Wide Open Spaces

Dear Lucas (6 years and 5 months),

2011-12-27T23:36:00.011-05:00

I just love, love, love this time of year. You are out of school for most of it and I just love all of our holiday traditions and developing new ones with you.

The first thing we did to kick of the Christmas season was go to "The Journey." It's an interactive living nativity that lets you experience the night Jesus was born. This was our second year going. Afterwards just the two of us went out to dinner. I let you pick the place and we wound up at WAFFLE HOUSE. Boy, are you a cheap date. We were the only ones in the whole place and you thought that was pretty cool.

Two days later it was time for another Christmas tradition, the Santa Train. You were even in the ad for this years event. You decorated ornaments, drank hot chocolate, talked to Santa, and we topped it all off with a train ride.

I love that even though I am a part time working Mom I still get to go to your school events. During your class Christmas party everyone got to decorate their very own gingerbread house. I know I've said this before but I really mean it, I love any chance that I am known only as "Lucas' Mom." I also love getting to bring you home early from school after classroom events.

Yet another Christmas tradition is to go and see Christmas lights. I've taken you to see the Halderman's lights every Christmas since you've been born.

This year we created another tradition when we went to Madrac Farms in Rincon, GA with your friend Preston. They had a Christmas tree farm, a hayride through Christmas lights. Santa was there and they had all these campfires for roasting marshmallows. It was really neat.

Another new thing we did this year was to go ice skating. You were so excited to finally be on a real ice skating rink. It was a little tricky to get the hang of and you probably spent more time on your knees and your bootie than on your feet but that's okay. I was so proud of you. You never gave up or got frustrated, not even for a second. You just kept on trying.

To take a break from all the time we spent out of the house we invited your cousins over and you decorated Sugar cookies with them. I ordered a Sugar Cookie decorating kit from Preston's Mom (she made all your amazing birthday cakes the last 5 years.) I loved being able to watch you guys get a sugar rush without having to actually bake the cookies myself!

The last Friday before Christmas the two of us always head to downtown Savannah. Your Dad always has to work at least half a day so we go to the Westin to look at the Gingerbread houses and the gorgeous Christmas trees. We always ride the ferry over to Riverstreet (this year we saw Dolphins playing in the water) and we always end up at the candy store before riding the ferry back and returning home. This year it was so hot outside we skipped the candy and got ice cream instead.

This year we had a guest that I am sure will be back next year. We adopted an elf from the North pole and you named him Tweetie. You were so excited when you realized he had brown hair and blue eyes just like you do. Tweetie was here to watch you and report back to Santa each night what was going on back at our house. To keep himself entertained he would land in a new spot in the house each day and often played a little joke on us. One day he toilet papered the tree, another day he drew funny faces with a dry erase marker on a few framed pictures and on Christmas eve you woke up with a "Rudolph nose." When Santa came on Christmas eve he hitched a ride back to the North Pole. You were so sad to see him go but I have a feeling he will be back next year.

On Christmas eve we headed to my parents house and we played our annual game of Dirty Santa/Chinese Christmas/Racist Santa (depending on who you ask) Everyone brings a random wrapped gift and draws a number and we go in that order to pick a gift to unwrap. You can steal someone's gifts or decide to take your chances. Some of the gifts this year included light up snowmen signs, bacon flavored popcorn, and a trivia game based on MTV's Jersey Shore. You ended up with a big fluffy teddy-bear.

After Christmas eve with our family we headed to our church. Before the first Christmas carol was over you were sleeping snuggled up across my lap. You slept through the whole service. I couldn't even wake you up for the candle light singing of "Silent Night" that you were looking so forward to.... talk about sleeping in heavenly peace! You didn't wake up when I carried you out to the car or on the whole drive home.

You woke up just as we pulled up to the house and you were awake long enough to take a bath, get dressed in your new PJs and put out cookies and milk for Santa before you were back to bed.

Christmas morning we woke up to you snuggled between us and we all ventured out to the living room together to see if Santa had come. He brought you just what you asked for... Harry Potter Lego sets and a hammer and nails. We also opened family presents. You were so excited by everything but the first thing you opened was the Chess set that was from us. You've been wanting your own since the beginning of school when you first learned how to play in your gifted class.

We stayed in our PJs and headed over to your Grandpa Hunter's house for breakfast. We visited for a little while and headed back home to take to nap and play with your new toys (we napped, you played.) Then your uncle David and Aunt Ashley came over with your cousin Aubrie. We ended the night together grabbing Chinese food.

Sweet-pea, I love you to the moon and back,

Lucas' Mom

Dear Lucas (6 years and 4 months,)

2011-11-27T11:27:00.013-05:00

It's been a great fall so far. We had fun decorating the yard for Halloween and for the first time I didn't have to carve the pumpkin! This year you and your Dad scooped out all of the guts and gave it a funny face.

Right now you are very into Harry Potter so your Halloween costume was an easy pick. I had fun collecting the pieces to pull it all together. I even made you a broom out of sticks and found you a stuffed owl for Hedwig. It's been a blast falling in love with all things Harry Potter with you. I can't wait until you are old enough to finish the rest of the books. We stopped reading them together once they got a little dark and more mature.

We went trick-or-treating with your friend Preston and his sister Sierra. It has become a sort of tradition. I think this is the fourth year in a row we've all gone together. As always you guys had a blast! You got so much candy but the funniest treat was a Kraft cheese single. You thought it was hilarious.

I had to go to work and you had school the next day so we didn't stay out trick-or-treating long but that didn't stop you on wracking up the candy. You went through the candy and picked a few pieces and left the rest out for the Sugar Fairy who switched it out for a Lego board game.

This month your school had its very first awards day of the year. You made high honor roll and it couldn't be prouder. When you walked up front to get your certificate you saw me sitting there in the front row and your face lit up. I live for moments like that.

Over Veteran's Day weekend we planned to take care of my flight benefits for the first time and head to California to see our family. Flying standby was certainly a learning experience and you were a trouper. We spent a lot of time just sitting and waiting and not getting on planes. I think you took it a lot better than most adults would! I can't wait to go on more adventures with you!

While we were in California I went to our cousin Davia's wedding and you hung out with our other cousins. You had a blast playing with Ben and Ean. I don't think you even missed me while I was gone.

One of the coolest things we did while we were in California was go to the beach at Sunset. It wasn't planned it just happened that way. It was so pretty and you could care less that it was cold and windy. You still ran in and out of the waves and dug in the sand.

Getting back home to Georgia was another adventure. We ended up spending the night in the airport in Atlanta. When we got to Savannah I took you straight to school. You were really great at catching up on your homework. You even had to do your first report in a short amount of time. You could choose any animal and your of course decided to learn about Snowy Owls (the same kind of Owl as Harry Potter's Hedwig.) I can't believe you are old enough to write research papers!

One of my favorite fall traditions is taking you to the Children's Book Festival at Forsyth Park. In the years past you wanted your picture taken with the book characters like Clifford, or Pooh but you had no interest this year. Instead you wanted to sit and hear Peter Catalanotto read one of his books and talk about how he ended up writing and illustrating children's books. He was very inspirational and talked about how all kids are artists and that you should just keep writing down your stories and drawing. You were enthralled by everything he was saying and you slowly made your way up to the front of the group. Ever since you've been making little books and writing stories.

Over Thanksgiving break we finally accomplished another first when I took you to play miniature golf. You really enjoyed it. I don't know why we haven't been sooner. The place is right near our house.

For Thanksgiving your Uncle Ted wanted to take us all to his favorite restaurant Maggiano's. We all loaded up and headed down to Jacksonville. It was so much fun. We all sat at two tables pushed together and passed four courses of food around the table. It was nice to try something different as a family. I'm so glad we took a family picture before we left.

Before we left we also made sure to get a picture of all the cousins together now that Teddie is here. I am sure it is the first of many to come of the seven of you. Good news, Joseph and Joshua won't be moving after all. I'm so happy that you get to grow up together!

The Day after Thanksgiving we headed to Tybee Island for some fun at the beach. Ever since we went in California you had been begging to go back to the beach here. We built a "Sandman" and tried to get a good picture for our Christmas card. I can't wait to experience another Christmas with you! Every year it just gets better and better!

I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Dear Lucas (6 years and 3 months),

2011-10-27T23:36:00.014-04:00

I just love this time of the year. The weather is starting to cool down and the holidays are just around the corner. You are so excited for Halloween. It is just around the corner!

This month you finally went in for an eye appointment. Several months ago your eye doctor decided to retire so we had to find you a new one. Now that there is only one pediatric eye doctor the wait to get in was over 6 months. He said your eyes are still looking good and that he'll see you back in six months.

We were happily surprised to discover that you and your friends were in an ad in a regional magazine. The Roundhouse used a photo of you four from last years Santa train to promote the upcoming Santa train event. It is the October/November 2011 issue on page 89. The issue had two different covers and of course we bought one of each! When I showed you that you were in a magazine you acted like you weren't surprised. All you said was "I was in the newspaper before and now this, I guess I am really famous now."

All summer long you have been dying to go bowling but we just never got around to going. You got to finally go when your friend Bella had a bowling birthday party. You loved it!

Every October since you were born you've always gone with us to Helen, GA for a family reunion. This time around I was working and couldn't find anyone to work for me. You still got to go though because your Grandparents were nice enough to take you. I doubt you even missed us for one second.

You had a day off from school a few days ago so we packed up a picnic lunch, grabbed your friend Gabe, and headed to the park. The weather was perfect and there was a light breeze for kite flying.

I got to go with you to your first 1st grade field trip. Your class went to the Civic Center to watch Junie B. Jones play. You really enjoyed the performance and the music. I loved being called "Lucas' Mom" all day.

You cannot wait for Halloween. We have the yard all decorated. We are going to go Trick-or-treating with your friend Preston like we have done for the last several years. Halloween falls on a school night this year so we won't be out that late but it should still be fun.

You can't wait to go trick-or-treating. This year you wanted to be Harry Potter so I've been finding different pieces to put together for a costume. You would probably just be happy with some random prepackaged costume but I love adding little details.

I love you to the moon and back,

Lucas' Mom :-)

Dear Lucas (6 years and 2 months),

2011-09-27T23:47:00.011-04:00

You are now settled into your school schedule as a first grader. This is your first year in the gifted program and you seem to be thriving. You came home after your first couple of gifted classes excitedly telling us you were learning how to play chest (you meant chess.) It was a nice change to hear details about your school day because before all you would tell us was that school was "fine" or that you didn't remember what you learned.

Just like when you were in Kindergarten you come home with homework assignments for the week that are due on Friday. That way if something comes up one night and you can't get your work done it is no big deal. Every week you have spelling words, sight words, and vocabulary words to learn. Every night you practice math and writing. You just finished learning how to count in groups of tens and you know how to tell the difference between the tens and the ones places.

It is hard to believe that the first 9 weeks of school have already passed. You just got your very first report card and you got all A's. Way to go! I hope you just always do your best and always enjoy learning. We've gotten into reading chapter books at night now. We read the first few "Harry Potter" books this summer but you'll have to finish the rest of the series when you get a little older. Right now we are reading "The Indian in the Cupboard."

You still love your cat Squeakie and she loves to hug your face from behind. She was such a sweet kitten and she has turned into the most neurotic cat. She is always trying to climb walls and open drawers. She likes to climb in bags and purses and pull everything out. I don't even know where she sleeps at night but I do see her go and check on you during the night.

In a few days you have an eye appointment and I'm a little anxious. The last time you had your eyes checked it was back in February and you have always been seen every 3-6 months. Right after that appointment we got word that your doctor had retired and that meant there was only one other pediatric eye doctor in Savannah and the next available appointment wasn't until October. I wasn't sure if it was more important for you to be seen on time or if it was more important that you saw a specialist. We decided to hold out for the specialist. I hope we did the right thing. You don't seem to be having any problems that we have noticed except wanting to sleep in your glasses still.

