Vacation....kinda!

We're leaving tomorrow for St. Louis to watch my brother's six kids while him and his wife go to Rome, and other places I'll never be to. We'll be gone for two weeks. I'm not worried about watching nine kids because they're oldest is 17 and on down so it's not nine toddlers (I wouldn't go if that was the case :) ). I hoping to feel like I'm on a little vacation too. I plan on taking naps, and relaxing. I'll let you know if it really happens. I don't know how much blogging I'll do while I'm gone, so check in periodically to see if I had a few minutes to say anything funny :). Wish me luck and pray for happy days.

Good Ole' County Fair

Thayne and I decided to take the kids to the County Fair yesterday afternoon. Thayne was hesitant but I was determined to go so off we went. As soon as the kids saw the rides and all the fun things they were screaming with delight. I was so excited because they were. I could remember those feelings as a child when my family would go to the fair and I was so excited I couldn't believe I was really there. I'm sure Jaed, especially, was feeling the same way.

One of Indi's favorite rides was the boat ride. She got to go all by herself and she had a permanent grin on her face the whole time.











































Jaed and Thayne went on a couple of different rides together that the girls couldn't go on because they were too short.
















Here was Josie and Indi waiting patiently for Jaed and Thayne to finish their ride.















We all went on a haunted House ride and Thayne and Josie were the only ones that kept there eyes open and weren't screaming. Indi and I had our heads together and I was trying to cover her ears as well as mine. She screamed a couple of times which made me scream. I'm such a baby when it comes to haunted houses. Jaed had his head in Thayne's lap the whole time. I think the ride lasted about 20 seconds but it was a long 20 seconds for most of us.

I don't think there was a ride that they didn't like (but maybe the haunted house). Although, Jaed wanted to go on this huge boat ride that swung up in there air really high. Thayne finally agreed to take him. Jaed was grinning at first until the boat started to get higher. Then his head disappeared and I couldn't see him at all. Thayne said that as soon as it started to get high, Jaed put his head in Thayne's lap and started to yell. After the ride was over he was sure to tell us that he didn't want to ride that particular ride again. Thayne and were both laughing!


































We took them to see the animals but the pigs were the only thing that Josie wanted to see. The rides were the big hit for the evening. The kids went right to bed when we got home with huge smiles on their faces. I'm sure it was one of their best days ever!

More names!

Jaed shared some more names he thought of for the new baby. If it's a girl, Nalasha, and if it's a boy, Til. We told him we wanted names that we haven't heard other babies have so this is his answer to that...and...well...he did do what we wanted. I think he must think of the baby a lot during the days. We were in the grocery the other day and out of no where Jaed said, "Daddy, maybe the baby is a boy in mommies tummy". I know that he'll be a great big brother no matter what sex the baby is, but I kinda hope it's a boy for him. I can't believe I am saying that....I have always said that I wanted all girls after Jaed was born, but I'm hoping for Jaed, it's be different.

I keep forgetting to write about a funny, but a tad bit embarrassing, moment we had the other day with Josie. Friends of ours were having a get together with several other families and we were invited to come. The majority of the kid were in the back yard and the parents were visiting in the living room. On top of the T.V. was a vase with a beta fish swimming around. We were all chatting when I heard my friend, Kara, saying something about "Oh, Josie" and I turned to see my other friend helping her down off a shelf close to the T.V.. I immediately looked over at the fish and it was sinking to the bottom of the vase with very little movement. My next thought was.. "Josie killed there fish"..and I even think I said it out loud. Josie's arm was wet up past her elbow and she ran outside to where the other kids were. Finally the fish started shaking but it was still at the bottom of the vase. After a few seconds it started to swim again. I was so relieved. My friend said that she looked over there and saw the fish in Josie's hand and she was kinda pumping it in her hand. I'm just glad it was still alive. I kept an eye on Josie, like a hawk, after that little incident.

Relaxation

It's so great to have Thayne home. He's a huge help with the kids and has even done some house work and hasn't complained once. I haven't changed one poopy diaper since his internship ended. WOW....life is bliss :). I haven't been sick as much either so maybe I"m getting over this sickness phase.

I miss my friend Christy. She moved about a month ago and I'm just now dealing with it , I think. I was so focused on my sickness and the fact that I"m even pregnant that I tried not to think about her leaving. I miss hanging out, the girl chats, and the feeling of true friendship. I always felt like I could call her up and ask a favor and she would do it without any hesitation. I think she felt the same way about me (at least I hope she did). I have a lot of friends, but I always seem to yearn for that one person that I can call a close friend. Christy was that kind of friend. Now that she's gone I'm a little lonely.....ok...I'm really lonely. I don't think it's a particular type of person that can fit that "close" friend mold.... I think it's just the feeling you have when you're around them. Anyways.....I hope to be able to find another friend like her (and the other close friends I have had). We will still keep in touch but it's just not the same as it is when you live 5 minutes from each other.

Misc. Pictures

Here's some pictures I've been wanting to put up here.
















