Go Away Cold!

I sure hope that we are getting all of the sickness out of our system NOW so that the kids will be ready for school to start! This week has been tough for my little ones. Mallory had a cold a couple of weeks ago. She must be one tough cookie, because she fought it off and bounced back quickly. Faith and Cameron, on the other hand, have really struggled this week. They were so pitiful. We battled fever, runny noses, and coughs. They were taking naps and they were not up to their usual mischief! Poor things! Monday, I got home to find that Faith's eye was pink and a little puffy. My immediate thought was, "pink eye," but I hoped that it was simply cold. After I panicked and worried about what to do (I HATED to take off work), I simply called the doctor and they called something in to the pharmacy...WHEW. Of course, Cameron's eyes became "pink," as well.

I DO have one funny story....

I guess that I was telling a lie above...the whole thing about them not being up to mischief. For most of the week, they have napped and watched television. HOWEVER, on Wednesday, they began to perk up a bit. Of course, I was unaware that they were feeling so much better, and I was so stressed about being at work while they were sick and the decision of whether to take them to the doctor or not. So, I was calling every couple of hours to see if they had any fever and to make a decision of, "Do I leave work or do I not?" That's when I learned that Cameron had taken a fall. From what I can understand, he was jumping from a chair. When I talked to the sitter, I found that Cameron was refusing to walk. He said that it didn't hurt, but he refused to walk. I got him on the phone to make sense of it all, and he told me, "I teasin' B." That's what they call the sitter. Well, I tried to reason with him that if it doesn't hurt and if he is JUST teasing, he should walk. Still, he refused. Having said that, Granny B was carrying him wherever he wanted to go. Still, I was concerned. OMG...I mean, if he had ANOTHER broken foot, DFACS would definitely be calling me. Seriously. I called Cody up, and he went on home to inspect the foot. As soon as he saw Cody, he jumped up and said, "I can walk, Daddy," and he took off. The sitter thought it was funny, and I laughed it off. However, I was beyond irritated, and we had a little heart to heart. :)

Soooo.....it seems that everyone is on the mend and we have no broken bones. I consider that to be a fairly successful week, right?

I sure hated that my babies felt bad...but they loved to snuggle and I took FULL advantage.

Going out on a Limb

It was back to school week! AHHHH! I am definitely getting used to getting up at the crack of dawn every morning! Overall, I think that I have done very well with the leaving the kids part. I have had a couple of good cries...in private....but I am holding it together fairly well. There have been certain times during my first days back that I have had to just walk away. All of these little bitty babies keep reminding me of my own! I was trying so hard to comfort a preschooler the other day that I had to finally rub his little face, pat his little head, say that it would be ok, and walk away. I almost lost it. Really. No kidding. Ahhh...but I battled with that ALL YEAR last year. So, I am not so sure I will overcome that one. 

The kids are adjusting VERY well to my being gone. It's like there's no change at all. Cameron has said that he doesn't want me to go to work, and Faith usually asks each night who will be there in the morning (which breaks my heart). Other than that, though, they are doing GREAT....and loving having their way with the sitter...lol!

 I know that most mothers work these days, and I am extremely blessed to have a summer and holidays with my children. So, I am going to hold on to those positives for now. However, I am also convinced that God doesn't intend for us to feel "stuck" or accepting of an existence full of what ifs and regrets...and I think that as a society that's what we do. We go to jobs that we are unhappy in. We sit back and think that's the way that it should be. We convince ourselves that there's nothing else that we can do, and we worry about what people may think or say if we go out on a limb. I believe that I think with my head a little too much....and with my heart not enough. After all of this rambling, I must clarify that I don't HATE my job...or the profession. There are some changes that I would like to make, however. I am vowing to follow my heart these days and see just where that takes me. Praying for blessings and a peace like no other.

Speaking of going out on a limb, and taking chances, our family is about to do just that. As most know, we did so about a year ago. Cody partnered with a friend and opened up a business, Down South Diesel. We could only hope and pray. Opening a business these days is scarier than ever...A BIG RISK. So, I am so happy and proud to announce that we are expanding!!! WOOHOO!!! Cody has outgrown his current building and is moving right up the road to a bigger shop (as long as all details work out). I say "we" are expanding....like I have something to do with it...lol! Through much stress and hard work, Cody is making it happen. Can we say very proud?!  I do believe that I typed this last year, and, so, I will say it again. Things may get harder before they get better. We know that there is a risk. We are asking for continued prayers and support. We are following our hearts...enough said!

