The fog is lifting

Everyone is finally healthy and Dale missed the bug.  Thank goodness because he is worse than any child who is sick.  When he is sick his pain and agony are worse than anyone who has ever felt pain and agony according to him. Even me who has gone through the birth of one of his sons without him and without an epidural!  The nerve!

The boys are back at the babysitters.  I am back to work and feeling pretty refreshed, I might add.  I have been in a slump lately and really have been wanting to kick it, but just haven't been able to.  The last couple of days I finally feel like the fog is lifting!  I had my review yesterday that went awesome.  It was probably THE best meeting I have had with my boss in 6 years.  Not because she was singing my praises, but it was constructive and energizing and really gave me some motivation on some things to work on to be where I want to be.  Don't get me wrong, I love to be praised, but I also thrive on feedback I can use toward improving myself.  I get a little demotivated if all I ever hear is how great I am doing because I know there is aways something to work on.  Plus, if that was the case shouldn't I be like the president of the company or something by now?!

And, Dale and I finally got some quality time together.  He has felt like a stranger lately with everything going on.  He has been there but we haven't had time to really acknowledge one another.  We're back to kissing each other goodbye in the morning.  We never talked about it, just made the effort to do it again.
 
These past few days haven't all been good though.  Wyatt decided that he is now a biter as well.  I guess little brother is rubbing off on him.  He bit a little boy on the cheek and left a pretty good mark.  I was so disappointed.  I feel like I have failed as a parent.  I am the one with the bratty kid that bites people at the babysitters.  Nice.  We talked about it and he is supposed to be apologizing to the poor kid and his mommy.  I really do hope he does.  He did get punished as well.

On a happier note, Wyatt is now dressing himself on occasion.  He is getting to be such a big boy.  Maybe he should already be doing this, but we haven't really forced him to.  I am allowing him to do more and more things on his own lately and he is doing a great job. 

Our new bedtime routine in these past few crazy weeks... Wyatt has wanted to go with me to put his brother to bed.  So, we go back in Waylon's room, turn the lights off, sit in the glider and rock.  Wyatt on one side of my lap, Waylon on the other.  Wyatt HAS to sing the ABC's 1st.  He does a great job until he gets to LMNO and then he gets stuck like a broken record scratched CD and just says LNINININININ O P.  He mainly does that on purpose.  I am so proud of him except for last night.  He got all the way through very well and was singing the little wrap up bit at the end.  You know, "Now I said my ABC's...."  So, he says, "Now I said my ABC's, next time won't you poop with me."  I couldn't help but laugh.  He said it without skipping a beat.  Where does he come up with this stuff?  We end our little routine with (I know this sounds stupid and we don't watch Barney, but the boys love to sing this song.  Waylon even joins in.) I love you, you love me.  Big kisses and big hugs and it is off to dream land!  It's probably the best part of my day, every single day!

OH, and Happy 18 month Birthday to Waylon yesterday!  Completely. Flying. By.

D-Day

I love Dale for the amazing little emails I get when I am at work.  They are few and far between anymore since he is really busy with the track stuff.  But here are a few good ones:

"Hey. Just wanted to say have a good day and I love you more. Drive safe.

Love always/forever
Dale"

and this one:

"Hello. I hope and pray that you have a good day. Please tell me if there is anything I can to do in the mornings to help your day go more smoothly. Drive safe. I love you more.

Love always/forever
Dale"

Apparently I did not have such a great morning : )!

and this one:

"Hey. How is your day going? Mine is really good. Running was hard this morning but good. Stockdale
died. That was the most wonderful news this morning.  It really came at a good time. I prayed all the way
to work this morning. Not going to lie, I'm scared but as we both know it is in the Lord's hands. I know
that I really suck at showing my emotions in front of people, even you, but I want you to know that inside I
am ecstatic. Well I hope you have a great day and a safe drive home. I love you more.
Love always/forever
Dale"

Stockdale didn't really die - the run was just hard on him.  I am pretty sure this is the morning I told Dale we were pregnant with Waylon.  I love how I randomly went through my email to pick some out and came across this one.  It tells you a lot about him. 

