Jackson's Birthday Party

One of James' friends from school, Jackson, has his birthday party this afternoon. We went to McDonald's to join in on the fun. First, the kids ate Happy Meals and then they played until their heart was content. For about 2 hours, James was on turbo speed. Lilly (who wasn't technically invited to the party) wasn't going to be left out. She was right in the middle of the action and even sat next to the birthday boy when it was time for cupcakes!

Doctors Visit

James and Lilly had to both go to the doctor this afternoon for their well check-up visits. Unknown to them, it was time for them to receive one of their immunizations. So, they were also getting a shot!

One of Trevor's favorite things to do is pick on James. Every time we have to go for a doctor visit, Trevor tells him that he's getting a shot. Today, James kept picking on Lilly telling her that she was going to get a shot. He didn't think that it was so funny once he realized what he was in for!

They both did very well. Neither one of them cried, they just wined for a minute. As a treat, we went to dinner at their favorite deli and they were able to get some ice cream for dessert!

Honor Roll

I am so proud of Trevor. He is doing such a good job in his first year of middle school. Report cards came home again this week and he was on the A/B Honor Roll again! He actually only has one B and the rest A's, so I think that he is doing excellent!

Since the beginning of this school year, I can tell that he has matured alot. There are many factors that are attributed to that maturity. I believe that middle school has been big part of that, as well as his development and responsibilities in our household. He has been given certain chores and tasks to do around the house and once those are done, he is rewarded. In addition, he is looked at as a role model by his siblings. This not only encourages him to make the right choices, but to do the right thing.

Play Ball!

James is going to be playing "smart start" baseball this spring. He has been wanting to play ball since he was big enough to hold one. The town of Huntersville offers a pre-tee ball program to 3 and 4 year olds. He is so ready to be like his big brother. He can't wait! Last night, we went to Dick's Sporting Goods to pick up some new baseball gear for Trevor. James had to have one of everything, too. As soon as we got home from school this afternoon, he was ready to practice. He can't wait until the ump says "PLAY BALL!"

On the Road Again!

Todd left for California again this morning. This is his thrid trip to the state in as many months. He will be gone for 16 long, long days. This time, he is in San Jose. He is there on business learning about new Cisco products and getting a few new certifications. It is going to be a hard few weeks for him, but it will be worth it in the end. I am so proud of him. He is very motivated and gives it his all. Not just in work, but everything that he does in life!

Ice Cream

Today was a beautiful day! Todd took Trevor and Josh to the skatepark so I decided to take James and Lilly to get some ice cream. It is such a treat to go to Bruster's. They love eating ice cream and the little carousel always makes them happy. This is one of those days that you can say "Life is Good!"

Time to eat!

Lilly got a new kitchen from Santa this year. She loves to put on her apron and hat and do some cookin'. This morning, she was making hot dogs and pretzels for breakfast. What could be better??

Lunar Eclipse

Ok, so I'm not a professional photographer. But, the view outside tonight was amazing and I had to take a few pictures. Obviously, my photos do not do justice to the sheer beauty of the lunar eclipse that took place tonight.

Party

Lilly (finally) had her official birthday party today. I know that her birthday was at the end of December, but we are just now having her party with our friends in North Carolina. Most everyone was out of town for the holidays and things are just finally slowing down for us. We had the party at Monkey Joe's. The kids had a blast (as usual) and we enjoyed some chocolate cake while we were at it!

What to Do?

Todd and I are asking ourselves the question, "What to Do?"

The kids (yes, all 3 of them), went to Nana's for the long weekend. They left yesterday morning around 10:00 and they will be back Monday night. The dog even went with them. Todd and I are lost. We actually have time to sit down on the couch and watch a movie, or read a book, or use the computer, or....do nothing. Yesterday, we went to Birkdale a had lunch at a Bistro, went to the Malibu Boat store (one of Todd's favorite), went out to dinner, and watched a movie. We actually have some free time! When we woke up this morning (got to sleep until 9:00AM), Todd said "What are we going to do today on our day off?" He was joking....kinda!! I think that I will go and get a massage today and catch up on some house work. Or maybe not (the housework part....i am definately getting a massage!)

It's nice to have some free time although the house is crazy quiet. I am enjoying this day, but I am certain that by tomorrow I will be ready for my babies to be back home. Yes, all 3 of them!

