RollersInVegas

Where to start...

2011-12-19T21:48:00.001-08:00

First of all...Yes, I'm pretty sure those are gang signs that he's sporting, and yes...he probably will be in jail soon if he keeps driving his GIRL around in his car before it's LEGAL to do so.

The Beast continues to amaze us. He LOVES this computer (it's a touch screen)...and he loves to play NickJr....touching the screen, licking the screen...he just can't get enough.

And Eli. He's still working hard in scouts, and yes...he wears these glasses (with no lenses) daily...even to school. (they actually came in Isaac's DJ Lance Rock costume package)

We have just been SO totally crazy busy here. Let me just give you a quick rundown: (although, I can't remember where we last left off)....Since moving to Reno in July, we've:

Chris is doing just HORRIBLE in school (we can only hope at this point that he actually graduates THIS year)
Chris is NOT wrestling because of his grades
Chris wants to do LaCrosse this year (even though I've warned him he better get his grades up)
Chris had a girlfriend, then didn't, but he's now working on getting her back
The CrapStang continues to be crap and he loves driving it.

Eli LOVES his teacher (as do I)
Eli is in the gifted and talented program (of course he is)
Eli is making SO many friends at school (SO much better than last year)
Eli is NOT allergic to Nevada (yeah for us!) He's dropped 5 meds since moving from WA!
Eli is still the apple of my eye:)

Isaac can work the ipad now like there's no tomorrow. Starting his videos, rewinding them, turning up the volume. He's getting quite clever. Although, he's still eating it, and licking it...and getting food stuck where you charge it. (there's currently a big crack on the front screen. I anticipate a new one will be needed this year)
Isaac loves going to school. He rides horses, swims...they have his favorite chips and cookies and they even have YoGabbaGabba on a cd player for him.
Isaac rides the bus home from school everyday (like a big boy)
Isaac still doesn't talk (or babble for that matter), doesn't drink by mouth yet, and still eats stage 2 baby food by mouth. (he can eats Pringles and chips ahoy cookies by mouth...don't ask, because I don't know)

I LOVE Reno.
Joe and I have started eating vegan/vegetarian (when I have the will power) and I've lost about 15 pounds.
Over the last month I've had 3 different "attacks". After checking my heart, we discovered it was my gall bladder. We'll be taking that thing out in a few weeks.

Joe is my MAN!
Joe was diagnosed with Stage 2B colon cancer a few months ago.
Joe went through 2 surgical procedures to remove all the cancer.
Joe went through 6 weeks of chemo...all without missing a day of work.
Joe is crazy
Joe started back taking JuJitsu classes...and loves it.
Joe tore his rotator cuff...and will need surgery in a few weeks too (I guess which ever one gets it scheduled first gets to go first!)
Joe LOVES Reno and working with his new team here.

Well...that about sums it up. That's why I haven't been on here alot (I know, I've been working over HERE and not paying enough attention to this blog). I will do better. We LOVE all you guys that love us and check on us.

***Don't worry about Joe. He's too mean for cancer to take him down. They've got it all out...and he'll have check ups every 6 months to make sure it stays out!!

Look Who's Riding the Bus!

2011-10-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

Here comes the bus. I've been meeting her right in front

of the gates to our neighborhood...

Not sure if you can see him...but, he's sitting in his stroller at the

first window.

(the driver is taking off the straps that keep his stroller secured)

and then...they wheel him on out!

This bus has a driver and an aide (that's the ONLY reason I let him ride)

and...he's happy to see me! (i think)

Please notice...he has his paci, two books, and the driver even

has a cassette recording (front and back) of our favorite

Yo Gabba Gabba songs (in case of emergency!)

I'm so proud of him (and me)....

I still take him to school each morning...get him all settled in class and talk with his teacher.

THEN...I come home...

and relish in a moment of silence...

before I go out to wait for him.

IT is the BEST thing ever!

Family Fun Hiking

2011-09-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Have I told you lately that we LOVE it here in Reno?? We have been taking advantage of the outdoors as much possible. Christy sent me her baby backpack...and we already bought hiking boots when we were in Washington...so, it was the perfect day for a hike.

Last month, there was a fire on a mountain near our house. Eli calls it "Thor's Hammer"...because of all the burnt ground you can see. WELL...we decided to check it out!

Just look at my guys...

Isaac just loved sitting on Joe's back...

Then...the boys saw a lizard...and the hunt was on!

Yes...it took them ALL to catch that little thing! (ok, it

took just Joe...but, they all tried)

Can you believe how pretty it is?

and this is right in our backyard!

Literally...

I think this is the spot in the middle of the burnt mountain...

Eli striking a pose...

of course.

Chris...enjoying the view and staying as FAR away

from us as possible.

Taking a breather...

I am SO glad that I didn't have to carry Isaac.

And...before long...the baby was snoozing.

and Eli started leading the pack.

This weekend...we have GREAT plans! We're headed back to Virginia City to see the Outhouse Races! It's going to be SO much fun. Then, the next weekend is the Italian Festival!

OH...there are SO many things to do and see. I'm glad that we have the opportunity to do all these things now...because, I'm hearing that Reno gets a LITTLE chilly in the winter. BUT...then, we'll put on our snow bibs and hit the slopes!

GOSH..I can't wait.

In other news...Chris has his license. His car is registered. AND..he's almost mastered driving a stick. SHOOT...that means that I will have to let him drive to school anyday now...and I AM NOT ready for that. (no girlfriend yet...thank goodness)

Eli LOVES his new school and class. They got him in the gifted program and he's making friends. He's become the "first pick" goalie at recess when they play soccer. (so proud of him).

Isaac is trudging along at preschool. He has swimming two days a week, horse riding one day a week, music therapy, pt, ot, and speech. AND...we're trying to get him to hold his own spoon and feed himself (no real luck yet...but, we're doing "hand over hand" and I'm sure that one day, he'll surprise.). SIT DOWN...are you ready? Isaac is going to ride the school bus home from school tomorrow. NOW....I've met the driver, we're going to let him read his Gabba books, AND..the sweet driver is going to play "Yo Gabba Gabba" music on the bus for him! He should be in HEAVEN!

(I'll keep you updated on how that goes...)

Joe's been busy with work and other things...

and I'm just trying to get into a groove so that I can be a LITTLE more organized and productive. (if it's even possible)

Thanks for checking on us!

(and yes...go ahead and tell me how awesome my pics are!)

WE've been SUPER busy!

2011-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Let's just talk about the weather here for a moment...

LOVELY!

Isaac LOVES to go to the park and swing his little heart out.

First Day of School...Looks excited, doesn't he. Eli has started making friends, is the first pick on the playground for soccer, and is in the gifted program. All is right in his world (for now).

First day of school for Isaac. He was just walking down that sidewalk like he knew where he was going. We decided to put Isaac in a Special Needs school. His class can only get up to 6 kids (where as a special class at mainstream school can get up to 15 kids). This school has all the therapies (pt, ot, and speech) and it even has music therapy, swim therapy, and horse therapy. So far..so good. The only downside to this school is that it's 20 miles away (one way). SO, many days I just volunteer in class or run errands on that side of town to save on gas.

There is the COOLEST sporting goods store here called Scheels. It has a ferris wheel right in the middle...look at Chris being such a good brother and riding with Eli...melts my heart.

Here's a pic of Isaac enjoying his horse riding. He gets to ride every Thursday...and he just laughs and does his dancey dance the whole time. It is just the cutest thing I've EVER seen!

Two weeks ago we had the Rib Cookoff downtown. We walked in the heat, ate some delicious food, and the kids rode a few rides...

and that's Eli in the middle going down the slide. (yes...he wore those huge sunglasses all day long).

Last weekend we had the Hot Air Balloon Races in town. When we pulled up to drop Eli off at school...we were shocked to see TWO huge balloons on the playground.

On September 9th...we celebrated the birth of Christopher. Nothing like a six pack of Coke and a dancing hula girl to make a teenager happy!

This past weekend...we ventured to Virginia City...an old mining town in Nevada. It was the annual Camel Race...and we had a BLAST! Isaac did a great job holding his ipad and just taking it all in (although, it overheated after about an hour and had to be put away)

This is what the camel races looked like. Then, ostriches raced...and then little kids chased Emus and chickens around the arena. It was so funny to watch!

That's what Isaac looked like towards the end of our stay at the Camel Races.

There are my other handsome boys...

(yes...i was beating the ladies back with a stick!)

Well...that's about it. I'm SLOWLY getting Isaac into all his specialists. Chris goes to take his driving test next week (i am shaking in my boots for him!). He is a HORRIBLE driver (he must get that from his dad...not me:) I am still unpacking boxes and trying to organize (I just don't like doing that kind of thing)...but, we are STILL LOVING Reno! It's just the perfect little town for us!

Two little monkeys

2011-08-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Chris is in Las Vegas this week visiting his friends...

(I stole this picture off his facebook wall)...

Looks like he's having fun!

OK...first...this is just an example of the crazy that I live with each day.

He was helping me clean his room...

dressed like this...

all DAY long.

SO...while I'm still recovering from my hernia surgery..I can't pick up heavy items...

like 30 pound butterball turkeys!

In my EVER evolving infinite wisdom...I decided to take off the side of Isaac's crib...

and it didn't fall apart.

AND...Sir Isaac and can in and out of bed ALL by himself.

(yes...those walls are RIDICULOUS...we're renting this house...but, I will paint them..

one day)

and...after his hard days of watching Gabba Gabba, eating every 3 hours...

it takes a toll on this little man...

He will just fall asleep in the middle of the floor...

and sleep for HOURS...

and now, it's almost 11pm..and that stinker is WIDE awake!

(I suppose I shouldn't have let him nap so long)

BUT...it's not nice to wake a sleeping baby.

oh my goodness...I am STILL in love with Reno! It's Hot August Nights this week...so, we'll have to get out and look at some classic cars (but...they're driving around all over town).

I still have boxes to unpack...and all the other household chores...one day...it will be done.

We did meet with our new cardiologist (his part of the same practice in Las Vegas). I loved him. Isaac is doing great. They told me that our docs in Vegas were already doing the valve replacements via cath...but, that Isaac won't be a candidate until after his NEXT surgery. IT's SO exciting though...maybe just one more open heart and then all the other tune-ups can be done in the cath lab!!

Going to go snuggle a stinker now...(that would be Isaac..not Joe)

Settling in....

2011-07-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

(I have pics to post, but blogger won't upload them) I will try again tomorrow.

We've been....getting through it all.

I had surgery on my tummy last week to repair that hernia. Thank GOODNESS my sister Christy drove up to take care of me and the kids (because I was ONE HOT MESS)! We will NOT go into details, just know that I slept for two days, only waking to throw up or pee.

I'm finally off the big pain meds and walking ALMOST straight (I feel like I had another c-section....but, with no baby to play with). AND...I can't lift lard-tail(Isaac) for THREE weeks.

Joe's been busy with work. Chris was away at wrestling camp this week and next week he'll be off to Utah to EFY (like a church camp).

Isaac has been a BEAST. He doesn't like that I can't hold him all day. So...you can imagine how our days are filled (with him screaming at me mostly). I can imagine what our neighbors think.

Eli has been a wonderful helper with Isaac. He spends his weekends at the pool with Joe. (he calls it his "Fatherly Son" time. (and...fyi, I asked...and I'm NOT allowed to go to the pool with them when I'm better).

stinkers.

I started another blog...Since moving to Wa, and then to Reno, I can't coupon the same and have to change the stores....it's all a mess. SO, I decided to put everything i do and like into one blog. Tell me what you think

CountingToTen (because I do that 764 times a day...at least)

Missed us??

2011-07-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

SO...wondering where we've been?

I can't even remember the last thing I've told yOU. (hold on a second...let me look back at the blog and see).

gosh...it's been a FEW weeks. SO...let me get you up to speed.

I broke my NICE camera (and I have YET to find it in it's packed box)....therefore no pics for you to see today.
We moved. It was LONG process...but, thanks to our friends in Aberdeen....we made it out of there and didn't forget too many things!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new house in Reno (that's where we're at now in case I didn't mention it before). We decided on a 4 bedroom townhouse in a SUPER nice community. It's big enough for everyone to have their own bedroom, I have my big bathtub, TWO master closets, a pantry in the kitchen, NO LAWN!!!, a few community pools, community clubhouse with fitness center, 9-hole golf course. It's just perfect for us.
and...did I mention...the SUN! It's back. I missed you!
The boys all got haircuts...including Isaac. (who now looks like a cancer patient). No worries...it'll grow back in a few weeks. (and...I got him a cute hat).
We LOVE our new ward here in Reno.
Chris is going to wrestling practice everyday. (thank goodness)
Eli is the ONLY boy in his sunday school class...SO...I need to find him friends.
There's a movie theatre here that's only $3.00 (with couches in the back. I know...you almost want to bring a sheet with you JUST in case)
Katie is in heat and there's been a poodle stalking her. She got out...we better NOT be having yorkiepoos!
We have ALL been sick this past week...but, getting over in and ready to be tourists.
I thought I pulled a muscle in my stomach this week...but, nope...it's a hernia. SO...(like I don't have enough to do transferring all school stuff and medical stuff)...I'll be throwing in a trip to the surgeon this week to schedule surgery.

I'm sure there's MORE going on...but, you know my poor decrepit brain. We've unpack the majority of our boxes....just things like MY clothes, MY craft stuff, MY sewing, MY office....stuff like that remains.

Joe loves his new team here in Reno...we all love our neighborhood...I really think we're going to settle down for a while here and just enjoy!

(I'll find my camera, get it fixed....and post pics soon)

I pinky promise!

Last day of preschool:(

2011-06-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

It's the LAST day of preschool...and I don't have any pictures.

(my camera is broken)

and I can't take pics with my cell phone or Isaac screams for it (because he wants to watch you tube videos on it).

ohhhhhMY GOSH.........

I've been busy.

Last weekend, Joe flew UP to WA from Reno to pick up a uhaul with HALF of our house in it. Our super friends came to help us out...Chris (friend) drove down with Joe and Steph and the kids spent the weekend visiting and helping us out.

I'm just trying to finish cleaning and packing the house....trying to ignore obnoxious teenage voices in my house.

Eli turned 9 on Monday....(i'll post pics later)

I'll really do eVeRyThInG later...because I am a procrastinator and I have too many things to do this very moment.

I just wanted to pop in....let you know that we're alive...

and I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT MOVING!!!

SUnshine....Here I come!

Moving and Walking

2011-05-26T16:53:00.001-07:00

Don't look now....who's walking around the park!!??!?!?

Seriously...holding onto the rails..and walking up the steps.

One foot at a time...

like he's a professional and has been doing it for years.

He can wobble on the wood chips...

(and don't you love those transition lenses)

Everyone kept asking me where I bought those cute sunglasses!

He really didn't care for the slide...but, probably because

some big ole' boys came up behind him.

yep...just enjoying the sun!

TODAY...it's raining.

Sun time is over.

AND...I've posted it on Facebook...but, it's official...we are MOVING! To Reno, NV.

We weren't expecting a promotion for at least a year...we didn't seek it...the cards just fell into place and we're excited! I'm excited about the Katie Beckett that NV has to offer....the sun, the fun that we'll have. We've already secured a house...actually a townhouse in a superCOOl neighborhood (full of golf, pools with waterslides, and a fitness center on site!)

I am MOST excited because google said that Reno has 300 days of sun each year!!!! OH MY GOSH....I can just feel the vitamin D calling my name!

There's still no word on the minivan...it's probably in the bottom of a lake somewhere....or on it's way to Mexico.

I'm sure there's so much more to tell you about...I am SO sorry for my lack of blog posts. I will try to do better.

4 year old shots

2011-05-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

Poor little Isaac. On Thursday (of last week), he had his 4 year old well check. He weighed in at 29 pounds and 31 inches tall. He did have to get 3 shots...which gave him a 102 temp until Sunday night! This is how he spent his weekend....just chillin' and sleeping:(

If you read my facebook status...you know that our stinkin' van was stolen on Friday night.

It had YET to be recovered...

Sunday....I had the BEST mother's day! We went to church, came home...Joe and the kids brought me lunch from my favorite Mexican restaurant...I took a nap with Isaac...and got the newest Black Eyed Peas cd. (which Chris has taken to his room...and yet to return).

Monday...Now that we're a ONE car family, I took everyone to school and work...and got locked out of our house. I had to go to Joe's bank to get him. I had to KNOCK on the bank's doors and ask another employee to get Joe. PLEASE picture my clothes: a light blue nightgown that goes to my knees, purple pajama pants with orange candy corns on them, a black hoodie, and light blue fuzzy slippers.

yes...I looked like a homeless woman trying to ask for money.

Thank goodness Joe had the right key....and I was able to get home and feed my Isaac.

Tuesday...Nothing extraordinary has happened yet today (knock on wood). I'm working on a prom dress for one of Chris' friends (and yes...I will TOTALLY show you when I'm finished). Chris is still in drivers ed...doing mediocre in school...and staying out of trouble.

Eli lost another tooth last night (he was being sneaky and hid the tooth in an easter egg!) I almost didn't catch it!

MOSTLY....as ridiculous as it is about the dumb van...we couldn't feel more love from all of our friends and family that have offered whatever they could to help us out. Thanks for loving our crazy family....(group hug...everyone...grab your monitor and SQUEEZE!)

(ahh....and this is Eli nowadays...NEVER letting me take a picture!)

and...you get to see a portion of his hair. Back to normal!

Why are you crying?

2011-05-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Have I told you that Isaac has temper tantrums?

That he doesn't like to deviate from our route when we're driving somewhere. Today, I decided to show you what he does when we pull into Eli's school parking lot.

