Mandy's Mommy Moments

2009-02-01T16:25:00.002-06:00

Your rainbow is shaded blue.

What is says about you: You are a tranquil person. You appreciate friends who get along with one another. You share hobbies with friends and like trying to fit into their routines.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

I got this off of E'beth's blog.

New Home!!!

2009-02-01T16:22:00.002-06:00

Hallelujiah!!! Wonders of all wonders. We finally moved in to our house.

Yet another stolen topic

2009-01-19T08:31:00.003-06:00

A friend posted this on her blog and I enjoyed reading about her firstborn....so I thought I would post about mine!

1. Were you married at the time? Yes, a little over a year
2. What were your reactions when you found out? Shock and excitement (totally unplanned)
3. How old were you? 24
4. How did you find out you were pregnant? I hadn't been feeling well for a few days and did a PG test just because I knew I couldn't possibly be pregnant
5. Who did you tell first? My husband, of course!
6. Did you want to find out the sex? I already knew that he would be a boy so it was just obvious to confirm it.
7. Did you deliver early or late? Early by 12 days. See below
8. Due date: February 26
9. Did you have morning sickness? I was nauseous for the first few weeks but figured out my vitamins were making me sick so started taking them at night and that curbed it
10. What did you crave? Crunchy peanut butter on a hot dog bun
11. What irritated you the most? People giving me advice I just didn't need
12. What was your first child's Sex? Male
13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? Somewhere around 35.
14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? I started having contractions in late November. I was on that nasty medicine that can give you a heart attack. After December, my Dr. let me stop taking the meds. I just had to be careful not to hesitate if I went into labor because my baby was breech and getting in the birth canal would have been dangerous for us both. I was supposed to be on bed rest for three weeks before, but I ended up delivering 12 days early by c-section.
15. How long were you in labor? I went into labor the Sat before he was born. It lasted for about 6-8 hours and as they were getting ready to prep for an emergency c-section, labor stopped. I was sent home on strict bedrest and delivered the following Fri.
16. Who drove you to the hospital? My husband!
17. Who watched? No one. My hubby was by my side, but he didn't want to look over the sheet for fear he would pass out.
18. Was it natural or c-section? C-section
19Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Spinal block was a must
20 How much did your child weigh? 7lbs and 14 oz.
21 What did you name him? Andrew Michael
22 How old is your first born today? He will turn 6 in three weeks.

A Little game

2009-01-05T21:21:00.003-06:00

Another thing I stole from my good friend Elisabeth!

If you want to play along just bold what you have done and let me know if you do it!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (Does a baby goat count?)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (in general)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted(does a charcoal count)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check -- Ooops!
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible(it's a goal for me this year)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

9 Resolutions for 2009

2009-01-03T10:50:00.002-06:00

So, here goes. I am going to write down my resolutions so I will have a record of them.

1. Go to church more often
2. Be a better, more patient mother and husband
3. Lose the 30 lbs I have been trying to get rid of
4. Lead a more active lifestyle
5. Spend more time being positive
6. Develop stronger relationships with my family and friends
7. Blog more often
8. 200 times
9. Be a better housekeeper

I am hoping these are more attainable than in the past.

10 Great Things about 2009

2009-01-02T19:27:00.002-06:00

I am stealing from Nana and Elisabeth...here goes.

Top Ten Great Things about 2008

1. I have two beautiful boys who call me mommy
2. I have a great marriage to a wonderful man
3. My two grandmothers are still here with me. They are 78 and 88.
4. My husband got a new job that is more secure and less stressful
5. I got a new kitty
6. I get to keep the dog that I thought I was going to have to get rid of
7. The US elected a great new president
8. I have gotten over the illness that was zapping my energy
9. We paid off our credit cards
10. We got a new car

So Sad

2008-12-21T20:52:00.002-06:00

I have to get rid of one of my dogs. I love him, but he is preventing my other dog from eating and has been nipping at his ears. My older dog is skin and bones (looks anorexic). You can see all of his ribs and his backbone is sticking way out.

