nate's nose (barf gag). Anyway its all cleared up now that we used antibiotics and of course picture are over. Oh well! You are still cute as a button Nate !

Fall is here!

2011-10-05T13:54:00.011-05:00

A family trip to the pumpkin patch, okay its not a real patch but its so close and the kids don't know the difference so who cares right. Owen had his bat shirt on and when I told the kids we would go get some pumpkins everyone changed in 30 seconds and got in the car. How come its never that easy every day when you try to get them out the door for school! Still no words from Owen but he sure can scream!!!! He is pulling on my arm right now because he wants to watch a DVD and he can't get the DVD player to open. Caitlin just opened it for him and then he pushed her away because he didn't want any more help. This kid is hilarious!

Caitlin I love the look.

The weather is cool and well the fishing has not been very good. All that rain moved all the bait fish out of the creek but I have high hopes for this weekend. Caitlin and I just did a bit of fishing from the dock and got a few good bites so I have hope. Now we just need Carl to come home and watch Owen LOL! Our life right now is soccer , soccer and more soccer. I am not sure its fun but oh well here we are. Its over in five weeks , but who's counting! Caitlin really wants to go to "therapy" this weekend. We finally figured out she wants to go the movie theater to see Dolphin Tale and the County Fair is happening so we will be busy. Right now its time to do some extercising at Caitlin calls it and then off to coach a soccer game. Good times!!

Rainy Rainy

2011-09-24T15:57:00.009-05:00

At night this is how Nate likes to sleep. We go in and save his life every night.

Caitlin wanted to sleep with the skeleton one night. His name is Sammy or Mr. Bones depending on the day. She loves him. This worries me for lots of reasons!

Nathan loves to build legos! Here is his latest plane.

Owen, ohh owen. Why is he laughing well because he is pulling on my camera and that's fun!

Mom I have your camera and its funny!

See I win, no words and mom finally got rid of the mullet. Oh well you win Owen now talk!

Well last weekend was wet and cold and this weekend its still wet! School is going well for everyone. Nathan seems to enjoy first grade. We don't hear much about it but that is typical for a boy. Caitlin likes school and all is well. Owen still says nothing. He is now 20 months old. Guess its time for me to take him for his 18 months shots ....... I need to take Nathan to get his flu shot so might as well take all the troops! Oh its no fun! Carl took the dog to the vet last week, Nathan asked if he could go along. Sure I said.... Mom of the year award again. When will I learn that I have a son with allergies. The vet is no place for Nathan! Last night we were in the pet store, I thought the kids would love it and it sounded like a good idea. Nathan walked up to me and said : "When my throat gets scratchy my eyes start to water" . When will I ever learn! Nate has had soccer for two weeks but other team didn't show for the first game, the second game got rained out. Someday I will post some soccer pictures. Halloween is just a month away, I asked the kids what they want to be. I love to sew and plan and you know get crazy about making a costume they wear for 10 minutes. They both want to be the same thing as last year. Okay done, a Marine and a Pony! HAHAH Owen said nothing so I win! I think he might have to be that dinosaur costume or maybe the lion! Oh hahah thats what you get Owen for not speaking, up to the attic I go to find the costume box. I am nervous he is such a big kid I hope something fits. Okay as you can tell I have nothing to say!

Caitlin Cailtin Caitlin!!!!!

2011-09-10T12:53:00.011-05:00

First day of preschool at Swansboro United Methodist Church!

Its a rainy day so we had to do pictures inside.

Owen grabs a drink before school!

Caitlin and I painted our toes on Thursday while Owen napped! Next week we will fish!

Its easy to find Caitlin she has the pink polka dotted socks!

Caitlin kicks the ball the start the quarter!

She is having so much fun!

Heading for the ball!

Caitlin started her last year of preschool on Wednesday. It was pouring rain so the pics are not outside but it will have to do! I know this year will go by fast and she will be on the bus in no time. Every Thursday will be Mommy and Caitlin morning.... well with Owen of course but when he takes a nap we will do fun things, some girl things, and some not so girl. Caitlin and her mommy love to fish so as the days get cooler I am sure we will be on the dock during nap time!

Caitlin had her first soccer game of the season today. It was her second season and last season she was more interested in doing ballet on the field than actually playing. I teach on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Monday and Wednesdays evenings Carl and I are coaching Nate's team. Lets just say Carl was not so excited about being at the soccer fields four evenings a week. The awesome sitter Lindsay agreed to take all three kids to Caitlin's soccer practice!!! I know she is awesome!!!! I didn't tell Caitlin but it I had asked everyone to just give it a few weeks to see how it goes. If she didn't play we would quit and wait another year. She always did good in practice last year it was just the games. Well I didn't say anything today, I just told her to have fun and do her best!!! I took the camera just in case!!! WOW SHE DID GREAT! Of course whenever she was taking the ball up the field Owen was walking into the parking lot so I would miss it but am I one happy Mommy! No Carl wasn't there, he was at work :( Now I have no aspirations of my children becoming sports stars. I could care less but she was having fun and smiling the whole time and I am so proud of her! I hope the next blog post is a picture of my girl holding a big fat flounder or maybe a Red Drum! Wish us luck!!!!!!

See ya later summer 2011 .......

2011-09-05T20:20:00.009-05:00

We had the boat tied up to the dock all weekend. We went out on Saturday and Sunday. Julia from next door came with us one day. Aunt Ali and Troy were down for the weekend. We had so much fun.

Troy guarded the beer and grilled the hot dogs and hamburgers on Saturday, it was shrimp and chicken on Sunday. So so yummy!

Nathan loves the boat and had so much fun in the warm water.

Owen ohhhh is he fearless!!!!

He really ignores me. He loves Carl but could care less about me! Still no words, he has me a little worried. I know I know I have heard it all. I think it might be time to move this to the next level! Come on Owen talk!!! I know you want to, come on buddy just talk!

In daddy's arms the only place he is happy!

Nathan got a wallet to hold his cash. He has started earning an allowance for doing his chore chart every week. Aunt Ali gave him a $20.00 for helping clean Grandma's yard! He has it in his wallet tucked away in his sock drawer.... don't tell anyone!

Caitlin loves to do her dolls hair, it is so cute!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T14:08:00.005-05:00

Well we had to buy a chainsaw this morning. We lost our biggest tree in the back and the top off another. Our dock is fine, Carl just takes up the boards so it dosen't float off. WORK WORK WORK!!!!

I have a better view of the water now but I will miss my tree. A woodpecker landed on the stump and I almost started crying. I guess saying I am a tree hugger is an understatement!

We lost the top to a tree in the front yard and a small tree in the side yard. Oh and the mess. Carl has been working since 8 am and he has many days of work ahead of him. I did help for a bit this morning but now I am watching Owen take a nap LOL!!!!!

The neighbors yard! I think if you look really hard one leaf from our yard may have blown over.

First Day of First Grade!

2011-08-25T09:14:00.002-05:00

First Grade!!!! I hope you have fun, I hope you enjoy it. Caitlin cried when you got on the bus. We miss you so much! We had a very fun summer and I know you will have a great school year.

Getting on the bus.

Okay well its time for me to go into crazy mode there is a huge hurricane heading right for my house! Irene please be nice to us!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan we will miss you!

2011-08-18T09:43:00.010-05:00

Launching the rocket was great fun. It went so high!

Owen says "Uncle Jeff do you think my feet will be this big someday?"

Uncle Jeff so tall, I feel like I am flying!

Oh slipnslide fun fun!

I can even drink it!

The boys!

