The Wild Rices

Gus is a lil stinker!!!!!

2011-11-14T20:54:00.001-05:00

I finally found one drawback to having a son (Evan) who reads well above his reading level. Sometimes he reads words he ought not. Tonight he checked out a book from the library that said "crap" and he proceeded to tell me when Gus was sitting in the same room. Of course, Gus starts saying it too. After I told both boys they were not to say it again, Gus still insisted on repeating it! Uggh!!!!!! Here's the rest of our conversation.

Me: Gus, if you say that again, you are going to get a spankin.
Gus: Can you just ignore me, then?

HAHAHA!!!! It was soooooooooo hard not to laugh!

Sickle Pickles

2011-11-13T18:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning I got off work and came straight home. I was hoping to catch a few zzzz's before beginning our busy weekend. Almost immediately upon walking in the door-all my plans flew out the window. As I was smearing my just purchased "fresh from the farm REAL butter" on my whole wheat bread, Craig flew past me and into my butter knife (thank goodness it wasn't sharp!) and proceeded to vomit into and along the side of my garbage can. Yum. I put the bread down, appetite somehow gone and got the cleaning supplies and removed the garbage bag from my house.

After all was cleaned up, I climbed into bed and snuggled up to Gus. Just as I closed my eyes, Gus sits straight up and starts yelling, "My throat is sucking in! My throat is sucking iiiiiiIIIIIIiiiin!!!!" Not knowing what that meant, I asked him what in the world he was talking about at the same moment he upchucked ALL over my bed and carpet. (And darn it if it isn't the only room in the house without hardwood!)After I cleaned up Gus's mess, I began to get a little queasy myself-but chalked it up to the germs that were swirling around in my head now that I knew we had a virus among us. Nope. Not in my head. I got it the worst. Thank goodness sweet Evan was spared, and Craig and Gus didn't end up having it too bad.

I need to give a shout out to my Evan because he actually cleaned up my "mess" as I was getting sick. He really is the most fantastic boy in the world. I told him that he was going to be the best husband in the whole world someday and that he will be an absolute treasure to his wife in the event she should get sick. Evan, heart of gold-stomach of steel <3

Today was clorox and clean sheets day. I did laundry sun up to sun down. I think I did a great job, too because Evan never did get sick. Praise the Lord!

Mom of the Year right here!

2011-10-21T20:51:00.014-04:00

This morning when I got off work, I was rushing and in my haste forgot to stop at Kroger to pick up a few things so Evan could pack his lunch. Gus had enough for his, but Evan is super finicky. He kind of whined, then asked me to look up on the school menu what they were having. I totally forgot and sent him off on his merry way. Later, I looked at the school lunch calendar and realized they were having Mexican Pizza. (THAT SOUNDED AWESOME to me, but I knew Evan was going to be bummed and would forgo lunch, yet again.)

I made a decision right then to do something my mom would have NEVER done in a million years. I skipped my much anticipated slumber (night shift workers can understand how big a sacrifice this is!!!) and turned my car into his school parking lot. I pranced into the office and told the staff that I wanted to take my son out to lunch as a surprise. I was giddy with the knowledge that Evan was going to be on cloud nine. He was. He picked Mickey D's, of course and he had a blast. He told me about a bazillion times that this was the best school day ever and I was the best mom in the world. Yep. Today I agree :)

My baby brother isn't a baby anymore

2011-10-08T21:47:00.001-04:00

My mom's birthday was Oct 2nd and as her birthday treat, she went jaunting off to Tennessee for a week long vacation with my stepdad. Little did dear Momma know, that while the ink was still wet on her contract, her baby (OUR baby, my little brother Dakota) was asking a girl out on a date for the first time! To his first high school Homecoming!!!! Oh, horror of horrors-it was the same weekend my mom was out of town!!!!

Guess what happens to the poor kid stuck with three older sisters when his mom goes out of town and he has his first date?!?!?! Yep, you get three picture taking, nagging, embarrassing adults gushing all over you and the lucky gal who accepted your invitation.

Dakota was a trooper.All week, he let me, Jessica, Aimee, and my brother in law Steve all contribute to and pick out his attire. We commented (rejected and replaced) pants, shoes, hair style, shirt, tie and he even let me do a test run with my flat iron! He hated it, but still-he let me.

I know my mom was so sad to miss it, but she should take comfort in the fact that it took three of us to replace her.

Just a reminder to myself, mostly....

2011-05-06T12:49:00.001-04:00

The Vintage Pearl: happy birthday to me. (BIG giveaway!)

2011-03-31T15:55:00.000-04:00

The Vintage Pearl: happy birthday to me. (BIG giveaway!) Go sign up to win a gift certificate! This is the cutest website!!!!!

Just something cute...

2011-03-29T18:41:00.000-04:00

Gus has a little buddy at preschool named Andrew. Thursday when I went to pick Gus up from school, his teacher, Mrs. Birmingham pulled Andrew's mother and me aside. With tears in her eyes she told us the about the sweetest thing that had happened that day. Andrew was so worried about Gus's hand, he leaned over to Gus and said, "Don't worry, Gus. I'll take care of you and make sure you don't hurt your hand again." Soooooooooo cute!!!!

Well, Andrew must be trying to get a good citizen award because his tender little heart reached out to Gus at school again today! They did an art project where they dipped both hands in white paint and stuck them on black construction paper. This was made to resemble x-rays of the childrens hands. All of the kids were able to do it, except Gus as his left hand is still wrapped up. Instead of two symmetrical (well, probably not exactly! They're only three...hahaha) hand prints, Gus's paper has two different sized palm prints. Gus's right hand and Andrew's left.

I cannot wait to see this adorableness! I will post a picture as soon as I get the "x-ray" sent home :)

My poor little Gussers!!!!!

2011-03-24T19:34:00.001-04:00

Monday night, my sweet baby boy got burnt on the stove. We were coming off the most amazing day. We had gone to the park, uncovered a new coffee shop, and then had a picnic at the airport viewing area. It was awesome! The time came to make dinner and I made the (now) regrettable decision to let him help me.

We prepared the food together, dipping chicken breast in a beaten egg, then coating it with a crumb mixture and then put it in the oven. Then we moved to the stove, where I was boiling a pot of water to make mashed potatoes....I kept telling Gus I no longer needed help and that the stove top was super hot. I did not however ask him to leave the kitchen. Instead, I reveled the the glow of our glorious day together, not entertaining the notion that things quickly might turn....

As I was removing the pot of boiling water I told Gus to be careful because the burner was hot and as I set the potatoes down on the other boiler-Gus threw his left hand down on the red hot, newly vacant burner. Ahhhhhhgggggghhhh!!!! What followed next can only be described as utter chaos. Gus and I were both crying, I was calling my sister Aimee (an ER nurse) and trying to get Gus dressed and out the door. After a few minutes, the burns that at first looked clear, began to darken and I knew he had 2nd degree burns. My sister talked me into driving Gus to Children's ER and I am so glad she did.

He cried the entire way, apologizing for not listening to me. It was horrendous.
"Mom, I should have listened to you!" (He was in so much pain, he was twisting an elastic band that goes to his carseat cover around his other wrist trying to transfer pain away from his injury.)
"You're the best mom in the world."(Crying.Followed by screaming....followed by growling.)
"I never cooking with you again!"
(more growling)
"Oooohhh. It's all my fault!"
(I kept telling him it was 100% all my fault. I had no business having him in there with a hot stove.)
"I want to sit up front with you! I want you to touch me!"
(By this time I was hysterical myself)
"My hand is on fire!"
(screaming)
"Am I still the best boy in the world?"
(broke my heart!)

Once we got to CCHMC, they ushered us into a room within 10 minutes. I guess they felt awful for the poor little guy. He ended up with 1st and 2nd degree burns-but no 3rd. Praise Jesus! We have to wrap it and do dressing changes a few times a day-but the dr thinks he will be just fine. As bad as it was to see him in so much pain, I realize it could have been so much worse. I am going to be more careful and protective of my kiddos from now on. It just stinks it took something like that to teach me a lesson.

Book club!

2011-03-17T01:23:00.001-04:00

I am thrilled to say I am back in a book club. It combines two of my favorite loves....reading and talking! HAHAH!!!! This month the book selected was The Hate List, by Jennifer Brown. The book focuses on one of my biggest fears :BULLYING. Uggh. I hate bullies! I am so scared that someone will someday make my child feel less than what he is (perfect) and worse yet-that he will believe it. The book is based around a tragic school shooting and all the blame flinging that ensues. I loved it. If any of you end up reading it-let me know! I'd love to discuss! :)

Bedtime prayers

2011-03-16T23:23:00.002-04:00

Lately, as they boys and I are doing our bedtime prayers, Gus has decided God is in the business of granting wishes. He starts out with "Dear God way up in the stars" or something just as goofy and then lets his list fly! Here's a few:
-"Um, God, I wish that everybody in town was robots and you got fired." (Yeah...I was not a fan of that one!)
-"God, I reallllllllly wish we lived in a big, giant cupcake."
-" I wish I lived on a boat with an elephant and he could sleep in my bed"

So, needless to say, a talk was in order! Craig and I always tell the boys that God is in their hearts, and also in everything around us in the whole entire world. Tonight, as Gus was laying down, he asked me, "Mom? Is this where my heart is?" (He was patting his chest.) "Yes dear, that's your heart." "So....that's where God is? And Jesus? They both fit in there? I must have a big heart!" (Then he leaned with his chin to chest and whispered) "Good night God and Jesus....sorry you're smooshed!"

Ahhhh....he is the funniest!

So proud of my boy!

2011-03-15T01:35:00.002-04:00

Today Evan came home from school and immediately asked Craig and I if he could go door to door to all of our neighbors and ask them for money. Knowing him as we do-we knew this could be for a multitude of reasons...so we didn't even try to guess. Evan then handed me a packet of paper and explained that he wanted to participate in JumpRope for Heart, an event at school geared towards raising money for the American Heart Association to help kids with heart conditions.

He proceeded to email all of our family and then ran into his bedroom. He came back with his piggy bank and a screwdriver. He told me that he wanted to give all his money to help kids with heart disease. With all his money (really only about $60) he figured he could save a thousand kids lives!

Ah....I love this boy! He has the sweetest heart. I let him donate $10 and then told him we'd help him raise the rest. He is so special and I couldn't be more proud!

He asked for my help to set up a web page. He began to fill all the info out himself. Imagine my surprise when he added a zero to the default fundraising goal of $100! Yeah. He wants to raise $1000 dollars :) The entire school's goal is only $2500! We lowered it to $300, because you can always overshoot that goal-but I really wanted him to feel accomplished when he met the goal and not bummed if he doesn't. So far, he has raised $170 with the help of FB and family!

If you'd like to help Evan raise money for the AHA JumpRope for Heart, you can follow this link: http://honor.americanheart.org/site/TR/JumpforHeart/GRA-GreatRiversAffiliate?px=2761974&pg=personal&fr_id=1439

Mmmmm cookie party!!!!!

