Way to Go Hubby's company!!

Most of you know who read my blog know about my husband's job. For those of you who don't I will fill you in. Jason is one of those people who is a computer dude. He just "gets them". He went to school while we lived in Florida at ITT tech for Computer Aided Drafting and Design. Well, that is really his passion, but it has been tough for him to find a job in the field without any on the job experience.

Well about 16 months ago he interviewed with a company called Classic Turning. His cousin worked there and does very well there. He did not get the job. Another guy who also interviewed said he had more experience and so the job was his. Well about 10 months later Classic Turning decided that the guy didn't know as much as he had claimed to. Thankfully Jason had been honest with them and told them what he did know and what he didn't. Well, they remembered him and asked him to come in for another interview... well here we are about 4 months into the new job. Things are going extremely well for Jason at his job. He had an evaluation 2 weeks ago and already got a raise. His benefits are tremendous and all in all we are so happy and so excited for what this holds for his/our future.

In his evaluation, he was given a new task and a project that will be "his baby". I don't know enough about what EXACTLY it is to explain it correctly, but it has something to do with the drawings that he drafts and setting them perfectly into certain machines... anyway... it's a specific thing and he seems pretty excited about it. Those of you who know Jason well (like I do) you will know that he is a perfectionist about certain things. No one can do things as well as him in his book... yadda yadda yadda... so I think this project in addition to what he is already doing will be really good for him and will give him an outlet to get his perfection stuff out!! LOL I prefer it be focused there rather than on MY cooking! LOL

So the moral of this whole LONG post is... Jason's company made front page news today. You can read the article here: Classic Turning

I am going to attempt....

To finally update my blog. I haven't been blogging much lately... the usual just too busy, haven't felt like it. But most importantly I have wanted to spend some time getting Kenedey back into the routine of things. After we went on vacation she came back and seemed to have fallen out of the routine. Her teacher emailed me and said she hadn't turned in some of her work. I think she just got lazy. I guess that's my "perfect" child reminding me she is just normal. But we are back to normal now. She is doing just fine.

In really big news... KENEDEY MADE THE HONOR ROLL! She has always been a really good student and has always gotten like all A's and then one C. Or like 2 A's a B and then a C+, she just could never cut that C out of there. Well she finally did it this time! She is so proud of herself and we are EXTREMELY proud of her!

She has been really busy with school stuff. She is doing Wildcat Reading Club every Friday after school. She stays after for about an hour and they have a little snack and they can read and take Acclerated Reader quizzes. She loves going to it. Plus I think she thinks it's cool that Kathy (our cousin, Mrs. Bosse) is the Media Center Specialist (aka: librarian, although that word just doesn't seem to do justice for EVERYTHING she does) so Kathy is kind enough to give Kenedey a ride home after reading club. Thanks so much Kathy! We appreciate all you do.

Ken is also getting ready for the Daddy Daughter Dance which is on Feb. 9th. Jason really DOES NOT (and that's putting it nicely) enjoy going at all. The past two years he has talked her out of it by telling her they could go to Carrabba's (Ken's fav. restraunt) and then shopping for fishing stuff (something they enjoy doing together)... well not this time. Kenedey has caught onto his "doesn't this sound funner honey?" thing and basically she told him he was going with her this year! Way to work your daddy girl! She finally doesn't care weather or not he wants to go or if he does, to her now... he's going and that's all there is to that! LOL That's my girl!!!

We got her dress today and shoes and jewelry. I can't show you pictures until next weekend! It's a surprise! I have to tell ya, it was a challenge to shop for her. She is still so young, but so growing into that tween stage. She doesn't want the "little girl" look, but mom and dad don't want the teen look. That makes for a challenge. The juniors section had some adorable cute stuff, but it is just too old for my little girl! I think we came up with a compromise. I can't wait for you to see! Shoes were a whole other problem. She wanted heels... I can't say I blame her... she is such a girlie girl. I don't think full fledged heels are appropriate but I wanted her to be excited for what she did get. Again we were able to compromise. Can't wait for you to see those either!

We made an appointment for Kenedey to see my friend Teresa at Salon Breathe for her updo. I haven't mentioned it a ton here... more so on my other blog, BUT if any of you out there are in the Jackson area and are interested in any salon or spa services... im telling you THIS. IS. THE. PLACE. FOR. YOU!!! They do awesome work! I just got my hair cut today and of course it is incredible as usual. I have terribly thick hair and she is the only one who can cut my hair like I want it. Give them a try! Here they are:

I don't have many pictures to share because I just bought a external hard drive... to back up all my pictures, and I haven't learned yet how to retrieve them to upload them to my blog. Sorry :-( I'll work on that one.

That's enough for one blog, I will have more soon, I am working on a Carson update!! WATCH OUT!

I am on a roll

With all these video and not much I feel like blogging about. Things are going good, just too busy and not enough motivation to blog. I LOVE this song. I haven't seen the movie yet, BUT I intended to VERY soon.

