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TWO BY TWO Jackson Gabrielle Connor Brady Cooper |
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Stories June 16, 2008 I could very well be swooped away in this tornado of a life I'm living. It could not be more hectic and chaotic in our household than it is right now. The kids are running wild. They don't know what to make of all these changes. They are excited but also don't like that things are not "normal" around the house. I can tell they are a bit confused about what's going on. Yesterday was our last day at church. Brad and I both were a mess. On top of being sad that we are leaving our family here in Indy it was Father's Day. Heidi did this video montage of pictures. It showed lots of Dad's in our church with their kids. Snapshots with this sad music. Brad was doing the ugly cry! I thought I'd lost him for a moment. All jokes aside it was a very heart wrenching service for us all. The kids didn't understand why everyone was making such a big fuss over them. Sometimes, you just can't explain everything. I've managed to catch another cold. I've been coughing my head off and running a low grade fever for a few days. There is never a good time to be sick but this is the worst time to be sick! I think I've had two panic attacks in the last couple of weeks. I've just felt very overwhelmed. I think knowing we are not going to our own "home" in Georgia kind of makes the whole move a little less grand. I'm very thankful that we have Brad's parents who are willing to let us make temporary residence with them until we find something. We're considering maybe renting for a year until we can get to know the area. I am just so ready to plant roots someplace. God is soverign and will provide. I have to remind myself of that every few minutes or else hope can become lost. Tuesday night my girlfriends are throwing me a party! I can't wait to put aside all the kids, husband and packing. I'm looking forward to letting my hair down and just having fun with the girls.
June 12, 2008 New pictures to post so check them out. Today we ventured out for lunch. We picked up Brad's dad downtown and then picked up Brad from the hospital. We all went to Shapiro's New York style Deli and Diner. It was really good but they pressure you to run through the line. There is a huge menu and I was so nervous. Uggghhh, I ended up with the most random food and not enough drinks for everyone. Anyway, we had a good time. We all walked in and people were staring and stopping us to say the classic "You've got your hands full" line. 8 days until the big move. We sold our sofa and loveseat today as well as two wall hangings. We are down to bare bones in the downstairs living area. The kitchen table goes next week, too. These are items we've just had for a long time and didn't feel it was worth moving 650 miles. I'm getting more and more excited with each passing day.
June 11, 2008 I apologize for not posting the last few days. I just really have not felt like doing it. I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water these days. The pool GG bought has been a huge blessing. It's keeping my kids entertained beyond measure. They have already busted a hole in the slide that I've had to repair. The kids have such great tans. Even with tons of sunscreen they still have the sweetest brown bodies. By August they will look like they've been on a Caribean getaway all summer. Tonight was Girl's Night. Lisa and I were supposed to go to dinner and a movie. But she backed out (something about a friend giving birth) and so I was alone! How dare a child come into this world on Girl's Night! LOL So I braved it on my own. Actually, it turned out wonderful. I didn't have to utter a word to anyone all night. Nobody asked me for a thing... excpet Brad calling to confirm what time the babies needed to eat. Besides that I had no worries. I went to see Narnia. It was awesome. God is so mighty beyond our wildest dreams and imagination. Brad's parents are in town this week. Grandpa is at the southern baptist convention down town and Memaw has been staying with us. He'll meet back up with us tomorrow and they'll stay through the weekend. I've loved having her here. She came with more surprises for the kids. New baithing suits for all, a Speed Racer and tiger for Jackson, a Strawberry Ca-Cake (aka strawberry short cake) and a pony for Gabrielle, and for Connor a puppy (stuffed) and a hot wheel truck. They were tickled to death with all their new stuff. Last night we tried Gabrielle back in her big girl bed. She got up and came downstairs after being "in bed" for over 2 hours. When she came down I asked her "What made you get out of bed?" Very sure of her answer she said, "God." At least we know she's getting the whole creation lesson we've been giving!
