Noodles & Co

New FAVORITE restaurant.

The really great thing about when a restaurant is opening, is their insistant desire to please you. Either that, or these people really are serious about allergies.

A few weeks ago, when we got Bubby's picture taken at the mall (for our free 8x10 depicting him at age 10 mos), there was someone passing out coupons for the new restaurant at South County Mall (don't expect to get to it IN the mall as it has an OUTSIDE entrance). So, how could we resist, as the only way we're able to eat at a restaurant is by the use of coupons (or being treated by some kind individual).

While waiting in line to order, we heard a manager behind us, so Jeff gave him the schpeal: "Our daughter has a severe allergy to cow's milk protein", blah, blah, blah. So, he surprised us w/ his response, "We use an area just for preparation of that. With a clean pan & new utensils.

We're SO over hearing reactions like, "I'm not sure." "I can't guarantee you anything." "Sorry." I COULD PUKE. No one in this day in age is willing to go out on a limb to assure a pleasant eating experience if they're afraid to be sued. So, you can imagine, that eating outside of our home, is nothing but a chore for us.

Go to the website above (click on the title) & sign up for their e-newsletter. You'll get a free coupon (BOGOF) & regular coupons for your b'day, etc. It's comparable to St Louis Bread Co. (which by the way, is almost finished in Festus) in the ordering style & the style of the food. I like the taste better at Noodles, but that's my humble opinion. I always get the Penne Rosa w/ chicken as my protein & caesar as my salad. Jeff always goes w/ Jap Pan noodles w/ shrimp as his protein. YUMMY. I think you'll enjoy it.

Have a fun weekend.

I Can Only Imagine

Our dear friend Shawn, lost her dad this morning. He had been fighting ALS (lou gehrig's) & PSP (http://www.psprecognition.com/).

My immediate reaction was to cry, "We're too young for one of us to lose a dad." But that's selfish, he went through a lot the last two years...probably worst of which included his loss of independence.

My memory of Les is of his quiet wit. When I close my eyes & imagine him, I have memories of how gentle & loving he was with Alex. They always hosted our friend get togethers, as they had the largest house & a basement full of fun.

Our prayers are with Sandi & Shawn & Jay. We love you guys.

The strange thing is that I thought of Les all morning. And I watched this video this morning. You really want to see this video BUT have kleenex nearby.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WjPrL3n63yg&feature=RecentlyWatched&page=1&t=t&f=b

Walky Walkerson's Sister

One of the cutest things about Gabe's new walking ability, is Flynn wanting us to watch her walk. Really, really bad.

"Wook at ME, watch ME walk!!"

And so, because we're equally as comical & bizarre, we say, "Come on baby girl, walk to mommy, walk to daddy, you can do it!" Just like we do with Gabe. And when she "makes it" to us, we praise her regressive efforts, "Yay! You did it! You're such a big girl!!"

The funniest thing about all of it, is that she pretends that she's walking for the first time. Her legs become stiff & unsteady & she takes one step at a time with an uncertainty that I almost think she believes herself. Her arms are out, as to balance herself; and it makes me wonder, 'Did she learn this from Gabe or does she almost remember this from two years ago?'

Walky Walkerson

Sniff-sniff. The end of an era. My prideful Mama side makes way to a sad Mommy who knows her little baby is growin' up.

Just after his 10-month mark, little Baby Gabe decided to put on his walking feet. Remember how you were with your first one? You practiced things. You gave opportunities. You took tons of pictures. Then #2 comes along & you feel like you barely have time to be sure the neck cheese is washed off every night. And all of a sudden, all these milestones & phases are flying by.... like you're on a bus & you're yelling for the driver to slow down, but he doesn't. You look out your window & things are going by so fast that it seems blurry.

Gabe does things before I even know to look for them. Sure, I know all the developmental stuff, but my baby's growing up.

He's been standing alone for a while now. And holds onto things & lifts his leg (particularly during the Wiggles marching... don't tell Daddy I added that part). So last weekend I thought, "Hmm, maybe I should see what he does when I put him up into the walker stance."

I kid you not, he walked. Just like that. First opportunity & he took it.

And he hasn't stopped. Today he tripped over Daddy's leg & just kept going 'til he crashed onto Daddy's chest.

I saw somewhat of a cheesy movie around the holidays. In this movie, the girl character (I think played by Kirstin Dunst), kept taking her hands, making them square like a camera, holding them up to her eyes & making a clicky-flash noise with her mouth. As if she were taking pictures with an "air camera" (as opposed to an air guitar). The point she was making was that she was taking a mental picture. Snap-shotting that given moment in time.

Gosh, I wish I could do that. And I'd be taking them all day long. Like tonight when Flynn tried to put a diaper on her doll, then asked me to help (because the diaper was like 16 times bigger than the doll). Or when Jeff made her shampoo-y hair into a horn. Or when Gabe finally found his binky & sucked it like an old friends' reunion. Or when Flynn asked me to tell her a story about an elephant.

I've always had the sharpest memory. Jeff hates that about me sometimes... he can never correct me on recall.

My prayer is that I always have that memory. That I'll always remember these times.

For the Love of Uncle Sam, Knock it Off Already

Okay, today is July 6th....July 6th, not July 4th or even the weekend before. Let it go. Knock off the celebration already.

In other words, if you have leftover fireworks, you do not still have the greenlight to let them off in my subdivision at 10 pm while my children are trying to sleep.

The irony is, that the family who kicked up the festivities last night around 9ish, aren't even american. Well, HE's not, he's not a citizen. But I guess since he's enjoying all our freedoms, he's got reason to celebrate.

That's fine..........just don't celebrate while my kids are sleeping.

Independence Day

Happy Fourth!

We had a fun time Saturday, at my Aunt Christine's annual Fourth bash. These people are SERIOUS about the fireworks & honestly put the VP Fair (am I aging myself by calling it that?) to shame. Not to mention, we sit on the hillside, or rather, lay on the hillside...right by the lake. The beautiful fireworks are set off above us.

Gabe slept through them. And Flynn requested her brother's sunglasses (she's really into protective eyewear & UV protection right now). As you can see in the picture below, where she took a fashionable break here.

And not pictured, are her toes, which I thematically painted red. YES, I painted them red. Me, the one who said I would NOT paint my little girl's toes or pierce her ears. I still won't pierce her ears ('til she's like 13), but the toes... just too darn cute when they're painted.

I sang a little karaoke while Flynn got in front of me & shook it for all she's worth. This girl could win a contest for bootie shakin'.

She's THAT GOOD.

We also got a glimpse into our road trip future. As Flynn wailed most of the two hour trip home. O Lord, what are we going to do with the 14 hr trip to PCB, FL? I believe I ?'ed in an earlier blog about the ethics of drugging your children for a stupid-long car ride. But no one responded. People, it was not a rhetorical question.

Yesterday morning, after getting about 2 quality hours of sleep, I have to admit... I groaned (INSIDE my head) at the thought of getting up & going to church & teaching kids. But it didn't take long (especially after seeing the kids in their adorable outfits...pictured below) 'til I remembered how lucky we are. We get to wake up on a Sunday & go to church. A church of our own choosing & worship the way WE choose. Worship OUR God. And while we're at that particular church of our own choosing, we don't have to fear that someone might bust in with guns. Or that the government will find out & imprison us. We have that freedom. A freedom we quite often advantage of. I'm thankful. Thankful to God and to our soldiers and to live in a country with that freedom & so many others. I could've been born in any other country, but God chose this as my home. And I'm so glad.