Enjoy

I felt compelled

I viewed this on Nicole's blog and I just felt like I also needed to pass it along. Autism is so scary to me... I wish we knew more. God bless these children and I pray for each one of their ablities to overcome this disease.

Just click on this link: Autism

Remember

This post I decided to put this up in honor of my brother in law: David Lyn Carpenter
He is serving in Iraq, his 3rd tour. His wife is expecting their 4th child any day now. We love you David and Miss you too. Hurry home we are all here for you and supporting you. Thank you for all you do.

Watching this video made me feel so insignifcant. Please pray for our troops.

These are a few of my....

favorite things.

I cannot remember where I saw an idea like this last week, but I have even contemplated starting a blog all of its own just covering new products, great/fav products and the things that work well for others. My cousin Jessica often teases me and says things like, "of course you would have that, you always have to try out the newest products." I guess you could say I like the challenge of; is it worth it OR not?!

Ok so to start with a few things that I like: (note: these are completely random).... ill add more later or feel free to add yours to your blog or as you try new "things".

1.) The yellow baby magic baby wash. It has to be the yellow labeled stuff. It's not always easy to find. But smells INCREDIBLE. It's an oldie but goodie. My sister Raquel told me about it like 10 years ago when I had Kenedey and now I don't use anything else on Carson.

2.) This is new product that I recently tried. Downy Cashmere and Silk fabric softner. I tried to put a link here but something is up with their site. It is WONDERFUL.

3.) New product I also just tried: Humberto Beverly Hills Shampoo. I can honestly say I have tried nearly every product out there. I have issues with my hair. I have EXTREMELY thick hair and we have really crappy water. I just love this product. I leaves NO film on my hair whatsoever and I could honestly not use conditioner if I wanted to. Usually that's a must have for me. I use the moisturizing shampoo. I haven't tried any other products... yet. I bought it at Target.

4.) I HAVE to have Biosilk to be able to do my hair. I use the silk therapy. I only use this one product. I have heard that others in their line aren't great. Let me know if you have.

5.) New diaper wipes! LOL see I told you I have to try the new stuff. I only have found these once and I think it was at Meijers. I LOVE these. They smell fantastic.

So come on everyone feel free to add your fav/or new products you have tried!!!

I can hardly stand...

How do you like THOSE thighs?! This will FOR SURE be used as blackmail one day! LOL

How much fun he has become!

His silly personality just emerges more and more everyday! His language development grows everyday too which makes us just laugh hysterically! Gotta love our little guy! Love you Tas!

Boys night!

"Dude, do you have something to eat in there... im hungry again"

Taking turns tickling each other... Carson would say "tick tick kkll" Talan would just giggle!

Most of the time around here it's a girls night. Meaning Kenedey is usually the one who has her friends over.

Well, last night Carson got his first turn. Kenedey spent the night over at Jessi's and Hutch and Jen asked if we could watch Talan while they went bowling. I've talked about Talan before, but just for an update. His big sister is Kenedey's friend Taylor who she spends a lot of time with and they are long time family friends. Talan is 11 months old. (I can't believe that Jen).

The boys had a FANTASTIC time. They played super well together. I must say I was a little nervous about how I would do with two little one's close in age, but it was way better than I expected. Carson was so nice to him. He was a little too nice at times offering/trying to pick Talan up a couple of times. He shared really well with him and even entertained him. They had dinner together at the table and giggled at each other. It was adorable!

Talan was pretty quiet for the first half hour or so and I thought wow this kid is so calm. But then again im used to Mr. Busy all the time. After he had his cereal he warmed up and just played and played.

It really made me see what a big boy Carson has become. He has hardly any baby left in him! :-( Didn't really make me sad, but just made me realize how much he has grown up and so quickly. And really Talan didn't seem all that much baby like either, he was just born a few months ago right Jen?! He should just be sitting there not doing much still, but that little guy was all over the place and right in the middle of all the toys!

Enjoy the pics!

Im thankful...

*Editor's note: I started this on Wed and am just now getting around to publishing it. (Sunday)

That Wed. is over. The work day anyway. The week seems so long to get threw until Wed. passes and then it's smooth sailin'! I work late on Wed. nights and close the office, so it just DRRRAAAAAGGGGGS. Then Thurs. I'm only there half day. So that's a piece of cake and then Friday is here and Friday afternoons almost always go very smoothly and they are quiet because we only have 1 provider on Friday afternoons. nice.

I don't spend a lot of time talking much about work on here, mostly because when I leave there. I try to LEAVE everything that belongs there... there. Sometimes bad stuff happens, people die, awful disease, cancer, illness... etc. Other times it's incredible how great things turn out and how awesome it is to see someone do well or make it successfully through a terrible illness... etc. Most of the time I think most people in the field try to stay pretty neutral, or numb. I don't like the word numb it seems rather insensitive, but much of it becomes very routine or the upsetting things you just move past.

