Hi/Lo Thursday. . .more snow pic's

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts.

It's Hi/Lo Thursday where we get to know each other by sharing our HIGH and our LOW for the week. What a great way to really find out something about each other.
This is my first time to do the Hi/Lo Thursday so bare with me . . .

Hi's for the week

We got to spend some time hanging out with Jackson while his mommy and daddy were on their vacation. He is a very sweet boy and kinda made me think we need a little brother for Caden :)

I have gotten to spend a whole lot of time with my children while this week while we had the snow/ice storm all week. It was really nice (the first few days).

I got to watch my son Caden and Jack play in the snow for the first time in their short little lives. Jack loved it (till his poor little hands about froze off) and Caden just walked around a little unsure about all the white stuff. He never would touch any of it I am kinda wondering what would of happened had he fallen down (he probably would of cried until I picked him up).

Getting to catch up with my friend the last few days as she was gone for a week on the K-love cruise and I missed her terribly.

Lo's

Caden bit another child (Jack) for the first time. It left me shocked and feeling really sad for Jack. Thankfully Jack's parents weren't too upset and Jack didn't stay upset about it for more than a minute or two (we put a cold pack on it).

I can't really think of any other lo's I had a really nice week. . .I could of done without the ice after the first few days as we were all tired of being stuck in the house but over all it wasn't a bad week.

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Yes I make my kids work for their keep



Carolina Elizabeth

'

Caylea Anna



Angel



of course while Jack was here he had to earn his keep also. . .LOL

Personality test

I took this Dr. Phil personality test and I think that is is quite accurate. Not sure if it is true for everyone but it seems as though it is right on for me.

I had 36 points so this is what it said about me.



Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.


http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/trivia/philtest.asp

Snow/Ice day

We came home Monday from staying the night at Jack's house and haven't left since. The ice started Monday then this morning I looked out the window and there was snow :) Caylea and Carolina were begging all morning to go out so finally after lunch I took them out. At first I was going to wait until the boys went down for a nap then take the girls out but I realized Caden had never played in the snow before so I wanted to take him out. I ran around looking for enough hats and gloves for everyone. Then we went out there. It was actually snowing on us while we were out there. I was worried that it would still be slippery since there was obviously ice under the snow but it wasn't at all.

Caden didn't care too much for being out there. I think he was just cold and not sure he pretty much just walked around and didn't touch a thing. In fact the puppy ran by and jumped up and grabbed his glove so I chased her around and finally got it back and put it back on him. Then he just kept trying to shake his hand to get the snow off of it.

Jack loved it out there he smiled almost the whole time we were out there. He played with the girls and watched them throw snow at each other. Jack actually told me he was ready to go in so I took the boys in and laid them down for a nap then went back out with the girls for a few more minutes.

Caylea and Carolina both loved being out there so much. This is the first time that Carolina has enjoyed being out there all the times I took her out before she was always too cold and wouldn't play but this year she loved it. They even made snow angles. Carolina was ready to come in also after a bit. I think Caylea though would of stayed out there all day if her bottom hadn't gotten wet from making the snow angels. In the end a frozen tush made her ready to head back into the house.

Caylea wanted to not do school today and yesterday since her daddy's classes were canceled she thought hers ought to be also. She had a shock when not only did we do her school work but we also made up that day we were behind. I told her when your home schooled you don't get snow days :)

Since we have all of this snow and ice our friends (and Jack's parents) have been stuck in Atlanta since Monday. They are suppose to have a guaranteed flight home in the morning so hopefully for their sake they can get home. I know Kelly and Jack are going to be awfully excited to see each other. Jack has been great he is truly a little blessing to watch and hang out with.

