More randomness!

Well, it is the end of yet another week! Where exactly does the time go?! I wanted to start out by giving a quick Teagan update! He is home and is doing SO great! He was released and about 3 days later, had bloody stools, so they readmitted him and started running tests. It turns out that the surgery was a huge success and he is allergic to milk. They put him on a special formula until Amanda has enough time to get all dairy out of her system. He was able to go home. They are enjoying every minute with their sweet, happy, healthy baby boy! They wanted me to pass on their thank you for all of your prayers. They give 100% of the glory to their miracle boy's survival to God and the prayers given on behalf of this precious baby. I'm trying to get hold of a picture to post now that he is home and healthy so that you can see this miracle that you were a part of! How exciting! Thank you, Lord!


My New Best Friend!
Yes, they have a 52" flat screen tv with surround sound and Blue Ray disc player...but they prefer to watch movies the old fashioned way!






One of My Worst Fears!!!!!
I went in to get the girls up from their naps this week and I found one of my biggest fears come to pass! Sarah was more than half way out of her crib!!!! I opened the door and she stared at me while perched on the top railing of her crib. I ran to grab the camera(already in her room, fear not, I didn't leave her to fall on her head!). By the time I got it, she had backed back into her bed and stood there with this look of innocence on her beautiful face. You may not understand how I fear the climbing out of the crib age. None of my children have ever attempted(okay, Sam did it, but I told him no one time and that was the end of it!) Sarah is not that child, once she figures out how to escape the confines that bring sleep, I'm in HUGE trouble! If it happens, I'm ordering a crib tent! Yes, I will resort to locking my child into a cage in order to get some peace of mind AND peace and quiet at the same time! I have always thought I'd never do that, but that was the same mom who said I'd never put a leash on my child. Then I had a Sarah and we have a leash in the form of a cute little monkey and I can see the cute little crib cage on its way into my heart and home VERY soon!
She's a great faker of innocence, but don't buy it, people, she is TROUBLE in a bow!

Abby looks on while Michael and Sam perform the "good morning" song and dance.

Josh(and Bunny, of course) just being cute!


Earthquake!!!!!!
Yes, we had an earthquake this morning! It originated about 15 miles away in Kingston. Nope, I had NO idea that we'd had an earthquake. I guess living in the midst of a Q tornado has left me immune? In fact, my mom, who lives in North Carolina informed me that we had had an earthquake several hours before I spoke to her. Not much of an earthquake I guess! But, I can now say I've been in an earthquake!

Grocery shopping in my pajamas!!!!

I just found out that my local grocery store has an online home delivery system!!!! I used it for the first time this morning. I LOVE technology! I shopped leisurely in my pajamas, while sitting on my couch with my feet up! My children enjoying Noggin on tv. Why have I not done this sooner? It is only $6.95 for delivery, SO worth EVERY penny! I would pay a steep price to not have to pile 5 kids and groceries into a shopping cart and yet still eat! I think I'm in love with Safeway! I'm sure this is not new to you all, but it is to me...and I am SO excited at this idea! I love it! Now we are done shopping and ready for school to begin and I am not exhausted already. Just had to tell y'all about my great shopping experience!!!!

Home from the doctor

We met today with the Orthopedic surgeon. It lasted about 15 minutes. It seems that we don't have a pediatric orthopedic surgeon here, so no one who is qualified to deal with hip dyspalsia. So, the surgeon here, meets each pediatric patient to determine if the problems are real and require being sent to the specialist, an hour away, at Madegan Army Hospital. He said that because the x rays showed the dysplasia, she needs to be seen and followed there. He said that there really is nothing to do right now, they just need to follow her every 6-12 months and she may need reconstructive surgery around age 5-6 on her hip if she shows more issues. Not a given, but they need to follow it and watch as she develops. He did say that although it will cause issues in adulthood(arthritis and possible hip replacement as an older adult), it shouldn't be causing her pain right now. She can and should learn to walk whenever she is ready, so that is not the issue with her not walking. So, our plan is to just wait a couple of months and see if she takes off. If not, we'll st up some Physical Therapy. We will also be going to Madigan for an MRI on her hips, but he said it could take awhile to get in since they are very busy(hence the screening of patients here before they are sent there). I guess we just continue taking it one day at a time! Thanks for praying for my sweet girl!