2010-12-14T23:11:00.018-05:00

Today was our annual cookie party with my "gym friends" and a few other fun gals. In the past we have gone to Carrabas and also to Cheddars. The problem with that is all the other other tables stare at you longingly and at times even let their kids come over and beg for free samples. SERIOUSLY! This year we decided to go to the Panera in Florence because they have a private party room. What a great idea! We were able to shut the doors and have some privacy and we also had yummy healthy dinner!

Special thanks to all my ladies who participated: Julie, Janae, Sarah, Sandy, Niki, Shannon, Lacey,Elaina, Aunt Judie, my mother in law Barb, and whoever else I forgot- SORRY!!!!

The cookies are all sooooooooo good! We had white chocolate macadamia cookies, cherry chunkies, peanut butter, sugar cookie snowmen, mint chocolate, wedding cookies, turtle pretzels, peanutbutter chocolate bars, pecan bars and snowflake sugar cookies! I am seriously considering doing this more than once a year! These ladies can bake! :)

Here is the link for the iced sugar cookie snowflakes I made. (My first attempt at royal icing,too!)

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/cooking-school-perfect-sugar-cookies-and-royal-icing

Zombie baby! Ahhhggggg!!!!!!!

2010-11-03T19:07:00.001-04:00

I walked into the bathroom earlier this evening only to see Gus smearing halloween face paint all over his body and face. (Think Braveheart.....) I asked what he was doing and replied, "Imma be a zombie, Momma." This is what I saw.

Okay....Not looking overly much like a zombie, but just wait.....I guess in order to get the zombie look, you must go ala gremlin and get em wet!

I know, scary, right?

Halloween with cousins

2010-11-01T14:32:00.001-04:00

For the second year in a row we went trick or treating in Aunt Jessica and Uncle Joe's neighborhood, Harmony. For the second year in a row-we had a great time! (Not really hard when you knock on a door and someone hands you candy just for looking cute...!) What made this year even better than the last was that Aunt Aimee, Uncle Steve, Gammy and Pumpaw also joined us! All the kids got along and each scored enough candy to fill a candy store! Isaac's bucket handle even broke twice!

Batman Gus, Ninja Evan, Superman Isaac and Gammy

Fairy Princess Addyson

Fairy Princess Kendall

Elvis Welsey (haha)

After trick or treating, Craig and I took the boys over to Grumpa and Mamaw's house to show them their chocolate-y loot!

Hallowfest at Kings Island

2010-10-30T18:16:00.001-04:00

So we had a busy week doing all kinds of Halloween themed activities. Craig and I took the boys to Hallowfest at King's Island. The boys had a great time. Gus especially loved all the characters and wanted his picture taken with all of them...including the Red Gold Tomato Guy?

We ran thru a maze

and then the boys played in a ginormous bubble pit. (Not the best idea on a chilly day because their legs got drenched-but I am convinced kids don't feel cold when they're having fun!)

The best part of the day was when we met up with The Pearce family. (Well not the triplets. They stayed home.) Evan, Gus, Catcher and Hagen had a great time running thru the pumpkin patch, but those Wild Rice boys were sooooooooooooo ready for a nap when we left! We could barely wake them up when we got home!

I love my friends...and soup!

2010-10-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

I have been blessed to become fast friends with a group of ladies I met at Fitworks. I call them my "gym ladies", but really we are more like "support team/group therapy ladies"! We've been thru alot together including, but not limited to MELT DOWN MAMAtime, scary pregnancy (triplets!!! What's scarier? HAHA!), deaths in the family, one of the ladies moving (TO TURKEY!!?!?!?) and all sorts of other stuff. What's amazing is that we've just grown closer during this time and always make it a priority to get together even if it's only once a month. I love them. (And though it could be argued that I have plenty of sisters already....these girls feel like mine.)

Tuesday we all met at Sarah's house and had our second annual soup party. Would it be arrogant to say that all us mamas are darn fine cooks? We had the most amazing salad, two delicious soups, YUMMY pumpkin chip cupcakes, pumpkin spice coffeecake, panera bread asiago bagels, mimosas, cider and cheesecake! Oh my!

As we always tend to do, we overcooked! It was fine because we could all take home some extras!

Although I enjoyed having Marjie there (She's Ju's bestie since high school who has become like a little sis to me and is also the triplet's nanny)

and I got to meet Janae's new bundle of joy, Corynne- the highlight of the day was definitely the wind storm. It really puts it into perspective how much you are loved when your friend (Sarah in this instance) was shooing us all into the basement to ensure that we would all survive the terrible storm. It really was wild. Probably seven adults, 8 children and Bailey the shivering shih-tzu, were all cuddled up in the basement.

The kids were none the wiser, and I really enjoyed chatting on the couch with my girls :)

HallZooWeen 2010!

2010-10-24T15:01:00.002-04:00

For the entire month of October I have been planning to take the kids to the Cincinnati Zoo for their annual HallZooWeen Event! We were so excited this morning because TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!! So Gus pops outta bed at 8:15 and wants his costume on, complete with full makeup. I obliged, because really...who can deny such a cutie? :)

I finished up makeup at 8:45 and woke Evan up. We put on his costume and decided we'd better hurry and eat breakfast because the zoo would probably be crowded. I thought HallZooWeen began at ten. Um, no. NOON!!!! We decided to go to McDonalds as a breakfast treat (and to kill time before the festivities).

At the zoo, we met up with Grammy and the Lainhart family. (Niki-one of my besties, her husband Brennan, and the kids-Braden, Makena and Amaia). We had a great time and all the kids got along rediculously well! The sun was shining and it was about 74 degrees with a slight wind! Hello? Perfectly wonderful day! Here are a few pics!

Evan is a soccer super star!!!!

2010-10-18T16:29:00.000-04:00

Evan's soccer team entered the Nightmare Tournament held at Central Park via BCYSA. They lost their game on Saturday, but only by one goal and actually had possession of the ball 75% of the game. We played again Sunday morning and it looked bad at first. We went 0-0 all the way to half time. Just after half time, the other team scored. Our boys then scored THREE goals in about five minutes! It was so great! Evan had a few shots, but mostly he's a defensive guy. He's got a heck of a foot on him (he gets it from his momma! HAHAH!) and usually helps out by boothing the ball back up the field. So the game ended 3-1! We got to move on to the championship game!

That game began at noon....and ended around 2:30! Yep.....FIVE OVERTIMES!!!! Can you believe that in a U8 league!?!?! They were down 0-2 and then came back and scored two to tie it up. Noone scored until the fifth overtime, so that's how we won. Both teams played a heck of a game! Way to go Blue Aliens!

My little monster (cupcakes)

2010-10-18T03:58:00.000-04:00

Craig called me the other day to remind me that this weekend was Sweetest Day. His exact words were, "How much more romantic could sweetest day be than horror flick night at the Egglestons? We can bring the boys..." I WAS SOLD! Anytime I can get out with the husband and spend time with the kiddos is a great time indeed!

To go along with the "Sweetest Day Haunt Night" we made the "sweetest" monster cupcakes you've ever seen. Seriously....they were delish!

The best part of all was that we decorated them as a family. I love watching Craig do this kind of activity with the boys. The men in my house are as thick as thieves and I wouldn't have it any other way...

Oh, the things he says....

2010-10-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, I took Gus to the park to play with his cousins (and hopefully get some energy out since I was mid-week in a 5-night-shifts-in-a-row schedule). Granted we weren't at the park long, but we'd played at Aimee's for an hour previously. As I was literally dragging Gus out of the playground and cramming him kicking and screaming into the car seat, he began to yell, "I don't like you! You don't let me play at the park!" I ignored him and only responded by saying that my feelings were hurt and I was surprised he was upset CONSIDERING we had just played at the park he said he NEVER gets to play at! We drove home with the windows down and him howling about how he doesn't like me (or anyone in town!).

Once home, I climbed into bed and tried to get him to do the same....He lay there for a while then he rolled over and said the following:

Gus: Mom, I sorry I hurt you feelings.
Me: What did you say? (meaning what did he say that hurt my feelings)
Gus :UGGGH! I SAY I SORRY I HURT YOU FEELINGS!!!!
Me:I know, honey...but WHAT did you SAY?
Gus: I SAID I SORRY!!!! I SPEAKIN EN-GISH! Can't you hear me?
Me: What did you say that hurt my feelings, Gus?
Gus: Well... I say that I don't like you cuz you don't do what I want and I so sorry. I dinnint mean dat. I love you. I miss you mom mom.

Ahhh....how can I stay mad at such a cutie? I couldn't believe that he'd thought about it for that long and came to apologize after the fact without being forced! (Craig and I still have trouble doing that!)

Muse!

2010-10-13T11:20:00.000-04:00

I want to thank my dear friend Brooke for inviting me to the MUSE concert this week! It was amazing. We had fourth row seats! If you ever get a chance to go to one of their shows, DO IT!

Ignore my cruddy camera. The lazer light show was amazing!!!

Lying....

2010-10-04T19:39:00.004-04:00

I suppose I SHOULD remember how much more difficult "threes" are compared to the "terrible twos"....I mean-it wasn't THAT long ago with Evan and his "threes" were rough! Well, Gus has officially arrived! :) I've heard nothing but "I don't like you, Mom" in response to any battle I have waged with my youngest son. He probably tells me that about six times a day. Usually I respond with "That's not nice and it hurts my feelings" but today I've just ignored it.

A few minutes ago, I climbed in his bed after I had turned on Snow White for him. I asked him which dwarf he was (Sleepy- I had hoped!, Grumpy- I feared...) and he said Happy! Then he said, "Mom mom...you know how I telled you dis mornin that I not like you at all? Well...I lied. Like a doggie." (My mother in law always says '"you lie like a dog" so I guess he picked that up from her!)

Here's a few pics of my cutie patooties.

Evan showing off his pokeball I bought from Etsy. He just loves it!

Look at the beautiful sky! Wanted cute pics of Gus, but he wanted his shirt off worse....

Sleepover with Kendall and Addyson

2010-09-20T20:37:00.000-04:00

Now that Evan is in school again, he's missing all the summer playdates. I promised him if he did well at school this week, his cousins could spend the night! Here are some pics of the kids. They love eachother so much! It's the best thing in the world to be able to raise your children up with their cousins.

Snack before bedtime! Brownie-cookies and milk! YUMMY!!!

The two littles were refusing to calm down!

I have no idea why Gus is biting everything/one...

Getting sleepy....

****All of my siblings that have children have had them all around the same time. Evan, Gerrit and Dillinger are all seven. Allison, Kendall, Ellery and Noah will all be turning five before the end of the year. Becky is almost four. Owen, Gus and Isaac turned three earlier this year and Addyson will be three next month. Eli (2)and Wesley (1)are kinda on thier own, but still not too far behind! Who's next? Wessers is already one and I haven't heard of any new additions...are we finally losing steam? :)

Two boys in school! Whoop whoop!!!!

