Weekend

Thursday afternoon, we met my mom and picked my nephew up. We were looking forward to some outside (park, zoo, etc.) play time. Unfortunately, it rained the whole weekend. Thursday evening, we attempted to go to Duck, Duck Goose. However, it was crowded and three fussy kids who did not want to shop were not having it so I didn't get to find any great deals.
Friday morning, we had Easter pictures made, which turned out wonderful. We attempted to find new eyeglasses for me and Pumpkin Pie but could not find any we liked. We had an eye appointment that afternoon and thank goodness my eyes are not getting worse. Sorry to say that is not true for Pumpkin Pie and we are on the hunt for cute new glasses for her again! We stopped by McDonald's after the eye doctor for a job well done- all three kids being well behaved just does not happen that often. We played inside the remainder of the afternoon but the kids didn't seem to mind (since the rain kept us in).
Saturday, I attempted to purge some stuff in my room and made quite a bit of progress. The kids had to stay inside yet again but played together well and I even got the privilege of playing with them some. As you may recall, I am often excluded from play time because I am not much fun (according to the girls). We took my nephew home that evening and stopped by my grandparent's for a delicious supper. I love having visits with my nephew and my grandparent's so that made the week great.
That brings me to today...my husband hit the snooze (or so I thought) and we woke up too late for church. Of all the days my kids decide to sleep in, it would be on a Sunday. We went to Target though (needed some basics) and headed back home to do some more cleaning. I decided that since I didn't have my vehicle right now, it would be a good time to clean out the garage. I have a neat pile of things that I am purging and the garage is ready for it's baby to come back home. Afterward, I took a nap and again, my husband did not wake me up until 6:30 (guess what time church starts!). So I played Wii with Sweet Pea this evening!
Matt's dad is off of Life Support and should be moved to a regular hospital room tomorrow. He is recovering much faster than the doctor originally predicted, which is a good thing for Matt's mom. She has been under so much stress.
So it is back to a normal week...the girls go back to school, I have to work a full five days, and we are back to the regular running around (music lessons, basketball games, doctor's appointments, etc. the list goes on and on). Not exactly the spring break we had hoped for but overall, I can't complain.

My vehicle

Thursday, as I was driving to work...maybe I shouldn't even say driving to work because I had barely made it out of my subdivision, when a stinky thing happened. We live close to a school and the buses have a turn off near our subdivision exit. Often times, the buses will swing wide to make the turn. I was on the receiving end of a rude bus driver who did not seem to care that I was driving down the road (on my own side) when they decided that my side should belong to them as well. To prevent them from hitting me, I swerved off the road...just my luck-it was a ditch instead of a yard. That being said, I have to replace a rim and since it was about time for new tires anyway, I am going ahead and replacing all four tires instead of just the one. Total damage- approximately $1,000. I just wonder if the damage would have been worth it if the bus had hit me instead of me swerving?! We now have a loaner car which we may have until Monday or Tuesday (since Honda doesn't keep rims on hand).

Is that a dog or a cat!

Bailey decided to climb up onto the computer desk one day last week and I was lucky enough to catch a couple of pictures of him. He was attempting to retrieve a stuffed animal so he did climb with a purpose. He is so much fun.

Zoo and the park

George put on quite a show for the kids. He was running around and playing with his blanket, chewing on things, and climbing around on the other chimpanzees. He was probably the highlight of the zoo.
This zebra was being such a model. He was so very GQ. I know he was a boy too because my youngest daughter managed to point that out!

