Kelson's Birthday

WOW! I'm such a bad blogger lately! I think the biggest reason is because I have moved my computer to another area and it's just not as convenient to sit at anymore. I have found that I only check my email a couple times a day instead of each time I walk by. Which is good and bad.
Kelson's birthday was this week. The anticipation in the child has been unbearable at times. For weeks, he has been waking up and telling me things to add to his birthday list, what his cake is going to look, how many more days, who was going to be at the party, and so on and so on. The morning of his birthday, he woke up running down the hall yelling, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" Halleluha it was finally his birthday is what I thought. It was about 5 minutes later he announced he was going to have his party outside. It was going to be a really nice day so the idea was great. The only problem was the grass was up to our knees. It had to mowed. Cheeto was busy at work all day, so I would have to add that to the list of things to get done. Kelson wanted to share cupcakes with the kids at the mommy's morning in the park. I was making cupcakes at 6am. I sent Cheeto to the store to finish the grocery shopping for dinner so that would be one less thing on my list. I decided to mow with it a bit wet so the pollen wouldn't bother me so much and a bit early so it wouldn't be so hot. It was a task in and of itself. It took forever but I finished with just 30 minutes to shower and pack lunches for the park. We were about 15 minutes late getting there but he still had time to eat, play and share cupcakes. One little boys was so excited for the cupcakes that while his mom was feeding his baby brother he got one with no one looking and stuffed it in his mouth- paper and all. He ate it with the paper and everything! WOW- he must love cupcakes! :) After the park we made the traditional run to party city to get themed party plates for cake. It's something each of them get to do for their birthday. We only buy cake plates with whatever the theme is that they picked. Kelson has been going back and forth for weeks. It started with Superman. The day before his birthday it was baseball. The morning of his birthday it was Spiderman. At the store it was Transformers. He finally went back to the beginning and went with Superman. Which was good, because that was what I had already started the cake for. I always make their cakes specific to what they want. I have to start the cake the day before to freeze it before decorating. I was glad we went back to Superman. This made it easier on mom! I was baking dinner all afternoon, thinking 8 adults and 3 kids were coming for dinner. It ended up being only 5 adults and 3 kids. We had lots of leftovers. Oh well! After dinner we opened presents. Analise kept saying my presents! "Please Kelson- my presents!" Of course, Kelson wasn't about to share his birthday presents. He got some Star Wars Legos, Cars pj's, Batman mask, books, Spiderman coloring books and water bottle, gift card to Michael's and 1lb hand weights. He was pleased with the mix of super-hero gifts he received. You may be asking yourself- hand weights- really? Well, most people that know me know that I enjoy working out. It's probably my favorite part of the day. I really dislike how I feel when I don't. Well, Kelson loves to workout with me. However, it makes me nervous when he lifts my weights. I'm always afraid he will drop them on his foot or something. So I thought 1 lb weights he would love! Yep- He did! He was unsure about the Michael's gift card. I knew he would like it when he got to go spend it on whatever he wanted to. Last night we had our friends, Kristi and Christopher watch Cade and Analise so Cheeto and I could take Kelson to Michael's shopping. He loved it! He picked out some funky coloring paper that writes in different colors- it's Crayola- it's hard to explain and markers that he can write on windows. I hope they only write on windows! I was mad that I didn't bring my coupon for 40% off. I think I'm going to try to go back today and get a price adjustment and get some of his money back. He could get some more crayons or something. We shall see. All in all, I think he had a great day. He was mad at me yesterday and said, "Mom- I didn't have a happy birthday!" I told him that next year I wouldn't go to as much work and not have a party. He said he was sorry and took back what he said. I must say he did kind of hurt my feelings. I was so exhausted of working all day on his birthday to make his birthday a special one and then he said that. Oh well- he is only 5. He didn't know what he was saying- right?

