Holidays, Holidays

Well Christmas has come and gone in this household and the aftermath is very evident. There are toys everywhere and still remnants of paper from unwrapped gifts. We were truly blessed this year to be able to provide our family and children a decent Christmas. It was a little over the top to some extreme I admit, but that's what being a parent is all about. It truly came to me when Ryan informed me he needed to write a thank you note to Santa. "He gave me everything I wanted." I love it!!!

We didn't do anything really exciting this year. On Christmas eve we decorated cookies for Santa. After a nap we headed to Mike's parents' house for a little snack and open gifts. Then we went to Church, which was totally awesome. There's nothing like closing a Christmas service singing O Holy Night. It just gave me chills and tears in my eyes. My heart breaks for the people that truly don't understand the meaning of Christmas.

Christmas day was spent in pajamas--almost literally. I don't think Ryan ever took his bottoms off. He had slept in a shirt that Nana and Papaw had sent. Alex changed, but only because he had to have diaper changes. I put on a pair of knit pants and a holiday shirt. Not once until I took a shower did I take off my slippers!! Mike of course was up and at 'em first thing. He "needed to go for a walk" As I am content to chill out on the holidays, my husband so is not. Although we've had our rough spots, we are really beginning to equal each other out.

I am excited to see what the new year holds for all of us. Ryan will be finishing Kindergarten and Alex will be potty training. Seriously? He's not old enough for that in my eyes, but they do have to grow up.

Best wishes for a continued safe and happy Christmas and Holiday season.

The Phillips family

Mckmama

So as many of you know, I follow quite a few blogs. One of my favorites it Mckmama.com. She is the REAL mom of 4 kiddos-4,3,2,1. Literally a very busy person. She amazes me at the time she has to do everything she does. I feel as though I don't some days and I only have two children. Anyway, she's giving away a computer on Christmas Eve and I'm putting my name in the pot. This is my third entry in amongst all of the other thousands!!! Hey, there's always a chance!!

Life at the Phillips household has been far from normal. Alex was very sick for a while with cold and congestion which proceeded in to bilateral ear infections and a week's worth of Zithromax. After day three, I was a little concerned he wasn't getting better nearly as quickly as I had hoped. After a couple of doses of Nasonex over the next few days, he really turned around. I was so thankful that he was feeling better and looking forward to sleeping at night again. THEN:

Ryan got sick. He was up at 2am coughing his head off. After looking up on the internet the appropriate dose of dextromethorphan for a child his age, I knocked him out with some Robitussin. Bless his heart, he coughed for another hour before it kicked in. But then when it came time for school, as tired as he was, he was playing with his toys. After much deliberating, I sent him on to school. I hated for him to miss a day, even though I was afraid of getting a frowny face. He did okay and got a smiley face that day.

We're really looking forward to Christmas this year. The boys are old enough to understand and are really excited. They have their own tree I let them decorate which is no more than lights and balls and a few ornaments, but it made them happy. Alex yells, "Ball!" for the ornaments and wants to throw them. Thank heavens they are shatterproof. Oh well....

Hope you all are having a great Christmas Holiday season. Love to you all---

over it!!!

one of the few sweet brother moments



Alex loving his basketball



Ryan swimming like Michael Phelps


So I think I am waaay over doting on my children on this blog. It is becoming more and more difficult to sound sweet all of the time. They are cute and adorable, but they are also horrendous at times. And I think the closer it gets to christmas, the worse they both get. And Alex doesn't even understand the concept yet. He just follows in big brother's footsteps. Bless his little baby heart.

Ryan has been ever so difficult lately. At home, church, and school. I am at my wit's end on what to do. I've tried everything it seems. Spanking, time out, taking things away, extra homework, no TV, no computer....what else is there? My last resort I swear is to pack his bags and send him to some other military school. Not really, but I don't really know what to do. Every morning before I drop him off we discuss how we're going to have a good day at school. Listen, cooperate, raise my hand, be respectful by saying yes ma'am and no ma'am to his teachers--he's got all that down pat. But it's everything else. Walking in line like he's supposed to. Sitting still on carpet. And today of all things--he pulled a girl's hair until she cried. Sheez oh pete child!! That I am sure has come from Alex who has started that since moving up classrooms at daycare. What Ryan doesn't seem to realize is that Alex gets in trouble when he pulls hair and so will he!! If anybody has any ideas, please feel free to respond. He has his annual appointment with his pediatrician in the morning, so I can discuss things with him as well.

