The Smith Family

Christmas 2010

2011-04-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Okay...I know it has been forever since I have posted. Here is what all we were up to the days leading up the Christmas... Just my 4 month old little one! ................................................... These kids never miss a meal .......................................................................................................... ................. Daddy and the boys playing ball Cookies and GiGi .... Camron Park Zoo in Waco...No comments on the weight I still had to get off at that point...#4 took the longest! Gone now though...now if I could get off the few I gained after I finished feeding Peyton 2 years ago... The Jaguar...he liked Presley's rattle. Good thing he was in a VERY strong cage!

Random Pictures from my Parents' house with all the cousins...well just Avirl and Dash in the tummy!

.............................................. Here we are at Ed and Joan's house for some family time and horse riding...again...no weight comments!

The End!

Belton Weekend

2010-10-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we went to Belton to visit my parents while Trooper was in New Orleans for the weekend for work. We had a great time jumping on the trampoline, going to church, eating at Jaliscos, carving a pumpkin for the book fair for Parker's school, and Parker taking pictures for the Reflections project this year.

Here are a few pictures from the trampoline fun!

Dad took lots of pictures and well...4 kids...we could never get all with kids looking/smiling/not crying and what have you. This was the best. Dad also took several of mom, Presley, and I...I will not post any of those. You would think that 2 adults and 1 baby could take at least 1 good picture...but not so much...mostly from mom and I, not Presley.

Parker took several pictures for Reflections (he turned in 1 of Grumpy's garden and 1 of his chickens that I will post at a later date). Before he took those he took this one of the pumpkin he carved for the Book Fair...while the pumpkin was enjoying the swing.

Presley also had her first sink bath in Belton. You cannot see that she is really getting clean, but this was just too cute to pass up posting. Presley also loves to stand. She has strong legs and will stand on the floor or your hands. She has been doing this before she was even 2 month old. She is only getting stronger and stronger. Trooper and I are trying to video her doing her standing trick...stay tuned for that one!

Presley...at 1 month and 2 months old

2010-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here is our Baby P at 1 month old. At 1 month we were still not up to birth weight...8lbs 2 1/2oz, but we were close.

Here she is at 2 months. At 2 months she is tipping the scales at 10lb 1/2oz...making her in the 25% for her weight. She is 23in. long making her the 75% in lengh. She is following her brothers and sister in the weight and the oldest 2 in the height. Oh...and she started sleeping from about 10 to 7:30 a few days before turning 8 weeks old! Such a good Baby P. Plus...no more weight checks! I do not even know how many she had...between at least 10. We are good to go now...cardiologist does not have to see her again and pediatrician does not until she is 4 months.

Paige's 4th birthday

2010-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Paige had a blast at her 4th birthday party. She had (as requested for weeks...maybe longer) a princess castle bounce house, chocolate cake with chocolate icing (that she wanted to help make) and all her friends there!

It was a true girl party with the theme of the gifts being right up Paige's alley...shoes, gloves, jewelry, purses, dress up, and the star of the day..."Big Jesse" as Paige called Jesse from Toy Story 3. She asked for WEEKS for a big Jesse and now big Jesse is never far behind and in the bag to school every day.

When it rains it pours...

2010-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well we have been to the doctor...more than once...in the past month since Presley was born.

Trooper: Sinus infection and Pink Eye

Jami: Mastitis, Strep Throat, Pink Eye

Parker: 4 different sets of Throwing Up (one the day before Presley was born, another when she was 4 days old, another when she was 8 days old, and the last one over the holiday weekend)

Paige: NOTHING...the girl never gets sick...well not never...she had the H1N1 last Halloween and threw up for about 10 hours when she was 16 months

Peyton: Ear Infection

Presley: Pink Eye and 6 weight checks...she has had her ups and downs. It is normal to lose at first then start gaining. Well Baby P lost, gained, lost, and is gaining. The goal is to have a baby back at birth weight by 2 weeks. She was still not at birth weight at 4. She has been gaining, but not enough.

At first I have also had to wake her at 2 1/2 to 3 hours to feed other than at night. Those of you who know me know I am a Babywise mommy so I did that anyways. At least anyone who thought I was/am crazy for doing it cannot say it this time! Doctor's orders!

So we then had to start supplementing if she took too long to eat (over 25 minutes) with 1 ounce because she was burning more calories to eat then she was taking in. As of last week we had to add this to every feeding other then at night. Yes...those of you who know my crazy milk...it is breast milk...I have tons...she was just not eating it all or eating it fast enough. Well in the last 6 days she gained 11 ounces!!!! We have to keep with the ounce (or try...most of the time she does not take it) after every daytime meal for another week. Then another weight check. Then go off the ounce for a week. Then yet another weight check.

Oh...also in there we have to have her heart checked because she has a heart murmur that might have been causing her slow weight gain. The doctor does not think that she has this type of heart condition (most murmurs are harmless) but wants her to be checked just in case.

Hopefully we are out of the woods...keep her (and the health of the rest of us) in your prayers!

Welcome to the world Baby Presley Jade Smith

2010-08-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning about 6:15, Trooper and I left for our scheduled induction to meet Miss Presley. After grabbing Rudy's for breakfast we arrived at St. David's in Round Rock. By 9 I was hooked up to everything and had the pitocin dripping. Soon after I received my epidural. My water was broken a little before noon. By about 1:30, not too much had changed and my doctor headed back to the office (across the street from the hospital). At 2, I changed how I was sitting on the bed. 35 minutes later, I was calling the nurse in because either it was baby time or something was wrong with my epidural. It was baby time! The anaesthesiologist gave me more meds and the OB was called over. At 3:00 on the dot I started to push. Presley Jade Smith was born at 3:03. She was 8lb 6oz and 19 3/4 inches.

When Parker held Presley for the first time, he said, "She is fuzzy!" Already a great big brother to 2, he well be a wonderful big brother to 3.
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When Paige saw Presley she said, "I want to hold her". When every she was asked to give someone else a turn, within about 10 seconds she was ready to hold her again and would ask over and over until she was put back in her arms again. Paige was only 19 months old when Peyton was born and not too into being a big sister. This time, she is very excited. My brother said after getting home from the hospital, Paige went into Presley's closet and was looking/picking out things for her to wear.
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When asked about Presley/baby sister/baby/mommy/his name/if he was tired/whatever, Peyton said, "No!" Eventually he warmed up to her and even gave a few kisses to his baby sister.
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The kids gave Presley a few gifts (toy for her car seat, book to put pictures in, and a "Little Sister Presley" shirt with a matching skirt). She also gave them a few (coloring books and their Big Bother/Sister shirts...and Paige had the same skirt to match Presley). The 2 oldest could not wait to put their shirts on. Peyton said, "No!" Big surprise there!

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After giving birth, I have not had any of the dizzy/lightheaded feelings, racing heart, or shortness of breath that have been making my life oh so much fun before. We are very thankful that Presley is out safe and that I am doing much better already!

Here are a few more pictures of Presley and the family soon after she arrived!
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Here are some pictures that my dad took yesterday...enjoy!

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Less than a week until Presley

2010-07-28T12:06:00.001-07:00

Well I have had 3 doctor appointment in the last 24 hours.

First was my cardiologist. I was put on a 24 hour heart monitor. Trooper turned in back in about 2 hours ago. I am now on partial bed rest (cannot drive, have to have my feet up as much as possible, cannot clean house and so on...). He wanted me to see an electrical doctor...well wanted...not so much...made me...yes. He made the appointment for me and did not give me a choice as to day or time or what have you.

I was just glad my dad drove me while mom watched the kiddos so I would not have to tell him that I have been having breathing/lightheaded spells while driving and then drove myself to the appointment!

Second was my sono and OB. Trooper took me there. We had our sono to check her size and she is perfect for her gestational age (was showing 38 weeks and 3 days on the sono and I was 38 weeks and 2 days at the appointment). She was showing about 7 pound and 5 ounces. I am still measuring small, but the doctor is not worried...Presley is just getting in position.

Hey...I have not even gained the minimum weight recommended. Only off my 2 pound and I am sure to gain at least 1 in the next week. Also less to lose! I did not gain it with Paige or Peyton either. They recommend 25-35. Parker...well I gained 50 so that was so much fun to get rid of let me tell you!

Anyways...induction is set for next Tuesday. I wanted sooner (and those of you who know me too well know I also wanted an even day, but that would bean I would have to wait until Friday the 6th for an open even spot...this 9 month pregnant bed rest momma of 3 said NO WAY), but she said no. In the past year they have shown that some babies born at 38 weeks still do not have lungs totally developed. So now they do not do it without a medical reason before 39. As of tomorrow, Presley will be the one to stay in the longest. The other kiddos were born 37, 38, and 38 and 3 days.

I know some people have asked why they induce, why not just wait, and so on...well I have had to be induced with all mine. Parker my water broke and I never went into labor. It was that or a c-section. Paige I had issues with her pregnancy. I was on bed rest for 6 1/2 weeks with headaches and high blood pressure. I was put on meds and it got better. At the end of the pregnancy it went up again while still on meds. I was told at 36 weeks the day I turned 38 I would be induced for both of our safety...you know...death for her, stroke, death, coma, and so on with me. With Peyton, the doctor said my others were early and just fine so she did not mind taking him early. As a mom with a 19 month old and a almost 3 1/2 year old and family not close enough to help without a few hour drive (that is if you did not count my sister-in-law and family who was also 9 months pregnant...), planned was better for us.

As with Miss Presley, I am on partial bed rest, have 3 kids running around, tired of being pregnant, cannot drive, cannot take care of my kids, cannot take them to the park/pool/Chick-fil-A, blah, blah, blah...so I gladly bring on the induction! Plus this way I have a little recovery time before Parker starts kindergarten 2 1/2 weeks after she is born and 3 1/2 weeks before Paige and Peyton start preschool. All that said, I will bring on the water breaking/labor before the induction please...oh and don't forget the epidural!

Finally was my third appointment that was downtown Austin this morning. Trooper took me while my neighbor watched the boys (Paige is at my mom and dad's house). It was with the electrical doctor. Nothing new really, just more explanations for my condition as well as saying the effects will (or should) go away once Presley is born. He said the worst that may happen is I pass out again (what and fall on Presley...again) If that is not another reason for her to come this week I do not know what is.

Not on that band wagon again, Jami.

So let us all come together and pray that I go into labor/water breaks before Tuesday so I can be done with all of this heart/head mess!

Baby Presley...almost...twice

2010-07-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Warning...long post, but there are pictures...
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To say I have been ready for Presley to be here for a while is a little of an understatment. I have been ready to have her out...and well now she is developed and ready. I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions since March. The majority of her room has been ready since May (with the final touch added 2 days ago with her name board above her bed thanks to Aunt Kathy). I have had her bag ready for the hospital as well as mine started since our last out of town trip in late June. We have the car seat base in the car, Peyton potty trained, Parker's school supplies, baby clothes washed, lunch boxes and backpacks purchased, baby must haves for the first few weeks, new bag tags made for lunch boxes, backpacks, baby carrier, and diaper bag, addresses updated for coming birth announcements, hospital gift for Presley to give the kiddos and the kiddos to give her, batteries charged for cameras, and so much more. We are now just waiting on my body to be ready to get her out.

Okay...Before I get too far into my rambling...here are a few pictures of Presley's completed room!

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As the title says...Almost...twice. The last 5 days being the craziest. It is a little bit of a story...

Let me start at about 2 weeks ago. I woke to hearing Parker say, "You went poopoo in the potty!" I know he was not talking about himself or Paige so I popped out of bed. It was Peyton! We have been setting him on the potty before bed, bath, nap or whatever for a few months. He has never done ANYTHING. Until the poop 2 weeks ago tomorrow. He then continued to poop every day on the potty. Thursday after nap, he went teetee. That was it...the next few days it was no pants in the house and little potty all the time. We are now in underwear and doing great (no pull ups...they are too much like diapers so never use them other than nap/night time...well that is when we run out of those size 3 diapers).

Last Saturday my neighbor, Kim, threw me a wonderful shower. Paige came with me to the shower. We had a great time and my friends even walked the gifts back to the house afterwards so that they could see Presley's room. At that...I was offically ready for the birth. I had all the stuff you need to get by for the first few weeks as well as being far enough along.

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Tuesday, mom came back in town to watch the kiddos while I was at the doctor (imagine getting "checked" with 3 kiddos...fun stuff...thank you Mom). I came home and started having contractions (nothing new) about 10-12 minutes apart. This went on for a while. After dinner (which I was not up to eating) my felt sick and layed down afterwards. Within a few mintues of laying on the bed, I had a contraction, then another about 3-4 minutes later and another and another. Trooper was down stairs with the kiddos and mom came up to check me/say bye when I told her to get Trooper. I had been having them for about 30 minutes at 3-4 minutes apart. We waited a little longer then decided to go to the hospital.

Well...Trooper and I had YMCA free family Friday Date night scheduled for 3 days away. One of the things we were going to do after dinner was go buy a new video camera. Our video camera broke when Peyton was a few months old. Since then we have been using our still camera for video...bad quality video that is. Since it was Tuesday...not Friday...we did not have one. So on the way, we stopped by Best Buy and Trooper ran in and purchased us one. Then we were back on track to the hospital.

By time we arrived I had been having contractions (lasting about 45 seconds from start to finish) 3-4 minutes apart for just over an hour and a half. For over an hour (of on the monitor and walking) I had them 3-4 mintues apart. Then...they started to be 5. Then...they turned to about 6 minutes. At that point we could be admitted and they would give me meds so I could sleep or I could get a pain pill and go home. Trooper and I thought...Tempurpedic bed...so we chose the pain pill and went home. By time I was in bed it was almost 1. I woke until about 3:30 with contracations every 5-6 mintues. Then they moved apart a little more and woke about every 10 minutes until 5:40.

The next morning mom and I went on a walk (I have been walking with the kiddos or gonig to the gym and walking or doing the bike or taking classes all pregnancy). Trooper had breakfast for us when we returned. Mom left. I pushed the kiddos on the swings and watered the garden/plants. We were getting warm so came in for a drink. While pushing the kids, I had my heart issue come up bothering me (happens several times a day so I thought nothing of it). While getting a drink, I started to feel lightheaded/dizzy. I sat down for a few minutes and finished my drink. Peyton then had to go potty. At this point his little potty is in the living room on the tile. I helped him get on. Trooper was in the recliner next to the little potty and showed me something on the computer. I started to feel light headed again so leaned against the wall behind me. I thought to myself...I need to sit down so I pushed off the wall.

As I took a step I passed out. I fell into the recliner first then to the tile floor onto Presley. Needless to say I was very thankful that Trooper was going to wait until after lunch to go to work.

Off to L&D we went after calling the OB. There they checked out Presley. I was shipped to ER to check out me. I had an abnormal EKG (will find out more at my appointment this Tuesday with my Cardiologist). Was shipped back to L&D. Finally relesased 8 hours after I arrived. All the while, Trooper took the kiddos to the park, fed them lunch, traided them off with my mom for nap time, and came to spend the rest of the time with me. The kiddos also got to visit me twice while I was all hooked up to machines and Paige held my hand as they wheeled me to the ER.

