The Countdown

That's where we're at...t-31days....nope not until Christmas, until we are finding ourselves wrapping up the 2008 year. Holy cow!? Um seriously I think we skipped month or two somewhere along the line here. Wow. I found myself quite reminiscent today...my "work" computer was/is on the fritz earlier so while I was restarting it umpteen times before I finally was able to do a restore and get the bad boy up and functional again. In the meantime I was on our back-up/kids computer/Robert's work desktop...which was my old computer and has all of the old pictures files all the way back to January 2006. First off omg has Boy2 slimmed up from a year ago. I couldn't do much on the computer so I decided to upload some of the old images to shutterfly to be printed...I was doing Sept/Oct/Nov of last year (2007) and going thru some of them to narrow it down from 343535 pictures for those 3 months to at least 30093. And Boy2's face looked a lot rounder than then it does now. Boy1 as well has slimmed down on that baby fat quite a bit as well and just looks older overall. Boy2 has, I thought, maintained that "baby face" look but after looking at those pictures I see how much he has and is changing and growing up on me. Boy3 looks about the same really...well not really but he doesn't have as much of a change that I see, I bet next year will be huge though! Secondly I am SOO SO incredibly thankful for my picture taking obsession and the abilities to do so...because there are so many moments that I seriously have just forgotten about completely until I look at the photo. Things the kids did or habits they have/had that I capture on camera that I would have otherwise forgotten. I tend to get a bit nuts with the number of photos I take of the kids...but I just can't help it. It's my way of remembering.
So here's some snapshots...of past memories....

Here we are in...let's see September 2006--on a timer with the trusty p&s-Boy1 was 4, Boy2 is 2 and Boy3 is a mere 4 1/2 months.
Here they are a year or so later (November 2007)....wow huh? This is at Fall Creek FallsNow for some real "old school" look at my baby--can you tell who this one is? Now this is seriously one of my all time fav pic of...Boy1. He is 8 1/2 months old and A-dorable...this is right before we chopped off his "comb over" and I pulled it all down to show how long it was.And look at him now...big ole...6 1/2 year old himself...in the above picture he was just getting his top teeth and in this one he is just loosing those same teeth...and now I am all teary eyed because I just realized this! This is yesterday...And for our next "moment in history" my chunky monkey...this is Boy2 at 2 months old...and this also is one of my fav baby photos. I just love that chunky smiley face! April 2004And for that adorable smiling face now....he's cheesing it up here as well and is doing a mighty dang good job...and check out his new doo! Courtesy of barber Mommy... And now for the baaabbyyy boy....Boy3, this is another "one of my favs" of him as a baby..really just because it's so darn sweet. I did the "sepia" thing with it way back when so excuse the quality of it all....I just love his sweet little smirk.and uh yeah...how can you not love this....notice the bald under the hat... and check out the sweet boy now...that's just the sweetest little face isn't? This is from this past weekend one of his "sweet faces"....But this is the boy3...we REALLY know...while I do get that sweet face from above from time to time...this is a bit more typical...hehe. I sure do miss those babies....but I sure do love the big boys they are and continue to become...

To Be Two

I wonder quite often what goes thru the little ones heads, Boy1 is 6 and honestly I remember quite a bit of being 6 and the things I thought about and what not so I would imagine it's things that are similar as far as his understanding of things around him....
But under that age is a blur of people and confusion of the world. Boy2 can be down right growdy at times...I won't even share with you the latest of his nastiness just trust me it's enough to make ya do some hard core gaggin. But what I don't get is why he thinks it's ok...what part of his mind says oh now THIS is a good idea!? He comes up with funny things that he says and you sit there laughing but going huh?
Boy3 has been the funny one today and hence the post...pondering the thoughts of the rugrats. He took an exceptionally long nap today and thus has been full of energy. We ventured out this evening with just Boy2 and Boy3 in tow (Boy1 was at a friends house)....we were feeling a bit stir crazy and decided to go to dinner and to hit up Target for the $15 Leapster games...so we decided upon Carraba's (yum!) and Boy3 is trying to watching the fire pit in the kitchen and apparently someone was in his way cus I hear him saying "Move ya dumby head!" seriously he's 2....the kid is a tiny terror. He got mad at me at Target, because Boy2 had to go to the bathroom and instead of waiting for THE man and Boy2 in the store Boy3 & I went to the car....so he starts yelling at me "Youdon't pushmeouthere!" He has a tendency to run all his words together esp if he's mad so you have to decipher it all out, but the kid talks very well.
On the way home he decides to pelt his brother in the eye with his dough from Carraba's (if you ask for it they give the kids dough to play with) but what he didn't consider was if he chucked it to the back seat that it would be gone...so he starts saying "I am mad" and tells me "ugh now wehavuh gobacktuhrabasget me moredough" I tell him uh no we aren't going back so all I get "ugh I am MAD" .
He is a BIG time daddy's boy as of late, like doesn't even want to sit by me and will tell me so as he is scooting away or pushing me. I am not the softy with him that THE man is, but we are working on that as I told him I am not always going to be the bad "guy" with them so he's trying to uh...get some balls with his kids. Just now from the bathroom as they are getting in the tub I hear this conversation...
Boy2: "Im gonna go get more toys to play wif..."
THE man: No you aren't going to get anymore, you don't need them
Boy2: But I wanna get just a couple more...
THE man: no you don't need them you are just going to be in the bath for a few minutes
Boy2: begins whimpering and starting to cry
THE man: ok fine just go get 1 or 2 more and that's it...

