Dentist Appointments

Caleb, Isaac and Andrew had dentist appointments today.

Caleb and Isaac were going in for work, Andrew for his first check-up.

Caleb was very dramatic, as normal. Isaac said we were almost at the office and I hear Caleb in the back of the car "could we just quit talking about it? I don't want to think about it!" He was very nervous and a little annoying. He went back to see the dentist after Isaac, so he had some time to sit and stress about it. They numbed both sides of his mouth and did his fillings. He said the shots (to numb his mouth) hurt. He had a hard time talking because his mouth was numb. On the way home he was in the back and says "Mom, I punched myself in the face and could not feel it." I am not going to TOUCH that! I just told him he would feel it later when the meds wore off.

Isaac got half his face numbed. They did two caps and a couple of fillings. His cheek was swollen, and he had his funny half face smile. He did great though. He was not at all worried about it and he wanted to eat real food for dinner (right after the dentist).

This was AJ's first visit. I knew they probably would not do much with him but because he sucks his thumb and still takes a bottle at bedtime (the ABSOLUTE worst time to take a bottle), I want to stay on top of things with him. It is strange to me because the boys were all completely off the bottle by one, two of them much earlier. We could have Andrew off the bottle. The problem is that the only way he will take his formula is in a bottle. The only time he will take a bottle is at bedtime. He HAS to stay on the formula for a while because he is getting so many calories and we are still watching his weight. It is a vicious cycle! The dentist was not happy that he takes a bottle to bed and wants me to go in after he falls asleep and brush his teeth (hmmmmmmmmm....sounds great in theory, but...). I will continue to try to get him to take the formula from a cup and not at bedtime, but I feel like if I make one dr happy it makes another unhappy, so forget them all?

He is considered high risk for tooth decay because of the bottle. She said if we saw any signs of any spots to take him in to see her. For now his teeth look good. She said he must take a pacifier because of his bite. I told her he sucks his thumb - another habit we have tried to end but it makes it worse. I must say - he is the first that I have had these problems with so it is all new to me! She also said he is a little delayed in getting his teeth. I told her what he has he got really early (four or five months old) but he got the eight and then quit teething. He has had two come in this week and she said he has one in the back breaking through.

Some Pics of our House

Here are a few pictures of the house, mostly outside pics. The inside pictures are not that great, so I will take some more and put them on here next time we are at the house. The outside has lots of pretty landscaping already - YAY!!! That is one thing we did not like about our previous neighborhood!
front of house
kitchen
back porch
backyard
side of house, lots of pretty landscaping
backyard
The back of the house

WE GOT IT!!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!! Our offer was accepted this morning. Assuming all is okay with the inspection, we should close by the 15th. Thank goodness, we have a great loan officer that has done our previous mortgages and he is willing to work his bottom off to get stuff together for a quick closing. School starts the 11th here, so even if we cannot get the school to let the kids start on the 11th, they should only have to miss a few days of school.

One stress less! Now just the stress of TWO house payments every month until our house in AR sells.

The House-Buying Saga Continues....

We got a response to our offer yesterday. Basically, the woman was only willing to come off of her too-high-for-the-neighborhood price $1,000. So, we passed. We were ready to put an offer on the other house. We went and looked at it again, and I swear the garage has shrunk since last time we looked at it. The realtor reminded us of a house we looked at mid-June (the day it was listed). We called to see if we could look at it last minute. The owners are in the process of moving, but after hearing we were in the process of making an offer, they let us look. They were SO in the process of moving that there were two Atlas moving trucks in front of their house and boxes EVERYWHERE. But, we had seen the house when it wasn't covered in boxes, we just needed to be reminded of the house.

The owners were there while we looked. It was actually nice because we got lots of information about the neighborhood, house, yard, etc. They were a VERY nice couple and seemed honest about everything. Our realtor explained that we were relocating from Arkansas. They asked where and we told them Bryant. They are moving TO Otter Creek - just a matter of miles from Bryant. Unfortunately, they already found a house :(

We put an offer on that house. We should know something by 10am. HOPEFULLY it will work out. We have talked to the mortgage company and our guy said he thinks he can rush the closing and have it done in a couple of weeks. HOPEFULLY!!!!

