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TWO BY TWO Jackson Gabrielle Connor Brady Cooper Home Pictures Stories Favorite Recipes Guestbook |
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~ Stories ~ March 15, 2010
It's 7:30am and the house is so very wonderfully quiet. In a mere 30 minutes I won't be able to say that. The house will be full of loud and hungry children! I don't have much planned today besides the gym and a ton of work to do for Brad.
Our weekend was fun. Brad had to go to Albany on Friday. He had interviews planned all day Saturday. Memaw came to spend the night Friday and that helped make things much easier for me. I hate when Brad's not home on the weekend. It's not often so I'm thankful but it just makes the day feel like a Monday. Anyway, Memaw spent time with the kids and I. We rented movies and I brought dinner from Panda Express and McDonald's. We couldn't all agree so I just got both. Saturday I told Memaw I had to get the kids out of the house. They had not been anywhere all week. We made the stupid decision of going to Chucke Cheese. Oh my goodness, it was so so so so so crowded I can't even put it into words. Brady was wandering around and gave me a heart attack more than once. The games had lines like at Six Flags! It was awful. I was sweating and felt like a nervous breakdown was headed my way any moment. We did not stay long and the kids were disappointed but it was for their own good. I promised them we would go back another day when we could actually have fun. Brad came home late Saturday night. We spent the day yesterday at church and hanging out at home. The kids were so wild I was afraid if I turned around they would be swinging from the chandelier... honestly! Brad decided to build a fire outside on the deck. The kids roasted marshmallows. I was inside washing dishes and could clearly hear their loud mouths from outside. Brad looked through the window and mouthed, "This is NOT relaxing." I laughed my head off. It was so funny. Brad stood there with a scorched marshmallow looking like a deer caught in headlights, Jackson had spilled his chocolate milk, Brady and Cooper were running circles around the coffee table while Gabrielle and Connor were having a screaming fight. Once we got the babies to bed things did settle down a bit.
I am going to try and get two cups of coffee down before the natives wake up. Have a wonderful day.
March 11, 2010
It's been a very busy week. I've been sending out letters for Brad introducing himself to the dentist in the Albany area. I told him I totally want to be paid for all this work! I'll take my pay in time off... I'm thinking a week at the beach would be great compensation. :) Brad is going to Albany tomorrow and coming back on Saturday. He has to interview for staff.
Memaw has been at our house most of the week. She's so much help with the kids. Brady does nothing but sit in her lap the entire time she's here. He loves her to death and is as content as could be riding on her wheelchair. He's still sucking his thumb nonstop. It used to only be at night but now he has it in there every time I turn around. However, he won't suck unless he has his blankie. I could take the blankie away and probably stop the thumb sucking but that just seems too cruel. What do I do? Help! His teeth are already showing tale tale signs of his guilty pleasure. Speaking of the little devil, I am watching his put all his stuffed animals into my washer right now. He's a sneaky little thing.
Today is going to be errands with the kids. I can't wait... can you hear the sarcasm? I have to get Cooper, Brady and Connor hair cuts. Connor wants his hair to grow so badly. He just doesn't have the right type hair for any substantial length. Jackson wants his to grow long again like last summer. It's really grown a lot over the past couple months. His hair grows so fast. It makes him look so grown up. But I guess he's not a baby anymore. Boo Who!
Yesterday was my day off. I couldn't decide what to do. It was pouring rain and a gloomy day. I just wanted to sit and relax. I decided to go see "Dear John." If you've read the book believe it or not the movie is better. That's usually not the case so it was a pleasant surprise. When the movie was over I went to Starbucks for a cup of coffee. I contemplated what I should do next and decided to see ANOTHER movie. I saw "Valentine's Day." It was a really good movie. That was my first double feature and probably not my last.
March 5, 2010
I had to run some errands with the kids yesterday. That in itself is an adventure and you never know what will happen. I had to go to Brad's office in Marietta to deliver some papers. Traffic was insane. The kids are so funny because when they see all the cars stopped or slowed down one of them always says, "Oh I HATE traffic!" I will be so glad to move away from it. After I hauled everyone out of the car and into the building we were only there for 2 minutes and I had to reload and head on out. It's so sad to me that I can't just leave them in the car without worrying that someone will take them or I'd be arrested. I wish our world was safer. Anyway, after our errands I took them to dinner at Chick Fil A. Brad had a meeting and I didn't feel like cooking. I had the kids sit at the table while I ordered 24 nuggets, a large fry, 5 chocolate milks, a grilled chicken salad, medium drink and a yogurt parfait. I look over my shoulder and Cooper is sitting at someone else's table drinking their coke! I was so embarrassed. The guy said it was okay and I did offer to buy them another one. He said they were through anyway and it wasn't a big deal. They actually were laughing about it. Cooper had a look like, "What's the big deal? We share drinks all the time." If someone leaves a drink sitting around at our house it's totally fair game. Everyone ate their dinner and then I told them they could play. There were 3 other kids in there around Jackson's age. They were pretty hyper and Jackson can be, too. The other kids Mom just kind of sat there looking like all this screaming and running was normal for such a small place. I had to extract my kids and make them sit down until those boys finally left. It was just too much. Not to mention I only ate half my salad because Connor insisted he wanted it all. Then I started on my yogurt only for Brad to decide it was the best thing he'd ever eaten. Basically I had no dinner. We left and came home to play outside for a little bit. Brad ended up coming home early after all and I had to fix him supper. He helped Gabrielle roller skate and watched the kids pick up more sticks. :)
This morning the kids and I went to the gym around 10am. I started with a Interval Step class. My legs are already jello from yesterday so I felt real off balance and shaky. Evidently I was off balance because half way through the class my legs got tangled up and in slow motion I fell flat on my butt. It was pretty funny. I just jumped back up and kept going. There were only 8 people in the class and we all just laughed. After the class was over the instructor said, "Next up is Pilates... so stick around." I thought about it for a minute and tried to talk myself out of it but couldn't come up with a good reason not to take it. So against my better judgment I stayed. It was my first Pilates class and it was tough. After 5 kids and a hysterectomy I have ZERO core strength. She was good at giving lots of modifications which made it easier for me and not as embarrassing. Some of the moves I was like, "Are you serious? Really? People can do that?" I must be the weakest in the class because most everyone else could do the moves. To my surprise I was pretty flexible. I am glad I stayed but man oh man am I going to be sore. So I have the working out part going now I just have to stay firm on eating fewer calories. It's harder for me than I can even begin to explain. I love love love food. I love to cook, eat, prepare and plan food. I'm a snacker and a emotional eater. I want to eat all the time. Food is a battle for me. I am trying really hard. That's all I can do.
Pictures coming in just a few minutes so check them out. Have a great weekend.
March 4, 2010
We had more snow this week. It's so unusual for Georgia. The kids are loving it. I on the other hand am so ready for Spring. I miss taking the kids outside. It's their most favorite thing to do and is so good for all of us. I don't let the cool weather hold us back too much. If the sun is out we bundle up and try to go out once a day at least. We get stir crazy in the house for too long. I had a planned trip to Albany yesterday. When the snow came in Tuesday I decided to head on out and spend the night in case it iced over. Brad's patients canceled and he had a OR day with no patients on Wednesday so he was able to go with me. GG watched the kids and we headed south. I know it's a lot of work watching these kids. Thanks so much GG for all your help. We couldn't have done it without you.
