Baby Jesus was hit by a garbage truck

While I was shopping on line for the boys' Christmas, I found something that I just HAD to have.

This is the Little People Deluxe Christmas Story set. I thought it would be a great way to teach the boys about the true meaning of Christmas, PLUS we'd have a Nativity set that I wouldn't worry about them playing with and possibly breaking.

In the last few days, we've had several visits from our local UPS guy (I think Colin might end up calling him Santa if I'm not careful), and today we received it.

After I snuck the boxes off of the front porch and hid the rest of the gifts in the garage, I brought it inside and opened it up. Hubby wasn't too thrilled about that, but I really want to be able to enjoy it this Christmas instead of playing with it for a day or so (the boys that is) and then packing it away. Colin was THRILLED with it!

He knows the story, so I told him who each "Little Person" was as I unwound, and unwound, and unwound those ridiculous wires that attach them to the packaging they come in. His favorite is the horse with the buggy. Of course. My oldest loves and worships anything with wheels. Makes me fear what we're in for when he turns sixteen!

After I freed all of the animals and characters from their wire prisons, I set to making dinner. We ate and I cleaned up a bit and then I sat down with Landon and Colin to play with "our" new toy.

Here is the discussion that followed.

Me: " Colin where is baby Jesus?" (I noticed that he was across the room, on the floor, and behind a chair."

Colin: "He's in the hospital, he'll be there for two or three days."

Me: "Oh, okay. What happened that he has to be in the hospital?"

Colin: "A garbage truck hit him."

Hmmmm, garbage pick up and public healthcare in Bethlehem during Biblical times.

Who knew?

(I love it!)

The Yellow Wiggle is Leaving?? (Take 2)

I would be remiss not to follow this story to the end, especially considering my very first troll was on account of my "Wiggles conspiracy theory".

Thanks to Catherine for the link to this article.

It actually looks like Greg might be leaving the Wiggles! How sad. Colin has loved them since he was teeny tiny, so I really hate to see this happen. Even though some of the music can be highly annoying and that laugh of Dorothy's can drive you up a wall...my kids love it all.

Thanks Greg, for all that you've done to make children all over the world smile, laugh, and dance!! I pray that your Doctors are able to diagnose whatever is happening with you, and restore you to full health and vigor as quickly as possible!!

You will be missed!

SANTA!!!!!

Here is our 2006 visit to Santa.

It's amazing how kids change their idea of him over the years. For Colin, we went from indifference, to being terrified of him, to this year. When he saw him, he RAN into his arms and gave him one of his very best hugs that are normally reserved for Grammy and Daddy. The Santa was really, REALLY, nice about it, and took a great deal of time with him. We were lucky that there was no one behind us in line, I'm sure that helped.

I can't get over how little Landon looks in the picture. He seems so "babyish" in it, but so grown up in person (well, as grown up as a 15 month old can be anyway). He was pretty indifferent to Santa himself...more fascinated with the Christmas tree and decorations around him. I guess next year he'll move to the terrified stage.

Colin looks like he's going to bust with that huge GRIN on his face.

Too funny!

I can't believe I forgot!!!

WOOOO-HOOOOOO!!!

The Gamecocks FINALLY beat Clemson!

(Okay, got that out of my system.)

I went to USC for 2 years (okay, let's be honest. I partied at USC for 2 years before I got serious and transferred to an all women's college and finally focused on the REAL reason I was paying that heinous amount of tuition) and Kelly has both his undergrad and graduate degree from USC. I don't think we ever really went to a USC vs. Clemson game that we *really* thought we would win...but we finally DID!

THAT, was a great come back!

Today was a great day

Even though all of the men in my house are sick...I actually had a pretty good day, which is nice to say, because I haven't been able to in a while.

I'm over my sickness (HAAAALELUJAAH!).

