More photos from Will's party...

Will & Maddie (his bestfriend from his old preschool)

Our babysitter, Jamie, Jenna and Hailey

Kids eating pizza. The 2nd picture I have of Ben from the party (he's in green shirt). He was so busy on the games that I never saw him.

My girlfriend, Angie, and her kids.

Our neighbors.

More photos from Will's party...

Neighbors.

Will and Maddie again. They were inseparable.

David and Andy. He was eating pizza and for some reason - standing on the table.

Happy Birthday song to Will.

Our family (minus Ben). Never saw him....

Finally! Will's party - August 13, 2008

Will's birthday was on July 23 but because we were all so sick with the crypto we had to reschedule 2x's. He finally got well and we had a party for him at Chuck e Cheese on Aug. 13. We had a great turn out. All his friends were there and he absolutely had a blast. Me and Will posing for a picture. This was before the cake cutting.

Ben - in serious concentration playing a game. 1 of (only) 2 photos I have of him at the party.

My girlfriend, Marnie, made this cake for Will's party. So cute. We ended up having a bigger turnout than we expected - so we got another cake for the party and saved this one just for the family. Which Will was thrilled about.

Andy's favorite things

My girlfriend, Miesa, gave Andy this blanket when he was born. He is now 16 months (on Saturday) and he has carried this blanket and binkie around with him since he was born. He loves it and is completely comforted by it.

Andy and his favorite drink

Do any of you get those little smoothies from the grocery store? Andy LOVES them. He can drink them one right after the other. They really are his favorite. Here's some shots I snapped of him enjoying his strawberry smoothie. Yummy!

Trying to entertain themselves

The boys were bored and needed something to do. We got this trampoline this summer for the boys and they've really enjoyed it. Well ... with the water hose on it they've enjoyed it. It's been much too hot to jump without being wet. They love playing on the trampoline and squirting each other. Only problem is - there's always a fight for the hose. Andy loves having control of it and doesn't like to share it too much. He loves, loves playing in the water and being outside.

The same shirt for Andy

I wanted to snap photos of Andy in this shirt because I have taken photos all 3 of the boys in this shirt. I sat him on the bar stool - which is a treat for him - and he posed and smiled just for me.

Will's birthday

We were scheduled to have Will's birthday party this weekend - but once again, we'll be rescheduling it. If you remember from my earlier post - Will, Ben and I caught a virus from wetzone. Or more so a parasite - it's called cryptosporidium. It is contracted through the water.

I spoke with the heatlh inspector yesterday and he informed me that once the symptoms had stopped - Will could not go into any pools for 2 weeks, b/c the parasite can still live and secrete through his body. Yeah - I know .... gross! So - the wateslide we had planned for Will's party on Saturday - not a good idea.

Not to mention he's still sick. So - I've canceled the party and I'll reschedule something in a few weeks when he's better.

My boys both missed a soccer camp (which hopefully I can get the money back) - if not, I will be collecting it from the city. They should also pay for my carpet to be cleaned that was soiled, my babysitter I had to pay to come watch my kids.

We have been dealing with this since July 16 and he's still not better.

Time to update...

One of my friends thought it would be a great idea for me to get a Myspace (thank you Dena) and a Facebook (thank you Erica). Now, I'm trying to keep them all updated and I can't do it. Shouldn't they combine all these pages into one? Why does there have to be so many different programs that you have to put the same information on. Really? Can they not figure this out!

So while I've been away from my blog and on myspace and facebook entering the same information twice - you've missed lots - let me fill you in.

Let's see - David came back from Myrtle. He had a great time - best one ever (he says that every year)! He did not win the trophy. Was a little stressed out (had absolutely nothing to do with me ... ok, maybe a little) when he left, got drunk on the plane the first day and basically lost his chance at the trophy by playing drunk crappy golf. Ben was pretty sad. When Ben woke up the morning after David came home, he said "did you win daddy?" David said "no, I didn't." Ben said "you came in second though, right?" David said "yes, son I did." So - I think he was satisfied with that. We actually still have the trophy - b/c David didn't get it until February of this year, so the winner (his golf buddy, Ben) will get it in February of next year (especially since now it's a part of my decor).