Saturday June 7, 2008 Packing, packing and more packing. The house is becoming very empty. Brad and I worked really hard today. He had a lot of papers and books to sort through. I went through all the kids toys and boxed up what we'll keep, trashed broken toys, bagged up toys no longer of value to us for goodwill and kept a few out to play with the next two weeks. That's right... just 2 more weeks from today and we'll be heading out. I think we pretty well have things under control. I still have some cleaning out to do of the linen and coat closet as well as the bathroom sinks. Then I can box those up, too. The big doozy is going to be our closet. I try not to look when I open my door. I just squint with one eye and see if the item I'm looking for is in there. Yes, it's that bad! After our day of packing we decided to head out for supper. Brad chose Applebee's. I love eating there but the service is soooo slow at our store. We braved it anyway and of course by the time our food arrived the kids were a hot mess! Brad and I don't remember eating but we felt full when we left so something made it into our stomachs. I forgot to drink my tea so by the time I left the resturant I was thristing to death. We then headed to the grocery store. Brad had this marvelous idea that we should all go together as a family to Kroger. I said, "Okay but I think it's a crazy idea." We walked in and got all our goods and left without any problems or meltdowns. I had to apologize to Brad and let him know I actually enjoyed shopping with all of us together. Brad said I was like a machine going through that store. I had a place for every item in my buggy and a route I take to stay productive. I have been getting onto Jackson a little heavy lately. It's like he forgets he's 4 years old and starts acting like my 2 year olds. I keep talking to him about how to act and how to be an example and so on so forth so on so forth.... etc The other day I was asking him to pick up the dirty laundry, take it to the hamper, pick up the baby toys, and put all the shoes away. I also told him I wanted it all done without any whining. He stopped and looked at me and Brad and said the funniest thing, "Mooooooom, you keep telling me all these words all the time!" We laughed so hard I thought I was going to lose control. I guess I had been doing a little too much talking. I ended up helping him do the chores. Gabrielle is obessed right now with first and middle names. She asks all the time, "What's you name? Are you a girl oh a boy? I'm a girl and I wear hairbows. What's Connor's name? Is he a boy?" I guess with all the guys in the family she's a little confused. She does love pink though. She'll play with boy toys but she does NOT want the boys playing with her toys! The girl is a doozy. She's back to pitching fits, again. She goes from being so sweet and tender to an all out fit. She starts by moving every body part at one time. The arms, feet, hands, neck and butt start flying in different directions. Then she collapses to the floor and starts the same process again except she turns circles around the floor. We call this the "huck-a-buck" It's really scary. I'm at a loss as to how to handle it. She is the definition of strong willed. For example, she will sometimes just throw her cup down instead of putting it in the sink. When you tell her to pick it up she just stares at me for about a minute. It's intimidating to me... the adult! Then I say, "NOW Gabrielle, Be a good listener and do it now, please." Then she slowly inches towards the cup at a rate so slow she may reach the cup within an hour. Then she starts to "huck-a-buck" just a little bit. As if to say, "if you make me do this I WILL pitch a fit... here's a little preview." By this time I'm really getting frustrated. I pick her up and take her to the cup and literally make her pick it up. Then she starts screaming bloody murder and doing the "all out huck-a-buck." It's something else. I don't know what to do. I usually send her to her room or spank her bottom and send her to her room. Either way I don't feel anything we're doing is effective. She's just a natural rebel. She wants to push the limits and it's her way or NO way. If you don't like it then get off the road. She's so cautious. She's not going to jump into anything she's not sure of. She comes across shy with people at first. But it's not that. She just wants to check you out and make sure she knows what she's getting into. Once she's comfortable she comes out of her shell. She's a natural born leader. I want her to keep those qualities but also want her to be diplomatic when things don't go her way. Ohhhhhh, it's always an adventure!
June 5, 2008 Happy Anniversary, Brad! We've been married 9 years today. Mom and Jamie babysat the kids while we went off to dinner. Dunaway's has been one of our favorite places to dine since we've lived here. Brad gets a gift certificate every year through residency and we look forward to having dinner there in the Spring. They have rooftop dining that shows a beautiful view of Indy. Tonight however, we opted for the A/C because it's really humid. Dinner was good and conversation was better. We talked about all the "things to come" and just couldn't believe we were having our last dinner at Dunaway's. Time sure has gone by fast. We spent another fun filled day outside with the kids. Jackson woke up at 8am ready and willing to go head first in the baby pool. Mom and I had joked while I was blowing up the pool "Do they really have to tell some dummy NO DIVING in a baby pool?" Well, my son is that dummy. He was taking a stool and jumping in HEAD FIRST in the pool. It was really funny and he loved it. Gabrielle and Connor stood back from a safe distance watching all the festivities. Finally after a short while Gabrielle decided to join in. Connor never really made it into the water. He just dipped a little portion of his big toe in the water and said "Okay, I did it!" His big quest was to actually put swimming trunks on his little body. I don't understand why but he has been terrified of swimming trunks. I guess it's the little net thingie that bothers him. However, today was the day we overcame that obsession. Thank goodness. Lisa and Dorian also came over for the summer time fun. She brought baked beans (that were amazing by the way) and we provided the BLT's. We had a good lunch and watched the kids get a terrible sun burn. Evidently my new and improved sunscreen I purchased is not so improved. It's been a great 9 years of marriage. On our way home from dinner, Brad lifted the console in the truck and pulled me close to him. We drove the rest of the way home with me sitting right up against him. We looked a bit like two redneck love birds... but that's okay. I laid my head on his shoulder and just let the tears fall quietly down my face. We are truly living our dream!