And then a couple of weeks ago I got one like this:

"Hey. I'm not having a good day. Eye is pissing me off to no end. Started this morning at the house and hasn't stopped since. Also, my fastest girl puked her f-ing guts out at prom because she was drunk. She is expelled and off the team. Anyways, I am going to run when I get home so please allow me to do that without giving me any grief about it. Thanks. Hope your day is going good. I love you more. Drive safe.

Love always/forever
Dale"

This one really made me laugh!  I rarely get emails where he is pissed.  I graciously responded and told him I wouldn't be giving him any grief for it. We ended up having a great night!  I feel like I need to explain the eye thing though.  He has been having an issue for awhile now that causes his eyes to twitch for a long period of time.  Other muscles start to twitch as well.  It really bothers him and he is taking medication for it, but when he gets stressed the medicine hardly helps.  Anyway, feel free to pray for that. 

The Bully and The Beast

I think the pooping and puking have subsided for now.  We have made it 12 hours without any of it.  Thank the Lord!  I am still at home getting to actually enjoy the boys today.  Just sitting back and watching them be brothers makes me smile.  In the process of watching them I have come up with new nicknames for them.  The Bully - totally Waylon and The Beast - Wyatt. 

Waylon is such a bully.  If he doesn't like anything about what you are doing he comes at you with a waving hand and a mouth wide open going in for a bite.  I don't know why he is such a biter, but he is.  He can roll his eyes with the best of them as well. 

Wyatt has done really good not to retaliate against him, but if he gets sick of Waylon coming after him he grits his teeth and yells.  It's all I can do not to butt in and mommy both of them when they are showing frustration to each other.  But, it is actually kind of amusing to watch them work it out.  They both take it out on each other then realize it doesn't feel too well and they both back off. 

Waylon is one tough cookie.  He doesn't take much and it takes a lot for him to really get hurt, A LOT.  So, I don't feel too bad when Wyatt retaliates some.  I know it isn't hurting him.  Trust me, Waylon does a lot more damage to his brother than Wyatt could do to him. 

Dale told Wyatt the other day after stealing a toy from his brother's hand that he better watch out because Waylon is going to be a butt kicker.  Going to be?  The kid is already there.  They are figuring each other out.  What makes each other smile, what really ticks each of them off and they both feed on it.  I love watching them work things out and I love watching them love and enjoy each other even more.

Debbie Downer Wa Waaaa

I love to watch SNL but only make it through a couple of scenes before I am out like a light.  But, I don't want to talk about SNL.  I want to talk about me, of course.  Lately I feel like the Debbie Downer.  I am so sick of it.  But, before I get into that I need to talk about my weekend. 

We had my cousin Lesley's 30th birthday celebration.  It was bitter sweet.  The weather was horrible and partially to blame for Wyatt feeling sick I believe.  He spent hours playing with his cousins in the rain.  His smile was way too big for me to drag him in though.  I know, I'm paying for it. 

Family came from all over the place and 2 of my cousins who I haven't seen in forever flew in.  The last time I saw them they looked about like one of their sons look now, 2.  It was unbelievable!  We sang happy birthday, had the most amazing smoked meat and homemade bbq sauce, just like she wanted.  Thanks dad and Kristian!  For the most part everyone was full of laughs and enjoying themselves as Lesley's pictures hung on my parent's shop walls.  I really enjoyed putting the pictures together.  It made me realize we had more memories together than I thought.  It was good to spend time with my family.  She brought us together again. 

On a happier note, my sister competed in her 1st ever fitness model competition and got 4th.  FORTH!!!  This was a huge sold out show.  I didn't get to make it because of all the preparation for the party, but I was there in spirit. Actually, I couldn't even think about it without getting choked up.  I wanted to be there for her so bad.  Anyway, 4th!  She has another one on my mom's birthday just a few short weeks away.  I can't wait to see her in action and hopefully get some photos!  Of course I will share. 

