Mom with three kids and medication

Adam playing football #11. I don't have a zoom lens, so it's the best I could do!

Aidan's Thanksgiving Feast!

Halloween, HSM cheerleader, Book face...lol, and Lightening McQueen.

Avery and her friends at her Thanksgiving Feast.

Ave and Aidan with Santa, I couldn't get them to look at me. Figures!

Aidan's Christmas program, he had to be different! Always my kids!!!
At least he was actually singing this year, well some of it!!!!

Adam's Birthday, giving Aidan a squeeze!

Trying to decide what to wish for!

Avery telling Santa what she wants.

Aidan proud of the log house he built, ta-da!!!

First of all, let me just say I'm sooooo sorry for not updating my blog more frequently, but you know how it goes! Life has been hectic as usual around here. I will blog about Halloween and Thanksgiving, eventually but I couldn't let today pass by without recognizing my baby's birthday.

Happy Birthday Adam! I can't believe you are a teenager now! That's really kinda scary. Not that you're a teenager, but that I'm old enough to have a teenager. That just doesn't seem right! I hope you have the best birthday ever. I'll post picture later. We're having dinner with my parents, so once we do that I'll have some to post.

Now this entry wouldn't be complete without me listing 13 reasons why I love Adam.

1. You are my little honey bunny, no matter how big you get, or how much taller, or according to you smarter, (that's still up for debate, lol) you will always be my honey bunny. You can't escape it! It's permanent!

2. You crack me up, some of the things you say make me so grateful you got your mother's sense of humor, and not your fathers, lol! You know it's true book face, lol!!!

3. Even though you give your little sister a hard time, most of the time, and Aidan, some of the time, I know you love them both more than life. There is nothing that you wouldn't do for them. And, that makes me happier than you will ever know!

4. You are so dang smart. I don't know how you do it, but you get smarter and smarter every year. Sometimes I wonder where you get it from, then I think of your father and realize you obviously get it from me! (Pause for laughter) Thank you, thank you very much!

5. You are so handsome. I swear, your eyes make me melt like a Popsicle on the fourth of July! Not that looks are important, because they aren't, but if you are fortunate enough to be good looking, your parents should at least make sure you know! Just make sure you don't get cocky and use your looks to get what you want, that's not cool!!! And it's not fair to the rest of us who don't have that advantage!

6. You are so athletic. Is there any sport that you aren't good at? I mean seriously, you've tried just about all of them, except hockey, and you've been really good at them all! That's really not fair, some guys have all the luck!!! You're one of them!

7. Speaking of luck...you are one of the luckiest people I know. You enter drawings...you win, you play those games at the arcade that no one ever wins...you win...you take a walk outside...you find $20. What is up with that? That you definitely didn't get from me!!!

8. You are so thoughtful and sympathetic. When I had strep last week and your Dad was out of town, you watched the kids for me THE ENTIRE DAY! Not once did you complain. I couldn't even move, so you made them breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well, I ordered the pizza, but you got them their food and cleaned up after them. Plus, you checked on me often, bringing me water and Advil throughout the day. I don't know many teenagers that would be willing to do that for their mother, and I hope you know how much I really appreciated it. It just shows me what an awesome husband you'll make, you know when you're 60, and I'm gone, possibly...I'm not really looking forward to giving you to some girl who I know will never be good enough for you!!!

9. You're an excellent example to Avery and Aidan. You are friends with everyone, you will take up for people when someone is being unkind, and you are there when they need you! You never let us down!

10. He gives the best hugs, whenever I feel horrible, or sad, or just plain blah....his hugs always make me feel better!

11. Your smile, it lights up the room when you come in and it makes everyone feel like you care about them and are interested in what they have to say to you!

12. You are genuine...you don't say things that you don't mean. It's not your style and never has been. You are so honest and loving, I just can't say enough about what a great kid you are!

13. You are one of my best friends, I know kids and parents aren't supposed to be friends, but I think because I was so young when I had you, (well young in my mind) I kind of grew up with you. You've taught me how to be a better parent to the younger kids, and I'm sure they'll be thanking you for that one day, lol! Plus, you've helped me to see what a difference a child can make in their parents lives. Obviously we have our moments when you are not too fond of me, but at the end of the day, everyday, I know you know, how much I love you!!! Happy Birthday Honey Bunny!!! I love you lots!!!

I'll try to get pictures up tonight and do some updating within the next few days, but you know me...it may take a little longer!!!

Let me give you a little background on this first conversation, so it'll make a little more sense. When I fix Aidan's hair, I usually comb it out then add a little gel and mess it up to make his curls come out. His hairs gotten less curly and more wavy as he's gotten older, so I like to help it out. Same thing I do to mine when I want it curly. Anyways, when Adam Sr. fixes Aidan's hair he just slicks it back like Clark Kent, because he has a weird obsession with Superman. Don't ask! So, I always complain because I just love the curls. Don't get me wrong he looks "adorable" either way, I just love the curls! So here's my conversation with Aidan:

Me: Aidan I need to fix your hair for school!
Aidan: Ughhh!

I start to comb it out and Aidan says: Mom it's not messy, it's not "dorable!"
Me: Huh?
Aidan: It's not messy, so it's not "dorable!"
Me: Oh, you want me to mess it up so it will be "A-dorable!"
Aidan: Yes, not like Daddy!
Me: Well you have to give me a minute, I'm workin' on it!
Aidan: I just did! Mess it up now, or I'll mess it up my ownself!
Me: I'm doing it right now!
Aidan: OKAY!!!

I finish his hair and take him to the mirror:
Me: Now is it okay!
Aidan: Yes, I'm "dorable!"

And that was the end of that! He cracks me up!

