Ladies and Gentlemen, I Think We Have A Stunk!

This morning when I walked into the living room there was a slight "stunk" (that's what Jax calls them, and refuses to be corrected!) smell. I didn't think much of it because sometimes I can smell them in the mornings where they have been roaming around outside in the night. Well, when Kelly opened up the door, to drop off the kids, the smell was STRONG! I thought it sprayed one of the cars or something. Well to my surprise it didn't do that....it did way more damage! I noticed something out of the corner of my eye while hanging clothes on the line (which I was SUPER excited to be doing..hello spring!), and it was black! So of course I freaked out, luckily it was just this...
But then I got to thinking. Why is the thing that hooks to our gutter (to drain water away) laying out like that. So I decided to investigate. I investigated from afar because the "stunk" smell was stronger over there! This is what I found....
Almost the entire thing was pulled up out of the ground. I was all "what the hell happen." Then I figured it out. Because we haven't buried the end of the hose (even though we have lived here almost 3 years)....you can see it here sticking out into the yard..

I think the "stunk" crawled up in there and got stuck. After thinking he was being attacked he sprayed. And oh boy did he spray! I guess he freaked, and while trying to get out he pulled it out of the ground and off the gutter. That's the only thing I can figure anyways! We haven't looked to see if it's still stuck in there. To be completely honest we are both too scared! I thought about sending Titan over to look, but then thought Kelly might get mad when he reeked! (Just kidding!) We've decided to have my father-in-law come over. He will do ANYTHING! So as of now we may or may not have a "stunk".

A Small Project

I'm addicted to these decorating blogs. They give me so many ideas..unfortunately I don't have enough room for them all! I saw this on a blog a few months ago and decided to give it a try. (I can't remember which one exactly, so if it was yours here's your credit! LOL) It's really easy and CHEAP!! I'm all about that!

The Chalkboard Window

First find one of those "old" windows. I bought my at a yard sale for $4.00. I'm sure I could of used one of the 10 I have already hanging in my house, but I wanted one without the panes in it.

Next, tape off the glass part.

I bought the spray paint chalkboard paint, but you can also get it in "normal" paint. I just thought the spray paint would be easier on this small of a project.

And it's "fast dry" which is a plus for an impatient person like me!!

Next, you just spray away!!

Denny went back over again. Using the "proper" spray paint technique, so the streaks are gone in the finished window. And without further ado here it is..............

I "primed" it by rubbing chalk over the entire board first. Once that is done just wipe it off. That's why it's darker in one spot, it was still wet (told you I was impatient!). I hung it in our kitchen, so some days it may show the menu or some cute saying...who knows the possibilities are endless!! Hope you enjoyed this little project. I hope to post more as I do them.

His Secret, My Heartbreak

Tonight I was getting ready to leave for work, giving hugs and kisses good bye. As I'm hugging Denny, Jax says he wants to tell me a secret. I lean down, he cups his hands around my ear and says "I'm going to miss you." It was then that my heart broke. I quickly gathered my stuff and walked out. Denny was in the background saying "aww doesn't that just..." I stopped listening after that. I was too busy trying not to cry. How can one little sentence, from one little man, break my heart like that?

Snow...In Texas!!

So this is going to be a short blog tonight...I'm tired :) I just wanted to announce that I came to Texas for WARM weather. What I got was 35 degrees! That is what the high temperature was today. And a few minutes ago I looked out the window to see snow. SNOW!! I was going to take a picture to post, but I was to lazy to get my camera and go out into the frigid air! ( I know that's sad!) Hopefully it warms back up tomorrow, if not I'm going to be very disappointed!

Make A Wish

My niece reminded me today that you should always stop and smell the flowers.....even if it is dandelions :)

One Long Ride

So as I mentioned in the previous post we were headed to Texas.....well we arrived today, FINALLY!! We made it 12 hours, then stopped in Texarkana and stayed the night. We finished the drive this morning, 4 more hours. My butt is still numb! The kids did GREAT! Luckily my kids are good travelers. Once we got here we relaxed for a bit, then headed to the park. The kids had a great time. It's like they don't live 17 hours away, but 7 minutes. They took right in playing with each other.

Here are some pictures from the park....

Tomorrow I think we are going to Jump Extreme. It's basically a placed filled with those huge blow up slides and stuff. It should be lots of fun! I will post pictures of it tomorrow! As for now it's bath time...and probably bed time soon....I need some REAL sleep :)

Too Much Stuff...