I think the biggest news this month has been that today you got a new baby cousin. Teddie is the first girl cousin on my side of the family. You haven't gotten to meet her yet but you don't seem that upset about it. I guess boys aren't that concerned with new babies especially when they are girls. I think your uncle Ted can relate.

Little one, I love you to the moon and back,

Mom

Caden Hiding

2011-09-22T19:09:00.000-04:00

Shredded Beef Tacos Crockpot Style

2011-09-20T23:29:00.004-04:00

I've been using this recipe for taco filling for the last six years. It's a nice change from the normal ground beef tacos that we usually make. Every time I want to make these I always have to search for the recipe so I decided to post it here.

INGREDIENTS

*1 Taco seasoning packet

*2 TBS of red wine vinegar (can also use sherry vinegar)

*1 small can of diced green chilies

*2.5 lb London broil or chuck roast

DIRECTIONS

Place the beef into your crockpot.
In a small bowl stir together taco seasoning, red wine vinegar, and green chilies.
Spoon sauce over beef.
Cook on low until the meat falls apart easily with a fork (8-10 hours)
Take beef out and shred with a fork
Serve with taco shells or tortillas, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes. salsa, and guacamole.

I'm Now a Working Mom

2011-09-12T04:29:00.004-04:00

At the end of June I put in my application at the airport to work for United. I needed a distraction from what has been the last year of my life (the whole trying to get pregnant but not being successful at getting knocked up thing.) Plus there is the whole the cost of everything is going up lately except our income, especially since I haven't been babysitting for several months.

By the end of July I got a call asking if I was still interested in the job (I was) so I went in for an interview. The next day I was offered the job and I took it. Since I am working at the airport I had to go though all kids of background checks and screening and pass a class to get my ID badge since I am allowed in special areas of the airport. So as of August 3rd I went from being a SAHM to a part time ramp agent. At United everyone starts our at the ramp then they can move up (if they want) to a ticket agent (which I think I would like to do, because who doesn't want to be yelled at by passengers stuck in an airport far from home... sign me up for that!)

So far I just love the job. It is exciting. I love the people I work with even though most of them can't understand why I am working there if I have a college degree (the hours let me still have the benefits of being a SAHM during the day and I just work a couple nights a week.) Oh and did I mention the flight benefits!!!! For just $50 a year I can fly around the world and so can Curtis, Lucas, my parents, and my in-laws. I might finally get to see Paris one day!

************************************************

What is a Ramp Agent?

Ramp agents are responsible for all ground servicing of an aircraft while in the airport between flights. Typically, this means preparing for aircraft arrival by readying the wheel chocks, beltloaders (for unloading baggage), and various other machinery used in aircraft maintenance. When the aircraft arrives, ramp agents are responsible for guiding the pilots with hand signals or orange flashlight wands into position next to the gate. When the plane comes to a stop, ramp agents chock the wheels of the plane and guide the jetbridge (the enclosed ramp connecting the airport gate to the aircraft) to the aircraft door.

Working conditions for ramp agents can be difficult at times. Most work is performed outside in all types of weather, and ear plugs are usually necessary because of aircraft engine noise. Agents sometimes must work quickly to ready a plane for departure, and weather delays can cause several flights to arrive at the same time, making for hectic schedules.

Bedtime Chuckles

2011-09-05T20:06:00.004-04:00

Earlier tonight while Lucas was waiting for my to read him a bedtime story I was doing a few last minute things. I threw his school uniforms in the washing machine and I put my phone on the charger. Lucas was getting really antsy and he kept telling me to "please hurry up." After a few minutes had passed and I still hadn't made it into his room I heard him yell out, "Can you just hurry up Mom? I am not getting any younger here!"

Dear Lucas (6 years and 1 month),

2011-08-27T19:41:00.009-04:00

The last month of summer flew by far too quickly. I meant to take you swimming more. I meant to take you to the beach more. We were supposed to go on so many more adventures. The summer is just never long enough. I guess our adventures don't have to end just because the summer has come to a close.

Since your birthday fell right smack in the middle of the week we scheduled your party for the following weekend. What a fun birthday weekend it was too! Our church had a "Water Day" for the kids with a giant water slide, tons of water guns, different sized swimming pools and cotton candy. You had a ball.

The following day was your birthday party. We celebrated at your Grandparents' house just like we have done for the five birthdays before this one. Hey, it works. They have a pool and your birthday is always in the middle of the high heat of the summer. You wanted a Captain America theme and that's what we did.

During the last week of summer we tried to squeeze in as much fun as possible. We went swimming with friends, we went to Ellis Square in City Market, and we read as many Harry Potter books as we possibly could for the Summer reading program at the library.

The last day before school started we helped Joshua celebrate his 1st birthday party at your Grandparents.... for a pool party. Nobody seemed to mind another chance to take a dip in the water and eat some cake. You loved getting to see your cousins Shane and Colby again. I wish you could see them more but everyone is busy. I just hope you guys grow up to be close when you are older, especially since you don't have any brothers or sisters of your own. Your Dad and I have been trying sometime to give you a sibling but it doesn't seem to be in God's plan right now. I don't want you to think you are never enough for us... because that couldn't be further from the truth. We just didn't want you to be alone when it is our time to no longer be here.

I wasn't sure how you were going to feel on the first day of school. You were a little bummed that you didn't get to be in Mrs. S's class again but you seem to have gotten an equally fabulous teacher. On the first day of school you were up and dressed before my alarm went off at 7:30AM. Your school doesn't even start until 9. You were so excited to get to school and start the day as a First Grader.

There are a few kids in your class from last year and that seemed to make you happy. When it was time to for me to go you whispered that you didn't want me to leave. We did our "kissing hands" from the book that someone recommended when you were having a rough time in Pre-K, and that seemed to help.

You rode the bus home and you were all excited about your first day and told me that you had the best day ever. Later I got an email telling me that you spent the first half of the day hiding in the corner or the room crying. The second day of school I had to wake you up and encourage you to get up. You told me you wanted to go back to Kindergarten because First grade just had to much learning. I'm sure you just need a little time to adjust and before long it will be your first day of Second grade and you'll be wishing you were back in Mrs.B's class.

Luca-Lou, I love you to infinity and beyond,

Mama

Dear Lucas (6 years),

2011-07-27T23:37:00.014-04:00

Happy Birthday, my sweet baby boy! It is hard to believe that you are six years old. Soon you will be starting First grade but for now I am glad we still have a few more weeks of summer to keep having fun. Here is what we've done so far:

We discovered a nearby swimming hole thanks to some friends. It's like our own little local beach.

To celebrate the 4th of July we had a pool party at Grandma & Grandpa's house and then had a cookout with friends and shot off fireworks together.

The following week we went to Saint Simons Island for our family reunion.

After our family reunion you went home with Levi and stayed with your cousins for a week.

On the way home we stopped at the gas station with a petting zoo. I realized later we had stopped there exactly a year ago. The first time we stopped there we were headed to Atlanta to have your eyes checked under anesthesia. Your Dad and I were so scared back then.

This summer you and Gabriel have decided that the two of you are best friends since David has seemed to pair off with Jake. It works out since the four of you play together quite often and nobody gets left out this way. You four usually play together while the adults play board games or chat over coffee. The four of you will also be at the same school this year.

One of my favorite things that we've done this summer was to sneak off and get frozen yogurt at bedtime. We had such a good time sitting outside and giggling together under the stars.

Your cousin Kaliegh came down from Massachusetts to visit her Dad for the summer and we got her a few times while she was here. You had a blast hanging out with her and Steven.

Your favorite toy right now are Lego blocks. Your friend Bella sent you a gift card to WalMart for your birthday and you knew what you wanted to pick out before you even got to the store- big boy Lego sets. Before know all you had were the ones for toddlers. You haven't put them down since you got them.

Last night while you were sleeping I filled your floor with balloons. In the morning you were so excited to wake up to your room decorated. I did the same thing last year and I think it is a tradition that we will keep around.

Tonight we celebrated at home and you opened presents from us and then blew out your birthday candles. On Sunday we will have your birthday party and celebrate with your family and a few friends. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us.

I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

It is What it is

2011-07-19T00:23:00.001-04:00

I know it's been a while since I updated. Mostly because I don't know what to say other than "blah blah blah I can't get pregnant blah blah blah" I feel like now I am just whining when I talk about it.

I had an appointment back in June. The doctor put me on Metformin for my insulin resistance. I take it 2x a day. I'm also supposed to check my blood sugar before I eat breakfast and after dinner. In the beginning I did like I was supposed to with checking my blood sugar but now I don't check it as much as I should. I hate needles and doing it 2x a day sucks. So far my blood sugar has been awesome on the Metformin. I haven't had any bad side effects which is a plus.

I finished a cycle with the higher dosage or clomid a few weeks ago. I've lost track of what cycle I am on.... I'm so tired to keeping track of things. I was supposed to test on a Friday but didn't see the point. I knew I would get a negative test. I didn't see the point of wasting the money. A few days later I took a test just in case.... I shouldn't have bothered. I've become very cynical about the whole thing.

In the middle of the last round Curt and I had a heart to heart. I cried about how life isn't fair and he held me and told me that he was happy with our life and if it was just us three he's okay with that. Except I'm not.... but I don't think I have the strength to keep trying.

I go back to the doctor this week again. I am dreading it.... I know I've said that I was ready to take a break from all the trying before but I really mean it this time. I just don't have the strength to keep going down this road. I am also not looking forward to hear any "oh I'm sure now that you stopped trying it will happen for you" or "your time is coming."

I am fine around people that are pregnant or that have cute little chubby babies. I can shop for baby gifts for friends and find pleasure in it. The times when it is the hardest is when I am all alone long after Curt and Lucas are asleep. It's the quietness that gets me and gives me time to think. See, I should have just stopped after "blah blah blah"

Dear Lucas (5 years 11 months),

2011-06-30T00:03:00.008-04:00

You are officially a big first grader and in one month you will be six. You are already telling people that you are six. When I remind you that you aren't quite six you tell me, "Well, I am fake six." The other day you asked me if I was sad that you were growing up and you told me, "I'm still me. I'll always be your son."

Your last day of Kindergarten was fun. Your teacher put together a safari party complete with games and an outdoor picnic. You were blessed with such a special teacher this year. It's been amazing seeing how much you learned in Kindergarten. You can now read short books. Since it's the summer you can stay up a little later and the two of us stay up reading books. We just finished the first Harry Potter book and I love reading you chapter books just like my Mom used to read to me.

The summer just got started but we're already off to a great start. We've been the the movies, you've driven a go-cart, we've gone on a short road trip and you've gone swimming more times than I can count. You also spent the week with your Grandparents and went to Vacation Bible School. When it was time to bring you home you asked me if you could just live with Grandma and Grandpa. You said you would just come visit me and Daddy sometimes.

You have become a little fish. You've been able to swim for the last few summers you just didn't have the confidence. You finally decided to trust yourself and you went swimming off into the deep end without any floats. Before long you were jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side of the pool. It was so awesome to watch you conquer your fear. I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer holds.

Sweet-pea, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Dear Lucas (5 years 10 months 1 week and 3 days)

2011-06-06T01:31:00.013-04:00

I guess the biggest news this past month is that our family has grown by four paws. Once again we have a kitten and it is the sweetest little at ever. You decided to name her Squeakie because when she meows she squeaks a little bit. She loves to play and snuggle. She even gets along with Jadie.

The day we got Squeakie we also went to Matthew's graduation. It was really cool to see him graduate. After it was over you were so excited to run up to him and say congratulations.

Thursday was your kindergarten awards night, it was kind of like a graduation with out the cap and gown. You looked so handsome all dressed up and you even wore a tie.

During the awards ceremony you guys sang songs and had different lines to say. You had a line at the start of the program and it was, "we weren't sure exactly what to do each day." Then everyone got a special medal. Afterwards we went out to dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, Tony, Lori, Joseph, Josh, and Matthew. You even got presents afterwards.

