It's been a while

I haven't wrote for a while, obviously. I just haven't felt up to it, and with Christmas I have been very busy.

Our kids had a good Christmas. They got everything they wanted, and Santa was very good to them. Bradley and Parker were really into unwrapping their gifts. Dustin was still tired, and just wanted to cuddle with mommy. I tried helping Dustin, and he wanted nothing to do with it. Once Dustin noticed his big gift, which was a baby 4 wheeler, he just wanted to play with that.

For Christmas eve.... I spent a lot of time wrapping gifts, and cleaning the house for company on Christmas. Brad and I also did something I didn't think we would ever do again...visit his parents. I did not take Bradley or Parker, but just took Dustin who sat on my lap the whole time. I figured I would be nice, and visited for the Holiday. I also wanted to give Samantha her Christmas gifts. One of which was a zhu zhu pet. That darn thing was so hard to get a hold of. I ended up waiting for about 2-3 hours to get one zhu zhu pet. Samantha seemed so excited about getting the zhu zhu pet though. The visit was pretty awkward, and I felt real uncomfortable. I do not mind Brads mom too much, and made a Christmas gift for her from my boys. I will say though, no matter what I will never again like Brads father. Everything Brad told me about that man, I believe. But, I won't go into that subject anymore.

Christmas day was grrreeeat!! My brother, his gf Brandee, and his children came over with my dad. Mom and I made dinner, I mainly made the dessert though. I made two cakes, one Christmas tree, and a snow man. The snow man cake was soooo cute!! My brother James played guns with all the boys and it was just so funny. Brad even got into the Nerf gun fight. They were all having so much fun. Dustin and AJ were even running around with their little guns shooting and making sound effects lol. It was the family get together I had hoped for. I had been waiting for our family to get together since James came home from Iraq. But CC had messed things up by telling lies, trying to break up the family. Now that all of that is over, things can start getting better. I couldn't have asked for our Christmas to have been much better. I am just so thankful for my 3 little boys, and my family. I love them all so much. Well, I will post some photo's later. Brad is making his chicken Alfredo tonight for dinner. I get a break from cooking, and Brad does a great job at making it!

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The Pictures

It took me a while to post these, but here they are.


Bradley smiling so nice.





Parker was a little ham. He has such a beautiful smile.




The best smile Dustin would give us.. a cute lil smerk.




My beautiful blue eyed boys. They all look so sweet. I love this picture.


Finally... our family picture.

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I'm 24

Yesterday was my birthday. We didn't do anything special, and it was just like any other day. Only I was an extra year older. My birthday present was the professional pictures the day prior. Which was something I really wanted. To have those pictures, to preserve the memories of my little boys being little. My mom also got me some nice ear rings, and a sweatshirt. My dad gave me a nice card, and money. I also did get a special gift from my oldest son Bradley! He had taken his magnadoodle (did I spell that right?) and took some wrapping paper and wrapped it all by himself lol. He came running to me very proudly, and told me "here's your gift mommy, it's a magnadoodle". He can be such a sweetheart.

It seems so weird to me now that I am older, just remembering how exciting it once was as your Birthday approached. Now... I dread it. I know I am lucky each year that I am alive to celebrate another birthday, but it saddens me to take that moment and realize how quickly life passes us by. As a kid I always wished I was older, now I know to tell my kids to never wish for that. I want to always remind them to enjoy being a kid because it doesn't last long at all.

Well again, I will post the pictures from our photo shoot soon.

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Christmas pictures

It's that time a year again, and our family tradition continues. Each year we get our family photo taken. It is important to me to have those memories. I have family photo's from each Christmas since Bradley was born. Our family sure has changed so much. We all look so much different. The boys really change from year to year, and are getting so grown up.

This Christmas things are already different from the previous years. Bradley and Parker are very into Santa, or as they call him "ho ho"! Bradley & Parker made a deal with daddy that they would smile for their pictures, and in return they would get to put up the Christmas tree that same day. So, Bradley and Parker "decorated" the Christmas tree after mommy & daddy put it together. The Christmas tree is pretty interesting looking now. I told Brad that once the boys are sleeping I have plans of redecorating the tree. It's really cute how hard Bradley & Parker tried to decorate. I gave them lots of praise, and told them what a beautiful job they did... although all the decorations are all in one spot, on one side of the tree.

Well anyway, I will post the pictures tomorrow. They all turned out so nice. Dustin's pictures weren't the best, but we did get a tiny smile from him. I was really disappointed he wouldn't smile. But Bradley and Parker made up for Dustin not smiling. They did a wonderful job, and were so pleasant. Bradley and Parker even made a little friend at the portrait studio. They were running around together, and playing catch with a football. My boys have always been so shy, so it was nice seeing them come out of their shell and play with other kids.

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Thanksgiving & Black friday

Thanksgiving was pretty decent. We had a nice family dinner with my mom, dad, brother, eldest nephew Nathan, our boys, Brad, and myself. Mom and I cooked the dinner, and everything turned out delicious!

The night before Thanksgiving I had gone to bed late though, and had to drink coffee through out the day to stay awake. I was sooo tired! Of course I knew ahead of time that I was going out later that night to go shopping with all of the other crazy people for black Friday sales. So in the past few days I have had a total of maybe 5 hours of sleep...and that is pushing it.

Thanksgiving night Brad and I left at about 9:50 and when we arrived at the toy store (that didn't open until midnight!!) there was a line wrapping around the store. Here I had thought we'd be close to the front of the line, but boy was I wrong! It really was awful though.. it was raining hard, and freeezing cold. If it hadn't have been for the rain and the horribly cold wind it wouldn't have been to horrible waiting outside for an hour and a half. Instead I was soaked to the bone, and ended up having to leave Brad by himself while I went and warmed up in our car. Brad had worn a jacket... not me! I guess I wasn't thinking and only wore a sweatshirt. Luckily I did find one of Brads fleece sweatshirts in our trunk and threw that on as well. Then went and stood in line again with Brad. Once inside the store it was total kayos. I had to put my hand behind my back to shield myself from people running me over with carts. People are totally insane on black Friday. If everyone would calm down, and not run around and push and shove like crazy people it wouldn't be so hectic. In the end, we only got half of the things on our list. Like so many, we were attempting to get the Zhu Zhu pets. Of course they handed out tickets to only the first 100 people, and we probably were back in the two, three hundreds. Oh well I guess.

