The Hutson House

Been Busy

2010-04-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...it's been forever since I've posted on this blog. I've been really busy and I'm sorry for that.

For those of you who don't know...I'm currently in my second semester back in college. I'm considered part-time because I'm only taking two classes. I'm currently taking the second part of Anatomy and Physiology...which is kicking my butt and is the reason why I haven't been posting. Trying my best to maintain my B in there...semester is almost over (final is May 6th). I'm also taking my final Math class...which is a breeze (especially with Brad in the house to help me if I need it)...no really...I've made 100's on all tests so far (can send proof if you don't believe me)...and let's just say that no one in class likes me because I've "ruined the curve".

I'll be taking a summer class...MicroBiology (just sounds like fun right?!) on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5 to 9:15pm...so everyone out there...say a prayer for Brad that he can make it through the summer! He's been a real trooper so far...he's been very supportive of me going back to school!

My plan is to apply for the nursing program so I can be admitted for the Fall Term...but my rating won't be very high since my MicroBiology won't count until after the application is due...so if I don't get accepted in the fall...I'll re-apply for the Spring term.

Tucker has been doing really well in kindergarten. His report cards have been great and I couldn't be happier with his teacher. He is learning a lot and hopefully I can keep up the pace for him during the summer so he can retain and improve on his reading skills for the 1st grade.

Here's his school picture that was taken at the beginning of the school year.

Tucker is also playing baseball again this year!

Taylor and Turner both go to a Mother's Day Out program 3 days a week (while I go to school two of those days)...they love it! This is Turner's first year...Taylor went for a semester last year. Here are their Spring Pics from school...

Hopefully it won't be this long between posts again...I'll try and do better from now on! Enjoy the pics!

Wordless Wednesday...a day late

2009-09-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Taylor has been learning how to take "self portraits" with my camera...OH LORDIE!

School Time Has Arrived!!!!!

2009-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of Tucker on his first day of Kindergarten. He was SO excited. He had decided that he wanted to ride the school bus to school, but that I had to pick him up from school. As we're walking to the school bus stop (at 6:40am) he stops in the middle of the street and says "Mom, go ahead and give me my bye sugar now so you don't embarrass me in front of those people."

Part of me wanted to cry...but I just laughed, kissed him and finished walking him to the bus stop. When the bus came, he got on and never looked back. That's when I felt the tears starting up...so I ran. Literally, I ran all the way home...and when I still felt the pain of being old enough to have one in kindergarten, I kept on running until I was too out of breath to do anything but breathe. Hey, it worked for me!

I went to pick him up from school, and the first thing he said (even before the door shut) "Mom, I don't want to ride home with you, I want to ride the bus home, it was so cool!". Hey, fine by me...I didn't really enjoy spending 30 minutes in the carpool line anyway! I had to come home and write a "formal" letter to the school letting them know of the change, so starting today he'll be riding the bus home too!

Taylor and Turner start Mother's Day Out tomorrow. This I am truly excited about. Taylor went 2 days a week last year and she will be going 3 days this year. Turner has never been away from me (except for when I work out at the YMCA...but he still is with his brother and sister), so this will be really good for him. I myself am looking forward to having some "me time" on Tuesday's and Friday's. I'm really looking forward to being able to go pee by myself on those two days...and if you're a stay at home mom...you know what I mean! I'm wondering if my bladder even works during the day without an audience!?!

Here are some pics that I took Friday...I was folding clothes and Taylor and Turner decided to put Taylor's panties on their heads and jump on the bed.

For those of you haven't heard, I'm a college student...again! I'm going back to school to get a Nursing Degree. I'll be in class on Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm...a human anatomy and physiology class with a lab and I have a math class on Monday and Wednesday nights from 8 to 9:30pm. I'm excited about starting school again, but also nervous that after having 3 kids and staying home with them for almost 2 years, I might not have any brains left...WISH ME LUCK!

Sorry it's been so long!

2009-06-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, shoot me...it's been FOREVER since I've "blogged". It's summertime and since I do nothing but lounge around the pool (seriously, it's been happening) and eating bon bons fed to me by my cabana boy (I WISH)...I haven't found the time.

Mom and Dad treated the whole family to a week at the beach...here are some pics.

Tucker was so excited that he got to "drive his own boat" at the park that we went to.

Turner loved the sand so much that he kept trying to eat it. He would also lay face down in it and try to sleep...he was so cute!

Here's Madison standing in her beach bucket!

Taylor...as usual...a total DIVA!

Turner showing his Paw Paw and Pop Pop how to dig a proper moat.

Taylor and Tucker playing in the waves. The two of them were hilarious in the water!

I promise I'll upload more pics and "blog" some more later...but it's almost 1am and my clean sheets are calling my name!

Poor Tay Tay

2009-04-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the sound of a drawer opening, something being placed in the drawer and the drawer closing. The only one that is able to get out of their room is Tucker...so I say his name. No response. "Tucker, what are you doing?". "Nothing" he says...which I know is the kiss of death.

