Ghosts Of Christmas Past....

Missing 2001...probably doesn't exist as I was PG and probably hiding from the camera. Wish someone would have let me know that when I was 30 I would actually LIKE to see those pictures. Oh well...stupid girl.

Hallelujah

We are now officially on Christmas break. A break I have been pining for for weeks now. Not having to get up at 6--or hitting the snooze button til 6:30--excites me so much.
We are super stoked for Christmas, lots of fun goodies for the boys. My grandmother from Florida is coming up to visit along with my Uncle James. It will be a nice holiday and I am very much looking forward to it all!
The boys had their Christmas Parties and Christmas programs this week, all were very cute and did well. We saw Santa today at a playgroup party and I imagine this may be the last year Jakeb still believes in Santa, so it was sweet watching his eyes light up and say "Oh this is the REAL Santa". Grinning the entire time Santa told a story. Zachary was very sweet and brought a bell for Santa to have that he had gotten from school.
This weekend we are taking the boys to see the Rockette's in Nashville. Super excited for that, I saw them years ago and thought the show was neato schmeato and know the boys will love it.

Remember Me?

It's been a while. I could listen a dozen excuses...or just 3 either way things have been busy and my mind is slow. "Writing" doesn't come easy for me so popping on jotting a few witty lines down and running off just doesn't happen. Though truth be told it's not like I sit here agonizing over every word. And most say I write like I talk so shouldn't be difficult, easy peasy. Until I sit here to do it and I get...........................and paragraph upon paragraph of.................would be well not a paragraph.

It's the last week of school for the YEAR. Yes the YEAR. Holy crappy how in the world is just 2 1/2 WEEKS away from 2010. Seriously 2.0.1.0. No, flippin' way. I remember when I was in high school and the big Y2K hype was flying around. Yeah that was just terrifying....or not. Now it's just humorous and crazy that it's been 10 years and we are now at Twenty Ten or O-ten or is it just ten? Or 1-0. What will YOU say? I am thinking O-ten sounds right...but then again it just doesn't. Either way slap me because where have the last 7 years gone? Another mind blowing bit of information....A) in just a few months *I* will have an EIGHT year old and a SIX year old. Now having a middle child who is 6 is nuts because that means I have another child that is even older....he will be 8! Wow. B) shortly after that 8 year old milestone. I will turn 30. H-O-L-Y Crap. As if my kids getting older wasn't hard enough *I* have to too!? For what it's worth I feel about 20...though no longer look like I did when I was 2o, actually not true...my face looks like it did when I was 15 (and I have proof because not 1, not 2, but THREE people recently have thought I was 15)...and my body looks like it did shortly after giving birth to not one but THREE children. Oh Yay! Baby face and baby belly...rock on! Happy Twenty Ten.

5 months shy

Of 30 years old and I was still "scared" to show my father my tattoo. I didn't know just how against them he was until this summer, after the decision had been set in stone to finally just do it. Not that his opinion would have swayed mine but I felt I needed to say that to explain that it wasn't a bit of rebellion, I do hope I am over that stage. I don't know that scared is the correct term as I wasn't scared I just didn't want to hear the lecture. But with him you never know and surprisingly he didn't lecture just some slight huffing and threatening to tell my grandfather. THE KING of lecturing. Needless to say he didn't...and neither did I, nor do I. For my sake and his.
The tattoo, is tiny...so tiny. It's on my wrist. It's not the original plan. I love wrist tattoo's. My friend drew it for me, it's simple...which is me...one part of me at least. I have had it since July. I want another on my other wrist. Something less simple yet still small and "dainty". My wrists are small anything bigger or bulkier would just not be me.

Super Sunday Sixteen

1. I know it's sad that these have been my only posts lately...I promise I will get better one of these days when my head clears and I can think. Right now I am just too busy.

2. Robert is currently working on painting the living room...I am so flippin' excited, our wall up the stairs was NASTY.

3. We were just bad and gave the boys one of their Christmas presents early...a Wii game, to keep them upstairs while Robert is painting.

4. We are still working on getting the Christmas decorations up. We are doing 2 tree's this year,excited about that.

5. I am super duper excited for Christmas this year. Jakeb is getting an electric guitar and lesson's...he's been begging for one. I am so excited for him.

6. We are fingers crossed hoping, praying that we can get new floors for the living room after Christmas. We want hardwood downstairs, and it's getting to a NEED instead of a want. The carpets are literally falling apart.

7. I am done with holiday sessions....and am so glad...weekends of 3 and 4 sessions were wearing me out, I am not used to running around so much, especially with Robert only being here on weekends.

8. Sessions are done but editing and ordering is not...and I am stalling.

9. We are just about done with Christmas shopping for the boys, we are going relatively light this year. Just need to get a few smaller things for them and that is it!

10. Robert is going to start working on building a swingset for them, just need to find the time to get the lumber and get some plans together.

11. I am really trying to get us organized and it's so darn hard! The house really is organized but our days and schedules are not, at least not like I would like.

12. I am running out of things to say...shocker I know.

13. The boys are currently running around cleaning so that they can play the Wii.

14. Did I mention I am excited the walls are getting painted??!?!?

15. I ordered our Christmas cards last night and I cannot wait to see them...I got 3 different styles (could swing 75 of the ones I wanted so I broke it up). I even bought stamps the other day...

16....and I just realized I lost all my addresses when the computer crashed. Lovely.

And they are done cleaning....off to help them set up their new game!

This just in...

Zachary just tied his shoe...all.by.himself. Way to go Z-man!!!

Sunday Sixteen

1. The boys are currently "doing their chores"...we'll see if we can stay on the wagon with this...

2. Robert just headed out to Atl for a few days for work.

3. I hate seeing him go but I gotta admit I think we both look forward to a short break from each other....if he was going to be gone all week I would be singing a different tune!

4. Zachary finished up his last soccer game this past weekend...and he finished with a bang! Playing the best he has all season and scored 4 goals!! One was a kick from one end of the field to another...holy kick boy!

5. I just turned around to Z and G playing "dr."....and yes it was a inappropriate place they were sticking the stethoscope. **shaking head**

6. I can't believe it's nearly Thanksgiving...truth be told we aren't really all that big on Thanksgiving. Shameful I know...

7. We got report cards this past week...both boys are doing wonderful! Zachary got his second "Star Stallion" award...and we made it to his award day!

8. I am finally slowing down for sessions...I have a lot I need to get caught up with editing wise but my crazy booked weekends are almost over! I am not used to that!

9. My worry for the kids and Robert and I seems to be slowly intensifying...I hate it and I see why older people end up like they do. I will be a nut case...

10. Every time I say things like...dont' worry we will do that tomorrow...I can't help but have the fleeting thought of "what if we don't get to tomorrow..." Morbid anxiety...joy.

11. This was spurred because Gavin was worrying about his ears being too small for the stethoscope and I told him not to worry I promise they will grow when you get bigger....right you know where my mind wandered.

12. And on a lighter note...Jakeb just informed me "I think I like music so much because I was in your stomach playing a guitar" He's gotten super into it lately. I wish we hadn't quit piano.

13. I am excited that the boys only have a 2 day week.

14. It's taken me forever to finish this...they keep interupting me.

15. I am glad we have nothing to do today except hang out and be bums.

16. Almost all of Gavin's Christmas gifts have been purchased...Now on to the rest!

I see the moon and the moon see's me..

