For the briefest of moments...

I was sneaking a couple of smarties from the box I confiscated from Jenna at Aidan's birthday party(with the intention of giving them back later...but I forgot :)) And I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the china cabinet glass.

I was struck by something. My very first thought was, "what a pretty face". I found myself taking a moment to study the 1/4 of my face that was staring back at me. I like my eyes, always have. They have a nice shape, and are a great blue. Although, I have noticed that as I get older, I get less and less compliments on them. Perhaps from my constant desire to sink into the background of self-consciousness.

I also noted that the shape my face takes from my temple to just below my cheekbone isn't that bad. Not as chubby as I always imagined. But then, I couldn't see my cheeks :)

My skin is blessedly clear too. And in the right light(In this case from a $14.97 floor lamp from Wal-Mart) is a nice smooth creamy colour.

Perhaps it's time to stop shrinking away from strangers rare glances my way. Time to live a little more freely. Time to be aware that not Everyone is staring at my weird shaped nose, or my "Yes, I've had three babies, one recently" pooch. Time to face forward.

Perhaps. But not likely.

~Lisa~

Croup

Aidan has croup. He's been barking since late Saturdy night. It seemed to come in fits and starts all day Sunday, along with a fever off and on. Finally around 8:00 Aidan's fever was up to 102.3, and he couldn't catch very much breath in between. Al ran out to get some Tylenol for him. I had to run him outside so he could get his coughing under control.

After listening to him for awhile longer, we decided there was no way he'd be able to sleep with the way he was coughing and breathing, so I took him to the ER.

Fastest I've ever been in and out of an ER! We didn't have to wait to be seen by he nurse at all. And I bet we saw the doctor within 30-40 minutes of being put into the isolation room. They gave him some cool mist/oxygen to breathe in while we waited, and then a steroid orally, and in a breathing treatment. He did really well the whole time. Just freaked out a bit when he woke up and I was holding the mask over his face. He kept telling me over and over that he's "Very sick", poor guy :( The nurse taking care of him said that he was working really hard to get his breath. His chest cavity was pulling in, as was that little spot at the base of his neck, where the collarbone meets.

All in all we were out of the ER within 2 hours. That must be a new record.

He seems a little better today. The coughing has gotten a lot better, but is still there. His breathing is remarkably better too, unless he's crying, then it seems to be worse. Hopefully this is short lived. I hate it when my babies are sick.

Anyway, off to administer more cuddles.

~Lisa~

Heard from the Dentist...

I think I forgot to update after our last experience with Jenna at the Dentists. It didn't go so well. I took her this time, and discovered she is much less brave for Mommy than Daddy. The nurse(or whatever you call them) manage to put on the numbing gel okay, but the dentist wasn't able to give Jenna the needle of freezing. He recommended that we book her in for anesthetic, since a few of her cavaties are deep, and she'll need to be incredibly still for the procedures. So, we left that day, with no work done.

So, the dentist office called today with good news...kinda. Jenna has been approved to have all the work done while asleep. Not all is covered though, so we will end up paying about $250.00...not bad compared to the $3800.00 the other guy wanted. The bad news is, the appointment isn't until December 21st. Long time to wait, when she's in pain again(they called in another prescription for an antibiotic to get rid of the new infection. Yay!)

So, after talking to the nurse for a few minutes, and her confirming with the dentist, we've decided to give it one more go with Jenna awake. Al is going to take her again...hopefully she'll be braver for him, and we won't be wasting another appointment. She goes next Saturday, for their last appointment of the day, I'm guessing so that the dentist doesn't feel rushed, an can take the time to comfort her, and ease her through the process.

I'm going to talk to my doctor on Monday. I want to see if there's some kind of anxiety medication she can take on the days she's having the work done. That way she isn't so nervous going into it all. I'm normally against this kind of thing, but I really feel it's for the best this time. I'll maybe just give her some Gravol before she goes. That'll make her sleepy.

So, that's where we are with that. I am SO pleased with this dentist.

~Lisa~

these eyes...

Are going to break hearts some day.

~Lisa~

(here's the original...I couldn't resist :))

Shaking my head. and updating.

Sometimes, all you can do is shake your head, smile, maybe even give a little chuckle, and move on with life. Let me explain.

After getting my kitchen cleaned up from the near fire, I could still smell smoke, so I decided to wash the curtains. I get them washed, dried, and re-hung. Only to discover THEY SHRANK!! By a good thre inches!! Lordy...windows are not meant to wear capris. I made the curtains my self, from a table cloth(Which apparently I should have washed BEFORE sewing), so now all I can do is hope that I have enough material to make them into Tab Panel curtains, so the gap is at the top of the window, and hopefully looks deliberate! Like I said, sometimes all you can do is shake your head.

Jenna is sick again. She has a real congested sounding cough, runny nose, and until I made Mac N Cheese, no appetite. I took her to the clinic this morning and after waiting there 2 hours, I was told it's probably just a head cold, and I have to let it run it's course for a week. Let me tell you how much I love my boss. A LOT. When I called to tell her I couldn't come today, she offered to meet me at the clinic so that she could watch the boys for me, while I waited with Jenna. And she wouldn't take no for an answer!!! She has a DVD player in her van, so Henry and Aidan just watched a couple shows and hung out together, and Mason slept in his car seat the whole time. How lucky am I to have such a caring, giving boss. I really need to find a kick ass Christmas gift for them. I am SO grateful.

My kids are going through a weird(for them) stage. I can't make anything remotely different for dinner, or they won't eat it!! For example, don't dare add meat and vegetables o macaroni and Cheese. NO! Vile!! And don't make cheesy rice(It was hamburger helper, can't remember the name of it) NO! We want PLAIN rice! WHITE rice!! I made white rice the next night, and Jenna had to helpings! UGH! It wouldn't be so bad, if both kids weren't both going through it at the same time. Little hooligans.

Aidan is being so funny and cute lately...well, not that he isn't always :) I was changing his diaper the other day, and he was standing, instead of laying down, like usual. he looks down and says "OH! My pemis!!"(Yes, with the M) I said, "Yep, there it is" and he gets all sad and says to me "Oh NO! It fall down" LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!! that's one of those stories that he would die over if he knew I had told anyone hehehe...one to hang on to for the girlfriend years :) He's also become a champion begger. "Candy please Mummy? Please please please please pleeeeeeeeease????" While jumping up and down and looking cute. Little Bum! He's also started to say "Thank you Very Much" when he gets something. I swear, I beam with joy every time he opens his mouth.

Mason is about thisclose to laughing I think! he did it in his sleep the other day, and hasn't done it since, but I know it's in there!! I can't wait!!!! I can't believe that he's going to be 3 months old in a week. No freakin' fair dude. It seems like sometiimes he's been here forever, and sometimes like he's only been here a week. Babies amaze me.

So, for one last update, I weighed myself at Jenny's on Tuesday. When I left there the week before having Mason I was about 196...when I weighed on Tuesday(Drumroll please....) 157.5!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!!!! And I haven't done a darned thing to lose it. Well, except breastfeeding. Jenny and I agreed that if I breastfeed for 2 years then I should be back to what I weighed in the beginning of college! LMAO riiiight. I think it's time to start working out. HAHA

Okay, so that's all.

Have a great day.

~Lisa~

All I wanted was a cup of Tea.

And i nearly burned the house down!! Okay, well, it wasn't Quite at the point yet, but not far from it I imagine.

I turned on the wrong burner again. This time there was a plastic bowl on the burner. In my hurry to get things together for the three kids, and me the night before going back to work, I didn't get to the dishes. Al cleared the table for me, but I didn't make it to the kitchen before falling into bed last night. And then when I got home yesterday afternoon, I was so tired that all I really wanted was a cup of tea. I put the kettle on a different burner than normal, and just flicked the switch. Out of habit I turned on the burner that I use most often. And of course, the only one that had something other than the kettle on it.

My kitchen was FULL of smoke. So much so that I had to bend down a bit to get a good breath. luckily it happened just a few minutes before we were due to leave to get Jenna from school anyway, so I got the hazard out of the way, and got the boys out of the house. We got Jenna and went immediately to Wal-Mart for a new electric kettle. I figured enough was enough, if I can't get it through my brain to check the stove, then it's better to spend the money to protect my family. I also got some Lysol Nuetra Air stuff. I like how it sprays, but it's not the best for eliminating a smoke smell. (Just a little product review for ya :))

I'll be spending today washing my curtains, and every other surface of my kitchen.

Try as I might, I can't help but think over and over of what Could have happened. I'm sooo grateful that we are all okay(Just a headache for me), and that I went to check on the kettle when I did.

I need to be more organized. I need to be more attentive. I need to pay attention to the world around me. I need to run the dishwasher. I need to have more sleep. I need to give my head a shake.

~Lisa~

Changes...

Well, today was my last day home with the kids...kinda.

I'm going back to work tomorrow. I'm really nervous about it though. I know it will be fine. And we kinda need the money...who doesn't?

Jenny has been so awesome at agreeing to watch Mason while I work with Henry. And she's promised that if it doesn't work out well with him there, that we can try again in January when he's a little older.