I am okay now. I have still had some lightheaded feelings and cannot go walking until after I see my doctors this week. I was ready for her to come out before to just start being a mom of 4 and to not be pregnant. I am now READY to get her out so that I can hopefully be done with the effects of my heart stuff and the lightheaddedness. It is making feel very incapable of doing anything or too much. Also forcing me to ask for help and take breaks.

Soon...she will be here...for sure...

Crazy Month

2010-06-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

This month has been a crazy one.

Parker and Paige finished up their last t-ball and soccer games of the spring season. Peyton finished up being held back on the sidelines from trying to get on the field and play with the team. Little P cannot wait until he is old enough to play.

The kiddos and I went and spent a wonderful few day in Abilene with my aunts, cousins, and mom. We had a blast. We ate great food (WONDERFUL enchiladas Kris!), talked (Paige liked sitting and listening in on girl conversation), watched the kiddos get wet in the slip and slide, and so on. We had a great time.

The very next week (or less than 36 hours later) we had our cell group (life group, bible fellowship, Sunday school class...whatever your church calls it this decade) over for Sunday Brunch (yes I did say Sunday brunch...we go to Sunday night church at FBC Georgetown...it is a more modern service and class) and we made yummy homemade pancakes, blueberry pancakes, eggs, and 2 kinds of sausage. Our friend brought some of the other fixings and I made only over 60 pancakes. Afterwards we all went to the pool in our neighborhood for swim time.

Soon after finishing at the pool, we were off to New Braunfels to visit Trooper's sister and niece. We ate, talked, had ice cream...a must for this preggo...visited Samantha (our niece) at her work (coffee shop) for breakfast on our way out of town, then headed to San Antonio. We were there for 3 nights and had a great time. We went to the children's museum, hotel pool, river walk for Mexican food, hotel pool, Sea world, hotel pool, out to eat, and did I say hotel pool? We had fun just relaxing. We did not have great cell service in the hotel and did not take them to Sea World...that was a good thing though. It was a real vacation all of us and Trooper was even able to turn the email push off on his phone for the first time since he get his iphone. It was great! When we got back home on Thursday, Trooper did not have to go back to work either! Again...Great! We realized it was the first family vaction since the summer of 2006 when I was pregnant with Paige. *Side note, when I was in Abilene and all the girls and I were talking about different things over the past few years, I always thought of when as to who I was pregnant with or who I was breastfeeding...now I am doing it in my blog.*

We are back home now...but leaving again tomorrow for San Diego/Dallas. Trooper has to go to San Diego for work and is flying out of Dallas so the kiddos and I are going with him as far as Dallas. We are going to see some friend from the Rockwall/Rowlett area for a few days then to visit with my sister-in-law and family for a few days. We are looking forward to seeing friends and family and for it being our last of travels for 3 weeks in a row. Sunday is the last day I am to be within an hour of the doctor/hospital.

I also have another sono in about 2 weeks. Baby Presley was measuring a little less than she should (not bad, but enough to get another picture to be sure) and I only gained a pound (she was not worried about that though). I will update more later...I would say that I will put up pictures, but I have not been great at that since Presley made it in the family.

Happy Summer to all!

Baby Baby Baby...

2010-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the living room right now...

*Feeling Presley Kick

*Having a few Braxton Hicks (have been since about 20 weeks and yes the doctor knows)

*Looking up stuff on the next Twilight Saga movie...Eclipse.

*Thinking about when I am going to read the Twilight Saga books again and watch the first 2 movies again

*Remembering I have Bunko with the neighborhood girls on Thursday

*Thinking I am only counting about 10 more weeks to be pregnant (had the others at 37, 38, and 38 weeks), but also praying my doctor is up for inducing as I am up for being pregnant a few days as possible.

*Excited that Mom came in town (with Dad who watched little P while P1 and P2 were at preschool) to help sew the bedding for Presley's room. We were able to get about 75% of the work done. All I am waiting on is my WONDERFUL Aunt Kathy to make her board (like she did with the other Ps), the hutch/changing table from again my WONDERFUL Aunt Kathy and Handy Uncle Chuck (hand did by him of course), for myself to make the baby mobile this week, and for the Smiths to have our family pictures of belly shots taken by my WONDERFUL Dad and his GREAT camera in a few weeks. Almost there! Trooper and I have a goal to have all baby stuff we need (since we sold most of it before moving to Round Rock from Rowlett) by the end of June...sounds close, but it goes fast!

*Tired now and ready for Bed...

Night all!

All my Ps

2010-04-26T12:19:00.001-07:00

I know it has been forever and a few months since I have posted a picture (other than on Facebook/twitter...it is just so much quicker and easier to do from the phone...) and almost a month since a post. So here are a few updates of all our Ps.

Parker

He picked to play t-ball again this season and is doing wonderful! He is almost 5 1/2 half (hard to believe) and so ready for kindergarten next year...other than the fact that we are missing his shot record for his first 18 months and have been working on retrieving them for over a month now and have to register next week...or not if we do not have them!!! Parker still loves to be goofy, talk your ear off, build and create things, and be a great helper.

Paige

We curlfriend here is playing soccer this season. She is interested at times, but when reminded about the snack at the end of the game...she is all in. Paige is still taking speech, but going 2 days a week She was riding the bus (her choice not mine) up until a few weeks ago when she wanted me to take and pick her up. I don't mind because next year she will have no choice...she will be riding until the baby is sleeping 12 hours (3 months old) at night. She does love going to school, her Build-A-Bear pony, all of her "stuff" that she has in her many purses, her brothers, and giving baby Presley kisses.

Peyton

Will Little P loves sports...t-ball, soccer, basketball, football, golf...anything! He wants to join the team today! He kicks the ball at Paige's soccer practice. He hits at least 15 balls off the T while Parker's team is warming up. While at home, he is either throwing/kicking/hitting a ball or pushing his shopping cart (that is better than the pink stroller it was until he received his cart for his b-day from his Grammy and Grandpa Joe). Peyton is also now sleeping in a big boy bed in the same room as Parker and doing perfect.

Presley

No pictures for a few more months, but we have decided on her name...well her first name for sure. We will now be accepting all of those monogrammed burp rags, onesies, blankets, and so on that you have all been waiting to put her name on! Ha!

Cardiologist

2010-03-31T20:03:00.001-07:00

Well I went to the cardiologist on Tuesday. He said I have a slight murmur along with my prolapse. On a scale of 1-6, mine was a 2. He is going to see me back in a month to check again. He told me that some women can have trouble with baby #1 and never again. Others get worse with each pregnancy. He told me the only thing that could make it permanently worse was weight gain or high blood pressure. Well I am usually very low (11/60 and was 90/60 on Tuesday at the doctor) and am seaming to have trouble gaining weight at all this pregnancy.

Anyways...He said this is something that I am always going to have and I will die with it and not from it...meaning it is not going to be what does me in, but like my stretch marks, I will get to leave them here when I go to meet Jesus.

Okay...back to the doctor...I mentioned to him my high blood pressure/headache issues that I had with Paige and the meds I was on during her pregnancy. He said the high blood pressure could have caused the prolapse becoming worse and giving me a few problems with Peyton and more with my little baby girl. He told me the meds I was taking helped fight off any symptoms that I might have had otherwise during Paige's pregnancy.

Just like Paige...she causes drama...cause drama in her pregnancy and more for the babies to follow. Trooper needed no proof she was a girl because of all the drama and even speculated this was a girl (and hoping a little that it was a boy for less drama...and Parker wanted another brother to go hunting on his Grumpy's land...my dad) because of the drama she was/is causing. Are we gals that bad?

He told me that there is medication I can take (I could not have early on because of brain development in our baby girl, but it is safe now. It is a Beta blocker and they wanted to give me that with Paige, but I was not far enough along at the time I started so they put me on a Calcium Channel Blocker...for those medical people who know anything about what I am talking about...I just know the names and not what they really do...) if it gets bad. Right now I am good and most of my days are just fine (minus the few minutes I have a spell a few times a day). I have had a few harder days, but those are very few and far between.

Please continue to pray that I have few (or no) long spells during the days and that I do not have my several small spells either. He said that the last 2 months of the pregnancy will be the hardest for the breathing/heart issues, but is hopeful that it will all go away afterward just like with Peyton. Please pray that he is correct!

Echocardiogram

2010-03-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

As many of you know (and I am sorry for the full out post to everyone without an ealier on, but you know…3 kids, pregnant, I can't seem to blog otherwise, and I can’t seem to catch my breath to talk on the phone…ha ha) and some do not, I have had trouble breathing with this pregnancy.

I had the same thing with Peyton, but it was towards the end of the pregnancy and only seemed to happen when I was going up the stairs. With having 2 kids, pregnant, teaching between 2-4 aerobic classes per week, and having stairs that pregnancy vs. none the first 2, we (the OB and I) wrote it off as just part of the pregnancy.

This time it is different. I am having trouble breathing during singing at church, talking on the phone/in person, while making breakfast or lunch, putting on a 5 year old’s shoes, shopping for fans at Home Depot, and so on. It also seems to be worse in the morning/before noon. Not that I have not had it in the afternoon/evening as well. I mentioned this to my OB at my appointment that was almost 2 weeks ago now. As I mentioned it I even was writing it off as pregnancy. She wanted me to go to the hospital the following Monday to have a echocardiogram done on my heart just to check things out. That was last week.

Today I talked with my doctor’s office. They had received the results from the cardiologist that I have mild mitro valve prolapse. They referred me to see the cardiologist (the office was closed when I received word of the need for a visit so I do not know when I will be going just yet). As soon as I know more, I will pass on. Also, this (I believe) is exactly what my sister has and was brought on during her pregnancy and she has no problems with it otherwise. If this is something I had during Peyton’s pregnancy, it was something that did go away after giving birth. I will know more soon.

Again, if anyone is finding out about this for the first time in this post…I am sorry…again, 3 kids, pregnant, can’t seem to catch my breath to talk on the phone…but it has also been a crazy few days since I found out and had my test and did not want to keep answering 20 questions until I at least had one answer.

Please be in prayer that it is something very manageable. Thank you for all your prayers from before and those of you have asked as well as helped watch kiddos while I was having my Echo done (Thanks Brandi and Tiffany).

On a lighter note…Sonogram on Friday and we will find out if the baby is a boy or girl (and see if I gained back any or all of the 4 ½ pound I lost from my last visit or Ensure and I will become daily friends my doctor threatened).

Hey Hey Hey

2010-02-26T14:40:00.001-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday to my Sweetie! He is 33 today...so when do you start calling yourself 30 something?

Oh well!

Happy Birthday and I hope it is a great one! We are going out tomorrow night (kid free...thanks Mom and Dad).

One more time...Happy Birthday Trooper!

Tired...

2010-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yes...I am tired.

Tired of the cold weather for Texas.

Tired of my lack of clothing that fits right now...and unwilling to buy more since we do live in Texas and want to spend $ on clothes I will be wearing longer.

Tired of it being wet outside so the kiddos cannot play on the play ground they received for Christmas.

Tired of it being so cold outside so the kids cannot play out front on their bikes for more than a few minutes.

Tired of not seeing my neighbors since it is cold and we are not outside.

Tired because of 3 kiddos running around and baby #4 along for the ride.

Tired even though I have 10 hours sleep on some nights.

Tired because I have woke up in the middle of the night for my usual preggo potty break and 4 different times in the past month to only stay away for several hours or until morning.

But...

Trooper has been out of town for a few days for work and I am tired/excited that we will get the weekend together (before more travel next week) and get to watch some Winter Olympics!!

Have a great weekend...I will try and get some rest!

Baby #4

2010-02-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

I am finally in the 2nd trimester as of about a week ago. With the other 3 that was the abrupt end to any morning/all day sickness. Well not so with this one. I know it has only been a few days, but I have been counting on that fact for a few weeks. True is true that all pregnancies are different.

Parker...sick, but not too sick and gained 50 pound.

Paige...sick, bed rest, high blood pressure, crazy headaches, only gained 23 pound.

Peyton...a little crazy sick, gained 24 pounds, baby blues.

#4...still sick, already have a bump and had it for weeks now, have not gained a pound. All so different.

Okay...now for #4 names...no we do not have any set if the baby is a boy or girl (will find out next month). We are seeing if anyone has any suggestion for P names (boy or girl). Any suggestions??? Leave a comment!

Today

2010-01-14T03:48:00.000-08:00

***UPDATED***

Okay...I had a few freaked out sweet friends that called/emailed/texts me this morning about my post from the early hours this morning.

No, nothing is wrong.

No, I am not worrying about Troop or I passing any time soon...God willing.

Yes, Trooper and I did talk this past week/weekend about checking on our amount of life insurance and getting additional coverage. That is all. When I could not sleep, that conversation came back into my head and I started calculation how much we should have. If you know me and my math mind...well I got into it and broke of the computer and put it all on paper so we could talk about it this weekend.

Nothing more to it.

After I put things down on the laptop, I turned on the TV to nothing to see if it would get me to sleep...no luck.

All that to say I am still awake. Peyton naps after I pick up the kiddos from preschool so they just might be watching a movie on the rainy day in Round Rock.

***ORIGINAL POST***

Is this pregnancy or something more. Or something less?

I woke at 1:10 and have been up since. It is now a few minutes until 6. When I woke it was not to go the bathroom for the 10th time for the evening (really already...I know that was one of the reasons I thought I was pregnant back in November to take the pregnancy test, but I digress). I cannot go back to sleep.

I have thought about life insurance and tried to calculate how much Trooper would need to raise 4 kiddos without me as well as how much I would need if I had to without him.

It has been a long day already...maybe I will get a nap with Peyton. Who knows.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

Forever...I know...

We have had Parker's 5th birthday party, his 5 year check up (44 1/4 inches for 75% in height, 37 1/2 pounds for 25% in weight, and a crazy low 3.5 BMI...we are at 2% milk again for P1 and P2). For Parker's party we had a bounce house. Parker also wanted a cake that I made (never tried that before) with a night savor on it. Paige was sick for the first time in her life (well except for the 12 hour stomach bug she had at 16 months) over the weekend of Parker's party...we think it was H1N1 because 4 days later Peyton had a confirmed case of H1N1.

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We also went Trick Or Treating around the neighborhood. Oh...and Peyton (as seen below) learned to howl like a wolf. Trooper taught him and it is one of the funniest things to see!

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Parker and Trooper went to hunt with my dad and brother to my parent's land (or as my dad calls it his "Ranch") in early November. They went again the day before Thanksgiving as well as Thanksgiving. Parker LOVED it.

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We had a great Thanksgiving. The food was good. Family time was even better. My parents and brother were here as well as Trooper's sister and niece.

Parker and Paige are in Awana and love it. They have learned so many verses and have been asking questions that would not have some up otherwise.

This week Trooper and I have 2 different Christmas parties we are looking forward to.

Pictures...

2009-10-21T12:32:00.001-07:00

Okay...so I know it has been forever since I posted anything. So to make up a little, here are pictures from last month.

