Sunday, April 27, 2008

What is Love?

I was reading an email about this... it was filled with little quotes from kids between the ages of 4 and 8 of their take on what love is. I know so many people struggle with what love really is. I don't think it can be summed up in one sentence from a dictionary, but rather many different sentences dependent upon who is giving the definition. Love is so complex. Most of the time we don't know how we even fell in love or why. We just do and we try our damnedest to keep the love alive.

Here is my take on love:

Love is sitting on the phone for three hours and only talking for 20 minutes.

Love is going out at midnight (even after you were in bed) to get Taco Bell for your pregnant wife.

Love is falling asleep in each other's arms even if it feels like 90 degrees in the house.

Love is getting everyone else dinner and drinks before even thinking about yourself.

Love is saying I love you every chance you get just to make sure the other person knows it.

Love is doing rock-paper-scissors to see who's turn it is to change a diaper and making it best two out of three when your wife loses (cause she always loses).

Love is washing socks that have been worn for seven days straight through training missions in the hot Georgia sun.

Love is wearing a purple dress because you know it is his favorite color.

Love is not telling him when you ruin surprises so he thinks you are truly surprised.

Love is kissing goodbye in the morning before work even if you are mad at each other because if you didn't then the whole day would be off.

Love is being able to forgive even when you don't want to.

Love is stronger than the winds of a hurricane, sweeter than fresh strawberries and taller than the tallest mountain. It only takes a second to fall in love with someone, it takes much longer to forget that love.

Love with all of your heart and make love as if it were the first time. Love can triumph all.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

I'm Back!

Did you miss me? I know you did! I missed you too. My sweet little blog, with all my sweet little stories... What? Oh, right... I must be thinking of another blog HA!

Things have been so crazy busy the last two weeks. It's just insane. I had my sister come in last Wednesday. A Mom's Night that same night. Left for Louisiana the next day. My brother's wedding was that weekend. I came back on Monday night. Had appointments and grocery shopping on Tuesday, play date on Wednesday and more shopping today. Also had to take my sister back to the airport yesterday. It was about time... we can only tolerate each other for so long before we start biting each other's heads off with every comment that escapes the other's lips. We really do love each other... it's a love/hate relationship.

The wedding was a blast. My brother and his wife are so in love... at least for the night they were. Let's see how long that actually lasts. HA! They were so stinkin' cute though! They sang to each other during their first dance and just had so much fun all weekend. There were times the bride was stressed and pissed off but that is to be expected. I took 595 pictures. Now to edit, post to a public site, print and create their album. What joy! No, it should be fun to do... I like that sort of thing. It's just finding the time to do it.

Some strange guy asked me to dance at the wedding. It was the bride's cousin and I agreed for the simple fact that there was NO ONE else to dance with. There were seriously two bachelors there and BOTH wanted me... I do not kid you. They said it, out loud, right in front of me. Of course I was oblivious to this until it was pointed out to me... they were a couple of rednecks too! LoL

The kids were very well behaved throughout the whole night. Sara even conked out in her pack n play, in the hall, with music so loud that Jacob was covering his ears. She would have been asleep much sooner had the older kids not climbed in with her every chance they got. They just loved playing with her. Jacob danced with his ears covered most of the night and Adam ran around like a wild man making friends with everyone. Kadie played with the older girls and Lexi sat in a corner after no one would take her back to the hotel room.

Jacob made friends with the hottie bartender. He was really sweet. He made me a version of a mixed drink called Voodoo Punch. It was SOOOOO good. I spent $15 on them... after three I was feeling good. Definitely didn't need that many before going out to the bar after the wedding.

It was so nice of my sister to watch the kids for me while I went out to the bar with Jay, Moira, Jenna, my mom, Uncle Tony and Aunt Pam. It was nice to get away for atleast a couple of hours without the kids. I had a couple guys hitting on me and one got a little too touchy feeling. He wanted me to go smoke a fatty with him but I thought he was trying to kidnap me... I've seen too many movies! We got back to the hotel a little after 130am when I started feeling too tipsy to stand and I didn't want to get myself into trouble.

