A gut instinct

Not sure where along the road to motherhood we pick this up. I am talking about a mother's gut instinct for her child. I guess we always have a gut feeling about things but maybe it takes being a mom to act upon it. Mine has seemed to kick into over drive and when I get a "feeling" I can only sit on it so long before I have to act on it. Guess also not being afraid any more of the medical world helps. Some won't act on them as they are afraid for what might come. I didn't have a choice - I got thrown into the medical world 4 1/2 years ago when Cody made his presence.

My gut didn't prove me wrong when I insisted on taking Tyler to an ENT. Everyone else wanted to say he wasn't talking because he was the third child and his brothers were talking for him. While that could of been some what right - it wasn't 100% - the poor kid had fluid on the ears and couldn't hear well. So my gut was right.

Well my gut didn't steer me wrong again. Cody has been complaining a lot that he is tired. He does this regardless of having a nap or not. He'll be tired a few hours after getting up in the morning. Just didn't seem right from a 4 year old. I thought maybe is had to deal with his diet. He is a very picky eater and I thought maybe he wasn't getting all the nutrients he should be. With our trip to the team on Wed., I made an appointment with the pediatrician to talk. We both agreed to take some blood and see what was up. The results came back today. It appears that Cody's thyroid is over-active or hyper. Which is weird according to the doctor because of my original complaint (being to tired) would point to hypo (under active). So he wants to repeat the blood test in 4-6 weeks targeting the thyroid gland and run more test on that. Depending on how that turns out we will be referred to an Endocrinologist. So I will be very interested to see what Dr. Tatum says this week. I can't find the direct link between the thyroid and a cleft but some articles were pointing to that. So I don't know. Guess the down side to being "right" is now I have something else to worry about.

But you know it does feel good to be right. And I hope that doesn't come across wrong. It's just there are a few people in my family (won't say names) that thought the whole blood test was "stupid" and didn't need to be done. Almost as if I was making this up. So while the child in my would love to call and say "nah,nah I told you".....the adult in me won't! But perhaps maybe they will learn not to question me. As I have said before - when it comes to my kids - my gut hasn't proved me wrong yet!!

Cody was a trooper though for the blood test. The doctor prescribed a numbing cream and after a little bribing from Daddy he put it on and did great while they took his blood. Like I said, we go see the team on Wednesday and will also see the whole team of orthodontist too. I am getting very anxious about this appointment as I do with them all. I have no idea what to expect - nor do I know what will come in the next year. We have been so quite for the past 2 and he's entering the age for the next phase. Time will tell! I just hate waiting. I'm not a very patient person. Somethings I just have to be.

In other news - we had a super good weekend. Saturday, my mom, the boys and I went to Syracuse for a couple of hours to attend a run benefiting the children's hospital. It was a small event but everyone had a great time. Brett had the whole weekend off so we spent the night at my sister's as they are in OC visiting my brother. We got to have quality pool time and had a bom fire Sat. night. Dylan is a little fish! He LOVES the water. He does great with his arm floats and loves to jump in and go under. Then we was lying on the float and I played "shark" and came and knocked him over. He loved it. He really does remind me of myself when I was little. My parents couldn't get me out of the water until my hands and feet were are crinkled. He's going to love the super warm pools in Vegas!!!

Happy Birthday Tyler

My little guy turned 3 today. It is so hard to believe he is three. Where did those years go? I just have to reflect a little. I remember finding out I was pregnant with him. I denied it for a few weeks thinking I was just 'late'. Then I decided to buy a pregnancy test and the stupid nosey cashier at Walmart just had to ask "is it for you". Thanks - hadn't even told Brett at that point. So I said "no, it's for a friend". Brett told me later he knew it was for me but went along with it. I didn't even tell my sister. And I tell her EVERYTHING! So once I worked up the nerve to go have a blood test done - I found out - we were having another! I really honestly didn't want him. We had twins that weren't even a year old and all that Cody offered and I was scared to death to have another. Having 2 made us even, having 3 meant we were out numbered. But there was no way we were not having that baby. So 9 months went on and on this day - 3 years ago at 4:21pm - Tyler Clark came into our world!