My son on the other hand I think has experienced a little bit of jealousy. In fact he bit Jack this morning. I felt so bad for Jack. Caden has never bit anyone before so I was in shock. So far he hasn't done it again and I hope he never does that is defiantly not how I would like for him to handle things. Actually in all honestly Caden had about an hour this morning(the time when he bit Jack) where he was acting up I was thinking oh no what is going on with my baby. But he soon returned and thankfully he has remained really good the rest of the time :)

Not me Monday!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I most defiantly was not pleased that my letting the little boys stay up until almost 10 last night did not result in them sleeping in until after 9 and the girls staying up until almost midnight meant at 9 AM no one was awake (but very soon after little heads did rise :)

I most certainly did not enjoy sleeping in so much on this last Saturday that I did not pretend to still be asleep when in fact I was awake when my hubby came in the room to get something nope not me I would never take advantage of my husbands sweetness of letting me sleep in just about every Saturday!

I am surely not elated that tonight my bestie is coming home after being gone for almost a week on a cruise nope not me!! I am a grown woman and would not miss chatting for endless hours on the phone with my very awesome friend nope can't be! NOT ME!!

I most certainly did not forget my 5 year old's first grade curriculum at home when I stayed the night at Jack's house last night making us have to do the day's work at nap time this afternoon Nope not me that would be a horrible home schooling mother now wouldn't it therefore DIDN'T HAPPEN!!

I most certainly do not always inevitably forget to invite someone to the zoo with us only to look back and wish that I had thought to call them!! Nope not me! My brain works perfectly and I would never forget something like that that could possibly hurt anothers feelings!!!

10 things every child with food allergies wishes you knew

Most days are okay in our family living with food allergies. The people who matter most to us have a good understanding of the importance of being super careful and if they eat something soon before they see my kids they know that it could make them sick so they take the precautions necessary to keep my kids safe (ie wash hands and mouth off).

Sometimes it is hard and I let those outside of our little world effect me in a negative way. Comments from others that do not understand can sometimes be very hurtful not so much if they are coming from a truly concerned question or comment. More so if those comments feel judgmental or almost like they are making fun at me (and my carefulness).

In my opinion God gave me these wonderful beautiful kids and he expects me to do the best that I can to care for them. I feel doing my best to care for them sometimes puts me out there to be judged. I have been thinking and praying about this the last few hours and have realized that it doesn't matter what others think or say to me. Ultimately we all have to answer to God for what we do. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am doing the very best that I can. That is truly all that I can do. Having hurt feelings does nothing to improve my or my families life so there for I must trust God and let those go.

I am so thankful for the Internet I truly believe that I have learned 90% of what I know about food allergies there. The other 10% mostly from the allergist but also from others experiences that I have spoken with. (or as we like to say been there done that I so love those that know where I am comming from ~and those who truely try to understand )

My kids lives safety and health is so worth not having anything that was made in a factory with eggs, peanuts or tree nuts or anything with these things or soy in it out of our home(and the extra time it takes to grocery shop to find only safe foods). I 100% believe that our home should be a safe haven for our children and that they should not have to worry about eating anything in it. Sadly enough that is not the case for anywhere else we are. As my kids grow and become older we will teach them to take their safety in their own hands but until then it is a burden that I will carry.

I so appreciate all the support and genuine concern I get form those around me. I know that most people truely do care about the health and safety of my kids. Thank so much you know who you are and there are a lot of you :)

I think this is beautifully written from a child with food allergies point of view. It brought me to tears several times as I put myself in my children's shoes.

10 Things Every Child with Food Allergies Wishes You Knew!

By Gina Clowes

1. I long to be included. I would like to look, act and eat like everyone else. I'd like to buy my lunch and sit wherever I want. I know I can't,but I am so happy inside when someone cares enough to provide a safe potato chip, cookie or Popsicle for me. It's nice when I can have something similar to what others are eating but I love it when I can eat the same thing as everyone else. Whenever it's possible, please think to include me!

2. I'm scared I could die from my food allergies. I've heard my parent sand teachers mention "life-threatening" food allergies and I remember having some reactions where I felt very sick and really scared. I could see how frightened my parents were too. Sometimes, I could use a little reassurance that I will be okay.

3. I feel like I'm the only one sometimes. If you have a support group or another way to arrange for me to meet other children who have food allergies, I would really like to know that I am not the only kid who has food allergies. Having another friend with food allergies in my classroom or at lunch time helps too.

