Friday Night Leftovers - appointment week

• Busy, busy week.  
• Basketball practice, two different dance practices, my appointment, twins' appointment, and Paws goes in tomorrow.  
• Monday started out with us getting Paws.  
• He has pooped in the house once, whined for 10 mins the first night in his kennel, plays great with the kiddos, but does NOT like the vacuum. 
• Yesterday I had a two and a half hour appointment with the headache doc.  We have a new treatment plan which includes me changing my entire diet and treating insulin resistance, two supplements, one prevention pill, and back up pain management.  
• It was shocking but a lightbulb moment at the same time.  More to come on this subject.  
• Twins had their 3 year appointment today.  Kinsley is 34 pounds and 38 1/8 inch tall (75th for weight and 97th for height).  Eligh is 28 pounds and 38 inches tall (10% for weight and 63/8th for height).  We need to try beefing him up with some weightgainer2000 (hubby's name for the shake).
• I successfully pissed them all off when we (except hubby, he had to work and all) got our flu shots.  Guesses on who handled this the worst?  
• Tomorrow Paws is going in for a visit and a much-needed grooming and Addy and I may have a play date with the only other girl in her class.  
• If anyone is bored, feel free to stop by our house and clean the bathrooms, please.  I didn't have a chance this week to get them cleaned.  
• Or, you could write a 1000+ word essay for me.  

Check our fabulous hostess, Danifred, to see what others are bringing to the table tonight.  

And IT happened

Meet Paws (named by Addy)

Just a tad busy this week

Here is a glimpse of our schedule this week:

Monday:  Addy to and from school.
                Basketball meeting

Tuesday:  Addy to school
                Kinsley's dance class
                Pick up Addy from school
                Early dinner
                Basketball for Eligh

Wednesday:  Addy to and from school

Thursday:  Mommy 2+ hour doctor appointment 1.5 hours away
                  Daddy takes Addy to and from school
                  Addy's dance class

Friday:  Addy to and from school
             Take all three kiddos to the twins' 3 year check-up


In between all of this running I need to work on school work and another project.

How did this happen???

Cody has asked for nearly a year (hasn't been home a whole year, yet, but close enough) for a puppy.  I have repeatedly told him no.  My main reasoning is that I do not want a dog unless we are in a forever home, as in he gets out of the Army. 

You all remember Addy's thoughts on a dog, and now all three of the kiddos are asking for a REAL puppy. 

Yesterday, Cody told me he would quit chewing nasty tobaccy for good if we could get a dog.  He has been doing this nasty habit on and off for a good 10 years.  He will quit for a year or more and then go back.  He rarely does it around me and definitely not in front of the kids because it's disgusting and cancer ridden.

You know where I went this afternoon all by myself? 







The animal shelter. 






I never win, never!

Crapping your pants

If you live in this house you need an understanding of the various meanings of "crapping your pant."

Scenario 1:  

"I crapped my pants."  (Farting)

Scenario 2:

"I'm about to crap my pants."  (Run as fast as you can to the bathroom or else....)

Scenario 3:

Kinsley:  "Daddy!!!!"

Daddy:  Goes to the bathroom, talks to Kinsley (I can't hear too far away), goes upstairs.

Mommy:  "Did Kinsley forget to wipe?"

Daddy:  "Yep, she C-R-A-P-P-E-D her pants."

Kinsley:  "Daddy, I crapped my pants."

Friday Night Leftovers (Have I lost my mind edition)

• I did not do any play dates or outdoor activities with the kiddos this week.  I suck. 
• Kinsley started dance and I'm more than annoyed.  The studio is not set up, the parents are kicked out with no where to go for 30 minutes.  But, the door will be open, which meant little girls were running in and out non-stop.  I sat in the van with Eligh and let him watch a movie.  What will we do in the winter?  
• A mom at the dance studio where Addy goes might take her twin girls out, which would bump up two spots on the waiting list.  I will switch Kinsley if an opening occurs.  
• With this warmer weather and moving around of clothes, I just realized Eligh only has tennis shoes for the warmer weather.  His boots he wore with clothes, are at least one size too small.  New shoes are in our future. 
• I have sold most of the kids clothes I plan to sell, and am moving on to toys.
• On a whim, I put up some ads to do some part time babysitting or tutoring yesterday.  Today, I may have booked some tutoring in October.  There is a certain someone I am going to be looking to for some pointers.  
• Today I used my carpet cleaner to scrub the couch and then washed all the pillows.  It looks so much better.  
• Today was the first day that Addy and I did not fight this morning in the past 3 days.  It was simply wonderful. 
• Cody is working regularly, which has been an adjustment from his hit or miss working schedule.  
• Every day at nap, when I get ready to leave Kinsley's room she says, "I want my daddy."  I remind her he is at work and to sleep she goes.  