Jenna is going to have a hard time with it I'm sure. But she's a pretty good kid for being able to adapt. I did warn her teacher that this week might be tough for her. I won't be able to walk her to school in the morning anymore.

Aidan is going to have trouble too I imagine. Normally on a school day I give him lunch at 11:30, and he goes down for his nap between 12 and 12:30, and he sleeps until 3 when we go get Jenna. But now he'll only be getting to sleep from 1:45 to 3. Hopefully he adjusts okay, and doesn't turn into a total bear. But, he won't sleep at the babysitters for some reason(he used to) so I'd rather him have a short nap, than no nap at all.

I got some new pants today. Wicked deals. I went to Old Navy and got a Khaki pair, and a Black pair. the Khaki's were $6.97, and the Black ones were $9.97!! I wish we had more money, I could have bough SO many nice things today! Figures doesn't it? You go, with the intention of getting a few things, and find nothing...you go and aren't able to spend much, and find tonnes! c'est la vie!!

Man, I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Here's to hoping.

~Lisa~

My appologies to you Helen...

I'll probably be away from blogging for a few days. I know, I know...it's my responsibility to update EVERY DAY...but alas...the time has come for me to have company, limiting my bloggable hours to nil.

My MIL and FIL are coming for the weekend. This is a pretty big occasion for us. They have never been in our home at the same time. Dale(MIL) came down once for the funeral of her Aunt. Charlie stopped in once on his way through our city for work. They didn't come the Christmas we invited everyone down after having Aidan. that broke my heart...I was hoping they would come to meet their grandson, but they begged off...and we never really found out why.

They promised they would come in September, after Mason was born. But never came, and never came, and never came. i had honestly given up hope that they were coming to visit. BUT! They are actually coming here, this very weekend. they'll be here soon.

Not only are they meeting Mason earlier than they ever met Jenna or Aidan, but they are finally coming for one of our kids birthday parties. I'm SO happy about that....despite the pressure! LOL

Don't get me wrong. I Love my mother-in-law. We get along well, laugh at the same things, shake our head at disbelief over the same member of the family. I completely disagree with how she raised her children. But, she makes a much better grandmother than mother, and I applaud her for that.

My father-in-law is the kind of person who should be about 782 years old, for the tales he tells, but he's funny. He tries hard. And he makes Dale happy.

Anyway...they're coming today, Aidan's party is tomorrow, my Dad and Step-mom are staying over Saturday night to help lay the (FREE!!) laminate floor they got us for Jenna's room, and the in-laws are here until Monday...like I said, seriously cutting into my bloggable hours.

I'll do my best to post some pictures of Aidan's party....but please don't hold your breath...I'd hate to feel responsible for any injuries that may cause :)

I'll miss you all, my faithful...albeit few...followers :)

~Lisa~

Aidan. A-I-D-A-N. Aidan.

How hard is that? How impossible is it to spell the number one name of 2003? All this week, I have been getting cards, and emails wishing Aidan a happy birthday. NO ONE has spelled it right!!!!

This is FAMILY and close FRIENDS I'm talking about.

Card from my Grandfather, ADEN

Email from SIL, Aiden

Emails from 3 different close friends, Aiden.

Email from my SISTER, Aiden.

I didn't know that Aidan could be spelled with an E until after I named him. Apparently, I live in the woods, and never come out into civilization to know that AIDEN is the more popular spelling. UGH! It doesn't look right to me, not as smooth for some reason.

How do I tell my friends and FAMILY that they are spelling his name wrong all the time? I can forgive my Grandfather, as he is old, and also got our postal code incorrect. But still...

I even replied to my sister's email with the correct spelling of Aidan in the email, and she STILL replied back with the WRONG spelling!!

I'm not so worried about it now, because well, he is only two, and can't spell yet. But if I let this go on for years, he's eventually going to get just as annoyed as his mother that no one cares to know how to spell his name. And that's what bothers me.

All my kids have an A and an N in their names, and are 5 letters long. Jenna is the only one with an E.

I am soooo annoyed.

~Lisa~

but not too annoyed to attach a picture of my boy :)

Someone come and kick my ass okay??

I really need to get it together. My mom is going to be here tomorrow. And Al's mom and step-father are coming from Timmins(7 hours away) for the weekend. Aidan's party is Saturday. My Dad and step mom are staying over Saturday night so they can help us lay the laminate floor in Jenna's room on Sunday.

And what did I do to get my house in order today. NADA...NOTHING...ZIP...ZILCH. Ugh. I am so annoyed with myself. Well, actually, I moved some things around in the baby's room...which no one is going to be looking at, and the baby still doesn't sleep in...don't ask.

Granted, I still feel like a great big pile-o-poop...but I really have no choice in this process. it HAS to be done.

I think my biggest problem is that I don't know where to start. I'd LOVE to just get a great big garbage bag and toss it all in. If only I had the will power.

So anyway, if anyone wants to come and give me heck for being so stinkin' lazy, and kink my butt into gear, that'd be GRRRREAT!

~Lisa~ who is hanging her head in shame.

Aidan's (Belated) Birthday

The Newest 2 year old :)


Telling us he's TWO!!


He did his candles on his own :) Two blows for each one.

Well, we had a pretty low key day yesterday for Aidan's second birthday. I have some kind of cold/flu/sickness, so I wasn't up to much of anything. I feel so bad about that. But, I'll do my best to make up for it at his party next weekend.

Aidan was so cute. He woke up and when I went into his room to get him I said "Happy Birthday Aidan!!!" He goes "Thanks!!! Is there Birthday Cake?" and then "Mmmm Birthday Cake...ALL DAY..." LMBO Nice try son.

I made him a little cake, and we gave him a couple gifts and that was about it for his birthday.

My mom is coming on Wednesday to help me with his firetruck cake. I'm SOOO Excited about that! Except that my SIL and her baby are coming too. Don't get me wrong, I do like her. I was just hoping for a day with my Mom, ya know? And I don't quite understand why she Still can't stay home alone with Damion?? She goes to work with my family(mom, George and Brian all work in the same place) every day. Weird. Whatever, this post is about Aidan.

I'll attempt his birth story...

Because of my c-section with Jenna, my doctor wanted to do another c-section. But I was adamant that I wanted to know if my body could do it on it's own this time around. He agreed and that was that. We went 9 days overdue before going in to be induced. Luckily, all they had to do was break my water, and my labour started. And then the walking started. and the walking and the walking and the walking. We got to the hospital at 7:30, the walking began at about 8. The nurses chased me out of my room everytime I tried to sit or lay down. WALK they said. So we walked. One nurse told me I must have had a lot of water, as she could see my belly size really going down. Looking back, I am pretty sure that I probably just lost about 5 pounds from all that damn walking. I finally refused to take another step out of my room at about 7pm. That's right. I walked for 11 hours. I continues to walk around my room for awhile. Doc checked me at 8:30ish. I was 5, almost 6 centimeters!!!! I wanted to jump for joy. I only got to 4 cm with Jenna after 12 hours. I had one of those classic only on TV labour moments. I grabbed Al's shirt and said to him "You need to get me that Epidural RIGHT NOW!!!" He found the nurse, and the epi-man YAY. So, the labour continues. I laid in bed, watched TV. the contractions were coming every couple of minutes when the doctor checked me at 10:30. I still had so much pain in my crotch it was unbelievable!! I was still 5, almost 6 cm's. I was so devestated. And SO exhausted by this time. So, they gave me the option of pitocin, or a section. I couldn't decide. Pitocin meant stronger contration, probably another couple hours of labour, and an increased chance of rupture, and pushing. The c-section meant 6 weeks of recovery. I hated to make the decision. Dr. Moreau left me to think and Al and I talked it over. I decided that I didn't think I would have enough strength left after another couple hours of labour to push. So, c-section it was.

They wheeled me into the OR and I pretty much slept through everything!! Al kept telling me to wake up! lol

He came out peeing, but so quiet. I really thought there was something wrong. But then he let out this cry that melted my heart :) He was a big boy, 8lbs 11oz and 22 1/2 inches long!! And just SO perfect!! nice round head, perfect creamy skin. So handsome.

I was SO relieved to have chosen a section when I heard of the distress Aidan was in. The cord was around his neck TWICE, and he had already passed some meconium :( No way would I have been able to push him out.

When we were in the recovery room, one of the nurses said that Al was bringing our son to see me. That struck me as soooo funny. For 2 years and 5 months i had been saying daughter...and now I had a SON!! Everyone laughed at me when i said it out loud :)

So, that's how Aidan Alvin Joseph McAlendin came to be.

and he's the Funniest most delightful boy I have ever met :)

~Lisa~

Rock 'em Sock 'em

Jenna and I came to blows yesterday. Well, more accurately, Jenna came to blows yesterday. I guess with being sick for a couple days, getting up at 4:45 and going to school all day, she just couldn't hold it together anymore.

It started when she came home from school. No one could go near her, look at her or speak to her. She was snapping and yelling and just one big grump. So we left her alone. As much as a 2 year old will leave his sister alone anyway.