June 4, 2008 Happy 8 month Birthday, Brady and Cooper!!!!! The babies are doing things are rapid rates. Brady has two bottom teeth and Cooper is still just a little courage away from crawling. He's feeling better each day and hopefully the cold has passed. GG and I had another very hectic day. Just the usual. We took the babies to Diane Archer's for a couple hours so we could hang with the older kids. We started with lunch at McAlister's. It went well but there were some major "not listening well" moments. GG and I had our share of it and decided punishment was in the works. We were headed to Chuckee Cheeses but crossed it off the list. They just were not up to it today. They were sad but got over it pretty well. Last night, GG said "If we live till tomorrow we WILL go get another toy vaccum so they will quit fighting over the ONE we have." Sure enough, we went to Target for for the vaccum, 3 new sippie cups and a new DVD case. We came out of there with a few extras... 3 new toy microphones that amplify their already loud mouths (great pick), Underdog (a new movie for JR's collection), a swimming pool for outside and of course we needed to high speed pump to go with it. GG was broke by the time we checked out. Thanks for such fun things, GG! We picked up the babies and came home for naps. The kids got to play in the pool for a short time before another storm came through. Connor and Gabrielle insisted on going naked in the pool. GG and I didn't get it but they seemed to be having fun. After pool time was bath time for all 5. Brad walked in with dinner just in time. Chick fil A... how'd you guess? Honestly, we should own stock in the company! After dinner we were all sitting around and Lisa called. She said she was on a "time out" for herself and I agreed that I too could use a time out. She came and picked me up and we took in a spur of the moment movie... "What Happens in Vegas." We laughed really really hard. Lots of great one liners that were hilarious. I came back felling very fat after watching Cameron Diaz's perfect body, but I digress. When I came home I walked in the door expecting chaos however everything was in control. Jackson and GG were watching a movie and Brad was reading. I said I wanted to go for a walk. Brad and I took off before it got dark. I did a lot of running with Brad pushing me all the way "Come on, Doll. Keep breathing. I'm proud of you. You're doing great!" It sounded a lot like his days of labor coaching! I made it through the workout and felt wonderful. I was sooooo proud of myself for running. I actually felt comfortable doing it and am looking forward to trying again tomorrow. That is IF I can move tomorrow. I'm expecting very sore muscles for the next few days.
June 2, 2008 Is it really June? Can it finally be here? I've gotten over the "dread" of leaving Indiana. Now I'm just ready to get the actual move over with and gone. One of the reasons I've neglected to post on the website is because I'm so busy trying to get things prepared for our move. Not only is there a ton of packing to be done but there is also business to take care of. Things like who will we bank with when we move, canceling utilities and taking care of change of address information. It's painstaking. Then there are goodbyes to be said. I'm trying to get with as many people as possible before I leave. On top of all this Cooper has been sick. He's had a fever for 3 days and is battling a terrible cold. Same stuff we all had, I guess. On the positive side, I'm working on a good tan! The sun is out and my kids will NOT stay inside. I love it! I've been taking them out to the park and letting them play outside nonstop. True, I don't get much done inside but it's glorious to have them outside playing for the entire day. They are ready for naps and ready for bed at the end of the day. They love to play in the front yard the most. They ride their big wheels back and forth from the neighbors drive. They know the limitations and don't try to push them. They are good about staying far away from the street, too. We have kids all around us and they all play really well together. Jackson's favorite thing to do is run in the sprinkler. He wakes up and goes to bed in swim trunks. He chases Sissy and Connor all day trying to get them in their bathing suits but they just are not interested. I set up a chair in the drive and read a magazine while the older kids play and the babies sit in their exersaucers. It's great for all of us. One day last week I even managed to get the grass cut, too. The babies took mega-naps and the older kids just stayed in the yard. I was worn out by the time that day was over but it felt good to do it. Not to mention Brad was very happy when he got home and saw the work I'd done. GG is flying in today. I pick her up at 3:30pm. The kids are very excited and can't wait to spend time with her. I'm really looking forward to her being here, too. It's been a while since we've spent time together.
May 28, 2008 My 12 year old friend, Kristen, came over yesterday. Her mother, Diane, and I are friends and she lets me borrow Kristen every so often. Since school is out I've had Kristen over once (sometimes twice) a week. This is a sacrafice for Diane considering Kristen is just one of her 6 kids. Kristen came over Tuesday morning and I just couldn't spare to let her go home. She ended up spending the night and left this evening. It's not just having the extra pair of hands around that is so great; (however that part is WONDERFUL) it's having someone to talk to and have a conversation with that is the really awesome part. Kristen absolutley adores babies. She has all the right touches. Kristen recently commited her life to Christ. She realizes that it's not just saying the words once that matters. I don't want to stand before God and be full of nothing but excuses when he asks "What have you done to further my kingdom?" Most of the time I think my answer would be "Hey, I loved and cared for my husband, did laundry, kept the pantry full, cooked dinner, shopped, read to my kids, took them to the park, had Girl's Night each week (Lord you know I need that), cracked some really funny jokes and ohhhh... I did pray and read your word... some... not as often as I should have..." Those things are very important and have to be done but I want to know that I am leaving an eternal legacy for my children. A little deep I know... but these are THE most important questions anyone can ask of themselves. I've discovered through a 12 year old girl that following Christ is a constant daily commitment.