Saturday was so nice out...
We started out with Pumpkin Pie's basketball game. She did a marvelous job, even though her daddy doesn't practice with her nearly enough. After her game and her best friend's ball game, we ate "Pizza Palace" (as seen on Food Network) at World's Fair Park with our best friends. After eating, we spent the afternoon at the zoo. The animals were all out and about and we got some cute pictures. The kids are in most of the cute pictures and as you know, I don't advertise my children so you have to take my word for it. After the zoo, we had desert at Marble Slab. Sweet Pea wasn't a huge fan but Pumpkin Pie would have eaten the whole store.
Matt's aunt prepared a birthday dinner (belated) for him of his favorite foods, Chicken and Dumplings and Mandarin Orange cake. Sweet Pea and I ate Bojangles but she did eat fruit salad and has now decided that she likes Blueberries.
Sunday, I was absolutely wore down. I stayed in bed most of the day, getting up only when necessary because I was so fatigued.
I think I overdid it again today though. We went to visit my grandparent's and we took the girls and my nephew to the park for about an hour. Again, I got some really cute pictures but... We had a great time visiting with my nephew but unfortunately, we will have to wait to see what happens before he can come to stay a few days with us and we can complete our plans to go to the water park.
That brings me to the stressor of the week...Matt's dad was placed in the hospital last week with double pneumonia. The doctor currently has his dad on a respirator but it is unclear as to whether he will be able to come off the respirator or they will have to do a tracheotomy. The possibility exists that he may actually get worse, so please keep him in your prayers. This is not the way we planned to spend the girls spring break so we can only hope that things will improve. The girls are very understanding and I am very fortunate to have such mature young ladies for daughters. I love them so much. More fun things planned for the week ahead!
A picture of Matt playing with the kids (hey, where are the kids?!)

Is it March already?

This year is already flying by and I feel like we have been busier than ever. I moved offices at the end of December and took some time to adjust in January. I am now back into the full swing of child therapy and loving every minute of it.

Pumpkin Pie took a trip to the aquarium with school last month. She is turning into quite the little photographer and loves taking goofy pictures of herself with her friends.


Matt and I took a date night for Valentine's day. His aunt and cousin came to the house to babysit on a Friday evening and we ate at Cracker Barrel (because it seemed to be the least crowded of restaurants) but was very enjoyable. I didn't even call to check on the girls a single time. I was very proud of myself. Saturday, Matt's aunt and cousin took the girls to get a manicure and out to eat at Olive Garden. We did call a few times that morning but I managed without freaking out too bad. I know that I really need to loosen up and let my girls have a break from me once in a while.


We have enjoyed the snowfall that we have received, although we only had one snow big enough to really play in. We built a snow man that the girls ended up tearing down. We had a snowball fight and we pulled one another around the back yard on sleds. Bailey loved the snow but was a freezing furball when we finally made our way back indoors.

We have spent several weekends with my nephew and actually had his and the girls pictures made a couple of weekends ago. We also plan to get their Easter pictures made in the next couple of weeks. I have ordered the girls Easter dresses and already have little booger's shirt but had to order his pants. I love, love, love Gymboree but the store didn't have one of the girl's dress size so I decided to order all of it online. I could really get in trouble with that.

Pumpkin Pie started basketball season a few weeks ago and I actually get to watch a basketball game or two in the next couple of weeks.

I am completing my application to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), which may not sound like a big deal, and may not even get approved but there are only approximately 20 RPT's in the state of Tennessee. I am pretty excited about the possibility so keep your fingers crossed.

We celebrated Matt's birthday this past weekend. We ate dinner with our best friend's on Saturday evening and Matt received a "Dad's against Daughter's Dating" (DADD) shirt, which he is already making plans on where all he will be wearing this shirt to (intimidation tactics). We didn't get to do anything big this weekend but Matt received his present from me and the girls a couple of weeks ago. We bought him a new 32' flat screen TV for the bedroom. There was a selfish motivation to it as well...I wanted the PS3 out of my living room and this was the only way to motivate him to do so.

Pumpkin Pie and I are also trying holistic treatment for her migraines and my fibromyalgia. So far, she has shown a reduction in migraines and I am optimistic that she may be able to come off the medicines soon. As far as the fibromyalgia goes, I have seen results but not exactly what I was looking for. I guess some results are keeping me optimistic that some things have to get worse before they get better and that this will eventually (hopefully soon) improve.