Well anyway I am getting ready to finally try and get some sleep. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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Glasses...at 4?

Bradley had his eye doctor appointment, and it turns out he needs glasses. Bradley has a
stigmatism (unsure of spelling) and some other issues. Brad took him to the eye doctor so I have to rely on what he told me. Which, I really wish I would have taken Bradley myself. I have so many questions, and Daddy just doesn't ask them. He gets the diagnoses, says "ok," and goes on with what the doc wants to do. I on the other hand, ask a boatload of questions so I know more of what to expect. Plus... Brad did get the diagnoses, but can't even tell me what that was! He says he "can't even begin to pronounce it". Ugh!! I really want to know what the diagnoses was.. I want to google it and learn more! lol.

The eye doctor did tell Brad that the glasses should fix Bradley's problem, and he won't need to wear the glasses for too long... hopefully. One of Bradley's eyes are much stronger than the other, and he has been going cross eyed. That was the reasoning he went to the eye Dr. to begin with. Bradley has done the "cross eyed thing" for quite some time. I will catch him doing it some days and will yell at him to stop! He can stop doing it on his own, so I never really knew if it was something he could control or not. I just hope things go good with the glasses, and it is only temporary.

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Where do I begin??

I guess I will start off saying I have the in laws from hell. Honestly! I really made a huge mistake being nice to these people, and contacting them about 2.5 almost 3 years ago. During these years we have never had a good relationship with Brads parents. It has always been rocky, and uncomfortable. Maybe because the relationship was forced. Brad has never wanted anything to do with his parents, or any of that family. Now, it is very understandable as to why he felt this way. I have learned a valuable lesson here lol. That being - when it comes to your spouses family, if your spouse states his family is a bunch of horrible low life people, he means it! Listen to your spouse! I learned the hard way. All because I wanted to see the good in people, and be nice. Now I am paying for it by being bombarded with nasty emails about how we are "white trash", and how my husband is a "loser". Also states how I "talk smack" to my kids about Brads parents. I personally have never heard anyone say something like that (using the word "smack"). I always was under the impression "smack" is what you do to someone who talks badly about you lol. At least that is what they deserve, a good smack in the mouth! I just know I am the better person here. If I were to post everything these people have written, anyone reading this would be able to understand what my husband and I are going through. It's just crazy, and I want my family to be left alone. Especially now that I know, after everything I have done for those people, they have been "trash talking" about me behind my back. It's really sad. It's sad that these people are like this. It really makes me sick that they are involving other people, and making us into these horrible people (which we are not), and receiving a pity party like they deserve one. We are the victim in all of this, not them. GRRR this has me sick. Why do people have to behave like this?

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Brad's Birthday

Well I'd like to think Brad had a pretty good birthday. My mom watched our boys, while Brad and I went out and spent time together. It was so wierd being just the two of us. When we got back home I pulled out one of Brads homemade woopie pies (that took me forever to make!). I put 4 candles on it (made Brad younger lol) and had the boys and my mom come into the dinning room to sing to Brad. The boys were excited to sing to daddy, and the older two sat on Brads lap. I didn't catch the picture of the 3 of them blowing out the candles, but... I did catch the one above at that moment the final candle went out. Brad has this look like "hey, you blew out all my candles" lol. It was cute. Bradley and Parker blew out all of daddys candles before he even finished taking a deep breath to blow. I just hope Brad did have a good day. He got lots of birthday wishes from people, only NONE from his own parents. Just another reason for us to want nothing to do with them. But anyway, happy birthday Brad. The 6th year I have been blessed to spend your B-day with you. I love you so much.

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happy 27th!

Tomorrow, Nov. 7Th is my hubby's 27Th birthday! This is the 6th b-day of his I have been with him for. This year I am planning on making one of Brad's favorite treats... Woopie pies! I have never made them before, but they don't sound too hard to make. Plus I love to bake, and cook anyways. So it should be fun.

Happy Birthday Brad. I love you so much, and am so lucky to have met you. I hope you have a great B-day tomorrow.

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I lucked out

I usually do not see myself as "lucky". But the other day someone was truly watching over me. My mom, the boys, and myself had all gone out shopping. We first went to Target which is right next door to Kohl's. After Target we decided to walk down to Kohl's. At Kohl's the boys were bored, and acting bad! When we were leaving I was just concentrating on getting the boys out of the store without having all eyes on us, since they were being loud.

On our way home we stopped for gas. I had given my mom money earlier on in the day to hold for me, so we could put gas in the van. Well, after getting gas my mom handed me the change. I took it and searched for my purse to put the money in. That was when I realized I had left it at Kohl's. I had left it hanging on one of the stores stroller/carts. I was frantic once I realized I had left it. Not only did it have ALL of my credit cards,my license, health cards for myself and family, money, and my expensive camera. I was expecting the worst, and hurried through the Koh'ls bag to find the receipt to call the store to see if they had found my purse.

When I called I felt a little relieved because the lady from Kohl's said they had my purse. But, I couldn't help but wonder if anything was taken from it. When we got to Kohl's Bradley and myself ran in. At the costumer service desk I was given my purse. This may sound crazy, but the thing I looked for first was my camera. I was SO relieved to find it in the same spot, along with all my credit cards, and money. Nothing was touched at all! A very nice elderly man was kind enough to take my purse to the customer service desk. If that man had not done that I do not know what would have happened. I just feel like god knew I couldn't deal with losing all my identification, and anymore stress than I already deal with on a daily basis. I was just very, very, very lucky!