So tomorrow morning me, my mom and the kids are heading to Texas to see my brother and his family. I'm excited to see them. It has been about a year. The part I don't enjoy though is packing! How am I suppose to fit all of our crap into suitcases?!?! Here is a picture of "most" of our stuff....

This is what I'm suppose to cram it all into....

Yeah right!!! We all know that wasn't going to happen! Guess what....it didn't! I had to add another suitcase. Let's just hope it all fits into the car! If not I guess one of the kids is going to have to ride on the roof....

Another First

Today Laney got her first haircut. She's 2, Jax had his at 1...we were a little late with her! We will blame it on the "second child syndrome." LOL She was a little gun shy at first, but after watching her big brother get his cut she seemed ready. Well, until it was actually her turn! Luckily we had a VERY patient hair stylist! (Thank you for that Rachel!) Finally after rotating chairs and some bribery the cutting began. It was actually more like a trim. You can't even tell she got it cut! It's hidden in all those curls that she has! She did excellent once we got going. Sat up there like a "big girl". Here are a few pictures of this "first"......

The sucker was the "bribery"

It's His Day

Today is Denny's 34th Birthday. I've been lucky enough to spend the last 9 of those 34 with him. He is the best husband you could have. We have been through many trials and tribulations together. Two LONG years of x-ray school, one child, living with my parents to build our home, another child, family losses and many memories along the way. I know that he will be by my side no matter what. He is my rock and I don't know what I would do without him. He's the one I go to with my problems, my excitement, my fears, my everythings. He is the best father to our kids. He has never hesitated to jump in and do whatever is needed, and that makes me love him more. They simply adore him. Their eyes light up when he walks in the door. He always takes time to stop and play with them, when I sometimes am to busy. I wish I could be more like him in that sense. He is my hero. Without him I couldn't do the things I do. He lets me be me. He loves me no matter what. So today is his day, his day to be appreciated a little extra. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am. I love you Denny...Happy 34th Birthday!!

Spring Cleaning and Yard Sales

I haven't posted for the last few days, unfortunately I've been cleaning. I'm talking the cleaning where you are trashing anything that isn't nailed down! This is what happens when I spring clean. I start out just "cleaning" next thing I know I'm rearranging and purging. The kids aren't even safe! (Especially after the way they have been behaving lately!!) I have gotten about half the house done. I start off real strong, cleaning like a mad woman, then I slow down. It's hard for me to keep motivated. Which is strange since I have a touch of OCD!! I'm hoping to regain my motivation tomorrow and finish at least the upstairs. If anyone wants to come help...head this way!
My favorite part of spring cleaning is getting the kids new "wardrobes" out. I love to shop for their change of season clothes. Now their closets are stocked and ready. If only the sun will come back...it seems to have disappeared!
I also went to my first yard sale of the season! I only purchased two things. One was an old window that I'm going to turn into a chalkboard. I will post pics once I get it done. The second was a play mat for Liddy. I only spent $8, so I figure the first yard sale was a success. I hope to go to more this summer. I just hate getting up early to go! I'm not a morning person, and the idea of getting up at the crack of dawn...uh not so much! I would rather they start around 9! Hopefully I will motivate myself to go and find some deals.
Well, sorry this was a less than entertaining post :( I will hope for something exciting to happen in the BUSY week we have ahead!

A Love Hate Relationship

This is the conversation Denny had with the kids tonight:

Laney: Jax hit me

Jax: My arms couldn't see where they were going

Seriously, where does he come up with this stuff?!? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Laney deserved to be hit. She can be quite ornery at times. She likes to push his buttons, or anyones for that matter. She will intentionally do things or take things knowing full well it will set him off. She is so stubborn at times too. (I don't where she gets that from ;) ) Earlier today she held her feet over top his cars, why you ask, simply to be a brat! That's right, I admit my kid is a brat. Both of them are at times. I don't remember fighting with my brother that much when I was that age. Maybe we did and I just blocked it from my memory. I was probably so traumatized by it! LOL