I call him into my bedroom and he comes in looking all angelic. I again ask him what he was doing and he again replies "nothing". Then I hear the pitter patter of little feet coming down the stairs and I know that he has let Taylor out of her room. She comes in to my room (mind you it's dark) and starts to climb into my bed. I know there's something "off" about the way she looks and Tucker says "Her hair looks funny huh mom!". That's when I realize that the "something" being placed in the drawer was scissors.

I immediately jump up and grab Taylor and feel her head. It's all gone...

I ask Tucker..."Did you cut your sisters hair?"

"No" he says.

Again, I ask in a much louder voice..."Did you cut your sisters hair?"

Again, he says "No".

I let go of Taylor...who by this time I've been hugging trying to hold myself back from beating the ever lovin' crap out of Tucker and yell..."Tell me the truth...DID.....YOU.....CUT.....YOUR.....SISTERS....HAIR!?"

He looks at me with these huge eyes...smiles...and says "Yep".

I tell him to turn around so I can spank him...give him one pop on the butt and say "You better run...run now to your room and shut the door".

I've never seen that boy run that fast in his entire life. I knew that I needed to count to 10...well...10,000...to calm myself down.

I scoop Taylor up and assess the damage.

Here are the pics.

I know what you're thinking...what? She looks fine. But wait for it...

This side isn't so bad either...but remember her hair went down to her shoulders...

He at least left her with 3 rat tails...too bad they're not in style anymore.

This side and the top caught the most from the "attack".

Yep...that isn't a white spot from the flash...that's her scalp! Plus, he must of grabbed a chunk of hair at her crown, stood behind her and cut from back to front because there is about a 1/4 inch of hair left at her crown.

It took almost 20 minutes for me to calm down enough to even enter Tucker's room. After about another 20 minutes of me talking to him...I got out this story.

"I wanted to cut off the tag on my sleeping bag, so I went downstairs and got your scissors. Taylor was up, so I got her out of her room and she came to my room with me. I wanted to pretend I was daddy and cut Tay Tay's hair like daddy cuts mine. I didn't know I wasn't suppose to cut hair".

Well, if you saw his room, you wouldn't have known he had done anything wrong. Like the perfect criminal, he had cleaned up all evidence of his crime. Not one shred of hair was to be found anywhere but in the garbage can.

I told him he was getting 4 spankings. One for getting the scissors without my permission (all I will say is that we went into depths yesterday of why he's not allowed to have scissors unless mommy's supervising)...one for cutting Taylor's hair...and two for lying about it.

I gave him his spankings and made him stay in his room until we left the house at 11:30 to get Taylor another haircut to correct (as much as we could) the damage from the first one.

I will say, now that it's all over with, that in 3 weeks...Taylor will have a really cute haircut. And lucky for her...she's so damn cute, she could pull off even a bald head.

Pics from Disney

2009-04-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

When I first decided to make the trip to Orlando, FL for my great-aunt's 80th birthday party...I didn't think I would be alive to post this message. Brad had to stay behind to work, so me and the kids drove with my parents. Since we were making the drive, I decided that I might as well attempt a day at the Magic Kingdom (thanks to dad's help!!! Love you Dad!!!)...WE MADE IT!

Dad drove...which if you didn't know Lead Foot himself...the travel time was reduced drastically and the kids did really well in the car.

I must admit that I will never attempt Disney World again in one day. I felt overwhelmed by the thought of not being able to fit anything in. But the looks on the kids faces when they saw the parades and all their favorite characters, it was all worth it. I would like to go back and stay in the park and for at least a week. Maybe next summer when Turner is a little bit older.

Here are some pics from our day...

Again...why did I take a "cat nap" today?

2009-03-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this at midnight...I'm just wondering...why in the hell did I take a 45 minute nap today while all the kids were down? I'M NUTS!! NOW I CAN'T GO TO SLEEP!

It's Spring Break here in good ole' Alabama, which means I'm home alone with 3 kids and trying to keep them all occupied...very hard to do. Luckily, Brad's cousin Molly will be coming home with me tomorrow and she'll be staying through Friday, so I can at least have someone here to enjoy the insanity with me!

I went to the grocery store with all 3 of them today...two and half hours and $400 dollars later...I'm surprised I made it through the whole ordeal with only needing a nap and not a padded cell. Tomorrow I'm going to the Y to work out and then going to pick up Molly...YEAH!!!

All is Well

2009-03-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone is "back to normal" today. We had some sick ones around the house Sunday and Brad was sick Monday...but everyone is feeling better now. Hope your family doesn't get struck by the stomach bug!

We've joined the local YMCA...which has "Childwatch". YEAH!! Which means I can go and work out and they'll watch the kiddos for me. It's been great for me and I've really enjoyed their "BodyPump" class which is a group exercise class that last an hour and you use weights for everything! Love it!! I've been doing that class and then doing cardio 2 days a week. I can't wait for this summer, they have a huge outdoor pool and a kiddie pool for the kids to swim in. They have an indoor pool too...but we went as a family two Sundays ago and it was too cold. We'll try again soon though.