Now, the other thing that may be happening to make our lives so much better is Brads job. There is a possibility that he could get a promotion. If he did I would be so relieved. Right now Brads new job does not cover all of our bills. After child support is deducted and paid, we are left with about $600 to live off of and pay all our bills. It is not enough! I also do not want to with drawl my boys from preschool, just because we pay so much child support. I do not feel it is fair for our children to not have things they deserve. Samantha sure does not suffer. Brad's parents pay for that child to have everything, not to mention all of the support WE pay(the mother does not work), and we pay a lot!! I have always really liked Samantha, and know it's not her fault. But I also know it is so unfair to my children that they are left with nothing. It's also unfair that Brad's parents show so much favoritism, and do not treat the boys the same as Samantha. But anyway, I am just praying that Brad does get a promotion in a few weeks. We really need for that to happen!

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Halloween is over

After all the excitement, and waiting to take the kids trick-or-treating, it's over! The boys made out real well on Halloween night. The weather was nice too, except for when it started to rain later on during the night.

It ended up being just my mom and myself who took our boys trick or treating down at my dads house. Originally Brad was supposed to get out early from work, to come along with us. I was really disappointed, and so was Brad. The boys still had a great time getting to see pop-pop, and trick or treating with mom-mom and pop-pop. The entire time we were trick or treating, I had to explain to everyone that the boys were in fact NOT triplets. It is so funny how many people stop and ask me if they are triplets. We were even stopped by someone driving by who told me I have the most beautiful children. I always get compliments about my baby boys. Even at the nursing home someone stopped us and asked if they could take a photo of my boys. Daddy also took the boys to the market in town for the trick-or-treat night there. The boys had a good time with daddy and saw the local baseball teams mascot. A lady from the newspaper stopped Brad and asked if she could take a photo of the boys with the mascot, and told Brad we had the most beautiful children she has ever seen. Daddy was definitely proud! They boys posed with the mascot, and had their picture taken. It was possibly supposed to be in the paper, but I have not noticed if it was. We do not get a daily paper, so I don't know.

Well, here are some photo's of the boys. Some are from the nursing home that I did not post before.

Bradley (left), Dustin (middle), Parker (right).

Daddy and his bumblebees

Our baby boys, and Samantha.

Bradley

Parker

Dustin

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Halloween at Preschool

Yesterday was Bradley, and Parkers Trick-or-treat tailgate at preschool. We were supposed to have enough treats for 25 children or more. We ended up only giving away about 13. There were 8 kids at school, a lot less than normal! Everyone has been hit with whatever sickness is going around. Bradley and Parker were out of school for two weeks around Bradleys B-day also. So a lot of kids at preschool are getting sick. Here is a picture of the boys singing a Halloween song.

Mine are obviously the two bumblebees. Bradley is the one on the left next to his teacher making a "I'm embarrassed face" lol. Parker is the one in the middle trying to rip off his hood. Parker hates his hood, he says it's itchy!

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Nursing home trick-or-treat

Well last night was the nursing home's trick-or-treat night. The boys enjoyed the trick or treating part except for a few minor incidents. Poor Parkers bucket handle broke right away, and then one of the residents of the nursing home grabbed Parker's bucket and stole a huge handful of candy from him. Parker was so upset and scared. I am not sure why this person did it, probably a mental disability or just senile.

The other part of the night that had my kids upset was the fact that my in-laws were there. It was the first time I could see the full extent of Bradley's fear of "ma-moo". Bradley held daddy's hand so tight when she came near, he swore he would break his finger. Bradley also put his hands on his hips when he was close to me, and gave "ma-moo" the meanest glare I have ever seen on my child's face. Bradley just glared at her giving her this mean look while she tried talking to him. I wish she would have just left us all alone.

At the end I allowed her to take a photo of all the kids together. And I am not just speaking of my children, but my supposed step daughter. I had gotten a gift for Sam and gave it to her at the end, along with the costume that Brads old neighbor was nice enough to lend to us. I also tried to mention to my in-laws that the boys may not be able to attend preschool anymore. I was completely ignored, and they could have cared less to hear anything about my children. This really set a fire in me and I felt like blowing up, but managed to keep my cool because of my children. I also did notice that Samantha is very distant now, even though we have been sending her letters and cards. Alienation can really do something to a kid. So, I think this is it, and I am no longer having ANY contact with any of these people. I am done trying to be nice, and keeping my cool. It is very obvious my in-laws care nothing about our children, or their one and only child (my husband). I know I will never be able to understand everything fully and why these people are like this, but I don't need too. I am just going to forget about it and move on with my family. I just hope that I am able to do so, and we do not receive court papers in the mail. Nothing would surprise me with Brads parents. Brads father especially gave dirty looks, and said not one word to any of us. I will not tolerate their BS anymore! GRRR how frustrating. Well I have complained enough right? lol.

Now I can look forward to tomorrow when my boys get to trick or treat at preschool. I know they will all have a good time. Including Dustin. Then we will have Halloween night to look forward too. I love this time of year, all the Holidays are coming up after Halloween, you have Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and New Years. I have always loved getting together with my family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's a great time of year.

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Our pumpkin's

Our family of pumpkins! Aren't they cute?

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Blah !!

Right now I am thinking about Oct. 27th which is approaching quickly. On that day, the boys are going to the trick-or-treat night at a nursing home with daddy & mommy. It's a great place to have the kids trick or treat. You don't have to worry about the kids running in traffic, or something bad happening to your child. Plus you know all the candy is safe. It's also great for all the elderly people there to get to see all the kids having a good time. Some of these people probably don't get many visitors, and it puts a smile on a lot of these residents faces.

