Won't You Come Visit Me?

It's official. All 5 boys have been sick within the past two weeks. Evan is the latest victim. He is currently sleeping on the couch. Evan never sleeps during the day.

Logan and Jack visited Dr. McKenzie yesterday. Jack is doing breathing treatments for possible pneumonia, and is on antibiotics. Logan is also antibiotics for an ear infection. If I could give you a sound bite, you would be sure to hear coughing, sniffing, sneezing, hacking, blowing, and the whirrrr of Jack's nebulizer as he quietly sits through another treatment.

(He actually does very well, and loves the cute little masks our Dr gives him. The fish mask his his old one from when he had RSV at 4 weeks old. The dragon is his new mask.)

I am doing my very best to stay sane. Whenever I get the chance, you can be sure I'm walking around with a bottle of Clorox spraying everything in sight.

Derek and I haven't slept in two weeks.

I'm packing my bags for the loony bin.

I expect visitors.

Tagged

I'm new at this whole tagging thing. I've never been tagged before, and I have to admit, I'm flattered. I'm supposed to write 16 random thoughts. Here we go-

1. I had a snake, Jake growing up. He got loose in our house. We never saw Jake again.

2. I love shooting guns. I once won a competition when I was 7. I beat an 18 year old.

(I'm a better shot than my husband and my brother. Just ask my dad.)

3. I hate spiders, but I love holding tarantulas.

4. Derek and I want to adopt a girl from China.

5. Our dream is to raise our kids on a farm.

6. I've watched Toy Story 2 ten times in three days.

7. I've stood at the top of The Cliffs Of Moher.

8. My son shook hands with President Obama.

9. My boys are sick, and I wish I could be sick for them.

10. I want to go back to school and be a pharmacist.

11. This week I made mac and cheese for the boys. Mixed in with the noodles

was a spider, and a few beetles.

12. I hate mac and cheese now.

13. Luke wants to take my necklace (the one with the boys' names hanging from it) to school for 'N' day. Should I let him?

14. To my brother, Declan-Yes, I am seriously playing blog tag. Now I have a question for you-

You have a facebook page? Seriously.

15. I am desperate for new clothes, but desperately broke.

16. Jack is sleeping in the fort we built yesterday. Forts rule!

Whew, I did it. Did I bore you stiff? I tag: Meg, Melody, and Amber...you're it!

(Lucy-I wanted to tag you, and force you to blog. But, I'd rather go out for a drink and hear

your 16 random thoughts in person.)

Weekend Round Up

Wow. What a weekend. It consisted of swim lessons, basketball games, room rearrangin', sick kids, stock show cruisin', train & pony rides, and more. It ended at 9:00 last night with gum in someones hair. Here are the details:

Evan, Luke and Jack all have swim lessons on Saturday mornings. They go to SwimLabs, which is the most wonderful place on earth. There are three separate pools, each with no more than 4 kids per class. In the waiting room, parents can watch their kids swim on a private flat screen TV. The teachers will periodically place the cameras under the water, to capture a fully-submerged boy showing off for his Mama. Note to reader: This does not include Jack. He prefers to stay dry while swimming.

Evan is playing basketball, and LOVES it! He has a game every Saturday, and is a blast to watch. They have a great team this season! They all play well together, and have finally grasped the concept of passing the ball. Aside from oatmeal, coke & hot tamales, he is asking for a basketball hoop for his birthday.

The Frat Brothers decided at their last meeting that their room needed a new look. They informed of this last week, and Saturday night we made it happen. The Frat House looks fresh and new, and the brothers are happy.

Wes had a cold and gave it to Luke. Luke gave it to Logan. Logan Gave it to Jack. Whoever said siblings don't share? (I'm making Evan wash his hands to the extent that it just may be overkill. I don't care. One sick kid-I can handle. Two sick kids-still manageable. Three sick kids-one step closer to insanity. Four sick kids-checking myself in. Five sick kids-come visit me at the looney bin.)

Yesterday marked our annual visit to the National Western Stock Show. Unfortunately, one of us had to stay home with sick Logan and baby Wes (who is no longer sick, but too tiny to go). Being the wonderful husband that he is, Derek stayed home with the babes while I took the three oldest to romp around at the show. Dee and Papa go with us every year, and spoil the boys rotten. The boys enjoyed pony rides, train rides, & cotton candy galore. Rodeo? Animals? Cowboys? No thanks. More cotton candy, please.

Derek and I got everyone bathed and into bed. Ahhhhhh. Quiet.

For about two minutes.

Then Jack came into our bathroom with gum in his hair. His new horse (a stock show find) had gum in his mane. I did my best to ease it out with baby oil. Lack of sleep and lack of patience quickly set in. I reached for the scissors and took aim. Both Jack and his horse received a new hair cut. Don't ask me why he had gum in bed. I'm still trying to figure that out.

There you have it. Our weekend. Happy Monday, y'all!

Boys, wonderful boys.

"Boys are found everywhere—on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them, adults ignore them and Heaven protects them. A boy is truth with dirt on its face, beauty with a cut on its finger, wisdom with bubble gum in its hair and the hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."
Author: Alan Beck

It was a beautiful 70 degree day today. The boys and I spent most of it outside.