To see what others are bringing to the table this week, check out our lovely host, Danifred.  

Things I'm loving

Here is a small list of some "things" I find enjoyable:

• The routine of taking Addy to and from school. 
• Eligh eating, in his words, "peanut butter jelly time" every single day for lunch. 
• Kinsley playing a game of who loves who the most.  "I love you"  "No, I love you more"  "No, I love you the most!"
• Cooler days that allow me to make warm, cozy soups.
• As of next week all three of the kiddos will be in some type of activity.  
• Addy has finally figured out how to buckle her seat belt.  
• Kinsley loves to race to the front door or any where really and tell you "You lost!"
• The return of jeans and comfy pants (more clothing the better)

What about you?  What are some "things" you are enjoying lately?

What a 4 year old girl has brought us...

A moody teenager. 

Seriously, I feel like Addy is jumping to the age of 15 and she is MOODY! 

Help me.

Update on the house in GA

This is the last month on our tenants lease and they did NOT give a 30 day notice.  So....I have spent the last two weeks communicating with the property manager and our realtor discussing options, gambling, and crunching numbers. 

As much as we would LOVE to sell our house in Georgia, we probably can't.  Insert a whole mess of profanities and other such nonsense.  Breathe and ask, now what?

The tenants "said" they will sign a 6 month lease.  But with their horrible first impression, I am not holding my breath.

Add in my sister's advice?   You may just have to foreclose on it.  Really????  She has no clue, no clue. 


I do not regret the purchase, as we made decisions we felt were right at the time (which they were) but life changes unexpectedly and I have learned to not live with regrets and simply roll with the punches.  (Or at least convince myself and others that everything will be ok ,right?)

Future scientist???

 This little girl is a thinker. 

"Look, mommy, I made a guitar."

"You did?" 
"Yeah, let me show you." 
She took a silly band bracelet and put it around a thin paperback book, curved the book a little and now she strums her little hand made guitar. 



Running and jumping into the recliner (yeah, I know I should not allow it, but I do). 
"Kinsley, push my back so I can go faster!"

Comedians

Lunch time jokes:

"When I was a milk a baby, I drank milk."  

"When I was a piece of pizza..."


"When I was an ice cream cone..."

"When I was an egg, I became a duck."


"When I was a baby, I was a tooda."

Do you know what is even funnier?

Pretending to play catch with an imaginary ball. 

(After each "joke," you have to scream and fall over with laughter.  You just must!)

sick, sick, sick

Fever last night, middle of the night, morning, and late afternoon. 

Nasally, heavy breathing, and a gunky eye. 

Good times at this house this weekend, how about you?

Friday Night Leftovers - benign

• This week simply whizzed by for no apparent reason.  
• Addy still loves school and I am so grateful for this (I was a total school dork and loved going, too).
• I can't believe the twins are three!  
• Part of this week I spent going through fall clothes and Addy is definitely out of all 4's and Kinsley is getting a whole new wardrobe from her.  
• With the purging of clothes, I sold quite a bit this week along with a Tag Jr. set.  
• I'm going through my head all the other toys I am going to try and sell that the kids do not play with or have outgrown.  
• We got a letter for Addy's first field trip which is to a pumpkin patch next month.  Awesome!
• I have to fork out money for the above as well as Addy's dance costume (which they are going to wear at Xmas and in May - at least I only have to pay once).
• I let the trio skip naps today and let them play for a couple hours at an indoor playground.  
• Get home and Kinsley looks miserable - fever.  FML. 
• I really want a puppy, a little puppy that stays little.  But, it's not happening. 
• I don't know what to do about our house in GA.  It's time to make a decision and I'm scared to gamble.  
• Addy has been talking quite a bit about B (boy in her class) and all the bad things he does.  
• I saw the boy and his mom last night at our once a month parent/teacher/child night.  He just looks mean.  
• I ran at home a couple days this week and didn't die.  
• Why does Eligh walk around grabbing himself half the day?  His response, "Sorry." or "I need to."
• My brother and sil had their fourth and final baby today (a girl).  I don't get to see her until Thanksgiving.  Not cool.
• Finally, the mole I had removed is benign.  

