Costume Parade at School

At school on Thursday, Eli's class had a costume parade for about 15 minutes before they got their day started. (They also invited the siblings to join in.) Let me tell you it was the cutest thing watching these 3 and 4 year old walking around the gym and those pumpkins on the table are the ones they that helped carve on Tuesday. I have to admit I was a little surprised to not see very many parents there, a few were just dropping them off and leaving, but maybe they can't be late for work. All of the children had a blast and that is what counts.

Getting these two to pose together is not the easiest thing to do anymore. Eli a.k.a. Lightening McQueen sure loves his costume and Nic a.k.a Nemo just had alot of fun.

By now everyone was tired of posing for pictures and ready to play.

It is definitely hard to get a group shot, but don't they all look cute dressed up.

Looks like these four may be up for some fun.

What would you do?

This morning I showed up to pick Eli up from preschool, as I am pulling up the kids are walking back into the building from outside. I notice Eli walking with his teacher and another little girl, but yet he is not wearing his coat. So hear in lies the question, "why is my son not wearing his coat when all of the other children are?" Obviously they were coming from the playground, me personally I thought it was a little chilly to be outside but that's just me. The teachers were wearing their coats, so it only makes since to put coats on everyone, right? Maybe this is just me being over protective, but I don't think so. When my car is telling me that it is 50 degrees outside you better believe there will be coats/jackets involved. Not only that, every single child's face was red and their poor little noses were running from the cold air. I can understand wanting the kids to go outside and play but be a little reasonable. They do have a very big gymnasium and all you have to do is walk across the hall from their classroom. Doug's right though, I don't know the whole situation and shouldn't jump to conclusions, but when he has a coat and everyone is wearing theirs, Hello common since people. And if he didn't want to wear his coat the teachers should tell them they will not be joining the class outside and will stay inside with the director. I don't think that is to much to ask, is it? I am not quite sure how to handle this, it upsets me that he didn't have a coat on when everyone else did and it was chilly outside. I told Eli if he doesn't want to wear is coat from now on he will be staying inside with the director and not going outside to play with his friends. I am not quite sure how to broach the subject with his teacher though. I don't want to seem overbearing but when your are wearing your coat please put one on my child. I don't want this to cause him to be left out, which it shouldn't, but common sense should be used especially by the teachers. These children are only 3 and 4 years old sometimes you have to make the decision for them regardless of what they say. I don't think I am overreacting, it actually still makes me a little mad just sitting here typing this. Maybe this is all for nothing and I just needed to get it off my chest but they always say a mother know best and I know what is best for my child.

A few b-day pics to share

We celebrated my birthday once Doug got home from work last night, Eli could hardly contain himself all day, you could tell he wanted to tell me what they had gotten me. We had a relaxing dinner, I made lasagna my favorite, I used the oven ready noodles cuts down on time and is just as delicious. The boys gave me a precious moments figurine, I love them and have a huge collection. Doug and I went up to the Precious Moments chapel, quite a few years ago, and if you have never been you should make the drive, it is just gorgeous up there. We also used precious moments throughout our wedding because I love them so much. We are going to go pick out a camera, actually I think the Sunday ads from the paper made the decision for me. Circuit city is running a great special and who could pass it up. In the package they are offering you get the Sony 10 Mega pixel DSLR, the Compact 75-300mm Lens, a carrying case & spare battery for a great price with a $280 savings. So now I am going to go look at it and see how well I like it, hopefully it will be exactly what I am looking for. My birthday was fantastic thanks to all three of my boys, who knows what I would do without you. Love you guys!!!

Eli decided to climb into Nic's crib before breakfast yesterday morning (I just had to put their Halloween pajamas on them, they are too cute!)

Smiling for Daddy on Mommy's birthday.

They decided I needed help opening my cards, thanks boys!

A very beautiful cake, almost to good to eat, I said almost, it is chocolate you know.

