Weather Permitting the next week or so will go as follows:
Pa-Paw and Uncle Will get here tomorrow. Uncle Joe is driving up to get them, I'm riding along.
Christmas #1 on Saturday at Aunt Debbie's. It's typically A Christmas Eve ordeal when we all gather together for chili and oyster stew (EWWW) and the famous gift exchange. This year we have made changes to the date (only the date) so that I can follow Dr's orders after my minor surgery on Tuesday morning.
Sunday- WE GET TO SEE MARY BETH!!! FINALLY!!!! (she actually gets home late Saturday night) I don't know who has missed her more me or G. All I know is I probably won't be so supportive of her next time she wants to teach overseas for "a few months"... LOL!
We scheduled my cerclage (u can google it) for Tuesday morning at 7 am. It's an outpatient surgery and I will be placed on bedrest for a week while we see how my body (and the baby) responds to the surgery. I need some prayers. My nerves are getting to me...
Thursday is the 9 yr anniversary (that sounds like such a happy word and it's not a happy day) of when my grandpa passed away. I will never ever forget that day.
Friday evening we will spend with the Rebbec's. Everyone will be HOME (Mike, Alyssa and Mary Beth)!!! It should be a really good time.
Saturday- we are hoping for the first year in as long as I can remember to spend at home, enjoying our family and playing with all of Graham's new toys.
Sunday- We celebrate Christmas at my mom's house.
Whew!!! I'm tired just thinking of it but I can't wait for it either!
Prayers for all the travelers- going out to you all and asking to recieve on our end too.
May you have lots of PEACE, LOVE and JOY this CHRISTmas!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Big Boy Bed, Bronchitis and Blizzards
My little boy is 23 months old! Where did the time go? In less than a month he will be a 2 yr old. ***Major sad face*** Why can't we just freeze them in time and keep them sweet and innocent and "lap size"??? My nephew Wylie would tell you I ask this only because I don't want to get old. Which reminds me that next month I will also be having a birthday. 27. UGGHH!
So we went back and forth for months on what to do about a "big boy bed" and finally decided to keep Graham's his own and buy new for the baby. So we took the side off the crib and now it's a toddler bed and wouldn't you know this little guy just loves it. The transition could not have been easier. I'm such a proud mommy that he is such a good boy. At first he wouldn't even get out when he was awake- he would still call for us. He does get down now when he is up but it has always been an appropriate time.
We have had colds in this house for a month now and last week Graham's started into some coughing so we took him into the doctor to find out he has Bronchitis. So fun fun antibiotics. He HATES medicine. I blame it on all that he had to take the first two years because of ear infections. But we finished it and he seems to be on the road to recovery.
Last weekend we got dumped on by a snow storm. This week all week we had warnings for a weekend blizzard. They weren't kidding. We didn't get as much snow as last weekend but we did get a lot of blowing snow! Schools even cancelled today. Did I mention the wind chill is -10 to -20 all day!!! YIKES! The Florida guys are gonna love it when they arrive Thursday. Although we are supposed to have a heat wave by then with highs of 30 degrees on Thursday. LOL!
Baby Update:
There really isn't much of one until tomorrow. We have an appt for a sonogram as well as to schedule my surgery. I can't wait to get a peek at the little thing again. I am starting to lean towards "its a girl". I have had way more "yucky" feelings than I ever did with Graham. I have almost daily headaches and crazy dizziness. I don't sleep well at all which is super frustrating because I'm always exhausted. I sitll have a few food aversions too. I am deinfitely "showing" now too.
Blog Update: So I really fail at putting pictures on here right. Maybe someday someone who is good at this can show me how to do it right. In the meantime- enjoy all the pictures at the top and u can imagine they are with their "captions" and turned the right way. HAHA!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Our Christmas Card
Since we went the cheapo route this year and only ordered 60 cards to mail, I am taking advantage of the world wide web and posting it here for all to see! :)
We have had such a blessed year. I can only pray that 2011 is as good.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Ear Muffs
Growing up, we didn't have the best manners, we were all cussers, and were around of a lot of negativity. I have quickly learned that when you have your own children, you begin to try to fix the things in yourself that you don't want to instill them. One of my biggest challenges has been my language. I'm not going to lie. The second is negative and prejudicial thoughts. And I don't mean racial. I am talking judging the book by it's cover type of thing. It has come out of my mouth more than once "Wow look at that WT (White Trash). And that's wrong of me, I don't know their story and I have NO BUSINESS judging them.
So I wonder if anyone else struggles like I do. I find myself praying in my head at night and then being like "ooops I hope HE didn't hear that thought"... Sometimes I actually wish I could tell God "EAR MUFFS" meaning cover your ears because believe me you don't want to hear this. How horrible is that of me?? So last night, as I am laying in bed praying and praying I decided my new prayer for myself is to ask HIM to please help me to be the kind of person HE doesn't need Ear Muffs for.
Will you all pray that prayer for me too? And if you have any prayer requests for yourself or someone else SHOOT! Cause I'm gonna get better at this, I just know it!
So I wonder if anyone else struggles like I do. I find myself praying in my head at night and then being like "ooops I hope HE didn't hear that thought"... Sometimes I actually wish I could tell God "EAR MUFFS" meaning cover your ears because believe me you don't want to hear this. How horrible is that of me?? So last night, as I am laying in bed praying and praying I decided my new prayer for myself is to ask HIM to please help me to be the kind of person HE doesn't need Ear Muffs for.
Will you all pray that prayer for me too? And if you have any prayer requests for yourself or someone else SHOOT! Cause I'm gonna get better at this, I just know it!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Pregnancy Nose
Most women who have had children know that pregnancy is not as glamourous as people would like you to think.
I don't remember my "pregnancy nose" being this bad last time around. When I say pregnancy nose- I not only mean the overwhelmingly strong sense of smell that sets in the day I get knocked up but the constant drip and stuffy nose and the ever widening bridge of my nose! I wish I thought that this got better as the pregnancy progressed but somehow I don't think that was the case.
So I guess I will continue to be grossed out by smells that never bothered me before, toss and turn at night to try to get one side or the other of my nose unclogged, and try to find some concealer that will make my nose look smaller.
I don't remember my "pregnancy nose" being this bad last time around. When I say pregnancy nose- I not only mean the overwhelmingly strong sense of smell that sets in the day I get knocked up but the constant drip and stuffy nose and the ever widening bridge of my nose! I wish I thought that this got better as the pregnancy progressed but somehow I don't think that was the case.
So I guess I will continue to be grossed out by smells that never bothered me before, toss and turn at night to try to get one side or the other of my nose unclogged, and try to find some concealer that will make my nose look smaller.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Random Randomness
We found out last month that we are expecting our next little Rebbec in June! Hopefully this pregnancy goes a little smoother than G's did.So far so good. I have had a few food aversions (tuna, hotdogs to name a couple) and lots of the sinus issues I had with Graham but no big issues! so Yay! We are expecting to have the cerclage surgery the week of Christmas or the week after. They will watch me closely for a week after and it means a week of bedrest but hopefully if everything goes well- No bed rest after that! I already had to quit babysitting and have to often have help with lifting Graham and I'm only 8 1/2 weeks along. I really miss not seeing Lana, Dax and Wylie daily.
As some of you know, My dad had a stroke in October and has pretty much recovered fully since then. I am excited that he and my brother Will are going to be here for two weeks at Christmas. It's been too long since I've seen them and since they have seen the little ones.
Graham had a great follow up appt after his tubes and Dr. Russell thinks this should do the trick and hopefully no more ear infections. We did decide to get him evalutated for his sensory needs. We should hear something the beginning of next week to set it all up. IN the meantime the kid is talking us in circles, he becomes more and more opinionated each day, speaks in full sentences and has a cute sense of humor. HE has started whispering things and one of his favorite past times is to hide under the random blankets around the house and whisper to whomever will hide with him, apparently he also sees "stars" under there! He often tells us "Mom (or Dad) on Floor! Hide! Blankies!" He reads books to us and to himself and is picking up on some of the words to his favorite Kindermusik and non Kindermusik songs and asks mom to sing them lots at home. We also have a new game in the car- we talk about the different vehicles on the road as we are going places just this week he told he he sees "chocolate cars and trucks". I adore the little booger so much. And yes, he is still hooked on Boogers too!
As I shared on Facebook tonight we asked him "Graham did u poop?" "No I farted" "Are you lying" "No I not Lion RAWR!!!" He is such a hoot to listen to!
And today marks exactly ONE MONTH til Mary Bethy comes home! I cannot wait. I miss her like CRAZZZZZYYYY!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
PTL!!!
I always wondered what this abbreviation meant. It will now be a favorite of mine. PRAISE THE LORD!
