The Hydock Life

No Complaining Bet

2010-03-12T20:45:00.004-05:00

Nothing new in the Hydock world. Work and school. School and work. Oh yea...except that I am losing a bet with Evan. I bet him he could not go one entire week(7days without complaining. From a Sunday to a Saturday. yes..he has been whining and complaining that much. I was sure he would lose within two days of the bet. Oh NO!!
He just has to get through one more day and he wins. What does he win? Any electronic game he wants.........DS, Wii, PS3. Guess I am out a few bucks.

UPDATE: I lost!!! I talked with him though about sounding so much nicer this week. Hopefully he can and will keep it up.

First Concert

2010-02-27T19:03:00.004-05:00

I took Evan to his first concert this past weekend. Mark Schultz!!! He is a christian artist. I love, love, love his music. Evan does too. So when I heard he was coming to a church in Lakeland I jumped at the chance to go. This concert was much more different than the ones I attended pre-children. But such a wonderful way to introduce Evan to concerts. I hope he wants to go to more christian events as he grow older. And of course I bought him his first concert tshirt. After the show we stayed and got to meet Mark Schultz and get his autograph. I felt like a kid again.....I was giddy. Did I mention Mark Schultz is HOT!!!

February Happenings

2010-02-19T18:43:00.002-05:00

February is not yet over and I am so so tired and stressed of the month. I need a new month and a new start. I am so afraid of what next week may bring. I think we should all just stay here in Friday land and never return. Let me recap the last two weeks. Please try to stay with me and do not cry. The Hydocks are survivors!!!

First we found out we have termites. I know such a common thing in Florida but we were caught off guard. Yucky bugs in my bathroom and closets walls. They even ate a very tiny hole through the closet. I could see those little vermin's. Can I say yucky again!! So now we must put out much hard earned cash for getting rid of them and keeping them away forever. Then we have to fix the damage they have done. Not a cheap endeavor might I add.

Big Red(our Expedition) broke down. I love my car and do not want a new one. It is paid for and it hardly looks worn even though it is ten years old. Lucky for us hubby has a cousin that can fix Fords. But not without a major cost. It would have been an even bigger expense to go elsewhere. Thanks Little Stevie.

Next in the week of craziness.........my beloved Big Red was broken into(the lock broken) and my purse stolen. Okay now...please do not yell at me for having my purse in the car. The car was locked and the purse was hidden(so I thought) under the passenger seat. The police think the strap must have been showing. And the car was parked in my child's school parking lot(I was working that day). God was with me that day. He kept me one very small step ahead of the thief(or thieves). They only made one small $20 gas purchase before the card was cancelled. I was able to cancel everything else but not without the bad bad men trying to use them....multiple times over and causing me much pain. I felt very victimized by this event. I felt vulnerable. Something I never want to feel again. It is not my personality. I have to say though I got through the trauma with the help of four of the most wonderful, best friends a girl could ever have. And hubby.....he was valiant at times. My girlfriends read into a message I left one of them and knew I was off....very off. One girlfriend even gave me one of her Vera bags since I lost mine. AHHHHH!!!!!!! So now I am picking up the pieces of my lost belongings. Until you ever lose the entire contents of your purse you may never know how attached to things we are. My purse carried my life!! I miss my things.

Now on to the next event. Our plumbing went out AGAIN!!! Another major expense to my already overextended budget. (I am not rich!! Just thought I would add that in case something else wants to break and cost me an arm and a leg. I am tapped out.) We found out we have very long sewer pipes that are not straight but very curvy and old. So nothing ever will get flushed into the toilet except #1 and #2. No exceptions!!! So if you ever come to my home ladies....please be very aware. The clean up was horrible might I add. Thank goodness for bleach.

And to put all these issues into perspective.........my stepfathers forty something son found out he has colon cancer. He is a survivor and will fair well through his trials. No doubt!! My issues are trivial compared to his life. I am just going through some small scratches in my life compared to his big hurdle. Nothing like a slap in the face to show me what is more important. Family, Friends and Good Health to enjoy life.

Rendevous

2010-02-06T10:04:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again.......Rendevous. It was touch and go until the last moment whether the boys would be able to spend the night but things fell into place and away they went sans Zane. He is still too young to go away from mommy(and daddy) overnight. Especially sleeping outdoors in a tent. But no worries. Zane got mommy and daddy all to himself for a few days and was a constant chatterbox the ENTIRE time. Anyway......back to Rendevous. The boys enjoyed themselves and got to run free. Literally they had the run of the place for two days. No mommy and daddy telling them to come home, eat, shower or anything else. My mom and stepfather had no worries about them. If they got into mischief someone in Rendevous would see them , yell at them and tell their grandparents. Knowing this they had no mischief just plan ole fun. Freedom at its best!

The Circus Is In Town

2010-02-03T18:47:00.012-05:00

The boys got a great gift from their wonderful uncle. Circus tickets. Uncle Carl saw the tickets go a sale in November. The seats were right in front. The venue was the yellow track of Ringling Brothers Circus. It was called Illuscination. It was slightly different than the traditional three ring circus most of us are used to. I was much more pleased with the one ring and more personal attention we got at this venue. The kids loved the circus. A definite must see again!!!

Trey and Zane got to hold a parrot before the show. The parrot is curious about the sillybandz on Trey's wrist.

Evan trying out the tight rope prior to the show.

The "real" tight rope walkers.

These ladies are held up by their HAIR ONLY!!! Can you say ouchie!

The lion tamer. very scary stuff!

The man jumped through a fire ring!

AWWWW.....Elephants

Hello SeaWorld...Old Friend

2010-01-31T09:21:00.007-05:00

One of the greatest gifts we got for Christmas was from Grandma and Granpdap Donker. It was a year pass for the family to SeaWorld. We love this place. Many people I know do not think this park is worthy of a year long pass. Too boring, no excitement and nothing like the "other" local theme park. But to my kids......SeaWorld rocks!! It helps that they love love love animals...and can watch them for a long time and not get bored. Evan loves the Polar Bears. Mommy loves the Beluga Whales and Trey loves the dolphins. The jury is still out on what Zane likes. He was enthralled with the whole park and kept saying he loves this and loves that. And what does daddy like?? I might have to ask him that when he gets back from his bike ride...I know bad wife.

We first used our passes on New Years Eve. The boys have off from school this coming friday and I am hoping we can go back. So you all know what to expect this year on my blog world.....SeaWorld pics and posts! Oh Yea....exciting stuff around here.

No nothing is wrong with my camera. It was "fake snowing" at SeaWorld that night. But not too cold for ice cream.

Santa was at the Polar Express. And what a great Santa he was. Did I mention I love SeaWorld.

Welcome to 2010

2010-01-30T18:46:00.002-05:00

I am a bit late but at least I am still here. Some of my other blogger pals have dropped out. So.........welcome to 2010!!!

It has been a full month with me working in the week and the weekends keeping us busy.

I will try to highlight the month in the next few posts. So keep checking back.

Christmas

2009-12-28T09:19:00.006-05:00

ready for the marathon gift opening!

The boys had a wonderful Christmas. They got all they wanted and then some. Mommy had to talk with Zane after he opened his first present from Santa. He threw the gift down, crossed his arms, scowled and said this was not what he asked Santa for. Obviously Zane had ideas about Christmas and the first present did not live up to what he thought. But after I talked with him about Santa giving him what he asked and then other presents he might like Zane warmed up to the idea of opening more presents. Then he was like a kid in a candy store. Oohhing and Aahhing with every gift.

Jesus Is the Reason

2009-12-23T12:48:00.009-05:00

Another family tradition is the annual "Walk Thru Bethlehem" at a local church. This is a free event. All volunteers from the church. It is only for four days. And baby Jesus is always the main attraction.

The Roman guards at the gate waiting to harass those people who need to enter Bethlehem.

The "harlots" at the well with the guards.

Carpenters

Potters

The Shepherds

The Three Wise Men

The kids(with Joshua and Shawn).

Christmas Lane 2009

2009-12-20T20:51:00.005-05:00

Ahhh....Christmas! And all the family traditions that come along with the Holiday. The kiddies and I have been going to a place called Christmas Lane for several years now. For my non local readers....Christmas Lane is a personal home that someone has decorated with tens of thousands of lights. They bring in Santa every year. They sell hot cocoa and popcorn. They have a small train ride for the younger folks. Carollers can be heard belting out Holiday tunes. And best of all....it is free!!!

Let's All Go To the Parade!!

2009-12-08T20:26:00.017-05:00

Once again we attended the annual Lakeland Christmas parade. The only one not attending this year was Leslie. Darn that job of hers!!! She just was not able to figure out how to skip work. And that was a shame because the parade was excellent this year. Just the right mix of cold air and wind to make it nice but not freezing. Along with some eye catching and fun floats. Take a look below.