I do have a point to all this... Today was "one of those days". It was bad... it was just... scary.

A guy who I didn't know came in to the front desk. I just happened to be up there and overheard him talking to the receptionist. He was visibly shaking. I assume off the top of my head maybe panic attack. We worked him into Dr. R's schedule and the girls got his info ready and all that stuff. I went to call back my next patient and as I walked out into the waiting room and I get a better look at him. I decided to take him back first because it became very obvious to me that he was ILL.

I get him in a room and ask him whats going on. He said that he has a sore throat, and is really cold, and shaky and just doesn't feel well. I'm assuming by this point this man has been sick for days. He looks cyanotic (blue) but he isn't having any difficulty breathing. His respiration's were normal and so was his heart rate. His blood pressure was elevated but not alarmingly high. His temp was 101.7 . He was a man roughly 6'2" maybe 260lbs. I'm guessing. That's a pretty high temp for someone that big and at his age (roughly later 60's). Dr. R walks by and I ask him to come in. He also notes the patients skin color is blue and looks at his throat and check his heart and lungs really quickly. He and I are sure at this point that the guy is septic (this is when an infection in the body enters the bloodstream, can be pretty serious if not treated aggressively and quickly). Dr. R tells me to take the guy downstairs in our building to the lab and get blood cultures drawn on him. (This will tell Dr. R if he is in fact septic). I get him down there and I stay right with him. He continues to shake and tells me that his fingertips seem numb. hmmm... I'm stumped now. Get him back to the chair to draw his lab work. While this is going on he proceeds to pass out. Not terribly surprising. I knew he wasn't feeling well and he was trying so hard not to shake to get the labs drawn quickly and safely. Well he goes out completely for maybe a minute and smelling salts bring him back. This happens not only once but twice.

The super scary part to this for me was that because he was shaking so much and kept passing out I was SURE he was going to have a seizure. I ran to the phone and called upstairs for Dr. R to come down immediately. He came down, everything by this point was stable. Dr. R told me later that he was sure he was going to come into a full blown seizure when I called for him.

All these terrible scenes rolled through my mind. I was fearful that I was going to be without a physician and he would 1)seize, 2)have a stroke, 3) have a heart attack. I had no idea where the crash cart was in the lab down there and just did not like any of these scenarios!

So to keep to my point here, I have decided that there are a few things in medicine that I just CANNOT deal with. Or rather, really really do NOT like. I can't stand sputum (aka mucous) and I don't like to watch people have seizures. Something about the fact that I cannot help them in any way and I just have to wait it out gives me a sense of hopelessness that I just have a super hard time with.

So again, I am finishing this on Sunday and I am feeling much better about the whole thing now, but when I originally started this post it was rather fresh in my mind and it was NO FUN.

Update: the patient was admitted to the hospital and last time I heard, he was doing MUCH better. Just a really sick man at the time.

Im pretty sure....

that we are going to have to purchase one of these.... like tomorrow.

I went to put Carson down for his nap today at 2. This is a little late for him to be going down from his usual time, but he did sleep in until 8 am today. He started to throw a fit when he was playing with our neighbors and just was so obviously overtired. So I took him in his room and put him down in his bed. He usually stands up and jabbers or cries when we put him down, but usually within a minute or 2 he is down and out. Well, today he instantly lifted his chest up over the side of his crib and pushed himself up then hiked one leg over the side and hung on and basically dangled there. I tried to stay calm and not make a big deal about it... usually making a big deal about something with him leads him to try again to amuse himself. Well, I was so afraid that he was going to fall out since they are so top heavy at this age and fall to the floor... certainly causing injury to himself.

He does have a pillow in there that helped him lift his little feet off his mattress. I took that out, the crib is as low as it goes. So I guess the crib tent is the only way I know that he will remain safe. I just don't feel comfortable taking the risk of him falling.

I did consider the option of taking off the side of his crib. He has one of those 3 in 1 that goes from crib to toddler bed to full size bed. I just DON'T think he, nor us, are ready for him to have access to get out whenever he feels like it.

He is pretty much noncompliant in most of the areas where we try to discipline him and I think more of him understanding boundries will come over the next few months. He is exactly 20 months old and ill be completely honest. He DOES not listen to rules well AT ALL! Again, making me feel like "that parent".

I know some of you are surely saying, "Why don't you just make him stay in his bed and make it into a toddler bed". If this had been Kenedey we were dealing with at this age, that's exactly what I would have done. Because with her it would have taken several times to "train" her not to get out, but she would have eventually figured out we ment business. His personality couldn't be more different. Again, we just aren't there yet. Wish us luck!!! We need it! LOL

Any of you lurker/parents out there who have tried a item like the Crib Tent... did it work? Thanks for your help!