She may or may not have anything to do with the way I have been feeling lately. Everyone was like, "Tionna, oh my goodness you look amazing", "Tionna you look beautiful."  Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of her and she does look amazing, but those comments went from that to, "Oh my gosh, Tayarra, your all grown up."  and that's it.  Thanks all!  How about I have had 2 babies and look amazing or something.  Anyway, I am sick of feeling grief and I am sick of feeling sorry for myself.  I am sick of the up and down emotions I have felt over the past few weeks.  I am sick of feeling like I have it all together and am happy with who I am only to completely forget about that and re question what I am doing or who I am. 

I am sick of being around superficial people.  They make me want to spend my life in a tanning bed and spend thousands of dollars on dying or highlighting my hair.  They make me want to spend money on really nice clothes, a boob job, and fake nails.  But, as I've said before I am too much of a tightwad and the total money makeover we are in the midst of doesn't have that in my budget spreadsheet!  And what I am really sick of is this blog and these posts being so heavy lately.  So, it is time to liven it up a bit and make people smile.  I don't have anything in mind but hopefully my posts won't continue to leave you feeling like you just ate 2 platefuls of Mexican food.

Feeling sick

It is true, I am feeling sick, but it might have to do with all of the poop and puke I have been covered in this weekend thanks to my boys and even my dog!  I always thought I had a pretty strong stomach that could take a lot, but this is getting me!  I have had a sick feeling in my stomach since 4:30 this morning when Wyatt came running to our room saying his throat hurt and he threw up everywhere.  Sure enough he was telling the truth. 

Waylon took his turn on Saturday right after getting up and getting dressed to go to my cousin's birthday party.  And my dog has done it every day since I stupidly let her stay loose in the garage.  She chewed and apparently ate everything in site. 

Waylon has also had the runs for over a week now.  I thought it was those eye teeth trying to pop through, but who knows.  I am at home today with Wyatt who is peacefully sleeping on the couch.  Once he wakes we have to go get his brother from the babysitter because he still isn't feeling well.  So the pooping and the puking are sure to continue.  I have washed so much laundry from 4:30 this morning until now. 

I hate to see them sick and not feeling well, but they sure do want their mommy, which makes me feel great.  So, I hope you are still in the mood for lunch!

These guys make me smile

 

 A little daily devotional for you:

The apostle Paul says, "Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering." (Romans 12:1 MSG)

 

A wordless D-Day post

She was 29

and she is gone.  My cousin who I spent my childhood with is gone.  I'm now left to question why we grew apart.  Why we didn't keep the relationship up?  Why didn't we rekindle it when we had the chance?  We were supposed to celebrate her 30th birthday at my parent's house Saturday, but she's gone.  She is gone. 

Life is too short.  Things are taken for granted.  People aren't given the attention they need.  They fight a solo fight and then they are gone.  With a 7 year old daughter and a family full of broken hearts we pick up the pieces and figure out how to go on and what to learn from it all.  We are left shocked, knots in our stomachs, tear stained cheeks, and a lumps in our throats.

She was sick and wasn't dealt a very good hand at life, but she mattered and we cared and she was still taken too soon.  Way too soon.  I come away from today with more respect for her and her mother.  They fought a fight none of us realized the depth of.  None of us.  I feel guilty for that.  For not knowing all of what they were dealing with on a daily basis for years.  Constant battles over insurance and medical care.  It shouldn't be that hard to save your child.  No one should have to fight like that to get much needed medical care or for someone to even hear your story and listen to your concerns and be taken seriously.

She didn't look sick.  She had a great day yesterday.  She wasn't supposed to go yet.  Her mother wasn't supposed to be making the calls and the arrangements she was today.  We were all expecting at least another year.  God has a plan here and even though there is still a huge fight to fight now God is in control of the situation.  I can only hope and pray that God wraps his hands around this 7 year old girl who already knows too much about life and grows her into a strong successful women who is loved, supported, heard, and well cared for. 

So, Lesley Harmon, we will celebrate your 30th birthday at mom and dad's just as you wanted.  You with your beautiful smile and that long black hair will be missed.  With all of your family and friends we will be there to celebrate you.  WE CARED, Les and we love you!  Your fight and pain are over.  Rest in peace.

A lot of things...