My dilemma is - we will be seeing the in-laws (Brad's parents). We have not seen them, and have not been talking to them for some time now. Bradley is terrified of "mamoo" and does not want to see her at all! Parker feels the same way, even though they didn't do anything bad to Parker. I guess witnessing them hurt Bradley was enough for him to make his decision about disliking them. Bradley still to this day tells us the story about how "ma-moo squeezed his hand, and hurt him".
I was the one this time to contact them, and wanted to drop off a gift we bought for Samantha. I did not want them to see our children, or pretend to get along or like them. It is impossible for me to change my feelings about them now after I have been threatened, and my child has been hurt.
I just am very nervous about what was supposed to be a good night for the boys. My plan is to hand off the gift for Samantha, exchange very few words, and just keep moving with the boys so they can have fun. I will not tolerate my kids being "bothered" or feeling intimidated in any way. I will not push them to say hello, or acknowledge these people. The people they are afraid of.
It makes me sad that things must be this way. I actually wrote Brads parents a note years ago, and mailed them some photos of our children (they had never seen them). My husband despises his parents for so many understandable reasons. I suppose I had to learn on my own what type of people they are. Now that I know, and have been threatened, and told by the father in law that - if he feels my children need their asses beat, he will beat them. I've had it! That and some other statements he made to me during a phone conversation ended any type of relationship we will ever have with them. It is a shame I actually had to contact a lawyer to make sure my children are safe from these people. All I ever intended was to have more family. I imagined nice Holiday get togethers, and all the kids running around playing and having fun. I envisioned this big happy family. Boy was I wrong! But in the end, I know I gave these people a chance and they ruined it. They never had much to do with our children, never really helped, and showed huge favoritism towards the other grandchild. So much so that my then 3 year old told me "mamoo loves Samantha, not me". WOW, what a shocker that was to hear. At least I know as a mom I can keep my children safe, and away from the harm these people cause. Thank god for that. And thank god I actually have a wonderful and caring family. We may have our problems, (what family doesn't?) but we are always there for each other. I really am blessed.

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Bradley is four

I really have been in denile as to how quickly my babies are growing up right in front of me. Today I have been looking back at pictures of them, and found this picture below of Bradley. He was 13 months old in this picture. Boy has he changed! My baby boy isn't a baby anymore. He's a 4 year old! To top things off, next year will be Bradley & probably Parkers final year for preschool before entering kindergarden. I will admit this has brought tears to my eyes. I would love if my kids would stay young forever (along with mommy staying young as well lol).

Bradley is a real sweet heart and always asks me " I'm your baby boy right mommy?" I always tell him of course, and it's followed by Bradley going "aww I love you mommy". I know I really have to treasure these times because once Bradley hits about 6 or 7 he's going to be off with his friends, and it won't be so cool to be with mommy anymore. It makes me so sad. I have been so lucky to have such wonderful kids, and I love them more than anything.

Well here are the pictures of my oldest boy Bradley. The first one is of him at 13 months old in November of 2006. The bottom one is of Bradley opening up his birthday presents. He is so grown up now. Happy B-day Bradley, mommy loves you more than you will ever know.

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Pumpkin pickin

This upcoming Tuesday Brad and I are accompanying Bradley and Parker on their school field trip to a local farm. The boys will each get to pick out one pumpkin, 2 gourds, an apple, and have apple sauce and apple cyder for a snack. Dustin, mommy and daddy, will also get to have these things. I must say I am excited to take the boys. We will also be going on a 45 minute hay ride. Last year the boys were supposed to attend the same field trip, but because of Brads work schedule we were not able to attend. Now, with Brads new job he is able to be a little more flexible. He still needs to give notice when he needs off, but they are more understanding that Brad has a family.

I am also really looking forward to the "trick or treat night" at the nursing home, and the Halloween tailgate party at preschool. It is so exciting for the boys to dress up and show off their costumes. This year I also made up these cute spooky little give-a-way bags for preschool. There are bug candies, and candy eye balls, and some cute pumpkin lolly pops.
I also need to donate a bag of candy to the nursing home that holds the trick-or-treat night. Brad and I will be doing that on Sunday, along with putting our boys names on the list of those attending on the 27Th.

I really love this time of year. There are so many fun things for the boys to do, and I love the fall weather. It's so beautiful this time of year. All the different colors from the tree's, and the fun falling leaves. I always enjoyed raking the leaves, and then jumping in them as a kid. Now it's my boys turn to jump in the big pile of leaves. Fall is so fun.

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What to do...

Right now I am trying to figure out what we are going to do for Bradley's birthday party. It was supposed to be last weekend, but since everyone (including Bradley) was sick we had to push it to this weekend. So now I am trying to think of something fun that Bradley would enjoy. Originally we were thinking chuckie cheeses, but I don't really like that idea. There are so many much larger kids running around the place, and they tend to knock the little ones down. Most parents don't watch what their children are doing and they run wild.
Last time we went to Chuckie Cheese for Parker's birthday, and during that time my nephew was waiting to get on one of the "rides" and the mean child who was on it decided my nephew was standing too close. So this kid gets off and just shoves my 8 year old nephew on the ground. It takes a lot of self control to just not smack the child that thinks they can bully a younger kid like that. GRR it made me so mad. My brother and I both told Nathan next time it happens to slug the kid and run lol. I know, not the best advice, but for a 12-13 year old to be picking on an 8 year old, they would deserve it.

Well anyway, the other idea Bradley liked was to go to a park. Bradley loves playing outside. If it were going to be nice weather on Sunday we would plan to have a picnic at the park and let all the kids run and play. That way us adults can just watch the kids run around and have a good time. It wouldn't be anywhere nearly as loud as Chuckie Cheese. But in the end, I am sure that is probably were we will end up. No matter what we do, I just want it to be a special day for my now 4 year old.

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SICK!!!!!!!!!

The boys, and I have all been real sick. First Bradley, and Dustin got sick, then myself, and now Parker. Although I am still not better. Bradley is showing signs of feeling better, but still very sluggish. He went to the ER with a fever of 104.3 and severe muscle aches. He also vomited, had a cough, and lots of yucky discharge coming from his nose. The hospital kept Bradley for about 4 hours, and took X-rays of his chest, and tried to lower his temp. Then we were allowed to go home. They didn't do much for him.