Some Random updates

I thought I'd throw some random thoughts out about all the kiddos, since I'm having trouble thinking straight at the moment!

Michael- Well, what can I say about my Michael. He has discovered doing dishes(okay, more like playing in soapy water, but the end result is clean dishes!), and has taken over that chore for me these days. He is still my sneaky fox, but he really is a different kiddo since Dr. Leman's book came along. He truly has a great sense of humor, makes me laugh all the time!

Sam- Talk about a girl crazy little monkey! He colored his project at church today pink and purple. When he gave it to me, I told him how pretty it was. I asked him what made him choose those colors(most things he makes are green, since that is his favorite color). His answer was that he was sitting by a "very pretty girl" and those were her favorite colors! Oh, I just didn't think I'd have to deal with this stuff for a VERY long time! Thank goodness he is not my sneaky fox!

Josh- has finally hit the terrible twos! I never thought I'd be glad for the terrible twos, but it means some normalcy in his life. I LOVE his little mischievous grin. He and Sarah have been quite the pair lately, which is not always good, but another great sign for us to know that he is making steps forward!

Sarah - a firecracker! She has learned the art of tantrums and loves to use them against me in the most inopportune moments! She also knows that it is hard for me to discipline her without a smile when she lays on her charm, and she does it with no remorse! Funny girly girl!

Abby- sweetheart to the core. It is SO funny to see her try to copy Sarah's tantrums, it is just not there for her! She does have quite the glare when you upset her somehow! Still no interest in walking, she has an appointment with the surgeon in the morning, so hopefully we will have a plan at that point!

That is that! Random updates on everyone. I'll try to check in after Abby's appointment tomorrow and clue y'all in on what the doctor says.

Falling in love all over again!!!

I packed up all our cloth diapers when we left Charleston and started to use disposables. I unpacked them when we got here, but have only used them a few days when all three babies were teething and well, I put them up! I decided yesterday that we are going back. The amount of money we spend on diapering 3 little people is CRAZY, not to mention the landfills our family alone is filling up with just diapers! So, I washed them, stuffed them, and got them all stacked up to start using this morning. I am falling in love all over again! I have saved $3 already and it is only half way through day one! Sarah loves the colorful covers! You know, the true girl that she is, she does love a matching accessory, even if it is a diaper! I love their little cloth diapered bottoms! I'll have to post a picture when nap time is over! A lot of people ask, isn't that just a ton of unnecessary work? Nope, not at all, one load of wash, dry and dump it in the diaper box laundry. The kind I use require no folding, pinning, or even covering. I just stuff the insert into the diaper(which consists of an ultra soft liner for baby's bottom and a really cute, colorful water proof cover with velcro tabs). I stuff the insert in between the layers, and put it on just like a disposable. I use Bum Genius 3.0 one size diaper, meaning it grows with the baby and saves a TON of money in size changing. Now that the girls and Josh are all in larges, I have ordered some All in ones from Baby Genius as well. Same diaper without the stuffing! I think I should get some royalties from my commercial here! But, I promise I don't, I just LOVE these diapers!

Sarah's bottom(yes, that is a pool floatie in my bedroom, doesn't everyone have a pool floatie in the master bedroom?)

Abby and her climbing self shows what these babies can handle! No leaks!

Josh wanted to model his lime color, while Sarah points out his cute belly button!

Sarah is bringing me her bow to put into her hair, it is all about accessories!



A Funny From This Morning!

I was building Legos with the boys this morning(have I mentioned that I LOVE Saturdays!), and we were building and talking. When Sam had finished his ship, he said the only thing it needed was a flag on top. So, he grabbed a piece and put it right on the top. I asked, what kind of a flag he was putting up there. He looked at me, like I was CRAZY and should already know the answer, how simple could that be. He sighed out loud and said, "The flag of the United Steaks of America, silly!" Classic!

The Price of Quiet!

