Prayer Request for my Mom

As many of you already know, a PET scan my mom had a month ago showed a mass on her Thyroid. In the following weeks, she had two ultrasounds, a nuclear medicine test and a needle biopsy. The results of all were misleading and inconclusive. Her endocronologist and surgeon have both recommended taking out her thyroid. She's scheduled her surgery for January 22. Will you please start praying for her? For the surgery itself, that the mass is benign, that she won't have any complications from the surgery, that she'll have a quick recovery, and that they will be able to regulate her thyroid medicine quickly.

The Beach

I was only brave enough when we lived here to take the kids to the beach once, and that was to meet someone for lunch. They got to walk on the beach for 10 minutes. Boy, were they deprived. Dan and I took them to the beach on Friday and it was beautiful - clear, blue skies and beautiful water. The kids had so much fun running through the sand and chasing out the tide before running away so they wouldn't get wet when the waves came crashing back in. I hope we have a day to go back.

Making the Rounds

We have been busy trying to see everyone. There's so much family here. It's been awesome though. I'd forgotten what it was like to have everyone so close and to be able to see them whenever we want. We are staying at my mom's; although it doesn't seem like we've seen them much between us being on the go, them working and my mom's doctor's appointments (more in another post). We've been able to spend time with Dan's grandparents, Nana and Daddy Doe. We took my Grandma lunch the other day. We had Christmas with Dan's family a few night's ago. We haven't seen my brother and his family or my grandfather, but we'll see everyone tomorrow! I can't wait.

Flying to Florida

Wednesday was a fun, but exhausting day. It started at 3:30 when my alarm went off. If you've never gotten up at that time, let me reassure you that it is WAY too early. We got the kids up at 4:00 to get them dressed and then piled into the car as soon as a friend, Robert, made it to our house to drive us to the airport. We ate cheerios and raisin bread in the car and were in a generally good mood. Check in at the airport was smooth and we made it through security and to our gate without any hassles. Once we found our gate, the kids and I got out the camera and went on an ABC scavenger hunt. We are going to make an ABC book for Jaelyn to take to school. We started with taking a picture of our airplane for A, a bag for B, Caden for C, etc. We had help from people in the airport with someone letting us take a picture of a book that had a picture of an elephant in it for E and with our pilot letting us take his picture for P. We continued our scavenger hunt in the Atlanta airport. The hardest letters were U, X and Z. Jaelyn had a great idea and I took a picture of all the kids pointing UP. For Z, we managed to find a zero candy bar. X was by far the hardest, but Jaelyn was wearing a shirt with Xs and Os so we took a picture of it and will write "X is for hugs and kisses." On the plane, the kids stayed busy with coloring and sticker books. Jaelyn did a little of her school work and Allie played with her polly pockets. Caden's favorite part of the flights were by far the lollies he got to eat when the plane was taking off. That was a huge treat. They never get candy like that. We got to the airport in Pensacola to not find our families excitedly expecting us, instead we found everyone sitting off to the side visiting and not paying a bit of attention watching the terminal exit. Silly grandparents, they got their hugs anyway, whether they deserved them or not.

Santa has Come and Gone

Santa came on Saturday night and the kids were so excited Sunday morning to go downstairs and so what he left. For Caden, Santa left a radio controlled dinosaur that roars, walks, and has red, glowing eyes. He was an immediate hit. For Allie, Santa left a doll that came with 9 different outfits to spend hours dressing and undressing. Another hit! For Jaelyn, Santa left a new baby doll bed and a baby. Santa had to work hard on the doll bed. The first one was defective (3 side rails cracked while he was assembling it) so he had to get the elves to make a 2nd one! Jaelyn named her new baby doll Isabella and is calling her Bella (after a favorite Dog belonging to one of Dan's coworkers).

After playing with Santa toys for a little bit, we ripped into the other presents under our tree. Allie got a pile of Polly Pockets and spent the rest of the day "working." She even refused to eat with the excuse that "she had more work to do." Jaelyn got the games Guess Who and Perfection. We played many games of Guess Who and I think it'll be come a favorite. Caden got more dinosaurs and a few match box cars. He also got a radio controlled car. He liked the remote better than the car, carrying it around with him all day.

