Coplin Copy

Another exciting trip to the ER

2010-06-28T11:42:00.001-05:00

It seems these days that my only blog posts where I actually write are injuries, sicknesses or deaths. But many people wanted the gory photos of H2's injuries. So I'll give you my story.

I needed a mile and a half to meet my 20 mile quota for the week exercising, so Saturday, after a long day at work and a good meal cooked by my husband, I took off with my camera on a 3.5 mile photo/exercise walk. I didn't get a mile down the path before I got a call from a hysterical E who kept saying there was so much blood, he didn't want to leave H2 and he kept saying he didn't know what to do. I immediately turned around and started heading back to the house. I think on the insistence of H2 they came and got me and off to the Baylor ER we went.

It seems that while I was on my walk, the boys went down the street to a friends to play golf. H2 was to close to E when he swung the club & BAM.

After clean up - a CT scan, several nurses coming in and telling H2 that "chicks dig scars". We learned he lost no teeth, the cut was all the way through his cheek, he had a septal hematoma in his nose - which is just a giant blood bruise in the nose, but a hematoma in the nose apparently will rob the cartilage of its blood supply so that would have to be drained.

The doctor told us we needed to be transfered to Children's to handle this (I'm really not sure that was a good decision. I was not happy with Children's AT ALL. Word to those in Big D - go to Medical City Children's - MUCH BETTER) and in the end we had stitches inside and outside of his cheek. His nose was drained and a splint was sewn into his nose. He didn't even flinch when they put in an IV. He threw up Gatorade & blood in the car (yea us!) We went to Baylor at 8 p.m. Saturday night, but didn't arrive home until 7 a.m. Sunday morning. He slept until 4 on Sunday afternoon. He is having a lot of difficulty with his nose, even more problems eating & drinking, but is enjoying the comfort of his mother's bed (Daddy has been banned to H2's bed). H2 always sleeps with me when his breathing is an issue. He also sleeps better & I sleep better because everything is right there that I need and most times I don't have to get out of bed to deal with it.

The best quotes of the evening - both from Hunter. Both which he said several times.

"I think I have a hole in my face."

"I'll never play golf again."

He's a trooper - he says he's getting a little better every time he wakes up. I've seen him look better. This was him this morning. I can't get him to keep the ice on it to get the swelling down. He says it hurts too much. Today it is all about H2, his brother's gone for the day & I'll be on him to get everything right.

Letting go of the aggravations.

2010-01-19T13:59:00.000-06:00

I don't post here very much - this is more about my kids than me and I apparently am not a very good Mommy Blogger.

But let me say this: People piss me off sometimes. I am having problems with H2 and his asthma, so I go on a mommy advice site I belong to, and I get 3 people trying to sell me cleaners, 2 trying to sell me vitamins and 1 who tells me I need to keep my kid away from smoky parties & not allow him to go outside.

Seriously?!?!?! Do people really think that I often take my asthmatic 6 year old to smoky clubs and then can't figure out why he's having trouble breathing. That, I also shove his face in every pollen filled flower I see in the spring and during the summer, I shove his nose in the freshly mowed lawn. Oh or maybe that when I'm doing my hair and spraying hairspray I call him so he can get some in his face? Also, that one mother who suggested I teach my kid about his meds and how to use his equipment for when I leave him alone...I hope you don't leave your 6 year old alone. Are you sure you are qualified to even be on this site?

Let me say this:
1. I use organic, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaner.
2. On advice of my doctor I do not use a humidifier as my Pediatrician, Pulmanologist & ENT told me they are a breeding ground for bacteria - no matter how much chemicals you stick in them. I don't use chemicals, they are not good for his lungs.
3. No, I'm not going to shove crap from the health food store that is untried or that some Earth-Momma says is the cure to end all cures.
4. I am not taking my 6 year old to a chiropractor - CHIROPRACTORS ARE NOT ASTHMA DOCTORS. If you use a Chiropractor good for you - my board certified doctors on this case DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. I would go to an Acupuncturist way before I'd hit a Chiropractor

I asked for advice because I have hit a wall, not because I am a mother who doesn't know what is good or bad for her child. If you have a suggestion - I'd love to hear it, but if you want to hock your products to me, keep your mouth shut. I also don't want to hear your political ideas, your thoughts on religion and who has the right to and not to marry.

Thanks for listening - I feel tons better now.

My daddy has a funky stench.

2009-11-13T18:55:00.003-06:00

My kids and I made this up for The Husband...aka...Daddy. Sing it to the tune of the Foo Fighters Monkey Wrench.