Caitlin and I have had fun summer. She has grown so much this summer! We have become best friends and I am looking forward to lots of good times this year before she goes to school next August.

So much to say..................

2011-08-18T06:51:00.009-05:00

Getting ready for a party

Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

I can't take all the credit. I had to work on Monday morning so I left the sitter with the paint and canvas and she even let Owen paint. Our old sitter Rene left a few weeks ago because she needed full-time work . Our new sitter Lindsey is amazing! I found her on sittercity.com!

They couldn't wait to eat that cake!

The creek at sunrise!

So pretty!

Talk about a bad hair day. Bam Bam you make us laugh! Now if you would just say a word, any word! Talk please, can you please just talk!!!!!!

Wow its only been a week but so much has happened. We had to say good bye to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan. We wish them happy and safe travels to Japan! We got to do lots of fun things before they left. We finished our summer bucket list with the rocket launch, aquarium, pool time and we finished the summer reading program. Carl had a birthday! OHHHH the best story of all..... Nathan never showed any interest in taking his training wheels off his bike. He really likes to ride his scooter. One night last week Carl said "Hey Nate lets go take off your training wheels" Nathan said "Okay" I thought great I will at least get to watch the evening news! AHHH I sat on the sofa took off my shoes put my feet up turned on the T.V. and you know right after that little intro part where they tell you to top stories. Carl walks back in the house and say " Nate is riding down the street he wants to go on a bike ride with you" I said " I thought you were going to practice riding with no training wheels" Carl said I took them off he got on the bike and rode down the street"..... Oh well who needs to watch news right!

I don't even have time to post all the pictures so check back later for the rocket launch , the grocery store is calling my name. Taking all three kids to the grocery store is something that has to happen first thing in the morning while energy, patience and happiness are in the green zone!

Jeff's Last Harrier Flight

2011-08-10T20:14:00.012-05:00

Nate waits in the Ready Room for his pre-flight brief!

Jeff takes off on his last flight. He went out to drop bombs so he couldn't do a fly over. Something about dropping a bomb on us.... silly marines and all their rules HAHAHAHAHAH

Susan waits to radio him in.

Time to land.

After he landed he hovered for us one last time. OH I was right on the runway! (Thanks Susan for letting me ride on your lap in the truck)

It was AWESOME! Its loud and just so damn cool!!! I can't explain it! You just have to see it and feel it to understand!

On his way in to park it.

Carl met us there. The kids and Carl watched him land from a little farther away. Not as loud but just as cool.

After your last flight you get the water cooler!

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-05T12:44:00.002-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CARL! I LOVE YOU!

Feeling Hot Hot Hot!

2011-07-31T13:56:00.010-05:00

We took a family trip to the water slides for an hour today before Carl left for California. Everyone had fun! They are so close but we just never seem to have time. Nathan has been asking all summer but its always just before Owen's nap or during or almost dinner or well you know how it goes. When he asked this morning I just put everyone in the car and off we went!

Little slide, big slide, Owen liked them all.

Owen had so much fun, he would laugh and scream when he got to the bottom it was so cute!

Caitlin had a blast as well. She loved it and didn't want any help when she got to the bottom.

Here is Nathan heading to the top of one of the big ones. You can't see him. He is only as tall as the fence.

I missed it . Oh well, we will go again soon.

Soaking Up Summer!

2011-07-26T19:44:00.013-05:00

I spend the entire day trying to get to one thing. There is only one thing in the whole wide world that I like to play with. I know its up here now if I could just get my paws on it.

Owen loves loves loves my wallet. He spends his entire day trying to find it!

As soon as mom turns her head I will take out all the credit cards! Oh it is so much fun!

Who me? No I promise not to lose anything!

I love chocolate cake. My mom makes me eat it on the deck as I am a little bit messy! Look at that crazy hair. Where did the blond come from. Well the mailman is a lady so you figure it out!

Bones had two pieces!

Caitlin reads Owen a book.

Family ice cream time!

Owen , Nate and Dad like chocolate. Mom likes mint chocolate chip and Caitlin loves orange creamsicles.

Night night daddy!

We have spent the last few days just relaxing. Aunt Ali came for a quick visit to say good bye to Jeff and Susan but I will save sad goodbyes for another post. The kids and I have been doing those dreaded back to school things, like getting our teeth cleaned. There was a cavity and it was me! What I haven't had a cavity since I was twelve! Every appointment we went to needed another appointment so next week we head back to the doctors for more shots for Owen and Caitlin, sealants for Nates, a filling for me. See its not all fun and games here in the Priechenfried house! Carl has been missing out on all the fun working long long days.

Janicki Environmental Beach Weekend!

2011-07-18T12:48:00.015-05:00

We spent Thursday- Sunday at the Tween Rivers Resort in Captiva Island for the Janicki Environmental Beach Weekend. Nathan, Caitlin and I drove down and picked up Ali from the airport in Ft. Myers (she wins)! We had an amazing time. We can't thank Grandma Poe enough for watching Owen so we could have a few carefree days of fun in the sun. We had so much fun at the beach and pool seeing the entire Janicki Environmental Clan! Thanks to Susan for putting it all together. The breakfasts in the morning were amazing, I love fresh fruit. We had great dinners every evening. Can I go back now?

An early morning walk on the beach with Mom.

The Janicki Group! The last night we had a pig pickin ! Yummy!

Nathan and Caitlin had so much fun playing with Holly, Anthony, Caitlin and Jenny! I owe them big for watching my kids for three days!

The water was perfect, a nice gentle breeze and the perfect temperature!
I was at the beach or the pool all day! I loooooved it!!!! You might not recognize Nathan as he is now our little brown boy.

Nathan hangs out on the raft!

Caitlin loved the beach but she really loved to show off her new skills at the pool!

Here is Caitlin swimming to Aunt Ali, and Nathan was not far behind.

Ali and Amy enjoy a cold one!

Pictured on the far right is Nate sitting on Susan's lap and Caitlin on Aunt Ali. They are watching the crab races. The kids were so excited. Caitlin's crab won the second heat and Tyrone won third place!

Caitlin and Holly check out the Mangroves while watching Manatees.

Good times at the beach! One day Susan found a starfish and sand dollars. The kids are still talking about it! It was so much fun, if you can't find me tomorrow you might want to look for me at Captiva Island!

Road Trip 2011 Part B

2011-07-06T16:45:00.011-05:00

Caitlin hanging out in a tree!

Watching Grumppa sail his remote controlled boat.

The dolphin show at the Atlanta Aquarium was a hit!

Nathan checks out the fish.

I loved the tropical reef tank!

Hanging out with Grammy Lucy.

Reading books with Grammy Lucy. There were lots of hours spent in the pool but I can't find my point and shoot camera. Has anyone seen it?

Road Trip 2011

2011-07-04T19:56:00.010-05:00

Well we had an awesome vacation. We started off last Friday spending the night in Chapel Hill with Bob and Alice. Then it was off to Atlanta to spend a few days with Gumppa and Grammy Lucy, and then off to St. Petersburg Florida to visit the Janicki's. Ohhhh it was fun fun fun. Here are the Florida pics I will post the Atlanta pics soon.

This is my Florida boy and oh how he loves the warm sun and palm trees!

We love hanging out with Janicki family!

Caitlin at the park. There is a great new park near the airport downtown. The kids loved it! We also visited the aquarium and the pier.

Nathan checks out Tampa Bay

Helping Susan make some cupcakes!

Fourth of July cupcakes! So yummy!