I was pretty "green" until last night when my appetite kicked in finally. Colin, unfortunately, barfed all night Friday night. I don't think that he has the same thing I did though, because he's been running a fever. The vomiting stopped early Saturday morning, but the fever has continued until today. We're heading to the Doc tomorrow, just to make sure it's not bronchitis again. I think Landon also has an ear infection because he's stopped eating, and we know that he cannot do that! Kelly also has a sinus infection and is on 4000 mg's of Augmentin a day! If that doesn't kill it, I don't know what will. His Doc must have decided to pull out the big guns this time around.

Oh, the joys of winter!! It would at least be worth it if we had snow! Not a chance of that any time soon though.

So, we'll shift gears again, and get back to my great day.

It started with my Hubby staying home with the sicklings and me heading to church all. by. my. self. I have to be honest, it was a little awkward. I'm not used to carrying a small purse and not having to tote a 20 pound toddler everywhere I go. It was nice though. It felt like the message was written just for me too. Funny how God works that way.

I was going to head to lunch with some friends (upon Kelly's insistence before I left for church), but decided to call home and check on the boys before fully committing. When I heard both kids crying....ahem...SCREAMING in unison in the background, I decided I should cut him a break and head on home to relieve him. We went to Panera for a late lunch, and believe it or not, every sick "kid" (including the 32 year old) ate a decent amount of food. It's amazing what getting out of the house will do for you.

We came home and I got everyone situated for naps (including the "oldest"), and while they slept, I went shopping.

HUH???

That's unheard of!

TWO trips away from the house. ALONE....in one day!???

Hell must have frozen over! Hehe, just kidding, but I have to admit it was nice!

Of course, I didn't go shopping for me. Are you kidding? I headed to a used book store to try and use up the $175.00 worth of credits I got from emptying out our guest room dressers when we de-cluttered (yes, I did used to have time to read, and enjoyed it. I didn't realize how much though). I found a few for the boys and then headed to the grocery store to buy the necessities for "Mommy's magic soup", and then came on home.

Luckily, I had *just* missed Landon waking up from his nap with his first poop in 2 days (HUUUUUGE!), so I got to love all over him after Daddy took care of the mess. (Insert big evil grin here.)

Not only did I make chicken corn chowder tonight, folks, I even made chicken noodle soup...from SCRATCH! My boys are going to be better in no time if I have anything to do with it.

Two things to note:

1. I think the zoloft is working

2. Do you think this has anything to do with the fact that I had about 3 Doctor Peppers today? Gotta LOOOOVE that caffeine!!

(Anyone have any suggestions on how to get to sleep now?)

Recovering from Thanksgiving...literally!

I would have to say that this year's Turkey day will have to go down as the worst ever in my life.

Oh, there was a beautiful turkey, with dressing, and mashed potatoes with gravy, and all of the wonderful side items that go along with it, but I didn't get to enjoy one bit of it.

You see, I awoke at 3:00 am on Thanksgiving morning, not to put the turkey in the oven, but to puke my guts out, over and over and over again.

Yep, I was throwing up from 3:00 am until about 12:30 pm, and nauseous until I went to bed around 6:00. Ick.

This happens to me every now and then because of my allergies, and luckily, this year, my lovely body decided to hit me with it on Thanksgiving. Usually I recover once I'm up and moving around the next day, but for some reason, it didn't happen that way this time.

Thank the LORD for my husband and my Mother! My Mom did every bit of the cooking, and my Hubby cleaned the entire house and managed the boys. I was sure that I would be okay for dinner in the afternoon, so we didn't cancel the invites to my Husband's friend and his family. Luckily, they understood when I couldn't eat with them and had to go lie down. I was able to vist for a little while, but I know I looked just as "green" as I felt.

I'm feeling OH so much better today, something that I am OHHH so thankful for! Sleeping from 6:00 pm until 10:00 am the next morning helped with that. I was even able to have my turkey with all of the "fixin's", so maybe we can say my Thanksgiving was just a day late....and boy was I thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to say I hope you all have a GREAT DAY!

