Happy Halloween from the Red Hat Society Club

( I totally stole this idea from Nellie)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM DOROTHY AND GLADYS!


THE NEXT MEETING OF THE RED HAT SOCIETY CLUB, WILL BE TONIGHT AT MISS ALANA'S HOUSE. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR YOUR RED HATS THIS TIME.

SINCERELY,
GLADYS
RED HAT SOCIETY CLUB PRESIDENT

Drama Queen

My friend Dawn, just wrote about a challenge she's having with her Boys, and the dreaded "potty talk." While I sympathize with her, I realize that even though this issue is something we have dealt with some, as the mother of 2 girls (the boy can't say much yet!), I'm sure I have no idea of the levels of which she deals with it. It's interesting, the differences between boys and girls at such young ages. I could tell immediately that having Austin was waaaay different than having the girls! And while I feel for Dawn, (and myself in the future!), I have to say, I'd trade some potty talk for all the Drama that comes with a 5 year old girl!

Tonight Ellie had dance practice. We bought some new $50 dance shoes, and tonight was the first night to wear them. As we put them on, the Drama started. First, I didn't tie them right. Then, I didn't pull the tongue up enough. Then, I got frustrated at her pickiness, and yelled at her, and she got mad at me. She proceeded into the bathroom, where she locked herself in and her only means of communication was yelling and screaming through the door. "I hate you", and "Just Shut-up", were among some of the screams. Seriously, she's a 13 year old wrapped up in a 5 year old's body! I was just about at my wits end, and totally embarrassed, when a few mom's in the hearing vicinity, started telling me some words of encouragement. These were women who I either barely know, or don't know at all. But they encouraged me, and that meant so much. They didn't judge, or look away, they helped.

I was reminded to try, anytime I see a mom in turmoil, to help. To let them know that it happens to us all. To be Real, as Pam reminded us.

The Drama went on for about 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of the "Silent" treatment. I almost went and asked for a key, but something held me back. I sensed that she needed some space to calm herself down. Then she came out, perfectly fine. Honestly, you couldn't tell by her face that anything had even happened! She went into dance class, and at the end, the parents were invited in to see a dance they'd been working on. She smiled as she danced for us, and afterwards was as sweet as Pecan Pie.

This first Girl of mine is a challenge sometimes. I'm learning so much by parenting her. Many times I feel so inadequate, but I have to remember that God is more than adequate! He made her, personality and all! Drama and all!

Then and Now...

We had a fun filled day at the Pumpkin Patch last Thursday. As I got the kids dressed and ready (thinking of the pictures, of course!), I flashed back one year...

I was a bit frazzled as I was now the mother of 3 children, ages 4, 2, and 4 weeks.


I was excited to go somewhere fun, and even more excited that all the kids had coordinating Halloween outfits, and that Ellie actually wore hers! (without panties, of course!)


I pushed my gynormous double stroller, and then a wagon, across the uneven grounds of the pumpkin patch, so my newborn could sleep peacefully.


I took lots of pictures, but didn't stress about getting a perfect one, since I was so tired I could barely stand.


This year was different, and yet the same. This is what I love about traditions. They bring a sort of peace to my crazy life. This year...

I am still a bit frazzled as the mother of 3 children, ages 5, 3, and 1.

I was excited to go somewhere fun, and even more excited that all the kids had coordinating Halloween outfits! Annnd, Ellie is SO much better about her clothing "issues" (look, jeans!), even wearing panties without a fuss.

I pushed an umbrella stroller into the pumpkin patch, but once inside I was able to let little Austin out to run and explore!


I took lots of pictures, but didn't worry about getting a perfect one, since I have lowered my expectations of picture taking with 3 kids!


I wonder what will be different, and the same, next year...

Thursday 13

13 observations from the past 24 hours...

Don't pat yourself on the back for having No laundry to do!!!...Because as soon as you do so, your baby will throw up in his bed and yours.

A wet king size quilt weighs 645 pounds when you're trying to pull it out of the washer.