May 26, 2008 Brad finally is feeling better. I thought this was the worst way to spend a vacation but it's turned out to be good for us. We just stayed home and relaxed instead of packing in too much for one week. We did lots and lots of talking. We came to a very difficult decision. We decided against purchasing our beautiful home in Canton. We told Susan on Saturday and she spoke to our realtor. Brad also spoke to the realtor personally and they totally understood why we backed out. It's our hope that we'll find another home (hopefully with the same builder) that we'll love just as much. I still beyond a shadow of a doubt believe that we followed God's plan when we put a contract on the house. God taught us a lot through the whole process and for that I'm very grateful. Who knows what He has in store now? I can't wait to find out! We were getting all the kids out of the bath tonight when the funniest thing happened. Connor was the last one to get out. Jackson was getting dressed, Gabrielle was doing flips on the bed and the babies were rolling around on a blanket on the floor. Connor said he needed to potty so Brad took him. Connor came out of the bathroom smiling from ear to ear because he had gone potty. Jackson, Gabrielle, Brad and I went wild with excitment. We hooped, hollared and cheered for him. Gabrielle got a little carried away with her joy. She was yelling at the top of her lungs, "Yeahhhh, Connor went pee-pee. Whoooo whoooo! Yipppeeee! .... Happpy Mudders' Day, Connor!" We laughed so hard! It was adorable. Cooper is on the very verge of crawling! He pops up on all 4's with no problems. He can pull one knee forward but he can't get the concept of moving his arm up at the same time. Brady cut his tooth! He looks so cute. We had visitors today. Mike and Whitney Fuentes are our good friends from Texas. Mike was a 2nd year resident when we moved to Indy. Whitney and I over the course of 2 years became very very close friends. She gave me much needed support on how to be a residents wife. She and I hung out all the time and shared lots of advice with each other on parenting. We lived in the same neighborhood, too. Being neighbors and close friends made our relationship even sweeter. (I just realized I didn't take a picture while she was here, ugghhhh!) They were in town for the Indy500 and dropped in for a visit before heading back to their two boys, Caden and Cooper. I always liked the name Cooper but when Whitney and Mike had their Cooper I fell in love with the name. He's such a sweetie and I'm proud our boys share the same name. She and Mike encouraged us with tales of "Life After Residency" and it got us really excited. I miss you, Whitney. It was great to see you!
May 23, 2008 The bug has struck our family... again. Brad came down with a fever of 102.5 over the past two days. He's been so pitiful. It made for a terrible vacation but that's just how the cookie crumbles. He is on the road to recovery. So for the past few days we've just stayed around the house. I put the jump n play up for the kids yesterday and they enjoyed that very much. Today it rained all day so we were stuck inside. Brad and I took advantage of Papa being in town for one more day and took some time for ourselves. We just took a long drive out to the country and did some serious talking about life and the future. We enjoyed each other and realized how important true quality time is to our marriage. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day and there is a parade celebrating the Indy 500. I hope Brad feels up to it and we can take the kids. They are desperate to get out of the house. I'm sure you have all heard of the death of Steven Curtis Champan's 5 year old daughter, Maria. It was a terrible tragic accident. She was struck and killed by a vehicle her brother, Will, was driving. It makes me realize that the disappointments I count as major are actually so minor. Life is all about perspective, isn't it? Thank you Jesus that my family has been spared such tragedy. Father, remind me every moment that even through mourning, you are still faithful and mighty. You are the soverign God with whom I place all my trust. Amen
Check out this youtube video of the kids singing "I want chew know..." They are going in circles over and over and Jackson is of course in his undies going wild. It's so cute. Enjoy an exerpt of our lives! http://www.youtube.com/v/iAdLC3li_BU
Congratulations, David Cook! My American Idol all time favorite... yippee! I can't wait to hear what kind of music he makes. We did zero packing today but it was kind of nice, too. We started the day by going to the mall and taking the kids to the park. Then we came home and put the kids down for a nap. Since Brad and Papa are both home I got to take a nap also. It was wonderful. I slept until 5:30pm. When I woke up I felt like it was tomorrow. That's when you know you slept hard. I went grocery shopping with Connor and Cooper. Connor was so good in the store. He loved just sitting and looking around. He got to pick out a new truck (his favorite). It's a 1966 Ford Truck and he thinks it's so cool. Cooper was good, too. But towards the end of the trip he was getting cranky. I was in a tizzy leaving the store. On our way out to the car I realized that I'd forgotten to pay for the icecream. It was stuck inbetween the carseat and the buggy. I caught a man going inside and asked him to drop it off at customer service. Ooops! When I got to the car I unloaded the groceries and was putting Connor in the car when I realized he had a Mounds Bar in his hand. He must have grabbed it at the checkout counter. There was NO way I was headed back in with the kids. I decided I'd just come back tomorrow and pay for it when I saw a little guy that works there and handed it to him. I can't believe we left Kroger and stole 2 items! I wonder how many stolen goods we've come home with when I take all 5 kids?
