"Happy Birthday to me, I turned 33! Good thing there's an App, to remind me of that"!

In case you didn't get that, you are suppose to sing it to the tune of "Happy Birthday". I really did forget how old I was. A couple of days ago Mike was asking me how old I was turning? Hmmm. I'm not sure? After several attempts at the math, which never works out right in my head anyway, Mike said "I bet there's an App for that". He was right. Now I will always be able to tell you how old I really am. Not that I'm going to though!I find the older I get, the more anticipation I have for my own Birthday. I was honestly excited to celebrate my Birthday this year. I think it's because I'm a Mom. My needs usually come after everyone else. In a family with six kids, there usually isn't anything leftover. So, it's nice for a day, even if it is just one, to splurge and pamper myself. This year, a friend treated me to a pedicure, and I treated myself to an eyebrow wax. Bye-bye uni brow!
Afterwards, I met a group of friends for a tasty lunch at Hacienda Colorado. My Favorite! I honestly can't think of a better way to spend my Birthday. Thanks for a great day! And, one last "Happy Birthday", to me!

Too Cool, New Beginings, and a Bonk on the Head

Too cool for school, or at least pictures anyway. I promised not to follow Ethan all the way to school and embarrass him on his first day, if he would allow me just one simple photo in the front yard. He agreed. I don't know if he really had any other choice though! I seriously can't believe he is in the 7th grade. I think the reason this is so strange to me, is because this is when you really start to remember life. The choices he makes, the friends he will meet, will more than likely last a lifetime. Some of my best and worst memories all occurred within the walls of Mueller Park Junior High School in Bountiful Utah. I hope in Ethan's case, there will be more good memories to be had than the bad ones. Either way, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to keep this kid from growing up on me. Oh, and BTW, he now wears a larger shoe size than I do.

Little Miss Sassy Pants started preschool this year. She was soooo excited for her first day! The only downfall is that she attends in the afternoon. So all I hear Monday, Wednesday and Friday is "When is it time for school?".

We started at a new preschool this year. I have heard great things about their program, and it's always nice to have a change. We had to attend an orientation on the first day. There was one mom in particular, obviously a regular, who felt the need to continually interrupt with her own explanation of the program procedures. And when she wasn't interrupting, she would be vigorously shaking her head in agreement to whatever was being said. It was super annoying and ultra distracting. I found myself paying more attention to her, waiting for what her next overly dramatic response would be, rather than listening to what may have been imperative information regarding my daughters education. I doubt it, but still. And in case you were wondering, yes, her kid is in the same class as mine. Should be an interesting year.

Gabrielle was so fascinated with the fact that her name was everywhere. On the board, on her cubby, in the classroom, even the hook to hang her backpack. Amazing!

And what blog post of mine would be complete without a documented injury? This was the result of a big sister, we won't name which one, who tried to push Brady in the stroller down the front porch stairs. The worst part is that I wasn't home. Gasp! I guess my twelve year old needs a few more babysitting lessons. Oh heck, this could have just as easily happened even when I was home. No permanent damage, and another lesson learned... strollers can flip over and babies can land on their heads.

Happy Birthday Brady!

Today our "Little Monster" turned one!
We celebrated his special day at the park with Cookie Monster cupcakes.
He had this thing with the eyes! It didn't take him long to realize the whole cupcake was yummy. And yes, I made them. Love tutorials. Love, Love, Love! He had plenty of hugs and kisses all day, from just about everyone. The girls even told their teachers at school about his monster party. As if they don't already think we are crazy enough! We had a great time celebrating Brady's first year.
I can't imagine our family without him.
Happy Birthday Big Guy!
We sure love you.

Back 2 School

It's been a great summer!

Oh, let's be honest. It was a little too long and drawn out.

I live for this day.

Back to School.

Don't get me wrong. I love my children, and I love their company.

But even they are ready to go back after a few weeks of Summer.

Who wouldn't? New shoes, clothes, and occasionally (this year) backpacks.

It really is Christmas in July.

Isabella-1st GradeMadison-3rd Grade
Abbigayle-5th Grade
Twinkle Toes.

I can tell, it's going to be a great year!

Deductible Met

Last Week our little guy was sick.

He had RSV and had to stay in the hospital for two days.

It was scary to see him struggling to breath.

Things got much better once they gave him oxygen.

Despite feeling crumby, he was still such a happy little nugget.

The nurses nicknamed him "The Faker".

We are happy to have Brady back home. Still not 100%, but at least he can breath!
And now, so can I.

Just a taste...

Easter...
Goat(s)...

Dress-Up...

The new maid...

Go ahead, ask...if you dare!

April Fool...

Ethan

I love this kid.

He reminds me not to take life too seriously.

It was one of those mornings. Woke up with my list of "things to do", a long list at that. Rolled out of bed, threw some clothes on, began my day. Headed toward the kitchen to fetch myself some breakfast. I look up at the clock. It reads 10:30am. NO! It can't be. Look at another clock. Same result. Did I really sleep until 10:30am? CRAP! I am soooo behind. Grab the laptop and login. Hmmm. Suspicious. Lower right hand clock on the Sony Vaio reads 8:30am.

