No church today for Red and I

Yesterday we got up early for the kids' friends birthday party. We had to drive an hour away, about 2 minutes before we needed to leave to make it there on time Red throw up all over the floor and himself. So I called the family to let them know what happened and to see if they still wanted us to come, it was just mucus that he threw up. I think the snot settling into his tummy made him feel sick. They told us to still come so I cleaned him and floor up and we left. While at the party he threw up all over J and my lunch. Don't ask it was a very freak thing...J was holding him and when he started to throw up he turned him towards where my food was sitting. So that made two. Then we got home and J left shortly after for work. I was getting the kids some dinner and I was hold Red and out came number 3 all over the kitchen floor. At least it was easy to clean up. No sooner then I cleaned that up he did it again and then a minute later again. Making the total 5 times. I called J to tell him I was not taking Red to church tomorrow because he had been throwing up. I sat down to eat my food and I had him in my lap facing the side and once again he threw up making that the last time for the night. He slept fine all night and this morning I was so tempted to just take him to church because I REALLY wanted to go. J thought it best for us to stay home so we did. He has been fine all morning. I just hope that was the end of it because I am so completely ready for him to be 100% better.

Life Saver!

I discovered a technique that has proven to be very effective. It has saved us twice now. The first time with Monkey and the second time with Red. I'll explain...I have realized that nighttime parenting can be very stressful when an accident/throwing up is involved. Just night waking is fine but when you have to strip down a bed and then put new covers on, it can be a lot for someone who isn't completely awake. So this is what I have come up with, I put a fitted sheet on the bed with a towel in the spot of the most likely problem area (Red would be up by his mouth and Monkey in the middle where he might pee) then the mattress pad and then another sheet over top of that. The reason for this is when the first sheet gets soiled you just have to remove it and the mattress pad and the bed is still made! You simply lay the child back down on the towel that is already there! Then if they soil the towel, it is much easier to change then a fitted sheet. At first I was just using the towel on top of the sheet but it would get messed up to easy and so I figured this way would be better, plus you never know when they will get sick or have an accident, this way you are prepared always. J called last night, the calm before the storm! Yes, early this morning after Red slept so good until about 5:30am when he then threw up all over the bed. I changed him while J ripped off the bedding then we went back to sleep. It was great. I got the most sleep in one night than I have in about 5 days last night. So today has been major cleaning and sorting through things that we don't need anymore. Feels good to finally get to that stuff.

Warning I have alot to write about...

Yesterday was very busy...in the morning Red and I had Bible study. Then we got the kids and ate lunch, headed over to GG's doctor's appointment. Then home so GG could do her homework which we had just enough time. Then back in the car to get J from school and off to get GG's pictures taken. Then to Dinorex! That was a lot of fun and their pizza wasn't bad. I think next time we go I will definitely print off the coupons for getting the wrist bands. Then home, bath, bedtime routine and then to bed. In more detail GG's doctors appointment...just to get an idea of what a little peanut she really is she weighed 38 pounds and was 42 inches. I had them weigh Monkey too and he was 36 pounds. I couldn't believe there was only 2 pounds difference!

Two nights ago on GG's birthday I tucked her into bed and told her about the day I gave birth to her, it has become our tradition and she LOVES to hear about the day she was born. So I was telling her and she says. "Did I come out of your butt?" I said, "No". After I was done with her I got out her scrapbook and J and I sat on the couch looking over all the pictures of her as a baby. We talked about what a joy and blessing she has been in our lives as a baby and now as a big girl, who can do so much stuff. It has been so cool and neat to see her grow up. And she is still growing. I remember for about the first 3 weeks of her life I would just lay in bed and watch her sleep. J would always tell me to go to sleep but I caught him watching her sleep too. I still go in her room and watch her sleep!

Last night was about the 4th night now that Red has had a hard time sleeping because he is sick with a runny nose and it makes it hard for him to breathe laying down. So we have to hold him. J knew how tired I was because apparently when I get too tired I become spacey. The last few nights J has slept with Monkey so that he can sleep, which I recommended because it is no good if we are both sleep deprived! Last night about 2am Red was crying and it was probably the 3 time he had woken up since 10pm. J came in our room and said, "Why don't you go get some sleep in Monkey's room and I will take Red." This was ok with me because he wasn't even interested in nursing. I got 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It was amazing! That is what I love about J, he does things to help me without me even asking for it. I was completely prepared to get no sleep but having that sleep has totally helped. Now I told you Red is sick with a runny nose. His newest thing is if the snot is running down and we don't get to it in time, he curls his tongue up and starts licking it. It is very gross but really funny to watch! He has also started to point at things. I think that is so cool when they do that, because you can say things like, "Red's number..." and then he holds up his one finger. Also I think it was yesterday J was talking to Red and all of a sudden Red said as clear as day, "Hi Dada" we looked at each other and said, "Did he just say 'Hi Dada'".

And last but definitely not least is Monkey. He has been himself just cracking us up. He was in his room playing the other day and I walked in to see what he was doing. He had buzz lightyear on one of his dinosaurs, riding it like a horse. I swear I have *never* met a kid with more imagination. He can turn anything into something else and entertain himself for hours. Most nights I have to carry him out of his room to eat, which is funny because he LOVES to eat!

Birthday Girl!

Every night before bed I pray with the kids well J was home last night so he prayed with GlamorGirl first, then I did. He told her that tonight would be the last night she would be 4 and she said, "Tomorrow I will be a whole hand!" It was cute. So today everytime we want the kids to give us a high five we say give me a "GG". Also last night after I got the streamers hung up and J blew up all the balloons to put on GG's room she woke up to go potty. It was about 11:15 and she called my name and then started to walk into my room. I redirected her to the bathroom where J was getting out of the shower because he had just cut his hair. She pulled down her pj bottoms and started to sit on the toilet. J told her, "GG don't forget to pull your undies down too." So she started to take off her shirt. She was so out of it, I helped her get her undies down and wiped her and then put her back to bed. I kissed her and told her "that was the last time you are going to pee as a 4 year old!" This morning when she woke up and saw the streamers, balloons and birthday cards hanging on her door she was super excited we almost didn't get her to school on time. I love seeing her face light up with excitement like that. Then J, Red and I came to school at 10:30 with her birthday treat, ice cream sandwiches, and got to sing Happy Birthday with her class. When school was over we got the kids and headed over to Dinorex were she wanted to eat but they were closed. So we took her to her second choice, Photo's, and they gave her a birthday sundae! She was pretty tickled about that. We came home and gave her the last of her presents...another 100 puzzles, which she is doing right now, and she got more birthday cards and phone calls! She is such a blessing even though she is sometimes difficult! I love her so much.

5 going on 15...

So GlamorGirl will be 5 tomorrow, yes she will be a whole hand!!! She is doing her homework right now and decided that writing her name isn't good enough anymore. She has taught herself how to write it in cursive, and she does a pretty good job too. I think she is always going to want to know or learn more...she has so far in her short 5 years.

Randomness...

In the past week I have called three different people and there responses were one of two, "I was just thinking about you and was going to call you." Or "I was just going to call you." I found that somewhat random!

I am totally excited, GG came home with this book challenge given from Six Flags. The goal is for each student to read or be read to 6 hours by Feb something. If she accomplishes that goal she will receive a free admission ticket to Six Flags. I smell either daddy/daughter date or mother/daughter bonding time. We have already read 1 hour in two days. It is so easy to reach that goal because we read to the kids ALL the time. Oh yeah it is recreational reading so homework isn't included. The one thing I love about that school is they encourage kids to read, big time. GG has been doing "Book it" through Pizza Hut for about 4 months now. Next year will be cool because Monkey will be apart of the reading programs too.

Another random thought... our friends, Jason and Kristy, that have been married for 6 1/2 years are pregnant with their first baby!!! J grew up with this couple and I have known them for almost 10 years it is really neat to see them expecting! It almost makes me want to have another one but I said ALMOST, I'm good for now ;)

Attitude

Here is a very interesting quote and one that I agree with!

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life... The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... We are in charge of our attitudes." ~ Charles Swindoll

The funny thing about this quote is that it was put in package J had ordered from a snowboarding company. The company moto is "Attitude is Everything" and it was followed by this quote. But it definitely came in handy this morning after getting very little sleep because Red is either teething or getting sick, either way I didn't get much sleep. I decided to embrace a good attitude and go to church and today has been great. I don't even really feel that tired!

Campin' Out

So last night I was in a spontaneous mood. For dinner we had pot roast that I had started earlier in the day and we ate it as a picnic in the living room. Then we laid out blankets and got our pillows and blankets from our rooms and watched Incredibles as we camped out. It was fun all 3 of the kids fell asleep while the movie was playing as did I. However, I did end up putting the kids in their beds because I was cold on the floor in the living room so I thought they would probably be too.

The highlights of today:
~I got a new bra at the Mall to replace the one that broke!
~we got a hot pretzel while we were there so the kids could taste it and we also walked through the Rainforest Cafe, that's always a treat
~At lunch J saw one of my old college shirts and we laughed at what was written on it.
~we were talking about my R.A. (Resident Assistant)and GG sounded it out and said that says "RAH" it was pretty funny
~Red pooped out of his diaper and the only one home to help me was GG, Monkey was sleeping, she is a great help and I am so blessed to have her!
~tonight I have my Bible study through church and I expect it to be a blast like always and my friend Marni is coming to watch the kids and they absolutely love her.

Show and Tell...

I have been telling GG for the last couple of weeks that she can bring Red in as Show and Tell but on the Friday mornings I didn't want to get him ready to take to school. So today, of all days, rain and all I took him with so GG could tell about him. It was really cute to hear what she said about her baby brother Red! I know that Red had fun too having GG tell her class about him and show her class how she makes him laugh :) Then her teacher told me before I left that the other day while the kids were doing an art project GG was telling her friends in the class about "the pill" and how sometimes mommy's take it so that they don't have another baby. I couldn't believe it we have never talked to her about "the pill" or what it does. I am very cautious about what she watches so I know it isn't something she learned on tv but she is very observant so I think she might have overheard J and I talking about my needing to get a refill on my?!?! Who knows.

