Giving Thanks

Today was a wonderful day. Everything worked out perfect. Not how I would have liked it, but perfect for Brian, none the less.

The house woke up at around 7am. Bella and I ate breakfast first then off to the shower. Cooper and Brian were bringing up the rear. We got ready and left the house around 8:45am. Got on the road to head to see PopPaw in Weatherford and there was no traffic! Thank God! We got to the nursing home right at 10am and went inside to see Pop and Elva. Pop was sleeping like a baby (boy I wish I could cat nap like that) so I rubbed his arm and said PopPaw, It's Christy, Donnie Kay's daughter. He woke up and was so happy to see us. We talked for a few minutes and Michelle and her crew arrived, he was even more happy to see all of us in one room. He was beeming. We talked for a little bit more, took some pictures and he was thrilled with out surprise visit. We walked down to MeMaw's bedroom (they are in seperate rooms for a little while so they can keep an extra close eye on Pop) and MeMaw was sleeping sitting up on the edge of the bed (how she didn't fall off, I'll never understand). I talked softly to her and she woke up, just as happy as could be (rare for her). We talked for a bit and she LOVED the babies and bigger kids as well. We asked her if she wanted us to roll her down to see Pop, and she just about jumped into the wheelchair. She was more than happy, she was really cute, she said, "is my hair alright?" So sweet! When we got to Pop's room, Michael and Isabella said "we brought you a surprise!" and we wheeled MeMaw around the corner. She jumped on the edge of his bed and gave him a big, sweet, adorable kiss. They really do miss each other and I hope they will put them back in the same room soon. They need to be together, to be strong and not lonely.

Pop looked amazing, considering all he has been through this past few weeks. When I saw him on Halloween, he had sunken in cheeks and was an odd color of yellow. Now he's got much fuller cheeks and his color is normal. His eyes still look yellow, but I'm sure with a little more time, he'll be all better. While we were there he stayed in his bed laying down the whole time. But just seeing him happy, alert, talking and making sense and looking so much better. That made my Thanksgiving day perfect. I didn't have to do another thing, I could have gone home and had cereal for lunch. I was a happy camper.

We went to mom and dad's for lunch. Mom had been feeling bad, so she didn't go to the nursing home with us. She stayed home and cooked. Our good friend Gayla come over for lunch and it was nice to visit with her. It was all cut short so we could get home for Brian to watch the Cowboys on his TV in his media room. But that didn't matter. I got to cuddle with Isabella for a while and take a nap with her and Brian cuddled with Cooper. Cooper fell asleep in the media room with Brian and slept for around 2 hours. Gotta love Thanksgiving day cuddles with your kiddos.

We brought leftover home. My mom made an amazing lunch (Thanks MOM!) and dinner will be leftovers! Love it!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Yes, Bella is in her tutu and leg warmers!

Christmas Tree Lighting

This year we went to an amazing new shopping area in Allen for the Christmas tree lighting. Santa rode in on a fire truck and Ms. Clause was walking around hugging the children and they served hot drinks, they also had real live reindeer. We took the kids last Saturday night and it was very chilly outside. But we all bundled up and had a pretty good time. It will be nice to do this same tree each year from now on.

The kids in front of the fire truck Santa around the corner, we got a sneak peak of Santa before he arrived.


Real Live Reindeer. Now where do you find these guys in the country? I just never really thought about it. They aren't the deer we see all over Texas. Where did they come from? The North Pole?

Kiddos having a great time bundled up and staying warm as we wait for Santa to arrive and the tree to be turned on. Cooper was so happy and Bella just wanted OUT of the stroller!

Isabella Got Bit!!

Yesterday I took Isabella to Adventure Kids so I could go eat lunch with Patti. I got a phone call from AK's to tell me one of the little boys had bit Isabella on the arm. Sara told me she was crying for me and that the bite was pretty bad. So I rushed to get her and I could tell she had been crying. She would not show me her bite, I think she may have been a little embarrassed and scared from the whole situation. So we went home took naps and I had to take Cooper to the doctor because of an ear infection he has. When I was there I coxed Isabella out of her shirt to show the Dr. just to make sure I didn't need to 'do' anything to it. Dr. said it would bruise, but it didn't break the skin, it would be tender for a while, but she'd be fine. So that was comforting to both Isabella and me. Bella got a lollypop for being such a big girl.

