Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Warning:
Three hours of Wii for a pregnant woman may be over-exerting yourself a little too much!! I am hurting, don't know if it is the actual playing of the Wii or laughing so much at "Daddio" playing the Wii!!!
Happy New Year/New Year Resolution
I am going to make a resolution I KNOW I can keep this year. So, my only resolution for this year is to lose weight by May.
Hopefully I can keep my ONE resolution!
Hopefully I can keep my ONE resolution!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Here is the picture for the Christmas card - which I never did this year!
Mady's Room
I have had request for pictures of Mady's room, and we got it basically finished this weekend. So, here is her room. It is a very small room - which made it hard on me because there was SO much I wanted to do. It has been great having Daddy off work and here to help out in getting it done!
This is the table I have been trying to figure out how to do. I had bought the material for it, but could not get it to look right. Thanks Nana for your help with it while you were here! It turned out exactly how I had pictured
This is the table I have been trying to figure out how to do. I had bought the material for it, but could not get it to look right. Thanks Nana for your help with it while you were here! It turned out exactly how I had pictured
Friday, December 26, 2008
Time to Move the Seasonings
Andrew loves to get in to our seasoning drawer and pick out seasonings. Tonight he was getting seasonings out (for no reason). He brought the Italian seasoning, ground sage and taco seasoning to me. I thought I would teach him a lesson and put them on his thumb (that he sucks).
I started with the italian seasoning. HE LIKED it. Sage - he liked it. Taco - he liked it.
NASTY!!!
I started with the italian seasoning. HE LIKED it. Sage - he liked it. Taco - he liked it.
NASTY!!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
The boys were not as excited about the Wii as we thought they would be. Caleb kept saying they didn't know how to play. We got Caleb and Isaac playing (Bryce was more interested in his firestation). They played for a bit, but while playing boxing Isaac got two knock-outs on Caleb and Caleb became a sore loser and quit. Isaac loves the Wii!
As far as the scooter incident - Isaac was the last one to pick. He didn't seem overly excited about it (although they have ALL been asking for one). Daddy just within the last 20 minutes "noticed" the scooter was broken and told Isaac. Isaac was disappointed until I told him he could go pick whatever scooter he wanted. AND, it is raining - so all is at peace with that situation!
My Home Depot presents, which several were wanting to hear about. The boys picked out their presents to me from there. So, from Caleb I got a Grow Some Luck kit (green pot with everything to grow clovers). From Isaac I got a new showerhead (I have really been wanting one). Bryce got me a PINK tool bag full of tools (screwdrivers, hammer, picture hanging supplies, all kinds of tools I can use around the house and not have to dig through Daddy's stuff to find). Andrew got me a plant stand. Then they filled my stocking with LOTS of candy, nail polish, a Hannah Montana flashlight (thank you Isaac), a game for my DS, etc.
Daddy got me a new mini laptop. It is very small and light and boots up instantly. It has a very small harddrive and then also has a flash drive. And, it is PINK! I love it! I will try to post some pics when things calm down some. I have Christmas pictures I took for our non-existent Christmas cards for this year!
Enjoy your day!
The boys were not as excited about the Wii as we thought they would be. Caleb kept saying they didn't know how to play. We got Caleb and Isaac playing (Bryce was more interested in his firestation). They played for a bit, but while playing boxing Isaac got two knock-outs on Caleb and Caleb became a sore loser and quit. Isaac loves the Wii!
As far as the scooter incident - Isaac was the last one to pick. He didn't seem overly excited about it (although they have ALL been asking for one). Daddy just within the last 20 minutes "noticed" the scooter was broken and told Isaac. Isaac was disappointed until I told him he could go pick whatever scooter he wanted. AND, it is raining - so all is at peace with that situation!
My Home Depot presents, which several were wanting to hear about. The boys picked out their presents to me from there. So, from Caleb I got a Grow Some Luck kit (green pot with everything to grow clovers). From Isaac I got a new showerhead (I have really been wanting one). Bryce got me a PINK tool bag full of tools (screwdrivers, hammer, picture hanging supplies, all kinds of tools I can use around the house and not have to dig through Daddy's stuff to find). Andrew got me a plant stand. Then they filled my stocking with LOTS of candy, nail polish, a Hannah Montana flashlight (thank you Isaac), a game for my DS, etc.
Daddy got me a new mini laptop. It is very small and light and boots up instantly. It has a very small harddrive and then also has a flash drive. And, it is PINK! I love it! I will try to post some pics when things calm down some. I have Christmas pictures I took for our non-existent Christmas cards for this year!
Enjoy your day!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Santa's Screw-up
Okay, so here is Santa's plan to take care of the dilemma. So that SANTA does not have to be the bad guy and choose who gets the broken scooter, I...I mean, SANTA....folded all the scooters back up. They are all sitting together and which ever scooter each child grabs in their frenzy of excitement is the scooter they get! Then we will play up that the one who gets the broken one gets to PICK their scooter out!
Yeah, I know - we are still praying for rain tomorrow. Hopefully the Wii will keep them REALLY occupied until we can hit the store again.
Yeah, I know - we are still praying for rain tomorrow. Hopefully the Wii will keep them REALLY occupied until we can hit the store again.
Trivia Time - Answer
The answer to the trivia I posted last week (and forgot about)....
It is a wasp catcher.
You put sugar water in it, the wasp fly in through the hole and drowned.
AWESOME Christmas present.
It is a wasp catcher.
You put sugar water in it, the wasp fly in through the hole and drowned.
AWESOME Christmas present.
Santa Messed Up
Lesson learned - don't wait until 8 pm Christmas eve t0 put together Santa gifts. The boys are all getting new scooters. I took it out of the box - thinking it was as easy as that - but when I unfolded one of them IT WAS BROKEN. So, Santa ran to Walmart (hopefully they are still open) to hopefully get a new one!
Fingers crossed!! I would hate for a child to get to stare at a broken scooter while his brothers are riding theirs. And how do you choose WHICH kid gets the broken one?
FINGERS CROSSED!!!
Update: Walmart employees are enjoying their families and Santa is bringing a flawed scooter! Guess who will be in the LONG return line!?!?
Plan B: PRAY FOR RAIN ALL DAY (it is in the forecast)!!!!!
Fingers crossed!! I would hate for a child to get to stare at a broken scooter while his brothers are riding theirs. And how do you choose WHICH kid gets the broken one?
FINGERS CROSSED!!!
Update: Walmart employees are enjoying their families and Santa is bringing a flawed scooter! Guess who will be in the LONG return line!?!?
Plan B: PRAY FOR RAIN ALL DAY (it is in the forecast)!!!!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Should I Be Nervous?
As I stated earlier today, Paul took the kids shopping for my Christmas stuff tonight. I already know the big gift he got me, so they were getting a few small things and stocking stuffers. Right before he left he asked if there was anything they SHOULDN'T get me. I said the normal "no vacuum cleaners or appliances that mean me working for you all."
They went to Walmart here in town and it was packed. They went to the only other store here in town open.
Should I be concerned that they got my gifts from Home Depot?
They went to Walmart here in town and it was packed. They went to the only other store here in town open.
Should I be concerned that they got my gifts from Home Depot?
Andrew's Favorite Game
Andrew really likes to play the "Where's your ...." game. He can tell you where his hair, hands, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, feet, knees and elbows are. But, my personal favorite is when you ask where his belly is and he giggles and lifts his shirts in anticipation of the tickle he KNOWS is coming.
After he shows us where everything is on HIM, he starts pointing them all out on US!
After he shows us where everything is on HIM, he starts pointing them all out on US!
Merry Christmas Sweetie!
Daddy was FINALLY able to put his tank together this weekend. Everyone got their acts together and got him all of the parts, plants, etc that he was supposed to have a while back. It has been torture for him. Since we have been together - 13+ years - he has had at least a 29 gallon tank. Well, when we moved to LA, knowing it would be at least two moves in a small amount of time, Daddy sold him tank and everything in it instead of trying to move it a couple of times. He has not had anything larger than a 2 1/2 gallon tank since. 7 months without a big tank.
He ordered his tank over a month ago. They said he would get it in a week - but he only got half of it. He got the actual tank the next week. It has been sitting empty in our living room since. Talk about real torture! He has always wanted a plant tank or a salt water tank. He opted for a plant tank (that is what his small tank was). He ordered plants online and was told 3 different dates he would get them - never did. He finally got them Friday night.
My camera battery was dead when I went to take pictures of it. I have this one picture and that is it! I will post more tomorrow (hopefully). This tank is cool though because the lightening he put in it has moon lighting. The picture below is with the moon lightening on. Makes a great nightlight in the living room all night!
Double click the picture to see it enlarged.
He ordered his tank over a month ago. They said he would get it in a week - but he only got half of it. He got the actual tank the next week. It has been sitting empty in our living room since. Talk about real torture! He has always wanted a plant tank or a salt water tank. He opted for a plant tank (that is what his small tank was). He ordered plants online and was told 3 different dates he would get them - never did. He finally got them Friday night.