We had to meet with our contractor first. The building is coming along so quickly. They are sheet rocking this week. It's going to be a beautiful building. We are thrilled! We also had to meet with an interior decorator to work on a layout for furniture. That was fun. I changed a couple of paint colors as well. You know how women are with changing our minds. The more I mulled over a couple of my color choices I had to switch it around. Next on our agenda was going to the uniform store to pick out new scrubs. Brad still wears scrubs from residency that are so thin and worn out I can see through them. We took care of a new lab coat as well. The last thing we did was go to the printer and finalize our logo, business cards, etc. The whole day was packed but very exciting. With every trip south we start to see Albany as home. I wanted Brad to tour Deerfield-Windsor to see where the kids would go to school and I wanted to take a peek at Brady and Cooper's preschool but time was running out. We got home around 8:30pm. Memaw had come over in the afternoon to help GG with the gang. We watched American Idol and called it a night. I'm so wound up it's not even crazy. I feel like I have a lot of energy. I know I'll crash soon. Today we will head to the gym and then run some errands. I've been doing well with my workouts lately. Now that I've started back it's easier to find my groove. I am working hard on my calorie intake as well. I started a food journal and each day I write out what I'll eat throughout the day and how many calories it will be. That way when I'm hungry I know exactly what food to aim for and don't have to worry about too many empty calories. March has crept up on me so quickly and I really really want to shed some major pounds by June/July. Please pray for me that I will stay disciplined. That's really what it's all about. I know what to do I just have to commit myself to doing it.
Gabrielle loves to carry around her bible. She wants to know where it is at all times. Last night she had it in bed with her. GG was tucking her in and said, "Let me give your bible to Mommy and she'll keep it safe until the morning." Gabrielle replied, "Okay but she'll just forget where she put it." I laughed my head off. She knows me very very well. She will sit down with the babies and say, "Let's read the word." So precious! As a side note, the minute she woke up this morning she wanted her bible and I DID remember where I put it.
Last Saturday we took the kids to Brad's parents for the day. The big kids rode Jackson's 4-wheeler the whole live long day. Gabrielle and Connor ride like a pro. They love it. Their feet barely touch the platform. There is no fear which scares me a bit. We monitor and watch them the whole time. They all look so grown up on it. The babies rode with Grandpa on his 4-wheeler. They both fit on the back seat and have a blast. Grandpa was working on cleaning out the barn and farm work in general. He was pulling his trailer behind the 4-wheeler and that was just the coolest thing ever to the kids. When we got home they started pulling their wagon behind them on their battery operated 4-wheelers. They drive around the yard picking up sticks and then taking them to the woods to dump them. Brad thinks it's the best game ever!
Brady is so funny. He's talking more each day. He loves to repeat what we say but he's not trying to copy us. For example, if we say, "Come here Bra-Bra and let me hold you." He says in a very long drawn out sweet voice, "Hold you." Or if we say, "Brady don't hit... Do you hear me?" He says, "Hear me." It's so precious. Cooper is still running his mouth all day. He calls the kids "BABY HEAD!" when he's angry. It's not funny but it's hilarious at the same time. I have to turn my head and giggle. The big kids think it's funny too and encourage him to say it. Then it becomes a joke. Cooper is going to call a stranger that one day and I'll be humiliated. :)
Jackson is itching for school to let out for the year. Each day he's asking how much longer till he gets to sleep in. I feel sorry for him. I remember getting restless come Spring knowing May was around the corner. He's doing well with his reading but still has a long way to go. We are working on sight words at home. I know why I can't home school. It takes him forever to get his work done. He procrastinates and finds something else to do when the time comes to sit down and work. I hate to make him do homework when he leaves for school before 7am and doesn't get home until almost 3pm. It's a long long day for a 6 year old. But at the same time I want him to be prepared and catch up for the 1st grade.
Connor is still the sweet little follower he's always been. When we go out to eat and it's time to order our drinks I'll ask him what he wants. He'll say, "What you having to drink?" We'll tell him and he orders the same thing. Sometimes we say, "You decide what you want and not worry about what we are having." He just wants to be like us and also be easy going. We are trying to encourage him to make his own decisions. He loves attention and still wants to be outside all day. He walks out on the porch and tests the weather a million times a day. He'll say, "Mom! It's warm outside." Even if it's 40 degrees. He thrives on sunshine and fresh air... just like his Momma.
I guess that covers everyone. Have a great day everybody!
February 25, 2010
This is my 3rd time this week attempting to update my website. Each time I get interrupted, walk away from the computer and when I come back someone has deleted my page or navigated away from it without telling me.
Last week was very exciting in the Harris house. Jackson's birthday managed to be celebrated the entire week. We had a special dinner on Friday with Lasagna and Red Velvet Cake (his pick). We all sat around the table telling what we loved most about Jackson. His little eyes beamed with pride! I told him my favorite thing about him was how much fun he is to be around. I love that he is always full of excitement and smiles. He said, "Ahhhh, Mom... That's so sweet!" I love that kid. He also wanted a "special" with just he and I on Friday morning. Papa was here so I took Jackson to Starbucks. He was dead set on having a Birthday Latte. We stopped at Chick Fil A for breakfast first and he ate Chicken Mini's and half a sausage biscuit. When we got to Starbucks he had a donut and a tall Vanilla Latte. I guess when you turn six you start eating more. :) His birthday party was on Saturday. All the family celebrated along with Aunt Susan and her family as well as our neighbors and of course Owen! Jackson went wild about each and every gift. He got 3 Transformers... which is like a form of torture for the parent. I can not work those things to save my life. He also got a chest protector, riding gloves, two movies and a suitcase. He was so thankful and enjoyed giving out goody bags as much as he enjoyed receiving gifts. His heart is so tender. After he opened his gifts we blindfolded and brought him outside. We unveiled the four wheeler and it's the first time I've ever seen the child speechless in his life. He was confused because we told him he wasn't going to get one and thrilled at the same time. It wasn't the reaction we expected but none the less he was excited. He did extremely well driving and handling it. I was a nervous wreck but just tried not to think about it. We could not have custom ordered a more beautiful day. It was over 60degrees and perfect. I'll post pictures in the next day or two.
Tomorrow Jackson is signing up for the school Talent show. He wants to break dance. For those of you who didn't know he could break dance... he can't! He just wants to bust a move and we are going to let him do it. I told him he may not make it but he said, "I know I know... I'll just keep trying." Couldn't have said it better myself... he's a very wise little man.
Cooper has learned to say most anything he wants and now he won't shut up! He runs his mouth from the time he wakes. Brady is starting to put together more words. I heard him say a 5 word sentence the other day. He will catch on soon. Connor did the same thing. One day he just started talking and that was that. Our next phase is potty training!
Things with the practice are moving along well. It's something new every single day. We are up for the challenge and feel so blessed to have this opportunity. There is no doubt in our minds we are doing the right thing. The older kids got accepted to Deerfield-Windsor. It's a college prep school that has outstanding academics and sports. We are thrilled with the education they are going to get. Brady and Cooper are going to a great preschool a couple days a week, too. This will their first time going to "school." I won't know what to do with myself 3 mornings a week with no children!!! I have no doubt Brad will fill my schedule with plenty.
February 15, 2010
In honor of Jackson's 6th birthday on Friday I thought I would post a few pictures of him throughout the last few years. Isn't he cute???? I am going to try and scan some from the early years, too. Turning 6 has to be by far the biggest even in this little boys life. He keeps saying, "Mom. Can you believe I will be 6 years old? I mean I am just getting bigger and bigger all the time and one day I'll be like 13."
I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine? Brad and I didn't get out alone this weekend but we did take the kids out for a nice family dinner. We had a great time and that's all that matters. I also got a new camcorder from my Valentine. I threw it out there not really thinking he was listening... surprise. Sometimes men really do listen! He left Sunday for Dallas, TX. He takes his boards tomorrow (Tuesday from Noon-5pm). He has prepared and is just ready for it all to be over and done with . I am ready to have my husband back, too. It's been like residency all over again with the books in his face all the time. Please pray for him that he will recall all the information under such pressure. I would just pass and and die if I had to speak in front of all those people for 5 hours. ICK... deliver me! When I was packing Brad's bag yesterday Jackson jumped on the bed and said, "Mommy. I am going to miss Daddy." I said I would too but he would be home in a few days. Jackson said, "Promise you won't cry, okay Mom. Because if you cry I will cry and my eyes are already watering." Oh my precious... his heart is so tender. It blesses me to think of how much compassion he has for others. I can't wait to see where God takes him in his future. He loves people and truly cares about them.
