Unproductive, Useless, Thirsty...

I can just hear my husband letting out a quiet chuckle as he reads this. What does this title mean, you ask? I just spent the last three days reading the Twilight series. Understood? I have had Twilight for months, but put it off because of the craze. You know what I mean. Somehow I just couldn't read it while everyone was so obsessed. Now I know why they were! My children were forced to watch 726 hours of TV, Kevin had no ironed shirts, and my neck and back paid the price as well! On day two, I had to wake up early and get the house in order so I didn't feel guilty about what I was doing. Good thing right, since I haven't done something like this in 8 1/2 years of marriage. Lucky for Kev I never read the Harry Potter series!
I started of just thinking I would do some casual reading and finish the book in a week or so. Um, no. I finished that day, well actually at 4 am the next day if you want to be technical. I had my domestic duties to still fulfill, you know! My thoughts then told me to just get them over with so I could be useful again. I hunted down the next two books and finished them up. I even had to go to Stephanie Meyer's website to see if she had the first chapter of her next book. I was very disappointed to see that wasn't the case. I did, however, find the first chapter of Midnight Sun. Ooooooh! I really hope she writes that one!
I have always been drawn to the darker side, and it was nice being able to find something that was still so clean. My imagination is vivid enough. Speaking of imaginations, I found that I was at first a little disappointed that I knew who was cast for the movie because that is who I imagined in the book. By the end I was happy I already knew because I think I would have been disappointed with what I envisioned. I am completely satisfied with the casting of Bella and Edward now. I think if I hadn't know who they were and conjured up my own characters, I may have been disappointed. I read somewhere that Stephanie was wanting Henry Caville, but then she thought he was too old. Oh my word. I wouldn't have been disappointed if they chose him. Mmmm.
I am also torn between Edward and Jacob! How do you choose? I am inclined towards Edward because he was the first. Her first true love, but Jacob! He is so nice, and he will keep her mortal. Bleh. Too many good men to choose from! I will just wait for Breaking Dawn before I get myself too worked up. I wish Eclipse had the first chapter of Breaking Dawn in it. Maybe that would just drive me crazy.

American FarkleyToes

Last Thursday Eliza, Ashley, my madre' and I went to get pedicures at a little salon called La Villa, in Lehi. They have a fun option called Glitter Toes. Instead of getting your toes painted, you can get glitter instead. This is no ordinary glitter. They put a layer of gel on, followed by a layer of your color choice of glitter, another layer of gel and a quick drying under the UV lights. They are so SPARKLEY! It is also nice because they do your nails BEFORE you get your pedi, so you end it all with the wonderful massage. This is definitely something we need to do more. We were sad that Bree or Kathy couldn't come, but hey, that is what summer break is for! Let's make this a spring time tradition! Next time we will remember to pull out our cameras! We were too busy talking! Oh yea, these puppies stay on for about 5 weeks and look perfect the whole time! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Take a guess. Who is Fred, and who is Willma?

I'm A Big Kid Now

Spencer turned 5!!! I can't believe how big our little guy is getting. Time has flown by so fast. It seems like yesterday that he was just a little nugget in my arms. He has become so independent, or so he thinks! He is definitely head strong like his mama, but he has a soft sensitive side like like his dad. He is such a blessing to us, and brings such a fun spirit to our home. We love you Spence!

He had BIG plans for his birthday this year. He told me he wanted a surprise party, and he also wanted to send out a gift list with his invitations so his friends would know exactly what to get him. Uh, no. I told him it is a lot more fun to be surprised when you get gifts. I decided to hold of on the surprise party this year since he was ASKING for it. Maybe next year buddy! We wanted to keep the party kind of small, but that totally didn't happen. We had friends from the old neighborhood and friends from the new neighborhood. The grand total was 12. That is about 6 more than I wanted, but it turned out great. It was loud and crazy, exactly what we expected. It was a total success. Spencer was absolutely thrilled with all of it...especially all his gifts.

Are You GREEN With Envy?

Yeah, me neither. Spencer's preschool is celebrating St. Patrick's Day today with a green lunch picnic. Everything is supposed to be green! So, we dyed his bread GREEN, he has GREEN MAYO, GREEN HAM, and GREEN CHEESE. Mmmmm. :/ The limes were his idea. I guess GREEN APPLES weren't green enough for him. Other than that, it looks like a pretty ordinary lunch to me. Happy St. Patty's Day... on Monday!