Indi LOVES her pacifiers. I have caught her a couple of times walking around with two of them in her mouth. That can't be comfortable......
















Here's the kids (and Thayne) waiting for the 4th of July Parade to start. They gave all the kids flags to wave.

"You're a great Mom"

I felt horrible this morning but I had planned a huge day for the kids so I was determined to follow through. I had a MOMS Club activity this morning and Jaed met a new boy that he loved to play with. Then we went to the store to buy Jaed and Josie some goggles for swimming. Jaed has been asking for some since the last time we went swimming and it seemed like every kid there had a pair. I had packed a lunch for us that we ate at the pool and then the kids went swimming. I can't believe how much they love to be in the water. They all go their seperate ways to play once we get there.

Jaed goes directly to where the majority of the kids are and starts talking to them immediately. Not long after we get there, he's running around with a group of boys I know he hasn't met before. He is so social and wants to be everyones friend. I hear him ask their names and he tells them his name even if they don't ask. He wore his goggles the whole time we were there. He loves to drop something in the water that will sink to the bottom and then he goes under the water to get it. He was so excited that he could see it with his goggles. He came and told me about it at least three different times.

Josie, looks around and finds toys that no one is using and takes them to an area where no one is and plays. She doesn't interact with ANYONE. She is completely content playing by herself. This is so foriegn to me because I am so much like Jaed when it comes to social situations. I almost feel sorry for her because she looks so alone but I see her laughing and smiling often. I went and tried to play with her and she let me for about 5 minutes and then she gathered her toys and moved away from me without saying a word. I think my feelings were hurt, just a little.

Now Indi.....wow....I never thought a 2 year old GIRL could be such a bully. She doesn't try to find toys that are not being used, she looks around and finds the toy that she wants and walks over and takes it without any hesitation. I was completely shocked the first time I saw it. I didn't know whether to go get the toy from her and give it back to the child (who's mother was sitting beside him) or run behind a bush and hide out of embarrassment. I decided to be an adult and get the toy from Indi and give it back. Indi didn't care....in fact...when I took the toy away from her to give it back to the child, Indi was off looking for another toy to snatch. I stopped her before another scene was made and helped her find some toys that no one was using. She would play with those for a while and then toss them down and go searching for that one toy that was already taken. I saw several moms ( Indi had taken toys from two of the mom's children) talking together and then one pointed to Indi......how embarrassing. They didn't look mad, more amazed, laughing, and shaking their heads.

There was this older lady who was laying on her stomach in the toddler pool trying to get a tan (I think). Indi had a bucket and filled it with water and went right over to the lady and dumped the water on her legs. I didn't know quite what to do. The lady turned over in shock, but then started to laugh when she saw Indi. I decided to make my way over there and when the lady saw me she said, "She's okay....it felt good, it just surprised me." I apologized for it but she told me that it was fine, so I went and sat down. Indi continued to fill the bucket of water and poor it on the lady, again and again. At one point, Indi laid right down next to the lady on her stomach as well. I could tell that the lady was thrilled and having as good of a time as Indi was.

As we were on our way home from a long but enjoyable day.....Jaed said to me "You're a great Mom!". I asked him why he said that and he responded, "Because you got me and Josie goggles, and made good sandwiches and took us to swim." For the first time, in a long time, I truly felt like a great mom!

Laziness

I have begun to think that kids are born with laziness....wait......now let me explain. Josie is my lazy child but, oh, so adorable. Ever since she was little, if it was time to clean...she always disappears. AND....if I ask her to throw something away, she points and Jaed and says, "Jaed do it". If I say no, then she points at Indi and says, "Indi do it". Even today, when she wanted a drink, I told her she needed to find her cup. The first thing she did was point at Jaed and said, "Jaed find it Mom". I told her that it was her cup and she would need to find it herself. She must not have been that thirsty because she went over to her toys and started playing. About ten minutes later, she came back and asked for a drink again. I gave her the same response and this time she pointed at Indi and said, "Indi find it". My answer to her was the same and off she was to play again. She didn't even attempt to look around for it.....not even a quick glance around the room. Hmm........did she learn this behavior or was she born with it? I certainly don't want to think that we taught her this so I'm sticking with "they're born with it" :).

Jaed has behaved so great in church the last two sundays. Even his teachers have commented on it. I'm sure it has nothing to do with that fact that if he's good he can play game cube with his Dad. Oh well....he is a child that works for rewards....even if it is sunday. He's even come home singing the songs that I taught them at church. That always makes me feel good. If I make a comment about it while he's singing, he stops immediately and won't sing it again.....so I have learned to listen and enjoy.

We're trying really hard (well Thayne is) to slowly wean Indi off her pacifiers. Thayne has said that she can only have them at bedtime...well.....I'm not as good as Thayne. I spend more time with her and have to hear her cry (which gets on both of our nerves) so the easiest thing for me to do is put a pacifier in her mouth. I know that I'll have to crack down on it soon, but it's gonna be rough.

Not much to say....