Me: *chuckling and rolling my eyes* uh did you just hear what happened there? (retell THE Man the conversation)
THE man: well I uh...swatted his rear as he ran by
Me: uh huh right....just proving my point....

Anyway Boy3 the 2 year old has THE man right were he wants him....suckered by his cuteness. I am not so fooled despite that adorable little voice...afterall he backhanded me in the eye yesterday, he can't play me hehe. But seriously what is the kid thinking, I would love to be in his mind for an hour....maybe it would help us out over here.

Thankful Thursday!

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!! We are going to the Inlaw's for dinner....er lunch...er well whatever meal is served at 2pm. THE man and I griped about this yesterday as we cannot stand meals served at the "in between" time....seriously it's a PITA LOL. Anyway today I am supposed to be thankful so no bitching....so my thankful things :)
1. Obviously top on the list is my awesome fabulous wonderful "little" family. I really think I am like the luckiest person around, I know I know everyone says that but just listen...first I have a spectacular hubs--seriously he IS THAT great. He puts up with me and the kids and still manages to smile about it and says he loves us all. He's caring and understanding, funny AND laughs at me, talks me down when I need to be and I am able to do the same for him....we compliment each other very well. Secondly I have the best 3 little boys I could hope for...Boy1--is oh so grand, he really is. He's well behaved 95% of the time and is considerate (for the most part) and caring, he's loving and sweet. He cares deeply for other people and has his daddy's compassion and wants people to be happy. Boy2--is my my little softy, as my mom says he wears his emotions on his sleeve. He's just as caring and sweet as Boy1, he is always telling me I am a princess and that I am "so SO pretty". We laugh that he's Mr. Cassanova. He's got my stubborn streak and has a smile that lights up the room. Boy3--how to describe Boy3--wow, he's down right adorable. He has the sweetest little voice and is so darn smart. He's sweet and tender (when he wants to be). He loves his big brothers so much. My favorite is when Boy1 or Boy2 walk in from being gone and he runs up so excited to them yelling "I MISS YOU!!" and gives them a giant hug. Seriously it's the sweetest. Each one of them give me so much to be thanful for every single moment of every day.
2. Outside of "our little" family I am sure that I have the most amazing parents and grandparents around....I am not kidding. They have been there for me every step of my life, supporting me...helping me...cushioning me when I fall. They adore Robert---in fact my grandmother even wrote a letter to his parents about how great he was (I know serious gag fest right?) They are just wonderful and I know that I, *we* would not be where we are without them (aside from the obvious)

3. I am also thankful for the awesome, fabulous friends I have "aquired" over the years. Friends that have been there thru thick and thru thin, that have supported me and stuck by me...who also put up with me and understand me. Those that lend an ear or a shoulder, even if it's to vent about my stain on my shirt...Friends I can laugh with and know I can always call....and who I know think and feel the same about me.

4. I am thankful for my house and that I can even sit and type out this list...I could go on and on with all the little things I am thankful for all day long...so suffice it to say I am Thankful on this Thanksgiving....BUT I am always thankful, I am thankful every single day that I wake up, thankful that this is real and that it's not a dream.


AND Thanks to Kate Crafton for the above family shot!

ETA~ That I am also thankful that I reread my posts because this one got accidently posted on my "biz" blog...oops!