We'll be home. I'm cooking a 20 pounder tomorrow (I guess I'd better get my butt to bed so I can get up to get it going in the morning!). We're having my Mom, her fiance', and a friend of Kelly's from work and his family (wife and 2 kids). It should be fairly laid back.

It's funny. When I think about tomorrow and having guests, I know that this will be so much less stressful, because they aren't all family.

Sad but true. I love my family, but we are much better family when there is distance between us.

Anyway...I hope you all have a wonderful day remembering all of the things that you're thankful for! I'll be spending it with those that I love more than anything in the world...my Hubby and my 2 boys.

I'm off to bed....sweet dreams everyone!

What is with these celebrity idiots?

First we have Mel Gibson spouting off at the mouth with his anti-semitism, and now Kramer is a freakin' racist??

What is wrong with these people that they think they can act and speak in a way that is degrading to ANYONE and not get some kick back?

Are they so rich and famous that they can do anything to anyone and get away with it?

Ummmm...no.

Needless to say, this guy's career is probably coming to a screeching halt.

Hopefully you're Seinfeld royalties are keeping you afloat Kramer, because I would say you're probably going to be out of the stand up business for a while.

What Have We Created???

I think we're in for it.

Driving to pre-school this morning, Colin says to me, "Mommy, we need to get new wheels for your car".

I said, "Why do we need new wheels for my car baby?"

"We just do. That car over there has new wheels."

I looked and couldn't see anything.

I then said, "New wheels for cars are usually pretty expensive, maybe you should talk to Daddy and ask him what he thinks about buying something that expensive."

Here it comes......

"I like expensive things Mommy."

Yep, we're definitely in for it.

Scared...

So...anyone wondering why I disappeared for a little bit last week? Well, part of the answer to that question is; I started taking zoloft tonight.

I'm scared shitless, a little relieved, and pretty much don't know what to expect.

I hope and pray that this is going to be a good thing for me. I've been having some issues coping with Kelly's busy work schedule, and pretty much just life in general. I found that I was basicly going from one necessary task to the next, to the next, to the next, and so on. I couldn't find any joy in my family, in my kids, or in my life any more. Even though I have two of the most beautiful children on the planet. Everything just seemed to turn in to one task after another.

I just couldn't keep living that way. So, I called the Doctor.

I'm hoping and praying that the medicine will help me to stop and take an inventory of all of the wonderful blessings that I have in my life. That it will allow me to see and DO what is really truly important, and that things will just in general...get "better".

So, that's "it" in a nutshell. I realize that medication isn't a miracle cure, but I hope that my days will seem much brighter soon.

We shall see.

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA the last week or so.

I'm back, and I have tons of half finished posts that I may or may not publish. It's been a rough week for me, which is why I didn't want to publish what I had written. Who wants to hear about all of the poop going on in my life right? lol...you guys probably!

I will update, but I just don't have time now. It's actually one of the posts in my "unfinished" archive.

Luckily, things are looking up, so I'll be back for GOOD...hopefully. You never know, I could get run over by a truck tomorrow morning..hehe!!

Question.

Have most of you already switched to Blogger Beta? Is it worth it? I've heard of many people having problems after they switched, so I've been hesitant to do so. Let me know what you think...If it's a "good thing" then I'll go ahead and do it.

Oh...the kids are good, Hubby is good. I have some great pics of Landon and his first haircut last weekend that I'll hopefully get up shortly. That kid is such a trip! NOTHING phases him!

I hope everyone is well and looking forward to some yummy turkey and dressing...MMMMM, I can't wait!!

Andria, I think I'm going to try out your baked pineapple recipe. I can't WAIT, it sounds so yummy!

Welcome to the world baby Sarah!!!!

I just wanted to congratulate my amazing friend Rebecca, her hubby David, Big sister Rachael, and Angel Sister Katherine on the birth of Sarah this morning.

From the time Rebecca's water broke and the time she was born at 10:18am, it was only ONE hour and 48 minutes! Can you say S-U-P-E-R WOMAN??

Congratulations my dear friend...this is truly an answer to many, many, prayers!