Dinner was a disaster. I made something new. Heaven forbid. I thought it was good; Chilli cheeseburger macaroni. She wouldn't touch it. She wanted PLAIN macaroni and cheese. Not hardly two bites passed between her lips. Despite constant warnings and threats that she would go to bed with nothing at all.
I eventually caved and gave her half a peanut butter sandwich and a yogurt. But life did not get easier.

I asked her to clean up her Barbie things that were scattered all over the place. She refused! "I'm watching TV instead" she said to me. I told her she was more than welcome to watch some more TV after her things were cleaned up, but right now she was going to get them cleaned up. Nope. She plunked herself on the floor when I went into the kitchen.

So, I very quietly picked up all of her Barbie things. And put every single thing into a garbage bag. And into the garage they all went.

She didn't make as big of a stink about it as I expected, not at first.

And then she got RUDE. Demanding to know where they were. Telling me I could not take HER things away. Saying she knew where they were and was going to play with them anyway. And that was enough for me. I told her to get to her room. She said NO. I couldn't believe my ears.

That's when I lost it. I half pushed, half carried her up the stairs(She was making herself limp, and wouldn't walk). And then the fight. She tried very hard to get away from me. I had to wrestle with her to get her dress, shirt and tights off. And I had to wrestle with her to get her pajamas on. That's when she really lost it. She was hitting and swatting and kicking. She even got me with her foot on my cheekbone.

And I never said a word. i didn't show her I was madder than mad. I was very grateful for my job...where it's at your own risk to show any emotion during an altercation like this.

She came out of her room a million times, and every time I just took her right back in. Never said a word, just made her get back into bed, and pulled her blankets up, and left the room again. the whole time she's crying and saying over and over "You can't do this to me!!"

It took at 30 minutes of that before she finally gave up and fell asleep.

I know that it needed to be done. But I still feel terrible. My Mrs. Nicemommy routine just isn't enough. Talking through it wasn't enough. warnings weren't enough. Both Al(Who was working late) and my Mom said that it was high time I got more assertive with her. That she was getting close to walking all over me. But I guess I had been holding out hope that her and I could have some kind of understanding, and I would never have to really be the bad guy. Which is stupid, I know.

I guess i worry most that I have made her think I don't love her. I worry that I have broken that bond that only mothers and daughters have.

She was very quiet this morning. But still dawdled and balked at eating breakfast. So really, I have no idea if being the bad guy worked at all.

Sometimes, I really hate being the mommy.

~Lisa~

Opps!!

Ugh. I broke a plate. In the most ridiculous way!

First of all, our electric Kettle bit the bullet a couple days ago. So, we've had to revert to the pioneer way, by boiling water in a kettle on the stove *Gasp!* not a huge deal really. Unless you're a dunce like me apparently.

I turned on the wrong burner. On top of it, waiting to be washed, was a cookie sheet, on top of which was a dinner plate. A green one. I like the green ones a lot :( When I realized what the smokey smell was coming from, I foolishly put on an oven mit(Okay, well that was actually about the smartest thing I've done all day) and attempted to move the cookie sheet off the red hot burner(that's the foolish part). Instead of letting everything cool down on it's own. In the process the plate broke in two :(

darnit! I LOVE my dishes SO much, but they are slowly dwindling down. We've got 6 dinner plates, 7 small plates, 4 bowls, and I think 5 mugs left, from two sets of four originally. I love the earthy colours, a golden/mustardy yellow, a sage green, a burgandy and a purple(which I always wish is blue.) We got them at Costco over 2 years ago, so the chance of replacing the missing pieces is uh....NONE. WAH!!

Darn me and my absent-mindedness.

~Lisa~

Busy Busy Busy!

Wow, seems like life is never going to slow down around here!!

Saturday we met up with Julie and Jenn for some shopping!! What a very very long day. But so much fun :) I didn't get half what I was hoping for, a sweater, a pair of pants and a PINK shirt...which is too big and I have to return =P

Sunday my nephew Damion was Blessed. Great little ceremony. Al and I were asked to be his God Parents. I am SO honoured.

Damion is doing well. Up to 7lbs 14oz now, at 6 weeks old. He's still such a peanut though!!

Sunday night things started going downhill. Aidan woke up at 1:30. Al got up with him. Poor kid has an ear infection. So, we spent a good portion of Monday morning in the clinic waiting for a prescription :P But, except for some extra crankiness, it hasn't slowed him down too much!

Halloween didn't really go as planned either :( Al was supposed to get off early, and ended up getting home at 7 pm. So he missed out on the kids trick or treating :( Not his fault at all, but still lousy for everyone. My mom was late getting here too, so i had to bundle Mason up and take him out for a bit before she got here. The Pizza I made for dinner burned on the edges. And Jenna started feeling sick too. But, I managed to get the two kids dressed up and out the door on my own (Yay me).

Jenna was a very beautiful Cinderella!!


And Aidan was a reluctant(But super cute) Franklin the Turtle




He was so cute. It was so nice out, that a lot of people were outside sitting in lawn chairs. But Aidan would only focus on the door, and it was a total struggle to get him to turn his attention to the person with the candy! LOL He would also hold out his bucket a second time if he thought he'd gotten something to his liking! LMAO! That's my boy!!

So, after all that excitement, I got the kids into bed. for a few minutes. Until Jenna came downstairs saying she couldnt sleep. i took one look at her and realized just how sick she really was. Poor kid. Bright red face, and a fever of 101.7 :( Doped her up with Motrin, and she climbed into bed with us for awhile, until she decided we were making her too hot, and went back to her own bed. She threw up at 2. :( So, change the sheets, get her showered. I put the bucket in her room then. And my girl, my little girl, threw up in it, on her own, and didn't come to get Mommy :''( How can she be so grown up that she doesn't need mommy when she's sick?? *sigh* SO, no school for her Tuesday.

It's wednesday now, Jenna is still fevered, but not nearly as bad. It was about 100-102 all day yesterday. Highest so far today is 99.7.

here's to hoping she's better for school tomorrow. She's a lousy patient LOL.

Anyway, that's what we've been up to.

~Lisa~

Lisa Needs...

I am such a copy cat :) thanks to Julie and to Helen:)

Lisa needs a family that can provide stability, love and structure for her (What mother doesn't?)

Lisa needs someone to reinforce the fact that she is not a loser (yep. not that I am all that worried, but still...)

Lisa needs a sub (heck ya. Ham and Turkey...Lots of meat, not much lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sub sauce.....)

Lisa needs a fair amount of exercise and plenty of company (Ain't that the truth!! Although, preferably not at the same time.)

Lisa needs a tree (Not sure what for, maybe a swing? Somewhere to keep a squirrel?)

Lisa needs braces (hmm, I thought my teeth were fairly straight. What do I know?)

Lisa needs to handler lower conditions (okay.)

Lisa' needs a bigger grin and lots more warmth from an overly conscientious Julia Roberts. (DARN RIGHT! I Love her!!)

Lisa Needs Help! (I hope she gets it!)

Lisa needs to find more (more what? I'll look, but more What?)

That was fun :)

~Lisa~

Some things are meant to be done the hard way.

Such as Peanut Butter cookies.

In my infinite Mom wisdom, I prepared a double batch of cookie dough before Mason was born. And froze half. In my mind I figured, "I'll look like supermom, bake the premade cookies just before the guests arrive, and they'll be amazed! Pure Genius!!" sure. in theory.

If you're not me.

Twice now, I have had company coming. Twice now I attempted this master cookie plan of mine. Twice now I have not had time to bake the cookies until my guests have left. And twice now, I have over-cooked every last cookie!

I thought I might have improved my chances with the last batch today, but no. I put the cookies back into the oven "Just for a minute" since they weren't quite done.

uh huh. 4 minutes later, they were over-cooked. UGH!

I give up. Apparently, I need the measuring and mixing and mess to remind me that there are cookies in the oven.

~Lisa~

3 Down

Jenna did AMAZING today at the Dentists!!! She got three fillings done, two in one tooth, and one in another. Al went with her, and said that the only time she cried was when the grinder was on her tooth, and that was just because of the vibration. No pain for my brave girl :)

So, she has more appointments on the 9th and 16th to get some more done, but she will NOT need to be put under! I'm so relieved about that.

I can finally breathe a very big sigh of relief. No mother ever wants to think that she has failed her child, or caused them pain(well, not the good ones anyway :)) So now, knowing that she can get the repairs done without pain, such a good feeling :)

~Lisa~

APPROVED!!

Wow, 2 blogs in one day!

I called the Dentists office, Jenna was approved by the Health Unit to have all the dental work that she needs done!!

i can't even begin to tell you how relieved I am. We go for a trial filling tomorrow. The dentist said that because she was a little nervous, he wants to see how she does with one filling, and go from there.

If she does okay, then they'll do the work with her awake. If she's too nervous, they are going to put in a secondary application to have her put under in the office. Lets hope that whatever way they go, she'll do okay.

I'm so nervous. I won't show it.