Random

Well it's my usual monthly random post. Not anything terribly exciting going on around here. I have gotten a couple of emails from a few of you asking if everything is ok and why haven't I blogged. Everything is just fine. It's been sort of a crazy week. We got home from Florida and then it seems like we just hit the ground running for the week. Never a down moment. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing until I look back now and realize how chaotic the week seemed. Im so glad that there are weekends to recoup. I need to get my household in order today.

Kenedey needs redirection and organizing today. She has a 5th grade science project that she has to get busy on this week. I also got an email from her teacher on Friday that Kenedey has been turning her work in late this week. I'm really not surprised to be honest with you because of how chaos we have been this week, but as we told her UNACCEPTABLE. We are going back to the basket that she puts her agenda, papers for us, homework to be reviewed and any notes or communitcations she needs to let us know about. I don't think in 5th grade we (parents) should be responsible for making sure that she gets everything out of her bag and back into her bag. Am I being too tough on her? I really don't feel like it. I think she has just gotten lazy this week and when she gets overwhelmed she just sort of shuts off. Nice coping mechinism... Not.so.much. I looked through her backpack after she went to bed last night and found a huge stash of unorganized papers just thrown in there. Most of which I know nothing about. Bummer. I guess I have to micromanage her homework again. Yuck. I was just really hoping she was to the point where I didn't have to do that anymore. She had gotten so good about knowing the "routine" so I trusted her to let me know if she needed help with something, etc. Oh well... wish us luck this week!

We REALLY need a new vaccume. I don't even want to clean today because mine is junk. It doesn't even feel like its pulling anything out of the carpet. I guess im on the hunt for a new one.

I don't think I have shared much on her regarding our house hunt. We are in full swing of the house hunt. We had to wait until January to do so. We usually go out on Sunday's and drive around and look. I have my eye on one. I got an article from Jen this past week that said we should wait until Feb. to do the mortgage because interest rates are dropping AGAIN (good news for us), to avoid all the forclosures that are occuring recently. Apparently they are hoping this new deal they are working on will help the economy rather than all these people loosing homes. I am thankful that we are in the place we are so that we hopefully will get a great buy and opportunity for a low interest rate.

Yesterday was a fun day. Jason and I both had to work Saturday, YUCK. Jessi watched the kids and then I went over there after work. Carson went down for his nap around 1 and slept for one of his famous 3 hour naps. While he napped Kenedey and I also snoozed on Jessi's couch and once everyone was up and ready to go we headed over to Chelsea Treehouse for an evening of play. The kids had a great time. This was actually my first time taking the kids there. I liked it, however, I think I prefer the atmosphere of Jungle Java for Carson. The slides were a lot of fun for Carson but it was REALLY hard for him to get up to it. At Jungle Java he can do it without a problem and in the little kids area they have a slides he can get to all by himself. That is really the only thing that I preferred. Otherwise I think both are great. They are both about the same distance from home for me. I thought the treehouse would be closer, but really it's not. Anyway it was lots of fun. The advantage at the treehouse is that I could comfortably get up inside the treehouse with him and at Jungle Java it's really not designed for parents to go up with the kids.

Ok enough randomness for now... im off to continue laundry and housework! Fun times!

Yo DJ.... wasssup?

WE GOT OURSELVES A NODDDDDDDDER!

Ok so if any of you have spent anytime around us or your child who is obessed with the movie CARS... then you will get my blog post title! Otherwise I probably look like I'm crazy right about now!

Carson is driving me crazy with his obession with CARS!!! I have had my fill of Mater and Lightening! Everything he says... includes him saying, "Caaarsss" aka Cars.

Well on to the "real" reason I am posting tonight:

I need to enlist your help! My good friend Jen told me she made a New Year's resolution to try to get this blogging thing down. She started out giving it a good try. However, she hasn't done anything on it since Dec. 13 (I think). So any of you lurkers out there, or any of you who would be willing to encourage her to blog, SHE NEEDS THE ENCOURAGEMENT! You can head over to The Hutchinson's (<---- just click on that) and leave her a comment to get her motivated!

She has a little guy who will be 1 in Feb. and Taylor who you have seen and heard about on my blog LOTS! (one of Kenedey's best buddies). I have told her how awesome it is to go back and look at what you have documented and how fun this actually becomes once you get up and going. Plus with a 1 year old running around, lots of you know how often that baby book gets written in now that they are into EVERYTHING! I love my blog for that reason so I can come back and see what my kids have been up to that I may have otherwise forgotten about! So come on Jen! I told you I would be holding you accountable! Let's hear from ya!

Ok everyone, I have so much to do and I really need to get to bed today! Night :-)

WHO KNEW!!!

That MONDAY would start off with me... yes me... having MORE Lucielle Ball moments?! I got up at 4am, (trying to be responsible so I didn't have to be dependent on a neighbor or something), because I knew the battery was dead on my car from sitting all week while we were gone. Jason had to be to work at 5am so I had everything open (car hoods) and ready to go so he just jumped it for me when he was leaving for work. I didn't have much gas in it and didn't know if I would have time to stop on my way to work so I didn't let it run too long... like 10 min or so.