I am stumped for a title tonight....actually I have been stumped for much conversation on this here blog for a bit now. I think of things randomly here and there but I sit here open it up ready to get started and BLANK. Lovely. Not that I am getting graded or am I real sure who reads and how often but for some reason I feel the need to get those "creative" juices flowing and to come up with some wordy bunch of nothing really to be happy with my post. Tonight however that's just not happening. I am completely distracted with the bazillion things I need to do...my own christmas cards and pictures (although I have a few to choose from already if I need to use them), a invitation card, sessions to get caught up on (one that I am working on now which is fabulous--super cute peeps!), other photog items I need to do and/or learn to do--it's a constant learning process really....THE man is sick, my mom is getting remarried on Wednesday, Thanksgiving, family gatherings to prepare for, cleaning to do etc etc etc....as I am sure many peoples lists are.
I am super stoked to play around with some new equipment I finally have gotten though...I bought some of the pieces a while back but got overwhelmed with it and said heck with it at the time but have decided to get back with it and am just waiting on one more item to get here and then it's time to play!
And um....not sure who or if anyone is into the Killer's or not but lala I am now. I heard them a while back on SNL and loved them...and their new CD came out today and I got it on itunes yesterday and am not listening to it...ahhh. Me likey, yes. They are coming in January and I am scoping out ticks for THE man and I. I have a difficult time dropping bucks like that on a concert but damnit we NEVER do stuff like that so I may splurge...although it will be painful for me...really it will.
Boy1 started KaraTAY today--I am still unsure about this decision as it's so flippin' expensive AND time consuming....let's just say THE man and I could hit up 13 concerts a year with how much it is costing us. And it's 2 days a week for an hour each time...UGh, UGH...he liked it today so that's good but dang it's a bit much however you look at it.
Okie dokes now it's switch to the ONE linkin park I despise...bleh. It's screaming "Put me out of my miserrrrryryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy" like the flippin' omg shut up screaming...I think that might show my aging self a bit but god I hate that crap.

Sickety Sick

Poor, poor THE man is very sick....the actually has me kinda worried sick. He started not feeling well sometime on Thursday and had a fever Friday night of 101.ish still fever Saturday so I shoved him out to the "Minute Clinic" at CVS where they said he had a "severe ear infection" however...today over 24hours of his Rx later he has a fever of 103.ish. I am thinking the ear infection was secondary to something else....I was thinking flu. So good thoughts for him to feel better tomorrow! I haven't seen him this sick...ever actually.

Junkies...

It's official the kids are video.game.junkies. It's a sad day as its something I vowed to NOT let happen. But it's happened and just about overnight. Boy2 has asked today to play...the Wii (as he's coming downstairs from sleeping), Nick Jr., Hotwheels.com, Leapster, and my favorite he even resorted to THE man's blackberry. Now I really think the Wii is cool but agh...they fight, they whine, they cry, all over the stupid Wii. Come one now little people...get a grip....PLEASE. It's sad that it's a issue already at 6 and 4.....they will be in "gamers anonymous" by the 3rd grade.

Check 'em

So I added my little list of "blogs I dig" and thought I would suggest to you that you check them out when you get a moment. Some of them are quite funny...and really I have others to add but forget (shocker right). Here are my "honorable mentions"...ie my favs...Suburban Turmoil, Ashley's Closet, ClemsonGirl and the Coach, Scary Mommy....all of these funny mommy blogs. Good Stuff. And a couple photog favs...Kelley Ryden, Audrey Woulard, Whitebox, Captured By Carrie....I of course could list a bazillion more but those are the tops...Enjoy!

And Dude it's SNOWING!? Obviously it's not going to stay or stick but still!

Not diggin' it

So anyone else NOT digging Grey's this season? THE man and I have borderline ranted about it after every flippin' episode. Grey's IS my show...like it's the only show I watch religiously...like I once almost cried cause THE man didn't record it for me (once a long time ago). It's it for me. I just can't commit to more than that so because I only commit to the one..I REALLY commit. Anyway but my obsession is becoming less lately. I was NOT about the lesbo thing, was thrilled to read it was going to vanish into thin air. Don't get me wrong I am a-ok with gay/lesbian relationships--to each their own but I did NOT think it fit in there...the entire story line was random as hell. Completely.Random. Didn't like it glad it's gone. But seriously I would take that over the new one with Izzy Stephens and Denny...um no. It's just bad....a ghost? Really...we are doing the ghost love story thing? On Grey's? We have to do that now? Seriously it's bringing back "Days of our Lives" (seriously click that and scroll about 5 min in) memories that I would prefer to forget--and pretend I didn't actually WATCH that nonsense, even though in my defense that's when I swore off soap opera's for good. Right so anyway back to the current ghost. Why oh why do we have to go there...He is dead and we have already had to deal with the constant pop up's of him, now don't get me wrong I was SUPER bummed when they actually killed him off in the show--but it's done you can't bring him back...sorry not happening. I was glad to see she didn't "choose him" but damn that scene should have not even been there thank you. I hope we don't have to go all crazy and junk with it because that might alter my view and opinion of the show. I like Izzy despite her whiney-ish character and despite her lack of much participation to the actually main storylines as of late I would hate to see her go nutty and get the boot. I mean really her and Denny were an item for what like 2 weeks or something---and only in the hospital at that?! And now he's back as a GHOST, come on people I know we can do better than this. I am sure of it.