We spent lots of time in the pool! We got to see Blythe, Russ and Claire and a little pool time with everyone. Fun Fun

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T08:10:00.003-05:00

We are back from vacation and we had a blast. I will do a few posts this afternoon. Right now we are headed out to Bear Island for some fun!

Good Times

2011-06-21T10:17:00.011-05:00

Owen playing at the beach with Uncle Jeff.

Owen playing in the sand after the tide goes out on a little island. Its more like mud than sand and he loved it!

The kids playing in the muck!

I came home to find this. I was helping the boys with the trailer. The trailer broke when we were putting the boat on it. Leo and Jeff helped us get it home. Susan held down the fort. All three kids were sleeping when I got back and look at Owen! How did he get so big? We will miss Aunt Susan and Uncle Jeff so much when they move to Japan in a few short weeks.

Carl took a picture because he knew I wouldn't believe him if he told this kid sat still long enough to read a book! I still don't believe it. There were probably Oreo's under the book!

Owen helping water the flowers.

Owen and Carl watering the garden. We now have peppers , cucumbers, squash and tomatoes. Yummy yummy

Taking an evening stroll up the creek with Aiden's mom and dad. Nathan's friend Aiden took the picture. Not bad for a kid huh.

This week Nathan has soccer camp. He couldn't go today because he is sick. I think he will be fine by tomorrow. I am going to give him breathing treatments throughout the day and tomorrow Carl can stay with him at camp so he should be fine. Owen took a hard fall last night on the clothes basket so he will not be making the blog for a few days. He has a really nice shiner and busted lip! Like always Caitlin is doing just fine! She is tough as nails! Took everyone to the library this morning so we are starting the summer reading program today. Nathan and Caitlin are busy reading right now so lets hope they keep it up. Caitlin was supposed to have swim lessons this week but they got canceled after the first one so we will start again in July but she is really improving. So just trying to check all the boxes of summer so we can relax HAHAHAHa

We have done, beach , pool, boat, library, aquarium, hunt for lightning bugs, sprinkler fun, playdates. Next week we are heading out to check the vacation box we don't have a schedule just fun and lots of it! Stay tuned for more adventures from the Priechenfrieds.
Carl and I have date night tonight, I need to go take a nap so I can stay awake past 10:00pm and not yawn!

Two posts in one day!

2011-06-12T08:32:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more pictures. Caitlin helps Owen put on his shoes! The kids has such fat feet the only shoes that fit are crocs!

I took Icecream in for Nate's class the last week for a sundae party. I wonder if I will be the room mom next year?

Owen loves to help Nate and Caitlin practice the piano! They are doing really good with lessons, I will have to post a video soon.

Class of 2023!

2011-06-12T08:12:00.009-05:00

I was the class of 1993 and now Nathan is the class of 2023! OH I am getting old! He is my baby! I am so proud of him, he did great! He is so easy going, and fun to be around! My favorite things to do with him are trips to the beach and reading books!

Nathan sits with his class during the graduation ceremony. There were about 100 kindergartners in five classes. They sang five cute songs and got diplomas. There was even a slide show. Nathan was in it a few times, once sucking his thumb and sleeping on the bus!

Walking across the stage getting his certificate.

Nathan with his class!

Nate with his teacher Mrs. Salmons and his aid Ms. Brown! I could not have asked for a better teacher she was awesome!

Owen doing his first run on Saturday morning. Carl dragged us out of bed after a night out with friends and the club! OHHH I am really getting too old for this!

June June June

2011-06-06T04:10:00.007-05:00

Well Summer is here and did it get hot. The last few days have been nice and the kids are so excited. They think we should spend everyday at the beach or the pool and so far they have been lucky. I am not sure how long I can keep it up but I will try I guess. Nate has his last week of school .... and he had so much fun and learned so much. His reading , math and handwriting are all above grade level. Good Job Nathan!

Owen finishes Nathans plate every night after dinner. There will not be any OT needed to get this kid to eat! Oh I think of all the struggles I had to get Nathan to take one bite of food. Owen hahahahah oh you make us laugh!

I am cute, but I am trouble!!!!

Nate had field day at his school. Caitlin and I watched, she just loves her big brother! They will be friends forever I can just tell!

Nathan finished T-ball on Saturday. He had a great first season!

The first few weeks of summer will be spent at the pool or beach. Nathan is a good swimmer and I want to have Caitlin swimming by July 4th. If I am going to be going to the pool with three kids I need Nate and Cait to be swimming! I will let you know how it goes!

Guess What!

2011-05-22T19:06:00.011-05:00

Wow the past two weeks have been crazy! I wish I had written down all the funny things Caitlin has been asking me lately... Here are a few. "Mom, are there construction workers in heaven?"

"Mom, how did you and dad make a baby?" " Mom , are there buses in heaven?"

Nathan will definitely not be getting the perfect attendance award... He was only in school 3 days last week.

Lots of breathing treatments last week. Owen liked to watch.

Check out this Heron standing next to an Alligator. Not to smart if you ask me.

Caitlin's last day of preschool for this year.

I can't believe she has one more year until kindergarten. She is writing a thank you letter to her teacher. She can write all of her letters! Girls should start school a year ahead of boys!

Caitlin at her dance recital she in the front row the second one from the left.

She had fun and did great!

She clapped at the end!

Owen loves water! Still no words at 15 months but he knows exactly what you are saying to him and follows commands.

The cousins all together.

Owen is finally SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!! It was consistent two weeks ago. It was so weird the first week I was so exhausted. I just think my body was so tired and had adjusted to getting up that it was hard at first. Then of course the next week, Nathan gets a germ. You know Nathan and his germs, it went right to his chest so I was up with him three times a night. Nathan is getting better and now I can be so excited, so very excited about sleep! Finally I can stay up and watch a movie and not fall asleep on the couch. I am starting to feel normal again and I LOVE IT!!!! I might miss some parts of these kids being young but I will not miss the lack of sleep! So we have done lots the past few weeks but combine that end of the school year with a few colds and well you get no blog posts! Caitlin did amazing in her dance recital on Saturday. Nathan is doing great at t-ball when I remember to take him. We worked on get the boat ready for summer and the kids can't wait for the start of summer just five days away. I promised them we would be at the pool opening on Monday! Oh and the biggest news of all, in a few short weeks Carl will be home. Carl will be graduating with his masters degree in a few weeks and starting a new job. In response to recent world events Carl details from here on out will be few and far between. Didn't want you think there is no love we just decided better just focus on the kids from here on out. Okay now for a few pictures.... lets see what I can find.

Cape Lookout May 2011

2011-05-12T07:37:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend at Cape Lookout with Aunt Ali , Troy, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan. It was a great time. The weather was perfect. Days were spent at the beach and evenings were spent drinking cold drinks, playing UNO, making smores and the kids got to spend the night in the tent. Mom opted for the cabin with bathroom and hot water showers!

We had the entire beach to ourselves for as far as the eye could see.

Owen loved the beach!

Jeff and Troy spent the day kitesurfing!

The kids loved playing UNO!

The sunset from the cabin.

Caitlin ready for the evening with her glowsticks!

I never got my toes wet too cold for me, but didn't bother Nathan!

Evenings were cool so a bonfire kept us warm!

Time for smores!

The kids love camping!

Just cause its too cute not to share!

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-28T07:40:00.010-05:00

We have had a great time in Maryland this week. The weather has been amazing, warm and sunny everyday! On Monday we headed into D.C. on the metro to go to the Museum of Natural History. The kids loved it well except for Owen. Shelly came along for the fun and I couldn't have done it without her! Thanks Shelly

A butterfly lands on Nate's head at the butterfly exhibit.

