Life Is Good

In Case You're Wondering...

2012-01-23T21:10:00.003-06:00

In case you're wondering if I'm ridiculous enough to let my kids play in the water on a cold day...

you're only partially correct. These pictures were taken several weeks ago on one of the "warmest" winter-time days we've had. It was probably "too cool" for our activities, but we had a brief reminder of some spring-time fun.

In case you're wondering if Evan is kissing his brother...

that would be NO.

In case you're wondering if that is indeed a toad...

that, too, would be a NO. It's only a rock.

In case you're wondering if these two constantly competing kids are actually playing together...

why YES. They are. Although it is an "I'll stay on my side and you stay on you're side" kind of deal.

In case you're wondering if this goofy kid is actually drinking the water from the toy boat, with all of it's leaves and grass and dirt...

Yep! He is.

In case you're wondering if this other goofy kid is trying to climb up into the boat and into the water...

Probably so. Wouldn't surprise me.

In case you're wondering if this kid is adorable.

Why YES. Of course he is!

In case you're wondering if Evan is now drinking the water...

It appears as if he is.

In case you're wondering if that is a tire...

Yes it's a very small tractor tire that came from oompaloompa land. Some poor oompaloompa probably has a disabled tractor now.

In case you're wondering what Evan might be thinking...

Yeah...so am I.

In case you're wondering if he is chugging some water...

I wouldn't call it chugging. His ability to actually fill the bucket very full is limited and based on the amount of water down his front I'd say most of it went towards the cold shower he just took.

And finally...
In case you're wondering why one of my children has on a nice warm sweatshirt (albeit very wet) and one child has no shirt on during this wet spring-time-type play on this brisk yet toasty warm winter day...

I don't know...you'll have to ask him why he won't keep his clothes on.

Blogger Problems--A Rant!

2012-01-22T20:36:00.003-06:00

If Blogger doesn't get their act together I'm going to change to a different "blogging service-provider". I can't tell you how many times over the last few months I've tried to upload a picture or 2 to the blog only to wait ten or more minutes for it to tell me there was an "ERROR" . Blah. Earlier this evening they uploaded but would never post! Since I've started school it's not like I have an over-abundance of free time anyway. I sure can't spare and extra 10 minutes or so to blogging malfunctions!

So there's my RANT!

Sickly Evan

2012-01-15T20:20:00.004-06:00

Poor little Evan has been having a rough go of things so far this year. He has just recovered from a week or two long bout of the hand, foot and mouth disease. He had horrible blisters all over his hands and feet. He's been congested off and on since the start of the year, but most recently he's been very congested over the past week. Today he started puking. We thought he was gagging on phlegm but as the day wore on he puked more and more. He stopped puking around mid afternoon. Now the little guy has a fever of 102. Poor little boy. Say a little prayer for the little man if you will. I'm ready to see him all back to normal again.

Cold Winter Day

2012-01-12T20:59:00.001-06:00

2 Boys

2012-01-10T20:57:00.003-06:00

2 boys bathing...

2 boys fighting...

Camping

2012-01-09T20:14:00.000-06:00

Just like the fishing thing... I hope to do some real camping with the boys too!

Old Coach

2012-01-08T21:19:00.000-06:00

Cheesin' It!

2012-01-07T20:44:00.001-06:00

Lovin' The Weather

2012-01-06T21:14:00.001-06:00

Growing Up

2012-01-05T21:48:00.001-06:00

Sometimes this little guy amazes me. Too often I look at him and see a "big boy". I probably expect too much at times. I sometimes expect him to act like an "all-grown-up-big-kid". I love and play with him but I don't caudle him much. I comfort him when he needs it but I sometimes forget that he still needs to just snuggle and be picked up and held from time to time. He's not my baby anymore. He's my big boy.. But then I take a step back and remember that he is only 4! Four is still pre-school...a very young child...not much older than a toddler. 4! He's 4...going on 5.

Today, however, I saw in my little boy a much bigger, older child. And it wasn't my expectations of him. It was slowing down to watch and listen and realizing the reality that he's growing up. Today I took the kids to the school where I will soon be attending. Ryan has expressed great concern about me going to school.

Just the other day:
Ryan: "Mom I don't want you to go to school."
Me: "But Ryan it's so I can become a nurse and take care other sick people. It will be hard for a while but it will be better for our family when I'm finished."
Ryan: "But I don't want anything to happen to you..."

So I took the kids to the school for them to look around and explore a little. I was hoping Ryan would feel more comfortable about me being away at school if he could explore where I will be going. We enjoyed our time there but towards the end the kids were getting tired and losing interest. I bought them a little bag of candy to share and when the last piece was gone Ryan was mad. Very mad. And hateful. When we got to the car I pulled him aside and told him that if he couldn't straighten his attitude and find some happies that I would help him do so with a spanking. Irritated, he plopped himself down in his seat.

A couple miles down the road and out of his fit, a big kid emerged:
Ryan: "Mom I'm really really sorry."
Me: "What are you sorry for?"
Ryan: "I'm really sorry for getting mad and for not trusting you that everything is going to be okay."

I was speechless. Teary. All kinds of emotions.

After visiting the Sunflower Market and picking up a few things we then went to the park. And once again my 4-year-old was all but grown up. The park was packed on such a gorgeous day. He didn't gravitate to the preschool aged kids. He wasn't interested in the other 3 and 4 year olds running around. He ended up playing with a couple of boys (probably 7 and 10) as they played dodge ball with their dad. He didn't understand the game but he added a keep-away twist to their already exciting game and they all enjoyed it. Ryan really enjoyed playing with those boys and their dad. A bunch of guys doing what guys do. Playing. Running. Conquering. Throwing balls. A dad and his two sons...and they were gracious enough to adopt my little boy who's growing up fast into their clan. Wow!

Decorating

2012-01-03T20:35:00.002-06:00

I let the boys decorate their present to their dad.

They turned out pretty cute.

And the newly painted table-dancer was pretty cute too!

Fishing

2012-01-01T20:38:00.001-06:00

One of the things I hope to do this year in 2012 is to take my two boys to do some REAL fishing.

This just doesn't cut it!

Wrapping It Up

2011-12-31T20:25:00.000-06:00

Here's a few of Evan wrapping Christmas presents with me. I hope it brings you a great big smile to wrap up the year 2011.

Good-bye 2011! Hello 2012!

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-28T20:55:00.002-06:00

(I'm playing a little blogging catch-up tonight).

The kids and I made cookies the other day. Well, actually, it started as just a Ryan and I kind of project. I figured Ryan, being older, would understand and enjoy cookie making whereas Evan, being much younger, would only be interested in eating the cookies.

Ryan enjoyed making cookies.

He really enjoyed the eating of the dough.

The bell shape was his favorite.

Oh, but the tedious work of making cookies was short lived. Soon our flour covered table and tools and our sugary sweet dough were entered in a captivating episode of catapulting fun.

Ryan enjoyed the decorating of the cookies the following day. He decorated several. I don't recall what his favorite shape for decorating was but I can assure you his favorite icing to use was the reddish-pink color of deliciousness. He decorated 6 or 7 and promptly ran off to the living room to enjoy his treats. His decorated cookies were his cookies. After all the cookies were decorated (and all his cookies were gone) he always wanted a candy-cane to eat because of its "bumpy road frosting" (red and white stripes) or a Christmas tree because it had lots of colors.

We did most of our cookie making and decorating while Evan was napping. After Evan's nap one day he came to the table and found the bowl of icing. He actually tried to decorate a few of the remnant cookie pieces laying on the table. But...he soon discovered that eating the icing was way more fun and especially more tasty!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T20:41:00.001-06:00

Here it is...Christmas morning...in pictures! Let the story be told...