I wouldn't know what to do without him. From the minute I laid my eyes on him I knew he was a keeper. He was such a beautiful baby with a full head of black hair. Funny, his hair is now so brownish/blond. He has got a very lovely attitude. His shirt his grandma bought him says it all - "Short, Cute and Lovable". He has a personality about him that anybody would love. Such devilish eyes. He's such a great little boy.

Today we celebrated a little different. Brett and I took him to Friendly's for lunch. He had his favorite - mac & cheese and then some of ours. Brett had to work tonight so after I got home from lunch he opened his presents. His favorite being a firetruck. Reminds me of his Uncle Kevin the way he likes his fire trucks. Then we had 'brownies' instead of cake. Another favorite. Then we swam for a while as it's super warm here. He was busy on the phone tonight with calls from Auntie Kristie, Auntie Tanya, Papa, Daddy (my mom stayed to have brownie with us). Between his party and today - he had a great Birthday!!!!

His new Fire Truck!

Relaxing in the pool

Getting our certificates!

Singing our ABC song!

Pre-school is over!!!!

Yesterday was the last day of pre-school. So hard to believe that the school year is over already. It seemed like just last week they were used to the idea of school and didn't cry when I left. On Monday, they had a class picnic on their playground. We had pizza, fruit, juice boxes and the kids had a great time just playing. The teacher has commented several times that this class has been one of her favorites and she is very anxious for them all to return in the fall. Yesterday they had a little ceremony. Class was scheduled as normal and then they asked the parents to return about 10 for a "concert". The kids were all lined up as we arrived and it was so cute as every parent entered their child waved from their spot. Finally it was time to sing! They sang their ABC song and 10 little bumble bees. Then they were present their certificates and off to enjoy a cookie and punch. We gave our teacher gifts and the school year was officially over. Next year I will have 3 little pre-schoolers. WOW!

Shopping with kids

The title really does say it all. For any of you that have a child or children - going shopping is not easy. It doesn't matter what you are shopping for. I remember back to when C&D were babies and going to Walmart required both Brett and I to go. They just didn't make carts big enough for 2 baby seats. Then don't forget the diaper bag - thankfully we took a small bag for these type of trips and saved the big one for the all day adventures. So as they got bigger we added Tyler to the mix and decided at that point one of us would stay home with the kids and the other one would go shopping. Or possibly the one that went shopping might take a kid with them. So we did this for a while. Now we are onto working different shifts and I'll be darned if I am just sitting home. One thing I always wanted to make sure of is that my kids were portable and we were not just sitting home. Or would I feel out numbered because there is 3 of them and 1 of me. Soooo...now that they are all potty trained, can walk, can listen (sometimes) - we go and do a lot of stuff together at night while Brett is working.



Tonight was no exception!



However, the potty trained thing is wonderful but not so when the kids have to use every bathroom there is. I was the exact same way as a kid though so I'm totally getting paid back. I can pile the 3 of them into a shopping cart but man is it hard to push. There is about 100 pounds in that cart. Some would think - well let them walk. Yah right! They LOVE to walk but the whole listening thing goes right out the window. I really try to scar the crap out of them because this world these days is not a nice place to live. Then the 3 of them can work together and against me. This was proved tonight. Dylan was in the seat, Cody and Tyler in the basket. I had picked up some shaving cream for Brett and then went on to get other products. Next thing I know is Cody telling me "look mom" and all I saw was shaving cream. Dear, sweet Tyler managed to get the cap off and covered the back of Cody's shirt. Lovely! So we headed to the bathroom to get them cleaned off and Oh ya, go the bathroom.

Throughout the rest of our shopping trip, I get looks and stares and people asking if they are triplets? I smile and say No, twins and a single. All the while they are thinking I'm nuts and I am thinking he wasn't planned but wouldn't change it for the world. So we get to the check out and the cashier ask the above question. Then she said "are you having more". I'm sorry - how is it that it's any of the cashier at Walmart's business. No I'm not BUT! So that was our fun shopping trip! We'll do it again and I'll have many more stories to share I'm sure.

Party Pictures

The birthday boy with his balloon! (It's as big as he is)

The party kids sitting down for lunch. The cake! (or cupcakes)
Make a wish!
This cupcake is good!
A t-ball set! This will be fun

My spiderman gang.

Dylan practicing - see the ball coming right at me - yah it hurt!I CAN NOT believe he is turning 3! Sniff, sniff - where did my baby go?

