wanna pickle?

I did, until I reached in the jar.

Pulled out Pickle #1 & thought it looked a little odd.  Went to take a bite & then realized someone beat me to it.

Call it the “mom instinct” or just plain ol’ common sense, but something told me this wasn’t the first pickle victim.

Reached in for Pickle #2, & sure enough, someone did a little snacking on that one too.

Pickle #3 & Pickle #4…same story.  Seriously.

Suddenly, I didn’t want a pickle anymore.  But, I did get a good laugh.

Dear Grady,

Next time you want a pickle, just ask.  Yes, there is a chance I’ll say “no,” as I tend to use that word often.  So, I get why you decided to sneak the pickle(s).

However, the next time you pull an “Uncle Kevin”…

Finish the pickle.  Or throw it away.  Leave it on the counter for all I care.  But, don’t put it back in the jar!!!  You’d be wise to listen to your Mommy, because if this happens again, a pickle is exactly where you’re gonna find yourself.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mommy

 

all better

The flu passed & I’m happy to report we all survived!

It turned out to be a 24 hour bug, but let me tell you…those 24 hours blew chunks! 

Of the five of us, Adam was the only man left standing.

Thankfully, Adam was able to take Friday off.  So, he had to be both “mom” and dad all day.  I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again.  I don’t know what I’d do without my husband.  I’d be lost without him.

Today, the kids & I are going to the zoo.  We get season passes every year.  Now that we’re healthy again, we’re ready to get out!

 

one of “those” mornings

Ever have one of those mornings where the best thing to do is simply go back to bed & wait for tomorrow?  Yeah, well…

This morning, Grady had a 7:15 appointment with the cosmetic surgeon.  So, the kids needed to be up, dressed & in the car by 6:30.  I decided to get Grady ready first.  I walked into his bedroom & the air smelt funky.  I turned on the light & found a bed full of puke.  Grady woke up, look at me with groggy eyes & muttered, “Mommy, I went hop-a-dee-a.”

hop-a-dee-a: noun Grady’s word for anything excrement related.  Inspired by the word “diarrhea.”

Luckily, Adam had not left for work yet, so he quickly gave Grady a bath while I got the other two kids ready.  We still managed to leave on time & made it to our appointment a little early.  Of course, it was raining & of course, I forgot an umbrella.  The kids at least had coats with hoods.  I was not so fortunate & got drenched before walking into the air conditioned building.

I was casually chatting with a nurse as I checked in.  All of a sudden, I heard Grady yell out, “It’s hop-a-dee-a Mommy!”  I whirled around and there stood poor Ava, puking in her hands.  The receptionist, who was a teenager, looked up and started yelling, “Oh @%$#!” over and over again.  Seriously.  I almost told her to shut it because the last thing I needed was my kids learning that word.  Instead, I frantically looked for a garbage can, but I guess they don’t keep those handy in waiting rooms.  The nurse ended up handing me the garbage can from the office, but it was too late.  The mess had already been made…oh, and did I mention that the waiting room was carpeted??

By this time, Grady was standing on his chair making sure everyone & their brother knew there was hop-a-dee-a all over the floor.  Garrett meanwhile kept trying to inspect the mess & pointed out he thought there were carrots in there.

Another nurse came out with a washcloth for Ava.  She wiped her face & her shoes.  I had a weird “mom moment” then.  I was standing there holding the garbage can while someone else was taking care of my kid.  I felt like I should be doing something to help, so I started to clean up the mess.  However, I was told that maintenance had been called to take care of it.  So, I settled for keeping track of the boys.

We sat in the waiting room until they called us back.  The seating was arranged in a U-shape.  The puke (which was now covered in a powder that smelled like oranges) was near the bottom of the “U,” so everyone positioned themselves on either side of it.  I can only imagine the internal dialogue taking place…

The nurse eventually took us back to our room.  The boys were nuts.  They kept trying to run around the tiny room, while attempting to open drawers & play with the garbage can lid.  They both got “the look” from me, but it didn’t phase them.  So, I mustered up my best “if you don’t stop it right now, you’re getting your butt whacked” look.  They didn’t even bat an eye.  Even the doctor commented about how “strong-willed” my boys were.

Thankfully, the appointment was quick.  Grady’s scar is healing & we go back in December.

We had to go back through the waiting room on our way out.  There, with his foot resting where the puke used to be, was a gentleman dressed to the nines.  I picked up Grady before he could squeak out a syllable of the word “hop-a-dee-a” and got right out of there.

I kid you not, as I write this, the song playing from “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” is “Yea!, Yea!, Yea! It’s a perfect day!  Yea, Yea! Yea!  It’s a perfect day!”

yeeeaahhhhh…I beg to differ.