May 19, 2008 Brad is on vacation this week. We had planned to go to Georgia for the week but decided that there was no real reason to make the drive and spend the money. So we opted to stay home and relax while getting a good start on packing. I'm really glad we made that decision. Yesterday was a day full of running errands. Brad and I did manage to sneak away for lunch together. It was great. Today is a day of getting caught up on paperwork and bills. I also have to clean out the file cabinet. Why is it that you have to make a mess in order to organize and clean a mess? I went for a brisk walk today. I was looking forward to it about as much as you do a sore throat! But I have to admit that as soon as I took those first few steps I realized how much I miss exercising. It felt so good to breath the cool air into my lungs and to have my blood pumping. I walked for 35 minutes and even managed to do a little (make that tiny) bit of jogging. Hey, you have to start somewhere. I've also joined Weight Watchers online. I'm trying and that's all I can do. When I got back I collapsed into a folding chair outside. The kids were riding their big wheels and Brad was talking on the phone. Jackson came up to me and said, "Mommy, look what I found." It was a penny. He said, "Can I put it in my nose?" Oh my goodness... was he serious? I didn't want to take the chance so I gave him a big NO. One time my friend, Becky, had to tell her son, "NO you can't lick that tire!" Giggle... Cooper is trying his best to crawl. He will get up on all 4's and rock back and forth. If you place him on a large blanket he'll scoot backwards and end up under the couch. Oh they are so precious! Brady is not very far behind Cooper. He can get up on all 4's but he pretty much just falls. They are both sitting up (assisted) and they are eating 3 meals a day. They are huge. I'm sure they are approaching 20 pounds. Little lovies is what they are! Evidently High School Musical is becoming a household favorite. We had to purchase the 2nd edition recently. Usually, Gabrielle loves to sing "Jesus loves me" or "Twinkle Twinkle" but now she's busting out with new lyrics. They go like this: "I want chew Noooooo, I want chew Nooooooo, I want chew Nooooo." She proceeds with the same words over and over with such intenesity it's hilarious. She also can NOT sing without some sort of a microphone. Usually it's a hairbrush or a power ranger... whatever is handy. Connor is still playing with any type of truck or ball. He loves to just carry around anything that has wheels. He's picking up quickly with his vocabulary but it's still not real clear. Jackson can't wait to move to Georgia. Actually, they all 3 are looking forward to it. They have been getting their bookbags and packing their blankies and favorite toys and saying, "We're ready for Georgia." It's so sweet. Those are their most precious posessions. As long as they have blankies, a toy and us they feel they have everything right in the world. I'm feeling much better. Still coughing but most of my voice is back thank goodness. We are always telling the kids when they ask hard questions like (Question) "Why is it raining today?" (Answer) "Because God made it rain." That is good enough for them. I guess it applies to all things...Gabrielle just the other day told her Daddy... "God made Mommy sick."
May 17, 2008 (5 weeks and counting) Should I or shouldn't I???? I need your help with a little insignificant matter that's on my mind. I'm trying to decide if I should switch to a blog or stay with the website. I love the website but the blog thing seems so popular. Which format do you like better? Please give me your feedback on my GUESTBOOK page. Okay we'll let's see what's new in our family? I am feeling better. I still have very little voice but it's coming back. Brady seems to be a little congested but is fine. Please Lord, let the rest of us stay healthy. I never used to fear sickness like I do now that we have such a large family. When one starts to get sick it's a inconvenience but when 5 kids get sick it's just all out war! Since Papa has been here it's been great. On Friday, I drug Jackson out to do some shopping. Bad idea. Poor thing was tired of walking when we hit the doors. So, I paid $5 for a mall stroller that would have fit him perfect if he were a 1 year old. I didn't think about trying it on for size before I put the money in the machine. So here we went through the mall with Jackson cramped in the stroller that's shaped like a race car. This stroller had a 6 foot rod attached to the top of it so noone would steal it or something. I mean who would want it. I felt so goofy just pushing it not to mention JR's knees were up to his ears in it. To top the whole thing off... one of the wheels was squeaky! I never ever go shopping for myself at the mall. Actually, I don't even go to the mall... ever. I felt really out of my element anyway throw a dorky stroller that squeaks and I REALLY stick out in a crowd. I realized when I was there that I'm becoming "That Mom." You know the one that you said, "I'll never let myself look like that when I'm a Mom." Yeah, that's me. I felt so old. The gray around my temples looked white. My "mommy body" looked just plain old FAT. My decent clothes looked dumpy. And the teenagers looked soooo young. I mean really really young. I couldn't believe how young they looked. And some of the women looked too old to look so young! Does that make sense? I went to the mall to try and find something pretty for Brad's graduation banquet. It was much harder than I thought. But I did manage to find something that will do. I like it... it's half way flattering and I felt comfortable wearing it. I walked out the doors of the mall feeling a little low in the self esteem department thinking of how I don't look like I used to and honestly wanted to cry. Jackson held my hand as we walked out to the car. We talked about what we would do the rest of the day and how we couldn't wait for Daddy to come home. I looked over at Jackson whose blonde hair was bouncing with each step and thought of everything I do have... like my kids saying, "I love you, Mommy" and "I need you, Mommy" and Brad saying, "You're doing a good job, Doll. I know it's tough" and how Brady and Cooper look at me like I'm the most beautiful creature they've ever seen. So, no... I don't look like I used to but I don't think or want to be like I used to either... I'm proud to be THIS MOM.