Well, I haven't posted for a couple of days, cuz I'm too sick to think of anything funny or witty to say. I think my sickness is affecting my emotional and mental state.......I'm not feeling like myself much. Sometimes I think the sickness is getting worse than better. OH well....I guess I'll keep trying to pull up by boot straps and move on.

Josie asks me everyday, "Is the baby still in your tummy, mommy?" and after I tell her yes, I ask her what the baby is doing in my tummy, and she says "It's getting eyes, a nose, ears, hair, and fingers.....". I told her that when the baby has all of those things then the Dr. will take the baby out. She seems satisfied with that answer.

Jaed and I have been clashing a little lately. Sometimes, I think I am way to hard on him. I don't know if it is because he is the oldest or if it's cuz he's a boy. Maybe it's cuz he's just like me (lucky him). Thayne admitted to me last night that he thinks Jaed is just like me: strong-willed and stubborn but extremely kind and loveable as well. Hmmm.....I think I"m still in denial about the stubbornness part :). I am going to think of some strategies on how best to handle him with more love so that I don't feel like a bad mom all the time. He truly is our miracle baby. Thayne and I tried many years to have a baby and then one day we found out I was pregnant with him. He was a great blessing that we had been praying for. I just need to remember those special moments when I'm mad or frustrated with him. I do love him and adore him!

Sometimes when you're feeling so horrible it's hard to remember the good things in your life. I know that I have a great little family who loves me and wants me to be happy. I think that even my children know how to make me feel better. When I've had enough and just want to cry (which I end up doing most of the time) all three of my kids are right by me patting my head, rubbing my arm, hugging me and saying "It's okay mommy.....it's okay". Even little Indi is saying it as she gives me kisses. How can I not feel blessed and loved. That's the best part about motherhood. Knowing that these little children can have so much love in their hearts for me and are not afraid to show it. What examples they are to me!

P.S. .. My due date is Feb. 16th........sooooo farrr away!!

For me, it was bad news!

Well I went to the Dr. for an ultrasound and check-up. I was extremely dissappointed to learn that I was only 8 1/2 weeks along instead of the 12 weeks they thought. It really was bad news.....I thought I was ending the first trimester but in reality I still have 4 more weeks of throwing up and feeling horrible to go. Thayne was trying to comfort me and said "Ally, it's only another month". I seriously thought if I could throw up I would have done it right there ON HIM! I was so bugged and frustrated and cranky and....welll....just MAD, at the bad news.

I met the Dr. for the first time and she seemed to be a very nice and kind. This is my first time having a female Dr., so I was a little nervous. I don't know if I'm completely sold on this clinic though. I don't like the idea that if I do go in labor on my own that I have to take whatever Dr is on call. What is the use of building a relationship with one certain Dr. if you probably won't have that Dr. at the crucial time of delivery. Hmm....I guess I better made a decision soon.

When we got home from the Dr appt. , the first thing Jaed said was, "Mommy is the baby a boy or a girl?". I think when we do go in for the ultrasound to determine the sex, we'll take him along. I think that will be a great and fun experience for him. He seems more excited about this baby than any of us!

The Movies

We were trying to think of something fun to do with the kids on Saturday and finally decided to try out a movie. We haven't taken them to the movie for a very long time because.....well....I'm sure you can imagine how it went last time. But now that our little ones have gotten older, we thought it might work. The only kid show playing was "Cars", and we hadn't heard very many good things about it but I have to say, I thought it was entertaining. It certainly doesn't increase any thinking skills but I was amused. Jaed loved it. I even caught him smiling several times through the movie. Our little Indi actually enjoyed it as well. Only the last 15-20 minutes did she start to move around and become a distraction for me and Thayne. NOW....Josie....what another story. I think she might have watched the previews but that was about it. She kept asking for popcorn but I told her "no" about 100 times. Finally, I was so sick of hearing her say, "Mom, I want popcorn PWEEEEZ", that I gave in and bought the $5 small bag. As soon as she was done with that she started asking for ice cream. I was digging my feet down and I wasn't going to give in. I just started ignoring her. She even got her face right in front of mine and said "PWEEEEZ, Mom", but I just looked around her at the movie. I had to keep picking her up and putting her in her seat, and she kept asking to sit by Daddy and when she got over to him she would sit for about 20 seconds and then ask for me and back and forth. She was quite the stinker. I don't think she'll be attending another movie anytime soon.

Today at church, Jaed's teacher asked them to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. Any ideas what Jaed might have drawn? A Monster!!! His teacher even wrote down on the bottom of the page "I am thankful for Monsters". Thayne and I laughed pretty hard. Not in front of Jaed, though. I put his drawing in his box of "keepers" so that he can have a great laugh when he gets older.

Thayne only has two more weeks of his internship left. I can't wait. Then we have a month to enjoy our little family together. Even though school is rough, I do enjoy the long and short breaks we get together. I'm sure I will miss those when he gets back to work in the private sector.