My brother and I aren't real close. We went different directions growing up. I was into partying and sports, he was into horses. I wish we had more in common, but the teen years separated us. I can go a month at a time and not even talk to him, and when I do it's through texting. I only talk to him on the phone about once every 6 months. He lives in Texas, so that doesn't help any! I do know though that if I called him tomorrow and said I need you here, he would be here. Even though we aren't best friends, or even close friends, he will forever and always be my brother. I would not trade him for anyone else. I know he would go above and beyond to help me with whatever I needed. And I would do the same in return. I love my brother, and wish he lived closer. It's even harder now. He has a beautiful daughter that I want to see everyday. I wish he just lived "up the road" so our kids could play together. I want them to grow up together. I want them to go to school together, play sports together, go to Granny and PawPaw's together. Maybe someday, you never know. They may move back to Indiana or us to Texas. (I doubt it, but never say never)

I hope one day Jax and Laney will feel this way about each other. Right now though, they have a love hate relationship. Some days they don't fight at all. Those are the days that give me that glimmer of hope. Those days are FAR and FEW between though! So for now I will continue to break up the fights and watch out for the "arms that can't see."

Sorry about the grainy picture. It's downloaded from my phone.

You Will Ruin Your Eyes

Remember when you were little and your parents said "don't sit so close to the TV it will ruin your eyes"? Well my eyes are horrible, whether my parents were right or it's just genetics I will never know...............but I'm testing the theory out on the kids. We will just have to see if they need contacts one day too!

Friends

These two will forever be friends.....
And she will forever be their tag-a-long.....

A Hint of Spring

I'm loving this weather today. I, unlike the rest of you, did not get to enjoy the weather this weekend. As the previous post shows I was stuck in the darkness of radiology. Today, today I was determined to enjoy the sunshine, and so were the kids. As soon as Jax woke up he asked if he could play outside. My answer, OF COURSE!!! They need to burn up some of their energy. By this point in the year they are tired of being couped up. Actually I think we all are! So when Liddy took her nap today (Laney gets a late nap today due to sunshine) we all headed outside. That meant me dragging all the outside toys out of storage so the kids had something to play. That part I do not enjoy, but it's worth it!

I will be glad when it warms up enough to hang clothes on the line, mow the grass, wash my car and clean the garage. All these things are chores, but they are chores that mean the sun is shining everyday. I also can't wait to open the windows....smell the fresh cut grass....hear the kids running and laughing in the yard...feel the cool breeze when the sun goes down....I miss these things...ALOT!! But soon enough I will be able to do them all, and I'm hoping it comes sooner than later.

My Every Other

This is where I spend my every other weekend....

I work a 50 hour shift, that's right I said 50, every other weekend. This allows me to be home with my kids through the week. So it's like I'm a stay at home mom, but I still work full time. I also work a couple nights through the week on my weekends off. Denny can be home with the kids whenever I'm working. It's a win win for our family. And I know what you are thinking...do you sleep? Yes, I have my very own sleep room, and by room I mean a closet! LOL It's not very big, but it has a bed, recliner and TV. It works just fine for what I need when I'm here. The ER just calls and wakes me when I have an xray. I'm here now actually in my comfy recliner. I'm sure you are thinking..should she be blogging at work? Well I figure I get a 30 minute lunch break for every 12 hours I work, so this is one of my lunch breaks!! That way they can't can my crack! LOL I really enjoy my job....most days! I think it's like that anywhere you are. Every job has it's ups and downs. I'm lucky enough to work with some GREAT people!! I couldn't ask for a better crew on my 50 hour shifts! They make it fun to come to work, and you need that when you are here for as long as I am!!! And just in case my week day crews are reading this...you guys are just as great, but I only see you for a measley 12 hours! I will maybe try to take some pictures of the weekenders later to post, but they may not oblige! I think they worry that if I get a bad picture I will use it for blackmail! LOL

Anywhoo....that's about all for now. I will try to post again tomorrow(or maybe tonight), but I make no promises. Sometimes my weekends are chaotic and I don't even get much rest, and others are easy peesy. Here lately it has been nuts due to Paoli Peaks, a local ski resort. Luckily this is their last weekend!!! YAY!! You have no idea how excited we are here at the hospital :)

On another note here's a cute picture of Laney "holding" Liddy from earlier this week. It was too cute not to share.

Laney always says how "heby" Liddy is.