Here's a recent conversation with Avery:

Avery: I know how to spell pharmacy!
Me: Really? How? (I ask knowing that she couldn't possibly know how to spell pharmacy seeing as it's barely the 4th week of kindergarten)
Avery: Yup, it's C-V-S!!!

We all start to laugh and then I explain that CVS is just the pharmacy we always go to, it's not how you actually spell pharmacy. I did however tell her she has a brilliant future in advertising!

Another convo with Ave:

Avery: Mom, Adam has the swine flu!
Me: No he doesn't Avery!
Avery: Yes he does!
Me: No he doesn't, now eat your breakfast!
Avery: He's coughing, running a fever and his throat hurts right?
Me: Yes, but that could be any number of things!
Avery: But it's the swine flu! Me and Aidan still can't be around him, right?
Me: Yes, that's right!
Avery: Yup, it's the pig flu, and I'm going to have to tell my teacher!
Me: IT'S NOT THE SWINE FLU AND DON'T YOU GO TELLING EVERYONE AT SCHOOL THAT IT IS!
Avery: Have to, it's the rules!

So, if your child goes to school with Avery and you are reading this ignore her claims, she can be a bit dramatic! So, sorry!!!

Well, Adam Jr. has stressed me out a ton in the past few weeks. It started a couple weeks ago when he had a horrible cough, runny nose, body aches, fatigue and sore throat. All signs of swine flu, but no fever. Since he didn't have a fever I figured I'd just keep him home, give him lots of fluids and tylenol and let it run it's course. I also quarantined him to his room. And didn't let the others go near him. Well, then Avery gets a miserable cough, runny nose, yadda, yadda, yadda, still no fever. So I keep her home for a few days and again do the fluids and tylenol. Then Adam Sr., gets sick, and well, he can take care of himself, I've got two sick and one that I'd like to keep healthy! Anyways, they all get better after about 4 days, and I think, whoo hoo we kicked the swine flu's butt! Well, not so fast, the next week Adam comes home from his football game and he's burning up, not to mention his cough is much worse. So we take his temperature and sure enough he's at 102.4. Dang swine flu. So, now that he's running a fever I decide to take him to the doctor. In the meantime I'm constantly checking on him and making sure he can breathe. Especially since all he wants to do is sleep, and when he's not sleeping, he's vomiting. Yikes! I take him into the doctor, they run the flu test and guess what, no flu. So I shout for joy and take Adam and Aidan home. Did I mention he was the first appointment of the morning? It pays to be friends with the doctor. I so didn't want to have to wait in the waiting room with Adam, Aidan and a million other people who quite possibly have the swine flu. Any who, turns out it was an upper respiratory infection so a few days on antibiotics and he was good as new. Except that stinkin' cough won't go away! Added bonus, the other two didn't get it, again I kept AJ quarantined. Our allergies on the other hand, are making me and Avery pretty darn miserable. I think it's time to visit an allergist! So, for now no swine flu, but if we do happen to come across it, I'll let you know! I'm hoping this week everyone will be healthy, I'm desperately in need of some "me" time!

Sorry about the pictures, my computer is freaking out on me, so it's not uploading. I'll try again tomorrow, hopefully!!!!

Okay, obviously this is way late but better late than never. I'll post the pictures from the first day of school in a minute so don't get too upset. I'll also post a few from birthdays as well. Let's start with Adam since his is pretty uneventful. He started 7th grade and pretty much had little to tell me about his first day. He knows a few people in his classes, and is pretty bummed that his best friend Cameron isn't in any of them. They are on separate teams, so they have to learn to do things without each other. So sad I know! He's also playing football this year. He had his first scrimmage last Monday, but it rained the entire time so it was quite difficult to enjoy. Plus, I don't know much about football, in fact, I know nothing about football, so it was hard to follow! I'm sure I'll learn more as the season goes on, but I have to say I'm not too excited about him getting tackled. Someone could seriously injure my little mansy! Oh, he's looking over my shoulder and not happy about my choice of words, so I better move on to Avery.

Avery started kindergarten this year, and the first day she did pretty well. We all, Adam Sr., Adam Jr., Aidan and myself, dropped her off for her first day. It was quite exciting. I was pretty sad, I have to admit. I just can't believe my little Avery is a big kindergartner. What's crazy is how little she seems compared to the older kids at the school. It just doesn't seem right! Well, the second day was a little difficult, as were the rest of the days that first week. She would cry when we dropped her off, and wouldn't want to let go of me. Thankfully it was just me and Aidan dropping her off at that point, although, it may have been easier if her Dad dropped her off. She doesn't seem to cause such a scene for him. Go figure. He dropped her off the next week when we could no longer walk her to class, and wouldn't you know she didn't cry a drop. Good news though, from that point forward, no more tears. She happily goes to school now, and just adores her teacher, who adores her as well. I know, because she told me so! Which I have to admit puts my mind at ease, because we all know how much "personality" Avery has, and I was worried that "personality" might get her into some trouble. Anyways, she's learning lots, and totally loving it, so everyone's happy. Except Aidan, he's still constantly asking if it's time to pick-up Avery and Adam.

Don't be too sad for Aidan though, he started preschool this year. He goes twice a week, and he's loving it as well. The first day, he didn't have a problem being left there, as a matter of fact, he hardly said good-bye to me. When I picked him up though, he was happy to see me, so that made me feel better. So far, he's still loving it and not giving me any problems so thank goodness for that. His teacher is great, and he's been giving her hugs since the first day, so I really don't worry too much about him. Plus, as soon as I pick him up he can't stop talking about everything he's done at school. It's really cute!

So there you have it, an update about the first day of school. It took me awhile to get it posted but I finally did. I'm sure I'll have more to post later, but for now, that's about it. I will however post some pictures like I said I would, so enjoy!!!!