Rough Day

Well the day started out bad and just got worse. I felt sick from the moment I got out of bed. I tried to control any urge I had to throw up because I hadn't eaten so I knew it would be the awful dry heaves. BUT.....it didn't last long before I was yelling at Thayne to get me a bowl because I knew it was coming. Josie was sitting by me and Indi was laying on me when it started. At first they just looked at me with confusion on their faces but then Indi started crying and ran to Thayne and Josie didn't make a sound but quickly rushed to the other side of the room. Afterwards, my body ached and I was exhausted from the nasty ole' dry heaves. I knew that if I actually had thrown something up I would have felt better....oh well.

After laying on the couch trying to rest and recooperate I packed the kids up to make a trip to Walmart for diapers and wipes. I still felt horrible but it was a necessity run for diapers. While strolling through the store, very slowly, I had the urge to throw up again. I didn't know what to do....I couldn't run to the bathroom in time with three kids and I didn't want to have an audiance so I went in the clothes section and sat down behind some racks and tried not to move. Both girls were in the cart and Jaed was running around and threw every clothes rack around us. I wanted to yell at him to stop but was afraid if I opened my mouth I might lose my breakfast. After about 5 minutes or so the naseous feeling started to subside and I got up and started my shoping again. I did finally make it home without any scenes, thank goodness.

I decided that my kids needed some fun in their day since I wasn't getting any so I took them to the city pool. They had a great time and I.....well...tried to keep a smile on my face for them. When I decided it was time to go home, I had to drag Josie out the car and then had to go get Indi. She had stopped to throw rocks and calling her wasn't doing the trick. By the time I got all the kids in their seatbelts, I was about to cry out of exhaustion and complete frustration. I sat in the car for a moment to try and get control of myself and when I thought I was ready, I turned the key to start the car and....NOTHING HAPPENED! The car wouldn't start....it wouldn't even turn over.....! If it wasn't so hot outside and even hotter in the car I would have sat there and just cried, but I couldn't stay in the car in the heat. My friend lived just around the corner, so I got the kids out of the car and we started down the street to my friends house. But guess what.....NO ONE was home. I am completely surprised that I didn't lose it right there. We walked all the way back to the pool and I used their phone to call Thayne, but he wasn't home yet. I let the kids run around in the front area of the pool while we waited for Thayne to get home. I finally got a hold of Thayne and he made arrangements with a friend of his to bring him to the pool. We tried charging the battery but that didn't work so we knew that it must be something more serious. I couldn't even talk because I was seriously on the verge of tears. Thayne's friend brought us home and I went straight up to my room and just let it all poor out. It actually felt good.....I was so exhausted and worn out.

It was truly a rough day. But my hero (Thayne) came to my rescue and took care of things and still was able to pay attention to me and make sure I was doing okay. How lucky am I to have such a brave, kind, and loving hero always at my side?

What Name Shall it be?

Thayne and I are not ones to wait until the baby is born before we choose a name. We like to choose it and move on. We've been throwing some names around and Jaed decided he wanted to suggest some names too. Here is a few that he has chosen:

Boys: Chalk, Brayden (my nephew's name), and Walka

Girls: Josie, Indi, and Lame

Yes, the last girl name is Lame. I told him I would have to think about those names. He's convinced that I have a boy and a girl in my "tummy" and their names will be Walka and Lame. I hope he won't be disappointed when we don't choose either of those names! I think we have chosen the names we're going to go with though. If it's a boy, it's Maximus "Max" Dean, and if it's a girl, it's Savannah "Savy" Colleen. We're still thinking but those are the favorites right now. Usually by the time we know the sex of the baby, we've decided on a name.....so we have a couple of months to make a firm decision.

I know Thayne's family thinks we're a little obnoxious with baby names, but neither Thayne or I want common names for our kids. I remember when we decided on Indiya's name and Thayne called his brother to tell him that she was born and he said "Are you sticking with the name Indiya?".

Starting over....

When we decided to come to law school we sold EVERYTHING that had to do with babies. Well, there really isn't anywhere to store the stuff here because our storage is so limited. I think we had this idea (once) that we wouldn't have any more children until Thayne was done with law school. I knew it was a lie though. So, we're starting over!

Well, I found the perfect crib that I wanted and it took me almost a week to convince Thayne that it was worth purchasing. I know most of you are saying.."She just found out she's pregnant, why is she buying that stuff now?"...WELL...that's me! I've already started buying some onsies and will start buying diapers soon. I can't wait until two months (or even closer to the date) to go purchase everything. I would go crazy! Now I just make my husband crazy but I feel great and prepared. I know he is extremely apprehensive about having another baby. He doesn't like to talk about it and when he does, he gets all nervous and emotional. I'm not sure what to do to help him get over that. I know it has a lot to do with his fear of not being able to do well in school and be a good dad and husband at the same time. I'm sure we'll have a HUGE talk about rolls and responsibilities before school starts. I know that I have to be ready to handle the kids and family issues by myself or with very little help from Thayne when he is in school. That is my sacrifice and responsibility while he is in school. I just need to convince him that I can do it even with another addition to our family. This next year will be our most difficult, I think....but I know with lots of prayers and faith we can make it and even succeed in each of our responsibilities. Please remind me of this when I start complaining next year about all that I do and how I feel like a single mom and I don't know if I can handle it anymore!