This evening we have a slight sliver of a moon shining in our sky. It becomes visible pretty early in the evening as I would imagine it does it skies all over.
One of Gavin's bestest pal's (he has 2...Evan and Aidan) is in town over the weekend and we met up with them to let the boys have a quick play at the park this evening before they continued on their journey to family. Shortly before we left we noticed the moon and my friend told me that Aidan had said the moon was broken. Gavin must have over heard this despite his running and screaming on the playground while we chatted..because as we were leaving he pointed to the moon and said "Oh look the moon is broken!" This then turned into an in depth discussion for the trip home. It really was quite sweet so I wanted to snatch it out of my head onto this screen before I forget....as I do so many wonderful things these days.
He asked me why the moon was broken, I told him it wasn't broken it's just blocked by the earth--I think that's right. This of course is too much for a 3 year old to understand so he continued with "Why is the moon broken?" then decided that "it's a shwinking moon" then switched to "Once I saw an Orange moon!" then him getting nearly upset because I couldn't produce another orange moon instantly...or at all. I tried explaining that the Orange moon will be back in a few weeks as well as the rest of the moon...but it will get smaller first. Then he asked why it's "shwinking" so I tried again with the "Earth is blocking the sun/moon thing again" Which turned into questions about "Earwf" He did seem to slightly understand the concept of every thing living on Earth. The next question was "Are duh Orwange moon and duh shwinking moon fwiends?" I tried telling him that they were friends because they are the same moon. Then he proclaimed as we were pulling onto our street "I wiss I could fly so I could fly up and get dat bwoken piece and give it back to duh moon!" Then he lept out of the car so he could run out and see one last peek of the moon before we headed inside. His excitement was awesome. And this conversation was had in all of 10 min.
His favorite questions to ask right now are "What's in things...." like "What is inside trees?" What is in side the road?" What is inside lights?" What is inside duh weaves?" What is inside cars?" I could go on and on...I try very hard to avoid saying "I don't know" but really "What IS inside leaves?"
Seriously I love this age...I hate that I feel like I missed it with Jakeb and Zachary because I was so busy tending to the younger sibling. But maybe I didn't maybe I just don't remember...which is why I write here.

Super Sunday Sixteen

Haven't done one of these in a while....

1. I am working on editing pictures and listening to Robert talk in Spongebob and Patrick voices while reading the boys a book.

2. I still can't believe it's November. Wow. How did that happen?

3. Robert made a teryaki stir fry thing for dinner tonight...it was Chicken, rice, and various veggies. Jakeb ate nearly all of it without gagging, complaining, crying, or yelling. He's come an a long way from the toddler he was who refused every vegetable. It's pretty amazing actually.

4. Zachary however who typically eats everything wasn't a fan. He's gotten pretty turned off some how by chicken, weird. He used to eat it just fine. His new favorite meat is steak.

5. Gavin still refuses fruit but eats every vegetable out there. It's pretty awesome how well they all eat.

6. Trying to stay caught up with sessions is hard!

7. Robert has been home a lot lately which is awesome.

8. We have really gotten into watching some of the new shows that are on...Glee, Modern Family...ok that's about it but it's nice actually. I am not typically a big TV person.

9. Zachary has a horrible cough, I keep thinking it will slowly go away like it always does but now it just seems worse. He probably should hit up the Dr. tomorrow...I am dragging my feet to take them because of all this flu non-sense. He's not had a fever or we would have already been there.

10. Gavin missed another week of school last week. So frustrating to spend all this money and he's missing so much. Have I mentioned I hate asthma?

11. Speaking of asthma...my brother who is a pretty severe asthmatic is trying to quit smoking. Don't ask me why he started in the first place. It was the worst thing ever. Just give him some good thoughts and prayers that he can do it. He REALLY, REALLY needs to.

12. Robert is waiting on me to finish up so we can watch Amazing Race.

13. The boys are now all snoozin...it's so quiet in here!

14. We have had busy busy weekends....I am ready for some quiet calm ones where we can just hang out!

15. I bought our first 2 gifts for Christmas yesterday...got great deals on both! So excited for that!

16. Off to watch some TV!

Let's Talk

Gavin has become a chatterbox lately. He talks about trees, about house, about us, about the sky, about cars. He talks about everything. He asks a million questions a day. Why is that light there? Why did the peoples put it there? Why is it on? What happens if you touch it? etc etc.
Last week I took him to a local farm, Cripple Creek Farm. On the way there we were talking about the animals that would be there. He asked if there was going to be tigers, I said no no tigers. It's not a zoo just a farm with farm animals. And we started listing the type of animals on a farm. He then asked "Will elephants be there?" "No no elephants". G--"But why?" me-- "well because they are just too big". G-- "Yes elephants have big giant butts! dare butts are dis biiiggg" picture him with his arms stretched.
Today we went to the store and I tried on a few pairs of jeans. I am sure the person next to us was giggling away because he was question after question. What makes it even more awesome is the seriousness in his little tiny cute voice.
Speaking of little tiny. We were given some jammies from a friend. Friends little boy, Aidan, is about 9 months older than Gavin and probably out weighs him by 10lbs. He's not a giant kid just normal 4 year old size kid. Gavin is more like normal 2 year old size kid so it works for stuff to get passed down to him. As we put on a pair of super cool "Autimus Pwime!" jammies Gavin asks me "Why did we get dese from Aidan?" "because they don't fit him anymore." "Dey don't fit him anymowre? dey are too big for him. dey are not too big fer me!" I didn't have the heart to tell him no they are too small for him...he really is pretty clueless on his size....or in denial.
Notice he is hold a baby chick here...he's obviously very proud.

Recent Events

I recently got my hands on some nifty and helpful ways to blog pictures...lots of pictures easily. Granted they are on the smaller side but you must admit you get the point AND you like how it looks. You know you do...anyway here are some snaps of some recent family events from the past month...



Trip to the Pumpkin patch--which BTW was cut pretty short by Gavin's fear of bee's. This doesn't work very well when you are at a farm that is swarming with them. Needless to say the kid was near panic mode for most of the trip.


From our first camping trip. Very cold, very wet...still had a good time. Of course it helped that we snuck off for hot coffee and breakfast and that I got to leave early.


Trip to visit friends in Murphy, NC.

FYI

I would like to take a moment and let everyone know that I seriously have 3 of the sweetest, cutest, caring, compassionate, loving little boys ever. They love each other fiercely and show it daily. I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses as they age. Gavin screams their names as soon as he see's the bus pass the window in the afternoons. They hug and kiss him good bye most mornings.
Jakeb and Zachary are best buddies. They compliment each other amazingly, as in their personalities are nearly night and day. Gavin is a nice mixture of a similar personality each of them has...but with some extra added spunky-ness making it just Gavin.
They care about others feelings and while they aren't always selfless they often are very willing to share and make things "fair" when others are over. They just amaze me. They are amazing, they are awesome. They are perfect, perfect just for me. And one day perfect not just for me but for some other lucky person.

Neglected...

So sorry this has been so neglected! Lots has been going on and I have been super busy! I have had 3 and 4 sessions or more a week, which is amazing. I went from 1 or 2 a month to that. Wow! And I just have to say the more I am doing this the more I love it. There are times when I wonder if it's what I want to do but then I leave a session and love it. Every single family I have met has been amazing. They welcome me and we just have a good time. It's a wonderful feeling. I know it will taper off a great deal after the holidays but I am soaking it up now :)

Robert has been home a lot recently which is absolutely awesome. With me being busy him being home has been a god send. The boys are in karate, cub scout, and soccer so that alone keeps us running. I must say I am pretty anxious for soccer to be over! Even if he is pretty cute playing...

A tease

I took the boys out to my grandparents this weekend for a visit. I had a session and they tagged along...before the session I drug them out to try to get some Xmas card photos. And I definitely got them. They did awesome....and I only lost my temper once. YAY for success LOL. (I would however like to know why it is that I can have extreme patience taking other children's photos but not my own)
Either way here is my fav...well one of my favorites. I know some won't get why it's a favorite...no one is looking at me. But it's them...not cooperating, being pouty, mad, and silly...

