Life among the Oaks

New year

2012-01-05T18:06:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

I am not a big resolution kind of person but I do try to give myself some new goals each year. This year I am going to try to do just a couple of things better:

1. Spend more time playing with my kids
2. Keep up with Quicken
3. Send more snail mail

There you have it. 3 simple, but do-able things.

Back to life!

2010-03-21T21:41:00.002-05:00

It seems our family finally has a rhythm again. We have adjusted to 4 kids and now I run errands with the 4 and it seems like it did with 3. No matter how many there are we are always a traveling circus... 3 different acts all in the spotlight and at least 1 clown in the show, all led by their ringleader.

Things are really great in my life and in our family these days. I am happy with my life and have found myself focusing more on my priorities this year and less on spinning my wheels. I have welcomed the dust bunnies for more time to play and know my kids and less time absorbed by the "little" things.

My latest "the kids are in bed what do I need to do item" is reading. Scott got me a kindle for valentine's day and I am spending more and more time on it and less and less time watching my tivo'd shows after the kids are in bed. It's great to spend time reading again. I have so many other hobbies I used to have and miss, but know in time I will have time for them again and long for the circus to return to my life...

I hear the kindle calling...

Classic Texas

2009-04-07T10:19:00.003-05:00

Classic pictures in the Texas bluebonnets (complete with Texas size bows). The kids love doing this so much they never want to get back in the car when we're done. There are trampled "mazes" through the flowers and the kids always want to run through the mazes. We were a little frozen taking these, but they turned out pretty good.

Drs, Drs, Drs...

2009-03-24T10:43:00.005-05:00

Between well visits for 3, dental visits, and sick kiddo visits we have spent our fair share of time at the dr. office lately. Katelynn will have tonsils/adenoids out in June. Here's to hoping it helps!
Caroline is 7 weeks now and smiling at us all the time. We laid low most of spring break, but did go out to the lake. Here's some pics...

Oh...and did I mention the new dog?? She is sweet. We got her from the SPCA and she is already house broken, etc. and came with the name "Daisy".

Sucked into the vortex...

2009-02-20T09:55:00.003-06:00

Known as facebook....Here's another picture of my cutie though! At her 2 week check up she weighed 8 lb, 13 oz. 21 inches. Growing fast!

In love....

2009-02-03T10:10:00.003-06:00

She's here

2009-02-01T13:53:00.001-06:00

Caroline Elizabeth arrived Friday at 3:13 pm weighing in at 7 lb 11 oz. and 20 inches long. We are home now and all is well.

Pictures later when I'm not so tired. :)

Or maybe not...

2009-01-28T14:31:00.001-06:00

200 contractions (or at least it feels like that many) later and I'm still pregnant. No luck with the arrival yet. I think she has decided February sounds like a better month for her. Guess we'll see...

And the date approaches..

2009-01-26T17:14:00.002-06:00

Another doctor visit, another day down. :)

Finally a visit with a positive note...She co-operated with all of their "monitoring" and things looked great. I was rewarded with a new number- a 3. I have never been a 3 before getting to the hospital so that is good news. I am telling my friends I am a walking time bomb- just ready to go off at any minute. :)

Lots of contractions this weekend - now I just need some to stick around. The weather is supposed to be really yucky the next 48 hours so you know....that means it has to happen during the messy weather.

Here is my latest....

2009-01-20T17:36:00.002-06:00

Niece. Nope- this is not mine. I am still pregnant. :) Eva was born last Thursday to my brother-in -law and sister-in-law. For any of you who have seen my infants- they have NEVER had hair anywhere close to this!!

I had another doctor visit today. I am starting to hate these. Pretty much they confirm that fact that 1. I am pregnant 2. I am still pregnant 3. I am closer to my due date and still pregnant. Ugh... They check you and tell you this "magical" number (one for me right now) that I know means nothing (I have never been past a one with any of my kids) and it can bum you out - like I have some kind of control over it. Ugh...

I am torn anyway-I want her here, but then again- our little family functions pretty well right now- am I really ready to throw in a new addition?? I know it will all be fine and for now I will continue to enjoy my sleep and eat some more cake from my surprise shower on Monday. :)

Another week...

2009-01-14T16:45:00.001-06:00

Went for my weekly checkup today. Things look the same. They did a sono (since my last one was 8lb. 11oz) and they "predict" her to only be 6 lbs. That was a bit relieving since I did not want to entertain the thought of a 9 lb. birth. Not much else going on. Go back next Tuesday....

Shower at work was way fun! Lots of diapers and wipes. So thoughtful of my campus. I work with great people. The cake was way cute. I'll have to post a pic. later.