 

back from vacation

Ava just came home!

She spent the last week in Cancun with my family.  Can you believe what a lucky girl she is?  I think she’s been to Cancun 4 times in her mere 6 years!

She had a blast swimming, sunning & sipping on frozen lime daiquiris (yes, they were virgin…).  She came home with a tan & presents for everyone.  Mom & Dad – thanks for sharing this special time with Ava!

Garrett understood this year that Ava was going away.  As I packed her suitcase, he pulled out his suitcase & started packing too.  I had to explain that he was still too young to go this year, but all he did was get mad at me.  He told me he was taking the car & driving to Cancun & that I had to stay home.  I told him, “Good luck when you hit the ocean.”

Anyway, after a trip to Chuck E Cheese’s he was good.  So, just a heads up, Mom & Dad…Garrett is REALLY looking forward to traveling with you next year! 

Adam & I enjoyed the time we got to spend with the boys.  The family dynamic was different though.  It was obvious Ava was gone – so we were glad to get her back.

Rumor has it our daughter swims like a fish.  We’ll have to hit the pool this week, so she can show us all she can do!

 

graduation

Our baby girl graduated from kindergarten today!

I can’t believe she’ll be in 1st grade come fall.  Ava is so excited to go to school all day.  She has been looking forward to bringing her lunch to school ever since we read “Strawberry Shortcake Goes to School” three years ago!

The ceremony was short & sweet.  Her teacher, Mrs. Traina, read a little poem for the kids & then their names were called individually.  Each child got to take the walk across the gymnasium floor, receive their certificate as they shook their teacher’s hand & then get a big hug from the teacher’s aide.

Both of Ava’s grandmas made the trip down to see her graduate.  Ava’s cousin, Jaidyn, also came for the big day.

Congratulations Ava!  We’re so proud of you!!

Here are some pictures from her special day…

Ava, before she received her certificate                  Our little graduate!

So proud of our girl!                                                  Ava, Grandma Bev & Grandma Paula

Ava & her cousin, Jaidyn                                            Ava & her good friend, Natasha

Ava, with her teacher, Mrs. Traina                       Ava & her teacher’s aide, Mrs. Carlton

 

contusion art

Okay, so this post my turn a few of you off…especially if you’re easily grossed out.

I have this knack of bruising myself.  Yes, I will admit it here – Grady gets his accident-proness from me.

So yesterday, I looked down at my leg & I have this horrible bruise on my knee.  It’s deep purple & raised & I swear, I have absolutely no idea how I got it.

I ended up going to the doctor to have him take a look at it.  I recently started some new antibiotics & didn’t know if I was having a reaction to the medication or if I had some weird blood clot.  Luckily, it’s just a bruise.

Now, I have an odd sense of humor – especially when it comes to myself.

Hmmm…you know, I think I just leave it there, & let the next few photos testify to this…

Here is my bruise.  Isn’t it pretty?

The next few photos are also pics of my bruise.  So, maybe I was a little bored.  Maybe I was in a quirky mood.  Then again, it’s quite possible I was suffering from an antibiotic side effect…

But, this morning, I present, “The Art of Contusion”:

“Ms. Pacman”

Yes, I probably should have waited for the bruise to lighten to the appropriate shade of yellow.  But, I took this opportunity to use a bit of artistic license.

“Audrey”

All you “Little Shop of Horrors” fans know what I’m taking about.

“UP”

We saw “Up” this weekend.  It was soooo good that I just had to include it in my portfolio.  In all seriousness though, it was a great family movie.  I highly recommend it!

If anyone is interested, I do offer my services to pimp up your bruise for a small fee.

*Kids two and under are free.

 

My garden is now a little over 3 weeks old & so far I haven’t managed to kill anything.  In fact, things are blooming!!!  I took this picture of our peonies this morning – isn’t it gorgeous?!

I am trying to contain my excitement because my track record is completely horrible.  But, every time I go outside, a little grin plays on my face.  It actually looks good out there!  (okay, well  maybe there are two plants that look very sad.  But, that’s because I moved them from their previous location to a new one.  So, there in shock…really in shock.  But, I’m hoping it’s nothing a little Miracle Gro & sunlight can’t cure. )

Recently, I made our first batch of pesto & it was awesome.  We also had our first strawberry.  The kids would watch as that berry got riper each day & kept on asking who would get it.  Well, the time came to pick it & I was quite tempted to eat it myself!  But, I cut that little berry into five pieces & put a dollop of whipped cream on each one.  Very sweet!

The peppers & tomatoes are finally budding & the oregano is spreading fast.  I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with all the oregano.  I’m making a chicken tonight, so I guess I’ll put some on it before I roast it.

We’re also making some indoor updates.

