Well, I officially start back to work next week (on Wednesday). I can't believe this summer has flown by so fast. I have mixed emotions about going back. I am ready to get back into the swing of things and have some structure in my life. I think the kids are probably ready too. They are fighting like cats and dogs.....I think they are sick of each other.

But--I will really miss the time home with my kids. I have really enjoyed this summer--even though it's been quite hard. When school starts, it is survival mode.....getting ready for school, dropping the kids, work, therapy, gymnastics, dinner, baths, and bed. All to get up the next day and do it all over again! It just gets so busy that I feel I often forget to just enjoy the kids. Anyway, that's reality.......I'll just make the most of it! I really just feel thankful that I get to be home during the summer. Most people don't have that luxury!!

Blackmail!

I HAVE A FEELING THAT SOMEDAY THIS PICTURE WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM! As you can probably guess, Caroline dressed them, and is quite the ringleader!

Fun at the Lake

We went to the lake this weekend and had a great time--except for the E.R. visit (see previous post). All of Tim's family went--EXCEPT for Greg. Greg, you missed out. The kids had a great time just hanging out and playing outside. It was also a great opportunity for all of the family to get together and just hang out as well. The view from the house is gorgeous. Their backyard is literally the lake.

Mike and Amber, thank you for sharing your home and your toys with us. We really appreciate it. Tami and Mary, thank you for spoiling Caroline. She is still talking about you guys. Grammie and Pa, thank you for helping out with the kids. It sure did take a load off of us!

We had a blast on the jet ski. Caroline loved it. Jack liked it for a while, and Will did not like it at all. The minute he got on it he said, "I done". Thank goodness Grammie watched whoever was not on the ski. Tim and I had the most fun by ourselves on it. He loved to go fast and scare me to death! Of course, I'm really sore today.

Uncle Mike gave free rides in the kayak around the yard.
We found this sideways tree and the kids loved to climb it. I saw it as a photo op, of course!
Just swinging, taking a break from playing.
This is Mike and Amber's sailboat. They took it out while we took the ski out. My tendency to get sea sick led me to pass on the ride.
This is Tim and Jack in the kayak. Caroline held on to the handle on the back and she went along for the ride around the lake. Will wanted no part of it.

This is the boys with their "giant crayons". Tami brought these and they are like squirt guns. They loved them! Will loved it so much, he became attached and slept with it. Go figure.
Swimming around in the lake.
The kids did a lot of playing outside. Although it was very hot, it wasn't so bad being right by the water.

E.R. visit at the Lake....

No lake trip would be complete without a visit to the emergency room. Caroline busted her head open and had to get staples. I wish we had a great story, like she fell off the jet ski, or out of the kayak, or something like that.......but.........we don't. She fell backwards out of the kitchen chair, and hit the back of her head on the foot hold of the bar. She was a trooper and was very brave! Believe it or not, I was very calm and brave as well. Go me! Anyway, here are some pics. of the exciting event.

This is the van ride to the hospital. The poor kid was shaking like a leaf, but was not as hysterical as I would have expected.
Daddy carrying her into the hospital.
They put medicine on the wound and then wrapped her head to keep the numbing medicine in place.
Hanging out and coloring waiting to be numb before the staples.
4 staples in the noggin!

Of course when we left we had to go straight to Walmart (bloody shirt and all!) to buy a toy because she sat so still during the procedure. Yes, it was a bribe--and it worked! She will get the staples out a week from Monday. Hopefully nurse Heather will take them out for us and save us a trip to the doctor! Brad says he will take them out.....we'll see if she will go for that!

Funny Conversation

Today I picked the boys up from school and Willie and I had quite the conversation. Remember...he's 2 years old! It went something like this:

Will: Where sissy, mommy?
Me: She went to the lake today with Tami and Mary.
Will: She at the lake?
Me: Yes Will, she went to the lake.
Will: I go to the lake too?
Me: Yes....Me and you and Jacker and daddy are going to the lake on Friday.
Will: On Friday? I wanna go now.
Me: We will go to the lake in two days.
Will: Sissy at the lake?
Me: Yes Will, we'll see her in two days.
Silence......for about a minute.
Will: MOMMY!
Me: WHAT???
Will: I FWEAKING out sissy at the lake--it far far away!
Priceless!

Caroline's Road Trip...

Caroline went on her first road trip without mommy and daddy today! She headed to Lake Texoma with Tami and Mary. They are going to do some shopping, sight seeing, and go to a little league ballgame. She should have a great time! She sure was geared up and ready to go.....well, lets just say she was wild! I'm not sure Tami and Mary know what they have gotten in to! Tim and I will be going up on Friday with the boys to the lake. Both of Tim's sisters (and one brother in law) and parents will be there. We're looking forward to a good time.