Allie's Ballet Recital

This has been a busy week for Allie. Today was her Christmas Recital for Ballet. She performed in two numbers: I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Her class was combined with a younger three year old class and they were so cute. While Allie's class was trying to do what they learned, the younger ones were running around and waving hi to mom. There were even a few jumping on the mini-tramp in the back (she takes ballet at a Ladies Total Fitness and the recital was in their aerobics room). It was hilarious. Allie did the best of all. Biased you ask? Of course, but it's true. She matched in line (in time with the music even), she twirled her bouton like she was supposed to and even managed to catch it when she popped it up in the air. I'm so proud of my girl. I purchased a DVD of the show so when I get it, I'll update with clips.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa Claus is coming to town tonight and we are so excited. We pretended today was Christmas Eve. We baked cookies for Santa and left them with a glass of milk under the Christmas tree. Dan even helped the kids pour oatmeal onto a plate and left it outside for the reindeer. I hope they like it. I bought us all new pajamas and we opened them this evening. Caden's pajamas are so cute and remind me of something my Grandpa would have worn, only Caden's had a cute snowman on it. The girls got fleece night gowns which they were really wanting. We had only had one hand me down winter night gown and we were having nightly fights over who was going to wear it. When I told the kids they could open one present, I'm sure pajamas were not what they were hoping for, but they got over it quickly. I can't wait for everyone to get up to see what Santa left them. Jaelyn asked for a doll bed with a new doll, Allie asked for a doll with lots of clothes to change and Caden asked for a dinosaur. I'm pretty sure Santa got them exactly what they wanted ;).

Allie's Christmas Play

Allie's preschool put on their annual Christmas play on Wednesday. The teacher drew names for parts and Allie was chosen to be the Angel who appeared to Mary to tell her she was going to have a baby. Only four kids had speaking parts and Allie was one of them. Her line was "You are going to have a baby and you will name him Jesus." Allie, being the good Southern girl she is, changed both lines to "going to" instead of "will." She did a great job and was a perfect angel, keeping her hands clasp together the whole time. I've edited out some of the play before Allie's part and PLEASE ignore the singing at the end. They sang happy birthday to Jesus and the audience joined in. I forgot how close I was to the camera and most of you know how horrible my singing is. Sorry!

After the play, we went back to her room for a small party. The kids sang some more for us and did their finger plays. Santa dropped off a big bag of books for the kids and then we had yummy chocolate cake. Allie gave me a wall hanging she had made with her hand prints. It was a fun party.

Hiding "Santa Presents"

I have learned a lesson this year. My kids are getting older. You can't sneak things by them anymore without them noticing. I should know better.

I've been keeping all of the Christmas presents in bags in my closet. I hadn't really even thought about hiding them better. Well, I caught the kids playing in my closet the other day. I knew they had looked in the closet, but everything was in bags. That day, they were IN the closet. Did they go through the bags? Were they just playing? I don't know and I can't tell from their answers whether or not they were telling the truth. The "santa presents" were in my closet and I don't want to chance them getting something they know was in my closet so I ordered them all a new toy and I'll put the santa presents up for their birthdays or for reward prizes. At least now Santa will be bringing what they actually asked for - I had already bought the presents before we wrote to Santa to ask what they wanted. So...don't wait until it's too late. Assume your children are with it and hide those presents better than I did!!!

Girl's Night Out

Dan had a guy's night out last week with a few of his friends from work. I thought it was only fair that I should have a night out too - and I've been really needing it. Last night, my friend, Angie, and I did just that. Angie's husband and Dan watched the kids while we escaped for an evening of girl talk over an awesome grouper dinner at Bonefish Grill (if you've never eaten there, I can now highly recommend it - it's pricey though). After dinner, we went to see Enchanted (another recommendation - you must go see it if you haven't yet.). I don't think I've enjoyed a movie that much in a long time. I want to take the girls back because they will just love the whole "girl searching for her prince" thing. Maybe it'll be a fun girls' day out with mommy when we are in Pensacola.

