I'm glad I'm no surgeon & Drew's quite the little character

While Drew was napping this afternoon, Josh wanted to play some games. So, I gave me about 15 minutes to myself while he watched LazyTown after my shower. I decided to do one better and get out TWO games so out came Operation and Candyland. I asked Josh which he preferred to play -- he got a big smile and said, "Operation." So we started.... he got one... I got one.... then we were just stuck. I swear we played that game for 45 minutes and I finally said, look, we both suck at this game, let's play Candyland, ok? He just laughed and said, yeah, we suck bad.... and so we played a few games of Candyland. It was so funny!

Drew was so funny tonight too. He was throwing a fit (b/c he was tired -- mommy is getting his schedule back to normal)...and we were about to eat... and i mentioned a bath so since he'd taken a red Christmas stamp to town all over the back of his hand.. he wanted a bath -- right then. I said, after we eat, you can have a bath.... bath BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATH

So, of course he didn't win, we ate, he did his puzzles and ate some animal crackers... Andy finished and said, you want to go take a bath? Drew started to the gate... but once he got through the gate, he saw the stamp that he'd gone to town with all over the back of his hand... and proceeded to do the same thing... again... Andy was like.. lets go.. and started counting down... 3.....2.....1..... lets go and started to act like he was going to race drew up the stairs.... drew just looked at him with stamp in hand and said "bye" LOL...
I was laughing so hard I nearly choked on my salad!

A Conversation With Josh

I was feeding Josh and Drew lunch today… grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle-o’s and Cheetoes. Josh ate a Cheetoe and so Drew did too. I told Drew he needed to eat his sandwich too and not just his chips and Josh said, "He ate a cheetoe because I did."

I said, "That’s fine, but I just wanted him to know to eat his sandwich as well."

Josh then replied, "He likes cheetoes like me."

I said, "Well that’s something you have in common."

"We’re brothers, we’re supposed to have stuff in common," he said... to which I replied, "Well, I have a sister and we don’t have a lot in common."

Josh sat there and took a bite of his sandwich and contemplated and then replied, "You both don’t like each other."

LOL… Kids, they really DO say the darndest things!

New Tiger and Drew-gate and Josh-aroni

Tonight we had our first Tiger Cub meeting of the new year. The theme for the month is "Poles Apart". We're supposed to teach the boys about the Arctic and the Anarctic. It's such a neat and rewarding experience to see them break out of their proverbial shells and grasp new concepts, make new friends and be proud of their achievements. The different personalities and characteristics that each one of my little Cubs possesses are so great -- I feel so fortunate to have such a great group of kids. I started off by passing around a roll of toilet paper and had each boy take "some". Ultimately for each square they were to tell our new Cubmate, CJ, one fact about themselves. It was cute... and was a great ice breaker. Then I showed them a map of the Arctic Circle and then had them make Anarctic fact wheels. while they were working on that, I prepared their plaster skrimshaws for next week. We went over all the things they are supposed to remember (motto, sign, salute, etc.) and they just did a great job. They each got their "assignments" to report on for next week -- one arctic and one anarctic animal. They will need to stand up before the group and tell us about their animals.

One other "tidbit" of my life is that my 2 year has taken up the habit of not only not sleeping in his bed, but apparently sleep walking... to another area of his quarters and sleeping on the FLOOR?! He will, at times, bring ALL of his binkies and Lumpy along for the relocation too. I'm considering purchasing a sleeping bag to put in other areas so that at least he'll be warm when he decides to wander. His schedule is SO screwed up right now... he's not liking me too much for waking him up early...but ... it'll help him get back in the swing of things so he can be on his "regular" schedule (whatever that is) and I can get some work done!

He's slowly being potty trained. When he does poop in his pants lately, he (regardless of whether YOU are around or not) drops troup and tries taking off his diaper. This, no doubt, is quite a stinky, messy situation. I think it's time for pullups! If he doesn't HAVE to go but just wants to... the poor kid just strains and grunts and groans... I swear sometime I think he's just goign to take off! If he just has to toot while he's on the potty chair, he'll tell you "poo poo's comin'" LOL. It's so hard to keep a straight face.

He is in LOVE with the puzzles his "aunt" Laura and "uncle" Jeff and Gabe got him for Christmas. Between the Buzz Lightyear jammies, his work bench and new puzzles, those are the top three Christmas gifts this year.

Drew is very focused on his shows... if you try to sing along with the songs or quote the movie, he will squish his finger on his nose and say "beee quiet" but it's more like "kiiiiiiiiiiii-et" it's so funny. His other funny trait right now at 2.5 is when he wants to show YOU Something, he will do the "come here" sign and say "show me show me show me"... meaning I want to take you mommy over here to show you something....

He likes to pretend he's on the computer... he'll click the mouse... type...

The scoop on the puppy --

Lola is growing like a weed. I just love her to pieces! I was telling one of my best friends, Gwen, last night or night before last... I really think i went into a deeper depression when I had to put down both of my dogs within 6 weeks of one another... because with animals (dogs especially) you really do get the only source of unconditional love you will ever get in your life... and with them passing, I'd really felt like I'd lost that. Plus, having new little puppy breath -- who can resist?! :) She's from a big litter -- 9 pups... and was just the cutests little runt. I jsut loved her instantly... she's staring at me right now wondering why I won't give her any more carmel corn. :) She thinks she needs to sit in my lap when she's tired. :) I love it. :)

Josh is just ... well, he's such a little man. We've been letting his hair grow out. My mom hates it ..and apparently has told him so. I've offered to cut it or take him to have it cut but he likes it long now... so it's his hair and I'll let him keep it however he wants, as long as it's not in his eyes, he won't hear a complaint out of me. He loves his new Razor Scooter that Santa got him... and his ATM bank and lava lamp... and I don't know where he gets this -- he gets excited about new clothes. :) Ha! Gotta love him. Drew does too -- as long as they either have some association with the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Tech, baseball or the GAP! lol... he's familiar with Polo too. Scary they get branded so early. :)

Josh commented to me the other day that I take more photos of Drew than I do him... I said... Josh... smile...and he stopped what he was doing, looked at me, tilted his head and smiled. I showed him in my camera. See how great that looks.... now watch... and I snapped about 7 of drew... NONE of them were any good... I said "SEE?" LOL... he hasn't complained since.

I do need to take some more photos...

Statute of Limitations

Is there a statute of limitations for grieving over a dead fish? I just looked and realized Josh's fish that died, Dennis, is still in the freezer. lol....wonder if he'd notice that he mysteriously disappeared? Anyone feel like sushi tonight? ROFL... I'm kidding... I know, that was a BAAAD joke... blech!

My Big Boy is HOME!

Josh got home from seeing his dad in Iowa today. My mom picked him up from the airport since a) Drew was sick and b) I had a dr's appointment. Nothing like starting out the new year at your OB-GYN's office huh? LOL.... being a woman really sucks sometimes! Hopefully they'll figure out what it is THIS time and I won't have to go back for a WHOLE year. I am learning to like that place like the dentist. Blech!

When Drew woke up from his nap, I had Josh walk in with me... I turned on the light which he wasn't expecting so I got that squinty-eyed "bright light" face and then he saw Josh and just stood right up and walked over to him and gave him a hug.... no words, no sounds.... that was a true blue loving brotherhood moment.

Of course, Drew just whacked Josh over the head with a purple plastic bucket... so it was short-lived, but hey... at least it DID live. :) LOL Back to reality

Tonight we feast at Fuddruckers... kind of a loud, welcome home for Josh ...since tomorrow is his last "free day" before he has to go back to school on the 4th. Let him have last "hurrah" before it's back to reality for him. Tonight we'll watch the rest of Harry Potter and I'll have him read me a ton of books... just the way I like to be tucked in. I can't wait to get a good night's sleep.... always do when my two favorite men are under one roof. :)

TTFN

Happy New Year

This year has left much to be desired so I've decided in all my humility, hard times, emotional setbacks and breakdowns that, frankly, this new year couldn't get any worse than 2006 so I'm actually looking forward to a fresh start with many great changes in the weeks and months to come.

I've learned a lot in this last year....lots of relearning... things I already knew but have had to re-examine with a fresh set of eyes.

I've learned that sometimes you just have to let go and give it to God.

I've learned that my children are my biggest treasure and accomplishment.

I've learned that you can't make people love... or even like you... they either just do or they don't. It's just that simple.

I've learned that sometimes you just have to sever ties with someone that poisons your soul -- no matter how hard it may hurt... in the end, you have to look out for yourself, your family, your children.

I've learned that I really miss having my best friend around.

I've learned that I am strong enough to just be me -- and that is good enough.

I've learned that I'm never going to be a size 4 again... and that I really AM okay with it. Now getting down to a size 6 still.... that's a goal but I'm actually comfortable in an 8... as long as they stay loose.

I've learned that I have a heart and love for working with children...

I've learned I need to finish what I start...


Have I made any New Year's Resolutions? I've made a few...

- to learn to say "no" so that I'm not over-scheduled, over-committed, over-stressed

- to scrapbook at least 5 layouts a week -- they can be either one or two page layouts but that will keep me on track and get me using my stuff up

- to get handmade birthday cards made a month in advance for all my upcoming birthdays

I've got a scrap calendar I've started (but still need to finish -hence the previously stated resolution) over the last few weeks so that I'm on top of my projects that I want to work on so that nothing catches me by surprise and leaves me with no time to be creative.

I have taken several trips this year... my most favorite was Colorado.... it's just "home" to me. I can't wait to go back in February. I know the boys will just love it. It will be fun to hit the slopes.

I've had a few medical issues this year that I could stand to erase from my memory and body but I guess they make us who we are. When you get through something challenging -- you have to realize if it doesn't break you, it only makes you stronger. I haven't found all the strength yet from a few of them... but I have faith that I will get there someday.

I have begun to say prayers again... and even say them for me. I have begun to say a blessing over my children at night so that they learn to hear prayers from my lips and not just recite sing-songy rhyming words. I wnat them to know to be truly thankful in their hearts for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon them... and that throughout all the changes in their lives, that they are loved by many people. How lucky they are to have so many people that love them.

I've had many positive changes in my life over the last few weeks.... and I can only say that the moving forward will be a good, cleansing move for my heart and soul.

And although this is totally off topic for a "happy new year post", please keep Drew in your prayers tonight as his temperature is continuing to spike. It's back up near 104. My new year is spent with a very sick little boy - an exhausted mom - a grumbly stomach .... and a partridge in a pear tree.

I wish all my friends, loved ones and family the most wonderful new year... I hope you have many blessings in the coming year.

I'm so happy to say goodbye to 2006... and hello 2007!

Six Flags

I thought Drew was on the mend so since I had no other plans, I took him to Six Flags. We paid to park, I found a place I'd remember (the same place I parked when I took Josh and Sam), and we started to walk in. I took a backpack full of gear - snacks, drinks, etc. and Drew wanted to walk so I held his hand and we started for the park. We parked near the bobsled ride and we had dto stop and watch it for a good 5 minutes... he thought that was the neatest thing he'd ever seen. We got in and he immediately saw the carousel but on the way there he was distracted by the water fountains so we stared at them dancing to the holiday music playing throughout the park.

We walked to Looney Tunes Land and he was just in awe at the sights, sounds, smells... and then he saw them... the big semis to drive. I asked him if he wanted to drive and he said "kay". We walked and waited in line. He did so well in line... we had to wait for three times to go before we got our turn. I let him pick out the color of truck we rode - he didn't care for the color, he wanted the front one. So up we climbed to the top and waited for the ride to start. They aparently had trouble getting one kiddon in or out so we were able to sit atop and look at the surrounding rides. There was a bus that basically went around and around up in the air... like it was on the end of the hands of a clock. Every time it went up to the top, the kids in it all screamed with delight. I saw Drew spying that and asked him if he wanted to ride and he gave me that "are you freakin crazy lady" look and said very quickly, "NO". So then our truck started... he said "there gooooooooo" and we were off. Every time we went around a corner, I'd tell him to "turn turn turn"... and he'd get that wheel just flying. He really thought he was in control of the whole ride. So it was finished and he again, spied the bus so I asked him again, do you want to ride that? He said "kay".... I was floored.

We got in line and she measured him (I thought he was too short)....but she said, "as long as mommy rides with you, you can ride" so he said "mom come-mere" and we boarded the bus. When it first started, I wasn't sure if he realized what he was in for.. I think he, for a spilt second, wondered what the heck he was doing... then the heard the spunky voice of the teenager operating the ride, "when you get to the top, scream as loud as you can" so he did. He had that high-pitched shrill that only the bats could hear. The she said, "raise your arms as high as you can and SCREAM".... and he did... it was SO cute. I'd have killed to have had video of that.

After that was done, he wanted to check out other stuff so we walked around for a bit... we went to see the Judge Roy Scream... he said, "momma, I ride?" I said, no, you're not big enough now... (we went through the exit so he could watch). On the way back, he saw a plane ride and so I let him watch. He was SO excited... wanted to try it... i was excited for him too until I realized that he had to ride BY HIMSELF. I knoew he'd be crawling out screaming for me when it was at the top... a little boy ... probably 5 was in the front seat, Drew was in the rear. I pulled that seatbelt down as far as it'd go... and did that Catholic thing (you know... touch your head.. and each shoulder kinda thing) in my head... just saying.... good God, I can't believe I just strapped my TWO YEAR OLD in a flying ride.... he's going to kill himself and I'm going to be standing here watching... then it took off... and the little boy raised up the control and they were up in the sky and I saw something AMAZING... Drew was LAUGHING. He was SO excited... He did look around and call for me a couple of times, but he just couldn't get his bearing on where I was. The ride was done, they came down and I oculdn't wait for the exit gate to open so I could go in and scoop him up. And he said "momma, I fly".... he was so proud of himself. And I was so proud of him.

We got in line for one ride, they had to shut it down b/c of the wind.... we stopped and had a snack.. we rode his favorites a couple more times... carousel, etc. His nose started running and since I didn'dt take a stroller, this little man was walked out! I asked him if he wanted his binkie and go to home and he said "yep" so away we went.

It's good to have bonding days like that... lets you just get away and have some fun.