Marie!

My good friend Marie came down from Hartselle yesterday with the kiddos to pay me a long overdue visit. We have been friends for a little over 8 years now and have shared jobs, pregnancies, and so much fun and laughter. She actually helped train me for my first "real job", I know, poor thing. We always have such a great time together and yesterday was no different. Between distance, schedules, and kids we only are able to get together maybe 2 or 3 times a year, but we always make the most of it. This time all the kids were out of school so we took the to Pump It Up for some afternoon play and afterwards headed back here for a little more girl talk before she had to head back. Before we knew it, she had rearranged my living room furniture, hung up pictures, and transformed my rooms!! I was in heaven, she has such a talent. I swear walking into her house is like walking into a Southern Living magazine. She has amazing taste and has actually started her own business decorating professionally. I am so proud of her. Marie, Thomas, and Maggie....we can't wait for another visit. We will be dropping in soon!

I'm Upper Case Living crazy!

Since my party, I have been going Upper Case living crazy! The fridge is my favorite thing I have done so far, let me know what you think!! Get all these items and more from your new Upper Case LIving rep....Michelle Campbell!!! Good luck girl!!!

Another miracle

A friend and church member of our recently had a little boy. The baby was born with part of his heart that was undeveloped and things were not looking so good. They told his mother to be prepared for many surgeries starting the very next day when he was transferred to UAB. We all started praying and God had different plans. When the baby was examined at UAB they found that his heart had already begun to heal itself and he would only require at most three surgeries, one now to put in a few stents and the others would be down the road and dependent on how well he develops. God, you are so good to us! Thank you for another miracle!

Avri's question of the day??

Avri: "Why do moms have tattoos on thier butts?"

Me: "That is just your mom Avri."

Update

I have the bravest kids on earth. They really proved me wrong with the vaccines. Not one tear. Isaac did a little, "Hey, wait, what are we doing", but once he held my hand he closed his eyes and took it like a man. Avri on the other hand laughed all the way through becuase they alcohol swab tickeled. I am so proud!

Pray for me!

I am taking both kids to the doc tomorrow and they will both be getting immunizations!!!! I have not had to do this since Avri was little and Isaac was like 3 and could barely talk. I am really scared to death because I can't imagine having two of them crying or begging me not to let them get a shot. I mean Avri I can probably hang onto, but Isaac is just about the same size as me! I was a screamer as a kid and I can still remember them calling in two nurses every time I had to get a shot. Ever heard of a papoose pouch, oh I knew it well. I will give an update tomorrow...AHHHHH!!!!!

Avri=blow to the ego!

My sweet baby girl woke up this morning sick and running a temp. Hoping to sooth her, I offered to sing her a song. Most people think I have a pretty good voice, but leave it to Avri to make sure my head does not get too big.... Me: "Avri, if mamma sings you a song do you think it will make you feel better?" Avri: "No, you don't sound good, I like the radio." You gotta love her!

Can anything help organize the unorganizable (is that a word)??

As most of you know, I am one of the most forgetful, unorganized, and unscheduled people the good Lord ever placed on this earth. My sweet husband has agreed to purchase an Iphone for me for our anniversary and I am hoping maybe this device can help me a tiny bit. My friends just rave about thiers and how it is the best thing ever in that it has your phone, calandar, e-mail, music, everything all in one. Can the helpless be helped? If not, I will still look cool playing with it!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!

The Dark Knight

Phillip and I braved the crowds last night to see "The Dark Knight". I figured we should see it first before deciding if it was appropriate for Isaac to seeing Iron Man's dating scene left me feeling a bit uncomfortable sitting next to my eight year old son. Boy am I glad we did. I left a little freaked out myself. Now, don't get me wrong it was an awsome movie, just not really appropriate for my little boy. The joker was no joke and Heath Ledger definately fullfilled the role. They could not have chosen anyone better for the role. So, go see it, just don't think you are going to see your all American super hero flick!

The pools days are winding down...

As the summer comes to a close, I am really savoring these final summer activities with my kids and friends. We went for a nice relaxing day at Lacy's pool and it was probably the best pool day of the summer. We were the only ones there for most of the time, the kids were good, the sun was low, and the water was cool. We will definately have to take advantage of this more next year! Thanks Lacy!!!

Family pictures!

Mamma Mia!

I LOVE IT!!! I went with some friends for a late showing and I am hooked. You have to go see it, it is such a fun movie! WARNING: I will be answering every question in song from now on..... Nothing makes me happier than singing (outloud) all the way through a movie and not feeling one bit embarressed about it. Michelle, I am ready for a second showing whenever you are ready to go!

The "eyes" have it!

Today was one of the most disturbing experiences of my life. I got to take my friend into an office and watch them slice her eye open on a tv. YUCK!!! Some people find this so interesting and neat, I found it to be a puked a little in my mouth moment. Lacy of course was not scared one bit, I was nervous enough for everybody though. She was such a brave little patient and so ready to throw out her cute little glasses and contacts. I can't say I blame her. The patient was sent home with Valium and some really snazy goggles to wear. A BIG THANKS to Angelle and Michelle for watching eight kids today while we were at Lacy's appointment. This is poor Michelle's second week on baby duty, she gives a whole new meaning to the word best friend!

Get to feeling better soon Lacy, you will have to wear lots of eye make-up next week to make up for your seven days without!

It is truly Christmas in July around here!

Isaac: Mom do you know I love action figures?