EVERYDAY we deal with this. (Make sure your volume is up...but, not TOO loud...it could cause temporary hearing loss)

(sorry the video is sideways...not sure what happened)

A Few of my favorite moments...

2011-04-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

As I looked back on the last post that I'd made...I realized that I've been above and beyond a slacker blogger. SO...I plugged in my camera to upload the most recent pics...only to find that I've been a slacker-mom-photographer...

Therefore, I will share with you some of my favorite more recent photos....

I just love this one. You see the messy chaos that is OUR home...and you see

how in LOVE Isaac is with books...(ok...not books, just YoGabbaGabba books)

I am SO glad that we were able to travel a few weeks ago to visit our

friends...and they took us to one of the most beautiful

places that I'd ever seen (Deception Pass).

(and...it's a nice reminder of Eli's crazy hair)

WHICH is not crazy anymore....they shaved it off...and I'd show you...

but, I haven't taken a picture of it yet:(

Joe is really busy with work...therefore, it may be a FEW days before he

notices this picture. It is just the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Isaac sure does love him...

(and so do I)

I just needed to throw this one in. It's from our last appointment with the dentist.

One of the NICEST doctors ever...no one was even around him..

just wanted you to see what one of his tantrums look like.

And...you have HEARD of the phantom teenager that lurks our halls...

but, he exists. We turned his crazy orange hair to a super

dark brown...and he's as handsome as ever.

(and yes...still wants to be an underwear model)

AND...will kill me if he ever sees that I posted this picture.

Our days are busy as usual. Chris is in drivers ed (don't ask....), he's going to prom this weekend, Eli is reading some vampire series that made him cry last night (it had a sad ending), Isaac is walking ALL over the place and screaming at times (I think he's bi-polar, manic, multiple-personality disorder...all wrapped up into one cute little butterbean!)

We had a few sunny days lately...and it has just been beautiful. NOW...the forecast is for Rain...all week...forEVER probably.

Thanks for checking on us!

Eczema cheeks

2011-04-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

We've dealt with dry cheeks forEVER with Isaac.

His little cheeks will break out with eczema patches SO bad

that they'll start to bleed!

We use everything...but, someone can't keep their fingers out of

their mouth..

and food off their face...

so, this is what we get.

I have so many OTC products that we use, prescription creams and ointments...

I just rotate them all.

Tonight....I gooped on a gift from Christy.

This is an udder cream...

She sent it a few weeks ago...we tried it...and it worked...

but, like everything else..

it only works for a few days.

I'll let you know how this batch works...

(and don't worry....after 2 minutes of gooping it on...he wipes his face

in my couch...so, most of it is off)

hence...the ineffectiveness of all creams.

Who's a big boy walker?

2011-04-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Get your tissues ready...

it's been FOUR years in the making...

hours and hours of therapy...

three pairs of leg braces...

multiple walkers...

lots of cute therapists...

and now...may I present...the Newest member of the Walking Community...

Sir Isaac....

Dentist, Doc visits, and weight check

2011-03-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

I love this little guy...

he just couldn't get any cuter to me!

Now...blow up this next pic. This is Isaac's tv. This is how he eats

crackers and what he does with them. That's what is smeared all over the tv.

Eli cleans it each week for me.

SO GROSS!

I forgot to tell you that LAST, LAST Friday, Isaac and I traveled TWO hours to Seattle Children's....to visit....the dentist!

AND....for a kiddo that will NOT allow a toothbrush in his mouth (only a washcloth on the front teeth)...he didn't have one single cavity! The dentist was absolutely the best....and was even able to paint some flouride on his little teeth. AND....we found out that Isaac is missing one of his front bottom teeth. (wierd.) He screamed his little head off...but, not because he was scared of the dentist...he screamed because I couldn't get wi-fi in the exam room and he wanted to watch Gabba videos on youtube.

seriously.

It doesn't matter that I have full episodes on my phone....he prefers youtube...over and over and over again.

THUS...bringing us to our appointment today. (ok, not today anymore, last week)

Neurodevelopmental.

You know you have seen a phenomenal doctor when he can tell you that your 4 year old son is really about a 9 month old and mentions Autism, retardation, and significant delays in one sentence. BUT...all that we already knew. It really is all under the "Digeorge" umbrella....Isaac just seem to be one of those kiddos with aLOT of the things on the "possible" list.

He's going to help me with Isaac's tantrums when we're out of our house.

You see...in our house, he's an angel. Serious angel. He's even good at school (no gabba tv either)??? BUT, take him anywhere in public...and his compulsiveness and anxiety and all around crazy comes out and he just can't control himself (and we can't control him either). SO, we usually just take turns going out of the house...not forcing Isaac on trips that just aren't necessary (you know...picking and choosing our battles).

For instance....Sundays. Isaac canNOT go to church anymore. It's just too much for him. SO, Joe and I take turns taking the older boys to Sacrament, then he comes home and I go to teach my Sunday school class...then, I go home and he teaches his class. (it really helps that the church is just around the block).

tender mercies.

Anyway...I'm really excited about ALL the Seattle Children's docs that I've met. They're SO AWESOME!

Tonight is Date night. Joe and I are going to rent a movie OnDemand...and eat and eat...junk.

OH...shoot. ALMOST forgot to tell you. Isaac weighed in today at 29 pounds and 37 inches. He's gained almost 2 pounds since I started his blenderized diet.

(it's ok...go ahead and pat me on the back)

I KNOW this is a late post....I wrote it last week. I'll get my bum in gear tell you about his birthday, our weekend adventures out of town...tons of stuff. BUT...there is a chocolate cake calling my name...and I simply can't keep it waiting! No worries...we're all good here in WET Western Washington....

yuck.

I think we have a walker!

2011-03-22T18:06:00.001-07:00

If you can walk more than 10 steps...I think that makes you a WALKER!

Isaac has been just cruising and walking so much lately. He's not a baby anymore....(wipe tears from my eyes). If you've met Isaac or been following him...it is simply a miracle that he's walking (even standing for that matter). I am so excited about the opportunity to chase him through a grocery store! I can't wait!

Chris has a choir concert tonight. The beast (Isaac) will NOT sit quiet anywhere....so, I'll stay home with him and Joe will watch Chris. Eli is Eli. I'm trying to talk him into seeing Chris sing tonight (he prefers NOT to offer his support). BOYS BOYS BOYS....I'm surprised I don't have a head full of gray hair!

Here's a LONG video of his attempt. I'll keep trying to catch him on video walking a longer distance....but, oh...he's just amazing. You will get to see all parts of his personality...his ability to tune me out, to stand in one place for 5 minutes, his race for the basement door, and his love for all things Gabba Gabba. (he doesn't walk until the end...sorry)

Short Video of Isaac Walking

2011-03-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yes...you are going to be able to witness the Amazing Isaac and the ALMOST walking that he's doing! We are SO close. He's going to be running around this house before I know it...and I can't wait to chase him! You know....he turns FOUR years old at the end of this month..so, it's about stinkin' time!

Enjoy!

Tanks, Allergies, and a box

2011-03-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Eli checked out the blog today and informed me that I was WAY behind in updating you...

so...what have WE been up to? Well...

Eli's been working on his pinewood derby car. A tank, to be exact. Although it was like a knife in Joe's heart that Eli wanted a tank vs. a speeding race car...they worked on the tank for over a week.

Eli literally sketched out what he wanted. They cut the wood...and found gi joe tank accessories to mount on the top. It even had guns that shot off the top.

an yes...a fancy paint job.

and...even though it was a TANK...a beast of a car...he came in overall 2nd place! whoo hoo Eli!

and Isaac...here you are. Sitting in a box, eating your babydoll hand...watching YoGabbaGabba...

could your life get any better?

Isaac is STILL filling my days with the loudest temper tantrums he could manage. Although...he is quite cute. We also started putting the supersuit back on...it seems to be helping him with his walking attempts. He's still taking about 4 or 5 steps at a time...not running down the hall yet...but, making progress.

AND...to end our post...let's talk about Eli again. He had an allergy appointment today in Tacoma (about 1 1/2 hours away!). Joe took him (while I took Isaac to pt and school). WELL...guess who's allergic to the entire state of Washington? yep...trees, grass, mold....everything from this region. He's currently on:

Singulair (once a day)
Nasonex (twice a day)
Zrytec (once a day)
Flovent (twice a day)
Albuterol (as needed)

SO...with all that...he'll go back in 3 months. If he's still having the problems that he's having now...we'll talk about allergy shots. They gave us a list of other things that we can do around the house...new air purifiers, covers for pillows and mattresses (i've ordered them all already)....washing, cleaning, dusting, opening windows....

ahhhh.....do they not think that I already don't have enough to do each day?

bottomline...

Eli is a drug addict...

Isaac is a drug addict...

both of these boys are too expensive and keeping me up at night.

and Chris. HOLY COW...he just wants his drivers license. I stopped by the dmv today. They have NO idea what's going on. I told them that Chris was 16 1/2 and has had a permit for 1 year. They told me that he needs drivers ed, and needs a WA permit for 6 months...THEN, he can get a license.

Does that make any sense?

I must have had that look in my eyes when he was telling me this..because he told me that maybe I should call the "main" number...because they're changing the rules all the time.

REALLY?

How often do you think they change the laws on getting a drivers license?

Fabulous Friday

2011-02-28T20:23:00.001-08:00

Let me first by breaking some BAD news to you...

our Bugaboo stroller broke:( Joe bought us this AWESOME, yet expensive stroller after Isaac's 2nd heart surgery. We knew that he'd need something that would recline (because he had the most horrible reflux at that time), it needed to be comfy (for our prince), it needed to last a while (because we knew he wouldn't walk for a while)....

and here we are...

three years later....

and the bugaboo is broken...

and we left the money tree in Vegas....and cannot justify buying another one:(

and my back can't carry Isaac very far...

and he will NOT be walking long distances for a WHILE...

and if I buy an umbrella stroller...it just squishes him all up.

I do, however, have a "handicap stroller"...but, it's SO BIG and HEAVY...

great for a trip to Disney (if we EVER go again)...

but, NOT for trips to the docs or stores.

so....let us all bow our heads...and...remember....bugaboo....

Now...that we've seen the cutest baby EVER...and said a final goodbye to our bugaboo....let me make you smile!

Even though it's Monday...I'd like to tell you about you about our FABULOUS Friday.

Isaac is TOTALLY on blenderized foods. I am making all of his baby food by mouth and blending everything that gets put in his tube! He's tolerating it well...pooping and peeing well...and, if we're lucky...he'll start putting on the pounds! (not to mention....it will be nice to NOT have to pay for cans of Nutren Jr. each month..)Remember...there is NO Katie Beckett in WA (which totally stinks!) I am able to get about 1500 calories in him each day. OH MY GOODNESS...it's so exciting!
Eli had an assembly at school on Friday---Where he was given the "Smooth Sailer" award (for being the best student) of course he is! He was "Beatty's Best" every year in Las Vegas, so...he's been waiting to be recognized for his fabulous brain here in Aberdeen....FINALLY....they have seen the light!
Later that night, we all went to the High School where Chris had his wrestling banquet. He got his letter...AND...his coaches voted him "most improved". (they're trying to schedule a wrestling camp for the kids for this summer). He'll have a busy summer with wrestling camp, EFY in Provo, and I am trying as hard as I can to rub some coins together to get us back east to visit family this summer.

I think we're kicking all the sickies that have been floating around our house. AND...it is about time. There are still lingering coughs going around...but, nothing too bad. We're back to normal around here. SUPER thankful that wrestling season is over...and guess what's this weekend? PINEWOOD DERBY! I'll give you a hint...but, NOT showing pics until it's finished. Eli wanted a TANK...not a winning race car! (this SO hurt Joe...but, he helped and designed as Eli requested). They are in the garage as we speak...putting the first coat of paint on it. (I can smell it in here....yuck!)

Thanks for checking in on us!

Blenderized Diet

2011-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

WHAT is a blenderized diet you say? WELL....if you have to feed your kiddo through a tube in the belly...you're putting in cans of formula. Switching over to a "blenderized diet" means that I will STOP putting formula in that tube---I will, in essence, use food that he would "normally" eat, blend them all together, and feed him through the tube throughout the day. I will STILL feed him by mouth...he will just get MORE food in his tube instead of sloshing milk all day.

Does that make sense?

I have been researching and researching a blenderized diet for Isaac for MONTHS. There is just SO much information out there...and it's all relative to your OWN child...I was afraid that I'd totally screw it up. Using the cans of milk is easy...you're sure they're getting all the right vitamins and nutrients. If I fed him what my other boys eat...I'd be blending up mac n cheese and pizza rolls all day!

BUT...with inspiration from Andrea and THIS blog that I found this week....I took the plunge today and blended away!

I'm still working on all the details and trying to fit in MORE whole milk and water (he just can't have too much in his tummy at one time). BUT...I'll go ahead and schedule an appointment with our nutritionist to let her take a peek. (and...I'm sure that she'll need to tweet a few things)

Does this even make sense?

Measure	Ingredient	Calories	Grams Fat	Grams Protein

2 slices	White Bread	140	1	4
1/2 cup	Orange Juice	55	0	1
1/2 cup	Yogurt	115	1.25	3.5
1/2 cup	Applesauce	70	0	0
1/3 cup	Chicken	110	2.5	20
2/3 cup	Cooked Veggies	50	0	1
1/2 cup	Milk (whole)	80	4	4
2 Tbsp	Olive Oil	240	28	0
1 Tbsp	Flax Seed	40	2.5	1.5
3/4 cup	Frozen fruit	60	0	1
1ml	Multi Vitamin

Totals		960	39.25	36


By mouth	3 3-4 ounce servings	300

3oz	Bolus Whole white milk (4 times)	240	12	12

TOTAL		1500	51.25	48
	Total makes 5-5oz. Bottles	300 per bolus

	Blended Bolus Every 4 hours
8:00am	Bolus and Feed by mouth	400
11:00am	Bolus before Preschool plus h2o	300
12:30pm	Feed my mouth at Preschool	100
2:30pm	Snack at Preschool	25
4:00pm	Milk Bolus	80
5:30pm	Bolus and Feed by mouth	400
7:30pm	Milk Bolus	80
9:00pm	Bolus before bed	300


Total		1685

I started the day off with breakfast feeding by mouth and 5oz of Nutren Jr. (the canned formula)

By lunch...I had the blender rocking and food stored in bottles.

Tomorrow I will try to follow that schedule...looks like I'll be a feeding FOOL!

It's kind of exciting. I'm excited to see if he poops more regularly, if maybe it will smell LESS funky...but, mostly to see how it affects his energy level and chubLESS thighs!

My little guy is going to be FOUR years old next month...and only weighs 27 pounds. I have some work to do!

I'll take pics tomorrow of my blending....looks gross, but...we did it all day without ONE SINGLE CLOG!!! yeah for me!

So much to tell you....

2011-02-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed...SO much to tell you...and SO little time.

Well...there's lots of time...I am just pooped. Plain ole POOPED. That should be my name...Kathy POOPED Roller. Sounds about right.

Where oh where to begin.

Let's see if I can remember the events of the week:

Joe had to drive to Olympia (about an hour away) to the nearest urgent care (because we live in the middle of NO WHERE)....he has pneumonia. He's been sick for about a month now. He's on his second round of antibiotics, second round of steroids, he has a regular inhaler and has also now added a steroid inhaler. He's just a sick, grumpy, OLD fart....(who is currently sleeping and will not be able to check this post for quality assurance until it has been read by hundreds).

Eli is getting over his sickies...BUT...because he's had such a horrible time with his asthma sn allergies, we have an appointment with an immumologist/pulmonologist/allergist in Tacoma (about 1 1/2 hours away) in a few weeks. He did, however, have two friends over to play last night and he went over to their house today for a few hours. It felt SO normal to have other kids here playing and letting him out of my sight for a while.

breathe....

my baby is getting old.

Isaac....is a TURD blossom...the cutest turd that you ever did see...but, still...a TURD. First of all, he still loves Gabba. And...I don't even mean love...I mean obsessed with it. It needs to be playing on multiple televisions, ipads, ipods, and cell phones all at the same time. AND...now, the boys have showed him YouTube....and someHOW he KNOWS that the youtube videos of Gabba are different than the saved movies that we have....and he has a preference.

Let's just imagine....you're in the grocery store...with your cute little turd in the front of the cart....just smiling at you. He immediately reaches in your purse and pulls out your cell (which, you better have FULLY charged at all times)....and starts pushing it at you. This means, "mom....I want to watch Yo Gabba Gabba NOW". You really should push the buttons as fast as you can...he can't wait very long.

Then...once the video starts to play...he's smiling the biggest smile....so precious...UNTIL, he reaches for the phone and starts pressing buttons...WHICH STOPS the video. He proceeds to scream (the kind of scream that everyone STOPS in their tracks and looks for the child abusing mother). You have to quickly find that video again....and get it started (all while maneuvering a cart, a turd in the front, holding a cell phone, and actually finding the groceries on your list).

NOW....just imagine....that you reach the back of the store...

where YOU DO NOT GET CELL PHONE RECEPTION...

the stored movie you have of Gabba doesn't work...

he NEEDS youtube....

like a meth addict needs his fix...

he's freaking out, screaming, swinging his arms, snot pouring out of his nose...

and you start walking as fast as you can to get that milk and bread and head to the front of the store where reception is better.

you find youtube again...

wipe the snot off his nose....

try to unload your groceries, while holding the phone in his sight of vision....

(remembering also that these videos are only about 2 minutes in length...)

pay the clerk, restart another video...

run to the car in the rain...

while STILL holding the phone in his sight..

then....you throw that turd in the carseat...and close the door.