I have a lot to post about today.  So, let's just start here.  I got this really thoughtful award from This Daddy.  I thought it suited me well and yes, Dale does run a lot.  It's my 1st ever award, yeah for me.

According to the rules, I have to share 10 honest things about myself with you, and then pass the award on to ten of my favorite bloggers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So here I go:

1. I honestly don't want to pass this award on because it would be too much work for me and I don't have time.  I will probably never get another award again.  But, I've gotta take the risk. 
2. I am in a really crappy mood because of a meeting I just got out of and I better change my tude quick before I take it out on others and be perceived as if I don't have organizational maturity or emotional control.  Reviews are coming up!
3. While we are on the lines of work.  I really do like my boss and my boss's boss.  I mean I really like them.  We have a great relationship and I am blessed to work for them.
4. I eat WAY too many sweets and would eat WAY more if I wasn't such a tightwad.
5. I worked an embarrassing about of hours on this blog this past week after some feedback from a blogfrog discussion and this is all I have to show for it.  I am not a huge fan of green, but it looked the best with the header.  I learned a lot.  It was stuff I can apply to work as well so not all of my time was wasted, but a good portion of it was.  Feel free to let me know what you think.
6. I have been thinking about renaming my blog for awhile now and this award hit at the right time.  In the feedback I got people responded with how honest and straight forward I was.  That couldn't be more close to the truth.  So, that is why you see Honesty up there. 
7. I am only honest because it takes too much time and work for me to be anything else.  I don't have a lot of time and patience for fluff either.  Just say what you have to say.
8. I use to tailgate people on the highway until I realized that my time is no more important than theirs.  Except in rush hour traffic then it isn't considered tailgating.  I don't know why some people think that. 
9. I was really starting to get discouraged about this blog and if anyone was listening or cared what I was writing.  Then I got 2 awards and 9 comments on my recent post.  That made my day and it encouraged me a lot.  I know 9 isn't a lot for some, but it is for me and I appreciate everyone of those 9 comments!  I don't write for readership, but it does feel good to be validated and noticed!
10. I haven't kept up with my bible reading like I said I would.  BUT, I just ordered "The Word of Promise: Complete Audio Bible"with Jim Cavezel (sp ?  - too lazy to go look it up) to help me in this area so I can listen while I stay 2 car links away from the car in front of me on my way to and from work. 

In other news, I got another award as I mentioned above, but I don't have time for it now.  I will get back around to it hopefully.  But, I do really appreciate it! 

The weekend was great and I made the most of it with my boys!  We took a wagon ride around a state park here, which I thought they would enjoy more than they did, but oh well.  Said yes to a sweet little request to fish at my parent's house.  I couldn't resist.  My son wants to fish with his mommy.  That won't be true in a few years.  I actually caught a fish which made his day and he went home and bragged to daddy about it.  Dale told me later that Wyatt let him know.  I think that made my day!  Nae Nae caught him a fish that he wouldn't let go, but just kept casting the poor little thing back out into the water and reeling him back in.  It was pretty hilarious!  Each time he looked so excited as if he caught another one. 

Then we recreated some scenes from Sandlot.  I would hit the ball over the privacy fence and he would figure out how to get it back from the big scary dog.  I love his imagination and memory!  We went home and he didn't even fight bedtime.  He was out like a light.  It was a GREAT weekend and I almost cried when I went back in to check on him.  He was so worn out and happy and so was I.

I’m listening

"The Bible says Jesus came to earth; He walked around for 33 years; and He experienced every temptation known to man, the same ones we experience.  It is not a sin to be tempted; the sin is when we give in to temptation. 
The Bible says Jesus experienced the greatest temptations ever; yet, He didn't give in.
And that means when you pray -- "Jesus, I'm struggling in this area.  I'm just not making it here.  I keep stumbling.  I keep failing" -- Jesus understands because he's been there. He knows what it's like.
The Bible says we can have "confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it." (Hebrews 4:16, TEV)"


So however dumb this sounds of me, I never thought of the way I choose to treat my husband and kids sometimes is a form of temptation. That puts a new light on it for me. I absolutely have the ability to choose against speaking out of anger, but I do give in to the temptation far too often. I also give in to the temptation to have a pity party way too often! Thanks again daily devotional and thank you to God for speaking to me in this way.

