The good news...the Pediasure seems to be helping (in addition to the eating "real" food all the time), although unfortunately for him, we went back to just vanilla (less colorful streaks in the carpet). He is consistently gaining weight now. We are still weighing him weekly (with the awesome scale from my awesome cousin), even though we are not having to go to the dr that frequently anymore. He went from 17 pounds 8 ounces to 18 pounds 2 ounces in a week. The bad news is - it is tearing his poor bottom up! He does not have "normal" dirty diapers anymore. He has diarrhea - everytime he has a stinky!
His poor bottom is staying red and bleeds if the said diapers are not IMMEDIATELY removed. I mean IMMEDIATELY! We should take out stock in Butt Paste. I love that stuff - it really works! It clears diaper rashes pretty instantly (unless they are as bad as his is right now). We have used the stuff since Isaac was a baby - and it is all I use. I feel for him though, because he usually does stinkies twice a day - one of which is FIRST thing in the morning - before he gets up.
So, until we visit the dr again, we will continue the routine of Pediasure in mouth, Pediasure scrubbed out of carpet, old clothes (thrown up on) off - new clothes on, Pediasure wiped off bottom, Butt Paste put ON butt, then repeat!
Oh - don't forget doing LOTS of LAUNDRY!!!
The joys....
Monday, January 28, 2008
HMMM.....
I would not want to be one of our local weatherman after today!! One of the weathermen from a local channel went and talked to the third grade class today. This is fine - Caleb LOVED it.
I would not want to be him, though, because for some reason the third graders now have a copy of his business card (Caleb's class anyway). This includes everything that you would normally find on a business card (phone number, CELL phone number, fax, email, address, etc). That just does not seem right.
So to everyone who actually NEEDS his number - if he is smart he is changing it right now. So, if you try and call and his number has been disconnected, it is because his celebrity status with the third grade class got out of control and he is being stalked by nine year olds (Caleb got his autograph too - to add to his collection that so far only include the sheriff that he thought was Dr. Phil!)!!!
I would not want to be him, though, because for some reason the third graders now have a copy of his business card (Caleb's class anyway). This includes everything that you would normally find on a business card (phone number, CELL phone number, fax, email, address, etc). That just does not seem right.
So to everyone who actually NEEDS his number - if he is smart he is changing it right now. So, if you try and call and his number has been disconnected, it is because his celebrity status with the third grade class got out of control and he is being stalked by nine year olds (Caleb got his autograph too - to add to his collection that so far only include the sheriff that he thought was Dr. Phil!)!!!
The Jumperoo
Andrew still loves his jumperoo - especially if someone is chanting "bouncy bouncy bouncy" to him!
This Way Is Still Easier!
AND
I took the seat out of his jeep to wash it. Even though Daddy has shown him a couple of times how to get out of it when I put him in it like this, he never remembers!
Plans In the Works
I have spent this morning looking at.....GULP....first birthday party ideas. That is very hard for me to swallow!!! We have just over two months before our baby turns ONE!
I think we are going to do his party on April 12th. Step one, got the date. Now, I need to do....EVERYTHING else! Unfortunately, I keep thinking "Oh, I have two and a half months" and then I remember that I have five kids, a husband and a household to deal with, so....that really is not that long!
I think we are going to do his party on April 12th. Step one, got the date. Now, I need to do....EVERYTHING else! Unfortunately, I keep thinking "Oh, I have two and a half months" and then I remember that I have five kids, a husband and a household to deal with, so....that really is not that long!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Today.....IT Happened :(
We knew the day was coming and soon, but, as a parent (especially with four kids) you never REALLY want it to.
Andrew did it.
He is walking.
Handsfree.
It is only one to four steps at a time, and still wobbly, but he is doing it. It was SO cute. This afternoon, Daddy and I were doing our normal sitting on the floor trying to get him to walk between the two of us. I don't know who was more surprised, us or him. When Daddy and I started cheering for him he got the biggest smile on his face as he glanced back and forth between us - then he started dancing!
I was able to catch a little of video this evening when it quieted down. Daddy took the older three to Monster Jam tonight, so we are enjoying a quiet evening in. Enjoy the video - sorry it is so long, but Movie Maker did not break the movie down into parts like it normally does when it is uploading.
There is no turning back now!
Andrew did it.
He is walking.
Handsfree.
It is only one to four steps at a time, and still wobbly, but he is doing it. It was SO cute. This afternoon, Daddy and I were doing our normal sitting on the floor trying to get him to walk between the two of us. I don't know who was more surprised, us or him. When Daddy and I started cheering for him he got the biggest smile on his face as he glanced back and forth between us - then he started dancing!
I was able to catch a little of video this evening when it quieted down. Daddy took the older three to Monster Jam tonight, so we are enjoying a quiet evening in. Enjoy the video - sorry it is so long, but Movie Maker did not break the movie down into parts like it normally does when it is uploading.
There is no turning back now!
TROUBLE
Andrew is getting into EVERYTHING lately! I know, it will only get worse! It is still such a cute and curious nosiness - but it gets exhausting having to continuously get him out of stuff! He doesn't really care for sitting in anything that keeps him from getting into trouble. He still loves his jumperoo, as long as you don't leave him alone in it. I have moved it into where the desk is so that when I am working on the computer he can jump right next to me - and I can type with two hands instead of four (he LOVES the keyboard)!
His favorite thing to mess with is the bookshelf. He is CONSTANTLY pulling stuff off of it.
I have moved all of Andrew's toys into his bedroom (they were cluttering the living room. I had to take down the little table next to the guest bed - because he likes to pull it over on himself. I got his room as Andrew-proofed as I could. I pull up the blinds and he has really enjoyed playing in there. The following pictures were taken after I walked into his room to check on him and found him doing this. That box has all of his little shoes in it and is between the crib and changing table (which we don't really use as a changing table anymore). He closed the box, turned it upside down and started chewing on the bottom of it. I am not sure if the box was made in China or not, but it is not painted yet - so lead is not what we need to worry about - I am sure there is SOMETHING in that wood that he should NOT be tasting though!!
If you noticed the books under the crib - we are trying to teach our son through osmosis. We are teaching him the American Presidents and Physics at the same time. Maybe he will be one of those genius two year olds that can rattle off all of the presidents and facts about them WHILE working some physics!
His favorite thing to mess with is the bookshelf. He is CONSTANTLY pulling stuff off of it.
I have moved all of Andrew's toys into his bedroom (they were cluttering the living room. I had to take down the little table next to the guest bed - because he likes to pull it over on himself. I got his room as Andrew-proofed as I could. I pull up the blinds and he has really enjoyed playing in there. The following pictures were taken after I walked into his room to check on him and found him doing this. That box has all of his little shoes in it and is between the crib and changing table (which we don't really use as a changing table anymore). He closed the box, turned it upside down and started chewing on the bottom of it. I am not sure if the box was made in China or not, but it is not painted yet - so lead is not what we need to worry about - I am sure there is SOMETHING in that wood that he should NOT be tasting though!!
If you noticed the books under the crib - we are trying to teach our son through osmosis. We are teaching him the American Presidents and Physics at the same time. Maybe he will be one of those genius two year olds that can rattle off all of the presidents and facts about them WHILE working some physics!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Day Two: Pick Your Battles
Day two of the responsibility chart....
Not as good as day one, but 100 times better than every day before day one!!
I had to remind Bryce several times today of his goal. He still got in some trouble, but I have to find a fine line to walk. If he loses his magnet at the slightest thing he is going to give up, at the same time - I can't let him get away with everything.
I am trying to ignore smaller things that he does and remind him when he does some things. He is trying, I mean REALLY trying. This is his second day/night of him going down for nap and to bed without fighting. That, in itself, makes this all worth it!
Bryce asked me an important question, but the answer is a little tricky. He asked what happened if he could not take a nap. I asked what he meant and he said that sometimes he can lay in bed for a long time and just can't sleep. I can typically tell before he goes down if he "needs" a nap, depending on what time he went to bed the previous night, what time he got up, how he slept, attitude, etc. If I tell him "You don't have to go to sleep if you can't," he will not even lay down long enough to give himself a chance to fall asleep. So, instead I am trying to be very understanding if he is in there, quiet, for a while but is unable to go to sleep. We have not had that problem yet, though.
