Needless to say, life in Florida is good. :) Still waiting on internet. I will update when we get it (and when I get out of the hot tub). God is so good.

Amidst all the packing we found time to take a trip to the "Christmas Mall" to see Santa. They closed the line in front of us and we had to wait for Santa to take his break. Wes was kind enough to hold our place at the front of the line while we had dinner. After leaving and retrieving John from the top of the escalator, we sent Wes off to get his dinner before Santa returned. Note: Do not let a two year old step onto the escalator. He will let go of your hand and you will be running back up the down escalator in a packed mall to retrieve him. :) Santa came and we toured the polar express and hen took a turn on his lap. No tears so it was a success.

Quick up date:

We have a house. Eric is living there and our stuff will arrive there after Christmas. While he has been away the kids and i continued our routine. Mom and Dad came to visit and see Ella in the Christmas parade. Dad left to do a little Christmas shopping and returned with Eric. The kids and i were so surprised. It was great to see him even if it was only for a day. Rain washed out the parade but we still had a nice visit. The kids, Melissa and I made gingerbread houses. One word..patience. Ella had a party at snack time at school and it snowed. Wes arrived and we left for Clanton. I am positive that i have left out a million things but this is all i can remember. Pictures and more details when i get settled in the house in FL. All the kids have a cough and i hope they will shed it soon.

Ben's 9 Month Check-Up

Wednesday the 9th, Ben had his 9 month check up. Technically he was 9 and a half months. He weighted in at 18.5 lbs which is about the 20th percentile and was 30 inches tall, a little over the 90th percentile. He has 5 teeth and will bite the hand that feeds him. HA! He eats. All the time. He is crawling all over and now pulls up on the furniture and walks down to the end, or cruises (for those familiar with baby terms). He eats. He is super handsome and still loves his mommy. Did i mention he eats?? He is a great sleeper but hates when i put him down. He is healthy and lots of fun. What more could i ask for?

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving. Eric, the kids and I had a lovely quiet day here. Last year i did a list of all the things i was thankful for. This year (probably due to the lack of time) i will keep it brief.

I am thankful for this:

and the rest of our family that weren't around our table. We are very blessed.

Farms and Fun

I am really slacking on my blogging.

That was a line i wrote Wednesday. You can tell that we are very busy here. I barely have time to turn around.

Quick update and then i am off to bed.

Eric flew to Birmingham on the 12th and excepted the award at the ABC ceremony. Friday morning he headed to Mississippi to try his hand at farming. Just reading that makes me laugh. Anyway, it was time to harvest the soy beans. I think it was past time but the rain had held everyone off. Eric and Wes got out to the field to find a dead snake that came from ?? maybe the header. Knowing Eric's FEAR of snakes, Wes snuck up behind him with it and rubbed it's twitching tail on him. HA! Wish i could have seen his face. Wes and my uncle got a good laugh. Welcome to the farm. Eric helped where he could Saturday and Sunday and got behind the wheel of the tractor and Dad's combine on Monday. He came back a changed man. I got him back in line though. :) He had a blast and is already itching to go back. Probably a bad sign. He arrived back home late Tuesday night. He will leave Sunday for Sebastian.

Kim flew into town to keep me company while Eric was hanging out, i mean farming. She helped me get all my lists in order and then came down with strep. She stayed confined to her room Saturday and i sprayed lots of lysol. Her antibiotics kicked in and she was feeling better the rest of her trip. We had a good time visiting and got some cleaning done. So glad she came to visit. She had a rough flight home so i am not sure she feels the same way. HA! Thanks for everything Kimmie!

Friday Eric and i attended Ella's Thanksgiving program at school. She was a pilgrim girl or a 'mercy me' girl as she calls it. Probably because that was her line. They sang a few songs, recited a poem, her teacher read us some of the class' work and then the play. It was really cute. We were then invited to stay for lunch in the cafeteria. Many parents took their children home and i even offered to take Ella to a restaurant but she declined. She would like us to stay and eat. We did. We were some kids behind Ella in line and when she was paying for her lunch with her lunch card she told the lady she was paying for ours too. :) The lady took her card and told her she would use it when we checked out. Ella smiled. She looked like she felt so grown up showing us how it all worked. :) So proud of her.

The boys are good. Jack keeps asking if we can sign up for soccer. John is all over and loves saying "uh-uh, no". Imagine that. He is all over and into everything. Potty training is great. Depends on his mood. I haven't changed a dirty diaper on him in...i don't even remember. Glad he took on the potty training task. Now if i could just get him to keep his clothes on. Ben is all over. Constantly pulling up on everything and following me around. He is always so happy to see me. Probably because he want's to nurse but i still love the smile. 4 teeth and has revolted against baby food. He likes to eat real food and loves biter biscuits. We are still trying to figure out his eating. He will be 9 months old in a couple of days. Time flys. He goes for a check-up in December.

Tentative plans for the move are in place. We will be moving out on the 22nd of December. To where exactly is still undetermined. We are looking at houses but in no rush. This will be move number 5 and i think i have the hang of it. Everything is in order and estimates are in. Still have a lot to do to prepare. Mostly getting it done around the school, gymnastics, cheerleading, Christmas parade, along with day to day activities without Eric will be a task. It is so strange to have a month to prepare. This is the longest time we have had. I think i like it better when it is 2 weeks notice. Anyway, everything is up in the air so i will keep you all posted. I can't wait to get down to the warm weather.

Goodbye Statesville....

Hello sunny Sebastian, FL. Eric got a call asking him to go to Sebastian for a job. Not even sure what they are doing but we are more than happy to go. We got the call as I was dropping Eric off at the airport so we don't have any firm ideas yet but I think we have agreed to stay put until Ella gets out for Christmas break. By "we" I mean the kids and me. Eric will probably go before us and get started. The job has already started so he is behind from the get go, not too bad though. We will find out more in the coming weeks and firm out our plans to make this another successful move for all of us. Will keep you posted!

Things to come

This is how we found John tonight. His bedtime protest had failed but he wasn't going out like that. HA! I hope this is not an indication of things to come.

Free Day!

Yesterday, Eric finally had some time to go see a race shop. I have seen most of them twice but i thought it would be fun to go with him too. First shop, Jr. Motorsports.

The boys joined in the celebrating! HA!

Eric and the wax Dale Jr.

Jack and Dale Jr.'s Dog, Killer

Happy Halloween

The kids and i picked up our Halloween pumpkins on Wednesday in preparation for the traditional Halloween pumpkin carving that would begin on Thursday at Ella's school. I never carve our pumpkins too early because they are usually so delicate that they might wither before Halloween night. We don't do so much in the way of celebrating this holiday. I do good to get a little cobweb on the porch. I just don't like this holiday very much. Anyway, my one effort in making it fun for the kids is to carve them a special pumpkin. Somehow i thought carving the character they were dressed as would be a great idea. Now the kids think that is normal. It hasn't been bad in years past but this year was interesting. I am rethinking this "tradition".

