Our Five Ring Circus: January 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Mission Impoopable completed

We got all the samples we needed today, and they are in the lab.

Totally repulsive process. I hope I never have to do anything that gross again!

We should know the results by Tuesday. If nothing comes from these tests, we move on to blood testing.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Mission Impoopable

My poor little girl has had diarrhea for well over a month. For as bad as it is, one would think she is very sick, but she is acting completely normal!

At first, we thought it was just a virus. She had no other symptoms, and it wasn't even bothering her. It was very bad, though. She was going 4-8 times a day and constantly having blowouts. She was happy, eating well (as well as little miss picky eats), and staying hydrated, so we figured we'd let it work it's course.

Two weeks later, she came down with a mild cold, so I just thought the diarrhea was lingering because she was sick. However, it got worse, so off to the doctor we went.

Yeah. NOT a virus.

Basically, we have several weeks of testing to go through to figure out what's going on with her. Everything she eats is going straight through her, and although her weight is okay right now, if it continues, she's going to end up losing some weight.

The poor girl was a mess at her appointment. At her 18 month checkup, she started to fear her old doctor (whom everybody loved!), and she was the same with her new doctor. She refused to be weighed, so I had to get weighed with her. She happily talked to the pediatrician until she came at her for the exam. From there, she threw herself into a 10 minute tantrum. I was horrified, but her wonderful doctor informed us that she has a "spirited" child at home, just like Lexie. On top of the diarrhea, her belly is very bloated (I've noticed that for a while now), her eczema is awful, and she had a yeast rash (which has since gone away).

Our first step is to collect a stool sample. Hence, the mission impoopable.

Lexie is not potty trained yet. She has started, but we put it on hold until the diarrhea cleared up. Because of that, it is going to be very difficult to get the samples we need. Her appointment was on Tuesday, and it's now Thursday, and we still haven't completed this test.

On Tuesday, we managed to get 2 samples, and the lab told us the test would not work unless they all came in at the same time. So, on Wednesday, we had to pick up individual prescriptions for each test, so we can get each sample separately. Of course, Lexie gave a PERFECT sample that would have filled all 6 containers....in the midst of a bad snowstorm!

So here's what needs to happen: Lexie needs to give us a sample between the hours of 7-4, Monday-Friday. Those are the lab hours, and the samples need to be returned within an hour of collection. There can not be ANY urine in her diaper, or it will throw off the test. She has to produce enough sample to fill a container, which is nearly impossible because it's all liquid right now. And...she needs to fill 6 containers in all. I'm going to log in a lot of hours delivering poop to the lab.


Mission. Impoopable.

If nothing comes from these tests, we move on to blood testing. Then more invasive procedures. It is most likely going to be a lengthy, frustrating process.

I'm scared for my little girl, and just want her to feel better.

Babies Babies Babies

Just wanted to say congratulations to a certain cousin-in-law of mine. I'm really looking forward to meeting baby #2!

And while we're on the topic, congratulations to Jocie and Tom. Now you'll have two sweet, adorable boys! I can't wait to meet the little guy in June!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Not Me! Monday



Welcome to another weekly therapy session!

Head on over to MckMama's blog to check out some more Not Me's. Just click on her name or the button above, and it will take you there.

This week I have been really good. Either that, or I'm blocking out the things I have not done this week.

I did not JUST buy Lexie girl bedding for her crib. Of course I bought it when she was born. She has not been using Dylan's gender neutral bedding for almost 2 years. I did not get the new bedding set for $11!

I did not get to enjoy a childless lunch at the Olive Garden, with my sister. I did not starve myself for 18 hours, so I could fully enjoy the meal. I did not end up eating several bowls of salad, 2 breadsticks, and most of my lunch. It was not the BEST MEAL EVER. I am not already planning my next lunch out with my sister. I also didn't get to enjoy shopping alone.

That outing was not ended when I received a text from Grant that simply said, "Lexie is ripe."

Lexie did not turn 23 months a few days ago, and she is most definitely NOT turning 2 next month.

I am not beyond excited to hear what my best friend is having. I do not wish we could fast forward to Wednesday, so I'll finally know!

I did not buy my kids 2 little toys on my outing. After all, it was just Christmas, and they got more than enough.