Okay, so Aidan turned three on the 21st of last month, but seriously, my life is just not slowing down. Anyways, I have lots to blog about but I have to go in the order in which they occurred, so Aidan's birthday, is first!



My little angel turned three. And yes, he is still my little angel, because the boy can do no wrong! Honestly, he is heaven sent! If there is fighting or arguing going on between the kids, I can pretty much guarantee Aidan is not involved. Don't get me wrong, there are times that he will hit Avery or try to tackle Adam Jr., but it's usually because he's been provoked, and not just once, but several times, he's pretty patient...he gets that from me! Really! Why are you laughing? Ask my kids, well, maybe not the kids, but you could ask my husband, actually this week hasn't been a good one with him either, but you could ask my Mom, she'll tell you, I haven't fought with my mom in ages, I couldn't even tell you the last argument we had. So yeah, ask my Mom! Any who, back to the reason for my post! I'm going to list the three reasons why I just love my little punkiny punkin, and they are:



1. He is so funny! He always makes me laugh, the things he comes up with always leave me wondering where he gets that stuff. For instance, while we were on vacation in a hotel, he told me that the hotel was haunted but that the ghost was very nice. Except when it comes to moms, for some reason, the ghost likes to kill moms, so I better be careful. He and the other members of the family had no reason to concern themselves though, because he only kills moms! Good to know, thanks Aidan, I will sleep with my eyes open! Then yesterday, we drop Adam Jr. off at a "girls volleyball game," of course, and as he's about to enter the school we see him hug a girl. Aidan says, "Oh, Addie's hugging another girl!" And so I tell him, "Oh that brother of yours!" So, I ask him if he's going to be hugging on the girlies at school too, and he replies, "No! But when I'm big like Addie, I'm going to be hugging and kissing all the girlies!" He bursts into laughter and Avery and I do the same! Such a silly goose!



2. He's so patient! The most patient person I've ever known, aside from yours truly, j/k! He doesn't get upset about much of anything, and he's okay with waiting "a second," when I'm busy doing something else, unlike his older siblings, who need things when they need them, not "a second" later! I guess that's what happens when you're the third born, you have to learn patience at an early age! I should know, I was the third born in my family as well. Hmm...see the connection! Interesting isn't it! Anyways, thanks little buddy for never freaking out on me! Well, except if I don't get him a new hot wheels car every time we go to Target, but hey even his tantrums aren't that bad. They only last about 30 seconds, so I'll take it!



3. He is soooo sweet. If we get onto Avery or Addie, he's the first one over there taking up for them, and trying to comfort them. Then he'll come and tell me, "you made Avery sad, she's crying, you should say sorry!" Or if it was caused by Avery or Adam Jr., he'll go up to the troublemaker and tell them off in defense of the injured party! He is a true peacemaker. I just love him! Plus, he still lets me cuddle him and hold him and carry him around, unlike his big brother! Although, sadly I'm not sure I could carry AJ anymore, but would it really hurt for him to let me hold him in my lap for a few minutes? Whatever! Oh, and Avery still allows me to do those things too, but I have a feeling that's not going to last much longer! So, thank goodness I have my Aidan! Plus, we're having a blast together, in a pretty quiet house, now that the others are in school. I'll post about Avery's first day of Kindergarten and Adam's of 7th grade soon, hopefully!



Anyways, I know this is late, but I love you buddy! You're the best! I hope you had a great birthday! Happy Birthday, love you lots!!!

Okay, I know it's been a LOOOOOOOONG time since the last time I posted, but I have a good excuse. Actually, I don't, but I thought if I told you that you might not be angry with me! I've really been busy, since right before school ended to right about now! And to be honest, I'm still really busy, but I had to write a little something about my Avery, since her birthday was on the 8th. I'm a little late, but better late than never, right? I don't even know where to begin with all that has been going on, but I'm happy to say we're all healthy, not that we weren't, but you know how me and my kids are when it comes to illness. I'm really quite impressed we didn't get the swine flu, yet anyways. Now that I've jinxed us, I'm sure we'll have it the first week of school! But again, I digress, so without further ado...Avery my little sweetie sweetie, Happy Birthday. I'm now going to list five things that I just LOVE about my sweet little princess. So here goes.

1. I LOVE, that she is a little entertainer! In fact, I thought my heart would break after Adam Jr. announced that he has no interest in auditioning for American Idol once he is old enough. I thought for sure he'd do it, he's got a great voice, but noooooo, he's not "interested!" The things kids take for granted, such as being young enough to still have a chance to audition for AI. But back to Avery...once she heard him say that she said, "Oh, I'm definitely going to audition, and they are going to tell me I'm going to Hollywood, baby!" "Oh yeah, I'm that good!" Then, my heart swelled with joy and once again my chance to live vicariously through one of my children was restored. I scooped her up in my arms, and I said, "yeah you are, and you're pretty cute too!" Which of course made her wink at me and smile. I love that girl! And her self confidence? Man I wish I could've had that at her age!

2. Finally there's another girl in the house to shop with, get mani/pedi's with and to well just be girly with. It's sooooo cool! Oh, and if there's something I want, she's really good at planting the seed in her Dad's mind. I just tell her I want this or that, and she'll incorporate that into a conversation with her Dad. Example: Me-Hey Avery, you know what sounds good? An ice cream sundae! Avery-Ooh, that does sound good. Maybe Daddy will take us to get one. Me-Maybe? You could always ask him when he gets home! Avery-Good idea. Later that day, Daddy gets home, Avery-Hey Daddy, I've had a long day, and I have a headache. I think I'm getting sicky-pooh! Daddy-Oh, I'm sorry princess, do you need anything? Avery-well, an ice cream sundae might help me feel better. Daddy-Okay, let me eat my dinner and then we'll go get one, okay? Avery-Okay, thanks Daddy!!!! Me and Avery exchange a glance and a wink, and we both say to ourselves...SCORE!!!! It's almost too easy for her. Sadly, Avery and her brothers have that effect on me as well, so I'm not always the brains behind the operation!

