BOO!!

Well Halloween came and went way to fast. I am still in shock that it's Nov. 1st today. This Halloween was so much fun now that I have two little boys that really understand and are excited about trick or treating. Keaton was a Pirate this year and a cute ( oh, I mean scary)one at that,Ryan was an adorable Kangaroo, and Aiden a Lion. We could barely keep up with Keaton this year as he and cousin Joe were so excited they tried to leave us in the dust. Ryan was another story. He took his time walking and cautiously would go to the door and say "Happy Halloween!" once given a treat he would turn around each and every time and say "Wook what they gave me,Wow!" You would think the kid won the lottery, he was so thrilled. Candy is Ryan's soft spot the kid differently has a sweet tooth and Halloween I think ranks higher than Christmas so far. The boys made it as far as their little legs could carry them and called it a night. Keaton had just as much fun handing out candy when we got home.

It's hard to believe another Halloween has gone by and were now gearing up for the big holidays to come. I just love this time of year, the boys and I have been baking up a storm with chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, cookies, and Carmel apples. The good thing is that I love to bake but once I bake I rarely eat much of it. Sounds strange but Ben's office loves it!!

I love tradition and making memories and I am looking forward to all the moments to come.

So bored?

Keaton and Ryan went to an Spooky Creature presentation at the library a few days ago where they got to see all the scary creepy crawlies and even touch them or hold them. YUCK if you ask me but boys find this COOL and my little boys LOVED it. They had a great time and Keaton even held a tarantula....I don't even know what to say about this as it makes my skin crawl. When they returned Ryan ran to me and said "Oh mommy, I missed you so much, did you miss me? Were you so bored with out me?" This just made me smile and laugh. BORED huh? Not so much but I did miss him. Of course I didn't tell him this but he's so stinking cute. I'm one lucky mom.

What a Friday!!

Last Friday started a bit hectic and just kept going! I was set to watch my niece and nephew ages 4months and 5years old for my sister last minute which I knew would be crazy but little did I know how crazy the day would become. At around 11am Ben called and calmly asked if I could pick him up at urgent care. "WHAT THE H*LL are you doing there" was all I could say as I have had enough injuries and Dr. visits to last a long while. Well come to find out my dear husband put a metal stake thru his shoe and into the arch of his foot!! OUCH!!! He was getting stitches at the moment and needed a ride home. I swear people I've had enough, can we just get a small break, PLEASSSSSE! So then I was taking of 4 kids and a hurt husband. Oh what a day it was!!
He was doing this while helping the Chamber of Commerce get ready for an event. He is on the event committee and has been devoting and doing alot the last month to get ready for this fundraiser, and now he is barely able to walk. Of course this didn't stop him until the pain killers wore off. The event was held on Sat. and was a success and they raised alot of money. Thankfully it's over!!! Ben painkillered up and made it thru but needless to say the rest of the weekend I was the one and only to do about everything. I was run ragged to be honest, only good thing out of all this is I guess all this drama has been good for my waistline as I weighed myself yesterday and I've lost 11lbs since August and I'm not surprised as I am running out of my pants on a daily basis now literally. I need new pants that fit and a moment to sit and not be on the run or picking up the never ending kiddo messes. Thank goodness Ben's foot is feeling better, he gets the stitches out next Tues and hopefully we will be good to go!! Please god NO MORE STITCHES AND ONLY GOOD LUCK FROM HERE!!

Uncle Tom

Last Friday we were lucky enough to have Ben's uncle Tom come to visit for the weekend. He was out this way on business and decided to make the trip to Colorado and brave a weekend with our crazy crew. We had visited him a few years back in California when Keaton was 18 months so it was our turn to return the hospitality. We had a wonderful busy weekend and the boys really enjoyed getting to know Tom which is nice. I think it's important they know their family as much as possible. We took him to a few of our favorite spots like Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, and Green Mtn Fall. The boys had a ball as we hiked and were outside the entire weekend. Thankfully it was 80degrees out last weekend which made for great hiking weather. We ate at a few wonderful outdoor eateries which I will have to work on running off this week. Overall lots of fun in the sun and good company. We love having company so if your in the mood for a get away and some beautiful scenery, Oh and some crazy little boys come see us! The basement guestroom and bath are always waiting.

