Blogging the Clogging

I went to a clogging class tonight and had a great time. This is something I have had on my "bucket list" since I was little, but have never shared with too many. Let's just say when you mention you want to clog, you do not gain instant popularity. People usually think I am just being funny!
There were two people in the beginners class, me and a much older lady (maybe late 60's early 70s) that had dance experience. I later found out she is a former Rockette! Way to make me feel inadequate, LOL! No wonder I felt like I wasn't getting it like the other one!
My class is 45 minutes long and then at the end, the more advance people show up and they stay and dance another 2 hours or so. I am allowed to stay and watch and/or participate as much as I want, but I did not know this ahead of time. So, I called mom (she was watching the boys) to see if I could stay and have her watch the boys longer. She told me that Cole was lethargic with a temp of 102.5, so I was sad, I had to leave. Next week, I have to pick up my friend Amber at the airport, so again, I will not get to stay, but as fun as it was, cloggin cannot top the fun that Amber brings!
There is another beginners class on Tuesdays that I wanted to sign up for, but it was closed, so she told me I could just show up and not even register and that way I will be in the $80 class for free! AWESOME! The class is through our public school system as a continuing adult education class. She said don't bother registering, just come so you don't have to pay. That class is 2 hours, but does not have the experienced people to follow.
There was one chick there, that just started 2 classes ago (16 weeks) and she could do all the stuff the others could, so I am hopeful and excited. Here is a you tube video of mostly what I learned tonight and then I will show you what the advanced class was doing! LOL! She actually taught us a lot I thought for beginners which is nice. Here is what I learned most of all tonight:


Here is my actual class dancing (the lady in yellow is my instructor, the one in red has only been dancing 16 weeks, and the one in white is 3 years): Give me a few weeks, and I will add my own video!

No, I'm Playing

We got home a bit late tonight, and when we tried to get Cole to get his PJs on and change his diaper, he kept yelling "No, I am playing." It was so funny. Of course when I got the camera out, he tried to be cutsie, but it was still funny. Sorry, I shake with laughter each time. Please ignore my "I am trying to be a stern mommy voice", thanks!

All sales Final

Yesterday, I took the birthday money I had received and purchased my birthday present to myself. There was one stipulation, all sales are final, no exceptions. So, what do you think, do you like it? I have wanted this particular model for about 9 years now.



I have a frog on my left hip and I got his Ichthus on my lower back. I had heard that the lower back hurt worse and man they weren't joking! I made Ali come with me and she was laughing at the goofy faces I was making and she kept looking in the mirror and letting me know when I was getting close to being done, what a pal! I also spoke with the artist about touching up my frog tattoo as it has faded over the years, been through 2 pregnancies, not to mention the artist that did that one did not have the best work.
Here is my frog tat, sorry it is a real close up, only photo I have though:

Our Little Genius

Of course as a mother, I have always thought my son was smart, but onight, he truly amazed me! Chase can read! He just turned 4 in December and he read 4 books to me tonight from front to cover. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't War and Peace or anything, but still a book, complete with sentences!
Patsy and Scott have generously given us Nathan's hand me downs over the years (thanks to this we have not had to buy ANYTHING other than underwear for Chase, thanks guys!). Last year, our annual hand me down box had a series of books called the Bob books. They are specifically designed to help beginning readers learn to read. There are 12 books in all and they progressively get a little more involved and difficult.
He has "read" a word or two in the past, but it was generally a book we had read approxiamtely 100 times in a row, so memorization took a major role in his "reading" ability. Well, these books were brand new to him, never read before. Julia, my mother in law, taught Chase to place his finger under each word as he read it, and he proceeded to put his finger under the words and read them aloud to me!
The first book is very simple such as "Mat sat. Sam sat." HOwever, he has progressed to book #5 and it has sentences such as "Dot and Mit sit on a mat."
I am sure this blog may seem like I am a bit overly excited about this, but I am truly amazed that my baby boy can read!
He may not be able to poop on a potty every time, but the boy can read!