Do huh?

Really it's 8pm already? Um yeah I am not sure what happened to my day today but around 3pm I looked up and realized that it was nearly over....and it seemed that it had just begun. Weird, but ok. We sat at McD's with a friend for hours while the kids ran wild....er I should say my kid ran wild (Boy2 has been on a wild streak lately---especially in public).
THE man is watching his show while I try to catch up on some emails and what not. He just called me down to ask me how to get the parental block off the system hehe. I think I recall doing that but didn't think it would block his shows---one of which is Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. Which really I get why it would be blocked fuck is every other word out of the dudes mouth. Granted all 3 of the boys have heard the word and know it's not ok to use...I really don't think they need to hear it THAT often. Boy1 used it appropriatly at 3 1/2 years old...in front of a friend....AND then again in front of the mother in law. Lovely. Thank you Boy1, thank you. Of course now that IS one of my very favoritist kid cussing stories to tell EVER. A sure laugh all the way. I suppose now would be the time to share it...since we are dropping "F" bombs already and everything....huh?
Ok here goes...it's really a proud moment...not...really it kinda is...right so picture this...
Me, friend...Boy1 in his car seat, boy2 and friends kid in their car seats....cruising thru the streets...we pass a man in some snug tappered leg Levi's...friend says "Nice pants." we chuckle....Boy1 pipes up from his cute little seat in the back in his cute little 3 year old voice. "Fucking Freak"... my jaw drops...we laugh til we have tears... Mr. 3 year old Boy1 thinks it must be a funny thing to say so he repeats it over and over til I regain control of myself and tell him no no that's a nasty bad bad word and to stop saying it. He stops, only to repeat himself a few days later with the In laws. Thank god he stopped after that. Boy2's word was "damnit" and Boy3's was "oh sit"...translated to "oh shit". I swear (or don't) that we don't use such language around the kids that often. It has happened a time or 2 but dag not that much! Darn kids....not sure who I can blame for those though...at least they have seen the error in their ways, right? Or ours.

Lovely...

I have a migraine. I don't get them often and haven't been able to locate the cause...other than maybe they seem to happen more in the colder months? It's tappered down a bit now minus the nausea and I probably should go lay back down as I seemed to feel better then but darnit I don't want to. Everyone is gone so the entire house is quiet and I am stuck in bed!? Many people would relish in that opportunity but I however am not a napper or a lay-around-the-houser. I don't particularly like sleeping past 8 and I don't like taking naps during the day (unless I am dead tired or hungover). THE man would probably attest to all of this and also say that he isn't particularly fond of my go go go tendencies...because he would like to nap and lay around more. Now dont' get me wrong I am not buzzing all over managing to get everything done I should...no no in fact probably just the opposite....doing tons of things but none of the things I should--I am not really the house-wifey type with my doings of things around the house...our house is clean yes, relativley organized yes, spotless everyday no, dinner prepared by me everyday at six no. So while I am on the go I typically feel I have nothing accomplished...which reminds me I have some phone calls I need to make and some emails to respond to...and...and...

Drivin'

Another pretty chill weekend for us... THE man of course went out on Friday....I got to go kick it on Saturday and we all just hung out today. Boy2 stayed in his pj's ALL day yesterday...and slept in them last night (had I been here he would have changed but whatever). So it was a lazy day for them which is nice for them to have from time to time. I was feeling a bit antsy today and with the sun out and the cold day we decided to hit the road and for a "Sunday Drive" my mom is looking at property to buy about an hour from here so we decided to check it out. We also stopped in and checked out the cute little town we drove thru. Grabbed some grub at one of the little restaurants on their square....at which we were the only people. THE man and I talk about moving "to the country" from time to time but honestly I don't know if I could really cut it in the sticks. Apparently my idea of country life is a bit different than what it actually is....as THE man pointed out I grew up "on a farm" that was 25 minutes from Music City...sooo while we did do the farm thing we also had everything else not too far. I really doubt I could actually cut it in a town where my only shopping options are Dollar General or Walmart. Not that those places are bad but um...I need more. At least a Target near by. It sure is pretty in them parts though...