I do not hide in my room, and sneak candy so Dylan doesn't see my stash!

I did not stay in my pj's all day on Wednesday. I did not work out in the same pj's on Thursday, only to be interrupted by a visit from my sister. That visit did not keep me from getting dressed. My hubby did not come home and make fun of me for being in the same pj's for 48 hours straight! (Hey, I still got a lot done!)

What haven't you done this week?

Sunday, January 25, 2009

A cupful of baby

For Lexie's first Christmas, I shoved her into a giant Christmas mug and took her picture.



I decided to make it a yearly photo op, and took her picture in the mug this year. I realize that if the mug stays intact, she will all-too-soon end up sitting next to the mug or holding the mug, but it's a perfect (and adorable) way to document her growth.


Oh, how she's grown and changed so much!

Dylan didn't want to be left out of the fun, so he posed as well. And yes, my 3'8", skinny 4 year old, can still fit in the mug!

Oh, how I love a cupful of baby. Don't you?

Saturday, January 24, 2009

I was the mom with THAT kid today

Dylan was always an easy child. Everywhere we went, he was happy, social, polite, and well behaved. He hardly ever threw tantrums, and on the rare occasion that he did throw one, he calmed down immediately.

I. Was. Spoiled.

Lexie is full of attitude, and is prone to tantrums. She has cried in stores before, but typically doesn't throw tantrums while shopping. She had one a few weeks ago, while waiting in a long line, in a very warm store. Today's tantrum took the cake.

We ventured out to the bookstore, to get some books today. Lexie and Dylan were so excited, and as soon as we got to the kid's section, they ran off to the story stage to look at some books they picked out. As I followed behind Lexie, I saw her eyes settle on a bin filled with Dora and Diego Beanie Babies. Oh no.

Lexie pulled all 10 out of the box they were in, and carried them over to the bench. I tried to put away the extra Dora, Diego, Boots, and Baby Jaguar dolls, and she threw herself on the floor, and yelled, "Nooooooo!" I calmed her down, and she sat with them while she looked through a few books. When it was time to go, my mom found us, and told Lexie that she could pick one of the Beanie Babies. Once again, Lexie responded with, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" As I picked them all up to put them back on the shelf, Lexie threw herself backwards onto the stage and started screaming.

I picked Lexie up, left Dylan with my mom, and marched her through the store, as she screamed, kicked, writhed in my arms, and slapped at my face. We got a few disgusted looks, but most people joked about it as I passed and smiled at me.

She got the point quickly, and stared behind me, yelling, "Dowa! Boots! Diego! Rowl Rowl (Baby Jaguar)!" as we kept walking. (It was almost funny, in a pathetic sort of way!)

As soon as we got to the car, she sat up in my arms, looked at me, and smiled.

I strapped her into her seat, and told her that she is not allowed to act that way in the store, because we will leave.

Yes...she was THAT kid today. And I was mortified.

Friday, January 23, 2009

A realization

My house is overrun with toys.

But, guess what? I don't care.

Someday, those toys will be gone, and I will be missing them very much. I will be missing them, because it means my kids will be grown up and out of my house.

I have been struggling to find places to store all the new toys my kids have received. I realize we have entirely too many, thanks to my huge family so eager to spoil my children. I was trying to keep the kid's toys contained to just their rooms, so we could have toy-free living spaces. After spending weeks trying to organize, and move toys around, I gave up.

Why?

I realized today, that MY house is also Dylan and Lexie's house. They live here too. Yes, I may want a picture perfect living room, but that will come entirely too quickly. Anybody who visits my home knows I have children, and if they want to comment on the amount of toys laying around, so be it.

Someday, I will get my picture perfect house. For some reason, I'm not thinking it's all it's cracked up to be. I will be missing something very much: my kids living here.

So for now, I will embrace the kid's magnets on the refrigerator. I will embrace the bins of toys cluttering the floor of my coat closet. I will embrace the ride on toys parked in the hallway. I will embrace the bath baby doll (though very creepy looking) sitting on my bathroom sink. I will embrace the play kitchen, table and chairs, shopping cart, tea set, bounce and spin zebra, sit and spin, learning table, bunny chair, singing chair, little people town, rocking horse, stick horse, toy box, and drop and roar dinosaur hanging out in my living room. I will embrace the fact that there are days that I can't walk through my house without tripping every 3 seconds. I will embrace the fact that there are days I can't even walk through my kid's rooms.