What have we done with pleasant scents

It disappeared with time, it never made much sense

Adolescent fumigant

Wasting another night on smelling up my room

One in ten, One in ten, One in ten

My daddy has a funky stench

One more bathroom accident

I’d rather leave than suffer this

I’ll never smell your funky stench

All this time to take a bath

What do you do when all your clothing is a mess

Now and then I’ll try to bend

Under pressure wind up snapping in the end

One in ten, One in Ten, One in Ten

My daddy has a funky stench

One more bathroom accident

I’d rather leave than suffer this

I’ll never smell your funky stench

One more thing before I quit

I only wanted a little less grit

In my nose I still remember every single smell

You dealt and all the dirt and the smell that came with it

Still there’s one thing that comforts me since now

I have my sense of smell I’m free

My daddy has a funky stench

One more bathroom accident

I’d rather leave than suffer this

I’ll never smell your funky stench

My daddy has a funky stench (a funky stench)

My daddy has a funky stench

My 3 tips to getting dinner ready in a flash

2009-10-05T23:17:00.003-05:00

Samsung is doing a wonderful thing - offering a refrigerator for your 3 tips to getting dinner ready in a flash. If you have kids you know that they can go from "No, I'm not hungry" to "I need dinner NOW!" in a flash. Well, at least in my household. I am the mother of two boys with hollow legs. So here is what I can offer anyone needing an idea.

1) Have a plan. I find that I'm always better equipped to get dinner ready if I'm not fumbling around having to come up with an idea for dinner. We get together each week as a family and everyone gets to choose one meal for the week. They can't say no to something they picked to eat right? It also helps me to make an accurate list and have everything I need for a week of meals.

2) Double team them. Make dinner as a family. I can't be the only lucky one who's husband helps in the kitchen. He grills, I make the sides. He chops I saute. Even get the kids involved and get them to do some of the prep or setting dishes it can't hurt.

3) ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN. I have two very active boys and sometimes accidents happens. Football practice runs late, the washing machine overflows, the cat gets caught in the soccer net or you have a flat tire on the way home. (Knock on wood.) I always have one or two emergency meals available. Whether it be hot dogs or frozen pizza, it always helps to have something handy to deal with life's curve balls.

Good luck! Hope you get your husband to chop the onions next time.

Where is the heart of my home?

2009-09-18T08:40:00.008-05:00

Samsung Appliances has asked Twittermoms, to answer a simple question. Where is the heart of your home?

Well, simple it is not. The heart of my home starts at the front door and ends at the back. Each part my home signifies the four chambers of the heart. The four of us live in a small home. Less than 15oo square feet.

The first chamber - the formal areas. How can I not say that the living room where my husband surprised me for my 40th birthday isn't a part of that heart. The dining room where all our family meals take place isn't part of that heart. We laugh, we argue, we do our homework. We live.

The second chamber - kitchen and den. We truly LIVE her. The island where the kids stare at the cooling cookies or help me knead the dough for the homemade bread they so wanted and then refused to eat. The den where the family watches movies - and is the only place big enough to sort the laundry on laundry day.

The third chamber would be the kids room. They play and have fun and have all their stuff inside. Where goodnight kisses are applied liberally. Where hugs are in abundance and where clutter is just routine.

The fourth and last chamber is the master suite. I say suite, but its really just our bedroom. Love abounds in this room. Between husband and wife, parents & children. Its the place I snuggle up with the kids when daddy works late. Its the place where daddy snuggles with the kids when Mom is cooking/cleaning or just needs "a moment" to get caught up. Its where the sick little one sleeps with Mommy when the asthma kicks in so I can keep my eye on him.

My house is where I live with my most precious possessions: My husband and my two boys. My house is where my heart resides - every corner of it.

Notice anything missing?

2009-09-03T17:38:00.002-05:00

So last night H2 got up after we put him in bed with one of his front teeth hanging by a thread. Today he came home from school and lost the other one. Obviously he will be going hungry for the next few days till he learns how to eat without them.

He's going to be rich!

Rearranged the Boys' Room....Again

2009-08-14T16:51:00.002-05:00

E & H2 have been complaining that there is not enough room to play in their room. After quiet deliberation, a light bulb went off. I worked and worked and got the headboards off the beds and put them together on one wall. Now they can put their heads together or switch the covers and sleep away from each other (I suspect that will happen, on my suggestion, when it gets to loud.)

They seem to like it, and The Husband - he just thinks its weird.

Family

2009-06-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

H's Turn

2009-06-04T21:00:00.003-05:00

So after a nice walk with E yesterday. H2 & I went for our walk tonight. We went after dinner so we were better fueled and H2 had tons more energy than Ethan did last night. We went 4.5 miles he was a trooper. We had a lot of fun. The most fun was the beaver we saw swimming across the lake. See:

Now I know that they can make it so expect a lot more trips boys.

Its Official

2009-06-04T09:43:00.002-05:00

Although yesterday is the last day of school, TODAY is the first day of Summer Vacation. I'm not sure what we are going to do. The kids are already clamoring to go see their Grandma & Papa, but they have other visitors so we have to wait a few days. The kids bottom lip is poking out, but I think I can manage to distract them. We have the arboretum, the lake, skates & bikes.

Cleaning!! We all know how much kids like to clean. I'm jumping for joy just thinking about it.