Yesterday the kids and I went to Memaw's for the day. I wish I had taken a before and after of her bed and bathroom. Oh my goodness it looks beautiful. The paint we picked for the walls is amazing. The room looks so rich and welcoming. We found all kinds of great accessories and kept it under a tight budget. I'll take pictures when we are there this weekend and post them. The kids played all day without naps so by the time we got home yesterday afternoon we were beat. This morning we straightened up the house and then went to the vacuum repair place. The kids were sweeping the floors and sucked up Brad's sweatshirt. It started to smoke and now the roller won't spin. So much for "easy" chores for the kids, huh? Next we went to lunch at Zaxby's. Then we went to Kirkland's to make an exchange and then to Target for diapers/groceries, etc. We got home by 1pm for naps then went straight to the doctor's office. Gabrielle needed to follow up from her last visit and she has been complaining about her ears hurting. Doctor said her ears are still infected (better but not well) and even though her cough is not gone her lungs sounded great this time. So we are on another 10 day round of antibiotics. This will make 30 days total... I don't even know what to say about that. Poor Kid. Anyway, after an hour in a 7ft X 10ft room with 5 kids I was about to pull my hair out and theirs! We left and grabbed some dinner because by this time it's 5pm and we are all starving. We also had to wait on the prescription to be filled. When we got home at 6pm I HAD to give them all baths (except Gabrielle who had hers before the doctor). I would rather have pulled all my nose hairs one by one than do baths but it wasn't an option. I let the kids play for a while before putting the babies to bed at 7:30pm and the olders at 8:30pm. I am on my way as soon as I finish this update. I am exhausted to say the least. GG is coming tomorrow and that will be lots of help. I think we'll take the kids to jump n play or something like that tomorrow. They are off school all week for Winter Break so we need some form of entertainment goin' on.
February 8, 2010
Happy Birthday, Memaw!!!! I count my blessings daily that we have such a great relationship. You have never treated me any different than a daughter. My kids think you are the best thing ever. You are an incredible woman in so many ways and give me so much to strive for. I love you with all my heart.
Last week was really busy. On Monday my cousin Stacy, her daughter Alexis and Aunt Cathy were at GG's house for a visit. I took the kids out of school Tuesday and we went to GG's for the day. We had big plans to go to the park, have lunch and maybe hit Stone Mountain. However, the weather did not cooperate so we were stuck indoors. That's 4 adults and 6 kids in my Mom's 3 BR 2 BA ranch. Needless to say we needed to get out. We decided to go bowling. At first I thought, "Oh yeah right, that's a great idea. Give my kids 6 pound balls to knock around each other." But honestly I have to say it was so much fun. The alley had electronic bumpers that would raise for the kids and lower for the adults. They also had a slide so the kids could roll the ball down the lane easily. I am such a great bowler. Not to brag but really, I rock! I bowled a 32... isn't that pathetic? Even the kids were saying, "Mom, you are the worst bowler, ever." It was hilarious that Brady and Cooper managed to beat me. My kids adore Alexis. She's a little petite thing and they really mother her. Jackson was carrying her around like a little baby. Gabrielle would put her arm around Alexis if she was sad. It was really sweet. I got a chance to catch up with Stacy, too. She's expecting a new baby and I'm thinking it's a boy. On Wednesday when Jackson went back to school he told his teacher he skipped school. She just said, "Okay... I didn't hear that." HaHa He told her that his cousin was in town from NC and he HAD to see her. He told Ms Speir how sweet Alexis is and he said, "She's so little and talks so sweet." Gabrielle and Connor stayed behind to spend a couple more days with GG.
On Wednesday 3 of my girlfriends from MomCare came over with their kids for coffee and chat time. We had a lot of fun. Megan has 2 kids and expecting another, Nicole has 2 and Carrie has twin boys. I wish Gabrielle and Connor had been here to play with them, too. It was great to have a small piece of what I used to have with Mom's Group in Indiana. I really miss that fellowship with other believers in Christ and Mom's who are dealing with the same issues I do. I am going to try and do it again next week if not this week. Wednesday afternoon Papa came to visit. When Marci got here Papa and I went to lunch and then did some shopping in Marietta/Roswell. We hit several thrift and antique stores. I found a couple really good buys. Thrifting is my new favorite hobby. It's so great to seek out that perfect treasure and get a deal on it, too. Thursday morning I went to Jackson's school to help his teacher with some projects. Jackson loves when I come to his school. I stayed and had lunch, too. He held my hand and hugged me for the entire half hour. Something he would not generally do at home. I eat up every minute of it. I know these are the moments that last a lifetime. After that I went and met GG to get my kidos back then rushed to the grocery store. Thursday night we had a birthday party for Papa and Memaw. Uncle Ernie and Grandpa came over and I made a Fiesta Salad. Uncle Ernie made his special chocolate mound cake. It was all very good and we had a great time. Friday morning I went to the gym, came home and showered, packed the older kids bags and my own and loaded the car. We picked up Jackson from school at 1pm and headed for Albany. I was so glad Memaw came along with us for the ride. Brad and Papa stayed behind to watch the babies. On Saturday morning we had testing for all 3 kids at Deerfield-Windsor private school. I want my kids in that school so bad I can taste it. It's an incredible opportunity for them to mature and learn. It's an awesome school and they will really be pushed. The drive to Albany from our house is 4 hours. With Friday traffic and rainy weather it took us 6 hours to get there. I thought we were all going to go crazy. When we got to town we went straight to LongHorn for dinner. Our server was very eloquently spoken. He would say, "Welcome to LongHorn. I am going to be your servant this evening. What may I get for you to drink My Lady? And for you My Love?" Memaw and I thought it was funny but Jackson on the other hand was NOT amused. When "Re-shard" left the table Jackson looked at me as serious as a heart attack and said, "Mommy. That man called you MY LOVE. NOBODY is allowed to call you that except Daddy. When he comes back over here you need to tell him NOT to say that again. Daddy would NOT like it." I tried to tell him that we could just ignore it but Jackson was dead set on setting this man straight. And could I fault him for looking out for his Momma? I told Jackson if he said it again I would address it to "Re-shard" (which I'm sure at one time was plain old Richard). Thank goodness Re-shard didn't say it again or else the wrath of Jackson would have fallen up on him. When we left dinner we went straight to the hotel. There was a mix up and instead of a handicap room with two double beds they only had a handicap room with one king bed. Obviously, with 5 of us that was not going to work. We finally got it settled after 30mins. Nancy and Gabrielle were in the king handicap room and the boys and I were down the hall in a two double bed room. We got Sissy and Memaw settled first. On our way out the door, Jackson hugged both of them and said, "Are y'all sure you will be safe in here?" Oh be still my heart. My little man!!!! We got to sleep around 10pm. The next morning I took the kids for testing. Gabrielle and Connor's only lasted 30 mins. Jackson's lasted 2 hours!!! Who knows what he said but the teacher said she wore him out. YIKES. I know they were all exhausted and I just hope they did well. After testing I met Stephen, our builder, to see the office. I couldn't believe how much they had done. I was able to walk up the 2nd floor! I've been over the plans 1,000 times but until I saw it with my own eyes it didn't really seem real. I felt my eyes swell up with tears. I'm so proud of my husband. He's taking a risk and walking away from his comfort zone. However, he's following God's plan and there is so much peace in that. The building is going to be beautiful. There are so many decisions to be made. We learn something new each day. Our drive home went much smoother. We made it in 4 hours which is still a long drive. The entire way there and back I thought about the fact that we are LEAVING our family that we desperately wanted to be close to. It doesn't seem right but I know our decision is the best for our family. Life is full of hard choices. Brad took Jackson aside last night and told him how proud he was of him for looking out for us over the weekend. Jackson said, "I know Dad. That's what I'm supposed to do. Take care of everyone until we get back to you." It makes me cry just thinking about my baby already understanding the role of a Father.
