Living the Dream

Electro-Shock Anyone??

2011-07-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday morning. Suppose to be the first morning of Mel's vacation, yet he is working. I am home with the kiddos again and in charge of entertaining them for the next 10 hours during a record breaking heat wave. To say that we are getting a little bored would be an understatement!

At any rate the morning has been interesting thus far. Will managed to get ahold of the gummy vitamins and fill up a seven day pill box with them. He then proceded to eat the whole weeks worth. By 8 I was on the phone with my pharmacy friend making sure he wasn't going to keel over from an overdose.

We dodged that bullet thankfully and took the dog out for a bathroom break. I knew she didn't have her electric collar on, but she never crosses the line so I figured we were OK. Wrong! She took off after a walker so I followed down the street in my pajama pants like a crazy woman. Darn dog. Went in to look for the collar and couldn't find it anywhere. That's when Will says he thinks he might have had it but he can't remember where he put it. Eventually we find it in his room to which I ask why on earth would it be in your room? He replies: "I was just trying it on mom." Perfectly normal thing to do right? I mean who doesn't want to try on an electro-shock collar?

So that's been our morning so far and it's just after 10 AM. Geez what does the day have in store from here?

In happier news school starts Aug. 4th 1/2 day and full day for Hannah Aug 8th! Will doesn't start Kindergarten for another few weeks because they have a long phase in program but within a month they will both be in school full time ;) Yippee! What on Earth will I do with myself?

So I finally downloaded pictures!

2011-06-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

All 346 of them ;)
Memorial Day tribute in town.

Easter egg hunting at Granny Ruth's house.

Putt Putt Golf. She looks alot better than she plays!

Daddy's birthday cake was apparently good :)

Pretty girl at Daytona Beach 2011

Handsome boy at Daytona Beach 2011

If I had one of these at home I might get something done!

Easter Eggs. Dyed 24, Will busted 13 within an hour of this pic!

American Girl Cafe in Atlanta. Lunch with two of my favorite girls, Hannah and Kit.

Will got a Bolt stuffed animal at the Disney Store while the girls did American Girl.

Checking in at the hotel at the special American Girl counter.

Atlanta Zoo big bird's nest.

Hannah's favorite the Giant Panda!

That look says it all.

Daddy and Will on the shortest train ride in history, about 3 minutes.

More to come....

Hi

2011-05-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I last posted an update, and to be honest I doubt if anyone reads this blog anymore since I give it so little attention. At any rate it's still a good way for me to chronicle the things my kiddos do and since my memory is so terrible it's not a bad idea to write it all down.

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Hannah will be finishing up 1st grade in a couple of weeks! I can hardly believe my baby girl is now 7 years old, and she is as dramatic as ever. She is loving all things American Girl and can't wait to start swimming lessons again this summer. We already have struggles about clothing and shoes, hair styles and just about everything else daily.

Hannah is also learning to ride a bike and she was doing so well. She got a new bike for her birthday and we were practicing in the street, and then she face planted into the concrete. We are having a hard time getting her back on the bike, but I hope she will be riding without help soon. It's hard when you only weigh 35 pounds @ 7 years old and the bike weighs as much as you do.

I put my swimsuit on for the first time a few days ago and Hannah says: "Oh I love it Mommie!" and then in the next breath "but, you bootie looks big!". Thanks honey for that feedback, and I assure you that my "bootie didn't look big" until you and your brother came along!

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I registered my baby boy for Kindergarten this week although he doesn't seem too excited about going. He would, however, really like to ride the bus. He turned 5 on Monday, which is making me feel really old, but also thankful that both of my children can put their shoes on alone (and usually on the right feet), and buckle their seatbelts.

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I was reading the kids a Bible story the other day about the angel that told Mary she would have a baby and name him Jesus.
Will resonds: "Mom, did an angel tell you to name me Will?"
I said: "No buddy, I just liked that name."
Will: "Well you could have named me something better like Woody or Lighting McQueen then."
Me: "You're right buddy. I'm sorry."

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We had lunch with Poppie, Granny Ruth, and PawPaw on Tuesday of this week. Evidently I was talking to someone else while Will and Poppie were talking about a water toy that Will had gotten for Easter. Will tells Poppie that he threw it in the deep end and it sank to the bottom. The conversation went something like this:
Poppie: "Well, I would have jumped in and got it off the bottom for you."
Will: "Well it's really deep."
Poppie: "If Granny was there she would have put her bikini on and jumped in and got it for you."
Will: (looks over at Granny and back at Poppie) "Never tell me that again!"

Apparently he found that mental picture disturbing.

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After noticing an older man wearing an eye patch at a restaurant the other day Will looks at me and says: "No fair Mama! Why does he get to wear a costume to the restaurant and I don't?" Thank goodness the man couldn't hear him. Wish I could say the same for the worker at Kroger that he called cranky and/or cranky looking repeatedly before I could quickly get him outta there and give him a talking to!

Why Would You Do That??

2011-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

There was a contest in the local Rutherford County Parents magazine where you could win an American Girl package that includes Kanani the new girl of the year. For Hannah this is about the best prize you can imagine, right on up there with a brand new car! Anyway we went to the site to register for the prize and they had several other contests going on as well. One contest was for a two week tuition at an all girls summer camp. Girls ages 6-16 could attend the camp and have all kinds of adventures!

I jokingly asked Hannah if she wanted me to register for the camp and she answered: "What is summer camp?"

I explained that girls go for two weeks to "camp" and spend the night, play outdoors, do crafts, etc.

She gives me a horrified look and says : "Why in the world would you want to spend two weeks away from your Mommy? Especially if you're only 6 years old?"

I told her I didn't understand it either and I would never let her go, at least not until she's about 15.

It just struck me as too funny that she was so appalled at the fact that children actually do these things. Man she's so great and I'm so lucky to be her Mommy!

House Tour (better late than never)

2011-01-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

These are pictures that I already had. Wish I had more of the kids rooms and family room, even the master but I don't and without a camera right now this is as good as it gets. Hope you can get some kind of idea about the house from the pictures anyway.

Staircase with Gallery Wall

Kitchen Eating Area (There is now a tiled backsplash) Laundry room through that door.

Kitchen

Another view of Living Room

Dining Room with Christmas Decor and Will's head. Nice Huh?

Family Room upstairs (Bonus Room)

Sweet Dreams

2011-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

My baby sleeps through the night... and he's 4 1/2. Ha ha ha. As of Saturday Will has decided that he will sleep in his own bed alone all night long. We inticed him with some treats placed into a "Sweet Dreams" jar that he can choose from when he wakes in the morning. Lord I hope it continues to work because it sure is nice to be able to sleep all night for the first time in 6 years! Yep it's been 6 whole years since Mel or I had a steady whole nights sleep apart from the kids staying with Grandma or the occasional night away from home.

Will also started back to preschool today. Since moving we hadn't been able to get him into a program at the beginning of the year, but today he back and loving it. I know that he's as thankful as I am for a break from me and the house. He went in with no trouble and had a great day so I couldn't ask for more.

I lost my camera sometime after Thanksgiving. I have looked everywhere and have yet to find it. I think I will give the kids a 5$ reward for finding it and if that doesn't work I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one.

New post coming soon of pictures of the now "not so new house". Since I don't have a camera the pictures are also now dated since Mel did a few home improvement projects for me for Christmas, but hey it beats nothing right.

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

January

Several snow days in a row made for some extra time with Hannah. Everyone had fun playing in the snow and we even built a baby snowman and tried sledding.
Listed the house for sell after several remodel projects were completed.
Made a contract to begin building the new house.

February

Attended the circus
Builders completed the siding on the new house in the entirely wrong color.
Found out that bad guys don't wear underwear

March

The rabid skunk incident of 2010. Geez I couldn't make this stuff up!
More house showings.
New house gets concrete drive, and sidewalk. Exterior is finished.
Hannah wins several reading awards at school.

April

Received an offer on the house. Negotiated and sold house.
Movers arrived April 29 to pack our belongings.
Will got confused over a lemonade stand from the past.
Birthday parties for kids combined at Bounce Barn.
Vacationed for spring break in Panama City Beach

May

Moved in with Poppie and Nana until schools out.
Vacationed in Daytona Beach.
Closed on new house and moved in.

June

Unbearable heat = lots of pool time.
Official swimming lessons for kids.
Will gives DNA sample

July

Pool parties, visits from family and finally getting settled in.
Hannah read 70 some odd books for the summer reading program at the library.

August

The "Mystery Man" begins locking doors at random at our house. Since that first time at least a dozen inside doors have mysteriously been locked and closed so that you can't get into the room.
Hannah starts first grade, and loves it!
Will and I settle into some kind of routine by ourselves and try to even get a little preschool work done with him as well.

September

Will decides that after seeing this huge Lab at the park that he has to have one. Continues to pester me the rest of the year about it.
I turn a year older, and we all take a week off for fall break.

October

Hannah was a Dalmatian puppy and Will was a giraffe for Halloween.
Made a trip to Winchester to party for Halloween and visit family.
Visited the pumpkin patch with friends.
Will observes the "Dead Cat"
Hannah lost her first tooth on Halloween night!

November

Daylight savings time messes up all of our sleep patterns, as if Will needed any help with that.
Lots of fun with neighborhood kids, our kids love having friends close by.
Thanksgiving in Winchester takes an unusual turn when my grandfather ends up sick and in the hospital. First year ever that we haven't had everyone together for Thanksgiving.

December

Kids loved decorating this year. They are really getting into all of there special ornaments that Aunt Lovey gives them each year.
We begin a Christmas Countdown with the Hallmark ornament and the kids commence in trying to make me even crazier than I already am.
Spent 10 days in Winchester leading up to Christmas. So nice to spend time with everyone again.
Round out the year with Flu for Hannah and I. Still working on getting rid of that.

Daylight Savings Rant

2010-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

An absolutely random picture from Charlie Brown ICE 2009. One of the only pictures I could find of both kids together, just because I hate to post without a picture! Perhaps I should download those Halloween pictures, ya think?

Unfortunately kids don't participate in that whole "gain an hour of sleep" bit. Both of mine were up at 5:40 this bright (o.k. actually it was still dark) Monday morning. I couldn't believe it. I tried to go back to sleep while they watched a cartoon, but Hannah kept asking me when I was going to get up since she was going to be late for school. After the 10th time I just gave up on the sleep. Perhaps I was a bit crabby with the adorable children as I stumbled out of bed and searched for my house shoes, I can't rightly say.

Since we were up so early this morning I had a chance to get the washer going before school. As luck would have it Hannah decided she wanted to sleep with me last night. I let her because she rarely asks and she's so darn cute. At any rate, she has seasonal allergies that get bad when she lays down. It seems like she just gets a flood of post-nasal drip. (nice topic huh?) Long story short she gagged and was sick on my new comforter. It has to be dry cleaned. So Will and I are headed to the cleaners in a few minutes to drop it off.

Oh, and the husband won't be home until around 9 tonight which means I'm on my own all day and night. I'll make it and there have been much worse days like when they were 6 months and 2 years old and I couldn't even go to the bathroom.

Pumpkin Patch and Such

2010-10-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Neighborhood Kids heading to the pumpkin patch.

Gabi, Hannah, Dani, Noah, and Will

Will coming down the big slide.

Hannah found a "little lamb" like her favorite stuffed animal!

We had a great time at the pumpkin patch. Kids played tons of games, hayride, corn maze and we bought come really cool pumpkins. I couldn't believe the kids weren't scared of the animals!

Changing gears - random updates

Upon arriving at our destination for lunch the other day Mel and I spotted a dead cat on the side of the road. Lucky for us it was just feet from where we were parked. Will noticed in on the way in, Hannah didn't.

On the way out on the other hand Hannah finally noticed the cat and yells : "Daddy, don't hurt that cat!" to which Will replies:

"Ya can't hurt that cat, it's already dead."

5 minutes of panic ensue while Hannah screams and cries about the dead cat. Will gets tired of hearing her and then says: "I'm just kidding he's just asleep. I know he's not dead because his tongue wasn't sticking out."

While I don't normally find a dead cat humorous, I was hysterical. He just said it so matter of fact that I couldn't help it.

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There were tornado warnings all over our county tonight and so we took the kids down to the half-bath downstairs. They were pretty excited, so much so that Hannah decided she needed to tinkle. Will goes: "Oh boy, I'm outta here." Dude had rather face the storm than risk a smelly bathroom adventure.

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Lastly, the dog ate a glow stick! I don't even know how that happens, but the Internet tells me they are non-toxic to humans and pets. We turned the light out and she glowed nice and purple though.

Man, I'm a Bad Blogger

2010-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is how Hannah looks 80% of the time...

and this is how Will looks 80% of the time!

1st day of 1st grade

Team picture, 1st day of school.

I just can't find anything to blog about, and it's not for lack of crazy stuff going on. School's going great, we are settling in nicely and the kids are liking the neighborhood.

Will informed me the other day that when he grows up he wants to be a "lab dog". He then said, "What do you want to be when you grow up Mama?" I reply: "I wanna be Will Sanders when I grow up." He says: "That's ridiculous, Will Sanders is a child!" Evidently it is not ridiculous to be a dog when you grow up though??

I really want to take some pictures of the new house and post them soon. I know some folks haven't got to come over yet and would like to see where we landed.

That's it. Wish I had more, but I just don't :( Sorry.

Scodgeball and Pics

2010-08-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

I downloaded 31 pictures from my camera today. 29 of them were something like this.

Oh and Hannah informed me that she played "Scodgeball" at school yesterday. Don't you just love that game. She also told me that I didn't know how to play and she would have to tell me. Turns out "Dodgeball" is the same as it was 25 years ago. Scodgeball on the other hand may be a different story.

Kids and Free Money

2010-08-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Things here are going great. Hannah loves school so much, and it is such a relief. Will is doing good with home school (pre-k) and we are making progress.

This afternoon I was sitting in the living room and both kids were in the chair with me. Will asks if I will take my ponytail down so he can see my hair. After doing this he smooths it out (or tries knowing my hair) and says: "I'll be right back mama."

He comes back in the living room carrying a huge pair of scissors. I'm like : "Dude what are the scissors for?" to which he replies "I'm gonna cut your hair Mama."

No thanks buddy, it may look bad, but I think I'll pass.

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In other news I have won $25 in Amazon gift cards from Swagbucks since I started in June. You just sign up and search like you always would, just using their toolbar or search engine instead of google. You earn "bucks" and when you get 450 you can get a $5 Amazon card. There are lots of other things you can get as well, but I order from them quite often, and they let you stack them so you could use 5 or 10 at a time. I'm so excited and now Mel is even using a "Swag" account.

If you want to try it out you can click that little box at the top right of the page and it will take you right there. Let me know what you think!

Remember these folks?

2010-08-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

These got loaded in reverse order and I need to take Will on a bike ride, which means I don't have time to fix it right now.