My main problem is I can't find my bathing suit. I think I left it at my grandmother's house, but I can't get anyone to call me back and confirm. UGH! I don't want to go buy one if mine is where I am going.

The kids did there best to stay up late as they could last night. H2 made it to 11:45 while E had to be forced to go to bed at 12:30. E is still sleeping. I'm making breakfast. YIPPEE!

E didn't quit on me

2009-06-03T20:50:00.005-05:00

E complains a lot that he doesn't get enough "Mom" alone time. So this afternoon we set out to take on the lake. Just us. We left at 6 - ended up walking 5 miles crossed 3 bridges and saw baby ducks, a heron, a snake and an ambulance helping a hurt biker. To E's dismay, we didn't make it in time before the ambulance drove off to see any carnage, but he knew it happened and it made him feel better. I of course did not point out the giant puddle of blood when we walked by and he was kind enough to not notice.

He was tired and when he got home ate an omelet, 3 pieces of bacon and about 12 pancakes. Since today was his last day of school he gets to stay up as late as daddy. Hmm, that should be fun.

Look what H did.

2009-03-27T19:06:00.003-06:00

Totally off subject...

2008-10-19T19:42:00.005-05:00

We had a interesting weekend and had a surprise party for MOM, I'll let her tell the story, but I got some wonderful pictures of Big Grandma & Hunter so I thought I would share.

Does she look wonderful or what?

Is this the most angelic face you've ever seen?

E's first Soccer Game

2008-09-20T17:36:00.002-05:00

Today was E's first soccer game for this season as last week's game was rained out. E had a great game and I got to test my new camera. Bears 2, Mustangs 1

First Day of School

2008-09-02T19:50:00.004-05:00

I may be falling down on the job of showing what my children have been doing. The boys had their first day of school last Monday. Hunter started Kindergarden and today started full days today. Hunter even got A Student for his classroom the first week due to his outstanding character, but I'll have him tell you about that on his own blog.

I miss my boys.

2008-07-24T17:50:00.002-05:00

My kids are spending some time with Grandma & Grandpa. I think its wonderful and I'm getting stuff done, and I'm going to go workout and not have to worry about who is going to watch the kids.

BUT

I miss them!

Boys I hope you are having a great time, I miss you & I love you!

--Mom

E will be in a Rock Band, I'm pretty sure.

2008-07-16T14:45:00.003-05:00

We are driving in the car and Stevie Ray Vaughn comes on the radio.

E: "Mom, this is Pride & Joy"

Seriously, how many 7 year olds know who Stevie Ray Vaughn is?

Another Week with Big Grandma

2008-06-25T14:38:00.003-05:00

We just spent a week in San Antonio. We enjoyed Grandma & Papa, Big Grandma and we even got to see Uncle Durk. It was great. Here's the latest photo of the boys with Big Grandma.

2008-06-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

Hey Grandma, the kids got a haircut.

2008-06-25T12:27:00.002-05:00

E is so Smart. S-M-R-T!

2008-05-09T17:48:00.001-05:00

In the Math Olympiad at Mr. E's School he came in 1st place in his classroom and 2nd place in his grade. GO E! You Rock!

Another trip to the ER

2008-04-12T21:49:00.003-05:00

There is a picture of this, however I will spare the few readers of this blog any photos. My baby kitty - Cagey, well he got caught in the soccer net today. He was in there for several hours and the net cut off the circulation to his back legs. While the kids and I were at Ethan's school carnival Mason found him. He called the emergency vet and followed the instructions. However when Cagey started to try to walk, he was dragging one foot pretty badly so off we went to the Kitty ER.

No nerve damage, thank goodness, we got a couple of shots to make the swelling go down and we got some antibiotics due to him chewing on his foot and leg. Pray for kitty!

How cute is this?

2008-04-12T12:28:00.004-05:00

This is the art project that H2's class did for the Spring Carnival's Silent Auction. Each one of the kids did a self portrait and one of the Mom's put this together. Is this not just adorable. H2's self portrait is the 3rd one on the top row.

I wasn't really sure how to respond to this.

2008-04-09T20:46:00.004-05:00

I'm going to New Zealand next week and I was talking to Hunter in the car about it.

ME: Hunter, are you going to miss me when I'm gone?

HUNTER: Mom, I'm going to miss you so much I'm going to pee in my pants.

Updates - Hunter

2008-04-04T08:10:00.002-06:00

This picture doesn't look that bad does it. Well it was 2 hours in the ER. Why you ask? Hunter broke our neighbors sliding glass door with his head. Yes, his head.

The doctor said he was extremely lucky. No stitches were required either. Mason is having me replace the sliding glass door in our house so this can't be repeated.

Updates - Ethan

2008-04-04T08:08:00.001-06:00

Ethan went to the allergist yesterday. Turns out no allergies - hmmmm. We will try to treat him as having reflux and if that doesn't work we have to go the gastric route.

FUN!

