A Little "Wicked"

Wow!!! What a trip!!! I left on Wednesday the 20th flying out of Cincinnati. Yes, I had to drive to fly, but it beats driving 7 hours alone. It was definitely worth the money and the short trip to Cincy.

I arrived in Memphis around 1:30 where granny and Aunt Susan met me. I was so excited I could hardly stand myself. It was such a rush to be away and not chasing kids :) We ran a few errands and had a late lunch before heading back to Aunt Susan's house for the evening. A little more to eat (a lot more, actually) and then granny and I headed home to her house in Arlington. For the first time in years, I headed up to bed. Alone. Not feeding or bathing any kids. What an experience. And I slept all night. And slept in late :) Holy cow!!

Thursday morning I was able to get up and go for a run, in the hopes of burning off just SOME of the calories from the previous night. Little did I know what was in store for the day. Aunt Susan and granny had been working on the Emerald City and wine goblets for the "Wicked" party on Saturday evening. There was still plenty to be done, but had a blast finishing up a few last touches. I ran errands with Aunt Susan late in to the afternoon, the last which was my favorite (I'll tell about that in a minute). My mom drove in Thursday evening which was awesome. I finally got to spend some time with her, laughing and carrying on. What fun!!!

Friday was no exception in the fun department. I slept 9 hours, uninterrupted, for the first time in over 7 years!! Feeling refreshed and ready to go, we all ate a late breakfast and headed to the movies. "Hereafter" is not all that, but it was nice to sit in a theater and not worry about getting phone call if something is wrong with one of the boys.

Friday night was a yummy dinner and carving pumpkins. I have never had this experience before, so it was quite a treat. I didn't realize just how gross this was going to be when I placed my hand in the pumpkin. EEEWWWWW!!! After much scraping, marking, and sawing, my pumpkin actually came to life. I thought it was a pretty good first time if I do say so myself.





I'm guessing mom didn't like the look or feel of the pumpkin






After a late night, mom, granny, and myself headed back to granny's house for the night. We knew Saturday was going to be a big day for all involved. Libby and David were going to come up with her family for the afternoon and everyone had been kicked out of Aunt Susan's house until later. I knew a lot of what she had planned, but not all. The only other ones to know were Uncle Glenn and granny. Wasn't I just the privileged one :)

Anyway Saturday morning I enjoyed another run in the beautiful subdivision where granny moved to earlier this year. It's such a calming place I never wanted to leave. Libby and David arrived around lunch and we spent the afternoon chasing the kids and enjoying each other's company.








Then we all headed to Aunt Susan's house for the "wicked" dinner. Once we all arrived, and drove in order to the house (previously planned per Susan) we were greeted with lots of goings on. There was a "yellow brick road"



Some really cool pumpkins



And the Emerald City



Complete with our own place settings, name tags, and decorated wine goblets



The food was great.

The company was fantastic.

The ride there was the best part. And although none of us took pictures because we were trying to get to the Orpheum--Aunt Susan had rented us a limo to take us in style. That way we all arrived at the same time, and didn't have to worry about parking. It was so much fun to pull up and all pile out to see such a production. Then at the end Uncle Glenn called Marcus (our driver) and he wheeled around the corner. What fun to see the reactions of people as the limo pulled around. All wondering what was going on, who was going to get out or in. That would be US!!! We just all climbed back in and rode back to the house. What fun!!! Wicked is definitely something I will have to see again.

Sunday was spent lounging around, eating a late breakfast, late lunch, playing cards and watching "The Wizard of Oz". That only seemed appropriate.

Monday was packing and heading out. We went to the mall to a place called Charming Charlie's which I have recently found just a few miles from the Cincinnati airport. I will be returning there again some day in the future.

But for now, I have some wonderful memories and lots of smiles. I am more relaxed and ready to take on whatever life has in store for me.

Love to you all,

Renee

The Big 3

Yesterday was Alexander's birthday. Although we did not have a big party for him, he was still very loved and had an awesome day. I think the hightlight of his day was the "Batman cake". I didn't think it was all that, but he really liked it. Enough to eat the icing before we ever lit candles. Silly boy.....just like his mommy when it comes to sweets.



He is now potty trained. He may have an occasional accident, but he does very well over all. It's so nice to know I no longer have to buy diapers!!!!! Now I just have to find him some batman underwear. I'm sure that would totally make his entire weekend.