Almost as good as the relaxing night (or mom-date as my friend Jenn calls it) was getting home to a quiet house with children tucked snuggly in their beds. Dan and the kids also had a wonderful time. This morning as we snuggled in bed, Allie and Jaelyn told me all about it. They had pizza for dinner and played uno and hide and seek. They rolled each other in a barrel - a regular basement game - and simply wore each other out.

Yesterday was a big day, as well as the evening playdate, we also had a morning playdate and Allie had a Christmas play and party at her preschool (more on that in another post).

Daddy's in Charge

How many of you have seen that email picture of the toddler duct taped to the wall? It's hilarious, isn't it? My first thought when I saw it was "a Daddy did that." There's no way a mommy would do that to her child. Well, same goes for what happened around here the other day. It started innocently enough, well, actually I don't know how it started. Probably Dan got tired of the non-stop chattering. He got out the scotch tape and taped the kids' mouths shut. They actually liked it and had a grand 'ole time - until it was time to pull the tape off, of course. That was no fun at all. Poor Allie's cheeks were so red from the adhesive. Dan has promised to never tape the children again! I don't think the kids would mind, however, if he did. Mommies and Daddies play so differently!

Caden's Lovie

I collected stuffed pigs for a while when I was a young teenager. There was one pig in particular that was very soft and special. I named him Wilbur and he's one of the few stuffed animals I have from when I was younger. I cleaned out our toy closet the other day and Caden spied my Wilbur. He demanded to have it and has loved it so much. He sleeps holding Wilbur every night and will tell you "this is my pig. His name is Wilbur." Up until this point, he's had a small teddy bear named Brownie that he's slept with. My mom bought Brownie for him when we lived in Germany. He's cuddled it, but he hasn't loved Brownie like he is loving on Wilbur. I love that Caden picked my pig to be his first real Lovie!!! That's my boy.

Cookie Exchange

The room mom for Allie's preschool organized a cookie exchange for yesterday. I was excited to go and have a chance to sit and talk with the other moms. They all know each other (smallish church) and other than a hi and a wave in passing, I haven't gotten to know any of them. I think I'm feeling like I need a few more local friends. Anyway, so, I spent several hours on Sunday baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to take. I dropped Allie off at preschool yesterday and Caden and I headed to Robin's house. I was disappointed to see only 1 other mom showed up (I would have been more disappointed if I had been Robin). I was a little apprehensive, but I ended up having a wonderful time visiting with the other 2 moms. I think I'm not getting out enough. I find myself craving that "me" time and getting stressed very easily when I haven't gotten any breaks from the kids - which is often - sorry Dan, he gets the brunt of it. Caden also had a wonderful time. Robin has a little boy who is 2 months younger than Caden, and who'll be in Caden's preschool class next year. The boys played so well together with cars and transformers. Caden spends so much time playing with the girls. It was good to see him having some "boy" time!

The Tooth Fairy is Getting Close

Jaelyn woke me up this morning so excited. At the dentist this summer, the hygenist told us Jaelyn's bottom 2 teeth were a tad bit loose and to start watching them. Well, this morning, she noticed for the first time she could wiggle her bottom left central. I checked the back of her mouth and sure enough she has 4 humps where her 6 year molars are making their way in. I wonder how much the Tooth Fairy is paying these days???

My baby girl is growing up so fast and I want her to slow down. We've made a deal, though. She's promised to give me lots of hugs and kisses no matter how old she gets and I've promised to let her grow up. Heart wrenching, I tell you!

A Snowball Fight Gone Bad

We still had snow on the ground yesterday so I promised everyone I would let them play when Jaelyn got home from school. Caden and Allie started our playing with a nice snowball fight at the bus stop. Allie was a master at making snowballs, but her aim was pretty bad - well, except one that hit my neck and sent snow down my shirt - yowzers it was cold. Caden needed help making his snowballs and his aim was really bad. He actually threw some that landed on himself.

Jaelyn got off the bus and we all ran back to our front yard to commence the playing. It started off well between the three of them, but it turned bad QUICKLY. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, here you go...