I really hope my boys do not have the headache mommy has, accompanied by all of the other symptoms. Of course Bradley, and Parker both are complaining that their heads hurt, along with their eyes and legs. I am really worried about what we have.

I personally have not been able to eat solid food for 3 days. Not without puking anyways. And this headache.. it's a headache from hell! It started 3 days ago, and has yet to go away. My mom has been great, and has helped me with the boys. I can barely function. It feels as if my eyes are bruised, and the chills, and muscle aches are awful. I truly do not know what I would do without my mom. She is always so much help to me, and my family.

I just want my children, and myself to recover quickly from this. My first thought is H1N1 virus (AKA the swine flu). It is very scary. I hope that is not what we all have.

Well, I'm off to lay down, and wish & pray this awful headache goes away. I will also add though.. even though the boys are sick, they can still make LOTS of noise, and misbehave. Luckily they do not seem to be as sick as mommy. Thank god!

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It figures

Today Bradley was supposed to take cupcakes into preschool to celebrate his birthday. So, last night I made up 24 cupcakes. And these cupcakes look like the ones you would buy from the store. They turned out perfect! Well now, it's 5:40 am and I have spent the entire night awake with Bradley and Dustin. Both of them are sick now! Dustin seems to be worse, and I am anxiously awaiting for the doctors office to open so I can call. I want Dustin to be seen today!

It is just really a shame because Bradley was really looking forward to taking his special cupcakes to school. He wanted them to sing happy birthday to him, and share his cupcakes. Now he may not get the chance. On Tuesday (his next day of school) he won't even be able to attend. We have an appointment that day for all the boys. Bradley's birthday will already be over. Plus all these cupcakes will be no good. Ugh! I just hope Bradley and Dustin get better soon. With all the swine flu crap going around it really scares me.

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Molly's Revenge!!!

So, here is the story.. We have this squirrel that the neighbor feeds, and it comes on our porch. This squirrel also knows how far the dogs tie out leash goes, and will stand just inches away from the dogs and eat it's peanuts, or whatever the neighbor has thrown out for it. Well, today Molly got the squirrel back!

Apparently the squirrel was coming over from the neighbors house, and did not notice Molly who was standing in a pointing position, still as could be. She then went for it. I saw what was going on and yelled to her. Molly had the squirrel pinned on the ground. She did not hurt it at all, surprisingly! The squirrel was quite angry and trying to fight back. Once Molly let it go, it started to scurry up the tree. Molly turned around and dashed to the tree, then grabbed the squirrel by it's tail. UGH!!! I yelled at her, and she obediently listened and came inside the house. I looked all over her to make sure she had not been bitten. Nothing! Not a mark. The squirrel also left this little fight unharmed. I watched it peering down from the tree. lol.

Maybe now, this squirrel will stop teasing the dogs. Molly was so proud of herself. Her whole butt was wagging along with her tail. What a hunter she was today. A gentle one though.

And no worries, Molly has ALL of her shots. No fear of rabies or anything like that.

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1st movie

On Sunday mom-mom, and pop-pop treated Bradley and Parker to their 1st ever movie. Bradley and Parker were really looking forward to it. They seemed to be most excited about getting pop corn, and soda's.

To my surprise both boys sat through the entire movie. I was also told both boys were on their best behavior, and were really into the movie. The movie was Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs. The movie was at a IMAX theatre, and was in 3-D. Bradley kept his glasses on the whole time, but poor Parker could not. Only because the glasses were too big for his head.

After the movie, mom-mom,and pop-pop treated Bradley & his cousins to dinner at McDonald's. The boys each got a happy meal, and played with Nathan, and April.

I was very proud of them for sitting through the entire movie, and being so well behaved. Of course both boys promised daddy and mommy they would be good. I'm glad they also enjoyed their special day with mom-mom and pop-pop.

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Halloween preview

Ok, so here are my absolutely 110% adorable little boys dressed as bumble bees. Too cute.

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A change in Halloween plans!

In a previous post, I wrote how our boys were going to be dinosaurs. Well, after searching for cute dinosaur costumes, I failed. The more I looked at the one costume I was originally planning on buying, I changed my mind. Then I decided, this year, there was way too much stress to take the time to make a costume. Sooooo, I searched long and hard and finally found something I found adorable. I ordered 3 bumble bee costumes off of Old Navys web page. They are adorable! Plus they were affordable. I paid $16.88 for each costume, plus had a 10% discount, but did have to pay shipping. But all & all I think I got a pretty good deal on them. So as soon as the costumes arrive, I will be trying them on the boys, and posting pictures. So exciting!!! LOL.

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I love these shirts!

Brad and I picked these shirts up from JCPENNY. It has become one of my favorite places to shop for our boys. I just loved the sayings on the shirts, plus they look adorable on them.

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So cute

I love watching Brad play with his sons. I was able to catch a picture of the four of them playing air planes together. I really love this picture, I just wish Bradley wouldn't have made a goofy face lol!!

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A Baby Sister

No, I am NOT pregnant. But apparently Parker is telling people that "daddy and mommy, are going to make a baby sister". Where on earth he came up with this, I haven't got a clue. Yes, Brad and I plan on one day trying to conceive one last child, and hopefully that will be our long awaited daughter. But no one told Parker it would be happening soon.

The other day my mom was pretty ticked off. I had no clue why, until she angrily asked Brad and I why Parker told her - "mommy and daddy are going to make me a baby sister". I laughed when I heard what Parker had said, although my mom did not find it funny.

Currently we are living with my mom. So, she doesn't want anymore occupants in the house. Brad and I are dreaming of buying our own home in the near future, and then expanding our family. But for Parker to blurt out that mommy and daddy were going to "make" him a baby sister was not true.