Ryan was around for the celebration, but none so happy about it. He is still having a hard time realizing that it's not all about him. When I explained to him that it was Alex's birthday and what he wanted during the day, he would get, Ryan got very upset. HE wanted toys. HE wanted to watch what HE wanted to TV. I'm sure in 6 weeks when his birthday rolls around, he will understand what it's all about.

We've had a great weekend and life is good. I'm looking forward to my personal trip to Memphis in a few weeks to visit family and see "Wicked". I'm really going to miss my husband and kids, but sometimes moms just need a small break. I'm really looking forward to a little rest and relaxation and ME time :)

Love to you all,

Better times ahead

So....after visiting the pediatrician last week, we made some changes to the medications Ryan is taking. The first was to change to the Daytrana patch. It's a lot like the Vyvanse he was taking (when he didn't know it), but just on a patch for the bootie. I was warned that it might be a little rough on his skin and boy was he right. I placed it the next morning and he had taken it off mid-day because it was itching. I'm glad he did, seeing as how it left a big red rectangle on his right backside.

But in addition to that we added another pill called Intuniv. This one is a WINNER!!! Although Ryan was very defiant in the beginning, the doctor took it out of the package and showed it to him and explained the importance of taking it. When we got home that afternoon, we worked hard at trying to find a way to take it. As it so happened, he wrapped part of a grilled cheese around the pill and swallowed it!!! Yeah for Ryan!!!! We overcame a huge hurdle. After a few days it became apparent that this was the medicine he's needed. He doesn't even use the patch anymore ($40 down the drain, but for priceless results with another med). Yesterday he came home with a cool cat award from school for having a positive attitude, being respectful to others, and striving for his personal best. Yes!!!! See, my child IS a wonderful child. I've known it all along. It just took a small chemical to make him calm enough for people to see that. Today he got called out and got to sit at the cool cat table for lunch. I am such a proud mommy. Not that I wasn't before, but it was so much more difficult last year. This year is starting off on the right foot.

Alexander is stubborn. I swear it gets worse with every passing day. Yesterday morning he woke up dry. Yeah!! But then he refused to go the potty. I tried to get his pull up off and he just pitched an absolute fit. Later he agreed to put on underwear but fought me every step of the way to put on the plastic protector so he could ride in his car seat. Not five minutes later he informed us that he had pooped in his pants. Really he had just wet himself... AAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!! I keep reminding myself, "one day it will just click"

I had a rough week eating. I don't expect to lose any weight this week. With two of our girls leaving and having food at work and then going out for breakfast, I REALLY over did it. I haven't eaten like that since May and although it tasted good going down, I felt really crappy about it later. Lesson learned for future reference.

Enough blabbering for now.

Love to you all,

Update

Well, it's been three weeks and some things have gone well.

Straterra is not our friend. Although I tried for a week to make him take it, it just didn't happen. The taste evidently is very bad, and nothing covers it. And taking a pill is just out of the question. I don't know why he makes it so difficult, but he does. After talking with the pediatrician, I decided to take him off it. He has continued taking the vyvanse as long as he is not aware. One day it was in his milk, one day in his waffles. I don't know how long this is going to last. Unfortunately doing it like this creates an unknown amount of medication every day. Some days are more/less than others. I think when we go this week for a follow-up I'm going to request the Daytrana patch. At least I would know how much he is getting every day, and could regulate it a little better. The days where he does get some of the med are like magic. He's so much easier to deal with and with much less hysteria. It's amazing what a little chemical help can do.

Alexander, on the other hand, is becoming more stubborn and hard headed (like his mother). He refuses to sit on the potty, but instead comes to me to tell me he has a "stinky bootie" Nice son. It would be great if you could tell me that BEFORE you need to go so I didn't have to clean the "stinky bootie" Oh well, it will click one day.

Mike is training for yet another event. Although he said he wasn't going to do any more, he has decided to join one of our neighbors for a marathon in Indianapolis. I hope he enjoys himself (I personally think he's crazy for doing it) He's been running every morning I'm home and has actually increased his speed and his legs are skinnier. We've both dropped some pounds throughout all this.

