Riding Bicycles

Sometimes It's All About the Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Patrick was so easy to potty train. At least in my memory he was. He responded well to reward charts and stickers and M&Ms and basically any reward we offered him. He sat when we told him to sit and after about a month of scheduled potty sits (some of which were productive while others were not) he started offering to go on his own. And magically our son was potty trained and fully in underwear after about 5 or 6 months of working and practicing. He was 2-1/2 and was fully potty trained – including at night, which I totally attribute to him learning to control his body, as we did nothing to really promote this specifically.

That was our obedient and passive child.

A few years later our world turned upside down with the birth of our fun-loving feisty little firecracker who we named Abigail. This child has always had her own thoughts and opinions and steel will to go along with her opinions.

Just before her second birthday we tried to get her to start sitting on the potty – just as we had with Patrick. Not expecting anything out of her (no pun intended), but just getting her used to the idea.

That was a no go.

So we waited a few months and tried again.

Nope.

We tried underwear weekends where she just soiled underwear and asked for another pair. She was upset that she was wet but not enough to do anything different the next time.

No reward was incentive enough for this little one. She talked a good talk, but wasn’t willing to sit down on the potty for M&Ms, treats, stickers, getting to use special soap (she wanted to use) or anything else.

I was starting to think that we were going to be a late bloomer based on how little progress we’d made in the previous months.

Over Christmas vacation we did 3 days in underwear only except for naptime and bedtime.

You know what she did?

Proved she had total control of her body. Sure, she’d sometimes do the dance that
indicated she needed to go, but refused to sit. She held it and held it until naptime. She laid down for her nap, wet her diaper and proceeded to get underwear when she woke up wet from her nap. She once again held her bodily functions until it was bedtime.

Over three days there were only 2 accidents. Which sounds great! Except she wasn’t using the potty.

And I was worried we were going to give her a urinary tract infection
with this process.

Just over a week ago, my brilliant husband made a profound discovery – he learned what her currency was.

Our daughter wanted to change clothes. A lot. She likes to play dress up – sometimes in costumes and sometimes with her own clothes. He told her she could put on a pretty dress she was asking to wear if she would sit on the potty.

And she threw a 45 minute tantrum. And then she got over it when she realized he wasn’t going to give in.

The next day, same scenario but the tantrum lasted 30 minutes instead.

The third day – she sat on the potty. And used it. And there was much celebration. They called me at work, and I sang her praises to her over the phone. That evening we called her Nana and Nana was so excited as well.

For two days it was seeing her doing the “I need to go” dance and telling her that should could put on her next favorite outfit as soon as she used the potty.

Magic.

It has now been 6 days. She has had one accident where she just didn’t make it in time (although she was on her way). She did use her diaper for a BM one night, but we were going to work up to that function soon, letting her use a diaper for that. But yesterday – two BMs in the potty.

Yep.

Six days, one tiny accident and we’re fully trained. She even wakes up dry from nap and night time (although we’re still not yet comfortable enough to put her in underwear at night - but that's just us).

All for a pretty dress.

Christmas Pictures 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:12:00 +0000

So yesterday after church we stopped by the lake to make the kids' pictures for our annual Christmas cards. We also did some in jeans and white shirts for a gift that we'll be giving my mom this year (she doesn't read this blog, so I'm not worried about any surprises being revealed. =)

Here are the results:

Patrick's Harry Potter Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:09:00 +0000

So I never got around to posting pictures of Patrick's 6th birthday party. Anyone who knows him would know the theme, but for those of you who don't know him...he's a Harry Potter FANATIC. And that's okay with me, because I am bit of a fan myself.

Here are ~~some~~ a LOT of photos:

Our little Boy Who Lived

Entrance:

Enter via Platform 9-3/4

Get sorted into a house and then select a wand (at another table)

Get greeted by our very own Dobby the House Elf (we have the most awesome neighbors who dressed their daughter up like Dobby!)