I will let you know what happens.

Latest in "Where Are We Going to Live" Saga

Yes, it changes frequently! That is what happens when there is no good answer to a dilemma!

We sat down Saturday and figured out the cost of Paul traveling back and forth from Louisiana and Arkansas, food while traveling, a place for him to stay here plus utilities, food, etc. It will not be cheaper for him to travel back and forth than it would be for us to buy a house here now.

We are planning on making an offer on a house tonight. It is the house I loved the first time I saw and has stayed either number one or number two on our list. It is another case where we would LOVE to combine house 1 and house 2 and have an almost perfect house.

House 2 had more garage/storage - which is basically where Paul lives! It also has a HUGE backyard (over 1/2 acre). There are lots of little things we like about it too. About the only drawback is that the master bedroom is kind of small - especially after our HUGE bedroom at our house in Arkansas. Unfortunatly - it is probably the least used room in the house because I don't like the kids in there and I typically need to be out with the kids! It still has a good sized master bath (although no whirlpool tub - just a garden tub).

This house is listed higher than the other house we liked. We are playing off that. We told the realtor if the owner would not go down on the price, we would try for the other house. The other house (which was actually our number 1 house) was the exact price we were aiming for. It had a huge sunroom, lots of landscaping, and lots of remodeling was done inside. We LOVE the sunroom and backyard!! A few things we did not like was small garage/storage, there is a MIL suite that we talked about making Caleb's room, but you actually have to go outside to enter the room. It is attached to the house, but no entry inside. So, we would have five bedrooms - YAY - but one would have to be an office. Also, it backs up to the high school baseball field. Both are good neighborhoods and typically houses sell very quick in them both (although with the market the way it is now - not much is selling anywhere!!).

If we can get the house we are putting an offer on tonight, we could possibly move in before we close. It is already empty and has been for a while.

The boys are going to see the house tonight. We have been to the house three or four times already, but we have not been letting the boys go in the houses. We let them once, they would not stay with us - just easier if they wait for us!

Wish us luck tonight! If we can agree on an offer tonight we have a home inspector that will go to the house tomorrow.

Oh, as for the house in AR. We had an open house yesterday. The realtor said she had several families come in the last 30 minutes of the open house. One was very promising. Unfortunately, for some reason people are not getting pre-approvals before they start looking. Our realtor hooked the couple up with the guy that has been doing our mortgages. They are trying to get this couple pre-approved and hopefully get them into our house.

Maybe this is things falling into place like everyone kept saying would happen!

YAY AJ!!!!

Andrew likes sitting on his potty, still. Anytime we are in the bathroom for whatever I ask him if he wants to sit on the potty. This morning I was getting his bath ready and asked if he wanted to sit - he shook his head yes and went to the potty. HE SAT DOWN AND PEED!!!

He stood up and I started singing "AJ peepeed in the potty!" and dancing around. He joined in the dancing! We all know how much he LOVES praise, so maybe he will do it again (and again and again) for the singing and dancing!!

I am not saying he knew what he was doing or that he will do it again, but....it IS the first step!

YAY!!!!!!

Strange Things Are Happening

Bryce...who has NEVER liked vegetables - has been eating vegetables. But, now he is asking for mushrooms and onions. He has been asking to eat onions (only onions) for dinner. WIERD!!!

Then, today we went to the house of one of Paul's coworkers for a barbq (deer meat, bell peppers and onions wrapped in bacon - YUM). They have a pool. Not only did Bryce play IN the pool (not just on the steps) the entire 4-5 hours we were there, but ANDREW wanted in the pool.

We don't know if it is because the water was warm and this is the first time he has been really comfortable (temperature wise), or if when we were in New Orleans he just learned that the pool was fun. He is a little to comfortable now. He literally walks right off the edge - and if you aren't there to catch him....well, just be there to catch him. We can no longer trust him around water AT ALL!! He also spent most of the time in the water playing.

I don't know what is happening to my children....but I think I like it!

Invisible....

As you know, Bryce has invisible (aka imaginary) friends - and has had for a while. The mainly only come out when Bryce is getting in trouble and he blames Robby or Kiki or Nemo.