Speaking of, I am down a total of 23.2 as of this week. Weight watchers is definitely the way to go for me. It's the whole portion size and weighing in front of someone that I need. Only about 35 lbs. to go!! I've already dropped a pants size and feel amazingly better about my body. Who knows? Maybe I'll be joining Mike for a marathon for my 40th birthday in a few years (only if I'm committed to a psych ward somewhere)

Love to you all,

Change to come

So after much thought and prayer (and just plain out something has to be done) I took Ryan to the pediatrician to see about something for him. I didn't know if we needed to medicate or go through therapy or what. I just knew I needed something and someone to give me ideas. Luckily Dr. Revelette and myself are pretty much on the same page.

He evaluated Ryan first by talking about his summer and the events leading up to his expulsion from YMCA camp. Of course, Ryan was all over the place and kept looking at me for answers. I sat there quietly as not to interrupt, hoping Ryan would tell him. And he did. Then after an exam, he put Ryan in another room with one of the office girls while we talked privately. I explained the events in detail. We both feel he would benefit greatly from medication AND counseling. He gave me some names of people for which I am glad. Hopefully one will take our insurance. If not, I guess we're EAP bound, which isn't all that bad. Anyway, we're going to start meds in the morning: Vyvance (sp?) and Straterra. Hopefully we'll just need one at the end of the month-but at this point I don't care if he needs both. Whatever it takes to decrease his impulsivity and hyperactiveness before starting first grade in just a few weeks.

Please pray for us during this time in the hopes that this will be a change for the good. I am scared, apprehensive, & worried-but I guess all of that comes with just being a parent. Wondering if you're doing the right thing.....day in, day out.....hoping to say the right words and such. I pray daily for strength, knowing in my heart of hearts he is an awesome kid. So loving and caring, but way too impulsive.

Both boys are growing like crazy. I think the summer has definitely treated them both to a growth spurt. They are very busy and in to everything, which is good and bad. Some days it's just hard to keep up with both of them. Taking them to the pool is fun and exhausting at the same time. Ryan learned to swim pretty well at his short stay at YMCA camp. He goes down the slide and usually stays in the shallower end of the pool. Alexander on the other hand, has NO FEAR. Even before I am in the water he is ready to jump in. I always let him go under and then lift him up. He has the biggest grin and asks to do it again. Over and over we go. 1.....2.....3....jump, under, up, and out, repeat......I have become thankful for the hourly pool breaks that keep my arms from getting too exhausted.

Well, time for another round of baths. My throat and ears are still very sore from this sinus infection, but hopefully being on antibiotics will help.

Love to you all,

A Day

So summer is in full swing. It's hot outside and I sweat just to breathe in the air. Now this has no comparison to the heat and humidity in which I was raised, but it's still HOT!!

That doesn't stop my family from being outside. Although I look like I have just emerged from a sauna when I come back inside, all red faced and drenched through to my skin, we stay outside a lot. The boys are all about riding their bikes. Once Ryan got his bike shorts it's been an ongoing thing. He rides ALL THE TIME. Unfortunately though, he's beginning to outgrow his bike. Now we have to find another that is not too big, but one on which to grow. That's going to be difficult. Alexander on the other hand, has a bike of his own as well. The one from the kid around the corner fits him pretty good. He loves to sit on it, and although he can't pedal on his own, he does try to pedal as Mike or myself push him. He loves it as much as his older brother does.

We've been to the pool quite a few times this summer so far. Ryan has gotten better after being at YMCA camp and Alexander has NO fear whatsoever. It's amazing that when we arrive, he's a little skiddish. But give him 5 minutes, and the boy will jump in over and over, go under, and come up with a smile saying, "Again mommy, again". It's so cute, but scary at the same time. Knowing him, he would jump in the deep end without a second thought. I'm guessing we'll have to put him in swim lessons next year.

YMCA camp has been a little interesting this summer. Although I believe in the Christian principles that YMCA is based upon, I think they are just a little too strict on children that have never had a experience like this. Granted, my child is not perfect, but neither am I. I feel like you have to let them make mistakes, then punish them. Not expect them to be perfect. He's just had a rough go of it. The first week, he wet his pants because he didn't want to go in the bathroom because of the spiders. Bless his heart. I felt badly for him, but then again, he's got to realize he's bigger than they are. He was suspended twice in 2 weeks, mainly for acting like a boy. I think he pushed a kid, and hit a kid, then went off the trail. After talking with him, it appeared he was not the only one at fault, that he had been provoked more than once. Yet again, I don't agree with retaliation, and he should have gone to a counselor, it frustrated me significantly that my son was being called on the carpet.

So after a week of not getting phone calls, and having good days, I felt as though he was beginning to settle in a little. He was earning stars and silly bandz and things were going well........