"Blog Fix"

2009-02-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

I know it's been awhile since I've "blogged"...but it's been hard for me to get motivated to do anything these days...SORRY! Thanks to my dad, here's his "blog fix".

Taylor has really taken to school now. Monday when I dropped her off, she actually gave me a kiss and said "Bye Mommy!" YEAH!!! Now I don't feel guilty for pawning her off onto her wonderful MDO teacher!

Tucker has been wearing the seams out of his "Incredibles Supersuit" that Santa gave him for Christmas. He loves dressing up as different characters...some real and some imaginary. Here's a picture of him in his supersuit on Christmas morning at Brad's parents house. The horse was made for him by his "paw paw"...the kids love it and the thing is sturdy enough to hold all the kids and an adult at the same time. Here's Josh, Taylor and "Dash"...

Taylor has now started to catch on...here is her "supersuit".

Yes, it's a "fairy" costume, but she has added the tiara and the pink cowgirl boots. It's hilarious. For those of you who don't know...Taylor doesn't like to wear clothes. She is naked ALL the time. Most of the time, she likes to look like this...

I have a better picture showing the full effect (if you know what I mean) but I'm afraid to post it due to DHR coming and hauling my children away!! ;0

I cannot keep clothes on this child!! As soon as she gets home, she wants everything off...if the shirt she is wearing has Minnie Mouse, a Disney Princess character or Tinker Bell, then she'll leave her shirt on. OH HEAVEN HELP US!!! I think we're in for some REAL fun with this one!

Here's another example...she has taken Tucker's power ranger and cowboy gun and shoved it down into her diaper (to copy Tucker's holster)...SHE'S SO FUNNY!

Turner has been doing really well. He hasn't had any more seizures (KNOCK ON WOOD)...and I'll leave you with a pic of him...WANT A KISS?

He's normal!!!

2009-01-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

First, I'd like to start off with...I'm sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. Not only to those who keep up with this thing...but mainly to myself...it's my way of "letting off steam".

Turner's EEG test results came back "normal". YEAH, HE'S NORMAL!! Which means he does not have epilepsy or a seizure disorder...so if he has any more seizures, we'll go from there.

The kids started back at MDO...and Taylor is going now on Monday's and Friday's, which means I only have Turner on those two days. The first day she went was my birthday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! I pampered myself by going and getting my hair chopped off. I was able to donate an eleven inch (yes, 11 in) ponytail to Wigs 4 Kids. I love my new short hair...the long hair was starting to drive me crazy!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas/New Year!

The kids are now getting back into the swing of things after the long Christmas break. We were able to go to the zoo after Christmas...it's just now starting to get cold here. Anyhoo, here are some pics for ya'll.

Taylor riding the carousel at the Birmingham Zoo.

Tucker feeding the goats at the Birmingham Zoo.

Turner's first trip to the Zoo!

My new do!

"Santa should just bring presents, we don't need to see him!"

2008-12-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Brad and I got the kids dressed to go see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds, AL. If you live near one, I highly recommend going...the kids would love it. They had all kinds of things for the kids to do and the "boys" liked walking around the huge store.

We stood in line to see Santa, which luckily for us was not very long. Tucker took his picture first...he looked like he was mad at Santa and was about to attack. Taylor held on so tightly to Brad and would not take a picture. Then I hand Turner to Santa. Turner stared at him for a good 20 seconds. The lady taking the picture said "Once he looks at me, then I 'll take the picture"...this is what we got! This is right before the enormous scream he let out. It was so funny!!!

Tucker later said..."Mommy, maybe Santa should just bring us presents, we don't need to see him".

Classic!

SHHHH...Be Vewy, Vewy Quiet!!!

2008-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

Above are some pics from Thanksgiving Day. Turner was asleep when we took these...poor thing, he always gets left out!

I should be vacuuming the house right now instead of sitting at this computer "blogging". I'm trying to be quiet in the hopes that Taylor will take a well deserved (and by that I mean, I deserve it!!) nap. Here lately, the child does not want to sleep during the day. I guess I should have known this day was coming...Tucker did the same thing.

Once I put Turner down for his nap (usually around 11 or 11:30), I will attempt to put Taylor down so that I can get some work done around the house. But if she hears me, that's it, she wants to be with me. I needed some alone time today...so as soon as I put her in her room and turned on (her favorite) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I shut the door and carefully went down the stairs to attempt to straighten up the house. It's been over an hour and so far, so good...and I believe she's asleep. Even if she's not, she's being quiet...and that's good enough for me! I've done everything but unload the dishwasher and vacuum. I'm scared that the noise will "wake" her and she'll want to come downstairs. How horrible of a mother am I?