This is the start of the parade with the motorcycle cops going in circles with their light and sirens blaring. I like how I captured the moment.

Look!!!!! It's Mickey and Minnie!! Gotta love those mice.

The Golden Arches. I'm Lovin It!!

Let's Get Naughty!!! Who remembers those days???

I do not remember what this represents but I liked how the people were inside the snowglobe. Kinda unique ...huh??

Ohhhhh Look....Can it be???!! Plato the Publixsaurus!! This is the first time my family and I can rememebr Publix being in the parade. Now why you ask is this such a big deal. Ummmm hello....Lakeland is their hometown!!! This is a long time coming....should've been much sooner than later. I hope they keep up the tradition.

May the Force be with you

This got my kids going. It reminded them that it is almost Monster Truck time. Oh yea baby!

This one is for you Les! Missed you. (oh and by the way...another first timer in the parade).

And always last but never least.........."Who has reindeer pull his sleigh"??

Must be Santa......Must be Santa....Must be Santa.....Santa Claus!!! (it's a song people.....geesh!!)

Gobble Gobble Gobble

2009-11-22T18:09:00.005-05:00

The boys celebrated Thanksgiving at school this past week each in their own unique classroom way. Here is a peek at what they did.

Zane makes one good looking turkey!

Trey the pilgrim boy!

A Look Into The Life of Zane

2009-11-15T08:44:00.013-05:00

Zane has been quite the busy little man these days. He is in preschool which means tons and tons of activities to keep his days full of fun. And mine as well.

Here is Zane having his Red, White and Blue Parade. This is where the four year olds get to ride their bike or scooter around the parking area. Zane chose his scooter. The kids also make shirts to commemorate the day. Why the school has it in the middle of October is beyond me. I just go with the flow and don't ask.

Another activity he did at school was the Fall Festival. His preschool does not acknowledge Halloween instead they celebrate Fall.

And last but definitely too cute and sweet is Zane hanging out with Gypsy in the dogs crate. Yes, Zane can be found in the dogs home during any given day. Strange child indeed!

Good Grief!

2009-11-08T18:00:00.003-05:00

The boys school had a pumpkin contest where they had to make a book character out of a pumpkin. Any size and shape just no carving. Evan decided on Snoopy. While looking through our book collection Trey choose Woodstock. The boys made them together from the Thanksgiving Snoopy book. I think they are adorable. And we still have them on the front porch if you are so inclined to see them up close and personal.

Fall Festival

2009-11-05T09:29:00.007-05:00

Besides Halloween, the kiddies got to enjoy wearing their costumes for other Fall events. Like our church, BayLife, annual Fall Festival. It was a fun night filled with games and friends.

Halloween

2009-11-03T08:22:00.006-05:00

Since this Halloween was on a weekend night(again) the kiddies and I headed to a friends house for treat or treating. It is nice going with a group. I got to relax and just walk with the kiddies. I was not in charge. In fact I hung out in the back of the pack and watched. I watched all fourteen(not including baby Tybee)kids rush up to doors and overwhelm the people. But hey...it is Halloween...what do they expect.

It was a hot and very humid night so most of the kiddies were tired and wanted to end the candy feast. But a few strong and brave trick or treaters wanted to continue the nights journey. These babes are the remaining few who braved more houses for more candy. Notice two of them were mine.

Apology

2009-11-02T19:04:00.005-05:00

I am giving my apologies to my loyal readers(all one of you). I have been amiss of my blog. I have thought many times of blogging but then I just don't. For no good reason other than I have been lazy. Procrastination is my middle name if you have not heard. Well.....I have had a reason or two for not blogging if you really want to hear(or read them). I have started substituting at a couple of elementary schools in the area. Only about two days a week. Pile that on top of my father is in a nursing home right now. My sister and I have vowed to visit him at least once a week. That is three days in the week I am super busy. The other two it seems as though I have had school activities or household chores. The weekends seem to fly by with church and kiddie activities. Whew......that makes one tired, unorganized and crazed mom. I am trying to get used to working and being out of the house so much after seven years being home. I am doing it all I just have had to put a few things on the back burner....blogs and friend interactions(yes I have neglected my human counterparts and they are grumbling ...can't you hear them!!!). But I promise my loyal and steadfast readers. I will not neglect you again(well at least not for 2009.....too many pic moments I must recap).

Georgia

2009-10-01T17:55:00.009-04:00

The family went on a mini weekend getaway. We went to Georgia for hubby's bike ride. The Six Gap. It was a great weekend. The kids were good, the weather awesome and hubby's ride the best ever yet(more on this in a later blog). The kids got to pick apples from an apple orchard and visit a waterall. We saw pumpkins and corn. And the kids and I went on a gold mine tour when DH was riding. The kids also got to pan for gold and gem stones. All in all a great weekend.

Gold Mine Tour

Disney On Ice

2009-09-18T16:46:00.007-04:00

About two weekends ago my Uncle and Grandmother took the boys(for their bdays) and myself to see Disney On Ice in Lakeland. It was a really fun evening. The boys had no idea where they were going. It was not my surprise so I did not tell. Once we arrived in Lakeland, Zane saw a billboard for Disney On Ice and kept pointing and saying he wanted to go. Evan and Trey ignored Zane and never saw the billboards. I kept telling Zane soon, soon. After many guesses my uncle finally told the boys once we arrived. Since they have never seen an ice show they had no idea what to expect. Well...as you guessed it...they loved the show. The theme was Celebrations. They had birthday, Valentines Days, Halloween(which was the best), Christmas, vacation, and a few others I now forget. As always Disney put on an awesome show. It makes me miss visiting Disney.

The Birthday Celebration

The Dancing Brooms. Loved it!

Halloween from Nightmare Before Christmas. My favorite!

Mickey and Minnie during the Valentines Day Celebration

7 Years Old Today!!!!

2009-09-14T08:14:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY............HAPPY BIRTHDAY.................HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My sweetest middle child has just turned seven today. Trey is an animal lover...except bugs. He loves having his backed rubbed by mommy. He loves giving and receiving hugs. Trey's smile is contagious. He brightens up a room with his smile. He has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh. My middle child is one special boy. He has my heart on a string.

Look at that smile and perfect red lips!( a favorite pic of mine)

So gorgeous!!! Melts my heart!

Rainbow Springs

2009-09-11T13:19:00.006-04:00

After tubing.

Last weekend was Evan's 9Th birthday so the family(along with Aunt Leslie and Haley) headed to Rainbow Springs for some fun in the sun......and tubing. Yes...I said tubing. We don't get to do this activity much in Florida. The alligators tend to get in the way. But if you can find some nice springs well then go ahead and tube. Alligators do not like the cold spring waters. My friend Julie actually found the Springs and tubing. Evan and Trey were eager to try them out since they had gone tubing in Georgia with Haley. Rainbow Springs was a gorgeous place. The water was blue and cool. The spring river was clear and very calm. We will definitely return to this place.

the boys at one of the waterfalls

The Springs. The people jump into the water off a dock. the water is deep so the people are floating on noodles. The kids went into the water but could not enjoy it due to the deep water.

Haley in the springs. Look how clear the water is....you can see her body underneath the water.

9 Years Old!!!

2009-09-08T10:20:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to my first born baby!! You are now 9 years old(as of yesterday). Time is flying by. You are so beautiful to me. Your smile and attitude is contagious. I love you so much!!

The Beginning and End....As I Know It!!!

2009-09-03T12:19:00.009-04:00

Zane started preschool on Monday. I was and still am a bit sad about my last baby going to school. I am sad that my little companion, my last child attached to my hip has moved on in life to bigger and better opportunities. This is expected but goodness.......it makes me cry thinking about him growing up.

Since all my girlfriends have kiddies in either school or preschool now we all decided to get together and have a breakfast at Mimi's. Then we went thrift store shopping. It was nice to spend the morning hanging with my gal pals. They made me feel better with Zane leaving. I was very reluctant to go....i wanted to wallow in my sadness. But I went due to peer pressure(I was the ONLY one not going) and am so glad. Thanks ladies for helping me survive!!

Zane(at sneak peek) and his teacher Ms. Jan

Zane and one of his bestest friends, Noah. They are not in the same class due to mommy. I want Zane to have the teacher Noah has now next year when Zane attends Westminster again. Yes.....he will be two years in preschool.

First day photos!

Zane's Celebration

2009-08-29T14:44:00.009-04:00

Back to Zane. His birthday pictures got kicked to the sidelines when school started.

The cool Birthday boy and his Diego sunglasses

We went to Chuck E. Cheese for his 4Th birthday. It was just the boys, hubby, Aunt Leslie and Haley. The next day we celebrated his bday and Grandma Barnett's with my family. Zane is so proud he turned four. I think his speech is slowly improving. The next stage for him is starting preschool on Monday. I will definitely post his big day! I am sad he will be gone from me during the day.