My camera battery was dead when I went to take pictures of it. I have this one picture and that is it! I will post more tomorrow (hopefully). This tank is cool though because the lightening he put in it has moon lighting. The picture below is with the moon lightening on. Makes a great nightlight in the living room all night!
Double click the picture to see it enlarged.
Silent Night....
Tonight.
Can't wait.
Every year, Paul takes ALL the kids shopping for my Christmas stuff....stocking stuffers, presents, etc.
I think it is funny (and very sweet) because not only does he HATE to shop, he also HATES crowds - yet he always wait until the last minute and takes ALL the kids, by himself.
Tonight is the night. He has to work today, but has the rest of the week off. I think he is hoping it will be less busy tonight than during the day the rest of the week, but GOOD LUCK.
Personally, I plan on doing nothing. Curling up in front of mindless television. Or sleeping. Not sure. What I AM sure about is I will NOT be cleaning, painting, etc. If I am REALLY lucky, they will go to Baton Rouge - that is an hour of drive time. :)
Every year I consider this part of my Christmas present! And the boys love getting to pick everything out (and I love that they do it) and then come home and say things like " I am not going to tell you that we got you ....(fill in whatever they got me)..for Christmas" while going to help Daddy wrap the presents and hide the stocking stuffers.
This is one tradition I hope carries on as long as the kids live at home!
Can't wait.
Every year, Paul takes ALL the kids shopping for my Christmas stuff....stocking stuffers, presents, etc.
I think it is funny (and very sweet) because not only does he HATE to shop, he also HATES crowds - yet he always wait until the last minute and takes ALL the kids, by himself.
Tonight is the night. He has to work today, but has the rest of the week off. I think he is hoping it will be less busy tonight than during the day the rest of the week, but GOOD LUCK.
Personally, I plan on doing nothing. Curling up in front of mindless television. Or sleeping. Not sure. What I AM sure about is I will NOT be cleaning, painting, etc. If I am REALLY lucky, they will go to Baton Rouge - that is an hour of drive time. :)
Every year I consider this part of my Christmas present! And the boys love getting to pick everything out (and I love that they do it) and then come home and say things like " I am not going to tell you that we got you ....(fill in whatever they got me)..for Christmas" while going to help Daddy wrap the presents and hide the stocking stuffers.
This is one tradition I hope carries on as long as the kids live at home!
Painting
Yes. We. Are. STILL. Painting!
If it seems like it is taking a long time that is because IT IS!
Let me insert here, though, that I did all of the kitchen by myself. I did the boys bathroom by myself. I did most of the living room by myself. Paul helped me with the last couple of walls of the living room yesterday and he helped me with the dining room when we did it.
We ran out of paint for the living room. I have one corner that needs a second coat (where the Christmas tree is) and I need to paint the hall. Then we are done with the main living area.
Yesterday after we got the living room as done as we could, we started Mady's room. We got one coat up over the entire room (nothing in the closet yet though). Daddy helped lots with that room. I think she already has her Daddy wrapped around her finger! The bedding we got for her is white with lots of flowers in different shades of pink and red. We matched the paint to the light pink flowers in the bedding. It, of course, is darker on the wall than it looked. Luckily, we did not have a lot of solid pink in the room for decorating, so hopefully the whites and other colors will kind of dilute the pink.
The boys are getting SO excited. The more pink and girl stuff we get in the house, the more excited they get. I put the crib together Friday night (FYI - I might have a little too much experience putting that thing together. I had a ziploc bag of screws and the crib parts and I had the entire crib put together in about 15 minutes - no instructions, no help!). When the boys got up and saw it Saturday they were really excited. Guess it just makes it all real for them.
So, one coat in Mady's room and the hall and I am done for a bit. I told Paul that I think since the main area is done, I will start doing one room every couple of weeks. I need to have it all done before Mady gets here because it will be a little difficult (and stinky) after she gets here.
Four bedrooms, a utility room, master bathroom and half bath to go!
If it seems like it is taking a long time that is because IT IS!
Let me insert here, though, that I did all of the kitchen by myself. I did the boys bathroom by myself. I did most of the living room by myself. Paul helped me with the last couple of walls of the living room yesterday and he helped me with the dining room when we did it.
We ran out of paint for the living room. I have one corner that needs a second coat (where the Christmas tree is) and I need to paint the hall. Then we are done with the main living area.
Yesterday after we got the living room as done as we could, we started Mady's room. We got one coat up over the entire room (nothing in the closet yet though). Daddy helped lots with that room. I think she already has her Daddy wrapped around her finger! The bedding we got for her is white with lots of flowers in different shades of pink and red. We matched the paint to the light pink flowers in the bedding. It, of course, is darker on the wall than it looked. Luckily, we did not have a lot of solid pink in the room for decorating, so hopefully the whites and other colors will kind of dilute the pink.
The boys are getting SO excited. The more pink and girl stuff we get in the house, the more excited they get. I put the crib together Friday night (FYI - I might have a little too much experience putting that thing together. I had a ziploc bag of screws and the crib parts and I had the entire crib put together in about 15 minutes - no instructions, no help!). When the boys got up and saw it Saturday they were really excited. Guess it just makes it all real for them.
So, one coat in Mady's room and the hall and I am done for a bit. I told Paul that I think since the main area is done, I will start doing one room every couple of weeks. I need to have it all done before Mady gets here because it will be a little difficult (and stinky) after she gets here.
Four bedrooms, a utility room, master bathroom and half bath to go!
22 Weeks
I am 22 weeks pregnant and Daddy can finally feel Mady moving around. He has felt her a few times in the past, but only her strongest of movements. Saturday night he was able to feel her just moving, not necessarily kicking.
It seems that the boys were being felt way before now. I think I was even feeling the boys move more earlier than I did with her. I guess that should help me know she is a girl - not as strong as the boys? I still have this thought in the back of my head that we could go have this baby and come home with a BOY!
It seems that the boys were being felt way before now. I think I was even feeling the boys move more earlier than I did with her. I guess that should help me know she is a girl - not as strong as the boys? I still have this thought in the back of my head that we could go have this baby and come home with a BOY!
HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY ISAAC!
Okay, I am a couple of days late.....BUT, we had a busy weekend and I am just now getting some time to do it!
He got up and came running in our room yelling "I'm SEVEN!!"
SEVEN? Someone put on the brakes of all this growing up my kids are doing! It is all happening a little to quickly for this Mama!
We had a few errands we had to run, but he REALLY wanted to open his present. I wanted to do the grocery shopping early (because I was too busy waiting on everyone Wednesday-Friday last week) since it was the weekend before Christmas and I KNEW things would be insane! Even early, it was pretty busy - but we still did much better than going when we normally do.
He got a basketball game for his birthday. While we were shopping there has been this gravity car that drives on the ceiling and walls that he has been wanting. He got $20 in the mail from Nana and he went and spent it on that.
He chose a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, that I made. Then, we had a package of 4 different color choices of sprinkles. Everyone got to choose which sprinkles they wanted on their slice of cake.
Isaac, I hope that you had a good birthday even though we didn't do a party this year. You are growing up way too fast. As much as I love watching you grow up and mature, I still miss my little baby that LOVES to cuddle. You have come a long way in seven years and we are VERY proud of you. We love you!
He got up and came running in our room yelling "I'm SEVEN!!"
SEVEN? Someone put on the brakes of all this growing up my kids are doing! It is all happening a little to quickly for this Mama!
We had a few errands we had to run, but he REALLY wanted to open his present. I wanted to do the grocery shopping early (because I was too busy waiting on everyone Wednesday-Friday last week) since it was the weekend before Christmas and I KNEW things would be insane! Even early, it was pretty busy - but we still did much better than going when we normally do.
He got a basketball game for his birthday. While we were shopping there has been this gravity car that drives on the ceiling and walls that he has been wanting. He got $20 in the mail from Nana and he went and spent it on that.
He chose a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, that I made. Then, we had a package of 4 different color choices of sprinkles. Everyone got to choose which sprinkles they wanted on their slice of cake.
Isaac, I hope that you had a good birthday even though we didn't do a party this year. You are growing up way too fast. As much as I love watching you grow up and mature, I still miss my little baby that LOVES to cuddle. You have come a long way in seven years and we are VERY proud of you. We love you!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Limited Days
Bryce just asked me how old I would be when I have my birthday. I told him I would be 30.
"But, that's when you die!"
I told Daddy that he needed to figure everything out with the house and kids because my days are limited. He said he was older, so he would go first. I told Bryce.
"Oh, well BOTH of you can't die. Just you."
How sweet.
"But, that's when you die!"
I told Daddy that he needed to figure everything out with the house and kids because my days are limited. He said he was older, so he would go first. I told Bryce.
"Oh, well BOTH of you can't die. Just you."
How sweet.
Dependability (or Lack Thereof)
One thing I find important to teach the kids is the importance of being on time and dependability. This is something I am struggling with right now - not me personally, but dealing with others who are not dependable.