Not much else to say...ready for the joy of pregnancy to end...

37 weeks...

2009-01-07T19:05:00.002-06:00

I went in for my 37 week check up today. All is well and nothing exciting to report. Hopefully she will make her grand entrance sooner rather than later since I have enjoyed about as much pregnancy as one person can take. None of my babies have made it all the way to their due date. My first was 2 weeks early and the other 2 were 3 and 4 days early. Here's to hoping....
I need to make it through next Wednesday at least- work has a nice little shower planned for me. So fun!

35,35 ,35

2008-12-27T09:15:00.001-06:00

I noticed my pregnancy ticker says I'm 35 weeks with 35 days to go and I turn 35 next week....Let's hit Vegas!!

A week off to rest

2008-11-24T18:27:00.001-06:00

We are all off from school this week and what a welcome event. Of course, I have lots of glorious plans for things to "get done" around the house and fun things to do with the kids. Those have already been altered- I just got back from the doctor with my daughter having a nice case of strep throat to start the week off with....let's hope the whole week doesn't go this way!

Pumpkins, pumpkins...

2008-10-14T19:02:00.004-05:00

NOT MY BELLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but just how I feel today- big as a pumpkin....about as attractive as one too. It's those lovely days of pregnancy when you feel and look pregnant- nice round face, nice round belly, nice round clothes....ugh....This is a day when I hate my hair (thank you Beth my hairdresser who refused to cut it for me today...she told me she will do nothing but trim until I deliver....no matter how much I beg and plead just like I made her promise me at the beginning of my pregnancy) hate my clothes (just want my nice normal things back) and am tired of being tired!!!

To top it off I am in LOVE with anything sweet. I am trying so hard to eat healthy and keep up with my exercising (so far at 24 weeks I have gained 20 lbs. according to dr.) but anything pumpkin makes me throw that out the window!!

As I sit here tonight, I have pumpkin muffins in the oven. It's the battle of willpower or work it off later....as the buzzer rings I know which one is winning....

The name game...

2008-09-24T16:26:00.002-05:00

Oh how I dread the name game....
Why is it SOOOOO hard to find a name that:
1. Both parents agree on
2. Sounds right with our last name
3. Other people like
Ugh....
This has led me to the dreaded book store to look for the "magic" name that works for us. This is always the hardest part for us....okay....labor is not exactly a breeze either but at least there is an epidural for that!!

Suggestions welcome, but probably not taken! :)

weekly smiles

2008-09-16T16:09:00.002-05:00

Things to smile about this week....

Katelynn scored 4 goals at her soccer game last night
Katelynn has a new name everyday that she insists we give to her sister (none of which we like)
Katelynn says she refuses to talk to the baby if name her the name we like (still debating...this could make for a very quiet house....)
Our operation "goodbye spongebob" (aka locking all tv channels) has made our lives SOOO peaceful
Brent does his homework now without complaining
Brent shares so and helps with his brother and sister
Matthew whispers at night when he walks into his own room to go to bed and whispers goodnight (as if not to disturb himself...hehehe)
Matthew still loves to cuddle
Picnic at the park in the beautiful weather Sunday night with the kids
A sweet husband that helps me with the daily routines of keeping up with 3 kids and a very tired wife
Bitesize chocolate....which will make me frown post baby as I sweat it off...
Pumpkin anything food season- love it all
Feeling our new little girl move around all day...what a sweet reminder of what is to come...

What a fantastic life...

Big day...

2008-09-09T06:13:00.001-05:00

Here are the stats....
I have gained 13 lbs. so far....
I am almost 20 weeks....
The baby is on track for size...
Development looks great....
And the big news everyone is wanting to know.....

We will be welcoming a new girl into our family!!!

We are thrilled!! Our 5 year old daughter is one giant smile about having a sister.

Love my job..

2008-09-02T17:31:00.002-05:00

I cannot begin to say how happy I am with my new position at work!! I love my job. Don't get me wrong- it has it's challenges, but I am in such a better place mentally and workload wise than I was last year. I miss being at the same school with my kids, but I love that we actually get home an hour and half earlier this year than I ever did last year.

On a preg. note...I am putting on some nice pounds. Food is my friend again, after being my arch enemy all summer. We go next Monday for the big sono to make sure everything looks healthy...and to find out the gender. We didn't find out with our first two and that was thrilling beyond words. We found out with out last one, and I just want to know with this one too. It's still thrilling, but in a different way.

First day of school

2008-08-25T17:07:00.001-05:00

My Second Grader

My Kindergartener

Great day for me too in my new classroom. None of preschoolers cried coming to speech class. That is always a great first day!!!