Tucker is about to be home from Mother's Day Out and within 30 minutes of his arrival, everyone will be awake, yelling, screaming, laughing, running and riding through the house. My mom was commenting on how well behaved Turner was when there was tons of commotion going on. He's so good because chaos is his life. Turner almost doesn't know what to do when it's quiet...he thinks when it's quiet...it's nap time. It's amazing what you learn to "block out" as a stay-at-home mom. The happy (and loud) squeals, laughter, and talking don't seem to bother me as long as everyone is getting along and the sounds are coming from happy children...it's when they start to get tired (either physically or of each other) and they start to cry or scream at me is when it bothers me.

I guess in the end a clean house, laundry folded and put away and a well manicured lawn doesn't mean as much to me as happy, healthy and well adjusted kids. I just hope that I'm not screwing them up too bad!

VITO

2008-11-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

First I'd like to start by saying Taylor has acted MUCH better since I last blogged. She's been doing extremely well with potty training...only 1 accident during the day and that's usually at dinner time. Hey, a girl's gotta eat...no time for bathroom breaks!

I know most of you are going to say I'm crazy for this next part...but we've adopted a dog. He's name is Vito. I've been wanting a dog for awhile now, and I knew that I wanted a German Shepherd, but I was afraid of getting a puppy and going through the whole chewing and training bit with little ones in the house...but then I was also afraid of getting an older one with issues. After some deliberation and many questions to reputable German Shepherd breeders, I decided to put an application into the German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama. They came and did a home inspection and recommended Vito. His owner died and his family couldn't take care of him, so he was surrendered to the local shelter. GSRCA came and got him and have been fostering him for 2 months. I have to say that I'm glad I listened to them and met Vito. He's the most well behaved, good natured, laid back dog I think I've ever been around. We were in PetSmart with tons of kids (not just Tucker but at least 6 other kids were climbing all over him) and he just loved it...laid there and licked faces if they would let him. He doesn't pull on his leash (yes...even in PetSmart) and so far seems to be enjoying his new home. As I'm typing this, he's laid out in his crate (which is at the foot of my bed) and is asleep. I'm sure I'll post more pics of him and the kids...but here's the one from the GSRCA website. We are all very excited about our new addition. Here's Vito!!

White Flag

2008-11-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

The last 2 weeks have been a test. A test to determine if I can resist the overwhelming urge to tie my daughter up and hang her from the fan that hangs from my 20ft ceiling in my living room and leave her there while I go down a keg of beer at the local bar.

Yesterday morning, I almost gave up...but this morning she awoke with a white flag in her hand.

This morning when I went upstairs to get her from her room, she was holding a pair of white Minnie Mouse panties and said "Mommy, I wear big girl panties." I said okay, put them on her and she went the whole day with only one accident!!!

She started Friday wanting to wear the panties, but not wanting to go to the bathroom. But today, she made up for it. I'm so proud of her!...and myself for letting her live this long :)

Her attitude and behavior was a complete 180 from the way she acted yesterday. Hopefully we can keep this up!

Pics from Halloween

2008-11-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween here was so much fun. Tucker got to "dress up" twice because of MDO (Mother's Day Out). So, for MDO, he was "Officer Hutson". My mom got him this outfit for his birthday. He's been asking for a police man outfit so "Grammie" delivered. The outfit is so cute and he's already gotten alot of use out of it. Hopefully the billy club won't see the back of Turner or Taylor's heads!

Both sets of grandparents came to the house for Mexican...special thanks to dad for picking it up--and paying ;)....and after dinner, the kids got dressed up as cowboys/cowgirl.

Turner wore a costume that was Tucker's first Halloween costume...he didn't go trick-or-treating with everyone else, he got to stay behind with me and (Nana) Linda and handed out candy to other trick-or-treaters. Thanks to (Gammie) my mom Katie for making Taylor's outfit and for Tucker's outfit. Everyone looked adorable and fun was had by all!!!

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!

Hopefully...

2008-10-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that we are all now getting over the "crud" that everyone has been passing along these past few weeks. It all started last Wednesday...Tucker is out of school that day, so I packed up a lunch and got the kids all dressed. Everyone but Taylor was loaded and buckled into the van. I started to walk around to the other side of the van to buckle Taylor up when I Tucker scream "Oh Yuck...she threw up all over your van mom!!". Yes...Taylor was sick.

Needless to say, we all stayed home and by the end of the day...Taylor and Tucker were both sick. Taylor never ran a fever, but Tucker did...and they both were on a Sprite only diet...but only after punishing myself a couple of times first (if you know what I mean)...I won't elaborate.

Anyhoo...everyone seemed better on Friday. Tucker went back to school and Taylor and Turner were fine. We all met Brad for dinner at Chick-fil-a for dinner and went to bed...well, at least the kids did. Brad and I were up all night Friday sick...again, I won't elaborate.

Brad felt better than I did on Saturday, so he graciously let me stay in bed and he took care of the kids. It's the first game this year we haven't had people over to enjoy the victory. ROLL TIDE!! But we are all doing better now.