The day after awards day was field day and man was it HOT! Your class was supposed to do 12 events but I think you guys only made it half way. I remember doing field day when I was a kid so it was cool to get to see you guys do some of the same stuff.

I can't believe you just have a few more days of Kindergarten left. Next year you will be a big first grader. You will also be in the gifted program next year.

You are still good friends with David and Gabriel. They spent the night a few weeks ago for the first time. You all had a ball. I'm sure we'll do all kinds of fun stuff this summer and next year they'll be at your school.

I love you to the moon and back,

Mom

Introducing Squeakie

2011-05-22T16:53:00.004-04:00

Last week we went to Vidalia to visit family and Lucas picked out a kitten.

Yesterday my Aunt Karen brought him to live with us. Turns out he picked out a really sweet cuddly kitten.

Matthew's Graduation

2011-05-21T22:16:00.005-04:00

Matthew, our oldest nephew graduated this afternoon.

That's my brother talking during the slide show of Matthew's life so far.

His speech was awesome. We are so incredibly proud of him and his accomplishments. I know this is just the beginning.

Josh and Jo-Jo

2011-05-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

Bonding with Uncle Curtis over grapes and super heroes.

Game On

2011-05-19T23:27:00.007-04:00

I went to my Doctors appointment on Thursday and he suggested putting me on Metformin, which I had been planning on asking about anyway. However, before I can be put on Metformin I had to get some blood work done. He also wanted me to stay on Clomid because it is supposed to work even better paired with Metformin. I decided to give it another shot and he doubled my dose.

On Friday I went and had my blood drawn (and I still have the bruises to prove it!) I was sent for three tests.

A1C test ( it is like a 2-3 month average blood sugar)
2 Hour Glucose test (test in which glucose is given and blood samples taken afterward to determine how quickly it is cleared from the blood)
Insulin Fast (A fasting serum insulin level of greater than the upper limit of normal for the assay used (approximately 60 pmol/L) is considered evidence of insulin resistance)

My doctor wants to see me in 30 days to discuss the results from the blood tests and decide if I need Metformin or not. In the meantime I had to start taking Provera again because my period did not start on it's own like it did during the last cycle. So here we go again.

Facebook Fast

2011-05-19T22:23:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday, I dropped my totally awesome touchscreen smart phone and the screen shattered. I realized pretty quickly just how dependent I have become on my phone for staying connected 24/7. I used my phone to check my email and my Facebook a zillion times a day. And when I wasn't checking my email or Facebook I was playing a game or watching something on Netflix. I never went anywhere without my phone.

I decided to use this time to suspend my Facebook account on my computer as well. I didn't want to be tied down to my computer checking updates that were sent to my email. As strange as it sounds, now that I am "off the grid" I feel a sense of freedom. I plan on reactivating my account once my phone is fixed (I sent it off Monday to get the screen repaired) but for now I am on a Facebook fast.

Conversation on the Way to School

2011-05-17T10:31:00.004-04:00

"Mommy, I really hope I can get a baby brother or sister one day."

"Me too baby, me too!"

"M-O-M, you already have a brother AND a sister!"

"No, I meant I really hope you get a baby brother or sister one day"

"Ohhhh!!!"

"We're trying really hard to make that happen. That's why Mommy has been going to the doctor and taking those medication. It's hard for Mommy to get pregnant. That's why you are such a special blessing."

"Oh, that's why you had to go to the hospital and have your blood taken?"

"Yes"

"Mommy, I hope when I was a baby I didn't drink all of your milk up and that's why you can't have another baby"

(While holding back tears) "No sweetheart. When a Mommy has a baby their bodies start making milk right then for that baby. A baby can't drink up ALL the milk."

"OK, that's good!"

The 2,000th Post

2011-05-10T18:11:00.001-04:00

This is my 2,000th post!!!!

On Wednesday I am supposed to take a pregnancy test. I honestly don't "feel" pregnant but I guess we will see. (I did cheat a take a test this morning and it was negative so it is a pretty safe bet to say that I am not pregnant. For the first time in a long time though I was fine with the results. It hasn't ruined my day and I didn't even tear up) I have an appointment with my Doctor on Thursday morning. Originally the plan was that if I was not pregnant after 3 cycles on clomid he would up the dosage. However, as of right now I don't think I want to take any more Clomid. I'm not saying I won't give clomid anther go in the future just not right now. We still would love to have another baby but I think I need a take a few steps back and regroup. So for now we are still trying just without fertility drugs, charts, ovulation tests, and scheduled "dates" with my husband.

Last year when we started this process I thought we would be pregnant by now (and in all honesty I that I would be already holding a baby in my arms.) A few months ago I read the quote, "Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans," and I guess that is pretty appropriate in this situation. I know I've said this before but these last few months have really been a roller coaster ride. I got so caught up in doing EVERYTHING by the book and each time I finished a cycle I would be so heartbroken when I wasn't pregnant. I just can't live like that.

I know it is cliche but I am really trying to embrace the mantra "let go and let God." After all Lucas was a huge surprise. I was just about to Graduate from college and enter the working world. I was shocked when I found out that I was pregnant because I wasn't ready. I didn't want kids just yet. Here I am going on 6 years as a stay-at-home mom and I wouldn't want it any other way.

So on Thursday the plan is to ask the doctor if there is a medication that will help me live with PCOS a little easier. I have been researching on my own and I am hoping he will put me on metformin (glucophage.) If he doesn't feel like that is not an option for me and there is nothing out there that will work to keep my hormones in check, it is a possibility that I will ask to be put back on birth control. I've prayed about all of this and I feel at peace with this decision.

As always Curtis is being so supportive. He would love another child as well but he is okay if it is not in the cards for us. He just hates seeing me upset or stressed. He's even told me to just pretend that I don't have PCOS and the reason we are having difficulty getting pregnant is that it is all his fault, just so I won't feel sad.

We still have so much to look forward to this year. Lucas gets out of school in five weeks and we have a whole summer of fun ahead of us. Lucas will turn 6 on July 27th. Our 10th wedding anniversary is August 10th. Lucas will get a new cousin in October. Then I turn the big 30 on January 1st.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T23:25:00.000-04:00

I love the homemade gifts that come along with being a Mom. Lucas made me 3 cards and a heart vase.

Lucas thinks I am a year younger and several pounds lighter than I am... I really love that kid!

Dear Lucas (5 years 9 months 1 week and 2 Days),

2011-05-06T00:16:00.019-04:00

In just a few weeks you will be finished with Kindergarten and I'm looking forward to having you home for a few months. A few weeks ago was your Spring break. Originally we had planned to do a few fun things but unfortunately your Dad and I were sick almost the whole time. However, you got to go spend the night with Grandma and Papa for the first time and you thought that was pretty neat. You are already asking when you can come back. I think it is already decided that you can go to Vacation Bible School with Grandma and stay the whole week.

Being in Kindergarten you get to go to awards day, which they didn't have last year in Pre-K. For the last two marking periods you have made perfect attendance. I love being able to get to attend school functions during the day.

Another fun activity that you are now old enough to participate in is Jump Rope for Heart. You haven't quite got the whole jumping rope thing down yet but that is okay you never gave up.

The last day of school before Spring break was pretty fun. I got to go help hide 472 Easter eggs for your class egg hunt. Well, maybe hide is the wrong word. There were so many eggs that we were just throwing them on the ground. I am pretty sure it took longer for us to put the eggs out than it did for your class to scoop them up. Each of you had to pick up 23 eggs. You got to practice your math skills while having fun with your classmates.

You got to go to another special Easter Egg hunt. Every year we get together with your old playgroup pals and have a hunt. This year was no different. The crowd was a little smaller than it usually is but it was still a lot of fun. Afterwards we spread out blanket out and had a picnic in Forsyth. I really love the weather this time of year.

We went to the Sidewalk Art Festival again this year and you really enjoyed it. We got there after the actual festival was over so we could see the art a little better. In my car I keep a "park bag" and it has a blanket to sit on, balls to play with, sidewalk chalk, and water bottles. When you noticed there were a few empty squares in between some of the artwork you asked for your chalk and started to draw. People kept walking by telling you what an awesome job you were doing. On the way back to the car you told me, "I'm the best chalk drawer in the whole world." I'm still not sure what you ended up drawing.

You have officially kicked off the swimming season. You were a little scared to go in the pool at first and you were worried that you won't remember how to swim. You slowly inched your way in and before long you were doing cannon balls off the side of the pool. It is going to be a fabulous summer.

One of your favorite things to do lately is to swing. You learned how to pump your feet and really get yourself going. Now you take every chance you can get to swing. You are always begging to go to the park or to Grandma and Papa's house. Your Dad keeps talking about making a swing for our backyard. I guess we need to make sure he gets right on that!

On Easter we got together with all of your cousins. In a few months there will be a totally different photo op. It is looking more and more like Joshua and Joseph might be moving away soon and this fall you will be getting a new cousin. Your Aunt Lisa and Uncle Ted are pregnant with their fourth child. Right now everyone is waiting to see if it will be a boy or girl. I just hope there will be lots of chances to take pictures of all 7 of you.

Sweet pea, I love you to the moon and back!

Mommy

Our 6th Annual Day in Pictures

2011-04-30T11:41:00.005-04:00

See the slideshow of our day by clicking here

You can see past years by clicking here

What to Expect When You are NOT Expecting

2011-04-26T23:38:00.005-04:00

Our third round of Clomid is nearing the end. Luckily I haven't dealt with any real bad side effects this month. I need to make an appointment to go see the Doctor in a few weeks. Originally the plan was to get a higher dosage of Clomid if the first 3 cycles don't work but I keep going back and forth on what I want to do next. Some days I am DONE and I just want to go back to our life before we started trying for a baby. Just when I start to feel okay with no longer trying then I will find out that a friend is pregnant or see a new baby or notice siblings playing and my heart will start aching.

This has been such a roller coaster ride. I didn't know before starting this journey just how hard this would be emotionally. Even though I'm not pregnant this whole process hasn't been all bad. It has brought Curt and I are even closer. It is also strengthening my Faith. I've gotten back into doing devotions and I've been trying to rely on God for comfort even though I've had more than my share of "Really, God?!" moments and I'm still struggling with them.

Another hard part of this whole process is learning to ignore people's comments. I know so many friends and family mean well but sometimes I can't get over what people say without thinking. I don't mind answering questions about how things are going and I appreciate prayers and words of support but some things are better left unsaid. Here are just a few of the ones I remember off the top of my hear:

*"Why aren't you pregnant yet?" (Because trying is so much fun)

*"You just need to have more sex" (What? Sex? We haven't thought of trying yet. Thanks!)

*"Just relax and let it happen" (Right because THAT is how you make a baby)

*"I understand what you are going through, it took us 2 days to get pregnant with are 59th child" (Okay so maybe on this one I might have exaggerated a tiny bit)

*"Do you really want another baby anyway? You would have to start all over and that would suck" (What? Babies are hard work? I didn't realize that.)

*"You should just be glad you were able to have one child, some people can't have any kids at all" (Yes, apparently wanting a sibling for my child is unthinkable and by wanting another child that makes us ungrateful for our Son we've been blessed with and we are horrible people)

The other thing I hate about struggling to get pregnant is that I know my pregnant friends and family might feel strange around me. It is bittersweet to hear someone else is pregnant. I am happy for them but sad for us and but after a good private cry after the initial announcement I am good. I still love talking about pregnancy and babies. I also love watching the baby bumps grow and seeing all those sweet pictures of newborns.

So if you are the praying type please keep us in your prayers. We have to decide where to go from here. This would all be so much easier if Lucas was still praying every night, "Dear God, please don't give me a baby brother or sister." However, out of nowhere Lucas has started to ask for a baby sister.

Dear Lucas (5 years 8 months 2 weeks and 1 Day),

2011-04-11T19:54:00.010-04:00

Since my monthly letter is two weeks late I thought just this month I would cheat a little bit and ask you a few questions.