Caitlin the naturalist identifying the butterfly.

Nate poses for a picture. It was a warm day!

Getting on the Metro!

On Tuesday we rested with a short trip to Target and the park. Owen had a great time on the little kids playground.

On Wednesday it was off to the zoo with Grandma and Aunt Ali. Owen was in a much better mood so I decided not to feed him to the hungry lion!

Checking out the elephants.

Owen had no problem keeping up. That's him in the yellow shirt!

Nate stops for a short rest.

Last stop the flamingos, I guess they didn't get the memo they are supposed to be pink.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T10:38:00.022-05:00

In Nates class they have had duck eggs in an incubator all month, they hatched on Thursday just in time for the party.

Caitlin checks out the ducklings! So cute!

Nate and his classmates get ready for the Easter Egg hunt.

Caitlin had a great time at her preschool Easter egg hunt.

Owen all smiles at Grandma's house. No time to sleep here just too much fun to have.

The kids are having a blast playing outside at Grandma's house with their friend Jeffrey from next door.

Everyone coloring Easter eggs.

They all needed a good long soak at the end of the day. Owen loves taking a bath with Nathan and Caitlin.

The Easter Bunny found us here ! Thank you Easter Bunny!

Time for the egg hunt. Owen got a head start, after passing a few he went for the blue one. It matched his shirt!

Grandma hides Easter eggs for the little kids in the front yard.

Now it was time to head to the back yard for the big kid egg hunt. Yep the Easter Bunny hid 60 eggs in the back for all the big kids. Mom was the winner this year with 14 eggs and $62.00!!!!!

The kids after the egg hunt.

Grandma and Caitlin

Grandma, Grandpa and the kids.

OWEN!!!

2011-04-23T08:05:00.003-05:00

Owen had his 12 month checkup this week. I know he is 14 months this week but oh well we are close right! He weighed 23 pounds 4 oz (50% percent) and 32 inches (90 percent)!

Lets talk about Owen

He still wakes up between 4:30 and 5:00 am everyday ! Oh its killer!

The kid is so busy, he moves all day.

He naps once a day for 1-2 hours! THATS ALL!!!!!

He eats anything, his favorites are strawberries, raspberries, lima beans, spaghetti, mashed potatos, oranges. He loves to eat!

He loves to play outside and he can run , jump, climb and dance.

He loves bathtime and playing with his sister and brother.

He only has one word and its Hi!

He loves his daddy! Loves loves loves his daddy!

Nathan Birthday ...........

2011-04-20T07:41:00.007-05:00

We started Saturday with soccer and t-ball. What a day with the storms I was a little worried about inviting all these people to a big tin building with all the tornado warning!

Caitlin and Carlie playing at Mac Daddy's .

The boys are talking about their bowling strategy!

The King at his party.

Nathan did great bowling!

Nathan loved playing Battleship with Uncle Jeff.

What a great party, good times had by all and we didn't get hit by a tornado! Whew! Thank God!

Happy Birthday Nathan

2011-04-16T06:22:00.008-05:00

We took a cake into Nathan's class and had a party. Then we came home and had some burgers and dogs on the grill and opened a few presents. Caitlin and Nate had a sleepover in Nate's room. The big party is this evening . You know the Priechenfrieds, we just love parties! Well its a busy a day with soccer and t-ball followed by the party. Nathan can't wait to hang out with his cousins! Happy Birthday! We love you! Nathans party at school.

Nate's teacher gives him his birthday spankings.

Owen had no problem with the cake at Nate's party! Grandma was very brave holding the messy monster! Nathan still has a tummy ache so he didn't eat much but it didn't seem to bother him when it came time to open some presents! I took him back to the doctors and if things are not better by Tuesday I will take him back for another x-ray to compare from two weeks ago and then go to a GI doc if needed.

Opening a few presents from Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa.

Operation what fun!

The rocket launcher everyone took a turn!

Three little monkeys swinging on the swings!

2011-04-09T10:41:00.005-05:00

Spring is back!!!! Glad to have you back spring! Please stay!

WOW this week Nathan is turning six. We have a fun week planned. I am going to try to do a post about Nathan more than once or twice this week we will see how it goes. Nathan surprises me everyday. This kid has the biggest heart. He has really been my rock this past year helping me with Owen and always finding a way to make me laugh when I really need it. The past few weeks have been a bit rough for him. He has been complaining of intense stomach pain. I took him to the doctor last week and after lab tests and x-rays it looks like its just constipation. I have spent the last week trying to make him better. He is still in pain but it doesn't seem to be as bad so lets hope he is feeling better soon. Tonight he didn't take a bath , in all his years he has never missed a bath. It makes me a bit worried but I will stay on it and we will get him 100%! We have a great week planned with lots of parties!

Stop and smell the flowers!

2011-04-08T13:41:00.008-05:00

Sometimes when you are driving down the road and you see a house out of the blue with pretty flowers you need to stop. When your daughter matches them perfect you really win! Thanks for the smiles Caitlin I love you more!

Owen and Caitlin

2011-03-31T07:26:00.002-05:00

Its been a week of pictures , Caitlin is making up for a few years of not letting us take her picture. This week was preschool pictures, ballet pictures and soccer pictures soon. Mom can't wait to see them!

Memories

2011-03-31T07:19:00.006-05:00

Owen is crazy about bananas and raspberries this week. He got the peel out of the trash and started eating it. I gave him a new one.

Cinnamon sugar toast is so yummy it makes me clap!

In life you find that you remember the little things. I remember cinnamon sugar toast my mom used to make as a special treat. Nathan doesn't eat it but Caitlin and Owen sure love it!

Spring... Where are you?????

2011-03-27T08:36:00.010-05:00

Soccer

Nate with his friend Drew!

Owen find a bag of chips in the pantry! Yummy!

Nate makes a bench, pond with duck , and tree for the smurf. Oh the kids think that smurfs are real. Okay its a long story but a funny one. For another post.

My poor sick boy!

It was hot for two days and now.... cold and rainy! Last week was no fun. The two nicest days were spent inside. Owen's fever was too high to have him outside. Poor Owen and poor mom for having to hold 22 pounds for three days straight. His fever was high and with a trip to the doctors we got more antibiotics but the little guy had an allergic reaction at 3 am. Why don't any of my kids have asthma attacks or allergic reactions at a decent hour, like say 1 pm? Anyway, I called the nurse line and they gave me the correct dose of Benadryl and that was one entire sleepless night. I really think I was awake the entire week! He was better yesterday but then up three times last night. I took the 2 am shift and Carl got up with him at 4. Nathan and Caitlin had a soccer game yesterday and other than that we have just been hanging out. Carl finished his masters last week. Congratulations Carl, now we are a house of nerds!!!! So anyway this week will be a better week - I am heading upstairs right now to pack my bags for VEGAS!!!! That way, as I pace my bedroom during those dark hours with whatever kid decides this week is his/her week to get sick, I can look at the bags and know. Friday morning at o-dark thirty I will be getting on a jet plane! You will not see a blog about my weekend because like they say "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"!!!!!!!

Donuts!

2011-03-21T19:12:00.004-05:00

Well we didn't catch a leprechaun but he left chocolate gold coins in the trap, green milk and yummy green waffles. What fun. .. and then just the next day Grandma surprised us and showed up with donuts! Yep you got that right, Grandma showed up with Donuts, real ones from Krispy Creme. We had a fun weekend. Spring is here and we are having fun outside. It is almost time to plant the garden. All of our seeds are growing so well on the kitchen table we can't wait to eat some tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, cucumbers and all those yummy herbs!