Fun in the Sun

2008-07-27T14:29:00.009-05:00

A new haircut for my soon to be new Kindergartener!

We have the greatest back yard and love our neighbors with horses. (They love our apples...)

My snorkeling maniac.

My diving board addict- since this pic. no longer wears her vest.

Life is good....

Not a fun day.

2008-07-23T14:08:00.002-05:00

Our 7 year old beautiful rhodesian ridgeback died in our back yard yesterday. The vet thinks she had a seizure, stroke, or heartattack causing her to be immobile and to die of heat stroke in the sun. She was outside for less than 2 hours with plenty of water and shade so that is their best guess. I am better today, but with the preg. hormones it was a bit rough yesterday (not to mention my husband was out of town so I had to handle all of it...) We got her as a puppy before the kids came along. She was a sweet (despite her 85 pounds) girl and was so great with all of our kids.

The kids have a great attitude. They told me "Now she can play with Lukie (our other dog that died of cancer last fall) in heaven! They will be so happy to see each other again!" with smiles on their sweet little faces.

Feeling better

2008-07-16T12:29:00.002-05:00

I hate to even put it in writing....but it seems like my constant nausea and vomiting are subsiding. :) Yeah!!! I have felt pretty okay the last week. I'm still not back to my 100% self, but feel at least 75% like me most of the day. I won't say it's gone, but I'll spare you the details. I even braved a yoga class this week- which consequently kicked my rear and left me sore for 2 days. (This is not some sissy breathing class folks...)

Anyway, summer goes on and I'm starting to realize that we are actually going to have another little person in our family by this time next year. After watching Shrek 3 this am with my kids at summer movie camp, I realize it will be fine (plus- unlike Shrek- I am only having one- not three- and mine will not likely be an ogre). Whew! And I have to give my current 3 credit- although they have their moments of getting on each others nerves, they are all really good kids. Taking them to the movies continues to be a piece of cake. When I see other moms struggling with their own challenges at the movies I am so thankful to be blessed with such sweet kiddos.

Also...how fun is this... my brother in law and sister in law who live a few miles away from us are expecting as well with a due date one week earlier than mine. How fun to have 2 cousins born so close!

Happy Wednesday!

Summer Update...

2008-07-10T13:56:00.006-05:00

So far this summer we have:
Gone to the lake
Gone to swim lessons
Gone to Wednesday summer movie camp
Gone on a special Mommy/Daughter trip to the American Girl store
Had our first child diagnosed with strep (the little guy)
Played in the sprinklers/baby pool
Played speedminton (way fun)
Gone to tennis lessons for the older 2 kids
Gone to friends' pools to swim :)
Watched fireworks on blankets in our front yard
Watched more fireworks with friends on 4th of July
Gone to Target 975 times
Had a birthday party for grandpa at our house
Gone to friend's birthday party
Going to basketball camp
Going to cheerleading camp

And for those of you who did not catch the above ticker....
I have personally spent a lot of time sleeping, feeling sick, getting sick, laying on the couch, and going to the doctor...Baby #4 is on the way...

Summer Free!!

2008-06-05T16:55:00.001-05:00

Yeah!! Finally my last day of the school year. I am SO excited to have some restful fun days with my 3 sweet children all summer. :) I am more than ready!!

Why Can't I "JUST SAY NO!"

2008-05-20T19:20:00.004-05:00

So I requested a new position at work for next year. It is a preschool position working only with 3-5 year olds who qualify for speech and language services. They come, generally, twice a week for about 2 hours each time and it's set up more like a "class" than a typical speech session. There are 3 classes a day for 4 days a week, with the other day for testing and IEP meetings. It is a position with an SLP in the class (me) and a paraprofessional to help. Well..... I got it!! I am SOOO excited to get back to my age group that gets me the most excited in the world of speech. Before I came to the school district I was working ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) in Virginia serving birth-3 year olds. I still miss those days, and honestly, if it wasn't for the school hours I would go back to that in a heartbeat. So....this is the next closest thing with better hours (and no driving which is also a blessing) to be with my own 3 kids.

When bargaining for this position, I had to make a choice to take this program or to continue to be the district "lead" for speech. I was not being paid to be a lead, so there was no salary difference and it meant getting back to what I loved...so of course....I chose the preschool program. So.....today....in typical school district fashion....the plot changes....here is how the conversation goes....

Director: So....I really need someone next year to be our "go-to" person for speech questions. I can't leave that all up to our co-ordinator (who has no speech background) and you have done an outstanding job this year....