Stitches out and down day!!

Well the stitches are out and Ryan is on the mend. The removal was not as traumatic as the when they were put in and the area seems to be healing nicely so all is GOOD. I just wish mom's nerves were as quickly healed. I am now on the edge of the seat mode all the time with the kids hoping they don't hurt themselves that bad again. I'm sure with more time this will pass but you have NO IDEA how traumatic and awful the experience was watching him get the stitches. It was heartbreaking.

This weekend is freezing and I mean literally freezing. Freezing drizzle all Sat. and this morning everything is covered in white and it's an ice rink out there. Ben and I decided it's a great day to stay inside and relax if that's possible with three kids. So far so good. Kids are coloring and playing,Aiden napping, Ben is watching football and I get a moment to blog so this day is a success so far. It's nice having a weekend to relax and not do much, so I don't really have alot to blog about though so this post seems a little boring but in my life boring is GOOOOOD!!

Aiden's 6th months already.... where has time gone!

Well time is flying by and Aiden is growing up so quickly. I am trying to steal a few minutes to do these updates as this sometimes is the only way I'll be able to look back to remember things to put in the baby book. Aiden is still a happy go lucky baby who warms anyone ones heart that he comes in contact with. His smile is just contagious, that has become very obvious as he even makes grown grumpy men smile!

Where Aiden is now:

*sitting up really well now all by himself

*very good with his hands, he can rake and grasp anything and everything

*he loves moms hair and glasses not to mention any time of jewelry

*Rolls both ways

*still holding at 2 bottom teeth but I think he is working on some more

*has started holding and trying to sip out of his sippy cup

*likes to try and drink out of mom or dads glass if he can wrangle it close enough

*gets on his tummy and pushes up with his arms and tries to scoot forward (gosh I'm not ready for him to crawl yet)

*still sleeping well, we have woken up a few times at 3am or 5am last week which mom was not so happy about but overall doing great in the sleep department

*napping well when we can get on schedule

*eating almost all solids now.... did have a eczema rash after we tried pears so holding off on that for a while

*lights up when his brothers come around

*is cooing and babbling...I swear there's been a mama in there a few times

*loves to snuggle in my neck and give open mouth slobbery kisses which is mommies favorite

*we go to the Dr. at the end of the month so will fill in weight and height and such after but at last weigh in on 25th of Sept. he was 21.6lbs. So excited what he'll be at almost 7months

He's growing fast and continues to be a joy to our family. We love our little Adde!!

Ryan had one BAD week

I have to say I am happy to have last week behind us and a new week ahead. I am bound and determined to have a great week this week. I vow to be positive and happy no matter what comes my way. Last week was just a bit to stressful and for my heart and sanity sake I pray not to have another like it for some time to come.