29 and holding

Well, it has happened. I officially left the 20s and entered the world of the 30s. I can only hope the 30s are as good to me as the 20s were. I figured it would be just another birthday, but thanks to my 2 wonderful boys, the planning of my mother, a phone call from Kristin, and the attendance of Dad, Shawne, Frank, and John-it was probably the best birthday ever. As I was heading home from orientation at my new prn job, I was on the phone telling my friend Ali how excited I would be if Mom and the boys had made me a little card and craft for my birthday. As I walked in the house I was immediately greeted by Chase with a very enthusiastic "SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!" They had decorated the living room and the table was set for dinner. I was then given Mardi Gras style necklaces and helium balloons and was told that Dad and Shawne would be coming over for supper. I have never had a surprise birthday party and it was great. I bragged about it all day the next day.
Here is my surprise:











People ask "well do you feel any older?" I wish I could say no, I mean after all, just because a number changed does not mean I am going to suddenly combust or something, right?
Unfortunately, I have had some health "issues" going on and it has me visiting a doctor's office more often than I or my wallet would like. I am dealing with high blood pressure and possible hyperthyroidism, so pray that they will figure me out soon or I will have to start selling all remaining and functioning organs to pay the med bills!
Hyperthyroidism generally speeds up a person's metabolism and leads to them losing weight. I asked the MD why in the world I wasn't skinny if this was truly going on and he informed me it is because I am in the beginning stages. Of course I then asked him what any level headed female would, "So, I still have a chance? Can we delay treatment for a while?"
So although I feel like I am falling apart already I had a wonderful birthday!!!!

Back to Blogging

I have had multiple bad run ins with our computers, our first laptop crashed, so my generous dad gave me a brand new beautiful Toshiba laptop. My loving husband set it on the floor with the house on the keyboard and the screen slightly closed. Then, Chase came in the next morning to greet me and he used the laptop as his step stool onto the bed which cracked the screen badly. Ugh! There is always our desktop which is VERY slow and down in the basement which is like a cave, constant temp of about 55!
I am glad to say that for now, I have a fix. I got a small monitor off freecycle and have it hooked up to the laptop. It is all a bit ghetto set up in the kitchen, but it is a chance at a computer again!
I have really missed blogging because I could talk to a brick wall , and these days this is my chance. So, I hope to be back into it once and for all.
It's been so long that the boys are both in college and John is nearing retirement. Seriously, the boys are unbelievable, I will definitely update on them shortly.

A must read?

I do not know where all the time goes. You blink and 20 years goes by. So, of course, I have all these ideas of things I want to do and so on and so forth. One thing I would like to do is read more and watch less or no TV!!!! So, I google a woman's must read book list and what do I get as the #1 result?




I have a feeling I will have to let this one go. Just doesn't seem like a must read to me. So, if anyone has some good must read's that are maybe a little more "exciting", "feel good", and a bit less "brash", feel free to reccomend some for me!

One Step forward, Two Steps back

Well, we have had Chase on the medication to avoid constipation and we have been avoiding all dairy. At least every other day, usually daily, he has a meltdown. I think he is getting so gassy, bloated, and crampy that it is makinghim miserable. Today he carried on for 3 hours. I really really try to be 100% understanding and caring, but when this happens everyday, it REALLY wears you down. I cannot begin to explain how it feels to watch him do this day in and day out. Today was as bad as the day we took him to the ER, he was flailing around like a wild man just screaming. It was like he just felt helpless and did not know what to do. I offer to do anything I can, but he always just says, I don't know what I want. If I try to hold him, he wants me off, it is sad.

So during this time, I was trying to get the camera to tape him to possibly show his doctors how he gets. He was screaming and jumping up and down going from the couch to the floor to walking around, he looked terrified. It was like he had no idea what to do and needed something quick. As soon as I turned my back to get the camera, I heard a loud sound like a balloon popping and he instantly stopped crying and said, "Mommy, I pooped." When he was crying so was I and he said, "Please don't cry Mommy, it makes me sad."

Well, once he had gone poop, I was hugging him after his bath and started crying again. He said, "Don't cry Mommy, I am happy now, my tummy feels better." I tried to explain that I am sad knowing that he hurts so much, but of course he doesn't understand.

Of course I am exhausted physically because whenever this happens he wants to be held some then put down some. Then once he finally goes, I have to lift him in the tub to remove the pull up because it is an absolute mess, then we have to do the shower and get redressed. All this is done while trying to wrestle a one year old to stay out of the poo. The physical exhaustion is hard, but the mental/emotional exhaustion is much worse.