Tyler's Birthday party

Phew....the weekend is over. Tyler ended up having a great day for his party. Early weather forecast were calling for rain and thunderstorms but we didn't get a one. It was warm but not muggy and there was a breeze. I realized having it at a park is the way to go. I had been getting things around all week, we just had to go get the pizza, cake and balloons (Brett did that). I decorated and the kids played. We went light on the menu this year. Just had to cut back somewhere. I don't think anybody minded though. The kids had fun - I think they would of been fine with just cheese doodles. So we ate, the kids played at the playground, then we did a quick game, had cupcakes and opened presents. The little birthday boy made out well and will do even better as his birthday is really on Friday. Party pictures to follow!

Karly's Dance Recital

Karly and I - with the book I made for her.
She has this move down pat!
Moving the arms (they are a little off - but I think some of it they are supposed to be)
The older girls! Caught it right as the confetti was coming out.
Karly with her Kitty and a balloon! She got other goodies too....

Karly had her dance recital today. She has worked very hard all year and she did a great job today. All the girls did. It was a fantastic show - good music, costumes and even a little tears shed here and there. The theme this year was Disco Fever! The little girls do a great job but man when the older girls take the stage - they really do their thing. My favorite part is tap. I love the sound it makes on stage. The costumes were out of this world. So much hard work goes into this. As I watched Karly take the stage, all dolled up, she looks to be a natural. She just looks like she is comfortable up there. Then I realized I will never attend a graceful event like that with my boys. I better get used to the dirt now! Here are a couple from the day. I took a ton so it's going to be hard to narrow them down. I mentioned something about tears. Well remember back a few weeks ago, we went to a Dance-a-thon for a little girl that Karly dances with - Macey. She has cancer. Well the girls did a great job in raising money and today at the recital they presented Macey and her family with a check for $7500. That is fantastic! This family has traveled so far to get good treatment for Macey and her outlook looks great!

The Weekend Ahead

It's the weekend and that means we have a full schedule ahead of us. Tomorrow is Karly's dance recital. These girls work so hard all year long and really put on a great show. The costumes, music, solos, groups are just so good. To see her get up on stage and "do her thing" is so great. I did a scrapbook for her as her "gift". It started with her first year and tomorrow will be 4 years of dancing. It turned out great! We are also getting company tomorrow. Grandma Marilyn, Ben and Daniel are coming for the night. The kids will have a blast together. Sunday is Tyler's birthday party! We will have about 10 kids. Spiderman has been requested by the birthday boy so that's what it will be. I will have a ton of pictures I am sure.

Onto other news....looks like my brother and Kristie might have come up with a name for this little boy. Kristie would of named him a long time ago but Kevin was having a harder time with the decision. It's not set in stone - BUT - for now we will call him Jack! Jack Brady Flower! I love it. It fits so great with our kids names....not that it had to but you know what I mean. So my mom will soon have 6 grandkids - Karly, Cody, Dylan, Tyler, Connor and Jack! YEAH!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Uncle Shaun

Here are some recent pictures from Father's Day weekend!

Dylan loving the water!Tyler cooling off!
Happy Birthday Uncle Shaun! Everyone helping to blow out the candles

Connor having a blast with the cupcake! He was a mess to clean up.

Our Three little fishes!
Brett and Tyler on Father's Day! (Yes Brett shaved - so he and Tyler look similar in age :) Thank god the hair grows back so quick.
Cody loves the water too! Just not as much as Dylan. He sticks to the side for the most part.

Today was Uncle Shaun's birthday! He's 10 years older than me today - that young buck! :0 It was a busy day though because Karly had her dance recital tonight. So Connor came to hang out with us while they did that and then when they got back - all the kids just had to sing "happy birthday".

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. Karly's recital is Saturday. I am doing a scrapbook for her and it's turning out really well. I hope she enjoys it. Then Sunday is Tyler's birthday party. Calling for a chance of rain so hopefully if we get some - the shower is quick. We are having it at a park so the kids will have fun playing. Kind of a small gathering this year.

Meetings

I had a CPSE meeting for Tyler today. With his third birthday next week, he will transition our of EI into CPSE. He passed - no problems. He is delayed in speech and while he is making tremendous progress he is still not where he should be. He practices great - although the little devil will not work with me. So unlike Cody ever was.

