Offer Accepted

We put in our offer for the house today and they had until 9 pm tomorrow to respond. They already responded and after a small amount of negotiation - we got the house. There was a compromise made, but we still got $7300 the total transaction (some off the house and they pay closing cost)! The builders response to our last offer was "start packing!"

Looks like we will be in a NEW house by the end of the month!!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It Wasn't Me

Bryce has gotten really bad lately about blaming everything on his brothers - even when we watch him do what he is denying. I went to get him up to go potty before I went to bed tonight and he got up repeating "It wasn't me" over and over. I guess that is his life motto now!!

Pictures of House

We made an offer on the house today - we should know by tomorrow night if they accept our offer. These are not the best pictures, I took them quickly today while working on paperwork. I did not get any outside pictures because it was pouring. If they accept our offer we will go pick out the carpet color this week. We should be closed and get the house on the 26th if everything goes as planned.

The boys went with us to the house today. They are all very excited and other than concern about how dirty the house is (it is still a construction site) and the fact that there is not carpet or flooring - just concrete - they really like the house. In some of the pictures there are spots in the photo - that is where the boys kicked up all kinds of dust and the flash got it all.

I was just joking about the master closet and linen closet. Paul will get to put his clothes in the real closet (I will just take up more space than him!!). I took a picture of the shower and whirlpool bathtub, but for some reason it will not upload into the slide show. You can see the tub a little in the picture with the sinks though.

The kitchen will be changed a little bit. Since we already have a black refrigerator and all of the appliances in the house are white, the agent for the builder told us that they could switch the white for black (same appliance just different color). So we will have black appliances when we move in.

Looking For a New House

We have been looking for a house the past couple of weeks - hoping to move before the baby comes. We got preapproved for a loan, but finding a house here has proved difficult. Between our wants and the fact that really, with as much as this city is growing, it is hard to find nice property for sale.

The problem we have run into is that there are several new subdivision, but they are trying to squeeze as many houses as they can into these areas so they are not putting yards with the houses. I don't mean they are not putting grass down - I mean if you were to take your lawn mower one or two strips the width of the house - you would be done mowing your back yard. I have 4 boys and dogs - a back yard is a MUST!!!

So we found a house we loved in a subdivision we loved. We met with our realtor today for the first time and she showed us the house. We knew the house had been listed previously and had been taken off the market and relisted with a different realtor at about $6000 more than previously listed for.

We got there before the realtor and walked around the house. We noticed that we could not see any foundation on the house and the backyard seemed kind of soggy. When the realtor got there she informed us that the house had flooded several times. I thought she meant the backyard - nope - she meant the HOUSE had flooded. From the back door to the front door had flooded. All of the yards slope down into this houses yard and the water goes straight through the house. When you look at the base boards in the living room - you can tell!

Of course we did not make an offer. Go figure - Paul works with mold A LOT and once you got it getting rid of it is not easy! We decided to go look at one more subdivision where they are still building. The realtor called the builder and found out how to get in. The house is within a couple of weeks of being finished. There is no carpet down yet and they need to finish the 8 foot privacy fence in the backyard and then just cleaning the house.

A representative for the builder actually came out while we were there. It was kind of nice having him there because any questions we had about the structure etc., he could answer. IF we decide we want the house pretty quick, we will be able to pick what color carpet we want - out of there choices. It is nice because the house is close enough to being done that we don't have to wait forever, but we can still make some choices on the interior.

I am going to try to get some photos of the inside of the house tomorrow. We are meeting with the realtor again and we are going to go back to the house and take another look around. If we decide on this house we could be moving in by the end of January!! Wish us luck as we go through this headache again!!!

Santa?

I should have mentioned that Caleb has really questioned last year and this year if Santa is real. He makes comments about how Daddy and Mommy are Santa. Then when we are talking about Christmas and Santa - he suddenly starts talking about Santa.

Friday after we got the boys picked up from school, Paul opened the garage where the Santa gifts were. Caleb saw his Capsela box - even though he did not know what they were - he knew he was not supposed to see them.

That evening I told the boys that Santa had to drop off some presents early because his sleigh was too full. I told them he was still going to come to fill their stockings and they bought it and were fine with it. We had already planned to put the Capselas together and put the extras in a tub, but I did not know if Caleb would put it all together. (We threw the box away before he got up this morning.)

I don't mind Caleb knowing the truth about Santa, but I don't want him to spoil it for his brothers and if he knows - he will tell EVERYONE!! He is such a realist - he questions EVERYTHING!

Last night, Paul had a fire going in the fireplace. Isaac and Bryce were concerned about how Santa would get in the chimney without "burning his butt!" Before anyone could say anything, Caleb says "he has special clothes that won't let him get burned." The boys bought it and they were fine after that.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Last night we sat down and read Luke 2 to the boys. It has been so neat to hear them talk about how Christmas is to celebrate Jesus' birth. This is the first year they have all started to really understand everything. Caleb started out the reading, but was having a hard time with some of the words so asked Daddy to finish it.

We put out cookies for Santa last night and some oats for the reindeer. We were going to make cookies, but at 6:15 last night I realized we had no eggs and all of the stores closed at 6.

The boys got up at almost 7 this morning (we figured they would be up much earlier). They came and got us before they went to look under the tree though! Caleb got Capsela's - which are motorized science models. You can build many different things from cars to planes to boats and they are motorized. He had never even heard of these (Paul had them growing up), but when he saw the crane that "Santa" had set up this morning - he got VERY excited about them.

Isaac got a GameBoy and accessories. This is all he has been asking for!! Caleb will be glad because this means Isaac will stop playing his Gameboy!

Bryce got a Knight castle from Playmobile. I love their toys because they are so detailed. Last year Caleb got their pirate ship and accessories. Bryce spent the majority of today playing with the castle. He had been asking Santa for it and I think he got a bit more than he had expected!

Then they opened their gifts. Caleb got a Razor scooter, a microscope and lots of different science experiment kits. He has been busy today building and experimenting. We got him a tool box to hold all of his science stuff in and a lock to keep his brothers out of it.

Isaac got a big R/C Corvette, some games and movies for his Gameboy and a board game. He drove the R/C around the house as much as he could, but with all the toys all over the floor - space is a little limited.

Bryce got a fire department sleeping bag, a firetruck alpabet book and a big wheels. He was so cute laying in the sleeping bag while playing with his castle.

Over all, the boys had a great day. The boys had cornish game hens and Paul and I had tbone steaks - which Paul did an AWESOME job on - as always!! We had a few sides and some pies, but we did not do as much food as we normally do for the holidays.

What A World

We passed a liquor store today that had a nativity scene outside of it. For some reason those two just don't seem to mix!!??

Christmas at the Capitol

Isaac's Birthday Cupcakes

We got Isaac's cupcakes for his birthday from Walmart. Apparantly, the woman that checked us out was having a bad day. We bought about $30 worth of cupcakes (and 2 bags of candy) for the three boys Christmas parties. After she rang them up she threw (I mean threw them) in a bag sideways!!

I don't care how bad your day is - you don't throw someones cupcakes in a bag. This is what Isaac's birthday cupcakes ended up looking like:

Family Fun

We spent this evening out having fun. We decided to take the boys to a park in North Little Rock that had a drive thru Christmas light display. It cost $5 and was worth it to hear the excitement of the kids as they determined what each display was. It only took about 10 minutes, tops to SLOWLY drive thru, but it was fun.

Then we took them to the capitol to see the lights. We took pictures and video and as soon as I get the pictures off the camera. The kids had a lot of fun running around and the capitol was beautiful with all of the Christmas lights.

Then we went to the bookstore. Caleb spent his birthday money on a science experiment kit. He got a microscope for Christmas (they all got to open one gift today). So, tomorrow will be spent making slides with whatever he can find and examing under the microscope and making science experiments.

We finished the night off with a trip to Krispy Kreme Donuts. I have never been inside one before, only through the drive thru. It was really neat. You walk in and they immediately give you a glazed donut. You get to see the entire process of the donuts being made. The boys were fascinated - as were Paul and I. The boys each got a Christmas sprinkle donut and milk. The donuts were so warm and soft!!

Now we are back home and the boys are all playing with the gifts they got to open today. Isaac picked out the game MouseTrap - which he is not really old enough to play, but we improvise and he manages to be happy with it. Bryce got a big truck with lights and sound (because there is not enough sound in this house full of boys). It also has a big trailer with a pair of jet skies and lots of little pieces (like a cooler, tool box, floor jack, etc.). Maybe these will hold them over until Christmas morning.

