A Perfect Pandemonium

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T22:40:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

Congratulations!

2010-10-11T14:48:00.003-06:00

Even though he didn't tell me he was nominated, even though he didn't tell me it was down to him and another teacher, and even though I had to find out from someone else, I'm still proud of T.J. for winning Teacher of the Year!

Happy Birthday Cole

2010-08-20T21:27:00.005-06:00

My little man turned TWO today! It's hard to believe he is so big. This is the first time that a child of mine has turned two without there being a new baby in the house already.

It's bittersweet, little guy. It's fun to watch you grow and learn new things, but I sure miss you being a baby. You can now carry on a conversation, you want to do everything on your own, you follow your older siblings around and do what they do, and you want things done your way and if not, we all hear about it! You are extremely sweet and you make us so happy!

Your actual birth day

One year

Two Year

Happy Birthday, Cole. We love you!

Party pics to come soon...

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-19T08:54:00.003-06:00

I know I have lots of summer pictures to post, and I will...I promise. But today was Cody's first day of school. He was such a big boy and didn't even need me to walk him in. I know he went to the same school last year for Pre-k, but I was kind of hoping he still needed me, just a little, this year...he didn't :(

He is growing up way too fast:

First day of Kindergarten

First day of Pre-K

Turner Falls 2010

2010-07-13T20:18:00.012-06:00

Holy cow, Batman...blogger actually let me upload some pictures...

Our annual Turner Falls trip was awesome as usual, but we also got to stay the whole weekend with my sister and her family. We usually only go down for the Turner Falls part, but this time we decided to crash her in-laws reunion! Something we might have to do every year now!

The weather was perfect, the water was pretty, and to say the kids had a blast would be an understatement.

Coley man!

Cody swimming all by himself

Cade became a pro with his floaty ring

Watch out, Aunt Chandler is serious when it comes to her water shooter!

Cole trying to cool himself off

McKinly and Cody floating down the river to the Blue Hole

Aunt Chandler, Coley and Aunt Leslie

McKinly

Cody a little apprehensive about jumping of the diving board

but he did it!!!

Ty flipping off the diving board

After they worked up an appetite at the Blue Hole, we headed back to where the watermelon was...

Cade taking his time eating his piece

Cody enjoyed bigger bites...

Cole was not a shy eater when it came to his watermelon. He did not even come up for a breather...

Sweet Meghan

Is my tongue red?

After Turner Falls, we headed down to Gainsville where the Reunion was held.

McKinly and Ty working on their crafts

Ty sporting a mohawk in the pool

The kids had a blast and loved getting to stay in the hotel. You walked out our door and the pool was right there. Next year my sister wont be able to make the reunion because she'll be in Europe (poor girl), however we're still thinking of crashing the reunion anyway. We can consider ourselves part of their family, right?

Here are some links to past years at Turner Falls. I can't believe how big they are gettting! 2008 and 2007. I have no idea where 2009 is, but I know I have pictures somewhere.

Done

2010-07-13T20:14:00.002-06:00

I am done trying to upload pictures on here. It still is only letting me do one or two at a time. It takes way too long. I am trying to figure something else out. Until then, there are a lot of pictures up on facebook if you're on there. I will try and figure something out as soon as possible.

I hate blogger!

2010-06-21T14:54:00.005-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Blogger. Right now, we're not on the best of terms. It is not letting me upload pictures. I have a whole post typed up and ready to go, but it's not near as entertaining without pictures of my adorable children.

Blogger thinks I have the time to sit here and upload ONE picture at a time. Do you know how many pictures I need to upload right now? ONE at a time is NOT going to cut it.

So until I figure it out, here is a fun picture we took last night at the pool.

More pictures to come. I hope...

Horse Riding Fun

2010-06-04T09:12:00.008-06:00

My boys aren't country boys, there's no surprise there. After this weekend though, I think they want to be!

Cade loved riding the horses. He was a little nervous at first when Uncle Carl put him on the horse behind him...

but once he was on by himself, he enjoyed it a lot more...especially because grandpa was leading the way.

Cade and Mommy riding Buddy

Close up

Cole was deathly afraid of the horses and screamed any time they came near. So, he was happy just hanging out on the porch.

We did have a little scare though. Grandma Kathie got on Buddy to ride him and put Cade on the saddle in front of her. For some reason, the reins were messed up and when Kathie tried to get the horse to turn, he thought she wanted him to back up. She tried to correct him, but the horse got a little more confused. He ended up hitting his let really hard on the BBQ grill that was behind him, which scared him so he bucked up...knocking Grandma Kathie and Cade off the horse. Uncle Carl did an awesome ninja roll toward them in order to knock Buddy out of the way.

It was scary while it was happening, but everyone is alright. Kathie (my step-mom) ended up breaking her finger and had to have surgery yesterday to have some pins put in. Other than that, they are all fine.

We did make Cade get right up on another horse while Uncle Carl calmed Buddy down. It wasn't the horse's fault. It was actually ours (possibly mine since I was the last one off the horse, but let's not spread that around too much).

Cade was a little hesitant but after we assured him Littlebit wouldn't go fast like Buddy, he was fine!

Cade and MaKenna on Littlebit

See?? All better now! We knew if he didn't get right back up, he would be afraid of horses from now on...

After the scare, Grandma Kathie took everyone to Dairy Queen for some ice cream.

Cade enjoyed telling everyone about how he "fell off da horsey because Buddy was jus too fast"

Uncle Claydough had an allergic reaction to the horses. His eyes were all swollen until his Benadryl kicked in.

That night we drove and met my mom for Dinner at Chili's.

Aunt Chandler, Cole, and Chelsi

Cole sportin' some shades

Later that night, Uncle Claydough decided to try on Chelsi's cheer uniform. He claims he was forced...he doesn't look too forced to me!

The next morning, before we left to head back home, Cade made a friend with a furry caterpillar!

Chelsi came back home with us and we will have to take her back...eventually! That just means more fun out in the country! Hopefully not as much drama with the horses this time!

Another Texas Trip

2010-06-01T15:31:00.009-06:00

Since TJ got to go to Chicago with McKinly and Cody, I decided to take Cade and Cole south for the weekend to go stay with my brother out in the country.

Fishing, horses, mud, cousins who drive them around on the Gator...heaven to a little boy! Wait, who am I kidding, I was more excited for all that than they were. What can I say, I'm still 5 at heart!

Oh, and Uncle Claydough, Grandma and Grandpa drove up and and stayed the weekend with us too!

As soon as we got there, Uncle Claydough and Chelsi took Cade fishing! My little man was very excited!

Um, I'm waiting...can we go already?

Fishing...

He's figuring it all out

The fish weren't biting as fast as he wanted them to, so he decided to chill on the dock

I love this picture. I think he was talking to Uncle Claydough about something...

Uncle Claydough and Cade on the Gator about to head back from fishing

Cade and MaKenna

That night, Grandpa got out his guitar and started playing...

So Cade decided he needed to join in as well

Taking a little break from playing to roast his marshmallow for some s'mores

Coley enjoying his S'more

Loungin' with Uncle Carl

Brian showed up with his Pony and Cade fell in love...just your size, buddy!

The best part of the night though was when Aunt Pammie drove up to see us!! Too bad she wouldn't take a picture with any of us :(

Next up...Day Two and our horse riding adventure...

Wedding Weekend

2010-05-28T15:49:00.006-06:00

It's been a long time since I've been on here! We have been busy with the end of school, baseball, Uncle Jon's graduation, Uncle Jon's wedding and TJ and the kids just left on a plane to Chicago about an hour ago.

Last weekend we drove to Houston to watch Uncle Jonathan and the now Aunt Jilli get married!

My niece, Meghan (the flower girl) at the rehearsal

Meghan and Me at the rehearsal

The Fab Four

(Leslie, Chandler, Me, and Jon)

TJ and Me

The kids playing after the wedding

Cole enjoying the reception dinner...or in his case, rock candy

Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Jilli dancing

(sorry so blurry, my mom didn't know how to work my camera)

Cody dancing with Mommy

Cody and Tasha dancing, obviously she has cooler moves than mommy

Holding his sparkler for the bride and groom to run through

We had a very fun weekend, but Cole decided to be a little...how should I put it...BRAT all weekend so it made it a little stressful!

We're headed back down to Texas this weekend since TJ, Cody and McKinly are in Chicago. I'm sure we'll have a ton more pictures to share after that!

you know it's time for a haircut when...

2010-05-05T21:55:00.006-06:00

one moment Cole is sporting the ever so attractive comb over look

and the next he looks like this...

nothing like the "sticking your finger in the light socket" look.

We'll be going for a haircut this weekend.

Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T12:11:00.004-06:00

My boys have always watched Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go. They have actually learned a lot from them. They know their colors, how to count, how to say open and close, etc.

One thing they have NOT learned is what language they're actually speaking...

Cody: "Mama, it's Cinco de Mayo today. The people who celebrate this day speak Dora."

Apparently, I should mention to them that "Dora" is not actually a language...

Jonathan's Graduation

2010-05-03T06:59:00.007-06:00

This weekend was awesome! We got to have tons of family in town and best of all, we got to see Uncle Jonathan graduate college!

Funny story...because let's admit it, when my kids are involved something is bound to happen:

So, we are sitting there in the graduation ceremony and I have tons of snacks with me for the little ones to keep them quiet. I gave Cole some Goldfish to keep him quiet during the prayer. Well, just my luck, when it is silent in the entire auditorium, Cole starts gagging on the handful of Goldfish he shoved in his mouth and starts spitting it up back in my hand! Now, I know they're "the snack the smiles back"...I just didn't know they were "the snack that comes BACK up".

Needless to say, I took Cole out and let him run around the hallway while I poked my head through the door in order to see my little brother walk across the stage!

Did I mention he graduated Cum Laude? Well, he did!!

Three of my brothers with Cade and Cole

Cade and Uncle D

After the ceremony, Cole held the door for everyone to come out

Ok, it was propped open, but don't tell the little guy. He was very proud of himself.

Uncle Jonathan and Grandpa Buck...not sure who is goofier?

Cade needed a picture with his Uncle Jonathan!

Have I mentioned how proud we are of you, Jon??

Congrats Uncle Jonathan

2010-04-26T21:11:00.006-06:00

Uncle Jonathan graduates from college on Friday and starts his new big boy job on Monday!

My little brother has been doing a little "trial run" for an advertising company here in OKC the past few days. He was one of 40 applicants for the job and he just got official word today that they chose him! He is so excited and so are we!!

Uncle Jonathan and (soon-to-be) Aunt Jilli get to stay in Oklahoma!!!

We took them to Sumo (duh!) to celebrate his big boyness!!

We didn't sit on the Hibachi side this time because everyone except the kids wanted Sushi!

However, Cade did try his first bite of sushi tonight

Cole was just happy eating his soup and playing in the little chairs!