He DID lose a magnet today. It was this evening when things usually get a little wild and crazy. I HAD to take the magnet because he was warned several times about what he was doing. I did tell him that he could work to earn it back. I am trying to start this VERY LENIENT and we will get less as we get the hang of it.
I am very impressed with him. I am very impressed with our system. It is still early but I have faith. A lot of our problem is that I am exhausted with being a single mom - because I am NOT a single mom!! Daddy's travel schedule is really wearing on us all! I know I am often overly-sensitive because of my lack of a break. I try to remember that. When I get upset and frazzled, I take things worse and it carries over to the kids.
So, on our "one day at a time" mission - I would say we are two for two!!
Not as good as day one, but 100 times better than every day before day one!!
I had to remind Bryce several times today of his goal. He still got in some trouble, but I have to find a fine line to walk. If he loses his magnet at the slightest thing he is going to give up, at the same time - I can't let him get away with everything.
I am trying to ignore smaller things that he does and remind him when he does some things. He is trying, I mean REALLY trying. This is his second day/night of him going down for nap and to bed without fighting. That, in itself, makes this all worth it!
Bryce asked me an important question, but the answer is a little tricky. He asked what happened if he could not take a nap. I asked what he meant and he said that sometimes he can lay in bed for a long time and just can't sleep. I can typically tell before he goes down if he "needs" a nap, depending on what time he went to bed the previous night, what time he got up, how he slept, attitude, etc. If I tell him "You don't have to go to sleep if you can't," he will not even lay down long enough to give himself a chance to fall asleep. So, instead I am trying to be very understanding if he is in there, quiet, for a while but is unable to go to sleep. We have not had that problem yet, though.
He DID lose a magnet today. It was this evening when things usually get a little wild and crazy. I HAD to take the magnet because he was warned several times about what he was doing. I did tell him that he could work to earn it back. I am trying to start this VERY LENIENT and we will get less as we get the hang of it.
I am very impressed with him. I am very impressed with our system. It is still early but I have faith. A lot of our problem is that I am exhausted with being a single mom - because I am NOT a single mom!! Daddy's travel schedule is really wearing on us all! I know I am often overly-sensitive because of my lack of a break. I try to remember that. When I get upset and frazzled, I take things worse and it carries over to the kids.
So, on our "one day at a time" mission - I would say we are two for two!!
Caleb's Stories
I am going to start putting Caleb's stories on here. He has really gotten to where he loves to write stories (so did I when I was his age!). He carries a composition book with him all the time now, I guess just in case he gets inspired!
I want him to have these stories and remember how and what he wrote!
Enjoy his stories!
I want him to have these stories and remember how and what he wrote!
Enjoy his stories!
By Caleb
Busy as a bee. NOT AS ME!!!!
I'm as good as a donkey. I'm as bad as a monkey.
I'm as crazy as a goose. I charge like a moose.
I run like a rat. I pounce like a cat.
I'm as weak as a fox. I'm as strong as an ox.
I'm smooth as a frog. I'm as hairy as a dog.
Add it all up and it equals me. Never think of me as a bee!
I'm as good as a donkey. I'm as bad as a monkey.
I'm as crazy as a goose. I charge like a moose.
I run like a rat. I pounce like a cat.
I'm as weak as a fox. I'm as strong as an ox.
I'm smooth as a frog. I'm as hairy as a dog.
Add it all up and it equals me. Never think of me as a bee!
BIg Woods, WI
This is a letter Caleb wrote (I guess as an assignment at school).
Dear Granny and Papa,
This indian countryis alsome! And speaking of indians two naked men came in. They STUNK!!! At least Jack was on a chain or else he would bite the fresh skunks off them. Also we barely made it across the Missisipi River. The ice inside it cracked in half, but luckily we were on the other side of it before the crack. And tonight we are eating cornbread, and rabbit.
Dear Granny and Papa,
This indian countryis alsome! And speaking of indians two naked men came in. They STUNK!!! At least Jack was on a chain or else he would bite the fresh skunks off them. Also we barely made it across the Missisipi River. The ice inside it cracked in half, but luckily we were on the other side of it before the crack. And tonight we are eating cornbread, and rabbit.
Maybe....
Geocaching is not the sport for me. I think I am going to have to be forced to stay inside at all times!
I have poison ivy...
AGAIN...
It is bad enough that I get it all summer, but during the winter the vines don't have leaves. If you saw the tree we hid our cache in (in a previous post) you know it was COVERED in vines. OOOOOPPS!
When I told Paul (who is in LA) he said "well no one else got it, but I am not surprised that you would!" Thanks Sweetie!
Will I ever learn?
Do you think if I have to stay in all the time, the boys will still ALL go? HMMMM....this might be a good plan!
I have poison ivy...
AGAIN...
It is bad enough that I get it all summer, but during the winter the vines don't have leaves. If you saw the tree we hid our cache in (in a previous post) you know it was COVERED in vines. OOOOOPPS!
When I told Paul (who is in LA) he said "well no one else got it, but I am not surprised that you would!" Thanks Sweetie!
Will I ever learn?
Do you think if I have to stay in all the time, the boys will still ALL go? HMMMM....this might be a good plan!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
I Wish You Could See Me Now...
I AM DANCING ALL OVER THE HOUSE!!!
I feel as though I live in a different house! It has been SUCH a peaceful day. The BIG test was just given and Bryce passed with FLYING COLORS!! I have said all day, the real test of how hard he was going to work at this would be nap/bedtime. Naptime was a breeze. He ate, went potty, asked for a story and went straight to bed. He went to sleep, got up and got his stickers (his mid-day motivation).
There were a couple of times this afternoon I had to ask him to calm down or quiet down, but I never had to raise my voice at him. I was still dreading bedtime though. That is our absolute worst time of day! It is usually an hour long battle. Tonight, we got home from choir and I went straight in to put Andrew to bed (he fell asleep on the five minute drive home). When I got out of there, I searched the house for Bryce (usually he hears bedtime and runs and hides). I found him, eventually. He was IN HIS BED. He had gone potty, gotten pjs, everything and was in his bed under his blanket. It is 8:15 and ALL of my kids are quiet and in bed.
Seriously, am I at home?
One of his end-of-the-day motivations is that he does not get to sleep with Papa's blanket if he gets in trouble at all during the day. The blanket has been in the living room because I had been using it during the day. Bryce has been coming out in the middle of the night and taking it. I decided to turn it in my favor, and it worked!
Excuse me now - I am going to go sit on the couch eating bonbons. :)
Okay...actually I am going to go do laundry because Caleb has no jeans to wear to school. Such is the life....
I feel as though I live in a different house! It has been SUCH a peaceful day. The BIG test was just given and Bryce passed with FLYING COLORS!! I have said all day, the real test of how hard he was going to work at this would be nap/bedtime. Naptime was a breeze. He ate, went potty, asked for a story and went straight to bed. He went to sleep, got up and got his stickers (his mid-day motivation).
There were a couple of times this afternoon I had to ask him to calm down or quiet down, but I never had to raise my voice at him. I was still dreading bedtime though. That is our absolute worst time of day! It is usually an hour long battle. Tonight, we got home from choir and I went straight in to put Andrew to bed (he fell asleep on the five minute drive home). When I got out of there, I searched the house for Bryce (usually he hears bedtime and runs and hides). I found him, eventually. He was IN HIS BED. He had gone potty, gotten pjs, everything and was in his bed under his blanket. It is 8:15 and ALL of my kids are quiet and in bed.
Seriously, am I at home?
One of his end-of-the-day motivations is that he does not get to sleep with Papa's blanket if he gets in trouble at all during the day. The blanket has been in the living room because I had been using it during the day. Bryce has been coming out in the middle of the night and taking it. I decided to turn it in my favor, and it worked!
Excuse me now - I am going to go sit on the couch eating bonbons. :)
Okay...actually I am going to go do laundry because Caleb has no jeans to wear to school. Such is the life....
20 Chances
Bryce has continued to be an angel today. He took a nap wihtout as much as a wimper and actually went to sleep. A few minutes ago he came in and gave me a hug and asked if he gets 20 chances to behave. I told him no - just one. He said he needed 20 chances because sometimes he just can't behave. I gave him a hug and told him that he has proven this morning that he DOES know how to behave - he just needs to think about things before he acts!