It sort of strikes me as odd though - I had no problem what-so-ever with getting Tyler services. Cody on the other hand - I had to call and fight for. And Cody was the one born with a hole in his mouth. Just is bazare in my book.

I also meet with the hospital where we are holding our training event for families in August. They have a great sized conference room for us, a seperate room for the kids, they will provide a light breakfast and lunch for us. All is well there. Only frustrating moment was when I learned the clinic coordinator never sent out the save-the-date cards to local families. UGH. Our team sent over 400 out and I can't get my local team to send 100. I am a little PO'd about that. Supposedly she is getting them out this week but imagine my frustration when I learned they hadn't been sent. They are always wondering why I do more in Syr. and that is because Bing. doesn't support me like Syr. does. It will all work out. So now I have to get moving on a few more activities for the kids, try to get more sponsors for the food. Plus I need to get some things lined up for the kids to do while we are in training. If anybody is interesting in sending whatever for the kids to do (coloring books, crayons, whatever) - please email me.

A visit from the Snake Man

Today starts a busy week of end of year activities for the boys at school. The Snake Man came today bringing all sorts of creatures. The parents were not requested to stay so I don't know for sure how it went because getting anything out of two boys is next to impossible. I need to come to grips with the fact that I have 3 boys and they never give more details than necessary. The teacher told my Mom that Cody was all about touching all the animals but Dylan enjoyed them from a far. Although if you ask him he sounds like he carried them all on his neck. LOL.

We had a pretty un-eventful weekend. Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there. The boys got Brett a couple new shirts and a pair of swim shorts. He's getting new sunglasses too but we have to order them online. Then we all went to Tanya's for the afternoon. The kids all swam and we cooked steaks out on the grill. Shaun's father's day gift. Plus we celebrated his b-day as he turns 41 on Wed. This however was our last quite weekend for a while. This weekend is full of activities. Saturday is Karly's dance recital. Always a great time - good show - and I just love to watch her on stage. For her recital gift I am doing a scrapbook. I haven't done one of those since my wedding but they are so much fun. So after my little boys go to sleep - I head for the kitchen table will all of my supplies. I hope she loves it. Sunday is Tyler's Birthday party! My little boy is turning 3. So hard to believe. We went birthday party shopping last weekend and he loved picking out all of his stuff. We are having a spiderman theme!

You 'do' feel better when complaining!

So after my stint with the whole shopping cart issue last night, I decided to write to Kohl's corporate and complain. I am upset over the fact that somebody took my cart but even more ticked that not one associate or the manager bothered to 'help me' during that time. So from their website they have a "comment on your store visit" - so I did. I received a reply back that said I should be hearing from an Executive Team Member within 5 days.

When I got home tonight there was a message on the machine from the store manager. He wanted to call and apologize again. Apparently after reviewing the tapes, a lady and a girl took my cart after exiting the rest room - seconds after we entered. I don't really remember them but then again I had 3 kids with me and I was trying to watch which stall they were all entering. I remember two associates who came in but not this lady. So who knows. I didn't see the tape and this manager isn't exactly on my good side. So they found the cart but still isn't sure if the items have been put back on the shelf or what. I was really hoping it was a different manager so I could complain about his whole "do you want to yell at me" comment. But I'll have to save that for if/when the corporate office contacts me. In today's world - and working in customer service myself - the least they could of done was offer me a coupon or something. Anything would of been better than I got! So we'll see what happens.

It was a warm day today but surprisingly tonight is very comfortable out. Brett and I took the boys to a park. One that is out in the country some. We had access to a creek so Brett had the boys in it walking around. And don't you know I didn't take my camera with me. UGH! They had a blast in the creek bed, picking up rocks. The water was about ankle high if that but in spots a little deeper. Then of course if you drop a rock close enough - you get wet. All 3 of them left soaked from the waist down. They had fun though! Then it was home to the bathtub. I am sure we'll be back and I'll have to take pictures then.

