HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY BRYCE!!

Happy birthday BryBry!! I have so enjoyed watching you grow and change ! You definently keep us on our toes and busy (along with your brothers)!!! I love watching you play and entertain.

It has been fun to see you SOOO into something! I have never seen a little boy get into anything the way you have gotten into firetrucks the last year and a half. Many people comment that they hope that you will grow up to be a fireman, but I have to be honest with you - I would be okay if you didn't! It is a very honorable job, but I am your Mommy and I don't want to see you in danger. What ever you decide to do with your life, your Daddy and I will always be there to support you.

We love you very much! Have a great birthday with all of your new toys!!

Happy Fathers Day

Daddy and Caleb at fair













Daddy and Bryce Christmas 2004













Daddy and Bryce 2005








Daddy and Bryce June 20, 2003













Isaac watching Daddy eat
2002










Isaac and Daddy













Isaac and Daddy







Caleb, Isaac and Daddy














Caleb and Daddy and the "big catch"













Daddy and Caleb Easter 2000






Yes, it is late! Better late than never though! For Father's Day, my great husband took ME shopping, and he did not complain one time!! It was so nice! When we got home from the mall, we put the kids down for a nap - which they all needed after our LONG weekend. We spent the next several hours sleeping on the couch. It was so nice to have a lazy day (or couple of hours anyway!!).

MINI ME!!














you can kind of see the face he was making when he saw the cake WITHOUT his face!!













where is Bryce?

Saturday - After Party

After Bryce's party Saturday, Paul took Aunt Mary for a tour. He dropped Lindsay and I off at the mall for a little shopping, since we are both pretty familiar with the area. It was pouring again!!! On the way home we stopped and got some KFC for dinner. We took it home and ate and got on our swimsuits. We went to the hotel that Paul's mom and aunt were staying at and spent the next couple of hours swimming. Lindsay worked with Caleb learning how to swim, Isaac floated around in a float and Bryce kept Paul on his toes jumping into the water. Paul would tell him to jump to him, and he would run further down the pool and then jump in. Paul would have to run (in the water) to try to get where Bryce was going to jump in, before he jumped.

We went home and Paul decided that Bryce needed some teasing! He went and cut Bryce's face out of the cake. He carried it out to Bryce and told him he was going to eat his face. Bryce had already gotten upset when he thought I was going to cut his picture, so when he saw this it upset him. Paul tried to make it better: "What part of your face do you want to eat?" he asked Bryce. "the ear." So Bryce ate the ear, Isaac and Caleb each got an eye, and Bryce at the mouth, the nose was poked out by Bryce's finger and Paul ate what was left.

After they finished the cake Bryce went in to see the cake. He was not happy when he saw the huge hole in the cake - and no face! The faces he was making were great - unfortunately I could not get good pics of them. When I was tucking him into bed, he grabbed his ears. I asked what was wrong, "Daddy ate my ear off. He ate all the monsters out of me!!" I was hoping that meant that he would be nice and good, but....

Bryce's birthday cake














Bryce's birthday cake and table decor





























Right after firemen arrived

















Bryce in firetruck
































Annalise and Caleb with Sparky













Bryce getting ready for ride















Bryce on Ronnie's lap going for ride











Firetruck coming back from giving the kids a ride















Firetruck pulling back up to the house

Sparky with a badge on his nose (Bryce put it there)

















Sparky playing dead!!























Sparky, Bryce, Annalise and Isaac















Bryce's cake with candles lit














Singing Happy Birthday to Bryce

















Bryce blowing out candles
















eating cake and ice cream












Isaac and Sparky














Isaac and Sparky











Bryce, Sparky, Daniel and Ronnie with the gifts for Bryce















Sparky going back to the station for an afternoon nap












Bryce opening presents















Bryce opening presents














Isaac getting ready to go for a ride, Jordan behind him

















Caleb getting ready for a ride

Bryce's Birthday Party

Bryce in firetruck














Firetruck in front of house














Bryce in firetruck













Balloon from firemen












Balloon from firemen
















Card from firemen

















Bryce's new quilt















Castle open














Castle closed













Firefighter Spud

WHAT A BUSY WEEKEND!!! Part two

Bryce's Birthday Party:

It stopped raining a little before one! The firetruck rolled in front of the house at one oclock on the dot. The first guest was just getting out of the car when they got here. Bryce went darting out the door when he saw Ronnie and Daniel. To EVERYONES surprise, they were letting "Sparky" out of the back of the truck. I did not even know Sparky existed and he was a hit at the party. Bryce was a little scared of Sparky at first - he has never seen such a big dog before! - but quickly warmed up to him!!

