To be young again

It always amazes me she can do these 10 times in a row and not feel any pain, any where, what so ever. I would pull multiple muscles and fall flat on my face if I even attempted!!

On a completely different note, the girls had flu shots this afternoon. When we got in the room with the nurse- she informed us that Maddie was overdue for her second Varicella booster and never had a Hep A series started... (consists of 2 shots, 6 months apart). I never knew anything about it- I feel bad saying that but I just figure they keep track of all that and give them to kids when they're young and when they're due. (That's their job right??) So, she said we should do all 3 of them today- then come back in 6 months for the second Hep A. So I looked at Maddie thinking- she's going to want NOTHING to do with 3 shots today- but she complied! She was so tough and never complained once. I am so proud of her! I knew I wouldn't have wanted 3 shots- especially when I was only mentally prepared for one!

Ryan held Mayci when she got hers and she did fine- didn't really cry. Just confused, like what the heck was that! Normally he doesn't come with but I was glad to have him there today- just for the mere fact that Mayci always wants her Daddy and her blankie..... and we had both. Aww.

We took the girls for the good ole dutch deal at Logan's. I love that Mon/Tues special! It makes my day. No cooking, no cleaning, happy kids, all for $20. Can't beat it.

So, not much else going on around here! Just taking it day to day. Ryan is thankfully working still and we pray they will continue to work through the winter. We are enjoying our Netflix subscription- we don't watch movies much just b/c they're so expensive to rent and/or don't have time, or don't get there in time to rent a new release... etc... but Netflix is working out and gives us something to do on the rare relaxing nights we have!

Hope you're enjoying your week!

Boo Zoo...

was literally- a zoo. There were little witches, kitties, flamingoes (that was my fave), batmans, spidermans, draculas, bumblebees, you name it... everywhere! They were adorable, however- it was very busy and we were limited as to what we could do. There was a trick or treat trail that was very well organized- but we didn't necessarily get to see many animals. Plus- by the time we got thru the trail, the kids were done. Like done, let's get outta here! They had fun. I mangaged to take a few pics- Breck didn't really want in on that action so I only got a couple of him!

We came home for lunch and naps. Then went to a Pig Roast later that night for a birthday of a friend of ours- once again, tired the kids out. The highlight of their night was going for rides behind a golf cart, on a trailer through the woods. They loved that! We packed up around 8pm and had some very tired kiddos. They all got baths/showers and we blew up the air mattress (thanks Julie), popped in a movie downstairs, and all of us dozed off! Including Ryan and I- on the queen air mattress- with 3 kids. (Maddie chose to stay on the couch- smart girl!)

Sunday, we were late for Sunday School but the girls did make it. I came back and picked up Ryan and the little ones and headed back to church. (I made a Starbucks run in between all of this other running around;) After church- we drove through McD's for lunch. It didn't sound good to Ryan or I, but Maddie put the idea out there which is a domino effect and had all 4 of them asking for it! Want to hear how cheap I am ? They all 4 split a 20 piece chicken nugget (which actually is more than enough for them) , I cut up my own apples and they had milk at home. Kids' meals are expensive these days!

Anyway- Chad and Julie picked up the kids later that afternoon and we went to my Dad's to celebrate his 51st birthday. We had a great dinner and a YUMMY cake- I love birthdays! It was a super busy weekend but now I feel like I am rambling... SO- thanks for reading!

Cutie Patooties

The reason they ask for eachother:

They make eachother dinner...

They do random silly things and Mayci even wears the tube...

They make eachother laugh...

They help eachother out... even a light push on the slide. Hurry up Mayci!

If it's not simply adorable I don't know what is!

Cats and Dogs

Mayci is playing quietly so I'm going to blog for a few...