We didn't go to church Sunday. Cooper had been running a fever all weekend, Brady had a nasty green nose and Brad is feeling terrible again. He just got over a cold and now has another one. I cooked a big lunch and we stuck around the house most of the day. Brad has a patient in the hospital so he went to check on them late afternoon. I took the kids to Target for some groceries. Today I got the kids off to school and hit the gym. I'm really going to try to go at least 4 days this week.
Pictures coming soon... I PROMISE!
February 1, 2010
I don't know about you but I am glad to see January make an exit. I'm really in need of some Spring weather. I have noticed with all the rain and clouds my mood has been depressing and blue. When the sun was shining the last two days I've felt much much better. I had to apologize to my family last night for my bad attitude. Admitting to your children that even Mommy's have a bad attitude some days is humbling but also healthy. Brad and I had a date night on Friday and I know it was no fun at all for him. I don't know why I've been so gloomy. I decided last night it was in my control to change my mood and I had to do it or bust. After I got Jackson to school this morning I spent 40mins in my bible drinking a hot cup of coffee in complete silence. I got the other kids off to school and headed straight to the gym. It's the first time I've been to the Y in months. I have avoided it like the plague. I told myself I wasn't even going to consider it an option to go or not go. I was just going to do it. Just like I thought, as soon as I got on the treadmill I felt so much better and glad I forced myself to go. I was almost embarrassed when I dropped the babies off at the childcare. I guess I thought they would be like, "Where have you been?" and I'd just have to admit I was plain ole' lazy! Thank goodness no one said anything to me. I saw my neighbor while I was there. She and I walked the track after we got off the treadmill. It was nice to have someone to chat with while I walked. It made the time go faster.
When Gabrielle woke up this morning she was sitting on the couch watching tv when Brad sat beside her. He was about to leave for work and spent a few minutes talking to Sissy. He said, "Give me a kiss and hug, sis" and she said... "Daaaaad, time to go to work!" It was so funny. She is feeling so much better. The medication has really helped. Brad is finally feeling well, too. We started Connor on an antibiotic as well. He's been complaining of his ear hurting and he's still coughing a good bit. Other than that our home is finally healthy.
January 26, 2010
Happy 68th Birthday, Papa!!! You have been an incredible influence in my life. I am reminded daily at what a blessing it is to have such a close relationship with my Daddy. There are very few men who would give as much as you do to my kids and do it so well. I love you!
It's been a wild week. Gabrielle started to get sick on Friday. Her cough came back a week before. On Friday night she had a fever and her cough was at it's max. She carried a fever all weekend. I took her back to the doctor on Monday. We've been fighting this upper respiratory stuff since October. Her doctor said she was wheezing again and her ears were badly infected. She put her on a 20 day run of antibiotics, Albuterol, Flovent, Orapred, Nasonex and Saline wash. Publix pharmacy loves me! I feel so sorry for her. Her fever was so bad over the weekend she sat in my lap and would shiver and shake as if she was having a seizure. It's terrible to sit and watch your kids suffer. Brad, Brady, Connor and Jackson also have colds. Brad has carried his cold and cough for a couple months and is finally on an antibiotic. I hope the house gets better soon.
Cooper spent the last few days at GG's house. He had such a good time with all the one on one attention. Brady had fun being the only baby, too. It's so different in the house with even just one child missing. The dynamic totally changes. We picked Cooper back up today. He wanted to stay with GG but once we got home you could tell he was glad to be back with his siblings. They played and chased each other for over an hour. Gabrielle and Connor were so sweet to him, too. They kept asking him if he had fun and did he miss them. Brady was saying, "Pooper... let's play." Cooper is talking so much. He makes full sentences and understands most everything. He loves to tattle and keep track of everyones mistakes! He comes to me and says, "Mooom, Bray-Bray bite me... He not say sorry!" Even though I know good and well Brady didn't bite. Cooper just likes the attention. Brady is talking more, too. He's not quite as easy to understand but he's doing better each day.
We are still moving forward with our move. Our builder broke ground this week. It's all very exciting and stressful. I have to keep Brad grounded minute by minute so he doesn't have too many panic attacks. All jokes aside, he's doing well and I'm very proud of all the work he's put into our future. We hope that real estate will start to turn around in the Spring. We need to show the house so we can sell it.
The new thing in our house is Cowboy boots. Brady is wearing Jackson's first boots. He's obsessed with them and wears them all day long. It brings back such sweet memories of Jackson sporting his boots and hat. Jackson would sleep in his boots if we would let him. Of course when Brady started wearing his boots then Connor had to have a pair, too. When Connor started wearing his boots Jackson had to have a pair. They all look so cute clanking around in their boots. Connor puts his on first thing in the morning and doesn't take them off until time for bed. It's the All-American boy to have a sweet pair of cowboy boots.
January 20, 2010
Mom and I had such a great day with the babies. We did our shopping and found some great fabric. I had the boys in the double stroller which is a challenge moving around the stores. I ran into a desk with the wheel and gave them both whiplash. Cooper looked up at me and said, "HELLO Mommy!" We laughed our heads off. His vocabulary is growing stronger by the week. After shopping we had lunch at Cheeseburger Bobby's. I can't remember the last time it's been a true pleasure being out with the two of them. They are at the age we can actually start to get out and they can enjoy the outing as well. Cooper talks nonstop about anything and everything he can think of. Brady just laughs and giggles. Speaking of Cooper, he managed to stay in the bed with Brad and I the other night until the next morning. He was so sweet. He would throw his arm out and grab us on the face to make sure he was actually going to spend the entire night with Dad and Mom. He hasn't asked again since but I secretly hope he does soon. When the kids got home from school we played outside in our 67degree weather until 5:30pm. The kids were worn slap out. They ran, rode bikes and played with toys until they were exhausted. Gabrielle told me that she played outside until her feet wouldn't move anymore. LOL Once they came inside, ate dinner and got on their pj's they were down for the count. It makes me look forward to Spring! GG left around 7pm and Papa arrived at 8pm. Brad was working late.
Today is Wednesday and that means Mommy's Day Off. Papa and I got the kids off to school and then took the babies to the park and a brisk early morning walk. It was so great to be out and breath fresh air. I think I have seasonal depression. I feel so much better when the sun comes out and I'm not stuck inside. After our walk we came home and Papa took over baby duties. I showered and headed to Jackson's school to volunteer for an hour. I picked up Gabrielle and Connor from school and then Marci arrived. Papa and I took off with smiles on our faces! We went straight to Memaw's and picked her up. We headed to Crate and Barrel for some shopping. Papa and I love browsing all the kitchen gadgets. It makes me happy when I walk in that store. I got a rectangular serving platter, a chips and dip dish and stainless steel measuring cups. Our next stop was Fudrucker's for an early dinner. After dinner we went thrift shopping. We hit 3 different stores and really found some good finds. I left with a pair of pants, robe, and 4 shirts for Jackson Gabrielle got a night gown, boots, robe and tap shoes. I've always wanted tap shoes! If she doesn't wear them I'll take the taps off and screw them on my shoes LOL!!! Connor got a robe and a toy gun. Connor has more clothes than he could ever wear. I can in no way shape or form justify buying clothes for him or the babies. Papa, Memaw and I had so much fun sliding racks and looking for a good deal. We ended our trip with a drive thru Krispy Kreme for a dozen "Hot Now" glazed donuts and hot coffee. We didn't get home until 9pm. Wednesday's are the best days, EVER!!!