I will embrace it, because fun, laughter, and joy live in this house.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Not Me! Monday



Welcome to another edition of Not Me! Monday. For more Not Me! Monday fun, head on over to MckMama's blog.

It has been a long, exhausting, whirlwind of a week, and it was filled with many Not Me Moments. I'm glad their was some humor to brighten up this otherwise sad week.

I was not ridiculously excited over American Idol's return.

Dylan did not run into the room, yelling, "Mommy, Mommy...come quick! Lexie s**t everywhere!" I was not half tempted to laugh at his innocent use of the word, nor did I crack a smile while trying to explain that he's not allowed to use that word. Lexie did NOT poop everywhere. I did not have to throw her in the tub, fully clothed to deal with the mess.

My sweet hubby did not go to the store to get milk, and return with a new frying pan to replace my broken one, and a sled to replace the slide we were using as a makeshift sled.

Dylan did not respond to my announcement about Lexie not being allowed to have hard candy, with, "Well, can she have the fuzzy ones?"

The sweet hubby that I previously mentioned, did not comment on how he wouldn't know anyone at my sister's father's viewing. I did not have to remind him that my sister's father was my dad's cousin, and therefore, he would know everyone at the viewing. (Awww, you know I love you, honey!)

I did NOT get stuck in a snowdrift while trying to get out of my parent's driveway. I did not have to be at my sister's house to babysit my nephews, and I did not have to call my brother-in- law to beg him to cover for me until I could get there. I did not start digging out my car, in under 10 degree weather. 30 cars did not pass me while I was doing so...and of course someone stopped to offer their help. HA! My sister, sister-in-law, and nephew were the ones that came over to dig me out. I did not feel like a wimp when my sister got in the car, while it was still stuck, and pulled right out.

I did not bawl like a baby every time my sister looked back at me at her dad's funeral. Of course I was strong for her, and the look on her face did not break my heart.

We did not get snowed in at my sister's house last night. We did not wake the kids up, and drive home in a blizzard at 7 AM, because Grant (and, therefore, I) couldn't sleep. Of course, the road crews were out, and we did not have to drive on roads covered in 5 inches of snow. We did not go back to bed when we got home, and sleep until 11:00 (Lexie and I), 12:00 (Dylan), and 1:00 (Grant). Lexie did not then take a 3 1/2 hour nap!

Remember that new sled? The kids did not last a mere 5 minutes outside, sledding. It did not take longer to suit them up to go outside than it did for them to play.

I did not watch the Steelers game every chance I could get while trying to clean the house. Lexie did not throw a fit when I turned it off before halftime. She did not throw herself on the floor, and scream, "FOOTBALL!" We are not a football obsessed family. I am not thrilled that the STEELERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!

Wow, that was an exciting week...if all that were true. What have you not done this week?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Dear Department of Transportation: A Thank You letter

Dear Pennsylvania Department of Transportation,

Thank you for the adventure on the roads this morning. It was exciting, to say the least. I appreciate your willingness to make my morning fun by providing me with a ski trip. Really, though, I prefer to ski on foot, NOT in my car.

I understand what a complete pain it would be to clear the roads before the majority of us wake up. Yes, there may be 2 hour delays at all the school districts, but keep in mind that the majority of the drivers have to be at work on time, and have places to be. They don't have the luxury of 2 hour delays. Instead of catering to just the school bus drivers, perhaps you should cater to every resident that has to drive on your roads?

Four wheeling on a frozen tundra, where you can't distinguish road from land, is not my idea of fun. I don't appreciate the fact that you put many lives in danger every single day, by not doing your job. Everybody has a job to do, and obviously you aren't doing an adequate one.

The fact that you were able to clear 8 inches of snow of the roads rather quickly, but are unable to clear off 2 inches, just proves that you are lazy. I guess you can start 2 hours later, as well, when there are 2 hour delays from school.

Thank you, PennDot, for putting our lives in danger today. I now understand why your roads are ranked as the second worst in the ENTIRE country. Today proved that to me.