Three More Months

2011-03-16T19:52:00.006-05:00

Caitlin gives Owen a bottle.

Owen loves getting tractor rides from Owen. Next year at this time, Owen will be driving.

Owen only eats with a fork and spoon. It is so funny. I gave him a piece of toast this morning and he wanted to eat it with a fork so I had to cut it in pieces!

OH Boy is this hard. I sure hope I can make it until June 8th. I am just holding on by a thread! I just try to keep my head down and look towards the finish line but we have a had a few tough weeks around here. Nothing I really want to blog about, its funny if I ever make this blog unhappy people start to complain. My answer well too bad! Or send donuts that makes everyone happy! We have never gotten a package of donuts so ..... Well let me tell you most of the time things are good around the Priechenfried house but its not all roses! I think I have held Owen this entire week, his fever is back and I thought it might just be some teeth. He is still on antibiotics but he still had it this evening so I guess its back to the doctors tomorrow. Allergy season is in full swing, poor Nathan now that he is getting older it is nice that he can tell me when he doesn't feel good but it still hard to medicate him when he doesn't really understand it all yet. Well I need to go . We spent the evening making a leprechaun trap and I promised Nathan I would sit by it all night and wake him up when we catch the little green man. In the morning as is our tradition we will have green milk and green pancakes so I better get some rest. It will be a long day tomorrow chasing our little leprechaun around the house. I just hope he leaves his pot of gold I could sure use it!

Monkey See, Monkey Do!

2011-03-10T07:37:00.006-05:00

Monkey See!

Monkey Do!

Spring is just around the corner and I couldn't be happier about it I just can't wait to bid farwell to the germs and welcome warm sunny days watching the kids play outside!

Week 1

2011-03-09T20:15:00.003-05:00

So for a few weeks now I have really wanted to start working out. Well week 1 of my workout starts with two rest days,... I haven't got past the two rest days and its week 3 I think. Well we had a great party for Owen and all I can guess is that since people didn't leave presents all thirty of them left a germ because I just don't get it. This is just crazy .... it has just be constant, we went right from the stomach bug to cold number 300 of the year. Owen has ear infections in both ears and his nose ohhhh.... it looks like a Superfund site. Nathan got the usual cough cough in his chest, so I will not eat anything cold. So my workouts are like this,

Day 1... clean up throwup at least ten times a day because my five year pukes every time he coughs

Day 2 stay up all night with screaming baby

Day 3 stay up all night with screaming baby only to realize yes it is time to go to the doctors

Day 4 finally get some sleep at night but only to realize I am sick.

Day 5 its not here yet I will get back to you.

Oh and can I just remind you that when Carl is here on the weekend these kids are fine. No really he hadn't been out the door 15 minutes on Sunday before Nate starts barfing! Everyone is bed and I think its time for me to be too!

Spring Soccer 2011

2011-03-06T09:03:00.010-05:00

Nathan and Caitlin are on the same team this year. The Blue Marlins.

Warming up before the game!

Caitlin enters the game , Nate ran up to her and gave her a little pep talk. It didn't work she just stood there whenever she was in the game. She didn't move. Ughhhh the coaches gave her three tries, it was hard to watch. I am hoping in a few games she will get the hang of it or I might have to red shirt her which is fine with me.

Nate did really good! I think it has finally clicked he showed so much more skill, ball control, just overall knowledge of the game. It was actually fun to watch!

The Blue Marlins have come a long way! We have new better coaches this year and so I am looking forward to a good season!

We will end with the view from the dock yesterday. It was dead calm on the water and you could see the sky in the reflection. Taking this picture was the five minutes of peace and quiet I got all week. Things have been so busy around here I am ready for Spring Break and we are still weeks away! We are counting the days till warm weather and beach time!

Happy 1st Birthday Owen

2011-02-28T16:30:00.012-05:00

Owen helps mom make cupcakes the day before his big day. It was a practice run to make sure he knew what to do when it was party time! He loved the cake!

This is good stuff mom! I am ready!

Check out the gator cake made by Aunt Ali.

Mom made the school of fish!

Nate checks out the yummy goodies at the party.

The birthday boy. Okay he was a little weird about 30 people staring at him

Its my party!

The adults had a great time, eating oysters. I only got a few pictures I guess my hands were full the entire time!!!!! With oyster and beer not Owen... thanks everyone who watched I took the night off.

The kids loved the pizza and the sandbox in the basement was huge hit!

Okay bring it on!

No way mom I am not touching this. I know I know we practiced for this, he did so good just the day before. I give up!

It was an awesome oyster roast, thanks everyone for coming. We raised $130.00 for NCCF . Thanks everyone!

Amazing

2011-02-22T19:30:00.004-05:00

Just 11 months ago this was my favorite thing to do on the sofa.

Not anymore, I can climb and I love to jump on it over and over again. I also love the phone , mom doesn't get phone calls anymore because it is always off the hook. Yes I love this soft thing I love to jump right next to the edge. See you back here tomorrow where mom will attempt pictures of bath time oh boy do I love my bath!

gass stay shin donuts

2011-02-22T17:00:00.004-05:00

Sorry to interrupt the Owen week but here is a typical dinner conversation . People wonder why I have lost it this year with Carl gone. Caitlin says " Nathan guess what we have freezer pops and they are dark purple. Nathan " I know Caitlin they are not dark purple they are Violet " He points to her shirt " you know like your shirt" Caitlin " Nathan my shirt is not violet it is dark pink that is Fuchsia" Enough Enough okay you are both right now finish eating dinner.

Before this all goes down I have two plates set out one is Nate's and one is Cait's and I say to Nathan " Nathan what would you like for dinner " He can see a hot dog on his plate and carrots. I am thinking you know mac and cheese, french fries...... he says " Corn" . What five year old boy wants corn for dinner. Okay don't worry because I know he is normal. This is what he brings home from school today. I only keep the funny ones and I think this qualifies.

This is what the above picture says: I am going to get a Jeet pat from Santa. I am going to Fliy out the window to the gass stay shin and get som donuts.

Yes he is going to get a jet pack from Santa and fly to the gas station and get donuts. Okay to my defense the only Dunkin Donuts we have close is on base and you and 60,000 other people have to wait in line every day so yes I get the kids gas station donuts on occasion but they don't know any better. So Nate is normal and after he finishes his corn we will head to the gas station in the morning on our way to school and get some donuts!

Owen

2011-02-21T20:12:00.002-05:00

They call me Owen on this blog but in real life I don't even know my name is Owen. You see they have so many nicknames for me, I am just so confused. I am most often called Bubba. They call me bubba because I love to eat! My big brother Nate he hates to eat so when mom is not looking I just steal his chicken nuggets (see picture below). My big brother or bones as we like to call him just likes to eat apples and vegetables all day, not me I am a meat eater!

My brother wasn't eating this so I took it and well now its gone!

Okay sometimes they call me " Stinkpot" does that really need an explanation. Nate calls me "Parrot" cause I squawk all the time.

Oh boy do I love the stairs, yes I love to be anywhere high, my sister and brother always leave the gate open, and mom well she is so busy it gives me lots of time to climb high high high!

Birthday Week

2011-02-20T21:21:00.004-05:00

OWEN you are turning one this week! I can't believe it. Every day this week I am going to post a picture and tell a funny Owen story from the day. You love to climb, you will climb on anything and you can't get down. You usually just fall down, as you can seen in the picture below. You have a black eye and had two bloody lips last week. Oh boy you give me a heart attack at least twice a day! It is hard to keep you safe you are such a bruiser. We love you O!