2010-09-12T12:31:00.003-04:00

Gus started preschool this week at Gloria Dei. It's the same preschool that Evan went to. In fact, Gus has Mrs. Birmingham, Evan's teacher when he was four! Surprisingly, Wildman has had a wonderful first two days! Mrs. B said he has been polite (WHAT??!?) and has been wondeful at helping to clean up! (I am shocked because we consider him a tornado at home...) He may be turning a new leaf! (Fingers crossed!!!!!)

Best buds

2010-08-26T15:28:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, Gus and I went over to my friend Sarah's house. We've been lucky enough to both be blessed with two sons, whereas the rest of our friends have girls. Our boys are almost the exact same age, so they've always played wonderfully together. Recently, though, Sarah's had a slight change (HA!) to her family dynamic because she went off and had a set of TRIPLETS!!!! So stinkin cute, but seriously-it's wild. Bell and Mac are home, but brother Presley is still in the hospital for a few more weeks. We went over for Gus and Catcher (her three year old) to play, for Sarah and I to catch up and also for me to gush all over her tiny pink and blue bundles. LOVE THEM! Sarah, if you're reading this-you rock! Can't wait to do it again! Gus had so much fun he came home and took a three hour nap!

Bell is adorable. She is going to RULE that house. They are already wrapped around her finger. She better be a girlie girl because if she ever tries to trade in her tutus and Texas sized hair bows for some softball cleats-Sarah is going to be a wreck! Come on! Do ya blame her?!? She has FOUR sons!

Mac was so relaxed! I could have another if they acted like him! Ummm. Scratch that. That's just crazy talk.

I was sitting on the floor while Catcher and Gus looped clumsy circles around me, laughing like lunatics the entire time. All I could think was that this was Sarah's future as soon as those lil' nuggets are mobile! AHHHHHHH!!!!

And we all fall down!

Who Dey?!?!

2010-08-24T06:40:00.007-04:00

Geez.I almost forgot! The highlight of last week was being able to take Evan to his first Bengals game! What better way to finish off your first week of 2nd grade than staying up super late and rooting on your favorite team? Many thanks to my cousins Angie and Brian for giving us their season tickets!

We spent the first three quarters in their seats, where Evan proceeded to finger paint the dude sitting next to him with his nacho cheese. Thank goodness the guy was a good sport, because I was mortified. Sensing we had just about worn out our welcome, we moved down to the endzone and sat with friends we had driven down with. That area of the stadium is ridiculously, wonderfully, obnoxious so Evan fit right in!
Oh yeah-we won! WHO DEY, baby!!!!

I'm a soccer mom!!!!

2010-08-22T20:50:00.006-04:00

Last week started soccer season for both the boys! Gus's team is coached by Uncle Joe and my cousin Johnny. Both have boys on the team (Isaac and JP) along with cousin Addyson, 2nd cousin Devin and my friend Rylan's son, Barron. SO cute! The first game was blazing hot and we were bribing the kids with ice cream if they would just step onto the field! One little guy was sitting on the sidelines in a chair and would stand up and kick the ball if it came near the sidelines, then sit back down and relax! HAHAH!!!!

Back to school!!!

2010-08-20T21:00:00.001-04:00

We now have our first week (well, half-week) of school under our belt. Evan is in SECOND GRADE! I can't believe how fast time has flown. That said, this is the first year since Evan started school that the teacher hasn't called me yet! WHOOP WHOOP!!!(Fingers crossed!!!!) Although he "got a green" (That just means he was on his best behavior) at school, Friday's bus ride was quite eventful. Evan got in a fight with our fourth grade neighbor, Sydney on the bus. He accidently(?!?!) elbowed her in the stomach, so she in turn grabbed his hands and popped his knuckles(!?!?) so he "hit her in the snout" (his words, not mine) with his bookbag. AWESOME.

Sydney (before school) the day her snout got busted.

Gus starts preschool in a few weeks and momma is looking forward to a little alone time! I hope he adjusts well. He will have the same teacher Evan had and I know her to be gentle, yet firm when needed. I'm praying he doesn't get expelled. Craig and I are a little concerned about his temper tantrums and throwing "issues." If he does get expelled, my friend Sarah may be in the same boat! We could always home school! Heck, she has five kids. I bet we could start a REAL school! HAHAH!

Gus, my little comedian

2010-08-17T19:49:00.001-04:00

Last week Gus asked if I would start buying him "baLANas" (bananas). I was so excited to have a health conscious tot that I went right out and bought a bunch.
Gus ripped right into that sucker and gobbled it down in less than a minute. Once he was finished, I watched him survey my living room floor.

Me: Gus, babes. Did you drop something?
Gus:No, mom mom. I just looking for a spot!
Me: A spot for what?
Gus: A spot for my balana peel.
Me: Why?
Gus: So I can LIP ON IT! (slip on it)

HAHAH!!! I was so shocked and amused I let him do it with no qualms. The rest is history.

Gus setting up shop.

1st attempt. No dice.

If at first you don't succeed-try, try again!

Houston! We have contact!

.....and a sore bum!

Summer 2010

2010-07-29T19:19:00.008-04:00

So far we've had an amazing summer break. Evan went to the GRAND CANYON with Grammy (Craig's mom)and his cousind Dillinger. They went on jeep tours, saw wild fires and went horse back riding! Craig and I were soooooo jealous.
July has been a whirlwind of activity. Gus and I traveled to Virginia to visit my dear friends Hillary and George. While we were there, we went to Jennifer Weiner's book signing (SHE'S MY FAVORITE!!!!!) and Gus actually made her laugh! Go Gus!!!! Check out Hillary's book blog to see what she wrote about it! (JENNIFER WEINER even linked to her page!!!!!) http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/cupcakes-and-friends-and-weiner-oh-my/

Hillary and her fabulous friends helped ring in my 31st birthday (two weeks early)! A blast was had by all.

Currently, I am updating our blog whilst gazing at the Atlantic Ocean. Craig and I drove the boys down to Ormond Beach (near Daytona) for the week.

We will not be using the directions Craig got from Google maps to get us down here. It took um about 16 hours and it was totally the bus route! I kept waiting for a mega phone toting tour guide to start pointing out lighthouses and local haunts! It was TERRIBLE!!!! We were on back roads like Plant Street and Victoria for 100 miles at a time! Grrr.... That's what happens when momma doesn't do the navigating. :)

Mommy of the year award!

2010-03-04T13:57:00.009-05:00

Hmmm....just realized I haven't blogged since October. I feel horrible about that! When I don't write down our happenings-I forget them! Lord knows my kids have said and done terrifying, hilarious, silly, messy, news-worthy things since I last updated. Would you believe me if I said I was too busy potty training Gus?

If so-GREAT!!!! Because he is finally accident free day and night!!! Evan is doing well in first grade....so great in fact that he was recently told he scored the highest in reading out of the entire grade! He is so proud of himself!

Here's a few pics to tide you over until I can think of something interesting to write about :)

Gus "eating" donuts at Grammy's.

Evan sticker'd himself.

I know God has a plan!

2009-10-21T15:22:00.002-04:00

I lost a friend, Jami, to breast cancer Sunday night. I am sad....but I know that she is wrapped up in the loving arms of our Savior, so I have peace. I am hugging my kids extra tight and I am looking forward to seeing my friend again. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Geez, Louise!!!!!

2009-10-18T13:15:00.010-04:00

Welp, obviously I haven't been blogging like I promised. I am sure I have missed many opportunities to entertain everyone as my children are constant laughter fodder. Well, not exactly true. Yesterday was filled with TEARS instead of GIGGLES....

Flu shots. Ouch. Evan was freaking out beforehand, so I let him decide what he would rather do:

Choice A: Get a flu shot. Hurts like crazy for a smidge of a nano second-then it's over.

or Choice B: Risk getting the flu and ending up hospitalized with an IV-which hurts worse and for a while!

He chose to get it.

Gus went first. He did great! Only cried for a second and stopped as soon as I showed him his spiderman bandaid.

Evan was a totally different story! He usually does fine but yesterday he went bonkers! I was holding him in my lap and two nurses were holding his arms down at his side. It was terrible! Then outta nowhere-you hear Gus screaming,"Don't hurt MINE BUBBY!" I look down and he is punching the nurses thighs and knees!!!! HAHAH!!!!! What made it even funnier was that his arm was so sore from the shot that each time he landed a punch he would look down and yelp!

I know it shouldn't have amused me, but hey-I'd worked the entire night before and I was a little slap happy....

No worries. They made it through and by the time we got home, the only issue was Gus continuing to press down on the injection site and crying because it hurt!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-18T13:15:00.000-04:00

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Geez...has it really been two months?

2009-06-23T06:57:00.002-04:00

I feel terrible I haven't blogged in so long! We've been busy, though not alot has been going on! Does that even make sense?

Evan: Graduated Kindergarten!!! He is so excited to be growing up. I just bought him new shoes (marvel comic ones with wolverine, spiderman and hulk on them!) and he said,"I can't wait to wear these to first grade!!!"

Gus: turned two!!!! He is a wild man! He is finally talking up a storm, so I am not as nervous as I was about his lack of speech. That kid repeats everything! The other night I told him he was my sweet little baby. He pulled out of my hug and looked at me and said,"I not a baby. I a BIG BOY." It was so funny! Right now my favorite thing he says is "you wanna a sugar?" (a kiss!!) HAHAH! I just love it!

Craig: still working hard. Still hating it. We actually spent 2 saturdays ago in the er for about 5 hours because we thought Craig had gallstones. Turned out he has a badly pulled/maybe slightly torn muscle. Ouch!

Heather: has decided to go back to school!!!! Hopefully I can start the LPN to RN nursing program in January. I am really excited. Also, I am back to the gym. Trying to go 4 or 5 days a week. I am doing great so far!!!!

Imperial Beach Teen Blog: Win Zombie Haiku!

2009-05-13T16:08:00.000-04:00

Imperial Beach Teen Blog: Win Zombie Haiku!

Yippee for Ryan Mecum!

It's a beautiful day!!!!

2009-04-24T13:56:00.003-04:00

Thank you Lord for the sunshine .(And the wind!!!! Perfect balance!) Evan and I went out early to wait for the bus and took in a little rays. Then Gussie and I went on a walk. He was so excited to see the ducks at the lake. It was wonderful until we stumbled upon a nesting Canadian Goose who thought we were a little too close for comfort. Did you know geese hiss? I didn't....but that's a little lesson I learned today! :) She hissed at us and stretched out her neck, ready to beak us! Mommies! Ahh....I totally get it.

Gus. Whoa, nelly!