It's not like the younger dog is eating all of the food. He sometimes leaves some in the bowl, but growls at the older dog and will not allow him to eat it. So, in order to protect my older dog, I have to get rid of the younger one. Luckily, there is a no euthanasia shelter close by so I can be assured that he will find a home and not be put to sleep. It still makes me sad. I love my pets. They are as much a part of my family as my children. I have been putting this off for a long time, but I have to put my older dog first.

Christmas Time

2008-12-13T14:20:00.003-06:00

I love Christmas

I love being around family and friends.

I love going around shopping for that perfect present for someone.

I can't wait until my BIL, SIL, and their two kids will be here this time next week.

Have a hapy and safe holiday. Enjoy your time with your family.

The Moving Game

2008-12-07T13:23:00.002-06:00

We should be moving in the next 45 days.

So, I have begun packing boxes and tossing things out. I am getting a storage locker this week so I can move out the boxes that are already packed so we can simplify our life AND get it ready to get a market value so we can put it on the market.

WAHOO!!!

And away we go!!!

2008-12-06T12:38:00.002-06:00

I don't know about anyone else, but it seems to be that I never get a moment to sit still. Even if I plan to have an evening of peace and quiet, something seems to creep in.

I would give anything to have an hour in the evening just to sit quietly and read a couple of chapters in a book.

By the time I get kids fed, do a little straightening up, gets kids bathed, and to bed, I am so exhausted all I can do is fall into bed and am asleep within 15 minutes.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T06:11:00.002-06:00

We were camping for Thanksgiving so I am late with this post, but here is a list of things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for...

1--My husband and two children

2--my family

3--my friends

4--My AB mommy friends, what a wonderful group we are so supportive. I don't know how I would have made it through the last three years without them

5--my pets (these guys make the worst days bright)

6--the jobs that my husband and I have that allow us to provide a safe home for our children

7--the wonderful daycare workers and school teachers who teach and take care of my children during the day. These are truly special people.

8--the health of my family

9--the opportunities we have living here in the US

10--the men and women who give of themselves to make sure we have all the freedoms we do

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I know we did.

The 31 Flavors of Me

2008-11-24T19:15:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is my 31st birthday so to celebrate I thought I would tell you 31 randoms things about me that you may or may not already know.

1--I am a control freak

2--I would rather eat meal items than dessert

3--I am scared of ALL lizards and reptiles. I know they are just trying to figure out how to jump on me.

4--My head fits perfectly into the curve of my husband's chest

5--I never wanted to have male children, now I cannot imagine having female children

6--I am addicted to Jazz Standards

7--I could sleep anytime/anywhere as long as I have my favorite pillow

8--Even in 90+ degree weather, I love to sit with a blanket over me

9--I collect Nativity Scenes

10--I am an extreme homebody

11--I am a closet Britney Spears fan

12--I love to have a good cry over a sappy movie

13--I add/subtract numbers on license plates while riding in the car

14--I can't stand to lose games. I have been known to quit over losing.

15--I have stomach problems and shouldn't eat fried foods, but I do it anyway. I pay the price later

16--I can be a hypochondriac

17--I believe in Miracles

18--I can only drink milk if it is ICE COLD

19--I NEVER puke

20--Cheese is my favorite food

21--I have always wanted to drive a mini-van and I love mine

22--I would let my kids sleep with me every night if my husband would let

23--I am near-sighted but to different levels in each eye

24--I say prayers when I am in an airplane taking off because I am determined if I do not then the plane will crash

25--I prayed over 12 rosaries while we road out Hurricane Katrina

26--I love to read and my favorite alone time is spent curled up with a good book

27--I think I am an old person wrapped up in a young body

28--I want a tatoo of a fleur de lis (don't tell my mom)

29--I have only stood in a wedding once in my life

30--My two nephews call me Mimi

31--My closest friends have always been guys

2008-11-19T18:30:00.003-06:00

I have been tagged by my friend Elisabeth. So, here goes.