The next day we went into New Orleans. My first time in the Big Easy with my kids... walking down Bourbon Street... didn't even have a drink besides the end of my sister's Hand Grenade. The kids had a really good time and the adults did too. I did have one drink now that I think of it... a jello shot. That thing was so cool. It was in a HUGE "syringe" and tasted sooooo good. Being a Sunday most everything closed by 8 besides the bars so my mom and I left with the kids while the other "kids" stayed behind to party it up in NOLA! I watched my neice and she was too cute. She only cried for a little bit and she wanted me to hold her... totally unlike her. She is definitely a mama and daddy's girl. She fell asleep on the bed watching Shrek with her stuffed Puss in Boots that I gave her. I told her mommy and daddy would be back soon and her kitty would keep her safe. That seemed to appease her, yay! They didn't stay out too terribly late but my sister and stepsister decided to drink half the night away.

It felt like a dream but sometime after 3am my sister decided to show me pictures of them in Coyote Ugly. Totally jealous! I would have LOVED to go in there but I was with the kids. At one point before leaving New Orleans I thought my sister was gonna get hit by a van while trying to take a pic outside of Coyote Ugly... she is a crazy... anyways, I almost didn't remember her showing me the pics. I had to ask if it really happened or if it was a dream. Half the time my dreams feel real... havent had reality feel like a dream in FOREVER!

We headed back home Monday morning. I never got to go swimming but that's okay. But next time I offer to take pictures for someone I am making sure I have a good sitter to keep the kids out of my hair and that it isn't a wedding I might want to actually ENJOY! Don't get me wrong, I had a good time... just wish I wasn't bogged down with the camera the majority of the time. And the next time I go to NOLA I'm really going to enjoy everything it has to offer.

Friday, April 18, 2008

We Made It!

To Louisiana, that is! We are here for my brother's wedding.

It took us freakin 11 hours to get here but they have internet in the room so it's all good. Kinda cramped quarters with two adults and five kids. Now my mom and stepsister are sleeping here before they can check in to their own room. Not sure how much sleep they are actually going to get since my kids aren't exactly quiet. Oh well... my money, my room.

I want to get a mani and pedi today but not sure if anyone will be able to watch the kids for me. I also want to test out my camera around the hotel to figure out the settings. I might have to check out a new photography blog I came across for some tips. I should have brought my freakin' camera manual. My brother is going into New Orleans today but I'm not sure I'm going to have time today. Might have to wait until Sunday to do that.

Well just wanted to check in with my loyal readers! Off to get ready for the day and feed the troops!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

R.I.P. Abrielle Lynne Lewis-Zeigler

At 6:14am on April 16th 1999 our daughter Abrielle was stillborn. She weighed 10-12oz and was barely 10 inches long. Her body was a dark red color, like liver. We held her for awhile. I don't remember crying much, if I even cried at all. It was determined, later on, that the cause of death was actually three problems. First and foremost, an insufficient placenta. My placenta wasn't functioning properly, therefore she was not receiving the proper nutrients. Second, her cord was coiled. Instead of being a straight tube, it looked like sausage links so she was not getting barely any nutrients and that was why she was so small. Last, but definitely not least, she had a heart condition that she likely inherited from her daddy. The first two is what caused the stillbirth but the third was still an issue. My poor baby had to suffer that whole time. It was devastating.

We had visitors in and out all day. I remember my two aunts coming in, my aunt Kelly and my aunt Sherry. I'm sure my mom was there sometime as well but I don't remember. The Chaplin came in to talk to us but I know I wasn't listening. The morphine was really strong in my system and I was in and out of sleep. A woman brought in a vase with a single pink carnation in it and a card with a yellow rose was placed on our door to notify staff that the baby had died. I could just imagine what would have happened if someone came in congratulating us and asking where the baby was. I think I would have lost it.

Not too long after she was born they took her away. We were given a couple polaroid pictures that, to this day, I regret letting out of my sight. I would love to be able to go back and look at my sweet precious babe but I can't. With her tiny little fingers and perfect little feet. They gave us a crib card also with her birth information and footprints on the back. I love looking at those feet. She had her daddy's feet, even then. I wonder what she would look like now... if I were to meet her in heaven, I mean.

