Back by popular demand...

Sorry ladies and gents....I know I took some time away - and rightfully so.

I look back at the last post - and see that it was May the last time I wrote....and I apologize....

So much has changed in our corner of the world that I feel I must catch everyone up...

First and foremost - the kids....Andrew is knocking on the door to

being a full fledged 2 year old....and boy can we tell. He is talking up a storm with his favorite phrases being 'Stuck on it' 'Bonka Da Head' 'Thank You, You Welcome.' He is such a sweetie - but yet has an intensity that I never remember John having. Andrew has taken to coloring lately, asking constantly to 'write' with his pencil. He also learned how to 'write' on the walls recently. The FRESHLY painted walls. Thank goodness for Magic Erasers!!! We have started the wheels in motion to potty train...but so far, he is just content to sit on the potty when he feels like it and clap. He is still a little peanut - just 22 pounds and only 5 teeth....but he is getting there!

John IV is now 7 and 1/2 years old, and will make sure you don't forget the 1/2 part. He is just a sweet pea of a boy who is doing excellent in school. He is in the advanced class this year and is learning that kindergarten and first grade weren't so hard after all. He enjoys reading very much....and has just finished his 3rd book of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid.' We are ordering the 4th one very soon!

We had such not good news when it comes to his health - but ones that we can figure out and will deal with when the time comes. We have found a new neurosurgeon closer to home, and are thankful for that. Hopefully this one his on top of his game and gives me that good feeling that the team in Washington DC did.

Hubbs is doing the Police officer thing - and still seems to love it...he has had the chance to have more training time and he loves being able to be paid and have ammo provided to him in order to shoot.

I am the one with the major changes. After some very long conversations with my husband about my job, and how they were treating me, I submitted my resignation on July 7th. I was forced out of my position, which allowed me to have the ability to have unemployment. I had the end of the summer to enjoy with my kids, have playdates with some of the kids with my local mom's group and to take the kids on extended camping trips.

Since I was out of a job, I am doing the next best thing - which is going back to school. I have wanted for years to be able to get my RN and I am finally going to be able to do it. I have one more semester to complete and then hopefully will be accepted into the nursing program. I have never been this happy in my life. I am enjoying every moment of school as I feel like I am taking steps to accomplish something I wished I had done a long time ago. I knew I had wanted to be a nurse, but didn't know if I could handle it. After seeing my child the way he was after his brain surgery, I know I can handle it.

I have been dealing with a few health issues myself, but hopefully I am right on track. As a result I have gained a few pounds, but I am actively getting them off with the help of some great friends who show great support. I am hoping the medication I have started will help me get more towards the normal side instead of the crazy side of life....

Thanks for sticking with me guys and gals...more to come....I promise.

My meaning of beauty

The past few days I have noticed that there has been a media frenzy thanks to the magazine People. They have announced their 'Most Beautiful Person' for the year. And honestly, I don't know who it is, and frankly, I don't care.

But since People started it, it seems every talk show has been on the bandwagon....defining sexy, beauty and what the price people are willing to pay for it.
And ladies and gents, this is rubbing me the wrong way. And here is why....


The first rant - People magazine chose the winner of the most beautiful from famous people - yup - people who have trainers, chefs, and multi-million dollar bank accounts. And what peeves me off - those people are NOT beautiful - they are FAKE...and I an gonna scream it from the roof tops - FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE!!!!! F.A.K.E!!!! (get my point??)

And second - today on Dr. Phil, there was an 18 year old girl who was wanting to get her second set of breast implants to go from a very normal C to a DD. Yup - she was 18, and got boobs from her dad so she could feel better about herself.....Ladies, hollar if ya hear me. BUT when I was 18 and I wanted to feel better about my self, I went out and accomplished SOMETHING. I went and used my brains, my god given talent, and some COMMON SENSE and did something to be proud of and THAT my friends - is what made me feel better about myself. NOT a pair of implants....I pray there are young ladies out there who still take this path - someone is gonna have to run the country when the plastic surgery addicts lose their freaking mind...


So - in this light I am going to redefine beauty. You can choose to accept my definition or make your own, personally I don't care. But this is how I see it....


Who is the most beautiful person in my book....

This is a mom - I don't know her name, I don't know her story, but I know she has cancer. And I know she is GLOWING with life. She realizes that every day is a gift, and that she is thankful for the sunlight, the fresh air and the fact that she is here to see another day - and if you look at her eyes - SHE IS LIVING - ladies and gents - she is the picture of beauty - someone who can look at depths of hell, tell them to go take a flying leap cause they aren't going to ruin her day......SHE is the most beautiful person as is every other cancer victim and survivor.






What is beauty....Beauty is a belly that is swollen and proud...a grouchy, water retaining soon to be mom who has a secret - that when her baby kicks it makes her feel like the luckiest person on earth. A pregnant belly holds the wonders of the universe, the magics of what no one knows, and the hope for a better tomorrow. A pregnant belly shows the world that life will go on no matter what....and that my friends is a beautiful thing.








Every knows my soft spot for children with birth defects - especially those born with cleft lips and cleft palates. I have nothing else to say than the children who are born with birth defects were put here for a reason. The children are to touch the lives of those around them, to make them look inward to what their own deficienies are and see where they can improve themselves. These children were chosen, as were the parents were chosen.....and that is true beauty...

You may accept my definition or create your own - but I hate to say the people of People magazine have it all wrong. They have no idea what beauty is. Beauty can not be attained in a doctor's office, a gym or in a make up chair. Beauty comes from your soul - not your cup size or your pant size or your use of botox....and it sad to say - those who think that beauty does come from the items on the outside - lack real beauty....and for those people - I feel sorry.

The bestest news in town....

It was a great week....and now we can breathe a sigh of relief, celebrate and be merry.

This week Andrew had surgery. Most of you knew that. He went for a pretty routine surgery of getting tubes placed. What was crazy was the biopsy they took of a lymph node - but that turned out to be alright too. Nothing that needs to be worried about - and something that should be healed by the placement of the tubes....

And even better news, John IV was tested back at the end of January for the advanced class in his school. We knew we would know the results until at least April and this week we received word that John IV was accepted into the advanced placement class. What does this mean? He will be pulled out for a few subjects and we will have to work on the subjects at home that he missed from his normal class. To say we are proud is an understatement....granted we would have been proud if he didn't make the class. His momma didn't even get tested - so he is a step ahead of me. But he MADE IT!!!! He passed the test - and is so excited about being challenged. Now the pressure is on to make sure we work with his brother just as much so he can have just as much success as John has.

We are so happy, relieved and proud this week....hence the happy dogs!!!! And if our news didn't make you smile, then at least the happy dogs will!

Just a snippet...

Only because I only have a moment...I have to say the following sentence...

It pisses my husband off to know that my son likes to listen to...

(That's the band Journey for those who are to young to figure it out!) And he doesn't like listening to.....

Motely Cru....now if you ask me - which band looks more gay??? I would venture to say the MEN dressed up in WOMEN'S makeup and the S/M gear, hummmmm????

Get over it honey - he likes Journey because he has TASTE.....

The ugly truth....

The fact of the matter is - that right now....I am stressed....very stressed....

I won't go into details....because I am not sure if a troll lurks here or not, and well...I am not ready to go into details just yet.