NOW...he can scream his little head off...

the doors are closed!

until you open the trunk to put the groceries in...

he's still screaming...

people in the ENTIRE parking lot can hear....

you're throwing groceries in the back (trying to tell the cute turd that there is a tv in front of him playing....because it IS playing a gabba movie....always is)

You return your cart...just wishing that you could just stand out in the rain for a few more seconds...to enjoy the quiet....until a homeless person starts heading for you...then, you flee to your van with the screaming turd....

Turn on the van,

turn up the radio...

and listen to the turd calm down as he FINALLY realizes that there is a television playing in the van...

and we drive home.

Repeat EVERY freaking time we leave the house.

I am going to become a hermit.

seriously.

Other than Isaac doing this...really, everytime we go out. I'm really not sure what to do about it. If you don't take the cell phone out...he just screams the entire time. (an ipod isn't good enough anymore). He really is obsessed with it....He does this in stores, doctors offices, anywhere we go. The only place he is semi-complacent is at school....and he can only go there for 2 hours a day.

On another Isaac note...we saw his gi doc on Tuesday. We're going to start him on a blended diet soon (as soon as I order the darn book). AND...we needed to get his blood drawn...we think he has food allergies (his skin is just horrible and it's breaking out in horrible patches now). I wasn't hopeful (it's been almost 2 years since he's had a draw)...and they got it on the 2nd stick. It wasn't clotting, they got enough...and he didn't pass out from all his screaming.

WHEW!.

Can't wait to see the results.

Back to Isaac. He's been sick all week...getting really junky on Friday. His sats are still fine...but, I think I'm taking into an Urgent care tomorrow (YES...an hour away)...because peds think kids don't get sick on holidays?

BUT....you really should know that as much as my little Isaac is a complete turd....and gives me headaches like I've never had in my life....I can't imagine my life without him. He is learning so much each day (he's starting to vocalize "mamamama" now!), he's taking more steps independently, and he's just a big boy going to school each day. I hope you don't think I'm being mean to him calling him my turd...it's just funny....BUT...he really does act like a turd when he isn't in our house.

In our house...he's an angel....the best baby EVER.

Extra Feeding Pump Bags

2011-02-13T17:07:00.001-08:00

Have I told you that Isaac knows how to take his shirt off now?

THIS is how I find him most of the day...

too stinkin' cute!

I have about 45 Kangaroo Joey 1000ml feeding pump bags if YOU or someone you know could use them. Just email me or leave a comment and I'll send them to you. (Isaac was switched back to the Infinity pump when we moved up here).

Mold in Washington State?

2011-02-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought?

We are NOT prepared for rain...everyday....every SINGLE stinkin' day.

Now...I will show you most disgusting picture EVER.

That is the inside of Chris' car...on the car...is MoLd. GROSS.

You see...when we moved up here...we had Chris' car moved (we're still working on it). We, however, didn't know that ALL the windows leaked and the sunroof. Therefore...after a few months of sitting in constant rain...I decide to go out there...and looky look. I'm not sure if I can tackle the job of cleaning it out...or if we should just push it off the mountain and take our loss.

I googled "cleaning mold off of car upholstery" and most sites said to air it out, spray with white vinegar and just scrub it out. WELL...we had a day of NO rain here....so, I opened the doors, sprayed it down....

and it's still wet...

and I had to close it up because it's raining again...

which means more mold will grow...

and I'm stuck.

I'm thinking about calling a carpet cleaning company to see if they can come and clean it out.

(although, thinking about spending ONE more penny on this heap of junk makes my stomach churn).

I'll let you know how it pans out. Because, Chris has finished his wrestling for the season (he came in 6th place in regionals)...so, he'll want to get a job and get his LICENSE! (which I've been so fortunate to dodge up until this moment).

I will update you on the rest of the family later....just know that we're all alive and well.

Week in Review

2011-02-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

Our week in Review...

OH...&*$%...it's only Tuesday night...

SOMEbody...just come and take me out of my misery. We have been the busiest little family EVER. We have lots of attitude to share, lots of whining to go around...and NObody seems to like each other.

Eli keeps hiding around corners and scaring Chris...

Chris keeps hitting Eli because he doesn't like being scared...

I keep yelling at Chris for hitting Eli...

Chris keeps yelling at me for letting Eli scare him...

I keep yelling at Chris for not picking up his clothes..

Chris whines about getting them up LATER...

I keep yelling at Eli for peeing all over the toilet seat...

Eli whines about it COMING out too fast or it isn't THAT much...

I keep yelling because it's STILL there!

Joe's out of town..

which is good...

because there's HAIR in my sink...and it didn't come from me shaving MY beard.

I need some happy pills, to be in a happy place...with kids who listen, who do not talk back, a husband who treats me like a queen....and housework that is optional.

OH...and I don't EVEN think I mentioned Sir Isaac in the above yelling and whining...because THIS is what he does when we're at a store:

and THIS is what he does if one of the boys go downstairs and don't take him....
BUT...with all that choas that IS our family....

we have Chris...who is wrestling for districts this weekend....
Isaac...who knows how to take his clothes off now (wouldn't our OT be so proud)...
and Eli...sweet Eli...he's so darn sweet to Isaac.

(but...he canNOT aim in the bathroom to save his life)
That's about it.

I am TiReD. (with my country accent DRAWN out)!

I'm just getting organized....trying to stay on top of their daily messes...and get everyone to every appointment that they need to get to.

I LOVE my Purple Cup

2011-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

Joe comes in every night from work...and sits on the couch...with his tv tray in front of him...and drinks from a purple cup. Isaac lOVES this cup. I don't know why. BUT...if he sees it....he'll start crawling as fast as he can from the other side of the room just to try and get it.

NOW...he does NOT drink from a cup...any cup...NOT EVEN the purple cup. He just loves it.

Watch him and his reaction to this cup.

You'll see how he screams when he's mad, do the happy dance when he's happy, and push Joe's arms out of the way when he tries to get the cup.

hilarious!

ahh....and would you like an update on us?

Chris has a staph infection on his arm from wrestling. Therefore, he's contagious, so he can't wrestle for a week until his infection is under control.
Eli is, as normal, perfect in every way. He FINALLY started the gifted program here and he's excitedly working on his War of 1812 project.
Joe is alive. Sometimes he gets on my nerves...sometimes he doesn't...but, I still love him regardless of which nerve he gets on daily.
Katie pooped in my house this week. I am so mad at that stinkin' dog. (I mean, she's so small that her poops are like rabbit poops..but, still...it's POOP!)
I am swamped! SO much paperwork to do, to be done, past due! AHHH! I STILL think I need an assistant.

In case you were wondering...it's raining.

still.

forever.

and ever.

My love Muffins

2011-01-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

Aren't they just the cutest??

Today was CRAZY...as usual. Chris had a wrestling match about an hour away....so, he rides the bus with the team...the little guys and I start driving out (after packing ALL of the things that we'll need to be out of the house for a few hours)...don't EVEN ask what all I have to pack.

We get about 15 minutes from the school...and Chris calls to tell me that there isn't a wrestler for his weight division...so, he doesn't wrestle tonight.

AHHH.....

do I turn around?

NO...I keep going..to support Chris and his team.

While wrestling with my piglet Isaac and watching Eli spill popcorn, drink, his ipod...

hearing dad's curse the ref for making bad calls..

while my bum is numb from sitting on the hard bleachers...

while having to drive BACK home at 9:00pm at night for another HOUR to get home...

IN THE RAIN...

(and you can't speed here or they'll catch you!)

But...we made it home,

Chris won by forfeit,

Eli was able to tell me about EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of his day because we were in the car so long...

and Isaac was able to watch TWO HOURS of Yo Gabba Gabba in the car....

all is well in Rainy Aberdeen.

Holiday ReCap

2011-01-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

Well...I've just been busy.

and that's all I have to say about that.

BUT...I missed sharing our holidays with you. I hope you all had a great holiday...

We hung our stockings...

(ok...this was the picture AFTER Santa filled them)

I think Santa was quite happy with the boys.

look at them....

we didn't go CRAZY with too many presents this year..

and it was one of my favorites days of all time.

Isaac STILL doesn't care to open a present.

(gosh...I can't wait until he does!)

BUT...he did finally pull an ornament off the tree and break it!

We were SO happy for him...we were doing our

Happy cheer! yeah for Isaac!

For New Year's...Chris went bowling with his wrestling team...Joe slept on the couch, Isaac slept on the floor beside Joe, and Eli and I watch The Tooth Fairy.

The fireworks started going off...

I picked up Chris...

put the boys to bed...

and woke up Joe and put him to bed.

Happy New Year!

(we're getting SO old!)

Life in small town Washington is going alright. I just don't like the rain...when it's cold...coming at you sideways.

other than that...

we're doing great. Eli got in the gifted and talented program here (FINALLY...after weeks of requesting records for Vegas). His first day is tomorrow...he's picked out his clothes, instructed me to wake him up early...whew!

Chris has a wrestling match tomorrow...

we're STILL so stinkin' busy.

I need a Beach, a strawberry non-alcoholic drink, and a nanny-nurse-housekeeper....and all will be well in my world.

(a girl can dream)

OH...and I'm entering to win the HGTV house giveaway this year. I was certain the first year they did it that i'd win (who watched that show WAY back then? no one...but ME!)

Tap Out

2010-12-20T23:40:00.001-08:00

OH...I SO wish I had a picture to show you..but, let's close our eyes and use our imaginations:

(first...you need to remember...Chris is a wrestler in high school and is 16, Eli is only 8, but Joe has been teaching him jujitsu moves for about a year now)

thus...our story:

Chris and Eli were on the floor playing around.

Chris stood up.

Eli jumped on his back.

Eli them proceeded to put Chris in a choke hold.

Chris told him to get off.

Eli would not...he kept trying to choke Chris out.

Chris went over to the wall and started pushing Eli into it (remember, Eli's still on his back).

Eli still held on and would not stop choking Chris.

Chris fell on the floor and was now LAYING on Eli (remember, Eli is still on his back).

Eli is still holding on and trying to choke him out.

Chris' face turns red.

I tell Chris to tap...or Eli will not let go (per rules when Joe and Eli wrestle).

Chris says, "I'd rather pass out than tap out to Eli!"

and so we had to pull Eli off Chris so that Chris didn't pass out.

The End.

Letter to Santa

2010-12-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

I know..I know...

SLACKER blogger...slacker blogger.

Let me just say...Isaac is still Isaac (sweet, but always taking up ALL my time)...and Eli. HOLY COW...we can't seem to get his asthma under control. He's ALMOST on as many meds as Isaac is (and that is just TOO much for this mama's brain to try to remember!)

NOW...onto that letter above. (click on it to see it larger)

This was the letter that Eli wrote to Santa. PLEASE excuse his handwriting...it is his biggest weakness (but, he was writing on his lap on the sofa...but, it is only a little better when at a table)

ANYWAY...I will decipher it for you:

Dear Santa,

I know you are busy but could you please read this letter. I know that I don't have to ask you anything because you already know what I want so all I want is for everybody to have a great Christmas! I really hope you can do that for me!

Merry Christmas

Love,

Eli

p.s. I also want ???? (can't read that one). I am trying not to be bosy

Peace out!

HOW STINKIN' cute is that?

I mean....I always think my kids are too cute, what they say is too cute...how they look..

I'm just in LOVE with my boys!

1st Wrestling Match

2010-12-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

NO...Isaac isn't wrestling...Chris is. Tonight he had his first match and he WON. So...he had to wrestle a girl? so what! She was the same size (looked even thicker than he is)...and he won! YEAH for Chris! His next match is Saturday...

Isaac skipped school today due to excessive snot discharge...but, he acted fine...just snotty.

ELIAS skipped school as well. Keeping his poor mom up YET another night due to excessive coughing. After a quick call to our new ped, he's now taking 2 inhalers twice a day, two allergy meds, prednisone, AND a cough med she prescribed.

May we all PLEASE sleep tonight

(probably not...it's almost 11pm and he's on the couch still hacking)

Joe's back in town. He missed the wrestling match...but, at least he made it home with no car troubles OR moving violations.

AND...for your viewing pleasure...may I present...CHRIS wrestling his little 103 pound bum off!

Sickies, Rain, Sickies, Rain.....

2010-12-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

This is just a picture from last month.

My kids are at it again....ALL of THEM are trying to KILL me...seriously.

Isaac is sick AGAIN. He had a cardiologist appointment today...and I had to re-schedule.

Eli couldn't miss out on the fun...so, he too is wheezing, hacking up a lung, and stuffy...

and Chris...he isn't sick, but he is failing two classes and can't wrestle until he brings his grades up...

and where is Joe?

in Seattle...

for work.

just abandoned me...

in the woods, where it rains endlessly, with sick kids, a barking dog, and mouthy teenager...

AND...I don't think i've mentioned this...BUT, did you know that my minivan has a leak? yep. When it rains....the back sliding door leaks...then, the floor is soaked...then, the van stinks because the carpet takes FOREVER to dry.

I never knew it leaked...

because it NEVER rained.

now I know.

and...I'm beginning to NOT like all this rain.

I'm thinking about just caulking that door closed...

the kids can get in from the front and walk back...

or pop the VERY back door open and climb in...

or WALK in the rain.

whichever?

Guess what????

2010-12-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

I found my camera charger...

YEAH!!

and guess where it was?

In my camera bag? (who would have thought to look there??)

I have an early playdate tomorrow with a Icky and another handsome little guy...so, I'll SLOWLY start showing you pics that you've missed over the last month....

Look at Mr. Icky...looking so handsome just standing there...

and Lick...still smiling...

Isaac was just chilling in a basket...

and I LOVE that face he's making...

it cracks me up!

and this is a new face too...

so stinkin' cute!

SNOW??

2010-11-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

OH my goodness.

I AM SO sorry for not updating sooner.

I STILL have NOT found the charger for my camera...I am taking pics with my phone...it just isn't the same though:(

We got about 6 inches of snow this week. The kids had a late start start on Monday, NO school today...and NO school tomorrow (whoooo is me).

Seriously...I gave up the sun for this??

I am STILL unpacking, still cleaning...the kids are all better...BUT, JOE is now sick. We have callings in church now. I am teaching the 14-15 year olds in Sunday school and Joe is in the Young Men's. Last Sunday was my first lesson....so, this Sunday I teach again, WE ALL have talks in sacrament, and Joe will be singing.

ohhhhh......

SO...as usual..I just a LOT on my plate and we're super busy.

OH...I did take Isaac last week to see our new GI doctor. We only drove to Olympia...but, she's part of the Seattle Children's hospital. She went to med school with our old Gi doc in Vegas! AND...she is wonderful!!!

Isaac is doing great. No snot (as of yet)...Eli is standing behind me as I type...talking my darn head off...and Chris...is always on my last nerve.

Sick, Not sick, sick again

2010-11-08T20:11:00.001-08:00

Shoot....I can't remember where we left off.

Eli is getting back to normal...still sleeping in the "emergency bed" in our room (Do you think they make bunk beds with a king size on the bottom?) That could be my next business venture!

Isaac wretched a little yesterday...but, I just thought it was because he was hot. Then, tonight...he wretched and threw up for about an hour straight...until he passed out asleep.

Poor little thing.

I checked the date on his milk and it was fine...he might be getting sick.

great.

He did have ot today at school...so, he could have just worked too hard.

WHO KNOWS!?!?

BUT...lucky for us..he has a ped appointment tomorrow (just to meet a new pediatrician)...so, if it turns into a sick visit...then GREAT!

I'm still spinning in circles here. Cleaning, unpacking, looking for things, cleaning up after sick kids....there just seems to be no end in site.

BUT...I have a MOST helpful husband. YEP..not being facetious at all....and he's helping when I ask and even when I don't.

Christopher continues to hide in his room or in the basement....wrestling starts soon...so, that should perk him right up.

No...i have NOT found the charger to my camera yet. It'll turn up...it's probably in my suitcase that I brought up here.....I STILL haven't unpacked it yet! I just keep doing laundry...hanging up some clothes, and putting others back in the suitcase.

Isaac's NEW School

2010-11-02T21:29:00.001-07:00

(Isaac at his new school...taken with my cell phone, because

I STILL can't find my camera charger)

This was taken last week.

I haven't had a chance to tell you much about Isaac's new school...

so, here we go:

He can't go to the preschool at Eli's school...because, the special needs kiddos go to a different location. It's an OLD building...and I wasn't at all sure when I pulled up. From the moment that I walked into the office...they were just wonderful and SO nice. (it also totally helped that they just gushed over how cute my babydoll was:)

THEN, after talking with the staff...they told me that Isaac's classroom only had SIX kiddos in it...he would make the 7th. There was a special ed teacher and an assistant. Isaac is the only one that's non-verbal, non-walking, and non-eating....but, she assured me that they would be just fine with him.

We started last Monday. He's in the afternoon class, so he goes from 12:10-2:45 (totally during naptime). BUT...he's doing SO good! He doesn't interact with the other kids yet (who knows when of IF he ever will)...but, I brought in plenty of YoGabbaGabba toys and books to share with the class...so, Isaac is in heaven (that's what the picture is above). Him...on the circle...with HIS toys. The other kids will stop by for a moment...press a button on something...and wonder off. (so stinkin' cute).

When school starts...they immediately feed the kids lunch....AND...Isaac let's Mrs. Shari (his teacher) feed him! Then, they have circle time, arts and crafts....and so forth. They are so sweet in including Isaac in every single moment. They even take the kids to the gym for a little "recess" time....where the kids are able to ride tricycles around! AND...because Isaac can't ride a trike yet...they have a little car or wagon that they pull him around in.