Bryce
Bryce is in desperate need of some preschool. He really needs an all day, structured preschool like Isaac went to. But, because we belong to the "left-behind" or "no-one-cares" class (aka middle class) he can't get any. We fall in that unfortunate you-make-too-much-money-for-the-government-to-care and not-enough-to-actually-pay-the-massive-amount-to-send-him-to-preschool category. We are...stuck in the middle!
I cannot afford the cost of preschool, nor do I want to pay that amound when I am home anyway. At the same time, Bryce needs some help! I fear for when he starts school. I fear he is going to be "THAT" child. I fear that we will LIVE in the principals office! I think he will do okay at first. It will be new, he will be out of the house and around friends, he will get that kindergarten leniancy - that leniancy that does not last long and goes straight into trouble. We have hit that wall this year since Isaac started school.
I feel as though I have tried EVERYTHING with Bryce. I thought Caleb was stubborn and strong-willed. WOW!! Bryce takes it to a whole new level ( a scarey level). I was told yesterday by someone ( and I have said something similar before), that they were saving for college for one of their kids and bail money for the other. That is how I feel. I have said before that if he is not in jail by the time he is six, it will be a miracle.
He lies, he steals (from his parents and siblings - nothing in public YET), he throws temper tantrums. There is no punishment that we have found that works. If anything, it makes it worse. If I tell him to go to his room or time out he says no. If I PUT him in his room or time out he comes out. The only way I can keep him in his room is to sit there and hold the door closed - which is kind of hard to do with three or four other kids running around! He would rather have a few minutes of enjoying what he wants to do and getting a punishment than not doing it at all.
This morning we had a talk. I know this has gotten so much worse lately because of Daddy being gone. It is all the time, but so much worse when Daddy isn't here. We are nearing the end of the fourth month of this. There has just been a lot going on and he is having a hard time expressing his emotions.
We have come to an agreement (until he gets bored with it). I asked him this morning if he wanted to start a behavior chart. I explained what it was and that we would set a goal to work towards. This does not work the same for Bryce as it does for a lot of kids. Bryce wants instant gratification. If I tell him he has to wait a whole week or month to see any kind of reward, he will quickly quit. So, this is our plan.
We went and got this:
It has lots of magnets for responsibilities, rewards, etc. on the back of the board:
Right now his responsibilities are: get dressed, clean room, share, no whining, no hitting, be nice, get ready for nap/bed and go to nap/bed. As he masters these, we will replace them with others, but the are the worst eight right now. We are going to make a treasure chest (to make it more exciting for him, I am going to go to Hobby Lobby and get a wooden treasure chest and let HIM decorate it), Everyday, if he has had a good day and filled that days chart, he will get to get a prize from the treasure chest. He will get to help me get stuff to put in the treasure chest, so he will know there is stuff he wants and likes in it. At the beginning of each week we will set a weekly goal (this weeks is that he wants to play my DS, so if he fills the chart this week - he gets 30 minutes with my DS - which he normally steals!). This will be something like us doing what he wants to do or extra one on one time, things like that. At the beginning of each month we will set a bigger monthly goal. This will be something like a new toy or game or going to the movies, etc.
So far he is REALLY excited about this plan. I know it has only been a couple of hours, but things that normally cause him to break down - he has gladly accepted and moved past. For example, yesterday morning he asked if he could get donuts for breakfast. I told him no, he threw a fit. I told him he would not get them all week - the fit grew much worse. This morning, he asked for donuts again. I reminded him of what happened yesterday and explained why he could not have donuts this week. He did not throw a fit. He went and started playing.
It has been a very calm couple of hours! At this point - I will take all I can get!
I cannot afford the cost of preschool, nor do I want to pay that amound when I am home anyway. At the same time, Bryce needs some help! I fear for when he starts school. I fear he is going to be "THAT" child. I fear that we will LIVE in the principals office! I think he will do okay at first. It will be new, he will be out of the house and around friends, he will get that kindergarten leniancy - that leniancy that does not last long and goes straight into trouble. We have hit that wall this year since Isaac started school.
I feel as though I have tried EVERYTHING with Bryce. I thought Caleb was stubborn and strong-willed. WOW!! Bryce takes it to a whole new level ( a scarey level). I was told yesterday by someone ( and I have said something similar before), that they were saving for college for one of their kids and bail money for the other. That is how I feel. I have said before that if he is not in jail by the time he is six, it will be a miracle.
He lies, he steals (from his parents and siblings - nothing in public YET), he throws temper tantrums. There is no punishment that we have found that works. If anything, it makes it worse. If I tell him to go to his room or time out he says no. If I PUT him in his room or time out he comes out. The only way I can keep him in his room is to sit there and hold the door closed - which is kind of hard to do with three or four other kids running around! He would rather have a few minutes of enjoying what he wants to do and getting a punishment than not doing it at all.
This morning we had a talk. I know this has gotten so much worse lately because of Daddy being gone. It is all the time, but so much worse when Daddy isn't here. We are nearing the end of the fourth month of this. There has just been a lot going on and he is having a hard time expressing his emotions.
We have come to an agreement (until he gets bored with it). I asked him this morning if he wanted to start a behavior chart. I explained what it was and that we would set a goal to work towards. This does not work the same for Bryce as it does for a lot of kids. Bryce wants instant gratification. If I tell him he has to wait a whole week or month to see any kind of reward, he will quickly quit. So, this is our plan.
We went and got this:
It has lots of magnets for responsibilities, rewards, etc. on the back of the board:
Right now his responsibilities are: get dressed, clean room, share, no whining, no hitting, be nice, get ready for nap/bed and go to nap/bed. As he masters these, we will replace them with others, but the are the worst eight right now. We are going to make a treasure chest (to make it more exciting for him, I am going to go to Hobby Lobby and get a wooden treasure chest and let HIM decorate it), Everyday, if he has had a good day and filled that days chart, he will get to get a prize from the treasure chest. He will get to help me get stuff to put in the treasure chest, so he will know there is stuff he wants and likes in it. At the beginning of each week we will set a weekly goal (this weeks is that he wants to play my DS, so if he fills the chart this week - he gets 30 minutes with my DS - which he normally steals!). This will be something like us doing what he wants to do or extra one on one time, things like that. At the beginning of each month we will set a bigger monthly goal. This will be something like a new toy or game or going to the movies, etc.
So far he is REALLY excited about this plan. I know it has only been a couple of hours, but things that normally cause him to break down - he has gladly accepted and moved past. For example, yesterday morning he asked if he could get donuts for breakfast. I told him no, he threw a fit. I told him he would not get them all week - the fit grew much worse. This morning, he asked for donuts again. I reminded him of what happened yesterday and explained why he could not have donuts this week. He did not throw a fit. He went and started playing.
It has been a very calm couple of hours! At this point - I will take all I can get!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Caleb's Awards
Caleb got a trophy, a plaque and three certificates at his awards ceremony at school on Friday. He got the trophy for being a Star Reader, the plaque for being an Advanced Reader and certificates for honor roll, and reading. I scribbled out the name of the school, just for safety reasons!
Way to go Caleb - you had a rocky start this year, but you have really pulled it together and got yourself straightened out. We are proud of you!
Our First Geocache
While most normal people were snug in their homes, standing or sitting in front of a warm fire, our family was out in the 26 degree weather geocaching! IT WAS COLD! For those of you reading this that live up north further and that is warm, well pooey on you - I live in ARKANSAS - that is cold!
I digress, Saturday morning we made it our mission to finally go hide our first geocache. We all got bundled up and headed out in the woods looking for the perfect place. We found it, placed the cache and then high-tailed it back to the car. Okay, some of us high-tailed it back to the warm car. Caleb and Bryce went to the playground and froze for a while!
After we hid ours, we went to try and find a few that were at the park by Paul's office. We went intending to find four - and we found all four. Each one of the older three boys "navigated" and found a cache themselves, and then Paul gave me the honors of finding the fourth. The boys are really getting good at reading the GPS on their own. Bryce and Isaac still need a little help reading the distance, but they can follow the arrow well.
This is the bug that we put in our cache:
And here is the frigid family at their hiding spot:
I digress, Saturday morning we made it our mission to finally go hide our first geocache. We all got bundled up and headed out in the woods looking for the perfect place. We found it, placed the cache and then high-tailed it back to the car. Okay, some of us high-tailed it back to the warm car. Caleb and Bryce went to the playground and froze for a while!