Me:...So....what are you saying?? (Thinking: crap- if they take this preschool position back I am going to have an absolute cow)

Director: Tell me what you didn't like about being lead....

Me: blah...blah....blah...blah....blah....(use your imagination....I don't enjoy people management is the bottom line)

Director: Well, we really need someone we can ask questions from and it really needs to be you...

Me: Hmmm.....any plans for memorial day weekend???

Later....I email them saying I will consider it IF they let me draft out what responsibilities I will retain and what responsibilities I will delegate. I am crazy and can't say no. Sometime I think it would be eaiser to think like my husband or my dad and bluntly say "Sorry, I'm sure you can find someone else to do that."

Loyalty- we all feel it sometimes and we can't quite figure out why. Today I felt it and still can't put my finger on why. I don't think it is an ego thing for me- I think it's that "I must help if they need me" complex. I have suffered from that for many many years....know any cures?

What can't you say no to?

Back from the dead...

2008-05-04T09:33:00.002-05:00

Whew...what a stressful, busy couple of months. Here's the brief summary:

Beach trip was FANTASTIC!!! Thanks Uncle Kenyon for your bed and breakfast- we will be returning!!
Matt turned 2!! He is living it out in typical wild child fashion. He is making two year olds everywhere proud...and of course....smiling the entire time no matter what he is doing.
Work...work...work...the 10% crazy parents can really make the job tough...hoping for some changes to my position next year to alleviate the stress!!!!
Registered Katelynn for Kindergarten- I can't believe she is that big!!
Well visits for all 3- that is always quite an adventure. I knew I was in trouble when the receptionist asked if anyone was helping me out...
Looking forward to the end of the crazy school year train and the peaceful lazy days of summer!!

She's 5!!!

2008-03-07T13:05:00.006-06:00

My daughter turned 5 last week. To celebrate I took her and her best friend to this place called Libby Lu . What a WAY fun totally girly night. There is nothing like listening to some cute 5 year old conversations and seeing two little girls revel in joy at spending time together. I hope they are still best friends 10 years from now and I can take another picture of them together just like this.

She wanted a giant cupcake cake for her party with all of our family. It turned out okay...

We are heading to the beach next week for Spring Break to take the kids on their first ever beach trip. It should be a fantastic family fun vacation. We'll get back just in time to celebrate the littlest one's 2nd birthday. They are growing up too fast!!

Has it really been that long??

2008-02-29T21:24:00.000-06:00

Has it really been that long since I posted?? My heavens what a busy time the last few weeks have been.

I just got back from a great speech convention in our state. It was in San Antonio along the riverwalk so that is always a nice getaway.

My daughter turned 5 this week- is that really possible!!???

My youngest son will be 2 next month.

My how time flies....Has it really been that long???

All 3 down for the count...

2008-01-18T18:43:00.000-06:00

My husband deserves Husband of the year so far. He stayed home today from work with 3 tummy troubled kiddos while I went off to work. It's no fun to keep 2 home sick- keeping 3 home sick....that is sheer torture. (And they all seemed alive and fed when I got home). Let's hope they are all better by Monday. I also had the pleasure of collecting a sample of the tummy trouble for analysis at the Dr. office since the youngest is on week 2 of tummy trouble. Don't care if I ever repeat that fun experience.

I read 2 books in the last week. The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. I vasilate from feeling distraught that there are others living in such harsh life conditions, to being so thankful for the HUGELY blessed life I live. I think the books were great and that they really put things in perspective. No more worries about the small stuff. I am free, I am not mistreated, and I am blessed with amazing love.

Motivated

2008-01-16T18:54:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine sent me a picture of us from college this week. Wow. Found my motivation to work out. And....it's not how you think. I am the littlest size I have ever been in my life right now. I look back at my high school and college days and think....oh my. All the junk food, all the cokes...they definitely found a home! My parents tease me and my husband all the time that we eat "Weird". We are definitely a bit heavy on the fruits, vegetables, organic side with lots of lean meats/fish. I personally, love our eating lifestyle and wouldn't trade it for the world!

On another note....are those gray hairs on the top of my head? I cannot imagine why they would be there...! Thank goodness for hairdressers....

She WILL be a great independent woman......someday

2008-01-14T16:51:00.000-06:00

My beloved daughter that is. In the meantime, let's all hope I can continue to cope with that strong independent nature without having her live her life in timeout.

January...does it ever end?? Need sunshine, outdoors, and daylight past 7!!

Motivation

2008-01-09T15:44:00.000-06:00

I got a great new workout book for my birthday...
Along with a kettlebell...
Both great gifts since exercise is one of my favorite things to do in my free time.