It is the sweetest place...I couldn't imagine better teachers for him or a more loving environment.

I've gone and stayed with him each day...

but, I think he might almost be ready to go by himself pretty soon. He missed Monday and Tuesday of this week (due to snot that runs constantly from his nose)...

He even has a backpack! Now...of course he can't wear it...but, we have one...with STUFF in it!

My baby is growing up!

NOW...onto Eli. Let me just say that the playpen is up in our room (since Isaac has been sick over the weekend)...and NOW...the EMERGENCY BED is back. OH YES. I don't know why we always get a house with more than two bedrooms...it just isn't necessary in our house!

Eli was up ALL NIGHT LONG wheezing and needing neb treatments every 3 hours. I called today to try and find a pediatrician for him....NO OPENINGS until tomorrow.

of course not.

But...you know how many drugs we have lying around this house. I have enough breathing treatments for him and I even saved some liquid prednisone from his last flare up that I was able to start him on (and yes...I am thinking about going back to school for medicine).

AND Chris...we're going to let him drive the minivan to seminary in the morning. The church is only around the block. I mean...he could run into a house, a car, a mailbox, or a DEER...but, I'm willing to take that chance...just to get back into bed for a few more precious moments of sleep.

SO...Wednesday...let us all pray...that Chris doesn't wreck the van in the morning, that Eli doesn't require an ER trip during the night, that Isaac's nose stops running, that he MIGHT be well enough to go to school, that i will find Eli's new pediatrician's office, that they will take our insurance (even though we don't have new cards yet), and that I don't forget to pick up Isaac from school, or Chris from school, or forget that scouts is tomorrow night...oh, it's going to be a LONG DAY.

serenity now...

Really?

2010-11-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

That's a pic of us at the pumkin patch...
yes..I am HUGE, Isaac is NOT cooperating, Chris is always striking a pose,
and Eli just loves to smile!

Below...that's our house. See the road...Eli walking Katie, Isaac in stroller,
and the wall...those are the little apple trees that the deer eat off of.
SO...when Chris is walking Kate at night and he looks up...
those deer FREAK him out!

and this was the house where the pumpkin patch was at...
oh...so pretty!

Now...

We have some things to get use to...it's SO cloudy..that the darn glow in the dark stars I put on Eli's ceiling NEVER glow at night...because they don't get any SUNLIGHT during the day.

Apparently, you can't put a roast down the garbage disposal...because then it backs up into the basement sink and overflows and causes a flood...that then, takes THREE bottles of draino, some plunging, and prayers to get to unclogged.

Also, it appears that Low-Flow toilets are standard in homes here. Maybe it's one flush per toilet square?

I need to mow the grass (now that we have a new lawn mower)...when it stops raining...next year.

I need to clean the bathrooms...but, I can't find my box of cleaning supplies and I reFUSE to buy anymore (you know I have about 30 bottles!)

I can't upload pictures from my camera...because, my camera is DEAD...and I can't find my charger (it's in yet another box somewhere...possibly with the missing cleaning supplies)

and...I ate a WHOLE pumpkin pie today.

that's all.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

I am STILL unpacking boxes...SO behind in getting meds transferred, docs transferred, insurance transferred....I NEED MORE TIME IN MY DAYS...and I just want to nap all afternoon here...

BUT...last week...I picked up the boys from school...and there was a break in the clouds from rain...so, off we went to the pumpkin patch!

Remember...Eli has only been to the pumpkin patches in Las Vegas...at a parking lot! He has NEVER seen a field of pumpkins! He was in heaven!

Here they are on our "hay ride" over to the field.

yes...the infamous Chris even had fun finding a pumpkin...

Look at that little guy...he just couldn't be more happy!

Isaac...well...he tolerated the whole adventure...

with minimal screaming...

he must have been deep in thought in that picture!

I have SO much to tell you...

since I've been a slacker blogger...

BUT...to tease you a wee bit....

ISAAC STARTED SCHOOL ON MONDAY!!!

(yep...went to a SCHOOL in a classroom! No...i still can't be brave enough to put him on a bus.)

yes...I will give you more details and even pics...but, it's late and this mama needs some sleep!

A Sneak Peak

2010-10-20T22:18:00.001-07:00

A sneak peak to the neighborhood we now call home.

YES...this is our neighborhood...

It's just a little different from the mountains in Vegas....

and Eli is LOVING walking Katie around this area.

STILL UNpacking

2010-10-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

I thought a little Isaac Smiley face would make YOU smile!

It's Sunday night...we ALL made it to church. My slip kept sliding out from underneath my skirt, Isaac screamed the ENTIRE time, Chris begged repeatedly to leave early, and Eli had an anxiety attack and had trouble breathing (so, we did indeed get to leave JUST a little early).

really...

Oh, yes...REALLY.

That's how we ROLL...and YOU know it!

I eventually got my slip under control...

Isaac never did stop screaming (until we were home and his television was on it's proper channel)...

Chris stopped asking to leave early and is ACTUALLY going to seminary in the morning..

and Eli...after a quick puff of his inhaler...and some snuggling with mom and an afternoon nap (also with mom)...and a family movie of "How to Train your Dragon"...he's just FINE.

I unpacked ONE box today.

One down....87 more to go (I actually don't know how many are left...but, there are a TON left).

I should just open the garage...and have a yard sale:

"Mystery Box...$25"

"Large Mystery Box...$50"

Tomorrow I start my calls to get Isaac into the school system here and look for services for him. One lady told me that they had never heard of Katie Beckett (Isaac's secondary insurance through medicaid)....WHAT???!??!

(I'll call more people and confirm that...before I lay in the floor and cry)

and Joe...were you wondering what happened to him?

He's alive.

Trying to watch football when we will share the television...

trying to dodge my, "honey...could you....." requests....

and just working his bum off...just like normal.

I have GOT to get Isaac a costume made....what are your kiddos dressing up like? I can't decide if I want to go with a different Gabba Gabba character...a skeleton with a BIG OLE WONDERFUL heart, or something different.....

thinking cap is ON!

Rollers NOT in Vegas Anymore:(

2010-10-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

I can't remember if I posted pics of Chris' birthday?

Well...for the big 16 (since he already got a car)...we got him a huge

bass amp for his bass guitar (he often wants to be in a band).

Here's Eli...helping me pack up the garage in Vegas before we left.

(and..that's about how much he's helping me UNpack)

Our front yard...

the deer..eating the apples off the trees.

(through the living room window...HOW IN THE WORLD am I suppose

to keep it that clean?)

The cutest three year old EVER!

Seriously...he has me TOTALLY wrapped around his

cute little finger!

We did it...

we made the move.

I know...where the heck have I been?? Bad mommy blogger...bad! BUT....I have been packing the house WITHOUT my hubby, while he was working at his new job. Some how...we managed to get it packed and made the trip without TOO many incidents. (ok...you need a laugh...how about a quick list of mishaps along the way).

All of our boxes would NOT fit in the moving truck (that the moving company sent.) Thus, requiring them to send ANOTHER biGGER truck the next day, unloadind it ALL in my culde sac, and reLOAD the entire house. (it did fit after stuffing some remaining items in Chris' car that would be towed by another company)
The car company towing Chris' car called...very angry with me. It appears that you are NOT suppose to load a car down...THUS, an additional charge of $400 would be imposed on me:(
We HAD to spend the night after the movers couldn't get the first truck loaded. Our hotel accepted pets (GREAT!)...yeah, with a $50 pet FEE! (my behind!...I quick went back to our empty house and dropped off sweet Katie with food and water)
FINALLY...we hit the road. Make it to Bakersfield, CA. LaQuinta Inn's take pets...we stop. OH SNAP! (doors on the outside of the MOtel...we can't stay there!) Go across the street to Holiday Inn Express....SO pretty...but, NO pets! BACK to LaQuinta Inn...splurge for the suite (so, it's the NICEST room in the Motel). Open the door...nice furniture, nice bedding, clean bathroom....YUCKIER THAN YUCKY stains on the floor! (almost puked!) It was TOO late to find another place. Put kids to bed...and I kept my FLIP FLOPS on the entire time! (still feeling gross about that one!)
Wake up...it's raining. No problemo...I did remember to change my wiper blades. EXCEPT, they weren't working on the DRIVER's Side! Go to Pep Boys...they save the day and fix my wiper arm!!! (awesome guys!)
WHEW....it's like 10am and we can FINALLY hit the road. We drive thru McDonald's...get our breakfast. Chris grabs a can of coke from the cooler and it EXPLODES ALL OVER US IN THE FRONT SEAT! (i think a bad word did spill from my lips...sorry). After multiple baby wipes and paper towels...we ONCE AGAIN try to head out~
No real issues during the day...until we reach Portland! OH MY GOSH..I almost had a panic attack driving up I-5...those bridges are SO STINKin' high! I had to pull my hair to cover the sides of my face, look straight ahead...and not EVEN look to my side! (I am SO afraid of heights!)
We drove all night (whatever night it was) until about 2am to make it to our new house and to Joe. (Although he was glad to see us...it appeared that he was not TOO terribly happy to be blowing up air mattresses and hear screaming at that hour. I think he was in "quiet" for too long!) Don't worry...we've fixed that!
ahh...The movers met us at the house the next morning. AFTER hours and hours of unloading...the house is ready for me to start unpacking (i do NOT like that part of moving).
Friday night...I'm doing dishes, laundry...and hear a noise. It appears there's a water leak...IN THE WALL! The downstairs is SUPER WET! We call the property manager...they send someone right over...BUT...that means I have to wash dishes in the bathroom sink.
I am STILL washing dishes in the bathroom sink...(and it's TUESDAY).
On Friday morning, I was washing dishes (before I had to stop)...and a DEER walked right in front of the window! (scared me to DEATH!) Anyway...there's a mom and two baby deer that just wonder around the neighborhood (and eat apples off our apple trees). too cute...

I'm sure there were many more funny moments...my poor little brain is just FrIeD!

The important things are...the boys are in school (actually enjoying themselves), we are all battling colds (except Isaac...yeah for me!), and the boxes will eventually unpack themselves (right?)

It's late...I'm stuffy and coughing...I should get off to bed soon.

(I have pics of the messy house...with TONS of boxes everywhere. I'll check with Joe to see if he'd be TOO embarrassed if I shared them with you). (just so that you can praise me when I get them all unpacked...that's all)

Moving...

2010-10-04T00:49:00.000-07:00

I KNOW that you'd like to see pictures..
especially YOU Joe....

BUT...I have SO much left to get ready for the move! OH MY GOODNESS....
we have WAY too many clothes...WAY too much junk.

I'll TRY to remember to take pictures of the "after"...and maybe some "during" pics.

BUT..the boys are already withdrawn from school...
and the movers will be at our house on Monday morning at 9am...

fingers crossed that they can fit it all in ONE truck!

Rocking update

2010-09-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

First of all..I just need to tell you that my BFF, Tasha...took this AWESOME picture of Isaac. NOW...she's going to have to follow me to WA and take some family pics for me! If you live in Vegas and need a photographer...just click HERE to find her!

We went to see my MOST favorite neurologist today (Dr. Raja if you're in Vegas looking for a good one). ANYWAY....he watched the videos and told me that this is just a new mannerism that Isaac is exhibiting. BUT...if those movements start becoming rhythmic...then, it could be a seizure and I must return.

So...I'll just keep watching them.

He does it all day...and he does NOT like doing it. I just hug him and hold him while it's happening until it stops. That's all you can do.

OK...for all those who see Chris' facebook status...you are now able to see him pecking his girl!

(seriously...who would want their mom to see that?) So..he's doing great. (obviously)

Eli got stung by a bee at school today. (it was pronounced his WORST day EVER)....and OF COURSE, this wouldn't have happened if I would home school him.

He doesn't know if he can go to school tomorrow...it's just too much.

Isaac is still not his super happy self...but, he's starting to feel better.

and me...oh my goodness..I just wanted to lay in the floor and cry today. I had the worst migraine. SO, after all our morning appointments...and picking up all the kids...I called all my friends that were going to come over...and the boys and I napped..and napped...and NOW...I feel FABULOUS!

(which is good...because I'm going to veg out on the couch and watch Project Runway)...and maybe throw a couple of things in a box!

Rocking Isaac

2010-09-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

OK...Isaac started doing this wierd thing lately where he makes a funny fist...and puts his arm behind his head...(like he's not in control of his arm) and then he cries.

WELL...today, he started doing it while rocking...non-stop...and this went on for about 30 minutes. Is this just stimming or something else??

I was able to get in to see the neurologist this week...hoping that he might be able to tell me what it is and what I need to do to help him when he's doing it.

and here's another video.

and here's a video where he puts his his arm behind his head (I know the gabba gabba episode makes it look like he's washing his hair..but he isn't. This is what he starts to do before he starts the rocking.)

House hunting trip

2010-09-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

I haven't update much this because:

Isaac is STILL sick
Eli is STILL sick (missing three days of school)
Christopher continues to sneak calls to his new girl at ALL hours of the night (putting me on guard duty at all hours)
Joe was gone all week in WA looking for us a house

BUT...Eli is feeling better, Isaac is a little better, Chris continues to sit on my last nerve, and Joe found us a house! (we will be renting...not, buying)

Chris started looking at the pictures and said:

"OH MY GOSH...our house is yellow!"

"OH MY GOSH...we live in the country!"

and...that about sums it up! Joe did a great job working with "list" and picking out the perfect house. He brought back TONS of pictures and even made videos for me!

I love that guy...and all my little guys!

TOO much to tell....NOT much time to tell it!

2010-09-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

SO...here's the short list of recent events:

Joe got the job!
AND...we're MOVING....
TO Aberdeen, Washington (yes...Washington STATE!)
Joe is NOT home...he's up in WA, looking for us a HOUSE!
Chris turned 16...still hasn't been on that first date yet (but, actively looking)
Isaac is sick...
of course he is...snot, coughing, gagging, throwing up...
Eli and I watched Furry Vengeance tonight (super cute...that teenager reminds me of Chris)
I started boxing up the house today...WHEW...that's going to be a JOB!
and...I need to load the dishwasher...but, don't tell if I don't do it until tomorrow!

Pure Cuteness

2010-09-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

I thought you deserved a little cuteness today...these guys sure do melt my heart!

Tuesday...already?

2010-09-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

***Christopher turns 16 on September 9th! I can't believe he's that old! How is that even possible? We're taking him to Chinese Buffet for dinner on Thursday (a surprise for him). AND...if you KNOW Chris...this is HEAVEN to him. We stopped going to this one restaurant when they raised the prices to $20 a person and started busing in Japanese tourists. HOPEFULLY, there will NOT be BUSLOADS of tourists...and he eats $20 worth of noodles (because, that's all he eats).

Aren't the days just speeding past? Oh MY GOODNESS! This weekend was a whirlwind...
on Saturday...we started at 5am with a yard sale...which, was CRAZY BUSY! We were wiped out by 9am! Later that day, Eli and I went to some baptisms of cute kiddos from church, Joe and I then snuck out to meet a cute young man that just returned from his mission, and then we went BACK to church where we were able to attend another baptism where Joe sang the most beautiful song.
Sunday...we made it to church! Joe taught his class, and...lucky for me...Isaac slept through the entire 3 hour block of church (which, also meant that I didn't get my Sunday afternoon nap:(
I really don't know which I prefer....quiet during church...or a family nap?

Monday...Let Labor day begin! Joe, the kids, and I had the entire house cleaned by noon...
and then, I napped!
FINALLY!

Therapies are back in full swing, home school for Isaac, scouts have started back up...
I am SO glad that I don't have the boys in sports this season....where would the time be for that??

Have I told you that I'm working on a costume for my niece? A pink flamingo. It's SO stinkin' cute. Well...I've been working on it for MONTHS...and I STILL haven't finished it.
Megan...I'll get into my sewing room and finish it this week...I PROMISE!

AND...you guys KNOW that I have a shopping problem...and I am having a REALLY hard time NOT shopping the deals like I do and stocking up on all the freebies that I know I can get...because, THEN...I''ll have to pack it up and box it up and PAY to move it.

AND...another confession...I am ADDICTED to the Housewives. All of them! They make me laugh and crack up and ....oh my goodness...Joe can't stand to even hear it in the background....
but...they are hilarious.

I've always thought that there was enough drama in our house....that we could be a reality show.

Ok...I need to hop on ebay now and search for rain gear and boots for my boys! (and watch Rachel Zoe while shopping....what could be better?)

Cardiology Update

2010-09-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

well...I STILL don't have any pics to share...

but, I do have an update for you!!!

Cardiology Update:

Isaac's heart is stable. His valve leakage is still a 6 (on a scale of 1-10...10 meaning it's time for replacement). His heart rate is still crazy high (and for an unknown reason). It's 150-160 while he's just sitting around...and in the 200s when he's mad and screaming! SO, we were hooked up to a Holter monitor for the last 24 hours. He does have random rhythm disturbances...but, they are not close together. (these disturbances are what they'll keep an eye on also...to determine when he'll need a new valve). He was satting at 93-95...just about where he usually is. (which means when he gets any type of respiratory illness...he gets the o2 back up his nose).

Moving update:

I can't jinx anything, or Joe will TOTALLY blame me...but, Forks isn't our town....BUT, it does look like another town in WA state. SO...we'll know for sure next week...then, I'll spill the beans!

Eli update:

He got the paperwork to be tested for GATE (the gifted and talented program at his school). He took his iq test today...and he's SO excited...but, also quite anxious (he can't bear to go to school if he doesn't get in...seriously).

We went to the library yesterday, and got the 2nd Harry Potter book. (we're still reading a chapter every night before bed)

Chris update:

He doesn't like the girl with the pierced lip and nose anymore (there are many other women that have caught his eye now)....BUT, he is convinced that he NEEDS a tattoo. seriously.