Post Oscar the Grouch cupcake

Don't you just love having your picture made as soon as you wake up?

Last picture at the "old" house

Asleep in the car, thank goodness.

Not sure the occasion, birthday party day perhaps. Super cute none the less.

Needless to say I have been less than excited about blogging as of late. I'm trying to get back into some kind of groove, so here are some recent pictures (by recent I mean spring break, lol). First set is from Splash in Panama City.

Will helping with some repairs at the "old" house. I think he has a future in the business, don't you?

Hannah posing at the pool

Buried in the sand

Love this one of Hannah looking at the sand

Life Jacket, Goggles, too bad he wouldn't get within 5 feet of the actual water!

That's Kinda Hard To Do

2010-08-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Will had one of those character washcloths that you soak in the sink and they expand. They start out in the shape of a little square or whatever, and as they soak and grow you can see what the picture is going to be. He was driving me crazy to do it the other morning, but I was trying to finish up breakfast. I told him to wait and I would help him in a minute.

A second later he comes into the living room with a dripping wet washcloth. Water has been dripped from the bathroom all the way through the house. I shouldn't be surprised, yet for some odd reason I am. I send him back to the bathroom to put it back in the sink.

Not two minutes later I go in there to find him with the rag once again, not in the sink but draped over the five toilet paper rolls he has removed from the basket. We now have a wet floor, wet towel, and several wet rolls of toilet paper. I say something to the effect of:

"I don't even know what to say to you right now. I'm just gonna walk out of here and when I come back in here in a few minutes I want to see this mess gone and the rag in the sink, OK?"

Will: no response

I then leave and piddle in the kitchen for a few minutes. He comes back in. The following dialogue is a pretty good play by play of what actually took place:

Me: "Will, I'm going back in the bathroom to see if you got that mess cleaned up."

Will: "Well, that's gonna be kinda hard to do."

Me: "Why would that be hard to do?"

Will: "Cause I locked the door. You can't get in there."

Sure enough he locked the door and shut it from the outside, in effect locking us all out of the only downstairs bathroom. There was no key to be found, so I had to then wait for Mel to get home and pick the lock.

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More to come on Hannah's first day of 1st grade, some of the 157 pictures that need to be downloaded from my camera, and who knows what else.

Here comes Poppie

2010-07-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Poppie came over yesterday to visit and bring some spaghetti sauce for the kids. The kids were so excited to have a visitor. I guess I don't really realize how secluded we are here. It is nice to see a face you know for a change.

Poppie needed some new sunglasses so we made a trip to the mall. Let's face it, it's never a good idea to bring two small children to the mall. Will ran into several people, and had the hardest time staying focused on where we were going.

There were two very nice new cars in the mall and try as I might I couldn't convince Poppie to buy me one. I was using the excuse that one of the seat belts in my van was messed up, but it didn't fly.

Will thinks Poppie can and will buy whatever you ask for, wonder where he got that idea? He was quite upset when we got home that Poppie didn't in fact purchase the new car. He says that if Poppie's car gets messed up he sure won't get a new one either.

Will has taken to being a "baby kitty" in which he talks in a really high voice and licks people on the arm. I told him this morning that he needed to get some underwear on to which he replied: "Kitty's don't wear underwear."

He has also decided to pee outside lately and I have caught him twice. He will never admit to it though. He just doesn't realize he's not in the country anymore. At least he wears clothes outside-at least most of the time.

Why Her Give Me A Thumbs Up?

2010-07-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Will "shot" some bypassers yesterday with his toy rifle. I tried to stop him but it was too late, damage done. The lady in the car proceeded to give him a thumbs up and wave at him. He turns to me and says: "Mama, why that lady just give me thumbs up? Don't she know I shot her?" I tend to agree with him that it is perhaps an unusual response.

There are people here today finally finishing my Sheetrock repair and painting. I can't believe I might get my pictures hung sometime in the next few days. It's taken forever though.

The kids stayed with "Grandma" last night. I was so excited about sleeping in, I then woke up at 6:45. What in the world is wrong with me? Since having kids I can't seem to sleep past 7 most days. Will I always be and early riser now?

My eye has been twitching for a solid week. It's driving me crazy and I can't find any way to stop it.

Still can't find the camera charger. Oh well, guess I should hop over to EBay, huh?

Swimming Lessons and Such

2010-06-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Swimming lessons are in full swing, and so far Will has yet to be suspended from pool activity. Two days down, six to go. He is really proud of himself, and I sure do hope he is learning something.

Hannah on the other hand being the star student that she is reports all of the tasks they are to complete and whether she and Will can do them. I think so far they are both "afloat".

I would post pictures, but I can't find the charger to our camera since we moved. I've looked everywhere and it's just lost. I guess I'll keep looking and hoping that it turns up. Otherwise I'll have to fork over the $ for a new one.

Will as been in the worst mood ever the last week. Maybe it's the heat, I'm not rightly sure but none the less one of us has got to improve or move out. I'm betting on him being the one on the move.

He is so tired right now I think he could fall asleep sitting up. It's 4:21 p.m. and he's been up since about 6:20 a.m.. When he gets up guess who else has to get up? Just so happens that I don't get a nap of any sort either. Why can't that child sleep?

Scooby Doo is boss at our house. We watch Scooby at least ten times a day. Just so happens Jill-Jill adopted a one-eyed blind dog named brownie last year. Mike-Mike has tried desperately to give her to us since we moved to no avail. His latest plan was to tell Will that Brownie was really Scooby-Doo. Will asked me the other day as we left the house: "Mom, the real Scooby has two eyes, right?" Maybe that was funnier in person. Not sure.

A trip to the Peditrician

2010-06-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

I took Will to the doctor yesterday because he had been having some urinary frequency and a couple of accidents. He never has accidents, so I thought we should check it out. At any rate, we entered the small bathroom- Hannah, Will, and I. The goal was to deposit some urine into a plastic cup.

He "really" had to go, and once a four year old starts going it's hard to stop the flow. I asked him to stop and finish in the toilet since the cup runneth over, he didn't make it to the toilet. Instead he peed all over my grey flip-flop and the floor of the bathroom.

Just so happens this Ped's office has those lovely paper towel dispensers that spit out one paper towel a time.

After many attempts to gather towels and return to the floor Hannah looks at me and says:

"Hey Mom, are you getting that from Will to take his DNA?"

Me: "What are you talking about? What do you know about DNA?"

Hannah: "I don't know, that's what you're doing right?"

Me: "No honey, I'm not taking your brother's DNA, I'm just trying to gather some urine and see if he's sick."

Hannah: "Oh, OK. I just wondered."

I finally got the mess cleaned up, my flip flop remained sticky for the visit but all in all it was a success.

He was fine and didn't have an infection either. He didn't have any more accidents either, but he did tell Melvin that night:

"All Mama ever talks about is me peeing in my pants."

Needless to say that was the last time I mentioned the accident, I guess from now on he can just pee in his pants all he wants to, right?

2010-05-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I am blogging from the balcony of our condo in Daytona Beach. The full moon is rising over the ocean, and the waves are crashing against the shore. The kids are asleep for the night, and all is peaceful. A soft breeze blows across the porch. This is about as good as it gets, my babies are safe and their bellies are full. They are tuckered out from a long day of playing with good friends and family.

It's moments like these where the world really does seem right. Everything seems to settle in a good place where the stress and craziness of everyday life melt away and I can really enjoy being a mother.

The weeks, make that months, of moving prep and stress are now gone. We are pretty much settled into the new house, and the kids thankfully love it. I am ever so glad that journey has come to an end, and we can begin some other crazy journey. I can breathe once again, and it feels pretty good.

If there were ever a year where we needed to get away, this is it. I am so thankful for opportunities to recharge when there are so many who are less fortunate.

On a lighter note, my grandparents took the four grandchildren out to dinner tonight. Hannah and Will stayed at the condo and played with the cousins while NaNa, Poppie, and Nona watched them. Will was not very happy that I was leaving him, but let me tell ya, when Granny Ruth decides you are gonna do something, you just go ahead and do it regardless.

I called twice to check on him, and he was fine both times and swimming once again. As we pulled into the parking lot dad (Poppie) called to tell me he was fine and to see when we would be heading back. I told him we were in the parking lot. I believe he was glad to hear it, but did tell me that while I was gone Will had mysteriously heard his Mama's voice calling his name.

I think this might be genetic, once when my uncle was sick with the flu he stopped at a grocery store to pick up some NyQuil and heard his Mama call his name in the parking lot. We always made fun of him, but maybe they are both telepathic.

Will's Birthday and such

2010-05-10T08:41:00.001-07:00

My baby boy turned four years old yesterday, and I can hardly believe it. He was so excited to be a "big boy" although he's always been a big boy, ha. When I am up and running with my own computer and pictures to upload, I will do a proper post about the baby boys' birth, but for now I just wanted to mention it, and mark it in our journal of important dates.

We are buying a house today. Moving tomorrow, kind of at least until Hannah's school year is over. It is a confusing schedule that I don't even try to explain to onlookers unless they really ask.

The boy and I are gonna get some lunch, and head to the house closing. Hopefully the children will act appropriately while we sign our lives away, and we can get it done quickly.

Off We Go

2010-04-29T08:31:00.001-07:00

The moving guys are here today, and I am so very thankful. The got here around 8:30 and have been working hard ever since. A big thanks to Kroger for footing the bill as well. We are finally on the move, and it seems like we would never make it. Mel has been super busy at work as usual, and the kids are just excited to get to stay at NaNa and Poppies house for a while. They love to explore that big place, and hopefully they will wear themselves out doing it :)

I added a Swagbucks button on the side, because I decided if I'm gonna piddle around on the internet I might as well earn some money. If you get 3100 points you get a 25$ Amazon gift card. I started yesterday and already have 72 points. Yeah me! You can win other stuff as well, but I love books so to get free books seems like a pretty sweet deal. You pretty much just use their search engine to surf instead of google.

I'm gonna rest up a few more minutes, and then try to start cleaning some of these bathrooms. I figure the more I can get done today the better.

Moving Finally

2010-04-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am suffering from a major case of overwhelming stress. The movers are coming on Thursday to pack the house, and Friday to load the moving truck. I can hardly believe we are finally at this point. It seems we have been planning for this day forever (since November) and I didn't really think it would be upon us this quickly. It's funny how things seem to drag along forever, and then all of a sudden you're in a time warp and you can't catch up.

Here's a rundown of the timeline (mainly for my recording purposes)

November- Mel mentions moving as an option again since he is rarely home anymore. Since I am overwhelmed by being a "single" parent 75% of the time I agree. The kids miss their daddy, and I do too!

December- We decide on a subdivision, house plan, and extras. We sign a contingency contract and pay our earnest money.

January- Home improvements to get the house ready for sale take up much of the month. Clean out closets and move some junk to storage, other junk to Good Will.

February 1- House goes on Market. It proceeds to snow or rain almost everyday for the next month. We have almost no showings for the month. I start to get concerned about the sell.

March- The weather breaks, and the buyers come out. We average at least one showing per week, sometimes 2. I believe it was the 27th when the buyers looked our house. Our realtor called on the 28th to tell me that they had requested all pertinent documents. Sounded like a good sign to me. Hannah also had a ENT checkup on Monday in Chattanooga.

April- Negotiated offer and came to a fair conclusion, 63 days on market. Spring Breaked in Panama City Beach, and this week packing and moving!

May- Close on new house the 10th, another beach trip at the end of the month, and move permanently after the trip.

So I am starting my 7th month of the transition. I wish I could say that I feel ready, or that I was even organized but the truth is I'm just tired. I think my brain is on overload as well. I bought ice cream the other day, brought it inside and left it sitting on top of the deep freeze for 2 hours.

I pray that the kids do ok with the move as well. I think Hannah is starting to have some anxiety about leaving her friends and I can't blame her. I am hopeful that Will is too young to really grasp the difference.

Lemonade Stand

2010-04-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

We headed off to the beach last week for some fun in the sun and boy did we need it. Between dealing with relocation companies and keeping a spotless house I'm pooped. Anyhow, we were traveling to Florida. I was reminding Mel about a little boy and a lemonade stand we stopped at once in that very town a long time ago. Like 8 years ago, the kids is probably in college now. The converstation went something like this:

Me: "Remember that little boy we bought lemonade from that year? I think it was that house right there."

Mel: "Yep, that was fun. That little guy was so excited to make a sale."

Will: "Did you buy me some lemonade mama?"

Me: "No baby, you weren't born yet."

Will: "But did you buy me some?"

Me: "Buddy, this was a long time before you were born, I didn't get you any."

Will: "So did you buy me some lemonade?"

Me: "Sure I bought you some lemonade dude. Of course Mama did." (for the love of pete)

Will: "How did you feed it to me?"

Me: "I saved it until you were born, then I put it into a bottle, and fed it to you as soon as I could." (Mel holds back laughter, but Will buys it)

Will: "Did I like it Mama?"

Me: "Yep, you sure did."

Will smiles in the back seat, proud of his glass of lemonade from the florida border.

Me, on the other hand, is exhausted from the converstation and stunned at the lengths the child will go to get you to agree with his ideas.

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In other news I have to move in two weeks. Who would've thought we would have sold the house in 63 days? We will be living with mom and dad for about a week straight, and then some here and there during the weeks until school is out.

Rainy Day Ramblings

2010-03-26T08:09:00.001-07:00

Another rainy lazy day. Will the rain ever stop. I was so excited to have a few days of warm sunny weather last week, but I think it was just enough to tease us all. I bought some Pansy's to plant on the front porch, and don't have the "want to" to get it done. Since the house is showing tomorrow, I guess I should probably get on it though.

Speaking of the house showing tomorrow, my playroom bath vanity is now sitting in the playroom. Great huh? Isn't that what all potential home buyers want to see? The guys (Mel and his dad) removed some drywall behind the sink yesterday that had gotten wet from an old leak. Somehow before I knew it the vanity was gone, and there was a mess everywhere. They promise it will be fixed tonight. I sure hope so. It reminds me of one of my favorite books as a child "Henry's Mistake". In the book Henry sees an ant in the kitchen and proceeds to destroy the whole house in an attempt to kill the ant. Do you see the similarities?

Will wants Mini Corn dogs for every meal. Thankfully they are "turkey dogs" with no trans fats, but still I'm sure that most would agree not the best food for the majority of your meals. As of 9:30 this morning he was asking for some.

Instead of just the loading the kids up everytime we go somewhere, now Abe (the dog) thinks he gets to go too. I have to really work at hiding my keys in order to throw him off. He expects to accompany me on every trip to get the kids from school as well.