As guest arrived they went straight to the firetruck. They played on the firetruck for quite a while. After everyone had arrived and they had all played and checked out the truck, they all got strapped in and went for a ride around the block. They had on headphones so they could hear each other while they were riding. Bryce sat up front on Ronnie's lap and Daniel drove the truck. Sparky stayed at the house and went inside for some relieve from the hot, very humid air!! They drove off with the lights and sirens on and honking the horn! We heard them the entire way around the big block they went, horns and sirens blaring!! When they came back all the kids were SOOO excited!

Everyone unloaded and played outside for a few more minutes and then we went in for some cake and ice cream, so the firemen could have some. The firemen LOVED the cake (which I really was not sure how it would turn out when I ordered it!!) Right before we lit the candles we had a few more guests show up, so after the cake and ice cream, the firemen took them out to the truck to let them see it before they left.

I finally told everyone that Sparky needed his afternoon nap! He was getting really sleepy from all of the excitement. The kids agreed that the firemen needed to take him home so he could get a bath and take a nap. The firemen gave Bryce their gifts. They gave him 2 balloons, a Fantastic Four toy and a Spiderman toy. Plus, a card signed by 7 firemen and five dollars. Bryce was so excited and I just thought that was so sweet of them! They left with some brownies, and a big chunk of cake to take back to the firehouse.

Then we went inside and opened gifts. Bryce got a lot of new toys!! He was so excited that he would open a present and barely even look to see what it was before he was tearing into the next one! He got a couple of firetrucks, a toy jeep, a firetruck comforter, a car for his racing track, a firetruck book, a Thomas Aquadoodle, and a big wooden castle, to name a few!

After he opened presents the kids went outside and to bedrooms to play while the trash was all cleaned up. Everyone seemed to have a great time, I know Bryce did! He is in toy overload! He does not know what to play with, so he is trying to play with everything at one time. It is pretty funny to watch!

WHAT A BUSY WEEKEND!! Part One

Well, we are all exhausted!!! We had such a busy, but good weekend! Paul took Friday off so he could help me get some stuff done, and also because it was my birthday and he wanted to spend it with me (AAHHHHHH!). He came home from work Thursday with a Spacesaver radio/cd player for the kitchen (it hangs under the cabinets), and a gift certificate to one of my favorite stores. He even hung the radio as soon as I opened it!!

Friday morning, we took Caleb and Isaac to school and came home and did some work around the house (mowing, mopping, etc.). When we were done Paul decided he wanted to take the kids to lunch and to see Cars. So we picked the kids up at about 11 or so and took them to McDonalds and then to the movies. It was such a good movie!!! Friday afternoon I went to the airport and picked up Nana, Aunt Lindsay and Aunt Mary who flew in for Bryce's party.

Saturday morning we got up to RAIN!! Not just light rain - HARD POUIRNG RAIN!!! This would be fine normally. We need the rain badly, but did it have to come the day we planned an outdoor party??? When Bryce got up I told him it was raining, "No its not" he said. "Yes it is sweetie." He looked at the window and got a major pouty lip "NOW MY BIRTHDAY RUINED!" he said. So I called the firemen to see if they could come to the house for the party. They said that was fine, so I then got to call everyone and let them know the party had been moved.

The firemen called back after a little while and asked what Bryce liked to play with other than firetrucks. I told them pretty much anything with wheels. When I got off the phone with them, I went to Walmart to get the balloons and cake, where I saw the firemen with balloons and several bags. HOW SWEET OF THEM!! Not only did they go way above and beyond for the party (and everything else they do for Bryce) but they went and bought him gifts and balloons!!