1.What is something mom always says to you? "No"

2. What makes mom happy? "I be good at school"

3. What makes mom sad? "When I don't behave at school."

4. How does your mom make you laugh? "Tickles me"

5. What was your mom like as a child? "Maybe bored"

6. How old is your mom? "16" (That would mean I had you when I was 10)

7. How tall is your mom? "2 foot, no 2 inches, no 4 inches tall" (The funny thing about this answer if you pointed at squinted your eyes at me like you were measuring)

8. What is her favorite thing to do? "Play on the wii because you play on the wii with me"

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? "Play on the wii" (nope, I think we can see your most recent obsession is the Wii)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? "Being a Super star, a rock star"

11. What is your mom really good at? "writing, because I get all my "s"s wrong" (You are always impressed by how fast I can write and how I know how to form my letters)

12. What is your mom not very good at? "punching in the face"

13. What does your mom do for a job? "babysitting"

14.What is your mom's favorite food? "Spaghetti" (So not my favorite food, but it's what we just finished eating)

15.What makes you proud of your mom? "When we went to Caden's birthday party and I came home and played on the wii and Daddy didn't know what he was supposed to do so you played with me instead"

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? "Maybe Mickey Mouse"

17. What do you and your mom do together? "play on the wii"

18. How are you and your mom the same? "because we are both white, I mean peach colored. Why are we peach colored?"

19. How are you and your mom different? "Because we don't have the same birthday numbers"

20. How do you know your mom loves you? "Because her plays on the wii with me sometimes" (You are just like your Dad, the way to your heart is video games)

21. What does your mom like most about your dad? "He is nice and only sometimes mad."

Snuggle buggle, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Clomid Can Suck It!

2011-03-26T23:55:00.002-04:00

This is my second month taking Clomid and I am experiencing quite a few side effects. It's funny to think that such a small pill can cause such discomfort. It all started a few days ago with these awful headaches. The headaches subsided and brought bloating and abdominal pain. I was so bloated that I couldn't even zip my pants the other day. Ever since then I've been sticking to dresses and lounge pants. It literally feels like my ovaries are two large softballs hanging out in my abdomen. I just feel this constant pressure. Taking a pain reliever and taking it easy makes me feel 80% better. Curt has been extremely sweet and understanding and I've been just laying around and taking it easy.

Now that I am experiencing these side effects I now realize that I had a few last month too I just didn't realize it at the time. Last round I had horrible headaches and nausea and a few days of just feeling plain crappy. I totally thought my new glasses were to blame but now I know it was caused by a tiny white pill. I really hope that the side effects don't continue to get worse each round. Also, right now I am the lowest dose possible and after the third round the doctor is supposed to increase the dose, but as it stands right now I don't think I could tough that out. I am praying that I don't even have to make that decision.

Counting Every Day

2011-03-14T01:05:00.004-04:00

This baby making stuff is more complicated then I thought it would be. We are in the middle of round 2 of trying with fertility medicine. Each round is a pretty lengthy process of about a month and a half (around 48 days.)

Take Provera 2x a day for a week.
Wait for another week for period to start (the start of it is day 1)
Day 5-9 take clomid once a day
Day 5-20 take mucinex one a day
Day 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 "spend time together"
Day 34 take a pregnancy test. If it's negative begin the whole cycle again.

If this second cycle doesn't work I have a RX for a third try. If that doesn't work then I go back to the doctor for higher dosage drugs. At this point I don't think I'm going to opt for the stronger drugs.

Happy 39th Anniversay Mom & Dad

2011-03-11T09:12:00.002-05:00

Dear Lucas (5 years 7 months),

2011-03-09T00:08:00.021-05:00

It's had to believe that you are now closer to being six than you are to age five. The other night you feel asleep in our bed and when I went to pick you up I couldn't believe how heavy you were and how long your legs were. You are growing like a weed. Standing next to me the top of your head comes to my elbow and you now weigh 40 lbs (you were 36 lbs at the end of July.)

The biggest change around our house has been your Aunt Sam and Caden moving out. The first day you can home from school and they were gone you burst into tears, which is quite ironic since you and Caden ALWAYS FOUGHT! We had a fabulous time while they were here and we'll still seem them all the time. I'm still taking care of Caden while Aunt Sam works, they just won't be sleeping here at night.

This month we also got a new car. Hopefully soon you will be a big brother so we went ahead and bought a car with 4 doors and 5 seats. You were so excited when you first saw the car and started screaming, "I have my own door!!!" The first few times you rode in the car you forgot you had your own door and tried to crawl into the front of the car to get out. You've also already asked, "Hey Mom, when you die can I have your car?" For an only child you are quite worried about what your inheritance will be. If you have it your way you will remain an only child. Your only prayer request during nightly prayers lately is "Dear God, please don't give me a baby brother or sister."

Ever since you turned 5 you've gotten really picky. You might as well be a vegetarian. It is a constant battle to get you to eat meat. The other day I made a roast for dinner and made you try one bite and you started chocking and saying "This tastes like hair! Why are you feeding me hair?" So all you ate for dinner were potatoes and carrots. One night you wanted to eat raw cookie dough for dinner and when I wouldn't let you I was handed a "behavior chart." You explained that if I got two more sad faces I could not be your Mom anymore.

The weather has been so lovely lately that I hate staying in doors. I miss the time before you started school when we would spend tons of time outdoors. You had a day off from school last Friday so we packed a lunch, a blanket, and a few kites and headed to Forsyth. It was so much fun. When it is nice outside I am so tempted to let you play hooky and head to the beach but you are learning so much at school I'd hate for you to miss something. You've become quite the little reader. So I send you off to school and count down the days until St.Patrick's Day and Spring Break and head off on a new adventure.

Last weekend we went to a birthday party for your friends. When we walked up to the house there was a horse in the front yard. You didn't bat an eye as you went into the house. It was like you were used to seeing horses just hanging around in residental areas and it was no big deal. During the party you would run out and ride the horse for a few minutes then run back in the house and play then run back out and ride. I think you rode the horse three times total. You have informed me that you are now a real live cowboy.

Sweet-pea, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Wear Gold for Kaiden

2011-02-24T17:14:00.004-05:00

Please consider buying a gold rubber bracelets that says "I wear gold for Kaiden" on one side and "Childhood Cancer Awareness" on the other side. The proceeds go to help the family pay for Kaiden's mounting medical bills. The bracelets are $5 each (+.45 cents postage per shipment) Email Keylee at keymiz@comcast.net to order. Please include the # of bracelets you'd like to order and what form of payment you'd like to use. Accepted payments are paypal (please to not send payments to above email), credit cards via propay (an invoice will b...e emailed to you for secure payments) or money orders via snail mail :)

Donations can also be made at any GTE federal credit union to Kaiden Crowther Kicks Cancer Trust. You may go to GTE yourself and tell them you would like to make a deposit to that account or checks can be mailed to Cards for Kaiden made payable to Kaiden Crowther Kicks Cancer Trust at 1324 Seven Springs Blvd. #315 New Port Richey, Fl. 34655

Little Learners Need Leveled Libraries

2011-02-24T09:53:00.003-05:00

Lucas' kindergarten class is participating in a special project on a website called DonorsChoose. This website helps teachers get some much-needed supplies for their classrooms by asking for donations from companies, private parties as well as parents, families and friends.

Lucas' class project is entitled “Little Learners Need Leveled Libraries.” From the project page, you can make a donation so that they can receive a set of Nonfiction Social Studies leveled readers for the classroom. They have already received half of the money to fund this project from the company Horace Mann!!!

Please tell your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about this website.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you so very much!

Guilty of Attempted Baby Making

2011-02-20T20:32:00.008-05:00

We just finished our first attempt at baby making and it was unsuccessful. For some reason I didn't think we would wind up pregnant right away, but it is still disappointing. I took 5 different pregnancy tests over a week, and they all came back negative (I guess that's where the phrase "pissing your money away" comes from.... shh don't tell my Mom I just typed that.)

It is a very odd thing to suddenly be trying to get pregnant after all the years I spent trying to prevent it. Lucas was a complete surprise, we hadn't planned on having kids just yet. I didn't have to pop pills or count days of my cycle or lay in bed with my legs up in the air. He just kind of showed up. This trying to make a baby thing is a lot harder and more emotionally draining then it was just finding out "oops, we're having a baby." It makes me wonder if we missed our chance to have another one because we spent so much time preventing it.

I know we haven't been trying that long... only about 6 months but it's still hard. I haven't really talked about it with anyone because I feel almost guilty wanting another child when I already have one healthy amazing kid, like we already won the lottery but it still is not enough.

Speaking of Lucas, the other night I asked him to pray before bed instead of me doing it. He totally prayed "Dear God, please don't give me a baby brother or sister." Well, I guess one of our prayers is being answered. I keep telling myself that God gave us Lucas when it was the right time and if it is His right timing again it will happen, but I'm a pretty stubborn "I want it my way kind of girl." Personally, I think right now is a FABULOUS time to get pregnant. He or She would be born before my 30th birthday and before the deadline to claim the new baby on taxes. :-)

I still have prescriptions for two more rounds of attempted baby making (wow, that sounds like a criminal charge.) If that doesn't work I am supposed to go back to the OBGYN and get him to up the dosage. I don't know if I will do that or not. After two more rounds I'm not sure if I want to keep going this round or not. I am thinking about just requesting to be put on metformin for my PCOS and stop all of the keeping track of cycles and scheduled baby making. My appointment isn't until April though so I guess I just have to wait and see. Until then I'll be popping pills (I am actually due for my next Provera pill right NOW), counting days, and waiting by the mailbox for my copy of "Fertility for Dummies" to come in the mail.

Happy Hearts Day

2011-02-19T20:44:00.005-05:00

This year Lucas addressed all of his Valentines by himself. I made the photo Valentines online and picked them up in our local Wal-mart store. I thought they came out cute.

The night before Valentine's Day I stayed up late baking Strawberry muffins. When Curtis, Samantha, Lucas and Caden woke up they were surprised to find breakfast already made.

Lucas was also surprised to find out that I had packed him a lunch, complete with a heart shaped ham and cheese sandwich. He also had carrots, apples, yogurt and a chocolate milk to wash it all down.

Before we left for school I took his picture in front of our heart tree.

The next day Caden helped me turn it into a shamrock tree.

When Cousins are Two of a Kind

2011-02-18T11:02:00.006-05:00

Caden discovered a sheet of heart stickers and started decorating himself on Sunday.

It instantly reminded me of pictures I had taken in 2007 of Lucas doing the SAME thing.

Caden 22 Months

Lucas 19 months

Seeing Clear(er)

2011-02-10T23:34:00.002-05:00

Today was Lucas' turn to have his eyes checked. Everything went very well and we went in and out in twenty minutes. His eyesight is continuing to improve greatly, so much so that he doesn't have to go back for 6 months. This is nice change since this past year we have been going ever 3 months and that is not even including his 2 trips to Emory and his EUA (exam under anesthesia.) We celebrating with a trip to Lovin Spoons. This time I made sure that Lucas did not confuse carob chips for chocolate chips!

Eye Need Glasses

2011-02-10T10:25:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday, Curtis had an eye appointment and since I hadn't really had an eye exam in about 15 years I decided to go with him. Recently I noticed that when I closed my right eye the outline of things looked fuzzy, but with both eyes I could see fine. I figured at the most the eye doctor would tell me that I should wear glasses when I drive or at night or something. I was quite surprised when the doctor told me that I should be wearing glasses full time. Although technically the doctor did tell me I can still legally drive without glasses.

I ended picking out glasses but I was and am not happy about it. They still have not come yet and I am quite fine with that. They are supposed to be here in 7-10 business days (from last Saturday) so they should be arriving next week I guess. I know I am being a big baby about this especially since both my husband and son wear glasses full time, and I like THEM in glasses.