Until today.......


I received a phone call letting me know there had been an incident involving Ryan. He had "exposed" himself to one of the other campers. As it turns out, after I had to go pick him up and we talked, that it was an older kid that approached him. Evidently Ryan was changing out of his trunks as the other, older child was putting his on. Ryan "says" the boy threatened him with bodily harm unless he showed him his parts. Now that, I'm not so sure of, but nonetheless....Ryan should've said no and gone to a counselor. But instead, he turned around and showed it off. Now that being said, I would like to know how many males have not done the same in a locker room or bathroom. I mean seriously!!! All men are worried about their "package" at some time in their lives. I even said that to the little counselor, at the ripe age of 22!! I'm sure he has done the same and boys will be boys. Oh well, we had a good afternoon regardless and I'm sure tomorrow will be better.

Alexander has gone a spitting rampage. Evidently at daycare, they allow them to spit, "in the potty". Like a 2 year old would rather spit in the potty vs. outside. Why allow them to spit at all? This past weekend I put soap in his mouth, but evidently it didn't leave a lasting impression. When I picked him up Monday, he was sitting in time out for spitting on a little girl. I don't know what's next. Tobasco? I don't think I'd go that far, but I have to find something.

Potty training is a joke these days. He did that one time, and hasn't since. On the occasion he sits on the potty, but doesn't want to for long. That's okay I guess. He still has a few months until he turns 3.

Wow, I feel like I've rambled a lot this afternoon. It's nice just to share (vent) a little. Sometimes I just need to get things off my chest.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!

Love to you all

It is official

Yes, it is official.

My boys are growing up. I'm happy and sad at the same time.

A little over a week ago, Ryan lost a training wheel from his bike. At the time he was devastated. "Mommy, I can never ride again." I tried to explain that it just meant he didn't need them anymore. He cried for a good five minutes I know. At that point we left and headed to the north YMCA for the summer camp orientation.(More about that in a minute). By the time we got back, he had completely forgotten about the fact he had lost a training wheel. Well, I was worn out from the previous days and opted to take a nap with the little man. By the time we got up, Ryan was riding on two wheels!!!!! Yes, he was still a little wobbly, and needed a little help, but he was doing great!! As it so happens, another dad from around the corner taught him how to ride. Later on that day, Mike used his techniques to teach the girl across the street how to ride. Now Ryan takes off with Makenzie and Ethan (another older boy down the street) like it was nothing. WOW!!! Every day we are riding and his legs get stronger and stronger.

Alexander has also gotten a bike. Go figure. The man that taught Ryan how to ride was wanting a different bike to ride with his daughter (he has a triathlon bike like Mike's and was just too fast). As it so happened, Mike had a bike that has been in the attic for the last 4 years we have lived here. He traded that bike for his son's first bike. It's way cute, and Alexander totally loves it. Although he really can't pedal just yet, he loves to sit on it and be pushed. "I ride my bike!!!" It's just the little things.

Of course, silly bandz have also made an entrance to our house. You would think, being a boy and all, he really wouldn't want them. But oh no--every day he begs. Mike found some at work and the Chevron station. I've ordered a few packs online. He asks every day if they've come. Bless his heart, he has no concept of time. The crazy thing is, Alexander is just as in to them. He wants to wear his wherever he goes. Peat, and repeat. He wants to be just like his older brother. How precious.

And being like his older brother, he is trying to potty train. Although he is a little short, and can't really stand to potty, he sure tries. He had had no luck until this past Saturday (5/30). We had been out in the sprinkler playing with some of the neighborhood kids. When we came in to change, he wanted to go potty. I let him try for a few minutes then he climbed on it backwards. All of the sudden....PEE!! Yipee. The beginning of potty training has begun. By the end of the year, no more diapers!!!!

As far as summer camp goes, Mike and I decided to take Ryan out of daycare this summer. We just felt he wouldn't get enough activity being there. They only take limited field trips and play outside a little. SO.....he's going to BAR-Y camp by YMCA. It's outside, all day, every day!! They hike, do archery and crafts, and swim every day. This will expend any type of energy he may have to release. He is really excited and talks about "next Monday" all the time. I love that he is so excited about trying something new. After meeting the counselors and learning a little more about it, I think this is where he'll be for the next few years during summer break.