Most mornings I have great help in cleaning up breakfast and the rest of morning duties. But this morning Abby was glued to my leg and I needed 15 minutes of quiet and freedom to move to get done with the morning chores. So, I escorted my herd downstairs(into the family/school/playroom). Now, normally the girls follow me from room to room, so they are very rarely left to their own devices. This morning, I NEEDED a break. So, I turned on Noggin and headed upstairs. I cleaned while I SAVORED the quiet. Just 15 minutes later I went to check on the state of my basement. I then saw the price of quiet! My big boys were GLUED to the television(it doesn't normally get turned on, so they were completely enthralled!). I walked around the corner and there it was, the mess of all messes! I couldn't do anything but take pictures and smile. The quiet really WAS worth it!




Sarah reveling in her work!

Josh was pretty happy with himself too!

At least Abby was repentant!

Some fun times that make it all worth while!

My Princess even sleeps like a girl!

Rub a dub dub, three cuties in a tub!

Future American Idol?! I think just maybe!

I love this picture (and no, that is NOT another mess in the background!)

Michael doing flips in the basement

I guess I was a little grumpy today!

So, after a LONG morning of a TON of unnecessary mess, failed morning naps, crazy energy when we were SUPPOSED to be doing school(meaning I almost had to tie Sam to his chair, I finally sent him upstairs so Michael could finish), Sarah's eardrum shattering temper tantrums. I attempted a miserable trip to Best Buy in which I piled all five kids in a tiny cart(I must say the kids had a BLAST, but their Mama finally had to leave after getting NO answers), I was feeling a BIT stressed. I thought I was hiding it well, but I guess not, I had to share the conversation from the backseat as we FINALLY pulled out of the parking lot.

Sam: Michael, I think Mama needs a nap.

Michael: Yes, she is being a grumpypants.

Sam: Yep, she needs a nap and a hug

Well, I have got to say that my grumps melted a bit at my sweet boy's assessment! I really couldn't reprimand Michael, after all, I really was a grumpypants! I love my crazy kids! However, I put EVERY one of them in bed as soon as we walked in the door, after getting some great squeezes!

My Abby Girl

The girls were officially 18 months old yesterday! I CANNOT believe how big they are getting and how fast it is happening! Do they not know that they are supposed to stay my babies forever? Sarah is running at high speeds always! She is talking in sentences. We were in the car and she was screaming last week. I called back, "Sarah, use your words." Marvin gave me that do you not realize that she is a baby look. But, she stopped crying, looked at me and said, "I want paci please." And then she pointed to it on the floor to put emphasis on her request. It feels funny to tell such a little one to use her words, but she is one smart cookie! The boys were over 2 before they could do that, but this girl talks ALL the time. Abby girl is not there. She is not behind the curve for speech, she has about 5 words that she uses on a regular basis. She communicates her wants and desires with cute little grunts and pointing. It works for her, because she has her Mama wrapped around her sweet little finger! She is not walking yet. We took her into the doctor just last week to make sure nothing was wrong. She has been on the late side all her life, but my mommy instint really thought something was up physically. She looked her over and looked at Abby stand and walk with my fingers(or not really, as the case my be). She noticed the foot turning outward that we have been concerned about. She ordered x rays on Abby's hips and said we'd see if it showed anything and then go from there. So, we got the x rays done that day and have been waiting for results. The doctor called tonight to say that the x rays showed a minor dysplasia. She is referring us to an Orthopedic surgeon who will do further testing to determine what, if anything, needs to be done. I know hindsight is 20/20, but I am a bit upset at our pediatrician in Charleston whom we brought up her feet pointing outward and they continued the wait and see approach month after month. Our new doctor has said that the feet turning outward along with her being a twin would merit a look very early on, when it would have been much easier to use a brace to correct the problem. I know that God has perfect timing, I just don't like to think my sweet Abby girl might be uncomfortable or in pain. I'd appreciate your prayers in the coming weeks, that we'd have wisdom and make good decisions in what is the best way to help her.In the meantime, our house marches on. I started a Bible study here today. I think it will be great to get to know people better. I feel like after all the horrible sick time and snow, I'm starting all over in making friends. It was great to share the Word of God with other Ladies who desire to know Him more as well. Now, this is the precise reason I don't blog while the kids are awake. Michael is now crying because he flipped off the couch and instead of landing on the pillows, he landed on the floor. Sam is repeatedly saying Sorry(I'm not exactly sure why, but maybe Michael was helped just a little in the flipping process. Sarah is crying because Abby is riding the horse bike and she won't get off. Abby is crying because Sarah is trying to push her off. Josh, however, is quietly standing still and trying to put the play cell phone into his pocket(which, by the way, cannot happen, the phone is at least twice the size of his pocket!). I better go quickly restore order into the chaos that is my most wonderful home!