January 18, 2010
Last weeks poll was do you like to shop at Walmart or Target? 67% prefer Target. This weeks poll is "Would you rather be respected or loved?" I'm reading a very interesting book right now and that was one of the questions posed. I'll explain more after the end of the week results come in.
Memaw wanted to get the older kids on Friday. We met her at 3:30pm and they went straight to the movies. They saw "Princess and The Frog." The kids loved it. After the movie they went to Goodwill to pick out a toy. They followed up with dinner and play at McDonald's and a trip to Walmart for some must have snacks. Saturday they spent the day at Monkey Joe's jumping and playing. When they got home they were absolutely exhausted. Brad and I loved the one on one time with the babies. We actually went out to dinner Friday night and Marci watched the babies. She said it was a breeze with only two. We felt the same way. Saturday we spent the entire day hanging around the house and playing with the boys. Brad took Brady and Cooper to Chick Fil A for lunch and play. He came home around nap time and said Brady wouldn't eat or play. I felt his head and he was warm. He looked pitiful. We took him to bed and he woke up vomiting. He got hotter by the minute and sat in Brad's lap for almost 6 hrs straight. I picked up the kids from Memaw's later that afternoon. On the way home I told the kids to make sure not to touch Brady's face since he was sick. Jackson came in and went straight over to Brady and said, "Ahhh, he looks so sad." Jackson went to my room and got under the cover to settle down with a movie. I looked over at him and his lip was trembling. He said, "Mom, I don't want Brady to be sick. I want to play with him. I'm just so worried about him." With tears streaming down both our faces I told him not to worry about Brady he would be just fine. I told him that it's wonderful that he gets upset about his brothers and sister. That shows how much he loves him and care about him. It makes Jesus so happy to know that you care about others. So far nobody else has been sick but there is still time.
Sunday morning I pulled my back and could not for the life of me move. Brad gave me a muscle relaxer and sent me to bed. I was hurting so badly. He watched the other kids and took care of Brady, too. I finally came out of a Flexerol coma and worked around the house trying to get my back to loosen up a bit. By the afternoon I was able to move around without crying. Memaw's Sister (Pat) and her husband (Roger) and his twin sister (Joan) along with Roger and Pat's daughter (Mandy) came to visit on their way through town. They all came over for dinner Sunday night. I cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, white bean soup, cole slaw, corn bread and grape salad (coming to my recipe section soon). We had banana pudding for dessert. Dinner was so good and my MawMaw would have been so proud. After dinner everyone headed home and I went straight to bed with another muscle relaxer.
There was no school today for MLK. Owen came over at 9:30am and the kids played their heart out for the next 8 hours. They played inside for the first part of the day and outside the last part of the day. They rode bikes, pushed cars, rode scooters and skated until they couldn't move. They had so much fun enjoying the warmer weather. GG was here and watched the kids while I did loads and loads and loads and loads of laundry. I was so far behind I couldn't open the laundry room door without screaming. I finally finished it all with only one load left to put away. Uhhhh, it feels good to be caught up. Cooper has been real congested and started to complain about his ear again. He pulled on it all day saying, "Ear Momma, Ear." After only sleeping 45 mins for his nap he woke up screaming and crying. He kept saying "Ear, Neck Momma." The poor dear. I called his ENT and they said to bring him back in. Remember... we were just there a week ago for the same thing. His ENT couldn't believe that his ear was still so badly infected and now the left ear is doing the same thing. He was concerned at why this keeps happening to Cooper. He gave him an oral antibiotic and took a culture of his inner ear. We should hear something by Friday on the culture. Until then all we can do is keep up the drops and use the oral antibiotic. I know the tubes worked and I'm glad we did them I just hope we can get this part settled, too. I came home from the doctor and put supper together while GG did baths. When it came time to go to bed Cooper said, "I sleep Momma" in his most pitiful voice. I gave in and let him get in my bed. I thought for sure he would not lay there more than a couple minutes and then start dancing around and playing. He and I laid in the bed and he was asleep within a couple minutes. Besides when he was a newborn this is the first time he's ever slept with us. They are so used to their beds they don't like to sleep anywhere else. We'll see if he makes it through the entire night. Brad and I might have just shot ourselves in the foot and never get Cooper out of our bed from here on out!
Tomorrow GG and I will take the babies out to do some shopping. I want some simple inexpensive curtains for the boys bedrooms upstairs. She can do some panels for me that will look great. I'm excited about spending the day with her and the boys.
January 14, 2010
"It's Complicated" was a super funny movie. We really enjoyed watching it. Going to the movies with Memaw was a treat, too. We had fun together catching up without the kidos. Before the movie I went to Gabrielle and Connor's school for Muffins for Mom's. The kids were so proud to have me there. It was a lot of fun hanging out with them. They drew a picture of me and I of them and then we wrote about our favorite things to do together. Connor said he likes to draw with Mommy and Sissy said her favorite thing to do with Mommy was go to Chick fil A. Speaking of Chick Fil A, Brad and I found out that there is NO official Chick fil A in Albany, GA. I almost pulled the plug right then and there, honestly! I say official because because they have one store and it's a drive thru only. There is no play yard and no store to go inside. I can't tell you how honestly sick I was to find that out. It's not that I love chicken that much (which I do love their food) but Chick fil A is the one place I've always been able to find genuine nice people, friendly staff, courteous environment. It's been like a home when I'm in a new place. I always meet Mom's who are there for the same reason as I am... to get out of the house and let the kids play. Our builder said, "Oh but we do have a nice Burger King with a big play land." Brad and I looked at each other like... are you serious? In no way can you ever compare Chick fil A To Burger King... EVER!!! I will survive but I will NOT like it. Please Traci, my Chick Fil A friend, send us a real store!!!!! Anyway back to my day Wednesday... after Muffins I went to Bible Study and then the movie. It was a great day to myself. I came home rested and ready to fix dinner. Oven baked pork chops, rice, asparagus (Lisa, I thought of you) and Texas sized corn muffins. Yummy dinner. Thanks Papa for coming to my rescue.
When Cooper got up this morning we went straight to the potty. He dropped something in there and we all did a big dance. He got candy and is wearing his first pull-up. Here's hoping for a good start to ending the diaper saga. Last night Brad and I were watching American Idol and we heard some sort of banging. The kids had been in bed for over an hour so we were startled. Brad did the manly look around the house. When he checked upstairs Brady was sitting by the bookshelf reading a book. He looked at Brad with a big smile and said, 'Neigh-Neigh!" He was checking out the animal farm book... when you can't sleep you read, right? Wonder how long he had been there entertaining himself. He loves books. We've been working with Jackson on reading so he's right in our face when a book comes out. Gabrielle and Connor are using flash cards to recognize letters and numbers. I'm so proud of their progress.
Jessica and her two daughters are coming in an hour for a coffee and mom break. I look forward to our dates. We encourage each other as Mom's and wives as well as do some venting! Everyone needs to vent sometimes, huh? I'm off to the shower.
January 11, 2010
Okay, I added a little fun poll to my front page. This weeks poll is "Are you a Walmart or Target person?" It's really silly but something fun to participate in. I put my vote in... I'm a Target girl! We have the worst Walmart in the world here in Canton. It's dirty and old and I can't stand it. The Target is also right across the street with beautiful wide aisles and new paint... I get happy when I pull in the parking lot! Vote, it will be fun.