After we hid ours, we went to try and find a few that were at the park by Paul's office. We went intending to find four - and we found all four. Each one of the older three boys "navigated" and found a cache themselves, and then Paul gave me the honors of finding the fourth. The boys are really getting good at reading the GPS on their own. Bryce and Isaac still need a little help reading the distance, but they can follow the arrow well.
This is the bug that we put in our cache:
And here is the frigid family at their hiding spot:
New Recipes
I tried a couple of new recipes this weekend. I was not sure how they would turn out and how the kids would be with them. They surprised me (the meals and the kids)!
Friday night we had meatloaf, which was not a new recipe - but one of Paul's favorites. I don't remember where he found the recipe for this particular meatloaf, but it is really good. Andrew LOVED the meatloaf and potatoes and it was SO easy for him to eat! I will have to make a seperate post for that one!
Saturday night I made potpies for the first time. I found this recipe in a Kraft magazine. It was really good! In fact the kids are eating it right now for lunch! Also another one Andrew could easily eat and enjoyed.
Then, Sunday night we had homemade tortilla soup. Paul is a big fan of tortilla soup, so I thought I would try it out when I saw the recipe. REALLY GOOD!! The boys all loved it. They asked if they could take it to school tomorrow for lunch.
I am SO glad I found some more (easy) recipes that the kids all like!
Friday night we had meatloaf, which was not a new recipe - but one of Paul's favorites. I don't remember where he found the recipe for this particular meatloaf, but it is really good. Andrew LOVED the meatloaf and potatoes and it was SO easy for him to eat! I will have to make a seperate post for that one!
Saturday night I made potpies for the first time. I found this recipe in a Kraft magazine. It was really good! In fact the kids are eating it right now for lunch! Also another one Andrew could easily eat and enjoyed.
Then, Sunday night we had homemade tortilla soup. Paul is a big fan of tortilla soup, so I thought I would try it out when I saw the recipe. REALLY GOOD!! The boys all loved it. They asked if they could take it to school tomorrow for lunch.
I am SO glad I found some more (easy) recipes that the kids all like!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Fundraiser
The boys are doing a Sonic Card fundraiser. They are selling Sonic cards for $5 each. The card has the following coupons on it:
buy one sonic burger get one free(two of these)
buy one regular smoothie get one free
buy one breakfast toaster get one free
buy one extra long cheese coney get one free
buy one single topping sundae get one free
99 cent breakfast burrito
99 cent route 44 drink (two of these)
free regular onion rings with and sandwich purchase
If anyone is interested in these, please let me know so I know how many to ask for.
buy one sonic burger get one free(two of these)
buy one regular smoothie get one free
buy one breakfast toaster get one free
buy one extra long cheese coney get one free
buy one single topping sundae get one free
99 cent breakfast burrito
99 cent route 44 drink (two of these)
free regular onion rings with and sandwich purchase
If anyone is interested in these, please let me know so I know how many to ask for.
BAM!
This morning I was changing a stinky diaper. Bryce was throwing it away for me. He lifted the lid to the diaper pail, put the diaper in and closed the top. While he was closing the top he yells BAM! and quietly says "and the dirt is gone."
I think someone has seen the Bam commercial too many times!
I think someone has seen the Bam commercial too many times!
Isaac's Drs Appt
Isaac went back to the ENT dr this morning to check on his ears. Dr said they looked great. The holes have healed. There is a little bit of fluid left behind one eardrum, but he is not concerned about it and said it will go away on its own.
I told Dr that Isaac started coughing last night and that Daddy and Andrew both have colds. He gave me some samples of Nasonex and told me to give him that when he is congested to keep it cleared out and away from his ears.
I asked how many ear infections he would allow Isaac to have before we get tubes again. He said 2 more ear infections or one more rupture we will put tubes back in. He also said that his son did not outgrow his ear problems until he was nine and went through five sets of tubes. He said he even brought his son to the clinic before and put tubes in his ears in the middle of the night! I guess Isaac's Daddy is in the WRONG profession!!
I asked what the odds of Isaac losing his hearing permanently from his ears rupturing were. He said it was not impossible but very slim ("like .000....%).
Isaac asked me on the way back to school why he had to use a nose spray. I explained why to him and asked if he would rather use the spray once a day and NOT get an ear infection or not use the spray, get an infection and get tubes again. He said he would use the spray.
I told Dr that Isaac started coughing last night and that Daddy and Andrew both have colds. He gave me some samples of Nasonex and told me to give him that when he is congested to keep it cleared out and away from his ears.
I asked how many ear infections he would allow Isaac to have before we get tubes again. He said 2 more ear infections or one more rupture we will put tubes back in. He also said that his son did not outgrow his ear problems until he was nine and went through five sets of tubes. He said he even brought his son to the clinic before and put tubes in his ears in the middle of the night! I guess Isaac's Daddy is in the WRONG profession!!
I asked what the odds of Isaac losing his hearing permanently from his ears rupturing were. He said it was not impossible but very slim ("like .000....%).
Isaac asked me on the way back to school why he had to use a nose spray. I explained why to him and asked if he would rather use the spray once a day and NOT get an ear infection or not use the spray, get an infection and get tubes again. He said he would use the spray.
Parent: Job Description
Let me clarify - I DID NOT write this. It was emailed to me and I liked it so I posted it. Wish I could take credit, but...
POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Caleb's Prayer List
This is out of Caleb's prayer file they made in SS last Sunday. Do you see something wrong with this?
I guess that is something he needs to work on!
His girls-have-cooties period was TOO SHORT LIVED!! He went from getting in trouble every year for kissing girls at school, to not even a year of girls are gross, and now he is CONTINUOUSLY talking about HOT LSU cheerleaders and HOT Cowboy cheerleaders. At Em's wedding he came up and asked who the blonde was and then went off to flirt with her. It was someone MY AGE - he didn't care!
I AM SCARED!! Yet again!
I guess that is something he needs to work on!
His girls-have-cooties period was TOO SHORT LIVED!! He went from getting in trouble every year for kissing girls at school, to not even a year of girls are gross, and now he is CONTINUOUSLY talking about HOT LSU cheerleaders and HOT Cowboy cheerleaders. At Em's wedding he came up and asked who the blonde was and then went off to flirt with her. It was someone MY AGE - he didn't care!
I AM SCARED!! Yet again!
So Neat!!
The boys brought home their school newsletter today. It is just a small newsletter -front and back of one sheet of paper. On the front this time, half of it was Caleb's classes New Year's resolutions. Caleb's was to get Classic Reader (a good resolution for school).
I was pleasantly surprised while reading through all of the students resolutions. There was one student that said their resolution was to get saved, and there was one student who said their resolution was to get baptized. HOW COOL!!!
There were several "eat better" and "make good grades" but there were no "lose weight" which was nice to see. In fact, one student wants to GAIN 10 pounds.
It was refreshing to read what third graders felt were important to them.
HMMMM!! Right after I posted this, I asked Caleb what Classic Reader was. HE DOESN'T KNOW!!! Not only does he not know (even though it is his New Years Resolution) he told ME that I should look it up!
I was pleasantly surprised while reading through all of the students resolutions. There was one student that said their resolution was to get saved, and there was one student who said their resolution was to get baptized. HOW COOL!!!
There were several "eat better" and "make good grades" but there were no "lose weight" which was nice to see. In fact, one student wants to GAIN 10 pounds.
It was refreshing to read what third graders felt were important to them.
HMMMM!! Right after I posted this, I asked Caleb what Classic Reader was. HE DOESN'T KNOW!!! Not only does he not know (even though it is his New Years Resolution) he told ME that I should look it up!
Baby Onion Breath
I made a pot roast last night for dinner. I did not sweep the kitchen after we ate. I know better than to not sweep, but somedays I just don't have the energy after dealing with six kids (yes, six! ;)
Twice this morning I have taken pieces of raw onion away from Andrew. He seems to like them! I guess I was a little messy while cutting and they must have landed under the cabinets because I did not see them.
Too bad the OLDER kids won't touch onions!
Twice this morning I have taken pieces of raw onion away from Andrew. He seems to like them! I guess I was a little messy while cutting and they must have landed under the cabinets because I did not see them.