Ella dressed as Hannah Montana (like almost every other little girl in this country). She colored some of her hair, rocked some tights, boots, sequined dress, and a fur jacket. Jack was Superman. Fitting for him. It even had built in muscles. He still wears it around the house. His only let down was that we didn't purchase a matching Superman costume for Sam. John was Spiderman. Contrary to the photos, he loved the mask and the built in muscles. Ben was a monkey. We were going to get him a lion costume but we had a monkey and Tigger already. I call him monkey know that he is grabbing and pulling on everything so it seemed fitting. I loved it. He didn't seem to mind either.

It was a nasty day. Rainy and cloudy. We had new neighbors move in so we walked with her and her little girl, Rihannah. As soon as the rain stopped we made our way around trick or treating. It was fun and short. We took a few pictures when we got home and the rain started again. The kids enjoyed some candy and then switched up costumes and then to bed. A great day overall.

Busy weekend

Last weekend was packed with activities. Friday was gymnastics, Saturday was cheerleading and a trip to Asheville to see Eric's parents and Sunday was the Balloon festival before Eric left for Alabama.

Saturday Ella and i ran errands and then headed up to cheerleading practice. Eric was in charge of getting the boys ready and meeting us at the hospital so we could get on the road. I called as soon as we left and Eric sounded frazzled and told me he was trying to leave. :) I know that feeling. We left a little later than we planned. John had an accident and tried to change himself. Glad i didn't have to clean it. HA! We admired all the colors of the trees as we drove into the mountains. Jack swears they were not mountains just trees. I think we were spoiled by the beautiful mountains in Idaho. The changing leaves were still beautiful. We arrived at the Asheville Fun Depot for an afternoon visit with Mr. Mark and Mrs. Connie. It was an all-in-one fun place. Mini-golf, bowling, arcade, playground, go-carts, and batting cages. The kids had a blast! They played in the playground, mini-bowling, mini-golf, and in the arcade. Eric and i attempted the batting cages. I think i was a little more successful than Eric. :) It was a long drive home as we listened to the Auburn/ LSU game from the LSU announcers eyes. They weren't very kind to Auburn. The game wasn't any prettier watching it on TV.

Sunday morning we were moving slowly and didn't get to the balloon festival until 10. We should have check the schedule because the balloons left at 8. Well we aren't really sure they left because of the wind but they were scheduled too. The kids played in the bounce houses, until John had to pee. He attempted to pull down his pants and go in front of the entrance to the bounce house but no fear Eric got him moved to the woods. I guess the porta potty was out of the question. :) We headed home to get out of the cold wind. Eric left for Alabama and the rest of us prepared for the long week ahead.

Bouncin' Ben

He is growing in a hurry and is as handsome as ever. He started pulling up at the beginning of October so he has that down pat. He started crawling on Monday the 26th. He looks so funny. He uses one knee and one foot. He is realizing that he can go and do things now. So exciting. He has three teeth and one is coming in. He is getting big but doesn't go back to the doctor for another month. He is eating everything. Usually at least two cups of stage two foods at a time and nurses in between. He can also drink out of his straw cups. Hopefully that will eliminate any uses for a bottle going forward. Sleeps throught the night and takes two naps during the day. Still working on those coming at consistant times. He is a joy.

Jivin' John

John is getting big. Talking more everyday and is getting a bit clearer. So glad that the speech issue seems to have resolved itself. I guess i should have let him go at his on pace but never hurts to stay on top of things. He loves to go. Anywhere. Always on the move and if you don't hear him you should go and find what he is in to. He loves to unroll the toilet paper. Not sure why but he will unroll the whole roll and then hide the toilet paper in a basket or just leave it on the floor. I can't complain too much since he is usually in there to go to the bathroom. Yes, John has decided that he would like to potty train. I believe it is his "i am a big boy" , "anything you can do i can do better" attitude. I was happy to wait about 6 more months before we started this journey. I have found that waiting until they are closer to three makes the process easier on everyone and it takes a fraction of the time. Ella trained in a week and Jack was about a month. John told us in the car one day when he needed to go so i figured he must really want to. He is doing well. The peeing he has gotten the hang of (he needs to be reminded when he first wakes up) and the #2 is coming along. He does pretty well when he is under a watchful eye. :) I told Eric we might have one in diaper at Christmas. What will we do with only one in diapers? Eric says we will be very HAPPY! :) Yea for growing up!

Jumpin' Jack

Jack has finished his soccer season. I don't know if he was any better this go around than he was in the spring. He loves it though. He always has so much fun interacting with other children and just running around in general. Melissa, his coach, did bring him (and John) a trophy. He is starting to ask for school work and is really stepping in as my "big helper". We are trying to work some school time into our schedule. He is enjoying having Eric home more and loves playing with John. He also loves the new computer. I think he uses it the most. :) He takes pictures and videos throughout the day. Here are a few.

Everything Exciting with Ella

She is doing great. Last Friday, she is took her first field trip to the pumpkin patch with her class on Friday. Eric, the boys, and I are going to met her class there. We had a wonderful time. The weather was dreary but we made the best of it. We saw a presentation about all they do on the farm and then got to feed the animals. Ella's class got to build a scarecrow and then we took a hayride. The kids all got a free pumpkin and then Ella was off to the park for lunch and playtime. We went all looked at the park and then got the boys back into town for lunch. She loved the trip and getting to ride on the school bus. She is still LOVING gymnastics and cheer leading. Ella is working on her one handed cartwheel in gymnastics and learning her dance routine for the cheer leading competition. Her cheer leading group is also participating in the Christmas parade, i hope we will be here for her to enjoy it. You can imagine i am not very much help when she is practicing either of those activities. She is still doing great in school. Learning to write, spell, read and count. Always things she loves to do. She comes home and tries to teach the boys. Thursday was an early dismissal and that morning was dedicated to "dad's carving day". The school encourages dad's or other family to come and carve a pumpkin at school. Eric had to be out of town so i went. Ella and her friend Falina helped me carve Snaggles the cat. We had a great time. I got the pumpkin loaded and picked up Ella and her friend Terri. This was Terri second visit to our house for the afternoon. The kids enjoy the extra company and she is a sweet girl so i don't mind. Here are some of the pictures.

Another Funeral

I guess it is bound to happen. Things we purchased in college start to die. First it was the T.V. and now the computer. Sad, i know. I can't say i am going to miss the Dell that much. It has been trouble since we got it. One thing after another and then Eric got a virus on it. Probably from downloading music from a less than reliable site. Hard drive replaced and most of our info and pictures salvaged, we continued on. Not long after, it started sounding like an airplane preparing to take off. Finally she had trouble getting started. One cold morning she couldn't seem to get going so i gave her a little rub to warm her up and this is what came up.