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

I just received an email from my mother-in-law containing this recipe, thank you very much you know I love chocolate. You better believe I will be trying this on a cold night, especially as soon as we run out of birthday cake. I looked up a few pictures of it that people had posted and it looks absolutely delicious, now all you need to do is add a scoop of ice cream, whip cream or some melted chocolate over the top (if anyone has ever tried chocolate lava cake then they know what I am talking about). Of course it looks like enough for two, so share with your spouse if you are in the mood to share, if not I am sure they will not get between you and your chocolate they should know better.


5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar 2
tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world ? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

For anyone who has little girls needs to check out this blog, you will totally fall in love with everything she makes. Each week she gives away an outfit that she had made and now she is opening an online store. Congrats to her and good luck.

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

Another year goes by and now I am 29!!!

It's official, another year has passed and I am definitely starting to feel older (never thought I would say that!). I overheard Doug telling Eli how old I was going to be and the way he repeated it, "twenty-niiiiiiine", like that was extremely old. Although I tell everyone it is just another day, you do actually feel somewhat different once you start to think about it and in one year I will be hitting the big 3-0, yikes! Yes, I know it isn't old but to women there is just something about that number that makes you go, what a minute where had time gone. It doesn't seem that long ago that I had just had Eli and we were going out to eat at Outback Steakhouse for my 25th. Time seems to be flying by and you just get caught up in everyday life and don't really have a chance to sit back and enjoy everything that is happening. My mother-in-law keeps telling me I should write a book because she loves to read what I write, who knows one of these days maybe I will. As I was uploading these pictures Eli wanted to know why Nic was playing with a Mickey Mouse cake I had to explain that was mommy and at first I don't think he believed me, that little Turkey.

This is a picture of me at @ 2 1/2, as Doug says you can tell I am being ornery or up to something.

And I thought I would throw one in of me on my 1st Birthday, (who knew Mickey Mouse would still be so popular now). Love the retro high chair, don't see those to often anymore.

Random things

Delivered the pies this morning to pumpkin patch and of course the boys did not what to leave. On our walk back to the car, Nicolas decided to had by the car next to us so that he didn't have to get into his car seat. In which a crying battle ensued because I just crashed his world by not letting him play with the pumpkins. We are planning on going Monday afternoon so that Dad can be there also and I will be able to take pictures and not run after them the whole time. Will less likely be as crowed as it is today. I am supposed to meet Doug after dinner in Owasso so he can take the boys, I know it has something to do with my birthday, he can't do anything without me finding out seeing as I am the one with the boys all of the time. Eli doesn't quite know how to not tell about a gift, but that's what happens when kids are involved they loving telling you everything. I have been looking on-line at GAP, Old Navy and Gymboree to find us all something that will match a little, we are having family pictures taken Thursday and I am really excited about this. We have always done them at Sears but this year I found a photographer from Adair, I believe, she was really nice and according to the weather it will be fantastic, definitely great for our outdoor pics.

I am still looking at cameras, thanks for the suggestions Melinda, I like reading the customer reviews at Best Buy what people say about electronics is how I base some of my decisions. I figure if a person took the time to review their purchase to help another person with their buying, why not, that what it is there for anyway. Maybe I am a little picky but I like to research and then check it out for myself, just like any major purchase someone would make.

I still haven't decided about taking Eli to his preschool anniversary party yet, it is tomorrow. They have had the children practicing a song that they are supposed to be singing during the service at the church that runs the preschool. Something inside of me is telling me he would be the only one there for the service, none of the other parents have really been to involved in anything so far, maybe it is me but I think is a little weird. I like knowing what my child is learning that is the teacher and mom speaking together on this though. I take him into his class on the mornings he has school and get out of my car to pick him up. Everyone else drops them off and lets the teacher put them in their car seats and off they go. Who knows maybe it's me but I love talking to him about his morning on the way to the car and he shows me everything he made, but many of the others parents probably have to go to work and there have been a few grandparents dropping off and picking up. Every person's situation and circumstances are different, to each his own, right? I'll talk to Doug this evening and see what he thinks, I may not decide until in the morning. I just hate springing something new on the boys, a completely different church, classroom and teacher than they are used to, even if it is for only one day.