May 15, 2008 Thank God for Papa! I've somehow managed to get the worst cold in the world with a nasty cough and it has caused my voice to leave my body. I literally can not speak. Yippee for my family, I'm sure. I feel like my head and chest will explode at any moment. Brady must not be feeling well either. He woke up several times last night with the most pitiful cry ever. He's just not been himself today. He and I are pumping ourselves full of meds and hoping for a quick recovery. Papa took over all parental duties today and I slept until noon. He's here at just the right time. The kids had their last day of Mother's Morning Out today and they missed it! I felt so terrible I couldn't stand the thought of getting everyone ready. However, tomorrow there is a end of school fun day of some sort with water play and cotton candy. All the good stuff. I hope I feel better and am able to take them for a little fun. I was supposed to have Girl's Night Out tonight but decided against getting the rest of the girls sick. I missed ya, Ladies!
May 13, 2008 Don't you just hate when you open your mouth and say something so insensitive and stupid? Am I the only one who tends to do these things? I've already made my apology privatley to Heather and Allison. But this is my public apology, forgive me? Obviously, I started the day with my foot in my mouth. Quite a yummy breakfast. Today was the day that Brad sent me to the car dealership to pick up "THE RED TRUCK." I said, I would go sign the papers and bring it home but that's it. All the "haggle daggle" had to be done and I was having no part of it. He agreed. So Papa and I (YES, Papa is HERE!) took the older kids to Mom's Morning Out and I arranged a sitter for the baby boys, too. Papa and I went to the dealership and began the paperwork. Well, let me just tell you that Mr. Hoosier Man must have taken this Georgia Peach for a big DUMMY! He was sliding things past me and trying to be slick. I caught him on several mistakes with warranty information we had been promised. One thing led to another and my Dad called him a lair (which he was) and we turned our Southern rears and headed out to the car! I was so upset. Everything you hate, loath and despise about car dealerships and car salesmen were all wrapped up in this one building. Next came the hardest part of all... calling my husband who had been like a child waiting on Christmas Morning to arrive, that we did not buy his much anticipated truck. Needless to say, he was VERY dissappointed. I cried telling him that it would have been the biggest mistake because of all the problems we ran into and it was NOT a smart decision after how they were so rude and ugly to us. He was VERY glad that I did not back down and said he would be okay. Well, I wasn't okay and I knew he wasn't okay either. I told Papa to buckle his seatbelt and we're going to the Chevy dealership. We walked on the lot and looked at a new '08 Chevy Silverado/Slate Gray/6"lift/35" tires/crew cab and I said THIS IS IT!!! It's the same truck Brad's been looking at for a couple months and really wanted but just wouldn't by himself something so nice. I told Papa that I was just going to bite the bullet for Brad and do the deal. We went into the dealership and headed straight for the sales manager. I told them how I got burned earlier. I said, "I am in no mood for shmoozin'... let's do business right or I don't want to do business at all. I want that big truck out there." He said, "Well do you want to drive it." I said, "No I want to buy it." We came up with a very fair price and I bought the truck. Brad knew NOTHING about it. Keep in mind that this truck hunt we've been on has lasted for the past 2 years. I knew what the man really wanted and what he really hated. I trusted my judgment and knew he would be pleased with how I worked the deal. So now the fun part. The dealer followed me home with the truck. I parked it in the drive, put a giant red bow on the window and had the camcorder ready when he pulled in the drive. (Keep in mind, he thinks he's back to square one with finding another used truck.) His jaw dropped and he was speechless. MY BRAD was speechless. I thought that was impossible. He loved it and was so happy to see the deal done and he was ready to drive. He looks awesome in his truck and it fits him like a glove and is truly a Man's Truck! (grunt grunt)
May 11, 2008 Happy Mother's Day! Mom and Memaw each received a lovely bunch of tulips (my personal favorite) from the whole family. Next year we'll celebrate together... wheww whoo! Brad gave me tulips, also. I was thrilled and shocked. Flowers are far and few between in this house... unless I pick them for myself at the grocery store. Jackson made me a beautiful flower pot and it's full of pansies. Gabrielle and Connor made me a craft at school, too. It's a cut out of their little hands and places on a straw to look like a lilly. Beautiful and so precious. We were going out to lunch after church but every place was slammed. It was rainy and cold and I told Brad I had rather go home and get something quick to eat so I could take a nap! And we did. I took such a hard and long nap I woke up disoriented. I felt like a truck had hit me. Mother's Day in conjunction with getting a new truck has him all wanting to help out around the house. He did the dishes last night, too... withOUT being asked. "Hmmmm, are you feeling okay?" He said, "I know my hands have not been in dishwater in a very long time. Sorry." I really appreciated his help without me asking. It made a huge difference. Today at the church we had baby dedication. Of course we dedicated Brady and Cooper. I thought it would be sweet for the whole family including the older kids to stand up there with us during the dedication. Well, I must have been in "fairy tale Mommy land" when I came up with that idea. Gabrielle stood and stiff 3ft from and refused to move. She just stared at all te people and it was like literally she was frozen. Jackson decided that being in front of all those people was awesome. He wanted his 5 mins of fame and jumped on the stage. I was afraid the "Booty dance" was coming so I gently jerked him off the stage with one arm... LOL. Connor of course had to follow the other sheep and jump up their, too. I looked at him with the "Mommy stare" and he knew to STOP or DIE. I held Brady who talked the whole time. It was precious. Brad held Cooper and they just were sweet as sugar. At the end of the dedication we were the last to get our certificates. Everyother family had sat down and the whole congregation is watching us. Jackson looks up at our pastor and in his high pitch squeaky voice where the whole room can hear yelps out, "PASTOR?" Pastor Jim, says, "Yes, Jackson?" I quickly placed my hand over Jackson's mouth and with a sweet smile said, "He doesn't want to say anything. We'll be going now." It was very funny. You see Jackson is in that really inquisitive honest stage right now. He tattles on himself all the time and is so inquisitive about "why" this and "why" that. Two days ago he saw a rather large woman bend over and Jackson blurted to his father, "Daddy, why is her bottom so big?" Hmmmmmm, that was a good one.