4. I get confused when grown-ups offer me food. I know I'm supposed to be polite and listen to grown-ups, but my parents have told me I am only supposed to take food from them. When you offer me food or especially candy, I'd like to take it but I'm not sure about what I am supposed to do.

5. I get itchy spots sometimes when grown-ups kiss me after they've eaten something I'm allergic to. I get itchy spots when your dog licks me too.I'm not quite brave enough to tell you this so I'm hoping you will remember that if you have just eaten something that I'm allergic to, I may get hives if you kiss me soon afterward.

6. I'm embarrassed when people fuss over what I'm eating. I know I have to eat my own safe food, but it's easier for me when I'm not singled out. Sometimes, it's embarrassing when grown-ups ask lots of questions. I love to fit in more than anything.

7. I hear all adult conversations about my food allergies. My ears perk up when I hear grown-ups mention my name or food allergies, so don't pity me or act terrified because then I get scared. Food allergies are just one part of me. Let me over hear you talk about all the other wonderful things about me!

8.Sometimes I'm sad about having food allergies. It's hard to be the only kid in class not having a cupcake and eating something different from my box of "safe treats" especially when there are about 20 other birthdays in my class. I know it's not the end of the world, but from my perspective,it's tough at times.

9. I'm watching you—Mom and Dad! You may think that I'm too little to notice, but I see that you went back home to get my Epi-Pen® when you forgot it. I see that you read the ingredients on the Smarties every time. You are my role models and I am learning how to manage my food allergies from you!

10. I will do about as well as you do. My parents "can-do" attitude will help me cope with the challenges of living with allergies and ensure that food allergies don't stop me from being everything I was meant to be!

family night

We have been enjoying family night at least once a week since our many family nights over Anthony's 2 week Christmas vacation. Our family night consists of games, movies and snacks usually popcorn. Last night was no different it was a great night of family fun.
A few games



A few secrets


And a fun puzzle to put together



After the kids went to bed Anthony and I got to play a few games and I am glad to say that I kicked his butt!
After our great family night we had a great Saturday also. Anthony and Caylea got up early to go to Lowes and look around Caylea came home talking about painting her room and getting bunk beds. I got to sleep in and as usual my Awesome hubby made lunch and dinner for us all. . .
I am missing my bestie I can't wait until Monday evening when she comes home. I know the next few days are going to fly by they always do when I am busy and I know tomorrow is church then I am picking up little Jackson and then staying the night up at his house thinking that he can sleep better there. Heading home Monday and I am suppose to have Gabriel also . . .yep busy day that means it will fly by! I can't wait to see all the great pic's they got and hear about all the fun. I know it will be many years before I could leave my children and go on a cruise because of their food allergies. But someday I really hope my hubby and I will be able to do something like that. . .but for now I am sooo ready to go with my family back to the beach. For now we will be happy with our little family vacation coming up soon . . .still working on those details :)

Just a few thoughts while the kids are bathing. . .

I think in my life I have always tried to make sure I didn't hurt anyones feelings and that If I did I tried to "fix" the problem to the best of my ability. I have learned though in recent weeks that if I did hurt someone I should indeed apologize to them but any effort after that if not received well it is all in vain. I think my in born spirit says to help and fix others in reality that is isn't humanly possible (and causes much stress and anxiety).

I also see some other things much differently than I did in the past and I think if you think someone (or some group) is wronging you in some way maybe you ought to turn around and see how you are treating them. In some cases I am sure there are just mean spirited people who mean bad for others but in most cases I do not think that is true.

I think if you feel left out maybe you haven't tried hard enough to "fit" in or maybe you do fit in and it is only your own insecurities that are leaving you feeling the way you do. I have sure felt left out many times and I am sure I have many more of those feelings to come b/c after all I am a woman of emotion and feeling. I think it would be best for me to try to remember what really matters in those situations and pray for God to take those feelings away. After all maybe it is just our Father in heaven trying to get our earthly attention.