I owe Him lots of praise this week (as well as every week). My dad, Mark suffered a stroke yesterday morning. My mom and aunt were still in Florida (leaving that morning), after a quick weekend visit with my brother Will, when Will called them at dad's request. They called the ambulance. The stroke was on his left side of his brain, so it affected the right side of his body. He had trouble walking and speaking by the time they reached the hospital. But has since recovered some of that strength back slowly. Today I was able to understand everything he said on the phone, something my brother had reported you couldn't do yesterday. The doctors will most likely release him tomorrow or the next day and expect him to make a full recovery. PTL!!! Continued prayers are needed for his quick recovery, that he may find a way to afford his medications and keep on them, and possibly get medical insurance so that he can continue to visit doctors when needed and stay healthy. I also pray that he can still come home for the holidays as we haven't seen him in over a year now and really miss him.
I owe Him lots of praise this week (as well as every week). My dad, Mark suffered a stroke yesterday morning. My mom and aunt were still in Florida (leaving that morning), after a quick weekend visit with my brother Will, when Will called them at dad's request. They called the ambulance. The stroke was on his left side of his brain, so it affected the right side of his body. He had trouble walking and speaking by the time they reached the hospital. But has since recovered some of that strength back slowly. Today I was able to understand everything he said on the phone, something my brother had reported you couldn't do yesterday. The doctors will most likely release him tomorrow or the next day and expect him to make a full recovery. PTL!!! Continued prayers are needed for his quick recovery, that he may find a way to afford his medications and keep on them, and possibly get medical insurance so that he can continue to visit doctors when needed and stay healthy. I also pray that he can still come home for the holidays as we haven't seen him in over a year now and really miss him.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Skyping
I think perhaps Skype is one of the greatest inventions ever. I did not know how I was going to survive my sister in laws stay in England- let alone how Graham was... Skype has allowed us to talk to her for FREE like she is in our living room on the couch next to us! I know it makes her less homesick and it sure helps me (and Graham) not miss her as much.
Update- Graham will be getting tubes in his ears on November 2nd. Prayers needed that this will be a solution to our problems.
Update- Graham will be getting tubes in his ears on November 2nd. Prayers needed that this will be a solution to our problems.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Farms, Editing, England and Ears
This weekend was a nice family weekend. We had Friday night date night and even had an overnight babysitter for the little man. Saturday we picked him up and hung out on the couch all day watching movies. Sunday we took grandma and went to Rader's Family Farm (pumpkin patch). It was so much fun, Graham and I went back on Monday with some cousins, Wylie, Mary Liz and Tommy. Mary Beth helped supervise. :) I sat down with the computer last night and tried my hand at editing some of the great pictures from the Farm Outing. (having an issue with uploading them however) This was mostly so I had some for Mary Beth before she leaves us to go student teach in England for TWO WHOLE MONTHS!!! We are going to miss her dearly but we know it will be a great learning experience for her! And we will see her December 19th!
On a side note today we had the two week checkup to make sure Graham's month long ear infection was finally gone. Over the past month I have also noticed a pretty extreme reaction/sensitivity to loud, high pitched noises which had also begun to concern me. Dr. Bandy gave us a referral to the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Specialist. We go Monday. Pray we get some answers and solutions finally!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
We LOVE Kindermusik!!!
It was never a question as to whether or not I would stay at home when we had children. My mom worked very little when we were younger and my husband's mother was a stay at home mom as well. But, as a stay at home mom who also babysits, I am always looking for ways for Graham and I to have Mommy and Me time. I sometimes feel guilty for always making him share his toys, his house, his food and his MOMMA! So when summer was over and I got the opportunity to cut back to 3 days a week of babysitting, leaving 2 whole days for just Graham and I- I was excited! What kinds of fun things could we do together to fill our days? After all the #1 reason I don't work outside of the home is for Grahammy! Graham came out loving music. His dad and I are music junkies. Martin played piano as a child and young adult and has self taught a little guitar. I was always involved in chorus in school and loved performing in musicals as well. It was a given that our child would know about music and be exposed from it from in utero on! Yes, I was one of those mom's who put headphones on my big pregnant belly and read books to the baby in there. I never got huge into the research about it but always had the attitude of "what could it hurt?". Graham now enjoys all sorts of music and has been dancing since he could stand and singing since before he could talk. I had heard about Kindermusik from parents at the schools I worked in before getting pregnant as I had heard from mom's in the neighborhood- it was a great way to let kids express themselves and have fun while learning through music! Intrigued from the beginning I knew when I had kids I would give it a try. I am an Occupational Therapist still at heart even though my license has lapsed and it's been 2 1/2 years since I have worked as one. I LOVE learning about our sensory systems and how they work, and I have a kiddo who is very sensory orientated. Kindermusik was definitely only going to further explore his sensory system and help him learn through it. I have to admit I was nervous and had no idea what to expect on the first day. But Katie Henderson (Mrs. Kindermusik) is absolutely amazing and the BEST! She intuitively knows how to involve each and every child in there and coaches the parents on how to involve their children as well. Graham was very well behaved on the first day and participated beyond my expectations. He instantly fell in love with Mrs. Henderson and wanted to be by her a lot and even gave her a kiss and hug on the way out. The first day was all about learning the routines, getting to know one another and trying out new things. Some of the kids had been there before and were experienced. I was beaming with pride after leaving that first day because had I not known Graham I would have thought he was an "experienced" kiddo himself. The second week didn't go as smoothly but he still did GREAT! We are starting to learn about high and low and I love having something to carry through with at home. The take home CD is AWESOME! Although I am getting a little tired of "the carpenter's hammer" (his and Lana's favorite). ;) I kind of feel like it tailored to Graham specifically because we talk about all things around the house. Anyone who knows my kid, knows this is HIS THING anyway. He is obsessed about talking about the smells, sights, sounds, textures and tastes around home and has always been "hypersensitive" to them. Once again definitely a sensory kiddo... We were already using much of the vocabulary we are learning about in class in our home. I am so thrilled to have it all reinforced at Kindermusik. I am PSYCHED to continue our semester in Kindermusik and I know it won't be our last class. It is something for both Grahammy and Mom to look forward to each week! I am in LOVE! There is a video of Graham demonstarting his singing skills as well as some pictures of him and his "beloved Kindermusik bag" when leaving for class today.Saturday, September 11, 2010
The World's Fair comes to town. AKA- 63 rd annual CORN FEST!!!
Growing up in NC I never knew the true meaning of this Carnival my cousins spoke of. Sure, they had lots of corn and beans up yonder in Illinois, but what in the world did they need a 3 day long Festival to celebrate the Corn for? I had never heard of a Tobacco Festival after all...
I don't remember attending my first Corn Festival until I moved here my sophomore year of high school. It came round a few weeks after school started and right about the time the farmers started harvesting. I remember being so excited to walk around holding hands with my boyfriend of the week and sneaking smokes in the alley behind Topsey's (the local bar). We walked the drag (two blocks of Front Street), round the side street thru the park and back again, millions of times in those 3 days. We rode rides and tried to see who would barf on whose shoes first. We ate and drank "Carney" food: corndogs, funnel cakes, and lemon shake ups. We snuck into the bar to beg our friend's dad for more money to play games and win more cheap stuffed animals. We talked to everyone we knew. We lived for those 3 fun packed days.
In college, I always came back for at least one night, but then I would rarely ride rides. I would avoid people I hadn't seen since graduation day. I sang in the community choir a couple of years in a row and participated in their Thursday night show. I really didn't "dig" it so much anymore.
Five years after high school, I started dating my now husband and we decided to make it "official" to our classmates the week of corn fest. That had been one of my favorite memories until this year. The next year we had been married a few months and were expecting our first child. I was pretty sick that week. Last year, G was 8 months old and we didn't stay out long when we went up because he was still napping the day away and couldn't enjoy the food.
This year our precious little boy is 20 months old and the life of the party! I would say that this year is definitely the first year he could appreciate it.
THE FOOD
We were so excited to take him up Thursday night (1st night) to our favorite food truck the Smiley Cuban Food truck. We have talked about those sandwiches all year! We are proud to report that G loves it as much as mommy and daddy! We ate there once every day of the Corn Fest! We also had to make daily stops at the Bob's ice cream truck and we shared several different kinds of ice cream. While enjoying our ice cream today- Graham spotted a mother and daughter eating "walking tacos" and he had to have one!!! So of course- what Grahammy wants- Grahammy gets! He loved it of course! He also helped his Grandma Kate eat her nachos as well. We also had a new favorite this year- flavored lemon shake ups- they had cherry and strawberry- both delicious!
THE RIDES
Graham wasn't too sure about the rides this year. But momma was excited and got him an arm band which could be used on Thursday or Friday night. We opted for Friday night, only to find out that most of the Carnies required the parents to also have an arm band to ride with the kids... BULL HONKEY if u ask me! But we got one and shared it between the two of us. First we rode the carousel.. BLAH, BLAH.. HE didn't care. Next we rode the choo choo- which is not designed for even someone of my short stature to ride. Oh and did I mention I couldn't get him off after the first go round so we rode a second time. Then mommy had had enough. It was daddy's turn! So Daddy took him down the really big slide twice. Those stairs are steep and there was no way momma trusted herself with that precious cargo going up them with little ones pushing me! He was happy with that and it was getting dark so we got away with only 5 rides total- and yes, it paid for the arm band!
