A Barnyard Birthday

Saturday morning went really well (the afternoon did, too!). We got up and made a trip to the store, came home & unloaded groceries and made it to a 10:30 birthday party (about 30 minutes away) even a little early!
Major's friend Riley was celebrating his 4th birthday at a little barnyard/petting farm. We have been there several times, but the kids continue to enjoy it.

riding in the boat

feeding Coco the pony

Ms. Kami putting a chick in the feed bucket for Ella Grace while Major looks on

Riley's yummy cake

Major, Joshua, Riley & Ella Grace

Surprisingly, we made it back home without anyone falling in the little pond, spilling anything on themselves, falling and getting messy, etc., etc., etc. That is definitely something to celebrate.

Are they coming back? #2

10.26.10

10.16.10

10.03.10

Okay, what do you think now?

Some Trick-or-Treating practice!

Tonight sorority row and several other areas of campus hosted the UA community to some Halloween activities. Jeremy, the kids and I have never been out and participated. So, this year I decided to give it a whirl. I was meeting up with two friends and their two kids (each) - so 6 vs 3...I was wondering how this would turn out.
I dressed the kids up at daycare and my friend Jamie (with Ray & Jack) headed out with us. We were able to park pretty close (yea!) and made it to sorority row with all kids and all pieces of our costumes. The girls were dressed up and handing out candy, painting faces, etc. There were lots and lots of people there. Ella Grace & Major did a great job of staying by me, running up to get candy, they were polite and calm the entire time. Major was the first to dig in. He chose a tootsie pop (which I think are disgusting). He ate about half of it and then decided he didn't like it. With tear-filled eyes he looked and me and told me he didn't like it; while at the same time he continued to eat the remainder. Hmmm....I guess it wasn't that bad after all!
Here are a few pictures from the evening.

Ella Grace, Major, Ray & Jack

Ella Grace had butterflies painted on both cheeks.

Always watching her little brother.

Unnamed sorority girl, Ella Grace, Major (he definitely wanted to make sure that pumpkin got in the picture), Ray and Jack.

The girl asked Major what he wanted on his cheek. His first response was a tiger! I told him that didn't make sense and so he got a pumpkin! During the summer he had a tiger painted on his face. I don't think these girls were going in to that much detail!

We've had some tornado warnings and watches here tonight. I think it has calmed for tonight. Happy Wednesday, y'all!

little *wIsHeS*

I have a memory of a time long, long ago - I had to of been younger than 4th grade - I think it was my sister Lori with me and we were with our Granny, riding in the backseat, and we were with one of Gran's friends leaving the Galleria (or Gallarear, whatever.). One of us made a comment about how we wished (it was summer, or school was over) something. We were just ready for the next season of our life (maybe it was literal at that point). I think I will always remember the situation, though all the words may not be clear.
And as I sit here and write this, I'm kinda in that same position...I wish (fill in the blank). But, there are so many things I am not ready for (fill in the blank with lots and lots of stuff!). It seems just as often as I am in the grocery store someone says just to enjoy my babies as they are. Believe me, I do. But, I also *wish* for the day when they aren't trying my patience! ;) I'm ready for our new normal. I suppose, too, that this IS the new normal. Or temporary normal.

I think I've mentioned before that I'm having some little situations with Major. He threw a nice little fit tonight and once it was all out of his system he was the cutest, sweetest little man. I think all these changes are wearing on him. I want our life to be as consistent as possible whenever it is, wherever we are, no matter who is around or what's going on. I think that's important in a child's life. Even with my discipline, I'm trying to be consistent.

Instead of just wishing everything to pass or come or change I think I'll just pray. I think that works better anyways..

A Sunday afternoon birthday party

We had a good morning today. We made it to church on time, and enjoyed a great Sunday School class and my 3 year olds were pretty good. After church we rushed home and got the kids in bed. It seems anytime there is an activity or anything earlier than evening church I have such a difficult time getting the kids in bed. They had absolutely stuffed themselves with goldfish and the spider cupcakes they made, so I was sure they didn't want any lunch. Major said no and off to bed; Ella Grace said yes and here we go making something quick. Then Major's up and Ella Grace isn't eating and on and on. I finally got them in bed, and they stayed there for maybe an hour. I really don't think either one of them ever went to sleep, much less closed an eye!
After Major misbehaving multiple times, we headed out to the party. Our friend Jon Douglas is turning 6 and had a fun Lego party in our church's gym.

Jon Douglas's Lego-themed cake

I think this is the first time my kids have played with "real" Legos. They have the mega-blocks, but not these little ones. I think I'm still a little unsure if/how many Major will try to eat!

These six were trying to find a certain piece being called out.