It doesn't seem to matter how much money is involved either. You would think with especially the way the economy is now, customer service would be a top priority with ALL companies. Seems to be worse.
We bought our car and what we were told would be a three hour fix of my cruise control turned into three weeks of me only having my car on the weekend (because the dealership didn't work on the weekend and we needed something the family could fit in).
Our fence should have been up over a month ago. It has been rescheduled numerous times. But, we don't typically get a phone call to tell us it is being rescheduled, it takes numerous calls to them from Paul and few emails to get anything out of them.
Paul ordered an aquarium. It came a week late. He ordered plants for his aquarium - they should have been here three weeks ago. He has been given four different delivery days - and told they are signature required so someone has to be home. Two of those days I sat and waited for Fedex (like yesterday). They were SHIPPED yesterday from South Dakota. I spent all day yesterday waiting (when I REALLY needed to be grocery shopping before this weekend).
I waited Monday for the cable guy. Of course he came late. He got here, did NOTHING and said that someone would be out Friday. It is an ALL day appointment! I am supposed to sit ALL day and wait on them, even though it is THERE screw-up.
When our new dining room table was delivered the day before Thanksgiving, it was crushed completely at one end. Today, I have to wait on them to deliver our table (they did give us one they had just picked up from someone else because it was scratched.
My MORTGAGE company (for the house in Arkansas) failed to pay our house insurance, so it was cancelled. That is kind of a biggie isn't it?
It is a very frustrating feeling when it seems like everyone thinks you have nothing better to do than sit and wait on them to do what they were supposed to have already done. I will miss all the Christmas parties today to sit and wait on something that, if it shows, I am positive will be late (unless of course I am not here).
Boys: When you say you are going to do something (especially when it is your job) - DO IT - WHEN YOU SAY you will. It is that simple. Leave early if you have to. Give yourself extra time if you have several things to do. CALL if you will be late. Your time is not the only time that is precious. When you are late it could affect a whole string of people/things.
Dependability ranks right up there with responsibility. It is YOUR responsibility to be dependable!
It doesn't seem to matter how much money is involved either. You would think with especially the way the economy is now, customer service would be a top priority with ALL companies. Seems to be worse.
We bought our car and what we were told would be a three hour fix of my cruise control turned into three weeks of me only having my car on the weekend (because the dealership didn't work on the weekend and we needed something the family could fit in).
Our fence should have been up over a month ago. It has been rescheduled numerous times. But, we don't typically get a phone call to tell us it is being rescheduled, it takes numerous calls to them from Paul and few emails to get anything out of them.
Paul ordered an aquarium. It came a week late. He ordered plants for his aquarium - they should have been here three weeks ago. He has been given four different delivery days - and told they are signature required so someone has to be home. Two of those days I sat and waited for Fedex (like yesterday). They were SHIPPED yesterday from South Dakota. I spent all day yesterday waiting (when I REALLY needed to be grocery shopping before this weekend).
I waited Monday for the cable guy. Of course he came late. He got here, did NOTHING and said that someone would be out Friday. It is an ALL day appointment! I am supposed to sit ALL day and wait on them, even though it is THERE screw-up.
When our new dining room table was delivered the day before Thanksgiving, it was crushed completely at one end. Today, I have to wait on them to deliver our table (they did give us one they had just picked up from someone else because it was scratched.
My MORTGAGE company (for the house in Arkansas) failed to pay our house insurance, so it was cancelled. That is kind of a biggie isn't it?
It is a very frustrating feeling when it seems like everyone thinks you have nothing better to do than sit and wait on them to do what they were supposed to have already done. I will miss all the Christmas parties today to sit and wait on something that, if it shows, I am positive will be late (unless of course I am not here).
Boys: When you say you are going to do something (especially when it is your job) - DO IT - WHEN YOU SAY you will. It is that simple. Leave early if you have to. Give yourself extra time if you have several things to do. CALL if you will be late. Your time is not the only time that is precious. When you are late it could affect a whole string of people/things.
Dependability ranks right up there with responsibility. It is YOUR responsibility to be dependable!
Oh, the Excitement!
Today is party day for all of the kids. The excitement has been building all week. The school is helping the build! They started half days on Wednesday (Wed-Fri half days for Parent teacher conferences). Thursday they stopped homework. Isaac had his Polar Express Party (kids get to wear pjs to school, watch Polar Express and drink hot chocolate). Friday EVERYONE has Christmas parties and it is the last day of school.
Here, though, the excitement carries on PAST Friday. Tomorrow is Isaac's birthday. His present has been sitting under the tree with the other gifts (it is wrapped in birthday paper though - not Christmas paper). He is just itching to open it and his brothers are just itching to see what they can beg to play with!
Then we start the excitement countdown to Christmas. Then to Nana and Aunt Lindsay coming. TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT FOR ONE MOMMA AT ONE TIME. I am in midst of excitement overload!
Here, though, the excitement carries on PAST Friday. Tomorrow is Isaac's birthday. His present has been sitting under the tree with the other gifts (it is wrapped in birthday paper though - not Christmas paper). He is just itching to open it and his brothers are just itching to see what they can beg to play with!
Then we start the excitement countdown to Christmas. Then to Nana and Aunt Lindsay coming. TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT FOR ONE MOMMA AT ONE TIME. I am in midst of excitement overload!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Trivia Time
Do YOU know what this is? Paul got it as a Christmas gift at his office party.
one hole in the middle of the bottom.
one hole in the middle of the bottom.
Kitchen
I have had several request to put up pictures of the kitchen since I finished painting it. I don't have curtains or all the stuff that goes on the walls, but here is the color - which is what most of you want to see.
Now we just need new countertops and backsplash!
Now we just need new countertops and backsplash!
Early Morning
I am usually up early, but this morning Bryce woke up about 5:30. He hit his nose on his bed and was crying. That woke up Andrew. I went to see what was going on and got Bryce back down but AJ was ready for his day to begin.
I made them stay in their beds. Andrew screamed for about 30 minutes - I am surprised he didn't wake the other two up!
Hopefully this will mean a good nap for one! He hasn't had a good one this week because his brothers wake him up before he is ready!
I made them stay in their beds. Andrew screamed for about 30 minutes - I am surprised he didn't wake the other two up!
Hopefully this will mean a good nap for one! He hasn't had a good one this week because his brothers wake him up before he is ready!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Bryce's First School Program
Part 1 - too long to make all one YouTube video, but the program isn't very long.
Part 2 - this has my favorite part - the song they play the bells in. They did a great job.
Part 2 - this has my favorite part - the song they play the bells in. They did a great job.
Loose Tooth
Bryce has been upset for a while because he had not lost any teeth. Caleb and Isaac lost their first teeth pretty early, so we have had teeth coming out for a while and it makes him mad because his aren't.
He came home today all excited because he has his first loose tooth. He showed it to me and then said he accidentally punched himself in the mouth. HMMMM?
Tooth fairy JUST came for Caleb (he lost a molar last week).
Oh, ALICE is loosing HER first tooth too. He always talks about Alice. First crush.....
He came home today all excited because he has his first loose tooth. He showed it to me and then said he accidentally punched himself in the mouth. HMMMM?
Tooth fairy JUST came for Caleb (he lost a molar last week).
Oh, ALICE is loosing HER first tooth too. He always talks about Alice. First crush.....
New Favorite
Andrew LOVES corn - but he wants it on the cob. That is fine with me - he eats more of it that way than with a fork!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Baby Name
We had decided we were going to name the baby Mia Elizabeth. The boys have been calling her "Baby Mia" (which is so easy for Andrew to say).
We pulled our normal name switch, after much thought back and forth, and have decided that we are going to change the name from Mia to Madeline Elizabeth (Maddy).
I really like Mia, but we hear it is a popular name right now (which seems to be what happens when we choose a name). I recently saw the name Madeline and really liked it.
I asked Caleb if he liked Madeline. He said he liked it better than Mia. He has made it clear over and over he doesn't like Mia. This, however is the child that wants us to name her Henrietta, Harriett or Emerald. (P.S. to Caleb's future wife - YOU choose the baby names!)
We pulled our normal name switch, after much thought back and forth, and have decided that we are going to change the name from Mia to Madeline Elizabeth (Maddy).
I really like Mia, but we hear it is a popular name right now (which seems to be what happens when we choose a name). I recently saw the name Madeline and really liked it.
I asked Caleb if he liked Madeline. He said he liked it better than Mia. He has made it clear over and over he doesn't like Mia. This, however is the child that wants us to name her Henrietta, Harriett or Emerald. (P.S. to Caleb's future wife - YOU choose the baby names!)
He WILL Kill Me For This
I ordered this tutu last week and got in the mail tonight. I was looking at it and Andrew kept lifting his leg trying to put it on, so since he kept annoying me, I put it on him. Then we HAD to get the matching bow out!