Carb Loading or Carb Bloating

My friend Stephanie makes the best rolls this side of the tracks. Ask anyone who has tried them, and they will confirm it. I have been dying to try to make them, but I have a fear of making bread. I have no idea why, it's just there. Feeling extra confident (thanks to Steph's super detailed recipe) and somewhat industrious, I thought I would give them a shot. How did they turn out you ask? Divine. Oh, and I couldn't just stop with rolls. I had to make cinnamon rolls! EVEN BETTER. Mmmm.
Jealous, right? Yea well guess what else I got...
Mmm hmm. I had to buy these when we went to the store to get Spencer's Hot Wheels cake.

Oh yea, and there is one more treasure...
Just so you know, I skipped dinner last night and just ate rolls and cinnamon buns. I am woman. Hear me roar. Over!

A Series of Events...

I would be lying if I said things have been dull around here. Get comfy because this is a long one. First off. I have some really BIG NEWS for all of you...




Olivia went poo poo in the potty!!! As far as I am concerned, this is the most difficult part of potty training. We actually aren't even in the process of potty training right now, but on Wedenesday, I saw Olivia contemplating the deed (if you know what I'm sayin'), so I told her she could have a piece of candy if she went on the potty. She is a private person when she is doing her bidness, so I just told he I would close the door to the potty and finish my makeup. Before I knew it, she said, "Oh no Mommy, look!" She thought she was going to get in trouble, but when she saw how excited I was she beamed with pride. She waved bye bye to it as it flushed away and promptly asked for her candy. I love that she is totally motivated by sugar! We have yet to do it again, but she is not a fan of her diaper anymore, so I better get to work. Now, I have to say SUCKERS to all of you who were expecting different news! Hahaha!

Our next funny little story happened Saturday. We decided to meet a couple of friends at Union Station to see the train exhibit. What a flop! Never again I say. I don't know what we were expecting, but we got weird old men trying to sell model train parts. Bleh! I guess when the weather is nice (because it decided to snow again) they allow everyone to explore old trains outside, but they had that part closed for the day. Anywho, after we left we decided to make it up to the kiddies and take them to Micky D's for some greasy food and a grimy playland. Notice, I didn't say make it up to ourselves. We would have been headed to The Bistro on 25th if I had my way. Back to the story, the playland is a somewhat new experience to Olivia. She loved climbing and sliding, but the best part was when she discovered the cubbies for shoes. She came back with a pretty sparkley pair a couple sizes too big, but they were so pretty. She wasn't too happy when we put them back, but she knew there were more! A couple minutes later she walked over wearing a super hot pair of pink and cream cowgirl boots. Convincing her that these weren't hers wasn't so easy this time. She screamed and cried and stomped away. About five minutes later we were cleaning up to go, and I was off to help Spencer with something when a man came up to me. He said, "Are these your daughter's shoes?" I looked down to see him holding my newest, most favorite Target shoe purchase for Olivia. Her white shoes with black hearts, hot pink trim and a black bow. So cute. I looked at him and replied with the affirmative. He then said with a smile, "She was just trying to throw them in the trash." The little turd! She thought she was going to get a brand new pair of shoes at McDonalds. The Happy Meal prizes aren't that good, sweetheart! I laughed so hard. This girl is too funny and she keeps us on our toes! Oh yea, check out this other sweet Saturday happening. Spencer gave himself a sweet Mexi hickey with one of those tiny medicine cups that comes with Dimatapp. LOVE IT!

OH, but the adventures continue on! Sunday was our little Olivia's second birthday!!! We were going to my parents for a birthday dinner for the girls (Ryan's Lauren has a birthday on the 3rd), but we had church first. I decided to venture to church alone because I had to teach the lesson in our class, and Kevin was going to stay home with Olivia because she had a little cough. About an hour before I left, Spencer told me his head hurt so I felt his head. He was a little warm, so I told him to lay down. He was asleep in five minutes. I left, but then came home right after sacrament and the class. I asked Kev if we should take Spencer to my parents, and he said he seemed to be fine, so off we went. We had a great time and ate yummy chicken cressants. Mmm. After dinner we had cake and presents. Olivia got all clothes besides the little princess trike we bought. I LOVED that she was so into her clothes. She couldn't stop smiling at every new outfit. She is such a girl! I can't believe how fast these two years have gone. She is so much fun to be around and to watch. She is a complete tornado, but is my big helper as well. We love her so much!!!