Sincerely,

Angry mom of two

P.S. To anyone who is thinking of moving to Pennsylvania: Don't do it!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

New Years Resolutions

I never really make New Years Resolutions. That way I'm not let down when I don't keep them. This year, I just made a few goals to try to stick to. No pressure whatsoever.

My plan is to just improve my life in little ways.

My first goal was to make time to exercise 4-5 days a week. I did well last year, and decided to keep with it this year, and kick up my routine a bit. So far so good! I look forward to my treadmill time, when Lexie naps, and Dylan watches TV. It is, in a sense, my alone time to watch what I want on TV. I come back refreshed, and ready to deal with the rest of my day.

My second goal is to scream less. I am "blessed" with my mother's fiery, Hungarian temper. When I get really frustrated, I yell. I don't want my kids to remember me as a temperamental mom, so when I feel like I'm going to lose it, I try to walk away. If I do slip, and start yelling, I reign myself in. I've been doing much better over the past 2 weeks, since I decided to do something about it. I have yelled a few times, but not nearly as much as before. I think the regular exercise is helping with this one too!

My third goal is to make more time for reading. I love to read, but I go through spells where I will read a ton of books in a month, and then the next month, read nothing. I am trying to spend at least a half hour a day reading. I have done so almost every night over the past 14 days. I wait until everyone is in bed, stretch out on the couch, and start reading. I have even taken my book (Marley and Me) into the hot bath with me this week. Ahhhh...relaxation!

My 4th goal is to stick with a cleaning/organization schedule. My house is always clean, and clutter free, but not perfect. I started following a checklist that gives a small cleaning or organization task to complete every day. I have stuck with it this month, and I really like how it focuses on things that I tend to overlook, and the task is so simple to do, that I don't put it off.

I've also come to the conclusion that I HAVE to take care of myself. The kids are 100% up to date on doctor's and dentist visits. I am not. I only attend one annual appointment. So this month (it is, in fact, on my checklist this month), I am going to set up an eye exam, dental exam, and annual physical. And continue to do so yearly. If I do it for them without second thought, why not me?

I have a few little goals that I'm going to try to follow, but those are the main ones. So far, I'm doing really well with my plan, and I hope it continues!

Monday, January 12, 2009

A loss

At 11:15 this morning, my sister's dad passed away. He was never much of a father to her, but over the past few years, they made their peace, and became closer. There wasn't anything more the doctor's could do for him, so my sister knew he was going to pass. It was only a matter of when. She sat by his side the past few weeks, and he slipped away today.

Not Me! Monday



Another Monday is here, and you know what that means! Not Me! Monday!

Head on over to MckMama's blog by clicking on the button above, and you can read many more Not Me! Mondays, and maybe even join in the fun!

So here's my weekly therapy session:

I am not secretly hoping that our third baby is a girl...partially because I love how frazzled Grant gets when dealing with Lexie's emotional behavior.

We are completely prepared for playing in the snow. Dylan was not wearing a snowsuit that he got when he was 2. Lexie was not stuffed into her snowsuit from last winter.
Grant was not wearing my gloves, and of course, we both had snowboots. And that sled of ours? Of course, it was a real sled. It was not the slide from the kid's playset!

When my mom informed us that she lost her job of 25 years, I did not have to keep myself from going and giving her supposed "family friend" boss a piece of my mind.

The candy from the candy store? It was definitely all for Dylan. None of it was for Grant and I. And even if it had been for us, we would not have hidden our stash of candy, so Dylan
wouldn't find it.

Dylan is not going to be attending an overpriced pre-K, simply because I forgot to put him on waiting lists for other preschools. No way, I was prepared in advance for this one!

I did not just spend 20 minutes scrubbing a frying pan, only to have the stupid handle break off of it once finished, rendering it completely useless.

I did not spend all day Wednesday, and all day Thursday in my pajamas, because I was too busy taking down Christmas decorations and reclaiming my living room to get dressed.

I do not have a play kitchen, kid size table, shopping cart, and baby doll highchair in my living room, turning it into a mini cafe. Of course I had room for all of the new toys, and didn't need to do some crazy arrangement. Oh, and I can DEFINITELY walk through Lexie's (play)room, without tripping over anything.