I've taken the kids to the pool two days in a row now and we've LOVED IT. They love to play in the water and I even have a chance to sit down on a lounger and watch them have fun. Today, Jaed found a squirt gun and was squirting everyone, even the moms that were there with their kids. I was so embarrassed. I finally took it away from him and he sulked for quite a while about that. Every child in the pool is Jaed's friend....at least that's what he says. When we got out to the car Josie said, "Mom, Jaed splashed me and I got mad". Jaed was quick to say, "You didn't get mad, Josie, you're face wasn't mad! Mommy, Josie is telling another lie again!". I tried to explain to him that someones face doesn't have to be mad when they feel mad inside...but I don't think he got it...oh well. I do feel sorry for Jaed sometimes when he gets into trouble. I'll often say, "Jaed, what you did was so naughty.", and then BOTH Josie and Indi pipe up and say, "Jaed, you naughty!". He ignores them for a little bit and if they don't stop then he yells, "I'M NOT NAUGHTY, YOU ARE!"

We picked up Thayne after work today and him and I got into...hmm...a discussion. After it ended, Jaed said, "Daddy, why is mommy mad?". Of course, Thayne didn't respond, so Jaed said, "Daddy, I think mommy is upset because you mess things up and that makes her mad!". I wanted to bust out laughing. Jaed was completely serious when he explained that to us. Thayne did say to him that he was probably right and that was the end of the conversation. You forget how much your kids really listen to you even when you don't want them to. He may see and hear us argue but he also sees us come to an agreement and hug afterwards. Sometimes when we kiss, he'll say "No more love guys!".

Mothers....we're so funny!

I have been thinking about how much I'm like my mother and sister lately...especially when it comes to being a mom. I don't think I could have had better role models than my mom and sister. I thought I'd share some of the funny (not critical) things I've been thinking about:

-- The older I become the more I drive like your mother

-- I pack for a trip just like she does (WAY to much stuff!)

-- When I least expect it, I hear my mother’s words and advice when I speak or discipline my children.

-- I shop like my mother...if it's a good deal, I NEED IT!.

-- Like my mom, I have more clothes then most and a large majority of them don't fit...but they might someday.

--Like my mom, I find myself telling strangers about my family because I"m so proud of them. I'm sure the strangers don't really care.

Things my mom said when I was a child and
things I have and will catch myself saying as a mother!

All I do is follow you around, picking up after you like some maid. As long as you live under my roof, you'll do as I say. Beds are NOT made for jumping on. Close the door! You don't live in a barn. Do as I say, not as I do. Do you think your clothes are going to pick themselves up? Don't eat that, you'll get worms! Don't go out with a wet head, you'll catch cold. Don't pick that scab, it'll get infected. Don't pick your nose that's disgusting. Don't walk away when I'm talking to you! You go to the mall to shop, not to hang out! I didn't ask who put it there, I said "Pick it up!" You're not an everybody, you're a somebody. I hope someday you have children just like you. I will always love you - no matter what. You're my favorite child named....... When you're a parent then you can do that.

Always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident. I'm so proud of you! Don't use that tone with me! Don't you have anything better to do? I hope you don't kiss me with that mouth! If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. If you don't stop crying, I am going to give you something to cry about! I have one nerve left and you're on it. If you're going to do a half done job then don't do it. If you keep doing that your face will freeze like that. This isn't a restuarant! Life isn't fair. Look at me when I'm talking to you. Someone is going to be crying in a minute. Watch your mouth! When you have your own house then you can make the rules! You don't always get what you want. You won't be happy until you break that, will you?

Embarrassing moment #100

I had an extremely embarrassing moment today, and unfortunately I had an audiance. I woke up this morning feeling very dizzy and nauseous but I was determined to go to church anyways. Well, I was leading the kids in a song and in the song you had to twirl....I was already dizzy before I started....and it got worse. I remember thinking "you better stop twirling", but I didn't listen and kept going. All of a sudden I felt myself start to fall, and I couldn't stop it because everything went black and all I could see where stars. As soon as I hit the ground, I knew I was going to throw up. I even announced that I was going to throw up....another lady ran to me with the garbage basket, but there was no way I was going to throw up in front of 50 kids and a dozen adults. So I got up and ran to the bathroom. Thank goodness I made it. I was ssssoooooooooo embarrassed. I didn't even want to leave the bathroom. I wanted to dig a HUGE whole and crawl in it and not get out. I can't decided if I am more embarrassed that I fell or that I announced I was going to throw up and ran to the bathroom...and them knowing what I was doing. I stayed in the bathroom until they all went to class and then I stepped into the hall away hoping that know one would talk to me. Thayne was standing right outside the bathroom, but he had no idea what just had happened. As soon as I saw him tears errupted from my eyes. I'm sure he was scared, and I was so emotional that I couldn't say anything for a minute or two. He just held me and told me I was going to be okay. So here I was, eyes RED and no make-up and still feeling sick. I really just wanted to go home. And we did.