I am one of THOSE mom's, but it is his fault for annoying me and being nosey (aka curious). Can you say senior slide show?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Handsome Bryce
Bryce had to wear black slacks and a white button up shirt for his program this morning. He said a girl in his class said he looked handsome. Along with a teenage girl, a teacher AND he got TWO stickers instead of one on the bus because "he is just too handsome".
I, of course, agree!
I, of course, agree!
School Gift Exchanges
I understand the fun and idea of kids getting gifts at their school parties, but I honestly hate the process of buying a $5 gift for a kid that I don't know. Not only does $5 not buy much these days in the way of a toy, there are also restrictions about what you can give (no makeup, candy, jewelry, etc).
This year, Isaac's teacher has a GREAT system for their gift giving. Instead of the kids buying a toy for someone else, she has the parents buy THEIR child a book. I am supposed to not let him see it and send it wrapped. Doing it this way, each child still has a gift to open, but the parent knows the child and what they like. AND, we don't end up with MORE Hot Wheels (about the only boy thing I could find at Walmart for $5).
This year, Isaac's teacher has a GREAT system for their gift giving. Instead of the kids buying a toy for someone else, she has the parents buy THEIR child a book. I am supposed to not let him see it and send it wrapped. Doing it this way, each child still has a gift to open, but the parent knows the child and what they like. AND, we don't end up with MORE Hot Wheels (about the only boy thing I could find at Walmart for $5).
Bryce's First School Program
Last Thursday, when we were "snowed in" Bryce was SUPPOSED to be having his first Christmas program. They rescheduled for today. I went and watched and Bryce was SO cute (oh, so was the program). The boys were dressed as toy soldiers and the girls little dolls.
He did not smile at all during the program, said he was nervous. He did do his part in it all though. I was kind of nervous as to what he would do - I have visions of past programs at church where he danced and made faces in front of the entire crowd while all the other kids sang. Not this time. I guess he is growing up. Honestly, I MISSED the way he has always been in past programs. It could be a little embarrassing at the time, but he was having fun and enjoying himself and was acting his age. Today he seemed to....not him!
My favorite part was the bells. They played the bells for one song and did such a good job. Each child had a certain colored bell. The teacher held up signs with which color bells should be playing. I was impressed.
Of course, I sat at the wrong side of the stage. He was at the opposite side, as was the teacher. So, he was turned watching his teacher (as he should have been). It isn't the best video, but captures the moment anyway.
I will TRY to get the video on here later today. Daddy did not get to go so he will have to watch it tonight with Bryce. I only got a couple of still pictures :( It is hard to deal with Andrew (who was GREAT), a video camera and a still camera - all on my own!
He did not smile at all during the program, said he was nervous. He did do his part in it all though. I was kind of nervous as to what he would do - I have visions of past programs at church where he danced and made faces in front of the entire crowd while all the other kids sang. Not this time. I guess he is growing up. Honestly, I MISSED the way he has always been in past programs. It could be a little embarrassing at the time, but he was having fun and enjoying himself and was acting his age. Today he seemed to....not him!
My favorite part was the bells. They played the bells for one song and did such a good job. Each child had a certain colored bell. The teacher held up signs with which color bells should be playing. I was impressed.
Of course, I sat at the wrong side of the stage. He was at the opposite side, as was the teacher. So, he was turned watching his teacher (as he should have been). It isn't the best video, but captures the moment anyway.
I will TRY to get the video on here later today. Daddy did not get to go so he will have to watch it tonight with Bryce. I only got a couple of still pictures :( It is hard to deal with Andrew (who was GREAT), a video camera and a still camera - all on my own!
Busy but Productive Weekend
If your house is anything like mine, when you have no electricity - the house tends to get destroyed! It is a strange thing! We had sleeping bags and blankets all over, the living room got rearranged so everyone could fit in front of the fireplace, the fact that kids were home all day so I didn't really get much time to clean - all equals a MESS!
Weekends are already hard to keep the house clean - kids home all weekend, stuff thrown everywhere - so Mondays are normally a big clean-up day! It is only 8 am and I have showered, dressed, partially cleaned the house (read on and you will get an idea of what a big feat that is), ironed clothes for Bryce (school program today), put faceplates on all of the outlets/lightswitches in the living room and kitchen, signed all of the kids notes, sent money for all of the kids, fixed breakfast and got three kids dressed and off to school! A full day's worth of work!
So, the weekend....we spent Saturday running errands and trying to recoup from the crazy end of the week. We were on the go most of the day. The snow storm and or power outage really screwed up a lot of peoples cable. Our HD/DVR box has been getting really hot (like, can't touch hot) since we got it. Well, when the storm hit and our power came back on it quit working. I called customer service and she tried to reboot several times, but apparently that is part of the problem. The box spent two days constantly trying to reboot and then her trying to send a signal to reboot and we found out you can't try to reboot that many times so close together. Of course, WE weren't the ones rebooting it - it was doing it to itself. So, we went to trade in our box. They were packed! Everyone doing the same. And, the guy in front of us got the last two HD/DVR boxes! They gave us just an HD box and told us they would hold a box for us and call Monday to have it picked up. We get home and plug the thing in - it doesn't work either. Now they are saying there is a screw up with the signal somewhere. I have to wait on them to get here this afternoon and try to fix the problem (or find the problem).
We also hit Babies R Us, got some bedding for Mia and started figuring out what all we need. Of course, once again, we had a garage sale before we moved down here and got rid of things like swings, bouncers, bassinets, etc. ARGHHH!
Sunday, Paul worked on the doghouse (we are SUPPOSED to have our fence this week) while I painted the house. I got the kitchen completely done (in a bright green) and the living room over half way done (in a pale yellow). My goal is to have the main living area of the house completely done by Christmas! Then I will start on bedrooms. I hate picking paint colors - by the way! So hard to look at a little swatch and imagine it in a WHOLE room, and it seems the color always comes out different! And, paint is NOT cheap! Especially not when you are painting an entire inside of a house.
I do love how the kitchen turned out though. Living room I am still not sure if I like - but I am not repainting it for a while :) Hopefully it will grow on me.
Weekends are already hard to keep the house clean - kids home all weekend, stuff thrown everywhere - so Mondays are normally a big clean-up day! It is only 8 am and I have showered, dressed, partially cleaned the house (read on and you will get an idea of what a big feat that is), ironed clothes for Bryce (school program today), put faceplates on all of the outlets/lightswitches in the living room and kitchen, signed all of the kids notes, sent money for all of the kids, fixed breakfast and got three kids dressed and off to school! A full day's worth of work!
So, the weekend....we spent Saturday running errands and trying to recoup from the crazy end of the week. We were on the go most of the day. The snow storm and or power outage really screwed up a lot of peoples cable. Our HD/DVR box has been getting really hot (like, can't touch hot) since we got it. Well, when the storm hit and our power came back on it quit working. I called customer service and she tried to reboot several times, but apparently that is part of the problem. The box spent two days constantly trying to reboot and then her trying to send a signal to reboot and we found out you can't try to reboot that many times so close together. Of course, WE weren't the ones rebooting it - it was doing it to itself. So, we went to trade in our box. They were packed! Everyone doing the same. And, the guy in front of us got the last two HD/DVR boxes! They gave us just an HD box and told us they would hold a box for us and call Monday to have it picked up. We get home and plug the thing in - it doesn't work either. Now they are saying there is a screw up with the signal somewhere. I have to wait on them to get here this afternoon and try to fix the problem (or find the problem).
We also hit Babies R Us, got some bedding for Mia and started figuring out what all we need. Of course, once again, we had a garage sale before we moved down here and got rid of things like swings, bouncers, bassinets, etc. ARGHHH!
Sunday, Paul worked on the doghouse (we are SUPPOSED to have our fence this week) while I painted the house. I got the kitchen completely done (in a bright green) and the living room over half way done (in a pale yellow). My goal is to have the main living area of the house completely done by Christmas! Then I will start on bedrooms. I hate picking paint colors - by the way! So hard to look at a little swatch and imagine it in a WHOLE room, and it seems the color always comes out different! And, paint is NOT cheap! Especially not when you are painting an entire inside of a house.
I do love how the kitchen turned out though. Living room I am still not sure if I like - but I am not repainting it for a while :) Hopefully it will grow on me.
Best Idea?
We got a shed a couple of weeks ago. Paul is working on building a dog house in one corner of it so when we (if we ever) get our fence, they will have a warm, dry dog house to sleep in! Yesterday evening, he was cutting the hole in the side of the shed for the doggie door. Bryce stood over him while he cut the hold, hands on his hips "Daddy do you think this is the best idea?"
Paul explained why he was doing what he was doing.
"And you can't come up with a better plan than cutting a hole in the building?"
We have been working on problem solving (logical problem solving) with all the boys a lot lately. Guess he is trying to come up with the best way to solve the problem?
Paul explained why he was doing what he was doing.
"And you can't come up with a better plan than cutting a hole in the building?"