I Love This Time of Year

This has to be my favorite time of year, maybe I am a little biased being that this is the season that the boys and I celebrate our birthday's. I love when the weather is perfect, not too hot and definitely not too cold. The leaves are changing colors and falling, pumpkins everywhere and it is just down right beautiful. But this is also the time of year I really love to cook, who knows maybe it is the comfort food, actually it is the wonderful food! I will have to set up a way to share my many different recipes so that everyone else can try them, some can be a little time consuming but well worth the effort once you taste the finished product. I asked Eli a little while ago what he wanted for dinner, I gave him two choices, manicotti or mommy's potato soup. His exact words, "I want your potato soup it makes me feel better." Now if that won't melt your heart I don't know what will. While reading the different headlines on AOL I found out last week Linen and Things was going out of business and lucky me there is one in Owasso, will be stocking up on quite a few things and maybe get Christmas gifts out of the way. I need a new crock pot, mine was broken last winter when Mr. Nic decided to pull it out of the cabinet. I make a great vegetable stew, without meat, but I am sure you can add whatever you like. Right now I have an apple/cherry pie in the oven and will make another regular apple afterwards, I was asked by the president of the UMW, United Methodist Women, if I could make a couple of pies for the chili and pie sale tomorrow at the pumpkin patch. Of course I will also make a cherry pie, just for all three of my boys, what better to have for dessert after a warm bowl of potato soup. Starting in a couple of weeks I will break out the pumpkin pies, pumpkin roll (if you like pumpkin you will love this, pecan pies and cheese logs. There is one thing I do not do and that is Turkey (definitely gross, that is someone else's job). I will start working on my list when I have a free moment and link it so that everyone can try them and see what they think. I better get back to the kitchen, I need to get the next pie in the oven.

Lazy Day

Did you ever have one of those days when you just don't want to do anything? Well today is absolutely one of them. I have stuff I need to go do in town, like pick up Doug's dry cleaning, drop off keys to the community building and swing by the bank. But have any of those things gotten done today? Definitely not! I heard the rain and thunder this morning at 6:45, while Doug is getting ready for work and knew those plans were going right out the window, I am not about to take the boys out in the cold rain. So not only did I not get up and around I lounged around until Eli got up at 8:40 (that's late for him). Needless to say we all stayed in our pajamas for a while. Once I finally decide to get around I have to strap Nic into his portable high chair, there is a reason I get up before they do.

Exhibit A:

Nic decided he needed to play with the toilet paper while mom is in the shower. He is trying to look innocent.

Hopefully the rain will stop before to long that way I can get things done after Nic's nap. I don't want Doug to have to do them on his way home. Got to love those errands.

Looking for a new camera

I have been wanting to upgrade my digital camera for a while. Right now I have a Kodak 4.0 mega pixel with 10x zoom, it's okay but even with the sport shot the pictures can be blurry. So right now I am wondering what to upgrade to, I have thought about going up in mega pixels but have heard that having a DSLR are better, but are much more expensive. I have looked at Best Buy and not sure what I want but have read good reviews on a Nikon DSLR. I just don't want to carry around extra lenses and need a lightweight one to tote around. This is what I told Doug I wanted for my birthday, he told me to find one I like, and I only have a few days to do the research since b-day is fast approaching in five days. Somehow I am in charge of taking pictures of Eli's costume parade next week and these pics will go in his preschool yearbook (how cute), so they definitely need to be good. Not that I don't love my camera, we got it right before Eli was born, it is just sometimes the focus isn't always the best and the pictures are blurry. I also need one with an elevated flash so that I don't have to edit out the red eye all of the time, especially with Nic and his baby blues. Guess I have a lot of research to do the next few days, wish me luck.