Excuse me while I process these feelings, again!

Do you ever just have those days when you feel down? You have nothing to feel down about, but you just feel down? I hate those days, but those are usually the most soul searching, kick myself in the ass days I can have. Those days help me put things in perspective. I live a very blessed life. I am NOT rich, but I am comfortable, I am happily (most days) married and my children couldn't be any healthier. But, I still get down. I feel sorry for myself. Why can't I have the dream house I always wanted with the tree lined driveway? Why can't I have a better car? Why can't I have the job that I want and that pays beyond well? Why can't I take better pictures? Why can't I keep my patience with Dale and my boys in check all of the time? Why is it that everyone around me seems to be living so much better than we are?

And then, I actually stop and listen to myself. I have everything I am supposed to have and way more than I deserve right now. Thank God for that! There are times that this selfish sin creeps up in my mind and it drives me crazy, but directs me towards God. These days help me realize AGAIN that I am not in control and that God has laid my path. I feel at times I need to be doing something bigger not just driving to work every day, driving home, fixing dinner, playing, going to bed, and repeating it all over again. I am not making the most out of my days and I think God is telling me that. But right now I don't know what to do with it. These days are passing all too quickly. Wyatt will be 4 soon and Waylon is well on his toddling little way to being a big boy.

It makes me sick to my stomach to have the slightest feeling that I am not in the moment and making the most out of the present time. I feel completely deflated at work right now. I can't find my motivation and I don't do well when I can't find my motivation. That's frustrating. Then I take that frustration home and want to hug and kiss my kids then sit on the couch and zone out until bed time. Dale and I stopped kissing each other goodbye in the mornings. I have no idea why, but neither one of us are making the attempt to meet each other around the car to tell each other goodbye. Pretty much the only conversation we are having right now is me eaves dropping on the only "adult" conversation in the house, which is between Dale and Wyatt. But, that is where we are right now, this week.

I hate that. I hate the feeling of that. I hate the feeling that my life is spiraling down the drain. So this is me processing my feelings, again so I can make a change, again! If it doesn't rain it is probably park night or baseball out in the front yard with the boys until dark. On the way home it will probably be music off and having a conversation with God about His will in my life and if I am on the right track because I am doubting myself, again! I know these feelings are temporary and that they are EARTHLY sinful feelings, but I have to process them to get the motivation to kick myself in the ass.

D-Day

Time for Dale. He had a track meet last night so he didn't get home until late. Wyatt had been in bed (playing, not sleeping) when he thought he heard his daddy come in. He was so excited to see him. Dale got in, got his dinner ready and sat down to eat. Wyatt was right on his heels. They sat together while Dale ate and Wyatt carried on the most adult conversation with him I have ever heard him carry on. I was messing with this blog and was glad Wyatt was asking all the right questions, all the ones I would have asked him. Things like, "How was the track meet? Did they run good? Did you have a good day at school? Did you get coffee while you were at school?" Dale never drinks coffee so I don't know where that came from. He was also asking the most relevant follow up questions. I was really shocked by the conversation if you can't tell. What a little man he is becoming. He also told Dale at one point in the conversation that he was a good man. My little guy is so smart!

So, what I love about Dale, watching him with our boys! Really, that is enough said.

Why I love the mornings on the weekends

I get to wake up to such sweet boys before their horns wake up and protrude from their skulls. Wyatt came to our room Sunday morning and said, "Oh my gosh, I have so much energy!" He hogged my pillow and I decided I better let the dog out. When I came back to bed he was sound asleep. So much for that energy!

Below is a video of Waylon being so cute. He is in such a great mood in the mornings and so cute. This Saturday morning, I got out of the shower and Dale headed out the door with Wyatt to play and get some things done outside. Waylon wasn't ready yet, so he stayed, but still followed them to the door. He came back into the bathroom looking like this...

He found jack pot on his way back to the bathroom. An Easter Egg filled with candy.

Gone in about 2 seconds

Yum

Really yum! Hope I can get that stuff out of his jammies!

Forgive me for the end. I thought I had turned the camera off, obviously I didn't and I don't know how to edit it, sorry! It was just too cute not to post. Love that little man, blue drool, snotty nose and all!

Awesome weekend

What a great weekend!
The weather ... Awesome
Time with my family ... Awesome
Allergies ... Not so awesome!
Dale and I not fighting or getting aggravated with each other the ENTIRE weekend ... REALLY Awesome!
Realizing that I am living my dream however small it seems to be ... Awesome!!!


I owe you all pictures from our Thursday night visitors. So, here you go.

Have I ever told you how much my life is surrounded by chaos? Well, I wouldn't trade it for anything! You can usually find me with 2 boys in my arms. 30 pounds on each side gives you quite the work out!

My work out routine, you ask? 5 gillion reps of letting 30 pound child hang up side down. 4 gillion reps of picking up toys and clothing. No rest in between. Go right from one activity to the other. Follow by doing 3 gillion laps behind the children making sure they don't hit their head or fall in some dark gross looking hole in the ground. Side note - it is virtually impossible to be 100% successful at this everyday, but the work out is worth it!

All 3 boys together!

Man, my arms hurt!

Ty and Wyatt. LOVE these smiles! They had a ton of fun together!

My boys!

Kay's biceps needed a little toning as well! (That is a complete lie. This woman could not BE in any better shape) See....

Jealous much, um, yeah! I can only hope that I get in shape and stay in shape when I am her age! (Sarah, I had to steal this one. Hope you don't mind!) That other little adorable lady is Skyler! What a sweetie she is!

Here we are all together. Those are totally not my kids looking like brats! I borrowed them from the neighbor so we wouldn't look so perfect all of the time!

Wyatt got a picture of Sarah and her kiddos.

Waylon found Skyler's binki and the car seat and was in Heaven! I might have to delete this picture once he grows up because of the embarrassment factor. Or I could print a bunch of copies for all of those little chics out there that think they are going to steal my baby from me in a few years! Hopefully it scares them away. Just kidding, I'm totally not like that!

All the kiddos. Love Skyler's pose!

Handsome man.

Friend visits have always been so much fun, but they are so much more fun when the kids are big enough to enjoy one another! We had a blast. It was a short visit but we got a lot of fun in. Sarah and I ran track and cross country together in college. Everyone asked us if we were twins! We loved it! We did look a lot alike, bubble butts and all, but I don't see it so much anymore. My hair keeps getting shorter and darker and hers isn't. She is one of those friends that you could go years without seeing but once we see each other it is like picking up where we left off. She's like a little sister to me and in a few short months we will be getting in bridesmaid dresses and helping our other friend Lindsay celebrate at her wedding. I can't wait to be all together again. I'm sure there will be tons of pictures to share. I might even go pick out some retro ones from our glory days!

Emotion got me

Yesterday I was referred to a video called 99 Balloons (you can google it). It is about a little boy born with Trisomy 18. He lived 99 days. It was hard to watch. It was very sad, but at the same time very eye opening. All I could think was what an awesome set of parents he has. His mom looked so happy and full of joy in those pictures and they celebrated his life, every single day of it. It made me again want to be a better parent.
Later in the day I was looking through some of my emails and I accidentally opened this one:

"Sorry for the group email on this, but I needed to send you all an update.  Dale and I lost the baby sometime last week.  As you can imagine this news is a bit devastating, but we will get through it.   We found out Tuesday at my regular dr's appointment.  We don't know why.  Just something God felt was best.  Luckily Dale and I have an awesome family and tons of support and they really helped us work out the next steps.  

I took a few days off work and am spending some great time with Wyatt.  Dale took off yesterday and is going to take off tomorrow as we have to go back to the hospital.  We don't need anything except your prayers.  I don't know how much I will be checking my email, but will when I can.  I will be back in the office Tuesday."  

 

Before I realized that was the email I was reading through the emotion came back and hit me right in the gut! I uncontrollably gasped to hold back the melt down. Just when I thought I had "dealt" with the emotion of that time, it hit me again and all of those feelings came rushing back to the surface like I was right back in the midst of it again. Reading it now I am completely shocked with how brave I sound because I was far from having it together. There were many nights I cried myself to sleep. Just thinking about it and writing it here brings it back.
I don't know why this has resurfaced, but I am sure there is a reason! I enjoyed my time with my babies last night and thanked God for them and his strength in leading us through the most difficult times in our lives so that we have today to be so filled with happiness and joy.

Nothing Really

I really have nothing to write about today. I am still not feeling well. My throat was hurting pretty bad last night, but I am pretty sure it is allergies. I love Spring, why? I had to get a lot of cleaning done last night because we have company coming tonight AND my boys decided to throw the horrible meatloaf I made last night all over the floor while I tried to get some things done while they were still "eating". I don't know why the meal sucked so bad it is usually the favorite.

Anyway, my friend Sarah will be stopping by on her venture back to TX. She is bringing funny man, Ty and her newest little gal, Skyler. I can't wait to meet her and have some girliness in my home for once! Look out baby fever especially baby girl fever. She is also bringing her mama, Kay. I love her mama! She usually sends Sarah with Puppy Chow, which I adore and may or may not eat WAY too much of it to the point my stomach hurts! I have quite the sweet tooth. Her mom is pretty special. She is in her mid 50's and you would think the 2 of them were sisters. She runs track still and stays physically fit. Plus she has a laugh that can really get you going. I will post pics later.

D-Day

It's D-Day again! I don't need it so much this week! I love him in general. He tried to make me mad last night but I didn't bite!!

Dale has nothing to do with this but I love Spring storms as long as there are no tornadoes involved. I love the thunder, darkness, and lightning. I really don't know why. I guess I find it exciting to watch God work in this way.

Last night we got a nice Spring storm. I could really do without the hail too, but if it doesn't do any damage I can take it and the boys love to play in it.

The storm was fast and fierce. It left our driveway flooded in about 5 minutes.

The water is pretty deep there and you can see the collection of hail.

The boys playing in the "ice".

That was quite a bit.

Love the sky when it looks like this.

Everything seems so refreshed when a storm passes and there is a warm calm breeze to follow.

So, back to Dale. The tornado sirens went off while this storm was hitting. I'm not sure why since there was no warning of a tornado, I guess just because of the damaging storm? Anyway, Dale grabbed the kids and said he was headed downstairs. I asked if he was serious as there was no breaking news of a tornado coming. He said yeah, you stay up here and cook and we will be downstairs. NICE! Don't mind protecting your wife or anything as long as you have something to fill your belly.

This is supposed to be about why I love him?! Oh, yeah! I love him because we argue and we bicker and it is over. It doesn't drag out for days. We don't hold grudges. It just comes fast and fierce and then it's over. Kind of like a Spring storm.

Success

Yesterday I was so flippin tired! The long weekend really kicked my butt. I am better now though! Last night was a really big success for me as a parent and wife. I don't know if it was because I didn't feel that great and therefore didn't let anything bother me or what, but it wasn't for lack of my kids trying. We got home and Waylon did nothing but cry and scream and hit anything that got in his way. The door, his brother, the little game he was playing, the table, anything and everything. He was in the worst mood. I made a decision that my head hurt way too much to raise my voice in any fashion so I tried different things to try to make him happy. It seems like the only thing that really worked was non-stop shoveling of Easter candy. I just couldn't let that fly, so when I said no more candy I was the one getting in his way. So, I got the binki (I am really trying to get rid of that thing) and put him to bed AT 5:30!! He screamed. I didn't feel bad. It lasted about 30 seconds and he was quiet. I let him stay there for about 10 – 15 minutes and went to check on him. He was wide awake just lying in bed. He had completely changed his attitude. It was AMAZING!