Where Laughter lives!

This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check our their blog to read everyone else's "Laughter Lives!" posts.

I came across this tonight and was laughing hysterically. This weeks assignment is to tell a funny story of something your child did to cause laughter. How does one narrow it down? I have so many! But I just had to tell one that still makes me laugh, even nearly 2 years later!

I was on bedrest while pregnant with my twins. Obviously, my oldest son, Michael, 5 years old at the time, thought that being pregnant with twins is a ticket out of all things that might resemble work(and, well, he was kinda right!). One night, he was asked to pick up his toys before bed. He looked up at me and said, "But I can't do it, Mama." I asked him why not. He looked at me with a VERY straight face and said, "Mama, I have twins in my tummy, see?" He had taken his bee(his favorite blanket) and stuffed it in his shirt and completed the look with the "I'm pregnant with twins stance" with his hands on his back, his tummy sticking out. I could not help but laugh a little. I've got to give him credit for most outrageous excuse though. Too bad his Mama didn't buy it!

Have a New Kid by Friday!

All five of my children are always perfect all the time. Okay, okay, maybe not perfect, but they are darn good kids! I love them so much, even in their imperfectness(is that a word?). However, lately we have noticed that Michael is having a hard time. So, I went and got Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Leman. I've read it all this week, and although today is not Friday, it is Funday at our house! That is the first day you stop reading and start acting. I believe that Michael is trying to figure out just what hit him. This book called me out on so many levels it stopped being funny! I highly recommend this book for any parent of imperfect children! Don't get me wrong, my kids won't ever be perfect, book or no book, neither will I, but I pray that they will grow to be wonderful, loving, responsible people. I want to make sure that I do everything in my power as a mother to help that process. This book points out my shortcomings more than Michael's and gave reasons for the behavior and practical ways to change it. And boy, I can see it is gonna work! I have to tell all of you about it! It is a great book for any parent!

Gotta love the sun! (Lots of pictures!!!!!)

I do. I've got to admit that on days when the sun shines around here, we definately do NOT take it for granted! Today was the first time all week that the sun has peeked out for a bit. That is no exaggeration, it gets REALLY old after a few days. So, when the sun does shine, we go out and soak it up. It really doesn't matter if it is warm or not, we are starving for some sunshine! It came out today and not just a little, but in all its glory. Thank you God!!!!!! I feel like every sunny day is a present from Him just for me! We went out and colored with some chalk, rode bikes, climbed the driveway(great exercise, my legs are still burning!), and walked down to visit the neighbor dogs down the street. Most of all, we just enjoyed squinting! Here is a boatload of pictures from our day!
This is our house

our front yard

Abby treking up the driveway

Getting closer (gotta love Sarah's look in the background!)

Getting closer!

Abby says,"You can do it Sarah!"

My Josh bosh

Michael shows Abby how to color with chalk

Abby likes this chalk stuff!

Michael and Sam got traced(they made their chalk bodies hold hands!)

Sarah's trying to slide down the driveway!

Sweet girls!

cutie pie!

Michael on his scooter

Sam on his scooter

funny boy!

The boys' favorite outdoor activity:
Ready, set....

Go!

The finish line. Gives me a heart attack every time! There's not much room for error between the car and the junk!

checking out the neighbors!

Sarah girl

sweet Abby thinks that scooter stuff is too dangerous!

coloring away!

My new button

I have come across the story of a little girl who is fighting desperately to survive a very aggressive form of leukemia. Her name, Abby, caught my attention before I even heard her story. As I watched the video on her blog, I was in tears. I cannot even imagine the pain this brave little girl is going through and the pain her parents are in having to watch and hand her over to God. They are believers and have asked all who are willing to pray fervently. I am passing her story on to you and ask you all to pray and pass it along as well. Go ahead and click the Praying for Abby button on the right side of my blog and meet this special little girl and her family.