3. She's sooo good at being a mommy. If anyone gets hurt, she's the first one to come and tell me what happened and then run to get ice/band-aids, whatever is needed. Then she makes sure whoever is "hurt" or "sick" has everything they need to be comfortable, and tells them to "call" her if they need "anything!" It's really sweet. I had a stomach virus a few weeks ago and I soooo needed a nap, so she told me to lay down and rest on the couch and if Aidan needed anything she'd get it. And she did, it was sooo sweet!

4. She's going to be an Academy Award winning actress. For instance, this morning the kids were playing in my room, since they don't have enough other rooms to play in in the house. I told them, "guys, this is the only room in the house that I have to myself, I'd rather you play somewhere else and take your toys there. I'd really like to keep this room clean, it's my ONLY ROOM!" To which Avery responds, "So, what are you saying?" As she pretends to be hurt, like I'd just told her she needs to get all her stuff and move out of the house. "You don't want us anymore? You don't LOVE us!" And she actually has tears in her eyes, I'm telling you she's good! So I tell her, "no, I do love you guys, I just want you guys to play somewhere else, got it!" And she says, "oh, okay!" And they turn around and leave! Good grief, that girl wears me out.

5. She's got a great imagination. She loves to make up stories and plays and songs. And, she's always making everyone else join in. She's always telling me about the costumes she needs for this play and the props she needs for that one. She brings her keyboard down and sings her "original" songs for us, all the time. She also makes everyone else either be one of her dancers, or a member of the band. Aidan is usually the drummer, and Adam is usually the annoyed concert goer. Me, I'm the adoring fan who has to throw flowers on stage. Seriously, she makes me do that. I do love that her songs usually involve her dumping her boyfriends!

Well, happy birthday to my little superstar!!! I love you Avery!

Also, I will try to post pictures later, but don't hold your breath, it may take a while. And, I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to post on my blog. Hopefully I'll be better now, but who knows! Hope you are all doing well!!!

Okay, I have to post part of this so that I don't forget. Aidan has been talking a lot more lately and telling us things that take us by surprise. For instance, on Sunday we were having dinner at my parents house, and his cousin Summer was trying to get him to move, she was about to dance for us, and Aidan was on the "stage." Well apparently that didn't sit well with Aidan so he told her, "You're not the boss!" Hmmm...he's obviously been hanging out with his siblings a little too much. Then we were talking about my friends kids that had just been over and Aidan announces, "Ian's my favorite!" Silly boy. He has lots of favorites now, "coke is my favorite," "apple jacks are my favorite," "macaroni and cheese is my favorite," etc. Then this morning we are lucky enough to be watching another one of their friends Samantha, and when I told Aidan Samantha and Avery were upstairs playing, he said, "Samantha's here...AWESOME!" He actually screamed, "awesome!" So that's what he's been up to.

Avery well, she's still Avery. The world revolves around her, and don't try to tell her differently because it really doesn't matter what you think. She's the boss, and that's that. End of story, don't bother trying to change it. She wears me out! Thank goodness for preschool.

Adam has been busy as usual with school and baseball. Although, he was sick Sunday and Monday with a headache and stomach virus, thankfully he's better. Aidan had the stomach thing yesterday, but seems to be better today. He's still annoyed by his sister and Aidan is actually starting to try his patience as well. It's got to be tough being the oldest. Having siblings that think you hung the moon, and want nothing more than to be like you and with you. Tough life, right? Too bad he's irritated by it all! Did I mention he's nearly as tall as me. I'm starting to get a little aggravated myself. I hate being short!

Lets see, what else. Adam Sr. is still a workaholic, but in this economy I'll take it. You just never know when things will change. Especially these days, so if he has to work a little more, so be it. Just don't tell him I said that. He'll take advantage and use my words against me, lol!

Me, I'm still trying to lose the blasted weight I gained from the steroids and other meds I've been on recently. Illness really screws you up. So until I get back to "normal," well "normal" for me, I'm going to hide-out in my house. Except when I go to the gym to workout. Which I'm still loving the classes. Not sure I'll be doing Latin Fusion again, we had to do the dance down the fake runway in pairs, thing at the end of class, and I'm just not feeling it. Hip hop however, is a favorite of mine, as is yoga. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress. Once I no longer look like a cow, I'll be out and about! By the way, have I mentioned lately that I hate that all my friends and family are gorgeous. Seriously, I surround myself with beautiful people and it just make me feel worse. I've done that since I was younger. I guess I'm hoping beauty is contagious. Since I catch everything else, maybe one day I'll catch it! I'm still waiting, lol!

So I had my cooking lesson and the food was fabulous, and I learned a lot! Unfortunately, my children were extra hyper that night, so it took a little longer than anticipated. Plus, my OCD was killing me while we were cooking. See, I have to clean-up as I'm cooking, I hate to leave everything collecting in the sink until the very end of the meal....I really loathe it! But, we had so many things going at once, there was no time to clean as we went along...so I started to get a little stressed! I survived though, and the food was delicious!!! Oh, and I did learn quite a bit, so that's always good!

Spring break was lots of fun, we went swimming at Lifetime and I took another hip-hop class, among others, and by Wednesday, I could barely move....don't worry I'm moving along just fine now, and the pain was totally worth it. Adam had a tournament, and they did pretty well. It was at the Dr.Pepper Youth Ballpark, next to the Ballpark in Arlington, or whatever it's called now. It was fun, the kids had a blast going up and down the bleachers, and the weather was really nice. It was great to have a week of not having to get up early and get Adam to school!