2009-04-20T11:26:00.003-04:00

These past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind. Well, actually-more like a level 3 tornado. The boys have been bananas! Gus has decided that sleeping is a waste of precious time. No sooner do we tuck him in, before we are tripping over him in the living room! He can climb outta bed, turn off his noise maker, turn on his light and get out the door before we have barely closed the silly thing! What do I do?!??! I keep putting him back in bed and telling him he MUST obey. I have sat with him. I have rubbed his head. I have spanked. I have sat ON him. I have cried. I have given him a pacifier back. EVERYTHING! Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!

This morning he snuck past me while I was drinking my morning joe and went into my bedroom, shutting the door behind him. I peeked in at him only to find him cuddled up in my bed. I gently shut the door and prayed he was going to bed (since he only slept 5 1/2 hours last night!) When I crept over 5 minutes later-certain he would be slumbering-instead I found him with my eye glasses bent and horribly askew (upside down) on the bridge of his nose. AHHHHHH!!!!! Help me!

Broken things.

2009-03-28T10:56:00.003-04:00

We've had a rough few weeks. Craig's aunt died, the boys and Craig were sick and that was fun....The worst stuff was Wednesday though. I woke up to Gus crying for me in his room. I jumped out of my bed and slipped on water. I was so confused! Why was there water in my bedroom floor? I turned on my light and realized that my bedroom, closet and bathroom were completely flooded. I started throwing towels, blankets and clothes down to sop up the water without knowing even where the water was coming from. Finally I looked up and noticed my ceiling was wet. I ran upstairs to check on my elderly neighbor who lives in the condo above us. I was worried she ran bathwater and had a heart attack or something terrible. Thank goodness that wasn't the case! She's fine, but she went to bed without her hearing aids and didn't hear her toilet overflowing ALL NIGHT!!!!!

Long story short, we now are missing parts of 4 walls, 2 ceilings and our pergo in our bedroom is completely gone. We can't live there, so we are staying with family. In the midst of all this, our washing machine broke, so I couldn't clean any of the nasty laundry and then I accidently Gus's heel in the hinge of the heavy door to our condo building while getting Evan on the bus that day. (I fractured his little foot, but PRAISE JESUS we didn't have to get a cast put on!) We are doing much better and I am thankful for our wonderful family and friends and their prayers. I know God knows what he's doing and I am just going to trust that all the insurance stuff will work out and cover the damage. Sorry this was so long!

Something funny before I forget....

2009-03-13T11:44:00.002-04:00

It's Friday, which means Rumpke guys come by for garbage pickup. Whenever we happen to home when they come by, we always run to the door and watch. The boys are amazed at the strength of the garbage men and also the massive door that comes down in the dumpster and sqaushes and compacts all the trash. This morning, I was trying to explain how the "arm/door thingy" compacts the garbage to take up less space. I told him it squeezes it all together to make things smaller. Here's Evan's response:

You mean it shrinks things? Like washing and drying clothes? Everytime Dad does laundry-that's what happens!

HAHAHAHAH!!!!!!

Just getting over being sick...

2009-03-04T12:51:00.002-05:00

I have been sick since the 21st of February. It's been awful trying to kick this hacking cough. I am thankful that despite my wheezing and nasty gunk in my chest-it never went into pneumonia. My little Gussers got the funk on Friday, so he's been on antibiotics, ear drops and 2 inhalers since Saturday. Poor bubs. Now he has the trots from the antibiotics and is pooing out of his diaper constantly. I am trying to keep his tush from bleeding, so I am giving him a bath everytime he "goes." Today, as of noon, he has been bathed 3 times. (I have had to bathe once as well due to an unfortunate smattering on my forearm and legs that occured when Gus was sitting in my lap and had a case of grumble-guts....)

In other news, I have lost 14 lbs and am now entered into a weight loss study. I get to meet with a nutritionist for a year!!!! I am SOOOOO excited!!!! I hope to get this weight off once and for all!

Cleaning when I am sick.

2009-02-23T17:54:00.004-05:00

I hate it. I can't stand cleaning in general, but I ABHOR it when I am sick. Sometimes I wish I could wiggle my nose (ala' Samantha Stevens) and magically the shoes would put them selves away and the dishes would jump into the cabinets, clean and dry. Ahhhh.

This week I have had the worst head cold. It was terrible! Sweet relief came only two nights ago, when my friend Shannon suggested I get a neti pot. If you haven't heard of it-google it. The instructions are too grodie to write. That said, it completely cleared out all of my sinus junk and I am a forever fan! LOVE it!

On Valentines Day....

2009-02-14T11:18:00.009-05:00

Five years ago today I almost quit being a nurse. It all has to do with a blue eyed little guy who completely stole my heart and took it with him to Heaven.

The first second I met Jarrett, I loved him. He was three and adorable beyond words. He had snow white hair, soft and feathery. He had been born with a chromosomal defect which caused him to have developmental delays and left him unable to walk. That was fine with me, because I could hold that kid all day! We used to listen to Sesame Street songs on his little tape player and dance all day! He used to laugh so hard it shook his whole body! I think it started in his toes like a little grumble, but as it reached his tummy-it burst out loud and gasping,like he was choking. But then he'd start making kissy sounds and you knew he was SO happy.

The biggest obstacle Jarrett faced were the seizures. They came swiftly. They came hard. They were scary. It was horrible. You wanted him to be happy and healthy, even if it meant to go on to Jesus-but yet you wanted him to FIGHT IT. STAY. PLEASE. In the end, it was truely a blessing. It was on this day of love, Valentine's Day 2004, that God hand selected the most beautiful and lovely of all Valentines and took him home and gave him rest. Although my heart hurts and my arms physically ache to hold him once again, I am thankful. God put me in the life of a very special family to learn what it takes to be selfless and to love wholeheartedly-no matter the risk.

Still though, I would give anything to go with Jarrett down to the park, lay out a blanket, listen to the creek, birds and other kids playing and roll around under the clouds...just for one more day.

Jarrett Rhys Price Jan 19,1998- Feb 14, 2004

I am Thankful.

2009-02-11T23:03:00.003-05:00

I don't have anything exciting going on right now....so I thought I would start listing just a few of the many things I am thankful this afternoon.

I am thankful for my son Evan. I love his tenderhearted nature. I am thankful for his willingness to forgive me when I have been cross with him.

I am thankful for little Gus. I love his round tummy and endless laughter. I can't wait to tell him of all the ways he tormented his big brother as a carefree and reckless toddler.

I am thankful for our health. (Especially the fact that I have two healthy children.) I am thankful that my children have the ability to tip over the laundry basket, clear out my dressers in one fell swoop, squeal, belly laugh, wrestle.... All this and more.

I am thankful for second chances. (For FINALLY getting it right with my husband.) Things are better between us than they have ever been.

This has been a strange few weeks. I have been increasingly aware of how blessed I am and how God is changing me. Truely. I am trying to not feel guilty in the midst of all the pain and trials I have witnessed in those around me.

We got more snow! 6"! What is going on?

2009-02-04T08:03:00.008-05:00

Well, it looks like the little bruisers and momma are hanging out at the house again today! This time, I am prepared!!! I went out yesterday and borrowed a ton of books and DVD's from the library! My main concern is the break and bake cookie batter in the fridge! I can hear it calling my name!!!!! Ugh. I don't want to eat it, but I think we all know how this story is going to end... :)

I am going to post a few pictures of the boys and one long (but really cute!) video of Gus trying to feed himself yogurt!

This is Evan, my half naked cowboy. He was singing me a song he wrote!

Gus is not the best self feeder-but he sure tries!

If one more snowflake falls....

2009-01-30T08:41:00.007-05:00

I AM GOING TO LOSE IT, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

Okay. So we have not had school since last Friday and momma is about to go 100% loony ( as opposed to my typical 88.3%!) This week has been nothing if not interesting. The kids have pulled all sorts of shenanigans and my home is taking the brunt of it!

1 The number of times I have actually sat in the corner rocking myself and crying.

2 The number of flooded toilets flooded from exactly the same number of full rolls of TP.

2.2 The number of liters of water Gus just dropped on my floor as I was typing this.

3 The number of times Gus has poured out an entire box of cereal.

2 The number of loads of clean ( and folded) laundry in 1 basket that Gus coated with Cookie

Crisp.

1,397 The number of times Evan has asked me if he has school that day.

1,397 The number of times I have unfortunately had to answer "no." So sad. :(

This a picture of the toilet Evan flooded. (The second time.) The first time, I scolded him and cleaned it out myself. The second time, I grabbed a pair of gloves and some construction goggles and handed them to Evan. I bet he never does this again! (Notice that there is literally almost no water left in the bowl! He used THAT much tissue!

Snowed in!

2009-01-27T19:55:00.005-05:00

It's been snowing since Sunday afternoon, but the brunt of it has been in the last 24 hours...I hope. More to come, now with ice. All this has blended together to make the perfect recipe for disaster. CABIN FEVER. It's worse than being actually sick! The boys have been practically hanging off the ceiling fans. Craig had to leave home at 2:30 this afternoon to head north. He wants to get on the other side of the river (Ohio river) before the ice hits. He is spending the night at his momma's and will head to work in the morning.

Evan just said two funny things I had to jot down before our electricity possibly goes out. (They said that is probably coming, too!)

He ate cereal for dinner tonight. I know. Not the healthiest, but he wouldn't touch the ham I made with a ten foot pole! So, after he ate he said, "Mom, you know.... that cereal had 100 calories. It said it on the box. I just read it. Well...I think it was calories. Maybe it was a hundred fiber. Isn't fiber that thing that makes me poop all the time? Good thing I don't eat that anymore! Who wants diarrhea all the time anyway?"

He followed THAT little gem up with saying this (out of the blue...)

"Hey, kid. Please don't skip on the soap. Shew, son! You smell like a week old hotdog!" (that was to Gus, of course...because he did stink.)

Busy Weekend!

2009-01-25T21:03:00.003-05:00

First of all- PRAISE JESUS that we are all healthy!!!! It is so nice to not be constantly wiping noses or cloroxing EVERYTHING!!!!! Just a couple more months and we're clear of flu season!!!

A couple fun things happened this weekend. Evan had his first basketball game EVER! So cute. He is one of three 5 year olds playing on a U7 team and lemme tell ya- It's hilarious! He did get a steal, which was cute. Here he is dribbling (kinda). He's number 2!

Saturday night I went out for my friend Dre's 30th birthday. I can't believe we will all be turning 30 this year. Funny, 30 used to sound so old to me! Now that I am almost there, it's not so bad...

Today we had cousin Dillinger's 5th birthday (GO DILLY!!!) at Jump Zone. I had no idea it was snowing, so thank goodness we left early! The roads were a mess! We had to leave Dillinger's party a little early to go to another birthday party! It was for Evan's first friend he made all on his own! (Not one of my friends kids, not a cousin, not in his class...) It was a kid that rides his bus! So fun. Evan had a blast, but Gus and I were so tired! (He didn't get a nap until 4pm!)