**Happy Birthday America**

Goodlicious Gabe

Words to Live By

I came across this quote in a focus on the family newsletter, Your Child:

Your Child's early years won’t last long, so plan well,

keep expectations realistic, and

try to enjoy the journey.

Flynn's "Girls"

Oh, these nieces of mine...
Flynn's crazy about them. Hannah spent a night & 2 full days w/ us last week & when she left, Flynn was sad. The next day at the lunch table she asked about her, "Where's Hannah?"
When I explained that she was at her house now, she said she missed her & wanted to call her.

Usually, one of the cousins is at Nana's, for her to play with while she's there. If not, it's, "Where's the Girls?" Each cousin contributes something different. Mattie shares her love of the animals. KK & Vanessa are great about sitting down & playing with Flynn.

My kids are lucky growing up with older cousins.... getting all this attention, free pedicures, hand-me-down barbie beach towels.
And LOTS of love.

Mr. 10-Months Old

I don't know if he'll always be sensitive. But he is now & we'll celebrate that. His feelings can be hurt easily and he loves his binky & his sissy. His favorite color is milk. He watches tv & is a good dancer. When he gets mad, he'll ram you like a bull. He gives good kisses. He likes napping with his dad. He is now 10-months old which makes mommy sad because in less than 2 months old, her baby will be one.
His name is Bubby.

Eww, Only it Wasn't Tootsie Rolls

Over the weekend, Jeff bought some tootsie rolls at walmart. We're filling bags for our kids' group at church, kidspoint. Anyway, you know when something is in your brain, because of recent familiarity, so it's instantly recalled?

Jeff worked with Dad yesterday, so me & the kids were 'home alone.' Flynn was napping (thank God) & I changed Gabe's diaper (he had just woken from his nap) & it was SUPER wet. So, I wanted to give him a few minutes to "air out." And you know how that goes when you're a busy mom. I think I went into the kitchen to get something or lay something down, then I somehow ended up emptying the dishwasher. And I noticed a scary quietness coming from the livingroom (the kind the activates your mommy alarm).

I think you know where this story's going...

When I stepped where I could see into the livingroom, I looked at Gabe, sitting quietly in the middle of the floor. Holding tootsie rolls.

Remember what I said about when you're thinking about something & therefore it automatically gets assumed.

In other words, those weren't tootsie rolls. It was poop. Itty bitty turds. Lots of them. And he was playing with them like play dough. Squishing & squeezing them between his fingers. They were all over him. Under his nails, on his arms, his legs, the surrounding toys.

Thank God for the binky that I keep plugged in his mouth.
Know what I mean?

Things I've Recently Learned

• Kid's pee is very yellow (especially on tan carpet).
• Little girl toes don't stay painted long.
• I'd pay $1,000 for my kids to start sleeping through the night (we decided that since we don't have $1,000, that I would be willing to have one of my toe nails pulled out, which really hurts by the way).
• Barney is ageless.
• VCRs are not obsolete.
• The french fry is Flynn's favorite veggie (yes it is so a veggie).

A Daddy is Born...Flynn & Her Dad, November 2003 

Shouts Out to the Daddies

If you get sick of hearing me brag on Jeff, how wonderful of a husband he is, how wonderful of a father he is... well, then, maybe I'm ALMOST bragging enough.
Growing up the baby of the family, I guess he was a typical boy who didn't have a ton of exposure to babies or taking care of them. Flynn's diaper was the first diaper he ever changed. He'd never swaddled, rocked & perhaps he'd fed a bottle or two, I'm not sure. He preferred kids he could reason with, elementary aged & beyond, and always showed some frazzled nerves when we babysat wee ones.

Look at how far he's come....

He shares the kids' upbringing. He diapers almost as much as I do. We take turns feeding Gabe his big-boy food. He takes Flynn places. He tucks her in at night. He gets up with the kids when they're pulling all-nighters. He replaces Flynn's goldfishies. He reads countless stories. He goes to doctor's appointments with us. He helps me make decisions.
He does everything he can.
And then some.

And when I think of how he's grown, even spiritually since God gave us our first baby to care for.
That's when I get tears in my eyes.
When I hear him praying with Flynn. When I hear him telling her about God, and Jesus, and how much They love her. When Sunday comes and I don't have to wonder if the family is going to church because long before I tell her it's a church day, he's asking her what dress she's wearing to church.

I remember the exact moment that Jeff became a dad. Well, not that moment. But the official moment. When they pulled Flynn out of my belly & over her curdling scream they told us that she was a girl. Jeff looked over at me & through his paper mask I saw a look I'd never seen before. His face seemed to change. And with some new kind of excitement he repeated, "It's a girl."

Now before that I worshipped the ground he walked on. But at that very moment, there was another thing that occurred between us. Another bond. Another stitch. Just when I thought I couldn't love him anymore, I did.
I do.
And everytime he has another tea party, gives another zerbert, changes another poopy diaper, I love him more.

And so on this official holiday, I thank God for Jeff. I thank God that I get to wish Jeff a Happy Father's Day. That we have babies & that they have a Godly daddy.

And I also take this opportunity to talk about my daddy. The memories of which I hope I remember long after he's gone, to tell my kids. About the evenings, after working more than a day's worth of hours, he'd go into the yard and play catch. How he left work to meet my kindergarten class at Rombach Farm's pumpkin patch. He took me to church every week (several times a week actually). He told me about God. He always bailed me out. With money. With resources. With a little bit of patience. When I moved four hours away, then decided once I stuffed every last box into my apartment that I didn't want to do it, he drove down the following day to help load them all back up. He coached my little league team (& yelled at me every game). He taught me how to poke fun. He carried me to the breakfast table every Sunday morning (even still after my sister & brother made fun because I was like 13 -- I say they were jealous).
And another thing I'll always think of about Dad is that he is always working, always. He constantly has a project going. And he always did that at home. Started with their shacky 2 room house & built on...and on... and eventually ALL of us had our own bedroom.
And so now, I appreciate not only his fatherhood, but his grandfatherhood. He has 1/2 a dozen kids who absolutely adore him & call him "Papa". And a 9-month old who already refers to him as "Paaa" (think of a puff of air) & who gets a gleam in his eyes when he looks up at my pot rack full of pots (because Papa hoists him up there to hit & clank the pots). For like a year when I'd ask Flynn the question, "Guess who's coming over?" It was always, "PAPA!!!!" Later Nana got tagged on. But he was #1 in her book... over ALL of us.
My dad is always there for us to help us. And a 60-"something" year old man could play the 'old' card of, "can't do much to help out with the kids." But, when I was in the hospital countless times this year, he always took more than his turn to watch the kids. And always did a pretty darn good job I might add.

So, Happy Father's Day to my dad. I love you.

And Happy Father's Day to the dad of my kids. I love you.

And Happy Father's Day to every dad who makes a difference. Who loves like they know how. Who supports their kids in every way. Especially those dads in my life.