I have not slept in every single day this week. My kids do not sleep in, either. I am not already wondering how Dylan is going to adjust to waking up early for school.


On that note...what haven't you done this week?

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Snowed in!!!

Today, we had a mini blizzard, and woke up to about 8 inches of snow. Surprisingly, we don't get a lot of snow where we live, even though some surrounding areas do. When I looked out the window, the roads blended in with all the snow, so I knew we weren't going anywhere.

It was nice to be snowed in. We have not had a free Saturday since early summer, and it was great that we were forced to stay home all day. We turned it into a family bonding day, and ventured outside to play in the snow. Grant built a snowman, Bailey raced through the snow, and then we went sledding on our homemade sled. Which happened to be the kid's slide. We had a lot of fun, and enjoyed all the time we got to spend together.

We were overdue for a day like today!












Poor Lexie was so tired from playing in the snow, that she fell asleep during dinner.
What a great day!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Laid off

My mom had a very sad day today. She was "asked to retire" from her job of 25 years, without any prior warning. It was a huge shock to her.

I was with my dad when we picked her up from work, because we were going to take the kids to the candy store, and have dinner together. When we got to the candy store, my mom was quiet, and not enjoying herself. She typically loves shopping for all their gourmet foods from around the world. When we got back in the car, she was completely silent, which is so unlike her. She finally blurted out, "I lost my job."

I know this is happening to many people in our country right now, but it really hits hard when it's one of your own. My mom loved her job. She started working there when I was a toddler. She is such a dedicated, hard worker, and had many friends at work. To just be told to retire (a nice way of laying her off), effective immediately, was too much for her to process.

The business she worked for was struggling, and they cut back on every employee's hours, and I guess because of her age, seniority, and the fact that she made the most money, made her the first to go. The owner made it seem like he was doing her a favor by forcing her into retirement. He obviously didn't realize how much she holds the business together, and how much she loved working there.

I know she's going to be okay. She is fine, financially, but this was a big blow to her ego and the end of something she loved doing. She is not the type of person who will be able to sit around, and even at 63, she is nowhere near ready to retire. She will grieve for her old job for a while, but I know she's going to find something else and throw herself into it just as she always has.

I just wish there was something I could do to take her pain away. I hate to see my mom hurting.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

16 years ago, today...

...my childhood wish came true, and this guy came into my life.


Every year, I try to go visit Cherokee on our anniversary. Several years, I have been unable to get there, this year being one of them. As usual, the guilt consumes me, and I'm going to feel guilty until I can get to the stable to give him a big hug, and feed him many treats.

I seriously can't believe it's been 16 years! When I got him, I was just entering my teenage years. We grew up together. I essentially went from a young girl who only wanted to be with her horse, to a married woman, to a mom of two. When I go visit him, I expect to see that energetic, impish, young horse, and instead I'm greeted by a much older and slower version of his old self.

On the day Cherokee and I met, I told him that he would be with me forever. He found his way into my heart 16 years ago, and there he stays. Love you, buddy!



***Taking a picture of yourself with your horse, while the horse is trying to munch on your expensive camera, is not an easy task!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Up to my elbows in poop...

I was blessed with a baby boy who had great bowels. I never had to change a diarrhea diaper on him. He had one bout of diarrhea when he was 2, and it was after he was potty trained.

My little Princess, on the other hand, has had blow outs since the days she was born. I knew at that first diaper change, that life was going to be messy with her. Sure enough, that has proven to be true.

Last week, she came down with diarrhea, with no other symptoms. She was as happy as can be. Over a week later, she still has the runs. And she's not even acting sick!

I am SO OVER IT. Really, Lex, time to stop!

She has ruined many pairs of tights and pants and most of her onesies. After throwing away several things that couldn't be saved, despite the gallons of stain remover I used, I dug into the drawer of clothes that I never put on her. She will be wearing these clothes until she decides to stop pooping so much.

I can't take it any more. I will change her, and 5 minutes later, she will run over, smelling like poop. Can't a mom catch a break? Where's that "Dirty Job" guy when you need him?

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today, we celebrated my dad's 69th birthday. He is approaching 70 way too quickly for my liking.