Anyways after school GG and Monkey's friends were going to McDonalds for lunch and invited us to go with them so we thought sure why not. Even though the thought of their food didn't sound good to us. The things parents sacrifice for their kids...like eating crappy fast food so they can be with friends. While we were there my bra broke! I have never had this happened before but the strap that goes over your shoulder and attaches to the cup ripped. It was very uncomfortable and my breast kept falling out of the cup that kept falling down (because there was no support to keep the cup up) so I had to wear my coat the whole time we were there.

Scrapbooking!

The ladies that I have playgroup with want to start scrapbooking and since I have been doing it for almost 5 years I have accumulated a lot of scrapbooking "tools" so we are going to start meeting once a week, separate from our playgroup and scrapbook. I am really excited especially because I got a really awesome new kit from Liz for Christmas and I have been wanting to use it. So tonight while the kids were at Awanas I started organizing the pictures I have and I only got half way through them. I am hoping before I go to bed tonight I have them completely sorted so that I can start up again with my scrapbooking. I love looking back at the pictures I have already done and even going through the pictures I just have laying around. It is amazing how truly fast kids grow up!

God is GOOD!

Today my Bible study started back up and it was so great to be there and learn more about biblical principles on raising children. I have really have gotten a lot out of this study so far. J and I don't do New Years resolutions because we figure what's the point no one ever sticks to them so when we first got married we made a resolution to never make a resolution again. And that was the first time I ever kept my resolution!!! Anyways, J and I are reading the Bible in a year in chronological order. But this is not a resolution! It is so nice to be reading it with him, we have been able to talk about what we read and talk about what we learned from the Bible that day.

Another thing God has shown me how good He is, is through our house. Our bathroom drain got plugged up and wasn't draining. Through people J knows at work we were able to get it fixed at a pretty good price. Of course, it did put a little strain on the check book but I know God will provide somehow, I trust him. But I look at our house and location and I am so amazed that we live here and are able to pay our bills every month.

I also see God's goodness in my new nephew who was born today to J's brother Joe and his wife Virginia. He was a healthy 8lb 14oz baby boy. I just can't wait til we can go see them, have to work the details out with J first!

I will leave you with this verse:
Psalm 85:8 "I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly."

Wonder Child!

Over the last few days Red has taken off his pj bottoms 3 times. The first time I thought it was just a fluke but he has done it two other times. How in the world does a 7 1/2 month old know how to take off his pants??? I guess he just likes to be naked. He must get those *wanting to be naked* genes from his daddy! He has been so fun lately learning new things and expressing himself more. I'm just so glad he is apart of our family. It's amazing how much love one person can have for another person...it is so natural and easy to love someone that is your parent, your child or even your sibling but to love someone who isn't blood related is so amazing! If you haven't gotten it yet I am completely in love with my husband, J, and its weird to think but I love him even more with every passing day! Sure I might not always like things he does but I always love him.

Birthday Mania

From the time we got up this morning until about 5 minutes ago when I put the kids to bed we have been doing things for GlamorGirl's 5th birthday party or playing with her new presents. Her party was from 1-3pm today at the school. When we got up and ready this morning Monkey and I went to get some last minute preparations plus Monkey picked GG out a gift from him. He got her a sponge Bob puzzle with 100 pieces. She had a blast at her party and received some wonderful new things. Among the gifts were but this is not everything or even close to being everything she received...a Cinderella dress up dress, Crocodile Dentist game, play make-up, Cinderella felt book, clothes (all very cute) and many many puzzles. About the puzzles J and I were talking about what we were going to get her for her birthday and I suggested to J spelled out so GG wouldn't know what it was P.u.z.z.l.e she had this thinking face on and says, "I know what that is...PUZZLE!" I couldn't believe it the little stinker sounded it out. I guess spelling things out, so the kids don't know what we are talking about, around GG is over. After the party and clean up we came back to the house (with friends from out of town) and GG built the puzzle (51 pieces) of the United States that J and I got her and she didn't need any help which I was surprised because it wasn't a normal puzzle where the pieces fit into each other it had a boarder and an empty middle in the shape of the US and each state was it's own piece except for the really small states, they got lumped together with another state or two. Then we played the crocodile game about a million times they loved it. Then she wanted to build the puzzle Monkey got her and I thought she might have difficulty with that one as well because it was 100 pieces but she did it all by herself! She has to take after me because J does not like puzzles but I love them. Then for bedtime stories we read her new books she got and played another game. Needless to say, we had a very fun filled and busy day. GG's real birthday isn't for another 10 days but J had today off and that is why it was early. On the actual day she is bringing in ice cream sandwiches for a treat and then we are going to Dinorex for lunch. Plus, all the other things we do to make her day special :)

The boy has popcorn coming out of his ear!

During lunch today I decided I wanted to see if I could trick Monkey into thinking he had popcorn growing in his ear! I showed him my empty hand and then put a piece of popcorn in it quickly before I reached for his ear. I pulled out a piece of popcorn every time. He was laughing so hard I thought he was going to pee his pants. GG got concerned and examined Monkey's ear very carefully and then laughed when it kept coming out! Monkey kept saying to me, "But I don't feel any popcorn in my ear!" It was a pretty silly lunch today :)

Trip to the Dentist

The kids didn't go to school this morning because we had a dentist appointment. It was Monkey's first time getting his teeth cleaned and I must say he did a great job. He did keep asking if it was going to hurt and the nurse who cleaned his teeth was very patient and kind with him. I stayed with him while he was being worked on and GlamorGirl was in the room with J while he got his teeth cleaned. Then it was my turn and I needed to get a full set of x-rays done. That was horrible. They took 18 shots of my teeth. Six on each side of my mouth and three on the top front and three on the bottom front. By the time my teeth were done being x-rayed GG was done and she wanted to watch me get my teeth cleaned and of course I said, "Sure!" Well let me tell you I think that was a big mistake. Here I am on the chair with my mouth wide open and the nurse has her hands in my mouth cleaning my teeth. GG is standing right next to the chair and I bet she couldn't get any closer to my mouth with her face if she tried. She was so interested in seeing what the nurse was doing. It was really kind of funny. Then the nurse was polishing my teeth and she took her foot off of the pedal, that makes the brush spin, to get more polish on the brush. All of a sudden we hear the brush going and the polish is flying all over the room. GG had stepped on the pedal making it spin when it wasn't in my mouth! It took us a few seconds to figure it was her. Then after the nurse was done the dentist came in the room and GG stepped on it again. At least the second time there was nothing on the brush to do any harm. As far as I know none of us had any cavities...that is always great news. When I was growing up whenever we went to the dentist we always went out to eat afterwards either at a restaurant with our dentist or to eat back at the dentist's house. He and my dad wrestled together in high school so they were pretty good friends, hints the reason we would go back to his house after our appointments :)

Want to Paint?

The kids got paint books for Christmas, the kind that have water colors. We normally do the paint with water, a lot less messy! I got each of the kids a cup of water and told them not to use too much or the paper would get soaked. Next thing I know Monkey has the cup and is asking, "Is this too much water?" As he is pouring it onto the page. I was like "What are you doing?" Then I explained to him that he was supposed to dip the brush into the water and then in the paint so he could paint, as I was laughing historically. Water was everywhere...on the table, floor, and his pants. At least it was just water! After he figured out how to use the paint he was fine. It didn't even dawn on me to explain how to use the paints because he uses them at school so I really don't know what was going through his head today. But it was pretty funny.

To change the topic real quick. I have been being bugged by members of my family, I won't name names, about Red eating real food. He sits on my lap during dinner most nights and he doesn't even grab at the food. He does watch it go from my plate to my mouth but that is it. It is recommended that you wait until the baby shows interest in food by grabbing at it, not just watching. Well today J read over my LLL meeting papers about starting solids. He thinks Red is ready too, because of the ages listed not by the readiness cues. But I am the mom and I'm telling you he IS NOT ready. So to prove my point I cut up a green bean tonight and put it on Red's tray. He picked one piece up smashed it in his hands and then threw it on the floor. The rest of it was just played with and none of it went anywhere near his mouth. And the only reason he picked up the first piece is because I pointed it out to him. He is not ready or he would of put it in his mouth. My guess is that he will want to eat real food in about 2 months. But I am going to go by his cues not the books!!!! I will finish with saying he will get to eat real food when he is ready.

No childcare...

We didn't get home until 1pm from the party we went too on New Years Eve. So on Sunday the 1st we had a difficult time getting up and getting ready. We got to church right at 9:30 when it started and they had already began singing. I told J I would take the kids to children's church and then go up stairs with Red. I had all 3 kids and we headed downstairs. All the rooms were dark, even the nursery. Oh no I thought no childcare. I guess I have to take them to the mother's room with me. Now if you don't go to our church you wouldn't understand how small this room is so let me try and paint you a picture. It is big enough for about 8 to 10 rocking chairs to be lined up next to each other and about 3 chairs deep. That is it in a nutshell. When we walk in we see Al and his 3 girls ages 2, 5, & 7, Jen and her 3 kids ages 10 months, 4, & 6, Dan and Anne and their little baby boy and the pastor's wife and their little girl. Then us! It was crowded and LOUD! I didn't hear any of the service and we got told to keep the kids quiet twice. It was unreal there was nothing for them to do. At one point Monkey walked over to the window that looks down on the congregation and with two fists pounds on the window and screams, "THIS IS BORING! THIS IS BORING!" I, of course, stopped him but it was already done. Then I found out that the pastor's wife had told him what Monkey had said good thing he is young and has a good sense of humor! And knew it was because Monkey was bored out of his mind and not because his sermon was boring :)

Happy New Years!

I am so excited because J is off tonight...maybe we will be able to stay up until midnight to kiss. We are attending two parties tonight, one that starts soon with a guy J works with and the other that starts around 9pm with friends from church. Should be a very fun night and an even funnier tomorrow. Party after church at the M's house :) Need to go get ready to pretend I can stay up late!

