Halloween and Other Fall Activities

WOW!  I was bad and didn't post anything last week!  Last week we had a bit of a chaotic week, but ended it with a quick trip to Dallas to celebrate James' great-uncle Hal's 90th birthday!  We had a great time and we were able to take the boys to the planetarium.  They had a great time and we enjoyed our mini getaway. 

Alex the Astronaut

Eric the Astronaut

This week was PACKED!  Not only did we have our regular activities and schedules, I had a HUGE cake order to fill, as well as lots of small orders.  I am so grateful for many friends that are willing to help out when I need it and also around to share laughs and tears with.  This last Thursday Alex had a little Fall Festival at his school.  He was so adorable with his classmates and they were all dressed up and had a great time.  I am grateful that I am able to be a Room Mom and help out and spend time at his school.  On Friday we dashed up to Waco to pick up my brother from college and then we dashed home to pick up the last cake order of the week and head to James' work.  James' work was having their grand opening/open house and it was lots of fun.  The boys were able to see what Daddy does all day as well as enjoy great food and great company.  On Saturday GiGi came up to Magnolia to celebrate her birthday.  For the last two years we have gone to the Pumpkin Patch together and this year was no different.  The boys have so much fun there and we always like to spend time together outside reminiscing and enjoying each other's company.  After dinner, GiGi had to head home and we headed to our ward's activity.  After lots of pizza, ice cream, and games we had our annual trunk-or-treat.  The boys had a great time and we have come to realize that Eric LOVES candy and will do almost anything to get some. 

Toddler Story time

Alex and Eric showing off their craft



Alex's Class

Alex

Eric

Such handsome boys!

Today we had a nice time at church and in our classes.  The Primary is preparing for their program and they are getting better and better every time.  I am so excited for them and I am honored to be their chorister.  After church we headed to James' parents to celebrate his mom's birthday and Halloween.  I have such great in-laws and I feel so blessed to have them in my life.  I have been able to do a lot of thinking about gratitude and I think that for the month of November I am going to have 'Thankful Thursdays" in my blog...we will see if I can keep up and if I can keep it brief...I have SO much to be grateful for.  This week so far doesn't seem too chaotic yet, but I guess we will see.  So, until next week...

Alex's and James' Pumpkins

A week full of busy

This week has been filled with emotion, busy-ness, and some fun too.  Monday morning was a bit rocky as I had a bit of a look at myself and realized that I am not sure what makes me happy.  I know, what happy is and I know when I feel it, but I don't know what I like to do on my own that makes me happy.  I am always doing what other people want to do and always looking for their best interest and happiness, that I have lost myself.  I have always figured that thinking of myself first was selfish, but I am starting to realize that I cannot be myself and give myself to others if I don't know who I am...I think that makes sense, well it does in my head.  Anyway, after a very emotional morning, I was able to salvage my day by having lunch with my mom and going to Sam Moon.  I LOVE that store and I was able to get some fun accessories for my BUNCO Halloween costume and a new wallet.  Tuesday was our BUNCO Halloween get-together and we had so much fun!  Most of us dressed up and shared treats and laughs.  I was able to laugh until I cried and visit with women I love and forget all my issues for a couple of hours, it goes without saying but, I LOVE BUNCO! 

Me as "The BUNCO Queen"

My Cake Ball "Spooky Sampler" I am offering for the month of October

Wednesday we skipped story time and went to GiGi's house to visit.  These midday visits are too short, but still so much fun.  I am so excited for the 30th to celebrate GiGi's birthday and to go to the Pumpkin Patch, it has become a tradition.  Thursday i ran around like a chicken with my head cut off as I juggled babysitting kids, Alex's school, and shopping...I survived, and that's what matters.  Friday I went to a baby shower for two lovely ladies!  I wasn't feeling very well, but I enjoyed seeing my friends and celebrating new life coming into the world.  That evening Alex had his first little sleep over!  His friend's mom needed to tend to a family emergency, so we picked Alex's friend up from school and he slept over.  The boys had fun and even though there were times that I was sure I wouldn't have any hair left by the time his mom came, I was glad I was able to help.  This weekend was Stake Conference and it was AMAZING!  On Saturday evening I was so impressed by Sister Jensen (our area Seventy's wife) and her remarks.  I will always remember not to make a big deal about a Sausage, Egg, and CHEESE McMuffin and that "Weird parents make weird kids."  I really needed to hear the words spoken and to not make a big deal about the little things and to rejoice in the moment.  Also, to save my best for my family rather than giving my best to everyone else.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family that make my life filled with joy and smiles.  When we returned from conference to pick up the boys, Eric puked ALL over me!  The poor kid has his first stomach bug, but we though it was just something he ate.  We went to Stake Conference on Sunday, but left early because Eric had a sad little face as he told me, "My tummy hurts."  We were really afraid he would throw up at Church, so we left before anything could happen.  He fell asleep in the car, but when he woke up, he was sick again.  He held down Pepto Bismal and some Ginger Ale, so hopefully this won't last too long.  As for my goal to stress less, I did okay.  I am still striving to relax and to take some time for myself.  I am hoping to attend a seminar on essential oils and order some Chinese herbs to help with the pain I have now become accustomed to as my constant companion.  I am hoping that I can find some relief, because I am amazed to realize how pain makes a person very cranky and a bit over sensitive, and I don't want to be that way towards anyone.  Wish me luck, and until next week...

Another week and the frog story

Well things are back to normal, well as normal as we can be...The week was filled with interesting events and lots of laughs, love, and memories.  Monday was spent shopping and getting blood work done.  While at the doctor's office I was sure my arm would shrivel up from the amount of blood they had to take...but it didn't.  That evening we went for ice cream as a family because it is a tradition that if anyone in the family has to be poked by a needle, we all get ice cream.



