My First "Tag"

I've never been 'tagged' before, but I was surprisingly pleased when I saw I had been in a friend's blog. Thanks Heidi!

1. How long have you been married? 8 years! Where has the time gone?
2. Who eats more sweets? The kids by far.
3. Who said I love you first? I'm sure it was me.
4. How old is he? 34, I started the new celebrity trend of marrying younger men!
5. Who is taller? Greg (by at least a foot)
6. Who is smarter? I'm a woman, who do you think is smarter? JK
7. Who can sing better? You'd have to ask an innocent bystander (but why would you want to hurt an innocent bystander?).
8. Who does the laundry? Me, loads and loads.
9. Who pays the bills? Me.
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? We both do...wink, oh you said sleep. Me
11. Who mows the lawn? What lawn, we live in VEGAS baby, our HOA doesn't allow grass in the front and we have rock in the back as well.
12. Who cooks dinner? Cook? We both do, he's a great cook!Who drives? He does if we are on a trip, I do if we are in Vegas traffic. He doesn't want to drive the mini-van around town too much.
13. Who kissed who first? He did, but I didn't turn away.
14. Who asked who out? I had an offer with his military friend that if he ever had any "single friends" come to town I'd show them around. Greg was the first and last. After the first date we both knew.
15. Who has more siblings? Me, I have 7; he has 3 half siblings.
16. Who wears the pants? I'm the only one who wears a skirt/dress if that answers your question.

Now I tag Stacey, Jennifer, and Jessica.

Thats Done, What's Next!

We have our garage repaired and our water heater installed (we really only went without hot water for a couple of days until a temporary hook-up was done). So far everything has run very smoothly, having insurance is a good thing. Sometimes it is hard to make the payment when money gets tight, but oh how much more tight it would be when disaster strikes! And this one really wasn't too bad (I say that because I haven't seen the invoice yet).

It is good to not have the hole in the wall, now if I can get all the cracks inside the house fixed! We asked if the company could give us an estimate on cosmetically fixing a few things. The gentleman that fixed the wall came in to get a look. He shook his head at one of the "problem" areas and said that it would be really hard to give a dollar amount until he "got up there and took down the ceiling." And it would take a "few" days for the stuff he could see.

PHHHH, heavy sigh.

I am feeling the economy's pinching a little more right now with Greg's pending release from the military. He told me yesterday that it took his buddy a year to get his retirement check after he was medically released.

Never a good sign

We were on our way out to grab some lunch with a friend when the kids came back in to tell me Kaitlynn was standing in some warm water. I immediately thought she had pee'd her pants and was getting ready to change her clothes so we could get on our way. It wasn't pee, and it was HOT water.

Yep, that's the Fire & Water Cleanup and Restoration truck! Nope, no fire, just a busted water heater (I guess it's time, ours is about 12 years old if put in when the house was built). Time or not it wasn't convenient for us, but is any disaster? So, we are seriously thinking it is time to get one of those home warranty programs. We've already replaced the dishwasher, now the water heater. With our luck the next thing to go is the A/C, which would not be a pretty thing for me and the kids here in HOT Vegas! Does anyone know of a good company they could recommend?
It did some water damage (could only have been leaking for about 2-3 hours). But, we will have a new water heater that we can add to the great new amenities of our house when we sell. Plus, if I have it my way, a home warranty to sweeten the deal.

Basket Fun

I recently found out Elizabeth can put things into baskets, I was so excited to have another hand to help out around the house with all the toys that seem to find their way onto the floor.

Today I found her taking a few toys out of the basket to replace them with a bigger toy.

My children never cease to entertain me.

Out and about

This is from our outing to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum with the Clement girls. Joe and Brianna read enough books to receive a free pass each from the Aliante Library. Got to love the summer reading programs at the library(s)!! They ran out of the swimming passes, but hopefully they'll get more in soon.

Crafty, yes, sometimes.

A few years (about 4 to be exact) a friend told me about this sling she had bought. She showed me how it worked and gave it to me (it was too small for me, but I used it for a pattern). All of my girls have been slinglings (great website!). I have tried to spread the word and even given some to family members.

Recently another friend asked if she could borrow mine for a trip she was taking, she was going to be flying and now the airlines are charging extra to check on strollers. She came over to try it on. I decided to make her one. Long story shorter, we discussed how cool it would be with a pocket for carrying cell phones so she could really be hands free. Only we discussed it AFTER the sling was made. Life would have been easier if I had just put one in to begin with!!

But, it is done, pocket put in and all. Here are the pictures to prove how successful I was. Got to toot your own horn every now and again.

Cute baby M!

Almost There

Little Liz is working hard at standing on her own, she even is able to squat and sometimes get back to full standing position. We are having fun cheering her on at every turn (and fall) and everyone takes part in helping her in her quest to become a "big girl".

Happy Little Window Cleaners

I decided to put my two older girls to work cleaning windows to help ease the LOAD of housework. Brianna did a pretty good job, just lost steam. Kaitlynn, though, she is going to be a good worker-bee, and happy to boot. Elizabeth wanted to help...eat paper towels.

