Christmas 08

Christmas was so much fun this year. It was the first year that Colton was excited and opening his own gifts. We were enjoying them so much I didn't realize neither Mike or I were taking pictures. So the only ones are of what Santa left Christmas morning!! I can't believe it!!!!

We started off the 24th at my sister's house with lunch and the great-grandparents. Then that night we had mom and dad, my sister and her family and David over for a little Christmas party. The kids all opened one gift, then the adults had fun playing a couple of games. I know it sounds cheesy, but it was a lot of fun. The 25th we had Santa, then headed to Carthage to see Mike's family, then back to Neosho to see the rest of my family that came to town. By the end of that night we were exhausted!!!

Christmas morning Colton was the first to wake and headed right in to wake-up Big Sis!

Lauren and her Easy Bake, she loves to be in the kitchen and is always trying to help!!

Colton and Spike the Dinosaur. He was a little leery of it at first but it didn't take long. Santa also brought Lauren a remote control Wall-E. There are things buzzing all around this house.

Anything that is "Littlest Pet Shop" is a big hit!

Colton didn't mind letting Lauren get between him and Spike

Another Not me Monday!!

Well, I'm glad to say this one will be a little more upbeat than the last one :)

When getting the kids ready for Lauren's christmas program.

I did not grab last years christmas sweater of Colton's and then take the cutest picture,

I decided to use for my christmas cards.

Only to realize after doing so, that everyone is now getting to enjoy that sweater for two christmas' in a row!! (It was a little big last year!!)

And, if it wasn't for mom still having last years christmas picture on the fridge I probably would not have even noticed!!

I did not stay up late one night this week and camp out in the living room to sit and wrap every single christmas present after the kids went to bed.

To find out after I was done.......... I couldn't get up and make my knees bend quite as quickly as they should have. Not me!! I'm too young for that!

When I went to check on Colton last night before heading to bed myself. I did not get the sweetest, "thank you, mommy" when I pulled the covers up to his little neck.

Christmas Pictures

We had some Christmas pictures taken the other day.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will be here by Christmas!!

They did such a good job and had a lot of fun!

Santa

We took the kids to the mall to see Santa on Wednesday.

Lauren just hopped right up there and started her list.

Colton was a little more cautious. We almost did it this year!!

He did get just close enough for Santa to hear!!
No, he's not standing in line like a good boy!!
This was close enough for a while!!

Yes, she wore them around the entire mall.
Where is Colton's picture......
He threw his antlers in the first trash can we saw!!


The mall had an area set up for little carnival rides.
Colton wasn't too sure at first or when it went up in the air.
I think he was finally smiling towards the end.


Lauren enjoyed the four-wheelers.
Although, it did go a little faster than what she expected
and what mommy expected too!!
She was hanging on and I don't think she smiled at all!!


I was thinking, "please hurry up before I throw-up!!"
I hate going in circles!!

A Little Miracle

My friend Michelle told me about a little miracle that happen out her way the other night and I thought I would share................

An Amish family was leaving church Sunday night. As dad was putting the little 3 year old girl in the buggy the horse got spooked and took off with the little girl. After searching they found the horse and buggy with only the little girls shoe inside. Searching all night she was not found.

The next morning a husband and wife saw this black thing in the ditch and knowing that a search was going on, she went over and placed her hand on the childs back. Of course fearing the worse. The little girl looked up and said, "Mommy??" They put her in the car and took her to the command post.

After a short time in the hospital the little girl is home. It was said she had a MILD case of hypothermia and cuts and scrapes.

As we all know the temperature was around 15 degrees that night (who knows what the wind chill was) and sleeting for a good part of the night.

It is diffidently a miracle this little one made it through the night.

Daddy's little football player :)

It's rough having an older sister with cool shiny things!!

Lord help me!!!!

Today started off better!! But it just takes a split second to turn around!!