I am so thankful for my group of friends and family and thankfully I have no problem sharing them with all the other people who need (or want) them in their lives. I have truly been blessed by the 3 ladies that I can truly count on to be there for me and I know they were surely put there by God!!

Okay well my kids are in the bath and I am sitting here typing (and watching-sitting right next to them in the bathroom of course) so I better get my kiddos heads washed and bathed all shiny and clean.

Is it really 80 degree's?

This was the question that my 5 year old asked me when we got in the van after our zoo trip yesterday. It was the most beautiful 80 degree day in January that I have ever spent at the zoo. In all honestly I know that it really wasn't 80 degree's but it was close that is just what the van said (after sitting in the sun all afternoon).

This same 5 year old also told me after I asked her "how did you get so smart?" ~ "you made me smart momma" then she said "because you always help me with my home school." That made me feel pretty good about being a home school mom (even though we are still one day behind - since before Christmas)

We had a great time at the zoo yesterday we were joined by Charity (who's mommy had to work but hopefully Mrs. Heather can join us next time) we were so glad that Charity got to come with us though. Also Auntie Brandy, Elijah and Sarah came along. Of course you can't leave out Auntie Amanda, Sam and you can count the little baby in Amanda's tummy if you want I can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew :) And Mrs. Rogena and her babies Abbi, Austin and Erick joined us along with their friend Lauren. Most defiantly I loved the day. I am hoping for a lot more days just like it really really soon!!!

I put a little slide show together of our day at the zoo :) I hope you enjoy it!

The coolest Thomas party ever. . .

At least that is this mommy's opinion! I forgot how relaxed I could be with my kids around food in a group setting. I mean don't get me wrong when we are at other people's homes they do the best they can to get things as safe as possible but seldom is EVERYTHING being eaten safe. I haven't been to a birthday party where everything was safe since June 3th, 2008 the day I found out about Caden's egg, peanut, tree nut and soy allergies. Before Caden's allergy diagnosis Parties where my friend made the cake (which most of the parties we attend she makes the cake since we go to the same church and all) so that made them safe for Caylea. But since she hadn't really messed with trying to make an egg free version of her cakes we hadn't gotten that far even for Caden's 1st Birthday she made the cake but I made Caden a special allergen free cake.







Anyways It was so awesome for me to get to talk, take pictures, talk some more and oh yeah did I mention visit with my friends and family :) All the while not worrying about what Caden could come in contact with and how fast he could react if in fact he did come in contact with something with egg in it (or something with nuts or soy in it). This safe Birthday was complete with a totally safe Thomas Pinata :) It was SOOOO completely awesome to get to watch my kids play the pinata game and not have to worry about one single thing :) The kids also played pin the number on Thomas :) I think overall it was a Totally awesome party for a TOTALLY AWESOME 2 year old!!! Happy Birthday Sam!! Oh yeah and this Totally Awesome Aunt enjoyed it so much!!

My sister and her mother in law made the cupcakes and my sister spent a lot of time putting the whole thing together I hope they know how much I appreciate the extra time it took them to make it all safe for my children. I may just have to tell them again!

WWF

It is a known fact that I prefer my girls not to wrestle and ESPECIALLY not with little boys. Although this is true my husband attended a family birthday party with us and afterward we were waiting on lunch. My lovely husband was allowing this - - no, no encouraging - - the wrestling. I wasn't even going to upload the videos but since he asked me to for him to share with one of his co-workers I thought I would share also. So here it is our little petite princess (and she is kinda sneaky and dirty with her moves) wrestling around on the floor with her cousin Elijah. Enjoy they are kind of fun to watch.

Carolina and Elijah


Carolina and Elijah

They are making a baby. . .

First I want to thank everyone who has been praying for Caden he is doing much better now. The antibiotic is causing a side affect that is causing Caden some discomfort but hopefully extra yogurt and pro-biotics will help him with that.