Not only am I breaking child labor laws, I think I could get in trouble for having 1/2 dressed window cleaners too.

To believe or not to believe

Last night when Joe went to bed I talked him into putting his tooth in the treasure bag and then keeping it under his pillow while he slept. He complied, the whole time saying,
"Mom, there is no such thing as the Tooth Fairy! I know it is really you."

This morning, bright and early (earlier than I wanted!), Joe came to my room and thanked me. When I asked him what for, he said "for his gold dollar." I asked what he was talking about. So he showed me his Sacagawea dollar. Along with the dollar he got a note and a shark tooth! He was pretty excited but still claimed it was me. Guess one can't fool a smarty pants.

"Why would the Tooth Fairy give me a shark's tooth?"

"Maybe she thought you'd feel better if you had a replacement tooth."

"Nah, I know it was you, what does the Tooth Fairy do with teeth?"

"I'm not sure, but what would I do with your teeth?"

"Put them in your mouth."

"Right, cuz I don't have enough teeth of my own."

After our little conversation on the existence of the Tooth Fairy he left and promptly came back saying his light had gone out in his room when he turned it on. I worked a little spin on it claiming that was proof it was the tooth fairy who came into his room and not his mom.

"What!!??"

"Yeah, the tooth fairy is so beautiful and bright the light knew he couldn't compete anymore and just went out."

"Hmmm."

Maybe some fairy dust would have helped him 'believe'. I've never wanted to trick my kids into believing in things that aren't real. But, this time I couldn't resist, mom's need a little fun too!

Joe's other tooth came out this morning at breakfast. I wonder if he'll put it under his bed.

Update

Yeah, so most of you may be wondering, did she get the iPhone or not? I did, and should have said something right away, but alas I was too busy playing with it. Not that I need anything else to distract me from things I should be doing...

We used the navigation application today (not that we really needed it, but to check it out) when we went to dinner. I have plenty of "keep your kids busy" applications now and have to wonder who's phone it is. Everyone loves it even Elizabeth, there is a bubble popping application that keeps her mesmerized. Kaitlynn will take it first thing in the morning or anytime it's on the charger, she likes to hide it from me. What can I say about Joseph, he has been asking for a phone for a long time, now he wants an iPhone. So, I put on an application that turns the phone into a light-saber (you can pick the color of the little light-saber on the screen, and it makes light-saber noises when you move it around). That with a few other applications keep him happy enough to just hold mine.

OH, and some more news...we have finally joined the "lost tooth" club. All my friend's kids are loosing their teeth left and right, I think we were the last in line.
Joe's two bottom front teeth have been wiggling for a while now, at least a month. He already has his adult teeth growing in toward his tongue since the baby teeth have been stubborn and not giving way, until today!!
Tonight at dinner he didn't eat all his pizza saying his teeth were hurting, we got home and he said it just popped out. We had been offering to pull them for him, to which he constantly refused. I'll be glad when we get rid of his four front teeth! And I really hope his adult teeth are more healthy than his baby teeth. I have a strong feeling we will be having to do something for crowded teeth though, the dentist has already mentioned it once or twice. His daddy had braces, Momma had braces (although for a different reason), sorry Joe, it looks like you'll get braces.

If he doesn't believe in the Tooth Fairy should he get any money??

Step'n Up

I can't believe I caught her climbing already. I actually watched her use the dinosaur as a step to climb up onto the music stand. Unbelievable! As you can see she was mightily pleased with her new found ability. Just wait till the falling down starts, that smile will turn into tears.

My own firecracker

The other day I went to my friend Stacey's house to take pictures of our kids for 4th of July pictures. I took a ton of Elizabeth because she was just so darn cute, trying to catch her with her hands clasped from clapping. Every picture only caught her with her arms open just before the clap. She is going through the stage where any amount of praise she'll start clapping, she is so pleased with herself and what she can do. I decided to video it. Enjoy. I especially love the way she folds and intertwines her legs in the sitting position. It is pretty graceful.

Ode to Brianna, My big 4 year old

Happy Birthday Brianna!! You are four years old! I can't believe how quickly time flies since I've become a mommy. It seems just yesterday I held you for the first time at the hospital. You don't remember that day, but Joseph, Grandma Johnson, Daddy, and I remember it well. When Dr. Ivie pulled you from my tummy she said, "Wow, she got her hair done, like mommy, with highlights and all!"

You weighed 8 lbs 4.5 oz., were 19" long, and redish-brown highlights in your lush dark brown hair. The hospital staff couldn't stop "ooooing" and "ahhhhing" about how pretty a baby you were. Some people say it was because you didn't get squished coming out since you were born by c-section.

I thought you were perfect, because God made YOU and blessed me with a girl.

Some things you've been doing lately, cute and not so cute, some down right frustrating. But, that is the job of your mom and Dad, help you grow, learn, and become a better person.

• You almost always wake up happy, your little cheerful "good morning, mom!" makes mornings better.
• You enjoy going to church, singing church songs, and love your primary teacher.
  
• You love, love, love your daddy. You have said you want to marry him.
  