A Tear Jerker & A Prayer Request

THIS HAS COME TO ME IN A FWD TWICE LATELY. I THINK IT'S SWEET, OF COURSE I'M AN EMOTIONAL MOM. ANYWAY, ENJOY: (be sure to scroll down to the end to our family's prayer request)

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms saying,
"It's all right honey, Mommy's here."Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours
on end soothing crying babieswho can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collectionsare hanging on
their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching
from thewarmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked,
"Did you see me,Mom?" they could say,
"Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for theworld," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp
their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.

And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year.
And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook
and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically
when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their
own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who
can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love...
sometimes totally unappreciated!

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent schoolshootings, and the mothers of
those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who
sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came
home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to
be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?

The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew abutton on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is itthe ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down thestreet, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt thattakes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put yourhand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comesagain at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door andknow they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from whereveryou are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident,a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our
thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and
sleep deprivation...And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us. Hang in there.

In the end we can only do the best we can.

Tell them every day that we love them.
And pray.


And speaking of prayer, I've taken all I can w/ Flynn's allergy. Meaning, sure, I'm coping with it. We've even got it pretty much under control as far as handling it. But I believe in a healing God, a prayer-answering God, which is why I've begun a little prayer campaign for her. She deserves not only ice cream & yogurt, but she deserves to eat what everyone else is eating. And deserves to go a week without breaking out in hives because someone kissed her on the cheek without washing their mouth. And she deserves to eat ice cream at a birthday party. And deserves an evening that doesn't end with a nebulizer. Or having to feel the whoozy effects of benadryl when she breaks out (sometimes why, we aren't sure). It hurts me to give Gabe yogurt & hear her say, "I want some Mom." I'm tired of hiding when I eat a piece of cheese. And I'm tired of worrying when I drop her off at the church nursery. And I'm tired of dreading her starting kindergarten because I'm afraid that a little friend she sits beside at the lunch table will spill milk on her.

I believe in the promises of God. And the same promises that healed Flynn while she was in the NICU, are the same ones that we believe today.

So, will you join our family in prayer? Prayer for the healing of Flynn's allergies.

Below find scriptures in which we claim our faith. Flynn says in the cutest little voice, "Jesus will heal me."

Isaiah 58:8 Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun. I will heal you quickly.

Psalm 6:2 Lord, have mercy on me. I'm so weak. Lord, heal me. My body is full of pain.

2 Kings 20:5 "Go back and speak to Hezekiah. He is the leader of my people. Tell him, 'The Lord, the God of King David, says, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. And I will heal you.

Ecclesiastes 3:3 There is a time to kill. And there's a time to heal. There is a time to tear down. And there's a time to build up.

1 Corinthians 12:9 To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing.

Luke 4:40 At sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.

Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Matthew 4:23 [ Jesus Heals Sick People ] Jesus went all over Galilee. There he taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's kingdom. He healed every illness and sickness the people had.

Mark 1:42 Right away the disease left him. He was healed.

Mark 5:34 He said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. You are free from your suffering."

Mark 6:5 Jesus laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.

Mark 10:52 "Go," said Jesus. "Your faith has healed you."

Psalm 30:2my God, I called out to you for help. And you healed me.

Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses.

My New Invention: Child's Shock Collar

You know those leashes... you always see someone at the zoo with them. Some of them are with deluxe harness, others are simply attached at the wrist.
I remember seeing those & saying, "That's inhumane. It's horrible. I'd never use one of those."

Then I had Flynn.

The cheetah is not the fastest land animal. Flynn is. And she fears nothing. Not passing cars. Not strangers. Not deep amounts of water or bottomless pits. The girl will do anything, go anywhere. And she does so with a speed that surpasses her parents'.

Now I'm all for the leash. Except the stigma that goes with it.

And because she's going through this phase, among many other "terrible twos" stuff, I've sat there many atime (while typing in my blog, trying to cram a few bites of something in my mouth, nurse Gabe) & said, "PLEASE listen to me. PLEASE don't make me have to get up." But she rarely listens. And I'm not one to just let it slide. I may lack several parenting skills, but consistency does not go by the wayside here. If I've told her to do something, she WILL.

So, in those AARGH moments, where I have to break Gabe's suction or go to an immediate stand from the floor where I'm picking up toys or... (you get the picture), I think to myself,
"She needs to be wearing a shock collar."

I don't mean anything that would leave a permanent sensation. I mean just a quick jolt. So, when I say, "Flynn get OFF THE TABLE!" She would look at me & continue her misbehavior. That's when I'd follow with a warning & if that warning goes ignored, a quick push of the trigger (which I could have carribeaner'ed on my beltloop). And much like a dog, she'd associate that small jolt with ignoring my request.

For most children, it would probably only take a couple of times. For Flynn it might take 4 times.

I think today I may go ahead & call the patent office & see if one's been patented already. And if not, I might go ahead & proceed with my plans.

DISCLAIMER: I AM JUST KIDDING. DO NOT CALL DFS. I DON'T PLAN TO SHOCK EITHER OF MY CHILDREN.
BUT I MIGHT DO THE LEASH THING.

Apparently, Elmo is Breastfed

Finally...and I was waiting for it to happen, Flynn saunters through the hall, nursing Elmo.

She has two Elmos. Hard Eyeball Elmo & Soft Eyeball Elmo. Which she has currently started referring to as Elmo 1 & Elmo 2.

She was nursing Elmo 1 (Soft Eyeball). He was tucked under her shirt, just like Gabe usually is. She was holding him in a cradle-hold, so her other had was free to cook or answer the phone. She stopped by the doorway (where I was in the bathroom) & asked me to feed Elmo 2.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Things I'd Like to Do

10. Go to Hawaii

Instead, I'll be saying "Hi", really whiny

9. Drink a tall glass of milk

Instead, I'll be feeding a tall boy some milk

8. Vacuum the livingroom carpet

Instead, I'll be watching Gabe vacuum the carpet with his mouth

7. Take a nap

Instead, I'll beg everyone else to take a nap

6. Eat my lunch in peace

Instead, Gabe will be spitting his peas at me

5. Finish reading my magazines

Instead, Gabe will be eating my magazines

4. Lay out in the sun

Instead, I'll be laying down my son

(only so he can get up 5 minutes later)

3. Put on make up

Instead, I'll be making Flynn & Alex make up

2. Take a shower

Instead, I'll be wiping off a shower

of applesauce

And the number one thing I'd like to do...

1. Spend the day with the loves of my life

Instead... well, actually, that's what I'll get to do!

Good Weekend

What a gorgeous weekend. It started out w/ Jeff surprising me with an Anniversary visit to the Melting Pot. He planned the whole thing...all the way to the babysitters he lined up (go Nana & Papa!!).

Then Saturday, after a music rehearsal for church, we went to the Cards game. Things would've been a little more fun if the Cards had played like they know how to.

Then, after church yesterday & after nap, we went to Trey's b'day party. Happy first Trey!! The kids have so much fun at parties. Gabe & Flynn were so sopping wet from Trey's new water table, that they went home in just a diaper (only Festusonians do that).

We ended the weekend by checking on our bird nest in the side yard & a good bubble-blowing session.

Flynn said something so funny Thursday. Jeff was about to take her with him to Walmart, so he said, "Flynn, do you want to go to Walmart?" And she replied, "No, I want to go to Nashville!"

