Wife and Mom of 3 boys

Summer fun

2010-06-09T10:51:00.007-04:00

Summer is almost here. The weather has been warm for the most part with a little rain but pretty nice. Griffin is out of school for the summer and Ryan only has four more school days. Like usual I am excited for vacation but I am also preparing for having all the kids home. It is always a challenge to keep the boys busy enough to keep boredom at bay. When they start to get bored they tend to fight, argue and annoy each other.

Some of our plans for the summer include tenting. Which we tried in our yard and it did not go so well. My boys and I ended up in the house in our own beds. I think tenting in our yard is just too convenient to have our beds right there. Our next camping adventure will have to be at a campground.

We have been having pit fires to roast marshmallows and make smores. We all love to have fires. The rain doesn't even stop us!

Hopefully the weather will be nice enough this summer so we can fish, swim, go for wagon rides, bike rides and walks. Maybe we will do some hiking and kayaking. Which will help me in my quest for weight loss. Speaking of weight loss, after two weeks on Weight Watchers I have lost four and a half pounds! Yay me! Although, I seriously think I have lost it all in my chest. My boobs are the only part of me that is shrinking. Oh well that is better than gaining.

A little this and a little that

2010-05-27T08:31:00.009-04:00

There isn't really anything major to write about but I just thought I would write about a little bit of everything.

I have been doing great on Weight Watchers. The weight loss is happening slowly (which is good) but more importantly I am learning to become more in-tune with my body. By that I mean only eating when I am hungry, not because I am bored, sad, happy or thirsty. Sounds funny right? To eat when you are really thirsty...Yup, by listening (really hard) to my body I have found I tend to eat when I should be drinking. I drink a lot to begin with but now I am drinking a lot more and eating a lot less. Surprisingly, I am not hungry all that often! Who knew!

This weekend we are having a memorial for my Mom. Which in of itself is sad but it will be nice to have my family all home. When we all come together, even for the saddest of events, we all have a good time. That is how my family is, one fun loving group! I am sure there will be plenty of tears, laughs, food, drink, and who knows maybe some accidental peeing. Heehee...you know who you are!

Our kitchen is torn apart a little. For some strange reason the outlet that our microwave plugs into is not working. It wasn't the fuse or the outlet itself so it must be the wire. I am so afraid of an electrically fire that we have turned off the power to that line which affects a couple of other outlets. The appliances that were plugged into the other outlets are now moved to other counters to make then usable. Ugh, as if my kitchen wasn't messy enough. Oh well.

Griffin's last day of school is today. Ryan's last day is June 15th. We hope to do some camping (in a tent), hiking, swimming, fishing and anything else that strikes our fancy. Ryan and I would like to try kayaking. I think we would have a lot of fun. We just need someone to babysit the other two. Maybe we can tie fishing and kayaking together so we can all be there to give kayaking a try.

I guess that is it for now.

Weight Watchers

2010-05-19T08:42:00.004-04:00

I did it. Did I want to? Not really. Do I need to? For sure! Am I happy about it? No!

It all started when I realized that all my clothes (even the ones that were always too big) were very tight. My knees and back started hurting all the time, too. So on Monday I stepped on the scale and almost passed out. The number that came up was so much more than I have ever been in my life. I never thought in a million years I would weigh this much!

That was it...the moment that pushed me to join Weight Watchers. Their program has worked for me before. Hopefully I will stick with it this time and get to a healthy weight.

Already I hate it. Always thinking before I put a piece of food in my mouth. Always planning ahead and making sure it is not too much. Always feeling hungry (or at least thinking I am).

It is not going to be easy. But I need to do it. I need to be here for the long run...for my kids. Although I am an active person (sometimes). Being this heavy is not good for me. I love my kids more than anything (even myself). So, this is for them. If I feel good about myself in the mean time...that is just an added bonus.

2 weeks

2010-04-28T08:24:00.014-04:00

Yesterday has been two weeks since my Mom passed away. It is hard to write about because I really don't know where to begin. I have written about my mom here and here. She hadn't been the Mom I knew for a while but she was still the most important woman in my life. Her passing was a sad and terribly hard thing to see but was also a beautiful blessing.

Mom was back in the hospital for pneumonia yet again. At first I couldn't bring myself to go see her. As selfish as this sounds, I did not want to see my mom so sick again. But then on April 12th (my birthday) I just had to go see her. The nurses had given her some medication that made her sleep. My understanding is what they had given her was to help her not struggle to breath so much but it also knocked her out. I spent an hour or more just talking to her, holding her hand and crying. I wanted her to know that it was ok to let go, to go to heaven where she would not be in pain and with her sisters, mom and dad, and my brother Gary.

When I left the hospital I really lost it. No more holding it together. I talked to my sister Gia and really did not know what to say. Was Mom dying? Should she come home? I really didn't have the answers but I knew I was scared.

The next day (Tuesday, April 13th) I talk to Gia in the morning. She had talked to the palliative care nurse who suggested she get home as soon as possible. I then get a sitter and head up to the hospital. Mom was struggling to breath and couldn't stay awake but she was talking and asking for water. Later that day, after talking to the palliative care nurse, we decide to stop the antibiotics and IV fluids and move her to the suite. We knew it was only a matter of days, so we make plans for my other siblings to get up to the hospital the next day to see her. I head home to spend some much needed mental health time with my boys. I think I was gone 2 to 3 hours.

When I get back to the hospital and walk into the suite, I knew it was going to happen sooner. Mom had really declined in those 3 hours. Her breathing had changed and she couldn't wake up. One of the nurses told my sister-in-law that she would be surprised if she made it though the night. Something I already knew.

We take turns sitting with her, holding her hands, rubbing her hair, and telling her its ok to let go, to stop fighting.

My sister Ellen and I are sitting on either side of her. I couldn't leave her side and let go of her hand. The tears flow again and Ellen asks "Is this too hard on you?" I answer through falling tears "Yes". But I couldn't leave. It was too hard but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Right around 8:00 pm her breathing really changes. I can't remember if I said it out loud or just in my head "This is it...she is going!" All the others (Brenda, Ronny, Gia and Kathi) join Ellen and I at her side. The next few minutes she takes her last breaths. After a couple of last gasps, that surprised and scared us, Mom took her last breath and then this peace comes over her. It was the worst moment of my life but also the most blessed moment. I cried out "She's gone!" and break down into a puddle of tears (as did everyone else). At that moment God came and took Moms hand to guide her to heaven. The peace that came over her face was indescribable. It was beautiful.

Through tears and cries we all call loved ones that need to be told. My husband and my niece Kate come right up. We all sit there in the suite and cry, laugh, hold Mom's hand, tell stories, and work on her obituary. I think we spend about 2 hours in there with Mom and each other. We waited until the funeral home came to get her body. Saying goodbye to her at that moment was just as hard as seeing her die. Thank God, Ray was the one to pick her up. We know he took good care of her.

I could write more about the days that follow but this post is as emotionally draining as I can take right now.

Until I see you again in heaven...I love you Mom!

Where did my baby go?!

2010-04-02T10:18:00.004-04:00

Where did my baby go?!

One day old

No, I did not lose one of my kids (not today anyway). It is just that Zachy will be turning two on Sunday! I can't not believe that my baby is growing up so fast. He is such a little man now and that fact that his birthday is 2 days away, I am having a really hard day. With the other two boys I was generally ok with them getting older. Believe me, I still teared up on their birthdays but there was hope we would have more babies. Or I was already pregnant with another. But with Zachy really being our last...it is even harder.

Minutes old

Every milestone he achieves makes me so proud and so sad. My baby is not so much a "baby" anymore..."sniff, sniff"

One week old

Being a Mom is so bittersweet! But the best job there is! Love you, my little Zachy! No matter how old you are you will always be my BABY!

We need to get out!

2010-03-27T21:53:00.004-04:00

It is Saturday night in the Melen household and what are we doing? Watching Kids Choice Awards! We all laughed and cheered together as our favorites won and booed as others won. It was a great time...the funny thing is...the boys went to bed and Jonny and I stayed up watching it. We are adults laughing and cheering just as much as the kids. Really...I think Jonny and I need an adult night out!

As the words leave my lips (or fingertips), I know I am just all talk. For some reason Jonny and I can't seem to get a night out to ourselves. My niece, Courtney, is more than happy to watch the boys and they go to bed for her. So, that is not really our excuse. What is? I am not sure. I wish I knew, because we both say how much we need and want to go out without the kids but it just never seems to happen. Honestly, I can't remember the last time we were without the boys. It is really sad!

All the "marriage experts" say how important it is to put your spouse first. To make sure you marriage is full filling. Do these people have kids? Do they realize that when we are without our kids we really can't wait to get home and cuddle them? I know it doesn't leave much for our marriage when our kids are grown and out of the house. When it is just the two of us what will we do? Honestly...that time will come so fast that I want to be with my kids as much as possible (some days I will not admit this). Jonny and I will still have a marriage when that time comes...we are just working on it in a different way then the "experts" say we should.

5QF

2010-03-26T08:48:00.006-04:00

Hop on over to My Little Life to join in on 5 Question Friday.

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Why, yes I did!

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Too many to choose from...hmmm...I guess it would be the time that I had some bad stomach issue and did not make it to the bathroom (I can't believe I just posted that)

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
Definitely What Not to Wear! I need a new wardrobe. And I LOVE Stacey and Clinton.

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
I certainly would! Lets start with liposuction and then tummy tuck and a nose job. Maybe some new boobs or at least put them back where they belong.

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
Calvin Kline

Weaned

2010-03-25T21:08:00.005-04:00

Sad

Nostalgic

Surprised

Happy

Relived

Thrilled

These have been the emotions I have been living with for the past 2 weeks. Why you ask? Well it has been just about 2 weeks since I completely weaned Zachy off the breast. I know he is almost 2 years old and that is just weird to some people (it used to be weird to me) but he was only nursing at nap and bed time. I finally bit the bullet and put an end to it. Why all the different emotions...Well...

Sad because he is growing up to fast.

Nostalgic because I miss him being a baby.

Surprised because it seemed so easy to do.

Happy because bed time is easier.

Relived because it went so well.

Thrilled to have my boobs to myself (and my husband).

Remembering

2010-03-12T10:44:00.007-05:00

As I was reading some of my Facebook friends status update today (the ones from people without children), I started thinking back to my life before having kids. Jonny and I were so carefree, relaxed, easy going and slept well. It was not rare for us to throw some clothes in a bag on Friday evening and head out of town for the weekend or jump on the motorcycle at 7:00pm and head to Lake George (a 45 minute to 1 hour ride) to play mini golf or something as simple as going out to eat or go tanning. Life was easy and required no planning to leave the house for a simple errand or took days to plan for a babysitter so that I could go tanning (which I haven't done in over 3 years). I was feeling a little bit of jealousy, missing those carefree days.

Doesn't he look like an angel here

But then my little guy Zachy in his feety pj's climbs into my arms for some snuggle time. This is my life now. We snuggle, wipe noses, change diapers, wipe tears, shed tears, clean up messes, get sloppy kisses, warm hugs, no sleep, endless planning, few restaurants, and much more thankless, none thrilling sometimes frustrating tasks. As I sit in the chair snuggling Zachy I realize yet again that I am truly blessed and more than happy with where I am in my life and would not have it any other way. Then as the guilt starts creeping in for longing for my past life...I push it away. I have no reason to feel guilty about remembering or missing that part of my life. It was great and wonderful! I can love all the stages of my life and I can less than thrilled with other stages of it. Remembering the past is helpful in shaping my future.

Nut Allergy vs Virus

2010-02-27T15:18:00.003-05:00

As I was stated in my last blog post, Zachy had so odd hives that we thought was because he had a few almonds. Our middle son Griffin has a peanut allergy so we have been very careful with giving Zachy any nuts but he has been exposed in the past so I did not think much of it. On this day (which was Wed) the boys had a snow day and we were all home. I had bought the Bold Almonds by Blue Diamond and was sharing them will Zachy, knowing we were not going anywhere and I could keep and eye on him for a reaction. Four hours later I put him down for a much needed nap. Shortly after falling asleep he wakes up crying. I ask Jonny to go up and rock him, which he does but doesn't not work. I then go up and take Zachy out if his crib and cuddle with him in our bed. I am rubbing his back and he is just fussy and whiny. Then I notice he is scratching at his thigh. I check it out to find his legs covered in blotchy hives. Being the experienced allergy mom, I immediately grab the Benadryl and give him a dose. Then I give the doctors office a call, mainly because with a nut allergy they need to know and I want to make sure that the hives I was seeing was from the almonds. After speaking with the nurse and her talking with the doctor they tell me to call in the morning and to give him Benadryl every six hours.

The Benadryl did its job, the hives disappear. Come morning they are back though. As soon as the Benadryl is out of his system the hives come back. After calling the doctors for a couple of days so they could have a report on him, they decide to check him out. The final diagnosis is that his virus (cold) that he has been fighting for weeks is causing the hives. The almonds would not be causing the hives for more that 4 days. The doctor tells us to switch to Zyrtec so that Zachy isn't so drowsy. Then to stop the Zyrtec after a week and see what happens and if the hives come back to call them again.
In the meantime we are setting up an appointment with an allergist to have him tested.

Sick of all the sickness

2010-02-25T21:42:00.004-05:00

The last month or more has been pretty rough with sickness in this house. Between the croup, sniffles, sore throats and fevers we have been a sickly crew. The boys seem to be on the up swing other than Zachy's runny nose and rash (probably due to a nut allergy. more on that later).

Sick Zachy face with a little runny nose.

But it has been my turn again. This time I really think it is strep throat but I am really hoping just a virus. I would hate to have to be on antibiotics. They really don't agree with my body. What amazes me is the look of shock when someone finds out I am sick or asks how I am feeling and I say "like crap!" The response I get is usually something like "I would have never guessed you felt so bad. You have been running around, playing outside, cooking and everything".

the kids and the snowman we built while I was running a 102 fever,
felt like I was swallowing razor blades and had shooting pain in my ear.

Really...what am I suppose to do with a working husband and 3 or more kids. I don't have the option to climb back into bed and sleep it off. And it does me no good to not entertain the kids or they get bored and drive me more nuts. To be honest most of these responses are from people with no kids or who can send their kids to daycare and go back home to bed. Most stay at home moms know what it is like. I am not saying working moms have it easier, because that just opens up a whole new can of worms that I am not willing to get into. I am just saying it is different. I don't have the option of calling in sick...my kids don't go anywhere. So, I medicate myself with Motrin and cough drops until I feel sick to my stomach, put a smile on my face and try my best. Sometimes the illness gets the best of me, I get extra cranky and I try to lay down on the couch for a few minutes. But laying on the couch must be an invite for the kids to climb and jump on me. Oh well...the blessings of motherhood.

Vacation is coming to an end...

2010-02-20T22:32:00.003-05:00

I am sad to say that February vacation is coming to an end. We have had such a great week! The boys fought a little and annoyed each other a lot. But overall it was really fun. The big boys and I went skating a couple of times. They skated at stick and puck and had their regular hockey practices. We went to Playland and played outside with the dog. Jonny got out of work early one day and we went out to lunch all together. For the first time in months going to a restaurant was really great. All three boys behaved and ate really well. Then on Friday, thanks to Courtney being here to watch Zachy, Jonny, Ryan, Griffin and I went to a Castleton College hockey game. What a blast that was! Not only the game but watching the boys, especially Ryan, enjoying the game. Ryan had his nose glued to the glass most of the game and was so excited to be there. Griffin...well he was just Griffin. In his own little world some of the time and really watching the game other times. Although, Griffin did get a little annoying about wanting a big green foam finger. Sometimes that kid just blows my mind. He wouldn't give up begging for the foam finger. Of course I would have just given in but Jonny doesn't, so we listened to Griffin whine about it for a good share of the game. We also cleaned the house this week and today we did a little shopping.
Overall it was a really good week...makes me look forward to another school vacation!