This, coming from the boy that is SO scared of needles! (at his last ped. shots...I had to actually sit on him to hold him down so that they could give him a shot).

yep.

that's my boy.

Joe update:

He's out at this very moment (late at night), looking in dumpsters for me! (empty boxes)

so sweet of him!

We are CRAZY busy...as is everyone, I'm sure. With school starting, and therapies back in swing. (we're having 2-3 appts a day! then kids at two different schools...and dinner...people in this house still expect ME to cook!)

shoot...

it's breakfast for dinner like EVERY other day around here.

or frozen pizza night...

or kraft mac n cheese night...

or breakfast again for dinner night...

repeat.

Forced Family Fun Night

2010-08-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Can I just say....

We ALL made it to church today. Yep...it was a rather smooth process. No screaming or yelling...no wrinkled suits.

NOW...we did spend most of church in the hallways with a grumpy little Isaac. But...we made it!

After church...we ALL had a nice LONG nap! (I just LOVE Sunday afternoon naps!)

I made a roast in the crockpot...so, lunch was ready after church and dinner was leftovers.

Perfect.

THEN...it was time for FORCED FAMILY FUN NIGHT!

Where we FINALLY get to watch Harry Potter.

Eli and I took our positions on the loveseat (the best viewing spots in the house), Isaac crawled around on the floor sprinkling crackers everywhere, Chris was at the table STILL eating, and Joe was laying on the couch.

The movie started....

Eli was so excited...

THEN...Chris went upstairs to sleep (at 8:00!)....

THEN...we could hear snoring from the couch...

and that left me, and lick, and ick (eli and isaac).

We finished the movie...Eli was SO excited then...went up to brush his teeth and to bed.

Joe woke up...then, tried rolling back over...

WHEN...Eli came downstairs crying!

Yep...he doesn't want to go to school tomorrow...he wants to be HomeSchooled.

poor little thing.

SO...while I was feeding Isaac his last "late night" feed....

I sent Joe and Eli up to my bed...

where they are snoring happily together as I type...

Chris is STILL asleep...

and I just heard Isaac open his door and scream out (he can open it from his crib....like I can't hear him screaming with the door closed?)

We begin our day in the morning early....

wish me luck...

I need a nerve pill...

so bad!

Too Much Information!

2010-08-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Do you see that face?? That's him talking to me...well, screaming at me...he isn't mad...that's just how he talks. LOUD...LIKE THAT...ALL DAY...(I can't pop enough excedrin at this point in my life).

Isaac is fine. We had an ot evaluation on Tuesday...so, he'll be in community pt twice a week, community ot once a week, home school twice a week, home school pt once a week, home school speech once a week, and home school ot once a week.

got all that?

AND...we get a cardiology update NEXT WEEK! I'm SO excited!!!! Not nervous at all. Isaac's been perfect. He has his random blueberry moments...but, pops right out. I think he gets a holter monitor this time...that will ease my mind about his rapid heartrate.

He doesn't like wearing the supersuit. I don't like putting on the supersuit.

There....I said it.

BUT...Joe told me to be a good mom and put it on.

(even though I have to take it off EVERY TIME I CHANGE a DIAPER--which is like every freakin' hour it seems...and it takes FOREVER to put back on...and let's NOT even talk about if there's a leak in the diaper!)

Speaking of my sweetie...Joe. (and he is a sweetie...he worked all day and he's working tonight also). A few days ago...the kitchen trashcan was FULL. It needed to be taken out (but, that's Christopher's job...and I just remind him when he appears downstairs). SO, Joe's in his office cleaning it...he comes out with a trash bag from HIS OFFICE trash can. He doesn't take it out side...BUT, he SHOVES it in the kitchen trash can...making it SUPER FULL now.

Please...we need a vote...

He thinks I'm a nagger for pointing that out...

would you??? Think I'm nagging??

Thank you.

Harry Potter update: We have only FIVE chapters left!!! Eli and I decided tonight that we should read a little extra over the next few days and to have Sunday night as our HARRY POTTER MOVIE night!!!

and it shall be!

I'm SO excited!

OH--I keep forgetting to post this...BUT, we switched our home phone to "Clear" service last month...and it is NOT clear. I can't hear a thing when people call. SO, I've been working with their techs for weeks...and still NOT working. So, today we got a regular land line turned on, a new home number....and I can call everyone back! (sorry...I didn't want to burn up my cell minutes since I'm on Mandy's plan now).

AND...Joe has his final interview on Friday.

WHERE?

What do you think about Forks, Wa??

yep...that's right.

Cross your fingers and toes and say your prayers!

(Christopher is NOT even talking to us about the idea of possibly moving...poor little thing).

Weekend Report

2010-08-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

It's hot here.

That's all.

I got a LONG nap today...yeah for me!

Joe worked Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. SO...he's quite POOPED!

Isaac has the runny poops...totally YUCK! Maybe we'll all go to church and Joe can take him home early (that's the LAST thing I want to clean up outside of the house).

Eli and I are ALMOST finished reading Harry Potter!

Chris TALKS WAY too much about the girl with the piercings. I may have to do an intervention...but, I'm keeping an eye on the situation.

AND....Joe's been interviewing with Bank of America for a job in ANOTHER STATE. I will NOT spill the beans...but, it's CRAZY! He'll have his next phone interview on Tuesday...don't worry...I'll keep you updated.

Really...we've had a drama FREE weekend! Who would have thought??

oh...and pictures. Would you like to see what the kids look like?

WELL...I'll see if I can pull the ole camera out tomorrow and see if I can snap a few!

2010-08-18T21:07:00.001-07:00

I've been ONE busy mama! I mean, really...do you expect anything less from me?

ALL boys are out of school until August 30th. SO..they are always here, messing up my house, watching my television, trying to talk to me...OH MY GOSH...I can't wait until they go back!

Eli cute moment:

Since the birth of Isaac...poor Eli has had to take a backseat to everything. One moment I really miss with his is reading to him every night. It was our routine...it's what we did every night...until we had Isaac. Now that Isaac sleeps in his own room...and Eli is a super star reader...we were talking last week when he found a Harry Potter book. He asked if he could read it...and I said sure! BUT...why don't I read it to you each night!? You see...Eli was too young to remember watching all the movies when they came out...and when he can remember seeing them, they were rated PG13 and I usually ended up out in the halls with him because he was scared. HE DOESN"T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HARRY POTTER! How awesome is that? SO, we're reading everynight. I put Isaac in his crib, and Eli and I snuggle in my bed and read. Eli falls asleep with me and then Joe moves him to his bed.

It's just perfect.

I needed that time with him...and I KNOW that he does too.

Onto Chris.

He asked about DATING today. You see...he's talking (texting) about 50 different girls at the moment...but, the forerunner seems to be this girl he met at summer school with a pierced nose and lip. We talked today about dating once he's 16...and then, it's only group dates. THEN, I asked him if he understood WHY it was only group dates. (you should just see his little face turn red...but, we have to talk about those things...because he'll be SIXTEEN YEARS OLD on Sept. 9th!)

yep...i am OLD!

OH...and he took his Bass guitar out of the closest...and he's plucking at it ALL day now. I suppose he'll be in a rock band soon (don't worry...I'll get you his autograph before he gets too famous)

and Isaac.

He will NOT keep his glasses on his face. He does NOT like to wear the super suit. He continues to scream at us relentlessly until we turn the channel to YoGabbaGabba on the big screen, his playroom tv, and his ipad. seriously.

Sometimes I just make him scream (yes i do)...

but, I do understand his frustration with his lack of communication...

AND...I do like to give my ears a rest...so, gabba stays on FAR too much in my house.

(I am STILL waiting for them to contact me so that we can be on their payroll...I feel like we single handedly told the world about YoGabbaGabba!)

and...if you say, "good job" Isaac...he claps like a madman! You can say, "clap for mommy" and he just gives you a blank stare. "good job Isaac"...crazy clapping.

at least he understands and likes "good job".

and Joe.

My sweetie pie. Continues to look for that most awesome day job that will pay SO MUCH so that I can continue to live in my fairy tale world....but, until that day comes....he got a night job. He'll be working security at some clubs and restaurants in the Venetian. I am so proud of him for not just sitting around and waiting for money to fall from the sky. AND...guess what? This job qualifies for benefits after 90 days and only part time hours...AND..it's the most awesome insurance that we had before that covers ALL Isaac's docs and therapists!

(this is super important for us...for instance...Isaac can't talk or eat...but, our current insurance doesn't cover speech therapy...and I can't afford $80 twice a week for therapy...but, I would like him to talk and eat one day).

SO...my superstar hubby gets a BIG OLE FAT GOLD STAR for taking care of us and doing what he needs to do to make it happen.

He'd shovel poo if he had too...and I'm so proud of him for that.

I think that about covers it.

My house is still messy, the hamster cage needs to be cleaned, I am still the pool man, there's doggy poo that needs to be picked up from outside....but, my pantry is full, the freezer is full, the internet works, the tv works, and the boys are happy...

what else really matters?

Walking Isaac

2010-08-12T21:22:00.001-07:00

ok...he's getting SO close!

Here's a quick little video of him tonight. He took about three steps! (then, he lunges forward...but, he'll get it soon...i think!)

NOW...if you're TOTALLY bored and want to sit in your seat for a little longer, here's a video of Isaac walking to my sister. It is hilarious! He is SO excited, that he takes ONE single step, and then stops to sit down, do his happy dance, and clap for himself....and repeats this 20 times.

I DO have Isaac's newest ORANGE glasses...but, he keeps taking them off...so, no picture yet. BUT...Eli just found his other glasses...so, I have TWO pairs!

Sleeping Beauty

2010-08-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

What do I really need to say about this babydoll??

(other than the pj's NOT matching, the pillow case NOT

on the pillow, and NOT matching the blanket on the floor)...

I just love this stinker.

Just a short and sweet post updating you on our chaos. (I mean...family fun house).

Isaac learned how to clap....and claps for himself ALL DAY LONG!
Joe still doesn't have a job (but, we're hoping that he'll get paid for his good looks)
Chris remembered to do his chores today (after a small prompting)
Eli is in LOVE with Greek Mythology at the moment....he's a reading madman!
Isaac gets his NEW ORANGE Converse glasses tomorrow!

That's all folks!

Funny Pics!

2010-08-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

Dang...I tried posting this LAST night and it took

FOREVER for the pics to load...

so, here we go:

THIS is the picture that Eli gave his teacher for her "end of the year" gift.

We put it in a talking picture frame that talked and he said,

"Ms. E, LOOK what I have in my hand for you"

(in his little devious voice)

She's going to LOVE it!

Peek a boo...

I see you!

This is how Sir Isaac was sitting on the couch

yesterday watching Gabba.

Ok...I moved the pillow...

I know...he doesn't really match...

but, who cares!

See that smile...still watching Gabba!

SHoot....it's almost NOON and I need to feed my bugaboo now. I hope you enjoyed the pics!

SuperSuit

2010-08-03T21:54:00.001-07:00

ok...here's the backside of the supersuit...

notice everything is covered,

except for the bum:)

Front view...

he had to stop for a moment and pick his nose...

It isn't too tight or too loose...

see, he can get on the floor and change the channels!

sideview...

still picking his nose...

and watching television...

his TWO favorite past times.

Sarah...you totally made me laugh! (where's my supersuit?) That's the voice that I use now when I'm looking for parts of it.

Of course...it's late. I finally got Mr. Isaac to sleep. We had NO appointments today!!!

Eli made it to school...

Chris made it out of his room...

both boys made it to scouts tonight.

life is pretty good.

My Kids Have gone CRAZY!

2010-08-01T23:16:00.001-07:00

When Eli got his Wolf badge...

Joe and I got to paint his face at the Pack meeting!

Isaac is still loving his crackers....

and his hands so much...he put a blister on it chewing on it.

I put a band-aid on it for now..

but, it's only going to last a few hours before he chews it off.

Gosh...I haven't posted in a few days because the KIDS HAVE GONE CRAZY!

Let's see....

Thursday--Isaac got a new Super Suit from physical therapy. It's like a tank top with attached buttless chaps. (if that makes sense). It snuggles him tight to give him more input. WELL, we had to take it off as soon as we got home...he was just too hot. By noon, Isaac was super grumpy...with a FEVER!

of course.

He just laid around all day...I kept him drugged up and hydrated...and he slept. We had to cancel our homeschool for Thursday:(

Friday--I can't remember much. Isaac was still feverish, but no other symptoms (so, I didn't take him in). I get a call about noon from ELI's school...he has a headache and is crying. I pick him up...BOTH of my babies aren't feeling well.

Saturday--Isaac was feeling better...now ELI was NOT. He ended up sleeping in our room and just laid around. Eli's only complaint was a fever now and a headache.

Sunday--We get up and Eli's fever is pretty high, so Joe takes him to urgent care because I have to teach in Relief Society at church (the plan is that if he isn't back home in time, I'll take Isaac to church with me).

Luckily, they make it back in time. They couldn't get a good swab from Eli, but they suspect STREP!

seriously.

Could that be what was wrong with Isaac on Thursday?

who knows?

Eli has not eaten anything but crackers all weekend...I now have him on antibiotics and fever reducers....

Isaac seems fine...just screaming when all the televisions in the house are NOT on YoGabbaGabba.

Monday...I suspect Eli will be skipping school...Isaac will go to therapy with his supersuit on and leg braces and be VERY angry with me. BUT, we don't have any more appointments for the day...so, I might just be able to go upstairs and SEW!

Chris is around here...locked in his room...texting, facebooking, playing xbox....slowly losing what brain cells he has remaining.

Tubes...where are you?

2010-07-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

I took Mr. Isaac to the ENT today...where he looked in those little ears...he saw the tubes...but, they were full of wax and NOT in their correct spot. Therefore...they are NOT working.

SO....he said, "let's just wait".

and...we are.

We're waiting to see how he does when winter hits and colds abound.

I'm just procrastinating going to bed. OH...my head hurts...my child is still crawling around screaming at me to turn the channel...

calgon...take me away...

far away...

I will post pics tomorrow...because SOME LITTLE MAN in my house just got his Bobcat badge last night! OH...so cute!

and Chris...he's alive and well...i guess. He hides in his room all day and plays games...

and i just let him...

(does that make me a bad mom?)

hush Joe!

ok...i'm taking my baby to bed...

I'll update more tomorrow!

Looking too cute!

2010-07-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

Mr. Isaac is a SUPER STAIR CRAWLER~

in the middle of the stairs is a landing..

with a window..

he had to stop for a little look.

(and yes...that is a hole in the wall. Chris and I moved furniture one day...

and put it there...and I haven't fixed it yet)

Could he get any CUTER?

Sometimes he looks so thoughtful...

like he's pondering so many important things...

and can't be bothered.

after taking the stop at the window...

it's time to head back UP the stairs.

Looks like he's getting tired.

and...when he does get tired...

he knows how to stop, rest, and just chill...

until he's ready to start again.

We had a CRAZY busy weekend. After MUCH drama (too much to type), the boys and I made it out to help my sister pack up her house. We filled up ONE ENORMOUS pod, a storage building, a uhaul, and the back of a Yukon (and she STILL threw a ton of stuff away and left things behind).

This might be TOO much information...so, stop reading now.

BUT...I worked SO hard...and my bum is bigger (as are my thighs)...that they were rubbed RAW from all the work and sweat. TOTALLY gross. I've never been so big in my life...or sweated and worked for so long.

i'm surprised that I'm still alive to blog about it.

I will not show you what it looks like (but, you know...in your inner thigh...where your bum meets the leg...totally sore!)

Summer school is FINALLY over...

but...as much as I don't miss driving back and forth...i DO miss my semi-quiet house. NOW, i have a teenager hooked up to video games all day...just screaming into his microphone (like the big dork that he is).

I did cook dinner tonight...Chicken Parmesan. It was edible....that's all.

I do NEED to clean more, sew more, cut more coupons....

oh, I NEED an assistant.

now.

Raining in Vegas?

2010-07-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

You have to blow up this picture to see his face...

THIS is how he eats crackers.

ALL over his face, hands, clothes, the floor...the television, his toys...

you can just see a trail...

all from saltine crackers.

The only "solid" food that he eats.

Now...let us discuss the RAIN in Las Vegas for a moment.

You KNOW that we are drama magnets. We don't want it...but, it finds us and clings to us like crazy! AND...drama is at it again...

Can I just say that my dryer is broken, today our ac unit broke (which will cost $2500 to fix), and Joe's LAST day of employment is next week.

(yes...i will soon be adding a "donate now" button on my sidebar)

seriously...

could it get any worse?

(shhh...don't answer that...because in our world...it can).

BUT....I'm helping my sister pack up her house...and she's giving me her dryer (among LOTS of other goodies), the ac will be fixed tomorrow, and...well....I've got nothing to report on the job front yet.

I know it will eventually be ok...it always is. Do you remember 2 years ago....Isaac had his 2nd heart surgery (the 14 hour one), we came home with our baby MIRACULOUSLY, and then Joe lost his job, all the while our mortgage interest rate adjusted (totally ticking me off).

It was all just horrible at that time...

but, we survived...

and I know we will now.

It's just too darn hot for all this drama....I wish it would have waited until fall or winter...I could probably handle it a little better that time of year.

SO...other than all of the above...I'm driving out to Phoenix tomorrow to help my sister pack up and I'll be back Saturday night.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell drama to leave me alone for just a few days...my nerves can't take anymore.

Made you laugh...again!

2010-07-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

He's sitting nicely there...

(in the next moment..he's screaming at me)

and Eli...

you're too much!