A tower-building relay: teamwork!

The Lego-drop

When the party was over we headed back home, we did a quick walk to the park and around the street. Then back to church tonight for our small groups. So much fun!

We have a fun, long week ahead with school Harvest parties and trick-or-treating. Such a fun time for the kids!

Let the Halloween festivities begin!

This afternoon we went to the Lambert's annual Halloween Bash! We had a lot of fun, some great snacks, lots of games, and good times with our friends. There was a pin the nose on the pumpkin, fishing, scarecrow relay races, doughnut games, and putting sticker faces on pumpkins.

Ella Grace was so funny and continued to go back to the easy games so she could collect tokens (which were later redeemed for prizes, like lipgloss, wooden coloring pieces, etc.)! Both were back and forth constantly, though.

Our sweet little cheerleader (representing UA and 13 National Championships!).

Taking turns with the cornhole game.

Eating some doughnuts, many thanks to Mrs. Jamie for holding it still.

Ella Grace smoked her Daddy in the scarecrow relay. She dressed in pants, a shirt and hat and ran to the other side to grab her broom.

It CAN'T be Halloween without some crazy teeth!

All the guests on on the trailer ready for the hay ride.

Dr. Luke and Emma, Jack, Drew, Ray, Bailey and Mrs. Tiffany, Mrs. Danica and Sam on the hay ride

Major, Daddy, Ella Grace and Mommy

Ella Grace, Major and Ray

Me and Mrs. Jamie as we were leaving.

We had a great time. Thank you to the Lambert's!

Random Thoughts for a Friday Night

Oh, lovely Friday night! The kids and I enjoyed our second, Friday night "movie night" earlier this evening. After playing outside with the kids next door for a little bit, they ate their supper and got quick baths. We got a blanket out and watched one VeggieTales move (The Wizard of Has), Strawberry Shortcake (two times) and a couple episodes of Olivia (I love that little ditty that plays when it's going off! Olivia, da,da, da, dum, Olivia...).
Major takes an inhaler and nose spray every night for his asthma and allergies. I gave him one puff of his inhaler and then his nose spray. Then, that little guy said to me "I wanted to do it in one snotril." He was so very matter-of-fact and I about lost it! SNOTRIL! ha! Mom told me today that while they were eating lunch one day he told her "No talking. That's the first rule." That must be from school.

Here are a couple other pictures in our "Week in Review":

Go, Nana, Go! (kinda like Diego, right?)
The kids have been playing with their smartcycle a lot lately. They even got Nana in on the fun! She was doing really good with her spelling, too.

Ella Grace and Major were trying to dance the other night. Quite a scene.

Off to Dreamland...

Our drama continues

I'm really hoping we have had our three now. First, it was Major busting his head and having to have staples. Second, was Ella Grace's accident involving her teeth and Major's footboard. Monday night was actually a week and two days that I was not in the emergency room. And then, I was in the emergency room.

I went to bed close to 10:45 that night. I know I layed in bed a while 'cause I usually do. Suddenly, I hear crying or panic or something coming from a kids' room. I hurried in there, thinking all along it was Ella Grace because she has been talking in her sleep some lately. Instead I found Major gasping for air, crying and in a panic. I grabbed him up and headed for my room trying to calm him and not wake Ella Grace. Their rooms are just so close, I was trying to be considerate and not have two kids up in the middle of the night. I tried to calm him, and finally recognized he was having an asthma attack (or so I thought). I start rummaging through the cabinets and closets trying to find his nebulizer (breathing machine), but to no avail. I called my mother (by this time it was 11:45 pm) and she wasn't 100% sure, but gave me a couple places to look. We hung up and I finally found it (suppose I need to put the Xopenex close to the nebulizer next time, huh?). While I was giving him a treatment I sent Jeremy a text to let him know what was going on. One treatment can take 15-20 minutes. As soon as it finished we called Daddy. Major was still in a panic and gasping for air. I found some instructions the allergy/asthma doctor gave - if it's not better in 10-15 minutes, give another treatment. If not better after that see a doctor immediately. On to treatment two.

It finally finished and I thought we had made some progress. I called mom and let her know it was better and, then Daddy. But, it started back again. Major just laid on my bed and I watched him. Knowing I needed to make a decision quick, I just didn't know which one to make! "See a doctor immediately" just kept resonating in my head. That and the fact that THIS. WAS. MY. CHILD! I first called the allergy/asthma doctor and he could hear Major breathing in the back ground and encouraged me to take him to be seen. I called our sweet, sweet, friend (and almost like a grandma) Mrs. Sandi. She hurried over to stay with Ella Grace and Major & I headed for the hospital.