When David came home - the next night, he and I were able to have a nice date night. We hadn't been out together (alone) in quite sometime. So it was great to hang out and reconnect and spend time together. We had a nice dinner at Gloria's in the Harbor and then just sat and watched the boats come in and out of dock. It was a nice night and really relaxing. I was very thankful for that time alone with him. I'm going to be really sad when my babysitter goes back to school on August 20. So sad!

While David was in Myrtle - me, Ben and Will went to the Wetzone with some friends. Little did we know that that one decision would change our lives dramatically the next few weeks. We all caught the crypto virus from the water. Some lady thought it would be a great idea to take off her babies diaper and wash his butt in the pool. Some people ... no brains! So I was sick for 5 days, unable to care for my children, house or husband. I have never in my life been that sick - so so bad. My mom had to come over and take care of all of us. Thank you mom! Ben was sick for like 24 hours and Will is still sick - 8 days later. Thank God I left Andy home with our babysitter ... Thank God! That would of been horrible. In the meantime, I've called the wetzone - waiting for a callback from the HR person over the city and she's going to be giving me a family pass for next summer!

While we were sick - Will had his birthday ... July 23. Sadly, he was so sick that I told him was birthday was on Saturday, July 26. I had to convince Ben to go along with my story - which he did. He wanted many, many times to tell Will that he was already 4 - but he didn't, he kept my secret. Saturday morning Will woke up - the "present fairy" (little story from his daddy, but the great thing about this age - everything IS magic). Anyways the present fairy came and he was as excited as he would of been on July 23 - had he not been vomitting constantly. We had his party scheduled for July 26, but it has been rescheduled to this Saturday, August 2. He's excited and can't wait for his birthday party with his friends.

Now, we're going into the last week of July. I have a ticket that I need to take care of, my dog (kuma) needs to get a re-check heartworm test, my dog (Muffy) is nearing her end (I think) - so sad; I need to get my hair done, plan Will's party, continue to convince Will that drinking milk isn't the best idea for him, make time to go to the chiropractor (love, love him - he's so good to me), take Andy for his 15 month check-up (which I had to cancel last week b/c we were all sick), need to go to my doctor to get my prescription refilled, and try and get a refund for the soccer camps my boys missed due to the crypto virus we caught. So - should be a great week. I'm feeling better - so life is good. A little scared to drink milk - I'll give it a few days yet. However, I did lose 7 pounds in 4 days ... yea me! I would love to go and work out - but facing the fact that I may have to wait until the boys are in school (which is 4 weeks from today .. not soon enough!) before I set foot back into the gym. Luckily I have a old/new treadmill and some hand weights that are dying to be used.

On the upside, I'm feeling pretty good about all the cleaning/organizing that I got done while David was on vacation. It's a great relief to walk into the house and not feel stress. Life is good!

Hopefully I can update a little more regularly ... I really need a laptop. Can someone get me a laptop, please!

A great read...

I have been having some issues with the boys since David left. Saturday and Sunday were especially bad for us. I was recommended a book by a friend - so when I got onto Amazon to order the book - I came across this book instead - my new favorite book "Have a new kid by Friday" by Kevin Leman. I got the book on Saturday and immediately started reading it. I wasn't real hopeful because I'm not a huge reader - ok, not at all - and the book is about an inch thick. I wanted results now so I read and read and read. The book is divided up by days of the week - Monday thru Friday. I think you are supposed to read Monday on one day, Tuesday the next, etc. Remember - I was desperate. I read the whole thing in 2 days. Truthfully - the book was only 1/2 inch thick. The other 1/2 was situations that come up - behaviors that your child may test you with, and it's great advice on his methods of how to handle those behaviors.