I wasn't mad about the bite, simply because I was a bitter. When I was in preschool I bit a boy on the back and it did break the skin. I still remember it! And Boy was I in trouble!! Another reason I wasn't mad, I know the little boy and I know his mother. She is at her wits end and like my mother, has no idea what else to do to stop this behavior. The little boy M, has bit his brother a few times, and mom T really isn't sure what to do. I feel for her and I know of her frustrations. There's really not a whole lot for her to do. So, good luck T! I'll be thinking about you and little M.

Cry It Out

I have finally given in and made Cooper CIO last night. I was exausted and had a headache and all I wanted to do was go to sleep. So at 12:23, I laid Cooper down for the 5th time and he started crying. I crawled in bed (air mattress on his floor) and put a pillow over my head and tried to go to sleep. I let him cry for 10 minutes and got up and pat his back and told him I love you and then crawled back in bed. 20 more minutes passed and he was still screaming, but it was getting less intense. So I rolled over and tried to ignore (easier said than done) his crying. He stopped crying a little over 30 minutes and fell asleep. He slept from a little after 1am to around 4am-ish. I was so excited, I got more than 3 hours of unintrupted sleep last night. WOW, that is huge in this house! At 4am-ish I gave him a bottle and put him back in bed and let him CIO once again. I have no idea how long that one took, but he slept until after 8am. Now that is huge. He's been waking up between 5-6am every morning. I was thrilled, except that Isabella work up right at 7am. I made Cooper CIO again at nap time today, again, not sure how long he cried, but he finally went to sleep. But tonight, he cried for over 40 minutes straight, and I went up to soothe him, and it didn't help one bit. He was madder than Hell! So I put him back down and he cried for over 15 minutes and then Brian took him a bottle to see if he could comfort him and get him to go to sleep. We've had a pretty busy day, so Cooper only got one nap today. Let's pray he sleeps well tonight and I get more that 5 hours in a row. That is all I'm asking for!! Really!

Ready for Bed

Isabella and I went to the new Toys R Us a few weeks ago and she made herself right at home in the display bed. I love that store!

This is our new bounce house.. we are having lots of fun, when its warm!!

LONG Time No See...

I have a facebook page on the internet. As well as a MySpace page. Both of these sites are really fun. I have met up with a few old girlfriends from middle/high school. It's been fun reading about their lives and seeing their kids.

But the mother of all finds is an old girlfriend from elementary school. Yes, I said elementary school. I was 12 years old when we left Benbrook, Texas to move to Texarkana. And I don't remember if I even saw Kate before we left Benbrook. But I've looked for here here and there and the such, but once you get old enough to get married it's even that much harder to find a women, since her name changes. So just out of curiosity, I typed Kate McGrath in the search field and about 5 pages pop up. I looked through a few and found one that looked like she could be her, but I wasn't positive. So I took a chance and sent her a message and told her who I was, and who I was looking for. She was so surprised. After 22 years, Kate and I have 'talked' on instant messenger via Facebook. It's so amazing what you can do/find on the internet.

So Kate, I'll be digging up some very old photos and posting them in the next few weeks. It's just a hoot to finally find you and I can't wait to come to your resturant and see you and have some great food! See you soon!

Sicko's

That's us! Last week on Wed. I was in the colon rectal doctors office, just about to get my bottom looked at, butt naked on the table and Isabella's school called, she is sick. Cooper was in the stroller sleeping, but woke up when the school called. SCREAMING! So I put my clothes back on, tell the doctor I have to reschedule (he is really an amazing butt doctor if you ever need one!!, very caring). And rush out the door to get Isabella from school. Mind you, I have a million things to do. So I grab the sick little one and we run to two fabric stores for some rods and more fabric for a few other rooms. Then the pharmacy then to the grocery store then home. She did great. She didn't act sick, but she was burning hot! We came home and she slept a little and was a really sweet cuddly girl for the rest of the evening.

Then the next day Cooper ran a fever, I think his is more from teething. But he was fine a few hours later.

Then Friday early AM I woke up with Cooper screaming, and ran down stairs (I've been sleeping in his bedroom on an air mattress for a few weeks), and I handed him off to Brian and was about to go make Cooper a bottle, but quickly ran back to my bedroom to the toilet, I was so sick, throwing up, but noting came out. I had been running a fever all night and it was as if someone ran over me. I could barely hold Cooper (he is 20lbs, ya know). But I just about passed out on the bedroom floor. I didn't have the strength to crawl in bed. I just laid on the floor for a while. Brian was in between a rock and a hard place. He was going out of town with my BIL Mark to work in Fredericksburg. He planned to leave at 11ish. We'll that all went out the window. He scrambled to be Mr. Mom for the morning and try to find someone to come over to watch the kids and me, so he could leave. My mom was taking care of my very ill grandfather and couldn't make it. So his mom came and bless her heart! She had her hands full. I had a full weekend planned already, so everything happened, without me. Ashley and Zac came over to stay the night Friday and Saturday night. And Michelle and the boys come over Friday and Saturday night. It was a full house. It was a crazy weekend.