Omniplex Outing

2011-12-23T20:42:00.000-06:00

The other day the boys and I took an impromptu trip to the Omniplex. The day was in need of some serious help and the boys and I just had to get away. It was the most PERFECT day to go to the Omniplex. It was this past Tuesday and I guess everyone else that could have been at the museum was out doing Christmas stuff. There was no one there! The place was essentially empty. Just a few kids here and there in each area. The kids of course loved the "kid area" but they also loved the *new* construction area. Unfortunately we didn't discover it until the end of our outing. Next time I think we'll go there first. They had scaffolding, and conveyor belts and dog houses and "painting" and blocks and "gardens". It was great!

Last Night

2011-12-22T20:34:00.000-06:00

The kids and I have been having so much fun lately that I am way, waaay behind on picture and story posting. Last night the kids and I went with Nana first to Miss Sherry's house. We fed her horses some carrots.

We saw some cows too. It was lots of fun being at Miss Sherry's house. She said we could come back. I think we will

After our farm exploits we went to Oklahoma City for a little Christmas fun. We started by going to the mall. The mall had lights hanging everywhere and all of the lights twinkled in rhythm with the music. It was neat and Evan was just enthralled with the whole thing. Ryan really enjoyed it too. Of course Santa and his magical display were there too, but for some reason I didn't take a picture. We didn't visit Santa last night. The kids weren't up to it and the line was too long.

After the mall we went to PetSmart. Ryan picked out a grand amount of goodies for his two ~~spoiled~~ amazing little kitties for Christmas. Sammy and Sally each got a new bed...something they've never had...and basket full of toys and balls and such.

After PetSmart we drove around Chesapeake and through Nichols Hills to look at the Christmas lights. The kids enjoyed it, but we lost them to slumber around 7:30 which is their normal bedtime. Nana and I sure did enjoy driving around, visiting and reminiscing. Ahhh...great memories!

Conversation

2011-12-19T21:02:00.001-06:00

The other night events went something like this...

Evan was playing with his new elephant ball-popping toy. Ryan came over and did something (that's where the events get fuzzy.) Whatever that something was it was followed by screaming and crying...by Ryan! Evan bit Ryan! Of course I, in my not-so-nice-Mommyness was thinking to myself "paybacks buddy". Nevertheless I had to address the issue...somewhat. Evan was scolded (a tad) and Ryan was comforted (a tad), but I explained to Ryan that over the last year and a half Ryan has hit, pushed and even BIT Evan on numerous occasions. He even once, when Evan was quite small, bit Evan hard enough to leave deep teeth marks. After our conversation and comforting all things were okay...not great...but okay.

Later that evening this conversation happened...

Me: "Oh, poof! I was going to cut Evan's fingernails. I better do that before he goes to bed."

Ryan: (On my lap). "Yeah and can you cut his teeth too?!"

Me: (laughing). "Oh, we can cut his teeth like we cut his fingernails?"

Ryan: "Yeah. His teeth are sharp!"

He's thinking isn't he?!

Christmas Lights

2011-12-19T20:46:00.002-06:00

Saturday night we went on a small family outing, just the 4 of us, to see the Christmas lights. It was a beautiful night, so we were able to ride the train through the lights display and afterward we walked across the big bridge. It was a great evening!

Christmas Program 2011

2011-12-18T21:00:00.002-06:00

Ryan performed in his very first Christmas Program at Crosspointe Church this weekend. He was a camel in the nativity. There were 3 services. He made it through 2 and did a fantastic job. All of the kids did a wonderful job presenting the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-16T21:34:00.002-06:00

Random PicsHe's

2011-12-14T20:48:00.001-06:00

Rolly, Polly Baby!

He's Learning

Pigpen?

Train Track (Christmas Present?)

S T O P !

2011-12-13T21:09:00.002-06:00

A Barrel of Monkeys

2011-12-12T20:17:00.001-06:00

Christmas

2011-12-11T21:05:00.001-06:00

Climbing High

2011-12-10T07:02:00.001-06:00

Evan has learned how to climb, and boy does he climb. E V E R Y T H I N G!

Some time ago he discovered how to climb the stool and up on the vanity. He now perches there every morning while I get dressed.

At least he has good hygiene.

During the Thanksgiving holiday Evan discovered how to climb our bar-height dining chairs and onto well...almost anything he wants. We now keep all of our chairs laid over otherwise we turn around to find something like this...

At least he hasn't discovered how to do this...

...but I expect it's just a matter of time!

Train Show

2011-12-09T07:11:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we went to the OKC Train Show. We all had a pretty good time. Of course everyone loved the amazing train displays. They were fantastic. Intricate. Creative. Fun.

This was the highlight for the kids. They loved best the wooden trains that they can drive themselves.

My favorite was the Lego train table. Fantastic! I've enjoyed Legos since I was a child, and I still find them super fun. I hope someday my boys can enjoy them too. This train table was amazing!

Frosty Has A Cold

2011-12-02T20:16:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving Pics

2011-11-26T20:47:00.001-06:00

This Year and Last

2011-11-22T20:14:00.001-06:00

Christmas Stockings

2011-11-21T20:03:00.001-06:00

Day 19: Best Friend

2011-11-19T20:49:00.001-06:00

Day 19

Best Friend

My mom is my best friend!

Buddies

2011-11-18T20:38:00.001-06:00

I wouldn't call these two "best buddies" but I hope someday they will be.

On the other hand...it seems these 3 are best buddies.

Day 17: Memories

2011-11-17T20:23:00.001-06:00

Day 17

Memories

Remembering my grandparents, Grandpa Jim Cassiday and Grandma Lillian Cassiday.

(The 3 young adults in the front are my dad and his 2 sisters.)

Day 16: Animals

2011-11-16T06:02:00.001-06:00

Day 16

Animals

Storage Building

2011-11-14T20:21:00.001-06:00

After many (many) years...we finally have a storage building!

The floor frame

2 walls

2 walls and a kid

3 walls

3 walls and a front and a dog and a kid

Trusses

Grafiti!

Lazy!

Decking

It's almost finished!

Day 14: Movement

2011-11-14T20:17:00.001-06:00

Day 14

Movement

Day 12: Hands

2011-11-12T20:30:00.001-06:00

Day 12

Hands

Day 11: Something Old

2011-11-11T20:18:00.001-06:00

Day 11

Something Old

"Old Glory"

She's pretty...and old.

Thank you to all the veterans for serving our country and ensuring the lifestyles and freedoms we enjoy continue to remain everyday blessings.

And considering wars...fox holes are old. Even small fox holes filled with small kids.

And this might not be old, but then again, maybe it is. The love and a boy and his dog while watching cartoons...

Day 10: Nature

2011-11-10T20:34:00.001-06:00

Day 10

Nature

When I think of "nature" I think of many things. Beauty is the first. Awesome. Crisp. Awe-inspiring. Natural is another, and this...

...just isn't so natural.

Wild also comes to mind. And this...

is pretty wild!

Day 8: Favorite Color

2011-11-08T19:30:00.001-06:00

Day 8

Favorite Color

Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.

Stimulates mental processes

Stimulates the nervous system

Activates memory

Encourages communication

Source: http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-messages-meanings/color-meaning-symbolism-psychology/all-about-the-color-yellow.html

Day 7: Something Funny

2011-11-07T20:40:00.000-06:00

Day 7

Something Funny

With parenting, something funny happens everyday! Realistically it happens many, many times a day if you'll let it. Or maybe you just have to stop and find the "funny" in it. For example, this picture... The day it was taken I did not think this was very funny at all. I was less than a week home with my brand new baby boy, Evan. I was sore, tired and frenzied. I was still trying to figure out the whole breast-feeding thing and Evan was very picky. I was trying to just stay afloat as a new parent of two. Ryan was needy and Evan was needier. Wade had already gone back to work.

