Kelson's Pilomatricoma Update

Tuesday we had our appointment at Wake Forest Dermatology for Kelson. He has been such a good little kid through all these doctor appointments. They walked and confirmed that it is in fact a pilomatricoma- which again is a calcified benign tumor that grows in the place of a hair follicle. The doctor said this is something that just didn't form right in utero and is now just presenting itself. It's mostly common in children. He said if it were his child he would have it removed as well. He also said that it's much larger than what we are seeing. So we are meeting with a surgeon on Friday and will schedule a date from there. Of course I worry about having to put him under conscious sedation but we really don't have a choice. At least it's nothing major and it won't take too long. He will have a tiny line on his cheek from the stitches but this should take care of it permanently.
Analise went along for the ride. She was being silly and making Kelson laugh while she pointed out his "owey." (not sure how you spell that.)

Conference Naps

This is my husband! Can you see why I fell in love with him? NO- it's not because he's photogenic! This was Saturday right before the afternoon conference session. We had ran a quick errand to Target right before and Sassy fell asleep on the way back. I have figured out if you cuddle with her while she naps she won't sleep as long. I was exhausted and thought I would sit down and hold her for awhile. Not 2 seconds later the boys started complaining that they were hungry. Cheeto came to take her away from me so I could make the boys something. First of all... WHAT the ...? Well, I willingly handed her over because I have felt bad that the kids haven't had their daddy time much lately. She didn't even flinch, just cuddled in up in Daddy's arms. After getting the boys fed and settled I came back and Cheeto starts complaining that she's sleeping too long that he doesn't want to hold her now. That turkey just wanted me to make boys the boys dinner and then wanted out of the situation he got himself into with Analise. I made him sit there until she woke up! But because I was making fun of him for doing this he wouldn't let me take a decent picture!

ah crap... I have been tagged!

So I never thought someone would tag me. I normally wouldn't do this but because the person that tagged me (you know who you are!) just found our blog and I want to keep a good open line of communication I decided I better just do it. So for some this will be really boring and you can stop reading now!

Ten years ago I was...
1. starting my 2nd year at Ricks College (aka now BYU-Idaho)
2. engaged to be married in December
3. traveling back and forth from Grace to see my man- who was living with my family at the time
4. working in the Media Department at Ricks
5. living at Brookside Village Apartments

5 things on today's To-Do list:
1. teach piano lessons
2. go to Costco
3. laundry
4. play with my kids
5. take a nap with Sassy

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. gala apples and Dannon yogurt
2. cinnamon bears- however they don't sell these in North Carolina :( weird- I KNOW!
3. Hot tomales and popcorn
4. Cook-out Shakes - Oreo- of course!
5. peppermint ice cream

5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Build our dream House
2. pay off any debt
3. Save for our retirement traveling- golf course and temple hopping
4. give the rest to my husband to invest- ie 529's and 401k stuff... I don't know what he would do with it. :)

5 jobs that I have had:
1. mowed all kinds of grass on golf courses
2. Media Center
3. Lawn care company admin. assistant
4. Financial Advisors office- admin. assistant
5. piano teacher

New Dentist

Today was our first visit to our new dentist! I was very nervous. Cade has such a gag reflex and last time we went Kelson didn't like the smell of their gloves and threw up 3 times. See why I was nervous. Thankfully, G'ma offered to take Sassy for me! It took longer than I thought and it would have been struggle trying to entertain her for that long. It was a pediatric dentist and the kids were in love as soon as they walked in. They had lots of fun interactive toys in the lobby, a television tuned to Noggin, and a huge aquarium full of colorful fish. We have tried for years to get xrays and never have been successful because of them gagging! Well, today was a new day! History was made! Kelson went first and did it. Cade got the attitude that if Kelson can do then I can do it. It worked-Cade did it as well. I was so pleased with the clever handiwork of these hygienists. They had some great/crazy kid flavors of toothpaste which made cleaning a breeze. Before the dentist came to exam their teeth, I could see two hygienists discussing Kelson's xrays. Then the dentist came in and they started it again. This made me a bit on edge. What could they all be so interested in. Well, I got the news soon enough. Kelson has two extra teeth. Yep- EXTRA teeth. We have to take him to an oral surgeon to get him evaluated. If they think that once he starts losing teeth that those extra teeth will come in first, then they will just pull them out then. If not, he will have to have the surgically removed. They are right behind his two front teeth in the roof of his mouth. Poor kid. Seems like if it's not one thing, it's another withKelson these days. Next week we take him to Brenner's Children's to have the pilomatricoma looked on his cheek and possibly have to have a out patient surgery to have it removed. However, if any of our kids can handle it, it would be Kelson. He is such a tough little guy and can tolerate such things.