~Lisa~
p.s. Funny Jenna story. I got my flu shot yesterday. Jenna promised me that she would be brave, and stay by my side the WHOLE TIME!! And told me not to worry. She's be right there. HA!! As soon as the needle came within 6 inches of my arm she took off and hid behind the door! LMAO...thanks for being so brave for me babe!!

how much!?

Excuse me? pardon? Was that Really 13 POUNDS you said?! Not my Baby! Not my tiny boy. Can't be. Let me see that scale. hmm...yep...right there in Black and Grey. My tiny baby. Smallest of my three children, has gained 3 ounces short of 6 pounds in two months!! 13 pounds 6 ounces. Wow.

I was having a hard enough time with the realization that my last baby is already 2 months old. And now I have to deal with the knowledge that he's 13 pounds! I don't know where he's hiding it. He's certainly not a roly poly baby. Just solid I suppose. Doc measured him at 23 inches, but I have a feeling he was off with that. Not that I blame him, a wiggly baby is hard to measure!

So, that's the 75th percentile for weight, and between 50 and 75th percentile for height.

Jenna's stats were 9.3 at birth, 13.9 at 2 months. (gained 4.6)

Aidan's stats were 8.11 at birth, 14.12 at 2 months. (gained 6.1)

Mason's are 7.9 at birth, 13.6 at 2 months. (gained 5.13)

He dropped to 6lbs 13 oz. in the hospital, with multiple signs of dehydration. He went 7 1/2 weeks with ONLY breast milk. He smiles at me all the time now. He's just starting to get hair on the top of his head. His baby acne is cleared up. He's got my blue eyes. And he never misses a thing.

I am so enthralled with this last baby of mine :)

~Lisa~

P.s. He slept through the night last night :) 10-5:16!! Ofcourse, now I could feed a small countries babies with my rather engorged right breast, but I'll take it!!!

Blogables.

Kattie's party went really well. It was so wonderful to see all these little girls practically knocking each other over to come and greet my little girl when we arrived!! And to see her laughing and playing. I was always worried(for no apparant reason) that she wouldn't make friends at school. But that is SO not the case.
I was the one out of place at the party. We're so used to family parties I guess. I was the only mom that stayed with Jenna. And of course, I didn't realize it until I had taken off my coat. And of course, it was the first time I left Mason with Al during the day...so I didn't even have him there to make myself look busy with!! Oh well. I survived, and now I know for next time.

Aidan is sick :( He was up off and on for about 4 hours last night throwing up :( he's such a trooper though, and just went with the flow everytime he threw up. He even told Al and I to go sit on the couch when we put him back in his bed once! I guess he'd had enough of us fussing over him LOL. Can i just say, I am SO grateful for a plastic firetruck bed!! It's SO much easier to clean!!! And can I also say how grateful I am to my husband!? He laid with Aidan on the couch until about 2AM. And then got up at 6 to go to work like always. Just so I could sleep. I am SO in love with him. Aidan seems to be okay now. Just a little fever.

I'm not sure what I did, but Aidan keeps coming up to me and saying "Oh mommy, I'm so proud of you!!" I'm happy I can meet his expectations...but I'd like to know what wonderful thing I have accomplished!

Today is my friend Karen's big 3-0!!! I filled her car with 28 balloons last night(I did get 30, but Jenna and Aidan claimed two :)) You should have seen me, 10:00 at night, in my jammies, in the rain, reaching through the hatch at the back of her Honda Civic trying to get the balloons into the front seat! hilarious!! She was SO surprised :) And, since her other friends didn't do anything to celebrate her birthday, and she was feeling pretty bummed about it, I think, and hope, it cheered her up :) I had to get her back for my surprise party last year!!

Well, I know when I started out writing this that I had more to blog about, but I seem to have forgotten them, and now my BOOligans (HAHA! That's for you Julie!!) are screeching at me for attention.

have a great evening!!

~Lisa~

One party down, One to go

Well, Ethan and Emma's party wasn't so bad after all. A few moments where I wanted to rip out mine, or someone else's hair, but that's all :) It looked like a daycare with all those kids in there! lol

You should have seen the pile of presents!! Even taking into consieration that they are twins, so everything is doubled, WHOA! There were more gifts there than would fit on a queen sized bed! I'm so happy that Carry has babies that are loved so much!!

Her Mother-in-law drove me CRAZY!!! Nothing completely new. She's the kind of person that pretends to care, pretends to be nice, but really couldn't give two craps about you. I think the thing that bothered me the most was during the gift opening...Aidan didn't get a nap yesterday, and was pretty tired and hyper my the time the twins started opening their gifts...at 5pm! I tried my very best to keep him on my lap and out of the way of the cameras...but geez, he's almost 2, and he's a very active boy. I finally let him go, and told him to go play. On his way back to me Jane(MIL) grabbed him from behind and tried to sit him on her lap, and Hold him there!! Seriously, I was sitting right beside her on the floor. I reached over and took him from her, and she GLARED AT ME!! Anyone that had been watching us could see that I was doing my best to keep him contained. You'd think she'd never had two boys before!! UGH! that woman. Sooo glad that she's not my MIL!!

My meatballs were a huge hit!! Thank you to my SIL noreen for her secret recipe!!

So i guess, over all, the party was a success!

~Lisa~

Party party party!

Well, just party party really. My best friends' twins turned One yesterday! So hard to believe. I can't wait to see them today. Although, I am a little anxious about the party today. Carry said there are going to be about 40 people there (Carry's a total over-achiever, and can never NOT invite someone). That many people in one small house makes me nervous for some reason. I guess having two small hooligans and an infant can do that to a mother. If if wasn't a dinner thing too, I would probably just stay for a few minutes. But, she is my best friend, I can't do that to her.

And tomorrow is another Party! Jenna got invited to a classmates McDonald's party. While I am Thrilled that she's making friends, I am a total McDonalds party virgin, and have no idea if we pay for her meal or not. I tried to ask in a roundabout way when I RSVP'd, but the mom wasn't really clear. Not that it matters all that much, I just like having all the information before hand.

We still haven't gotten gifts for anyone!! You'd think after having two kids go through their first birthdays that I would know what is a great gift for a one year old. Nope. No ideas. Except a book each. I love giving books. You'd also probably think that having a girl the same age as the birthday girl that I would know exactly what to get her too. HA! Polly Pocket is so freakin' expensive, and I refuse to spend $25 on a person I have never even met before. Oh well, i am sure we'll find Kattie something just lovely. I'm more worried about buying for the twins. There are certain unspoken of expectations there. Not from my friend so much, as from the grandparents. And darnit, did she have to go and have TWO babies at once!? LOL Just kidding.

Well, I ought to go make my meatball sauce before we have to go shopping. I totally cheated and bought pre-made meatballs hehehe...that certainly goes against the unspoken of expectations! but I figure WHO CARES MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Oh yeah, I'm in FINE party spirits today for SURE!!

~Lisa~

Never been in love with a Bag before!

Until I saw this one at Wal-Mart!! How perfect is this for me!? I saw it, and had the overwhelming sense of frivolous NEED! And my husband, whom I love and adore, handed me the money and made my day!!

It's just so fun, and ME!!

I feel weird about being in love with a bag, but really, I am. And I'm proud of that! If people think me strange for being 25, almost 26 with a Tinkerbell Bag, well that's just fine. I like it, I will carry it forever, and I will not care!!

:P

~Lisa~

Quite the adventure.

On the way home from taking Jenna to school this morning I was chatting with one of the other moms (Yay Me!) and this strange dog came running up to us. Totally friendly, but almost knocked her little girl down to get the dog biscuits in her pocket! We caught hold of her, and read her tags. Of course, there was no address, just a phone number. Dina(the other mom) luckily had some rope in her van (As if there are people really that prepared for everything! lol) So, we put the dog on the rope, and attempted to walk her, so I could bring her home and call the number on her tags. HA!! The dog was clearly NOT used to being walked. All she wanted to do was play tug...which was a little scary...the way she was jumping and growling at the rope, and me.

Luckily Dina knew a lady that lived on the street we were on, and we called from there. Sheila, the dog, hadn't gotten far, and lived only about half a block away.

It certainly was quite the adventure!!

~Lisa~

Make him slow down!

My Aidan is growing up Way too fast!!! Every day he astounds me with the words and sentences that come out of his mouth.

Last night in a span of 15 minutes, he brought me a pencil, and clear as day said "Mommy, this is broken." WHAT!? He's not even 2 yet, and he's saying sentences like That?? Right after that he decided he didn't want to watch Tarzan anymore and sang(think Bear in the Big Blue House) "Where oh where oh where is Mote?"(Meaning remote) then he turns to me and holds up his hands and says "Hmm, din't hear me" And then repeats that about a hundred times.

Last week he and Jenna were fighting, and he turns to her and says "I'm telling Mommy!!!" and he stomps over to me, elbows out and swinging with such purpose and determination it took ALL of my willpower not to laugh.

While trying to find a winter hat for his big ole noggin yesterday, he was getting very annoyed, and kept insisting everything was "too small me".

When he was looking at pictures on the weekend, he say one of himself and said "OH! ME!!" Up until then he had been saying "Mine" when he saw himself.