We have been working on problem solving (logical problem solving) with all the boys a lot lately. Guess he is trying to come up with the best way to solve the problem?
Andrew's Transition
Andrew transitioned to the new bedroom a lot better than I thought he would last week. After his little bout of denial Friday, I was not too sure what to expect. He has been in the room with Bryce since Friday and done great. When you tell him to take something to his room or get something from his room he goes to the correct room.
We got on to him one time this weekend and he ran to his old bedroom - that is the only time he went to that room though. The door was closed so he just sat outside it crying. :(
Bryce is doing great with the transition too and they both seem to be sleeping better. Andrew had gotten to where the last couple of weeks he was waking up in the middle of the night screaming. It would take us a while to calm him down and be able to leave the room without him crying - he has not woken up crying once since we moved him. Bryce used to insist on his closet light being on at night - it has not been on once since Andrew moved in and Bryce has not gotten upset about it.
The sweetest thing is that when we put AJ to bed, he usually cries for a minute of two as soon as we close the door. Just his attempt at letting us know what he thinks, I guess. If you close the door and listen - Bryce sits in his top bunk and tells Andrew it will be alright and he is right up there and Andrew stops crying.
Now....I have to figure out how to merge Bryce's fireman decor with Andrew's monkey decor. Monkeys driving firetrucks?
We got on to him one time this weekend and he ran to his old bedroom - that is the only time he went to that room though. The door was closed so he just sat outside it crying. :(
Bryce is doing great with the transition too and they both seem to be sleeping better. Andrew had gotten to where the last couple of weeks he was waking up in the middle of the night screaming. It would take us a while to calm him down and be able to leave the room without him crying - he has not woken up crying once since we moved him. Bryce used to insist on his closet light being on at night - it has not been on once since Andrew moved in and Bryce has not gotten upset about it.
The sweetest thing is that when we put AJ to bed, he usually cries for a minute of two as soon as we close the door. Just his attempt at letting us know what he thinks, I guess. If you close the door and listen - Bryce sits in his top bunk and tells Andrew it will be alright and he is right up there and Andrew stops crying.
Now....I have to figure out how to merge Bryce's fireman decor with Andrew's monkey decor. Monkeys driving firetrucks?
Nursery
I worked this weekend on what I wanted to do for the nursery...trying to figure out what all I needed to get. Since this is the only girl, I kinda want to do it all - fun and colorful, elegant (in a baby kind of way), sweet, etc.
I was headed more towards "elegant" and making everything because I could not find anything I liked (actually I did find some bedding I liked - it was $1200). After some looking this weekend, Daddy found a bedding set he really liked and I liked it to, so I changed my plan. This I don't have to try and make and honestly I was a little nervous about MAKING everything because my sewing is not that great!
The bones of the room will still be the same and I am working on choosing a color for the walls. The bedding has lots of shades of pink and red. I am waiting on a blanket that goes with the set that I had to order to see the colors on it.
The boys are getting really excited with all the decorating for their baby sister (except Andrew, of course).
I was headed more towards "elegant" and making everything because I could not find anything I liked (actually I did find some bedding I liked - it was $1200). After some looking this weekend, Daddy found a bedding set he really liked and I liked it to, so I changed my plan. This I don't have to try and make and honestly I was a little nervous about MAKING everything because my sewing is not that great!
The bones of the room will still be the same and I am working on choosing a color for the walls. The bedding has lots of shades of pink and red. I am waiting on a blanket that goes with the set that I had to order to see the colors on it.
The boys are getting really excited with all the decorating for their baby sister (except Andrew, of course).
Saturday, December 13, 2008
GIRL NURSERY and Transitions!!!!!
Yesterday, Paul and I left because of the cold, but didn't really have anywhere to go, so we started shopping for the nursery. As I have said, I have this image of what I want in my head, but can't get it out. It is coming out now! After lots of looking online and in stores and not finding what I want, I have started piecing things together and making stuff (kind nervous about that part).
Part of where I was getting "stuck" in my idea was that I have all natural wood furniture for the nursery. I have always envisioned white or dark wood for a girl nursery. I really don't want to go buy new baby furniture for the last baby though. After talking to my mom and telling her some of MY ideas, she helped me piece some things together (thanks Mom).
We got home and I wasn't planning on doing anything in the nursery yet, because I was going to let Andrew stay in there as long as possible. Andrew made me rethink that. He has had stuff in what will be the nursery and in what will be his and Bryce's room. He has not had any problems with that until yesterday. He went in the nursery and started carrying everything pink or white out. He would then go in his and Bryce's room and start carrying stuff back to the nursery (which WAS his room). I kept telling him that Baby Mia was going to sleep in there and he was going to share a room with Bryce. He would say "NONO" and carry pink out.
With that, we decided that it would NOT be smart to wait until right before Mia got here to move him. We are already expecting some jealousy issues with him when she comes. I am afraid he will see all this change AND Mia coming home and it will make things worse.
Yesterday, I had him help me move his stuff to his new room and do some work in the nursery. That seemed to help, although we are still having some denial issues. :)
I am not going to lie, although I did not want to take Andrew out of the room just yet, I am not at all upset that this means I can start decorating my ONLY girl nursery!
The only thing I will say at this point is that the room will colors will be natural wood, white and pink accents. As I get some of it starting to come together, I will take pictures.
Part of where I was getting "stuck" in my idea was that I have all natural wood furniture for the nursery. I have always envisioned white or dark wood for a girl nursery. I really don't want to go buy new baby furniture for the last baby though. After talking to my mom and telling her some of MY ideas, she helped me piece some things together (thanks Mom).
We got home and I wasn't planning on doing anything in the nursery yet, because I was going to let Andrew stay in there as long as possible. Andrew made me rethink that. He has had stuff in what will be the nursery and in what will be his and Bryce's room. He has not had any problems with that until yesterday. He went in the nursery and started carrying everything pink or white out. He would then go in his and Bryce's room and start carrying stuff back to the nursery (which WAS his room). I kept telling him that Baby Mia was going to sleep in there and he was going to share a room with Bryce. He would say "NONO" and carry pink out.
With that, we decided that it would NOT be smart to wait until right before Mia got here to move him. We are already expecting some jealousy issues with him when she comes. I am afraid he will see all this change AND Mia coming home and it will make things worse.
Yesterday, I had him help me move his stuff to his new room and do some work in the nursery. That seemed to help, although we are still having some denial issues. :)
I am not going to lie, although I did not want to take Andrew out of the room just yet, I am not at all upset that this means I can start decorating my ONLY girl nursery!
The only thing I will say at this point is that the room will colors will be natural wood, white and pink accents. As I get some of it starting to come together, I will take pictures.
Where Are We?
When we moved to Louisiana, I was told it rarely to never snows. We have told the kids over and over that they will likely not see snow unless we were visiting elsewhere. Well...here is what happens when you tell the kids one thing. You will usually be proven wrong! :)
This is the picture from our back porch when we got up Thursday. We had heard that there would be a wintery mix of snow, sleet and rain, but that there would be no accumulation because we were not going to get to freezing temps. Imagine our surprise!
This is the picture from our back porch when we got up Thursday. We had heard that there would be a wintery mix of snow, sleet and rain, but that there would be no accumulation because we were not going to get to freezing temps. Imagine our surprise!I got Caleb up for school and told him to take the dog out. All the other kids were still sleeping. Caleb gets the dog and quickly comes running to our room screaming - as loud as he can - "WE ARE FLOODED WITH WHITE. THERE IS SN...WH....THE GROUND IS ALL WHITE WITH SNOW." And he starts dancing (really - he could not form the words he was so shocked).
Needless to say he wakes EVERYONE up. The boys are all screaming and dancing, except Bryce - who had disappeared. A few minutes later (and the older two still dancing and screaming) Bryce comes in decked out in his play clothes and rubber boots and coat.
At this point, I am watching the news and looking online and cannot find where their schools were closed. I told Bryce it looked like he still had school and he started bawling. He was supposed to do his first Christmas presentation of his school years. I tried to get him excited about ME being excited about seeing it. It didn't work. About 30 seconds later I finally found where the school was closed. That may have been more exciting to him than the actual fact there was snow!
Shortly after, our electricity went out (about 6:30 am). We have a fireplace, but the previous owners never bought the gas logs (you would have thought they would be in the fireplace when the house was built, but ANYWAYS). So, we ventured out in the snow (this is the ONE time Daddy's four wheel drive Jeep came in handy) and went to Home Depot. We got logs and came home and after a long time of working on it, another trip to Home Depot (unsuccessful at finding what we needed) Paul was able to get the logs working (with no gas leaks!!).
That was our only source of heat for the rest of the day. We kept waiting on the electricity to come back on. We went to bed with none. We all slept in our room with the door closed. The three oldest slept on the floor together with sleeping bags and three blankets. Andrew slept in our bed (which made for a LONG, little sleep night!).
When we got up the temperature in the house was 60. It was COLD! The boys had school and as soon as they got on the bus, Daddy and I left. We got home around 1 and the electricity had JUST come back on.
