Veggin' Out!

Sorry for the late blog post, but after the Scout Fireside last night I passed out!  I think this week has been a bit exhausting.  The week started as any other week pretty much.  I went and did my grocery shopping and some other cleaning and stuff.  Tuesday Alex went to school and Eric went to Tumbling Class.  When I picked up Alex from school I was informed that a kid had pushed him and really hurt his feelings.  When the teacher confronted the kid, he said that Alex had pushed him first.  The teacher knew that this was not true, but when Alex heard what the kid had said he looked up at her with tears rolling down his cheeks and said, "I didn't push him, I'm a sweet boy."  Well, his teacher's heart just melted and he was given a big hug.  Alex has such a tender heart at times.  That night, we went to dinner with my parents and ate at Las Fuentes.  On Wednesday we went to story time as we always do and the boys had a blast!  We talked about frogs at Eric's story time and Peanut Butter and Jelly at Alex's.  We also checked out some CDs by the Veggie Tales to prepare us for the fun times we were going to have on Saturday.  After the library I went to the doctor to talk to her about my thyroid and some other issues I have been having, I am still waiting on lab results.  On Thursday Alex went to school and had another great day.  When I picked him up, there was a "Good Manners Report" in his backpack!  I am so proud of my big boy.  While Alex was at school, Eric and I made a trip to Conroe and delivered cake balls and cheesecakes to James' work.  Those men really keep me n business with all of their orders!  That night I went to my cake class, but I was exhausted!  I had really contemplated calling Stacie and asking her to take some notes for me and I would call her later for the details, but I went and was glad I did.  I am so grateful to have friends that I can chit-chat with about anything and that we can share in each other's joys and trials.  After talking for just a few minutes I felt lighter hearted and not quite as exhausted. 
Friday took us down to GiGi's house!  We love going to visit and we wish we could go more often.  Eric spent a lot of time cuddling with GiGi.  There is a baby visiting in GiGi's home and my boys got to see what a REALLY tiny baby looks like.  Eric was curious, but not that interested.  Alex wanted to hold the baby, and love the baby, and check his toes and his hair, and pretty much anything he could.  Then I was informed that we needed a baby for our house...I wish it was that easy.  Then, before we left the glorious League City, we went to visit Julie (my favorite hair dresser) and all got haircuts.  With stunning new "do's" we headed back to Magnolia to prepare for date night.  The boys went to play at a friend's house while James and I went on a date...yes, a real date.  We met up for dinner at Outback steak house.  We were so excited because we found a gift card that we forgot we had, so it was like finding $25 in an old coat!  We went and really had a terrible time!  The food was down-right GROSS!  I was shocked, I used to love their food, but I guess they were having a bad night as there were lots of complaints.  The good thing is that our server was very attentive and sweet to us.  I was really irritated that the manager got upset with her, when our negative comments were not about her and we even made sure that we mentioned how great she had been.  Finally, one of our meals was removed from our bill and we left with upset tummies and a bit of disappointment.  As we were leaving the hostess decided to get a bit of an attitude with James and after I informed her that she was talking about my husband (I left behind James) she turned red and said, "Whatever!"  I called Outback later and informed them that they should be embarrassed by the food and by the behavior of their hostess.  Well, since dinner was a downer, we went and played black-light mini golf.  We had a ton of fun and we were able to end the night on a positive note.  After picking up our boys we went to bed because Saturday was filled with tons of fun!

Saturday we started our day with the trip to Lowes to build firetrucks and to get to see a real firetrucks.  Well, the ones we were supposed to build were recalled, so that didn't work, but the boys got to look at the firetrucks and check out all the fun equipment. 

Then, we went to Chick-fil-A to play and run off all of our pent up energy.  For the first time in I don't know how long, we all came home and took a nap!  We all slept for TWO HOURS!  The sleep was much needed for all of us and definitely helped us not be so cranky.  We then got ready to go see the Veggie Tales, but first we went to look at a house.  The house was one that we had looked at for a while and it really gave us a taste of what is on the market and what e really want and don't want in a house.  After the walk-through we drove to Sugarland for the concert.  Veggie Tales was AMAZING!  The boys got cute little hats and we all sang and danced to our favorite songs.  I have loved the Veggie Tales since Middle School and I love that my boys love them too.  We really enjoyed watching the boys sing and dance.  Eric has quite some moves!  I cannot express how much fun we had and the memories that we will keep with us forever. 

My silly boys in their silly hats!

Veggie Tales Live!

James had to wear the Bob the Tomato hat!