Dallas Arboretrum

2008-03-11T19:33:00.004-06:00

Today, the boys and I went to the Dallas Arboretum. The day started out so foggy, but cleared nicely and we spent the afternoon enjoying the sunny, clear 70 degree Texas day. The boys took turns with the small digital camera. Here are the results.

Hunter's Photos

Ethan's Photos

It's Soccer time again!

2008-03-02T17:41:00.004-06:00

Ethan's first game was yesterday. They won 3-2. Yea!!

When it rains it pours.

2008-02-12T18:43:00.000-06:00

E is now sick - throwing up & you-know what. The doctor can't figure out what is wrong with Hunter - even after more testing and a chest x-ray. All negative. So he might cough up a lung at some point tonight.

WOOOOO HOOOO! Two kids home sick tomorrow. Talk about total fun and excitement.

At least we've stayed out of the ER for a while. Although last night was close.

Something Viral

2008-02-11T13:23:00.000-06:00

This is what the doctor told me was wrong with Hunter.

Excuse me Doctor... What is that suppose to mean?

I mean he's got this fever, he is coughing, has more snot than anyone has a right to have, doesn't sleep well because of the coughing and won't eat. You couldn't come up with something better than Something Viral.

HA! HA! My husband has the kids today!

2008-02-09T12:10:00.000-06:00

I'm laughing because now Hunter has "The Croup" again. And so Mason has to dispense medicine and keep him from running around.

Also Mr. Big Shot Ethan had a sleep over last night and apparently was up until 2 AM. Daddy has to deal with a tired kid too.

HA! HA!

Of course I am at work - but work is better than dealing with that. At least today.

Sick House!

2008-02-04T19:38:00.000-06:00

Hunter has picked up a nasty little stomach virus. EEEWWW!! 24 hours of Throw-up Duty.

I am so loving life.

San Antonio

2008-01-29T20:41:00.000-06:00

So we went to San Antonio to see my parents & Big Grandma weekend before last. It was a few days before Ethan's 7th birthday so we had our celebration down there. Here is Hunter, Big Grandma, Grandma, Pa-Pa, Mason and of course the birthday boy.

Here are the two boys with their Big Grandma.

This was the drive back. It was, well, not very scenic. To the left there is actually a huge mall. I guess the Goddess of Shopping was not on my side that day.

Dental Issues.

2008-01-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

Ethan had a trip to the dentist today, after our early morning chair cracking conversation. He got an expander put in his mouth. I have to put a key in it and turn it every night. I am totally not looking forward to it.

He is having a little difficulty adjusting to it. Granted it's only been in there since about 10 this morning, but he has an overabundance of saliva, due to the foreign object attached to his teeth. He also has a slight problem saying most words. His big fear is that his friends will laugh at him.

Where did this come from?

2008-01-15T11:07:00.000-06:00

Ethan came into the bedroom this morning while I was getting dressed.

Ethan: Mom, I cracked Dad's chair.

ME: How did you do that?

Ethan: With my farts.

The Trampoline is Up

2007-12-27T13:23:00.000-06:00

Ethan & Hunter's Christmas surprise.

2007-12-26T18:31:00.000-06:00

This is the face that Ethan made when he found out he was getting a trampoline. Do I really need to say anything else?

Too much time on his hands

2007-12-13T22:36:00.000-06:00

My husband the crazy one in the family, decided to entertain the boys. Very creative, but seriously - who is is writer? Aren't they On Strike?

You will pay Aunt Anjie, You Will Pay

2007-12-11T19:37:00.000-06:00

Yes, Aunt Anjie, you will pay for giving my children that Snoopy Snow Cone Maker. In the cold rainy weather, I had to make grape snow cones this evening. Not a fun task - holding down a freezing ice cube to make a snow cone the size of a pecan.

And yes they enjoyed it, I'm just saying I didn't. :)

My son knows his music.

2007-12-05T10:45:00.000-06:00

On the way home from school yesterday we (the children & I) were listening to Sirius Satellite Radio and the On-Air Personality - is that PC or what? - was talking about how excited she was because Mick Jones was going to be in the studio soon. Her specific comment went something along the lines of ...because he was in the Clash, one of the most influential bands blah, blah, blah... Well, I hear Ethan say:

"I love The Clash."

A little shocked I reply: "Oh yea, what is your favorite Clash song?"

Instead of giving me a song title he bursts into song:

"This is Radio Clash on Pirate Satellite..."

I was shocked and amazed, I mean what 6 year old in the 21st Century knows his Clash. Apparently mine does. Have I done a good job or what?

Oh by the way, I'm taking him to see the Foo Fighters for his 7th birthday. I'm going to be a cool MOM!

Silent but Deadly

2007-12-01T11:05:00.000-06:00

Poor little Hunter has Croup. Last night at 2:24 (yes, I looked at the clock) we set up for another steamy shower because his cough got so heavy and congested I was worried he wasn't breathing well. After a good 15 minute steam, I got him redressed in his pajamas and cuddled up next to him in my bed. We talked of huggie pillows & he rolled over and looked at me with a giant smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye and said:

"Don't tell Dad."