On this particular day I sat Ryan at the table with two pieces of bread, peanut butter and jelly, and a dull knife. I got him started on making his own sandwich. Evan was soon voicing his need for food too. I went around the corner to feed Evan. The doorbell rang! I jumped up to welcome the home-health guy (ugh!) with home bili lights in hand for my jaundiced newborn. I walked around the corner to find this! (See picture above). Ryan wasn't making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but rather a pb&j boy! Oh my! I left him at the table and offered a decent degree of threats that he MUST stay at the table until Mommy was through talking with this nice man. So now I have a slow-talking home health guy, new equipment to learn, a list of papers to sign, a screaming hungry newborn, sore leaking breasts, a new "light box" that I was to leave my sweet infant in all hours of the day and night except during feedings, and a three-year-old smearing peanut butter and jelly on everything!

Funny, huh?! Yes, it is. At the time...no. I probably even cried. But within a few days of this event I was laughing. Today as I thought about "something funny" for my day of gratitude I found myself looking at everything with a bit more joy. I laughed more. I enjoyed everything more. Did I loose my temper today? Yep, I did. Did I love my kids and all their little quarks and silliness a little more? You bet I did!

Day 6: Books

2011-11-06T21:05:00.003-06:00

Day 6

Books

I love books! Books are great! Here is just a mere glimpse at the books that I love, like, am reading, would like to read or just represent what I like.

The first two: DIY books for building backyard kids' things. Yes. I've thumbed through them many a times. I love DIY projects. I love outdoors stuff and I love doing/making things for my kids. If finances (and time) weren't an issue I'd have a big "bodacious" backyard with an awesome space for my kids. I'd also have a house full of DIY projects and furniture and projects and decorations and...and...and... Oh how exciting!
Book 3: A Woman's Guide to Spiritual Warfare. It's the book I'm currently reading. The ladies at our church our doing a study using this book. I'm not joining the study because of responsibilities at home but I'm reading the book. So far I am very impressed.
Book 4: Dare to Discipline. I'm reading this one off and on. It's good but it requires a little more attention than some others. I am constantly reading and hoping to learn how to be a better parent and this book represents that desire. I like self-help books although they are often difficult reads for me. I find myself reading and re-reading only to get to the end and wish I had time to read it again so I could really "get" it. I really hope I can get this book read soon and begin implementing its wisdom. As a parent I sure do need as much help as possible.
Book 5: The Christian Atheist. It's a great read, written by the pastor of Life Church. It's one that will make you think. I think I need to read it again.
Book 6: Les Miserables. LOVE it! You must read this one. Just make sure you get the revised edition written in "today's" language. The message represented in this fictional work is definitely one you won't want to miss.
Book 7: To Live Is Christ. A good one by Beth Moore.
Book 8: All Cracked Up. This book was given to me during one of my hospitalizations. It was a fun, light-hearted read that made me laugh and smile. It's kind of special for that reason I guess.
Book 9: What Difference Do It Make? I honestly haven't read all of this book, but it's predecessor, Same Kind Of Different As Me, is AMAZING. You must read it. It's the true story of a homeless man and his life-changing encounter with a very well-to-do couple. It's a tear-jerker (grab a tissue) and one that will really make you think about things and if you'll let it, change your life. I didn't have this book to photograph because I loaned it out.
Book 10: Bringing Up Boys. Another one of those parenting self-help books. I figure since I'm raising boys this one might be a good one. Actually, it was recommended. I'll get to this one soon I hope.
Book 11: Captivating. Excellent book. It's all about how you, a woman, are captivating to God and, as a woman, must find who you are in Christ.
Book 12: Let's Roll. Another good true story.
Book 13: The Shack. A GREAT book. It's a fictional story of one man's encounter with God. It sure makes you hope that things might really be that way.
Book 14: Experiencing God. I've read the book and I've done the Bible Study. It's one that always changes my life.
Book 15: Love and War. I'm hoping to get to this one soon. It came recommended. In fact I think this book is borrowed.
Book 16: Wild At Heart. Somewhat of a companion book to Captivating, it's the "how God sees men and how men were created" book. I hope I can keep my boys "wild at heart"!
Book 17: Gathering Blue. It's a good one! A fictional story that is an easy read and has some interesting twists.
Book 18: The Giver. It's an EXCELLENT book. I've read it several times and I'm ready to read it again. I've even read it (along with Les Miserables) to Ryan when he was an infant. It's a fictional story that will really make you think. It's completely unexpected.
Book 19: So Long Insecurity. Another great one by Beth Moore. I read this while I was on hospital bedrest with Evan. It's one I need to read again.
Book 20: Holy Bible. It's the GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD! I love my Bible. Everything in it is God-breathed and is as applicable today as it was 2000 years ago. It is truth.

Wow! Books are great! This is just a glimpse. I could go on and on and on about some great books. I'm so thankful for books.

Togetherness

2011-11-06T20:15:00.001-06:00

Togetherness...

...it doesn't happen too often around here.

Day 5: Morning Sky

2011-11-05T20:55:00.001-05:00

Day 5

Morning Sky

This wasn't taken today. I missed the "morning sky" this morning, the sunrise this morning. I was up. I was just too lazy to get dressed and go outside in the cold, crisp air. So I started browsing through pictures, looking for a past picture of the morning sky. I came across this one. It was taken in October of 2007 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas during a wonderful vacation we three enjoyed.

That same vacation is where this picture was also taken. It's one that I love and adore. I really like the picture too!

So today my gratefulness was expanded. Yes, I enjoyed and contemplated the "morning sky" giving thanks for the newness of each day. I love morning time. It's my favorite time of the day. Today, however, my thankfulness was moved beyond the morning and a little into the past. Today I'm thankful for memories made, vacations, fun times with family, and "firsts" as this was Ryan's first vacation and first ice cream cone,

Day 4: Leaves

2011-11-04T21:40:00.001-05:00

Day 4

Leaves

I love leaves. I love fall. The colors. The smells. The sounds of crackling leaves under my feet. Most especially I love playing in the leaves and watching my boys play in the leaves.

Ryan and Friends

2011-11-03T20:28:00.001-05:00

Ryan and his friends had a party at school today. It was fun!

Later that day, Ryan and his friend, Sammy, took a walk.

Day 3: Happiness

2011-11-03T20:19:00.003-05:00

I saw this on someone's facebook and LOVED the idea. So here I am, a few days late, but excited about sharing with you some of the things I'm most thankful for. In pictures! What a great way to express thankfullness and gratitude than by taking some of the most simple things and capturing them in pictures!

Day 3

Happiness

THIS is my happiness. I am so very thankful for motherhood and my two wonderful boys.

Sleep...zzzzzzzzzz

2011-11-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

For some, yet to be discovered, reason Evan spent the better part of 2 hours last night screaming and crying. I have no idea what happened or what was wrong. He has always been a very good sleeper and since his beginnings of sleeping through the night at 11 or 12 months he has very rarely needed attention in the middle of the night. Sickness has been the only midnight calling requiring my presence.

I am so very tired tonight. My mind, body and everything else is sleepy. Dragging. That being said tonight's post will probably be lacking in a lot of things. Creativity. Logic. Blah...blah...blah.

Here's my little climber. He loves to climb. So far he has been found on top of the piano, in the tree-house (house at the top of the swing set), in the dishwasher, at the top of the fence around our front porch, on our bed which is quite high, at the top of the slide at the park, and this gate, and probably a few other places we haven't even had our mini heart-stopping episodes over. I'm sure if we had a climb-worthy tree he'd be at the top of that too!

Holes and Gofers and Dogs and Kids

2011-10-31T16:39:00.001-05:00

We have gofers!

We have dogs!

Our dogs love to chase gofers!

Gofer mounds are a nuisance!

But

The dog holes created from chasing gofers are MUCH MORE impressive. (and a much much bigger nuisance!)

But I guess they aren't a nuisance to everyone around here.

