our little corner of the web

Video of Deacon

2010-04-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T18:22:00.001-07:00

Deacon's Baptism

2010-02-17T18:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have blogged! Our life is busy. But, Deacon was baptised on Sunday (Valentine's Day) and here are a couple of pictures. I loaded tons more on our dropshots page Here.

Deacon Cooper

2009-08-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

He is here! After my amniocentesis on Tuesday to check for lung maturity I went in for an induction on Wednesday morning at 6AM. We arrived and got settled in our room. I was hooked up to the monitor to check his heartrate and monitor for contractions, this was a feat in itself, he would not stay on the monitor! I received my IV and a bag of fluids so that when the time for my epidural that would be out of the way. At about 7:30 My doctor came in to see me. I still had not been checked at this point. She had a surgery she was assisting on and would come back after that to check me and break my water. After she left we started the pitocin, this was about 8:00 AM. From the very first contraction they were STRONG. So much so that after probably 45 minutes they turned the pitocin down. At about 9:30 my doctor was back to break my water. I had a serious flow of water. So much my OB got her underwear wet! It was really kinda funny. I gave her a pair of my mesh undies from my hospital kit so she could change. After my water was broken she put in a fetal scalp monitor and an internal contraction monitor. I asked for my epidural at this point. I was in pain. My contractions were about 80 out of 100 on their monitor and coming every 2-4 minutes and had been this whole time. After I got the epidural they turned the pitocin back up. The timeline gets a little blury here. For some reason after I got the epidural I was able to relax and therefore nap a little bit. I was pretty tired from the lack of sleep the night before and the excitement of getting to meet the newest addition to our family. At some point Deacon's heartrate began to decel during contractions. My doctor came to check on us, at about noon, and assured me that this was normal during a contraction. As long as it came back up after all was well. I think I was about 6 cm at this point. The decels started happening outside of contractions and my nurse turned the pitocin off and paged my doctor. Dr. Barnes decided that we needed to put some fluid back 'in' to take pressure off the cord during labor so that he would stop decelerating. So she started and amnio infusion. While the nurse was getting all of this going Dr. Barnes had me start pushing during contractions while she tried to stretch me out (when she started I was about 8 cm). She was able to get me completely dilated in a few contractions. She suspected that once I was complete he would be delivered quickly, but the still did the amnio infusion anyway. My epidural was so good that I could not even feel pressure when I was complete, this would turn out to be a good thing! After the amnio was in she said push, I did, she said stop! She was not gowned, my bed was not in delivery position, etc. So, the did their thing to prepare for a birth. Once doctor gave me the go to push a total of 5 pushes (and 2 contractions) at 2:44 PM. He weighed in at 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 19 inches long. He has a head full of dark hair and is awfully cute! He ended up having to have his stomach suctioned after birth. He came so quickly the fluid did not get a chance to get squeezed out. And I think due to this nursing was not great the first 24 hours. But once all that fluid was gone he took off like a champ nursing. My milk finally came in yesterday and today we have nursed exclusively. Here are a few pictures:

36 Weeks

2009-08-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

I am 36 weeks today and I finally got around to taking a picture of my huge belly. I have only gained about 10 lbs so far this pregnancy and I can't believe how big my belly is.

New pictures

2009-07-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to downloading everything off my camera, so here are a few pictures that I thought were precious. You can also check out the dropshots account HERE for more pictures and a video of Sophia's VBS performance.

Sophia's Outdoor Ballet rehersal

2009-05-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sophia had her outdoor rehersal yesterday. She will be in her first ever ballet recital on June 20th. I will try to post a video of her performance. But, for now enjoy her in all her specialness.

I tried to upload it several times to my blog and couldn't so, you will have to go
HERE to view it.

BIG boy!

2009-05-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

I had an ultrasound yesterday to check the growth. Our baby boy is measuring 2 lbs! I know there is some margin for error, but they U/S for both Sophia and Gavin were right on. I am scared this guy will be even bigger than Gavin and he hurt like H#&@ to push out! I am only 24 weeks, so there is time for him to average out (I hope!).

Pics, pics and more pics...

2009-05-14T11:25:00.001-07:00

Easter 2009

Strawberry Picking 2009

Zoo 2009

Silly Gavin!

ultrasound pictures

2009-04-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

No Computer!

2009-03-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Our computer died. I only have the laptop for right now, so pictures will probably not happen for a bit. We are all finally on the mend.

a whole lot of nothing

2009-03-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sophia has been wearing a dress that Grandma Mary bought her over the weekend nearly everyday! She would wear it 24/7 if I would let her. She asks to wear it to bed, to school and after she gets out of the bath. You can't see the whole thing, but here is a cute picture.

Gavin wanted his picture taken too, but he wouldn't step back for me to get it! So, this is the result:

And Sophia after viewing his picture wanted hers done the same. Here she is:

Sophia and Grandma Mary at Hawksnest

2009-03-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

Grandma Mary and Sophia had a girls weekend in the mountains this weekend. It appears they had fun!