On Monday morning, Ben read the cover of the book and said to me 'this is not working.' I said 'I've only read a few pages Ben.' He said 'well, the few that you have read - they aren't working.' I'm like 'ok, smarty pants - you just wait.' On Monday, I started the methods that Dr. Leman speaks of. I got enough knowledge from what I had read to start using his ideas. His theory is 'say it once, turn your back, and walk away.' On Monday, I picked up the boys from VBS and I told them 'today we are going home for lunch and then we'll go to the gym to swim and then mommy's going to do an aerobics class and you guys are going in the childcare.' Ben said "i don't want to swim." I said "you don't have to. you can sit on a lounge chair or you can go in the childcare center. will and I will swim." So then a little later, Will starts misbehaving. I told Will 'I'm sorry but because you have shown me that you can't behave - I can't take you to the gym to swim. We'll go for mommy to workout and leave.' Ben said "i'm not going in the childcare - they'll call you out if I cry." I said "ben that's not fair to mommy. mommy needs to be healthy so I can take care of my boys." He said "i'm not going." I said "ok, that's your choice." I knew that in a few moments the door bell would ring b/c the neighbor kids had called and asked to play with Ben and Will. I answered the door and said "i'm sorry they can't play." I closed the door and walked away. They followed me, kicking and screaming - Ben screaming 'you hate me, you hate your own son.' I said "i'm sorry ben - but because you wouldn't allow me to do what I wanted to do, then i can't allow you to do what you want to do,' and i walked away. He followed "but you said we could play with them." I said "yes I did - but because you wouldn't let me go to the gym so I can be healthy - I can't allow you to play with your friends." He followed me kicking and screaming some more. I told him "I bet you wish you had made better choices. Hopefully next time you will think about this first." He came at me a little more and I just ignored him and walked away. He eventually gave up. Meanwhile - some of the other neighbors went over to play with the neighbors that we were supposed to play with. They even got to swim. My boys had to watch from our yard and it was pure and complete torture for them. After dinner and bath - just before bed - the boys came to me and said "mommy we are sorry for not letting you go to your class. it won't happen again, we promise. we love you." I thought I was going to fall out of my chair. They have never responded to me that way.

Dr. Leman has lots of other ideas in the book that are great - this book is definitely worth the money. Checking out books from your library is always great too - but I wanted this book as a reference - I'm definitely glad I spent the money for it. Now - when there's a behavior that I'm not sure about - I'll look in the book and get a little help from Dr. Leman. Anyone with children - should have this book. It's super great!

Great minds think alike!

Today (July 15), I had my babysitter come and watch the boys so I could have a few hours of rest. David is in Myrtle this week, so I don't have my wonderful husband here to help me. I didn't really know what was on my agenda - just wanted a little free time. My cousin called and wanted to take me to lunch. Perfect timing! I ran a few errons and then met her at Chili's for lunch. I walked in and behold she was wearing the same shirt as I (which she actually bought for me). We were twinkies! And of course she looked much better in it! Darn her! I've lost 40 pounds, still 30 to go... soon, soon - I'll be there.

So back to the story, we use to dress the same in our younger years - but haven't in sometime. It was quite the coincidence that we dressed alike with no planning. We each thought 'what if' but thought 'not a chance.' I guess we do think alike. I do have a sister, whom I love, but Sherri has been more like a sister than a cousin in my life. Everyone thought our matching shirts was funny - although Sherri was alittle embarrased. Me - embarrassed, not so much. Not much embarrasses me.

Andy's first pair of walking shoes!

I took Andy to the mall today (July 14) to buy him his first pair of walking shoes. I have some shoes that friends have given me - but he had to have his own first pair. I bought both Ben & Will tennis shoes for their first pair. But I thought that I wanted something different for Andy - something more him. I found these cute little summer sandals and they are just perfect. He's so excited to put them on and he walks great in them.

After we bought his shoes - we went to the play area and we played for abit. It was his first time in the play area and he really enjoyed himself. It was a great day of fun for he and I. I got to spend a few hours alone with my baby while Ben & Will were at VBS. It was sweet, precious time. He's the greatest and he fills me with so much joy. I'm thankful and greatful for him at that same time. His smile is so radiant that he affects anyone who comes into his path. His joy is so innocent. I know that he loves me when he says "ug" and puts his little arms around me and squeezes me as hard as he can and slobers all over my face. I just love it!

Vacation Bible School

Ben and Will are attending VBS this week at the church where Will attends preschool. Yesterday was the first day and both of the boys really enjoyed themselves and had a great time. I was worried that Ben may not enjoy himself. He likes to learn about God and the Bible - but there has to be a lot of other activities and not a lot of people. This one is a good size, but not real big - and they have blow-up inflatables to jump on, crafts, and lots of other activities that keep his interest. Will gave me a little trouble dropping him off yesterday - but he was quite excited to go back today. I'm thankful for camps like this to give my children a chance to be around other christian children and families.

Random photos from David's point of view

I was looking through photos to see what I wanted to put on my blog and I found these photos that David had taken. I think he's a good photographer - on occassion - and he's definitely got a different eye than I do for what he thinks is art. I guess there are people who will pay money for images like these. So - maybe he's got a good idea....

