The Lusty Family

The End

2009-11-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Four years ago I started this blog.

I didn't know of anyone else who had one . . . wow, has that changed!

This was a daily journal of my life. I found it easy to share stories and pictures of the boys.

The past few months the blog has been quiet because it doesn't feel the same.

I have decided to open a private blog. If you are interested in a mother bragging about her beautiful children and awesome husband then send me your email. If not, see ya!

Today I Heard Good News

2009-08-17T19:36:00.001-07:00

This morning I had an ultrasound to confirm what I have known since early July . . . we are expecting a BABY! For good reason my anxiety level is out of control and I continually pray for peace of mind. I wanted to go to the doctor’s office alone and I was expecting bad news. With my other pregnancies I had lots of symptoms and so far I have felt nothing. I was beginning to think I had a false positive test and was trying not to get my hopes up.

As the technician set up the monitors I willed myself not to get teary eyed at the thought of the last time I was in this exact spot. Even though I was physically alone in the room I had many that were praying for good news and were just as anxious as I was.

*Sidenote* Life Transformation Groups(LTG) ROCK!!

In that second there was our little baby moving all around on the screen. I cautiously asked the lady if there was a heartbeat when she turned the sound up and I was able to hear the perfect heartbeat(153). I let out a big sigh of relief. The pregnancy finally became real. I’m PREGNANT!!!!!! :)

Baby’s due date is March 7th.

Let the countdown begin . . .

Summertime=Lots & Lots of Swimming

2009-08-09T14:18:00.001-07:00

The boys love to swim and we bought a soft sided pool this summer that has been a daily activity for them. Abram is not tall enough to enjoy the big pool, but we still had the plastic pool that we have used for the past two summers. A third of the time he ends of getting in the pool with his clothes and shoes on. That is why in these pictures he has his church shirt on. The boys can play outside and then go back in and change into their swimming suits without my help. I am to lazy to try and explain to Abram why we need to change clothes, so I just let him swim in what he has on. You should see how HUGE those Luv diapers can get without exploding!! One afternoon the boys made Abram’s day by deciding to swim with him. He LOVED it! He is very rough and had a blast jumping and sliding with the big boys. He has no fear of water and goes head first down the slide each time. Happy swimming!

Summer Zoo Trips Need To Start Early In The Morning

2009-08-09T14:03:00.001-07:00

Uncle John was working in the city for the Women’s Softball Championship and my sister decided to come down for a couple of days to visit. We invited ourselves along on their adventure to the Zoo. I got the boys up early so we could take advantage of the Zoo opening at 8 AM. The first hour was the best of the entire visit. There were so many animals out roaming around and the temperature was perfect! It was the first time we had seen so many lions out at one time(there were about seven of them!). The boys asked for a picture at EVERY statue they could find. Lucky for me Aunt Amy could see and point out ALL of them! I have tons of pictures of them posing on them. I think Uncle John is looking forward to little Ben getting older. Cooper wanted to use the telescope and I wasn’t about to fork over 25 cents :) BUT Uncle John would!! The rest of us were hot so we left them there to catch up. Ben & Abram walked a lot of the way which was adorable. I didn’t take a picture of them together standing still! In every one they are busy going places. Thanks for letting us crash your zoo trip, we had a great time!

Summer Storm

2009-08-06T20:58:00.001-07:00

Last week around 10:30 PM, I was the only one awake trying to catch up on my DVR shows. It was then I heard the wind pick up so I turned the news on to see what was going on. The only thing I found was a storm/cool front blowing through. At that point the satellite goes out and hail begins hitting the windows. Bella, the dog, freaks out in storms. She is pacing back and forth and the hail is coming down faster. It is LOUD when it hits the window and I begin to wonder if it will break the windows. Brian is woken by all the racket and wonders why I am not watching the news(?) Stupid satellite.

Next to go is the electricity. Great.

As we stumble around looking for a flashlight or candle we hear cracking sounds and we just look at each other in slow motion wondering if we should get the boys up and head for cover! It was surreal. The wind/hail/rain go on forever. The electricity is quickly restored and we try to take a look outside. All we can see is that the play set is no longer there and two huge trees are down. Bummer!

The next morning the damage is assessed. There are no drag marks where the play set had been. It had been picked up and slammed on its side.

Brian took the day off work to begin the process of cutting down the two huge trees. The play set is still sitting there, unmoved. We aren’t quite sure where to begin with that.

It was quite a storm!!!

Biggest News of July

2009-08-06T20:43:00.001-07:00

The week of VBS our 16 MONTH OLD finally decides walking is a good thing and he will now go for it! It is amazing to see how it ‘just clicks’ and he is off. Two weeks later he is now considered a 100% walker . . . yeah!!! Notice the arms? He is still working on that balance :) Soooo cute!!!!

A Year in the Making-VBS 2009

2009-08-06T20:29:00.001-07:00

Can you find Wyatt? The kids came on stage on the last night. Cooper refused to go and Wyatt tried to hide.

Wednesday night the kids were invited to sing on stage. The parents were able to come and watch the final skit of Brutus and Paul and hear what their kids had been up to during the week. It was a great turn out!

Each evening Paul & Brutus would visit the kids. Paul would tell his story about being on house arrest and how important it was to tell others about Jesus. They were awesome and brought the characters to life for the kids. I was impressed :)

VBS is very near to my heart. I love what it brings to our children and the seeds it plants in their young hearts. The opportunity came my way to coordinate VBS for 2009. I took a leap and decided to see how God could use me. Seriously . . . me! HE can do amazing things and I am glad I put my fears aside of what others would think and jumped. It was a BLAST!

We had over a 100 volunteers each evening. The biggest issue for the week was where to put all those volunteers. That was a GREAT problem to have!

The kids traveled to the city of ROME and were able to visit with Paul each day and visit the Underground Church where people were worshipping God. There were awesome crafts, games and the snacks went above and beyond! Our church really stepped up and came together to bring a wonderful week together.

I am blessed with an awesome set of friends who helped decorate, set up, take down and MORE to keep my stress to a minimum. THANK YOU!!!!

Sunday through Tuesday the kids traveled with their family leaders. On Wednesday we had family night and offered a free pizza dinner and then met in the auditorium for a short program. I was NOT prepared to be called up and recognized, but I had no problem when the microphone was handed over :) There were so many people to thank! Each team leader did such a great job of getting their area ready that it made my job even better. I wish I could do more to let those know how much I appreciate them. You guys ROCK!

As much as I enjoyed VBS I was exhausted when it was over and done with! Just today I made a trip up to the church office to turn in the last of the items I had used during VBS. I can now close the book on 2009 . . . we are now moving on to July 2010, EGYPT :) I will give myself a month before the planning starts again!!

4th of July

2009-08-06T19:57:00.001-07:00

This happened over a MONTH ago? How is that possible?!

We invited the family over to our house this year and had a big cookout and not so spectacular fireworks show. My parents, grandparents, younger brother & sister’s families were all able to come. Dinner was awesome as I tried out not one but TWO different recipes that turned out pretty darn good-if I do say so myself :) It was a beautiful day outside and the kids had a wonderful time running around and being together. Brian and Jonathan went to buy the fireworks and when they returned it seems they bought the store out. They seemed more excited than the kids to start the show. We still had a couple of hours until it would be dark enough and the time crept by.

Then the rain started. Not a little evening rain, but a storm that put a damper on our plans. We weren’t sure if we would get to light the fireworks this year.

Plan B came about when the rain turned into a drizzle and we headed to the front yard so the smart ones could sit out of the rain :) As you can see all the kids along with my husband and brother were the only ones to venture out. I must admit they had some pretty good fireworks! Abram didn’t last very long outside as he wanted to get into everything, yet still not walking. He went to bed easily and the fireworks didn’t seem to bother his sleep.

Everyone except my grandparents spent the night. I LOVED it! It is memories like this that will last a lifetime and I am grateful to those that drove up to share those memories with our kids. I love my family and their commitment to be there for each other. It was a great 4th!

Rock Creek Youth Camp

2009-08-06T19:43:00.001-07:00

The first week in July the boys had the opportunity to attend their first day time church camp. It was from 9-2 for three days. I volunteered to go as a sponsor since the camp was held at the one I went to during high school. What great memories I had there and it was fun to go back and see it again as an adult. Things were different, but strangely the same. Abram came with me two of the mornings, but Brian was able to pick him up and work from home a couple of days. I was very grateful. He is at an age where he is quite the handful!

The boys seemed to have a great time. Cooper would ignore me whenever I tried to talk to him around his friends. I was able to see what they were up to most of the day, but the girls were not allowed near the swim area. Cooper thought that was awesome and was living it up in the limelight. Wyatt was a bit hesitant and wanted to be at my side as much as possible. He wanted me to take him to a separate area so he could change before swim time and then meet me to help him change back afterwards. He did not like to change in front of the other boys.

They had a bible story each morning, crafts, activity time, swim time and a special activity each day. I had a fabulous time. My dream would be to own and run a camp one day. What a dream job!

I’ve Got Some Explaining To Do

2009-08-06T15:21:00.001-07:00

Whew. . . summer has flown by and I cannot believe it is August! The month of July was filled with the boys first daytime church camp, our own VBS, 4th of July, zoo trips and more! I have finally dug myself out of the all the activities and we are in full swing of school.

I need a nap.

When looking for a picture for this post I realized I never downloaded all we had done in July. Over 300 pictures later I am beginning to see how much I need to catch up on.

Welcome back! Let the many posts of catch up begin :)

After I take my nap.

VBS # 2 AND Football Camp

2009-06-30T15:11:00.001-07:00

I am still trying to catch up on my sleep from all that was happening LAST week. My age is quickly revealing itself as it takes me a longer amount of time to bounce back when my schedule is shaken. BUT(!) it was a fantastic week!

Tuesday kicked off our 2nd of 4 VBS’s this summer. My dear friend(love her!)went to this church part of her time at college and her parent’s attend it now. She had many good things to say about it and although it was 30 minutes away we decided to join her and her daughter this year. It did not disappoint! My boys did not know a soul so I was curious to see how they would handle it. I heard not one complaint from either of them! Each day they would talk about the classes they visited and what they did. Since VBS was only three hours long I did not want to waste time driving back and forth so I was able to hang out with said dear friend and was able to talk and talk and talk! I even had a babysitter for two of those days where Abram could stay home. This will be on our list to do next year too!

Wednesday my lovely SIL met me after VBS to hand over my two sweet nephews for the rest of the week. Brian was tasked with finding 10 boys to attend the Adrian Peterson football camp Thursday-Saturday. What a great opportunity! Jack is playing tackle football for the first time this fall, so he was one of the first people we called. Now Jack couldn’t come down by himself, Wyatt would be left out :) Joel came along and finished out the week with Wyatt at VBS while the older two attended football camp.

Since Brian was working at the camp he took Cooper & Jack with him each morning as I drove the other two to VBS. I would then leave straight from there to the football field right when their camp was ending. Time management at its finest :) Thursday lunch we treated the boys to an all you can eat buffet at Mazzios, Friday’s lunch at McD’s followed by a yummy, free(for the kids)lunch at Cain’s.

The boys look exhausted each afternoon I picked them up. Don’t get me started on the WHITE T-shirts they were given. I would spray those things down each evening and give them a good washing because they HAD to wear them each day. Stinky boys! Surprisingly they would come home full of energy and spend the afternoon swimming. Each night they were in their beds ASLEEP by 9 PM-some nights sooner! They worked hard and played even harder.

They both LOVED football camp. I tried to stay on Saturday, but it was HOT! I ended up taking the three younger boys to the library for an hour and a half. I can’t imagine how they made it through for three days straight. Boys and their love of sports!

End of the session, last day with their bags full of goodies and the dirty, white T-shirts.

About 300 boys attended the three day camp from 9:30-12:30. AD would do pep talks in between training sessions and then a Q & A at the end of the day. He had many people around him and they did not allow individual pictures to be taken and parents were ask to not even come up to him. He did visit some of the teams when they were working on skills and help the coach with plays.

On the first day they were divided into “teams” of about 12 kids. They put them in lines according to height and then would count them off to determine what team they would be on. Luckily Brian was there to make sure Jack & Cooper were on the same team. This made Cooper very happy! See their sweat bands? They got those on the second day and their were VERY excited about them. Those went into the wash along with the T-shirts. Stinky :)

What to do in the evenings? Uncle Brian had PLENTY for them to do each evening. They went down to the pond to fish the first night. The next two nights were spent on the four wheelers. Jack was able to drive his own after a quick lesson and did great. As bed time grew closer they would choose to swim one last time then watch a cartoon in the movie room. They were even given FOUR popcicles to eat on the couch. I think that gave me Aunt/Mom of the year!

It was a fun week! I love this age and it made me remember spending lots of time with my cousins Dennis & Shelly. They love spending time together and I hope they will develop into life long friends! Thanks for coming up Jack and Joel.
sidenote: Jessica . . .I promise Joel wore a helmet when he rode the 4 wheeler. he was riding with it on when I went to get my camera. when I came back outside he had switch to the yellow jeep. I had him get on again for the quick picture. :)

Soccer Camp Session Two: 5:30-7:30 PM

2009-06-25T13:47:00.001-07:00

At the end of Wyatt’s spring season of soccer his coach made the announcement that he was paying for each of his 6 players to attend soccer camp in June. Wyatt started playing on the TIGERS! team last fall and has a good time-which is all we are looking for at this age. It was a long two hour practice, but Wyatt didn’t come over and complain one time about the heat. Not to say I wasn’t complaining about it ;) All 6 of his teammates were there so that made the time enjoyable for him. This picture was taken on the last night. The coach was very patient with the little ones and had fun games to practice their skills.

At this stage in his life Wyatt is at the mercy of his big brother who dominates him at soccer any chance he gets. Therefore Wyatt takes that same mentality against others his own age. He goes after the ball and is in the middle of the action the entire time he is on the field. Below is a picture of Brian and Wyatt participating in one of the many games the coach had us do. It was called ‘cowboys and Indians.’ I’m glad Brian was able to make it to practice from work before parents were called to the field, I am NOT a team player ;)

Last week 25 hours of our time was spent at the soccer fields. What did the rest of us do? I brought a blanket for us to sit on and supplied lots and lots of snacks for Abram. We found a small tree that provided enough shade that made it bearable to be outside. A new playground provided entertainment to Cooper each evening. When that became to hot there was the library right behind us. Tag team parenting was perfected so it never became to overwhelming for one of us. I was able to catch up with PAM! each evening as she brought along her son, who is the same age as Cooper.

All in all it was a success week!

Soccer Camp Session One: 9-NOON

2009-06-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

Last week Cooper attended his first soccer camp. It was Monday through Friday at the treeless soccer field. The first day I had forgotten about it and rolled out of bed around 8:30 thinking it was a lazy Monday. It was about 5 minutes later I realized we had somewhere to be and the madness began. Thankfully Cooper was already awake and rushed around looking for soccer balls, cleats and shin guards. We arrived only 5 minutes late and although he was a bit apprehensive he made his way to met the other campers and his coach for the week. Coach ‘Rick’ as I called him because I could barely understand a word he said. He was from Poland and was very strict and expected a lot from his players. I wondered how Cooper would do, but he LOVED every minute of it. The first day I braced for fits as I assumed he would be exhausted, hot and thirsty. He excitedly jumped into the car and said, “I can’t WAIT for tomorrow, but I need to bring a bigger water bottle!” Poor guy was sent with his usual practice bottle and he told me he was out before the first break :(

The campers ranged in age from 6-16 and the first day they were broken into mixed age teams and were given a team name. Cooper’s was ‘Poland’ and he was adamant that he needed to wear RED(head to toe), every day. The outfit you see is what he wore each day. I would wash it each afternoon so it would be ready. I tried to set out a different outfit that in Cooper’s words weren’t ‘red enough’. The teams were given points each day if they dressed in their team colors, demonstrated sportsmanship and had good moves on the field. Cooper thrived on this competition and took it all in as gold.

Friday morning the parent’s were invited to watch the World Games that they had been practicing for each day. Cooper was VERY excited and was up at 6 AM dressed and ready. Each team was asked to bring a flag to represent their country and the above picture is what we came up with. Homemade at its finest :) The picture below shows the first game. Each team is yelling their country back and forth. Cooper’s voice is loud and proud with “POLAND!” Brian was able to make the games too, which was a huge boost for Cooper.

Cooper was very aggressive on the field and was not afraid of getting hit with the ball, as I would have been. He took a beating to the chest and head and never showed fear. I was quite surprised. Below is a battle between him and a fourteen year old. No fear!

Each team played a total of four ‘games’ and then they had a closing ceremony. After each game they would all huddle together and recap the highlights of the game. Cooper was MVP in two of his games and lead scorer in one game. At closing ceremonies Poland was named the champions and given a team ‘trophy’. Below is a picture of his team that he had played with all week. He was proud of the games and can’t wait to go again next year!

Learning to Talk 101

2009-06-22T07:59:00.001-07:00

Last week Abram learned how to move his mouth to make the “o” sound. He has now perfected the perfect “NO!” word complete with the hick accent :) He even uses the word in context to what you are asking. This video was taken this morning at the breakfast table. Each time I ask him to say ‘PaPa’ he goes to look for him out the window. 90% of the time he will try to repeat what I ask him to. The catch is HE has to be in the mood to do so!

Through the Eyes of Boys

2009-06-21T19:44:00.001-07:00

Why I love my Dad . . .

1. because he plays the car game with me, and I can even beat him

2. he spends time with me even when he is tired

3. because he doesn’t make me do school work

4. he plays games with me. . . . a lot

5. he lets us have 5 popsicles

6. he talks with me a lot

7. he coaches me in soccer and will come and watch me

8. he let me watch Spiderman and Batman when I was sick

9. he says I am a good player

10. because he loves me very, very, very much!

Cooper, age 6

Why I love my Dad . . .

1. ‘cause he doesn’t yell

2. he does stuff that I want to do

3. he looks handsome

4. sometimes he lets me play on his phone

5. he knows how to fix things that you don’t

6. he gives me the best big hugs ever

7. he has brown eyes like me

8. he can drive a car, that’s cool

9. he will ride 4 wheelers with me

10. he waits on me when I say too

Wyatt, age 5

Happy Father’s Day! These three boys are blessed to have a father like you. And look, you still have a smile during those stressful moments :)

One Of A Kind Experience

2009-06-18T21:48:00.001-07:00

We spent several days at Epcot this year and had a wonderful experience with our trip ‘around the world’. We bought the boys a passport when we first entered the park. At Disney’s Epcot Park they have a showcase of 11 different countries(Mexico, Norway, Japan, Germany, Italy, United States, France, Morocco, China, Canada and the United Kingdom)that you can ‘travel’ to and get a glimpse of things you would see. When we would stop at a particular country we would find the Kid Spot where they had a person from that particular country who would stamp the passport and write a greeting to the child in their native language. Once we looked around at the country we would pull out the passport again where the boys would put their stickers of the country’s flag and other snapshots of what we saw. We broke the day into several so we could really enjoy what each place had to offer. The second time we visited it was a lot less crowded and the guide could spend some time with the boys and really interact with them. Cooper loved to hear what language they spoke and they would write his name in that language in his passport.

The above pictures are what I captured over the two days. Both boys loved their passports and took great care when putting the stickers into each one. I enjoyed listening to our guides to learn something new about each country. We would pretend fly to each location and the boys would take turns on who the pilot was and look at the map to determine where we were headed next. It was great experience and went along perfect with what we had studied this year in history!