Kelson had missed his lunch by the time I got them back to school. It was noon so I thought I could just take him to the cafeteria and eat with him. Cade and Kelson both we excited that it was hot dog day. I have to admit. I'm so glad I pack their lunches. I will try so hard not to complain about doing it anymore. School lunch is worse than I remember it. I am more than willing to pack them a sandwich that at least looks edible! Good thing Kelson wanted me to have chocolate milk- that's the only thing that got me to wash that nasty food down!

Girls Nite Out!

Haley and Mom before dinner

Analise, Tia, and me. Analise was being a pooper and trying not to smile so Tia and I were forcing the grin. This is our hurry mom and take the picture!

All Analise talked about on the way over is that she wanted chicken for dinner. Well, they had chicken but it only came with broccoli. It didn't really look or taste like broccoli though. Analise did not like it on her plate she kept sharing with G'ma. G'ma told her to just leave it on her plate and she would eat it. However, Analise was the only that saw the little plates on the table and told G'ma to get one. Finally, she loaded it up just for G'ma!

Sassy loves her chicken!

Coldstone pics!

Analise talking to Tio Marcos.

The final good-bye! :) We will miss our Haley!

Last night Mom, Lettie, Analise and I went to Raleigh to see (in the words of Analise) "our" Haley. Haley is moving to Atlanta this weekend for a job, but we all know it's to be closer to Marcos. ;) They have been doing a really long distance thing for a couple of years now and I guess they finally feel its time to be closer. DUH! :) (Just kidding guys! We wish you the best!) Well, Lettie had a great idea of going to Raleigh and taking Haley to dinner and just spending a few hours with her before leaving. After the last girls night and leaving Analise home, we decided she was probably old enough to enjoy her going with us. She was great! She was starving by the time we ate at 7:30pm. We usually eat at 5:30pm- so this was quite the stretch for her. She would say, "me's hungry" but that's about it. No whining or anything. We ate at California Pizza Kitchen and went to get ice cream at Coldstone afterwards. It doesn't get much better than that combo! Not much healthy eating last night! Analise didn't stop talking the entire trip, well until she fell asleep just before Burlington on our way home at 10pm. Lettie finally started singing Clint Black's version of Desperato and that's what finally made Sassy fall asleep. Before that the trip on the way home was hilarious! This are just a few of our Sassy Stories.
We were taking Haley back to her apartment when Analise wanted to talk to Tio Marcos. She has always called him Tio. Well, as soon as Marcos answers the phone she says, "Well, Hello Marcos. How is Hot-lanta?" He lives in Atlanta." This got us all laughing! Later she was talking to Dam'pa (aka Papa A.) on G'ma's phone. We were asking her where Daddy was, she replied- at work. Where is Cade and Kelson- in bed! Where is Papa - in Dam'Ma's phone! Again- 3 adults laughing! Analise thought she was all that! We loved having her with us. We got home about 10:30pm and she went right to bed. I had some awful heartburn and backaches so I didn't go to bed until closer to midnight. I did the dishes, started the dishwasher, and swept floors- still didn't feel great so decided to watch a little television. So frustrating! Thanks mom for a great dinner and treat! Haley- glad we could see you!

one early morning...