The Owlry (they chose and decorated their own owl):

Potions Class with Professor Snape:

The potions table

This is Professor Jeremy who was assisting Professor Snape at one point.

Bubble bubble toil and trouble

Making a spoon scream with dry ice.

Another view of the potions table.

What dry ice will do to a metal mixing bowl

They were so wrapped up in the potions class. Awesome!

Snape and his class

Loving it!

Here is finally a picture of our Snape. Notice even the adults were interested in this class!

Horcrux Treasure Hunt:

We had a Horcrux treasure hunt in the back yard.

Wand Battles:

Wands at the ready...

Our very own Luna

Battling

You can't give a handful of kids some wands and tell them not to battle.

Cake and Presents:

Although not a clear picture of it, the cake was modeled after the one Hagrid made for Harry's 11th birthday in the first book/movie.

Notice our Harry does have his scar here.

Wrap it up at Honeyduke's Sweet Shop to fill goody bags:

They were allowed to visit Honeyduke's Sweet Shop to fill up their goody bags. Here you have Lemon Drops, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and Chocolate Frogs.

Jelly Slugs, Peppermint Toads, and Licorice Wands

Fill 'em up!

Cockroach Clusters, Pretzel Wands, and Fudge Flies.

Harry choose a jelly slug for his bag.

All of the kids had to get HP glasses of course!

Abigail is trying hers out for size.

Smiles all around:

Patrick and his friend Chase inadvertently made a perfect Harry and Ron. =)

What a fun day!

Happy 10th!

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:32:00 +0000

Seriously? It's been 2-1/2 months since I blogged here? I am terrible.

But today is a day that demands a good personal blog. Ten years ago today, Chip and I got married in a sleepy little town in Alabama.

Here is a list of ten things I would love to tell myself on that day:

Hey you...you are about to marry your perfect match. He will frustrate you. You will frustrate him. You'll both get over it. But you will never find anyone else who understands you and allows you to be yourself so completely.
There's this book called The Total Money Makeover that will be published in 2003. You need to read it. You both do. Right around 2006 you will have a chance to make or break you next several years of finances. If you read this book, you will make the right choices. If you don't, it will be hard climb up hill for several years after that.
There will come a time about 3 years into your marriage that you and Chip are going to go through a terribly rough patch. It's going to hurt worse than anything you've ever been through up until that point. It's going to be exhausting. It's going to be draining. But you will both come out okay. Hang onto your marriage and your faith and all will turn out fine.
There is a book called Love and Respect that is going to change your perspective on your marriage. I wish I could tell you to read it before 2004, but it isn't published until then. If you read it earlier, some of the items in #3 might be avoided all together. But when you do get the chance to read it, you will understand Chip so much better than you thought you could.
Right now you're not even thinking kids. You have no driving desire to have children. It's okay. But one day, you're going to wonder how that could have ever been you because you're going to have some amazing children.
You are not as right as you think you are. Not always. Not usually.
One day you'll be glad that you were as relaxed on this day as you were. Those missing kissing balls? Chip's gigantic pants? The horrible music? It will make for good stories one day. And you will not be any less married because of those mishaps.
That career you love so much right now? There's nothing wrong with it. In fact, you're pretty good at it. But I promise you won't want it as much as you do right now in just 10 years. But it's okay...you won't hate it either. Just don't put SO MUCH emphasis on it in the short-term.
Those people around you at your wedding? They love you. So much. They will be your strength and support for the rest of your life. Hold on to them dearly.
In ten years, you really won't have any regrets. Through all of the tough times, all of the mistakes, all of the chaos that was item #3 above, you will know that you are stronger, wiser, and surer than you could have been without those trials. And even when you are unhappy, you will be content. And I've gotta' say, that's a pretty good place to be.

Chip, I've loved you for far more than the 10 years that we've been married and I'll love you for years into the future that I cannot even imagine from this vantage point.