Spontaneity at it's finest

2009-06-15T21:24:00.001-07:00

This summer is completely different than what we had anticipated back in January. First Brian was going to be gone to the state of Washington for 12 weeks for summer camps and second we were looking forward to the birth of our fourth baby. Neither one came to be.

With Brian’s ACL replacement he has now scheduled physical therapy for the summer instead of summer camp. He also came up with a fun/crazy idea for a trip, since we wouldn’t be adding that fourth baby too. Back to Disney World!

I laughed when he first mentioned the idea. We had just gone back in February . . . and it wasn’t that great.

BUT! As he spoke he already had it all planned out and it sounded very fun and cheap! Disney is celebrating military families and offering a great deal on tickets into the parks. He found a beautiful hotel, less than 5 minutes from the parks, that is a SUITE and cheaper than the value hotel we stayed in last time. He found an amazing deal on airline tickets that would have us flying out of Dallas for a direct flight to Orlando. No layovers!! Even though our hotel has a shuttle that would take us to the parks each day, he wanted to do something different. We hated waiting on the shuttles each night/day and the people that were around at all times. He has a buddy who is in the car leasing business and found a great deal on a rental car. Icing on top of all the deals? Star Wars Weekend at Hollywood Studios! Seriously?!?!

I was sold and we were heading BACK to Disney!!!

My husband is a deal finder, he has a gift! I love his enthusiasm and the ability to make dreams a reality. This vacation was amazing! I should have let him plan it the last time. We had tons of fun, stayed up long past midnight and didn’t schedule each second of our day, but just let the magic happen. And it did!! Our last minute plan was a success and I am glad he thought it up, it was just what I needed!

Tuesday night as we are dragging our suitcases into the house and trying to find PJ’s for bedtime Cooper comes down the hall and wraps his skinny arms around my waist . . . “thanks for taking me to Disney World, I had the best time ever!”

Melt my heart.

Star Wars Weekend Continued

2009-06-15T20:45:00.001-07:00

The second day we were able to sleep in and play at one park before we headed back for Star Wars Weekend at Holllywood Studios. From being there the day before we knew exactly where we needed to be and when to see our favorite characters. The weather was beautiful and the boys had a blast seeing the characters walking around.

There were a million people there, but that is what Disney deals with best. It didn’t seem as crowded as it was and waiting in line wasn’t boring as there was lots to see and many children for my boys to interact with as we waited. Some of the characters were walking the streets so we had to be on guard and catch them for a quick picture. It was fun!

Here is Jedi Mickey and when we first arrived we saw him and immediately jumped into the line. With only five families ahead of us we were informed that Mickey’s time was over, but Darth Vader Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald would take his place. No problem! We got our picture and then planned to be back when Mickey’s turn came again. I texted Brian(who was riding a roller coaster)to be in line at 5:20. At 5:30 the boys and I were on our way to jump in line. When we arrived we saw Mickey, but Brian hadn’t been able to get in line yet. Boo! We took our chance and waited for our picture. We were not even half way through the line when Mickey had to go(!) I had the boys get out of line and stand in the street where Mickey would be coming. Here is what I snapped! You see Brian to the left trying to tell the lady how much trouble we had taken to see Mickey(this was his last showing of the day). She wasn’t budging, but I was excited with what I got. Plus, I have a story to go with it :)

15 months

2009-06-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

* Within the last week a whole new attitude has emerged! A stubborn streak has made itself known and when you have made up your mind on what you want everyone else better WATCH OUT! Papa and Grandma had the privilege of witnessing a 20 MINUTE tantrum involving lots of crying, screaming, throwing yourself down, hitting your head on the floor, arching your back and more crying. I tried to ignore you and walk away, but you will have NONE of that. You would follow me crying and once I stop you would start again with throwing yourself down. It finally ended when I picked your limp body off the floor and put you in your crib with nothing. Two minutes later . . . silence. Tantrum over!

* Walking yet? nope. Why walk when you can get ANYWHERE you want ten times faster by crawling. You can now stand up on your own from a sitting position and I have witnessed a couple of steps between Daddy and I. Whenever we are outside you have to wear pants because your legs get beat up by the grass and rocks. Walk already!!!

* You are very verbal and can say lots and lots of words. 90% of what I ask you to say you will repeat. So cute! Momma, Daddy, Papa, Grandma, Bella, Brother, Eat, Drink, Bye-Bye, Jesus, Bible, Amen!, Amy, Ben, ball, nose, mine, shoes, night-night, and the list goes on and on.

* You are a boy on the go. You like to be in the car and will cry if someone is leaving and you aren’t able to go. Your best friend is the one heading for the car and taking you along for the ride. You like to hold your blanket in the car, just like your big brother Cooper.

* Being a strict rule follower I took your bottle away at 12 months. It was a BIG adjustment and in the moment it seems like you would NEVER drink again. Now? You love your whole milk and can drink it all day along as well as your watered down juice. You can drink from any sippy cup I give you as well as out of a straw. But I swear you didn’t drink anything for 3 weeks. The stubborn streak started early :)

* You sleep 12 hours at night and are still taking two naps during the day. I am trying to drop the morning nap, but you just aren’t ready to let it go completely. I’m still adjusting your daily nap routine. Sometimes it will be an hour morning nap and a two hour afternoon or you will skip the morning and take a three hour afternoon. We are still working on it though.

* Meal times are stressful. Whatever is being offered is totally up to you if you will even TRY it or not. One day you might like hotdogs . . .that evening? They are disgusting! Yogurt for breakfast might be fine for THREE bites, but that FOURTH bite? Don’t even try it. You are over yogurt now. Grrr! I’m not sold on just offering you something and if you don’t eat it then you are hungry for the next meal. Between those meals is a NIGHTMARE and I am not willing to go through the nightmare for an easier meal time. Who knows if you would even eat the next meal!!! Nope. I will stick with offering you a MILLION different choices until you eat a good meal :)

* You love your bible class and will go in with no problems. You are interested in being around other people and new toys. The past Sunday you moved to the one year old class, you loved it!

* Finally you cut FOUR new teeth(all on top)! You had those two bottom teeth FOREVER and I was beginning to wonder when you would cut more. The middle of April all four came in up top at the same time!

What joy you bring to our family!

Kickoff to Summer-VBS #1

2009-06-14T14:47:00.001-07:00

I LOVE summer time! Some of my favorite memories as a child was attending VBS with my friends. Alot of the bible stories that have stuck in my mind are those that were learned there. Last week we headed to my parent’s house for the first official start to VBS and summer!

The theme was “Jesus-the Real Peace” and here is a picture of my talented sister, Amy, playing the role of Martha. Isn’t she a natural :) They are so sad that Lazarus is dead. The kids love the skits!

My boys love the fact that their cousins get to come too! Poor Jennah needs a girl cousin her age. She is stuck with all the crazy boys! The last night they had a slide show highlighting the events during the week. Afterwards they had a huge cookout with hotdogs and snow cones. Yum!

Here is the best of the group shot of my baby brother’s kids and mine. It is weird going back to the church we grew up in as adults. So much has changed, but still seems the same. It is hard to explain. Even though we only went to the last two nights of VBS, it was a blast! This church loves children and does an awesome job. I think it is special to have my parents and grandparents attend this church after all these years. It is fun to go back and have the friends that I do to talk and laugh with. I’m thankful my boys have great cousins to grow up with and share life’s journey with.

It’s looking to be a great summer indeed!!

The Youngest Will Never Be Ignored

2009-06-12T18:46:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday of this week we arrived back at our house from Florida around 10:30 PM. On Wednesday we(Brian stayed behind for work)headed to my parent’s house to attend the end of VBS. Wednesday night/Thursday night VBS-late nights . . . but TONS of fun! We tried to get a group shot, but Abram is at a very active stage. His audience of five wasn’t helping, only encouraging his escape tactics :)

On Thursday I received a call as a reminder about Abram’s allergy doctor appointment on Friday. I had completely forgotten about it. I made plans to leave early the next morning to make his 9 AM appointment in the city. It was a crazy idea and the rest of today I have paid for it. Bedtime could not come soon enough(30 minutes and counting).

We arrived 15 minutes early(sweet!)and surprisingly were called back at our exact appointment time. The four of us crammed into our tiny room to wait. 14 month olds do not understand the point of waiting. This boy spent his time destroying what toys he could get his hands on, whining, crying, throwing tantrums and opening and slamming the door. We had alot of nurses come to visit to get vital signs, talk about the episode that sent us to the allergist in the first place and more. The doctor came in to hear my story again and access exactly what all he was to be tested for.

Finally the nurse came in for the testing. Abram did well sitting on my lap while she took her pen to write what she would poke him with. She was an expert and poked quickly enough that he didn’t start to cry until the 5th prick. It was over before he could get to worked up and she was gone. We were to wait 15 minutes to see the true effects of his allergies. Immediately two spots started to swell and he began to cry and itch. I scratched his arm up and down and he would sit there staring at the spots. I felt so sad for him. The doctor stopped by halfway through the wait and commented that she didn’t need to come any closer to see how huge the one little drop had done to his arm.

Two and a half hours later we were heading to the car. It was a LONG morning. Little boy is HIGHLY allergic to peanuts. When she came in to talk with me she said over and over about how important it was that I understood this. The way the skin test reacted to the prick was severe enough that we are to remove all peanut products in our house, he is to get a bracelet to wear so others know, if the other boys are at a friend’s house and they are exposed to peanut butter they are to SHOWER and brush their teeth before they interact with him, IF he does come in contact with peanuts we are to use the epi-pen(mis-spelled?) immediately.

This has thrown this already hypochondriac mother into shock!

We were given TWO epi’s to have on hand at all times. She gave me a website to visit to download warning worksheets for church workers, grandparents, family and friends about his allergy and the importance of it to his life.

On top of all this he is also allergic to eggs?!?

We will go back in 6 months to talk over it all again and then he will see her once a year to poke him all over again. She feels he will outgrow the egg allergy, but the peanut one will be with him the rest of his life.

Whew! This takes meal time to a whole new level.

Disney Has Been Redeemed!

2009-06-06T19:45:00.001-07:00

Today was the highlight of our trip . . . Star Wars Weekend!!! We arrived at the park at 7:45 AM with a million other people! It was a busy day indeed . . .

11:40 AM Parade-We had front row seats and the boys LOVED every minute. See the dark clouds rolling in? It wouldn’t be Florida without a downpour on our trip:) Thankfully the rain only has lasted about 30 minutes or so of heavy downpour and then the blue skies are back again!

There was so much to see and hundreds of picture opportunities. We stood in line for hours to get pictures with some of their favorite characters. Being the smart parents we would take turns standing in line while the other took the boys on rides and to check out other attractions. It worked out perfectly! By 4:30 PM my camera battery was going dead when Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia made their appearance. When it was our turn this is all I got . . .

Oops!!!!

Tomorrow we plan on heading back to see those we didn’t get today, so I will have a second chance for Luke and Leia. By 7:30 PM the boys were out like lights for the night. As parents we made the executive decision to sleep in and head back around lunch time. It was a long, exhausting BUT fantastic day!!!

Poor Wyatt couldn’t make it through the last event of the day of the Beauty and the Beast show. He was one tired little boy!

2009-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

The "24 hour" shopping trip to Dallas came at the perfect time this year. My husband was at the end of his two week sick leave and thankfully felt confident enough to take care of the boys so I could spend some quality time with some wonderful girlfriends! Pam, Kathryn, Tracy and myself started down I-35 in the late afternoon on Thursday. The only small glitch being me losing the keys before we even took off. Glad my friends had faith in me :) That night we ate at the Cheesecake Factory, browsed the aisles of Target, then headed back to the hotel for girl talk. Friday we did some major shopping at Ikea, Sam Moon, the mall and that evening found a great outlet mall. I love my girl time!

Here is Pam posing in front of the store that gave us our 'catch phrase' for the trip. Thanks for the side splitting laughter and the million of inappropriate comments that stemmed from your famous quote :)

Ikea! After trying a million different directions and only seeing the store in the distance we finally found the parking lot and were excited to see all the things Ikea has to offer. It did not disappoint! Pardon the squinty eyes . . . we have not seen the sun in over TWO weeks. I found a great student computer table and chair for under $50. Score!

Aaahhh, pedicures. This is right before we hit the outlet mall and my feet were already killing me! Obviously Pam didn't get the memo we were suppose to wear white shirts :) I need to mention that these chair messagers gave me a back ache-not relaxing! Afterwards we hit the local Steak-n-Shake and the strawberry shake made everything better. By now it is 5 PM and we are just now deciding to try out the outlet mall.

We ended up staying at the mall until closing time. I had shopped to my heart's content and was coming home with five pairs of new shoes! We had dinner at the Olive Garden and filled up the car(with the strangest gas pump ever!)and were on our way home. Wouldn't you know the moment we cross the border it begins pouring on us! It was slow going on I-35. Here we are at 2 AM at Kathryn's house. I tried to get a picture of all of our loot. I had taken out the third seat in the Expedition and we had it filled almost to the top!

It was a great trip and I hope we can do it again soon(this Fall?). It is amazing how much can be accomplished in 24 hours :) Thanks for the laughs and memories girls!

I had a hard time convincing my husband that I needed a recovery day. He was unsympathetic when I explained how late I got in, how my feet hurt from walking all day, that my back was killing me from the faulty message chairs and my stomach was queasy from all the yummy food I ate. He just didn't understand :)

I'm beginning to see a pattern on Monday's

2009-05-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

After last Monday's doctor visit for the hand, foot and mouth virus the biggest issue was getting Abram to drink. For the three recovery days he hardly ate a bite and as you can see I tried as many different cups as I could to encourage him to drink. We made it through and by Thursday he was back to his happy self.

Fast forward to today, another Monday. He woke in a great mood and was ready to eat breakfast, the usual cereal bar and two cups of mandarin oranges. Wyatt was eating peanut butter from a spoon when Abram said, "Bite?" I got one of his baby spoons and put a little on there and let him have it.

I left the room to brush my teeth and when I returned Abram was itching his eyes like crazy and the closer I got to him the worse he looked. I quickly took him out of his high chair and went to change his dirty diaper. It was then that he tried to say something and it sounded funny, like a frog in his throat. Funny since he had woke up fine that morning. As I hurried to change his diaper he started crying each time he tried to swallow and his face was swelling up with white little bumps everywhere.

Yelling for everyone to go to the van, we were heading to the hospital. I grabbed a coat, as I was still in my PJ's, a hat and put on the nearest shoes I could fine. My church shoes from yesterday.

I drove as quickly as I could with all intentions of heading to the ER. I called my husband and my mom. She had asked if he was breathing without wheezing and thankfully he was. The swelling on the other hand was out of control. Have you seen the movie Hitch when the main character played by Will Smith has an allergic reaction? It was that bad and my baby's face was unrecognizable.

Practicing my Lamaze breathing(I knew that would come in handy one day!)I called his doctor who told me since he wasn't wheezing to head straight to their office. The doctor was waiting for me as I pulled up.

"Oh my!" she said upon seeing my sweet, swollen baby. "Have you given him any Benadryl?" I had not so they weighed him and gave him the right amount of Benadryl. We then sat in a room and waited to see if the swelling would go down. That is when I got a good look in the mirror of myself. Whew! I looked rough :)

The other two boys were still in the van watching a movie. They were dressed in their PJ's with no shoes. I walked out to check on them several times and they contently sat in their seats and watched the show. I stayed parked by the front door.

30 minutes later they felt good with the progress of the Benadryl and no other measures would be taken. We are being referred to an allergist who will have more answers. The doctor told me to stay away from Chick-Fil-A since they cook their food in peanut oil. Surprisingly we have been eating there for months and have had no reactions. He has also eaten my Kashi bars that have peanuts in them with no reactions. I am not sure why we had a reaction today.

Half way home he threw up all over himself and his carseat, then fell fast asleep. I changed him once we were home and put him in bed. He didn't move for over three hours. I think I checked on him about every five minutes for breathing.

The rest of the day I have been a nervous wreck on what to feed him. He seems in great spirits and back to his happy self. It was quite a Monday morning I hope to never repeat again!

Interview with the 5 year old

2009-05-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wyatt has been waiting for his 5th birthday, so he could get his own four wheeler. He has been driving his brother's for well over a year and is a good driver. We had to get a picture with Grandma tagging along for a ride. I look forward to quiet Sunday afternoons because their Daddy likes to take them down to the river to ride the trails :)

The following is the interview with my new five year old. Some of his answers surprised me!

1. What was your favorite part of your birthday? running from Jennah(his cousin), jumping in the balls and getting my four wheeler

2. Do you like to stay up late or get up early? get up early-surprising since he is the latest sleeper in the family, like 10 AM!

3. What is your favorite food? candy like Tootsie Rolls and Skittles, cake and ice cream

4. What is your favorite thing to do at school time? learning new words and writing

5. Do you have favorite book? yes What is it? Charlie Brown & Star Wars

6. Can you read yet? a little Do you like to read? yeah!

7. How high can you count? 2,000, as he starts counting for me

8. What do you think you will be doing when you are seven years old? boxing - what!

9. What is your favorite restaurant? Sonic-I like to eat hot dogs, fries and a vanilla shake

10. Who is your best friend? Payt and Joel

11. Would you like to have any more brothers or sisters? I want brothers that's it.

12. What kind of job do you want to have when you are twenty? drive a race car and wash dishes(!) at a restaurant - we aim high around here :)

13. Is there one thing you cannot sleep without? yes, my fan on high

14. If you could do anything you wanted to right now, what would it be? sit by Mom

15.What is your favorite TV show? Tom & Jerry

16. Your favorite sport? football

17. Do have any jobs to do around the house? yes What are they? wash and dry dishes - he has never done this, make my bed

18. How are you the biggest help to our family? help my mom; put my clothes up when they are dirty

19. What do you think about girls? they are good friends like Cameron and Gracie and Becca. They do scream alot. Sometimes I like Jennah, if she doesn't cry

20. Are you scared of anything? probably no

Thanks for the interview little man. Not sure what the obsession was with the washing dishes comments, but I will be reminding you of this in a couple of years when I need the kitchen cleaned up :)

Just When Things Are Going Smooth

2009-05-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Even though I have loved having my husband home 24 hours a day, I have to admit that having that one extra body to take care of has made me a little crazy.

Today I have dealt with the usual tasks of making three meals, cleaning up three meals, schooling two of my children, cleaning two of the bathrooms, delivering three meals to my husband in bed, filling and refilling the ice maker thing for the knee, redressing a very swollen knee-twice and more. I have actually liked(!)doing all the above, except today.

Today I have had many add-ons to the daily routine that remind me I am no super woman. After a fitful night I took Abram to the doctor. He has been running a fever since bedtime yesterday and is drooling buckets and buckets of slobber. He is attached to my hip whenever he is up and will not eat a thing, which makes him even crankier. Diagnosis? hand, foot and mouth virus. No drugs can cure it. The virus must run its course. "He will start to feel better in THREE days" the good doctor tells me. I give her the death stare.

For dinner we had the very tasty WalMart whole chicken. I have recently discovered the love of the already made juicy chicken and was excited not to have to cook. All mouths was fed, except me, I like to wait until everyone is in bed and I can eat in peace. The boys headed outside to ride their four wheelers.

In normal circumstances I would watch them, as they have the knack of getting into things they shouldn't. This particular night I lost my judgement.

Abram was already bathed and in bed, my husband was set for the night and I went to find the boys in the front yard. They had found the draining ditch with lots and lots of red mud. Look at them, they are so proud of themselves, no? They had already taken off their pants and rain boots and I had the privilege of cleaning it all up.