As you can tell, we have had a lot going on but I have not taken a lot of photos lately and while we have been doing a lot, it does not feel like a lot of it has been noteworthy. Stay tuned though...spring break is coming up and we do have several things planned to do with the kids!

Some Stories to Share

I hope that everyone had a Happy New Year! Unfortunately, we did not get to spend the evening with some of our favorite friends due to their family experiencing the stomach bug. However, we had a nice quite evening at home. The girls made it to about 10:00 and they became so tired and irritable that we suggested they go on to bed. I have decided that I am not setting actual New Year's Resolutions because I often lose the paper that I write them on or forget them or some other sad excuse. This year, I want to do what is right for my life. I want to take each day/week/month and better my self along the way without having a set destination. I think this serves two purposes- 1. I won't feel like a failure if I don't reach the goal and 2. I won't quit when I reach the goal because I will always be striving for improvement.
I thought I would share a few cute stories that occurred over the holidays so sit back and enjoy.

Locked Out
A couple of Sunday's ago, Matt locked us out of the house. It was one of those moments that I can know look back on and laugh but wasn't funny at the time. As I commented in the last post, we got to spend several days with my nephew. After church, we took him to Build-A-Bear. It was his first time and he made a Frosty the Snowman and had a wonderful time doing so. We picked up dinner on the way home and planned to return to church for the evening service. Unfortunately, we did not make it...Matt had locked the garage door earlier that day because Stinker (my nephew) had been playing with the button and Matt didn't want him to get hurt. We have chain locks on the other entrances to our house and Matt had not removed either of those on this particular day. Our garage door apparently shuts when locked but will not open. So an hour and a half later, several phone calls, and a trip to Lowe's for bolt cutters and a new chain, we finally get into the house with three tired children and some cold dinner. Plus, we did not make it for church service that evening. My husband has learned a valuable lesson!

Costume jewelry
This one is way cuter...
My mom came to visit several days before Christmas. She asked if I had any small boxes (about the size of a jewelry box) and that led to several questions from Sweet Pea (who talks all of the time). My mom said (at some point during the conversation) that she had an Avon box but she kept her "costume jewelry" in it. Sweet Pea continues on with the conversation and mom said something about wearing her costume jewelry to church. Sweet Pea says, "Is that so people won't recognize you?" It took me a minute to catch on- she thought that her mamaw was wearing a costume to church!

Two times a year people
While my mom was here, we made a quick trip to Target for a couple of last minute items. My mom has the tendency to speak things that should be left unsaid, especially in front of my children. When we pulled in the parking lot, Pumpkin Pie asked why it was so crowded. Mom informed her that many people only come out two times per year (tax refund time and holidays). I did discuss this with Pumpkin Pie later and in private to explain my mom's thoughts in a much more appropriate manner. However, while in Target, an elderly woman approached me and asked if I knew where the shoes were located. I provided directions, since I am very familiar with the Target stores. Pumpkin Pie looked up at my mom and stated, "That must be one of those two times per year people."

Holidays

Bailey opening his Christmas present- We caught a video of Bailey trying to get into his present under the tree, despite previously being told "no". He also woke me up one morning with his candy cane bone lying next to me and his eyes begging me to open it up for him.

Matt bought me a Ty beanie baby of a dog (named Barley) that looks a lot like Bailey. Bailey was a little jealous.




The Gingerbread House (decorated on the 21st)

Bailey with one of his toys


Pumpkin Pie took this picture when Bailey was hanging with them in the play room (watching a movie)

Bailey in the first snow of December. He thought he was in hog heaven!
Me, my brother, and my sister- I don't think we look anything alike (or more like I don't look like either of them).