One would say that it has been an interesting few days. I haven't post all week for a number of reasons but I won't get into all of it. One because I can't remember back that far! :) Cheeto had asked me a week or more ago if he could go to Hilton Head, SC with Marcos to the PGA Golf Tournament. I think Cheeto was a bit shocked that I said sure immediately because he looked as if he had a list of arguments prepared in case I said no. He didn't have to break out that list. I have a few 'girls' weekends planned for the fall so it's only fair he get a guy's weekend. Marcos' firm was paying for everything so Cheeto just had the cost of gas down and back. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the 6+ hour drive down there that he would have to drive by himself. Cheeto very often doesn't sleep well so when he drives by himself of course I always worry. Cheeto is an excellent driver so I don't know why I do this. Sounds like he has had a great time! We have managed! I think that is the best word for our weekend. About 2:30pm Friday afternoon a lady called and asked if I could do her daughter's hands in an hour. It was pushing it to get things to work but I fit it in. She lives in Wilkesboro and rarely gets to Greensboro. She wants it done for mother's day. During the wrap up of this order Cade decided to pitch a screaming fit. This terrified the 4 month little girl. She then started screaming. Analise was into everything saying, "my tummy hurt!" Kelson was just walking around being Kelson. I had to laugh at that one. Cade's fits carried on through Saturday. So much so that I didn't allow him to attend a birthday party Saturday. I made him take his gift to his friend but he had to decide whether he would tell him his reasons for not being allowed to come. I talked to the boys mom and she was disappointed that Cade wasn't going but was pleased with my decision. She said it actually gave her son a wake-up call. Oh well, I can't threat and not follow through, so yep, I played the 'mean-mom' card. We also had 3 soccer games yesterday. Cade had one at 9am and 3pm and Kelson had one at 1pm. It made for an interesting day. During the 3pm game the wind really started to blow. I have been doing fine with allergies up until then. I started sneezing, my throat was itching like crazy, and my eyes began to itch and burn. I think the wind was just stirring up the pollen. It was a miserable evening. I'm not sure how the rest of today will go. I'm definitely going for eye drops tomorrow! Last night Teresa came over to watch a movie. I didn't want to stay up all night again alone since our kids go to bed at 7:30pm. I had to push myself to staying awake because of the condition of my eyes mixing with the pollen earlier. I made it but I didn't have a problem getting to sleep for the first couple of hours. I never sleep well without Cheeto. I can't wait for some real sleep tonight. It's nights like these that I have to really feel bad for Cheeto. He has some real sleeping problems. I don't know how he functions with so little sleep. We all are counting hours for Daddy! Especially his little girl!

Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Kelson has claimed to be Daddy! I allow Kelson to sleep with me while Cheeto is out of town. I don't like sleeping alone. I'm really not playing favorites, but Kelson is the only one I allow to do this. Cade kicks, fights, talks and sometimes drools. Analise moves around too much still and I'm afraid she will roll off our bed which is pretty high with the risers. Kelson is a very mild sleeper and makes great company! Because of this though he thinks because he sleeps in daddy's spot that he assumed the role of daddy. He even slept in his underwear and undershirt- like daddy. Cade would say, "Stop saying you're the daddy! I only have one daddy!" All day yesterday he would walk holding my hand, give me lots of hugs and kisses and such. I asked him why he was so lovey today. His reply was, "Because Daddy is gone and you need the loves!" I guess he is watching when Cheeto gives me hugs and kisses throughout the day. Kelson noticed this and was trying to make up for Cheeto being gone! What a sweet kid!

Weekend stuff!