When we tell the boys to get their shoes and socks on to leave, we let THEM get their shoes and socks on. Now we have to check before we actually leave though. Bryce's favorite socks are his "imaginary socks." He wears them WAY too much if you don't check! What is so funny is he is HE brings it up in conversation when he ISN'T wearing socks. We will be in the car headed wherever and he says "I am wearing my invisible socks today."

I told him to throw away ALL of his imaginary socks and whatever makes his imaginary socks and that I never want to not see them again!!

Overheard From Caleb:

"Dad you have a NICE rack. I hope when I grow up I have a rack as nice as yours."

Daddy's rack for his Jeep came in yesterday (guess what we are doing this weekend). They were out "admiring" the rack. Now they can kayak again!

When I Am:

Isaac: "So, I don't have to have glasses until I am 38?"
Me: "That is what the dr said."
"I am going to be a policeman until I am 38."
"What are you going to do AFTER you are 38?"
"When I am 40, I will have my very own big building, called a hotel."
"What are you going to name your hotel?"
"Luke's Hotel"
"Why Luke's?"
"Luke will be the one cleaning the hotel."

How nice - an owner of a hotel naming the hotel after the cleaning person! May take you a while to find a person who will clean and has the name Luke though.

"When I am 41 I will own my own house and a big monster truck with hands."

Sounds like he has his life planned out - all because of glasses?

Zigged When I Should Have Zagged

Thanks Daddy for the title.

It has ben one of THOSE days. Seven hours to go to the eye doctor, the mall to exchange two shirts, lunch and the AT&T store. It doesn't help that it started pouring when we were at the mall and I did not think of an umbrella when it was sunny and I went INTO the mall. So, four boys a stroller and I are RUNNING through the parking lot in the rain (me in heels) to the car, we were a tad bit SOAKED.

I get to the car and look at my phone to see that I had chats and 4 missed calls. I look to see they were all my husband. Apparently there was a tanker truck on I-10 that caught fire and 10 was shut down (which is how I get home). He told me I should go the old bridge. I finished my errands and headed home. I IMed him real quick to make sure that I was supposed to take 61 South (I was driving and it was pouring so I sent "61s". He said yes - off I go. After driving TOO LONG, I decide it seemed like something was off. So, I pull over and use the GPS on my phone to see where I am headed. Things looked bad. I call Paul and ask for help.

Let me put a side-note here. Paul can find his way anywhere from anywhere. Me...not so much. I can read a map. I know N, S, E, and W, but I cannot just "end up" where I want to be.

To me, if I live SOUTH of Baton Rouge, I would head SOUTH to get home. WRONG! Turns out I was supposed to head NORTH to get SOUTH!! Make sense? I told Paul I was still going 61 South. "South, why are you going South?"

"I asked you if I was supposed to go 61S and you said yes."

"I didn't put together that S meant south, I never would have guessed you would head South." (What else would S mean when you are discussing directions?)

"Well, we live SOUTH of Baton Rouge, so doesn't common sense say to head south?"

"The old bridge is NORTH of Baton Rouge!"

See my confusion here?

So, after I zigged south for an hour when I should have zagged north for 20 minutes...I-10 was not even backed up anymore! I would have been better off staying on the CLOSED road.

I HATE LEARNING NEW PLACES!!

Keys....Beware!!

Andrew has been throwing his diapers away for a couple of months now. Lately, he has started that dreaded "let's-throw-everything-in-the-trash" stage. Luckily, so far, it has only been toys. But let this be fair warning - everyone HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS!!

Unfortunately, I don't have anywhere to "hide" my trashcan like in the other house. Our last visit to Arkansas he learned how to open doors too, so I don't guess that trashcan is safe either!

Video

This video is one that Paul sent me and Andrew loves. We loop it and he watches it over and over and just GIGGLES non-stop. Enjoy!

Isaac Catches a Break

The older two boys got their eyes checked this morning. Caleb still needs glasses - as we figured. They are "optional" according to the dr, but he gets headaches at school, so...