Will's birthday invite

Will is turning 4 this month and for his birthday - he wanted a motorcycle theme. Of course - what else would a child want who is completely obsessed with motorcycles. He LOVES them!

For his invite, I really wanted to stick with his theme. We have a neighbor across the street who has a motorcycle. I asked him if he would let us borrow it (him driving it of course) and he was completely game (for beer, of course). We drove up to the lake, picked up a spot and sat Will on the motorcycle. It took us awhile to get just the right look from him. This one is not my absolute favorite - but it was David's. I thought it came out beautifully. Will was so very proud of it.

His party is on the 26th and should be a lot of fun. We are borrowing a waterslide from a friend and we'll have food and cake and ice-cream. It will be a lot of fun for the kids. Maybe miserable for the parents since it will be 100 degrees outside. But I think it should be a lot of fun. Needless to say, Will is beside himself. He can't wait for his party ..... and don't forget the presents. See you all there!

David's trip to Myrtle and what he left behind!

David left for his annual golf trip with the guys on Saturday, July 12. He's been waiting awhile and gearing up for it. He was pretty excited to be able to hang out with his buddies. Ben was pretty excited for his daddy too. When he woke up Saturday morning, he asked where daddy was. I told him he had left for Myrtle. He got a big smile on his face and said "he's going to win the trophy for me." Hopefully David has his eye on the prize and not his beer and brings home the trophy for Ben. Ben would be so proud!

Now with David gone, that leaves me and the boys to figure out how we'll entertain ourselves. My goal is to clean, organize, clean, organize. I have so much to do and I want to get it done. I'd like David to come home to a clean, un-cluttered, well organized house. I know the cluttered house stresses him out - as it does me - and I'd like to have him come home, walk in the door and sigh of breath of relief.

Whose that in the picture behind the trophy? Ben Hogan of course - the legend Ben was named after!

Ben enjoys golf camp!

In our neighborhood, within about 1/2 block we have 20 boys, and usually when David gets off work he's outside playing golf with most of them. The boys really enjoy it and I know David does too. And because of that Ben aka 'mini me of david' has really taken to it quite a bit. He asked to take a golf camp - and of course, how could we refuse the son of a avid golfer. We signed Ben up and last week (July 7-11) Ben took the camp. When we got to the camp, it was at a local baseball field - Ben said "how can I play golf here? there aren't any holes?" I said "son, you are learning the basics of golf - the principles and how the game is played." He said "oh great - how can I play without sandtraps or a flag? this isn't going to be good golf." I left him at the camp and walked away thinking how much he has grown up and how much he communicates what he's feeling. I couldn't believe - although I know he's 6 - that my little boy would soon not be my little boy anymore.

Ben had a great time at the camp - and learned how to putt, chip, take breaks for snacks .... and all the other that comes with being a golfer. He made his daddy so proud!

Happy 4th of July!

These photos are from the 4th of July. We didn't do a whole lot. We woke up and David made red, white, blue french toast for the boys. The toast was blue, the syrup was red (although looked a little bloody) and the powdered sugar was white. The kids were pretty excited about it and thought it was a lot of fun. I'm glad he does that kind of stuff for them. I cook to feed them not to make it pretty.

Normally, we have a cook-out at our house - but this year we decided to skip it. Our neighbors were out of town on vacation and we were house/pool sitting. So we swam all day - the kids really enjoying having a pool to jump into when they wanted since it was like 100 degrees outside.

Don't see Wall-e

Ben and I went and saw this movie with my girlfriend, Angie, and her son, Jared. We had a great time. Had a great lunch beforehand. We got to the movies - grabbed some seats, and waited for the movie to start. We waited through 20 minutes of commericals. Really - these are 6 year olds! Do they really think 20 minutes of pointless commercials is going to keep their attention? Finally ... the movie started. We watched and waited, watched and waited ... for something - something good to happen, and nothing did. I think the last 20 minutes of the show were cute. They could of skipped through the first 1 1/2 hours in 20 minutes and made this a tv show. That probably would have been better. Angie and I just kept looking at each other and wondering when one of the kids would be ready to go. After 45 minutes or so the boys were done. We made them stick through it and we watched the movie through, but they both were very disappointed and so were we. My verdict - Don't see Wall-e!