Alex on the other hand has been so hard to get to bed, always wanting to go "nite, nite" in my bed. That is coming to a close, and it's about door therapy (as Mike calls it) every night. We have to close the door and let him cry it out. And since he is able to open the door, I had to put a handle on it that he can not use. It breaks my heart, but he has to learn to go to bed. Once he's asleep, I open the door so that I can hear him so it's not as though he is locked in there all night. He has also had this fascination with the DVDs. So much so, that we had to move them into our closet where they can't be seen. He just wants to look at them, pull them apart and re-stack them. It's cute and keeps him occupied, but seriously? You have to leave them in the case son if you ever want to watch them again.

I'm sure tonight will be traumatic as Ryan can't watch TV or play on the computer & I am moving bedtime back to 8pm. He will pitch a fit I am sure, but that's life. Alex will be upset when he can't watch TV either, but I guess that's just what will have to happen. Maybe we can decorate the Christmas tree or something to keep them occupied until bed time.

Okay, enough blubbering. I really do love my children, it just seems as though some days it's a little much. I feel so sorry for Kate Gosselin. I realize people think she was a b#%$^ but seriously? If I had to wrangle 8 kids at a time, with 6 being the same age, I can't say as though I wouldn't be the same and do a lot of the same things as she did. I have trouble some days managing just my 2. They are beautiful and adorable children. Ryan really excels in reading and math, and is truly enjoying his swim lessons. We'll do another 8 weeks beginning in January or February. Alex loves to read and his vocabulary is ever increasing. He understands everything you say, especially when it comes to brushing teeth. He loves that part of night time ritual. He also likes to try to potty. He's watched Ryan and the kids in his class do it--he thinks he can, too. It's so funny to see him stand at the potty. He's so short and barely comes to the edge, but he wants to be like the older kids. Who knows, maybe he'll potty train early.

So enough of my rant now. Here's to a good rest of the week. Prayers to God for patience and strength.

Renee

Big boy birthday

Today is Ryan's 6th birthday. Every year I smile and let a tear go knowing my firstborn is growing up. He is such a loving and kindhearted little man. And lately has truly been coming in to his own. He is so smart and able to read already. That in and of itself totally amazes me. He's been in swim lessons, and after only 5 is swimming on his own. I was so amazed at his progress and comfort in the water these days. He loves his brother and loves going to church. Some days he says things that make me think God is talking to him. I'm just waiting for the day .... We've had a great day, and although there was no big party hurrah it doesn't make it any less special. He is my son. My beautiful boy. I am so blessed. Happy Birthday Ryan Mommy loves you.

this and that

The year is flying by and it's the beginning of November. Halloween is over and we are starting the holiday season. What a fun time to be had this year as both boys are growing up.

Ryan was a knight for halloween this year--and actually went trick or treating. Very unusual for him since he hasn't done that since he was 2. He had a great time which was a first. As far as school goes, it's still a challenge. The teacher says he's very bright and reading and doing math on a higher grade level. No surprise to me---But still getting bad faces. Today he had a reteach on talking in the hall and moving around on the carpet. So.....I made him write sentences, "I will be quiet in the hall" and "I will sit still on carpet" It made an impact enough to make him cry. I actually took his chair away and made him stand up because he was pushing it around to get me mad. Well, I just took it away and made him mad instead. He is now finished and wrote his name at the top of both pages to take to Ms. Crist in the morning.

Alex was Spiderman. I had originally bought him a new costume as a clown, but it was too tight when we went to daycare. So we pulled out Ryan's old costume and it worked just fine. I think he's more of a spiderman anyway. He is so mischevious these days as a toddler. More so than Ryan ever was. I found him on top of a Bob the Builder case the other day trying to get in to the DVD player for Diego. Little stinker!! And for some reason he loves toilet water. UGH!!!!

Here are some pics from the last few weeks. The sunrise was on my way home the other morning. It just reminds me of how beautiful a new day can be for us all. I'll keep reminding myself of that tomorrow when I'm home with a sick child.