When all was said, Zachary had 5 1/2 inches of snow (Baton Rouge got about 3 1/2). The second highest amount in Louisiana. There was a parish at the Mississippi/Louisiana border that got 8 inches. Louisiana had not seen "any substantial snow fall" since 1988.
Is it a sign when as soon as we move here we have the worst hurricane in history blow through the area and we get major snow (for this area) when snow had not been seen in 20+ years?
It would have been much more enjoyable if we had had some electricity too!
Caleb shaking the snow out of the crepe myrtle. It was sagging and droopy!
Isaac playing in the snow
the view looking down our road
The boys cuddling down for a COLD night!
The boys cuddling down for a COLD night!
Dining Room
Here is a picture of our new dining room furniture. I have had several request to put it on here, but I am SLOW! I love decorating for Christmas so it was pretty exciting to have a dining room to decorate - FINALLY!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What's That?
I have been feeling the baby move a lot lately. She doesn't seem to like Andrew laying against my belly much. He was leaning back on me and she started kicking. I think he felt it. As soon as she kicked him he jumped up, turned around and pulled my shirt up and quizically looked at my belly. Then he said "nono" and laid back down.
YUM!
I made myself a mint chocolate chunk milkshake a bit ago. I was drinking it and Andrew is watching intently while sitting on my lap, but unfortunately can't have any. I took a drink and before I had a chance to wipe my mouth Andrew LICKED it. I guess I had some yummy looking ice cream on my lips he wanted!
New Word
Andrew has a new word he started yesterday.
"Blankie"
He says it when he sees his blanket, wants his blanket or is holding his blanket.
In other words....he says it ALL the time - and it is crystal clear!
"Blankie"
He says it when he sees his blanket, wants his blanket or is holding his blanket.
In other words....he says it ALL the time - and it is crystal clear!
Only in Louisiana....
Okay, probably Texas too....
We had three tornados touch down last night (not HERE but west of us) and tonight they are calling for a wintery mix.
Tornados and uppers 70's one day and snowing and lower 40s the next.
No wonder everyone's allergies and sinuses are so whacked!!
We had three tornados touch down last night (not HERE but west of us) and tonight they are calling for a wintery mix.
Tornados and uppers 70's one day and snowing and lower 40s the next.
No wonder everyone's allergies and sinuses are so whacked!!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Poor Little Girl
Is it bad if our little girl wears nothing but dresses? I am in love with little girl dresses with the little bloomers that match. That might be all she ever wears :)
Okay, I am sure it will wear off eventually - but until then....expect to see her in lots of cute dresses.
Okay, I am sure it will wear off eventually - but until then....expect to see her in lots of cute dresses.
Andrew's Day
I am SO glad yesterday was my drs appt and not today. Andrew got up at 4:30 this morning. No, I mean UP! He was ready to play. I laid down with him in my bed and after being kicked over and over - by him and the baby - he hit me in the face with the remote. He was ready for some cartoons.
Me...not so much!
We had to run the rest of the weeks errands today because we were SUPPOSED to have a fence being put up (guess what we are NOT having put up I have since found out). He did not go down for a nap until 1 and only slept about half the time he normally does.
I didn't get my nap AT ALL today. I was getting a new fence quote.
On the good side....because I am so tired and know if I sit I will fall asleep, my house is ALMOST spotless. Just need to scrub bathrooms tomorrow and mop! YAY!!!
Me...not so much!
We had to run the rest of the weeks errands today because we were SUPPOSED to have a fence being put up (guess what we are NOT having put up I have since found out). He did not go down for a nap until 1 and only slept about half the time he normally does.
I didn't get my nap AT ALL today. I was getting a new fence quote.
On the good side....because I am so tired and know if I sit I will fall asleep, my house is ALMOST spotless. Just need to scrub bathrooms tomorrow and mop! YAY!!!
Bryce's Brain
"I want to watch Phineaus and Ferb. Anyways, how are those pajamas my size? Anyways, two years ago Kristin at school lived in Greenville...."
I quit listening at that point. This is one on-going "conversation". Things just pop in his head and come straight out his mouth. It never makes sense, it never has anything to do with anything that was said or going on and it is always just random thoughts that don't make sense together.
I quit listening at that point. This is one on-going "conversation". Things just pop in his head and come straight out his mouth. It never makes sense, it never has anything to do with anything that was said or going on and it is always just random thoughts that don't make sense together.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sonogram pictures
she stretched while we were getting pictures. That is her leg over head and she is holding her knee with her hand
bottom of foot and hand/arm
self-explanatory
another thumb-sucker?
looking at us
bottom of foot and hand/arm
self-explanatory
another thumb-sucker?
looking at us
20 Weeks
I had my 20 week sonogram today. I was supposed to also have a drs appt, but the dr had to go deliver a baby. I was given the option of waiting or rescheduling in four weeks. They said everything on the sonogram looked great, so we opted to NOT wait! I have delivered enough babies to know how long that can take and did not want to push my luck with Andrew.
Luckily, the lady quickly checked what she needed to see with a full bladder and let me go to the restroom (which I ended up doing four times in the hour I was there!) Pregnant woman TORTURE I am telling ya!
It was not the same lady that did our sonogram four weeks ago. I told her I was hoping for the same outcome and she asked if I was talking about gender. I said yes, that we had FOUR boys and last time it looked as though we were getting a girl. She said they usually do all the technical stuff and then the fun stuff, but she snuck a peak. Low and behold, the baby obviously was not expecting the sneak attack and she was able to see that we are, for sure, having our baby GIRL!!
She went back to the technical stuff: checking heart chambers, kidneys, aorta, lips and nose, spine, measurements, etc. She looks perfect. We are blessed. So many people don't have healthy babies, even though they do everything right. For us to have, what appears to be, FIVE healthy babies is God!! I know a lot can happen in 20 weeks and even beyond, but I am still counting our blessings!
She was quite active all of last night, throughout the night and all during the sonogram. She was having fun kicking the transducer as soon as the lady would get it where she needed it.
Andrew did his surprise face when we heard the heartbeat and sat perfectly still, like if he moved the sound would stop. I know he does not understand there is a little baby in me, but it is so sweet the way he loves to lay on my BARE belly and pat my belly and kiss it. It seems like the more my belly grows, the more he likes to love on it! He was perfect the whole time we were there. I fixed him some Sprite and did not give it to him until I laid down for the sonogram. The lady doing the sonogram finally asked what was so good because he was sucking on that cup the whole time just about (that was my secret Mama plan!!).
I don't have to spend a day returning baby stuff - YAY!!!! Now....I have this image in my head of what I want her room to look like and I am having SUCH a hard time finding it outside of my head! ARGGGHHHH!
I know lots of people are waiting for this post, so I will put the sonogram pics up in just a little bit. Let me get AJ down for his nap and scan them into the computer.
Luckily, the lady quickly checked what she needed to see with a full bladder and let me go to the restroom (which I ended up doing four times in the hour I was there!) Pregnant woman TORTURE I am telling ya!
It was not the same lady that did our sonogram four weeks ago. I told her I was hoping for the same outcome and she asked if I was talking about gender. I said yes, that we had FOUR boys and last time it looked as though we were getting a girl. She said they usually do all the technical stuff and then the fun stuff, but she snuck a peak. Low and behold, the baby obviously was not expecting the sneak attack and she was able to see that we are, for sure, having our baby GIRL!!
She went back to the technical stuff: checking heart chambers, kidneys, aorta, lips and nose, spine, measurements, etc. She looks perfect. We are blessed. So many people don't have healthy babies, even though they do everything right. For us to have, what appears to be, FIVE healthy babies is God!! I know a lot can happen in 20 weeks and even beyond, but I am still counting our blessings!
She was quite active all of last night, throughout the night and all during the sonogram. She was having fun kicking the transducer as soon as the lady would get it where she needed it.
Andrew did his surprise face when we heard the heartbeat and sat perfectly still, like if he moved the sound would stop. I know he does not understand there is a little baby in me, but it is so sweet the way he loves to lay on my BARE belly and pat my belly and kiss it. It seems like the more my belly grows, the more he likes to love on it! He was perfect the whole time we were there. I fixed him some Sprite and did not give it to him until I laid down for the sonogram. The lady doing the sonogram finally asked what was so good because he was sucking on that cup the whole time just about (that was my secret Mama plan!!).
I don't have to spend a day returning baby stuff - YAY!!!! Now....I have this image in my head of what I want her room to look like and I am having SUCH a hard time finding it outside of my head! ARGGGHHHH!
I know lots of people are waiting for this post, so I will put the sonogram pics up in just a little bit. Let me get AJ down for his nap and scan them into the computer.
Bad Mom?
Maybe....but if it means 30 minutes of NOT chasing Andrew around, I will PROUDLY take the title!