Busy weekend

With Nic's birthday and party on Friday we had a lot to get done beforehand, so technically our busy weekend started Thursday morning. I had to get the boys up and ready for pictures their 2 & 4 year pics at the Picture People on Thursday morning, I love going there they are so much more kid friendly and move around more than Sears. Love the fact that I can have my pictures in about 30 minutes and not have to come back to town and they are not too expensive. After we are done there, I decide to take the boys over to the Food Court for an early lunch. Next, we head down to the Disney store for a few presents for Nic and a little girl in Eli's class. I load the boys in the car so that Doug and I can trade cars in Owasso so that he can take the boys on home and put Nic down for his nap so that I can get my hair cut. I go into this appointment, with the same person I have been using for over 3 years, knowing exactly what I want. I tell her I want about an inch or two taken off to get rid of any split ends, my hair was below the middle of my back, definitely needed a trim and I would always wear it up. You know there is a reason they turn your back to the mirror, so you cannot see what they are doing. Her and I start talking and I am thinking she is giving me a few layers, that is until she starts to blow dry it. I realize how short my hair really is, it is just below my shoulders a little, that is 6 inches of hair that was cut!! Needless to say I was a little in shock and couldn't quite believe it at first. It was a complete change from what I was used to and I am still trying to, but I can still put it in a pony tail, just barely. When I get home Eli tells me I look perfect, that will always make you feel better and Doug loves it, my hair hasn't been this short since we first started dating. On the plus side it doesn't take me as long to blow dry and straighten it, if I didn't use my flat iron let's just say I would look like a poodle with frizzy hair. I know some of you probably experience that as well. Nic then wakes up from his nap and we eat dinner and head out to Toys R Us for more things and then jet over to Wal-Mart super center for groceries and more. Very busy day.

On Friday we had Nic's party and that was a blast. Once the boys were in bed, Doug headed out of town for the weekend to work but the boys and I had plans so that would keep us busy. Saturday afternoon rolled around and we headed over to a party for Alesha, a little girl in Eli's class. The boys had fun, although I was completely worn out by the time we got home. When the party's are outside the parents seem to use up all their energy chasing all the kids around. After church on Sunday, Nic takes his nap and then we head to Tulsa for Ethan's 3rd birthday, the boys cousin. I am so glad it is Monday and we have absolutely nothing to do but laundry. I think by far those were the four busiest days we have had in a while and I don't want to do that again. But this is the time of year we are always doing something or going somewhere, good thing the weather is so great that we can enjoy it as well.

Nicolas' 2nd Birthday

Happy 2nd Birthday Nicolas!!!!

I figured I would share some pictures of Nicolas from birth through now. Who knew time you fly by so fast with these two. It is definitely hard to believe it has already been two years. We love you little man!!!

Daddy snapping a picture of mom and baby after his journey. He was our big bundle of joy weighing in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. (that's right, big). I hate to think how much he would have weighed if we had waited nine more days, yikes!

Elijah giving his bubbi a kiss, the day after we can home from the hospital. Eli wasn't so fond of him right after he was born, his statement was, "Put him back." But he warmed up after a few minutes.

Taking a pic with Daddy on his birthday.

Nic at his 1st Birthday party at the Oklahoma Aquarium.

This is one of the pictures we put on his invitation, isn't he cute!!!