First off "Little P" He had his 18 month check up last week. He is now in the 4% for weight at 21 lbs and 7 oz. He is in the 8% for height at 31 1/2 inches. He is still our little man and we love his to pieces. These days he is into balls...base ball, foot ball, golf ball, tennis ball, basketball, or whatever he can find.

Paige turned 3 in September. Here are some of her 3 year old pictures. She is loving preschool, pushing Peyton down when we are not looking, coloring, the color pink, and having enough hair to do something with (when she will keep it in more then 2 minutes).

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Here is our almost 5 year old! He is also loving preschool. Parker also enjoys saving Peyton from Paige, riding his bike, building with his hot wheels, drawing with chalk, and playing washers with Trooper.

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Here are a few family picutres...or atempts at them...

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Preschool and Speech

2009-09-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

This week end Parker and Paige's 3rd week in preschool. They love it. Parker goes 4 days a week and Paige 2. Paige (of course) eats all of her veggies every day (carrots and red bell peppers usually). Parker tells me that his teacher will not let him eat his carrots!

Here are are pictures of the kids at home ready for school and outside school...
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Paige has also started speech. She actually started her first session today. She is going (as of now) 1 day a week for 30 minutes. Paige is delayed in articulation only. Last year she was also 5 months delayed in her vocabulary. She has made up all of her ground there and is even a little ahead.

Last year when we set her goals, that was the main goal...to increase her vocabulary. At her age then (23 months when she started) that was what they needed her to increase because around then kids should be increasing vocabulary by about 10 words a day. That slows down as they get older so they wanted to make up for the lost ground.

She will get a report in 2 months to see how she is doing! So far so good!

Paige turns 3!!

2009-09-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well today is the day our baby girl turns 3.

I can not longer call her a toddler (even though she has long been out of the toddle faze). She is now a preschooler (even though she has been in preschool since this time last year).

Hey well she is considered a 2 year old toddler for the school year (since she was still 2 on September 1st) so that makes her younger right???

Well either way, she is getting bigger and older every day (just like me...)

This weekend we had a little party for her with family. Cousin Tatum, Aunt Cheryl, Gigi (Jami's mom), Paige and I went to get out nails done. Paige loved every minute of being girly.
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Afterwards we went to Gatti Land with the boys (Troop, Parker, Peyton, Grumpy (Jami's dad), Uncle Mark, and Cousin Will) and let the kids play(we were kids at times ourselves). It was a blast.

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We all had a great afternoon together and enjoyed dinner at the house.

Yes I will post about Paige's speech as well as preschool last week soon...I have just not been on the computer much and today was about Paige's birthday!

Happy Birthday Baby...I mean Big Girl!

Tomorrow

2009-08-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a new day

Tomorrow is a different day.

Tomorrow is almost here!

Tomorrow Parker goes to Pre-K. He has the new lunch box and outfit ready. He helped me pick out his lunch for tomorrow. He went to meet the teacher last week. He is ready to go.

But am I?

Since staying home (the month after Parker turned 2), I have not had him away from me more than a day at a time. For preschool last year he was only gone 2 days a week...Tuesday and Thursday. This year it is 4 days a week. It seams like such a long time. I know next year he will be in kindergarten and he will be gone longer, but still...4 days. I know that this is great for him and the program is wonderful (that is why I am choosing to drive 20+ minutes there 4 days a week and to let him even go 4 days a week).

Still...as a mommy that likes control, it is going to be another adjustment.

Speaking of adjustment...Paige is going to me starting school as well. Not at preschool like Parker though. Tomorrow we will find out more, but we have known this was coming for over a year now.

Paige is in speech and has been for over a year. Since she started, she has been seen at home. We have known that once she turns 3 she will be seen in the school. While living in Rowlett, we knew that in Garland ISD, she would be seen for 2 hours a week at the school (either once for 2 hours or 2 times for 1 hour each). There were not too many choices other than that.

Here in Leander, it is so different. They have TONS of choices and options for her speech. It could be as much as she would have received in Rowlett, or it could be every day in a preschool setting...with more options between.

Paige was tested on Friday for her speech to she how she has progressed over the last year. She has improved her quantity of words, but her pronunciation and articulation of them is still low. Tomorrow I will find out the results of the test (actual score) as well as their recommendation for her. On Thursday we will have her ARD.

I know as a teacher that the recommendation for her will be what is best for her. I also know that I do not have to (as her mom) let her do anything or more that I want her to. So, I am preparing myself for the worst (my baby girl gone all day everyday). I also know that in preparing myself for that, that might not be the recommendation, I do not have to take it if it is, and that she is going to be okay.

One reason I think she has improved her quantity of words is because she was in preschool last year. I also know that this year she in only on the waiting list so she might not even get in. This could be her "preschool" for the year.

Who knows. Either way, tomorrow is only a day a way, but has a lot of changes on the horizon.

Please pray for my heart and my control (or lack of) that I have in the situations and over my growing children.

As we all say...too big too fast!

America's...I mean Peyton's Favorite Pastime

2009-08-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

Peyton loves swinging a bat. He loves throwing a ball. He loves hitting people, trees, sidewalks, balls, stairs, or whatever else with a bath. When Parker was 1 he received a baby t-ball set. He played with it often. Paige...not so much. Peyton, well the kids plays with it all the time. It is his new favorite toy.

Here is some video of him in action from about a week ago...

We sure do love our little slugger

Not Me Monday

2009-08-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Okay it is Not me Monday time again. Below is what I have totally not done this past week. Now, don't visit MckMama and she what she has not been up to either...

Last week I did not wear workout clothes 3 different days. Of those days I did not work out 2 of them. On the 3rd day that I did not wear the clothes, I surely did not put them on because I had errands to run and did not have time to really get ready so that was my excuse for looking the way I did. No, not me.

Last Wednesday I did not meet some of the girls from a moms group for the church we have been visiting as a park with our kids. I surely did not have pool stuff in the car. When we left, I did not notice my kids were totally disgusting and in need of a serious bath. I did not instead drive to my community pool, put swim clothes on in the car, and have pool time to clean off before nap. No, not me.

Trooper and I did not realize that our gym has childcare on Sundays so we did not bring a change of clothes in the car for after church. We then did not change and go to the gym (about 100 yards from where our church currently meets) before taking the kids home for lunch. No, not Trooper and I.

I then did not step on the scale while at the gym and see my HIGH weight!!! I did not totally wonder WHAT HAVE I BEEN PUTTING IN MY MOUTH and WHAT HAVE I NOT BEEN DOING AT THE GYM (well other than not putting on gym clothes so I can get ready and run errands). I then did not set a goal for myself to lose X pounds before my birthday in 7 weeks. I did not totally do that so you do not have to ask about it later (saying it out loud does not totally make you more accountable for it right...). No, not me.

Right now Paige (yes Paige), Parker, and Peyton are not all 3 asleep and so I am totally not about to get stuff done...Gotta not go...No, not the kids. No, not me!

Now it is your turn to let me know what you have not done this week

Thank you Jesus!!

2009-08-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks (more like months I think actually) I have been praying and even hard Trooper praying with me for time. Time to get things I needed and wanted to get accomplished complete. With Paige not napping, moving into a new house (and everything that goes with changing addresses...again...visiting churches, unpacking, establishing a routine, and so on...), getting settled, Trooper in Dallas over 1/2 of the days each month, and keeping with 3 kids I have been praying.

In my prayers I have been also asking for me time as well as quite time to spend with my Lord...before bed! Well with Paige and her sleeping I mentioned earlier this week, I have found the time. She has started napping again we well as going to bed on time. The secret...it is 2 fold.

1. Put yourself out there and ask for help. Ask for prayers. As for any advise. Be real with people and express your frustrations
2. Sit outside your daughter's room until she settles down. Keep putting her back in bed without folding to any of her demands or desires.

I did this with Parker when he was young, and it would only take him a few minutes to go to sleep. I have done this with Paige before, but it would last about an hour sometimes.

This time...I embraced the time.

It has given me some me time of the computer to blog, facebook, and twitter. It gives me time to make phone calls, pay bills, and to through junk mail. But most importantly, I have had time to do my quite time with my Lord.

Thank you Jesus! Thank you for answering my prayers and for letting me embrace the answer! My sweet baby girl is getting the nap and evening sleep she needs, I am getting the me time I want and the time with you I need and have prayed for!

Pizza Time!

2009-08-14T12:39:00.001-07:00

What is that picture of you might ask...or not really since the title gives most of it away. Of course it is pizza. The kids and I LOVE pizzas a (Trooper does as well). On weeks when he is in Dallas, I think we make pizza just about every other day. I have been tweaking a recipe I found for a few weeks and not I am in love with the results. It is so easy (and crazy cheep) to make your very own dough. For much less than the cost of pre-made crust or refrigerated dough, I can make 4 pizzas worth of dough.

As you can see...

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The kids...

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love it!

Okay so you might be wondering about what I put on top of this pizza...well as some of you know I can be a little crazy about making sure my kids get all the veggies they need. Trooper was out of town, I needed to use up stuff in the fridge vs. going to the store with 3 kids. I looked and found a zucchini. I pealed it, sliced it very thin, tossed with extra virgin olive oil, and my salt, pepper, and garlic powder mix. The kids and I tossed it on the pizza (well Parker and I did because Paige and Peyton ate about 8 slices each vs. putting them on the pizza). Of course I put the cheese and tomato sauce on the pizza as well. It turned out great! The kids and I ate it all.

Now for the dough I mentioned above...

In a bowl put 1 package of dry active yeast
mix with 1 1/2 cups of hot water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar

let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy

add:
about 1 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

On counter mix and then create a well of:
4 cups of flour
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

Add the wet in the center of a well of the flour mixture and kneed by hand for a few minutes or do it all in the mixer with a dough hook (my choice). Once it is together, put in a clean bowl sprayed or brushed with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and sit in warm place until it doubles (about 1 1/2 hours).

Preheat your oven to 500 with a cookie sheet or a pizza stone inside preheating.

From there cut into 4 pieces (if you are not using all now, you can put in baggies and put in fridge or freezer). Put a little corn meal down and roll out the dough...make sure you do not let Paige do it all because she will eat more dough than you realize. Put it on top of parchment paper that is sitting on another cookie sheet (not wax paper...found that out the hard way at my parent's house that they are mostly the same thing, unless you bake it). Put your toppings on. Slide the pizza and parchment paper from the cool cookie sheet to the hot one in the oven. Bake for about 6-8 minutes.

Enjoy...I know we do!!

Tour of Our Home...Part 5

2009-08-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here we are (finally) at part 5 of 5 of our home tour. We are competing our tour up stairs in the master bed and bath, kids bath, and Parker's room.

Okay...when you walk upstairs there is a small door that Parker and Paige call the "hiding spot".

From there the hallway curves to go to the kids bedrooms and bathroom

Speeking of bathrooms...here is the kid's

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Here is Parker's Room...sometimes the second playroom upstairs

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Okay...if you back around the curve of the upstairs hallway to just outside the "hiding spot" you find our bedroom
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Finally...our bathroom. We love it

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We love having 2 sinks that are high just like at our home in Rowlett. And get a load of the sink and foscet. Gotta love it!

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We hope you have enjoyed our tour of our new home. Let us know what you think!

Sleepless in Round Rock...UPDATED

2009-08-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

UPDATED AT 4:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY

Well I wanted to add a few other quick insights:

1. Yesterday when she was up until about 12, she had fallen a sleep for a little nap (went to sleep after I was reading/talking to her and Trooper called about 6:45, I could not wake her so I put her to bed), but she got up just as I was finishing Parker's last book and Peyton was already asleep about 8:10.

2. Oh and when she did get up this morning it was a 7, she was wet, and I was still tired!! Get start to the day! Go Laundry...it is never ending...

3. I have received a few replies, calls, or email and I THANK YOU!!! Some of the things we have considered as a source to the problem of why and some are tricks we have tried as well. Here are a few other things than mentioned on the original post that we have tried:
*Putting a baby lock on the inside of the door (she took it off even while she was still in a crib before she was 2 when she would get really mad), but it did help when she was not mad
*Parker and her slept together in the house after we sold Parker's bed just before we moved and in the apartment...that was a big NO!!! We ended up having to put them down in different rooms and moving them after they were asleep (this was for bed time...nap they slept apart and just stayed there)
*In Rowlett, I would sit in the playroom and read a book of mine while trying to get her to stay in her room being firm...not too loving so she would get used to and want the attention and not too mean (no wonder I read so much from last fall until now!).
*We tried making nap time sooner so she would not be over tired...did not help.
*There are most likly a few more, but PLEASE any advise or suggestions would be WONDERFUL.
*We have a consistent bed time (it might change a little in the summer with the light and no school, but only by about 15 minutes...that is what drapes are for after all!).

4. This is not something brand new to moving here. It started a little over a year ago. Yes, around Peyton being born or before, but it was nap time then. She would still go down but give it her best in a fight. Bed time started about 9 months ago. This was before a move, before big traveling to Austin, well after Peyton's birth, and not during a change (like preschool or music class starting). It has just got worse since the move.

Before it would take her time to go down for a nap, but she would eventually go down 6 out 7 days. Now we fight for 1. Before we would fight for night time most nights, but it would take until about 8:30-8:45 with starting at 8. Now...who knows! I know that the move, daddy being here on weekends and certain full weeks has made it worse, not having a routine like during the school year with preschool class 2 days, music class 1 day, bible study 1 day, going to the gym 2 set times a week and maybe 1 more, and having speech a set day and time every week has messed with her as it has me and the boys.

Keep the emails, calls and comments coming...

ORIGINAL POST BELOW
I know it has been forever since I blogged any pictures and I have tons to share and the final house post promised...but I am a little drained.

One word...Paige

I love our little curly headed, speech delayed, tall and skinny, loving, mind of her own, girly girl that is a sister to 2 boys and a daughter to 2 people how love her greatly.

Oh, I sure love the girl...I know the but is coming...but I am at the end of my rope and need some advise. Paige is having sleep trouble. When I say trouble...that is a little of an understatement.

The girl slept from 11 to 7 when she was 2 months old. She slept from 8 to 7 at 3 months. She was the easiest of the 3 to put on a schedule and did wonderful as a babywise baby. She was never rocked to sleep (and would have nothing to do with it if I even tried). Over a year ago she started having sleep problems (so this is nothing new, but has gone to the extreme in the last few months.) Remember this example from before Peyton was born. She started wanting certain things to sleep with and sometimes we gave in, or this time when a trip camping was cut short due to Paige not going to sleep. With Parker, I had this problem and did the Super Nanny trick. It worked for him everytime he had nap trouble. Paige on the other hand...never!!!

I just do not know what to do. I am going to bring it up to her doctor at her 3 year visit next month, but I wanted to see if anyone had any advise that I could try before I go.