THE MUSIC
In the park, there is something going on each evening. It's always a nice break away from the loud music, crowded street, and puked covered kids and sidewalks uptown. They have a little mini king and queen contest that always proves to be adorable! Graham will be old enough in two more years to enter him. OH AND I WILL! Thursday night is always the kids show choir camps and then the community choir following that. I had two cousins performing this year and we only stayed for that short part but in that amount of time Graham managed to entertain many people. One older gentleman behind us said to me " I can't even watch my grand kid on stage because your son is stealing the show". We laughed and nodded and continued to watch Graham go round and round and round in circles dancing like a WILD MAN! At one point he headed towards the stage like he was going to join them up there and show them how little guys do it! Friday night was a country band and he had a bigger space to dance and once again all eyes on MY KID instead of the poor "Cattle Bandits" who were on stage. Saturday night, we didn't think he would make it until the show started at 8 but boy oh boy did he! It was a band doing Classic Rock- it was loud, obnoxious, screechy type of head banging music that we would normally not listen to ourselves, let alone play for our little boy. But he loved it and his MOMMA taught him to head bang and he poked his little lips out and made the most hilarious face while doing it. There were people literally standing up out of their chairs and pointing and showing people around them- the cute little Blondie, I call my own little Graham Cracker.
ONE PROUD, ADORING MOMMA this weekend!
THE PEOPLE
Being that both of my parents grew up here and their parents grew up here- I am related to half the town. Being that I graduated from this small town HS- I see tons of people I went to school with. So of course we can't walk ten steps without having to stop to say hello to someone. I see distant cousins I don't' see all year long otherwise. I see classmates from school I don't see all year long otherwise. It's especially nice now that a lot of us are married and having kids. We get to compare ages, etc. I absolutely LOVE every minute of showing off my two favorite boys!
Here is where I will tell you one of the best reasons for living in a small town. The honest, good, kind hearted people. We are forgetful people apart, my husband and I, put us together and we lose all sense of everything. We lost two lawn chairs to the Corn Fest last year and were sure we did again this year. I realized last night as we were falling asleep we had forgotten to take them out of the park on Thursday night and wouldn't you know it, they were still there when we went to check before the parade today! I was AMAZED!
THE PARADE
I have already mentioned how many people I am related to but have I mentioned how cute my kid is? People get out of their vehicles and go completely out of their way to make sure he gets buttloads of candy! Yes, it is a good ol fashioned AWESOME parade and everyone throws candy still. And it's a nice small town where every one looks out for one anothers kids when they rush out to the street to get the candy that didn't quite make it that far. We sit in my brother's yard which is in the first two blocks on the parade route and we made out this year with two giant ziploc bags full of candy. And that was just us. My brother and his kids, my mom and her husband, my brother Joe and his friend, my aunt and uncle, a friend and his son ALL MADE OUT LIKE BANDITS too! We will have candy for a few days at least! ;)
Now that we have "set our roots" and bought a house in El Paso, I think our little guy will grow up one of those kids that exclaims in his 40's "I have never missed a single Corn Fest". And I'm darn proud to be the Momma of that boy, cuz tonight, I think El Paso is a pretty special place to live!
I don't remember attending my first Corn Festival until I moved here my sophomore year of high school. It came round a few weeks after school started and right about the time the farmers started harvesting. I remember being so excited to walk around holding hands with my boyfriend of the week and sneaking smokes in the alley behind Topsey's (the local bar). We walked the drag (two blocks of Front Street), round the side street thru the park and back again, millions of times in those 3 days. We rode rides and tried to see who would barf on whose shoes first. We ate and drank "Carney" food: corndogs, funnel cakes, and lemon shake ups. We snuck into the bar to beg our friend's dad for more money to play games and win more cheap stuffed animals. We talked to everyone we knew. We lived for those 3 fun packed days.
In college, I always came back for at least one night, but then I would rarely ride rides. I would avoid people I hadn't seen since graduation day. I sang in the community choir a couple of years in a row and participated in their Thursday night show. I really didn't "dig" it so much anymore.
Five years after high school, I started dating my now husband and we decided to make it "official" to our classmates the week of corn fest. That had been one of my favorite memories until this year. The next year we had been married a few months and were expecting our first child. I was pretty sick that week. Last year, G was 8 months old and we didn't stay out long when we went up because he was still napping the day away and couldn't enjoy the food.
This year our precious little boy is 20 months old and the life of the party! I would say that this year is definitely the first year he could appreciate it.
THE FOOD
We were so excited to take him up Thursday night (1st night) to our favorite food truck the Smiley Cuban Food truck. We have talked about those sandwiches all year! We are proud to report that G loves it as much as mommy and daddy! We ate there once every day of the Corn Fest! We also had to make daily stops at the Bob's ice cream truck and we shared several different kinds of ice cream. While enjoying our ice cream today- Graham spotted a mother and daughter eating "walking tacos" and he had to have one!!! So of course- what Grahammy wants- Grahammy gets! He loved it of course! He also helped his Grandma Kate eat her nachos as well. We also had a new favorite this year- flavored lemon shake ups- they had cherry and strawberry- both delicious!
THE RIDES
Graham wasn't too sure about the rides this year. But momma was excited and got him an arm band which could be used on Thursday or Friday night. We opted for Friday night, only to find out that most of the Carnies required the parents to also have an arm band to ride with the kids... BULL HONKEY if u ask me! But we got one and shared it between the two of us. First we rode the carousel.. BLAH, BLAH.. HE didn't care. Next we rode the choo choo- which is not designed for even someone of my short stature to ride. Oh and did I mention I couldn't get him off after the first go round so we rode a second time. Then mommy had had enough. It was daddy's turn! So Daddy took him down the really big slide twice. Those stairs are steep and there was no way momma trusted herself with that precious cargo going up them with little ones pushing me! He was happy with that and it was getting dark so we got away with only 5 rides total- and yes, it paid for the arm band!
THE MUSIC
In the park, there is something going on each evening. It's always a nice break away from the loud music, crowded street, and puked covered kids and sidewalks uptown. They have a little mini king and queen contest that always proves to be adorable! Graham will be old enough in two more years to enter him. OH AND I WILL! Thursday night is always the kids show choir camps and then the community choir following that. I had two cousins performing this year and we only stayed for that short part but in that amount of time Graham managed to entertain many people. One older gentleman behind us said to me " I can't even watch my grand kid on stage because your son is stealing the show". We laughed and nodded and continued to watch Graham go round and round and round in circles dancing like a WILD MAN! At one point he headed towards the stage like he was going to join them up there and show them how little guys do it! Friday night was a country band and he had a bigger space to dance and once again all eyes on MY KID instead of the poor "Cattle Bandits" who were on stage. Saturday night, we didn't think he would make it until the show started at 8 but boy oh boy did he! It was a band doing Classic Rock- it was loud, obnoxious, screechy type of head banging music that we would normally not listen to ourselves, let alone play for our little boy. But he loved it and his MOMMA taught him to head bang and he poked his little lips out and made the most hilarious face while doing it. There were people literally standing up out of their chairs and pointing and showing people around them- the cute little Blondie, I call my own little Graham Cracker.
ONE PROUD, ADORING MOMMA this weekend!
THE PEOPLE
Being that both of my parents grew up here and their parents grew up here- I am related to half the town. Being that I graduated from this small town HS- I see tons of people I went to school with. So of course we can't walk ten steps without having to stop to say hello to someone. I see distant cousins I don't' see all year long otherwise. I see classmates from school I don't see all year long otherwise. It's especially nice now that a lot of us are married and having kids. We get to compare ages, etc. I absolutely LOVE every minute of showing off my two favorite boys!
Here is where I will tell you one of the best reasons for living in a small town. The honest, good, kind hearted people. We are forgetful people apart, my husband and I, put us together and we lose all sense of everything. We lost two lawn chairs to the Corn Fest last year and were sure we did again this year. I realized last night as we were falling asleep we had forgotten to take them out of the park on Thursday night and wouldn't you know it, they were still there when we went to check before the parade today! I was AMAZED!
THE PARADE
I have already mentioned how many people I am related to but have I mentioned how cute my kid is? People get out of their vehicles and go completely out of their way to make sure he gets buttloads of candy! Yes, it is a good ol fashioned AWESOME parade and everyone throws candy still. And it's a nice small town where every one looks out for one anothers kids when they rush out to the street to get the candy that didn't quite make it that far. We sit in my brother's yard which is in the first two blocks on the parade route and we made out this year with two giant ziploc bags full of candy. And that was just us. My brother and his kids, my mom and her husband, my brother Joe and his friend, my aunt and uncle, a friend and his son ALL MADE OUT LIKE BANDITS too! We will have candy for a few days at least! ;)
Now that we have "set our roots" and bought a house in El Paso, I think our little guy will grow up one of those kids that exclaims in his 40's "I have never missed a single Corn Fest". And I'm darn proud to be the Momma of that boy, cuz tonight, I think El Paso is a pretty special place to live!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Boo Tooseday
Knew today was gonna be a bummer but MAN! it was really a doozie!