Sunday was pretty normal as we went to church and our classes and normal.  I am so excited and a bit stressed about our upcoming Primary Program.  The kids are doing so well and working so hard!  I am amazed at their abilities and the personality they bring to our Primary.  After church we went home to prepare for the fireside.  After baking breads and other goodies, we loaded things up an went back to church for the 11 year old scout fireside that James was holding.  After the fireside I guess my body finally decided that it had done enough and I fell asleep on the couch and was not able to be woken up at all!  I think at times I internalize my stress instead of letting it out and then my body becomes very tired and starts having problems and creates pain and eczema to try and relieve the stress.  I think I am going to try some meditation and positive thinking to ease some of my stress and anxiety. 
All in all, this week has been amazing!  We were able to spend time together as a family and still accomplished most of what we needed to.  I am very grateful that I have the gospel in my life.  I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to g through life without a knowledge of who you are or even to go through life without a purpose or a goal.  I pray that I remember to keep a grateful heart and to remember that no matter what kind of day I am having, Heavenly Father loves me and He wants me to succeed.  It may sound a bit cheesy, but this is the Veggie Tales song that has been going through my mind all week, and at times I think that it has kept me going.  So enjoy, and until next week...

My Day

In my bed I start to pray

And tell God all about my day

I woke up in my little bed

And put my hat upon my head

Cleaned my room and cleared my dishes

Told mom breakfast was delicious

I went to school, learned something new

And tried to follow every rule

I studied my vocabulary

Had some fun with Bob and Larry

And so it's good to know

How much you love me…it's true

The bible says you do

You really love me

Your love was with me all throughout my day

I some how over looked my bed

Seems my dog is underfed

Forgot to change my underclothes

Watched one to many T.V. shows

I had some trouble sharing toys

and during rest time, made some noise

Walls are not for coloring

Sometimes I'm off key when I sing

And so it's really good to know

How much you love me…it's true

The bible says you do

You really love me

Your love was with me all throughout my day

In my bed so quietly

I rest in knowing God Loves Me!

Just Another Week...Or Was It?

Here I sit, and I am trying to reflect back on the week and can't really think of anything fun and exciting to write about.  The week seems to just go and go until I hit Sunday and wonder what I have done all week.  The highlights that I can recall start with Monday.  Monday involved going to lunch with some friends to celebrate a birthday!  I love getting together with the girls and letting the kids play.  On Tuesday Alex went to school, Eric went to Tumbling and that evening I went to Bunco.  I love Bunco night!  There is nothing better than sharing good food, laughs, and no kids!  James was able to hang out with a friend as they watched all the kids!  I have some amazing friends and I wouldn't trade them for anything.  Wednesday we went to the library and talked like pirates!  The librarians are amazing and they are so creative.  We checked out a CD from the library that is the VeggieTales "Silly Songs with Larry".  We love VeggieTales in our house! 

Thursday morning Alex told me his throat was a little sore, but after breakfast he seemed to be okay.  While Alex was at school, Eric and I had lunch with James and did a little shopping for my cake class.  When I returned to Alex's school his teacher told me that he had been really tired all day and wouldn't eat much.  My poor Alex was feeling "really tired".  I took him home and prepared for my cake class.  Our wonderful babysitter came over and watched my rug rats as I went to Hobby Lobby for class.  By the time I got out, James had come home and relieved our babysitter.  Alex was SICK.  He had a fever and looked HORRIBLE!  Obviously, Friday morning we went to the doctor's office to see what Alex had caught now.

Now, as some people know, I am a bit of an outspoken person when I need to be, and this was a day that I needed to be.  My patience was running out as I sat in the waiting room for over and hour waiting and waiting and watching people who had gotten there after me go in...we won't even go into THAT issue.  When I finally was called to the receptionist desk to make my co payment, and ambulance pulled up and they were picking up a young lady to take to the hospital.  This was an emergency and the lights and sirens were on as the ambulance parked in line with the door to the office.  Then, a woman bursts into the waiting room and starts swearing and throwing out gruesome profanities as she is ticked off that the ambulance is "blocking her in".  Well, since my fuse was already a bit short, I lost it and loudly informed the woman that she should refrain from using such colorful language in a PEDIATRIC office, especially around MY children, and that it is obviously an emergency and that someone else had to be more important right then.  I could not believe the audacity of this woman!  I was fuming!  The woman stormed out, yelled at her daughter, got in her car, and waited!  Nobody said a word to me, but the receptionist was a bit shocked that I raised my voice at this woman...I'm sorry, but someone had to do it. 