Isaac is a little bit far-sided, but he within the margin of error. The dr said he would not need glasses until he was 38 (random age, but he was adament about 38). He said maybe not even then. He also said that in the next year or two Isaac's eyes would get a little longer, most likely, and it would correct the far-sightedness. I am so happy that out of ALL of the problems he has had, this is one thing he is NOT having a problem with. He, on the otherhand, is not happy. He WANTS glasses (probably because his older brother wears them). The nurse and I kept trying to explain that he THINKS he wants glasses, but once he actually HAS to have them, he won't want them. Of course, he does not get that.

They both got their eyes dilated (which I think is kind of pointless for kids, but oh well). We were sitting in the dark room while their eyes were dilating. Isaac says "Mom, I can't see all of my hand." I am laughing inside, but try to be really serious. "YOU CAN'T? Can you see anything?"

"I can see Caleb" (across the room).

Caleb: "I can't see anything close either."

Isaac: "I can't even see my Superman tatoo on my arm!" (Bryce's backpack came with tattoos and he shared with his brothers)

I finally explained it was because of their eyes getting dilated. It was funny that they thought the eye dr was making them go blind though!

They both got to wear those cool rolled up sunglasses home. You know the ones, you unroll and they just sit on your face. THEY think they are cool! OH MY!

Time is Almost Up

School is starting soon. Our house has not sold. :(

We have looked at our options the last week. We have been approved to buy the house we want without selling our house in AR, but after much thought, we REALLY are not comfortable stretching ourself that thin. If we were to buy the house here, now, instead of waiting until the house sells, we could put a lot more down than they require, but not near what we want (not near the equity we have in the house in AR). Then when our house in AR DOES sell, the money from the house would just go in the bank, unless we paid the money to refinance the house and put the money down.

We have decided that the boys and I will be moving back the beginning of August. I still have to register Bryce before school starts and have his Kindergarten assessment done. We don't know where Daddy is going to be staying down here after August, as we only have this corporate house until Sept 1.

We will have to get a Uhaul truck this time, instead of just a trailer like when we moved down here. Everytime we have gone back to AR we have brought back as much as we could. The trailer was STUFFED.

Paul asked what I was going to do with all of the boxes when we moved back, so the house did not look junky for those wanting to look at it. Well, I am unpacking. I know - lots of extra work, but I am TIRED of living out of boxes!!

This is a very hard, depressing decision for us to make. But, what do ya do? We are beginning to wonder if this was the right move. After all of the debating we did whether or not to accept this position, it seems like the best move - EXCEPT our house isn't selling!!

PLEASE keep praying for us. It does not matter how we work this deal, at this point it is VERY stressful. We can be stressed financially or we can be stressed by not being together (AGAIN) - either way it SUCKS!!!

You Will LOVE This

BANANA SLUGS

A jar FULL of termites

I was nice - that is all the nasty bugs I photographed.

Okay, I wasn't nice, I could not stare at the bugs longs enough to take pics of any other nastys.

I will add more pics in the morning of the boys and some butterflies. I knew you could not wait to see the bugs, so I wanted to get those on now for you all!

New Orleans Hotel View

New Orleans Zoo Pics

A Weekend in Nawlins

The boys had SO much fun this weekend, but we were BUSY!

As I previously mentioned, we went to New Orleans (aka Nawlins) for the weekend. We got tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX, Insectarium and Zoo. We bought them online before we went, so we knew it would be busy.

We got there Saturday morning and went to the aquarium first. It sucked. It was not that the aquarium was bad, but the crowds. OH MY GOSH!! It was packed. So we kinda rushed through that. It was neat though. The divers were out - one cleaning the glass and one feeding the "creatures" - which the boys LOVED.

After that we went to the Insectarium. NASTY!!

Seriously.

I mean REALLY NASTY!!

Now that I am over the cringing....the Insectarium just opened in June, so it is BRAND new! It is nice - for what it is. It is educational, for those interested in wanting to be educated in bugs (more educated than the normal they are nasty and we don't want them living with us). They have this six minute movie inside the Insectarium. We took the boys in to see it. You go in and take a seat - looks like a normal theater. BUT....it has a twist. It is an animated movie. In front on all of the seats is a rail - looks like a normal rail. WRONG. There is air that blows out of the rail (like when a bug "passes gas" and when the bees and wasp are flying). The seats play tricks too. Each different bug has a different response from your seat and rail (there is also air that blows sharp at your legs). So, it was a little to realistic for my taste, but the boys all loved it - including AJ. The grossest part - they have a "pantry" set up. It has all of the things you would find in YOUR pantry - same brands and all - but COVERED in roaches. And they have one of those domes where you can "get in" the pantry with them. NASTY!!