You cannot always trust your 5 year old to watch her baby brother and keep him out of trouble.

Never assume that just because your daughter has eaten Quaker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal every single morning for breakfast since school started, that she will want it today.

As soon as the kitchen floor is clean, someone will spill something sticky on it.

As soon as you lay down at night, someone will yell for you.

There is no point in going to bed early, it just means the kids will wake you up more during the night.

When you're in a hurry, your children move slower than snails.

When you're already late to pick up your kindergartner, you will get behind first, a dump truck, and second, a tour bus.

Just when you think you're done nursing your baby, he will get sick and want to nurse for an hour.

When you are trying to keep the house quiet so your 3 year old can sleep, your 1 year old finds every single noise making toy in the house.

Never assume you have your Halloween costume all figured out, because when you go to buy the things you need, you will not be able to find them anywhere.

2 1/2 hours of pumpkin patch fun will make a kindergartner very tired and cranky for the rest of the night!

Question for the day...

How can a little baby stink so much?

Perspective...

OK, well, I was going to blog about how stressed I was about the 234 things I need to do in the next few days, but then I read this, this and this. So, instead I would just like to say Thank You, to all my friends who help me realize that it will all be OK. Seriously, a LOT of stress just melted away in the 15 minutes of "blog reading" I just did. It does help that in that same 15 minutes 2 of my kids went to sleep! Oh, but the other one is just waking up, so off I go to get him...but seriously, Thank You!

Sad Times...

OK, I am admitting that I miss my Not-that-Great housekeeper.


She really wasn't that great. She never moved anything to clean behind it, or under it. But every Friday afternoon (except when she would cancel) I would come home to a (kinda) clean house. It at least looked clean. And sometimes, that's enough people, just the image of clean. And yes, I realize that I was totally not dealing with the reality of the faux cleaning...


Until now.


When I Swiffered under the end table and came out with...Well, it was just gross, and for your benefit, I'll leave it there.


We bought those end tables 4 months ago, and I can truly say that I am SURE that they have NEVER been cleaned under, until now.


So, All this to say that for some reason, I am still mourning the loss of the Not-that-Great housekeeper.


Because at least when she was still coming, I could live in my fantasy world where my house was perfectly cleaned every week. I could ignore the fact that I could see dust piles accumulating in corners that were seldom used, and assume that she'd get to those the next week.


Now I live in reality land, where I am cleaning my own home, and finding the piles of dust bunnies that the Not-that-Great housekeeper never cleaned.


I keep trying to tell myself that I feel SO much better about my home now that I know it's being cleaned the RIGHT way, by Me.


Yeah...

Up and Running

Well, I thought I had the picture thing figured out...but no.

Maybe tomorrow.

I did, however, get a nice new photo slide show going.

In all my bloggy insanity, I somehow lost all the extra "stuff" that I had on my blog...the photo thingy, the music thingy, the little banners...

all gone.

But I think I'm OK with that...Sometimes you just need to simplify.

I did get my favorite blogger list back up, 'cause you know y'all are that important!

So, stay tuned...Maybe I'll figure this picture thing out yet!

This is why I didn't pass college math.

Calling all friends that are smarter than me...

I've got to figure out how to resize pictures...

Any hints?

what???

I'm playing around with my bloggy design, and just in case you were wondering about the odd colors, well, let's just say I have no idea what I'm doing!

To be continued...

Catching up...

Ohhhh Kaaay...

I'm blogging, FINALLY!

It's a happy moment...a cup of coffee (with lots of sugar!), a quiet house, all bloglines read, and time to spare! I have to admit, catching up on all the blogs I read was a bit daunting, and for a moment there, I thought...Why am I doing this?...but then I started reading...and laughing (quietly!), and crying, and just having a grand ole time...and then I remembered...That's Why! There have been many, many things I have wanted to blog, but unfortunately I have a terrible memory, and now I can only remember 2...