• You have been such a good little mommy's helper with your little sisters.
• You love to carry Elizabeth, bathe her, feed her, and play with her. It is very sweet!
  
• You love to dance. You will often ask me to put some music on for you.
• If I'm not fast enough to put music on you'll find it yourself on my computer.
• You absolutely love and adore Joseph, who consoles you when you've been disciplined and who plays babies/dolls with you. You've said you want to marry him too.
  
• You've been sneaking things out of the fridge or freezer. I'm sure I feed you enough, but maybe not, you are always wanting more food!
  
• Hiding your contraband under your brother's bed. Hiding it is a sign you know it's wrong, and are disobeying the rules intentionally.
  
• When caught you'll always try to convince me it was someone else mostly Kaitlynn (what else are little sisters good for?).
• If something is put up high for a reason, you can still find a way to get into it. Nothing is safe from you if you want it.
  

We love you pretty little girl. You are learning and growing normal. You've been such a joy to have in our family! Our family wouldn't be complete without you!

Febril seizure

Elizabeth, 9 months, has been teething with some pretty serious teeth, fever, congestion, the works but still really good natured. Today she ran a fever and we took a few naps with some cuddling in between, very sweet. Silly me didn't check to see what her temperature was, she's only teething after all. Long about 8 pm after nursing we were having another cuddling session. She put her head back and looked like she was looking at to ceiling for something. Something didn't feel right. She seemed to be zoning, wouldn't look at me when I called her name, and then started convulsing. Panicking I start carrying her out of the bedroom calling my husband for help. We meet in the hallway with all the children gathering in as well. I state she is convulsing, he finds a phone to call 911 (good thing he keeps his wits about him!). I try to remember my infant cpr from before Joe was born but I think my brain went into I'm losing my baby mode. All that kept running though my mind was "there was no sign anything was wrong. She can't be dying, I don't want to let her go right now!" Her lips were turning blue and I kept tapping on her chest lightly. I don't know how long she convulsed, or how long she went without breathing. When I could tell she was breathing again I just held her. The paramedics didn't take long to get there! Maybe I lost track of time. We were whisked off to the emergency room just to make sure she was alright.

They say it is common for a child to have a "fit" or "convulsion" that occurs when there is a spike in the fever. Gosh, I never knew that! It is common for them to be brief, lasting less than 10 minutes. One minute, ten minutes, the time doesn't matter to me, it is very scary, common or not! Most children who have febrile seizures will outgrow them by four or five years of age. Probably a good thing or the mom would probably not live too long with her heart constantly stopping each time they convulsed.

So, here's what I did wrong (although they never told me I did anything wrong...)
I assumed it was teething. She has a little virus, the doctor said.
I didn't check her temperature. Her fever was 103.3 at the hospital (who knows what it was when it spiked enough to send her into convulsions).
I was giving her 1/3 the amount of fever reducing medicine she should have been getting. I was erring on the side of caution, which didn't reduce anything!!

I don't know what I could have done about the other children seeing the baby convulse. I think we are all scarred for life! They picked up on my stress and worry plus witnessed everything. Joe kept saying "But, I don't want her to die, I love her too much." Brianna was the only one who was obedient and went to sit on the couch when told to do so, with worry in her eyes and tears running down her face. Kaitlyn was obedient getting ready, Brianna went to the hospital with just a shirt and underwear (I only noticed after Elizabeth was released, much to my chagrin). When they came back to visit Joe felt it necessary to bring a toy for Elizabeth, very smart thinking for a worry worn brother.

Needless to say, I am thankful we were blessed that it was something common that nothing really bad happened. Sometimes a little scary experience helps to jostle us back into appreciation mode, and remind us how short life can be...we shouldn't take any of life for granted.

Imagination

So, what could be better for the imagination than a book about some kids who go to visit their grandparents over Summer Vacation and experience the mystical land of Fablehaven their grandfather is overseeing? We have been thoroughly enjoying this book on disc which I thought might be difficult for the girls to sit still during, but which has proven me wrong. I have been extremely impressed with how Joe has shown such interest in something other than a game or a movie. One night while we were waiting in an extremely long line of cars to watch a movie at the Drive In he asked if we could listen to the story while we waited. How could I refuse?

I have to admit I am also impressed with myself. I opt to watch a movie instead of read a book because it is quicker and I don't get as side tracked. I could easily blame it on my lack of down time, what with four little children to chase around all the time and all. But, I think it is because it is all laid out for me and I don't have to use my imagination. I want more for my children.

I am now a big proponent of books on tape/cd because it opens new realms for me. Where it is hard to do anything else when you read a book, I can put on the book and do the laundry, fix a meal, or drive the car etc. I recently finished Stephanie Meyer's Twilight trilogy, now I'm looking forward to the movie to see if it follows the book. Very different than what I would normally do, wait for the movie! Who cares if it follows the book, and how would I have even known the difference??

I have fond memories of my mother reading us books like The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis before bed while I was a teenager. I hope I can instill in my children a love for literature, but I know I must do my part to make that happen. This is just a start.