Maybe When I'm 50

2010-03-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

I was trying on my swimsuits tonight in preparation for the spring break beach trip coming up soon. YAY. Anyway, I was trying on the suits, and Hannah decides to try on her suits too. Just so happens she has this snazzy bikini that her cousin Abby handed down. She proceeds to strut around the house in it asking everyone about how pretty she looks. She makes her way back into the bathroom and tells me:

"Mom, when I'm like 50 I'll probably have a bathing suit like you do."

What I really want to say is something to the effect of "Honey, up until the time I birthed you and your whoppin' brother I could have probably pulled off a suit like yours."

What I said was: "Thanks baby, I'm glad you like it. You can have it when you turn 50."

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I messed up today. I took two small children into a furniture superstore. They just happened to have fifteen different types of bunk beds.

Not sure what it is that draws a kid to a bunk bed, but it's like some kind of strange magnetic force. We left with a crying fit. Apparently I am a mean and horrible mother because I refused to purchase a pink and green flowered bunk bed for my daughters room. It was even "Just her size". I tried to remind her that 10 years from now it won't be just her size and she will hate sleeping on a pastel garden bed, but she would not listen to reason.

The fit lasted a good 15 minutes.

I wanted a micro-fiber sofa, a new bedroom suite, and a kitchen table but somehow refrained from an all out fit throwing. Seems I may be maturing a bit.

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Abe escaped and went to Curl's Corner. Perhaps he wanted an Ice Cream cone or something. A kind lady picked him up and took him to the vet clinic. Since he's a strange looking creature, they recognized him and he's now back at home. Mel thinks he's some sort of boomerang dog, who comes back no matter what.

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The New House

2010-03-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

This my friends is my "free" sidewalk. I am a sucker for something free, and I asked for it, the guy was willing to give it, and there she is.

The house. The door will be painted either brown or black, everything else is pretty much finished except for the landscape and grass of course.

Readers, Buyouts, and Questions??

2010-03-15T08:21:00.001-07:00

We had the house appraised two times for the elusive "Buyout" appraisal. Found out this morning that one of the appraisers was in the hospital and never turned in their stuff. I get to have another appraisal this week! Yay, can't wait to clean again, then suck up to an appraiser all in the hopes that they give me a fair offer.

Abraham has become quite the escape artist. Jill found him at the nursing home on Saturday. That's about a mile from our house, and he's never made it that far before. Mel was quite disappointed that she found him and returned him to us. I guess when you have an unusual looking dog you can't very well "lose" him. Someone always recognizes him and brings him home. He's lounging inside today until I figure out a way to keep him in the yard.

Still no offers on the house, but we have had quite a few showings so far. I hope that the showings will keep up and we can somehow get an offer soon. I am such a planner that I can't stand not knowing what's going on with the move.

Hannah got her "Ready Reader Gold Award" at school Friday and was super excited. That child has worked so hard this year, and it's really paid off. She is reading everything in site, and driving her brother crazy. We take turns reading out of the Preschooler's Bible at night now and she loves that. I can't even describe how proud of her I am.

One year ago at Easter

So far this morning Will has eaten an apple, a milkshake, cupcake, cheese and crackers, a bowl of cereal, and two cups of milk. Think he's having a growth spurt? If so he's in trouble, I can hardly carry him around now. A few more pounds and he will be walking for sure. Now that I think about it, maybe a three/almost four year old should be walking everywhere. Oh well, he's my baby and the last one I'll ever have. I guess I'll carry him as long as my back allows.

Speaking of Will he has become quite the question asker. Some days he drives me insane with the nonstop questions. Friday by the time we got ready to head out the door for school it was coming a monsoon. Great weather for taking kids to school, right? Anyway, we managed to get Sis inside and headed back home. I timed it and it took us 7 minutes to get home. In the span of 7 minutes Will said "Mama" 39 times. That is not a typo my friends, 39 times. Toward the end, I could do nothing but laugh to which he responded: "Mama, Mama, why you laughing?" The questions never stop I tell ya.

This is from the first day of school August 2009.

Look how small he looks!

Born in a Manger??

2010-03-04T16:54:00.001-08:00

I was trying to explain to Will that his birthday was just two weeks after Hannah's. I told him how when Hannah turned two he was still in my tummy, and my tummy was very big.

He then states: "So then Sissy asked for a baby brother, and I was born in a manger, right mom?"

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The kids don't understand the move at all, especially Will. Hannah thinks she is the authority on moving since I told her that she moved once when she was about 15 months old. Every time I mention something about it she will say, "Yeah, I know all about that because I've moved before, and you haven't Will. You don't know about moving."

Will thinks that somehow you just move your body to a new location, but none of your stuff. He told me the other day he didn't want to move because he wouldn't have any clothes to wear. He has also told me on other occasions that he wouldn't have a bed or toys. I've tried to explain it each time, but he just isn't grasping it yet.

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Hannah being the animal lover that she is was extremely concerned about the fate of the skunk the other day. I didn't elaborate where it would go, so Hannah told Will that the man would take the skunk to the Skunk Pet Store so that someone could buy him. I tried to tell her without laughing that no one wanted to buy a rabid skunk from a pet store for obvious reasons. She then decided that maybe he would just go to skunk heaven. Man, that must be a stinky place.

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Will serenaded the kids at Adventure Mountain today with "Pants on the Ground". A mother has never been so proud. (He did not however do the break dancing, thank goodness)

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There was a boy in Hannah's class that had tried to kiss her a few weeks ago. I think she told me about it on accident. A few days ago I ask her if he had tried to kiss her again. To my astonishment she replies:

"Mom, (like I'm an idiot) don't think I'm gonna be falling for that Kayden or that Peyton. I fell in love with Baylor and then he moved away."

Excuse me Ms. Kindergarten, I didn't realize you had analyzed your relationship so much. If only we could have you give a seminar for the high school.

Who's Affraid of a Rabid Skunk?

2010-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Since the weather is frightful yet again, and the kids and I are trapped inside I have time once again to catch you up on the events around here. Things are never dull.

Mel was out of town last week for work. We managed pretty well up until Wednesday, with that being said I don't think he could of done much to help this situation if he had been home.

I was loading the dishwasher and glanced out the kitchen window to see a skunk in the road. Weird huh? Middle of the day and a skunk is wandering around the road, and then he wanders into my yard and all around the front of the house. I bring in the cat. This is gonna get u-g-l-y.

He keeps wandering around, and I get the kids to watch out the front window, since neither of us has ever really seen a skunk up close. He continues to walk around and I notice he is stumbling and having lots of trouble walking straight as well as staying upright. At this point I start to get a little anxious that the skunk has some terrible disease. I watch as he heads through the pines into the neighbors yard. Whew, we really dodged that bullet!

Later that night the kids and I went out to eat with some friends, I load the kids like usual and get in the van. It's pretty dark by this point. It doesn't cross my mind that there was ever a skunk in my yard.

As I'm pulling out of the drive I see the darn thing curled up in a ball in my landscaping. Of all the nerve. I was within 3 feet of the stupid thing. I didn't know what to do, so I did what any girl does when she doesn't know what to do. I called my daddy. He told me to call the police. I felt a little silly calling the police for a possible rabid skunk, but I didn't really have any other options at that time of night.

The policeman arrived and was very polite. He called my cell to tell me that the skunk was in fact still there and appeared to be dead. He was going to call TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency) and call me back. In that time span the skunk moved, and TWRA refused to come over and remove him. He was evidently not a threat to anyone, only my sanity.

I came home several hours later to find the stupid creature in the same spot. I almost cried, tried to hold it together for the kids, and called mama and daddy again. I couldn't envision how I could possible unload two kids and get them into the house with a rabid skunk no more than three feet away. I thought about having a panic attack, but decided against it since there was no one there to help me anyway. They talked me through it and we all made it in safely.

Sometime that night I finally got in touch with Mel to tell him my ordeal, in which his advice was to try and google how to get rid of skunks. Great advice, but the skunk isn't moving at all. I don't think shooing it is gonna work.

I did have several people offer to come shoot it, but I decided that since 1) I'm definitely in the city limits and firearms are illegal and 2) do skunks spray when you shoot them? I didn't want to chance it. The smell of skunk spray would not have sat well with prospective buyers.

Did I mention people were coming to look at our house at 10am the next morning? The skunk has placed himself in the landscape between the front sidewalk and the carport effectively making himself known to all who enter.

I awoke bright and early determined to find a plan of action. First on my list was the TWRA. They were of no help and informed me that he was behaving normally and I was infringing on his territory. Great advice. Also he mentioned I might want to let my dog try and chase him off. I can just see my stinky skunked dog carrying around a rabid skunk in his mouth.

I found my last resort about 8:30 that morning. A man from a nearby town agreed to come out as soon as possible and remove this creature, but warned me he might have to put it down. He could have shot it to the moon for all I cared.

He arrived at about 10:00. The first attempt to coax the skunk into the trap was unsuccessful, the skunk was far to sick to move. He then breaks out a pellet gun and solves my problem once and for all. Wildlife removal guy was pretty sure that the skunk was rabid. I ended up paying the dude $100 for taking the skunk, and to pay the USDA lab for testing on the skunk. Turns out if you have the misfortune of having a sick skunk land in your yard you also get to pay to have it tested.

I am still waiting on the test results.

The realtor and customers showed up as the guy was packing up, at least they didn't have to see the thing, or the shooting of it. I haven't heard back from them, wonder why?

So seriously, who does this happen too?

Random Catch-Up

2010-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

What did the snail say as he was riding on the turtle's back?.........Wheeeee!

What's going on over here? Let's see:

I bought a new hand towel for the guest bathroom Friday night. We had a showing Saturday morning, and all of my white hand towels were stained. Wonder how that happened? Anyway, I bought this towel, and paid what I thought was a pretty penny for one hand towel $6.

Sunday morning Will was working on an art project, he made a small mess with the craft paint and cleaned it up himself. Guess what he used??? Yep, the new towel. Stains didn't come out, but I found a relatively clean side, and rehung it. He was just trying to help out, and clean up his messes like I had ask, how can you argue with that?

I feel like I have cleaned every square inch of this place, and probably need to now start over at the beginning. Laundry never stops, and with the house being on the market I feel like I am on constant alert.

We are having a "Brokers Lunch" over here on Wednesday. Hopefully we will have a good turnout, and perhaps a buyer will be found. More cleaning, packing up a three year old and a dog, and finding alternate activities for 2 hours. Did I mention the dog weighs about 60 pounds? Thankfully Mom and Dad will allow Abe to have a play date with Flash the news hound and Maddie when needed.

I got new flip-flops from Old Navy last week. Some would argue that it's a little cold and/or early for flip-flops but they are extra flashy, and I just can't help myself. You can check them out HERE . I ended up with the pink zebra, black and white zebra and a sparkly coral pair.

We are building a house in the new city, and it's coming along quite nicely. In fact they completed the Hardy Plank siding last week, too bad THE WHOLE HOUSE IS NOW THE WRONG COLOR. Seriously how do you goof that up? Turns out Mel went by there on Thursday and the house is grey/brown, should have been sage green. They will tear it all down and put up the right stuff this week or next. The new house looks similar to this with a few changes to the exterior, stacked stone instead of brick being for example.

We took the kiddos to the Barnum and Baily Circus last weekend, and it was so much fun. If I were more industrious, I would have downloaded the pictures by now. It was truly the most fun I have had at a circus since I was a kid. The last few we had been to had been pretty lame; I was nicely surprised.

Old McBama

2010-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

I knew I would forget this if I didn't post it, so here goes.

I had the TV on Fox News today, we were watching the blizzard and such. Mostly the kids were running around like wild Indians on a snow day.

Will starts yelling:"Hey Mama, there's Old McBama."

Me: "What? I don't know what you're talking about." (I'm not paying much attention, at this point I'm in the middle of making supper)

Will: "You know, Old McBama. On TV"

Me: "I don't know who that is honey, hold on a minute." (I run into the living and lo and behold the Pres. is on TV) "Oh, you mean Pres. Obama. Yeah, that's him baby."

Will: "Told ya Old McBama was on TV."

I just had to record that so I would remember it down the road. Please, Please let there be school tomorrow. I have a Dr. appointment that would be oh so interesting with two kids in toe.

Bad Guys Don't Wear Underwear

2010-02-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Me: "Buddy, you need to put some underwear on."

Will: "O.k."

(comes back wearing a black spiderman 3 costume)

Me: "Dude, I wanted you to put some underwear on too."

Will: "Bad guys don't wear underwear."

Me: "Oh, I didn't realize that, alright then."

We were getting ready to read our Bible story. The kids new Bible came with a CD that reads all of the stories. Last night Will wanted to hold the Bible while it played, and turn the pages. I let him and it turned into a major fight, and disaster. He ask me if he could hold it again tonight and I said I didn't think so, to which he responded:

"That didn't turn out so well did it? I'll try to be calm and patient tonight."

I went ahead and held the book tonight, Hannah wanted to hold it too, and it was turning into a fight already. Otherwise I would have given him another chance, who could refuse that child?

Smart Kids

2010-01-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

We were playing "school" tonight, and it was Will's turn at the chalkboard. He wrote several scratches on the board and ask us what it said. Sis and I were at a loss, so we said we weren't sure. He said it said Frankenstein, and Hannah quickly replied: "It can't spell anything because it doesn't have any vowels." I was quite impressed by my kindergarten girl.

I was rushing the kids out of the house for school the other morning, we are usually in a bit of a hurry. As I'm getting them out the door Will looks over at me and says : "Mama pretty." Talk about making a tired mama's day.

SNOW DAY, again. I would love to have a big snow, but I'm so tired of this flurry stuff. If it's gonna snow, snow. If not could we please arrange for some weather in the 60's.

Hannah was super excited that there was no school today. She said they did a snow dance at school. I can't help but think Ms. Kim had something to do with that. Evidently the snow dance worked, as I type it's coming a blizzard outside, and the kids are wild as ever. So much for the aforementioned 60's huh?

Will just told me: "Mom, I can't believe my eyes, look." pointing to the snow. He's too funny for his own good.

Will's Joke:

Why did the chickens want pineapples?

Because they didn't have any pineapples.

nice huh?

I just like the pictures below.

Hannah at the Christmas Parade

Will myster pic. He needed to wipe his mouth, other than that I dunno where this picture came from.

Alright, the dog is being covered by snow, and the kids think he's gonna turn into a snow dog. I must let him in before the have a flip out, or drive me crazy, or both.

Blog Slacker

2010-01-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

I have become a blog slacker once again. Seems like all I do is clean the house for real estate purposes and it stinks (not the house, the cleaning). In other news:

Hannah is loving cheer leading. She has had two games now, and continually screams I mean practices her cheers. I had to knot her skirt three times to keep it on her tiny body. I still live in terror that it will fall off at any minute, but she is none the wiser.

We had that "huge" snow storm a few weeks ago, and the kids had a ball. I was excited at the thought of getting some snow, but was quickly disappointed at the amount. The kids didn't seem to know the difference, and insisted on building a snowman, and having several snowball fights. We did manage to whip up this beauty, and I even had a baby carrot for a nose.