Now the boys are both in bed and I am just waiting for my honey to get home from work so we can get some shows off the DVR before I go into work tonight!

Sorry I have been a terrible blogger.

2009-01-17T21:39:00.005-05:00

So, nothing exciting is going on. Between the boys and Craig, our house has become an infirmary. Starting January 1st the rounds of illness began. Gus didn't eat for a week, got croup, which led to an ear infection-causing his eardrum to burst. Evan got the cold from Gus's croup, then an ear infection. Craig got the cold from Gus's croup, which turned into possible pneumonia, definitely an ear infection and a busted eardrum. Whoo hoo. I am the only one to pass this unscathed. I am a nurse both at home and away for the moment.

All that aside. Things are just lovely. Craig and I are doing great. Kids are benefiting from our happy home.

Here's two cute things Evan said this week:

Evan and Craig were out in the living room yesterday, while I was attempting to rest. The history channel was on tv. It must have gotten Evan thinking..... "Dad? Did they have electricity when you were a kid?"
*****************************************
I was washing dishes one day, looking haggard. (Taking care of a sick family is no small feat!) Evan walks up to me, holding a mirror. He said," Do you see what I see?" I asked what he saw. "The most beautiful girl in all the world!"
*****************************************

New Year, new beginning.

2009-01-07T13:39:00.003-05:00

I am going to shock everyone by saying the following statement....

There. Have you recovered yet?

Yesterday was a rough day in my home. Almost 11 years ago, I met a guy (who also is not perfect). We fell madly in love and ignored all little pieces of eachother that weren't quite compatible. We were CRAZY about eachother. Fastforward 8 years of marriage, and two adorable little scamps later. Now those incompatabilites are mixed with not enough "couple time," overall discontent, messy house, grumpy parents...you get where I'm going. I'm sure.

I thought we were through. I really did. I spent so many years wishing he would change and that things would be different. I ignored him. I nagged. I prayed. I screamed. I scolded. I threatened. I did alot of things I wish I hadn't. He ran. He partied. He screamed. He ignored. He closed me out. Yesterday, we came to the decision we needed to change. For us. For the boys. We needed better for all of us. I wanted counseling. He wanted divorce. I said that I was fine with whatever he wanted. I just was tired of fighting.

I couldn't sleep all night. I prayed. HARD. I had friends and sisters on their knees pleading with God to step in and cover our family. I am so excited to announce that this morning, Craig changed his mind. He wants to work it out. I am going to go to counseling. Even if he doesn't. I have to let go and let God. I just wanted to share my joy with everyone. Thanks for your prayers. And keep 'em coming! I know this isn't going to be easy, but I do know that it's going to be worth it.

Skinny Minnie bubs.

2009-01-05T11:30:00.005-05:00

I am off to take Gus to the dr's office. I just called the nurse to ask about Gus's cough. (He woke up this morning with a barking cough. Hopefully it's not croup.)

I weighed Gus then and realized that he has lost a LOT of weight since Thursday (when he started feeling sickish...) He went from 28.8lbs to 23.6lbs! That's like losing 20% his weight! (In a week!) Obviously the picture on the right is photoshopped. Just wanted you to get an idea of what I'm talking about! He's lost his innertube! (Not really, but sorta, a smidge...)

Evan gets on the bus (first day back to school-PRAISE JESUS!!!) at noon and we go across the street to our appt at 12:10. Please pray that Gussie is okay and doesn't have to go to the hospital or get an IV. I don't think he is dehydrated (still has tears, mouth wet, still has wet diapers and not peaking skin)and that is why I didn't call dr earlier....Now I feel bad, though=

UPDATE: Just got back from the Dr's appt. He said Gus is around 26lbs, and not to worry about the weight b/c he is hydrated. However, poor bubs has Croup. :( I just put him down for a nap and all I hear is him barking in his crib. Poor thing.

When you're here, you're family! - Olive Garden

2009-01-04T11:29:00.004-05:00

After last night-I think they will reconsider that slogan. Afterall, family is always welcome, right?

Yeah. Last night, after waiting an hour and a half(!!!!!) for those delicious bread sticks and salad, we finlly got sat. This is after Evan, Gus and two of my nieces ran around terrorizing the masses in the lobby for the better part of the evening. All was well...at first. The kids were behaving as best they could and Gus was as cute as ever. (Playing "where's Gus?" with the green linen napkins, and jabbering to all the nearby tables.)

Right after our dinner came (I got Chicken and Shimp Carbonara-YUM!)I heard a strange sound. If you ever had a dog, it's that sound they make when they accidently swallow the stuffing of your favorite childhood teddybear and are attempting to cough it back up. Followed soon after by that whooshing sound your washing machine made that time you accidently flooded the laundry room with your mixture of too much clothes/too much detergent...

Oh yeah. Vomit.(WHOOSH) EVERYWHERE. (WHOOSH)I just kept throwing linen napkin (WHOOSH), upon napkin (WHOOSH), upon napkin.( DOUBLE WHOOSH.) My sister and her husband were in tears laughing (because it was JUST THAT KINDA NIGHT.) The poor waitress came over and asked how our food was and I just said, "I need a to-go box and you need a bag!"

Oh how I despise the word fart. (ack!)

2009-01-02T00:30:00.005-05:00

The other morning, I was lying in bed and Evan came in to use my bathroom. I heard him "toot." Then I heard him chuckle.

E: "Oops. I farted."
Me: "Evan. Do not say that word. It's gross!"
E: (totally ignoring my request and missing the point!) "What? I always fart when I pee."
Me: "Evan! Cut it out! I can't stand that word!"
E: (closing his eyes and inhaling deeply) "Ahhh. I love the smell of fresh fart in the morning!"

AAAAAH! What a little stinker! (Pardon the pun.) I was caught so off guard that I laughed and totally forgot to scold him for not listening to my demands. That kid just kills me!

BTW- Am I wrong? What do you teach a little boy to say when he passes gas? My husband thinks I am a dork for calling it tooting.

What should he say?
I:
stinkered?
passed gas?
shot a bunny?
cut the cheese?
broke wind?
have flatus?
pooted?
have thunderpants?
laid an air biscuit?
let one rip?
stepped on a frog?

I am all out of ideas on this ridiculous subject...but definitely open for suggestions! :)

My little dictionary.

2008-12-23T20:07:00.008-05:00

Last night Evan wanted to spend the night at my mom's house. Gammy called me today to tell me what a hilarious (and smart!) child I have.

Gammy: "Evan, have you been a good boy?"
Evan: "Umm...yeah?"
Gammy: "even at school?"
Evan: "Yes. Except, I used to not be that nice to Cody-but now he's my friend."
Gammy: "How about your mom? Are you good to her?"
Evan: "Well, I'm sorta bad. I terrorize her."
Gammy: (laughing)
Evan: "What does terrorize mean?"
Gammy: "It means driving your mom nuts."
Evan: "Yep. That's it. That's the word. That's what I do to her."

Isn't he a trip? My mom said she laughed till she cried! Where does he come up with these words? I PROMISE I never call him a terrorist!

1 down, 4 Christmases to go!

2008-12-21T10:57:00.011-05:00

Last night we went to Aunt Ju and Uncle Joe's new house for Christmas for my mom's side. (Mind you, they just moved in that day!) Everything was perfect and almost everything was unboxed and put away! They had great helpers!

Memaw and Papaw came with pies (butterscotch and chess-yummy!)! We stuffed our self silly, settled down for the gift opening, threw the kids in bed and played board games (apples to apples and taboo), and watched Elf. What a blast!

Papaw, Kendall, Addyson and Evan.

Gus, Isaac and Addy.

Storytime with Uncle Steve.

Sugar Cookie Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-20T13:45:00.001-05:00

This is adorable!!!!!

Sugar Cookie Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

No, our neighbor is not THAT old!

2008-12-20T13:27:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, Evan and I were reading the Bible. He wanted me to read-not retell various stories in the Good Book. We started with The Christmas story, followed by Jesus walking on water and ended with Noah building the Arc. He was asking the cutest questions and REALLY seemed to be getting into it. When we were finished, he continued on with searching thru the Bible. He turned to the back (where the maps are) and asked me where Kentucky was. I told him Kentucky didn't exsist yet, and that all those maps were of Europe and Africa.

He sat there for a minute and asked, "What do you think Jesus looked like?" I told him he was darker than us, probably with black or very dark brown hair. I told him that it was what most people looked like where he lived. He asked why we didn't look like that. I had to go into the whole spiel about our ancestors coming over from Europe and how that was much later than when Jesus lived. I had to tell him about the American Indians and all that stuff too. LONG TALK! I really thought Evan understood what I was talking about until he asked me if I thought Brenda, (our neighbor who is in her 60's), remembered Jesus! I told him she was much too young for that and then he said he bet she at least remembered coming over here on the boat! HAHAHAHA!!!

Finally! A great night's sleep!

2008-12-17T06:55:00.000-05:00

After three nights in a row of Gus acting like a raving lunatic at night (see 2 posts down)I was beat last night when I went to bed. I had spent the night before, much like the previous two, trying to get my babe to stop crying and maybe actually sleep. So when I went to bed last night (at 8:30ish) I was praying for sleep, but preparing for a fuss-fest. PRAISE THE LORD! Even as I type this at 7am, my little gifilte fish is still slumbering! Whoo hoo! Whatever was wrong with him (dr thinks teething)seems to be diminishing! I could cry. I am so thrilled!

Beat this, Shelley!

2008-12-15T20:30:00.000-05:00

The other day, my friend Shelley posted a "What's wrong with this picture?" blog. (Her son had JUST gotten new glasses, yet there they sat. On a table. Split in half....)

So-here is MY "What's wrong with this picture?" blog.

Wait for it....

Just so you're not confused...That is SO not a barge bath tub toy....

Musical beds....

2008-12-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

Well...let me just say that

has struck yet again.

I put him to bed at 8:15 and he was up by 10pm. SCREAMING. I tried everything. The paci, the bottle, the noise maker, rocking him, patting his tush, a back rub....NOTHING. Finally he dozed back to sleep around 11:15. Up again at midnight. I tried oragel, tylenol (spit immediately onto his shirt), singing to him. Nothing. I finally hunkered down into Evan's lower bunk bed and cuddled. He cried. He crawled. He screamed. He slapped.He napped for a few minutes at a time. He tossed and turned. He wash, rinse and repeated the whole deal all night. Finally at 5am, I crawled back into my own comfy bed. He was up for the day at 6:30 am. Apparently so was I.

Fun times. Fun times.

Christmas fun! (but I need some Exedrine Migraine)

2008-12-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

So last week we decided to put up the tree. GREAT fun was had by all. This included, but was not limited to me attempting to put the GINORMOUS hole (made from Evan stage-diving into the tree from the couch last year)in the back, keep Gus from eating the cupcake designed ornaments, and Evan from placing at least three ornaments to a branch. AHHHHH!!!!!