Tucker's birthday is this week. I can't believe he's turning 5! They grow up so fast...where has all the time gone?!

Hopefully I'll be able to post pics from the birthday party and Halloween this weekend.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween...be healthy!!!

Recent pics

2008-10-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Look at the curls on Turner!

Tucker as a lion at the Birmingham Zoo

Turner playing at the park

Tucker on the "horse" at the Birmingham Zoo

Taylor watching the turtles at the zoo

Tucker feeding the goats at the Pumpkin Patch

Taylor feeding the sheep at the Pumpkin Patch...
She loved it and screamed bloody murder when I had to rip her from the "barn"

How addictive is it?

2008-10-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor yesterday for my insomnia. She had to start me off on Ambien 10...which she stated was highly addictive and was a controlled substance...GREAT! She also said that if it didn't work and I didn't start to feel better and the headaches weren't gone within 10 days, I had to go back for something stronger. On top of that...she said all the symptoms I gave her also pointed to a thyroid problem...and after examining my throat...she said my thyroid was enlarged. She took tons of blood and said she would call me back with the results.

The thing that scares me is that she said that once I start using Ambien, I won't be able to go to sleep without it and that I will have to "wean" myself off of it. This doesn't seem like my longtime
solution...but I am grateful for the 10 hours of sleep I got last night. I took the pill at 9:30 and don't remember 10pm. I woke up at 8 this morning feeling great!

Tucker is not feeling well today...so he's been lounging around the house. Taylor who evidentially got the memo that she has officially turned 2 and can start acting like a total brat...decided to disobey the memo yesterday and has been back to her usual happy-go-lucky self. For about 10 days all she did was scream and throw temper tantrums...it was horrible! Lucky for all of us she's been much better so far this week. Turner has been growing like a weed and has started to refuse to eat bottles. He would rather have his whole milk and table food. I would say that it was a good thing, saving money on formula and everything...but the way this kid eats, I don't know which is cheaper...formula or half a cow?

My laptop is still in the shop, Best Buy said it should be fixed and shipped back to me by the end of the week...the screen went out again. If it happens again, I get a new computer. Anywhoo...once my laptop is back, I'll download some updated pics for everyone.

One sheep, two, sheep, three sheep, four......

2008-10-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

I want to start by saying I'm sorry it's been awhile since I've "blogged"...

First, my laptop had to be taken back to Best Buy for the 3rd time because the screen has stopped working...they tried to tell me it was a software issue again...but I made them send it into the "shop" for further diagnostics...they told me that the first time I brought it in and I got home with it and it still didn't work. They finally replaced the backlight for the screen and it's worked for almost a year now. If I bring it in again, it will get replaced with a new laptop...that's according to the geek on the Geek Squad...and let me tell you...that's a perfect description of this guy.

I still haven't gotten a good nights sleep...well, I did have to take a large amount of Nyquil on Monday night because we all have some sort of "sinus" crap...so I did get more than my normal 3 hours of sleep that night...but I'm not counting it because I was drugged! I have an appointment for the 14th to see the doctor...I just can't take this anymore...it's been months since I've had a good nights sleep on my own. When I get to 10 days without a full nights sleep, I'll take an over the counter pill...but I don't like the way I feel when I get up in the morning...anyway...hopefully it will be over soon.

The kids are great. Turner in less than a week went from army crawling all over the place to crawling up on his hands and knees and pulling up on stuff and walking around while holding on to something. I think he's tired of seeing everyone else walk around and he's ready to join us.
I'll be taking Taylor and Tucker to the Pumpkin Patch on Tuesday, so I'll make sure to add pics.

Any suggestions?

2008-09-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

This week has felt like 2 weeks in one. I'm exhausted as I sit and type...but I almost feel like the "purge" is necessary.

I had a light bulb moment this week while sitting in my parents jacuzzi talking to one of my favorite people....my Aunt Ann. I think every girl should have a woman in their life like my Auntie Ann. I love having her for visits...or even visiting her (although I've only gotten to do that twice)...but she has always made me feel like what I thought or had to say was important. She makes you feel like you are the only one in the room when you're having a conversation...and I must say that she's always made me feel like I was a "princess"...although she would probably hate that analogy.

Anyway...Tuesday night after the kids went to bed, I went to my parents house to visit with Ann and June. Since my parents got the jacuzzi...I've been pregnant...so this was the first time I could get in (with no kids) and enjoy it...at the temperature it was meant to be enjoyed at. I'm hooked...I wish I had one at my house, I would get in every night. It would probably help cure my insomnia...all I wanted to do was sleep when I got out (after 2 hours!).

As we talked, I told her about how much I vacuum...for those of you who didn't know I had an addiction...instead of heroin, it's vacuuming. I vacuum at least twice a day...sometimes more. The floor gets dirty from the kids and I playing, eating, or just walking from outside to inside. Light bulb moment...I don't know why I didn't realize this before...but I see it now. Vacuuming is my stress release...my drug of choice. For that 5 or 10 minutes during the day, I can drown the noise of the children by running the vacuum and focus on something else. I don't have to think about anything but the floor...and she's right, it does soothe me. I usually will vacuum while the younger two are sleeping and I can send Tucker to his room for "quiet time" and I'll usually vacuum again after I've put them to bed.