First...If you EVER feel bad about the state that your house is in, just come back here and look at this picture!

Yep, that is my kitchen. Honestly it was so messy, I could barely believe it myself. This was sometime last week, I had let it go for a few days, A FEW DAYS, and this is what happened! It was so bad, I was looking for a place to sit a dirty pan, and I couldn't find one! Oh, and in case you can't tell in the pic, the rooms beyond and behind the kitchen were just as messy! And the Coca-Cola cooler, yeah, it's been there for a month. Alas, I did clean it, and took a picture for posterity (and my reputation!)

I cleaned it top to bottom...and then lit a candle in honor of my hard work!

Second...We had the BEST day on Sunday. It was one of those days that you look back on and smile. We went to my Grandpa's house to fish in his pond. He has a picturesque farm about 30 miles from us, and every time we go there, we just have a wonderful time. It was a beautiful day, warm with a cool breeze. We fished, and played, and talked...My parents and my cousin came too, just some really good family time. Grandpa got the tractor and the BIG lawn mower out, and the kids got to ride around the farm. And by kids, I mean my hubby too!

Austin had a great time just walking around outside, trying to eat sticks, getting dirty (just look at the seat of his pants!), and playing with the fishing poles...








Annie enjoyed being outside, although fishing didn't hold her interest for long. I did get a good picture of her before she decided that it was taking too long to catch a fish...





And Ellie, well Ellie just enjoyed herself immensely! That girl is made to live on a farm...





And the grand finale...



We caught a GIANT catfish! Although, if you ask Ellie, she'll tell you...


I caught a WHALE! A really big WHALE! And it weighs 100 pounds!!! And Daddy cut it up, and pulled its' bones out, and we're gonna EAT IT!


Both girls helped Daddy clean the fish. I personally don't want to see that, but they were fascinated!


It just melts a mother's heart to hear her children talking about fish guts.


Oh it feels good to be back!

Accckkkk!

I know I've been silent, and for that I apologize. I've been trying to get a million and one things done, and blogging has been pushed to the back burner. I'm feeling very disconnected, and I haven't even been able to READ any of my favorite blogs, much less write on my own! I had high hopes of posting something terribly funny today...but once again time has gotten away from me, and I don't have time...just know that it's coming...someday!

good stuff!

OK, so I have another confession to make...

I love the Big Boo Podcast!

In case you don't know, it's a podcast that 2 of my favorite bloggers do. Big Mama and BooMama. They talk about clothes, shoes, Beth Moore, food, kids, hair...

You know, the things that really matter.

Now, I must preface the rest of this post with this...I have never met these women, nor have I ever talked to them on the phone. I received occasional emails from them, but that's where the acquaintance ends. I do think we would be great friends though, if ever given the chance. Now, where was I...Oh yes, the podcast...

The first time I listened, I was hooked. It's like listening in on a funny phone call between two good friends. I always laugh at their funny comments and "insights" on life. So far they've done 5 episodes, and I'm not afraid to admit that I get pretty excited when a new one comes out.

All that to say, that a couple of weeks ago, I sent BooMama a question for the podcast. Now, honestly, I figured that they get a lot of questions, and that the chance of mine being picked for the podcast was very slim. However, I decided to chance it, and so, I composed my question using all the wit I could muster. Much to my surprise, (ok, I'm not gonna lie, anytime I get an email from one of the mama's, I squeal!) BooMama emailed me that she liked my question, and that they'd be using it on their next podcast.

It's telling of the level of excitement in my life, that I was so thrilled I could barely breathe.

So, I breathlessly awaited the next podcast...the one where I was to be a guest star...and then it came!

And I wasn't on it.

Talk about total let down.

At that point I decided that maybe, just maybe, I might be too wrapped up in my opinion of myself "guest starring" on the podcast.

So, I came back to earth, and went on with my life.

A few days ago, I saw that episode 5 of the BigBoo cast was available, and I downloaded it to my ipod. But extenuating circumstances kept me from listening to it for a few more days.