Finally, we are seen by the PA.  My poor Alex has now developed a lovely rash all over his pale body and looks like something the cat brought in.  The doctor confirms that he has strep throat that has gone systemic and scarlatina.  Poor Alex can never just catch a cold.  When he is sick he goes all out.  Then after the PA left to write his prescription, a med student and a doctor come into the exam room.  They inform me of who they are and ask if they can look at Alex's throat.  I see no problem in this, but warn them that because his throat hurts, his gag reflex is really sensitive.  Well, that student decided she could handle it and shoved that popsicle stick in his mouth and looked.  Alex then coughed in her face (not intentionally of course).  The student flipped out!  She ran to the sink and stared flushing her eyes as if hydrochloric acid was in them!  She even used soap!  The doctor was trying to help her when I just looked at them and said, "You shouldn't become a pediatrician if you are a germaphobe!"  The doctor tried not to laugh as I just stood there and the student was still splashing water all over the place.  I wonder if she will rethink her studies?

Well, since Alex is sick, I skipped the Home and Garden Market that I had won tickets to and stayed home cuddling my boys and doing LOTS of laundry.  When James came home on Saturday afternoon, we played games and watched movies.  I think I really liked having "nothing to do".  Sunday came and is now almost gone.  Eric and I went to Church and we left James and Alex at home.  I introduced the Junior Primary to "Freddy the Singing Frog" and they loved him.  I think that he will have to come back because I don't think that they have ever sounded as beautiful.  Eric went to Nursery without a hitch and had to sing "Jesus Wants Me for a Cow"...maybe one day he will sing it right.  After we came home, James had made dinner, my favorite, spaghetti.  Later we took a drive to look at some neighborhoods and homes.  I love discussing what our goals are and seeing that we have differences, but together we complement each other's strengths and abilities.  I am so blessed to have an amazing husband who would go to the ends of the earth for me.  I love being his wife and looking towards eternity together.

Next week will bring new adventures and some of the same ones we have every week.  I pray that Alex will feel better and be able to go back to school and that his rash goes away.  We have tickets to go see VeggieTales Live and I think I am more excited than the kids!  I know that no matter what happens this week, my Heavenly Father is with me and that He loves me and wants me to do my very best, and He will pick up the rest.  Until next week...

Emotions

This has been another week packed with being busy, new experiences, and alot of the regular stuff that has become routine for us.  Monday was Labor Day and GiGi was here.  While James took Alex fishing for the first time, GiGi, Eric and I went shopping.  James and Alex had alot of fun!  They caught two fish and a turtle.  Alex was very proud of his catches and learning to cast his line and being a big boy with Daddy.  Then they had a bit of drama.  They had tossed back one of the fish and the turtle, alex insisted on keeping one of the fish.  Without realizing that Alex didn't quite understand the whole fishing experience, James proceeded to "prepare the fish" to take home.  Alex FLIPPED OUT!  All Alex could say to James was, "You killed that poor little fish!"  Poor James was heartbroken and sure he had traumatized Alex fr life.  After a little talk and an ice cream Alex started to understand why we fish and that the fish was not for his fish tank.  Then, with sad eyes he asked Daddy if they could get a new fish for his aquarium, and of course, they did.  As a family we shared a yummy lunch and kissed GiGi goodbye.  The weekend ended on a very high note.

Alex's Fish

Tuesday was Alex's first day of school!  He was so excited.  He had his backpack on and was ready about an hour before it was time to go.  I took some pictures of Alex and then Eric lost it completely.  Eric did not want "his Alex" to go to school without him.  I dealt with a wailing and screaming Eric for almost an hour!  Then Eric and I went to Tumbling Class and he seemed to forget for a little while that his Alex wasn't there.  When we picked up Alex, he was all smiles.  He loves school and he really enjoyed telling me about all the fun things they did.  That evening we went to Las Fuentes to celebrate me surviving my 46 day diet and Alex's first day of school.

Alex ready for Preschool

Eric NOT ready for Alex to go to school

Wednesday was the typical day.  We went to story time at the library and then James had scouts that night, so it was just me and the boys.  Wednesday was a bit difficult for me because sadly we had another miscarriage.  We had really thought and hoped that this pregnancy would stick, but I guess it is just not time yet.  ..."the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.(Old Testament Job 1:21)"

Thursday Alex went back to school.  He was still all smiles, but told that he had to practice keeping his pencil box quiet.  We then went home and did some cleaning.  That evening I went to make cake class and the boys favorite babysitter came over. I am taking a fondant and gum paste class to brush up on my skills.  I think its gonna be alot of fun and I have a friend taking it too, so even better.  When I got home Alex went on and on about how much he LOVED his babysitter and that she is SO COOL!  I am grateful to live in a ward where we have such upstanding youth that I trust completely with my boys. 

Friday we decided to go to Conroe and have lunch with Daddy.  We went to one of our favorite places and spent a good hour together.  That evening James went camping with the scouts in Montgomery.  We sure did miss him.  Alex then decided that I needed to have some "guy talk" with him because Daddy wasn't there.  This is the conversation we had...
Alex: "so mommy, everything poops."