You are my home. You make everything better. I love you.

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Didn't know you'd ever find me writing in German here, did you?

Yeah, me neither.

I wanted to let you know what I personally have been up to. WHAT?! Me? Kaye? Not the kids? Not the hubby, but me?

I know...it's an odd feeling.

For the last 6 weeks I have been doing Weight Watchers.

Several years ago I did it successfully and lost 27 pounds. It was great. Then life got chaotic and my weight was pushed to the backburner. Then I had Patrick. I used WW then to lose the remaining 17 pounds that wouldn't come off, and you know what? It fell off. And then I stopped for some reason although I still had plenty of weight to lose.

And since I returned to my old ways after that, I continued to put on more weight.

And then I had another child. That weight also fell right off on its own (thanks to breastfeeding), but I didn't make any efforts to lose any more. You know, life is busy and some times you just don't have time to pay attention to yourself.

Well, I received a wake up call a few weeks ago. Although I knew I needed to lose weight, it was when I had to purchase a new pair of jeans because I was quickly...ahem...outgrowing all of my clothes. I decided then and there that I wasn't going to let it happen again.

I no longer had any excuses. There will be no more children coming from this womb (unless God has a sense of humor and other plans) and the kids no longer need my constant attention. So it's time for Kaye to do something for Kaye.

I want this weight gone.

And I'm about to give the big reveal of what I want to lose.

This is the first place I am "saying" this apart from the Weight Watchers website.

I want to lose 90 pounds.

*Gasp*

I know.

I am so humiliated, but am being honest in telling you that I have 90 pounds that I can lose.

It's depressing and to me, it's disgusting that I've let this happen.

But it is over, I declare. As each pound comes off, I'm saying good-bye to it permanently. This will not happen again.

If I lose 90 pounds I will be at a weight that I was my 2nd year of college. It was after I had put on my freshman 15. It was still a healthy weight though. WHEN I lose 90 pounds I will be a healthy "I've had two kids and so I have hips, but I'm still in a hottie" weight. Not overdoing it, but just getting to where I would love to be.

And so where am I on this journey?

6 weeks in and 13 pounds down! YIPPEE!

Those jeans I had to buy? They now slide off without unfastening the button. I put on a tshirt this morning that I really like expecting to tug at it all day because it likes to ride up my grossly-present belly. That tshirt? I haven't had to pull on it once today!

To a lot of people, the difference isn't noticeable yet. But I'm not doing it for them. I'm doing it for me. And I can tell a difference, so today, I'm celebrating by telling you!

What about you? Is there something you've been putting off? Join me and let's tackle these issues together!
If I were to

Yes - Abigail is TWO!

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:06:00 +0000

So I have basically forgotten that this blog exists, it seems. In reality it is just that I cannot do everything (gasp - I KNOW!) and this blog has suffered because of that fact.

Two weekends ago we celebrated Abigail's 2nd birthday (which was actually on June 28th). It was a cupcake themed party followed by fun in the sun. Here are the recaps:

The birthday girl looking all adorable before the guests arrived.

The giant cupcake cake.

Some super brownies and cupcake suckers.

Zoom in on the beauty that was the cupcake suckers.

Simple - capcake cake truffles, chips, dip, fruit, etc.

The truffles (yes, I'm a bit proud of these)

We start with some presents. These are the golf clubs that Patrick got her. She would have been content had we stopped opening presents here.

Rocking doll house from aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Classic blocks from a neighborhood friend.

The girl and her cake.

Checking out her balloons as she waits for her slice of cake and ice cream.

Just like big brother!

The outside fun begins!

Two water tables, two pools, one sprinkler and a slip and slide. I had to get a picture before all the kids got involved!

Water table fun!

Patrick enjoying the larger pool

Slipping and sliding

Patrick and neighbor friend playing chase.

Then the adults got involved.

In the end, Abigail was still happy just to pull the golf clubs around.