Great...now I need to know how I can transform my vacuuming addiction into a working out addiction...any suggestions?

Happy Birthday Taylor

2008-09-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Taylor is 2!!! We had her birthday party at the Riverchase Galleria's Carousel. Here are some pics from the party...

Taylor loves to ride the "horsies"...can't you tell?!

Okay, who doesn't love a cake from Edgar's?
Definitely NOT Taylor!

Tucker was shooting his gun at everyone from the carousel...hope you didn't get hit!

(L-R: Cameron, Tucker, Taylor and Cade)
Taylor and "her boys" helping her open her Princess Car!

I decided to have her party at the carousel because it has become one of her favorite things to do. During the summer, I would take the kids up there to eat McDonalds and ride the carousel. I kept it small this year...just her friends and immediate family...but it was hard to keep all the kids contained in one area. I will definitely not do it again. Too much of a headache! Thank you to everyone who came...we appreciate it! Sorry mom and dad couldn't come...we'll throw our own when dad gets out of the hospital...don't worry dad...we'll get another cake!

Dad is still in the hospital...but the doctor is now saying he might get to come home Friday (we are all keeping our fingers crossed!) I think if they keep him in there any longer, they'll have to admit him into the psych ward...almost 3 weeks being couped up in the hospital (especially Shelby Baptist Medical Center) will do that to you! Hang in there dad...we love you!

Oh...Tucker wanted me to make him an Indian headdress...so I did. Then, of course, Taylor wanted one. Then we painted their faces and made tomahawks...here is a pic from that...it was too cute not to add!

Finally!

2008-08-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

My dad is finally in a "normal" hospital room. He's been in ICU and then Intermediate Care and just today was moved into a hospital room where the kids can go and see him. I feel relieved. His white blood cell count is getting back down to normal and the doctors have allowed him to start eating fat free foods like jello and broth...when Tucker and I went to go visit him this afternoon, the nurse said they were going to try and get him home in the next couple of days. YEAH!!! He hasn't been allowed to eat for 2 weeks...so he's taking it slow...but I'm just happy that it looks like the end is near.

One good thing has come out of this...dad said yesterday that it's been the kick in the ass he has needed to get his health back on track. He said he was going to start eating better and not taking his health for granted. He never wants to go to the doctor...and after spending two weeks in the hospital, I think he's realized he needs to see them at least once a year...if not more...at least for check ups.

I'm just thankful that he's getting better...thank you to all of you who have called, written and prayed. It's been appreciated and felt!

Update on Dad

2008-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

My dad's pneumonia is now gone...YEAH!!! They're moving him out of the ICU and into Intermediate Care...but it probably won't happen until later on this afternoon. Thank you for all the prayers!

Dad

2008-08-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

My dad has been in the ICU since Thursday morning. They took him down at 7am to remove his gallbladder. Right before they were to start the surgery, he aspirated infected bile into his lungs. They suctioned him out as best they could and completed the surgery, but brought him to ICU to keep a close eye on him because they were afraid of pneumonia. He's been pretty drugged up and out of it every time we get to see him...and for those of you who know my father, he doesn't drink, so this is weird to see him like this.

They did a chest scan when they first brought him in and saw the damage. Yesterday morning pneumonia had developed. They took another scan yesterday afternoon and there was no change...which is good, it means it's not getting worse.

He has been getting up and walking around and we're hoping that the scan that they took this morning at 6am shows the pneumonia is going away...keep up the prayers!

Ya Reckon'...

2008-08-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, while shopping at Wal-Mart, Tucker and I came across a DVD in the $5 dollar bin...it was a double feature of "Old Yeller" and it's sequel "Savage Sam". Here lately, Tucker has been watching "Savage Sam" a lot.

The past couple of days, he has done the following:

1) Started to wear his cowboy boots...which are too small, so he walks around a bit funny in them;
2) Started to wear his cowboy hat...again, which is too small, so he fits it on the back of his head;
3) Hooked up his elephant (a gift from his Great Uncle John when he was a baby) as a horse...including Taylor's sequin belt as his reigns;
4) He places his plastic sword (from his knight costume) in his belt as his machete and a plate display holder...which he pretends is a hand gun in his belt.

He puts on everything and gets on this poor elephant and rides it like it's a horse while watching "Savage Sam" and acts out the movie. He made me stay in his room this morning during the fighting scene while the characters on TV save each other from the "injuns".

After the fight scene was over, I told him he fought well and asked if he was hungry after all that fighting...he said "Ya reckon' I can have a sandwich now ma...that's a right smart idea ain't it!"