I know it has to be getting old to him too. He is old enough that he is getting embarassed as well, and a couple times this has happened around older kids and they don't get it. I am afraid they will start teasing him before long and that is the last thing he needs. Sometimes the adults are worse than the kids. Everyone has their opinions on the matter of course and I hear everything from, "Give him to me for a week, I'll have him going on the toilet" to "Pooping in diapers is for babies, are you a baby?" During this situation, that is not what he nor myself needs.

So, I know I have said it over and over, but I am a FIRM believer in the power of prayer, especially in numbers....please pray for his healing and for him to overcome whatever fear he has. For me, I really need strength and patience to help him through all of this. I do not want to make him feel any worse than he already does. Thanks!

Year in review

I cannot believe I have seen my second son's first year of life go by.
In that year he has reached many milestones. He walks like a champ and has for about 3 weeks now. He wasn't talking hardly at all which is a big reason he got his tongue clipped. He is currently saying Momma, Dada, yes, no, and an occasional uh oh. He can sign eat and more (of course this family is food related!)
Cole is VERY independent and happy IF he gets his way. He is an angel when his older brother is not around. When he is, they love to bug each other to death.
Cole has become our little Linus and carries his blanket just about everywhere!
He is a dancing machine. The moment he hears music, he begins to dance no matter what he is doing.
Seems that Cole has had some sort of illness just about everyday since he arrived, let's pray that is soon to change.
Both Cole and Chase will be attended a "school" 2 days a week this fall and I am looking forward to that break for us all.
Hope you enjoy the photos!

Newborn: May 2, 2006






June 2006:






July 2006:






August 2006:






September 2006:







October 2006:






November 2006:









December 2006:









January 2007:






February 2007:






March 2007:






April 2007:






May 2007, 1 year old:









Click photo to play

La Fiesta de Cole

Can't believe we have had Cole in our lives a full year! I will post a seperate blog to bring you up to speed on his accomplishments, milestones, and stats. This is just to tell you about his first birthday party.
We have always had to have our parties indoors since dear Chase is a December baby, so we were so excited to have an outdoor celebration. God blessed us with gorgeous weather so that we could have that wish. The party was on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon just following nap time. Those with young children, know this is vital to a good party! We invited friends and family and provided burgers, bratwursts, all the fixins, cake and ice cream, and lots of fun. We borrowed a bouncy from a friend which was a hit, as was the trampoline. This was the first party were most of our friends had young children as well (those who didn't borrowed their cousin's kid)that could enjoy the fun, so that made it even more exciting. I can't wait to watch them all grow up together.
After eating, we had cake. I made Cole's myself this time which turned out cute. Not as extravagant as the train cake, but still cute. Cole was not real sure about the cake. I had to force his hand into the cake and then he got upset and started shaking his hands to try and get the icing off!
After a quick clean up, he proceeded to opening the gifts with the help of a hndful of young friends! He got so many nice clothes and fun toys. The toys have been a hit and the cause of many fights between brothers ever since. As always, I will attach photos of the party.

Out with the old in with the new

Since we purchased our house 3.5 years ago, I have hated the landscaping that took over the front of the house. It hid our house and was near death and very unattractive. After 3.5 years of nagging, I convinced John on the spur of the moment to hook up his truck, better known as "Old Blue", and rip out the exsisting landscaping. After removing all the landscaping, he came down with a nasty stomach bug. I have to brag about my man. After a full night of practically living in the bathroom, he spent the entire day planting the new bushes and plants all on his own (Cole was already sick and I started getting a touch of it as well). After a full day of hard labor, lots of sweating, and tons of Gatorade, John transformed the front of our house into the beautifully landscaped home I had hoped for! We are still woking on what to do with the area by the park bench, but that will come with time and more nagging!
Hope you like! Thanks John!