Paige, first off, will not nap. She does maybe 1 time a week for me. That is it! When it is bed time, it is a fight as well. She will not settle herself down. I do not want to start her in a new/bad habit (that she will for sure remember and want to do every night) so no food or drink before bed (maybe a little water, but no warm milk or anything). We do the normal before bed (and try to keep it the same for the most apart every night even if we happen to be getting to bed late for what ever reason). We brush teeth, put on pjs, read about 2-3 books, do her journal...most nights...(for speech help), say prayers, and go to bed. Add a bath before all that on most nights...but not all. She likes a light on so we put on the night light and give her a kiss. That is only the beginning of the night...she gets up several times.

She used to (in Rowlett she started this)have to have her door open and would not settle down without it. When we moved I cut that out because it did not work...we could not talk or move without her hearing us until she went to bed.

We have tried several things. Now when I say tried...I am meaning that we tried something and stuck with it for about a week or more to see if it would work and nothing has.
1. Puting her back down without talking to her over and over and over again
2. Cutting nap down shorter (ha...she does not even take one anymore and still gives us problems)
3. Getting spanking...very funny...she gets one, I have her repeat that she will get another if she comes out of her room...what happens a few minutes later...she comes out again!
4. Laying with her. Trooper can get this to work about 75% of the time. I do not have this time but when I have tried it has only worked for me about 5% of the time.

I know that some of this is our fault for giving into little things in being tired or wanting her to just settle and go down and contributed to the problem, but some of it is also her.

Last week when we were in Abilene visiting with family, Paige showed her stubbon strenght in full force. It was a day she had swam twice. We went up to my Aunts' school and let the kids run while we picked up a few toys for them to play at the house. She also did not take her nap that day. That night she threw fit upon fit and did not settle herself down to finally fall asleep until 11:30. You have got to be kidding me!!!

As I am sitting here typing...it is 11:20. I go to bed usually before now, but guess who is up!

Any advise...PLEASE SEND!!!! She is over tired when it comes to bed time, she gets herself over worked up and we do not want to add something to the mix that will be a bad habit (for her or us)

Sleepless in Round Rock

This week

2009-08-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well on Sunday Mom and I came to Abilene with the 3 kids to visit with my 2 aunts and my grandmother (yes I brought my camera and yes I left the batteries in the charger in Round Rock so no I do not have pictures...Aunt Vicki does). We have had a great time. The kids have swam and swam and swam in the pool. We have all eaten, taken naps, and enjoyed the time and company.

We are leaving sometime tomorrow...so...I am getting back to visiting now and just wanted to let everyone know I that this week...so far...has been a great one!

Oh...final pictures of the house and part 4 of the home tour...coming up tomorrow night!!!

Prayer Warriors Needed

2009-07-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

I know a few months ago I sent out this post about a family with a baby that was having heart trouble. Well...his heart is at it again and it is looking worse this time. Please join in prayer for baby Stellan. If you want to check on updates, here is the blog and the mom, Jennifer (MckMama), twitters on the sidebar.

Get on your knees, this almost 9 month old needs our sacrifice of time to speak to our Maker.

Tour of Our Home...Part 4

2009-07-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today is Part 4 of 5 in our home tour. Today we are completing the downstairs portion of the tour. As you enter our home from the front door, you turn to the play room on our left (part 1 of the tour) or the the living room on the right (part 3 of the tour). On the way to the living room, you pass an arched opening to right and a door to the left.

Beyond the arch is the office nook (it is also situated under the stairs)

Behind the door is the powder room.
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If you pass through the living, dining, and kitchen (part 3 of the tour), you come to an opening that will lead you to...

the pantry,

the mud room area (in L-O-V-E with this area),

the laundry room (behind a closed door:)),

and the garage (not pictured).

I hope you have enjoyed. Yes...I know I still have not done my bedroom, bath, kids bath, or Parker's room...Coming soon so stay tuned.

I hope you have enjoyed...so let us know what you think!

Rush

2009-07-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight after the kids were in bed, I had to run to the store for the usual suspects (spinach, lettuce, fruit, carrots, milk, and bread). I went to Target. I have not been to a Target since moving from Rowlett. In Rowlett, Target is where I shopped every week for groceries. This Target was set up just like mine from Rowlett.

As I am getting ready to leave, in my mind I am thinking about when I get home...I was picturing in my mind's eye driving up in Trooper's car, parking, and walking my bags in and placing them on the island in my kitchen. When I am picturing all of this, it is in my home in Rowlett. As I walk outside...I realize that I am at the Target...5 miles from my new house in Round Rock and just over 3 hours from my house in Rowlett.

A rush of emotions hit my like a ton of bricks.

I am not there...I am not in the city I called home for 8 1/2 years.

I missed "home."

I missed knowing people.

I missed seeing my friends.

I missed my kids seeing their friends.

I missed having a church I call "home" and an ABF that we LOVE.

I missed so much about living in the Lake Ray Hubbard area.

Today I talked to my 2 best friends. They were together. They had no kids for a few hours after bible study. They were able to go to lunch together and have some girl time. I talked to them while they were in the car together on their way home. I missed being with my girlfriends for our girls night out (either kind...dressed up and out to eat or in PJs with coffee at some one's house).

With all my missing and rush of emotions aside, I know that Trooper and I have make the right decision in moving down here.

We love our home and friendly neighborhood.

We have enjoyed visiting churches and really enjoy the one we have been to for the past 4 weeks.

We know that with time everything will fall into place.

We know all of this, but I know I still miss...

2009-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Here is Peyton on Monday after dinner in Belton. Trooper was giving the kids trail mix and I was trying to catch Peyton on video. He was signing more and saying " Ohh Ohh" like a monkey. Well that is not what I caught on video, but this was just as funny!

Spitting out nuts and chocolate. Yes, mom and dad, I did clean up after Peyton. At least this time is was not cleaning after a Paige mess!

Tour of Our Home...Part 3

2009-07-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

We are back at the Smith house again for Part 3 of our Home Tour. Since we left off downstairs in the playroom on the previous post we decided to continue there (and because when I was going to take the pictures I remembered that I had just put my sheets in the wash so my room was a mess.). Today we will be visiting the kitchen, dining, and family room.

So...here is a spin around our kitchen...
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From there it leads into the dining room (yes you will have to turn your head for 1 picture...not at my computer so I could not download here to turn it).
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Finally, we stop in our family room. This room has had nothing done to it...we just dumped the furniture and the few things out have just ended up there for unpacking...so no judging me like a design star on this area.
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Make sure you come back Thursday for the master bed room and bath...and maybe a seek at Parker's room in progress...
See you then...oh and remember to let us know what you think!

Peyton's 15 month check up...

2009-07-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well Peyton had his 15 month check up today. He is still our little man. He is currently 20 pounds and 4 ounces (with a wet diaper on). That makes him in the 5% for his weight. His height...well he is 29 3/4 inches. We have not broken the 30 in barrier just yet. That puts him in the 15%.

So he is the weight of a typical 9 month old and the length of a typical 12 month old. No wonder so many people tell me he looks like he is younger than 15 months (that is until I put the picture of him in his shoes on Twitter/Facebook last night...he looked too big in tennis shoes).

Stay toned for the continuation of the home tour tomorrow (we are in Belton tonight looking after my folks house for a few days while they visiting my sister and her family of 3), but my camera cord is in the room with Peyton. So, until then...

Tour of Our Home...Part 2h

2009-07-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

We are back at the Smith house again for Part 2 of our Home Tour. Today we will be visiting Paige and Peyton's Rooms Upstairs. Then we will be going down stairs to visit the playroom. Incase you were wondering about Parker's room. His room will not be shown on the tour for a while. There might be a random picture, but currently does not have a bed (was sold in Rowlett before we left because it had served it's time) and is napping in his room and sleeping in Paige's. His room is also being used at a play area upstairs at times.

With out further ado, here are Paige (pink) and Peyton's (not pink) rooms:
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Now, here is our...I mean the kids' playroom. It is down stairs just off the enrty. It has doors so it can be closed off as well. If you looked at the tour yesterday. The window downstairs from the front view of the house is from the play room (also from yesterday's front view, Peyton's room is the window on the 2nd floor with the arch. Paige's is around the corner and cannot be seen).

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Make sure you come back tomorrow for the masterbed room and bath...and maybe a seek at Parker's room in progress...

See you then...oh and remember to let us know what you think!

Tour of Our Home...Part 1

2009-07-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well here it is...our new home. This is Part 1 of our tour. We are touring the outside and entry of our home.

Here is the front of the house...you walk around to the side yard towards the fully shaded porch. Then enter the home (notice the sign made by the kids...with a little help from Gigi and Grumpy...welcoming us all home!)...well that will have to wait until tomorrow.

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Here is the back yard. We have 42 trees on our property total. 15 are just off the patio and 12 are in the front yard. The others are at the end of a great spot of a pool...well one day maybe!

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Make sure you come back tomorrow for Paige and Peyton's bedroom along with the playroom.

See you then...oh and let us know what you think!

We are in...

2009-07-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know it has been FOREVER since I blogged. I am working on a little blog update about the house.

If you have not seen the picture of the kitchen, follow me on twitter and you can...you can find more on the sidebar to the right.

Soon arriving will be pictures of the front, back, and rooms that are partway put together. Until then...just know that we are still getting settled, but LOVING the house as well as the neighborhood.

We has spent 3 of the 5 nights since moving in the house out front, talking with very friendly neighbors, kids riding their bikes in the cul-de-sac, and playing with neighborhood kids. We were even invited to a pool birthday party next week. The other 2 evening we have been at the pool. We are enjoying ourselves fully and feel that the Lord has placed us in the home, on the lot, and in that neighborhood for a reason. We are so excited to see what he has in store for us.

Okay...enough chatting...pictures are coming.

If anyone is needing our updated address, please email me...

jamiandtrooper@gmail.com

Have a great day! Stay out of the heat.

Happy 4th Part 1

2009-07-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well there is no, not me Monday for me today...I really do not have the time...I did however wanted to take the time to share our 4th fun. Below are a few pictures and video of our weekend.
One funny thing the pastor of the church we are visiting said on Sunday about the 4th...on the evening of the 4th he was out with some friends and asked everyone how their celebration went. When his asked his British friend, his friend replied, "Really! You celebrate our loss." The pastor replied, "Oh right...sorry about losing North America and only having the island left." Hope you have a great 4th celebration.

Have You Ever...

2009-06-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned wanting to start a carnival blog...just a little something fun to keep us all smiling, laughing, or thinking. Well here it is!

Have you ever thrown a tea party for your kids, not for the fun of it, but so that they will drink their own tea and not all of yours?

Have you ever let your kids play in and under the furniture?

Have you ever let your kids share the same drink at the same time?

Have you ever moved 2 times in two months with 3 kids?
May 7th from our house to...

Our apartment here in Austin...
Here is our home that we will move it in Round Rock next Friday!

Now it is your turn...what Have You Ever...recently, weeks ago, or even longer! Update your blog and link it below with MckLinky. Or you can leave a comment as well!

Peyton and Custard

2009-06-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

The kids have discovered custard and love it. Peyton...well he really loves it.

On Saturday we went to eat burgers and hotdogs at the custard shop. Afterwards, Trooper and Paige went to the counter the get the custard. When Trooper sat the custard down...he squeeled with glee so loud that people's heads turned! It was too funny and too cute!

Paige had only brought back 4 spoons, but Peyton would not let go of his spoon. I had to hop up and grab another just to get a bite.

Little P is too funny!

Not Me Monday

2009-06-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Well this past week I did not just have tons of time on my hand to post every single day. No, not me.

Tuesday night Mom, Mark, and I did not go to Temple to see The Proposal. When we arrived we were not informed that the movie had been canceled so that they could show another theater for Transformers almost 3 hours later! No they didn't...well yes they did! Well we then did not go on Thursday onto the movie...this time is was not in Harker Heights...just to not make sure that we we were kicked out from seeing the movies again! No, not the Temple Theater. No, not Mark. No, not Mom. No, not me!

On Wednesday we were not getting ready to leave for VBS. My mom did not get Peyton out of his high chair. She did not ask me if he had had his morning dirty diaper. I did not say no. He had not eaten blueberries for breakfast so when mom mentioned that he did not have one fallen out of his pjs onto the floor, I did think hard about it. So of course more did not start to fall out seconds later when we did not realize that it was for sure blueberries...not some #2!!! Oops! No, not Peyton. No, not my mom. No, not me.

Last Thursday night, Peyton did not decide to take more than about 5 steps and is now walking at about 12 step segments consistently. No, not our 14 month old.

When the kids and I returned from our week long trip to my parent's house, we did not leave straight from our friend's house/pool. Mom and I did not put PJs on 3 kiddos with salt water dry skin. When I arrived home about an hour later I did not just put those salty PJed kids to bed. I then did not start a load of laundry that included the kids and my suits. I then did not retrieve the bags from the car, take out trash, and so forth in my cover up and flip flops...ahem. No, not me!

While swimming Saturday night, Paige did not finally realize (not like last summer) that she did not LOVE to jump off the side of the pool over and over and over again. No, not Paige.

Also, while swimming, Parker did not get the hang of swimming under the water again. He did not do a great job swimming back and forth between Trooper and I. No, not Parker.

Now it is not your turn to not let me know what you have been doing this week! Blog on!

Not Me Mondays

2009-06-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest addition of McMama's: not me Mondays...

Well last week Trooper did not go see a house of a floor plan and builder that we like. No, not Trooper.

The kids and I did not then go by the house as well the following day...because we were so looking for a new home the was already built. No, not the kids. No, not me.

I then did not love the house and the lot so much the Trooper and I did not go out again. We then did not go and put a bid on the house and get it! No, not us.

I then did not spend just about all of Thursday on the phone doing loan stuff because we are not closing July 10th!!! No, not me.

We then did not go out of town to get away from house stuff and to see family that Thursday night. While in New Braunsfels, Trooper and I did not have date night, ice cream one night, and custard the following day. No, not us.

On Sunday for father's day I did not make pancakes for Trooper. They were not my flax seed sweet potato pancakes. When making them I did measure out the large unknown amount of flax seed meal that I put in the pancakes. I was then not informed from more than one member of my family (later in the day), that doing so was a great idea. Oops! No, not me!

Last...but not least, I am not typing this post in Belton(where I am not working FBC Belton' VBS.) and typing on my new phone...no more drops please. No, not me!

Now it is your turn...what have you not done today...

New pancakes!!

2009-06-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

I know a few months ago I mentioned my sweet potato pancakes. This morning I adjusted them. They are great and I love them even better...here they are. By the way, the sweet potato keeps them from getting dry so you have to try them. Trust me!

1 part sweet potato puree (put in oven at 400 for about 40 minutes or until soft, then blend up with a little water as needed...Vicki, take the skin off before you blend...great for baby food as well!)
dash of Cinnamon
2 parts water
2 parts pancake mix
a few tablespoons of flax seed meal.

Mix in the order listed above, cook as normal (we added blueberries to some today as well...Yum-O).

Thank me later!

Not Me Monday

2009-06-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Last Thursday I did not take the kids to grab dinner at Sonic, get the mail, and then head back to the pool to eat and swim. No, not me.