I rushed home and got the house decorated and ready for all of the guests to arrive at one. Luckily the house was clean for the last minute change in plans!!

Isaac with Toad

There is another video of Isaac coming, but I am having problems downloading it. I will try to get it on this afternoon.

Isaac with Toad

Isaac first seeing the toad

My Poor Isaac

Sorry I have not posted in a few days. Things are kind of crazy trying to get ready for Bryce's birthday party on top of our everyday things we have to do! I have this video of Isaac with the toad that I have needed to post since Friday. It will be on its own post.

Caleb started Boys Club this week. HE LOVES IT!! He comes home everyday talking about new friends and what he did. They pretty much get to do what they want. They have computers, games, movies, two gyms, and the playground. I am glad we decided to let him do it!!!

We took Isaac back to the ENTS (ear, nose and throat specialist). He has had constant drainage out of one of his ears. We have gone to the pediatrician every month since December about that one ear. He has always had excessive drainage, but this ear started with a drainage that looked like puss and then started looking like blood. We have tried every antibiotic to clear it up and many ear drops and nothing has helped.

The ENTS said that his tube has come out, but is stuck right outside the eardrum. There is some kind of tissue building up around the tube (I don't know the medical jargon, but it is not scar tissue). This build up is very sensitive and since everything is rubbing together (his ear canal, tube and this buildup) it is causing his ear to bleed. Many people have thought I was insane when I say that he has blood coming out of his ear and say that it is just wax, well it is not! It is blood.

So, he was put on some steroid eye drops (yes, eye) for his ear. We have to give it 3 times a day for 2 weeks. In 3 weeks we will go back and if the dr can see and get to the tube easily, he will pull it out in a drs visit. If it does not clear it up enough, he will have to have some gas for about 5 minutes so they can go in, clean the ear out and pull out the tube. The dr said that it would feel like getting a shot, so there would probably be some screams and tears.

I am almost glad it is this causing the problem though. After talking to the pediatrician, we were kind of scared that they were going to have to take that tube out and put another one in. Since it came out on its own and the problem is in front of the ear drum, we will not have to have another tube at this point. His other ear is perfect! The tube has been out for a while now and we have had NO EAR INFECTIONS!! This is very exciting to me!

I am sure this has to be affecting his hearing to some degree. The dr said that the drainage and buildup completely blocking the tube. If the tube is in front of the ear drum and the tube is blocked, then he can't be hearing out of that ear very well. As much as he has improved in therapy WITH this problem, hopefully when we fix this, he will exceed much faster!

As much as he has been through, I don't know how he can still be excited to see drs. When he had his EEG, on our way out of the hospital he said "Okay Mommy, I scared of drs now." About a week later, he told me, out of the blue, that he was no longer scared of doctors and he could go back anytime. I was telling Mom this and she said he was going to end up being a doctor. I hope he does. I think after everything he has been through he would have a great bedside manner, and he is already a people person!!

Feeding the Toad

Caleb has been concerned about the fact that he has not seen the frog eat - never mind he is a pretty hefty fellow already! Well, Caleb is the only child I know that can easily catch flies. It is like they fly into his hands! It takes him only a few seconds to get one.

Well, he just came in and told us that he fed the frog. I asked him what he fed him. "I caught a fly and hit his head and then put it in the tub with him. Hopefully they will eat dead bugs - you fly murderer!!!

THE TOAD Part 6

THE TOAD Part 5

THE TOAD Part 4

More of the toad

THE TOAD Part 2

This was when Bryce first came out to see the toad - I am not sure why he went in the house and stripped down. He said he was cold and that was why he took his clothes off.

THE TOAD

Caleb found this toad while he was out cleaning the patio. Their toys are covered with a tarp and the toads like to lay in and under it. It was a really friendly toad that did not seem to mind the boys.

YEAHHHHHHHHH!