Then we went to the IMAX. Bugs 3D. It was as nasty as the Insectarium! Andrew even enjoyed it most of the time, although he would not wear the glasses for more than a couple of seconds at a time. It was a good movie, for a bug movie. This was the first time we had seen a 3D movie - pretty cool.

We spent the rest of yesterday exploring the French Quarter (our hotel was also in the French Quarter). We ate dinner at Bubba Gumps. The boys loved it. I had some awesome ribs - YUM!!! Paul and Caleb had seafood. Isaac and Bryce - pizza. One thing about being in LA - the boys are eating LOTS of seafood and LOVING it. Daddy and I finished dinner off with some "adult" yummy drinks to go!

We had to be back in our hotel by dark - because we were afraid of what the kids might see if we are out after dark! On the way to dinner they saw a "statue" - if you have never been down there, there are people that pose in the middle of the road and freeze like a statue. This man was on a ladder. The boys watched him (standing right in front of him) for several minutes asking if he was real. I kept saying yes, they did not believe me. A group of young, barely dressed girls went by and the man turned his head to watch them go - everyone started laughing and the boys then believed he was real (then he froze again). We got back to the hotel and we spent the rest of the evening in the pool. This pool did not have steps like most and that is where Bryce normally hangs out. This was the first time EVER we have been able to get Bryce IN the pool and OFF the steps. He played in the pool the entire time (after a few minutes of screaming and crying). Andrew cried for a few minutes, but finally started splashing and playing. For once, EVERYONE enjoyed the pool!!

This morning we got up, packed up and went to the zoo. This zoo is AWESOME! The boys had a great time. There was lots of shade and lots of misting fans. They really work hard to keep everyone cool. We walked the ENTIRE zoo - saw everything. Went through the gift shop and headed back home. Everyone went to sleep shortly after eating lunch and slept the entire way home. No arguements about going to bed tonight either.


I must say, as an afternote - I HATE BUGS!!! The fact that I spent a weekend staring at bugs goes to show how much I love my boys and are willing to do just about anything for their happiness. I hope I don't have to go again....but I would.

ALMOST Potty Training Time Again

Andrew has been wanting to sit on the toilet lately. I have put him on the big toilet several times, but decided instead of chancing scareing him on the big toilet, we would get him a little potty to start getting used to. He is still pretty young to try and potty train, but as long as he is showing interest - who am I too tell him he is too young?

I got it out and assembled it (yes - actually had to assemble it). He immediately tried to climb on it. I took off his diaper and helped him on it.

I created a potty monster!! Every time he would get off the potty, I would say "let's put on a diaper" he would run back to the potty and sit down. When my realtor called and I HAD to make him get off the potty and put the diaper on - he SCREAMED!!

He has asked every day since we got it to sit on it. I find it hard to believe he will be easier to potty train than Bryce was! He basically figured it out in a day. Not that he had it down perfect, but he loved using the potty and actually figured it out on his own by running around naked outside.

This is one of those times I would LOVE to be pleasantly surprised.

Weekend Plans

I have several videos I need to upload and I will try to do it next week. This weekend we were going to go to Florida but could not get a hotel room on the beach. So, instead we opted to go to New Orleans. We are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter and have tickets to go to the Zoo, Aquarium, Insectarium (Yes, that is right - a entire building of nothing buy BUGS) and the IMAX to see Bugs, 3D (in case the visit to the insectarium isn't enough). We also got a hotel with an indoor pool (can't get a hotel without one) and we will spend some time in the Frech Quarter - during the DAY!

Sounds like an EXHAUSTING, quite possibly DISGUSTING weekend. But, don't fret - if I get to enjoy the bugs - I will take PLENTY of photos so YOU, too, can enjoy them!!

I am sure you can't WAIT!!