Legacy of the Lazer Pointer!

Let me explain a little further into detail...when GG was a baby J used to lay with her on the bed and point his laser at the ceiling and she would follow it for what seemed like hours. That was one of their favorite things to do together...doesn't really sound like fun to me...hmmm sit in a dark room and watch a little red light on the ceiling! Well it proved to be one of Monkey's favorite things to do with daddy as well. You get where I am going with this right?! Yes, Red and J have spent time watching the same laser pointer. But J has gotten silly with it now. As I hold Red he points it into my mouth and when I close my mouth he turns it off. So Red thinks it is in my mouth. Very funny to watch or be attack is more like it by a 7 mouth old trying to get the little red light that you have in your mouth. It has amused all of the kids at one point in time and thus making it special to our family's child/father bond. One night as J was playing with Red and the laser we talked about how long he has been doing this and we started to feel old. Our first born is going to be 5 I just can't believe it. I guess to prove we can still act young (and childish) this is what we did, really J, I was just a bystander...our next door neighbor's back door is a clear shot from our dinning room door, we waited for him to get out of his car and walk to his back door when J used the laser pointer at the door. IT was hilarious. Our neighbor stopped dead in his tracks and quickly turned around. Where he saw J and I looking out the window laughing so hard I bet he could hear us! When he saw us he started laughing but I think he was scared at first. Good thing we are friends with them :)

here's another glimspe into the funny farm!

So we are in the van all five of us but the baby was sleeping. Now most parents when wanting to play a car game would say to their small children "lets play the game who can be the quietest." Well this is what J says, "Lets see who can keep their mouth open the longest." Here we are the four of us mouths wide open pulling into the parking lot of the store we are about to go in to. As J turns to go into the parking space this guy is walking right in front of our van, we look at each other mouths still open and start to laugh. Do you know how hard it is to laugh with your mouth wide open! I told you I live with a bunch of clowns. I love my family, they are so much fun to be around.

The Girl

The last couple of days I remembered this after I posted and then thought I write about it next time. But the kids are getting ready for bed and I have a quick minute. Ok so here is the picture. Christmas morning it is about 8:30am, yes we got to sleep in because the kids were sick. The next thing I know GG is at my bed asking...you think she is going to ask to open presents right? Well she asks if she can watch tv. I couldn't believe it the tree is loaded with presents under it and she wants to watch TV. In her mind she thinks I don't really need anything that is in those presents (she is not spoiled at all but she gets things she needs and sometimes wants) but I NEVER get to watch tv so that is what I want to do! J and I were shocked to hear those words come out of her mouth and at the same time it was pretty funny. Ok as I am sitting here typing Monkey is walking up to me with one foot in the don't brake the ice box and a hand over one eye saying, "RRRRRRRRRRR" I'm surrounded by clowns!

My Monkey

I'm in the kitchen making breakfast and Monkey walks in with his new doodle pad in his hands. He starts scratching at the pad and says, "Do you know what I'm doing?" I look at him and say, "Are you playing the guitar?" He gets a really big smile on his face and says, "Yes!" Then he starts hitting the pad and says, "Do you know what I'm doing now?" Doesn't wait for answer and says, "I'm playing the drum guitar!" He is such a fun little person so imaginative!

Yay! We are finally getting HEALTHY :)

The past few days have been very interesting with fevers, baby throw up, and blowing noses. I feel much better today even though I still have to blow my nose but my nose doesn't hurt. Do you want to know my secret? Well I have been using Lansinoh on it! Yes, it is a breast cream for breastfeeding moms but it has worked wonderfully. I use it on my chapped hands and it is just great for healing sore body parts!!!

Although we had a sick Christmas we still held true to our family traditions. We opened stockings and then ate breakfast and read Luke 2 from the Bible. Then we opened presents. The only thing we didn't do because I was just too sick was make the birthday cake for Jesus' birthday.

The kids have gotten many wonderful presents and they aren't even done receiving or giving out presents. One of GG's favorite presents is the key board that Monkey (and Red) picked out for her. If I had to sum up her Christmas this year it would be Disney Princess Christmas! She got 2 princess books, tinker bell pjs, tinker bell chair (that is very cool and soft), and a princess poster. She also got these really cool books that show you how to draw different things like pigs, rockets, etc...and she loves it. Monkey got one of those books too and they each got a doodle pad so they could practice drawing them. GG also got a ton more polly pockets and clothes, mainly dresses! And a really cute umbrella. If I were to sum up Monkey's Christmas it would be a Buzz LightYear/Toy Story Christmas. He now has about 3 Buzz LightYears along with the other characters which are what he has played with nonstop since opening them, a clear favorite. He got a lot of books and clothes. And a spiderman chair, magna doodle, and lincoln logs. Both the kids got roller skates from their uncle Travis. And Red got clothes and toys for his age. His favorite is the pop up toy. The kids have loved everything they have received so far and are great at saying Thank you, very pleased with their manners. As a disclaimer: if the gift you gave the kids did not get mentioned it is not because they don't like it, it is because I can't remember EVERYTHING that they have gotten. I can already think of things I didn't say that J and I got them but, oh well. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and that you remember the reason for it. The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sickness ruined our plans for today

This morning GG, Red and I all woke up sick this morning. I am so mad about this sickness. I wanted us to be healthy for Christmas this year. But I do have hope because Monkey woke up feeling a little better today so maybe the rest of us will be on the mend soon too. I just hope and pray J doesn't get it. We had planned to go to Jumps and Jiggles this morning with the kids :( I guess we'll have to go next week. J and I were just talking and we decided that the tv quota for the day as been way over the norm. We watched 4 movies as us sickies laid on the couch or slept. GG went to bed before 6pm after she wasn't hungry enough to eat dinner and just didn't feel good. She had a 102 temp poor little girl. I hate when the kids are sick and I hate it even more when I am sick too. J was MR. Mom today taking care of us all, and I love him so much for it some men wouldn't do that. Well I would write more but I think I am going to head back to bed.

Baking Goodies

On Monday afternoon the kids and I made cupcakes and a funfetti cake. It was a lot of fun and a great time consumer. Since the kids have been out of school I have needed to keep them busy so that they don't drive me crazy! I've gotten completely used to them being gone in the mornings but I have definitely enjoyed them being home these last couple of days. Last night was the LLL Christmas party, they actually called it a Holiday party but to me it was a Christmas party. We brought the cake which I am glad because after we made all of that stuff I thought now who is going to eat this??? Well it got consumed last night and the cupcakes are gone as well so today the GG and I made snickerdoodles, I am waiting for the last batch to come out of the oven. We had a really lazy late morning today because Monkey was sick last night and is sleeping right now without eating lunch, so not like him. The kids got up at 9 and J and I got up shortly after and had pancakes for breakfast. Then GG, Red and I took a bath together. That was quite funny and we were in there for about 45 minutes. I bathed Red while GG soaped up my back and drew pictures on it. I loved those types of baths when I was a little kid with my mom and so the tradition continues. Today has been a pretty great day so far with family bonding time and lots of snuggles with the kids. Couldn't ask for more. Only 4 days til Christmas :)

Sea Monkeys!

As I sit here typing I have the youngest member of our family on my lap sporting a Mohawk compliments of daddy. Ever since we stayed at the hotel and went swimming J thinks that Red needs a Mohawk. He listened to me yesterday and didn't give him one before church so I am grateful for that!!! Christmas in our house is really a season and not just a day. On Saturday the kids got their first gifts of the *season* and they have enjoyed playing with them. I got a gift of sea monkeys along with my sister-in-law and Aunt. So the kids have wanted to *play* the sea monkey game not really understanding that they are pets. Today we opened the box and started the process of raising sea monkeys I never knew how much work went into these things. The funny part is that Monkey stood at the counter for about 30 minutes before he believed us that we were going to have the sea monkeys tomorrow. He didn't want to miss anything! The nice thing about having a big family is the fact that we can space the presents out. We are going to my dad's on the 24th to exchange gifts, then we celebrate Jesus' birthday on Christmas day, then J's family on the 29th and then with my brother and his family the beginning of Jan. Should be fun we are going to be making birthday cake on the 22nd as a family. I love Christmas and what it means!!!
Update: On Red he can now roll both ways and right now is in the living room where I am watching him try and get on his hands and knees. I had to put him down because he was getting to wiggly. He loves when I sing the itsy bitsy spider song but at the end instead of saying "And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again." We say, "And the itsy bitsy spider got Red." As we tickle him and he gets so excited right before he gets tickled. He knows its coming :)

Our 6th Anniversary and counting :)

Wow, I can't believe that it has been 6 years since we took our wedding vows. This has been the best 6 years of my life! We have been so blessed to have 3 children, own a house and J have a job he loves plus many other things that I won't bore you with! Today at church was the Sunday school Christmas program. The kids did great! GG was so sweet on the stage in the front row and the only child doing sign language to the songs. Apparently she wasn't taught the signs at church but at school and just decided that she should do the signs. It was very sweet to see her signing...when she was a baby we taught her to sign so she could communicate better with us. Then during the church service they announced our anniversary and had us kiss in front of everyone. We also got flowers in honor of our day. On Friday Monkey had his Christmas program at school and he was the loudest kid on stage very funny! They told the story of the candy cane and that was very cute and interesting. GG had her party and after Monkey's program we went to her class to be at her party. J also subbed last minute for one period, only 45 minutes. After school we left for our family get together with my grandparents and mom and stepdad. That was fun, we stayed in a brand new hotel and went swimming way too many times!!! We came home Saturday night so we could go to church today. And that is all I want to share.