All the boys love being there and are always really well behaved when we go!

Plus, they like to ham it up for the camera!

(sorry this picture of Cody is blurry)

We are so happy we get to keep Uncle Jonathan!!

Third Place

2010-04-25T22:11:00.004-06:00

Cody had another t-ball tournament this weekend and they got 3rd Place! Considering there were 12 teams in his age group, I think it's safe to say they did awesome!

It was rough on Saturday. It rained all through their game and Cade had to take cover under the blankets!

But on Sunday, the weather was perfect!

(Cody is the one in the back)

Great job, boys!

The Younger Two

2010-04-22T13:04:00.008-06:00

While the older kids were at school, Cade wanted me to take some pictures.

He is becoming way too grown up! This is the pose he wanted to do, without any help from me!

This is now my favorite picture. I know it looks as though Cole might be getting strangled, but I assure you it was an incredible sweet moment! Cade is not always this lovey dovey to his little brother!

My little brown-eyed boy!

Shhh...don't tell the older kids we were having fun while they were gone! They don't like to hear that!

Chocolate Fountain

2010-04-21T21:01:00.005-06:00

How do you keep three boys, 5 and under, entertained?

You put them in front of a chocolate fountain...that's how!

It was quite a mess, but they were happy...and not fighting...or screaming!

I LOVE THAT CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN!

We may have dentist bills to pay later down the road, but it was worth it! They dipped some fruit in it too...that counts for something, right?

The Best Medicine

2010-04-16T06:32:00.004-06:00

This is what happened all during lunch the other day. The boys could not stop laughing. Every time they looked at each other, they would just start cracking up!

This minute and a half makes up for all the fighting, yelling, screaming, and wrestling that I have to endure on a daily basis...

OK, it doesn't make up for it, but makes it all tolerable!

Ice Cream Man

2010-04-11T20:30:00.008-06:00

Three special little boys got their first visit from the ice cream man this season!

And it's safe to say, they enjoyed it!

I mean, who doesn't enjoy a $3 ice cream that I can buy an entire box of cheaper at the grocery store??

It's worth it to see how excited they get when they hear the truck coming down our street, even if my wallet doesn't think so!

Super Why to the rescue

2010-04-05T20:17:00.010-06:00

He's a Super Hero...

...who has the power to read!

Super Why is Cade's favorite show. The Easter Bunny left him a Super Why cape, mask, and wand thingy (that's the appropriate name for it, right?) in his Easter Basket. Once Cade saw that, he couldn't care less about anything else.

He has worn it ever since.

He is Super Why in his pajamas

watching tv

eating dinner

and every minute in between!

Help!

2010-04-02T08:20:00.002-06:00

Cade has not pooped since last Saturday, and I'm not even 100% sure he did then! It's awful, we have tried everything we know to try. It is now to the point where he just screams. One minute he'll be playing, the next he will be doubled over in pain. It's the worst feeling in the world not knowing what to do to help him.

I called the doctor two days ago and told him all that we had done. Once the enema failed, we were at a loss (I know this might be too much information but I don't know what else to do). He told us to try Magnesium Citrate and give him half the jar.

Not only does it taste disgusting and getting a three year old to drink it is nearly impossible, it didn't work! It did get a tiny bit out, but nothing to come close to a full BM!

My baby is just in horrible pain. It makes me feel worthless as a mother. He ends up in bed with us at night, and at least once an hour, he wakes up screaming.

I have a call into the doctor again, but haven't heard back.

If you're the praying type, please pray something happens...and quick! I don't know how much more pain Cade can take!!

Spring Time = Best snow cones EVER!

2010-03-31T16:33:00.003-06:00

Two days ago, I got the best news! Our snow cone place is now open for the season!!!

What's more exciting than that??

NOTHING!!

Well, maybe my birthday...which is in 3 days, by the way!!

The kids are just as excited about the snow cones as I am! Maybe not as excited, but pretty close...

we are constantly getting asked if these two are twins...nope, just the same size!

Laney, Jake, and Cody

Cole and his snow cone dripping down his face. It's a good thing I get him the clear kind...

When I was taking a picture of him, he walked right up to the camera before it went off. Hello close up!

Flat Stanley's Spring Break trip

2010-03-30T18:57:00.005-06:00

Flat Stanley went to New York City over Spring Break.

Here is the note he sent to Cody:

Dear Cody,

I had so much fun in New York City! I got to ride in a cab, on a subway, and did LOTS of walking around the city. I stayed in a hotel in Times Square, and I got to see some really cool things while I was there. Pam took me to FAO Schwarz to play, Central Park, to the Statue of Liberty, and the top of the Empire State Building! She even let me take my picture with a Statue of Liberty street performer. My favorite part of the trip was going to a restaurant called Serendipity to have some Frozen Hot Chocolate. Thanks so much for letting me visit such a cool city! I can't wait for my trip to Disney World!

Love,

Flat Stanley

Along with the pictures from his adventures...

On the subway

At Central Park

Playing at FAO Schwarz

Statue of Liberty Green M&M!

At Serendipity for some frozen hot chocolate

Flat Stanley with the Statue of Liberty

What's cooler than getting your picture taken with a street performer?

Thanks Aunt Pammie, Cody said Stanley had a great time and that he can't wait to go to Disney World with you this month!

More of Stanley's adventures in other places to come!

If you're feeling left out and would like to take Stanley some place cool, just let me know. Cody is all about coloring him to fit where he is going to visit!

T-ball Tournament

2010-03-29T06:26:00.005-06:00

I know it's been a few days, but we've been very busy. Cody had his first t-ball tournament this weekend, so I haven't been around the computer much.

The boys did great for it being their first time. We played four games total and by the fourth game, the boys were done. It was late, they were tired, and they're only five. By the last game, they were running around like crazy. It's like they completely forgot what to do.

Needless to say, the parents were not so upset that they lost. I don't think the boys would have lasted for a 5th game.

Because they use a real baseball in the tournaments, instead of the softer baseballs like in their league games, the pitcher has as to wear a helmet. Cody could barely see when the ball was coming at him!

Word of advice, don't call his name in the middle of the game to look at the camera. He missed the ball on this one...oops

Cody playing catcher.

I took the picture fast so the camera focused on the fence, but you get the idea.

Cade before heading to the ball fields for the second day

They all had fun and that's all that matters.

When the _____ hits the fan

2010-03-23T09:25:00.005-06:00

Lately, that's the only place it hasn't hit! I have had my fair share of "dirtiness" the past few weeks. If I never had to clean up "dirty" again, I would be the happiest person alive.

I have no idea what has gotten into my children. The three year old refuses to go on the potty and the one year old's diapers are not staying together. It is ridiculous!

Last week I went to change Cole and realized one of the tabs broke off his diaper. When I went to clean him up, I realized the "dirty" was no longer in his diaper. I had a little bit of hope that maybe, possibly, there wasn't really any in there to begin with. That hope diminished when I saw the smear down his leg where it obviously rolled out.

I searched this house for an hour and could not find it. I couldn't smell it either (which is a shocker coming from that child). I gave up and thought maybe the dog got to it.

Fast forward a week and a half.

I was putting up clothes in my room and noticed a tiny smear mark on my window seat. I thought it was mud at first, but then realized I'm in Oklahoma...that smear mark wasn't red and therefore could not have been mud! Nasty.

I started looking around and guess what I found under my bed?? Yep, the hidden treasure. No idea how that one was not found but it was under TJ's side of the bed and he is oblivious to everything!

Seriously though, the dog doesn't even have accidents in the house!! To make matters worse, that same day, I noticed Connor (one of the kids I watch) had something stuck to the bottom of his foot. Definitely not red mud either! Are you kidding me?

I'm a clean person, I truly am. My boys are clean kids. So why is this happening to me? I have scrubbed this whole house and have not found any more "dirty" and I pray we are done with it.

Oh, I promise it's not like this all the time. Anyone is more than welcome to come stay at my house...just watch where you step!

From sunny to snowy...

2010-03-22T20:18:00.008-06:00

Three days after our beautiful, St. Patrick's Day weather, our snow storm hit. Hey, it mixed things up a bit and the kids had something new to do...

We went from Meghan wearing her bathing suit top around the house acting like a kitty

to the kids bundled up in their winter gear once again.

What is up with that?

They sure are cute in their little hats and coats though, I'll give them that!

Cody

Cole

Even Aunt Chandler looked cute

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-22T16:37:00.010-06:00

I woke up Wednesday morning and, being the awesome mom and aunt that I am (no one said that? Oh, it must just be me), I made green eggs, biscuits with green gravy, and green milk for the kiddos.

Now, doesn't that look delicious!?!

Well, the kids thought so at least...

We went downtown for St. Patty's Day. Since we went at noon, not much was happening, but the kids had a great time dancing and running around and the green beer tastes just as good at noon as it does at night.

I'm green, are you?

Cole and our little friend Connor in our green wagon

(we're not nearly that festive, it was just a coincidence)

What a handsome guy

Um, something's a little wrong with this picture...

Cole, Shelby, Meghan, and Darby

Cade showing off his dancing skills.

That's a mighty big turkey leg for such a little girl!

Meghan chowing down on her turkey leg

The girls with their shamrock headbands

Meghan, Chandler, Shelby, and McKinly

All that dancing sure wore Cade out. The dirty ground looked like a good spot for a cat nap I guess!

The older girls babysat the little kids that night and Leslie, TJ and I went out with some friends. Let's just say TJ does not do the best Frank Sinatra when singing karaoke...

Spring Break Snow Storm

2010-03-20T20:57:00.009-06:00

We had an unexpected snow storm hit us yesterday. Luckily it was at the end of spring break and luckily (for me) my family got snowed in so they couldn't travel back to Texas.

Chandler and I made the best of what we had and went and played in the snow.

Who says we have to act like grown ups, right?

Chandler making her snowball.

Yes, she is totally wearing my letter jacket. We didn't know it was going to snow, so she came a little unprepared and found my letter jacket in the closet, so of course that's the one she chose to wear...

Chandler and Me in the snow

Chandler was really excited to make a snow angel

Her angel!

Hey, she's from Houston...they don't get much snow down there!

Chandler and I throwing snowballs at the house. We thought it was funny because it looked like spitwads all over the brick. Like I said, who needs to act like grown ups?

our spitwads...

Aunt Chandler and Cody

Mommy and Cody

Unfortunately, the roads were cleaned up enough for them to leave today :( I sure miss my family!

I'm finally able to upload pictures, but only one at a time. It's taking a very long time but I promise to get the other posts finished...eventually.

Spring Break

2010-03-20T00:36:00.002-06:00

I know I have not posted in about a week but that's because blogger isn't letting me upload pictures. My family has been in town this week and so I have tons of pictures to post but it's taking too long to upload my photos.

Oh, and we're getting about a foot of snow tomorrow. It was 70 here yesterday and it's in the thirties here tonight. Awesome!