Yes, it was shut down to a thermal event. She was obviously not a fan of the cold weather. The next few days were the same except Eric was having to blow in the back. HA! Sunday we cleaned her fan and she worked and she was quiet. I was so happy. I guess she gave it all she had on Sunday because She never started again.....:( Monday afternoon we headed to the Apple store to bring home our new baby. We were told that they were coming out with a new iMac but she didn't know when. A couple of days maybe a month. She didn't even know what the difference would be. We go ahead and purchase and bring home our new 24 inch iMac. I was THRILLED ....until i woke up Tuesday morning to find they had released the new iMac. It wasn't that i had to have the newest thing, okay yeah that was it. We call and they tell us to wait until the end of the week when they

have them in store and come and trade. Thursday Eric brought home our new baby. The prettiest 27 inch iMac i have ever seen. We are beyond thrilled with our new purchase. Eric is in love with the itunes and the kids play on the photo booth. I just like to sit and look at it. So quiet and takes up so little space. I heart Apple.

Our old screen and our new screen. :) This would also be the one of the reasons for the lack of blogging. I am back and will be getting caught up. Promise.

What kids learn in school

This is what Ella has been learning from her friends in school......

I am pretty sure she just dropped it like it was hot. HA! Song courtesy of the Disney movie Camp Rock. I am speechless.

Rowdy Rascals v. Orange Team

Jack's soccer game on Tuesday was a disaster. We got creamed 14 to 3. I even kept score when we lost. The opposing team worked in Army precision. Forwards and back and dribbling the ball. I don't even know what that means. I am sure their two best players were pushing 5 years old. Jack was doing the best he could but no way he could keep up with those boys. I could tell the other coach was super competitive when he played his best players for 20 minutes out of the 24 minute game. It would have been nice if he played his sucky players. Anyway, Dominick wasn't in the mood to play so he only played for a couple of minutes. Our team consisted of Jack, 3, Jameson, 2, and John, 2. You can imagine, it was interesting. Jack did score once. We were so excited. It made the beating we took worth it. John blocked (i am sure it wasn't on purpose) a few times and even put his sunglasses on upside down to try and distract the other team. :) Jack got to kick off and throw in a lot since he was really the only one out there. John even threw the ball in and kicked it a few times. When he realized the other kids were running towards him he grabbed the ball so they couldn't kick it. HA! Last game is on Thursday. Weather Channel is calling for rain so we will see.

Another weekend....more cheerleading

This is only our second cheerleading class but i am already regretting signing up. Saturday, we all slept in until about 8:45. Yes, everyone! Ella and i got ready for cheerleading while Eric dressed the boys. They all had on their Auburn apparel. They were all still adorable even with the ugly shirts. I found a nice place checking everyone in at cheerleading and got to stay and take some pictures while all the other parents had to leave. They reviewed their poses and then worked on the grape vine (i.e. electric slide for all you cool kids). I checked in the next class and ordered Ella's cheerleading outfit and we were off to grab our lunch. We came home and found the boys watching the Auburn game. Jack was screaming "lets go D" and "go big boy" at the t.v. I might rethink leaving them with Eric.:) Eric then fell asleep in the floor. I guess he had wasted all his energy cheering on Auburn and could stay awake to see Alabama dominate Mississippi. HA! Anyway, i too was resting and when i heard the kids getting a little wild i came out to see what was going on. Eric was asleep and covered by the Alabama and Auburn blankets. From his head to his toes. Ella came out of the kitchen pulling a bucket and i look down to see Ben's big cheesy grin. While Eric was sleeping they had covered him and hijacked Ben. Jack picked him up and put him in the bucket and Ella pulled him around the house. He seemed to like it. When i finally got Eric out from under all the blankets, he looked just as surprised to see Ben in the bucket as i was. Apparently Ben had been right next to him. Overall an enjoyable weekend. Eric was back in Raleigh on Monday and hopes to be home tomorrow.

Fire Station and Fall Festival

Friday was Ella first "field trip". Granted it was a walk down the street to the fire station. Still qualifies as an official field trip. She asked if i would come, so i did. I was a little late so i caught up to the end of the line and decided i would tell her i was there later. She was in the middle of the line and i was back by Gio. Giovanni was his name. He doesn't look like the Giovanni i had pictured. A bigger boy and brown as Ella would say. I had pictured a petite Italian. Anyway, i make conversation. The thought of making that walk without chatting would have been torture. We are passing the dentist office downtown. I look to Gio and say "would you like to go to the dentist? i am sure it would be more fun than the fire station. You don't really want to go to the fire station do you?" he shook his head and said " i don't like dentist" i assured him i didn't like dentist either. In an attempt to get a smile i said "are you sure you don't want to just go to the dentist?" He finally looked up and said "no, i don't like the dentist. When i go to the dentist he won't ever give me gold teef". Your dentist won't give you gold teeth? HAHAHHAA. I told him mine wouldn't either. Now considering asking for some. :) We moved on and i asked him if he wanted to stop in the barber shop for a haircut. He already had a haircut planned for after school. A mohawk, he said. I saw him and his two brothers later at the fall festival, they all had mohawks. :) We arrive at the fire station and the kids get seated. Ella looks around and finally spots me. They talked about what to do in a fire and then toured the fire truck. Back to school. I walked with Ella and Terri, her BFF, on the way back. We had a good time and got in just as it started to rain. Snack time. I stayed and helped Ella and Leyton, the little boy that sits beside her, make their graham cracker firetrucks and then i had to get back home. I got everything ready for Friday night. Ella wanted to skip gymnastics to attend the fall festival. I didn't mind that she just wanted to have fun. Since Eric wasn't home yet i recruited Melissa to come with us. The kids had a blast. Ella was running all over saying hello to all the kids she knew from school. It was so funny watching her. She would come and get Jack and take him to meet a classmate and then return for John. She wanted to take Ben but i told her i thought he was a little heavy for her to carry all over. Eric arrived and Ella got her face painted. We had pizza and ice cream and then did the cake walk a few times. John came so close but no wins. Home for bedtime! It was a fun day.

Rowdy Rascals v. Yellow team

We didn't have a game Tuesday and we planned to practice but since the rain had moved in practice was cancelled. I was glad. I was still recovering from the weekend. Thursday, Eric was in Raleigh so the kids and i went to the game alone. John was all geared up to play. We arrived and there were only two other boys there. Game starts. John stays out for the first few minutes but then is off to play with Ella. Jack runs. He does his best to keep up and he has a great time but, at this point, soccer isn't his sport. Jack had the ball a few times. I mean to say the ball hit him in the foot (chest and back) as he stood there. I asked him in the car why he wasn't kicking the ball. He said " why, the other kids will just take it away from me." I tried to explain that was the point and he should take it back but i think he is more content just to run with them instead. Dominick did all the scoring. We were doing really well considering the other team had 5 or so players to our 2. Two more boys showed up mid-game. Sebastian always seems to score in the opponents goal. Maybe he feels like he should help them out. We still won. Yes, i keep score. Pathetic that i do but it is my competitiveness. Still undefeated though. HA! Another game today and Thursday and that is the season.