I just hate wearing glasses on my face! Even in the summer when I would put on sunglasses after a few minutes they always end up perched on top of my head. I avoid 3-D movies because the feeling of the glasses sitting on my nose drives me batty. I know contacts could be an option but the thought of having to shove something on my eyeball doesn't appeal to me. Maybe I will feel differently once I look at the world through my prescription

Cards for Kaiden to Kick Cancer

2011-02-08T22:26:00.007-05:00

Kaiden is a 5 year old nephew of one of my close friends (and the cousin of one of Lucas' best friends) and he was just diagnosed with cancer. I am posting a copy of an email from my friend Keylee (Kaiden's aunt.) Please read it, send a few cards and keep it going. Most important of all, PLEASE pray!!!!!

***************************************
We just learned on January 28, 2011 that my 5 year old nephew Kaiden has cancer. As of the 31st of January the doctors do not know what kind or at what stage he has. He is scheduled to have a bone marrow test ran at 11am on the 1st of February and ports put in to start chemo. As we learn more about his condition we will be updating his facebook page, Cards for Kaiden to Kick Cancer.

Kaiden is currently admitted to a Children’s Hospital outside of Tampa, Fl and we are not sure when he’ll be going home. To help ease the boredom and pass the time we are setting this project in hopes to get him flooded with post cards and get well cards from around the World. We have made a cork board World map and plan to help him plot out the cities, states and countries that his post cards/get well cards come from with stick pins. This will also serve as a constant reminder to him when he sees the map scattered with stick pins of all the love and prayers being sent up for him.

If you could please, take a moment and send either a post card from your city/town or a get well card with a few words of encouragement and something interesting about your city/town we would be so thankful! Kaiden also has a 7 year old brother that is upset over all the changes going on right now and being without his family at home as everyone tries to juggle staying at the hospital, work, and school. So if you could also address a thank you card/post card to Ashton for being such a good big brother and helping his parents as the family battles this fight that would mean the world to him.

A close family friend has purchased a mail carrier style bag for Ashton and two mailboxes for the boys. The plan is to have Ashton go every few days to the post office to check the mail, loading his mail carrier bag and then take the cards to his little brother in the hospital and 'sort the mail' into each of their mail boxes. Then with the help of their mom and dad find the location on the map of where each card comes from and place a stick pin.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, we have a facebook page set up with updates and more info about his condition "Cards for Kaiden to Kick Cancer". Our hopes are to flood him with get well cards/post cards daily from all around the World!

Post Cards/Get Well cards can be sent to
Kaiden Crothwer
1324 Seven Springs Blvd #315
New Port Richey, FL 34655

Thank you/cards of encouragement for Kaiden's 7 year old brother can be sent to
Ashton Crowther
1324 Seven Springs Blvd #315
New Port Richey, FL 34655

Thank you in advance for all your help with this project.
Sincerely,
Keylee Morgan

****************

Preston, Ashton, Kaiden and Lucas having a water gun fight.

Dear Lucas (5 years 6 months 1 week... and a few days late),

2011-02-07T23:14:00.017-05:00

This is probably the latest I've been with a letter to you. It's just crazy life seems to get as you get older and how much it seems to go by quicker. It's also funny to think how when your Dad and I first found out that I was pregnant with you that we both hoped for a girl. I can honestly say however since you've been in our lives we never once thought "man I wish we had a girl instead." I just never realized how much fun pirates and super heroes are. The other night I went to dinner with a friend and came home to find you passed out in bed. You were all snuggled under the covers and next to you was your Spider-Man costume. I couldn't help but smile because the way everything was laying there it looked like I had just discovered Spider-man's secret identity.

Caden and Aunt Sam are still staying with us. You and Caden are finally starting to warm up to each other. When Caden first moved in he was terrified of taking baths for some reason but he started to see how much fun you had he decided to give it a try. Now every night when he hears the water running or you splashing around he comes running. Caden has been giving you a taste of what life would be like with a little brother or sister.

This month I've noticed how much you are like your Dad. The two of you really are two peas in a pod. You both get so frustrated if you don't get something right the first time. You both love to work with your hands and you both love video games. I just got a new phone and every chance you get you are always swiping it to play games on it. There are these puzzle games on my phone that I can barely figure out but you just zip through with no problem.

This past week you were the Star Student for your class. We had to make a poster so that you could share a little bit about your life with your classmates. You were supposed to include pictures of your family and pets. Last month your cat Siren was hit by a car and we had to bury her in the backyard. You wanted to include her picture on your poster. When we put that picture on the poster you almost started crying and grabbed on me and said "Mommy, I still miss her and I think I'll miss her forever."

At the end of each week you always bring home the papers and activities you did at School. You must have studied the planets last week because you brought home a paper you did where you placed all the planets in the right order from the sun. I made a comment to you about how when I was a kid there were nine planets. I totally thought you were going to be shocked or think I was making something up. Instead, without skipping a beat you said, "Yeah well that was Pluto. It got destroyed or something and now it's just a star." Then you started talking about the libery bell and how it got cracked. I am always amazed by just how much you have learned.

Friday was awards day at your school. You got a perfect attendance certificate and you were so proud. I think only four or five kids in your class had perfect attendance (including you) this last marking period.

The other day a little girl that lives a few houses down came and asked if you could play. She goes to your school and rides your bus. I've met her parents so I let you go play for a little bit. It was your first playdate at a neighbors house.

Sweet Pea, I love you to the moon and back,

Mom

More pictures from Angela

2011-01-27T01:27:00.002-05:00

Kaliegh is Angela's oldest.

Hunter is a year and a month older than Lucas.

Party of Five

2011-01-25T23:40:00.004-05:00

Right before Christmas, Curt's sister Samantha and her son Caden moved in with us. Sam got a job right down the street from us and I watch Caden while she as at work. The extra roommates are just temporary but there haven't been any issues at all. It's actually been really nice having them here. I really like having another female in the house and Sam and I are only 8 months apart and both Moms of boys so we have quite a bit in common. She helps around the house and we take turns making runs to the grocery store. Another nice benefit to her being here is that Curt and I have already gone out on two dates without Lucas. We have a third planned for Friday night!

Family History

2011-01-20T11:28:00.002-05:00

Found these little gems in a bunch of things Curt's Grandma gave him. I also found a letter that Curt's Mom had written his Grandma Beulah when he was 6 weeks old. It said he was 10lbs 4 oz at his 6 week checkup (which was Lucas' birth weight) and that he was so handsome that she could tell already that he would have lots of girlfriends.

Curt's Parents Andrea & Robert (Bob)

Andrea pregnant with Curtis?

Samantha, Curtis, and Angela in 1988

So That's What Snow Looks Like

2011-01-20T10:50:00.004-05:00

My sister-in-law sent me pictures yesterday and I thought I would share.

Handbook for Life

2011-01-20T10:29:00.001-05:00

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. MAKE TIME TO PRAY
6. Play more games
7. Read more books .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily, and while you walk, smile.
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So ... be happy.

Here Goes Nothing

2011-01-09T23:33:00.012-05:00

Back in August, we took care of our nephew Joseph while my sister was busy giving birth to Joshua. Lucas and Joseph were so sweet together and Joseph even slept the entire night in Lucas bed.

After Joseph went back home Curt started talking about wanting another child. This was a big shock to me since for the whole 9 years we've been married he has always said he just wanted one child. Before I was diagnosed with PCOS I always dreamed about having 2 kids. Then not long after Curt and I were married I found out I had PCOS and might have trouble getting pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant with Lucas it was a complete surprise and I was just happy that God blessed us with one child.

People would ask us ALL THE TIME, "when are you having another baby," and we would tell them we were good with one. I didn't think Curt would ever change his mind, and I was fine with that because I didn't want to deal with the heartache of trying to have another child and then not being able to get pregnant again. But then Lucas had to go and be all sweet to his little nephew and suddenly Curt and I found ourselves talking about baby names and I stopped taking my birth control pills.

For some reason I thought I would get pregnant right away and I bought a million pregnancy tests knowing that I would get a positive test right away. When this didn't happen we decided to just have fun and if pregnancy happened it happened but we weren't going to stress about it. Then my PCOS symptoms starting rearing their ugly heads... bad acne, hair growth, weight gain, skin tags, pain from cysts, and no menstrual cycle. I hated to even leave the house some days. So I made an appointment before Thanksgiving with my midwife. I got a referral to another Doctor and on December 30th I walked out with a prescription for provera and clomid. I walked out of the office freaking out because it finally seemed real that we might have another baby.

On the way to drop off my prescription I asked Lucas what he thought about having a little brother or sister. He said he wanted an older brother and would maybe like a little brother. I asked him what he would think if he had a little sister and without skipping a beat he answered, "I'd hate her." Guess it's a good thing boys seem to run in our family. So far my parents have 6 Grandsons.

I still needed a few days for everything to sink in and I started taking Provera on January 3rd. I was told to take 1 pill twice a day for 7 days. I finished the last dose tonight. Now I wait for my period to show up and then 5 days from then I start clomid. So 2011 could end up being quite the exciting year! We will celebrate our 10th anniversary and possibly the birth of our second child.

Rest in Peace Siren Firetruck Hose Hunter

2011-01-09T21:50:00.003-05:00

Friday morning I noticed that Lucas' kitty Siren was missing. She was always an inside cat but she enjoyed going out in the backyard with the dogs when they took potty breaks. I figured she would turn up. I got Lucas dressed for school and we headed to the bus stop. Right as we walked out of our driveway I noticed a black cat lying in the road. I was able to distract Lucas so he didn't notice the cat and get him on the bus without him knowing anything was wrong. It turned out that it was Siren. When Lucas got home from school Curtis and I told him that Siren had passed away and he wanted to bury her in the backyard so we did.

The first night we brought Siren home 10/15/2010

Bonding with his new kitten

Siren quickly became the subject of Lucas' artwork.

She liked to jump in the empty dryer.

Even our nephew Caden loved her.

She loved taking naps on the couch just like Nicey and Jadie.

Dear Lucas (5 Years & 5 months),

2010-12-27T22:44:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe Christmas has come and gone and soon you will be going back to school. This has been the best Christmas yet. It's been so magically watching you get excited about every little thing. We've gone to the Roundhouse to watch "The Polar Express," you decorated a gingerbread house, we saw the nativity story acted out in front of us at the journey, and we wrapped tons of presents. In all the excitement and craziness I think the best moments were just cuddled up next to you singing Christmas carols and drinking hot chocolate.

Right before Christmas your aunt Sam and your cousin Caden moved in with us for a while. So far so good and it's been nice having them around. I think the only one having any problems adjusting is you. They are staying in your playroom so you've had to give it up for now. Also, suddenly you have a little person there trying to "mess with your stuff."

The very same day that Sam and Caden moved in three of your cousins came to stay with us for a short visit. It was a loud but fun house for a couple of days. You really had fun playing with Levi. One time he was not listening to his Mom and she was joking and told him that if he didn't behave she didn't want to take him home. You immediately said "that's okay, he can stay here and be my brother," and for the rest of his visit you kept referring to him as your brother. When his little brother Isaiah did anything you thought was wrong you would run to their mom and say "that boy is being mean to my brother." When it was time for them to leave Erica explained that she had to take Levi home because all his Christmas presents were at their house. You were fine with that but you keep talking about how now that Christmas is over your brother Levi will be back soon.

Before Christmas I took you to see Santa and luckily there was no line. You were able to talk to him for a few minutes. The only thing you asked Santa for this year was a Nerf gun and a hot wheels track. Christmas morning you were so excited to see a nerf gun next to your stocking you didn't even notice any of your other presents for over an hour.

Since we are in a house with a whole lot more room we were able to get a decent Christmas tree. Since we've had you we've always had a tiny Christmas tree. This year that little Christmas tree went in your bedroom and served as your night light. Christmas morning the tree was packed with presents and our house was full with family and it was such a great feeling.

The day after Christmas we were just hanging out at the house and I looked out the window and noticed a few snow flakes floating down in the air. It was so exciting and pretty to see snow falling around all the Christmas decorations. Just as the sun was starting to go down some of the snow started to stick and covered the roof and started to stick to the ground. You drank hot chocolate while we watched the snow fall around us. It was the perfect ending to a perfect Christmas.