Today we were leaving our house to go meet my sisters at the grocery store and I turned on the movie after I buckled the kids up. While we were driving down the road I hear Caylea and Carolina talking to each other and saying "they are making a baby" I about fell out of my seat. I was like what are you watching (I knew it had to be one of their movies but couldn't imagine what in the world it was). Well come to find out they were watching Robotz and at the beginning they put together a baby . . .lol I just got the biggest laugh out of that!











Friday was Samuel's second birthday we celebrated by going to chuck e cheese. My kids had never been before and after all the food allergy diagnosis I figured we would never be able to go. I called though and they are very food allergy friendly to my very happy surprise. I was so excited the day that I called I just keep telling myself YEAH my kids get to do something that every other child gets to do :)







Seriously my girls had so much fun and I am pretty sure that the boys did also. (Caden was sick so he stayed home and his Grandma and Grandpa came to take great care of him). They just played and played I think they would of played all day if we hadn't stopped them (or ran out of tokens). They all ended up with a little prize and a goodie bag to take home. It was great I think Brandy, Amanda and I enjoyed it tons also. On the way home Caylea said when can we go back mommy I said when do you want to go back and she said right now. . .lol I should of known. I told her we would have to talk to daddy about that.

Our day

Our day started of pretty well we got up, got packed up and headed to my mom's to spend the day with my family. I noticed that Caden had started coughing a little more to the point of looking like he was going to throw up but hadn't. We have all been struggling with this cough for quite a while now so I was getting a little worried about him. When we got to my mom's I noticed that his jacket had a little bit of mucous on it he had coughed and gagged in the van so I went to take it off and noticed he felt warm. I took off his jammies and undershirt thinking maybe he was just warm all bundled up in the van with the heater on. A little later he was still hot and continuing to cough. He threw up mucous several times. I started to worry it was food allergies so I started double checking everything that the kids were eating and it was all safe. A little while later I noticed even though he only had a diaper on he was still very warm I took his temp and it was 102.2. So I pretty much knew something else was going on then although he was totally acting like his normal happy self (not understanding why he couldn't give Sarah his cup though).
So I started thinking and decided to call the ped.'s office to see if they even took our new insurance even though I was sure they couldn't get him in today. While I was on the phone with Dr. Stephens office Brandy was calling the urgent care places seeing who took our new insurance (it changed Jan 1st and we hadn't been to the doctor yet). I was not surprised when the scheduler that I was speaking with asked me what was going on with Caden and then told me that they were booked for the rest of the day. Thankfully she saw that he may need to be seen today so she had me leave a message for Dr. Stephens nurse to see if they need to squeeze him in. Thankfully they agreed that he needed to be seen so they had me come in at 5:20. We were there till almost 6:45 and after chest x-rays, an examination and a few shots we were told that Caden has pneumonia.
I had Dr. Stephens listen to Caylea and Carolina's lungs just to play it safe as Caylea still has a pretty bad cough. He said Caylea's cough is all up in the larger part of her bronchi and she is able to get that up well when she coughs. And Carolina is great! So that was good to know.
On another note Caden weighed 22 lbs and 8 oz which for an 18 month old male puts him in the 9th % (and means he has lost a little weight in the last month). I am not sure we are going to have that football player his daddy wants on our hands as it appears as though he is getting smaller on the charts instead of larger. . .oh well we love him no matter what he wants to become!
I would appreciate any prayers for my son and that no one else in our family gets this. Caden was in the nursery with the other babies last night so that kind of scares me the only good thing is that Dr. Stephens said he should only be contagious when he has the fever and to my knowledge he didn't have a fever until this morning. Also Caden's Grandpa is coming to watch him in the morning for a few hours while I take the girls to their cousins birthday thingy at Chucky Cheese. The kids are so excited as they have never been to chucky cheese before they kind of don't even know what to expect. I imagine they will have a grand ol' time celebrating Sam's 2nd Birthday with him. Hopefully Caden is fever free by Sat. for Sam's real birthday party otherwise he will have to stay home with his daddy. Not that he will complain the boy does love his time with his daddy.
Lastly this may surprise you but I didn't take a single picture today somehow. I am sure I will make up for it tomorrow :)