The boys were mighty cute in the BBQ Caboose and the people were mighty sweet....Boy1 has decided we need to go back for their Christmas parade they told us about (of course this is only because he heard "kids get a present"). We just might make the treck back out there just for that cause it kinda sounds fun and cute.

Boy1 also lost a tooth....er I mean had a tooth extracted by yours truly...on Friday evening. He mentioned he could feel the bottom of it with his tongue....oh realllyyyy I thought so of course I couldn't resist. Out it popped! He's cute now...but with our dental history oy vey it's going to be bad in there....so we'll snap pics now before he is crazy teeth.

They are both into the scarves right now...Not gonna discourage that esp when I have the camera out!

THE man looking quite serious...trying to ignore my camera in his face hehe.

Love me

some Gap....Money well spent :) I got non on sale stuff on sale. YAY for that. Found some rockin' jeans for yours truly, a sweet sweater, hoodie, and some tee's.
THE man is out with a friend this evening they are hitting up Big Bang downtown...my husband is obsessed with this place. On Halloween he had a tad fit because he was vetoe'd on making a stop here (there was a line)...so he's been whining to go. Sitter's on Friday night are hard to come by for us so me coming along wasn't much of an option. Plus I get my night out tomorrow...I can't handle 2 in one weekend!
I am going to go snuggle in bed on this cold rainy evening and read a book!

Stalling...

Boy3 is finally asleep....at nearly 3pm. My fabulous get away plan was completely foiled and I am none too happy about this. So now I am sitting here stalling until Boy1 is off the bus so I can jet. THE man is behind me working so I need to make sure Boy1 is all situated before I leave so he won't bother THE man too much, he should be done any minute though so that's good. Boy3 fell asleep in the car on the way home from lunch, I mistankingly thought I would rush home toss him in the bed (THE man is home of course) and head back out to run some oh so fun errands. *I have a coupon to THE GAP* I can't let it go unused people. Boy2 is with his friend for a few hours so I was invisioning myself wandering a few stores by myself....damn fit throwing!
oooh I hear him finishing up the call.....oh joy of joys. Peace out people I am going shopping and then off to pick up boy2! Buh bye.

Home calls...

THE man is working from home this week....and just for the record I can't stand it. Our office is located directly above the living room and opens up with french doors over the living room....as in it's not soundproof from the rest of the house. We have 3 children, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. Fortunatly the 2 cats are relatively quiet, and for the most part the 2 dogs are quiet...however the 3 children are NOT quiet...particularly boy2 and especially boy3. So it stresses me out trying to keep them quiet because I am sure there is a bit of NON profressionalism when you are talking to a group of customers and they are hearing children screaming and fighting in the background and the occasional dog bark. Boy3 pretty much does whatever he pleases and if he feels like screaming he's going to scream....fabulous.
I have at least managed to get him to understand he CANNOT use MY computer to work on ALL day long. I mean he was expecting me to like not be on the computer for an entire day? It was nuts, but he has seen the error in his ways (and his scary computer junkie wife) and knows he best not even dream of touching mine.
I do love having him home though so I will take the stress of it.

Wowsers

It's Wednesday? Not sure why this week of all weeks is buzzing right on by....I guess I shouldn't be surprised but we really haven't been to crazy busy this week.
Boy3 and I made a overdue trip to walk-ins this morning. Poor kid. We ended up with antibiotics but mostly because we've tried everything else. If he doesn't start getting better (and staying better) we will be headed for an alergist/pulmonologist. It's beginning to feel like he has been sick his entire little life....coughing/wheezing. And I am also beginning to think it's allergies. Joy.
Boy1 and I are bummed today because my name did NOT get drawn for the upcoming field trip to see a play. First off I personally think it's a bunch of crap that this is how they are doing it...it's because of space but seriously 1 parent gets to go. Quite frankly I am not thrilled with the idea of Boy1 being on the bus on the interstate. Much less me NOT meeting them there. Apparently there were several parents who said they would like to go so she decided that the "fair" way would be to put our names in a hat. I knew when she told me that, that I would not be going. My name in a hat never happens. So Boy1 is pissed and doesn't even want to go watch the darn play. I shouldn't be but I am too...stupid rules. Not that I want to be that like hovering weirdo mother...speaking of last year on a field trip this one mother walked around with her kids blanket draped over her shoulder. Her "big kid" like in school kid. Wow can't wait to see him as an adult. Don't get me wrong Boy1 still snuggles with his "ripped" blankie on occassion but no way in hell would he want me bringing it on a field trip! I mean seriously. I think we missed the middle ground with the they are only little once thing...oh right ok so yeah back to me the not hovering weirdo mother. We are NOT happy with the rule this time around and I may call up little Hannah's mom and just suggest that it would be better that she NOT go....besides I don't see her up at the school on a weekly basis now do I? Dumb rules. (and yes I know that it's not THAT big of deal...but for the time being it is)
I am totally slacking on my 365's lately....I AM doing them but uh yeah can we say BORING pictures. I do however have ideas in my head to toss out but keep forgetting....I find myself saying 'i forgot' WAY too often. Like I am totally going to snag a shot of Boy1's "weird fingers"...for some reason lately he keeps rolling his fingers up on top of each other like folding his pinky onto his ring finger, his ring finger onto his middle etc. I have asked him about this and he told me he is doing it because his fingers feel like they are going to fall off...um what the hell? So one day I told him to stop....he said ok and then said "oh no just one more time" ok freak. So now I tell him he's weird fingers. He doesn't care for that much but I am not crazy about the tard fingers either. Seriously it's weird.
Okie dokie folkies....gonna go kick it with THE man....er I mean sit and watch him "WIN LUIGI!!!" serious.excitment.serious.