My left eye is black and my top lip is swollen, I am one tough boy!

R. I. P. Neshie

2011-02-17T11:19:00.004-05:00

We lost a member of the family this week. We will miss Neshie, she was a great kitty. Lots of great memories and not so great ( the time I painted the entire house and she brought a rabbit inside getting blood on nine walls).. I can laugh about it now! We know you are up in heaven chasing rabbits and sleeping in the sun!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-17T11:06:00.007-05:00

This kid has had a one rough week. This was taken last week because this week he has a fat lip and black eye. He has started climbing on everything. Oh boy !

My pink princess she is letting those bangs grow out so we will see how long she lasts.

They love each other so much!

Nathan he is so gentle and kind with Owen. There are many times when I say Nathan please take him and he does such a good job at trying to make Owen happy.

A little favor

2011-02-11T20:29:00.004-05:00

I am asking a little favor. Nathan's school is having a Read-A-Thon fundraiser. Normally,
I am not a fundraiser person; I mean, usually they entice the kids with so much junk and one never really knows how much goes back to the school. The Read-A-Thon brings in 100% profit which then contributes to the purchase of supplies, student agendas, and other equipment in the school. They split the total profits and give money to each grade level. The students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school on the day of the Read-A-Thon. No junk, and it all goes to the school. If you have a few dollars to spare, could you please send Nathan a few, just a couple would be great! If you prefer to send a check, please make checks payable to "Queens Creek Elementary PTO." More importantly, I would love for you to send a short note to Nathan telling him how great he is doing reading and to keep up the good work. I can guarantee you that each generous donor will receive a special thank you card from Nathan in return for your generous gift. Okay, so get your checkbooks out and write Nathan a letter. All money is due by Friday, February 25. THANKS SO MUCH!
The Priechenfrieds

You're Invited!

2011-02-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

Owen is turning One can you believe it! Come celebrate with us! I covered up the address but if you know me you know the place. If you read the blog then you are invited! Lets hope I can find some oysters and the beer will be cold!

Florida 2011

2011-02-08T13:23:00.028-05:00

This is going to be a long post. We started our adventure on Thursday evening with Aunt Susan. We flew out of Wilmington on Allegent Air, tickets were $ 13.00 each way. We landed in Orlando rented a van and headed to a different airport to pick up Ali. We arrived at Shades of Green on Disney Resort late but excited. After a good nights snooze it was Disney world here we come! There were lots of funny comments but the best one goes to Aunt Susan with " NATHAN HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE NO FLY LIST!" I won't give you all the details but we didn't bring his clothes home from the flight there or the flight back! Poor guy and poor mom who had to sit with him!

Roomservice don't tell Daddy!

Are we there yet? Caitlin was so excited

Our first stop Pluto

Blythe and Claire drove up from St. Petersburg and spent the day with us. The tea cups with the girls. Nathan and Ali were on the race cars.

Caitlin rode Dumbo with Aunt Susan.

Amy and Ali at the end of the day. Picture take by Nate.

Everyone loved the parade. When the bad characters would get close to Caitlin she would run away, it was so cute.

The people mover was a favorite.

Caitlin loved seeing the princesses. I think this is sleeping beauty. She was so excited.

Nathan and Claire play in the water at the Donald Duck boat.

Nate got a gun as his present at the end of the day.
Thanks Aunt Susan!

Caitlin got a Mickey Mouse. Thanks Aunt Ali!

What a great day! Favorite rides by Nathan : SPACE MOUNTAIN, Buzz Lightyear Space Rangers, Race cars, Dumbo Ride, Donald Duck Boat, The Barnstormer, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Caitlin : Princess and Dumbo Ride , and the Fairy Godmother

Things Caitlin didn't like - Snow White's Scary Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (sorry Cailtin you were such a sport for such a scary ride).

Next it was off to St. Petersburg to visit the Janicki Family. The kids couldn't wait to swim in the pool and play with all the cool toys at Susan's house.

Susan spoiled us it is strawberry season in Florida, oh we had shortcakes, milkshakes, waffles!

Does this really need words!!!

Time to go home. We had so much fun! Thanks Aunt Ali , Aunt Susan, The Janicki Family, Blythe and Clair for the good times. Thank you ! Thank you Thank Carl for coming home and hanging out with Owen for the weekend! Don't worry Owen when you are three we will go back so you can join in the magic of Disney!

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

2011-02-03T11:23:00.003-05:00

I woke up at the normal time this am, you know 4:30 am, but it was Nathan, humm thats weird, he is my sleeper.
"Mom my tummy hurts" Oh go back to bed Nate we will get you some juice and breakfast in a few hours you will be fine. No mom my tummy hurts........... UHHH you can guess what happens next. NO then I take him downstairs and he makes it to the bathroom well you know in the bathroom all over the bathroom but not in the actual toilet that just got cleaned yesterday! Oh geez..... We had a doctors appointment this morning for him anyway, so turns out he has bronchitis and maybe some stomach thing? The doctor gave us some medicine for both and enough anti nausea medicine for the whole family. I pray it was just a Nate thing as these things usually are and the rest of us will be spared. So what next, well we are leaving yep you got that right.. ... In a few minutes Owen will have a sitter and Nate, Caitlin and I are leaving on a jet plane. Next stop........ its warm and sunny, see you in a few days! Owen and Daddy we love you and will miss you lots!

Owen 11 months

2011-01-28T15:32:00.005-05:00

Owen is 11 months old now. He loves to play with his brother and sister and he is all boy! Trucks, guns, playing outside he loves it all! I am all done nursing him as of yesterday , it is bittersweet, he is my last but breastfeeding is very hard. I am glad I can finally drink its been a long 20 months!!!!!!

Kids.......

2011-01-25T20:00:00.003-05:00

Here are some things that have been said around here this week.
Mom "Caitlin which pajamas do you want to wear tonight?" Caitlin " I will wear my Ziploc ones" She is talking about her foot pajamas with the zipper HAHAHAH......

I picked up Nathan from school today, it was raining hard and I could tell this morning he was needing some mommy time. One our way home he said " Mom when can we go to the beach?" Mom" Nathan we can go anytime but it will be cold" "Please mom how many more days until I can go to the warm beach?"

I have been trying to get the kids ready for the passing of Neshie our 12 yr old cat, I am never quite sure how I should go about it. Last Saturday I mentioned that Neshie was getting old and when things get old they go to heaven.... Today Caitlin looked at me while I was making lunch and started crying " Mom, I don't want to go to heaven" I think she thinks she has to go next week ohhh boy!

Owen loves to wave Hi and says "Hi" to Nathan, it is so cute. They have a very tight bond, Owen is very trusting of Nathan. I wish I could say the same about Caitlin. She does love him lots and gave him a hug and kiss before school today. This evening when they were alone she gave him a black eye oh well all in time I guess.

Wonder why I am posting so much, well I am now a stay at home mom. I will never forget once I asked this chic if she worked and she said " YOU MEAN OUTSIDE THE HOME" HAHAHAHAHA ... So anyway I teaching online this semester but not outisde the home. For the most part I am bored. Now I didn't say I wasn't busy, I am busy but bored, I mean this house wife stuff is boring. I love it but you just feed people, clean up , change diapers and clean mess after mess after mess. I don't have any friends around here so I hope you enjoy the blog hahahahah

Its still so cold................