Then, the next night I attempted to get a sweet picture for our Christmas card. Yeah. Trying to get those boys to cooperate is like trying to teach a hampster to ride a unicycle. NOT HAPPENING. Here is my evidence...
Gus playing peek-a-boo.
Shocking, but we finally got a good (or at least hilarious) one!

This is the winner. Doesn't it just scream Merry Christmas!

Ew...the sickie ickies.

2008-12-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

Well, boy oh boy have we been sick! Stomach bug. Ugh. We are all better now, PRAISE THE LORD! :) Craig, the boys and I were sick as dogs from Sunday night thru most of Monday. Evan, of course, didn't go to school Monday. The day was spent bleaching EVERY surface in sight along with one unfortunate load of laundry. Tuesday was much better. We could all eat again! Whoop whoop!!! Then, we went to Evan's Student of the Month awards ceremony last night. I am so proud of that little stinker! Pictures to follow!

Citizen of the month!

2008-12-02T19:28:00.000-05:00

I feel terrible about not blogging much lately. Things have just been busy without much really going on. Does that make sense?

One exciting thing that happened this week was that dear Evan got nominated as the Student Citizen of the Month at school. We get to go honor him at the PTO meeting next Tuesday where they will present him with an award. I asked him what he did to get the award. He has no clue! He said he always helps his teacher and is nice to her... (Not sure if that is the reason, but I guess we will soon find out!)

Here are a few pictures of the boys and their cousins, Kendall and Addyson! I watched all four last week. I really am amazed at my friends with more kids than they have arms! How do you all do it? ;)

The week before Thanksgiving...

2008-11-25T19:14:00.000-05:00

In one week, it went from like 70 degrees to 40. Fun times. Nothing new going on with us. Just gearing up for the holidays. This is a picture of Gus waiting for bubby to get off the bus. Oh yeah. Gussie has a toddler bed now. I can't believe how fast he is growing up... Here is a video of my sweetie pie, Evan. I kept taking pictures of him while he was playing on starfall.com. He was super irritated with me. I told him to be nice, and he said "you are so beautiful." I asked him if I could take just one more pic and would he reapeat what he just said...I tricked him and videotaped him instead!

Tired...so very tired...

2008-11-20T10:59:00.000-05:00

What is it about traveling that makes us so tired? I am STILL exhausted from last week! Don't get me wrong-it was GREAT! I don't know why I am still dragging, though. Cleveland was nice. Sus hired a massage therapist who does rachi (healing touch), and deep tissue massage. I needed it! I was almost in tears as I was getting my massage because it has been too long since I have been a priority. Kids become everything the moment you become a mom, ya know?

Hillary, Susan and I played board games, went to a farmers market and had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner. Sunday morning I climbed in the car at 7 am and headed home. Long, lonely drive in the snow!

When I got home, I cleaned and hung out with the boys. Sunday night I worked. Monday was Kendall's birthday. I can't believe she is 3! Birthday party for Kendall and Addy Monday night, Tues-worked at Fitworks till noon and hung out with Craig. (It was his off day.) Wed-I had bible study and a baby shower for all the preggies (Aunt Ju!!!) and then worked last night. So far today, I have drank a pot of coffee and am about to get Evan on the bed. Then I have to ignore the effects of the coffee and try to take a nap while he is gone and Gussie is asleep. Teacher conference at 4:30. Work tonight. Friday-dr appt and work Fri night. Whew. Sorry for all the boring details....I'm sure we all feel like this!

I have company!

2008-11-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends has been in town visiting with me since Wednesday! Yay, Hillary! We didn't get to go anywhere fun, but we had a nice time just hanging out and chasing the boys. The boys love her! Evan is always cuddled up to her and trying to impress her. So cute.

The other night I was washing dishes and wished aloud that we had more space in our condo. Evan (my little grown up) said, "Mommy, if you got the new space saver bags, you could not only keep your clothes clean, but you have space to store them. You can fit 20 sweaters in the space it would take to fold one!" I laughed my tush off. He is so funny sometimes. And yes, we need to cut back on his tv time. He is already memorizing infomercials!

Well-I am off! Hillary and I drove up to Cleveland last night to visit with her sissy. Sus is AWESOME!!!! Can't wait to fill ya'll in on the happenings of Heather without kids! Fun times!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Such a cute costume set!!!!!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

2008-11-10T02:19:00.000-05:00

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

This is a stay at home mom who just started her own clothing business. Cutest little girl clothes EVER!

Something funny I just remembered!

2008-11-08T13:41:00.000-05:00

This past week, while working my once a week, 3 hour shift in playland at Fitworks (I get a free membership!) something funny happened.

It all started with Evan wanting a warm chocolate (kids hot chocolate from Starbucks- in Evanese of course!). No sooner than we parked at the gym, E dumped the remaining contents of his drink in his lap. It looked just like he wet his pants. (Embarrassing for anyone, but especially a five year old grown man!)

Since we were 20 minutes early to the gym, I felt like I had time to right the situation. I took off my hoodie and wrapped it like a towel, fresh from a shower! We ran into the locker room and I washed out his khakis. We threw the shorts in the sauna, praying for a miracle! No dice. Wet as ever. Defeated, we went back to the playland so I could do damage control. I didn't want anyone thinking my baby wasn't potty trained!

As I sat there waiting for the other children to arrive, my eyes drifted over to my fat little gefilte fish, Gus. His thighs are a marvel! Then it hit me! Evan is soooooo skinny! Gus is a buster!

Yep. I did it. I swapped out my hoodie for Gus's 2T shorts and let Gussie's ham-hocks go natural in full glory. Evan looked like a dweeb in his too-short, too-tight hot pants, but it worked! Gus loved going semi-commando, too!

Go ahead and smack my hands...

2008-11-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

I need it. I am terrible! Two noteworthy things happened already and I just got off work 2 1/2 hours ago!

1) I know all children are different. I know I can't compare them....But sometimes the enemy creeps in and gets my mind all mixed up.

Evan has always been a talker. Ever since he was 8 months old and he muttered "mmm boob" at church (Yeah. I ended up nursing him till he was two!) that boy has talked nonstop! Gus, not so much. He just doesn't say alot. This morning, when I got off work, I climbed into bed waiting for the boys to wake up. The wheels started churning in my mind. He's 17 months! Shouldn't he be talking more? I know he understands....Could something be going on with him?

Well right as Craig was about to leave for work, he came into our room and dropped a very pop-tart smelling Gus onto my quilt. As he leaned over to kiss us both, Gus said, "bye Daddy!" I know it's not much-but IT WAS! I know God gave me that moment to knock some sense in me!

2) This morning while I was drinking my morning coffee (and trying to watch The Office from last night), the boys were playing in my room . They love my bed for some reason! After a few minutes, Evan came out and said, "I just rescued Gus. He almost fell off the bed. That's what I'm going to do when I grow up. I'll be a baby brother-sister watcher. I'll watch them so their mommies can get a break and watch tv!" HAHA! Talk about convicted. So, I turned off the boob tube and played with the boys. Gus is down for his nap now....so I don't feel so bad being on the computer!

I'm a slacker.

2008-11-06T12:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't really done much this week. I have been cleaning a lot. My Hillzie comes to visit on Wednesday all the way from VA!!! I haven't gotten to see her since thier wedding, so I am so excited! She has never even gotten to meet Gus! (Well, not outside my womb....) She did come down when I was a not so svelte 9 months pregnoid.

In election news, I voted and only waited an hour! (At 6:15 am! I thought I would be waiting at least 2 hours...) Right before Evan went to bed, he asked if he could PLEASE vote for Rock Ovama. I made a pretend ballad and let him vote for his choice of candidate. (Even though it was not who I was hoping he would vote for....) We cast the vote into Evan's memory box ( my collection of memorabilia from his childhood). I think it will be something cute to look back on.

I survived watching 4 kids! Go me!

2008-11-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took Evan and Gus over to Aunt Aimee's house and watched Kendall and Addy. We had a blast, but I am SO tired!!!! Those kids (especially Evan and Kendall) adore eachother! For one crazy second I felt wistful that Craig and I have decided to stop with the childbearing. Four was fun! I really do think adoption is in our future, but right now-I'll stick with my 2 little men! :)

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-11-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is an ADORABLE costume! Can be for a girl or boy, size 2-4T! I want it!!!

Hunk-a-hunk of burning Darth Vader

2008-11-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

We had an absolute blast on Halloween. Craig and I both took off work so we could hang out with the boys. Craig, Gus and I picked Evan up from school and drove straight to Louisville to trick or treat with my sis, Tonya. Aunt Ju, Uncle Joe and Superman Isaac met us down there. Tonya's son Gerrit was Buzz Lightyear and Ellery was a pretty princess. Evan was Darth Vader and Gus was Elvis. So cute!!!!

All went as expected. Evan and Gerrit raced house to house to grab as much sugary loot as they could carry. Joe and I lugged Gus and Issac and Ju pulled a wagon that Princess Ellery (and whomever got tired) rotated out of.

Funniest observations of the night centered solely on Gus. He was HYSTERICAL! The first few houses he snuck past the homeowner and checked out living rooms. After he realized the goods stayed on the porch he wanted to go to every house! He hooked his arm thru his bucket and wouldn't let ANYONE touch it! Not even the candy-passer-outters! They had to hand over the treat so he could put it in his own basket! Then he'd stick his hand out again for more! Soooo funny! The only time that bucket left the crook of his arm was when he accidently bumped into a gobblin figurine (exactly Gus's size) standing on the sidewalk. As soon as Gussie saw what he ran into he dropped the bucket and booked it outta there! HAHAHAH!!!!

Musical chairs.Uh-hmmm...I mean beds.

2008-10-29T02:31:00.000-04:00

So, yeah. We are so stinkin boring! Nothing to report about us at all this past week! Poor Gussie has a cold, with a nasty cough. Evan is wild as ever and Craig and I spent all day today rearranging our home.

Here's why:

Soon after last Christmas, I realized that our teensy home was crammed full with too many toys. We donated some, gave some to family and still HAD A BAZILLION TOO MANY! Craig and I decided to switch rooms with the boys and give them the master bedroom so they would have space to play with their toys. (All Craig and I need in our bedroom is a bed and dressers, so why not?) Then in August, wishy-washy me decided that when Evan started Kindergarten he would wake up the baby every night when he went to bed. (Evan goes to bed an hour after Gus.) So...I moved Gus's crib into the small room with us. Well-really me because Craig is scared of waking Gus up so half the time opts to sleep on the couch. I HATE THAT!!!!

So today we moved Evan into the small room (with Gus) and took back the master bedroom! Whoo hoo!!!!

Only now I am back to square one. I need to find a forever home for a bunch of toys! (not my casa!)