I really hope by next week EVERYONE forgets what happen and doesn't ever bring it up......probably won't happen. Oh Well!! Even now when I think about it I get all embarrassed again...don't you just hate that. AWWWW!

Jaed was so naughty in church today. I heard him say out loud "I don't like my teacher", and his teacher was sitting two seats away from him. I grabbed his arm and gave him the "church dig" and took him to Thayne. Jaed finally went back to class but only for about 5 minutes until his teacher found me in the hall and said that he was kicking and hitting the kids seating next to him. I truly think we have the naughtiest kids sometimes. We have no idea what is going through his mind and why he is like this. We try to talk to him but we don't learn anything new. I finally put my face right infront of his and said, "Jaed when you choose to be naughty then daddy and I have to take things away from you.". I named some things that he could not have for the rest of the day because he was CHOOSING to be naughty. He shed a few tears but who knows if he understood it. We go through this almost every sunday with him, but we've decided that the consequences have to be worse. So today he could have no juice or treats. Now if we said that to Josie, she wouldn't care one bit. BUT...with Jaed, food is it. Taking his juice and treats away is ultimate punishment. He did ask for juice once and I said, "Oh Jaed. I really wish I could give you some but I can't. Do you know why?" and he said, "Oh yeah...but I don't want to talk about it.". I asked him what will he do different next week at church and he said that he would be really good. We'll see!

Weekends are great!

Thank goodness for saturdays. Thayne got up with the kids in the morning and told me to stay in bed and rest. IT WAS GREAT!! I slept another two hours and didn't feel a tad bit guilty. When I finally did go downstairs I told Thayne he could go up to bed for a bit and his said, "Well don't let me sleep too long because I have a lot of cleaning to do." Can you believe that....he's so great. I did decide to help him out and cleaned the kitchen but I was exhausted and extremely nauseous by the time I was done. Thayne and all the kids, even Josie (we were SHOCKED) , picked up toys and cleaned. I was so proud of my little family.

We decided to reward the kids for helping so good in the "clean up party", so we took them for ice cream. Jaed can't have ice cream because it breaks his skin out, so we got each of them a small bowl of sherbert. I was a little worried that they might reject it, but each of them gobbled it right up. Jaed even hugged Thayne and said, "This is the best present I have ever got!". He's our little drama king, but he makes us smile.

Thayne took the kids to the park and as soon as they got there Jaed announced that he had to go pee. Well there were several kids playing at the park, so Thayne told him to go over to the tree and pee. Well, Jaed found the tree, dropped his pants to his ankles and did his business while several girls (around 8 yrs. old) saw him and said, "Ewww....look at him." Thayne rushed over to Jaed and tried to teach him about just pulling his pants down a little in front, but Jaed didn't think that was a good idea because he might pee on his pants. Thayne left it at that and they went back played. The girls were laughing and watching Jaed, but he had no clue about what was going on. He's such a funny boy!

Josie is in to delegating things to Indi now. Josie made a huge water mess on the table, so I gave her a towel and told her she need to clean up the mess. Well, she responded, "No, Indi will do it." and past the towel to Indi. Where do kids learn stuff like that? I took the towel back and handed it to Josie and told her that she made the mess so she'll clean it up, not Indi. Normally, when we announce that we're going to clean, Josie tries to rush up to her room before we say anything. Am I getting a sneak peak of what she'll be like as a teenager?

I had a "who's lying" dilenma the other day. Indi came to me crying and saying someone hit her. Well I just assumed it was Josie, so I called Josie in and told her that she better not hit Indi again or she'll be in big trouble. She said, "Not me mom, it was Jaed!". Well I called Jaed in and told him the same thing and he said, "Mom, it was Josie, not me." I was stunned and wasn't sure what to do. Who do I believe? Indi was too young to tell me who the culprit was. I decided to believe Jaed an started lecturing Josie about hitting and then blaming someone else. She just said, "Not me, Mom, not me. It was Jaed.", and then Jaed spoke up and said, "Josie, you are telling a lie. It was you.". They were actually having a little argument about who did it. By this time, Inid had left to go play and I was in the middle not sure what to do. I finally stopped them and told them to go play.......I had to think about what to do. I'm still thinking!

Where's my MAID!

If we had any money, I would beg Thayne to get me a maid until I get past this sickness phase. I can't stand up for longer than about 10 minutes without looking around for my barf bowl, which is usually on one of the kids heads, or full of toys that they're carrying around. I was using my barf bowl this morning (too much information, I know) and Josie was rubbing my head (getting hair in my face), Indi was asking "what happen mommy, what happen", and Jaed was just starring at me.