Backed up against a wall

I so felt like that today. Here is why. I was originally suppose to have my annual appointment with the doctor Dec 5th but I forgot about it and missed it completely. So I had to reschedule and I needed an appointment quickly because my pill refills had run out and I needed a prescription. Now you are probably thinking no big deal but the thing is I can not get pregnant until we go to Disney World next November, if I am going to have another child that is. So those pills are very vital. Now here's were it gets sticky. I had to take the next available appointment and then I find out that J has court that morning. So I asked my friend to watch Red which is no big deal but last night Red didn't sleep well because he was in pain at least that is the way it sounded from his screams. I brought his pacifier just in case but he was not happy the whole time he was at my friends and I even tried to hurry my appointment up as fast as I could by paying before I was even seen and I dressed while the midwife wrote my prescription. I felt so guilty but there was nothing I could do I had to go to my appointment. He has slept most of the day since I picked him up and seems to be feeling better. I did put some bm in his ears just in case it was an ear infection. That always helped Monkey get over them quickly, the two times he had ear infections. He can't get sick we are leaving town tomorrow...

Bedtime Prayers

Every night before the kids go to bed I pray with them, I say a prayer and then they say one. Well the last couple of nights GG has been praying for a baby sister or brother, but that she really wants a SISTER. I have talked to her about the fact that if I were to get pregnant there are no guarantees that the baby would be a girl. She completely understands but still wants a sister. Just to clarify I'm not saying that we are going to have another baby or that J and I are even talking about it this is all GLAMORGIRL. I love saying prayers with the kids and listening to what they are grateful for...Monkey looks at everything in his room and thanks God for it! So his prayers are quite long but very cute to hear him say, "Thank you God for the wonderful world, my mommy, daddy, GG, Red my curtains, my clock, the fan, my door and so on!" Very different prayers from GG and Monkey but they are both from their hearts and that is the part I love!

You know what I think is funny?!?! Before I became a mother I would of never dreamt of holding a 6 month old while brushing my teeth, while he grabs at the toothbrush. Life is definitely interesting with children present:)

A little about Red! So I have mentioned about shadows and he likes to watch them well that is an understatement. He goes *crazy* at nighttime when he sees his shadow in the bedroom. His arms go up and down and his hands twist and he makes his mouth do this really funny thing. He loves shadows :) He also loves baths...when given a bath he kicks and splashes so much that he gets water in his face. Before when this would happen he would just jump because the water startled him. Well yesterday night when I gave him a bath and it got his face he made the funniest face. He did it every time it got his face so I called J in to see. It was a face I had never seen him make before and it was pretty cute. I wish I could describe it but words wouldn't do it justice!!! I love that little boy with all my heart. He definitely fits into our family with his spunky personality. Oh and have I mentioned that he has found his voice in the form of a high pitch squeal??? It's really funny to listen to him talk with the kids like that and they think it is hilarious which, of course, makes Red do it more. Like I said, kids are interesting!

Oh the Sweet smell of new candles!!!

I had a candle party about a month ago and the order just came in!!! We got 5 candles free from hosting the party. That was the best party I have ever had, so easy to sell those things. Plus, I got free candles which J and I love :) I hear giggles coming from the living room and as I look in there I see Monkey playing with Red and making him crack up. The girl is mesmerized by the tv, she has been begging to watch all day and I finally gave in because I needed to start dinner and I wanted some alone time on the computer. A little selfish on my part but it is the only break I have had today because J left early this morning to go snowboarding. Must be nice to just up and leave...can't do that when you have a nursling. The whole snowboarding thing was a huge debut between us yesterday on, when he should leave, and come home, and yada yada. I would have to say the children got a great lesson in learning how to handle disagreements without yelling or fighting. We talked through it at dinner with them right there. Oh yeah the kids had a blast sliding on Sunday it was funny to see them so bundled up in their snow gear. Monkey could barely move, too cute. Yesterday I got to go out to lunch with a friend, of course, the baby came with even though J said I could leave him. We went to subway and the fans entertained him while we ate and talked for over an hour. Sara kept saying, "He is such a good baby. He hasn't made a peep." She doesn't realize though that I just fed and changed him before I came so he was content. Then today the baby and I had playgroup which is fun as always. News flash, this just in :) Well not really but we have had some really cool firsts! On Sunday when we got to church GG unbuckled her seat belt, which is sometimes hard for me to do. She has been getting herself buckled and unbuckled ever since. Very exciting for mama of 3 one less person to get in and out. We are now starting to work on Monkey buckling himself. Oh and to top GG doing her own she gets out and unbuckles Monkey for me. What a *HUGE* help that has been! So if he can buckle in and she can get him out I can focus on just Red! On to that little bean. He is so close to rolling from his back to his tummy. But he has started to wave at people. It is so sweet. He is sitting up really good now with the occasional throw of the head back. I just can't believe he is getting so big. All of them need to stop growing NOW!!! Just kidding I love that they are growing and becoming self sufficient little people. That's it for now.

Snowflakes!

This afternoon we made snowflakes with white paper. Well Monkey made one then decided that it wasn't for him so he colored a picture of an angel for me. GG and I made enough snowflakes to fill the bay window in the living room with them. It looks great. I got the idea last night while watching ER, during a JC Penney's commercial they had a little girl make a snowflake. I thought I bet GG would love that craft idea and we already had everything needed to accomplish the making of them. I was right she loved it and wanted to keep making them even after the window was finished. We sang carols while we made them too. It was a little messy but well worth the effort! I've got a lot of stuff to get done before our big day tomorrow. J's department is having their Christmas party at 10 to 2 and then after that the kids and I are going to a family gathering. We probably won't get home until late at night so I'll hopefully update on Sunday while J takes the kids sliding.

only a mom would...

...comfort her injured and crying child while she sits on the toilet peeing.

...wipe baby slobber/snot on her own shirt so that the baby stays dry and warm.

...make shadows on the floor for the baby to watch while she plays a game with her oldest child.

...allow her middle child to crawl into her bed at night and warm his cold feet between her legs, making her cold.

All of the above have happened to me in the last 24 hours. Looking back I can't believe how much becoming a mother has changed me these last almost 5 years. I love my job as mom and wife.

Last night after we put the kids to bed and we were sure they were sleeping J and I wrapped all of their presents. It was so much fun and it took us 2 hours to get them all wrapped!!! I can't wait to see their faces on Christmas morning and knowing they truly know the meaning of Christmas as Jesus' birthday. J and GG had a conversation about why people say Happy Holiday. So GlamorGirl now only says Merry Christmas.

Oh the joys of being *the MOM*

So last night I went back to my bedroom to get Red ready for bed. It was an hour from the time I tucked the other two into their beds. J and I use different blankets at night so they don't cover Red so there was a pile of blankets in the middle of the bed. I laid Red down and went to move the blankets and I felt something warm and hard. I no idea what it was so I stuck my hand back in the covers to see if I could find out what it was. Just then I see a little Monkey head sticking out! The stinker crawled into my bed after I had tucked him into his bed. I am so glad it was Monkey because when I felt how warm it was I started to worry, thinking what in the world is in my bed. Anyways, I moved him to his room and called J to tell him what happened. He got a good laugh at my freaking out. Then for some reason unknown to me at the time Red started to scream at about 10:15pm. At about 11pm J came home and he stopped for about 20 minutes and then started again. So I tried nursing him and that didn't help but for maybe 10 minutes. I tried burping him, he burped and then started again. Then I thought maybe I should change his diaper even though I had just changed it like an hour before. When I changed him I noticed that the onsie he had on was irritating his leg. So I took it off and changed his pjs. He liked that then when I went to lay him down he started crying again but at least it was a scream this time. I repeated the above and nothing changed. So I started to walk around with him and it soothed him until he fell asleep. I then got back into the bed to lay him down and as soon as I did he was awake again. AAAGGGHHH So back up I went to walk some more and he fell asleep faster this time so I got back into bed and propped up some pillows so that I could sit and hold him while he slept. By now it is about 1:30am. I held him for about 2 hours like that not really getting any sleep for myself and then I laid him down and he woke wanting to nurse. So I fed him and we slept until 6:30am and then I started my day getting the kids ready for school and me and Red ready for the Bible study I have on Wednesday mornings, which I almost skipped but I'll glad I didn't. After lunch I told the kids it was family nap time because GG and Monkey got woke up a few times last night by the littlest member of our family. Monkey and J slept in Monkey's room and GG didn't want to sleep so I put on a movie for her and gave her strict orders not to wake me up unless it was an emergency that she was to go ask daddy. Well you guessed it...about 30 minutes into my nap. GG: Mom I'm hungry. Can I have some fruit snacks.
Me: Shh don't wake up Red. Yes
then about another 30 minutes go by and she screams from the potty. Mom there's no toilet paper can you get me some. I jump out of bed as not to wake the baby and got her some toilet paper. At this point I really haven't gotten any sleep just a headache from being woke up as I get to sleep, you know that panic type of feeling you get when get startled awake? So I tried again to tell her to not come wake me up and if she needs something to go ask daddy. He had been sleeping for about an hour and a half by now. If you think she left me alone you would be WRONG. About 40 minutes later she comes in asking to play a game on J's palm pilot. Oh yeah and between all of that the phone rang. I really do love being a mom but on days like this I just wish I had a secret cave to go to so that I could Sleep!!!

Laundry Boy...

Red is usually attached to my hip as I bend down and get the laundry out of the dryer or put the clothes in the washer. Well he has gotten BIG! So I invented a new way of doing laundry with Red aka Laundry Boy. I sat him in the clothes basket and started putting clothes around him. He got the biggest kick out of that. Then I called the two older kids to come and see him and before I knew it all 3 of the little ones were laughing historically. I only wish I would of taken a picture but I'm sure there will be more opportunity for that considering I do laundry everyday!!!

This morning Red and I went to our playgroup that is growing and I'm so excited. I dropped Red off with J and went to get the kids from school. When I got home I felt so sick to my stomach. So after lunch I put the two boys down for naps and I turned on PBS for GG and I tried to take a nap too. But I felt so yucky that I couldn't fall asleep. So when Red woke up about an hour and half later I got up too. I think just being still on the bed and laying down helped, because I feel a little better.