First Time-Out

Andrew had his first time out a couple of nights ago. He has gotten bad about throwing tantrums and screaming when he cannot tell you what he wants or when he doesn't get him way. You can tell by these pictures how that worked out, and it was VERY difficult for Daddy and I not to laugh at him. He has always tried to sit on his brothers laps or pat their backs when THEY are in time out, but he has never been the one in the corner.








Earlier today, he was throwing his fit. I said Andrew in a warning voice. He ran to time out, put his nose in the corner and threw his fit. When he was done with the fit, he came out of the corner.

That was WAY too easy!!! His brothers have had LOTS of practice and they still aren't that good at going to time out.

Playing the Blues

I think I have posted that Daddy got a harmonica a while back. Andrew loves to dance to Daddy playing it (whether he is playing a song or just playing). Lately, he has been trying to play it, but when Daddy put it at his mouth Andrew would hum. Over the last couple of days he has figured it out. Here is a couple of pictures, and I actually got it on video, which I will try and post next week. He walks around playing the harmonica and dancing now and I LOVE IT!

Goofy Monkey

Last night Andrew kept insisting on me putting his shoe on him while I was helping Paul fix dinner. I put it on him. I went to put the second one on and he would not let me. He wanted to run around in his diaper and ONE shoe.

The Best Hubby EVER!!

Since we got married (10 YEARS AGO), it has always been our plan that on our 10 year anniversary we were going to take a trip - just us. While we were on our trip we were going to get new wedding rings. Unfortunately, life gets in the way of plans! We did not get to go on our trip this year because of the new job (hard to take time off after working for ONE WEEK). Last weekend we decided to go get the rings, even though we did not get the trip. Paul's ring will not be in until next week. Mine came in today and I LOVE IT!! Even more than when we picked it out (it was too small to put all the way on my finger, so tonight was the first time I had seen it all the way on). Excuse the pictures, hard to take a good picture of your own hand!




Again, I have the MOST AWESOME, BESTEST HUSBAND EVER!!! I can't wait until he gets his!

School Supplies and Uniforms

As I have previously said, last weekend we were out buying uniforms and supplies. I was irritated because the school supply list for Isaac and Bryce was not online. I had decided I was just going to get some of the generic supplies so I was at least started on it, and all of Caleb's supplies (I had his list). We ended up just getting some uniform stuff, backpacks and lunchboxes.

GOOD THING!!

Yesterday while I was on the phone with the school I asked about the school supplies for them. I DON'T HAVE TO BUY ANY!!! The school gets it all. All I have to do is send $45 for each of them. I know this sounds high, but after thinking about it, the fact that I don't have to go down THREE list and buy their supplies SOOOOO makes it worth it!!

Other than shirts for Bryce - Isaac and Bryce are ready to start school!!!!

The House Hunt

Yesterday we went and looked at three more houses. We liked all of them, but our favorites have shifted again. The house that we previously liked the most has now dropped, basically just because they are asking too much, won't help with the realtor fee or closing and won't come off the price. Our number two house is still the house that was number two before, but we have a new number one. Confused? Me too.

The new number one. Very nice neighborhood. We like the older neighborhoods with the mature landscaping. The entire two subdivisions right there - every house and yard is kept up and clean. 13 year old house, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, new roof (as of April of this year), MIL suite (which makes it....drumroll please.....a FIVE BEDROOM THREE BATH), HUGE 28x14 sunroom (one of our favorite parts of the house). A good sized backyard with LOTS of landscaping all around the fenceline and house. It has a floating deck, two patio areas, a big arbor with a swing under it covered with wisteria. It has recently been renovated with new floors all throughout the house, the bathrooms have been redone, and new appliances. I must say - the only thing missing to make this our dream home (in our price range of course) is a pool/spa in the backyard.

Here is what is going on with it. We had decided early on that we were NOT going to do contingent offers. If it was meant to be for us it would still be there when our house sells. So far, all of the houses we liked are still for sale. Last night we offered to put a contingent offer on this house. We told her we would go as far as putting down money. So, what we decided to do was to see if we could do a sale-pending. Put down some money (not doing a contingent offer), they would not be able to show the house, and make our closing date for four or six months down the road - unless our house sells earlier than that.