Going Well...

2010-02-17T08:50:00.003-05:00

So far so good...School Vacations have been know to turn out to be a hard week for us. but so far so good. Monday I took the 3 boys to McDonald's Playland. I know...it is a germ filled dirty place but the boys love it so. And we have our fair share of germs...I don't think a little more with harm.

Yesterday the big boys and I went to stick and puck. Courtney was nice enough to watch Zachy so I was able to take some pictures and videos of these hockey loving boys on the ice. They were on the ice for two hours without coming off to warm up! Not that they need to warm up...they were covered in sweat when the two hours were up.

Here is a video of them with a young boy that helps coach Ryan's beginner hockey team and his little sister. They skated with them all morning...such a nice family.

What is our plan today? I really don't know...it did snow a few inches yesterday, maybe we will stay home and play in the snow.

School Vacation...

2010-02-15T09:42:00.007-05:00

The boys are on school vacation for the week. I tend to start out the vacation excited and happy to have them home. But soon enough I am ready for them to be back to school. I have planned a lot of skating this week and other "fun" things but having a 22 month old means plans will not always happen.

We are all recovering from the Croup. It was a nasty one this time. Griffin is in week 3 with the lingering effects of the Croup. Zachy still feels yucky even though his Croupy cough has been gone for a week.

Valentines Day was yesterday. Nothing great and wonderful here. As much as I say that it is not a "holiday" we celebrate because it is really a money maker for the card and candy companies, I still feel bothered by not receiving anything. Then to make the day even harder, Jonny was not feeling well and was really grumpy. As hard as I tried to keep the kids out of his hair, he was still was miserable. Sometimes I just don't know what to do. Maybe there is nothing for me to do.

Anyway, today is another day...we will not dwell on bad days, just try to enjoy this beautiful day that God has given us.

Sweet Griffin

2010-01-27T10:07:00.005-05:00

My middle child, Griffin, can be such a sweet and thoughtful little guy. Just when I think that my talking to the boys are just to hear my own voice...Last week during our bedtime prayers, Griffin says to me "Mommy, I really like saying prayers." Oh how that did my heart good! All the nights of saying prayers and not knowing if they are "getting" anything from it, and not knowing if I am having them say prayers just to make myself feel good. He gives me a little ray of hope...my words and feelings do get through.

Then just the other night as we are saying our prayers (which I lead and they usually just repeat what I say), Griffin stops me and says "Mommy, can we thank God for the army men?" I just about burst into tears and say "of course! Go ahead Griff you say it". So Griffin in his little boy way says "Thank you God for the army men, and please keep them safe". Oh Man! I just can't believe how sweet and thoughtful he can be. I hugged him extra tight that night and covered him with more kisses just so he didn't see the tears in my eyes. Tears of happiness, love and hope.

Excuse This House

2010-01-23T20:55:00.003-05:00

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there,
Ours boasts it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges are on the doors.
I should apologize, I guess,
For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with my children
And we played and laughed and read.
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other,
I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,
But first I'll be a mother.

Author Unknown

Mom

2010-01-20T20:31:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was emotionally draining. I spent the better part of the day at the ER with my mom. Not that it was physically demanding, really I was just sitting there, but to see her so old and frail, tired and worn out, it was just another reality that my wonderful mom is passing away.

My sister called to tell me Mom was transferred from the nursing home to the ER. She couldn't make it up there and was worried that they might put her on a ventilator (something my Mom really does not want). Hearing that of course I think that she is very bad off, and I offer to go there to be with Mom and make sure the Drs don't do anything she doesn't want. I get a little teary telling my husband Jonny what is going on but hold it together. All the way to the hospital I am thinking..."this could be it. I could be the one making it possible for my mom to die". From what the nursing home had said my Mom could not breath and her O2 stats were very low. Of course I was not expecting her to be sitting up in the bed talking to the nurses when I walked in the ER room. Happy that she was...yes...relieved...very! They had her on some oxygen and she was doing very well. After the chest x-ray confirmed that it was pneumonia they gave her a diuretic and she started breathing better and her O2 stats went back up without the oxygen.

After sitting there and watching her Stats for about an hour they decide to send her back to the nursing home...Good. Better for her to be there rather than in the hospital. What made me upset was that the EMT's bring her in and place her back in her bed and no nurse is around to make sure she is all set, in need of anything, or even to help the EMT's (who, by the way, are fantastic!). I came in and my poor mom is wrapped up like a mummy in three blankets and looks at me with her weary eyes and says "I really have to pee!" Do you think I could get a nurse to come to her room? Nope! I rang the bell on her bed and then the little old lady next to her kept asking me to bring her to the bathroom. So, I rang her bell...still nothing...now the both of them are really needing to go to the bathroom. I walk down the hall to the nurses station. Three of them are standing around, chit chatting (about what I am not sure, it could have been a patient). I inform them that 2 ladies have to use the bathroom pretty badly, could we get some help. Instead of one of them coming to help, they look around for a LNA. Is it beneath a RN to bring people to the bathroom?! God I hope they don't think that way, especially working in a nursing home.

A Great Sunday

2010-01-17T18:37:00.005-05:00

I am the first to admit that Sundays are not my favorite day of the week. For some reason (that we can not figure out and would love your input) my family has a very hard time getting along on Sunday. We are all a little grumpy, lazy, tired and maybe just a little sick of each other. Sundays in this house are know for being a day of disagreements and just generally annoying each other. Today was different and nice. The big boys and I went to Church. It was my turn to teach Church school. The class was a little rambunctious but we made it though what we needed to do. After Church we met some friends at play place for lunch and playing. It is always nice to spend time with other moms and dear friends. While the big boys and I were at play place my wonderful husband did some laundry and put the Zachy to bed. I think Jonny took a little nap also. The boys and I came home while Zachy was sleeping and we were sure treading lightly (knowing it was Sunday and anything can set us off). They wanted to go sledding but as I said I was treading lightly and did not want to upset Jonny by leaving him again with Zachy. But he was very agreeable. Ryan, Griffin and I packed up the car and headed to Church hill. Of course I sat in the car and knitted while watching them sled. We all got what we wanted today...I love relaxing with my knitting needles. Ryan and Griffin love to play with their friends and sled. Jonny got a break from us and some quality time with Zachy. As much as we love each other maybe our family was not made to spend the day at home with each other.

Words to live by...

2010-01-07T17:40:00.004-05:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

be kind anyway.

If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;

succeed anyway.

If you are honest people may cheat you;

be honest anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the end, it is between you and God;

it was never between you and them anyway.

Written by Kent Keith and loved by Mother Teresa.

A couple of Chicken Dishes

2010-01-06T21:20:00.005-05:00

We all are on the look out for some quick easy and delicious recipes. The last two chicken recipes I made were huge hits with the boys. So, I thought I would share them.

Chicken with French's Onions
I honestly have never used French's Onions before and only have heard of the green bean casserole using them. But my husband wanted the French's Onions and then he heard this recipe on TV (I think he was secretly watching Food Network). So I ran with it...and all the boys loved it.
Chicken Tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
1 beaten egg
2 cups French's Onions (crushed)
-little flour in the crushed onions
roll the chicken in the beaten egg and then in the Onions (press the onions on a little so they stick). Put into a baking dish and in the oven. I did 20 minutes at 375. Make sure you season the chicken with pepper and/or poultry seasoning and/or garlic powder because it can be a little bland with just the onion coating. Really easy and quick...Ryan ate to big helpings and the other two ate without complaining. Meaning it was a hit.

The other chicken dish I made was Chicken breasts in Italian dressing. Which we have had a lot but then I took it a little further.
Chicken Breast marinated in Italian dressing (I am not sure how long...usually when I remember I am making the chicken in the middle of the afternoon and throw it together). Roll in bread crumbs (I buy plain and season them myself but you can used seasoned bread crumbs). Place in a baking dish and bake at 375 until done (again I really don't know how long). When the chicken was almost done I poured tomato sauce (jarred or homemade) over the chicken and topped with fresh mozzarella (not shredded!). Some of the chicken I did not put sauce on because Ryan claims he doesn't like sauce. Just covered it with the mozzarella cheese. Finished baking and done when the cheese is melted and a little browned. Everyone loved it! The chicken without the sauce was just as yummy as the one with the sauce. All the boys ate every last bite.
I know these are not the most creative or original recipes but when my boys clean their plates you know they are good.

"A Cup Of Comfort"

2010-01-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

Today I have consciously taken a step to get myself out of this "funk" I have been in. I am not sure why or what started it...maybe my period, the weather, the let down after the holidays...Whatever the reason I really need to take responsibility to make myself feel better. Knitting has a way of making me happy. It must be something about making, producing, creating with my own hands or I just enjoy it. Either way I have started a knitting project and started to feel the clouds lift. While digging around in my yarn basket I see a book that I bought a while back. Back when I was still wavering about my faith this book kept popping up while I was a TJ Maxx. Everywhere I looked a copy of this book was there. So, thinking "Hey, maybe, just maybe this is a sign from God", so I bought the book. It has been a year or more and I haven't even cracked it open to read the introduction. Today I finally started reading it. With each short chapter the clouds are lifting and I truly am feeling better. The book is wisely called "A Cup of Comfort. Book of Prayers". On the front cover it says "Stories and reflections that bring you closer to God". I am not sure if that is really the case with me but to read these stories from ordinary people and their prayers has done my heart and head a world of good. It has been my Cup of Comfort. And has given me a few thoughts to ponder (which I love) and I can't wait until my dear friend Shar comes over so I can share these pondering thoughts with her. We have some of the greatest conversations about the Lord, our faith, and everything that goes with it.

Some of my favorite Photos from 2009

2010-01-03T12:29:00.011-05:00

2009 has come to an end. 2010 is in full swing. I really try not to make any resolutions because I know I won't be able to stick to it so why set myself up for failure. I have been in a little funk lately so to try to come out of it I am looking back at our photos. Here are some of my favorite. Enjoy!

What a great smile!

Ryan being the great big brother.

Zachy loving the kitten.

Ryan and Griffin with Kate.

Me and Griffin

The boy in the box.

Cassie is really the best dog!

And my favorite picture from 2009 is....

Holidays and Horrible days

2009-12-19T19:32:00.005-05:00

I do love the holidays. The music, the lights, the excitement...but then some of these days turn just horrible. Really, I have been having a hard time at home with my kids and husband. Most days, one if not more of us are so miserable it turns the whole family into grumpy Guss'. Understandably, the kids get over stimulated, Jonny is on edge because of money and I just am a miserable person (apparently). Some people feel that way about me. I usually feel like I am a good natured person...

On to other news...The kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Ryan needed a little help with reading and spelling so he has been in a tutoring program at his school. It seems to have helped but his teacher would like him to do one more session. I am torn about it...He is at school from 9 am to 4:30 pm on the days he has Academy (M, T, W). I notice the on Wednesday he is a little grumpy and worn out. Is that worth it if it is getting the help he needs so that he doesn't struggle in school...Probably. Ryan has also been having a really hard time with not getting his own way and everything being "unfair" to him. I am not sure where this is all coming from but I will keep working on it with him.
Griffin is just Griffin. He loves school, his friends, and his trucks. Griffin has this love of trucks that I have never seen before. He will sit at the table and drive his little trucks around, loading and unloading for hours. He has his little quirks...he whines all the time and is very sensitive about being physically hurt and getting his feeling hurt. But overall he just goes with the flow.
Zachy of course is still the little devil. I swear he has horns growing. He can be sweet and funny and loving, but then will turn around and do something that he knows is wrong. He does naughty stuff all day long. From getting into the dog food or toilet to climbing on the table and pushing every button in our house. He is also going through this temper tantrum stage. When he gets mad he will throw himself on the floor and/or bang his head on anything near him. We have started using time outs which work for now.

Summer ends

2009-09-02T14:11:00.008-04:00

As Summer winds down the kids head off to school. Ryan is in the middle of his forth week as a first grader. I can't believe he is 7 years old! It blows my mind how fast time flies.

First day of Kindergarten last year

First day of First grade this year

Ryan was not ready to go back to school...Although now that he is there he is having a great time. We have started the 7:00pm bed time so he is usually up and out of bed before we are. He is buying hot lunch at school and riding the bus in the morning. All this shows me how he is growing up. Not to long ago he would cry because we woke him up, cry because he had to take the bus to school and cry when I wanted him to buy hot lunch. We still have our battles (clothes are still an issue) but overall getting up and heading to school is smooth.

Griffin has had his first day of Pre-K at Grace Church. Griffin has always been easier than Ryan when it comes to separation so we don't think this year will be any different. He loves school, loves his friends and his teachers. I am usually at church once every other week for a woman's group we have. Griffin loves that I am there and he feels at home walking into the church and school rooms.

And then there is Zachary. Did I tell you that I have found two gray hairs in the last couple of weeks. Yup, Zachy is giving me gray hair. He is such a little devil...he thinks everything is funny. Luckily he is cute...or I would give him away.

On my end...I have decided to teach Sunday School...I know...How does someone that knows so little about the bible and religion teach it. Well, I am going to be learning right a long with the kids. This something I want and need to do. I think for me and the boys it will be a great opportunity.

On Jonny's end...I hope and pray he finds something. A hobby, friends, a plan for his future. Sometimes I worry that he isn't happy in his life. Not so much me and the boys but his life in general. I would love to share in my love of God and the church and church community but he seems reluctant to give it a try. My feelings are that if he attends some of the church events he may really like the people and have a good time. I am not asking him to believe and love God if he doesn't but that does not mean he can't come to the church outings with us.

In a nut shell (or in our case in the nut house) everyone is growing up, growing spiritually, and growing closer to each other. Some days are better than others but we love each other and would not change anything.

Grudges, Guilt and Forgiveness

2009-08-21T09:42:00.011-04:00

Once a upon a time in a land...oh screw it my life is no fairytale...Back in my early 20's, Jonny and I had a couple of good friends...hell they were our best friends, more like family. A day did not go by without spending time or speaking to these friends. Haley and Brian were not a couple, although spent some time being a couple, but they were always with Jonny and I. We didn't think of it as weird, strange, it was just us. Brian had dinner with Jonny and I every night, when Jonny did not want to go out with me (dancing, drinking, whatever) Brian would go with me. Haley was my best girl friend, she knew and knows my deepest darkest secrets (as did Brian).

What does all this warm and fuzzy crap have to do with grudges, guilt and forgiveness? Well, just before Jonny and I got married (Brian and Haley were to be in our wedding) the four of us had a falling out. I can't even remember exactly how it started but I remember thinking Haley was too hard to be friends with, and Brian did not want me to try to run his life.

We held this grudge for a long time...I gave birth to Ryan and Haley had Alexis and moved to California. Brian was around town we just never took the step to contact him. Flash forward...Haley called and wanted to get together...I took a deep breath and told her sure come on over. We forgave each other for whatever happened in the past and renewed our friendship. For the rest of the next few years we remained friends but none of us contacted Brian...

Then the unthinkable happens...Brian is in a fatal snowmobile accident...Jonny, Haley and I are shocked to the core...tears flow...guilt rages...it is too late for forgiveness...

We attend the wake and funeral, cry with all of his family and friends. I kneel at his casket and look at what was once one of my best friends...and ask through a water fall of tears for his forgiveness. That was 3 years ago...I (Jonny too) carry guilt of not calling Brian before it was too late. The guilt eats at us and still makes me cry at times. Praying helps a little...I pray a lot over this...the Brian I once knew would have forgiven me long ago...he may have before his death but I will never know.
Why am I going on with this sad story? Because I want others to be spared the guilt of holding grudges...you never know when it will be too late for forgiveness.
Jonny has been making me proud in that department. He has been calling his former friends asking that the grudges be laid to rest. Sometimes asking for forgiveness for being an ass and other times just a "hey I have been thinking about you" type of call. He has learned from Brians death...you never know when it will be too late. I too have learned...Haley and I have had rifts but we spent the last couple of days catching up...I forgave a young women from my past that I feel has wronged me. And I try to let go of grudges...before the unthinkable happens again and the guilt eats me up.