If you haven't heard yet we had multiple injuries happen last week to our sweet little Ryan. It started on Wed. when Ryan poked his eye and lacerated his eyeball. I about had a mini heart attack when this took place as you can imagine but I think that was just a little something to prepare me for what was to come next. Sat. morning we were enjoying a fantastic morning at the lake, fishing,throwing rocks sticks,exploring, you know all the things little boys love to do. We left the lake and headed to the Bean Bandit. It's a Mexican food place with a funny name and the boys were excited to go there because it sound funny. Everyone was starving and ready to eat so got everyone out of the car and took about 6 steps from the car when I turned around to check on where Ryan was and then it happened. Ryan was into putting his hands into his pocket that morning and he had them in them again heading into the restaurant. Well he tripped while walking in the parking lot and with his hands in his pocket he couldn't catch himself and down he went with only his face to take the hit. Ben and I turned just as he was going down and I screamed and ran to try and catch him but Ben and I were not fast enough as he hit. I knew when he hit we were heading to the ER. His face was bloody from his nose, lips and most of all his sweet chin. We immediately put a cloth on his chin and when we took it off to take a peak I about feel over. A gash an inch long with skin just hanging down. Yikes, it was gross! We loaded everyone back in the car and raced for the closest ER/Urgent care. 4 hours later they stitched him up an d what a nightmare that was. He was great up until that point. He never complained once and even curled up with daddy on the bed and took a nap. That nap however was interrupted by us waking him up to start the procedure which was NO FUN!! 4 nurses held him down with Ben holding his little head. The poor kid went ballistic is all I can say. They said they numbed the site but didn't seem that way to me. I was a wreck and could do nothing to take away his pain which was heartbreaking. Thankfully they got the 4 stitches in after 6 tries and I was able to hold him again and calm him down. Ryan is now doing well, a little cranky today but that's to be expected. He has a sore chin,and a bum eye, one can accept a little crankiness.
So if you see little Ryan don't be alarmed. He has a bloodshot eye, a swollen bruised nose with 2 large scabby scrapes, and a bandage covering his stitches. Yes, he is a mess but he is all my mess and I love every inch, bruise and gash. I just hope and pray nothing like this happens again.

Larry

Are you wondering who Larry is? Well, Larry is from the movie Night at the Museum. Ryan has been obsessed with this movie since he first saw it over a year ago but lately he has been big into pretending and using his imagination. He use to carry a flashlight, manual and keys around saying he was Larry but he has kicked it up a notch in that now he wants to be addressed as Larry, NOT Ryan. When he is playing he just jumps into character sometimes which just cracks me up. We were out today and a woman asked him his name and I about feel over when he said "My name is Larry!" I of course giggled and told him to tell her his real name which of course was not Ok with him as he was playing "LARRY". I proceeded to try and explain to which she just laughed. So now I have 4 sons, Keaton, Ryan,Aiden and good ole Larry!!

Beaming with Pride

Ryan had his first week in preschool this week and it was a success! He loves school and is such a cutie. I picked him up today and he rushed to me and said "I love you mommy, I had a great day!" Music to mommies ears, he loves me,missed me but had a great time. He talked all day long about his new friends and what he did at school. I'm so happy for him as he's coming out of his little shell and becoming such a big boy. Ryan has always been in Keaton's shadow but he sure is shining on his own now and I am so proud of him.

Their back....we're NOT!

Well if you happen to stop over you would immediatley notice who is feeling 100% and who is not. I'm sure you probly guessed already but yes, Keaton and Ryan are back to their old selves once again. Please don't get me wrong I am so happy that they are feeling better but unfortunatly Ben,Aiden and I are still not 100%. We have nose and chest congestion still which just seems to be slowing us down and making dealing with the kids a bit more tiring. This mommy is TIRED people and the flu bug better take a hike far from our house or else!!

On going!

Now I'm sick, and poor little Aiden has a horrible cough. This has really been a mean sick bug and it's hanging on for dear life on my poor family. Keaton is back in school with Dr. ok and both Keat and Ryan are on meds. I was hoping to avoid getting it but Aiden and I are about at the same point of it so we'll suffer together. Poor little Ryan still not feeling well with a horrible cough and congestion. Please god give us the strenght to beat this as I'm pulm worn out!!

Still fighting the bug!

What a long 4 days it's been and it still goes on. Keaton is moving at least now but still not feeling great. His cough is awful and his throat scratchy. He barely has a voice and the poor guy stayed put on the couch most of the day. Now Ryan is fighting a fever,and the cough is setting in. He was the most active today so hoping he'll kick it fast as it doesnt seem as bad so far as it was with Keaton. Thankfully so far Aiden is just dealing with a runny nose but we'll see what tomorrow brings. He's a bit more cranky than usual so we'll see. Ben and I feel bad for them as they really don't feel good and there's not alot we can do but some TLC,soup and hugs. Telling myself tomorrow will be a better day and everyone will be back to normal. It's good to be positive right! Now lets just hope that's the case as this mommy is worn out.