Bad Night of Shopping

You would think it was because I had 3 kids with me with no carts to confine them in. But that wasn't it at all. I got home from work and we all got ready to go to Kohl's to do some father's day shopping. Brett needs a new pair of swim shorts. So I grabbed a cart and around the store we go. After only making it to the men's swim shorts everyone has to pee. Of course they do! So we go back and everyone pees. We come out, grab our cart and go back to shopping. By this time we have made our way over to the kids clothes and Cody has to go poop. So we all head back to the potty - AGAIN! We come out AND MY CART IS GONE! Gone! No where to be seen. Thankfully there wasn't nothing in it but clothes that we had picked out. Nothing personal. But I was in shock as it's gone and didn't know who took it. So....I ask a few close personal and they didn't see it. They say no one took it. So I take the boys and around the store we go - 3 times! Still can't find it. I've told everyone that would listen by this point because now I am just plain ole ticked off. I found a manger and told him (which he already knew about it by this point) and all he says was he is sorry, somebody must of mistakenly taken my cart and if "you want to yell at me you can". Well why do I want to do that. But I almost did. Because nobody was walking with me to help find it. Not to mention there is probably a good $200 worth of merchandise in that cart that is now missing! So I give up - give them my number and tell them that there is some stuff that I would really like and if the cart is found to please call me. So the boys and I go back and get a couple of the things that I could find again. Other things I couldn't get because I had taken the only size available and it was in MY CART! UGH!

So as I have stewed over this for a while now - I decide to call the store back to see if they have found it. NO! I told them that I had a lot of merchandise in that cart and they said they have all been looking for it. Apparently about the same time somebody was in the store trying to steal a vacuum or something. So they aren't sure if this is related. I guess the security clerk will be in in the morning to look at the tapes. She said there isn't much you can do in that store where the cameras aren't watching. So it should be on that tape who took that cart. Now it kind of freaks me out if somebody took my cart - they were either watching me or something. As there was another cart right next to mine that has been there all night. So why my cart? It's just very, very weird.

And to kind of top it off and tick me off more - they offered me nothing for my time or inconvenience. So not sure how fast I'll be returning!! So note to self for further shopping trips, when you have to leave your cart to use the rest room - have someone watch it for you. It just might not be there when you return!

Teeth Cleaning

Today Cody and Dylan had their 6 month teeth cleaning. I had originally scheduled all 3 for this day but realized a while ago that I could not do 3 kids in the chairs at once getting teeth cleaned. Glad I came to my senses on that. Anyway the visit went good. Both boys cooperated and got x-rays and fluoride treatments. NO CAVITIES! YEAH! Dylan has great teeth - nice spaces and the dentist didn't have much to offer. That's a good thing right? Cody had a good report as well. They are sending me another set of the x-rays so I can take them to Syracuse with us when we go in July. She said the tooth in the palate is still healthy and has fallen right where the cleft was. So with that tooth came bone, so bone grew right where it should. She suggested we just really try are hardest to brush it to keep it healthy. I had concerns regarding Cody's front teeth. To the naked eye they look yellow, almost as if decaying. Good to know that is not the case. They are actually healthy. The reason for the yellow is because Cody has a cross-bite which causes his bottom teeth to scrap the top teeth. They do so much that they have worn the white enamel off the teeth and the yellow that I am seeing is actually the 2nd layer of enamel. I told her of our plan to see the orthodontic team in July and she didn't seem surprised or even surprised that they might look to put the palate expander in. So that was good to hear.

Tyler goes for his first time in September. It was supposed to be this month on the 23rd but Cody and Dylan have an end of year picnic at school at the same time and I just haven't figured out yet how to be in two spots at once.

One thing did annoy me today though. For any of you that know me well - I am not a person that is late. I don't like to be late, early is a better motto for me. Since having kids early isn't as early as it should be but it's close! (Did that make sense?) So Brett picked the boys up at school and dropped them off to me at work. Our dentist appointment was for 11 (so said the card). Well of course once Cody got to work he had to go potty - and of course it's #2. So I wait. Still have time though to make it. We got to the office at 11:02. I get to the desk and she says "oh we were just going to call you"........I thought that was so odd. So I glanced at their clock on the phone and it said 11:15...I asked if it was right. She said no. So out came the hygienist and I heard her say "are we taking them". OK it still wasn't clicking that they were talking about us. So we get taken back and Cody goes in the chair and Dylan goes to the x-ray room. I go with Dylan. The hygienist said "come on hunny we are short on time". I thought that was odd. So I reminded Dylan to listen and follow directions as "they must be busy". She finally said "well your appointment was at 10:50".....UM, no it wasn't! Trust me, I looked at that little card about 5 times this morning. So I told her I was sure it was 11 and I would check my desk when I got back to work. Sure enough - it said 11. I had half a notion to fax the darn thing to them. UGH - that just ticked me off. They are so lucky they did not cancel us. I would of flipped. When it comes to doctors appointments (as we have gone to a lot of them) I am sure we are on time, papers filled out - you name it. I have to say I have my sh*t together on that. So I let it go because I really do like the dentist and the office has been good to us - but that just ticked me off. Done ranting! :)