While at the pool, we did not have a wonderful time together. I surely did not keep throwing Parker and Paige up/flipping them over just because Peyton was laughing at them so hard. No, not me.

It was surely not getting late and Peyton was not starting so yawn. I was not about to tell the kids 5 more minutes when a neighbor stepped out and told us there was a tornado and hail warning. I surely did not pack up the kiddos right away, head to the car to drop off the life jacket and pool toy on the way up our flights of stairs to the apartment. No, not me.

Once we arrived to the apartment, I did not change Peyton and put him down for bed. I then did not get the other kiddos out of their wet clothes. I then did not turn on the TV to check the weather. I then did not look and step outside to feel the first drops of rain and see the black/green sky. Going back inside I did not see the weather man say something about Cedar Park and Northwest Austin taking cover for the tornado/hail. No, not me.

At that time, I did not grab my cell phone, about 7 pillows, the lap top, and turn off Trooper's new TV before waking Peyton who was already asleep. We then did not stay in the bathroom, check email and send out a few twitters before the electricity flickered and I lost internet...until just a little while ago. There did not go my idea for the kids to watch something on the computer while in the bathroom...and pictures surly did hold their attention for the entire 15 minutes we were in there. No, not me.

At the end of it, I did not have to then turn the TV back on to see the we were now out of danger. I did not however have to pause the TV and study the map a little longer to be for sure since when the news was mentioning areas and intersections, I still did not know for sure where they were talking about. No, not me.

Random Pictures...

2009-06-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

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Not Me Monday

2009-06-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Last Wednesday I did not take the kids to the pool in Austin. After I did not have the kids dressed, lotion on, and bags packed, I did not realize that Peyton was not without a swimmer. So, since he did not just have a #2, I surely did not put him in just his suit and let him swim. No, not me.

Last Thursday while in Belton, I did not get my hair cut. I then loved it so much that on Saturday night I did not take scissors to it to fix it over my bathroom sink. I now, do not love it! No, not me.

Also while in I did not pick up a $15 pool at Wal-mart for the kids at my parent's house. While playing in the pool, Parker did not have to go potty...he did not use the tree. Paige then did not try to copy him on the the sunflower in the backyard. No, not Parker. No, not Paige. No, not me.

While in the backyard playing in the pool, Paige did not say something about needing to go #2. I then did not walk over to her so we could go inside. She then did not direct me to the spot that she had already gone. The girl was sure not quick because mom and I were not both facing and watching the kids play. A little while later...Parker not being funny...did not do the same thing! No, not Paige. No, not Parker. No, not me.

Trooper and I did not have custard on the way home from Belton on Friday in Georgetown. Again on Saturday, after playing at the splash park in Austin, we did not have custard as well. We did not have it one more time for the weekend on Sunday in Cedar Park before leaving to come back to Belton. No, not the kids. No, not Trooper. No, not me.

Now it is your turn! What have you not done this week!

Just a little warning

2009-06-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Okay...I am going to be starting a carnival blog every few weeks...or maybe a few days. Let me know what you think:

Have You Ever...

I will give you a little example:

Have you ever let your kids play in the rain?

Have you ever cracked an egg with a double yolk? (They are the 2 on the top left)

So now it is your turn...

1. Let me know what you think if you have a minute.

2. Start thinking about your "Have You Ever" moments...with or with out pictures. Current or farther back in the past.

Swimming with Friends

2009-06-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with our friends in Belton...and their kids...4 moms, 9 kids total!
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Here in the Big B

2009-06-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

I made it to Belton last night. Today has been a great day. The kids and I had a good morning of reading, singing, and playing at "Grumpy's Park" (a.k.a. the play scape and trampoline in my parent's backyard). My mom finished up closing out school then came home so I could go get my hair cut.

Wow that was great.

I am a little embarrassed that it has been since January...it is June and I do not have long hair anymore remember...it is short. What with putting the house on the market, it selling, settling up the movers, moving, and now no MDO for the kids...this is the 1st chance I have had.

Well that and I have been thinking I was going to grow it out again, but I think I am going to wait until the end of the summer to grow it out. Well I guess I have to since I already cut it off again...Who knows!

On my way home I stopped by the store (needed swimmers for Peyton at the pool tomorrow) and picked up a little pool for the kids to use at my parent's house. THE KIDS LOVE IT! I think Peyton thinks it is more like a bath tub so he is willing to stay in longer. At the real pool, he like to sit on the side and play with the toys vs. riding in the crab or even being held (that is SO not like Peyton). He does tend to like playing in the shallow end and walk around the edges of the pool or a chair. TMI right...

Paige and Parker kept jumping in the pool, hopping out, running to the trampoline, and running around so they could make wet foot prints on the mat. Too much fun.

Well after the kids had dinner and were getting ready for bed, I met some of my great friends from high school for dinner/dessert. We had a WONDERFUL time.

No kids.

No playgrounds.

No diapers.

No potty trips...well that were not my own that is.

Thank you mom and dad! It was greatness...great to be able to catch up and spend some time together.

I am getting together with the same girls...along with our kiddos this time...tomorrow for a swim.

What's a girl to do?

2009-06-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have always been active. Actually I never stop moving and fidgeting, but that is a different story (one of the big reasons Trooper loves our Tempurpedic bed).

In high school I was in Drill Team. In college I was a dance major and was on the kick line. After graduating I worked out at Curves and then a local gym in Rowlett. Once Parker was born, I joined Lady of America (childcare) and started taking classes for the 1st time. When Paige was 6 weeks old, I took my certification class to teach aerobics and have taught (having a free membership) up until about 4 weeks ago.

Since moving in here and not having a gym membership/teaching at a gym, I have had to come up with creative ways to workout here with the kids, not making too much noise for the neighbors downstairs, and still stay in shape.

I jog to the front club house (passing the gym on the way that I cannot use with 3 kids in tow) pushing Paige and Peyton with Parker on the big wheel.

I have done stairs at night after putting the kids to bed.

Today at the pool I even broke out some of the things I used when I taught aqua aerobics classes.

Anything you can do right?!?!

With that said, I am wondering if any of you have suggestions for me...things to do, DVDs to use, or whatever! Remember I have neighbors below and have the the 3 kids (the weeks Trooper is in Dallas) so I cannot go anywhere without them.

I am not looking to teach right now...with going out of town for the summer/finding subs, getting settled here, and not wanting a class until Peyton is down to 1 nap so I can teach mornings...I am not looking for a class for a few more months.

So again...any suggestions out there?!?!?

Crock Pot Breakfast

2009-06-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot remember what blog I saw this on (I checked back on a few I look at regularly and could not find it so who knows), but I stumbled upon it about a month ago and knew I needed to try it.

Crock Pot Oatmeal

1 cup of steal cup oat (must be steal cut)
4 cups of water
dash of salt

Put above in your crock pot, place the lid on, turn on low, go to bed. In the morning your oats are ready for any add in...butter, sugar, honey, agave nectar, cinnamon, dried or fresh fruit, flax seed meal (a.k.a. brown sprinkles in our house), or whatever you want! We had ours with butter, agave nectar, flax seed meal and blueberries today! Yum-O as my mother-in-law (Happy Birthday yesterday by the way) and Rachael Ray would say! Peyton had 8...yes I said 8, serving spoonfuls of it this morning!

If you have a large crock pot like I do, place about 3 cups of water in the crock pot, put a corning wear dish inside that will fit. This will make it like a double boiler and allows it to work in large crock pots. Fill the corning wear dish with oats, water, and salt. Put the lids on and turn on low.

Not Me Monday

2009-06-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week I did not run out of night time diapers for Paige while at my parent's house and use one of Peyton's on her. It also then did not fit my skinny little girl. No, not me.

Speaking of night time diapers. I did not then on purpose leave the diaper off once we got home from my parent's house and Paige then did not wake up every day dry since!!! No, not Paige. No, not me.

Trooper and I did not take the kids to the Austin Farmer's market on Saturday. They did not get to pick out a veggie that they wanted. After playing at the pool later that day, we did not come in and have the veggies for lunch. Parker does not keep asking if the carrots he is eating are market carrots. I then did not buy more carrots at H-E-B when we had ran out of said carrots...and I will surely not keep telling him that those carrots he keep gobbling up are market carrots as well. No, not me.

I did not go to Once Upon A Child to get bows. Again. (This time they really were not all for me...a few were for Avril...the P's cousin). While there I did not find brand new Keds in Paige's size in the style I wanted for 1/4th the price of the new ones from Stride Rite!!!! YES!!! I mean...NO!!! No, not for Avril. No, not for Paige. No, not me!

I did not put breakfast in the crock pot on for Monday morning on to cook Sunday night just before going to bed. Do not stay tuned for that recipe! No, not me!

Now it is your turn to tell me what you did not do this week!

Finally...

2009-05-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Okay...here are the final pictures of the apartment. I hope you enjoy!

Here is Trooper and my room...

What is that behind the red curtain in the corner...

Oh...it is Peyton's "room."

Complete with a waking baby boy!

A little something new

2009-05-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

Parker is our funny little boy. He says the silliest things. So for some fun and so you can know some of the silly things he says, we are adding a sidebar just for his funny quotes. Take a look and enjoy!

It is not so bad...

2009-05-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well we are getting adjusted to life here. I have found that our time here has only been a 3 weeks, but has seemed like so much longer. There are so many adjustments that have been and will still need to be made, but we are hanging in there and doing a pretty good job a staying afloat...if I might say so myself.

I know that I truly and whole hearted miss all of my friends in the Lake Ray Hubbard area.

I miss when having conversation with people, knowing who others are talking about.

I miss the fact that I knew where everything was and did not know have to spend time looking up if and where something might be.

I greatly miss have a garage that is attached to my house...I mean apartment.

I missed our Saturday night ABF at Lake Pointe...

With all of that said...there are things that I am truly loving here in either Austin, the apartment, or both.

I love that the kids and I seem to be getting outside a little more...walks to the park, jogs to the club house, time at the pool, bike rides, and more...I still miss the pool in our HOA, but there the water would not be warm enough to get in comfortably just yet either.

I love that when Trooper is working here in Austin, we have been able to meet him for lunch because it is so close...We have not done that on a regular basis since I was pregnant with Paige.

I love, surprisingly, that we have those stairs to climb without a garage attached. I know that sounds a little crazy, but true in some respects. When we go to and from the car/bikes/pool/whatever we have to bring only what we need and I have to plan more in advance. It is making me be more proactive with planning for our days or outings. Oh, and when I go out and have to buy anything, I have to make sure it is something I want to schlep up 2 flights of stairs.

I am really enjoying having a different grocery store to shop at. I LOVE my Super Target in Rowlett. There is one here, but not close enough for the weekly shopping. I have really liked the HEB here. Great produce. Good prices.

I know that we are in a small 2 bed with study apartment, but I have been really enjoying it. It made us sale furniture that we were not completely in love with. It made us get ride of things that we could not fit. This floor plan also is SO open and has allowed us to just be a family is play time and relax time and not be worried about the projects for the house or yard, cleaning so much, or the bills to pay for all the 2 stories of air that were wasted in the entry/living/dining/and kitchen!!!! I do miss the size of my kitchen though.

I am enjoying the events that seam to be ongoing here. We have found something going on all the time. We already have several things we are looking into that were either not offered, not popular, or too far for us to enjoy as a family....stay toned to see what we did in an upcoming post.

I am equally excited about what plans that the Lord has in store for us in the coming days, weeks, months, and years here in Austin.

Not Me Monday

2009-05-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week while at the pool, I did not pull the lounge chair in the water so I could sit and read a magazine while P1 and P2 swam and P3 walked around the chair. No, not me.

When leaving the above pool trip, I did not watch my daughter throw a fit. She did not proceed to throw her towel into the water. I then did not tell her she needed to bring it to me. She then did not obey me. I surely did not congratulate her on making wise choices all the while not turning my head and laughing at the faces she was making while working so hard to pull the heavy towel. Not, not Paige. No, not me.

After retrieving the towel from Paige, wringing it out, and carrying it along with the 2 bags and the baby, I them did not give Paige a life jacket to carry. She did not then, about 15 feet later start to throw another fit about wanting to carry something different. She then did not proceed to pitch a fit about it for the next few minutes as I was able to get her across the street to our building, but still holding onto the life jacket I had her carry. No, not Paige. No, not me.

While at the park (the same day as above) for dinner, Paige did not decide it was the perfect time to have to go #2 in her Dora panties. Trooper and I had also not just used all the wipes up but 1. I then did not go to the car, find her panties, a sample package of 4 wipes that were stuck in Peyton's bag for over a year, and proceed to clean her put. She also did not get it on her skirt a little, so I totally did not just send her out to play for another 45 minutes in her shirt and clean Dora panties. I am also totally not thankful to MY Lord and Savior for the wipes and the fact that Paige had on a skirt instead of a dress like 95% of the time. No, not Paige. No, not me!

After putting the kids to bed (same night as above), I did not have a small glass of wine with our movie. I did not then forget to put the glass away. The following morning, Paige then did not find the glass. She then did not bite a chunk out of the glass and hand it to Trooper. No, not Paige. No, not me!
Oh the joys of children! You have to love them!

Hot Potato!

2009-05-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

What is that...4 baked potatoes? What am I going to do with 4 baked potatoes to feed my family of 5 for 3 different meals you might ask...Well let me show you!

First...of course...I baked the potatoes in foil in the oven until soft.

Day 1...baked potatoes with squash puree, cheese, S&P, green onion on Paige and mine, and butter. This evening Trooper was not home se the kids and I only used 2 of the smaller potatoes for the 4 of us.
Yes this is Paige eating green onion...a girl after her Grumpy's heart! She did it more than once too!

Day 2...brinner (breakfast for dinner you non-Scrub watching blog viewers)...we had breakfast burritos with eggs, beans, cheese, bacon, salsa, whole wheat tortillas, and one chopped up potato.

Day 3...twice baked potatoes. I was not here that evening (GNO...Girls Night Out). Before I left I used the largest of the potatoes and cut it in half, scooped out most (but not all...must leave a little around the sinks for it to hold together) of the flesh, added butter, cheese, squash puree, S&P. I topped with a little more cheese and baked until warm. I was told they were great...I did not tell Troop until later that there was squash! He did not even notice!
Yes, Paige has green onions on top and yes she also ate some straight that day as well! Gotta love her!

Happy eating

"One of those days"

2009-05-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

***FYI, Round 2 of 3 of apartment pictures at the bottom***

We have all had "one of those days" every now and then. Well today was "one of those days"...well maybe not exactly.

Usually when I talking about having "one of those days," I am referring to the day where you wish you had work to go to, wish it was a mother's day out day, wish your older kids took 2 naps still, wish your baby did not learn to crawl just yet, wish you could have a little glass of mommy juice with snack time (or lunch or at the park or...), wish that The Little Engine That Could was either shorter or the kids did not realize that you skipped a page on purpose, or what ever you happen to be wishing at the moment.

Well today I am not referring to "one of THOSE days," but I am referring to "one of those HAPPY/GREAT/WONDERFUL/FUN days." It was just an all around great day. If you must know how we spent our happy, great, wonderful, fun day...well just keep on reading...