We had a great time and a great turnout. I had to use pics without mostly no one in them because I haven't asked permission to put their kids' pictures online, so it looks kinda' pitiful, but there were 7 kids there and plenty o' adults and a good time was had by all.

We love you, Abigail Jane!

New Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:22:00 +0000

We rarely to never have a picture taken with all 4 family member in it, so I thought I would share this one with you. We were down on River Street in downtown Savannah with some friends, and they snapped this one.

Huge Sign of Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Once again I am making an appearance on here. Surprise! But I had some great news that I wanted to share with you!

A bit of a backstory, if you will:

We were a bit naive about school districts when we bought our home in Savannah. We didn't realize that if we had bought just 2 miles away, which is in a different county, that our education options would be much, much better. As it is, we live where we do and we can't exactly sell a house right now.

So we had a plan of action. To avoid Patrick having to attend the elementary school we are currently zoned for (which is awful by all accounts), we looked into some of the open enrollment and charter programs within the public school system. We narrowed it down to two that were relatively close and available for him to attend.

Plan A: Get into the closest Montessori program (there are two but one is really far away). This requires applying and then waiting for a lottery to be held to see if his name was drawn.

Plan B: Put his name in for an open enrollment school that is also part of the public school system.

Plan Ideal: Ideally we could get into both schools A & B and have a choice regarding which we wanted him to attend.

Plan C: Private school. Which we do not want to have to pay for, but are willing to in order to keep him away from his zoned school.

So we proceeded with the action plan. We did the open house at the Montessori school and then submitted our application. And started waiting.

We called the open enrollment school. Unfortunately...they are no longer open enrollment. Boo, hiss SERIOUSLY.

So Plan B fell through (and therefore Plan Ideal). We were solely dependant on Plan A to avoid private school tuition.

Well, last night the lottery was held.

HE GOT IN!

Hip Hip Hooray!

So excited and relieved! That's one huge weight off our shoulders!

Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:11:00 +0000

I've been a busy lady. Click over here to see my exciting news!

Update on the Fam

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:38:00 +0000

Here is another post that I start with an apology regarding the infrequent posting. Life is just too busy these days. I'm not going to promise much more than what you are seeing. Life is about to change drastically and I thought I should give you fair warning about that.

First of all for the update though:

Abigail has been a sickly little girl. Just before Christmas she had the flu and two ear infections for a week while Patrick had strep at the same time. It was a lovely week.

Christmas was awesome.

My brother and his wife announced at Christmas that they were expecting their first child. A week later they announced that they had miscarried. It was heart breaking.

January was a rough month financially.

January found Abigail with two ear infections (again) as well as strep and severe bronchitis. We had to get a nebulizer for her to do three breathing treatments a day to make sure she didn't develop pneumonia. She was a champion doing the treatments and fell in love with her penguin-shaped nebulizer. It is sitting out on a table now so she can give him kisses. And she does. At least 4 times a day. His name is Percy and he is now a member of the family it seems.

This past weekend she obviously had a virus and now is suffering from the severe diaper rash that brought with it.

Regardless of much of the above, we've had a good month spending time together.

Chip is re-enlisting in the National Guard. He will go to MEPS on Friday. From that time he will drill with a unit in Savannah until the next class of OCS starts. At that time (he'll find out when that is on Friday), he will leave home for 58 days (sad panda) and come home an officer (he's already a gentleman, so no need for training there). Then at some point after that, he will go to his AIT (or whatever it will be called at that point), which considering his current interest, will take him away from home for another 4 months. Sad panda again.

I'm upset that there is no way this will all happen without him missing at least one of the kid's birthdays, if not both of them. It concerns me that I'm going to have to figure out how to do this as a single parent for 6 months out of the next 12. It makes me sad to think of all of that time without him. It makes me smile to think of all of the space I will have in the bed. But that is countered by the sadness of missing him again.

We're going to get through this, I know. It's a means to a great end. But the path will be tough.