New Diets

Not as in I am on a new diet but just changing our diets as in changing the way we eat to a much healthier way of life. My Best Friend has been helping me plan dinners so that has taken a lot of the struggles out of planning healthy meals. I use to always eat healthy before my husband and I were together and then for a while after but he didn't appreciate the food and to please him I started slowly altering the way I made meals. Eventually we were eating a lot of red meat and pasta which has almost been eliminated from our diets now. I have already lost 4 lbs and it's only been a week. I feel tons better and I feel I am doing better by my children and husband also. Sure we will occasionally still eat out (and the kids will sometimes have McDonald's) but not near as often. I think they like the food just as much if not better anyways so why not make it healthy!
So a week into my new diet and my new Bible study I am feeling so good just ready for spring to get here so that the weather can warm up a bit so we can spend more time outside. (Don't get me wrong I am not too anxious to have my children grow up quickly not even months. . .they make a difference)
Also sometime early spring my husband and I have a little mini vacation in store for our family. . .not sure about any of the details yet but it's coming. We are getting excited thinking of all that we can do now that our children are getting a little older (ie. . .not having to stop to nurse every few hours).

Kreative Blogger Award

I received the Kreative Blogger award from The Consumer Queen at http://www.consumerqueen.com/ It makes me feel happy and special to be honored that way.
Upon receipt of this award the recipient must list 6 things that make her/him happy then pass the award forward to others so, here goes:
Since my blog is about all the blessings that God has blessed me with. It is fitting to say that God is my #1 thing that makes me happy. He has taken a sinner and turned me into -although still not perfect- who I am today. He is defiantly still working on me.
2. My family Husband and Kids I can say my husband brings me much happiness when we are actually able to spend time together and although that does not happen near as much as it should -and will in the future- it happens :) My kids bring me happiness and do not fail to make me laugh every single day. And although I have to "be mom" and sometimes that can be no fun the fun, happiness, laughs sure outweighs any thing negative.
3. My best friend Rachael I can truly say that our friendship is somthing that I am very thankful for because the older I get the more I realize that friends like her don't come around everyday. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt when I need a prayer partner or a Bible study partner that she will make it fit into her very busy life. Of course all the fun friends stuff too.
4. My Family as in my mom, sisters, brothers, brother in laws and sister in law. I just love them I love that my sisters get to be stay at home mom's with me and we get to do so much together. Even the smallest things like grocery shopping although they can be stressful when you have 6 kids are so much more fun than going alone. Of course all the zoo trips and such speak for themselves the more the merrier :)
5. My Church family which include my husbands Aunt Patsy and Cousin Melissa they have been great to my kids and I. I love that Patsy will watch my kids anytime I need her to if she doesn't have plans and that she truly enjoys her time with them. I just can't leave my kids with someone who seems put out by them and her joy is such a blessing to this mommy. I know Melissa would help us out anytime she has spent hours helping me with on-line stuff and teaching me how to save money for my family.
6. One of the things that make me most happy is the ability to stay at home with my children and the ability to home school my daughter. I could not do this without my hard working husband. God has blessed Anthony (and our family) with a great job that allows me the ability to do what I have always wanted to do and that is to raise my children and be the best mom and wife that I can be.
Now I have to give this award to 4 bloggers!
1. http://stefany-colecrew.blogspot.com/ My friend Stefany has a fun blog that I really enjoy it's fun to see all the things she posts from over there in Germany with her family.
2. http://leahnicole78.blogspot.com/ My friend Leah from church she has a great blog about her little boy JJ she posts lots of awesome pictures and she also has some great recipe's I still want to try the mashed potato cookies.
3. http://tddnews.blogspot.com/ my friend from before I was even born. . .lol Terri she has an awesome blog about her family she shares great pic's of her Angel babies and they have some awesome things happening in their lives I can't wait to see how this year unfolds for her family.
4. http://hannahirving.blogspot.com/ Our friend Hannah has a blog and although I don't get to see her all the time it is great to be able to keep up with them thru the blog. Her and her husband are going to soon be moving I can't wait to hear about all of their adventures but hope that they really do return back here soon.

