They are out to get me.....for real.

Now some of you might think I am being paranoid. Unreasonable even. But trust me, I am not.

There is a conspiracy theory over in my neck of the woods. Seems the mice are conspiring against me. Evidently, they don't like my working in the garage.

It started subtly at first. The little calling cards they leave behind everywhere they go. Cars emit exhaust, mice emit turds. It must be annoying to be a mouse. Crapping every time you take a step. Or maybe they have terrible navigational senses, and like Hansel and Gretel, leave a trail to find their way home. Only instead of crumbs, they crap?

The poop is bad enough. I mean really. I hadn't seen the mice, only their markings. That all changed after they seemed to have a town hall meeting and decided to scare the crap out of me! I opened the garage door to go in and work, and one fuzzy little crapmaster sped by me at lightening fast speed. I shrieked and slammed the door. Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow right? Though I don't think I can tell my customers, sorry, I cant get your order completed b/c there is a mouse in my garage. So, I put on my big girl undies. Holding my breath (why did I hold my breath?)I went in and got to my workspace as quickly as I could I liked to believe my workspace was in a protected little mouse free bubble. Ha! But I'll get to that later.

I turn to get some vinyl to spool up the machine and see a brown streak dart from the closet to the loft bed we have in pieces in the garage. Of course, I scream (i am sure my garage living neighbors wondered if there was an intruder or something from the way I screamed.) I went into the office and begged Blake to come see if he could find the little thing. He did. No sign of it. Evidently, they just like me. Lovely. So we go back into the house and I add mouse traps to my list of things i need to buy. I head back into the garage. And there it is. Sitting by the edge of the bed. Just looking at me. I scream. It doesn't move. I scream louder. It doesn't move. I stomp my feet and tell it to go away. It seems to shrug. Really, it did. I don't know if I had mouse telepathy but I swear it was saying, I'm not afraid of you....the garage is mine. I don't like mice. But I really don't like mice with attitudes. And especially mice with attitudes that crap everywhere. Game on little critters, game on.
I go and buy some sticky traps. That's right. Score one for me. They are gonna get it now. Ha. No more mice after tonight. So I strategically place the sticky traps in the routes I have seen the little crapper running along. I close the garage door, feeling a bit victorious, perhaps prematurely, but I just knew those little critters had met their match. Just before I headed to bed I decided to see if I had had any quick successes. I opened the door and to my utter disbelief, one of the traps is gone. Ok. Where could it go? Still to this day, we have yet to find it. The other sat untouched. I figured I would give it the night and see what happened. The next morning, there are mice tracks through the glue, but good ole' Chuck E Cheese is still off celebrating somewhere. This pisses me off. My mouse telepathy is telling me Chuck is sitting in the corner somewhere snickering, saying your sticky trap cant slow me down. I feel like they are laughing at me. They are sitting there laughing and pooping. "look at the giant human......we sure got her...."

So, yes, at this point I have lost my mind. I am thinking I am going to have to resort to desperate measure to get these little suckers. So, i get two more glue traps. Then, then I break out the big gun....peanut butter. They might be laughing now, but they are about to regret the day they picked my garage. I dab a tiny bit of the butter right in the center of the trap. I head out to the garage, bid my hello's to the little creature that scampered by. I place the trap near where the mouse mafia seems to be congregating. I turn and go to my work area.

Now to be honest, I am not as brave as it may seem. When I am placing said traps, I lean and stretch as far as I can. What if they decide to attack? Have you ever heard of attack mice? Is there such a thing? Knowing my luck, there is. So, I have work to do. But I DO NOT want to be hanging out in the garage. So far, my area seems to be free of any signs of the nasty little creatures. I pull out my chair, and sit down and to my right on the edge of my table I see it. They have left their business card. One little turd, balancing carefully on the edge of the table. They left it right where they knew I'd see it. It is only one, but it was all they needed to leave. It was enough to let me know they had been there. I can see now this is a war. An all out war. The mouse mafia and I are in a battle over territory. My inner voice is telling me I am being ridiculous that the mouse could care less where I go or what I do, that they are scared of ME! But then I hear them chasing each other and I scream. I run inside and do what any sane person would do. I get my 11 year old daughter and make her come out in the garage and stand on mouse duty. She was less than thrilled, but what is a child to do? Now, I know by now you are all thinking i am certifiable. That making my kid come protect me from mice is just plain crazy. But you just didn't see the way they looked at me, how they were so unafraid of me, and how they left poop right on my work table so I would know they were watching me. So Kayleigh, broom in hand, is watching my back. She is scouting the room, seeing if we are about to be attacked. Suddenly we hear "squeak, squeak" and see the mice run past and in an instant we are both up in the chair screaming like we had no tomorrow. Blake comes to the garage to find us huddled together on the top of a metal folding chair, clinging to the broom; pointing and screaming. How he managed not to die laughing at us is a mystery to me!

We finally manage to untangle, climb down and run inside. After that assault, we called it a night. I am happy to report, my peanut butter trick worked. One of the little rascals just couldn't resist, and after a nice meal of Jiff, found he was stuck. The kids felt bad for him, but I just glared. He had been plotting on me, but I won. One down, but i knew there was at least one more. Ugh.

The next day, almost as if they were protesting the capture and death of their leader (?) I found lots of business cards. The turds were aplenty, and I got in my car and went and got the mean old spring traps. I hate those, the sound is terrible. But, I hate mice more. And, this is my busy season and I need to be in my garage. Alone preferably. Traps are set, placed and the waiting begins. I clean up the turds they left behind and wonder how long we'll be fighting these dang mice. Every time they cut and bale the fields behind the house, we seem to have unwelcome garage visitors. I just cant bring myself to believe they might have made it inside my home.

Yesterday, we discovered a mouse in the spring trap by the garage door, right where they come in. Another bites the dust....or was that peanut butter? Dad was visiting, so he took care of that one for me. We worked all day in the garage yesterday and didn't see or hear any of the little crappers. I know they are still there. There is at least one more, I know because he left me a message(turd). He is still conspiring against me, and planning to overtake the garage (insert evil laugh)Well, I left a message back to him. Right in the center of a nicely loaded spring trap. I just hope he finds it.

Busy busy...sick sick sick

School has started and with that comes germs. We did pretty well the first several weeks, but the flu hit us. Bryce and Samuel both tested positive for flu. Sam got really sick with croup and spent some time in the ER. Drew and Jonathon took their turns being sick. I think I had it before them (but thought it was allergies). Lots of medicines later, and I think we are over it for this bout. I did decide to sprout a mountain range on my face, but what do you do?! I feel like I am back in high school with zits like this again. Ugh.

Football is going well. We are amazed at the money-making machine it is. First you pay to register them. Then you buy the practice set. And, conveniently at each practice, they have a table set up to sell spirit items. Then there is the concession stand. A buck for a can of sprite. 1.50 for Gatorade. A buck for skittles or m&ms. Water bottle 1.00. Then we show up to the Jamboree and realize that each person coming in the gate has to pay entry! For real? We thought that must be a mistake!! Our fees are also double what the leagues around us pay. Each game we go to you have to pay. For each person. I witnessed them make a lady pay $2.00 for her infant. Yep, sure did. Someone is making bank on this. (Why couldn't it be me?) I know there are costs associated.......insurance, referees, and field maintenance, but there has got to be a surplus floating around....... The important thing is that Bryce enjoys it. He isn't the best player on the team, but he is having fun. He never quits, and while he might be afraid, he hasn't backed down yet.