Friday was a fun day for me. I have been jealous of my older brother's craftsman skills. He had built him a desk in one corner of his kitchen for computer and bills and such. I wanted one too. I of course, would not be able to 'build' one, so I have been on a mission to find a good deal on a little desk. My computer in the past has been a little piece of counter space next to our stove. It isn't the most convenient place to have a laptop. Well Friday I went telling myself I had $20 and wouldn't spend over that. I found me a desk for guess??? $2!!!!! Yep- $2. The top is in rough shape but nothing some sanding and some stain can't fix. I'm so excited to refinish something. I love to do stuff like this. I just need for it to stop raining for more than 5 days in a row to do so. Cade asked what I was going to use for a chair. My huge yoga ball fit perfectly under the desk so I use it. It works great. I work on my core as I sit at the computer. Later Friday, Cade and I went to Pizza Hut to use Cade's Book It coupon. He loves to read and gets these quite often. I decided since he was being such a sweet kid and because Kelson had his day earlier in the week that he deserved a night out too. We had a fun, lots of good chats. He has a really cute personality if you can just get him away from his younger siblings. I think they just irritate him sometimes. Hey, he's the oldest. Isn't that how the oldest sibling is suppose to act?
Friday night we picked up Papa A at the airport. The kids were so excited. Excited isn't even a very good word to describe Analise. Perhaps more extatic. She has been waiting so long to have 'her' Papa back. We have only seen him 2 days since February 20ish. When we got in the van she immediately said, "Where G'ma?" She was concerned that Papa had left her behind. Mom is in the Phillepines until Thursday.
Saturday was cleaning and soccer games. I recruited everyone to help clean. It gets done so much faster this way. Cade was quite the trooper. He cleaned tables, glass doors, toilets, and bathtubs. It was great! It was raining but it just drizzled through Kelson's game. Not too bad. I have decided I'm a good weather soccer mom! I still endured! :) We ate at Mexico with Dad later. Nothing like Mexico! It tasted so good!
Sunday started out ok. However, half way through sharing time I got the worst stomach ache. I had to go home. Cheeto had already taught his lesson so it was ok for him. I got Zach Cordell, a recent RM, to teach my class. What a sweetheart! Kelson was ticked that we left early. Cade was scowling at first, later we found out he had thought he was in trouble and that's why we pulled him out of class to go home. Geez... did he have a reason to be in trouble? The rest of the day I had a sour stomach on top of a crampy stomach. It didn't make for a great afternoon. This morning I woke up ok, but as soon as I got up and going it all came back. Kelson is thrilled that I'm being lazy on the couch and watching kid shows with him. It is very difficult to watch a crazy 2 year old from the couch! Kelson is helping tremendously though! Thank goodness for my Kelson!


Funny Kid Quote of the Day

NIce enough for light sabers!

It has finally quit raining long enough for the kids to get outside. The backyard was still a muddy mess but we did get some time in the front yard. The kids have been getting a bit restless. I mentioned earlier that Cheeto allowed the boys to watch the first Star Wards; ever since, it's been Star Wars mania. Even Analise gets in on all the battles. Crazy little girl! She does love her brothers! So Trevor.... this is for you buddy!

Kelson stories

Two stories I forgot to write about Kelson. I first just need to say.... Kelson.... you have to love him! Monday night at dinner- I was reheating leftover lasagna. I had put them in class corelle dishes because of microwaving them. Kelson was first to sit at the table so he got the first bowl. Cheeto had asked him to quit banging his spoon against the bowl more than once. As I went to sit the other kids down at the table I noticed Kelson playing with the top of his bowl. He had banged on the bowl so hard that the bottom had broke/separated from the top. It was basically in two pieces. Cheeto immediately told him to stop eating fearing that he would get pieces of glass in what he ate. He didn't errupt into tears like he very often does. He just said he was sorry as one little tear fell down his cheek. Phew...
Story #2. - on the previews to one of the boy's favorite movies there is a preview to Monster House. It has semi-freaked Kelson out. He doesn't like it. Last night he was so upset by it that he couldn't get to sleep. I was reading on the couch (something I do more often than usual lately!) when he came out almost in tears. I asked him what was wrong and he said that every time he closed his eyes he say Monster House and he was afraid of bad dreams. He asked me if I would kneel with him to say a prayer for good dreams. It was so cute and humbling. I think I got a little misty eyed! It was sweet of him to think of that. I guess we have taught him something. He did kneel down and asked his Heavenly Father to bless him with good dreams, and good dreams for Cade and Analise too. Wow- the sweet spirit of a child! I told my mom this story this morning and she shared with me something very special. Most of you know that my brother, Kyle and his family lost a little girl almost 2 years ago. Kyle had a dream shortly after about Allie. In his dream, she told him that she was ok and she had work to do. Her job was to make sure all little children had good dreams. Allie had always had nightmares- so to think that this is what she really might be doing is awesome! I don't know that Kelson would truly understand this story; but it did have an impact on me. Perhaps when he's a bit older I'll share it with him.