Unlucky for them I am a smart mama. As I drag the hose from the back of the house Cooper says, "Wait! That is cold water. We want to go inside to take a warm shower!"

"Sorry son, when you play in the mud the only way to clean it off is with the hose. I can't have you walking through the house like that now can I?"

It was freezing and hopefully they will think twice before playing in the mud. At least they will weigh their options, right?

Oh . . .upon returning to the house with my two freezing boys I noticed the dog had reach the counter and pulled the chicken off and was eating it. There goes my dinner.

I need a nanny.

Day of Surgery & Recovery

2009-05-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Whew! My thoughts can get the best of me and when I was trying to wrap my brain around Brian's surgery and the ins and outs of how it would go, let's just say I had a wee bit of a meltdown :) I am a creature of habit and when my daily routine and schedule is rocked my anxiety level shoots high.

Abram was staying at my sister's so that was a huge relief. Brian had to be at the hospital at 11 AM. The boys came with me to the hospital. Some parents might cringe at the thought, but having them there with me brings me comfort. I don't know if it is an age thing or because they are home schooled, but they are awesome at waiting. They go everywhere with me like grocery shopping, doctor appointments, dentists appointments, meetings and more. They have learned that when we are out they need to bring things to occupy their time. It also doesn't hurt to have portable DVD players, leapsters and lots of things to eat :)

The top picture is of us waiting in the little room with Brian before he is to be wheeled off. I have had three different nurses come in to explain to me how to use three different machines when we arrive home. (1)some huge machine that he puts his leg in that will bend his knee. The nurse explains degrees of movement, placement of knee, a million buttons that look like Chinese and more. Already I am confused. (2)four sticky things I am to place on different points on the knee. Another remote thingy that she quickly goes over and pushes in my direction. huh? (3)an ice machine that I am to fill half with ice/half with cold water. Turn this button here, set this timer there and make sure it is at so many degrees. what? help.

I go to load these items in my car when Pam(!) calls to see if she needs to bring lunch over. What a great idea! I didn't even think about the boys needing some lunch. McDonald's for everyone as we go back to the waiting area. Surely they will be taking Brian back soon? 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30! What is taking so long? I have read two magazines, half of a new book, talk to numerous people on the phone, walked to the cafeteria for snacks, bought more snacks for the vending machine and drank two Dr. Peppers.

The boys occupy their time by watching movies, sorting their fruit snacks into piles, Wyatt made a new friend and playing their Leapters. I knew they could handle the wait time! Finally around 5 PM I am able to see Brian. He is looking good and loopy as we get him into the van. We hurry home because Wyatt is catching a ride to his soccer practice with Payt. Brian is able to use his crutches into the house and get in bed. He was prescribed some awesome pain medication, so he is feeling great. We try to put some ice on the knee, but with all the bandages he feels nothing. The next day we head back to the doctor so they can remove the yuck and reapply the big bandage. They explain what he can and can't do for the next two weeks. The 'knee machine' we received the day before is again explained in further detail. He is to use it about four to six hours a day! The ice machine is to be used during the waking hours. Thirty minutes on, thirty minutes off. This is a full time job!

My sister brings Abram back on Friday and stays the night with me. Ben and Abram are so funny together! Ben didn't have a high chair so he is sitting next to Abram and eating his meal off of his tray. Saturday morning I am a hostess at a baby shower. Both boys have soccer games to attend. Somehow I am going to make sausage balls. I don't like to cook. I decide Cooper will have to miss his game since it is at the exact same time as the shower and a friend is going to pick up Wyatt for his game.

BUT! Here comes Brian hobbling down the hallway completely dressed and ready to take the boys to their soccer games. What?!?!? I try unsuccessfully to talk him out of it, as I said the pain medication was good!

My now favorite sister is busy in the kitchen making sausage balls. Score!

It has been a week since the surgery and things are going more smoothly than I could ever had anticipated. Brian has been better about staying off of his feet as that Saturday afternoon was a reminder that knee surgery does hurt! I've actually enjoyed having him around and my inner nurse is shining through. We have one more week of healing before he heads back to work.

Today he is at Walmart picking up the birthday cake for our new 5 year old. Even though the good pain medication is gone I hope he will still feel well enough to attend the party :)

Thanks for all the prayers!

Dear Wyatt

2009-04-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the big birthday you have been counting down to all month . . . FIVE! You can now hold up all your fingers on one hand and this was a big deal to you. A couple of weeks ago I took you in for a haircut. You have been begging for months to get one and I procrastinated as long as I could. I loved your long hair as it had everything that I didn't, straight and thin. You have never cared how your hair looked until the past couple of months. Another reminder you are growing up and have your own opinions.

You were very proud of your new look and I can't believe how much older it made you seem! For some reason the cut gave you a new found confidence as you would strut around waiting for people to chime in about your hair.

Star Wars is the center of all your play time. You have all the men named and grow tired of me asking who is who or *gasp* call them by the wrong name. You will spend hours in your room playing different levels as your voice changes with whoever is in your hand. I love to see your imagination at work!

This is your first season to finally play soccer. You love the team you are on, Go Tigers! If I allowed it you would wear your uniform everyday.

Since Dad had his surgery he has been home with us. Today we celebrated your day all together. You were able to eat your breakfast in the TV room on the couch and watch cartoons while you ate(you choose bacon & yogurt to eat and to watch Tom & Jerry). We made a trip to Walmart so you could pick your cake out for your birthday party on Saturday(Star Wars)and to browse the toy aisle to write down things on your wish list. Lunch was your choice and randomly you came up with the idea of Furr's(because of the catfish and the all you can eat Gummy Bears & Skittles). The rest of the afternoon & evening was spent in front of the TV to play to your hearts content of Lego Star Wars. Game time is limited around here as you have a strict, mean mother, but today you were able to choose and the highlight was that Dad could play with you.

Happy Birthday my big five year old. I'm blessed to be a part of your life!

2009-04-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we met my sister(I LOVE HER) halfway on the turnpike so she could pick up Abram. Here are the pictures I took while we waited at the 'middle McDonald's' Thankfully we got there first so the boys could get out and stretch their legs. Abram loves McD's french fries so he is enjoying his snack in the hot sun.

Today the boys and I are taking Brian to the hospital for surgery. He is having an ACL replacement on his knee. FOUR weeks ago he hurt his knee in a church soccer game where he was trying to be a super star. He says that he is NOT getting old, only his body is :)

I am very anxious about today. I am not a good nurse and my compassion skills will be tested as we are thrown into a new routine and way of life for awhile. I am not good with change. Brian will be off work for TWO WEEKS and although I love having him around it will be different and my head is spinning trying to think of all the changes.

Do you think they will prescribe me some medication :)

His surgeon says he will be off work for about two weeks and then will have a SIX month rehab appointments. Yuck.

Last night at church someone mentioned a drain that will be in his knee that I will be responsible for DRAINING . . .

that isn't going to happen. I can't do blood and yuck. I have a great friend who LOVES that stuff and is willing to come to my house and do it for me.

I will make her dinner!

Prayers are appreciated today as I am a big baby and can only think of me. me. me. Brian is the one in surgery who's knee is being cut open and all he will be able to do is lay in bed, watch TV, read books, surf the internet and sleep.

Yes, prayers. Who would think needs more is your decision :)

Hey. . .What's This?!

2009-04-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

You Did What?!?

2009-03-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce the newest member of our family . . . BELLA!

We have been thinking/talking of adding a dog for the past two years. I had always thought we would get a Lab. My family had Labs growing up and it was natural to want one for my family too. When my husband thought of the family dog his thoughts went to the Boxer.

Initially I was turned off by the look-they look mean! Upon further research I was hooked! For us it is the perfect family dog.

I haven't completely lost my mind because I knew that I did not want a puppy at this point in my life. I had been down the puppy rode before Cooper was born and knew how much hard work training a puppy can be. Housebreaking alone can put me in the loony bin. Then add to that chewing and hyper activity and I am over.

I had heard about a Boxer Rescue from a friend and got in contract with a woman from the shelter. She knew about my family and was on the look out for a dog that would fit into our family.

Sunday evening I received an email about a possible match and I quickly jumped at the opportunity. Wyatt and I went to met her face to face and I instantly fell in love.

I spent Monday running around town getting a crate, dog treats, a collar, dog food and toys for her arrival that evening. After dinner I packed the three boys in the van along with the HUGE crate.

Bella has exceeded my expectations. She has a sweet, sweet spirit and very laid back. She is about two years old and had caught on to using the bathroom outside from her foster mom before she came to us. The boys were able to interact with her today and she is very patient with Abram and lets him crawl all over her and love her in his own way. Cooper & Wyatt think she is great and ask if she can sleep with them at night.

I am very pleased we decided to adopt from the shelter. The people there are very helpful and have done all they can to insure we got a dog that would mesh with our family. I have been able to pass over the potty training, chewing, over-hyper phase, yet am still able to enjoy having a family dog who loves all the positive attention.

There is still work to be done as we will be attending a basic dog obedience school very soon. She is great with the big tasks of housebreaking, staying off the furniture and not jumping on the boys, BUT I want to work with simple commands of sitting, laying down and staying. I look forward to seeing all she can learn as Boxers are known for their smart mind!

Welcome to the family Bella!

Month 12

2009-03-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

My sweet Abram,

One year ago you came home from the hospital just a 9 pound wee one who was completely reliant on two wide eyed parents. Look at you today! I am in awe at how much you have grown and changed. Each month I have savored each and every milestone and am blessed to have seen you achieve each one.

With two older brothers I know how quickly the baby phase goes by and it has made the moments special. Lucky for you I am a MUCH more laid back mother. I hope you will someday understand how special you are to be the third child in this family. Having your brothers before you prepared me in ways I didn't even know I needed to grow in. Thank You to our God who knows more than us!

I am not big on first birthday parties. They are more work and stress for the mommy than anyone else and you are too young to understand what the big deal is about. I did make cupcakes on Saturday and let you try one. You were NOT a big fan. I tried to put your hands in the frosting and taste a bite and you were very unhappy! You did like to play in it and crumble it into tiny pieces, but not one piece passed your lips.

You love to be outside and will crawl around everywhere! You will pick up sticks, rocks, bugs or grass and want to show me each and everything you have. It is important for me to give a response to each thing you show and will become impatient if I do not respond quick enough.

You can give and receive "high five's" much to your brothers delight. At life group two weeks ago you showed your talent and went above and beyond and said the word "pive!" Too cute! You will say 'pive' 'pive' and put your little hand out for us to give you FIVE.

My personal favorite is when I ask you to give mommy kisses you will lean in to give me a kiss or will pucker your lips and kiss mine. As if that wasn't enough when I ask you to give mommy a hug you will lay your head on my shoulder and put your arm around my back. Melts my heart.

Suddenly you have become a very picky eater! What is up with that? I will offer a first bite and you will back your head up and just look at it and decide you will NOT try it. You clasp your lips tightly and turn your head while putting your hand up in disgust. Even the foods that use to be your favorite. It is very frustrating but I will continue to offer them to you in hopes you will change your mind. Please?

You are down to only two bottles a day and I know that will soon end. Your first one is when you wake in the morning. As I change your diaper and take off your PJ's you will lay in your bed and drink your bottle. The second one is right after your bath, before bedtime. We no longer hold you while you drink, but will lay down beside you on the floor in the quiet living room. It is one of my favorite parts of the day.

I have enjoyed writing these notes each month since you were born. It is fun to look back and see exactly what you were doing. You have brought more joy to this family than we ever thought possible. Happy First Birthday!

One Year Later

2009-03-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Learning on the Go

2009-03-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's cold and rainy forecast lead us to check out the Natural History museum and it was a great success! Abram stayed home with a babysitter so the boys and I could do some exploring!

Besides the workers, we were the only ones there! We were able to get alot of attention and fun facts in every room we visited.

There is a discovery room where kids can get hands on learning and we had our own teacher in the room that showed us many cool games and artifacts that usually are kept at the top of the shelves. We spend an hour and a half just in that room! The boys put together a skeleton puzzle

and we checked out some BIG spiders! There is much to offer at the museum and we plan to take another trip next week for some new classes they are holding for spring break.

Afterwards we had lunch together and still had time to visit the bookstore and score some new books! I cherish this age and all the questions they have about life in general. I'm surprised at what kind of things they can think up.

Must Work on Letter Sounds

2009-03-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

JOSIAH is the name of the boy who will be our next door neighbor in a couple of months. Saturday morning the boys are playing outside when the new neighbors show up to do some work on their yard. Their three kids come over to play in the backyard and I am excited they are all having good time. As I look out the window I see Wyatt's smiley face running for the door.

"Mom! Mom! VAGINA wants to jump on the trampoline!"

The Great Skittles Divide

2009-03-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Cooper & Wyatt were dividing up a package of skittles the other night. When all was said and done Cooper had 34 and Wyatt at 33.

Wyatt: "Hey! You have MORE!"

Cooper: "Well . . . I am six so I get one more than you."

Wyatt: "Oh, that's right! You get one more than me!"

The logic of a six year old will always outwit that of the four year old;)

Speaking of Vacations

2009-03-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a snapshot of the one and only big 'vacation' we took as a family. We hooked the pop-up trailer to the pick up truck, loaded the five kids in the back of the truck(no worries we had a CAMPER on the back!) and headed to good 'ol Branson, Missouri. That's right folks, SILVER DOLLAR CITY! Can you tell how excited we were?

My parents had the right idea of how to handle a long ride with five kids. Having the camper on the back of the truck we lounged around in our little beds the whole way as our parents sat in the front, oblivious to us knocking and yelling through the double plated glass windows. We KNEW they could hear us and it was very annoying. At the very beginning of the trip we had the last laugh as all five of us frantically beat on the window and screamed trying to let them know the trailer was coming off the hitch! Thank goodness they finally granted us a knowing look and pulled off the highway.

After that little incident we were putty in their hands as they would turn around to acknowledge us anytime we knocked on the window:)

This picture was one we took at the park where you get to dress up and pretend we lived "way back then" It was a fun trip and one I look back on with fond memories.

WDW Day Six; Departure & Final Thoughts

2009-02-26T11:39:00.001-08:00

Today's weather was going to be perfect. Highs in the mid sixties and lots of sun! Too bad our flight was leaving at noonish and we had to be checked out and on our way to the airport by 10 AM. We had our last quick service meal in the hotel restaurant along with about ten million other people.

I let the boys browse around the gift shop while Brian checked our bags in and we waited for our charter bus to take us to the airport. Nice thing about staying in a Disney resort is they take care of all your baggage to and from the airport. We don't have to drag it around and check it in ourselves, which is great.

The boys were able to choose a toy for the long flight home. Their picks? Cooper wanted a Disney monorail and Wyatt wanted the three different charter buses we rode on to and from the parks and airport. No plush toys or silly characters for us:~)

Here are the boys at the Atlanta airport waiting for our connecting flight back to my parents house. I am very excited to be seeing my baby in a little over four hours. The boys are enjoying their Chick-Fil-A lunch and watching a movie on the laptop. It was a smooth ride home and the boys did great on all the flights.

Whew!

The best part about leaving Abram behind was seeing him again for the first time. He seemed to have grown and looked like such a big boy. He had the biggest grin on his face and gave me some great hugs. It was priceless! I appreciate my family stepping in to help us out with him. I owe them big time!!

I must admit I was a bit disappointed with the trip and I know that is because I had my high expectations set in my mind and nothing went according to me. A perfect lesson of learning to be flexible and to look for the positive in everything you do. It has now been two weeks since we arrived back home and I can see many funny moments of the trip. I know that is what we will remember years from now and can laugh at all the bumps of our Disney vacation.

The boys love their autograph books, especially since I have added all the character pictures they took. It is one of the first things they will grab when people come over along with their monorail and buses;)

Don't laugh. Promise?

Remember you promised.

We are wanting to take another short Disney vacation this fall. (stop LAUGHING) The military is offering a great package for 2009 and we will be celebrating two birthdays during that time. We also want to go when they are having the Star Wars Weekend and go about two to three days and bring along Abram. It isn't set in stone, only a thought we had to redeem Disney in our minds.

Anyone want to go with us?

The End.

WDW Five: Back to Magic Kingdom

2009-02-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Our last full day in Florida was to be spent where we began our trip, at Magic Kingdom. Since we had spent some time here at the beginning of the week we had our map ready and knew exactly what we wanted to do.

We arrived at the park bright and early to clear skies and temperatures in the mid-forties. Brrrr! We were finally prepared and dressed in many layers along with warm hats and gloves. We rode the train to the back side of the park so we could hopefully bypass most of the crowds. Brian took the boys on their first roller coaster and Wyatt loved it and Cooper hated it. Wyatt begged to ride again, but Brian isn't as strong as he used to be(ha! ha!)and his stomach was giving him issues.

We headed on and rode The Haunted Mansion, it's a small world, Aladdin's Magic Carpet and toured the Swiss Family Treehouse. In between these we took a break inside a closed restaurant as we tried to warm up by drinking hot chocolate and eating some chips(whatever gets the boys in better spirits). The wind was biting cold and I prayed for the temperatures to warm as quickly as possible. Brian went during this time and got Fast Passes because the average wait time was about 10-15 minutes(no fun!).

The rest of the afternoon the boys were able to ride Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, and their ultimate favorite the Indy Speedway. Lunch was a nightmare with so many people crowded in line and the process of looking for a clean, unused table was near impossible. We humbled ourselves as we stood by the table we wanted just looking at the people as they finished up their meal.

The temperature got in the mid 50's which was great as we tried to stay in the sun as much as possible. Here we are waiting for the parade to come down Main Street. The parade was AWESOME and with it some great music. It was one of my favorite parts of the whole day and a great ending to our day at Magic Kingdom.

We tried one more time to see if our camera was turned it. We took the monorail to the T & T Building where we found out(on our LAST day there!)that it is the place to be if you are wanting to switch between the four parks during the day. We had assumed we would have to take a bus back to our hotel and then catch another bus to the park we wanted to go to. We opted to stay at only one park each day for that very reason. BUT(!)turns out you can catch the monorail directly to the main hub and go to any park from there! This would have been good to know on our first day there;)

Here we are waiting in line praying that someone turned our camera in. Don't the boys look super excited? Walking really wears one out and they were ready to go back to the hotel to play. Sad to say our camera was not there. Oh well.

That evening we had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's. We took a bus back to Magic Kingdom where we had to take the monorail to the restaurant. The boys loved riding the monorail(me too!)but this particular evening something went wrong and we waited 20 minutes for it to show up. We were late to for our reservations, but thankfully we were seated right away.
Fun story(to me anyways). . .Chef Mickey's was not all that; and I wish we would've picked another place to eat. I am sure the little girl throwing up behind me did not add to the atmosphere and when we were finished we were ready to go. We had met all of the characters as they stopped by our table and Cooper wanted to get a picture with each one since they had on chef outfits. The last to get was Mickey himself and we were glad to see him make his way to our room.

Sidenote: The waiter had told us that each character would make his way around the room and visit each table. We were not to follow them because each one make a point to see each child. No problem so far.

As we waited for Mickey to make his way around the room we saw we would be the next to last table to be seen. The throw-up next to us had yet to be cleaned and we were ready to go. Right before the 'big guy' sees us he gets called away for a singing thingy and off he goes. Brian and I look at each other in disbelief, but our waiter assures us he will be back in a couple of minutes.