OLD








NEW

Brotherly Love

I knew that having 2 boys would be adventurous, but man oh man! Chase is not the easiest on his little one year old brother. Just the other day, Chase decided that Cole wanted to go outside, so he let him out. Thank God, John caught Cole at the sidewalk about 6 feet before getting to the street!
However, about 3 weeks prior, Cole wanted to go outside, and Chase quickly shouted no and pulled the front door closed. Problem is, Cole's toe was under the door as Chase did this! Cole's toe immediately began bleeding and of course he began screaming. Once I calmed him down, it looked pretty nasty. After almost a week of crawling around and not allowing me to apply any bandages, it became infected. A trip to the doctor, a $20 copay, and a $10 antibiotic later, it seemed to be getting better. As expected though, the nail did finally fall off. If you ask Chase what happened to his brother's toe, he will proudly tell you that he cut half his toe off! I have included a couple photos shortly after the incident occured.

My lovely locks

After a year of prenatal vitamins, my hair had become quite long. I wanted to cut it, but then decided I wanted to participate in "Locks of Love" (LoL). LoL takes donated hair and creates wigs for young children who have lost their own hair to chemotherapy. How cool is that!?! Some small child can find joy and confidence in sporting my curly blonde locks? That's it, I had to do it. The required length is 10 inches. I finally reached the required length, but just barely. so, if I cut my hair now, it would be super short. I didn't care, I was ready. So this past Friday, I ahd 12 inches of blonde curly hair removed and can't wait to send it for some little boy or girl to enjoy! I think I am going to grow it out and do it again!

This is before:










Here is the Video (listen, Chase ask why I broke my hair):






After:

Cabin fever hits again

Approximately 3 weeks ago, Cole had tubes placed in his ears and he did wonderful. He actually slept through the night 3 or 4 times following that which he had never done. He was much happier and just acted like he generally felt better.
Well, the luck couldn't last too long. The poor kid started feeling crummy again about a week ago. He has spent the last four days crying from dawn to dusk, especially if I leave his sight. He literally goes from smiling one second to screaming the very next. He is unsure of what he wants. We ended up going to the pediatrician yesterday and got him put on antibiotics, so let's hope he gets back to feeling better soon.
The many phases of Cole:

happy



not happy



happy



not happy





Chase has decided to go on a wild streak and act like he is going on 13. Common words out of his mouth are "No" and "But, I don't want to." This does not settle well with me. He has spent many moments in his room and/or time out recently. Of course, no matter how much he misbehaves, he is still so darn cute! Between the two of them, I will be totally gray by 2008!









John is generally really good about helping me out in times like these by taking Chase out for a bit, or taking both boys downstairs to simply be boys and give mom a break. However, we had a DUSTING of snow come through Kentuckiana which meant John got called in at 3:30 am this morning to begin salting the lots, roads, and sidewalks of his various accounts. He did not get home until 10:30 this evening. So he was gone for 17 hours for less than an inch of snow while the boys and I had a less than ideal day. We had toyed with the idea of going out to eat for my birthday but the reality of that happening just wasn't there.

One positive side of having a sick kid is Cole napped a great deal today. While he napped, Chase watched more television than a 3 year old should be allowed to watch in one week (I did manage to nap a bit on the couch while Chase watched tv). times like these, you just have to let the battles go! We can only hope that Cole will get to feeling better quickly and that John will get to remain home all day tomorrow.

Here is a cute video of my little drummer boy during one of his better moments:

I have arrived!

Well what can I say I have arrived.
Many people moan and groan and dread the day that they may need to purchase a mini van due to a growing family. I guess I am one of the rare individuals who actually looked forward to the day that I would need one and would be able to get one. Well, that day has come. After hours of research on the net, many phone calls, many test drives, anda regected offer, we finally purchased a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country Limited Edition.
Financially, we decided we could get the most for our money by purchasing either a Chrysler or a Dodge Grand Caravan which are in essence the same vehicle. I found a great dela on one that was located in Cincinnati, so John, Cole, and myself headed to the dealer to check it out. I instantly fell in love! I wanted power doors because of my back, but other than that my only other request was captain chairs in the center to try and avoid some brotherly fights down the road. This van has more than I could have hoped for. It has leather seats, (which is great for bad backs because you slide out of the vehicle), dual climate control, power sliding doors, power liftgate, and all kinds of fun little gadgets and hiding places.
I also love that I sit so much higher now.
As I drove around the "Ville" the other evening with John listening to Michael Buble (http://www.michaelbuble.com/) while in my mini van, I had to announce that "I have arrived!"
Here is my new pride and joy: