Happy Happy Birthday Pink!

Nine years ago today, I made a HUGE change in my life.  I brought my sweet girl into this world.  I have never worried and dreamed so much for someone as I had with this little person before.  I was so excited and hopeful that this beautiful child would be healthy and strong.  She was not due for another 3 1/2 weeks and was a high risk pregnancy.

She was born and she was just PERFECT. 

Now of course she is not 6 lbs and there are no high risk factors to worry about.  There are other things to worry about.  For example, how to harness and guide a brain like hers.  How to nurture the creativity and curiosity that she has.  And how to protect and grow the mild and gentle soul that inhabits her being.

There are also things to celebrate--her wit, her smile, her thoughtfulness, and her strength of character.  God Bless my child on this day and all the days to come.

This is Pink the day before she turned nine years old!

I wish you the happiest birthday any girl could have.  I hope you have a GREAT new year and  I hope you will share many more with me.  God Bless You my miracle.  I LOVE YOU!

Nurses and Needles are the Devil

Read all the way to the bottom for a cute little story.

When I was in high school I learned that I didn't want to be a doctor and I, most definitely, did not want to work with kids in a hospital.  Why?  Because of the torture they put children through to "test" them.  I stand by that decision.

My son just needed and IV because he became severely dehydrated over a bout of Rotavirus.  Yes...I know, fluids, BRAT diet (this only works when a kid can keep it down-BTW), and the whole spiel...blah. blah. blah.  I have done this before.  Regardless, he lost a LOT of fluids and couldn't keep things down.  To the doc I go for some meds for nausea and off to the hospital shortly after.

I do not like subjecting kids to needles or nurses.  I have always hated this and I stand by that today.  I don't care how nice you are to my kid.  If you hurt my kid--I DON'T LIKE YOU!  That being said, without the IV my baby could be worse off. He is better now, deathly afraid of nurses and needles alike.

Here he is being a kid and hiking the bed up as high as it would go!  I let him because they put him through hell and they are billing me for the use anyway. I figure I will let him have something fun to remember.

Here is the cute story I promised: 
When the nurse asked Beef Jerky which hand he ate with he said, "Um..It's just that..when I eat regular food with a fork I eat with this hand (raised right hand)...but, when I eat ribs, I eat with both like this (simulate rib eating)."  Anyone who knows my little Beef Jerky knows he is the ULTIMATE meat eater. Told you it was cute.

Nobody wins the Dairy Challenge

There are many things I love about being a mom.  There are also things I hate about being a mom.
10. When I clean a counter and a second later someone has put something on that clean spot.
 9. When I forget something from the grocery store.
 8. When I sit down and the kids ask for a glass of milk.
 7. When I thought I had diapers but, I was WRONG!
 6. When I get a call from school.
 5. When I can't understand what my kid is crying about.
 4. Getting the kids things and forgetting my own.
 3. Nothing is mine.
 2. No privacy.
Enter drum roll...And Number 1:

The lost milk cup that I finally found.

You know the one--it smells like a dead animal and it is about to explode.

(You clean it because I am not.)

Happy Birthday Mr. Scarborough

Six years ago today my little man was given to me.  I look back at the new pictures and I think, "Wow!  How did he get so fast?  How did I let the time get away?"  The fact is that this guy has been an independent soul since he was born.  He was on a light table almost the entire time we were in the hospital.  As strong and lion- hearted as this little guy is, he is sweet and loving.

Here is Pink when she first got to meet baby brother.  Isn't this the cutest thing?  I miss that little girl too.   But, anyway.  This came and went so quickly.  Now I have a little guy that looks like this:

He is the smartest in his class, the fastest on the track, and best at building.  He also has a wonderful perspective on life.  Sit and talk to him for a little while, when he is not talking about Poptropica, he has fascinating opinions and ideas.

Here is to you my sweet little guy!  Happy Happy Birthday Beef Jerky.  I love you so much that I can not even explain how special you are to me.  Thank you for being my son and for teaching me how to be a good mom to you. YOU ROCK!

Just keep Swimming

A discussion was started about whether or not a five year old boy should be allowed to quit swim camp.  Many people mentioned that he would be quitter and that he would not finish things.  I always thought that being a kid in a swimming pool meant FUN.  There are so many positives to swim team if a kid wants to do it.

I ask my kids every year if they would like to join swim team and each year they give me a big ol' "NO!".  Maybe I am robbing them of a career opportunity by not forcing it.  I submit that maybe, just maybe, I am giving them a ONCE in a lifetime opportunity to be a child who got to enjoy swimming and their summers.

Here are my kids ENJOYING swimming.

I hope that my take on swimming benefits them later.  As a kid, I always just wanted some time to relax and have fun. Don't get me wrong; if my kids ever ask to join swim--I will give a resounding, "Sure thing!"

Baked Bacon Babies

I baked an entire package of bacon today--because I didn't want to clean AGAIN!  I don't typically bake it but today I tried something new and different.  You have to picture my house on Sunday morning.  The mess from staying up late on Saturday night and eating and playing is all around. 

My kids are ready for breakfast and asking..   I tell them it is a surprise.  Well when they came into the kitchen and see a plate piled high with bacon, they squeal with joy.  This is so funny to me.  It is probably the only thing that they agree on every time.  They are running around in underwear and t-shirts and pjs eating bacon.  No pictures (because they are in underwear).  But, it is cute to watch.

So, now I will make some eggs and toast since, I won't get any of the bacon.  It was nice to see them so pleased and happy.  Hopefully, my plates of perfect bacon will be remembered when they are older.

insomnia...

i know everyone gets it.  i have it.  it makes me feel weird.  i am so tired.  i can not sleep. my stomach is woozy. i am bored right now but, when i lay down my mind races.  i can't find a comfy sleep position.  everything is asleep except me.  if i take meds at 4 am i will not wake up in the morning....ugh.

Spring in My Garden

Here are some really beautiful blooms from my garden.  I only regret that I did not get a new shot of my tulip tree or my hyacinths when they bloomed.  I can't figure out why I didn't, I just didn't.  Maybe next bloom.  I am getting some new blooms on my orchids--that is very exciting too.

Easter Egg Salad

I love egg salad.  Here is a picture of my lunch from yesterday.  It was good and the Cheetos were great too. 

Easter with Us

Yay for Easter Eggs!  Some of our at home egg hunt. 

Let's poke it with a stick!

Happy EASTER!

Easter is special to me because, I remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for me and my soul.  I believe that he came here as the Savior and I believe in his teachings of kindness, love, and forgiveness.  This is a great way to live.

That all aside, I love that Easter is a Celebration!  And that means, food, family, candy, laughter, headaches and memories.  I love that.  So happy Easter to you ALL and enjoy my sugar-free, fat-free, calorie-free, 100 gram fiber Chocolate Easter Bunnies.

Bluebonnets where?

I had a learning experience with the kids on this trip.  First of all--they can finally travel with each other for day trips.  Yay!  It will be a great summer this year.  Secondly--they love factory tours.  Thirdly--I should know that I get about 10mins of concentration for photos.  That is it.

None the less here are a few of the cute pictures of my babies.  We didn't make to the blue bonnet patch down the street after all but the Indian Paintbrushes were spectacular too.  Maybe next year I will be able to hold the attention of the short stack.

1 Decade = 10 years

I married a man 10 years ago today.  He is the one who I think about when I go to bed and when I wake in the morning.  He is the one who I need when I am worried, happy, and serene.  He is the one who I chose to be the father and hero for my children.  He is just everything he needs to be for his family.  He never falls short he is always just what God intended.

To the my most special being on the 10th Anniversary of our marriage: "YOU ARE AMAZING!"  You make me smile, you wipe my tears, you lift me up,  and you make my dreams come true.  When you walk into the room, my heart still beats for you.  When you are gone I want you with me. When you look me in the eyes I know you can see me. You also know that my heart needs the silly side of you more than anything else.

Thank you for giving me your heart.  I promise to do be good to it for the rest of our days.  Here is to many more years of loving friendship and passionate marriage.

Michelle