Just a link(s)

Because she says what I think so much better than I ever could....Stupid Adults

And did you hear about this bunch of bull malarchy....Baby Einstein ain't no Einstein maker (gee who knew)

Remember Me?

I am still here. Busy with fall sessions and running around with the kiddo's. None of which we are completely used to--me being busy with work AND with the kids-- so I am worn out in the evenings and not up for much nonsensical chatter on the ole blog. The last several weekends have been a whirlwind of running all over and sessions. We had a boy scout camping trip last Friday, we had a good time but it was c-o-l-d! Next camping trip we are doing in the summer...brrr! Gavin, my mom, brother Michael, and I then headed to Birmingham to visit my brother Robert for his birthday last Saturday as well. This past weekend was sessions and family time smashed in between. So glad to see things picking up with photography. It's nice to see it "taking off" finally. Being that I rely solely on word of mouth it's a slower start, but I prefer it this way. I would have been lost a year ago if things took off super fast.

As I have previously said my grandfather, Pappy, was diagnosed with bladder cancer a few weeks ago. He has chosen to skip any sort of treatments--not that there were really many options for it, as they have said he most likely would not survive chemo. I really am not sure the time frame we are looking at but I would say under a year. The drs. said they can't give much of a time frame either could be "2 months, could be 2 years". So that's upsetting. The past nearly 2 years have been hard on him, my grandmother is gone and he spends a good deal of his day alone at home. He can't get out of the bed any longer (he's a paraplegic--has been for 50+ years) so he spends his days watching TV at home alone. I hate it for him, we visit as much as we can. But since my grandmother passed away he's not the same. He doesn't talk much and it's hard for me to chit chat with him. He enjoy's seeing the boys and I know he enjoys that I come out there for sessions with people. I do spend most Friday nights with him so that's a nice time for us to visit. Some prayers for him would be appreciated. He doesn't need to suffer and be in pain but I also don't want him home alone when the time comes either. It's a lot to think about for everyone.

Of all days...

I feel like 110% doody and I just broke our vacuum. NOT off to a good start.

Super Sunday Sixteen

1. Those 2 little boys are very upset w/ me that they have to go to school tomorrow. It's not my fault but they don't see it that way, not yet.

2. Gavin's asthma is flared up again. With the flu being in the house a few weeks ago, I can't help but panic. It makes me sick with worry. For him.

3. We have 2 of 3 costumes for Halloween purchased and the boys are super stoked. When I was a kid I only know of 1 time that I actually went Trick or Treating, so this excitement over Halloween is new to me. (I was raised Jehovah's Witness on and off)

4. I spent a good part of this afternoon cleaning up the office side of the bonus room...it looks SO much better. With business picking up I need some definite organization so that I can stay on top of things better.

5. There is a good chance Robert will be home for a good part of the next 3 months. I.am.thrilled.

6. The fall weather excites me. But vainly a big reason is because I am excited to pull out the boys winter clothes. I love dressing them cute and stylish.

7. The boys went to a girls birthday party yesterday. They were worried they would be the only boys and were quite cute about it. Though as we walked up and I started talking to the mother about their concerns I realized I was embarassing Jakeb. And as I drove off I felt a bit old and lame for not thinking of it sooner. He's at that age now. Wow.

8. We got Jakeb a new bike over the weekend. The bike Zachary got for Christmas has been a big fat pain and Zachary has been riding Jakeb's. So we just decided to snag Jakeb a bigger one and let Zachary have Jakeb's.

9. I love decluttering the house...I find myself going thru things and throwing things out and reorganizing A LOT.

10. I hate that fall break is over.

11. I am excited for Halloween for the kids...and for us. Our friends are coming from NC!

12. Really starting to get super annoyed with the neighbor. Ok I already am super annoyed with him. He's so flipping rude, and Jakeb is now starting to avoid him because he says crap to him too. That's not ok. Jerk.

13. Did I mention the office looks great?

14. I hope Gavin is better by Tuesday. He needs to go to school and I have a session.

15. Robert has started running to get exercise this past week and has taken Maddie with him and she does awesome. He said she stuck with him the entire time.

16. Speaking of exercise. I HAVE to get my butt back to the gym. I did actually take Gavin out today and rode a little over 6 miles on the bike today with him in the seat on the back. It's a start!

Boy sweets

I have thought over the past week or so several things I have wanted to blog about that the kids have done. Things I want to remember...currently I am only remembering one, way to go Mom.

Every time I drop Zachary off at school he rushes up to give me a kiss and a hug before he hops out of the van. And every time after he hops out he then stands there waving at me, yelling "I love you Mommy, bye!!" and blowing me kisses. Giving no care to the other kids around him. And it struck me the other day that he won't think this is ok for too much longer. The innocence of him blowing me kisses in the parking lot of the school in front of all the other kids will soon be squashed. He is such a soft hearted boy. Rambunctious for sure but so lovey dovey too.

Hi there...

I know, posts have been few and far between lately. My posting as I am sure you have noticed seems to wax and wan...for I am sure obvious reasons.
The boys were on fall break this past week. Our original plan of going to San Francisco was canceled so that was a bummer. But we did head out to NC to visit our friends who just recently moved. So that was nice, the boys were relatively well behaved and we had a good time visiting. The boys are currently up past bed time playing the Wii while I surf around the web. Nothing exciting...

Super Sunday Sixteen

1. My grandfather (Pappy) was diagnosed with bladder cancer this past week. Some extra prayers for him would be very much appreciated. I will post more when I know more

2. Robert and I are making plans to build a boat, just in case this nonstop rain doesn't really ever stop.

3. I got out my Halloween decorations yesterday...though it just doesn't seem to make sense that it's nearly that time of year.

4. I have had lots of sessions lately...a great deal have been referrals or repeats which is a awesome compliment and makes me feel great :D

5. Robert played a prank on his parents yesterday and fill their bathroom with balloons while they were at work. Listening to him giggle about it was quite cute.

6. One of these days I will get back to scrapbooking....

7. Jakeb has made 100's on every spelling test this year. That's awesome!

8. Robert is going to be home for the next 2 weeks...I am beyond stoked about that! Dinner at the table as a family, him helping with Zachary's soccer. Awesome!

9. We took the kids to see "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" yesterday. Cute movie.

10. I wish we could go to San Francisco for fall break like originally planned but we are sticking to the budget and hoping we can swing it at spring break.

11. I have a book I need to get back to the library...it's just a wee bit overdue. Bad Rachel!

12. My mom is in Florida visiting my grandmother. I am jealous!

13. I am ready for fall.

14. I really need to go shopping for new clothes...but surpisingly the shopping for clothes idea is just not taking over. I have gone I walk around and look and just don't feel up to it.

15. I hate the overwhelming feeling I get when I think about all the things I should be doing...that need to be done.

16. I REALLY need to clean my car, my bathrooms, my kitchen floor.....

Bookworm

I can attribute a great deal of my blah-ish mood I have been feeling recently to my obsessive reading I have been doing. I have seriously been reading nearly non stop for the past 2 weeks...and have breezed thru the entire 9 book Sookie Stackhouse serious in um 2 weeks. With the majority of the books having been read this week. I read so much that I began to walk around in a daze. I am pretty sure I was confused about what was real or fictional. I even had difficulty sleeping, certain fairies or werewolves were going to launch an attack at any moment. No wait, that was only in the book. I am pretty sure I have supernatural powers (they are just undiscovered of course). Most of the books I have read lately are pretty sci-fi/super-natural-ish...and I have read A LOT over the past 6 months. And because of this, naturally I have found myself quite certain I am telepathic or have certain untapped talents or a special relationship with nature or even that I can time travel. I keep having to remind myself that this is more than likely not the case. I mean after all it's just fiction...or is it?

301...

Just noticed that my previous post was my 300th post. Neato schmeato.