Well, from there I must digress. We got home a little late, but were prompt on getting Spence and Oli in bed. We were all pretty tired so we zonked really fast. Around 2:00 am Spencer came in our room to use the bathroom. I didn't think much of it because it does it often. It is beyond me why he thinks it is easier to climb a flight of stairs rather than use the bathroom right next to his room, but this is beside the point. He flushed, washed, and was back to bed. I woke up around 4:00 am to hear him whimpering up the stairs, so I got up and met him in the hallway. He told me he had a bad dream. I decided to feel his head because of his fever earlier in the day, and he was burning up! I am so glad he had the earlier fever because if he has a bad dream we normally tell him to say a prayer or sing a primary song and go right back to bed. I took him into the family room, gave him a dose of Tylenol, and grabbed the thermometer. He was 103.8! He has never had a fever so high. It made me nervous, so I decided to get some cool wash rags on him. I put them on his forehead and chest. I changed them out about 3 times and took his temperature again (about 15/20 minutes later). It was still the same. I wasn't sure if I should give him a cool bath or just wait a little bit. I thought that no matter what he'd better sleep in our room. I moved my pillow and blanket to the chair in our room, and got another blanket for Spence. I went back out to get him and told him what we were going to do. A moment later he jolted sharply and his eyes got really big. It happened in a second, but it scared me so bad. It must have freaked him out too because he asked me what happened. I was almost in tears but then he said Olivia's name. I looked to the hallway, but she wasn't there. I thought he was hallucinating, so I asked him why he said her name. He told me he thought he heard her in her room. I sighed with relief, but in that instant he jolted again. This time his whole body got stiff, his eyes rolled over and he stared at the ceiling with dilated pupils. His arms were out to his side and completely stiff. His lips were also purple. I started calling for Kevin. He ran out and dialed 911. They told us to roll him on his left side, and they just talked to Kevin for a minute. The whole seizure lasted for about 45 seconds. As soon as it was over, he was completely asleep. The paramedics were on there way. They got there within a few minutes. They took his jammies off, took his temperature, and took a blood sugar test. Spencer was completely clueless to the fact he had just had a seizure, but he knew he didn't like his finger getting poked! They told us to take him to the ER, and they would call them so they would know we were on our way. I scooped up Olivia, grabbed a few things, and we were out the door.

Kevin's parents live right by the hospital, so we dropped Oli off. Once there, we were welcomed to an empty ER (the benefits of early morning emergencies, I guess). After a temperature reading, we were taken to a bed. They gave him some Motrin and informed us he would need a few tests taken. The first of the battery was a mucus sample. For once in his life it was unfortunate he didn't have any, so the nurse blasted a small dose of saline up his nose and sucked it right back out. TRAUMA IN THE ER people! And I thought a seizure was bad. Poor kid, he had no idea that a blood sample was just around the corner. He didn't fair that one very well either, but after that was over he was pretty worn out. He crashed for about 20 minutes, and then he had to go in for a chest x-ray. He got a sucker and four stickers, so that wasn't so bad. He thought it was all over until he realized he had to give a urine sample. He wasn't happy about peeing in a cup, but he filled his quota and even stopped mid stream and finished in the toilet so as to not get me wet. I knew that skill would come in handy someday. Well, that was truly the end of the test. He just had one more temperature reading, which was thankfully normal, a diagnosis of the flu, and a dose of flu medicine. Sadly, when we got home he puked in the hallway. Can I tell you how grateful I am for wood floors! Kev even offered to clean it up!!! I took him into the bathroom to finish the job, and after he finished, he looked at me with the saddest eyes and said, "Mom, I am not having a good day." SO SAD!

I am happy to report he is feeling better although he isn't better. It should be gone within 24 hours. Lets just hope the rest of us don't get it!

P.S. Did any of you catch SNL this weekend? I LOVE Kristin Wigg. She was the best in the Other Bolyn Sister skit!