You must stop by Danifred, our host, and find out the sex of the baby.  You MUST!  I know I'm super excited. 

Flopping flip

Remember yesterday was Thursday and today is Wednesday, right?  An explosion of birthday pictures

Birthday "party" with family in Illinois (it's never a "party" but when you put eight cousins together it becomes a party)

Two cool gifts from grandma and grandma (Halloween costumes - check)

Birthday Eve

Kinsley opening gifts

Eligh opening gifts

One cake on their actual birthday

Flip flopping

Today is Wednesday, but for now pretend it is Thursday.  Tomorrow will be Wednesday. 

Why, you may ask?  I've been busting butt trying to research for a paper I have to write up this week and haven't had an opportunity to post the twins' 3rd birthday pics for Wordless Wednesday, so instead you have a Thursday post.  Got it?  Ok, just pretend you get it. 

So.... Talking Thursday

Addy:  "This is a start and it's as beautiful as you are."

Eligh:  "I need toilet paper!!!!"

Mommy:  "Did you poop?"

Eligh:  "I can't see my butt."

Addy:  "Daddy is the most awesome."

Kinsley:  "Daddy, I want to be a lady.  I want to be a lady!!!" 

An interview with a 3 year old Eligh

Favorite food.....PEANUTBUTTER JELLY TIIIME!!!!

Favorite color.....Red

Favorite person....***** (closest boy cousin in age to him)

Worst food.....ham and cheese sammiches (this one took quite a bit of prompting)

Scared of.....walking sticks (we saw one yesterday when we picked up Addyson from school and after Addyson touched it, it sped towards them and he screamed bloody murder)

Where do you want to live when you grow up?     Here

What is your favorite animal?     Horsies and monkeys too

Do you know any funny jokes?   Renozerous (????)

What happens when you get bigger?  I can't remember

If you could make dinner for your family what would you like to make?    I like to cook peanut butter jelly time

What is your favorite toy?     Horsies and coloring

Could I see a picture of you playing with it? No (sorry)

An interview with a 3 year old Kinsley

 

Favorite food.....PIZZZAAAAA

Favorite color.....Pink, I like purple

Favorite person....Addyson and momma  

Worst food.....ummmm...hmmm...peanut butter jelly (this one took some prompting)

Scared of.....The ghosts, the dark, and THE THUNDER (not sure where the ghosts came from)

Where do you want to live when you grow up?     Ummm...at school.  I want you (mommy) to come with me. 

What is your favorite animal?     Zebra and giraffe

Do you know any funny jokes?   Burrrp (yes, she pretended to burp and started laughing hysterically)

What happens when you get bigger?  Ummmmm

If you could make dinner for your family what would you like to make?     PIZZZAAAAA

What is your favorite toy?     Tagga Reader (she just received this yesterday from mommy and daddy)

Could I see a picture of you playing with it? (This is a picture of her opening the Tag Reader which shows her excitement.  She plays with this all day long and is allowed to bring it to bed (not nap).  I do have a picture of her actually using it, but I'm too lazy to upload it from the camera - sorry)

    

*Stay tuned for tomorrow's interview with Eligh.*

September 11 then and now

Just like so many others today who are blogging about today's events, I, too, feel it is time to share.

10 years ago.....September 11, 2001

I had just finished an early morning class at Illinois State University and headed back to my dorm room to find my room mate in complete silence watching the tv.  My stupid self asked, "What are you watching?"  There was no answer and I put down my bag and searched the tv for answers.  "What the hell is going on?!"  I realized the events that were occurring right before my eyes.  I know I instantly felt my stomach flip and worry set in.  What does this mean?  Who is next?  What is going to happen to all the people?  My family, just a couple hours away felt sooo much further away.  I called home, I called Cody, any one who I felt I needed to speak to, I did. 