This week has been back to reality. Yesterday both Avery and Aidan had school, so I got to spend the whole morning cleaning...which was actually nice! My house was in desperate need of a good cleaning. But, as usual, the house is already trashed again....it was nice while it lasted. Ahhh, and now I hear Ave fighting with Aidan over chicken nuggets, so I'm off to save someone. Not sure which one yet, but I have a feeling it's probably Aidan. He's getting bigger by the minute though, so Avery better be careful! Oh, and Alicia actually let me watch her kids for a little while this morning, which was GREAT, because it kept my children entertained...thanks Alicia!!!!

Guess what? Today I'm getting a cooking lesson, but not just any cooking lesson! A french cooking lesson, from someone who's actually from France. Whoo hoo! She's teaching me to make the entire meal, appetizer, main course, salad...which comes after the main course in France apparently, and dessert. I'm soo excited, I can hardly stand it. I'll let you know how it turns out. Avery gets to help too, so she's been super excited all day! We had an auction at church last week and everyone donated services and others would bid on them. I won a cool monogrammed bag, and the cooking lesson, so "yea me!" There was so much cool stuff, I wasn't sure what to bid on, but seeing as I took French throughout middle school and high school, as well as two years in college, I was dying to win that lesson! I don't remember much of the french I learned, but I am so intrigued by their culture! Anyways, I'll let you know how it goes!!!! I'm off to prepare for her arrival, yippie!!!

Alright, so I'm feeling much better now, thanks to my big sis Claudia introducing me to a new organic way of eating. It's really helped A LOT, and I've been doing pretty good, which is new for me, because if it has to do with any type of change to my diet, I usually fail within hours. So, yea me! Now, if I could just get rid of the headaches and dizziness, I'd be so much better. I am still a little fatigued, but no where near what I was. I'm sure you are all glad to hear that, right!

Now, let me tell you about my first hip-hop class at the gym. I'm not kidding you, if Britney Spears had been there, she would've sooo asked me to join her tour as one of her dancers. My singing ability would later be exposed and she'd ask me to be a back-up singer, I just know she would, she totally would. Don't be a hater...just go along with my fantasy! Anyways, I kicked butt, no literally, my sister Veronica was in front of me and apparently my depth perception is off, because I kept kicking her, while she tried to dance. Oops...my bad! She forgave me though, because she knows of my depth perception struggles. Okay, so that was a total lie, but pretty entertaining in my mind, none the less. What happened was, I went to the class, acted a fool, tried to learn some more dance moves to add to my repertoire, acted a fool some more, had a dance battle at the end of class, with several spectators from another class, acted a fool some more, and then went home. It was pretty entertaining, because I'd stop moving, but I could still feel parts of my body continue to jiggle. Oops, I almost wrote giggle, which would've actually worked in that sentence too. Hee hee, that's pretty clever, am I right? Anyways, I highly recommend taking the hip-hop class if you can, it's soooo fun. And really the only person laughing at you , is you! I should mention that several years ago my sister and I took a hip-hop class, and I would say I became pretty average, so give me a few more classes, and I'll be ready to throw down. I can pop it and lock it with the best of them! Btw, next week I think I'm going to try the Latin fusion class. Those were the ladies that watched and cheered us on when the teacher split us into two dueling groups. It was "AWESOME," you have to say that in a sing-songy voice. Seriously, do it now! I'll let you know how the Latin Fusion class goes, but seeing as I am latina, I should have those moves in me already! Actually I know I do, I just have to access them again! The ladies in that class seemed to have enjoyed themselves, so we shall see!

Okay, so now I must clarify about my previous post. When I said my children were perfect, I was obviously joking. My children are far from perfect, as is my parenting. So, in case anyone didn't catch the joke, and were offended by something I may have said, I'm sooo sorry, really I was just joking. Not that anyone complained or said anything to me, after I re-read it, I thought, "oh, I sure hope people get the joke!" Anyways, the little ones are napping so I'm off to play a game with Adam Jr. Ta Ta!!!!

So sorry, that it's been a while since my last post. I've been extremely exhausted and still trying to get everyone well! Good news though, it's looking like we are all getting better, aside from my sore throat and incurable fatigue! There's always something, right? As long as the kids aren't sick, it's all good!

Anyways, there's lots to report, I'll start with Adam Jr. He just got his report card yesterday, straight A's thank goodness, but this year has been a little different. He's progress reports after three weeks always look like a B might be coming, so I'm just waiting! Oh and to brag just a little more, since I'm his mom and that's what I'm supposed to do, he played in a baseball tournament last weekend, and did great. He pitched almost an entire game, he was brought in in the middle of the first inning and finished out the game. He only gave up two runs, I think...I may be off by one! Plus, he had some awesome at bats. Obviously my child is perfect, and I am so proud of him. Okay, so maybe perfect is a stretch, he loves to pester his younger siblings and sing at the top of his lungs, falsetto mind you, whenever I have a headache. But other than that he's a doll! Oh, another thing, it's like pulling teeth to get him to clean his room, but at least he's healthy, right?

Avery too is perfect. Except for the fact that she thinks she's the boss. She gives me projects to do for her all day long. Even when she's at school. She tells me things that need to be done by the time she gets home. Oh, and today she informed me that I'm to call her, "my little dancer," or "pupcake," that's how she says "cupcake," until further notice. Did I mention every other sentence out of her mouth these days is "Troy's hot!" Referring of course to Zac Efron, of High School Musical Fame. Apparently she is going to marry him now, and not Jake Ryan from Hannah Montana...sorry Jake. Anyways, she has a poster of all things "Avery" hanging in her classroom, all the kids have them, not just Avery. And they each did one for themselves, not about Avery. Just wanted to clarify! Anyways, her poster has a picture of "Troy" and she told me she sat in class yesterday and kept blowing kisses to his picture. Crazy girl!