Giving Aunt Leslie kisses

The only kind of roller coater you will see him ride for a lonnggg while.

Vroom Vroom

Happy Birthday To Us!!!

The Return of School

2009-08-25T19:33:00.008-04:00

Today was the first day of 3rd and 1st grade for Evan and Trey. Zane starts pre-school next week. I think everyone did really good this year. Getting up was slightly hard for us....six a.m. is painful when you have been slacking for three months. I woke Evan up first and his words were......I am still tired I want to go back to sleep. Uh....sorry kiddo...time to go to school. Trey was his usual grumpiness....I am used to it....but it seemed to dissipate quicker this morning than most days. Huh.....maybe a trend? Once at school(and the same for sneak peek...yesterday)Trey changed personalities. He shut down and appeared sad with his head hung low. He would not even say hello to his kindergarten teacher from last year.

After school they had dentist appointments. The kiddies go to the dentist so this is nothing new BUT/So i am unsure if it was the fluoride treatment, the dentist or first day jitters but Trey threw up on the way home from the dentist. ALL OVER THE CAR SEAT and FLOOR. Totally gross. Thank goodness I have hard, plastic, washable mats that keep my car carpets safe. As usual....he feels much better afterwards and is ready to resume his life. What is new in the life of Trey!

Talking to his Aunt Leslie this evening Trey mentioned his love, Julia, was not in his class. He still says he will marry her. Hope his love fires keep up until 2ND grade because she is not around him in school this year.

Evan, of course, loves his teacher. He says she is super nice. He loves school and being around his friends. Evan is an easy going kid. Thank goodness. One thing that impressed me with Evan's teacher is that she has been at our school since it opened in 1987. That is over twenty years ago...and she taught way before that as well. And she looks so young.

Trey and Ms. Watson(at sneak peek)

Evan and Ms. Perry(at sneak peek)

Happy Birthday My Angel

2009-08-22T20:02:00.012-04:00

Zane is 4 years old today!!!! Happy Birthday to Grandma Barnett! Both share their special day with each other.

Wow.......I do not have any babies anymore. Even though I will always consider Zane my baby since he is the last child. He is my angel, little man and monkey all rolled into one. Zane loves to sing. He loves his left thumb and tends to suck it when he is tired. He loves pulling and caressing mommy's hair.....day and night. He needs to sleep with his Dora pillow.....Evan bought it originally for Trey when he was three years old and now Zane has assumed the pillow. His favorite pasttime is teasing his brothers by taking their toys and running away laughing. He loves the dogs and sometimes goes into their crates and visits with them. His favorite person...hands down is his cousin Haley(hay..we as he says it). When she is around....mommy is nonexistent. Evan and Trey have a nickname for him......BooBoo's.

Here is a picture montage of my sweetie.

Zane sucking his thumb and twirling his hair since mommy was taking the pic.

As soon as Zane comes up from the water he lifts his wet hair from his ears. This makes his hair look funny until he goes back underwater. Too cute!

Hay..Wee His favorite person!

Friends!!

Common Ground Park

2009-08-18T09:49:00.010-04:00

The boys and I along with Uncle Carl and Grandma Barnett went to this really neat park in Lakeland last week. What makes it soooo neat? Just take a look at the pictures. Lakeland always seems to outdo itself. This town is always striving for self improvement. Just look around the town and see all the beautiful foliage they have planted. The cleanliness of the streets. The great parks for families. Now the town does have it not so wonderful parts. What town doesn't. But in general...Lakeland is a town for families...first and foremost!

Jumping Around

2009-08-14T12:10:00.007-04:00

Here are a few pics I took of a swim party the boys and I went to.

Trey and Evan loved the high dive board!

Zane enjoying himslef as well.

A favorite picture. I love the blurry-ness of everthing except(most)of Evan.

Summer Evening Water Fun

2009-08-09T19:43:00.007-04:00

Other things we have been up to this summer. Trying to keep cool and have fun at the same time. Sprinklers and water hoses!

Please my Florida friends do not hassle me about the water usage. I know we are in a drought. Count it toward my once a week watering day that I never ever use.

Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-06T20:44:00.007-04:00

What have the kidddies and I been up to lately.

Swimming

2009-07-31T17:38:00.003-04:00

Trey has been taking swim classes since the beginning if May. He knows how to swim but these classes are refining his skills. After he finishes level four(he is at level three now) then he starts stroke school. After that he can join the swim team for competition......if he wants. If not then he will know how to swim really really well. Trey seems to like swimming for now. It is getting more challenging though for him. And this makes him give up on himself. He is practicing the backstroke. He does not always go straight. Poor guy is too tough on himself!

Soccer

2009-07-25T15:43:00.007-04:00

Scarlett and two week old Tybee! Melts your heart!

Zane has been playing soccer in a local kiddie group. The name of his team is the Giraffes. Isaac has been playing with him. Scarlett my girlfriend and Isaac's mom just had a baby boy named Tybee. Zane should have been playing with Noah as well but his mommy......well you just need to know her to understand. I do love her though. At least Noah is in the team pics. So now that soccer is completed I am unsure what we will do next with Zane. Probably take a break until his preschool starts in the Fall. Then I can regroup and decide.

Zane and Isaac

I dare anyone to get the ball into the goal!

Deciding who should kick the ball.

Ohhhh .......I got the ball!

Crystal Rocks

2009-07-19T13:05:00.007-04:00

One of the kiddies summer projects was growing crystals. They got the kit a while ago. I know....mommy procrastinates. It was a fun and not too messy project. We have more so we can grow other colors and in different shapes.

In Memory

2009-07-12T17:07:00.004-04:00

Steve Cardo (Grandpa Cardo)
November 30, 1921 - July 11, 2009

Pool Games

2009-07-10T12:29:00.009-04:00

There were a lot of kids and teens at the beach area we were staying. This means plenty of fun for my kiddies. Evan was the first to get involved in the pool games. He watched for a while and decided to join. It took Trey much longer to watch and decide to join in. But when they both joined the games they had so much fun.

Beach Time

2009-07-08T16:25:00.009-04:00

I am going backwards in time.

Last week the family went to Treasure Island beach for a week with Grammy. We had a great time even though the sun did not appear until Friday. The boys swam and played in the rain(no lightening and thunder). Other times the days were gray and overcast which I can handle better than full heat and sun.

Notice hubby's three toned tan from working in the yard and riding his bike.

4th of July Fireworks

2009-07-05T16:17:00.010-04:00

Later in the afternoon the kiddies and I packed up and headed to Mema and Papa's house for a cookout, fireworks and lots of fun. Uncle Carl outdid himself with the fireworks this year. They were loud, high in the sky and very pretty to watch. He also bought the boys water guns to play with during lull adult moments of talking and chilling out. I opted to use the hose and sprayer for maximum wetness. The boys and I made(tie dyed, painted and glittered) 4Th of July tshirts for the special occasion a few weeks ago. Haley was included(per her insistence).

When Papa shot off his mini cannon(yes you read that right) it hurt Trey and Zane's ears.

4th Of July Parade

2009-07-04T15:06:00.011-04:00

Today is Independence Day, The 4Th of July, America's birthday! We got out of the house very early considering we got home very late from the beach the night before. It was a humid and muggy morning but we survived and enjoyed the parade. We met up with good friends at the parade. A nice way to start the Holiday.

The many floats and people we saw along the parade route.

Beach Time

2009-06-26T18:41:00.009-04:00

The day started out rainy.....well stormy is more like it. But we had beach plans with friends and Haley. Nothing would get in the way. I never get Haley(alone) and I was determined it would be a good day. When we arrived at the beach it was raining. So we headed down a bit further and what do you know??? No rain, and the sun was attempting to come out. So we planted out chairs near the water and said.....beach here we are.......weather be good. And it was.

Haley attempting to use a skim board.

The kiddies jumping over the high waves

The girls relaxing. Scarlett is due in 12 days. Doesn't she look awesome!

Unwanted Guests: Part 2

2009-06-21T19:05:00.003-04:00

A year ago I posted this blog. Go and check it out and come right back.

Remember now.......thought so!
Yes............the frog!! Well guess what has happened? About six months ago another one moved in. I was freaked but allowed it because they they stayed put...never moved....at least when I was around.

This morning....another relative has moved in.

Oh no!!! That is it!!! I am through being nice. I am evicting them. DH must capture them and take them away. Far far away from home. Never to return again.

I will keep you posted on our frog situation.

Tired Baby

2009-06-16T19:52:00.008-04:00

Zane had his first day of summer camp today. It lasted from 9am to 1pm. This is the result of his adventurous day.

YES.....he is truly asleep at the dinner table. I hope my poor baby can make it through the summer.