Well, I used my "clicker" aka automatic lock thingy and it lit up and unlocked and lights came on, looks like we are in business. I get everyone and our crap... er... stuff loaded for the day and put my keys in the ignition... and....... IT WONT TURN OVER!!! Shocking I know!

I gave Jen a call and she came over and jumped me! Thanks again Jen!!! I owe you big time... ask me next time Talan needs a sitter and im at your mercy! Sorry Taylor doesn't count since our kids pretty much live between our two homes! Really you don't even have to ask with her... she fits here so well that most of the time I don't even know she doesn't truly "belong" here! I let my car run all morning on my way into Jackson and never turned it off all the way even when I dropped Carson off which took me about 15 minutes!

I was glad to drop him off and have a little break from him! But honestly, I missed the little bugger all day. After spending every one of his waking moments with him for the most part last week you can't help but be a bit crazier about him... when he's at his best he is sooo fun! He was worn out today and fell asleep on his way home from daycare. They said he did fine today with the exception of not wanting to sit down at lunch at the table and stay in his seat. He kept his new shoes on all day... which is a major plus! Also, they told me he didn't bully anyone... WHAT? No one told me he was a bully at school and honestly I was to shocked at the time to ask her about it. What the? She said something about him pushing down kids and some other something... im going to have to ask about this tomorrow. Last I knew he was really good with all the kids and sometime TOO loving to the babies because he wants to hug and kiss them ALL. THE. TIME! Gosh... what will it be next?!

Ken said she had a great day back to school. She really missed her friends she said and was all excited this morning to get there and see Maddi especially and everyone else too! She was also really happy about the fact that she didn't have much homework... her words were, "I was surprised I didn't have a lot of homework/catchup work"! Woo Hoo!

Well, that's all for today... im trying to lay low and fly under the radar so that no more Lucielle Ball episodes occur! Wish me luck! I NEED IT! LOL

We made it... however... not with out having

ANOTHER LUCIELLE BALL MOMENT!!!

Well, we are Home Sweet Home! Glad to be home. But as I said... we didn't make it without a challenge...er..two, er, three, er four!

Started when we got to the airport. We immediately got searched. Me and two friggin kids who LOOK SO SUSPICIOUS. I mean I understand the whole security thing, but honestly did they have to choose a gal like me traveling by herself with two kids? Guess so.

We go the whole deal. They seperated us into another room... see through at that so everyone can watch you. They patted ALL of us down. I had to hold Carson the whole time and this took about 15 minutes. That wasn't the worst. Then we have to go stand over by our carry on luggage stuff so they can go through that and we have to stand there and watch them. The whole time Carson is freaking out because he wants to get down and run around. That would have been Ok... but THEN.... they touch our stuff with this paper thing and then put the paper through another machine. Apparently, Kenedey's bag, the diaper bag and Kenedey's boots all had some type of SOMETHING on them that must have had some sort of arsenic on them. WHAT THE HELL? ARSENIC? Where the heck did she get arsenic on her stuff? Im still confused. They were making a huge deal about it because 3 of our items tested "positive". So then they had to go and run them through the machine again and open EVERYTHING like 2 times... take everything out and put it back in. This all ended up taking roughly another half hour. Meanwhile, our names are being called overhead because we are not on our plane. I looked at the "supervisor" and said... ugh they are calling our names to board our plane we are supposed to leave in like 5 minutes. He just shrugged his shoulders... like its not his problem. Yeah buddy it's going to be your problem in a minute when I FLIP OUT!!!

We finally made it through security and I had planned to stop and get the kids something to drink before we boarded the plane. Yeah we didn't have time for that, we BOOKED to the gate and made it thankfully. My arms are still killing me from carrying everything and then a 28 pound toddler too. Gosh my life sucks sometimes! LOL Just my luck!!!

Carson was miserable as usual on the plane. We gave him some Benadryl before we left and didn't put him down for his nap. My thoughts were he will for sure pass out. NOT. SO. MUCH. Can you even believe this child? He stayed awake and fought me nearly the ENTIRE TIME. About 30 minutes into the flight a mean flight attendant passes by and tells me that I can't let Kenedey and Carson be buckled in the same seat together. What the heck lady... we did this on the way down. No questions asked, no problem at all. This at least restrained him. She MUST not have children! The attendant who was working our area told me it was fine with her and just to wait and put him back in that seat in a few minutes when she was gone. Somebody's grumpy!!! By this point my anxiety level was a 12 on a 1-10 scale. I don't know how people have the guts to travel further with a lap child. Like to California or somewhere REALLY far away! I think with Carson it's so much worse because he really cannot stand being restrained and it's worse when he can actually have somewhat of a choice to move. In his carseat its not a choice... he just can't... on my lap... not so much!