I let him come out and he was a completely different kid for the rest of the night. YEAH! My house is wreck and I didn't care. I just made sure to drag my feet this morning walking through the darkness. I will clean it up tonight, but if you know me, you should know that having my house look the way it does sends me right into a rage! I just didn't care anymore and thought sitting down with my boys and watching Dancing with the Stars was much more important! Well, what we could. The championship game came on and Dale thought he HAD to watch every second of it. Normally I would throw a little hissy fit to try to get my way, but it wasn't worth it. I just went to the bedroom and he came to visit me and the boys during the commercials. It worked out pretty nice. Why can't it always seem this easy in the midst of the chaos?

Easter Weekend Pictures

We had a great Easter weekend. The weather was awesome, so we got a lot of outside play time. It was refreshing, but I am so tired today. We started with a day off on Good Friday, which was so nice to have. Easter Sunday we spent in Kansas and then back home to my mom and dad's. The boys were great the majority of the time, they had a blast, and got completely full of sugar!

See! He ate the icing off of this one and then asked for another one. (No, he didn't get another one.)

Everyone got a little sun this weekend as well.

The Turtle cup cake that my mom and dad made together. They are so creative and love going all out for their boys!

You could find Wayners anyway stuffing his face! He looks like such a big boy here.

Here is my nephew Will. You know he is getting crazy when those arms start flying side to side. Love it!

Adorable, little Charlie Brown of a guy! Note the boots and rolled up pants!

My dad and sister! Yes, she is buff! You will hear more about her soon. She has a fitness model show coming up in a couple of weeks. Hopefully I will get some good photos to post. I would like to say that I am jealous, but I can't. She works EXTREMELY hard for where she is and we have totally different lives. BUT, I am really, really, happy and proud of what she is doing.

Bubbles!!! Note the boots and rolled up pants!

Wyatt and his Easter gift, a remote control boat. Note the boots and rolled up pants : )!

Daddy and Wyatt boating.

This is the reason for the boots and rolled up pants. The boys love sloshing around in the spill way from my mom and dad's pond. Will was the only one to fall this time, but my brother was prepared with extra clothes. That's my spoiled little brother there with the video camera.

Aunt T and Wayners walking under the Willow tree.

Waylon clutched his basket the entire time we were hunting eggs.

We were originally going to just put his boots over his pants, but his chubby little legs wouldn't allow for that. We all got a good laugh out of Will and Waylon walking in their boots for the 1st time. It takes them a few steps to get use to them. It is a pretty hilarious thing to watch!

This is the ONLY picture I got of the 3 boys and Nae Nae and Pa Pa!

Waylon trying on Wyatt's new baseball helmet!

He's getting so stinkin big! He's going to be 4 next month.

Wiped out with his baseball bubble gum and his cup spilling all over his seat.

(Sorry, these pictures are in reverse order. I wish there was an easier way to arrange them.)
Waylon trying to take his brother's Easter eggs.

Daddy and Wyatt hunting eggs.

Cousin Betsy helping Waylon.

These are our cousins, Zack and Betsy. They look like total brats and part of Zack is, but I love them to death. They are the best! As soon as Zack saw me he gave me the dirtiest look and came running after me for the biggest hug.

Kids table minus my other nephew Connor, Sponge bob was much more worth it than ham to him.

The old golf cart. The kids spent most of their time on this and Maggie the dog of course!

Wyatt loved this thing!

Easter morning. I had to post this picture. Marcus, our old dog, would have never been found letting a kid lay on him like this. He is getting soft in his old age. Waylon LOVES dogs. Each and everyone of them. The kid has absolutely no fear either which scares me quite a bit.

Trying to catch a glimpse of that Easter bunny that just left them some treats.

Wyatt's new boat. (He has started to point with his pinkie finger. I have NO idea why!)

This was on Friday, our day off. We use to have a green machine at school to climb on, the boys have their dad's Turf Tiger.

Waylon trimming. He is so helpful!

Safety first! Wyatt HATES vacuums! Here he is learning that they can be fun.

See!

Still fun!

Just so you know, it was driving me absolutely crazy that he was this dirty, but that inner voice was saying to me, "He is a boy, they get dirty, he is happy, let him go." But, as soon as his little feet hit the door he was naked in seconds and in the bath for a pre rinse and then a real good lathering! YUCK!

And this is just how cool he is!