Nic's Birth Story

Being pregnant with Nicolas was not an easy task in the final few months. The summer of 2006 was so hot and was being to take a toll on my body. I started having lovely contractions in the summer and had false labor. Then my left leg started to swell and did not get better even with elevation and rest. I even had to have an ultrasound on my leg to make sure there was not a clot, thankfully there was not, but I do have a superficial vein that has popped out from all of the pressure, that needs to be fixed after I am done having children. The beginning of October Doug and I took Eli to the fair and I had to stop and put my feet up a few times because of the swelling, it was just unbelievable. The next day I went to the doctor and he thought he might have to induce me because of the swelling and my blood pressure was a little high, the day I also had the ultrasound. Nic was doing fine it was me they were worried about, but you worry about mom you also start to worry about the baby. And to think I want to do this all over again! Anyway the doctor ordered me to take it easy and try and stay off my feet, he was afraid if the ultrasound came back irregular mister Nic would have been born that day, three weeks to early. So we decided to hold out a little longer for my and his sake, little boys need a little bit longer to develop their lungs. Two weeks later the doctor decided it was time and having him nine days early was better than me suffering any longer. Had I been able to hold out until his due date he would have been born on my birthday, now wouldn't that have been cool. Doug and I went home and loaded up things for Eli and even took is mattress from his toddler bed with blankets and all to Mimi and Papa's (they would be keeping him while we were at the hospital, also the longest I have ever been away, except for a trial run a few weeks before, from him before then and since). Doug and I show up at the hospital at 6 o'clock in morning and the nurse started my lovely pitocin by 7:30. And here I was walking around my room and bouncing on a birthing ball to get things going, I was hardly feeling these contractions, or it was the fact Nic wasn't ready to come out yet. So a little after noon my doctor comes in and breaks my water, now this should get the process going right? I thought to myself man this is easy until around 1:30 in the afternoon when I was really starting feel the contractions and by 4 I was asking for my epidural. And I swear if I ever see that anesthesiologist again I will give him a piece of my mind (he missed the first time and had to try again, had I not been had so many contractions he would have ended up on the floor). Doug's mom brought Eli up and I was trying my hardest to focus on him and not let him see me hurt, buy you know kids can pick up on it so easily and mommy had things hooked up to her. So about 5:30ish the Doug walks them out to the car and the nurse comes in to check me and tells me before long I will start pushing. Although it seems fast it definitely felt like a very long afternoon. After getting completely dilated and pushing, our little man finally arrived at 7:14 p.m. What a long journey he had made and he was so perfect and now we have two beautiful boys that are getting bigger and bigger everyday.

This is what I know now...

After a very grueling and emotional week of pure torture on my soul, my ob/gyn gave me some good news today. It is not a cancer lump, oh thank goodness, but a whole bunch of fibrocystic cysts, (check out link), that made it feel like on big lump. I am to keep checking regularly and if it changes or hurts more than normal to go back in and go from there. I was also told to try and stay away from caffeine, pure craziness, I have to have my frappuccino or cappuccino once a week. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you girls for your prayers, it really means a lot to me.

With this you have a few options for treatment:

1. Tylenol and warm compresses

2. Taking birth control, something to do with hormones. (Not an option, we are trying to have another baby and both my grandmothers had ovarian cancer, one is cancer free and my Nana passed away 5 1/2 years ago from it, man I miss her.) I am already at a higher risk because of my family history and they are thinking birth control is also a possible link to it because of the hormones.

3. If they get big and I can not stand the pain then they can be aspirated and sent off for a biopsy just for good measure.

Those are pretty much your treatment options, sounds like loads of fun to come, right? And of course the kicker they tend to hurt worse right before and during your period, already know that. But at least I can handle this not sure what I would have done if it would have been something else. Imagine sitting there waiting on the doctor to come in, all your thoughts running through your head and to top it off both boys were with me and I was trying to keep them entertained as well and not let them see how I was feeling. As we are waiting on the doctor, Eli looks at me and says, "Mommy you are going to be okay, right?" That just broke my heart because he could tell I was worried although I thought I was putting up a really good front. I told him everything was fine and mommy was getting a check up like when he goes to the doctor. Kids really know when something is going on even when you think you are being strong and protecting them from everything. I am so glad to find out what is going on and I want to thank everyone again for your thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.

Try it you might like it...