I had to run to the mall. I needed a short, croppie sweater thing for Lauren to wear to tonight over her dress. No biggie, Right!! Lauren would not stay by my side to save my life, so after a little trip to the dressing room so I could remind Lauren how we behave in stores, she did give me about a good 10 minutes. Then I had to tell her no, she could not get the ugly pink fu-fu dress. That looked like it belonged on a 20 year old. But lucky us the stores carry them in a 5t. There we have crisis #1. We just left the store!!! Then McDonald's forgot to give us Apple Dippers and gave us french fries instead. Crisis #2. Lord, Help me get through this day!! We finally made it home and straight to bed Miss Lauren went. I would like to tell you she went quietly, but oh no!!

So after I got her tucked in I went to find my little man. Who answers me from the corner in between the couch and table. So I get on my knees and .....

Colton, are you poo-pooing?

Yes!

Are you done??

No!

Would you like to use the potty???

No!

Will you come tell me when you done??

Yes!! ( with a big smile)

So now he is playing in my room, still hasn't told me that there is poo in his pants. (The smell would tell me other wise!!!) It doesn't faze him at all!!! He is just playing!!! Actually, he has all his sisters play necklaces and bracelets on. I've got to go get my camera, OK and change him!!!

It's been one of those Mondays!!

I have never done this, but it has been one of those Mondays!!

I did not yell at Lauren all the way to preschool this morning because I'm tired of her behavior (ya know acting like a 5 year old). Not me I'm the perfect mom that never looses it and has perfect kids!!

Now I have no mommy guilt about MY childish behavior this morning, Not me!!

I did not go to Joplin this morning and most definitely not get done the one thing I was going there for!!

There is not a tree trimming service outside my house right now trimming everyones limbs anyway from the electric wires. They are not keeping me awake, when I have to work tonight!!

I'm not wishing a little bodily harm to the man outside with the chainsaw, Not me!!

Happy Birthday!!

It's hard to believe....

My LITTLE brother turned 22 today!!

And yes, he is still as rotten as ever!

Happy Birthday

Coloring Fun

Their cousin Lexi came over to spend the day with us.

I decided to try to keep them busy with some crafts and coloring projects.

Unfortunately, didn't last long enough.

It is only 1015!!

With Lauren being 5

Lexi being 4

and

Colton being 3

They don't always play and share well all the time!!

I think each of them has already visited the time out chair.

But, they are always happy to have her come play!!

you can't see Rudolph's nose due to his HUGE teeth!!!

Not a whole lot going on!

It seems that we have been busy, but not a whole lot going on!

Lauren:

Had her Family Feast at school last Friday. My mom and dad went with me and Colton.

Colton had a lot of fun seeing and playing with all the kids.

When it was time to go get desserts, I think Lauren was probably the only one that asked if she could get more mashed potatoes and gravy first!!

Colton

Has just been playing and being a boy!!

We have been trying to potty train him for a while now, unsuccessfully.

He doesn't tell us when he has to go potty or even when he has gone potty, I know........ it doesn't sound like he is ready......He is doing pretty good about going pee-pee when I take him to the potty and staying dry between those times. But since he went poo 3 times the other day YES, I SAID 3 TIMES IN HIS BIG BOY UNDIES!!! We are using more pull-ups!!

I'm trying all the tricks with him. I guess instead of tricks it is just going to take time!!!

I will be so happy when it all clicks for him!!

Me

I had to work all weekend.

It was busy and crazy all weekend. We had a good trauma every night.

I know, my mom still shakes her head when I say, "we had a great trauma last night"!!!

Friday Night

A family was stopped in the road to turn into their home when their car was hit from behind and shoved into oncoming traffic.

By the grace of god, no one was seriously injured. just broken bones and cuts and bruises.

Saturday Night

The lights went out in a neighborhood so they called Empire. Who thankfully responded quickly at 1 o'clock in the morning.

Only to find an 18 year old that took out an electric pole and ended up about a block off the road. He had a horrible head injury. I would be very surprised if he is still with us.