The picture I get in my head is of a little girl... three years old maybe. She is wearing a white dress and is barefoot. Her hair is dark red, to her shoulders with big curls. She wears a princess crown in her hair. Her eyes are hazel like mine and she has a little button nose. She doesn't look too much like me or too much like her daddy, just the perfect combination, taking both of our best features. She is the most beautiful angel, jumping from cloud to cloud just waiting to meet her mommy, holding a single pink carnation.

The pink carnation has become the flower I associate with Abby now. I always want to take one to her resting place but like I said previously, I haven't been out there. I've asked her dad to take it there for me but he also hasn't been there in a while.

Is it weird that carnations are my favorite flower? Had you asked me before her death I'd have said roses. Josh used to give me roses ALL the time but now I much prefer carnations. I think I might have to go get some pink carnations today in honor of my sweet angel baby.

Rest in Peace, Abby. Mama loves you and you are always in my heart. XOXOX

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Another Day, Another Tear

This story is a continuation of the 9yrs ago story from yesterday...

I was awaken by a phone call from my sister that said my grandma had passed away. She was gone. She always hated tax day.

I had to be at the hospital for my induction at 10am. Something I was not looking forward to. The days events are blurry to me. For one thing, I was in shock. For another, I was so doped up on morphine that I don't remember much.

I do remember that my mom came to see me. She stayed for a while but not as long as my future mother in law did. My fiance and her stayed all night. He laid in the bed with me while I labored. I didn't feel anything or at least I've blocked all that out of my memory. His mom would stand next to me and hold my hand, running her hand over my head, pushing my hair back and just making me feel so loved. It is my favorite memory from those horrible days.

I labored all day and all night. With just my fiance and his mom. In a dark hospital room that would never light up with the birth of a baby. There would be no first cry, no first breath or first bath. She would never see my face but I'm sure she will always know my love.

All Hail Uncle Scott

I don't know how he did it, or what he did... just wow.

I convinced him to stay with the kids for a bit so I could run and get some cookies and cream shakes from Chick Fil A for a friend and myself. Well, he said I couldn't run, but I could drive really fast. LoL Anyways, staying here with the kids was not the amazing part. What amazed me was I left the house at 824pm and the kids were NOT in bed. I told them to get in bed but they weren't listening, of course. When I got home at 841pm they were either sleeping or REALLY quiet.

OMG! I could not believe it. I asked him if he actually did tape them up because it was too damn quiet in the house. He assured me he did not... I guess they just need that male figure to whoop them into submission. He said he did have to spank Lexi, she was a brat ALL day and she was shocked that he actually did which then made Jacob shut his mouth and go to sleep because he did NOT want his favorite uncle beating his butt too.

I asked Scott if he would come do that EVERY night. I even told him he could move back in here if he wanted LoL He said I must be crazy... you all already know that I am though. He stayed and kept me company for awhile. It was fun having another adult to chat with... especially one that makes me laugh and talks more than I do HA!

So all together now...

ALL HAIL UNCLE SCOTT!!!

Monday, April 14, 2008

A Day of Despair

9 years ago today I was just a kid. 18 years old and soon to be a mommy. I was engaged and we were having a baby girl we planned to name Abrielle Lynne. We would call her Abby. She would have her mommy's button nose and have feet like her daddy's and beautiful curly red hair. I wanted nothing more than to be a mother and a wife. All my dreams were coming true. I was truly unprepared for the events that would unfold that day.

I don't remember the exact details of that day so if you were there and the details don't sound right to you, its just because I have a terrible memory and it wasn't the most memorable day either.

I was about 26wks pregnant and had a regularly scheduled OB appointment that morning. I was still in high school so I'm assuming I took the day off or was planning on going in late. I arrived at my appointment to see my quirky obstetrician. He was the best. He delivered both my aunt's kids and came highly recommended. There was no better choice in T-town, than Dr. Goodin.