My sweet, sweet Tesser

I was looking through Eric & Erica's facebook and I came across this picture of Tess. Not sure if you all know the story of her. She belonged to my friend Cristi who died in 2001. I adopted her when Cristi died and she came to live with Eric and I (we were rommates at the time). When David and I built the house we live in now - I brought Kuma, Katy (she died last year of cancer) & Tony (also Cristi's dog. he died 3 years ago from cancer) with me. Eric kept his dog Cody and Tess. That was almost 6 years ago and Tess still lives with him. I would LOVE to bring her here. Looking at her reminds me of the good memories I had with Cristi and gives me so much peace. Unfortunately, when Eric and I still lived together - my dog Kuma put a hole in Tess' hip. Yes .... a hole! Tess is 3x's Kuma's side - but wouldn't stand up for herself towards Kuma. We had to keep them separated and now I can't bring Tess home with me. I'm sad - because I love her dearly. I don't get the chance to see her very often because I don't get over to Eric's too much. She is the greatest dog and when she smiles at me - I know Cristi is smiling back at me.

I'm listed in Ben's yearbook

We ordered Ben's kindergarten yearbook this year... so special! I hadn't really even looked through it and so the other day I sat down and looked through it. I was pretty excited when I spotted my name. You have to look close - but it's on the 5th line, 3rd name from the left. There I am - in black and white. I am a volunteer. I guess for all the papers I cut, meals I brought, food I brought, pictures I took and other mindless tasks - having my name in the yearbook makes me feel appreciated.

All you wanted to know and didn't want to know about me!

My friend, Miesa, sent this to me. I never have the time to fill these out. But I thought this time - I might - it could even be fun. And so I thought since I was going through all the trouble, I should put it on my blog... so here goes!

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
loretta is after my grandmother, and kathryn is from my mom, grandmother and great grandmother.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?cried, no. yelled - 5 minutes ago.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
uh - it's ok.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
turkey
DO YOU HAVE KIDS?three handsome boys - ben, will and andy
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?i would like to think so. people usually don't like me at first. they have to get used to me.
DO YOU USE SARCASM?i try not to, b/c i hate it. my husband is FULL of it. but unfortunately i do - b/c he rubs off on me, but it's usually only back to him.
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?yes
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
no, not so much. deathly afraid of heights. sweaty palms and feet - the whole deal.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?raisin nut bran & kashi go lean crunch. i could eat cereal for every meal. love it!
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?yeah - i only have one pair w/ties. my workout shoes. i use them often, but mostly i wear flip flops.
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
strong-willed, yes (so that's where will gets it. oh - a light bulb moment). strong in muscle - i'd like to think so. will and ben are getting hard to lift. will is almost 50 pounds, and not sure about ben - maybe close to 60.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
not big into ice-cream or sweets.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
men - hands. women - hair.
RED OR PINK?neither. kinda all colored out. i like neutral these days.
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
having no patience.
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?my friend cristi - she died in 2001. and eric - he got married and had a baby (which i'm happy about), but i don't get to see him or talk to him much, and it makes me sad.
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
no shoes, green shirt that says "green eggs and ham."
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?that's a hard one. ummm... what was it? i had something for lunch - maybe. can't remember. i really think of food as fuel for my body - not for enjoyment. i don't enjoy my food much - my diet is boring!
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
silence, screaming, fighting, silence, crying... ah - the joy of boys!
IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
yeah i don't know. maybe yellow.
FAVORITE SMELLS?
the country (no dena, i wouldn't move there), andy's butt in a diaper after he's been changed and he's fresh and david's cologne (when he wears it).
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?angie, david, angie
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?yes - miesa. she recently moved to houston and it's far away now. not that i ever visited her when she lived 15 minutes away. i'll just pretend like she still does so i don't feel so guilty. lol!
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?are soap operas considered sports? if i had to name one - i'd say golf. since i'm required to watch 4 tournaments a year. but if it were my choice - none.
HAIR COLOR?blonde with brown highlights
EYE COLOR?blue
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?yes, unfortunately. david wants me to get that eye surgery on my eyes. no, not so much. can't trust someone with my eyes. i'd hate not to be able to see david again. ha!
FAVORITE FOOD?again - food not for enjoyment. but if i was going to enjoy food, i would have to say ... oh come on - you all know. quesadillas! ask me where the best quesadillas i've had are (and i've had a lot)? that would be the coronado springs hotel at walt disney world. yummy! and mi cocina is quickly behind.
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
happy endings. i like the sappy stuff.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?rumor has it
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?green that says 'green eggs and ham.' i think i already answered that. maybe i answered another question wrong.
FAVORITE SEASON ?
spring & fall
HUGS OR KISSES?
hugs from will (they are strong); kisses from ben; both from andy - they are sloppy good. both from david (if only he were here).
FAVORITE DESSERT?
not big into desserts
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
'how to have a good kid by friday.' having a little trouble w/the boys. i'm using the principles and it's really made a difference today. i'm hoping it continues to go well. funny - yesterday, ben read the title of the book and asked me what it was for. i told him it was to help me get some tools to deal with their behavior. he said 'well - it's not working'. i said 'i just started reading it.' he said 'well the first few pages that you read aren't working.' so tonight ... as i put them to bed. i said 'you know that book i'm reading?' he said 'yeah.' i said 'it's working, isn't it?' he said 'ugh, yeah ... why do you have to read that book? can you stop?' it was pretty funny.
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
the men from general hospital. david just loves it. only thing is - i can't figure out how it got ripped around the edges. huh...
WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?taped episode of general hospital
FAVORITE SOUNDS?
silence - complete dead silence. but - since i never get that, i'll have to say andy's laugh.
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
new york
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?well, i do photography. although i'm on break right now. but i'm not sure what i have is considered talent. i like to organize. although my house doesn't represent that right now. actually - i'm getting it cleaned and organized before david comes home. you guys would be proud.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?mesquite, texas
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR SPOUSE?
when he wants to be - he can be tender and kind. he has the best manners of anyone i have ever met. and i'm thankful my boys have taken that from him.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING RIGHT NOW?
i should be sorting through boxes, cleaning up the office, doing laundry - you name it. but i'm going to go watch general hospital from today, read in my book a little and then go to bed.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR TOMORROW?
my goal is to get through the day w/o yelling. i almost did today. bedtime was a little tough. today was better than the last few days so i think we can do it. dena and her girls are coming over to spend the night and then we're going to wetzone waterpark on wedensday. should be big fun!