Too bad the OLDER kids won't touch onions!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Struggling!
Isaac is having a hard time lately with school. I am sending a note to the teacher tomorrow asking for a conference, but his problem is reading. Well, as expected, the reading problem is now turning into other problems.
They are starting spelling test this week. Isaac cannot look at sight words that he has had since day one of kindergarten. We will work every night on these words. He seems to get them...until the next night. Somewhere between sleeping and school - he LOSES the information he learns.
The problem is the schools do not teach phonics AT ALL! When I tell Isaac to sound out a word he looks at me like I am crazy. I show him how to sound it out. He can sound it out, but he can't make it a word. It is just 3 (or however many) sounds.
I looked at Hooked on Phonics. WOW!!! VERY expensive! I was shocked! We are going to have to get it though. I have tried everything I know to help him and he is just not getting it. He gets frustrated and cries. The only other thing I know to do is to hire a tutor!
I hate that he is already getting frustrated! I don't want him to start hating school in kindergarten!
They are starting spelling test this week. Isaac cannot look at sight words that he has had since day one of kindergarten. We will work every night on these words. He seems to get them...until the next night. Somewhere between sleeping and school - he LOSES the information he learns.
The problem is the schools do not teach phonics AT ALL! When I tell Isaac to sound out a word he looks at me like I am crazy. I show him how to sound it out. He can sound it out, but he can't make it a word. It is just 3 (or however many) sounds.
I looked at Hooked on Phonics. WOW!!! VERY expensive! I was shocked! We are going to have to get it though. I have tried everything I know to help him and he is just not getting it. He gets frustrated and cries. The only other thing I know to do is to hire a tutor!
I hate that he is already getting frustrated! I don't want him to start hating school in kindergarten!
A Necklace for Mom
Bryce made a necklace for me today. It consists of THIRTY wooden lacing animals!! Everytime he catches me NOT wearing it - he gets it, puts it on my neck and lectures me on how he made it for ME and I should be wearing it ALWAYS!
It is pretty heavy.
And big!
And the most gorgeous necklace I have ever received!
It is pretty heavy.
And big!
And the most gorgeous necklace I have ever received!
Kicking Myself
I was talking to my friend, Chrisanna, at church Sunday. We were talking about how all of our kids were doing and how, for once, all seven of them were well (not sick). I told her it was the calm before the storm and that they would start getting sick now.
Sunday, when we got home, I noticed that Andrew had a little bit of a runny nose and a slight cough. It was cold, so I naively figured it was just from the cool air.
Then, yesterday, I was talking to Emily and she asked how all the boys were doing. Again, I said they were doing well. Isaac could hear again, Andrew went to the dr and he said everything looked great - no more bad ears.
Last night, right before it was time for me to leave for Bunco (which I haven't gotten to play in FOUR MONTHS), I picked Andrew up and thought he felt warm. I decided to take his temperature. I did not think the thermometer would ever stop! He had a fever of 102.5! I gave him some Tylenol, handed him to Daddy and told them I love them and I have the phone if they need me - then HIGH-TAILED IT OUT THE DOOR!!!
This morning - I think there may be a slight fever, but I have not checked it yet. I figure by this afternoon/evening he will be running a high temperature again!
So, I am kicking myself for rocking the boat and saying that the kids were all well!!
Sunday, when we got home, I noticed that Andrew had a little bit of a runny nose and a slight cough. It was cold, so I naively figured it was just from the cool air.
Then, yesterday, I was talking to Emily and she asked how all the boys were doing. Again, I said they were doing well. Isaac could hear again, Andrew went to the dr and he said everything looked great - no more bad ears.
Last night, right before it was time for me to leave for Bunco (which I haven't gotten to play in FOUR MONTHS), I picked Andrew up and thought he felt warm. I decided to take his temperature. I did not think the thermometer would ever stop! He had a fever of 102.5! I gave him some Tylenol, handed him to Daddy and told them I love them and I have the phone if they need me - then HIGH-TAILED IT OUT THE DOOR!!!
This morning - I think there may be a slight fever, but I have not checked it yet. I figure by this afternoon/evening he will be running a high temperature again!
So, I am kicking myself for rocking the boat and saying that the kids were all well!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Em's Wedding
Well, I was trying to wait and post this when I had some pictures of the kids, but....
On the 30th, we went to my best friend, Emily's wedding. Between the happy couple of us alone, there were 11 kids - and they were not the only kids! After the wedding and eating, ALL of the kids went and stood under the disco ball on the dance floor and started chanting "disco ball" until it was all turned on.
OH MY GOODNESS!! The kids had a blast (so did the adults)! They took off their shoes and started by running and sliding on their feet across the floor. That led to some of the boys running, diving and sliding on their bellies across the floor. They were all pretty wild.
One really sweet thing happened though. Bryce had his first slow dance with a girl! He was dancing with Emily and one of her step-daughters. I went and took their hands and told them to dance together so that she could dance with her husband. I figured they would run in opposite directions, but they didn't - they danced the whole song together. It was SO CUTE!
Andrew even got into it. I put him on the dance floor under the disco ball and he was jamming to the songs too. When he wasn't dancing to the music he was chasing the lights from the disco ball.
I even got Paul out there to dance a couple of times. That is amazing - he hates dancing! We even got to do one dance WITHOUT Andrew - just the two of us!
By the time we left - the kids were EXHAUSTED (which is always a good thing at the end of a day)! They are STILL talking about the wedding.
When I get some pictures, I will post them.
Oh, by the way - the wedding was beautiful and the kids were awesome. They were all very well behaved for the number of kids that were there and for how long it has been since they have really seen each other.
Congrats to Emily and Cam! My boys would like to know when you will be having another wedding!
On the 30th, we went to my best friend, Emily's wedding. Between the happy couple of us alone, there were 11 kids - and they were not the only kids! After the wedding and eating, ALL of the kids went and stood under the disco ball on the dance floor and started chanting "disco ball" until it was all turned on.
OH MY GOODNESS!! The kids had a blast (so did the adults)! They took off their shoes and started by running and sliding on their feet across the floor. That led to some of the boys running, diving and sliding on their bellies across the floor. They were all pretty wild.
One really sweet thing happened though. Bryce had his first slow dance with a girl! He was dancing with Emily and one of her step-daughters. I went and took their hands and told them to dance together so that she could dance with her husband. I figured they would run in opposite directions, but they didn't - they danced the whole song together. It was SO CUTE!
Andrew even got into it. I put him on the dance floor under the disco ball and he was jamming to the songs too. When he wasn't dancing to the music he was chasing the lights from the disco ball.
I even got Paul out there to dance a couple of times. That is amazing - he hates dancing! We even got to do one dance WITHOUT Andrew - just the two of us!
By the time we left - the kids were EXHAUSTED (which is always a good thing at the end of a day)! They are STILL talking about the wedding.
When I get some pictures, I will post them.
Oh, by the way - the wedding was beautiful and the kids were awesome. They were all very well behaved for the number of kids that were there and for how long it has been since they have really seen each other.
Congrats to Emily and Cam! My boys would like to know when you will be having another wedding!
Navigator Alligator
I forgot, while we were geocaching, Paul let Isaac navigate with the GPS while we were following the trail to where the caches were. Bryce kept asking if he could be the "alligator next" We kept correcting him and saying it was "navigator" but he would always say alligator then correct himself.
First "Treasure Hunt" for Mom
Saturday we went geocaching. This is the first successful hunt I have been on. Noone got covered in ticks or any other bugs - just MUD!
We are actually doing our own cache. Paul ordered a travel bug and an ammo box to put the stuff in. The boys put some trinkets in the box to get it started. We went out to hide it this weekend (we actually did not intend on looking for one). When we got to the park we were going to hide it out, Paul got out the GPS and searched to see what caches were around us. There were a lot, so we decided NOT to hide ours there. Instead, we went and searched for some.
We did not plan very well though. We did not bring anything to carry Andrew in, we ended up carrying him in our arms the whole time. When we got to the general area of one of them, Paul held the boys back and let me make the find. I quickly found it, logged it and let the boys trade their trinkets.
On the second one, we were in the car and the GPS said we were about 100 feet away from it. Paul tried to pull off the road, and almost got stuck! So, Caleb, Bryce and I got out and started while Paul, Isaac and AJ went to find somewhere to park the car. Little did I know! I took the GPS and started following it. There was a creek we had to cross. It would not have been that bad except there was a steep drop down to the creek and then a steep climb back up the other side.