"OK." from me thinking Daddy didn't need to know about Huggie Pillows.

"I'm going to fart on his side of the bed."

I laughed at loud. Mason will probably never sleep in the bed again.

#5 for Ethan

2007-11-23T23:09:00.000-06:00

Ethan lost tooth #5 this evening after returning from the Dallas Stars' 3 to 1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. GO STARS!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T18:15:00.001-06:00

It snowed today. What a wonderful surprise on Thanksgiving! I'm sure you Yankees are not excited about this, but down in Texas where snow is a rare occurrence, it was a pleasant Thanksgiving treat.

Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday.

The Thanksgiving Feast

2007-11-20T21:47:00.000-06:00

On top of the day's sickness drama, it was the Thanksgiving Feast at Hunter's Preschool. Everyone got a line, Hunter's was "Its cold here, I'm not used to the winter." or something like that. He pulled it off, spoke loud and probably will be the actor in the family. Also of note is that of the three pilgrim girls directly behind him, two are his "ex-girlfriends". He is one hot ladies man.

It was an absolutely darling performance, the dress rehearsal went off without a hitch. During the actual performance one girl stopped and started with OK and then got the giggles. It was the most adorable thing. Then the kids started yelling the lines instead of speaking them. The teachers did an awesome job to put together a great play & get 14 four & five year olds to actually remember and deliver their lines. YEA TEACHERS!

Exciting Nights!

2007-11-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

I am in Sinus Infection HE double toothpicks! Both boys have sinus infections, they are coughing like there is a foreign body that needs to come out and now Ethan has a headache and is actually laying in bed.

Last night was crazy and at 12:30 we decided to move Mr. Hunter into bed with me and Mason slept in his bed in the same room as Ethan. At 1:00 Hunter got some more decongestant. From 1:00 to 1:30 Hunter & I were watching the Pink Panther on Cartoon Network & at 1:30 Hunter took a hot steamy shower. By 2:00 he was breathing out of his nose and sleeping like a rock. Ethan on the other hand did really good from 11:00 to about 5:30 when he started coughing like a cat hocking up a fur ball.

Both boys took hot showers and compared the color of the snot they coughed up (oh joy!) and Hunter is way farther ahead of Ethan on the getting better scale, however Ethan has been suffering longer so he probably has more to get over.

Happy Thanksgiving to us!!

Icky!!

2007-11-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Like our new night time visitor? I keep telling Mason we have a visitor on the side of the house. Of course I was expecting a cat or a Peeping Tom - not this. YUCK!

Yee Haw!!

2007-11-10T22:09:00.000-06:00

We took the boys to the Texas Stampede tonight and the boys say Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie Down Roping, Barrel Racing & Ethan's personal favorite the Bull Riding. We were even lucky enought to get the behind the shoot passes. It was a great way to start the evening.

The boys had a great time!

A new house for me(ow)!

2007-11-09T14:38:00.000-06:00

Look, the humans got me a new house. Unfortunately they are working on the ugliest paint job ever, someone take away those boys crayons!

Signed,

Mario, the cute and obnoxious one.

Thank you Husband dear.

2007-11-05T09:58:00.000-06:00

While I was in Las Vegas (can I say that enough?) my husband cleaned most of the house. He cleaned the playroom, the front room and the kitchen den. He even did laundry and folded and put things away. My husband is not a folder, nor is he a put-away kind of guy. I did find Hunter's clothes in Ethan's drawer and Ethan's clothes in Hunter's drawers, but that doesn't matter. He did it and I appreciate it.

Friday Night Chaos

2007-11-05T09:55:00.000-06:00

While I was enjoying myself in Vegas, Mason took most of Ethan's soccer team to a Dallas Stars Hockey game. Something like 10 kids - sounds a little hectic to me, but what do I care I was in Vegas.

How 'bout them acorns?

2007-10-30T13:06:00.000-06:00

Ever seen an acorn this big? Need a tree?

Nip/Tuck - The Early Years

2007-10-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

Ethan's Fall Carnival was last night, the boys went as Surgeons. Nip/Tuck, The Early Years that's what I'm calling it. Do you think I should trust them with a tummy tuck?

Farmer's Market

2007-10-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, Hunter's Class took a field trip to the Farmer's Market. 12 kids & 7 adults & although it sounds like total insanity, it was a lot of fun. Here's a picture of the class in the pumpkin patch.

???????

2007-10-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

Ethan just informed me that when he is a grown up he probably won't come and visit me. Why you ask? Because I told him he couldn't have dessert unless he ate the carrots on his plate. There were two and theslices were about the size of pennies.

Hunter said he would visit me though, so its not a total loss.

Out of the mouth of babes!