The blahs

That pretty much sums up how I have been this week. I am virtually positive that this is solely due to the lack of sun my body has seen in the past...oh 132342 days. Granted I did get a little peeky of sunshine this morning that put a little extra pep in my step for a good part of the day--I actually left the house and took Gavin to play at Discovery Center. We then walked around the mall and had lunch. He really is a different child when his brothers aren't around...so flipping sweet and cute it's ridiculous. Unless of course he has just woken up then watch out.
We got a phone call today from the school nurse...guess who got hurt at school? Yep...I knew it was going to happen, I warned them..Zachary fell coming in from the playground. Smacked his head on the concrete, poor guy. They said he cried right away and seemed fine but they wanted to call and let us know. I am glad they did that, though I really wanted to rush up and check him over and give him hugs. He was fine when he got home and of course I already had a good suspicion as to what side of his head this new injury would be, because after all the last one did just heal. For some reason lately his choice spot to smack his head is on the right side of his forehead. This is where he has a scar from when he was 1 1/2, also a scar from another incident. Seriously it's strange. I even googled it...apparently it's just ironic but I must admit I am beginning to worry. I mean really how much banging can one spot take? It can't be good, right?
Jakeb is completely over the flu. Mildest case ever. Fever was never over 101 and some change, and didn't last more then 60 hrs. He was back at school on Thursday but technically could have gone back on Wednesday. He still seems a little sluggish but he's been that way a lot lately.
Fingers crossed for some cooler weather and sunshine!

Pig Flu

When all things started flying around about this "new flu" my first reaction was that the media was making it way worse than necessary. I mean if I read the facts people die from the flu every year thousands of them actually. Then the more it got going the more nervous I started feeling. After all I have a asthmatic 3 year old, a 7 year old that was asthmatic when he was younger, and a 5 year old who has asthmatic tendencies. They fall into a different "risk group". So I called and I did my research, saw dozens of people on my facebook come down with it and decided I would rest easy as it seems to be much milder than originally portrayed for most, nearly all cases. Friends children have had it and are back to school after 5 days or so.
Though the rumors are nearly humorous...my favorite from an unnamed source...that the CDC will come quarantine. Thank you media. Job well done. Americans are terrified. And not just of President Obama.
Every single thing I read says to treat it like the regular flu, treat as usual. Motrin, Tylenol, tamiflu if you can get your hands on it. Though good luck because it's flying out the doors before they can get it on the shelf.
Now having said all this Jakeb has the flu. It's here. And I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Nervous for all 3 of them, though Jakeb --who is currently playing the Wii--seems to be pretty a-ok provided we keep him doped up on Motrin. Gavin's breathing issue bring another concern but we'll keep close tabs on them.
And for the record Jakeb can return to school after 24hrs of no fever--as is the rule for any illness. We are not quarantined by the CDC, Zachary is at school, and we have had to call over town to find Tamiflu. And Robert gets to stay home from work.

Where's the Manual?

As the kids get older I am realizing the various issues we will face...and the task of handling each one the best way possible is just a wee bit daunting. Jakeb is now 7, 7 and a half in fact. He is and always has been a serious, worrying, old soul, sort of kid. He isn't happy go lucky like his brothers, he is introspective and thoughtful. Flighty and silly. Serious and sensitive. While at first glance it would appear I am not proud of these traits my oldest possesses. However I very much am, though the problem lies not with how proud I am of him but with whether or not we meet his personality needs appropriately. As he gets older I find myself worrying more and more about him. And because he is the oldest I do not yet know if this is because he is the oldest and it is my first time dealing with these sort of issues or the worry is warranted. It is reassuring to see upon a google search of "moody 7 year olds" I find articles like this one .
I had a conversation with him today about his friends at school and he told me he doesn't play with them on the playground, when asked what he does he told me he just sits on the side and doesn't want to play because he's tired. This to me is slightly alarming, but then again is it or is it just part of being a moody 7 year old? He as a toddler was funny about things, didn't like loud noises, fast movements, certain textures of things. Etc. So he's always been a bit "different" and I have probably always worried more about him than is necessary. Or do I? Am I making things worse saying certain things to him? What are things we can do to help him deal with his differences better...are they even that different? Questions I ask myself a lot lately. Some days I am convinced he needs more than I can give him and some other support and others I think I am overreacting. I just want them to be what every parent wants for their child (or at least what they should want)....well adjusted, happy, healthy, etc etc. My family isn't full of "happy" people. We are cynicists, pessimistic claiming to be realistic, often grouchy, snappy, but oh so fun loving people. I should probably just realize that and let it go. He gets it honestly...or is something else going on? You see the dilema here....the things that start to show up as they get older is stressful. Didn't see that coming.

Marketing at it's best

I believe I have mentioned on the past my distaste for how much we are marketed to...however, I do find it pretty humorous the amount the kids soak up from TV or ads they see. Guess it works.
Yesterday as I was getting ready to head out to my favorite store of all time and telling the kids bye Jakeb asked me where I was going. I told him I was going to Target. His response: "What? Don't go to Target, go to Walmart so you can Save Money. Live Better." A few weeks ago he asked me "Do you know how much money you could be saving if you switched to Geico?" and a few weeks before that I told Zachary we were going to go grab lunch at Subway--his response? "Oh Subway..Eat Fresh!"
I swear they don't watch that much television.

Um yeah

For anyone who read my last post...ignore that--those of you who didn't be glad. I hit "publish" before re-reading and once I did, I immediately chucked it because somehow it came out completely differently then how it was in my head. I think one thought flowed as another thought did and it come out a complete jumbled mess of nonsense. Nonsense that made no sense to even me...the author. Therefore it had to go. I know what I was trying to say but as I have previously said I am not a writer, at least not a remotely good one...so trying to eloquently word a few paragraphs on how I am not very sociable...came out sounding...well sounding very much not the way I intended. So excuse the hiccup.

Disgusted

I have to say I am just downright sick, sad, and disgusted to see the debates flying all around the internet regarding our Presidents speech to children. Seriously, I don't even know what to say about it, Other than I am just disgusted. Bravo American's, Bravo.
I don't really follow politics, honestly I don't follow them at all. But either way I have respect and a bit of admiration for the President. Even as a kid when they were showing ME speeches that various Presidents made...I knew to respect them, to listen up, and saw them in awe. Afterall it's The President. I am sad to see that apparently it's no longer important to teach our children these things.

Family Project Schmaject

It has begun...how quickly I forgot. The family projects of Kindergarten. When Jakeb started school we were told we would have family projects to do with him every month. After the 1st month I knew I wasn't going to love these "family" projects. Because honestly there isn't much family involved in it...it's more of a Mommy project, though I do recall Robert helping Jakeb once or twice. This very first bit of mommy homework is due tomorrow. This one is to do a poster of pictures of said student and his/her family...including aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc etc. Do they not realize in the day and age of digital that most families do not actually have any pictures they can stick on a poster. Can't I just send a digital slide show on a CD...because I promise that is soooo much easier for me to do. Instead of spending an hour scouring thru files upon files of pictures to send to Walmart's 1hr photo so I can rush up and snag them. Then rush home and start arranging them on poster board...I could just quickly slap them on a disk with a cute little program and send him on his way. Do we see why this is a Mommy project?...because Zachary cannot find the pictures, print the pictures, then cute, paste, and assemble them on a poster. I promise you the end product will be less than acceptable. My neurosis wouldn't allow such a catastrophe. After all the child is only five years old. Yes he will help me--when he gets home from playing soccer at the park with Daddy. But in the mean time I am preparing his project...matching it up with cute scrap book paper, of course. I probably will have a few stickers he can stick on it. I promise you his will be the best one in the class...I just know it. Not that that's the point or anything but I am just sayin'.