Again, the look on his face was hilarious and I had to compose myself because what I really wanted to do was laugh while rolling around on the floor. I had to tell him that "ain't" isn't a word, but yes, eating a sandwich was a smart idea.

His imagination is something, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Thoughts and Prayers for Dad

2008-08-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

My dad was admitted this morning into the hospital for pancreatitis. They have since found the cause (a large gallstone) so they will be keeping him sedated and pumped full of antibiotics and remove his gallbladder on Thursday.

I went through something similar in March...had a gallbladder attack and a stone was lodged near my pancreas. My liver backed up and I turned as yellow as big bird. The doctors were worried that I would develop a pancreatitis...evidently it's very painful.

Please put him in your prayers tonight.

On a lighter note...Tucker just informed me (while I'm sitting here typing) "Mom, I want to still be a king while I'm a bigger kid, but...I really want to be a cowboy when I'm a grownup."

I really wish you could see the look on his face when he's telling me this...he's got such a look of confidence and knowledge, like he knows this is his "calling" or something...he's so funny!

"I want to be king when I'm still a kid"

2008-08-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

Tucker last night said to me "I want to be king". I replied "When you grow up? I thought you wanted to be a police man." He said "No mommy, I want to be king when I'm still a kid". I said "You are 'still a kid', and you do a pretty good job of acting like a king now". He said "I'm not still a kid, I can wipe my own butt, so I'm a big kid...so I want to be a king when I'm a bigger kid...like when I turn 5. So for my birthday, can I have a small gun and a small sword to protect the animals and a big gun and a big sword to kill the mean men?"

Uh? What? If you don't have regular conversations with a 4 year old...you're probably saying that. I didn't know how in the hell was I suppose to respond to that, so I just said "You'll have to ask daddy when it comes to owning guns. Girls don't know about those things." Luckily, that was enough of an answer for him.

Thankful Thursday

2008-08-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for:

--Wipes (see pic above!)
--Mother's Day Out...it's been the best thing for Tucker. He's been so calm and well behaved this week!
--My husband...he's been working so hard the past few weeks...and because I love him more and more everyday
--Neighbors who know what it's like to be a stay at home mom and let me know I'm not alone
--The "surprise" of Turner...because without him, I wouldn't be a stay at home mom and I'd miss all the sugars I get during the day
--My mom, dad and in-laws...who help us out...even when we don't ask for it, they know we need and appreciate it. Just a night of not having to cook, or having 1 less child to look after for the afternoon is awesome!
--Playtime with the kids, especially right after naps!

Almost...Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Tucker, Turner and Taylor taking a bath "whether they needed it or not".

Striking a Pose for the camera!

Turner and Taylor playing first thing this morning. Taylor loves to play with Tucker's boots...but she doesn't like to wear the matching set (which also means they are two different sizes!) or wear them on the correct feet. She is definitely my hard-headed daughter!

Here is Tucker in his "pillow fort"...this is his favorite thing to do now.
No MDO school on Wednesdays :(

Taylor carries around a blanket (she calls it "BB")...almost like Linus from Peanuts. It was so dirty and stinky that I had to wash it today...so here she is watching it being washed, making sure "BB" makes it through the extra hot wash.

Too cute of a pic not to post...notice the chocolate milk dribble on her chin?
That's what she thinks is so funny!

Thank you Michelle!

2008-08-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

My neighbor Michelle (Cameron's mom)...is my own person angel today for the following reasons:
1. She told me about Mother's Day Out
2. Offered to take and pick Tucker up today from MDO
3. After MDO, asked if Tucker could come to her house and played

Because of her, I got the following done:
1. 5 loads of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away
2. changed the sheets on my bed
3. Vacuumed the entire house
4. Loaded, washed, and emptied the dishwasher
5. Cleaned 2 bathrooms
6. I didn't have to wake Turner up from his nap to pick Tucker up
7. I was able to enjoy Taylor and Turner when they woke up from their naps

It's amazing how the thoughtfulness of 1 woman, helped out another one so much. The funny thing is...only Michelle would appreciate how much house work I got done, she's a crazy clean freak like I am. Thank you Michelle!

I think I'm gonna like this!

2008-08-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke the whole clan up to get ready to take Tucker to his first day of Mother's Day Out. We all loaded up and delivered him on time. I was really surprised that things went so smoothly. Making Tucker's lunch and getting everyone dressed and loaded and to school by 9am was uneventful. (That's a good thing!)

Tucker went right in and joined his class with no problems. Taylor, Turner and I ran some errands and we arrived back home by 10am and enjoyed a peaceful, non-hitting, non-screaming, no time outs...play time!

I think I'm going to like this Mother's Day Out stuff!

We all loaded back up at 1:30pm to pick Tucker up from school. His teacher said he had a great first day and Tucker said he had lots of fun. He was so good the rest of the afternoon. He played well with Taylor and after dinner we were able to play with Play-Doh!