Home of the throwed rolls....

I found a few pictures on our other camera from our vacation. Mom took a picture of the kids favorite part of our vacation. Okay, maybe not their favorite but it was pretty close.

The kids in the elevator at the house.

On our way out of town we stopped for lunch at Lambert's Cafe....Home of the throwed rolls. It has been years since i have eaten there. As soon as we got seated they started throwing the rolls. Eric was reluctant, scared i think. Wes threw his hand up and over a roll came. Ella followed his lead. :)

She caught her roll. By the time we left i think everyone had successfully caught a roll. It was a wonderful lunch with great company.

Swan Apples

I was feeding Ben at Elizabeth's rehersal dinner when Jack approached with an apple all cut up and placed together resembling a swan. It was so pretty. Jen, one of the chefs, had cut it up for the kids. Very simple (well, it was for her) and so cute. I told Eric to sneak in the kitchen and take notes. He did even better. He asked Jen to show him how it was done. I was so glad because i knew when we got home i would have someone ask for a swan apple. We were home a few days and i finally got the request. I asked Eric to show me and he kindly asked me to step to the side so he could "show me how it's done". I saw his attempt and thought i better try my own technique. Apple carving, or following directions for that matter, is not one of Eric strong points. HA!

Eric's skills

My skills. Yes, i am the coolest mom on the block!

Wedding weekend in Alabama

I am not even sure how to lay this out. Here goes. We left on Thursday making our way to Orange Beach, AL for my cousin Elizabeth's wedding. We pick Ella up from school and grab some lunch and top off the gas tank. Eric takes a conference call that lasts about an hour. We waited in the car about 15 minutes from our house. Not a great way to start. Finally on the road and the kids were good but they have been better. Wes met us at a gas station in Birmingham and took Ella and we arrived at Mom and Dad's about 9:30 central time. The kids were crazy and finally got in bed around 11, i think. Friday we were up early. I had to go renew my driver's license and then we got on the road. A quick stop in Montgomery to visit with Aunt Dale and Aunt Betty. A short but good visit. We arrive around 3ish and the kids hit the swimming pool. I was still checking out the house. AMAZING! We were staying in a beautiful condominium. It looked like the others were all empty so we had the two pools to ourselves. The house had an elevator and enough rooms and bathrooms for us all to have our own space. Thanks to Wes for finding the best house! Uncle Terry and his family would be joining us late Friday night. After the kids swim we got ready for the rehearsal dinner that was at Elizabeth's Aunt Deborah's right around the corner. It was a great night visiting with everyone who had made the trip down. We had a lovely dinner and headed home for some rest.



Saturday was another busy day. Mom, Aunt Kim, Audrey and I go to the outlets to do a little shopping. I packed everyone else's bathing suit but forgot mine. Go figure. I also wanted to find something for the wedding. It was a great time to visit. Lauren, Uncle Terry and Eric had taken the kids to the park for some play time while we shopped. We all had lunch and then hit the pool. Back in to get ready for the wedding and after incidentally sending my Aunt Kim in the bathroom with Eric while he was showering, we were out the door. The wedding was right on the beach and contrary to the weather reports the sun was shining and it was beautiful. Elizabeth was exquisite. We took a few pictures after the wedding and then back to the house to get changed. Jack thought he would sit in the sand. He was a little to close to the water. HA! We caught the end of the Georgia game and then were back out to the reception. Great food and great company. Sunday was another day on the road. Back to Clanton to get the dogs. Kim drove over an hour from Tuscaloosa to stay with three dogs and then drove back home in a storm all for me. I have the best friend EVER! Dad came in from the farm and got to spend a little time with the kids. Monday we came home. Arrived about 7 and got settled in for our week. It was a whirlwind weekend packed full of fun. We had a blast. Congratulations to Elizabeth and Brad!

Rowdy Rascals v. Lime Green team

I intended to type this blog while we were in the car traveling between home and Clanton or Clanton and the beach. It didn't happen. Last Tuesday we played soccer. Four of the other boys showed up so we were already off to a better start. The little brothers don't normally stay on the field so we had a back up. We were going to send John in the game. The other team played 6 players to our four that were on the field. It wasn't long until our team dwendled down to 3 so we sent John in. He, like the other little brothers, chased Jack around the field. John wasn't really sure what to do. He is pretty good at kicking the ball but all those big kids must have been disorienting. He did get run over a few times. Wrong place, wrong time. He survived and got up with a smile. In the end, their six vs. our two (or three if you count John) came out to a tie game. It was fun to watch when i wasn't yelling at the boys to stay away from each other. They were a bit better by the end of the game so i am hopeful. Next game, Thursday!

If i had a million dollars.....

....(If I had a million dollars)I'd buy you a house(I would buy you a house)If I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)I'd buy you furniture for your house(Maybe a nice chesterfield or an ottoman)And if I had a million dollars.......I'd be rich. (Barenaked Ladies)

I hope those of you who know that song get it stuck in your head, i did. What would i do if i had a million dollars?? I was listening to a radio morning show after i dropped Ella off at school. I will say it is the one thing i enjoy about being up and out that early. Anyway, new research was out and the average cost for raising a child today is $220,000. Yes, that is two hundred and twenty THOUSAND dollars. I came home and found a few websites. One website even had a calculator to estimate the cost for a child given the birth year, income, parents in the household, and college preference. That calculator estimated that it would be about $340, 000 for Ben. WOW. Safe to say it will cost us maybe $300,000 per child. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a million dollars. :)

Me and my million

CHEERTASTIC

I would have written this blog over the weekend but i just could quite bring myself to relive the experience we had on Saturday. Ella started a cheerleading camp. Yes, Ella started cheerleading. Anyone who knows me knows that this was a hard things for me to do. I mean really how annoying can cheerleaders be? No offense to you cheerleaders. :) We arrive early to sign her up. She was excited enough for all of us. She got her name tag and i pulled back her hair as we waited for the class to begin. They were called to the circle to stretch. Stretching she can do. Thanks to the four hours of gymnastics a week. The teachers were just what you would expect, cheerful and loud. Trying to get Ella to be loud is a bit difficult. They learned arm movements and the names of those poses. Then they worked on two jumps. They covered a lot of ground in the basics in the 45 minutes we were there. Parents are only allowed in to watch on the first session. They are asked to wait outside or run errands from this point on. Well, except for parent helpers. Just my luck, Ella wanted me to help. I am so lucky. Why couldn't she play softball and ask me to help???? Maybe later. I turned in my parent helper sheet so I hope they will let me do registration or something unrelated to the actual cheering. All i heard Saturday afternoon and Sunday was "CHEER POSE, HIGH V, LOW V, T, BROKEN T, DAGGERS, CANDLESTICK, RIGHT DIAGONAL, LEFT DIAGONAL, TOUCHDOWN, LOW TOUCHDOWN, TUCK JUMP, SPREAD EAGLE JUMP" (the all caps would suggest the yelling of the names). Lucky me. She also required assistance from Eric and I. I will have to say i enjoyed Eric helping. It takes a great Dad to practice cheerleading moves with his daughter. As much as i dislike all the pom poms i am so excited for her. All she has talked about is cheerleading and watching her in class, it seems to suit her. :)

CHEER POSE! Hands on your hips and a smile on your lips.