Anyone want to visit Savannah in the next year? I might need some friendly faces! =)

Some Photos of the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Since I rarely update this blog anymore (sorry!) I thought I could at least give you some pictures of our cute kids. =)

It was the first white Christmas that anyone in our family had ever seen. This was at a rest area on the Alabama/Georgia state line. We stopped to let the kids play!

Using his fancy new binoculars on Christmas evening.

Sleeping on the way home from Christmas travels on his new unicorn pillow pet (the one he wanted so bad!).

She now likes to say, "Cheese!"

She was helping me with laundry this weekend.

Two Words

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:24:00 +0000

WAR EAGLE!

If you get it, you totally get it. If you don't, don't feel bad...I'll let you hang around anyway. =)

Thank you. That is all.

Here's Your Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Oh, my dear, seemingly forgotten tiny crowd of followers on this blog. I should surely reward your patience and loyalty with something special. Something that lets you know that you are NOT forgotten. That you are truly extraordinary.

So here are the photos that we took at our neighborhood lake for our Christmas card this year.

My apologies for those of you getting cards this year, as this has spoiled your surprise. At least a little. You will get the finished product, after all. =)

Need Your Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Got an idea that I need to bounce off of you.

I make candy during the holidays. You know...the yummy homemade kind. Things like fudge, haystacks, truffles, peppermint bark, dipped items of all kinds, peanut butter snowballs, and any number of similar items.

People always love it when we give it to them or serve it.

Would that be something you would buy? I don't mean right now, from me.

I mean, if someone were to start offering to make it for the holidays for a price, would you pay for it, whether it be for a gift or for an event you needed some goodies for? I was thinking about making a little extra money this way this year, but have no idea if it would fly.

Any thoughts?

Counting Them Down...

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:45:00 +0000

The last week has been tough on our family. We need some encouragement.

So I'm going to count the things that I am grateful for. I know this list will not be complete, but I'm going to list them as I think of them.

We have a God in Heaven Who loves us and will never leave us.
We have the pleasure of knowing that this is not the end. That this is not our home.
We have a marriage that is stronger today than ever before.
We have two beautiful children who are healthy, strong, and so very smart.
We live in a country that is richer than all others and even the most downtrodden have it better than in some other places on this earth.
We have a home to keep us warm and dry.
We belong to a church that knows how to love people and really reach them where they are.
We have a budget in place to help us get through these slim times.
Two years ago, we could not have financially handled a crisis of this nature.
While we can't live lavishly on one income, we can live.
God has already provided a lot of ways that our Christmas expenses will already be significantly smaller this year than any previous. The kids probably will not realize any difference.
We have friends who are willing to help the job search and make some contacts on our behalf.
We will be spending Thanksgiving together this year (wasn't going to happen under previous situation).
We had a wonderful weekend together as a family. A weekend that would not have been as wonderful if Chip had been at work as previously scheduled.
We are still making a faith pledge to our church's current capital campaign. We have faith that God will provide these funds so that we can give them to His work.
We will not go hungry. God has provided for us graciously.
We will not go unclothed. God has provided for us richly.
I have a job that is stable and can continue providing for our family.
God will use this to make something better for our family.
God will use this to make Chip a better man.
God will use this to make me a better wife.
We most likely will get to spend Christmas with the extended family as usual. Under previous circumstances, it would not have happened that way.

There are so many. This is certainly not the end of our list. This is not the end of how much God has blessed us. But it is a good reminder that He is faithful. He is Holy. He is I AM.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

-Luke 12:22-31

Operation Christmas Child

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:16:00 +0000

Patrick and I made some boxes for Operation Christmas Child this year. I knew of the program, but this is the first year we've participated. Let me say it was truly a joy! And I LOVED Patrick's participation and reaction to the whole process.

We chose to do a box for a boy in his age (the box range was Boy 5-9) and a girl in the oldest age range (10-14). We chose that range for the girls because they don't have a range for Abigail's age (it starts at 2) and I assume that the oldest age ranges probably get chosen the least often.