One should NEVER forget

Today is one of those days that one should take a moment or a step back to remember how lucky we for our lives we live and the great men and women who defend our freedoms. I will never forget where I was 8 years ago when I first found out the planes had hit. I was in my third grade classroom at Cleveland Elementary. A co-worker came and whispered it to me and my heart sank and worry set in. Here I was in the midst of all these innocent children who knew nothing of such horrible acts but would be made at such an early age to hear and learn that people could be so evil. I will never forget how all the staff that day came together to pray and support each other as it was such an emotion rollercoaster from the moment we found out and for many days and months after. We were on a lock down that day for the remainder of the day and on alert many days after. Never in my life time had I been that nervous or scared of the unknown. I was so proud of my country for coming together and rising above the evil that took so many innocent lives that day. No matter where one was that day, life changed and I will never forget. I thank all those men and women serving in Afganistan and Iraq and all over the world for their service and protection and to all their love ones who scarifice so much for us, especially those who's loved one will not becoming home. I honor you all for you are what makes America beautiful. For those of you who lost your loved ones to the attacks I promise I will NEVER forget!

Oh NO!!

Not to much time to write as I have 2 sick kiddos. We have the sick bug at our house and mommy and daddy are not so thrilled. Yesterday Keat complained of a scratchy throat and said it was a little sore so I kept him home from school as all the H1N1 stuff. I didnt want to be that parent who sent her kid in sick and got everyone else sick. Well good thing I kept him as midday he had a fever, very sore throat and horrible cough. He was up last night several times very upset with the sore throat and ended up sleeping on the coach. This morning fever not so high but still miserable. Still in the same spot on the couch so that tells you he doesnt feel well right there. Sadly not Aiden's nose has begun to run which is a VERY bad sign. I am crossing fingers he doesnt get what Keaton has as that scares me because he's so little. I'll keep ya updated.

LOVE YOU RYAN, HAVE A GREAT FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Aiden 5 month update

Little Aiden is already 5months old and such a sweet little baby. I am so blessed to have him as my son. He has such a great smile that he seems to flash most of the time and it just melts my heart. Here is a little update on what he's doing right now.

*Holding his head up VERY strong

*Rolling over

*Sitting up all by himself pretty steady now

*He has 2 bottom teeth which came in at the same time, was in pretty good spirits while they came in. He was VERY drooly and on the last 2 days he was a little cranky but overall he was a trooper. His beautiful pearly whites pooped thru on August 28th.

*Loves his exersaucer and jumperoo

*Now that his teeth are in he is napping great again, morning nap of 1 to 3 hours and afternoon 1-2 hours.

*still a great night sleeper. He has been sleeping thru the night since 8weeks from 8pm till 7am. We are truly blessed!

*Aiden has graduated from the carrier car seat to his convertible back facing car seat as of Sept. 6th. He was to big for his seat, legs hanging off seat and over the 20lb weight limit.

*Loves his brothers and grins from ear to ear when Keaton and Ryan come around.

*Very good grasping reflexes. Holds his toys well and passes from hand to hand. Oh not to mention he LOVES grabbing my hair!!

*Is starting to be chatty and he said "MA, MA" tonight!!!!

*Eating solids really well and is a great eater.

Solids we have tried thus far:

rice cereal

oatmeal cereal

applesauce

carrots

sweet peas

*Wearing size 12month clothes

*Growing lots of light hair

Overall Aiden is right on track and such a blessing.

Ryan's ALMOST a BIG SCHOOL BOY

Little Ryan has been begging to go to school since Keaton started and yesterday was a big day for him but also a tease. Yesterday was meet the teacher conference and see his classroom day. It lasted close to 30min. and when it was time to leave he was so sad. Needless to say Ryan is more than ready to go to school and yesterday only gave him a taste and now he is just plain annoyed that he still hasn't started school and to be honest so is mommy. Preschool at Holy Apostles has always started the 1st week in Sept. and when I signed Ryan up in Feb. the start date was still the beginning of Sept. but somewhere over the summer they changed it to the official start date of the 15th. Oh and just to annoy me a bit more they are making us pay for the full month even though they are only going half the month. I love the school and I hope this isn't a precursor to what the year is going to be like with a bunch of changes. The school was great the way it was I hope it stays on track. Anyways, back on topic. Ryan has worn his backpack everywhere we go and even now is putting snack in his lunch bag and bring that everywhere. It's so darn cute yet sad as he is waiting so patiently and it seems to be taking forever to get here.