I've been tagged!

My friend, Tara, tagged me today. My assignment is to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder in my pictures. I was excited to see what that was, I don't look back very often, especially not that far back. So here it is!

My Michaelman, minutes old, the day that started the fastest, most wonderful roller coaster ride of motherhood! How fun to look back and remember for a moment! Thanks, Tara!

Now, I tag Becky and Shannon! Just go to the fourth picture in the forth folder stored on your computer and post it for us! Have fun gals!

I cannot believe I forgot this blog!

So, I honestly thought I had blogged about a very special first in the lives of my big boys. Only, I was just reading past blogs and it wasn't there. Am I really that crazy? Okay, you don't really need to answer that! During our trip, we took the kids to Marvin's Dad's church. It is a very small church and they don't have a nursery or anything for the kids, so they sat with us. They did really well in there, I must say, I was very proud of my little men. The girls slept through the entire thing! At the end of the service, they took the Lord's supper. The boys both asked Jesus to be their savior last year during the Upwards season. At the time, Marvin was talking to them about the booklet they got from Upwards and the message in it that they had both heard. Both said they wanted to ask Jesus into their own hearts, so he lead them in prayer at our dining room table. I was grocery shopping when Michael called to tell me. I was excited but hesitant at that point, they were barely 4 and 5, I really wasn't completely convinced that they understood. However, they answered all my questions and have remained adamant that they meant it. They both remember vividly that conversation and prayer. So, I am now fully convinced that, although they may not understand the depth of this decision, they both truly meant it with their child like faith and I am one proud Mama! The kids have always been in the children's programs while we took communion until this day. So, we called them both to us and explained in detail everything we were doing and why we were doing it. It was so wonderful to be sharing such an awesome thing with our special guys. I am so excited to see how they are so open to Jesus and His wonderful gift to us. My prayer is that it will continue throughout their lives and that our other kids will follow.

Out with the Old, In with the New...

...or so I thought! Josh has a Thumper that was given to him by his Uncle Jay when he was like 6 months old(I'm sure you've seen him in lots of pictures). That bunny has been attached to his side for 2 full years now. Where Josh is, Bunny is. He has loved the bunny almost literally to death. I have not been able to wash him for weeks because he has such a big worn spot on his neck, I am almost sure the poor thing will just disintegrate in the washing machine. Josh would have a horrible time of it if he did not have the security of his beloved bunny. So, I decided we needed to replace him. The problem, he is from the Disney store, and they do not make him anymore. I have looked on e bay so many times with no luck. So, while on vacation, I thought I'd give it another shot. I found it!!!!!! I found THE thumper and although more than I'd usually spend for a stuffed toy, certainly worth it for the peace it would bring to my special boy. My great plan was to let Josh put his bunny into the washing machine for a bath(he LOVES this, believe it or not, clean is his thing!), and then do a quick switch a roo with the new, fresh clean bunny! I was so excited. The problem, well, see for yourself.

When I opened the package, my heart sank. I thought I had found the wrong bunny. But then I put them side by side. Same eyes, same nose, same mouth. I knew bunny was in bad shape, but I realized just how bad when he was sitting next to his brand new, fluffy self. Now, Josh is a 2 year old, but he is NOT stupid. He was NOT going to fall for the switch a roo plan. So, a new plan was born! Honesty. I introduced him to the new thumper, of course while bunny was stuck to him as always. He looked at it funny for a few minutes, but it clicked that this was indeed the young fresh version of bunny himself. He spent the afternoon loving on them both. Before bathtime, I found a quiet place and showed him bunny's "booboos". I told him that bunny was sick and that we needed to put him up on the shelf so that his booboos wouldn't get bigger. He gave bunny one big hug, and off he ran with new bunny in his arms. He can see bunny on his shelf in his bedroom, I was a bit worried about bedtime. But, he waved to old bunny and told him goodnight, then drifted off while cuddling new bunny! Hopefully it will stay this easy!