Paul Plays Tip the Cow

Have you ever heard of cow-tipping or tipping the cow. Well, it is a game Paul has recently picked up. An example is we were working on dinner just now and I was getting a pot out of the cabinent. He decided he needed a can opener out of the drawer above my head, so he decided he would act like he was going to hit me with the drawer.

He acted like he was going to open it and I moved quickly to keep from getting hit - except I am already off balance so when I move to dodge him - I fall over. I fell (literally) for it twice! I asked him if he had taken up cow-tipping and he came to try to tip me over!!

Such a supportive husband!

Busy Weekend

I know I have kinda slacked a little lately in postings, but this is a busy time of year. This past weekend we went down to Texas for a BUSY weekend. I got to go see my best friend graduate college. She has been working very hard for a long time to raise her three boys and get a degree and she did, finally, and graduated cum laude!! I am very proud of her and happy for her.

Then Sunday we went and saw my Aunt get baptized. It was so great to hear her wonderful testimony - it was a long road for her to get where she is!! It was also great to see everyone. She got baptized in the church that Paul and I went to before we moved away. We got to see many friends there, on top of my parents, grandmother, aunt, and cousins (and their husbands).

The boys had a long weekend. We got up at 4:30 Saturday morning so we could make it to graduation in time. Thanks Mom, Dad and Aunt Linda for keeping the boys so Paul and I could go together. The boys really enjoy spending time with Aunt Linda!

Paul has had this week off and has next week off, so we have been getting last minute Christmas stuff done while the boys are still in school. Unlike most schools, our schools don't get out until tomorrow.

A Possible Name

We are thinking of the name Andrew Alanison.

Andrew was a name Paul came up with in the car the other day. It is the first name one of us has come up with where the other did not immediately say no. Alanison is Paul's great-uncles middle name (it was a family name). Paul was very close to him and they had a lot in common. He to this day speaks of him VERY frequently, although he died many many years ago. I wish I had gotten the chance to meet him! We wanted to use at least part of his name somewhere, so that is how we chose this name.

The boys all like the name and can all say it clearly already, but we still have several months to change our mind!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY ISAAC

What's In A Name

In researching different names to find the perfect name for No-Name, we stumbled across something somewhat disturbing. Caleb is faithful, Spencer (which was a family name) is dispenser of provisions.

Isaac is full of laughter and Avery is one who is a wise ruler.

Now, Caleb is faithful and Isaac is full of laughter so when it was time to name the third baby, we thought we would try out the theory that you determine who your child becomes by what you name him. It backfired!

Bryce Allen- in the book we were looking at - was ambitious and quiet. Now I am seeing different meanings that are strong and alert and handsome. It definently backfired, because he is far from quiet!!

We will not rely quite as heavily on the meaning with this baby!!

Big Belly

I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago and forgot. My last post reminded me of it. When we were at the store last week, Bryce told me that he had a baby in his tummy. I told him he didn't and I did. He pulled his shirt up and exclaims "Look my belly is big - I have a baby in it."

The other people standing around us got a BIG kick out of him!

Baby Playroom

Bryce and I were walking through Target this morning looking at baby stuff and getting Daddy's stocking stuffers! We stopped to look at the baby stuff - which I am guilty of doing everytime we go in a store. I was looking at bedding stuff and across the aisle were baby toys. Bryce asked if we could get the baby a toy.

I told him that the baby would not need many toys for quite a while. "Baby brother doesn't have a playroom in your belly?"

I AM his playground, apparantly, but I did not tell Bryce that!

Baby or Octopus?

I don't know for sure that we are having a baby. I think, quite possibly, we are having an octopus. How else can he be EVERYWHERE inside me at once - and he is not SUPPOSE to be very big right now (I guess we will see if he is more than two weeks too big still next week when we visit the dr.).

I guess I spoke too soon in the previous post about having a calm baby! The last couple of days the baby has been HURTING me. I don't know what body part he is sitting on - but it is very uncomfortable (and when he gets off that body part he moves to my BLADDER!).

He moves non-stop the last couple of days and it is already getting pretty uncomfortable. Paul thinks it is funny and actually makes him move more. I think, if he is not an octopus and is in fact a human, he will be a great boxer!!

Childhood Memory

I was just reminded about something that happened when we were growing up. I am talking to my sister and we are being immature (go figure).

When we were younger, we were at home and my parents were gone. Well, since there are four of us, we all managed to get into trouble when Mom and Dad were gone. One day, in particular, we still frequently laugh about.

I don't even remember why this happened, but my older brother and sister HUNG my little brother in my parents closet - FROM HIS UNDERWEAR. We are talking the ultimate wedgie!!! I hope my kids don't read this before they are old enough to not do this, but it is just one of those childhood memories you will never forget!!

It was not funny to him then, but he laughs WITH us about it now! I am scared to know what other memories will be commented on now, but at least I control what stays!! HAHA!

To Papa (again)

Bryce was just looking at the blog and saw the last post to you. He got excited when he saw the Potato Heads and screams "My Papa is a Potato Head!!"

We love you!!!

Lindsay:

In response to your comment about your lost item:

What you don't understand is that being the only woman living with a house full of guys, is that I have to keep a mental filing cabinet of everything I see - especially if I KNOW it is out of place because they cannot find anything on their own!!

On top of that - when they ask "Where is....?" It is not enough to tell them, because chances are something is covering it up and they can not look under ANYTHING (half the time if it is in the open they can't find it). Therefore, I actually have to go get it and hand it to them.

It is really kind of funny because I have gotten to where I don't even tell them where something is when they ask, I just get up and get it. Paul always says "If you will just tell me I will get it." But I know that I will have to go get it anyway, so I just save time and words!!!

SO... when I saw a purse in the cabinet UNDER YOUR STOVE, it kinda stood out in my head! Even several weeks later - that one was easy to remember!!

OOPS!!

I don't know that Paul will be taking the boys Christmas shopping for me again!! Between Caleb coming home and telling me how much they spent on me and then Bryce today - I think that is it!! He had already told me what he was planning on getting me, so when Caleb told me what they spent, it kind of gave away what it was.

Paul brought it in and showed it to me since Caleb gave it away. Well, this morning, I could not find my camera. I asked Bryce if he had seen it. "Yes, it is in the car. It is BIG and it is a surprise for you."

I was asking about my little digital camera, and he was telling me about the camcorder they got me for Christmas. I guess after he said that he went to my room to look for my digital and saw the bag with the camcorder because he brought it to me and said "Here it is! Do you like it?"

Aren't kids great. You don't even have to carefully unwrap in this house to peek at what you are getting because the kids can't keep it secret - even when they are trying too!!!

Good news - you will now be able to see clearer video of the kids!!!

Bryce

To Papa

Bryce made this Mr. Potato Head and said it was Papa. I am not sure, but we will just say that is a "man purse."

He was very proud of it and asked me to mail it to Papa. I did not think it would make it in one piece, so I asked if I could take a picture and send to him instead. He reluctantly agreed. So here you go Papa!!!

Isaac and Bryce Performing

Isaac is the one on the end














Bryce is the short one in the middle - this is before he spotted Mommy and Daddy in the audience and ran off stage in the middle of the performance (yelling "Mommy! Daddy! in happiness).














Isaac and Bryce performed with their choirs at the Thanksgiving service. Again - the pictures aren't the best, but the best I could get!

Caleb's Church Performance

Our church had a missions dinner a couple of weeks ago. Caleb's choir sang some of the songs that they were going to sing in their Christmas performance. The pictures aren't great, but it is the best I can get with my little camera!!

The kids were told to where something Christmas-y, and Caleb had outgrown everything, so we had to go get something for him. This is what he picked out to wear! I was pretty impressed that he picked this when the other kids were not this dressed up!

Manipulation

I think I finally realize why a very manipulative person was put in my life!! It was in preperation for Bryce!! I have never seen such a manipulative three year old before, but I think if I had not had a very manipulative person in my life previously to teach me how to handle it, I would not be able to handle Bryce.

God does not give us more than we can handle, and he has, what we may feel, are strange ways to teach us and prepare us. For me, this was a way to prepare me for my most important task - raising my children.

People ask me when I drop Bryce off why all of a sudden he throws fits when I try to leave - because up until probably September or October, he never has. Now it is every time I take him. I tell people he is TRYING to manipulate me. I have had mothers who cannot understand how I can leave him and walk off with him throwing a fit, that it is seperation anxiety and I should not leave him.

No - it is manipulation. That is why he can tell me, in the car on the way to school, "if you drop me off at school and leave I WILL be bad." (those are HIS words!!) And, then he is bad at school.

Don't get me wrong. It is not just when I go drop him off. It is ALL the time. When I get on to him for something - "I want my Daddy!" is all I hear. Because I have been so warn out from being manipulated - before Bryce was even born, he does not stand a chance. We play battle of the wills - and mine usually wins! I want to break him of this before he starts relationships (friendships) outside of the home!!!

Psalms 127

v.3 Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

I have been quadrupally blessed. It is not always easy to see the "reward" in them, but you always do! I really wanted a girl, but was surprisingly accepting of hearing that we were having a boy. God has a reason for giving me four boys. Maybe it is the lessons that I have, am and will learn from them (I know you can learn lessons from girls too). I will continue to love my boys and will always find the "gift" in them - even when I really have to search!!

Children are too often seen as libilities rather than assets. If we take the time to listen to them and watch them they can teach us many lessons from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits. How can we treat them as an inconvienence when they are so highly valued by God? They are great gifts of God.

This is my life verse (for now anyway) because when the days are exceptionally trying with the boys - I can read this and remember that the boys are mine and Paul's rewards from God.

I searched for a month for this verse, and could not find it. I even had a couple of other people looking for it. Yesterday, while talking to a friend, she said that she randomly opened her Bible and started reading. This was what she read. When she started telling me I got really excited and asked the verse. She said for some reason she thought it was Psalms 127, but she was probably wrong. When she went and looked it up - it was "the" chapter I have been searching for all this time!!

I guess God made her open to that passage to reward me for the month of searching!!

You Continuously Amaze Me!!

I hosted our monthly Bunko group at my house last night, which meant the boys had to leave for the evening. Paul was wanting to take the boys to Putt-Putt, only to find out that one of our local Putt-Putt places was already closed for the summer and the other one closes at 7pm (which they had to be gone from 7-9).

When we found this out, I got online and looked to see what movies were showing. Paul was going to take the boys to see Happy Feet - so I thought.

He came home and cleaned out the fish tank and then headed out, but not before he told me he had changed his plans. Instead of going to the movies, where the kids would be sitting and quiet and busy, he decided he was going to do some Christmas shopping. He said they were going to get my present and he was going to let the boys pick out one gift each (for themselves).

He took them to Burger King for dinner and let them play for a while. Then he took them to TOYS R US and Best Buy!!! Now, he has not taken all the boys shopping by himself more than a couple of times - and we are talking Walmart for groceries or last minute gifts type of thing. I don't even like going to Toys R Us with one kids by myself and he took them ALL!! Very impressive!

The boys came home very excited. They all ran in (while there were still people here) and started announcing what they each got. Then Caleb announced how much was spent on my present - which was a give away to the gift!!

All in all it was a good night. Paul said that Isaac and Bryce behaved very well and Caleb had some issues - just like all weekend!! Now I need to go clean my kitchen!!!!!!!

Calm Baby

Last night I got a little concerned because I had not felt the baby move all day. He is definently the calmest baby - so far anyway. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. The other boys were ALWAYS very active when I was pregnant with them.

After I got in bed, which is when he usually starts moving around, I tried to get him to move for a while. Could not get him to do it. I finally got him to move just a little. I think what was going on was he was facing inward, his butt and back were against my stomach.

This morning, I got up early and worked a Christmas banquet for our church's food pantry. I worked for about 4 hours and then came home and laid down. I spent most of the day being lazy in bed and Baby was making up for his lack of movement before. Paul had his arm over my stomach and Baby did not like the lost space apparantly because it did not matter where Paul's arm was on my stomach, he was kicking it.

He moved around non-stop for the 4 hours or so I laid in bed (I told you I was being lazy). I got up and actually got busy doing housework, and have not felt him since, but at least I know he is still in there!!!

Bad Weekend

Last night the boys had choir practice at church because they are all performing Sunday (their Christmas programs). Isaac and Bryce had practice from 6-7:30, and Caleb from 6-11. When we got Isaac and Bryce and we were leaving, they were very concerned because we were not getting Caleb. The entire way home they kept asking where he was and why we were leaving him there. The closer we got to home, they started saying maybe he was home! Bryce kept saying that "we" don't have 3 kids anymore - just two. When we asked about the baby in my tummy he says "Oh yeah, we don't have four kids anymore - just three."

It is amazing how the boys do nothing but fight and argue when they are together, but show such love and concern when they think we have "forgotten" one of them.

Caleb, oh Caleb. He got in SO much trouble last night. I made Paul go pick up Caleb and he got grabbed up as soon as he walked in by the choir directors. Apparantly, Caleb got into a fight with another kid. On top of that, he was not listening, hiding behind partitions when he was suppose to be doing other things. It was not a good evening!!! He says that the other kids started the fight, but I explained that as soon as the other kid started something he should have gone and gotten a teacher. I was not there, and don't know what really happened, but his behavior thus far this weekend has not been good!!

Bryce and the Alphabet

Bryce has known how to sing the alphabet for a while now. Now, though, he can RECOGNIZE the alphabet. He knows every letter, with no problems, except T, L, Z, E. We have to work a little harder at these. I am so proud of the progress he is making!

New Cravings!

Goodbye raw potatoes!! I have finally moved past the raw potatoe craving and moved on to much better (and normal) things. As we speak, my wonderful husband (at 9pm) is making me pancakes and bacon. I was really wanting pancakes last night and again today, but I could not wait any longer.

And yes, we did eat dinner. This is the "fourth meal" - and they are awesome pancakes!!

I Am Seriously Scared!!

Mom called me this morning and told me to tell Paul how much I love him and appreciate him because you never know when he could just drop dead and I would never be able to tell him that. Luckily, we tell each other all the time, but never enough!

Apparantly, a man at the church she works for, a very athletic man, literally dropped dead. They are waiting for an autopsy report to know for sure what happened.

Well, tonight I was watching a show with the same theme. Appreciate what you have and let people that you love know how you feel about them while you can, because you never know what tomorrow holds (or even a minute from now!).

It kind of has me scared. Why is this a common topic today? Is something going to happen? I can see little sleep tonight!

Presents

Today I wrapped the only two Christmas presents I have bought so far. I put them under the tree and, of course, the boys noticed pretty quick after walking in the door from school. There is one for Caleb and one for Bryce.

Isaac asked where his was and I told him I did not have one for him yet. He told me when I got one HE would help me wrap it. I told him that would not work because then he would know what he was getting. He said he knew that - that is why he wanted to help!

Retained Information!

It is so funny the things that kids retain (and even "funnier" the things they don't!!). Caleb is to the point of obsession and annoyance with recycling. He wants to recycle EVERYTHING!! If he sees me throwing something away he lectures me about recycling. He wants to save EVERYTHING because "I might want to use it for something later to recycle." He keeps asking if we will save different size boxes so he can "make a city," as a way to recycle.

The funniest thing though. The other day he told me I needed to quit driving so much. I asked why and he said to save trees because of gas. I told him the gas was not made from the trees and he said he knew that but gas leaks and when it rains it runs into water and trees and then kills the trees.

He can't remember what I told him to do 2 minutes ago, but he can tell me how gas effects trees!!

Nursery

I have decided on the colors for the baby room. Paul and I were talking about it yesterday and he said that the decorating was my thing. I told him I wanted it to be our thing and his response - "Okay, lets do his room in Superman!"

OBSESSED I'M TELLING YOU!!!!

I am doing green (like a mint green and brown). I got this blanket:



















(the colors look a little off on the computer) from Target and really liked the colors. It comes from this collection:












I don't know that I am going to go with a theme or just the colors, but I have had my fill of blue! I have not done a whole lot of searching on bedding yet, just decided the colors I wanted.

Superbaby

We are still looking for a baby name - this is not easy. I love the names the boys have, and they all flow so well, which is putting a lot of extra pressure for a perfect name. Never mind the fact that this child will be stuck with this name for HIS ENTIRE LIFE - unless we really screw up and he changes it when he is older!

Paul - he has a couple of names that he keeps coming back too every time we talk about names. They are Clark and Kent. Does that sound familiar? Clark Kent? SUPERMAN!!!

I told him that I am not having Superman. He responded with "I know, you are having Superbaby!"

See what I am dealing with!?!?

Company Christmas Party

Friday we went to Paul's company Christmas party. It is always nice to go every year because there are not a whole lot of times that I get to go out and be around other adults - kid free!!

Every year the company puts on a slide show. Throughout the years, when the employees are out of jobs, they take pictures. They take the best, funniest pictures and compile them for a slide show at the party. They are usually hilarious. This year - during the slide show - something hilarious happened to me.

For those of you that read this frequently, you may remember that a little while back Paul accidently told a guy at work "I love you" at the end of a phone conversation. Well, at the party, I ended up sitting between Paul and the guy that he said that too, Bill. During the slide show, I we had our chairs turned around so we could see the slide show. Paul was kind of sitting behind me instead of beside me.

A newer co-worker came up and asked if he could take our picture. Bill said "yeah, I guess." The guy taking the picture told Bill and I to move closer and act like we like each other. "We can, but man she is Paul's wife." This was funny enough, just the mix-up, but I immediately thought of the phone conversation where Paul ended with I love you.

I ended up in some funky love triangle or something!! The guy took the photo, but I had Bill and Paul with their arms around me - and I am dying laughing (could not compose myself for the photo!!). Here is the picture:

Isaac's a Man!!!

Tonight I was telling Bryce he should sleep in pjs because he always wakes up an ice cube (he won't sleep under a blanket). Isaac said he wanted to sleep in pjs and I said he shouldn't because he is a sweat-er.

Bryce says "Nu-uh, Isaac's not a sweater he is a ki...man - quit calling him names."

"Are you a kid?"

"Yes."

"What is Caleb?"

"He's a guy."

Montana Who?

Last week, after school one day, I was watching Rachael Ray on tv. She had on Joe Montana as her guest. Caleb just heard the name Montana and asked if it was Hannah Montana (while he was looking at the screen). He was telling me that all of the girls in his class were in love with Hannah Montana, but that she was like 16. I explained who Joe Montana was.

Well, I am talking to my sister, Heather, while I was typing this. Apparantly she watched the same show and her son, Corran, who is about Caleb's age, walked in and asked who the man was. Heather told him it was Joe Montana, a football player. Corran asked if it was Hannah Montana's husband!!

Neither one of the boys watch Hannah Montana (we don't even have Disney), so she is apparantly well known among the kids!!

We Cheated!!!

Double click on this picture. Do you see anything wrong with this tree?

This is the finished product of the Christmas tree this year. I finally got around to putting it up last night. To put our tree up means lots of rearranging of furniture, which also means that I clean EVERYTHING in the living room (vacuum under couches, clean baseboards, etc.).













Here is the mantle decor. Look at all of those stockings!!!!! It is hard to tell in this picture but the stocking holders spell out SANTA and the last one is a snow flake.









Now - for what is wrong with the tree picture and the cheating. You are looking at half of a tree. Our tree is so big around that I wouold have to put it in the middle of the floor for it to fit. I really wanted it in the corner to save space, so the back of the tree is BARE!! Paul had to redneck rig it to stay upsright because it is front heavy. He took some camo rope and tied it to a couple of bricks, which are hidden in the corner under the tree skirt. There are a couple of spots that if you really look are a little thin and bare, but all and all it worked well, took less lights and garland and ornaments, not to mention a lot less time!

Christmas Decorating

This is the decorating that Daddy and Bryce did while I was working on the tree.

UGHHHH!

The only think worse than being sick is being pregnant and sick. I have what I assume is a severe cold and can't take any of the GOOD stuff for it. I am trying not to take ANYTHING, but Paul did some research and found that I could take Mucinex. I have had the cold for a while now, but the last couple of days have been BAD!!

Everything finally loosened up in my chest (after days of unproductive, painful coughing). My lower back, ribs, shoulders and chest hurt from all of the coughing I have done. Today though, I have had fever for the first time and my head is killing me.

The baby decided today to be VERY active. This would be fine except I am already so sore from being sick it is hurting when he moves around. Hopefully by Friday, I will be over this. Friday is Paul's company party and it is the one time a year I get to go out where there are NO KIDS ALLOWED!

Depressed Grace

Grace is showing some signs of depression over the disappearance of Simon. She has spent the last two days going from window to window. She loves sitting in our front window in the living room the most. It is so funny the way she sits though. She will spend hours just sitting and watching outside. It is very sad to watch - but we will NOT be getting another cat buddy for her!!





















On a side note - see all of those leaves in our yard! Paul usually mows them, but they are falling so fast that we can't keep up with them!

Today

This was a picture of what our day and evening were like today:

Poor Paul!

Last night for dinner Caleb decided he wanted three sandwiches and some chips. I (stupidly) fixed them for him and he ate them and asked for more food (which I smartly said no too). About 11:30 last night, Caleb came in crying saying he threw up all over his bed (and himself).

Paul went and got him in the shower and went to clean the bed. Little did he know....

There was vomit EVERYWHERE!! Anything that was on his bed - covered in chunks!! Down the bed post, on the wall - EVERYWHERE!!

After waking me up and giving me a VERY descriptive idea of what the bed looked like, Paul expected me to get up and clean it. I told him it was not going to happen because she the description was making ME sick. We argued for about 10 minutes about who was cleaning it (with me never even sitting up!).

My arguement won. I told him that in 8 years of having kids and three kids - he has NEVER cleaned up their vomit. Let me tell you - there has been A LOT of it in this house. We aren't just talking about in beds either. All over the house, car, etc. I have been seen cleaning up after everyone. He said he could not do it because the smell was horrible and the chunks disgusting. I reminded him that I am pregnant and have a weaker than normal stomach and just listening to him talk about it was nauseating.

I then informed him that there was NO WAY I was getting out of bed for it and for once he would have to do it. He goes and gets a towel, wraps around his face and sprays with cologne. I REALLY wish I had gotten a picture. I WAS nice enough to inform him that we had rubber gloves he could wear (which I usually did not have!!).

He kept coming in asking what to do with the stuff on the bed. I told him to use his brain, figure it out and not to leave it for me to clean up after today! I then rolled over and went back to bed!

GOOD FOR ME FOR FINALLY MAKING HIM DO SOME DIRTY WORK!! He was a pre-vet major - if he can stick his entire arm up a cows rear - he should be able to clean his childrens vomit.

Of course he says I have never cleaned one that bad, and maybe not - I did not see it. But it still does not make up for 8 YEARS of cleaning up everyones elses nasty messes!!!!

Where's Simon?

Our kitty, Simon, ran away yesterday. He is bad about trying to escape through open doors when people are coming and going. Usually the longest he is gone (he has only done this a couple of times though) is overnight, and he is at the back door waiting in the morning. Not this morning. I have called for him all day, no signs of him. The good news is that we have been down all of the streets around us and have not "seen" him.

He is a very friendly cat so hopefully he found a good home with some friendly people. He is declawed so I am hoping he is not just roaming the streets or woods, because I don't know how long he will make it!

Last night while standing in line to check out at the store, Caleb was reading the cover of a magazine. "Mom, this will tell you how to lose 10 lbs in a week!"

I have not even gained 10 lbs since I got pregnant!!! I just said thanks and told him I would be gaining lots more before I start losing any!!!

Wait A Minute...

I was reminded on the way home last night of a few things Caleb used to say that really cracked us up (and still does). We were discussing Bryce's "potty mouth." He has gotten bad about using words like stupid and dumb and poopoo head etc. I told Caleb he used to have a potty mouth, but his was nothing like Bryces. Caleb used to call people names by taking an animal name and adding a fruit name and then adding head. So, when Caleb was Bryce's age and he went to call someone a name it would come out something similar to "Chicken-banana head."
While I was telling the boys this, I added that Bryce's potty mouth is so different because he has older brothers teaching him things that Caleb did not have anyone to teach him!!!

The other thing that I was reminded about was one day when Caleb was about three, we were sitting around doing whatever. Out of the blue Caleb says "Waaaiiiitttt a minutes (very slow and drawn out)!! Did somebody say(much quicker) (..pause...) chocolate donut?" Noone had said chocolate donut or anything like it or anything about food. This was something that we teased him about for a long time. We would out of the blue, just like he did, say that to him. It has always made him laugh and he would then start filling in the chocolate donut spot with other goofy things.

The boys spent about 15 minutes on the way home playing this "game." It was good for a big laugh from everyone!

I Am Thankful:

for more than words can say, but I am most thankful to the wonderful family God has given me. He gave me the most wonderful husband in the world and three healthy, energetic, and entertaining children and the opportunity to have another little boy on the way.

Out of everything I have to be thankful for (and there is a lot) - this is what is most important to me!!

Baby! Oh, Baby!!

As I mentioned before, at my last visit the dr expressed some concern that I was measuring about 2 weeks bigger than I should be. The baby, according to the sonogram weighed about 8 ounces. According to most of the different site I have visited and my What To Expect When You're Expecting book, the baby should be about 5 ounces at this point.

I have told Paul many times that I felt I was much bigger than I have been at this point in the past. I am about where I was at the end of my past pregnancies (size wise). I have only gained 8 pounds so far, but I feel like I have gained much more!!!

Paul has been feeling the baby moving since I was about 16 1/2 weeks. Usually this is when I would start feeling the baby move. I did not think too much about it because this is our fourth baby so I figured it was because we knew what we were feeling. This past week though - the baby has been getting under my ribs. I mean, Paul had his hand on my lower ribs the other day when Baby Boy started climbing under them. Paul felt my ribs moving! He has done this several times and the only way I can get it to not hurt so bad is too lay on my side (that he is on). I don't remember EVER feeling the baby under my ribs until closer to the end of the pregnancy.

Needless to say, this has been an interesting pregnancy and I am excited and scared to see where we are headed!!!

Friday I am off to the cardiologist because my heart has been beating very strangely. My Dr wants to make sure everything is okay since I have had previous heart issues.

Holiday Fun

Well, I have not turned on the computer since Tuesday, so I will try to blog what has been going on.

We went to Dallas for Thanksgiving. We went to Aunt Lindsay's house on Wednesday. She and Nana took the boys to Medieval Times. Isaac was sick last week with a virus of some kind, but it only caused fever. He was over it when we left, but he has also had a bad cough for about a week. Bryce, by the time we got there, was running a fever (apparantly he got Isaac's virus). The tickets to Medieval Times were non-refundable and not cheap, so we gave Bryce some Tylenol and off they went.

Paul and I went and had dinner and went to Babies R Us. We picked out the carseat/stroller/playpen, etc we wanted for the baby. Then we hit Walmart to pick up a few things for the turkey. The rest of the evening we spent working on Thanksgiving dinner.

The boys got home and they were all so excited they were all trying to tell us about it at once. They LOVED it!! In fact, Thursday we passed the "castle"4 times and everytime Bryce asked if we could go back.

Isaac's cough got really bad after that. I guess when he already had a horrible cough (and Mom forgets the inhaler!!), then you send him off to an arena full of dirt and horses, this should be expected!

Thursday, Paul made an awesome turkey. We had way too much food and then spent the rest of the day watching the Cowboys kick butt and being lazy!

Friday we went to see my parents who had come down and stayed with my aunt and grandmother. We spent the day at there house and then went to Chuck E. Cheese for Caleb's birthday. The boys spent two hours playing game after game. They had 200 tokens between the three of them and each game only took one token, so they were busy!!

We decided to go home after Chuck E Cheese instead of waiting until today because Isaac desperately needed his inhaler and some sleep. He (as well as Paul and I) have not slept since Tuesday night because of the coughing. We got home about 11 pm and gave Isaac his inhaler and never heard him cough all night. The boys slept in this morning - which was NICE!!

PS the inhaler is back in my purse where it had been until about 2 weeks ago!!!

It was great seeing all of the family even if it was for such a short time!!! Thanks to Marmar and Papa for making the long drive down from CO!!

WE NEED HELP!!

We need some boy name ideas. I might have to start a pool for a name - not that I have had that great of a response for the original baby pool!!! Paul and I just can't find "the" perfect name again. Three was our limit apparantly! PLEASE HELP!! We need to come up with one ASAP so Bryce will quit calling HIM Elizabeth Grace!!!

Disappointed Niece!

My niece is very disappointed in me!! She was really hoping that I had a girl because she is the only girl out of all of my parents grandkids. She has four brothers and five boy cousins. She GROWLED at me yesterday when she heard that we were having a boy.

Sorry for the disappointment Lyssa, but hey, out of ten grandkids - you are still the only princess!!! I will just have to get my girly-ness out of my system with you!! :)

My Life the Book!

Several people have told me I need to write a book about having four boys and living with 5 guys. Oh, the testosterone!!! Maybe I should. Maybe it will start with the year plus of blogs!! I have always wanted to write a book. Hmmmmm??

How the Boys Took The News

Isaac and Bryce went (Isaac was sick today so could not go to school) with us but did not pay attention to the sonogram. We told them and Isaac was excited, since he was the only one that wanted a boy! Bryce - confused!! He keeps calling HIM Elizabeth Grace!! We keep trying to explain to him that we are having a boy and he is fine, just forgets quickly!

Caleb - WOW!! I told him when he got in the car and he yelled at me the whole way home. He kept asking why I kept having BOYS!! I told him to talk to his father about it!!

Isaac, just a few minutes ago, was sitting on the couch in a quiet living room. All of a sudden he starts singing "I am having a baby boy! I am having a baby boy!!"

Baby Boy

This is a great shot. For those who don't know what you are looking at, the side of his face is at the left hand side. He is looking up and you can see his nose, mouth, etc. His hand is at his mouth (not sure if he is sucking his thumb or just holding it there). There is one leg up and one leg down. The leg that is up, you can see his foot.

In this picture you can see his side face profile again. Along the bottom side of the baby, you can see his spine.











They said the baby looked healthy and great. Their only concern was that I was measuring 2 weeks ahead of where I should be. This could be because my uterus is stretched from having four pregnancies or because I am having a BIG baby!

My concern is that if it is because my uterus is stretched, they should have been able to pick that up on previous ultrasounds. If it is that I am having a big baby, the dr said I will probably have to deliver early (safe and healthy early!).

They are just going to have to monitor and see how things go. THe good news is that at this point there is no signs of placenta previa (which I had with Bryce).

For now - the search for that perfect boy name (that we have not already used) is on!!!

And the Search Is On...

For the perfect BOY name. That is right - we found out today that we are having boy number FOUR!!! He is healthy and everything looks good though. Hopefully he won't have some kind of complex from being called her and Elizabeth Grace all this time!!

SURPRISE!!!!!

Yeah...So I Told A Small Lie!!

I knew all along my ultrasound was today, but the only way to surprise anyone in this family sometimes is to lie. Kids - you should NEVER lie. Do what I say not what I do!!!

This way I did not "tell" anyone first so no one can be mad (although I am sure you all are mad at me for lying!!). I put it on the blog and it is whoever gets on and reads it first!

Growing Up

Here is a sign that Caleb is growing up: yesterday we went to the grocery store. I told him he could pick out whatever cake he wanted. His choice: a strawberry swirl cheesecake (which was very good).

Bryce and Food

Bryce must be going through a growth spurt, which means I am glad I have still not spent a lot on winter clothes and what I have bought (shirts anyway) I have tried to buy a little big. He will not stop eating. I am fixing to have to find a way to put up a baby gate to the kitchen (which he would probably climb over) or put a lock on the refrigerator and pantry.

He has gotten to where he can move chairs in the kitchen - silently!! Half the time you don't even know he is in there unless you walk in on him. I continuously catch him walking around with lunchmeat - not just one piece at a time though, usually 5 or more at one time. He rips into the package though, so when I go in to make a sandwich the lunchmeat is all dried out.

He has gone from one extreme - not eating - to the complete opposite - eating me out of house and home!!!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY CALEB!!

Too Soon!

For those of you that have been reading my blog for a while, you may remember that last year Isaac had a "girlfriend" named Ashley at school. Towards the end of last year, he was saying they were not friends anymore.

Earlier this year when I would go to pick up Isaac, the two of them who go huddle up and whisper something to each other and both walk away with smiles. Today, he informed me that he "loved Ashley" again.

Isn't it early for these on-again-off-again relationships?

Holiday Spirit-itis!