For those of you who have been reading my doctor's appointment is later this afternoon. So to keep my mind busy I thought I would share about a delicious lunch that I had yesterday. On Tuesdays mornings I take Eli to school while Doug stays home with Nic, who is usually still asleep. Since Starbucks closed in Claremore I decided to give Java Dave's a try, not too bad, needless to say this is our Tuesday morning ritual and we also get to big cookies for the boys to have after lunch and before Nic goes down for his nap. Well yesterday morning Doug was supposed to have an eye doctor appointment and I had to wake both boys up, feed them and get dressed and out the door we went. I decide that since I have both and also a few errands to run with Nic that I would forgo my frappuccino this time, man was I dreading that decision, who knew I would be craving it. So I come back home start some laundry and Doug goes back with us to pick up Eli. Tuesday is also the day we hit the drive through at McDonald's on the way home from school for lunch. I tell Doug let's stop and I will run into Java Dave's and order us a couple of panini sandwiches and they will be ready after we pick Eli up. Good idea right, we have our lunch and the boys will have theirs. I order our lunch and also my lovely frappuccino, who couldn't after walking in and smelling that great odor of coffee? We pick Eli up, get our lunch and head over to McD's, great idea. Let me tell you what that was one of the most delicious sandwiches I have ever had. I got the southwest chicken and I believe Doug had the Monterrey chicken, also very delicious. We will definitely be going back there for lunch it just may be our Tuesday ritual from now on. But the sandwiches are huge, I ate half off one and you can save the other half for dinner or lunch the next day. I am not big on trying new things all that often, especially when it comes to a new place to eat but I am definitely glad I did. So if you are ever out an about and see a Java Dave's stop in for a panini, if you are not in the mood to eat order a cappuccino with chocolate milk, also very delicious, or a mocha frappuccino you can't go wrong with either on of those.

Worried..

For the past week I have been holding something in and worrying, hopefully about nothing. Last week a found a lump, for anyone who is a girl knows exactly what the means. I could definitely tell a difference and Doug could too and on top of that I had been hurting. You know me, I sat down on the bed and started getting worried and even started crying. Doug looks at me and asks why am I crying. Being a guy they just don't understand how checking yourself is pounded into your head over and over and what happens when you do find something, especially emotionally. Exactly, the worst possible thing pops into your mind. Me thinking to myself, I am only 28, almost 29, I have two babies and planning on having another, I've got my whole life ahead of me, I am healthy and take care of myself. What am I going to do? But then you think I have to be strong, call the doctor and find out what is going on, which is exactly what I did last Wednesday. Unfortunately, I don't go to the doctor until tomorrow afternoon, the earliest they could get me in. So here I am trying to go about my everyday business with this on my mind for a week and every now and then this creeps up on you and the whole thinking process starts all over. How do you act or feel? Who do you tell, if anybody? How do you tell yourself it is nothing and focus on something else? Not easy by the way, but you have to put a smile on for everyone although this is on your mind, it can easily start to wear on your soul. But I have the boys to distract me for awhile, until all is quite and they are asleep. Trying to stay busy and not worry, there is only so much you can do to distract yourself until the worrying starts all over again.

The man I love....

With birthdays and anniversary's all over the place, I got to thinking mine is only two and a half months away. What do you get your husband who has everything he wants and needs? We haven't really given each other gifts since we have had the boys, mainly a card and we might actually get to go out on our anniversary, if not a few days later. A few years ago we started going to Polo Grill in Utica Square, love it and definitely recommend at least once a year, definitely not cheap though. We try to go twice a year, anniversary and around or on Valentine's Day, I always get the same thing but it is delicious and I do not drink so I have water because I am not a peach tea fan. Anyway back to what to get him, it is so hard to come up with something and it be a surprise at that, especially when you have a little shopper that can tell what was bought. I have given him a watch and necklace, the boys and I did a portrait of us for Father's Day. So what else is there? I need some ideas, maybe once I get past the rest of this month I can focus on it a little more. The thing I love is spending time with him uninterrupted even if it only for a few hours. You remember wait a minute there is more to us than being just mom and dad all of the time, it is a such a great feeling. I realize everyday how much I love this man and how much our love for each other grows more and more everyday and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Mother-in-Law's 60th Birthday

Sorry, no posts in the last few days, things have been a little crazy this week. Eli has been busy with school and getting things ready for Nic's party next week. On top of that my mother-in-law's 60th birthday was on Thursday and we are having her party tonight. I met her 8 1/2 years ago right after Doug and I started dating and by December, Doug and I were married and we have been family ever since. I married into a great family and love spending time with them when we can. Right now the boys are Doug's mom and dad's only grandchildren, but there will be more in the future, I hope on our part at least. Thought I would share a couple of pictures of her with the boys.. Happy Birthday, Donna!!