Back From The Dead

Hellooooooooo! I was told by Allison to post before we went out of town, but I forgot. Sorry. So that's my excuse. We were out of town. Kev had a business convention, or whatever, in Vegas and wives were invited. The guys and Alyssa decided to ride a century in St. George first, so we got to spend a couple days there.
On Sunday we headed down to Vegas. We decided to stay at the hotel where the convention was at the last minute instead of staying at my Aunt Kathy's. I am glad we did because it really felt like we were on vacation. It was even a smoke free hotel...on the strip! Who knew. Anyway, the company hosting the convention had a home tour planned for us, and it was fun. I always forget to look at the actual floor plan because I am so distracted by the decor. I really enjoyed myself. We then went to a cocktail party (in jeans) provided by the conference, and in the process tried to decide what to do for the night. None of us (besides Kevin) had seen I Am Legend, so we thought we would try to catch it at the I-Max theater. I couldn't remember where it was so I called Ryan. When I told him our plans he said, "On a Sunday?" Then he laughed his head off. I had completely forgot. Oh well. What happens in Vegas...yea, so it wasn't playing anymore so we saw a different movie.
The rest of the trip for the guys was spent in a ballroom being lectured to, and the wives went shopping. We had a great time, but the best part about it was the amazing weather! I am sure that all you Vegrants and Californicators have developed a lack of appreciation for this, but it was so revitalizing! I need Spring.
The trip came to an end too fast, but we did manage to tack another day on by stopping in St. George again to pick up the bikes we left at the condo we stayed in. Sadly, we had to be on the road by 5 am, but it was nice to have the extra time to relax. The trip back took no time at all after shaving off the extra hour and a half from Vegas.
Kev dropped me off at my parents so I could pick up our kiddos. It was so fun to see them. It amazes me how big they seem after going a few days without them. Olivia is having full conversations and saying the funniest things. While we were gone she said, "You shut your mouf!" Now, I don't know how appropriate that is, but it is funny. My mother swears she had nothing to do with her learning that, so I guess I will believe her ;). She learned to climb out of her crib the day before we left, so I am sure she kept my mom a little busier than planned. She loves any and all things princess. Disney princess, of course. She also has a Barbie movie that she loves, and she asks for "Bobbie show," all day! It is Barbie of Swan Lake, and she has become quite the dancer. I can't wait for Lydia to see it! Maybe we will have a video forth coming.
Spencer is so big! He loves to play with his neighborhood buddies and keeps me busy all day. I can hardly keep him occupied. He has a real interest in becoming a chef. He makes pretty impressive hors d' oeuvres, although he needs to work on his names. Fish pizza is his specialty, and this is basically cutting a cheese stick in sections, standing them on end, and topping them a piece of folded ham. He also is considering being a Realtor because he could use those cool lock boxes that hide keys. What an incentive. We are struggling a little with his "story telling." He has a wonderful imagination, but we are trying to teach him the difference between imagination and not telling the truth. Any ideas? The joys of motherhood, I guess. He learning how to give good tickles, which he isn't too psyched about but realizes if he wants one, he needs to give one! Once again, the joys of motherhood!
It is amazing how time flies. There is such a catch 22 with raising children. You can't wait to have them grow up, but they don't stay babies long enough.

Happy ValentiMes and Happy Birthday!

You know someone had to say Valentines that way!
I just wanted to tell my hubby how much I love him. He is being such a great sport this Valentines Day. He was trying to plan something fun, but I was dead set on going to our Love and Logic class at a local elementary school, which, by the way, is complete torture for him. I know, you think I am crazy for passing that up, but it is just too busy out there tonight! Plus, we have some fun plans for this weekend, so I don't feel to bad!
I also want to wish Mrs. Tara Maxfield a very happy birthday! I am sure you got the royal treatment tonight! Due to some recent comments on my last post, I decided to fish around in some of my old pictures for some shots of our Denver trip. Sadly, I cannot find my favorite one, but the one I found is pretty good. Good times!
Also, the last one… well, that is a gem. Priceless. I don't want either of these girls writing me off as a friend for posting this, but it is just TOO GOOD! Oh really, it's priceless. Please forgive me girls! I know you have it in you! You know I love you!

Happy Birthday Tiff!

I just wanted to give a little B-day shout out to my bestest friend, Tiff! 29 for the rest of our lives baby! Tiff and I met at the bus stop the first day of our sixth grade year. There was an instant connection. People always asked us if we were sisters, and she has always felt like it. My parents loved having her around, and so did the rest of my family. She knows all of my cousins on BOTH sides and fits right in with the whole famdamily!
She is definitely the softer side of our duo. She has always had such a sweet spirit (I totally mean that in the truest and most non insulting way), and makes anyone she is around feel loved. She is also the best because she laughs at every joke! Hey Tiff remember Groundhog Day? Geeze.
Anyway, I truly appreciate having her as a friend. She is a rock. I know she will always listen to me when I need her, and she always makes me feel better when I am down. She is the best at calling, and she never makes me feel bad when I forget to call her back!!! She has always been there for me, and I only wish the same could have been said about me.
We have seen each other get married, have babies, build homes, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. We will be at our children's weddings before we know it. Life has a lot of uncertainties, but Tiff is a constant.
Thank you Tiffany! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Kissy