Unfortunately, I am having a severe attack of lackofmotivationitis and all I want to do is curl up on the couch, read books, and drink hot drinks from my new single cup maker....
Any good motivational comments out there??

December Wrap Up!!!

2007-12-31T11:09:00.001-06:00

On the 19th, we celebrated the 8th year anniversary of our Las Vegas Elopement!! We went out for a yummy El Salvadorian dinner! (child free- which is a rare treat!) Thanks to my mom who came over so we could go out and enjoy a quiet evening.

Santa came and must have had a little too much eggnog, because he brought way too much as usual... I know I have a dining room table somewhere....

One of the greatest gifts this season....With the 5 of us plus our furry friend....the ROOMBA is my new best friend. Way cool and it works pretty well. We are true sci-fi nerds now...we have our own robot.

And....alas....today is my birthday....New Year's Eve. My daughter sang me awake this morning and then asked me "how old are you?" To which, in all honesty, I replied "I don't know." My darling husband has since clarified my memory for me...thanks dear....I am a glorious 34 - without feeling a day over 29. Enjoy your last day of 2007 and don't party too hard this evening- those roads can be dangerous!! We will likely stay home, eat cake, drink champagne, and watch our new robot do our work for us. :)

Winter church

2007-12-02T12:17:00.001-06:00

I love church in the winter. In the spring and summer sometimes I find it hard to want to go indoors on a sunny Sunday morning. A bike ride, hike, or lounging by a lake or a pool seems so much more appealing. In the fall, the hectic schedule and exhaustion seem to overshadow my energy to go with a happy heart. I just long to sleep in and stay in my pj's at least one morning. BUT...in the winter....Oh I love it!! There is something about going on a Sunday morning all bundled up into a warm building decorated with poinsettas and trees with lights that makes me hurry in the morning so we won't be late. The singing seems better, the messages touch my heart, and even the kids seem so happy to be there. I don't want to miss anything in the winter. It really puts me in the holiday spirit in the best way. Enjoy your Sunday and this busy fun month of December!

Watch out video stores...

2007-11-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

Just to warn you all- there will be a huge rush now on Guitar Hero as I have managed to convert all my friends to addicts....

What a fun night! It's a very beautiful morning here and it's quiet with just me and my husband and the littlest one. My little guy has another ear infection...here we go again. His tubes they put in 6 months ago have already fallen out- no surprise for my wild man. So we are keeping him home and resting. No church for us today- sometimes it is so nice to have one of those cuddly mornings where we are enjoying each other! What a great weekend I am having and perfect for the season.

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!

American mommy....

2007-11-12T20:53:00.001-06:00

Two meanings...first the rich doll industry....
My daughter went to a birthday party at the new boutique and bistro for the doll snobs of america- also know as that famous company to which we have given our share of cash. Here are the outfits I spent my Sat. am making for them- as any good southern mommy would do....

And Second.....I am having a girls party this weekend for my closest girlfriends to play Guitar Hero III and Wii Boogie. I believe I am a rockstar at heart. So, 10 of my closest girlfriends from work are being subjected to my passion on Saturday night. A girls video gaming night. Nothing like some good mexican food, drinks, and pretend guitars to make the mommies feel young and free again. Oh, and my husband and I just finished beating a co-op mission on easy. Oh the satisfaction...

Other happenings...I wrapped up my fall coaching last weekend with my precious 4 year old team. They did okay but more importantly had a blast. I felt very sentimental at the end thinking how I have inspired these young girls to be strong independent women someday....Okay...so my head may have been a bit large at the end of the season. The girls parents surprised me with a hefty gift card to a restaurant resembling a pepper (don't want to get a million googlers finding me). Very nice of them. I will continue the fun in the spring.

And, it finally seems like fall with the leaves leaving our trees at last- although today's high was in the 80's. Here are the 2 youngest playing in the leaves....
Nothing like a good nose dive into the leaves (really he's practicing for the crowd surfing when his mommy is a rockstar on stage....)

Even the wild horses behind us couldn't drag out the oldest. A boy after his own daddy's electronically driven heart....

Later my rocking fans....

Happy Halloween!!

2007-11-01T17:49:00.001-05:00

The witch, the clown and the Vaderman.

Lots of fun last night!