The number two house is empty, and has been for a while. We had talked about seeing if the owner would rent it to us or do a lease to own type of thing until our house sold. BUT, we really don't want to settle for number two. So, our realtor called their realtor and told them the offer we were wanting to make. She told us that the family was on vacation until tomorrow (today), BUT they accepted a job in Florida and they were moving regardless of the house selling. They also are not buying a house contingent on this house selling. We may get to do the PURCHASE AGREEMENT with the down payment AND get to move in until our house sells.

Obviously, there is the downfall of two house payments, utilities, etc. However, one of my BIG stresses lately has been the fact that school starts in less than a month. I cannot register them ANYWHERE at this point. I have no mortgage or proof of rent here, no utilites, etc. I called the school yesterday to find out what all I needed to do, paperwork, etc. so that when we can enroll them, I am ready. I told her our situation and she said that since we were in the process of moving from out of state, all they would have to have (instead of proof of mortgage or rent and three utility bills) would be a PURCHASE AGREEMENT!

If the sale-pending offer is accepted and even if we cannot move into the house until we close on our house, I would be able to enroll them in the correct school and drive them back and forth (which would REALLY suck right now because we are a good 30-45 minutes away).

Is this things starting to fall into place for us??? Let's all keep praying that our house sales VERY soon, though!

Church Camp

Caleb had SO much fun his first year at church camp. They went to a college in Mississippi. They got to choose two activities that they spend time on daily. He chose swimming and archery. He LOVED archery. He is requesting a bow and arrow for his birthday (and a fiddle). He took two disposable cameras with him - one got stolen and the other one he took TWO pictures on. So, not much in the way of pics to show you.

Basically, there were REALLY early mornings (5:30) REALLY late nights (3:00) - lots of pillow fights (yes - he WAS with the boys). He spent lots of time swimming...and eating.

He had lots of fun and is already looking forward to next time. As I hear more or remember more - I will let you know.

Homesick

We had another long weekend of traveling. Actually, it wasn't even really the weekend - it was Thursday and Friday. Caleb had to be picked up Thursday from camp - which he had a blast at (that will be a different post). The company Paul works with has a plant in Mississippi, so he went to take care of some stuff there on our way. Caleb ended up riding the bus back with the church to Arkansas - since we were headed there anyway.

From Clinton Mississippi we went to Arkansas. On our way there the realtor called to say that someone was coming to look at our house for a second time. We got there with enough time to turn on lights, open blinds and let the dog potty. After the house showed, we went out to eat with some friends and then back to the house.

Friday we ran some errands in AR, took care of the yard and the house and came back to Louisiana.

These trips are completely exhausting, not only physically, but emotionally. Yesterday I had a MAJOR breakdown. I am so stressed out on trying to get our house sold and another house bought so that the kids can start school where we intend for them to go to. On top of that, I am homesick. I miss our stuff - like my washer and dryer, our beds - A YARD, SPACE for the kids to play, etc. AND, not living out of boxes. I try to remind myself that we are all together and that is what is important, but it is still hard. Also, the fact that I have no options to get away for a small break....

So, I had my breakdown - went and laid in bed for several hours and got "over" it. I know it is all in God's hands - just hard sometimes to keep that in mind.

Today we ran more errands. The boys have to wear uniforms to school (which Caleb tried to tell me he absolutely would NOT go to school if he had to wear uniforms). We got what we could for the uniforms, got them shoes, backpacks and lunchboxes. Bryce has lost the excitement of school - because "I don't know where I will go to school." He knows the school he will be at in both locations, just the unknown of where he will be. Today the excitement got raised back some more because he got to pick out his Superman backpack (making Daddy proud).

So, that was our weekend. Up and down - lots of miles - another weekend in our own private he...I mean paradise!!! :)

Jackson Zoo

When we took Caleb to Mississippi to camp, we took the other boys to the Jackson zoo. Here are some pictures from it.
Time to shave - ALREADY?

The alligators home
Daddy checking to see if the alligator is real or not.
Isaac isn't too sure, but runs by anyway
Bryce is not taking ANY chances (he is behind the bridge)!




Fighting Flamingos


The Zoo Monkey's




My Monkey's

The boys had rainbow sno-cones