The next big thing....WE HAVE A TEENAGER! A real live, official teenager. I am not sure how that is really possible. I swear he is getting bigger everyday. The voice is getting deeper, the lip is getting hairier, and the feet are already huge (mans size 12 now). He is still a bit shorter than me, but i know that wont be for long.

Our house is one loud, crazy disorganized mess! How could it not be with four active, healthy boys, and one princess! (two princesses if you count Sophie)

Blake is super busy between work and his new calling. He only lasted on the high council about 2 months. I think he wishes he was still on it. He is now the stake executive secretary. He is doing a great job at it, but we miss him. :) We have a great Stake Presidency, so I am very happy he is working with such great men! Blake is already such a good father, husband, leader, and more; I know this calling will be good for him. he'll tell you he lacks in compassion, so maybe this'll help?

I swear I get further and further behind everyday. I am a terrible time manager, and even though I know this, I haven't seemed to find the ability to correct it. Because of this, the blog is being neglected, but I am going to try to put more on here.

Why is it????

I have a question bobbing around in my head today. Why is it when 2 different people do the exact same thing, you have a totally different reaction?

Example: Person A eats off your plate, you smile and go on. Maybe even taste theirs.
Person B eats off your plate and you want to rip their head off or at the very least, get an IV of antibiotics to get rid of their germs.

Does the way we feel about people ( on a personal level) make that much of a difference in how we react to seemingly innocent things?

Why are we so quick to let it go from certain people, but fester, stew and boil over another? They've done the same thing, but the reaction is SO opposite.

How do you get past personal feelings and react objectively?
And, no, I am not really talking about eating off someones plate, just using it as an example.
Any thoughts?

This is really bugging me.....(couldnt help it....sorry for the corny joke)

Happy Birthday Andrew!

I can not believe my little Andrew turned 6 years old! he is still just as sweet and charming as he was when he was born. Andrew was born our smallest baby, and was probably our easiest too. That could be because he followed Bryce and ANY baby would be easy after him. He has always had a sense of calm and happiness about him. But don't let him fool you, he might be little, but he can be fierce! Again, following after Bryce, you'd have to be. The two of them were best friends from the moment Andrew was able to keep up (or as Bryce would call him, Doo Doo). Just like any kid, he has his moments, but even then, he is still usually smiling at you while he totally ignores what you've told him, or explains the great misjustice that has befallen him (no doubt at the hands of his brothers).

He takes most things in stride. So happy and mostly trying to make everyone around him happy. He and Sam sometimes come to near blows. Sam, it seems, has figured out how to push every single one of Drew's buttons.....repeatedly.

I think he sometimes gets overlooked in the chaos simply because he is so easy to please. He was so excited about his birthday this year. While his actual birthday was crazy, we talked him into letting us celebrate on Wednesday, he got really excited! Not quite grasping what was going on, he said: So, I can have a birthday tomorrow too!

Us: Yes.

Drew: That's great. Today I am six, tomorrow I'll be seven!

It took us a while to explain to him it didnt work like that, but in the end he is happy! Two days of celebration and presents! What could be better!

Just a little thing I did today....

I know I have said this before, but now, I really mean it. I think I have officially lost my mind. Now, those of you who know me well, know there wasn't much to loose. However, what little bit may have been left, well.....it's gone now.
This morning, Sam and I were hanging out watching PBS and killing time till our noon play date at the Y. I got distracted by a book I was reading, Sam messing his diaper, and then the telephone. Suddenly, it was 11:20 and I still had not showered. I took a quick shower, dressed and proceeded to style my locks.
I had the round brush going, the dryer blowing, and was in a hurry.....a bad one. By this point it was 11:40 or so, and i knew I would be a little late. This is also expected, I am a Bedwell, and it is in my blood.
So, the hairstyle,.....let's get back to it. I am styling and thinking I might just get there in time. I clip my bangs up, and see the hairspray out of the corner of my eye. I grab the spray, and generously spray the crown and sides of my noggin. Suddenly, to my horror, i see white foaming bubbles growing where I had just sprayed my hair.
I look at the vanity, and realize right next to my green bottle of Garnier Fructisse Spray, was a lovely green bottle of Scrubbing Bubbles Bath and Toilet Cleaner. I had seriously just sprayed my hair with FOAMING FREAKING BUBBLES. Needless to say, I have no more hard water stains or mildew in my hair. Luckily, I also have my hair. I rinsed quickly. I was back at square one with the hair do, so I just quickly dried it and left.
In the car, I called my friend, Rhonda, and apologized for being late, yet again. This time, I told her, I had a good excuse. She got quite the chuckle when I explained my new found beauty product. Luckily for me, no permanent damage seems to have been done (to my hair anyway). You'd think I would have quickly put away the toilet spray, but nope it is still sitting there, right along side my hairspray, which I never even used today.

The happenings around here....

The past few weeks have been filled with the usual summer business. We haven't been to the pool lately, seems every time we want to go it storms. I don't mind the rain. The lawn gets watered and I don't have to wear a swimsuit in public. Double win!
I can't believe how quickly time is ticking away and soon school will be starting. This year we will have a 7th, 6th, 2nd and 1st grader! Sam and I will chill at home! :) I am tempted to put the little stinker in pre-school. He loves playing with his friends, and is always wanting to go somewhere. My goal is to get him potty trained as soon as the big kids head back to school. Say a prayer for me.....I have never potty trained a child. No Lie. Blake has done it every time. What a good dad he is!

We are all reading lots of books from the library. I am reading for enjoyment for the first time in a long time. I remember now why I had to put aside my hobby.....nothing in my house gets done when I am reading. For example, when I read the whole Twilight series in a week, it was as if I had been kidnapped and my house fell apart. Nothing got accomplished until I finished those books. Same has been true this go around. I have been reading random things different people have suggested. I finished "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" today. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it. I had a slow start to it. The book is all in the form of correspondence between people, weaving the story as the letters go. At first, I was put off by the letters, but soon really enjoyed the way it allowed you to see things from so many characters eye, and to hear it from their words. Add it to your summer reading list if you haven't read it!

Business wise, I am getting ready to teach a few Super Saturday classes for one of the wards in my stake. Of course, they are getting a good deal. We are gearing up for a few Fairs, several school fundraisers, and are hoping to launch some home shows/workshops.

This summer we have said good-bye to many friends who have moved, and are welcoming new friends! Blake is keeping busy at work. He is still enjoying his job, but works crazy hours! He recently had an interview for a government civilian position. We should hear about that in the next several week (2 months at the latest.....nothing happens quickly on their time frame). It would be great to get a gov. civilian job for several reasons.....he can have his Air Force years back towards a govt. retirement. At least if it doesn't happen, he is happy with his current job.

School starts back a little over 3 weeks from now. We are starting a new chapter....JR HIGH!!!!

I seriously can't believe our babies are old enough to be in 6th and 7th grade! Kayleigh will still be at the elementary school this year, as construction on the new school was not completed in time. I shudder to think of Jonathon going to school with 7-12th grade kids......why do i feel like he is still a small, helpless child.....does this look like a baby to you?

I have a feeling the next few years are going to fly by.......I really don't know if I am prepared to be the parent of a teenager. That is just what he will be in less than 2 months!

I best go try to keep peace in the house....Jonathon has a friend sleeping over and they are tormenting KK who is trying to play dance, dance revolution. Sam is coloring on something he shouldn't, and Andrew is being far too quiet to be up to any good....