On Memorial Day, we rode in the family Bike Lexington ride. It started downtown, and went out and back for a total of 10 miles. Ryan did about 8.5 miles of it. He got a little frustrated at times, but all in all did awesome. The only thing left to do now it purchase him a pair of padded bike shorts. His little boy parts are a little sore. Mike warned me that would happen with the miles he's been putting in. Just the day before he had ridden almost 6 miles with Mike to the Chevron station and back a couple of times. It won't be long and he'll need a bigger bike.

We also went to the pool at Tates Creek since the big ones opened on Saturday. It was so much fun watching Ryan trying to swim again (BAR-Y also has free swimming lessons) and Alex learning again that water wasn't going to hurt him. We only stayed about an hour, because I needed to nap and so did Alexander. All in all it was a great day!!

I'm posting some pics of the boys riding their bikes as well as the morning of Memorial Day. Unfortunately, it's a little blurry since I wasn't the one taking the picture. Oh well....

Happy June everyone!! Have a great summer. I know we will.

:)

It's been almost two months since I have blogged--geez how time flies. Right now I am currently watching the little one take his lego car set to the living room. I don't know what he would do if we didn't have wood floors where everything just slides around. I'm sure the amount of toys that make it to the living room would decrease significantly!! Oh well, more for me to clean at a later time.

This evening I received a text from my sister about the sizes of her two young boys ages 18 mos and 2 mos. Yes, they are 16 months apart, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Anyway, I went to the journals I keep of my boys to text back their sizes at two months. Both boys were playing in my room after their baths at the time and Ryan asked me what they were. I explained to him they were journals, one for each boy. He opened to the first page and began to read, "Dear Ryan...." That's about all he could read since he can't read cursive just yet. He asked me to read it to him. I could barely get through the first page without crying. Recounting the day I found out I was pregnant to the the moment of his birth was overwhelming. It is such a miracle to carry a healthy pregnancy and deliver such a beautiful child. There are days lately when he just exhausts me, but I am so very blessed by the good Lord above to have been given this child to raise on earth.

Alex has really hit the terrible twos. He likes to scream A LOT, especially when he doesn't get his way. He has been know lately to throw himself on the floor to kick and yell for about 30 seconds. By that point he realizes I am not going to give in to him and he gives it up. It's quite amusing to watch him lift his head to see if I'm looking at him, I guess to check if he needs to continue.

I'm reading a new book, on my iPhone of course, called "I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith. Her husband is one of the singers of the Christian group Selah. Anyway, a few years ago she lost a baby that had genetic problems that made it incompatible with life. Her strength as a woman and a Christian are so amazing.

I could only hope to be half as strong as she was when this happened or at any point in my life for that matter. With the passing of Dr. Guiler things were truly put in to perspective even more. He was such a gentle spirit and a strong Christian man. But none of that matters unless you are right with the wonderful God in heaven. His life, and even more so in death has given so many of us, including myself, inspiration to live such a more Christ filled life. If I can leave just part of the legacy to my children as he did his, I will have done well.

I hope this post finds you all happy and healthy. Only two more weeks of school left for Ryan and it's summer vacation. He can hardly wait. Me too!!!

Love to you all

spring

My last post got a little interrupted by the big boy wanting to make paper stand up animals. He found a book that was given to us when Alex was born, something to give ideas of what to do with an older child. I've looked at it on and off, but Ryan has really gotten in to this now.

Anyway, what I really love about spring is being able to go outside and enjoy the time with the kids. It's great in wearing them out and they sleep like bricks. For the last few nights, they've gone to bed at a descent time and slept past 7am!! Woohoo for mommy!!

Here's just a few pics from our time outside.

A beautiful day

The first day of spring.


What could be better?


The sky is blue and the sun is shining ever so brightly.


Plus is doesn't hurt that UK is doing great during March madness.

This and that

So unfortunately I have failed in my blogging weekly yet again. I've had trouble uploading pics from my camera to the MAC so.... Now that I've gotten them on another I can post and send pics. Yipee!!!

The most important thing I can post about over the last few weeks is prayer. It is so different for everyone. Some choose to be all "God like" thinking that it is stronger and goes to God more. I on the other hand feel that if God is supposed to be like a best friend, I should talk to him whenever and wherever...and I do. No matter what the situation. But it is the prayer of a child that makes my heart swell and my eyes fill with tears. The other night, I put the boys to bed together because Ryan wanted to sleep with Alexander. As they were laying there side by side, I reminded Ryan he needed to say his prayers. Instead of just "saying" them, he rolled over, put his hand on Alex's chest, bent down to his ear, and said, "now I lay me down to sleep....." I just started bawling. I don't think I have ever felt such pride and love like that. I mean, what do you say to that? Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to teach my children in the way they should go. There is no greater gift in this world. We are so blessed.