Meanwhile, Ethan still slumbers in his bed upstairs. I hear footsteps approaching from the basement, it's Mike..."I know, he got me too. I thought I missed my morning meeting". We both couldn't help but laugh. It didn't even occur to me that it was April 1st. Good thing I have an eleven year old that will never let me forget.

Yep, Still Alive!

Enough already.

I know.

I get it.

So, I haven't blogged in a really long time. You know it's been a while when your blog is at the bottom of all your friends sidebars. Like, the very bottom.

Sad thing is, I don't really have much to say. Just thought I would post a cute pic of my little nugget. Brady actually doesn't resemble any part of a nugget anymore, more like a small fry.

Hmmm, I'm hungry.

More in another seven months.

Or not?

Eat, Sleep, Poop...Repeat.

Eat, sleep, poop, repeat.
That pretty much sums up my last three weeks.
I forgot how time consuming babies are.
I forgot that no matter how much I plan ahead, I will always be late.
It's now Brady's schedule, not mine.
But, I love it.
I love to snuggle with him, smell him.
I remember how fast time goes by.
I have learned to cherish these times.
Yes, even the sleepless nights and dirty diapers.
I am content. Happy and content.
So is he.

"When are you due?"

I am thinking of starting my own maternity wear business. Perhaps a T-shirt line with quotes like "My due date is ___, so don't ask" or how about "if I don't know you, don't tell me about your birthing experiences"!

For some reason, I have been bombarded this pregnancy by random strangers who feel obligated in some way to give me "advice" or go into explicit detail of their own special deliveries. At first, I was flattered that I could still be mistaken for a first-time mom to be. But, it's starting to get a little creepy.

Tonight while grocery shopping, an overweight, middle-aged, greasy woman, felt so inclined to share her delivery experience with me. I tried to be polite. It didn't work. I was at the other end of the cereal isle before she even realized I had started to walk away! She took a few quick, sharp turns to avoid the oatmeal and syrup display, and was soon back at my side to continue her story. By the time we reached the milk case, vomit had already started to climb the back of my throat. Saved by the fresh aroma of oranges, I quickly proceeded to the checkout stand to get as far away from this woman as possible.

I just don't get it? I don't go shopping in hopes that a seasoned woman will be there to "enlighten" me on this aspect of life. If I really want details about other women and their disgusting deliveries...I will turn the T.V. on and watch TLC!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

For Ethan's birthday this year, he decided he was old enough to go visit family in Utah. So for his "official" birthday yesterday, he wasn't home (sniff, sniff), but we were able to have a party for him before he left town.

Ethan really wanted to go to Chatfield to go boating for his party. He invited a couple friends for a sleepover the night before, then we headed to the lake in the morning.

If only everyday at Chatfield could be like this one. So calm, great weather, nice water, hardly any other boaters...Perfect! Mike had me convinced this is why we own a boat.

Ethan, Zach, and Trey.


It was a great day to celebrate turning 11.

We miss Ethan and cant wait for him to get home!

37 Weeks!

This one's for you Korie!

I swore I would never do this, but words can't describe how I am feeling right now. A picture says a thousand words though, right?

Happy Birthday Bells!

There is no doubt that Isabella was a welcome addition to our family. Although Ethan told everyone at school she was a boy, the two of them have had a special bond from the beginning. Since the day we brought her home from the hospital, she has added a certain love for life and everything in it. I can't imagine our family without this cute girl.

This was the day we brought Isabella home from the hospital. It was also moving day. And yes, there wasn't even enough time or energy to dress the kids. But let's be honest, Ethan usually spent most of the day in his underwear anyway!

I love it! This was Bella's first time to Lake Powell. So content with her capri sun, she spent hours just playing in the sand. The hair is just an added bonus!

Her Uncle Brett use to say she has more personality than our family combined!

I don't know where the last five years have gone? We are proud parents of a preschool graduate and are excited to see what the future holds for our sweet girl. Here's to a Happy 5th Birthday and many more to come!

BELOVED

Have you ever seen Mike's car? I refer to it only as "Mike's car", because I have nothing more to do with it after the events of yesterday.

Let me just start by taking a moment to highlight some of my favorite things about the beloved 1992 vintage Acura Vigor....

Not too bad from the outside...right?

This feature is by far my favorite...No exit handle on the driver side!

Mike once took his car in for emission testing and conveniently forgot to tell the operator how to get out of his car. After only a few minutes of brief panic and embarrassment, the operator was able to escape, and quickly realized the entertainment factor for all waiting customers on the other side of the glass in the lobby. Needless to say, the car passed with flying colors!

The driver seat. Appropriate looking for a car that has 300,000+ miles on it. When Mike re-entered his vehicle for the first time after I had driven it, he asked in disgust why there was a towel over his seat? I replied how I didn't like the way the foam felt on my sweaty prego butt after sitting in it for over an hour in 97 degree heat. After all, the towel was probably the only thing that actually worked yesterday!