We are so desperate for snow in Tennessee that even a 1/4" sparks a sledding adventure in the driveway. It almost worked too.

I finally had the sidewalk pressure washed, and some outside pictures taken. Mel was super happy that we had progressed, and to be quite honest I'm relived that he doesn't have anything to remind me about for a few days. He's a manager at heart, and he will in fact manage every task that you will allow. The house went on the market on Saturday, although it won't be fully online for another few days. Keeping our fingers crossed that God sends a buyer our way. I think it might be possible that my dad has paid people not to look at our house though. Poppie's crazy like that, and he's not too happy about the move.

That's all the update I can muster tonight, but I hope to be back in a few days to relay some funny kid stories.

New Year... Spew Year

2010-01-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

So New Year's resolutions are a great concept, for those who can actually accomplish them. I for one am hit or miss. Several years ago, I decided to cut out the caffine. Well, maybe it wasn't just me, o.k. maybe my doctor decided I was gonna cut out caffine and I decided I would claim it as a resolution. I won that one, and haven't really looked back. I do have the occasional glass of caffinated tea, but for the most part I don't desire carbonated beverages anymore and it's worked out nicely.

Last year I had another makeshift resoultion. It seems that sometimes they just slap ya right in the face huh?

I had gone to the doctor (once again) for some reason that I now forget. I stepped on the scale and discovered that I weighed the same amount that I had weighed the day my oldest child was born. If that's not an eye opener, I don't know what is. Geez, could that really be possible, and could I really not have noticed. See up until that point we didn't own a set of scales. My husband was blessed with the metobilism of a marathon runner, and I guess maybe I was in denial. I decided I should probably take off twenty or so pounds.

I managed to come in the year on target with the goal. I wish I could say I was in peak physical condition, or that I had become a health food nut, but truth is I eat as terribly as ever, just less of it. My pants fit though, and that's always a plus.

So this year, well it's January 8th and I have no definite goal. I would like to save more money, be more frugal if that's possible. I would like to enjoy life more, and stress about stupid stuff less. Let's just say my resolution is to love my family better, and concentrate on the things that really matter.

Need a little privacy?

2010-01-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

I'm in the bathroom this morning, with an audience. Will is asking me what I'm doing and I say :"I'm using the potty, and I could use some privacy."

Will: "What's Privacy?"

Me: "It's being left alone."

Will: "Well, why would you need that?"

(at this point I haven't been to the bathroom alone for 5 years, so I guess I don't really need any privacy)

Day two of snow, and it's so cold. We managed to build another tiny snowman last night with Mel's help, and we even used a baby carrot for nose. If I get really brave, I will venture out and take a picture. We also made a snow angel family, which turned out really cute, even though this 30 year old body didn't feel so great lying on the cold driveway.

My little hypochondriac is on the band-aid wagon again this morning. We now have two on the same leg, and she wants to know if it's ever happened to me before. I of course told her yes, and now she wants to know how I made it better, and what it felt like.

I was holding Will like a baby the other night, he was wrapped in a blanket. I began to tell him that he would always be my baby, and a story something like this: "When you were a tiny little baby you grew inside my tummy until you got so big that you had to get out. The doctor helped you come out, and you were so beautiful. Daddy and I loved you so much. You would sleep on my chest at night, and I would rock you and sing." I mean this was a touching story about a mother's love for her firstborn son. Then after my five minute spill he looks up at me and says : "Well sorry, I'm still Daddy's boy." So much for my heartfelt remembrance, huh?

Overwhelmed

2010-01-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm the only one this happens to, but every so often I'll have a day that's just too much. Just so happens today was one of those days. I didn't really want to get up this morning anyway. I could have slept until at least 9:00, but alas, Hannah had her snowsuit on at 7am. There was no snow, but she was dressed. I guess since she had gotten herself dressed, she felt the need to then ask me every 10 minutes or so when we could build a snowman. Keep in mind there had not been one single flake of snow.

Since it's so cold, I have also had the dog, and cat in the house all day.

We were chugging along just fine, the snow started falling, everyone perked up. I have this list on the fridge of about 20 assorted things that need to be accomplished before the real estate people show up next week. I have been trying to get two or three done each day. For some odd reason, I felt like it would be a good idea to tackle Hannah's closet and dresser.

The closet was pretty bad, I cleaned out a garbage bag of clothes to hand down, and another bag to throw away. I realized I needed some boxes to finish the job, but had no way to get them. At this point the room was a disaster, and I was growing ever more alarmed. I began filling another bag of "trash" from various drawers, nightstand, etc. It was at that point I realized that I was no where near being done with that room, let alone the other 12 things on the list. I also knew I had regular chores such as laundry, sweeping, bathrooms, etc. that had to be done as well. There was a pile of relocation paperwork from Kroger on the kitchen counter, not to mention the folder of mortgage paperwork that needs to be sent in. It's time to start taxes too, which equals another folder of receipts, and paperwork that will need my attention in the near future.

It was in that moment that I wanted to cry. I felt for a fleeting second this intense urge to grab my coat and run for the door (alone). How terrible is that? The panic of uncertainty, and the fear of change felt so heavy I could hardly breathe.

So I did what any good avoider would do, I simply walked out and shut the door behind me. It's silly, mundane, non-life threatening things that I need to accomplish. There are a ton of families who would gladly trade my list for theirs, and I realize that. Plus who really cares if my daughters tee-shirts are folded right, and placed in order in her drawer. (only me)

Instead we dressed in our best snow clothes, ventured out into the cold blizzard of 1/4" of snow, and made the smallest snowman known to man. We actually made two. Then Will wanted to have a snowball fight, and it was so much fun to hear him laugh as I pegged him with one snowball after another. Perhaps there is something inherently wrong about deriving pleasure from pegging your 3 year old with snowballs, all I know is he thought it was fun and for a while I forgot about that dreaded messy room.

So on a lighter note, I will leave you with a picture of a room that actually turned out right. We finished up the master bathroom renno Saturday. I'm hopeful it will be the very room that seals the deal. I went ahead and included the other bathroom we just finished and the kitchen.

Master Bath Finshed Product

Kids Bathroom finished product from 10/09

Kitchen remodel finished May 09

2009 in Review

2009-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

For starters Hannah gained 1 pound, Will gained 5. Weighing in at 29 and 37 pounds respectively.

Abraham joined the bunch in June. He's turned into a big guy, and is happy to be along for the ride. This is a picture of him dressed as a Ninja Turtle.

I got new counter tops, and a kitchen renovation, only to find out three months later that I would almost certainly be moving yet again. I really thought that was behind us for a while, yet our fabulous streak of moves is on again. I do believe we are up to about 5 in 11 years. Yay us!
Hannah started Kindergarten. We started off great, she loved school for about 3 months. Had a rough stretch of crying every morning, and ended before Christmas break with a happy child once again. I'm hopeful the "nice" Hannah will grace us with her presence Tuesday morning.

Will began January 2009 using the potty at school, and we have successfully been potty trained a full year. I am ever so thankful to have made it 365 days without changing a poop diaper. As a mom, that's a huge deal.

We made an annual trip to the beach. The kids have turned into great travelers, and love the beach so much. Will has yet to actually set foot on the sand, but he really digs the pool. Will insisted on wearing his Spiderman muscle suit most of the vacation. It's a small condo complex and we know almost everyone there from years past, so everyone got a kick out of Spiderman's antics.

notice Will still refuses to place his body on the sand

We ended the year with a huge family Christmas, which we are still recovering from. I even had the good sense to hide a huge bag of toys in the top of the closet for a rainy day. I am hoping that advanced thinking will save my sanity at some point in the future.
All in all, we had a wonderful year. Don't get me wrong, we had our fair share of illnesses and crabby kids and parents. There were times I thought I would lose my mind, and other times I was sure I already had. Days where bedtime couldn't come fast enough, and then I would sigh as I watched them sleeping peacefully in their fresh pj's. It was a very good year, and I pray for many more just like it.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

Well it's finally upon us. The kids got out of school last Friday, and to be quite honest have been driving me CRAZY. The excitement level has reached an all time high, and I'm just thankful that it's finally here; I don't think we could stand anymore. I've tried really hard to be patient, and remind the kids why we celebrate Christmas. I've also tried to reflect and be thankful. We will read lots of Baby Jesus stories today and tonight, and talk about why we celebrate Christmas. I will try my hardest not to lose what is left of my mind :)

On Monday it was crazy around here. I had answered the "How many more days?" question many, many times. The fighting was beginning to grind on my nerves, and I really needed to talk to an adult. You can imagine my glee when the cell phone rang, and I sprang to get it. In the process I hit my foot on the bar stool, breaking my toe. Great start to the week. It's also worth mentioning that Hannah decided to read all of our "early readers" which total around 6. Sounds really cute huh? It is cute for the first two or three, then it gets really boring. As a mother maybe I shouldn't feel that way, but I'm just trying to keep it real. Listening to a 5 year old read is exciting and new and, well grinding on the nerves.

Tuesday as part of the super excited hoopla Will was bouncing on me and the bed. He's notoriously rough anyway which I am trying to work on. At any rate he kneed me in the eye. It was the kind of pain that kinda makes you sick for a split second. Turns out I had a small black eye the next day.

Wednesday we managed to make it through the day with no major injuries, unless you count mental health injuries which at this point are to numerous to mention. Yesterday Mel worked until 10p.m. and Will didn't nap. This is also the day that Will decided to remove all the cushions from the sun room furniture and use them as a "pool" to jump on. He spent about an hour doing "Candy Balls" (cannon balls) off the couch onto the pillows. Funny huh?

Which brings us to today. We are spending the morning sitting in front of the fire watching Christmas cartoons. The kids have been surprisingly calm today, I guess they have used up there stores of energy already, or maybe they're just saving it up.

Hannah let me pick out any car I wanted from the newspaper. She said that daddy and her would buy it for me no problem. I'm really excited. I picked a brand spanking new 4-runner, loaded of course. Wonder when it will get here?

That's our week in review. We are all super excited about Christmas, and I am really hoping that the kids are getting old enough to understand the real and true meaning.

Merry Christmas from The Sanders' Family

By the way, I ordered Christmas cards, and I have them (all 50) in a box on the counter. They will not be addressed or mailed in time, or maybe not at all. I am such a slacker, but to my friends and family I really intended on sending you a card. I should have, and I don't have a really great excuse except I'm a lazy bum. Instead of addressing cards I probably watched a Lifetime Christmas movie or it might have been Hallmark. Just sayin'.

Improvising

2009-12-18T10:18:00.001-08:00

I don't feel too well today. Just so happens it coincides with the first day of the kids being out of school for Christmas break. Go figure. We started the morning cleaning the kids rooms up, and trying to make some headway in the living areas. Made some breakfast, and started feeling even crappier so I decided we would lay on the couch and watch "The Santa Clause" with some hot chocolate. Will bounced on my head, and stomach. Hannah spilled a whole cup of chocolate milk on the floor. All in all it was a success.

Lunch time rolled around, and I haven't been too hungry lately but decided it might be a good idea to at least feed the kids.

As I was getting their plates ready I had a marvelous idea. After removing all 6 chairs from the dining room table, I then covered it with large blankets making a nice sized tent. We padded it with pillows and blankets; the kids are now entertaining themselves and I am again on the couch. Wonder how long I'll be able to ride this one out? I would so love a nap, but as you mothers know leaving two small children unattended even for 15 minutes could result in

"Katrina" sized mess. Guess I'll try to watch something that doesn't include cartoon characters, and maybe dig up some meds.

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On a funnier note I was getting Hannah ready for her Christmas party at school yesterday and she asks me: "Why are you dressing me so cute?"

I didn't realize I usually dress her otherwise, but evidently she thought she was super cute that day. Oh to have that confidence.

Signing off before the newness of the "tent" wears off. As an update they have now emptied the entire contents of the buffet drawers. Place mats, table runners, etc. Will is now wearing a blue table runner as a sash around his neck. Perfect!

Santa Shock and Other Funnies

2009-12-15T19:12:00.001-08:00

I had fussed at the dog several times tonight for being too wild and jumping on the couch. He puts his huge paw up on Will's leg and Will looks at him and as calm as ever says: "Abe, do you want to lose a paw?" Where on Earth did he hear that one?

We went to lunch with my dad and my grandfather last week. Paw Paw (the kids Great-Grandfather) has been in declining health, but you haven't been able to trust his mouth in public in quite some time. As we are sitting around the table he looks over at Will and says : "Santa got killed." Dad and I look at each other in shock, Will is unfazed, Paw Paw repeats the slogan "Santa got killed", evidently trying to get some kind of response. I'm still not sure where he pulled that one from, or why you would feel the need to traumatize a three year old. Maybe he just needed some excitement. At any rate Will didn't mention it again, and Dad and I have gotten a good laugh out of it. As far as I know Santa is in excellent health and plans on making the annual run in 10 days or so.

Hannah is doing an excellent job learning to read. We are on our last stack of "Popcorn" words, and she will soon move onto real books. She is super excited, and I am super happy for her. I can't believe that tiny baby from 5 years ago has become a big (I use that term loosely) school girl.

I had a great visit at the dentist today. It was so great in fact that they want to see me back twice in January. Two rounds of fillings! At least I get the nitrous, right? Yeah still not worth it. Apparently I'm flossing "wrong". Hey I expected a pat on the back for flossing period, not a tutorial on how to floss. Any idiot can thread a string through their teeth right? Yeah not so much.

Hannah made a Santa list about a month ago (she made one for Will too) and we mailed them off. I purchased most of the items from the list, after consulting with her on what she would like the most. I thought I was finished until I dropped her off at school last Friday. The kids had written notes to Santa. Guess who's list doesn't even resemble the list from home? Yep, Hannah's.

Elmo and Other News

2009-12-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

Elmo was great! The kids loved it, and we were so close to the stage. I couldn't believe that there were so few people there, but it was the night of the Christmas Parade, so I think that played a part.

On the way I was talking to the kids about how excited I was and I said: " Man, I can't believe I forgot to bring my camera. I really wanted to take some pictures." To which Will replied : "Mom, can't you just use your phone for a camera." Me: "Why, yes son I can."

Can you believe that a 3 year old knows enough about technology to remember that my phone has a camera? I was impressed.

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I have had this MacBook Pro for 18 months now. I feel like I can navigate pretty well, and I love it so much. Problem is if you put one finger on the touch pad, and then scroll with the other finger it enlarges the screen. Great feature unless you can't figure out how to shrink it back down. Any MacBook users out there care to help a girl out?

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Hannah wants a heated blanket for Christmas, but she informed me that if she accidentally pees on it she will set it on fire. Maybe Sunbeam could market that as a "bed wetting aid" and really up their sales.