Last week J had asked GG's teacher about a computer game that we want to get her for Christmas. It turns out that we need to get a higher grade. So J is going to get Jumpstart 1st grade, which she will learn in school the second part of this year. It was a toss up if we should get the 2nd grade so she could use it longer but I figure that the boys will get to use it too. I just hope she doesn't get bored.

So the Ark performance was great on Sunday. It was called Christmas: Where, When, and Why? It took place on a tree farm and these kids were looking for peoples favorite Christmas stories...where, when and why. The main character was named Tanna and she had a brother named Daniel, like as in Daniel in the lion's den. My favorite line was when he says to Tanna "Don't hate me because I'm biblical." Anyway on the way home J and I were talking about trees and I asked if he thought we would ever get a real tree. He said absolutely not and I'll show you why when we get home. Then he showed me a website called wimp.com and it had a real tree that caught fire and it only took 48 seconds for the whole room to be filled with smoke. It only took like 15 seconds for the whole tree to be burned. At playgroup we talked about who has their Christmas tree yet. Everyone but one girl because they get a real one. She was telling us that her dad was saying that they get the trees from China, because they are pretreated there. It was a joke of course but it was funny. Her dad has a fake tree!

J told me today that he only has to work 4 hours tomorrow for a training and it is from 8 to 12 so he will be home tomorrow night. I am so excited. I love when that happens. Tonight he is going to pick up some subway and bring it home for dinner because he didn't get a chance to get groceries this morning because of court. I'm down with that ;)

Here is the staple?!?!

I remembered what Monkey said yesterday! So we are in the car driving to J's parents and GG clasped her knuckles together and says, "Here is the church." Then sticks both pointer fingers up and makes them touch and says, "Here is the steeple. Open the door." And she opens her hands and wiggles her fingers and says, "And here's all the people." So Monkey does the same motions and says, "Here is the church. Here is the staple." Laughter from the backseat is heard coming out of big sister! Then she says, "No, Monkey it is STEEPLE not staple!" He starts laughing and says, "Oh oops!" It was pretty funny.

Chocolate Fountain

We were at Bible study for 5 hours last night and had a blast. They had a chocolate fountain. It was so cool and I think that everyone *needs* to have a chocolate fountain in their home! Not really, but that would be pretty cool. It was funny because I don't know how much I weigh since we don't own a scale but at the M's they did and so I weighed myself only 10 pounds to go so I feel pretty good. This morning we went to church and afterwards spent the rest of the day at J's parents house. On the way here GG was signing a song and Monkey was signing along and said the wrong word and it was funny but I can't remember what in the world the song was now and J can't either so I'm not the only one losing my mind :) Right now we are watching old home movies of J and his brother Joe when they were little. The kids are loving seeing their daddy as a little boy. And grandma and grandpa younger! Tonight we are going to church to see the Ark performance, which is only going to start the whole topic of GG wanting to be apart of Ark which she can't join until she is in 1st grade. I really wish I could remember what Monkey said in the van on the way here but I can't. I'm going to go finish watching my adorable husband as a little tyke.

Threehead

Last night was so much fun. We first went to see all the pretty lights that we bundled up for because it was freezing out! Then we went to the open house for the pastor candidate. It was a great time the kids got to play with their friends from church and J and I got to socialize with our friends. Jake and Carmen have a air hockey game in their basement which the kids played. It was the first time GG ever played that game and she loved it. And just like everything else she does she was really good at it. Anyways, this morning I gave the kids a bath and I noticed Monkey had a little cut on his nose. So I asked him if he got hit with one of the pucks. J and Monkey at the same time said. "Yes" Then I looked at GG's face and she had an identical cut on her nose. So I asked her if she got hit too.
GG: No!
Me: Then how did you get the cut on your nose?
GG: Me and Sage were throwing the pucks in the air.
Me: So you got hit when you were throwing them?
GG: I guess
Me: What do you mean you guess? Didn't it hurt?
GG: Yeah it hurt but I was in shock. I didn't realize what happened.
Me: So you didn't cry?
GG: No. I thought it was going to hit my forehead you know...your threehead and your forehead. (as she points to her forehead both times!)
So I think since it hit her nose she didn't even realize it was the puck and just went on playing!
Which is funny because she is normally a drama queen when it comes to her getting hurt.

Today has been a relaxing day since we were shopping all day yesterday. We mainly cleaned the house. Tonight Jess is coming over to watch the kids while J and I go to our couples Bible study. Oh I want to mention my wonderful brother-in-law (Joe) he is the only one I have. But he has been so helpful with my blog. He put on a link so people can write comments instead of emailing me! Also I had him change and add a few things. But everything stayed the same for the most part. Thank you Joe!!!

Banana-man aka Red just cracks me up. J was holding him and I was talking to him and all of a sudden he got this sore puss look on his face and started to scream like he was in pain. So J handed him to me and he stopped instantly. What a little stinker. Then I was holding him and J was talking to him and he was laughing and giggling. Apparently I am the only one allowed to hold him, in his eyes. GlamorGirl also cracks me up, actually all the kids are pretty funny! We were on our way to Cubbies last night and she was telling me about her favorite leader. GG: My favorite is the one with the hair.
Me: Don't they all have hair GG?
GG: Yes, but the one that has the pretty hair.
Me: Oh ok I guess you'll have to point her out to me!
So I told the lady Janet that she is GG's favorite and what she said about the hair. She smiled and said that GG always comments on how her hair is *so* pretty.
I have good news...Monkey slept in his bed all night long. Our house brings new meaning to the term "family bed"...on a typical morning if you were to walk into our room you would find Red in the middle of J and I and Monkey with his head by my feet and legs shooting up towards our heads. And on a rare morning if *the girl* woke up at night she would be next to Monkey in the same position. It reminds me of the grandparents in Willy Wonka how the 4 of them shared a bed and two on each end. The crazy thing about this arrangement is that neither J or I even know that they are in our bed until the next morning when we wake up. So I guess it works pretty good! Well I need to go pick up the little ones from school. We have a busy day of more Christmas shopping...teachers and grandparents. Plus, tonight we are going to see the Christmas lights in downtown where J works and then to meet the new Pastor candidate for Church. Should be a very fun filled day!

Christmas is just around the corner! I am so excited. J and I spent the morning shopping for the kids. I think we are completely done with Monkey and need one thing for GG and Red! I think that tonight after I drop the kids off at Cubbies I am going to go shopping for J?!?! Just depends on how motivated I am. OK I started this post while dinner was cooking at 5:30 and now it is almost 9:30...oops. Anyways, Red and I did go shopping and we bought J all of his presents and I am so excited about most of them :) Well that is it for me.

It's been a few days so I thought I would update. Thanksgiving was great this year like always. It is my most tempting holiday because of all the good food. I usually gain at least 3 to 5 pounds! I am happy with the outcome this year. I only ate one plate full of food and it wasn't overflowing either. I had one piece of apple pie and half a piece of cake. I didn't feel uncomfortable or over stuffed. It reminded me of one of Pastor Rob's messages. Won't go into it though but if you go to church with me you probably know what I am talking about. Then yesterday we did our family tradition of putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. We have 5 stockings hanging on the fireplace and Monkey says, "Look at the socks!" It was funny. We have our nativity scene on the bay window, which we got when we were first married. It is Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in a manger and that is it none of the fancy stuff that usually come with it that wasn't even there, like the wise men. Then J had to put on the angel tree topper that I made when I was pregnant with GG. YES I said I made it...it has lasted 5 Christmas' now and it is time to get rid of it because the halo isn't on it anymore. I really can't believe it lasted this long because it is out of construction paper. When we were first married we got back from our honeymoon on Christmas day so the next Christmas was the one I made the tree topper and most of the ornaments because we were in college still, pregnant and just down right poor. J is very sentimental so he doesn't want to get rid of it but I do we can afford a real one now. Hopefully J will get me one for Christmas?!?! I did ask for one. Ok this has turned into Christmas talk and very mushy, sorry. So our house is decorated for Christmas and this year we bought lights for outside the kids think that is very cool. Only 29 days til Christmas and we don't even have half the shopping done. I am getting a little nervous about that.

I last wrote about GG's having her Thanksgiving program that was the cutest thing I have ever seen. She had paint on her face because she was an Indian. While the kids were practicing I was talking to Mrs S about something that I was getting annoyed with GG doing at home. She has taken up rhythming words some that aren't really words which is the annoying part. This seemed to make her teacher very glad that she was rhythming and getting real words some of the time. Then I was telling her that the other day she wrote. I l y t g we p mom. GG told me she wrote "I like the games we play mom." Her teacher said that was great. That these are the first steps in really reading. I told her that GG will take books in her room and make stories up to the pictures but lately she has started to really try and read the words. Some she gets and some she doesn't. Then last night in the van she said, "I can spell the word tag. T... A... G!" I told her she was right then she kept going with words, she spelled brag, dog, van, grill and jam. I just think it is really cool the excitement and interest she has in reading and writing. So yesterday J had training for work so he left our house earlier than normal, he called and asked if I would be willing to bring the kids to the station and he would order pizza and we could eat together. I thought that was a great idea and the kids absolutely loved it. So we were there for about an hour. Today GG came with me to our playgroup and Monkey went shopping with J. Tomorrow J is taking Brae on their date for November, remember I told you we rented Ice Princess? Well J is taking her ice skating tomorrow. While they are gone the boys and I are going to get some Christmas presents for them!!! Well both of the boys just woke up so later.