I chatted with Nurse Shelley and Julie, his wife and receptionist until Dr. Goodin was ready to see me. Things were proceeding along normally until we tried listening to our baby's heartbeat. The dr. couldn't find it. Being young and knowing what a frightening situation this could be, my doctor tried convincing me that the baby was probably just hiding but he wanted me to go over for an ultrasound just to be sure. My heart was in my stomach and my stomach in knots when we left his office. I was terrified that something was really wrong but I tried not to stress.

We headed to our ultrasound but not before stopping at Burger King. I was starving and thought I should eat something. I ordered a chicken sandwich, with pickles I think, and a raspberry iced tea. So much for eating... I don't think I could stomach much of it. I was too nervous.

We walked into the ultrasound room with lead in our shoes. At least I did... I did not want to be living my worst fear. The room seemed darker than usual and the ultrasound tech was not very friendly. The only words I remember hearing are... "I don't see a heartbeat. It appears the baby has been dead for about 10 days." I thought I was going to puke. My knees were weak but I stood strong. My emotions were all tied up inside me.

Grief and guilt ran rampant through my head. 10 days... 10 days ago was when I had a mysterious pain. Why didn't I let him take me to the doctor? Why did I blow it off? Something could have been done. It is possible to have saved our daughter had I not been so nonchalant about it. The mere thought of that gave me chills.

We made the rounds of the school to let teachers and such know that we would not be in for a few days because of what happened. One guy wasn't so nice about it and almost got a mouth full of fist. Lucky for him we were too grief stricken to waste our energy on fighting.

That evening we went to the bowling alley where I bowled on Wednesdays with my mom and aunt. Afterwards we went to visit my grandmother in the hospital. She was dying. She had been sick for a long time and I had not gone to visit her yet. They would be taking her off the machines and this would be my last chance. I stood in the doorway just looking in on her, surrounded by her family. It didn't even look like her... so sick, so frail. It was the first, well now second, death I would have to face. 18 years old... too young to be dealing with so much pain. Pain that hurts just thinking about it.

I always thought that April 16th was a day of mourning for my little girl... but the day that will always stand in my mind is today. April 14th. The day I was told my sweetpea was gone. The day my world came crashing down.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

To Be A Kid Again

Mud Puddles

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Chocolatey Goodness

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Brotherly Love

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Fun with Barefeet

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Boys in High Heels are Cute

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Spinning in Chairs

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Excited over washcloths

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Blowing Bubbles

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Chicken nuggets make you happy

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Looking at a Victoria's Secret catalog does not make you a pervert

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Riding in Strollers

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You can hold hands with other girls

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Sliding is the biggest rush you need

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It's cute when you act silly

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Dessert doesn't cost $5 and take just two bites to eat

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If you have a handful of gummy worms you aren't called a pig

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Ordering from the kid's menu

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People don't pee on you

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Asshole in the Red Car

If you EVER come up on my ass doing 80mph with another asshole doing the same right beside you, you better hope I had my kids with me again or else I will slam on my brakes and send your wreckless ass through your windshield.

It's a wonderful feeling to be cruising along at 60mph (in a 55 zone, at that) to look up in your rearview mirror to see some jerk within 4 feet of you and closing in fast with nowhere to go. You scared the bejesus out of me and almost caused me and my 5 kids to go plummeting off the over pass onto HWY 17.

You do NOT want to mess with a stressed, exhausted and sex-deprived mom of five. You WILL live to regret it. So keep your eye out for a red minivan, you never know when it's going to be me.

The Circus was in Jacksonville

Oh, wait... that was just me and my kids visiting the zoo along with some playgroup groupies! I'm sure most of the other people thought we were the circus or actually belonged IN the zoo. No, it wasn't that bad. The kids were pretty good for the most part and had a lot of fun.

I got up at 613am to take a shower before getting the kids up and ready. My goal was to be out of the house by 745 so I could follow some friends. We were all ready to leave by 725 so I decided to clean out the van. I went to grab a plastic bag for garbage when the doorbell rang. At 738am, I was baffled at who it could be (this is where my terrible memory comes into play). Oh... it was the roofers, the ones that said they wouldn't be here until 8 so I would already be out of their way. Instead they show up before my kids are packed into the car. I had to move my van so they could back the dumpster trailer into the driveway. We had to wait for them to get it just right, meaning after they backed it into the tree, and then we left.