Aidan is perfect too, duh...he's mine, don't you see the trend? Anyways, I'm slightly worried about him, he too keeps saying "Troy's hot!" In his defense though, he'll say anything that is said to him, if it gets a laugh. He's my little clown. I tell him all the time that I found his tootsies, meaning his feet, and he tells me, "It's not a tootsie, it's my foot!" He's very serious when he says it, but then he cracks a smile and starts laughing. He also loves to crash into the walls, just because. It's usually really hard too, so again I'm worried....he just laughs. He loves to do anything that makes us laugh. I'm thinking there's going to be a place for him on Saturday Night Live someday! Did I mention he steals Avery's purse from her and carries it around, just to make her angry. Then if she takes it, he pushes her down. Now, most people would reprimand a child for such behavior, but Avery has tormented the poor kid for the past two years of his life, I figure a little shove here and there is A-OKAY! KARMA! J/K...he does get in trouble, after I give a little chuckle, and knuckles, lol!

Anyways, I better go, my boss needs the computer for another project. She's soo demanding! Where's that Aidan, I feel a purse snatching coming on!!!!

Hey everyone, my friend Jamie just started a new company making personalized stamps. You can check them out by going to http://www.yankeedoodlehandy.com. They are really cute and she has several different options for you to choose from. She's also having a contest right now, giving away a stamp, all you have to do is go to her site and leave a comment! Check it out!!!!

Okay I realize it's been a while since my last post, but I just wanted everyone to know we're okay! There's no need to panic, no need to worry, we're fine! See the universe has been playing a "sick" joke on us. We've had illness, after illness, after illness. Seriously, if it's going around out there, I betcha we've had it! Let's see, we've had strep throat, pharyngitis, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis and the flu. Not to mention the numerous viral infections that have rotated in and out of our house. Yes, it's been FABULOUS! I know you're jealous, and trust me...if I knew how to get rid of the black cloud looming over my house, I would totally send it your way, but sadly that black cloud has decided to stalk me and my kiddos. So, I'm trying to figure out a way to get a restraining order against it! Any suggestions? I also need the name of a good moisturizing lotion. My skin is so dry from all the cleaning and disinfecting that it's cracking...so not cool, and seriously not PRETTY! Alright, well it's a new day, and a new week, and here's to hoping that the universe and the black cloud can find another family to irritate! I'm off to take some more vitamins, in addition to my fifteenth round of antibiotics!!!!

Yes...finally a day off! Adam didn't have school today because of the ice covering the roads. It took Adam Sr. about 3 hours to get to work today, so I'm guessing it will be a late night getting home as well! The rest of us are just hanging out. I'm still not feeling so great, but I'm getting better. Aidan and Avery both seem to be fine, so I'm hoping the Strep is on it's way out of here. Still waiting on Adam Jr., hoping he doesn't get it! It's no fun! The headache is what has tortured me the most this time around. You just can't function when your head is throbbing, you know! So, I'm just going to be lazy today, and try to keep the children busy. That way I can finish recovering and tomorrow when two of the three kids are in school, I can get some errands done, that I've needed to do since last week! Gotta love how stuff just piles up while you recover. I wish I could just push a button, like on the Staples commercials, and be done with everything.

Oh, I should fill you in on a few of the wonderful things that happened to me yesterday. The day that all three kiddos were in school, at least for a short time. The day started out fantastic with my head pounding, I make the kids their breakfast and manage to break a plate, shattered all over the floor, and then burn my arm on the waffle iron. Great start to my day...but being the year of positive thinking, I didn't let it get me down. Well, I rush to shower, get Avery and Aidan ready for school, thankfully Adam took AJ to school. While I'm in the shower, I manage to get soap in my eye. That hasn't happened in years, but for some reason when you're in a hurry, those dumb little accidents happen. I get out, finish getting myself ready, with one eye closed and burning like you couldn't imagine. Did I mention that I rubbed the burn on my arm with the towel as I was drying off! Yeah, it was fabulous! So, anyways, I get Avery ready and Alicia picks her up for school. Thank goodness for Alicia. Next, I'm off to take Aidan to school and then to get my sutures out. I'm sitting in the chair at the endodontists office and she's about to remove my sutures. I tell her about my kids having strep and would the antibiotics she has me on take care of the strep should I get it. I explain my headache, dizziness, nausea, sore throat and she reassures me that the meds should keep the strep at bay and just take Advil and/or Tylenol for the other aches and pains. Then she asks if she can look at my throat, sure I say...and she says yup...I think you've got it too. She has her assistant check my temperature and of course I'm running a fever. The day just keeps getting better. So then she proceeds to remove my sutures and says, "hmmm....these strings are kinda short, did you trim them?" "Me?" I say with a mouthful of hands, "uh, no?" Like, "what, no one told me I could trim them, those suckers have been bugging me all week!" Then she says, "oh I must've done it then, this may be a little uncomfortable, I made the stitches really tight!" "Great!" I say gritting my teeth! She was right, very uncomfortable, but I'm glad it's over. Oh, and it gets better. She also informed me that I have to continue to eat soft foods for TWO MORE WEEKS! "Don't bite down into anything either, because you are still in the healing phase and you could re-open that wound!" Isn't that just wonderful! Then the day went on, kids came home early because of the weather, and Adam didn't get home until about 8:30...so lots of fun for me yesterday. As soon as he got home, I went to bed. I was miserable!!! Just thought you guys would like to see what a day is like for me! The fun never stops! But notice, I'm still being positive and reminding myself, two weeks isn't really that long, right?