8 things I am passionate about

--God

--My family

--my friends

--my pets

--my work

--my house

--reading

--my health

8 things that happened yesterday

--I left Grove Park

--I had an absolutely tremendous breakfast

--I got to see some real snow flurries, not just the nasty wet, rainy snow we get in New Orleans once every 10 years

--I said good-bye to my SIL and a new friend

--I saw my DH and kids after 4 days

--I flew on a plane from Charlotte to Atlanta

--I flew on a plane from Atlanta to New Orleans

--I rode in my car from New Orleans to my house

8 things I do now

--I work

--I raise my children

--I clean house

--blog

--diet

--FACEBOOK

--I pay bills

--I read JD ROBB books

8 things I cannot do

--a cartwheel

--stay on a diet

--knit

--work a weed eater

--stay on a workout plan

--paint

--hold a grudge

--be away from my kids for more than a couple of days

8 things I say often

--Budget office, this is Mandy

--Hey Connor

--I love you

--Damn it

--Stop that

--That is Hysterical

--That is Bizarre

--Hey Sweetie Pie

8 favorite TV shows

--Grey's Anatomy

--Myth Busters

--The Bing Bang Theory

--How I met your Mother

--Three and a half Men

--The new adventures of Old Christine

--Scrubs

--Stargate

8 Favorite Foods

--Quesadillas

--Cheese

--Cheese Cake

--My mawmaw's baked macaroni and cheese

--My mom's potatoe salad

--Mississippi Mud Pie

--Donna's oyster patties

--Dad's rice dressing

8 things you may not have known about me

--The one thing I have always wanted was to be married and have kids

--I would love to quit my job, tomorrow.

--I am loyal to my friends almost to a fault. It is almost impossible to lose my friendship.

--I am an awful homebody. My favorite place to be is my home.

--I am a slob. I just hide it very well.

--I didn't have acne until I was 25, after the birth of my child.

--I am absolutely neurotic. I have very weird thoughts about the way things absolutely need to be and they aren't necessarily what other people would think as normal.

--All of my favorite movies are children's movies, whether I admit that or not.

A New Addition

2008-09-11T19:43:00.001-05:00

We have a new kitten!!! He is beautiful. He is part Russian Blue.
We have already fallen in love with him. Will post pics later.

The Controversial Survey

2008-09-10T17:57:00.001-05:00

1) Do you have the guts to answer these queries and post them as “The Controversial Survey?”
Obviously.

2) Would you do meth if it were legalized? Absolutely not!

3) Abortion: for or against?
For myself, I’m against it. But I think there is a lot of grey area to that question.

4) Would our country fall with a woman president? I don't think there is any difference between a woman and a man being president as long as they are qualified so I guess my answer is no.

5) Do you support the death penalty? Yes, if it is fitting to the crime. If someone killed my loved one, would I want them dead, Yes.

6) Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?No

7) Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized? Yes, I think that we need to be more open minded.

8 ) A 12 year old girl has a baby..should she keep it? I need more info before I can answer that one.

9) Should the alcohol age be lowered to 16? No

10) Should the war in Iraq be called off? Yes.

11) Assisted suicide is illegal… do you agree? No. I don't think anyone should have to suffer needlessly.

12) Do you believe in spanking your children? Yes, I have spanked my 5 year old a few times, but usually after everything else failed.

13) Would you burn an Australian flag for a million dollars? Where do I sign up?

14) Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers? No, I think the people who read this are pretty much open minded and if they aren't, that's their problem.

A great 5 days!!! Hallelujah!!!

2008-09-09T19:26:00.002-05:00

Andrew started Kindergarten in August. His first two weeks were pretty good. He had a few little things on his daily sheet, but it was mostly just learning the differences between pre-school and kindergarten. The two following weeks were not very good. He had some discipline problems. So, we decided to give him his second dose of ADHD meds earlier in the day. Well, that clicked. He had now had 5 great days in a row.

He is writing quite a bit more. He is also learning to read some words. He loves kindergarten and loves learning new things. It is wonderful.

He had an appointment with his counselor and she feels he is doing very well.

He will meet with his psychiatrist next week so we will see if he gets new meds or what, but I am kind of hoping we stay with what is currently working.

Not even one day

2008-09-06T18:41:00.002-05:00

So, I couldn't even make it one day.

It seems life took over more quickly than I thought.

Connor came home Wednesday evening.