Fall is in the air

2007-10-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

What a great fall weather week we are having- which for those who do not live in the hotter than heck state- is a nice treat. We may even need some long sleeves for trick-or-treating. My sweet baby is recovering well from his "incident". He is using and straightening his finger well and we only have to apply scar cream now. He continues to threaten us with continued ER visits with his wild man antics and we are certain his career will involve some level of risk one day. He is a thrill seeker for sure! On the funny side- he has needed socks this week for the cool weather and every time I say "Let's put your socks on" he holds out his injured hand. After keeping a sock over the bandage, etc. for a month he actually believes that socks go on your hands. Poor thing- we have warped him for sure! :)

My oldest has lost both teeth and we are LOVING the cute toothless grin. What a nice treat for a Halloween. Too fun. :)

And our darling middle daughter came home sick today. At least that explains some of the drama over the last 48 hours. I was starting to believe she might be demon possessed. Joking...

Halloween and pumpkin patch pics will be posted soon! I just felt like I needed to give a shout out to all my internet groopies that I was still alive. Now time to go survey the damage that has no doubt occurred while I have been out of sight for a few minutes! Cheers friends!

All is well

2007-09-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

Surgery went fine this am. It turns out the wound was all the way down to the blood vessels. Just another reassurance that my little guy has nerves of steel. He was a total angel through all of this.

I just finished installing our new gate around our treadmill. Perhaps I will get over my new "gun-shy-ness" of it now. I have not been able to bring myself to get back on since the incident.

Well, when it rains, it pours, right? We had to put one of our sweet dogs down yesterday. He was diagnosed with cancer this summer and it was time to be merciful yesterday. Everyone seems to be taking it okay.

What a week. Ready for some fun fall activities and some pumpkin bread!

Dr. Troy and Dr. McNamara

2007-09-24T21:38:00.000-05:00

Okay, I absolutely LOVE Nip/Tuck. It is a weird, pretty dark, trashy kind of show and I love it. I never thought I would be living it....

Okay, so not really with Dr. Troy or Dr. McNamara but with Dr. PlasticSurgeon. And no- it's not for me. (although....while I'm there....joking)

Friday night I am running on my treadmill with my ipod and watching tv with closed captions. About 1/2 way through my run I hear the blood curdling scream of my 18 month old behind me. After my heart jumps out of my chest and I get the treadmill stopped I turn around and scoop him up to see him holding out his left hand and SCREAMING at the top of his lungs. I am thinking "Where in the heck did you come from!??". When we both start to breath again I can see the giant gash on his left middle finger. So, I wash, put neosporin and attempt to put ice on his finger. I give him motrin and rock him for the next 2 hours. Saturday we wake up and he seems to be using it okay, but man does it look painful. He does not cry but occasionally holds it out and says "uh-oh". When I try to wash it again and apply more neosporin we find out that, in fact, his lungs are still working great and his finger still hurts.

Sunday I take him to church and the nursery attendant comes to get me saying his finger is bleeding. I look at it again and decide, that's it- we're going to a minor emergency place.

Dr. PediatricMinorEmergency is very nice. He reassures me (at the sight of my tears) that it was not my fault and that kids just do these crazy things sometimes. He applies more antibiotic, gives us an oral antibiotic, re-bandages it and then says "You definitely need to get him an appointment with a plastics dr. ASAP- no later than Wednesday." Slight panic in my heart, but okay. He says "Just to make sure as it heals there is not too much contraction." Okay, I relax a little. I have worked with many OTs in my career and know a slight bit about hands, so this makes sense.

Now at the Dr. PediatricMinorEmergency visit I had both of the other kids with me without my husband. My older son happily waited in the waiting room. My daughter insisted on going back with us, but begs to let her out when they start cleaning his wound. Not being an octopus, I have no free hands to take her out to the waiting room and tell her to sit on the chair in the corner we'll be done in a minute (as I continue to hold down my SCREAMING child with us both crying). As we get in the car to leave I am already feeling SO overwhelmed, my daughter vomits. I think she has inherited her mother's queasiness for hospitals.

Monday morning I call 4 plastic surgeon offices to be told that they are booked at least 1 month out. (Seriously, can we postpone a tummy tuck consult for my baby's open wound finger!!??) I keep thinking...where are Dr's Troy/McNamara- they would see me no matter what! The 5th phone call was a charm. I found a fantastic plastics Dr. who happens to also be a hand specialist. He was a former director of plastics at our major local trauma hospital for many years. He says no problem- they will work me in today.

I get to the office (alone with only the patient- no siblings this time) and sweet baby of mine sits in a fancy waiting room chair and I pull the few toys I brought with me - this obviously is not a child frequented Dr. office. He sits up in his chair so big. I chuckle filling out the forms ...patient name, etc....patient occupation....Toddler...Patient hobbies....getting out as many toys as possible, climbing on anything...eating cookies...drinking milk...Okay...back to serious.