A Typical Day

Today at Kelly's Korner is show us a typical day for you...so here we go (this is a day when I do not go to work, those days change at 4:45. I leave and Den takes over:)):
6:30-wake up..Titan and Liddy arrive
7:00-give Liddy her morning bottle, Titan goes back to sleep on the couch
7:15-Liddy and I go back to sleep
8:30-Jax and Laney get up...usually Titan and Liddy shortly follow
8:45-eat breakfast..the ever so nutritional poptarts and cereal (if they're lucky I give them donuts)
9:00-kids get dressed
9:30-I exercise...about have a heart attack.. kids play
10:00-feed Liddy another bottle..kids are still playing
10:15-take shower and get myself dressed..guess what..kids are still playing!
10:30-Liddy takes her "power nap"
11:00-Liddy wakes up
11-12:00-everyone plays, including me...in the world of blogs!
12:00-fix lunch for the kids and myself
!2-12:30 eat lunch (hopefully)
12:30-Emery arrives (only on Mondays and Wednesdays)...Liddy takes bottle and lays down for her nap...I start to do my chores :(
1:30-Laney lays down for her nap, other kids either play quietly in Jax' room or watch a movie
2:30-Liddy is up
3:30 Laney is up...snack time for everyone and clean up time (they can spread toys out like no other)
4:00-Pick up time...Titan and Liddy's dad shows up followed my Emery's mom
5:00-fix supper
5:30-eat
6:00-clean up the mess I've made
6:00-8:00-relax with kids or watch TV
8:00-bath time and bed time snack
9:00-kids go to bed...peaceful!
9:00-11:00-watch TV with hubby and relax
11:00-BED TIME!!!!
Only to start all over the next day!!

Maybe Spring?

When me and the girls went to pick up the boys I took this picture. It's kind of hard to see, but it's the mirror in my car. It says 48 degrees!!! Does that mean spring is getting closer? Oh I really hope so........................

.............and don't worry I was at a stop sign when I took it!

Pizza and Friends

Well yesterday wasn't all that interesting. We did get to go out to eat with some friends of ours, Steve and Karen....We ate at Wick's Pizza in New Albany. They have the best pizza known to mankind! Steve says King's Island has a better place, but seriously it's a theme park how good could it be?!?! I think he just likes to argue with me! LOL We had a great time though. We always do with them! It's nice to be able to have "adult" conversation after a day of toddler talk! Usually my days consist of "be quiet and eat, quit hitting your sister, Laney you have to share, stop running in the house, etc, etc." So you can see why I'm excited when we get to go out! There was a bit of drama when we left, but Steve "nipped it in the bud" so to speak. After that the night was calm and uneventful. Except for when I hit my head on my window trying to see...that's a sight you have to see in person to truly cherish! haha

I do have a funny story from this morning to share. This just shows you how 4 year olds think!

Me: Titan do you want some breakfast?

Titan: No, I'm not hungry.

Me: Okay, you can eat in a little bit.

Jaxson: I was not hungry one day....it was a long time ago.

I busted out laughing. It was like Jax was traumatized by the "one day" he wasn't hungry. His face was priceless. He looked so sad when he said it.

On another note...I have a button now!! YAY! It took me about 30 minutes to get it figured out yesterday. But any who grab it and put it on your blog, if you have one, if not then get freakin' blog! LOL

Last, but not least, here is a picture of me and Den last night...before we ate so much we were sick!

The Day in the Life of Me

My days are usually pretty routine with a little comedy along the way. Here is how my day went today....

Wake up at 6:30 because that's when my "loaner kids" get here, Titan and Liddy. Titan passed out on the couch...cartoons do wonders...Liddy took her morning bottle. Then she puked about 2oz up on my shoulder. Great start:) After we all get up and get going, because we go back to sleep after that bottle, the boys got dressed for preschool. It was wear red day for Dr. Seuss' birthday..they looked cute!

After they were off to school us girls come home for naps. Laney always wants to stay awake. She says she's not tired, but then almost falls asleep on the way home. I took this picture today before she layed down...she's a cheeser:)

Then this is when my day got entertaining...well at least it will be for you guys! Liddy was taking a bottle and began to poop (yes I'm already discussing poop). Well she isn't a conservative pooper so to speak. Lets just say I get REALLY nervous every time she starts grunting! Here's why.....

Seriously, how can one little girl poop that much!!!! I can't ever stay mad at her for long because she's so cute!So once she was cleaned up are day returned to boring and monotonous. I'm sure tomorrow will be an adventure too. The next day is always better than the last, right?

On another note (I told you I wonder) Liddy had the cutest shoes today....I wonder if they make them in my size?