Sweet-pea, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Almost a White Christmas

2010-12-27T03:34:00.000-05:00

The day after Christmas we got a little bit of snow.

Manly Men

2010-12-17T01:02:00.002-05:00

Santa Baby

2010-12-17T01:00:00.001-05:00

Reunited

2010-12-12T22:54:00.003-05:00

Steven and Caden haven't seen each other since this summer. It took a little while for Caden to warm up to his big brother.

31st

2010-12-12T21:59:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Curtis!

Almost 20 Months

2010-12-03T02:29:00.002-05:00

Dear Lucas (5 years 4 Months),

2010-11-29T21:34:00.018-05:00

So here we are and another year is coming to a close. We just had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we have so many reasons to be thankful. It has been so much fun to decorate our new house for the holidays. I'm also thankful that we have more room to have family and friends over more often.

Your cousin Steven has been coming to spend the weekend with us once a month. You really enjoy him being here. He is 12 but he is so awesome about treating you like a big kid. When he was here this time you guys built a tower of books at the Children's Book Festival and built periscopes at the Lowe's kids clinic. When he left this last time you were so upset to see him leave that you cried. It was so sad.

A few weeks ago your Dad helped build a house that is going to be on a show called "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." He helped his co-worker install shower doors and mirrors in all the bathrooms. We went down there a few times to see the house being built and you thought it was so cool because for once you could see "where" your Dad was working. I can't wait to see the episode when it airs in a few weeks! We might have to let you stay up and watch it too!

Last week we got together at your Grandparents' house to celebrate your cousin Colby's 7Th birthday. It was the first time since Joshua was born that all six grandsons were together in one place. Matthew is about to graduate from High School in a few months and Joseph and Joshua may be moving away soon so opportunities like this one will become few and far between.

Before school got out for Thanksgiving your teacher put together a special feast. You guys got dressed up in costumes that you made and sang three songs. Then it was time to feast on things like fruit, cheese, veggies, pumpkin pie, and apple juice. I love times like that when I get to be called "Lucas' Mom" and get to see you interacting with your teacher and classmates.

This weekend we went to Holly Days in downtown Savannah for the first time. You got a chance to play in "snow" and you loved it. You ran around and threw snowballs, made snow angels, and just had a blast. I hope one day before you are grown that we can take you to somewhere with REAL snow on the ground but until then this was pretty awesome.

The other cool thing we did at Holly Days was go "ice skating." Well, according to you it is "board skating" because it was more like you were skating on a big cutting board. You have never roller skated or ice skated but you were a natural. I was worried that you were too young and that I was wasting the $5 renting you skates. You sure proved me wrong, You were a natural! You begged to take the ice skates home with you. I can't wait to take you in a few weeks to go ice skating at the Civic Center.

I just know this is going to be the best Christmas yet. You are so excited and it is rubbing off on me. Before Thanksgiving you were begging to put up decorations. I let you have our little old tree that we used when we lived in the trailer and it is now your night light. Some days you will decorate it with your toys. One day you put a construction hat on the top and toy tools on the branches and one day you had a Super hero action figure tree. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Little one, I love you to the moon and back,
Mommy

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2010-11-15T23:55:00.007-05:00

The Extreme Makeover Home Edition bus arrived in Savannah over the weekend and we went to check it out. Curt will be there Tuesday morning to help put in shower doors and mirrors.

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T23:19:00.002-05:00

Joseph's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-11-10T00:24:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten Picture

2010-11-09T09:12:00.001-05:00

Trick-or-Treating

2010-11-09T00:59:00.003-05:00

My knight in shining armor.

Lucas and Steven

Practice run with uncle Michael who stayed at our house to hand out candy.

Lucas with Preston the Pirate

Book Parade

2010-11-09T00:53:00.002-05:00

Lucas is Reading!

2010-11-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

Dear Lucas (5 years 3 months),

2010-10-26T23:10:00.007-04:00

This year seems to be flying by faster than before. Here we are smack dab in fall just a few days before Halloween.

We went to Helen at the beginning of October and you had a blast. You met cousins you never met before and had a blast. You literally played until you passed out. Your poor Dad ended up getting sick the very last night we were there and we had to leave early on Sunday. For the first time since you've been born we didn't get to take a family picture but I did get some great ones of you with your Dad.

For me one of the highlights this month was getting to have lunch with you at your school. I loved being called "Lucas' Mom" and meeting all your friends. You were so proud and happy that I was there and told Everyone, "this is my Mom, her name is Kari." It was neat to watch you at school. You guys all seem to get the same thing for lunch, like the first person in line picks what they want and then the kids behind just follow suit. You hate salad but you picked it anyway since that is what the kids in front of you were eating. Then you picked out the cheese, ham, eggs, cucumber, and tomatoes.

Your school has had so many fun things going on and we try to make sure we participate in all of them. The othere night was Pumpkin Math Night and you went to all four kindergarten classes to do different fun mathmatical things. You guessed how much candy was in a jar, weighed pumpkins on a scale, found out if pumpkins float (they do) and graphed how many pumpkins there were of each color.

Last weekend was your turn to bring Traveling Teddy home to hang out. Every weekend he goes home with a different student and they share a few pictures of drawings of their adventures and share them with the class on Monday. On Friday Traveling Teddy dressed up and played Super Heroes with you in the backyard. On Saturday we went to Lowe's with you to the free kids clinic and held the instructions for you. He got to bring home his very own pair of safety goggles. Then on Sunday you two went to the pumpkin patch up the road to pick out pumpkins and that night you filled out his journal with all your adventures.

If I had to guess the highlight for you this month I would think it would be bringing home the newest member of our family, Siren Firetruck. You have been begging for a kitten forever and we finally gave in a few weeks ago. Our neighbors have been trying to find her a home for a few weeks and kept offering her to us when you would mention wanting a kitten. One Friday I told you we could just go look at the kitten. I wasn't intending on bringing one home but we did. On the way home she made sounds like a siren so you decided to call her Siren Firetruck. We just call her Siren for short. Now that I think about it, you really named her Siren Hose Firetruck. I forgot how much I enjoy having a cat around. She is a real sweetheart and you couldn't be happier.

Sweet Pea, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

He Really Hates Pumpkin Guts

2010-10-26T23:02:00.004-04:00

Traveling Teddy

2010-10-24T21:56:00.008-04:00

Every weekend Traveling Teddy goes home with a different kid in Lucas' class. On Monday Traveling Teddy returns to school with pictures and a story to share with the class about his weekend. This weekend was Lucas' turn.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Lots of Practice

2010-10-17T23:30:00.003-04:00

Lucas has been working on learning his color sight words. We play all sorts of games to help him remember them. This morning on the way to church he was having me spell out his color words to him then he would write them out and tell me which color he had just written down. After we'd done a few he tells me, "Wow, Mommy. You are really good at spelling this words. I can tell you practice at home. Good job"

Siren Firetruck

2010-10-17T23:21:00.004-04:00

He promised to have good behavior for the rest of his life and to scoop the poop. Yeah, I'm a sucker. We got her from our neighbor and on the walk home she kept making these high pitch sounds like a siren.

Before and After

2010-10-10T18:18:00.002-04:00

What a Poser

2010-10-07T10:05:00.002-04:00

Ready for Picture day at school.

Dear Lucas (5 years 2 months)

2010-10-06T22:37:00.007-04:00

After a few technical difficulties (meaning my laptop died last week and now your Dad and I are sharing a computer) I am finally able to sit down and write to you. It is finally starting to turn cooler and I absolutely love this time of year. It's so much fun being a Mom around fall. You are excited about Halloween (and no for the 5th time today it is NOT next week) You want to be Knight in shining armor... which really surprised me because of your current obsession with Super Heroes. Then again, you dress like a super hero every day so I guess being a Knight will be exciting because it is something new. Thank goodness the Dollar store is selling plastic knight armor. I have your costume put up in mt closet. Without fail if you wake up before me you sneak and get it out. Then when I wake up, you always make a sad puppy dog face and say, "Mommy, pwease foegive me"

It's nice to be in a set schedule again. Most mornings you ride the bus to school and we always leave the house about 8:00am and walk to the end of the street. Some mornings you will ask me to drive you and I usually give in and secretly I love taking you. You always ride the bus home though and you get off running towards me with a big smile. Well, unless you got in trouble at school, then you get off the bus slowly and looking down at the ground, but luckily those days are few and far between. You seem to REALLY love kindergarten and you are learning so much. Your teacher has recommended you for speech therapy because you don't say your "L" and "R" the right way yet. I guess by now you should be able to say them clearly, but you are the youngest one in your class.

When you get home, the first thing you do is sit down and do your homework. On Mondays you come home with a couple worksheets. Usually they are just practice for writing a letter or number. They aren't due until Friday. Sometimes you do them all at once, sometimes you do one a day, it just depends on your mood. Your handwriting is getting so neat so fast and you are teaching me all these tricks for writing letters... (like j has a "money tail")

One of the reasons you are so well behaved at school is because you know if you aren't then you won't get to go to Lowe's on Saturdays. Man whoever thought of the free kid clinics is a genius. Talk about brand loyalty. Anytime you see a sign or Logo for Lowe's you get so excited. I love watching you and your Dad build things together.

You are so inquisitive right now. You want to know how things work and how words are spelled. You even want to know what would happen in the strangest of situations. Out of nowhere you will ask something random like "what would happen if I turned into a dog" or "what would happen if a dragon swooped down and ate the car." Those aren't actually "what would happens" from you but that is only because you ask so many in a day that I can't keep up with them.

I really love our neighborhood. It is such a safe place to walk and for you to play. The weather has been so nice that we walk the dogs quite a bit. I don't think Jadie has gone on as many walks in her whole entire life as she has in this last month. Jadie and Nicey like when you walk them because you like to run and so do they. In fact you like to run so much you usually run in front of me all the way to the bus stop. If you aren't too tired in the afternoons you'll also run home.

Sweet Pea, I love you to infinity and beyond,
Mom

Bedtime Conversation

2010-10-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

Lucas: "I love you"
Me: "I love you more"
Lucas: "No, I love you more"
Me: "Nope, I love you more."
Lucas: "Nope, cause Mommy, I love you to infinity and beyond."

Batman Boogey

2010-10-05T22:39:00.002-04:00

In Honor of Banned Book Week

2010-09-27T21:43:00.006-04:00

During my senior year at Windsor Forest High School, a parent tried to ban books that were part of our summer reading for my AP English Class. The parent wanted books and movies pulled from classes from both Advanced and AP Junior and Senior classes. He didn't read any of the books himself but flipped through them and saw they had bad words in them. After an article appeared in "Creative Loafing" railing against my teachers I wrote a letter to the editor saying that they should talk to the kids and teachers involved. A reporter at Savannah Morning News saw my letter and called me and interviewed me for a story about the banning. When the community caught wind of the story there were school board meetings and the community united against the banning and the books were added back into our curriculum. The news articles are still available online (except for Creative Loafing)

A War Over Words November 16,1999

Community Protests Censorship November 18, 1999

Book Ban Lifted at Windsor Forest High School November 19, 1999

Reading Between the Lines of the Book Ban December 5, 1999

AASU hosts Sebastian Dangerfield talk on Irish literature March 9, 2000

A few months after the book ban was over we were invited to attend a lecture at AASU. When it was publicized that the book ban would be spoofed at the lecture the field trip was canceled. A few of us decided to still go and so we signed out of school for various reasons and attended anyway (with permission from our parents.) Before the lecture, we got our picture snapped with a fake protester for our teachers who were not allowed to be there.

Dear Lucas (5 years and 1 month old),

2010-08-31T22:46:00.013-04:00

Your letter is a few days late this month because I wanted to include your first day of Kindergarten. The last few weeks I would get a little sad when I thought about you being older. One day I think you could tell I was having one of those moments and you said, "Don't worry Mommy. Remember the book you read to me last year when I was scared about going to school. I will give you a kissing hand and whenever you miss me you can just touch it to your cheek."