My daughter the drinker

2008-08-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, about 3 weeks ago...after putting Turner in his bed for a nap, I came downstairs to a quiet house. With 3 kids, that's never a good sign. Tucker was over at Cameron's house, so that meant Taylor was up to something. I called her name several times with no response. I walked towards the master bedroom and called her name again, when I hear an "Um...Good" coming from the pantry. I open the pantry to find Taylor standing in there with the bottle of Mrs. Butterworth's turned up and her drinking out of it! She turned and looked at me (never removing her lips from the upturned bottle) and said again "Um...Good....ya want some?". The sight was hilarious...not to mention that she drank almost 3 inches of a large bottle of syrup...which meant it was now gone. I shut the door, threw the empty bottle of syrup away and added it to the grocery list. Then last week she turned to the "hard stuff". I guess since I've put the syrup up on a higher shelf that she can't reach...she's now trying to drink the gallon of canola oil I keep in the floor. This thing is huge...I mean, I shop at Sam's! Needless to say, I had to move it to the top of the pantry as well. Then 3 days ago, I find her with a bottle of hot pink paint, turned up and she's trying to drink out of it. She had pink paint all over her mouth and she gave Turner little hot pink kisses all over his head. Luckily none of the paint was inside of her mouth, it was just all over her face and lips. It washed off pretty easy, but I wish I would of taken a picture of her and Turner's hot pink mohawk...it was hilarious!

This afternoon the kids are playing in my bed and Tucker screams "Mom, Taylor's drinking again!"...I run in to find Taylor with the bottle of lotion turned up. I guess it tasted too bad and she spit it out in my hand...which was totally gross by the way. Does anyone know rehab for 2 year olds?! I've locked all cabinets and put door knob covers on any rooms that contain things I think she might want to drink. I gate her out of the kitchen during the day...I even have to lock the bathroom doors during the day so she can't get in there to drink the toilet water! I guess the only thing I can do is keep Poison Control on speed dial.

Mother's Day Out...here we come!

2008-08-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am literally counting the minutes down until Monday morning at 9am when I can drop Tucker off at Mother's Day Out and leave him there until 1:45pm. I know, I know, I'm a horrible mother...but he's driving me nuts!!! He's been so rude, and combative lately...I know it's because he's bored with me...but I can't take it anymore! If our neighbor Cameron isn't able to come over and play (because God forbid Cameron has other things to do!)...Tucker is just plain mean! Ever since we took him out of daycare for him to stay home with me (which just has been since the first of this year)...he's been different. I don't know if it's the addition of Turner (#3) or what...but something has to give, and it's not going to my sanity!

Hopefully the time away from us and with friends and him meeting new people will help...we'll see!

Love Thy Neighbor

2008-08-07T12:31:00.001-07:00

If you're a stay at home mom like myself...you know that there is nothing better than a half hour (or more if you are lucky) of not having to keep a child entertained. Luckily for me, I have an awesome neighbor by the name of Michelle who just so happens to have "entertainment"...her son Cameron. Even though Tucker is a year older than Cameron (almost to the day)...they play together great. (Sometimes more like brothers if you know what I mean ;0)

Anyhoo...when Cameron comes over, the boys run straight upstairs to Tucker's room and they "entertain" themselves. Here's a pic from yesterday when they dressed up like cowboys. Aren't they cute?

Tucker will be starting Mother's Day Out classes on Monday. It couldn't start soon enough for me, I'm at my wits end trying to find things to keep him busy. He's getting bored with me, Taylor and Turner and he's letting us know!

Mother's Day out will be good for Taylor and Turner as well. They play really good together and Taylor loves to make Turner laugh.

I hope I kick ass at 80 like my grandma

2008-07-28T10:56:00.003-07:00

Tucker and I went with my parents to Memphis, TN for my cousin's wedding. After the wedding, 13 of my aunts, uncles and cousins went out on Beale Street in Memphis. My almost 80 year old grandmother came with us. After a beer at the Double Deuce, we went to the Coyote Ugly bar. You know the one, the girls are up on the bar dancing, singing, spanking guys with belts (oh yeah...have to see it to believe how hard they actually do spank!)...anyhoo...After a couple more beers...my cousins and I were deliberating on what Grandma was actually thinking when she was looking up at those girls dancing on the bar, so I went up to her and said "Hey grandma, I'll give you $20 bucks if you get up on the bar and dance!". She replied "keep your money, hold my shoes!" and she jumped on the bar and started dancing with the girls. At first we thought they were going to make her get down (lawsuit waiting to happen with an 80 year old woman dancing on the bar)...but no...she just needed to wear her shoes. I handed them back to her and she went to town! Dancing, shaking what she had. Hilarious! Afterwards, everyone in the bar was coming up to her and shaking her hand, taking pictures with her...she was the star of the bar. I just hope that I can still kick it like grandma when I'm her age. Did I mention that last summer she got up on the water ski's at my parents lake house? That's right! I don't ever want to hear one of my thirty something friends saying they are getting too old to do something. My 80 year old grandma is still kicking ass and taking names!