I usually have a schedule of certain things I clean everyday, but that's not happening. Thayne does his best to help me out when he gets home, which I appreciate so much.

Pregnancy cravings are starting. I was craving for some cookies, so I got some, brought them home, opened the package and lost ALL interest in them. Just the though of eating one made me more nauseous. But....my family enjoyed them. Thayne hates the cravings part about pregnancy. He's made several runs to the grocery store at midnight when I was pregnant with the other three. He would say, "If I go and get it, are you really going to eat it?" and my answer would always be, "Of course I will, that's why I'm craving it." WELL......at least 50% of the time I wouldn't eat it. The site or smell of it would turn my stomach even though the thought of it before hand was uncontrolable. Hmmm.....interesting, isn't it :).

Jaed has been sneezing TONS lately, and he never covers his mouth no matter how many times we remind him. AND, he seems to be always by me when he sneezes and, of course, he sprays it all over me. Well, I decided to start sneezing on him so he knew how it felt. I felt a sneeze coming on so I hurry and found Jaed and made sure I sneezed on him. He was so mad. He yelled, "MOM, I hate that". I just started laughing so hard. (Even now, while I'm typing this, I"m laughing.) I tried to explain to him that when he sneezes on me, that's how I feel. But, I don't think he was understanding the lesson very well because I couldn't stop laughing. He finally made some grunting noise and stomped off. HAHAHA!! He would be yelling back at me, "MOM, stop laughing!" which made me laugh even harder. I guess I just needed a good laugh and this triggered it and I couldn't stop. I laughed for so long my cheeks hurt. It felt so good, but probably not very mature of me. Oh well, I hate being mature and responsible sometimes, and if my son getting sneezed on is the only consequence of my immaturity...well ....it's worth it.

Who's got the MUNCHIES?

Indi was on a munching craze this morning. I couldn't give her enough food to make her happy so she went searching on her own. I caught her underneath the couch cushion eating away. I have know idea what she was eating or even how old it was but she didn't seem to care. I told her to get out of there, and that it was "icky" and she looked completely surprised. Then a little later I was sweeping the kitchen and had a heaping dirt pile, and she walked right over, bent down, grabbed something and put it in her mouth. YUCK! I just told her to get out and she walked away, chewing on something the whole time.

Josie used her little potty twice today without being prompted. I was so excited...but I have no energy right now to potty train her. I need to get over these nauseous feelings first. Hopefully she'll still be motivated when that time comes.

Thayne only has four more weeks of work left and then he's done until school starts. I'm counting down the days. He is having a great experience with it. There are even a couple of attorneys that only want him to help them, no other intern. I know that makes Thayne feel good. He is good at whatever he does!

My Adorable Kids

I was thinking last night when I couldn't sleep that I have been too negative in my blog about my children. So, I thought I would dedicate today's post to my children and tell you how wonderful they really are. My mom always says that my kids aren't naughty or bad, they just do naughty and bad things sometimes. I NEVER call my kids "bad kids", but I have been known to call them naughty. Whenever I do, my moms words come into my head and I try and correct what I've said and say "what you did was sooo naughty".

Ok, I will start with my oldest son, Jaedon "Jaed". He will be 5 in October and reminds us quite often. He loves to be praised and really tries to please us. He is a great helper around the house. I have given him certain jobs and when it's time to do those jobs he does them without complaints. He loves playing with his sisters, especially when they do what he tells them to do. He will even play dolls and house with Josie. She's the mom and he's the baby :). He loves to cuddle at night when he is trying to go to sleep. He knows that he can stay up longer than his sisters (most nights) and he thinks that's great. It's like the party starts when Josie and Indi go to bed. Jaed LOVES his dad. He wants to be just like him, and his dad knows EVERYTHING. He was trying to explain what movie he wanted to watch last night and I was not getting it. Finally he said, "Mommy, Daddy understands what I say all the time. You don't.". He has told me numerous times that Thayne can fix anything and is the best dad in the world. I use to ask, "What about me, Jaed" and he just says, "Yeah...I guess you too, Mommy". I decided that it was okay if he thought his dad was great and his mom was okay. I stopped asking :). Jaed loves to play with friends and everyone he sees, whether he knows them or not, is his friend. This has made teaching him about strangers a tad bit difficult, but we keep trying. We love our Jaed so much, and are so greatful that we were blessed to have him as ours.