I have some very large decisions to make in the very near future and really no guidance in the whole thing. And that leads to stress. Lots and Lots of stress....and in my book, stress is BAD!!!

I look at the mom in this picture and I see alot of myself. I see myself torn in so many ways, between so many things. I have the challenge of kids, work, and the never ending quest to not loose me some where in there, ya know - the me - that was there before the creatures took over my body for 9 months at a time....the me that could name hobbies off the top of her head -instead of giving you a blank stare when you mention the word 'hobby.'

I think motherhood has the ability to teach us sooo much - we learn how to multi-task, and we can identify a sickness in a child with a sneeze, a cough, or a simple glassy eyed look. We have the ability to get stains out of almost anything that can be stained......and of course we have eyes in the back of our head. But at what cost? At what cost does this take on our bodies, minds, and souls?

Well the body is obvious - we stretch in ways we never thought we would when we are pregnant - I never knew my LIPS could swell with out having an adverse reaction to something, but they do. And while I may weigh the same - I will never be the same shape - EVER - again.

Our minds...well...I honestly believe that is the first thing that goes when you are pregnant. You lose the ability to correctly identify modern day objects (the word that always escaped me was table- yup- it just wasn't in my vocab). During this pregnancy you realize that you will never ever in your life ever sleep the way you were meant to. You get used to running on short bursts of sleep, and can be fully functioning after only one full sleep cycle.

But being pregnant only prepares you for the times where you are convinced you are losing your mind - when your baby screams non-stop, your toddler gets in that drawer one more time, your pre-schooler asks 'WHY?' one more time, or your older child feels the need to back talk you one more time....yup - all ways designed to make you think you have a reserved room in the loony bin...personally my room doesn't need a veiw, cause when I go, I am gonna do nothing but sleep.

And finally - your soul...who in their right mind would pray to the almighty above 'Dear Lord - I will take the stomach flu 3 times over if you just make sure my kids don't get it!!' WHO?? A mom, that is who. And I am also that mom who uttered after the 3 days of being ill, 'I am so thankful my kids didn't get it worse than they did...and that I had the worst of it.' Yup....your soul....you would sell it to the devil himself if it meant your children didn't have to suffer.

Being a mom is a struggle - it is so easy to lose your sense of self. For when you get together with your friends, or call them on the phone, the first thing out of your mouth usually can be 'How are the kids?' I long for the days when we rushed to talk about the latest book, the latest movie, or the new shoes we just got. But instead we answer questions about ear infections, diapers, teething, and how to get your children to eat something other than chicken nuggets and fish sticks.

Losing the sense of self, I believe, is the hardest part of it all. I long for the days where my name belonged to ME....not my children as John's mom, or Andrew's Mom, or even John's wife. I long for the day when my name was associated with what I accomplished that day or that year. I long for the ability to be just me for a while - and not be someone else's something.....just ME.

The Maiden Voyage

As some of you may know, at the beginning of March, we purchased ourselves a little pop up camper.
To call it new would be a joke...it is a 1993 Jayco - but in great shape. Seriously, it only has one thing that needed repaired and that was a seam on a seat cushion.

We had been debating when we were going to take our first trip. We knew we needed a trial run before the week long vacation we are taking this coming summer.

So - we packed up this past Friday and took her to a local lake and state park about 30 minutes from our home.

When I said packed, I mean stuffed to the gills. I wanted to open up the camper and store the items that would stay in the camper while we were home. Hubbs said no. So we shoved EVERYTHING in the Durango - including the kids and the dog - and set off. We were so stuffed, John IV had to cross his legs in his seat and not move.

On the way there, John IV watched the sky the entire time. He didn't want it to rain. He was begging for it not to rain - really WILLING it not to rain.

Once we got on the site we were allowed to pick our own spot. No one had reservations - so we were pointed in the right direction, given a map, and told to come back and let them know what site we had.
So we got to the site and were stoked it was directly across from the playground and the bath-house. When you have a kid who needs to use the bathroom every 30 minutes when his meds wear off - he was happy to!

We get pulled in and get the most important things unpacked...the kids and the dog. John IV took his brother over to the swings and swung him for at least 30 minutes. Sparky - well - he took a different stand on things....

We have no idea why he felt the need to STAND on the table - but he did. We told him to get down numerous times...but he liked it up there. I can only think that the ground was a bit wet - and he was displeased. He was very anxious, and not sure what was going on.

But he was happy as soon as Andrew and John started eating dinner - and Andrew's 'uh-oh' hot dogs made it to Sparky's dinner plate.

Going to Scales lake was a good choice. As we were coming in, we were surprised by a stampede of mini horses and goats. Literally, they came bursting out of the woods as we were driving by. Apparently, the animals they have in the petting zoo are allowed to run free. Who knew!

After we set up camp, and allowed the children to
play to their hearts content, we convinced them to go on a walk with us. Now we didn't have room for bikes or ride on toys, but we should next time. So John IV had to walk - and heaven forbid - not be carried. We made our way to the petting zoo to see the mini horses, ducks, goats, donkeys, peacocks, chickens and rabbits. To say the animals didn't like Sparky is an understatement. The loathed him. Sparky wanted a taste....


Andrew was very unsure - as he had never seen the animals up close. John IV was sure that no one liked him and the world was out to get him - a very common statement from him these days.



This picture really doesn't do the scene justice. What you are missing are the sound effects from the kid - the high pitched wail of fear coming from around the paci....PACI?? Now many of you know my theory on paci's - they are given at bedtime, at nap time or any time my child goes to the doctor. Andrew was running on a one hour nap - and he normally gets about 4.5 hours of a nap a day. To say he had a short fuse - well that would be correct. What made Andrew even more angry was the way this beast was following him. He was not happy with it at all.....we as parents thought it was priceless....a 1 year old being stalked by a mini - horse....film at 11...

When we got back to the camp site, it was decided that we needed to make a fire. By this time, it had started to sprinkle, but it had been doing that all day.

Since Scales Lake has primative campsites - you are allowed to go gather wood. So we went to gather. Me, being the cheap person I am, couldn't see myself spending $4 on wood when there was perfectly good wood just sitting there...and it wasn't like we had anything else to do, right?
(side note - I just read the rules again - apparently you AREN'T allowed to collect firewood...um....oops...)

It started out as my oldest son being told to go gather wood. He picked up sickly weedy looking sticks and promptly asked if he was done. My husband would get irriated with him, push him into the woods and tell him to go gather logs.

He still didn't seem to get the idea of what he needed, so as hubbs started the fire, John IV and I took off into the woods. I explained what the difference between branches, logs, rotted wood, green wood, and wood that we really wanted. He understood, but got bored quickly. I think he would have been more motivated if I would have had some marshmallows to roast at a later time in the evening. But he did good - we had more than enough wood gathered to have ourselves a fire for roasting hot dogs. The kids were amazingly hungry and wanted hot dogs NOW....so out came the roasting sticks and the hot dogs....

And something I learned - don't ever let your 7 year old roast your hot dog. I took the two he was roasting for his brother and himself, and started to prepare it. When I got my hot dog back - I realized it had been rubbed across the logs....and while I was expecting a nice crispy hot dog, I was not expecting ashes with that first bite. Yea...lets just say that was a one bite meal. I quickly went and got the hamburger to fix burgers for me and hubbs....and was shocked to see my older son eat one as well.