We miss you Brian!

Homemade baby wipes

2009-08-02T22:21:00.001-04:00

Homemade Baby Wipes

My 3^rd son has such sensitive skin, store bought baby wipes just make him break out in a rash. I found this "recipe" on the internet and found that it works great!

½ roll of Bounty paper towel. Either cut the roll in half and pull out the tube or buy select a size and fold half of the roll.

2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons favorite baby soap

1 tablespoon of baby oil

2 to 4 teaspoons of Tea tree oil.

Mix water, soap and oils together and pour over ½ the roll of Bounty paper towels. Bounty is the only brand that will hold up to this. Then store in an air tight container.

Hi My name is Dawn and I am addicted to...

2009-07-22T15:45:00.004-04:00

Survivorman. That is right, I can't get enough of Les Stroud. He is THE Survivorman. The Discovery Science channel has this real reality show called Survivorman. Les is brought out to remote locations by his crew. The crew leaves Les with only what is in his pack, 50lbs worth of recording equipment, and nothing else. Seven days to survive on the land, finding his own food and shelter, and trying not to be killed by the animals. I love watching this show, I can't get enough of it. Sometimes I am grossed out by what Les is having to eat, and the bugs when he was in the jungle, but that doesn't stop my addiction. Just kidding I am not really addicted, I really just love watching this show. It is so real...I mean the network is not going to let him die out there, but he isn't setting himself up to be stung by a killer bee just to see what happens and have his crew save him (like another nature "reality" show). He is really trying to survive the seven days. On one occasion I have seen the crew come in and "rescue" him because of some life threatening storm in that area. But Les was bummed...he wanted to survive the seven days. When you can, check it out...I am sure you will like it.

A Great Book

2009-07-20T09:40:00.004-04:00

Let me start off by saying...I struggle with my faith quite frequently. I am very much a believer in God, I pray often, but I am still a work in progress. Which brings me to this post...
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young is a great book to read. I know it has caused controversy in the religious community but I must tell you this book has struck me straight into my soul. I am still reading this book and I can't wait to read it again. As I have been told, you really need to read this book more than once to get everything out of it. As I read I am constantly said "this is just like me". The struggles and questions of faith that the main character has are some that I deal with.
A lot of the issues and answers that this book offers make so much sense to me, I really suggest that everyone read it. Even if you don't struggle with your faith, it is a great book to sit back read and enjoy.

Stop being so picky and be thankful!

2009-07-13T12:48:00.006-04:00

After spending some time praying, reading and writing my last post. I realize I need to stop being so picky about the help we receive and be thankful. Sometimes it takes me writing things out and speaking to God to see things clearly.

Yes, I am truly thankful for the help that my MIL give us. She may not take Zachy or babysit him the way I would like, but she does do so much other things. Today for example she has taken the big boys to her house for the day. She did not have to, but I am very happy she did. Zachy was up ever 2 to 3 hours last night leaving me very tired and prone to grumpiness. She comes to our house almost every Saturday morning bringing donuts and bacon. While here she picks up the kitchen and will fold laundry if there is some to be folded (usually there is plenty). Financially she has helped us where she could. For Jon's birthday instead of buying something he really does not need she will pay for a year of life insurance. My MIL does help us in her own ways and for that I am very thankful.
As for my sister...her relationship with her dogs is not for me to judge. I can chose to protect my children and sanity which may mean staying away from her house and still have a relationship with her over the phone or at our house. She will not leave her dogs home alone for very long (if at all) so she just is not an option to watch Zachy here at my house. Instead of being sad I will try to be positive and thankful for the help she did give me with my other two boys.
With the help of Gods grace I will remain positive and not let the sadness and negative thoughts grab hold.

Terribly Sad

2009-07-12T21:18:00.002-04:00

Right now I am feeling terribly sad. I have this dilemma that I just don't know how to deal with. Let me start by saying I have never left Zachary with anyone other than family. And when I say family it is just a couple of them. I am not comfortable leaving my children with anyone, I chose to have them so I should not "pawn" them off on other people. I understand that I need to sometimes and it is healthy to leave them with others. Anyway, I have been thinking about bringing the big boys (Ryan and Griffin) to the bowling alley or driving range. Which we know from experience that the bowling alley is no place for Zachy...

I would love to leave him with someone so I can spend so time doing these things with the big boys. They need more of my attention, since Zachy gets so much of it lately.

But the problem is...Courtney (who is my niece that almost always watches Zachy) got a job and will not be available to me. My sister is so obsessed with her dogs she can't seem to keep her mind straight enough to watch the kids. And my MIL is just "too busy".
What makes me so sad about all this, you ask. My sister used to watch my boys a lot. They loved going to her house, but she has taken this strange turn in her life and is so whacked about her dogs it is so uncomfortable to be at her house. The dogs have the "right of way" in the house, to the point that they come out of the pool soaked and jump up on her couch to dry off. This leaves no where for the humans to sit. Not to mention her younger dog, Daia (which is no longer young enough to be considered a puppy) has no manners. I just don't like that Daia is "allowed" to jump on, nip, and slobber all over my baby. My sister never disciplines her and seems to think it is the kids fault that Daia is all over them. To top it all off I don't feel that Zachy would be watched well by my sister because she is so overly concerned about her dogs she may neglect to see a danger. He may wander outside, because the door is always left open for the dogs, and find his way into the pool and she may never notice. I am so sad that my sister puts her dogs before anyone else, not just my boys, but her own grandsons.
Secondly, I am sadden because my mother is so old and ill she can't watch my boys. When she is in her right mind (she has dementia), she would love to have the boys. It kills her that she can't take care of them. When I was young she always had my nephews and nieces over. She babysat for everyone and honestly I don't ever remember her saying she was "too busy" for her grand kids. My MIL on the other hand is more often than not, just too busy to babysit. And when she does babysit it is always will stipulations. We have to be home by this time or she can only do it at her house and it is usually just the older boys. Honestly I don't know if she can handle Zachy. I can't remember the last time she babysat Zachy. I think it may have been when he was 6 weeks old and I was in a wedding. It just makes me so sad because my mom would love to watch them, if only she could.
Now this may seem petty. Like I said it was my choice to have kids so I shouldn't expect people to babysit for me. My MIL has raised her kids, it is not her "duty" to babysit. My sister has every right to choose to put her dogs first priority. And really, it is about time that Courtney has a job. It just makes me so sad that I don't have my mom ready and able to help me, like she was for my sisters and their kids.
I wish I could put aside my issue about strangers watching my children just long enough to get to know someone outside the family. It would certainly make my life a little easier in the long run.

Mommy Confessions

2009-07-10T11:23:00.004-04:00

It’s time for The Mommy Confessions again. As moms we all have something that we want…no that we NEED to get off our chests so this is the time to do it. Head on over to Life Starring the Kids and Me to unload your confessions.

Ok...Here I go. I must say I have a lot to confession this week. I missed lasts week confessions and I really could of used it I am sure. But because of the lack of sleep lately I can't remember.

For my first confession:
As mentioned above we have not been getting a lot of sleep lately. Zachy is working on four molars and has been miserable. Tylenol and Motrin haven't been helping, the teething tablets help a little, but he cries a lot in the middle of the night. As a last ditch effort I have him Benadryl the other night to try to make him sleep. And it worked!!! So off and on when we need to get some much needed sleep we give Zachy a little Benadryl.

My Second confession:
Instead of sitting with boys at the kitchen table when it is time for breakfast, I make up a couple of bowls...fruit, dried cereal, some cut up pancakes and set in on the table in the living room so that they can eat when they want. The reason...I am way to tired first thing in the morning to sit at the table and fight with them to eat. So now they eat when they want and I can relax.

Depression

2009-07-09T13:22:00.005-04:00

Living with Depression isn't all that fun. Although, with the right medication I can live most days without thinking about it. Every once and a while it sneaks up on me. Without even knowing about it I am being stalked by the ugly black cloud. Sometimes the ugly feelings and anger, that are my symptoms of my depression, are brought on by a couple of things...
1. Lack of sleep, which having three little boys who never slept well to begin with makes it hard to get enough sleep.
2. Forgetting to take my meds. (Yeah I know)
3. Too much of the everyday stress. You know just the hard, messy days that parents have. The children are whiny and fighting, the dog is puking, the house is a mess. After to many days like that, I find myself in an "episode" of depression.
4. The weather. That is something in recent years I started to understand more. I have a hard time in the summer. You might think because of the rain, but I think it is more of the humidity. Since it has been cooler and rainy my depression "episodes" have been less than previous years.
5. PMS...I know you think you have bad mood swings...with depression it is more like a roller coaster.
Even with all these triggers I have to say my depression is pretty well controlled. I am happy with the medication I am on. I take Zoloft before bed and that has been keeping me out of the black hole of depression. Yes, I do feel the cloud coming down on me occasionally, but with the Zoloft I can fight it back. When my shrink thought it might be good to come down on the dose a little, I couldn't fight the cloud away. The depression seeped into my bones and I could not get rid of it. We decided to up the Zoloft again. 100mg is my magic number. Anything less and I can't shake the ugliness anything more and I feel like a zombie.
Now it took me almost 6 years to get to the point that I know what works and what doesn't. I also had to keep track of what was happening around me to know what the triggers are. Sometimes I can't catch the depression from sinking its ugly claws in, but I am getting better about coming out of it and knowing when I need help.

Why am I writing about this. Well, I guess I just want people to know, that with depression like any other disease, you are in the drivers seat. You need to take control of your own healing. No one and no magic pill can make it better, you have to work at it. Maybe not every day, but most days. Sounds a lot like life in general, it is not easy, but it is what you make of it.

Check out Depressions and Bipolar Support Alliance

Leech and things...

2009-07-02T15:38:00.011-04:00

It has been so long since my last post. ~~I have had nothing to write about~~ I have a lot to write about, I just can't get it from my brain to my fingers and on to the computer. We have been very busy, there is so much to talk about.

Lets start with our pool. Yes, we have a tacky blue Intex pool. I am not a fan of it being in the yard because it is such an eye sore, but we have to have something for the boys to swim in. They absolutely love it!

My wonderful husband and I worked together on Saturday to get our pool up. We make a pretty good team, I must admit. Although, Jonny did most of the work, I did have a hand in it. And not with just taking pictures. I put some of the pool frame together.

Jonny got in to make sure the floor was wrinkle free. The pool was filling with super cold hose water. I really can't believe how long he stayed in there.

Even though we have our own pool now, we still went to the public pool. Ryan loves to swim in the big pool and go off the diving board. The older boys and I went to Whites (the public pool) while Jonny stayed home with Zachy. We were there for about 1 1/2 hours before the rain came.

On Wednesday my friend Shalene and I took our boys to the Marble Museum. I am not sure if anyone knows but Vermont marble but it is pretty famous. The Museum was very interesting to us adults, but pretty boring for the kids. I would love to go back without children so that I can look and read everything instead of "Keep you hands to yourself" and "Don't touch that" and "Stop running" and "Indoor voices" and all the other phrases and looks that I had to use on the boys. The Museum doesn't not have much (if any) hands on stuff for the kids. With that quick trip under our belt, we headed to a local park for a picnic and wading in the brook.

A then we noticed Ryan had a leech on his foot. I must be becoming a sissy as I get older because I just could not bring myself to pull it off. Luckily for my friend Sharlene, she pulled the little bloodsucker off him.

Mommy Confessions

2009-06-26T08:34:00.003-04:00

As mommies we all do things we are not proud of. Mommy Confessions is the place to get all that off our chest and see that we are not alone. Hop on over to Life Starring the Kids and Me to join in.

My confession this week...I make the two older boys be very quiet in the morning so they do not wake the baby. Now that isn't bad but the reason behind that...not because the baby needs to sleep until 9 or 9:30 am but because I am not ready to deal with him. I really want to have my coffee, check my emails and blog news, and get myself together before Zachy is up. Why can't I do that with him up you ask? (well not that you did, but I am going to tell you anyway) Zachy is at this stage/phase or just his attitude (I don't really know), but he does not like me doing anything but paying attention to him. If he sees a cup or food, the computer, cleaning product or anything for that matter in my hand he screams to be picked up. So, unless he is sleeping I can't do anything other than play or hold him. And I really need some morning time without Zachy screaming at me.

Fat Lip...

2009-06-24T11:18:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I missed a very exciting Tee ball game. Well I guess I should not say the game was exciting but the warm up before the game.
Zachy and I went to the grocery store instead of going to the game. As we are finishing up the produce section my cell phone rings:

Me: "Hello"

Jonny: "Are you at the store yet?"

Me: "Yes, why? What do you need?"

Jonny: "Ummm...Well, Ryan got hit in the face with the hard ball."

Me calmly: "Oh are you going to the ER?" (we always end up in the ER with Ryan)

Jonny: "No...It is just a fat lip, I was hoping you could bring some ice."

Me: "Sorry, we have already starting filling the cart. Is he ok to play? But do not make him if he doesn't want to."

Jonny: "We will see if he wants to play. I won't make him."

Me: "Ok, see you at home Bye"

Jonny: "Bye"

So Zachy and I finish up, and I call Jonny to see if they still need ice. No he tells me, they are done and headed home. Ryan played the last inning and hit the ball really well and his lip looks better.
Well, when I got home this is what I find...I have to say the pictures don't show how bad it really looked...

Come to find out, Jonny was the one that threw the ball. They were warming up, which means it wasn't the softer Tee Ball ball, it was a real hard baseball. Poor kid! They tell me that the swelling has gone down that it looked much better. What?! He must not have been able to open his mouth. Anyway, on the inside of his lip it is dark purple and has a good cut from his tooth. A little ice and some Motrin and he was feeling much better.
I told him that is what happens when you try to catch a ball with your mouth. He didn't think I was funny.

Montshire with Kate and Derek

2009-06-23T13:32:00.002-04:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Today was a fabulous fun day at the Museum. The Montshire Museum that is. The boys and I went with Kate and Derek to the Montshire yesterday. It is a hands on science museum with an outdoor area and wading pool. There were hiking trails that Ryan, Griff and Derek went on, Kate and I stayed with the baby (because we had the big stroller).
Ryan, Griff and Derek had a great time "playing" with all the air flow experiment things and looking at the fish, turtles and frogs. Actually we all had a great time!! Then we had lunch and headed home. Griffin, Zachy and Derek fell asleep on the way home, so it was a very quiet ride.

Mommy Confessions

2009-06-19T09:01:00.004-04:00

As a mommy we do/think a lot of things we may not be proud of and usually won't admit it. That is what Mommy Confessions is for. Head on over to Life Starring the Kids and Me to confess or just read the other Mommy Confessions.

My confession this week...I am so thankful for having all boys. Don't get me wrong, I wanted a girl, really wanted the girl, and most of the time still do. But with the 2 girls I take care of...wooo...I am glad to have boys. The girls are so whiny (my boys whine but nothing compared to the girls), the endless drama, the attitude and all the mentally exhausting traits of the female sex. I really don't know if I could handle it full time.
Some of the things I have heard from the girls:
"You aren't my friend anymore!"
"I don't like you! You are mean!"
"Ewe! I got dirty!" "My shoes are wet!" (While wearing Crocs and standing in a puddle)
Oh the list could go on. The boys on the other hand...Just a good knock down fixes everything, dirt is cool and who cares that my shoes are wet, I am having fun in the puddle. I do love my boys!!

Check this out!!!!