Tickets are bought

Well, our tickets are bought and we are off to Vegas in just about a month. We are flying out of Buffalo straight to Las Vegas. It will be so nice to have a direct flight with two 4 year olds. I'm sure the 5 hour plane ride will be interesting enough but to not have to worry about airport delays, crowded waiting areas and luggage that doesn't make it from plane to plane is going to be so nice. Thankfully my Dad is going to play chauffeur and take us to/from the airport.

I can not wait to go this year. We fly on Sat. 7/19 and will basically have all day Sunday to our self. I do have a leadership meeting for a little bit but we hope to get the boys to the strip for some sights. I can't wait to see old friends and make new ones. I'm very excited for the boys to meet others and just learn from this experience.

My mom is keeping Tyler for us. She has played a huge role these past 3 years in allowing us to go to this conference. First two keeping all the boys. This time just Tyler. Not many words I can write down to say how grateful I am for her. We really do walk away from this conference with a shed more of light into Cody's journey. Then we bring it back for other families.

On a different note - man is it HOT outside. I blew up the boys pool tonight and they had a blast.

Weekend Catch Up

Man was it HOT this weekend. I won't complain to much but man it was hot and humid and you could cut the humidity in the air. It felt so much like down south. Thankfully Brett put our air conditioners in Thursday night so that has helped. The house has stayed cool. Saturday we had a yard sale. As we were setting up Fri. night we realized how much kid stuff we have. The stacks of clothes were sickening. Most of them looked brand new. Just goes to show how fast kids grow out of stuff. Then we had some bigger items to sell. By the end of the day we made $200 so that wasn't bad. Still have a huge pile of clothes but we'll do this again in August - maybe! Otherwise, the churches are getting it. We were all looking forward to ending the day in Tanya and Shaun's pool. So I took the boys shopping and we got some arm floats, noodles and blow ups and we headed to the Smith's. The water was wonderful. Dylan is our little fish. He did great in just the arm floats and sometimes the noodle to help him float. He loved it. Cody not as much. He felt safer on the ladder and ventured in when he felt like it. Tyler got a cool car and he loved to drive that around.

This afternoon the boys and I went and watched Karly as she danced in a Dance a Thon honoring a fellow dancer. Their was a benefit for a little girl that has cancer and today was also Macey's birthday. So the girls danced to a great local DJ, there were bake goods and chicken bbq. We had a brief shower pass through which only opened it up to even hotter weather and of course "puddles". My boys were in heaven!

Tanya and Karly @ the Dance A Thon!

Dylan and Tyler in the puddle.My chip boy!

Vegas - Here we come!

I got word Friday afternoon, that my job is sponsoring Brett and I again to go to the Craniofacial conference in Vegas in July. I am sooo excited and soo grateful that they did this - again. This will be our 3rd year and I can't wait. We are taking extra passengers this time though. Cody and Dylan are going to Vegas too! (Although we have to get their tickets or figure something out but we will) Hopefully 5 hours on a plane won't be horrible. It will be an adventure but one I am looking forward to. I think this will do Cody wonders. He can't participate in any of the break out sessions but he/they can mingle with all the wonderful kids. Poor Tyler does have to stay behind but between my mom and sister I am sure he'll be spoiled rotten.

So in the mean time I have so much to do. Think about packing as we will have to check luggage this time instead of carrying on. As for carry on bags, I'll have to find little stuff we can take that will keep them busy. Hopefully they will sleep some of those 5 hours. We are staying at a new hotel this time as the conference has moved so I need to research on their site. I'll need to find out about taxi's in Vegas as we won't have car seats. Then we'll have to do something fun. I already know we want to take them to Treasure Island and have them watch the Pirate show. They will love that. Maybe do M&M world and their is Circus, Circus so we'll see. What an opportunity for them though. To be 4 and going to Las Vegas - how many kids get to do that? Plus Cody gets to meet Debbie and then my entire family will get to meet her in August at our family day!