Wonder Pets just came on. There are only two shows that Andrew will sit by himself and watch ALL of. Wonder Pets and Backyardigans. They don't come on ALL the time, though, like Spongebob (which I despise!!). I have started recording everytime they come on - just in case I ever REALLY need a break ;)
Wonder Pets just came on. There are only two shows that Andrew will sit by himself and watch ALL of. Wonder Pets and Backyardigans. They don't come on ALL the time, though, like Spongebob (which I despise!!). I have started recording everytime they come on - just in case I ever REALLY need a break ;)
My Fun Morning
I get to drink 32 ounces of water in 30 minutes or less and then hold it for at least an hour and a half while someone pushes on my bladder for an hour.
Glad they have a restroom INSIDE the sonogram room!
OH YEAH - AND.....I will have terrible-two-even-though-he-is-not-two-yet-Andrew with me. He will be buckled down into a stroller. Imagine how well that will go. After the hour long sonogram I have a drs appt too.
Daddy forgot until he was reminded Friday that he is out of town this week. OOPS!! I HAVE to have the sonogram in my 20th week - that is what they said, so there was no rescheduling!
I will post when we get home.
Glad they have a restroom INSIDE the sonogram room!
OH YEAH - AND.....I will have terrible-two-even-though-he-is-not-two-yet-Andrew with me. He will be buckled down into a stroller. Imagine how well that will go. After the hour long sonogram I have a drs appt too.
Daddy forgot until he was reminded Friday that he is out of town this week. OOPS!! I HAVE to have the sonogram in my 20th week - that is what they said, so there was no rescheduling!
I will post when we get home.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Letter to Pepa From Caleb
This is a letter Caleb wrote for his Grandfather on Veteran's Day. He wanted it put on his grave, but I don't think it can be.
Dear Ronald,
I hope you get everything you've ever wanted. Thank you for serving our country. I hope you find everything you are looking for on this Nov. 11 in heaven. God Bless you. In God's name. Amen.
Dear Ronald,
I hope you get everything you've ever wanted. Thank you for serving our country. I hope you find everything you are looking for on this Nov. 11 in heaven. God Bless you. In God's name. Amen.
Finally Fixed!!
When we bought my car the cruise control was broken. The part had to be ordered so we made plans to take it in and get it fixed. It has been a VERY frustrating process.
We bought it from a Chevy dealership and instead of sending it to Infiniti (or Nissan), they decided they were going to fix it. To make a long, irritating story short, they have had my car about as long as I have had it! After the Chevy dealership had it for 2+ weeks, they finally decided to send it to Infiniti (which we were told was where it was going to begin with).
They did not even give me a loaner car to begin with. After several days of NOT having my car I called and talked to a manager and told them this was there fault, it should have already been fixed (we were initially told the job would take THREE HOURS) and I could not continue not having a vehicle. So, they gave me a car.
I went to Baton Rouge to run a few errands yesterday morning. I was told my car was done Wednesday, the dealership just needed to pick it up. They would call me Thursday morning when they got it. I called around 12:00 to see if it was there because I was finishing up errands. He said he had not gotten to pick it up yet. I explained I was in BR and did not want to drive all the way home and have to turn around. He said when I was done with all my errands to call him back and he would know when I could get it. I called back when I was done, he told me to give him an hour, he was with a customer and then he would go get the car. An hour and a half later, I show up. He is STILL with a customer and my car was not there. He told me to wait and he would take me to the Nissan dealership to get it. I waited and waited and had to leave because kids would be getting home.
Poor AJ was warn out! The plan was to be home in time for his nap - especially since he got up at 5:30. Didn't happen! Not only did he not get a nap, but dinner ended up about 2 hours later than normal because I had to go back and get the car when Paul got home (during rush hour).
So, today, between laundry and housework and chasing AJ, I am being LAZY! When AJ takes a nap - I will be taking a nap!
P.S. Andrew was awesome through it all yesterday. He had to do a lot of buckled-in sitting all day.
We will NEVER go back to this dealership, but I really feel there is NO honest dealership out there!
We bought it from a Chevy dealership and instead of sending it to Infiniti (or Nissan), they decided they were going to fix it. To make a long, irritating story short, they have had my car about as long as I have had it! After the Chevy dealership had it for 2+ weeks, they finally decided to send it to Infiniti (which we were told was where it was going to begin with).
They did not even give me a loaner car to begin with. After several days of NOT having my car I called and talked to a manager and told them this was there fault, it should have already been fixed (we were initially told the job would take THREE HOURS) and I could not continue not having a vehicle. So, they gave me a car.
I went to Baton Rouge to run a few errands yesterday morning. I was told my car was done Wednesday, the dealership just needed to pick it up. They would call me Thursday morning when they got it. I called around 12:00 to see if it was there because I was finishing up errands. He said he had not gotten to pick it up yet. I explained I was in BR and did not want to drive all the way home and have to turn around. He said when I was done with all my errands to call him back and he would know when I could get it. I called back when I was done, he told me to give him an hour, he was with a customer and then he would go get the car. An hour and a half later, I show up. He is STILL with a customer and my car was not there. He told me to wait and he would take me to the Nissan dealership to get it. I waited and waited and had to leave because kids would be getting home.
Poor AJ was warn out! The plan was to be home in time for his nap - especially since he got up at 5:30. Didn't happen! Not only did he not get a nap, but dinner ended up about 2 hours later than normal because I had to go back and get the car when Paul got home (during rush hour).
So, today, between laundry and housework and chasing AJ, I am being LAZY! When AJ takes a nap - I will be taking a nap!
P.S. Andrew was awesome through it all yesterday. He had to do a lot of buckled-in sitting all day.
We will NEVER go back to this dealership, but I really feel there is NO honest dealership out there!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Christmas Tree '08
This is our Christmas tree this year. We decided to go back to the fake this year. Loved the real tree, until it was time to get rid of it and get the sap off the hardwood floors! In this first picture, if you notice the stocking holders (the two snowflakes and SANTA)....well "curious" AJ pulled two of those big, heavy stocking holders on his head Monday (at the same time). Let's just say he proved just how hard his head really is. He barely had as much as a bump on his head - and they are heavy!
Also, after several ornament casualties, we have moved our ornaments up a bit. The bottom of the tree is kind of bare - but curious Andrew strikes again. We had already put all of the boys "special" ornaments that they choose every year higher up. I guess I will hit the after-Christmas sales and try and get some good deals on ornaments. Or pay full price next year. I have a feeling when Christmas is done, we will have few ornaments left!
I really want to do a big, fancy, close to over-the-top tree, but for some reason the boys don't go for it and I don't want to spend a lot of money on something they will destroy :(
Maybe one day!
Also, after several ornament casualties, we have moved our ornaments up a bit. The bottom of the tree is kind of bare - but curious Andrew strikes again. We had already put all of the boys "special" ornaments that they choose every year higher up. I guess I will hit the after-Christmas sales and try and get some good deals on ornaments. Or pay full price next year. I have a feeling when Christmas is done, we will have few ornaments left!
I really want to do a big, fancy, close to over-the-top tree, but for some reason the boys don't go for it and I don't want to spend a lot of money on something they will destroy :(
Maybe one day!
Wigwam
Bryce has had some spots on his forehead, so I took him to the dr today. His teacher was asking what it was and then yesterday they bus driver said it looked like it might be ringworm. I have never dealt with ringworm - so had no idea what to look for.
So he went to he went to the dr this morning. I explained about the teacher and bus driver and he said it actually DID look like ringworm. He said to send him back to school because that is probably where he got it (and he has been there with it all this time anyway). It is possible he got it from our animals, but since noone else in the family has spots (the animals can apparently have them and not be affected by them) the dr does not think that is the case.
The dr wrote a school note that said he had dermatitis and was not contagious. He told me to put the cream on before I took him in though, because as soon as he has the cream on he is no longer contagious. As we were leaving Bryce asked what ringworms were. I told him nothing - he just had a rash and was not contagious (I KNEW he would go to school and tell everyone if I said he had ringworm).
When he got home I asked about his half day at school. He said "everyone wanted to know the TRUTH about what I had." I asked if he told them he just had a rash. "No, I told them all I had wigwams."
So he went to he went to the dr this morning. I explained about the teacher and bus driver and he said it actually DID look like ringworm. He said to send him back to school because that is probably where he got it (and he has been there with it all this time anyway). It is possible he got it from our animals, but since noone else in the family has spots (the animals can apparently have them and not be affected by them) the dr does not think that is the case.
The dr wrote a school note that said he had dermatitis and was not contagious. He told me to put the cream on before I took him in though, because as soon as he has the cream on he is no longer contagious. As we were leaving Bryce asked what ringworms were. I told him nothing - he just had a rash and was not contagious (I KNEW he would go to school and tell everyone if I said he had ringworm).
When he got home I asked about his half day at school. He said "everyone wanted to know the TRUTH about what I had." I asked if he told them he just had a rash. "No, I told them all I had wigwams."