Snowed Inn

Last night Kevin and I were able to go to Park City for a business dinner. This wasn't just any normal dinner. We were taken to a restaurant that can only be reached by horse drawn sleigh! The restaurant is only open in the winter, and the only days it is closed is Christmas day and the Super Bowl. Priorities, right? We made sure we bundled up (last year Kev's feet froze), and we even got a little hot chocolate before the trek up the mountain. Once we arrived to the little cabin restaurant, we were serenaded with live country music and warmed by a cozy fire. The restaurant is called the Snowed Inn. Appropriate considering Park City hadn't seen this much snow in eight years. They actually had to dig the door of the restaurant out of the snow. It is so nestled against the mountain that the snow was up to the first roof line!

Trying to be somewhat health conscience, we chose our meal of chowder and trout. It was delicious and so was the brownie and ice cream for dessert. Once our meal was over, they gave us the option to go "plating." That is, taking a clean dinner plate (those speckled metal ones) and slide down the hill outside. We were not about to get even colder once we were outside, so we passed, but it was really funny to see people attempt it. The ride back down was fun, and the horses even tried to warm us up. I figured out that as soon as a horse lifts its tail a little, I better stick my nose under my scarf! So, if anyone is up here before the snow melts, I say give it a shot! I must say that it is one of the few times I was out in 20 degree weather and didn't feel the need to complain about it!

Experience 3ality

Have you ever been front row to one of the greatest rock bands in history? Well, here is your chance. U23D. It is more than a movie. It is an experience. I have acutally been front row TWICE at U2, and it was an unforgettable experience. It wasn't just the music or getting Bono's and the Edge's guitar picks, but getting shoved against the rail, toes stepped on, and inhaling B. O. from the guy next to you who waited in line for the last 12 hours. We also made it to the Vertigo Tour where we had floor tickets, BUT being six and a half months pregnant with the above described conditions made it a little less desirable.

Well, here is your chance for front row tickets with comfy seats and plenty of leg room. I can't promise the guy infront of you won't have B.O. (we weren't so lucky), but it is something to be seen. There are amazing arial shots of Larry Mullen Jr. on the drums and moments when you feel Bono is about to bless you with his own hand. I have to admit my favorite perspective is from the stage facing up because it gives you a completely realistic view of the front row. You even get the sensation of crowd surfing sans hundreds of sweaty hands groping your body.

I give it two thumbs up. Even if you aren't a fan on U2 it is a 3D movie like you have never seen before and is well worth the ticket. Added bonus: the super cool glasses.

*This is our brother in law, Garrett. Doesn't he look so burley and masculine in his new beard?

We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet

At 7:00 pm last night we lost our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinkley. Kevin came upstairs and told me. I felt a rush of shock through my body, but I was surprisingly not sad. All I felt was gratitude. My thoughts went directly to the sweet reunion he must have had on the other side with his sweet Marjorie and with our Savior. I am sure the emotions of this even have not really begun to set in considering just a few weeks ago I pondered his nearing death and began to weep. However, it is also hard not to remember his amazing sense of humor and just smile at the very thought of him. He was my prophet. The prophet of our days. His energy, dedication, optimism and enthusiasm will never be forgotten. In fact, is should propel us into action ourselves. Let us take advantage of his work and attend our temples, teach our children, and prepare ourselves and our homes. I love this man, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to experience his love.

Here is a sweet letter he wrote to his wife Marjorie after the publication of her latest book. Please take the time to read it!