Of course Parker still has it in his head that he really wants a sister. I am not sure why he wants a baby sister, but he insists he wants one. I really don't even know that he will ever have a sister. Mainly because I feel that if I were to get pregnant again, we'd have a 4Th boy, and not a girl. We would still be happy, and love another son, but Parker would be disappointed. Brad also would be a little disappointed. He has on multiple occasions said how he wants a daughter. And I do feel like a part of me would be a little disappointed that I would never have a daughter, but as long as the baby would be healthy. That is what really matters.

So for now.. I am hoping we can make Parker stop telling people he sees that mommy and daddy are going to make him a baby sister lol.

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I miss him already!

Today Brad went off to his new job. It was probably harder on me to watch him leave, then it is for the boys. Brad is my rock, and he keeps me sane most days. Of course there are those days where he helps make me go crazy! But, after having him home for about 6 weeks (jobless) I am going to miss him not being here. Yes, money has been extremely tight, and scares me to death how the next bill will be paid. But... I just love being home with Brad. And I really miss him when he's gone.

I am very thankful he has finally found another good job. Hopefully now we can get our financial lives on track. So many bills are due, and I am ALWAYS on time when it comes to paying bills and car payments etc. I despise paying anything late, in fact I am usually always paying way ahead of time. I once had bad credit, and could not get approved for anything. Finally my credit score is good! I can not say the same about my husbands, so to me, it is important to keep my credit in good (if not great) standing.

Now life will be back the way it was before my husband lost his job. I'll only get to see him one or two full days a week (if I'm lucky). Then planning family activities will be harder, but at least we'll be able to (somewhat) be able to afford them.

I do plan on getting a job eventually. I feel like I want to work (financial reasons), but there is absolutely no one to care for my kids while I do so. Daycare is so pricey, and it is bad enough preschool is so expensive, for only 2 hrs! I just can not imagine having to pay probably 300 per child to be in daycare a week. It's probably even more expensive than I think. Plus I do really enjoy being a stay at home mom. I love always being here for my children.

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The count down has started!

Halloween Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

Halloween is on it's way, and I am excited! I really enjoy dressing my little guys up, and having them proudly parade around in their costumes. This year the plan is to make them dinasaurs. Bradley and Parker will be the bigger dinasaurs, and Dustin will (at least I'm hoping & planning) be the dinasaur still hatching out of the egg. I am going to buy Bradley & Parker's costumes, and (with the help of my mom) make Dustin's costume.

For the past two years we have been going to a local nursing home for their trick or treat night. So the boys will get to show off their costumes 3 times - at preschool, the nursing home, and on Halloween night! I must say though, I really enjoy going to the nursing home for the trick or treat night. It is a safe place for the kids to trick or treat, and the people in the home really enjoy seeing the kids. It seems every year my kids are always "made over". The first year we went, Bradley and Parker actually were in 2nd place for the cutest costumes. They were two little scooby doo's.

Another event quickly approaching is Bradley's 4th birthday!! Holy cow, he will be 4!! It is so hard to believe my little baby is going to be 4. He is already so grown up. It still and probably always will amaze me how quickly your children grow. One thing I have learned is not to ever wish for them to be older, because that time comes quicker than you know. I remember wishing to be able to sleep, and saying how I wished they were older. I did this for both Bradley & Parker. Then as they got older I kept wishing they were itty bitty again lol. I love the tiny baby stage, but I also am enjoying all the new ones they go through. I just love my kids.

Bradley is really excited for his birthday, and will not let anyone forget that it is coming up. Bradley has already announced that his birthday will be at Chuckie Cheese, and tells us everything he wants for his birthday. He is so grown up already.

Birthday Cakes from WiddlyTinks.com

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My baby

Excuse his messy face in the picture above, but that is my baby. He is mommy's little attachment. Bradley, and Parker both refer to Dustin as "mommy's baby". They are always quick to announce "awwww, mommy, look what your baby did!".

Now, lately I seem to hear that phrase more than I would like. Dustin has become my most difficult child. He is always doing something he is not supposed to. Whether it be drawing on the floor with the toilet brush, and toilet water, or taking mommy's toothbrush and cleaning the toilet. Or maybe he's decorating the house, and coloring the walls a new color, or making the cat's water bowl more appealing by pouring all the dry cat food into the water dish. Ugh, oh Dustin!

Lately he has been into everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! Every time I turn around he is busy. I will place him right at my feet with a toy while I am making lunch, or doing laundry, and as soon as I turn to look he's gone. Then there will be two loud screams "awwwhh mommy". My two little tattle tails will be rushing to me with the news Dustin is at it again. I just do not understand why he is always doing something mischievous.

Plus now, Dustin's new thing is potty training. Dustin is 18 months old now, and is very interested in using the potty. My problem is, I rather Dustin wear his diaper until it's time to try and go potty. But instead, Dustin has learned to undress himself. So now I have a nudist running around the house around the clock. It seems that no matter how difficult it his to take his pants off, Dustin finds a way to take them off!

I just have to laugh about it, other wise I'd lose my mind trying to dress this kid every 5 minutes. At least he is interested in this potty training thing at a young age. He is also a sweet heart, that makes up for his rotten behavior. I just hope with time I am able to tackle his little quirks and get him to wear his cloths, and behave!

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First day of preschool

Well, my big boys were off to preschool again on Thursday. Daddy dropped them off, since mommy and Dustin are still sick. I have been feeling better, but Dustin has been horrible. Not only because he is not feeling well, but he's been having some behavior issues lately.

I did go with Brad to pick them up from preschool though. I had promised Bradley & Parker I would pick them up. When Bradley saw me, he came running to me. He ran into me and hugged my leg so hard, I thought I was going to fall. I love when my kids are so excited to see me.

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Sore throat!

All of the boys have been a little sick, and now it's mommy's turn. I was so hopeful that I would be lucky (like daddy) and not get sick. But, just like always I end up being sick, and daddy is as healthy as a horse! Why Brad never seems to catch colds, or get sick is beyond me. He is so lucky to have such a good immune system.