That was the best ER experience I have had (where I actually had to stay). Or maybe I should say that was the best ER experience I have had with Major. We arrived at 1:23 am. They were so nice, and took us back immediately. Major was given a third breathing treatment, this was stronger than the Xopenex we have at home, but not something you can get over the counter. (Around this time - 1:30 am - Mom/Nana left a message and said she was on her way. Love Mom!!) Major then had some x-rays made, and then a steroid shot. They wanted to observe him for a while, more like a couple of hours, and make sure he didn't have any reactions or need anything else. Well, I was starting to doze off at this point. Major & I had to go to the bathroom, so we leave our little piece of heaven (ha!) and find the potty. On the way back a nurse gave him some crayons and paper and stickers. Well, that quickly put an end to my idea of taking a nap! Mom made it around 3:00. She played with Major, and I dozed off and on sitting in that comfy chair.
Around 4:30 we were finally discharged and made it home about 5:00 am. Whew! We all stayed at home the remainder of the day Tuesday. Mom stayed with Major (so sweet!) on Wednesday and Thursday. He feels much, much better and is ready to go back to school tomorrow. They said 3-5 days, and he should be ready for school Friday. So, he's right on track.
The finally diagnosis, by the way, was croup. I really thought croup was just a nasty cough. More like "oh, my baby's got a bad cough, he has the croup" sort of thing. Y'all this was scary, about the scariest moment I've had with one of my kids (ranks right up there with Ella Grace's recent accident), but still.
So, my week continues. Let's see what my next record will be without making it to the ER.
And, like my dad said, he couldn't get me on my cell phone so he was going to try the ER next.
I wonder when rent is due...

Our pumpkin faces

Saturday evening after the parade, my friend Amber and her little guy Gavin came over to work on pumpkins with us. I don't think I have ever had a carving kit so I picked a couple up at the store Saturday morning. I thought it worked really well.

Amber started out helping Major with his pumpkin. Ella Grace was a little less patient and had to get going right away.

Gavin didn't mind a bit. He is so complacent playing with cars and trucks! My kids have never, let me repeat - na-hev-er, done this before.

Remember what I said about her concentrating so much?

Pumpkin-goo!

Didn't these turn out well? Major's is an owl sitting on a limb (left), Gavin's in the middle, and Ella Grace's ghosts on the right.

The closest thing we were able to get with all of them looking/not making crazy faces/standing up straight, etc.

Travelin' Times #3

I told you we have been on the road!

This particular weekend (September 24), the kids and I drove to my sister's house in Northeast Mississippi. I was lucky to get off work just a little early and we hit the road quickly! The kids were awesome! I most definitely was worried about being in the car with them for several hours - how soon would they have to potty, get hungry, start arguing, etc, etc, etc? It never happened! I packed a few snacks an they never argued, they never asked to stop - it was purely amazing! I hope they will always do that well (*wink*, *wink*)!

While at Aunt Lo-Lo's and Uncle Curt's, we went to a park, we had lunch at an old pharmacy/soda fountain, visited a fun little place with lots of bouncy things. When the kids went down for a nap (finally) on Saturday afternoon Lori and I got to watch the game...well, except for the quarter or two where we fell asleep! ha! We were exhausted, too! Here are some pictures from our adventures in Mississippi!

So, my kids are terrified of dogs...Lori has one inside doggie and two outside. Baxter spent the weekend away and Doreen and Rufus (yes, they have chosen to give their dogs "old" people names) were still there, hanging around outside. Ella Grace and Major LOVE looking at them and getting close, but this is how they were each time they wanted to see the dogs. Poor Lori!

Air-born!

The kids call my dad "Pop" so I thought this was funny!

Fun on the bouncy things.

Travelin' Times #2

We have been on the road quite a bit lately. This is the second in a couple of posts about our trips, mainly during the month of September.

The weekend of September 17 we traveled with Jeremy's parents to Jekyll Island, GA. We rode around and visited Ft. Fredericka, ate out at a couple of local places, and this particular weekend was the annual Shrimp & Grits Festival. There were lots of vendors selling homemade crafts, swings, books, etc. Here are some pictures from the weekend:

This picture really captures a lot. Daddy has been working hard to help Ella Grace learn to swim. You can also see Major's fearlessness this particular day.

We visited The Georgia Sea Turtle Center. It is a rehabilitation hospital for injured turtles. It was really interesting, with some injured turtles you could visit and read about their injuries.

They acted like they had never seen a mail truck before!

On the "shuttle" to the Shrimp & Grits Festival.

Ella Grace showing her fearless side. Major opted out at the last minute.

At Ft. Fredericka, cool apron & bonnet, huh?

It was a fun, hot, weekend!