Playing after we got ice cream


Wednesday came the Internet Guy!  Now we have high speed Internet!  On Thursday it was a constant go-go-go day!  I started out dropping Eric at a sitter, then taking Alex to school.  After Alex was situated I went to the "Room-Mom" meeting.  After the meeting I went to our local resale shop and got ripped off!  Then I went to the doctor for my "woman visit" and for an unexpected ultrasound.  Then I went back to pick up Eric, went to my mom's house to let the dogs out.  Then we went to pickup Alex, car wash, then to a meeting for a committee I am on at Church.  After the meeting, we played at the park for a little bit and chatted with friends, then home to have a play date, then make dinner and bed!  I am tired just remembering that day.  Friday morning was beautiful as we headed to the park to play.  That morning I received lots of news.  First from the doctor's office that said that all my blood work came back fairly normal (this sounds good, but it is a bit frustrating because we can't figure out what's going on), then from my OB/GYN saying they found a cyst.  Well, what a day...and it was only 11:30!  I then spent the rest of the day at home until James came home and we went to dinner and perused the mall.  James then packed his things and went on a scout camp out early Saturday morning.  After he left we went to Lowes to make a "fun house mirror", then to a Scentsy Party.  We made it home by 3:00 and were tired.  After a brief nap we trudged on to the grocery store for some awesome deals :). 

Alex liked making silly faces in his mirror

The boys showing off their fun house mirrors

 Now, one thing I left out about Saturday...the frog.  It started when I was putting laundry away and I noticed a little frog perched over a door in our hallway.  I am NOT a frog person...especially when said frog is above my head and could possible jump down at any time.  Since James was gone I called my mom.  After being teased about "the scary frog" my parents came to get rid of the frog.  The story should end there, but it doesn't.  When my parents arrived...the frog disappeared!  As you may imagine, this only increased the teasing and silly comments.  Well, after about thirty minutes of looking, they decided that the frog was gone and they left.  Well, that brings me to Sunday morning when I go to get the boys ready for church.  Mr. Frog was hiding in the basket of the boys tub toys and decided to go for a dip when I started to fill the tub for the boy's bath.  After Alex leaped out of the tub screaming like a girl and I am trying to muster up the courage to catch the slimy little goober, I grab a piece of Tupperware and catch the frog.  Well, we tried to free him, but he wouldn't leave!  I finally just left the container outside because he wouldn't leave no matter how far I tipped the container or tapped on it!  So, that's the frog story.

Where the frog started

He was a little cute

After I caught him



Well, Sunday was church without James.  This is never a good thing because Eric is not a fan of Daddy being gone, so he wouldn't stay in Nursery and this made things a bit difficult as I tried to teach the kids.  After church we went to my parents home for dinner and a movie and James was there!  I missed him so much and we were all so happy to see him.  Now we are home and getting ready for bed, Daddy is reading a book and the boys are in their pajamas and cuddled up with the blankies.  This has been quite a week, but I look forward to next week and I have some goals for myself.  My main goal is to stress less.  I may not know why I am feeling the way I am or why I am sick and have the symptoms I do, but I know that stress makes it worse and that I could really use less stress, or better stress management in my life.  I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband and two amazing little boys.  Alex has been amazing this last week.  He has always seemed to know when I need a hug, and he has been super helpful around the house and with Eric.  Alex has a special spirit and I am definitely blessed to be his mommy.  My heart is full and my eyes are tired, so until next week...







My Wednesday Post

Well, my blog post ended up being on Wednesday this week because I FINALLY have high speed Internet!  I couldn't handle "losing" my blog post every time I tried to post it, so I waited until the Satellite Guy came to install our Internet.  Our week was pretty standard last week as we went shopping, school, and story time, and all that jazz.  Some things were a bit different though.  My final cake class was postponed...a little frustrating!  We were able to visit with friends and celebrate a birthday...Alex always is up for birthday cake!  Saturday and Sunday were General Conference!  I love having the opportunity to listen to our prophets and being able to be taught through modern day revelation and being reminded of who I am personally and who I stand for.  I did miss Saturday morning due to a doctor's appointment, but unfortunately I had to go to the doctor. 

I have been having some health issues that have been hard for me to deal with, but I am working through it.  I find it interesting that it is not just the illnesses, but also the emotional ties that go with my health.  I am waiting for lab results...waiting...and waiting!  I pray that one day my body will decide to behave itself and just do what it is supposed to do.  Fortunately, the Magnesium and Aleve is helping with the pain, but the Magnesium wreaks havoc on my tummy.  I am hoping that when my lab results come in that the doctor will look at them and say, "Oh, here is the problem, and here is the simple solution."  I doubt that will happen, but I can hope.  Until then, I will continue to endure the pain and itching and the need to stay a general temperature so as to not be too cold, or too hot, and of course the ever pleasant...keeping away from water. 

This entry has been a bit scattered, but lately that is how my brain has been working.  One day it will either get it together, or it will explode...either away the results will be amazing!  I am ever grateful for my boys and that Alex seems to know when I need a hug, and when to quit arguing with Eric so that I can cope with what's going on.  I am grateful that James has been and always is my rock.  He has always been there to listen and to offer me encouragement and blessings.  I am, especially grateful that he cleaned the bathrooms for me this past weekend.  I was actually having nightmares about having to clean the bathrooms and the pain that would ensue from working with water and possible sweating.  He then stepped in, and without being asked, cleaned the bathrooms top to bottom for me.  I am so blessed and I must remember to count my blessings and not my woes. 

Well, I guess that's it for now, but I will post again on Sunday.  Oh, and here are some absolutely adorable pictures that my mother-in-law took on Sunday of the boys!  Enjoy!

Alex

Eric