thanks for reading - i know it's long and boring.... but hey, i know you wanted to know what color crayon i would be. night night!

My cup runneth over

It's 11:22 on Friday morning and Andy is still asleep (from last night). He went to bed at 8:30pm. For the last month and a half he's been sleeping until 10 and sometimes 11 every morning. He still takes a 2 hour nap and goes to bed at 8pm. I know ... you hate me. But seriously, I really need it. I feel alittle overwhelmed with all that I have to do.

Tomorrow, David leaves for Myrtle for his annual trip with his friends. He'll be gone for 7 days. Although, we'll miss him - I'm actually looking forward to the time. Since he's been working from home the last year - we haven't had much time apart. You know the saying - 'distance makes the heart grow founder.' I'm really looking forward to this time alone - even w/the kids. I've got a lot on my to do list and I hope to accomplish most all of it. I may be alittle tired at the end of the week - but hopefully I'll feel a little better and alittle less overwhelmed. My plans for the week are to organize our front room (technically a dining room - but our junk room); paint the front door (lots of crayon marks from Will using it as his canvas); Finish putting away my laundry; clean up my room/bathroom; and maybe even get alittle painting done. So - wish me luck!

I also have some playdates planned with some girlfriends - I'm really looking forward to that. Should be a good week.

I'm also alittle behind on my blogging. I hope to get caught up with this as well. I've joined facebook too. Not sure why I haven't before - maybe because it's just one more thing to have to check.

A visitor from something not wanted - August 7

One night I heard my dog, Kuma, outside barking like I had never heard her bark before. I peeked out the back window and I thought I saw someone in the backyard. David was in bed ... so I went and woke him up. He was already awake because he heard her too. Kuma never barks like that. I went and opened the door alittle and peeked out again and it looked like something was near the back fence. David thought it was our neighbor behind us tormenting our dog (nice, huh?). David was brave... got a little closer and here's what he found. Yikes! Looking at this picture creeps me out. It's amazing that it got on our fence - and what was it looking for? We live in the middle of our neighborhood w/connecting fences (front entry garages). Creepy!

Candids of the boys - July 7

Any chance that David gets (or the kids will allow), he takes pictures of them. This day the kids were watching tv and just playing and David tried to capture some candid shots of them.