The Joys of Summer

Did you know it is hot? Like really hot! We had plans this week. Most of it involves being outside. The zoo.....the pool.....scout camp dinner and family day. So, a heat index of 108-112 does not mesh well with that! I am rethinking and looking for nice indoor activities.
Bass Pro Shops is having a free family summer camp, so yesterday a friend and I took our combined 8 children to check it out. What they failed to tell us is the Tuesday/Thursday events are lecture/scavenger hunts only. It is only the weekend that has the free shooting range, casting pond, smores, crafts, etc. So, we had 8 kids who were somewhat disappointed they didn't get to shoot airguns or bow/arrows. Bryce was bummed he didn't get to "fish". We may try to return on Saturday, but that depends...on if I want to. Truthfully, a stop by the fudge shoppe downstairs on the way out, and all the disappointment was washed away in a wave of sugary confections. I even let the kids get some candy :)

We dropped Kayleigh and her friend off at her friends house, and headed back home for an evening of pure laziness. I was going to go out and weed the flower bed, but I was out for less than 2 minutes (at 7pm) and was sweating like crazy. The phone rang, and that was all the excuse I needed to go back inside. I have some vinyl projects i need to finish in the next few days, and the garage is SO hot that I have just be procrastinating. I am afraid to see how my neighbors take to the heat. In the dead of winter, they (meaning the father and son) would be hanging out in the garage in their underwear. (and yes, with the garage door open!). It looks recently as though they are trying to make it more comfortable in there and have added a lovely yellow arm chair with wood accents. They live right across the street, so it is kind of hard not to notice. i will have to go all stealthy and snap a picture for you guys......seriously, something you have to see to believe. Thankfully, the dad is a fan of boxers vs. tighty whities. Sadly, he is not a fan of any type of shirt. He really should look into them. I walked outside to find him on the riding mower yesterday in cutoff jeans and no shirt. (no shoes either). The little boy (who is only 5 or 6) is much like is father and is a fan of bottom only attire. He does prefer tighties to boxers.

I am thinking there must be SOME kind of community code against underwear-lounging in your driveway while smoking? Right? I mean seriously, there are two houses for sale next door and across the street. If i came to look at a house and a 300+pound man was sitting in a lounge chair in just his underwear at the top of his drive way, I'd probably keep on driving. Admittedly, they are quite friendly and the mother is a fan of all clothing. I guess they figure their house, they can do what they want.

We had a fun quick trip this past weekend. My little brother finally got hitched. It was a beautiful wedding and I will do a post all about that at some point when pics are available. It was fun to sit and reminisce with my all my siblings (except for Chris who was off honeymooning, I am sure) about funny stories and things from the past. The kids all had a wonderful time with one another. I sure wish we all lived closer to each other.

This is getting long, and isn't really about anything, so I am going to go tackle one of those long neglected projects!

Pics from Baseball

As if you weren't already sick of our baseball stories, here are some pics to add to your misery! I happen to think they are cute:

I love this one, Bryce is admiring his trophy they worked so hard for!

Getting his trophy. They were all so excited to get second place!

The Scrappers
This is his team! Bryce was one of the oldest, and definitely the tallest on his team.
The whole team, except three boys, move up to the next league for next season.

This is how these boys are. Silly, wild......the dugout was crazy. Bryce is the one with the blue tongue. While Bryce was getting his trophy, Jonathon's team was playing for the championship.

It was a heartbreaking loss. There were lots of terrible calls, and the final score put the nail in the coffin for them. They went from playing for the championship, to not placing.......they tied for third, but third went to the other team as they had beaten us twice. It was still a great season, a great coach, a team of good boys! Our boys were polite, and respectful. The team that won had a team full of foul mouthed, disrespectful boys. Sometimes, winning isn't always an indicator of who is truly best.


Here are the BATS waiting for the places to be called. Jonathon is on the back row....you can see his glasses..
Waiting to get their trophies. I am amazed at the broad range of sizes in these boys! These are 11/12 year olds. Here is Jonathon getting his trophy. He moves up to the next league next year too. For now, we get to enjoy summer......then Bryce starts football and Jonathon will have Fall Ball. Fun!

Baseball is officially over.....for the summer

We had Jonathon's closing ceremony tonight. Bryce's was yesterday. His team won second in the league. Lots of natural talent on that team, and all but three boys move up to the next age group.

It is funny, Jonathon's team had a coach who gave it his all and had great practices. All the games just didn't go their way, and after a crushing loss on Monday night they lost their spot as second in the league. Jonathon did make a fantastic catch in center field, but the win was still not to be. Bryce's team had a coach who was on the clueless side, had very few practices, and they end up in second!

As Jonathon's game was going on, Bryce's team was getting their trophies. They looked SO cute out there. All season, no matter what, their team was always happy. There is one boy on the team in particular who always had a smile on his face. The boys come off the field after the ceremony proudly showing off their trophies!

I take Bryce's trophy and read the inscription and have to hold in a giggle. It reads:

2009 City League Baseball
Runner-ups


Um, people.......Runners-up. I had to point it out to the other parents They all got a good giggle out of it. It is just par for the course around here. Maybe I am just a grammar nerd...ok y'all know I am not b/c i totally ignore rules of grammar on my blog......but for a trophy you are presenting on behalf of the city! What is sad is that the trophy shop didn't catch it either!

Tonight at Jonathon's ceremony we were reminded how backwards things are around here sometimes......stereotypical rednecks. There was the guy that kept lifting his shirt and picking up his belly flap. Yucky. The lady who stepped right in front of me as i am trying to take pictures of my son get his trophy. She had the nerve to get irritated at me for taking pictures over her shoulder. The kicker of them all was the All Star coach on one field coaching a practice. He was waving a bat around, pointing it at the kids, and yelling at them. The parents all just sat and watched! I am sorry, if some guy is yelling at my kid and waving a bat at him, I am going to have to intervene. Oh, the joys of small town, southern life!

This is what happens when I try to cook.....

Yes, this is glass, shattered ALL OVER! All I was doing was trying to cook........now I dont even have a lid for the pot. Guess we better just get take out! :)

Will it ever stop raining?

Rain has been the theme around here for what feels like forever.

Rain drops are falling on my head.......

This was from 2 weeks ago when we had the severe flash flooding. Our yard was lakefront property. Seriously. We had to go in and out through the garage as our sidewalk was a river......of woodchips! (see the pic below)

Did I mention our backyard was a lake too! And we live at the TOP of the hill! In the pic the yard looks like mud, but it is actually running water, and there is grass under there....I PROMISE!

I am thinking the drought is over. I mean it has been raining again for the past 5 days off and on. This is the start of summer! We should be getting to swim (in a pool not a front yard puddle), I should be able to kick the kids outside when they are fighting over who gets to be the eagle webkinz........Or when they decide to play tennis IN the bedroom! But no.....we have rain. RAIN I tell you!

I am sure in a few weeks when it is hot as anything, I will be begging for some rain. Right now, I want to see the sun!

It is Offical.....Blake is certified...

And no, not as crazy. Though one would think living with me for 13+ years would certainly qualify anyone for a crazy certificate.
Blake took his PMP certification today and passed! WOO hoo! Big weight off his shoulders there. He was cramming last night, taking practice tests, talking to himself and the computer......but it is over and he passed!
It is supposed to be a big deal in his field, but dont ask me? :) So a Huge congrats to Blake!