Our Future President

2010-03-11T19:14:00.003-06:00

I think I have mentioned before that Cody is really into his presidents. Ever since they talked about them at school the week of President's Day, Cody has wanted to learn more about them.

This has been hanging on the wall at school. It just came home today in his folder.

His teacher said all the other ones were about things for themselves (If I were president, I would make sure I had a lot of toys, etc.).

My son's was about making everyone else happy!

That's my boy!

Here's to our future president! The first president everyone is going to like because his mama wont put up with anyone talking bad about him!

A Project for you!

2010-03-09T10:35:00.005-06:00

OK, here's the deal. A few months back on a rainy day, Cody's teacher started reading them Flat Stanley. He's only in Pre-K, but they were learning about transportation and she thought it would be fun just to read it to them.

With Cody, you can't just read him something without a million questions to follow. Cody was very into the book so we checked it out at the library and are now on the second one.

I am a little Flat Stanleyed out, but Cody is no where close. He loves the books! What he really loves though, is seeing where Flat Stanley has gone!

See where I'm going with this?

We e-mailed a Flat Stanley that Cody colored to Tasha who lives in China. She was going on some trips and we thought she needed some company.

So far, Stanley has been to Cambodia, Thailand, The Great Wall of China (actually he didn't go but Cody wanted to know if Stanley was there, so we told him he was in her backpack...what can I say, I'm a liar!), Australia, and New Zealand.

Stanley also got to go swimming with marine life since Tasha and Curt were smart enough to laminate him and take him diving with them!

aren't these pictures the coolest?

Well Cody thinks so and he keeps asking where else can Stanley go! So, everyone gets to help out!

Please?

All you have to do is send me your e-mail address or address so I can e-mail or mail you a Stanley. You don't have to take him any place special, but it would be cool if you would. It doesn't matter if someone in your state is already taking pictures, the more pictures the better!!! It can be just a picture of Stanley with your kids or a pet if you want or someone famous...that would be cool. We just need to know what City and State the picture was taken.

I am going to make a book out of this when we're through. There is not a time frame so if you're traveling in the next few months and want to take him along, just let me know and we'll be waiting for pictures.

Cody wants to see how many places his Stanley can go. He is super excited and can't wait to start getting pictures back. You just have to e-mail me the pictures and I'll upload them to make the book!

So, who's with me? Anyone is ~~welcome~~ encouraged to participate! Please, would you really say no to this cute, little face?

Plus, we'll repay the favor...we're cool like that!

I will be posting pictures as they come in. Let's all help Cody get the most Stanley pictures EVER!

My e-mail address is ashleyhord@hotmail.com. Let me know where to send it!

If you have a blog, send a link over here or re-post this to help get more photos of Stanley. If you want to forward an e-mail about it, that's cool too. Cody just wants pictures of Stanley "Everywhere in the World!"

Oh and Katy, Cody colored a new one for you because he said Stanley's ninja outfit was too hot for California. He wanted him in some shorts! I need to know if you want me to e-mail it to you or mail him to you.

Ready. Set. Go!

Sickies

2010-03-08T10:38:00.006-06:00

We've been sick and it sucks!

And by "we" I mean TJ and me. The kids have been bouncing off the walls. What else would you do if your parents were too tired to chase you around and tell you what to do?

TJ's only lasted a few days and he had a lot more energy than I did, but that's not saying much. A snail had a lot more energy than I did...and could probably move faster too.

Even though I was out of it, the fun didn't stop.

Friday night my dad, step-mom and little brother came to town. They were coming to see a show my other little brother was doing in College. Since he graduates in April, this is the last year they could come. We had an awesome visit even though I had to leave the room every time they started cooking. The smell of food did not go over well with me.

No, I am NOT pregnant. I promise...I think! ;)

On Saturday night I started feeling better and was able to show Claydough I was still strong enough to play "airplane" with him. We'll see if he ever doubts me again. But for some reason, he wouldn't let me have a turn...

The boys and McKinly love when Uncle Claydough is here!

We just hate when he has to leave :(

Here we are on Monday and I'm still feeling crummy. The boys are wild as ever because it's raining and they're stuck inside. Already today Cade has gotten stuck on top of Cody's dresser (I have no idea how he got up there) and Cole has broken Cody's piggy bank all over the kitchen floor! Sometimes I wish I could call in sick to work...

Birthday Weekend Night Two

2010-03-04T10:09:00.005-06:00

Sorry for the birthday post delays, it's been crazy up in here the last few days!

OK, on to more birthday fun...

On Saturday night we took the boys and some of their friends to a local Pizza place. The boys like being able to play with pizza dough while we wait for our pizza.

Cody and Cade before we left

Cole loves his Mr. Regan!

The boy did not want his picture taken. Took the whole "it's my party I can cry if I want to" to a whole new level...

Cody making a dough beard

Brady

Cody and Tristin trying to look tough...I think.

Ty and Jake. I have no idea what they're doing.

McKinly and Jake. Not sure what they're doing either...

Ty and Laney

I'm thinking the bigger kids had more fun than the little ones...

The whole group at our house for cake and ice cream

The boys had a great birthday weekend. We didn't do much on Sunday for Cody's real birthday but if you ask him if he had a good birthday, he would say, "it's the bestest birthday ever!!"

That's what I like to hear...

Abraham Lincoln is the bomb!

2010-03-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

Cody: "Mommy, Abraham Lincoln is the bomb dot com"

Me: "why do you say that?"

Cody: "well he was the sixteemth president, so he was the first president who got to drive!"

Oh where do I even start with this?

"sixteemth" was not misspelled. For some reason the boy says "teem" instead of "teen". Maybe I should start with his speech and then move on to explain just because he was the 16th president, doesn't mean he was 16 years old. And then maybe I'll add the part about a horse and buggy. Baby steps on this explanation I believe will work best...

Good Days outweigh the Bad

2010-03-01T18:43:00.002-06:00

Most days I struggle to find time for myself, even having to hide from my boys just to get through the day. I don't hide from them because I don't love them or want to be around them, I hide from them just to give me a few minutes to myself. It's better for them. Trust me!

Then there are the days that make all the craziness worth it. The days the boys are sweet and cuddly, and their favorite person in the world is their mommy.

The days they absolutely adore each other

The days they keep the fighting to a minimal and there is more laughing than there is crying

The days where all three of them can take a bath together without splashing each other in the face (on purpose) or screaming because there isn't enough room

The days I sit back and realize it's all worth it!

It's days like these, that outweigh all the bad ones! And every once in a while, we all need these days to remind us of this!

...because then morning comes and they are back to fighting and competing against one another for something. They will lose it if I don't get to them fast enough when they're calling me. And while I'm running around like a mad woman, I'll remember these rare days of love between the three of them and I'll look forward to the next time I get one of those days.

I will be praying it comes sooner than later.

Birthday Weekend Night One

2010-02-28T21:01:00.007-06:00

Tired doesn't even describe how I'm feeling right now. We have had a very fun, but eventful weekend!

Friday (Cade's birthday) we ventured out to another Thunder basketball game. One of TJ's students gave us his season tickets for the night and the seats were awesome.

Like 4th row behind the visiting players awesome!

Cade wore his birthday crown the whole night and everyone kept coming up to him and wishing him a happy birthday.

Cody had so much fun!

During the slow times, the boys played their video games just to mix things up a bit.

After the game, Cade got the royal treatment and was carried out king style...on Daddy's shoulders, cotton candy in one hand, and his McDonald's foam french fry in the other!

I think they had an awesome first night of their birthday weekend!

When you and your brother have birthdays only two days apart, you get to make a whole weekend out of it!

Look Who's...

2010-02-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

FIVE!!

I cannot believe you are already FIVE years old!! Am I really old enough to have a FIVE year old? Don't answer that...

You are growing up to be such a great little man. You are exactly like your sister. She even calls you her little twin. You are smart, you put others before yourself, and you are happy when you're making someone else happy! I am so proud of you, Cody! I hope you have the best 5th birthday ever!

Eyes on me!

2010-02-26T23:06:00.003-06:00

Cade got to take a birthday picture with one of the Thunder Girls tonight at the game. He also decided to give himself a little birthday peek at the goods.

Come on, Cade. At least wait till mommy isn't looking before you sneak a peek at the boobage area...

Like father, like son. At least one of them had the decency to try and hide it...

Look Who's...

2010-02-26T00:07:00.003-06:00

THREE!!

I could not picture my life without you little man! Not a day goes by that I don't thank God you are a part of our family! Your witty sense of humor brings a smile to our faces everyday. You are wise beyond your years. We love you, Cade.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Little Caesars Commercial

2010-02-25T12:47:00.002-06:00

Cody is constantly walking around reciting commercials. Sometimes, even lines from TV shows.

His favorite is the Little Caesars commercial where they're in the courtroom. He does it all the time, complete with hand motions and all. This video does not even do it justice, he's a little camera shy. He cracks me up though...

911, What's your Emergency?

2010-02-24T22:29:00.005-06:00

Cole dialed 911 on my cell phone. I have no idea how he did this...he's only a year old! I took off the one touch calling option for 911 for this very reason. The only way he could have called it was by actually dialing 9-1-1 and then pressing the "talk" button.

I discovered it only because I heard this loud, annoying beeping coming from my phone. When I picked it up, it was flashing "emergency". When I went to the outgoing call list, it listed 911 as the last outgoing call.

I didn't know what to do. Do I call them back and say, "just kidding" or do I wait for them to show up? Then I started thinking, don't they usually call you right back if you hang up on them?

No one was calling me back.

Hmmm...

So, I looked up the dispatch number and called to tell them it was an accident only to find out, they never got a call from me.

What? I saw the outgoing call, I heard the awful beeping sound, I know my phone dialed 911. Maybe Cole hung up before the dispatch office received the call, but not before my phone realized it was an "emergency"?

All I know is Cole will no longer be allowed to play with my phone and that does not make him happy...

He has a point...but I can't let him know that!

2010-02-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

This morning, Cole was sitting on the little plasma car in his room. Since Cole was sitting on it, Cade decided he needed to ride it right then! He tried yanking Cole off of it and that's when I decided I needed to step in...

Me: "Cade, I don't ever want to see you do that to your brother again. You could hurt him and it's not nice. Do you understand me?"

Cade: "Yes Ma'am. Mommy, I want you get out of dis room."

Me: "Um, OK...Why?"

Cade: "if you not in here, you can't see me pull Coley off."

Like I said, he has a point but I'm not about to let him know that!

Cody's Thunder Gear

2010-02-24T14:00:00.000-06:00

Cody had so much fun at the Thunder game last night. He could not stop talking about it this morning. He even ate his breakfast while bouncing his new basketball...on my kitchen floor!

Toast in one hand, basketball in the other.