Rowdy Rascals v. Light Blue Team

I would put our opponents name but i don't have a schedule so i don't know what their name is. Thursday i prayed for rain again. No luck. We arrive and get down to the field to find that only two other players showed up. At least one was Dominick so i thought we had a chance. As the game begins i realize there are Dads coaching the other team. Like, real competitive dads. Great. They were playing four on our three. Well, the little brother didn't stay on the field so it was four on two. Anyway, we were doing pretty well. They were keeping time to the second and lining up their players like pros so i was happy that we were keeping up. Jack wasn't really feeling it but did keep up. At one point Jack got the ball mid-field, this was likely due to the fact that Dominick was sitting in his Mom's lap and Jameson was peeing in the bushes. He ran it down to the goal and was so close but one of the other three boys on the other team got the ball from him. From this point forward it was all down hill. Jameson wanted to go to his car so his dad obliged. Dominick was obviously very tired. He would kick the ball a few times and then go lay on his mom. Jack was left to play himself. The other team continued to play three and sometimes four players against Jack. He tried. I think the other coaches just wanted to win but finally Melissa said we were done. We still won by one or two. That is what they get for trying to play unfair. The upside was there were enough left over treats for Ella and John to have one so all the kids got to have a treat time together. They love that. Backup plan for next week : we are putting John in the extra shirt and sending him in. At least he would stay out on the field. :)

Rowdy Rascals, Game 1

Yesterday was Jack's first soccer game. I can't say I was very excited. Unlike most of you I was praying for rain so we didn't have to go. My luck no rain. Better get it over with. I was almost positive that we would be quitting after the game. I knew those boys weren't even going to be able to participate because of their inability to stay focused and not fight with their brothers ( also on the team). I am sure I have mentioned Jack is on a team with three sets of brothers. When we arrive we are greeted by jack's coach(and babysitter), Melissa. She informs me that one of the younger boys is sick. For a bit it looked like Jack and Dominick would be the only two representing the Rowdy Rascals. Good news, here came a set of brothers. To bad it was the ones whose Mom is constantly on the field. You can tell I don't have high hopes at this point. The game begins. The other team kicks off. There they go, well the two brothers were fighting on the field and Jack just stood there in the middle of the field as of he were a spectator. HA! Dominick scored so back to the middle. Kickoff, Jack runs. I guess he just needed a refresher and was possibly checking out his opposition. Anyway, Jack kept up most of the game. He eventually started doing a backwards " victory dance" after they (by "they" I mean Dominick). Not sure how but Jack managed to score one goal! Yeah, Jack! I was so excited but I am pretty sure one of the other teams players assisted Jack. :) The other team quickly fell apart. So did ours. The two brother fought and the little one grabbed Melissa butt so the Mom finally pulled him off the field. The older one played momentarily after that. Eric quit keeping score when we were up 13 to 2. Yes, Dominick the dominator. Unfortunately I heard his mom tell him that Thursday his brother would be back and hanging all over him. Great! I see a glimmer of hope for the season.
Fingers crossed.

The County Fair

Last Friday night Eric and I went out to eat to celebrate the passing of the state inspection and then to the county fair. We were scoping it out for the kids. That should really say I wanted to ride the rides and I couldn't do that if I had the kids. Anyway, the highlight of the evening was watching sexy rexy and bobo brazil win the wrestling match. We stood and watched them tag team in a ring I was sure could collapse at any moment. In order to get the full effect we had to participate in the heckling. I shouted out a few " get him" and before I knew it Eric was yelling "drop the elbow". As spirited as we were we couldn't hold a candle to the little kids in front of us. They must have been groupies. It was almost too much fun to have in one night. Saturday we took the kids. It was the last day of the fair but wasn't very busy so it was great for the kids. I do hate it was during the day. The fair is so much more exciting under all the lights. We found the ones all the kids could ride and started there. First the carousel then the 4-wheelers. They had the most annoying horn and Jack found a way to hold down the button the entire time. I wanted to tell the girl to stop the ride so i could yank him off since he couldn't seem to hear me yelling as he passed. John wasn't tall enough for any of the other rides so while Ella and Jack rode the race cars Eric and John played a fishing game. Ella and I rode the swings together and Eric rode the parachutes with Ella and Jack. He obviously didn't realize how fast the ride went and that you also swing side to side as you go. I could hear Jack screaming with excitement as they passed. Their faces were priceless. We stop at the petting zoo where I pick up the bunny for the kids to pet. Too bad you weren't supposed to do that. How lame is it to have bunnies to pet but put up such a tall fence that only adults can reach? Around the final stretch and we find a train for John to ride. After a funnel cake, lemonade, and cotton candy we were on our way home. A great day at the county fair.

What a week

Wow. Another blog less week. It isn't for lack of things to write about. We will start with a brief recap of Jack's soccer.


Last Thursday was awful. The other boys were fighting, running around, and would in no way cooperate with Melissa. What i found the most aggravating part was that the parents really did nothing to correct their children. One set of parents found it amusing and funny that their two boys were defiant, one mother continued to chase her boys around the field, and one Dad just stood there and watched his boys fight( i am sure the mother would have stepped in). After practice i talked to Melissa about doing more disciplining of the children because there is no way they could play a game with the boys acting that way. Melissa calls over the head of the sports at the Y, E.J. Yes this is the same guy i had problems with at the sports camp. Nice guy and he knows i am serious. I explain to him my problem and he promises to come by on Tuesday to watch and have a talk with the boys if necessary. Tuesday was upon us and off we went. The worst two boys were absent but the other 4 showed up and put on a show. E.J. did come by and have a nice chat with them and they were good until he left. Then they got crazy again. There is pretty much no hope. It is amazing how the boys don't even mind their parents. Anyway, today was picture day. One of the little boys got the photographers stamp and went to town on his paper while the little brother pulled at the tripod. The photographer was not happy. We got ugly tan shirts and our team name is the Rowdy Rascals, fitting. This season stinks and we haven't even had our first game. Boo.