2011-01-23T10:36:00.009-05:00

Another snow day, what fun! We got about 3 inches just a few miles north they got 6. What fun, we have never had so much snow in a winter. The kids are still outside playing in it the day after.

Birds at the feeder in the snow. Carl got home late friday so he was able to take the kids out in the snow yesterday.

Snow Angel!

Owen has a fever, and boy is he fussy. He was fine outside and it cooled him down a bit!

Nate loves the snow!

The marsh after the snow.

Sunset

A few minutes with Owen

2011-01-21T15:20:00.010-05:00

I followed Owen around for oh I don't know three minutes. First the bookshelf, he hates when the books are on the shelf.

Cat food ummm I love to play in the cat food.

Oh who me, I was just chasing the cat, wow is that fun!

Look at this hair, do you like it!

Why am I crying, well I am throwing a temper tantrum because Mom will not let me play in the toilet, I love to splash in the water.

Okay I am out of here. Lets see whats next, off to the dishwasher, I love the dishwasher! If the dishwasher is closed I guess its tea time!

Mom like I said, I am so cute but I am so much work! Get over it already lady. Right now your entire world is me, me, me !

As I type this post Nathan has brought me a bag of coffee and vacuum cleaner bags he confiscated from Owen.

Spring dress, yep Caitlin has been out of school for two weeks. Mom was loosing it so we hit the mall today. Ughh I guess I shouldn't post the loot huh? I had to talk her into this one, you should have seen the dresses she was picking out. I told her she could pick one. When we were shopping this one looked so boring , compared to the rest. Now I see the picture and think "What was I thinking buying this dress" Oh well!

Just me ready to get in trouble. Nothing to see here just keep moving!

Just reading a book. Got to get as smart as my big brother Nate. No trouble here just reading a book.

What was I thinking!

2011-01-21T05:15:00.001-05:00

All I had to do was post that no one was sick and that Owen was sleeping and now

I am sitting down here with Owen at 4 am! If I let him cry it out he would wake up Caitlin who has been sick for three days. This is the first night she has had a good sleep so here we are. Tired Mom, sick kid, Owen awake at all hours… all is back to normal in the Priechenfried house.

Not just about the kids!

2011-01-18T08:10:00.006-05:00

In an email the other day one of my girlfriends asked how I was doing. She said she looked at the blog so she knows all about the kids. So I thought I would do an almost no kids post. I went out alone and took some pictures on the dock on Sunday. I love to watch the pelicans in the winter. They only come around in the winter. I am still learning how to use the camera, but I think I got a few good ones. Someday soon I will get in the kayak and get some more pictures. So how am I doing : I am doing great! I am so happy everyday when everyone wakes up healthy and Owen is only waking up once a night. A well rested mom is as happy mom! I have been planning adventures for the next few weeks so keep checking back to watch the travels of the Priechenfrieds.

Well I had to post one of the kids in the footed jammies. It has been a cold cold winter here. Some winters go by and we can't even wear these things. Not this year! Cold Cold Cold! The weather that last few days has been warmer , but rainy! Oh well can't have it all I guess.

If Owen keeps up he will be bigger than Nate by summers end!

OH BOY

2011-01-12T15:36:00.006-05:00

Owen loved the aquarium so I got him an early birthday present a one year membership. We can go all year long. I vote for this weekend with your father, all of you, all day long! I will pack your lunch and dinner!

Sharks!

Caitlin had the most fun. She is my little naturalist. I hope it sticks!

Brynn and Morgan joined in the fun. Good times.

Never in my wildest dreams (worst nightmares).... did I say that okay just kidding. Yes the kids have been out of school for three days ... for four inches of snow. These people really are crazy. We braved the totally dry roads this morning at 8:00 am and went to the aquarium. Everyone had a fun and it was nice to get out of the house. Tomorrow I am dropping these kids off at school I don't care if there isn't school they are going to school. Oh yeah and I have a Toyota Camry these days while my van is getting fixed, its really tight!

YEAH SNOW DAY!

2011-01-11T06:43:00.011-05:00

We got 4 or 5 inches. It was nice and dry. I didn't get lots of pictures because it wouldn't stop snowing. It snowed all day! The kids loved it, even Owen!

Please Mom Please, I know dad is not here to help but please can you take me out there please!

I love watching my brother and sister sled down the hill. I have on many layers of clothing. The red suit is size 2T and fits over my clothes. I am very warm!

It had only been snowing about an hour when the kids said "Lets Go Outside"!

Nathan told Caitlin he would pull her up the hill. He is such a nice big brother.

Nathan at the top of the hill on the sled.

On his way down!

At the bottom. There are no pictures of Caitlin. She went down so fast I had to catch her at the bottom or she would crash into the fence so hard. It was a little scary but the kids loved it. Great exercise for mom!

Happy Birthday Jeff

2011-01-11T06:35:00.005-05:00

After swimming lessons on Sunday we headed to Uncle Jeff's to help him celebrate his birthday. The kids had so much fun making him cards and helping me make the cake. Uncle Jeff is always so busy and soon he will be moving to Japan so we had to celebrate his birthday with him.
Happy Birthday Uncle Jeff!

Hanging with Uncle Jeff!

Nathan was tired from swimming lessons but how cute. Yes, my five year old sucks his thumb and Owen is 10 months and still drinks out of a bottle and it doesn't bother me one bit! If it bothers you don't look at the picture!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jeff!

Owen

2011-01-08T16:39:00.010-05:00

Owen , Owen , Owen
Yes, a post all about Owen!

Is this drill okay? Can I play with powertools?

Who, me? I am really cute!

Mom, okay I will pose for you, but just this once!

Mom, can I have some tea? I am British, you know; we drink tea all day long!

Okay, okay, yes I wave hi (Great Britain style). Do you think they will invite me to the wedding?

This needs some organizing. I know I organized it yesterday but it's all wrong. I get this trait from my Aunt Ali

Oh I love to play with the boys. Its too cold outside, so inside it is. Poor Caitlin, she is so sick - yes again, can you believe it? She was in bed during this picture. Mom has had enough of these germs and is packing her bags for Florida and never coming back!

Okay, finally an Owen post. Well, you are 10 months old. You are walking and waving hi. You say Mom Ma and Daaa Daaa, although I am not sure you know what you are saying just yet. You love to play with Nathan. Nathan's room and the dishwasher (with dishes in it) are your two favorite places to play. You do not sleep through the night yet but only wake up once and usually go right back to sleep. You weigh 20lbs and you are still nursing, although mom has started the weaning process and if everything goes as planned in three weeks you will be done. Oh yeah, and in three weeks Mom has plans to leave you at home with Daddy!!!!!

Leaves

2011-01-03T20:38:00.007-05:00

Remember the care free feeling of jumping into a huge pile of leaves!

Funny Nate

2011-01-01T21:13:00.002-05:00

Last night Carl was visiting Granny in the hospital. She is recovering from hip surgery. Get well soon Granny. Owen and Caitlin were upstairs taking a nap. Nate and I were in the kitchen making pizzas for dinner. Nate was helping me top the pizza. Once the pizza was in the oven Nate looked at me and said " Mom this is nice making pizza" "The house is so quiet and peacefull with the kids sleeping" HAHAHA My five year old is calling his sister and brother the kids!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T08:55:00.015-05:00

Wow we had a great Christmas week with family and friends. We got such wonderful gifts from everyone. Thanks so much. It was a rough start with everyone sick. Carl in I lay in bed one night after we had both been puked on by Owen and Nathan earlier in the night and said if there was a song to describe our start to Christmas it would go like this. The twelve days before Christmas at the Priechenfried house.
12 prescriptions from Walgreen's
11 boxes of Kleenex
10 loads of laundry
9 dinner parties
8 hours of sleep in 7 days
7 more loads of laundry
6 more perscriptions
5 humidifiers humming
4 trips to the doctors
3 runny noses
2 kids puking
1 and a cat that poops on the floor!