Spring fever is kickin' in!

Lil' Raider Hater

My Godfather went to California, and all he brought back for me was this lousy Raiders romper.

If the neighborhood boys see this, they'll really give me the business.

M.L.K. Monday

Just a quick post here....

It's Martin Luther King Day, so you know what that means - NO SCHOOL!!! Yeahoooooo!!!

I've got all five of my boys home with me, and to top it off, I don't even have to do daycare today. Just my boys and me! It's a BEAUTIFUL day. We went on a long walk, and had the best time soakin' up the rays. Our walk wasn't long in distance, but took almost an hour. The boys were bound and determined to crunch, throw, and slide on every piece of ice they could find.
(I had no idea there was so much ice.)

Yes, I let them throw ice. (No one was hurt in the process.) Evan accidentally ran Jack over with the stroller, but that had nothing to do with ice throwing. And the ice really came in handy at this point.

Duty calls. Evan wants to bake a cake for M.L.K.

I never turn down cake.

Ciao!

Flashback Friday!

Allow me to delve deep into the flashback archives.

August, 2008.

A newborn baby who ate, slept, ate, slept......& slept some more. A go-with-the-flow kind of guy. Someone who didn't add much extra noise to this already LOUD place we call home.

Fast forward 5 months.

Introducing 'I want it NOW' Wes. Someone who yells at the top of his lungs when things don't go his way. Like today, when his sippy cup kept going into his nose instead of his mouth.

That took him over the edge.

Gone are the days when your brothers jump to your aid with every little peep or squawk. Your screaming lends a new source of entertainment for them. They stand by your highchair and selfishly enjoy your infant frustrations.

Be patient, little man. Just under a year now, and you'll be able to chase them down.

Look Mom, I can fly!

Luke: Mom, if I pop my arms out like this, they turn into wings. That means I can fly off stuff.

Me: Really? Sounds cool, Luke.

Luke: Get your camera, Mom. I'll show you how I do it off the couch.

Me: OK.

To Infinity....AND BEYOND!!!!!!

Sea Monkeys and Such...

I was talking to my steppy sister, Meg, last night. I was telling her all of the many reasons I think she should start a blog. Her husband, Adam, asked her what exactly would she have to blog about.

They don't have kids.....yet.

I began thinking, and slapped myself with a new challenge. Find something other than my kids to blog about.

All morning I've been desperately searching for something interesting to share with you. As I stood at the kitchen sink, I stared intently at our Sea Monkeys. Have they been fed today? THAT'S IT!!! I'll blog about our gazillion Sea Monkeys!

Here goes.

Someone in this house (who shall remain nameless so as not to defeat the challenge), used $10.00 of his Christmas money (thanks, Pa John. Yes, they are saving the rest) to buy a complete Sea Monkey kit. By complete, I mean, this was a bargain! It came with the tank, instant Sea Monkey dust, Sea Monkey food, a travel watch to put a few of them in and take them places (yes, we have taken them on a road trip already), a food scoop, and directions. We came home, put the magic dust into the water, waited a few short days, and now on top of the dog and two fish (who I've tried to unsuccessfully kill for more than a year), we now own close to 100 Sea Monkeys.

So there you have it. A post without mentioning my you know what's. Now run off to the store (Target), and buy yourself a Sea Monkey kit.

Buyer BEWARE....the directions say in teeny tiny print.....Sea Monkeys can live up to 5 years.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

DR McKenzie, The GREAT!

Last week I took Logan and Wes for their well checkups. In case I haven't already told you, we have the best pediatrician in the world. Dr Mckenzie is amazing. She calls our house to check on the boys when they are sick. She has offered to babysit. (I'm not kidding) I have her HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER. Yes, although terrified to use it, I have her home telephone number. In times of desperation, I try to use it, but my fingers won't let me dial. I am terrified that my privileges may be revoked. Sometimes I open our address book just to make sure it's still there.

Back to my story.

Last week's appointment was enough to drive any mom to the brink. Wes and Logan each got 3 shots. Logan is at the age where he has come to the conclusion that going to the DR doesn't make his list of top ten fun things to do with your extra time. We were there for a long time and he became irritated, tired and claustrophobic. He wanted out. At one point he started hitting DR McKenzie.

Good times.

Towards the end of our stay, DR McKenzie looked at Jack (who was along for the ride), and had a heart to heart with him about potty training. Their conversation was short, sweet, and to the point. She told Jack that 3 year-olds use the potty. "No more diapers." she said. DR McKenzie also told Jack that she would be waiting for his phone call. She wanted him to leave her a message when he started to use the potty.

She promised to return his call.

As we drove home, Jack and I talked about his new mission. He asked me where his 'Big Boys' were. We got home and Jack picked a pair of big boy undies. Tomorrow was a new day. The boys had dinner and a bath and curled up in their beds. Jack curled up with his undies. While they were sleeping, the Diaper Fairy came and took all of Jack's diapers and left him skittles under his pillow.