Here are some pics of our boxes:

He worked so hard on decorating the box for the little boy.

The beginning of the lid for the little girl.

Really concentrating.

Smile!

Almost finished

Finished product - girl box.

Boy Box - we thought it was finished.

But then decided to use some glitter glue to work on it some more.

Packing the boxes. Patrick actually took this picture. =)

He took this one too, hence the camera strap in the pic. Still a decent pic.

Packed girl box.

Packed boy box

I love that this year you can pay the processing/shipping fee online and get a tracking code so you know where your boxes go! Awesome!

If you want more info about the program, check out http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/

It's a Mini Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:33:00 +0000

Okay, so it's really a Mini Chip. The boys were playing Lego Star Wars. How awesome is this?!

Halloween Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:41:00 +0000

So I'm just stopping by long enough to throw some pictures of the kids' Halloween costumes up here.

Ninja

A Bumbly Bee

Bee kisses for me!

The two cutest kids on earth

At least Chip was looking. The other two were staring at a tractor.

Strongman!

Showing off his ninja-ness - and his white socks.

Okay, so this is absolutely one of my favorites!

Flight of the bumblebee--she wouldn't stand still for pics!

Neighborhood friends. I love how the little ones seem to be saying, "So, your parents did this to you too, huh?"

Abigail enjoying a DumDum for the first time.

So I'm a terrible hostess. Stopping by only to flash you pics of our wonderful children. Sorry! I will try to do better...even with MORE GIVEAWAYS going on over at Mrs Nespy's Frugal World! Go check them out and try to win stuff!

9 Years Ago Today...

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Today is Chip's and my anniversary. We've been married 9 years now and boy, have we learned a lot.

Nine Major Events That Have Happened (Mostly) Since we Married (chronologically):

Sept 11, 2001: What a major event in world history. Although this happened just before we married, I'm still counting it. Chip was still in the Army Reserves on IRR (he was inactive, but still enlisted) and I was so worried he would be called to active duty again. We had plans of changing the wedding date to accommodate his leaving if necessary. He didn't get called up, so we were married as planned.
Summer 2004: This summer was a doozy for our marriage. We had issues. Big issues. Our marriage almost ended this summer. If it weren't for God's guidance and a lot of learning and forgiveness on our parts, it would have been. This summer changed our relationship forever and helped us learn how to relate to one another better.
August 30, 2005: Hurricane Katrina hit. This was huge because we were affected. We were without power for 10 days. We lost a couple of trees and our roof. Chip was in the National Guard and worked in Biloxi and Gulfport in the clean up efforts. I was 9 months pregnant at the time. Fun times.
Octoboer 1, 2005: Our firstborn arrived. Patrick entered our lives and they have never been the same since.
March 30, 2006: Chip's mom passed away. She had a long battle with cancer and COPD. God took her home and finally relieved her suffering on this day.
April - June 2007: Our move to Savannah. This event spans over a few months because I moved here without my boys until the house in Mississippi could sell. We closed on our house in Savannah on June 15, 2007.
June 28, 2009: Abigail joined our family. Although it never felt incomplete before her arrival, it certainly feels whole now.
October 2009: Our official quest to aggressive pursue becoming totally debt free began. I don't have an ending date yet, but I can't wait to get there.
October 27, 2010: Our 9th anniversary. Yeah, we have an anniversary every year. Why is this one such a milestone to be on this list? Well, we've never been married this long. And if I have a list next year, our 10th anniversary will replace this item on the list. Each year is both a lot of work and a lot of joy. Each year is to be celebrated.

So, Chip, I loved you as much as I knew how to on the day that we said our "I do"s. But every day since that one, I have seen us both grow and change, and I love you more today than ever before. Through all of the chaos wrapped into many of the above events as well as the ins and outs of daily life, I find comfort in knowing that it is YOU that I have to share this life with. I am blessed to have you as the father of our children. I am blessed to have you next to me in the bed every night. I am touched by your love and willingness to put up with me. I don't know how you do it, but I sure am glad that you do.