2007-10-18T16:21:00.000-05:00

My four year old burned me today. I'll let you in on the conversation - after a hard day and a rather embarrassing mistake this is how it went.

"Hunter, I'm losing my mind."

"What?"

"I think I'm losing my mind."

"What mind?"

My finger is a gun!

2007-10-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

As you have probably figured out by now, Ethan has a splint on his finger.

"Mom look, my finger is a gun!"

I thought at first he was misquoting Field of Dreams, but then I remembered he hasn't seen Field of Dreams. He was just being a boy.

Tuesday's Adventures

2007-10-16T12:06:00.000-05:00

For the next three weeks Ethan's PE activity is roller skating. For me this brings up memories of disco lights, and Gloria Gaynor's I will survive. For him it just brings disappointment because he can't skate the first week because of his finger. He doesn't quite get the you will injure yourself more if you fall on it while skating. His Coach was awesome this morning and suggested that he be her personal helper during PE helping everyone get properly outfitted. He looked a little more encourage to attend PE, but he was still not ecstatic.

Hunter on the other hand has "kind of" been my little helper today. We made the beds, he sort-of cleaned his playroom and he picked up a little in his room. We did several errands and did great except that he believes we need a "cat house" for the cats which really translates to big giant expensive cat-tree furniture. His favorite one was on sale for $143 which is just a little out of the budget. The cats would probably love it though. I think I will send this argument to his father and let them work it out.

Off to lunches and the next round of laundry and housework.

Another Sunday, Another Trip to the ER

2007-10-14T23:48:00.000-05:00

What is it about Sunday's that makes some higher power decide that we should spend it in the ER? Yes, again on a Sunday night instead of doing normal Sunday night family stuff and going to bed and getting ready for another week of school, we spent it in the ER.

Ethan ran out of his room as we were putting him to bed tonight and managed to get his finger caught in the door. It had a noticeable dent where the door hit it and immediately turned purple. I jumped on the Motrin, grabbed the ice pack and Mason & I decided he needed to go to the ER and get an X-Ray. I drew the short straw and off we went. After a painful 3 hour wait in the ER waiting room we finally got into the back were immediately X-Rayed and in came the DR who looked at the very swollen purple finger and said he needed to check the X-Ray again. He came back and informed us it wasn't broken only a deep tissue bruise. OOH Baby!! So he's now in a splint and full of Motrin and hopefully off to dreamland.

I'm off to bed myself. Good night.

A day at the Arboretum.

2007-10-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

My friend Traci took Hunter and I to the Dallas Arboretum today. Hunter took 109 pictures. Here are a few of my (and his) favorites.

Concert Time!

2007-10-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

Mason & I took Ethan & Hunter to the Blue Man Group last night. It was so good and Hunter started out dancing and jumping around - but after the busy weekend we've had going to the State Fair & a hockey game Friday night - he was just plain tired and was a little less energetic.

Ethan on the other hand, was so enthusiastic. He didn't want to go, but after 60 seconds of the opening act he was hooked. He danced and wiggled and screamed and said it was "Awesome."

Surprise, Surprise, even Mason enjoyed it.

Look ma, no teeth

2007-10-07T20:33:00.001-05:00

Last night, Ethan, lost another front tooth. He now has a big empty hole where teeth used to be, no longer will he be able to enjoy corn on the cob. Boo Hoo!

Texas State Fair

2007-10-05T16:59:00.001-05:00

Today was Ethan's Fair Day so the family took off to the Texas State Fair. We checked out Big Tex, all the cars, and of all things road the Texas Skyride. This was not a pleasant thing for the chicken (that would be me) I held on to the seat tight, but I didn't close my eyes and Ethan, aka "Mr. Daredevil" got out of his seat and posed for a picture. It was a good day if you don't count the over-heating walking around in temperatures that are just WRONG for October.

Check out the photo album below.

2007-10-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

After too many hours walking around in the 90+ degrees with the sun beating down on you Hunter has the best idea about cooling off.

2007-10-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

Ethan aka "Mr. Daredevil" climbed a rock wall.

2007-10-05T16:50:00.000-05:00

The look on Ethan's face says it all doesn't it?

2007-10-05T16:48:00.000-05:00

The boys broke away from the parental units - that's me & Mason for a quick roller coaster ride.

Field Trip!

2007-10-04T21:15:00.000-05:00

Today Hunter's class took a field trip. There were 11 kids & 5 adults & let me tell you it was an adventure. I was in charge of two kids, Hunter & D - it was fun. We walked to the Dart Rail & then walked probably 6 stories under ground and rode the mass transit train down to the West End, had a picnic lunch, ice cream and headed back. Everything went fine for me, until we had to go to the surface. The first set of stairs - probably 2 stories was fine, we walked up the stairs. The second set of stairs - I think it was really 4 stories up the kids wanted to ride the escalator. YEA, you say. NO NO NO. I am terrified of heights. Now I'm sure most of you are thinking well, your going up its looking down that's the problem.