(I knew I was saving the Halloween candy for a good reason)

Jack woke up a new man. He quickly reminded us of his discussion with "DR McKembzie". He took off his pull-up, and peed the Mississippi....IN THE POTTY. after a successful day, he left DR McKenzie a message. It went something like this: "Hi DR McKembzie, this is Jack. I goed pee pee and poo poo in the potty. Call me back."

The next day the phone rang. It was for Jack. As promised, DR. McKenzie was calling to congratulate him. He told her of his new-found success, and told her he loved her.

We all love her.

It's been almost 7 days now and Jack hasn't had one accident. He loves his new look. He proudly gazes at his new attire several times throughout the day. He likes to wear them backwards, because the opening in the front is "actually (his new word) a back pocket."

Derek and I are over the hump. Only two more to train. With the next two, we won't waste any time. Off to McKenzie's we shall go.

Her words are magic to my boys.

Real Men Don't Use Cups...

I've been losing sleep lately over a mystery that's taken place in our house.

Our dishwasher is bottom heavy.

Serious stuff, right?

The bottom racks are full of plates, bowls, and utensils galore. The top racks, however, remain virtually empty. (Aside from a few bottles, pacifiers, and my mug of choice for the day.) I've been searching for an answer for weeks. Last night, while doing dishes, I found my answer.

HERE IT IS:

Cups? We don't need no stinkin' cups!!!

Call Me Alfred...

BATMOBILE, SHMATMOBILE!

Today's Batman travels in a Suburban, and gives his Mommy a sense of protection

(every time she looks in the rear view mirror),

NO OnStar service or airbag can provide.

It's just how he rolls.

Simple Birthday Wishes...

Yesterday Evan went through the Sunday ads circling everything he wanted for his birthday with a bright blue sharpie.

He circled items any boy who's about to turn 8 would desire.

Rock Band for Wii, Tony Hawk Shoes, NFL Sweatshirts, etc.

Derek browsed through his birthday wishes and pointed these items from the

Walgreens ad out to me-

Oatmeal? What does this mean? Am I not feeding him enough?

Hot Tamales...YUMMMM! 3 for $3!! Both delicious and cost effective!

Now this one has me baffled. We have done all we can to raise our kids right. It breaks my heart to think he'd desire COKE for his birthday. This is strictly a PEPSI household. I may need Dr. Phil for help with this little issue.

Anyone know a good hypnotist?

Random Thoughts...

Whew. A new year. EXCITING!!! Exhausting.

Please allow me to rant. Here's what I'm thinking.....

I'm siting here staring at the boxes (and boxes) of Christmas ornaments and decorations that are taking up my entire dining room. I swear I've heard tiny voices coming from there the last few days. "Put us back. Can anyone hear us? Put us back! We want to go home to our rafters, high in your garage, where we'll be safe from misuse and disfiguration at the hands of your wild boys for the next 11 months. Please, put us back." (yes, hon, that was a hint thrown in just for you. I do hear voices, but they have nothing to do with Christmas decorations. Most of them come from miscellaneous items at Target. They say, "Put us back, you don't need us. We don't want to go home with you!" Then I throw them into the cart in order to shut them up. I can only take so much.) ANYWAY... Christmas is, above all, my favorite holiday. However, there is nothing quite like the enjoyment I receive when the decorations are down, and our house looks normal again. Well, as normal as a house with six boys can look, right? Right.

Where is this post going? I'm not sure. As I'm writing this, Logan has gotten out of bed 4 times now. Luke is sitting by my side, talking a mile per minute, And I've gotten up to change poops twice. Are those cookies in the oven burning? Be right back.....

Today I made the mistake of buying a bag of conversation hearts for the boys. Now my children are asking me where our Valentine's decorations are, and why they are not up. I tried to explain to them that it's a bit early, but I failed miserably. I think we'll put our ONE Valentine's Day decoration up tomorrow.

Last night Evan told me I was 'Prettier than Mike Ditka." In case you don't know what he looks like, here's a picture. Gee...Thanks, Ev.

Tomorrow morning I'm getting my hair cut. If the weather holds, I think I may camp out in front of the salon tonight. I'm that excited. I usually tell her she missed a spot, or complain (over and over again) about a certain area, just so it takes longer. And I wonder why my hair grows so slowly.....

We had an injury earlier in the week. Luke threw a book at Evan, causing one gusher of a nosebleed, and a possible broken nose. Poor Ev is pretty banged up. Our carpet in the front room resembles that of a crime scene. I'm doing my best, but this is some seriously-stubborn blood! Any suggestions?

Tonight is Friday Night Party Night and I have been reminded several times today that 'Friday Night Smackdown' will be the feature film. What ever happened to Lady And The Tramp, or The Wizard Of Oz? I'm so outnumbered. At least I get to pick the Friday night activity. I choose to go to Target to pick up the Epi-pens for Luke and Logan's newly-discovered nut allergy. (Did I mention they're also allergic to milk, soy, wheat, dogs and cats?)

I'm crossing my fingers they have their Valentine's stuff up and ready. Tonight, while my boys are busy learning new Smackdown moves, I'll be busy myself. Busy decorating for the next holiday. Valentine decorations their hearts desire-

Valentine decorations they shall receive.