So there was no school today. I woke up, took a shower and started to get dressed when the thought occured to me I coud stay in my pj's the entire day if I wanted to. So I put clean pj's on and a big smile. The kids thought that was a great idea, too. Except Connor of course, my little trendsetter can't stand to wear pj's. He tells me all the time he wishes he could wear clothes all the time... even to bed. He's so silly. He looks good in everything he wears so that helps. If I looked good in everything I put on I might sleep in a little black dress each night! Poor Brad has to settle for a Grandma style night gown. LOL Ha Ha After all that excitment we had to put clothes on within an hour. Our neighbor came to the door to see if the kids wanted to sled down the hill. Of course, they did. So I dressed everyone in layers for them to go outside and play for 25 minutes. Then had to take all the wet layers off so they could come inside for 25 minutes... the cycle goes on and on. Finally I laid down the law and made them stay inside the rest of the day. Cooper couldn't go outside anyway. He's been so grumpy all weekend, not eating and having trouble sleeping. Yesterday his right ear started to drain all kinds of nasty wax. It was dripping down his earlobe onto his neck. Today it was even worse... it looked like blood mixed in with the wax. I took him to his ENT. He said the tube was in place on the left ear and he couldn't see anything in the right ear due to all the draining but he assumed the tube was fine. He said his cold had settled in his ear and gave him some antibiotic ear drops. I hope he starts to feel better tomorrow. Papa came to visit today while I took Cooper to the doctor. He's giving me the day off tomorrow to do whatever I want. Memaw and I are going to a movie to see "It's Complicated." I'll give my review tomorrow.
Connor has been feeling sick, too. He's got the same cough and cold all the others have had. He's kind of whiny anyway so throw a cold in the mix and he's really whiny. Gabrielle and I were sitting in the den when Connor came in crying about something someone said or did. Gabrielle said, "Oh for goodness sake Connor... quit all that whining!" She's such a mother hen. Then Connor proceeds to call her "Poo-Poo" and say he's not ever playing with her again. That brings Cooper into the mix chanting, "Baby Head!" Brady starts saying, "I poo-poo!" and Jackson trails behind with "Poo-Poo Platter!" At this point they are all chanting throughout the house and it's become a hilarious fun game. What is the deal with kids and the word POOP!
January 10, 2010
The snow proved to be a lot of entertainment for the kids. They were thrilled and it was just enough for them to piddle around in and have fun. The ice however, was not so much fun. Those of you who have been to our home understand the types of hills we live on. You just about have to be a goat to climb them! We were stranded in our neighborhood for two days. When people did start to get out we ended up with a 4 car pile up on one of the streets not allowing ANYONE to even attempt getting in or out. What a mess. In Indy I was pretty comfortable driving in the snow but this ice is a whole different story. It's really dangerous. Our roads are still pretty slick. School was canceled Friday and is actually canceled tomorrow, too. The kids are thrilled and I'm not so thrilled.
Saturday we made it to Grant's 6th birthday party. It was a dinosaur theme. As usual Aunt Susan made this amazing cake that was yummy and adorable. The kids had a blast and we only lost one! We were looking for Brady when it was time to leave and I couldn't find him. I could hear his voice and thought he was in an upstairs bedroom playing. Turns out we found him in the coat closet! He wasn't bothered at all but was ready to get out. LOL It was so funny! After the party we went to GG's for dinner. She only lives about 25 minutes from Susan. She fixed us a great dinner while the kids and I played RockBand on the Wii. We had roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli casserole, fresh cream corn, biscuits and coconut pie. YUMMO! By the time we got home the kids were exhausted and I thought I would absolutely drop dead. I gave them all a bath and who knows where I drew that energy from? By 8:30pm we were all in the bed.
We got up for church today and made the 35 minute trek to BrownsBridge. We were standing in line to put Jackson in his class when I said, "Jackson, Why don't you come to service with us today?" I thought he would love the opportunity and jump on it. He said, "Moooom, No. I want to be in my own class. It's fun." My heart just melted and I was so thankful for this amazing church. They are incredible God fearing people who dedicate so much to my children's spiritual needs. I loved hearing him say he wanted to go to church. I can count on two hands how many times I said that growing up. On our way home Connor said something ugly to Gabrielle and she responded, "Connor. Now do you know just how mad that makes Jesus when you say that?" Connor said, "I'm sorry." The rest of the day it was like she was a little preacher or something. She had them all repeating after her and praying. It was so cute! I love these kids.
January 7, 2010
We actually got a decent amount of snow for Georgia. By decent I mean about a 1/2" and it quickly turned to an icy slick surface. The kids played outside until they were wet and frozen. They made snow angels that were more like dust angels and shouted at the top of their lungs... "This is the best day of our lives!" They also did a little "Redneck Sledding." Brad found a slick piece of cardboard and they flew down the driveway slope. They couldn't have been skiing down a mountain and it been more fun for them. The babies were not sure what to think about the snow. They rode their big wheels all over the driveway and fell on their bottoms a couple times, too. They drug the swimming pool around the house and said they were going to leave it out all night and catch the snow. That way when it melted they could swim in it. LOL We came inside to get warm and eat some dinner... grilled cheese and tomato soup! Dessert was a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. Perfect for a cold winter's day. As if Jackson needed anything else to be excited about school was canceled for tomorrow! Jackson was in a tizzy when I threw that last bit of info on his lap. He was jumping off the walls with excitement. I remember those days and praying for a snow day!
Something a little funny:
Sitting at the table Gabrielle said, "Connor is not smart." I told her that wasn't nice and to tell him she was sorry and didn't mean it. She looked at me and stated very matter of fact, "Actually... I did mean it. Sorry Connor."
January 7, 2010
I can't explain why I have not posted except to say I've been so very busy. Our family is going through a lot of transition and I'm a bit overwhelmed. The babies are completely out of their cribs now. Jackson and Cooper share a room and Connor and Brady share a room. They really like the change and think the new beds are great. We got new twin beds for Connor and Brady. We found them on Craig's list. They are new and hardwood but nothing fancy. Perfect for the kids at this age. I decorated their room in some extreme sports stuff. It really does look pretty neat. Brady has adjusted to his new bed beautifully. It's no big deal and he's still sleeping late each morning. We are still having a few problems with Cooper but for the most part he's adjusted well. It took a couple weeks to get him straight. By no means do I want more children but at the same time it was very difficult to take away their cribs and put it into storage. (I'm saving them for my cousin, Stacy.) We also had to get rid of their car seats. The straps were so tight they were sure to lose circulation. Tucking away the baby stage piece of our lives is hard. In the past I had another baby (or two) on the way to replace the "baby stage." However, there is a lot to look forward to in the future with these kids and I'm thrilled to have a front row seat.
My cousins, Anna and Patti, came to visit on New Year's Day. They were coming in town for Passion 2010. They brought a friend, Jamie, with them. I made Grilled Chicken sandwiches with honey mustard, lettuce and tomato. I served them with chips and salsa. A very easy dinner but very delicious, too. After dinner we went the the movies. We saw "Did you hear about the Morgan's?" It was a cute premise but very slow and very predictable. A total waste of money. The girls left for Passion the next day after lunch. Saturday night Brad and I had a date night. We went out with Brad's parents to dinner and a movie. We were going to see "Precious" but left after the first few minutes. It was so disturbing and the language so foul we couldn't stomach it. We saw "Sherlock Holmes" instead. It was actually really good. I enjoyed it. We had dinner at Longhorn and then headed home.
GG was here today. She was sitting with Gabrielle asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She didn't want to be a Mommy or a Doctor. She said she really wanted "to fly planes." I love it! Leave it to her to pick something exhilarating and with no boundaries. She is a mess!
We got a little snow today and the kids were thrilled. They played outside begging to make a snowman. The problem is we only got a dusting if you can even call it that. I hope we get a little more tonight so they can have some to kick around in tomorrow. They put out their swimming pool hoping to catch enough snow to "swim" in it. LOL
Brad is working non stop to prepare for his Boards. He takes them in Dallas, TX in February. Between work, boards and family he is stressed to the max. Please pray for our family during this time of transition. We have only had one showing on our house in a couple months. I knew it would be slow over the holidays and now that the new year has begun I'm hoping for more lookers. If we could get this house under our belt we could breath a great big sigh of relief.