The alarm went off, I snoozed it once, then woke up to get the boys ready for school. We have a ipod docking alarm clock that when the clock light is on it lights up the entire room all night. Because we used it so much in the beginning some of the buttons are hard to push, i.e. the light display button. If I can turn the light off it stays off, if not, I throw a dark tshirt or something over it. Either way, I have to do something to actually see the time. It also has two alarm setting options. Well, now you have the background info on our alarm clock, I have to say, I'm not impressed with it or myself this morning. When it went off this morning I didn't even look at the clock. I went in the boys room and Kelson kept complaining saying, "NO MOM! It's too early, it's not time for me to be up yet." Of course, I argued back saying, "Lets go or we won't have time to make lunches." They grumble a bit and fought getting dressed. When we finally made it to the kitchen I got a glance at the oven's digital clock! 5:15am. NO WAY! The wrong alarm went off and I didn't even think about looking at the time. Kelson did go back and lie down with daddy. Cade on the other hand just couldn't get back to sleep. We read and watched a little news until it was really time to get ready. In the end... we had PLENTY of time to make lunches! I was so mad but felt worse that we lost an hour of sleep! Lesson learned! LOOK AT THE CLOCK BEFORE GETTING OUT OF BED!!!!

Sassy's Haircut

This was Sassy's first time in the "chair". We are growing her out for locks of love but it's been getting really hard to comb through. G'ma already had an appointment so I called the fabulous Kristi to see if we could sneak in a quick trim after. Kelson had told her that sometimes a haircut hurts a little bit. Well, sure, sometimes when your are shaving it! This made Sassy not so sure about the whole thing. She did great though. She was wiggling a bit but Kristi said that was very normal. Of course it was! What was I thinking... that a 2 year old would sit perfectly still.


Funny side story:
Before going to Kristi's, G'ma had a gym appointment so Analise and I ran and did our grocery shopping across the street real quick. I was debating about flavors of something so I was standing in this isle for a few minutes. I noticed this old lady stealing chocolates out of the candy bins. She would sneak one into her hand, walk down to the end of the isle, eat it and walk back for another. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. She did this at least 3 times. I was on the phone with Cheeto and he suggested that I report her to someone. Well, by the time I went to do so, she was already checking out. I should have done it still but didn't think that it would do any good to make a scene flagging her down.

why did mama say there would be days like this!?!?

Little man on the green.

Papa playing caddie and giving some good advice.

Little man and Papa resting in the shade before having to endure the heat of the course.

That look should have tipped me off that it was going to be a rough 9 holes.

Cade was warming up on the practice green and actually sunk some pretty long putts.

Made Mama proud!

We had our 4th week of golf last night. I got them there and we were all in good spirits. My back and side were hurting before I even got out of the car but I sucked it up for the boys sake. Kelson requested to go with Papa this time and Cade was fine with going with me. They were great warming up on the practice green. We got our hole assignments and started. Cade had a rough start. First shot of the tee he lost. We didn't look real hard because it landed in a bunch of poison ivy. He only had 2 balls in his bag so I was trying to teach him to compensate for his slice. He wouldn't listen so instead of making him more mad I just let him play "his" game. Well, it just went, not downhill, but rather off cliff from there. Let's just say that he would have won a Grammy for his display on the course. I was trying to help the other boys with their scoring and such so I tried to endure the remainder 7 holes. I was so proud that I never once yelled, never even raised my voice-changed my tone- YES, but never yelled. I really wanted to scream at him! I endured a few more holes; however, once we finished the 4th hole and started abusing the greens, I had to call it quits. I pulled him off and sat him on the clubhouse porch until Kelson finished. I was brought to tears. I didn't know what else to do. A father came to sit by me and said he saw that we were having a rough time out there. He said he commended me for what I did, that he knows many parents today would have allowed their child to get away with it. He was proud that even though hard, I was still trying to teach my son that such behavior is not accepted. This made me fill a bit better.
There have been times where other mothers have reprimanded me for disciplining my children ie at malls and such. I guess in this case, I just feel like playing sports is a privilege. We don't pay good money, time, and gas to have our children act this way. Cade needed a wake up call. I cried a lot of tears yesterday wondering if I really am that bad of a mother, and what I did to deserve him to talk to me the way he did. It still makes me cry. We try and try to give our kids the best and this is the payback. They behave so well with everyone else, but 20 minutes alone with Mom and it all falls apart. Cheeto feels like it's because he gone so much. That may be... but what else can we do at this point. I feel like kids are just overly spoiled. I try to limit this in our home but still feel like we are all spoiled. My kids don't get or do everything they ask for. Then they come back to complain that so and so at school has it or gets to go to this and that. I just want to scream... GOOD FOR THEM!!!I don't know... I suppose there is more drama to come. :) I have to quit venting. :)

Phew... what a close call.