I got COVERED in mud. I found the cache and got it opened, then went and helped Paul with Andrew and Isaac across the creek and embankment. It was a good cache - lots of fun goodies! We took the trail back to the car - instead of trying our luck at the creek.
Geocaching is addictive. It is really fun, and the boys LOVE it! I can't wait until we can go hide ours, and watch as people find it and move the bug. This year is definently going better than our shot at it last year.
Unfortunately, I forgot the camera. We will have to start leaving the camera and lots of little trinkets in the car for impromptu searches.
We are actually doing our own cache. Paul ordered a travel bug and an ammo box to put the stuff in. The boys put some trinkets in the box to get it started. We went out to hide it this weekend (we actually did not intend on looking for one). When we got to the park we were going to hide it out, Paul got out the GPS and searched to see what caches were around us. There were a lot, so we decided NOT to hide ours there. Instead, we went and searched for some.
We did not plan very well though. We did not bring anything to carry Andrew in, we ended up carrying him in our arms the whole time. When we got to the general area of one of them, Paul held the boys back and let me make the find. I quickly found it, logged it and let the boys trade their trinkets.
On the second one, we were in the car and the GPS said we were about 100 feet away from it. Paul tried to pull off the road, and almost got stuck! So, Caleb, Bryce and I got out and started while Paul, Isaac and AJ went to find somewhere to park the car. Little did I know! I took the GPS and started following it. There was a creek we had to cross. It would not have been that bad except there was a steep drop down to the creek and then a steep climb back up the other side.
I got COVERED in mud. I found the cache and got it opened, then went and helped Paul with Andrew and Isaac across the creek and embankment. It was a good cache - lots of fun goodies! We took the trail back to the car - instead of trying our luck at the creek.
Geocaching is addictive. It is really fun, and the boys LOVE it! I can't wait until we can go hide ours, and watch as people find it and move the bug. This year is definently going better than our shot at it last year.
Unfortunately, I forgot the camera. We will have to start leaving the camera and lots of little trinkets in the car for impromptu searches.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Nine Months Old...Really? Already??
Where has the time gone? I can't believe Andrew is nine months old today. I am really taking him growing up hard. I know - it was bound to happen, but it seems like it has flown by even faster than with the others. It was even worse today when I went to make your next check-up appointment and it was your ONE YEAR APPT! I knew we were dangerously close to a year - but that still really knocked me in the head!
So here are his nine month stats.
Weight: 17 pounds 2 ounces! THAT IS RIGHT - WE HAVE GAINED WEIGHT AND GOTTEN ABOVE THE FIFTH PERCENTILE!!! (7th percentile)
Height: 28 1/2 inches (55%)
Head: 173/8 (40%)
Clothes: He is pretty tricky! He is long, but skinny so it is hard to find things that fit him well. Usually we buy it long enough, and a little big in the waist. Sunday, I went to go get him from the nursery and he was in a diaper, shirt and socks. She said that he kept kicking his shoes off and crawling out of his pants. After the third or fourth time of putting them back on - they gave up and left them off. Between that and the throwing up - that is why he stays in only his diaper most of the time when we are home.
Diapers: Size 2 as of a few days ago. He could technically still wear a one. When you put it on him the tabs still touch each other, but they are rubbing on the inside of his leg, so we moved him on up.
Sleep: He usually goes to sleep at around 8 or 8:30 at night and sleeps until about 7 or 7:30 in the morning. He still occasionally wakes up in the middle of the night or early morning for a bottle. If he gets a bottle early morning, he will sleep much later (as late as he can before we have to get him up to go to school, or whatever we have to do). He takes two pretty lengthy naps during the day. He usually goes back down around 10 am and sleeps until 1:30 or 2. Then goes back down around 4 for a couple of hours.
Everything looked great at his check-up (including his ears - HOORAY) except his iron count. They did not give any shots, just a finger poke to do the iron check and he did not even flinch at that. His iron is borderline right now. Dr does not want to give vitamins or any kind of iron because it will irritate his stomach. Thank goodness he agrees we already have enough stomach issues!!
Dr was shocked when he heard that AJ was completely off baby food. When I told him we were doing table foods he asked if we were putting it in the food processor. I told him no - we were just cutting it in smaller chunks and he was chewing it well with his (too) many teeth!
Dr was also surprised when he asked if AJ was pulling up on stuff yet and I started laughing. He asked what was so funny and I said that he had been walking for quite a while now (holding on to stuff) and that he was TOO close to letting go and going! So, dr quickly reminded of the importance of child-proofing.
So, here is just some stuff that AJ is doing: He doesn't spend a lot of time crawling on his hands and knees. Instead, he has started crawlking. He gets up on his feet and walks, but with his hands on the floor too. I will have to try and get a picture of him doing it - it is quite entertaining! When he is not crawlking, he is at the sofa or table walking.
He bites ALL THE TIME!! He will be using our arm or leg to stand up and all of a sudden we shreik with pain. His little sharp teeth HURT! When Bryce tried doing the biting thing I bit him back - it never happened again. He was quite a bit older though. I don't think Andrew is too the age of understanding WHY I am biting him. He doesn't do it to hurt us. However, if he keeps it up....
He plays with just about anything, and anyone. He definently has some favorite toys that he always chooses when given a choice, but he will play with (eat) anything you give him. His favorite is still is hammer, except Mommy left his hammer in CO. So, he still hammers - it is just much more painful for the person being hammered on now.
He talks all the time. He can say Mama and byebye although he usually just repeats Dada over and over and over. Sometimes he talks quiet and calm, and at times he is loud and squealy.
He is still overall a very happy baby. He tolerates a lot before getting upset, which is good and bad. He has the most adorable, sweetest sounding belly laugh. He is very ticklish, especially at his lower ribs (front and back). His favorite thing is for you to playfully bite him there, while making growling noises at him - oh the laugh that erupts from him!!!
He has not stopped the Linus thing yet. He sucks his left thumb and holds a blanket against his face with his right hand. It is so cute, but I know it won't be anymore when it is time to break him of this. Tabasco sauce, anyone?
He eats ALL the time. If he sees ANYONE eating - he thinks they should share with him. He has four teeth on top and two on bottom. The bottom two came in at the same time and the top four came in basically at the same time. He went a week or two with a hole up top because one broke through the gums, but then took its time coming out. It looked funny because he got one of the front teeth, then the two on either side of the front two - then the second front one came in.
Basically, he is a busy boy that gets into everything and is growing up WAY too fast! I will eventually get over it, in about 30 years when they are ALL grown and moved away and having families of their own (because then I will just steal THEIR kids).
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Police Dept vs. Fire Dept
We went to get coffee this morning at our normal place. If you read here frequently you know about us running into the sheriff up there often and Caleb asking for our sheriff's autograph because he thought he was Dr. Phil.
We ran into him this morning. He got his coffee and walked out to his car. I was talking to a friend and Bryce was sitting on my lap. I hear and "excuse me" and turn around and the sheriff is standing there. "Young man, I know that you are a fireman - but would you like to have this badge and be my Junior Deputy?" Bryce took the badge with lots of excitement and politely said "thank you!"
Bryce was not wearing ANYTHING that had to do with firetrucks or firemen for once. He is well known for his belief that he is a fireman, I guess. What is so funny is that we get this a lot from policemen. The two policemen from the schools have both said that he needs some policeman clothes and accessories. We have had MANY policemen see him in his fireman costume and make comments. It is like the police dept is trying to recruit him from the fire dept.
It didn't work, exactly. They did not recruit him FROM the fire dept. Instead, says that he can now carry a gun and arrest bad guys AND he can put out fires. He is just an all-around HERO!!!
I don't think Mama can handle one son being a fireman AND a policeman. I am not sure Mama can handle ANY of her sons being in EITHER of the dangerous professions - although I salute those that are!
Mom is going to have a heart attack from worry!!!
We ran into him this morning. He got his coffee and walked out to his car. I was talking to a friend and Bryce was sitting on my lap. I hear and "excuse me" and turn around and the sheriff is standing there. "Young man, I know that you are a fireman - but would you like to have this badge and be my Junior Deputy?" Bryce took the badge with lots of excitement and politely said "thank you!"