She was so excited, she decided to wait outside with her bags for her ride!
Loading up, getting ready to go.
Bye mom.....I was expecting some heartfelt goodbye......nope! She could have cared less. She was just excited to go with Tami and Mary. She was probably glad to get away from the madness of her life for a few days!

Will....working hard and having fun at physical therapy!

T.V. Zombies

Sometimes as a mother, you just need a little peace and quiet. Diego does the trick every time! They didn't have a clue they were even having their picture made.

Rough housing with daddy....

Here are some pics. of Tim rough housing with the kids. When they get like this, he seriously acts their age. For me, it's cute for about the first 5 mins., then I envision someone cracking a skull (Evan will tell you that's no fun!), and can't hear due to the extremely loud squealing and screaming. They do have a blast though. I guess that's what daddy's are for!

We call this one the 'daddy pileup'--Notice their red faces and sweat. Prior to this pic, they spun around and did upside tricks for a while.

Piggy back ride for three!

Bacon Cheeseburger Quiche

So here's the deal......I'm trying to loose a few lbs. (40 to be exact)--I'm hoping to loose enough weight before school starts so I can fit into my clothes and won't have to go in my underwear! I'm doing the low carb thing, and am always looking for new recipes that are carb friendly. I tried this one and it was pretty good. Next time I'm gonna add a chopped bell pepper for some added flavor.

Bacon Cheeseburger Quiche
6 servings
Ingredients:
1 lb. very lean hamburger

1 small chopped onion

4 slices crisp-cooked bacon, chopped in bits

3 eggs

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup half-n-half

8 oz. shredded chedder or swiss cheese

garlic powder to taste (optional)

white pepper

Preparation Method:

1
Brown hamburger in skillet with onion. Remove and mix in bowl with bacon pieces, breaking up any larger clumps with a fork or pastry mixer until you have a fine mix. Drain well of any excess grease and press into the bottom of a deep-dish pie pan. Set aside.

2
Preheat oven to 350°F.

3
Combine remaining ingredients in mixer bowl and whip well. Pour mixture over beef "crust" and bake 40-45 minutes until top is browned and "set". Cool 15-20 minutes before slicing. This can be packaged in Ziplocs or plastic containers for meals quickly microwaved over the next 3-5 days. (Does not freeze well, though.)

Carbs:
2 grams per serving.

Potty Attempt

The other night Jack was running around naked while I was getting their pj's out. He said he needed to go pee pee (which is rare) and so I put him on the potty. He did not go to the bathroom, but he sure did make a mess! Then he thought he was really cute when I ran and got the camera! Oh, when he was "done" he took the toilet paper and wiped his bottom just like a little girl. I guess that's what happens when the only people modeling toilet behaviors are sissy and mommy. I'm thinking dad is gonna need to step in on this one!

Dr. Appt. in Tulsa

I went to the doctor today in Tulsa talk about Will's testing results. He tested average or above average in all areas--except motor function. She said that most of his behavioral and social "quirks" are all related to the cerebral palsy.

As she explained it, basically the lack of motor skills (gross and fine) have begun to affect him emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. She said it was hard to grasp because he looks just as normal as any other kid. But.......because things are harder for him physically, he resists initiating social behavior with peers because he has a hard time keeping up in the "play arena". He gets easily frustrated playing with things that most kids his age really enjoy (legos, blocks, ball, coloring, etc.) because he has such poor strength and coordination. He tested on the level of a 15 month old for gross motor skills (over a year behind), and a 20 month old on fine motor skills (about a year behind). Therefore, he thrives on conversational activities, and engages in repetitive phrasing to keep one's attention.

Anyway, I am very thankful that this is what we are dealing with rather than an autism spectrum disorder. I just feel dumbfounded.......It never occurred to me that his physical issues could spill into every other aspect of his little life. I just thought, oh he's clumsy......get him some therapy and we'll be fine. I think that will be the case in time, but for now the doctor gave us many recommendations for us to help Will deal with his frustrations.

Dinner for Daddy

It was time to make dinner...and guess what? I had three kids hanging on my leg. So--I decided to put them to work. They helped cook a fabulous dinner for daddy. They took their jobs VERY seriously. Although it took twice as long with "little helpers" it was worth it. They were so proud!

Visiting the ducks a while back.....

One of THOSE days

Can I just tell you, today has already been one of those days. As I'm typing right now, Will is hanging on my leg screaming and crying. Guess I'll go deal with that. Ok.....anyway......