Have a blessed week.

the kiss 

Happy Four Year Anniversary

Today, Jeff & I celebrate our 4th year of marriage.

On this day, back on a VERY HOT June day in 2002, Jeff & I vowed our love to each other -- at my parents' place. Family & a few close friends joined us. Jeff looked particularly handsome in his (very hot) tux & I sported some unflattering layers of taffeta (or some kind of sheer cheesecloth). My nieces were darling & I'm so glad they were all there.

But more important than that particular day has been the one thousand ninety-six days since then. And boy have they been full days.

We left the following day for our honeymoon. When we returned six days later, we prepared for a summer of teaching summer school. During which time, our house was finished being built; so we moved. And I took three graduate courses toward my masters' degree. We immediately wanted children. So, we immediately tried (or didn't try not to --- as we always said). Six months into the school year, we made a definite decision to not stay at Brennan Woods. So we did not sign our contracts for the following year. Shortly afterward, I saw two lines on the stick.

I took SIX -- Yep, I said six -- EPT tests. It just didn't seem real! We'd tried for nine long months & finally!! Jeff was showering & I for the life of me, couldn't muster up enough discipline to wait & think of some special way to break the news. So I barged into the bathroom yelling, "Is this a line? Is this a line???!!!!" I jumped up & stood on the toilet, hoisting the stick over the shower doors at him. Then, I sent him to Walgreens for 2 more.

Five months and a bajillion interviews later, we will couldn't find jobs. Facing the possibility of losing our house, we were stressed. Then up went my blood pressure & I was put on bedrest. Even if I'd found a job, I wouldn't be able to work.

Somehow we made it financially, but I got even more sick & Flynn was taken a month early through emergency cesarean. She was sick & was taken from us & transported to a different hospital in a different city. Heartbroken, we once again leaned on each other. There were nights when we just cried & hugged each other. Jeff was always my rock though.

Flynn grew & thrived & we decided it was time to bless her with a sister or a brother. We were excited to be pregnant again less than a year later. But shortly into the pregnancy, we lost that baby. What an upset... But we quickly remembered that God was in control. And had our love and each other... and Flynn.

Less than two months after that, I became pregnant with Gabe. And I was bound and determined to do all I could to carry a healthy baby to term. So I did my part. However, Jeff got kidney stones (again) & believe it or not, SO DID I (in my pregnant state!!) My stones got so bad that I eventually passed 2 of them... less than a month before Gabe's arrival. Painful & about the size of 1/3 of a dime, the stones prepared me for having Gabe the "original" way. Another bonding moment in our marriage.

Less than two months after that, I started having horrid pains. More stones!! --- this time, tho, they were in my gal bladder. And so, we had to schedule surgery, the week of thanksgiving. So, again, Jeff had a big job of holding down the fort & doing his job and mine.

Four months after that, I got sick again. Possibly the sickest I've ever been. See my cryptosporidium entry. Faced with the unknown - I once again leaned on Jeff. And can I just add how much fun he is in a hospital room. Always a comment, always a laugh.

Now & hopefully forever, we're all healthy. We're all happy. And Flynn is the huggingest kid I've ever seen. She's always ready with a kiss & hug. And I believe this is because she sees her parents hug & kiss EVERYDAY (sometimes several times a day). I hope our kids always know the love and respect we have for each other. I hope everyone knows the love & respect I have for Jeff. He means more to me than any earthly person. His love for God, for me & for our kids stand out as the best thing about him.

The last four years have proven my life's destiny. And how adventurous they've been... can't think of anyone I'd rather venture with.

Here's to forty more....
I love you Jeff.
Happy Anniversary.

Gabe's 9 mo check-up & other end-of-May stuff

I need to get on this kid's diet. In 3 mos., he gained less than a lb! Dr attributes that to his high-aerobic activity, which includes crawling faster than the current baby-crawling champion of Twin City. Also included in his latest things to drive me insane is his new trick of standing alone, with his hands in the air.
He's such a little stud.
Anyway, he weighs an oz less than 20 lbs. He's 1/2 in away from 30 inches. And his noggen is completely average (altho it looks large w/o hair). His percentiles for weight & height (respectively) are 50 & 90. TALL, TALL boy.
He got a shot & didn't so much as wince.

On Memorial Day, Flynn got to ride one of the Norris Horses, whose name is Jack. But as we drove up to Papa's house & saw the horse outside, Flynn said, "There's Jackson." JackSON. She renamed him. The amusing part tho, is that I can't think of anyone she'd know that shares that name.

The real cowboy of the story is Gabe. Who LOVES riding. He grabbed the saddle horn & reigns as if he'd done it a million times. Flynn took a ride around & said, "I want off now." She had things to do... the girls to follow around & a movie to watch.

We had a super time in Nashville this weekend. The Robinsons were the greatest hosts. They really know how to make you feel like your children aren't being rude & wrecking their gorgeous home. Tammy just kept saying, "they're fine! there's nothing they can hurt here." I just kept looking around at her showcase & thinking, "but we have pressed wood furniture."

We went to the Aquarium Restaurant which goes down into my eating establishments log. Way cool. And the highlight of Flynn's weekend was riding a "dolphin" on a carousel. She also enjoyed the lifesize bugs at the Science Center there. And had a blast playing with Grace & loving on Lauren.

Our 6 hour ride there was just a condensed preview of what our August trip to Panama City Beach will entail. All I have to say is, "Is it unethical to give the children drugs to help them sleep for a 12 hr drive?"

I Must Look Old

I've started physical therapy for my back, per request of ortho. dr.
Anywho, I'm there, doing some type of stretch next to a lady who looked like she could be my mom's age. So, we're chewing the fat about how bad this type of stretch hurts & therapy & our aches & pains, when I make the comment, "Gee, ya hit thirty & it's all downhill", then I laughed.

And she said, "You're only thirty?"

I kinda wanted to swallow my chin. So I just told her that I was actually 32. And when I said it, I actually wanted to say, "You think I look older than thirty?" But I didn't. But she must've thought about how it sounded, or realized that I looked like I wanted to vomit.

So she said, "Thirty's nothing. I'm 55."

Then, I was at the store & a man told his son to hold the door for me. But instead of saying, "Son, hold the door for this chic." He said, "Hold the door for that LADY."

If someone calls me mam in the near future, I'm going to start wearing stretchy jeans & comfortable shoes.

I Felt the Earth Move Under My Feet

I felt the sky tumblin' down, tumblin'....

Okay, well maybe it wasn't quite that extreme; but, nonetheless.

It was yesterday morning & I had just set the bigger kids up with some playdough so I could nurse Gabe in some peace. As I was walking from the kitchen to the livingroom, I heard a LOUD boom & the house rattled.

A couple years ago, they were doing lots of dynamite-ing to an area within eyeshot of our backyard. The noise was very similar to that & my immediate reaction was "they're doing that again??" Then, when that didn't seem all too logical, I thought that perhaps it was a really loud clap of thunder. Which would've been REALLY loud, as the windows rattled & the floor vibrated.

Well, I haven't exactly the type of schedule which allows me to linger & dwell on each detail of my day (even given that the detail happened to be record-making). So, I went on about my 'work', preparing the Perry Dairy for milk time.

And actually, I didn't give it another thought. Until Jeff sat down at the computer at bedtime & gave me the news:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/AB5B8C745BE9328886257173001AE4E9?OpenDocument

See? -- who says my days are uneventful?

Pet Peeves

At the risk of sounding negative, I've decided to list my pet peeves (in no necessary order):

Shorter people (i.e. Flynn) getting between me & the destination (i.e. sink) & being fine with being sandwiched there while I try to finish what I'm doing.

People NOT YIELDING at yield signs. Like, um, hello? what is it you think you're supposed to do at a YIELD SIGN? (do I hear a Town Talk in the works??)

People who never put down their cell phone. You can at least ask the person you're chatting with to hold on while you finish peeing in the public bathroom.

Walmart.

People who don't make their kids mind in public. Like when we were at the Magic House Friday. And the lady who wouldn't quit gossiping with her friend to tend to her 6-year old son who was SCREAMING IN MY 2-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S FACE & not letting her go by him up the steps. That kid better hope he doesn't end up in Mr. Perry's science class when he's in 8th grade.

Paybacks.

People who don't walk on the RIGHT (vs left) side. Like at the mall. Like on the sidewalk. And the worst is going through doorways.

GET OVER!

Speaking of the mall. For crying outloud, IF YOU'RE GOING TO STOP & CHAT WITH SOMEONE OR BE REALLY SLOW, DON'T STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.

Walmart.

If you smoke, that's your business. But should you be standing outside of a health facility (doctor's office, hospital, etc.) breathing smoke into my air as I walk in or out?

That kinda doesn't make sense to me.

People who are judgemental but then do something even dumber in the same respect. i.e. people who criticize parents who let their kids suck a binky at one age, but they're still giving their kid a bottle or vica versa. Like me, ripping on a big kid at church who sucks a binky, yet I just changed my brilliant two year old's DIAPER.

When people leave the room & have no intention of returning to that particular room anytime in the near future (i.e. bathroom), yet they fail to turn off the light.

Walmart.

When I'm attending something (i.e. a class or a similar event) & am promptly on time (if not a little early), yet we wait for late people & then cater to them by repeating what was said in their "absence".

Service employees, people meant to SERVE, acting like you're supposed to serve them. Have you forgotten, that your paycheck is generated because of my purchases? Okay, then HELP ME! For example, while I was shopping for a white noise machine for my light sleeping Gabe, at Target (I continue to ask myself why we spend thousands per year there) & no one could HELP ME. So, with the three kiddos in tow, I'm hauling around the store, in search of the machine, of an employee, of the golden gnome. Anything. Please, somebody just help me.

Covering cigarette smoke up with perfume.

People who release RANCID gas in tight, public spaces. Like one time when I got onto an elevator where I man was getting off of the elevator (although I didn't pay attention, he was probably snickering) & I was about to VOMIT. My eyes were tearing & my brows were singed. I was dry heaving like a cat coughing up a hairball.

Walmart.

A crabby 32-year old woman who has nothing to complain about, yet she's compiled a list of 20 or so.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Things I've Recently Learned

• Two year olds want to do EVERYTHING themselves (& I do mean everything)
• Daisies can live forever in a milk storage bottle with a little water on my windowsill
• Puke washes out pretty easily
• No one on the road respects a wild-haired lady in a silver minivan
• Even though something might read, "No children please, no child care provided", people still bring their kids
• Poop can be sticky or dry, mushy or hard, dependent on the last food fed to a baby
• Someone needs to invent a way to turn dirty diapers into fuel (I can provide the world's supply of diapers)
• Most things kids learn are things you didn't teach them (not too bad now, terrible in puberty years)
• Not everything on Dr. Phil will work
• My kids are good

Happy Mother's Day to me?

Well, my mother's day was concluded by none only than vomit.
Flynn puked twice - all over me - to the point of my entire outfit needing to be changed. Vanilla milk nonetheless.
Then, Gabe woke up about, um, 4 times. Screaming fits.
I don't think the sleep training is working. According to the 'chair method' he should be trained by tonight. It's not looking too favorable.

I think that would be the epitome of Mother's Day.
That's okay... I'll take it anyway.

Happy Mother's Day

This to ALL the moms in my life:

First, my own momma. My love & admiration for her grows as does my own love for my children. Having my babies made me realize the sacrifice my own mom has made for me.

Secondly, my hubby's momma. Gees, she had to do quite a job to make this guy so wonderful. So hats off to her for making him the incredible, sacrificial husband & unbelievable dad that he is.

To my sister who (& I'm sure she isn't fond of me pointing out the age gap) was old enough to be somewhat of a parental figure. My sis showed me an example of motherhood & is a major contributor to my own parenting.

To my friends. Especially those whom I speak with on a regular basis. Sometimes those phone conversations or nights out are the very things that keep me sane. Words of encouragement that seem ordinary become advice & bits of knowledge.


I recently entered a contest for Moms. The entry required you to submit your definition of mother's day. I sat there & thought about it. Yes, it's a very special day... actually a holiday. But really, to me, everyday is mother's day. Everyday I get to spend my every moment with my babies. Everyday I hear, "Mommy I love you", "Good night Mom" & Jeff has said that the last few times he's prayed with Flynn the 'Now I lay me down' prayer, she says, "Now I lay me down to sleep... I pray FOR MOM." Awww!!! That's sweet & that little girl obviously knows her momma needs extra prayers.
I'm also fortunate enough to have a husband who makes everyday Mother's Day. I hear women brag that on Mother's Day their husband made them lunch or waited on them or was extra nice.
WELL, I get that treatment everyday...or every chance Jeff has. He makes my everyday special.

Happy Mother's Day to me. And a thank you to God. That on this day I'm fortunate enough to have reason (or 2 reasons) to celebrate.

My Wishlist

1. A level backyard, perfect to play in
2. A year of good health (well, a lifetime of health would be great)
3. My babies to LOVE sleep
4. A self-cleaning house with a couple more bedrooms & a FULL basement
5. A work-from-home job
6. A better ear for hearing God's voice
7. A good working back
8. A good working lawn mower
9. Energy & desire to clean the house
10. A smaller butt

NOT a Victory

Ugh, are we tired. THREE wake ups last night. Each one lasting 30-45 minutes. And as you sit next to him in the bed, he really thinks you should get him. He sits there & sucks his binky and if you make eye contact, you can see his eyes crinkle & his binky raise as his mouth makes a smile.
What a stinker.

Tonight, the chair gets moved to the door. This is all supposed to be done in a few days. We shall see. It's quite the job for a week!

Victory?

Okay, we don't want to count any chickens here, but I think we just might be on our way to a full night's sleep here at the Perry Infirmary.
Yesterday's naps (one of which involved Nana), were pretty good. Laying him down when he was drowsy but awake with just a whine or two (certainly no hour of crying).
Then, last night, he passed out at SEVEN O'CLOCK! He's NEVER went to bed that early (NEVER!). With a wake up at 11:55 - which included about 30 minutes of crying with daddy sitting on "the chair" beside him. And just let me comment that much like dog years, actual crying time quite varies with how the time FEELS. In other words, the other night, that 1'45 of crying felt like about 6 hours.
Are we victorious in this battle over sleeplessness? I don't know. I've read that they can kind of backslide part way through the training. I hope not. I'm liking this getting a little more sleep thing. And really think I can be a MUCH better Momma if I can get some sleep.