A new week

So Ryan had strep throat--Alex was cutting molars and I've just been plain worn out. I guess that's the joy of being a mom with a full time job.

But now it's a new week and all is well. Alex has moved up rooms at church and now at daycare :( He's just growing a little too fast for my taste. I know it has to happen, but.... He is still such a joy. I love it when he gives me the tightest hugs ever. It is just too sweet. I'm glad both of my boys are cuddlers.

Ryan started private swim lessons on Sunday of this week. I got this girl's name from a couple of friends that have used her. All I can say is she rocks!! Within thirty minutes she had him swimming with a noodle and dunking his entire body under water!!! I could hardly believe my eyes. I can't wait until next week so Mike can watch him. I'm sure he'll be impressed by what he can do in the water.

Mike celebrated his 43rd birthday on Saturday. Although he hates birthdays and holidays, this one didn't come without issues. I'm just hoping we can all move forward and he can have a better attitude toward life. Another year gone with things you can't change. No use looking back.

Have a great week everyone!!!

LIttle man's birthday

So it happened. I sit here through tears of sadness of letting things go and the joy of looking to the future--going through clothes to give away to others that may need them. Life goes on. With that being said:

My little man has turned the big 2!! He is so smart and amazing it just blows me away. He talks constantly now, only 1/2 of which I can understand. But he understands absolutely everything. When I say, "time to brush your teeth", he runs to the bathroom and hops up on the toilet to turn on the water. I asked him this morning where his gum was (he had stolen a piece out of my purse), he proceeded to open his mouth. He also, unfortunately, has learned how to open the garbage. That can be a bit of an issue when throwing away something he truly wants.

We didn't have a big throw down party--just family. But I did make yet another awesome cake, if I do say so myself. It was a little challenging drawind and putting it all together, but so rewarding. He loved the b-ball, b-ball, b-ball. Plus I had basketball plates and cups which he thought were all his. He even blew out the candle which truly shocked me. At first when I lit it, he just stared. Then Ryan blew out one and he realized it wouldn't hurt him. It was absolutely adorable.

Only 6 weeks until Ryan's birthday. He wants a dinosaur cake. That may take some major doing.....

The week in review

This has been a pretty good week in the Phillips household. Although there's been plenty of rain to go around, there have been a few dry spurts as well.

Ryan had a fantastic, can I say again, FANTASTIC, week at school. Every day he received a smiley face!!!! This is such an improvement from last week. On Thursday his teacher had written that he was trying really hard to follow directions and was doing a great job. I was very proud. But Friday took the cake. While I was sitting in car line, the lady getting the car numbers stopped at the truck. She asked if I was Ryan's mom. I said yes, having no idea what was going to come out of her mouth. She said, "I just love him. He is just the sweetest boy. He is so kind and loving. I took him to the principal's office today. (In the back of my mind I'm thinking 'oh no, it's only kindergarten'.) I got him a special treat because he's been so good this week." WHEW!! Crisis averted. I was so proud inside. My little man is growing up and adjusting to school. It's good to know he is so well liked by his teachers.

Alex is just blooming with words and his understanding of things. His definite "no" and "sit down" are my favorite. Stubborn child though--just like his mommy!! He turns two on Friday and my heart just aches. As I passed the nursery this morning and saw the newborn area I just wanted to cry. I remember just yesterday my baby was that small. I know life goes on and children grow, but sometimes my heart just yearns for another. Oh well, I love my children as they grow just the same.

Love to all,
Renee

Our life

Okay, so I have decided that even though New Year's is a few months away, my resolution should be to update my blog at least weekly. So much changes and life gets so busy I just don't take the time. I need to make an effort to do this better.

Ryan has been in kindergarten for just over a month. He's had his ups and downs and share of straight and upside down faces. Last week I had a "come to Jesus meeting" with him. Evidently his teacher thought it entertaining when I wrote that on the note to her, as she showed it to the TA in the room. They both appreciated it. Ever since he's gotten nothing but smily faces. Kindergarten just isn't that challenging to him right now. I am sure it will become that way eventually, but now he just breezes through everything. He is already learning to read, and is all about his sight words. He reads to me most nights, which I just love. Since Mike and myself read so often, I hope our love of reading has rubbed off on him.