Five minutes later here comes Mickey, but instead of coming to our table he starts completely over in the room and we wait and wait for him to make his rounds. As Mickey gets closer Brian stands up. He will NOT walk away again. Can you believe the music starts again? But as Mickey turns to leave Brian grabs him by the arm and pulls him to our table. See the picture? Does anyone seem nervous? We had great big laughs on the way home from this dinner and I wish I would have gotten the crazed face of Brian as Mickey tried to make his escape. Priceless WDW moment!

Favorite Parts?

Cooper: "Riding the what's it called-yeah, monorail and eating ice cream at dinner."

Wyatt: "I liked the train at the park and eating chips(which was what he was doing when I asked him at the moment).

Next up: WDW Day Six; Departure & Final Thoughts

WDW Day Four; Epcot Center

2009-02-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

By the third day I am sick and tired of wearing the exact same outfit. Looking at our pictures so far you could easily assume it was all the same day. Each picture you see the lovely Old Navy hoodies worn by the boys. Plus after looking sadly at the weather it will be the coldest day Florida has had in YEARS! We are so lucky to be there to witness this-ha! Any time we had the opportunity to talk to someone who lived there the topic of conversation would be the crazy weather they were having. "It is NEVER this cold!" they would proclaim. Well. . . . lucky us.

We lazily hung out in our hotel room dreading the fact we would be out in the cold. We decided to take a quick trip to Downtown Disney and buy some warmer clothes. The place was like a deserted island, nobody was there! First stop for breakfast, McDonald's! I drank two cups of hot chocolate trying to warm up while we waited on all the stores to open.

We browsed through the Lego Store(amazing)for quite awhile. I love to see what designs people come up with using Legos. They have way more creativity than I could every have!

Over the next hour we walked up and down visiting every single shop looking for cold weather apparel within our budget. We are now the proud new owners of three pair of Mickey gloves, one Mickey scarf, three Mickey hats, two Mickey pull overs and one Pirates of the Caribbean hoodie. Just what I was hoping to spend our extra money on! The important part was that we were feeling a tad bit warmer.

For lunch we headed over to the newest restaurant in Downtown Disney, T-Rex! It is owned by the same people who manage the Rainforest Cafe so the atmosphere is really impressive. We were first seated in the Ice Age room, but the lights were a bit much that I was feeling dizzy so they moved us to another section. Every ten minutes or so was a Meteor Shower and all the dinosaurs and others came to life. The boys were in awe!

After lunch we tried to find the quickest way to our third park of our trip, Epcot Center. One option was to get back on our hotel bus and then catch another bus from our hotel to Epcot. This seemed a waste of time. We decided to catch a cab since it was only a five minute ride to Epcot and plus the boys thought that was really cool. Our cab driver seemed aloof, but assured us he knew where Epcot was and that indeed it was only a five minute trip. Brian rode in the front and the three of us got in the back seat.

Five minutes later we pull up to a big building that he says is our destination. It doesn't look like I thought it would, but there were many people heading inside. I had never been here before so I didn't have any expectations of what Epcot would look like from the outside. We hopped out of the cab and went to enter the building when we were stopped by an elderly security guard.

"ID, please."

look of confusion between Brian and I. See picture on left. It is the look I had most of the day. I was none to thrilled to be out walking in the cold even with my new hoodie, scarf, gloves plus the extra shirt underneath and my sweater coat.

"Can I help you all?"

"Yes, we are trying to get into Epcot and this is where our cab driver dropped us off."

"This entrance/building is for cast members. Epcot is another two to three miles down the road."

See my face again. I was not pleased.

"Could we walk up to it?"

See my face again. I am thinking my husband is crazy if he thinks I will even attempt to walk two miles.

"No! You can't walk there. That would be to dangerous. You need to tell your cab driver to take you there."

"Are cab driver is gone, sir"

The security guard looks at us and shrugs his shoulders.

See my face again as I look directly at Brian and walk back outside with the boys.

A couple of minutes go by and Brian joins us informing me that the WDW police will be picking us up and taking us to the gate.

If it were warmer outside I think I would have enjoyed this park alot more than I did. The first half of Cooper's history lessons have focused on the seven continents of the world and as we visited different places. I intended to get a Passport as we checked out the "Showcases of the World" Epcot has to offer as there were many of the same places we studied so far.

With the cold wind and freezing temps we bypassed most of the Showcases and watch a few of the shows offered like the band above and the Chinese acrobats on the left. Cooper was in a mood this day(like me)and was not open to hearing anything. After a snack he was in a much better mood, but by that time we had already been three fourths around the "world." Our last stop was the acrobats and they enjoyed watching their 'tricks.'

The next ten minutes after the show was over Cooper was showing us his own tricks on every bar he could see. It was too cute!

The majority of our time was spent inside the different buildings at the front of the park. One of the favorites was an interactive game where the boys were the actual person IN the game! First we had to get in front of a camera and do certain things like run, jump and dance. Then the information was put into a computer and we moved over to the gaming center where WE showed up on the screen while we played the game. It was very neat!

At another building we were able to put together a human skeleton, bone by bone, as he told us why each bone was important. It was another chance to put on the cool 3D glasses as the day before!

One other game that sticks out is the "Where's The Fire" activity. Brian & Wyatt teamed up together against Cooper and myself. We each had a flashlight and were given the task of traveling from room to room to find common fire dangers. The fast pace game took about three to five minutes and we had a fun time running around trying to beat each other! Unfortunately Cooper and I lost, BUT not by much!

For dinner we had reservations at the Coral Reef and were looking forward to some seafood in the underground restaurant fish tank. My salmon was delicious and it was a good ending to the cold day.

Since we had a late start getting to Epcot is was after dark when we were leaving. Another full day of walking in the wind led to some very quiet boys on the bus ride and a good night's sleep for everyone.

Favorite parts?

Cooper: "I liked the fire game even though we lost. Remember the dinosaur restaurant? That was cool."

Wyatt: "The cab ride was fun. I also like my new legos."

Up next? WDW Day Four; back to Magic Kingdom

WDW Day Three; Hollywood Studios

2009-02-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

This day was my most favorite day of the entire trip! The weather was a bit on the cold side, but it was clear and SUNNY the entire day. Yeah! In my own opinion another reason it was such a good day was because Brian and I had been to this particular park last year. We knew what we wanted to see and how to get there. Our time wasn't spent looking at the map over and over again trying to figure out where we were headed. This made a huge difference in the day.

We were up and gone from the hotel by 9 AM because I was so excited to get to Hollywood Studios. The first order of business was to get our FastPasses for the main ride attraction, Toy Story Mania! This ride was still under construction this time last year and we had heard many good things about it. The wait time was just under 60 minutes this early in the day, but with our fast passes we could return at 2:30(!) in the afternoon with little to no waiting. The boys were disappointed we weren't able to ride until then, but we were coming back to get another FastPass around noon so we could ride it twice.

Thankfully there was much more to see and do and we were off to find the Jedi Training Camp and Star Wars ride. Along the way we found many different characters where we could get our picture and autographs. Notice all the pictures we took? Not all the characters we saw are here on this blog. We saw ALOT! I could not decide which to include because I loved so many of them. This park also seemed a bit less crowded so there was little to no wait time to get their pictures.

At the back of the park was an interactive Jedi Training Camp. Children were chosen from the audience and led to the outside stage where they received a cloak and light saber to learn how to be good Jedi Knights. Both boys were at the front of the crowd. Cooper sat quietly and watched while Wyatt was jumping up and down to be chosen. Sadly neither were picked to go on stage. Right next door was the Star Wars ride so Brian took Wyatt while Cooper decided to stay and watch the show.

It was a really neat training camp. The Jedi Knight demonstrated different techniques of using the light saber and all students practiced their skills. Once finished Darth Vader appeared with two storm troopers and each child was given the opportunity to practice what they learned against Darth Vader. Cooper loved it and was watching intently. I wish Wyatt would have stayed around because of his love of all things Star Wars. Towards the end Brian and Wyatt showed back up, but had missed Darth Vader. I asked Cooper if he wanted to come back for the next training session later in the day to try and get picked to go on stage. He had no interest and liked being able to watch from the sidelines. I didn't even asked Wyatt because I knew he would want to come back, but there was much more to do around the park.

Wyatt was very excited about the Star Wars ride, although Brian looked sick to his stomach from the ride. Cooper wanted to ride so Brian reluctantly took them both again, but then swore he was done with the motion rides. His stomach couldn't take it.

In the power of commercialism they had a huge Star Wars store as you exit the ride. I must admit there were alot of cool toys and shirts and the boys were allowed to pick one toy each from the store. They had no problems making their selections and were then ready to go back to the hotel to play. The rest of day was spent telling Wyatt that their toys would be there and 'no' it was not time to leave yet. Next time we will wait until the end of the day to visit this store!

Lunch time was quickly approaching and we had reservations at the 50's Prime Time cafe restaurant. I think this was one of my favorite meals as it was home cooking at its finest and the atmosphere in the restaurant was like it was in the 50's complete with black and white TV shows. Poor Brian was still nauseous from the ride and didn't enjoy his meal as much as the rest of us. I'm getting hungry just thinking about the pot roast I had, YUM!

After lunch we went back to the Toy Story Mania to get our second FastPass. Sadly the rest of the tickets had already been given out for the rest of the day!!! Apparently it was a very popular ride. *Sigh* We would have to wait a couple of more hours until we could ride our one and only time.

Next stop was the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! We had seen this show last year, so we sat at the front for a good view. Brian also volunteered when the time came to be a part of the show! The boys were very excited to see their Dad on stage and acting like a goof! I had a hard time figuring out his iPhone so I didn't get very good pictures. Brian is quite the actor;)

Here we are waiting our turn for the Toy Story Mania ride. The lovely glasses were required for the 4D ride and we look cool! Notice the picture on my profile? Another picture of the glasses in action. It was a fantastic ride and it was disappointing we could only ride it one time. We could have taken our chances and waited in the normal line with a wait of an hour or more. Not wanting to waste time we continued on.

Other highlights from the day were the Extreme Car Stunt Show and the afternoon parade down Hollywood Boulevard. We took our snack and sat on the side of the 'road' and watched the parade in the warm sun. The day was very relaxing and we didn't hear any complaining of all the walking we did.

Hey! We found Buzz Lightyear again. After the dreadful memory of losing our camera/pictures from the first night we hoped to find Buzz again. Extra bonus? Woody was there too!

Look at the scary Queen! She looked like the real thing from the movies! Has anyone else noticed we are wearing the same thing in all our pictures? The poor boys only had one long sleeve jacket to wear and outside it was never warm enough to go without the jacket. I was growing tired of wearing the same thing day after day. I was hoping Brian would volunteer to do laundry again after our busy day.

We stayed at Hollywood Studios until way after sunset. We ate dinner at the ABC Commissary and enjoyed some burger and fries.

It was a long, but very eventful day. By far the best day of our week long trip. I smile everytime I think of our time at this particular park. Unfortunately our good luck is running out.

Next up: WDW Day Four; Epcot Center

WDW Day Two; Animal Kingdom

2009-02-20T19:22:00.001-08:00

We were up and ready to go around 10 AM to visit Animal Kingdom. It was hard to explain the four different parks to them so we said Animal Kingdom was Disney's big zoo and we would see lots of animals. They were excited and so were we as it was another park we had not been to yet.

The clouds were looming in the sky and Brian's (stupid) iPhone gave the gloomy forecast of low temperatures(50's) and rain. We were optimistic because we were in Florida(!) with SUNshine and WARM weather always-right? I put on my sandals and cropped pants for me and shorts for the boys and off we went.

The rest of the photos seen in the WDW chronicles are taken with Brian's iPhone. Not the best quality, but our options were limited.

We set out to do the Safari Ride first. Entering Africa was really cool to Cooper as it was his favorite continent to study during history this year. Pretending we were in Africa we made out way up in line. We only had a certain amount of time before our lunch reservation at the Rainforest Cafe. I ask the man how long the ride was because I didn't want to wait too long. His reply? "Two weeks, but it will feel like twenty minutes!" Now HE was in the moment;) It was a neat ride through the jungle and we were able to see some neat animals along the way. About this time the rain began to fall.

Tip #2 from friends? ALWAYS bring a rain poncho. No matter if it says it will be sunny all week, it WILL rain. Good thing about Florida? It is only for a small time and will pass quickly.

We pulled out our ponchos and paraded around looking like the blue smurf family.

The Rainforest Cafe lunch did not disappoint as the atmosphere is awesome and the food was good. Happy to get out of the rain we took our time looking around and not taking one picture.

Unfortunately the rain had not stopped and we continued on with our day with POURING down rain. It was beyond miserable and cold. I wish I had more pleasant things to write about this day, but it was a blur.

We did see an awesome Nemo musical where the boys were able to take off their tennis shoes and socks to WRING out the WATER and hang to dry on the seats. I was grateful I had on my flip flops because at least I wasn't walking in wet socks. Although a terrible blister was forming on my toe. Not good.

Surprise, Surprise as we were leaving Nemo it was still raining and we walked around like lost souls trying to find the joy in the day. The best part was the Safari Ride and lunch and that was three hours ago. . .

There was much walking going on and I must admit I was amazed with their walking skills. The six days we were there we did not rent a stroller one time. They were troopers I tell 'ya! Plus they slept like angels at night time too;)

Back to the rain . . .we were exhausted and not enjoying our time with the monsoon that had hit the Animal Kingdom. I wanted to catch the Lion King show so we made our way across the huge park and found our seats inside. We again took the boy's shoes and socks off to try and dry them. The show was fantastic and was very loud with many different actions going on. We were right at the front of the entire show. We saw hilarious acrobats, dancers, stilt walkers with huge hair and flame throwers. Cooper and I were enthralled with the whole show. Wyatt? He feel ASLEEP! I was shocked.

Pay no attention to my hair. Have I mentioned the RAIN? It didn't stop. Sheets of rain. Lots and Lots and Lots of rain. There is Wyatt sleeping. Does he realize the money we spent on him. Why was it raining so much?

After this show we put on our wet socks and blue smurf ponchos and headed for the bus, across on the other side of the park. At this point we were all in great moods and wanted to exit the park as quickly as possible. Other people must have gotten the memo of the rain and had made their way to Walmart for the ugly blue ponchos. It was a sea of blue and you couldn't tell who was who. This was the first of two times we lost Wyatt. We were walking quickly when I looked back at Brian who had no child with him. Cooper was holding my hand, but no Wyatt. The look of horror crossed my face and we frantically looked around at all the blue people. In the pouring rain Brian is yelling his name and time freezes and I am looking in every direction. It is then I see his little black tennis shoes ahead of me. He is following another blue woman who is moving quickly to the front of the park. I yell at Brian and we take off in a full sprint trying to catch up with him. Finally he hears us yelling and turns around. A moment I do not want to repeat.

I am now barefooted. The blister is killing me, the rain won't stop and I have no reason to care who sees me. We are making our way to the bus when we realize a group of about 500(that may be a slight exaggeration)teenagers are also heading for our bus. I do not want to be stuck out here waiting any longer than is possible so we take off running.

Barefoot, running like it is my last moment, with two children and our HUGE blue ponchos. It was a shining moment in the day. I am glad we have no pictures.

The point is we made it and didn't have to wait.

Arriving back early to our hotel we are beyond tired. Guess what? It is still raining. We decide we want to go no where for dinner and order from our hotel restaurant. Brian and Wyatt try to swim in the heated pool, but only last about ten minutes.

We are asleep by 9:30 PM. We are not seeing the magic yet. Brian was my hero this night. I had not packed properly for this trip as we each had only one pair of pants and one zipped hoodie. Our clothes were soaked so he stayed up late to wait on our laundry to finish so we could wear the exact same clothes tomorrow. Another chilly day was waiting.

Quote of the day: by Wyatt age 4; "This isn't Disney World, this is RAIN World!!!"

Favorite Parts

Cooper: "I had fun running in the rain. Oh! I know! The spaghetti at that Animal Restaurant was awesome! Can we eat there tomorrow?"

Wyatt: "Swimming in the pool!"

Do they realize we could do these things in Oklahoma?

Next Up: WDW Day Three; Hollywood Studios

WDW Day One; Scene Two

2009-02-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

We have arrived with two uneventful plane rides to our destination. We had booked our vacation with a great travel company that included a full meal plan, our hotel, tickets to the four parks and complimentary bus rides to and from the airport. We made our way to the first floor check in desk and waited for our bus to take us to the hotel.

We didn't even have to wait on our luggage. Our WDW hotel was responsible for getting our luggage to our ROOM(!) and all we needed to worry about was getting on the right bus. We felt like rock stars! An hour later we were walking into our WDW resort with wide eyes. We wanted to take a quick look at our room then headed to Magic Kingdom for some sightseeing and dinner with Cinderella in her castle.

With all WDW resorts bus transportation is included to take you to and from all the four different parks and Downtown Disney. We boarded the bus to travel to Magic Kingdom for the evening. I wasn't anticipating how many people would be here at this time of year. It was crowded! It was our first time to this particular park and we had our noses buried in the map trying to get a feel for where we wanted to go.

Waiting in line for our first ride was exciting! I had taken my smaller camera so I could keep it in my pocket for quick pictures throughout the trip. Brian was taking charge of the camera and had gotten some of our hotel, the plane trip, initial entry into Magic Kingdom and others. After waiting in line for twenty minutes for our first Buzz Lightyear ride we exited the ride wanting to ride it again. It was then we saw the REAL Buzz Lightyear across the street and made a bee line to quickly to get a picture with him.

Sidenote: Our first order of business upon entering Magic Kingdom was to buy an autograph book for each of the boys. Friends had told us this would be a fun activity to do as a family as there are MANY characters throughout the park whom we got pictures with and an autograph. Once back home I developed all the pictures with each character the boys had met. When signing autographs I had the characters only sign one side so that I could attach the picture with the boys on the other side. The boys love looking at the pictures and seeing who signed what page. It is a favorite keepsake for both of them.

As we waited our turn for the autograph Brian went to get the camera out of his pocket. Searching, searching and more searching lead to NO camera. Somehow on the first ride at the first park we were visiting . . . the camera was gone! Brian went back to look around to no avail and the only camera we brought was lost. Great!

We then made our way to an over-priced booth to buy a disposable camera. I have yet to take it to be developed, as I know the pictures are horrible. Needless to say I do not have many pictures from our first half day at Magic Kingdom. *Sigh*

At 6:50 we had reservation to eat dinner with Cinderella in the beautiful castle in the center of the park. Unfortunately we had reservations for the same time as a performance was being held and it was packed with people. We walked around and around looking for the entrance into the grand castle and was growing more hungry with each second. Finally we found the place to be and were on our way.

The boys were less than thrilled to be around all the princesses. They did not want them to get to close and would cower behind me if the princesses dared talk to them! Everyone was addressed as prince or princess and I had a great time. We were also seated right by the windows, so we had the best view of the night time fireworks show.

After our long travel day and the drama of losing the camera we were ready to head back to our hotel. Everyone was asleep by 10 PM.

Another sidenote: I was hoping to have access to the Internet while we were gone. No such luck and I was a bit disappointed and had withdraw symptoms the first couple days we were gone. Nonetheless each day I asked Cooper and Wyatt their favorite parts of the day. I will include those at the end of each posts.

Favorite Part?

Cooper: "The only ride we got to do, that Buzz Lightyear thing. Oh! and playing on Dad's iPhone on the plane!"

Wyatt: "Um . . . the Buzz Lightyear ride and the sword I got at dinner!"

Tomorrow: WDW Day Two; Animal Kingdom

WDW Day One; Scene One

2009-02-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning; February 1, 2009 we were up at 3:45 AM getting the last of our shorts, T-shirts and flip flops packed for our trip to Walt Disney World in sunny, warm Florida.