He roars like a dinosaur, he pretends to be a robot. He insists he's not going to be Franklin the Turtle for Halloween. He hates to wear socks, he has perfect milky skin, eats me out of house and home, and trys he tell knock knock jokes.

And he's all MINE.


Here's how I found him when I got him up the other morning.


Playing the organ and singing his alphabet at my dad's.

They Fit!!

After a grueling search far and wide across the land...okay, so, after going to two different Wal-Marts in Barrie, we managed to scrounge up the essential light-up-when-you-dance Cinderella slippers for Jenna's Halloween costume.

And even beter news, THEY FIT! I was so worried they would be too small! I don't imagine she'll be able to wear them for very long, but at lest they will work for Halloween. Now all that's left is to decide between the classic Cinderella Headband, or the tiara. I'm thinking she'll want the Tiara. Whatever :) I'm also going to attempt to make her a white cape. Canadian winters do not support frilly princess costumes that do not fit over warm clothes!

Here's a sneak preview :) The dress was her flower girl dress from my brother's wedding this summer.



~Lisa~

Ohhh the Pain!!!

I had a Migraine yesterday. I thought I'd had Migraines in the past, but they were NOTHING compared to this! I couldn't walk with my eyes open, or sit with them open Or closed, the children's voices sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard, the baby seemed to weigh a million pounds, I wanted to vomit and pretty much just die in general.

I am so grateful to Al for getting home as quickly as he did. I suffered for about 5 hours before he got home, but once he got here, I took one of the Tylenol #2's I had left over from my section and went to bed for a couple hours. I woke up feeling pretty fuzzy, but mostly pain free!

And while I was sleeping, he cleaned the whole house!! Did ALL of the dishes, cleaned up from the kids crafts from the day(A chore and a half in itself!) and tidied the livingroom too! I am SO grateful. He even gave Mason his nightly bottle despite being sooo tired from working crazy hours on the weekend.

Yeah, they made a schedule at his work. He's now on call every other weekend, and some nights during the week :( I HATE that company :( I mean, the commission he'll get is going to really help us out, but I miss him when he's gone. He worked on Friday night, and did an over-night call to Niagra Falls on Saturday. That sucked Huge!!

I got the kids some watercolour paints yesterday. That was fun, until Aidan painted himself, his sister, and dropped the cup of water on the floor! Yeah, file that under "Seemed like a good idea at the time!"

I feel like I'm running on empty today. After the migraine yesterday, and getting a whopping 4 hours sleep last night, I'm so drained. I don't know how you do it Helen! I need a solid 8-9 hours to wake up feeling good. Pray for me that the boys nap at the same time today!!! At least it's a school day.

~Lisa~

How do you ever really know...

How do you know when you're done having children? Does the ache in your arms go away? Does the longing in your womb fade? Does you mind stop wondering is what we have, enough? Have all the cards been dealt? Are the chips as they lay?

Al booked his Vasectomy. November 11th. Seems oddly ironic that his procedure is on Remembrance day. A day to look back, reflect on the past, think of what others gave up for us. When I know that all I will be thinking of that day is the future. The what ifs. The what could have been.

We never imagined 3 kids. We never imagined boys.

3 kids isn't that bad. Having boys is wonderful.

I couldn't go through with a tubal. And I can't justify anywhere in my mind why not. The scalpel

was there, I was opened up. A mere 30 seconds more, and the procedure would have been complete. But I just couldn't do it. In my head, every time I thought I was ready to take that step, I just kept hearing over and over, "It's just so permanent." Permanent.

Now the decision is out of my hands. Logically, my head knows that we are going to have our hands full, and our wallets empty with 3 kids. My head knows that I would probably need medication to control my stress if there was any more. I know that I the luxury of only working a few days a week is only a luxury I can afford with what we have now. I know that no matter how I try to do it, I have a hell of a time delivering the babies I so adore.

My heart knows it will always have room for more. My arms still ache. My womb feels empty. And I can't stop wondering....

I'm sure that once the procedure is over that I will be fine. But until that day...I will weep for the children I will not have. I will wonder if my children will be happy as they are. I will worry that this is the right decision for us.

I never honestly thought Al would go through with it. Despite my own words. Despite telling everyone that I was still trying to convince my husband that it was his turn at bat. That "I carried three babies, now he can go under the knife." Despite all that, I never really believed he would do it.

I felt my knees go weak, and my vision blurred when he quietly handed me a piece of paper with his procedure date and information scrawled on it.

November 11th. It's hurtling at me at an ungodly speed. And the decision is out of my hands.

~Lisa~

Added some MOM points today!

You know the ones...where you get bonus points for going above and beyond the usual feed, clothe and read a story requirements???

Oh yeah, that's me. I MADE play dough today!! Not only that, but I made TWO batches!! One in Orange and one in Green!

Yep. definitely in the cool mom good book today :)

~Lisa~

She said, I heard...

She said "I got the scissors to cut that paper."

I heard "Your favourite picture is in tatters on the kitchen floor."

I said "What paper would that be honey?"

She said "My snack at school today".

I heard "No one was supervising me at school". lol

She said "Because you weren't there to do it".

I heard...my little girl grow up.

I heard...my first born gain some independance.

I heard my heart break.

~Lisa~

The bruise today :(

I hate how bruises always get worse before they get better!!!

(He looks so stunned because his most favourite movie IN THE WORLD was on. Meet Strawberry Shortcake. LMAO! Between Jenna and Aidan, the tape is getting worn out!! Hopefully Santa hears that!)

~Lisa~

My tough guy

Poor Aidan. He's always been my clumsiest of kids. not surprising, since he's always climbing on things, and over things. Somehow the concept of Around escapes him.

Last night I walked into the living room just in time to see him climb onto a chair(one of those small Little Tykes ones) had time to shout NO! before it toppled over, sending my little boy straight into the edge of the beautiful Bench my Dad made.


(Here they are together, on said bench)

Poor kid. He rarely cries. And when he does, it's usually for a quick second, and he moves on to the next task. Not this time. He's Still touching his cheek saying "Ouch, Hurts". Check out this instant black eye!


It actually looks a lot worse in person :(

Well, I guess it's probably the first of many...but I don't have to like it :(

~Lisa~

It's been one of those days.

You know the kind, where you wake up, and shouldn't even open your eyes? Yeah, that's my day so far. I'm still laughing about it all though, so I guess it hasn't been all that bad :)

1, All 3 kids woke up at about the same time, making my morning realllly hectic! And I didn't get my tea.

2, Jenna goes to brush her teeth before school, and gets water AND toothpaste all over her shirt and pants. HOW?! I really have no idea. And of course, I have SO been slacking on laundry this week, and she has NO clothes left!

3, As Jenna is undressing, and trying to convince me to let her wear capris and a stained t-shirt on a cold and rainy day, Aidan snarfs his milk. For those not familiar with the term Snarf, it's when a beverage comes out of your nose, unintentionally. This morning it was milk. All over his face and shirt.

4, Race up to Jenna's room, and curse repeatedly(in my head) for not having enough clothes for my daughter, and for choosing THIS morning to put in an early load of laundry(how smart of me! HA!). Find her clothes. The socks don't match. that will NEVER do for my girly girl! Find Blue socks. Little does she know, she's still wearing purple hair elastics with a blue outfit!

5, We are SO out of time. 5 minutes before the bell rings. Strap the baby into his car seat...much to his protest. Pray he does not spit up. Realize i have not changed Aidan's shirt. No time, he'll have to wear it.

6, No keys. Where are the keys? I was SURE I saw the keys on the counter. CRAP Yell like a maniac because of lost keys. Not in my coat, purse or diaper bag(we're down the three minutes before the bell.) Ahhh!! Found them in Al's coat pocket. Of course!!

7, Buckle all three kids in the van. Damn those seatbelt laws! lol We made it to school. And had time to say Hello to another mom just as the bell rang.

8, Breathe a sigh of relief that Jenna made it to school. Return very late video to store.

9, Mason wakes, eats, and has some playtime on the floor. Starts to fuss. I like letting him fuss for a few minutes...it makes him sleep more deeply. Mean mommy I am. Then I realize, hmm..what's that smell? oh great, it;s Mason. ACK!!!!!! Total poo-through!!!! up his back, down his legs! Thank GOD he was wearing dark colours, and laying on the yellow part of his winnie the pooh blanket!

10, Change baby. Decide 15 wipes is too many for one diaper change. Wrap him in a blanket, and off to the bath he goes. As he's laying contentedly in my lap, waiting for his bath...he PEED ON ME!!!!!!! Of course, now all of MY clothes are in the washing machine.

11, Bath demon baby. He likes it!!

12, Aidan in constipated again, and chooses,of course, today, to get it all out. Which causes him to cry and scream and need to sit on Mommy's lap. All while I am trying to dry, moisturize and dress his brother :(

Fun morning eh?

It's now almost 11:30(oh yes ladies, all of that befor lunch!! Yay ME!) and Mason is sleeping(*knock on wood) Aidan is trying to open the unlocked closet door with my house key, and I am waiting for my tea to steep.

Yep. It's been one of those days.