Then my friend Dawn left a comment for me on a previous post, mentioning that she'd heard the Mama's talking about my question on the newest podcast. She even called me a Star! (I love you for that Dawn!)

So, of course, I grabbed my ipod and started to listen...

And there it was, MY QUESTION!

Well kinda, it was there, just broken up by much laughter...which just MADE MY DAY! I MADE THE MAMA'S LAUGH!

I gotta tell you, I'm still on my podcast high.

I MADE THE MAMA'S LAUGH A LOT!

Hmmm, do you think I need to get out more?

Have a listen, it's funny stuff. You can listen right on the blog! Here's the link!

Oh, and I "guest star" towards the beginning...like in the first 10 minutes, so be ready!

confessions...

Usually I am a good mom.

Sometimes I think I'm even a great mom.

But not lately.

2 days ago, Austin fell out of his crib. My guilt from that is compounded by the fact that, just days before that, I thought...I really need to lower that mattress...and yet, I didn't. In my defense, it was in the next-to-lowest spot. However I just had a feeling...

So, after he fell out Sunday morning, we did the normal checks. Everything seemed to be OK, he didn't fuss when we moved his arms, legs, hands, etc...He didn't have any signs of a concussion. He cried for just a bit, and then wanted down to play. My guilt faded a bit as our day went on.

Oh, and I did lower that mattress as low as it will go.

So, yesterday we had a fun day. Breakfast with friends, then gymnastics with Annie. After gymnastics I was loading the kids into the car, in the rain. I was trying to hurry, so I didn't get soaked. As I was trying to buckle Austin in, he was leaning over towards the inside of the car. I pulled on his arm to get him back into the right position, and then it happened...

I felt something in his arm Pop.

And he screamed.

At first I thought it was temporary, you know how sometimes your joints pop a little, and it hurts just a bit...

Nope.

He cried and cried. Finally I calmed him down a little and got him buckled in, and then he promptly fell asleep as we drove away. So, I was still thinking he was probably fine, but I was concerned. I got really worried when he woke up crying a little later. I was at Jason's shop, and he and I checked out his arm. Every time we moved it he would scream, so off to the doctor we went. Honestly I thought something was broken, as a result of his fall, and that I had just worsened it by pulling on his arm. The x-rays showed no visible fractures though, thank God. He was diagnosed with a condition known as "Nursemaids Elbow." Basically, when I pulled on his arm, I pulled his elbow out of place. Apparently it is fairly common, and once it occurs, it easily happens again. Which means we have to be extra careful until his ligaments get stronger.

We had an OK night. He woke up 3 times, and I gave him Tylenol and Motrin for the pain. He's still sleeping now. What worries me the most right now is that at 6 am, the last time he woke up, I could tell his arm was still hurting. The doctor told us that it should feel a lot better today, and that if he still wasn't using it by noon today, to call him. At 6 am, he wouldn't use it. That makes me worry that something else is wrong...I guess time will tell.

I cannot begin to express how awful I feel. I know, I know, these things happen...blah, blah, blah.

I'll post an update after he wakes up.

Oh, and to top it off, I forgot to play tooth fairy last night.

Ellie lost her third tooth yesterday. This morning as I woke up, I remembered.

I grabbed 4 quarters and went to her room.

She was already awake.

But, By the Grace of God, she forgot to look.

So, when she went potty, I made the switch.

3 minutes later, she remembered.

Whew!

Update:

Austin finally woke up at Noon, and when I walked into his room, he was standing at his crib rail, jumping up and down. My heart immediately felt lighter. Soon after that he was down and playing, and throwing things, and using his arm quite well, with no signs of pain. The day has gone smoothly, and now he's asleep. Honestly, I thought there was something more that was wrong with it, considering that at 6 am, I could tell it was still giving him pain. 6 hours later, he was fine. Call it coincidence, call it whatever, but I feel like God answered my prayers, and made him OK. Thank you all for your kind words. Friends like you are a blessing!