Just to prove it to you check out Jakeb's from his kindy year....I mean really, am I wrong?

The idea behind this (which I take no credit for as it wasn't mine) is that it's on 4 12x12 pages and can then be pulled off of the poster and stuck in a scrapbook. Viola 4 pages done. Thank you for the homework kindgarten teacher.

That stung

I realize the last several posts about any of my children have been relatively negative...and nearly every post at some point or another mentions something of Gavin's unruly behavior. Please understand that while I do love my children they drive my absolutely nuts at times and if I didn't vent my frustrations that I won't actually say I am nuts...I will be. Truth be told they are pretty darn good kids and I do know this. However Gavin knows each and every button of mine to push and he pushes them on a daily, even hourly basis.
As previously mentioned the latest trend going on with Gavin (aka the "let's see how I can piss this person off, boy") is that he has taken to voicing his frustrations about not getting what he wants by telling me he doesn't like me or calling names...yesterday I was told I was a "butt head" because I wouldn't give him a waffle. Which incidentally he was punished for...and for the record HE gets spankings (I know, I know horrid right? yeah well you deal with him and then tell me what's horrid...and for another record I at one time said I wouldn't spank) . Then last night after I let him stay up later watching TV with me because he had had a late nap AND then let him get in my bed to sleep...he says "I don't love you anymore". At first I shrugged it off but after days of being told by your 3 year old that he doesn't like you, to get away from him, etc etc. Him finally saying "I don't love you anymore" is almost too much...while I 110% know the kid doesn't have a flipping clue what he's saying and know that he in fact does love me (very much I might add), it's still not exactly what you want to hear. So then as he is telling me to get away from him yet again and rolling away from me, I snapped. And yelled at him that if he doesn't love me, doesn't like me, and can't stand me around him to get out of my bed and go sleep in his own. Then realized how ridiculous my conversation with my three year old little boy sounded. He did stop and after a few seconds begrudgingly snuggled his self next to me and fell asleep sniffing his blanket with his head on my shoulder and slept that way nearly all night long. Only to return to his behavior this morning.
Part of the problem is that he misses his Daddy very much while he is gone--and he's been gone a lot lately. Yet he takes his frustrations out on me...and am d-o-n-e with it. Thank god it's Thursday...Robert will be home in the morning. He can deal with the monster.
He is reason enough to stop at 3 kids, yet again maybe a younger sibling is what he needs to put him in check, because he certainly reigns and wears his "I am the baby" crown proudly.

So I kinda cheated...I had this post already in my head...and partially written and then stumbled upon THIS BLOG and thought I would join in...and how perfect it was that my 3 year old is such a...such a....well you read the post, and the post before it, and before it, you tell me. In any case it roughly fits the "prompt" to tell of a time I was "wrongly wronged".

Baby Baby

I was going thru some old photos recently and found these...
When Jakeb was born we were shocked to see he had lots of dark hair, not so shocked that as he grew older he had brown eyes. As I have brown eyes and all. We have always heard that Jakeb looks just like Robert or just like me, depending on the person looking at him. So we gather he's a good mixture of the 2 of us.
Then Zachary was born with yet again a good bit of dark brown hair, he now has dark green eyes quite a bit like both sets of his grandparents...to me Zachary has always looked the least like Robert or I of the 3 boys. Til I found this picture of Robert when he was 5. Which to me looks like a skinnier version of Zachary...not exact as Robert had blonde hair but their smiles and face shapes. I dunno thought it was pretty neat to see.
Then along came Gavin looking just like what we expected all our kids to look like...bald! I was bald, bald as a baby. Though following 2 dark hairy brothers it was a surprise. Except Gavin has Robert's fairer skin and blue eyes. However then I found this picture...and did a double take as I thought this was Gavin for a split second. It's my brother Robert (yes my husband and brother have the same name) at about the age Gavin is now. Even the boys thought it was Gavin at first look. And then there's me with my big brown eyes and chubby cheeks...I don't see a single bit of me in them when I look at my old pictures.

It's funny how genetics work. All 3 of us (my brothers and I) have different looks, yet we do look related. We all have different color eyes (brown, green, blue) and our parents both had green. Yet Robert and his brother look quite similar. Dirty blonde hair and blue eyes and both very similar builds, however his parents are not built like them at all and both have dark brown hair and green and brown eyes. Go figure. I am curious to see how our 3 grow to look.

Some favs...

So I am in.love.with.iTunes. I listen to my tunes nearly all day long when I am home...playing around with various artists and making playlists. All of this was before. Before the computer...crashed and burned. But before you gasp in horror do not fear I had almost everything backed up on disks and my external hard drive. If you don't do this, stop what you are doing and do it RIGHT now. Anyway so becuase of this loss, all of my hard work and itunes organization is gone.gone.gone. It's nearly devastating, seriously. Every single one of the CD's I had added to my computer is still here but when it's added into Itunes it doesn't list the artist, just the song. Not good, not good at all. I can't organize and group in anyway when I don't know who sung the song...seriously do you know how many "Hello" songs there are!? Anyway this was not at all my point to this post...the only thing I was going to say here was to list a few favorites to share. Since I have been messing with my music a lot lately it's on my mind and all day I have been listening to various artists thinking, Man I just LOVe this.
So here are some favorites--some new loves some old....
"Death Cab for Cutie"
"Kings of Leon"
"Regina Spektor"
"Spoon"
"Jack Johnson"
"Green Day"
"Guster"
"The Killers"
"Red Hot Chilli Peppers"
"Maroon 5"

So what constitutues making it to my real favorite lists you ask? Well if I can listen to the entire CD/album without having to go "Shut up already..." and skip to the next song. I hate when I get something and only 1 or 2 songs on it are any good. So there you have it...my recent playlist :) I am sure I could tell you more but well since everything is a big ole clustered mess I can't bleh.

I take that back

So in a previous post I ranted a bit about Gavin and claimed his horrid behavior was a result of the steroids he had been on. So yeah I take that back...apparently it's just Gavin. He's told me numerous times today he doesn't like me. I tried telling him that's not nice and it hurts peoples feelings--though I honestly could care less that he is saying this because I can tell he's just doing it to be a stink pot. And he doesn't care one eensy weensy bit. He's told me he wants to be mean and that he likes being mean. Lovely just what you like a 3yr old to tell you.
Though reports from preschool teachers today, tell me he's "such a sweet boy" and is very good. Either he's got a split personality or he's one tricky character and likes to be extra special just for me. I thinking the later is true.

Deep Breath....

taking a deep breath, lots of them...I am not feeling 100% and the kids have trashed the house. Neither of which makes me very happy. Trashed house = me on the edge of a psychotic episode.
I don't know what it is about a messy house that sends me over the edge...but when I walk around the corner and see a room that is d-e-s-t-r-o-y-e-d, it just about destroys my sanity. I try, I really try to be chill about it, but it just doesn't work. It's just something I.cannot.handle. Toys here and there I am just fine with but looking like someone took numerous buckets of toys and dumped them all over a room, combined with a smattering of toys, shoes, socks, blankets, and various other objects all over the house...and you get my head spinning and my vocal chords getting one heck of a work out. It's just not pretty, ask my housemates or you can just trust me on it.

Preschooler

Here are a few snaps of Gavin's first day of preschool/MDO's (2 weeks ago). As well as his "new" room.

Super Sunday Seventeen

A recurring event...

1. It's come to my knowledge this past week as I found myself printing off recipes for Chocolate pie, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies galore, after I found myself making numerous trips to DQ for a cookie dough blizzard, after noticing a cart full of chocolate covered deliciousness...that it appears I just may have a problem. It's not good, not good at all...but oh is it so good, so very good, but so very bad. I think I need rehab.