Notice out of the 7 players only 4 are listening, one isn't there, one is running away and one is checking out his butt!

Ella is still loving school. Last week she came home with her fundraising packet. Yes, her second full week of school and we are already fundraising. What happened to the candy bars or lollipops?? We are selling jewelry, Christmas items, and magazines. Fear not, i have mailed out of town cards so you too can make your purchases. Will you be one of the lucky recipients?? HA! She talks about Shaqwez (spelling??) a lot. I think she likes saying his name. It is pretty funny to hear. Staying busy with her gymnastics.




Jack and John are doing well without her here. They are learning how to play together without Ella mediating. I think they are going to be good friends. Both want to fill Ella's "position" while she is at school. John is not the least bit scared to fight for it. He is pretty brave to take on a guy twice his size. It is like a Chihuahua trying to take down a great dane. Good thing Jack is a lover and not a fighter.On the upside both are wanting to help me do everything so I always have an extra set of hands. Still working out the schedule. Almost there.



Ben is doing great. Really clingy right now. He loves his Mommy. Sitting up and eating stage two foods. Really getting big. I cleaned out all the 3 to 6 month clothes. We can really see his two bottom teeth now. They are sharp. I love seeing him smile.



The job is drawing to a close. Eric has to make a trip over to Raleigh and then swap somethings out in this hospital and then it will be completed. No idea when or where we will be headed next. We are just settled in here and riding it out as long as we can. The hospital is beautiful and i am so proud.



That should be a brief synopsis of the last week. I am sure there are a hundred or more funny stories that i have left out but i am just to tired and my brain is no longer functioning. I will close out with a pray list. Please remember Eric's Mawmaw, she was in the hospital with an infection and is now home and they have found a cancerous spot on her face. Pray they will get that removed and it will not cause her any other problems and that she will continue to regain her strength at home. Pray for his Uncle who had a stroke. Pray for my Grandfather as he continues to heal from his knee surgery and my Mawmaw who fell. Thankfully nothing was broken. There are many more but i will leave those unspoken. I think you could just pray for us and our families and the Lord would get us all. :) Much thanks.

Ben's 6 month check up

Ben had his 6 month check up today. Technically he is 6 months and two weeks. He weighted in at a lofty 17.5 pounds and was 28 1/4 inches long. This is about the 50th percentile for weight and 90th for height according to Dr. Gessler. In comparison to Jack and John, Ben is the same weight as Jack but 2 inches taller and Ben is 2 inches taller and 2 pounds heavier than John was at this age. John looks like such a runt but he makes up for it in his "scrapiness". Ben looked very healthy. I did have some concerns. He was rolling over from his back to his tummy all the time but lately when i lay him on the floor he is content to stay on his back. He often arches his back and pushes himself around the living room. I can lay him over the boppy to play, he can push himself up, he can sit up, and he can push himself around the kitchen in his walker (not sure this is really intentional) but rolling over isn't something i really see him do anymore. Every time i encourage (push) him, he will put out his leg in an attempt to not roll over. :) The doctor saw no problem with that. I even demonstrated the sitting and the anti-rolling over skills. He assured us that he is making progression and that is what is important. 3 shots and a oral vaccination later and we were out off there. Next check-up, 9 months.

Since Eric and i couldn't agree on which picture was better, you get both. :)

Just another manic Monday......

Well Tuesday for us. Ella was back off to school and the boys and I were at home trying to get back into our routine after the long weekend. We picked Ella up from school and started the busy afternoon that lay ahead. Dinner and then off to Jack's soccer practice. Yes, Jack is signed up for another riveting season of soccer. Same coach different teammates. This season doesn't look like it will be as great as the spring. Last season we dominated, this season we will be dominated. All boys but they seem to have a hard time following directions. One mother spent so much time on the field chasing her two boys I thought she was on the team. John played as much as he could. He followed Melissa around like he was her assistant. John and I left to take Ella to gymnastics and then back to pick up Eric, Jack and Ben. Home for baths and bed for the boys and then to Gymnastics to get Ella. Home for her bath and ready for another big day. It is hard to imagine how this will all work when all four have activities and practices. Taxis may be an option. :)

Eric and Ben were enjoying the show

Jack and John with a little one on one action

John showing off his skills

Yeah, Jack has still got it!

Snake......

Our weekend was relatively uneventful. Lots of rest and hanging out. The kids attempted to help Eric install lights under the cabinets in the garage while i slept. I think the kids did more playing than helping. Without out all the necessary supplies they came in with the intention of finishing it later. While waiting for lunch, Eric was being very thoughtful and sweeping the kitchen floor for me. I ask him why since we just bought a vacuum cleaner for the hardwood floors but he was doing it so I let him do his thing. As i am coming into the living room i hear this, kitchen door into the garage open..."AGHHAGHGHHHGHAHHHHHHHHH SHIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" kitchen door to garage door slam shut. I thought Eric might have broken a leg but then he is yelling at the kids to get back and as i am looking at him i realize he has a look of terror on his face. What could have happened? I start to laugh, "did our mouse scare you?" Eric can't seem to speak so he just shakes his head no. He finally catches his breath and says "no it wasn't a mouse, it was a snake!" followed by the full body shiver. Eric had opened the door to return something to the garage and when he opened the door our little snake friend raised his head to say hello. Eric wasn't happy to see him. It was probably a little over a foot long and a little thicker than a pencil. Looked like just a rat snake. Most likely in search of our mouse friend. The snake has been removed from the garage and Eric couldn't help but think about where else snakes could be hiding in our house and just how close had he and the kids come to the snake that morning in the garage? The lights never got installed. Good times.

Game Day!

Today is the first day of the football season! Eric can finally breathe again. He has been so excited for the games coupled with the fact that he didn't have to work today he couldn't contain himself. He got up threw on a pair of shorts and the ugliest Auburn shirt he owns. You know one of those hideously tacky bright orange ones with the eyes staring at you. I apologize to any of you who own a shirt that looks like that. Anyway, he didn't have it on long before Ben threw up all over it. I am sure he could tell it was an Auburn shirt. We knew we wanted to run some errands so i told all the kids to run up to their rooms and find anything red and white Alabama or orange and blue Auburn and put it on. They all took off. I first threw on a nice grey shirt thinking it would be a good shirt to wear but then thinking i might be mistaken for Big Al, i changed into a beautiful crimson shirt. Eric of course threw on the other tackiest shirt he owned (thanks to Mom and Dad for getting it for him for Christmas last year). The kids come down in their outfits. Ella is dressed in her Alabama cheerleader outfit. Score, 1 point for me. Jack and John in their Alabama football jerseys. Score 2 more points for me. Eric asks Jack about his allegiance to Auburn and Jack shut him down with a big Roll Tide. While i am doing my hair Eric dresses Ben in a less tacky Auburn t-shirt. I feel bad for him so i give him the baby. I am positive when he is older and can choose his outfit he will pick Alabama too. HA! In town we got a lot of looks but we had a blast. Getting the kids ready for bed and awaiting the wonderful night full of football and laughter as Eric screams at the T.V. :)

I apologize for once again posting a hundred blogs at once. Read them at your leisure. And i know some of you are probably wondering....the infamous "happy dinosaur" picture was found this morning. As Jack predicted, Eric couldn't stop laughing.