Today when I woke up, I took the older two boys down stairs and attempted to talk. But.... nothing came out but a squeek. Bradley being his sweet self rubbed my arm, and in a sweet voice said "mommy, what's wrong?". I managed to get the words out, and told him I was sick, and he needed to go wake daddy.

Daddy was sweet, and made the boys breakfast. Scrambled eggs with cheese for Parker and Dustin and, for Bradley "mommy cereal". Mommy cereal is also known as Honey nut Cheerios. The boys call it "mommy cereal" because it's pretty much the only kind of cereal I eat. Well anyway, I went ahead and did laundry, and then tried to relax. Brad then walked to the local grocery store to buy me some hot tea, and honey. He then made me a cup of tea. It was a sweet gesture. He also took it upon himself to make the boys lunch, and help out as much as possible.

I will add though, I swear you children know when they can not be corrected. I had no voice to correct them with so they used the opportunity to be rotten. Daddy had to watch them, and make sure they were being good. Besides the bad behavior, Bradley and Parker were in a talkative mood. Unfortunately mommy couldn't talk. They always choose the worst moments.

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Open House!

The open house for Preschool was Thursday morning. And you know it figures Bradley came down with what we thought was pink eye! Poor Bradley was so upset that he could not go. The preschool is very cautious this year about not spreading sicknesses. I do not blame them with the fear of anyone getting the swine flu. This year before you can even enter the classroom, we will need to apply antibacterial hand wash!

Parker went solo to the open house and met with his new teacher, and teacher's aid. The teacher's aid was so nice. She reminded me of a teachers aid I had back when I was in preschool. She had that older type grandma feel about her. She was real sweet and nice. I know Parker will get along great with her. I was very upset that Bradley will be in a classroom with eight girls. NO boys at all! Personally I don't think that is fair to Bradley. I mean, what will he play during playtime? Dolls? Bradley enjoys playing cars, and pretends to be a knight and sword fight. I just hope he does well.
Although the teacher told my husband and I that there will be a lot less playtime this year. They will be focusing on learning to write their names, and even having homework to do. I have high hopes that Bradley will do very well this year. Parker as well. Parker can already write half of his name. He does have a small attention span though. He does great for the first fifteen minutes, then he starts goofing off. Bradley on the other hand will try and try for as long as your willing to sit there and watch him. Although Bradley does get frustrated at times, and wants to give up. He gets really upset when he doesn't succeed.

Well, the boys first day of school is this upcoming Thursday. Brad and I will be dropping them off together, and I am hoping it goes well. Parker acts very afraid, and I am worried he will not do well without Bradley being by his side. Bradley on the other hand, I feel will be a little sad when mommy leaves, but will forget about being sad once he is given something to do. I guess we will just have to wait and see how they do!

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Hershey Park

This past Wednesday we all went to Hershey Park. It started out fun, but I ended up getting sick and being miserable the rest of the day.

Brad and I first went on the Comet, an old wooden roller coaster. I was already nervous about getting on it, so I figured we might as well do it first. I told Brad I would be able to ride without screaming. Well, it started off fine. I some how managed to keep from screaming, and I swear I held my breath the entire first few drops and dips and sharp curves. Then finally, I lost it, and screamed. Although I must say, the roller coaster wasn't as scary as I remember it being.

Then we took the kids on the tilt a whirl. This is a ride I used to love when I was younger, but now I will NEVER get on it again. All 3 boys got on with Brad and myself, and they loved it. I spent the entire ride laughing and staring at the boys. Parker leaned forward and laughed the whole time, while Bradley talked in a forced voice and said threw his teeth "my stomach's falling, help, my stomachs falling". Bradley's little face was red, and I could tell he didn't like the feeling of spinning so fast. Dustin didn't seem to really care too much. He just leaned up against me and hugged my arm.

When the ride stopped, Parker with a smile on his face said "I wanna do it again". Bradley then chimed in he wanted to do it again too! I was feeling really dizzy and slightly nauseous . Ignoring the nausea I agreed to get on again with Brad and our boys. The second ride was terrible. Parker still laughed his little butt off, but Bradley, Dustin and myself felt sooo sick. When the ride stopped I had to hand Dustin to Brad, and tried as hard as I could not to puke up my breakfast. I had to run to a bench and put my head between my knee's. lol. I was miserable! That ride ruined my entire day! I basically just pushed myself along the rest of the day for my kids. I wanted them to have a good time.

The only other ride I got on that day was the Trailblazer. It was a mild roller coaster. We got on that coaster twice because it turns out Parker loves the faster, rougher rides. Parker will definitely be daddy's roller coaster buddy. And sadly Bradley and possibly Dustin will be sitting on the bench with mommy. I have always been terrified of coasters, and Bradley is so much like me. He looks like me, and is my little clone. He has the same personality, and attitude. He is also sweet and polite like his mommy. Parker and Dustin seem to be more like their father.

The rest of the rides that day were ridden by the just the boys, Brad, and my mom. I mainly sat behind on a bench and focused on not puking. Ugh, I was so miserable.

I do want to go back for Hershey Park in the dark, or most definitely Christmas at Hershey. We have gone every Christmas for Hershey's Christmas time. It's usually not crowded, and it's a fun experience walking around and seeing all the decorations. Plus having the boys get on all the kiddie rides. Oh, and don't forget Santa and his reindeer can be found there as well. The boys always enjoy seeing the reindeer. Not sure that they enjoy Santa though!

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Busy busy busy!

Right now I am looking forward to tomorrow. Tomorrow is our trip to Hershey park. It's our last summer trip before preschool starts. On Thursday, after our day of family fun at Hershey, will be Bradley and Parker's open house at preschool. So the next few days will be busy!