"My Darling,All that is said in this book concerning your virtues is true. Your own words and those spoken by a host of friends bear tribute to your worth. More, much more, might have been included.It is now more than sixty years since we entered the Salt Lake Temple, there to be married for eternity. I had known you for a long time prior to that. I knew what I was getting into, and it has turned out as I had hoped it would. What a treasured companion you have been. Through all these years we have walked side by side as equals before the Lord. There have been good days and bad days, but the good days have far outnumbered the bad ones.Life for the most part has dealt gently with us. During the Depression, when we were newly married, we were poor and didn't know it because we were so rich in the things that really count. The laughter of happy children graced our kitchen table. The presence of a loving mother blessed our home. The Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered down blessings too numerous to mention. He has smiled upon us in a wondrous way.We have found comfort and gladness in one another and in our children. Now they have families of their own and grandchildren. All of our posterity have brought joy to our hearts.When our children were young, you seldom traveled with me. I would be gone for as long as two months at a time. There were not even telephone calls permitted in those days. We wrote letters. You never complained. How wonderful it was to come home and be held warmly in your arms and those of our children.Now in more recent years we have traveled far and wide together. We have visited every continent. We have held meetings in the great cities of the world and in many smaller ones. We have met the distinguished of the earth. We have spoken to millions who have appreciated you greatly. With your familiar words you have won the love of all who have heard you. Your down-to-earth good sense, your sparkling and refreshing wit, your quiet and unfailing wisdom, and your tremendous and ever constant faith have won the hearts of all who have listened to you.You have been my critic and my judge. You have seen to it that my shoes were shined, my suit pressed, my tie straight. You have pushed aside the flattery that comes with public life, and winnowed the kind and sincere words of honest and loving friends. You have held at bay that old fraud of adulation and kept my feet planted on the solid earth. How I appreciate you.Your voracious appetite for reading and your relentless pursuit of knowledge have kept you alert and refreshing throughout a long and fruitful life.Now we have grown old together, and it has been a sweet experience. We have shrunk in stature and move a little more slowly. We are more forgetful. But as of this writing we still have one another--and that is so good. And when in some future day the hand of death gently touches one or the other of us there will be tears, yes, but there will also be a quiet and certain assurance of reunion and eternal companionship.'Trusty, dusky, vivid, true...'*The God of Heaven fashioned you.I love you, dear,Gordon"

ATTENTION!!!

Attention everyone, attention. Ryan is blogging again!!! Yes, it is true. He has been resurrected and is back in the blogging world. I think this deserves a round of applause! The only down side to all of this is that I had BIG intentions of discussing his current "single" situation with all of you, but I guess we will just have to let him participate.
Well, since we are now on that topic...lets discuss. Ryan, anything to say about that? Besides your current state of jaw clenching, of course! Ha!

House Arrest & Co-Pays

I am sure we are all dealing with our fair share of winter ailments. Mine is winter itself. I have officially been suffering from it since December 26th. I keep waiting for that "January thaw" that is supposed to happen, but I have lost faith. In search of a cure, I will be heading south to St. George. If 80 pound 80 year olds find reprieve there than so can I. At least for a couple of days. Unfortunately for my little guy, that is another story. He has been suffering from a good old cough and intermittent fevers.
He has been battling this since last Thursday, and in our house that is a long time. We are used to 24 hour flu's and relatively short stints of runny noses. This has been a particularly hard week because he has missed out on a show and tell, primary activity, birthday party, play dates, church, and school. He is was on house arrest.
Poor kid. Little did he know that I debated on borrowing a surgical mask from my father in law, so I could haul him around, but I feared people would think he had Saars disease. With that option out of the question, it meant that Olivia and I were his cell mates. The week actually fared well enough, but then he started asking, "Mom, can we do something fun today?" I actually almost gave in at times to let him go somewhere because he seemed well, but at the last minute I would reconsider, and it always seemed to be for the best. We had never dealt with such a virus. The fever decided to come and go every other day, and the cough even changed through out the week.
Finally, last night I caved and decided we better figure out if this was really something. After all, I didn't want to leave Kevin with an infected child if something could be done about it. At 8:15pm we drove to a doctors appointment only to find out that he was 42 lbs. with a perfect temperature, blood pressure, oxygen intake, and clear ears, nose, and throat. Twenty dollars well spent. Pssht. The only thing positive was that the doctor said he seemed well enough to go back to school. I had already decided to keep him home one more day, just to make sure, but was trilled to be able to tell him playgroup was a go for Thursday.
Well, the next morning, all was well (besides the plumbers fixing a leak from the ceiling of the downstairs guest bedroom from our upstairs master tub) for a few hours. Suddenly, he began shrieking in pain and demanded I clean the wax out of his ears. I was taken back and wondering what all his fuss was about. I began to fear that something had crawled in his ear last night and was making a nice home in there. Later, I blamed that on watching too many episodes of House. He begged for another doctors visit. I refused. I had just paid 20 bucks the night before to have his ears checked out. Instead, I changed the subject and offered lunch. Fish sticks and pears seemed to do the trick, or so I thought.
Two hours later he wanted to go again. The idea of naps was slowly beginning to slip through my fingers, but I realized I better be thankful I have a child that can communicate with me his pains in detail. We threw on our shoes and piled in the car. Remarkably there was no wait in the Quick Care (because there was no way I was driving all the way back to his doctors), and $20 later we were getting weighed, squeezed, gagged, and probed. After all the froo froo was over we saw the doc. He asked a few questions, checked the ear, and low and behold...an ear infection! How can it possibly be that not even 24 hours later he developed this? Well, now I know. If you have a cold that lasts about a week, an ear infection can very possibly follow in children.
I was happy I listened. He was happy I listened, and Olivia, well, she got two suckers. After all that was over, I rewarded them with a sprinkle doughnut and Spencer even got his own special bottles of Amoxycillen! Even better, they BOTH took a little nap when we got home.
Hopefully now everyone can have a fun happy weekend...especially ME! Thanks Kevin! You are the best!