We woke up (yes it was 7 something...better than 6 something that is for sure), ate breakfast. If you must know...cinnamon toast, bacon, eggs, banana, strawberries, and milk. After eating we had some play/get ready time. Then it was off to Hobby Lobby for round 2 this week. We went to pick up Peyton's 1 year picture from being framed. While there I let the kids pick out a craft to do...they picked patriotic pinwheels to make.

When we arrived home, Peyton went down for nap. Parker and Paige were about to jump out of their seat with excitement upon craft time. We made our craft, played with them on the patio, against the fan, waving through the air, and just blowing them to get them to turn...who knew the would be the great hit of the day!

I made lunch. If you again must know...broccoli, carrots, dip, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, avocado, the kids also had whole wheat quesadilla with squash puree and cheese, salad with this (look towards the bottom of the post...Peyton and Parker liked...Paige, surprisingly, not so much) on top for me and on the side for the kids, and a few red and orange bell peppers for myself as well. We washed it all down with milk and/or water.

Afterwards we changed, put on lotion, and gathered our things for a trip to the pool. We had a blast! No one else was in the pool...2 people were laying out, but too far for us to get them wet. We were there for an hour and a half. It was great...be sure to look for a few Not Me Mondays from that trip!

Then it was nap time! Oh great and wonderful nap time! They all went down PERFECT!!! It was greatness!

After nap we had a smoothie...banana, frozen organic peach, and V8 Fusion if you must know what kind...and Trooper came home just in time to have himself some smoothie as well.

We had some wonderful play time...a few books, stacking/knocking down/juggling of blocks, rolling of balls, and few trips on the human airplane airline courtesy of me!

Then we were off to the video store, to grab a pizza, and to head to a local park. We ate and played our tails off. Again, watch for a few more Not Me Mondays from here!

We arrived home just before 8. It was clean up for all...and kiddos to bed. Trooper and I enjoyed our movie and I am just about to hope into bed.

I just wanted to share my day...for being "one of those days" in a very great and wonderful way. I look forward to having more this weekend and days to come. I hope your holiday weekend is filled with a few of "one of those days" as well!

Here are some of round 2 of 3 of the apartment. They are of the kitchen, area from kitchen to patio doors, and Parker and Paige's room. Final installment will be of Study/Peyton's room and Master! Until then, enjoy!

Numbers

2009-05-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I did my numbers post a few months ago. Trooper thought it was weird. I like it and so did others...so here we go again!

4...the age of my oldest, the floor my apartment is on, the number of #2s of Peyton's I changed today before 12:30

1...days until I pick up Peyton's 1 year picture from being framed.

80, no 60, no 40...the number of nails I am in charge of cutting. I check 40 that I do not cut. Parker will only let Trooper cut them and Paige...well the girl eats anything and I have not had to cut any of her nails in months...gross!

4 1/2 the number of sweet potato pancakes Peyton had for breakfast...3 of his, 1 of mine, and Parker even shared 1/2 of his with his ever hungry brother

46...the number of inches in Trooper's new TV...I think

1...the number of days until my first GNO here in Austin

6...the days until my play date with Amy...from Rockwall

1 1/2...the hours we spent at a play date with Lynsey...friend from Belton

0...the number of things my kids broke at the play date

3...the number of happy kids after a great morning of sand, bubbles, swing, wagon ride, and playroom time after the play date, the number of loads of laundry I have done today and the number of kids sleeping...nap time...right now!

That is it for now...off to fold those clothes!

My Favorite Smoothie

2009-05-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ever since Parker was little, he did not want to eat his veggies...he is still that way, but will eat them a little better now. Paige eats TONS of veggies. Peyton is eating his great too.

Anyways...I have always looked for ways to put more veggies and different fruits in their diets (Parker only really eats a few choice fruits well either). When V8 Fusion came out...I started buying it for Parker. I have always done 1/2 water and 1/2 juice (too many sugars otherwise). It took a little getting used to at first, but is so much better for you. The kids do not know any different now. Trooper and I drink it as well. That is all I give them as a choice. I also know it is not as good as the whole fruit or veggie and a cup of water!

When the book Deceptively Delicious came out...I bought it! We make something from the book or my own creation about 8-14 times a week. Below is one of my favorites...I will share more soon!

Here is a little recipe for my favorite smoothies...

2 ripe bananas or 2 handfulls of any berries
1 cup of frozen fruit (peaches or mango are our favorite...berries are good when they are out of season)
1 cup of V8 fusion (this has a serving of fruit and veggies in every cup) or 1 cup of carrot juice
a few ice cubes or cruched ice

Blend in the blender...serves 4 people about 6oz each

Not Me Monday

2009-05-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

No, I did not let my 4 1/2 year old who usually only takes a 1 hour nap take a 2 to 2 1/2 hour nap 4 out of the 5 weekdays last week just so I could get things unpacked, hung on the wall, or put away. No, not me.

No, I did not live out of a suit case, Target ego bag, off my dresser, out of 3 different boxes, closet, and whatever happened to be clean in the laundry basket for 8 days until I had the time to unpack and put it all away. No, not me.

No, I did not in an effort to make the apartment feel more like home, take 3 kids to Hancock Fabrics and buy fabric for Parker and Paige's bed and curtains, the curtain to separate Peyton from Trooper and my room, and curtains for my room. I then did not proceed to then make curtains with said fabric before I had even unpacked my bags of clothes...see above not me... No, not me.

No, I did not take my kids to the pool 2 different times by myself. Upon finishing our pool time, I did not then put all 4 of us in the pool shower (off to the side to wash away pool water). While in the shower, I then did not pull out the shampoo, conditioner, and pre-soaped baby wash cloths (I have had those since Parker was born...finally found a great use for them!) to wash all 4 of us off. I then did not on the 2nd occasion also bring my intuition razor out and shave my legs. All of this was not done in an effort to save my time/sanity/clean(ish) apartment from having to drag 3 wet kids and myself in, bathe us off, and then try to get dinner. No, not me. ***fyi...we really did keep our suits on...we did not go that far***

No, I did not take my kiddos on a ride in the double jogging stroller (P2 and P3) and P1 on the big wheel to the club house for the sole purpose for P1 and P2 to play on http://www.starfall.com/, but the real reasons for going were not so that I could #1 get a little workout on the jog over and #2 so I could have a cup of coffee and sit and watch Peyton try to take a few steps without 3 kids messing up the living room/playroom/kitchen areas. No, not me.

All Settled in

2009-05-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday we are all settled in here. It took just over a week, but we are all unpacked, pictures up, and curtains up in the bedrooms. Plus all of the boxes are broken down, trash is tossed or recycled, and the Goodwill load is in the car. We still have a little to unpack/organize in our detached garage...in there is military and Christmas. It is supposed to be able to fit a car in the detached garage...right now, maybe a smart car, but not the suburban for sure. We just have to move a few things around to make the room though.

Here are a few pics...of our view, the living/playroom/kitchen(not pictured). More to come in following days.

Today we visited a church today and really enjoyed it. It was the second time we visited this church. Tomorrow I am getting together with some of the moms that are in MOPS together. MOPS is over, but they are having play dates every other week for the remainder of the summer/until MOPS started up again.

Well today the blog is short and not too much info...look for more with my Not Me Monday post tomorrow! Enjoy your Sunday!

"Healthier" Sugar Cookies

2009-05-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Recipe below...

Well...since moving into the apartment We have had a little battle with Paige. At the old house we had door locks on several of the doors. Here at the apartment, the knobs are handles and we do not have any of those locks on just yet.

One of the doors she gets into is the pantry. If is not huge, but I keep moving sprinkles higher because she keep getting into them. Yesterday she moved the step stool over to the pantry so she could reach them. Today it was the bar stool. After that, I told her we could make cookies and use sprinkles.

While Peyton was taking his morning nap we made the dough for the sugar cookies. We then put it into the fridge to chill. After all 3 kids took an afternoon nap, we rolled out the dough and cut out our sugar cookies...yes Paige got to put on her sprinkles. Now, I have been trying hard to be sure I make the healthiest choices I can for my family. I know cookies are not the best and good for an occasional treat, but still...white processed flour, butter, sugar...not a my thighs best friend. So here is my version of sugar cookies and are "healthier." Well they do have less fat, calories, and tons on fiber for sure, plus they tasted good!

1 1/2 t of baking powder
1/2 t of salt
1 cup (Next time I am going to try less)
3 cups of whole wheat flour (was regular white flour)
1 c margarine or light butter...I use Land O Lakes (was real butter)
1 egg
3 T of milk (was cream)
1 t of vanilla

***If you are rolling and using cookies cutters, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and don't forget to roll out onto a floured counter top***

Mix all of above (sift dry to get out any chunks). Chill in fridge until cold. Roll out and cut into shapes or when you put in fridge roll into a log (or as Parker says...a big giant worm...Paige says, Oh, a snake!) and slice. Put on sprinkles if you choose. Bake at 400 for about 6-8 minutes!

Challenge

2009-05-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Challenge...

No, I am not talking about 3 kids in a 2 bedroom apartment.

No, I am not talking about 2 flights of stairs to go to the car, park, or pool.

No, I am not talking about 3 flights of stairs to go on a walk, jog, or bike ride.

No, I am not talking about being with our Trooper during the week for 3 weeks per month.

No, I am not talking about taking care of 3 kids...one wanting to always be right or have it his way. Another wanting to push the baby over, hug him while his fast in pressed into the floor, or chew on and destroy everything. The final one wants to be held at all the hard times, gets out of his high chair buckles, and likes to play in potty water.

No, I am not talking about being a stay at home mom.

No, I am not talking about finding to workout other than going on a jog with the kids since I have to watch out for people down stairs and I do not have a gym membership with childcare and Trooper is gone during the week so I cannot use the gym at the complex.

What AM I talking about...

My Snack Challenge!!!!

Since getting pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, and breastfeeding, I have developed a habit of snacking. It has not been a problem...until now. I have known this is coming for some time now, but that does not make it easier. Now, when I say snack, it has never been the healthiest option. What did it really matter?!!?!?! I was working out, eating well otherwise, and it was for the baby...right??? Well now it is all for ME!!! I have to keep telling myself that. Luckily here at the apartment I cannot go out and grab something to snack on as easily. So my real challenge is at the store...

Oh the joy of Kids, the snacks I ate for them, the habits I made for them, the weight I gained and lost for them and the NEW habit I must make so my thighs do not embarrass them (or me!),

Oh the Joy

2009-05-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Well we have been here in Austin without Trooper for 2 days now. It is an adventure. The kids...wow...I know 3 kids can be a hard thing, but 3 without a break...it is all about the mindset. I know when have have (or had) my normal day in Rowlett I was ON until the moment Trooper came home. Then, I could relax in the thought that I was not the lone parent at home for the moment.

When Trooper was still doing Army Drill last year or was out of town on business, it was the same thing. The mindset had to be there for the weekend. Once Trooper was home or almost home, the pressure or my tolerance would change.

I know I have to keep praying and keep that mindset in check while Trooper is gone. Keep those prayers coming for me too!

In an apartment (as I am finding out now since the closest I have ever been to living in an apartment is the college dorm) you have to watch out for the noise you are making above for the people below...that is a hard thing to teach 2 preschoolers and a baby that is thinking about walking one day. But you know what though...when you down size the place you live from a 4 bedrooms with 2 dining, 3 living, 2 1/2 baths, and an office to an apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 dining, 1 living, 2 baths, and a study used for the baby room...well there is a whole lot less to clean! Not that I have really been cleaning that much over the last 5 days other than under where the kids are eating.

Anyways...

In an apartment WITH 3 KIDS you must get out of here often. You cannot send the kids to the backyard...unless you want Paige going over. You cannot send them to the garage to ride their bikes in the rain...that would require me getting the bikes out of the bike lock, putting them in my car, and taking them to my garage unit near the club house...and where would my kids be?!?! If you get to the car or downstairs for that matter and forget you sunglasses, there is no putting the kids in the car and running back in to get them.

So far we have done well. Our unit is the next to farthest away from the club house. We have got on Parker's big wheel and the double jogging stroller and taken a ride/jog to the front. While there, Parker and Paige play on www.starfall.com and I have a cup of coffee or tea and Peyton plays with the pool table balls. Then we jog/ride back. We take about an hour round trip and the kids love it! I am going to keep that up as long as I can.

This is also a good little workout for me since for the 1st time since having kids I am without a gym with childcare. We have a gym here, but no one to watch my kids...here Paige, run off some steam on the bike will you? Parker, will you spot Peyton on the bench...I have looked into a few gyms to work at, but I really just want to take a little break. I remember teaching morning classes when Paige was under 18 months and still taking that morning nap...those were not always good days. So, I am going to see about getting into a gym working come this fall...about the time Peyton will drop that nap!

I know it has been forever since I have put pictures up. I promise I will by the end of the week...I need to get a little more unpacking done. Today was setting up the big kids room and making Peyton's curtain. As you read above, he is in the study. The study is in our room. There is a doorway to his room from our room, but no door. I took all 3 kiddos to Hancock Fabrics to buy fabric for the "door." It is already up!!! That was a must.

Tomorrow...clean out laundry room and hang P1 and P2 curtains. Well that and watch/read to/play with my 3 little Ps.

As for right now...it is off to bed!

Not Me Monday

2009-05-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Back at it with McMama's Not Me Monday's

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not take over 4 hours over 2 days just to get my kitchen under control after the unpack on Friday and Saturday. Not after Trooper had spent about 2 hour actually unpacking about 90% of the kitchen. No, not me.

I did not flip out when I arrived at my parent's house and they have a TV and Computer. In flipping out and finally feeling connected I then did not join facebook to feel even more connected. I also did not then wonder, "When am I going to have time for that...I already blog...and am behind in pictures for that as well." No, not me.

I did not do a little happy dance at my parent's house when Trooper called and said he already got the laptop and I was not going to have to wait until we got it at Memorial Day Weekend. No, not me.

I did not have Trooper plug in our old DVR from Rowlett to that we could catch up on Lost and Office that we did not have a chance to see before selling our old TV. No, not me.

On Wednesday, I did not forget to pull out Parker's T-ball stuff for his final game of the season. Then, I did not have to go through and open boxes that the movers had already packed that morning in order to find it. I did not, though, only have to cut into one box since the labeled well. No, not me.

I did not forget to tell Trooper that Peyton took his first step on Wednesday until Friday. No, not me.

I did not have a wonderful mother's day. Trooper did not make breakfast for me (whole wheat toast, my dad's fresh eggs cooked over medium...I think...yum-o), and take me out to lunch after church. When we got back home, he did not left me take a nap while he tried to get Parker and Paige to take one as well. While I was napping, he did not DO THE LAUNDRY!!! Then he did not let me get away and go to the gym for a little while. No, not me. No not Trooper. No, I do not love him and the kids who all helped me become a mother.

I am not sitting here after going to the gym and wal-mart and then stay up to write this post and instead of delaying that post for "Monday"...well for me it is not Monday. No, not me.