Mother's Day 2008-We had brunch at the Hilton Southern Hills, a little tradition we started after having Eli.

Donna & Steve with Eli & Nic

Our Sunday adventure..where there is smoke....

The boys allergy colds really had them down, needless to say we didn't sleep that well Saturday night, although Benadryl helped them a little. I figured we better stay home from church, although we had no fevers, me being cautious I didn't want them to pick up anything from any of the other kids. Hubby calls and tells me that Eli has a prescription for an antibiotic on file and to go get it, this will help clear up his sinus infection. So the boys and I start to load up and realize my tire needs air and that I have to stop and get gas as well. Not that horrible right?

Just wait.....

Once in Owasso, I decide I need a Starbucks we pick that up at the drive-thru, I have to open my door because the window on my door has been sticking. We then drive over to Walgreen's for Eli's medicine and set in the drive-thru for 10 minutes and there was only one car in front of me, what the heck! So I get tired of waiting and pull around and start unloading the boys.

Eli asks, "Mommy, what is that smell?"

My response, "I don't know bubba, maybe the drain in the parking lot."

It smelled a little like bleach and that is the only thing I can think it might be. After going in and waiting yet another 10 minutes, we finally get help but they have to mix it up first. So another wait and I ask nicely if they can flavor it with bubblegum and I was told it could. All the while this technician in the back states, "It is already flavored cherry, why do they want it flavored that is stupid." I asked they guy to please flavor it because he likes it that way and we have had this medicine before. Duh, married to a pharmacist, think I know what I am talking about, especially when it comes to my children. After about twenty minutes in the store the boys and I are finally back in the car to go home for lunch. As I am setting at the light I am still smelling that nasty bleach smell and look over and my driver side door is smoking very bad and filling the car. I circle back around into the parking lot all the while calling 911 and jump out and start unloading the boys. The fire department shows up and is checking my motor and car door and the figure out it is a wire that is attacked to the broken switch for my window. While all this is happening I have talked to Doug and his mom trying to figure out what to do. They unplug the wire to my car windows and that apparently fixed the problem, no more smoke. During all of this Eli gets to set in the fire truck and both him and Nic (who is in his stroller, poor guy) get junior firefighter badges. After the fire department leaves I decide to take the boys to get something to eat and realize I can't roll up the windows because they disconnected the wires, just great. I have to go by the fire station to see if they can plug it back in, I couldn't pop that cover of the wires by myself, knowing it is going to rain. As soon as the captain plugged it in it started smoking again but he got the other windows up and unplugged it again. I thank him and we are finally on our way home, this was only suppose to be a short trip to get medicine who knew it was going to be a big ordeal. Now I need to find out how much this going to cost to fix, it is just wires so hopefully not that much. So that was our exciting late morning/early afternoon yesterday. Just goes to show you never know what is going to happen.

Dog Iron Days...continued..

With Dad out of town and nothing for us to do, the boys and I decide to head to Oologah to check out Dog Iron Days. We get there right at 10:00 and there are hardly any people around, not as big as I thought it would be but the boys had fun. Our adventure included the super bounce, which they played on for about an hour, checking out the fire truck and trying to climb in the Life Flight Helicopter. A good adventure and we were able to get out of the house for a little while. We had a good Saturday morning although both have runny noses because of allergies that didn't stop them at all from having fun.

They decided to hold hands as we walked down the street to see the helicopter and fire truck.

Eli loved watching the helicopter land in the middle of town on the street.

Nic was trying to take off towards the helicopter as soon as it landed.

Homecoming Parade/Dog Iron Days

This weekend is Dog Iron Days in Oologah and also Homecoming, so the boys and I loaded up and went into town to check it out. I have lived here six years and this is the first one I have been to, I finally had a reason to go and they loved it.

Eli and Nic figured out real quick what happens at a parade. You get lots and lots of candy, at least we had just ate dinner.

They got such a kick out of the Akdar Shriner's cars. Eli said, "Mommy they are just my size."