~Lisa~

Pictures from the orchard :)

Here we are!!



Here's my stud and Jenna :) hehehe...


Aidan asking to eat yet another apple!

Jenna and Aidan snacking on the Apples.

Aidan having a Blast on the Pony!!

Going on an Apple Hunt!

**Going on an Apple Hunt,
Going on an Apple Hunt.

Gonna pick some Juicy ones,
Gonna pick some Juicy ones.

We're not scared,
We're not scared.

What a BEAUTIFUL day!

hehehe...**adapted without permission from the writers of Dora's Berry Hunt episode :)

We went apple picking today!! It was actually more fun than I expected. The kids had a BLAST!(No scary haunted barn) Aidan even got to go on a Pony ride!(Jenna was too scared).

I'll post some pics in a little while :)

On a sad note...My Angel fish is dying :'( She's lasted a long time...1 year and 8 months! Which is pretty good for a fish. Especially an Angel, since they are supposedly only successful in pairs, and her mate died a couple months after we got them! Al promised me 10 new fish when he saw how sad I was...LOL...we'll see :)

Happy Saturday!

~Lisa~

Feeling kinda left out :(

Here it is, Thanksgiving weekend, and we have no plans. My mom and my George are going away for the weekend. They SO deserve it after everything they've put their heart and souls into this past year. But it's going to be weird to not be with them for Thanksgiving dinner. My Dad mentioned something awhile ago, but only once, and I haven't heard anything more on it since...so I guess that option is out. We had Turkey dinner with my grandma last weekend, she's going away too. And since Al's family is 8 hours away, there's no going there either.

I suppose I should look on the bright side. Say that this is our chance to have our own dinner, and start our own traditions...but it's just not the same really.

Oh well...at least I get an extra day with my husband this weekend! I am really looking forward to that!

Sorry. Just needed a minute to whine a bit.

~Lisa~

Well, I'll tell you what I'm not...

I'm not a size 12 anymore!!

Went to Value Village today...totally scored!! I got Jenna the CUTEST outfit...for CHEAP! And I got a used Turtle costume for Aidan, for $3!! He's going to be Franklin for Halloween! I'm so excited! Aidan also got a wisked cool Spiderman shirt...for $3.99!! And I was scared it would be too hard to find anything good with all three kids with me! HA!

I also managed to look in the womens aisle for a nano-second. Long enough to grab a great looking pair of jean. In size 12. for $7.99. Oh glory be!!! THEY ARE TOO BIG!!! doin' a happy dance here!

I also got Mason a cute hat...$.49!

I am so going back for a smaller pair of jeans :)

~Lisa~

Here's Jenna's outfit! Don't mind the ramrod straightness of her...she was in between poses LOL

A coo and a smile :D

I LOVE this stage of babyhood!!! Mason looked up at me this morning gave a big coo, and an even bigger smile!!

It was almost as if he was saying "ahh, that's my mom"

Definitely one of those moments that makes your heart sing, and causes you to forget that he was up wanting to chat and play at 5AM.




Hard to believe he's already 6 weeks old!

I lub dat boy!
~Lisa~

Snow White!

Ah Man! I wanted Belle too LOL. Oh well, I guess, despite the annoying voice, Snow white isn't tht bad :)

You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

~Lisa~

The worst part about a growth spurt...

is EVERYTHING!

Argh!! I feel like I have spent the past 2 days on the couch being a human milking machine.

He eats. He sleeps. I put him down, he wakes up 2 minutes later!! To eat of course.

Well, I guess I will just hope that he is like his brother, and the end is very near for this growth spurt.

These jugs are tiiiiiiiirrrred!!!!

Don't get me wrong. I am Thrilled to have made the 6 week growth spurt milestone. Especially since he has not had a DROP of formula!!!!! That really is a huge accomplishment for me. Jenna was breastfed for 2 weeks...barely. Lots of formula supplemented in between. Aidan got a little formula here and there at first, and then a bottle of formula a night once he was a month old. Not a sip for Mason. Even in the hospital. I really feel such a sense of pride over this. It's weird though...I don't often feel pride for myself...I almost feel embarrased to write about it.

Well...off to get some cleaning done before my 10 minute break is over, and the milk bar needs to open again :)

~Lisa~

Outraged!!!

ugh. I'm so mad I can't even start this damn post!!

Alvin and I were watching TV tonight, and a little news blurb, update thingy came on. Apparently, there are a lot of suicide bombers, somewhere in the world...I missed where. While of course, this news is upsetting...wht really PISSES ME OFF is the fact that they showed a VIDEO of one of the bombings.

Yeah, in a restaurant...all these innocent people, having a nice meal together. I could see their faces. I had time to wonder what the video was...and then, boom. Quite literally. What person in their right MIND thinks it's okay to show that on TV!?? All those innocent people have FAMILIES! Do the TV station manager people really think those families want to see that last glimps of their loved one?!

I can take a lot of things. I know that gory gets ratings. But this is where I have to draw the line. I am sickened, and outraged that a video like this is playing over and over on the airwaves. there is NO NEED for it.

My heart, my thoughts, and my prayers go out to the families of the people in that video.

~Lisa~

Conversation with a friend.

Let me start with a little background. I have trouble with conversation. I love to talk to people, but the conversations are often one sided. For some reason, I can start a topic, but it always seems to be taken over by the other person. Like this:

Me-"Aidan has been a monster lately"

Them-"Really? yeah, mine has been too. You should have seen them at my mom's the other day. We went there so her and I could work on some scrapbooking together, you should come see the pages I've been doing lately."

Me-"Yeah, that sounds fun"

Them -"anyway, I better get going."

And i never get to finish what I started talking about!! It's kinda frustrating, but I guess I have gotten used to it over time. Maybe that's why I like working with Kids so much...they have to listen to me! LOL

So, back to my story.

I called my good friend Jes the other day. She wanted some advice on my way of toilet training her beautiful son Billy.

She didn't just jump right into what she needed. She asked about my family, she soothed my nerves over the dentist issues, and most of all She Listened!!

The conversation flowed back and forth like nothing. We laughed so hard at times, got annoyed over the same things, and discovered we really have a lot in common.

Jes, it was the best phone conversation I have had in a very very long time. I really hope I was able to give some good advice about Billy.

Thank you so much, for a conversation with a Friend.

~Lisa~

Ahhhh...baby.

There's really nothing like a new baby.

Their teeny perfect hands. They're so small, it seems impossible that they really could be perfectly formed little hands.

Their tiny noses. Kinda turned up, and so cuuute!!!

The way their breath feels on your skin, so soft and gentle. It's almost soul cleansing.

Their squeeks and moans. Making you wonder what they're dreaming about.

Their eyes. That look up at you with such trust, and acceptance.

Their itty bitty bums. That fit in your hand so well.

Their perfect little kissy lips.

ahhhh....I love babies.

~Lisa~

Bless you Dr. Mocrae!

For a wonderful staff, for a comfortable atmosphere, for fitting us in, and for your trusted second opinion!!!

While we haven't heard a final number yet, I am confident that it is going to be MUCH lower that Dr. Morley gave us on Monday.

Jenna does NOT need to have surgery. She will NOT be getting crowns(we were told today that crown on children are often a waste of time, since they won't fit properly!). She will NOT be going back to that pediatric dentist EVER again!!!

She did so wonderfully today. I'm so proud of her. Not only was she brave, and only cry a very little bit, but she also sat calmly and bravely through not one, not two, but SIX, yes SIX x-rays!!
We paid $140 on Monday for Dr. Morley LOOK at her teeth for a couple seconds. We paid $145 today for the appointment, AND the x-rays!! Was I ever FOOLISH to take her there in the first place! lol...who knew though right.

Jenna does have some infection in her molars, which is what is causing the toothache. Dentist #1 told me that he thought infection would probably set in "shortly" and when that happened, she would need work done immediately. Well, Dentist #2 gave us a prescription for Amoxicillan to get rid of the infection that's ALREADY THERE!!! Which is going to take away her Pain! Which is what I wanted for her IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

And Dentist #2 had a much nicer staff!! they were SO healpful, and friendly. They told us that the Health Unit may even reimburse us for the appointment we had today. And they already had us fill out the form for the Health Unit so we can get the ball rolling already...instead of me having to call the HU, then them call the dentist to get the paper, to get the x-rays requested, to get the ball rolling! Good grief.

So, all in all, today was a good day. It's been a very expensive week, but today was a good day.

~Lisa~

Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen Dollars.

Yep. $3818.00 is the price of a 4 year olds teeth these days. Seems incredibly ridiculous to me. And utterly impossible. He wants to do work on almost every one of her teeth.

Fillings, crowns, cleanings, goodness knows what else.

The only good thing is that our local Health Unit may cover the majority of the work.

We are getting a second opinion tomorrow though. This guy didn't even take an x-ray!! For $140.00, I would have thought that would include a little more than him looking in her mouth for two minutes, rhyming off a bunch of dentist speak to his assistant(who looked strangely like Barbie) and then a bunch of papers for her procedure on December 14th.