NO, NO, NO, this is not true. When I'm up and looking down and going down an escalator, I know I am getting closer to the bottom and that's OK, however when I'm going up I know that I am getting farther and farther from the ground and that's not good. I couldn't hold on to the rails because I had a kid holding each hand and by the time we got 3/4 of the way up I was almost on my knees and was holding on to sanity with my last breath. I started to hyperventilate while we were getting to the elevator - the full blown panic attack happened in the elevator. By the time we truly got to the surface I was better.

I'll probably have nightmares about heights tonight. Yippee!!

Hunter, the Photographer

2007-10-02T15:33:00.001-05:00

Hunter, my charming 4 year old, is exploring his artistic side and is completely into photography. I couldn't talk him into a walk this morning, until I told him he could take the camera. He took these all by himself, I made no suggestions about subject matter. I also made no adjustments to the photos except to re-size them.

Who knows, this may be his thing.

Love them Dallas Cowboys!

2007-09-30T15:59:00.001-05:00

Mason took the boys to the Dallas Cowboys game this afternoon and were lucky enough to get on the field.

What a way to experience your first Pro Football game!!

The power of playdates

2007-09-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

Edwin came over for a play date with Hunter this morning. It was great fun. They played a little Wii, they played some board games, they played some Hot Wheels - what is it with boys & Hot Wheels, as a girl I will never truly understand. They also had some fun on the swings. Its always fun to have friends over.

Hunter's First Photograph

2007-09-25T14:28:00.001-05:00

Today Hunter & I went for a walk and took the camera. I was feeling uber-patient and Hunter took his first picture. Not bad huh? Should we get him his own camera? If you look closely, there is a moth on top of that flower.

The Ladies Man

2007-09-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

Hunter is a ladies man. Almost every girl he meets wants to be his girlfriend, or wants to play with Hunter. He's all about making people feel loved. He likes to snuggle, do stuff together (his words not mine) and is just an all around fun guy.

Soccer Hottie

2007-09-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

He's getting so big, I can't believe it.

Injury update, Part 2

2007-09-20T21:36:00.001-05:00

Ethan has a giant bruise on the inside of his upper lip from the fall, it looks like it has a blood blister in it as well. It also looks like the bruise is coming up on his face as well, all along his right side from the tip of his nose all the way down to is upper lip. Its beginning to look a little off color. I'm going to hate to see what he looks like in the morning.

Injury Update

2007-09-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

Ethan is improving, he is still having problems breathing from his nose. When he wakes up in the morning his upper lip looks like and old Hollywood siren after a lip injection. Luckily a little Motrin takes it back to manageable size.

The swings have been removed from the play center until said nose and face are back to normal. They can enjoy the monkey bars until further notice.

Am I too overprotective?

Ethan, don't stop a fall with your face!

2007-09-16T23:22:00.000-05:00

Ethan was getting the most out of the play set in the backyard when he lost his hold on the bar he was swinging on and went face first into the ground. Yes, he literally "hit the dirt." As he is loading up for a trip to the ER, he said, "This is the worse bloody nose I've ever had."

After 3 1/2 hour ER trip he is sound asleep in the bed, his nose is not broken, but it will get worse before it will get better. The doctor informed Mason it would probably be purple before it was all over.

The thing that gets me is that I told him to come inside 10 minutes prior to the accident. He just wouldn't listen. Now look what happened. Kids will never learn, and parents will have to keep going to the ER because of it.

Wii Would like to Bowl

2007-09-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

So instead of two kids tonight, we have four. (Yes, I know that makes us crazy.) Ford & Cash came over to say with Hunter & Ethan and they decided to do some Wii Bowling.

Final Scores

Ethan: 183

Hunter: 161

Ford: 112

Cash: 118

Is this a mother's dream or what?

2007-09-14T17:31:00.000-05:00

As I vacuumed the den this morning, Hunter ran up to me and asked, "Can I do some? Can I help?" What mother would say no to that? So he vacuumed his playroom. What a birthday gift!

Hunter's girlfriend

2007-09-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

I picked Hunter (the 4 year old) up from school this afternoon and the teacher showed me the most adorable picture of him and his "girlfriend" Sophie. I asked if I could keep a copy. We then picked up Ethan (the 6 year old) from school and headed home. Hunter showed him the picture.

Ethan: "Is this your girlfriend?"

Hunter: "Yes!"

Ethan: "That's too silly, you're too young to have a girlfriend."

Isn't this just the cutest thing?

2007-09-11T13:02:00.000-05:00

Don't you just want to say AAWWWWW! isn't that cute?

New Hairstyle or Mugshot?

2007-09-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

Ethan decided last night after his shower to see if he could get his hair to stand up straight. Personally, I think it looks like a celebrity mugshot.

The tooth extraviganza, Part 2

2007-09-06T14:15:00.000-05:00

OK, so after talking to the teacher & the principal twice, it seems that Ethan, yes Ethan, failed to give me the full story. Imagine that, a 6 year old not telling the whole story.