Bottom line- my baby has a 3rd degree mechanical burn requiring a skin graft. They are going to take the tissue from his groin area and attach it to his finger. This will happen at crack of dawn Friday and until then his father and I get the pleasure of wound care (also known as you hold him while he screams bloody murder and I'll apply the direct torture). Ugh...I'm not sure who cries more when we do this- he or I?

I will either be gray haired by the weekend or in need of AA. I am already exhausted and can't believe it's only Monday. I am thankful it is only a finger and that this can be somewhat repaired. He is so brave too. As we left the torture visit today he waves bye-bye to all the nurses (who are just eating him up) even the ones who did his wound care. He is way too precious and I am so lucky he has such a happy disposition.

It's official

2007-09-16T17:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/2007/07/16/suburbs-growth-housing-forbeslife-cx_mw_0716realestate_2.html

I officially live in the 8th fastest growing suburb in the US. I guess we finally made the list since we also now have a Starbucks. I don't think you can really be considered for anything until you reach Starbucks status. HA! Have a great week everyone!

You know you are stressed when...

2007-09-13T20:49:00.000-05:00

True stories from this week...

You drive home and your husband comes out to greet you. He continues past you and you say "Oh, I already got the mail". He replies "I was going to help get the kids out of the car." All of a sudden it dawns on you...the children!?? You say "OH! The kids!! I forgot to pick them up from the sitters....be back in a little bit!!"

We had a drawing at work to determine who will get to go on an out of town conference this year. My boss pulls out my name and stares and stares and finally says "I don't know who this is." I say, "hello?? Remember me??" She says "No. I don't know a Brenda Y" I wrote down my maiden name!!!!!!! 8 years and I guess my heart still feels like it was yesterday!!

Not to mention the new constant twitch above my right eye. I thought it started out as allergies, but 10 days later I am claiming stress. And, why do we bother to name our children different names? When it's a rough stressful day it always comes out "br-kat-ma-hey kids!!" I just can't keep them straight this week!

And a sweet story to end on....my sweet 6 year old son lost another tooth today. It's been loose for a while and today it fell out at school. At our school they put teeth in a little tooth necklace so the kids won't lose it and they can take it home. Unfortunately, the plastic tooth necklace did not do it's job today and he literally lost his tooth on the playground. Since I work at his school one of the first grade teachers comes to tell me what happened and that he was not upset. He just went up to her and asked her what was he supposed to do for the tooth fairy now? She told him to write her a letter explaining what happened and she was sure the tooth fairy would leave extra money for him for being so brave and not crying about losing his tooth. Here is what he wrote... "Drer toothfuere i lost my tooth undr the muncebrs. Can you giv me a estr $. Becus i wus so big ubout loosing it. I dinnot crie." Sometimes among the stress there is still nothing like being a mommy!!

Good times, busy, busy....

2007-09-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

I am alive!! Back to school. Wow. I think they should call it "back to life on the roller coaster" or "welcome to the end of freedom for 9 months" instead! Things have been crazy busy around our house the last month.

Here was my oldest's 6th birthday party. I usually go all out and plan some elaborate out of control thing at our house. This year I took the easy way out. Pay the price, save the headache and let someone else do the cleaning up. We had a quiet little family party and a big putt-putt, laser tag, go kart extravaganza.

The quiet family...

Putt -Putt
First day of first grade.

Next, there was my cousin's wedding. What fun that was! It was a western theme wedding and it was so great to be with all of our family in such a picturesque setting. Good times. Lots of pics.

All my boys.My daughter dancing with my grandaddy (her great-granddad). Pretty cool and let me tell you...he can dance like there is no tomorrow. Very cool.

Then, the next weekend one my nearest and dearest friends in the world from college...a dear soul sister to me..flew into town for a baby shower. It was so great to see Laurie. She looks great and I know she will be a great mommy. So fun to see her- even for a short while. And for those of you out there wondering...yes I left with incredible baby fever. Luckily, before I could take action on that emotional surge another dear friend of a 4 week old called to ask "will he ever sleep through the night? I am SO exhausted." Baby fever gone. Like my sleep. Even gave my maternity clothes to a friend this month although she continues to threaten she will return them for number 4. Um...no thanks...all this exercise will not be wasted!!
She will kill me for the next one....

It's a boy!