Make you laugh moment...

eli: "mom, can I put a note on my back that says, "kiss me"?"

me: "why"

eli: "i just want to see what my responses will be"

Make you laugh moment 2:

I walk to the fence to pick up Eli from school. His teacher walks over to me:

teacher: "eli had an incident on the playground today"

me: "oh no...what happened?"

teacher: "eli kissed molly"

me: "what?"

eli: "well...jordan triple dog dared me"

Make you laugh moment 3:

eli: "mom...did you buy me Justin Bieber tickets yet?"

me: "ahh..no. I asked you months ago, you said no. They are sold out now."

eli: "did you win any on the radio?"

me: "no...i've tried, but I haven't won any"

eli: "I see that the big rush band is coming to town. could you get me tickets."

me: "we'll see"

eli: "could you get me vip tickets?"

eli: "what are vip tickets anyway?"

I have a million of them! (my memory just escapes me). Isaac climbed DOWN the stairs last night UNattended. Isaac climbed UP the stairs today UNattended (someone should be watching their child).

He didn't fall...he's quite careful when he attempts this new feat.

This also means that I have to find TWO new baby gates.

rats.

At least everyone is healthy around here. It's been busy...but, nothing extraordinary. (and that means, NOTHING out of OUR ordinary)

oh...Isaac lost his glasses somewhere last week...so, I called to order him another pair. Of course they don't carry his exact glasses anymore...so, they had a similar pair, in just another color....SO...do NOT laugh at my baby when you see him in orange and white glasses.

i mean it!

and....just to make you laugh again...here's Isaac showing his ipad some LOVE. That would be lick marks and cracker slobber on the back, there's tape on the home button (to keep him from constantly pressing it), and you'll see how he tells me to start his movie again.

Made you laugh!

2010-07-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'm driving home from picking up Chris from summer school (because he failed biology):

"mom...I think I want to go to medical school"

need I say more?

Isaac Eating

2010-07-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of Isaac eating by mouth. He's almost eating a WHOLE jar of

stage 2 baby food now! (almost...)

This is also his school chair. I'm trying to transition away from the

bouncy seat that will one day break and leave us stranded.

Notice his smile. He doesn't mind eating...he rarely gags and throws up anymore (unless he's sick). BUT...he still doesn't have alot of muscle to hold up that big head of his....

thus, the side lean when we get to the end of his feeding.

Now...he's ready to get out of his chair...

and I'm not moving fast enough to get him out.

OK...bad MOMMY! I should NOT have stopped to take a picture...

but, it was just too cute!

Now....after all that....eating, leaning, trying to escape..

he's tired.

and..did you notice the snazzy new leg braces??

We had a full day of speech therapy, physical therapy, summer school....and that was just Isaac's schedule.

I'll stop being a slacker and get my camera out more often...

I do miss it!

Our week in review

2010-07-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

i know...i know...

why haven't I updated?

i think that you know the drill by now...i'm just tired...and this stinkin' Vegas heat is sucking the life right out of me (that which is left from my kids sucking the life out of me).

SO...let's see what I can remember from the last week (which, will not be a lot, sorry).

We had a SUPER FUN time with the Coopers. I remember that we had dinner on Thursday and then there was Friday. Gosh, I can't remember Jen...was that date night? Cheesecake Factory?

OK..Saturday, Eli was baptized. OH, he was so DARN excited! While we were in the chapel, the opening song was, "I like to look for rainbows"....that song that Isaac HATES! I almost peed in my pants laughing! He was already not feeling well...he was just looking around and listening...if I would have opened my mouth and started singing...he would have screamed his little peanut head off!

Joe does the actual baptism and then we move to another room for his confirmation...

where Isaac throws up (i think because it's so hot).

and he throws up again.

and we repeat this maybe TEN TIMES..

then, we leave.

OH, and Christy and her family were able to come for the day and Joe's parents were there...

what a wonderful FULL house we had! (Christy would not let her kids spend the night with me...:(

That night, after the baptism, The Coopers took their kiddos and Eli to the strip to see the sites. Jen told me that they were in a casino and Eli wanted to take the escalator and they needed to take the elevator because of the stroller. They told him that he had to stay with them, and Eli said, "it's ok, I'll be alright...I have the Holy Ghost with me now"...

oh...so stinkin' sweet.

THEN, she also told me that she almost lost Eli in another casino when he stopped to watch the dancing Pussy Cat Dolls in a cage...

that's my Eli.

When he's on the strip at night...he just looks at the ground at the nudy cards.

(what can you do?)

(I don't let him pick them up...but, he knows what's there)!

Sunday...whew...I'm already tired...

we go to church and abandon poor Jen and family. Our plans are to meet up after church for lunch. We FINALLY make it home, LATE of course...and we're off to snag some lunch...while on the way, I get a call from Joe that the van is dead.

really dead.

we ate without him.

it was delicious.

OH...and Sunday was the 4th of July! We just bought some fireworks and hit the cul de sac. We had the Coopers over, our neighbor popped in, and other friends and their kiddos. It was the perfect night! We could see fireworks from all directions. The kids really enjoyed it...

Isaac just slept...

he still wasn't feeling well from all the puking that weekend.

Monday....everyone heads out.

and I think I probably took a nap.

Thanks for coming guys...we loved every minute of it!

NOW...what happened this week?

I just don't know. It's freakin' hot here. I do know that Isaac is working so hard in therapy. I still think he'll be walking in a few months! (that makes me and my back so excited!)

Eli comes home everyday from school reading his scout book...he's ready to sign everything off!

Chris...Chris...Chris....what to say? He's still ruining my summer with summer school, he's always on his phone texting someone or someGIRLs...thankfully, he's a good kiddo, not doing anything really wrong yet...so, I can't complain.

his room just smells like butt.

I REALLY need to get into the Halloween gear~

I have so many ideas for my Etsy store...I just need to get in gear and get them made!

I'm sure there's so much more to tell...and pictures to share...

just wanted to tell you a little of what you've missed...

My weekend

2010-07-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Let me just tell you that it's 10:30pm...and I've spent the last hour feeling so sick to my stomach...

and I just realized why...

I FORGOT to eat dinner.

That's the kind of day we've had.

Before I start whining and singing my song...let me just say that we SO enjoyed having the Coopers at our house. You know me...and I didn't take my camera out enough, so maybe Jen will have pics to share.

Let me just briefly list the good stuff from the weekend (because I feel horrible and need to go to bed):

We had a BLAST with our friends this weekend
Isaac's ear stopped bleeding
Eli got baptized.
Fireworks in the cul-de-sac with our friends and family was SO fun!
Watching Gracie "shop" in my craft room was priceless!

(ok...that's all I can think of for now)

Here's the STINKY STUFF list:

The van is broken...probably SO broken that we'll need a new one
The mustang has a flat tire (among other broken things)
Isaac's ear stopped bleeding, BUT the other ear has lost it's tube
Summer school started today (that means I had to get up early)
My tummy hurts...

that's enough stinky stuff to list for now.

Joe just drove the van to the grocery store...to see if it would drive.

He had to walk home.

poor joe.

poor me and my tummy.

poor Isaac and his ears.

poor Chris and summer school.

poor Eli...because I took the television out of my room and he can't sit in the bathtub now and watch nickelodeon.

Come on in and join the party...

You know...it is the start of monsoon season. THAT explains why it seems to be raining and pouring in our world. (I should check the calendar and see when we should expect the season to change.)

I'll post all the happy and funny stuff from the weekend tomorrow.

and I will go to bed now and hope that Joe can get the van back home (by magic, no doubt).

A scout, a ladybug, and a goose egg.

2010-06-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

My name is Kathy...
and have I told you lately that I'm tired??
I am...
But...
Well...let me introduce you to our newest cub scout!

He had his second meeting tonight...and he just LOVES it! He sits down every night with his book and tries to get me to sign off things for him. I think he'll have his Eagle before he's in high school.
AND...by popular demand...we have the "scaled down" version of
LadyBug Eli.

Yes...that IS how he went to school. Antennae on his head, (the wings were in his backpack), the tutu around his waist...and notice the matching red crocs. I did NOT put black dots on the skirt or make it longer...he was fluffy enough.
and...he wore it all day...
and wore it home.

Now...that Eli has kept me somewhat busy...we should talk about Sir Isaac.
Did I tell you that he fell off the train table last week and had a goose egg on his head??
Do you want to see it??
IT's GROSS...and BIG...and OH, so sad.
(and..he's only crying because I got in front of the television...not because he's in any pain)

So...the goose egg is going down. There is still a bruise up there. Poor thing.
He's still on antibiotics for his ears...and ear drops to help unclog those tubes. WELL...this morning...I put the drops in his ears and went up to shower. Eli came running in,
"MOM...Isaac has BLOOD coming out of his ears!"
Dang...
I quick rush down the stairs to see blood all in his ear and running down his neck (I did take pics, but Joe told me they were TOO gross to show you). I cleaned him off and called the ENT. To schedule an appointment, I had to go straight to voicemail...so, I left a message. By noon, NO ONE had called, so I called again, and this time asked to be transferred to the triage nurse...where, you of COURSE had to leave a message. She did call me back before 5:00...and told me that she didn't think his tube fell out, but that the drops did indeed unclog the tube and there was just so much pressure behind it. (has this happened to anyone).
Well...it's still bleeding a little throughout the day.
She's going to call us in the morning to check up on him...
but, I think I'm going to try and get him in the IMpossible-to-get-into doctors office and let him look in those little ears.

OH...I have SO much to clean...Jen, Craig, Gracie, and Bennett will be here on Thursday!!! YEAH...I can't wait! (shh...don't tell them how hot it is here...they might change their minds)

Well...that's about all I have for you. I HOPE that we have NO drama to tell about tomorrow...
let's hope.

tutu for boys?

2010-06-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Gosh...

I have NO time to spare...

but, I did want to give you a quickie update on Isaac and our family.

Isaac had a gi appt on Friday. He weighs in at 25 pounds and is 36 inches tall. He's been this weight and height for a while now...SO, it's time to kick it up a little. We've started him on an appetite stimulant that he'll take twice a day. We go back in for a check up in 2 months to see if it helps his eat more or gain a little more weight.

Mr. Isaac had an ENT appointment today to check out those tubes. (he's still on antibiotics from last week's ear infection). Well...it appears that he only had these tubes put in last November...and he might NOT make it to this November. I'm suppose to call them and go in when he has his next ear infection (which...should be in about three weeks if Isaac stays true to his normal schedule).

Chris...his last day of FIRST summer session ends on Thursday. If he makes beLOW a "B" in this class...he will NOT even look at a television until his first report card of 11th grade!

(i don't even want to talk about him anymore...)

Eli...this boy is why I don't have time tonight. I need to go up and make him a RED TUTU to wear to school tomorrow. It's "crazy" day...and he found a ladybug headband, wings...and now would like a matching tutu.

I'm trying to make it NOT too puffy...so they don't send him home for cross-dressing...

let's hope.

I don't like that song!

2010-06-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

First...

Isaac has been a stinker all weekend...and with ANOTHER sleepless night in Vegas Monday night...I woke up on Tuesday and made him an appointment with our ped.

GOOD thing...someONE has a double ear infection.

Seriously.

I suspected it..with his attitude (he has no other symptoms..NOT even drainage from the tubes)..so, I was already putting drops in his ears all weekend. Well...I suppose it was a good thing. I can't imagine how much they would have hurt without the drops.

Fast forward to today...

he's fine.

A fabulous fart blossom...but, fine.

Chris is almost finished with his first session of summer school, and Eli is still the apple of my eye. OH...and he (Eli) started scouts this week! (I took pictures of his uniform...and will share later in the week)

I started singing a new song to Isaac this week. It's one that Eli had to learn for church. Watch his reaction to it...

(you JUST might need to go pee first!)

PLEASE play itsy bitsy spider with me...

2010-06-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

I've been missing in action...I know.

I'm ONE busy lady...a busy lady with a bad memory. I really can't remember WHY I was so busy. Isaac was sick over the weekend (his ears again..but, with ear drops all weekend...he's feeling much better).

HE took TWO steps by HIMSELF today at physical therapy!

Have I mentioned that Chris is ruining my life with this darn early morning summer school?? Well...he is.

Eli is back in school (how silly....MOST of the world is off for summer already)...oh, and Joe took him for a hair cut on Saturday...now, he's almost bald. (I'll take a picture this week).

and I've been cleaning my stinkin' house. Not that it stinks...I'm just tired of cleaning it. It's like a never ending job...I want a new one.

Here's the cutest video EVER! Isaac is trying to get Chris to play Itsy Bitsy Spider with him. The problem with playing this game with Isaac.....is that he's a little OCD...and wants to do it about 20 times in a row.

Enjoy:

too tired to think of an exciting title...

2010-06-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

maybe you can think of a title for me.

We got off to a GREAT start this morning. I am sure to wake up early EACH and EVERY morning and let Chris know how much he's RUINING my summer with this summer school non-sense.

We drive 15 minutes to drop him off....drive BACK home...all the kids were fed, we all got dressed...THEN...we ventured out to Target. Isaac slobbered on my iphone, THUS, causing it to die an untimely death...so, while we're shopping, he doesn't have a tv to watch...SO, he screams...loud...the entire time we're in the store (just to remind me that he REALLY wants to watch his show and that somehow it needs to re-appear from my purse).

While chasing Eli down aisles, blocking out my toddler's screams, and avoiding all eye-contact with strangers staring at me..

it happened....

like the clouds parting in the sky...the sun shining through and glistening like we'd made it to Heaven...I saw it...

a clearance end-cap...

50% off...

of food.

and all was good.

Eli could run where he wanted...

Isaac could scream until he was dehydrated from all the water loss from his eyes...

I had hit the MOTHER LOAD...

and the trip was worth it.

That was the highlight of my day.

After that adventure...I got a migraine (probably from some toddler's screaming)...

my head is still pounding...

after, I can't remember, how many excedrin...

dashboard camera. I need to buy one. You would NEVER believe how Chris drives. I could tell you...in my own voice...BUT, you need to experience the constant jerking, the vibrating of the car as it rides on the reflectors, the sound of horns from other cars as he waits forEVER to pull out in traffic, the screams from the backseat of my other scared children....you can only imagine.

I will work on it...

before he kills me in the car...

and...to make the night even WORSE...Eli had a breakdown. He really wants to play Halo...a rated M game. (because so many of his 8 year old friends play it...and somehow, we think rated M games should only be played by adults...aren't we weird).

He just broke down...crying...breaking my heart...

hugging Joe...

poor little thing.

Maybe he'll sleep good tonight and have a better day tomorrow.

I will post pics again once my children aren't screaming at me, crying at me, or trying to kill me in a car...

so...you may NEVER see pics of my kids again.

sorry.

I have an EIGHT year old!

2010-06-13T23:43:00.001-07:00

Today was Eli's 8th birthday...

and it was a great one!

We've actually been partying all weekend! I was lucky enough to be given Kung Zhu pets to review...and WHO HOOO...it was SO awesome that we could incorporate those cute little hamsters with Eli's party! We actually had a few small parties...where we invited a few friends over for food, cake, ice cream...and of course, to play with the new Kung Zhu pets. BUT....we told everyone NOT to bring gifts, we were sending THEM home with gifts! It was so fun!

(yes...sweet Joe put all that together)

I love these hamsters..

they don't poop..

I love that.

I have videos to post too..

but, you know me. Maybe I'll get around to it...maybe I won't. Maybe you'll just have to keep reminding me...because...that's just how it is with me.

We all made it to church...

ok...we WERE a little late...

but, we made it. Joe gave a great lesson, Isaac watched his ipad lovingly and MOSTLY quietly... then, tonight at church, they had a fireside for kiddos that were turning eight this year and would be baptized soon. AND...guess who sang?

Eli!

I have videos of him practicing at home...BUT..my house is a mess in the background...SO, you might NOT get to see those videos. (or, we'll reshoot this week if you INSIST!)

IT's a FREAKIN' crazy week this week.

Chris starts summer school tomorrow...just ruining my life....I will NEVER be able to sleep in again...NEVER!!!

so...now i will leave you...

it's already ALMOST tomorrow...

and I should really get to bed!

No time for pictures...again...

2010-06-10T22:02:00.001-07:00

Well...we were a BIT busy today.

I was able to sleep in until 7:30 this morning. I went downstairs...got Isaac's feeding pump filled, and went back up to a sleeping Isaac to plug him up while he slept. I went back downstairs to make Joe's lunch...when I heard a happy Isaac babbling! SO, back upstairs I go to UNplug Isaac, bring the pump and Isaac DOWNstairs, and start him back up. I have to wait until he finishes eating before I can shower and get ready because we have physical therapy at 8:45.

Isaac is doing such a great job at therapy. He can walk along a wall (a sideways walk)--and that's me holding Yo Gabba Gabba in front of him luring him along (whatever it takes).

After therapy, I rush home to send out an email for Joe, then we sneak back out to visit ToysRus to get Eli's birthday present for this weekend.

We make it back home by 11am just in time to feed him and see Chris BOLT down the stairs SCREAMING that he NEEDS to go to the DMV NOW before he forgets everything.

and so we do. We pile up in the car and are at the DMV by noon. He takes the test...and PASSES! Then, he waits in another line for about an hour to get his picture taken... BUT...we're NOT finished yet..there is ANOTHER line that you have to wait in to finalize the process. There's about 90 people in front of him (literally). They were on 770 and his number was like 853! Who knows HOW long that wait would be...so, we leave Chris in line while the little guys and I run down the road to the AT&T store (because some TEENAGER in my house lost his cell phone again)...and I was able to get a new sim card for an old phone.

whew...