Here's to some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

Sleep is Overrated

Gabe is a lovely boy. Very cute. Very sweet. Has a great smile. He's an excellent eater. And is soo tolerant of his sister.
BUT
Gabe is a H O R R I B L E sleeper.
He started sleeping through the night around 3 months. Jeff & I rejoiced. "Yeah! Finally have a good sleeper."
Wrongo.
Flynn JUST started sleeping through the night (w/o crying out at 3 am) about 2 mos ago. But little Gabe wakes 1-2 times each night. He also doesn't nap more than 30-45 minutes.
This makes for a very tired, and frustrated, Mommy.
So Jeff & I decide that enough is enough, we're going to sleep train this kid. Heck, we should write a book. We trained Flynn several times.
Then she'd get sick.
Or we'd go on a trip.
Or something would come along & kink our business & we'd be back at scratch.
So we started last night. We went w/ a method I saw on Dr Phil, thinking it sounded a little gentler than just straight hardcore CRY IT OUT (it is crying it out, but it's sitting beside the bed while they cry).
YIPES. Gabe has a mean temper & some serious stamina.
Laying him down initially at 8:30 meant SCREAMING (like I'm wondering why our lovely neighbors didn't call DFS) for AN HOUR AND 40 MINUTES. I kid you not. We'd take turns. I came out the first time after like 20 minutes & yelled to Jeff, "SUB!"
Wake up #2 was at 1:30ish. This one was another full blown screaming fit. Lasting about 1 HR 20 MINS (improvement?) Then, there was another wake up at 5, which just required a binky reinsertion. That was a challenge which included me crying & asking, "what's so bad about him waking several times to nurse? he can sleep in our bed, lots of people do it! he just needs us!! what message are we sending him? that he can't depend on us!!"
His passing out had to be that...and of just pure exhaustion. Not of a lesson learned or will to give in.
The naps have to be consistent with the bedtime ritual. Which means another day of screaming. They say that all should be better in 7 days.
God help us all.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Ten Things About Hubby

Ten Things I Love about Jeff...

(okay, I couldn't limit it to just 10)

14. Never argued the fact that we needed a minivan

13. Isn't afraid of a poopy diaper

12. Lets me sleep in on the weekends

11. Has exquisite taste in music

10. He has all his (original) hair

9. Killer Backside

8. On Sundays, without question,

we get ready for church (always have)

7. He loves kids

6. Likes to cook

5. Outgoing - is game for EVERYTHING

4. Knows his way around downtown

3. Has some kind of optical-challenge

in that he actually thinks I am (still) attractive

2. Supports anything & everything I decide to do

AND THE NUMBER ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT HUBBY...

1. He is by far the best father that God ever placed on the earth

And I could go on & on but I have to get the kids breakfast

So It's Not Just Me

Well, it's official. The entire family is going crazy.

It appears that Dear Sweet Flynn has decided that each weekend we're at the store, she will throw a temper tantrum.
Which she did tonight.

We called Jeff on our way home from Alex's party. I told him that instead of unloading the kids, only to reload them for our trip to Kmart (to buy Flynn's new carseat), we'd just pull up & he could hop in the car & we'd head on to the store.
I realize this didn't give him a lot of time to "get ready."

SO, I pull up & he runs out looking all frazzled. He had his Mr. Schneider white tee on & said hold on while I put a shirt on.
He returned looking handsome as ever, God love him.

We go on to Kmart. I had Flynn first & he had Gabe, then after she started her shananigans, we traded. He went onto the baby dept to start looking at carseats, while Gabe & I went to the pharmacy to pick up my no-more-little-Gabes-and-Flynns pills. We joined them but as I approached their area I could hear "it". The frazzled sounds of Flynn. Jeff had allowed her to give a little umbrella stroller a test run. Good enough, except she can't very well take it with us. So, when it was time to start heading toward the check out, she didn't exactly agree with our suggestion of keeping it in the rightful department. So she started her, "NO! NO! NO!" And I saw it coming. The Saturday Store Meltdown. So, the screaming gets louder as we insist her leaving behind the stroller. She wants to take it along (with the "doggie" inside it), but TOO DARN bad sister, such is life. And if you get your way now, what will you be like next year?
Long story short, Gabe and I are pushing a loaded down cart with a GYNORMOUS carseat with box atop a wobbly cart sporting the Gabester in his soon-to-be "old" infant seat. Preceding us is the honorable tantrumming Flynn Perry and her gorgeous father, sporting her on his side, much like a lumberjack carrying a stiff tree.

COULD WE ATTRACT MORE ATTENTION??!!

Everyone within earshot is gocking like I'm going through the aisles wearing a thong (ew, I think I just puked a little in my mouth). You would think that NO ONE IN THE STORE has ever raised or lived next to a two year old.

SO, I give Jeff "the nod", meaning, "take Flynn to the car, I'll check out & we'll meet you at the car." (that's a lot of words for the nod...sorta like the translation of a Chinese martial arts movie)

He goes ahead & I stop at the check out. The poor guy scans the stuff & I look down for Jeff's wallet which had previously nestled between the Gabester's chunky thighs.
Not there.

So, I debate crying & laying down in the aisle. But instead, I tell Poor Checker Dude that he'll have to wait while I take the Gabester with me to the car & tell Poor Hubby.
He agrees.

I go to the parking lot & tell Jeff, "Just go pay, my back hurts."

He goes back in to a line of people waiting for us to get our acts straight, pays, gets the loot, & heads back out.

COULD WE BE MORE OF A SPECTACLE??!!??!!

After all that, I didn't feel like cooking, so we go to Arby's.

We finally pull up at 2024 Fairbanks. Flynn's starting Round 2 of her plan to give me more gray. That's when Jeff looks down at his feet.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THAT I HAVE TWO DIFFERENT SHOES ON? I HAVE A BIRKENSTOCK SANDAL AND AN ADIDAS FLIP FLOP ON?"

Sure enough:



It's official. We've all gone mad.

I'm Not Opposed to Child Labor

Hey! Not only does it keep her busy for a while

(at least 'til the battery runs down),

but it's keeping Bubby's cheerios picked up!

One thing I've learned during my short term in Motherhood...

whatever works.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Gabe's Top Ten List

"Things I Like to Eat"

10. Anything jarred, despite the smell

9. Anything with texture

8. Anything without texture

7. Whatever you're eating

6. Mom's hair

5. Blades of grass

4. Sand from Sissy's sandbox

3. Cheerios on the floor from my last meal

2. Random fuzzies on the floor

and the top thing I like to eat...

1. WHATEVER WILL FIT IN MY MOUTH

Real Men Do Tea Parties

After Flynn's tough week of being mean, her Daddy decided she needed a little Daddy & Bubby time; so HE suggested a tea party. He even provided cookies.

Gosh, are we lucky to have a man like this in our life...or what?!