Daddy also bought Cody a Thunder shirt that he just had to wear to school today. I tried to convince him to wait till Friday since we're going to another Thunder game, but the kid wouldn't budge. He was determined to wear it today. He told me, "you can just get me another one". Oh right, obviously he doesn't know how hard it was to actually find him one in his size!

Hopefully I can get it off of him long enough for me to wash it!

I think it's safe to say, Cody enjoyed his birthday present!

Hopefully on Friday I will get some pictures of Cade and Cody at the game. TJ took the camera last night, but the pictures didn't turn out all that well.

Cade's Letters

2010-02-23T21:47:00.003-06:00

When the older kids come home from school, they have to sit at the table and do their homework (I know, I'm an evil, evil person). Cade has always felt a little left out and a little sad he doesn't have any homework to do with them. So, taking this opportunity to teach him something, I picked up some ABC flash cards. It helps that they're Super Why flash cards...his favorite!

He loves getting to do homework with the older kids and I love he knows almost all his letters (he still gets confused at times with C,D,E,V because they sound the same and sometimes he mixes up K and X).

Once we have upper case down pat, we will flip them over and work on lower case.

You go little man!

Oh, and since I rigged the video camera, I didn't realize you can't see the flash cards but you can see the letters when I put them in the pile. You're jealous of my videography skills, I'm sure!

Love/Hate Relationship

2010-02-23T19:15:00.007-06:00

Cody and Cade are the worst when it comes to fighting. It literally drives me insane. They can't go a single minute without purposefully making the other mad. It's crazy, annoying, and very painful to listen to.

I'm not going to sugar coat their behavior and pretend they're all perfect angels to each other. That would be lying and my grandpa always told me "you can go to hell for lying the same as you can for stealing".

Plus, that would be a whole lot of lying and I don't think God is down with that!

But if you separate them, they can't stand it. It hurts them to be away from each other. Cody went to the Thunder game the other night with TJ, and after they had been gone for about an hour, Cade came in the room asking where Cody was. When I told him he wouldn't be home until later, he started to cry. He said, "but I just want my Cody back. Please, bwing Cody back home".

Even though my little man was sad, it made me happy. Not happy he was crying, but happy he missed his brother so much. Every time they fight I wonder what I'm doing wrong. But after tonight, I realize I'm doing something right. They love each other and that means I'm raising them exactly how I should be.

This is a picture from last year...I want to be wearing shorts!

Cody is going to a Thunder game!

2010-02-23T13:57:00.004-06:00

Cody was beyond excited when I told him we found some tickets to the game. The OKC Thunder basketball team is our only pro sports team in Oklahoma. Cody's basketball number is 35, just like Kevin Durant, and he wants to change his baseball number to 35 as well.

This is all Cody wanted for his birthday. I had asked a friend if she could get tickets through her work and she definitely came through for us. The tickets are awesome!

When I told Cody she got tickets for us, he ran up to her and gave her a huge hug. He was so excited and would not put the tickets down. He kept telling me to "be careful, Mommy. Don't mess with them, you might bend one."

Someone is a little over protective of his tickets!

I am not able to go to the game tonight because I'm not sure Cole would sit though the entire thing. TJ and Cody are taking Shawn and Laney with them. I think Cody will have more fun with a friend around.

Have I mentioned how excited Cody is for tonight?

Chuck E. Cheese

2010-02-22T23:18:00.005-06:00

I must be insane, or a really awesome mom, because after Cody's basketball game, I didn't feel like taking all the kids home and just sitting around the house, so I took them to Chuck E. Cheese.

It was rainy, we were bored, so that's what we did.

TJ supposedly had to tutor some kids in Chemistry at the library, so he was "unable" to come with us. I bet he was crushed!

All Cade wanted to do was "drive da car". That would have been fine if I didn't have to press the accelerator the whole time while trying to keep Cole from running off. I don't know why I'm complaining, this is how I have to drive on a daily basis with a car full of kids. Minus the two year old driver, of course.

However, we played this game over and over and over again...

McKinly is always a huge help, and thank God she loves to help with her brothers. Without her, I don't know if I could take the kids to all the places I take them.

Cole and Cade playing a game that didn't involve driving...this was short lived.

McKinly and Laney with their ticket winnings.

Surprise, Surprise...Cade got candy with his tickets!

"WHAT?? We're leaving?"

Ty, Cody, and Ty's friend, Jake were running around somewhere. They were not about to let me stop them from playing in order to take a picture! Boys!

Show me your muscles

2010-02-22T16:00:00.000-06:00

"This is thunder and this is lightening, don't get caught between the storm!"

This boy is ripped!

Rainy Weekend Fun

2010-02-21T19:50:00.007-06:00

We had a pretty wet weekend. I love the rain, but not when we have all five kids...and their friends.

So, what did we do??

We did paper mache!

McKinly asked me last week if I would do this with her since she had just made a paper mache monkey at school. This weekend was a perfect weekend for it.

Saturday Cody had a basketball game then I took all the kids to Chuck E. Cheese (that post coming soon) and when we got back, we got to work...

McKinly and Cade covering their balloons

Cody working on his.

Hey look, it's Ty!! He is usually too busy running around to be in a picture, but I finally got one of him!

One of the penguins so far...

How do you keep a one year old from getting into all the paper mache stuff?? You sit him at the table and give him a ding dong, that's how!

McKinly with her turtle before any of the details

Her finished turtle. We decided to put shamrocks on it's back for St. Patrick's Day. They can come off so she can put different things on for each holiday. Notice my awesome Hibiscus flower.

The face.

The head is a little big but she's still cute.

Cade helping put the construction paper on one of the penguins

Our finished boy penguin.

Our finished girl penguin

McKinly, who did most of the work, with all three of her projects

All three finished projects

It took McKinly and I all Saturday night and all day Sunday to finish, but we had a great time. McKinly is hoping to make more when my family is in town for Spring Break!

More Gluten (well less actually)

2010-02-19T21:41:00.003-06:00

Since Cade is having stomach issues again, we're back to lowering the amount of gluten we give him. A little less than a year ago, he tested negative for Celiac Disease but his GI doctor thought he still had a "sensitivity" to it. When we went completely gluten free for an entire month, Cade gained weight and his stomach issues became a little more manageable.

However, after another gluten free month, Cade lost weight again and his stomach issues were back. We slowly introduced gluten products again because we felt there was no need to be completely gluten free.

The last few months things have started to go downhill. Cade's stomach issues are even worse and that does not help with his potty training. He is 100% "pee pee" potty trained, but since he has major problems with BM's, we're no where near being completely potty trained. I can't blame him though, in order for him to go to the restroom, he has to pull his knees completely up to his chin in order to get anything out. Not such an easy task when you're not supposed to go in your underwear.

I'm not trying to gross anyone out, just trying to give some background information to our situation. The thing is, I think we're going to have to go back to being gluten free (for Cade, at least, anyway). Too many things are not working for him. Being gluten free was a challenge, financially. It is not the cheapest lifestyle ($6 for a loaf of bread...are you kidding me?) but it is manageable.

I have had people give me recipes and different ideas in the past on things that work well for kids, but I'm needing some more help. I watch kids for a living and I can't afford for everyone to be gluten free. How do I tell Cade he can't have certain foods? How will he feel about the other kids getting foods he can't have? How do you explain to a three year old why he can't have cake on his birthday (there are gluten free cake mixes, I know, but this sentence just flowed well with the rest so I kept it).

If you have any information, please let me know. The way I see it, this can't hurt him. If I had the willpower, I might even try a gluten free diet.

The Wicked Witch

2010-02-19T14:01:00.005-06:00

I have a new title to my name. I guess "mom" just doesn't cut it anymore.

A few days ago, I got a zit on my cheek. It is definitely not the first zit I have ever had but it is, by far, one of the biggest and most painful. I even had to cover it up with a band-aid so I would stop messing with it. The more oils I put on it, the worse it got.

While I understand this is probably too much information, it is necessary in order to understand the humiliation I went though when I dropped the kids off at school the other day.

I pulled up in the parent drop off line and while the kids were getting out, one of teachers came to say hi to Jake, one of Ty's friends who I take to school. She asked him who I was and being the little jokester he is said, "oh, she's our taxi driver". Now, had that statement been the only one made, I would have laughed and moved on with my life. However, my very ~~obnoxious~~ charming son said, "She's not a taxi driver, she's the wicked witch. She even has the ugly wart and all!"

Like I said...pure humiliation!

Five is not looking like an age this one will live to see...

Read to the doggies

2010-02-17T14:02:00.005-06:00

Twice a month, our public library has a night where a group of people bring in their trained dogs. Kids come in and are allowed to read to one or all of the dogs. This is a chance for kids to read to someone who will just sit there and listen to them. They don't care if they mis-pronounce a word or how long it takes them to figure out what the word says. It's very helpful and fun for the kids.

It is a great help to me, as well. I love listening to Cody read and I am very happy and proud he reads so well, but there are times when I just want to give in and tell him the word he's trying to sound out. There are just some days I can't handle it (I'm a horrible person, I know, but we've all been there I'm sure).

This past Tuesday, Cody got to read to Champ. He was the sweetest dog and just sat there and listened the entire time. At the end, he even bowed for Cody when he finished!

Cody reading to Cade and Champ

Cody and Champ

The boys love the library. It is a fight to get them out of it! I usually have to bribe them in order to leave without making it a huge ordeal. I guess that's much better than a fight to get them to go to the library!

Cody helping Cade on the computer

Cody and Cade love the statue in front of the library for some reason

We'll be back in two more weeks to read to another set of dogs. Until then, Cody will just have to settle for reading to me...

My Dad

2010-02-17T09:16:00.006-06:00

Many of you know my dad. You know he's a fun, loving guy who would do anything for you. He's always cracking jokes and making you laugh. Half the time I roll my eyes at his jokes, but I love his sense of humor and I have never wanted him to change.

But sometimes change is good. Sometimes change is necessary in the overall scheme of things. My dad is a heavier man. This never bothered me before. He is my dad and I love him. But it has bothered him...physically. The added stress it has put on his body is not something he has enjoyed. He has tried all kinds of diets and some of them have worked. However, the weight has always found its way back.

He's a southern man who enjoys southern food. He makes the best ribs and brisket ever! Like the fall off the bone type ribs. I don't really even like ribs but I will eat them up if my dad makes them! Delicious doesn't even cover it! My parents always have a ton of people over and when my dad bar-b-ques, he doesn't use your standard grill...he uses BIG BERTHA!

My point is, the man can cook and if you cook, you're going to eat! So, diets don't really work for him.

It finally hit him one day. He needed to lose weight if he wanted to live a long life. His exact words were "I've never seen a fat, old man!" It was with this realization that he decided to have the lap-band surgery. After he made this decision, there was no turning back. He knows it will be a very long process and his way of life will have to change but he's up for the challenge. He wants to see his grandkids grow up and be able to play catch with my little brother (who is 12) for years to come. I think all of that outweighs the hardship he will have to go through for the first few months.