So anyway! Looking forward to the "routine" getting back to normal tomorrow. I don't have the energy this evening to unpack completely. After this afternoon... im spent! I need to get some groceries after work tomorrow and then i'll start the unpack after work!

One last thing... I am renaming my blog... "Living the Lucielle Ball Life". I'm sure you will understand by now!!!

Playing catch up!!

Well, I know I haven't blogged like I said I would over the past few days. But I have been busy enjoying my last few days of vacation.

Tonight is our last night here and then we are on your way to Michigan tomorrow afternoon. It has been absolutely wonderful... however, I am anxious to get back to our routine. Carson is wearing me out! LOL It's just been long enough for him. He needs to get back to HIS routine. He does much better on his little schedule. I also am anxious to have dad around again. I HATE this single parenting thing with him, it's way to hard to discipline him by myself ALL.THE.TIME. All it takes sometimes is just for Jason to back me up and reiterate to Carson whatever it is that I'm getting after him for, but without that backing he sure tends to push A LOT!

So here is the recap:

Thurs: We took the kids over to the Imaginarium. It turned out to be a pretty neat place! (Bear with me if I talk in circles here... my days have officially run together!) Carson was ALL OVER THE PLACE there. It was pretty neat, but the weather here has SUCKED, so we didn't do anything outside... too cold (according to my mom)! The highlight was the stingray tank that you could touch the stingray's. Carson was amused by them but Kenedey however was not. She wanted no part of touching them and my mom had the same reaction as Kenedey. I did touch them... they are just soft and slimy. They had their barbs removed so they couldn't sting anyone. But still I guess the idea of that just icked my mom and Ken out.

Can't you just see the body language in this pic?

They had a nice little area for kids under 5 that had all sorts of great play stuff... grocery store, all types of puzzles, mazes, cars, trains, trucks, you name it they had it. Carson enjoyed taking the shopping cart out into the MAIN area and running around like THAT kid! Once again I am totally embarrassed by this kid. We are having SERIOUS issues with getting him to keep his shoes on, so yeah there's my "special" kid out there running around without shoes... totally inappropriate. On our way down from the upstairs a worker stops me and says to Carson, "where are your shoes buddy?" Then looks for me... thinking to myself: " Do I claim him as mine? or say, yeah here I am over here because god help me... I CANNOT help him down the stairs without being SCREAMED at!" So she then says to me, "He has to have shoes on." Once again I am THAT mom who can't keep her friggin' kids shoes on him! Yep that would be me. Ugh I hate this! LOL Any of you who know Carson understand the socks and shoes issue. It's been a problem since he figured out that he had shoes on. He refuses to leave them on. I put them on and .002 seconds later... their off!

He is YELLLING at me because he didn't want me to help him down the stairs... how do you like those piggies?

After the Imaginarium, we went to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes and then came back here and put Carson down for a nap. I napped with him since my lack of sleep, staying up to late at night and getting up WAY too early in the morning (5:45am to be exact) was catching up with me.

That evening my parents offered to keep Carson so Kenedey and I could go for our "Girls Night out". We went Coconut Point and she REALLY wanted to do Build a Bear. She has done it a few times in the past, but still really wanted to. It was fun! After Build-a-Bear we headed over to the movie theatre and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was really cute. By the time we got out of the theatre everything at Coconut Point was closing so we headed out of there and stopped for some dinner at Applebee's on our way home. It was a great time spending just some quality one on one me and Ken. She's so fun to be around and is a great little conversationalist! I realized that I need to get her making some more of her own decisions though. She wanted me to make all of there decisions about what we did. It was always..."well what do YOU want to do?" LOL I kept saying, "this is YOUR time, you get to decide everything!" She really struggled with this! We will work on that though!
Yesterday we didn't do a whole lot of anything. I woke up with my wonderful monthly migraine. It was one of those where when you move your head you are sure it will explode or implode... AWFUL. I took some meds and HAD to go to sleep. My mom hung out with the kids and took them to the park. Thanks mom. At about 11:30 I was blow drying my hair and my mom was giving Carson a snack because she wanted to take us over to Coconut Point again to a place called Moe's. Well, I was in drying my hair and my mom comes in and said, "Kari, Carson is falling asleep in the chair." I just said, Ok hang on a second and I will come get him and just put him down for his nap. Well because she said chair I assumed that he was in one of their recliners. Well I slowly finished my hair and came out to the living room to put him down for his nap. Well I find Carson fast asleep in HIS chair at the kitchen table! LOL He had fallen over sideways and every time he inhaled he kind of sat up and then would exhale and fall over... over and over again! LOL I felt terrible! Poor guy!