We are out!

2009-05-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

Signed, sealed, and almost delivered.

We were packed yesterday, loaded and signed today, and will be moved in tomorrow.

It is real, but I don't think it has hit me.

Driving the big kids to school this morning I realized it was my last time to go across the lake to FBC Rockwall. It was my last time to sit in the drop off line. It was my last time to roll down the window and tell the kids that I love them and to have a great day.

After coming home from dropping off the kids, Peyton and I cleaned, packed a few things and loaded them in my car. Peyton took a nap. I cleaned. We both ate. We cleaned again. Trooper came home and we closed things out on the house, then were off to the signing.

15 minutes later, with copies in hand, we were done with signing and Trooper was on his way to get Parker and Paige from school. They then went on toward Belton. Peyton went with me to a doctor's appointment and then we were about an hour behind them.

I am sitting at my parent's house right now. Paige and Peyton are asleep here. Parker and Trooper are in Austin getting things settled before the truck comes tomorrow. I also have word that we have our computer now...pictures coming...some time next week...

Off to Austin we go...

Roweltt/Rockwall we will not forget...and Emily, I will still call you every morning at 8:30...Carissa I know you are not until at least 9.

Thank you all so much for your prayers...please keep them coming!

Little blog break

2009-05-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well from pictures at least.

Last Friday and Saturday Trooper and I had a HUGE garage sale. We sold a truck load of stuff that we are not taking with us. In that we sold our computer. As you can see I am still trying to update the blog...I am not adding pictures though. We should be getting our laptop Memorial weekend. So until then any updates may be short or far between!

Well the movers are coming tomorrow (Wednesday) to pack our house. I have not really come to accept that this is really happening. I was leaving a message for a friend on the phone and said something about me going out of town on Thursday...I am not just going out of town...I am leaving and moving and breaking away from my comfort zone.

Some of my friends and I got together for Girls Night Out on Sunday evening. It was great to get together. As I looked around the group...all of the girls were in my very first ABF at Lake Pointe. We all spend several years together before the class split. We all had babies, scrapbooked, took food to each other, went on retreats, talked each other through miscarriages and surprise babies, and just did life. Looking around the table of girls, not many remain in the same ABF or even church, but we are all still close. When we get together it is like time has not passed. It was a special class where we met, a special night we had together, and a wonderful group of girls that I will SO miss.

Yes, I cried.

Yes, I am crying now.

I know that my time here in Rowlett is coming closer and closer to a close. I also know that this is God's will for us. We have had friends and family that love us ask out of concern about our moving now. Trooper and I prayed about this and the Lord answered above and beyond...IT IS MY WILL! That being from the kids getting into preschool to the quick house sale to the huge garage sale success and more. We are so blessed to be #1 in the Lord's will and #2 to have so many people who love and care for us. Please continue to pray for us as well.

Well...time for bed...the movers will be here to pack my home very soon...

The end is sight

2009-04-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well we will be leaving the Dallas/Lake Ray Hubbard area very soon. A week from today we sign papers on our house. We will be packed next Wednesday, loaded next Thursday, and our things will arrive (minus the liquids and any bullets!) on Friday in Austin. It has not hit me just yet that we are truly leaving.

8 1/2 years...we have lived in Rowlett. In that time, Trooper bought our 1st house. We got married. I did student teaching. Trooper took and passed his PE (professional engineering exam). I tought Algebra 1, Cheerleading, Dance, and Drill Team. Trooper joined the Army. We got pregnant and had Parker. Trooper went to Iraq. We got pregnant on R&R. I had a misscarriage after he went back to Iraq. Trooper came home and we got pregnant with Paige. I was on bedrest for 6 1/2 weeks for the 2nd trimester. We became a family of 4. I started staying home when Paige was 3 1/2 months old and watched a friend's baby. I started teaching aerobics. We decided to move...just to a bigger home. I had surgery. Stopped watching friend's baby. Started taking the kids to story time at the library We went on a cruise with friends. Parker started soccer tots. We got wonderful surprise of being pregnant with Peyton. We had Peyton. Trooper made associate at work. Paige started speech. The kids started music class. Parker started t-ball. We put our house on the market. Now we are moving.

Those are the highlights, but they do not even begin to tell the story.

It does not tell of the friendships that I have, Trooper has, or the kids have. It does not tell of the friends that Parker prays for every evening or on the way to school. It does not tell of the friends that Paige calls their name as we are driving near their house when we are not even going by. It does not tell of the places in my mind that I see my babies crawling, standing, going up stairs, walking, being potty trianed, talking with sign language, eating, learning to use a cup, playing at parks, feeding the ducks, joining me on another OB visit, or being brought home from the hospital.

No, above are just the highlights between doing life. Not that the higlights are not life, but just that they are a marker of life. Marking the beginning of something new or a change. Or making an event. The life moments are the things that will love on in my heart and mind. The things that I will ever cherish and take with me as I (and my family) move on.

The end is in sight....the end of our time here. I will still love and cherish so many people here in the Lake Ray Hubbard area. They have been like family to us. They have loved us and us them. We know that we will, in time, make new friends, but we will not just think of our wonderful friends here as highlights from a time ago, but as those that we did life with a time ago.

I never...

2009-04-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

I never put up Peyton's 1 year picture and info...Trooper just wiped out our computer (selling in a moving sale the weekend) and I was able to pull it off the external hard drive! Mark, Bobby, and Trooper, above all, should be proud of me!

Back to the info...Peyton is 28 1/2 inches (just under 10%) and 18 pounds 11 ounces (just under 5%). No failure to thrive because he did gain some weight since the 9 month visit. The doctor did ask if he ate well. If that might be a reason why he is not that heavy...I thought of that comment at dinner last week (just a few hours after the visit). Peyton ate over 3/4 of a chicken breast, 1/2 a banana, 2 bell pepper strips, homemade sweet potato baby food with rice cereal, then drank about 6oz of breast milk from his cup. Oh and all but one bite of a 2 fajita size tortilla cheese quesadilla. Does he have an eating problem...no! He eats more than I do some times!

Honestly I was never worried about the weight. Parker and Paige are now and have always been thin. Remember me saying this about Paige's weight and this about Parker's from this past fall. Neither one of the had made it above 50% since sometime before their 2 month visit years ago. The height though was very different. He is a lot shorter than Paige and Parker who were in the 85-95% at 1 year. Every baby is different and I would not take it ANY other way. He is my little man who still loves to cuddle so him being the size of a 9 month old works out just fine with me!

My little Sweety

2009-04-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sweety Potato that is!

The kids love to help me cook. When I say love, I mean L-O-V-E! I cannot make a PB&J with out tripping over a stool that the kids are using while "helping you cook" as Paige says. I don't care if it is heating a steamer bag (who else LOVES those!!!), making sweet potato pancakes, heating chicken nuggets, putting bread/waffles in the toaster, making something (any suggestions for tonight?) for dinner, or even opening a cheese stick, Parker and Paige have pulled up a chair or stool and are there. Peyton...well now days he is either still napping/asleep or he is holding onto my leg.

While at my parents a few weeks back the kids helped my make sweet potato fries with a home grown Sweet Potato from Jami's dad's (Grumpy) garden. How does Jami make her fries? Glad you asked...

First...peal potato (optional)

Second...cut into desired fry size and shape

Third...toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder...do not crowd...you may need 2 pans

Fourth...place in a 450 oven for about 15 minutes

Fifth...take out and toss (don't use your hands Vicki)

Sixth...place back in the oven for another 15 minutes or until done.

Seventh...and last...(TURN OFF OVEN VICKI) Take out of oven and enjoy! Just like my baby is!

Kids...

2009-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

I know that a lot of us have kids (or maybe just 1). They are a hard blessing. They are a sweet blessing. They are a mess of a blessing. They can be an unexpected blessing. They are a blessing to others beyond mom and dad. NO, I am not about to tell you I am having #4...I still have a few years left on my IUD. I was just enjoying and loving my kids today.

I am currently down at my parent's house in Belton. On Wednesday Peyton got sick in his bed and had a fever (cut 1st top tooth on Tuesday afternoon after morning shots!) from cutting tooth. Paige...well was being Paige. She only broke 2 things (a cross and a plastic bike that I rode when I was young)...no potty accidents though. Parker was great...other than wanting everything his way and pushing his sister and dragging his brother out of the way to get it done just right for Parker.

At the end of the evening after the kids were all in bed my dad said, " I hope tomorrow is a better day for you."

I responded, "Today was great...pretty normal, but thanks!" Oh, the life of a mom with little ones!

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day to all!

When I was young, as kids we were to keep kitchen scraps (for the chickens in the backyard...I never even bought eggs until I was 19...I am a little of an egg snob, too...only free range and/or organic or from my dad's backyard...not my mom's backyard...she does not claim those square feet of the yard as hers). We collected cans. We saved our bags from the stores. Our cans were saved and crushed. We even reused freezer baggies. Some if it was good for chickens, good for wallet, and good for earth. We all need and should do our part to help our our plant...as humans as well as Christians.

So do what you can today, tomorrow, and every day to show the Lord we are thankful for the world he has given us. Be a faithful servant to the Lord and show others even in how you treat our plant. I know that our church even started recycling unwanted/unwanted portions of bulletins to help out out plant. Every little bit from everyone helps out plant and our temporary home here on earth. Treat her well!

Matthew 25:21'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Move thoughts...

2009-04-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

16 days until we sign papers...I am getting a little nervous and anxious. We have lived in Rowlett for 8 1/2 years. We know where things are. We have friends and a church we love. We think of this place as home. We are leaving very soon to move onto a new chapter of our lives.

I know that the Lord has made this plan for us and has us going now for a reason and with a purpose. We have had so many of you express concern and love for us and our transition. Please continue to pray for us. We know that the Lord will see us through this time...that may be with his strength or him sending someone to help...or anywhere in between.

If you are in the Lake Ray Hubbard area with us right now, we love you all SO much and will miss everyone. You have been our family and friends over the past 8 1/2 years.

Trooper and I have talked about this several times. When we were in college, we (and most people) make friends quickly because everyone is in the same boat of not knowing anyone/many people. After getting married though...it seamed to take a long time to make friends. Those friends though...are the strongest friendships I think that I have ever had!

About a year and a half ago we changed from Sunday morning to Saturday nights at our same church. We had our reasons at the time (wanting to go with 3 kids to get out the door in the evening vs. early morning was the big one). We soon found out afterwards that the Lord had a plan for us as well in making the switch. We found a WONDERFUL ABF to join. We have loved every minute of being there. I don't think I have laughed so hard as when being around some of you. In doing so, the Lord showed us (and mainly me) that we don't have to be afraid of moving and not being able to make those friendships and relationship. That can and will still happen for us. Trooper and I feel so much better about that aspect of the move since we have grown so close to so many people we did not even know 16 months ago.

We know that this move will be a long and hard road for us to get settled, find a church home, get Paige in speech, get Parker and Paige in preschool, have Trooper in Austin full time, find and buy a house, make the house and Austin our home. Through that though...we know that we have someone very special on our side that is guiding and seeing up through the whole process...and carrying me through it as well. Thank you Lord for being there!

For always being there.

Blowing out the candle

2009-04-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

As promised...here is us singing to Peyton for his birthday...and him putting the candle out with his fingers! Enjoy!

Peyton's Party

2009-04-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Peyton's 1st birthday party. Check back tomorrow for the video of us singing to him and him putting the candle out with his hand!!!

Peyton is ONE!!!

2009-04-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

Peyton turns 1 today! Here is a little picture to remember the day he was born and him, now a year old!

Congrats baby boy! We all love you!

Little Move Info...

2009-04-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked about our move plans. We had planned on moving to Belton with my folks for a few months then heading to Austin to buy a house or rent an apartment. After looking at several things (Trooper's company is paying to move us one time, getting Parker and Paige in preschool next school year...Great Hills Baptist Church Austin..., Paige in speech, and several others) we decided to move straight down to Austin.

We are renting an apartment (prayers right there please with 3 kids, 3rd floor, 2 bedrooms and an office/Peyton's room) in Austin. There, I do not want to have to worry about a new house, any fix-ups, any repairs, yard work, or all the other normal things that come with owning a home with Trooper is not working in Austin 100%. Plus side...the apartment has a playground and a pool within 50 yards of the apartment! Trooper will be there on weekends and the 4-6 days a month he works there. Over the reminder of 2009, his time in Austin will increase and he will be with us more often. Once Troop is in Austin 100% we will then get a house.

Thanks for all of your prayers in the past, present, and please...keep them coming for the future!

Palm Sunday

2009-04-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we were in Belton (after Trooper working in Austin on Friday) for church. They had 3 donkeys in honor of Palm Sunday. We are not surprised with Paige, but Parker we are shocked! It is not like him, but then again, the past 2 months has has hod better with Grumpy's (Jami's dad) chickens. Enjoy Easter tomorrow! Oh...below the pictures there is also a recipe for an Easter cookie that you can do with your kids to explain the Easter story...again Enjoy!

Easter Cookies

Make these cookies just before bed the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. Encourage your children to participate as much as they are able as you make these together, reflecting on Christ’s love for us.

Adapted from a forwarded email received in 2006

You will need:

1 C whole pecans
these recipe cards
1 t vinegar
zipper sandwich bag
3 egg whites
wooden spoon
pinch salt
tape
1 C sugar
wax or parchment paper
1 t vanilla

Step 1

Preheat oven to 300° degrees. It is important to do this now. Don't wait until you’re halfway through the recipe.

Step 2

Place the pecans in the sandwich bag and seal. Instruct child to break the pecans into small pieces, using the wooden spoon to beat the bag.

Say:
After Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. John 19:1-3 says, “Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. ‘Hail! King of the Jews!’ they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.” NLT

Step 3

Encourage child to smell the vinegar.
Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into a mixing bowl.

Say:
When Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given a vinegar-tasting drink. John 19:28-30 says, “Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.” NLT

Step 4

Add egg whites to the vinegar.

Say:
These eggs represent life. Jesus gave His life, so we can have life. In John 10:10-11 Jesus says, “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” CEV

Step 5

Sprinkle a little salt into child’s hand.
Let child taste it before brushing the rest into the bowl.

Say:
This represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers. Luke 23:27 tells us, “A large crowd was following Jesus, and in the crowd a lot of women were crying and weeping for him.” CEV

Step 6

Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 heaping teaspoon of vanilla.

Say:
The sweetest part of Easter is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” NLT John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV

Step 7

Mix on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks to form.

Say:
The color white represents, the purity (in God’s eyes) of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord says, “Come now, let’s settle this. Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. NLT
John 3:1-3 tells us, “There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’” NLT

Step 8

Fold in the broken nuts.
Drop by teaspoonful onto paper lined cookie sheet.

Say:
Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Matthew 27:57-60 tells us that, “As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.” NLT

Step 9

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, and turn the oven off.
“Seal” the oven door with a small piece of tape.

Say:
Jesus' tomb was sealed. In Matthew 27:65-66 “Pilate replied, ‘Take guards and secure it the best you can.’ So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.” NLT

Step 10

Go to bed.