These days I am trying to stay busy - but not busy to the point of being worn out. Just busy to keep my mind off things! I am just itching to decorate for Christmas. I don't know if it is nesting instinct or just excited about decorating!

It started a couple of weeks ago. Last year we got all new stockings and a tree skirt that match. I was kind of upset that I would most likely not be able to find another stocking that matched what I bought last year (for the baby). I was very excited when I walked into Target right after Halloween and they were stocking Christmas. I decided to walk through, just to see what they had. Imagine my surprise when they had the stocking. So, of course, I bought it right then!

I got home and realized that I had also gotten stocking holders last year. The ones I bought are silver and spell out SANTA. I was wanting to find a silver Santa to get for the new stocking, but can't find one anywhere! I finally settled on a silver snowflake.

I know we will not have the baby here this year, but I really wanted to get the stocking while they still had it. I really like the stockings and tree skirt and would like to hang on to it for awhile.

The rest of the year is going to be crazy busy. Usually we decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. I think I will start this weekend with the inside house decorations. Then when we get back into town next week we will do outside and the tree. Unfortunately, the decorations are all in tubs in the attic - which I can't get by myself in my current state! So I will have to wait until Paul gets home Saturday.

Would You Ever...

Show up on a strangers door step and ask them to start picking your children up from school?

Would you show up on a strangers door step and ask them to start picking your children up from school without even asking your name?

Anxiousness

I am getting more and more anxious about finding out the gender of the baby. I want to know so bad!! I keep trying to tell myself that as bad as I want to know, the baby will probably not cooperate. I think I am as prepared as I am ever going to be to be told that we are having another boy, but at this point, I just want to know.

I am having an even harder time sleeping. I have not been sleeping well lately because I am a stomach sleeper and, well, that is not working out! My shoulders are staying sore from sleeping on them. I have tried to sleep on my back some, which is also not recommended, but it hurts and makes me have to get up for bathroom breaks even more. Add on top of this the fact that everytime I do wake up, my mind starts wandering about the baby!!

I don't remember ever being this anxious about any of the other pregnancies!!

BIG MONEY

Bryce (remember he is only 3) has a habit of asking for "big money." If we see one of those fun charity coin collectors where you drop the money and it spins and spins until it drops in the hole, he yells "I need big money! I need big money!"

This morning he found one of their little wallets and came running in saying he needed big money for his wallet. His older brothers don't even ask like that or that often (they just ask for "stuff" instead!).

CAUTION: RANTING TO FOLLOW

I AM SO SICK OF PUSHY SOLICITORS!!

First off, I am on a NO SOLICITING LIST! No one is suppose to be coming to my door selling things. It is done through the city and is suppose to be like the Do Not Call List.

Second, DO NOT come to my door and try to pressure me to buy whatever you are selling by telling me what my neighbors bought - I DON't CARE!!

I had a guy come to my door just now selling some kind of cleaner. He told me it was so much better than Shout on clothes and that it does all of this other stuff and it is non-toxic (even drank some to proof it - NASTY). He asked what stain I have a problem getting out and I told him that Shout has always worked well for me.

He asked what my toughest cleaning problem was. I said stains in the carpet. He said show me your toughest carpet stain. Now, I don't even answer my door for these people without my phone with 911 dialed to where all I have to do is push call, so I am DEFINENTLY NOT inviting you into my house.

I told him I was not interested and he got mad "In me or in the product?" He threw me off guard at first. You are going to get mad at me because I won't invite a man more than twice my size that is a complete stranger into my house that I am alone in with my young son. My response: "Quite frankly I am not interested in you or your product." and I threw his brochure out the door as I slammed it in his face.

I am not sure if this is worse or ties with the reason I put us on the no soliciting list. I had a lady come over selling something (don't remember what!). I told her I had two kids in the bath tub and did not have time to talk. She got mad and told me I was not even old enough to have two kids and that it was too early for them to be in the bath (it was about 6:30pm). About that time, two naked boys came walking into the living room. I said I needed to get them in their pajamas and she said it was too early for them to go to bed - at which point - I SLAMMED THE DOOR IN HER FACE!!

Moral: If you are going to go to peoples doors trying to sell something - be prepared to be turned away, and don't be rude when you are turned away.

Birthday

Caleb is getting harder and harder to shop for. He is in that "between" age where he does not want toys, but he is not quite old enough or responsible enough for a lot in the electronics department, which is where he wants us to shop from! The other thing he is into is R/C cars and planes, but we have SOOOOO many R/C's in this house already I don't really have a place for anymore!

His big birthday present came in today. Daddy ordered him a digital camera with a docking station so he can easily print out his photos. Caleb has been using Daddy's 35 mm from when he was young, but he always left it laying around when he was done taking pictures. In this house if something gets left laying around, little hands get a hold of it and it is a toss-up whether it will survive.

I don't think we ever even got a chance to get a roll of film to the store to get developed. It usually got pulled out of the camera before we could finish the roll! We thought getting him a digital camera would keep that from happening again, and maybe with the case (which the 35mm did not have), docking station, etc. on top of the fact that it is HIS - he will be a little more responsible with it.

Hopefully, this will encourage him to work on his blog again, he can use all the help typing that he can get! He won't be opening that gift until Saturday because Daddy is out of town until then. He does have one other gift that he will get to open Friday.

Now for Christmas....

LoveYou Babe

While I sit here and post, my wonderful husband is SEWING! The zipper on his suitcase broke, thanks to the airlines. He refuses to use my pink and white polka dot suitcase for some reason, so he is trying to sew the zipper on his.

I just wanted to tell him thank you for all the help this weekend. He did A LOT of cleaning (including the bathroom!!!) Saturday. Then today he let me take a nap while the boys did, but when the boys got up, he took them outside so I could continue to sleep.

What a great somewhat relaxing weekend to give me before I become a single mother for a week! It will help a lot.

I love you and appreciate your help!!

Something Seriously Wrong

What kind of person craves raw potatoes over chocolate? I tried to eat a chocolate candy bar the other night and had to spit out the first bite I took. I don't like chocolate! SERIOUSLY? What is wrong with me?

Hopefully, this is yet another sign that we are having a girl. I CRAVED chocolate with the boys and with this pregnancy I want potatoes and watermelon (not necessarily at the same time). Watermelon - a bit out of season and EXPENSIVE to buy right now when you can find it!

Favorites

The baby, boy or girl, already LOVES his or her Daddy. He/she does not move a whole lot yet, but when I lay down in the evening and first thing in the morning, all Daddy has to do is put his hand on my belly and the baby starts moving like crazy. Paul has actually gotten to feel the baby a couple of times already.

What is really funny is that after the baby moves for a little while I can feel this tightening pressure on my belly under Daddy's hand and Daddy comments that my tummy has gotten really hard. It feels like a baby is snuggling into his/her Daddy's palm. T.he wierd part - he/she only does this for Daddy. I can put my hand on my belly all day and the baby does not move for me.

I am so glad that we are both already feeling him/her. I know it really makes things become real! With this pregnancy things have felt real to me since day one because of all of the morning sickness and etc., but Daddy just gets to watch Mommy sick. Now he can interact with the baby, which obviously the baby likes!

DIAPERS

Today, one of the mothers of a child at Isaac's school brought me 140 newborn diapers! They were left overs from her 2 year old that she has had sitting around and when she found out I was pregnant, gave them to me. Can't turn down FREE DIAPERS!!!

Zoo Expansion

Caleb, for his birthday (yes it is early), is expanding our zoo to include an insect portion. Paul thought he was "ready" for an ant farm. This one is cool because it is made with gel, so you don't have to feed the ants - they get all the nutrients they need from the gel. It also lights up so you can see what they are doing better. Paul gave it to him tonight so now they are going to go look for ants for it.

We will see how this goes. He does love bugs, but I have a feeling, with all the little hands in the house, we will have free-roaming ants!!

Healing Hands

Curious George's "pokey-dot" is gone and healed up.

Isaac's "pokey-dot" is gone, and his hand is still healing. He does not have to wear anything on it anymore - other than triple antibiotic ointment.

Nursery

I got a JCPenney's baby catalog in the mail today. Of course, it has lots of baby bedding for me to admire and dream about. I had already decided that I did not really want a theme, just really girlie (assuming....). Here are the ones from the Penney's catalog that I like:

This one but instead of brown it is pink and sage green (I will have to scan in the color I like - it is not online). If we have a boy - I like the brown.