The first day of summer has begun for the children and me. Perhaps it will be I who is certified crazy by the end of the week. Sophie keeps looking for somewhere quiet to take a nap....poor puppy. I did sneak away today and have lunch with my good friend, Beth, who will be moving soon. I am in total denial, and pretending it isn't coming! They were here for just a year with ACSC (military), and will be heading back towards where we came from. I am sad to see them go. We have been doing Wednesday lunches for the past several months, and I am so going to miss that! She is always a fun person to sit and chat with. Her son and mine are good friends too, so there will be sadness on many levels in our home when they move. I know now a little more how it felt for all my friends we left behind over the years!

This summer should be a busy and fun one! My little brother is getting married in less than a month (his fiance-whom we love- is a brave girl to marry into this big crazy family!). I just have to give you a little laugh, it will be the "Johnson-Bedwell" wedding....hehehe.....Ok, so I have a dirty mind....That is almost as funny as when my sister got married: Bedwell-Virgin. Oh, I know. Enough, grow up and move on.......

So, back to summer. Lots of time at the pool. I get to sleep in! WOO HOOO!!!!! I am sure i will also be refereeing lots of fights and arguments. My one big goal for this summer is to clean out my garage! And yes, it just might take all summer!

I guess that is it. Boring as always! Oh...good news....Bryce's test came back negative for MRSA, it was just "plain ol' staph". It is looking TONS better and he is still wild and crazy!

Yesterday was ALL about Bryce!!!

Bryce comes in the room this morning and pulled up his shirt and said, "Mom, this really hurts." My eyes were still adjusting to being awake, but I could make out what looked to be a large bite or zit looking thing right on his hipbone.
I decided to keep him home for the day and watch it. See if it got bigger, smaller, redder, whiter, more pus, less pus....and on.

After lunch with Blake at the bowling alley, I decided to drive by the Dr.'s office and see if they were busy. There were only a few cars, so we popped in. Less than a five minute wait, and we are getting vitals, and blood pressures. Nurse asks what is up, i give her a brief history, lift his shirt and show her his wound we have under a band aid. Told her I am sure it isn't a bite. Doesn't itch. Hurts to touch, is red and hot. Had a head like a zit. My guess was a staph pustule. I get that look that nurses and Dr's give when they think parents are over reacting. She draws blood to pull a CBC to see if he has an infection. He did not enjoy that. They did a finger prick, then milked it for blood. She leaves, Bryce's blood in hand.

We are left alone in the room. This is never fun. My kids want to investigate every item in the room.What is this? What is that? They want to pull out and try to use the stirrups after I made the mistake of telling them you rest your feet in them. Sam poops in his diaper. I realize I didn't bring an extra in with me. Lovely.

Dr. comes in, and I get to repeat the conversation I just had with the nurse. She has moved on to the "bite" the nurse told her about. She looks at it and says, not a bite, but definitely a staph infection. She needs a sample to send off to test. FUN. Bryce reasoned with her for a good 15 minutes on why she didn't need to do that. Made her tell him step by step what she was going to do, complete with hand motions. She finally got the sample, then drained what she could of the infection. She said we would know for sure on Monday if it is MRSA or not, but they are treating it as if it is. They did a strep test on him too, as his tonsils were HUGE. It was positive, but she thinks Bryce does not have full blown strep, but is a carrier. He didn't have a fever or sore throat or any typical symptoms of strep. He had been wild for a few days, which is usually a warning to us he is about to be sick. They give us 2 antibiotic prescriptions and says to keep it covered. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and he is good to go.

She tells me he is cleared to play baseball, but not to go to school (they were having field day today and had several water type games she thought would be best to avoid). I debated on letting him go to the game, but she assured me that if we have the wound dressed and covered, and his shirt stayed tucked in, no one would be at risk. His wound is very small, and is not weeping or leaking or anything. I checked the CDC website, and they say the same thing. As long as it is covered, normal activities are ok.

He was feeling great, so off to baseball he went.

HE HAD THE BEST GAME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

They have now placed him as their lead off batter. He steps up to bat, and on the first pitch, hits it hard and it goes right in between 2ND and third and rolls to the fence. He got up to bat 4 times list night, and each time, fantastic hits! One to the fence, one over the short stops heads, the first hit between second and third, and then one along the third base line. All the boys hit well last night!
What was amazing was the first inning we were in the field. They had a couple boys who had hit, and bases were loaded. There were no outs. We had ended our inning with no outs under the 9 run rule, but we still didn't want them to get any runs.
One of their boys gets up to hit. Bryce is playing third base. He hits the ball and it heads right for Bryce, arching high into the air. The boys on base have started running. Bryce catches the ball. He is so happy! Shocked even. Out one!
He looks and realized the guy from second is almost to third and had never tagged up after he caught the ball. He tags him! Out two!
We all realize what is happening and yell for him to touch third base! The runner is on his way back from home to third and all he has to do is touch the plate to get him out! Bryce touches third, and he's out! OUT THREE! Bryce got a triple play! All three outs in one inning, all by himself in ONE play!
All the parents were cheering, Bryce was grinning from ear to ear. The other coach came over to our dugout and asked who was playing third. They pointed out Bryce and he actually came and gave Bryce a high five and told him Congratulations! He said he had NEVER seen a play like that in 6 year old baseball!

The game was so fun to watch! Our boys were all excited! The ending score was 18-2. Bryce has another game tonight, one Saturday, Monday and Tuesday! I know they won't all go as well as this one, but as a parent, it is SO fun to watch our children succeed at something they enjoy!

*For any of you going....I cant believe she let her kid with a staph infection go play ball, I'll give you a link to the CDC where you can see it was safe. I told the parents who were gathered before the game, and no one had a problem with him playing.

Time for a new post

Pitiful attempt at a group picture!

I couldn't stand the Trojan Weekend being up there any longer, so I figured it was time to post something!

We have been quite busy around here. Baseball, spring break, baseball, school, baseball, mom is sick, baseball....I think you get the picture.

The season has been fun this year! Blake isn't coaching, so I have an extra adult with me to tame the wild ones. Bryce is doing quite well. His first 2 games, i think he was super nervous. He wasn't hitting very well. In practice, he makes contact at every at-bat. After the second game, where he struck out at both at bats, he seemed a bit down. "Mom, I lost my batting skills." That is what he told me. I am happy to report he has now regained his skills. He smiles every time he crosses home plate!

Bryce lost his SKILLS!

Proof Jonathon got on base :)

Jonathon's team is doing well too! There is truly such if difference between the 6 year olds and the 12 year olds though! The little ones are cute and all having fun. By the time they are 12, it is a bit more serious. (Though you do still see an occasional outfielder playing in the grass-hope it isn't my kid!) Next year THREE will be playing......Not sure how we'll manage that!

Easter was nice and low key! My parents came up and spent Friday and Saturday with us. Blake and Dad started on our back fence. They got about half of it done! We finished the other half this past weekend after an incident with Sophie and a coyote!

Sophie likes to go play in the cow field behind the house. I was getting ready to go to the gym and had let Sophie out. When i went to let her in, she had gone into the field and was behind the portion of the fence dad and Blake had finished. I called to her, then realized she was brown instead of black. I was walking towards the fence when i realized that I was looking at a coyote and not my puppy. I looked for her immediately and she was to the left of the coyote about 4 or 5 feet. She was not barking, but frozen and her hair was on its ends from head to tail. I yelled to Jonathon what was going on (it was during spring break) and picked up a piece of fence post and stated yelling at the coyote. It was not even afraid of me. We came towards it, and are telling it to go away. The coyote and Sophie chase each other back and forth across the cow field. We finally help Sophie figure out how to get back into the yard. She was so on guard she got confused and was stuck between the cattle wire and the privacy fence. When she would turn her back to the coyote, it would come in on her. I have to admit, I was screaming, waving the wood above my head (i am sure it was quite the sight!) and Jonathon was screaming, directing Sophie. Even when Sophie was back in our yard, and Jonathon carried her inside that coyote just stood there and stared at us. Then slowly went back into the field. Obviously, we had to finish the fence ASAP before Sophie became Coyote dinner.