Much love from my family to yours!

Thinking of my friend Jennifer and her daughter Sydney

I just found out that Sydney, who will be 5 next week, has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

Wow.

She's okay, and thank GOD for mother's intuition, because that is the only thing that kept something really serious from happening. Jennifer really can't place her finger on what "told" her something was wrong, but she acted on her suspicions and they were proven true.

Sydney's Dad, is diabetic as well, so they used his glucometer to test her sugar on Sunday night, and it was off the scale. Off to the hospital they went. She's now on 4 insulin shots a day, regular blood sugar tests, and of course, a modified diet.

Please just say a prayer for them if you have a moment. I can't imagine how to explain something like this to a little girl who is so...well, so little. She's a sweetheart too, Landon's little "mommy" whenever we're out playing with the neighborhood crew.

Please remember Mommys and Daddys, that little nagging voice that's there in the back of your head...it's there for a reason.

Always follow your gut when it comes to your children.

That's my PSA for the day.

Sidebar **Edited**

Okay, so does anyone have any idea why the heck all of my links are now at the BOTTOM of my blog when I haven't changed anything???

Hmmmm...I'm at a loss.

Thanks so much Mike...YOU ROCK! That's exactly what the problem was.

I'll make sure to shorten my shows of frustration from here on out.

House Hunting; NOT for the faint of heart

I think that my Husband and I may kill each other before this is over.

This truly, I mean TRU-LY sucks.

At least I have learned something through this experience (which, mind you, is totally different now that we have two children in tow). I am the optimist of this relationship, and HE is the pessimist.

Whenever we look at a house, or a neighborhood, I seem to point out all of the things that are nice about it (unless of course, it is totally WACKED, and we have seen some of that), wheras he starts off focusing on anything and EVERYTHING that may be wrong.

Now I ask you....is it ever possible to find 100% of what you want and like in a home or a neighborhood? EVEN IF you buy property, and pick out a floor plan, and build from the ground up....is it possible? I don't think so. Granted, if we had $1,000,000 to buy a home, this might not be so hard, but our budget is a great deal smaller than that.

There are non-negotiables which we both pretty much agree on, but other things that I FEEL we must be able to give and take on. He's not willing to do that at all. He wants it perfect, AND he wants it affordable. Of course, I would like that too, but I realize that it ain't gonna happen. (So wait...does that now make HIM the optimist and me the pessimist??)

I don't care...just call me CRAZY, 'cuz that's how I feel!

AAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

I did find the perfect house today...it's only about $200,000 outside of our budget.

Just to make sure you understand.

This sucks.

GUESS what movie we bought today?

Love it, and love the song too!

"Mommy, that boy has girl hair"

Today was a pretty good day. We had a little bit of a rough afternoon because Landon refused to nap. It only took one good upside down giggle (on his part, that is) to realize why he gave up on his precious sleep and that boy LOVES his sleep (I only wish that was the case when he was an infant).

A MOLOR is beginning to break through. Poor little kid. He has 5 teeth on top now, and still 2 little ones on the bottom. I guess there isn't a clear cut rule as to how they get them, because I've never been able to predict which ones will come next.

I opted to take the kids out for a quick and easy dinner since our afternoon routine was pretty much shot. Kelly, of course, had to work late, so it was just me and my fellas. Both of the boys LOVE waffles, so we headed to Waffle House. I guess they're all over the US, but if you're not familiar with the restaurant, it's a 24 hour, greasy food joint, but their waffles are TO DIE FOR. I was in the mood for a patty melt and my usual hashbrowns, scattered, smothered (onions), and covered(cheese) (YUUUUMMMMM!).

We sat down and ordered, and all the while, I was responding to Colin's normal smattering of questions and comments:

"Mommy, why is the waitress over there on that side of the wall?"

"Mommy, look at the light (a large round one), it looks like the MOON."

(The waitress comes by and brings our food.)

"Mommy, how do they get back behind there to make the food?"

Next comes the kicker.