Thursday was my grandmother's 88 birthday!!! Happy Birthday Mamaw!!!

Friday I started coming down with something. I went to work and then came home and slept 12 hours. I got up this morning, went to the grocery, came home, and then napped. I think I am finally starting to feel a little better.

To make up for missing a couple days of posting. I am inserting pictures.

Picture from the Georgia Aquarium from 4th of July weekend

Andrew's swimming lessons in June

Connor at our friend's childrens' birthday party

Andrew at his first New Orlean's Saints Game

Me and my two boys

Andrew and Daddy at Disney World

Andrew and his cool Mickey ears

Andrew and I with Timon and Rafiki

Andrew again

Me and my hubby

Me, hubby, and Andrew

Joining the bandwagon

2008-09-02T18:22:00.003-05:00

As a few other of my mommy friends are doing, I am going to do 30 days of blogging. Just know there may be nothing to blog about, but I will do it anyway.

I am sitting here enjoying A/C. We were without power for 30 hours. Happy Labor Day to us. Thanks to Gustav our power went out yesterday at 7 am after having cut short our trip to see Mickey Mouse at his home in Disney World. We are totally exhausted, but work is closed for us tomorrow and so is the school around here.

Connor has been with his paternal grandparents since last Thurs evening to allow us to take Andrew to Disney. So, I haven't seen my baby in almost a week and I so miss him. He should be here tomorrow afternoon or early evening as my ILs evacuated to S. Carolina.

Not much else to blog. I will be back tomorrow with a Disney re-cap and some pics.

Day one--check!!!

A Moment of Clarity

2008-07-29T18:05:00.003-05:00

So, around 2 am as my almost 2 year old was thrashing around the bed trying to get back to sleep, I had a moment of clarity.

For the past two months I have been struggling with our decision to not have any more children. Yes, I believe it is the right decision for us at this moment, but I still am having a hard time with the thought of no more babies. My babies are the best thing I do and almost the most rewarding.

I got to thinking how my little boy is about to turn two and as I was rocking him (as I do every nights). I was looking at his little round legs and fat little arms and thinking about how in most every way he is still a baby. In society today, we are pushed to have our children grow up too fast. We don't call at 2 year old a baby anymore, we call them toddlers or pre-toddlers (what the hell is that???). He is indeed still a baby as he depends on DH and I for all of his needs.

We rush them off of the bottle and straight to sippy cups. What is wrong with them having a bottle after they turn one and isn't a sippy cup just a glorified bottle.

And the pacifier, don't get me started on the pacifier. Yes, my son still has one. He is teething. It gives him comfort and helps him when he gets agitated. Do you have a problem with that? I get lots of comments from lots of people. I personally don't have a problem. When he asks for it, he gets it.

He also has a baby that he carries around with him. Andrew also has a blanket that he cannot sleep without and that's okay with me too. It gives him comfort and security. I think if more people were allowed to have something to associate with the comfort and security they feel in their mother's loving arms, we would all be better off.

No, Connor doesn't put himself to sleep in his own bed. You know what, neither do I. I can't sleep a wink without DH or my kids in the bed next to me so why should I force that on my kids. We snuggle and rock each and every night and I am dreading the day that he decides he doesn't need that. I can't get Andrew to let me hold him long enough. I cherish the few minutes I get to sit next to him and brush my fingers through his hair.

I know they will grow up way to soon. It has been a rollercoaster ride since February 14th of 2001 when I became a mother. It seems like just yesterday I was holding Andrew in my arms the first time.

My boys are my life and I am in no rush for them to grow up and become little men.

I cherish every moment and suck in all of the love and cuteness that they put out. I wish I could spend every minute of every day watching them and absorbing them in. I want to save every moment of the day in pictures.

So, as I am now on the verge of tears thinking of my boys growing up, I will sign off and leave you with this thought...Have you just sat and watched your little one today???

Mother's Day contemplations

2008-05-16T13:58:00.003-05:00

It is on Mother's Day that I ponder not only being a mother, but being lucky enough to have a lot of very special women in my life.

First and foremost is my mother. She is a spectaculary strong woman. She amazes me. I aspire and each every day to be like her.