The kids and I headed over to my parents house to have dinner with them, and to celebrate with my dad. Upon seeing their beloved Papa, my kids started jumping up and down, and screaming, "Hi Papa! Hi Papa!" Dylan proudly gave his birthday present to him, and helped him unwrap it. After dinner, we sang to him. Since he's on a diet, I got to bring the cake home (my flabdomen is thanking you, Mom), but he still got to blow out the pillar candle...with Dylan's assistance, of course.

Several times, I overheard my dad say that it was his best birthday ever. When it comes down to it, birthdays are all about being surrounded by people who love you. In my dad's case, we adore him.

Happy Birthday, dad! Here's to many more!

Monday, January 5, 2009

An unexpected visitor

I don't get to see one of my best friend's very often anymore. We both lead busy lives, have conflicting schedules, and it's hard to coordinate a time to get together. I had a long day today, but was very excited to get her text, asking if she could stop by.

It's always wonderful to see her, and just talk about everything. We don't get to do that often enough. I haven't seen her since Dylan's birthday party in November, so we did our Christmas gift exchange. After the kids were busy with their books and floor puzzle that she and her hubby gave to them, we opened up our huge gift bag filled with yummy organic foods and homemade treats. Of course, we had to sample everything. ;)

We decided to watch some of the video footage of her wedding that I have yet to get transferred onto a DVD, even though the wedding was in May. We huddled over my tiny camcorder screen (why didn't I hook it up to our TV?) and relived her beautiful day, as my two monkeys jumped all over us.

It was a short, but oh so sweet visit with her. Hopefully, now that she's living closer to us, we'll be able to see her more.

Love you, Annie!!!

My first Not Me! Monday of 2009



Last year's Not Me! Monday's were so much fun, that I decided to keep doing them this year! Check out MckMama's blog for more Not Me! Monday!

So, I'm going to start off 2009 by telling you the things that haven't happened this week.

I did not attempt to put two 1-year-old's in the same room for a nap. If I did do that, of course it worked!

It wasn't me who bought her very first Christmas present...for next Christmas.

I have been on the treadmill every day since January 1st. Really. I have. If I haven't done it everyday, of course I did it just one day!

I did not stuff my baby into a big Christmas mug, to take pics like I did last year. She was not busting out of the mug because she has gotten so tall. My 4 year old did not decide that he wanted to sit in the mug as well. Nor did his tiny bum fit in the mug.

My husband did not eat an entire box of taquitos...bulk box of taquitos...by himself. In just 3 days!!! Oh, wait, I apologize. *I* had 1. Dylan had 1. The other 23 were NOT eaten by him.

My children did not sleep until at least 11, every morning this week. They are, without a doubt, completely back on schedule after all the holiday excitement!

My Christmas tree and decorations are not still up. I am not refusing to take them down, simply because that means that I no longer have an excuse as to why all the Christmas toys are still all over the house.

Lexie has not been singing, "Ba-ba Bells! Ba-ba Bells!" 24/7. I do not think it's the cutest thing EVER!

Speaking of Lexie, she is not awake in her crib, singing Ba-ba Bells right at this very moment. Why on Earth she woke up and decided to sing Jingle Bells is beyond me.

I have not been wearing the same pair of The-World's-Most-Comfortable-Pajamas to bed every night since Tuesday, even though I bought a second pair. That would just be gross.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

The trouble with portraits

On a whim, I decided to get the kid's pictures taken today. I typically take them myself, since that was the point of buying a great camera. Individual portraits turn out great. Pictures of the kids together...not so much.

So, for my dad's birthday present, I took the kid's to a photo studio to get a picture of the two of them together. I figured the photographer would have better luck. I figured wrong. Just as it always is with me, Dylan and Lexie refuse to look at the camera at the same time. Or smile at the same time. Or sit at the same time. It was like wrangling monkeys. The poor photographer and I were scurrying all over the studio trying to get them to sit in the same spot, at the same time. If Dylan looked at the camera, Lexie looked away. If Lexie smiled at the camera, Dylan didn't. UGH! So, I ended up picking out a cute picture of the two of them hugging, but only with half-smiles on their faces. That will have to do.

Lesson learned. I'm going to stick to taking the pictures myself. Perhaps I need an assistant (or two...or three) when I take them?