Remember, this is a 24 hour joint, in the SOUTH.




"Mommy, (referring to the cook), why does that boy have girl hair?"





Thank GOD, we already had our food.




Now, if any of you have a 3 year old. You understand, that the voice of said 3 year old knows NO level of refrain, even when said 3 year old is talking about a person who is about 10 feet away from them.

Translation: EVERY. ONE. HEARD HIM.

Nice.

You just don't realize what you will have to deal with when you become a parent do you, but it sure makes life interesting.

Kyle's Story

This is heartwrenching.

Colin is currently in a booster seat.

I think that is going to change after seeing this video.

Have I ever mentioned that I *really* dislike the Fall and Winter??

It's freakin' 5:45 pm and it's pitch black outside.

YUCK.

Halloween Pics!

Well, we started out the festivities the night before Halloween, by carving our pumpkins. That was not the original plan, but when Mommy forgets, that is a HECK of a lot better than trying to carve them Halloween night.

Here's Landon trying to figure out how the HECK he's going to get that entire pumpkin in his mouth.

Don't worry, he never did.




Colin on pumpkin carving night. I know this picture is really fuzzy, but I just LOVE the look of sheer joy in his face!!

If there is anything in the world that will make you smile, it's seeing that look, or hearing the giggle that went along with it.

Love it.





Introducing, Colin the DRAGON (ROOOAARRRRR!) and his buddy, Dominic, the Ninja Turtle.

Colin was ALL in to trick or treating this year. We made it about half-way around the neighborhood before he puttered out. He drug poor Dominic with him the entire way. Sorry little buddy!







Please meet Landon the monkey.

Poor kid. I told you that he will eat anything, even a stuffed banana! Maybe he was just trying to act the part??

He did enjoy some M&M's that night. If only you knew me when...I don't think Colin had chocolate until his second birthday.

Metamorphosis

I am constantly in awe of how things change.

I look at my life now, compared to where I was 4 years ago, and I am amazed at how naive I feel I once was.

I look at my boys, and I'm shocked at how much I love them. How fiercly I would protect them from harm, from hurt, from anything that might tarnish their sweet, clear eyed view of our world.

I look at this world, and wonder if I've done the right thing bringing my boys in to it. In a way, I feel that my desire...my "need" to have children, over-rode my knowledge of the world that I destined them to be a part of. A world that will most likely let them down in some way, shape, or form.

I look at my Husband and my marriage. I remember how "easy" it once was. I remember people telling us that, "marriage is work", and thinking to myself, "nah..this is easy! We love each other and THAT is what matters".

It used to be easy.

I hate that I took those easy times for granted.

I see now, what people meant by, "marriage is work".

In the day to day grind of work, kids, bills, grocery trips, laundry, and all of the countless tasks that equal our lives....it seems like we've lost each other.

I don't mean that I love my Husband any less. Not at all. I just mean that, the ease with which we used to love each other, just isn't there any more.

We have to work to spend time together. We have to work to communicate. Hell, we even have to pay someone (a babysitter that is) so that we can have some alone time where we're not either asleep, or just dog-tired and cleaning up someone else's mess so we can then go to bed and go BACK to sleep.

I wish it could be easy again.

I miss my Husband. I miss my best friend that I married six and a half years ago.

I love my boys, and I would never change the fact that they are here, but I'm just trying to figure out how all of this works.

Is there ever enough time or energy for everyone? I want to be the best Mom I can be, but I also know that part of that includes being the best wife, partner, and LORI that I can be.

Why is it that so many Moms (and hey...probably even Dad's) sacrifice themselves for their children?

The reason that my children are here in the first place is because my Husband and I loved each other first. It kills me to think that in caring for them...in loving them....I'm losing or hurting the very reason that they exist. Something, someone, that I love very much, but I barely feel I know or can connect to anymore.

We go through our lives and take care of our priorities, but it seems WE, just aren't a priority anymore.

If anyone out there has it figured out. Please let me know.

It just seems like the cruelest of ironies.