Jaelyn making the snowball

Jaelyn running away from the scene of the crime

The unhappy outcome

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

We've had the first snowfall of the season today. It started about 10 this morning and has snowed all day long. There's probably about 2 inches of snow on the ground now. It's forecasted to stop this evening and will probably be melted by tomorrow (I can only hope, at least). Allie has been itching to play outside all day. I caught her trying to escape several times, but this house is totally Allie-proofed so there's no getting out - or in if you remember that horrible afternoon. Anyway, I got Allie and Caden all bundled up to get in the car for preschool and what did Allie do? Run straight out and lay in the snow to make a snow angel. And she continued to do that everytime she was allowed outside.

Caden and Jaelyn both tried out making snow angels. Jaelyn liked it, but Caden didn't care for the whole laying in the snow and getting cold thing. Jaelyn especially enjoyed catching snowflakes on her tongue. She said they tasted like french fries. I think we might need to get her taste buds checked out!

Family Game Night

I've always thought it would be fun to institute a family game night. I loved playing games as a child and I hope to pass that on to our kids. While not a weekly organized event, I've been trying to get the games out more often. Lately, we've been playing Uno a lot. Dan has even joined in a time or too. Caden isn't quite big enough to play yet, but he does bring luck to whoever he "helps." Caden and I won twice last night!

Picture Catch-up

I spent some time today trying to go back and post entries for the last month from our old website. I thought you might like some pictures too!


Caden as Scooby Doo - gotta love after Halloween sales!

Jaelyn as Mader from Cars.

The 3 Stooges - Moe, Larry and Curly

I debated about whether or not to put up a tree since we are going to Florida for Christmas. In the end, I couldn't resist not hanging up my new Hallmark ornaments so the tree had to go up!

Our 4th Gotcha Day

Today is Gotcha Day! 4 years ago Dan and I were standing in front of a Russian judge petitioning her to let us adopt Jaelyn and Allie. I am amazed when I contemplate everything that has happened in 4 years: Moving, Caden, Moving, Dan deploying, Moving, Moving, Moving...Through it all, Jaelyn and Allie have grown from babies to beautiful, smart little girls.

We haven't done too much today. Caden is napping now and when he wakes up, we'll make our Gingerbread House and tell the girls their adoption story or "baby story" as Allie calls it. In the meantime, we've been amusing ourselves with a game of Monopoly Jr. Allie continues to amaze me with her luck at games. She almost always wins no matter what we play. Today, after a 40 minute game (that I honestly though would never end), Jaelyn was out of money, I had $11 and little Miss money bags Allie had $79. It wasn't pretty as Jaelyn is about as poor a loser as I am and for those that have seen me, you know that can be pretty bad!

Poor Fishies!

Well, Caden went fishing again this morning while I was brushing my teeth. Today, however, he managed to dump the lid in the fish tank and had the net stuck through the hole. He started screaming that he needed help. I guess so...yesterday's warning was a happy one in a happy voice. Today's was in a not so happy voice and came with the threat of a spanking if he did it again. Tears and crying followed so hopefully he got the point! Poor fishies! Oh, and I've learned my lesson and the fish net is no longer behind the fish tank.

Fishing and Other Ramblings

My shingles still hurt, but not like crazy like they did and I have no new break-outs. The medicine is working, I just wish it would work faster.
I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. We are making candles for a few people and I still have a few little friends to buy for, but I have my family, everyone in Pensacola and all of the January birthdays purchased. It feels good to have it done. Now, I need to get to wrapping for the kids and then decide if I want to ship extended family gifts home or carry them on the plane. Decisions, decisions...

I am excited about going home and seeing family. It's been 9 months since we've been home. I'm also excited about our spa day with Jennifer and Rich. We'll drive to Destin in the morning, have lunch at this cute little deli, spent 3-4 hours of pampering at the spa (I'm getting a 50 minute massage and a 30 minute facial - so you can be jealous), and then we'll have dinner, seafood most likely, before driving back to Pensacola. It's going to be soooo much fun.