On Monday, my dad had the surgery. Everything went great and he's doing well. He's still in a lot of pain but he's getting through it. He is only on a liquid diet for now but eventually he'll get to eat. I hear he'll have to endure some pretty serious hunger pains though.

We're all very proud of you, Dad! TJ can't wait to buy you your first pair of "cool" jeans! :)

Valentine Cookie

2010-02-15T20:45:00.004-06:00

The Friday before Valentine's Day, one of the parents brought over cookies for all the little kids to have at lunch. These were not just any cookies though, they were evil...the devil of all cookies. The ones covered completely in messy, dark icing! Not a great combination with a two year old and three one year olds!

Since it was just a one day thing, I went ahead and let them have at it after lunch. I'm all about them having fun for any holiday so what's a little icing, right?

This is what happens with a little icing...

Don't worry, paybacks are hell!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T17:18:00.007-06:00

I love every holiday. It's not a secret, so it's no surprise I like to celebrate this holiday with the kids as well. My husband, however, does not enjoy this holiday. I convinced him to at least bring his daughter flowers. He gave me a look of disapproval but after I assured him it wouldn't cost $40, he manned up and brought her some. I knew I wasn't getting any flowers but I at least thought she is too young to know her father's hatred for the holidays.

We don't need Cupid to bring us love around here, we have plenty of it, so we have the Valentine Armadillo who brings us presents (something my mom started years ago). It's a fun little tradition we have and the boys love it.

The loot before the boys attacked it.

The boys ran to the table as soon as they woke up to see what the Armadillo brought them.

Cole tried to eat the chocolate with the wrapper still on.

For breakfast, the boys ate heart shaped donuts

My three special Valentines

(the boys each had a Zhu Zhu Pet in their mail boxes this morning and they have played with them all day long! They are in the girl section at the store but they're not too girly. They have boy ones too)

If the heart shaped donuts were not enough, we had a heart shaped pizza for lunch!

TJ liked the "broken heart"

As soon as the little ones went down for a nap, Cody and I started making our dessert for after dinner. We were making conversation heart Rice Krispie Treats.

First, we had to melt the marshmallows.

Then we added the food coloring (we had to make three different batches for three different colors).

The final product before the words were put on

And here are a few with words...

Next up, St. Patricks Day! I already bought the boys some apparel they get to wear and we will have family in town to make it that much better!!

Haunted Sucker

2010-02-10T09:22:00.008-06:00

We're being haunted by a sucker! I'm not exaggerating, I was 99.9% sure a sucker was out to get us.

A pink one, if you really must know.

Last night, Cole was eating a sucker. He was playing with it more than anything and causing everything in his path to get sticky.

So, being the awesome mother I am, I took it away from him and threw it away. Of course this led to the pure delight of an uncontrollable, screaming one year old.

After a few minutes, he calmed down and was back to his happy self. Only it wasn't because I let him scream it out and eventually he gained control of himself again. No, it was because he had that pink sucker back in his mouth!

Holy sucker, batman!

Now, you're all thinking....duh, he just got the sucker out of the trash! Well, I'm here to tell you, unless he climbed inside the trash can to get the said sucker, there was no way he could have reached it.

But sure enough, when I checked the trash, the sucker was gone!

Baby Houdini or a haunted sucker?

We know I'm not one for letting my kids pull a fast one on me, so I took the sucker away from him, yet again, and cleaned him up. This time, I put the sucker in a plastic bag and threw it away in the bathroom trash can under an empty shampoo bottle.

Twenty minutes later, Cole had the sucker in his mouth again!

What the...???

This was getting ridiculous!

My baby is smart, but not that smart! He didn't see me go in the bathroom or put the sucker in a plastic bag! So, how was this sucker in his mouth again??

Round three...I took the sucker away from him but this time, I put the sucker in an empty juice bottle, on the counter, far out of his sight and reach (I was going to just go throw it in the outside trash but it's freakin' cold and it was just going to have to wait).

Ten minutes later the juice bottle is open, empty, and lying on the kitchen floor!

I.dont.think.so!!!!

I will NOT be outsmarted by a one year old!

The sucker was taken away again, but this time I just put it on the counter in plain sight. Obviously it's pointless to try to hide it and I wanted to see the haunted sucker in action.

Sure enough, within ten minutes the sucker was removed from the counter and placed in Cole's hands.

I wasn't outsmarted by my one year old or the sucker...I was outsmarted by my two year old!

I had not noticed him watching me when I threw the sucker away or put it on the counter. I thought he was in the other room playing. He waited until I was busy doing something else and snuck the sucker back to Cole. He doesn't like hearing his brother cry (unless he's the reason for the crying). Cade is a little guy and would not have been able to reach the sucker either except he is smarter and carried a stool around to help in his little mission.

He was also smart enough to hide the stool when he was done! Either that or I taught him well when it comes to putting things back when he's done with them. I'm thinking the hiding of it is a stronger probability!

From now on, when I snatch a sucker out of a very upset one year old's hands, I'll be making sure no two year olds are lurking behind the walls.

If they're covering for each other now, I'm in BIG trouble later!

What Cade didn't expect was Cole turning on him and trying to steal his sucker out from under him. So much for brotherly love...

*I do realize my pictures are blurry and that's because my camera sucks. I am saving up money to buy me a new one! I can't stand not having good pictures!*

Brown eyed boy

2010-02-09T10:22:00.000-06:00

My favorite color is blue and I have always wanted kids with blue eyes. Especially brown hair and blue eyes. I didn't think it would be possible since I have brown eyes. Brown is dominant and I figured there was no way, with my strong brown gene, that I could produce not just one, but two boys with blue eyes. I'm not a biology wiz or anything ~~you know, since I had to take the class twice in college before I finally got a C,~~ but I obviously carry the blue gene as well.

When Cole was born, his eyes started changing blue just like the older two. I was sure he would have blue eyes as well. I even have a picture of him at 4 months old with pretty blue eyes.

Shortly after that, his eyes took a turn in a different direction. They started to get darker. Before long, I became the mommy of a brown eyed boy.

Very pretty brown eyes.

But they're not just brown, they have a little green in them as well.

The older he gets, the more green they become

I always wanted kids with blue eyes but that was before I realized how pretty brown could really be.

I am excited that not only will I get my brown hair/blue eye combo with Cody and Cade, but I'll also get my little brown eyed boy. Probably the only thing any of them get from me. :)

This is the life

2010-02-09T07:44:00.001-06:00

I was trying to get Cody ready for school this morning. He's not such a morning person, so getting him out of bed can be a challenge on some mornings. This morning was one of those days. I finally had to threaten him. Either he got out of bed, or he didn't get to go to school. (I, for one, would have chosen to stay in bed but Cody loves school and hates the weekends when he doesn't have it! Weirdo!)

I got him dressed and I was in the middle of putting his shoes on when he laid down on his back, with his hands behind his head and said, "this is the life!"

Well, I guess for him it is! I bet it's nice having someone dress you while you lie comfortably on the floor not doing a thing!

Guess who will be dressing himself tomorrow??

At least he can cook his own breakfast...

Still a little worried...

2010-02-07T03:17:00.000-06:00

Cade will be turning three in just 19 days. I should be excited and planning all the fun stuff for the boys (Cody's birthday is just two days after). This year, I'm kind of nervous. Not because he's getting older, but because he's still not growing.

He's almost three and he's still wearing size 18-24 month clothes and a size 5 or 6 shoe (depending on the brand). He can fit in the same clothes he wore last year! Now, he has grown a little, but not like he should. He still only weighs 24 pounds. We will go back to the doctor for his 3 year check up and find out exactly where he stands. Three months ago he was still not on the charts but had made a little progress so they wanted to wait and see him again on his birthday.

We have taken him to specialists and no one seems to be able to find anything wrong. We have changed his diet because one doctor said he seemed to have a problem with Gluten but after months of not seeing a difference, we were able to introduce some of those foods back.

The doctors keep saying maybe he's just a "little guy". That's fine if that's the case but he has stomach issues as well that we can't seem to find a cure for either. I'm not a doctor, but I'm thinking the two are related...just a hunch.

If he is just a "little guy" then great, so be it. However, if there is something wrong, I would like to find out sooner than later. TJ tells me not to worry about it. Cade's smart, seems healthy, is active, etc. I just can't stop thinking about it though. Cade is almost three and his 18 month old brother can wear the same size clothes and is only one shoe size smaller. At Cole's doctor appointment last week, he weighed 23 pounds. Cade's not going to be too keen on the idea of having to look up to his younger brother!

I am not going to put him through unnecessary testing or anything. I am going to "keep watching it" like his doctor says but it's still hard. I watch him around his friends and he is so much smaller than they are right now. When we were at Cody's basketball game, Cade was playing with Tristin's little sister. I used to think his little sister was tiny. She was always so petite. Now, she's taller than Cade.

Hopefully he has grown a little these past three months and I've been worrying for nothing.

He might be small, but he's got a very big personality and I sure love my little guy!

and he's very cute...

Basketball Injury

2010-02-06T17:08:00.005-06:00

This is Cody's third season to play basketball. Basketball and baseball are definitely his two favorite sports. Every season, he learns something new. He has learned how to shoot, dribble, pass, and that assisting in a shot is just as important as making it.

Today he learned that bouncing a ball between his legs can be VERY painful!

The boys were just warming up. They were taking shots and playing around. Cody wanted to try bouncing the ball between his legs like Ty and his friends can do on their team. The first few times were a success because he sort of just passed the ball though. The final time, the last time he will probably do it for a very long time, was not so successful. He bounced the ball hard on the ground and before he could help guide it though his legs, it shot back up and hit a bulls-eye.

Cody was rolling on the floor in pain within a second.

I didn't know what to do, I have never been in that situation. In fact, I am pretty sure Cody has never been in that situation. He was just holding himself and saying his stomach hurt.

When I asked if he was alright he said, "No! The ball just hit my junk!"

Well, that entertained everyone watching!

Awesome, just another thing he learned from his older brother. I'm glad my four year old refers to that area as his "junk".

He got up within a few minutes and played his game. TJ wouldn't let me take a picture of Cody on the floor. He thought that would be a little heartless! He doesn't realize pictures make these stories that much better!

So, I only have these...

Obviously his "junk" is feeling better.

Hiding tips

2010-02-05T10:21:00.009-06:00

When in doubt...hide!

There are times during the day when I just need a break. I need a few minutes to just get away. Even when the kids are behaving well, I still need a few minutes here and there to myself. The boys have all been on their best behavior lately. We have worked on some stuff (ok, I have worked on not losing it so easily with them) and there has been a significant decrease in whining. From them as well!

There are still times, however, when I need quiet. I need to take a breather and, for just five minutes, not have little ones hanging on me needing drinks, snacks, toys, their noses wiped, their faces clean, their diapers changed, etc.