Alex on the other hand has turned in to the typical toddler, complete with tantrums and screaming at inappropriate moments. He is still absolutely adorable though. He's talking so much--"sit down, be the ball, Hi, papaw" just to name a few. It's so cute when he tells me to sit down. It's quite adorable. He still eats anything I give him. He really loves black beans and rice from my burritos. He says, "bite" and points. In other words, that is his and he wants it. Spoiled little child. But that's only on way to be when you're that age. Not only that, but that's how memories are made.

My birthday has come and gone as well on the 14th. It was a great day, complete with a childless dinner at Bonefish Grill. The food was great and dessert was even better. That was until we got home with the little man. He had croup and the next day at the peds office, discovered he had another ear infection. Bless his heart. Finally now a little over a week later he's feeling better. Still not sleeping through the night, but hopefully that won't last much longer.

Well, there's a lot coming up in the next few weeks. Alex will turn two, Mike and I will have been married for 7 years, Mike has a birthday, then not long after that is Ryan's birthday. Then of course only 6 weeks later it's Christmas. Geez, it's a busy next few months. Hopefully I'll be able to sit down to blog all this.

Best to you all
Renee

I've been awake since the 4:30 am wake up call of a child having a bad dream. He was talking about a dog or something and crying. That is really abnormal for him. But after a few hugs and kisses and scratches on the back, he eventually calmed down. Then he woke up completely, smiling at me and saying, "Good night and big balls" After that he headed back off to dream land. For those of you who don't know, it's Wipeout. We are somewhat addicted to that show. It's great family time for us when we watch it and are able to laugh out loud.

Alex has been talking so much more lately. His vocabulary is expanding so very quickly. Lately it's Bolt. He loves that movie, so every DVD has become Bolt, until you show him the case. He pushes it away and wants something else. He looks at his books before bedtime and points to certain pictures. He tried to say spider, but not quite. He's still all about his, "ball" and "duck, duck" and "dog". Everything is "mine" or pointing to the iPhone saying "mama". Yes that's momma's phone. He knows not to touch it unless I let him watch something on youtube. Then he has to be sitting in my lap for me to let him hold it. I didn't pay that kind of money to have it thrown around. It has a good case, but those things can be messed up very easily.

Ryan is beginning to regress somewhat in his excitement about kindergarten. Some of his friends have been leaving from daycare going to other things over the summer. I think he's starting to realize that he won't be will all of his friends this fall. It's sad to think that all of the kids he's been with since he was 9 weeks old will be going their separate ways. Such is life and growing up. His latest craze is the garden they are growing at school. He came home the other day telling me all they had planted, and how they are going to watch cucumbers and tomatoes grow. I wish some days I could throw a garden in the back yard, but don't really know where I would time to find to help it grow. I'm sure I would if that was what I really wanted.

What I really want now is to lose weight. I've been overweight my entire life. I've had enough and am trying really hard to fix it. I've been hitting the gym about 4 days a week, the other three working 12 hour night shifts at the hospital. I just can't go on those days. I'm all about Turbo kick, and kickboxing, and power playt. I've lost a few pounds, but am starting to lose some body fat percentage. For that, I know the muscle is building and the weight loss will come. I need to be healthy for my boys as they grow up. I want to be around for a long time to see my grandkids. It truly hit home when I had a patient that was younger than myself, pregnant with her second child, and weighed 363 pounds. She already had chronic hypertension and couldn't sleep unless she sat up. Really, lose ME and you could be healthier and breathe if you were to lie down. Anyway, it was just a reminder of where I really don't want to go EVER in my life. I pray for strength and determination throughout this and know it will pay off.

Have a blessed day
Renee

Jeez, it's been almost three months since I have taken the time to blog. For that I am truly sorry. It seems most of my times these days is playing with the kids or on Facebook. Yes I am an addict and admit it fully. I also have a twitter account, not really sure why. It's just something to do.