Bryce was not wearing ANYTHING that had to do with firetrucks or firemen for once. He is well known for his belief that he is a fireman, I guess. What is so funny is that we get this a lot from policemen. The two policemen from the schools have both said that he needs some policeman clothes and accessories. We have had MANY policemen see him in his fireman costume and make comments. It is like the police dept is trying to recruit him from the fire dept.
It didn't work, exactly. They did not recruit him FROM the fire dept. Instead, says that he can now carry a gun and arrest bad guys AND he can put out fires. He is just an all-around HERO!!!
I don't think Mama can handle one son being a fireman AND a policeman. I am not sure Mama can handle ANY of her sons being in EITHER of the dangerous professions - although I salute those that are!
Mom is going to have a heart attack from worry!!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
A CALM Bedtime Story From ALL of the Boys
Daddy's bedtime story has spread - now the boys will tell a story TOGETHER! Enjoy - we love you and good night Daddy!!
If you REALLY thought it was going to be calm - you obviously don't know my boys!!
If you REALLY thought it was going to be calm - you obviously don't know my boys!!
Who Are You
For the last couple of days Bryce keeps asking me "Mommy, who are you?" I don't know why he always ask goofy things like that, but he does. I tell him I am Mommy, and sometimes that is good enough, sometimes he keeps asking.
Tonight we are sitting at dinner. Bryce suddenly asks "Mommy, will you sign my pants?"
WHAT???
Strange child!!
Tonight we are sitting at dinner. Bryce suddenly asks "Mommy, will you sign my pants?"
WHAT???
Strange child!!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Our Reindeer
We got these light-up reindeer ears and thought these pictures were SO cute!
Andrew just kept staring at them on Bryce's head like he was trying to figure out what they were. Do you think he even realized he was wearing the same goofy thing?
Andrew just kept staring at them on Bryce's head like he was trying to figure out what they were. Do you think he even realized he was wearing the same goofy thing?
A Not-So-Pleasant Ride in the Jeep
Andrew got a rough ride in HIS jeep yesterday. We are having really nice temperatures (mid 70's) so yesterday we decided to do a little work in the garage - straighten it up, put some stuff in the attic that we have not done cause it is cold, etc. The boys were out riding the bikes Santa brought them and Andrew was in his jeep in the garage. Paul and I are working and Andrew starts crying. I turn around and Isaac has pushed the jeep down the driveway and is heading back up it. Poor little AJ's legs are going as fast as they can. He is trying to run to keep up with the jeep, but his feet keep ending up dragging the concrete. We yell at Isaac to stop, but the tops of Andrew's feet got a little road rash! As in the skin is missing of the tops of a couple of his toes.
Luckily, he got over it pretty quick. His toes are skinned up, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him much. He spends a lot of time acting like he is crawling, but being on his feet and hands instead of knees and hands, so that helps him from dragging them across the floor too much!
Luckily, he got over it pretty quick. His toes are skinned up, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him much. He spends a lot of time acting like he is crawling, but being on his feet and hands instead of knees and hands, so that helps him from dragging them across the floor too much!
Painting
I FINALLY got finished painting our bedroom! It took six days - painting and then waiting a couple of days and painting some more, but I am finally finished. It may not have taken so long if I had some help (other than "suggestions" from my hubby!!). All I had left to do yesterday was about a three foot section. He did come offer to HELP me finish painting though - real nice since I had done everything else by myself!
He did help me with it yesterday - and it is done! I am not sure what room I am doing next, but I need a little time to recover from my room first. I really liked the color of the walls when we moved in, neutral but not white. I am, however, tired of looking at the same colored walls throughout the house. The only room in the house that is not the same color is the dining room - which is a brown. I am not planning on painting that room though. There are not handprints all over the walls in there yet, so it still looks good. Paul got me a CD that I can put pictures of the house in and change the wall colors to choose what color I want to do. It is hard to pick a color because it might look good on that little square sample, but look much different when it is four walls of the same color!
I will just assume that I will be doing this ON MY OWN! Then if I get help, it will be a welcomed surprise (plus that means Daddy has to take care of the kids every demand while I paint - a little vacation for me!)
He did help me with it yesterday - and it is done! I am not sure what room I am doing next, but I need a little time to recover from my room first. I really liked the color of the walls when we moved in, neutral but not white. I am, however, tired of looking at the same colored walls throughout the house. The only room in the house that is not the same color is the dining room - which is a brown. I am not planning on painting that room though. There are not handprints all over the walls in there yet, so it still looks good. Paul got me a CD that I can put pictures of the house in and change the wall colors to choose what color I want to do. It is hard to pick a color because it might look good on that little square sample, but look much different when it is four walls of the same color!
I will just assume that I will be doing this ON MY OWN! Then if I get help, it will be a welcomed surprise (plus that means Daddy has to take care of the kids every demand while I paint - a little vacation for me!)
Oh, the Changes....
Bryce just came out and asked if it was 2008. I told him it was and he started jumping up and down with excitement. "Then when do I start school?" I counted through the months to August. I told him two months after he turns five he will start school. I am so glad he is so excited!! Maybe between him and Isaac, they will rub off on Caleb!
Back to Reality
I ALMOST got used to Daddy being home again!! He has been on vacation or working here in town since mid-December, but today he wenet BACK to LA :(!! Lucky for us though, he is training someone this week so that he does not have to spend ALL the time there. I think they will start switching off every two weeks after training.
The kids also went back to school today. Isaac was glad, Caleb...well, Caleb has realized school isn't as great as he has always thought it was! In fact, he lectured me recently because I MADE him go to preschool and Bryce isn't going. I told him that where we lived offered preschool through the schools, and I did not have to pay for it. He quickly reminded me that even when we moved up here (which was during his preschool year) he went to a daycare that had a preschool program. I reminded him that I worked at the daycare JUST so that he could go there because he got REALLY mad when we moved and he found out he could not go to preschool. I also pointed out that I literally made NO money (I think I got less than $50 out of my last check) the entire time I worked at the daycare - after I paid tuition for three kids, I was strictly working JUST so HE could go to preschool! One of those many sacrifices a mother will make for her child's happiness and well-being! I asked him why he was so mad all of a sudden that I made him go to preschool because he has always loved school (up to the third grade, anyway). He said he hates it now and wished he had not had to start early. Isn't it a little late to gripe at me for something he LOVED at the time!!
Poor Isaac, though. I had to send a note to school with him explaining his ear situation to his teacher. I asked her to understand if he seems to ignore her, that he still cannot hear very well, especially if he doesn't know that you are talking to him.
His ears were looking better - they had stopped draining - until yesterday. I picked him up from Sunday school and his teacher asked me if he had an ear infection because his ears were draining bad. He said he wasn't feeling well and did not want to go to Children's Church, so we came home. They were draining bad! I spent all day wiping them because they were literally draining onto his clothes! This probably is not a good sign because he is STILL on his medication! I have the feeling that we will be paying off our deductible early again this year - I fear Isaac is getting his third set of tubes shortly!
The kids also went back to school today. Isaac was glad, Caleb...well, Caleb has realized school isn't as great as he has always thought it was! In fact, he lectured me recently because I MADE him go to preschool and Bryce isn't going. I told him that where we lived offered preschool through the schools, and I did not have to pay for it. He quickly reminded me that even when we moved up here (which was during his preschool year) he went to a daycare that had a preschool program. I reminded him that I worked at the daycare JUST so that he could go there because he got REALLY mad when we moved and he found out he could not go to preschool. I also pointed out that I literally made NO money (I think I got less than $50 out of my last check) the entire time I worked at the daycare - after I paid tuition for three kids, I was strictly working JUST so HE could go to preschool! One of those many sacrifices a mother will make for her child's happiness and well-being! I asked him why he was so mad all of a sudden that I made him go to preschool because he has always loved school (up to the third grade, anyway). He said he hates it now and wished he had not had to start early. Isn't it a little late to gripe at me for something he LOVED at the time!!
Poor Isaac, though. I had to send a note to school with him explaining his ear situation to his teacher. I asked her to understand if he seems to ignore her, that he still cannot hear very well, especially if he doesn't know that you are talking to him.