Today started off so bad! Both boys were almost in tears for one reason or another as they walked out the door. Both had many rocks taken for talking back and talking rude to mommy this morning as well. Cheeto was tired and stressed about his test he had this morning as well. He went to bed about 5am on Sunday. We both left each other this morning in rotten moods. I had to report to jury duty and get Sassy to G'ma's by 7:45am.
I got a summons about a month ago to report to jury duty today. My first reaction was to get out of it. However, after thinking about it and weighing the options I should just try to get it over with. I am a miserable pregnant woman right now but if I got it postponed then I would have a nursing baby and two little ones at home to have to deal with the next time. I did get a note from my doctor stating my back and sciatic problems so I took that with me this morning just in case. I got there and found out the jury parking was full so I had to be sent to another parking deck which was packed as well. I was about 2 minutes late walking in and got one of the last 5 seats in the room of 100 or so. I sat down and immediately had to go to the bathroom again. ARGH! I was frustrated already. Well, the lady started going over any reason why you would/could be excused. After her little spiel, she looked at me and said, "Come get in line, I think you qualify honey." Hey, I did as I was told. I asked her before she gave me the papers if she was "excusing"me or just "postponing." She said, "Oh no, sweetheart, you are EXCUSED! You are good for 2 years!" Thank you! I was so relieved! I think Cheeto was too. He felt bad that I got summoned and not him- IF it had to be one of us. So thankfully, a rotten start to my day had already gotten better. Sassy wasn't impressed that I came home early. She was looking forward to riding in "da'mas car" So G'ma still took her to run her few errands and brought her home just before lunch. We were both tired so we took naps and now awaiting the school bus and then off to little league golf.
HALLELUJAH!!!! Cheeto passed another test! We are getting closer. 3 more left which is about equivalent to 3-4 more months of studying. I want to push him through one more in October and possibly one more in November but then take a few months off for the holidays and more importantly b-a-b-y! We shall see what happens. I'm so very proud of my husband! This year has been so rough at times but we are making it. Some days I wonder how we do it but we are doing it!

Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Last night Tia and I were cutting coupons together. There were a bunch I had thrown on the floor that had expired and just needed to be thrown away. Analise picked some up. I told her to throw them in the garbage. She went to open the front door and throw them outside. Both Tia and I said, "NO!" and called her a litter-bug. She said, "I no want to be a lady-bug!"

A little parental reminder...

Cheeto sent this article to me. What a good reminder for all of us parents! I thought I should share it with all!

Even parents need occasional reminders on how to be a loving, responsible parent to children, from the day our children are born and even into adulthood.

Taking a look at how our children view the world in general, and their perceptions on our parenting skills, can help parents improve their communication style that builds self-confidence and self-esteem in children that are necessary to succeed in life.

Ten Commandments for Parents:

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make my bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

Remember, it’s our parental responsibility to teach and train our children how to do even the basics of life such as, how to make a bed, how to brush their teeth properly, how to prepare simple meals, how to dust and vacuum, but not expecting perfection in each task. As children learn each new life skill, give them opportunities to practice these in your own home, so young children and teenagers can feel good about themselves and build confidence in their own abilities.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

It should go without saying but, this advice does not include allowing our children such a wide berth of “freedom to explore” their surroundings in such a way that might put children at risk of being harmed or abused in some way.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little for such a short time-please take the time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

No matter how busy we are as parents, taking care of the home, jobs and other duties, make sure you are taking/making the time to really listen to your children. Physically stop whatever you’re doing when your child wants or needs to talk to you, rather than thoughtlessly telling children you are “too busy right now”, making sure you are giving your child undivided attention and looking directly into their eyes when they are speaking.

5. I am a special gift; please treasure me as my Creator intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, not just your praise to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my own mistakes. Then someday I will be prepared to make the kind of decisions life will require of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me to my brother or sister.

If you have the tendency to give your child a chore to do, but continuously follow closely behind to re-do the chore “your way”, you might need to consider if you are really helping or enabling your child’s efforts to grow and fully develop.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need a vacation from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

Taking and making time to be alone with your spouse, over a weekend trip or during “Date Night” away from the kids, is beneficial for children as well as for married couples. It’s so easy to get bogged down with various aspects of daily living that we may find the fire and romance in marriage once enjoyed, before the kids came along, begins to slip away from us.