Happy Valentine's Day

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

James, Lilly, and I made some cupcakes this morning for Trevor and then we made some chocolate covered strawberries for Daddy this afternoon. This evening, Todd cooked dinner for us (we had pork tacos with fresh veggies and salsa...along with margaritias!!). We spent the day and evening just playing and enjoying each others company. This is what love is all about!

Pictures

I took Lilly to get her 2 year pictures made today. I have had several appointments, but everytime she ends up getting hurt and I have to cancel and reschedule. I was afraid that I was going to have to reschedule this one also because of the ear ordeal, but it worked out and I didn't have to. She is such a ham and loves the camera. She enjoys getting her picture made and all of the attention that comes with it!

Skating with the Boys

James got a new skateboard for Christmas and has been a little reluctant to ride it very much. It is a real board, a Plan B Sheckler Mini. I think that he has just been a little intimidated by it. Well, that's not the case anymore. He was out riding today with Todd, Trevor, and Josh. If he keeps it up, he'll be riding the ramps by this summer!!

She survived!

Lilly's out-patient surgery went well. Todd took her over this morning around 6:30 AM. She was the first patient on the schedule. Todd said that it went well and the doctor said she did great. I took her to work with me for a hour or so but she didn't go into her classroom. I was afraid that she would be a little drowsy or unsteady on her feet, so I just kept her with me all day.

You would never know that she was in for the procedure this morning. She is playing, talking, and being very active....as usual. Her ear looks perfect, you can't even see where he made an incision. While she was in for the procedure, the doctor put another pair of earring in for me. He said that it will heal around her existing hole and that all is good!

Thank goodness this is over. Who would have ever thought????? The doctor said that this is actually a lot more common than you would think. He knew exactly what to do!

Insult to Injury

Poor Lilly just can't catch a break! She is going in to have out-patient surgery early in the morning to have her earring removed from her ear!

She has had her ears peirced for over 2 years now. Currently, she is wearing small pearls. One of the pearls fell off of the post and now the post is wedged into her ear with the back still on. I can't push it out of the top because the back is still on it and I can't push it out of the back because it is bigger than the hole. Such a mess. Who would have ever dreamed this would have happened!!! It doesn't hurt her and it is not infected or anything, there is just no other way to get it out.

I took her to her pediatrician after I realized what happened and she said that she was going to have to refer me to the ENT doctor. I made an appointment with him and after her looked at it, he gave me two options. Option 1: He could cut it out in his office. He said that they have a device that they use to tie her up and hold her down, give her a shot in her ear to numb it, and then cut it out. Option2: Treat it as an out-patient surgery and give her some drugs to relax her, make her fall asleep, give her a shot in her ear to numb it, and then cut it out. I chose option 2. I just didn't want her to be traumatized by having them tie her up and hold her down. I feared that she may have nightmares about that. I know I would.

It is a very simply process and will only take about 15 minuites. He said that he will not stitch up where he cuts her to get the earring post out. The cut will be so tiny that it will heal on it's own in just a couple of days. Wish us luck!!

Everyone is Sick

Lilly is finally feeling better but today I had to take Trevor and James to the doctor! It seems that the flu is going around our house. Trevor had a fever of over 103 degrees and looks terrible. The doctor gave them both some antibiotics and cough medicine. Hopefully, they'll be feeling better in a few days. Everyone is miserable when the kids are sick!

Daddys home!

Todd made it home late last night to a house full of sick kids. What a way to welcome him home. The kids were still awake (barely) when he got home. They knew that he was on the way and wouldn't go to sleep without seeing him. A week is way too long for them to go without seeing their Daddy!

Maxing and Relaxing

This is how James winds down and relaxes after a long hard day of going to school and playing! He enjoys a long bubble bath in the jacuzzi while playing with his Spiderman, knights, and Power Rangers.

All Night Excursion

Trevor and Josh have gone out all night and will not be returning until 7:00 AM Saturday morning! They are with Josh's church on an all night excursion. The youth group planned a trip to South Charlotte and they will be eating at Steak and Shake, playing ice hockey and lasertag, and goofing off until the wee hours of the morning. They are due to arrive back to the church at 4:00 AM and have a hot breakfast. They will watch movies, play games, and eat until they are picked up.

Trevor was tired before he even left the house tonight. I wonder if he'll fall asleep on the bus on the way back? He is a sleepy head and rarely stays up past 9:30. I bet he's not going to make it. I can't wait to talk to them in the morning and hear all about their big night out!