So, I hide.

I lock myself in the bathroom, sit on my closet floor, or pretend I'm doing laundry in the laundry room. I'm not trying to get away from my kids, I am just trying to find a quiet spot. I usually find them something to do, sneak the computer away, and hide.

It takes them no time at all to find me, but they have figured out not to bother me too much. Cade will knock on the door and ask what I'm doing and I'll make something up. This usually will buy me five more minutes. Anything is better than nothing.

I have different places I go depending on who is home and how much time I need. When I get a phone call, I usually go in the closet. My closet is in my bathroom so there are more doors for the kids to have to go through to find me. There is also a small "hall" between TJ's closet and mine so I can sit back there because the kids usually forget that part exists.

When the older kids are here and I don't want to be bothered, I hide in the laundry room. I do this because if the kids think I'm really doing laundry, they wont come in there in case I decide to put them to work.

When I want a little extra time, I hide in the bathroom. The boys usually think I'm taking a shower and ~~think~~ know I can't hear them if they're knocking on the door or screaming my name...over and over again!

When they start getting older, they'll realize what I'm doing. Hopefully, by then, they'll understand why I'm doing it. Maybe then I wont need to hide because they'll be self-sufficient and I wont be needed as much.

Wishful thinking? Yeah, I thought so...

My boys are great, they're the best things that have ever happened to me. They're still young though, they still need me for everything, they still depend on me to do what is best for them. So until they grow up a little, until they can start doing a little more by themselves, I will continue to hide. Trust me, this is what is best for them right now. It doesn't make me a bad mother, it makes me a smart one I think. A few minutes alone makes me happier which in return, will make them happier!

*Cole's hair cracks me up in this picture. He just woke up from a nap and his hair was wild!*

There are times when I'll be hiding and I'll hear a crash, a scream, or continuous fighting and that will be a premature end to my quiet time. For instance, the sound I just heard means one of the kids just knocked something off the shelf in the living room. It sounds like my "shower" is done for the day.

This is everyday...

2010-02-03T12:33:00.005-06:00

I found this video from right before Christmas. I had caught the two younger boys doing what they do on a daily basis...picking on each other. They take toys away just to make the other mad. It's a game to them, it's fun (for them).

The truth is, as much as I complain about our hectic life and the chaos that goes on around here 24/7, I wouldn't trade any of it.

I watch this and realize they'll only be this age once. I'm not having any more kids; I can't have any more kids. They are only babies once and I won't get this back.

So, even though they are picking on each other in this video, it's who they are now. They love each other, but also love to drive each other insane. I might go completely mad one day and need to be committed, but it will all be worth it! How could you not love these boys?

I especially love the part where Cade says, "yes!! I made Cole cry!" Nice! They will grow out of this, right?

They're finally going back to school!

2010-02-03T07:15:00.004-06:00

I understand I should enjoy these extra days I have with my children. I should be excited they have a day off of school because that's more time I can spend with them.

I also should have dinner ready for my husband when he gets home from work and his newspaper waiting for him to read but that's not going to happen! Times change, kids get on your nerves. It's not like when they're home in the summer and we can plan fun things to keep them busy. You can't plan anything for snow days because 1) you're not sure if they're out of school until the day of or the night before and 2) it's too damn cold!

We survived though and I can breathe a little because they all go back today! Not sure for how long though because another system is coming through but let's just pray it stays above freezing. My kids want to go to school. They NEED to go to school. OK, I NEED them to go to school just to get us back on schedule again. Even though I still have four kids running around here when all the other kids I watch are in school, it's still calmer.

I'm not a monster, I do enjoy my children very much. You all have to realize though, when we have snow days, it's not just my little bunch of kids at home. I watch kids so when they don't have school, they're here. They are all great kids but any kid stuck in the house for a given period of time will get on your nerves.

And they kept multiplying! I am not kidding you!! Yesterday I ended up with 7 older kids and three younger kids here! Two of the kids I normally watch were not even here because their parents are teachers. If you're not good at math, that's 10 kids with nothing to do! And a husband with nothing to do, which is worse!

So what did they do? They played the Wii. That is the awesome babysitter I am!! I let them play video games all day! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Plus, I was playing the Wii with them. Have you ever played Mario Bro? Addictive!!

TJ did give me a break yesterday and took the seven older ones to the movies while I put the three younger ones down for a nap! 2 1/2 hours of pure bliss. It was quiet and I was happy!

I better get off the computer and go make breakfast before school. Maybe I am a little sad. Maybe I'll be a little lonely today.

Yeah right, I wont have to share the Wii with anyone and I can have Mario all to myself! 1 hour and 18 minutes until schools starts!!!

Cody is just full of them...

2010-01-31T21:11:00.005-06:00

If you're on my facebook, then you have already heard this one but I thought it was hilarious so I wanted to put it on here too.

I was making dessert the other night (not much, just melting chocolate and getting the angel food cake out).

Cody: "Mommy, what's for dessert?"

Me: "Cake that I made from scratch!!"

Cody: "Mommy, the grocery store is called Crest, not Scratch"

Oh that boy is so witty...so he thinks. I wonder where he gets that from? Hmmm??

Scrabble Night

2010-01-31T10:06:00.007-06:00

No, we're not a bunch of eighty year olds who like to play Scrabble and then are in bed by 8:00 pm after we took out our teeth and drank our Metamucil.

We actually all really like the game.

Every few weeks, we have some friends over and we play Scrabble. Our friends all have kids so they can play together while we have some adult beverages and play a game where the more drinks you have, the more fun the words become.

We all bring some food and we make a whole evening out of it. Dinner, drinks, snacks, dessert, etc. Then, the kids watch a movie and we play our game.

This time, Jen brought fondue stuff and it was a huge hit with the kiddos (and the adults too, not gonna lie).

Laney and Ella Kate

Cody

Watch out, that's heavy

Cole

Darby and Scout

Cade

Excuse me, do I have a little something on my face?

Emily preferred to eat Cheez It's with a toothpick

Darby thought it was all good!!

Brady was too cool for the chocolate! :)

Cole was the happiest when he found some sucker who would hold him.

If that didn't work, he was pretty happy playing with Scout!

See, Scrabble night is fun at our house!

Three little men hard at work

2010-01-30T14:07:00.004-06:00

Another great thing about having three little boys...

They love to help shovel snow!

Cody

And they're all pretty good at it too.

Cade

Cole

Cody figured if he helped me, we could go sledding sooner.

So, after we finished the driveway and walkway, I took the boys to the little hill in our neighborhood.

Cole wasn't crying because he didn't want to go, he was crying because I made him pause a second to take a picture.

Cade and Mommy

Cole and Mommy

*I know you're all jealous of my beautiful outfit and my lack of proper winter attire. I had been shoveling snow and I got hot so I took off my jacket. I forgot to put it back on before we went sledding. Hey, at least I remembered the boys' jackets!*

Snow!!!

2010-01-29T12:08:00.005-06:00

All day yesterday we dealt with an ice storm. Not fun when you have little ones stuck inside!

Today, though, we have SNOW!

And since I'm Mother of the Year, I bundled up Cody and Cade right after their shower, while their hair was still wet! They were not enjoying it as much as Cole!

Cole LOVED it!

He is still walking around the house with his jacket on, refusing to take it off.

I LOVE THE SNOW!! It's actually the real stuff this time.

I know his binky says "Cade" but Cole likes this one better and Cade likes one of Cole's better. So much for the cute idea of having their names on them.

Hard at Work

2010-01-27T12:42:00.005-06:00

Now if he only knew how to file our taxes...

I can't believe people trust me with their kids!

2010-01-26T21:49:00.003-06:00

For some reason, people must think I'm pretty good with kids because I have people asking me all the time if I can keep their kiddos. That, or I'm cheap because even the parents who do know the things that happen around here keep bringing their kids back.

For example....

Yesterday I was doing my afternoon run to pick kids up from school. I successfully picked up the first two kids from their school and I was in line to pick up the next two. When you're in the parent pick-up line, they try to get the kids loaded as quickly as possible to keep the line moving. What I usually do, to help them speed up the process, is get the kids in the car and pull forward a little before I stop and let them get buckled and settled in. This has worked for the past three years.

However, after yesterday's event, I am changing my ways!!

You see, we're in a rent car right now. Our car is in the process of finally getting fixed from our non-trip to Chicago. So, the kids are not really familiar with how this car works. The two boys got in the car and I shut the automatic door in order to pull forward a little.

Here's where the excitement begins. The automatic door pops back open while I'm pulling away from my previous spot and one of the boys tumbles out of the car.

Awesome!

Everyone in the car starts screaming (they were acting like I was going 100 mph when I was really going like 2 mph). I slam on the brakes, throw the car in park, and hop out. The on duty teachers kind of look back at him and then turn back around and carry on with what they were doing!! Um, hello?? A kid just fell from a moving vehicle!!

He was fine, he was even laughing when he realized everyone else thought it was cool. However, I did not find it so humorous considering this was not one of my children that just got thrown from my car!

Luckily his parents are cool and understanding. Thank God his parents are cool and understanding.

He walked away from the whole thing with a little soreness and a scrape on his ankle.

I walked away feeling like I was going to puke.

If you ask my little exaggerator (Ty) what happened, he'll tell you I ran the kid over with my car and we're lucky I didn't kill him...

I came this close to dying...

2010-01-25T21:48:00.003-06:00

Ok, not really. But we did have a very eventful Saturday afternoon.

For all those curious about our little neighborhood drama, here's how it went down.

Saturday afternoon I get a call from my friend, Jen, who lives on the street behind us. She told me she was about to go kick some kid's *butt* on behalf of my son. To be honest, I had to start counting my children at home in order to figure out which son she was talking about. Three of them were at home so that only left one...Ty.

Ty and his friend, Jake, were walking to the park from Jake's house when they saw these two older boys beating the crap out of this little kid. I guess Ty and Jake asked the kids to stop and the kids told them to run away and stop starring or they were next. Ty and Jake ran to Jen's house because it was closest to ask for help. They were too scared to walk back to Jake's house because they were afraid the kids were going to get them.

Well Jen called me on her way over there, broke up the fight, and when she asked the kid where he lived so she could talk to his parents, he said in his most polite teenager manner...

"Stranger Danger, I don't have to talk to you lady"

Jen drove to pick me up and together we decided to follow this punk home. When I tried to talk to him, he sweet demeanor started to wear off. He decided to tell us to "back off" and to "shut up" and he didn't have to tell us a "damn thing".

Well in that case, I will just back off...idiot, I don't think so!

I called over at Jake's house to check on the boys and Jake's mom wanted to know what happened. She had heard the boys' side of the story and so I told her what this little shit ( I apologize but there really is no nicer way to put it) was doing and saying. So, Jake's dad hopped in his car to help try to talk some sense into this kid.