Lettuce Lake

2009-06-14T14:13:00.006-04:00

What to do on a hot, hot day in sunny, humid Florida? Go exploring in a nature preserve park!

Just a few of the things we saw. We heard from others at the park that a cottonmouth snake was around but we never saw him. No worries.....we were on a high boarkwalk the whole time!

Rainy Days

2009-06-11T16:40:00.007-04:00

What to do when it rains(and no thunder or lightening)? Why play in the rain.

Beach with Friends

2009-06-09T15:16:00.007-04:00

Amy W. and her daughter

Another beautiful summer day in Florida means..........BEACH TIME!! And like past beach days mishaps happen. This time it was my friends Amy W. She was playing in the water with the kiddies and "shredded her calf muscle" according to the doctor later that night. Amy was such a trooper though. She stayed and played with us. No little pain would deter her fun!! Her hubby had to come get her in the end and drive home. It was that swollen and hurt that much.

Amy enjoying her J-14 Mag. She is such a teeny bopper wanna be!

The "babies" playing.

Dance Recital

2009-06-07T18:42:00.004-04:00

Haley, my beautiful 16 year old niece, had her dance recital last night. She changed dance companies this past year. One of her previous dance teachers opened her own studio. The venue was smaller but I think just as comparable in costumes and routines as the larger one she attended in past years.

Here is one of her rountines. The film quality is not so great as it was dark but you can still see her. She is the one starting out in the box and thens moves third from the left.

Here is her lyrical rountine. I tried to keep her in the middle of the frame.

Reflecting Back

2009-06-06T09:31:00.013-04:00

I was neglectful at times of posting things my kiddies did at school and around town. So here I am looking back and reflecting on what a fun time the boys had.

Trey made a rocket ship with daddy for space month. They had a blast deciding what to do and how to do it.

Field Day at school. It was HOT but fun.

Easter Bunny at school. I had a friend with a bunny costume but it was short so I could not wear it. I asked my shorter friend to wear it and walk around school(for two days) going from classroom to classroom hopping around and taking pics. I assisted of course...I did not leave her hopping alone. The kiddies loved it!!!

Between all the rain and school work..the boys got to play with friends. Water was usually the main ingredient.

Zane played Tball with friends.

The End

2009-06-05T08:53:00.010-04:00

School is over(at least for another year)!!!

My middle baby, Trey, has completed kindergarten....how sad for me...exciting for him. Evan will be starting 3rd grade. Can you believe it? He is getting so big. Zane will be starting preschool this Fall. Oh my the Hydock household will be changing this Fall. But first we have to push through summer. And reflect on the past school year.

Evan became an avid reader the last half of the school year. Something I have been wishing for him(and all my boys......a love of reading). He quadrupled his AR goal this last quarter. He played baseball in LL for winter and spring ball. He has cemented friendships with a few boys. I plan to have the boys over during summer.

Evan with his friends.

Trey turned out to be a ladies man in kindergarten. All the girls loved him. He gravitated toward the girls more during playtime. The boys were all too rough for him. There was one little boy he liked but he moved away(very suddenly) in March. Trey was sad he left. Trey not only learned to read but moved ahead very quickly in this skill.

Trey and friends

Zane continued speech but was moved to the public school system with speech since he turned three. He adapted nicely to a new teacher and environment. He goes to speech at the same school with his brothers. He thinks he is a regular student at the school. Many kids in the hallway know Zane from his brothers or speech class. They all say hello to him, hug him and play with him. Zane is a popular preschooler at elementary school.

Zane...ready to swim and play with his speech teacher.

Evan and the Drums

2009-05-19T20:39:00.007-04:00

And the music continues.................

Evan was invited about 6-8 weeks ago to play a drum accompaniment with the 4th and 5th grade chorus. His music teacher remembered he played the drums from last year. She said she thought of him when she needed a drummer for a small piece the chorus was putting on for their Spring Musical. Evan has never played with other musicians before. This past Friday, Monday and Tuesday was his only time playing with the group. He learned how to intro in, exit and stay with the group. I only wish John could have seen him play. He was the one who helped him through the process. I just was the mean mommy making him practice every night. Anyway.....enjoy my little drummer boy.

This is the rest of his drumming piece. I was sitting next to an elderly woman who was not that friendly. She proclaimed she was only here to watch a certain child play the piano. When I started filming Evan she was fidgety making it known I was interrupting her watching this child. So I quickly moved to another location during his piece.

Zane The Singer

2009-05-15T18:49:00.002-04:00

Our family is on a musical role these days. Zane has taken to singing everywhere except in front of people(isn't that always the case with kiddies). So I recorded him instead. Enjoy my baby!

He even likes to make up songs which he what he did in this song. He is singing about his brother.

Spring Muscial

2009-05-06T20:13:00.000-04:00

Trey had a Musical Kindergarten Spring Program. He sat in front next to a little girl who adores him. Trey says that when they are older they will get married. I keep reinforcing after college and a job.

Peanut Butter Song

Chewy Bubble Gum Song

Zane watching Trey and his classmates sing the counting song. He tried to join in.

Lakeland Movie

2009-05-03T14:39:00.003-04:00

A local film company is shooting a film called Endure in Lakeland. The film is actually based on a story from Lakeland(the green swamp area). They have been filming shots all around town. Many of them known Lakeland spots like the library, Mr. Fish, Lake Hollingsworth, the Polk theater and a very famous spot .......Lakeland Coin and Laundry. This is my grandmothers place. Yes....her place was used in the filming.......how exciting is that! Well.....my family is excited.

Easter

2009-04-12T19:58:00.009-04:00

Easter was wonderful. Uncle Carl outdid himself again. Evan and Trey are at the age where they remember. And they remember Easter with at Grandma B.'s house. The golden eggs, the fun gifts, looking for so many eggs and then opening them to find all those toys. And the jellybeans. My boys were on a sugar high today. I had to get tough and say no more.....mean mommy I am!

Looking for easter eggs at Grandma's house.

Beach Day Take 2

2009-04-10T18:24:00.010-04:00

Spring Break 2009......Day 7!!

The boys and I along with Aunt Leslie, Haley and two of her male friends headed over to Holmes Beach again for some relaxing fun. The waves were not as high and rough as Saturday but they were high and the yellow caution flag was out. The wind was horrible today. We could not put up our umbrella although the guys in our entourage tried. I ended up holding a smaller one next to me because I needed some sort of sun blocker or I could not have stayed. The water was freezing. Leslie said that once you stayed in it for a while you got used to the cold and it felt good but it was still cold for me. Due to the high winds....sand was everywhere. It was not a fun trip home with all that sand in our bottoms, eyes and clothing. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves though.

End Of Disney

2009-04-09T11:43:00.003-04:00

Spring Break Day 5:

Today was D-Day. Disney Day. The last day for the Hydocks to enjoy Disney for a long while. And boy what a day it was. When we arrived at Disney we were informed that Zane needed a ticket to enter. Ummm.....NO!!! I explained what I was told by Disney cast members at the time of annual pass purchase that he would not need a ticket until we renewed. That was wrong information we were told. They would not budge on this issue even though our passes expire in one day. We spoke to a mgr and then passed along to another area where we spoke with that mgr. DH was forced to be firm and raise his voice. DH never raises his voice. He is always calm and collected. Disney asked to to lower his voice but he insisted they were causing the issue and making him yell. When DH refused to pay for Zane's ticket and said the cast members mistakes should not be his financial burden to carry(meaning purchase a ticket) they finally relented and let us in. DH and I were very upset about this. We have never seen nor heard of Disney being so ungiving. So for the future....watch out families. A child who turned three during a family holding a Disney pass needs a ticket.

After this horrible encounter DH and I attempted to shrug off the memory and quickly got on a ride/show.....our very first ever at Disney way back a year ago.....Mickey's Phil Harmonic. This was the only event that did not have 1.5 hour wait. Yes......Disney was packed. For my friend who will be going to Disney on Friday(Good Friday at that....yes you D!) ......good luck and be patient. At times we could not walk through all the walls of people. I have never seen more security than I have this day. They were everywhere...watching and helping. DH went off to get a fastpass. Zane threw a fit when he left. He was crying very near me(within arms length) calling out for Daddy. I was ignoring him but watching him. A Disney cast member came up to me and asked if he was with me, who I was to him, etc. I have never been asked this before and my child has thrown better fits at Disney before. I know I was being paranoid but sometimes it felt like we were being watched. Crazy huh!

DH and I were able to put the morning behind us and have a good day. It is Disney after all.....the happiest place on earth. We will miss our passes but when we get them again it will be even more special because the boys(well two of them) will remember. They will know having passes is not a given thing but something to cherish for a while.