I remembered we had to stop to get gas and hit up the ATM so I called my friend to let her know we didn't need to follow her so don't worry about waiting on me. As I passed her house I saw them loading up their car and I beeped like a mad woman. My kids get overly excited over this and ask, "What? Who were you beeping at?" I told them I was beeping at Miss Lauren and Miss Tiffany which made them turn in their seats to try and see them. "Where???" I try to explain they were back at Miss Tiffany's house getting into the car but they don't seem satisfied. This goes on a few minutes before I just say forget it, nevermind LoL It's like when Kadie asks, "What is that for?" and I explain it but that doesn't end the questions, or should I say one question she repeats over and over and over. WHY??? After about the 12th why, I end up saying I dont know and sometimes that appeases her and other times, she asks why I dont know. Fun times... I digress.

We stopped for gas at Kroger and cleaned out the garbage in the van while the gas was self-pumping. I know, I could have exploded but I have leather seats and there really isn't much static electricity floating around down here so I felt I was good. Guess I'd have felt differently had we actually blown up... I would have considered sueing Wendy's for giving my kids their own bags and crappy toys that they threw all over the floor. Had I not had to clean that up there would be no problem... (I really keep getting off track of my story here).

Anyways...

After filling up the tank I contemplated getting Starbucks. There were two in the vicinity. Neither had a drivethru and both were inside other stores. My options: Kroger, right inside the two doors, probably not crowded. Target, right inside the two doors, usually crowded. I opted for Kroger so we wouldn't be running late. I pulled into the parking spot, turned off the car and thought, "Should I run in without the kids? I don't want to drag them all in for just a few minutes for me to feed my addiction." I was this close to running in for the coveted white paper cup but the next thought that ran through my mind was of tomorrow's headline reading: Mom leaves 5 kids in hot van while enjoying a Caramel Latte (you know the media always puts their own spin on things... it wasn't hot, and I would have been in and out, not enjoying it in. Don't I wish I could just leave them in the car with a movie playing while I relaxed inside a Starbucks drinking my stresses away. Ahhh, that would be the life). Needless to say, I started the car back up and headed down to Jacksonville.

We found the zoo with only one problem. I passed the entrance and had to do a speedy turn around (I didn't slow down quite as much as I had though) but we got there all in one piece and DRY! No one had to stop for a potty break... woohoo! Heather and Kelly pulled in right behind me, then Christina a few minutes later. We were still waiting on Tiffany and Lauren so we made our way up to the entrance. Man were there A LOT of kids there. They must have had like 4 school field trips. We thought we were going to have to wait in line with all these kids but found out otherwise and made our way to the ticket booth. $40 later (atleast for my family) we were in.

Lauren suggested making our way backwards through the zoo and that worked out perfectly. There were only a couple of times we ran into a large group of school kids. My kids kept running off, mostly Adam but I never lost them... atleast not for long enough to have enjoyed it LoL

We saw wolves, alligators, snakes, gorillas, silly monkeys, lions, elephants, giraffes, animals with weird names, animals that were too lazy to move, and lots of funny looking people... oh wait, they were with us, HA! We rode the train through three stops and by that time all the kids were pretty agitated. My kids were fighting over the cameras, Christina's daughter Kennedy was in on that too... Christina almost jumped overboard to retrieve a dropped binky... and you could't really see any animals on the train ride. Apparently it was a behind the scenes train, what fun for the kids!

I brought lunch for the kids and bought myself some snacks and a cappuchino at one of the restaurants. There was this big lady that kept staring at us and I was getting scared. She looked like she used to work in a prison cafeteria and did NOT belong in a zoo with children running about. She was a clean table nazi too... as soon as I convinced, err, conned Adam into sitting with us at our table instead of the 4 top he had to himself, she pounced on it. I couldn't get out of there fast enough, especially once my kids started running circles around all the other zoo-goers.