I'm Already Playing the Mom Card

Flynn has been "exerting her independence" & "displaying her vocabulary"... all code names for BEING A STINKER.
So, after a pretty tough day yesterday, I woke up thinking, "This is the day that the Lord has made... Flynn will not be bad today..." Then I tried to get her dressed.
This is something new I'm trying.. giving her a choice in the matter; hoping that will get her on my team --- "TEAM GET-DRESSED."
But, her bed has two sides: Bad side & Bad side. And today, like the other days this week, Flynn woke up on the, you guessed it, bad side of her bed.
So, she was sassing & saying things like, "NO, Me Do!" And choosing a new shirt that Gammy recently bought her, which sported these fabulous stickers that said, 2T & Faded Glory & $3.50 STRETCH, she wanted the stickers OFF before putting on the shirt. I suggested we put the shirt ON, then pull the stickers off. I JUST DO NOT HAVE TIME to do things exactly as she WANTS. I have two other people (not counting myself) who need to eat & get poopy diapers taken off of them, etc. And Lord forbid that anyone else gets attention.
Anyway, it started her rampage, the stomping & screaming & all the other things that you HEAR two year olds do (but just assume that it'll never be like that).
That's when I did it.
I played the mom card.
And when it was coming out of my mouth, I had a flashback to the Cosby show & I swear all of a sudden my voice was Felicia Rashad's voice.
I was Claire Hucstable.
"You will NOT talk to me like that. I am your mom. You won't treat me like this. I went through a LOT of trouble to bring you into this world."
Which everyone knows, that's the truth.
But Flynn doesn't know that I was on a trimester of bedrest, ate a special diet, went to the doctor weekly, almost died, had my stomach cut open with not so much as a warning... oh yeah & nearly died again.
Nor does she care.
She just wants the stickers off her shirt before she puts it on.

TUESDAY's TOP TEN LIST

Top Ten Things I love to see my babies doing....
10. Smiling
9. Waving (Gabe's SO good at it)
8. Clapping their hands (even Gabe can clap the beat)
7. Praying
6. Singing
5. Sleeping (so angelic, they LOOK like they'd never do wrong)
4. Laughing at each other so hard they hiccup
3. Kissing Each Other (w/ Flynn, I have to be sure her
mouth is closed & her teeth are PUT away)
2. Saying DADA (Gabe's SO good at it right now)
1. DANCING the night away...

Which brings me to these fabulous photos of John & Melissa's wedding/reception. We had lots of fun... and I could NOT be more proud that two great people that I FINALLY decided to introduce, have joined in HOLY MATRIMONY. HOLY COW!!
Flynn ran to the dance floor as soon as the music started & we had to carry her off. She's GOOD!
Enjoy the photos & enjoy your day.

SuperNanny...WHERE ARE YOU???

Supernanny has nothing on this fam.

I searched the internet for answers. But nothing came up when I searched, "kids who bloody their baby brothers' noses." But I did fine a pretty good article on spirited children.

After "transferring" Flynn to her room like a bajillion times...and losing count of spankings, I had JUST HAD IT. I look at her big dark eyes & say, "WHY FLynn??? WHY?" & she just looks at me. Which angers me more. At can you believe that the thought actually crossed thru my mind to say, "If you don't stop, Mommy's going bye bye." CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??? You know, those horrible things that go from our temper, to our brain, to our mouth.
Then God whispered...Okay, HE SHOUTED, "How can you make reference to UNconditional love, when I've loved you despite all you've done?"
Yipes, that's a lot He's loved me despite.

It's kinda like the story in the bible. This man who owes another person A TON, has the nerve to want the head of some guy who owes him like a quarter. The kicker is... HIS loaner wiped out his debt! And he's still hung up about the quarter.

Perhaps it's a poor example. Flynn's not my debtor. But I think you get the jest.

And... it's calmed ME down for a few hours.

WELL,
at least through nap.

Easter Delight

It doesn't get much better than this. Having two handsomely dressed kiddos.

We had such a lovely Easter. By the third egg hunt, Flynn was a pro. Jeff noticed she realized that it was quicker if she picks up SEVERAL then deposit them in the basket, rather than one at a time. Hannah tutored Flynn at Nana's Easter Eve egg hunt & gave her a base for her newfound egg hunting talents and skills.

And I don't think she even realizes that all her candy disappeared. The only thing she ate was peeps. But she was just too BUSY. And so was Gabe. He loves GETTING DOWN now & playing, like a "big kid."

His Papa is nuts about his boy. Proof evidenced by this photo where Papa yelled, "Get a picture of this." Only Papa would find a 7-mo old standing on a rock to be phenomenal.

Gabe of course missed out on the egg hunt this year, but you can bet that next year he'll be giving everyone some competition. And might very well be taller than everyone.

Our very busy day started bright & early at 9:30 with an Easter service at Eagle Point. After church, there was a really great egg hunt on the field at Seckman. This is where Flynn demonstrated some fine tune egg maneuvering. With her gorgeous attire and her very suave Barbie egg pale, she was the picture of Easter beauty.


Of course I made an all-time unwise parental decision & let her get her face painted.... a white and RED cross, which bled on her dress (which I paid more for that I do my own clothes)...and now I can not get the spots out.
(I'll gladly accept any laundering advice)

After our fun at church, we made our way to "Easter in the Park", put on by Spirit of St. Louis Church. And of course, "a good time was had by all." There were several things for us to do. Jeff (my third child) had a great time w/ all the inflatables. There was good food. An egg hunt for both kids and adults. And, Jeff's inflatables of course.

Our day ended at Stef's with more good food and Flynn's head full of Conner's new blue sand in his sandbox.

We were gone like 10 hours and gees, was I pooped!

Oh yeah, from Flynn, "Happy Easter, Jesus lives!!"

Poops n Grins

That's what I should've named this blog. I'm getting Gabe ready for his a.m. nap. So I get in the recliner & start nursing him. That's when Flynn decides that for the 2nd time in 10 minutes, she'd take her pants & diaper off. Gabe is highly distractable, so I dare not stop nursing him, then reattempt another nursing session to nap. So, I "yell quietly" (oxymoron?), "put your diaper back on, right now." Yet another example of my fine empty threats I've been known to make from my nursing nook. She knows I'm not getting up, I know I'm not, Gabe knows it.
So she tools around the kitchen, barebutted, looking out windows. A few minutes goes by & Gabe's starting to drift off & that's when I hear it, "Wook (look) mom! Wook what I have!" That's when I see it...
A big mushy, made-by-a-two-year-old-who-should-be-potty-trained, turd.
Happy Monday.

Our Two at the Zoo

In the spirit of Easter break (& in celebration of our GORGEOUS weather), we took our little monkeys to the zoo. If I've learned anything with Flynn, it's to NOT give her too advance of a notice. In other words, only a one-day's notice. So, yesterday, when I told her where we were planning a trip to, she squealed, "OH!, the zoo! We'll see zebras & hippos."
Oh wow, this kid's a genius.
"And dogs. And doves."
Well, I'm her mom... I still think she's a genius.
We planned to leave at the crack of dawn, but I was not moving so fast at 7 this morning, so we left like an hr after our ETD. So when we got to our beloved zoo, the "free time" for the childrens' zoo was almost over. We had 10 mins to get from our car which was parked wwwwwwwwwway far away into the zoo & to the C.Z.
So I hauled my large rear & worked my 3-ft legs. Jeff said, "wow honey, you are going really F A S T." I reminded him that I'm always inspired when it comes to something free.
A funny thing happened at River's Edge (where the hippos are)...there is an area that is cave-like. Hords of people were crowding at the glass to see the hippos and I believe some kind of otter. I was disgusted becuz some older man sat there RIGHT AMIDST the tons of kids (in this closed in area) & lit up his cig. This ticked both of us off...particularly becuz I was upwind from him w/ Gabe wheeled up to the glass (while he admired the fish). Jeff really got mad when he caught wiff. We were standing together, but I decided to take Gabe & go up further away from the smokestack. But Jeff didn't realize I had left. He turned his voice to the lady next to him (thinking it was me) & said, "How would he like it if I went over & pooped in his lap?!" He looked up just in time to see her look at him & hurridly rush her children away.
I haven't laughed that hard in a while.