Being blessed is just one of the many things I've enjoyed. Also, while the snow was out I decided to take a trip to Lexington Cemetary for some photography. Some were good and some were not, but I like to focus on the former. I thought I'd post a few. Hope you like them as much as I did.

Let it snow, let it snow

Lexington has gotten a good bit of snow.

More than a dusting.

Less than a foot.

But it was enough to have fun and enjoy the afternoon. While Mike shoveled the driveway, I was able to take pics of the boys having a BLAST!! Here are a few of my faves.

Not me Monday

Everyone knows that I have been on a quest to be healthier and lose a little weight (a lot really). I have my ups and downs just as every person does on this same journey.

But Sunday wasn't that day. Not for me!!

I didn't wake up early with the big boy just to watch cartoons and eat left over ham and pineapple pizza for breakfast. No not me!! And of course I didn't top it off with a bite of the brownies I had made. Are you kidding? I would never do that, not me!!

That's okay though, because I didn't eat the leftover pizza for lunch either or snack on the chips and dip I had given to the boys at lunch.

Sunday came and went and then the big snow came on Monday (big for Lexington). We took the kiddos to school and spent the day together. I didn't eat anything bad today either. I definitely didn't eat waffle house for brunch, or 1/2 a bag of popcorn at the movie theatre. Oh, and then when my husband suggested we go get a sweet snack at Calistoga, I emphatically said NO. Ha, not me.

Then we got the kiddos and played in the snow. We don't have snow boots for our little one. But did that stop us? Not a chance. But I didn't do anything crazy--like use ziploc bags to cover his feet and legs. Nope!! That would just be crazy.




Anyway...

all in all things are good. Hope all is well with everyone!! Love to you all.

daily ramblings

Not much going on here to discuss. We've had ups and downs this week. I've gone so far as buying something called Attentive Child at the Whole Foods store. I was really hoping it would help Ryan, but not so much. He's in trouble every where he goes and I am about done taking him ANYWHERE! At school I get called by the teacher. He gets in trouble at Church and Jason calls me (although this has gotten better). He even had trouble with respect at DAYCARE the other day when they were out because of snow.. Oh, and lets not forget me having to leave a gym class a few minutes early because he wasn't doing what he was told by one of the adults. Seriously? I know he knows better. I'm thinking a little trip to the pediatrician is in order.

Even Alex is beginning to have a little attitude. He even tried to take a swing at me the other night when I was putting him in time out. Really? You're two!!! Give it some time to build in the anger son. I've actually resorted to putting him in his room and closing the door so he can't get out. That really upsets him and puts things in perspective for him. After I open the door and ask him if he's going to be better he nods yes and gives a big hug.

I love my boys so much and am having such a time with them. If anyone has any really good advice or ideas let me know. I've prayed a lot for the boys, for strength, and for patience. Some days I just don't know how much is getting through. Thankfully Spring is almost here and we will be able to go play at the park again. I'm just counting down the days...

Better days

Well, things have turned around just a bit.

Ryan had a much better week at school. Granted, some days were better than others, but he has succeeded in gaining back a few of his toys. Thank Heavens!! I'm proud of the way he has been acting, even at home. He has been somewhat more respectful and caring. The other morning he crawled in bed with me a little before 6am. He is always wanting to snuggle in the mornings, which I truly love. But this morning, he turned to me and said, "mommy, I love you more than life itself" I have said that to him multiple times, but this time he returned the favor. My heart just beamed and eyes filled with tears. I felt so special!

Alex on the other hand has been a bit of a handful. He is still sweet and cute and absolutely adorable, but..... He's also decided he no longer needs a sippee cup. He wants to be a big boy and use regular cups like his big brother. So....he unscrews the lid. Yes, my 2 year old unscrews the lid to his sippee cup. Which of course generally ends in tears and "uh oh" when he's covered in juice or chocolate milk. He also is going through a hitting phase. Although I remind him we only give hugs and kisses, which he generally gives, he still hits when he doesn't get his way. Oh have mercy!!! (I love his kisses because he always wants to kiss on the lips). I remind myself, it's just a phase and won't last forever.