Well, I have so much to talk about but sadly, it hurts to talk. So, it's a good thing I have this blog! First of all, I am excited about the new direction our country is going in. I may not agree with President Obama on everything, but the fact that he is president is something cool that we will have gotten to experience first hand! Plus, I think the President and his wife make a cute couple and their kids are adorable, so isn't that all that matters. So good luck to you, Mr.President and your family!!!! I would've posted something about the inauguration sooner...but I had oral surgery that morning, and really didn't feel like it! Plus, politics really isn't my thing, can you tell?

Next, I should warn everyone within a couple miles of us, Avery has strep throat. And considering Adam Jr. gets strep if someone just mentions it in his presence, I'm guessing he's next! And poor Aidan, he has to do everything his big brother and sister do, so he's probably headed down that same dark road! Avery is starting to feel better now though, so yea for me! She's back to her old demanding diva self! In fact, that's how I knew she was sick. She wasn't asking for things every five seconds. She just wanted to sit on the sofa with me! Another clue, she usually wants her Daddy! Anyways, she's back to normal, and I'm just waiting, hoping that the others don't get it too!

Now for my surgery, yes I had my oral surgery done Tuesday! Yes, it hurt! Yes, it still hurts! No, I can't talk! No, I can't eat anything except soft foods! Yes, that stinks, because soft food isn't fun food! Yes, the pineapple juice helped with the bleeding and swelling, thanks Taylor and Candra. No, I didn't bruise, but it sure feels like it! Yes, my face is swollen, but only slightly and you can only tell when I smile, which I don't do, because it hurts! Yes, I do get the sutures taken out soon, all fourteen of them! They will come out on Tuesday. No, I'm not allowed to lift my lip to show off my sutures. It's in the rules. No, I can't drink carbonated drinks or drink from a straw...also in the rules. I can however take pain meds as needed, per the rules. Nope, haven't had any today...had to drive my son to school and pick him up, didn't want to do that under the influence. So ibuprofen is my new best friend. Although, she's really not the best...I still hurt! Did I mention the antibiotics they have me on upset my stomach? Hmmm...maybe I could lose a few pounds while I'm recovering. Yeah right, and then I could win a million dollars!!!! Anyways, looking forward to not having surgery the rest of 2009. At least I hope!!!!

Okay, so apparently no one reads my blog, because no one entered my blogiversary giveaway. But, that's okay...my feelings aren't hurt...well, maybe a little. I just wanted to let anyone who might read this post know, the giveaway has ended and we don't have a winner, because no one entered. Who am I kidding, no one's reading! I'm off to cry now! I might be back...I might not...haven't decided. J/K...you guys might not like me...but I sure do love to vent on this blog, so I'll be back. I might be the only one who reads this, but that's alright, I'm going to be positive about it and think to myself that people have been extremely busy, so that's why no one entered. Remember, this is the year of positive thinking! Btw, that sentence before last, was totally a run on sentence, but guess what...I don't care!!! And if you try to correct my grammar or my spelling on my blog, I will never speak to you again...no it's not a threat it's a promise. Ohhh...feisty! Maybe my feelings are hurt, more than a little!!!! I told you guys my feelings are easily hurt! I better go before this post takes a turn for the worst.

Is it blogiversary, or blog anniversary? Well, whatever it is, today it's been one year since I started blogging. And if you have been reading my blog ever since then, may God bless you! You've stuck with me through the nothing much to say posts to the entertaining ones, if there were any. But either way, you stuck it out, and I appreciate it! So, to thank all you beautiful readers...I'm going to have a giveaway. I told you this would be the year of the giveaways. And this time, the winner will receive a mini brag book. You decide the occasion, I'll design the book. In fact, I'm still feeling a little generous, I think it's the excitement from AI being back...I love the new judge btw, but that's beside the point. What was I saying, oh yes, in fact, I'll give away two books!!! All you have to do is leave a comment, you can tell me one of your favorite posts that I've written, or just say, "hey, listen...could you just enter me in the dang drawing?" Then, tomorrow afternoon...or evening, depending on if my children take a nap, I will have Adam Jr. pick the winners. You can't get mad at me if someone else does the picking, right? You know how much I hate for people to be upset with me! Let them be mad at AJ...he's so darn cute it won't last long. So go ahead and leave me a little note. Oh, you could also leave a comment saying how much you love my blog, but if you hate it I'd rather you just say, "enter me in the dang drawing, sweetie!" Whatever floats your boat! Is that saying old? Does that mean I'm old? Whatever...I'll get over it!

Also, it just occurred to me that I never posted what I did with my free day Tuesday...you know when all three kids were in school for three hours. I told you I needed some time to make up a good story...well time was not all I needed, apparently I needed an imagination, and my brain does not do "imagination," these days. So all you are going to get is the truth. As boring as it may be, at least it's the truth. I dropped Aidan off at April's, Alicia had taken Avery for me and Adam was already at school, so I ran home just to clean up a few things. I had planned to clean just a little and then head out to do some shopping, alone, free, by myself, sans children, get the picture? Well, I clean the kitchen and decide if I'm fast I could clean the living room and hardwood floors too, then go shopping. So off I go and clean the living room and floors. Then, I realize how much I'm enjoying the results I'm having since there is no one coming behind me messing up what I've just cleaned. I decide to clean a little more. And then some more! You don't understand, my house was sparkling and my soul was singing. It was awesome. So just as I'm satisfied with the amount of cleaning I've done and decide it's time to go do some shopping...I realize, I've got fifteen minutes until I have to pick up Aidan? What? What have I done? What a waste of time, cleaning? Oh no!!! Then I think, "no it's alright...I've got a clean house...whoo hoo!" So, I go pick up Aidan, then Avery then Adam and by 7 p.m., my house looks like it did prior to my three hour clean-fest. Ahhh....the joys of motherhood! So that's my story, sad as it is, it's mine! Next week, I'm not coming home first, I'm headed straight to the stores. Oh wait, I have oral surgery that morning. Never mind...sniff, sniff!!!!