Oh my goodness...where do I start? I guess I will start by giving a run down of what December has had in store for us.
Matt left at the end of November for a business trip in Wisconsin and returned at the first of December. I handled myself very well, managed to get the girls ready for school each day (lunches and snacks included) and get to work on time. I also prepared supper, kept the house and all chores maintained, and spent some much needed quality time with my girls. We were so excited to have Matt back home though! Then the real madness of the holidays began...
4th: Girls music recital- absolutely wonderful and both of the girls played beautifully.
6th: I attended a woman's meeting with my best friend and enjoyed myself.
8th: Christmas program at the girls' school. Pumpkin Pie is in the choir and Sweet Pea played a cow. It was very cute and the kids did a magnificent job.
12th: Our best friend's came over to celebrate the holidays with dinner and gift exchanges. The girls received personalized watches (one of their favorite gifts received).
13th: My best friend from college and my husband's best friend from childhood, along with their precious daughter came to visit for the holidays. They brought the girls personalized items as well. Pumpkin Pie was most enamored with our friend's daughter singing and pretending to play the piano. She took over 20 pictures and 3 videos of it, which is so like me.
19th: We were supposed to visit Matt's family in North Carolina. However, those plans changed due to the snowy weather. We did eat a delicious dinner at his aunt's home and Matt's mom came to visit (technically, she was supposed to be in North Carolina but did not reach that destination due to the 6 inches of snow already in North Carolina. She did end up staying all night. The girls received another favorite of their gifts (actually two)- Mamaw bought them Vera Bradley backpacks and their aunt bought them certificates for a manicure. That evening, Matt's friend and his girlfriend came over to hang out for the evening, which ended up being awkward because of Matt's mom being here but that is a much longer and more personal story.
21st: My mom came to visit for the afternoon. We started the gingerbread house and Pumpkin Pie had been asking for some assistance with making friendship bracelets. We all attempted but sadly, I have never been very crafty. After mom left, we finished the Gingerbread House, which did not turn out like the picture on the box. The girls had a great time decorating the house and discussing plans for next year's house.
23rd: Matt's cousin and family came to visit for the holidays. They brought the girls so much stuff that I wouldn't know where to begin.
24th: We have a tradition of opening gifts with the kids on Christmas Eve. We emphasize the kids understanding the true meaning of Christmas and typically spend Christmas day running from place to place. Christmas Eve is OUR time together and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Our children could not come up with any thing in particular that they really wanted for Christmas this year so they both ended up getting books (Pumpkin Pie received American Girl books and Sweet Pea received all of the new Olivia the Pig books that came out- due to her pig obsession). Sweet Pea also received a new music stand to hold her music when she is practicing violin. Pumpkin Pie received some fashion design items because she wants to become a fashion designer someday.
25th: Christmas Day- We started out by going to my sister's mom's house to take my nephew and sister their gifts. We then rejoined with them at our Grandparent's home where we had the traditional Christmas dinner, specially prepared by my Mamaw. She happens to be the best cook in the world. We exchanged gifts and had the traditional reading of the Christmas story. This year, my aunt had a beautiful story published about her mom's values and experiencing Alzheimer's and finding the blessings through such a frightful experience for those involved. We read it aloud and I managed to not cry in front of everyone. After leaving Mamaw's, we went to my mom's home where the girls received even more presents. We still had one more stop to make though, my bestest buddy's house to hang for the evening. It is becoming a traditional way to wind down a wonderful Christmas. We also received a special surprise this Christmas. My sister let my nephew come home with us for several days.
28th: We took my nephew back home today and Pumpkin Pie cried. Sweet Pea was sad but also enjoys being the baby, which she is not when Rotten is with us. I say "Rotten" because the girls have spoiled him. He can simply whimper and the girls run to take care of whatever he wants.
This year has been filled with so many blessings. Matt and I are very fortunate to have family and friends to celebrate with. We still have many more activities planned for the week before we have to return to work and school. One of those tasks is to definitely clean my house! I received so many thoughtful and wonderful gifts but the most important gift is the love of Jesus. I have already started thinking about my goals for the new year and am so appreciative of the wonderful things that have happened over this past year.