We cornered him and his little buddies on the street corner and Jake's dad politely informed the kid he better start walking home so we could follow him. The punk was more than happy to do as he was told at this point. (I have got to learn to do that! The kid was not at all intimidated by Jen or myself).

I guess on the way to his house, the kid called his dad because as soon as we turned on the kid's street, a car came racing down, slamming on his brakes and barley missed hitting the car. Both dads jump out of their cars and we were sure there was going to be a fight. The punk's dad was very upset that his child was threatened and he was all too ready to make that known. Jake's dad was pretty pissed that this little fool threatened our 9 year olds. Not the greatest of combinations, I have to admit.

Anyway, Jen and I decided it was time for us to step in so Jen grabbed Jake's dad's arm while I got between them. Probably not the best of my ideas, I realized, only after I was standing face to face with this furious man. That is when I politely asked him to please not hit a girl. I wont lie, I was a little nervous he might not have really cared!

We told his parents the only reason any of this happened was because he was beating the crap out of a seven year old and when asked where he lived, he was very disrespectful. The dad didn't care about that part, that was obvious. Especially obvious when the punk ass started yelling at me to "shut up, lady" and "you don't know what the hell you're talking about". All in front of his parents and his father said nothing to him. His mother did yell at him for this and sent him home.

The men calmed down by this point and things were starting to get resolved...until the punk's dad went home and heard from his son that Jake's dad threatened him with his fist (I was there, I swore he just had his finger in his face). Either way, the dad came rushing back down the street wanting more. Once again, Jen and I jumped out of the car and put our lives on the line for them again (or stood far behind them and just prayed they weren't about to fight...)

Things were said, people were pissed, but everything got settled and we all headed home...except punk's dad who decided to drive around the neighborhood until he found out where Jake's house was so he could call the cops on his dad.

Because we all know after hearing this story, Jake's dad is definitely the one who needed the cops called on him. (I hope you picked up the sarcastic tone)

The funny part is, this all kind of made me homesick. I have two older brothers who would have handled this situation pretty much like both the dad's did, and that really made me miss them. Is that wrong?

The good news is, Ty and Jake did exactly what they were supposed to do. They ran and got the closest adult they knew and asked for help. We don't need to mention that by the end of the night, the boys (or maybe it was just Ty) were talking about how the "murders" wanted to kill them. A little exaggeration never hurt anyone...

No longer a fan of Cocoa Krispies

2010-01-24T10:39:00.005-06:00

So this morning I was cleaning up after breakfast and when I got to Cole's seat (the most disgusting, stickiest place at the table) I decided it was time to scrape off the dry, crusty food that had been stuck to his chair ~~a week~~, ~~a few days~~, since that morning. (because I would never leave food stuck to his chair after he eats...who does that?)

There were a few pieces of food that were clinging to the chair for dear life and the only way to remove them was with my fingernail. Bad idea! When I scraped a Cocoa Krispie off his chair, it lodged itself completely under my finger nail. I could see it, and definitely feel it. I started feeling sick right away. It was disgusting. If you have ever had a splinter under your nail, you understand the pain I was in. Except, this was thicker, and sugary, and I kept thinking it was definitely going to get infected.

I had to lie down. My head was spinning and I felt nauseous. I actually handle pain pretty well, so that just shows how bad this hurt. I tried to dig under my nail to get it out. I was getting little pieces to break away but there was no way I could get under there far enough to get the whole thing out. After a few minutes of lying there and coming to terms with the fact I was going to lose my fingernail in just a few days (no drama queen here), I realized cereal gets soggy when wet. So, I ran my finger under some water, while pulling my nail back as far as possible, and after a few minutes, it became soggy enough for me to push out of my nail.

I learned a few lessons today. First, don't leave cereal stuck to the baby's seat for long periods of time (I don't even know the last time the kids ate Cocoa Krispies. I'm not sure Cole has even ever had Cocoa Krispies. He's a Cheerios kind of guy). Second, quickly run water under my nail if this does happen again. And Third, never buy Cocoa Krispies again...just to be on the safe side.

Oh the things I do for these little guys...

and the big ones too! Just wait till I get the post together about the neighborhood drama that involves me standing in front of a very large man asking him to please not hit a girl!

Happy 12th Birthday McKinly

2010-01-22T13:03:00.005-06:00

I can't believe she is already 12 years old. Only one more year until she's in her teens and only four more years until she can drive! Look out Oklahoma!

I was there when she started to learn to sit up on her own. I was there when she was learning to crawl and I was even there when she ate her first roach (I'm still sorry, Katy, that I had to drive all the way to your house just so you'd come pick the dead roach off the floor because I refused to touch it. At least I snatched her up fast enough and she spit it out!)

I like knowing, like with my own kids, my friends have memories of her since she was a tiny baby. She has been around my family, friends, and myself since she was 3 month old.

McKinly is the happiest when everyone else is happy. I love that she enjoys going down to visit my family in Texas, even by herself. It makes me very happy that she is so close to them.

She is the perfect daughter, step daughter, sister, and friend anyone could ask for!

Happy 12th Birthday baby girl. You're very, very loved!

*TJ is taking her out to dinner tonight, just the two of them, and hopefully I'll get some good, recent pictures of her. She is growing up way too fast!*

Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Tonight at dinner, Cody told us what he learned about Martin Luther King, Jr....

"Martin Luther King is a man, not really a king because that's just his name, who let all the people go together. He has a brown head and brown hair. He helped people, too. He makes people go somewhere together cause they can't get there by themselves."

Pretty insightful for a four year old...

Manners? Who needs them?

2010-01-20T00:39:00.000-06:00

Seriously, why would you pick the cookie up off the table? That is just an unnecessary step in enjoying the yummy goodness!

child labor...or quality time?

2010-01-19T00:27:00.001-06:00

I have just discovered the best thing ever!

My one year old can put dishes away...in their correct place!!

I was unloading the dishwasher (which I hate doing) and Cole walked over and picked a lid up to one of the pots. He walked over and opened the correct cabinet and put it on the correct shelf. He then came back and grabbed the spatula and proceeded to walk over and place it in the correct drawer!

It's like my dream come true. I sat back and watched as he put various other, little things away and realized I might never have to unload the dishwasher again. It's not like I'm forcing him to unload the dishwasher, he's doing it on his own free will. I think of it as teaching him a very valuable lesson. What kind of a lesson would it be if I helped him? What would he really learn from that?

In fact, I think I should just sit back and supervise every time. I don't view it as child labor...no, I view it as us spending quality time together while he learns the meaning of chores. It's never too young to start helping out...right?

Don't worry, I didn't make him grab the heavy stuff. I left that for the older kids!

Now, if only I could teach them to fold the laundry correctly...

They do a great job mopping though!!!

You did not just say that!

2010-01-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

Me: "Cody, I thought I told you to clean up in here! Why are you watching the TV and not doing what I told you to do??"

Cody: "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. I must have been busy washing my hair."

What? Please tell me where this kid hears this stuff!

If my days aren't crazy enough...

2010-01-17T07:02:00.000-06:00

...the night makes up for it!

On Thursday nights, after all the kids are in bed and it's finally quiet, I sit down and get to watch all my shows that have been DVRd that week.

Usually, it's my time alone.

Usually, I get to watch all my shows without getting the crap scared out of me!!!

I was in the middle of watching Grey's Anatomy when, out of nowhere, Ty shows up right behind me. I don't think I have ever, in my entire life, jumped that high. I was about to get on to him for getting out of bed when I realized he wasn't wearing anything but his underwear.

(well, not in this picture...obviously)

He never sleeps in just his underwear. In fact, he would never let anyone see him in just his underwear. When I asked what he was doing, all I got was...

"I uh, I uh, I can't find them"

"Can't find who?"

"Them"

"You mean your clothes? You can't find your clothes?"

"No, I have all my clothes in my backpack so I can take them to school"

"Ty, you don't need to take your clothes to school, you need to be wearing them...call me crazy, but that's how we do things around here"

"I have to take them to school, you said!"

"You have to wear clothes to school, but I don't think I told you that you needed to pack your pajamas, that you're supposed to be wearing right now, in your backpack and take them to school"

"oh, ok"

"would you like me to help you put your pajamas back on?"

"yeah"

"ok, let's go find your pajamas then"

"can you help me put some clothes on first?"

"sure, Ty, sure!"

I think it's safe to say, we have a little sleep walker on our hands...

I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!

2010-01-16T00:15:00.000-06:00

Cody and his daddy are very close. Only recently (and I mean very recently) has he begun choosing me over him at times. For the most part though, he's a huge daddy's boy. It's no secret. I learned to accept that long ago.

However, what I still have not learned to accept (and I'm pretty sure I never will) is the fact Cody and his Daddy act the same age! It is like I am raising 6 children, 4 boys full time!

If my calculations are correct, their mentality level means I am raising four boys under the age of five!

Those numbers are NOT in my favor!

I break up fights on a daily basis. Someone is touching, looking at, smelling, hitting another child at all times. You name it, I've dealt with it. I thought I had seen and heard everything.

Apparently, I was wrong!

Tonight in the car, Cody started whining. It was the aggravated whine that he usually does when he's extremely tired. I started to get on to him for acting that way when I suddenly realized what (in this case who) was making him act that way.

Cody: "Daddy won't stop touching me"

TJ: "I'm not touching you, I'm staring at you"

Cody: "Well it's weird, and you smell funny"

TJ: "I don't smell funny, you smell funny"

Cody: "Mommy, Daddy wont leave me alone"

TJ: "He's being a baby, I'm not doing anything to him, I'm not even touching him"

Cody: "You don't have to be touching me to bother me"

TJ: "You're being a little rude, don't you think?"

Cody: "You're being a little rude"

Me: "OH.MY.GOD. If the two of you don't stop, I am going to pull over and you both can walk home!!!!!!!"

TJ: "Mommy's mean!"

Cody: "yeah!"

What?? When did I become the bad guy in all of this?? Seriously, they.drive.me.nuts!!!!!

*after we got home, they both got sent to bed. If he acts like a five year old, he will be treated as a five year old!*

Crazy days of...well, everyday!

2010-01-15T08:19:00.002-06:00

Everyday in our household is some form of crazy! At any given time, we have between 5 and 10 kids running around here.

Trust me, it's not that big of a house to be running around in.

Our friends who come over know it's pointless to ring the doorbell. It's faster, and easier, to just walk in. Half the time, we probably can't even hear the doorbell. Anyone who rings the bell is selling something or is not a good enough friend to know to just walk in. Therefore, we probably don't want to be talking to you anyway!