I am sure there is other stuff that is going on too......the school year is wrapping up, so lots of field trips, parties, and stuff. Blake is taking a class for some certification, working lots of overtime, and still being super-dad. I have some fun things going on! New calling....Activities Committee Chair (For the 4th time! I must really suck at it!). Working on planning some fun activities. Then there is my little business. Lots of potentially very exciting things going on there!!!! I'll share some of that another time.

For the most part, life is great! We really are quite blessed, and I am so grateful! Now if I could just get Sam potty trained, life would be golden!!!!

A Trojan Weekend.....(not what you think...dirty minds you!)

This past weekend, we took a break from it all and had a little day trip. Some friends of Blake's from his early Troy days were in town for a few days. I had already had a girl's night out with Nicole, but we hadn't gotten a chance to see Chas, Shelley, the kids, and Shelley's parents. (Shelley and Nicole are sisters. I knew Nicole from my Troy days and from the good ol' days in the military)

I have to admit I was bummed to miss out on sleeping in Saturday morning, but we got up early to head to Troy. Blake had promised us all Crowe's chicken for lunch, so we were eager to go! (If you ever happen through Troy, AL on US 231 you MUST stop at Crowe's and get chicken fingers, sauce and mashed potatoes.....YUMMY!)

We got down there a little early, so we grabbed the kids some breakfast, then took a driving tour of our old stomping grounds. WOW has it changed! So many memories! We drove past Blake's old apartment, our first apartment, my old dorm, the ROTC building, the gazebo where we got engaged, all the places Blake used to work, and our old church building. The church building is probably the one thing that hasn't changed. It is a tiny little phase II LDS building. If you have ever been in one, you know what I mean. We ran into an old friend in the parking lot and took a few minutes to catch up and hear how all the locals we still know are doing. That was a lot of fun. Going "home" (or back to where this all began) always triggers such strong memories, reliving it all! The excitement of living away from home for the first time, testing my wings, falling in love, and to be honest, it just gives me butterflies! Looking across the car, it reminded me how much I love that man, and why. (Yeah, it wasnt for the car, that's for sure!!!! He drove a beat up Dodge Aries K......that's umm....well.....not a muscle car :P ) We sure started from humble circumstances. He worked (and still does) so hard for everything that we have, but has found a way to thoroughly enjoy (and spread that joy) every minute of it. When we drove by the apartment he lived in when we met, I remember all the hours spent playing Jeopardy on the Sega. It was THE ONLY game I could beat him at..... The theater we went on our first outing (NOT A DATE) has been torn down, but we giggled at the fact that I was sly and failed to invite another friend along so I could be alone with him. It worked, he was hooked, and here we are almost 15 years later. Still as crazy in love as back then. Probably a little crazier then back then for SURE!

After our tour, it was finally time for our beloved CROWE's chicken. We met up with Nicole and her girls, Chas and Shelley (Lesley) and their kids, and Dick and Lonnie (their parents) to enjoy the feast that is Crowes. Ah. fried goodness in a box. I have to say, it was good, but failed to meet the expectations of my memory. Still way better than Zaxby's or Guthrie's.....for sure! Much better than the food, was reuniting with old friends! I think the last time we saw the Lesley's was when Jonathon was a year old! Time Flies! It was like no time passed at all, as the conversation settled naturally, and we learned about each others lives.....so many years and experiences later. Our kids got along well. We took them to a park, and the guys engaged in a little football. It was such a fun day, and made us realize how blessed we are to have such great friends, that no matter the time or distance we can pick right up like it was yesterday.

Time came to head home! We said our good-byes and loaded up. As we drove out of town, past all the landmarks of our past, I was very grateful for that odd little town, the peculiar little branch, and all the wonderful people that have stepped into our lives from our time there.

Zumba, Thai food, and Strep throat....

That was my day yesterday. I have been going to Zumba, but not as often as I would like. The class is at an odd time of day. Making it difficult to go to Zumba and get anything done. BUT, I so enjoy it. It also has enlightened me to several things:

1. I have no rhythm. The right side of my body is especially rhythm free.
2. I get confused easily. Having my arms. legs and hips moving in different directions at the same time is a near impossible feat. Strange looking too I am sure!
3. Every time I see my fat giggling in the mirror, I want to gag....and then I push harder and sweat more!
4. I sweat a lot! I am fairly certain it is a family trait. Sweaty bunch. When i got Sam from the nursery and picked him up he asked me why I was all wet!
5. I am always in a better mood after I zumba. And today, that was a particularly good thing, as my day was about to get derailed!

Wednesdays, my friend Beth and I do lunch. She has an appt with her trainer the same time I have Zumba, so we planned to meet at noon. I got home, and proceeded to get in the shower. I was about to step in when I phone rang. It was the school. Drew was in the nurses office (second time this week, first time he fell and hit the back of his head in the lunchroom.....big goose egg!). He was running a low grade fever and complaining of his leg hurting and his mouth hurting. She said his throat looked red. I showered as quickly as possible, put some stuff in my hair, threw on clothes, grabbed Sam, and crossed the street to the school. Drew comes down the hall smiling, looking PERFECTLY healthy! I felt him and there seemed to be no fever.

I decided I would continue on with my lunch date. Adult interaction is so rare these days, I didnt want to cancel, plus Beth is one of those friends that just makes you smile. Such a fun person to be around. (They are moving this summer and I will miss her!) The kids are happily playing in the car, and we finally pull into Thai Place about 6 minutes late. I wasnt worried because Beth is worse in the time department. If I am five late, Beth will be 10. I tend to think of my (our) lateness as a reflection of our care-free, happy attitudes....yeah, lets go with that one!

Sam decides to make a super poop while we are waiting for Beth in the car. Drew decides his stomach is now starting to hurt, and must use the bathroom RIGHT NOW!!!!! As we are getting out, Beth pulls in. Sam, who has an irrational fear of public bathroom changing tables, is begging me to change his diaper in the truck and not on "one of those things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I decide that is probably a great idea, and change his super stinky diaper in the truck, all the while questioning if I am crazy or stupid for not cancelling. Andrew is doing the potty dance, so we head to where Beth is standing. She is on the phone, so I motion to her that we are going in to get a table and go potty.

Lunch was great, and I was very glad I hadn't canceled as Beth had truly had a terrible day with some unexpected, terrible news from back home. We chit chatted, ate, and watched Sam and Drew trace pennies onto paper lace place mats. The food was good, and though our conversation was not as light and fun as usual, I think we both enjoyed it. We certainly both needed it! I am very grateful for friends with whom you can share your heart! I have been blessed to have many!

As the meal was winding down, the boys were winding up! Drews cheeks were starting to be a bit flushed, so we headed over to the drs. office just to be safe. Luckily, or so I thought...., the office was 1/2 mile from the Thai Place, and it is a walk-in Express clinic. HAHAHAH!!!!! EXPRESS!!!HAHAHAHAH!!!!!