This one but in cocoa and pink(see below for color):
This one but I don't know if I want the white and pink or if I like the pink walls with the white and black.

And this one.

Are these girlie enough?

EXTRA!! EXTRA!!! MIRACLES HAPPEN!!!

BRYCE DID NOT CRY WHEN I TOOK HIM TO SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!

His teacher told me when I picked him up that he screamed the one time I initially "handed him over" - that was it. No tears, no kicking and screaming, she did not even have to call in back up today. WOW!!!!!!!!!!

On top of that - he did not get in trouble during circle time - which he almost always does! Something about sitting still for Bryce...don't know what it is....he can't do it. Believe me - it goes way beyond the age thing!

A Sign You Should Stay Home:

Yesterday while Paul was hard at work, someone broke into his Jeep. They took his stereo and broke the dash. Luckily I think we can get it ALL fixed for less than $150 - which means no raise in insurance!! What sucks is that apparantly the same guy has a route on parking lots downtown that he hits. The police know the route. They could tell Paul when their parking lot normally gets hit, and that the guy was early - it is usually around the 15th.

Here is what makes me mad...if you KNOW it is a certain person doing the same thing AND you know the route they make - why are there not undercover police waiting on him. Paul was told that he keeps getting arrested, but they keep setting a court date and letting him go. Why, you might ask. Well, we don't have enough beds at the jail to house everyone so unless you are a "serious" offender, you get a free walk - and it is obvious how much they are learning from this!! He KNOWS they have no where for him so he does it over and over to the same parking lots.

Let me also add that he works directly across the street from the police station. You would think someone would be over pretty quick. HE WAITED 40 MINUTES FOR A POLICE OFFICER TO GET THERE!!

Then this morning Paul calls me to tell me that someone hit an electric pole outside their office so they had no electricity, so they decided to hang out at McDonalds. When the electricity finally came back on - their computers were not working.

I think it would be a good idea to just sit tomorrow out. You know, one of those days where you know nothing good can come of it so you just stay in bed! Sounds like a plan to me!

Font on Previous Post

I don't know what is going on with the post about the baby movement. I have spent about 30 minutes trying to fix it and it won't change. SORRY!!

Isaac at Hospital for Surgery

Movement

Monday evening, I had to go pick up medicine after Paul got home. I decided on the way that I wanted a White Chocolate Mocha. I went to our hometown coffee shop and ordered a coffee with my sister on the phone with me telling the guy not to sell it to me. Luckily, he could not hear her! I got in bed a few minutes later and Baby started going crazy!

I have felt her (or him) move a few times, but not too many and not very often. There were a couple of times Monday night that Paul was able to feel the movement. That coffee really did a number on her (or him). I have not felt any movement really since then until today. I decided that instead of eating raw potatoes I would make homemade french fries. Of course, to make it really unhealthy, I fried them!! That got her (or him) going again for a little while.

I have heard that girls don't move around as much, but I think Mom would disagree. If I remember correctly, I liked to play soccer under her ribs frequently when she was pregnant with me. We will see in a couple of weeks - hopefully - which we will be having and then compare with past pregnancy.

FYI - I decided to look up the whole raw potato cravings online. Apparantly, it is not a good sign if it last for a month or more. It could be a sign of iron deficiancies. I guess if I am still craving potatoes when I go back in a couple of weeks - I will have to discuss it with dr.

I Forgot!

I meant to post about Bryce's foot this weekend! Friday, Bryce started complaining that his foot was hurting. He was saying that he broke his toe when he bit it in his sleep. He had shoes on, and i told him to quit biting his toe (but did not look at it).

Saturday we went to Hot Springs and walked downtown. Bryce, again, was complaining about his "broke" toe. Paul asked if his shoes were too small and he said yes. I felt for his toe, and sure enough it was at the end of his shoes. So, we assumed that was the problem and headed for Shoe Carnival to get him some new shoes.

He picked out his shoes and since we took him in with no shoes, wore the shoes out. While we were walking to the car, Paul looked down and noticed him walking funny. I took his shoe off to see if there was something in it. When we got home and were getting out of the car, Paul took off Bryce's sock to see what was going on. HIS TOE WAS GREEN!!

See, he bites his toe nails. Apparantly, he bit it too far down and his toe got infected. We are out buying him new shoes, and all the pain is because his toe is infected. We soaked his toe in warm water and sterilized a needle and Daddy drained the infection. It took a couple of days but the toe is no longer purple.

We keep reminding him that if he bites his toe (or nail) he will make it infected and we will have to take a needle to it again. Amazingly, when we were taking care of his toe, I covered his eyes and he did not even feel the needle in his toe!

Another Trip To the Doctor!

I had to take Caleb to the dr yesterday because his mysterious rash returned the end of last week and got BAD over the weekend. We have thought it was poison ivy (this is the third time he has broken out since school started), but I wanted to make sure. If it was poison ivy I was going to have to go talk to the principal because he would of had to have gotten it at school.

Well, the dr walked in and was amazed when he saw Caleb! He could not believe how bad he had it!! I told him what we thought it was, but that we wanted to make sure! Sure enough - poison ivy!! He was put on steroids and we have to put cortizone cream on the spots. He has it all over his arms, hands (even palms), stomach and face. He has a few spots on his lower back but only where he could easily reach.

I went to the school this morning - never made it to the principal. I was telling the secretary what was going on and the nurse happened to be standing there. She apologized and said that she had not had any complaints about it before. They said they would tell the principal and have him get maintanance to go out and look for it and weed it what they find. Hopefully they will pick up what they weed it - or that will be pointless!!

Hopefully between this and the fact that it is getting colder, we can stop the poison ivy - at least for a little while!

Fall

Fall and Spring have always been my favorite seasons. I love to see how God changes the trees to such beautiful waves of golds, rusts, and reds. Then after a dreary winter to see the green that comes with Spring.

Well, today, as we drove to my drs appointment, the boys very excitedly kept talking about how colorful all of the trees were. I guess this was the first time they quit argueing in the car long enough to look out the window and see the beauty all around them. The colors have been changing for the last several weeks, but it was like God just colored them last night while we were sleeping.

We had a good conversation about the season changes the entire drive to Little Rock. It was actually a nice trip!!

My Son...The Editor

Caleb was reading a book this evening and came in and told me he found a mistake. I looked and sure enough the sentence read Mr. Mouse tried on her new hats. I told him I was proud of him for finding that and he went back to reading. A little while later he came back in and in the same book said there was another mistake. It said What do you want to be when you get a bigger. Apparantly the (almost) eight year old is a better editor than the editor of the book!!! To bad he does not catch his mistakes when he is talking!!

16 Weeks

Okay, I am posting a side shot. I don't think I have any side shots from any of the other pregnancy, so I thought I ought to take some so at least they can see what Mommy looked like pregnant. As things stand now, I will be A LOT bigger with this one than I was with the previous three!!



Paul says my stomach looks like a watermelon (maybe it has something to do with the fact that I can't get enough watermelon!) instead of a basketball (as with the past three). Wives tales have it that if you carry like a watermelon - it is a girl. I might be grasping at straws, but I need all the help and encouragement I can get!!

You can compare this photo with Bryce's and see if he is growing with me!!

Bryce Is Expecting?

Last night Bryce was sitting in bed with me talking about the baby. He was asking if the baby was growing (the fact that my belly is getting huge doesn't mean anything!!). I asked where the baby was and he lifted my shirt and poked my belly button. I went back to what I was doing and glanced over at Bryce and saw this:

"Look Mommy, where is Elizabeth Grace?"

I think his belly is expanding with mine!!!

Cravings!

I meant to add to my last post my cravings. I have been craving pretty healthy things lately like salads, apples, watermelons (that is a big one right now - and not easy to find!!!). The strangest craving I have had thus far...raw potatoes.

Last night at about 9:30, I asked Paul to peel a potato and slice it for me. He thought I was crazy, but did it anyway! It was so good! I have never had a problem eating raw potato when I was making mashed potatoes or something, but I have never CRAVED it.

They say if you crave something it is your bodies way of telling you you need something. I guess there was something in that potato that my body was needing!!

16 Week Checkup

I just got back from my drs appt. to check on the baby. I am being sent to the cardiologist because it feels like my heart is continuously skipping beats. Because of the history with heart problems he just wants me to get checked out by the cardiologist to be on the safe side, but he does not think it is anything to worry about.