I have a maternal grandmother AND a paternal grandmother. These women are so awesome.
Their hearts have grown over the years to include a multitude of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It just goes to show that our hearts are huge and God shows us that our hearts never end.

I have a mother-in-law. She has taken me into her family and treated me as one of her own.

My sister is a character. She makes me laugh. She has raised two beautiful, smart children. She is a strong woman.

My family also includes 4 wonderful sisters in law. Each of them are VERY different and I love them all in a special way. I look up to each and every one of them for the wisdom they give.

I have Aunts and Cousins too numerous to count. These women, whether they have children or not, mother their own children and sometimes other's children too.

I have a lot of strong, female friends who lend helping hands, give advice and hugs when I need them.

I don't know what I would do without all of these wonderful women. Mother's day isn't just about the woman who gives birth to us. It is about all of the women who touch our lives in their own specials ways and I thank God for bringing them into my life.

Kindergarten Blues

2008-04-27T16:01:00.002-05:00

On Friday, I took my 5 year old to register for kindergarten.

Right now, I am torn between excitement and sadness. I am excited because this will be the start of a fabulous part of his life, but sad because I know he is growing up. I know this is normal for any mom, but I can help but feel so out of place.

We were given a workbook of things to work with our little ones so that they will have a leg up when they start. We have begun working on letter recognition, number recognition, and consonant and vowel sounds. Once school starts, they will begin to learn site words every week.

The kids will be reading before the year is out and I know Andrew will be one of the first. He already knows some site words.

Below, I am sharing some recent pics of my boys, including T-ball pics of Andrew and some pics from my cruise.

18 and life to go...18 months that is...

2008-04-16T18:14:00.002-05:00

My darling Connor turned 18 months last week while mommy was on a cruise with 19 friends to celebrate one my best friend's 40th b-day. We left New Orleans on the Carnival Cruise Ship Fantasy on Thursday. I spent Friday tanning (make that sunburning) on the Lido Deck. Saturday morning, we arrived in Cozumel Mexico. We visited Chankanaab Park (I highly recommend it) and did lots of shopping. On Saturday night, we started heading back for New Orleans while having a huge deck party aboard the ship. Sunday was spent lounging around being lazy and culminating with a private party for my friend and dancing the night away at the Karaoke bar. I had so much fun. I would recommend everyone go on a cruise at least once in their life either with family or close friends.

When I returned home, I discovered that my wonderful husband had cleaned (I mean, super duper deep cleaned) my house while I was gone. AND, he did it while watching the two boys. What a great guy I am married to. I am so lucky. Not only did he let me go on a cruise while he stayed home, but he also cleaned.

I also found that my wonderful little Connor has found his voice. He is repeating us like a little parrot and also speaking some things on his own.

I have made a list of 19 words that I am absolutely sure he says. He is so smart. He learns a lot from his big brother Andrew, who is a little sponge, taking in the world around him.

I have been blessed to have the wonderful family that I have.

I'm a woman, W-O-M-A-N

2008-03-05T19:45:00.002-06:00

Ahhh, the joys of being a woman.

My backside is getting wide, my middle is getting round, my boobs are starting to sag, and I have gray hair. What the heck?!? Did my body know that I hit 30 about 3 months ago and just stop the train and start getting old.

So, now I am trying to control the weight whilst trying to decide if coloring my hair is something I want to get into now. The thought of coloring/highlighting for the next, oh, 50 years or so does not excite me. A boob job is imminent, but expensive so that will wait a little longer, plus no sense in doing it while there is still weight to lose.

I have purchased the FDA approved drug Alli. I have been taking it for 4 days now. I have not had any of the nasty side effects, but since I was already doing weight watchers and am continuing to do so, I am not ingesting a lot of fats. Usually, I take in less than the max of 15 grams per meal. I have lost 3.5 lbs so far, so yeah!!!

And, we have been cooking at home so that makes it so much easier. I love my dear friend Nana for she has provided me and some other friends with a list of delicious crock pot recipes. Quick and easy and low in fat too.

This weekend is my Anniversary so I hope to be getting a new cell phone and get a couple of pieces of new clothes to boot.