The short of it, I signed it at 1:18, and left at 440. Beth saved my neck and went to get Jon, Kay and Bry from the house when the bus came. As I left the doctor's office at 440, I understood Postal Rage. SERIOUSLY! Here is a math equation for you:

Dr's office + 2 rowdy boys + 1 PMS-ing mom + 3 1/2 hours + 2 shots= 3 really unhappy people

I finally had to go hunt someone down and remind them we were in the room still waiting for a read on the strep test after 45 minutes. Sam and Drew both have strep. I have a headache and a raging case of PMS. How fun!!!!!!

To exacerbate things, I had only gotten about 5 hours of sleep the night before, so any irritation I was experiencing was magnified 110%.

All in all the day wasn't a total loss. I had a great workout, a yummy lunch with a fun friend, got to pick up our taxes from the accountant, and Jonathon got his aviation merit badge at the court of honor. Not to mention....it was LOST night! WOo hoo!!!!! Also, Blake took pity on me and picked up the meds from the pharmacy, and dinner! What a man!

So, I guess that is about it. Nothing exciting here! But really, aren't most days just like that!

Fun day at the dentist....

Today Andrew and Bryce had dental appointments. Andrew had a cavity to be filled and Bryce had a tooth to be pulled and a cavity to be filled. I was dreading it. We love our dentist office here, but this would be our first dental work done there outside of cleanings(except for them pulling Bryce's tooth when it cracked from the pressure of the permanent tooth pushing up from under it). I was a little nervous, and worried I would be called back and asked to take them to the Pediatric dentist down the road. However, it all went spectacularly!

I have to say first off that I LOVE our dental office here! LOVE THEM! Andrew, who would not allow our dentist in Missouri to touch him, and Bryce who was FIRED by our dentist (who happened to be in our WARD!) LOVE going....even if it is for work and not just a cleaning!

The practice truly strives to make it a FUN experience for adults and children alike!
They have only been opened since June of last year, I believe. However, they seem to be very popular, and I know why! When you come in you are greeted and it feels friendly! You truly feel welcomed! They have a refreshment center with complimentary refreshments. Yum!
The decor is all very nice and relaxing. Feels more like someones home than a dental office. At the other end of the lobby there is an Internet bar. Off the bar there is an Xbox room with a giant bean bag and a coloring center.

The exam rooms are all very nicely decorated and calming. Giant TV's are mounted to the ceiling above your head. Laughing gas is readily available! :) I LOVE THAT STUFF! The staff is so friendly, and adore the kids. (Messy faces and all!) The dentist has a great chair-side manner, and is able to get the kids to comply, yet takes their concerns to heart. GREAT dentist!

As we left today with the kids waving back to the receptionist, I had to laugh at the fact that my boys....who just had shots in their mouths, and even a tooth pulled.....were asking when they could come back!!!!!!!

What a far change for what we experienced at our last dentist! I still remember sitting in the lobby, wrestling with Sam (who was about a year old at the time). We were about a month away from Blake being home from Afghanistan. To say I was stressed would be an understatement. We had no problems with our dentist, and truly his work was fine. But I left that office feeling ashamed, frustrated and like a failure. How embarrassing to be fired as a client! I left today with a smile on my face, a smile on my kids faces, and a sense of accomplishment!

Yes, I am a freak, I know.

I sure miss a real winter!

I grew up in Alabama. Not a lot of snow here, but the few times in my childhood it did now I loved it.

Our first assignment in the Air Force introduced me to snow, and lots of it! I had never driven in it, and it was quite intimidating for me. I LOVED the snow though. (didn't love the flooded basement when the April Fools day blizzard of 1997 melted....) There is something about the earth covered in pure white that just makes me so happy.


This past weekend, the weather was predicted to include snow. Seeing how they forecasters are wrong more than they are right, we didn't count on it.


Sunday morning, Blake got up around 530 to go potty (i am sure he'll like me telling that) and we had snow. Not just a dusting, but SNOW. And it was still snowing! (Have i mentioned I love snow!)



We decided we wouldn't be heading to church b/c they don't have the equipment here to sand/salt the roads and bridges and emergency management was asking people to stay home.
The snow continued falling till about 2 in the afternoon.

Sophie was afraid of the snow at first, but then decided she loved it too! She ran, chased snowflakes, assaulted Kayleigh's snowman, and ate lots of snow!

Andrew had to be reminded to be careful where he ate snow from...... dog+yellow snow does not equal SNOW CONE!

I wasn't sure if Samuel would remember snow, or what he would think about it, but he loved it! He also insisted on eating it. Thankfully Sophie goes in one area of the yard, and we encouraged them not to eat the snow......


Jonathon helped Sam tractor through the snow. There were plenty of snowball fights too!

Bryce did not LOVE the cold, but enjoyed the snow a lot. I think he was probably the least thrilled with it. Kayleigh, i would guess, had the most fun. She was out there nearly the entire day! (She and Sophie) She built a snowman, and as soon as we snapped the picture (see above) Sophie jumped on the snowman, knocked its head off and stole the scarf. She then proceeded to eat the carrot face.......


Blake even joined in the action for a good fight with Jonathon and his friend, Hunter.










Unfortunately for Jonathon and Hunter, Blake doesn't fight fair! They had a ton of fun though!

Sadly, all our snow was gone by Monday morning, but what an unexpected surprise! I may have grown up an Alabama girl, but living in states with four seasons fit me well. I forgot how much I LOVE winter till we got our "snowstorm". Wonder what the chances are we'll get more snow within the next, oh five years!?

I am home safely....I was KIDNAPPED!

It is the most unbelievable thing! Monday started normally enough. I got the kids off to school then got Sam and myself dressed. I had an appointment, and on the way out the door, I grabbed Kayleigh's book off the table.

Next thing I know......WHAM.....my world changed. It is unimaginable! I still shake my head and ponder how it all happened. Before I knew it, I was all the way in Washington State! I had been kidnapped by vampires (really good looking ones), werewolves, and a really clumsy, whiny human girl (she reminded me of myself....always tripping, and finding unlikely ways to injure or endanger herself).

As far as kidnappings go, it WAS quite exciting! I kind of felt like I was just being dragged along in their daily lives. In fact, they really never paid any attention to me, but man did I absorb every minute of the time they had me. I think the reason they didn't have any time to pay attention or torture me was because of all the turmoil they were going through. It was CRAZY!

They took me EVERYWHERE with them. In the past week, I have been to many towns on the west coast, Phoenix, Italy, Alaska, a lovely private island (though I have to say that trip was a little awkward for me.......), and so many other places! They never let me away from them.....

For a while, I thought my captors were all going to be killed, but thankfully, all is well.

When I was released and returned home to my family, I was stunned. It was as if my family didn't even notice I was gone. However, I DID notice the monstrous stack of dishes, the insane piles of laundry, the crumbs in the carpet, and the general state of chaos in my home. They just can't function without me!

I think my family fears I may have Stockholm syndrome. Every time I talk about my captors and our adventures, they kind of look at me in an odd way. They truly were nice vampires, werewolves (well, they kind of bugged me) and whiny girl. I thought I may get released when the whiny girl took me home with her as her dad was chief of police, but no such luck. He was oblivious to me too.!?

My kidnappers did take good care of me. The one vampire, Edward, he was especially nice. The whiny girl, Bella, caused him lots of problems. I kind of felt bad for the vampire.....maybe I do have Stockholm?

There were definitely some tense times, especially for me.....Edward and Bella (the whiny girl) even made me tag along to their honeymoon on a private island.....Talk about being a third wheel.

It is just amazing all that happened in a weeks time. You probably wouldn't believe it if I tried. Those folks work fast though......maybe it was a shot gun wedding...if you know what I mean. They did pick a TERRIBLE name for their half human/half vampire child.