First of all, the explanation of the title. About a week or so ago we had a rainy day and I had made the comment to Mayci- as we were looking out the dining room window watching the rain, that it was raining cats and dogs outside. Ever since then, she is telling everyone there is a dog outside. She always goes back to the window- which is right at her height, and tells the story of a dog back there and that she is scared! lol. It crackes me up everytime b/c although I try to explain to her there is no dog, how do I explain to a 2 year old it's just a figure of speech ?!?! Now today- even though it wasn't raining- she went to the back window and yelled 'Dogs outside!' OMGoodness child- give it up already. I don't know what it is with her and her fear of the four-legged friends (as my mother would put it), but she's always reminding us that there are either dogs or hotdogs out in the back. Gotta love her!



We have a busy yet fun weekend planned. Avery and Brecken are staying with us Saturday and Sunday and the girls are SO excited. Maddie gets to spend the night w/ a friend Friday night too so she's pretty excited about that. (it was a make-up sleepover from last weekend since she had HFM, so nice of her mom to 'make it up' to Maddie (both girls acutally)- thanks! ;) We are dressing the kids up in their costumes and going to the JBZoo Halloween thing on Saturday- so that will be fun I hope. I don't really know what to expect other than a Fun House I heard and candy I guess. Whatever it is, it will break up the day and the kids will most like enjoy it. They're not to hard to please! Especially if they're together and get to dress up- how fun for them! Ryan is supposed to be playing football in the afternoon with some friends- so hopefully that works out for him too. He may need a break after JBZoo ;)

Sunday, just church as usual, hopefully naps in the afternoon, then dinner at my Dad's is planned- probably with all 4 kiddos which is, again, something fun for M & M. Avery and Breck don't ususally get to see my side of the family!

Anyway- hope you are enjoying your day! Mayci is now requesting Barney so I should get going. (She is still on the purple dinosaur kick!) ;)

Ciao!

HFMD

I wasn't going to blog anymore tonight, but kids are sweet dreaming and Ryan is gone... so why not. ;)
The day is coming to a close and our night turned out to be an unexpected one. Maddie has been Mom diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease(a viral infection). She had been complaining of a sore throat, thought she bit her tongue 'a couple of times' (I was thinking- who does that a couple of times? Ouch), and then this morning said it hurt to swallow. So I hauled out my flashlight looking for white spots and swollen tonsils... nope. Didn't see anything and no fever. Today, she got off the bus and packed her bags for her much anticipated sleepover at a friend's house. She couldn't wait. As I dropped her off, chatted a minute, (checked out the hermit crab), and was leaving -Maddie chimed in with 'Mom, look at these bumps on my foot and my hands'. *sigh.
So it all comes together and long story short- HFMD. Poor girl. She was so upset that she couldn't stay and just didn't understand the dynamics of 'you are highly contagious!' So we rented a few movies and I picked her up her favorite orange creme popsicles, a bottle of Motrin and called it a night!

I talked with a few friends and have heard that it is actually going around right now. Apparently there was a sign up at nursery last week that I missed (not that it would have necessarily directly affected Maddie, but still!) and friends' of ours little ones had it last week too, and so on, and so on.

Quality tip- wash those hands!

Night!

** Mayci now has 'owies' too. They look like tiny blisters/bumps on her hands/feet. Good thing is that she doesn't seem too bothered by them. I'm almost just glad they have it at the same time and will hopefully be gone after this weekend!

Yep, I'll claim 'em!

Ever since I found the canopy for this, she now enjoys playing in her 'house'. She appropriately refers to it as that and loves to pile up her toys and play in there. Only with the canopy on though, that's what makes it feel like home I guess. ;)

Maddie chopped poor Barbie's long golden locks. And just look at those shears!

Some kids like to eat the creme from the center of an oreo, Mayci likes the peanut butter from her crackers. ??? Goofball.