All in a day...

Cheeto had seen that Star Wars I -Attach of the Clones was on television over the weekend. He had decided it was rated PG and not too bad so allowed the boys to watch it. We, of course, watched it with them Sunday night. Cade didn't have school Monday so it was great timing. The boys loved it. However, that is all I have heard about for 2 days. Kelson was doing somersaults down the hall. Cheeto couldn't figure out what he was doing until he did one and stood up and started shooting. He was acting like the clone things in the movie. It was really quite funny! BOYS!
Cade had a student led parent conference at school Monday morning. He had prepared and organized a bunch of material to show how he is doing in school. His math is getting much better. He loves to read and is great at it. The one thing that surprised me was how much he loves to write stories. He is so creative and has written so much that one of his notebooks is chuck full of stories. He writes so fast though that sometimes his spelling goes to pot. We will have to work on that one. It was a great conference.
I have had this thing with an outfit I bought a month or so ago. I have been wondering if it was really what I wanted. I had pretty much convinced myself that it wasn't and I was going to return it all. However, I couldn't find the receipts so now I'm just stuck with it. Bummer! Oh well... live and learn. I did decide to change the top for a different color. Maybe that will make difference. While we were out doing this return yesterday, Kelson asked me when he could date. He meant when he could take me on a date. I explained to him that he had to ask his dad since I'm kind of already taken by the greatest man ever! :) He did ask dad when he came home from lunch. He even said, "Dad, I need a dollar." Cheeto asked why. Kelson said, "Because I need to pay for Mom's dinner. That's what boys do." I put this in his head. Teach them young right! Anywho... Cheeto got $10 from my wallet to give to Kelson. It was so cute. He put it in his spiderman wallet and was so excited to give it to the waitress. He chose to take me to Beef o' Brady's. This place has good food and lots of sports stuff around. The boys love it there. It's a great choice and good timing. Tuesdays kids eat free per every adult so we only had to pay for my meal. He was adorable. The owner came up to him and said it was really nice of him to want to take his mom out to dinner. It was nice for me to have just time with Kelson. We had lots of fun! Being the middle child, Kelson is either with the older one or with the younger one. He's rarely ever by himself. We then went to Walgreens to pick up a prescription for me. I have sinus infection and they gave me a Z-pak to help. I hope it starts to work soon. My teeth are killing me!

Beef o' Brady's- Kelson's Date Night with Mom.

Kelson was so excited when we got to take Daddy's car. He grinned the entire time.

They love "Raffi" - that is what the boy's named Cheetos' car.

Analise likes it when we comb her hair, especially when Daddy does it. Saturday when I left for the gym she was looking pretty sad. Her hair was everywhere. She was sick so Cheeto stayed home with her. When I got home he had put a twisty in it, only wrapping it around her piggy once. She loved it though, so Monday night she pulled out what I had done and asked him to do it again. Silly lil' girl!

This is YUCKY!!!!!