Tuesday Twelve

Haven't done one of these in a while....and I can't think of a good topic to bore you with soooo we'll go this route today...er tonight.

1. We did some Christmas shopping today for the boys. They all have their "big gifts" purchased and a few small ones...other than a few little things we are pretty much done with them.

2. THE man got one of his gifts early this year. As previously mentioned I have been wanting to get a bike seat for my bike to toss Boy3 in and be able to ride around with Boy2 and Boy1....well this leave THE man bikeless as he sold his (much too expensive) bike years ago and just can't go cheap....well I went cheap for him and got him a bike tonight at good ole wally world. YAY for family bike rides. And thanks to my dad for getting me a bike seat for boy3!

3. I have decided THE man baby's boy3 and that is the root of all our problems with him...ok not really but he does baby him so it's time to start cracking the whip

4. speaking of whip...have you ever heard of "ghost ride the whip"? My bestest pal JennyLynn told me about it and her and I hunted you tubes of it...not so much funny as stupid...go see. HERE or HERE

5. And exactly why someone thinks that is smart is beyond me but the second one is purty cute...

6. It's down right coooolllld here in Mid Ten today...brrr. And it's only going to get colder, I was just kidding about all that bring on the cool weather stuff...I mean really I am all for it til it's starts getting cold and then I remember that I despise the cold. I could never live in Alaska. yowch.

7. Speaking of Alaska anyone catch Tina Fey on SNL lately...oh my good stuff. That's been THE man and I's thing lately.

8. Also on SNL..."and now I am gonna talk to a GOAT"....seriously we are STILL talking about this one....oh it was funny and even funnier to drag out for weeks.

9. I walked in yesterday to Boy2 reading a book with THE man....let me rephrase that TO THE man. Now that's neato schmeato.

10. I totally busted Boy1's teach today at toys r us at um 9 o'clock this morning hehe. I knew she was out cause Boy1 told me...I totally teased her about it too...but fo real, I am glad she can take time off like that because I always wonder how that works. And I really dig his teacher this year...so that's good :)

11. Boy1 and Boy2 are so stankin' cute with their bears....seriously it's damn cute. Boy1 told me tonight he loves his bear so much he just wants to hold it all the time but he can't because he has to go to school. Silly kid has never been that into a stuffed animal.Ever.

12. I stayed up way too late tonight...but did manage to get a lot done! So that's good.

Peace out.

Not much...

to speak of today really...things are slowing down for us a bit...well probably not but we have had a slow couple of days anyway. And it's been rather nice. All 3 boys will be at school tomorrow so The man and I are gonna kick it for a bit in the morning and then eat a T-day lunch with Boy1 at his school.
Boy3 may end up back at the doc again this week if his darn cough doesn't go away, seriously he's had it for like a month or more, it's ridiculous. Esp since we have been to the doctor and it's still not gone grrr.
The beautiful leaves are falling now so my ground is nice and colorful :)
I seriously cannot believe it's NOVEMBER. Wow.
Ok hmm I can't think of much else right now....I promise something more entertaining tomorrow...maybe.