My sweet little Caden is getting into mischief today. I was in the basement doing laundry. While I was gone, he pushed the HEAVY bench from the table to the kitchen counter (had to move a chair out of the way as well). Climbed up, reached around the fish tank to get the net, then spent who knows how long "fishing" for rocks in the bottom of the tank. The poor fish were petrified in the corner. He uprooted all the plants, but he did manage to snag 3 shiny rocks, which I immediately made him put back. He also managed to soak a pile of important papers. Silly boy! I asked him after nap what he was fishing for. His reply "I was fishing for fishies, Mommy!" in the sweetest little voice you've ever heard. How can you be mad at that?



Caden is doing great in his big boy bed. He wanted me to share a picture with all of you.

Medieval Times

We had a nice Thanksgiving, although it didn't feel like Thanksgiving at all without the food or family. Medieval Times was great. The kids had so much fun. Little Caden even cheered on our knight. I heard him saying "go green go" and "go green, you can do it." It was so cute. Our Knight actually won the tournament, but then he was killed by the bad Knight. How sad! Allie enjoyed her dinner. Caden even dipped his garlic bread in his soup to eat it. He wouldn't eat the chicken or the potato, but did eat the apple turnover. He actually licked out the filling and then made a ring of the turnover and ate it off his finger. Oh well! At least he ate. Jaelyn only ate her bread, but she was very happy anyway because she caught one of the flowers our knight threw into the bleachers. Allie kept asking "where's my flower?" We found a McDonald's drive-through open on the way home to get the hungry kids dinner. Bedtime was awesome tonight. They all fell asleep in the car and I managed to carry them in, change them and get them to bed without waking them up. I haven't seen any sword fighting or jousting this morning and for that I'm thankful.

Dan's off buying Caden a new mattress right now. I bought his bed frame from IKEA this morning when I went to the doctor (more to follow on that). We'll put his new bed together after his nap and our big guy will be sleeping a big boy bed at bedtime. No more criby.

About me...I woke up Tuesday morning with a stuff neck, throbbing ear and little red bumps. The rash got worse over the last few days and continued to be very painful. I went to the doctor today and I have shingles on my neck, in my hair, around my ear and running down my jaw line. Yuck! It hurts. He gave me valtrex which is supposed to stop it in it's tracks. I hope so. I'm so thankful we have good insurance. The medicine would have been $300 without it.

Kiddie Updates

Jaelyn can not seem to see "memory." She will always tell me I have a bad "rememory," as in remember. The other day, I was talking to Dan about something he said happened a few years ago. I told him "The event is not in my rememory." It's sad when I'm picking up the wrong words instead of her picking up the right words. She's doing great at her reading. She has about 30-40 sight words now and is getting better at decoding words.

Caden has decided he doesn't like to give hugs and kisses. Well, that's not true, he likes hugs and kisses, but he wants them back after he gives them. I guess it's evolved from a game called kissing tag we play. Now, when he gives me a hug or a kiss, he'll cry until I give them back to him. He's still such a silly boy.

Allie has gotten harder over the last few weeks. We are having her tantrums that come out of no where and end with her crying on her bed. It's gotten colder here and I wonder if it's just a phase or if it's a season thing. We haven't had melt downs like these in months and months. They are exhausting.

Thanksgiving Change of Plans

The days are just flying by. I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. My parents had been planning on coming, but my Grandmother has been in the hospital with pneumonia. She's doing much better and is close to going home, thank goodness. My parents have decided to stay in Pensacola to help her. While I totally understand and agree, it still doesn't make me any less sad. We've decided to plan a non-traditional Thanksgiving and will be celebrating at Medieval Times in Baltimore. I've been showing Caden videos of the knights from their website and he's totally excited about the adventure.

Progress Reports - My Bird and Social Butterfly

Sorry, I know you are tired of me talking about this, but this is crazy. With 4 skittles and 1 tbsp of sugar free ice cream, last night, I got Caden to eat 4 bites of meatloaf w/ zucchini in it (his first beef EVER), 1 small spoon of corn (again, a 1st) and a regular serving of green beans. I weighed him at the Dr. office today and he weighs 29 lbs, up from a 27 lb plateau that lasted about 8 months. I'm so proud of my little guy. He's also willing eaten a peanut butter sandwich.