2009-06-19T08:39:00.003-04:00

One of the blogs that I really love to read is Life Starring the kids and Me. Victoria has a lot of product reviews which I am finding very handy but beyond that she has some really great post to read and interesting thoughts. I love her blog meme Mommy Confessions which I will be posting later. Right now she is hosting a Giveaway Package in honor of her little one's first birthday. Hope on over to Life Starring the Kids and Me to enter. In the package she giving away a Frogger ride on toy and the Peek-a-Boo Bag from International Playthings. Hope on over and check it out.

My poor neighbor...

2009-06-17T22:06:00.004-04:00

I have to say that living next door to us can not be easy! We live on a dead end street, the last house, and three very noisy and nosy little boys.
Today our neighbor K was out mowing his lawn. The same thing most people do once a week, but K has an audience. Well not just an audience but four little eyes (really 8 eyes, they wear glasses) staring him down. Ryan and Griffin spent some time today tormenting poor K. They would watch him mow and then when K would turn towards them they would duck down and giggle. Luckily K is a very good nature kid loving neighbor, unlike most of the others on our road. This is the view I had of the boys....

Yup those are my little monkey boys, clinging to the fence, standing on the fence rail. And poor K is on the other side trying to mow is lawn in peace.

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-15T11:43:00.003-04:00

Head on over to MckMamm'a for a little fun...read every one's Not Me! post or post your own. It feels good to get it all out.

This would certain not be me...After trying to teach my two older boys to stop peeing outside all the time...I would never tell them to go behind the shed just so I didn't have to deal with taking shoes on and off.
I haven't been waiting for over a week to call Zachy's pediatrician, even though I suspect that he may have ear infections. If it was me I certain have good reason's 1) I really don't want him back on antibiotics 2) I really don't want to go in there to be told "No ear infections they look perfect" with the look that I am over reacting.
This weekend I certainly did not show up at Griffin's friend's birthday party a whole two hours early, thinking I was late. Finding out the party did not start until two hours later and being 40 minutes away from my house making leaving and coming back silly. That would never be me, I am always on time.
What did you not do this week?

Only One...

2009-06-14T19:50:00.000-04:00

There is something to be said for having only one child. The other night I had a little taste of being with only one. I certainly have been with one of my three children before but it is rare and when it does happen I am usually with the baby. But last night I had a wonderful one on one evening with my oldest, Ryan. I have to sadly admit poor Ryan does not get enough one on one time with me. If we get out without the baby we almost always have Griffin and we are usually running errands instead of having fun or quality time. Well, the other night, Ryan and I spent the evening at Tee ball. I was able to warm up with him, tossing the ball around and laughing. All without having to stop to chase Zachy or give a turn to Griffin. Then I was able to sit in my fold up chair and watch the WHOLE game. No running to the bathroom a dozen times, feeding a hungry little one or changing a diaper. My big guy is one hell of a Tee ball player. The boy can hit, throw, catch sometimes and even knows how to make a real play. After that we went to the grocery store. How quick and easy that trip was. Honestly, that was my second time to the grocery store that day, but who is counting. Ryan and I got home before Jonny and the other two, so I was washing up a few dishes and shelling some hard boiled eggs while Ryan sat at the table eating an Italian ice. We chatted some more. As I was shelling the eggs, I thought how nice it is just being me and Ryan. No one pulling on my pants crying to be picked up, the only one between my legs and the cabinets is the dog, no toddler climbing on me and no preschooler whining for his Italian ice. How calm, how quiet, how....boring! Yes, having only one gets to be little Boring! Don't get me wrong when Ryan was a baby and we only had him I never found it boring. Now after having three, it is just a little boring having one for too long. Having three is chaos most of the time, it is loud, it is crazy and my head spins a lot. Just has these thoughts were coming into my mind, in walks Jonny with Zachy and Griffin. Right away Zachy is at my legs, pulling my clothes trying to climb up to be held. Griffin sees Ryan's Italian Ice and starts "No fair he has icy!", as I tell him his is in the freezer. And Jonny starts with his story of their adventure. I smile inside, this is it...our crazy life, my crazy life. Far from boring and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Mommy Confessions

2009-06-12T08:35:00.004-04:00

The Mommy Confessions, where moms get whatever confession they have off their chest. Have a confession? Need to get something off of your chest? Well, go on over to Life Starring the Kids and Me!

My confession: I enjoyed being a mom of one for an hour a little too much! I brought Ryan to Tee ball myself the other day. After Tee Ball we went to the grocery store and home to have a few minutes of peaceful bliss before the rest of the troop came home (working on a post about that, to be posted soon). I really enjoyed being will just Ryan (my oldest) for a little more than an hour. Although towards the end of the hour I realized it was a little boring, but for the first hour I loved only have one! Shame on me.

Are you a SAHM?

2009-06-10T10:06:00.002-04:00

A Stay at Home Mom that is. Yes, I am! I have been thinking about this working mom vs. stay at home mom debate since I decided to not work. Which I find very funny to say. I work harder being a stay at home mom then I did as a working mom. Even having a daycare in my home was less "work". The daycare kids cleaned up better than my own kids. They would entertain themselves longer than my own kids, and I had a better schedule for the daycare. Now I am on the run all day, playing endlessly and cleaning up toys just to be able to walk though the house. My kids need to have other social gatherings because they do not have daycare kids here so we are always looking for play dates and have started a play group. Not to mention when I have an appointment or the kids do, we have to bring everyone. A working out side the home mom has the ability to pick up the one child from daycare and go to the appointment with just the one or if it is her appointment she can go alone. I am not saying a working outside the home mom is easy, I know it isn't. I just don't like the attitude of the general public that stay at home moms life is easy, that we sit around eating bon bons. As a matter of fact I am typing this post as I am nursing my 14 month old, petting the dog with my foot and wiping the nose of my 2 year old cousin I care for. So much for eating bon bons.
I would like you all to check out Life Starring the kids and Me to read Victoria's post on being a SAHM. It is really a great read. While you are there check out some of her contests and giveaways. They are so fun!!
Now I must change my third poopy diaper already today. So, much for Bon Bons.

Here is what happens to my coffee. I can't even enjoy a cup on my own. LOL Really it was empty, but I have to sneak a cup before he sees it.

One great giveaway

2009-06-09T09:06:00.002-04:00

While over at MckMama's blog I can across a great giveaway at Tales from the GodseySix.

I love giveaways, they are always fun and I get to read new blogs and find new and interesting items. When you get a minute you really should hope on over to Tales from the GodseySix and check it out.

Zachy the Monkey

2009-06-08T15:16:00.004-04:00

Today has been a big day in little Zachy's life. He really started climbing up onto things. He has learned to carry his stool to where he wants to climb. Ugh...I guess I should be happy he as waited this long. Ryan was climbing everything well before he was a year old. Griffin is/was the cautious one. I think Zachy hasn't had the need to climb. He always gets someone to lift him or get things for him. The perks to being the ~~baby~~ youngest.

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-08T08:42:00.004-04:00

It is that time again. When we can own up to our shortcomings without really owning up. It feels good to get some things out. Also, I is a lot of fun to read everyone else's Not Me's! That is when I realize no one is perfect. Head on over to MckMamma's and join us in the fun.
It ~~has~~ hasn't been weeks since I wrote a Not Me! post. I would never be so busy that I couldn't sit down and ~~admit~~ not admit to all my mistakes. I am sure my husband could write a list a mile long about my short comings lately! I certainly would have heard my cell phone ring when he called to ask me to pick up Ryan. I would never get so involved in the Preschool Board meeting that I may not have heard it ring. If I did miss the ring, I would have certainly checked my phone frequently to see if he had called. So, it wasn't me that my hubby was mad at because he had to stop his work to pick Ryan up from school.
Our little blue ring pool pool didn't pop this week. Leaving us very hot and without water to play in. This ~~would~~ wouldn't make me whining for a new pool since I know we don't have the extra money to buy one.
My perfectly happy baby wasn't whiny and miserable all week. Leaving me to lose it several times. I am a perfectly happy, calm mommy. I can handle everything!
And to top it all off...I did not slip and fall down our hill while carrying our fire pit to the truck. If it was me, I did not hurt my ankle and knee by landing on my leg bent up behind me (because I was on a hill). Which did not lead my husband to say I am starting to act like his MOTHER.

Check this out

2009-06-07T22:13:00.002-04:00

I think you should check this out, if you would like more traffic to your blog.  What a great idea Victoria had.  Head over to Life Starring Ellie and Eve.

Bad wife (again)

2009-06-03T15:59:00.002-04:00

That's right, I have been a bad wife yet again. I did not hear my cell phone ring when Jonny was calling me to have me pick up Ryan. So, he is quite annoyed with me. He had some work to do and could not pick up Ryan, but of course, I was not the wife I should have been and did not hear the phone so he had to stop and go pick up Ryan. In my defense, I did call him back in plenty of time to get Ryan but he had already changed his schedule to do so.
What I don't understand is how a hubby can make his wife feel so inadequate. Yes, husbands make mistakes too, but for some reason when a wife doesn't do what is needed or expected it is this awful mess. Husbands don't seem to think twice about the mistakes they make, but every wife I have spoken to has said the same thing. They feel inadequate when they make their husbands upset or angry. Not sure what this is about. Maybe it is the female guilt thing.

Father's Day Fling

2009-05-31T20:28:00.006-04:00

Check out the Father's Day giveaway at Life Starring Ellie and Eve.

I have found a lot if interesting things on this site. It is a lot of fun.

Talk about an awesome Dad...My husband Jonny is coming around. I have posted about our marriage slipping away (click here) and I gave a little energy into praying and using some advice from MckMamma and I have to say it really worked. Hard? Yes Very. But I am trying everyday to love my husband even if he seems to not love me and be nice to him even when is not nice to me, and in general put him first. Well we have been doing great (from my point of view). I haven't been able to keep my hands off him. Then he did something I have been wanting for a long time. He built us a new picnic table. It is awesome!!! I am so happy with it and truly proud of my sexy, manly, talented, hardworking husband.

This is a picture before it was completely finished and taken with my cell phone. I will have to upload a better picture now that it is done and use my camera for a better quality picture. While he was building it I would help where I could. And I have to tell you that the smell of Jonny and the wood (strange, I know) just made me want him so much more. I really had a hard time helping him when all I wanted was to ..... Ahem I have to keep this PG-13. My in-laws may read this. Anyway, he smelled really good. So I must say the last couple of days we have been...lets say connecting. Well I must get ready for bed, I have a very early day tomorrow and I want to connect with my hubby now.

Mommy Confession

2009-05-30T09:29:00.008-04:00

So there is my mommy confession. What’s yours

http://www.lifestarringellieandeve.com

Visit Victoria at life starring Ellie and Eve to join in.

I love this idea. Of course it came the day I did the most terrible mommy thing. I FORGOT MY SON AT SCHOOL!! I know this is just awful. My husband usually picks Ryan up but once in a while he will ask me to do it. Usually not a problem and it really wasn't a problem today. I even had my friend Shar over and I said to Jonny that she could watch the little ones if they were napping. Well time got away from me and the next thing I know, Lynn (Becca's mom who also teaches at Ryan's school) called my cell phone saying she had Ryan and was bringing him home with her. Oh course I was like "What time is it? Oh My God! I forgot Ryan". She just laughed and said the school had been calling the house, but we were outside and did not hear the phone. I can't believe I did that. Boy I feel like the worst Mommy!

Marriage

2009-05-27T13:48:00.005-04:00

I don't know if I should be writing a post like this. But I really need to get this out and in the open. Sometimes it is hard to use the appropriate words when talking to someone with emotions running high so I was thinking if I write what I am feeling I might get it right. My husband has been on a funk lately and it feels like our marriage is slipping though our fingers. We have been here before with one or both of us in a "funk" but when it happens I feel like it is me and the boys living our lives and Jonny is just living "next to" us. We are just coexisting rather than sharing our life. Truly, I hate this feeling. I miss "us". I miss being with him, because right now I don't like being with him. When we are in the same room, it is so stressful I just want to leave. The friction or tension between us is huge and makes things very uncomfortable. Before you ask, I have tried to get him to talk, but he tells me "If I knew what was bothering me I would tell you, I just don't know". Well I believe that to an extent. I have had that feeling but it was my depression, and if he is feeling this way he should get help. If he is feeling like he wants out of the marriage and our life then I would like to know. Maybe we can get counselling and get back on track. I have been asking for us to get some marriage counselling for a while just so we don't get to the point of no return. The more I think about our marriage the more I am starting to understand what MckMamma has to say about her marriage which you can read here. One thing she says is maybe marriage is not meant to make you happy but to make you holy (she is a real God loving woman). And if you act like Jesus does and love the unlovable, respect when one acts disrespectful, and speak nicely even when they are not speaking nicely we become more holy. God loves us when we are unlovable, and we all feel good when we are loved even when we are unlovable. This brings a peace in you which will find its way into your marriage. If I stop wanting and waiting for Jonny to start making me happy, and I focus on making him happy, maybe just maybe it will come full circle and I will then be happy. Kind of confusing...yeah I know, just read MckMammas post. She can explain it better. But for now I am going to focus on my husband and choosing to love him and only him. What Jonny does I can't control, but I can be happy in believing in our marriage and knowing that God believes in it to.

"Not Me!" Monday

2009-05-25T08:13:00.006-04:00

There we are on Memorial Day, blogging about what we did not do this week. I am sure I have a ton of things to not admit to. Lets see if I can remember. If you want to join in the fun head on over to MckMamma's blog. Or you can just read everyone else's "Not Me's"!

This week was way to busy for us. It was not me that over booked myself and the kids. I strive to keep the children's lives from being a rush around kind of life. They need time to just be, and I would always think of that before volunteering to do everything.

If I had overbooked the family, I would never try to go to a planning meeting with the kids in tow, and expect Zachy to behave like a little angel. And then I wouldn't get mad that he kept running all over the church, because I thought he would sit and play nicely. Not me, I would have been responsible enough to find a sitter or not offer to go to the meeting. And if I did to this, Zachy would have been a wonderfully behaved little boy, because my kids are perfect.

In one of the many things I offered to do this week, I didn't almost cut my pinkie finger off with my very sharp chefs knife. I know how to handle knives and I would not be rushing to cut a watermelon up so that we could get to the next thing I had offered to attend. Not me! I would never be so careless with a knife.

I didn't drag my feet getting ready yesterday just so I wouldn't have to sit at my in-laws when it was raining outside. I wouldn't behave that way, its not that bad having the kids stuck in side at their house. If that was me, I have every reason to want to wait until it cleared up so we could be outside while there.

What did you not do this week?

Busy week

2009-05-22T06:45:00.008-04:00

This as been one very busy week. We have been running none stop since Monday. The boys had a hard time settling down for bed last night. Ryan had Tee Ball, which doesn't get over until after 7pm. My boys are usually in bed at 7pm. This week bed time has been pushed back to 8ish if we were lucky. With Tee ball twice this week, Robbies birthday, and Village Snack bar on Monday with Aunt GG they did not get to bed on time once this week.
Me...I had meeting after meeting this week. Plus, the preschool picnic and the last day of preschool which the kids sang songs for the parents. I can't imagine if I had a full time job, I wouldn't be available for all this. I am extremely grateful that I can be part of my children's schools, church groups, and volunteer when needed. Volunteering is something I love to do. It is very rewarding. I really don't know how to explain how much I enjoy offering my time and services without getting "paid" to do it. Ok...maybe that doesn't sound right. Never mind, let me just say that if I had a "job" instead of volunteering, it wouldn't be as much fun.

The weather here in the Green Mountains has been HOT. It was 83 today and yesterday. The kids have been playing in the little pool I picked up the other day. Luckily I did because I am sure they have sold out the last couple of days. Zachy loved splashing around in the water until he fell over and his face went under water. Then he was done. Griffin tried wearing his goggles, which don't fit on his face, but he still loved trying to use them.

Blessings,

Yummy

2009-05-14T21:20:00.005-04:00

I just wanted to share a great recipe that is super easy to make. It doubles as a side dish or a dip for tortillas (this is how I eat it, the hint of lime ones).