The boys are changing every day. Ryan graduated from preschool and is getting ready to start kindergarten in less than 2 months. It just doesn't seem possible. Some days I think he is excited. Other days not so much. I think he likes the thought of it until he realizes most of his friends are not going to be there. He is still so full of energy some days I want to duct tape him to the chair. I don't think that would do me a lot of good though. I'm sure he is strong enough that he would get out of it. DARN !!! Anyway, he is in the phase of asking how to spell things. I guess that's good. He can spell short words: hat, cat, bat, dog, etc. For that I am truly grateful. He has his moments when he is hard to handle, but others when he is the best ever. On Mother's day he picked "flowers" for me from the yard at Church. God must have known I really needed that that morning. He tells me now, " Mommy, I love you more than life itself" I'm guessing because I've said that to him on more than one occasion. And that is very true. I love tucking him in at night and hearing those words. My heart just melts.

Alex is just plain busy. He is in to everything. If I turn around for 5 minutes he will be on a chair headed for the table for whatever happens to be within his reach. It can be food, yogurt, Ryan's chocolate milk. Whatever !! He is starting to say more words--the latest being no no and bubble. He loves chasing the bubbles outside. The other day it was raining so I let the boys play while I grilled out, blowing bubbles the whole time. It's just the little things that make the memories. He also has transitioned to a big boy bed. Although it took about two weeks, he has realized it's not all that bad. I lay down with him for about 5 minutes, give hugs and kisses, and leave. I close the door behind me so he can't leave. Every now and again he'll cry for a few seconds, but usually he's just quiet. I have know him to get up and get a book to read by the light of his moon, but normally he's off to dreamland. What a difference from when Ryan was that age. Oh, and he rides the hot wheels tricycle, too. He has watched Ryan do it enough, he can do it now too!!!

Hope all is well with everyone else. Have a great summer !!!

Time flies

I looked and noticed I had not blogged in quite some time. I guess the chores of daily life and work just seems to catch up to me. I wish so badly for time just to stand still, for just a few moments, and let me take it in. I guess these are my moments.

Ryan and Alex have been as busy as ever. I've done a lot of spring cleaning--taking away old toys, putting in a few new ones. The boys don't seem to mind. Ryan especially loves finding old toys he can now play with again. I took him for his first visit to the eye doctor today. He did exceptionally well (he knew he was getting a new paint animal) and has perfect vision for his age. The only problem came when it was time to get presents at the office. He loudly proclaimed that he didn't like their toys. Oh well--such is life.

Alex is cutting eye teeth. Bless his heart. We are up almost every night with him crying. I've tried everything I know to do, but I guess he is just going to have a hard time with them. I hope they will all be in soon.

I also had my eyes checked. My eyes, far from perfect, unfortunately got a little worse. I knew they had changed a little, but I didn't realize how much until I put in the new contact prescription. WOW !! Amazing how much better I could see.

Overall life is good. Work is as busy as ever. That's one thing that never changes. People are ALWAYS having babies !!! Lucky me.

This is what happens

Yes, this is what happens when you leave a very smart, intelligent, 5 year old in charge while you take a shower. It was priceless, so I had to take some pictures.

snow

So by now everyone knows we had a lot of snow and ice. I thought I would post a few of my own pics of the fun we had. I was just wishing the whole time that my back was stronger and I could've played in the snow with them. There's always next year.

A Day

True to my blog title, a day in the life, here are some pics of our normal days. We are always on the go (until as of late when I've been pretty much on bed rest due to a lower back strain). The boys are as busy as ever. Sometimes playing well together, sometimes not. I guess that's to be expected though. I think through the years they will become very close. At least that is what I am praying for.

Ryan has become a little sassy lately and has been spending a lot of time in time out. Of course, then he turns around and apologizes so cutely that you just have to snuggle him in. He knows when he's done wrong, which is good. He just needs to learn not to do it. In time, I keep reminding myself.

Alex is babbling constantly. He is hardly ever quiet anymore. He's in to everything--drawers, toys, clothes, even my bra drawer. If that just wasn't special finding him with my bra on his head. ( Only a few more years and he could be part of "Weird Science" I hope I'm not the only one who remembers that movie). Anyway life is good and full of fun.

Hope all is well with every one

Renee

Baby Gwyneth

Everyone needs to say Happy Birthday to little Gwyneth Rose. (CFHusband.blogspot.com) After being born at just over a pound, she is celebrating her first birthday today. I am continually amazed by the miracles God performs on a daily basis, many of which we are not aware. This little girl and her mom, as well as her strong dad are truly miracles.

Happy Birthday little one. You are so very blessed.