Now to the funny part of my blog (sorry this is SO long, but I have not written in a while)! I think that Cameron and Faith are ready for their school to start. As I go to and from school, I think that they are a little confused. They asked, "When are we going to school?"  I am working hard on getting them "school ready." I don't mean teaching them their ABCs and 123s or anything of that nature. I am talking about coaching them on "how not to embarrass me." As I have mentioned, they love words such as, "poop," "poop head," "booger," etc. We constantly talk about how those words are inappropriate and not what we say anywhere......ESPECIALLY SCHOOL....ESPECIALLY A CHURCH PRESCHOOL. So, during one of these conversations, Faith says, "...but that's how we talk, Momma." Bless her heart. She was SO serious.  Cameron was quietly listening in on this conversation, and says, "Well, can my shake my booty?"  I can see him breaking it down right in the sanctuary.  Cameron is also more interested in DOING bodily functions at school. He is SO proud of his poop in the potty. He told me that he was gonna' "drop a big bolda (boulder)" at school. OMG...thanks for the terminology, CODY PATRICK!!! 

I love my kids...I really, really do. I act like they embarrass me, but their funny little personalities keep me going. I'm so glad that they are not boring...lol! Who wants a kid that never says or does anything completely off the wall?

Ran across this on my computer. It's an old one but good one (I've probably posted it before).

Adventures at PCPS

I think that I mentioned that I have a one-track mind. So, I have this thing looming ahead of me and driving me crazy....it's called "school is starting in less than a week and I have to get my room ready....NOW!" We have very few preplanning days, and, although I have gone over a couple of times this summer, I want my room completely finished before the first day of preplanning. Then, I can actually PLAN...makes sense, right?  Therefore, going to school was a MUST today....even if it meant taking the kids with me. That's right. You heard me. It was all very eventful, but I must say that they were TROOPERS.

So, first of all, I was completely shocked that two staff members asked me, "Are they all yours!?" I get that question all the time from strangers, but most people at school know of my litter...and that's what most people remember if they don't know anything else. REALLY. Lots of times, people do not introduce me as the spectacularly amazing teacher that I am (just kidding), but as the mommy of three children three years and under. Oh. Well. I like to be known as the mommy of these incredible babies. So....anyway....it was funny to find someone, who didn't even begin to know our story.

I really didn't have that much to do in my classroom, but I wanted to hang some things and move things around. I also scheduled a meeting with a new teacher, who I will be collaborating with. Overall, the kids were super good...just busy. They liked to climb on my ladder. Their hands went straight towards the scissors. They loved the sink. They were probably the least behaved when I met with the teacher....of course. My attention was diverted a bit, so they took full advantage. During our little adventure, these are some of the things that occurred:

~the ladder was climbed multiple times during my nice meeting, although I asked that to be stopped multiple times
~the ladder was climbed with scissors in hand, even
~during their interest in cleanliness and washing their hands, the sink faucet was somehow turned to run all over the counter and onto the floor
~Cameron couldn't make up his mind if or when he had to do his business...so I imagine that we went to the restroom at least ten times...no exaggeration.
~We finally had a little accident so we had to do a change.
~During my meeting, in which I was really trying to make a good impression, Faith somehow pulls up YouTube, and finds an inappropriate song...I think that it had the word "hell" in it...OMG!!!
~During my meeting, Faith had YouTube going and Mallory and Cameron had Laurie Berkner from Nick Jr blasting....very distracting
~When helping the nice teacher out to her car with files, Faith held the door. She also allowed it to shut...which locked us out of the building. So, we had to make a nice, heated walk around the school.
~During our walk, Mallory had a little leak, and I was covered with urine. Yay.

I think that sums it up. LOL! I know the list makes it sound as if it were a horrible day....but it wasn't so bad. We were there for five hours, and they were actually really good. I think that I pooped them out, too....they were so irritable AND exhausted the remainder of the evening.

Love these babies!