We've had a good bit of snow and the kids got to play, but unfortunately I had to sleep. I'm hoping the hubby will take a few pics that I can post. But if not, they've had a lot of phone regardless.

Have a great week.

The dreaded belt

Today was the day.

The day I have dreaded for such a long time.

The day when it finally became apparent that disciple was not longer time out or taking things away. The day when we released, duh duh duh.......the BELT.

Since Tuesday Ryan had been having trouble at school. Mostly not wanting to complete his work, so he missed 5-10 minutes of recess finishing his work before playing with his friends. We have had multiple talks about this, and every day get the same answer, "I'm just tired. I can't sit still" And every day, we put him to bed between 8 and 8:15. He awakens on his own, watches a cartoon or two, eats some breakfast, and off to school he goes. Then came Friday. I was in ACLS finishing up day 2 when I checked my phone. There was a missed call and voice mail from a number I did not recognize. When I listened to the message, I was outraged. Ryan had smarted off to the student teacher and was being very rude. I immediately called Mike to go to the school since I couldn't. He smoothed things over with Ryan and the teacher-he apologized and appeared (key word APPEARED) better. Well--that didn't last long. After Mike and I had lunch and decided to go grocery shopping, my phone rang AGAIN. This time his teacher informed me of yet another incident requiring him to be removed from Chinese instruction (yes they teach Chinese in kindergarten where he is). I was livid!!! I don't think I've ever been so upset with him before. Needless to say, I stopped what I was doing, and Mike and I headed to school. When we walked in, his teacher's assistant said, "oh it's a double whammy" And she was so right. I pulled him out of his class and took him home. Granted it was an hour early, and that causes a tardy, but I didn't care. On the sign out sheet reason I put "discipline". He sat in silence the whole way home. Any time he attempted to breathe a word I informed him it was in his best interest to keep his mouth closed. Upon arriving home he went to his room where we had a "Come to Jesus meeting" about his actions. He was crying and upset, but not as bad as when Mike pulled out the belt.

Yes THE BELT.

I got it when I was a child and so can he. A few swipes on that backside made a world of difference today. I hated to do it, and my heart was breaking the whole time, but it had to be done. Time outs don't work. Taking something away doesn't work. So in addition to the licks with the belt, he also lost ALL of his toys. He had to help Mike and myself move them to our bedroom--every last one of them. He has to earn them back one by one. If he has a good day, he earns one back, of my choosing. If he acts up and gets a straight or frowny face one of those returned becomes mine again. I don't really like all of these toys in my room, so I hope he gets it this time.

I try to be a good mother and raise him correctly, but he's making it difficult. I know God will give me strength to do this. Thank heavens, because today I wanted to wring his neck. I'm praying the next few days will be a little easier. Only time will tell. Lots of prayers headed to God for things to go better.

So that's part of, a day in the life.....

not me Monday

So, I've never done this before, but I'm going to give it a try.

Alex really loves to read, mostly his Bible, which is highly adorable. He begged to take it to bed the other night. I didn't let him, no not me. If I had let him I wouldn't have woken up to this:



Because of this I didn't have to spend 30 minutes on Sunday morning re-taping multiple pages of his Bible back together. No not me. I was just able to close it up and take it on to Church. NOT!!

big boy's day

So today being a holiday from school, I opted to keep Ryan home--to have a little mother, son time. It's not very often we get to do this anymore since Alex came along. We took the little man to daycare and then headed out for a day.


It started at Monkey Joes inflatable play yard. It was absolutely crazy at this place today, but was a lot of fun.



There were kids everywhere, but Ryan had a blast!!

After two hours of jumping and playing, we headed out for lunch. Being the picky eater he is, we ended up at Waffle House. It doesn't hurt my feelings one bit because I love the place. After filling up on scrambled eggs and waffles, we headed off to the movies. Granted I didn't pay full price-we did the dollar theatre, but it was fun nonetheless. We saw a little animated film called Planet 51. A little cheesy, but had quite a few funny parts as well. I don't think Ryan got them all, but that's okay. He thought the movie was "adorable".

We've now arrived home for a small rest before dad and the little man come home. After that it's all over. So much for the alone time with my big boy. We've had a much needed great day. These are memories that will last a lifetime. I can hardly wait for the day when Alex is old enough to do the same. But for now, I will enjoy my boys, just as they are. Savoring every moment I can and taking it all in.

Have a great week!