Halloween Happiness

2011-10-30T20:58:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Last night was our town's trick-or-treat festivities. We "tricked" a few houses and received a few "treats". Not that the kids need any sugar...but...hey. We finished the evening at our church's Fall Festival. As soon as Ryan saw the inflatables he was ready to dump the trick-or-treating scene in favor of some high-bouncing, adrenaline-pumping fun. However he's not about to dump his bucket of candy. In the years past he always left his bucket in the...ummm..."care" of his parents, completely oblivious to the gradually dwindling stash of chocolate. Not this year! He immediately came home and stashed his loot in a "special" place where no hands (big or small) can oblige.

Evan was a bit confused by all the activities last night. His concern was felt with a little bit tighter grip on his mom and dad at each house. Our little socialite seems to be a daytime-only dude. I don't blame him. Things (and people) look so much different at night. I'm sure the excited screams and squeals of all the little monsters, princesses, superheroes and story-book characters added to his confusion. On the bright side...he left his bucket in his parent's hands, completely oblivious. Mmm...mmm...mmmm!

This year we have a...

...cute little skeleton

...and a super macho fireman!

And today we decided to mix holidays a little.

This and Last

2011-10-28T20:25:00.004-05:00

Sometimes its good to do a little reminiscing. This year and last. Two great kids, growing so fast.

2010

2011

2010

2011

Speaking Cars

2011-10-27T14:47:00.000-05:00

This little guy, since he was, oh say...

...about THIS size, has loved cars. Oh wait! Not just loved cars but LOVED cars. Just today as we were pulling into the drive after picking him up from school this was the conversation:

Ryan (out of the blue): "Mom I'm very disappointed in you."

Me (somewhat surprised since we had not exchanged more than about 3 words on the drive home): "Why are you disappointed in me? What did I do?"

Ryan (very seriously): "Well...I really wanted to go to Wal-Mart and buy a car. That's why I'm not very happy with you."

Me: "Well...sorry."

Slide Races

2011-10-26T15:30:00.000-05:00

Ryan and I raced.

I think he won!

Painting Fun

2011-10-24T20:39:00.000-05:00

The boys finger-painted the other day.

TOGETHER!

Do You Know My Daddy

2011-10-23T21:12:00.000-05:00

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all.

Yeah He loves us
O how He loves us
O how He loves us
O how He loves

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

How He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all.

Yeah He loves us
O how He loves us
O how He loves us
O how He loves

--David Crowder Band

Evan, my beautiful, sweet, innocent young son often comes running with arms opened wide and high. "Hold me". An innocent plea for love and acceptance. Comfort. A plea that leads to a joyful rise to the level of my lips for a gentle kiss. (His...quite sloppy and wet.) His head then blissfully rests for a moment or more on my shoulder. His face snuggles deeply in the softness of my chest. "I love you Mommy" are the words of his heart, unspoken. Oh how I love him. I love both my boys with a love that can't even be described.

Do you know that love? More importantly do you know my Daddy? Some just know God as their "Father", a stately and reverential knowing. But you can truly know him as your "Daddy", a common and comfortable, pick-me-up-and-hold-me kind of knowing. Can you crawl up in God's lap? Can you know Him, trust Him, love Him like a child toward his mom? He wants that. God wants you to know Him. His arms are opened wide, beckoning you. God's love is like a hurricane. His grace like an ocean. Will you let His love consume you? Your Daddy wants you. Know him. Love Him.

I can run to my Daddy with arms opened wide. "Pick me up". "Hold me" I say. I lay my head on His shoulder, bury my face in His chest. "I love you, Daddy." are the words of my heart, unspoken.

L...O...V...E...!

2011-10-22T21:04:00.002-05:00

I Just Can't Keep Him Out Of The Shower!

2011-10-21T20:39:00.001-05:00

Chester's Party Barn

2011-10-20T21:16:00.003-05:00

Ryan's little school class went to Chester's Party Barn in Piedmont this week as their fall field trip. Ryan and I went together and had a GREAT time!

Angels

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-05:00

Tonight I'm very thankful this angelic-faced little boy has a guardian angel who's been working overtime. The cat flushed a spider out of the bedroom and across the floor. Of all things that could have happened, Evan managed to take off running and stepped on the spider. Of all other bizarre and crazy things, that stupid, scurrying arachnid was none other than a black widow spider. Thankfully Evan was not bit and continued laughing and playing unhindered by the the danger that was once creeping underfoot. I, on the other hand, couldn't shake it that quickly and am just now, several hours later, relaxing.

Silly Faces

2011-10-12T21:19:00.003-05:00

A Boy

2011-10-11T20:45:00.000-05:00

A Boy And His Kitty

A Boy In A Bucket

A Boy And A Shovel

A Boy And A Chair

A Boy And A Hole

A Boy And Some Rain

It Could Have Been The Nose

2011-10-04T20:19:00.002-05:00

Bad 'Ole Owie

2011-09-27T20:29:00.001-05:00

This little guy, my daredevil child, got a bad 'ole owie about 2 weeks ago. He had a very unpleasant run-in with the fireplace. I ended up calling the doctor on this one. The gash was quite small but pretty deep. Under doctors orders I washed the wound and covered it in bandages. It has since healed quite nicely and I think only a small scar will remain if any.

Ice Cream Please!

2011-09-26T20:46:00.001-05:00

Cheese

2011-09-25T21:38:00.002-05:00

This little kid has recently learned that in the presence of a camera hamming it up is most appropriate.

Cheese!

This one, on the other hand, believes that in the presence of a camera a ridiculously silly face is what's in order.

O! There's another cheese!

And I guess if a cheese won't do, perhaps a stylish pose might work.

Mini Vacation Pics

2011-09-05T13:29:00.022-05:00

This weekend the boys and I went with Nana on a mini-vacation to Lawton. Our accommodations were great! Springhill Suites Marriott is awesome! This was the room we stayed in for 2 nights.
Complete with a kitchenette. Awww...coffee...any time...all the time.

Evan really enjoyed the box of tissues in the vanity. By the handfuls he enjoyed them!
Our vacation was full of lots of enjoyable things. Even more fun than tissue throwing. Like swimming. We did as much swimming as we could take.
And of course a little hot tub relaxing as seen in the background of the above picture.
I didn't feel it was safe for Evan to spend time in the hot tub and according to the rules Ryan shouldn't have been in it either. However, Ryan freezes. All. The. Time. He has no fat on his scrawny little body so even in the super steamy room with a moderate temperature pool he turned blue. He complained that the hot tub was too hot but I finally forced him in. Gently of course. He loved it!

Evan got to other fun things though.
Like unrolling toilet paper!
Aunt Lizzy lives in Lawton and the invitation to stay at their apartment was open but we needed a place that was completely kid-friendly and we wanted a place that felt like "vacation". The hotel was perfect. We did enjoy gathering at Lizzy's apartment for supper on Friday and Saturday evening.

Saturday morning we got up early and enjoyed a fantastic continental breakfast complete with biscuits and gravy, eggs, waffles, and all the rest. After breakfast we went to Medicine Park for the morning.

Two beautiful women!
The crew (minus me!)
Medicine Park is full of buildings, walls and structures built with cobble stone. It is really a neat place to visit. A quaint little town.
Beautiful Aunt Lizzy!
We finished out the morning with snow cones!

Upon leaving we drove up Mount Scott, the second highest mountain in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. At something over 3 miles high we stopped at the top and enjoyed the view.
We enjoyed a little rock climbing too!
Even Evan tried climbing. Of course he didn't realize that down was the only option from this point and down was a looooong way down.
OK so Evan did get to enjoy some rock climbing too.
Ryan even did a little tree climbing.
Ryan LOVED the rock climbing. This little excursion ended up being the best part of the day for everyone.
After we had all the fun we could stand climbing and rolling off rocks we drove back down the mountain and further into the refuge to the Visitor's Center & Museum. Along the way we noticed the devastating affects of the recent Oklahoma wildfires. In fact while we were at the museum we were told to leave and to vacate a different direction because the winds had shifted and the fires were spreading. The main entrance was closed.
But while at the museum we saw some critters.
And petted some fur
The refuge is known for the bison and elk that are its protected inhabitants. On our way out we noticed this big guy.
We went back to the hotel and rested a little before taking another dip in the pool.