Me: "yup, that's right, if it eats, it poops."
Alex: "so where does it come from?"
Me: "ummm your hiney?"
Alex: "well duh!" "I mean, what is poop?"
Me: "well, its food that our body doesn't use, its the leftovers of what we eat." (I felt pretty satisfied with that answer)
Alex: "oh, ok."..."I AM POOP!"
Me: "WHAT! Where did you get that from? You're not food."
Alex: "Well, if an alligator eats me, then I will become poop."

Saturday and Sunday were pretty normal.  The boys and I went to a Lowes workshop and built dog leash holders.

Dog Leash holders.  One for Mason and one for Moroni!

Look what we made!

 James came home that afternoon and we spent time watching movies and just spending time together as a family.  Church was pretty typical, and we all were in our own classes and did our own things.  We went driving after Church and looked at some neighborhoods and dreamed of houses that we would love to live in.  Now as I sit here and update James and the boys are building towers with blocks, the dogs are eating, and there is a low rumble of thunder outside.  I am so blessed and i feel Heavenly Father's love for me every single day.  I feel it as I smile and as I cry.  I try to remember Him in all that I do and I try to stay focused on what is important and not get too wrapped up in the world.  I am hoping that even though this week will be busy and filled with lots of different things, that I can remember to slow down and enjoy the little moments I have.  As I have reflected on 9/11 and also on Hurricane Ike, I have tried to remember to count my blessings and to help those around me, and to teach my children to be grateful and upstanding boys that will grow to become righteous men and fathers.  I love our country and I love that I am able to think for myself and that the Lord has blessed me with a mind and an intellect so that i can develop my talents and knowledge.  Whew, that was a little deep...well, until next week.

Tumbles, Teachers, and Tons of Baking!

This has been quite a busy week this week.  I started my week with babysitting rather than grocery shopping.  Alex and Eric love going to their friend's house and playing.  Eric loves playing dress up and being a "princess"...I will worry about it if he gets older and still likes to dress like a princess.  That evening I went shopping later that night and I was amazed that I got everything done in under an hour...what a difference it makes without kids in tow. 

Tuesday is Tumbling day for Eric.  This kid is NUTS!  He loves to run and jump and play!  At one point he had his instructor laughing hysterically!  The kids were supposed to practice front rolls on a cylindrical mat.  Eric took a running start and dove onto the mat!  The mat rolled forward and he held on tight and rolled all around the room attached to that mat!  He finally let go and landed on his back and just laughed and laughed!  He loves having a place where he gets to do whatever he wants and is safe.  Eric is always full of smiles and energy, he is such an active spirit.

Wednesday we went back to the library and spent half the day there playing, reading, and spending time together.  Thursday was the day that Alex was able to go to his school and meet his teacher!  He was so excited and walked n like he owned the place.  He can't wait to start school on Tuesday and play with his friends.  I am excited for him, and for the time that I can spend with Eric while Alex is gone for a few hours.

Friday was VERY busy!  I attended and a birthday bruncheon and was able to enjoy some girl talk while the kids played.  I love all my friends and how much fun we have together.  After the brunch, I headed to Conroe to make some deliveries.  I had been baking all week!  I had five orders of cake ball and three cheesecakes to deliver to James' work!  After my delivery, we went to lunch as a family and enjoyed a yummy meal.  Then we headed home and did some scrubbing for the weekend.

Saturday GiGi came and we went to a BBQ.  The BBQ was hosted by a good friend of ours and he is also a business associate of James'.  We shared good food, good times, and some pretty good weather.  The humidity has been fairly low and you can actually be outside without melting instantly.  We then came home and rested and shared a yummy homemade fish dinner.  I prepared some yummy pan broiled Swaii and veggies.  GiGi and I then were able to sit and talk and laugh.  Alex and Eric really had us laughing with their dancing and animal impressions.  I love spending time with my family.

Today we went to Church and then went to my parent's home for dinner.  Dinner was delicious and the company was great.  The boys love to see their Bopper and Papa and to play at their new home.  I enjoy having y parents close by for support.  Now, I sit here updating my blog as James and Alex are preparing for their little fishing trip in the morning and GiGi is still here and we are making plans for the day.  I definitely will be doing my grocery shopping, as well as a few other stores that we only have up here in Magnolia and Conroe, as well as preparing a yummy lunch before GiGi leaves.  All in all, it has been a pretty good week.  This week has been very busy, and at times stressful, but I can look back, sigh a contented sigh, and smile.  This week is sure to bring lots of excitement as Alex starts school and I start my newest cake class.  Until next week...