10. Please set a good example for me to follow in all the ways of life. I enjoy watching the things you do and want to do them just like you do.

The old saying, “Children learn what they live” couldn’t be more true, so make sure as parents that the attitude and behaviors children learn are the ones you really want your children to exhibit in their lives.

http://www.tellinitlikeitis.net/2008/04/a-childs-ten-commandments-for-parents.html

Is this for real?

Today started off like any other for the first hour anyway. Kelson woke up and decided he really wanted to try and go to school. He wasn't running a fever so there was no reason to keep him home. Cade was happy to have him going today. Well, he was slow getting ready but still made it in time for the bus. On the way out he was running and tripped. He fell and skinned his forehead on our driveway. I just heard Cheeto say... "OH- Kelson just fell." Cade was already on the bus by the time I got to Kelson. I waved the driver on and Cade still had to ride by himself today- poor kid. Well, Kelson was bleeding so I kept him home until Cheeto got ready for work. He then took him to the school. Poor Kelson! He was complaining that his head was aching again and was embarrassed that he had a band aid on his forehead. It was a clear one with "Mater" on it. I told him the kids wouldn't laugh but think it was a cool band aid. Cheeto said he was doing OK when he dropped him off. It's been a rough few days for our sweet Kelson!
Well, Analise was such a stinker yesterday so I was dreading having to do too much with her today. We were going to go walking but I sneezed major this morning and really hurt my chronic side pain in the process. So I had to talk her out of going to the park for our walk. It's going to be a few days before I feel like going again. Bummer! We decided to take our walking friend to our favorite chicken store - Hopkins Poultry. Analise was, of course, back to her good little girl self. However, she did crack me up as we were walking out the door. She had dressed herself in a red shirt, blue jeans, and her new brown boots. When I told her to get a jacket she came back saying, " I can't mommy! My jacket doesn't "match!" See... it's pink. It no match my red shirt!" I went searching through her drawers for something that she would put on to "match" her red shirt! Phew! I found a brown sweater I had made her last winter. It still took some convincing that the brown sweater would match just fine. I finally had to tell her that she had brown boots on so she could wear a brown sweater. Then she told me that she needed a brown belt too- because Daddy, Cade, and Kelson always have belts. Are you kidding me? She's 2! How can she really be like this so early? Her teenage years are going to be brutal!

Kelson's day off!

Well, Kelson finally got what he's been asking for. He gets to stay home from school- not for fun though. He's sick! Yesterday I picked him from school for a doctor's appointment. After over an hour wait, he started fading fast. By the time we got home, he was looking pretty punk. He lied down the rest of the day. He started running a fever and has been sleeping like an infant. Analise isn't real impressed that her "Kelson" is home and he doesn't want to play with her. I took his temperature last night and he was still holding at 101.3. I was going to warn him then that there might be a chance that he wouldn't be able to go to school in the morning. However... I realized that might not be very smart. I decided just to wait until morning and see how he is. He woke up with a slight fever so we decided to give him another day. Cade was bummed he had to go to school alone. The first few days he hated having Kelson with him and now he hates going without him. Can we ever make our boy happy? It was sweet that he was going to miss Kelson.
We found out the little mark on Kelson's face is a pilotricoma. It's like a little cyst underneath the surface of the skin. The doctor told us that they really do recommend having them removed. She is just concerned about his age. He's pretty little to have to sit still through such a procedure for 30 minutes. If we can find a surgeon to do it, she thinks that might be best because they can use some different types of medications to make it all more comfortable for him. We will just have to wait and see what we can find out. I'm seriously thinking of seeking a second opinion.
With mom and dad in California, golfing posed a problem last night. Thankfully, I have an awesome husband that has a great job that he can make his hours a bit flexible. He picked up Cade and went to play his 9 holes. Kelson will have to make up his 9 sometime later in the week.