Then, I quickly realized I had to call my good friend who was to be leaving the next day to see her boyfriend graduate from boot camp in California.  As soon as she picked up the phone, I informed her that she would not be going to California and that she needed to turn on her television.  After sitting there for a bit, I went to my friend's room and consoled her as she cried as we both did not know what this meant for her boyfriend, as well as so many others.  

The day went by with a blur as I worried about my family and  what my future would or would not hold. 

__________________________________________________________________________________

Today....September 11, 2011

Yesterday was filled with love, laughs, and celebrating.  Wow, who would have thought I would be a mother as well as to think that I could have a child/children born on September 11.  Kinsley and Eligh were supposed to be born on the 11th; it was scheduled without my knowledge.  But, as the pregnancy chugged along my doctor informed me of my c-section date; September 11, 2008.   Nope, no way.  I was not going to have the twins delivered on September 11; no way.  I did not want a celebration of birth and life to be shared with this tragic day; it just felt horribly wrong.  How could we celebrate on a day that thousands are mourning and remembering their losses?  

The magnitude of this event now holds an even deeper meaning especially with three year plus long deployments under us.  Cody and I both knew what was to be expected with his enlistment, but to think we are still at "war" is something neither one of us would have expected.

 

I hope that as time continues we as a country can find peace.   

 

 

Eligh is 3

How in the world are you 3?!  Wow, oh wow!  Just like your twin sister, you have grown and changed and now when I see you you are a handsome young boy.  Let me add emphasis on BOY.  You used to have quite the fits (whining) and have finally learned how to hold your own in this house of girls.  You are becoming quite the tough boy.  You are potty trained except for bed time.  Nap time - check, bed time - so inconsistent.  But, I will count this as a victory in my book.  

Things you know

• Colors
• Shapes
• A couple of letters (especially "A")
• Can count to 13

Things you like:

• Anything that moves (cars, trucks, trains, airplanes)
• Coloring
• Playing games
• "Grilling"
• Playing outside
• Soccer (hoping you can join up this spring)
• Absolutely anything your daddy does. 

You love to wrestle with daddy, go for rides in daddy's truck and play by yourself.  You love to talk to anyone who will listen and make sure to tell him or her any and every thing you can.  You are a very sweet boy who listens and follows directions but still needs mommy to help you when you just can't do it.  As you enter into your third year, I hope you continue to stay sweet and learn even more.  

Happy Birthday, Eligh!  I love you so very much!

Kinsley is 3

How have we managed to get to 3 already, I do not know.  Each year continues to speed by.  In the past year you have changed from being extremely aggressive, including biting, but as this second year closes and your third year begins you have thankfully outgrown that stage.  You are 100% potty trained, which to be honest, I did not think would happen until you turned 3, but you did it and we are so very proud of you.  

Things you know:

• Colors 
• Shapes (still get rectangle and square confused)
• You can count to 11 
• Take your clothes off and get dressed mostly by yourself

Things you love:

• Princess Tiana and Aerial 
• Purple
• Books
• Anything your sister has
• Cuddling with mommy 
• Playing any form of game (especially the puzzle apps)
• Apple juice
• French toast sticks

This year will be filled with more changes and experiences including dance and I cannot wait to be with you to experience each and every one of them.  

Happy birthday to my cuddly, stubborn princess!  I love you so very much!

Friday Night Leftovers - the week of the cold

• I have had a cold for over a week now.  A dry, barking cough, along with a dry, itchy throat.  All.week.long.
• I do not know if Addy is getting sick, has allergies, or had a migraine.  She started with a headache on Wednesday night - skipped dinner and stayed in her bed for an hour.  Yesterday she had a low grade fever around lunch time which went away with some Tylenol.  Last night she complained that her head hurt when she coughed.  Today, no headache.  
• Coming back from visiting family requires a day to unpack, do laundry, organize toys, etc. 
• If the first thing you hear when you open a child's bedroom door is, "I'm sorry, mommy" just close the door and go back to bed.  Do it.  
• Eligh has not wet his diaper at night all week long, until this morning when daddy forgot to put him in one.  Seriously?!
• 5 loads of laundry later I have his bedding washed.  Yeah, he got EVERYTHING wet.  
• Daddy told Kinsley that I was signing her up for dance when she woke up from nap and found that I was not here and she hasn't stopped twirling, skipping, and asking when she gets to go.  
• I'm a tad worried that she will not be happy that she has to wear a pink leotard while Addy gets to wear all kinds of cute little ballerina outfits.  It's practice, people, let them have some fun.  
• It may or may not rain tomorrow and we have plans to go to an air show to celebrate the twins' birthday.  
• I really want this for the play room.  
• Don't forget to leave me a question for Eligh and Kinsley and I promise they will provide their wise knowledge upon you very, very soon.  