While I was frustrated we couldn't bring bikes and ride on toys due to the space issue, the kids found plenty of things to do. Right past the Durango in this picture is the playground. John IV was there with all the other kids - digging in the sand and playing pirates. Andrew, seemed to have fun with all of the sticks and rocks and the endless possibility to bang them on the table. I should have kept count of how many times we said 'No, we don't eat rocks.' I know he tasted quite a few, even tried to put some in his ears....but hey, it is dirt that makes a strong immune system, right? He was also told at least 100 times that the fire was hot...and to stay away. He did stay away from the fire pit, as he understands the word hot.

The night was winding down for us....you can read that as it was 5:30 and the kids were fed and tired. But the outside world does not stop simply because your kids are tired. We took the kids in the camper and convinced them it was bed time....yea right.

For starters, it was cold. During the day, it was chilly. Not so chilly that your nose is running chilly, but enough for you to wish the sun was out. But with night falling, it was getting pretty cold. But thanks to my wonderful planning, we had a space heater that actually kept us pretty warm that night.

We got the boys changed into PJ's and got Andrew into bed. He was very hard to get to sleep, as this wasn't home, this wasn't his bed and he could hear kids outside playing. But once he laid down with daddy for a minute, he was out.

John IV thought that I had brought the DVD player - and I didn't. He was bummed, but decided to go out and hang out with his dad at the camp fire. All the noise, the traffic in and out, caused Andrew to wake up....

And then the real fun started.

The real fun involved us not knowing that we had taken someone's spot. Remember back at the beginning of the story when the lady told us that there were no reserved spots, what was open, was open. But apparently, there was an un-written rule that we didn't know. That spot 75 was 'Bob's spot.' Well, Bob didn't get there until 7pm. We were there at 1. Sorry Bob.

With us taking that spot, I guess that gave Bob the right to be a total jackass. He would have fit right in with the petting zoo.

Bob preceeded to get REALLY DRUNK. And in getting drunk, he got his friends, all of the campers on the OTHER side of us, to get really drunk to.
He turned his radio very loud - and blared his music for as long as he wanted to.

Now I am sure you are thinking - why didn't any one do anything? Well, people did. People called the conservation officer numerous times. And he came by numersous times. And they would turn it down....until he left. And then Bob would yell and scream and curse and say that he had until 10:59:59 to be as loud as he wanted, as quiet hours went into effect at 11pm.

Now - he is right - quiet hours go into effect at 11pm. HOWEVER, the rule of common sense tells someone that if you are occupying public space together, you are respectful of how your actions effect their space. Bob lacked common sense. Scratch that - Bob did NOT HAVE COMMON SENSE. And Bob was RUDE....plain and simple - RUDE.

The night was filled with us waking many times. Andrew could not sleep due to the noise outside, and he was happy to sit and play peek-a-boo by himself....it was adorable. He would cover his head up, shake his head no a few times, giggle, and pull it off...and do the whole thing over again. He did this for about 45 minutes, while we giggle silently in the dark. One time we woke was due to Andrew falling out of bed....the good thing - it was about 5 after Midnight - and his scream was soooo loud that I am sure it woke Bob next door....hehehehehehehee....

I woke every time someone moved. Much like a boat, when 1 person moves in the camper, the entire camper moves.

The dog did not understand the point of laying still....

Morning came early....John's meds wore off, Andrew woke when John got up to go to the bathroom a few times....and I finally gave in. I got up, walked the dog, and came back to start breakfast. I had the fore-thought to get all the pancake mix together and premeasured....with the help of an electric skillet, we had some of the best home made pancakes this side of the Mississippi.

We were stuck in the camper that morning due to the rain. After a quick peek on the internet (on our phones) we decided to pack it in. We loaded up in the pouring rain and came home....to nice dry digs...with microwaves and couches. Andrew slept most of the morning away.

It was a great first run. We realized everything we forgot, but could do with out on this trip. We are looking forward to being able to go again in a few weeks, hopefully with better weather this time....

And with out further ado - pictures that are just too cute not to post!



Andrew had just seen the playground and was sooo excited. His face says it all!

Andrew and his new skill - Pointing...and asking 'DIS??'

He was playing peek -a- boo with us through the fence. Granted this was the duck pen, and not the horses...for good reason....

We had a great time....and we will have an even better time next time...hopefully with out the rain!

The latest trick...

Our youngest dear son has learned a new trick.....and by the picture you would be right in guessing he has learned to say 'Yes.'

And when I say 'say', I mean he shakes his head so violently that he causes himself to lose balance and fall over. And then he gets mad, and then he bangs his head, and then we laugh...it is actually a never ending cycle.

So now, as parents, it is our rightly duty to use this to our benefit. Meaning, we ask him questions he has no idea he is answering.

For example, 'Andrew, is your dad a dork?' And he bobs his head up and down.

'Andrew, are you gonna buy mommy and daddy the big house on a hill when you make it big?' This always gets us a giggle and a big nod yes.

'Andrew, do you have the best parents in the world?' He will nod so hard he rocks in the chair.

But the big one, the mother of all head nods, would be to the following question....

'Andrew, do you want a cookie?' To that he was shake so violently, that is where the falling over comes in. After the head bang, we are treated to a chorus of 'OOOOOOO-kie! OOOOOOO-kie! OOOOOO-kie!'

I guess everything in life is better with ooooo-kies....

O-O-O It's MAGIC...ya know...

Your singing the song, aren't you??

Andrew had his first Oreo....there are no need for more words....

I have no idea if his shirt will come clean...and frankly, it was worth it.....

What wonderful weather...

Yesterday we took advantage of the weather, busted out the play clothes, side walk chalk, and ride on toys.

John was in his element again - drawing things that were a 'secret surprise - so don't look' in the driveway.

He gladly showed me his scrap o' chalk after he was finished drawing my likeness. He was proud of the fact that he was drawing again, and that he had the ability to destroy inanimant objects with such little effort.

For those who don't know, my son was quite the artist. His paintings line our stairwell and grace some walls upstairs. He used to sit and paint and color for hours.

He now has some books that he has written too. Along the line of 'If you give a Pig a Pancake' book - he has written a book called, 'If you give a snake a piece of cake.' It is very cute, and I am making sure I save it for the future. Hey it may be my retirement!!!

But ever since John started school he never really wants to sit and draw anymore. I do think that it has to do with the fact he has to sit still for so long at school. When he gets home, his imagination is about to explode with Star Wars battles that have been raging in there all day long....thus, his drawing goes to the way side.

Andrew loved the day too. He quickly picked up the chalk and did what his brother did...monkey see, monkey do. That should be his motto these days. But what was most exciting is that he took off. I brought out his riding toy to give him

the chance to strut his stuff...and he did.

He walked the neighbor hood like he owned

the place. Chattering about the going's on

in his world. He told me about many things,

most of which included the words 'Da-da'

'Hot' 'Dog-Dog' 'oof oof' and an over the shoulder

wave bye bye.

I don't know when he grew up so fast. He has grown leaps and bounds lately. His personality has just blossomed into such a unique person. He has traits of both me and my husband. I can totally see him becoming more like my husband. He pushes the envelope on many issues - mostly just getting into the lazy susan or the cabinet under the sink - and does his very best not to get caught. He finds humor in the smallest thing - totally me - and is happy to go to bed - again me! I joke that he will be the kid that makes me go gray - and while it is his personality or the simple fact I am older this time around - he makes me sooooo tired. I never ever thought I would be repeating the phrase numerous times a day 'Stop licking.....' you can end that sentence any way you want. It can end with 'Stop licking the dishwasher' Or 'Stop licking the couch' Or 'Stop licking your brother' Or 'Stop licking the dog' (I WISH I was making that up).

Having my boys so far apart, almost 6 years apart, I thought I was going to avoid some of the things that other parents go through. I did not have two babies in diapers at one time. I did not have two kids in daycare at the same time. I was able to devote time to John - and get through all of his firsts. His first birthday, his first day of Kindergarten, first field trip....lots of firsts....before his baby brother came along.

But like many mom's, I find myself repeating key pharses my baby WISHES he could say....so on behalf of Andrew - I shall repeat them here.

While in the car, John thinks he needs to touch Andrew. He will do his best to get both hands on him - and hold his hand, love on him, blah blah blah....

Andrew - does not see this as an acceptable form expression of affection. So Andrew starts yelling...and I translate

'Stop touching your brother!'

John - in classic true kid form - will respond, 'But I am NOT touching him - I am only touching his car seat.'

Some of the classic Mom-isms I have spouted just in the past hour...

'Leave him alone.'

'GO- Go far away from him and let him be.' (The ironic thing - when I tell John to go play somewhere else - Andrew then calls for him non-stop.) Which is currently happening right now....

So today, back to yucky weather...storms, wind, hail, and possible tornados...yup, spring is right around the corner. I am glad we got out and enjoyed it while we could....It always makes us smile....

The game plan

The past few days have been a blur of no sleep, then LOTS of sleep...

Here is what we know...

This thing in Andrew's neck is what it was a few months back. Back in December, when this nasty ear infection started, I noticed the bump. We were able to get it ultrasounded, and found that it was a congential malformation of the lymph system.
Andrew has had the same ear infection ever since. We are on our 6th round of antibotics.
The ear that is infected is right above this knot on his neck.

So the CT scan revealed that it indeed is ALOT bigger. It has grown from 1.2 mm to 12 mm in diameter.
The radiologist feels that it is definately linked to the infection and once we get the infection under control, it will get better. We have him on some STRONG antibotics and a consult for an ENT in a week. After that, we will watch and wait. And repeat the CT in 6 months.
But he said it WAS NOT a lymph node.
And that makes me breathe easier. As much as I don't want my baby to have surgery, I understand his quality of life will improve greatly.

Update on John IV....we had our endo appointment today and we start more hormones....we should rival a menopausal woman's medicine cabinet with the amount of hormones we have now. He is offically panhypopit - meaning - he has 3 or more missing hormones from his pituitary gland. It was expected...and actually I expect more before this is all over.

Thank you all for your emails, your comments, and your calls. It was no doubt a De Ja Vu moment for me. A life altering moment.
I made all the plea's that night when I went to bed. Vowed to life life, to LISTEN to this wake up call....and we are.
Look for more wonderful things to come from this family.

Oh the wee hours...

Current time 2:55 am.
I have been awake since 1:05 am...and I don't know if I will be able to go back to sleep.

Why?

It all started out as a well baby visit...Andrew had a 15 month check up...and then we were going to get groceries.

But in a flash, everything changed. In an instant - our life went from just a well baby check - the life altering possibilities. I mentioned the increased sleeping - the lack of eating, and the fact he has gained only 4 ounces in the past 6 months. And concern grew.

My husband would have been with me, but he was picking up John for a sick baby visit, 45 mins after the well baby visit.

Andrew still has his ear infection that he has had since Christmas. But what is more alarming, the bumps on his neck - have now spread. They are bigger and more numerous and located everywhere. Which gave us a pass straight to CT. No get out of jail free card, do not pass go, don't even get a snack.

I had a friend meet me at CT...and thank the Lord she could come. It took us and a small army of nurses to hold him down. The CT was done with contrast, so he needed an IV. It took 4 tries.

And they found something, more lesions, everywhere in his neck and head. They didn't scan anything else, just his neck and head. The doc made us wait - to see if we needed to be admitted. She sent us home with a promise to call first thing in the morning, to form a game plan. The words biopsy were mentioned....but honestly it has all run together.

And when looking....all I see are things on cancer....cancer in my one year old....in our freebie...in our kid who should have been nothing more than a trouble maker....

My brain is going 900 miles an hour...hence the early morning post. My tossing and turning was keeping up my hubbs....and one of us has to function...

The sound of silence...

Yesterday, I actually had the chance to be in my house, alone....

Now for some of my friends, this actually happens on a normal basis. For me, not so much.

Thursday, I stuffed my husband and all of his happy fun war gear on a plane and bid him farewell. He is currently in a far away state, playing war games and probably giggling like a little girl over the whole thing....Probably more like Beavis and Butthead actually - Cool...guns are cool....shoot...yea....lets shoot.....

But back to me.

Thursday, or also known as my Friday, I was happy KNOWING I was going to be able to spend time alone in my house.

I got up on Friday at the normal time, got the kids to their perspective places and came home and just SAT....seriously. I sat on my bed and did nothing.

And that is when I started to look around....and noticed the dust, the dirt, the clutter....and well...there went JUST sitting.

I turned on some of MY tv...and got to cleaning.

And when I say cleaning, I mean throwing stuff away.

About 6 weeks ago, I asked my husband to clean off his dresser. Then about 4 weeks ago, I asked again. And about 1 week ago, I reminded him that he said he would get it done.

He was warned. And he didn't heed my warning...

I threw it all away....now when I say all of it, I don't mean ALL of it. I mean the magazines that he had slated for trash, set them on the floor and then put them back on the dresser because the baby was tripping on them. Yea, I wish I was making that up.

I looked at every issue, to make sure there were no dog earred pages or bookmarks. And then I trashed them.

I dusted....good lord did I need to dust. There were small creatures hidden under those magazines. Actually - I found a pen that hubbs has been looking for, a hanger, various scraps of paper realted to my husband's job, and tons of dust bunnies.

See, what happens is I focus on cleaning the rest of the house - that by the time I get to my room, I say forget it. No one else will see it, right?

Not this time. I put my room FIRST....

After dusting and sneezing like it was an olympic sport, I looked at the ceiling and cringed....1980's pop corn ceiling has the ablitiy to hold more dust and dirt than old carpets do.

So out came the vacuum and the attachments, and I vacuumed the ceiling. WOW...it looks brand spanking new.

I love walking into my room now. It hits you instantly how clean it is. Now I want a new bed spread and new curtains and new sheets....goes to show - cleaning is a BAD thing..it is so expensive.

Now on to the rest of the house.....

So I think I have this award wrapped up....

Ya'll know what award I am talking about - the worst mom of the year award - yea, I am SOOOO taking it home this year.
And why...
Do you really need more than one example....

The following scene played out in my kitchen, my husband was getting my youngest son's dose of antibotics ready, this would be his third round of antibotics for the same ear infection that we have had since Christmas. ANNNNNDDDD ACTION!

Me: Aren't you going to Andrew his full dose?
J: Um...I am?
Me: No you aren't....that is no way enough of a dose.
J: Um......yea it is. How much have YOU been giving him?
Me: Let me see that bottle....

(Sarah looks at bottle - and then gasps)

J: How MUCH have you been giving him?
Me: Well, it was only 2 doses, and I thought the bottle said a teaspoon and a half, not a half of a teaspoon.
J: And that is why he has been pooping his brains out....

Ok in theory, it isn't that bad....BUT - when your kid is pooping upwards 6 times a day, you get somewhat tired of him pooping all the time. Come to find out - it was my fault. And I did think that it was a teaspoon and half. Of Omincef. Um........
It was an innocent mistake - it really was.....does that mean I am dis-qualified from the award? I heard there is a dance, a dinner and a trophy and all....and I really want to get dressed up.

Just a picture to make you smile

He likes to watch his dad work in the garage...so much - he is currently yelling at his dad because he wants to watch him in the garage....

My hubbs, the hero....

This week, my hubby was honored at a lunch for the police officers of our town. Certain officers were nominated for things they have done that went above and beyond the call of duty.


My husband was nominated for the Bronze Merit medal for performing CPR on a gentleman who had collapsed.

To say I was proud was a huge understatement. I was beaming. And while other wives and families felt the same, this was my man, my hubbs, my hero, who did a great deed. It was bittersweet, as we learned about why these officers were being honored. To go above and beyond the call of duty, usually meant hard circumstances, things people don't want to think about - things these officers would wish away instead of earning awards for. But that is the definition of true hero - someone who rises when the call is given, not someone who waits for the other person to take action. For every person who needs a hero, there are family members who are grateful for those heros. Family members who were able to say goodbye to a loved one. Family members who were able to have closure to a tough call. Family members who, despite the pain they are going through, are thankful for the heros too.

And to add a little more bragging to this post...hubbs got official word that he is now part of the SWAT team as a Sniper....he is so very excited, and I am very happy for him. And while a selfish happiness, as he trains during the day, he will be home more at night, which in my book, is a great thing!

The best birthday EVER!!!!

Yesterday we had a party for John IV at our local rock climbing place.

To say he was excited was an understatement..

For example, while walking in Target to pick up the last minute things, he felt the need to sing Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer' as if no one else exsisted. I got many looks from parents....wondering why I would allow this behavior...why not?? Right? It isn't every day you have a birthday AND a Valentine party...

After his friends arrived at the rock climbing place, they were all soooo wonderful. They all listened intently to the rules. John was determined he was going to climb to the top of the wall and then let go and pretend to sky dive.....um.....yea.....about that. We will get to that in a minute.

Soon he was off....and climbing like a fool...Until his dad said something and he turned around to ask him what he said....And the realization of how far he was up kicked in and so did the fear. He started yelling 'LOWER LOWER LOWER' and we tried to talk him out of it...but we got him down. He came down looking a little scared and unsure....but went back up....

This was another go round where he got almost to the top - and then again, he freaked. We got him to come down...and talked him into one more....

And this one was the winner...and why? He was on his way up and fell - yup fell right off that wall and when nothing happened - when he didn't come crashing down to the ground -he realized that his parents actually know something, and mean what we say....When he came down the following comments came out of his mouth....

'I was so scared I almost cried.'

'There was a rock that was shaped like Slave 1' (Slave 1 is a ship in Star Wars - duh...)

And here is another time to the top - this time to ring the bell....he was so proud....

One last picture - of the man I love....ahh....

The wonderful words that my son bestoyed up on us were just great....He said that he could never say thank you enough. And that he no longer feels like he is 6 or 7 but feels like he is now 10.....wow...huh?

To think of where we were 2 years ago...that he was just now being admitted into the hospital for complications from his mylogram - where he had a spinal fluid leak and couldn't stop vomitting...and he couldn't even sit up for longer than 3 minutes....and he missed his own birthday party...and his birthday he was finally released from the hospital but told he was only allowed to get off the couch to go to the bathroom, and that was only if he had to.

To think that this boy, was so very ill - who was merely surving just a few years ago - is now thriving...the world is at his feet....and he is very excited about the possibilities...

On a happier note, my son, the president of the Star Wars Cult, received 3 Lego Star Wars sets....and was very disappointed when I told him that it was bed time, not building time. He begrudgingly went to bed...only to wake at 5:08 AM - to which I told him to go back to bed....he waited until 5:32 AM - because he just couldn't stand it any longer.

I came down at 6, after hearing the scattering of legos too many times...and checked on him...and he was feverishly building his ships for the ensuing battle...and he got two of the same ships - and he was telling me how there will be a commadeering going on, and an attack - and it was the best thing that could happen...

So folks...turning 7 is sweet.....sooooo bittersweet...

The power of words....

The following conversation took place in my car yesterday on the way home....

Me: Dada

Andrew: Dada

Me: John John

A: non non

Me: Dog dog

A: oof oof

Me: Kitty Cat

A: eeeeooooowwwww

Me: Hello?

A: Ehro?

Me: Mama

A: (silence)

Me: MAMA

A: (insert evil laugh)

Me: MAAAAAMAAAAAA

A: HHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Yea, he still refuses to say mama....but if I give him a bite of cinnamon roll, he says thank you. Go figure.

So ya wanna know...

I have been desperately trying to get a post up in the past few days, and frankly I can't get my thoughts organized.

So to embrace and celebrate my absent mindness I am going to inform you of random things you never ever thought you would want to know about me.

So, with out further ado....

I can eat breakfast food any hour of the day....seriously. I am eating home made cinnamon rolls right now for dinner.

When I start to feel bad about my situation in life, I turn on TRU TV and watch some COPS....that is an instant self esteem booster.

I cannot bite a banana....I just can't. It is nothing sexual...I just don't like the way it feels. I have to break off a portion of banana and eat it that way.

I refer to myself as 'the traveling cirus'. I show up with my car full of stuff that can educate and entertain you about your dental health.

I cannot stay asleep unless I use benedryl....I am not sure if it is a mental thing now, but I take just one small pill every night.

I have aged more than 10 years in the past 7....

I have a mean cat who has suddenly started liking people. Now that I like her, she will probably die...

As a kid - I only had one grandparent. My Father's parents passed away while my dad was a young man....and my mom's father passed when I was one....Sadly my grandma passed when my child was 1....I am thankful for my husband's grandparents....and oh the stories they have!!!

I secretly love 'House' - my husband knows of my wanton love affair with this man....Hugh Laurie....and he accepts it for what it is.....guess it isn't so much of a secret anymore, huh?

I belong to a secret sisterhood of police wives....we 'get' each other - which is saying ALOT.

I am a very auto-pilot person in the mornings....don't mess with my routine.

I hate cleaning - I could do it a little at a time - but usually wait until I need to do a lot, so I can focus on it for hours....and then I crank the music.

My baby learned to say 'Hello' because I listen to Bob and Tom in the mornings...not sure which is better - him learning it from me talking on the phone so much....or Bob and Tom...

I think I might enjoy my son's video game more than he does....and take it way more seriously.

My sister and I have the same birthday....kinda cool now....not so much when I was younger.

My dad and I were on a retreat when we found a dead body in the river. It brought back alot of bad memories from his military days. It did bring us closer together though.

My dad taught me to talk to anyone...and it aids me well. He also taught me to listen to that gut feeling. I do it on a daily basis.

Only my hairdresser and me know how much gray hair I really have.

My almost 7 year old rocks out to Bon Jovi and AC/DC....

I haven't been to the movies for almost a year.

I crave sleep. On a constant basis. Everyday.....even now....at this moment....

I am a creature of habit - I go to resturants not to try new things, but to have favorites.

I grew up raising cattle - only a few each year - but it was enough to ruin me for 'cheap' meat.

I have started cooking in my crock pot more often, and love it.

I still wonder some days how I got so old.....and why it has been almost 9 years since I have had stitches....now that I have said that.....

I have had to make the decision about my son being an organ donor...having that conversation was hard to do - even harder was asking my son what he would want to be done. Thankfully, he was in agreement with us.

I have more money in my fridge than most people. One vial of my son's shots cost about 3 grand.

I don't untie my shoes when I take them off - and it drives my husband nuts.

I have a bad habit of leaving cabinets and drawers open just a smidge...my husband comes behind me and is past saying anything - but still shakes his head....and will shut it.

I threaten my husband at least every 6 months that I will clean out his clutter - and it will involve a trash bag and eBay...

I like my living room with out the baby toys, but have more peace with them there.

I love the age difference between my boys.....

We have double standards in this house - we force our child to take his shoes to his room - but ours stay where they land.

I am a list maker....and I love love LOVE crossing things off on my list. Sometimes, I add things to my list that I have already done, JUST so I can cross them off.

I have never done any kind of illegal drugs, neither has my husband...and it makes me proud.

I never thought I was a dog person, until we got our first dog....it has been almost a year since Chance died, and I still think of him numerous times a week - and still get sad. I didn't know it would hurt this long. I hold onto the thought that we will be together again.

It wasn't until I uttered the words 'I am glad I have no one to answer to' that I met back up with my now husband. From that moment on, we both just knew.

The only horse drawn carriage I have ever been on was on my 22nd birthday, less than a month after we were married.

I must say folks - I have a doctors appointment tomorrow - and I hope I can get together my rambling thoughts....

What time is it???

If any of you have been wondering...no I did not fall off the face of the earth, get sucked into the time warp continuim, or even been committed to a much needed stay in the loony bin (although I could use it now!)

Monday, one week ago today, there was a buzz in the air......about the weather.


Let me explain. I live in Southern Indiana, or what I have coined lovingly as the Arm Pit of America. You have a little bit of everything here, sometimes it gets hairy, sometimes stinky, but we serve a purpose - much like an arm pit.

Monday, the weather forcasters were doing over time, warning us all of impending doom. We scoffed, yea whatever, an inch of snow is cause for alarm, and even enough to shut schools down. So while we were concerned....we weren't. Our Winter Weather Watch, went to a Warning, and while we have had those before, again.....no worries.

So Monday, 6pm was doom time, when the 12 inches of snow were supposed to start falling....well folks, nothing happened. Then the weather man said NO - 9 is when it is supposed to start....so 9 came....and no snow...BUT we had tons of ice, sleet and freezing rain. Enough that at 10:11pm, my son's school called and said there was no school.

Really?? Ya'll have hours to get it gone...but ok.

Tuesday we awoke to 3/4 of an inch of ice on everything, power lines, trees, sidewalks, roads - all of it. Ok - good reason to cancel school...but the worst wasn't here yet, we were told...yea right, was all I could think....I did work from home, getting reports done.

One pressing thought was we were almost out of firewood.


My husband went out to check on his grandparents who weren't answering their phone....and in search of more firewood.


Grandparents were doing great - and he found firewood. My smart thinking, law abiding husband noticed that when he went by the gas station the first time there were 3 stacks of wood left. When he got back to the gas station he noticed that there was only 1 stack left. So BEFORE paying, my husband loaded up that last stack of wood - so that his family could have warmth and fire to cook food....and it was that moment when he closed the hatch of his Durango that a man walked up to him and asked these fateful words:


"Dude, what are you doing?"
"Um....getting fire wood."
"But they are closed."

Now the man had a point.....the gas station, like many places, were indeed closed. People were buying gas of course, which made it look open.....um......oops.....

So my husband comes home with stolen firewood.....yup...he did....and we used it...
Wednesday, the power went out about 2 am and came back on around dinner time. I breathed a huge sigh of relief, but then silently cursed it as I found out our cable, internet and phone were still down.


Ok - I can handle that, at least we have heat and our house isn't 52 degrees anymore. I learned that I can finish a big book in 24 hours, and also had the ability to start a blanket - which I am still working on. I found that I do not have to HAVE the internet to entertain myself. I can have hobbies...although I really do like talking to other people.

Hubby got a Family day that day, and we lie in bed thanking the lord we have heat. Until 1 am that was.....when it went strangely quiet again. So Thursday morning, we lost power again....

It is very hard to sleep when you are wondering if your children are freezing in their sleep. I got up many times that night to check on them, and of course they were snoozing away!

Hubby got up on Thursday morning, allowing me to stay in the warm bed. He climbed back in when Andrew went down for a nap, and he was FREEZING!!! I got up to keep the fire going, and it was so cold downstairs. I snuggled in blankets with a book and read away.

Our power came back on a little after 11 am. Still no cable, internet or phone, again, no complaining....as of right now, my sister is still living with her in-laws, so really, no complaining.

Friday, we had my husband's Grandparents come over to take showers. It had been a few days and they were still with out power. We asked them to stay but they said they didn't want to impose....we told them that was nonsense and they had an open invitation. They left, and about 20 minutes later, they called, they were on their way back. Apparently Greatpa Frank took about 5 steps into the house and told Greatma Doris to gather her things, there was no way they were going to be miserable.

It was awesome to have them over, as I learned alot more about their lives and heard some really awesome stories. The power went off and on all day, being out for hours at a time.....but we managed. That night, I went to bed early. My eyes were itching and I needed to get some sleep. I had two nights before where I just didn't sleep that well....I was more than ready.
What I didn't know was going on was that my son was watching a movie with his great grandparents....and when it was time for them to go to bed, the greats weren't able to due to Kujo lying in our bed. Now Sparky was glad to have the greats over, but when they went to sleep in our bed, it was a NO GO. They asked him NICELY to move off the bed, and when he growled and beared his teeth, they went and got John. John had to tell Sparky 5 TIMES (as he reiterated to me over and over again) that he needed to get down. Finally, John took him by the collar and took him out of the bedroom. Again, glad to know that my doggie knows his place and who is and isn't supposed to be in the house.


That night I slept in Andrew's room, hubbs slept on John's bed and John slept on the floor in front of the fire place.

With the blessed help of Benedryl, I slept somewhat ok. Hubbs got home very late and slept in that day.
We got up Saturday morning, and had breakfast. My children enjoyed their great grandparents visit. I had to go to work on Saturday to get some things done.....and that night I took John to his first basketball game.

Ahhh.....Cub scouts, with popcorn, cracker jacks and soda.....so if I didn't need a straight jacket before, I really needed it after that.
I explained what was going on to the best of my girlie girl ability....and he seemed interested....
He asked to leave after half time.....and talked me into some Dippen Dots.

He had never had Dippen Dots before and said that what I had given him was NOT ice cream.....I explained to him needed to trust his momma...and he took a bite....and waited....and realized it INDEED was ice cream......

And he was in heaven.

And when he was asked what was his favorite part - his hormones kicked in and he said 'When the girls were dancing.' Um....what about all the action packed basketball, the fouls, the crowd, the popcorn? Nope - all of it hinged on the girls, dancing in tight black pants....I explained to him that if he liked that the best, then he needed to go to dance compeitions, not basketball games....and he agreed....


One more night of sleeping in our odd places really wore on us.....what got me was the sheer JOY of my baby at 2:30 in the morning when he realized not only was his momma in his room, but so was the DOG!!! After 45 minutes of, 'Lay down Andrew', and 'Stop kicking the bed Andrew', and 'Andrew - Shhhhh' he finally went back to sleep.

At 8 am - he was handed off to my husband and I went back to bed.

Later that day, by the hard work that the utility workers that were here, my grand parents in law's power was restored, and they were glad to go home. I am happy they stayed with us....I know it made me feel better knowing they were warm and cozy and safe.

So - what did I learn for my days with out power....

I learned that you can cook by campfire in your own living room. Chicken breasts take about 45 minutes to cook in foil. However, if you leave potatoes in there for 2 hours, they turn to little bits of charcoal and dust and the alumnium foil desinagrates. It is pretty cool.

I found that you will have to thaw wood before burning it. I have a stack of it that I stole from my neighbors garage (HI JILL!!) that was covered in snow like ours was. And we made sure we thawed it before burning.

I learned that people are creatures of habit. When you have the power go out you will turn on light switches automatically with out thinking about it. However, you don't turn them back off. So when the power does kick back on, you have a house lit up much like a Christmas tree (or leave a pot of soup cooking).

I learned that 2 nights is about all my son can take of not sleeping in his bed. He was physcially ill Sunday night and went to bed early. I am jealous. I can make it about 7 before it wears on me.

I learned you can crochet TOO much. I have a blister on my finger where the yarn was rubbing.

I have learned your husband can have 2 days off and even though you are living in the same house, you don't see each other.

I have learned, you never know what time it is when the power goes out....and it drives you nuts.

I have learned the sound of tree limbs falling can sound like gun shots....and keep you awake all night. And it is when the tree limb falls on the fence between your house and the neighbors is when you figure out whose fence it really is....that means, whose home-owners will pay for it (for the record, it wasn't ours)

I have learned that I should keep a stock of Marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars. If we are going to have to have a fire - by golly we are having smores....

I have learned that when we have a state of emergency, my corp office still wants to know why we weren't seeing patients.



I have learned that my baby can still wear the hat he was given in the hosptial at his birth....and he looks like an elf. He is also very entertained by the flash of the camera. He also has learned how to say 'shhhh' for shoe. He also thinks it is funny to pose for pictures......





See what I mean....

My doggie....

You see that dog right there, right above these words....the one cuddling with that mean cat (and she is!)?? That dog is the most loyal being I know...

Last April, our old dog, Chance, passed away from Renal failure. We knew it was coming, but yet we were still devastated. We made sure that Sparky was aware that Chance had passed before we buried him. And in that moment, when Sparky saw Chance, he understood what job had been passed on to him.

Sparky, aka the Sparky Marky, the worthless lump of fur, the DOG DOG, the goofball canine....our dog. He was an impulse for me...I wanted another baby, but not a human baby. I wasn't ready for one yet, so we got Sparky. My husband had no clue - I just told him to meet me at the Humane Society one afternoon after work. And home came Sparky...

He brought life back to the old dog. They played for the longest time, until Old dog just got to sick to play. And then the shift of power. The job that Sparky took on was protector of the family. I always knew Old dog would have protected us, but never witnessed it. I witnessed Sparky protect us, many times.

Old dog passed when we were remodeling the house. To remodel our house, we had to have an electrician come in and rewire some things and also add some stuff hubby wanted added. The electrician came only a day or two after old dog passed, and Sparky made him know what his new job was. Sparky scared the electrician so much, he asked my husband to put him away. Us, have to put away Sparky, the dork?? It was weird, but we did...

Sparky will protect like no other. Now, if someone is at the door, he lets us know. He will sit faithfully by the front door to see if someone is invited in. If they are, he is fine. If they are not invited in, he won't let them in. How do I know...they are called Jehovah's Witnesses. And he told them they weren't welcome. But my mom and dad, are. He has his favorite perch at the top of the stairs, where he can watch the ongoings, and protect the kids. If my parents try to go up the stairs with out one of us, he will let them know that they are unwelcome and he is the last line of defense between the kids and whoever is coming. I have the utmost faith if someone did breech the door - he would give me enough time to arm myself...and then let me take care of it.

Yesterday, Sparky and I took advantage of the 50 degree temps and my day off and we went on our normal 2 mile walk. It had been a while since we had gone, and he was very excited to go. The first 1/2 mile was me reminding him of the rules of how we walk together. After that, he was cool. I was be-bopping along to my Bon Jovi when Sparky became alerted. Now since it was a nice day, there were many other people around. He always lets me know if there is someone behind me by doing this turn thing. He didn't turn, though. His hackles went up. I stopped and turned just in time to see a dog charging us. The dog, no bigger than Sparky, was making it known that we were not welcome. Sparky, being my protector, went to stand in front of me. Me, being the pack leader, stood in front of him. When I did that, the other dog stopped. I was able to get close enough to the dog to see that the only collar it was wearing was a rabies tag, no ID tag. I saw the house the dog ran from, and the squealing woman was a good indication that it was her dog.

As I tried to turn to go, I got out of in between Sparky and the other dog...and game on. Sparky stood his ground, and waited. The other dog charged again, and Sparky went for it. He and the other dog were in a brief fight, to which was ended by me yelling 'HEY' and yanking on the leash. Sparky knew to listen to me, and off we went.

We finished our walk with out any other incidents. And when we got home, Sparky got lots of love and affection. I know that this silly dog, who lets the baby pull up on him, and beat on him while he screams 'DOG DOG' will fight to the death for his family. The dog, who lays nose to nose with a 10 year old cat who has nothing better to do than try to find a warm spot to sleep. Our dog, who is our protector, our play mate, and a giver of unconditional love....yup...that is my doggie....

See what happens when I leave them alone??

Ok, we all know boys are good for many things...
They kill the big bugs, the open the hard jars, the stack the firewood, and move the heavy stuff for us...
We know too, the bad things - they sometimes don't aim when they pee or aim when they toss their socks, and usually as grown men, can revert back to toddlerhood mind frame rather rapidly.

With that being said, I have NO IDEA what to think about the following video...
My husband and his beloved firearm, and his son....who thinks his daddy is cool....and for those who want to call the ATF or CPS - they are not real bullets, they are snap caps, empty shells....the only way he could do damage is by poking one in his eye....

I am sooo in for it...

Where is a traveling circus when you need it....

See that cute baby - the one down there \/ - (yea that is my arrow -get over it) - well apparently that little spill he took yesterday opened the trifecta of hell - and the demons and serpents came out and infected him...