A Change in Heart

OK...here's another rambling post about the whole schooling issue. As you can tell, this is a BIG deal to me. BIG. HUGE. ASTRONOMIC. Sigh....I think that I have added another wrinkle or two this week...and probably put another gray hair or two in Cody's head (I joke about Cody getting grays, but I soften it with the fact that I am getting the wrinkles. At least he can color!).

ANYWAY. I am a one-track-mind kind of person. When something is there...it's there. To stay. Until it gets settled...and I have a sense of peace about it. This is me with the smallest of things, so when something BIG comes along, it's that much worse. Enter the case of "my children are going to school and I am uncertain, unhappy, guilty, worried and concerned about my decision." Yep....that's not an easy one to just let lie....work out on it's own.

As the beginning of the school year is drawing near, I began to get this knot in my belly and this heaviness in my heart. It went beyond the fact that Faith and Cameron are growing up. I actually started questioning my decision. A. LOT. The plan was to take them with me to Headstart, but I wasn't feeling great with that decision any more....for several reasons. Something told me that I needed to trust my gut. Pray about it. I have. We are now planning to send the kids to a three day program at First United Methodist Church of Greensboro. I think that it will be a good transition for them...less children, shorter hours, fewer days. They are THREE. They are my babies!!!....I think that this is what's best....and I feel good about it. Relieved. I am no longer scared about them going to school. I am excited.

There is the problem of taking them and picking them up. Also, someone will need to get them ready! I won't be able to do none of these...which I AM a bit irritated/guilty/feeling sorry for myself about. So, I just hope that one day the kiddos will understand it was a matter of doing what was best for them...and mommy had to get over some of her selfish reasons of wanting them to go with her :)  HOWEVER, we have a great support system....our family and one heck of a sitter! Together, I think we have it all figured out. I am truly feeling blessed right now...well...ALWAYS....but particularly this afternoon. I thank God each day for the people that we are surrounded by....couldn't be any better in the world. We can't say thank-you enough to them.

So, there you have it! The kids are starting school....YAY!!! NOW, if I could get pumped up about MY going to school! ;)

Squeaky Clean

So, amongst all of the stress and worries that I have about Faith and Cameron entering school, add the requirement of their seeing a dentist before school starts. Don't judge. NO. I have never taken my kids to a dentist...I was prolonging that visit as long as possible. However, circumstances forced me to take them....which I guess is a good thing. :)

Mom of the year, here, really didn't comprehend that I HAD to take the kids to the dentist BEFORE the first day of school.....I mean c'mon it's not like they are going to spread tooth decay or something!!! How crucial is this??? Nonetheless, it was a must, so I went into panic mode of getting them in to see a dentist. All pediatric dentists were booked for quite a while. GREAT. So, we ended up at Lake Oconee Dentistry....AND. I. THOUGHT. THEY. WERE. GREAT. WOOHOO!!!

When I started talking to the kids about taking them to a dentist, Faith and Cameron were all up for it...actually excited....what a difference a couple of months make because it used to be an adamant, "NO." We even went to the library to get some books about our upcoming trip! Cameron was excited about sitting in the big chair and claimed that the dentist would find an elephant in his mouth. They even had the conversation...almost argument....about who would go first. YES!!! Poor Mallory said that she wanted to go, too!

As we arrived at the dentist, I knew that the kiddos' feelings had changed a bit. We went right on back and their faces turned very solemn. Cameron, who I can usually depend on at doctor's visits, refused to sit in the chair. They both backed up against the wall. I was beginning to wonder, "What on Earth am I going to do!?" The hygienist was wonderful, though, letting them play with the gadgets and showing them each one. Finally, we compromised on having them sit in my lap. They were both very cooperative. After the cleaning we had to wait a bit for the dentist. That's when they became all TOO familiar with the place.....climbing all over the chair, wanting to press all buttons, and really exploring things. By the time he finally came in, they were bouncing into the chair by themselves and VERY cooperative...even giving him high fives! WOOHOO!

My mom and dad were nice enough to come along for the ride, and they kept Mallory in the waiting room. I was very proud of her, too. It was a long wait, and she was SUPER!!!

I'M ONE PROUD MOMMA! Here are some pics!...and by the way, Faith and Cameron were the photographers! Pretty good, huh?

 YAY for Faith! She did a good job following directions!

 I think that Mallory was a little bored in the waiting room...lol!

Cameron was a bit slower to warm up, but he did a great job being brave!