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie. I love you.

The Back of His Head

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:07:00 +0000

Patrick: "Mom, can you take a picture of the back of my head?"

Me: "Why?"

Patrick: "Because I've never seen the back of my head and I'd like to get to know what it looks like."

I so love this boy!

I Can Now Be Initated...

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:37:00 +0000

Today (Saturday) while the kids were napping I took the opportunity to pull out all of their fall and winter clothes. My plan was to evaluate what they have and try to see what else I need to get for them.

It is official. I can now join the Fraternal Order of Moms

My children have much nicer clothes than I do.

You've Got to Read This!

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:03:00 +0000

Seriously...this will likely be one of the funniest things you've ever read. Trust me.

Click over to my other blog to enjoy.

Thoughts from a Bathroom Stall

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:42:00 +0000

I was just in the restroom at work (what? too much? sorry but it's important to the story) and noticed that "GOD IS GOOD" was etched into the toilet paper dispenser attached to the wall of the stall.

My first thought was, "And I'm sure He wants you defacing company property in order to proclaim this."

But then I thought, "What if that has been an inspiration to someone on a bad day?" It certainly could be.

So would that be God making something good (inspiring words) out of a bad situation (graffiti) or did He inspire that Himself so that the person who was blessed would see it when they needed it?

Strange. Now I have a quandary.

Would God inspire defacement of property (public or private)? If so, where would the line be drawn?

What do you think?

Just the Facts, Ma'am

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:31:00 +0000

I swear that one day I will be back to blogging here regularly one day. Maybe even one day soon.

Until then though...

I took the kiddos to the pediatrician today. It was for Patrick's 5-year check up (ohmygoshhe'sfivenow!) and Abigail's 15 month check up.

Here are the vital statistics:

Patrick:
Height: 43-1/2 inches (61st percentile)
Weight: 37 lbs (22nd percentile).
Shots: He had to get 4 today. He was only "scheduled" for 3 but he had previously received his third Hepatitis shot too soon after the second one, so they had to redo it. He freaked out quite a bit about it and screamed. I swear shots with a 5 year old are worse than a 2 year old. He was fine before we left the doctor's office though.

Abigail:
Height/Length: 30-1/2 inches (46% percentile)
Weight: 19.75 lbs (7% percentile)
Head: 18" (41st percentile)
Shots: She got two today. She was unhappy about it, but got over it quickly. She started crying again when Patrick screamed about his, but they were both fine and happy when we left the office.

So our children are perfectly healthy and quite slim. The doctor isn't at all concerned about it. Developmentally they are great as well.

That's it. Just the facts.

Hope you're having a great day!

Today is a Huge Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kaye) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Today is October 1, 2010.

It is the fifth anniversary of the day that Chip and I became parents, otherwise known as "Oh My Goodness, is Patrick SERIOUSLY Five Today?!"

He's been waiting on this birthday for a while now.

There were many promises from us regarding his fifth birthday.

At 5 you can start chewing gum
At 5 there is no more thumb sucking
At 5 we take you to the bank to open a savings account with the money in your piggy bank
At 5 you can start playing video games (with a time and occurrence limit of course)

He's been so excited.

And we are too.

Our little boy is now a big boy...and the phrase "little man" that I've used for him is becoming more and more the truth.

If you want the birth story, you can see my post celebrating his 3rd birthday here. I won't go over it again though.

I will just say that he is an amazing child. He's so very smart, he loves God, he's kind, he's the best big brother I've ever seen, he's goofy, he's quirky, he does a pretty good job listening although that's our biggest struggle right now, he's thoughtful, he's emotional, he's all boy but a bit squeamish, and he is truly a blessing to raise and love.

We love you, Son!