Davis Regional Medical Center

Eric's final city building inspection was last week. They passed and got the Certificate of Occupancy. Now it is just finishing up all the little stuff. Touch ups here and there. "Massaging" the building as Eric put it. State inspection is on Friday and after that it is just clearing out the trailer and fencing. Eric was told that there were no jobs starting right now but to stay here for now. Fine with us. He has to be in Birmingham at the beginning and end of October and hopes to take some vacation in between. This will be the first time Eric has been on vacation and we can't go anywhere because Ella is in school. I better get used to it i guess. Praying that the Lord will put us in the right place with a home, church and school. He hasn't failed me yet.

Ella's first week of school

This school schedule is throwing me for a loop. I like to think we are pretty flexible but I am having to get up around 5:30 a.m. I am in no way considered a morning person and Eric never thought he would see the day where i was up before him. I get up and hang out in a quite house until i have to get Ella up at 6:15. She gets up and reminds me how if i wake her up early it makes her cranky and then puts on her clothes that were laid out the night before. She comes down for breakfast and then we fix her hair and brush her teeth. Pack her snacks and then start to load the sleeping boys in the car. I try to be out by 7 or a little after. School starts at 7:30. Home to feed the boys and then we begin our day. We are ready to go get Ella about 1:45 and we wait in line until the 2:15 dismissal. Still trying to get a lunch and nap schedule in place is tricky these days.

Ella has a few stories from school. Monday she met the rest of her class. One little boy in particular has really latched on to Ella. I mean latch in the literal sense. Justin seems to hug Ella a lot. Even against her wishes. By Tuesday she had enough. She said he tries to "love up" on her all the time and he doesn't even mind in class. As she was explaining this dilemma to her dad he asked Ella " am i going to have to come down there?" and then he told Ella to tell the little boy if he didn't stop her Daddy was going to come down there and "stomp" him. That is excellent parenting. :) Turns out Ella took her Dad's advice and informed me on the way to school a few days later that she had indeed told him (in her country-est accent) "you don't won't my Daddy to come down here" and when that didn't work "my momma and daddy are gonna come down here and stomp you". Not a proud moment for me. HA! I instructed her to tell her teacher which seemed to work better. Tuesday, Ella got her new backpack. We had attempted to get her a new one of her choosing for kindergarten but because of Ella's and my indecision and my procrastination the one she wanted (along with her 2nd, 3rd, and subsequent choices) was no longer available. We were on the search again. We finally found one and ordered it. We received an e-mail two days later stating the backpack was no longer in stock. Finally we find another one. I think it is the best of all. I ordered it but refused to pay $120 to have it shipped in time for the first day of school so until it arrived Ella used her favorite travel backpack. She loves her new one. She can wear it over the shoulder and as a backpack. It isn't uncommon for her to wear it one way into to school and another when she comes out. :) Tuesday was also picture day. Too bad it was too chilly to wear the dress we spent our Sunday shopping for. When it was time to put her tennis shoes on she couldn't find them. Great! Two of my pet peeves are being late and unprepared. We were both that day. She hadn't put her shoes away and couldn't remember where she took them off. She wore flip flops even though she had P.E. that day. She got there right as class was starting. I am hoping she didn't do the cheesy smile. By Friday i think we were all tired. Her friend Terri had been out since Wednesday sick. Ella came in talking about her new boy friend, Aiden. They swung together at recess and then slid down the slide holding hands and then back to swing together. I let it slide because she was so happy she had made friends with a boy. She normally sticks with the girls. As i was telling Mom about it on the phone Ella informed me that "Shaquez is my boyfriend". I thought she said Sanchez but i was quickly corrected. It is "Shaquez"(spelling most likely wrong). Anyway, as we entered gymnastics i told Ella she didn't need a "boyfriend" she was only 5. I followed that with "you can have friends that are boys but you can't have a boyfriend until you are 16." HA! She got smiley faces everyday so this has been a great week for her. She is off Monday for the holiday. She is loving school and can't wait to get back.

Happy Birthday to me....For real

Once again i have allowed so many blogs to back up that i will have to be concise so this doesn't turn into a novel. Rewind to my birthday. Last Saturday Eric took me out. We tried out a new place, Big Daddy's. I am sure i know why they won awards for the seafood and not the steaks. Next time i will stick to the seafood. :) The company was good so it made it a nice dinner. Off to check out a band. Eric was pretty stoked even though he tried to act like he wasn't. The Part-Time Blues Band was playing at Queens Landing right on Lake Norman. Eric had checked their website and everything. Classic Rock was their style and so we went. After hanging around the entrance debating we decide to go in. Too bad we hadn't made that decision before all the chairs disappeared. No biggie. Found a wall and sat to enjoy the show. In the hour and a half we were there i knew one song and Hoochie Cootchie Man wasn't it. I can't say that they played the entire time we were there. They took about a half hour or longer break. I am convinced they had to check in with the nursing home. By 10:30, old people were really getting down so we called it a night. It was super fun (funny) watching the dancing. I can definitely say they were "part-time" and when they said classic they really meant CLASSIC. I am always grateful that i have a husband who tries to do nice things for me even if it doesn't turn out so great. Sunday, was my actually birthday. Thank you for all the phone calls. I wasn't feeling well but we ventured down to the mall just to spend some time together and to find Ella a "picture day" outfit. I strolled through Anthropologie and all seemed right with the world. HA! After a ice cream and cookie break we were off to Old Navy still in search of an outfit for Ella. We did find her a dress at Old Navy so we came home and prepared for the first full week of school. 27 is going to be a great year.

Happy Birthday Whitney!

Hey Everyone,

This post is going to be a little different seeings how I, Wes, am writing it. I decided to highjack the blog for a post to celebrate Whitney and her birthday... a day late.

She's aways diligent to update us on how everyone else is and I thought she deserved a little update of her own. From my short blogging experience (when I went to Europe) I can tell you that blogging is not easy and can be very time consuming. Not only do you need to convey information in a way that is interesting and informative but everyone loves pictures as well. It's a process and one that Whitney makes look effortless. Her blogs are informative (sometimes to a fault), funny, and full of visual support. Literally, I am in awe of how she finds the time to do these.