Started out at the dentist, getting a filling for the first time in 18 years. In fact only my second filling in my entire life! I cannot stand needles, have a horrible gag reflex, and despise foreign objects in my mouth. I was close to a heart attack sitting there anticipating the numbing... I could feel my poor little heart beating in my eyeballs for goodness sakes.
The next doctor's appointment is the one I was really dreading, the one all women put off until it's ridiculous. THE OH SO FABULOUS ANNUAL PAP SMEAR APPT! To top it all off- I was seeing a new Nurse Practioner for it. She was great just in case u were wondering. But I did find out someone lied or refrained from explaining I had to have a repeat mammo for a lump I've had for awhile (which is scheduled for next week). And the joyous news is the lump is (feels) bigger. I really pray it doesn't mean a biopsy this time... I am also getting a ultrasound for my gall bladder which I am glad to be getting done finally. I however, don't have time to do surgery if needed at this point. So let's pray I'm a big baby and it's not as bad as it seems...
Started out at the dentist, getting a filling for the first time in 18 years. In fact only my second filling in my entire life! I cannot stand needles, have a horrible gag reflex, and despise foreign objects in my mouth. I was close to a heart attack sitting there anticipating the numbing... I could feel my poor little heart beating in my eyeballs for goodness sakes.
The next doctor's appointment is the one I was really dreading, the one all women put off until it's ridiculous. THE OH SO FABULOUS ANNUAL PAP SMEAR APPT! To top it all off- I was seeing a new Nurse Practioner for it. She was great just in case u were wondering. But I did find out someone lied or refrained from explaining I had to have a repeat mammo for a lump I've had for awhile (which is scheduled for next week). And the joyous news is the lump is (feels) bigger. I really pray it doesn't mean a biopsy this time... I am also getting a ultrasound for my gall bladder which I am glad to be getting done finally. I however, don't have time to do surgery if needed at this point. So let's pray I'm a big baby and it's not as bad as it seems...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A day in the life of ME
Wednesday September 1st
2:35 ish AM- wake up frantically swatting at my leg and blankets, screaming "SPIDER"
(bad dream... Or was it???)
3:00 ish AM- still awake wondering was it really a dream or was there a freaky spider coming to get me???
3:30 ish AM or somewhere thereabouts- drifts back into a fitful sleep, slapping husband every few minutes or so, counting down the days until he gets his mouth guard in my head
6:30 ish- Martin gets up, therein waking me up, then hears Graham starting to wake up
7:05- G is really up now.. Guess I will go get him since Martin isn't out of bathroom yet, even though I have to pee big time. Meets Martin in hallway- he takes G and lets me take a 4 minute shower before he has to leave
7:50- Travis arrives with Dax and Lana NOW THE FUN BEGINS!!! I had prepared eggs a little earlier and G has eaten so I sit Lana down to eat her eggs. Of course G wants more...
8:30 we head downstairs to play and I am waiting to hear from Tiffany what time Dax ate and will be hungry again (Travis never seems to know when I ask him)
8:30-9:30- Break up multiple fights, fold and sort laundry, make Dax a bottle and feed him
9:30-10:30- getting a little desperate, take kids outside to play in a very wet sandbox, Dax in stroller, he wants to go to sleep but can't. I pick him up get him to sleep, put him in DARK QUIET room downstairs where (******fingers crossed*****) he will sleep a little while without the "toddlers" waking him up... He goes down easily, I put a VERY FILTHY Lana and Graham in the bathtub and rinse their clothes out and put them in washer...
10:30-11:00- kids in highchairs, markers and paper on trays, (Please, please, please color while I clean up, make lunch and go pee!)
11:00- Feed kids what looks to be the grossest lunch ever: Mac n cheese with hotdogs cut up in it, applesauce and strawberry yogurt (forgot veggies today). THEY CHOWED!!!! Graham looked like and Ethiopian with his little pot belly poking out. They then sat dow to watch Calliou and let their lunches digest. I also talked to Tiffany in there somewhere- she called to make sure I was doing ok after my little freak out over what turned out to be a birth mark on Monday. LOL!
11:30- toddlers down for a nap!!! SHHHHHHH!!! What's that u hear??? NOTHING!!! Hurray! Silence! I put on a DVR'd show while I clean up lunch and sit down to take a deep breath
NOON- my hubs comes home for lunch (forgot my caffinated drink I politely requested)
12:30-1- more silence!!!
1:15-2:00 make Dax a bottle in anticipation of him waking up- 2 seconds into I hear him on the monitor, feed Dax, change Dax's poopies, talk to Dax, play with Dax Graham wakes up
2:15- Wylie arrives and is pleasantly surprised that I remembered to set up Wii AND I brought in the books and games from garage. I ask him if he wants to help dust shelves and put away books and games or play Wii. He cleans.. Love that kid... Make all kids snack of popcorn, trail mix (I mixed at lunch), and juice then later chips.. THEY WERE STILL HUNGRY???!!!!
3:30-4:30- broke up tons of fights again and tried my hardest to keep bigger kids quiet and Dax sleeping. Tiff arrives and a HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF is heard all throughout the house! :)
4:30-5:00- make dinner
5:00- on- eat dinner, veg on couch, blogging, fbooking, talking to Besties (Billie Joe and Riki) via house phone and text... wondering if Riki will EVER let me know if I am buying her a plane ticket to come on Friday... Yes this Friday.. Yes we are crazy!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
2 2morrow
Lana Mae- My dear little niece who will be 2!!! tomorrow.
Where did time go?
A few of her cute little saying this morning:
I not reach that. U help me? (what 2 yr old knows the word reach??)
Grahammy that is my cup!
I go downstairs play.
I watch Elmo.
That my baby Dax.
I want sucka too.
I have tea party.
spin around.
my smoothie not come out.
I tired. I get pillow, blank.
As I sit on the couch writing this they are jumping up and down making war cries! and spinning in circles... It couldn't be the suckas they are eating at 9:30 in the morning.
What happened to the days they laid on the floor not moving? Or slept in the swing?
Or drank ba-ba's and had to be spoon fed? She is all grown up!!! I can't wait to give her all her new purple clothes!
Where did time go?
A few of her cute little saying this morning:
I not reach that. U help me? (what 2 yr old knows the word reach??)
Grahammy that is my cup!
I go downstairs play.
I watch Elmo.
That my baby Dax.
I want sucka too.
I have tea party.
spin around.
my smoothie not come out.
I tired. I get pillow, blank.
As I sit on the couch writing this they are jumping up and down making war cries! and spinning in circles... It couldn't be the suckas they are eating at 9:30 in the morning.
What happened to the days they laid on the floor not moving? Or slept in the swing?
Or drank ba-ba's and had to be spoon fed? She is all grown up!!! I can't wait to give her all her new purple clothes!
sometimes the truth hurts...
but you can be sure I will always tell it to you anyway.
sometimes it is too little too late.
some think it is my greatest attribute.
I consider it my biggest weakness.
I don't do it to hurt you but rather to give it to you through my eyes.
I appreciate when people do the same for me.
sometimes I need to hear it like it is.
sometimes you do too.
it's my way of being a good friend.
it's why so many of you call me with your problems.
so don't get mad when I tell it like I see it.
I will be the first to admit I'm not perfect.
but none of us are.
that's why being reminded of our wrong doings make sense.
telling the truth does not always make me feel good.
most of the time it is hard and leaves me sad.
because I would love to sugar coat everything.
and tell you everything you do is great.
but it is simply not the truth.
it doesn't mean I love you less.
it is not so that I feel better.
It is because I know that sometimes you need to hear the truth.
even when it hurts.
sometimes it is too little too late.
some think it is my greatest attribute.
I consider it my biggest weakness.
I don't do it to hurt you but rather to give it to you through my eyes.
I appreciate when people do the same for me.
sometimes I need to hear it like it is.
sometimes you do too.
it's my way of being a good friend.
it's why so many of you call me with your problems.
so don't get mad when I tell it like I see it.
I will be the first to admit I'm not perfect.
but none of us are.
that's why being reminded of our wrong doings make sense.
telling the truth does not always make me feel good.
most of the time it is hard and leaves me sad.
because I would love to sugar coat everything.
and tell you everything you do is great.
but it is simply not the truth.
it doesn't mean I love you less.
it is not so that I feel better.
It is because I know that sometimes you need to hear the truth.
even when it hurts.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Grahammy-I love you through and through...