We just picked out tile for a kitchen backsplash.  I also picked out a new color scheme for the main level.  So, we’ll have projects to keep us busy over the next week or two.  My sister-in-law, Di, is queen of projects.  So, we have her to thank for inspiring us with our current plans!

Oh, and the kids finish school next week too!

We are sooo ready for summer!!

 

nashville

So, this past weekend I got to take a personal trip to Nashville, TN.

I HAD A BLAST!

One of the highlights of my trip was getting to spend time with Adam’s aunt & uncle, Leslie & Jim.

I can’t even begin to tell you how incredibly generous they are.  They treated me so kindly & I had a great time hanging with them & getting to know them better.

Jim & I traveled down the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat.  We got to see Tim Watson & had an amazing lunch.  Lots of fun!!

The next day Leslie showed me the sites of Nashville.  We visited the Country Music Hall of Fame, went shopping & also enjoyed a great lunch.  I had my first plate of fried green tomatoes – they were awesome!

Tennessee is so beautiful.  I told Adam I’m ready to go whenever he is!

Thanks Uncle Jim & Aunt Leslie for letting me stay with you & treating me like one of your own kids.  Give Liberty an extra belly rub from me!

Love you!!

 

welcome to taco bell…

My neighbor showed me this video the other day & I couldn’t stop laughing!

Check these guys out – they rock!!

 

one last time

Yesterday, three of our bandmates took their next step.

During the second service, as we were finishing “How Great is Our God,” I turned to Chris & said, “Keep playing.”  I just didn’t want that final note to come.

Throughout the day, I kept recalling one of the final scenes from “Stand By Me.”  The one where, we watch, as each of the boys go their separate ways after their adventure.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve cherished the adventure we’ve been on as a team.  We were a band made up of people from all different walks of life, called together to share in the united purpose of serving & glorifying our God through worship.

Greg, Chika & Tony, you are all so talented & playing with you has been an honor.  More than that though, I truly consider you family & I’m going to miss spending as much time together as we have.

Here’s the little tribute Chris, Erik & I made (aka…the three amigos).

Thank you so much for all the sweet memories.

“Chase the lion”

 

Keehan, it’s your birthday!

30!

Criminy, how can you be 30?  Weren’t we just having “lunch” with our stuffed animals the other day?  On those rockin McDonald plates of course!

So, many of my memories growing up have you in them.  We were constantly playing together!  So, what kind of adventure do you think we were going to have with the huge innertube?!  This photo makes me laugh every time I see it.  I think you’re the one trying to hold that thing up, while I’m posing!  And look at your hair!  I forgot how white it used to be.

Kevin, you are an amazing brother.  And I really mean that.  I can’t recall any time that you weren’t there for me.  And that holds true to this very day.  You are generous & caring & I am so proud of the man you’ve grown up to be.  You treat Heather like a lady & I admire the way you think of others first & the sacrifices you make to help others out.

I hope you have have a wonderful day!

I love you!!

 

vacation?

My parents are on a cruise.

Kevin & Heather are vacationing in Puerto Vallarta.

Lindsay just sent word that it’s 95° in Texas (okay, so maybe that’s a bit hot…).

Here are my vacation plans today…

 

updates (part 2 of 2)

Last Friday found Grady & I in the ER…again.

This is my little guy’s third round of stitches – and he’s only two-and-a-half!

The windows in our kitchen are fairly low.  Grady was running around the table, tripped & fell face first right into the window sill.  I swear, the boy only know one speed – fast.

His had a gash on his cheekbone that was split wide open.  Luckily, both Adam & I were home at the time.  I took Grady to the hospital, while Adam stayed with Ava & Garrett.

Poor Grady was crying the whole way there.  After parking, I quickly gathered him up & brought him in.  We were entering the waiting room, when I stopped dead in my tracks.  There in the room were 32 people…all in masks.  Crap! I completely forgot about the swine flu scare.  Suddenly, I realized that this was one of the last places I wanted us in.  But, you know, I do have a child bleeding all over…

I put a mask on.  Grady absolutely refused.  They got us through pretty quickly, for which I was thankful.  While there, I requested three times for a plastic surgeon to treat Grady’s face – once when we registered, once when the nurse took Grady’s vitals & once to the attending doctor.  I was told that there was no way a plastic surgeon would come in on a Friday night at that time.  So, the doctor said he treat Grady & refer him to a plastic surgeon for follow up.

Grady ended up with eight stitches in his face & a pretty good black eye to go with it.  He screamed during the entire stitching process.  He kept calling, “Help Mommy!” and “All done Mommy!”  It was horrible.  I kept on trying to soothe him by telling him “it’s okay baby,”  “we’re almost done,” etc…  I wished I would have requested that they give him something to sedate him.  I felt like we were reliving our previous ER visit.  We were out of there in about 3 hours.  I told Grady we’d stop at McDonald’s for an ice cream cone.  Poor little guy crashed though as soon as I buckled him in his car seat.