Enough of this rant that has gone in many directions and with no fathomable rhyme or reason.

Oh, how the time flies by

2008-02-10T19:09:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe it. 5 years ago right now, I was anxiously awaiting the birth of my beautiful son, Andrew. It seems like just yesterday that I saw him for the very first time. Both of us were crying. Now, we are planning his 5th birthday party. These 5 years have been filled with so many emotions. We celebrated so many firsts. We laughed at the cute stuff he did. We cried as we began to discover Andrew's issues with ADHD. There have been lots of trials and tribulations, but it has all been so worth it. I enjoy being his mom, always. I am learning just as much as he is. We are taking a lot of first steps together. Me, learning to be a parent (and making a lot of mistakes). Him, spreading his wings and becoming more of the person God intends him to be.

I thank God every day for blessing me with my beautiful boy and I pray with all my heart for the guidance to get him through and make him a wonderful person.

Happy New Year 2008!!!

2008-01-01T18:14:00.000-06:00

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

This year has flown by. My babies are growing up too fast. This last year has been full of major milestones for both of my boys.

Connor has learned to crawl and walk this year. He has started using a few words and also does some signs that we understand to give him what he needs.

Andrew never ceases to amaze me. This year brought him starting to write and recognize words. He is constantly asking questions and wanting to learn.

We have been so busy this last few months.

My first New Year's Resolution is to slow down and spend more time with my family being a better wife and mom.

Secondly--I want to clean out all of the clutter in my life. I am starting with my home.

Third--I am going to try and be more spiritual this year.

Fourth--I want to be more healthy and exercise.

So, hopefully by writing this down for all of cyberspace to see will make me more motivated to accomplish my resolutions.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

2007-12-16T16:38:00.000-06:00

I have finally gotten all of my Christmas Shopping done. Well, almost. I am trying to win something very special for my mom from Ebay, but that is the last thing.

Now, the fun begins. I have to wrap all of the stuff I bought and Santa's elves went crazy this year. I love buying stuff for people. It makes me so happy.

Andrew is so excited about Christmas. He is really understanding it all.

My mom and I took him to a Papa Noel Tea at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans on Friday. It was lots of fun. We enjoyed it so much. I will try to post pictures later on.

Andrew and Connor have Christmas parties at school on Friday of this week. After that, I am off of work until the Thursday after Christmas, I work that day and then I am off on Friday. Then go back New Years eve, off New Years day and the 2nd.

This week is going to be very busy. I have to get all of the finishing touches on the cooking done and wrapping of presents.

Andrew goes to the psychiatrist on the 3rd to see about his medication for his ADHD. Since he will be 5 in January, his counseling takes over his medication.

I have entered my 3rd decade

2007-11-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday was my birthday. I turned 30. It was mostly uneventful, but very enjoyable.

I thought 30 would feel a little different, but it doesn't. I do have the feeling that now I am definitely expected to act like an adult instead of a child (of course, since I have two children, I have been an adult for almost 5 years now).

I spent the day Friday building a playset with my husband. Then, in the evening, we went to dinner and did a little bit of shopping. My oldest child spent Thursday night and Friday night with my in-laws. My mom kept the baby while my hubby and I went out on Friday. My 87 year old grandma was visiting this weekend so it was nice to see her.

Andrew loves his playset. On Saturday, we decided to get a patio put in the backyard so that we can spend family time outside now that we have the playset. We also got a chimenea for the yard so that I don't freeze to death this winter.

On Sunday, I went to breakfast with my grandma, my parents, my husband, and two kiddos. My mom also made me a cake. I felt very special.

Just another day in paradise

2007-11-14T17:11:00.000-06:00

I love being the mom of a sick child.

Poor Connor is absolutely miserable. He doesn't feel well. Michael has been working long hours to get a special project done. So, I am going it alone. I so need to remember to take my meds in the morning. I haven't been really good at remembering. I don't do well with remembering to take any meds which is why I have the Mirena BC instead of a daily BC pill which I would forget.