We took Isaac to physical therapy yesterday. Since he was only going to be there for an hour, we stayed and waited. Well, I was asking if the way Bryce says blue was normal. At this point, I am not sure what "normal" is because our "normal" is to be in speech!! I have posted before about how people - including the boys doctor - have commented on how well he talks for his age. I was not concerned that he may need speech, I honestly did not know if he should be able to say blue (because of he lu sound in the middle). It is hard to explain what his blue sounds like. You can tell it is blue, it is just funny sounding. Well, they started throwing words at him that the majority of the 2 and 3 year olds they see have problems with (and even some older kids). She said yellow is one that a lot of kids, even those without speech problems have problems with. He nailed it. He got every word they threw at him perfect. The therapist was amazed! She said that Bryce must have gotten all of Isaac's speech abilities.

Third one is a charm right??! I am just excited that it seems I have a child that does not need ANY therapy! YIPPEEEE! Now that I know he can talk - he can quit!!!!

How Do We Take This?

How do you take it when your son tells everyone you do something for a living that you don't actually do? Bryce is telling people that his Daddy is a fireman. I am sure of why this started. When people see his obsession with firemen (he is almost always in his fireman costume or a shirt that has firetrucks on it), they always ask if his daddy is a fireman. He always answers yes, and then I have to explain that he is not. Now though, he is just randomly, out of the blue, telling people Daddy is a fireman!

You Know You See Your Pediatrician Too Much

You know how usually if you run into one of your doctors while out running errands, the doctor will usually recognize you and say hello, but does not usually start a conversation or really know WHO you are. Well, here is a sad story for you.

So, Monday morning at about 8 in the morning, I am at the post office trying to buy stamps out of one of those machines. Well, the boys pediatrician walked in, “Hi Meaghan. How are you today?” “Fine thank you. How are you?” I ask a little shocked.
“Fine, and how are Caleb, Isaac and Bryce?” “They are pretty good” (obviously since we have not seen you in about a month) I said still a little in shock. “That is good. How are Isaac’s ears doing?” he ask.

Okay by then I was just blown away. I am not the type that goes up to the dr when I run into him and starts asking about my childs health, even if I want too. If I run into him outside of the office #1 he is not working and probably does not want to be bothered with work and #2 I don’t expect him to really know who I am much less ALL of our names and all of the kids ailments.

He is a great doctor and the kids all love him, so I am sure that as long as he practices and as long as the kids are under 18 they will see him. He is one of those rare ones that actually takes the time to listen to what you say and what the kids say. He talks to the kids instead of about the kids. He does not think that because he has the degree he knows if something is off. He trusts the “mothers instinct” thing or at least plays along with it.

Yes, we do have to wait in the waiting room when we go see him. Sometimes, the waiting period is horrible. Many people have asked why I keep going back to the same dr knowing that I could have to wait 1+ hours after my appointment time to see him. Here is my answer to that: I could take my kids to any dr and have that dr come in, look over my child, tell me what is wrong (or what he sees in his 2 minute go over the child), prescribe me some medicine and be on our way. Or…I could patiently wait until it is my turn to see him. I have the peace of mind of knowing that the doctor is going to know who my child is and that my child is comfortable with him. I also have the peace of mind that he will take the time to listen to me and the child and discuss what symptoms most would not ask about. He will then give his opinion and ask yours. It is a group effort instead. If I don’t know, I tell him I don’t know and to do what he feels is best. Most importantly I TRUST HIM!

When people ask how I can sit for however long with a sick child in the waiting room, knowing that your appointment has long come and gone, this is my response to that. First, I come knowing that it could be a long trip. I don’t come feeling rushed. I have someone to pick up the others from school if I need them too. I also keep reminding myself that the doctor is taking his time with another patient and listening to them, just like I want him to do when I get in there!

Every Mother's Dream

Every mother wishes to one day have a son that can make farting sounds in his armpits. My wish came true and now my 7 year old can! Yeah right - I really want to hear THAT all the time.

Boys Singing

We have had the radio on all morning, on KLOVE. I love that the boys are sitting here singing these songs. Caleb loves the song How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin. He and Bryce are both sitting here singing it word for word. What an awesome song for them to know the words too! Just goes to show to all of those that say that kids aren't listening - they are! Next time Iwill try to catch them on audioblogger!