AJ's New Thing
I don't know where he got this, Paul and I don't recall doing this at all, but this morning when I went to get Andrew (who was banging on his door calling "MA") I opened the door and the dog was under us panting. Andrew put his finger over his mouth and started saying "SHHHH" - right in the dogs face.
I guess it is okay for Andrew to beat down the door and yell Ma, but the dog is not allowed to pant (grant it, it is pretty annoying when he follows us around the house doing that).
I guess it is okay for Andrew to beat down the door and yell Ma, but the dog is not allowed to pant (grant it, it is pretty annoying when he follows us around the house doing that).
Pictures
I have done HORRIBLE lately about the camera! I am posting all the pics I have taken in the last month and I will try to do better!!
Isaac's Award Ceremony
Isaac had his awards ceremony at school a while back. He got the A/B honor roll and perfect attendance. AJ and I went, but when we got there we could not even get into the cafeteria to watch. We stood at the entry way, took a couple of pics and when his class was done - we left. I forgot AJ's stroller so I was having to hold him and he is getting heavy!
Good job Isaac!!
Good job Isaac!!
Fund Raiser
Caleb was doing a fund raiser for school. A kid had come over and was wanting us to buy from him and we told him our son was selling. They knew each other (Caleb admits to having a "crush" on the kids sister) so they decided to go sell together. After going around the neighborhood, they were not ready to give up, so they set up a "stand" at the street (using AJ's wagon turned upside down), made a sign and made ISAAC hold the sign (and since he looks up to his brother and was getting attention from him, he had no problem helping out).
Andrew's Fashion
Andrew likes to wear his shirts like this and if you do not have two shoes on his feet, he will find a shoe (his or not) and wear it like this. It is pretty funny to watch.
Andrew Painting....the HOUSE
As I have previously mentioned, I have been painting the house. This is in the kitchen. I had gotten this green for the kitchen, but we decided it was a little too....flourescent on the wall. So, this color is in the boys bathroom instead. It almost matches their shower curtain (note to self: get new shower curtain. Lot of green in that small bathroom!).
Andrew sits right next to that wall and after he gets up from eating, he tries to paint. I guess he doesn't like the partial paint job. I got some paint last weekend for the kitchen, just need time home to do it!
Andrew sits right next to that wall and after he gets up from eating, he tries to paint. I guess he doesn't like the partial paint job. I got some paint last weekend for the kitchen, just need time home to do it!
Boys and Their Toys
Thanksgiving morning, after getting the turkey in the oven, Daddy and Isaac decided to play the X-box. Andrew, of course, wanted to join in. If you notice his controller is not plugged in and he is holding it upside down, BUT - he THOUGHT he was playing and it kept him happy, and more importantly, BUSY!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Sneaky Little Boy
As part of Isaac's homework every night he has to do sight words. He gets a new list every week assuming that he is able to tell all the words on the list on Friday (if he doesn't know all the words he gets the same list a second week). I have to initial every night that he did his list.
I am going to be honest here. I am NOT a perfect Mom. I know that is REALLY hard to believe. Sometimes, though, I forget to sign homework and notes. SOMETIMES, I even forget about some of the kids homework I need to help them with (although, technically I make it THEIR responsibility to come to me with homework they need help on). SHHHH - our secret here!
Isaac has gotten bad about not bringing me his list of words, or asking me to initial after he says his words. Instead of getting a check, which would bring his conduct down from and A+ to an A, he just puts my initials on it - whether we did the words or not. I have gotten on to him about this and tried to explain that it is lying (forgery) and cheating. Today when he got home I was looking at his papers. I noticed that my initials were on it and instantly remembered we DID not do words last night. He looked at me and said he did NOT sign my name. I asked how it got there. He said he just put "MB" not my name.
Yes, he can write my initials and make them look like mine because I normally just scribble my initials while also working on something else. I told him I would not sign if he does this. But, that is okay with him because HE will just sign it the next day. I guess I will have to send a note to the teacher and explain what has happened and tell her to only accept my signature with a certain color of ink that he can't get his hands on. This is not something that is acceptable now or ever wil be so this needs to be stopped NOW!!!
I am going to be honest here. I am NOT a perfect Mom. I know that is REALLY hard to believe. Sometimes, though, I forget to sign homework and notes. SOMETIMES, I even forget about some of the kids homework I need to help them with (although, technically I make it THEIR responsibility to come to me with homework they need help on). SHHHH - our secret here!
Isaac has gotten bad about not bringing me his list of words, or asking me to initial after he says his words. Instead of getting a check, which would bring his conduct down from and A+ to an A, he just puts my initials on it - whether we did the words or not. I have gotten on to him about this and tried to explain that it is lying (forgery) and cheating. Today when he got home I was looking at his papers. I noticed that my initials were on it and instantly remembered we DID not do words last night. He looked at me and said he did NOT sign my name. I asked how it got there. He said he just put "MB" not my name.
Yes, he can write my initials and make them look like mine because I normally just scribble my initials while also working on something else. I told him I would not sign if he does this. But, that is okay with him because HE will just sign it the next day. I guess I will have to send a note to the teacher and explain what has happened and tell her to only accept my signature with a certain color of ink that he can't get his hands on. This is not something that is acceptable now or ever wil be so this needs to be stopped NOW!!!
Big Brothers
Isaac has hit that stage where he wants to be just like his big brother. He always changes his mind if you give him options for stuff (like food or movies or games) to whatever Caleb says he wants.
Saturday it was rainy outside. Caleb decided he wanted to dress up (not sure why). Isaac comes out in a green striped polo shirt, black slacks and brown dress shoes. Daddy asked him why he was dressed up and Isaac just said "because". Daddy asked if Caleb was dressing up and he said yes. I walked in to find Caleb in the closet (putting on mismatched dress socks). He had on a green striped polo shirt (almost the same ast he one Isaac was wearing), black slacks and black dress shoes.
Oh the joys of being the big brother! Just wait Isaac, your little brothers will want to be like you too!
Saturday it was rainy outside. Caleb decided he wanted to dress up (not sure why). Isaac comes out in a green striped polo shirt, black slacks and brown dress shoes. Daddy asked him why he was dressed up and Isaac just said "because". Daddy asked if Caleb was dressing up and he said yes. I walked in to find Caleb in the closet (putting on mismatched dress socks). He had on a green striped polo shirt (almost the same ast he one Isaac was wearing), black slacks and black dress shoes.
Oh the joys of being the big brother! Just wait Isaac, your little brothers will want to be like you too!
Teenager
I don't remember exactly what Caleb was trying to convince us to let him do or get for him (probably because I was so blown away by what he said) but the other day Caleb was trying to get his way about something and he says "But I'm a TEENAGER!"
I quickly put him in his place and reminded him he is NOT a teenager yet, so he needed to stop ACTING like a teenager!
Time for me to go hide under a rock for a few years!
I quickly put him in his place and reminded him he is NOT a teenager yet, so he needed to stop ACTING like a teenager!
Time for me to go hide under a rock for a few years!
Spanish
The boys ALL have spanish at school. We were eating dinner at a Mexican restraunt a couple of weeks ago and the waiter (a mexican) was giving us our drinks. Bryce says "I know how you say 'bye' in spanish." We asked how and he says "Hasta la vista".
It does mean "see you later", but not really what I expected to hear him say as a child just beginning to learn spanish!
It does mean "see you later", but not really what I expected to hear him say as a child just beginning to learn spanish!
Frowning Moon
Last night, if you looked to the southwest sky, you could see the moon "frown". The planets Jupiter and Venus aligned with the crescent moon. The planets looked like eyes and the moon a frown. You were supposed to look at dusk, but unfortunately at the best time to view it (4:30 pm) we had clouds in our way. We were able to see it a little later, after the moon had risen above the planets (so it was an upside down frown face).
Caleb has been learning about astronomy in school and also got a telescope for his birthday, so when I read about it I told him he could go out and watch it. He loved it and can't wait to tell his teacher about it.
Paul and I spent quite a bit of time outside last night. We were having a shed delivered and the guy did not get here with it until almost 7. It was quite a show even when we were out. It was VERY bright and definently caught your eye whether you were looking for it or not.
I think I read the next time this would happen would be the year 2052. I am glad Caleb got to see it while he was learning about this stuff and excited about it.
This is what you were SUPPOSED to see if you saw it early enough. By the time our clouds moved out the smile was above the eyes and was more like and upside down frown.
Caleb has been learning about astronomy in school and also got a telescope for his birthday, so when I read about it I told him he could go out and watch it. He loved it and can't wait to tell his teacher about it.
Paul and I spent quite a bit of time outside last night. We were having a shed delivered and the guy did not get here with it until almost 7. It was quite a show even when we were out. It was VERY bright and definently caught your eye whether you were looking for it or not.
I think I read the next time this would happen would be the year 2052. I am glad Caleb got to see it while he was learning about this stuff and excited about it.
This is what you were SUPPOSED to see if you saw it early enough. By the time our clouds moved out the smile was above the eyes and was more like and upside down frown.
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