I haven't been at work this week yet. Monday was a holiday, Tuesday and today I was home with sick baby. Tomorrow I am hoping to go to work and Friday is my day off. Next week, Thursday is a holiday and Friday I am taking the day off for my 30th b-day. It really isn't until Sun, but I want to spend some time with my hubby without the kiddos. My ILs are keeping my oldest child for the weekend so that DH and I can have some alone time.

This Sat, we are going to see DH's uncle in the hospital. He is doing well. Still very dopey due to the fact that his kidneys are not working and absorbing the meds.

After that, we are going to do some more Christmas shopping.

So, who do I have so shop for: Andrew, Connor, SIL, Mom, Dad, cousin's wife and my uncle (we pick names for that one), and two of my cousins's kids. I also need to figure out something my Connor's Godmother and Andrew's Godmother. My MIL and Connor's Godfather (DH's uncle in the hospital) are getting photo frames with all four kids (my two and BIL's two).

Well, Andrew is home and needs to get fed dinner and Connor will probably wake up soon.

Bye for now.

So Much To Say..

2007-11-13T20:12:00.001-06:00

Well, let's see.

My boss passed away. Very sad, but he is now where he doesn't hurt anymore.

My DH's uncle is very sick and in the hospital. We are saying lots of prayers of thanks that he went to the Dr after a fall and found cancer in it's very early stages.

We just got back from S. Carolina to see DH's brother and his family. It was lots of fun. I did too much shopping, but oh well. A lot of it was Christmas shopping. Our kiddos got to play with their cousins which was the point of the whole trip.

We got to meet up with one of the baby's from our mommy's group and her mommy and nana. That was lots of fun to meet people that I have been messaging with for over a year.

Connor has an ear infection. How is that possible you ask since he has tubes? Well, since he has such tiny ear canals (it is genetic, I have it and so does Andrew), the ear wax gets blocked up very easily so he has so much build up that it has blocked the tubes and it is like they aren't there. So, he is on a round of antibiotics and is absolutely miserable.

On a better note, he is walking now. So, he is moving to the Toddler room at school. He was supposed to do that today, but since he was not feeling well, I kept him home and took him to see the pediatrician.

I think that we have finally decided that two kiddos are enough for us. At least this way, we can each handle one child. So, we aren't going to try again, but it is always possible that we may change our minds. Well, not anytime soon cause I have the 5 year bc.

Ok, better go. Got lots of stuff to do.

What a wild two weeks

2007-10-28T16:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a while.

A little over a week ago, my boss started having chest pains at work. Come to find out, he has cancer in his stomach, his bones, his lungs, and his brain. He is currently getting radiation treatments on the brain tumors to make them smaller. This is being done to prevent seizures and to retain quality of life for as long as possible. He is passing blood and has had to receive 7 pints of blood so far. They have decided to do radiation on his stomach and also do a scope to possibly cauterize the area that is bleeding. Please pray for him and his family.

My DH was out of town this week. I had the two boys by myself. Andrew was a very helpful big brother. We had a good week, but I am so glad my DH is back.

Went to the jewelry show this weekend. I got a couple of really great buys. I got some nice hangings for my breakfast nook area in my kitchen. I also picked up a really nice Fleur De Lis ring and pendant and also a street car pendant. I also got my DS and DH two little helicopters. Well, DH and DS were playing with them and the damn things broke although the sales guy said they were virtually indestructible. So, DS has been a little upset. My two co-workers are going back to the show on Tues so I am going to have them return/exchange the helicopters for me.

I am watching the New Orleans Saints play. My favorite team. They are winning. YooHoo!!!

GEAUX SAINTS!!! BLESS YOU BOYS!!!

One week after 1st Birthday

2007-10-17T20:03:00.000-05:00

So, here we are one week later. It has been a fun week. Connor is doing more things every day. He is still not walking all of the time, but walks more and more every day. He has started to walk back and forth between things if he is standing up holding on to something and wants to get at something that is at the standing level, but if he wants to get to something and it is on the floor, he crawls.

Andrew is doing better. We had a little set back a couple of weeks ago. Our counselor told us to wait it out and that things would get better in a week or so. She was right. He has calmed down both at home and at school. He is struggling with the sharing thing, but we are working with him on that.