Nothing too exciting happens around here on a day to day basis. However, I do need to say that I have been mystery pain free for almost 10 days! This is such a new feeling for me. Tuesday was my last therapy appointment. I'm on a trial leave to see how it goes. I'm still told not to run but hey, I feel better and I can still do strength training stuff so I am pleased! I can't wait to get back to running though. I'm so grateful that after 3 years something has worked. I feel like a different woman. Cheeto noticed a couple of days ago. I was cooking dinner and he said, "You feel pretty good, don't you?" I said I have never felt better- well except for the cold I was getting over. I think he is as excited as I am. However, he did mention that he's not going to get too excited until it lasts a couple of months. We shall see.
It has been raining for days and I mean RAIN!! There have been times it has been a good ole' fashion southern rain. If you have never lived in the south, I'm sorry you don't know what I mean. This is when there are sheets falling from the sky, the house gutters are useless and you can barely see your neighbor's house. It has been great. We haven't had rain like this in years. However, because of it the kids are getting a little cabin fever. All soccer games were canceled yesterday. The boys were bummed about his one. I wasn't because that meant I could watch conference- or so I thought. This also meant I could get to my Saturday morning Body Pump at the gym. I love this class and hate to miss it. My arms were so sore the rest of the day. Driving was the worst! But after being sick all week it felt so good to go sweat for an hour! Gotta love it! Conference starts at noon here so we were just finishing up lunch and putting Analise down for her nap when the first session started. We got through that one pretty good. Between session I decided we had to get the kids out of the house, raining or not. I had 3 free Krispy Kreme donut coupons. Perfect! One for each child. We hung out there for awhile. Analise is the slowest eater! We then just went to Target and walked around the toys. The boys love when we have time to do this. Cheeto had to go the office after so I was riding solo again. 2nd session of conference was pointless. I don't think I really heard any of the talks. Analise was crying because her daddy was gone. Cade was screaming because Analise was too loud. Kelson was covering his ears saying everyone was being too loud. Kelson has such sensitive ears. I wanted to scream but was really good and stayed calm. The only talk I listen to was L. Tom Perry's. He was the last speaker, I think. I only got to listen to this one because I had decided to fix dinner and all the kids had food in their mouths so it was finally quiet. WOW!!! I hope today goes better.

Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Kelson was on a roll yesterday. When we were on our way home from the gym he holds up only his 'birdy' finger and says, "Mom there is something wrong with this finger! It really hurts!" He got home and did the same thing to Cheeto. I told him that that wasn't a good finger to hold up by itself. Later on our way to get donuts he was struggling to keep his eyes open. I told Cheeto to ask him if he would like a donut. We hadn't told the kids where we were taking them. Cheeto says, "Kelson, do you want some sugar?" He replied, "What kind?"

Analise is like her father! We have to buy to different kinds of milk at our house. Cheeto refuses to drink anything but 2% and I refuse to drink the extra fat and calories so I buy myself skim. Well, there was more of my milk in the fridge so I had been giving the kids some of mine. I filled Analise sippy cup with skim milk. She immediately gags and almost throws up and says, "Dis YUCKY Mommy!" Shakes her head and refuses to drink anymore. I had to put chocolate in it to even get her to drink the rest. Yep- she is a lil' Cheeto!

Analise saying names. I was mad because the camera died when she was finishing the last two. Sorry Garrett and Baby Lettie!

WHAHOO- Look what I can do!!!!

Ok... so I'm not sure Cheeto is very excited about newest knowledge. I have been trying to figure this out for months. I have wanted to learn enough about reading html's to make the blog more fun. So I read a lot of different sites and have figured out how to do this much. I can pretty much make our background whatever now. YIPEE!!!! But like I said, the sky's the limit now and I'm not sure Cheeto will like it too much. Oh well. When he starts to become a consistent contributor for the site, then I'll discuss the changes with him. Wow... do I sound tuff! Just kidding. My dear husband may roll his eyes, but I know deep down he had let his blog go a long time ago. Do you all wonder how I found so much time to read html programing. Well, I have spent the last 2 days on the couch sick. I have to do something to force myself to stay awake. So I sat with my computer. Kelson and Analise have been sick too. Tuesday was ridiculous. By 4pm, I had had it. My head was pounding like it never had before, which brought me to tears. Crying wasn't the smartest thing. The tears came, then more stuffiness, causing my head to hurt more. I sent Cheeto a text begging him to come home early. He is awesome, he was home in less than 15 minutes. He got the kids under control, dinner, baths, stories, set up a humidifier for me and sent me to bed as well before going back to the office to study. (OH- I haven't mentioned- CHEETO PASSED HIS TEST MONDAY!!!! He is now studying for the next one.) I don't remember much after he left. I do know the room was so humid and hot that he slept on the couch. I did sleep better though, even though I had a few guests. Cheeto's spot didn't stay vacant for too long. The next morning, Cheeto made a Lowes run and bought an allergy filter for the house. They are more expensive but they really do help during my allergy season. I can tell a difference already. I think part of my cold is not entirely a cold. Allergy season is almost in full bloom here. I'm not ready for this yet! Anywho... yesterday, Analise and I didn't even change from our pj's until after 3pm. Cade got off the bus and said very sarcastically, "What have you done today Mom?" Geez kid, give me a break! :) I did marinade some chicken for dinner later. That was about the gist of my day. I think we are starting to feel better today. Perhaps I can get the house clean, at least mop the kitchen floor. Analise was screaming she couldn't run to the bathroom last night, she was right, she took one step and peed all over the kitchen floor. Thankfully it wasn't on the carpet. Then an hour later Cade came screaming from his bedroom holding his nose. He had jumped into a bean bag, his knee smacked him in the nose. He only dripped on the wood floor. So, the floor is in need of some deep cleaning!