I can't believe how fast your first summer off from school flew by us. You loved anything that involved water; the beach, swimming at Grandma & Grandpa's, or splashing around in the fountains downtown. We hit up the new splash fountain in Forsyth Park a few times and it is one of my favorite places to go with you. We live pretty close by and free parking is easy to find. Also, I love that it is a place that I went as a kid and your Dad and I also went there on our first date.

This summer you moved even further up the cousin totem poll when your Aunt Lori and Uncle Tony had their second child. You weren't as excited about Joshua being born as you were about Joshua. You acted like you were thinking "eh, he's cute and all, but he's a baby. Call me in a few years when he can kick a ball or push a train." When Joseph was born you expected him to come out ready to play now I guess you have more reasonable expectations for babies.

You have officially become a cool older cousin. The way that you look up to Shane and Colby is the way that Joseph looks up to you. When Lori and Tony were all busy with labor and having Joshua, Joseph hung out with us for 24 hours. He adored you. Everything you did he wanted to do. Every toy you played with he wanted to hold. You were AMAZING with him. Sometimes when you are playing with your friends you don't want to share but you were so great at looking after him. He even bunked with you and the two of you slept together all night long. I hope it is your first of many more cousin overnights.

David and Gabe are still your best friends. If you go a whole day without seeing them then you go through withdrawals and beg for them to come over or you to go to their house. Luckily they live just a few blocks from us. They haven't been over as much as they usually are since their Mom has been off from work recovering from surgery but you three still got together all summer long. On the last day of summer break there was a heavy rain storm and our power was knocked out. We headed over to their house and your Dad and I played Uno with the adults while you kids splashed around in the giant "lake" in the street.

Monday was your first day of school and you were ready to go the moment you woke up. I jumped in the shower while you were sleeping and when I got out I found you fully dressed with your backpack on your back. Since you are crazy about super heroes lately I got you a batman underoos shirt to wear under your uniform. You loved having a "secret identity" that nobody else at school would know about. You could not wait to ride the bus and didn't want me to take you but you did agree that I could meet you at your school and walk you to your class.

I was standing right there when you stepped off the bus and you were so excited. You loved riding the bus and I guess my carpool duties are over for the next few years (at least when it comes to school.)

You walked right into your classroom like you owned the place and hung up your backpack and sat down in front of a can of blue playdoh. You could care less that I was still there. I kept telling you I was about to leave and you would just say "okay mom, see you later" I was able to sneak a kiss and you did give me a kissing hand and you didn't even notice that I left. You are such a big kid! I am excited that you have a friend from your prek class from last year with you and now according to you Heather is your best friend at school.

The first thing you do when you get home from school everyday is run in the house and start stripping your clothes off. Then you find your Captain America costume and you spend the rest of the night dressed up. Sometimes you even have me and your Dad say lines that you tell us too. Your Dad is usually the villain and I am usually the damsel in distress that calls out for help. You don't go back to being Lucas until it is time for bath, story time and a few minutes of snuggle time before bed.

Captain America, I love you to the moon and back,

Mom

Third Day

2010-08-25T21:37:00.001-04:00

Joseph at 3 days old November 2008

Joshua 3 days old today

Welcome to Our Family Joshua Malachi

2010-08-22T22:48:00.002-04:00

Joshua Malachi A.

Born today @ 5:49PM

7 lbs 20"

Guess He Has Always Been Super

2010-08-22T03:33:00.000-04:00

September 2007

He Sure is Super

2010-08-21T23:07:00.000-04:00

If Lucas is at home then he is in a Super Hero costume... and sometimes when we are out and about he is still wearing a super hero costume. (Although if you refer to him as wearing a costume he will correct you and say "I am the real Batman" or "I am the real Captain America") I guess Super Heroes are the new "Thomas the Tank Engine."

In a week Lucas will start school and have to start wearing a uniform again so to avoid any issue with that we sat down with him and had a talk. When we reminded him about his school uniforms he looked at us and said, "that's okay Mom, you can just keep it in your purse and that way when I need to fight a villain I'll have it ready" He has also started referring to his Dad as being his butler.... I guess if Batman has Alfred he figures he has his Dad.

Joshua will be here soon

2010-08-21T00:35:00.001-04:00

38 weeks and some change

5 Year Well-Check

2010-08-20T01:15:00.003-04:00

Lucas had his well check at the end of July. He had to get a few shots but didn't shed a single tear after the nurse told him "most four year olds don't even cry" and there was no way since he is now a big strong five year old that he was going to cry. He now weighs 36.5 lbs and is 41/5 inches tall.

Tuscan Chicken and Linguine

2010-08-17T23:24:00.005-04:00

Tonight I made my own version of this recipe and it came out pretty good.

Ingredients:

1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders

8 oz Cream Cheese cubed

1/2 Cup Pesto

1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (with no added salt)

1 lb linguine

1/2 Cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Boil water for noodles

Heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on med-high heat. Add chicken, cover. Cook 5-7 minutes on each side until Chicken is cooked through. Cut chicken in bite sized pieces and remove from skillet and set aside.

Boil Noodles.

Add cream cheese, pesto, and undrained tomatoes to skillet. Cook, uncovered on medium heat for 2 min or until heated through.

Return chicken to skillet. Cook and stir 1 min until chicken is coated and heated through.

Drain noodles and toss with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese

Father and Son

2010-08-11T01:48:00.002-04:00

Captain America says DON'T Forget to Vote

2010-08-09T23:04:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the Primary Runoff election in Georgia so don't forget to head to the polls. Please don't use the excuse that you don't know who is running. Take a few minutes to educate yourself and see who is on the ballot.

Dear Lucas (5 years old),

2010-07-27T23:49:00.001-04:00

I have a feeling that "5" just became your favorite number. I know it sounds cliche but it doesn't seem like you should be five already and about to start Kindergarten. I think four was a pretty cool age and you packed so many things into one year (trips to Disney World and California, getting glasses, starting school.) I am excited to see what five brings.

The night before your birthday I snuck into your room and hung up a birthday banner and blew up balloons and covered your floor with them. You were so excited and happy when you woke up and kept asking, "Is it finally my real birthday? Is this my five birthday?" We got you a few presents and instead of giving them to you all at once, we spread them out through the day. I think it made all the birthday fun last longer.

I baked you a strawberry cake just like you asked for and we invited you friend Gabriel over to help you celebrate. You always seem to get two cakes every year, one on your birthday and one on your birthday party. The ironic thing about that is you don't even like cake. You just enjoy blowing out the candles.

Your birthday was pretty low key this year because we were all pretty tired from getting back from Atlanta. We had to go so that your eyes could get looked out closely. Your Dad was thankfully able to go with us and we left the night before since you had to be at the hospital so early. On the way to Atlanta we stopped for gas and stumbled on a petting zoo. It was a pretty fun start to our trip.

I found a cheap hotel for us to stay at and it had a pool so one of the first things we did when we go there was go for a swim. Knowing that you were turning five gave you a new sense of courage and you started jumping in the pool without any floats, goggles, or anyone catching you. You were so proud of yourself. Our room had a king sized bed in it and you were so happy you told us, "I'm going to sleep in the middle and this is going to be awesome because we will all be together."

The day before your birthday we got up and drove to the hospital to get you checked in and ready for your procedure. You were in pretty good spirits before hand and I was totally at peace about everything. I knew you would be okay because you had so many people praying and thinking about you from all over the world.

When you came back from the procedure you were very tired and upset and you just wanted your Mommy, so I snuggled you until it they released us. We got good news and they didn't find anything wrong with your retinas and that means no more trips to Atlanta. I don't know a better way to kick off your birthday.

Lucas, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Open Wide

2010-07-23T16:18:00.003-04:00

Thank goodness Lucas likes going to the dentist! He's been looking forward to his visit all week. (I think it has something to do with getting a new tooth brush and getting to pick 2 toys when he is done.) His teeth are great. There are no cavities. The dental hygienist asked Lucas if I helped him brush his teeth (because they looked so great) and he proudly told her "nope I brush them," which he does. I am a very proud mom of an OCD kid (at least when it comes to his teeth) He is always brushing his teeth. He even has 3 toothbrushes in the bathroom that all belong to him and today he just got a fourth.

Toxic Synovitis

2010-07-22T23:50:00.006-04:00

The last few days Lucas has been complaining that his leg hurts but then he would be running around so we figured it was growing pains. Then Wednesday afternoon Lucas he started complaining a little more that his leg hurt and was cramping up. We just thought he was tired from walking at the beach earlier that morning because we did A LOT of walking. Then last night he woke up several times in tears saying his leg hurt. I gave him some Tylenol and he went back to sleep. Then this morning he was limping around the house and in tears because his leg hurt so much. I ended up calling and making an appointment to see his doctor. Lucas did NOT want to go to the doctor. He kept trying to pretend he was okay. He remembered the last time he had to get blood drawn so the whole way there he kept trying to bribe me with a $1 if I would just take him home or to his cousin Joseph's house (who we were supposed to babysit for later)

He ended up having to get blood drawn and he was NOT a happy camper. After the nurse left Lucas asked me to draw something on the magnadoodle that was in the room with us. I wrote LUCAS IS BRAVE and he told me "no I'm not Mommy, I was scared and I cried" and then he asked if I would pray for him that his leg and his newly pricked finger would stop hurting, so we did. Lucas ended up getting diagnosed with Toxic Synovitis which kids commonly get after being sick (like his stomach bug last week) We were told to give him Motrin, but we can't right now since he has to be sedated on Monday for his eyes. So for now he is taking Tylenol when he absolutely has to have something for pain and taking Epsom salt baths.

On a side note his pediatrician just moved to a new office and it is so nice. Lucas was so excited to be in room 4, which is his lucky number (although I have a hunch it will be changing to 5 in just a few days.) Poor kid doesn't know he'll have to go back next week for his 5 year well check and get 4 shots. He was 38 lbs today and just shy of 42 inches (but he was wearing sneakers and last time he was measured he was wearing flip flops)

Joshua is Coming Soon

2010-07-18T00:38:00.002-04:00

eye HATE Envision Eye Care

2010-07-14T14:59:00.004-04:00

I am posting a letter I sent to my bank disputing a charge with Envision Eye Care in Savannah, GA. We just found out that our bank is denying the dispute since it was a "face to face transaction." I don't know why it took so long for them to decide that but I am more than annoyed. So I am posting it here to vent and make myself feel a tiny bit better.

*******************

On Wednesday May 12, 2010 I took my son, Lucas to Envision to pick out new glasses. They were a new prescription and the whole reason I went to Envision is that they accepted our insurance. My son gets one pair a year on his insurance and we found out that he was not yet eligible for his free pair for this year yet. I decided to just pay out of pocket and BEFORE paying I asked when the glasses would be ready because my son is EXTREMELY near sighted and cannot see without his glasses. I was told that the glasses would be back within three days at the longest, so I went ahead and paid for the glasses. They were $129.00

On Saturday May 15th I called as soon as Envision opened. I didn't get an answer so I left a message saying that I was calling to see if my son's glasses were ready. I did not get a response and called back thirty minutes later. This time someone answered and I talked to Lisa. She asked me to hold on while she looked up the status of my son's glasses. I was told that the earliest that the glasses would be ready was May 27th. I told her that when I paid for the glasses I was told they would be ready in three days. She said that there was nothing she could do that because his prescription was so strong they had to send them out. They never called and told me that the date had been changed. Also, if I had been told when I purchased the glasses that they could take at least two weeks I never would have never paid for the glasses, I would have went somewhere else. Lisa apologized and the call ended.

I was very upset and immediately started calling other eye glass places to see if they could make my son's glasses quickly. He is in school and has to have glasses to see. I finally found somewhere that could make his glasses in an hour. I called Envision (for the THIRD time) that day and told them that I wanted to cancel my order since they were not delivering my son's glasses in the time frame that we were promised. Again they looked up the status of the glasses and said they were showing that they would be ready on May 27th at the earliest. They said they understood why I wanted to cancel.