Fishing for Spiderman

2008-10-23T01:35:00.001-04:00

Monday Evan had a field trip to Benton Farms and I chaperoned. I should have known it was going to be a wild ride right off the bat. A few kids started singing that song
" I have something in my pocket,
it belongs upon my face,
I keep it very close to me
in a most convenient place"

Well, Evan and a few others had never heard the song before. You are supposed to guess what the children have in their pocket. The correct answer is a great big smile. See if you can guess which one is Evan!
"cheese!"
"an apple!"
"chocolate?"
"Do you have a banana in your pocket?"

Yep. Why does MY kid have to be the one to ask that? :)

Then we get to the farm and there is a jersey milk cow who happened to be brown and white. Evan raised his hand when the farmer asked what she made. "CHOCOLATE MILK!!!!!" Um, I wish! It was so funny!

Fast forward several hours to bedtime. Evan was brushing his teeth and came out into the living room screaming, "Oh no! MY TOOTHBRUSH WENT DOWN THE DRAIN! I was playing sink or float and it sunk and went down the drain!" No joke. Craig and I spent 10 minutes trying to dig it out with a knife and fondue skewer before I realized that we could hook part of it (spiderman's arm) with the fishing pole! HAHA! You shoulda seen Craig fishing for that silly toothbrush!

It worked, though. Ah....life with sons is NEVER boring!

Pictures of my rascals.

2008-10-21T15:09:00.000-04:00

Here is Craig Jr....I mean Evan. It's true what they say! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Here are a few pictures from last week when Niki and I took the munchkins to Kinman Farm. Gus and Makena went running off every second they saw us busy with Evan and Braden.

Gussie had his first hay ride of the season!

Politics and my 5 year old DO NOT MIX!!!

2008-10-20T21:14:00.001-04:00

Yeah. Evan came home from school today acting extremely quiet. Right as we are about to go to his Chuckie Cheese fundraiser for school he dropped the bomb on me.

E: Mom? You can't vote for John McCain. If he wins, he is going to kill Kahled's family!
Me: Evan. That is not true. Why would Khaled say that?
E: It's true! John McCain is going to tear down all the buildings, too!
Me: Evan. Khaled is just repeating what he hears at home. I promise you. John McCain will never kill Khaled's family.
E: You have to vote for Rock Ovama.
Me: Barack Obama.
E: NO! It's Rock Ovama. Khaled said so.
Me: (muttering) Shows how much Khaled knows.

I am speechless. Truely. I am so over this election and all the smear campaigning. I do not watch debates around my child because I don't think a 5 year old needs to be involved in politics of any sort. All he needs to know is the president's name. Uggh. I don't even know who I am voting for, yet my 5 year old thinks he does. Ridiculous.

Blah.

2008-10-19T08:39:00.000-04:00

We have had one of those weeks. Tuesday was great. I took the boys over to Cincinnati. We walked along the Serpentine Wall and played at the awesome park over there. Then we got to babysit baby Issac for a bit so Aunt Ju could go to the baby dr for her checkup.

Wednesday was bible study and that was sooo good! Then I got 4 new tires on my car! I really needed them, too. I hung out with my dad for 3 hours while we waited for my tires and it was sooooo nice. Then, at 7pm my tummy starting feeling gushy. I got sick at 730 and felt a little better. I took a nap and then went into work! I thought I got sick from a vitamin I took. So I got into work at 1030pm (mind you- I work with a baby on a ventilator) and wore a mask-just in case. Well, thankfully their air conditioner was broken and it was 79 degrees. I am thankful b/c that is probably why I got dizzy and went home at midnight. I might have stayed if conditions were more comfortable. I spent all night tossing and turning in bed, but never getting sick again.

Thursday, I got a call from school that E had thrown up at Kindergarten! I was actually sick! And I gave it to my baby! And I went into to work with my little guy on a ventilator! I felt terrible. I brougth Evan home and he vomited every half hour or so until 7 pm. Poor baby! Thank goodness the pukies only last about a day. Friday Evan was bouncing off the walls. Saturday we had flu shots. (Another story for another day. Fun times. UGH.) Then went to the zoo for a little HallZOOween action. All in all, not SO bad.

How do you explain that?

2008-10-14T18:18:00.000-04:00

The past week was pretty lazy. We didn't have alot going on-but some pretty cool things happened! I got to spend alot of time talking to Evan about prayers and God answering (and sometimes NOT answering them the way we wish He would.) It was great!

The Webkinz website was having major problems this weekend and Evan kept asking to get online to check and see if it was working yet. He was praying aloud, "God, I was wondering if it would please you to fix my webkinz? Yes or no. You do what you want!" It was so sweet!

Love and respect!

2008-10-06T09:24:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this by saying that I know I shouldn't have said it. Let me also say that it is nothing to joke about, but Evan DID know I was teasing him. There! Maybe you will dislike me less now... :)

Evan knows a few children who have divorced parents. For some reason this interests him in unfathomable ways. He talks about it all the time! So...Saturday night he brought it up again. He was telling C and I that if we got divorced he would have two rooms.

C: Evan! You don't want mommy and me to get divorced
E: (with a smile) Uh huh! Then I would have somewhere to put my toys!
C: So, you wouldn't miss me if I didn't live with you?
E: Hello??!!? I would come visit!

That converstion was in the back of my mind last night. I was trying to put Evan in bed and he said he always watches a little tv AFTER Daddy gets home. THEN he goes to bed. (Here comes my naughty portion...)

Me: But Daddy isn't coming home tonight.
E: Yes he is!
Me: Nah...we got that divorce thing you were talking about last night.
E: (giggling) Nu-uh! You're teasing!
Me: Nope. Daddy found another girl he thought was prettier than me.
E: Now I know you're joking!
Me: Why?
E: Because THERE IS NO GIRL PRETTIER THAN YOU!

I just love that boy! He just woke up and climbed in my bed to give me a kiss. He said, "Today I am going to give you love and respect. Just love and respect!" Then he moved over so Gus could come say hi. Gussie leaned in for what promised to be a very slobbery kiss and proceeded to clamp down in what I assume was an attempt to rip my lower lip from my face! OUCH!

Ahhh, Such is the life of the mother of boys. One second they are breaking your heart and the next they are making you swoon...

Our weekend update.

2008-10-05T18:38:00.000-04:00

We had a pretty chill weekend. On Saturday, Craig and I took the boys over to my friend Sandy's house. Her and her hubby just built a house way out in the country. What a house!!!! Will someone please remind me if I ever build a house to remember to put the laundry room right next to my huge walk in closet? What a great idea! Sandy can take her laundry straight from the dryer and put it away in 3 seconds! We had dinner and Craig and Jeff did boy stuff like target shooting on their 100 acre land.

Today I watched football and cleaned. Come over! (You'd never be able to tell...) I emptied out a few drawers and threw away papers. (I am a paper piler just like my momma.) I did dishes and laundry. Uggh. That reminds me. My closet is nowhere near my laundry room. So I need to go fold it and put it away. Sorry nothing more exciting to report!

Actually, there is. I have a few friends on mission trips right now. Please keep Margie (Mozambique) and Steve, LouAnn and Stephen (Nicaragua) in your prayers!

I am better! (But poor Gus isn't...)

2008-10-02T15:14:00.000-04:00

I ended up getting into the Dr at 4:15 Monday-Which is EXACTLY when I wanted to go in the first place! Praise the Lord!

Yesterday, I ended up with Gus in his dr's office. Turns out he probably just has a cold, so that's good. He seems a little better than yesterday, but his nose is still a leaky faucet.

In Evan news: Lately he has been asking me ALOT about adoption. He wants to adopt a slew of kids (now!)even though I explained to him that Mommy and Daddy may do that someday- now is not the time. Yesterday when we were waiting for his bus we had a sweet conversation...

E: Mom, when I get big I am going to make a lot of money so I can adopt a bunch of orphans and buy them all the food and toys they want!

Me: That's wonderful honey. You would make a great daddy someday.

E: Well, I might bring a baby home tomorrow. I think I will name him Jacob Disco.

Me: Hmm...I think that would be hard to get a brother tomorrow. Plus, wouldn't it be nice to NOT get a BABY, but maybe a little boy or girl who is already growing up and really wants a family? They would already have a name, too.

E: Yeah well, they might have a name, but everybody loves nicknames! I am going to call the kid Jacob Disco no matter what!

HAHAHA. He is so sweet, but a smidge stubborn! BTW- Jacob Disco is the name Evan wanted to legally change his name to last year! So funny he remembered that. Don't be surprised if you run into him years from now and he has a child named that! He's really hung up on it!

I amb sigk. Sigh-nuhs imfecjunz stingk.

2008-09-29T15:05:00.000-04:00

I feel like absolute crud. I worked all night and now that it's noon-I finally get to go to sleep. The problem is that the only opening my dr had was at 2:15. I had to get Evan on and off the bus at noon and 4, so I couldn't really go until after 4. They said if I can't go in at 2:15 (which I totally cannot!!!) then I will just have to go to urgent care. UGGH!!!!!! I wish he would just call something in for me! Why on earth would I wanna abuse antibiotics?!?! Crazy.

Heather's Ultimate Mixed Tape (side one)

2008-09-26T09:56:00.002-04:00

I stole an idea from a blog I read recently about mixed tapes. It brought back fond memories of me with my childhood BFF. We used to go into her big brother's room and make tape after tape (then cd after cd) of our musical affections. I have given and recieved several mixed tapes at times....some were of the "I love these songs and you need to broaden your musical palate" variety and some were the heart-wrenching "I think about you all the time and if I was able to express myself the way I wish I could-this is what I'd say" type. In either capacity-mixed tapes, to me, are an intimate encounter. Someone thought about me! OR vice versa, I am thinking of/praying for/loving someone!

Anyhooch, I decided to make an Ultimate Mixed Tape of my life thus far. 13 songs that have meant something to me and have shaped me in someway...

1) Daddy's Girl , Red Sovine- All my poor daddy wanted was ONE stinkin son and he got FIVE daughters instead! I remember sitting on his lap and singing the chorus to this song. I am still, at 29 years of age, a Daddy's girl... " I know I'm daddy's number one, for he loves me like I was his son.." http://www.ourweddingsongs.com/father-daughter-songs/daddy-s-girl-lyrics

2) More Than You'll Ever Know, Watermark- Awesome song that reminds me of my sisters (biological and in Christ). If I need them, they come running! (With food, cleaning gear, etc.) It's so nice to know that they get on their knees and pray for little ol' me! It sure takes some of the burdens off you shoulder when your friends carry your load for you! http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/watermark/more-than-youll-ever-know.html

3)Cold Water, Damien Rice- Three years ago, my step-grandmother was killed in a tragic accident. It hurt so much to think about her being a new story and something people were talking about everywhere I went. She was such a lovely lady. A few days after her funeral, I remember being stuck on a bridge over the Ohio River and hearing this song. I can't even hear the song without thinking about her.