We decide NOT to stop and get lunch, but to go back to DMV and check on Chris.

and...I think it's important to tell all you NON-LasVegas peeps that the DMV here is the most horrible place on earth! Not only are the lines ridiculously long, BUT there is NO parking for the amount of people that are stuffed into that building. SO, after multiple circles of the parking lot, we score a spot and find Chris. There are still about 50 people in front of him..so, we give him his new cell phone and leave again.

This time, the little guys and I head on over to Target. There are things I NEED...we get them, and while we're checking out, I get a call from Chris, "Mom...there are only FOUR PEOPLE in front of me...hurry back!"

and we do.

because in my former life...I was a Nascar driver.

As I'm pulling into the DMV, my cell rings, "MOM...I'm finished...but, need $22 MORE!"

LUCKILY, I had some cash on me...I called Chris on my cell, handed the phone and cash to Eli and dropped him off at the front of the DMV and told him to find Chris.

(don't worry...the most horrible place on earth is safe for an almost-eight year old)

As I make my third circle around the parking lot...I see my boys...beaming from ear to ear.

They quick hop in the car! WE DID IT! Chris has his permit...Eli found Chris...THEY found me...and I stop the car so that Chris can drive home.

BUT...he doesn't want to.

he's scared:)

that figures.

We then stop by our physical therapy office to pick up some toys we left for other kiddos to play with...

and went home.

whew...

Time to feed Isaac...and Eli...and Chris.

then, I inhaled my lunch while watching The YOUNG and the RESTLESS (shh..don't judge).

Gosh...what time is it now? Like 4:00??...maybe 5?

I NEED to get over to CVS to check for clearance goodies and then to Albertson's because they have DOUBLE coupons!

(i will not bore you with my FREEBIES)...but, we got in our car and headed home (all of 2 miles away)

when I heard a noise.

a FLAT TIRE!

CRAP!

I start driving slower...

Gosh...I'm just not sure if I can make it home..but, Walmart is only 2 blocks away. I'm only going 5 miles an hour...and a guy driving in the opposite direction tells me to stop and he'll pump up my tire.

until he sees that it's totally shredded...so, he changes it for me (how stinkin' sweet) (and guess what...my spare tire had a nail in it...but, it was still inflated..just CRAZY)

I make it to Walmart...

where of course they only have the most expensive tire in stock...so, they're going to replace the flat tire and fix the spare tire...

and then we wait...

until about 7:30...

(I need to say...joe was already home for work and offered to come pick us up...except, silly me had the van keys in my purse and I was driving the car...and we won't all fit on the motorcycle)

have I told you lately that I'm tired?

have I told you lately that drama finds us and seeks us out??

BUT...in all that craziness...look at what I was able to accomplish:

Isaac at therapy
sim card for Chris
permit for Chris
goodies at Target
toy drop off at physical therapy
groceries at Albertson's
clearance deals at CVS
ordered Eli's cake while stuck at Walmart
spare tire fixed

now...I think the car needs gas...but, maybe Joe will see it and fill it up for me:)

ok...peanut is crying...and I'm watching Toddlers and Tiaras...those moms on that show just make me LAUGH!

Baby??

2010-06-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

ok...I don't watch television all day (even though Joe seems to think I do)...BUT, I've watched a couple of episodes of that show "I didn't know I was pregnant". I think I'm pregnant. That would TOTALLY explain my fatigue, my belly, my moods....

except...

I've been feeling like this for a few years...

so, I think I would have been surprised with a baby by now...

BUT...

then, I remember watching a show on the Discovery channel about a woman in China (or somewhere far away like that)...that was pregnant for like 60 years. The egg implanted in her tubes or something...and she was seriously pregnant that long.

That could be my problem.

I've been pregnant since having Isaac.

I should make an appointment with my ob soon to check out these scenarios.

If not...I don't know what I'll do.

I'm too tired to exercise...

I like to eat...

I even bought that new book that Oprah said to read and you'll lose weight (Women, Food, and God)...but, it isn't helping (maybe I should read it again)

and again.

I mean..Oprah said...

so, it SHOULD work.

right?

Well....enough about my baby belly bump...

Isaac is doing great. I signed Chris up for summer school today. Except, with my pregnant brain (see, yet another symptom) I signed him up for morning instead of night...urghh...

that means that I have to have him at school, 15 minutes away, by 7:15 each morning...for SIX WEEKS of my summer.

yuck.

Chris has been working with Eli swimming and riding his bike without training wheels. NOT because of his brotherly love for Eli...but, because I promised him video game time for helping Eli:)

Eli went to our FAVORITE eye doctor today. He needs new glasses...but, he's good.

Chris MAY decide to go BACK to the dmv tomorrow....for the FOURTH try at getting his permit. (please pray, cross fingers, rub the budda belly...whatever you can do for him!)

now...i have a headache (that could be another pregnancy symptom too..right?)..so, I'm taking my favorite three year old up to bed to snuggle with me.

what a way to end a busy HOT day!

**I am NOT pregnant. Joe would kill me...and who would take care of the kids then? I use my "ring" religiously and Isaac will only know a little sibling if I ever adopt one for him.

Where's Isaac?

2010-06-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

I did....

I lost Isaac.

Maybe I shouldn't admit what a horrible mom I am...

but, I lost Isaac.

On Saturday, we were all working around the house...getting things together to donate. We were downstairs, upstairs, in and out of the garage, putting things in the van. When we all seemed to gather in the living room...and ask, "Where's Isaac?"

We didn't hear all the noise from his toys...

We split up...I went outside to check around the pool (even though it's fenced in, you can never be too sure), Eli went on the other side of the back yard, Joe looked upstairs (just in case someone took him up and forgot to help him down), and I sent Chris to look in the front yard (I know..a long shot...but, he needed to look somewhere).

When what to my wondering eyes should appear...but CHRIS walking in the house with a DIRTY Isaac!

He must have found the door leading from the laundry room to the garage left ajar and then SOMEHOW managed to scoot through our TOTALLY MESSY garage...where he was found in the ROAD.

Yes...the road.

Where, I might add, the recycle guy was on the other side of the cul-de-sac.

It is a complete miracle that we found him....when we did.

Now..we are totally all freaked out by this and worried that it could happen again.

Anyone could leave an outside door ajar at anytime...and Isaac doesn't understand danger.

SO...we have to work on a plan to put alarms on all doors, an alarm on the pool, and maybe even a gps on Isaac (not joking). Try calling a kiddo's name and waiting for a "I'm over here mom"....when he can't talk.

So there...

I'm all out there...

airing my dirty laundry..

hoping that social services doesn't monitor my blog for quality assurance.

After all that drama on Saturday...it leads us to Sunday. Isaac has been the little beast lately...showing his larger than life attitude...so, Joe stayed home with him while I took the big boys to church. That was really nice (I mean...I missed Joe and Isaac...but, it sure was nice to be able to sit in class and actually hear what was being taught).

Oh wait...Chris took his permit test AGAIN on Saturday. He didn't pass:(...so, we're off tomorrow to try again. (third time's a charm...right?)

We're all doing really well. Our tummies are getting back to normal, it is HOT here, Chris is teaching Eli how to swim, Chris is almost registered for summer school, Isaac is working hard at therapy, Joe is working hard at work, and I....I'm still holding the couch down!

oh...wait again. Sunday was our anniversary. It feels like we've been married for 50 years (don't we look good for our age?) My sweet got a hammock for me and my own personal mister to stand beside it....

I LOVE IT...and him too!

Bug be gone!

2010-06-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

I did it...

somewhere in my last post on Monday night...

I said, "I'm SURE nothing else will happen tonight....

right"...

WRONG!

Immediately after posting...Isaac started wretching and throwing up. I clean him up, change him, and rock him back to sleep. It's almost midnight...and I hear Chris walking around upstairs. I go up to investigate...only to find him in the bathroom throwing up!

seriously.

He's got the runs and throwing up...

I get him a bowl, water, and he's off to bed.

Until I KEEP hearing him up in the bathroom...

I KEEP getting up with him until I talk him into going downstairs, turning on the tv, and just relaxing with his bowl...where he says, "mom...where are you going? Are you just going to leave me down here?"

AH...yes I am! I am tired and NOW my tummy is starting to hurt.

urrghhh....

and throughout the night...I get up and empty Chris' bowl...he dozes off, but doesn't get much sleep.

It's now Tuesday morning...My tummy is just churning, but NO throwing up. Chris is STILL throwing up...that means NO school...and Tuesday would be a day of TWO FINAL EXAMS.

darn it..

By noon on Tuesday, Chris stops throwing up and is able to sleep most of the afternoon...

NOW...me....GEEZ...I can't stay off the toilet (I'll spare you all the details...but, trust me....GROSS!).

ok...I'm tired from taking care of him all night, taking care of Isaac, and now I'm feeling horrible.

Joe comes home from work and we BEG him to go to the store to get pedialyte, jello, and soup. He does it...giving us this look like, "are you REALLY sick"?

Thank goodness....Chris is able to keep food down by dinner...

and I'm able to eat Jello.

Wednesday is going to be a GREAT day!

yeah right?

Have you met the Roller's before? We don't ask for it, but Drama seems to find us whenever and however possible.

I get a call about 9am from Joe...asking me to pick him up from work...because his head is stuck in a trashcan and he can't stop throwing up!

seriously....

I feel MUCH better, Chris is off to school, and now poor Joe has it.

Whatever IT is? (bad hamburger meat, a 24-hour bug? who knows)

Poor Joe has spent the day in bed...now realizing how horrible we DID feel yesterday...

We are ALL just a HOT MESS~

If he has what we had, he'll wake up tomorrow much better...

Eli...our usual sick boy...hasn't gotten it yet.

I spent the night scrubbing every toilet that everyone pooped or threw up in...

sanitized all the floors, doors, counters...

and HOPE that kills it (if it's a virus).

and..fyi...Eli is STILL peeing on the wall.

I told him if I go in that bathroom again and see pee anywhere except the toilet...

that I'm going to put a diaper on him.

so...there are no pictures for today.

maybe tomorrow.

Holiday weekend

2010-05-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

I hope you guys had a great weekend...

we sure DID!

Let me back up...Chris had his choir concert on Thursday night. Those guys did such a great job (i'll post a video at the end of this post). I spend the second half of the concert in the lobby with a vomiting Isaac. After he calmed down, I had to pee! Well, for those who know me...I do pee often, BUT...I do NOT like using public restrooms. I'll hold it as long as I can...UNfortunate for me, tonight was NOT my lucky night and I needed to GO! Off the lobby of the school auditorium was a restroom...I wheeled Isaac in his stroller and went in. As I scanned the wall for a toilet set cover...there was NOT one! Gasp! So, I do what I do..and head for the toilet paper to cover that nasty toilet. They don't have rolls of toilet paper...but, squares...tiny little squares. Seriously...I have NEVER seen such squares. So, after about 20 squares...the toilet seat was lined.

Yes...I did. I took a picture! (simply because I KNEW you wouldn't believe me!)

and yes...I did put one more square on the right side...it was COMPLETELY covered!

My mind is mush...so, we finished the concert...now, we're up to Friday. I think Friday was pretty normal...Isaac was STILL throwing up....

He's still picking his nose..

double time!

He still loves to eat my camera strap as often as he can.

He's still a whiner...funny face and all..

and this pretty much sums up his attitude lately...

Now...we're up to Saturday. Isaac was STILL throwing up...mostly surviving on pedialyte (that's the only thing that he kind of keeps down during these episodes). By the evening, Isaac's keeping his food down...so, Joe takes me on a date to the movies (popcorn, large drink, candy and all!).

Sunday...we ALL make it to church...but, Isaac's grumpy and falls asleep..for about 2 hours of church. We get home...and after about four vomit episodes, he's ready to take an afternoon nap with me...where we BOTH sleep for about four hours! GLORIOUS!

and now we've made it to Monday. Isaac's STILL on mostly half milk/half pedialyte until he stops the wretching and vomiting. Joe and I work so hard getting the pool cleaned, covered, and the backyard in half-descent condition. By the evening....Eli, Isaac and I take a bike ride to Blockbuster. I thought it was about 6 miles, but Joe corrected me and it was only about 4:(

I NEED a bigger seat for my bike...my bum just doesn't fit on it like it use to. (and yes...I'm trying to get the fluff off my face and around my tummy...I dusted off the treadmill..just need to hop on it once and a while)

So...Monday night...after a nice LONG bike ride. You'd think that would be the end of our adventures...BUT, you'd be WRONG! I unload Isaac...put the bikes away...I come into the house to find Isaac, standing on the train table, trying to climb OVER the television that's sitting on the train table.

He's such a stinker! He's going to give me a heart attack and we'll both be in bad shape!

So...it's now 9pm...Chris is getting ready for bed (he has two finals tomorrow), Eli is taking a bath, Joe is headed to the gym, and Isaac has about 7 different toys playing music in his playroom. I'm SURE nothing else will happen tonight...

right?

Seriously??

2010-05-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

Isaac has been non-stop throwing up or wretching for the past three days..

FINALLY...tonight..after a day of 1 ounce of pedialyte an hour...he's holding down 5 ounces in one hour!!! I haven't cleaned up puke in about 4 hours!!! yeah for me!

I still have NO idea what triggered this round. It's been SO long since he's thrown up this much and for this long. SO, that means that I don't have a cute picture to post..he's just looked too pitiful to pull out the camera.

oops...he's fussing. Gotta go!

Crafting Flowers

2010-05-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Isaac just had a poopy day. He started it off with TWO yucky yucky diapers.. (that would be YUCKY runny yuck...just to give you a slight visual). Then, he threw up. A few hours later, he started wretching again. I kept him on pedialyte throughout the day...and he still threw up one more time and ended the night wretching in Joe's arms:(

His sats are fine and his heart rate is his normal. He isn't sick, no runny nose, no cough...nothing. Maybe something's coming?

We had Isaac's IEP today to increase his home based pt. He doesn't qualify for more ot...so, we'll just have to get more in the community. We are busy as usual...BUT, I did find time to start a NEW project. Take a look and tell me what you think. Organza flowers on headbands and hair clips. I've got tons of colors and I'll keep experimenting this week. It's SO much fun. You just put it over a flame to get it to curl up like that (and yes..I DID catch some on fire today:)

If you WANT some...put in your requests NOW...I'll be making samples all weekend and I'll just give them away to all the cute girls that I know. (and yes...I'm making them tiny for kiddos and bigger for the kiddo mamas!) Just leave me a note in the comments with the colors you want!

Slacker Blogger

2010-05-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've been a slacker blogger...

no excuses...just no time...

does anyone have any to spare??

Isaac is same ole', same ole...

picking his nose...

lovin' Eli...

We've been SUPER busy with therapies (in home and in the community). I think Isaac is in love with his new speech therapist. She's young, cute, long dark hair....AND she tickles his toes...he's totally in love!

On Saturday, Joe saved our house from burning down. Looks like an electrical fire was about to begin... He worked ALL day long..replaced it, rewired it...and the light works great. and the house is still standing.

bummer.

Eli's on track break for the next THREE weeks...so, I have some planning to do to keep him preoccupied...

and it's 11pm now...and Isaac is screaming at me to get off the computer.

ta ta for now.

What do boys do while mom is gone?

2010-05-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

NO WASHING DISHES...

NO VACUUMING...

NO WASHING CLOTHES...

NOTHING REALLY...but, enjoying time together and NOT having mom there barking orders.

....BUT...mom is back...and my "to do" list is ever-so-growing!

Did I tell you where I went?? To South Dakota. Yep...people ACTUALLY live there. My niece graduated from high school....and SO...Isaac and I hopped on an airplane to cheer her on!

Once we arrived...I got us a rental car, met my sisters at the mall...walked around for an hour...and LEFT! YEP...I just HAD to go and visit the great and wonderful Porta Family! I've met Megan and Dan before...but, hadn't had to the chance to meet the sweet Elijah. AND...he IS as sweet and wonderful as you envision him to be. I am SO glad that we were able to spend time with you guys.

Isaac and I stayed at a WONDERFUL hotel...ate TOO good...and just had a fun time....

(thanks honey...for watching the big boys for me...I appreciate it)

Now...onto more important things. PICTURES!

Here...we have Sir Isaac...in his normal gaze into never-neverland.

and here...

he's trying to look like Eli, with that goofy smile!

and this is how he shows love...

he eats you!

and Eli.

Got a mohawk before we flew out of town

(I didn't let them shave the sides too low...so, it isn't THAT dramatic)

Joe made it blue for him on Friday....and he was in HEAVEN!~

I'm trying to remember to tell you everything that's happened.

BUT...you know my mushy brain...and when it's gone...it's GONE!

I am going to be working on some new craft projects this week. If they're NOT a total bust...I'll be sure to share them. Other than that...it's LATE and I SO need my beauty sleep!

Random Photos

2010-05-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

THIS is how Sir Isaac takes his naps...

He gets that from his father.

Isaac REALLY loves being outside..

can you tell?

He's dancing!

He's just talking to me..

(and yes..the basketball goal is on the ground...

crazy winds here lately)

I moved things around in his playroom...

THIS is how he likes to watch tv now.

He hasn't fallen off the train table...YET.

and yes...his hair STILL needs a haircut.

and what do we have here?

The Phantom Chris...

he DOES exist!

I NEED to get to bed...

BUT...I've got myself all worked up and NOW I don't know when I'll make it to bed.

You see...my niece is graduating from High School this weekend...in SOUTH DAKOTA!

I've been debating about driving or flying...

finally, after the big boys bailed on me....I decided that Isaac and I will fly.

I ordered the tickets.