We went to LensCrafters and purchased my sons glasses and they were ready in less than an hour. We paid $169.97 which was $40 more, but I didn't mind paying at this point because my son needed his glasses and he had been without them for several days and I was getting the other glasses refunded.

Just as we were walking out of LensCrafters I got a call from Envision telling us that they would not refund our money after all and that the glasses *might* be ready on Monday May 17th. When I explained again that the reason I wanted a refund was that the glasses were not going to be ready like promised they still said they would not issue a refund. When I told them that was unacceptable because 1)the glasses were not ready as promised and 2)we were told that a refund was not a problem and 3)I already purchased another pair of glasses I was told that "well it is always good to have two pair of glasses. We argued back and forth for several minutes and the lady told me that nobody would have told me at Envision that I would get a refund. I asked the lady why then would I go and buy more expensive glasses if I hadn't been told that a refund would be no problem. It just does not make sense. We could not come to an agreement on the phone so I informed Envision that I would be disputing the charge with my bank. I immediately called to dispute the charges.

Also, I called on Monday 17th to see if the glasses where in like I was told on the phone that they *might* be ready. They were not. I did get a call on Tuesday May 18th saying the glasses were finally ready. Again I told them that I wanted a refund and that I did not want the glasses. I honestly believe that after I asked for a refund (and was originally told that it would be okay) that they put a rush on the glasses.

If the glasses had been ready as promised this whole dispute would have been avoided.

Snuggles are the Best Medicine

2010-07-14T00:37:00.003-04:00

Lucas hasn't been feeling so hot today. He was crying over something and then he just started getting hysterical. When I asked him what was wrong he told me, "I've got crying on my glasses! I can't see through them." It was so hard not to laugh.

Must Be the Glasses

2010-07-13T03:41:00.004-04:00

Lucas: "Mom, do you think that I look like Harry Potter?"

Me: "Do you even know who Harry Potter is?"

Lucas: "No, but everyone is always telling me I look like Harry Potter."

That Darn Cat

2010-07-12T07:47:00.003-04:00

Lucas desperately wants a kitten and loves going over to my parents house because they are currently cat-sitting for a friend.

Lucas: "Grandma, when is that black cat going to poop out some kittens?"

Grandma: "You mean birth kittens?"

Lucas: "When is that cat going to birth kittens?"

Grandma: "Well, that cat is a HE so there won't be any kittens"

Lucas: "Darn it!"

Wise Beyond His Years?!?

2010-07-07T23:41:00.006-04:00

The other night Lucas was taking a bath and I went to start a load of clothes. When I walked back in the bathroom I found water everywhere. He had taken the bath towels and hand towels off the racks and put them in the bathtub and then threw them on the bathmat soaking wet and getting water everywhere. When I asked him what made him do something like that he looked at me and said, "because I knew you weren't in the bathroom to catch me doing it and I could get away with it while you were gone." His answer took me by surprise. I was expecting the usual shoulder shrug or an "I don't know."

**********************************************

Then the following conversation happened today

Lucas: "Mommy I just prayed by myself"

Me: "What did you pray for?"

Lucas: "I prayed that my friends' Dad Mr.Sean would feel better and not be sick anymore."

Sean is David and Gabe's Dad, (the two boys that I babysit a few afternoons a week, and Lucas' best friends) and he wasn't feeling good today.

Playing Tourist

2010-07-03T23:22:00.007-04:00

This afternoon Lucas and I decided to go on a spontaneous trip to the roundhouse. We have a family pass and we haven't used it since we renewed it a few months ago. It is still one of Lucas' favorite places to spend an afternoon.

Then we decided since we were already there to go across the street and visit the Savannah History Museum (which is also included in our family pass.) We saw a little bit of the mueum when we spent the night there a few months ago so we thought it would be fun to take a closer look. They had some neat interactive things in there like an area where you can try your hand at sketching a statue. Lucas also loved seeing the old weapons and military uniforms.

Our last stop was Ellis Square where they just opened a splash fountain for the kids right outside of City Market. It was our first time there and I'm sure it won't be our last.

Next time we'll bring Lucas' swimsuit though.

We had a great afternoon and didn't spend a dime.

Dear Lucas (4 Years 11 months),

2010-07-02T23:22:00.014-04:00

Your very first summer vacation from school is well under way. You keep asking "how many more days of summer do I have left?" You are so worried that it is going to be over tomorrow. Even though you won't admit it I think you miss school though. You have been talking about your classmates and teachers a lot lately. "Mom, when our teachers say 'Criss cross apple sauce' we sit like this and put our hands in our laps and listen" and "Mom, can you show me how to write your phone number? You need to give it to Tatem so she can call me." I am pretty sure that you are going to go back to Pooler Elementary in the fall and it would be neat if some of your friends were in your kindergarten class.

This summer seems pretty tame compared to all the fun road trips we went on last summer but you did get to try out your very first slip=n-slide a few weeks ago. You had a blast but then again you are part fish. You love to be in the water any chance you get. It doesn't matter to you if it is a kiddie pool or a day at the beach. If you are in the water you are happy.

One thing you did get to do so far this summer is go to Vacation Bible School. Your Grandma took you with Shane and Colby and I think you enjoyed it. They had a western theme and ever since you've been wearing a cowboy hat and asking me to make you lassos out of things. You going to VBS made me reminisce about all the times your Great Gram took Lori, Eric, and I to VBS when we were kids. I've been missing her a lot lately, especially since all the fun road trips we took last summer were with her. I am so grateful for the memories of you and her together.

Okay, so we have gone on one road trip this summer but it wasn't really a vacation. We had to take you to Emory in Atlanta so you could see a specialist about your eyes. This time your Dad went with us too and he got to see how much "fun' doctor appointments can be... for instance when we had to hold you down so you could get eye drops put in your eyes while you are screaming bloody murder and saying "Mommy please help me!" We actually have to go back in a few weeks so that you can be put to sleep so they can get a better look at your retinas. They think that you may have holes in your retinas and if so they should be able to fix them with lasers. So part of me kind of hopes they find holes so they can "fix" your eyes and be done with it... so more hurry up and wait.

I'm still watching your friends David and Gabe a few days a week. When the three of you are together you fight and then when you are apart for a day (or even a few hours) you all beg to play together again. Your favorite toys right now are your stuffed dogs and all of you boys like to pretend they are real. Whenever you see a commercial on TV for the humane society you ask me "Mom can we please go adopt ALL of those dogs? They can live hear with us. You have such a big heart.

Really you boys are more like family by now then just friends. One day a few months ago I was driving you home from school and you told me, "You know Gabe and I fight sometimes because we are like brothers." You've also started asking again when you are finally going to get your big brother, oh and you want a kitten to now too. I thought about getting you one of those furreal kittens... those battery operated toys that purr... wonder if they come in a big brother style too?

I love you so very much,

Mommy

Regarding Zombies, God, and Jack Frost

2010-06-23T15:10:00.007-04:00

We have the strangest random conversations in the car!

Lucas: "Mom, is my dead Grandma a Zombie?"

Me: "No! There is no such thing as zombies. They are pretend"

Lucas: "Then what happens to people under the ground?"

Me: "Nothing. They just go to heaven and get perfect bodies and live in heaven with God"

Lucas: "Heaven is way far up above the clouds and God lives next to Mr.Freeze"

Me: "Who's Mr.Freeze?

Lucas: "He makes winter

Me: "Are you talking about Jack Frost?"

Lucas: "Yeah, that's him... Jack Frost. He lives in the sky next to God."

Me: "Jack Frost is just pretend too."

Lucas: "No he's not Mom. Who do you think makes the snow?"

Me: "Well, God makes the snow"

Lucas: "No Mom. God makes the rain, and Jack Frost makes the snow. I saw it one time on Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer"

Last Day of School

2010-06-12T22:07:00.003-04:00

I am now a mom of a kindergartner! We are going to miss Lucas' fabulous teachers but since he is staying at Pooler Elementary School next year we will get to see them around school. It has been a great school year, and boy did it go fast!

Blurry Buses

2010-06-06T00:35:00.008-04:00

Lucas' eye appointment at Emory is coming up in a few weeks and I have been quite proud of myself for not obsessing about it. However, I will admit there have been moments when I just hate the waiting and want just want to know what's wrong with his eyes and what if anything can be done.

One such occasion happened on Friday I was driving him home from school. A few streets from home I stopped behind a bus that was letting off children. Lucas asked, "Mom, why are you stopping? What is that thing in front of us? Is it a bus?" When I asked him if he was having trouble seeing it he said he couldn't really make out the what is was, just the yellow color.

For a second there I almost felt like someone knocked the wind out of me! My kid couldn't see the giant bus right in front of us!!! The very first thing he could suddenly see when he put his glasses on for the first time! And here he is not even a year later with a stronger prescription.... and buses now look like big yellow blurs.

From Massachusetts With Love

2010-06-03T00:06:00.002-04:00

Before I headed home from Candi's wedding I got a chance to visit Curt's sisters and their families in Massachusetts. Angela's family moved there about two years ago and Sam went up there about two weeks ago.

Candi & Johnny

2010-06-02T23:15:00.006-04:00

This past weekend I left Curt and Lucas at home and went to Vermont to see my friend Candi get married. We've known each other since 6th grade and we've kept in touch through the years. She lives in California now and I actually got to see her last month when we were there so she's gotten to meet Lucas a few times. She actually went with us on his very first trip to the beachright before he turned one. The wedding was at a ski resort and the ceremony was actually held at the top of a mountain so we had to take a ski lift to the top. The view was amazing and I was so glad that I was able to be there.

Us in Middle School

Together in California in April 2010

Hanging out he night before her wedding

Dear Lucas (4 years 10 months),

2010-05-28T22:22:00.011-04:00

In two months you will be 5. In less than two weeks you will no longer be in PreK and in just a few months you will be starting Kindergarten. Where does the time go? On the way home from school today we were talking about plans for your birthday and I actually asked if you could stop growing and just stay this age forever. Your response was, "Mom, that's what kids do, grow up. I have to get older so I can be like Dad and grow a mustache or maybe a beard."

Thursday was the big PreK end of the year picnic and you were presented with your certificate of completion. You asked me if that meant it was the last day of school, which would make sense but you still have two weeks left. I can't believe summer is finally here! I am so excited to get to spend more one on one time with you.

After the picnic was over your whole class headed to the beach for a chance to dig in the sun and splash in the waves. Your whole prek experience has been so awesome and I love getting to go on field trips with you. You guys had a blast. One classmate said "This is the best day ever" and pretty soon you were all saying "yes, this is the best day ever," which made your wonderful teachers day.

Your Grandma got to come to the beach with us to see you get your certificate and jump in the waves with you. On the way home she suggested we stop for an ice cream cone and a cool drink. So we stopped at the Sugar Shack on Tybee, which in a way is a part of our family history I guess. Grandma used to go there before I was ever even born and before you were born your Dad and I went there on our very first date. I never could have guessed nine years ago just how wonderful things would turn out.

Tee ball ended last week and I am so glad that we signed you up. It was so nice for me and your Dad to get up and go cheer you on every week. Playing really taught you about team work and working together and it was just such a good experience. After each game we would always go out and have lunch together as a family. We'll just have to find a new Saturday activity to replace tee ball.

The last thing that has been going on is that we have to go to Atlanta to get your eyes checked out. For some reason your eyesight has been getting worse instead of better so we are going to see a specialist to see if they can find out why and hopefully correct it. The whole waiting and not knowing thing is a little nerve-racking but we have been trying to stay calm, especially around you. No sense stressing for weeks over something that might not even be a big deal.

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Pre-K Motto

2010-05-28T19:55:00.001-04:00

Massachusetts Bound

2010-05-28T19:42:00.006-04:00

Last week I took Curt's sister Sam and her boys Steven, and Caden to the train station so they could go to Massachusetts to visit Curt's other sister Angela.