A good one

This weekend was great, just a great weekend! First off it's been beautiful here is Mid Ten. Just beautiful....it's safe to say that it's one of the more beautiful falls I have seen here in at least a couple years.
Yesterday my bestest bestest buds were in town (technically 3 of us live in Mid Ten but rarely see each other for some reason??) it was a completely last minute chance that nearly (Tree lives in FL) everyone was here AND available and it was awesome treat to get to spend the day with them. We hung out for a bit and grabbed some lunch, then headed over to HER house to visit for a bit. She is on bed rest and cannot leave so we brought the party to her :) We had the best time as always and as always we wish we could have hung out so much longer. We used a make shift tripod for my camera and took tons of pictures (as always)....so fun...seriously.
Last night I went to Bunco with one of the "groups" I am in...it was fun as always AND I was one of the winners! YAY for some extra dough baby!
We decided last minute today to treat the boys to build a bear we have never gone because they are over priced but we saw an add for cheaper bears and decided we could come off some moola to take them (that and I won bunco!). They were super cute about it and so excited ...Boy2 loves some stuffed animals...Boy1 could take or leave them...and Boy3 won't hardly touch his bear, I shouldn't have pushed the issue with him and let him not get a bear because he really didn't care for one too much. Would have saved ourselves $17, darnit!
Anyway we had a grand ole weekend, well grandish hehe.
Here's some pics from the weekend and this past week....enjoy!

Yesterday..."the girls"


Mr. Boy3 watching his bros do flips

Snoozing...

Pretty leaves in our yard...

Boy2 with pretty leaves...


and the Mr. Model Boy1 (now I take stunning pics--no credit to me it's them--of all of them all the time but I LOVE this shot of him)

Hooligans and a wannabe

I lately have felt that the boys have been just out of control wild A LOT. Something I have continued to say I would not let happen. Just because they are boys doesn't mean they have to act nuts OR have an excuse to do so. And I pride myself (or did) in the many, many compliments I recieve on their behavior in public. Seriously I would say 1 out of 10 times we go out (and remember we go out a lot) I have someone walk by and tell me how well behaved they are...I always feel shocked because I typically feel otherwise, so it's nice to hear. Especially lately because Boy2 and Boy3 particularly have a tendency to get W-I-L-D and unruly pretty quickly. Boy2 has serious issues with throwing things and just over all getting rowdy. Boy3 has issues with a great many things the biggest of which is just overall not listening. Today at Targe' they were hanging, jumping, and pushing the cart...the big monster truck version of a shopping cart the one that can plow down innocent children and entire racks of merchandise in 10 seconds flat so it was just NOT acceptable behavior. I was good and stomped us right out of a "treat" aisle for the said misbehavior....anyway as we swing by the bathroom for potty breaks and I give them both a stern talking to, boy2 agrees and says ok, boy3...laughs at me. Like just stood there grinning at me like it's just no big deal...he seriously doesn't get it or doesn't care...I am thinking the latter. Anyway we have to figure out how to crack down and reel this nutty behavior back in...boy1 seems to be able to keep things in check relatively easily unless of course a friend is in tow then it's a free for all. Consistency is key right? So no more of the "if you don't stop..." or "I am taking x away..." follow thru...right. And in case you are wondering this is partially sparked by this GOOD READ. Although it's been an issue for awhile...so it was a good thing to stumble upon...a bit more realistic for me.
And onto me the wannabe....today I popped into Boy1's class because I had 30 min to kill while I waited for my friends son that I had agreed to take to speech (mom had to work)....so I popped in and all but begged for something to do. And really while I do like being in Boy1's class...it's not just that it's his class. In 2nd grade I gave a report "What I want to be when I grow up..." it was a teacher, I even dressed the part and have a picture of me sitting up there telling about it. Anyway that dream stayed with me until I was in college when I decided maybe that's not what I want....but then there's that part of me that still wants to be up there doing it. So I really love being in the classroom with the kids, seeing how it works during the day, interacting with the kids. Boy1 is my "way in" plus he loves me being there and I love seeing how interacts with the other kids and just how the classrom works. Plus his teacher is great with them, I think! And she lets me be there, so that's awesome :)

We took the boys to Madagascar: Return to Africa this afternoon...ok GREAT movie, one of the better cartoons I have seen in a long time. Definitely a must see!

Bad, bad...

BAD Rachel....for looking at this stuff now I am going to have to walk away from the computer that is just bad, bad, bad...anyone who knows me knows I Have a weakness for spending money...particularly on kids clothes, especially kids clothes from The Gap. And yes I have been known to do so *cough*at full price*cough*...shameful, really it is. But seriously....I keep wanting to pick a few items to prove what I am talking about but I can't even do that so look at the link!?! Agh all of it....can I just have ALL of it!? Seriously they will wear it and take care of it, I PROMISE. The sweater hoodies, the converse, the ragged jeans, with the pimpin' hats, did I mention the sweaters?