Corn and Avocado Salad/Dip

2-3 Avocados diced
1 medium red onion diced
2 11oz canned corn
1 red pepper diced
1 15oz can of black beans
1 small can of chick peas
juice for 2 or 3 limes
about 2 tablespoons of olive oil
a bunch of cilantro chopped

Dice everything and toss in a large bowl. Drain corn and add to veggies. Drain and rinse beans and add to veggies. Whisk lime juice and olive oil and chopped cilantro together then pour it over the veggies and mix. Chill for about 30 minutes.
Then EAT!!!

My measurements are purely guesses. I am not sure how much olive oil I use. I really just drizzle it into the lime juice until it looks right. I have to make a special bowl without beans for my sister-in-law Nancy, because she doesn't like beans...can you imagine that. Really the beans are wonderful in it. You can serve this as just a side dish or will chips as a dip. Either way it is so good.

Child Labor Laws...

2009-05-13T21:55:00.003-04:00

Not here in Vermont. Just kidding. Ryan has been bugging us for a long time to let him mow the lawn. Tonight when Jonny got home he let Ryan mow a little strip out back. He did great! So, Jonny let him mow most of the side lawn. Ryan is just too funny, how much he wants to be like his Daddy...Our lawn care business IS called Melen and Sons.

A little this and that

2009-05-12T21:22:00.005-04:00

My super cute baby!

Our day started out great. Griffy, Zachy, Becca, and I went to the park. We met our friends and their children there. It was so nice to be out on such a beautiful day and spending time with wonderful friends. I have started getting to know the mom of Griffy's preschool friend O. I really like her, we have a lot in common. O is the cutest little guy and he is extremely funny. Both Ryan and Griffin love him. Not only does he go to school with Griffy they also attend our church. His mom, Shar, is on a lot of the same boards/committees that I am on. I find her very easy to talk to and very easy to be around. You know how some people just make you uncomfortable by their presence alone. Shar is so not like that. Right away we hit it off, and because of Church (and school) we have really hit it off. I really feel blessed to have new people in my life.

**********

Why do four year olds think they can demand help? But not really even say they need help and then get mad because you didn't help them? Which you didn't even know they needed help, because they never really asked?

My four year old, Griffin, is really pushing my buttons. Has you may have read here, I am not a big fan of the four year mark. Griffin today just proved how much I don't like it. After we had a great day, we went to pick up dinner (I know I should have made something) and pick up our dog from my sisters house. We all have our shoes on, I pick up Zachy and put his shoes on as Griffin lays on the floor in front of me. He kind of whines, but I can't make out any real words, so I say to him "get your shoes on we are leaving". Again, some whines and thrashing on the floor but no real words. I have no idea what is up so I calmly say "do you need something?" And then I notice he can't get one shoe on because the heel part of the shoe is bent way down into the shoe. Again, no words just whining and thrashing on the floor. So, trying to stay calm, but realize I am nearing the point where I can't stay calm I say to him "I would love to help you but I need to hear you ask for help nicely with some manners". To which he says "Mooooommmmm!!!" So I tell him "Pick up your shoe and get in the car because I am leaving, with or without you". He is not happy that I wouldn't just put his shoe on for him, but I stand firm and tell him to ask me politely and I would help. But of course he couldn't or wouldn't so he storms down to the car with his shoe in his hand, crying that I am mean. Whatever! Boy I can't wait until he grows out of the fearsome fours. In the car his brother Ryan helps him put his shoe on. So lesson not learned...he did not need to ask anyone politely for help, because Ryan just did it for him. Oh well...

**********

I swear I have pneumonia (my husband thinks I am crazy). I have been coughing for a few days and my chest is killing me. Even when I breath my chest hurts. The coughing won't let up and I am so tired. You would think I would go to bed rather than blog. But oh no, I am not smart enough for that. I should probably call the Dr tomorrow. We will see. I probably have the swine flu (just kidding).

Not Me Monday

2009-05-11T15:14:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

As for me:

I certainly did not have a minor temper tantrum in church yesterday because the boys would not "behave" the way I wanted them to, so we got up and left before it was over. I would never act that way especially in church.

It was not me that pouted some of last week, because my laptop was broken and I strongly dislike the desktop. I would never act like such a spoiled brat.

It was not me that cried just thinking about all the sick babies in the world. Babies I don't even know, but my heart was just breaking for these little ones in the hospital or in their mothers belly just waiting to be born ill or not make it to be born alive. I think it must have been the PMS. I am somewhat sensitive to these usually, but nothing happened to bring it on, just hit me like a ton of bricks.

And then I found out my new little nephew has neutrapenia. That did not bring me to my computer until 11:30 at night researching it. I do not have a problem that makes me over research everything until I fully understand it.

Lastly it was not me that was very close to not writing this post because I am so tired and all the kids are asleep, so I really should be napping myself (we were up again all night) or doing laundry. But I just couldn't resist .

Now what did you not do this week?

Griffy "it wasn't me"

Long Busy week

2009-05-07T12:36:00.005-04:00

We have had a long very busy week. On Sunday night I received a call from Griffins preschool teacher Mrs. H. The parent helper for this week cancelled and they needed a sub for Monday morning. Of course I said I could help all week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), forgetting we had the teacher appreciation lunch and I was already volunteering at Ryan's school Tuesday morning and I had the Women's Group meeting on Friday. But that is alright, I can do it all (except the Women's Group). Then to make everything even harder, Zachy got an awful diaper rash Sunday night. With his super sensitive skin that means back to homemade wipes (which I just stopped making last month) and wash clothes instead of the very convenient store bought wipes. I would use cloth diapers on him which would help keep his rashes down, but Jonny won't have any of that.
So, Monday morning Griffin and I had to stop at the Grocery store on our way to school to pick up snack and then we went off to our morning at Preschool. Of course I had a blast, I just love working with the kids. Then Tuesday morning we got up and brought Griffin to his friends Austin's house, pick up Courtney (my niece who watches the kids for me) and I went off to Ryan's school to help with Kindergarten screening. That doesn't seem to bad, other than I am not home as much as the kids are used to. Which makes for a very clingy Zachy.
That brings up to Wednesday which was the busiest day. Again, I was the parent helper for Preschool. Followed by the teachers lunch, which I had made a veggie casserole the night before and just had to be heated. I was in charged of the kids on the playground while the parents and teachers had a nice lunch in the church parlor. Courtney, Rev Tracy, and another mother helped with the playground duty and we all rotated eating lunch with the adults. We did not finish that until after 1:30. We made it home in one piece and washed up then everyone (kids) were put down for a nap. Griffin does not take naps anymore, but this was him on Wednesday:

Griffin was sitting with me and the next thing I know he is snoring in my ear. I guess a morning of school and 2 hours on the playground tired him out. But that was not the end of the day for me. I had a preschool board meeting that night at 7:00pm. Thankfully my hubby decided it would be ok to have take out that night so at least I didn't have to cook. Not that I could, our oven is broke. But that is another post.
Thursday we did not do much. It was our only day that was not straight out. We took a ride with out friend Stacey and her daughter Brianna to a yarn shoppe in Poultney (which is about 25 minutes away). Then just the day as usual. Jonny came home and offered to take us out to dinner. Which we haven't been out to a restaurant in a while. But the boys were very good. Then I was suppose to go to knitting, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I decided to go to bed at 8:30.
Today is finally Friday. Everyone had a hard time sleeping last night. Ryan was up crying because I think he is coming down with a cold. And Zachy was up every three hours. I am not sure why, I think he was just missing me. So, very reluctantly I got out of bed showered, ran to pick up Courtney, went to the grocery store to get snack for the preschool class and back to the house to get Griffin. Off we went to preschool. Of course I had a great time as the parent helper, this is a really great group of kids. After school Griffin and I went out on the playground with his friend Owen from some special play time. Not I am sitting here with my eyes barely open enough to type. I think I will take a little snooze.
Maybe the weekend will be nice and quiet!

"Not Me! Monday"

2009-05-03T22:04:00.003-04:00

We all have missed MckMamma's Not Me! Mondays post, so when I saw that she was working on one I had to start mine. Join in our fun at My Charming Kids, and share your own Not Me's!

1. It was Not Me that missed these posts for the long time poor baby Stellan was in the hospital.

2. It was Not Me that has had the worse PMS in years, so that nobody could stand being with me. And if it was me, I would not be so PMS that I can't stand to be around anyone anyways.

3. It was Not Me that screamed like a little girl when our broiler element in the oven blew up. I don't react in any other way than calm clear headedness (if that is even a word).

4. It is Not Me that has become a huge Bruin hockey fan. I normally don't like watching sports. But those Bruin are something else. A few of them are just too cute.

5. That was so NOT ME that just called the hockey players cute.

6. It was Not Me that missed 2 weeks of church because the kids were sick. My kids never get sick and would never miss church because of it. But if it was me that missed it, I was so happy to be able to go today.

7. It was Not Me that missed Church last week because the sick kids kept me up all night. Sleep is just not that important to me.

8. It was Not Me that stalked McMamma's blog and tweeter to stay current on Stellan's situation. Ok that was me, but it was also most of you. We are such wolverines!

We did miss you McMamma! So glad you and Stellan are back home!

Gardening

2009-05-03T21:32:00.004-04:00

This is the first year we decided to have a vegetable garden. I spent some time digging up the grass and starting the plants from seeds in the house. The boys have loved digging in the soil, and Jonny used his new rototiller attachment on the weed whacker. Now we are just waiting for the weather to warm up so we can plant them in the ground.
Here is a picture of my little garden masters:

I love the Bruins shirts, shorts and work boots. Not to mention Ryan has his leprechaun socks on. This kid cracks me up.

We have been having a good time. Things have worked themselves out regarding my PMS, Griffin's attitude and Zachy not sleeping. We still have issues but they seem to be more manageable. Today we had some unpleasant excitement...I was in the kitchen making sweet potato fries in the oven. The last couple of minutes I put them under the broiler. While I was getting some paper towels, having my back towards the oven (the oven door was open because of the broiler) I hear this awful sound. As I turn around I see blue sparks, fire, and smoke coming out of the oven. Of course I scream like a little girl, slam the door shut and turn the power off in one swift motion. At the same time Jonny comes running holding Zachy who started screaming because of me screaming and Jonny's reaction. Ryan and Griffin start crying because of my screaming and the smoke alarm goes off. Luckily Cassie (our dog) was outside. She would have started whining or howling and we really didn't need more noise and commotion. Anyway...after checking (hoping) to see if it was safe to open the oven we find out the broiling element blew up. How scary was that?!! My heart was beating out of my chest for a while after and the sweet potato fires had to be throw out. But we were all safe. To top that off...after the boys are in bed and sound asleep one of our smoke detectors battery was low so it kept beeping. We couldn't find the one that needed the new battery (because we have 7). The one that needed the new battery was one we forgot we even had. What a day. I am ready for some sleep now.

Fearsome Fours

2009-04-30T09:05:00.008-04:00

Anyone have a four year old out there? I can't tell you how hard a four year old can be. I rather have 10 two year olds. Griffin is in the prime of 4. He talks back constantly, has a really snotty attitude, and cries/whines at a drop of a hat. He is endlessly pushing my buttons and testing his limits. I am at the end of my hope with him. Yesterday, he pushed me over the edge. I didn't spank him or yell and time outs stopped working, so I soaped him. Yes I put soap in his mouth. And before anyone gets mad and thinks that it is cruel and unusually punishment. I have to tell you it was all natural, organic soap. So yes it taste bad, but no it did not hurt him. He hasn't talked back or spoke rudely to me today. It must have worked some. Now I don't think this is something I would do on a regular basis, but in a pinch when nothing else works then I think it is fine to use. Yes, I do use some positive discipline and I really try to make natural consequences teach the lesson, but when it comes to talking back, being down right rude, and plain disrespecting people there has to be a punishment. Kids are entitled to speak their opinions and feelings but no one has a right to be rude to another person. That is something I try to practice in my own life and want my kids to realize and practice in theirs.
Tell me, how can a kid this cute be so annoying?I still love you my little man!

PMS and Depression don't mix

2009-04-27T19:47:00.003-04:00

One thing I miss about being pregnant and nursing all the time is the fact I did not get a period. I am at the point in nursing Zachy that I have started getting my period pretty regularly. I hate it!! I am sure everyone around me hates it too. And today is the day that PMS has its grip on me. I have snapped at everyone and everything pretty much all afternoon. Then the part of my depression that I can't seem to control is the fact that I jump to the biggest "solution"to the problems. In my ill PMSing mind, when my husband pisses me off, I just don't want to be married anymore. Now that really isn't the case, I truly love my husband and would never want a divorce but that part of the depression (when PMSing) just does that to my mind. So, when Zachy was being difficult at bed time, I jump to "I don't want to do this anymore" which of course I do want to be his mom and nurse him and cuddle him, but that ill mind of mine just does that. Then the phone rings for the same number it always rings from (anyone who knows me knows what number I am talking about) I get ready to scream at my husband to block that number from our phone (sometimes I don't have to be ill or PMS to think that). Anyway I am sick of feeling this way because after all the ill minded thoughts, and the calmness comes back I have the guilt of even thinking that way. I am sure a lot of people with depression have these same feelings and for the most part my depression is under control. Just when that damn monthly "friend" comes around everything falls apart.
But now for some good points to this crappy day...
It was really hot (which doesn't help) but the kids had fun playing in the sand table and playing street hockey. I bought the baby (Zachy) a new hat. Believe or not I could not find a hat in any of the hand me down bags/boxes. So we went to TJ Maxx and he got a hat and I got a new shirt. Shopping always seems to help PMS. Here are a couple of pictures from the day. Zachy kind of looks funny in his hat...oh well

Now off to watch my favorite show...Big Bang Theory.

Product Endorsement

2009-04-26T20:20:00.004-04:00

This is my first product endorsement. And no I am not getting paid by the company...I don't get enough traffic on my blog for anyone to pay to be on it. The last few days would have been awful if we did not have this:

The Bissell Proheat 2x is one of the most wonderful carpet cleaners I have ever used. You see, Griffin came down with a stomach bug and after having a big cup of chocolate milk he throw up all over our cream colored carpet. Our Bissell (and my wonderful husband) cleaned the carpet and you would never know it was there. The stain and smell are gone.
This is our 2nd Bissell carpet cleaner. The first one worked great too, but died because of too much use. This is the newest model and it is even better than our old one. Since we had it out and it was such a warm and sunny weekend, Jonny cleaned our living room carpet also. It looks like new.
The Bissell is a must have for a family with small kids or animals. We have 3 boys and 1 dog, but some days we can have as many as 4 dogs (my family brings their dogs to visit). I can't image what we would do without it. We bought our first Bissell because Ryan (our oldest) was a very pukey baby. He would vomit a whole feeding for know reason about 3 to 4 times a week. Trying to get smelly formula stains and breast milk stains out of the carpet was impossible until the Bissell. I would recommend any parents-to-be to have the Bissell Proheat on their baby registry. I don't think it costs more that $200. Which is worth it, considering the cost of new carpet or professional cleaning.