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I really wish I could get into some kind of housekeeping groove. Man I'm so tired of doing the same thing over and over. Two kids and three pets sure can make for some messes. Perhaps I missed the "Martha" gene, or maybe they have just worn me down. So instead of working I am wasting time complaining about working.

Lice, seriously??

2009-12-04T09:24:00.001-08:00

There's lice in Kindergarten. An OCD mother's worst nightmare, let's not even think about the consequences of getting lice in this head of hair I sport.

I was spraying Hannah's hair with hairspray before school the other day in an effort to keep the bugs away and tried to explain that it would help the situation. She let it pass with few comments.

The next morning I got her all ready and as we were finishing up she says: "Mom, are you gonna spray some of that bug spray in my hair?"

I can only imagine that she went to kindergarten that morning and announced to her friends that her loving mother had doused her hair with "bug spray" before sending her to school. In my defense it really would be hard to get it out of my hair. In fact I think we might have to just shave it and start over.

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We are off to see Elmo Live tonight, and spending the night in a hotel. This of course means we are on "vacation". It doesn't take much to impress kids.
A branch fell across the street effectively knocking out our Internet service for two whole days. I am recovering from severe withdrawals. Abe also tried to maul the repairman this morning. That's always fun.

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I was watching "Super Hero Squad" with Will yesterday. He is convinced he's Wolverine, claws and all. I mistakenly said I was one of the other characters who happens to be a bad guy. I obviously didn't know this at the time. Before I knew it he was on top of me, attacking me with his claws, and bouncing on my belly. Talk about shock. This gal is getting a bit old to defend myself in a moments notice. From now own I think I'll just watch silently.

Catchin' Up

2009-12-01T18:52:00.001-08:00

I didn't drop off the face of the Earth, but I have had sick kids and a menarige of everyday setbacks. In the spirit of picking up where I left off, which is really the only place to pick up, right? here we go:

I braved the weather Monday and headed to Kroger to do some major shopping. I wasn't really feeling it, but we had an employee discount that was expiring Nov. 30th and if you know me, you know I can't resist a coupon. Will did quite well, I filled two buggys with staples for the kitchen and bathroom along with essentials like a Buzz Lightyear sippy cup for $5. As the weather grew colder, and the rain started to drizzle we headed to the van and loaded up the huge $260 worth of product.

Then came the turn of events that all mothers have experienced, lived through, and still remember with horror.

Mel decided he needed contacts, he also decided it was me who should get them. Remember I told you Will had acted quite well for the Kroger trip. We were about 1 1/2 hours in when we parked at the eye doctor. I had this strange premination that it was gonna be bad, but I had to have the contacts, I mean the hubby has to be able to see in order to effectily do his job, which in turn pays for the $260 of groceries.

We enter, and Will takes off in a sprint. He couldn't of remembered this place, it had been like a year since he had been inside. I hurry around the corner and find his grubby little hands grasping a $150 pair of black frames. He wants to try them on, which consists of stretching the sides as far as possible before slipping them on. I quickly take them away, he screams, I pick him up, he bows his back, we struggle and I win out.

He procedes to scream as if someone were breaking his leg, the lady is trying to help me (quickly, wonder why?) and his weight wins. I have to sit him in a chair with the instructions that his bottom better not move from the seat until I'm ready to go. This is the point where he begins to scream "I want my daddy, I want my daddy". I'm thinking to myself: "I want your daddy too son, but guess what he's not coming." I signed the debit card reciept, didn't look to see how much they charged me could of been a million dollars, and we hit the road. I shall henceforth be known as the lady with the horrible demon possessed toddler, won't be going in there any time soon.

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Heavy frost this morning. Ever explain frost to a couple of small kids? Goes something like this:

Kids: "Mama, it snowed!"

Me: "No it didn't snow, that's frost, it just means it's really cold outside. You're gonna need a "real" coat today."

Kids: "Frost like Frosty the snowman. Can we play in the snow?"

Me: "It isn't snow. There is nothing to play in."

Kids: "Will it frost in the morning?"

Me: "I don't know, probably if it's really cold."

Kids: "Then can we play in the snow tomorrow and build a snowman?"

Me: "Yeah, sure."

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In Hot Water

2009-11-01T09:06:00.001-08:00

I took Hannah to school Friday morning, (Halloween party day) dressed as Snow White. She was quite cute, and Will announced on the way that a certian child who has trouble behaving (we hear about him quite often) better not feed her a poison apple.

Anyway, I digress, as we returned from the school run, around 8:00 I find a huge puddle of what appears to be water in the laudry room floor. I cannot imagine where it would have come from, except maybe Abe peed in the floor. I cleaned up the mess, and Abe was In Hot Water, so to speak. A few minutes later, the water was back, so I knew it couldn't be him. There's no way he could pee that much.

Mopping the water up for the second time, it dawns on me that the water is coming from underneath the hot water heater. Great, perfect Friday. Just so happens my husband is in Nashville too. I have no idea how to address this situation. I don't really even understand how a hot water heater works, except that I turn on the faucet and it magically comes out.

I proceed to call the appliance store, and talk to the man in charge. Just so happens I know him, so I get good advice and good bargins. As I'm reading him the label, I discover that the hot water heater was manufactured in 1983. He then laughs, (apperantly me mopping up gallons of water is funny) and tells me that I just need a new one. He assures me one is on its way, and sure enough an hour later it's sitting in the laundry room in a gigantic box that later becomes a super secret elevator.

In the mean time, I run around to the back of the house and unplug the hose pipe. I have been insructed to drain the hot water heater with the hose. I manuveur it through the house, all the while slinging left over water everywhere, and finally make it to the laundry room. Will in the meantime has ask about 1,000 questions pertaining to what I am doing, and why in the world we need a hose in the house. Abe escapes through the open door, and into the front yard. It takes me at least twenty minutes to realize he's gone.

Did I mention we have no light in the laundry room at this point? I bought some 8ft. blubs to replace, and it didn't work so I am assuming we have another major problem. Nothing

like replacing a hot water heater in the dark huh?

Father-in-law shows up to install the new heat

er, but first works on the light. Turns out it's so old, they no longer make the parts to fix it. I get a new light fixture too! Great!

We spent a day with no water at all, cleaned up several gallons of nasty water, and learned a few things about how a hot water heater does work. By the time the new one was installed, I was so exhausted that all I could think about was soaking my tired body in a hot tub of water, but alas, I had school to attend.

The New Hot Water Heater

isn't it a beauty?

I finally rolled home around 8:15, after sitting in class for over three hours. I finally got my tub of hot water, and all was right with the world. At least until the next major appliance goes out.

When I Grow Up:

2009-10-31T13:20:00.001-07:00

Hannah informed me a few minutes ago that she wanted to be an author when she grows up. Possibly an illustrator as well. I'm pretty sure that when I was in kindergarten I wanted to be a princess or maybe a nurse. Definitely not an author. She is so unexpectedly funny sometimes. When I asked her why she wanted to be an author she said:

"Because, look at the pretty pages."

Me: "Why else would you like to be an author?"

Hannah: "Because they get to make good books, and I'll tell you what book I want to make, it's called "Let's Learn Some Words ".

Is it bad that her mother still hasn't determined what she wants to be when she grows up?

She also helped me make some peanut butter cookies with Hershey kisses on top. She unwrapped about 40 kisses while I did the batter. I think she only ate 5 or 6.

We are off to put on our Snow White garb, and head out to find some more candy. Just what we need at the Sanders house to go with the 3 dozen peanut butter cookies.

Willisms Part II

2009-10-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

We went to TPAC to see Curious George Live on Friday night. Parking in downtown is always a problem, and was no different that night, so we ended up in a parking garage about two blocks away from the theater. Will decided he didn't want to walk the two blocks, he had in fact rather be carried. So I carried my 35 pound toddler two city blocks in the cold, and then straight up hill to the theater.

About halfway up the last hill he announces to me: "Mama, why are you acting like a dog?"

(because by this point, I am breathing slightly hard, not to mention this is my first major outing since the surgery)

Me: "Because you're heavy honey, and this is a big hill."

Will: "Well stop acting like a dog."

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Yesterday watching a cartoon with Will in the bed

Will: "Momma, I saw a picture where you married daddy. Why did you do that? You were suppose to marry me?"

Me: "Well baby, when I married daddy you weren't born yet."

Will: "Huhmp"

He's not to happy with Daddy about that one. Evidently I'm his girl.

Old Favorites

2009-10-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

The hard-drive on Mel's Dell laptop crashed about 6 months ago, and I am just now getting around to transfering the data to my computer. Slow huh? Wonder what I do with my time? Anyway, I was going through some old pictures and thought you might enjoy them too.

Will Summer 2006 About 4 months old

Hannah 10 mos. - Right after the bath. (this was during the time she had the terrible allerigic rash and so she was a little greasy from some cream too)

The now infamous "I pop a egg" picture. Yes, he really did pop about 8 eggs on the kitchen floor. Eggs are not fun to clean up, but who could be mad at that face? I think the shirt says it all "My Momma Says I'm Special"

My attempt at Christmas pictures. Will at 7 months.

Hannah 18 mos. Pumpkin Patch

Fear, Pain, and God

2009-10-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

I spent a restless night, tossed turned, surfed the net, watched random TV, slept a few minutes, took a bath, paced, considered cleaning out my closet, and finally just got dressed for the day. I was scheduled for out patient surgery this morning at the same hospital where I gave birth to my beautiful babies, the same hospital where I almost lost my life. Sleep would not come.

Why?? I asked myself several times, did I ever agree to do this. The only answer I could come up with was a desire for relief from endometriosis pain, and a need to push myself past the bad memories and prove that I could survive.

I prayed all week, and all night as well. I felt God telling me to just trust in Him; so through perhaps the most anxiety I have ever felt I began to trust. I was trusting when I took a Valium at 6 this morning, I was trusting as I paced the driveway in panic, as I broke into the ugly cry at the hospital entrance, and as I pulled on the ever fashionable hospital gown. Perhaps from an outsiders perspective "trust" isn't the emotion or action they were witnessing, I dunno just saying. My uncle was there (mike the farmer for those who know) who offered to dose me with some substance that would drop a 2,000 pound bull in 20 seconds. I seriously contemplated it, but was too stressed to figure out the math involved in dosing it.

The time came for the dreaded IV, and I just knew I was going to pass out. I can feel it coming like a freight train, but I closed my eyes and held Millie's hand. Small talk helped, then the left vein blew. Great news for a girl on the edge. Mel came around for the second attempt, which is a big deal for him as well. He held my hand, talked about some random something and we finally found success. Bullet dodged, I stayed conscious the whole time.

Things moved fast from there, Dr. was ready to start, another childhood friend was the OR nurse which was super nice. I was wheeled into "holding" and given the mother of all feel good drugs Versed. Man that stuff is good, only problem was I didn't get to stay in "holding" long enough to feel the joy. On over to the OR, the beloved white milky meds, and next thing you know I was done. Sounds simple right? I awoke in recovery with blurred vision and a basket full of pain which was eventually dulled my two shots of Demerol. This is the point where I'm just happy to have woken up. Seriously that was my one and only goal, to wake up. Sad huh?

All in all I was successful. I never did pass out, which in and of itself is a phenomenal task. The surgery was a great success and all the designated tasks were completed.

The point of my story is that God was there, all the time. I wasn't brave, not necessarily strong, and certainly not able but He was all of those things for me. When I couldn't breathe form fear, He provided a much needed breath of air. My Ipod was my friend along the way, and the song below has been a source of inspiration to me the last few weeks. Lord knows I needed it.

From "Glory Revealed" What We Proclaim

We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the power comes from God

We are afflicted in every way, but we're not crushed

We're perplexed but not driven to despair

persecuted but not forsaken

struck down but not destroyed.

What we proclaim is not ourselves. Oh, we proclaim the Holy name of Jesus.

BMI and Growth

2009-10-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

I just got a notice from the Board of Education that they performed Health Screenings at Hannah's school, and I need to take her to the Dr. Evidently they measured BMI and it's 13.4, which is below the 5%. I find this amusing since she has never been on the growth chart, and you can obviously look at her and tell that she is not going to be close to the other children's sizes.

I will not be making an appointment with our pediatrician, since this topic has been rehashed since she was 6 weeks old, but I just found it amusing. If only you could transfer that, I'm sure there are plenty of people that would gladly donate, me included.

Just for fun here are her stats:

Birth- 5 # 11 oz.

1 Year- 15 #

2 Year- 22#

4 Years _ 29#

Who wouldn't want to?

2009-09-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't want to wake two sleeping children, dress them, feed them and load them into the van all by yourself? Who wouldn't want to listen to the two fits that unsued before I could start the van, argue over the clothes to be worn, and head out at the break of day, all to make it to an ENT appointment in Hixson Tennessee? I wouldn't that's who.

Hannah had her follow-up this morning for the tube/adenoid surgery and everything went great. Tubes look perfect, don't have to go back for six months. We arrived early, appointment was at 9:20 our time, and we were sitting in the waiting room by 9:05. Finished up there around 9:50 our time, headed to McDonalds, and began the hour and twenty minute drive home. Dropped her at school at 11. What a morning, right?

It's also worth mentioning that Stella (handicapped cat) has a vet appointment this afternoon at 3:30 so she will be joining us for school pickup. Do I even need to ask who wouldn't want to take a handicapped cat and two children to the vet? I didn't think so.

Will just asked me: "Mom, why isn't Stella speaking to me today?"

Me: " I don't know, she just isn't"

Maybe he's Dr. Doolittle, I don't know, but she never speaks to me. What she does do is poop in my floor, shead on my black furniture and drive me absolutly crazy most of the time. I digress. We are off, cat and all for school pick up. Happy Day!

Will Strikes Again

2009-09-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

While in the exam room the the Urgent Care clinic this weekend (and we were there a long time) and while the nurse practitioner was in the room; Will decides it will be a good time to quote a song from Alvin and the Chipmunks. If you've ever seen the movie I know you'll be familiar with it, if not it's still funny on it's own. It went a little something like this:

Nurse: "So has Hannah had any other symptoms, when did the fever start?"

Will: (breaking into the conversation) "Daddy likes to wear, dirty underwear."

Need I say more? The nurse just pretended like she didn't hear him at all. Mel on the other had was red as a beet.

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Will: " Mama, can you print me one of those Valtin cards?"

Me: " What's that honey?"

Will: " You know those love cards, with hearts on them. I want to make one for you."

He's a man after my own heart, even if his speech isn't the best.

Flu Updates

2009-09-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hannah is feeling better today, and her temp is hovering in the 99's which is much better than 102.5. She has been playing, and we just returned from getting a milkshake. Hey, that makes anyone feel better!

Will is running a low grade fever as well, and hasn't been as sick as his sister. I am wondering if he's behind and the worst is yet to come, or if he just has a milder case. I'm hoping for the later. He also had a bladder infection which we are treating with antibiotics and I feel like that's making him feel better as well.

Mel and I continue to be healthy, praise God! We spent the day stripping beds (all three of them) and cleaning carpets. I guess my laundry count is up in the double digits by now. Lysol is covering the air and the dog is running for cover at every spray. He also got a bath first thing this morning so he is shiny and clean.

Thanks for the prayers, I'm hoping that the recovery is quick. The kids Pediatrician told me last week that the H1N1 cases she has seen are much milder than the seasonal flu cases and I'm hoping that's the case for us as well.

Two Little Piggy's

2009-09-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

First of all thanks for all of the Birthday wishes from Facebook and elsewhere. It's super fun to wake up to an inbox full of Happy Birthday's.

Secondly, I want you to pray for my two little piggy's. We spent the day in Urgent Care getting Flu swabs, and turns out they both have Swine Flu. So far Hannah seems to be worse off with a 102.2 temp, and Will is doing pretty well with a low grade fever and runny nose. Either it hasn't hit him full force yet, or he has a lighter case, I'm praying for the second.

Fun times, flu tests, dr's offices, and the big 3-0. What a weekend.

Thanks for your concern for us, and your prayers.

That's what you get for cleaning

2009-09-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

So I haven't had the best of luck around the house this week.

I noticed a strange looking piece of hardwood in the sun room yesterday, turns out water had leaked all around the perimeter of the room, ruining about 50 boards.

I washed the DirecTV remote with the sheets. Had to order a new one. Got it yesterday along with a spare.

I broke the glass plate that goes inside the microwave while washing it. Replacement costs as much as a new microwave.

Oh, and the lawnmower is broken. Yard hasn't been mowed in 2 weeks.

Hannah knocked a gutter off with the Barbie Mustang. Completely off.

Maybe I should call it quits in the cleaning department for a few days. I don't think I can afford to continue.

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On a brighter note, I survived two kids dentists appointments, and kids flu mist this week. I believe we will be going back to the shot for Hannah. She was more traumatized by the nose spray than the needle, and continued to make a scene in the office until I carried her from the building. I so enjoy the horrified looks of other parents as I haul my wailing child from the building. It's also much easier to hold a child for a shot, holding a head still while a nurse sprays the nose is not so much fun.

Will was convinced that the dentist was going to read him a storey while he was there. He had some memory confusion between the dentist and the library I do believe. It took the whole ride there to convince him that Dr. Hyde was, in fact, not going to be reading "Handsome and Gretel" as he calls it.

I couldn't make this stuff up

2009-09-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

9-11-01 Kindergarten Perspective

Hannah: "Hey Mom, you know why I had to wear this red, white, and blue to school?"

Me: "No, why honey?"

Hannah: "Because a long, long time ago (you feel old now don't ya), some bad men took some airplanes and drove them into some buildings and the hexagon.

Me: "the hexagon?"

Hannah: "Yeah, that's what Ms. Debbie said."

Me: (oh, the pentagon!)

Music Class

Hannah's run down

In music we sing "The Farmer in the Dell" and someone gets to be the farmer. They get to pick a wife, and the wife picks a child, etc. No one wants to be the cheese mom.

Me: "Why doesn't anyone want to be the cheese?"

Hannah: "Because, the cheese stands alone."

I thought I would spit my water out. I haven't laughed that hard in a while

The Baby Shower

As I was getting out of the van, I told the kids: "you're gonna stay with daddy here, and I'm gonna run in and get a baby shower gift."

I then run in the store and buy the gift, and run back out.

Hop in the van and Will asks: "So where's the baby tub?"

Me: "No honey, I'm not going to bathe a baby, it's a party for the baby, where you take presents."

Good News

Will: "Hey mom, I've got good news."

Me: "Really honey, what is it?"

Will: "You're my girlfriend."

Me: " Well that is good news."

He's at it again

2009-09-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Will: "Now what do you want me to do?"

Me: "Give me a kiss."

Will: "Well, I'm out of kisses."

Me: "Well, get some more."

Will: '' Sorry, I don't have any more money or any change. No more kisses. I gave you some yesterday and today."

Turns out he did have one extra one thankfully.

We went to Hannah's school for lunch today, and were waiting outside her door for the class to finish up and line up for lunch. We hadn't been standing there for 30 seconds when Will notices the fire alarm, proceeds to touch it and push on it, and ask "What's this thing do?" I thought I was going to have a heart attack before I could grab him up. If he had of pulled that thing I think I would have died right there. Can you imagine?

Happy Saber Day

2009-09-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Yes faithful readers, Monday September 7th, we will celebrate "Saber Day" as Will call's it. (Labor Day to the rest of the world).

I am told that on "Saber Day" you fight with sabers, and eat cupcakes all day. Perhaps he's a little Star Wars crazy, or maybe he's just looking for a reason to eat cupcakes and hit people, either way it's a holiday and we'll take it.

So in the spirit of holidays, happy Saber Day to you and yours.

Updates, and ramblings

2009-09-02T07:24:00.001-07:00

Hannah announced that a boy in her class calls her "pretty girl" and calls the other girls by their names. "What does that mean Mama?"

I refuse to analyze the behavior of a 5 year old male, in fact I am not all that great at deciphering the behavior of 30 year old males. I simply told her I didn't know what it meant, but that I thought she was a "pretty girl" too. Could this really be starting already?

Will is really enjoying his alone time with mama. We have spent lots of time coloring, and playing fireman. Just so happens we have enough fire hats for he and I to have one as well as Abe the fire dog. We then put them on and run around the house screaming and putting out fires.

By the way, I think Abe may be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I don't know why any dog wouldn't enjoy having a plastic fire hat strapped to their head. So what if you can't see where you're going.

Since the adenoid surgery the Dr warned us that Hannah would have really bad breath as the tissue continues to die and heal. (sorry, I know it's gross but necessary info for the story) Well he wasn't joking! Man it's bad, but I was hoping that maybe she wouldn't notice it, and hopefully the kids at school wouldn't notice and make fun of her. On Sunday she woke up and went straight to the bathroom. She came back out and laid down beside me on the bed. The breath was terrible, and I suggested she brush her teeth before she started her day. ( at this point I haven't mentioned that her breath is bad, I don't want to hurt her feelings) She then tells me:

"Mom, I don't know what's wrong. I've brushed my teeth twice this morning and I still smell like a horse."

We then tried some kids mouthwash, which didn't work either. Turns out she still smells like a horse.

Surgery Play by Play

2009-08-27T12:23:00.001-07:00

We arrived in Chattanooga yesterday afternoon in time to take Sis to the Tennessee Aquarium, which is what she was looking forward to the most. She loved the penguins, and small fish and turtles, and hated the big fish and snakes. Pretty typical sissy behavior.

We had some dinner, and she and Mel swam in the hotel pool for a while. After a long and sleepless night, we awoke at 5 Chattanooga time, 4 our time and began getting ready. I scooped her up in her PJ's and we headed across town to the hospital, and made it there without incident.

The surgeon was late, surgery was scheduled for 7:3o est, and ended up around 8:45 est. She got antsy, hungry, and bored, and the morning began to unravel quickly, until they brought in the tray of "happy" drugs. A few minutes into the meds and she was putting on a show for all to see. She told me she wanted pancakes from Home Depot, and that the hospital was where you fix air conditioners. Try as I might, I couldn't convince a single nurse to give me a dose of medicine as well.

Surgery went off without a hitch, and the doc removed a huge set of adenoids and placed the ear tubes. There was still fluid present in the left ear, which was the ear that was failing the hearing test. The fluid had been there for over a month straight at that point.

She woke up in recovery with me by her side, and in a mad rage over the i.v. The nurse agreed to take it out, and she quickly calmed down and settled into a nap. She drank the required apple juice, plus a whole carton of chocolate milk, and we were on our way.

She insisted on stopping at Cracker Barrel for pancakes. She ate 3/4 of a pancake, and another cup of milk. The child was famished. She also bought a pack of fruit stripe gum of which she and Mel finished off on the way home.

As of now, she is lying on the bed with me, dressed in her ballerina outfit from dance class, and watching cartoons. I am amazed at her strength. She has yet to complain once, and has been nothing but good since waking up this morning.

I thank you for your prayers. We will spend the weekend resting, and hopefully she will be in tiptop shape for school on Monday.

Turns Out

2009-08-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

we're all going back to school.

Hannah started Kindergarten and is doing fabulous. She loves it, and I am so thankful. It makes taking her so much easier. I still fret over leaving her alone, and vulnerable to being picked on or having her feelings hurt. I guess I better get used to it though, I only have to do it the rest of my life.

Will started Preschool today. He loves his 3 year old teacher because she lets him do stamps and play-dough. I mean, what else could you really want. No crying, so another plus for Mommy.

I begin a graduate program this semester at MTSU. I have needed to get my Master's for some time, and it just kinda fell in my lap, so I'm going with it. Needless to say I am a little nervous since I haven't attended school since I was 22, and that was about 8 years ago.

In other news, pray for Sissy, she has tubes put in her ears, and her adenoids removed next thursday. I will be so glad when it's all over with, and behind us. Remember her as you pray the next week or so, but definatly on the 27th.

I feel like I am running out of something to blog about, so if you have any ideas, I would love to hear them.

1st Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

This was the last day of Preschool.

Hannah and Will Yesterday dropping off the supplies.

The offical first day. Doesn't she look big.

Well it's upon us. I dropped Sis off this morning, and she did great, no tears. I am not sure she's my child at all. I cried the first 5 years, seriously. Anyway, I'll let you know how it went. Looks good so far though.

And just because I'm speechless

2009-08-09T18:51:00.001-07:00

W sharpened his finger in a manual pencil sharpener today. I really didn't even know that was possible, but evidently it is. Good thing I have tons of Batman Band-Aids. You know, they heal all wounds. But seriously, what are you thinking when you stick your finger in a pencil sharpener and turn? Ouch.

Willisms (yeah, I made up the word) and Kindergarten

2009-08-03T19:32:00.001-07:00

Hey Mom, Abe tastes sour. (Abe is the dog, why he is tasting him is beyond me.)
Hey Mom, I'm ready to go; I've got these silly beach shorts on. (The "silly beach shorts" happen to be some really cute plaid shorts I got him for his birthday. I didn't know he thought they were silly.)
The setting is Lake Winnie (a amusement park). The probelm is a five minute fit in the middle of the park, which resulted in me taking him from the park and to the van. On the walk he is so mad that he is gagging, and spitting, and screaming "Where's my Daddy?, I want my Daddy" to the point where I actually thought someone would think I kidnapped him. When I had wrestled him all I could and he had finally calmed down I asked him : " Baby, could you please walk for Mama, you're heavy." To which he replied " " No, I'm never gonna walk again. Not even when I get big, or start school. My teacher will have to carry me everywhere." Did I mention it was 95 degrees or that he weighs close to 40 pounds? I carried him to the van.

And just for the record, Sissy starts Kindergarten in one week. I can hardly believe that my baby girl is old enough to go to school. I find that it seems like she was just born yesterday. I can still smell her newborn skin, and feel her soft skin. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday, down to what I had for breakfast, (oh that's right they don't let you have breakfast). I digress, I miss my little baby, I miss rocking her into the night, dressing her after her bath in her duckie PJ's, and smelling that baby lotion. I miss hearing her gulp back milk, her hands fanning out when she was really asleep, and her sweet baby breath. On the other hand, geez I am exhausted. It feels like I have been changing diapers and hauling kids around forever. How can the two co-exist?

So I prepare this week to leave my firstborn in the care of another. I pray that I have done my job. I love her dearly, even on the days that her words spoken per minute tops 200 for 8 hours in a row.

Well, that's where we stand at the Sanders House. Change it is a comin'. Wish us luck, and say a prayer.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2009-07-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

The kids at the Nashville Zoo.

Just because you deserve a picture

Oh, and also because I think they are pretty cute.

In the car on the way to the park:

Sissy crying in the backseat

Me: "Hey, what's wrong with you?"

Sissy: "My finger itches."

In the car on the way to eat last night:

W crying in the backseat

Me: "Why are you crying?"

W: "Sissy said my name."

I can't even write a cleaver comment about the above antics.

W approaches me with a fruit roll-up as I type this post.

W: "Mommy, did you get me this because you love me?"

Me: "Yes honey, I did."

W: "Can we go to Aunt Winnie's (Lake Winnie)

Me: "What?"

W: " Yep, that's what I said, Aunt Winnie's Aunt Winnie's"

Give me a break...

2009-07-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, the filth

How is it that boys get so nasty? I mean yesterday, by the time the sun went down, W was covered in mud, and a variety of of unknown substances. I am sure the dog spit just glues it on.

We have been outside for about 15 minutes this afternoon, and he has worked on digging a hole the dog started, pulled the hose completely out, and used the last of the residual water.

His shoes are covered in red dirt, shirt and pants are wet from the hose, and mud and dust are all over his face. If I had a vat of Germ-X, he would defiantly be submerged in it for a while.

Sissy on the other hand, gets dressed in the morning, and looks perfectly clean when bath and bedtime come round.

Our Trip to the Beauty Shop

I decided, against my better judgement, that I needed a haircut last week, and I had no one to watch the kids. Ya know, sometimes you just get desperate, and since I had no other option I decided to bring them with me.

I came armed with coloring books, snacks, and drinks. Surely that would entertain them for 15 minutes, right? Wrong! The snacks were eaten before my bottom even hit the chair, and the coloring book soon lost it's wonder. They were pretty good for the first 10 or so minutes, and then Sissy decided she needed a haircut too. Brandi was too busy to cut it that minute, so I told her we would wait.

We planted ourselves in the waiting area, and proceeded to entertain the children by looking at hairstyle magazines. That's when the meltdown ensued. Sissy started getting antsy, and I told her if she couldn't sit still and look at a book we would be leaving. Well, that started the all out crying fit. We hit a downward spiral that I knew we wouldn't recover from. Being a mother, you know when you need to just cut your losses and bail; we were there. Before I could pay for my haircut she had evolved into some form of satin. You know that drop, the one where the whole body goes limp, the one that's impossible to correct? It could be witnessed last Friday around 2:30 in decherd, admission was free. I quickly scooped her up and headed for the door, W in tow.

All in all, I survived. I got my haircut, but the cost was great. I think next time, I'll just go for the Rapunzel look. One thing's for sure, whatever I do, it won't involve taking two children along.

Completely unrelated: Sissy has started calling W "Big Daddy". I have no idea where that came from. It's not a phrase that we use around here, but it's pretty funny.

A few of my favorite things (technology edition)

2009-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce you to a few things that I just cannot live without. I am a sucker for technology, and Mel is, well he's not. I am almost certain that he can now download a song to his Ipod. It only took 2 years to teach him.