My poor girl. I just can not help but feel like I failed her. Aidan has Perfect teeth. Shiny and White. We didn't have a good tooth brushing routine for her until after she was two, and the damage was already starting. We let her have all the juice she wanted. But, thinking that they were 'just' her baby teeth, I didn't know the scale of the damage until yesterday.

damn damn damn. All I can hope for now is the new dentist to give us a lower number, and a clearer answer of what REALLY needs to be done to get her through.

Wish us luck. I am going to try to really talk Al into coming with us tomorrow. I might be good at the hand holding, and soothing, and story reading and cuddles...but when it comes to dentists and doctors, Al is far superior to me. he knows the questions to ask, and the buttons to push. Man, I really hope he'll come with me.

~Lisa~

Feeling like a terrible mom.

Well, anyone that has even met Jenna, or looked close enough at a picture of her probably has noticed that her teeth are in rough shape. They haven't been getting any worse in the past year, but also aren't getting better, of course.

Al talked to our Dentist, who I can't stand, and refuse to take her to. And he said that she needs to be looked at, but they probably wouldn't do much about her baby teeth anyway...so we just left it, and maintained a healthy teeth brushing routine, like always.

Until today. This morning Jenna woke up with her first toothache. I knew this day would come. I tried to pretend is wouldn't. But I cant hide from it any longer.

I gave her some tylenol for the pain, and managed to put some Anbesol on her bottom molars, and she's stopped grabbing her face and crying, so hopefully something worked.

I am so afraid to take her to the dentist(Which I have to do on my own today, at 11:45.). I am sooo bad at hearing my failings. I am sure I will be reprimanded up one side and down the other for not having her in there as soon as we noticed the problem. And I only have two reasons for not taking her. 1. We've never had a dental plan to cover the insane prices...nor the extra money to do it out of pocket. and 2. I can't handle being told I'm a bad mom.

How pathetic is that? How incredibly pathetic? And now, today of all days, when I am sick as a DOG, I have to go on my own...and try to keep the tears at bay.

I'm so afraid. And I feel SO terrible that I have failed my daughter like this.

~Lisa~

Lucky

I feel so lucky to have such wonderful online friends. Whose hearts are as big as this web we surf. And who help me know that I can be a successful mother, just as each and every one of them is.

Thank you my friends. For your hearts, for your willingness to share, for your friendship.

~Lisa~

What we've been up to...

Nothing particularly blog-worthy really.

Monday, the kids and I hung out at home. Ran out to the grocery store for a couple things...that's about it. Mason was a bit of a terror, awake ALL afternoon! I mean, 3-8!! How crazy is that!?

Tuesday, Jenna had school. And! It was Henry's 5th Birthday. So, me and the boys headed off to Wal-Mart and picked up a t-ball set for him. And then went out of a quick visit. It was so nice to see Jenny, Scott and Henry again!! I really miss working there. Aidan and Henry played T-ball for about an Hour! lol It was great. BIG NEWS, Aidan peed on the toilet!!! he told me he needed to go, and then went pee!! He's never done that at home before!! Only ever had one success, at Julie's in the summer, when he was wearing a little swimmer, and I am guessing, could feel the difference when he started to pee. He has been getting better at telling me when he needs to do a BM. However, since he only ever goes a small amount on the toilet, I find it's backing him up a bit...so we're not pushing the issue until he's two. I'm really hoping he's easy to train!! I HATE potty training!!!!

Wednesday, Nothing much yesterday. Trip to Wal-Mart for cat food and diapers. Read Jenna her Library book...The Dragon and the Unicorn It was a good story, but way over her head LOL...Illustrations were fantastic though! I GOT A NAP!! Woohoo! I realllllly needed it!!

Today, Nothing at all planned for today, except some much needed cleaning. I have a sore throat :( So we're just laying low. Praying for another nap today :)

Baby's awake. Gotta run.

~Lisa~

More useless information about me :)

Not that anyone asked, but I thought it might be fun :) And without the pressure of making it to 100, might be easier.

so...

I can stare at the moon all friggin' night, and still not see a face on there.

I do however see a shadowy spot that looks like Africa.

I never get out of bed without putting on my glasses.

I can't pee unless I turn on the light in the bathroom...even in the middle of the day.

I bite my fingernails. Not so much from nervousness, it's more about evening them out.

I pick at my skin if there's a pimple, or a sign of loose skin at all.

I really like green grapes with peanut butter on them.

I almost fell asleep driving home on Saturday night.

I sang along to kids' songs really loudly to keep myself awake.

I used to collect rocks.

But my collection never seemed to get any bigger.

I suspect my mother was the culprit.

I miss being single.

I miss having only one child.

I miss having only two children.

It really is easier to have three though...and I am Very happy about that.

I really dislike my breasts...but not the actual breast so much as the areola.

I often wonder if there's a surgery to reduce the size of the areola.

I probably would never have it done even if there was.

I long to find the perfect perfume for me. So that my kids can smell it when they're older, and think of their childhoods.

I'm starting to get tired of Kraft Dinner.

But I still Really like McDonald's.

I'm not annoyed by Barney.

But I wouldn't trust myself to meet Loonette the Clown in a back alley.

I miss doing homework.

I wonder what new things I will learn from helping Jenna with her Homework.

I'm really good at lending people things.

I'm terrible at asking for them back.

I'm done :) For now :)

~Lisa~

Sigh of Relief

I met my nephew this weekend. He's Perfect! I cried so hard. I guess I really needed to see him with my own eyes to know that all my fears were for naught. Everyone kept telling me that he was fine, healthy, perfect in every way...only small...really, really small. At 5lbs 4oz...yeah, I guess so! lol...but it never really occured to me just how small that is...until I saw this...



Damion is on the left, Mason on the right. Damion weighs about 5 1/2 pounds, and Mason is probably pushing 9! lol Too bad Mason's legs are pulled up, it really takes away from the full effect.



Just look at the size difference of thier HEADS!! LOL

I KNOW that my son is completely average, and perfect (And totally the cuter of the two LOL :)) but next to Damion, he looks like Andre the Giant! It's so strange :)

I'm so grateful to whoever was watching over my nephew to make him so perfect, despite all the odds he had against him.

~Lisa~

Dr.Jekyl and Mr.Hyde...

That's my son. The first picture is of him at about 12:30, drawing contentedly while I fed the baby. The second is about 10 minutes ago, with him shouting "No mommy No!!" Because I moved his chair from in front of the tv.

I don't understand it at all!!! The entire time Jenna was at school today, he was SUCH a good boy. Listened well, went for his nap without Too much fussing, was even excited about picking Jenna up from school.

And then we walked through the door at 3:45...and he totally changed! Mason hasn't been able to nap all afternoon, because of the screaming and shouting going on between these two heathens!! I am going out of my mind!!!

What happened to the boy who was so content to draw pictures, and read stories?? Who brought home this torturer!?

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

~Lisa~

My little girl is growing up.

It's official. Jenna is in school. Having her first lunch at school as we speak.

I did really well. I made sure she saw how excited I was about her going to school. She went in no problem. Only a little nervousness when she couldn't get to her cubby when we first went in...but once she got her "inside shoes" on, she was off without a backwards glance.

I managed to make it back outside before bawling my eyes out! LOL...I knew it would happen. I just can't believe my little girl is in SCHOOL!!! I wonder what she's doing, who she's becoming friends with, what she's learning about, if she's using her manners.

Only 3 hours and 15 minutes before she's back in my arms, and chattering my ears off about her day.

I can't wait.

~Lisa~

Jenny called

To update on Henry :) He's doing SO well in school!! And at home as well. She says his behaviour compliance is phenominal! I think she would have me come back now if I was ready!! She said that the week after I finished working with Henry, he actually Asked his mom if I was coming to work with him that day! And when she said no, he went to his desk and did some work on his own!! How cute is that boy :) When they were out driving the other day, he pointed out a letter G. And at dinner last night, he told his parents that the table is a circle.

I am just in awe that it was ME that helped get him to this point!

I really miss going to work with him every day. As much as I Love being here with my kids, I miss making a difference in Henry's life.

Jenny made it very clear that they miss having me there, and made sure I was still planning on coming back :) Yet again, i am floored by how lucky I am to have been given this family to work with.

~Lisa~

Big Week around here!

Well, today is the day. My brother is going to become a father. Seems SO weird. Philicia's water levels are low, so they are inducing her this morning. I am so scared for them.

This baby hasn't had the best of care so far. IMO. Philicia is a smoker, and has Really lousy eating habits. I'm so worried that the baby is going to be seriously under weight(Dr. predicts a very small 6lbs) and I'm worried that he/she will be sent to the NICU because of a Nicotine dependancy. I can't imagine being 18, and 22 and having to see your baby come off an addiction. And it kills me to know that these things could have been prevented.

I am hoping and praying for the best for them. For an easy labour and delivery, and for a perfect healthy baby. But I can't help being sick with worry until my phone rings with the news.