New Baby 101

2009-04-24T20:16:00.010-04:00

I have been meaning to write a post like this ever since I found out my sister-in-law was pregnant. That was a long time ago considering Jacob is 6 weeks old now. I will never claim to be an expert but from having 3 of my own children, running a daycare for 6 years, and being a nanny/babysitter since I was 12, I think I have some experience. Not to mention I am the queen of research...if there was an article written on an issue I have or will read it. If something comes up that I haven't dealt with, I will surely know the ins and outs before the day is done. Anyway on with the lesson...
There is nothing more special, amazing and just plain awesome than being a mom. There is nothing more tiring, emotional, and just plain hard as being a mom.
1. The new baby scent. I just love to hold my baby and smell them. The new baby scent is like no other. It can make a gloomy day nice, a sleepless night better, and a sad moment happier. You will learn your babies smell and they know yours. It is a connection between mommy and baby that can't be replaced. That smell will change to a grimy, dirty, hard playing kid smell in no time. Which is something else to relish in...a healthy playing child will get dirty.
2. Babies make noise. Babies cry, grunt, whimper, gurgle, coo, toot and groan. Sometimes a noise means they need something, but most noises are just noises. We as humans are not quiet creatures, newborns are the same. As a mom, enjoy this noises because soon enough they turn in to words, and many words that you don't want to hear.
3. Babies spit up. I have not meet a baby that didn't spit up at one time or another. Most babies down right vomit. There are the babies with reflux (the poor things), but your average baby will spit up, vomit, and empty their stomachs for no reason. Just when you finally get a good feeding into the little thing, a burp could bring it all back up and in your lap. The only thing you can do is clean up and start the feeding all over. Chances are the next one will stay down.
4. Babies don't sleep. I know the saying "the only thing newborns do is eat, sleep and poop". I can say I think they sleep a lot less than the other two. Just kidding...Yes newborns sleep and they sleep a lot, but at 2 to 3 hour intervals. What adult, do you know, that can function on getting 2 or 3 hours of sleep at a time. It takes me 2 hours to fall asleep sometimes. There is also the baby that will be up for 5 hours straight in the middle of the night. And if you have a toddler at home there is no way you can sleep when the baby sleeps. So, learn to go without sleep. It is not fun, and days go by in a haze but that is part of being a mom. It is amazing what a mom can learn to do.
5. Babies get sick. No matter what you do as a parent your baby will eventually get sick. Breastfeed babies get sick, parents that carry bottles of Purell have children that get sick (both these are me) and babies in a bubble get sick . Yes, it is scary and heartbreaking, but it will happen. As they get older they will get sick more often. The only plus side is they are building their immune systems.
6. You know your baby. To a new mom this might be hard to believe, but you know your baby better than anyone else. Listen to you gut, if you think something is wrong, then something is wrong. It is hard to put aside what everyone else is saying but you really have to listen to your mommy sense. It is there, even if you can't hear it yet.
7. Do what works for you. Read everything, listen to veteran parents, and listen to doctors, but then do what works for you. Professionals are not always right and they don't live with you. They don't see what you see and do everyday. You need to do what works. If co-sleeping works than do it. The doctor may tell you not to, it is dangerous, the baby needs to sleep in their crib. Well if that doesn't work, you have to do what will. Breastfeeding may be what is best, but if it doesn't work, and stresses mom, than it is not best for you or the baby. Cloth diapers/disposable diapers...do what works for you. Don't feel badly if you can't seem to go the cloth diaper route. Again if you are stressed it is not good for you or the baby.
8. It all goes by too quick. Enjoy the sleepless nights, hazy days, vomit soaked clothes because in a blink of an eye they will be going to kindergarten, graduating high school and off to college. The hard, tiresome, emotional days are all part of being a mom. After all is said and done the best thing is your baby. It is all worth it, and looking back, it really wasn't that hard.
From this:

To this:

To these:

All in a blink of an eye. Sniff Sniff :-(

Another round of Croup.

2009-04-22T13:09:00.004-04:00

We just got back from the Dr with Zachy. He has Croup again. I think this is the 3rd time (he is only 12months old). He is on oral pred. again. This poor little guy just can't seem to catch a break. He was usual happy self this morning in between coughing fits but the Dr took one look at him and knew he was sick, it is all in his eyes. Those sick baby eyes just break my heart. He smiles and tries to giggle which turns into coughing. As you might guess we did not sleep much last night. I sat in the rocker in his room holding him upright for a while so he could breath. That damn "floppy airway" (tracheomalacia)...
A night or two after Zachy was born he was breathing really funny. I called the nurse who thought it was just a bit of fluid he was trying to work up, but noted it in his chart. The next day the Dr listened and told me not to worry, he just has a floppy airway or tracheomalacia. Just meaning that his airway has not developed yet and most babies have no problem with it and out grow it within a year. At each apt since then the Dr makes sure to listen to it and it never gave us a problem. Other than a lot of noise when he would sleep or nurse (remember the squeak when he nursed) when he was little. The last time he had a cold the Dr said she could hear the squeak of air pushing through his airway that was still "floppy". It would collapse a little especially when laying down. Well today she told me that his airway is still a little immature and that when he gets a cold or the croup his airway is inflamed, giving it less room for air when it collapses. Again nothing to worry about just that is why he can't sleep laying down when he is sick. But he should be growing out of this problem soon. His lungs are nice and strong so when his airway collapses he can push it open with his breathing. It really doesn't effect us other than when he is sick and it really has not been a problem. I never think about it, I just always assumed he couldn't breath because of the cold (just like any other kid). Anyway to make a long story short...He is finally napping...in his crib and I got to update my blog and now I would like to take a nap. Hopefully Jonny will not be mad that I haven't folded any clothes.

Sleeping in Mommy's arms. How sweet is he!

Monday strikes again

2009-04-20T10:15:00.004-04:00

Oh it is Monday and what is worse than Monday...A Monday after a week off. It is hard on the kids to go back to school, but hard just getting up and going after not having to for a week. It is hard on Jonny and I to listen to Ryan saying he is sick, just because he doesn't want to go to school. Hard on me because I have been able to sleep in (8 am) most of the week, and now back to early mornings. Hard on Becca because she has been home with Mommy all week and now she is here with me (this is also hard on me). We are also just exhausted from having a week of "fun". But here we are back to a "normal" week, "normal" Monday and we all need a nap at 10:30 am. To top it all off...we all have a cold again. When is the sickness going to break?! I have had it with me having a cold and taking care of the kids with a cold. It is a never ending viscous cycle of colds. Ugh.
On a happier note...I got my garden started yesterday. Yes, I know I don't garden...But I thought it would be fun and healthier to have a garden this year. The boys will love growing our own food, and I think it will give us some learning opportunities. Yesterday, Ryan, Griffin and I spent the afternoon digging out the spot for the garden and started some seeds inside. The boys grew bored of digging (go figure). I think they just like to dig randomly so digging in a neat fashion was boring. So, I ended up doing all the digging myself and yup I am sore today. My legs and my back (which has been bothering me anyway). What a great day playing in the dirt. I felt really good getting down and dirty.

Sick kids and odds and ends

2009-04-15T09:59:00.005-04:00

First I just wanted to say I am so over this whole Easter thing. But some people just can't let go. Oh well, I will try not to get sucked back in.
We had such a nice day yesterday. The weather was beautiful, went for a little car ride to a sugar house, had dinner with Nancy, Courtney and Mazzy. It was the first cookout of the season.
Today we spent the day outside and I even cleaned out one of the sheds. All the boys had a really good time. Ryan even rode his dirt bike for the first time this year. Griffin is still sick but I think we are on the up swing. He hasn't had a fever for a few days but his throat is still sore. He cries out in the middle of the night because it is so raw. Here is a picture from yesterday:

Such a sick baby boy.

Griffin is feeling much better today. The fresh air has done him wonders. I am now coughing to the point my throat is raw. But mainly because I have a tickle in my throat that won't go away. Now I must go feed the kids. Then I have knitting tonight. I love having the girls over for knitting. We have a little wine, snacks and talk about everything. It really does a girl good to have knit and bitch.

***Stellan will be going to Boston. His SVT is breaking though a lot more and is not being controlled well with the meds. Please keep him in your prayers***

Zachy udate

2009-04-13T16:45:00.002-04:00

Sorry I have been meaning to write this post, but with Easter and all the drama around that I haven't had time to think about this:

Zachy had the ultrasound of his belly and everything is normal. The enlarged spleen that the Dr. thought she felt is probably because he is thin. He is in the 10th percentile for weight and the 45th for height. I understand you should not be able to feel the spleen that is why she thought it could have been enlarged, but in very thin people sometimes it can be felt. That is the reason for the ultrasound, and good news, everything is normal! He has a virus that has been causing the fever and sleepless nights and the rash. But everything is gone and he is feeling better. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Oh the Drama!

2009-04-13T13:54:00.007-04:00

I can't even begin to tell you the drama I deal way too often. Let me try to explain this one as nicely as I can. Easter plans were changed do to the fact that Griffin was sick. Jodi did not want Griffin around baby Jacob for fear he would get sick. Understandable? Yes. A little paranoid? Maybe. But that isn't the drama. I had no problem staying home with Griffin. But after talking to Jonny and the boys we decided it wasn't fair that Ryan and Jonny get to go to Easter at Grammies and Griffin had to stay home. So, we all would stay home. As we tell Jonny's mom (Lynda) she gets upset and tells us that Jodi changed her mind and wouldn't mind us going down even with Griffin being sick. Not that I didn't believe her but I told her I didn't want to bring Griffin and have Jodi be worried and uncomfortable the whole day. Jonny and I then come up with a great idea that we would do Easter dinner and the egg hunt on Monday. The boys were thrilled because the still get to go to Grammies and Jodi won't have to worry about Jacob getting sick. Everyone, including Lynda seemed content with the idea. So off we went to celebrate Easter at my sisters house with my large, rather crazy family. Now, we had a blast (other than my sisters puppy endlessly jumping on Zachy and scratching his face), dinner was great the boys played outside with their cousins and we had wonderful conversation. Not once did we think about bad feeling surrounding Easter at Lynda's. When we get home it was another story...we walk in and find that Lynda had brought all the boys Easter presents including the eggs for the hunt on the kitchen table. The boys got upset...they were not happy to have their stuff here. They wanted to go to Grammie's in the morning like we had planned. To me and Jonny it was kind of a slap in the face. Jonny was upset and angry. Does it end there? Oh no! Ryan calls Grammie because he wants her to come pick up the eggs and hide them at her house so they could find them in the morning. Jonny then speaks to her and she tells him we were overreacting. WE were overreacting! I don't think so. We just did what was asked of us, keeping Griffin away from Jacob. Somehow along the way we became the bad guys. Not that there was anyone involved that should have been "the bad guys". But there we were...the ones that were overreacting and messing up Easter. For some reason, Jonny's family likes the drama. Instead of just being happy we could do it another day, the drama had to be brought in. So today when we were supposed to be at Lynda's eating and watching the boys find eggs, we are home, angry because we have to explain to the boys that Grammie is not in the mood to have us. I just want to scream "stop the attitude and drama and lets just live".

This story may seem minor, but this is always what happens. Plans change and send the Melen'stale spin. And Jonny says my family is crazy. Well we are, we just don't let the little things effect us because we have to deal with the big things. into a

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T13:04:00.003-04:00

Peaceful Baby

Easter is huge. This is an amazing day in all of our lives, but I never knew that until recently. Or should I say I knew what it was about but never "felt" the importance of Easter until recently. This morning was wonderful. Except Griffin threw up in the hallway. Thankfully it was just juice (white grape) and cleaned up easily. Church was great, my sister Gia and brother-in-law Jeff were there. It was so nice to share the morning with them. Also my sister-in-law, Jodi, brought baby Jacob to church for the first time and my mother-in-law Lynda joined us. The sermon by Rev. John was just great as usually. When he speaks it touches me deep inside. His words mean so much to me, because he speaks just what I have been feeling. The choir in out church is beautiful and the hymns we sung today gave me chills. The only thing that would have made it better was if my husband was with us. Unfortunately, he was home with sick Griffy.
We are now just hanging out waiting to go to my sisters house. Zachy is down for a nap and then off to Ellen's house to enjoy company of my large family and many yummy dishes. Griffin hasn't been sick since first thing this morning. Maybe it was just that his big cup of juice on an empty stomach did not agree with him. He has been bouncing off the walls. I can't wait until he can play with his cousins later. We missed going to Jonny's moms because Griffin was sick and we didn't want to chance Baby Jacob getting sick. So, we are having nice relaxing time at home, but the boys are so bored (I can't wait until we go to Ellen's).
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. Oh and did I mention it is my Birthday!

***Remember to keep Praying for Stellan***

Zachy Update

2009-04-08T10:09:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we had Zachy's 1 year old well child visit. Well it was suppose to be a well child visit, but he has been running a fever since Sunday. The doctor decided not to give him the vaccinations but to do the physical and check his ears and what not. He weighs 19 lbs 15 oz which is the 10th percentile, and is 29inches long which is the 45th percentile. That is just like his brothers.
While the Dr was doing the physical she found that he has a swollen spleen. As she was feeling the swollen organ she was not positive it was his spleen or kidney. Dr. A decided to order an ultrasound to find out what is swollen and why. She really thinks it is just the virus that is causing the high fever is also causing a swollen spleen, but she wants to be safe. We ran a urine culture to rule out an uti and kidney infection (I just heard from them that was negative). I asked the Dr what else could cause his spleen to swell if it was not a virus. She really did not want to tell me because if it is not a virus then that leaves the big scary things (which I will not even write about). I told her I am one of "those" parents that will just go home and research it and scare myself so she might as well tell me. She did get a little laugh out of that and we talked about what else it could be. She did reassure me that she really thinks it is just a virus, but rather be safe than sorry. I agree. I have to say I am worried, after all he is my baby and there is a chance (very small) that it could be more than the virus. But I do believe that it will be nothing more than a virus and he is just fine. As a precaution please say a little prayer for Zachy (it couldn't hurt). We go Friday morning at 8 am for the ultrasound. He can't have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before the appointment. He will not like this. He still nurses and has been nursing a lot because he hasn't been feeling well. Now I am off to clean the kitchen.

***Pray for Stellan***

Too Cute Zachy!!!

2009-04-06T10:17:00.005-04:00

Some things I thought were just too Cute! I had to share:

Zachy's 1st Birthday!!

2009-04-06T08:32:00.004-04:00

I can't believe my Angel Baby is now ONE! He is more a little monster than an angel baby now. He is endlessly into everything. It is funny to see how birth order shows up in the personality of the children. At the age of one, Ryan would only be told once or twice not to touch or do something and he wouldn't do it again. Griffin would get into to things but was easily distracted. But Zachy, he is into everything he isn't suppose to be and laugh as he is hearing you say no or try to distract him. Oh well, he keeps me on my toes.
Every 1st birthday of my boys I have cried. I really expected myself to be a sobbing mess with Zachy, but I was just a little weepy. He is such a character, which makes it hard to be sad even if he is growing up. We only have a couple of pictures of Zachy's birthday. Being the 3rd born, things like this happen. Ryan's 1st birthday (along with everything else) has a ton of pictures. Griffin had less pictures and Zachy has very little. But here is what we have. Oh, I forget to mention, the morning of his birthday, he fell into the banister in our upstairs hallway. He has a cut and a couple of good bruises. There are more pictures of that than of his birthday party.

I can't believe all my little guys are growing up so fast. Ryan having his first school concert, Griffin having play dates at a friends house all day, and Zachy turning 1. I am so sad that I don't have a little baby anymore. I would love to have another baby, but my husband won't allow it (not to mention he has had a vasectomy). Adoption would be great, if our house wasn't so small and my husband agreed. Although, the cost of adoption might just be a little more than we could afford (more like a lot more). Maybe some day we could adopt a little girl.

Ryan's Concert

2009-04-03T13:13:00.010-04:00

Last night was the Spring Concert at Northeast Elementary. Ryan's kindergarten class, a couple other kindergarten classes and first graders gave a wonderful performance. These was Ryan's first time getting up on stage in front of a group of people to sing. I was a little worried, he can be very shy and sensitive. Last night he was neither. I am not sure if he sang or just moved his lips but he said he was singing. The songs they sang where:

The Garden Song
Baby Beluga
Somebody has to (Poem by Shel Silverstein
Take me out to the ball game

Of course my other two boys sat quietly and listened to the concert. Being the perfect children they are I wouldn't expect anything less (Ha Ha Ha).

There are a couple of pictures and videos. Sorry they are dark and the video is jumping around, Jonny was singing and swaying with Griffin on his lap.