We met his teacher who is fantastic and her assistant is someone that knew Keaton and I from previous years so that was really nice. She has know Ryan since he was 17 months old or so and she is so sweet so it will be nice to have he in there with Ryan. So cross your fingers that all this excitement and eagerness stays with us for the real big day because Ryan is going to be a BIG BOY going to school and mommy will be so proud but a bit sad. Time maybe dragging for Ryan but is flying by for mommy. The boys are growing up so fast and I just am trying to take it all in.

I hit the Jack Pot!!

For some strange reason it just really hit me today that I am a mother of THREE and on top of that THREE BOYS!!! Not sure why this hasn't seem so crazy before but for some reason this weekend it sank in. Wow I have 3 beautiful, healthy little boys and I couldn't be more happy about it. So many keep asking "Aren't you going to have just one more?" The answer is going to be NO folks. I will not be having any more babies myself, I sealed the deal on that and there is no going back. Ben and I have entertained one day adopting a child that really needs a home but that too is off in the future. For now we are a family of 5. I have endless laundry, messes to clean, fights to break up and oh not to mention more hugs and kisses to give and get than one could ask for. I'm one lucky chick to be surrounded by so many boys. So NO we DIDN'T get the girl but what I DID GET was 3 amazing boys and when I look at them I know that I wouldn't want them to be anything other than what and who they are. Keaton with a bow and pink on makes me giggle. Boys ROCK and I hit the jackpot all the way around!!

Time to get busy and get my life under control!!

OK, so with three kids and a husband my life has gotten to the point where I am becoming crazy with trying to get organized and keep this house under control. So I am laying out here today all the things I need to accomplish this week. I hoping by Sunday I can look at my list and cross everything off but knowing my life that's a pipe dream but one can try. So here's this weeks list.

1.) Go thru all toy bins and pitch or re-organize toys (the boys have things everywhere they don't belong!)
2.) Go thru my master closet and get rid of everything I don't wear and then have someone pic up or drop off immediately, also reorganize closet better for summer and winter wear.
3.) Go thru Aidens closet and pull clothes he's outgrown and pull out clothes he will be wearing for winter. Get Emma over here to take some of the 0-6month stuff so it's gone.
4.)Make a new Halloween bin for all our costumes and junk we are collecting so it's easier to find stuff.
5.)Clear out a better cabinet for Ben's liquor that he's collecting on my back kitchen counter.
6.)Paint main floor powder room
7.) Make Keaton site word flash cards and memory game
8.) Get kids pictures taken
9.) Start work on photo albums

OK, I think that's enough for now as the list could go on and on. I'm tired thinking about it all but it has to be done for my sanity. Now if I can get Ben to pitch in to help!!

In the bowl, PLEASE!!!

OK, I just don't get it!!!! I don't have a pee pee like a boy but REALLY.... Is it impossible to get the pee in the toilet guys, really. I have 2 boys and 1 man that use one of the 4 bathrooms at any given time and for some reason I always seem to find pee somewhere that is not in the toilet bowl. Yes, people I know this post is not yummy but neither is cleaning 4 toilets daily let alone what my morning has been like today. This morning has been bathroom HELL. Ryan who I love very much is on his last leg with me today. He has proceeded to get pee on the floor twice all before noon. I was mopping the bathroom for the first time at 7:30am and again at 10am. I don't think he is tucking when he sits to do his business and hence pee seems to finds it's way out. I am frustrated and DONE mopping for the day so all I have to say is "Boy's you better find away to control that thing or else! Ugh, I need a nap or better yet a housekeeper!!