Not me monday

I am a good mom and I would NOT make dinner for my children and I while my husband was at school and then not feed it to them and feed them waffles/cereal/cereal bars instead simply because it was too messy and I didn't want to clean them up after they ate it.

Five years ago I most certainly did not feel that I would never take my child anywhere in public in their jammies because if I had said that then it would be a fact that I did not take Caden to wal-mart in his bat man jammies and if I did I certainly would not of gotten several comments on how cute he looked . . .I mean after all that never could of happened.

I most certainly did not enjoy cleaning the mission cottage at church last week while my two sisters had all 3 of my children outside on the playground. . .nope not me I didn't enjoy that peace and quite just scrubbing away.

I most certainly did not let my 18 month old run around pay-less and pull shoes off the shelves while I was looking for shoes nope not me. . .but if that did happen my kids most certainly would not of cleaned up everything they touched.

oh and by the way I would never let my 3 year old walk out of the house in an outfit that doesn't match, big pink snow boots and hair that my 5 year old fixed bows clipped on both sides of her head and all. . .most certainly now that would be embarrassing.

I am a great home school mom and it would be impossible that my 5 year old daughter Caylea is still a day behind in her first grade curriculum since before Christmas. Yes most defiantly that is just not the truth.

I am sure there are many more embarrassing moments in my last week that I am conveniently forgetting. But I hope you enjoy these ones because after all confession is good for the soul.

Met my friend at Payless today so that she could look for shoes for her kids. Guess who is the only one who ended up buying shoes. . .lol In my defense they had some really cute Hannah Montana shoes for Caylea on clearance for $7 and some cute dora house shoes on sale for Carolina for $7.99. I learned a very important lesson while at payless my 18 month old son who's name is Caden will not be allowed to go into payless without a stroller for a long time! He has been doing some what okay walking at the zoo, walmart (some) and out to the van and such. Anyways, Bubba running around with Caylea and Carolina thinking because he was they could go nuts! Plus little Katy-bug and her brothers I bet we were a nightmare for the lady working there. I don't know about the other kids but mine kept picking up shoes I felt like I was putting back shoes the whole time we were there. It was great that I got some good deals though makes me happy :) Not to mention my kids since they just thought they had to have these shoes. It was a great thing that they picked up shoes on sale or I would of said no-way we don't need shoes today.






After Payless we headed to Mardel the kids got to play for a while before Rae and I went searching for what we were there for. A great devotional and I think we found it. So excited to start it as soon as I am finished writing this I will do my first day. The kids had a blast I think Joshua, Caylea and Isaac had as much playing with the puppets as the smaller one's did the trains. I wish I had gotten a picture of the mess they made in the puppet isle. They did clean up their mess though so proud :)



Leaving Mardel my sis called to see if we wanted to come over for lunch. I had to still go to walmart to find a new big water cup. So I went by grabbed my cute little nephew while my sister put away her cold groceries. I had to run by to make a payment at Tinker so she actually got to walmart the same time I did and we had lunch in the subway. It was yummy and went well with my first day of my diet. We picked up what we needed as quick as you can making a thousand stops with 4 small children in toe. It was a great time Bubba walked a little it is just so cute to this mommy seeing him be such a big boy. I especially love it when I say do you want to get in the basket and he says u-uh and shakes his head no at that point he usually still doing what he wants but when I say Caden your going to have to ride in the basket/stroller if you don't come 1-2 he is always coming by the time I get to 2. Well almost always. . . he knows if I make it to 3 he is out of luck! Which happens everytime we are at the store eventually.



We then came home the two youngest went to bed while Caylea and I got her school work completed, dinner made and the puppy taken care of. The kids and I were loaning it tonight. Caylea found out that the puppy loves to chase her leash and bite on it and shake her cute little head back and forth. Caden wore his new bat man pj's tonight it was so super cute he also has super man pj's that are just as cute. I love, love, love all 3 of my babies! It was a fun night with my kids and then chatting with my friends on IM. I love IM it's really nice to chat.