For one of Graham's baby showers- instead of a card, attendees were asked to bring a book and inscibe a little note to Graham. He recieved everything from Little Golden Books, to my childhood favorites and firsts (The Big Hungry Bear and The Gingerbread Man) to books that are so precious to read over and over to little ones like "I Love You Though and Through". I had never read this book by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak. It was a gift from my husband's great Aunt Dorothy. I love reading it because it is so true to life. I love every little quirk about this kid.
Tonight he had to sit on his potty and promptly requested a book. I think he is going to be a reader like his mommy. He proceeded to then lead me in his room and picked out several books, climbs up in his rocker and starts singing "rock bye baby". He is also going to be a singer like his mommy. This afternoon he comes carrying in a frying pan, two measuring cups and a hairbrush. He cooked and cooked and cooked those poor goldfish. Yep, he's going to be a cook like his mommy. He takes the camera often and says cheese. He's gonna be a ham like his mom. But he's like his daddy too... Five minutes after dinner he asks for a "snack"- a kid after his daddy's own heart. In fact, after all the "ideas" given to us on how to administer medicine to him, his daddy comes up with the idea to put a little in a spoon and cover it with M&M's... Oh how I love my boys. Through and Though.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Update on Grahammy Sickypoo
We saw a "real" doctor today for Graham. He was in disbelief that the doctor at Prompt Care did not even look at his ears or throat. He says he has double ear infections and possible strep. The blisters are all over his throat and clear to the tip of his tounge. He prescribed an antibiotic, gave more advice on tylenol and Motrin administration. My frustration is that with a decent doctor yesterday, we could have started him on the antibiotics 24 hrs sooner. I am grateful that we got some answers today and have a way to take care of him better.
Thanks to you all for your continued prayers.
Thanks to you all for your continued prayers.
I'm # 1...
For years now, on the Roberts side of my family, I have referred to myself as #1. I don't do it to be conceited, you see, I am the first (#1) grandchild on that side. I also lived with my grandparents and developed a closer relationship with them than the typical grandchild/grandparent relationship. I consider my grandmother my best friend, #1confidant and like a mother to me. I considered my grandfather the same. Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in 2001 and left my grandma and I to grow even closer. My grandmother was the Maid of Honor in my wedding. I had always planned on my grandpa and dad walking me down the aisle together. My son is first named for my grandpa. The two of them have changed my life in so many ways. To this day, I always turn to grandma for advice, to vent or just to go to lunch. I also quite often turn to my grandpa Charlie in Heaven for answers, wisdom and strength.
This summer has been a "doozy" of a summer as one friend put it. Bob (my mom's husband) was arrested and I have very strong opinions about it all, putting more than a small strain on my relationship with my mom. This leaving us to not start a day care together which was a HUGE relief on my part because I doubted whether I could handle it anyway. My brother has also felt neglected and had turned to us for a temporary place to live before moving to FL with my dad. More than one friend has had marital or relationship issues and turned to me for advice, help, etc. All of you know, we moved into our first home earlier this summer and there is much left to do before it is done. I guess what I am saying is there has been no shortage of STRESS!!!
Granny keeps reminding me no matter how bad it gets, don't forget all the GOOD in my life. She tells me over and over that I have been blessed with the most amazing husband, the sweetest baby boy, and the most supportive in laws I could ask for. My brothers are pretty great too. But I often wonder when she will realize she is one of God's greatest BLESSINGS to me?
Praise the LORD for me being her #1 and for her being mine.
This summer has been a "doozy" of a summer as one friend put it. Bob (my mom's husband) was arrested and I have very strong opinions about it all, putting more than a small strain on my relationship with my mom. This leaving us to not start a day care together which was a HUGE relief on my part because I doubted whether I could handle it anyway. My brother has also felt neglected and had turned to us for a temporary place to live before moving to FL with my dad. More than one friend has had marital or relationship issues and turned to me for advice, help, etc. All of you know, we moved into our first home earlier this summer and there is much left to do before it is done. I guess what I am saying is there has been no shortage of STRESS!!!
Granny keeps reminding me no matter how bad it gets, don't forget all the GOOD in my life. She tells me over and over that I have been blessed with the most amazing husband, the sweetest baby boy, and the most supportive in laws I could ask for. My brothers are pretty great too. But I often wonder when she will realize she is one of God's greatest BLESSINGS to me?
Praise the LORD for me being her #1 and for her being mine.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
sickypoo :<(
Grahammy has caught something. I babysat Wednesday for a little boy who found out Saturday he has strep. Graham started running a fever yesterday. He won't let us actually let us fully take it though. He takes the thermometer and whips it across the room. and proceeds to throw a full on fit for 20+ minutes (which can't help the fever). This last time it was 102.5!!!!
We made the decision to take him to Prompt Care this morning. Our thought being, get him a strep test, and hopefully start him on some meds a day sooner than if we wait to go to his primary pediatrician tomorrow. Tiffany goes back to work tomorrow from maternity leave and I was supposed to have Dax and Lana. So much for that. Back to Prompt Care visit...
BIG MISTAKE!!!
One- they are not equipped (nor did they seemed trained) to handle kids.
Two- by the time we were seen G's fever had started to creep back up sending him into a tither again...
Three- The female doctor was RUDE, SHORT, AND INCONSIDERATE, and UNPROFESSIONAL!
They called it an Upper Respiratory INFECTION. INFECTION to me usually means antibiotics. NO I am not one of those moms who demands one when not needed and I do believe it they are over-prescribed but if you are going to say it's an INFECTION then at least tell me on what basis u found that. Because I find it really hard to believe when she didn't even examine my child. The extent of "seeing" the doctor was her coming in to help the nurse who was afraid to do the strep test alone on my child.
We came out knowing what we did going in. HE has something (UH DUH REALLY??) Give him Tylenol for fever. (one better than that...alternate with Motrin...) keep him hydrated (yea? ya think?)
And all that delivered by a nurse who we hadn't seen yet... YEA, neither person came back in to tell us that that had previously been in there. (it took all of 20 seconds and the doctor was sitting at her computer when we walked out)
I have to say, in their defense, Graham was absolutely uncooperative, inconsolable and screaming his head off. But to his defense- that has now become another symptom... AS even on his worst days I have never seen him like this and he has done it with no reason every 2.5-3 hrs at home all day...
We bought a temple thermometer on the way home as well as stocked up on Tylenol and Motrin. Our day has consisted of hand feeding him ice, tiny bites of soup, and Popsicles and pushing fluids. He has also had two cool baths. HE has hung out on mommy or daddy's lap all day. Not my typical kid...
Tonight we called our on call doctor with the pediatrician's office to ensure we were doing all we could for him... We are.. But somehow that still doesn't put me at ease. It's not easy at all to see our child obviously hurting, and sick like this.
We could use some prayers that this passes quickly and that mom and dad have somewhat of their sanity left when it's over.
We made the decision to take him to Prompt Care this morning. Our thought being, get him a strep test, and hopefully start him on some meds a day sooner than if we wait to go to his primary pediatrician tomorrow. Tiffany goes back to work tomorrow from maternity leave and I was supposed to have Dax and Lana. So much for that. Back to Prompt Care visit...
BIG MISTAKE!!!
One- they are not equipped (nor did they seemed trained) to handle kids.
Two- by the time we were seen G's fever had started to creep back up sending him into a tither again...
Three- The female doctor was RUDE, SHORT, AND INCONSIDERATE, and UNPROFESSIONAL!
They called it an Upper Respiratory INFECTION. INFECTION to me usually means antibiotics. NO I am not one of those moms who demands one when not needed and I do believe it they are over-prescribed but if you are going to say it's an INFECTION then at least tell me on what basis u found that. Because I find it really hard to believe when she didn't even examine my child. The extent of "seeing" the doctor was her coming in to help the nurse who was afraid to do the strep test alone on my child.
We came out knowing what we did going in. HE has something (UH DUH REALLY??) Give him Tylenol for fever. (one better than that...alternate with Motrin...) keep him hydrated (yea? ya think?)
And all that delivered by a nurse who we hadn't seen yet... YEA, neither person came back in to tell us that that had previously been in there. (it took all of 20 seconds and the doctor was sitting at her computer when we walked out)
I have to say, in their defense, Graham was absolutely uncooperative, inconsolable and screaming his head off. But to his defense- that has now become another symptom... AS even on his worst days I have never seen him like this and he has done it with no reason every 2.5-3 hrs at home all day...
We bought a temple thermometer on the way home as well as stocked up on Tylenol and Motrin. Our day has consisted of hand feeding him ice, tiny bites of soup, and Popsicles and pushing fluids. He has also had two cool baths. HE has hung out on mommy or daddy's lap all day. Not my typical kid...
Tonight we called our on call doctor with the pediatrician's office to ensure we were doing all we could for him... We are.. But somehow that still doesn't put me at ease. It's not easy at all to see our child obviously hurting, and sick like this.
We could use some prayers that this passes quickly and that mom and dad have somewhat of their sanity left when it's over.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Out of the mouths of babes...