To Everyone Who Complains When I Don't Post

often enough (aka daily!): You need to thank Caleb and Bryce for self - entertaining and playing together so I could spend two hours catching the blog up!! They have been great this morning, although I think they are both still worn out from yesterday!!
I will try to stay caught up - even though NO ONE leaves comments to let me know they are reading it!

Conversation Between Bryce and Isaac

This morning I got such a nice surprise while taking Isaac to school. Usually as soon as I get Isaac and Bryce in the car they find something to argue about just to argue! They start quiet and by the time we are to the school (just a couple of blocks down the road) they are screaming at each other as loud as they can. This morning was much different (and better - so it probably won't happen again!)

Bryce: "You got a booboo on your leg?"
Isaac: "Yes"
Bryce: "Did you do that at school?"
Isaac: "No, in the road with the ball."
Bryce: "Ohh, the road hurt you?"
Isaac: "Yes!"
Bryce: "Are you okay?"
Isaac: "No, I not."
Bryce: "I sorry."
Isaac: "I'll be better when this booboo drys up."

Then we were at school and they completely missed their oppurtunity for their morning arguement because they were....shhhhh.....being polite and concerned for one another. Don't tell them though!

Isaac did hurt his knee - like 3 weeks ago. He was trying to catch one of those really big balls. He rolled over it and landed on his knees (he put his hands out to catch himself though!!!! That is a big deal!). I don't know why he saided he would be better when his booboo dried up. It is almost gone, and does not still bleed.

It was a sweet conversation though!

So Proud of Isaac

Isaac is still in school, and will be until the end of June. I am so glad he likes going. He has really enjoyed it, but I was afraid that with Caleb home this week, he would also want to be home. Especially yesterday after the fire station visit. I knew the other two would not be quiet about it! But, he listened to their stories, asked questions and that was the end of it. He did the same thing Tuesday when we had some friends come over.

I think at some point this weekend I am going to have to take him somewhere just the two of us. Maybe we will go to the zoo or something for a little while.

Caleb will not be home the rest of the summer (until a couple of weeks before school starts). He is going to the Boys Club, and he is really excited about it. He is not easy to keep entertained, as not many 7 year olds are. Already he complains about being bored. I can give him 100 different ideas of things to do, but they are all "boring" as well. The sad part is that he has only been home for 3 days and Tuesday he had his girlfriend over and we were gone for several hours and yesterday we were gone almost all day, and he had company with him all day. I am so glad he talked me into letting him go to the club!!

Anyways, I am just really proud of how Isaac is handling being the only one going to school! I am just proud of him all around. He has come so far in the last year in every aspect. He has another year before he starts Kindergarten, and if he keeps up the way he has been, I really think he will be ready! He is already REALLY excited about starting Kindergarten. Caleb has really built it up to be the greatest thing on Earth. Of course, to Caleb school is one of the greatest things on Earth.

I was talking with his occupational therapist on Tuesday morning and I was telling her how Isaac keeps talking about how much he has missed her (he did not see her for the last couple of weeks). We got to talking about how far he has come since she started seeing him towards the end of last year (I think he started OT in September). I think just BEING at preschool has done the most help for him. He is not learning a lot as far as "book knowledge" but when I started him I and his therapist were most interested in the peer education. He has picked up a lot just being around the other kids and seeing them and the way they interact.

Need More Blogger Knowledge!

I wish I knew more about Blogger! When I am creating the blog, my pictures do not have huge gaps between them, yet everytime I publish they do! I don't know what I am doing wrong. I need to find time to experiment with this thing!

Save the BenGay

I just heard a funny thing on KLOVE radio station. They were talking about strange remedies for people like tea for shiny hair, stuff like that. Well, one them was using WD 40 for arthritis. They were making jokes about it and I thought there was no way, but that it was funny the irony in it. Well, a lady called in and said it really works and that her grandmother swears by it. She said it started with mechanics. They would wipe their hands on their clothes after using the WD 40 and it would soak through and their aches and pains would go away.

So I guess you can smell like oil or be in pain, but really can anything be stronger than Bengay and other arthritis rubs?