Yesterday, my Jehovah Witness lady (who comes at least once a month to show me something new or to just check up on me and I'm too nice of a person to tell her we're not interested. She's a nice lady who knows all of my kids' names. I can at least talk to her for 5 minutes every few months, right?) came and knocked on our door (she knows not to ring the doorbell because it's usually nap time when she comes over). The thing is, I didn't know she knocked on the door because I was trying to get six kids ready for nap time. When I finally did answer the door, she said she heard I was busy, so she just waited until things settled down. She was out there for FIFTEEN minutes!

Who does that?

My bigger question is, what did she hear??

From the outside listening in, some of the things said around here must get people laughing...or ready to call Child Protective Services , depending on how you interpret the meaning.

Because of this, I started thinking of some of the things that I say on any given, crazy day...

"Cade, it is not ok to give Cole the whole tube of toothpaste. I don't care if he wanted it, it's not healthy for him. No, his tummy will not be clean if he eats it."

"If one more person screams in this house I am going to lose my mind" Cody: "well, you better start looking for it because it sounds like you've already lost it."

"Please don't let that be poop on the floor, Please don't let that be poop on the floor!" Cade: "Nope, it's jus a bwonie." My bigger problem is how he figured that out, did he taste it? What if it had been poop...I don't want to know!

"Cade, we don't go poop in our underwear, we go poop on the potty." Cade: "but I already go poop on da potty." Me: "no, you went poop in your underwear." Cade: "not last night" Me: "you are supposed to go poop on the potty every time." Cade: "but I already did" Me: "no, you went poop in your underwear." Cade: "not last night." ...and it went on and on and on!

Cody: "Mommy, mommy, I know who the first president of the United States was." Me: "who?" Cody: "George Washington." Me: "Great job, Cody. Do you know who the 16th president was?" Cody: "yep" Me: "Who?" Cody: "ABERSTEIN LINCOLN!"

Me: "I am missing the pig's butt, does anyone know where the pig's butt is?" Cody: "do we get a dollar if we find the pig's butt?" Me: "sure, whatever, just find the butt please" Cody: "in that case, here it is"...little schemer!! (and for those confused, it's the leapfrog refrigerator animals I was looking for).

These are just from the last couple of days! Don't you worry, there will be plenty more!

My little princess

2010-01-14T13:10:00.003-06:00

My conversation with Cade today...

Me: "Cade, just because you're pretending to be a knight, doesn't mean the dog wants to pretend to be a horse, please get down."

Cade: "I not a knight anymore den. If daddy is a prince does dat mean I a princess?"

Me: "no, that would still make you a prince"

Cade: "no, I da boy princess"

Me: "a.k.a. a prince"

Cade: "no, I want to be a boy princess"

Me: "there is no such thing as a boy princess, it's called a prince"

Cade: "I pretending there is a boy princess"

Me: "fine, but the dog is a dog, not a horse"

Cade: "fine".

Potty Training

2010-01-13T07:20:00.001-06:00

When we didn't end up going to Chicago for Christmas because of the thick ice caked on the interstate and the 14" of snow we had in our yard, I decided my break couldn't get anymore chaotic so I decided to give potty training a try.

Not for me...for Cade!

He has always had an issue with using the toilet because of his GI problems. Every time we sat him on the "potty" before it was because we had just given him medicine to help him go to the bathroom. He always associated the "potty" with pain.

Poor little guy, he was terrified of the thing!

We started on the Tuesday after Christmas and by Thursday, we were out of the house running errands in "big boy underwear". He has done fantastic. Once he understood what he was supposed to do, there have not been any problems.

Of course we still have an accident from time to time, but for the most part, we can say he's potty trained. He only wears a diaper at nap time and bed time and even then, he wakes up dry...for the most part. He will be three in February and I knew he was ready, he just had to get over his fear of the bathroom!!

Here he is, playing video games while he waits...

oh, and Cole has even been trying to go potty. Every time he walks in the bathroom he says "potty" and sits on the little one. He even knows to "push it down" so pee doesn't go everywhere! The joys of boys...

Bragging Rights

2010-01-12T07:05:00.001-06:00

As a mother, I am allowed to brag. It's my job. If you don't brag about your own kids, then who will? Right?

So, here it goes...

Cody is my sweet, little man. He never wants to hurt any one's feelings. He tells me I am gorgeous at least three times a day (I do not pay, bribe or threaten him...he started this on his own without any coaxing from me). He wants to do his best and loves to be praised when he has done well. He is a typical four year old.

He is also very smart. He has taught himself to read with very little help from me. Of course I read to him every night but he really has learned to read on his own. He can read very well for his age.

He has also taught himself how to do math. It all started in the car one day when he told me what 6+6 was. I decided to ask him some other problems and he figured out the answer to them all. When we were in Texas for Thanksgiving, we figured out he could add three or more numbers together. He was doing it all in his head and when we asked him how he was doing it without his fingers, he would just say "the little guy in my brain is helping me". (a little freaky, yes!).

So last night I decided to try actually writing the problems down and seeing if he could figure them out. Even big numbers. To our surprise, he got all the answers correct! The kid is a sponge, he just absorbs anything and everything! I know there are a lot of kids who can do this, but I am very proud of my little man!!

And of course, I took a picture of his work!!

He was even a little offended when he thought some of the problems were "too easy"!

Sledding

2010-01-11T22:15:00.003-06:00

Since we experienced a "blizzard" over Christmas break, the kids discovered that the hill by our house was perfect for sledding.

Our hill wasn't even fully covered in snow by the time we found it, but it worked. We made do with what we had...

McKinly and Cade

Cody

Cade

Cade being brave and trying it on his own

He preferred going down with Cody or McKinly

Chicago is a no go :(

2009-12-26T20:23:00.007-06:00

Unfortunately we didn't make it to Chicago. The weather has been awful and although we tried (we really really did), we had to turn around and come back. When you have to go 15 mph on the interstate in Tulsa because the ice is so thick and then the car goes skidding on the ice and hits the cement barrier, it's time to turn around and head back home.

It didn't do a lot of damage, but enough to have us turn around because the bumper was rubbing against the tire.

McKinly and Cody were devastated. Cody kept saying, "but I just want to go to Chicago". Cade then would repeat, "I want Chicago, too". Ty was too busy playing his DS to even know what was going on (I honestly don't think he even realized we got in an accident) and Cole had started running a fever and just wanted to go to sleep.

It is really disappointing. I was looking forward to seeing everyone and really wanted the kids to see real snow, not this ice crap we get down here.

We're also having to miss seeing our friends in Michigan. Cade misses Evan and really wanted to play with him. We'll have to plan a trip to Chicago and Michigan soon!

In the meantime, the kids and I decided to make the best of the snow here and build a snowman.

First they had to find out just the right spot

Then they had to test the snow with a little snow fight

McKinly built some chairs for her and Cade

Then they started the snowman

Cade, Cody, and McKinly hard at work

(Ty took off to a friends house as soon as we got back and Cole was inside with a really high fever)

Our snowman is lazy and is lounging in a snow chair McKinly made.

He sure is cute though!

Then the kids came inside for some warm soup and hot Chocolate

It's probably for the best we didn't get to Chicago, Cole is running a high fever and just doesn't feel well. It wouldn't have made for a very fun trip!

The kids keep thinking of the waterpark we were supposed to go to tomorrow. I feel bad for them, so if you have any ideas of what we can do around here to make it up to them, let me know! Until then, we'll be building more snow forts and snowmen!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T00:27:00.002-06:00

Three very happy boys wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

We were supposed to leave for Chicago in the morning but we're not sure that's going to happen right now. We're just going to play it by ear, but hopefully we'll get up there! There's about two feet of snow in our driveway from all the snow blowing around! It's going to be a White Christmas at least!!

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-23T23:31:00.003-06:00

Who needs to go see a movie with Daddy and Cody when you can make Christmas cookies with mommy?

It's not a mohawk!

2009-12-21T21:45:00.003-06:00

My sister called me last night with a little "concern". She wanted to know why Cody has a mohawk in the picture on the Christmas Card. It's not a mohawk! His hair is lighter on top than it is underneath, so when I spiked his hair for the picture, the darker part showed up. I couldn't tell it looked like that until the pictures came back.

So, just in case you were wondering, it's not a mohawk!

Although, it totally looks like that but I was just hoping no one else noticed!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-18T21:32:00.003-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

thanks to my little brother who designed and made our Christmas card this year! I think he did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself...

oops...it's really all I can say at this point!

2009-12-13T22:50:00.006-06:00

Two different instances occurred this weekend that have probably put me pretty far down on the "mother of the year" list.

I'm not perfect, even though sometimes I try to argue with my husband that I am, I can admit when I have done wrong.

Well, I can admit it when all the evidence points to me, and only me.

Oops!

You see, it was cold Saturday morning but Cade really needed a haircut. I have cut the boys' hair in the past and done a decent job, I think. It was too cold to do it outside though, like I normally do, so I decided to do it inside. I laid a towel on the bathroom floor and Cade and I sat down on it. Everything was going great; Cade was cooperating and I was going to town with the clippers.

Everything went smoothly, he looked very handsome, and I was psyched I got it done in less than ten minutes.

But then it happened...I took the guard off the clippers to do a little touching up, and at that same, exact moment, Cade leaned his head back and made contact with the unguarded clippers, resulting in a very noticeable bald line on the back of his head!

Let's just say, I'm glad it's cold and it's acceptable to wear hats this time of year!

TJ says we'll just tell everyone it's a scar, but he's not fooling me. He will be the first to tell everyone I did it, because nothing makes him happier than when I do something a little...less perfect, let's just say!

And speaking of less perfect...the next incident really wasn't all my fault. Cody was partly to blame too!

Cody and Cole like to rough house, it's what boys do. So it was no big deal for Cody to be dragging Cole around the living room by his legs, right?

I didn't think so either.

Cole thought it was hilarious and I enjoyed watching my boys laugh and play like little boys should. Nothing makes me happier than the sound of their laughter.

That is until that laughter turns into a very painful scream! Cody thought Cole was screaming because he had stopped pulling him around by his little legs. Once Cody yanked him across the floor again, Cole would burst out laughing again. After all, it did look like fun and Cody wasn't pulling on him hard enough to hurt him.

Or so I thought.

I was worried about how hard Cody was pulling him, not wanting him to pull his little legs out of their sockets. Now, that would be bad. So, it never occurred to me that all this pulling around the living room would cause painful rug burn all over Cole's back.

I didn't even notice it until I put Cole in the bath.

A bath that was too warm and resulted in him screaming again, but we wont talk about that right now, I would have to admit again I'm not perfect, and once is already too many for today!

Cole is such a happy baby and even when he gets hurt, he doesn't fuss for long. So, it wasn't until his bath that I realized his screams from earlier were not that of a child who wanted to keep getting thrown across the room.

My poor babies. I have one who, if he was a little older and realized what I had done, would be embarrassed to go out in public, and another who can't comfortably lay on his back.

at least they're fast to forgive

So, when are those Mother of the Year nominations?? I'm pretty sure I wont be getting any votes!