One of the reasons I love my job so much is because I don't miss a second in the little ones lives... Something new pops out of their mouths everyday. Graham has really been having a language explosion lately, as has Lana for a while now. Here are just some things I have heard the past two days that made me giggle!
Graham(19mo)-"bess u mama" (after me sneezing last night)
"bye bye Mare-ee-sis-ee-tom-ee" (when aunt Mary Beth, Cousins Sissy and Tommy left)
"hack, hack, hack"- me- "snack?" G- "nack nack nack" almost there haha!
Lana(not quite 2)- "u not play wit it eadder Dammy" (either is her new favorite word)
Parker(4)- "Hayden- I think playing your DS will make me feel better" ( I should have given him the DS- he threw up all over the place an hour later...)
Hayden(8)- "she sleeps all day until we sit down to eat and then she is like can u spare me some of that?"- talking about his 4 month old sister...
"I've got Miller Lite, Bud Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Bud Lite Lime"- taking orders for BEER (????) from his 4 yr old brother...
And the most famous one (Wylie) is in FLORIDA this week...
Graham(19mo)-"bess u mama" (after me sneezing last night)
"bye bye Mare-ee-sis-ee-tom-ee" (when aunt Mary Beth, Cousins Sissy and Tommy left)
"hack, hack, hack"- me- "snack?" G- "nack nack nack" almost there haha!
Lana(not quite 2)- "u not play wit it eadder Dammy" (either is her new favorite word)
Parker(4)- "Hayden- I think playing your DS will make me feel better" ( I should have given him the DS- he threw up all over the place an hour later...)
Hayden(8)- "she sleeps all day until we sit down to eat and then she is like can u spare me some of that?"- talking about his 4 month old sister...
"I've got Miller Lite, Bud Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Bud Lite Lime"- taking orders for BEER (????) from his 4 yr old brother...
And the most famous one (Wylie) is in FLORIDA this week...
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Grahammy le gusta
(Grahammy Likes)
ice cubes for a snack.
vacuums.
bottles of any kind.
spinning in circles.
dog piling on mom, dad or anyone else who lays on the floor.
meows (cats).
anything that sprays or spritzes.
cheese, milk, juice, broccoli, bluberries,fruit snacks, popcorn and chips.
trains, cars, trucks, bikes.
rides on the lawnmower.
watching Elmo, Thomas the train, or Bob the Builder.
dancing like a crazy man.
playing with Nana Rebbec's glasses.
Grahammy ama (loves)
his best friend Lana, except when she bullies him.
his aunts and uncles and gma's and gpa's.
his mommy and daddy.
learning new words.
baths or swimming.
being outside.
animals of all sorts.
sharing pop with Nana Rebbec.
CANDY!
ice cubes for a snack.
vacuums.
bottles of any kind.
spinning in circles.
dog piling on mom, dad or anyone else who lays on the floor.
meows (cats).
anything that sprays or spritzes.
cheese, milk, juice, broccoli, bluberries,fruit snacks, popcorn and chips.
trains, cars, trucks, bikes.
rides on the lawnmower.
watching Elmo, Thomas the train, or Bob the Builder.
dancing like a crazy man.
playing with Nana Rebbec's glasses.
Grahammy ama (loves)
his best friend Lana, except when she bullies him.
his aunts and uncles and gma's and gpa's.
his mommy and daddy.
learning new words.
baths or swimming.
being outside.
animals of all sorts.
sharing pop with Nana Rebbec.
CANDY!
Monday, August 9, 2010
cookout excitement over, concert excitement to look forward to!
The cookout is over. The brother is gone... Now what to do?
The cookout was fantastic. We could not have asked for better weather, better food and better company. We had a fabulous time hanging out outside, showing off our new place, and stuffing our faces with delicious cookout food! A run down of some of the things we had to eat:
Grandma's Tater Salad- one bowl with onions and one without (special for me, her # 1 granddaughter)
Patti's (MIL) "Chinese salad" with cabbage and uncooked ramen- requested by Martin
Aunt Cheryl's deviled eggs
My friend Erica's delicious Rhubarb cake (FAVE amongst adults) and mostacoli (sp)
Another friend Billie's Fruit Pizza, complete with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on a sugarcookie with homemade icing- SO FESTIVE!
Kelley's chocolate chip cookies- a FAVORITE amongst the children
Aunt Debbies baked beans
And we can't forget Mary Beth's- cupcakes, butterscotch brownies and sweet tea!
Martin and Marty grilled burgers and hotdogs but with all the sides we didn't hardly need them!
The kids enjoyed riding trikes, being pulled in the wagon, and playing with the Bott's adorable puppy Baxter! We wound down the night by packing up the truck and saying our goodbyes to Will, Travis and Wylie who left for Florida at 5 AM on Sunday.
The troops made it safe and sound to Pa-Paws house! I know Wylie is thrilled to be down there. Travis too, as this is his first time visiting dad down there. Will is staying and I couldn't miss him more already. I was really getting used to haing him around.
The next few weeks hold lots of excitement for me! I am resting lots this week and next because on the 13th- 7 girls and I are going to the state fair in Springfield to see the band Lady Antebellum. And then on the 20th- 6 of us are going on a "sister in law" trip to see Sugarland at the Indiana State Fair and staying the night for shopping on Saturday! I am in GREAT NEED of these girls trips! I can hardly wait.
Over the next few days I should also be recieving the Tupperware, Partylite and books I just ordered. Something more short term to look forward to!
In the meantime, I will be looking forward to hosting many more dinners/cookouts for family and friends here! And they are all very excited that visting us no longer means a hike up 26 stairs!
I should more than mention the talent my 13 yr old cousin Nick has for photography... All of these pictures were taken by him.
Smiles,
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Mother's Sacrifice
You know all those cute little poems and chain emails about A Mother's sacrifices for her child? Let me tell you about a few of my own.
I should first start by informing you all- I have a 16 yr old "new born". My brother will has been living with us for a couple of weeks. Boy has it been an experience. Not only is he all the usual:smelly, loud at inappropriate times, cranky, lazy, and goofy, but he has also opened my eyes to what is to come with Graham. Let's just say I have been researching boarding schools... J/K. I love the kid and it has been fun to have him here and I will sure miss him when he leaves to go live with our Dad. He has been helpful (with many, many, many pleads and reminders), and goofy (sometimes waaay to late at night, when he is at his best, when all I wanna do is go to bed), and Graham loves having a "big brother" around.
During this tumultuous (but very rewarding) time in our lives I have sacrificed (gladly) many things.
a relationship with my mom (we have yet to agree to disagree)
a giant load of savings to get him down to dad's
a spare bedroom has been turned into what looks like a sight of a natural disaster and quite frankly smells like one too...
Not all sacrifices I make are for him though, more silly ones like realizing today that it was the firs time I had blow dried my hair in weeks... or last night finally getting Graham's room "done"... as well as getting cabinet doors put on, shelves hung, and a few more steps in decorating..
These things all seem so silly and insignificant in the grand scheme of life, because at the end of the day I know that my husband, my child and my baby brother are happy. And I know life will go on without me or my house looking "put together"... without a little more savings in the bank, without that spare bedroom looking neat when people visit...
I should first start by informing you all- I have a 16 yr old "new born". My brother will has been living with us for a couple of weeks. Boy has it been an experience. Not only is he all the usual:smelly, loud at inappropriate times, cranky, lazy, and goofy, but he has also opened my eyes to what is to come with Graham. Let's just say I have been researching boarding schools... J/K. I love the kid and it has been fun to have him here and I will sure miss him when he leaves to go live with our Dad. He has been helpful (with many, many, many pleads and reminders), and goofy (sometimes waaay to late at night, when he is at his best, when all I wanna do is go to bed), and Graham loves having a "big brother" around.
During this tumultuous (but very rewarding) time in our lives I have sacrificed (gladly) many things.
a relationship with my mom (we have yet to agree to disagree)
a giant load of savings to get him down to dad's
a spare bedroom has been turned into what looks like a sight of a natural disaster and quite frankly smells like one too...
Not all sacrifices I make are for him though, more silly ones like realizing today that it was the firs time I had blow dried my hair in weeks... or last night finally getting Graham's room "done"... as well as getting cabinet doors put on, shelves hung, and a few more steps in decorating..
These things all seem so silly and insignificant in the grand scheme of life, because at the end of the day I know that my husband, my child and my baby brother are happy. And I know life will go on without me or my house looking "put together"... without a little more savings in the bank, without that spare bedroom looking neat when people visit...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Changes
As I sit back and upload pictures from the past couple of months and reflect on what has occurred over those couple of months, I am in awe of how many changes we have endured. Some happy, wonderful amazing changes. Some on the not so great side. Here are a few updates on stuff going on round here.
Update on House:
We have moved in. Father's Day we had amazing family help us out and in we go, no cabinet doors in our kitchen and the basement only about 25% done. But hey- no more complaining because I no longer feel like a single parent raising my handful of a child alone. My biggest problem now is getting off our comfy couch and away from our 50 inch TV to get the things done that we have left. Little things like outlets, covers and trim to bigger things like painting the LAST two rooms in our home and putting down a new floor in the downstairs bathroom... It will get there. I just know it.