End of Epcot and Hollywood Studios

2009-04-07T10:38:00.015-04:00

Day three of Spring Break 2009. DH and I took the boys to Epcot and Hollywood Studios for the last time. Our passes expire on Thursday. Who knows when we will get passes again. They are quite expensive especially now that we have to pay for Zane. Hopefully in a few more years we will get them again....maybe when Zane is five or six..

Anyway.......the day was fun. The weather was overcast, windy and slightly cool(until the evening when it turned cold) which made for a great day. It rained while we were waiting inside the Toy Story ride so that worked out perfect. The only complaint John and I had about the day was the amount of people. Most fastpasses ran out by 11/11:30am. We got a fastpass at 11am for 6pm for the Soarin ride. Very ridiculous. We waited over an hour for the Toy Story ride. Normally we would not do this but since it was our last day we let the boys ride their favorite and what they wanted to show daddy(since he rarely goes with us to Disney).

My favorite part of the day was the flower and garden show at Epcot. I am always amazed at what they can do with a topiary.

Epcot had a butterfly and Fairy Pixie garden. Trey loved this the best. Butterflies everywhere. .

Finally.........I got a picture of Trey with a character. While the night show was happening at Epcot we waited(very short line) to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. Trey would only take a pic with Mickey. That is okay. I got my pic!! Zane was asleep by this time so no pictures with him.

Beach Day

2009-04-04T19:17:00.008-04:00

The first day of Spring Break 2009. The boys and I along with Leslie and Haley went down to Anna Maria(Holmes) Beach this morning for some fun and sun. The waves were pretty high and strong for the Gulf side. The lifeguard flag was on yellow(caution). We saw some surfers as well.....a rare sighting. The water was chilly but bearable.

No sunscreen means a very bad burn!!! Naughty Haley.

Leslie and Zane enjoying a moment in the water

Evan just threw icey water on Haley. He looks thrilled with making her squeal!

Night of Disney

2009-03-28T20:54:00.007-04:00

I did so something yesterday that is not in my norm, not in my character at all. My friends can attest to that....I am sure!

I took the boys out of school early so we could head to Disney for the night. How early you ask? About 45 minutes early. I know many of you think....done that...no big deal. But to me....missing school is a huge no no. School is their job and we do not miss except for severe illness. But my friend Amy W. talked me into leaving early. She and her two girls went with us. She made it sound fun and I followed.

Anyway...enough about my mommy quirks......Disney was fun. I am sad we have not gone late in the afternoon, right after school more often. Life gets in the way though. I need to stop that from happening more often. I went on a particular ride I have never ridden before. Hannah(Amy's child) and I went on the Rocket Orbit Ride. It is on top of the People Mover Ride. Hannah wanted to go and Amy was not feeling all that up to flying in a rocket. I jumped at the chance. It was fun but something my boys would not try at this age. My boys will not even go on the Barnstormer ride. We just have more things to look forward to for future Disney escapades.

The whole gaggle of kids at the Winnie The Pooh ride. Amy hates Pooh. Breaks my heart so I forced her to go with us! We all should strive to be like Pooh....eat more honey!!

Minnie's gazebo!

We sat in front of the Cinderella's Castle during the night parade. I love watching the different color changes. I was determined to get a good pic. The boys got tired of me and the camera. But hey...what else is there to do while we wait.

Go Rays!!!

2009-03-21T20:06:00.006-04:00

It is that time of year again. Baseball season!! Evan is on the Rays team. This is a huge hit for the kids being that we are in the Rays area. The league is a couple games into the season already. Evan played a great game today. The team lost but my child played a great game. He got up to bat five times with four of them making it to first base. He scored three points for the team. He made a couple of outs and always stopped the ball when it was hit to him. Here he is with his runs.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T12:05:00.003-04:00

Lucky the Leprechaun has been lurking in the boys school since last week. He loves to play tricks on the kiddies. He sometimes cleans up the kindergarteners mess in the classroom. He leaves notes on the whiteboard. He even leaves little gifts for the kiddies. Trey had to write a story about a leprechaun and make a leprechaun trap.

Hope everyone has a green day!!

School Lunchrooms

2009-03-15T17:27:00.000-04:00

Attention all parents with elementary children. No matter what grade they are in. Have you been to lunch with them lately? Noooooooooo!!! Well then let me tell you what I see on a typical day. And please do not think that is not MY child because yes it is. Unless you are monitoring your child's lunch by actually going to the school and sitting through a 30 minute lunch with them you can not truly say you know what is happening. The child may tell you they are eating and the food may be gone but let me tell you what I see. And I go to lunch with my child at least twice a week if not more. Also,I have noticed a huge difference between the beginning of the school year and now. Mainly the kids are relaxed in school and know/remember the routine thus more kids are showing the behavior I describe below.

One or two bites taken of the main food like a sandwich, subs, pizza, etc and the rest thrown away. No veggies or fruit are eaten but most kids have them on their plate or in their lunch box. They get thrown away as well. Whole fruit.....never opened, touched or eaten and the kiddies just toss them away. Drinks........chocolate milk and juice are the favored flavors. White milk is okay for some. The kiddies buy a whole bottle of water from the snack isle but this is tossed with the lunch with only a few sips taken.

So what is eaten........snacks and junk food. Whether the kids eat a school lunch or bring one from home.....the snacks are consumed first and mainly. Kids then go buy more snacks in the snack isle. These snack are huge and cost too much money. Snack isles should be banned in schools.

Do not be fooled by your child bringing a lunch box....they toss the food no matter what. I have seen it first hand people! Even if the foods are in containers. They just dump the food and put back the containers....awful!!

I am highly appalled at the waste of food and money. I am disgusted by what the school says is a healthy lunch for the children. Too much sodium, carbohydrates, fats and not enough fresh fruits and veggies. I am speechless by what the parents are putting in a child's lunch box. Two and three snacks. Pretzels, chocolate, marshmallows, crackers and then a little debbie. Come on moms and dads......one of those is fine for the kiddies not all!

For the parents who let their child buy a school lunch. Many schools let you go online and monitor what they have bought. Please do this!! Every day not just once in a while.

Okay....I am done with my rant! But I may touch on this subject again....... you are forewarned!!

Twins???

2009-03-12T18:39:00.006-04:00

I always knew one of my children would look like me. I finally got it right with the last child. He even sucks his thumb like me.

Then and Now

2009-03-09T19:45:00.004-04:00

Little Performer

2009-03-02T18:42:00.009-05:00

Zane got a Poingo for Christmas from Uncle Carl. (Remember..... I mentioned how wonderful an uncle he is to my boys). This gift came with a bonus music sheet. Zane is in love with playing the music. He tries to sing and dance along.

Night Terrors

2009-02-24T18:17:00.004-05:00

Evan has been sick since Sunday night with a fever. He decided he needed to sleep close to me. So daddy was pushed out of bed for the last two nights. Last night Evan woke up two hours after taking meds for his fever. Let me rephrase this.......Evan woke up two hours after falling asleep in a night terror. He was sitting on his knees in bed screaming and crying out. I attempted to console him but he thrashed me away, ran from the bed all the while screaming. I eased him back to my bed just to have him repeat the behavior again. Still with those blood curdling screams. I tried hard to hold him but he was quite strong and kept pushing me away. When he ran into a corner and kept screaming I decided DH needed to be called at work. DH talked me through easing Evan back to bed. He watched half a movie then fell back into a deep, relaxing sleep. Evan says he does not remember the episode. I sure do. I was a wreck afterwards. I did not like seeing him so upset and screaming.

I googled night terrors this morning. Everything that happened fits right into this category. Evan is a sleepwalker but this was something new for me. I am praying tonight we all can get a good nights sleep with no interruptions.

Monster Truck Jam

2009-02-22T14:22:00.015-05:00

Saturday night was a night full of destruction, loud noises and total testosterone. It was Monster Truck Jam time again. This time around my mom and stepfather came along for the fun and wild night. Call me weird but I enjoy seeing the destruction of the trucks. Seeing them flip, smash up other cars and jump over ramps is thrilling.

We all pick out a favorite truck to root on during the event. Trey picked Blue Thunder and Escalade.

Evan liked Grave Digger and Taz.

I was cheering for Gunslinger(He won!!!!!)

All but one of the trucks smashed and had to be pulled off the course during the freestyle routine. This was the best part of the night.

Medieval Day

2009-02-20T17:34:00.004-05:00

Trey had his kindergarten Medieval Party today. This is a huge event in kindergarten at our school. I have been consumed with it all week. The prep work involved is enormous. I am glad he had a good time but I am exhausted.

Trey was elected King of his class. He looked so adorable as a king. Actually all
the kiddies looked great in their costumes. The moms had to dress medieval as well if they wanted to serve. So my friend Julie and I dressed as peasants and served the food. Julie got to present the pigs head.