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Busy, busy, busy

We have not had a free weekend since early summer. I swear, every single weekend since then has been completely booked. I figured we would get a break as soon as the holidays were over, but it's not shaping up that way. It seems like we just keep getting busier!

Today, we had to go to a friend's birthday party. It started at 2, which meant that we arrived a bit before 2:30. I can't seem to get myself and 2 kids ready and to where we are going on time! I am dreading the thought of what it's going to be like when we add another munchkin to the mix! We ended up having a great time. The kids played with their friends (well, Lexie clung to me for the first half hour, and then warmed up to everyone) and Jack is quite the adorable 2 year old!

Speaking of birthdays, happy birthday to my oldest sis! 44, huh? You'll always be 16 years older than me, baby! ;)

After the party, I convinced Grant to drive me around on my shopping errands to Kohls and Old Navy. I had some leftover Kohls cash to use by today, and we can't waste that! What to do with $5 left in Kohls cash? Buy Lexie her very first nightgown, off of the clearance rack, of course!

As soon as we got home, Lexie threw a full blown temper tantrum. Out of control, screaming, shaking, insanity! Dylan never had temper tantrums, so this is a new experience for me. What to do, other than stick her in her crib, and go on a cleaning frenzy? I drowned out her anger with the floor vac. After about a half hour, The Bean was back to normal. Shortly after, she discovered her new nightgown, handed it to me, and started undressing. What a fashion diva. Of course, no nightgown covered in princesses is complete without a princess hat.

We had some friends over, and had fun. Pickle and Bean got to stay up late to play with their buddy, Tyler. Skip the movie "Doomsday." Terribly awful. We shut it off about halfway through. It was as if they were going for the most bloody, gruesome movie ever...bring on the gore, forget the plot!!!

I decided to make tomorrow busy as well, by scheduling an appointment to get the kid's portraits taken. After a comment from my dad on how I never got professional pictures taken of both kids together, I decided that would be the perfect birthday gift for my difficult to buy for father. I am dreading it. Lexie Bean is notorious for not smiling or sitting for professional pictures. Hence, why I invested in an expensive camera, to do it myself. Yet, I can't seem to get a good portrait of the two of them together!

I am off to bed...I'm going to need all the energy I can muster at 1:00 tomorrow!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Our New Years

I'm going to be honest here. I do not like New Years Eve. I never have, and probably never will. I'm not a drinker, and every New Years, that seems to be the theme. Now that I have kids to spend it with, I find myself tearing up, and hugging them to me as tightly as possible when the ball drops. I just get a flood of emotion at that moment, even though my heart really isn't into the party.

This New Years Eve, we spent the night with my parents, several of my sisters and their husbands, some nieces and nephews, and some friends. We had a good time, and thanks to Lexie's late nap, and Dylan being wound up by his cousins, I got to hold my babies in my arms as the ball dropped. After that, we sent the kids off to bed, and sat around and talked until after 3 in the morning. It was the latest I've stayed up in ages! I felt very blessed to have spent the night with people I love so very much.

New Years Day was a lazy day for us. We finally got dressed and dragged ourselves out of the house for dinner with my inlaws. The food was delicious, and it was a nice and relaxed setting. I dropped my sick hubby off at home, and stopped in to visit my family at their dinner, and wish my niece a happy birthday (Happy Birthday, Michelle!!!). Once home, I attempted to get the kiddos back on schedule, by putting them to bed early, after a very non-routine week!

For some reason, I was inspired to clean out and organize the pantry and the freezer. At 11:30 at night! Hey, whatever works, right?

Here are a few pictures of our New Years Eve:

Dylan putting on his party hat

Lexie snuggling with Mama



The kids spent New Years Day playing in a laundry basket, at their Nannie's house. Definitely made for interesting first photos of 2009!




HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a safe, happy, fun New Year's Eve! We certainly did, and I'm looking forward to another year, that is hopefully just as good, if not better, than the last.

We have some big things happening in 2009! Grant will be turning the big 3-0!!! My Princess will be turning 2, and Dylan will turn 5 (FIVE??? How is that even possible?). Dylan will start Pre-K in September! The most exciting thing is that we will be trying to conceive our third peanut in the fall!

Happy New Year to all of my family and friends!