As far as the baby goes, everything seems to be good. We got a good strong heartbeat, which Isaac and Bryce were both excited to hear. We go back in a few weeks to have an ultrasound and try to find out the sex of the baby. WE CAN'T WAIT!!! This will be the longest few weeks of our lives!! I have this sneaking suspicion (or fear) that the baby is not going to cooperate and we will not be able to find out.

When we know something - we will pass it on.

Isaac's "Pokey-Dot" Update

Isaac went to his plastic surgeon today to have his hand looked at. He has had it bandaged (completely wrapped) for 2 1/2 weeks now. The last couple of days I have not made him wear his sling though because the dr said it should be healed after 2 weeks.

I looked at it yesterday and looked kinda bad, but you could not really see it because of the glue. It had started to peel off, but was still somewhat attached to the incision site. Today, the dr came in and said it looked great and the nurse was going to get some of the glue off. She came in and had to cut the glue off piece by piece because it hurt when it was pulled on.

She got most of the glue off, but where the glue was still attached to the incision, she left alone. It looks so much better without the glue all over it. We have to put triple antibiotic ointment on it everyday and the first few days he goes to school he has to have a regular bandage on it.

He seemed to be in some pain while she was cleaning it up, but is fine now. He is pretty excited to see his hand and he is excited to have his hand unwrapped!! I will try and get the hospital pictures and take some pictures of his hand now and get them on here this weekend.

WHOA CASA NOVA!!

Last night we were all playing the xbox together. Paul and I were setting up a game of Sims for the first time. I was "building" my person, which you get to pick everything - body, face, clothes, shoes, accessories, make-up, etc. When I was going through the clothes options, Caleb said that one of them was sexy.

WHAT!!!!

Paul and I died laughing when we were able to pick our jaws up off the floor. Paul asked him what he knew about sexy.

"It is the same as being hot, except you are sexy when you are pregnant - so you are hot and sexy!"

We again die laughing. I am not sure what to think about my son telling me I am hot and sexy. I might be able to take it as a compliment, except it is MY SON, and he has no idea what he is talking about (I hope)!!

Interesting!

For some reason, at Caleb's school yesterday they decided to do a mock election for the sheriff's office. Caleb was telling me about this and I found it interesting. For one, why are they doing a mock vote with second graders who know nothing about politics? Are they trying to get an idea of what parents are talking about and voting? Or are they just trying to show the kids what is going on?

Here is what I found interesting. The boys only watch PBS when they watch TV. We don't watch a whole lot of tv when the kids are up, we usually watch shows after they go to bed. Caleb told me he voted for Sheriff Phil Mask, who is the sheriff in office now. I asked him why he chose Phil Mask to vote for and his answer interested me. He said that he had seen Phil Mask on television and he had a cool deep voice and he just thought that was who he wanted to be the sheriff.

To be competely honest, I am ashamed to say, that I don't know much about the sheriff or those running for sheriff. No one in this house has discussed who is running for sheriff, so the only places he can be getting this is from a) school or b) tv.

It just goes to show what I have said a lot - the kids don't have to be sitting in front of the tv staring at it for them to pick up things that are said on it. If he did get it from tv, he got it at some point when it was on and everyone was running around seemingly ignoring it.

For everyone who thinks kids aren't listening unless they are staring at you - this proves that they are!!! It came straight from Caleb that he "learned" about Phil Mask from the tv!!

Sadly - this is how many ADULTS vote!

At Least He Won't Freeze

Bryce outgrew his jacket from last year. I had gotten him one, but he would not where it because it was too bulky. I have not been able to get him in a coat at all this year. So, today we went on a mission to find him a coat. We went to Target, they had NOTHING!! Our next stop was the Old Navy next door. They had two different coats in his size. I went for the puffy, warm looking one. He put it on, after some argueing, and immediately said it was too big (bulky big). He then went and grabbed a dressier coat. It is cute, but does not look like an everyday coat.

I put the coat on him and he asked for a mirror. We walked to a dressing room to find a mirror. He looked at himself from several angles, kissed the mirror and said he liked the coat. He then went and decided he wanted a warm hat and gloves (which we have never been able to get him to wear!!). They had several too choose from. He put one on and headed for the mirror again. I followed and he decided he needed to see the others. I, this time, decided to grab several. He finally chose one and wanted to wear it out.

I am quickly learning that when Bryce won't do something, the secret is to make him think it is all his choice. Just like with the vegetables!! He is just stubborn and wants to make his own choices and I have to allow that (within reason). I am just glad that I am finally figuring this out - it will make life much easier!

I will try to get a picture of him with the coat/hat/mittens he picked out by himself! I am sure this won't be a problem because he LIKES wearing them now that it was HIS choice!

Ding Dong....

Bryce was telling me the songs he sang at choir tonight. He got to where he was making up goofy things and telling me they sang about it (like Taco Bell, McDonalds, etc). I ask if he sang a song about me and he said yes. I asked if it went something like this - Ding dong the witch is dead. He told me that was the song they sang about me.

Thanks Bryce - I guess I set myself up for that though!

Mom and Dad:

Does anything about Bryce's face in this photo remind you of me?? I thought you would like this photo and even though it is in the Halloween slide show - I had to point it out to you!! If you double-click on the photo it should enlarge if you want to see it bigger!

Trick or Treating

As I sit here and do my parental duty of "testing" the kids candy they got tonight, I thought I would tell you about our trick or treating. The boys were really well behaved - for the most part.

Caleb tried to take over and lead everyone, although he did not know what he was doing! He was wearing all black, but luckily I thought to put glow sticks on them so I could somewhat keep up with them.

Isaac pretty much just followed everyone else, but he was great at saying "trick or treat" and "thank you". He seemed to have a great time though, especially after being stuck in the house for 2 weeks!

Bryce really cracked me up. He wore a fitting costume! He would say trick or treat when he got to a door. Then he would start growling. The second house we went too - he requested a glass of water (luckily we got him away quickly - with not water!). After that he got to where after he growled at whoever was at the door, he would ask what animals they had and if he could please pet them (at least he used his manners and said please!). Several houses actually chased down their animals so that he could pet them.

All and all, the first year of actually doing door to door trick or treating went well. Maybe next year Daddy will be home to join us!

Halloween 2006

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Oh Yeah!

I did not mention what Caleb was doing today. WORK!! Last week, he and a friend of his told me that they did not like getting older. They are no longer allowed to have Halloween parties - they are too old! So while all of the younger kids are having parties....he gets to do school work! It is definently not always fun growing up!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

While the world (or my children!) plays tricks on me today, two of them had a busy day of partying at school!! Bryce went dressed up as a cowboy - although I tried to get him to go as a fireman (to keep his cowboy suit clean for tonight-there is a lot of white on it!). They had a mini-carnival at Mother's Day Out. He did not throw a fit this morning when I dropped him off (go figure). Somehow he managed to keep his costume pretty clean (just two little spots of cheese from his nachos).

I took Isaac to school for his Halloween party. They had games with candy prizes and LOTS of food! He had a lot of fun and was SO excited to see his friends again. He got a TON of candy and other sugary snacks! I let him stay as long as he wanted and he did eventually tell me he was ready to go.

To everyone out there - HAPPY HALLOWEEN - I hope you get more treats than tricks!!

Is It Bedtime Yet?

I know...it is 7:30 am...you just got up! It has been a LONG night and morning already though! Isaac and Bryce were up for quite a while last night, off and on, because of Bryce's bit foot! This morning after we were up for about 20 minutes, we got a pretty good thunderstorm. Isaac and Bryce would run in and tell me that they were not scared - EVERYTIME IT THUNDERED!!

Then there is the dog. Trip runs from window to window barking everytime it thunders. I have not decided if he is being scared or protective, but when the storm lasts over and hour and the dog is barking everytime it thunders - no matter how quiet the thunder is....

Something To Brag About

I just heard on the news last night that Little Rock is the 23rd most dangerous city in the nation. Think about how many cities are in the nation and Little Rock is 23RD!!!!

Of course, that is not really anything to brag about - so I will brag that we don't live IN Little Rock (and that would be why!!!)!

A Hour Later...

Bryce has been screaming about his toe...the bit one...and now...he and his brothers are up!!! Ain't life grand!!!