Me: Yes Isaac.

Isaac: Do you know I looked some up on the computer for you to tell Santa about?

Me: I'm sure you did. How much was this action figure?

Isaac: um...$89.

Me: WHAT! Santa has a budget too you know.

Isaac: HA! HA! HA! Mom! Santa just makes his toys, so it doesn't cost him anything.

Me: Speechless

She's work of Art!

Today Avri and I met up with some buddies at the new Art Works studio for a mommy and me class. It was really fun creating a picture with Avri and just spending some mom and daughter time together. She left most of the painting up to me, but she took her part. I think her favorite part was running around in the mirrored room and getting her face painted. We will definately have to go again!

Fun Facts about Avri

Here are some fun facts about my favorite girl!

1. Avri was born two weeks early and was born in 4 hours.

2. Avri (Avery) means "ruler of elves", which makes sense because she is always trying to control children who are smaller than she is.

3. Her favorite snack is pickles or cucumbers.

4. On her first ultrasound we thought she was a boy.

5. Avri was the first baby I had ever seen who tried to hold her head up while we were still in the hospital.

6. She says when she grows up she wants to be a mom.

7. She thinks her brother can do anything!

8. Avri was a flower her first Halloween.

9. She is a very organized child, always moving things and organizing them.

10. Her favorite color is pink.

11. She loves salad and any kind of raw vegetable.

12. Avri did not get her first tooth until she was 13 months old.

13. Avri was born the day after my mother's birthday.

14. Avri tortures our cat all day long and then every night that cat willingly sleeps in the bed with her.

15. Avri loves to make gifts for anyone who will accept them.

16. Avri lost her umbilical cord the day she came home from the hospital and we freaked out and took her to the doctor's office.

17. Avri can make up a bed better than I can when she tries.

18. I went to the hospital with two false alarms before she was actually born.

19. Avri and I share a lot of the same qualities and that sometimes makes us butt heads.

20. Avri is the daughter I always dreamed of as a little girl.

Fun facts about Isaac

I thought I would share some fun facts about my favorite boy!

1. Born on Flag Day.

2. Favorite flavor ice cream is vanilla.

3. He has a special interest in past presidents.

4. His favorite television show is American Gladiators.

5. I was in labor with Isaac for 18 hours.

6. Isaac's first laugh was at Phillip painting our bathroom.

7. Isaac insists on wearing every life preserver known to man, though he swims just fine.

8. Isaac means laughter (very fitting for this child).

9. Isaac always has to have his closet door shut before he can go to sleep because he claims it will give him nightmares if it is open.

10. Isaac weighed 7 '11 at birth and was 21 inches long.

11. Isaac's favorite color is green (the hulk of course).

12. Isaac is fascinated by all the Marvel comic heroes.

13. Isaac was a frog for his first Halloween.

14. Isaac was rocked to sleep until he was 4 years old.

15. Isaac sleeps with up to 20 action figures each and every night and carries at least 5 on any given ride in the car.

16. Isaac has never willingly eaten a vegetable in his life.

17. Isaac takes everything and I mean everything at its literal meaning, so be careful what you say.

18. Isaac was born with what they call a "short cord", a very short umbilical cord, very rare I was told.

19. Isaac is a fish at heart, loves the water.

20. Isaac has taught me more than I will ever teach him.

PJ party??

So we went over to Michelle's today for a little fun in the sun which ended up turning into a pajama party. These girls love some PJs and will wear anyone's who is available. They also used Kathleen's toothbrush.....sharing is so important you know. Thanks Michelle, we had a blast!

Feel better soon little A!

We stopped by little Avery's house to check on her today and the patient was bight eyed and bushy tailed, dancing and prancing! I was so thankful to see her looking better and she seemed like she was back to her old self. She gave us all quite a scare, I cannot even imagine what Lacy and Nick were going through, so seeing her today really gave me a big boost and I just thanked God all the way home for his love and grace. I tried to give her a big squeeze, but she was having none of that, so she is back to normal:) We love you little A and I am so happy to see you back in your dancing shoes!!!

LIttle moments

"Congratulations, it's a boy".... they never tell you that as this little boy grows up that he will go through a phase where moms become just someone to tell them when to take a bath, when to brush thier teeth, the lady you give your snack requests to, and interrupts your favorite show to ask you dumb questions like "How was your day?" I have really been struggling with this lately as my baby boy was my first born and my little buddy and sidekick for the first four years of his life. It was me he wanted to tuck him in and would remind me 100 times he needed a kiss before falling asleep. Now, at bedtime I get the cheek turned to me if I am lucky and hugs that last milliseconds. I know it is a boy thing and I am told that they eventually grow out of this phase, but wow is it a blow to a mommy's heart.

So, after I night out for coffee with my girlfriends, I had missed our weekly Monday night family viewing of American Gladiators (Isaac's favorite show). When I got up this morning I expected the usual breakfast request, but instead Isaac walks up to me and says "I hope we can watch American Gladiators together today, we saved it on the TV for you" and fighting back tears I responded "I can't wait to watch it with you" We spent the next hour watching tv together and him gabbing his head off about the new gladiator and being sure to tell me what happened during each event before it even came on. And just as quickly as he hopped on that couch, he was off again doing his own thing. I guess as he grows I will learn to cherish these little moments more and more and realize that he needs his room to grow up. He use to fight for my attention and now I fight for his....funny how that happens.