On Sunday we grabbed a bell hop cart, took a ride...
packed it all up and checked out of our hotel room.

Then we went to the park.
And tested the limits of the mud.
Tried to feed some cranky goose.
And the rest of his finer feathered friends.
Did some running.
And some sliding.

Then we went to Cameron University and admired their landscaping and gardens.
Me and my amazing little boys!
Little did I know that we were going to have a MAJOR weather change during our vacation. Sunday morning was quite chilly compared to the previous days. Months actually. 4 months of above average temps followed by a morning of below average low temps was a pleasant surprise but one we weren't prepared for. We finished out the day snuggling like this and traveling back home. It was a GREAT VACATION!

Milestone Firsts

2011-08-27T21:20:00.002-05:00

Our sweet little family experienced a GREAT BIG milestone first this week. Ryan started school! Wow it's hard to believe he's in school already.
School has been a big topic of conversation around our house for quite some time. For many reasons. Of course Ryan being 4 and "old enough" for a preschool or pre-k program was the main reason. Is he ready? Should we wait? All day pre-k? Half day preschool? Even discussions of homeschooling vs public schooling.

We always thought we'd homeschool our kids and...eventually...I may still do that. I love all there is to love about homeschooling and I'm not totally in love with the public school system. HOWEVER...for now we are doing this... Oh wait I'll get to it in a minute. Let me finish some other thoughts.

Yes he's ready! Just over the last 4 or 5 months Ryan has matured and developed TREMENDOUSLY. I'm amazed!

Waiting. For now, yes, we're waiting. Sort of. He's still going to school but not "Big School" (public school). Yet. He's on their "wait list" and if a spot opens up we may move him to Big School.

Half day all the way! I don't think any 4-year-old should be in a school setting all day long. That being said, when/if he goes to Big School Pre-K he will be in school all day M-F. Because that's all they have. Crescent's Pre-K program is an all-day program. Which could be a blessing if something else comes about (to be discussed at another time). I'm extremely grateful that he's having the opportunity to "learn" about school in a half-day program for a while. I think he needs that adjustment time.

So here it is! Carrying On His Smile Learning Center. It's a private little preschool/daycare center. Ryan attends the preschool program Monday thru Thrusday 7:30-11:30. That's plenty of time for now. He will be eating breakfast and lunch at school with his friends. Their primary focus of this program is to prepare kids for "Big School". He will learn the basics like numbers and letters but there is also a focus on socialization that will be very beneficial when Ryan moves to the public school system.

His first week was this past week. He did great! He was excited to go each day and pretty much ran through the door leaving us behind and never looked back. He won't talk about his day at school...what he learned...what he did, etc. So far each day I've only learned what ride-on toy he played with. The firetruck. The pink car with a trailer. The red one. Etc. His favorite is the firetruck. Through a number of probing questions I did discover he got in trouble one day and had to sit in time-out after his teacher told him 3 times not to run over stuff. My guess is he was trampling everything in his path...something he does when he's tired or frustrated.

I think Ryan is going to do really well in school. The social growth is going to be, and already has been, amazing. His cognitive growth is also amazing. I'm so excited for him. And so sad too. My little boy is growing up. Hitting milestones. Passing firsts. Leaving me standing at the door with tears in my eyes as he plays away. Enjoying it all. Growing up.

I love you Ryan!

Finally!

2011-08-16T20:08:00.003-05:00

I finally received some cooperation. Cooperation with the environment, the weather, the surroundings and most importantly...

from this wonderful kid!

Awww...finally some good pictures!

It's a Hole!

2011-08-16T15:01:00.001-05:00

Two Helpers

2011-08-09T07:33:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 of my wonderful helpers.By the way...we now have a "new" helper in the family. She's BIG. I'll explain later. :)

(FYI: If it seems that Ryan is in less and less of the pictures please just know that I hold no prejudices one child to another. Ryan is at an age where he sees the camera and runs...or does something ridiculous like putting a pillow over his head. In addition he won't keep his clothes on so even those cute-picture moments can't be shared. It's not acceptable to post a picture of a naked kid. Hopefully when the weather cools off I'll be able to *sneak* some pictures of the kid.)

Marshmallow Yumminess

2011-08-07T20:48:00.002-05:00

New Chair

2011-08-02T20:39:00.002-05:00

The boys got a new chair recently. I think they really like it.

By the way...I love freebies!

Mud Lover!

2011-07-26T20:45:00.002-05:00

Mini-Vacay

2011-07-19T21:06:00.002-05:00

I was blessed with an extra couple days off over the July 4th Holiday weekend. We made it a mini-vacation weekend. On Friday we went out for breakfast...

Followed by a few hours at the Omniplex...

We came home and spent a few afternoon hours resting and relaxing before we went to a party!
Cousin Addy was turning 2!
Saturday we didn't do much but we spent a lot of time together. Without that stinkin' phone. My job isn't particularly stressful and I'm extremely blessed to work from home and be an ever-present part of my kids' lives and I have liberties that many people don't because I can work from my cell just about anywhere. However, I'm amazed at how completely relaxed I am when I'm not "on the job". I am, like every other working person, different on the job and off. I guess you can consider it like this...I work 2 jobs. I'm a full time dispatcher/secretary AND I run a full-time daycare! Taking a few days off one of those jobs is pretty nice. I don't know what I'd do if I had a few days off of both of those jobs at the same time! Taking time off from the kids isn't high on my priority list. I love my boys! (I would like to have a few hours just to myself though...without them being the late night hours when I'm super sleepy.)
Sunday we went to church and had a regular Sunday.

Monday was Independence day and we enjoyed a cookout at Uncle Paul's for lunch and fireworks in the park at dark!

Evan learned to climb over my long weekend.
Tuesday was my final day off and we spent the day with Nana at Pelican Bay in Edmond...

Followed by a great dinner at SouperSalad. And, of course, ice cream to top it all off!

It was a great mini-vacation. I can't wait for more time off this fall!

Puddle Jumping

2011-07-17T21:51:00.002-05:00

We got to do a little bit of puddle jumping last week and as many of you know this is a BIG deal here in Oklahoma since we've had over 20 days this summer of temps over 100 and virtually NO rain.

Our puddles were very short lived and the heat is back with a vengeance but we had fun while it lasted!

Birthday!!!

2011-07-07T20:27:00.007-05:00

We had a birthday around here the other day.
A first birthday!!! And first birthdays are a BIG deal around here.

Evan turned ONE on June 26th. I just can't believe he's already one!

For Evan's first birthday we, like with all our other kiddos, spent a great deal of time planning and scheming for making his first birthday a great big and fun celebration. We decided on a beach party!

Our plans got changed a little on the day of the party. The public pool we were renting had a major malfunction the night before and over half the pool drained. We were told the pool would be filled in time for the party, but we decided to move our party to the house (since the idea of swimming in cold water wasn't too appealing). We didn't mind too much though. The temps that day were over a hundred and very windy. No ONE nor THING was going to spoil our fun for the day! We still had a beach party...just without the water. And the heat.
The birthday boy had a great day! Here he is with his new car...
Of course one of the highlights of a first birthday party is watching the "birthday boy" dive in to his first cake. He was a little shy at first but he got the hang of it pretty quickly...
Oh...and presents! He got the hang of that too! He got some great things! Sticks, balls, push toys, banging toys, clothes. He even got his very own stick horse.
And he got a new water table to enjoy with his big brother.
Mister Cheese...We had a great time! We were surrounded by some of the most wonderful people we know. Nana (my mom), Papa (Nana's friend), Uncle David, Aunt Jennifer and Cousin Lucas (my brother and family), Great Uncle David (my uncle) and his friend Cindy, Aunt Lizzy (my sister), Uncle Tobin, Aunt Shelly and Cousin Addy (my brother and his family), Papa Yogi and Grandma Sue (my dad and his wife), and Uncle Paul (Wade's brother). We had several friends planning to attend but we canceled on them when the pool broke. Thank you to everyone who made my little boy's most special birthday a MOST SPECIAL DAY!