Now there's Josette "Josie". She is a true spit fire but a ball of love as well. She has a very tender heart. I don't think I have ever seen a fake cry from her. When she cries, it's a real, full blown, crocidile tears, cry. I always thought that I would get use to it and be immune to its effects, but everytime she cries it tugs at my heart. She is our little mini - mom. She tries to take care of Indi, which Indi usually hates, and even attempts to mother Jaed. Josie loves to sing and loves to be sung to. When I lay her down at night we at least have to sing three songs, but usually more. She has become quite the princess. She always has some kind of princess dress on during the day and if I ask her if she's a princess she responds, "Yes, I'm a princess!". Sometimes she'll even let Indi be a princess :). She loves to play house or "Guys" with Jaed, but she also loves to play by herself. It's fun to be around the corner from her and listen to her pretend play. She doesn't call her play figures "dolls", she calls them her "guys". That's thanks to her big brother, I think. If she ever sees someone in the family crying she is the first one there wanting to know what happen and why they're crying. She'll often try to hug the person and tell them that it's okay. Her new favorit saying is "Pweez, mom, pweez". That always comes after me or Thayne saying "No" to something. I have even seen her grab onto Thayne's leg and look up at him and say "Pweez, Daddy". I am embarrassed to say that a lot of the times we give in. She is a true angel and loves her family as much as we love her. She doesn't like to be apart from any of us for very long and is so excited to see us when we come back. She is the first to run to Thayne when he comes home from school/work and gives him a HUGE hug. She will always respond to "I love you" with "I WUB YOU, TOO" and she does it immediately.

Little Indiya "Indi" is our precious baby. She loves to be cuddled, hugged and kissed on ALL of the time. She is very polite as well. She learned to say "Please, Thank you, and Your Welcome" at a very young age. We're always shocked that we don't have to remind her to say it. (Actually, all of our kids are good at saying those words.) Indi loves to put as many clothes on as she can. When she comes out of her during they day she'll often have two shirts, a dress, and whatever else she could put on. Of course, none of it is put on right, but she doesn't care. Indi is a great dancer! She'll dance with or without music and she gets it all movin'. She doesn't seem to be shy about it either. Indi loves playing with both Jaed and Josie. A little bit ago, Josie and Jaed wanted to play house and they each wanted to be the parent. Well that left Indi as the baby....and the fight began. Jaed grabbed Indi first but Josie was right there to tug her away. Both were yelling "No, she's my baby". I thought for sure Indi would start crying but she never did. I actually think she liked the attention. I finally told Jaed he could be the Dad and Josie could be the Mom and Indi could be both there babies. Jaed hated that solution at first, but within 2 minutes I heard him say, "Josie you be the mommy and I'll be the daddy, okay", and Josie agreed. Indiya loves her pacifiers too. She calls them her "Piers". When she is upset and doesn't have one, she'll start saying "Where my pier, where my pier" and we're all off to find one for her. She is a great one for giving "Big Hugs". Just out of no where, she'll grab our legs or whatever body part she can grab and yell "big hug" and then let go and run off. I love spending one on one time with Indi. She is so loving and tender. I hug and hold her as much as I can and she always lets me, well....until she's done :).

As you can see, we have the best kids ever. Yes, they do have their naughty sides..and they can be frustrating at times... but each one of them warms my heart constantly. I am greatful that they are so forgiving of me and my faults as a mom. When I'm sad or upset they are the first ones there to hug me and kiss me and tell me "It's okay, mom". I hope that I can help them grow into great moms and dads themselves!

The sickness begins

YES, I'M PREGNANT!!! I have finally come to grips with it and am starting to get a little excited.

When I went to the doctor last week she said that I had to stop taking a medication that I've been taking since Indi was born. I was suppose to take it every other day for one week and then stop. Well I did that...I know I'm so sick. I'm dizzy, extremely nauseous, and very moody. I don't know how much longer I can deal with this....or how much longer my family can handle this :). Thayne ahs been so good. He stayed home from work today and did the dishes, took care of the kids, and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. I think I have a little hint of why drug addicts stay on the drug of their choice. Going through the withdrawals are horrid and very depressing.

Well Father's Day wasn't all that special for Thayne. Since I was so sick, I didn't get to cook him a great dinner or pamper him like I wanted to. The kids kissed and hugged him a lot throughout the day though. And Jaed told him about 50 times that he was his bestest, bestest Dad ever. We got him a shirt and a hat that said "#1 Dad" and I got him a pocket watch that he really liked. So, I think he had an okay day. He didn't complain, but he normally doesn't even if he has the right to do so.

A couple of days ago, Josie and Indi were in there rooming playing.....so we thought. I even said to Thayne "They are playing so well together in there". I went in to check on them and turned right around and walked out feeling completely upset and frustrated. Josie had got a PERMANENT black marker from somewhere and drew all over her walls. I asked Thayne to handle the situation because I couldn't deal with it without crying. So he went in there, gave Josie a HUGE lecture and put her to bed. We both tried to get it off the walls but no such luck. I guess when you have toddlers and you rent you should just know that you will NEVER get your deposit back. I didn't even call my mom to tell her what Josie did because I know exactly what her reponse would have been.... "Just think about what Josie was thinking while she was drawing on her walls. She was probably so happy with herself for the beautiful pictures she was drawing." Only grandparents can think that way. I can't even comprehend that frame of thought.












Now we have to hide our pens and when we need one we can't even find them. AWWWWWWWWWWWW.........I'd take a teenager over this anyday :)......well that's at least how I feel right now. Don't quote me on that!

P.S. If you click on the pictures I have posted you can see a bigger picture. I wouldn't want you to miss any major details!