Hair or No Hair

2009-02-16T17:55:00.003-05:00

I came across this a few days ago. I just do not know what to say.

Crowns and Animal Kingdom

2009-02-07T15:23:00.008-05:00

Friday was a day off of school for my boys. It was Fair Day in Hillsborough County. So the boys and I took advantage of the wonderful weather we are having and headed off to Animal Kingdom for the day. The day started off rocky. I had to make an early morning run to the store for milk. I buy three gallons of white milk and a half gallon of chocolate milk each week but somehow we still ran out early this week. So while at the I splurged and bought the Sweet Sixteen chocolate donuts. You all remember them. they are small, chocolaty and oh so yummy! While I was nibbling on one for breakfast my temporary crown fell out. Can you feel my agony?! I have been soooooooo careful not to chew on that side of my mouth. And I was not chewing on that side of my mouth when the crown fell out. So off to the dentist I went to have it put back in. I was unsure if we would ever make it to Disney. Well after it was put back in it felt so much better than before. I make a comment to the dental assistant about this but she just shrugged. My opinion........they did not put it in tightly or correctly the first time thus it falling out and feeling better than second time around. I will make sure I re-mention this to the dental office when I have the "real" one put in. So since I had no pain....off to Animal Kingdom we went.

We were disappointed to find out they closed early(5pm). But Evan decided we should park hop to Epcot after they closed. He and Trey wanted to go on the big ball ride again. At Animal Kingdom we tried to do things we missed the other times we were there. We saw the Flight of Wonder show(awesome) and went on the Dinosaur Ride(BIG MISTAKE!!!) Evan and Trey screamed the whole way through the ride and were hysterical when it ended. Never again they cried. We also walked around the Tree of Life and took pics with all the animal shapes in the tree. We walked right on the Kali River Ride. The water was freezing but they boys insisted on the ride.
My favorite part of Animal Kingdom is seeing the Gorillas and the Safari Trek Ride. I could watch the Gorillas all day. The boys had to pull me away from them. They mesmerize me.

At Epcot we finally got to ride Soarin. Every time we tried to ride it before the wait was over an hour. The time wait said 45 minutes but Disney staff said it would be shorter than that. So we went ahead in line. They were right. We waited only about 15 minutes. I was scared the first time riding it because Zane was not seated next to me. He was between Evan and Trey. I kept reaching over to hold on to him. And then there was the height factor I did not bank on. I am not scared of heights but I do not like them either. The boys loved the ride and wanted to go again. So I gave in. This time I sat between Trey and Zane and felt more calm.

NFL Experience

2009-02-01T10:07:00.012-05:00

The Superbowl has taken over our town. The boys and I got into football mode Friday night when we went to an event called the NFL Experience. DH scored us free passes. So off I went with five boys in tow. It was a fun afternoon and night. I can be a manly mom when I need to be. No girly stuff for me...HA!!!!

These football mannequins were everywhere. The boys loved posing with them.

The boys doing some of the event. They had a blast pretending they were football players.

The kiddies got to try on life size football uniforms. They were very heavy. from the pics you can guess who the Hydock clan is rooting for in the Superbowl. Go Cardinals!!!

My Painful Day

2009-01-29T13:26:00.002-05:00

So what did I do this morning that was oh so joyful and thrilling? What did I do that took all morning long....from 8:30am to noon?

I had a root canal and a crown put on my tooth. Do not believe anyone when they say it does not hurt. They are lying people!!!! I even have what I believe to be a high pain tolerance.

After the four numbing injections(which I felt by the way) I thought the procedure would not be so bad. I wore my IPOD to block out the drilling sounds. It blocked it mostly but certainly not all the way. Thank you Uncle Carl for giving me this device. If not for the IPOD I would have gone insane with all the sounds. The smells on the other hand made me nauseated. At times I was holding my breathe and praying for it to be done. While during the procedure the numbing was effective it wore off and had to be re-administered. Fun and Joy to me!

Now I am living with the aftermath of all the pulling and poking at my tooth and gums. I have never driven so fast to the pharmacy for a prescription. I only filled the Motrin prescription. I believe I will survive without Vicodin. I am not a drug taker in general so I think my body will respond well to the Motrin. For now I am hungry and afraid to eat. Wonder what the rest of my day will hold?

My Award

2009-01-26T18:28:00.007-05:00

I have won an award from my middle child, Trey. Many of you will say that they have also received this award. Others are not as fortunate as the rest of us. You have not been given this prestigious award. But I assure the latter group. One day your time will come.

So what is my award I am so proudly talking about....................................(scroll below for the answer)...........................

"The Meanest Mother" Award and not only this one but another as well...............................

"The Worst Mother Ever" Award!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes.....my child gave me two awards for the price of one. All because I gave him corn on the cob for dinner. Shoot me now.....I did really deserve this award.

I know he was really angry and did not mean these words but it still stings. Only I can't show him it hurt. I did tell him the words hurt after he calmed down. But little that did. Oh how the words flowed so easily from his precious lips that once suckled at my breast. Hah........those times are over and the Hydock household has moved on. Put me out of my misery now if things get worse during puberty.

Weekend Rendezvous: Take 2

2009-01-25T14:32:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was visitors day at Rendezvous. My whole family visits my mom and stepfather on this day. Everyone goes for different reasons. My sister wants to get her yearly fix of fried tacos and homemade root beer. I like any flavors of the homemade sodas. The boys like the kettle corn, sodas and running around. All the women on the family like to browse the shops. Haley just like being with me and my boys. My grandmother likes to shop and buy homemade foods like butter and fried pastries. Uncle Carl....well I think he indulges the rest of the family and just attends.

We had a first timer at Rendezvous with us yesterday. Haley brought along her boyfriend of one month named Mike. That is the tall yound man hovering behind Haley in the photo below in case you wondered.

Weekend Rendezvous

2009-01-19T19:48:00.005-05:00

I had an easy weekend. Evan and Trey went to Rendezvous for the weekend with my mother and stepfather. DH and my uncle have stayed overnight at the camp a few years back. This is the first time my boys have stayed overnight and two nights at that. And this is the first time my boys have camped out. The boys had to wear period clothing the entire time. My mom had some clothing from my stepfathers grandchilrens previous years visits. The only problem that occurred was Trey's shoes. The shoes my mom had were slightly big. My stepfather attempted to make them tighter but that failed. So my mom bought him some shoes at Rendezvous but they kept slipping off his skinny feet. Eventually my mom told him to just wear his socks and no shoes. Oh My!! You can see from the pic the poor child has no shoes. Oh well.....no complaints from him.

The boys reported they had a grand time running around free and wild. They made a friend in the camp next door. My boys said they had a fun time climbing trees, playing with wooden swords, eating all they Rendezvous candy and meeting the Indian chief.

Visitors weekend for the camp is this coming weekend. The entire clan plans to attend. The boys are excited to show DH and I where they played and shopped.

So what did I do while they were gone for two whole nights. Nothing.....absolutely nothing. You all know me better than that. I cleaned and organized my house but you could not tell within an hour of the boys returning home. Oh well...at least I can find things again.

Welcome To 2009!!!

2009-01-17T19:56:00.008-05:00

2009...I can't believe it. Time is flying by. Just yesterday(it seems) we entered into the 2000 era. It is already half way through January. I have not blogged at all for the new year. What have we been up to you ask that would keep me from my blogging world? Nothing in particular. My mood has been melancholy. But I can't use that as an excuse because I have been busy with life during the day. It just seems that when I settle down for the night I do not want to do anything. I have been one big blob at night. I am trying to easy my way up out of this mood.

So I will recap the highlights of January 2009(thus far) for all you folks. Hold onto to your hats....it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Evan got a telescope for Christmas. We have enjoyed looking at the moon at night. We can see the craters on the moon. It is really neat. But then the weather turned cold at night thus the end of moon gazing. We will resume soon.

While the boys were off from school we went to Disney and Hollywood Studios with the Wagner Family.

Trey got an Easy Bake oven from Santa. He made Smores one night for his brothers. They must have been great because the boys gobbled them up.

When the kiddies had a half day at school we headed over to the Manatee Viewing Center. A couple of friends joined us. It was a nice after school excursion.

Christmas

2008-12-28T18:51:00.011-05:00

Whew.......what a busy couple of days for us. First we had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner with my grandmother and Uncle Carl at Carraba's. My sister and niece were able to come this year. After dinner we drive around and look at Christmas lights on houses. Evan says this is the funnest part of the night. When we got home we left out our cookies , took a few pics by the tree and headed for bed. I did not have to spend the whole night wrapping gifts because my sister came over earlier in the day and wrapped them all for me. Well...all the boys gifts. That was a huge relief for me. Aren't sisters wonderful beings to have around. I suggest you all get one.