We followed up with the plastic surgeon on Tuesday.  One of the first things he asked me was, “Did you request a plastic surgeon to treat your son?”  My voice got a little stuck in my throat as I answered, “Yes, three times.”  The doctor looked at me and said, “Nobody paged me.”  I shared with him what the staff told me at the ER.  The doctor replied, “Ma’am, I’ve been called in at 1 o’clock in the morning for injuries much less severe than this.”

I was livid.

I don’t know if I’m more upset with the hospital staff for misleading me or myself for not being more insistent.  I’m still deciding what is the best action to take to resolve this part.

Anyway, Grady has another visit with the plastic surgeon next week.  He’ll have his stitches removed & then this doctor will treat him from here on out.

You know, Ava & Garrett have never been to the ER.

I guess Graders is making up for both of them…

 

updates (part 1 of 2)

I had such a wonderful day Tuesday!  I was really overwhelmed by everyone who took the time to either call or drop me a note on my birthday (another reason to love facebook!).  It really meant a lot & kept me smiling all day.

So, big news:

YES, I DO GET A GARDEN!!!

Ava gave me a roma tomato plant, Garrett gave me a strawberry plant & I got peppers, basil & oregano from Grady.

This week, Adam & I will begin setting up my little flower “sanctuary,” as I like to call it.  I found a design called “Breathe Deeply.”  I have a wooden bench that we’ll surround with lilacs, peonies, lily-of-the-valley, sweet violet & other aromatic plants. I CAN’T WAIT!!!

So, I have to tell you about two little “nature” surprises I got for my birthday…

As we were potting the herbs, Ava goes, “Look, Mom!”  There, on one of the plants, was a red ladybug.  Now, that may not sound like a big deal.  But, I don’t think I’ve seen a red ladybug since I was child.  All we have around here are those darn yellow asian beetles.  So, that was a sweet moment.

as for the second surprise…

(hmmm…I think I need to set this one up a bit first)

On Monday, I mowed our lawn.  Typically, Adam takes care of all the yardwork.  But, we had a busy weekend & ran out of time.  Now, Adam & I have differing opinions on how tall the grass should be.  He takes to mow the lawn pretty low, while I prefer taller grass (I’m constantly barefoot & I find that taller grass is generally softer). Since I was doing the mowing, I decided to move the blades to their highest level.

Well, it turns out, we have a den of baby bunnies in our backyard!  Adam discovered them Tuesday.  When he showed me their den I was excited, but then my stomach dropped a bit.   Can you imagine if I left the lawnmower blades on their lowest setting?  I think I may have massacred all those baby bunnies!  I mean, seriously.  I could just see little animal loving me, mowing along, thinking I’m doing a nice thing to help Adam, all the while humming a pretty tune, when “SPLAT!” – a shower of baby bunny guts suddenly sprays up in the air.  Thankfully that wasn’t the case – whew!

The bunny den is actually pretty close to our patio.  We know there are at least two bunnies in there.   There could be more, but we don’t want to disturb the den to check.  I keep an eye on the bunnies during the day by making sure the kids & the hawks steer clear.  Ava desperately wants to give them carrots.  But, we explained to her that the mama bunny comes during the night to feed them.  So, our job is to just leave them alone.

Before closing this post out, I will say to my current resident bunny family:

“You chose wisely when selecting our yard for your den.  You typically can’t go wrong with vegetarians.  But, remember the kindness I am showing you.  When we plant my garden this week, I respectfully ask that you stay the heck away from it.  You have no idea how hard I worked for it.  I didn’t massacre you.  Don’t massacre my garden.  If you don’t heed my humble request, then unfortunately you are on your own.

And I feel it only fair to warn you…my hubby just bought a new weed whacker.

Don’t tempt him.”

**Angela, perhaps your squirroon would like to pay our bunnies a visit?

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

by Adam Newton

It was your birthday that kick-started our relationship way back in 1997.  The summer of Guys and Dolls was one I won’t ever forget – our first kiss, our first date, our first fight, our first show, our second fight, our first long distance relationship, and then it got really exciting!

What hasn’t been perfect in our relationship  to this point represents such a small portion of our years together.  It really has been an amazing journey.  Most everything has changed since that first summer, except you.  You are still the same genuinely caring, incredibly talented and stunningly beautiful woman that I first saw cross-stitching in the Starlight Theater audition room.

I hope this year is your best yet.  OUR best yet.  OUR FAMILY’s best yet.

So, Happy Birthday, Kelly!  We love you and hope you have a great, great day!