Can I Tell You A Secret?

I HATE WINTER!!!

That's all.

Business In Front, Party In Back

This weekend, Kevin and I have a birthday party that we are going to that has an 80's theme. So, in preparation, I decided to pull out the ol' mullet wig, and give it a good brushing. Just for fun I threw it on Miss Olivia to see what she would do. Ahh, she LOVES it. We are going on day TWO of her wearing it. I am pretty sure she thinks she is Rapunzel, not Joe Dirt. When I see her run around it it I get flashes of E.T. dressed up for Halloween. Remember that waddling wig? She keeps me laughing all day!

I think I am a bigger fan of the cute little ponies!

For The Sake of Journaling

Ok, ok. I know that was some serious time that I let lapse. I can't even claim things to have been too crazy. I have a really dumb cord on my laptop that is broken and won't charge my computer. I have a new one, and I need to use it.

Anywho, Christmas was great this year. We had a great time at the Bailey Family Christmas Eve gathering. It was a super snowy night, but over all I think it just made it more festive and cozy. It was also so great to see Kevin's sister and her hubby that were here from Louisville, KY. Those visits are few and far between because of dental school, but we had a great time while they were here. The kiddies were crazy, of course, and had a blast. The highlight of the night was the pinata. The boys beat the tar out of this thing only to find pencils. The adults had a great laugh, but were soon quieted when we were told each pencil had a clue on it for a treasure hut to a gift. It was very creative on my mother in laws part, but it was so hysterical to see the faces on all the kids when they saw six pencils drop out! THE BEST! I think I still laugh about it.


Christmas day we woke up WAY to early to open gifts, but I think Spence and Oli thought it was worth it. Santa brought Spencer his coveted golden telescope (thank you Pottery Barn) and Olivia's favorite gift was a last minute $3.99 purchase of tacky princess shoes from Walgreens. Who knew, but I love it!
Later we went to my folks to eat some traditional quiche and some laid back time. The kids got entirely too much, but I am sure they didn't think so. The only thing that didn't go over well with Spencer was the solitary outfit that my parents got him. Which, by the way, he now loves to wear. Christmas was a hit. I think we just spent the rest of the night playing Guitar Hero.
A few days later we hit Vegas. It was so fun to see the family down there. The highlight was seeing AND holding little Miss Claire H. Nelson! Can I just tell you how sweet she was and how good she smelled! Ohhhh!

We had a great time...except for my four hour bout with some cruddy puking. Bleh. Let me reiterate how my body just does not accept drainage. I was perfectly fine later that night except for the sore back from retching.

I was sad to leave and excited to get home all at the same time. I always feel like I never have enough time with our family there. We just have such a great time.

Now, life is back to normal. What ever that is. I need to set some goals for myself for this year. I need to actually write them down so I am a little more accountable. Maybe a post for tomorrow to make up for slacking! I got a few floating around, but need to get going on them. Happy New Year everyone!

This Is More My Style

This has kind of become a little tradition of mine to share this version of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" with my friends. I know some of you have heard it befo', but like I said, tradition. Enjoy, especially all you Chey-Town Alumni. No, this was not written by Snoop. Just seems like an appropriate picture!!! Let me apologize now to my in laws, who sometimes read this! This is hard core gangsta :/

'Twas da night befo' Christmas and all in da hood,

Not a homie stirrin' cuz it was all good.

The tube socks was hung on da window sill,

And we all had smiles up on our grill.