I really can't complain too much. I have known for sometime now, that this really is only Mike's car. He has a special way with her, a gentle understanding between the two of them. I clearly crossed a boundary yesterday, and I swear on my life, it won't happen again. I can honestly say the next time it comes to taking Mike's car or riding my bike...I will gladly sew on my spandex and dust off the orange safety helmet!

EXHAUSTED

I have always been a "glass half empty" kind of a girl. I'll be honest, if things don't go as I choose or expected, a tantrum of sorts is in the making. I think Mike has learned to adapt over the years. He can see it coming, moves out of my way. I usually throw a few things, often say some choice words or slam a few doors, and then we get on with life. Sometimes all I need is a good pout session, then I am fine. Well, lately, I am not fine. In fact, pouting has turned into an everyday life experience around our house. It's really equivalent to walking on eggshells. I see it, trust me, but I honestly can't control myself or figure out just what it is that I am so annoyed with. I am literally annoyed with EVERYTHING! These days, you really can't win with me. I am all out of positives, considering I didn't have many to start with. I feel overweight, overworked, under appreciated, underpaid, and downright exhausted. So, if you need a heartfelt word of encouragement or appreciation...look somewhere else, you won't find it from me. I suggest for the next 8 weeks, for your own health and safety, you stay as far away from me as possible. Nothing good will come from being exposed to my unexplainable amounts of negativity. And lets all hope that delivery is a cure, for every ones sake!

Please read the fine print: This post is in no way a cry for your sympathy or compassionate service opportunity. It is clearly a form of raw and true emotion not to be taken out of context. It is what it is.

Happy St. Baldricks Day!

Feeling charitable? If so...click here http://autumnburke.com/teamtuesday/ . Thank you to the Whitt family for letting us participate, rather witness, this event. Also, a huge whoo whoo, for all those who selflessly shaved their heads for a perfect cause.

We miss you sweet Tuesday.

Visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/ Search team Tuesday to make a donation.

And the verdict is....I have a lifetime immunity to parvovirus B19.
No fifths disease for me.
Hip hip hooray!

But really, thanks for the extra stress!

Update...for those who care.

Thursday, Feb. 25...Antibody titer test results due. No word from doctor.
Friday, Feb. 26...Leave message on nurse line concerning lab results. Nurse returns call around 3pm. Informs me that my AFP test good. Still no news regarding titer results. Should hear by Monday at the latest. Onset of cold symptoms.
Saturday, Feb. 27...Still waiting. Isabella wakes from nap with "slapped cheek" appearance. Another one bites the dust! My cold has erupted to full blown flu symptoms.
Sunday, Feb. 28...Mom out of commission. Concerned my chances of avoiding fifths disease has all but completely diminished.
Monday, March 1...Waiting, waiting, waiting. Call to get voice mail, doctors office closed. Guess this means no lab results.
Tuesday, March 2...Leave message first thing on nurse line. 4:45pm, call from littleton OBGYN office. Sorry to inform me that there are no pending lab results. Someone screwed up, no one taking responsibility. Apology, but can I come in tomorrow to draw more blood?
Scheduled Wednesday, March 3, 9:30am, blood draw.
Isabella now sporting lacy rash on trunk, arms, and legs. Pretty!

Seriously.

Parvovirus What?

Last week, Abbi woke up with the strangest looking symptoms. Red cheeks and a lacy rash that covered her entire body. Itchy, annoying. We took her to Urgent care where they diagnosed it as probably being an allergic reaction of sorts. Possibly a virus. The doctor felt it was probably due to the cheap purple fingernail polish Abbi was sporting at the time, or one of the variety of Valentine's Day tattoo's that decorated her arms. Doctors orders: Benadryl.
It's Monday, a call from the school nurse. "Mrs. Ford, I think you need to come pick Madison up. She is complaining she doesn't feel well, and she has a rash on her limbs. Looks like fifths disease".
A light bulb moment! I knew Abbi didn't have an allergic reaction. She is never that simple. I head straight to the computer. Google: Fifth disease.
Fifths disease or Parvovirus B19;
A mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. An ill child may have a low-grade fever, malaise, or a "cold" a few days before the rash breaks out. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.
The good news... once the rash appears, they are no longer contagious.
The bad news...If I am infected, the virus can cause severe anemia to our unborn baby. 9 out of 10 result in miscarriage.
I went to the doctor today and they did a blood test to see if I am immune to the virus. I am hoping that at some point I have already been exposed and this will not be an issue.
Now we play the waiting game.
Not fun.

One more thing...

Happy President's day...and Valentine's day...and Chinese New Year (go dragon)! Okay, so if that's not enough, does anyone want girl scout cookies? Madison is a Girls Scout Daisy this year and is working towards her cookie badge, whatever that is? Between my nausea, lack of time, and down-right laziness...she hasn't sold a box. So if you feel sorry enough for Madison yet, I will be taking orders tomorrow night at the church, 7pm. Come find me! $3.25 a box, delivered on Friday. Any questions? Don't bother.