Tonight was Jaelyn's parent teacher conference. She is in the top group in language arts, about middle in math (which honestly, I haven't spent a ton of time working with her on math). Her biggest issue is the social one. Some of it might be immaturity with being the youngest in her class; some might just be my social butterfly in all her glory. She plays with EVERYONE, especially the BOYS. She's having trouble following directions because she's too busy watching what a friend was doing rather than listening to her teacher. Mrs. Daughtery has already moved her 4 times. This was all news to me since in 9 weeks of school she's only brought home 2 yellow lights (traffic light system). Mrs. D told me how "cute" Jaelyn is and how everyone just loves her because she's so sweet. Jaelyn in the epitome of "give an inch, take a mile" and unfortunately she's getting a pass on her behavior. I asked her teacher to get stricter with her and to make her behave or send her home with the yellow lights for me to deal with her. I've already been talking to other moms about 1st grade teachers and there's one that's supposed to be really strict, but fair. I'm thinking I'll request her for next year. I'm going to raise the amount Jaelyn gets for brining home a green light to a quarter, but I'm also going to change the consequence for getting a yellow light. I'm thinking she's going to have to pay me .75 or $1. I'm still thinking about it.

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

I got to take Allie on a field trip today. We dropped Caden off at our friend Kelley's house to play with Lyssie (whom, btw, Caden says he's going to marry). He went in happily with her, but she called me a few minutes after I drove away with a sobbing Caden. Poor guy! He just loves being with Mommy. It took her about 30 minutes, but he did finally calm down and could have cared less when we went back to get him.

Allie's field trip was to Harman's Farm to see their pumpkin patch. We were one of the first ones there so Allie got to spend extra time playing on the swing set and running through their awesome hay maze. Allie made it through 3-4 times with a little bit of help from me. It was pretty big and stacked 3 bails high. It had bridges and tunnels built into it. Overall, I think it was the hit of the day. Once everyone got there, the owner of the farm talked to the kids about what it was like for her boys to grow up on a farm. They took us on a hay ride to the pumpkin patch where the kids were allowed to pick either 1 pumpkin or 3 gourds. Did you know the stems of pumpkins are very prickly when they are still green? Allie and I, unfortunately, learned the hard way.

Green Beans and Ice Cream

I've finally figured out a way to get Caden to eat green beans. Alternate bites of green beans with sugar free ice cream! Who knew! He's eating them very willingly. Up until this point, I've only gotten 1 or 2 green beans NEAR his mouth and he's almost 3. Maybe there's hope!

"Why didn't you do that before you paid the guy $75?"

Our dyer is on the fritz. It's taking 2-3 hours to dry a load of clothes. Water is leaking back down the exhaust pipe into the dryer. We (as in Dan and I - this is important) checked the pipe and outside vent and cleared it out the best we could. Air was getting through, just not enough apparently. I didn't know what else to do, so I called the home warranty people and they sent someone out to fix the dryer. The man spent all of 5 minutes in our basement and said the dryer is fine, that the vent is clogged and if he had the right tool with him, he'd clean it out, but he didn't. I paid $75 for that bit of information. I packed the kids up and we headed to Home Depot to hunt for a pipe cleaner that would bend to get where it needed to go. Our dryer pipe comes in the front of the house, makes a 90 degree turn down, goes another 3-4 feet, makes another 90, runs horizontally about 10-12 feet, and makes another 90 where it drops to the dryer - way too long and too many bends! No pipe cleaned was to be found so I got an attachment for my air compressor. If I can't suck it out and push it out with a brush, maybe I can blow it out! When we got home, I got our pipe snake back out with the rag tied on the end and with the help of the compressor, went to work. It took about an hour and me pushing the pipe snake in and out one end of the pipe while the air was blowing in the other end of the pipe, and things finally started coming out. In the end, I had a pile that looked remarkably like Sebastian (our 17 lb cat that is living at my parents house.) It was gross. Some of the lent was loose and fluffy, but the majority of it was in hard wet clumps. Yuck. So, anyway, I was very proud of myself for fixing the problem (and so thankful we hadn't had a fire). I called Dan to tell him and the first thing he said to me was "Why didn't you do that before you paid the guy $75?" If he had been in the same room, I swear, I would have hit him. Such a guy!