Tooth #2

Cooper got his second tooth on Nov. 7th. He's been overly cranky for a while and I feel very sorry for the poor booger. The top two should pop out any day now. Cooper is still not eating baby food. He hates it! But I did get him to eat some oatmeal and rice ceral in the jar. He seemed to enjoy that. I'm trying everything under the moon to get that baby full so maybe that can help him sleep better. Lord help me!

Where has the time gone?

I am so behind with blogging. I so miss this. I usually blog when Cooper is sleeping and Bella is occupied or sleeping. But for the past few weeks, Cooper has decided to sleep for an hour or so and then wake up SCREAMING!! Full blown scream! It shakes me to the core and I have to hold him/rock him back to sleep. So for about 30 minutes, I'm awake, but that's every hour or so. I'm just not sleeping at all. By the time I fall asleep, he starts SCREAMING!!! I am so exhausted and when he naps, I try my hardest to nap as well. I will never be able to catch up on my sleep, but I'll try every chance I get!!

43 Days Until Christmas

Wow, this year has just flown by. My babies are growing up and another year is just about over. We had Brian's family over for Jane and Judee's birthday on Sunday and we were talking about Christmas gifts for the kids. I didn't really pay much attention, but I guess I should have. Gosh, only 43 days to shop. We have an idea of what were going to get Isabella, but Cooper is another story. I have all the baby toys Isabella for her first Christmas and birthday, and those toys are perfect for Cooper. So, I'm at a loss for the little one. He'll be 9 months old for Christmas, so I guess I'll just have to wait until closer to time and find something on sale.

I've been picking up things here and there for Isabella, I have some stashed in the guest bedroom closet. That will make buying for here easier. I love this time of year, I'm ready to put the decorations up and the lights on the house and play seasonal music and wrap presents and on and on. I love Christmas!

Update on PopPaw

I just talked to my mother and Pop is doing so much better. None of the test they did on Friday have come back, so they still don't really know what is wrong. But he is hydrated, eating solids again and asking for more, showering alone, and really just feeling good.

One not so good thing is he's coughing up blood. It started once the kids and I left the hospital on Friday. As soon as it happened, they rushed him to an isolation room, in fear that it was Tuberculosis (TB). The nurses and doctors were all in masks and protectived clothes and the such. One of the doctors was so frightened, he said, "oh no, you had a 6 month old baby here today" my mother's stomach turned upside down. But, that test came back and he does not have TB. Thank God!! But they still don't know why he is coughing up blood.

BDA Diet

I've been trying the BDA (Before, During & After) Diet. You drink an 8oz glass of water B, D & A a meal. It is really filling and works. Between watching what I eat, BDA and the gym, I should be a goddess by summer. I'm not holding my breath, but it's a goal I can see achieving!

Toys R Us

Today after the gym, I wasn't ready to go home, so the kids and I went to Toys R Us to look around. They have built a new shop up the road from us, among many other shops and restaurants. We played around in the store. Isabella played on the car bed and the train bed and sat in the chairs. Then we played with the bikes and plasmacar and battery operated cars that she can drive. Then we played with balls and looked at the dolls. Ate a few cookies and finally I stumbled upon the bounce houses. I called Brian and asked him if we could get one and of course he said yes. I can't wait until he gets home and gets that big heavy box out and we blow it up for Isabella. I'm having some of her friends over on Friday and we'll blow that up for sure. It's going to be so fun to have that for our friends to play on. I also bought her a Wow Wow Wubbzy memory game. She's at such a fun age, I hope she enjoys games, I never got to play many when I was a child, because I was so much younger than my siblings. So I want Isabella to enjoy and love to play games.

I Forgot to Post This!

I think I forgot. I've been so busy and completely forget what I have done or not done. But!

Cooper finally rolled over from his tummy to his back the Saturday of the family reunion. And the following Sunday I found his first tooth. It's adorable! He loves to chew on stuff, so I know it hurts. He keeps on reaching for toys, so I know he'll be crawling before too long. I just can't wait!!