On a happier(?) note. Jenna's first day of school is tomorrow!!! She's pretty much all set to go. We just have to take a quick walk up to the dollar store to get a permanent marker so I can write her name on her things :)

Her meet and greet with the teacher went well last week. We were walking across the parking lot, and she said to me "When I get inside you can leave mom. My teacher will watch me." ACK!! Are you kidding me!? Where are her nerves? Her tears? Her fears?? LOL Actually, I would MUCH rather her be super excited about staying at school. Hopefully it will make it a lot easier on ME when she walks through those doors, and I don't see her for another 6 1/2 hours.

I still can't believe I am old enough to be the mommy of a kindergartener!! I can't believe that my sweet sweet girl is already old enough to be going to school.

What happened to my little girl that used to eat cheerios with her hands? What happened to the girl that used to coo in her sleep? Where's the kid that used to scribble on paper, and call it Mommy?

She's a school-ager now. Not a baby, not a toddler, not a pre-schooler. A real, full fledged Kindergartener.

The years are going to go sooo much faster now. September to June. 9 months. That's how long our years are going to be for the next 14 years. No more of this 12 month stuff. Nope. Not for our school-ager :(

I just can't believe it's here already. But I AM really excited for her too! I know how good this is going to be for her. I'm excited about the school work I'll get to help with. I'm excited about the crafts she'll bring home. I look forward to school pictures, and meet the teacher nights. To plays and book fairs. To listening to my daughter chatter away about her day.

I just wish it hadn't gotten here so fast.

~Lisa~

It's Friday night, and that means...

I MADE IT!! I survived my first week with three kids.

I survived a doctors office visit.

I survived a wasted trip to Value Village.

I survived a trip to Wal-Mart.

I survived the breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

I made healthy snacks.

I kept the rules.

I didn't throttle anyone.

I read stories.

I played cars.

I played Barbies.

I cuddled.

I didn't miss a minute of enjoying my children growing up.

Don't get me wrong. There were hard times too. This afternoon was pretty rough. Mason was awake for an unprecedented 3 hours, and wanted to eat for about 2 1/2 of those. Of course, this was right around the time I should have been making dinner. Ever breastfed a baby while trying to brown meat?! It was quite the feat for me! The living room looked like a tornado hit it, and the table was a mess of papers and crafts. But, we managed. Mason went for a nap at 7 finally (and is still, knock on wood, sleeping) so i managed to tidy some of the mess, and do two days worth of dishes ~:P before Al got home from work.

I finally got to put Aidan to bed for the night for the first time in two weeks tonight. How lovely it was to cuddle with my almost 2 year old and read a few stories. He smelled like such a little boy, and was so solid, and steady in my arms. I hope i always remember how my children felt when they sat on my lap. But I fear it's one of the many things that will be forgotten, replaced by memories of the now. Oh well, I'll enjoy these times while I can.

Jenna is doing a lot better. Staying in her bed. We resorted to locking the bathroom door that leads into our room, and putting the baby gate across our bedroom door. It didn't take long for her to stop getting out of bed. It hurt to do it though :( She's still being a little jealous of Mason. And a little too rough at times, but we;re working on it. I imagine once she starts school next week (SOB!!) things will change. It will be more about her than Mason...hopefully that will help.

I wore my pre-preg jeans yesterday. just around the house, since the extra belly fat I accumulated still spills over the top a little more than I am comfortable leaving the house with. But it was glorious to be able to wear them. Glorious!!

Okay, so that's the update around here. off to veg on the couch for 30 minutes before Mason wakes up again.

~Lisa~

My 5 Favourite Childhood memories!

Thanks for tagging me Julie!! I feel so honoured :)

1. Spending part of every summer at my Aunt Marge and Uncle Donald's farm. We would spend HOURS in the barn. Making hay forts, watching calves born, feeding calves their bottles. Swimming in the Credit River (Although, we called it The Creek) with my cousin Susan.

2. Going camping at MacGregor Point Provincial Park with my family. Even in the rain my parents made it fun.

3. Getting to answer the phone for the first time when I was 4. It was my George calling my Mom for the first time :) I thought it was a George that my Dad bowled with...and I couldn't stand that guy!! I'm so glad it was My George :)

4. Taking a Ferry ride with my Dad. I can't remember where we were, or where we went, but I do remember thinking that we were going to a whole other country, and I felt so important and special to be going on a boat ride like that.

5. Having my Dad wake me up on the plane ride to England when I was 2 1/2(This is my first memory) He didn't want me to miss seeing all the beautiful lights down below.

That was hard, keeping it to 5 :) Thanks though Julie. It was great reminiscing lke that!

I tag Helen (What Lies beneath)

~Lisa~

I had no idea

Holed up in my cozy home for the past couple weeks. Warm in my bed, warm in my family's arms, I had no idea. Of the utter Devastation that has taken hold of our neighbours to the south. I mean, I knew of the Hurricane. I knew thousands upon thousands of people had become homeless. I knew that thousands are dead, and missing. I knew that children, and elderly and even the average Joe and Jane struggled in the waters to save their lives, and the lives of their loved ones. I knew some made it, and some didn't.

I didn't know of the Hell that had taken hold of the city. I didn't know of the horrors children are facing at the hands of some bastards that think...well, God only know what they are thinking when they are ruining lives the way they are. I hadn't heard of the shootings inside the dome where so many sought shelter, and strength. I hadn't heard of people, LIVING people were put into morgues, to die peacefully.

Until watching Oprah today.

How can Humans be so cold. So heartless, so uncaring towards people in the same situation as themselves. Why do they have to take such a horrific situation, and make it so much worse??

Where is the HELP for these people? Where is the compassion, the government, the army? Where is the food, the damn WATER? Where is the hope?

My heart is breaking for these people. I feel so helpless.

Even if the day is a total bust...

At least I will always know....

I BUTTONED AND ZIPPERED MY PRE-PREGNANCY JEANS TODAY!!!!!!!!

Sigh...I can't sit in them yet, but at least I am one step closer from tossing these icky boring maternity clothes for good!!! WOOHOO!!!

Actually, today is going not too bad so far...although, it's not even 9:30 yet LOL

All kids have been fed. I managed a shower, AND quickly shaved my legs...with only a half dozen interruptions from Jenna and Aidan. I've had breakfast. And there's a load of laundry on! PHEW! I am going to be exhausted tonight! LOL

~Lisa~

Pictures :)

I thought I would add some pics here. Been awhile since anyone has seen my beauties :)

~Lisa~


Aidan, 21 months, in his Favourite shirt :)

Jenna, being her pretty self :) Most of my beautiful family
Me, lovin' my skinny-ish self...and this baby!!

My beautiful, beautiful little man. LOVE this pic :)

Tomorrow...

I'll have all three kids on my own tomorrow. For about 13 hours. And just for fun, lets throw in a doctors appointment for all three, which is going to cut nap time short.

I thought I would be more terrified when the day came. I think having Alvin here to back me up has given me a false sense of security.

But not tomorrow.

Tomorrow I have to get up early. I have to get breakfast, lunch and dinner, oh, and of course, snacks along the way. I have to try to fit in cuddles, and stories. I have to try to get at least one meals dishes done(for my own piece of mind I think). There will be juice cups to fill, and bums to change.

There will be three seatbelts to fasten, and unfasten. There will be a trek across a parking lot. And a ride in an elevator. And then of course, getting all three safely BACK into the van and home again.

I think I can....I think I can...I hope I can.

Pray for me, and my sanity.

~Lisa~

Another budding Picasso :) And a funny one at that!

Aidan has taken on Jenna's love of colouring...well, actually, it's drawing, since both prefer a plain piece of paper and a pen to a colouring book with lines and crayons...despite the 3 million of them that we have!

So today, as Aidan is scribbling on his 50th piece of computer paper(I take donations LOL) he draws a very faint, but pretty good circle. Holds it up, and declares "Look Mommy...MOON!"

He's so funny. And it's all his parents' fault :) Whenever we're going anywhere, we always tell the kids we're going to the moon...no matter where it is. So lately, Aidan has been running up to us saying "Where are we Mommy/Daddy?" and we respond with the appropriate room in the house, store or vehicle we're in. He replies back with "Noooooo!! MOON!!!!!!"

I love that kid :)

~Lisa~

So proud of my man.

Since we met 7 years ago, it's been no secret that Al struggles with his weight. Unfortunately, in those 7 years, he's gained more than he's lost. And it's largely my fault. I have a metabolism that can afford the occasional chocolate bar, or bag of chips. Al has to work his ass off to have such luxuries...and I have often failed to appreciate that.

I know that he has often asked for my help in losing weight. It works for the first couple of days...but then when he asks to cheat(with food!!), I feel sooo guilty about denying him, that I cave. Not very supportive am I?

But now, he's taken a wonderful step. He's contacted LA weight loss to see if they can help. I can't begin to say how proud I am of him for taking this first, and very big, step. I only hope that A) We can figure out a way to afford it, and B) I can change my cooking habits well enough to adapt to his new routine, and diet.

I really hope this will help turn him around. I worry so much when he gets so depressed about his weight. While I understand how he feels, there's nothing I can do or say to help him out of those funks...and it breaks my heart.

To me he is now, and always will be beautiful. But I know that when he feels/sees it too...he'll glow.

~Lisa~