2. I am currently jamming to "Death Cab for Cutie" on itunes. I am not pleased that for some reason it keeps skipping...what's up with that?

3. I try to make it happen that we have at least one day a week at home where we go no where at all. If not for me at least for the kids. Now that they are in school it's very difficult. Though yesterday they didn't go a single place. This makes them happy. I like to give them some chill and play time.

4. I went to dinner last night with friends, we had a great time as always. I have a great many number of friends named Jennifer. It's weird and hard to keep up with at times. Last night I was with 2 of them...I think I was the odd man out.

5. The spending freeze we are on sucks big time. I want to buy things...bad. Things other than cookie dough blizzards from DQ.

6. Instead I have spent a great deal of time cleaning. We now have clean baseboards and windowsills.

7. Gavin will be back at school on Tuesday. They can handle him...actually he's perfect angel boy at school.

8. Jakeb and Zachary seem to be doing great at school. Jakeb made 100's on his 2 spelling tests.

9. We signed Jakeb up for Cub Scouts last week. Robert said when he was a kid Cub Scouts got teased awfully because of their uniforms...I really hope that's not the case now. It looks like LOTS of fun. I am excited for Jakeb and he is super stoked.

10. Can you believe it's already September? I sure can't

11. I have 2 sessions this weekend. This is good, I haven't had any in a couple months it seems. Though it is odd that it always seems to come in spurts.

12. I lost my battery charger for my camera, actually I left it in a hotel in DC. Jerks "claim" they can't find it...which means I need to buy a new one asap. Giant PITA.

13. UGH, my itunes just played half a song and then skipped it! Seriously What IS the deal? I did pay for these.

14. Robert's been gone a lot recently. It's hardest on Gavin it seems. He is super Daddy's boy lately. Hence him not liking me. No skin off my nose, I get Jakeb and Zachary. Especially Jakeb he is "always on my team".

15. OMG, seriously I would like to listen to this music.

16. I want a new tattoo, on my other wrist. I want a me tattoo there, something that has nothing to do with anyone but me. My neighbor about died when she saw the one I have...apparently that changes her view of me because I am "the June Cleaver" of the neighborhood. Now THAT is funny, almost hysterical.

17. I also have decided that one day I would really like to be a foster parent. Actually this has been something I have wanted to do forever. I want to help. I am good with children. I love kids and not just mine. Though since having my own, my take on them has changed. There is a lot that goes into it. I want to wait until Gavin, especially, is older. I don't think I can handle teenagers or special needs. From what I read it is an option to be specific as to what you think you can handle. I will find out more info, and get Robert on board first. No worries.

....and I will leave you with that.

'roids man...

As a result of Gavin's recent bout that landed us in the ER, he was prescribed a short round of steroids. Now this wasn't the first time he's had steroids and I expected him to be just fine on them as I don't recall having issues in the past. If you recall Zachary was on them for SIX weeks straight almost 2 years ago and that was a nightmare.
Um, right so it appears that Gavin turns into even more of a b-r-a-t than he can be without steroids. oh.my.good.lord. I have been kicked at, screamed at, hit at, told to go away, get away from me, leave me alone, don't look at me. That I am not nice, I am not fair, and today he told me "I don't like you anymore. I wish Daddy was here and not you." All this from a teeny tiny 27lb 3 year old. We have had fits galore. Whew it's been loads of fun. I am sure you are extremely jealous. Unfortunately today was the last day for the steroids, we are all just devastated to see the good times end.
On a not so bratty note...he asked me quite cutely today "How do they make dogs talk on TV?" I told him it wasn't real and he then started talking about how "Bumblebee" from Transformers talks and I said they used a computer to make him talk...to which he said "NOoo, he talks from his radio!" He's not a complete monster but pretty close.

Excuse me?

Since school started 2 weeks ago. Jakeb has asked me nearly every morning if he could stay home, whining about not wanting to go etc etc. It's gotten really old especially since he's been in school for a mere 10 days. This morning he for some reason thought that because I got him up 10 min later than normal that he was staying home. Though he was already up hence my "lateness"of coming up just to tell them to get dressed (which I shouldn't have had to do in the first place). So began our argument about why he can't stay home. He then said to me..."Well why do you get to stay home and rest all day, and I have to go to school. I am tired too." ohoh no he didn't. I nicely let him know I absolutely do not rest all day, that I spend most of my day cleaning up after he and his brothers. But maybe I should rest all day and let them do that, just sayin'. Needless to say the "I want to stay home from school" nonsense I am done with.

I did relinquish some control this morning and dropped Zachary off at the door instead of walking him in. He was fine with that, though I did wait for him to get thru the doors before pulling off...I don't remember going at this with such trepidation with Jakeb. I am sure I was just as nervous but Zachary seems so little. Gavin is not going to preschool today, the labored breathing and all seemed reason enough to get to stay home.

Ho hum

The kid across the street has strep throat. Today Jakeb informed me his throat has been hurting. Lovely. Thank you for the welcome back to school from the illness department. We are good, no thank you. Fingers crossed it's a fluke. As part of the "we are broke til payday" crisis we are currently having this week, copays and medicines are not really in the budget. And since we just dropped however much on meds for Gavin and just occurred yet another bill, thank you to the ER visit, I think we are good to go for the week. But I do (not) appreciate the offer, thanks anyway. Afterall the stomach virus that ran thru our house 2 weeks ago was sufficient enough. Please stay away.

Well that was fun..

So we are off to a bumpy start this Monday. We got up and out the door for school on time, however on the way to school we ran into some "traffic" ie the cars in front of me stopped suddenly which caused me to stop suddenly, as well as the cars behind me. Which of course caused a fender bender...thank god not with me but the car directly behind me got slammed into by the car behind them. Yikes was that a crunchy sound, and their front end crumpled. We debated on whether or not I should stop, I mean I did kinda see it happen however not really since it was behind me, plus if I stayed the kids would be very late. So on we went, I called Robert and he reassured me I was ok to go. So off to school we went, send Jakeb on to his class and walked Zachary to his. At which point I realize Zachary is awfully quiet, so ask him what's up and he tells me he doesn't want to go and doesn't want me to leave. Uhoh. We get to class, he drops off his things with his little locker and I go to tell him bye in class and he starts dropping the gigantic tears he gets. Yep, he cried :( Poor baby I hated to go and we waited for his teacher to be able to give him some attention and off I went. I wish I had thought to tell him I would come eat lunch with him because that would have solved any and all tears I am virtually positive, but now I am afraid to go and that he will cry when I leave then. We'll see how the day goes as to whether or not I can get there. Gavin is doing better but I don't know that I should drag him into the school. But I felt so bad for my poor Zman this morning. I am sure his day will be just fine.

ETA: Lunch with Zman was great, no tears and he was doing fine. Also sorry for the giant cluster of thoughts up there...that hurt my head to read. Wow.

Super Sunday 16.

Not in the mood for trying to piece together thoughts into paragraphs...this route is much better today.

1. I have been quite productive today, mopped the kitchen--if this had been the only task I did today I would still feel very productive as I despise mopping and rarely do it. Just don't lick my kitchen floor and your fine--and got Zachary's room painted. As well as one wall in Jakeb's.

2. This is all very good as we spent the better half of last night in the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital ER with a sick Gavin.

3. Gavin has asthma, so far his asthma seems to be flared up by viruses. This is what happened Friday and Saturday and finally hit a head yesterday and I gave up trying to manage it at home and we headed to the ER with him. This was his first ER visit, and he did very, very well.

4. The nurses loved him and said they wished all the patients were that good (and cute!). They set him up with a breathing treatment for 2 hours. This breathing treatment made him very jittery and sent his heart rate into the 180's, a lovely side effect. He was given a dose of Motrin and a dose of a steroid. He didn't sleep a wink the entire time we were there. We left at 1am. He does not have swine flu--good to know huh?