Boy3 my boy

You are a wonder every single darn day. I am seriously at a loss with this sweet...oh wait not so sweet...but oh no he IS sweet child of mine. He cracks me up numerous times a day, melts my heart numerous times a day, yet also has me fuming mad numerous times a day. His personality is massive....it's seriously *in my uneducated but experienced* opinion more than his 2 year old little self can handle at his point. He has the sweetest little voice when he talks seriously about things it's tiny and oh so darn sweet. Today when I picked him up at school he noticed another kid with a sippy cup like his. He starts yelling "dey haveacuplie ME" over and over and then stops and corrects himself with "dey haveacuplie US" hmm smarty pants. Just a few minutes ago he decided he was "going to day downsairs wif mommy" while THE man read books to the other boys. While we were sitting on the couch with our Maddie girl I started talking to him about being nice (because lately I am not sure that is a term he is familiar with) so we pet Maddie girl and hugged Maddie girl who then does what she does best and starts flipping out with excitement so he backs up on the couch to avoid the flying paws of thunder and yells "You not getme Maddie guwl EVERW!" Seriously the kid talks like crazy...he didn't talk as soon as his brothers did but I think he has caught up and then some. Maybe it's that he is so small that throws me off but seriously he came up to my friend today and said "You peas tay me potty?" Anyway it's darn good for him that he has these moments of utter cute sweetness because times when he is throwing, punching, rolling, screaming, WAILING...I certainly don't want to say these nice motherly things about him. So let me brag and smile now because with him 10 min later it has ALL changed. And psycho crazy Boy3 reemerges.

Sentence Structure

Little funny I recieved from my Uncle today thought I would pass it along...cus well it's a little funny.

"The boss had to fire somebody, and he narrowed it down to one of two people, Debra or Jack. It was an impossible decision because they were both super workers. Rather than flip a coin, he decided he would fire the first one who used the water cooler the next morning. Debra came in the next morning with a horrible hangover after partying all night. She went to the cooler to take an aspirin. The boss approached her and said: 'Debra, I've never done this before, but I have to lay you or Jack off.' "Could you jack off?' she says, 'I feel like shit.'"

Double UGH...

Nope this does NOT have to do with the election because as previously noted I am thrilled with the outcome :-D.

First UGH is because I am getting a gosh darn cold...ugh.

Second UGH becasuse I did not wake up this morning knowing everything I possibly can about photoshop. I manage on thru I do what I can and everything is completely self taught...by myself and my friend the internet. I have considered tracking down a course or 2 but honestly have no clue what category I would fall in because I am sure there are some basic steps I missed along the way that I may need to advance into a "more advanced" course but I would hate to sit thru an entire "basic" just to realize I knew them all...ugh. This is prompted because I have drooled and oooh'd and ahhh'd over the card templates I am seeing and am frustrated I can't make them myself...some I can, I can do basic stripes & dots but not all those pretty ones! So ugh...ugh...UGH.
Here is my lousy-ish attempt this evening...maybe tomorrow I will try again, but for tonight I am sick and tired...literally.

Who won?

Jakeb has asked several times today who won or is it over? Nothing more...it took me a minute to realize what he was talking about. We talked about it the other day since they didn't have school today because of the election (the schools are where everyone goes to vote). He told me he wanted McCain to win, however I quickly set him straight ;-) and now he is thinking correctly. But it's kinda cute seem him so eager to see the outcome.

The week in review.. take 3

I just can't be Silent every week...many pics need commentary...most of these I just have to say SOMETHIng about! Here we go...I am not kidding I have just too many rockin' ones to leave out and trust me there are more but I won't bore you THAT much.

This first bunch not sure what day this was but we had a bouncey moment for a bit & thank god I didn't fall with my 432 lb camera over my head...ignore the poor quality but for what it's worth I am jumping and snapping lol....

My sweet, sweet Boy1 (one for the 365--one of many sleeping shots)

And my not quite as sweet Boy3--this is how he spent much of this week

I much prefer this face on him though...

On our "skip day" we headed out to Franklin and I took the boys to Pinkerton Park (where I used to LOVE going as a kid!)

After the park we headed over for haircuts...Gavin's first haircut by someone other than me...

The winter hats for the year...

And of course Halloween festivities...

and no my costume is not a s-l-u-t...I have more taste than that LOL, my costume is just based around the wig...so I went with pink and black--the wig was labeled "gothic cheerleader" but that wasn't what I was going for LOL. instead I look like a gothic 10 year old go figure..

And for our night out...

On the way home...aren't we sweet?

And from this morning...my sweet boy1 and boy2

Hold the phone...

cause I am about to throw mega pics up here...if I can ever get the darn computer to speed up....