I went to fix the kids cereal this morning and there were no clean spoons. Big red flag: It's time to do dishes! I got in the shower.....when I came out the boys were covered from head to toe in liquid soap from the bathroom sink. And yes, they were already dressed for the day! They have all fought all morning, Caroline is crying that she doesn't want to go to Will's therapy (I don't either!), and we have absolutely no groceries in this disastrous house! Looks like I'm in for an afternoon of cleaning and dishes!

I guess I'll just take a deep breath and move on with my day. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of all I have to be thankful for.......three beautiful healthy children, and a job that allows me to have the best of both worlds--a stay at home mother in the summer AND a working mother, a wonderful husband who loves me and puts up with me. I could go on and on about all I have to be thankful for.

I'm feeling better after reflecting on the positive things in life....now I have to go. Off to therapy and a full day of work left. :)
jenna

Rashy Boy

Jack now has this lovely rash that apparently goes along with strep throat. He's kinda itchy and uncomfortable, but all in all, is feeling much better.

As for Will, he is super cranky today. I wonder if he is getting sick. Well, maybe I'm grasping for an explanation as to his crabbiness.......I would hope that there is some excuse for his behavior!

Caroline is completely over her shots......a distant memory for her. Not so distant yet for me though! One of her arms is quite swollen and red, but she doesn't seem to notice!

Strep Throat......Round 2

Caroline had strep throat about a week ago. She started an antibiotic and felt better right away. All that to say........

For the past 2 days Jack has run a low grade fever and has not felt well. The last couple of days he kept saying that his tongue hurt. I looked in his throat but it didn't look red or blistery. Well, today he woke up from his nap with 103.1 degree temp. I looked in his throat....it was red and swollen, but did not have the blisters like Caroline did. Thank goodness deMiranda was on call. He said that it was probably strep (even without the blisters), and called him in an antibiotic. We didn't even have to wait two hours in a waiting room to be seen. YIPPEE!!!!

Let's keep our fingers crossed that their is no "strep throat......round 3"

5 Shots!!!!!!

Caroline got immunizations today. I kinda figured it would be traumatic so we went and had some fun first. She has been wanting this "fur real" puppy from toys r us......We told her she had to earn money to buy it. She has been working really hard for the last two weeks to earn some cash to buy it. She did chores and earned 13 dollars. I told her I would pay for the rest as a treat for getting shots. So we went and got the puppy and had lunch out together. It was a great time, just the two of us. Then.......we headed to the health dept. for shots.

Our appt. was at 12:15. After waiting for two and a half long, miserable hours it was finally our turn. She got 5 shots, and did not like it one bit! She got hysterical before the first poke. I had to hold her down. It was terrible. After the three shots in the first arm, I was in tears too! Then I had to hold her down for the shots in the other arm. She screeched and screamed and cried....and I don't blame her one bit! Thank God it's over.

This is Binzie........and is already loved very much!
McDonalds.......her choice, of course!
Yummy yummy!!!!!
It hurt soooooo bad.
I am anticipating hot, sore arms for a few days.
Thank goodness for motrin!

30 lb. Growth.......

It's official. I have a 30 lb. growth attached to my leg that needs to be surgically removed......his name is Jack! He has grown SOOOO attached to me this summer that it's not even funny. I feel like it should drive me more nuts than it does, though. After all, I always dreamed of a mama's boy--well, I got one!

Caroline is getting immunizations today (owie!) so the boys went to school. Will bebopped into the classroom. Jack got about ten feet away and started backtracking. He wasn't going in, no way, no how! To make a long story short, I left him in the teacher's arms kicking and screaming for me. It broke my heart...I know he was probably fine within 5 mins., but it still hurt. He just loves me too much!!

Play Date

Yesterday Katie and Heather came over to play. We took all the kids to school with us (MISTAKE!) so we could see how our room is looking and make a list of things we need to get started soon for the beginning of school. Well, our room has not been touched yet. Which means, we can't get in there and start working until it is clean and ready. We left there and went to the mall to eat lunch and play. Good times.

We loaded everyone in the car and immediately turned on Dora. Not something I usually do. But.........ahhh......Heather and I could actually chat because they were so into it.
Will, Jack, and Katie took it upon themselves to get a jumpstart on cleaning our room!
They loved these blocks!.......especially Caroline.
Will caught a glimpse of the stage at school. He was OBSESSED. He immediately started hollering, We got to have a talent show! So this is a picture of him singing and dancing in his own little talent show!

King of the stump!
Taking a boat ride
Climbing trees