We had made our plans to go after Brian and I returned from our own trip in January of 2008 and were excited to take the boys to see all the wonders WDW has to offer.

Our plane was initially planned to leave around 7:30 AM on that Sunday, but due to changes out of our control the plane was now leaving at 5:45 AM. Yuck! We had drove to my parent's house the evening before to get Abram situated and to put my mind at ease that he would be FINE while we were away. I had a huge list of everything he would need/want and had packed a box from our pantry of his favorite foods. He was going to stay with my parents from Sunday until Tuesday afternoon and then head to my SIL and brother's house for the rest of the week.

The early morning wake up call was like Christmas morning. We had the boys already dressed and ready to go before they had went to bed. You never know what you will get in the morning attitude of those two and I didn't want to take any chances. Brian and I were ready in no time and Amy was driving us to the airport. As she pulls up in the dark, early morning Wyatt looks around and says . . .

"THIS is Disneyworld?"

We board our plane with no problems and our on our way to Atlanta for the next 2 hours. The boys are set and are already playing their Leapsters quietly. It is practically the first plane ride for both(Cooper went when he was 11 months)and they seemed unfazed by the whole thing. It is a mostly quiet ride, except for Wyatt's consistent "are we there yet?" replay over and over again.

Once in Atlanta we maneuver our way through the huge airport for our three hour layover. We find a TGI Friday's that is serving a yummy breakfast and take our time. The boys are exhausted already and need about two more hours of sleep.

I am busy getting them situated as the waiter heads over to our table. I hear him mumble something. The excitement of warm weather overtakes me as I look at him with my big, stupid smile.

"We're from Oklahoma!!!!" I blurt out, thinking I was answering his question of where we are from.

"um, that's nice. I was asking what you would like to drink . . . " he says. As he was thinking about how annoying travelers are and why he decided to trade his buddy shifts today.

We lazily eat our breakfast and continue on to wait at our gate by watching movies on the laptop and me stretching out on the seats to take a snooze.

Plane #2 is another easy ride as both boys fall asleep right at take off and have to be woken up upon arrival. Maybe this early morning flight wasn't such a bad thing after all!

We have arrived. The long winter is but a dream as we look forward to soaking in the sun and sharing the magic with the kids.

Why no pictures? The first plane ride, the excited faces, the beautiful palm trees, the goofy Atlanta waiter, sleeping boys on the plane, walking through security(that was fun!).

Stay tuned. Day One; Scene Two: Welcome to Disney World!

2009-02-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

One year ago this month my baby sister gave birth to her first born son.

Words cannot describe what it means to watch her embrace motherhood. Trying to prepare a first time mother is near impossible. It is hard to explain the ups and downs of what being a mommy can bring.

I love her more now than I ever could have imagined growing up with her. She has been such an encouragement to me to see her move through the struggles and triumphs of being a mother. When I need a shoulder to cry/complain/ or brag on, she is the first person listed on my cell phone. And she understands.

I love having a child the same age as her little one. It feels as though we are growing up together all over again, except this time we are on the same path in life. I like this time in our life alot more!

Ben is the most social boy I know! His smile will make your day as he makes you feel like the most special person in the world. He is such a chatterbox and will one day be able to use all his words with Wyatt(our big talker!). Benji has alot to express and although you cannot understand exactly what he is saying the inflection of his voice is amazing!

I look forward to this journey of motherhood with my sister and anticipate many more phone conversations and shared moments of the good, the bad and the oh-so-very ugly. Boys can be such a mess:)

Happy 1st Birthday Benjamin!!! You have a very special mommy who loves you more than you will every know!

Months 10 & 11

2009-02-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Look at that sweet face! The past two months have been a time of mastering all the skills you have been learning the past three months. You are a fast crawler and can get anywhere almost as fast as I can walking! When you see a door open that you know you are not suppose to be the look of determination is in your eyes and you take off! It is a race between the two of us who will make it to the end first. Such a little boy!! You will pull up on anything stable and I find myself trying to step over you as you will yank on my pants to get you closer to me picking you up. Dinner time can be a workout as I am jumping from place to place to keep you off my leg and dinner from burning!

It is still amazing to me how quickly you pick up what others do/say. You will take your little phone and put it up to your ear and chat away. I find it hilarious and we will carry on a conversation with each other and pass the phone back and forth. You think your mommy and daddy are on the phone to much? You can sign for "more" and we are working on "please." Patty Cake is your favorite song and will quiet you in seconds when the fussiness sets in. We were sitting at the barber shop waiting for Wyatt to get his haircut. You were sitting on my lap with no problem taking in your surroundings. The lady next to us was not having a pleasant experience with her own son who was cranky and not listening to anything his mom had to offer. All the sudden the mom breaks out into the Patty Cake song and you turn to look at her with the biggest grin on your face and start clapping along! You were so excited someone knew your favorite song other than your own Mommy! You are able to say "momma" "dadda" "all done" "night night" "bye-bye" "bottle" and my favorite "no-no-no-no"

Two teeth. That is all you have right now. Those came in at seven months and it has been quiet ever since. This has not stopped you from eating anything that is offered. Baby food is not on your top ten list and the only baby food I can offer is chicken and apples. Otherwise it is all table food. You are also down to only two bottles. One first thing in the morning and one right after your bath and before bedtime. One last thing to buy . . . formula!

You know what you want and don't want and are not afraid to show it! If things do not go your way you are quick to throw yourself on the floor and cry out. If someone is trying to hold you, you will go limp in their arms to show your displeasure. OR instead of going limp you will throw yourself back with all your might. Hopefully the person holding you will anticipate this and be able to keep you from falling out of their arms! Such an attitude that I think is starting TOO early! You have no trouble hanging with your brothers. If they start to bother you or get in your face you are quick to react and swing at them with your arms to get them away. You make yourself known and what you will put up with!

For one week you stayed with your Aunt Jessica and Uncle Jon. Sorry we didn't take you with us to Walt Disney World. We promise to take you with again in three years! You seemed to do really well with your cousins. This was the first time to be away from me for a long length of time. I was nervous to leave you, but felt confident that you would do fine. It was exciting to see you for the first time when we got home. You were VERY excited and the grin on your face was priceless. This was the week that your chattering really began as you have been babbling and 'talking' non-stop ever since!

It has been exciting to have you in my life and I enjoy watching each new skill you learn and master. I am looking forward to your first birthday and many more after!

The Rest of the Story

2009-02-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

I cannot express enough how lucky I am to be surrounded by wonderful and caring friends and family. The cards, emails, facebook messages, flowers, chocolates, phone calls and side hugs(they know me well!)each gave me confidence to face the challenge of the day.

The weekend went quickly as we were busy with my sweet nephew's first birthday party on Saturday. Cooper & Wyatt spent the night with Papa and Grandma as we traveled back home with little Abram. It was a quiet Saturday evening, which I fell asleep by 9:30 PM! Sunday was emotional, but strangely encouraging as I was able to connect with dear friends who truly care about my well being and were there to listen, talk and shower their love all morning long. I felt strongly about being at church on Sunday because I feel like it is important to be around extended family in good times and bad. Plus, I have taken the lead at our children's worship and was looking forward to hearing one of our fifth grade boys lead the sermon in Rock Solid Worship. Being around the elementary students was uplifting and allowed me to forget my own sorrows. Satan was not going to have a hold over me.

Life Group was an amazing time of connecting on new levels with friends. It was exactly what I needed to prepare myself for today.

My sweet sister in law, Jessica and my brother took the boys off my parent's watch and had them spend the night with their favorite cousins. We had another night of quietness.

With anxiety building about the upcoming surgery I decided to start and finish all the laundry before I went to bed. Around 1 AM my goal was completed. Off to bed I went although it was a horrible night's sleep. I worry WAY to much!

This morning I was a nervous wreck. I hate going to the hospital, surgery scares me to death, my blood pressure was out of control and my heart rate was off the charts. My poor husband tries to help as best he can, but he is at a loss at what he can do. Sadly there is nothing he can do to make my nerves calm down.

My sister and mom arrive around 10 AM. I am so glad they are able to make the drive to help me out as my sister stayed behind to take care of Abram and my Mommy went with me to the hospital to keep me in check!

The moment I walked through the doors of the hospital I am a basket case. The thought of the IV going in, the medicine to knock me out freaks me out, coming out of surgery gives me the shakes and I hate the fact I have to be there in the first place. I have issues.

Into my hospital gown I go, the IV is put in, I am laying on the hard 'bed' with some sort of hot air mattress on top of me with a blanket(?) to keep me warm. I had three wonderful nurses who tried their best to put me at ease. I am convinced nurses are angels on earth! After I am set and prepped for surgery my worrisome husband, Mom and three, wonderful, dear friends come to my side to sit and talk with me until I am wheeled off.

An hour and half I have to wait and honestly without all of them there talking and distracting me would have been a nightmare. They will never know how much I love them for being there for me. Taking time out of their busy schedules and lives to just sit and talk and make me laugh, there is no words of appreciation I can give. They were my lifesavers. I get tears in my eyes as I write about them all. God sent me wonderful friends to make this journey bearable and I am grateful.

Despite the circumstances that sent me to the hospital it was the best experience I could have prayed for! I remember nothing, I came out of the sleeping medicine with tons of energy and alertness and was ready to go home. We were leaving the hospital by 2:30 PM. We made a drive through the pharmacy and through Chick-Fil-A(I was STARVING) and then were on our way home.

I sat on the couch the rest of the afternoon talking with my Mom and sister and a couple hours later my SIL and brother were there with my two sweet boys. Everyone left around 6 PM.

It is now almost 11 PM and I still have not fallen asleep. The pain medicine hypes me up and I have been sitting in my bed all evening watching TV, catching up on blogs, downloading photos and writing posts! Brian has taken over the rest of the house and is not allowing me out of this room. Bless this man!

Physically I feel fantastic and for this I am glad. I have no pain, have a great appetite and am ready to resume my boring daily routine. Emotionally I am feeling good too. Friday was by far the roughest day for me. Many tears were shed. I know there my still be lingering emotional times to go through, but I have a baby to love and hold onto and this has given me great comfort.

I will never know the 'why' of losing this baby and I am at peace with this. Even if God gave me a reason I still don't know if I would understand. What I do know is I have many things to be thankful for. I choose to focus on those things in my life.

I believe I will still be blessed with baby #4 in my future.

I hope with all the downtime I have in the next couple of days I can update this poor neglected blog with stories of our vacation to Disney World, kindergarten basketball and my 10/11 month post of Abram. There is so much share!

20 weeks-Halftway Point

2009-02-13T18:44:00.001-08:00

This morning was the big day. We were finding out the sex of the last little Lusty baby. Here I was halfway through with being pregnant forever and I was excited to see what we were having. This had been the dream pregnancy people talked about. The one where you loved being pregnant. No morning/afternoon/evening sickness, nauseousness or acid reflux to speak of. My only symptoms seemed to be extreme tiredness and an occasional bout of crying at the most ridiculous commercials. All was manageable and we were on our way.

I had my babysitter lined up for Abram when Cooper decided he didn't want to go. I had mentioned making a trip to Sam's after the appointment and he was a no-go. "Just tell me if it is a boy or a girl when you get back, I'm playing checkers with Brooke," he said. So off I left with just one big four year old boy to my doctor's appointment.

Ultrasound lady called my name and I asked if we could wait five more minutes for my husband who had a slight brain blimp on the time of the appointment and was running late. I told him I was going to go in without him, but decided at the last minute to wait.

I laid down on the table and turned to see the monitor full of anticipation. Two weeks earlier I had heard the heart beat which was strong, but had yet to feel the baby move. There on the screen was our baby. . . and he was very still.

Yet beautiful. He looked very peaceful curled in the fetus position, sleeping like the little baby he was. Absolutely no movement. I began to ask why as the technician moved the wand around my ever growing belly. She was silent and my heart was racing. Why wasn't he moving?!

"I'm sorry honey, there is no heartbeat."

I looked at Brian, the tears beginning to swell in my eyes, and quickly looked at Wyatt who was busy playing his Leapster with his headphones on. Turning my head back to the screen I saw my little boy again and was trying to hold in the tears as best I could.

"You can see water on the brain here. This tells me he had some sort of infection, which eventually took his life. Of course you can never know 100%. Let me step out a moment and speak with the doctor."

I stared at the ceiling my mind stopped as I pictured the tiny baby on the screen. Gone. My shattered expectations were hard to bear. Get me out of here now!

She came back and ushered us across the hall and into the doctor's office immediately to our own private room. We waited on the doctor and looked at each other in disbelief. Was this really happening? At twenty weeks? We were only here to find out the sex of the baby and be on our way to tell all our friends! My phone rings at least five different times while we are waiting for the doctor. Thankfully Wyatt is consumed by the lack of Leapster playtime to noticed anything out of sorts.

The doctor comes in to express his deepest sorrows and explains the steps to be taken from here. I have two choices (1)Outpatient surgery where I will be completely asleep. Tissue will be taken completely out. No chance of testing done on baby to determine what went wrong. (2)Induction and eventual delivery of baby. High dosage of pitocin and normal delivery steps taken. Benefit is baby would be able to be tested.

Choice #1 which sadly cannot be done until Monday. Why did my appointment fall on a Friday?! Off to the hospital we go for blood work and pre-op paperwork. First phone call to my Mom. The thought of calling people who are expecting exciting news and having to deliver horrible news is heartbreaking. I can only call two people who will call others for me. I cannot quit crying.

Third floor of the hospital, labor and delivery. I fill out the paperwork and sign the official documents and am on my way for bloodwork. Ten minutes later we are in the van and driving.

Just as friends and family don't know what to do or say . . . I don't know how to feel or say to them. It is a whole awkward moment I don't want to face. At times I feel at peace with the situation and the next moment I am crying at lost dreams. I know my friends and family are sorry and some more upset at times than me. Just looking at them and seeing the disappointment is to much. I just want to disappear for a time and come back and things are back to normal. I hate for others to feel sorry for me or worry about what they should say.

I am thankful for blogs to get out my thoughts. I am anxious for Monday's surgery and am ready for it to be over. Tomorrow we are celebrating my nephew Ben's first birthday and I hope I don't make the day uncomfortable for anyone. I sure don't want to be a rain cloud on my sweet nephew's day.

I have three beautiful healthy boys who I am very grateful for. I am sad I will not be able to meet my fourth little boy face to face and wasn't able to protect or put my arms around him to show him how much he was loved.

So ends this pregnancy.

Unexpected Moments

2009-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

*I've lost the cord to charge my camera and I am to lazy to go to the store to buy batteries for it, therefore it is the camera's fault I have not updated the blog. I hate writing and not having any pictures!*

Stars must align, the air must be just the right temperature and most importantly all people involved MUST have an open schedule for this Mom and Dad to get away for a night, let alone a whole weekend. We had such an opportunity last weekend as I drove the two hours to drop the boy's off at my parents house.

What did we do you ask? hotel? beach? loads of fancy dinners? quiet alone time? sleeping? more sleeping? No. We chose to go with our church youth group and attend as sponsors at Winterfest in Arlington, TX. I was up way past midnight each night, ate so much fast food I gained ten pounds, dealt with teenage drama and had the time of my life.

I am very glad to be married to a man who likes to be around teenagers as much as I do and is willing to give up a weekend to be together at something like this. We heard some encouraging speakers, a hilarious stand up comedian and uplifting songs that surprisingly gave our marriage a boost of joy that we were not expecting. God indeed works in mysterious ways.

Thanks to my parents(and sister, BIL and nephew who are still living there)who took on the extra challenge of three little boys. I know the work it takes and appreciate what they are willing to do to give us a chance to put the parenting duties down and have some fun with a great group of teenagers and the other sponsors that went along.

Now I need to catch up on some sleep!

2009-01-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Having curly, thick hair myself I love how Wyatt's hair is super straight and easy to manage. Except when he wakes up and it looks like a bird's nest. He hasn't had a haircut in over two months, but his older brother religiously visits the barber shop every ten days. Cooper has his mama's hair and the moment it gets over a half an inch long his head begins to resemble a Q-tip. That is why I can never have short hair. I've tried it once before and it isn't pretty{think Carrot Top-yikes!}

I broke down yesterday and had Wyatt's haircut. He was tired of it getting in his eyes and has been complaining for quite some time and I finally let him have his way:) No clippers are used on his fine hair, only scissors. He also gets to go to a fancy kid friendly stylist instead of the man-only barber. After he had it cut he looked at me and said "I can finally see again!" BUT(!) he looked so cute with the longer 'do'.

January is half way over and I have felt so busy and overwhelmed, yet have nothing to blog about. I am in the middle of the winter blahs and am ready for warmer weather. Sid the Science Kid and Reading Rainbow have been my homeschooling lesson plan as I am to tired to pull myself off the couch. I am still waiting for that second trimester boost of energy and hopefully it will hit soon or I will become one with the couch.

The next couple of weeks look to be quite exciting and hopefully will give me the jolt I need to finish up this winter season.

Here We Go Again

2009-01-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

I am not very good at keeping secrets, but I have been quiet for thirteen and a half weeks one of the biggest secrets EVER. On Christmas Eve I was finally able to share the news with my family and then able to tell my friends after the New Year . . .

I am pregnant with #4 and am due on July 7th. I've already been to my new doctor twice and had an ultrasound today. Things look good and the little baby is moving all around. I am hoping for a boy because that is what I am comfortable with and understand. I am hoping for a girl because I can not be the only one in this house! Either way I am thrilled to be in my second trimester and feeling good.

It was determined today that there is only one cute little baby inside, so this will be the grand finale of our family. I wanted an even number of kiddo's and two was never an option. I joked with my friends that if I was pregnant with twins we would have to have another, but such is not the case:)

2009 is off to a great start!

2008-12-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here is the second of only two pictures I took over the holidays. It is on Christmas morning at my Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary's house where we all met for breakfast. The younger of the grandkids had gotten Old Navy hoodies and we were trying to get a picture of everyone. It was near impossible.

I wasn't in the mood to sit behind the camera this year. I was in the middle of opening presents, taking new toys out of their boxes and overall interacting with everyone. I'm relying on my memory this year because I will not have any pictures to relive the moments. I am okay with that and feel like it was important to live in the now instead of the lens of my camera.

The Husband went back to work today and I decided to stay with my parents a little bit longer. I'm not ready to return to 'normal' and I am able to do that better here than my own house. I cannot sit still at my house wanting to organize and clean, so this gives me a break. Right this moment I am sitting on the love seat typing away, Cooper is playing checkers on the big blue chair, Wyatt is playing his Lightning McQueen on his Leapster and Abram is playing in the middle of the floor. Jerry Springer is on the TV, but I am to lazy to look for the remote to change it. Thankfully the volume is down low enough and no one is interested in looking at the television. My mom is at WalMart, my dad at work, and my sister/BIL/and nephew are out walking the neighborhood. I am soaking in the sweet moment for the next second the silence could immediately change. Today is my BIL 30th birthday so my sister is cooking dinner, which she loves to do, and I am able to eat without both cooking and cleaning up. *sigh* It is nice to 'get away.'

We haven't decided how long to stay(forever?-ha!)but I do know my brother's three kids are going to spend the weekend here so my brother and his wife can get away to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. I anticipate getting the 'are you going home?' look soon;)

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

2008-12-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Month 9

2008-12-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Goodness . . . NINE months old! The word that comes to mind is Attitude! You are very aware of your own wants and desires and are not afraid of making them known to anyone who gets in your way. I find it very funny as you throw your head back and scream because I know what an important step this is in your development. Plus I am able to man handle you to do what I want, even if that means throwing all my body weight over your legs so you will lay still and I can change your diaper;)

Even though you have been quite mobile for awhile now you are able to crawl on all fours and get your tummy off the ground. Too cute! You can also pull yourself up onto anything you want and fall not so gracefully when you are ready to move on. You have gotten a couple of busted lips from trying to get down on your own and I believe this is only the beginning of all the hurts that are to come. You seem very independent and want to do things on your own.

Last Sunday I forgot to pack a bottle(!) and formula(!) in your diaper bag. As your brain is growing at rapid speed mine is apparently shrinking as I forget everything these days. We went to Mazzio's after church and I anticipated a big meltdown and a quick trip to WalMart to get another bottle and formula. No such thing! You ate Cheerios, cut up peaches from the salad bar, crackers(a mild chocking incident) and drank water from my straw. You were great and enjoyed all the table food. You didn't even seem to miss the bottle.

When I clean house I must now crawl on all fours to make sure every little toy of your brothers is put away, you like to put EVERYTHING in your mouth. Last week as I was changing clothes you sat in my closet and kept busy looking for anything to chew one. To my horror you discovered a dead spider and popped that thing into your mouth before I had a chance to intervene. After going into a complete fit of shaking and yelling I put a sock over my hand to fish that huge spider out. With all the commotion you started crying and I think I scarred you for life about spiders. *shudder*

You have a big interested in all kinds of different balls. Footballs, basketballs, soccer balls they are all your favorite thing to do. You will roll that ball and chase it all over the house and scream with delight when you finally have it in your hands. You also learned how to clap. Anytime we yell "yeah!" you will clap and yell with us. MaMa is now in your vocabulary and after much coaxing you will say it, but DaDa and bye-bye are your favorite words to say over and over.

Schedule is as follows for 9 months. You are very consistent and very few surprises come up with knowing what you are needing. You are able to skip one nap and usually skip the morning one on Sundays. When you do skip a nap you will take a three hour nap in the afternoon.

8:00 wake up; change diaper and put on clothes; 6 oz bottle; oatmeal and fruit; Cheerios and apples juice; play in exersaucer; have room time; read books, wrestle with brothers; crawl around the house looking for something to get into.

10:30 Nap #1-with your favorite polka dot blanket

12:30 wake up; 6 oz bottle; vegetable/fruit; Cheerios and apple juice; same activities as the morning

2:30 Nap #2

4:30 wake up; 6 oz bottle; vegetable/fruit; if any errands need to be ran this is the time to do so.

6:00 dinner with family; you will take small bites of whatever we are eating or just eat your Cheerios; play with Daddy, bath time

8:00 Bedtime!

Long Overdue

2008-12-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

So many things to blog about

-wrestling tournaments with a six year old(ugh.)

-church Christmas program(only one child participated)

-Christmas pictures 2008(went well!)

-my 9 month old

and many other things we have been busy with the past two weeks. I cannot seem to take time out to blog about the experiences as I am trying to write the annual Christmas letter. I can usually sit down and write it out in one evening and this year I am on day ten with corrections still being made. I hate writer's block.

I've been tagged(twice!)and thought it would be a great time to jump start my blog habits again.

8 TV Shows I Watch

1. LOST(starts up again in January!)

2. Grey's Anatomy

3. Amazing Race(I want to be on this show)

4. One Tree Hill(you are missing out if you are not watching this)

5. Survivor

6. The Office

7. Sons of Anarchy(on FX and shockingly brutal)

8. Gossip Girl

8 Favorite Restaurants(I'm a simple girl who can eat the same thing day after day)

1. Chili's

2. Pei Wei's(child size Lo Mien with DanDan sauce)

3. Ted's(fajitas for all)

4. Mazzio's(meatbuster with NO Italian sausage and a calizone)

5. Furr's(so many CHOICES)

6. Johnnie's(Theta burger and onion rings)

7. Marble Slab(ice cream, yes, but worth one whole meal!)

8. Chick-Fil-A(a number one with a Lemonade-value size please)

8 Things That Happened Today

1. comforted the baby with another bloody lip

2. made a breakfast fruit smoothie for Cooper & a waffle for Wyatt

3. took a shower(before noon - go me!)

4. sang the 7 continent song with Cooper at the top of our lungs

5. reminded the boys for the millionth time to stop calling each other a penis

6. texted with the babysitter-no go for a sitter on Saturday night, boo!

7. ate mini corn dogs for breakfast with ketchup, mustard and ranch dressing

8. bought stamps for my Christmas cards; plan on mailing those TODAY

8 Things I Look Forward To

1. getting my Christmas cards out of my sight

2. checking the mail for Christmas cards from my friends and family

3. traveling to my Grandma and Papa's for Christmas Eve

4. finishing the book The Shack - yikes that book is deep!

5. Christmas being over so life can be back to normal, if there is such a normalcy.

6. trip to Disney World with the two older boys

7. going to Winterfest with the youth group

8. Coffee Talk with the girls in January

8 Things I Wish For

1. health and happiness for my family

2. three boys who have a close relationship with our God

3. for my anxiety to go away and have peace for God's direction

4. to lose 100 pounds(maybe not that much, but still)

5. to not worry about how much I weigh;)

6. a housekeeper and a cook

7. and nanny and personal shopper

8. and a Christmas wrapper(can't I just hand them their gift without wrapping it?)

I now tag: PAM! my sister Amy, Carrie, cousin Shelly, my SIL Jessica and Michelle

A Big Slumber Party

2008-12-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was the most relaxing holiday I have had in quite some time. Leading up to the week I was a bit apprehensive when finding out my sister, her husband and their little boy were moving in with my parents. The house they were living in had sold quicker than expected and they have yet to find another house they are wanting to buy. Needless to say it was going to be crowded at my parents house.

That was an understatement. There was wall to wall furniture in every room of the house as paths were created to get from room to room. I was to share a full size bed with Wyatt as Brian shared the other full size bed with Cooper. Did I mention both beds were in the same room? They were. Abram took over the playroom, but each night he fell asleep in another room only to be transferred when all the kids were cleared out of the playroom. Each night I said a quick prayer that he wouldn't wake during the transfer. Prayers were answered as he transferred easily.

Having my sister's family was better than I expected. It was downright FUN! Ben and Abram were buddies who entertained each other during the fussy periods. There were enough hands to pass them around so one person didn't get to tired. We had good conversation and lots of laid back time. My mom, sister and I held down the kitchen on Thanksgiving day preparing a small meal for our families. We didn't have to worry about having the house in perfect order, or putting on makeup for extended family visiting, serving lunch at a certain time or having the table in order. It was just us and it was nice.

We ended up staying longer than we had thought and enjoyed the OU game Saturday night with everyone and my brother's family came to cheer them on too. It was a packed house, yet it was comfortable and relaxing.

I'm selfishly hoping my sister doesn't find another house until the new year so when we return for Christmas they will be there to celebrate with us. There we were in the same house we grew up in with our own families. It was neat to see how many things have changed, yet still stay the same. I am very thankful for my family!

My Christmas decorations have multiplied

2008-11-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

Getting out the decorations for Christmas is such a daunting task for me. Starting out I am very excited and quickly pull the boxes out of the attic. Once all eight(!)boxes are safely inside I am exhausted and ready to quit, yet I realize I have a long day ahead of me. I always start with the mantle because it is the easiest to put together.

Ugh. It was a long day and my back is screaming at me as I have now decided I need to rearrange my living room too. Brian is working late so he will be excited to learn that he needs to help me move my desk and rocking chair to another room. He knows it is dangerous to leave me alone so long into the evening so he should be expecting something when he gets home. Just probably not to be moving heavy furniture!

For the sake of tradition I let the boys put the ornaments on the tree. I'm debating whether to redo it or just let it be. They seem to decorate in bundles. No ornament has its own space, they gathered in clusters. At least they all made it to the tree and not on the floor in shattered pieces, right? They were proud of their placement and so far so good with Abram not being a bit interested in the tree. He watched the whole process as he chewed on his football. He is easy to please.

It is now seven o'clock and all three boys are in bed. When daddy works late my patience begins wearing thin VERY fast, so it is early bedtime for all. Bad thing is they will be waking up at the crack-of-dawn which is not good for this late sleeper. Good thing is that Brian is only working a half day so he will be here to save the afternoon. Score!

2008-11-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

Last night/morning I arrived home about 3 AM. It has been a LONG time since I was out on the town at that time of night. I was able to chat with a new friend(hi Amanda!)who let me tag along with her co-workers(nurses rock!)and talk about all things Twilight. We met for a late night dinner(Yum . . . Chili's)and then headed over to the theater THREE hours before the show was set to begin. When we arrived the auditorium was already three fourths full, but no matter where you sat it was a great view. Most everyone was rockin' their Twilight shirts and giddy with excitement about opening night.

The downfall of the evening was the uber excited movie worker who had his moment in the spotlight as he would come in about every thirty minutes with his LOUD microphone asking trivia questions and supposedly getting the crowd excited. At one point we endured a high school boy reciting poetry on the stage and I quote from one of those poems, "I miss you as much as a burned victim misses his skin" Yeah. The movie could not begin any quicker.

BEST part of the evening was when the lights finally dimmed and the movie began, except for the super creepy movie trailer that had me jumping out of my seat. The movie was awesome! Not as good as the book(are the movies ever as good as the books?)but the directors did a great job of casting the characters and giving a good vibe to the book. I've already made plans to see it again over Thanksgiving weekend with my mom and sister. And I plan on buying a Tshirt(go Team Edward!).

I contemplated erasing that last sentence, but it is true I am now a die hard Twilight fan;~)

Month 8

2008-11-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Look at those adorable, little, white bottom two teeth! Those came in at the same time and our lives were not completely turned upside down. Seems teething will not be a big issue, much the same as with your older brothers. I've enjoyed this month as your personality is shining with all the big grins and belly laughs you give. You think I am the greatest thing ever and I must admit it makes my heart swell. I can do no wrong and can make everything in your life seem just right. *sigh* can we bottle up this feeling? You give great wide open mouth kisses that your brothers think is gross, but yet they come back again and again for more.

You are still taking four bottles a day with six ounces each except for the last bottle before bed where you will eat 10 ounces. Along with the bottle you have TWO(!) jars of baby food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You do NOT like food with much texture and will gag and make the most horrible faces when I try to sneak some into your mouth. You love Cheerios, but cannot pick them up and put them in your mouth(what else am I here for?)and you will chew and chew on the Gerber food toast. It is usually what you will eat on while the rest of us eat dinner.

You are saying "da-da" all day long now and are proud of your recent accomplishment. You can also say "bye-bye" and wave your little hand. I give big claps for that one and get excited everytime you do it. Thankfully everyone else does to so you will wave bye-bye over and over. Aren't you cute?

You make your likes and dislikes known for everyone around. When your brothers have warmed out their welcome getting in your face you have no problems sticking that hand out and yelling as you arch your back. Can't say I don't blame you, those two can get annoying:~) When you are ready to sleep or eat nothing else will calm you until you get what you want. It makes having a schedule easy to follow. You are still on the same schedule as we established at six months and we are moving right along.

I love you very much and I am cherishing each and every milestone you are hitting. You are a sweet natured boy that I am blessed to call my son. Happy 8 months!

2008-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon we had Cooper's birthday party at Red Pin Bowling Lounge in downtown. The setup was excellent as we had two lanes that connected to a room with tables, booths and our own flat screen TV. The kids had room to move around and eat pizza and popcorn as they waited for their turn to bowl.

MY favorite party was showing up without having to clean my house and then two hours later leaving without the daunting task of cleaning up afterwards. I had an enjoyable time too! I could mingle around and talk with my friends as the kids played their game.

They also had one bowling pin for everyone to sign that attended the party. Cooper has it sitting on his shelf in his room and likes to get it down to show me where everyone signed. That bowling pin is heavy too!

My parents drove down along with my sister, Amy, and her little boy and my brother and his wife with their three kids. I was very glad they took time out of their Saturday to be with us even though it is a long drive(THANKS!). We also had Luke, Hope, Payt, Kate and Kyle from church and Joel from his soccer team.

Later that afternoon we headed to Chuckie Cheese's(crowded!) to another birthday party on Cooper's soccer team. It was a busy afternoon, but surprisingly we had no meltdowns and everyone was in a great mood. The boys were in their beds asleep by seven o'clock which was the best birthday present of all!

And this concludes the birthday celebrations of November(yeah!). On to Thanksgiving . . . may the craziness begin!

2008-11-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

My eyeballs hurt, I've gotten less sleep than with a newborn baby, my sink is overflowing with dishes, my clothes are piled high on the closet floor, every toy we own is scattered on the floor of the boy's room, my friends have been ignored, my children are wondering where their mother is, my husband has given up BUT(!) I am finally finished with book #4 in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. I really enjoyed the books and had a hard time putting them down to do anything productive at home. It is one of the downfalls of finding a great book, let alone a series that she has written. Once I start reading I have a hard time doing anything else until I finish it.

I am going with friends to see the opening midnight show of her first book Twilight this week! I'm very excited to see how the movie compares to the book. With the recent trails and pictures it looks to be very good!

Off to do damage control with my house and family;)

2008-11-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

An interview with my new six year old boy. He is one with few words! Tomorrow is the big birthday party that is keeping him from falling asleep quickly.

1. What was your favorite part of your birthday? opening up presents

2. Do you like stay up late or get up early? stay up late

3. What is your favorite food? chips any favorites? red doritos

4. What is your favorite thing to do at school time? math Why? because I get to write and find out things

5. Do you have favorite book? yes. What is it? Tikki Tikki Tembo

6. Can you read yet? yes Do you like to read? yes I look at him waiting for more words, none.

7. How high can you count? whatever you want me too

8. What do you think you will be doing when you are seven years old? losing my teeth

9. Do you have a favorite number? yes; 100,000

10. Who is your best friend? Wyatt is my very, very best friend

11. Would you like to have any more brothers or sisters? just another brother no sisters? laughing . . . no, they like to talk to much

12. What kind of job do you want to have when you are twenty? a race car driver

13. Is there one thing you cannot sleep without? my blanket

14. If you could do anything you wanted to right now, what would it be? play the car game

15.What is your favorite TV show? Tom & Jerry-it is funny!

16. Your favorite sport? football; I've played before with Wyatt

17. Do have any jobs to do around the house? What are they? pull the weeds, clean up the table, make my bed

18. How are you the biggest help to our family? by helping you clean up the house and listening

19. Have you found who you are marrying yet? no . . .I don't like that

20. Do you worry about anything? um . . . the dark and all being alone

Thanks for the interview little man you bring much insight to your thoughts! I look forward to beating you at bowling tomorrow!

Dear Cooper

2008-11-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

Six years old. As you were getting your haircut today the barber asked you how old you were and you had to correct yourself. SIX is a big number as you showed me how you would have to use both hands to tell how old you were. This is a milestone!

You were able to choose your favorite place for lunch. I was expecting Chuckie Cheese or McDonalds or something along that line. I should have known better. You can be so serious and deep in thought that you act like an old man. Furr's was the prime choice for you. I laugh at the thought of you sitting at Furr's with your daily paper catching up on the news.

You love to watch the weather and news in general as you sit very still on the couch and soak in everything they are saying. You are very aware of your surroundings and I have to be careful what I say around you because you are ALWAYS listening.

You love to learn and you do so by doing. Playing video games is your favorite whether it is the Leapster or the Xbox your focus is on completing the game. You are focused on the task at hand and can get lost in the moment of winning.

You are slow to wake in the morning as it takes you an hour or two to get moving along. You like to drink your fruit smoothie on the couch and watch Arthur and you will not respond to any questions until the show is over and you have finished your drink. This is one of the reason I kept you at home. Why rush the time of hurrying off to school in the morning when you could do better by starting later. You have been eager to read and explore new things. You are very creative in drawing and you like to create things. If I was to go to into your bathroom I would find at least ten empty toilet paper rolls in your drawer. You save each and every one for a 'project' you are working on.

You wear your feelings on your sleeve and you are working on controlling those. Your actions are being replaced by words as you are very good at expressing what is going on in your head. You can get frustrated easily, but are now able to talk yourself down. It is a huge step in growing up.

I am very proud of you and love spending time with you and listen to all the stories you have to tell in your mind. You are very quizitive and thoughtful. You like to make others feel better when they are sad and you need to hear words of encouragement from the people who love you most.

You have a sweet heart Cooper. Looking at you brings a smile to my own heart as I see life goes on. No matter what is going on around in the world I know that your Dad and I are doing our best to raise you. Being the first child cannot be the easiest road to take, but you seem to take it all in stride. You are a great helper, very responsible, competitive, organized and have a love for God without any explanation. "No worries," you say, "God can do anything!" He can Cooper because he blessed me by placing you in my life.

Happy Birthday baby boy.

Special Day

2008-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my baby who turns six today and my love who turns thirty-six. They are two peas in a pod and Cooper cannot understand why Daddy can be so much older when they have the SAME birthday? Sappy stories and pictures to come, but first we are off to celebrate at the Cowboy Hall of Fame with lunch at Furr's to follow(chosen by the six year old)!

End of the Season

2008-11-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Today was the last soccer game of the fall season for both of the boys. Their teams played each other. The boys were very excited to show the other up and the insults began before we even got to the field. Wyatt's team didn't have a chance. The TIGERS are a new team made mostly of four year olds. Everyone on the team was playing his first year and had alot to learn. Cooper's team was the dominate force on the field. Some of the BLAZE team has been playing together for two years and the knowledge shows. Thankfully everyone had a blast on the field and there were no hurt feelings. It was beautiful outside and the end of a great season!

Wyatt's proud smile holding his first trophy. It is sitting in the center of the kitchen table where he has admired it many times today. It will eventually make its way into his room, but for now the shiny trophy is the center of all conversation.

Here are the TIGERS! A silly group of three four year olds and three five year olds. Wyatt loves his team and it makes me happy in knowing we made the right decision to not put the boys on the same team. The season gave Wyatt a chance to break out on his own and shine. He's made some great friends that have already made his birthday list. Apparently birthday lists are a BIG thing to young boys as you can be added or quickly deleted from this list at any time.

Sugar Overload

2008-11-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

The boys Halloween candy will be disappearing tonight when they go to bed. Detox is going to be brutal, please keep me in your prayers;)

Children's Museum

2008-11-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. Lusty working his magic

watching his bones move as he peddles his bike

future grocery store clerks

Cooper the anchorman and Wyatt the camera man

they will actually be driving before we know it!

Sweet baby boy

digging for dinosaur bones

Judge Wyatt

Last week Brian took two extra days off of work to celebrate our anniversary and for the annual reunion at Lake Murray. One of those days we went to the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole. We stayed a total of five hours and we saw only two others families there the entire day. They also offered a military discount so we where able to go for half off. The boys had a blast exploring everything and taking the time to experience everything. We took our time at each station and became judges, grocery clerks, firemen, artists, airplane pilots, tv anchormen, archaeologists, doctors, surgeons, conductors, scientists and many other career people throughout the day! I have only been here one other time about two years ago and it was packed with people and I spent most of my time chasing two little boys. This experience was much more enjoyable and I was glad to have my husband along for the ride!