This was very sad and I felt for the mom and dad. And, thank god for getting me home when I was this age and thought I was invincible also!!

Don't Drink and Drive!!!!

The chaplain reminded us nothing Christian happens after 9 and nothing good happens after midnight. I had to laugh because I remember hearing the last one a couple times from good ole' dad.

Sunday Night

Right off bat, I mean I just finished counting the narcotics. To only receive.... a 27 year old with a self-inflicted gun-shot wound the face. I think the words, "Are you kidding me?" in some form came out of my mouth!!

This gets better...... the entry wound was under his jaw with an exit wound around the bridge of his nose... The only thing he did was break his jaw in two places and completely blow off his nose. If he was depressed before, just wait until he wakes up!!!

What was kind of funny, if there is anything funny... he was awake and alert and walked to the ambulance, saying I don't want to die!!

Well buddy, not this time.

What a weekend, I think I slept all day Monday. Lauren and I are going to do some Christmas shopping today before her dance class. Tonight is family night so we are excited to go watch her.

Third time the charm!!!!!

Mike's brother and sister-in-law went in for her 20 week ultrasound today.

Always saying a little prayer for a healthy baby, but I think this time he also was saying a little prayer and keeping his fingers crossed for a boy!!

And, so it shall be!!!

They have two adorable little girls, Olivia and Ava to welcome this little guy home.

We are so happy for you guys.

Here's to a healthy, happy baby boy!!!

Kung Fu Panda-Mania!!!

This was the first movie Mike and I ventured to take both kids to the theater to see. They did such a good job. Colton was on the edge of his seat the whole time (literally) we had to hold it down so it wouldn't flip him up in it!! So when it came out Saturday, of course we had to get it!! I think we may wear this out in record time. He only gets one movie a day, because he would watch it all day if I let him. He is a t.v. watcher. Had to set some limits there!! So different from Lauren! Anyway, for the last four days it has been ALL I have heard. "Can I watch Kung Fu Panda Pleassssse?" Colton is crazy about Kung Fu Panda!!

There has been nothing but Kung Fu going on at the house. I never knew Colton had such moves!! I was watching it with him today and made the mistake of nodding off on the couch......only to awake to Colton doing some Kung Fu move and landing right on top of me saying, "Mommy, did you see the mean tiger?" My mistake!!!

Colton and Lauren both enjoy this one! Really, the whole family does! It is so cute to hear them both in the living room laughing. Then of course 5 minutes later they will be Kung Fuing (is that a word??) each other and it will be a toss up between laughing or tears!

Trick or Treat

Halloween 2008We meant up with their cousins at Great-Grandma's house

Lauren started out saying she wanted to be a pumpkin fairy, so we got all that together, but when we went to get Colton's Spiderman costume. She so sweetly said, "Mom, I want to match Colton" How could I refuse!!
So here are my two Superheros!!!

Halloween was so much fun this year.

Colton was really into it and Lauren enjoyed showing him the ropes!!

As we arrived at one house two scary looking boys came out and Colton wasn't too sure about knocking on the doors after that. So he would stay back and let Lauren do the knocking. When the people would arrive at the door he would say, " you not scary" and up he went to check out the candy dish. They were good little treaters!! I can't wait until next year!!

Preschool Party

Lauren's Preschool had a fun party on Friday.

Some of her classmates!

My Superhero!!

Say Cheese!!

Getting ready to trick and treat the different offices.

I'm amazed how her teacher can get them all so still!!

The MckFamily

I finally figured out had to add the MckFamily link to my site!!!
I found this through a blog of a blog and have been addicted to it every since. I not ashamed to say so (apparently about 1 million other reader are also)
It is an amazing story about their newest addition and all the kids. I can't believe she has time to blog with all the little ones, but I'm glad she does! Also, She takes amazing pictures!!