Sometimes, during my kidnapping, i felt like I was actually a part of the family and not someone taken against their will. I felt attached, and was genuinely concerned whether Bella and Edward would find happiness (though she was often quite draining). Whether their vampire family would be safe, and if the dumb werewolf would screw things up!?

Even now that I am home, I find myself talking about them often. Heck, I even went and read their Edwards "Midnight Sun" to see how he was doing....same ole, same ole, rehashing what I had just been through with them, but from his view (enjoyed that greatly....nice guy-for a vampire)

In case you are wondering, I returned home still 100% human. I forgot to mention the vampires are "vegetarian". They feed on animals instead of humans. That was interesting.

Anywho.....I best go return to my family so they dont think I've disappeared again.
If you want to find out everything that happened to me, someone else evidently had the same experience as me....and she wrote some books about it. I think they are called Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. I also highly recommend you read what is up of "Midnight Sun" on the website www.stephaniemeyer.com.

A few random things....go figure!

So, the thing about having kids is they eat and they grow. Continually. It seems every time I turn around I am feeding them. It also seems every time I turn around I am buying someone the next size up in clothes and shoes. And I have four boys. Boys are rough on shoes!



Jonathon has been complaining that his shoes were worn out. He said he had six holes in them. SIX. The shoes aren't that old. I think maybe 4 months at most. Yesterday he made the comment again that he needed new shoes. He was going on a field trip today and the teacher reminded them all to wear good shoes. I took a peek and was quite embarrassed I have been sending my son to school in these shoes! He said, "Mom, I bet people think we don't have any money or a decent home or anything." Now, that is a lot to assume from a ratty pair of shoes, but obviously his shoes were a source of embarrassment for him. (and rightly so. )

I was in for quite the shock when we sized him! I had to buy him (remember he is 12!!!!) a mans size 10 1/2! Wow.....his current shoes were 8s! No wonder his feet hurt and they had holes, he was busting out of them! I can only imagine what size they will stop at? Blake wears a 12, so hopefully that will be it for him. He better get the height to match the feet is all I am saying......

Next, why do people think they are more important than anyone else? I know we live in self-centered world, but I almost choked at the Y today. My friend, Janna, and I got to the Y a little late today. We went Monday right at 8, but her son Collin had swim lessons at 11:15, so we decided to meet at 10:15 today. They have nursery from 8-11, or so we thought. Evidently, on Tuesdays, they close at 10 or thereabouts (they close as soon as the moms from the 9 aerobics class pick up their kids). Since we didn't realize this and were planning to put the boys in the kid care, we decided we would just do the track. I had to refill my water, and as I was at the fountain this is what I heard from the nursery:

Most Important Mom in the World: (asking Nursery Grandma) So, how did she do?
Nursery Grandma: Fine, she played. Had a good time.
Most Important Mom in the World: Oh, good. She has been SOOOOOO sick, but I just couldn't stand it anymore and HAD to workout. She has had the flu shot, so we are sure it isn't that, but we don't know what it is. She just is so sick.

I stared at the woman (who couldn't see me, as I was kind of behind her at an angle) and thought she must be kidding. The nursery grandma seemed kind of taken back too. WHO brings a known sick kid to the YMCA nursery b/c you just HAVE to workout. I am sure your child hates that she is sick as much as you do, but to drag her to the Y and expose the other 12 or so kids who were in there is just plain rude!

I walked out to Janna, who was waiting at the track for me. I told her to be glad we got there late, and told her what I had heard. If I were the Nursery lady, I would have banned her for life! I know I am guilty of taking my sick child to WalMart, but not to a CHILD CARE place. I am sure the moms of the kids in there will be scratching their head by the end of the week trying to figure out where their little one picked up whatever it is The Most Important Mom in the World's little girl had. But hey, at least she burned some calories, right?

And finally, what is it with my house!!? You know, I think I am going to have to call the builder. We got lots of "upgrades" on our house, and for the most part are VERY happy with it. I am not a huge fan of the flat glass stove top, but I try not to cook much, so no biggie. However, I have a sneaking suspicion he didn't tell us everything we should know about our house. I NEVER, and i mean NEVER would have bought it if I had known. I hope it is not something we have to disclose when we sell it, or we will have big problems! And I am just not quite sure how to fix this! Evidently, our home is a "self-dirtying" model. And, not only that, but it is an energy efficient self-dirtier. Very little energy is expended in the "get dirty" mode. It happens nearly instantly. I am still trying to figure out how to override this feature. I checked the buttons on the stove to see if the self cleaning stove might do it, but nope. I considered where the self-clean is on my front loading washer, not there. So, if anyone out there has this "amenity" built into their home, if you can check you manual and let me know how to turn it off, I'd appreciate it. Just can't seem to find that page in my homeowners book........

Tuesday....the new Monday?

My Tuesday this week began normally enough. I woke up (early, which is not my favorite! I think they should move school to start at 10 so I can sleep till nine). Got the kids off to school rather smoothly. It was another cold morning, so Sam and I had hot chocolate while we watched Curious George. We got showered and dressed, and it was time to go to brunch bunch. Start the car, it isnt wanting to start. Seems not to like the 19 degrees. It cranks, but the oil pressure light stays on. I turn it off, call Blake. He said crank it again, it is probably just too cold. I tried to pop the hood, but it was frozen. Wouldn't even pop. I get back in the car, and crank it again, no lights, no problem. I tried to get the hood to open so i could close it, but it wont budge.