Say:
We may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were sad, too, when the tomb was sealed. In John 16:20, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” NLT In verse 22, Jesus says, “You are now very sad. But later I will see you, and you will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel.” CEV

Easter Morning

Open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Say:
Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Matthew 28:1-9 says that, “Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Continues on next page

Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.’ The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.” NLT

Take time to thank God for the gift of Easter.

Peter Piper Pizza

2009-04-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

On Monday we had a 2nd showing on our house so the kids and I went to Peter Piper Pizza to wait it out...and have lunch.

One more thing...that 2nd showing paid off...they are the ones that bought our house!

Almost 1

2009-04-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Peyton is almost 1. I cannot believe that. Just a year ago I was pregnant. Just a year ago I could not wait for my next doctor's appointment to see if and when he would be coming out! Just almost year ago, I lost my keys in the bluebonnets while big pregnant and chasing after Paige. Almost a year ago I started feeding my last baby for the first time...I cannot believe this chapter of my life is almost over.

I have been pregnant/breastfeeding/both for over 5 years (except for 5 weeks between finishing with Parker and getting pregnant with Paige). I don't really know or remember what it is like to have my body to myself...I sure don't remember what it is like to go to the bathroom by myself before 8 p.m.!

I was talking to my friend Kristi yesterday. I asked if her baby (#3) is going to preschool next year and she did not think so...he will be 2 1/2. Her twins are and have been in preschool for years. I told her I totally understand...my luck I will be the one breastfeeding her last baby breakfast until he is 3. Just knowing you are done having little ones...it makes it that much harder to let go of them being a baby. I just want to make it last a little longer. Luckily he is my smallest and my cuddlier so that is VERY easily done. With Parker and Paige...thier birthday was their last day to feed. Peyton...that is the plan and we are down to 2 feeding a day. We already have the sippy cup down so he is getting pumped milk in there that was saved. Other than that...we will see what next week holds!

T-Ball Parker

2009-04-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Parker and T-ball...

Kids being Kids

2009-03-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here is some video of Trooper spinning the kids at the park on the swings a few weeks ago...
Peyton

Paige

Parker

Hat day and Prayer Request

2009-03-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

It was Hat Day at preschool at the beginning of the month...here are Parker and Paige's Pictures...

I don't know how many of you look around at other people's blogs that you do not even know, but I have one that you need to look at and pray for...I usually follow this blog daily, but I have not looked in over a week. What a difference a week can make. Please look and pray for Jennifer (McMama), her family, and for 5 month old baby Stellan.

I know, I know, It has been FOREVER since a post!!! Peyton 11 months old

2009-03-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

I know guys...it has been forever since a post. The house went on the market, we were out of town for a week, and we have been busy keeping the house up to par with 3 kids running around so blog posts have taken a back seat. Right now the house is clean and there is nothing on the to do for the moment so...

Peyton turned 11 months old (2 weeks ago). He was 28 1/2 inches long and 18 pounds 10 ounces. Here is his picture...

Check back this week for more pictures and updates...

Music Class

2009-03-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are a few clips of the kids...

Parker Singing...with Peyton crawling on Ms. Kami and Paige...well being Paige in the backgroind since I could not get either one since I was taping Parker.

Paige singing...a little during and after. She is also trying to play the microphone like one of the sticks.

Peyton playing along to the beat with the sticks.

All 3 kids love the drums!

Thank Ms. Kami for fun during performance week!

***Just a Potty Paige update...she was dry and clean in panties ALL DAY AT SCHOOL!!! Even after nap time! Big girl!!!***

Potty Paige...round 3

2009-03-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well I think she has it...is at least working on it! I tried to see about this time last year, this summer before preschool started, and over the Christmas holiday if Paige wanted to potty train (no diapers on during the day/lots of water/praise and treats for being dry and clean as well as successes). She did not. I was then going to go again spring break. Since we moved up the house sell, I decided to just hold off for a bit to see how long it too before doing the potty thing again. All along I have been putting her on the potty before bath time, before bed/nap, and a little after breakfast. Before last Thursday we had had 1 #1 and a few #2s.

As of Thursday night after bath...we had 3 #1s.

Friday while home (no bottoms on while home), we had no accidents in the house!

Saturday we had no accidents, but put on a diaper for church to be safe. She even woke up from nap dry!

Sunday no accidents again! We went out to eat and put a diaper on, she was dry when we got home and asked to go potty once while there! Oh, and dry after nap again!

Today...BIG GIRL PANTIES!! We even when to music class...dry and clean the whole time while in panties. I had an aerobic class that I was subbed...dry and clean the whole time in her panties. She did have one accident with a #2 while running to the potty from outside just before bed.

Not too bad for our little/big girl.

Stay tuned...music class videos from performance week coming tomorrow...

Potty Paige...again and some news...

2009-03-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well here is a Paige update on potty time...did #2 once yesterday, #1 2 times today, and has kept her diaper on when she has not made it to the potty. See this post if you are a little confused. Since Paige did not do well with potty training over the Christmas break, I was going for another round come Spring Break. Since we are putting our house up on the market a few days before Spring Break, I was just going to pass on that until we were settled. Of course, that is when she would be interested. Fine with me though...as long as it gets done!

On the house comment...if you have not heard, we are going to be moving down to Austin area sometime this year. Long story short, this process has been in motion for the past 3 years and we decided to finally act on it this past month. At work, Trooper has an opportunity in place within the same firm to move to our Austin office and help develop our engineering services for the Central Region of Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi). All in all, we have been praying for a while on this and are now taking our leap of faith.

At the end of next week, our house will be on the market with a goal to sell the house and then move Jami and the kids to Austin in an apartment before Summer's end (fingers crossed considering the market). Reason we want Jami and the kids to be there by then is because our kids made the waiting list at the preschool program at Great Hills Baptist Church, which starts in September. On Trooper's end, he will be challenged to complete all his treatment plant projects here in the DFW area before being officially released 100% to move to our Austin office. Looking ahead, and God-willing, Troop will be 100% in Austin next January/February. During the time of separation, he will be living with one of his friends here from work during the week and will be in Austin every weekend.

Not Me Monday

2009-03-02T19:50:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Here is my "Not Me Monday "

Well I did not find Paige in the bathroom one day last week during nap...diaper off and poop on the floor, her blanket, and toilet paper all over the bathroom (that she had wet in the toilet in efforts to clean herself). No, not me...

I did not find Paige this past weekend during nap in the bathroom with toilet paper in the potty to the point of overflowing from her flushing. The potty water then flowing over the potty onto the floor where it met the bath confetti (that is soap/bubble bath when you add water...oh and it is colored) ALL OVER THE BATHROOM! No, not me...

I did not, in an effort to keep stealth Paige in her room for nap time to actually take a nap sit outside her room and read a book in the playroom for nap time today. I did not then 2 hours later go the get Paige up from nap find her on the floor with her dress up clothes all out of her dresser, tutu on, diaper off, and poop EVERYWHERE!!!! No, not me...

The Lord was watching over Paige...

2009-02-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

On Thursday night Trooper and I were cleaning out the garage. It was 80+ degrees outside and felt great. The kids were helping/playing with us. Paige wanted to play in the suburban. Trooper let her in and went back to cleaning. I commented that I would have to fix all the buttons and mirrors when I got back in the car to drive. A few minutes later I went to throw something in the trash. Since Friday is trash day and our trash was already CRAZY full, I walked it to the trash can by the street. We did have a trash bag already going in the garage, but it was a diaper with a #2 so I wanted to get it out. That is where the Lord came in...I almost did not. When I was walking beside the car I saw Paige crying. I opened the door to see what was wrong (Parker was not in there so I knew he could not have taken something from her). Upon opening the door, tears were coming down her cheeks, but no sound was coming from her screams. I pulled her out, did the Heimlich twice, and the mint from Sonic came flying out! First she laughed, then cried in her daddy's arms. THANK YOU JESUS for letting me see her!!!

Paige's Baby Bedding anyone??

2009-02-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Update...it is gone...my friend Kelsie is taking it. She works with pregnant teens/teen moms and someone could really use it so I know it is going to a much need home!

Does anyone need baby girl bedding? I am getting rid of Paige's by this Thursday. If you want it...first come first serve! Just leave a comment. I also sent out an email to a few friends about it so act fast if you want it! It has the bumpers, skirt, diaper stacker, and mobile. I also have some extra of some of the fabric if you need it for anything.

Finally here!!!

2009-02-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

We have a tooth! Peyton's first tooth came in today...he is 10 months and a few days old. You cannot see it, but you can feel it. Paige had her 1st tooth at a little over 8 months of age. Parker was 10 1/2 months old. Hey...as a momma that is still feeding a baby...I am glad that it took that long!

***Ear infection #9 is officially here! Of course it happened on a Wednesday AND we were out of town. (See 2-15-09 post) I guess God just wanted to prove a point to me that I am not in control...so pray for Peyton to be okay until we can get to the ENT on Monday...yes I did bring the drops and yes I am giving them to him now and not waiting until Monday for the ENT cleaning of the ear.***

JOE!!!

2009-02-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Trooper's step dad, Joe, (a.k.a. Granpa Joe to the kids) came in this past weekend. Here is a picture with him holding Will and Peyton.

10 month old Peyton

2009-02-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

I just looked...I know Peyton has been the subject of our last several posts. He is just getting so big so fast and is doing so many new things. Well 10 months has been coming no matter if he was doing anything new or not. I think in the last posts I have updated most new things...except that he is now signing "more." He also verbally said "more" as well!

Length: 28 inches
Weight: 17 pounds 10 ounces

Here is his 10 month picture...

Peyton update

2009-02-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

I had several people ask me about Peyton's ENT appointment. Well both boys went on Friday. Parker's tubes are looking and working just fine. Peyton on the other hand...they are not. He has had 3 infections since getting tubes in late October. That can be normal. Each time after starting the ear drops, a few days later it is getting worse and not better so he has to start oral meds. This is not normal. We are praying for no more ear infections. If he does have one though...we will visit the ENT asap and he will have his ears flushed out first. They think the are getting clogged so the drops cannot work.

***Prayers...NO MORE INFECTION!!!
***Prayers...If there is infection...Let us be in town and let it start on a Tuesday or Thursday while the big kids are at preschool!

Now onto fun stuff...here is a video of Peyton clicking his tongue...his new trick! He started this on Wednesday...yes Trooper and Parker are talking about pancakes in the background. It was a brinner (breakfast for dinner for those non-Scrubs fans) night.

Peyton...

2009-02-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Well he is just getting so big SO fast. I know that he held onto being content stilling in some one's lap until he was 9 months old. I know he really did not crawl/scoot/move until he was 9 months old (he did before 9 months, but he did not really care to do it that often). I know he still loves to be carried like a tiny baby in the moby wrap until he was about 9 months old...I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! He is my baby...and unless God has a plan he has not told me about...and my last little one.

Well the last 2-3 weeks have changed EVERYTHING!!! Parker and Paige did all of the above in steps...slowly increasing...not Peyton. He went from nothing to EVERYTHING! He is crawling everywhere, going up steps, not wanting to be held for more then about 2-3 minutes at a time, pulling himself to his knees, pulling himself to standing, turning over to a sitting position, getting in my way in the kitchen, walking around standing toys/coffe tables, letting go and standing for about 2-3 seconds at a time. Walking a step or two or three or more while holding your fingers.

I also FINALLY turned in his crib pieces for the recall. His bed was on a recall when he was about a month old. It had to do with a part that would not bother him until he started to pull up in the crib. Well with him now pulling up, I had to bite the bullet and take the crib apart. He is now in the pack-n-play until we get the voucher for a new one in the mail. His crib was also still on the next to highest level out of 4...if we were not having to get a new crib, we would have had to finally lower the level...Parker and Paige required their cribs to be lowered at about 7-7 1/2 months!

It started with a growth spurt of eating a few days after turning 9 months old. Since then he has been everywhere...even with ear infection #8...If you were not tuning in during late October...Yes, he already has tubes and Yes this is infection #3 since the tubes and Yes we do go the the ENT again this week for a 3 month check...

At the Park...

2009-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

On the way out to the park, Parker and Trooper scared away all the birds in the near by soccer field.

Okay...so here is where we get a little goofy...Jami was trying to get Paige to hang upside down on the low monkey bar so she could flip her over. Paige wanted to see her Mommy in action...
Then Paige would do it...
Well then Trooper wanted to try and wanted Jami to do it with him...
Jami's Dad wished he had had his good fast camera so he could of caught all of Trooper falling...Goofy GiGi too!

Not Me Monday

2009-02-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the new edition of Not Me Monday...

This week I did not realize when putting Peyton's onesie on that it was getting a little small. I then did not look at the size tag that my 9 month old was wearing and see that it was a 3 month onesie! 3 months! That means UP TO 3 months! No, he has not been wearing them since June when he got our of the newborn onesies. And, he will not also wear one of the onesies from that package again this week most likely. No, not at all! No, not me!

I did not forget/avoid shaving my legs the other day...or for a few days...and my 4 year old tell me they hurt him. No, not me!

I did not make 4 different kids of veggie baby foods last week. I will not have to turn around and make more green ones this week for a very hungry little one(ahh!)! No, no me!

I did not also take the sweet potatoes I made for baby food and put it in pancakes. All 3 kids do not love those. Parker also really did not think (when I ran out of sweet potato a few days ago for pancakes) the plain pancakes tasted good at all. He did not say the plain ones were too dry. No, not Parker! No, not me!

I also did not take the butternut squash for baby food and put it in mac-n-cheese. Parker did not have 2 servings. Paige did not eat all of her 1 serving. Peyton did not eat his fair share as well. Trooper did not finally accept that I make mac-n-cheese with squash EVERY time! No, not us! No, not me!

I did not hang out at the McDonald's playground an extra 30 minutes after my friends left so I could wait for the doctor's office to be open so I could hopefully get Peyton an appointment (for an ear infection that would not go away) right away so I did not have to load, go home, unload, load, go to the doctor, unload, load, go home, and finally unload all 3 kiddos. I did not want just one less. I did not do all that even though Peyton was crying and just about begging for a nap. No, not me.

I did not load up my car with my 3 kids, a friend's 18 month old, my friend (Emily) and myself to drive to go see our best friend's (Carissa) baby the day after he was born. While there, I did not have to put Parker in time out 2 times and have a talk with him in the hallway more then once. While holding little Cannon for the first time, he did not cry the entire time. And that did not break my heart just a little. Of course he just left Emily's arms...so she must have not given him a little pinch so he would cry for me. No, not me, Parker, Cannon, or Emily!

I did not have a glass of wine while Trooper was out of town in Maryland. I did not then drink that wine while I scarp booked Peyton's baby book. I did not scrapbook in my under the stairs scrapbook hole that I keep stuff in front of the door so my kids do not realize there is anything interesting in so they do not try to get in...I pray. No, not me!

Not too many this time around, but still fun!

T-Ball

2009-02-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Parker started t-ball practice with his teach (The Longhorns) today. Here are a few pictures of Parker and Paige getting some extra workout in this past weekend...