Wowsers....
He is worse than a hormonal 15 year old girl - OH WAIT - I have one of those too....
Andrew had a rough day, and all I can think of is the snot, the screaming and the plain fact that he has just been straight up hateful, makes me wonder if he has another ear infection. He started head shaking today - so me thinks he has an ear infection....me thinks too - his dad better handle it - cause I am about to be SOOOO over it.

Pray for my sanity...nuff said....

Yup....we beat him....

Having children means one thing, you are responsible for these little creatures that depend on you for everything.
You are expect to feed, clothe, protect, guide, love, cherish, and enjoy.

So when you walk into Wal-mart with a 13 month old child who is sporting a head wound and a black eye, you get THAT look - and ya'll know what I am talking about - the look of 'How could you - don't you watch your children???'

The real story, as told to me by my husband, is that Andrew got into a fight with the tower for one of the 1,297 computers we own. After fighting with the computer, he face planted on it, causing him to hit the corner with his eye. THEN the head wound came when he fell further and bounced off the chair, not once, but twice. He also caught a finger, but we really don't care about that one...

Since a Wal-Mart trip is in the plans for the weekend, probably WITH the baby - I have concocted the following story....

Andrew was minding his own business when all of a sudden a band of ninja Smurfs repelled from the ceiling, claiming our house as their newest land to set up a safe village. In order for this to happen they had to conquer the child like beast and his K-9 sidekick. After they had successfully tied up the animal ala Gulliver style, they went after the kid. Andrew batted the little blue ninja's until he thought he got every last one of them....THAT is when they sent in the sniper Smurf....Smurfette. She doesn't cary a gun, no...something much more lethal - her high heels. In utter desperation, she tossed the shoe to where the heel smacked Andrew smack dab in the eye lid.
In a blind stupor, Andrew crawls around (cause he isn't walking - and we want to make this believable) swatting at the Smurfs left and right...and that is when another sneak attack happens. Handy Smurf nails Andrew's sleeper to the floor and as Andrew tries to crawl away, he slams his head into the floor....

Yup - that is my story and I am sticking to it..



..Ya know looking at this picture doesn't do it justice...Andrew's eyelid is entirely black now...so tomorrow, we will have to take an updated picture. Be sure to click on the picture and enlarge it...you can see the eye lid one - and his unibrow...but that is a totally different post....

Let's make room....

Let's make some room in this brag bus, shall we???

Yesterday, after a crappy Thursday - which ended on an up note, my husband called me to tell me that he is going to be honored at the next Merit Commission meeting, receiving a Merit Award for some of the heroic acts he has done in the past few months.

I am very happy for my hubbs....he deserves it....now the real magic is how I will juggle my schedule to get to the celebration. It will be worth it!!!

This is me - twittering my song, one more time!!

Hi all you NON-TROLLS!!!

So, I see you made it over...
Let me start by saying a simple thank you for being patient and allowing me to work things out...

And lets start with my biggest and greatest news...

John IV had a consent form sent home today to have our permission to test him for the accelerated program....
Ladies and gents - let me tell you - this is the Little Engine who could....the boy who never should - HAS - and WILL - despite what those PROFESSIONALS predicted. Well two words to you - you.....you....PROFESSIONALS :

WATCH US (ya'll thought I was gonna say screw you - didn't ya?? Trust me - that was my first thought, but we are keeping it positive here!)

Today he was tested in the testing standard used here called Dibels. He said something about setting new records - and how he had to set a record just so he could beat it. Oh - and that he was the only one in the class who got this note (again a 6 year old perspective - so there could have been more!)

To say I am proud is a HUGE understatement...I looked like a puffed robin - feathers all fluffed - head pulled back, twittering my spring song of love.....yup - I am a proud momma bird (but I don't do that nasty regergitation thing - blech)

Ok - on to other things....
Hubbs had his last test for his gall bladder and all is fine...humm....a theory of another doc I have talked to - is that his gall bladder may be on the way out - but is still kinda sorta kicking - enough to get him through.
Today seemed like a good day for him, lets hope for more great days...

Andrew took a few steps, only to throw a fit when we all cheered. Again - his way...I GOT IT already....

Me - again, another golden Monday!! I need to start playing the lottery on Mondays!!! Everything I touch turns to Gold on Monday's!

Can I get a Wa Wa???

Ok - test it out ladies (and maybe gents)

Are the comments working now MJ?

Alright, on to more important things....

Well, lets see, where do we start.

Lets start with the youngest....Andrew. Andrew has thrown this family for a loop. He is the toothless wonder still. At almost 14 months, he is starting to get the desire to walk - but not much. He will stand alone if he does it and doesn't realize it. When we try to practice with him, he will collapse and throw a fit. Again, just the way that he has shown he wants to do things on his own.
The latest news on him - well - he had a yucky YUCKY ear infection on Christmas day. We woke up with him and his fever, thinking for sure it was teeth. It wasn't. I took him in on Friday and lo and behold - his first ear infection, a doozy too. We left with antibotics, and a sigh of relief, that he would feel better soon.
We made it through the weekend with a happy baby returning. Monday, I take him to daycare, go to work, and come back. His daycare lady was all a fluster, telling me to look at this 'thing' on his neck. She said she had just noticed it. I called hubbs to tell him about this huge knot on the side of Andrew's neck. Hubbs said, lets watch it.
I agreed, at least for that night.
On Tuesday I called the doc, she wanted to see us that day. Got Andrew in, and she was just as perplexed. We set up an ultrasound for the next morning to get it looked at.
Let me tell you - holding a 1 year old down for an ultrasound on his neck is like wrestling a drunk cat - it just doesn't work. But they were able to get some good shots - and here is what we know.
Andrew has a congential malformation of his Lymphatic system. We are lucky - if you google it - it can get pretty ugly. Andrew's is isolated, not through his whole system. What he has are called Cystic Hygroma's. He has three cysts where his lympatic system did not connect with the rest of it, thus causing cysts. Short term treatment, we watch. Everytime he gets an infection or a virus they will grow. Long term, they will have to be drained or removed. Did I mention they are on his jugular vein? Yea, like I needed another reason for sleepless nights.

John IV...well - he is keeping on keeping on. He is just an awesome little boy - despite all the odds thrown his way.
He is active in boyscouts, and is proud to have earned his badges so far. He received his report card for the second grading period and he had a perfect report card. We love his first grade teacher and she accepts no excuses when it comes to work. Kindergarten was very touchy feely, First grade - is the 'real world.'
Medically - he has new issues. He is starting down the path with thyroid problems. We will make sure that we test him as much as possible to make sure that we are on top of it. I am so grateful that we have doctor's who are proactive and listen to us!

Me - I have been at my new job for a few months now. I am happy about the change - I hate the fact that I have learning curve and hate the fact that I have failed at sooooo many things so far. BUT - that is all apart of the process. And while I understand it - doesn't mean I have to like it.

Hubbs - he is doing alright. He has started his latest and greatest hobby - sewing. The man never ceases to amaze me.
We are facing some health issues, but I think we have it nailed down. He has one final test to go to on Monday, and hopefully - we will be able to move forward with treatment. I will post more when we know what is going on.

Our holidays weren't with out stress - but it was good to see family. We each got what we wanted (although sleeping in was on my list - maybe next year!!)

Stick with me folks, I feel like I have a lot of recapping to do. I wonder how I will be able to re-cap the past 3 years....the feelings, the trials, the failures, the surviving...but I will manage....