On Christmas day the boys were awake especially early. Trey ripped through all his gift opening while Evan went slowly. It was fun to watch. Zane did not get as much as his brothers so he went more slowly and savored his toys. For the rest of the day until early evening the boys played with everything and daddy took a looonng Christmas nap. Then in the evening we went to my MIL house for Christmas with the family. It was nice to see everyone we do not see regularly.

Then on Sunday we spent the day with my family at my grandmothers house celebrating Christmas. I love my family. They were especially nice with the gifts this year for my kiddies(and DH and myself). We ate lunch, played games and just relaxed with each other. It was a really good day. I wish everyone a family like mine that you can just be yourself and relax.

Christmas Happenings

2008-12-24T14:19:00.005-05:00

There have been a few things we have done this Holiday season that I have not blogged about.

First we went to Christmas Lane twice. The first time we went it started to drizzle and Santa was not there that evening. So I got a few pics and we headed home. We went again last night. Santa was there along with carolers and dozens of people. The boys enjoyed themselves. Evan is officially too tall for the train ride and that made him sad. Especially when Trey kept reminding him. But he lived through it and he understands.

A few weeks ago we went to Walk Through Bethlehem with our friend Karen and her kids. This has become a family tradition. It is nice to remember why we have Christmas in the first place. The kids seems to understand the ideas more and more each year.

There was a tour bus set up at Walk Through Bethlehem this year. Karen and I investigated what was happening we discovered something very unique and everlasting. The bus was with Bible Across America. This group is publishing a handwritten Bible in the Fall of 2009. Karen, Evan and I were able to contribute to this project. Evan was happy he was able to write a verse. I will let you all know when the Bible comes out.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-22T20:49:00.011-05:00

This has become an annual thing in the Hydock household during the Christmas season. Decorating a gingerbread house. The boys really seem to like it. This was the first year Zane got into the action. Trey and Evan decided to each take a side of the roof, house and either the front or back and decorate. Evan let Zane decorate with him. Next year I may have to get a gingerbread tree as well so Zane can have his own gingerbread to decorate.

For those that remember last year and our slowly disappearing gingerbread house. I assure you this house is put high up away from greedy animals.

Trey's roof and side of house.

Trey's back of house.

Evan and Zane's front of house. The gingerbread girl on the right is Trey's while the left side is Evan's and Zane's.

Evans and Zane's roof and side of house.

A Disney Christmas

2008-12-21T19:01:00.010-05:00

This is just a glimpse of the lights. Awesome!!
Disney looks beautiful at Christmastime!! The boys and I park hopped yesterday. We did everything we set out to do and more. I only got confused once on the journeys between the parks. A young woman set me straight on where I needed to be. It seems I took the monorail when I was already at my destination. Oh well. A round trip on the monorail was not too bad off course. I blame it on the darkness. I did not have on my glasses. Things do not look the same at night then when they do during the day.

We saw the Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios. We saw a few Santa's from around the world at Epcot and heard their stories. We saw a show at the Magic Kingdom.

I have to brag on my boys. Evan is a huge help when we travel without daddy. He know I need help holding things, opening doors, keeping up with Zane and etc. He steps right in and helps without whining or objecting. Trey is also helpful but he needs reminding and coaxing. It makes me feel like I am doing something right with my kiddies.

Evan and Zane with Father Christmas from the United Kingdom

Evan with Papa Noel from Canada

Evan with Pere Noel from France

Lost Tooth and Other Things

2008-12-19T19:04:00.004-05:00

Whew!! It is Friday. It is the last day of school for the kiddies until January 6. I am one happy mommy right now. Why? because all the school celebrations, gift giving and receiving, thank you notes and all the other Holiday stuff is over. This has been a whirlwind of a week for me. I am happy to be part of my kids school and activities but these holiday things wear me down. So now I can just concentrate on my household and what needs to be done to complete Christmas at home. But before I begin that daunting task the kids and I are going to take a little break and head over to Disney tomorrow. We are going to park hop. We will see the Magic Kingdom in the morning, then Epcot in the afternoon so we can visit some Santa's around the world and at night head over to Hollywood Studios for the Osborne Lights. My friend Amy(from school) will be at Disney this weekend with her family so we will connect with them sometime tomorrow.

Now on to the lost tooth. Trey lost his first tooth this week. It has been loose for a while. It fell out while he was sleeping. He woke up with a tooth in his mouth during the middle of the night. I sleepily had to inform him that the Tooth Fairy will not come that night. She has not put him on her list but that she will do that first thing in the morning for the next night. Evan informed Trey that the Tooth Fairy brings a special toy for your first lost tooth. I told Evan I did not remember this but Evan was adamant he got a neat remote control car. Okay then! Off to the store I went the next day. My sister reminded me that Trey wanted a Shamu webkinz(which he was NOT getting for Christmas because I said no more webkinz!!!). So that is what he got. Thanks Les! Oh well...you only lose your first tooth once. Trey was thrilled and that is what counts. I tried taking a picture of Trey and his tooth gap but there is none. The tooth was so loose and very late falling out that the other tooth is half way grown in already.

Elf Dancing

2008-12-15T20:18:00.004-05:00

I stole this off Julie's blog. Thanks for the laughs Julie!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Chritmas Wishes

2008-12-07T15:19:00.005-05:00

The boys spent the afternoon looking through the toy catalogs(for the third or fourth time since November). They made out their Christmas List for Santa. I find the idea of them truly believing that what they ask for Santa may bring so childlike and innocent. It feels as if the world and their desires are at their fingertips just for the asking. I say.....go ahead and ask and dream boys. What is to lose.

Do not get me wrong...my boys know they do not get everything they put on the list. But the idea of 'maybe' is so intoxicating!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

2008-12-06T15:25:00.004-05:00

A family tradition. The Lakeland Christmas Parade. A great start to the month of December. It was a great night for the parade. Not too hot or cold. Just right. Both boys remembered the parade from last year. Ahhh....the memories. The main park near the parade route was decked out as usual with Christmas lights. It makes for a great background drop for pictures.

Jen's Thoughts

2008-12-03T10:01:00.005-05:00

I know you all have been dying for me to reveal my inner most thoughts. So I decided to reveal what I was thinking last night and this morning.

My sister called me last night about 8:30/9pm. She was going to pick up my niece from an activity. What was i doing? I was already in bed reading a book about to fall asleep. Life can not get any more boring and mundane than that. So I got to thinking about myself and and my life. I decided something.........ready for my epiphany..........it is ground breaking..........

I am a boring person with no excitement/drama in my life AND I think I really like it that way. Shocking I know. I have no desire to be out and about at 9am. No late night Starbucks for me. I enjoy the peace and quiet of my household at night when the kiddies are asleep. I wonder if I will like this much quietness when all my children have left the house and I am alone ALWAYS. I may seek out the night life at Starbucks. But for now......know that I can be found in bed, reading and enjoying my time.....night after night after night.

Another thing I like is to putter around my house and never leave it for days. I have no problem with this. I have no desire to adventure into the world(aka. Town), meet and greet people and be social. My house is like my refuge. Am I weird , depressed, antisocial or just have a mundane life? I guess it doesn't matter. I like my boring, old self.

Hollywood Studios

2008-11-28T10:27:00.005-05:00

The boys have a couple of days off from school due to the Thanksgiving Holiday so DH and I decided to go to Hollywood Studios for the day. We need to maximize our use of the Disney passes. I was the only one who had eve been before and it was with a few girlfriends a few years ago and we only rode two rides and left. So in essence none of us had ever been to this park.

We had a good day. The boys loved the Star Wars ride and the Indiana Jones show. I got my pic taken with Michael Landon(see my profile pic). John was not impressed with the park but he did like the Stunt Show. The boys and I decided to go again as we missed a few things. The one thing that I did not like about the park was the inability to navigate to the different areas. This park is not map friendly.

Evan was sitting on a railing and fell backwards. Being the great mom I am I snapped a pic before helping my baby. Hey.......all the days events need to be remembered.

An Alafia Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T13:06:00.007-05:00

I am sorry I have been amiss with the blog. My camera broke. I had to borrow my MIL's until I am able to afford another one(next year sometime). Then I had to wait to get her cables to download my pics. But I am back now and ready to share how the boys have celebrated Thanksgiving at school.

Trey had a small Thanksgiving play in his kindergarten class. He was an Indian brave. They sang songs as well. The kiddies were too cute!

Trey's Thanksgiving Indian Song

A part of Trey's Thanksgiving play.

Since I was not blogging when Evan was in kindergarten I thought I would show his Thanksgiving play. Same school but different teachers. Evan was an Indian brave as well.

Christians Unite!!

2008-11-18T18:20:00.004-05:00

I am proud to say I am a member of BayLife Church. The church does many amazing things over the course of a year. Two that are dear to my heart are the homeless and the needy in our local area.