My DH is going out of town Sunday for the week. I am stressing about it as I always do, but really Andrew does better one on one so I know he won't be a problem. It is just that I know I will be exhausted all week since I won't have any back-up at home. I have actually thought about taking a day or two off. Not sure, though as I have so much going on at work right now.

Oh, well. This mommy is beat. Gonna head for bed.

Connor's B-day

2007-10-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

Connor is now officially one year old.
We had his birthday party today.
It was a great success.
Guest:
Both set of grandparents, Connor's Godfather, Ms. Eneida, Mr. Rob, Ms. Norma and their two daughters, and one of mommy's co-workers.
The theme was Primary Colors. We had balloons and colorful decorations everywhere.
I have attached two videos. Please enjoy. I will upload pictures later.

A Little More about Me

2007-10-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

Being a mom has been one of the most rewarding, yet most difficult things I have ever done. God blessed me with two beautiful (can I say that about boys) boys. Every day is a new adventure for all of us. The boys explore and learn more about their surroundings each day. While I enjoy being a mom, sometimes I wonder "Was I really ready for this?"

My 4 1/2 year old, Andrew, is a ball of energy. He has ADHD which is controlled "most of the time" with medication. Sometimes, I get to feeling angry with God for making this sweet, wonderful child have this problem, but I know that this is a test of our faith and of our strength and God does not give us more than we can handle. I know Andrew doesn't understand what he is doing sometimes. I know that his mind and body are not on the same wavelength, but it is truly frustrating. I get jealous of, no I resent, the moms who can go somewhere and sit quietly and not have to worry "Is my child breaking something or doing something he shouldn't." I have NEVER been able to do that. At the end of the day, I am always exhausted. Andrew goes to counseling once every three weeks to work on some of the impulisivity and behavioral problems that go along with ADHD. Things are definitely better than they were before we started dealing with this, but it is going to be a long road for all of us.

Andrew is a truly exceptional child. He is very smart and very loving. I guess that is what keeps me going. I know at the end of the day, no matter how frustrating he is or that he is not listening, he is my angel. He loves me and he is sorry when he doesn't listen. He has a tremendous capacity for learning. He absorbs everything like a little sponge. He asks some truly interesting questions. Last night, he was asking me about God and where God lives and does He make it rain and does He make it stop raining. He truly wanted to understand this. To me that is so profound for a 4 1/2 year old.

Connor has been different from Andrew from the very beginning. Strangely enough, Andrew was a very laid back baby. He seldom ever cried and he always loved playing by himself. Connor, on the other hand, came into the world screaming and hasn't stopped yet. He is more needy than Andrew ever was. He had colic and acid reflux. I think his neediness stems from that. He needed me almost non-stop from the very beginning. So, he has gotten used to having my undivided attention. Although he has started to spread his wings, he still tends to be clingy. He is starting to emulate everything his big brother does. It is so cute. He wants to be just like him. He explores everything. He is very adventurous and a big daredevil. He is always getting into stuff. He has the most wonderful personality. His smile and his laugh are so contagious and he very freely gives out both.

I used to be very impatient and short tempered. So, even though I am sure that the PPD is done, my OB/GYN and I decided it is probably better for me to stay on my meds for the time being. These meds have made dealing with the issues related to Andrew's ADHD much easier. I don't tend to over-worry things as much as I used to. I have decided to take the next few months to work on me. I want to learn to control my temper better. I also want to learn some better ways to handle Andrew's behavioral issues. Along with that, I would also like to learn to be more patient with my DH. Having to deal with the children has definitely taken a toll on us. So, we are focusing more on us and making things work a little better. We find ourselves being a little more snippy.

Well, it's getting late, so I better get to bed.

Connor is walking

2007-10-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

Connor is now walking. He is doing the Frankenstein walk. Most of the time he still chooses to crawl because he is unsure of himself and can move faster crawling. I imagine it won't take long until he is sure of himself and he walks all the time.

My First Blog

2007-10-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I have decided to jump on the blog bandwagon. Since Connor turns 1 this week and Andrew will be turning 5, I decided it was about time to start. So, stay tuned to see more.