I've laugh and cried and looked forward to seeing her blog. Which is kind of weird since I have no idea who she is!!!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

Halloween Dancers

Lauren's dance class got to wear their costumes this week.

We were able to stay and watch them dance to Halloween songs.

The Whole Gang

I guess the little pirate wasn't very happy :)

I don't know what they were saying but they were all giggles!!

Hope everyone has a

Happy and Safe Halloween!!

Where's my coffee??

By 7:30 last night: Everyone fed, Baths done, Books read and tucked in bed!!! By 7:45 I was falling asleep on the couch so I thought what the heck and after setting my alarm my head was hitting the pillow at 7:58!!! A good nights sleep......Nope!

By Midnight I was wide awake. So I decided to go watch Dancing with The Stars and one of my new favs The Mentalist. I stopped by the kitchen for a little snack and yes I should have grabbed the banana but it was the cookies and milk instead!! I just remind myself that I should work out in the morning.

I headed back to bed a little before 2. As I was falling asleep I hear the sounds of little feet heading my way and open my eyes to find Colton ( which is unusual ) staring at me!

Hey Mommy, what are you doing???

I just pulled back the covers and let him climb in. He was so still and quite. I just knew he went right to sleep. WRONG!! Soon later I hear...

Mommy, is daddy sleeping?

Yes!

Why you awake??

Because you're talking to me!! Go to sleep Colton

okay!!

So I decide to roll over to find myself stuck in the middle, so it was more like a flip over and wondering why I didn't say yes to the king-size bed!!

So after awhile of Colton playing and singing. Back to his bed he went!!

While trying to quietly head back to bed. It happen........ I think I broke my little toe on the vacuum, which I was sure I put away earlier!! Trying to muffle my hurt and crawling back in bed. I get the lovely... What are you doing out there?? Nothing, I say go back to sleep. And, so he does!!!!

So I lay there thinking 3 more hours then I have to get up..
Now, 2 more hours then I have to get up..

When that alarm went off, I felt as if I was hit by a truck.......I need coffee!! Actually I drink more creamer than coffee, but anyway!!

So here is hoping that Colton takes a good nap today because mommy needs one!!

Vegas

Three of my friends from work and I decided we needed a little vacation. So Vegas it was!! We had so much fun and this time I left with a little money still in my wallet. Still not as much as I went out there with!! About 5 hours before we had to leave I hit a jackpot for $150!! Michelle kept my voucher for me or the slots probably would have gotten it right back.

Thanks Michelle!! I can't wait until our next trip!!

At the toy store in Caesars they had these HUGE dinosaurs. Colton would have loved them. Can you image being able to decorate your kids room with these big guys. They were only around $600!!!

The Excalibur. I love this one at night!!

My favorite ceiling

Pumpkin Painting

Our first year to paint the pumpkins. They really enjoyed painting and having grandma come over to help!! Colton actually covered his whole pumpkin. Then Lauren and Grandma decided it needed his name!!

Trying the Blog

I decided to try this whole blog thing!! You guys out there have some really neat sites and I enjoy checking them out. So I hope you will enjoy these also!!
So here is the month of October so far......

Lauren is 5
and
Colton is 3

We went to Big Spring Park a couple of weeks ago
they love to feed the fish and ducks.
After taking what seemed like 100 pictures
we finally got a few good ones!!
I can not get Colton to look and me and smile to save me life!!!!

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!!!

Lauren getting warmed up for dance class.
They usually have closed class sessions but this
month Miss Charity let us sneak in
the last 10 minutes.
They are all so cute to watch.
I'm glad Lauren enjoys dancing.
Although....She thinks Miss Charity is the best dancer ever!!
I feel so lucky that a co-worker told me about her
studio. She's a great influence on Lauren!

THE PUMKIN PATCH!!

We went home and attempted to paint them!!

I will have to post those later.
Plus I just got home a couple of days ago from a wonderful trip
to Vegas that was way to short!!
So I will have to get those pictures soon!!