Peter Cottontail Never Looked So Hot

Is this the cutest darn bunny you've ever laid eyes on?! I have yet to find such a sweet bunny... well, last year I saw a cute one named Flynn - donning these same ears.
Last night I was looking at the online calendar for the library, checking story times. I noticed that last Sat. (altho when I saw it, I was thinking it was THIS Sat.) they had the Easter Bunny at the library for photos w/ the kids. So I yelled into the kitchen & told Jeff, "They've got the Easter Bunny there Saturday at 10 am...do we have anything going on at that time?"
Flynn turns around & says as clear as she's ever spoken..........

"I DO NOT LIKE HIM."

The Cheese Stands Alone

"Cuss! Cuss! Here comes the bus!"

These words could be heard shouted in unison as we first spied the big cheese through the trees. Jeremy, Jeanette, Jackie, myself & whoever was standing with us at the bus stop. Gees, isn't riding the bus one of the most torturous activities? I can remember the feeling of car sick - or er, bus sick as that puppy sailed over the hills and through the curves on Old State Rd. and Alt Rd.

And now, I'm lucky enough to have this view, on most afternoons.

Hallmark to Parents

If I were like Adam Sandlers' character in Mr. Deeds & wrote greeting cards as a hobby, I'd have a doozie in the works. It would be for the parentals in my life. And their constant bailing me out. It would go a little something like this:

(outside:) I guess you'll be my parents forever. (inside:) Thanks for taking care of me....over....and over....and over again.

Everytime I have one of my bajillion incidents I seem to have with medical marvel, the parents are always there. No matter what. So, thank you...I love you. If it wasn't for my mom calling into work on a (literal) moment's notice as Jeff was hauling my grey rear into the ER, it was for Papa whose wagon-pulling talents only compete with his ability to draw the best monkeys & boats. Or Gammy's (spelled correctly!) willingness to spend an entire hour with screaming barefoot toddlers so that Flynn didn't miss gymnastics. As I'm sure everyone does, with age I've come to realize that I spent the better part of 30 years underappreciating the 2 people who would've given anything to keep me healthy & happy -- with NIKEs on my feet. My mom is like the hardest working woman I know, who has spent the last 7 days washing Jeff's bottomless dirty laundry basket. She's one of those people who never tries to go noticed, but should. My dad, I'm certain, was put on earth to be a model grandfather -- or um, Papa -- to new grandfathers who don't know how. When around people under five, he loses regular adult vocabulary & only knows how to giggle incessantly and use words like sugar, darlin' & "Papa's Here." He's known by his truck and his cap. Even Alex loves Papa & looks fwd to his visits.

My hope is that when Flynn is given an assignment, "Write about a woman who you feel is a role model", that she'll think of me with the same strength & respect as we do of our parents.

I love you guys and my words can never reflect my appreciation. May we, along with our children, be blessed with many more of your years.

CryptoSporidium, My New SuperHero Name

To infinity & beyond... OR to the hospital for 4 days.

Can I write my book yet? The one called Pure Luck or Dumb Luck or something like that. One thing's for sure, I'll never run out of great conversation topics. I'll be that annoying person you sit by on a plane, you know, the one who's "Had" everything. Right down to the very rare parasite.

When I collapsed on the bathroom floor Thursday morning & Jeff took me to Mo-Bap's ER, we just thought it was for dehydration. But I had told several of you, that I could swear that this wasn't just a virus! It hurt TOO BAD to be something that most people tough out. They said they'd keep me a night to get my levels back up. Then, when a gastro-intest. doc had a look at me, they realized this wasn't normal. My colin had something foreign in it. But they couldn't figure out what was wrong. At first they diagnosed me w/ something they called "C Bac" which is caused by antibiotics (Lord knows I've taken enough of them in the last year). I was put on "Contact" which meant ANYONE walking thru the door of my room was to 'suit up' w/ robes, gloves, etc. Made for a good science fiction movie. They just had a slight hesitation about this diagnosis becuz I hadn't taken an antibiotic in the last few mos.

Later, through a, um, er, stool sample, they realized that this was not c bac, but yet a PARASITE. Literally a bug. Gross, yuck, sick me out.

Cryptosporidium is a waterborn parasite. Usually ingested through river water. Sometimes in well water. And can be transferred through feces.

So, I either got this thing by my trip last week to India, where I guzzled down gallons of their water or when I was white water rafting with Gabe in the back of the boat.

Actually, I had to have either drank this thing in some water or ate at a restaurant where it was passed to me on my food through feces. Gross.
Makes you think twice about eating out, doesn't it?

First I was so super aggravated. I've never claimed to keep an immaculate house, but one thing I obsess about is hand washing. And when we're out, I slather the antibacterial gel on me & the kids.
You should've heard the drs questioning me. Have you traveled outside of the country? No. Have you been hiking or camping in the last two weeks? No. Have you drank from a well lately? No.
I was thinking, let me explain it this way: I could not possibly 'get out' less. I should've told them to read my blog.

I had an iV for several days. And each night I enjoyed a shot in my stomach. I got to go for my first night away from Gabe & instead of him being 1 1/2 years old & Jeff & I going to Hawaii, he was only 7 mos, still nursing & I was laying in a hospital bed crying (instead of sleeping in a over-the-water Maui bungalow).

We were frustrated. Here I was for a few days, laying in a hospital bed having NO clue what was wrong w/ me. Away from the babies I rarely leave, and when I do, only briefly. Wondering. Forced to worry & think the worst.
Jeff left me his iPod. And I remember one morning, putting them on & cranking up Casting Crown's Who Am I. I looked up at the ceiling & felt God's warmth on my face. My eyes were streaming hot tears & I tried to remember that even as small as I am, with needs so much smaller than most people's, that a huge God cares, looks on me w/ Love & reminds me (just like a good parent) that I am taken care of.
The rest of my time there, esp before I saw an end in sight, I tried to hold on to that feeling.

My babies survived w/o me. My Mama's Boy is no longer a Mama's Boy (according to Dad, he's more of a Papa's Boy). He also likes formula, which is a relief (considering he didn't have a choice) since I couldn't pump as much as he drank. Flynn of course saw this as a big spring break. She flitted around the countryside. Family of course came to the rescue once again. And Jeff, God bless him, ran things almost as I would have.

So, now my job is to rest & get my strength back.

You can bet one thing: For a long time, I'm going to appreciate sitting down playing with Flynn or tucking Gabe in at night. I'm going to love the feeling of laying down in MY bed next to the love of my life.

And...
I'm not going to drink the water in Mexico.