Family

2008-11-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Twenty eight years ago today, when I was five years old, I gained another brother(Jody) and sister(Marla) and nine months later another sister(Amy). Before then I was the oldest and ruler of my universe to my younger brother(Jonathan). It was a huge change to my little world and I actually look back on the time with fond memories. Blended families can be hard and I am grateful to have entered mine when I was young. I liked having an older brother and sister who was totally too cool for us 'babies', but had no idea how much we watched them. It was a harder adjustment for them being teenagers and realizing the world can be a harsh place to live in.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Joe! Your devotion to one another is to be admired. You both faced so many trials during your marriage and with God's grace moved through them all! Did you ever think all five of us would move out so you could have the house to yourselves? HA! Too bad . . . we are bringing on the grandkids;~) I love you both very much and appreciate the spirit of family you try to instill in your children.

Are you free to babysit next weekend?

2008-10-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Halloween 'week' I decided to make the drive to take the boys to Storybook Forest at Lake Arcadia. In Cooper's K12 program the kindergarten year of literature is all about fairy tales. We have read the stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and many, many more. When we started reading the different fairy tales he balked at the idea that most seem to be about princesses and didn't want to listen to 'girl stories' I didn't drag those units out for him as long as he understood the basics of who wrote it and why they are such beloved stories.

Storybook Forest had some of the stories we had read and I thought it would be a fun thing for him to see. Being the perfectionist I am I had the whole Thursday evening planned. I wanted to leave our house by a certain time so we would arrive at just the time the forest was opening. One to avoided the crowds and two so that Abram was in a good mood.

Entering the forest Cooper recognized the words "Once Upon a Time"

Rapunzel letting down her hair. She also threw candy out her window too!

The Candy House of Hansel and Gretel. They also had the scenes of Hansel being in the cage getting fatted up by the witch and the witch being thrown in the oven by Gretel. This is one of Cooper's favorite fairy tales.

Trying to pull the sword out of the stone.

Wyatt is covering up little Pinocchio. See the baskets? At each display they had a bucket of candy that the boys were suppose to get ONLY ONE. I am a rule follower and they only got one piece of candy. The group in front of us would take Handfuls and it was driving me crazy!

The Old Lady Who Lived in the Shoe. They had parts of the story or poem on poster board by each display. Cooper would read the poems to us so Wyatt would know what it was about.

Story of the Three Little Pigs. Here they are in the house made of sticks.

At the end of the trails was this huge black cat. I was quite impressed with the layout of the trails, but I would have liked to see it longer. Afterwards you can play six different games and roast hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire. They also had a storyteller you could sit around and listen too. The boys weren't going to sit and listen to any story. "You read enough during the day, Mom." was Cooper's response to the idea.

Perfect evening, no? Not so much. The husband was late arriving home . . . twenty five minutes to be exact. Have I mentioned I HATE being late? Being the mature, married person I am, I left him. I was furious at being late, him not calling to let me know that I would show him and just leave him. That'll teach him! (I told you I am mature.)

We ended up getting there 10 minutes after it opened and it was crowded. We stood in line forever while I listened to "how much longer?" about fifty million times. Holding a heavy baby who twisted and turned to see every little thing going on.

Two and a half hours later we were finally leaving the scene. The boys were hungry, my back was aching, my arms were numb and I was exhausted. I met a friend I went to college with who took this picture of Abram. It is a good thing you couldn't see my face. I am sure I looked ragged.

Meanwhile Brian had a quiet evening at home, enjoyed eating Taco Bell and watching TV. I really showed him not to be late again, huh?

Yes, we are THAT family

2008-10-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

In the boy's mind they have the coolest Dad ever. I have to agree with them. Darth Vader took his storm troopers to the church Fall Festival Sunday evening as I stayed home to recover from the annual family reunion at Lake Murray. It is now Monday evening and I am still in the same clothes/PJ's I put on yesterday afternoon. Family reunions suck the life out of me for a few days. I'm looking forward to the beginning of a week long party that is called Halloween. Hopefully I can keep the white storm troopers outfit clean by Friday night, the actual Halloween night. Wish me luck!

2008-10-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first annual costume party for the YF Sunday School class at church. Here is a couple of friends that we are also in life group with. We had lots of yummy food and great costumes. There are some creative people out there! Brian was Darth Vader and I was Princess Leia. The boys were thrilled with our costume choices. Star Wars is BIG at our house right now so we were basically rock stars to our children tonight. The high light of the night was the photo scavenger hunt. We had only one hour to find all sorts of crazy Halloween pictures! We divided into two teams and then set the timer, crammed into the vans and headed out around town to get our pictures taken. It was a fun adults only night out!

Goal: To Keep Everyone Injury Free

2008-10-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday night some of our Life Group went to visit the Pumpkin Patch in town. Apparently the pumpkins are made of gold that the human eye cannot detect as it cost EIGHT dollars a person to enter. We stayed as long as the sun was still visible and the kids had a great time. The favorite seemed to be the hay bales, as that is where we spent the majority of the time. We pried them away to experience the animals, tricycle races, corn maze and the always sneeze inducing hay ride. It was a beautiful evening and it was fun to spend time with some great friends.

Lesson Learned-Again.

2008-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we had the privilege of dog sitting for a cadet at Brian's school. A few times a year I have the urge to get a dog. I think of all the fun the boys could have and the responsibility they would learn. This was our test run and I am glad after three days the owner came and took him home. This little two pound dog it WORK! Little Dalton cured the need for a little puppy to join our family at this time. The boys did have a great time playing with him, but I had to watch them constantly to make sure they didn't hurt the little dog unintentionally. No matter what the owner had to say about the little guy being potty trained is hog wash. His little bladder could barely hold an ounce before he was going again. Therefore he spent the majority of his time in the garage or on the back porch. Hopefully the next time I feel the need to get a dog I will return to this page and relive the work it takes to have one! We will not be getting a puppy until the last of my babies is at least five. You heard it here and Mom you can hold me to that;~)

Motherhood=Must Have High Self Esteem

2008-10-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Background Information: Cooper and I were reading a book on bobcats. He was trying to figure out how tall they were in 'real life.' I mentioned that they come to about my waist. The conversation went down from there . . .

Him: Well he could bite you in the stomach and then you would die.

Me: Wouldn't that be sad! You would miss me, right?

Him: Naaa . . . (face brightens with a HUGE smile) then I could play Xbox all day and do no school work!

Me: Who would make breakfast, lunch and dinner for you then?

Him: Me!

Me: What about giving you lots of kisses and tucking you in at night. Who would take you to your soccer games and help you clean your room each day. Come on, wouldn't you miss me?!

Him: (shrugs shoulders) Nah. I've still got Dad. He does good things with that stuff. Plus, he will buy me chips whenever I want!

Me: sulks away to like my wounds.

7 months

2008-10-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Look at your sweet face, loving on your favorite blanket! This is where you look most like Cooper. Everytime I lay you in your bed you look for this blanket as I put it over your little body. You curl your hands and pull the blanket under you to get comfortable. You take one piece of that soft blanket in your tiny hand and bring it to your mouth. It is the sweetest thing ever! I love to stay and watch you as you drift to sleep, but I can't stay to long for if you see me that blanket means nothing and you want me to pick you up. Momma's boy in the making!

My Life Group at church is my family away from family. They have been through so much with me during your pregnancy, birth and all that has happened since you have arrived. It was quite fitting for them all to witness a milestone. As we sat around on Sunday night discussing ways to be Godly parents you fiddled around on the floor with some of your toys. Then it happened, you pushed your way from your stomach to a sitting position! All discussions stopped as we clapped and cheered you on. You had the biggest grin on your face, yet your eyes seemed confused "What's the big deal?" I was very proud to be able to share your milestone with such a great group of people I consider your aunts and uncles.

We had to move the mattress on your crib to the lowest level because at bedtime you will move yourself into a sitting position and try to pull up on the rails. Without moving the mattress it would be an accident waiting to happen.

You are still getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth, but no crawling yet. Surprisingly you are still able to get yourself where you want to go. Your brother's toys better watch out!

You have tried all the Stage One foods and have moved onto the Stage Two yummy goodness. You are much better at eating from a spoon and mealtimes have become somewhat less messy. You refuse the sippy cups and you stare at the Cheerios without any interest. I tried to feed you one and you DID NOT like it. I am on a mission to not have a third picky eater!

Your first word it "BYE" and you like to say it over and over again. I am trying to get you to wave without any luck. I am working hard to get the MMMMM sound and I know it is on the tip of your tongue. We will keep working on that;)

Mommy separation is in full force and is it wrong to say that I am enjoying it? I love that you search for me and will cry and cry until I come into sight and take you from your surroundings. The look on your face when I do come into view is priceless and I have it etched in my memory. I feel so special to you!

The "schedule" is moving right along and nothing has changed from the six month writing. Lucky for us you are a good "on the go" baby so Saturday morning soccer games and Sunday church is no big deal to you as you will still take your naps. They might not be the usual two hours, but you get enough to not have total meltdowns when we are out. Yeah for everyone!

I love you very much!
Mommy

One Trip Wasn't Enough

2008-10-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Wyatt looks like he wants to eat Joel.

Silly Faces!

We had such a great time we had to take another trip to Great Wolf and brought along some friends! We left on Thursday morning and arrived just after lunch and were able to immediately check into our rooms. Thanks to a great friend who suggested we ask for an upgrade we were bumped from our family suite to a kids cabin suite which included a balcony, score! We had an even number of kids which was perfect to break into groups according to age so they could go to different parts of the park. I was talked into going down the Tornado slide which was super fast and I must admit my eyes were closed the entire way down. They tried to get me to go again and it was a firm "NO!" Around dinner time we changed into dry clothes and enjoy a good dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. The kids went to the lobby to hear a bedtime story then it was off to bed. They were all exhausted and went to sleep very easily!

The next morning we were up and ready to swim again. We made it home this evening safe and sound and are already planning for our next trip. I love midweek refresher vacations!

2008-10-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged twice and I am going to get this done all in one post. In the first one I was tagged by Jessi and the rules are as follows: you had to take pictures of the things listed with no straightening or cleaning. Easy enough . . . let the games begin.

The Master Closet: a bunch of clothes that I don't wear half of anymore

My Sink: I am an Arbonne lover!

Favorite Room: The backyard is very peaceful and I love to sit out here and watch the boys play and run around. One of these days I will get a patio set, until then it makes for a great place to make a sidewalk city!

Self Portrait: It is ME for better or worse

Inside the refrigerator: Yum . . . I am getting hungry!

Kitchen Sink: yes, the sink is clear of dirty dishes and I PROMISE I took this when I was suppose too. I am a freak of nature who cleans way more than I need too. Laugh all you want, but there are days I should be doing other things and I just clean. *sigh* There was another tag going around about the inside of your vehicle. I couldn't bring myself to show others the inside of my clean van. It is a illness, seriously! BUT LOOK! See I am a collector of all things on the countertops. I am normal, see?

The second tag I was hit with MONTHS ago and I am just now getting around to it, bad me! Gina I have not forgotten you and this tag is for you! Six Random Things About Me". Here are the rules: Link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell six quirky, yet boring & unspectacular things about yourself.

1. I drink a full luke warm water bottle every morning before I eat breakfast. It is like my morning coffee. I'm not sure why I do this, but it wakes me up and gets me going in the morning. I like to drink my warm water and read my blogs before the boys get up.

2. My momma taught me to make my bed every morning right when I get up and I am a good rule follower because I still make my bed every morning.

3. I cannot stand to cook. I have no desire to cook dinner for my family and each day I groan at the thought at what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I get no satisfaction at making a great meal. My poor family. I am just setting up my future daughter in laws for greatness;)

4. The phone is my enemy. I do not like to talk on the phone. There are many times I let it ring even when I am capable of talking to the other person, I just don't want too. It drives my friends and family crazy. Email is my best friend.

5. Laundry is an all day process. I must wash ALL dirty clothes and when the dryer beeps all the clothes come out and are folded immediately. All clean clothes stay on the couch in piles(hanging, underwear, socks, shorts, Tshirts, etc)until all the loads are finished and then I put it all away. Laundry is usually done once a week.

6. I MUST sleep with a box fan at every season of the year. This includes when we travel. My husband loves packing up the box fan and NEVER complains about it-do you hear the sarcasm?

Who Needs a Nanny?

2008-10-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

When you have such helpful big brothers.

Full Steam Ahead

2008-10-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today the five of us, along with a huge group from our church, participated in the Race for the Cure. We were up/dressed and on the road by 6:15 this morning and the only morning person was Brian. He is accustomed to getting up this early, but the rest of us are dead. The boys perked up when they met with all their friends and the energy was hard to contain. Poor baby Abram did NOT feel good so I ended up carrying him for 3/4ths of the race. We started with about six other families from our life group when the race began, but it was too crowded to all stay together. Thankfully we were able to keep up with PAM! and her family which made the race more enjoyable. I thought the boys did great and had a fun time until the very end. We had one incident where Cooper ran into a pole and we heard great cries from him, but he got over it quickly. Since I had the baby most of the way PAM! was able to push the stroller for me, which was a HUGE help. It is alot easier to hold Abram with two hands. At the last turn Brian & Todd took the boys and ran to the finish line. I think that was the highlight of the whole race. Wyatt was very confused as he thought we would be running the entire time. You know? Like in a RACE? Wasn't going to happen dear boy.

Jennifer(with Reese) and PAM!

and our kids backrow; Coulson(3), Cooper(5), Luke(5), Whit(5) and Reese(2) and front row Payt(3), Wyatt(4) and Cameron(3)

Brother Connections

2008-10-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

"Abram . . . you are so lucky. You get to stay inside in the cool house while Wyatt and I are subjected to 'outside time.' No . . I can't just come inside our Mother locks the door during this time, your turn is coming little brother. Just you wait!"

I Gave You Fair Warning

2008-10-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dearest sister,

At our white trash weekend I was trying to get a picture of the group in Mom's living room. You were being very unruly and not posing nicely each time I tried to take a picture. I gave you fair warning that if you continued to make that horrible face that I would post it on my blog. Did you change you ways? The answer is shown in this picture . . . no. You thought since my blog was on hiatus I had forgotten this little rebellion, but I did not. This is really your doing as I specifically named the price for your actions. Here's to you little sis!

Love,
Your wiser older sister

Best of the Best

2008-10-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is Payt and he is Wyatt's "berry bestestest fwiend!" They are 11 months apart which is a big difference when they were babies, but seem to make no matter now. It is very cute to see them interacting with each other and having their own conversations. They had their own playdate in September with no older brothers around to interrupt their play. Wyatt was SO excited and asked every five minutes when "his bestestest fwiend Payt" was coming over. They always have a great time together which is good because we are in the same Life Group with his parents, attend the same class at church and live only a mile from each other. I see the beginning of a wonderful friendship!

Hometown Parade

2008-10-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

September was the month of our small town homecoming parade. We met with some friends, hi Pam!, early in the afternoon to watch the parade. The small town did not disappoint with lots of cars, candy and old men with instruments walking in the street parade. The boys favorite part was gathering as much candy as possible and hording it all for themselves. We are still working on sharing with others. We got enough candy to not have to buy any for Halloween. Of course I won't be able to hold on to all that candy and will either eat it all myself or throw it away because I have no self control. For my slim figure I am guessing I will throw it all out. Poor Cooper was the oldest and seemed out of place. I must start putting myself out there and met other homeschooling parents to introduce some friends that our Cooper's age. Thankfully next year Luke will be out of school for the parade and will be able to join us. It was a beautiful afternoon too!

Game Night

2008-10-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

This game has become a favorite for the boys to play with Brian. I act clueless so I don't have to get in on the fun and can sit back and watch. I'm a bad mother like that. Cooper takes it so far as to keep score and will announce who is winning every two minutes. It is usually Cooper who is on top and Wyatt is none to pleased. This can be frustrating for Wyatt who will eventually decide he doesn't want to play anymore and come and sit by me. In turn Cooper becomes angry because of Wyatt quitting and then the game cannot be finished, so no winner can be announced. It is a vicious cycle we look forward to at least two to three times a week.

tap, tap, tap . . . is this thing on?

2008-10-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

*phone ringing*

me: "hello?"

SIL: "jenny, is everything going okay?"

me: "yeah . . . why? have you heard something differently?"

SIL: "no, you just haven't updated in a LONG time."

me: "glad to know somebody still cares. I'll get right on it."

SIL: "thanks. are you sure all is going okay . . . ?"

me: "yes! facebook and fall season premieres have taken over my life."

SIL: laughing, "sounds just like you!"

me: "thanks, I'll go update now."

Another Year Goes By

2008-09-18T18:45:00.001-07:00

I love September for many reasons. The beginning of fall weather, the State Fair, the beginning of school, and the best part of all MY BIRTHDAY! This is my sister Marla and myself at a joint birthday party at my Grandma's house. I turned 7 and my sister turned 12. Are you not just loving our new clothes? In 1982 these clothes were cool and my Grandma had good taste, still does to this day. She is what I would call a hip grandma.

Sidenote: I have a feeling my mother is having a hard time focusing on the words of this post because she realizes I took another photo from her album. Mom-I PROMISE I will return this picture and put it back in its rightful spot. I am only preserving this picture now on my website, it will not be lost with the other pictures in your magnetic(!) photo album. The end:~)

Even at 33 I still love when my birthday comes around. I am a bit selfish and it is the one day a year I want to focus on me, me me. It is all about what I want to do, eat and spend the day. Thankfully I have a great family that caters to my selfish ways. I can blame this weakness on my parents, right? Be worried. I am passing this tendency onto my children who also get their own special day ONCE a year. I'd like to keep the spirit alive;)

Off to celebrate!

Half of a Year

2008-09-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

The month has brought MANY changes in your little life as you are moving from the newborn stage into babyhood. Hear mommy cheering loudly! I have already put away three items you do not need anymore. The Bumbo seat, the activity gym and your infant carseat. You have been moved into a table highchair which you can now sit up in on your own. The activity gym was getting no use because you are rolling and scooting everywhere AND you are also the proud new owner of a convertible carseat that is Super comfortable *high five!*

Oh the joys(or not)of baby food. We have GOT to work on that spoon to mouth milestone. I am not a big fan of messes and my-oh-my do we have big messes when you eat. I repeat to myself over and over that this to shall pass. You love yellow squash, carrots and prunes. Dislikes? bananas, applesauce and pears. Are you sure you are mine? Those are some different taste buds. You are holding your own bottle now too. This makes no difference to me as I still want to hold and cuddle you while you drink that bottle. It is still cute to see your little hands grasping that big bottle.

You are a mover and use any means necessary to get where you want to go. You can get on all fours and rock back and forth. Sitting up on your own is good to go as long as nobody makes sudden movements where you will twist and turn and fall over immediately. One of my favorites is the fits you can give if you do not get what you want. Throwing your head back and screaming is your way of letting us know you are NOT pleased and things better change quickly. Bad news for you kid . . . I think it is cute and do not jump quickly to your demands.

I gave you a haircut this month. I couldn't stand the wispy hairs, so off it all came. You had no problems with the clippers, thank goodness. First sickness came this month as well. Snotty nose, fever and just down and out.

Weight: 17 pounds 6 ounces(49%)
Height: 28 inches(94%)
Head Circumference: 17 3/4(84%)

7:30-8:00: Wake up/6 ounces formula/oatmeal & fruit/2 ounces; playtime
10:00-Noon: Nap #1-You are a no pacifier baby, but have shown interest in a polka dot cuddle blanket that you will wrap around your hand and bring to you when I lay you down. Cute!
Noon: Wake up/6 ounces formula/vegetable/2 ounces; playtime(pack and play with toys, exersaucer, floor time with brothers, outside exersaucer, high chair play)
2:00-4:00: Nap #2
4:00: Wake up/6 ounces formula/vegetable; playtime(usual time for errands and brother's practices, church and such)
7:30: bathtime with Daddy; 10 ounces formula; cuddle and then down for bed for night. You still love to sleep on your tummy.