We left the zoo around 3 or so, after freezing our butts off in the measily 63 degree weather all day. At one point Jacob says, "It isn't spring break down here!" Very confused, I asked what he meant. He says, "It's still WINTER! It's COLD out here!" LMAO He is too cute sometimes.

I followed Lauren, Tiffany and Christina to Babies R Us which was about 30 minutes from the zoo. I was going to show my kids the new Radian80 carseats I ordered them but the three babies were being peaceful AKA sleeping. I didn't want to wake them so I drove across the street to see if this Starbucks had a drivethru. Sadly, it did not. I came SOOOO close to once again running in for a coffee. I could have seen my car from the counter but a) this place had a yuppy feel and b) I just did not feel like having CPS called on me.

I navigated my way to the closest Bob Evan's and headed off for an early dinner. My navigator took me the back way and we made it there in a little over 20 minutes. Woohoo for a Bob Evans fix!

They were not busy at all which was a MAJOR plus since my kids were likely to be noisy and rambunctious since we had been out in the Florida, ummm, overcast all day. We were shown to our table but immediately turned around for a before dinner potty break. After everything was feeling better (a good 10 minutes, I'd say) we made our way back to our table. Jacob fought me over where he was sitting but he eventually gave in. All in all the kids were very well behaved throughout dinner. Adam was a little loud and Kadie yelled a couple of times, just the way Kadie does but since we were hidden in the corner I was unexposed to glaring eyes and muffled grievances. Lexi ate all her dinner and was able to get dessert. Jacob ate the majority of his dinner plus a roll and Kadie ate a good bit too, so they both got gummy worms. Adam and Sara fell in love with a couple of $3.99 toy cars and since we were on "vacation" I let them get them. $55 later we were back on the road.

We made decent time and if I had driven just a bit faster, we probably could have caught up to Lauren and Tiffany. Just about 10 minutes from home was the most eventful the drive had been. We did make it home all in one piece though (I'll tell you in another blog what happened).

The roofers were still at the house when I got home. I had to park in the street and when we got in the alarm was going off. Apparently from them banging so hard on the roof they knocked the smoke detector down which caused the motion detector to be tripped. They also made a HUGE mess of my bathroom floor with paint pieces and dirt from them fixing the sky light. I thought that was the worst of it but when they left they decided to leave my gate open which allowed the dogs to get out. The neighbors kindly brought them back but jeez... you've been here ALL day and the dogs have been outside ALL day and NOW when Im HOME you decide to let my dogs escape. Damn Mexicans!

Anyways, after a long day I was still up at 11 but ready to crash. I had no energy to post last night so here I am posting this morning before heading out for another exciting day of Target shopping and indoor play places.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Adam's Breakfast

Have you always wanted to give your child the best breakfast you could? Well now you can with the NEW Breakfast of Toddler Champions, as eaten by my very own 2 year old son, Adam. There is 100% guarantee of food ending up on the floor, on the walls or in their hairs. We are not to be held responsible for any damages caused by this breakfast. Feed to your child at your own risk.

Just follow these simple steps

Step 1: Give in to toddler's incessant screaming for a "katart" which he will eventually crumble all over the table and/or floor

Step 2: After he is finished with the poptart make him a waffle because he is eating all of his brother's. This waffle he will only take a few bites of before asking for whatever it is that someone else has.

Step 3: Give him half of the banana that you were giving to his little sister. He will most likely throw it across the room then want it back.

Step 4: Sit him back at the table with waffle and banana that has been rinsed off. It won't take long for him to throw the banana on the floor again and get down from the table.

Step 5: Appease him with an Elmo sippy cup of milk which will then make little sister cry for her own when he teases her with it.

Step 6: Get another sippy for little sister and then tell him no, he cannot have a banana since he threw his on the floor.

Step 7: Let him cry for a minute while you eat the rest of the banana he brought to you and he will eventually stop asking for food since everyone else is eating.

I hope you get as much satisfaction out of this breakfast as my family and I do. Again, we do not accept any responsibility for any mishaps that incur from following this breakfast. Good luck... you're gonna need it!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Let it be no joke...