May 9, 2008 Trucks, Trucks, Trucks! As I live and breath, all I have heard about for the past year is trucks. So we are getting down to the wire and the end of residency is quickly approaching THUS Brad is anticipating that precious truck. He's researched, talked to people who know truck things and he's made a decision. He found THE truck. It's a pretty red one and that's all I really need to know. We've gone by the dealership a zillion times to look at the same truck over and over as if it is going to grow some new accessory overnight or something. As you all are well aware Thursday is my Girl's Night Out and if there are any delays or cancelations I go into uncontrollable fits. However, being the sweet and considerate wife that I am I did delay it by 30 minutes so Brad could take a test drive on THE truck. Brad finally takes his highly anticipated drive and it was everything he had hoped and dreamed it would be. He looked a bit like Jackson on his bike for the first time saying, "Hey Mom, look at me!" I "ooooohed" and "ahhhhhhed" at all the right moments all the while thinking "I have places to go, people to see and kids to get away from!" Brad insisted that I too take a test drive. Let me tell you, that truck has never been driven so hard. I whizzed around the parking lot like a pro-racer. After a quick zip I delivered the scared senseless salesman safely to his starting point and said, "drives great, let's go!" Brad dropped me off at Bible study just in time for the closing prayer. Thanks honey. At least I made it to dinner with the gals. I took Gabrielle to Target today to get a helmet since she's riding a bike now. She had to wear it as soon as we got in the car, it was kind of funny. She couldn't lean her head all the way on the seat with the helmet on so she sat with her chin down looking up through the top of her eyes. I bet any passersby thought, "that poor little girl." LOL So of course when we got home Jackson thought he HAD to wear his, too. Well, there sat little Connor without a helmet. He won't try to ride the bike and I just didn't think he needed a helmet for his Big Wheel. But the guilt sat in and I promised him that when Daddy got home I would take him to Target for a helmet. And I did. We got to the helmet asile and he picked out the perfect helmet. I got the one that said "For ages 3+." I tried it on him for size (because he has a rather large brain) and it sat on top of his head like a beanie!!! I found it hilarious and evidently Connor did not. He threw it down on the ground and decided a helmet wasn't for him. I hope I didn't scar him for life but I just couldn't help myself. It makes me laugh just thinking about that big Diego thing on his head... it looked so small on him. I'm sure that moment cost him thousands of future dollars in therapy. I told him he could pick out anything he wanted since I ruined his life. He settled on a big green bouncy ball. He was thrilled and so was I since it only cost two bucks!
May 7, 2008 I just realized how off I was on the date of my last post. Sorry about that. Today was pretty low key. Jackson was picked up this morning by Sarah to go over and spend the day with Josiah. Jackson and Josiah enjoy the thrills of superheros together. So while Jackson ran off to have some "kid his own age fun" the rest of my crew and I stayed home to do really fun stuff like laundry. Actually, Gabrielle and Connor are at that age where they think it's fun to put the clothes in the dryer and help to sort the clothes. I had plenty for it for them to do! But I have to admit... I really really missed Jackson. I had to stop myself several times from going to pick him up. Honestly, the house felt like something was missing and it was. He adds so much help to me and his siblings. I missed him talking and laughing. He's sort of the only one I talk to that can really talk back and understand. Brad said, "Well just think how you'll feel when he leaves for kindergarten." I almost punched him in the nose! We just won't talk about those things till it raises it's ugly head. Homeschool sounds better everyday. However, I would need Daycare while I was Homeschooling... I think it's just to complicated! AND if that complicates my mind just think of how I'd been at long division? I got an eary Mother's Day Gift today from Jackson. Sarah took him to Awana tonight at our church and they decorated a flower pot with their hand prints and planted pansies. It has a sign made of his handpring that says "Happy Mother's Day- Jackson." He made me shut my eyes to present it to me. When I opened them my heart just melted! The pot was cute but what was more important were those big beautiful eyes searching my soul for recognition of his efforts. He was so thrilled to present this gift, that HE made, to his Mommy. I could have squeezed him into. I never ever want him out of my sight again. But for his own good, I will let him continue to go and play with other TRUSTED friends. I think our Pastor Jim and his wife Sarah are included! haha Sunday's post will be intresting... let's see if Daddy remember's this special day? After we picked up Jackson Brad said go to a store that sells and serves food and does the dishes when you're done. I said okay, "Bob Evans." The kids went wild with excitment and so did Brad. He goes the entire day without food or water (or anyother form of hydration) then by the time he gets home he's like a hungry wolf looking at us like prey. I ususally throw Cooper at him first. He's the best to eat! Anyway, we went in and everyone ate till they were content; even the babies. Upon leaving, Gabrielle and I had to use the