BayLife is the founding church for a project called Feed The Bay. This year we have fourteen plus churches involved in the event. On November 23 all the participating church members will go to their local grocery store and purchase food items for our local food banks. It is such an amazing site to behold when dozens of families take over the grocery stores in the name of love for their fellow man.

Another area BayLife Church has become involved with is feeding the homeless. Several churches in the area help through the means of providing food, clothing and medical assistance to the growing population of homeless. The I Am Hope Cafe is a place where I hope to volunteer my time in the near future along with my children.

Trey's Field Trip

2008-11-14T12:08:00.005-05:00

Trey went on his first kindergarten field trip this week to Granma's Hug-N-Farm. He rode on his first school bus as well. He was in heaven that day as were most of the kiddies. School buses hold a fascination with them. I was able to accompany the class on the field trip. It was alot of fun playing with the kids and seeing their enjoyment from the farm animals. The farm had a cute little piggy and baby chicks. Even I was thrilled when the pig squealed around his pen.

Trey enjoying the garden

One of the things I love best about the farm is that Granma has a wonderful garden. It is full of butterfly plants and other different type plants. She also has a vegetable garden where she uses chickens to keep the bugs away. She also has a fifty year old orchid plant. That is amazing!

Fun at the Zoo #9

2008-11-11T17:52:00.012-05:00

It is Veterans Day here in sunny Florida and that means no school for my boys. We headed to the zoo. The other two boys that tagged along are the kiddies I watch after school. Considering I had five boys with me ranging in ages from 3yr to 8yr it was not a bad day with them at all. I was expecting chaos and craziness. But they surprised me and behaved like gentlemen. I am teaching them oh so well....LOL!
The zoo was more crowded than usual but not as bad as I predicted. We got there when they opened and left about 1pm. Many people were entering as we left.

Those Meerkats are so exciting to watch.

Up close and personal with the Giraffe.

The Siamang monkey was very interested in those ducks.

But when he tried to touch them they quickly scurried away. Smart ducks!

A rare sighting.........The white tiger was playing in the water with a ball. I immediately thought of you Karlise. I know how much you love the Big Cats. So these pics are especially for your enjoyment.

(click on the box to make image larger)

Twins

2008-11-05T11:29:00.009-05:00

Could these two children be the same? No...they are just brothers. Only they are five years apart in age.

Zane on Halloween at 3yrs old.

Evan on Halloween at 2yrs old.

Halloween

2008-11-01T11:16:00.008-04:00

Halloween was a long long day for the Hydock boys(and mommy). Trey had his kindergarten Hoe Down at school. All the kindergartners got to go from station to station and experience life at a farm. Some of the stations included planting pumpkin seeds, milking a cow(not real of course), needles in haystacks, square dancing, wagon rides and so much more. Between set up, take down, goody bags for Evan and Trey's classes and class stuff I was at school from start to finish. This made for one very tired mommy but our day was not over yet.

For trick or treating we went to a friends house. Some of the dads took over the trick or treating part of the evening so I just followed the kiddies and took pictures. It was nice not to be in charge and just enjoy the moment. Yes you all heard me.....I liked not being the controlling one at an event. Shocker!! My boys got so much candy from school and trick or treating. The chocolate is stashed away in the fridge. A perfect place for mommy and daddy to eat it all.

The gang!

Evan holding a squishy fake eyeball. Rays Rule!

Looking for the perfect piece of candy.

HMMM.....Indiana Jones says......which house has the best candy?

Baseball

2008-10-30T15:52:00.008-04:00

The Rays are awesome and I am proud we have a great baseball league in the area. Evan has been playing Little League baseball for a few years now but this year he has taken a great interest in the sport. We have been able to go to a few Rays games this past season. The finer points of baseball seem to be clicking with Evan. I think a love of the sport has definitely emerged for him.

Evan is playing Little League Winter Ball. This is where he gets to improve on skills necessary for the spring season. This season he moved up to a kid pitch game. No more machine pitch for him. I am seeing a lot more kids get hit by balls. The kids are just learning how to pitch and boy do those balls fly around like crazy wild things.

Trey is not crazy about going to all those practices and BB games. Sports are not his thing. Zane seems to have taken a liking to the sport. He will dress up like a baseball player for Halloween.

Evan moving away from a crazy pitch ball.

Evan trying his hand at pitching.

Evan and his daddy having a mid-game conference.

Evan playing catcher position for an inning.

Zoo Day #8

2008-10-27T16:03:00.007-04:00

Zane and I headed to the zoo for the morning with a friend. It has to be for the morning only as we both have to leave by 12:30pm to pick up kiddies from school.
My friend knew it was going to be a gorgeous fall day and she planned this event last week. I am so glad I agreed to go with her. I feel so busy these days with volunteering at the boys school, housework and such that I never seem to find the time to relax with friends and enjoy the moment. Next time we will have to go with all our friends because Zane kept asking them.

Zane and Ian.

Karlise wearing Bella. Too cute!

Cracker Country

2008-10-25T11:01:00.015-04:00

Making Rope

Evan grinding the corn.

The whole second grade at Evan's school went on a field trip this past week to Cracker Country at the Florida Fairgrounds. This is nothing like visiting when the State Fair is in progress. During the off fair times there are docents at every station giving a tour and allowing the kids a hands-on experience. Second graders are much more independent and reliable for their behavior than a preschooler and kindergartner. I really enjoyed the day with Evan and his friends. It was relaxing and fun with no fuss from the kids. I feel blessed to be able to have these experiences with my child. I know that one day he will not ask me to go on field trips with him.

The clothes must be washed!

Candle making

The finished product

Playing Games

If you are wondering about the purple shirts. That is his teachers favorite color. The kids will wear these shirts for all special class events. Evan was not thrilled with the color. Oh well!

Finished Pumpkins

2008-10-21T18:47:00.010-04:00

The boys decided to paint their pumpkins instead of carve them. They want to preserve the pumpkin as long as possible. Evan and Trey were upset when they found out a carved pumpkin rots much quicker than a whole pumpkin. I told them they can carve my pumpkin closer to Halloween. I will sacrifice mine. This made them happy.

Trey's painted his with a bat, haunted mansion, Dracula and a ghost. You can see the blue ghost and Dracula in the picture.

Zane loved painting his pumpkin with all sorts of colors. I spray painted his red after he saw his brothers had theirs spray painted.

Evan painted a happy and mean face on each side. On the other sides he put the word 'BOO' and a mean looking creature. You can see the mean face in the picture.

Is That Fall Weatherl I Feel?

2008-10-19T14:04:00.002-04:00

AHHHHHHHH.........cool weather and Fall has arrived in Florida. At least for the day. Tomorrow all could change. That is how it goes in sunny Florida.

The house windows are open. A cool breeze is blowing throughout the house. I love it!! Since Fall is upon us the boys and I headed to the local pumpkin patch. Pumpkins, pumpkins....everywhere was orange.

Epcot Day

2008-10-18T09:37:00.006-04:00

The boys had off from school so we headed to Epcot for the day. The weather was beautiful. On the warmer side but with less humidity. This was our second time to Epcot so we tried to see and do all the stuff we missed the first time around. And boy did we miss alot of things our first time around. The boys had a blast. They love walking around the countries.

Dancing Queen

2008-10-12T19:07:00.002-04:00

Haley has taken dance for over ten years now. Here are some of her finest moments. I am proud to say I have never missed a recital.

The Haley Years

2008-10-11T16:36:00.002-04:00

Haley reading to Evan. Haley and all her cousins(my boys) as newborns.

Sweet Sixteen Haley

2008-10-10T20:59:00.011-04:00

Today is my baby girl's sixteenth birthday. My sweet baby niece is sixteen. I call her my baby girl because she is the only girl in the family. She feels like my own child....minus the giving birth part. But I was front and center for her birth. And I was the first person to physically touch her when she emerged from the womb. My sister gave birth at Labor of Love in Lakeland. The midwives invited me to touch her head when she was coming out of the birth canal. From that moment on Haley has been a force in my life. I love her like my own child. I would do anything for her. I want the world for her. She is an awesome young lady. For the next couple of days I am going to run through a photo history of her. I want you all to see the baby girl that turned into a beautiful child that turned into my sweet sixteen Haley!

Double LockDown

2008-10-08T18:28:00.004-04:00

First I must admit my last post was about a week behind posting schedule. The locks have been in place since about the first of October.

That said....my little thief is on smart kiddo. And he has friends that are much older than him to help him out. Zane has figured out how to use the fridge lock. The food in our house is no longer safe.

I had to go out today and buy yet another but different style lock to double lock the refrigerator. I figure he may know how to unlock one but he is too young to be coordinated to unlock two even if he can figure it out.

If this doesn't work I may have to be admitted. Just thought I would let you all know.