Don't worry things got lots better, Aunt Ali and Troy showed up with Grandma and Grandpa we got help. Mom got lots of sleep. Everyone got better and all is well. We had a fun, we had snow and boy did we eat too many cookies! Carl has been home for two weeks, Aunt Ali and Troy got stuck here because of the snow and Aunt Ali started cleaning well okay organizing, she left no closet untouched! Grandma took the kids for some fun a few days and things are great. Monday is going to be a such a shock to my system! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The cousins sit for a picture on Christmas Eve.

Carl captured Nathans first look at the presents from Santa.

Caitlin was not far behind.

Caitlin loved her West Virginia Univ bear from Uncle Bob and Aunt Roberta. I have never seen her so happy to get a gift, I had to take the picture twice because she was running around screaming I love it I love it!

Caitlin painted Grandma a dolphin and gave it to her for Christmas.

Owen and Caitlin sit with Ali on Christmas morning. Poor Owen he was so sick . Wow was he sick!

Owen got a horse from Santa.

Nathan asked for a speed boat from Santa! It is so fast.

One of Owen's favorite toys , this car! He loves to drive.

Caitlin got a baby doll and matching outfits!

Nathan watches his speed boat go!

Oh and about the 13 year old cat, she is still here but the carpets got steam cleaned yesterday and she now has her own litter box in the garage!

Christmas Fun!

2010-12-23T10:38:00.011-05:00

Well , we made it happen, the tree is decorated, the stockings are hung and the cookies well, we ate them all so now we are in the kitchen making round two! Now if only I could say we are all better, not quite. Catilin is all better now those boys! I took Nathan back to the doctors on Monday but by Wednesday we were back and I took Owen with me as well. Owen was almost done his antibiotics but his cough/chest did not sound good. Now Nathan and Owen have just started antibiotics round two! The doctor seems to think that we had three different bugs and the kids have just been passing it around. Lucky Us ! We have been in this house for days. We have so many prescriptions I have to sit down and think for a few minutes to remember what everyone gets. We have had visitors and lots of fun though! We had Janelle , Jason, Bryn and Morgan down for dinner and gingerbread house decorating. Next it was Granny and Granddad for a whole day. Ms. Dee showed up with presents and cleaned..... and then last night we had Aunt Susan and Uncle Jeff for yummy oysters and crab cakes! Good times.

Nathan puts an ornament on the tree! In his holiday jammies.

Daddy holds Caitlin

Bryn and Caitlin decorating gingerbread houses.

The boys decorating.

Owen loves the tree.

Wow those look great!

The boys!

Owen opens his present from Dee, its a winner!

Uncle Jeff holds Owen. Owen just loves to be held , don't put me down!

I love the wrapping paper best!

Uncle Jeff and Nate.

School Christmas Party

2010-12-19T14:45:00.006-05:00

Here is Caitlin at her school Christmas Party. She is on the far right sitting down. I love love love her teacher. She teaches them so many songs. They sang about 8 songs (Away in the Manger, Here comes Santa.... ). In the end Santa walks in. I am thinking about posting video. The only problem is I get the blog made into books . I use the blog as a baby book, we are in our third book right now. I usually do about two years of posts in one book. Anyway video does not show up in the book so I am not sure I want to start that. hummm... maybe I will do a separate blog of just videos? Who knows... Any ideas out there?

I missed the red shoes!

Nathan made this in kindergarden. Cute, cause he is five. I hope he dosen't want to wear it when he is ten HAHAHAH

Nate's Class

Uncle Jeff Flys Jet Planes!

2010-12-17T21:17:00.006-05:00

Here comes Uncle Jeff, jet number six. We got to see them fly over in formation and then four landed on the runway and two hovered to a landing!

Nate watches Uncle Jeff park his jet.

Uncle Jeff back safely after flying in from Yuma.

How cool would it be to have an uncle that flys jet planes! This week I took Nate to watch Uncle Jeff fly his jet. He was telling his teacher as he left school. My uncle Jeff has a jet plane and I am going to watch him fly it. You see he acts like this is something everyone does, you know hops on a jet and flys around. It was cold cold cold cold! Of course they did a really cool fly over with six jets but I am just not that fast with my camera. I mean I asked if they could go up and do it again so I could get ready... Oh well maybe next time!

New Camera

2010-12-17T21:05:00.004-05:00

I got a new camera for my birthday. You know one of those fancy DSLR cameras. I don't actually have time to read the instruction guide, but I would love to know if you think my pictures are better. I can tell a difference... Can you? Leave a comment.

Last week before the sickness, Caitlin and I made some chocolate sugar cookies

Owen loves bathtime.

Owen looking ....

This was with the old camera but too cute not to share... I have lots of blog posts coming your way...

Its Christmas Time

2010-12-17T15:03:00.007-05:00

The family , Caitlin picked the headband!

The kids, Caitlin is no longer jealous of Owen and is really helping take care of him now.

The girls, Mom and Ali happened to be here on picture day so we took a girls picture.

The family, well minus Jeff and Susan. Like I said I had only planned on doing the kids but then Carl talked me into a family picture and everyone was here so here we are November 27 , 2010.

IT WAS SO COLD OUTSIDE! CARL MADE US WALK DOWN TO THE DOCK BRRRRRR!

Okay okay time for us to get with the program around here. Wow what a week! IT WAS HORRIBLE. That is all I can say, everyone was sick and I didn't get a break nope I was up all day and all night! Let these kids get better and soon. All I want for Christmas is a some sleep! Carl is home and our goal for the weekend- Christmas! We need a tree, we need to make some cookies.... not a problem with an extra set of hands I feel like I can conquer the world!

Oil

2010-12-10T08:11:00.003-05:00

We all know that the word shy and Nathan do not go together. Nope my boy has no problems expressing himself. Last night I went to a parent, student meeting at Nathan's school. The teachers were showing us ways to teach our children to be better readers. The parents were sitting on the floor watching the teacher read the children a book. The teacher was giving us a little background before she started. Across the room Nate yells " I don't need any help!" " The book is called " I've seen Santa". He was right, it was so funny. He is doing really well reading.
Okay on to my story about oil.
Last week the teacher sends a note home that says : Ask Nathan to tell you the story about "oil" in Mr. Kings class. Hum, I thought .....
Background, we live in eastern North Carolina and some of the people have what they like to call a down east accent. It sort of brings southern twang to a new level. Carl goes out of his way to try to make sure Nathan and Caitlin do not develop this southern twang. Its going well with Nathan but not so good with Caitlin. Any way Carl is constantly correcting them.
So I said, Nathan tell me about oil in Mr. King's class. Nathan said Mr. King said oil.. pronounced "all" in these parts. Nathan says " I told him the correct way to say it is " oil". When I went to parent teacher night the teachers were still talking about it.

Guess whos walking?

2010-12-09T20:36:00.003-05:00

Owen took his first steps this week. Dad saw him take a step on Sunday but I was in denial. On Tuesday evening he took two steps and tonight he walked four steps to get to Nathan! Walking at 9.5 months! Oh boy I will try to post some pictures soon I am just so exhausted! I am sure it will all get so easy now that he can walk!!!!!