5) We Thought You'd Be Here, Wes King- Craig and I had two miscarriages before we had Evan. It was such a hard time for me. I kept thinking God and I were on the same page, only to find out we weren't even in the same book! Craig and I knew we were meant to be parents we just didn't know when... This song was my torture and my hope. I would curl up in a ball and listen and cry, listen and cry, repeat...Pitiful, I know-but it helped! (And you know we all do it!)Anyway, this artist had gone thru a similar situation with his wife and wrote this song about their journey.

6) The First Day of My Life, Bright Eyes- I love this song. It reminds me of what it felt like falling in love with Craig.

Nothing new to report...

2008-09-25T20:59:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in several days mainly because nothing has happened. I've been working full time nights and taking care of the boys all day. Most days consist of me wandering around like a zombie until Evan gets on the bus. That's when Gus and I go down for our naps. :)

Here are a few pics from this past Sunday when we went to the zoo with Grammy. It was Gus's first time on the carousel and he wasn't all that impressed. I took a video. Check out how excited big brother was to be on the shark!

Ever had a day like this?

2008-09-20T12:58:00.000-04:00

I love my kids. And I absolutely love being a mom. That said, there are days I wish I could just lay in bed and not get out. I literally dream of sinking into my mattress, loaded with my soft quilt, flannel sheets and down pillows and feel the fan cooling my toes peeking out beneath the blankets. I want no responsibility. No noise! No sticky fingers grabbing at my nose. No tushies that need to be wiped. No husband asking where the scissors are. No 5 year old cutting up my couch with the scissors daddy provided....

Hmm....How's this for irony? The boys are the ones in my bedroom right now. Gus is just waking up from his nap and Evan must be entertainging him. Gus is squealing with delight. I imagine Evan is playing peekaboo. Maybe he is even underneath my soft, cuddly quilt. Perhaps he's even pillow-fighting with the down pillows....More likely though, he is cutting something up with those darn scissors! Ahhh!!! Better go check on the babes!

Aliens in the bathtub

2008-09-16T16:51:00.000-04:00

Evan is scared when his bathroom door is left open. It's a new fear, but every night like clockwork he says ,"um...you forgot something! THE DOOR!!!" Nothing Craig and I say can convince him there aren't aliens hiding in the dark corners of the bathtub, just behind the curtain.

Well, I just got the boys out of the bathtub about a half an hour ago and Evan is playing in his room. He just ran out here a few minutes ago and said, "Mom! THE DOOR!!!! You left it OPEN!" When I reminded him that he was the last person out of the bathroom, he responded with, "No. It was you. Check the video."

HAHAH!!!! How sad is it that the norm for our children is that everything is being taped? Walgreens, Target, street corners...and apparently my five year olds's room!

Walking with Jami

2008-09-15T01:00:00.000-04:00

Gus and I went up to Mason Elementary for the Susan G Komen Race for the cure. A bunch of my friends met up to walk with our friend Jami. She is such an amazing woman. She has been through so much the past two years...I can't even believe how strong she is! She just had a nasty reaction to chemo this past week and the skin peeled off the bottom of her feet. We all said we would carry her or push her or whatever was needed to get her thru the 5k. Well, she walked the whole thing! I even saw her run! (That's her in the picture with me.)

After the race I went home to watch the Bengals and we had the worst wind storm I have ever seen! Some places nearby registered 82 mph winds! The siding is gone on the side of my mother in laws house, my dad lost shingles off his and our garbage cans ended up about 30 yards into the woods! I am thankful though, that we have electricity. I know so many people are out.

Otters, sharks and jellyfish- Oh my!

2008-09-14T00:24:00.000-04:00

Whew! We have had a busy week since the wedding. Craig was on vacation all week, so I picked up a little extra at work to help the family I work for. It was nice- BUT BOY AM I TIRED! Craig and I took the boys to the Newport Aquarium today and they had so much fun! Gus couldn't believe the big fish! Evan and Craig were all about the sharks. I loved the jellyfish. Man, God created some awesome sea creatures!

I have to go to bed early because I am doing the Race for the cure in the morning!

1 Timothy

2008-09-10T20:54:00.000-04:00

Wow. We had bible study today and it was SO good! We are studying 1Timothy and I am learning so much about listening to God and also about discipline. God is telling me I really need an attitude adjustment when it comes to my relationship with my husband. I just want to control things! It's my nature! I want things done how and when and the way I want them. I have to let Craig lead in our home. Pray for me. It's really hard! I am seeing how my bossiness and anger dictates our entire day. If I am quiet and yielding to God's will and also to my husband (under God's authority) then great things happen! We are all happy! :) It's crazy how my grumpy butt can bring the whole family down....

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2:11-12

LaMayzing Wedding!

2008-09-07T02:21:00.000-04:00

Happy wedding day, Hilllary and George LaMay!!!!! (It is also the 8th anniversary of their first date and the 2nd anniversary of their engagement!)

When I woke up this morning, I just had to trust God. I prayed for His will be done. It was POURING outside! It was magnificent and terrible. The wind was blowing so hard trees were bending over. We got our hair done at 9am and when we left the salon I actually had to pull into the shopping center carport to get the bride (dryly) into the car! You shoulda seen us all huddling underneath umbrellas with our hair all fixed up! It would have been funny if it wasn't us and a wedding in the midst...

Hillary kept her cool all day and we were all praying for the sun to come out. We got to the venue amid the deluge and went inside and practiced for an indoor wedding. All the while trusting God was bigger than the storm, but not knowing what he had in store.

Well, guess what!!?!?!? GOD ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS!!!!! Right at 5:30, when the wedding was to start, the sun came out! Hillz walked down the aisle (OUTSIDE!!!) about 20 minutes later. It was perfect. The ceremony was perfect as was the reception. It all fell into place. I am so happy for them!

Wedding Eve

2008-09-06T02:58:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning and went to tea with the lovely bride and all the bridesmaids. It was SO fun! One of my favorite people (in all the world!!!) Michelle, got me into tea and tea houses a few years back. It is such a way to squeeze in girlie fellowship and also enjoy yummy tea (and scones and dainty sandwiches...I could go on!) Hillary picked out the neatest little tea house where we could browse the antiques and english goodies.

After tea we went straight to the rehersal. We practiced for an outside wedding! I really pray that is how it turns out! Once we finished our practicing, we caravaned to the rehersal dinner. It was the site of Hillary and George's first date! So cute. (AND SO DELICIOUS!) I had crawfish and shrimp beignets for the appetizer, new york strip for dinner, and chocolate cake for dinner. It may have been the best meal I have ever eaten! I will be daydreaming about those beignets for years!

I am off to bed as this is the eve of the wedding. I really hope hurricane Hanna decides to stay AWAY! (Although it is already pouring...)

Hanging out in Virginia!

2008-09-05T02:56:00.000-04:00

Craig and I got up at 2:45 this morning and left! CRAZINESS!!!!! We got into the DC area around 1pm, took a quick nap and then it was time for me to go meet the gals for manis, pedis and dinner. Craig met the groomsmen for TOP GOLF. (He wants to buy a franchise now!) http://www.topgolf.com/

Fun was had by all, but I didn't get to see Craig until bedtime and I have to get up early in the morning for a bridesmaid tea! How fun!!!

In Ky news, Evan is trying to switch out Gus for my friend Shannon's baby Alex Emily. He loves Gus, but he really wanted a baby sister! HAHAH!!!!

Back off, Hurricaine Hannah!

2008-09-02T13:29:00.000-04:00

Craig and I leave tomorrow, Wednesday, to go to VA. I am in the wedding of our dear friends Hillary and George. I am so excited!!!! Please pray for great weather. They are predicting rain from hurricaine Hannah will arrive just in time for the wedding. That is definitely an uninvited guest!!!! :)

I will try to keep up with the blog this week, but it will definitely be a time issue....

Hmm...

2008-08-27T17:42:00.000-04:00

I picked Evan up from school today and there was a muslim woman who walked past us and went into the office. I didn't give her much thought until Evan got really excited and started pressing his face up against the office window. He started shouting, "Mom! There's a lady who works with orphans in there!!!! Do we have any toys to give her for the kids?" I had NO CLUE what he was talking about until I remembered the woman with the shawl over her hair. Evan thought she was a nun! I thank God everyday for Evan's heart. He is the sweetest boy I have ever met.

Evan's pledge of allegiance, Age 5

2008-08-26T07:22:00.001-04:00

On the way home from Kroger last night, Evan and I were talking about what he is learning at school. He said his teacher went over all the colors and shapes, but everyone already knew them all. They are learning to count to 100 by tens which is something Evan has been working on for a bit... I asked if they still did the pledge of allegience everyday like he did in preschool and he said, "nope. We haven't said it yet." (I am guessing because it's afternoon K? They didn't ban it from public schools did they?) I asked him if he still remembered it and he did! Here is what he said!!!

"I pledge allegience to the flag,

of the United States of America-

and to the republic

for which it stands,

one dalmation, under God

indivisible with liberty

and justice for all."

Now, let me say in his defense....he DID watch 101 Dalmations over at Grammy's yesterday... :)

Riding on the school bus!

2008-08-19T23:06:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Evan rode the bus to school today! He loved it....although Craig and I freaked out a bit. I was more emotional today than yesterday (on his first day of school- EVER!) It just reinterated how big Evan is and how much he's grown up. CRAZINESS! Here are a few pics from today along with a video of Evan's interpretation of a bus dance. HILARIOUS!!!!!

The big devil, wrestling and kindergarten.

2008-08-18T18:16:00.000-04:00

Today was Evan's big day! KINDERGARTEN!!!!!! I thought I would cry and be my typical emotional self-but I was pretty calm. It helped that Evan literally forgot all about me the second we entered his classrooom...

Afterwards, on the way home, I asked him about his day. He said he had fun and his teacher was really nice. I asked if he got in trouble at all and he said, "well, a little bit..."

"What did you do?"

"I hit a kid."

"EVAN!!!! Why would you do that? That is NOT how you make friends! WHY DID YOU HIT?"

"The big devil."

"WHAT?!?!?!"

"The big devil made me do it."

"Evan-that is not a good enough excuse."

"Well...I did use my brain."

"How? You didn't use your brain. You used your muscle and that's not good!"

"NO! I used my brain! I was looking at that big, tough kid and all I could think was wrestle!"

AHH!!! It took everything I had to keep myself from laughing out loud!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Kindergarten Eve...

2008-08-17T21:17:00.001-04:00

Wow. Tomorrow Evan starts Kindergarten. I can't believe it. He is SO excited. Thursday we had open house at school and as we were leaving the house to go up there I looked at his shirt. There were three big wet spots on it. I was really annoyed since I had just handed him the clean shirt 5 minutes before....I was about to make him change when the strong scent of Axe body spray wafted up my nostrils.... EVAN PUT ON "COLOGNE" to meet his teacher!!!! He is so cute sometimes I can't stand it.