29 weeks 3 days

I was looking at the calendar this weekend. I noticed as I was looking at it that my due date is RIGHT after Thanksgiving. The weekend before is the Twilight movie release. The week before that is the primary program. Before that, Halloween and school parties, before that, ward parties and before that is general conference and before that is THIS WEEK! And in between of all of that is studying for Cheeto, homework, golf tournaments and Christmas preparations! Phew! Do I have time to have a baby? I'm really thinking I don't! :) Man, I hope time really goes by as fast as it did when I looked at the calendar!

Bunk Beds- finally!

Saturday started off open and just plans for cleaning and studying. Well, one thing led to another and before the day was over we had seriously gutted out 2 kids bedrooms, moved and assembled bunk beds, mowed the yard, studied, and had a movie night with the ladies. Phew! We was exhausted! A friend of ours from the ward is moving out of the country and contacted us to see if we were interested in buying their bunk beds. We went to look at them more than a month ago and thought they would work out great. However, being Shena, I still found a way to over think it. In the end, we bought them. I made the mistake of telling the boys about it last week. They have been asking when we were going to get them ever since. My friend was going to have us pick them up towards the end of this week but I got a call late Saturday morning from her asking if we could get them asap. After a quick call to Cheeto and Kris, and 30 minutes later... we had bunk beds in our front yard. When I got home with the kids, the boys were ecstatic. They were more than willing to help assemble them. Earlier that morning, Cheeto had gone with his dad to play soccer. I decided to take advantage of no kids and no husband to clean out Sassy's room. I then I had the idea of moving one of the boys box springs and frame to complete Sassy's bed. I knew I was going to get a scolding from Cheeto for moving it all by myself- but I weighed the options and decided it was worth it. The way it worked out it was a good thing I did because that made the boys room even more ready for moving bunk beds in. After getting everything put back together the boys and Sassy too were on those beds all afternoon. Cade kept saying, "Mom, I can't wait to go to bed tonight." Cade, of course, is sleeping on the top because he is older and doesn't ever get out of bed in the night. Now they have slept in them a few nights, Cade has changed his mind and wants the bottom. Oh well, can't ever make him happy! He hasn't fought much about it just mentioned it here and there about it. Kelson loves that his bed feels like a fort or something. Kelson helping daddy hold up the base while Cheeto bolts it together.

Mission complete!

Bunk bed brothers!

Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Kelson hasn't felt well the past few days. He has been stuffy and coughing. At church yesterday he was blue and didn't want to do much. I told him in sacrament meeting that when I didn't feel well that my mom would make me Jello. He loves Jello. So... if he would try really hard to be good through church then we could make him some Jello. During primary he really started to perk up some. I asked him if he was starting to feel better. He said, "Yes, but just a tiny little bit. I think I'm still going to need some Jello."

28 weeks 3 days

Yep... it's getting bigger! Analise has started talking to my stomach. She thinks she's hilarious! I'm getting more tired everyday! Almost there- right? A little over 10 weeks! I think I can... I think I can... Was it really this bad last time? I'm just really in a complaining mood right now, perhaps it's best that I not be blogging!

Loving life!

I cannot say enough how much I have enjoyed my time with Sassy the past few weeks. She is such a different little girl when big brothers are not around. I can see how much she has grown just in the few weeks they have been gone. She talks in full sentences and seems so mature on so many levels. Girls! What a difference from boys! She loves to run errands. She never has tried running away from me in stores. She loves to help grocery shop, clean, and my favorite take naps with mommy! She use to take them in her bed but now has become so content to lie next to me and dose. I love it! We have lunch everyday by ourselves. She acts like this is her favorite time of day. She helps make whatever and we sit down together for a quiet lunch. She helps with the clean up and then we nap. This particular day she wanted peanut butter sandwiches and chocolate milk (those two have to go together- it's an Arellano thing). I had remembered these Nesquik cups that were mine when I was little. I got them down and we had chocolate milk. She was so excited that... guess what... yep- she wanted to take a picture to show daddy. This is our best way of showing daddy what we do while he's working so hard! It's even on the blog that he hears about it just like the rest of you.