It's getting close to dinner time so I better find something to cook. I'll do better about updating my website, I promise.
December 29, 2009
I guess the countdown has begun to 2010. As a child I thought that by 2010 we would be zooming around in little space ships like on The Jetson's. Never did I imagine the Internet, blackberry, GPS or that I would have 5 kids. We won't be celebrating New Year's Eve. As a matter of fact I don't think I'll ever celebrate that evening. It's one of the most depressing nights of the whole year. Looking back at the year that is left behind and knowing those moments are forever gone is too much for me to handle. I like to be in bed early that night so it all passes by in a blink. However, 2010 (Lord willing) will hold great things for our family that I am looking forward to.
1. We will be living in Albany, GA meeting new friends and starting our own business.
2. Six years of diapers, cribs and sippy cups will come to an end.
3. It's a chance to start fresh lose weight and get back to the gym (yeah right).
4. We have another year of making memories with our beautiful children.
5. Brad and I will hit 11 years of marriage.
6. Lastly, I can always hope for a sister in law! (No pressure though, Uncle Ernie)
Sunday night was an exciting time for our family. Two couples from dental school, Scott and Delana Bruckmair and Scott and Anna Connell (along with five of their combined six kids), were in town and came to visit us. If you are counting that makes a grand total of 12 children between three couples. We hadn't seen the Connell's in almost 6 years and The Bruckmair's in almost 3 years. It was so good to see them and get caught up. We shared great memories of times past and were able to laugh about hard times during dental school. Delana, Anna and I were close friends and helped each other get through those 4 years. The Bruckmair's live in Dublin, GA and The Connell's in Phoenix, AZ. I hope it's not another 6 years before we see each other again.
Brad's parents came over Sunday night for dinner and spent the night with us, too. The kids were so thrilled to have so much company in the house. Monday we spent the day around the house playing and enjoying the Grandparent's. We had burgers for dinner and then Jackson went home with Memaw and Grandpa for two nights. We put him in the car and he said, "I'm going to miss my family BUT I will be back in two days. Does that make you sad?" Oh he's so precious. We told him the family isn't complete without him but to have fun and enjoy his special time. Memaw was taking him to Monkey Joe's and a movie. Spoiled!! Gabrielle and Connor get to spend the night tomorrow night. Grandpa said this morning they were sitting at the table having waffles when Grandpa asked Jackson if he likes having all those brothers and sister. Jackson said, "Yes but sometimes Sissy gets on my nerves with all that whining and pitching fits. I don't like getting spankings either. Let me tell you... You DO NOT want Momma getting a hold of you." Ha Ha... I guess my methods are effective!
December 26, 2009
Well Christmas has come and gone and boy oh boy am I ever glad, too. I know that sounds awful and I don't mean it quite as bad as it sounds. It was just so much work and I was exhausted. After our "wonderful" Christmas at Brad's parents I had hoped for happier holidays. We had Christmas with my Mom on Wednesday night. That went well and the food was excellent. But the kids were absolutely wild. Wild to the point they were worn out and bursting with energy. By the time we opened gifts and started to head home Brad's "little cold" had turned into something worse. He had a fever all night and his coughing just got worse. He stayed in bed on Christmas eve until almost 3pm. Thank goodness Papa came over last minute so I had someone to hang out with. I fixed a huge dinner that was a success. We stayed up late putting all the kids stuff out and then exchanged our Christmas. It's something we've done for the past few years. Once we get all the kids stuff out it's usually after midnight and we exchange our gifts. I gave him a shopvac, wallet, undies, hat and chocolates. He gave me a GPS, Starbucks thermal mug, $30 Starbucks card, candy and $100 cash to spend however I want! He couldn't have chosen a better gift than that. I could not sleep that night to save my life. First of all we had all the older kids in our room sleeping on pallets so they wouldn't come downstairs in the middle of night and see their gifts. Secondly, I had Cooper upstairs in a toddler bed and worried about him coming out of his room and roaming the house. I woke up every hour wondering when the kids would wake up. Around 6:30am Cooper wakes up and decided Brady should be awake, too. I walk up the stairs that lead to their room and can see the light switching on and off... on and off.... on and off and I hear two boys laughing so hard they can't breath. Cooper was saying, "C'mon Brady... Let's go! Get up! Let's Go!" I got them up and took them downstairs trying to avoid the living room. Finally at 8am the other kids woke up and we had Christmas. They were so excited they couldn't see straight. They all loved their gifts. Jackson's favorite was his Nintendo DS. Gabrielle's favorite was the Easy Bake Oven. Connor's favorite was for sure the bike. Brady and Cooper love love love the train table and Thomas train set. It was a good time watching them open it all. But when it was said and done I felt so emotionally and physically drained I thought I would drop. Papa left to head home for Christmas with some friends. So that just left us. Brad's family was in Kentucky. Mom was sick. Papa was with friends. We started to feel so lonely and abandoned. We laughed at ourselves and how pathetic we sounded but we really were depressed. I could NOT WAIT for that day to be over. We felt like we literally suffered through it. We ate cereal for dinner and that really put me 6 foot under. I called my Mom and said, "Come hell or high water we will have Christmas dinner together next year!" She agreed and said it just didn't feel right. There was no other place I wanted to be than home but we wanted to spend it with all our family. Changes are in order from here on out. Depression is not allowed on Christmas Day!
Brad hunted this morning and I took the kids to Chick Fil A for breakfast and play. We were all having a wonderful time until Gabrielle whop sided Connor across the head. After that she was "in one of her moods." She started to do the huck a buck in the middle of the store. She was crying as loud as she could and causing a scene. I had to endure it while I put on all 5 kids shoes and coats. When we got to the car I was so mad I couldn't even look at her. The other kids were sad we had to leave and I made sure they knew it was because of the way Sissy acted. When we got home she was sent to her room for 30mins. She came out and apologized to me and all of the other kids. We put it behind us but WOW... that girl scares me. She is so stubborn, hard headed, strong willed and well I will just say it MEAN that I don't know what to do with her. One minute she will be as sweet as sugar and the next moment she'll bite your head off with one bark! She's mean to her brothers, won't mess with Brad and then pitches fits with me. I'll be honest... she's not helping make this a happy home. Help????
When Brad got home we took the kids to lunch and then wasted time doing some window shopping. We looked at 4 wheelers and then looked at new cars. Just a little dreaming... We came home after that and played in the basement with the kidos until time for Brady and Cooper to go to bed. Last night I decided to switch around room mates. I moved Jackson's bed in Cooper's room and Brady's crib in Connor's room. Cooper is disturbing Brady and he's not getting enough rest. Jackson goes to bed after Coop and gets up before him so we thought that would give Cooper no one to irritate but himself. He pitches a fit going to bed now. I put him in a toddler bed which he hates. He won't stay in it, kicks, screams and destroys the room until he finally falls asleep either on the bed or the floor. I've tried the super nanny approach by putting him back in the bed over and over and over and over but it's not working. I've tried swatting his little bottom... that just makes him madder. I am going first thing tomorrow and buying a crib tent. It attaches all around the crib and he can not get out. Something has to be done. I need sleep and so does he. This fighting bedtime and getting up at 5 am and not taking naps stuff is killing me. After I finally got Cooper in bed Gabrielle wanted to make her Easy Bake oven cookies. We sat down to start and I realized I forgot to buy the light bulb! Her heart was broken and I couldn't tell her no. So off we go to Target at 8pm for light bulbs and ice cream. We came home and had sundaes then we baked two little dinky cookies. They were like eating cardboard but she was proud and thought they were wonderful. She told me, "Thank you Mom... you're the best Mom I ever had!" Okay. I guess that was worth the trip to Target.