The little boy standing in front of Ryan is his best friend. This little boy has Autism and Ryan helps him all the time and tells everyone he is his best friend.

***Please Pray for Stellan. He is getting better but can still use our prayers!!***

We are truly blessed...

2009-04-01T08:31:00.006-04:00

What a wonderful weekend we had. I truly feel blessed. It all started Saturday morning...
I decided to join Grace Congregational Church a while back, and Saturday morning was the new member class. Over the week I had talked to Jonny about joining with me. He was really unsure of his beliefs and had a lot of questions regarding faith, church and God in general. I asked him to do the new member class just because it was important to me and would love to have him there with me. On top of making me very happy I told him it might answer some of the questions he has. Jonny did come with me on Saturday morning and had a really good time. He hit off with Rev Jon (who couldn't, he is one of the most wonderful guys I know. Not to mention very funny) and enjoyed talking with the other new members. We learned a lot about Grace Church and the UCC. Grace has a wonderful history, it really blew my mind just how rich Grace's history is. The class confirmed my decision to join the Church and gave Jonny the little push to making his decision to join.
After the class we had a wonderful time with my sister Gia, who lives in Maine. She made the trip down to be here for the Baptism of me and my boys. I can't tell you how much that meant to me.
Sunday was the induction of new members to the Church and our Baptism. It was such a nice service. The boys behaved beautifully and the Baptism was so moving. I was the first one Baptized. While Rev. Tracy was placing the water on my head, Zachy was watching every move she made. When she was done he started wiping my head to get the water. It was just so cute. Griffin and Ryan were next and the answered Tracy's questions about wanting to be Baptized and marked as children of Christ very well. I am so proud of them. Rev. Tracy took Zachy out of my arms and held him while she Baptized him. I was a little nervous that he would cry and scream, but it was just as calm and relaxed. As she placed the water on his head he put his little hand up to feel the water. It was just a perfect ceremony. After all that Jonny and I, along with his sister Jodi and about 11 others were announced as members of the Church. Yes, Jonny joined the Churh with me and the boys. Rev. Tracy and Rev Jon and the whole congregation is just so welcoming. After the service we had a receiving line in fellowship hall and every member came up and welcomed us, introduced themselves and congratulated us. It was such a special morning. I will never forget it.

After having such a nice morning, the afternoon and evening could have went down the drain in comparison. But it was just as nice. We had family over for Ted's pizza (which is hands down the best pizza). Then off to an early bed time.

You would think that I should be grumpy from the lack of sleep. Zachy has been waking up all night long for weeks. It is getting old, but even without the sleep I need this weekend was just amazing. Thank you everyone that was part of it.

***Please Pray for Stellan***

Stellan's Gallery

2009-03-27T22:10:00.006-04:00

As most of you already know. One of the blogs that I follow (MckMamma @ mycharmingkids.net) is going though a horrible ordeal with her littlest child Stellan. As a way to remember how everyone prayed for him they made a gallery of the many ways people spelled out Stellan's name. Here is our tribute to Stellan.

Wii love and Pray for Stellan.

Get well soon Little Stellan. Go to Knowing Norrah and see what everyone else has done and upload your own photo to let MckMamma and Stellan know we are thinking of them. Little Stellan still needs our prayers.

Ended up being a good day.

2009-03-26T08:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday ended up being a good day. We were off to a rough start but things did get better. The kids and I played outside for most of the afternoon. It was really a gorgeous day.

The Kids loved playing on the swings. It was a warm day, but not warm enough for bare feet. Ryan on the other hand couldn't wait to have socks and shoes off. The boy never feels cold.

Zachy loved the swing too. He almost fell asleep.

And then there is my STUD Muffin. Sometimes a working man is so sexy. Plus the carharts...what a nice ~~ass~~ butt.

How cute are the two of them. Daddy and his baby. A nice ending to a beautiful day.

****Remember to Pray for Stellan today. According to MckMamma's tweet this morning he is was in SVT all last night and this morning, but did get some sleep***

It feels like Monday...

2009-03-25T09:29:00.008-04:00

I am sure the calender says Wednesday, but the way the morning has gone I swear it is Monday. It all started with Zachy getting up at 6:00am. I don't know about you, but we are not morning people. We roll out of bed at 7:00, shower, dress, try to eat and out the door to school at 8:00. So, 6:00am is a little too early for us. Then Zachy would not eat, which makes going to the bus stop a little less fun (he will whine and cry because he is hungry). Ryan decided he would go with Daddy to the bus stop, so I thought "Phew, dodged a potentially rough day". Well I spoke to soon. Jonny called from Griffin's school. It is picture day, we haven't handed in the payment and order form, Griffin isn't wearing anything picture worthy, and his hair is crazy, needing a cut. Oh well for the hair, but then I had to find the order form, find a shirt (clean) and run everything down to school, with fussy Zachy who hasn't eaten and Becca.

Really is it Monday?

We made it all in one piece with a little crying, but we are back. Zachy still hasn't eaten, and Cassie (my dog) is being a little attention hog. At least it is warmer today. The kids will have to play outside (even in the mud) just so I won't lose my mind today.

Checking Mckmamma's blog did not help. I am so sad about Stellan. I just can't believe nothing is working for that poor little guy. I will keep Praying as I have been all night. As I was being to feel helpless and discouraged about little Stellan I can upon this prayer. It was just wanted I need, so I have been repeating this endlessly.

Prayer for Trust in Jesus
O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
--- St. Ignatius of Loyola

Please take so time to Pray for Stellan, maybe just pray. Think of the Lord as a friend that will listen to all you have to say. Good, bad, thankful, ungrateful, God will listen. Enjoy this day, it is a Gift from God.

Ryan waiting for the bus with Daddy. I miss doing the school things.

Spring in Vermont

2009-03-24T13:17:00.004-04:00

It is spring! But here in Vermont sometimes it isn't much different than winter. The days are longer but not necessarily warmer. When it is warmer there is nothing but mud. So we do have a 5th season here...Mud Season. Last week we saw a glimpse of mud season. The temperature was up into the 50's and we were out without jackets, raking the ~~brown dried crap~~ lawn. The next day the snow was flying and everything was covered in white. Underneath that white is still the mud, but the last couple of days have been so cold it is a little frozen. With a little sun and warmth the mud will be back, but in the mean time...

I sent the kids out in their winter jackets and mud boots to play in the sand table. Forgetting to put their gloves on so they came in after a few minutes. But it was a few minutes I was able to make lunch without three little ones under my feet.

****Please continue to Pray for baby Stellan. Things are not looking any better.***

Oh Mondays!

2009-03-23T14:30:00.005-04:00

This morning I had an apt with the Pediatrician with Zachy. We have all been sick, but Zachy has been sick with cold symptoms for 2 weeks without ever really improving. My hubby has been telling me to go to the Dr with him but I have been in so much in the last couple of months and having the Dr tell me that it is nothing but a cold, I kept putting it off. Well after yesterday with Zachy crying and screaming when he was laid down, I finally called. They could not get us in until this morning, which was fine, what was one more night without sleep. Come to find out, yes it is just a cold but a cold with an ear infection. Boy, I felt like such a bad mom for not bringing him in sooner. So, he is on antibiotics (which I hate having my boys take), and will probably end up with a yeast diaper rash.

Then I opened my blogger dashboard and saw that MckMamma is at the hospital with her little Stellan. My heart just about stopped. Their story is nothing short of miraculous. I could not believe my eyes when reading about Stellan and his heart. If you have a minute please say a prayer for little Stellan and stop by MckMamma's blog to read their story.

Me and my sick baby Zachy. This is the only way he will sleep.

"Tradition meets Inspiration!"

2009-03-17T15:21:00.003-04:00

C.C.at His Heart has a great idea for a blog carnival "Tradition meets Inspiration!". Hop on over to her blog to see what others are posting and post your own.

This recipe is a family tradition. My aunt Barbara gave it to my Mom (Dot) and she has made it for every birthday cake for years. It is the most wonderful chocolate fudge frosting ever. It is really easy to make but what makes it our own is actually making it "wrong". It is suppose to be smooth but everyone loves it grainy. So we make it "wrong" to make it "right.

Grandma Dot's Fudge Frosting

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
2 squares unsweetened choc
1/2 cup butter (1/4 cup crisco & 1/4 cup butter works better)
1-2 tbs Karo syrup
1/2 cup whole milk
1-2 tsp vanilla extract after it has cooled a bit

Instructions:
Heat on med heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Cook at boil for about 2 minutes. Just a bit longer is better (that is when it gets grainy). Remove from heat and stir until it cools enough to spread. Some people say until you can put your hand on the bottom of the pan and leave it there. If it gets too hard to spread just put it back on the heat for a bit. This recipe can cover a regular 2 layer cake or a small sheet cake. In rainy weather you will have to boil it a little longer.

I hope you all give this a try.

Its been too long

2009-03-16T09:39:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I am just so tired. Too tired in fact to think about a "Not Me!" Monday post. Something is up with Zachy. My normally good sleeper is waking every 2 hours for that last 4 nights. I am not happy about this...must be he is reminding me what it is like to have a newborn, since I have been whining about having another baby. I just don't know what is wrong with him. I thought he could be his teeth, then maybe that he was hungry so we fed him more before bed. Nothing seems to help. I am getting so tired!

On another note...Jacob is home and doing well. Jodi is having a hard time nursing him. She is not getting much milk. Jacob won't nurse without the breast shield on and when she pumps she is not getting much. Does anyone have any suggestions for her? I have breastfeed my 3 boys but they were full term and able to nurse from the minute they were born. Jacob was just too little and needed something right away, so he had a feeding tube and now is on the bottle. If Jodi's mild supply was good he won't need the bottle, but I have given her all the tips I have and even looked up info on the Internet for her. If anyone that had preemies have any suggestions please leave a comment. Thank you.

The weather here has been nice. It has been pretty warm (42 degrees) so that most of the snow is gone leaving mud everywhere. That is March in Vermont...Mud season. The boys are loving it. They have been riding bikes though the mud which sprays up their backs. They think it is too funny. So we have been going though 3 to 4 outfits per boy a day. And people wonder why I buy so many clothes and do so much laundry. We went for a couple of good walks this weekend. The dog had a blast but she has been terrible on the leash. I had to use her gentle leader (head harness) to keep her from pulling my arm out of joint. It is rather funny to see her in this. She looks like a bucking bronco. I will have to video tape it for you.
Well Zachy needs a nap. I will try to write later.

Long Day....

2009-03-10T18:24:00.004-04:00

It has been a long day. I started the day sleeping past my alarm and waking up with my hubby pushing me out of bed. Then as the day went on I gained a headache and just general blah feelings. I don't know whats up but it hasn't gotten much better. My hubby has worked all day, he came home for a few minutes to shower and then went to visit Jodi and Jacob at the hospital. I would have loved to see them today, maybe that would have helped my mood. Right now I am smelling a poopie diaper. Hold on, I better go see...or smell...whatever.

No poop. Not sure what the smell was. The dog is outside and the big boys are upstairs. Oh well.

I am trying to explain why it is light out at 7:00pm (bedtime). The boys are arguing that it is not bed time because it is still light out. I think I have had this discussion every year for the last 3 years. Maybe not that long, because Ryan never had a great bedtime when he was younger. But it is exhausting trying to explain this to two little boys that are just trying to stay up late. Round and round we go. I really get impatient with discussions like that.

On to something a little more interesting. Jacob is holding his temperature better today and he has been taking a bottle nicely. He is taking a bottle because Jodi's milk has not come in, and he is not opening his mouth very wide. Jodi has been pumping, lets pray her milk comes in tonight so that Jacob can have the good stuff.

Here are a few pictures of Griffin eating Guacamole. He loves it, not on chips or anything but just plain off the spoon. Griffin really has fun in the kitchen with me. Maybe he will be a chef when he grows up. He is just a funny little guy. All of a sudden he is shy and not liking his picture being taken. I had to trick him to get these.

Baby Jacob

2009-03-09T21:53:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to fill everyone in one my new nephew. He has a name! Jacob Phillip. Him and Jodi (his mom) are doing great. He did have to have a feeding tube and be put in the incubator. He couldn't keep his body temperature and he would not latch on to nurse. So in went the tube. I have heard from my mother in law that he was nursing much better late this afternoon, with a breast shield. He is just so cute!! Anyway here is a picture from today.

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-09T07:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Well lets get started.

-It was Not Me that had a baby yesterday. Nope it was my sister-in-law Jodi.
-It was Not Me that told my husband (who has had a vasectomy) that my chest just aches at the thought of not having another baby. Especially after seeing our new little nephew.
-It was Not Me that "hogged" all the "time" with Jodi and Ted after the delivery (according to some else that was there). If it was me that was "hogging" them it was because I was the only one with a camera and trying to get the most pictures I could.
-It was not me that spent too much money on Jodi's shower and on knitting supplies and girl scout cookies - oh hell I ~~always~~ never spend too much money.
-It was not me that forgot I am the parent helper at Griffin's preschool this morning and just remembered we have to bring snack and have nothing, so that I will be going to the store on our way to school this morning. I am not that forgetful or careless. I am always prepared.
-It was not me that was moved to tears in church yesterday. The sermon cut a little close to home. I am not that sensitive.

I am sure I have many more to write about but I must go to the store to get snack for 18 preschool kids.
Hope everyone has a great Monday!

It's another Boy!!

2009-03-08T21:39:00.003-04:00

Not me this time. My sister-in-law had her baby this evening. Yesterday was her shower and this morning she just did not feel well. Well come to find out she was in labor. 5 weeks early but he is doing good. 5 lbs 2 oz and 17 inches long. What a little peanut...compared to my babies which were 7 lbs 2 oz, 8 lbs 1 oz, and 7 lbs 13 oz. He is a little to worn out to eat. They had to start an IV because his blood sugars dropped, but she is trying to nurse him and they tried to give him a bottle. I don't want her to get discourage about nursing. It may just take him a day to wake up enough to give it a go. He is awfully cute. Congratulations Jodi and Ted. Now he just needs a name.

Pet Peeve and other things

2009-03-05T11:11:00.003-05:00

As I was cleaning baby Zachy's hands after he had his breakfast, I had flash backs to this little boy I used to have in daycare. His hands always had the crud between his fingers and dirty nails. Its not the his mother didn't bath him, I know she did - he never smelled bad, but for some reason this little boys hands were always gross. I know my boys are not the pristine little creatures, they have grubby hands and faces, but I always try to keep nails short and fingers gunk free. The germs and grossness that are under nails is just appalling. After playing out side in sand, mud, and all the yuk boys can find, just washing hand will not get the gunk out from under the nails. I realize the mud and dirt aren't terrible, its the yuk for other people that is gross. From touching the oftern touched things (doorknobs, handrails You need to use a nail brush. I can't bath the boys every day, or the sensitive skin they have will flake and itch. But I can wash and scrub their hands often. I try to let it slide for a little while but then the germaphobe in me takes over so I grab my nail brush and scrub away. But enough with my ranting.