In between those highlights...we have 2 kids back in fall soccer. I am also the coach of my daughter's team- the Wildflowers. For those who knew me when I was a soccer stud, well, I am reliving my life through my children. HA! Actually, I was invited to join an adult league this fall, but felt that might be overtending myself since it happen to occur on the ONLY free night we have. See, I can say "no" sometimes. (Okay...so I said "maybe I can squeeze it in in the spring.....") Between practice for the 2 of them and Sat. am games, we are quickly realizing what the next 18 years will be like with sports and activities....NUTS!!! Exciting and FUN, but NUTS. We also have tumbling in the mix for my daughter and my oldest son wanted to join cubscouts, but we had to miss that meeting - I was at another meeting. (Did I mention I am volunteering to help with Special Olympics?) We will probably still sign up. I think cubscouts could be a great father-son activity :)

Then there is work. My role has changed this year and it's taken some adjustment to only being at 2 schools instead of supervising at 5. It's a good change, but it's been a bit of an adjustment. It is so great to have all CCC'd people (mastered people in common language). It is so rewarding to be working directly with kids again, but a bit daunting to tackle all those things I didn't have to deal with for the past few years. I also received a new title this week. I am officially the "Lead Speech Language Pathologist" for our district. For those of you who know me well, I LOVE to overachieve so this is right up my ally. Unfortunately, the only benefits it includes is a new name badge with my new title on it and free cokes when I go to the district admin. building. Wow. I know you are all jealous of that one. I really am excited though. I have worked hard at my job for the last few years and it's nice to be aknowledged. A little power never hurts a girl, right? joking....joking...

And the last 2 are just because my little one continues to make me smile everyday. He is truly the HAPPIEST child alive. Even his babysitter agrees so it must be true!! He loves to give hugs now and pats my shoulder. He has learned "Let's go" means "sprint to our vehicle as quickly as possible" and it is adorable to watch him run. He still doesn't talk much- no need for that with all of us to cater to his "uhh's" pointing and grunting. I have taught him about 5 signs and he has maybe 10 words. NO worries though...his mom can fix him later....:) again....joking....And yes....I know you can't talk with a pacifier in your mouth 10 out of 12 hours a day.

Nothing like hiding in a box with your lambie to keep you company....move over baby...mommy needs a break too....

Moving, stargazing, ready for school?

2007-08-10T12:57:00.000-05:00

We are finally moved. I will not say settled, but moved. As a kid I moved 3 times before I graduated high school. Each time was hard and I can remember many, many tears before, during, and long after each move. This move, although not tearful, has also been a roller coaster. We only moved about a mile away into a brand new house we built. It is amazing and we are so lucky to have such a nice place. At the same time, those old emotions of not knowing where anything is, not feeling like it's our cozy home, being overwhelmed by where to put everything, and a longing for the old one are still there. Don't get me wrong - I have no desire to move back to the old one, but miss the cozy organized comfort of it all. So, rather than spend all my time the last 2 weeks unpacking, I unpacked enough to feel somewhat settled and sat down and read HP6 and HP7. I finished HP7 at 1 this morning so now back to unpacking. Perhaps one day soon we will again see our new garage floors!
Here is the old one:
And here is the new one....
We have also been enjoying the coolest new geek toy in our house...a telescope. The kids and I purchased one for father's day and here are some pics that Scott took with it. It is way cool to look and actually see the surface of the moon, Jupiter's moons, and a little peek at Saturn. For what Texas lacks in trees it makes up for with stars (The stars at night....are big and bright....okay..enough state pride) ...
I have one week left of freedom for the summer and then it's back to school time. So, it is not real likely that those garage floors will be visible this week. I feel the need to cram in all those things we were "going to do this summer."

There really is still a sun...

2007-07-16T17:39:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness what a beautiful few days we have had! The sun does still exist and we are taking full advantage of it. It's not helping my motivation to pack for the move, but it sure is a great free mood elevator!!

The new house is looking better and better each day too. It is really beautiful and we are so excited. We went to look at it the other day and my littlest one ran around each room in circles squealing and laughing, kissing the windows, and then throwing himself tummy down in the middle of the floor saying "ahhhh". Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have a winner. If only I was that excited about packing!

July!

2007-07-13T11:02:00.000-05:00

Where is the summer going??!! I love how I have these great ideas at the beginning of summer of how our summer is going to go. Then reality steps in. Who knew it would rain non-stop for us this summer?? Last year we were in a drought and in mandatory city wide water conservation. This year lakes are closing because the boat ramps are under water. It is nutty and is making me a little nutty. Keeping 3 kids inside can be one quick ticket to insanity - Especially when you are selling your house and building a new one. Thank goodness by now I am used to the chaos.

Here are a recent pics of the kids for those of you who haven't seen them in a while:

The boys
Singin' in the rain (literally)
We did make it to the in-laws lake house a couple of times....

Grandpa loves a good boat ride....

His first boat ride!!!

Speaking of nutty...I better go keep them from killing each other. More later friends!