Sew Much Fun!

While many of you know how much I love to cook, and do other "homey" things, sewing is not one of them. And I will freely admit that many times I gave away or threw away things based on a missing button, undone hem, etc. Well no more! My girlfriend has taken pity on me and is teaching me to sew. This is my first project that I completed!

And a big shout out to Jenny, my partner in crime about this: If I can do it, you can do it! Tell B, she'll be so proud!

And Danna, you can tell Mama Sue that she doesn't have to be shocked anymore by my lack of needle knowledge!

BOO!

ER speedpass?

Well for our 4th visit in ten months, I wonder if you can guess which child it was?

If you guessed Braden, you are correct!

I'm copying from hubby's blog since the story is to the point and oh so true!

I guess everyone has or has had some desire to be well known or famous at some point in their lives. But I never wanted to be well known for taking my children to the emergency room.

Once again the youngest made a visit. I had just laid the kids down for bed and was walking out the door for the ever exciting midnight shift when I heard a "thump" and a cry come from the boys' room. Braden. The last time I heard that noise Braden had put his teeth through his bottom lip. So I went in to investigate.

I have never in my life seen something like this. The boy had a hole in his forehead. Literally. The skin wasn't broken but it looked like he had a 1/4" hole about an inch above his nose. I believe he was playing around and was flopping his head down on his pillow...and missed. I think he hit it right on the corner of his wooden bed. Thank goodness I am in the profession that I am in or else I probably would have flipped out at the sight.

So I "calmly yelled" downstairs to Melanie and we were off to the ER (after dropping the kids off at a friend's house-Thanks Mike and Valerie!) We went because the injury never swelled and it appeared to be swelling to the inside.

After a few hours in the ER and an x-ray later Melanie and Braden got to go home. No hole in the skull; no concussion; nothing else wrong. Just a great looking bruise.

So, this is now the fourth time with Braden. Stitches in the lip, French fry up the nose, broken leg, and hole in the head. I love you buddy!!

My New Hobby

While those of you who know me, know I love to cook, I've never ventured into the canning arena! Well now I have, and I think I may be addicted. I've been working on apples for the past week and have successfully canned a 1/2 bushel! While I'm definitely late in the season for other things, I'll be ready next summer!

California

We are back from an AMAZING vacation! We had so much fun and loved every minute. The kids were incredible and could have spent the entire trip on the plane! Just some pics to recap our trip!

This is Ashlyn's first REAL view of the ocean. She loved it and didn't want to be out of it! She collected lots of shells and sand.



The baby seals that we got to see. They were so cute!


Just the cutest, sweetest little boys!


She was so happy to be a part of the wedding!


I and Braden


Richard and the kids catching a big wave!


We can't wait to go back!

First Day of School

Excited and ready to go! They were waiting by the front door and I had to practically beg to get them to sit still for pictures!



Ashlyn 1st day of 2nd Grade




Carter's 1st day of Kindergarten


Someone else can't wait to go to school as well!
(He's finally better, but the first two weeks were hard for him as his "friends" went away. He didn't understand why he was being left along. Now I think he loves all the attention and wants to know when he can play with their toys)

Braden's Birthday!

Yes this is a month late, but I didn't get to really do a lot for him since I was only a week out on surgery. But we made the day special for him anyway, and here's the rundown....

Braden is... well he's... Well. Braden is just Braden. There's no other way to describe him. An example....

Yesterday Braden told his Nana that when we get on the plane next week he's going to roll down the plane windows and throw candy out to all God's animals. He wants us to have a plane parade.

That boy makes me smile. He's so busy and doesn't stop talking at all. If he's awake, he's talking or singing. He's so full of energy it's not even funny. Well, I mean you guys remember the whole stitches, then french fry in the nose, blue cast on the leg right?

He loves Mater and Lightning. He takes his race car and tow truck with him everywhere he can get away with it.

God has really blessed us with this sweet three year old.

Braden blowing out his candle!


Braden opening his Cars backpack filled with fun stuff. (he had a hard time with Carter and Ashlyn getting their backpacks with school supplies!)


Braden with his scooter and his "arms and knees" as he calls his gear. He has been asking for a scooter since he played on one in March. Oh, and for Christmas he wants a skateboard.




Oh and for some reason the date labels are really off!

I don't know why

but I just haven't felt like posting. Lots of happenings here. Braden got his cast off. He also turned three. Carter and Ashlyn have started school and I am back at work. We're getting ready for our vacation to San Diego in two weeks, and soccer has begun for Ashlyn and Carter. Richard and I also celebrated nine years of marriage last week. I'm going to try and break the posts down this week! And of course, pictures!

On the Up and Up

I'm finally getting back on here! We are doing very well. I'm doing great except for some Minor stomach issues and some soreness. The arm pain and numbness is completely gone and is definitely a prayer answered. I see my surgeon in one week and we'll test to make sure there was no permanent nerve damage. The kids are doing great with me too. While Ashlyn and Carter weren't scared, they were very cautious. Braden on the other hand, wouldn't even look at me. Apparantly the neck brace is very frightening to him, but he has gotten tons better. My parents have moved back out and so now Braden chooses me (since Papa isn't here!) and will lay with me on the couch. Thanks for all of your prayers, emails, and kind thoughts.

Who needs a diamond necklace

when you can wear a beauty like this for 6 weeks?

A Pain in the Neck

Well it's official. I'm scheduled for surgery the 22nd. I have a severely herniated disc that needs to be removed and has been causing me pain since March. The official name is Anterior Discectomy Fusion. While I'm jittery about the procedure and extremely confident in the Doctor performing it, the kids are not at all okay with this. They have been on an emotional roller coaster. They are either upset with the fact I'll be in the hospital away from them or that I'm having "surgery". Please be thinking of my family this week and next as we get through this!