I'm Crawling Under the Table

It's really funny how/when things happen. Of course, my kiddos are busy and a bit mischievous. However, I was JUST thinking how they have never really embarrassed me before. I had that thought listening to someone talk about how kids can downright embarrass you in public.  Although I agreed, I was thinking, "I don't think my kids ever have." I mean...SURE...there have been countless times that they are loud or do things that make me claim that I wanted to crawl under a table, but, for the most part, they are just kids. Kids are kids. They are going to do things. I usually just have a good laugh....just shrug it off.  ANYWAY. Just as you think or say things, you are usually jinxed...and I guess that I was. Tonight, I was a bit embarrassed by some behavior of my dear, little ones. It's a good thing that it was a family function. I don't really mind their forming opinions.

Tonight, was Cody and Kenny's birthday dinner. As soon as all of the nieces and nephews piled in, Faith, Cam and Mallory geared up. They ALWAYS do this...I think that they have to show off a little bit and make people laugh. Well, they took it a bit too far tonight. Recently, Faith, Cam, and Mallory have gotten on this kick of trying to think of every nasty word possible...they think that it is really funny. So, they started in with calling people "poop heads," "poops," "poot," and even "sissy." I don't even know where they got that last one. Most of my family members were given one of these names. My kids also prefer to run around naked. It's not something that we do routinely around here, trust me. Nevertheless, they ended the night with a bang....stripping down and running through the house. OMG!!! That did it. I was so irritated.

We had to have a little talk after company left. They looked so innocent and bewildered that their actions were so wrong. When told that running naked was not something that we do, Cameron asked, "Why?" Faith followed up with, "Well, can we just shake our booties?" Yes, dear. If you have your clothes on...shake away. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone has any advice on how to handle streakers, who love to talk of bodily functions please pass it along. I would be very much appreciative!!!

Back to School Battles

I had a moment the other night. As I lay watching Faith sleep, it hit me...only two more weeks before I head back to work. No more snuggling until after 8:00 am. No more jumping in the car to find something to do. No more pool dates with the family. What hit me the hardest? Faith and Cameron are heading to school, too. Yep, I had a moment. An overwhelming, I can't breathe because I'm crying so hard moment....and it was for a variety of reasons. Sure, it's sad that they are growing up, but that isn't the only reason that I had/have this lump in my throat...this heavy heart. I have this overwhelming sense of guilt and sense of uncertainty. First of all, their entering school has confirmed the fact that I will NOT get to stay home with them during their early years....hence the guilt. I REALLY hate the fact that they will be heading out SO EARLY with me (6:30 am)...hence the guilt. I also feel bad that I am placing them in a program five days per week for a full day.....enter the uncertainty. I'm not sure that I have made the right decision, here....and I will be honest in saying that having them enter Headstart was not my first choice. I would much rather have them at a church program to ease them into school....but then we had the problem of transporting them and affording it. So, I think that's what is worse......feeling guilty and being uncertain. Then, I have this looming concern ahead: What will we do in the near future?! Where will they go to school in years to come?!.....enter the guilt and uncertainty AGAIN. Should I be searching harder (or actually searching) for another job? Why didn't we think of education when we built a house?!  The list goes on and on.  UGH!!!

ANYWAY, I literally have tearful moments everyday, now. On a lighter note, Cameron seems quite ready for school. I teared up in front of him after he told me that he would be "brave" at school. When I did, he said, "I be back, Momma. I come back." Yep, I'm gonna' cry typing!!! We have purchased bookbags and tennis shoes. Faith has a princess book bag while Cameron went with camo.  I think that Faith will miss our summer adventures. She woke up the other day and said, "I want to do something special!" She is such a mess! When we did a painting using an egg dipped into paint, I thought that was something special. Faith claimed, "We shoulda' just used a paintbrush. I wanta' to something willy special." Can't win for losing! As for Mallory, she is talking more than ever, and she thinks that she is going to school, as well. We are trying to make her understand that she will not. :(  I also feel guilty that she will be here by herself.

Although I  know that there are far greater troubles in this world, I am still a bit upset by all of this...no matter how minor it may seem to some. Praying that all will work well and that I won't let my emotions get the best of me. :) 

Not sure if I have posted these before, but I ran across them when frantically trying to catch up with developing!