First up: The Bose Docking Station for Ipod. I was originally appalled by the cost of this thing. In fact I almost returned it after getting if for Christmas last year. Now I can't live without it. It plays music so crisp and clear, and is used everyday at our house. We usually have a before bed dance session too, so it comes in handy there.

MacBook Pro

Another ridiculously expensive piece of equipment, but worth every cent. Since switching to the Mac my life is so much easier. In fact I can hardly stand to maneuver my way through Mel's PC.

The Apple Ipod Nano, which no person should be without, ever. Seriously, if you don't have one, run to Wal-Mart right now. This device allows you to carry hundreds of songs at your fingertips. Plug in your headphones, and people won't bother you at the gym. In fact I typically just pretend like I don't hear them at all.

And finally, maybe the best invention ever. Seriously it's up there with the wheel. With out this little box I would not be able to watch any tv. If you don't know anything about it you can record shows from T.V. automatically, at all hours of the day. In fact you can record as many as two shows at once. You can get a season pass to a program, which will allow the DVR to pick up every showing of a particular program any time day or night. Add in the fact that you never watch a commercial again, and well it's genius.

Long Time No Post

2009-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, to be truthful, I forgot my password for blogger, and just didn't feel like taking the time to set up a new one. Lame right?

W has become a sleepwalker. I found him in his closet at 12am the other night with a wild look in his eyes. I asked him why he was in the closet, and he just grinned at me. The next morning I ask him why he was in there and he said he didn't remember. He finally said: " I guess it's a mystery."

The other day we were in the van listening to the radio when his name came on the song. I said, "Hey buddy, some people call you William and some people call you will, right?" to which he replied, "Some people call me Jesus." I am assuming that's the biggest comeback he could think of, I don't really know. I was definitely dumbfounded.

Since I last posted, we have a new puppy Abraham. Yes I'm crazy, that brings us to a total of 2 cats, and 1 dog, not to mention the 2 wild kids.

Sissy had been on me a while about a dog, and I managed to keep her at bay for quite some time. We were at Wal-Mart the other day, and they had the dreaded box of puppies which she immediately spotted. I explained to her that it was a lot of trouble to take care of a puppy, and expensive as well.

She doesn't let up easily, so when 7 hours later she was still driving me crazy I decided to call Mel. Of course, he goes along with anything she wants. My last attempt to talk her out of it was dashed when she disappeared, and returned holding a plastic jug with money inside. Her Kool-Aid stand money from a few weeks before. She then tells me :"Mommy, is this enough money to take care of a puppy?" That was the last straw, as I held back tears, I began the search for a dog, and if you know me, you know I'm frugal, so the dog needed to be cheap, or free.

I ran across an organization from Tracy City that works to spay and neuter pets at low cost, and they also take in abandoned pets. They had a pair of Lab mix brothers who had been vaccinated and altered, and the best part was they were FREE! I always say " If it's Free it's Me." We were puppy owners by nightfall.

Abraham has been with us for 2 weeks now, and is settling in nicely. W is no longer afraid of dogs, which is good, and we all love him very much. He's a really sweet, but big, pup.

I will leave you with that, and post some more updates later.

No cake for me

2009-06-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

Seriously! I baked a Coca-Cola cake, twice. First time I grabbed the wrong flour, and had to start over. Could of had something to do with the screaming children at my feet, Idunno.

Anywho, the second attempt was much better, and I'm telling you I really craved that cake to make it twice. As I'm lying down with Sissy it dawns on me that I have no powdered sugar for the icing. Mel's out of town again, both kids are asleep, and I can't get the stupid powered sugar.

So,

No Cake For Me!!!

Updates, and ramblings

2009-06-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am a homebody. I don't really like to go out, and a perfect night would include some takeout food and a movie. Now I don't mind the occasional trip to the store, or park, but I mainly prefer to be home. That being said, this week I have not been home much at all.

I just finished writing a detailed list of our tasks this week, but it was so boring, even to me that I just deleted it all. Just know that we have swam every single day this week, and most of the time until 7:30 or 8.

Sissy has a double ear infection which is much better on the antibiotic. We had a sleepless night Thursday between coughing and crying about the ear. The doctor gave me some cough syrup with codeine and the rest of the week has been smooth sailing. Too bad I don't have a gallon of it. We could all use some around here.

W hasn't slept through the night EVER. Yes, he's 3 but a terrible sleeper. Let's just pretend that a dose of codeine caused him to sleep from 8 until 6 the next morning. Of course I would never give my three year old a cough syrup he didn't need. He had demonstrated a nasty cough the night before, he must of coughed 3 or 4 times! Don't judge ladies, you might be desperate after 3 years of no sleep too.

Grandma had the kids the other day and took them next door to a kool-aid stand some neighbor kids had set up. W proceeds to tell Grandma and all within earshot that "I don't want no lemonlade from this strange house."

We were watching a preview at the theater the other day. We took the kids to see Up. As we are watching they preview a cartoon of a boy that has super powers. He is flying through the air. W leans over and says: "That's silly Mama, that boy's not even wearing a cape." Like a small child flying through the air isn't silly enough, but the fact that he is not wearing a cape just makes it unbelievable.

Cute Comments

2009-06-17T20:21:00.001-07:00

We went swimming this afternoon, and you know how W feels about swimming. As soon as I hopped in W ran over and asked: "Hey Mama, can you walk on water like Jesus?"

Later today I was reading a story and the boy in the story was 12. I mentioned that was how old Makey (Mason) is. He says: " My Makey?"

Me : " Yes honey, your Makey."

W: "My Makey, he has dots on his face right here."

Me: "Baby, those are called freckles, not dots."

Sissy decided to call me and Haley, Hay-Hay 1 and Hay-Hay 2. When I ask her why she said: "You look like twin sisters."

We by no means look like twin sisters, but I'll take the compliment any day. She later told me that when Hay-Hay ever has a baby she sure will be a pretty mama.

W got a haircut yesterday, and a big haircut it was. Mel used the clippers to buzz it, and it took two times with two different guards. He shaved enough hair off of that kids hair to make one awesome hair piece. We tried patching on Mel's head, but the color and texture just weren't working.

I wanted to record those things while I could still remember them. I tell ya, the closer 30 gets, the less I remember. Hey, maybe by the time I get there I won't even remember how old I am.

Not Me Monday

2009-06-15T08:47:00.001-07:00

I have been having a blogging block as of late. I don't seem to have anything to write about that would seem interesting or funny. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. Since I'm in such a slump, I decided to try "Not Me Monday" from over at the My Charming Kids blog. You can see her link on the right.

I did not just bleach the bathroom trash can again because W peed in it.

I did not lay in the bed with my kids watching cartoons until 9:30.

I am not overjoyed that the kids will go to preschool tomorrow, and I will have some free time.

I certainly would not feed W an ice cream sandwich for breakfast. That's just irresponsible parenting.

I don't wish I could go back to bed and watch a movie, while someone attends to my every need.

I didn't lie to Sissy and tell her I was talking to the Doctor's office on the phone, when I was talking to her Aunt Jill. Otherwise, she would have hijacked the call, and found out that I plan on swimming while she is at school tomorrow.

And last but not least, I did not just tell my children to give me the marker they found because it was "dangerous". They did not blindly follow the order because their mother has convinced them of that fact.

The big kitchen reveal

2009-06-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Sink area after the remodel

Before, (this was taken the first year we lived here before we even painted the cabinets)

After, (new stove on it's way though). Notice new light and NO soffits.

Before, pardon the junk in the picture, we were getting ready to paint.

Notice the soffits and huge light fixture.

Beach Pictures, Finally!

2009-06-07T13:44:00.001-07:00

I just located my camera cord this weekend, I was afraid I had lost it in transit. Anyway, we had a wonderful time at the beach this year, and met some really nice people. I wish I was still there, but you gotta come home sometime, right?

Spiderman could be seen in the complex any afternoon from about 3 until bed. He was quite the hit.

Hannah and Kayla became great friends while we were there.

The one and only time W set foot on the beach. He hates the water, terrifies him.

Sis on the other hand loves the beach, I think she would have stayed out there all day long.

W and Uncle Andrew taking a much needed nap.

Notice the remains of Krispie Kreme on his chest.

Waiting for her turn as "flower girl" at cousin Melinda's wedding.

W at the wedding.

Sissy and her friends after the wedding. She misses them so much.

Sissy at the Peach Farm. We stopped on the way home to have some

homemade ice cream and the kids had a great time there.

W at the Peach Farm

2009-06-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

What I should be doing:

Vaccuming
cleaning bathrooms
cleaning out yard sale stuff
pricing yard sale stuff
Changing W's bed
making the other two beds
riding the exercise bike

What I'm doing:

Typing a blog post
eating
giving Sissy the Brigance Kindergarten test again, because she wouldn't talk to the lady yesterday and I know she is smarter than what she scored

(she scored 63 yesterday, and when I gave it today she scored 89)

checking email
looking at my almost finished kitchen
playing with the new faucet in the kitchen, (man it's cool)

Alright, enough stalling, I gotta get busy. Where has my motivation gone?

We're Back

2009-06-01T08:39:00.001-07:00

*Warning: This post has not been proofread, because my kids won't leave me alone long enough to finish*

Well, we have been home since Saturday night, but it seems there hasn't been a good time to sit down and post.

Let me start off by saying the kids were great on the trip down and back. I was terribly worried, especially when W asked "Are we there yet?" 6 miles into a 600 mile trip. Not a good sign, huh?

We rode without incident though, and ended up making really good time.

Hannah made some really sweet friends at the beach this year, and she already misses them a lot. I am thankful she didn't throw the big fit when we left Saturday morning.

Everything seemed to be going great that morning, the van was packed, we stopped and got the kids a biscuit, and we were on our way, except the Garmin decided not to work at all, and my front floorboard was soaked with rainwater.

As far as the beach, we avoided rain most days, and got to spend lots of time at the pool or beach. W will not get near the ocean, he did put his feet in the sand once to help with the sandcastle, but that's it.

I have lots of pictures to post, and I am sure there are funny stories that escape me at the moment.

On a separate note the guys are here installing the countertops, and by this time tomorrow I should have a working sink.

Beach Bound

2009-05-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, we pack up the family van and embark on the lovely 10 hour drive to the beach. I have been practicing my "answers" all week, like "No, we aren't there yet", "Why didn't you tell me you had to pee?", "You can't get out of your seat.", "Why don't you just take a nap?", etc.

It's so much fun to travel with kids. I have a plan to bring the IPod and pretend I don't hear them. I'm not sure how long Mel will allow that, but it's worth a try.

Hopefully the next time you hear from me, I will be relaxed and tan. Send us your prayers as we travel, and I hope to post from the beach in a few days.

I'm Suffering

2009-05-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

from a major lack of motivation. The kids had to be at the doctor at 8:20 this morning for their annual checkups. Two kids in a room about the size of my bathroom for an hour, sounds like fun right?

We survived that, although W pretended like he was a cat the entire time we were there. Nothing like a 35 pound 3 year old laying in your lap and purring to make the time pass.

On the way home I got a call from the father-in-law who was waiting on me at the house. He is doing a lot of the kitchen reno and needed to get in. I left the back door unlocked, but didn't realize someone had locked the screen door. Had to hurry home and let him in.

I then started packing some household stuff for the beach, (we leave in 3 days) but was interupted by the FIL again, wanting the light bulbs for the new fixture. Guess what? Wrong bulbs. So I proceeded to load two children back into the van and head to Home Depot.

We then stopped at Kroger to pick up a few things, and finally made it back home around 12:15.

The bulbs worked, and the light looked good, until the wires shorted and the whole thing had to be pulled back down.

In the meantime, I threw some chicken and rice in the crock pot for supper. I can't use the kitchen, so the crock pot and microwave are the only tools I have. I hope it's worth eating, but it should at least be better than some of the take-out we've had lately.

It's 1:20 and I just can't find the strength to finish the portion of packing I started, and the mopping I intended on doing today.

I also need to put one more coat of paint on the trim in the kitchen, oh and ride 5 miles on the exercise bike.

Where will I find the energy? I have got to get myself moving, maybe I need a caffine burst.

In closing, I thought it was worth mentioning that W has peed in the bathroom trash can twice now. Not sure where he got that idea, but it's really getting on my nerves.

Gotta go get busy. Wish me luck.

Preschool Graduation and Updates

2009-05-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

My baby girl graduated preschool today. She looked so cute, but failed to say the rhyming words we have been practicing for the last month. Oh well, I wouldn't have said them when I was her age either.

Onto another riveting edition of Kitchen Remodel.

We will call this one "What was I thinking?"

This is the almost done post soffit cabinets. Notice trim needs to be painted, and the back splash is, well, not even close. Also that hole use to be my dishwasher. The dishwasher is now sitting in the laundry room. Helpful, right?

This is the pantry, where I am contimplating whether to paint the top white and make it look like the cabinet goes to the ceiling, or paint it the color of the rest of the walls. Are you still awake?

Did I mention that dust now covers 95% of my house?

I love Swiffers, but they don't put a dent in it.

There use to be a sink there, as well as the dishwasher. Who needs either right?

Smore' Monster

2009-05-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

W got a tent for his birthday, so we made smore's tonight. Actually, I bought a six pack of Hershey bars to do it earlier in the week, but W ate all of those before we got the chance. W informs us on the way home from the store that:

"I'm the Smore Monster"

We say: "What's that?"

W: "Him gets little kids, and takes him smore."

Is it just me or is that hilarious? The use of the pronoun "him" makes it even better, and just imagine the scary voice, and claw like hands.

If you camp out beware of the "Smore Monster" he might just come after you and take yous smores.

The Mom Look

2009-05-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Me: "Get your clothes on, I am so tired of looking at you naked."

W: "I don't like wearing clothes, I don't want to."

Me: "I said, get your clothes on now, at least underwear."

W: "I don't want to get dressed, I'm not going to ."

Me: Mad, you better do what I said, Mom look.

W: "I like to get clothes on."

Now he's fully dressed. I guess that evil-eye works sometimes.

Rain Rain, Go AWAY

2009-05-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

I m getting so sick of being in this house! I feel like we have been stuck in here for months, although I guess it's only actually been a few weeks. What in the world can I do with these kids? We are all losing our minds.

Yesterday they went to school, and then we had swim team for an hour after that. They at least got to play and exercise.

I changed 1 bed yesterday, and washed the quilt on top. I guess I could move on to the other two beds today.

I also need to go by the police station and have the new car seats checked. I am pretty anal about car seats and their installation. You can never be too safe, and if you are going to put down the big bucks for a seat, you might as well make sure it's properly installed.

My baby girl was not sleepy last night, so I offered to rock her. Yes, I realize she is 5, but it was so great. She is small enough that she still fits well in the lap, and I loved holding her and watching her eyes get heavy. I realize those moments are probably coming to an end quickly. I can't really see her letting me rock her much past 3rd grade. What do you think?