I was going to post some random pics from over the years this morning while I procrastinating. Even though yesterday I was stressed about my landlord coming, I felt I had time to spend an hour posting pics into a blog. But "April Fool's" is what Blogger was telling me. I know I've used DropShots before to post pictures but this time it kept telling me the HTML was wrong. I changed anything I thought would effect it but NO, still something ELSE was wrong. UGH.

I spent the majority of the day cleaning. John's internet was out so I didn't have him bothering... err... loving on me. I am too easily distracted and I was kinda glad I had a chance to actually get some things done (thanks to Heather today and Tiffany yesterday... Chick Fil A was a nice touch too!).

Kadie had a doctor's appt. this afternoon. She did really well for not having been to the doctor in about, oh, 3 years. Yes, I know... slack ass mom. All my OTHER kids are up to date but she just happened to be born a couple months before moving and then we moved again while she was still rather young. It was a huge hassle with her shot records and I was just showing off my procrastination skills. But... I FINALLY got her in and she should be caught up by her birthday. So exciting because then I may be able to get her into atleast a half day preschool program. She had to get 4 shots today but they covered 6 immunizations. She did cry and called out for me... I stroked her hair and counted down her shots. "Just three more... just two more... one more and you can get a sticker and sucker." She held tight to Donkey and when she got down from the exam table she didn't even ask for me to carry her. HUGE thing with her.

We didn't get home until almost 5 and I noticed my front door was open. Knowing full well that I closed it, I ran in to check it out... I almost tripped over Lexi's bookbag. I was peeved... they should not have been at the house when I wasn't home. They were to stay at the neighbor's. Apparently Lexi, Jacob and the neighbor kid were all in the house. Jacob says his friend was into the cupboards getting a snack. Not sure I entirely believe that, but this is the same kid that comes in and immediately says he is hungry or asks for a snack. You live RIGHT across the street kid... do your parents not feed you??? Maybe I just have better snacks.

We had a late dinner of waffles and boiled eggs (and when I say we, I mean they, I made egg salad and then heated up left over raviolis that I didn't get to eat until about an hour ago). Nice combination, huh? Lexi ate both of her waffles, plus most of Adam's and some of Jacob's. She also had two cups of milk. Probably why she just felt like she was going to throw up. I'm really hoping that is ALL that it is. I cannot handle any sick kids right now.

The kids were told to get their pajamas on at 7. At that time I changed Adam & Sara and got them both ready for bed. Sara went down at 730 with a bottle of juice and no problems. I let the other 4 play until 8 in their rooms quietly. Lexi read her book, Jacob and Adam played with cars and looked at books, Kadie was sent to her room for not listening to me (I think that's why, can't even remember, how sad is that?) so she watched TV and threw a tantrum for a few minutes. Before I knew it it was 816 and I had not gone to turn out lights yet. I am so not a consistent parent... my biggest fault, by far. I walked into Lexi's room and she asked to finish the page she was on... I let her while I went and turned off Jacob's light. I found him in Kadie's room with her sound asleep on the bed and him watching TV. It took some coaxing but I finally got him into his room where I stepped in a wet spot on his floor. He seriously PEED on his floor, WHILE he was awake, AND he knew it, AND stayed in his wet underwear. DISGUSTING!!! I was very disappointed and let him know it. He knows better and can even tell me straight out what he is supposed to do and that he knows when he has to go. Is he begging for attention? I don't know but I was not happy. I gave him new underwear and tucked him into bed. Adam was already asleep... which is not surprising since he didn't nap today.

The surprising part was that my kids were either asleep or quiet by 816pm! Bedtime was NOT a hassle like it usually is. Jacob barely fought me, Adam went down almost seamlessly (with no binky, and hasn't had one in weeks, go mom! Dad would be proud of us both), Lexi didn't argue when it was time to close her book, and most shockingly, KAYDENCE, my 3 1/2 year old, I-do-what-I-want-when-I-want, mama's girl was ASLEEP before anyone else!!!! Can we get immunizations every day!? That has to be why she is asleep already...

And please, please, PLEASE do NOT let this be some sick April Fool's Day joke! I would absolutely die!