At ONE:

Evan has a head circumference at 90%, a height at 50% and a weight at 25%. I can't remember the exact numbers and I'm too tired to try to find that paper.
He started walking completely unassisted about 1 or 2 weeks before his first birthday.
He now (2 weeks later) is climbing and practically running. He loves to play chase.
He loves animals and squeals with delight at all kinds.
He loves MUD!
He loves outside and a foul mood can be turned around instantly by going outside with him.
He is still eating well and eats only table food. He has, however, started showing some pickiness. The doctor said that's normal and will last until he's 5 or 6.
He LOVES his brother, Mamma and Dadda and Nana.
He's somewhat delayed in speech, but nothing we're concerned about.
He says mamma, dadda, ca for cat, do for dog, and ba for ball. He once said di for drink.
He is a mama's boy...and that's okay!
Stranger anxiety...oh yes.
He loves fruit.
He picks on his brother but he would much rather play with him if Ryan would allow.
He competes with Ryan.
He ducks and squats down when Ryan comes running because he knows he's about to be knocked down.
He has 7 or 8 teeth now.
He sometimes pats me.
He occasionally gives kisses.
He loves to clap and he knows that with "Yay!" clapping goes with it.
He's super sweet.
And so very very much more...
OH HOW I JUST LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY!

In

2011-07-03T07:54:00.000-05:00

"I want in!"
"See...IN!"
"Come on...in!"
I'm going IN!"

Crazy Busy

2011-06-18T14:56:00.007-05:00

It's been crazy busy around here lately. And really for no particular reason or event. This past week we've been doing the VBS thing at CrossPointe in Crescent. Ryan really enjoyed it. But other than that we haven't been doing anything outstanding to cause all our busy-ness and my lack of blogging. Both of my kiddos have very strong (negative) opinions of me being at the computer, so that accounts for some of the blogging deficits.

Sibling rivalry is already a commonplace in our house. Can you just feel the love?...
We have "beached whales" often, especially on hot days and we've been having plenty of those...
Oh wait! Occasionally we DO have some love between siblings...

...the furry ones!

Evan is a little climber now...

He's fearless too.
Along with climbing Evan has started walking! On Thursday of this past week he started taking several steps without holding on. Walking across the room from one person to another. Today he started letting go and walking from one thing to another. Short distances only though.

With the ~~warm~~ HOT weather we've been having we've been spending a great deal of time outside. It's been a little too hot for my liking this past week so we've had to cut our outside time to only the cooler parts of the day. The pool is the place to be on hot days...
Last weekend we went to White Water Bay for a day of playing in the pools and riding down the slides. We had an AWESOME time. It was great. I didn't take my camera because I figured water and camera don't mix, but next time I'll take it and keep it in a bag. I missed too many good pictures. We also got to meet up with some of the cousins on the Yocham side of the family...
My kids aren't the only ones who like mud. Guess who got a bath recently?....
Gardening. Yep we've been gardening. This siamese squash pair came from Papa Donnie's garden but we've been slowly pulling off a little produce from our own garden. Unfortunately the squash bugs have drastically reduced our squash harvest.
My mud lovers...
Can you see where this is going?...

My climbing daredevil...

My kitchen helper...

My window washer...My mischievous one...

Close Ups

2011-06-06T11:06:00.003-05:00

Here are the delights of my life...

Evan is Eleven

2011-05-26T20:51:00.003-05:00

Man! I can't believe it but this beautiful boy whom I gave birth to. This awesome little boy with a name that means "God is good". This amazing little boy with baby blue eyes and dark curls is already 11 months old!
At 11 months old Evan is active and wild. He's even showing some signs of strength of will...which is not always a bad thing. He's independent and knows what he wants. He tries to be big and do what all the other kids are doing...
(He just thinks he's big). He picks on his brother often and he's beginning to hold his own when his brother picks on him. Sibling rivalry is already a commonplace in our house. "He's touching me!"

Evan has really started babbling a lot and guess what?! Momma is a common word and it truly seems it is directed towards me and not just babbling noises. Oh...be still my beating heart! Many times over the last couple days when he has found himself in an unpleasant situation I've heard "Mom-ma! Mom-ma!" He gives me a great big grin when I come to his rescue.
Evan loves animals. Especially dogs. His dog loves him too!
Evan has been "walking" for nearly 2 months now. He's following in his mother's footsteps though...he just won't let go! My mom said I held on to her skirt hem f-o-r-e-v-e-r and just wouldn't let go. Evan just won't let go! He insists on holding on with just one hand to anyone who will offer a finger. He is so agile that he almost runs at times. He just won't let go! that doesn't stop him from going anywhere he wants to go. Everything that moves is fair game for becoming a walker and the walls are just fine for balancing and support.
Because he is so active he seems to already be losing some of that "baby fat" look. We haven't been to the doctor in a few months so I'm uncertain of his weight but I'm not worried. He still takes eating very seriously. He now has 6 teeth unless another one popped through today. He's been cutting 2 or 3 at a time, so he now has 4 up top and 2 down bottom. He uses his chompers to his advantage and he can eat most things. Just yesterday he and his brother each had their own chicken nugget happy meals and they both ate them...all.

Evan is an amazing little boy and I love him more and more every day.

Tornadoes, Deals and Decorations

2011-05-25T20:41:00.004-05:00

This blog post doesn't really all go together but that's just going to have to be okay.

If you've watched any news at all lately tornadoes have been the topic of conversation. Missouri was devastated by a major one and most recently Oklahoma has been too. For those in other states that may have been hit by tornadoes today...my apologies...I have no power. Yep...no power. The tornadoes came uncomfortably close to our area (within 4 miles) and as a consequence we will be without power until the weekend. Thankfully power is the only thing we are without tonight. Our perishables will be gone in a day, our comfort may be redefined, our kids are going crazy, and I feel pretty disconnected but...WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR! Many homes were destroyed...

This was just four miles from our home.

At least 9 lives were lost and many more were injured. One family...the Hamil family...lost a 16-month-old little boy and their 3-year-old son is still missing. Please pray for them. Please pray for all of the people affected by these storms.

------------------------------------------------------------------

It almost seems inappropriate to blog about anything else tonight, so forgive me if the following is...indeed...inappropriately timed.

Today...as a way of escaping from the lack of electricity...we went out and about. Annie has outgrown her crate (bought originally for a mini-aussie), so I've been searching for one. Boy did I get a blessing of a deal!!! We stumbled into Petsmart today to *browse* the dog crates. This one...

...was on their clearance rack. Originally $129...it was marked down to $77. They gave it to me for $32!!! It has a crack in it and some marks and scuffs, but I don't care! It's big enough and basically new. Woohoo!

As a side note...the clerk asked me if it was for my dog or my kids...Hehehe. Little does she know!

And...moving on to another thought...

Decorating. Man do I have the bug! I've been wanting for quite some time to work on decorating our home...getting rid of some of the coldness of bare walls and rooms and bringing in some warmth and comfort. I want my home to feel like a place of refuge...warm and cozy! In Evan's room we recently moved in a twin-sized captains (I think that's what it's called) bed. The bed was built by my late great-uncle Rusty. It fits perfect and my intention is to turn it into a daybed of sorts. Here's the start...
I'm loving the orange! Need more pillows and I have a few ideas for the walls. When we move the boys together into the big room (since Evan's room is actually the laundry room) I'm wanting the extra space in the laundry room to be a guest/quiet-time/reading/project/relaxing room.
Or it may end up being a play room. Who knows!

I found some great garage-sale deals last weekend. Sprucing up and warming up the dining room a little...
$15 for the big mirror and $10 for the other grouping. I was pleased.