Since we all couldn't go to Moes (if you never have eaten there and if you ever get the chance, it's a must try) my mom told me and Ken to just go ahead and go over and get the Pedicure's and Manicures we were planning on done. So we did! IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! We also had lunch at Moe's. There were a couple of stores that Kenedey had hoped to stop at and didn't get to so we did that and then headed back here. We watched the movie Hairspray last night and even after having a nap I still fell asleep while we were watching it. Thanks again migraine... you won that day.

The weather again today sucked. It was warmer, but terribly overcast. The kids and I headed up to the pool and I let them swim anyway and play at the playground. We brought Carson back for his nap and then I went back up to the pool while he napped.

This evening we all went out to dinner for ribs. The ribs have pretty much become a tradition for my parents and Kenedey. Ribs are a fav for Ken so every time she is down they usually take her out for them. It was a great dinner! We finished up there and headed back here. Lindsey (my cousin) and her new boyfriend came over so we could meet him and to see her. We played Blokus for awhile and just chatted! Lindsey it was fun hanging with you guys for a bit! I think Nick is absolutely wonderful for you! He is super nice from what I could tell! Best choice in a guy yet! Best of luck to you two! LOL

Elvis???

I should be in bed...

But instead I need to do my usual "unload" all this info in my brain to my blog before I forget it. After all, I have inherited Alzheimer's from my mom. (wink wink mom)!

I'll start from the top of yesterday since I had to ask on the way home tonight what we did yesterday. I don't know about you, but when I am on vacation, sometimes the days have a tendency to run together.

We started out 2008 (Tues) with the kids taking a swim. Then just relaxing and reading on the lanai.

MMMM....

ahhhhh.... (muah... carson blowing kisses!)

We got up and got dressed and ready to go and headed over to Miromar Outlets. THAT place really is fantastic, but... it was SO busy. Must be because everyone is off for the holiday. We started out at Justice for Kenedey. This is her FAV store. I can understand why. They have it SO geared for tweens. I actually think the company who owns it is called Tween Brands. She got a few things. Her Nannie gave her $100 to go get what she wanted. She had a great time with that. She got this adorable coat and a couple of shirts.

Carson did really well at the Carter's store. They had some serious sales going on. I think I counted 10 items all about $85. They will all probably fit him into next fall. Got them on the little bigger size for him. He wore some today because it was cold here and they looked so cute on him. I know he doesn't care, but I do! LOL

We just relaxed last night and hung out.

Today, we were busy busy again. My mom stayed home to have her new stove delivered (see previous post if you don't know why!) Carson was being Mr. Whiny so I took him and Kenedey up to the playground for a bit. Carson of course wanted to just swing most of the time. He thoroughly enjoys the swing! Kenedey loves that playground too, they have some unusual things up there that she can't play on just anywhere!

We finished up at the playground and then went over to Coconut Point... can I just say... WOAH! I have NEVER been to a place like that one! Well I have I guess, but this place is incredible. We started out with lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. YUM. Then went to do some serious shopping. I cannot believe the deals that we found. Kenedey got a $40 sweater at Aeropostale for $7 and it's ADORABLE. I made out well at Old Navy. Carson was in his glory at the Disney store with all the Lighting McQueen and Mater stuff. He got a Lighting jacket and a Lighting piggy bank! Just what we should be encouraging.... his OBSESSION with CARS. I think he must say CARS...oh 50 x's a day... err 5000 times a day! Obsess much?

We had the MOST incredible evening tonight yet. We went to see Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Barbara Mann Theatre. It was so much more than I expected. It was a true Broadway show the talent and the costumes and everything were just incredible. Can you tell I TOTALLY enjoyed it?!

Well I am off to bed, it's now 1:30 am and I am sure my kiddos will be up at the butt crack of dawn unfortunately! I seriously need to sleep.

Kenedey isn't feeling great. We think she may have Chicken Pox. She had the vaccine and then also had the disease once. Could she seriously have it again??? She also is complaining that her ears hurt... she gets swimmers ear very easily so I have a feeling that's what it is. My mom treated her tonight with Zithromax and ear drops, tylenol, and a good nights rest. Say a little prayer that she stays well. I want her to enjoy her time here, not be sick. :-(

Tomorrow we are planning to go to the Imaginarium and then Kenedey and I are having a Girls Night out back over to Coconut Point. I told her we could do Build a Bear... she already has done it three times in the past, but wants to again and they are also having entertainment over there. I'm REALLY looking forward to having an evening with JUST MY girl!!!

New Year's Questionaire

I saw this on a couple of other blogs and thought it looked like a good idea. Should be fun to look back at.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Chased around a busy busy busy little boy and became "that" parent who I said I would NEVER be with him! He sure has given me a run for my money. I thought he would be compliant because my 1st is so compliant... not so much!


2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I honestly have no idea what my resolution was from last year. Yes, I have made a resolution to not use the F word. I cannot stand the way it sounds and being around people that use it I have found myself using it to make a point. I have decided I WILL use many other words in the english language that we have to get that same point across without swearing or sounding like a sailor.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth? The Tousa's had Colton and Kayla had Drake!