Today I have a Baby shower, for my sister-in-law Jodi. She is 34 weeks along and I can't wait for this little one to come. There is something about not being the pregnant one. I am usually the one with the big belly and swollen legs, achy body and all with everyone wanting to touch my belly. This time it is not me, which makes me sad sometimes but loving this for Jodi and enjoying feeling her belly move, seeing her big belly, hearing about her aching body and swollen legs. She is the cutest pregnant woman I have every seen. Anyway today is her shower. I have to admit I did go a little over board with things for the baby. Not big things, I didn't spend too much money. Hee hee. I can't wait to see everything and everyone at the shower. It should be a very nice day. If I remember my camera I will share so pics later.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

"Not Me!" Monday

2009-03-01T20:24:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Let me start by saying...It was a short, quick week. Really this week flew by. I think it was pretty uneventful. Not saying I didn't do anything I would never admit to, I just have to think....hmmm

-It wasn't me that baked all week...something everyday almost, just because I was having sweet cravings and had nothing sweet in the house.
-It wasn't me that sent half a spice cake with cream cheese frosting, and some choc chip cookie bars to my pregnant sister-in-law just because I love that since she is pregnant she eats, "really eats". I just love pregnant Jodi. (Plus I certainly don't need to eat every thing myself).
-But then I didn't make strawberry rice crispy treats and eat almost the WHOLE pan myself. They are sooo yummy, but it wasn't me. And I did not have 2 this morning for breakfast.
-I didn't whine to my husband to get takeout two nights in a row. Not me, I would not waste money that way, nor be to lazy to cook.
-It wasn't my husband and I that laughed and giggled while having "special adult time". We are too mature for that kind of silliness. In all honesty it was so funny we laughed until tears were streaming down my face. I mean Not me!!
-It wasn't me that drank a rather large coffee spiked with Baileys at knitting this week. Then get all goofy and not remember what we talked about. So now I don't know what night knitting is this week.

So much for it being a quiet week, I still have a lot of Not me's! Oh well, Life would be so boring if we didn't have things like this. What did you not do this week?

The weekend is over

2009-03-01T18:59:00.007-05:00

As our weekend comes to an end, I am thankful for all that I have. My family is healthy, happy and safe. My boys are growing by leaps and bounds, as healthy children do. My husband and I are "finding" each other again. I thoroughly enjoy my friends company (bloggy friends included). My spiritual life is expanding. I just feel so fulfilled right now. It was only yesterday I prayed to the Lord for some guidance because I could feel the gray of depression sneaking in. I haven't had any symptoms of depression since before Zachy was born. And as the darkness was slowly creeping in I sat down and prayed. I needed some help to overcome this, I knew I couldn't do it myself. It has been many years of trying to conquer it alone, never being able to beat it. Since I have found myself in the Grace of God, I feel I can conquer anything. So, yesterday I prayed and spoke with God about my feelings, and low and behold I am feeling much better. There is a new light in my life. I know it may sound silly, but this is the real deal. I have never in my life prayed like this and never in my life felt so good about everything. I realize my life is not "perfect" but I am seeing all the good that is in it. Believe me when I say there is a lot of "bad" things in my life, hard things, sad things. But with God on my side they do not seem so overwhelming. I pray that all of you can find this feeling in your lives. Like my blog friend CC says "a place called peace".

Well now that I said my piece on faith I just want to fill you in on our weekend. Yesterday, Ryan had a birthday party for his friend from school, Skylar. This was very hard on Griffin. It was the first party or event that Ryan was invited to and was not asked to bring Griffin. I knew it was coming, as Ryan goes to the "big" school, he is going to have a life of his own. Griffin really had a hard time with this. I tried my best to make him feel like he wasn't missing out. We played wii together, and tried to play a few games. But his feelings were hurt and he just wanted to watch a movie. What movie did he pick...."Back to the Future". It is just sooo crazy, he loves these movies just like his father. I can't believe it. So, being the nice mommy I am (even though I can't stand those movies) I put it in the DVD player. Thankfully he fell asleep a few minutes into the movie. So much for having special time with just me and Griffin.
Today we went to church. This was the first time they both went to Church School without giving me a hard time. Griffin has gone a couple of times, but not Ryan. Well today was his day, off he went without looking back. I must admit he went into the preschool class room because he wanted to stay with Griffin, even though he should have been in the upstairs kindergarten room. But we didn't push it, as long as he was going that was all we could ask for. After church we had lunch and a little clean up time, then I packed them up to go to the indoor pool (sorry Jodi, we would have called so you could join us, I just didn't want to wake you. I knew you were going to try to nap). They had a blast, but I got a huge headache from the smell of the chemicals and the heat/humidity in there. I was able to start Ryan's scarf even will the headache. After swimming we picked up dinner at KFC and headed home.

As the evening wore on the boys were bathed and in bed by 7:00pm. WoooHooo. 3 boys clean and asleep. What a great ending to a great weekend.

I just had to share this picture. Griffin is just so cute...even from behind.

No Sleep...again

2009-02-26T10:03:00.005-05:00

Well last night was another with no sleep. Zachy is just miserable when I lay him down. We had the dr check his ears and they are fine. He has had a cold, but it is clearing up. Maybe he doesn't want to sleep because of the new walking thing. Although he will sleep if someone is holding him. He just doesn't want to lay down. I know it sounds like he is spoiled, but he was a baby that had to be in his crib to sleep just a week ago. Not sure what is going on, but man I am tired.

I missed the Ash Wednesday service at church yesterday. Dinner was only suppose to take 40 minutes to cook, but after one hour and 15 minutes I took it out and we ate it anyway. By then it was to late to go to church, and I was too tired. So you would think I went to bed early. Oh no, I stay up until 10:30. "Doing something very important?" you ask. Nope, just knitting. I couldn't put it down. It was quiet, no kids, no husband, no TV, just me and my needles and yarn (and of course my ever present dog, Cassie).

My only girl, Cassie, is always next to me. She rarely leaves my side, only to go out and play with the kids. She is the best dog. My husband likes to complain about her, but she is so well behaved and is so good with the kids and other puppies. Plus, she has the sweetest face.

Cassie playing with my sisters new puppy, Daia.

Cassie just hanging out next to me, and Zachy.

Look who is walking now!

2009-02-25T14:23:00.003-05:00

My little baby is now walking (sniff, sniff). I am so happy but yet I am so sad. He is only 10 1/2 months old. He won't crawl, he only scoots and walks. It is so funny. This is when I thank God that I am a stay at home mom. If my baby was taking his first steps in daycare, it would kill me. To me the thought of someone else enjoying my baby's firsts is sad. Even if they don't tell me and I think I was the first one to see it. I am utterly thankful that I am home with my kids. Although sometimes they do drive me nuts.

Should be doing housework...

2009-02-24T10:02:00.010-05:00

Here I sit with the laptop in my lap. I should be putting clothes away and starting a load of laundry. I could be vacuuming, doing dishes or just picking up. But I am so tired and have a horrible cold. Zachy was up a lot last night because he is still sick. He has a snotty nose and must just feel yucky. He has whined all morning and can't decide what he wants. First he wants me to hold him and then be put down, then eat and not eat. Finally I put him down for a nap. Which of course he didn't want, but feel asleep after fussing for a few minutes.

It is so hard seeing your baby and children sick. I can't image how it must feel to have you little one struggling to live in the NICU. I am saddened by a cold, and it is just a cold. I feel for all little preemie babies and caner sick children and their families. I really feel the need to get out there and do more. I support the Relay for Life and I have been the neighborhood fundraiser for the mothers march, but I need to do more. Maybe I will look into the Walk for babies. The March of Dimes will be holding a walk on April 26th (I think). Would anyone be interested in making a team with me? I think the walk is 7 miles, which I can do myself but would be nice if some people joined me. I will look into it. Just give me a heads up if you would like to join me in supporting them. Thanks. I will keep you posted.

Here is a picture of my friends twins. They were born 8 1/2 weeks early. This picture was taken after weeks in the NICU and they started to get better. They were very sick little babies, and we are very thankful they are with us. They are now 2 years old and doing very well!

It is hard to look at these pictures now. Ryan Joseph was so very sick, they didn't not think he would make it. He was diagnosed with NEC. After a bit of research on it we came to realize just how sick he was. Bethany would forget to breath quite often, many times turning blue and having to be resuscitated a couple of times. How scary for parents. I thank God for the health children we have. Thank you, Alicia and Dave for allowing me to be a part of their life's.

Please Pray for Dylan

2009-02-23T21:12:00.003-05:00

My sister-in-law Jodi's friend (Becky) had her baby boy yesterday. Dylan was born 6 weeks early and weighs a mere 3lbs 7oz. He is doing great from what I hear, breathing on his own with no oxygen and eating on his own. He will be in the NICU for about 2 weeks if all stays well. That is what I am asking from you...Please pray he continues to do so well, as we all know in the preemie world things can go from great to horrible in a blink of an eye. Please pray that he continues to do well and will be home in his mommy's arms soon.

All I can think of as I pray for Dylan and Becky is the March of Dimes and how much the work they do makes such a difference in premature birth. If it wasn't for the March of Dimes a lot of preemie babies would never have made it home. Thank you to all the people that donate to the March of Dimes and to all the people doing the great research for the March of dimes.

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-23T08:10:00.003-05:00

Its that time again. "Not me!" Monday was created by Mckmama for a way to say the things we would normal never admit to. Stop by My Charming Kids to read other "not me's!" or post your own.

- It wasn't my cell phone that rang in the middle of church yesterday. I would never be so forgetful to not turn it off before entering church.

-It wasn't me that ate so much at my mother-in-laws birthday party that I felt sick to my stomach later that night. "Not Me!"

-I did not get mad a my husband because he chose NASCAR over going to the church welcome dinner with me and the kids. I understand him not wanting to attend church service but a dinner with a lot of people we already know, and being with his family. But really I don't understand how he can chose sports over us. Ok that was me, but I think I had the right to be angry about that.

-It was Not Me! that hasn't blogged in days. I have so many important things to say I could never go that long (yeah right).

-It was Not Me! that sent my days knitting instead of the house work. But if it was me, I made a beautiful hat for my sister-in-laws baby. Which I can't wait to meet.

-I was not the mom that jumped for joy that the kids went back to school today. What kind of mother would that be. Not me, I am the perfect loving mom.

-It was Not Me! that put my sons snow pants in the wash with tootsies rolls in the pocket. I would have checked all pockets before putting them in the washer and drier. I would have checked the jacket pockets also and the chap stick would not have gone though the wash. See what happens when I do the laundry, I should just give up. Heehee

What did you Not do this week.....

Its been a long time

2009-02-16T21:43:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry it has been a long time since my last post. We have been very busy. The boys are on school break so we went sledding today at church hill. It was so much fun. I didn't think to grab my camera, but the boys were just flying down the hill, laughing all the way down. I have also been spending a lot of the time knitting. I just love to sit and knit so my hands have been too busy to type. We have been going to church and reading the bible (the children's read and learn bible). The boys went to the church school for the first time this past Sunday. They really had a good time and told me they want to go there again this Sunday. Griffin told me that Ryan cried a little when they first got to the classroom, but then he had a good time. Ryan has always had a hard time with separation. It has gotten a lot better.

Well I am really itching to knit. Hopefully I will post more tomorrow.

Is it time for bed????

2009-02-10T21:47:00.002-05:00

I am so tired I can't believe I am still up. Zachy must not be feeling good again. He was crabby all day and would not nap. He was up last night 5 to 6 times, so not like him. Then Griffin came into our bed. He was glued to me the few times I was able to lay down in bed. Which lead to absolutely no sleep. Ryan on the other hand slept all night in his bed in his room. He has been in his room for a while now. It only took us 6 years to get him to sleep in his room, but hey he is there now. Griffin rarely comes into our room, mainly when something is really bothering him. Which reminds me...he said he felt like he was going to throw up before he went to bed. I hope he just had too much juice or something like that. I really don't want to be up in the middle of the night cleaning up puke. That would suck if both the little boys were coming down with the stomach bug.

"Not Me" Monday

2009-02-09T10:22:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I really don't have much to say. I think I was the perfect wife and mother this week....Ha Ha

I sure it was not me that ~~screamed at the top of my lungs~~ spoke calmly at a little ~~demon child~~ boy that was ramming my sweet innocent little Griffin with a chair while they were ice skating yesterday. It was not my husband that after I ~~yelled at~~ spoke to him went to find his parent to let them know what their ~~problem child~~ son was doing. I would never raise my voice to a child, let alone some one else's child. Not me!
It's not me that ~~likes to think~~ knows her boys would never misbehave like that in public. (actually my boys wouldn't try to hurt someone on purpose like that. And if they did, I would ~~paddle their behind~~ punish appropriately).

I did not get freaked out at the wii hunting game when the character was attacked by the bear. It is just a video game, get over it.

I would never finish my child's valentine cards for their classmates. When we do a craft project like that, they do it all themselves. I would never think they can't make it "right", so then do it myself. What kind of mother would I be. And it's "not me" to be so "snobby" that I think the cartoon character valentine cards from the store are tacky. Which leads us to make our own in the first place. "Not me" I am so not like that.

One more thing I did not do. It was Not me that ate to many salt and vinegar chips that my tongue was raw. That would be absurd!

How was your week?

Knitting night

2009-02-06T10:26:00.004-05:00

I had a wonderful time with my Knit and Bitch group of ladies. We are really a fun group of women who help each other with our knitting and we also talk about everything in our lives. From husbands, kids and sex to religion, cars, and food. It is so nice to sit around with women and share. I feel very blessed to have all these women in my life.
Now off to do some laundry, then running around for the kids.
Thank God it is Friday!!

I have a question...

2009-02-04T21:00:00.005-05:00

Why would a 6 year old waste time and energy sneaking dirty underwear around so he can keep wearing them?

This aren't the dirty undies, I just like this pic. Check out the shoes...HeeHe

I am starting to think I have the stinky kid in school. Sometimes it is so hard to get him to take a shower and then we have to make sure he uses soap and shampoo. We also have to make sure he puts clean clothes on after his shower. For so reason I just believed he was putting his dirty undies in the laundry basket with his clothes. But the last couple of nights I noticed the same dinosaur undies on the night stand (next day clothes get put on the night stand for morning). I know he has a couple of the same undies so I didn't think much of it other than to make sure I checked into it. Well tonight, I made sure to say "get clean undies and socks". The two older boys get their stuff ready for morning, while I fix the beds and other nightly things. As I am walking out of the room I notice the dinosaur undies again. I take a closer look and there is a poop stain! YUCK! Now I know they are dirty!! So I ask "how many days have you wore this undies?" or course I get the "Well, well, I, I". I call him on the dirty undies and point out the poop stain so I know they are dirty. I drop them in the dirty laundry basket and say "New undies every day!!" I shouldn't have to tell him to change his undies. And then I wonder why was he wasting time and energy sneaking the dirty undies around. Just change them!! Man little boys are gross.

On a better note... Zachy must be feeling better. He has been practicing his walking. Sniff sniff. But I think the oral steroid is making him jittery, and he really doesn't like that feeling. About an hour after his morning dose he was really crabby, and very unsettled. He just didn't know what he wanted. But as the day went by he seemed to settle down. Griffin is doing well. His cough has calmed down. But I forgot to give him his inhalers before bed. Nice mom, poor guy.

Tomorrow is my knitting night. I can't wait. Hopefully the boys won't be too sick for me to go. Zachy especially just wants mommy when he is sick. Anyway I need to go to bed. Who knows if we will be up all night.

Until tomorrow, God bless.

Croup

2009-02-04T10:03:00.004-05:00

Zachy has Croup again. We went to the dr yesterday after not getting any sleep on Monday night. He had that horrible cough and couldn't breath. That is just so scary to me. The dr gave us oral steroids. Which I hate having to give the kids stuff like that but he felt so much better. I put him to bed at 6:30 last night. He got up 5 or 6 times until 11:00, and then slept until 7:00 this morning. The steroid must be doing its job. We all needed the sleep, it was so nice.

Then this morning Griffin was coughing. He is my little asthma boy. Every time he gets sick it ends up in his lungs. We started his inhaler in hopes that we don't end up on liquid steroids. He really is a baby when he is sick. Whiny and sensitive on good days. Sick days leave me pulling my hair out.

Poor Ryan, he coughs and has a running nose but I never really notice because he just goes about his day. Doesn't really complain about being sick. On the other hand, he drives me nuts with his know it all attitude. I really didn't think I would be dealing with that until they were teens, but at 6, he knows everything (a little like his Dad, hmmmm).

Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer that Griffin won't get any worse. That his inhaler does its job and we aren't up all night with him.