I was going to update last night before I went to bed but I was just too tired. J was off of work Monday through Wednesday. So here is what we did. Monday after Monkey got up from his nap we went to the Library. We haven't been there in a while and the kids really enjoyed the time there. We started out coloring pictures and the next thing I knew Monkey had written his whole name on the page. I was so amazed, because I really haven't worked with him. Just the other day his teacher sent home a page to learn how to write the e, I believe that is the only time I have sat down with him and did letter writing. His fine motor skills have really taken off since the beginning on the school year, I can totally tell when he colors pictures, he tries to stay in the lines now. I guess I should start writing more letters with him since he has the interest. My friend Julie has a little boy about Monkey's age and he is starting to write too. So when they are ready there really is no stopping them. Then we picked out some books and movies and headed home. J and I got the movie Super Size Me. There was one part I thought I was going to throw up but I didn't thank heavens. I guess you could say it motivated us to start working out. So we took "fat pictures" neither one of us are fat but we wanted a before picture to see how we change at the end of 6 weeks. I got 20 minutes of a work out before Red needed me and J got 30 minutes. Tuesday I met my friend Silva at the mall and we walked for a hour and a half. I was not as sore as I thought I would be but I could feel the work that I had done the night before! That afternoon we hung out playing with the kids all day. Then Red and I went to the LLL meeting, came home and worked out again. Yesterday Red and I went to Bible study, got the kids, came home had lunch and then Monkey and I went on a date. We went to Starbucks to get some hot chocolate and a cookie. I let Monkey pay, which he thought was cool. Then we sat down and I took his coat off and explained to him why we should take our coats off inside. As I went to sit down this lady says, "I just want to compliment you on your mothering skills. I like the way you are interacting with your child." I was a little shocked and said thanks. You never know when someone is watching what you do or say. When we got home GG wanted some one on one mommy time so we popped in the movie Ice Princess that we got from the library and snuggled on the couch. It was a cute movie and I got to hold my little girl while I watched it with her. I love my kids so much. Then last night J and I got into a discussion because he said he wanted to go snowboarding at least once on his days off...first we don't have the money for him to go every day off and secondly that is our family time. So basically it came down to I could do things on my own but I always want the kids to be with us. Which is true I like having my kids with me, how else are they going to learn how to act or behave if you keep them locked up with a babysitter???? Don't get me wrong I am all about going out with my hubby on dates which the kids *need* to stay home but other than that I like having them with me. Well tonight the kids have Cubbies and I was going to take Red shopping for J's Christmas presents but I really don't really want to be out in the cold. This morning we dropped the kids off at school and went to 3 different grocery stores and the to get Red's 6 month pictures taken. Yes he is 6 months old TODAY! I can't believe it. Tomorrow GG has her Thanksgiving program at school and so does Monkey at different times (yay) J and I are going to help with that, the kids have costumes it should be really cute, I can't wait. Then at night we have our couples small group Bible study (my dad and Roberta are babysitting, they just got back from CA and have gifts for the kids) and Sunday is Red's baby dedication. And they have next week off of school, a whole week of not getting up at 7am should be restful. Later

I just love the picture J has on the computer for our wallpaper, its so sweet. It is J and all 3 kids covered in leaves. Monkey has his hands under his chin smiling, GG is smiling and J is holding Red in a sitting position. I think I took a pretty good picture if I do say so myself! Yesterday the kids and I went to my mom's house for the night. I gave my first show and it went pretty good. Before the show we were eating dinner and my brother Kory who is 20 asked me to pour him a cup of pop after I filled my cup up. I said, "Anything for my little brother." Then I looked at the kids and asked, "Did you know he is my little brother?" Monkey was so funny he replied right away, "But mommy he is bigger than you." I told him he was right but that I was older than him. So GG asked Kory how old he was and he, of course, said 20 and then she said, "Mommy is 27, yep that is 7 years older." It was cute. GG and Monkey had a blast playing with my siblings and my friend Sunshine's daughter who is 8 years old. GG thinks that is a pretty cool name to have...Sunshine. You should hear the way she says it :) I would write more but I didn't get a lot of sleep last night due to the fact that Red is coming down with something and had a hard time breathing/eating. Poor baby didn't get much sleep either. Plus, Monkey at about 4am says, "Excuse me mommy, I need to go pee pee." So polite even when he is half asleep! So I jumped out of bed to show him where to go I figured it was easier for me to wake up completely then have to clean up pee and wake everyone up.

Let's see what has gone on here this week. Monday J was off and he and the two older children raked leaves, not to play in this time. And I went through the kids clothes found some winter clothes from last year for GG and Monkey and put away all of Red's 0-3 months and 3-6 month clothes. I can't believe how big he has gotten. I, however, realized that I have no winter clothes for Red past 9 months. That is no good. I am hoping to make it to Christmas time where I am also hoping he will get some 12 month winter clothes...hint hint :) I might ask a friend if I can borrow some clothes if he grows too fast. But he is completely covered for summer! Tuesday, Red and I had playgroup it was at our house and then after lunch the kids and I met some friends at an Outlet Mall, that was really fun. We got home just in time for my candle party. Yeah that was a pretty busy day but very fun. Today J had court and I had Bible study this morning, it was my small groups turn to serve in the nursery so J picked the kids up at school so I could stay and watch the video of the study. I got home at 1pm just in time to help J take down GG's bed. When we were at my dad's on Sunday they asked if we wanted the twin bed we used when we lived there. Of course we said YES! J's parents had a twin bed that was Liz's in their basement for a long time that we wanted but Liz decided that when she remodeled her room she wanted to use it so we took the bed that was in her room. It definitely served its purpose. J put the bed up for sale on this really cool website that you don't have to pay for like Ebay. We sold it in a day and they guy came and got it today. So GG's room is set up the way I want it and it looks super cute!!!! Well enough of my rambling....

The past few days have been absolutely beautiful outside so that is where the kids and I have been. We have racked a lot of leaves just to play in :) Today after church I took GG to pizza hut to redeem her "book it" personal pan pizza. We gave her a choice if she wanted to go with just me or J or the whole family. She wanted to spend time with just me so J had the two boys. Later we are going to my dad's and they are going to watch the kids while J and I go on a date. Well I'm outta here!

The kids and I just came inside from taking a walk/bike ride and playing outside. They were cracking me up outside...they each took a jump rope and pretended that it was a dog. Pretty funny to watch them with their *dog* running around the yard. Now they are pretending they are going to a wedding. I love their imaginations! GG has learned a new somewhat annoying skill, whistling. She is actually really good at it too. While on the subject of GG her teacher (in my opinion) gave me the nicest compliment, she told me in all of her years teaching GG is the sweetest most compassionate, loving little girl she has had in class. She said that GG is always so gently with the kids that are having a hard day at school by hugging and comforting them. She told me that I am really blessed to have her and I totally agree. She has always been very motherly towards the boys as a matter of fact towards any baby. She truly is a great big sister and Monkey will tell you she is the best! Now don't get me wrong GG and Monkey fight but she is a very gentle hearted and sensitive to his feelings. Today while Monkey was sleeping she was playing with his balloon and it popped she was so sad for him and apologized as soon as he woke up. He could tell she was sincere and he was totally ok with the fact his balloon was gone.

On a side note: Last night my little m&m's went trick or treating for a little over an hour until it started raining. They looked so sweet in their costumes. The kids had so much fun and some of the neighbors had special treats just for them. They thought that was pretty cool. When we were done trick or treating we went to my dad's work and he took us out to dinner. We got home with about 2 hours left of trick or treating and the rest of the time GG and Monkey took turns handing out the candy. I think it was good for them to be on the other end of the candy exchange. I think they liked passing out the candy more then getting it!!!

First off, Happy Halloween and Happy Birthday to me! This weekend was absolutely wonderful and today has been fantastic so far. I will start with today because it is my birthday and I want too! This morning the kids got up and told me "Happy Birthday" with hugs and kisses. J got them dressed and took them to school so I could sleep. Then he brought me breakfast in bed, so thoughtful. I also opened all my birthday cards I have gotten in the mail. I got up and J, Red and I went grocery shopping. We picked the kids up from school and went to Olive Garden for my birthday lunch, yummy. I have been so blessed today, when we got home GG and Monkey brought me the card they had made last night. It was so cute. On the front it said Happy Birthday Mommy! From: Your Snuggle Puppies. I opened it up and on the inside was a picture of J and all 3 kids in their pj's. It was super sweet. In about an hour we are going to get the kids dressed up and start trick or treating! Now to back track...Friday J bought me my birthday present and made me open it right away. It was a new CD of Casting Crowns, a new wallet (since the other one got destroyed) and a 2 pound bag of Twizzlers. That night we carved pumpkins...Monkey didn't like the goop. That was a good time. Saturday morning we got up early and picked up our babysitter, took GG and Monkey to g&g A's house, then we headed to our wedding. About the reception: It was the oddest experience for me in a long time. I saw a girl who lived on my floor freshmen year of college there. Also a girl I went to school with at my dad's when I was in 6th and 7th grade. Another thing that happened is one of J's co-workers got hammered he came up to us and put his arm around J and me then proceeded to tell J how *hot* I was, especially since I have already had 3 kids, he told us how we are going to have the last laugh because we had kids young and we did it the right way. (He was about 34 when his twins were born.) He told us to stick together and we would be alright and that we would have ups and downs. Then he told us we need to keep *banging* (J laughed so hard when he used that word, I think more out of shock that he said bang!) and that J should try and get me pregnant that night. It was very funny. He was so wasted. I was afraid to let go of him for the fear he might fall down. But he kept telling us the same stuff mentioned above over and over for about 20 minutes. This guy is normally a really great guy and he never drinks alcohol or caffeine unless at a wedding. Anyways, it was nice to be at the reception kid free so that J and I could dance. Red only needed me 2 times during the reception so I missed about 40 minutes total, not bad. I love going to weddings it just reminds me how much I love my husband and I am so glad to be married to him. He's my ONE & ONLY.

Today was the big "Apple Day" at school, it was so much fun. We played games, made a apple tree snack, had gym time and then ate a real big snack of all types of apple snacks. We had apple muffins, sliced apples and caramel dip, apple juice, apple chips, and applesauce...YUMMY. J took care of Red for most of the morning then brought him to school just in time for the big snack so J got to have some too! Oh yeah, J got the kids costumes done and they look pretty good. Last night GG and Monkey wore them to Cubbies, they were so excited about that. We also bought pumpkins yesterday and when J gets home from subbing we are going to be carving them. Then we are going to go outside rack leaves and play in this nice fall weather. Tomorrow is going to be crazy. We are getting up early and picking up our babysitter, taking the kids (GG and Monkey) to J's parents for the day and then they are spending the night, we have a wedding at 2pm the reception at 6pm and we are spending the night in the hotel. Sunday we are coming back and my dad offered to watch the kids so J and I could go out by ourselves for my birthday. I haven't had a chance to talk to J to see what he has planned for my birthday. Then Monday is trick or treating!!!! Fun times.