The smallest member of the blue man group!

Just a little background:

www.mommywiggy.blogspot.com/2008/01/built-ford-tough.html"
www.mommywiggy.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html"


Last Saturday (the 28th) Braden started limping. I just thought he was outgrowing his tennis shoes and we immediately put him into sandals. Didn't work. So then I thought maybe he sprained his ankle. Nope. No swelling or bruising. By this time days have gone by. Wednesday I get a call from his daycare saying he's still limping and it hasn't gotten better. On Thursday morning we go to the Dr, who sends us to get xrays, who sends us back to the Dr, who sends us back to pick up the film on our way to another Dr. We end up seeing a Pediatric Orthopedist who takes a look at the xray and determines a "greenstick" fracture. Braden is now casted and will be for three weeks. We'll have it taken off, rexrayed and then go from there. So far, it hasn't slowed the little booger down! And he's pretty darn tough to have a broken leg for 5 days without us knowing. What's in store for us next?

Perception

Carter is trying pretty hard to learn to swim. Except for one small problem that he has (which is a fear of getting water in his face) he does really well. He has amazing teachers and in his 3rd week of lessons is finally reaching for toys at the bottom of the pool. Every day the kids get the opportunity to jump off the diving board at the end of the lesson. Carter HATES this. He refuses to jump off. So his instructor picked him up by his armpits, and drops him off. (He's got a deathgrip on two noodles) His little head bobs up and he paddles to the side. He then quickly runs over and asks," Did you see me dive into the pool?". Oh to have the perception of a child!

Leprosy

I've got a post for everyday this week *I think*, but don't hold your breath!



Ashlyn was riding in her aunts car last week and randomly asked where her (my sister's) leprosy was. My sister was stumped. Ashlyn is 7 and pretty sure of herself and was completely serious. She again and again tried to rephrase her question but was still wanting to know where in the car is the leprosy. Her aunt finally got what she was trying to say. :) She was listening to Carrie Underwood and her lyrics, "That I dug my key into the side of his Pretty little souped up four wheel drive
Carved my name into his leather seat"


Yep, Leather seat is now translated to Leprosy.


So many times have I heard songs that I didn't quite get the lyrics.
Like when I was little I thought "Secret Agent Man" was really "Secret Asian Man". Any mistaken lyrics for you?

Cowboy Carter and His Gang

Carter's birthday was last weekend (and I'll do a seperate post on just him) so I'm posting his pictures!


This is Carter super excited about his party! Can you tell?


He's got to have a big breath to blow out all 5 of those candles.


Carter loving his ponies!


Ashlyn has her turn.


Can't forget Braden!


Carter's Texas Cowboy Cake

A costly trip to McD's!

Leave it to a two year old...

I decided to treat the boys to the zoo one morning and due to rain and tempers we left early. So we ran through the golden arches for a quick lunch. Only it turned out to be a very long lunch. About 5 hours to be exact.

After giving the boys their food, Braden started complaining that his nose hurt. Yep, I bet you know where this is going! I asked him why to which he stated there was a french fry in his nose. I, being a skeptic of course, told him in sweet words to pretty much suck it up and eat his lunch. A few moments later he complained again about his nose,and yet again I thought he was stalling so he didn't have to take a nap. So I took him outside in the sunlight, tilted up his nose and sure enough....




Yep. He did. So off to the Dr we went (of course the nurse thought this was so funny!) and the kind man could not get it out. It was not a crispy fry and therefore was coming apart in tiny pieces. Next stop. The hospital. Which after a long wait time was able to vacuum the entire thing out. No more happy meals for this kid until he graduates. But then, I've seen what college kids can do.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

We are so tired of the snow and rain. Just yucky days here. The sun is supposed to shine on Friday and the rain to start up again this weekend!

On a brighter note, we are off in 6 days to the ISWW! We are so excited to be going this year. It's a wonderful time of learning, reuniting with friends near and far, and lots of good food! Can't wait!

While it's dreary outside, the spring busies have definitely picked up. We're getting ready to start spring baseball for the two oldest kiddos and of course the little man will cheer from the sidelines with mommy and daddy. A celebrates her birthday in just a few weeks and has spent alot of her time discussing how we should celebrate. She starts a mini soccer series tomorrow if the rain lets up. Carter is just a little away from two big milestones. His upcoming 5th birthday and his preschool graduation. He's grown so much! B is crazy as always. Plays hard, talks hard, eats hard, loves hard, and sleeps hard. Just the way life should be at 2.

Weekend Getaway

This past weekend hubby and I took the kiddos, mom and dad, my sister, and my brother and his wife for a little R & R. Here's a couple pics from our trip!


Carter eating the breakfast of champions


Mr Blue Eyes on the Bob the Builder Train


Braden riding the train outside an outlet mall with Ashlyns help


Our traditional rocking chair picture


There are more pictures and a few videos that aren't safe for public viewing. I'm sad to say Richard got his hiney kicked by his wife in an incredible sweep in boxing.

Carter's Pics

Carter got a digital camera for Christmas so here's a couple shots from him:
This is his picture of the TV.

This is a small peice to his matchbox garage set

This is the front of a Barbie Movie (the Island Princess)

This is Ashlyn with the DVD of the Christmas musical she was in.

Built Ford Tough

Well after numerous visits to the ER with our family of 5, Braden Ford is the first child to receive stitches. Nine to be exact. 6 on the inside and three on the outside. While he's doing very well now, I'm sure that he'll be back to jumping on the bed in the very near future. But for today, lesson learned.