Halloween

Thursday afternoon, I took Bella and Cooper to a Halloween Park Playdate with the MOMS group of West Allen. We had a fantastic time meeting new moms and playing with the kids. Isabella love the park, so she was in heaven. The organizers had a special scavenger hunt all planned for the kids. It was so much fun. I am glad I found this group of moms. It's a small group, which makes it easier to get to know them all. Isabella really got into the scavenger hunt and wanted to do it again. I'll have to remember that for her birthday or even Christmas. That was fun!!

Then Friday, once we returned home from the hospital, Michelle and the boys came over to trick or treat. We had a blast. This was Isabella's first year to really 'get it' with the whole process. We went down one street then up the other and had a great time. She is so polite! Telling each person, "trick or treat" "Happy Halloween" and "Thank You". She really got it all down. Then we went to Cottownwood Creek Baptist Church for the huge festival they have every year. They had so many bounce houses, Isabella was in heaven. She just walked up to each one and bounced for a few minutes, then bounced in the next one, then on and on. Then Isabella and Brian went down the 3 story slide and her face was priceless. She was actually kind of scared, which she never is! I'll post pictures once I get them off the camera.

Hospital Visit

My Pop Paw is still in the hospital, it seems that the lung cancer has spread. He's not in any pain, but he's so thin. While we were there to visit him and give mom her suitcase, we went for a walk while he took a nap. We check out the hospital, since mom will be there for a few days and back and forth for as long as they have him admitted. We went to the small deli and Isabella helped herself to an apple. Mind you, this was Friday, Halloween. She actually grabbed two apples, and bit a huge chunk out of one. So we bought it! The sweet ladies behind the counter were shocked by her love for that apple, she just kept eating and eating. While we checked out, one of the ladies asked me if she could have a piece of candy. I quickly responded, NO! I didn't want her to want candy over fruit. And for the most part, she doesn't like candy. Love That!!

Cooper's Sleeping Habits

I took Cooper to the doctor on Saturday, he's had a runny nose and cough and has been extra cranky. I just thought his cold was getting worse. Well, he's just got a lot of teeth coming in. First of all, the tank weighs 20lb 2oz. That in its self is amazing at 6 months old. But the doctor told me to give him real children's Motrin/Tylenol, since he weights so much. I had been giving him just a tiny, tiny bit of infant medicine and it was not making him comfortable. The doctor also gave him some ear drops the numb the ears and I can also rub some on his gums. So Saturday afternoon, Cooper slept for 3 hours. He hasn't done that since he was a very tiny infant. I kept checking on him, making sure he was still breathing. He was such a happy baby when he woke up. And I let him sleep in the bed with me Saturday night so I could comfort him when he woke up, he only woke twice. I was so happy. Tonight he is in his bed and I pray he sleeps well again tonight. The doctor said he will be getting the other 3 front teeth within the next two weeks. So I'll have to stock up on the children's medicine!!

Hand Me Downs!

I love hand me downs. I love to get them and give them. I have a few friends I have gotten clothes from for Isabella and Cooper. And I have given back as soon as the kids outgrow clothes, I always make sure I have a friend to give the clothes to. Isabella has had some of the cutest outfits handed down and I love giving it all to another cutie pie. It is just so much easier to pass it on, then sell it or donate it.

I love me some hand me downs!!!

Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate

I have found the ultimate drink, finally! Last Wednesday I went to Starbucks to meet a friend and I wanted to try something new. Well, I fell in love with an amazing new hot chocolate. You have to try it, it's truly amazing and will make you so happy. All I wanted to do all week was get another one, and I did. Today I was craving one, boy was it hard to not jump in the car and run get one.

This is what the website says: Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate
This delicious sweet and salty combination brings together our rich, indulgent Signature Hot Chocolate and the flavors of buttery caramel and smoked sea salt. It is topped with whipped cream, a swirl of caramel and a sprinkle of our sea salt topping - a combination of artisan sea salt and Turbinado sugar from Hawaii.

My Vote Counted!

Last Thursday, after the gym, I went to vote. It was painless and I felt very patriotic after. I wanted to be able to feel good about complaining for the next 4 years, because I made my vote count.

Here's to 4 years of the good, bad and the ugly!

Reading

I'm finally reading a book I have been wanting to read for a long time. I listen to XM talk radio every chance I get. I love the Dr. Laura Schlessinger talk show. She is someone you love to hate. I bought the book The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands, and I love it. I bought it before we went on our mini vacation in early October. I read it all the way through during our drive and then I read it again over the past few weeks. And now I am about to start it again. I love it. Dr. Laura has made me appreciate my husband and children. As well as my extended family. I keep reading it because I keep finding something else I should be doing that I'm not that will show Brian how much I love and appreciate all his hard work. Gotta love making the hubby happy!!