A very busy week or two

If I had posted all the pictures separately, this post would be a million miles long! I threw my sister a surprise baby shower on Feb. 16th. She had been sick the week before so I was really worried she wouldn't be better by the time the shower rolled around. I was also worried she might go into labor early since her blood pressure had been going up. Lucky for me, she was neither! Unfortunately, despite all the beautiful weather we had in the days prior to the shower, it snowed 5.5 inches that night. It started the same time people started arriving for the shower. It didn't quit until almost 10 that night! I was just glad when I went out at 9:30 and started to shovel that there had been a bunch of cars in my driveway because it made it so there wasn't 5.5 inches covering my entire driveway! I was especially glad for that when I started shoveling and realized just how wet and heavy the snow actually was! Last night we had Samantha's friend party. I let her invite 7 kids over for a sleepover. We had 3 cousins, 1 neighbor, 1 dance friend, & 2 from school. One from school couldn't come & 2 didn't spend the night. Never the less, it was chaos central for quite some time! Lucky for Nash, my aunt had tickets to a concert so she brought Carson over to entertain him. I told her the boys sat & played xbox for 3.5 hours! Thank goodness for Lego Indiana Jones & Lego Batman! Those boys didn't even notice the girls running circles around them! I was glad Travis brought home our other dvd player & that I was able to hook it up in our room so we could start movies for the girls without bothering the boys! Samantha picked out Ramona & Beezus, Alpha & Omega, & Open Season 3 to watch. I was surprised that about 3 of the girls had already seen Ramona & Beezus. I guess other people go to the theater more than we do! I broke down & bought a cake for Sam's friend party. She really wanted me to do the stand up Barbie cake again this year. Which technically it's not that hard of a cake to make. It's decorating it that takes awhile. It uses all the hand decorating tips and you have to carve the cake some. Between the shower and piano class on Wed. and dance class Thursday, I just didn't have the time or energy. Lucky for me she was ok with a store bought one (I personally think store bought cakes are nasty & shouldn't be served to humans or animals!). We ordered pizza, opened presents, had cake & ice cream, made hair bows and watched movies to our heart's content. Most all of the girls were out by 12 or 12:30. Only Nash & Sadie stayed awake until 3 am! Sadie was quiet and just watched movies - Nash was a loud mouth & I was surprised he didn't wake anyone up! When he came in at 3 and asked me to put on another movie I finally told him NO! Much to my surprise those 2 were the first ones up at 8 am! This morning we had pancakes and eggs and just played until mom's got here to pick them up at 10 am. We ran to Logan today to do just a few errands before Sam had to dance tonight. Lucky for me Aunt Cass offered to keep Nash - the kid is making me CRAZY these days! He's got a BAD case of middle child syndrome! When we went into Shopko to get some prescriptions, Sam wanted to buy something with her money. She found this make your own mosaic jewelry box that she really wanted so I let her get it. After her performance tonight we came home and she got started on it. It took her almost 2 hours, but she sat and glued to her little heart's content & couldn't be happier with the final outcome. She needs a bigger jewelry box so perhaps this will actually come in handy for more than keeping her entertained for 2 hours! Uncle Zack was kind enough to keep the boys while I took Sam to her dance performance. She danced with LaShar's at the Caprielle Invitational. My understanding is they invite different dance teams from the valley to come perform & pretty much just use it as a fundraiser. It was only $3 to get in and only lasted 45 minutes. I was thrilled! Dance performances NEVER last that long! I fully expected to be there until at least 7:30! I'm hoping that the Caprielle Review doesn't last too long either! While we were there we learned that they will be hosting a "hip hop workshop" on March 19th. I asked Sam if she wanted to do it - she hasn't done hip hop before. They have 3 choreographers that have worked with a bunch of famous people coming. So, $55 later, we are now booked with events/activities through the third weekend in March. I told her piano teacher to hurry and schedule the piano recital for that last weekend in March before something else creeps up! My mom made the kids aprons for Valentine's Day. My boys were thrilled! Every time they want to help me bake they end up wearing one of their sister's aprons! Now Nash has a transformers apron & Caleb has a tractor apron. On the 15th when I got home from work I found all three of my boys (their dad) in the kitchen. Dad had on pj bottoms & a cowboy hat. Caleb had on a cowboy had, his pj bottoms and his tractor apron. Nash had on his pj bottoms (apparently we're lacking in the cowboy hat department at our house these days). Caleb & dad were making "cowboy cakes" for breakfast (pancakes). It was the cutest thing I've seen in a long time! I couldn't help but smile & grab my camera! It's no wonder the kids like baking with their dad more than me. I don't let them pull a chair up to a h0t pan and use the spatula to turn the "cowboy cakes"....dad DOES! Dad and grandma Terri also let them crack eggs and I don't! I do share the beaters though! That should count for SOMETHING! I'm hoping next week is a bit more mellow, but somehow I doubt it! We might have cousins here on Monday since there's no school. Sam dances Tue. and Thur. and goes to piano on Wed. On Friday night she dances at SV and on Saturday Nash is having a friend over to play! Who knew the weeks their dad was gone would turn out to be busier than when he's home! At least we don't get bored!

Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun

I can't believe my baby girl is going to be eight next Saturday! I swear she was just born yesterday! She is turning out to be quite the girl. She has her girlie girl moments, but she has just as many tom boy moments too.

This year she decided she wanted to go ice skating for her family birthday party again. So, of course we obliged. Mom of course WASN'T on skates though. I was watching from the sidelines, snapping pictures and finishing the binding on Aunt Cass's baby blanket.

Originally Sam wanted the "Brad Paisley guitar" cake. I regretfully informed her I did not want to do fondant and hand painting on a cake that was going to be eaten. Especially since I knew it would take me FOREVER to put together! I offered to do a guitar cake in any color she wanted, but when we went to go the cake pan from Michaels, they of course were out of that pan. After some indecisiveness, we ventured over to Kitchen Kneads where she settled on this:
I think it turned out cute - even if it isn't Brad Paisley's blue paisley guitar. I even made matching cupcakes to go with it. Of course, I was extra glad that I hadn't caved into the Brad Paisley guitar cake this morning. See, I always keep cakes in the oven - they stay SOO much fresher that way. After being married 11 1/2 years, you'd think Travis would remember this, right? No. He preheated the oven without checking to see if the birthday cake was in there first. Once the oven hit about 200 degrees, he could smell cake & shortly thereafter had an "oh *&#$" moment & got the cake out. Alas, it was too late. All the frosting had melted off the cake and I knew it would be recooked & go hard. Travis didn't understand why I couldn't just "scrap the frosting off & refrost it." I told him to just be glad it wasn't one like I usually do where I decorate it with all my decorating tips that takes 3 hours and that it was only 10:30 am and not noon (we were leaving at 1:00). Needless to say, I spent the morning making the cake AGAIN.

We went ice skating first, but I'm a spaz and put pictures in the wrong order. So, here are pictures from her party we had after ice skating.

Since the ice arena isn't far from Grandpa Scott & Grandma Kris's house, we had our party at their house again this year. It was relatively quiet - just us, Atkinsons, Grandma & Grandpa & Grandma Terri.

Caleb was super excited to bonk Sam on the head. In fact, he tried doing "heavy, heavy hangover" right after he finished helping his dad wrap her presents this morning! I love the look on her face in this picture:
She got a cute new outfit from Grandma Kris & Grandpa Scott & the Atkinsons. They also got her a set of Shrinky Dinks (she got those last year & absolutely LOVED them).
An awesome "I spy" quilt from Grandma Terri. She loves it. She told me it was the "Only thing I wanted and I got it!" and is in fact sleeping with it on her bed tonight. When I took Caleb back into their room after he got up, I caught her "spying" things on the quilt.
The ice arena wasn't too packed. When we go, we generally go on a Sunday because that's when there are a lot less people there. Nash used one of the walkers and since we had 2 strollers, Sam took turns with the stroller and the walker.

Caleb was as happy as a pig in mud to be on the ice again. We just strap him in & push him around in his stroller. He loves Uncle Robbie & was just in seventh heaven having him push him around and play with him.
I think this picture turned out super cute. This is "baby Jaxton". Sam sure loves him, but when I asked Caleb if we should take "baby Jaxton" home & Sam heard me, she was quick to respond with "NO! We have a baby sister coming!" She's not excited for a girl at all, is she!
Last week Caleb & I made Valentine sugar cookies. I've taught the kid well. He LOVES his cookie dough just like his mama!
This is how we watched the ENTIRE new Tinkerbell movie last night. Brookelyn was kicking like nuts so I was surprised that he stayed there the entire time, but he was happy as a clam. In fact, every time I tried to move him he got mad & went back to this exact same spot!
And last, but not least....here I am at 27 weeks. Only 13 weeks to go! 12 if they really start me a week early like they said they would. It seems like it's gone pretty quick this time. I probably won't be saying that in another 4 weeks though! When I went to the dr. last week I had gained 41 lbs. I'm afraid I'm going to hit the +80 lb mark this time. At least I know it comes off, right? Last week I also had my glucose test done. I think that glucola drink gets nastier every time I have to take it. I think it's pixie stick sugar colored orange! YUCK! Dr. Fowers said he wants me to come back in & get another ultrasound. I asked him if we needed to have another one done because when I had my very first ultrasound I had the beginnings of placenta previa. When I had my 20 week ultrasound they could tell the placenta had moved, but the couldn't tell how much. So, I'm going back on March 2nd for another ultrasound. I was glad they could schedule it for when they did so Travis will be home. He missed my 20 weeks ultrasound (it was the day before he came home). I'm fairly sure that all is well and I'm hoping they'll tell me she isn't going to be a 10 pounder! Doubtful on the 10 pounder part knowing how big of babies I tend to have!
Have a great week!