It is 1pm and it is the quietest around here. GG is doing homework and the boys are sleeping. On the topic of school the other day I gave GG 3 green beans to eat for dinner. I didn't know that J had already given her 4, she looks at me and says, "If I eat those I will have eaten 7 green beans." I told her, "I only gave you 3." She says, "But daddy gave me 4 to begin with." So I asked J and sure enough he had given her 4, I just couldn't believe how fast she knew what 3 + 4 was! I had to laugh right now she is doing her homework and this is what you would hear if you were here! "So you can stay and play" or "Come again another day." The right ones can stay and the wrong answer come again :) And that is *the girl*. Now you would have to know J to understand this but he is a nut. He got an email with a "car commercial" in it. At the beginning it tells you while they filmed the commercial the saw a ghost by the car and that you can hear the camera guy talking about it if you turn the speakers way up. At the end of the commercial this lady jumps out and screams. J shows the kids as they are sitting on my lap, I know what is going to happen and so does J but they don't. It was hilarious...they both jumped and GG started shacking. J played the video back for them slowly and showed them that it was a lady dressed up in makeup. Then he shows them a screen that has black and white checkers and a ball in the middle that is also checkered. You are suppose to stare at the checkers for 20 seconds then you will see something special. Well it is a big fat nake butt farting. The kids laughed and laughed at that one. Monkey aka *the boy* loves those types of things and has asked to see more, he really does have his dad's sense of humor!!! Red has learned that he has hair :) He has always loved feeling my hair and GG's but the last couple of days he has figured out that he has hair on top of his head. It is funny to see him open and close his hand so he can feel his hair. He is such a gently baby. He is also getting very close to rolling...my world is about to change. And that is it for *the baby* . I have a sad note to add: I don't think the kids are going to get to be m&m's because J hasn't been able to get the customs done. I am hoping that maybe in the next couple of days he might be able to do them. Tonight I think we might go get some pumpkins to carve, that is if J isn't too tired. If not today then tomorrow for sure.

Well the weekend is over. J informed me today that he has training on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is good because he will get to be home with us at night. Plus, Thursday starts his days off and on top of that he took Sunday off because Saturday we are going to a wedding where we are staying in a hotel because it is a few hours from where we live. To make it even better he took Monday off because it is my birthday and to take the kids trick or treating. It is going to be great having him home all those days I have a feeling I am not going to want him to go back to work. But the bad part about all of this is that I am going to be home in the morning by myself getting the kids ready for school and then taking them. It is nice having J home in the morning because he usually gets the kids ready and takes them to school or gets them ready and I take them to school. Just so I can get a little more sleep. Anyways, I have a little more time before I need to make dinner. The kids are occupied, Red is sleeping and the two older ones are coloring, they just got done painting. So I don't know why but J and I started looking for a bigger house, not that we *need* a bigger house. We found a house in the same town that has one more bedroom and a basement in our price range. I just don't think I want to try selling this house yet or pack up and move. I really like our neighborhood (location close to school), neighbors and house. I don't think we are going to peruse the house we saw. Most of my day has been housework and extra cleaning I don't normally have the chance to get too. The only reason for that is that we are having company over, and I'm really not one to clean just for company but it was a great motivator today. I am really excited about Friday, GG is having a special day at school "Apple Day" and I am going to be helping!!!

AWE, Fridays. I love Fridays because we get to sleep in tomorrow. At least I hope we do. J is getting up early and going to help his dad with some cement. I am all for him helping his dad on their house, because hopefully he will learn some home improvement type stuff. It is so much cheaper to fix/remodel things yourself then pay someone else to do it. Today was interesting, I took 3 kids to school to pick up Market Day! A nice young boy helped me bring it out to the van. I really like their food. Oh and J informed me earlier today that Red said his first word on Wednesday when I went to go pick up Jess. It was Mama! I thought he was kidding because Red has been doing this new thing were he goes, "Mmmmm...Mmmm." Then he spits bubbles. When he does that I usually say, "Mama" and he laughs at me. But J said that he said Mama as clear as day, but only once. Red is also getting close to rolling, he is so goofy. He seriously looks like he wants to fly when he is on his stomach. He puts his legs up in the air and his arms behind him so that the only thing on the ground is his big old tummy. I am secretly glad he isn't moving even though J really wants him to start rolling so he can crawl and so on. Well that is it for now...

Now that it is a day later, I will finish my post I had to go to school to bring J's his lunch that he had forgot to bring, he was subbing. So I grabbed food for the kids too and we ate at school with him. Then last night J and I went out on a date. Jess came over to watch the kids, they really like her too. We went to see Flight Plan and then out to eat. Ok if you are thinking, wow they must of spent a ton of money, we didn't. I got a free movie ticket and concession card at the end of last year from one of my students = free movie, popcorn, and drink. We went to eat at Chipotle and J had a coupon for a free burrito there that we used. We got home and J took Jess home and I gave the kids baths. When J got home the kids were in bed and so he started wrestling with me. My nose hurts today. He threw me on the bed and started tickling me and when I went to get up his head hit my nose. Then we both started laughing as tears ran down my face, I couldn't help it. I laid back down on the bed and Red then kicked me in the nose. He thought it was funny too and his little arms and legs were going as fast as they could. It was funny but my nose hurts today! This morning we all got up and got ready. J went on GG's field trip to the (I forgot the name) Nature Center. And I took Red to his 5 month check up. He is 26 inches and 17 lbs 7 oz, what a big boy. He didn't get a shot today because she thought he might be coming down with something from looking in his nose. He does sound a little congested. But other than that he looks happy and healthy. We don't have to go back until he is 8 months old. Later today the kids have Cubbies and we need to go grocery shopping. J has been debating weather or not he is going to attend a batcheral party. That word doesn't look right but I don't want to look it up. He goes between going and staying home to make the kids Halloween customs. I don't think I mentioned this yet but the kids are going to be M & M's this year. GG is going to be a yellow mega m&m, Monkey a green normal m&m, and Red a red mini m&m. They are going to look super cute in their customs. I'm going to make sure to take pictures this year. Last year with being pregnant I had a brain spasm and I don't have any pictures of them in their customs. Ok my family is home I want to hear all about GG's field trip so later!

Yesterday was J's first day off. Red and I went to playgroup like we always do on Tuesday mornings. Then we picked the kids up from school and went out to eat at Photo's, Yummy. Came home and had the boys take naps, because we got our family picture taken. Boy I'm glad we only have to do that once a year! I'll just say that Red posed the best. When we got home it was really nice out so J and GG went fishing and the boys and I played outside until dinner time. After we ate J was on the computer with Red in his lap and I was cleaning up the kitchen. The next thing I knew J had Red in the sling and he was vacuuming the kitchen floor for me. ***Warning TMI!!!*** J looked so HOT wearing Red and helping clean the kitchen. The best part is I didn't even ask him to help. I had a LLL meeting last night but I ended up not going. I didn't feel the greatest and I wanted to spend time with J, so we snuggled on the couch and watched television. I need to go I'll update more later.

I slept so hard last night I couldn't believe it was morning when the alarm went off at 7:15am. I took the kids to school and I met one of the moms whose daughter sits next to GG. When she figured out I was GG's mom she said, "I am so grateful for GG. She has been such a blessing to Olivia." That was so sweet to hear. Now Olivia has had a hard time getting used to school and her mom works at the school. When she has a bad day GG cheers her up and basically has befriended her and helped her enjoy being at school. That's my little girl. Today was her "boyfriends" birthday and they went to McDonalds for lunch and invited us to go too. After the kids got done eating we let them play. All the boys played together and GG went off and made some new friends. We were already there with *her* friends! Then we came home and Monkey and Red took naps and GG did her homework and played. When the boys woke up we went outside. It was absolutely gorgeous out. Our neighbors had a ton of leaves in their yard so I asked if I could rack them in a pile for the kids to play in, of course they said YES! They played in those leaves for almost 2 hours with an occasional bike ride up and down the block. Leaves are so fun and they are free entertainment :) Then we came inside so I could make dinner and eat. After dinner it was bath time and then bedtime. When I got Red ready for bed there was a leaf in his diaper. Now that I think about it I am wondering how it got there. He had on a sleeper and the only leaves that got near him were ones that were falling from the tree. Hmmm...interesting! I must say I got some really cute pictures of the kids playing outside though.

What a nightmare that J and I went through last night. J came home to the diaper bag in the middle of the garage where his car is suppose to be. Red's door was open in the van and the garage smelled of lighter fluid. Then he looks a little closer and sees that the glove box was open in the van and things are thrown all over the place. He comes in the house to tell me what happened and to find out what was in the van. The kids and I went to my dad's and gas was 10 cents cheaper there so I filled my van up. I had thrown my wallet on the passenger side and when we left my dad's we had three new blanket that I had thrown on top of my wallet. Well they looked under the blankets and had found my wallet and it was gone, along with a can of lighter fluid J uses for grilling. The fluid was in the garage not the van by the way. So we called the police and made a report. I started calling and canceling credit cards and debit cards. Then J called a few places to put my info on alert in case someone tried to use my info it protects against identity theft. I did not sleep well at all last night. Someone had gone in our garage and our van I felt and still feel very violated. Then this morning the phone rang and it was J's work, someone had found my wallet and saw his business card in it and called. So I have my wallet back and absolutely everything in it. Well except for some change totaling about 75 cents. I went around and talked to the neighbors today to let them know what happened and to see if they saw anything. Most of them were completely shocked and most of them said they leave their garage doors unlocked and same with their cars so it really could of happened to anyone of us. My one neighbors leave their keys in the car with the door unlocked well not anymore and they have been doing that for 40 years. I am just grateful for the person who found my wallet and turned it in.