Update on getting pregnant:
Still not there. Getting frustrated and discouraged. Especially when I hear about another "unexpected" pregnancy of a friend. But it's in God's hands and I know it will happen when it is supposed to.
Update on Graham:
The kid has a mouth FULL of teeth, talks non stop- sometimes in a language I understand and sometimes not. He is getting good at "please" and "thank you" as well as "yes" and "no". Some of his new sayings "I want snack snacks" (fruit snacks) and "Where's Yana" (Lana) or "see my Boom Boom" (vacuum) are pretty cute too. He also frequently asks to go "owww siii" (outside) and loves to tell everyone about his "Nu hooos" (new shoes). The kid is getting a personality and an attitude to go with it. You can't tell at all that he mostly always gets his way. We have had some issues lately with hitting and screaming for no reason and it's been challenging trying to figure out a succesful way of disciplining him when he does it. He eats most everything in sight and friends and family have been amused to find that he likes spicy foods like peppers and salsa but hasn't forgotten his staples of chips, cheese and sour cream. (wonder where he gets that from???)
Update on Family:
Will continues to improve. He has had some on and off anger issues and recently broke his hand hitting a wall but I feel like overall he is in a much better place than he was 6 months ago. He just took a trip with us down to see Martin's family in Effingham and was such a great big "brother" to all the kiddos there. It warms my heart to see the sweet sweet baby boy pop out that I always knew was in there.
My brother Travis and his wife Tiffany welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Dax into their family a couple of weeks ago and man is he a cutie. All his big sister can say over and over and over again is "AWWW BABY DAX"!
Update on ME:
I am just trying to be a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend . Good thing I don't have a full time job on top of it because Man am I pooped! I am happy to be going to a concert in a couple of weeks in St. Louis with one of my best friends. Our husbands agree that we deserve (and need) and weekend away so they are having us go down on Saturday and stay all night in a hotel and then attend the SUGARLAND concert on Sunday night before driving back home that night. I am super excited to spend some girl time away and get to see one of MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BANDS!!!! YAY!
Tomorrow we are attempting pictures again. This time outside and this time with a more experienced photographer. I am optimistic we will get some good ones! Check back soon to see if I'm right.
Until then, Good Night and God Bless.
Update on House:
We have moved in. Father's Day we had amazing family help us out and in we go, no cabinet doors in our kitchen and the basement only about 25% done. But hey- no more complaining because I no longer feel like a single parent raising my handful of a child alone. My biggest problem now is getting off our comfy couch and away from our 50 inch TV to get the things done that we have left. Little things like outlets, covers and trim to bigger things like painting the LAST two rooms in our home and putting down a new floor in the downstairs bathroom... It will get there. I just know it.
Update on getting pregnant:
Still not there. Getting frustrated and discouraged. Especially when I hear about another "unexpected" pregnancy of a friend. But it's in God's hands and I know it will happen when it is supposed to.
Update on Graham:
The kid has a mouth FULL of teeth, talks non stop- sometimes in a language I understand and sometimes not. He is getting good at "please" and "thank you" as well as "yes" and "no". Some of his new sayings "I want snack snacks" (fruit snacks) and "Where's Yana" (Lana) or "see my Boom Boom" (vacuum) are pretty cute too. He also frequently asks to go "owww siii" (outside) and loves to tell everyone about his "Nu hooos" (new shoes). The kid is getting a personality and an attitude to go with it. You can't tell at all that he mostly always gets his way. We have had some issues lately with hitting and screaming for no reason and it's been challenging trying to figure out a succesful way of disciplining him when he does it. He eats most everything in sight and friends and family have been amused to find that he likes spicy foods like peppers and salsa but hasn't forgotten his staples of chips, cheese and sour cream. (wonder where he gets that from???)
Update on Family:
Will continues to improve. He has had some on and off anger issues and recently broke his hand hitting a wall but I feel like overall he is in a much better place than he was 6 months ago. He just took a trip with us down to see Martin's family in Effingham and was such a great big "brother" to all the kiddos there. It warms my heart to see the sweet sweet baby boy pop out that I always knew was in there.
My brother Travis and his wife Tiffany welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Dax into their family a couple of weeks ago and man is he a cutie. All his big sister can say over and over and over again is "AWWW BABY DAX"!
Update on ME:
I am just trying to be a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend . Good thing I don't have a full time job on top of it because Man am I pooped! I am happy to be going to a concert in a couple of weeks in St. Louis with one of my best friends. Our husbands agree that we deserve (and need) and weekend away so they are having us go down on Saturday and stay all night in a hotel and then attend the SUGARLAND concert on Sunday night before driving back home that night. I am super excited to spend some girl time away and get to see one of MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BANDS!!!! YAY!
Tomorrow we are attempting pictures again. This time outside and this time with a more experienced photographer. I am optimistic we will get some good ones! Check back soon to see if I'm right.
Until then, Good Night and God Bless.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
Now that summer is finally here and so is my newest nephew DAX, Graham and Lana don't see each other on the daily basis they were used to. So every now and then I get a call or make a call so that the poor kids can see each other. Yesterday really woke me up to how truly close they are...
I was reading Lana one of her all time favorite books: "Who Do You Love" and we go through momma, dadda, grandma and then it's the BROTHER page. We started talking about her brothers: Wylie and Dax. And she looks up at me with those big brown eyes and says: "and Dammy too?" Me with tears in my eyes "Yep honey, Dammy too".
I didn't grow up around my cousins. We lived almost 1000 miles away from all family. We saw them a few times a year but the only "family" we had close was the Jeffrey's family that kinda sorta "adopted" us. Funny because they are my husband's family.
So you can imagine what JOY it brings to my heart to see Graham get to grow up with all of his cousins! Instead of seeing them twice a year it's more like twice a week at least!!!
I was reading Lana one of her all time favorite books: "Who Do You Love" and we go through momma, dadda, grandma and then it's the BROTHER page. We started talking about her brothers: Wylie and Dax. And she looks up at me with those big brown eyes and says: "and Dammy too?" Me with tears in my eyes "Yep honey, Dammy too".
I didn't grow up around my cousins. We lived almost 1000 miles away from all family. We saw them a few times a year but the only "family" we had close was the Jeffrey's family that kinda sorta "adopted" us. Funny because they are my husband's family.
So you can imagine what JOY it brings to my heart to see Graham get to grow up with all of his cousins! Instead of seeing them twice a year it's more like twice a week at least!!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
today I am thankful for
1. The little things in life like my niece yelling my name a million times a day just to hear me answer her. Or playing in the rain. Or the fact my son learns a new word everyday!
2. The miracle of birth. I am so proud to be an auntie again in just a few days! I cannot wait to meet the next precious "roberts" kid!
3. The miracle of conception- we are trying hard and we know God will allow it when its time! But how cool that something sooo tiny and minute can grow into a baby?
4. Cell phones! To keep us in touch with all the VIP's in life! Family and friends alike!
5. Family, mothers, in laws- all working to give us the most beautiful home in the shortest amount of time! And all helping us move into this weekend! ;)
6. Social networking sites- mostly FB for me. I have just recently come in contact with another childhood friend and it amazes me everytime this happens because I know it would be virtually impossible to stay a part of all their lives without it! :)
7. Kids! Kids and the crazy things they do- day and day out that make me giggle, and stare in amazement! They are little sponges!
8. My hard working, loving, caring, understanding, amazingly wonderful husband as of 2 years on Monday June 21st! I cannot begin to tell u how blessed I am to have him for my own. He and my son are two of lifes most amazing blessings! I love them so much!
9. Movies- to keep little ones distracted and hopefully lull them to sleep. ; (as I sit and write this next to a very overly tired 6 year old making me watch avatar again!!)
10. Life! How truly amazing it is to wake up to this beautiful life of mine every day!
Good Night and God Bless!
2. The miracle of birth. I am so proud to be an auntie again in just a few days! I cannot wait to meet the next precious "roberts" kid!
3. The miracle of conception- we are trying hard and we know God will allow it when its time! But how cool that something sooo tiny and minute can grow into a baby?
4. Cell phones! To keep us in touch with all the VIP's in life! Family and friends alike!
5. Family, mothers, in laws- all working to give us the most beautiful home in the shortest amount of time! And all helping us move into this weekend! ;)
6. Social networking sites- mostly FB for me. I have just recently come in contact with another childhood friend and it amazes me everytime this happens because I know it would be virtually impossible to stay a part of all their lives without it! :)
7. Kids! Kids and the crazy things they do- day and day out that make me giggle, and stare in amazement! They are little sponges!
8. My hard working, loving, caring, understanding, amazingly wonderful husband as of 2 years on Monday June 21st! I cannot begin to tell u how blessed I am to have him for my own. He and my son are two of lifes most amazing blessings! I love them so much!