Anyway, it was a glorious end, to a boring day.

Sissy fell out of the bed last night and hit the night stand. I must have been having some kind of crazy dream, because I reacted strangely. I had scooped her up and was holding her before it sunk in what she had done.

She hit her mouth when she fell, and she says her teeth hurt. She informed me this morning that she wouldn't be able to talk much today because of her injury. Maybe it will be a good day after all.

W got a hold of a blue pen and drew all over his face. When asked what he was doing he said he was making himself a cat (trying to draw whiskers). I mentioned that they didn't really look like whiskers and he told me he was a "robot cat". Oh, and he is also wearing lipstick. Therapy here we come.

Questions, Questions, Questions?

2009-05-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

I''m so sorry to leave you hanging on the edge of your seat with the kitchen remodel. I know you are dying to know the progress, aren't you? Oh, you don't really care. Here it is anyway.

The light fixture came in today, and I have high hopes that it will be installed this week. More realistically it will be next week, though. I am shooting for having the ceiling finished, and painted over the weekend, and maybe hang the fixture Monday. I can't wait to see it though, I hope I made a good decision.

Other than that, there's really no change. The sheet rock continues to be finished, and should be done soon.

In my time away from the blog I have also been answering burning theological questions like: "Does Jesus have a Bounce Barn?", and "Is Amy-Fish in Heaven?" (That's the Beta Fish that died a few months ago, but the kids just noticed was gone.)

My answer to the first was, "Son, I have never even thought of that. I am sure that if you want a Bounce Barn, there will be one in Heaven."

The second, well I'm not sure how to answer that one. I think I said something like, "Sure, she is in Heaven with Jesus." I guess when you're talking to a 5 year old, you just go with the flow.

Another great question was on the way to swim lessons last week, from the back seat I hear, "Mommie, how does the baby get out of your tummy?" I give the same answer of "the doctor helps get the baby out." I have a feeling this answer isn't going to buy me much more time. I can just see my kid educating the 4 year olds at pre-school on the anatomy, and process of childbirth. I can almost hear the angry parents now.

Happy Birthday W!

2009-05-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2006 around 11:30 p.m., my baby boy was born. He came into this world with a bang, and hasn't let up since. W has taught us that sleep isn't really necessary, he hasn't slept through the night in 3 years.

W also loves his Daddy with everything he has. Daddy is his first thought waking up, and his last thought before going to bed. I have a feeling that it's mutual.

He protects his sister, and would love to have a reason to punch someone.

As I was hanging birthday decorations a little while ago, he kept telling me "thank you Mommy, thank you for the party, I love these decorations." The child has a heart of gold, and he is grateful for everything.

As a baby, he was completely different from his sister, and as a 3 year old he is definitely his own person. He speaks his mind, he will not be pushed around or bullied, and he makes us laugh each and every day. Just yesterday, out of the blue he asked " Mommy, does Jesus have a bounce barn?" I had never really given that one much thought, but I'm sure he has one somewhere.

June 2009

Oh, how I miss being able to rock my big boy.

Age 2 2008

Spring 2009

Baby Boy, you have brought unbelievable joy to our home. I cannot imagine a single day without you. Your daddy and I love you fiercely.

Kitchen Day 5

2009-05-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ceiling W/out Enourmous light fixture.

So glad that things gone, it held 6 bulbs. Talk about overkill.

No more "soffit" or whatever it's called. It makes the ceiling seem so much higher.

Another view. Sheetrock is in place, and should be finished the beginning of next week.

At least we have made progress. I am so thankful that we decided to do this now, I believe when it's all said and done, it will be worth it.

As of right now though, I am tired of dust and mess.

Coupons, Rebates, Discounts, and other Wonderful Savings

2009-05-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

I LOVE to save money. There is no better high than walking out of a store with free stuff that other people are paying for. I love coupons, I love double coupons, and I especially love rebates.

This week I have stumbled upon some fantastic deals, and thought I would share:

2 Free Chicken meals at KFC = Supper last night. Works out nicely since my kitchen is a mess.

I needed to order a light fixture at HomeDepot.com and didn't want to pay the $11 shipping. I called the 800 number, and the lady gave me 10% off. That equaled $16.00. I didn't have to pay shipping, plus I made an extra $5.

We bought new countertops at the Home Depot, they have a new "plus" card, gas type savings thing. You get 10 cents off up to 20 gallons for every $100 you spend. I spent a LOT!

Speaking of those expensive countertops, (and I do have a lot of counter space) I got 10% off, TWICE. Plus no tax.

Yesterday I scanned my little card, and bought gas. 15 gallons of gas for .......28 cents! I really filled my car up for 28 cents! I can't even believe it.

I ordered a Roman Shade from JCPenny.com yesterday. Original price $45. Sale price $21.99. Include a $10 coupon code I found online, which made the total $11.99, or $19 including tax and shipping. Not too shabby.

I bought a door this morning for the back sunroom. The old was is rotting out. Regular price $239, I paid $169. Is that a $60 savings? I think so.

Last but not least, a free 8x10 print from Walgreens. Only a $2.99 value, but it's still free.

Will it ever stop raining?

2009-05-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I like rain as much as the next guy, but man it never stops. You can't truly appreciate the rain, downpours, floods, until you have carted two small children around town all week.

For starters, we always have to fight over the umbrella. I don't know why I didn't just buy three, that would have been a good idea. After we stand in the rain and fight over who will carry it, we are all soaked. Normally, I would just carry the umbrella, and forget it, but it seems that in that case, W pitches a fit, and litterally won't move. Therefore, I have to carry a stiff toddler and a umbrella, or stand in the rain and threaten to beat him within an inch of his life, at any rate we're still getting wet.

So on the days I concede, the kids "hold" the umbrella together, and guess who's too tall to walk under an umbrella that two preschoolers hold. You guessed it, me. As I type this I realize how ridiculous it sounds that I only have one umbrella. I am cheap, but that would have been a good place to spend the extra money.

So onto today. Sissy has speech class in about 30 minutes. It's coming a downpour, and the parking lot is a good 50 yards from the school. Here's the best part though, Mel has the one umbrella.

So in summary, let me just say that we are destined to be wet, whiny, and frizzy (well at least me and W) this morning. At least the kids have rain coats and boots, as for me, I'm just in trouble.

Kitchen Part 2

2009-05-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Mess, as of 10:30 last night.

The new ceiling, or as some like to call it, the attic.

Work in progress. Doesn't it look great?

Here's the big finish for day 1. What do you think? Will we ever make it by Friday?

Spur of the Moment

2009-05-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Remodel

this must be fixed by Saturday, for W's B-Day.

5:00 p.m.

I have always hated that junk around the tops of the cabinets, plus it makes the room seem so much smaller.

My 25 year old countertops, which will soon be replaced.

7:00 p.m. looks good, right?

Told Ya

2009-05-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

I called the last one wrong. The black eye didn't come. It was swollen the day he hit it, and it did have a little scab but no huge black eye. I am so thankful.

We spent the morning at the Toyota dealership, getting brakes on the van. Two hours in the kids room sounds like fun right? At least they had a t.v., and a few toys. It seemed like the longest two hours ever though; well expect maybe two hours in labor, that's pretty bad too.

W has started saying "Told Ya" a lot. It's pretty funny unless you run into the coffee table and hurt yourself, or spill a whole cup of milk, etc. As you are writhing in pain all he can say is "Told Ya." "Told me" what exactly?

On a completely separate note, I have been searching for a "mystery smell" since last Friday. I think I have it narrowed down to the playroom, but for the life of me I just can't find it. I am sure there is an old cup, yogurt, etc. hidden somewhere in the toy box. I will press on until I locate it, after all what else do I have to do?

Why Oh Why

2009-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Another Black Eye?

Seriously, W just ran into the corner of my desk. I am sure this will result in a black eye, and this will be his third. How is it that Sissy has made it 5 years without one?

Maybe I'm wrong, but if not, I'll post some pics later.

Say What?

2009-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sissy: "When this timer goes off, you have to stop eating your doughnut."

She is holding a kitchen timer

W: "Well, I'm gonna break your arm!"

Sounds bad, but it's really genetic. There have been times you would have had your arm broken for trying to take my doughnut too.

Coming home from swimming lessons:

Me: "What was your favorite part of swimming lessons W?"

W: "When we get out"

Me: "Get Out, what do you mean honey?"

W: '' You know, when we get to get out of the pool."

Michael Phelps, he is not.

Help for Swine Flu

2009-04-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Swine Flu? Amazon offers many "Swine Flu Protection Kits", and hold onto your horses folks, it even includes a protective tarp, and shield. You must navigate over and check them out. Are you afraid to go outside? Are your hands raw from sanitizer, soap and lysol? We've got you "covered". For a small fee, you can protect your family of 4 against the Swine flu.

Yes, I realize that only 100 people have it, yes that's out of 3 million, but ya never know.

I'll be back to post some cute kids stuff later, but I felt like I should get this info out to the masses. Good luck, and don't delay.

I am totally kidding, ya know in case you couldn't tell.

Today's Tasks, plus my secret obsession

2009-04-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

Monday, Monday

Tasks for today have included:

Waking up (yes that's a task)
Maintaining sanity while trying to vacuum and clean out van (seems that W wasn't wearing shoes, which made his feet black, which then transferred onto the clean inside of the van)
Trekking to Home Depot, to fill up the van and wash in the car wash. We were going to wash by hand, but the energy was quickly fading.
Eating lunch, cleaning up the mess, etc.
Mowing the front yard, which I don't usually do, but my husband is very sweet, and very overworked, so it just seemed like the right thing to do.
Did I mention it's still 80 degrees in here?
Attaching sprinkler, letting kids play, getting sprayed by said sprinkler because I didn't move it far away enough from the faucet.
Vacuuming up my floor, and cleaning up grass, dirt, etc. from the outside trip.
Bathing two dirty children
Soaking up a gallon of tea that W spilled into my bedroom carpet
Finally, time to lay down, W naps, milk all around, still hot, but at least he's asleep
Sissy on the other hand never naps, she also never stops talking, wonder where she gets that last part?
Playing a never ending game of school, in which I give her preschool work to do, she quickly completes it, and then I have to search for more.
And last but not least, trying not to eat my weight in these things:

Oh, and did I mention that W prefers to play outside naked? I feel certain that is at least mildly strange, and possibly against the law.

I love the warm weather

2009-04-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

but I also like having a Central Heat and Air that works.

Man, it is a smoldering 78 degrees in here right now, (9:57 p.m.). At least that's down from the 81 or 82 from the daytime. We pulled out the fans, but it's just not the same. I am so not a roughing it kinda girl. I miss my 72 degrees.

As luck would have it, it's also the weekend, which means no air conditioning people are open. Perhaps, we will have air by Monday. Keep your fingers crossed, and say a prayer. Weather.com says it will stay in the low 80's high 70's the rest of the week.

Good-Night, and enjoy the cool of your air conditioning. Who knows, if it doesn't get fixed soon, I may be showing up at your door, with the two kiddos in tow. I bet you're praying now, right?

The Bully and other news

2009-04-24T14:54:00.001-07:00

We took advantage of the beautiful weather, and headed out to the park this morning. The breeze was perfect, and the park wasn't as full as I thought it would be. The kids played for about an hour before "the incident". Now, I am by no means one of those mother's who think their child does no wrong. If anything, I always assume that mine is at fault; because, well, he usually is.

I look up and W is tackling a friend of ours, and riding him to the ground. I can't believe my eyes. I am numb for about 10 seconds as I witness the event. When I finally gain my composure (or maybe it took that long for my brain to catch up with my body, not sure) I was furious. He's just been in a funk all day, wait make that all week, and he's going to have to break out of it soon. I assure you that one of us will win, and it won't be him.

So after that, Sis decided she needed to go to the bathroom. If you have never been to the bathroom in a public park, well you are missing out. Two stalls, no doors on either, no toilet paper, no paper towels, etc. At least there was running water, but for a germ freak like me, it was a nightmare. We finish our business in there and begin the trek back to the playground. W decides to bend over and pick up a clod of red dirt. Typical boy behavior right? Except the dirt was actually a fire ant hill. Ants everywhere, him screaming, me trying to get them off of his arm, the pinnacle of fun. Anyway, he only got stung twice, which I say is pretty good considering.

So there's our day in a nutshell. The weather is beautiful though, and we will try it again soon. Rest assured that there will be a long talk before the bully is let lose. Seriously, did he think he would get away with it? He will learn soon enough that Mommy is always watching, and she sure doesn't mind embarrassing herself or aforementioned children in the process.

April 22, 2009

2009-04-22T15:37:00.001-07:00

I wish I were smart enough to get these pictures in the right order. Oh, well that's a task for another day.

We ended up taking the kids to the Zoo today, since it's Sissy's birthday and all, and well she loves the zoo.

This is the finished product. Doesn't she look comfortable? That's heading back into town about 4:00.

Her Birthday Picture at the Zoo, with her new leopard.

W up close. Need I say more?

Taking a rest, and a stop for Dipping Dots. This is always W's favorite time of the trip. He's his mother's son.

Sis with an elephant in the background.

To my baby girl:

2009-04-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

More Messes, Outer Banks Ice Cream Sandwich, and the infamous powdered sugar mess

One of my favorites. This was when she had the really bad ecemza and her cheeks were rosy.

Above: Sissy and Daddy, 1st Christmas Parade

Below: A chocolate mess!

I can't believe today's your birthday. Has it really been 5 years since the Dr. handed you to me? You have taught us so many things that we would never have known. Your life has brought so much joy to ours. There is not a single day that I don't thank God for you, and the place you fill in our lives. There is no doubt, that you were a miracle to us from the day we knew you were coming.

Soon you will start Kindergarten, and I sometimes feel my baby slipping away. As you grow more independent I am filled with pride for your accomplishments, as well as longing for the baby you once were. I wish I could hold my newborn Sissy once more, and breathe in your baby smell.

You are our precious, sweet girl, and your daddy and I love you so much. You mean everything to us, and we can't imagine life without you. Your brother adores you, and looks to you for guidance. Thank you for loving us, and being a wonderful example to us all.

Mama and Sissy, 2006

Below: Age 2, summer 2006

Oh, Pappy! You still miss your pappy, three years later.

Fresh and Clean, and a little chubby. A rare site for you.

This week, you turn 5. What a big girl you have become!

Happy Birthday Mel :)

2009-04-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

We love you Daddy! Hope you have the best birthday ever. You're the greatest Daddy and Hubby in the world.

Daddy and W Halloween 2008

Daddy and W Daytona 2008

St.George Island 2005

Daddy and Sissy 2004

Sissy steals the camera

2009-04-15T07:33:00.001-07:00

Self Portrait

Playing With Will

Pumpkin Up Close

Red Toenails

Leopard Shoes