Now if I can just convince the hubby that painting and distressing furniture is not a bad thing I have a few pieces that I'd like to re-do. (Not the table). Oooo...and if I can find a really good deal on some new-to-me living room furniture that would be pretty awesome too.

Random Pictures

2011-05-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

Me and The Boys

2011-05-11T14:16:00.000-05:00

Urology and Potty Training

2011-05-05T21:27:00.002-05:00

Whew...what a day!

As many of you know (or may not know) we've been in the midst of potty training a very stubborn little 4-year-old for quite some time, but let me back up a little...

Per doctor's recommendation we were encouraged not to address the potty training issue until Ryan was at least 2-1/2 or 3. Well...2 1/2 and 3 came when I was on bedrest so it wasn't strongly addressed then. After Evan's birth the doctor recommended we not *push* the issue until Evan was at least 3 or 4 months old to lessen the stress around our house.

Sometime last fall we decided to start *introducing* the idea and encouraging the use of the toilet. We were met will every sort of opposition. Screaming, crying, yelling...everything EXCEPT willingness to use the toilet. After months of VERY STRESSFUL toileting trials we finally discussed the issue with our pediatrician. A friend recommended we set up a "Big Boy Day"...a day that Ryan chose to start using the potty. While we waited for that day to arrive our dr. suggested we consider an appointment with a urologist.

Well..."Big Boy Day" came and we were pleasantly surprised when Ryan suddenly decided that using the toilet was...well...okay. He started using the potty! Of course I know that potty training is a tedious, time-consuming, stressful challenge. I'm not fully convinced by the moms who "claim" their kid was trained in a week. I'm totally sympathetic with those moms who say they were ready to pull their hair out and spent many hours crying with frustration.

So Ryan started using the potty. We started with setting a timer every hour. Every hour we visited the potty. Well, from all my consulting with other moms I figured we would be going regularly/hourly for a couple of weeks but within a few weeks we could probably add 15 minutes and with more time add some more time. It didn't work. After many weeks an hour was all we could do. Every hour. Hopefully. Some hours weren't successful.

After consulting with our pediatrician again a urology appointment was scheduled.

Today was that appointment.

Ryan first had an x-ray of his med-section. Next he had an ultrasound of his bladder. After a thorough history & physical by the doctor here is what we found out today:

I'm not a crazy fanatical mom that needs to get a grip and just be patient...and more consistent...and whatever else (since some people had already made me feel that way it was nice to NOT be reassured of that by the doc.)
Ryan should be able to hold his pee longer than an hour but he is going to be one of those kids that timed bathroom trips will be the key for quite some time.
I'm going to need to find a good deal of patience because this process could take up to another year. Or more.
There doesn't appear to be any physical problems with his bladder.
The same nerves that innervate the feet innervate the bladder so the fact he walks well indicate good nerve function to the bladder.
The fact he can pee when asked is a good thing.
His x-ray showed his colon was completely full with plenty more poop forming coming through the pipes (large intestine)
Pooping is a big thing with peeing.
His overly full colon could be a big contributing factor to the inability to hold his urine because his bladder is being compressed by the colon.
Our first course of action is to deal with the pooping.
Basically until he is a good pooper we shouldn't expect him to be a good pee-er. However we should still remain vigilant in our hourly toilet visits and try to add time over time.
The only way to change the pooping issue is to first get it cleaned out (enemas, laxatives, stool softeners, etc....poor little guy.)
The only way to maintain the pooping progress is through diet changes.
His diet changes (not super strict...he can splurge from time to time) include: no caffeine, no carbonated beverages, very limited sugary food and drink intake, no citrus, limited red meat, limited refined flour products, limited dairy, limited fast foods like pizza, etc. (Ummm...cheese and pb&j sandwiches are his staples...what in the world are we going to do?)
Other diet changes: increased fruits and vegetables, whole grains and water.

So there's lots more info but that covers the basics. He has a follow-up appt. in 3 months. Now that I've had time to process all the new information I'm now ready to call the pediatrician and discuss HOW IN THE WORLD AM I GOING TO GET MY VERY PICKY EATER WHO ONLY EATS PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICHES AND CHEESE TO GIVE UP HIS DAILY SANDWICHES IN FAVOR OF MORE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS OPTIONS? Did I mention he's strong-willed so I do expect that if he was only offered the healthy options he would eventually eat, but I also know him well enough that he may go a week or more without eating just out of retaliation.

Zoo Pictures

2011-05-02T20:40:00.004-05:00

We went to the zoo today. We had a great time.

And here's a couple from our own home-zoo...

Serious Shopping

2011-04-29T20:19:00.006-05:00

Today I scored big time at some garage sales. I was able to buy 5 (really good) pairs of jeans with cinchable wastes, a pair of shoes, several long sleeve shirts, a couple of short sleeve shirts, a pair of shorts, 4 sets of pjs, a jacket for playtime, a nicer jacket, 2 heavy coats, and a good supply of toys...the biggy being a complete Fisher Price Diego set...all for less than $35. WooHoo! Most of the clothes are for Ryan for the upcoming school-year. The Diego set, although the most expensive individual item, was a great deal and considering the opportunities for creative and imaginative play I just couldn't pass it up.

Ryan took the day of garage sale shopping very seriously. He was pumped and ready to go before going to bed last night. The very first (and best) garage sale we found today he found a shopping cart that was just his size so he took that cart around and meticulously browsed through the toys finding just the right ones and carefully placed them in his shopping cart. When he was finished he rushed his little cart to the trunk of my car. Without me! Oh...and...he forgot to pay. Thankfully the sale was in town and several of my friends were running it and alerted me to the ummm....situation. I called Ryan back and we unloaded his treasures. He was so very proud of his finds. I was proud of him too. I didn't have to keep a close watch on him at that garage sale and was able to browse through everything else without worry. He took it all very seriously and was so very well behaved. (This is a VERY BIG thing for us.) Everyone thought it was the cutest thing in the world to watch him "shopping"...just like me.

Ryan and I shopped with intensity. He for toys and I was on a search for clothes for Ryan (and a new patio set would have been nice.) Evan, however, took a more laid back approach to the whole shopping thing...

"Aaaaa...Whatever"

Park Pictures

2011-04-28T20:42:00.006-05:00

A couple of weekends ago Nana and I took the boys to Tulsa to celebrate the life and unfortunately mourn the death of a dear friend who died quite unexpectedly. Our day, although sad in its primary intentions, was a day of fun and exciting adventures. Of course all travels with 2 little kids is exciting...or at least it better be...especially when traveling by car for 2 1/2 hours.

Here are the pictures of our time spent at a park we stumbled upon. It was a beautiful and peaceful park. I wish we had one closer to home.

10 Months

2011-04-26T17:13:00.003-05:00

This little cutie...

Is now 10 Months Old!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:48:00.001-05:00

Ryan-Isms

2011-04-21T16:27:00.005-05:00

Mom, can you put Annie in a garage sale? (It used to be can you take her back to the store, but I told him we didn't get her at a store but rather a garage sale.)
Ohhh...poof! (Hahaha. This one makes me laugh. One day he just started saying this and at the most appropriate times...when something didn't go quite right or he didn't get the answer he was hoping for. I wondered where on earth he got this from...until...I watched the movie "Despicable Me". He's watched it only once but at the very end of the movie there are 2 separate occasions in which a character says "Oh Poop!" That's where he got it!)
My eyelips are gone! (Oh really?!)
We need to put that in a garage sale. (Referring to Evan's walker. He tripped over it so the most logical thing to do with something that gets in your way is to get rid of it.)
Oh No! Mom, you got birdseed in my eye. Now the birds might eat my eye. (I thought this was funny although considering the thought processes of a 4-year-old he was probably quite concerned about this.)
What Mom? I can't hear you. (This is code for: Mom...I'm...not...listening!)
Momma--Can you hold my thumb. I need to get my cars. (Each are prized possessions and since sucking the thumb was hindering his abilities to grab cars he needed someone to take care of one so he could retrieve the other. What's funny is that this request was made with the utmost of seriousness...again that 4-year-old thought processing)
I want to go naked. (Ummm...I don't think so. In the backyard maybe, but not to the store.)
I don't like puppy kisses anymore. (I didn't know you liked them to begin with.)