5. Jakeb and Zachary spent the night with Hope. Where they drove everyone in the house crazy with loud talking and giggling.

6. Because of the painting the boys are sleeping on the "couch bed" in the bonus room...right behind me.

7. As part of our "home beautification process" aka Rachel got bored and rearranged the house again...we have moved my office space into the bonus room, along with their toys, TV, and a couch. I actually really like it like this.

8. We also moved Gavin's room into what was the office, Gavin's previous room is ridiculously small and will now be a guest bedroom, once we actually put a bed in there. Which means there will be 6 various beds to sleep in here!

9. We have zilch for storage here and this does provide us with an extra closet to use which is mighty fine. I am always moving things around trying to figure out the best way to keep things organized yet accessible. This is a challenge.

10. Zachary will start his first full week of school tomorrow.

11. Jakeb is already asking if he can skip school...what am I going to do with that child.

12. I actually emailed Jakeb's teacher (and previous teacher) and guidance counselor at the school to see what they think about some of the "issues" Jakeb is having with school. Particularly not wanting to go and crying over homework. His confidence in himself is pretty low and it's troublesome for me.

13. The weather has been uh-mazing this weekend, like windows open a/c off, weather. I am loving it!

14. Jakeb asked me this past week "Hey Mommy, did you see the money you could be saving if you switched to Geico?" I am thinking we need a break from the TV.

15. He also walked up to me today and gave me his $8 from allowance because I have been telling him our money is so tight this week. He said "now you aren't poor!" Seriously could he be any sweeter?

16. I am beat. Poor Robert is too, Gavin has been glued to him all.day.long. If he even tries to walk away within 5 min Gavin is yelling "Daaaadddddyyyy". And he tells me to go away, and my feelings are not even hurt, they really aren't.

Oh Peanuts...

So the other day I was sitting in the living room with Zachary and Gavin and they are of course trying to snag Rosa (new kitten) from under the couch. I am again telling them to leave her alone for the 13224th time. Then realize that Zachary is saying "Peeennnisss, Oh Peeenisss" *cough* excuse me? I asked him why exactly he was saying that, or rather appearing to call the kitten that. And he says "what? that gets her attention..." I chuckle--it certainly got mine-- and ask him to think of something else to say to get her attention. Being that yelling penis for your cat, is wildly inappropriate and all. So they decided to change it to Peanuts, which of course sounds the flippin' same. Oy vey, boys. Had Jakeb been home he would have quickly stopped that nonsense and most likely been disgusted but his younger 2 hoodlum brothers.

That's a bummer...

So I have touched briefly in the past about finances and budgeting and maybe it's too touchy of a subject to broach but I am gonna just go for it. It seems that at least 2 times a month (not so coincidentally around payday) I do a quick run thru, a bit of a status check, pay bills etc. etc. I also get incredibly pissed off. At first I am mad at myself, then at Robert, then back to me...but then I look around and try to blame something, someone, anyone else. And guess what I can, I really can AND I have a justifiable argument. I on a daily basis get loads of emails letting me know this store, that store, or this restaurant is having a "once in a lifetime sale!" that I would just be stupid to pass up...I continue to go thru and opt to stop receiving these emails yet they continue to come. I rarely look at them, but then I turn on the TV and I hear the same thing over and over. I flip on the radio, I open a magazine, I read a blog, I go to facebook...marketing is EVERYWHERE. And 90% of the time I ignore it and go on, but the buy, buy, buy is the "new" craze. It's crazy, the cost of things...the amount of things we "have to have". And I am saying this knowing we make a decent living with what we have, it's not just the bitterness because I can't buy everything I want. Because I can't sign my kid up for soccer this week, because I can't eat out whenever I want, because I have to buy my dogs the cheap crappy dog food-yes I know stupid example but whatever...it's because it really is a problem. I try to turn the other cheek but that is so incredibly hard...so hard. I will be the first to admit I like to buy things but I am also the first to admit that we have a broken bed that Robert just patched up, that we don't have a fancy TV...not even close, I don't have a fancy cell phone (and honestly can't stomach dropping that much money on a phone...have you SEEN the condition my cell phones end up in), Gavin has hand me down furniture, our coffee table is chewed up on the corner courtesy of not one but two different dogs, I absolutely do not do fancy purses or expensive shoes. And honestly I don't get the obsession with the last 2 but I digress. But the kids have nice clothes--and lots of em. That's my buying weakness. Needless to say I did bills today and I am bummed, I am bummed we are going to have to put a halt to any and all spending and I am bummed, that when I opened my email I had 7 emails about various sales going on, when I opened my mailbox I have various coupons and magazines stating the same. And people are pretty hush hush about finances, but you know what? I am ok to admit that it's not all peaches and cream over here...at least not this month, and probably the next. I also know I am not the only one. I know that while I sit hear wishing we could buy a nicer TV or have wood floors put down, there is someone across town trying to figure out how in the world they are going to feed their kids this week, or put a roof over their head tonight. It does make me step back and be grateful but am then still sad at what our society has turned most of us into--myself included.

Superman & Friends

One of the things I wish I was better at as a parent (though I could think of probably 347..this is one of the larger items). Is playing and spending time doing something the KIDS enjoy--instead of things I enjoy and make them suffer through while telling them how great it is! I openly admit that I am just not a player...I am more of an observer, and avid watcher of playees. But every once in a blue moon I snag a kid and play a game or crash cars together with them for just a wee bit, and today Gavin and I sat down together and did a puzzle and played with one of our very favorite games we have. It's my favorite because it's a matching game and matching games were one of my favorites as a kid and because it's oh so very cool especially for the little guys! It's their favorite because it's 10 little figures that come apart! A friend had this at her house and I just had to track it down, my only luck at first was on Amazon.com who wanted $50 for it...which is just insane no matter how great the game is, but then I found it on Ebay were I snagged it for $30 with shipping. Still pricey but considering what it is I splurged. So if you stumble upon this anywhere...get it I promise it's a hit!
Gavin and I playing...and I am laughing so hard because he kept trying to look at the camera and I was telling him not to look just play the game--after all we wanted to look natural! haha

Gavin looking hehe...

His favorite...

And he's off!

This morning went off without a hitch and we managed to get everyone out the door and at school on time. Zachary woke up with a smile on his sleepy little face and was ready to go for his first day of school (little does he know he has AT LEAST 12 more years of school to go...but for now it's exciting right?) He was dressed in his new little shirt and his new shoes (Skechers bleh...but it's what he wanted and I allowed them this time). He looks mighty cute, I must say. We have to leave in about 30 min to get him from school, I am sure he had a great time. And I can't wait to hear about it!
Here are some snaps from this morning...A-dorable...


Jakeb and Zachary in Zachary's class...both are obviously annoyed I am taking a picture..

A must share...

I am a blog reader...I love to read other "Mom blogs" from around...well around the world! I could share so many great ones I have stumbled upon---several you can click to on the right side of this page. But I just got done foraging thru this one again and Oh.my.goodness....just go see. I promise you will walk away hungry for more...BLOG.

It's that time...

Another is heading off to his very first day of school tomorrow. He is VERY excited and I must admit I am pretty darn excited for him (and me) as well. It seems very strange to me that he really is old enough to go to school. Since Jakeb is the oldest and has always proved his role very thoroughly, it's odd for me to think of either Zachary or Gavin as anything but little. He will do wonderful and I am very excited for him to have activities all day long because I know he needs them. He is excited to begin learning all the things his big brother is learning, there is some definite competition there. We have his little bag packed and his name on his nap mat and pencil box. I will set out his new outfit tonight and pack his lunch in the morning. Tomorrow is only a half day for him and he will leave after lunch. It's going to be strange packing up 2 lunches and 2 back-packs and 2 snacks, what's even stranger still is that in 2 short years I will be packing 3 of each!