True story!

My sister emailed me this. Cade was looking over my shoulder as he usually does when I'm on the computer. I'm telling ya... I have my own living net nanny! :) Well, I opened this email entitled "Why you don't let children run in the house." I had no idea these were the pictures I would see. Cade's reaction, "For real- that is disgusting!" Ok course, Kelson then has to come and see. It was a great learning experience. They are very cautious now of what they put in their hands as they are running around. I thought you could use this as a learning tool as well. I always check snopes for stuff like this. Confirmed! It's true. I wouldn't have posted it otherwise. Here is the story...

http://www.snopes.com/photos/medical/forknose.asp

Costco Statues!

Yesterday started off slow. I knew if I only did one thing it had to be get Cheeto some q-tips. He has been reminding me for days and I thought I really ought to get them before potatoes start to grow in his ears. :) That's an Idaho saying! Anywho... I figured if I was going to force myself out of the house sick I better make some returns that wouldn't be accepted after the 31st. I called dad to see if he would watch the little one's so I didn't have to hassle them while not feeling well. I got my errands done and then headed back to the house. It was a cold, rainy day- perfect for watching movies and being sick on the couch. That's exactly what I did the remainder of the day. It was pitiful, I know. When my sister, Alyssa and I were talking in the afternoon, Kelson came in whining like crazy. It was driving me nuts. I told him I was going to return my statue. This is what triggered my memory. I had forgotten to tell anyone this story. So we went to Costco Saturday. All the kids were remarkably in good moods. There was this empty pallet space between two stacks of boxes. Kelson ran over and stood in between them and said he was a statue. Cade just gave me his crooked smile and said, "Whatever, Kelson." I started to walk past Kelson. He then said with clenched teeth out of the corner of his mouth, "HEY- are you sure you don't want to buy a statue? I'm a really nice statue!" Cade and I just busted a gut laughing! Cheeto said he would have to think about it. After pretending thinking about it we decided to purchase our "statue." When I went to pick him up, Kelson kept his muscles tight, arms tight to his sides and legs flexed. Still playing along.... I asked Cheeto, "How is this going to fit in our cart?" We bent him over at his hip and lied him on his bag with his legs straight up in the air. He stayed like that for quite awhile before he said, "The statue would really like a pillow." I had to get tortillas so we placed that under his head. He really wanted to lied down on the bread, but I wasn't going to allow that one! Cheeto was starving and started taste testing at the tables around the store. Kelson said still clenching his teeth with his feet still straight in the air, "The statue is really hungry!" So we had to feed our statue too! This statue was a little more than a statue. You mean we have to feed it? Kelson hung onto this statue thing until we left the store. It was hilarious.



Funny Kid Quote of the Day
I'm so thankful that Kelson taught Analise the push-pin water bottle thing. She did this twice yesterday. While I was still talking to Alyssa, Cade runs in in his underwear. I asked him what he was doing. He said that his pants were wet, however, he didn't want to explain what had happened. My first questions was, "Cade, did someone poke a hole in the water bottles again." He didn't answer. I then asked another, "Cade, did you wet your pants?" "Yes, mom they are wet but not because of my pee." WHAT???? He didn't want to tell me that Analise and Kelson were punching holes in the water bottles again. Those water bottles are getting moved TODAY!!!!!