Our kids work on a behavior system with earning rocks. They earn shiny blue rocks and fill jars when they do things without asking, sharing, good behavior in public, homework without complaints, eating all of their dinner, not wetting their pants (sassy-not so much the boys :) )... you get the idea. They finally filled them up for the second time. We treated them to the Dollar Store. Big deal right? Well, they thought so. The boys picked out some hats. Analise surprised me. She wanted this baby swimsuit. It was actually for a real child but she wanted it for her cabbage patch doll. She was so cute about it, especially because it was purple and it had flip flops on it - her two favorite things. I just had to warn her that just because her baby had a swim suit on didn't mean that she could really go swimming!

PS- Hey Doodles- I want you to notice the lights. Cheeto came home that night after your post and changed them. The next morning we about blinded the kids at breakfast.

Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Cade had me cracking up at 6:30 in the morning. Saturday we had gone to a birthday party and we got a number of misquito bites. They always look worse on my kids for some reason. He was itching and getting frustrated. Well, I thought that's what he was itching. He finally had had it and yelled, "MOM- I'm growing radishes!" I immediately stopped what I was doing to say, "What?!!?" I looked over and he had a "rash." Kelson had a rash on his legs in the summer and so we talked about what types of things cause rashes and you just have to put some cortizone on it and it will help. Well, obviously Cade was confused. It was Kelson that said, "Cade- not radishes. It's called a rash, silly!" Cade didn't like Kelson correcting him. Today I asked him about it and he still was calling it a radish.

Cheeto's office

Cheeto finally took some good pictures of his finished office. This is mostly for my parents that were here and didn't get to really see the final product. It's still taking some time to get everything figured out. Cheeto does a lot of the computer fixing and networking and such. This takes him away from doing his own business. He is also studying like a mad man to get as many tests taken before baby comes. He rocks! That's all I can say. I couldn't ask for a better man. Especially one that is so motivated and dedicated. It's been hard on us at home but I know he's feeling like he's being pulled both ways. The kids and I want him at home but he needs to be at the office so much. It's all temporary and we'll survive. We just take a day at a time.

Teacher Change and lights out!

Last friday I got a call from Cade's school letting us know that Cade's teacher was offered a position at the central offices and had accepted it. She would be helping with the transition and would be leaving by Wednesday of this week (today). The new teacher, Mrs. Foster, was a 5th grade teacher and would be moving to teach Cade's class. I wasn't really thrilled about this at first. I tried talking to parents with older kids in the same school to see what I could find out about her but came up with nothing. Last night they had an open house at the school which gave us the chance to meet her. I have to admit I never go to these things but thought we really should under the circumstances. We met with Kelson's teacher first. She was great. I pretty much knew what she would say, "Kelson is such a happy boy. He gets lots of happy sticks. He loves to help others, is kind to everyone and is a great participant." All good things. We are proud of the way he is adjusting.
My first impression of Mrs. Foster is good. In a way, I think she will better than Mrs. Saad. Mrs. Saad was very quiet and seemed almost distant in the couple of times that I met with and tried to speak with her. Mrs. Foster has a louder personality and I think that is better for Cade. Cade is so quiet and shy anyway that he does better with teachers that will be energetic and outgoing to make learning exciting. She has some good teaching tools to teach the students respect and be a good citizen of society. A great thing in today's world.
This might be an answer to my prayers- not saying that Mrs. Saad was going to be a bad thing. I just really feel like this is going to be a better situation. Cheeto said she talked too much. The open house was suppose to start at 7pm but she wanted to wait to start until some more parents filtered in. She started at 7:25pm and ended about 7:50pm. I didn't think that was too bad. I think he was just tired and hungry. You know what an empty stomach can do to people.
Cade said today went well. They have been taking pretesting the past couple of days. I think Cade likes her already because she didn't believe in having homework on these testing days- said it was a lot for them to take in. I agreed and Cade was all for a night free of homework. We'll see how the next few weeks go and I'll post an update.