I am soooo excited!!! I'm open to suggestions for the plane ride!

Last field trip of the school year!

Yesterday was the boys last field trip of the year. We went to the zoo for a family day. Brett was able to come so we had a great day. It was all the pre-schoolers in the district. 3 schools - each teacher has 2 classes - about 2 teachers per school. So there were A LOT of kids there.

They had it broke out nicely. We did the playground first, ate lunch, visited with animals from the Zoo mobile and then listened to a singer. C&D were a little disappointed as they thought we were going inside the "big zoo" and seeing the "big animals". So they were not all that impressed with the snake, chinchilla and possum that we saw. They did pet the chinchilla but wanted nothing to do with the snake. That my boys! The singer was great and really got the kids moving. It was an hour show and about the last 15 minutes it got a bit hairy. The kids had had enough. They were doing great up until the point where he had them stand up and jump around. He lost them all then. My suggestion would be to do that next to last. I had brought a blanket for the concert and good thing as not many others did. So everyone hung out "at our pad". ha,ha... I think the boys are going to miss their school friends. Most all of them are coming back for next year. The teacher said she hasn't had a class like theirs in a long time - where the kids just meshed so well together. We ended our day on the carousal.

While I was away at that - my co-worker Sue was very busy in her hospital room having her second little boy. Ryan Michael came into the world at 11:30 and both mom and baby are doing great. I went on lunch today to see them and got to watch as big brother Jacob met his brother for the first time. He was so amazed that there was actually a baby. Almost like he didn't believe them over the past 9 months. He felt great to hold an infant again. So tiny! I love when the babies try and attack their fist. I'm so anxious for Kristie to have the baby. Just wish we were closer so I could hold him more.

Enjoy the pictures!

Having fun with some of our school friends!
Blanket Time - getting ready for the concert.This slide is the best! Time to ride the horses!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Birthday Photos!!!

Me with the boys before school! Singing Happy Birthday!My birthday candle blower outers

Today I turned 31. I'm ok with this - I love my birthdays (for now). We had a great celebration with everyone in some sort of way as not everyone is close enough to come over and have pizza and cake. My Dad called at 6:15 this morning. Luckily for him he only woke me up fifteen minutes early :) Kristie emailed me most of the day. Kevin called to chit chat on his way home from work. When I told him thank you for the birthday card he remembered it was my birthday. I think he was really just pulling my leg. I got a couple emails from friends, a card from work, Marilyn called tonight. We had pizza and cake then presents. The boys and Brett got me an under-the-cabinet CD/radio w/remote. Brett's installing that now. My mom and Guy got me a new pair of white sandals, a cupcake pan with lid and a cupcake cookbook. The Smith gang got me a tanning gift card, new nail polish, votive candles, a wooden sign that spells out SMILE (because that word means so much to me), a candy dish for my desk that says "you can't scare me, I've got kids", A pretty sunflower jar for my kitchen that I am sure I'll find something to put in it and another little sign about house being under construction and kids (my memory is fading this late at night). So I had a great birthday!!!

I however did have one unexpected birthday present. Had to go to my dermatologist today as I have a rash all over. On my arms, legs, little on my stomach and it itches SO BAD! It has gotten worse over the days and I could no longer stand it. I have itched so hard that have mini bruises all over. Basically have contact dermatitis (rash) and he gave me two different creams to use and I go back in 10 days. I took 2 Benadryl tonight so I hope to be off in dream land very soon!

It's a......

BOY! Kevin and Kristie are having a boy!!!

I was convinced it was a girl. Probably because I have bought so much blue these past 4 years that I was looking forward to buying all the pink and frilly stuff. But all I know is boy and wouldn't change it for the world and I am super excited to be getting another nephew. I can't wait to meet him in just 20 weeks! It's probably going to go much faster for me than for Kristie.

Kristie said the tech checked out his little face and all is well. He had a cute button nose she said. I'll post a picture when I get it. I was and will be nervous about that until he actually gets here. I know there is nothing to worry about but I worried with Tyler and Connor and only natural I nervous with this one.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I turn 31. Most people hate their birthdays but I love mine. It's a day all about me and my boys get so excited. The plan is to have everyone down for pizza and cake and presents. Pictures to come!