Personalize a free photo slideshow

So, in addition to the pictures (it was faster than loading them 1 at a time!) I also have 2 orders for a total of 10 Christmas stockings, and 2 pillowcase dresses. I'm also trying to finish a reversible bag for Sam for her birthday, as well as one to use as my new diaper bag & 1 for a pay it forward gift. I have 7 pillowcase dresses cut out & just waiting to be serged & ribbon added & then posted to my etsy site. I need to get the 3 baby gowns for the church humanitarian project done before Feb. 25th too. I also have another reversible bag that needs to be done as a baby gift & 3 reversible aprons (1 is a pay it forward, 1 a birthday & 1 a mother's day). If I could get those done, then I could finish the clothes I cut out for the kids before school started! HA HA! Good thing Trav comes home tonight! I told him the other day that he needs to keep kids entertained for about 3 days so I can finish all of that! We'll see if it happens or not! I'm guessing it will half way happen! Oh! I also need to finish binding the quilt for my sister's baby & mine! If Trav would finish the boys' room, I would need to get Caleb's big, new, blue & red tractor quilt done too! Guess it's in my favor he hasn't worked too hard on it yet!

We've had a rough two weeks since Trav left last time. The kids got grounded 2 days after Trav left because their behavior was atrocious at a meeting I took them too. I ungrounded Samantha on Saturday because she's been so much better. Caleb, well, he's really to little to "get it." Nash on the other hand, has tried my patience to the absolute end! He's been xbox & ds-less for at least a week. Why? Well, one night he intentionally spit on my floor for absolutely no reason. The next day, he called Samantha a s***head and laughed. I know where he's learned that word & I've let his dad know I know too! ;) Caleb's challenge has been that he's picked up from his brother the words buttcrack & butthole. So, he has had to put his nose on the wall and go to his room several times a day lately. I have told him I'm going to soap his mouth out if he wants to talk like a naughty boy. He thinks it's a game. I think I might have to actually break out the soap.

This weekend we are going to do Samantha's family birthday party since her dad will be gone on her actual birthday. That means I get to make a cake on Saturday. I think she wants the stand up Barbie cake again. She wants to go ice skating again too. So, we're taking the family out on Sunday and then having cake & ice cream at Grandma's house after. No, this fat girl will NOT be on the ice! For her friend birthday party, I told her she could choose some friends to sleep over again. Well, then I got a note from dance class saying she's suppose to dance on her birthday. So, I don't know if the sleepover will get to happen or not. If not, we'll have to just do something Friday or she'll be totally bummed.

Speaking of dance - for those interested, here is her performance schedule:

Feb. 19 @ MC not sure about time

Feb 25 @ SV @ 630

March 11 @ MC not sure about time

April 30 @ SV all day - it's a competition

May 21 @ SV @ 6:30 - their end of the year review

You'd think with that many performances left her dad would be here for at least 1. Nope. No such luck. Good thing they do a video of the year end review so she can make him watch her in that! Plus, I'm pretty sure she'll perform at Relay For Life again this year & Trav WILL be here for that!

I need to take another fat girl picture and post. I go to the dr. tomorrow. Pretty sure I've passed the 40 lb weight gain mark. I was +39 lbs 4 weeks ago. Tomorrow is the glucose test. Yay. She's been kicking me like nuts since the week before Christmas. I think she does aerobics in there like Sam did. I've also had tons of Braxton Hicks contractions. I'm not sure if they're coming on because I do too much (HA, right) or if it's because of stress (what stress?). My feet and legs have been swelling. It isn't terrible....yet. I'm just hoping they don't limit me when I go in tomorrow. Not sure that I'd actually be able to follow dr.'s orders since Trav is gone so much! Cross your fingers for me!

The last few days...in pictures!

I went to Hobby Lobby today (after I stopped at Temptation Cupcake for the first time) to buy some more hair stuff. The kids were good so I let them each pick a pack of stickers. Samantha chose a sisters one. Here's what she made for her little sister.I have finally finished Brookelyn's carseat canopy. It turned out super cute & it even matches my carseat cover!
It's kinda hard to read, but the pink (not orange) letters say Brookelyn.
I just need to bind this blanket for my sister & baby no name.
I need to bind this one for Brookelyn.
And as of tomorrow I will be 25 weeks. It has felt like she's dropped the last week (my tail bone is KILLING me!). I've also had some wicked Braxton Hicks contractions. I think it's too early for that!