It's a Wonderful Life

2011-04-15T20:36:00.005-05:00

At the Pet Store...
Sally discovered the fish...
Meet M.J. He used to be all black...

Outside Adventures

2011-04-08T17:05:00.006-05:00

Thankfully we're having a few more beautiful spring-timey days, so we've been spending more time outdoors.

Sleeping...

and, sadly, being rudely awoken by older brothers and ornery dogs...

Riding in wagons...

Playing in water (we don't always play in water fully clothed...although this kid really doesn't care)...

Digging in dirt and planting our garden...

Eating a little dirt too...

And being just plain cute...

We love beautiful days!!!

Date Day

2011-04-02T21:23:00.003-05:00

Today my GoodBoy Ryan and I went on a date! It was long, long overdo. It was the first time since before Evan's birth that he and I have spent several hours together...just he and I. I think he really, really enjoyed it...not the date activities really but rather the time alone just with his Momma. We most definitely will be making this a regular thing.

I took my boy to the movies.
It was his first time! He loved the lights and the "bigness" of everything, but most of all he loved the popcorn and icee.
It was all very exciting...and maybe a little overwhelming to the little guy. We were a little early so we spent 10 minutes watching the commercials and talking before the lights were dimmed and the previews began. After 10 minutes or so of previews the movie began, Gnomeo and Juliet. It was cute...what we saw of it. About 30 minutes from the time the lights dimmed Ryan had had enough. He was done. Ready to go. Oh well.

So our date took another turn...to a playground. A playground where he found some other kid's cars to play with.
A playground with a water fountain that was way more exciting than some big movie theater.
A playground where a hyperactive, highly-energetic 4 year old can run and play.
So our date day ended up being a wonderful time for both of us. We NEEDED that time together. Ahhhh....I can't wait to do it again and I know he's already ready for the next time.

But the next time we have a date day I'm thinking that instead of a movie date...
We might just have to skip that outing, pack a sack lunch of pb&j with chips and a pop and head to the nearest park or playground for a few hours of fun followed maybe by an ice cream at Braum's. (I know my budget will benefit. $21 for tickets and $11 for popcorn and icee for less than an hour of "entertainment". I'd rather take the family to the zoo for several hours and out to eat for that amount.)

I sure love my boy!

9 Months

2011-03-29T16:59:00.009-05:00

I can't believe I'm getting ready to write this...

Evan is now 9 MONTHS OLD!

Ugh...how time flies. With all that has been going on around here I really can't remember what I've talked about on here and what I haven't. So...here's the highlights about my dear sweet Evan.

He has 2 teeth on the bottom and he's getting another...his top canine of all things. Usually it goes in the order of bottom front - top front. Hmmmm.
He is walking quite well while holding on to the furniture. He has even started holding on to the walls and the back of the couch. That's quite a site to see.
He army crawls and is quick when he is motivated by something like a piece of paper or a toy that his brother has, but he would rather forget the crawling and get on with the walking.
He eats great! He is now eating most fruits and vegetables. I've only introduced turkey and chicken for the meats but sometimes I'll add beans to a puree for a little extra protein. I've been given the okay to start egg yolks so that is the next protein I'll add. He loves to eat anything we are eating. He eats quite a few finger foods too...cheerios, infant snacks, crackers, cheetohs, green beans, etc. Today he snatched a muffin from a grocery sack and proceeded to scarf it down before I could do anything more than pull the paper out of his mouth.
At his WCC his weight was 19lb7oz (30%), head circumference was 18 1/4" (85%), and length was 27 1/8" (15%). So basically he's short, stalky with a big head!
He is very, very vocal and although he doesn't have any "words" yet he "talks" a lot. He grunts when he wants more. He yells when we walk into a new place as if to say "hi I'm here". He also yells to "talk" to us when he's in a room by himself.
He is already showing pretty intense separation anxiety which according to the doctor is something that only begins at 9 months at the earliest. She said it will probably last until his 1st birthday but can last a month or 2 beyond.
He has the most precious smile ever!

-------------------------------------------

RYAN-ISMS:

Your shirt still looks good. (This was after he just finished wiping his greasy, buttery hands all down my front.)
Momma, when I'm really bigger I can drive you to the doctor. (Such a sweet...sad truth. I just hope he remembers this when I actually do need him to drive me to the doctor.)
Baby brother needs to be quiet. He's waking me up and I need a nap! (Oh really?!?)
Maybe tomorrow at 16 o'clock. (hehehe)
Now you have to get a spankin' 'cause I told you the other day not to eat poprcorn until you eat real food. (Real food is synonymous with healthy food around here and on this occasion Ryan was wanting popcorn before dinner. After being told he couldn't have any until after he ate "real food" he told this to Evan when the innocent little guy was running into the popcorn tin with his walker.)
Now you have to get a spankin' 'cause I told you baby brother is crying. (On this particular occasion Ryan came up to me and swatted me on the behind because Evan was crying and apparently it offended him.)
I want to tickle the fishies. (Let's not.)
You can't eat fish out of the water. It has too much dirt and grass and sticks and leaves. (I fixed fish tonight and because the kid knows that fish live in the lake and fishsticks out of the bag are our usual "fish" he reasoned that fish that comes out of that dirty lake surely can't be eaten.)
I lub that pink house. Maybe someday I can lib there. (He saw a pink house while we were driving out of Guthrie. He still really, really, really likes pink so someday he hopes to live in that pink house.)

Pucker Up!

2011-03-25T21:17:00.002-05:00

Paybacks

2011-03-21T21:06:00.002-05:00

I keep telling this kid...
that for all the cruel stuff he does to this kid...
he may want to keep in mind that paybacks could be very rough.

Blogging

2011-03-20T21:04:00.002-05:00

I really, really, really enjoy blogging.

But

Lately

I

Just

Don't

Have

Any

Time!

But to leave you with a funny thought...yesterday we went to the Science Museum (Omniplex) and after 2 or 3 hours of fun and exciting things to do and see the highlight of the day for Ryan was the vacuum cleaner that the guy cleaning the floor at the front door was using!

Picture

2011-03-15T20:58:00.001-05:00

Annie

2011-03-13T21:05:00.005-05:00

Meet Annie.
Now I have to admit that I wasn't quite ready to adopt a new puppy. I have been "keeping my eyes open" (browsing the petfinder-type sites) for when the "right" dog might come along. I just didn't think it was going to happen right now. So let me tell you how Annie found us!
While out garage sale shopping Mimi and Aunt Jen were gleefully greeted by this sweet little girl. The woman at the garage sale announced she was needing a new home for the puppy because she was moving to an apartment and couldn't afford to take 3 dogs. Mimi and Aunt Jen thought of us and called. I thought, "well...hmmm...maybe." I called Wade and we decided that sometimes the right things come along at times we might not know is right.
Boy I think this is most definitely one of those "right things". This little puppy is the sweetest little thing ever. She was being raised by a family with a 4-year-old little boy. She is calm yet playful and fun. So far she has been absolutely tolerant of all the antics my 4-year-old little boy pulls. She already loves Ryan and Ryan already loves her. They play together so well. Ryan wants here to be everywhere he is, and I'm just basking in the all the laughter I've been hearing. Poor Evan just doesn't know what to do about all the puppy kisses right now, but he isn't at all scared of her and she is very gentle with him.
Annie is a great pyrenees/blue heeler (mom) mix with a chocolate lab (dad).

So I guess it's safe to say that sometimes great things are often unexpected and the best dogs can be mutts that find you instead of you finding them.