Mookie and Bebe was snug in da crib,

In da back bedroom cuz dat's how we live.

Mom's in her do-rag and me wit my nine,

Had just gotten busy cuz my girlfriend's fine.

All of a sudden a lowrider rolled by,

Bumpin' phat beats cuz da systems fly.

I bounced to da window at a quarter pas'
'Bout ready to pop a cap in somebody's ass!

Well anyway, I yelled to my lady, "Yo peep dis,"
She said, "Stop frontin' and jus' mind yo bidness."
I said, "For real doe, come check dis out,"
We weren't even buggin', no worries, do doubts.

Cuz bumpin' and thumpin' from 'round da way,
Was Santa, some reindeer, and a sleigh.
Da beats was kickin', da ride was phat,
I said, "Yo Red Dawg, you all dat!"

He threw up a sign and yelled to his boyz,
"Ay you give it up, let's make some noise,
To the top of da projects and across da strip mall,
We gots ta go, I got a booty call."

He pulled up his ride on da top of da roof,
And sippin' on a 40, he busted a move.
I yelled up to Santa, "You ain't got no stack?"
He said, "Dayim homie, deeze projects is wack.

But don't worry black, cuz I got da skillz,
I learnt back when I hadda pay da billz."
He slid down da fire escape smoove as a cat,
And busted da window wit a b-ball bat.

I said, "Wassup Santa whyd'ya bust up my place?"
He said, "Nigga you best get up outta my face."
His treads was all leatha, his chains was all gold,
His kicks was Puma, and they was five years old.

He dropped down da duffle, Clippas logo on da side,
Santa broke out da loot and my mouf popped open wide.
A wink of his eye and a shine of his gold toof,
He Cabbage Patched his way back onto da roof.

He jumped in his hooptie wit rims made of chrome.
To tap dat booty waitin' at home.
And all I heard as he cruised outta sight,
Was a loud and hearty...WEEESSSSIIIDDDEEE!!!

The Three Dreidels

Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay. Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, with you I'll always play!

Oh, could life's moments get any more precious than this? Nope. Three of the coolest boys in Mr. Syresons's first grade class in tights. It is even better that they have to wear a box. But the best part of all, that, my friends is when the box is too short. Now I am in the Christmas spirit! Thanks to Mikey Hardin, Mr. Ben Harber, and Tay for your help.

P.S. I will live in daily fear for forthcoming photos of myself that would be worthy of blackmail.

The Stockings Were Hung...

I finally got some of my Christmas decorations up! Hooray! Who knew it would ever happen. I wish I had more, but I have the hardest time paying full price for any holiday decorations. One of these days I will finally give in, and our house will look as festive as I would like. I have really been in the baking mood, but Kevin is trying to get back in shape, and is doing really well. I almost sabotaged it last night when Spencer and I made some yummy peach crisp. It just seemed like a cozy dessert to have on a cold winter night! Anyway, he held tough and didn't have any. Good job dude! More for me! We got the tree up too. I thought it would be a fun Family Home Evening activity. WRONG! My poor, poor children. It started out fine, but Olivia was a little too into all of the decorating. She almost pulled the tree down twice, and I can't believe we didn't end up with any broken ornaments! I ended up sending them down to the basement with Kevin so I could finish! My ribbon was for our old tree, so it's a little short, but I think it turned out OK. I wanted a red, gold, and white tree, and this is what we ended up with. I had to add some of the kiddy ornaments just because that is who the tree is for of course! Now, I just need to figure out how to keep Miss Oli out of it!

Speaking of Olivia, look at her cute hair!!!! I love it! I can't believe she held still for it. It even survived two car seat rides, but by nap time it was thrashed. Oh well, it is nice to have options other that the nappy mullet.

I can't leave Spencer out. He has been really into making crafts and Christmas activities, so he was so pumped when he got to make a ginger bread house at his neighborhood playgroup. He did a great job! I love the disgruntled snow man! He also had a blast in his bath last night. I think we could call this the Abominable Snowman. This is what happens when Dad gives baths. Party!!! Mom, on the other hand, is all business. He thinks he is getting a tub full of bubbles every time now! Olivia was supposed to get in, but I freaked her out too much before Spencer got it, plus the water was to warm for her. Oops.

There you have it folks, a new post. Sorry for the delay, I was struggling with some computer issues. Now, I should probably try and get some shopping done. Yup. I have only gotten ONE gift so far! I am in trouble.