9. Movies- to keep little ones distracted and hopefully lull them to sleep. ; (as I sit and write this next to a very overly tired 6 year old making me watch avatar again!!)
10. Life! How truly amazing it is to wake up to this beautiful life of mine every day!
Good Night and God Bless!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
counting my blessings
Our New Home
1. We can finally expand our family without worry!
2. Our very own HUGE YARD!
3. A garage to park in during our hideous winters!
4. A separate space for day care!
5. More stairs for Grahammy that he can do alone- less stairs for mommy to carry up groceries and babies!
6. Neighbors!
7. Two bathrooms!
8. More room for family gatherings!
9. Room for sleepovers!
10.Gardening (when I get around to it)
Babies
1. The little goofs can't stand being apart for 2 days but when they're together they fight like brother and sisters!
2. A BRAND NEW BABY ROBERTS on June 23rd! This Auntie can hardly contain herself!
3. Lana is speaking in full sentences a lot of the time.
4. Graham has spoke in quite a few two and three word sentences. They are both able to better express themselves, making life a whole lot easier!
5. Graham and I have bonded even closer with daddy being gone all evening to work on house. He has a new routine- play "mine" with mommy's blankie by taking it away and exclaiming "mine". Then decides to share it and cuddle for awhile while asking me to tickle his feet.
6. Wylie is out of school for the summer and has already been a huge help to me- he has allowed me to take a shower before noon everyday he's been here!
7. The babies are taking well to their new nap schedule- only one nap a day after lunch.
8. Goes for new house and babies- new sand box- they played nicely in it for an hour the other day! Oooohhhhwwwwiiiieee I can't wait to move and put them in it everyday.
9.The kids all are very confident in their swimming skills already this summer. G wants to be left to swim on his own in mom's new 4 1/2 foot pool. He paddles and kicks all on his own. We start swim lessons again soon!
10. My mom has officially resigned and we are going to take on home day care in my new home- she and I will be there everyday raising the ones closest to us. This is perhaps the most amazing blessing of all that I get to be with the precious little ones day in and day out!
Now watch me complain in my next post... ;) hope you all can find time to count your blessings everyday. These are just a few of the many many I have!
1. We can finally expand our family without worry!
2. Our very own HUGE YARD!
3. A garage to park in during our hideous winters!
4. A separate space for day care!
5. More stairs for Grahammy that he can do alone- less stairs for mommy to carry up groceries and babies!
6. Neighbors!
7. Two bathrooms!
8. More room for family gatherings!
9. Room for sleepovers!
10.Gardening (when I get around to it)
Babies
1. The little goofs can't stand being apart for 2 days but when they're together they fight like brother and sisters!
2. A BRAND NEW BABY ROBERTS on June 23rd! This Auntie can hardly contain herself!
3. Lana is speaking in full sentences a lot of the time.
4. Graham has spoke in quite a few two and three word sentences. They are both able to better express themselves, making life a whole lot easier!
5. Graham and I have bonded even closer with daddy being gone all evening to work on house. He has a new routine- play "mine" with mommy's blankie by taking it away and exclaiming "mine". Then decides to share it and cuddle for awhile while asking me to tickle his feet.
6. Wylie is out of school for the summer and has already been a huge help to me- he has allowed me to take a shower before noon everyday he's been here!
7. The babies are taking well to their new nap schedule- only one nap a day after lunch.
8. Goes for new house and babies- new sand box- they played nicely in it for an hour the other day! Oooohhhhwwwwiiiieee I can't wait to move and put them in it everyday.
9.The kids all are very confident in their swimming skills already this summer. G wants to be left to swim on his own in mom's new 4 1/2 foot pool. He paddles and kicks all on his own. We start swim lessons again soon!
10. My mom has officially resigned and we are going to take on home day care in my new home- she and I will be there everyday raising the ones closest to us. This is perhaps the most amazing blessing of all that I get to be with the precious little ones day in and day out!
Now watch me complain in my next post... ;) hope you all can find time to count your blessings everyday. These are just a few of the many many I have!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-E-D!
This might be an understatement. The house is coming along. But little thanks goes to me. My mom, Martin, Jeff, and Marty have been busting their butts and we may get to move in some day... Possibly before school starts back up. No really, our unofficial move in date is the weekend of our anniversary/Father's Day. Happy Father's Day Hun- now carry some more crap to the new house...
Why haven't I been much help u ask? Well, DIARRHEA is her name-o. We have had the ever so lovely stomach flu here at our residence (still on Front Street)... Called the nurse's line on Monday only to be told- the diarrhea is lasting up to two weeks! OMG I can't take it any longer. And then just as I think Graham is over it, Lana gets it.
Did I mention the pile up of housework, that I would really rather not do, because we will soon be moving. Who needs to dust, clean sinks, floors, counter tops, bath tubs, and showers when u know u will just have to come back once everything is out and DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. OH YEA and there is the cleaning to be done before we move in the new house. SOMEONE SHOOT ME PLEASE!
My momma has her knee surgery tomorrow, so there goes that free labor. :) She has been a Godsend and I will be lost trying to get crap done without her. But life will go on and the house will get done.
Look for your invitations to an Open House/Cookout when we get all settled, probably not until later in July.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
oh where oh where has that sippy cup gone?
I can say with quite a bit of confidence that I am not the first parent to have a sippy cup go MIA. Graham has a favorite one by Gerber with ABC's on it and I was sure for weeks that it was at my moms. (Although I tease her regularly, she really is pretty good at returning them) It wasn't until I cleaned out my atrociously dirty, disgusting, trash can, catch all of a car that I discovered his favorite sippy cup under the drivers seat and opened it with great care only to be horrified to find the last drink it contained was... Drum roll... Yep, you guessed it- milk! Gross, nasty, yucky, smelly- in the trash it went.
Several times in the past few months since both Graham and Lana have been on a sippy cup regularly- I have found them to go missing in the middle of the day, when we haven't left home and I only have 4 rooms in this apartment and two stayed closed all day! Hmmmmm... Check the fisher price dryer: nope, check the play kitchen cabinets: nope, check the real kitchen cupboards and drawers, only a limited amount of them don't have locks: nope, check under couches and chairs: nope, check in the closet and under the beds in Graham's room: nope! Where in the world can the darn sippy cup be? Fast forward to the kids getting up from their naps, have one getting changed the other wandering around in the living room, next thing I know they have the sippy cup again! Amazing! They should put these guys on CSI to find criminals! Its ridiculous! And exhausting. Most days I would rather just find the nasty, dirty, stinky cup days later and throw it out and buy new because the hunt is so frustrating!
If its not sippy cups; its socks in the laundry! Or a missing shoe, or coat, or "stinkie"...
Several times in the past few months since both Graham and Lana have been on a sippy cup regularly- I have found them to go missing in the middle of the day, when we haven't left home and I only have 4 rooms in this apartment and two stayed closed all day! Hmmmmm... Check the fisher price dryer: nope, check the play kitchen cabinets: nope, check the real kitchen cupboards and drawers, only a limited amount of them don't have locks: nope, check under couches and chairs: nope, check in the closet and under the beds in Graham's room: nope! Where in the world can the darn sippy cup be? Fast forward to the kids getting up from their naps, have one getting changed the other wandering around in the living room, next thing I know they have the sippy cup again! Amazing! They should put these guys on CSI to find criminals! Its ridiculous! And exhausting. Most days I would rather just find the nasty, dirty, stinky cup days later and throw it out and buy new because the hunt is so frustrating!
If its not sippy cups; its socks in the laundry! Or a missing shoe, or coat, or "stinkie"...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Ms. Lana Mae Roberts' lesson on Animal Noises
Lana: "BOOK" "RAWWWWWWWWWRRRRRR"
Me: "Bear Book"
Lana: "yea" "mmmeeeeeeeooowww"
Me: "cat"
Lana: "mnnneeeiooohhh"
Me: (a little confused between cow and horse) "Horse..."
Lana: "NO COW"
Me: "sorry!"
Lana:"doodle doo"
Me: "rooster"
Lana: "woof woof" (pants after that)
Me: "dog"
Other Lana tidbits over the week
"tttteeeeeveeeeeee"
"Read book now"
"Yoook at this"
"I want..."
"Open this"
"milk juice"
"bye-bye eat eat" (waving and blowing kisses to her highchair)
Wow this child is so genius!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Today in Pictures...
Yes, I am aware I have posted 3 times today! It was a GRRRREAT DAY what can I say??
I had some kids over to play today and here is what happened.
It started out a nice day, we had "octopus" hot dogs and mac n cheese for lunch. ***Side note**** Graham said "HOT DOG" (more like "dot dog") for the first time today!
We decided the plan was:
park,
painting,
play dough (big kids only)...
in that order.
You tell me what you think was the most fun part of the day...
Thank you Mom/Grandma Kate for the idea and the help cleaning up! It was a FUN FUN FUN DAY!
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