His ears were looking better - they had stopped draining - until yesterday. I picked him up from Sunday school and his teacher asked me if he had an ear infection because his ears were draining bad. He said he wasn't feeling well and did not want to go to Children's Church, so we came home. They were draining bad! I spent all day wiping them because they were literally draining onto his clothes! This probably is not a good sign because he is STILL on his medication! I have the feeling that we will be paying off our deductible early again this year - I fear Isaac is getting his third set of tubes shortly!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The Downside to Him Loving the Jumperoo
I am glad Andrew likes to bounce in his jumperoo, but we have found a downside. Andrew loves to jump when he is NOT in the jumperoo. We have been trying to work with him at night because he is SO close to letting go and going! BUT, he just wants to bounce! It is even worse if he gets excited! So cute though!
Andrew LOVES Bathtime
He loves his baths - even when he is REALLY cold. The water was warm, but the bathroom was kind of chilly. Did not slow him down though. This is the first time he did a lot of splashing on his own. Usually he copies us if we do it, but does not initiate it or continue so long. And he is also quite talkative this evening!! Enjoy!
Isaac to the Doctor
Friday while we were in TX, I noticed that Isaac's ear was draining REALLY bad. Dad noticed that he was having a hard time hearing, so I decided that I would call the dr today (first day we were in town and they were open).
This morning, before the drs office was even open, I noticed that Isaac's other ear was draining really bad. We are not talking wax. His ears were draining green pussy looking stuff.
This is not unusual when you have tubes. It means the tubes are doing their job! Instead of the fluid building up behind your eardrum, it drains through the tube. The problem with us - he has not had tubes since before October. When he went to his checkup in October, the dr pulled one of the tubes out of his ear canal. He said the other one was no longer in place, but not to where he could pull it out.
He was able to pull it out today - after cleaning his ear out. The other ear is so bad that he could not even SEE his eardrum.
Isaac has RUPTURED BOTH eardrums. Somehow he did this without crying or complaining about any pain. I have asked him over and over if his ear hurts - he says no. I guess since he has had ear problems since birth and several surgeries in his short life - he is used to it. The problem he (we) are having right now is that he cannot hear. If he does not know that someone is trying to talk to him, you can expect to have to repeat yourself several times. When I called them to dinner - he did not hear. Everyone was sitting at the table ready to eat - NO ISAAC!! I had to go tap him on the shoulder and tell him it was time for dinner! We won't even discuss the fact that he has to yell everytime he trys to talk (but he doesn't know that he is yelling). While we were waiting for the dr to come in (our door was open and the dr was right across the hall) Isaac yells "Mom, how many days do I have to wait until the dr comes in to see me?"
We go back in two weeks. If the meds don't help clear up the ear or if there is still any fluid behind the ear, we will most likely end up with our third set of tubes. Because of his history with ear problems, and the fact that he ruptured both eardrums with it not bothering him at all - he is not willing to sit around and wait to see how many times it will happen. We definently don't want him to end up deaf! So we will go with what the dr says with this one!
This morning, before the drs office was even open, I noticed that Isaac's other ear was draining really bad. We are not talking wax. His ears were draining green pussy looking stuff.
This is not unusual when you have tubes. It means the tubes are doing their job! Instead of the fluid building up behind your eardrum, it drains through the tube. The problem with us - he has not had tubes since before October. When he went to his checkup in October, the dr pulled one of the tubes out of his ear canal. He said the other one was no longer in place, but not to where he could pull it out.
He was able to pull it out today - after cleaning his ear out. The other ear is so bad that he could not even SEE his eardrum.
Isaac has RUPTURED BOTH eardrums. Somehow he did this without crying or complaining about any pain. I have asked him over and over if his ear hurts - he says no. I guess since he has had ear problems since birth and several surgeries in his short life - he is used to it. The problem he (we) are having right now is that he cannot hear. If he does not know that someone is trying to talk to him, you can expect to have to repeat yourself several times. When I called them to dinner - he did not hear. Everyone was sitting at the table ready to eat - NO ISAAC!! I had to go tap him on the shoulder and tell him it was time for dinner! We won't even discuss the fact that he has to yell everytime he trys to talk (but he doesn't know that he is yelling). While we were waiting for the dr to come in (our door was open and the dr was right across the hall) Isaac yells "Mom, how many days do I have to wait until the dr comes in to see me?"
We go back in two weeks. If the meds don't help clear up the ear or if there is still any fluid behind the ear, we will most likely end up with our third set of tubes. Because of his history with ear problems, and the fact that he ruptured both eardrums with it not bothering him at all - he is not willing to sit around and wait to see how many times it will happen. We definently don't want him to end up deaf! So we will go with what the dr says with this one!
Geocaching
The guys have been geogaching several times while Daddy was home for vacation. They went to Pinnacle Mountain when Papa was here and found three "treasures". Then when we were down in Texas last weekend they went to Purtis Creek and found three more.
If you don't know what geocaching is, click here. We have tried doing this before and Caleb somehow managed to get covered in some kind of mites - I mean head to toe! That was such a bad experience - we never tried again last summer. The boys are REALLY enjoying this activity though. In fact, Daddy is in the process of getting the stuff to hide a geocache of their own, but they are adding a travel bug . They found one here that went to TX and they found one in TX.
Here are a few pictures from their trip to Pinnacle Mountain. If I get some pictures from Dad - I will post them later.
My Car Got Hit
We were at Best Buy last week and someone hit my car while we were in the store. Of course it could not be someone honest, there was no name or number left - not even an "I am sorry for hitting your car!" ARGHHH!! I was not very happy! How can you hit someone hard enough to leave a dent and continue to pull in and scrape your car across someone elses car? You HAD to have heard - and felt - that!
And I can see how the big scrape and the dent got there, but what is this? How did you do this up underneath the bumper?
And I can see how the big scrape and the dent got there, but what is this? How did you do this up underneath the bumper?
Why You Undress a Baby BEFORE He Eats!!
Especially if Daddy is going to give him a Reese's Peanut Butter cup for dessert!!
Christmas Morning
Seven in the morning - we can't wake the boys up! We were turning on lights, talking about Santa, everything short of shaking them - and ALL of them snored on!! Bryce had gotten up in the middle of the night and went to sleep in the living room on the chair. Santa had plenty of time to get the bikes to the front door before anyone had time to realize what was going on.
I did record the boys seeing their Santa surprises. Caleb was not too happy about his brothers getting his stuff - or the note. Bryce was happy with his remote (although he had NOTHING to go to the remote) and Candy Land. Isaac loved his trophy (even though it had Caleb's name on it) and puzzle.
Enjoy the video!
I did record the boys seeing their Santa surprises. Caleb was not too happy about his brothers getting his stuff - or the note. Bryce was happy with his remote (although he had NOTHING to go to the remote) and Candy Land. Isaac loved his trophy (even though it had Caleb's name on it) and puzzle.
Enjoy the video!
It's Been Awhile!
We have had a BUSY couple of weeks and we have been enjoying Daddy being home with us, so I have not taken time out to blog. I will work on getting back and caught up the next couple of days when I have time. I am painting though, so don't expect a lot after today. Hopefully I will get the bedroom done tomorrow (I have Lilah today - so won't have time to work on it) and have some more "free" time (do Moms EVER REALLY have free time?).
We had a good, relaxing Christmas. We enjoyed having Papa and Marmar here to spend it with us. I DID get video of the boys with their Santa surprise! I will try to get all of the video I have taken the last couple of weeks uploaded today and on here. The boys are not spending much time playing with their toys. We DID leave to go to TX on the 28th, but I don't think they have spent much, if any, time playing since we got home Monday (except Andrew).
Andrew loves the toys he got for Christmas. He has been playing non-stop when he is awake. I will try to get pictures of all of the boys with their Christmas presents up too!
AJ is fussing for something. I will post more later.
We had a good, relaxing Christmas. We enjoyed having Papa and Marmar here to spend it with us. I DID get video of the boys with their Santa surprise! I will try to get all of the video I have taken the last couple of weeks uploaded today and on here. The boys are not spending much time playing with their toys. We DID leave to go to TX on the 28th, but I don't think they have spent much, if any, time playing since we got home Monday (except Andrew).
Andrew loves the toys he got for Christmas. He has been playing non-stop when he is awake. I will try to get pictures of all of the boys with their Christmas presents up too!
AJ is fussing for something. I will post more later.
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