Well, seeing as I'm in an awfully generous mood this morning, I have decided to giveaway three prizes. Okay, so the prize isn't that special, but it's something. I'm going to make a set of random cards for each of the winners, you know, thank you, birthday, valentines, just because. This is in honor of my randomness...is that a word? It is now! So hopefully you guys will enjoy them. The winners are Heather, Candra and Julie. The only ones other than Adam, that actually entered the contest. Heather and Candra had some great ideas, as did Julie, but Julie really wins for the laugh it brought me! Anyways, I will work on those in the next couple of days and hopefully get them sent out to you by the weekend, Monday at the latest. Have a great day!!!! And thanks again everyone for the well wishes and great ideas. I'm sure I'll have another contest soon. This year is going to be the year of giveaways. How does that sound? Obviously they may not be super expensive or highly coveted items, but somethings better than nothing, right? Of course I'm right, it's my blog, lol!!!

Just FYI, tonight it begins again. AI, American Idol for those who aren't in the "know!" Any who, just had to make sure to remind everyone that one of my favorite shows ever, is back on tonight. They even have a new judge...should've been me, but WHATEVER! Apparently, you have to be a talented songwriter or something equally fabulous for that job, but I'm not bitter. Just happy it's back. I sure will miss my little Archie though!!!! In the words of the great T.O., "get your popcorn ready!" Still a little upset with the Cowboys, but I can't abandon them in their hour of need. I am so stinkin' random. Are you guys even still here? Wow...if you are, I thank you. Well, I'm off to pick up the Diva! Oh, and later I will have to post what it's like to be children free for three hours. Very exciting stuff to come. Well, I have to make it up first, but after that, very exciting stuff to come...ttyl!!!

So, my sister just got diagnosed with MS, and I'm wondering...what can I possibly do to make her feel better. Any ideas? I thought about taking her some magazines to read while she is bed ridden, but her vision is blurry and her concentration isn't there, so there goes that idea. I also thought about chocolate, chocolate makes everything better, right? Well, she's been nauseated, so that take care of that. I just feel soo helpless and would love to be able to do something for her. Especially since every time I have a crisis, she is always there. And in the past few years, that has been a lot. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. There may even be a little somethin' somethin' in it for the person/people with the best idea/ideas. I hear a contest. Hmm...not sure what I'll giveaway yet, but more than likely it would be something a girl would appreciate. So with that, leave a comment, and I will pick a winner or two within the next couple of days. She's been pretty miserable, so I'd love to lift her spirits sooner rather than later. And actually, she seems pretty cheery, considering...I'm just a little sad for her. You guys know how easily I get sad! She's just in a bit of pain...so I want to take her mind off of it, since I can't take it away. Does that even make sense? I think that's all for now, have a great day!!!

Well, when I changed my background the music on my blog was erased. So, my question to you is...do you miss the music? Do you prefer there not be any music, too annoying, too loud? Let me know what you think. I'm trying to decide whether or not to put the music back on my blog. It's a lot of work you know, j/k! Anyways, I'll decide by tomorrow, but any comments would make my decision that much easier. Thanks so much!!! And no, I'm not going to stop blogging, so don't bother asking. I realize a lot of the time I have nothing important to say, but seriously, this is my only outlet...so blogging I will go!!!! I'm just messing with you...I'd hate for you all to think I was being negative about myself...not on this the eighth day of the new year. My resolution has got to last a little longer than that!

Well, Aidan has started talking a lot more recently, and we are finally able to understand him a little better. For the most part anyways! Yesterday, he said something that caught me and Avery off guard, and had us laughing so much that our stomachs ached. He was watching Avery play a game on my computer, and I walked up to them and he says, "AVERY BEING MEEEAN TO MEEE!" But before I could ask Avery what happened, he just took his hand and smacked her on the head. Then she just started laughing, as did I and before you knew it, Aidan too was giggling. He did get in trouble for hitting, don't worry, I didn't let that slide. And it turns out Avery wasn't letting him hear a song he wanted to listen to on nick jr. Then the other night he saw a picture of Jesus and said, "Oh, Jesus...behold cars!" Did I mention he loves the movie cars? He likes to tell us that Lightening McQueen, or Lightening Gogeen, as he calls him, crashed. He'll say, "Lightening Gogeen crash...and Mater help him, Mater funny!" Anyways, I just thought his little statements were so funny, I just had to post them. Oh, and I'm going to post some pictures of Aidan changing Curious George's diaper, his technique is awesome...I wonder who he learned it from?

Alright, I have to put a positive spin on this one, so here goes. Don't you just love how fortunate you are when your children receive a house full of gifts for Christmas! It's soo wonderful, and the joy in their little faces totally makes up for the process of re-organization that is right around the corner. Yup...time to clean out rooms, closets, under beds, you name it. Time to get rid of the things they no longer play with. The only problem is...how to find time to do it when they won't notice. Avery will have a heart attack if I throw away a happy meal toy, so I have to do it usually that night, so in the morning she will have forgotten about it, but the bigger stuff, the dolls, stuffed animals and infant toys that she's had forever and didn't let me get rid of before, how do I get rid of that and not have Avery go into meltdown mode? Any suggestions? Aidan it doesn't matter, he thinks I'm just putting things in bags to move them to another room, at least he did last time. I guess I'll have to wait until Thursday when she's back in school and Aidan's napping! Btw, what do you guys do with all the extra stuff you need to get rid of to make room for the new. Do you donate it, give it to family/friends? I'm sure I'll have lots of my stuff to get rid of too. Anyone looking for anything specific. Hmm...let me know, and if it's something I'm getting rid of, I'll send it your way! Anyways, I am sooo looking forward to a clean and somewhat organized house! There's nothing better than getting rid of clutter to me! Where's Adam? We've got work to do!!!