Nash's Tough Days

The last two days have been kinda rough on poor Nash.

On Monday we took all 3 kids to the dentist. I was hoping no one would have cavities. I got that wish. I should've been more specific in my wish list. Nash had a spot on one of his molars where the enamel had basically died I guess. They wanted to fix it asap. Of course there were no appointments available for Tuesday when they had no school and their dad was home. So, we schedule an appointment for today.

Travis & I decided this "thing" on the joint of his index finger was a wart. It's been there at least a month & doesn't look like something that wants to be popped. So, last night I had the pleasure of holding him down while Travis applied Compound W's "Freeze Away." Yeah....not fun. It started out ok, but after Trav touched it a few times with the applicator, the burn started to set in. That's when I had to hold him down so Travis could keep it on there for a solid 20 seconds. I'm crossing my fingers that it really does only take 1 application and that it falls off in the 10-14 days like it says.

This morning I was up at 3 am feeling like I was going to die. After an hour of nearly curling up in a ball on the bathroom floor and doing so, I finally made it back to my bed. When I got the kids up this morning I was feeling a bit better, but they told me they both felt like they were going to throw up. I offered them the choice of Tums or Pepto. They both choose Pepto. Let me tell you, we have to force Pepto down them after they throw up when they have the flu. I was shocked they both choose that & took it willingly. Trav left for work at midnight last night so I texted him to ask if he was sick this morning too. He later told me he hadn't felt good this morning but chalked it up to only getting 2 hours of sleep. The only thing I can figure, is we had a touch of food poisoning. Caleb is the only one that didn't eat dinner last night (little bugger's getting particular about what & when he eats). Luckily by noon it had worn off for the kids & I've only been hit & miss for the rest of the day.

At 11;30 we headed to the dentist's office. I left Caleb with Grandma Kris because I had no idea what today's visit was going to entail. They asked if I wanted him to have the gas. I told them yes because I had no idea what this project was going to be like. He was a little resistant at first, but we finally got him to "put on the piggy nose". Everything was going swell...and then the dentist came in. Now, Nash has had work done before, but my mom took him because I was working so I hadn't seen his reaction first hand. I take my kids to a pediatric dentist, because I know what a drama queen Samantha is & I know these guys are geared for that. So, when they started to tell Nash they were going to wash his tooth I was thinking "no problem." Duh..

Well, that's about the time he started to FREAK OUT. The dental hygienist, Jenni, was trying to hold his hands down & assist the dentist. So, I came over & got a hold of Nash's hands. Meanwhile, Nash got a hand lose & knocked the dentists hand...to which the reply was, "if he bumps me I'm afraid my tool with go right through the roof of his mouth." AWESOME. And no, he hadn't had any Novocaine. So, I sat for the next 30 minutes, next to Nash trying to keep his feet from hitting me in the head & his hands tied down. No, he never had any Novocaine. They told me it shouldn't be hurting him, probably just his nerves. Since I've only ever had my wisdom teeth pulled, how the heck am I suppose to know?! Once they got all the enamel off that had gone bad, there was a big hole in his molar. So, they filled it with....something white. Trav said when they use the machine to harden the filling, that does hurt a little. So, I guess it probably really did hurt. Oops. After he was done, he sat cowering in the corner for 20 minutes crying. We told him he could leave as soon as he quit crying - we didn't want him to scare any other kids. He kept telling me his mouth hurt so I told him we'd go over to WalMart & get some Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Jenni, they hygienist, told me they had some. So, she filled up a syringe (JUST LIKE the one I use at home). You would have thought we wanted to shoot him with Novocaine then! He wanted nothing to do with it - even when I told him he could do it all by himself! He told me, "No! I don't want anything else in my mouth!" Well, I guess I couldn't really blame him.

After we finally left the office, I realized he had pink spots all over his face and neck. The culprits? I recognized these little fellows from the days of having Sam's tubes unclogged. He had screamed & fought so hard for so long that he's broken a TON of blood vessels in his face, neck, chest & back. Awesome. Now he has little red freckles for any where from a few days to a week. Hope his teacher at school doesn't think I beat him today!

We did venture over to WalMart. I decided I'd better try to find something small to go with a couple birthday presents for next week. And how could I tell the poor kid no when he asked me for a small new lego set? I couldn't. I caved. Yup - weak moment. But hey, I think I've tortured this kid enough this week, don't you?