Well today has been kind of a long day since I didn't get much sleep last night. GG woke up last night crying and when I went to check on her she was obviously sleeping, "I can't make the letter w. I can't make the letter w. Why can't I make it?" I told her it was ok because I have seen her make the letter w and I knew she was having a bad dream. And she laid back down. Then about 10 minutes later she was up again whimpering. So I went in to see if maybe she needed to go potty and she said no. So again I went back to bed long enough to put the covers on when I hear her "mommy I need to go potty." I got up yet again to help her and I was so tired at this point I grabbed her pillow and blanket and put it in my bed. When she was done going to the bathroom I told her to get in my bed and I am so glad I did. It was 2am when all was said and done. Then at 4:15 she jumped up and started screaming. I was right next to her to reassure her she was ok and she went back to sleep. Then Monkey came into to my room a little while after that, I told him to go back to bed because daddy was sleeping in the bed with him. But NO he wanted me!!! He ignored me and ended up sleeping on my bedroom floor. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that this morning J and Monkey left at 5:30am to go fishing. So it was 5 something in the morning and J was looking for a missing little Monkey. We found him on my bedroom floor freezing because he didn't have a blanket. What kids will do to be close to their mothers! GG, Red and I got up early this morning too because GG had a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. This was the first time she had ever been there and did she have fun. They gave her a cup of tokens and she got to dance with the Chuck E Cheese mouse. Then after all that she got to pick out a prize with the tickets she had won. It was a great time for her but now she wants her party there! J told her that maybe we would go there as a family. We got home to J and Monkey sleeping, they were tired from the extremely early morning. J's work called to see if he could come in early and he did. So I packed up the kids and headed to my dad's house for the afternoon. I took the two older kids to the park while Red was sleeping in my dad's arms. I can't wait til Red can join in on the fun with the his big brother and sister. We are just about to eat dinner so I thought I would update while the two older kids were occupied and the baby Tanner is sleeping. Ok I just realized that all I wrote about Red was he slept. But he did pass some gas today when he was laughing and giggling historically. That word doesn't look right but I'm to lazy to check the right spelling! Sorry.

Remember that goofy about GG and butt wipes? Well apparently it is all over the school. And I wish I had a penny for every time someone tells me how much fun their child had when J subbed. The kids love him. This morning J got in his uniform and went to school to speak to Monkey's class, since he was going to school and in uniform he also went to GG's class for her show and tell. She did a great job explaining what J did and what things were that the teacher gave her another pink card. That makes 3 pink cards in one week. That is pretty great. While everyone was gone Red and I took a bath together, he is getting so big and really good at sitting up. As I gave him a bath I thought about how much I love the baby stage. Then I thought about how there really hasn't been a stage/age I haven't enjoyed. Being mom is so fun. I can't believe my almost 5 month old is 18 pounds and 27 inches. He is definitely a BIG boy :) Our plans for this afternoon is for the kids to take naps/rests and then play outside until the volleyball game. It is yet another beautiful day out. I am thinking about ordering pizza for dinner, it is payday!

This morning was SOOO much fun. J and I went Christmas shopping! We bought our niece and nephew their gifts and we started the long process of getting the kids theirs. We ran out of time before we could completely get all we really wanted to buy. I guess that means we will have to go again!!! I am so excited about what we have gotten so far they are going to love them. I can't believe how different it is to shop for 3 instead of 2, but I love buying things I *know* they will love to play with. It almost makes me want to give them the presents now. Stay tuned...I just got interrupted to help GG make a fort in her room for quiet time! I love the kids imaginations. I told them after Monkey took his nap we would go outside and play it is in the 70's and beautiful out. Tonight the kids have Cubbies so I will be able to sneak in the presents without them knowing :) Well that is it for now.

Goofy story of the day: I picked the kids up from school today and I got GG first. As we were leaving Mrs. Lord who has subbed twice for GG's class comes up to me and asks if I have heard about GG's butt wipe story. I said, "no" as I was thinking...Oh great GG went poop at school and had a hard time wiping her butt. Well it had nothing to do with going potty. So she proceeds to tell me this story about how she got out the *wet* wipes for the kids to clean their hands on before snack. As GG got up to get her wipe she says, "butt wipe." Which, of course, shocks the teacher and the conversation between GG and the teacher goes like this...
Teacher: No, I said wet wipe.
GG: You said butt wipe
Teacher: They are wet wipes
GG: But you said butt wipe
Teacher: I never said that
GG: Yes you did, you said butt wipe (because she has to get the words butt wipe in there)
The teacher said she had the whole class believing that she (the teacher) had called them butt wipes. I was laughing so hard at this point. Then she tells me that she told my mother in law about it and Sue was laughing and says, "Yep, that sounds like my granddaughter." So GG, Red and I go get Monkey from preschool and Chris, who's daughter Alina is in GG class, was there and I asked her if Alina told her about the butt wipe thing. Of course, she did, she came home talking about using a butt wipe at school and Chris said "WHAT?!?!" then Alina said GG called them butt wipes. So she explained to Alina why GG called them that, because that is what we use them for at our house...wiping Red's butt!!! Honestly kids are so goofy sometimes.

Before I started updating I asked J what he wanted for dinner. I suggested spaghetti and GG says, "How about cinnamon rolls?" I don't know where that one came from! Today was so much fun. We had a blast shopping today...I haven't laughed that hard in a couple of days. You'd have to know J to know I am always laughing:) That is why I have major laugh lines...hehehe. Anyways, J subbed at school today so the kids eat lunch at school and stayed for the after care portion. They had fun, maybe too much fun! I got home about 2 minutes before the crew came home. GG was so excited about getting a pink card today that was the first thing she did was show me. On the card it said "For knowing the answer to 'what land did Columbus discover?'" so I asked her the question and she beams, "AMERICA!" Well I need to go make dinner I've got a meeting tonight.

So today is Sunday and J's first day off of work. We went to church where we were told that GG should really take piano lessons. She was sitting at the piano in children's church and the two teachers said it sounded like she was really playing a song. J and I talked and I think we are going to sign her up for lessons and maybe even get her a keyboard...if grandma doesn't have hers anymore. She never stops amazing us! She's a real quick learner, too. It only took her 10 minutes to learn how to tie her shoes. There are 1st and 2nd graders that don't know how to do that:) Ok enough about that. After church we went to the video store and the kids each got to pick out a movie and J picked one out it was his turn. He got Hitched and I am really looking forward to seeing it. It was one I would've chosen. When we checked out J got some poprocks candy. Now if you have never had those before they pop in your mouth. The kids have never had them before so they got to try them. It was really funny watching their faces. It is the little things that make us laugh/smile. We like giving the kids new experiences and we try to let them do something new each week but sometimes that doesn't happen but sometimes they get to try 2 or 3 new things in a week. Life is learning!!! I am excited about tomorrow. Red and I are meeting my mom and grandma in Rockford for a day of shopping. I am going to try and get J's Christmas presents. I hope I will have success but we'll see. If nothing else I will have gotten to spend the day with two pretty amazing women and one handsome little boy!

Well I must say that the "practicing" has worked really well. Yesterday GG was on her bike (without training wheels) and Monkey on his bike (with training wheels) and we took a walk around the block. It is funny to watch those two on their bikes because they look like they could be twins. Anyways, we went around the block and he didn't need any help and he was almost able to keep up with GG. She has started a new thing on her bike as well...she now can stand up and peddle. Sometimes I think that girl is too coordinated for her own good and coupled with the fact that she has no fear it is scary. She was cracking me up when she was doing her homework. They have to cross out the words that didn't start with O and circle the ones that did. She would circle and say, "You can play today" then when it wasn't an O word she crossed it out and said, "come again another day" it was really pretty cute. Not to mention she sticks her tongue out while doing her homework. This morning she was coming down from her bed and I picked her up and carried her down and I couldn't believe how big she has gotten. The time has really flown by me. I just can't believe in a few short months she will be 5 years old. Tonight the kids have Cubbies and they are so excited they really love going there and I really love that they go there and learn more about the Bible. And it is always fun for Red and I get some quiet at night time!!! Speaking of Red we have a new game. He will be laying down and I will startle him by saying Boo. And he just laughs. Then we do it again. He watches me very closely trying to figure out when his funny mommy will say it again. We can play this game for at least an hour and not get bored. He is such a fun little guy and SOOO happy. Well my smallest blessing just pooped so I need to go change him...later.

Warning this may or may not be funny to you! But it was to us :) J and I were eating Walnuts and Monkey asked, "what are you guys eating?" J said, "Walnuts" Monkey then said, "Why are you nuts?" Ok maybe you had to be there but the way he said it was hilarious. This morning Red and I went to playgroup and two of our members were sick but we had fun anyways. This afternoon we are going to go outside so Monkey can "practice" riding his big boy bike. Last night he got it out and was able to peddle up and down the street. Before he would get stuck half way down the block and need help not anymore. He was so happy with himself so I told him we could "practice" some more today.

It is Monday, I really have mixed feelings about Mondays...my favorite show is on Monday but I hate getting up early to start the school week. Today was great because my wonderful husband got up and got the kids ready and took them to school so I could sleep. It was a difference between getting up at 7:15 and 9am. I feel very well rested. J and I recorded Red while the kids were at school and also went to the store. Then I went by myself to get the kids from school. I picked GG up first and she got another pink card. I was so happy. Everyday the teacher sends home either a blue card= they were bad, a yellow card= they had a good day or a pink card= the had an exceptionally great day. On Friday she got a pink card for sharing her show and tell toy with her classmates. Then today she got another pink one for helping a friend who was sad. J signed up for GG's first field trip she is going to be tickled to death to have him there. She loves being with him...we all do :) Now it is only Monday and GG has already chosen her show and tell for Friday, I think she likes show and tell! Well Monkey and Red are napping and GG is watching a movie so I really should be doing some productive things. We have a volleyball game to watch at 4:30...