I am looking forward to taking the boys on rides, especially since they have grown! Bradley and Parker are tall enough to get on a mild roller coaster now. There is only one that their height qualifies for, but it should be fun. The roller coaster is called the Trailblazer. It is very mild, and doesn't have any tall drops or anything too scary. I also look forward to seeing the excitement on my kids faces. Plus it's always fun doing something together as a family.

As for Thursday I am both nervous and excited. I am nervous because Bradley and Parker will be in seperate classrooms this year. I am mainly concerned for Parker because he will have a completely new set of teachers. Bradley will be more comfortable because he will have his same teachers from last year. I just really wish I would have sent Parker to the 3 year old class along with Bradley. It was the preschool that requested I put Parker back in the 2 year old class. Only because Bradley and Parker faught too much in class.

Next year, I'll have all 3 of my boys in preschool. That will be really hard for mommy!!

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Midieval times

http://www.medievaltimes.com/findcastles/baltimore/

Yesterday my mom and dad (AKA mom-mom & pop-pop), my brother James and his 3 children, my husband, our boys and myself all went to Midieval times. It is a show with horses doing tricks, and jousting. It was not the first time I had gone, but a first for my husband and our boys. I had gone in Florida when I was a kid during a family vacation to Disney.

Our older boys were really into the show. Bradley especially took a liking to it. Bradley is big into wrestling and learning new "moves". Bradley's favorite move currently is the Arm Bar. Well anyway, Bradley told us his favorite part of the show was - "when they were fighting on the horses, and got knocked off, then fought with swords, and the man kicked the other man". lol. Bradley is a trip! He was so excited about the sword fights, and the jousting. Parker had a more Innocent outlook on the show and just loved the "horsie's" and the bird. During the show they had this falcon fly over the crowd a few times. It was pretty cool, and the kids really got a kick out of it.

One thing I personally did not like about the show was the meal. You pay $60 per ticket for adults and I believe $40 for children under 12. The meal consisted of some sort of tomato soup, with toasted bread, a half of chicken, a potato wedge, a small piece of rib, then an apple turnover. I am not a fan of meat. They do offer a vegetarian meal for vegetarians though. I just did not like trying to pick through this chicken in the dark. You really didn't know what you were eating because you couldn't see it. But that is just me! My husband loved the food, and our boys seemed to enjoy the chicken, but did not like the potato.

Overall it was a good time. There were some downfalls during the show though. Parker decided he was going to vomit all over himself, and my husbands knee and shoe! Parker is our little "puker". He is always throwing up, and no one knows why. Parker has gone to see a specialist about his frequent vomiting, and we were told it is reflux. Some how I do not believe that acid reflux can cause him to vomit so much. I will be asking his Dr. about it again, and hopefully having another visit with the specialist.

The other downfall to the whole experience was the heat! It felt like the building didn't have air conditioning. It was really warm, which also could have contributed to Parker throwing up.

Overall it was fun. It is something I would probably do again if we could afford it. Yesterday my father paid for every ones ticket, and luckily there was a special going on where you could buy one adult ticket, and get one child's ticket free.

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First post!

Since this is my first post on this blog I will introduce my family. My name is Jessica, and my husband is Brad. We have 3 amazing little boys, Bradley age 3 (almost 4), Parker age 3, and Dustin 17 months. Our boys are our world!

I am a stay at home mom, and care for our boys while my husband goes off to work. Of course times have been tough. My husband has been out of work for a few weeks now, and is like so many of Americans receiving unemployment. Jobs are so hard to come by. Fortunately my husband will be able to start work sometime soon. He has been hired, but waiting for a lengthy background check to be completed.

Our older boys Bradley and Parker will be attending their 2ND year of preschool in a few weeks. Their open house is next Thursday! Bradley will be in the 3 year old class, while Parker will be in the 2 year old class again. The only reason Parker will be in the 2YO class is because his brother and him fought too much during class. I think they caused a few too many disturbances!

Recently my middle child turned 3. Parker was really looking forward to his birthday this year. He even told us what he wanted for his birthday, and kept telling us he was a "birthday boy". Parker also began telling us he was no longer two, and he's three now! Parker also asked for a Sponge Bob cake for his birthday, and that's what I made. I have always baked and decorated my own cakes for my childrens birthdays. Except for my oldest son's 1st birthday. After that, I began making them on my own. After all, I have always enjoyed baking and the decorating part!
For Parker's birthday my parents, my brother & his 3 children, our boys, my husband and I all packed up and went to chuckie cheese. It was a hectic day, but in the end it was fun for all the kids. Parker even blew his candle out all by himself this year, and unwrapped all of his gifts. He is growing up so fast, just as all of our boys are growing fast.

I still am having a hard time believing that this October Bradley will be turning 4! It's just amazing that it has been 4 years since I was handed this tiny little baby boy. It feels like just yesturday, not 4 years. Bradley sure has become "mommy's boy". He always reminds me of it too. Just the other night at bedtime Bradley wanted to sit in bed with daddy, myself, and his brothers. I told him it was late and he had to go to sleep, Bradley then whimpering and sniffing replied "but mommy, I thought I was your boy?" He said it in such a sad, sweet voice I couldn't help but cave. How can you not just want to sweep them up in your arms and just hug them when they say something so darn sweet.

Dustin (our youngest) is even getting to be a "big boy" now. He talks, walks, feeds himself, and runs and plays just as well as his big brothers. Dustin is even starting to potty train. Dustin is still often referred to as "the baby". Not only do mommy and daddy call him the baby at times, but his brothers always refer to him as "the baby" when they are telling on him.
Dustin is still "mommy's baby" though. He still is in his crib, well if you want to call it that. Dustin has to fall asleep in mommy & daddy's bed, then be put into his crib. And every morning I am awakened by Dustin staring at me telling me to "wake up". He will even bring me my glasses! What I love the most though, is Dustin's kisses. He always puckers his lips and gives me kisses. Bradley and Parker never really did that as babies, although they give me tons of kisses & hugs now.

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