Apparently, Travis accidentally hit the water bottle that Ethan was drinking out of during lunch and that was what knocked the tooth out of Ethan's mouth. In fact she said, giggling I might add, that the first thing out of Ethan's mouth was "First I have to say this was an accident."

Strike one for Ethan. I guess here comes Lecture #37, the importance of telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Another one bites the dust.

2007-09-05T16:17:00.001-05:00

Ethan greeted me this afternoon in front of his school with one of his front teeth in a Ziploc bag. It was very exciting, and I asked him when he lost it and his reply was "Travis punched me and it fell out."

CAN YOU SAY - MOM SEEING RED?

I immediately got to where I could talk to him about it and then when I had the story down, I called the principal. She was ignorant of the incident (even though Ethan said he told her, but then said I don't think she heard me.) She is currently in searching down the story with the teacher, the nurse and the assistant principal who supposedly were all involved. I am upset that no one from the school called me and not even a note was sent home. She's calling me back first thing in the morning.

I'll keep you updated.

Luke, I am your father

2007-09-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

This is Luke, our beta. He's pretty and orange with a few red dots here and there. My children are into Star Wars so they decided to name the fish Luke, however it has morphed into Luke, I am your father. We love him and he's thankful the three cats haven't eaten him. We are too.

The Parents

2007-08-24T20:45:00.000-05:00

These are my parents, Judy & Walt. My mother wants to dress me weird and my father just wants peace and quiet. They are good people - we love them, the kids love them, even the cats love them. I know this to be true, because Zelda only sits in Dad's lap (she won't even sit in mine) & Turco told me so.

Thanks for having us this week. You Rock!! (that means you're cool in my generation)

One big, happy family!

2007-08-24T20:36:00.000-05:00

We actually got a picture where no one is making a silly face. This is our last night in San Antonio with my parents - guys it was great, thanks for having us, thanks for feeding us, and thanks for putting up with us. We love you!!

Night in old San Antonio

2007-08-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

Well, we got to San Antonio, and after dinner, the gang and I headed over to Big Grandma's house. I spend the time visiting with her, while the boys took off outside and went for a night swim with their daddy.

Going with Grandma

2007-08-19T20:19:00.000-05:00

Hunter got his chance to be like big brother Ethan today, he left for an overnight with Grandma. We are heading down to see everyone tomorrow, so he gets a day with Grandma & Papa all to himself. Ethan was sad to see his brother go!

What a grown up boy Hunter has become!

So how was it?

2007-08-16T23:31:00.000-05:00

I had a great time!!! Love hotels!

I'm worn out!

And we're back!

2007-08-16T23:27:00.000-05:00

First time in a Canoe!

2007-08-15T20:53:00.000-05:00

This afternoon we went to Lake Quichita and Mason took the boys on their first canoeing trip. Mom stayed at the shore. But the boys had a great time. Hunter & Ethan said it was awesome.

Hot Springs National Park

2007-08-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

We started out at the bottom of Hot Springs National Park right after breakfast this morning. Little did we know we were climbing to the very top, but we did and the view was tremendous. Mason & the boys went to the top of Lookout Tower, I decided to stay at the bottom. Not a big fan of glass elevators. Mason got a great shot of our hotel from the top.

Hot Springs

2007-08-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

We will be spending the next few days in Hot Springs - at the Arlington. After dinner on our way back to the hotel Ethan snapped this picture of Mason & I outside a spring at The Hot Springs National Park.

Crater of Diamonds!

2007-08-14T19:31:00.000-05:00

The boys and I are digging for diamonds - we didn't find any. Poor me, I can't even find a diamond!

Lunch in Historic Washington Park

2007-08-14T19:28:00.000-05:00

We had lunch at Williams Tavern, in Historic Washington Park. It was a treat, of course everything was fried, but the peach cobbler was delicious.

On our way to Arkansas

2007-08-14T19:06:00.000-05:00

Do I need to say more?

Limit your bed partners!!

2007-08-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

Hunter had a late night party in his bed.

Blake the Snake

2007-08-12T17:31:00.000-05:00

Blake, our nephew, spent the night with us last night so that Stehle and Robbie could go out. We attended a birthday party and Dave & Buster's and the boys had a great time. Here's Blake and Hunter playing on a bar stool.

Then it was off to bed and they couldn't resist making a face for the camera.

Fun in the sun!

2007-08-08T18:57:00.000-05:00

Had a fun day today, we had cousin Katherine over for lunch. Jordan came over from around the block. We took Katherine back to her house and went swimming. The boys are tired, clean and ready for bed.

My little angels.

2007-08-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

Ethan, Hunter and I went for a walk this morning before it got hot. I am attempting to get in 30 minutes of walking everyday, the boys too, to help me maintain my weight better. After it was all over, they climbed up into the tree in the front yard. For once, I got Ethan to look like the angel he isn't and Hunter, well Hunter is his usual self.