Tonight started out fine until it was time to turn lights out. I yelled for them to get them turn out or else. Cade yelled back, "MOM! Our light won't turn off!" I thought to myself, "that's impossible. You're making this up- just another excuse!" Nope, he was right. The toggle on the switch had completely broken off and their light would not turn off unless you stood there and held it in. I sent the boys to sleep in my bed- for the time being. Cheeto was of course studying. I called to ask him what he suggested doing. He said have the boys sleep in our bed- for the time being! We are sticklers about not allowing kids to sleep in our bed! He said he would be awhile but he would take the bulbs out or figure something out for tonight. I could start to smell something burning so I called Lettie and Kris to see if they would come help. Lucky me- they were already on their way out to get dog food for Bofo. They got the light bulbs out and the switch disconnected. Of course this got the kids all wound up and not sleepy anymore. :) We had to turn the breakers off to do so. Cade came outside and yelled at me for causing a blackout! He hates when the power goes out- the world comes to an end! Well, I told them that was fine for tonight and Cheeto would fix it tomorrow. But Kris being Kris just wanted to have it fixed. So they are at Lowes as I'm typing getting a new switch and coming back to install it. What in-laws I have! Now that is love!

Funny Kid Quote of the Day
Yesterday I was at the grocery store. I was talking to a guy in the seafood department. I looked over and saw that Analise was holding her nose. As we walked away she said, "Mommy- you no buy fish. It stinky! We go smell the cookies!" Yep- she has some of her father in her too!

Saturdays!

I think I'm looking forward to not having soccer games every Saturday. However, even without soccer we do a good job at finding things to fill the day. The tropical storm Hanna had presented herself yesterday morning. It was raining pretty good. Tia Lettie helped me take the kids to Home Depot for kids. Cade was excited because they made football field goals. It wasn't too difficult helping the boys but Analise required her own adult to help her. We got along great and made some fun field goals. We came home to put on some finishing touches- ie paint. I think they liked this more than building them. Analise painted hers purple. Cade's had to be yellow- more realistic. Kelson's is Carolina Panther blue- of course. Cheeto saw them last night and assumed we had painted them Steelers Yellow, Carolina blue and Viking Purple. That man has NFL on the mind for most things! :) I love him though!
Cheeto has been killing himself everyday studying. He has a test tomorrow morning so he has been stressed to say the least. We might have seen him a total of 5 hours all week. Not much in 7 days. I miss his companionship at night. I know he's doing it for us so I try so hard not to complain and just keeping moving forward. The kids are starting to get grumpy. This often happens when they see a little too much of mom! We'll make though. We don't have any other choice do we!?!?!

can I really do this!?!?!?

Today has been one of those days where I have asked myself many times, "Can I really be a mother of 4 and still hold it together?" WOW! I have mentioned all the craziness that has been going on around here with Cheeto moving, Cheeto studying, school starting- which means homework, getting Christmas done before baby, and starting to feel really pregnant! I'm beginning to really ponder why did we ever do a fourth. I know this is just a bad day and I'll get over it especially after I have the baby in our arms and feel the love that goes with a new little one. It was seriously one thing after another today. The kids were a bunch of whiners all afternoon which just ended the day on such a good note. (feel the sarcasm!)
I officially broke out maternity clothes yesterday. I wore my first maternity shirt and pants. Analise calls them my baby clothes. She thinks the pants are funny! Of course, I hate them and think they look funny too. But hey- I only have to wear them a few months which is nice. This is part of my downer day- feeling very pregnant. The backaches are constant and makes me lose motivation.

Cade stressed me out last night by telling me that he had a project that was due yesterday. We had to start an "All about me" poster at 7:00 last night. Cheeto went to get poster board at 10pm for it. I had to wake Cade up before 6am to get the rest of it finished before school today. I totally forgot I had to get Kelson ready for school as well. It was almost 6:45am when he got up and dressed. The bus comes at 7am on the dot. Cheeto and I rushed to get them fed, lunches made and shoes tied. It was a crazy morning. I felt like I had had my work out all ready. He finished it and it looked great considering the time frame we did it in.


He also had his first night of scouts tonight. He was so excited about wearing his new shirt and feeling like one of the big kids. He asked me to take his picture but he wanted to act like he was "discovering" a new tree on a hike. Funny kid!

Cheeto went to the Scouting Office and bought him all his new gear. Kelson is so jealous that Cade gets to start scouts. Cade was pretty excited. He told me to get the camera. Cheeto was mocking me. As you can tell in these pictures!

Analise has been fussing about her new "big girl" bed. She still wants to sleep in the crib. This afternoon I heard her crying asking me to "let her out". I knew exactly where she was so I went in with the camera. You can see what she had been up to. T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!!!

PS - I warned you all that I'm a more efficient blogger when kids are in school!