Cousins

2008-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ben: "Sit still Abram, ouch my eye!"
Abram: "Dude, move your head I can't see."

Ben: "Turn your head this way, look at the camera."

Abram: "mom, no more pictures I am busy talking with my cuz."

Ben: "Oh, great here we go again. Abram get off of me!"

Abram: "Watch me. Stick your tongue out like this!"

All right. We will both look at the camera at the same time!

Thanks for coming to visit me Ben! I had a great time hanging all over you trying to poke you in the eyes, suck on your feet and grab at your face. It was FUN! Hope my bed was comfortable and you slept fine. I think next time we should sleep together, no? These mommies of ours are crazy with all the picture taking, but I think we gave them a run for their money, don't you? They were doing and saying the funniest things and the goofy faces they were making were priceless. Let's get together again real soon. Love you!

Summer Ball

2008-09-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

The months of June and July were consumed with Tball. We decided to put the boys on the same team so we weren't juggling between two different practices and games. Brian decided to coach and it was a great experience. The only downfall was the HEAT when we were playing the games and the lack of trees on the field. Tball is the perfect summer activity and I look forward to many more summers of 'ball.' Here is a video one of the mothers put together for our end of the year party. She did a fantastic job and all the mothers were in tears by the end because it was such a sweet video. It is long(6 minutes, two songs)but if you are a relative, it is very enjoyable!

Choices

2008-09-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you already know about this. It was shown over and over on TV, right?

OK, so maybe it wasn't shown over and over, but surely it was shown on TV at least one time, wasn't it ?

This was the largest re-enlistment ceremony ever held in military history.

The ceremony was held on the 4th of July, 2008 at Al Faw Palace, Baghdad , Iraq . General David Petraeus officiated.

This amazing story was ignored by the 'mainstream' media.For those who have been in the Al Faw Palace, you'll have a better appreciation of the number of people crammed around the rotunda supporting the re-enlisting soldiers. American men and women volunteering to stay longer in Iraq, so that when we leave, the new democracy will have a chance of surviving, is the exact opposite of what the media wants you to think about Iraq.

If only a bomb had killed 5 civilians in a marketplace - now that's the kind of news the media is eager to tell you about.

A pizzeria in Chicago donated 2000 pizzas that were made and shipped to Baghdad , and were delivered on the 4th. The media did report that 2000 pizzas were sent to Iraq on July 4th... The only part they left out of the report was the event for which the pizzas were sent.

I can't help but wonder...What would the opinion of Americans be if they weren't getting such obviously biased 'news?'

I googled this story the moment I read it in my inbox this morning. I found a great you tube video of the ceremony. . . WOW! It is amazing all the bad news you hear on the news about the war and how the positive news stories go unheard of.

I am by no means a political enthusiast, it all becomes hazy in my eyes. I have watched both the Democratic and Republic National Conventions. Obama's speech was amazing and powerful and there is no doubt he is a wonderful speaker. Speaking with friends they felt the same way as I did. McCain, eh? Not the best speaker, but listening to the message tuned in the left side of my brain. Leaving my emotions out-I can make a decision.

1.215 soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen made the choice to re-enlist. THEY feel they are making a difference and who better to know than the people actually THERE and doing a job they feel strongly about. Let us not sit and watch our TV and listen to the news radio and make a decision by what others are telling us. Go, research and read up on the candidates. Look for the positives, there is enough of the negative floating around.

My name is Jennifer Lusty and I approve this message ;~)

Loving Fall Weather

2008-09-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Last week the boys and I attended our local county fair. The weather was just right and I was feeling adventurous so out we set with no expectations. If things went well we would stay, if whining and crying was in the forecast we would

pack up and leave. Simple enough.

Thankfully everyone was in a good mood so we stayed around two hours browsing at everything there was to see. We were able to look at lots of farm animals up close and personal and even hold a few rabbits, baby pigs and chicks. It wasn't crowded at all so the boys were free to run ahead and look at any animal they chose to. That would NEVER be an option at the state fair!

Even though there were rides we spent time with the animals and inside the buildings looking at paintings, home grown fruits and vegetables, and seeing other homemade things that people had won places for. The boys enjoyed seeing what each thing "won" as they had ribbons on each of the entries.

As Cooper was getting his face painted there was a booth across from him with little knick knacks. They had all the figurines from the old Star Wars movies, which is a huge hit at our house. Since they had the figurines out of the boxes they were only three dollars each. I grabbed those things up and payed without either of the boys seeing me. Score! They will be so excited come Christmas and my pocketbook thanks me too!

It was a relaxing Friday afternoon and I am glad I took the time to go.

Becoming Flexible

2008-09-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

As I was scrubbing pee off the floor, walls, ceiling(!) and the actual toilet of the boy's bathroom on Saturday my thoughts were going wild. The beginning of the school year for the Huz is always busy. The past two weeks have been brutal as he is up and gone by 4:15 each morning and not home until 6:00 pm. I have been in single parent mommyhood and here I was after a LONG week cleaning the nastiest bathroom ever. Pity party for me as I was on all fours scrubbing away as HE was at the big football game. . . on the field. Brian had slept in until 6:30 AM on Saturday before he was dressed and gone, back to work. Ugh.

I had planned to have a babysitter and was looking forward to joining him for the day and into the evening as he had been working on a HUGE project for the ROTC, HooahPalooza. Here is the Tshirt he designed for the event which was held on campus corner after the game and well into the night. He has been working on this project all summer and was very excited to see it coming together. It was a block party held outside on campus corner where they had coordinated with five different bands for the evening. We were planing on going to the pregame activities, the game and off to the party afterwards. Let the good times roll, yeah!

Only one little glitch, my babysitter was a no-go. Boo! Did it changed his plans? No. Did he have to find a suitable replacement? No. Was he stressed because he hasn't had a 'break' and was exhausted from parent duties? Maybe. That was beside the point, because he still was able to go and enjoy all that he had been working on for so long. I was staying home, no plan B. Hello? Pity party 101.

There I was scrubbing away mad at all the pee two little boys can make and wondering how much a nanny could really cost. Luckily I did have a last minute replacement and although I wasn't able to go to the game or enjoy the fun pregame activities I was going to go to the after party and I was going to make the best of it.

At 6:00 I turned in my mommy card and headed out to meet Brian at campus corner. This was the exact moment a MILLION people were leaving Norman and I sat in traffic for an HOUR wondering again why I was excited to get away from the house. Then I looked down at my gas gauge. Empty. Seriously . . . I am a gas Nazi , yet there I was with a flashing light taunting me as I sat in the middle of traffic.

Did I mention that I left my cell phone at my parent's house, last weekend? Yup. and I still didn't have that dern thing so I have no way of calling Brian to let him know my gas crisis or where the heck I was in this mass of cars. I make it about two miles away when I ask some random if I can use his cell phone. I call Brian in hysterics about the gas issue and then traffic finally begins to move and I throw the phone out the window and go. I pull into a grass parking lot as the van glubs to a stop. I walk towards campus with my purse held closely and my keys outright ready to stab the first person that crosses me(I'm crazy like that).

Luckily half way there Brian spots me as he is making his way trying to find me on the road. All's well and today it makes for a good laugh. At the time, not so funny.

I must brag on my husband, HooahPalooza was awesome. One band in particular you must go see if you are ever in the Norman area, Mike Hosty Duo. Hilarious and very talented. We had the best time! The weather was perfect and even though the day didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, it ended great. I was out until MIDNIGHT and felt like a renewed woman. Poor husband crawled in about 1:30ish and was up this morning bright and early to teach the high school bible class. Gotta love him!

Tomorrow morning class will be conducted in the bathroom as I will once and for all teach the boys how to clean the bathroom MOMMYway. In twenty years their wives will thank me;~)

Be Jealous, Very Jealous

2008-09-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day camping did not go as well as I had planned and I was less than thrilled to try again for Labor Day. Babies and camping do not go well together for me. My mom had the grand idea of camping at her house, fun! My brother's family set out a tent, my parents have a camper they set up in the driveway and we brought our tent to add to the display. I give you 'white trash weekend.'

Although it didn't turn out how I had imagined it would. Friday night we met at the lake where at the last minute my brother's family had a camper for the night. We grilled out and watch the kid's "ooohhh" and "aaahhh" over the fire. It was very relaxing to sit around and talk while the kids enjoyed each other's company.

Saturday morning my mom, sister and I went to JBF's 50% off sale and found some great bargains! Much to my sister's dismay we stayed for THREE hours browsing around at everything they had. That evening the boys headed over to my brother's house for the OU game while the girls hung out with all the kids. I was hit with the worse head cold known to man. I couldn't think well or breathe and all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and sleep. I refused to sleep outside in a tent. Cooper & Wyatt slept in the trailer with Papa and Grandma.

Sunday I was still feeling miserable and broke down and took some medicine. It made for a much more enjoyable day as we played a game together in the living room. Here is my SIL Jessica wondering how in the world THIS was her family. The first picture above is all of us playing Imagine If. It was a great who-knows-you-best-game and surprise, surprise my mom won it all.

That night we had a grill off as my step dad made burgers, my brother made shrimp and Brian made corn on the cob. We topped it off with home made ice cream. Yum!

Next year I look forward to heading back to the Lake!

Where Has The Time Gone?

2008-08-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ack! I cannot believe it has been so long since my last post. Homeschooling has kept me on my toes the past week as I am a perfectionist and am learning my way around. I try to do WAY more than I need to and am exhausted by the end of the day. Husband is also back into school mode, as the college students returned on Monday. He is back to getting up before the rooster even wakes up and gets home long enough in the evening to eat, lay dazed on the floor as the boys jump all over him and then he is crawling into bed as soon as the boys say goodnight. ALSO I have a new fascination with Facebook which keeps me on the computer for hours with nothing to show for it. Ugh, I will start my twelve step program soon. The next month will be an adjustment for all of us, but at least we know we will have an end in sight.

Anyway . . . back to regularly scheduled post.

Here is my friend Cristie. We joke about how my husband found my first friend when we moved to this town. He was working on campus when he looked out his window and saw this girl jogging with her double stroller. I had talked about running and wanting a jogging stroller for Cooper, so when Brian saw her resting for a second he went outside to introduce himself and tell her about me. Random, right!

We hit it off and were fast friends until her husband graduated from the NAVY ROTC and was relocated to Washington state. Boo. It has been TWO years since I had seen her in person although I have stayed in touch through email and an occasional phone call. I am a HORRIBLE friend, but she has been great in keeping the lines open!

Her spouse has been on deployment for awhile so she took the 'break' to come back and visit and I was very excited when she called. Her kids are 7 and almost 6 and they all played well together so the mommies were able to talk. It was an enjoyable day and I hope it isn't another two years before I see her again.

Cristie . . . START A BLOG!

Rainy Day Puzzles

2008-08-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Month 5

2008-08-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here marks the beginning of movement and LOTS of it! You have the eye of determination as you grab at your target whether it be a toy, blanket, food, bottle or someones hair; you go at it with a vengeance! Until I decide to chop my hair off most days it will be up in a ponytail and even then it is not completely out of your grasp.

We pulled out the johnny-jump-up this month and you love the freedom it brings. You get to moving your legs so fast as you jump up and down and swing it side to side. You glee with excitement at what you can do! The swing is a thing of the past and will be moving from its prime location in the living room. We no longer have to stuff a blanket behind you in your excersaucer. You move around that thing with no problems and explore each and every toy available. Peek a Boo is the best game ever as you giggle every time I pull the blanket away from your face. Even your brothers are able to get you smiling and laughing at ALL the funny things they do. This has brought them great joy.

You are more open to eating from a spoon now. Rice cereal isn't as bad as you initially thought, although I am looking forward to showing you the yummy goodness of fruits and vegetables. I use your Bumbo seat as your highchair since we are still working on getting you to sit on your own. I even take it with me to restaurants so you are able to have a place on the table to watch us enjoy our meal. Plus it keeps you off my lap as you find great pleasure in grabbing at the food on my plate!

We are facing new challenges as I change your diaper. You are a pro at rolling back to front and front to back and feel you must show me your great skills at the changing table. I feel I could win an Olympic gold medal at the speed at which I must change you. All the while you are trying to flip every which way.

We moved you out of your infant car seat into a gigantic one that seems to eat you. You were getting way to big and your feet hung off the end of it. No more lugging that huge thing around with you in it! It is a bittersweet moment as I must pull you out of the new carseat and put you into the stroller at each and every stop. No more sleeping during our outings!

Your daily schedule:
7:30: Wake up; 6 oz. formula/rice cereal/2 to 4 more ounces of formula depending on your mood; we have switched to a size 3 nipple so you wolf down your food in 5 minutes flat! watch mobile in bed/exersaucer in living room/bouncy seat in kitchen
9:30-11:30: Nap #1:
11:30 Wake up; 8 oz formula; I start with 6 oz. at each feeding and then if you are still hungry you cry and throw yourself back and are quite unhappy. I'll make 2-4 more ounces and then when the bottle is gone you are content; play gym mat on floor in your room/exersaucer in living room, johnny jump up
2:00-4:00 Nap #2
4:00 Wake up; see 11:30 feeding & activity schedule. This is also when we run errands, church time, out to eat for dinner or baseball games. You sometimes take a short cat nap in the car or if we are home a 30 minute nap in the crib in the evenings. ALSO you sometimes will get another feeding between now and bedtime, depending on your mood and the day. You ate ALOT the last three weeks, but this last week your feedings have slowed WAY down.
8:00-8:30 Bath; you are LOVING them! 8 to 10 ounces of formula and put to bed for the night. We DROPPED the dream feed this last month . . . YEAH! You are out for the whole night. The past month you have woken up once or twice and upon further check you had a dirty diaper once and the other time all I could conclude was a bad dream. The first one I changed you and put you back down and off to sleep you went. The second I picked you up to cuddle in the rocking chair about 5 minutes, put you back down and off to sleep you went. ALSO . . . half the time you wake around five AM and talk/sing and move around that crib thirty minutes to an hour. You still drift back to sleep until wake time at 7:30. It is the strangest thing!

Pacifiers are a no-go! You take after Cooper in this department, so I will stop offering you one. I did find a blanket that you love to chew on and cuddle with. It is just your size and seems to bring you great comfort. 99% of the time I can lay you down with no fuss or crying too.

Hats off to Month FIVE baby boy!

Say WHAT?!

2008-08-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

At this time last year I put Cooper into PreK at our local public school. By the end of September I pulled him out and decided to try homeschooling. It wasn' t that his school had done anything 'wrong' just the whole process did not feel right to me. "Because that is what we did" was not a good enough answer on why he needed to go to school. "It is where he learns to socialize" didn't make sense, we get LOTS of socialization at church, sporting events and our millions of playdates. "You have to let go sometime" was confusing because he is only FIVE. "How will he learn to cope without having different teachers" is plain silly. I am not his 24 hour shadow. He has influences of his coaches, music teacher, YMCA workers and friends and family that I know and trust who take him many places-without me.

I felt a tugging at my heart to do things differently. To go against what everyone else was doing and try something new. My active, curious five year old is growing quickly. I am already home with the four and five month old anyway. Why did he need to leave to 'go to school?' Now is the time to influence him. I have the control of who he hangs out with, what is being taught to his little mind and more importantly his heart. As each year passes I will lose more of that control as he gains more. I want to fill him up with who our family is as much as possible. I will never get these moments back.

The past ten months have been a work in progress. Some days were tougher than others, yet we managed through them. I found a GREAT curriculum in K12. Amazing material that engages my little guy and even teaches me a few things along the way. I openly admit I am not a baby person(Abram is quickly changes me though!)and Cooper was entering an age of great excitement and wonderment. I was enjoying his company and the quirkiness of his developing mind. I wanted to be the one who teaches him to read, to go from learning letters and sounds to reading his first book. I wanted to see his struggles and work through them. I did not want someone else dictating when we got up in the morning.

His Kindergarten year starts now. Today we worked on digraphs and trigraphs and the differences between the two. We also read Little Red Riding Hood and made finger puppets to act out the story. He read two short books and finished his math sheet while I fixed breakfast. All before 9 AM.

I could say it was because he is SO into learning or that I am just THAT good, but he had gotten a new XBOX game and he couldn't play it until his work and responsibilities were done. Hey! Whatever keeps them motivated. Here's to a great year . . .

Summer of Reading

2008-08-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

This summer the boys participated in our local library's summer reading program. The theme for the summer was Catch the Reading Bug! and so the boys had a chart with different insects and each time they/we read a book they were able to color a bug to track their reading. The library also had different classes we were able to attend to learn more about bugs.

Our library has an awesome children's section and it never is crowded, so they have the run of the place when we go. I also signed them up for their first library cards that they keep in their backpacks. The boys even signed the cards on the back and everything! Every other week they took their backpacks with their card and were able to check out five books each. They were responsible for taking them to the librarian and handing her their card. After they were checked out they had to put the books in their backpacks. At home I keep all the library books on the window sill in the living room so they do not get lost with the books that are kept in their rooms.

Last week they boys reached their goal of reading 100 books. We headed to the library to turn in their charts and receive their prizes. They each got to choose a book to take home to keep forever, a free tator tots at Sonic, free admission to the history museum and a shiny gold medal. They were very excited and wore their medals the rest of the day. Here are the books they chose to take home. Hard back covers and all!

It is a great program and I look forward to seeing what next year's theme will be.

And I Only Thought I Would Be Watching Children

2008-08-09T20:40:00.001-07:00

A service project I remember doing with my youth group was work camp. For five straight days I was up BEFORE the sun meeting with other kids, dividing into our team groups and going into rundown neighborhoods where we spent the mornings and half the afternoons scrapping and repainting family's houses. In the evening we went home to shower and then met up again at another church for activities and social time. I loved every minute of it, even drenched in sweat. Each group would average two to three houses that were completely repainted and the families that we served were just amazed teenagers would be willing to give up a week of their summer to help people they didn't even know. It was a good feeling showing the love of Christ.

Today I was able to serve my community along side my church family and the feelings I had serving when I was a teenager came flooding back to me. Our church organizes a 'Back to School Roundup' event to give away backpacks filled with all the school supplies a student could need ranging from elementary kids to middle school students. Volunteers also give free haircuts, check for lice, do finger print ID cards for children, have bounce houses and games, and provide lunch. It is a amazing experience to see unfold and I am grateful to be a part of it.

Even though I haven't been out of the country on a mission trip I am able to bring the mission right to the community I live in, to the people I come in contact with daily. The people that showed up today thought it was all about the free event and getting backpacks, school supplies and a new haircut. I know that we are planting seeds inside the hearts of the children and parents we served. God was working through me today opening my eyes to all the possibilities HE can bring. I may not see any of those people again, but that doesn't mean I didn't make an impact. By showing up today and by listening, smiling, encouraging and complimenting I put what was needed into their heart. I saw my other church family members doing the same and we worked together to bring the message that Christ cares for us regardless of who we are, what we wear or where we live. We are ONE under him. I will never be able to know who all was touched and had a open heart to learn more about God. Even if the seeds I planted today do not grow for many more years it is worth it. One of those children might be a future youth minister, missionary, preacher, elder, children's minister and best yet a child of God.

Thank you God for allowing our church the ability to hold and facilitate something like today. I love seeing you in action and being around others who are willing to give up a Saturday to help someone else who needs it. Thank you for showing me the importance of planting seeds, even small ones and what you can do with those.