After a little bit they both started waving to everyone in the parade, guess they figured if we wave we might get more candy!

Eli was stashing his loot in the pocket on the back of the stroller. When I cleaned it out it completely filled up my purse.

Needless to say they had fun and didn't want to leave. We got there right as the parade was getting to the turn street, great spot to be. The cheerleaders were at the front and I heard one of the girls say, "give him some candy he is cute." I am thinking to myself, "Back off girl that is my baby you are talking about." Is this what I have to look forward to? Not sure if I am ready for that just yet, maybe he will never grow up and always stay my baby. Back to the parade, Doug called just as the Round Up Club was walking past and Eli told him to bring him home one. His response after he tells him what is walking past him at that time. I am glad they had a good time and we had to tell Daddy, Mimi and Mama all about it.

Tulsa State Fair..we are here!!!

Yesterday we headed back to the Tulsa State Fair just to have fun. We went last week on opening night and was able to see everything, at least the things we wanted to anyway. So we decided to go again before Dad went out of town again so that the boys could play some games. As we are on our way to meet Doug I hear Eli in the back seat telling Nic, "No Nic we aren't going that way this is the way to the Fair." And at 4 years old he is already correcting people, Nic points out a semi every time he sees one and gets excited and says, "Mack", from the movie CARS. Eli decided he needed to fix this statement, "Actually Nic that is a Peterbuilt not a Mack." Pretty hilarious but at least he doesn't sit by and knows how to speak up, wonder where he gets that from. Anyway, back to the fair, the boys had a great time and were not ready to leave but everything has to end some time.

Eli getting his medal after racing the NASCAR cars. He won!! He raced against Dad and his Mimi.

He did not want to take his medal off last night, I finally convinced him mommy could fix it where it would stay on his neck.

Poor Nic, he didn't get to race, maybe next year.

Eli loved the fishing for sharks game, he's pretty good. Guess that means it time to get a fishing pole and it has to be Lightening McQueen.

Nic got to fish and he loved it, he was not ready to get back in his stroller afterwards.

Our fair experience for this year is over and I can't wait for the next one. This was actually Eli's fifth State Fair, his very first was when he was only five days old. We love going on opening night because when you get there early there is hardly anybody else around. I told Doug I would like to go down to the Texas State Fair but it is all the same I am sure, I even told him would could go to the OU/Texas game he kind of liked that idea. Maybe once the boys get older and are ready to watch the game.

My boys are definitely spoiled...

Eli had to go for his well child check up this morning, which went great until the dreaded shots arrived. I have a little guy as everyone knows, he weighs 27 lbs and he takes so much after Doug it is unreal. Who would of thought when he was such a big baby but so was Doug. His pediatrician said right now 9 out of 10 boys his age would be bigger than him but you figure in his genetics and he is perfect. Poor guy also had an ear infection a few weeks ago and it was all gone but these darn allergies have his lymph nodes swollen which is something we are always going to have to contend with. But the doctor did have to clear out his ear and I am telling you I have never seem so much ear wax in my life. His doc said between the medicine working and the drainage from the knot that was in there it built up, gross, he never complained and I never did see anything other than occasional drainage. After the doctor left in came the nurse with not one like I thought but two, MMR and varicella (chicken pox). Unfortunately, I have the lovely task of holding his arms and trying to keep him calm while she gives the shots in the thigh. The poor boy screamed so loud and this was before she did anything, suddenly she was done and he didn't even feel a thing, all the while Nic is watching this unfold and starting to look worried for his bubba. I am not a big fan of needles but after two pregnancies they really don't phase me as much anymore. After this I figure I will run down to Wal-mart to grab Doug a few things before he goes out of town. He asks me to go ahead and grab the boys a toy each, hence the spoiled title, I am not denying it they are definitely spoiled. We always grab something little when we are out, those boys have so much stuff it is unreal. We need to weed through everything and donate it, I swear I am always going through their things it is like a never ending pile. Eventually they won't be interested in these things anymore and on to something new for mom and dad to get.