We spent this weekend rather busy but in a low-key way. Friday night the older boys and I spent the night at "Pappy's House" so we could get him breakfast and spend some time with him on Saturday. We spent the better part of Saturday at his house and Robert and I stained the deck for him (looks great!). The nice thing about going to my grandfathers house is that even though we are gone and even though we were working I still always leave feeling relaxed. I love it there, I miss it there, I wish I could give my kids the quietness of living "in the country". Though 25 min away from Nashville is hardly in the sticks...it's just perfect for me.

Here are a few pictures from Jakeb's first days of 2nd grade. He's off to a great start and I think his teacher will be great!

This one is from the 2hr day.

And the first full day...his teacher had them T-shirts to wear for the first day...

No they didn't...

Last night we went to Gavin's open house for his school. His teachers were very nice and I am excited for this year for him. But Oh.my.gawd. were the other children in that classroom horrible and I mean horrible. The 2 teachers were trying to talk over these ridiculously rude, rude children...they weren't actually talking but having to yell over them. I couldn't believe it, and even more than that I could not believe that these children's parents said absolutely nothing to them. It was appalling not only the behavior of the kids but of the parents! I was seriously shocked. The kids were screaming, throwing toys, yelling, smacking at each other. It was awful and all the while the parents were ignoring them, not even glancing in their direction. Mind you this classroom is small so it was crazy loud. Finally the teacher stops speaking and yells at the boys to stop which some of them half way did...and at that point a few parents did grabbed their kids and made them sit down. But not one apology to the teachers, and it took the teacher yelling at them for someone to react. I would have been so embarassed. I mean seriously who thought that was ok!? What's more irritating is I see this type of stuff a lot. Kids with ZERO respect for others and who are just down right rude and inconsiderate of others especially adults. I would have been in some serious trouble for that type of behavior! Why is it that now it's "ok" for kids to be just nasty to each other and have not one ounce of respect for other people around them. So many parents are afraid to hurt their kids feelings or make them sad or whatever nonsense they think will happen if they discipline their child. No one is suffering from that other the kid who doesn't learn to deal with things...and of course the people around that child that have to listen to it. God for bid wittle Johnny has his wittle bitty ole feewings huwt because Mommy told him no and to sit down and shut the hell up (though saying it a bit nicer probably works too)...or god forbid Mommy has to actually deal with her kid for 10 min. Since when are kids taught that they just can do and get whatever they want with very little consequences?! It's sad in my opinion. Which doesn't mean much (other than it's the right one ha). I am no perfect parent but I would like to think my kids will grow up with respect for themselves and for others, that they will have decent manners, and not think they deserve things just because. (which is something we are working on now--Jakeb has a slight "buy me a new toy" addiction) and I hope that they not only grow up that way but I hope they behave that way as children too...because who wants kids no one can stand to be around?
In fear of sounding like my own mother I think many parents are just too busy, too busy and/or distracted to deal with their kid so instead they let them do just about whatever they want. I am certainly guilty of this plenty but I try to keep it to a minimum. No one is perfect but I think people need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
And obviously those kids last night really ticked me off...I was floored. It was just unnerving the way those parents just sat there ignoring them....and just down right wrong. Kids will be kids but parents need to be PARENTS right along with them.

Long time no me...

Been a bit busy here in the B casa. Jakeb is currently at school attending his first day of 2nd grade. Poor kiddo was SO nervous on Monday morning, when I woke him to get ready to go. I didn't realize that it was just a day to register and actually thought he would be there for 2 hours--not sure why I don't remember doing this last year!? So he was very relieved to see he got to come right back home with me. He was so nervous and "scared" to go that poor guy cried, I felt so bad for him because I remember feeling that nervous about first days of school. I was talking to my mom about it this morning and remember going to a new school in the middle of 8th grade and crying because I was so incredibly nervous. EIGHTH grade. So I knew how Jakeb was feeling, he is so darn sensitive and sweet. Actually all 3 of them are just in different ways. Either way he was a-ok today and told me when we got to school that he wasn't scared at all. So Yay him!
Once I actually get my software all back on my computers like it should be I will post a few pictures of his first day....and probably Zachary's because by then it will have already occurred.
Zman starts next week and honestly I am ready for him to just to get into a routine and just "get it over with". Gavin is supposed to go to his first day tomorrow but it's highly unlikely that he will being that he barfed an ungodly amount all over my bed in the middle of the night last night. He has been ok so far today but I don't know that I will push it. Stomach viruses at our house t-totally suck because it takes nearly 3 weeks for it to run it's course thru everyone. Not a good time, not at all.

Say huh?

So wow, yesterday was hands down one of the oddest days....I hesitate to say worst because well I don't want to put anyone up to the challenge of proving me wrong. But it was over all a surprisingly craptastic day. Started out with good intentions, hit up the gym for Spin class (yes that makes 2 times this week I am...er was on a roll). Prior to arriving at the gym Zachary began complaining of a stomach ache, I asked him several times how it hurt etc etc. Came to the conclusion that he was probably ok (though I must admit I think I secretly knew he was probably getting sick), tried to tell myself he ate something bad or was just having a funky tummy morning. So dropped him off with his bros in childcare...made it thru Spin. Am doing the weight training thing and in walks a nursery worker...yeah your kid is sick. Lovely. so I run in snag him and apologize over and over, tell them I am sorry I was one of "those mothers". Ran Zman home, grabbed a friends 3 kiddo's, took my other 2 and off to the splash pad we went. Normally I would cancel this outing but Jakeb and his pal were excited and Zachary was ok with going home to Robert. Swing into McD's to grab lunch, am waiting in line and start seeing chasers aka lights in my eyes, ie I am about to get a migraine. Suuuhweeet! No meds available, ran into Walgreen's downed some Excedrin and braved the Sun and the heat with 5 kids for as long as I could with a migraine.
Now I will say that my migraines are not debilitating starting out. In fact they don't get THAT painful, more the nausea combined with the head ache and over all crappy feeling put me in bed to sleep it off most of the time. So I was a trooper and toughed it out as long as I could. Came home to drop the 3 little ones in bed and throw myself onto the couch. Walk in to an oddly HOT house. Robert didn't notice it but it was 80 in here and the a/c was NOT working. Are.you.flipping.kidding.me? We apparently have had MORONs put this unit in because we have had something wrong with it every season. It's 3 years old...not ok. But whatever. Get a guy out asap....manage to only drop $120 to get it fixed, thank god, thank god. Starts cooling off, headache begins to dissipate--thanks to some not so OTC meds. Zachary begins getting sick again :-( Poor boy. I sit down to check my email (and of course Fbook) only to get a crazy pop up saying I have a virus and then my computer shut down on it's own. Now this is my main computer, fortunately I back up things pretty well. But seriously someone must be playing a joke right? Oh but that's not all! Gavin then wakes up with a horrid croupy sounding cough, which he has had before but never sounding so bad. We get him set up with a breathing treatment and he calms down. And we all manage to get to sleep (though Z got sick several times in the night) So yeah...not a good day. And on Robert's end he had a really crappy day with work. Not a good day.
As for Friday...Zachary is still sick, Gavin sounds congested, I am in a slight fog from the "not so OTC meds", but the house is cold and I am in the process of repairing the computer. Currently am on the "spare" upstairs...fingers crossed I pull it off!

Wordless-ish Wednesday

Is this not the sweetest... Gavin and Bailey dog snugglin' after a movie night

Canoeing with Jennifer & Caroline this past Sunday....got rained on but still had a great time with the kiddo's...

Zman at his Golf Clinic last week...


Robert and I a few weeks ago after the Rangers game in TX...


My bff Jen and I and Robert and Jason at the Rangers game...