As many of you probably know Whitney celebrated her 27th birthday yesterday. I hope everyone reached out to her to wish her a happy one. If you didn't, for shame- leave her a comment.

In true Whitney form she decided, many years ago, to do away with some birthday traditions. Instead of adding a candle to her cake each year she has opted to add a child to each birthday celebration... To each their own. I kid. In all seriousness I would like to let everyone know how proud I am of Whitney. Growing up we were always close but I never would have pegged her for the 'Mom' type. I always pictured her in some type of corporate career role- bossing someone around. And, in fact, I may have been closer than I thought. The way Whitney runs the house and raises the kids is the epitome of what a stay-at-home mom should be. The kids are smart, well behaved, gorgeous and fun to be around.

Whitney is bright, caring, headstrong, funny, creative, and has a passion for her family. In short, she is amazing. I'm truly blessed to have her as a sister and friend. Happy Birthday- a day late- little sis!

PS- This post is in no way related to the fact that my card will be very late... very

Directions

My head is going in so many directions i am not even sure where to begin. We'll start with Ella. Her first day of school was great. She loved it. She learned how to walk down the hall. This would be her "hip and lips". One finger over her lips and one hand on her hip. She learned how to get her food in the cafeteria. She has eaten there both days. She got to play on the playground and read books in class. They also take a short rest period and snack time in the classroom. She is very happy. I arrived at about 2:10 to wait in the "car rider" line to pick her up. I find it ironic that i got Dad's race car number, 71, on my "car rider tag" and how slow that line moves. I was there for about an hour before i got her. Today i arrived at 2. We were still in the car for about 45 minutes but she had only been out of class for about 15 minutes. She has so many things to tell me about her class that they all get mixed together and i have to sort out the stories. She has made friends with a girl named Terri. I met her mother at Ella's assessment and i was glad to see they were in the same class. Ella says she is very nice and she likes her the best. Ella was also very happy to share that a little boy in her class walked up to her and said "i like you Ella." You can imagine my response...He said what??? She said he was a very nice boy and he walked up to her and said he liked her but they had to go before she could ask him his name. I asked if he was cute and she said "noooooooo but he does have a race car backpack". She is supposed to return to school on Monday but in light of these new boy developments she might not be returning. Eric is currently seeking out this boy for a beat down. HA!

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Kim and Syble. The UPS man delivered two boxes to our door. The kids love boxes. Syble sent Ella gerber daises, a teddy bear, balloon and a loving letter wishing her well at school. She was so happy. Even happier when she realized the flowers were real. :) Kim sent a lot of little school supplies. Cool pencils, colored pencils, a change purse, a pencil pouch, notebooks, lip gloss, a calculator (what else would i expect from an accountant), an alarm clock, and more. Ella is sure to be the coolest kid in school now. She was so happy she said that Aunt Kim was the "awesomest EVER! Even more awesome than Uncle Wes" . I think these two are pretty awesome at buying lots of little things that end up all over my house. :) She looked at me and asked "why am i getting all these gifts from everyone that i know?" HA! Thanks for making her trip to big school so special for her. Thanks to everyone for all the phone calls wishing her well and asking how her first day went.

Now to her gymnastics. She did try the Mighty Mites class last night. It was two hours. Katie is still the teacher but did much better with this age group. Ella got a lot of instruction and was schooled by the other girls. It was nice to see her have to work. We go back tomorrow night. It was a long Tuesday for Ella and she was exhausted by the time her little head hit her pillow.

Jack's turn. This story might not be funny to some but i love how he thinks about things. Today while i was folding clothes he asked if he could draw a picture, not wanting to stifle his creativity, i said sure. Later he brings me the picture and i glance at it and then back to my laundry. As i am looking at my towel i say "what is it Jack?" This is how is went:

Jack: It is us riding a dinosaur.

Me: Really?

Jack: Yeah. But see...see mommy...he has a happy face. He is a happy dinosaur.

Me: (briefly glancing back at the paper and trying to make out how it was a "happy face"...looked more like braces on his teeth, back to my laundry) Yeah i see. Beautiful smile.

Jack: i drew his wiener.

Me: (As my mouth hits the floor and eyes buldge out of my head. I look back at his paper and see what he is talking about) Oh, i don't think that is very nice.

*at this point i am not sure what is going on or where "wiener" came from and i am not sure how to address this but i wing it.

Jack: ya uh.

Me: No. you shouldn't draw things like that. That isn't appropriate.

Jack: But i had too.

Me: No you didn't.

Jack: Ya uh. What if he had to go tee tee? What would he do momma? See i had too.

Me: Well, he could still tee tee.

Jack: How?

Me: (oh, geez.....think Whitney.... THINK) Well, we don't see yours and you still go tee tee. Maybe you could just put pants on him next time.

Jack: i will show daddy. he will think it is funny (off he runs)

I had to tell Eric before Jack did. As i told him he laughed. I call Jack in and ask him where the happy dinosaur picture is. His response "the one with the body part i shouldn't draw". Never mind. It is lost in this house somewhere. I hope it doesn't turn back up but it was a nice laugh.

I found a mouse in the garage today. When we told Ella about it on the way home she decided that we should kill it. No mercy in my house. After dinner they got a plan together as they headed out the door. Ella was going to "wop it" and Jack was going to "slap it in the face". Ella's next suggestion was to get a cat to eat it. Like i said, no mercy. John is great. Adjusting to a different nap time and loving the attention from Jack. Talking more these days. I still can't understand it sometimes but he is getting clearer and talking more. Ben is great.

Eric has inspections this week. The inspector for the sprinklers and fire alarm will finish tomorrow and the other city inspector will be there on Friday. They will spend the next week cleaning and moving stuff in and then, according to an e-mail he got today, tentatively have the state inspection on September 11th.

Now to me. Thank you to Aunt Sherri, Jordan and Jared for the lovely edible arraignment they sent to me on Tuesday. We have eaten it. :) Tuesday morning wasn't that bad. This morning was a little different. I pulled up to the drop off and the door swung open and Ella hopped right out. I ask out the window if someone will help her get to her class. The lady assures me that there are teachers in the hall to help. What if she doesn't ask? What if she goes to the wrong room? I say okay and yell "have a good day" out the window. She looks back and gives me a big beautiful smile and waves, "bye mommy". In a matter of a few minutes my baby was out on her own. It was easier walking her in. I knew the day would fly by and she would be jumping in the car just as fast as she had jumped out. However, this feeling of Ella being such a big girl now left me looking at the boys differently. I looked at Ben today and thought that these were my babies. The only ones i would ever hold so dear. Because the four are so close in age it is easy to see how fast they grow up and change. I am not one for holding babies but i held the boys today. A lot. I will never again have them so small to fit in my arms. I am cherishing my moments. Now i am going to spend sometime with Eric. Date night on Saturday! Whoo hooo