4 out of 5...

It has claimed us one by one.

The Stomach Flu.

Jason was first, his case was mild.

Austin was next, he's just been sleeping a lot.

It got me last night in the middle of the night. So far, I'd say I have a moderate case.

And Ellie, poor Ellie, she was claimed last night also, at Grammie's house. She's definitely had it the worst. I pray that she's better tomorrow. I hate to see my babies sick.

Annie has miraculously been fine. She's back at Grammie's tonight. I'm hoping we can keep her well.

It's either that, or we just spread our joy to another household.

how did a year already go by?

On September 21st, Austin, my last baby (sigh), turned 1 year old.

I'm finally ready to admit that, and therefore, finally ready to do my post about his birthday!

It's bittersweet. My baby is growing into a toddler. He's very busy, always wanting to explore his environment, and get into everything! He's starting to say some words, and express his opinion when his sister's get too bossy! He's sweet and adorable, and absolutely steals my heart everyday! Here are some of my favorite pictures from his "family" party.

He wasn't quite sure how to tackle the mountain of presents, but with a little help from mommy, family, and friends, he figured it out!

This giant puppy dog was a gift from my parents, and Austin LOVES it! Daddy has affectionately named him Chopper.

I think he enjoyed being the center of attention!

This was the cake I made for everybody at the party! In case you don't know, he has a "grease monkey" themed bedroom, with lots of car stuff and lots of license plates...hence, the cake.

This was his "personal" cake that daddy made him. It's a Tire cake, with a shiny wheel, sitting on a bed of Oreo "asphalt"!

Daddy gave Austin his special cake, but Austin wasn't too sure...

...actually, he HATED it! He fussed and cried until we finally gave up and took him out of his high chair.

Thinking he might be cold, and possibly frightened by the large number of people cheering him on to eat his cake, we moved him to the dining room, and put a shirt on him, and tried again...


...nope! We finally figured out that he REALLY didn't like that cake! So, we tried a piece of the other cake...



...and he was MUCH happier! I'm not sure why he was scared of the first cake, maybe the dark frosting? Oh well, he did eat the second piece of cake, but preferred the bowl...



And then he washed it all down with some yummy milk!


By that time he'd had enough of this whole "party" thing...


...and was ready to get cleaned up!


It was a great party, and a wonderful celebration of this little boy who has claimed our hearts! We love you Austin Cooper!

going... going... gone.

My mind, that is.

I had every intention of posting something cute, funny, and witty tonight.

Yeah....that's not gonna happen.

I'm so tired, I can barely type.

So why, you ask, am I typing this?

Why, to get my name emboldened on bloglines, Of course.

Priorities people. Priorities.

In case you were wondering why I'm so tired, well...

We had the following activities today, all between the hours of 12:30 pm and 6:15 pm:

Go to Nana's to drop off 1 child, take another child with me to kindergarten volunteer training, entertain that child throughout the training, take that child to a doctor's appt. for a non-existent ear infection, take that child back to Nana's, pick up another child, take that child to dance, sit, go home to pick up crock pot dinner, take dinner to Nana's, eat 4 bites of dinner while coaxing another child to finish hers, take that child to dance, visit with Michelle, take that child home to meet hubby and other 2 kids who are all bouncing off the walls, even though it's almost bedtime.

Here is the part where I fall to the floor.

Right after I tell you all this.

Sorry! I wrote my 100th post, several days ago, with great pride and enthusiasm, and then a few days ago I realized that to YOU, it wasn't really my 100th post! See, I was going by what Blogger told me in my Dashboard, and I didn't realize that it counted Drafts in with my actual Posts. I also didn't realize that when you save something, it stays there, even after you post it. So, all that to say ...

This is actually my 100th post.

Whooo Hooo.

Sometimes I'm so brilliant, I just can't believe it.

If you'd rather read the 100 things about me, that should've been here, instead of this amazing post, feel free to click HERE!

Good Night.