December 21, 2009
I loaded lots of pictures dating back to Gabrielle and Connor's birthday party. I was a little behind! Our Christmas service was yesterday and the kids looked beautiful. I can't believe how big they are all getting. Gabrielle looks like a young lady. There are zero traces of that toddler phase. Her vocabulary gets larger everyday. She loves to learn, read books and play games. She picks up things so quickly. Connor wants to sit down and do "schoolwork" every chance he gets. I've been working with them on some preschool workbooks. They think they are so grown up. Their Christmas party at school was a success. The craft turned out cute and all the other Mom's loved it. They passed out their teacher gifts and also made sweet crafts for Brad and I. They are precious. As much as they love school they were thrilled to know there is no school until the first of the year. Everyone loves a break. Jackson had a fun week at school last week. His teacher made the week exciting with crafts and games. On Thursday Papa went to surprise Jackson at school to have lunch with him. Jackson was shocked and grabbed Papa's hand immediately. They shared lunch together and then Papa stayed for Jackson's class Christmas party. They were making gingerbread houses. Papa said they had a great time and it was very special to Jackson. After the party Jackson convinced Papa to take him home early! On Friday Jackson had pajama day at school. He wanted to wear his slippers, too. I didn't think much about it until he got home that afternoon. It had been raining and his poor feet were sopping wet and frozen. Oh, I felt so terrible I wanted to cry. He managed to survive but my guilty conscious held on all weekend. What was I thinking? They spent the day playing and watching The Polar Express. What a fun way to end the last day of school before Christmas break!
Friday night was our Christmas with Grandpa and Memaw. Papa, the kids and I headed over around noon. It was freezing rain and the day just started out in a fog as far as my head goes. I had stayed up late the night before working on a cheesecake, deviled eggs and a ham spread. We were going to spend the night with Memaw and Grandpa that night. When we got to their house the kids were so excited they couldn't stand it. They had so much energy I thought they would bust. They couldn't go outside to burn any because of the rain. So they spent the day inside going ballistic. I was stressed out, Memaw was stressed out and Papa was exhausted. It wasn't making for a good day. I went to lay the babies down for their naps when everything started to really fall apart. They are used to taking naps there. It's the same set up every time. For some reason, Cooper was going to have ZERO part of it. He kept getting out of the crib, screaming and pitching an all out fit. He refused to stay in the pack n play. I fought him for 15 minutes flipping him back in when he would flip out. I gave up and just let him skip his nap. I still had to go to the grocery store for our dinner menu that night. Gabrielle and I left for the store at 2pm. Brad calls me at almost 20 minutes till 3pm and says he's stuck in traffic on the interstate and doesn't think he'll make it home in time to get Jackson off the bus. I panicked. I was already foggy feeling and stressed out. That just made it worse. I kept picturing him getting off the school bus, soaking wet slippers, looking confused at why his family had abandoned him. I was balling my eyes out in the middle of Publix. I called our neighbors, Bob and Bonnie. Thank goodness they were home. They drove over to meet him at the bus. It turns out Brad pulled up behind the bus just in the nick of time. By that point I was a mess. We finished our grocery shopping and rushed home to start cooking. I had steaks to marinate, potatoes to bake, salad to toss, meatballs to prepare and a ton of cleanup to take care of. I was a mess trying to get it all done. Usually, I enjoy that part... all the preparation. But that day it was just all too much. I couldn't get my head straight and there was just too much going on. Dinner turned out wonderful and delicious. After dinner we left the mess and went straight to presents. The kids would have busted if they were forced to wait another second. Jackson got a Nerf blaster dart gun. You would have thought he had won the lottery. He hugged Memaw's neck so hard he about knocked her out of the chair! He started doing the happy dance. It was so cute. Gabrielle's big gift was a Vtech computer. She said, "I've been waiting all year for this!" Connor's big gift was a John Deer Tractor with a big trailer attachment. He was in heaven! Brady and Cooper got wheel barrows. I got a huge cutting board that I've been pining for from Williams Sonoma. Brad got a GPS and so did Aaron. Our gift to Memaw and Grandpa is having their bedroom painted. It was nice opening gifts. It broke apart all the drama from the day which little did I know had only just begun!
After the kitchen and gift paper was cleaned up it was time to put Cooper and Brady to bed. I was exhausted to the point I felt like I was on another planet. Brad went to lay the boys down when Cooper pitched another all out fit! He refused to stay in his pack and play and played tug of war with the door for over an hour. It was nothing but pure stubborn nature that was causing all the fuss. Cooper was so tired he couldn't see straight but he refused to give up. Finally, he fell asleep in front of the door. At 11pm, I picked him up and put him in his pack n play. I thought we had won the battle and taught the little snot his lesson. At 1:15am, he wakes up again ready to fight. He is screaming and kicking and fighting and getting out of the pack n play all over again. I tried putting him in bed with me but all he wanted to do was play. I tried getting him a drink and rocking him but all he wanted to do was get up and roam the house. I tried laying him down again but he was screaming so loud it was not fair to Brady or the rest of the house. At 3am I gave up and he won. I put him in the car and came home. I left Brad and the others behind. When we got home he fought me for a little bit but then fell asleep. I was so tired I couldn't see straight. I still don't even know how I made it home. I hated to give in to his will but at 3am I could no longer prove a point. I just wanted rest. Brad and the other kids came home Saturday morning and I took a long nap that afternoon. Marci came over at 4:30pm so Brad and I could have a date night. Memaw and Grandpa gave us a $25 Red Lobster gift card and a Carmike Cinema gift book. We ate dinner and didn't talk for the first 15 minutes. We just enjoyed the silence and got our thoughts in order! We had just sat down for the movie and finished previews when Marci called. She said the boys were BOTH getting out of their cribs and Cooper was pitching a fit. We got rain checks for our movies and came home. We had to deal with Cooper once and for all. We reversed the lock on the door and let him fight with himself until he gave up. Then we went in his room, put him in bed, told him how much we loved him and covered him up. He stayed in bed all night.
Sunday morning Brad and I felt like we were back in the land of the living. Memaw had spent the night with us and we all went to church. After church we all went to Longhorn for lunch and then home for naps. The boys went down for their naps without a fuss. I got the house straightened up and spent time with the kids learning their new toys. I hit the grocery store. Brad laid the boys down and they didn't put up a fight. I thought we were over the entire crawling out of the crib episode. This morning I heard Cooper talking at 7:30am. Then it got really quiet. I figured he had fallen back asleep. A moment later my light flips on and there stands Cooper and Brady saying, "Mornin' Momma!" I guess it's time for big boy beds.
December 15, 2009
What a week! On Friday Jackson got the stomach virus. We survived the weekend and I thought we were in the clear until yesterday afternoon. I had a terrible headache then upset stomach and then the nausea set in. Oh I was so sick! I suffered all night and Papa came to my rescue this morning. I slept most the day today and by 4pm felt more like myself. The only ones left to get this awful virus are Brad and Brady. On the positive side, maybe we are getting rid of this stuff before Christmas!
Speaking of Christmas I think I am done. I still have some stocking stuffers to take care of. Tomorrow is Gabrielle and Connor's Christmas party at school. I am in charge of crafts!!! Y'all know how much I dislike crafts. I am coordinating the party and usually there is some crafty mom who can't wait to jump on this duty. This year nobody wanted it and I was stuck with the dread. I found a cute Santa Hand print ornament on line and decided on it. I made one tonight and it was pretty cute. Brad and Papa had to stare at it for a minute before they knew what it was. I hope that isn't a bad sign???
I'm off to bed. I pray I wake up in the morning feeling like a new Mommy!
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