Stop by Danifred and leave her some extra, cuddly love it has been a hard, hard week for her and her family.  

Some firsts for me

And nothing I am really excited about:

• First time needing a steroid shot to eliminate pain
• Having dental work - which I am still thinking I had an allergic reaction
• My most recent first is from today having two moles removed, one which is being sent in for a biopsy. 

I am all for experiencing new things, but when it comes to needles, pain, and medical I think this run of firsts needs to end.

P.S. Send me some questions to ask Kinsley and Eligh - two days until their 3rd birthday and I have to conduct their interviews.  Thanks. 

Two little ballerinas

Kinsley is officially enrolled in ballet. Out of the blue, a new studio opened up off post and thankfully I found out before today, as today was the beginning of enrollment.

So I will now have
2:  ballerinas
2:  different dance studios
2:  different days of classes

I'm thinking these two little girls are going to be too cute for words.

(Don't worry, Eligh is not being left out.  He starts basketball at the end of the month.)

Truthful Tuesday - to the hubby

Phew, that feels better.  Have something you need to confess or get off your chest?  Join in and create your post it notes. 

Name that tune

Who can name this song?

I want a dog

The other day, Cody left to go back to work in the late afternoon and when he went to open the door there was a little dog begging to come in. After calling some numbers he got connected to the owners of the dog, who happened to live a few houses down the road.

A little conversation with Addy as she was allowed to skip a nap this particular day.
Addy: "I want a dog, mommy."
Mommy: "As soon as your daddy is done with the Army we can have a dog."

Cody leaves for a couple hours and returns home.
Addy: "Yay!!!! Daddy is done with the Army - I can get a puppy!"

Friday Night Leftovers - very, very random

• Addy is excited every day to go to school with absolutely no hesitation.  I'm happy that she is adjusting so well, but I would be lying if I didn't feel a tad bit sad that she is soooo excited to go.
• I have gotten into a routine of walking 2 miles pushing the twins in their stroller at one of the park trails which is paved and hilly.  It is a workout and the twins love it.  Yesterday and today I didn't go walking so I could clean and pack before heading out of town for the weekend and Eligh made sure to tell his teacher and daddy that we did not go walking.  My bad. and
• We lost another fish this week and finally had to tell Addy that "she" died and went to fishy heaven.  Her response, "Oh ok, to be with her other fishy friends?"  Of course. 
• Now we have four of the same sized fish along with our sucker fish after this.  Any guesses on all their names? 
• I was very over cooking this week and did minimal planning and made simple meals.  The weekend away from cooking will be nice. 
• I am currently allowing the trio to skip a nap today as we will be in the car later this afternoon for a 6 hour drive and am hoping (fingers crossed) they will all fall asleep at some point.  
• Yesterday a boy in Addy's class was waiting to go into the classroom while I had all three of mine next to me holding hands.  The little boy started poking and pushing at Eligh while the mom looked on.  I was dumbfounded and didn't say anything like I should have and instead Eligh told the boy, "Stop pushing me, boy!"  
• Addy came home with a green card today (which means she was good) but she told me she took a little boy's letter stick and had to sit on time out, but she told him she was sorry.  When I inquired about it she said she was sorry and we talked about how sad it is when people take things from each other.  I'm really hoping all these boys' behaviors don't start rubbing off on her. 
• I am debating what to do with Kinsley and an activity.  She could go straight into gymnastics it's about $7 more a month, or simply keep her name on the wait list for dance with Addy.  Opinions?
• I think this is long enough for the week.  

Check out our lovely host, Danifred, to see what others are bringing to the table this week.  

Desserts and a little multiple choice

If my trio eats all of their food on their plate at lunch and dinner time they are allowed one dessert of their choosing - (obviously, it must be in the house).  They have several options to choose from and their choices change from day to day and meal to meal. 

Last night my three all chose:

A.  Grapes

B.  Oreos

C.  Peanuts

D.  Crackers