potty. Brad and the rest of the kids waiting outside for us to come out. Brad was on the cell phone and in charge of watching the other kids. Some of you know he can multitask and run his clinic without any hesitation. However, when he's at home he can only do one thing at a time with complete instruction on how it should be done. I think he morphs into a different person on his way home from work. Anywho.... Gabrielle and I walk out of the doors and I see the following scene: Brad's on the cell phone, sitting on a bench with his legs spread far apart like he's enjoying a relaxing break. Connor is running around the parking lot. The babies are screaming bloody murder in their carseats because Brad doesn't have them close enough from the cover to keep the pouring rain off them. BUT, my friends, this is the best of all. I ask Brad "Where's Jackson?" He replies with a carefree "he's over their peeing." Like no big deal. I look over and Jackson is standing at the front doors of Bob Evans with his pants down to his ankles and is peeing on the entrance at the front pillar . He's making a rather intresting design with his stream and says, "Hey Mom, come look at me!" I said, "I am ashamed of you Jackson. You know better than to pee on a public building!" Brad stands up and said, "I told him he could." To which I said, "Do you make it a habit of leaving your BRAIN at work when you leave the premises? I can NOT believe you would do something so stupid. I am ashamed and embarassed." Brad's reply is simple, "Well what was I supposed to do?" Hmmmm, I could think of at least 100 other ideas that don't include public indecent exposure charges. Jackson starts to cry because he thinks he did something wrong. Brad tried to explain that he made a poor error of judgment (I call it something else that I'll refrain from expressing) and he was just doing what Daddy told him to do. So we left without any charges being filed and a full stomach! Ohhhhh, which is the hardest to raise... the 4 year old, two 2 year olds, two 7 month olds, or one gigantic 32 year old?
May 6, 2008 A very sad note: It was exactly one year from today that our lives changed... The Four Wheeler Accident. It changed my Mom's life forever. She's still VERY stiff and has undergone complete physical therapy. She still does not have full range of motion. It saddens me beyond belief to think of the heartbreak I felt from that day. Poor Mom in the hosptial wondering if she'd need surgery and poor Connor in a ER with a broken leg! But we've made it through ONE year and life has gone on. "Thank you, Jesus for keeping us safe. Thank you for giving us wisdom in the lessons we learned. Please spare our family of such tagedy again. However, I praise you and glorify your name even in the midst of tragedy! You are a mighty and amazing God, all powerful." Have you missed me? My computer is killing me!!! I think we've decided on a laptop. We've been pricing them to find the right one for us. I can not depend on this computer I'm currently using. So what's been new??? Brady is finally doing much better with his Excema. We went to see another dermatologist who really knew what he was talking about. He prescribed Diflucan for 20 days (oral) and then one medication in two forms (oil for scalp & cream for body). We could tell an incredible difference overnight. I'm so glad. Finally you can kiss him and he feels less like sandpaper. It was almost like he just ohhh'd and ahhhh'd over some relief when I applied it. Cooper is talking. He's saying "Duh Duh Duh/Da Da Da/Bu Bu Bu" It's so sweet. He wants to crawl soooo bad. He does a complete push up and pulls his legs in then he just splats on the ground. They are both laughing and playing all the time. Gabrielle is now potty trained and in a big girl bed full time! I'm so so so glad I don't have to change her diapers anymore. 1 down and 3 to go. Connor is going potty maybe 3 times a week which I'm super excited about. He gets the idea a little more and more everyday. He's very proud of himself. They all want Jelly Beans or Gummy Bears each time the other goes potty. They really support each other and want to "see it" before it goes down the drain. What is it about kids wanting to look at it? Anyway, that's a big milestone for us now. Jackson is loving soccer. All the kids are playing outside everyday/all day. Jackson learned how to ride a big bike with training wheels. I bet by the end of the summer the training wheels will be OFF. Gabrielle jumped on his old bike with training wheels and literally took off. I couldn't believe she jumped on and started to pedal. It took us forever to teach JR how to pedal. Connor can't pedal yet but the more he watches Sissy the better prepared he'll be to ride. That's just how he works. The packing is coming along quite well. I skipped out on Mom to Mom this morning. They offered to watch the babies while I came home and got some stuff done at home. They kept them for two hours (they were perfect angels, I heard). I got Gabrielle, Jackson and Connor's rooms boxed up as well as the children's book shelves. I'm trying to clear out little by little. I don't want it to be a mere 2 weeks away and I have not even thought of packing. I just can't procrastinate. I thought the kids would get sad seeing things in their room disappear but they say, "Did you pack all my stuff for GA?" I say yes and they just giggle with excitment. And the best news ever... Papa is coming Tuesday, May 12th-24th. Wheewww Whoooo! Sweet relief! Brad will be on vacation some of that time and we'll get a lot of packing done then.
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