FOR THE WRONG RETURN DAY!

on a small airline that doesn't have 24/7 customer service..

that will MOST LIKELY charge me a fee...

and NOW...I have to call the O2 company to beg and plead for a concentrator to take in just TWO DAYS!

What's wrong with me??

Most people schedule trips months in advance. Not us.

and Megan...I'm going to call you. (just still working out the times and places in my head...and really..just making sure you're not in the hospital this weekend!)

Cry it OUT!

2010-05-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

I just wanted you to see that he STILL has his

little paci and animal..

and lays around aLOT...

and...my little "surfer" looking dude..

he SO needs a hair cut!

(I started typing this on May 5th...)

Yep...that's what I told Isaac last night. For the last few days...he's been going to sleep about 11pm....and waking up at 4AM! Totally killing me! SO, last night...I had a talk with him. Although I think he speaks a different language...I told him that he WOULD go to sleep at an earlier time...and at 10pm (I know...not THAT much earlier...baby steps)...I changed him, held him...and tried to rock him to sleep. After about 15 minutes of him squirming...I put him in the crib...

and he cried...

and I sat on the couch feeling like the WORST mom in the world.

but...after only 10 minutes...

he was asleep...

It's been an OFF AND ON process. Sometimes it works...sometimes he'll just scream until I need to get him because he's full of sweat and on the verge of vomiting...other times, he'll just lay in the crib and sing for an hour.

Isaac...is ONE big ole' odd ball..

he just is.

I started this post trying to be all "philosophical" and all...debating the cry it out and NOT routine...spoiling these cardiac kids...and what's worked and NOT worked for us.

But...as always...I got tired.

I am still tired.

I tell you...I'm just letting him go with the flow. Like today...he fell asleep for a nap at 3:00 in the afternoon...and slept until 8:00pm! Seriously. Right here in the middle of the living room. I'm cleaning, vacuuming, making ALL kinds of noises. We try to wake him...but, some days...he's just SO tired, that he can't really stick to a schedule...he just drops.

and today...he dropped.

We played out in the sunshine this morning...and he's a standing, climbing, monkey-man these days...

SO...it'll be a LATE night for us tonight!

How to make snot

2010-05-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

That's a catchy post title...isn't it?

I've just been wondering about that....How does your body make snot? The reason...

my cutie-pie nose picker:

I started thinking about your mouth...and saliva. When you eat something, or out something in your mouth...your mouth automatically...as if by magic...just makes saliva to help everything go down easy. (and when your kids are teething and putting EVERYTHING in their mouths..that's why they drool so much...the excess saliva just drops out).

SO...that leads me to my question: If Isaac is sticking his finger up his nose ALL DAY LONG..is that why he seems to constantly have a runny nose (or at least snot on his face)?

Can you produce extra "snot" just by putting your finger up your nose and irritating your nose?

anyone know??

This has just been on my mind...

because I see him picking his nose constantly..

and I'm constantly wiping his face.

Now...you know I'm a little MORE crazy than you already thought..

sorry about that.

As for the rest of the family and some sanity updates...I went to Phoenix this weekend for a blogging conference...and it was AWESOME! Joe watched the boys...and they are all alive and well.

Imagine that!

**Oh...so while I continue to "google" my snot theory..I did come across THIS website that shows you how to make FAKE SNOT...your kiddos might like it!

What a busy Wednesday...

2010-04-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

SomeONE LOVES to be outside...

can't you just tell by the look in his face??

He turns into a dancing man when he's outside

with the wind and sunshine!

He can spit now!

Yeah for Isaac!

and he LOVES to pick his nose...

like all day long...

like...I think he picks it and it causes more snot to run out...

and so he picks it again..

and then puts his finger in his mouth..

and repeat 564 times a day.

gross.

Today was SO busy. Isaac had his "school" today. He is STILL screaming for most of her hour visit. Seriously...how much torture could a sweet lady who brings lots of fun toys be??

THEN, Isaac and I delivered a crib to a friend at church who is having a baby soon...ahhh...

(I want another one...but, if Joe reads this...he'll sleep in the guestroom FOREVER!)

THEN, Isaac and I went to church to help out with food for a funeral service. We hung out, snacked, and did a little work (ok, I did...while he was a BIG boy and hung out in his stroller watching Gabba Gabba). What a sweetie he was.

After picking up Eli...my head hurt. it did. so, i did what i do when it hurts....I turn my ac down to 67, grab my snuggle buddy Isaac, and get in my bed and take a nap...

FOUR hours later...Isaac and I are ready to conquer the world~!

I made the CUTEST little necklaces...

What do you think??

Any takers? I MAY just take requests...

and yes...I didn't think that I had enough projects in the works...so, I started another.

and...I was watching Hoarders the other day (did I tell you this already??). Anyway, they were talking about a lady who had tons of baskets and bins to put things in. She can't stop buying them...they called her an "Organized Hoarder"...THAT IS WHAT I AM...an Organized Hoarder!

Joe almost peed in his pants laughing when I told him...he said he already knew that.

I am the QUEEN of buying baskets and shoving things in them..and why not?? Then people can't see my junk. I can't just throw my junk away...I might need it one day.

my name is kathy.

and I have a shopping problem.

I'm not afraid to admit it.

(and Macy's is having a sale...25% off! shh...don't tell joe...i might go tomorrow...just lOOking:)

Stand-a-man

2010-04-26T20:25:00.001-07:00

Stand-a-man...

That's what I call Isaac now...

because he's a standing man every chance he gets...

and I am SO very proud of him for it!

I am not sure what's happened to Isaac. Whether he realized he was THREE years old, and it's TIME to start walking, maybe he likes pt and is working hard, maybe he hates pt and wants to start walking so that he can STOP going, or maybe his little light bulb went off...

whatever the reason...this little man is pulling up and standing and cruising ALL DAY LONG!

With this new found talent...comes great NEW bumps and falls...but, I'm happy to chase him around, help him when he's stuck in a high place, or kiss his boo boo...

He's just a superSTAR!

and while on the superstar subject...Eli is ALIVE! He made it through school today with NO harm from bully Connor. Joe took him to school, talked to his teacher, talked to the principal....and all is well. I love Eli's teachers...I really do.

Has anyone seen Chris lately??

I've smelled something lingering in the hallway when I walk past his room...and thought I heard a noise...and have noticed food missing from the kitchen...but, my teenager is no where to be found....

(I'm sure if I turned off the wireless network, thus causing his online Halo war to come to a halt...that the phantom teenager would appear...

but, I don't need to see him that bad...

so, I'll keep the wireless on...

peanut butter and jelly on the island...

and spray some febreeze under the crack of his door)

Bully on the playground

2010-04-24T22:40:00.001-07:00

I'll update pics and videos tomorrow....

just wanted to reassure everyone that this house is A-OK. I mean...we have the normal husbandry attitude, teenage attitude, 7 year old questions, and 3 year old tantrums...but, normal is normal....and that's how it is here.

Eli is a little worried about going to school on Monday. He laughed at a kid at school last week...and that kid is Connor...the playground bully. He made a gesture to Eli where he slit his throat and pointed at him...now, Eli expects to die on Monday.

Poor little Eli.

You know me...I want to go to that school on Monday, yank that kid by the shirt and pull on his ears until he understands that he better NOT even look at my son EVER again...

but...that isn't allowed..

so, Eli asked Joe to take him to school and talk to his teacher.

THANK goodness Eli has the MOST WONDERFUL teacher...who really loves him...so, I'm sure she'll protect him.

IF NOT....oh, I'd hate for that school to feel the wrath of THIS MAMA!

other than that...

oh..wait. Eli wants to sign up for the school talent show...and he wants to sing. Any ideas?

He has asked to sing, "baby come back"...you know, from the swiffer commercial where the mop keeps singing it...

then, he asked to sing "the milkshake song"....

if you don't know it, I'm NOT singing it...but, just know that he can't sing that one....

gosh...what would be cute...he really loves to sing!

that's all I've got. I NEED to sleep...my attitude needs it...my family needs it so that they don't have to hear my attitude.

It's Tuesday already...

2010-04-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

At the rate that time is flying...Joe and I will be retiring soon and living in our shack in Mexico~

We have been on a whirlwind ride...and thank GOODNESS...I think it's winding down a bit.

I am happy to report that Eli is HIVE FREE! We still have NO idea what caused them...or why they hung around so long...but, we are SO happy that they are gone!

Isaac is doing so good! He's been battling his allergies too for a few weeks..

so, flowing snot..but, he's NOT throwing up...so that's AWESOME!

He just likes showing off his MAD skills!

Can you tell these kids have me wrapped around their little fingers??

Gosh...we've been really busy with Isaac. He's going to physical therapy in the community two times a week (for one hour). FINALLY....he made it through one visit with NO TEARS! SUCCESS! We also met our home-school teacher...and she is wonderful. She comes over to our house two days a week for an hour. AND...then we have our school system pt and ot that come to our house once a week for thirty minutes. I don't know how it happened...but, we have the most WONDERFUL and AWESOME team working with Isaac. I can just see him walking and talking and EATING this year...I just know it!!!

Sometimes it feels a little overwhelming with life...with Isaac...with everything...and then look what happens. All your prayers are answered and things just fall into their appropriate places with the blink of an eye. I am so relieved with Isaac...his health is complacent. He isn't in any distress, his o2 is perfect (for him), he isn't throwing up with a simple runny nose, he IS sleeping through the night in Eli's room (I think it was Joe's snoring keeping him awake...but, shhh)....and now, we have the most awesome team of teachers and therapists working with him. I was SO scared when we transitioned from Early Interventions into the school system...and worried that we wouldn't have the same awesome support....and I worried for no reason.

So..we have Isaac taken care of....why don't we talk about Chris. He and my dad flew up to South Dakota to visit my older sister this weekend and they just came back. They had a blast and I can't wait to drive up in May for my nieces graduation (and then I'll take a side trip to see my little friend Elijah). I took the boys to the dentist today...and CHRIS has a cavity. Seriously. They go to the dentist every 6 months...and he has a tiny one...now, I need to make him work off the $91 that it'll cost me to have it filled.

I'm am NOT one to talk about cavities...I'm petrified of the dentist and wouldn't even want to imagine how many I have...BUT...come on! He sees the darn orthodontist every 3 weeks...doesn't anybody look in his mouth???

Eli has a pimple on his face. He's quite proud of it...and it looking for arm hair under his arms! He went to school today and told his teacher that he was "in puberty"!!

How do you like my transition?? I'm just tired and trying to think about all the things that have happened in the last few days. I am STILL stuffy and coughing...Joe is still coughing...Isaac is still snotty...Eli is hive free, but now coughing....I think we should fumigate the house!

Tomorrow...we have a lite day, only homeschool with Isaac. WhatEVER shall I do with all my extra time??

I should get to bed....5:40am rolls around REALLY fast!

Never ending week

2010-04-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have started updating this blog FIFTY MILLION times this week...

let me just break it down for you:

Monday: I am still sick.

Tuesday: I am Still sick. Chris decides that he wants to shave his mustache (really, at 15?).

Here he is WITH the mustache...

and here he is withOUT it.

Joe spent about an hour with him in the bathroom teaching him the necessary "shaving skills".

I'm not sure if he's going to keep it up or not.

Also on Tuesday...I had to pick up Eli early from school because he was getting a rash...HIVES!

Wednesday: I am still sick. Eli is COVERED in hives STILL. We go to the peds...he's just allergic to something...stick to benadryl and zyrtec and it just has to work it's way out of his system.

AND...his eyes start to close.

What a day!

Isaac went to physical therapy today. He cried the entire time. We're going to bring me back next week and his dvd...but, if he doesn't stop crying...we may have to hold off on pt for a while (he's using all his energy to cry...and is full of sweat and snot in under 30 minutes).

Thursday: I am STILL sick. Eli still has hives. Chris continues to beg to play video games (even though he's grounded).

(did I mention that I'm still sick?)

Friday: I am still sick. Chris went off to school. Eli STILL has hives, but he gets an award today at school and wanted to go. (Joe will inspect his hives at the awards ceremony and see if he can stay all day).

That's all i have to say about this week.

I'm BACK...

2010-04-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

yes back from Utah...

I got a HEAD FULL of allergy oogies last weekend...

and they worse this weekend!

SO, I came home and dropped off Eli and ran to urgent care. You know how they don't like to give antibiotics anymore...so, just some strong nose spray, allergy meds, and she told me to use a neti pot!

(I am NOT going to video tape it...although I really did think about it!) It's going to gross me out...I already think it's going to drown me...but, I can't breathe...so, I suppose I'm going to venture to the bathroom and pour water up MY NOSE and watch it run out the other sidE!

gross!

Joe and Isaac did great this weekend...

BUT, the allergies have gotten to Isaac and the oogies have started to ooze from his nose too!

(so, not sure if he'll go to therapy tomorrow...allergy oogies and crying oogies make for one MESSY three year old!)

While we were in Utah, my mom asked me how tall Isaac was? I said, "36 inches". She said, "so, he's as tall as a yard stick?" (because there was one sitting against the fire place).

I looked at that yard stick...and said, "no...he isn't that tall".

WELL....a yard stick is 36 inches...My Isaac IS AS TALL AS A YARD STICK!!!

It was a little late, and he couldn't stand alone...so, with a little help from daddy...you can see how tall he is!!! I can't even believe it!!!

It is indeed late...we have a LOT to get ready for our Monday morning...and with a sick mommy and Isaac...it could be a LONG night!

Slacker Mom!

2010-04-08T23:41:00.001-07:00

i will update soon...

i will...

Since returning from Utah...I've been battling yucky allergies AND I'm going BACK to Utah to help out this weekend also...

SO...

Sunday night...that's my BIG plan for updating you.

I can give you a SNEAK peak...

Have you seen the show "A minute to win it"?

WELL...we LOVE it! and have decided to start trying the games out. Our first game is the one where they put the head band on ...then, attach the pedometer to the headband...and you have 60 seconds to shake your head and get over 125 "steps"! I have Chris on video...it's HILARIOUS! I'll get Joe and Eli in on the fun too! This is SUCH a fun way to spend "Forced Family Fun Night" together....and we could TOTALLY use the laughs!!!

Talk to you again in a few days.

Thanks for checking on us.

Isaac is great. He's still on antibiotics for his ears...so, no matter what I sneeze...he's good and covered. HE did have his THREE year old check up...and he's 26 pounds and 36 inches tall! He's doing fabulous...just fabulous.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

I could just EAT his little cheeks off his face...

he's such a yummy little treat to smooch on~

and here's ONE happy Eli...

Enjoying the empty pool...

(now, I need to get those leaves out and fill it back up!)

What a BUSY weekend.

FIRST, my sister in Utah is sick...really sick. (she doesn't monitor my blog for quality assurance...so, not sure what she'd care if I shared or not...but...) they THINK she has Sydenham Chorea (you'll have to google it). Her arm shakes up and down and her head shakes side to side....constantly...all day...and her speech is impaired and she stutters now. They think she had strep, which turned into rheumatic fever, which went to her brain.

So now...she waits for a confirmation....and has another consult with a neurologist this week in Vegas. At first they thought she had a stroke, then possibly MS...then, they've come up with this last diagnosis...

SO...that's why we drove up to Utah on Friday night. Just to see her, visit with her, and help out with the kids and housework. Joe did PHENOMENAL with Isaac and Chris. It's nice to know that if she needs my help more often, that Joe will be able to help me with Isaac.

Physical Therapy started last week. We've had two visits...with two separate therapists. Isaac does NOT like it. He doesn't have stranger anxiety...I think he just knows that he has to work...and he's not having it. Tomorrow, we go again. I HOPE he has a better time.

AND....after our physical therapy appointment, he has his FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Our school teacher comes over every Monday and Wednesday at 10am...for an hour. I can't wait! The thought of him sitting still for any length of time...and doing something?? what?? My child?? I can't wait..I'm so darn excited!!!

The wind has been horrible here...thus the allergies...thus Isaac's runny nose and now his secretions are thick...so, he coughs. He isn't sick (well, he's on antibiotics for his ears)...but, he's coughing. ugghhh.....

Normally, I'd make him skip all classes...but, the doc confirmed that he's just an allergy ball..so, I'm making him work!

Do you need your Eli funny story??

In Utah, the Easter Bunny comes on Saturday. SO, I took Eli with me, and thus brought along a small basket for him to match what my sister's kids were getting.

He had a great Saturday Easter Morning...

THEN, on our way home...

I said, "Eli...you forgot your Easter things"

he said, "I know..it's ok mom....Kenny and Luke can have them".

I said, "oh...that's nice Eli".

he said, "yeah...it is...but, I KNOW the Easter Bunny MUST have left my BIG Easter basket at our house...because, I've NEVER received so little before"

SO....I quickly called Joe so that he had time to "prepare" the big basket that the bunny would surely leave on Sunday morning....(because he only goes to Utah on Saturdays).

and...this morning was successful.

We had a happy 7 year old...

watched conference on tv...

and I cooked...

some of our friends stopped by...

It was a great day.

**now...to tell you what i REALLY think about this weekend. I am sad. I am so sad for my sister. She has four kids...ages 6 months, 2, 5, 8...and she can't hold them. If she tries to hug them...her head bangs into them. She can't go down the stairs to tuck them into bed each night. Having Isaac makes me appreciate ALL my kids even more each and everyday...but, I've never thought about what I would feel like if something happened to me. I'd be devastated.

I am so proud of my sister and how she's dealing with this crazy illness that she's having to deal with. Just another reminder not to put off tomorrow what you can do today...and LOVE those that you love. One conference talk that I actually heard while I was cooking, talked about that very thing. You can tell someone that you love them...but, do you really? How do they know? You have to SHOW them that you love them. I hope that by calling and actually visiting my sister...she knows how much I love her.