Other than the bizarre things they come up with... I wanted to add that Maddie is doing phenomonal in school. I really, truly thought this year would bring a few obstacles- and it may still, but she's learning many new things this year and catching right on. She is one of those kids that I don't have to ask to do her homework or remind her to read at night. She knows the drill and just does it. I'm so proud of her. She is gaining in gymnastics as well, she is moving on up! They are moving her to a level 3 next month. (Goes to level 4 eventually, then onto competitive/team which is a much larger commitment) She is very excited to advance on high bars and tumbling. Those are her faves. Couldn't be happier for her! Go girl!
Alright, gotta run. Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Ramblings and some pics

Between Sbux for breakfast and the Mt. Dew I had with lunch (great idea Julie) I am wide awake, therefore playing around on the computer while Mayci naps. The dishwasher, washer, and dryer are all running. I know what I'm making for dinner and have the steak thawing in the fridge, house is somewhat picked up- so I feel no guilt wasting time on the computer. Other days I do- I will be honest. ;) I ran around all morning doing things for both jobs- yep, I said jobs- I have two now. I am working PRN at both ER and Urgent Care. (Which basically just means I sign up for shifts that are available if I want to work them and occasionally am put on call, I love it) It averages to be about one or two days a week, give or take. This past week I didn't work at all, which was nice. But I have a few shifts coming up which also will be nice. I had a review this morning, nursing competencies to be completed, an annual TB test, some paper work to fill out, etc, etc. Boring! But it's done and it feels good knowing it's done.
Anyway, here's a few pics as promised.

Mama's girl during the day.... until her Daddy gets home.

Hanging out waiting for the parade to start.

Precious little Karson with his Grandma.

If only Mayci was a cuddler I'd have more shots like this.

Mayci so very tired after a long morning. Time to go home!


Have a great day!

I love when it's cool and sunny outdoors, I got in my truck after church and it was WARM! We came home and made sandwiches, then took a ride out to Crane's. The ride always seems longer than what I think it's going to be- does anyone else have that? It was busy out there (one of the reasons we didn't have lunch there), so we grabbed a couple frozen pies, donuts, cider, and hung out on the hill. We wanted to take the girls on the hay ride but it was $3/person!! That is such a rip off in my opinion, it should almost be free, but whatever. So we came home instead. (if you don't know me, I am cheap) Mayci fell asleep on the ride home- which means no nap for the rest of the day. Boy, do we pay for that later! Ryan and I were both hoping for a power nap but it didn't happen.

Our weekend stayed pretty busy. (Nothing like this girl's though! http://thisandthat-lynette.blogspot.com/) We had Lamer's over Friday night for Vitales...Maddie didn't go to the football game as planned, but came home instead with her friend- then we also had my 10 month old neice for a while so it was happenin' here Friday night. Lamer's brought a movie over, actually it was a stand up comedian- Brian Regan. Funny! He mocks all the everyday stupid stuff you think about and do and sometimes won't admit to. We were laughing pretty hard a few times! Even a few snorts eh Lynn ?!?!

Saturday- nothing too exciting except Pumpkinfest if you call that exciting. The parade seemed so long this year didn't it ? Or was it me ? The kids sat nice and enjoyed it so it was fun to get out and socialize with friends/kids. I made dinner and we stayed in Sat. night. I actually watched another movie! I usually don't do that but Ryan was supposed to go away with friends, so I wanted to have something to keep me entertained and not scared to be home alone. I always freak myself out when I'm home alone late at night, kids in bed. Such a baby!

I do have lots of pictures but don't feel like uploading right now. Maybe later this week ;) Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Fudgy brownies and Monkeys on the bed

We are bringing dinner and brownies to another family tonight so I got started on things late morning. My brownies are always either too done or under done, so I thought if I screw them up- I'll have another shot this afternoon! I really wish I could bake b/c I love to, but things just don't turn out right!

Hmm, I wonder if she snuck a bite...

We had A & B (cousins) over yesterday while their mom worked- never a dull moment! This wasn't nap time- they were just laying in bed giggling about who knows what!

Maddie and Avery

Going for a run this morning (pre-brownies, I knew I would want more than one later!)

She's been wanting to wear her new coat- so this morning, it was plenty cold enough! Mittens too ;)