Off we go the back way to a friends house. About 3 miles into the trip, the hood pops open. I knew (or suspected) that would happen. It catches on the latch, that you reach under and slide before it pops up all the way. So i pull over, unlatch it and close it. Man it is COLD outside. We go to brunch bunch. Play, eat and talk. Getting time to go, and Sam mentions he has something white on him. Anyone who knows Sam knows it is not unusual for him to have something on him. Quite the mess maker! I look him over, see nothing, kiss his head and off he goes. I am gathering up my things and he comes and stands next to me. I see something white on the floor next to him. Oh my, the innards of an overly full diaper. Lovely. My kids diaper has just exploded at my friends house. (This happened before at her house, so it was doubly embarrassing!) It isnt that I hadnt changed him. I changed him right before we came over. Evidently, LUVS diapers SUCK!
We clean that up, and I hear my cell phone ringing. It is Blake. "Did you get the messages?"
Me, confused, "no?" Blake "the school has been trying to call, Bryce broke a tooth and is in the nurses office". My heart sank. Please let it be a baby tooth. I call the school nurse. He is up there, still in pain. Was eating lunch and broke a tooth.
I grab Sam, our food, and we are off to the school. I am hoping our insurance is finally figured out, as I have to take Bryce to the dentist. Get to the school, and out he comes. Smiling, nearly skipping. Hmm.... One of his primary molars had broken. We go home, it is 1pm now. I call the dentist at the top of our list. They close at two, but will work him in if I get there quick. We grab our things and go. The office is lovely. Has only been opened for 6 months and has a spa-like atmosphere. They have a free beverage and snack bar. There is also an Internet bar and an xbox room. The office staff are very friendly.
I sit with a magazine after filling out all the paperwork. The receptionist call, "Mrs. Lunsford, can I ask you a few more questions?" Me, "Sure." In the back of my mind, I know this is about to derail. "What was your husbands social again?" I repeat it to her. She looks at her paper, then pauses, "The insurance company is saying you are not one of their clients." I laugh, look at her and say, "Ofcourse. " Ya know, that was just the kind of day I was having. Alot of phone calls and an hour or so later, we figure out they -the insurance company-haven't processed all of our papers, are closed (they are in the VA/DC area) for the inauguration. The office there very kindly agrees to see Bryce and hold the papers till the insurance stuff is fixed, since they confirmed we were covered from Jan. 1. We wait again. The kids have each had a juice, played xbox, drew a picture, and are now playing on Starfall.com. Finally we are called back. They close at 2, so they just saw him after they had finished everyone for the day. The staff was all so nice to him, made him feel really special. He got in the chair and found the TV on the ceiling, remote control, and spongebob and he was happy. Really, he was. They x-rayed and found the permanent molar was growing up under and had positioned itself just under the roots of the primary molar at an angle. When he bit down, it was just he right angle and pressure that the permanent molar acted as a wood splitter does a log, and snapped his tooth right up the middle. They gave me the option of capping it, and still loosing it more than likely in a few months; or just having it pulled. We opted to have it pulled. They numbed him up. He was a little nervous. So the dentist says, "lets get Bryce some nitrous." Boy, that was all it took. He had a ball. The dentist comes in and asks if he is ready to get that tooth pulled, and Bryce said:"This is the best day EVER! Can I stay here forever!?"
The tooth gets pulled without any major drama. We found a new dentist we LOVE! Off we go back home. Kayleigh calls on my way home and mentions the toilet won't flush. I told her to leave it alone and I would fix it when I got home. Weird....the boys must have played with it!
Pull into the house, and in we go. Bryce has his lovely tooth in a cool case from the dentist. It is 4:20. A little over three hours at the dentist. Fun. So, Kayleigh says, "Mom, I hate to mention it, but I have achievement days at 430."
Off to the church. We get there about 10 minutes late. They are making cute fleece blankets. She jumps right in. I leave to run a few errands. Pick her up, and we go to Target so she can finally spend her gift card she got from her Grandparents for her Birthday. Blake calls while we are at target. "Ginger, is there any reason the water isnt working?" Me, dumbfounded, "No, not that I can think of." Off the phone with a hurry request to come home. We go grab some Motrin from the pharmacy for bryce. Stop by Zaxby's and pick up dinner to take home. I had already made some chicken earlier, but was going to make noodles when I got home, but with no water, not happening. So we grab Zaxby's.

Get home, and after some research, and me SWEARING i had paid the dang water bill. We realize I have forgotten to pay the dang 35 dollar water bill and they shut our water off! Why is it so easy to forget the water bill! YIKES! How stupid and embarrassing. Blake volunteers to go get some bottled water from Walmart. he has been pretty good through all of this. If I hadnt had a craptastic day, I am sure we would have been yelling at each other, but I was nearly on the verge of tears just with the car, diaper, and dentist stuff.....the water was just a final straw! While he is gone to get the water, Andrew tells me he has his 100 day poster due. In fact, it is now a day late. So we grab some poster board, and get to work. I hadnt eaten yet, so I leave my food on the counter and instruct the other four children to bed. Blake comes home while we are working on the poster. We finally finish the poster, and I go tuck my two little ones in bed. Get my hugs, kisses and say goodnight. Finally, I can sit, eat my dinner and absorb the crazy day. I go to get my food, and it is gone. I am not even kidding. I mutter, "dang kids, they ate my food! I didnt even get to eat dinner."
Blake, in the living room says, "Oh, was that your food?" He has eaten my dinner, thinking it was what was left over. Nice. No dinner either. I pop a bag of popcorn, have that for dinner and put myself in bed.
Nothing alone was really terrible. Just the combination of all twenty million little things sure added up to a really long, really bad day. Thankfully, the rest of the week went MUCH better! Got the water back on Wed morning, after paying the 35 due, plus a 50 fee. Nice.....I immediately logged onto our bank website and set up a autopay even though I dont know the amount until it comes in, at least then I wont completely forget to pay it. I really was SO embarassed. Oh well! Now you guys all know what a ditz I am, if you didn't already!

Is it time to potty train Sam? What do you think???

Disclaimer: Just because this post may make me seem like a lazy, distracted mom....well, never mind the disclaimer.

So this morning was kind of rushed. Our mornings always are. For one, I do not like to get up in the morning. Also, it was freezing this morning. The two of those together, added onto a monday, and things were running a little slow. Got the kids off to school, and I turned on PBS as usual for Samuel. He LOVED Curious George. Quite fitting too, as he is a rather curious little rascal. I usually use the 30 minutes he is watching George to eat my breakfast, check my email, and start a load of dishes or laundry. Very exciting stuff in this house. This morning was no exception, only i added in a glass of hot chocolate to see if I could defrost myself. I let Sophie out to do her business and noticed ice on the deck. It was COLD. Sophie didnt seem to mind, and after doing her business, stretched out in the sun. Every few minutes or so I would check on her to make sure she was behaving. The cows were in the field behind us, and we only have cattle wire across the back. Sometimes she likes to role-play and pretend she is a cattle dog. Those mornings are not fun to talk her into coming home. She too is a curious little dog.

Finally this morning, after trying to reason with the dog, I decided to just watch her through the window. If she started trying to escape, I'd just call her back, and just like the kids, she'd ignore me, then I would have to bust out the "mean" voice, and unlike the kids, she'd listen and come home. I sat down to check my emails, and Sam came and told me he needed a diaper change. In one ear and out the other. I usually change his diaper after Curious George goes off, before I get in the shower. I glance out of the window and notice Sophie is edging ever so slowing into the field. I get up to go tell her to come back, and notice a sight unlike any other.

ME: SAM, WHAT are you doing!?!?!?!
Sam: I'm changing me diaper. (very matter of fact)
ME: WHY?
Sam: I have poo poo.

I stand there for a second to take it all in. There is Sam. On the Floor. One side of his diaper opened. There is Sam's poop (still in the diaper.....mostly). There is a wipee-in Sam's hand.

He proceeds to try to do what I can only call a baby sit up, as he is looking at what he is wiping. (He is making a mess too!) There is a reason 2 year olds do not change their own diapers. There is a reason 2 year olds have diapers. There is a reason 2 years olds are to be still on their back will an adult wipes the remnants of Poopapalooza.

I un-freeze and disrupt the mayhem.
ME: Sam, you know you can't change your own diaper. You need to let mommy do it for you.
Sam: No, i do it myself.
Me: If you can change your own diaper, you can use the big boy potty.
Sam: No, i poop in me diaper, then change me diaper. It's easy mommy. I not use the potty.
Me: I think you can. Do you want to try?
Sam: (after looking at me like I am stupid) Mom, I just went poop, i dont need to use the potty.

I finish (with him still trying to help and wipe his own butt while laying down...) and get him dressed and ready to go for the day. I decide to hop in the shower. I put the movie Curious George on for him to watch while i shower (yes, i was totally using the TV as a babysitter, sue me-though it didnt seem to work so well). I come back into the living room, and Sam is running through the living room, carrying a diaper, wipes, and his diaper is half off. He had pooped again and was about to change his own diaper again.

Now, I dont know if it is just me, but if you are smart enough to gather all the needed supplies twice, and to unlatch the diaper, is it too far fetched to think he could recognize what is going on ahead of time and use the toilet???? He seems to think it is a unreasonable request. I talked him into wearing a pull up today. That was quite an accomplishment. However, we got to Target, and he proudly announces: Mom, I just peed in my Pull Up, nah nah...... (really, he said Nah nah)

So, how do you convince a 2 (almost 3) year old that using the toilet is the thing to do when he seems to have the diaper thing down pat???