4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Grandma Howard. I miss her so.


5. What states/countries did you visit?
Ohio, Florida


6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
More time with my husband that is time we enjoy. We see each other a lot, but it's often not "us" time. The past few weeks we have really enjoyed each others company and I want that to continue to grow. Visit somewhere north this summer as a family.


7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Carson's 1st birthday. Kenedey's 10th birthday party! Our trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Halloween visiting the Robertson's. My lunches with Ellen. And the fact that someone who is her age and then my age could have so much to talk about and support each other with.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Enjoying so much with my new camera and photography. I have learned alot and it has helped me capture so much of my kids that I otherwise wouldn't have. It brings me a lot of joy looking at pictures!


9. What was your biggest failure?
Probably money. Defintely a weakness for me. I did really good on not spending, but saving and keeping the budget together between the two of us has really been a challenge.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Had my gall bladder out. I have never had surgery and hope I never have to again. Otherwise very healthy.


11. What was the best thing you bought?
I guess I would have to say I "bought" daycare! We have spent so much money on daycare for Carson, but it's been well worth the cost.


12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband. He has come really far this year. Lost 40 lbs., got a new job (in his career field) that provides more for himself and our family than ever before, and of course is so helpful and such a great dad to the kids.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I really can't say because too many people read this and I wouldn't want to hurt feelings, but of course Brittney Spears didn't make me proud! LOL


14. Where did most of your money go?
DAYCARE! and the usual bills that most of us have!


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Great Wolf Lodge trip, Florida trip, Jason's new job.


16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Soulja Boy... thanks Kenedey!


17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? 
same...thats what Effexor does for you! Thank God for that b) thinner or fatter? well iv'e lost about 15 lbs. on the diet I started and have kept it off. I plan to hit back to the diet as soon as we are back from vacation. c) richer or poorer? richer... not really a good description but Jason's awesome job has helped a lot.


18. What do you wish you’d done more of? More family time just the 4 of us where it would be fun.


19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spend time in my car. My drive time everyday takes up so much time from my day. I don't see that changing anytime soon though.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Lots of Chrsitmas family parties. It was really nice this year. I don't think I ever once felt stressed about Christmas. I really enjoyed it this year. The best day was actual Christmas day at home just hanging out with the kids and napping and staying in jammies most of the day.


21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Ya know we were talking about this last night. Because I have always been so bonded to Kenedey and have had her for nearly 11 years now, my bond and love with Carson was always there and strong, but... I have really fallen more in love with him this year and gotten "used" to the idea of having a BOY and ya know they really are a TON of fun. I really never thought that I would enjoy a boy this much i've always been a girls girl and thought I could only relate to little girls. My little man has taught me quite the opposite. Both equally fun in different ways.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Private Practice and The Hills. The only 2 I ever get to watch.


23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, still don't like the same people.


24. What was the best book you read?
Dear John, Nicholas Sparks. Thank God for audio books. That reminds me I ought to use my Barnes and Noble giftcard from Aunt Connie on audiobooks
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Wheels on the bus go round and round. Thank You Carson... I discoved he knows all the moves and tries to sing the song. Again my money put to good use in daycare! LOL

26. What did you want and get?
2 new cars

27. What did you you want and not get?
A new house. We will get there THIS year!

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Georgie Rule

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. It was on Thanksgiving and it really was a sucky bday. We went up to my Aunt's in Grand Rapids area, but husband and I had a fight on the way home and that just ruined my already blah day. I.yi.yi.... Live and Learn

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Better Michigan weather.... longer fall! Im writing this in Florida on vacation and my skin is so nice and soft and hydrated... not dry like Michigan!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Unfortunately dumb scrubs everyday for work really isn't conducive to a need for a great wardrobe, but I would say most of my clothing is casual/cute/nice momish dress... oh wait that's really not a fashion, but let me tell ya, my kids look darn good!

32. What kept you sane?
My new blog! Gave me a place to vent and record a lot of my thoughts... it's been a great unloading place.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Still Nick Lachey

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Honestly, I really can't even get my mind around most political issues... my mind just does not go there easily, but I don't really like the way the Medicare Part D system is working and how our healthcare cost systems are all so stupid. I guess I pay attention to that because I am so exposed to it at work.

35. Who did you miss?
My mom

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Ellen... thanks for being such a great friend. She has filled some "mom" type voids for me and I think that has helped keep me stable and her wisdom of experiencing so many things in life is always nice to have an opinon of someone who has been there, but yet not completely emotionally invested like a parent would be.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Probably too many to list. I continue to learn a lot.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. When push comes to shove you taste what your made of, you might bend til you break cause it's all you can take, you look up decide you've had enough you get mad you get strong wipe your hands shake it off then you STAND... "Stand" by Rascal Flatts. LOVE IT!!!