Cuddlebugs

2009-03-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have the most beautiful and sweetest children in the world!

Seven-Oh-Oh

2009-02-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

For the past couple months Gavin and Sophia have been rising earlier and earlier each day. To the point of ridiculous. Gavin has been getting up at about 4AM! I think he is getting up and waking her up. So, I decided to try to put an end to this. I got Sophia a pink digital clock for her room. When it says 7-0-0 she can get up. IF she gets up before then she has to take a nap during the day. Gavin can't read yet so a clock won't work. I have just been trying to tell him he has to sleep until the first bit of light comes out (which right now is about 7AM). This morning was the first morning that they both slept til 7. I am sure part of it was Gavin being sick, and Sophia and I were at church last night until late. But, Sophia came in my room with her clock (battery operated) that read 7:06! I was so excited, I wish I would have thought to take the picture right then, but I didn't.

I don't expect miracles tomorrow, but I am hoping with dalylight savings time coming up that this will get a little better then.

Sick man

2009-02-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

Gavin has come down with a bug. We (and by we I mean Gavin and I, we could hear Shan snoring while we were up) were up nearly all night. Poor Gavin has never really been sick before. He woke up about 10:30-11:00 last night and was crying. I went to check on him and he had vomited. It wasn't very much, so I sent him in to see Daddy while I took care of changing his sheets. When I was done I went to check on him. He started kinda whining so I picked him up and he promptly threw up all over me! Little rascal! So, after hosing (read: showering) us off and getting him in clean jammies I put him down and laid down with him. He promptly fell asleep. I decided to try to catch some sleep and came back to my bed. Shortly thereafter Gavin started crying again. You get the point with where this is going. Needless to say I was out of sheets to put on the bed and told him so. I ended up putting him back in his crib (he had been sleeping in his big boy bed) because I had a few crib sheets left if I needed to change them. He ended up petering out about 2AM and woke me back up at 6:20 this morning. I kept him home from school today. He seems much better today. I was able to get him to eat some dry cheerios and diluted apple juice as well as a Popsicle, who doesn't love a Popsicle, especially banana flavored? So, all seems right in the world once again, except the smell of vomit which has taken up residence in my nose and I can't seem to get it out, not fun when you are pregnant!

Great Appointment today.

2009-02-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture from the ultrasound.

The Nuchal Fold was 1.3 milimeters (anything under 3 is good). I won't have the full results back for about a week, but everything today looked great. The picture from today is not the greatest. But you can kinda see the hand next to the head.

Wish me luck

2009-02-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

We have our nuchal translucency test on Tuesday. We will have bloodwork and an ultrasound. Just pray for a healthy baby. I will post ultrasound pictures when I get home Tuesday. Too early to learn the gender, but we will when possible.

Almost dead fish!

2009-02-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

Sophia took it upon herself to feed the goldfish! Not a good thing. I had told her repeatedly not to feed the fish, I even put the fish food up high. But, her ingenuity got her up there and fish food down and she fed them. "only a little bip momma" she said. But the whole top was a layer of food slowly sinking to the bottom! So, I took a little less than half of the water out of the tank and replaced it with clean water, we are hoping for the best. The good thing is that those fish were only .28 for both of them!

Update on the fish!

2009-02-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

Sophia played hide and seek with them this morning. She turned away from them, counted to 10, ran away, did a loop of the house, came back and said "I FOUND YOU" at the tank! It was FUNNY.

Goldie and Oscar

2009-02-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

We have a new addition to our house!

Goldie is the orange one and Oscar is the white one with red head. Sophia named them. I think she did a wonderful job! She wanted a puppy, but settled quite happily on fish.

We have a heartbeat!

2009-01-22T11:00:00.001-08:00

This is a really bad picture, but I promise there is a baby in there with a heartbeat in the 160s!

Snow Day

2009-01-20T09:57:00.001-08:00

YES WE DID!

2009-01-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

hodgepodge

2009-01-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

It will be two weeks without pacifiers on Friday as well as Gavin's second birhtday! He is the sweetest boy and is so kind. I pray he will be as gentle in years to come as he is today. His teacher told me today that if they had 11 Gavin's the class would be great. He is not only gentle but kind and shares well (except the occassional no MINE!). He is so sweet. He wants kisses all the time. I have to tell him to close his mouth though (I wonder why he wants to taste the kisses?). I am very blessed to have Gavin in my life.

Sophia is doing well. She is such a girly-girl. She changes her clothes a minimum of 3 times everyday. I have to go through her dirty clothes to remove the clothes tossed in there after only being worn for a few minutes. Her favorite thing right now is to strip down, put her ballet leotard on and then re-dress with multiple shirts. She has started ballet and her first receital will be Father's Day weekend. I can't wait to see her in her little costume at Oven's Auditorium dancing her little heart out. She absolutely LOVES all things ballet. I think this was a great Christmas present for her.

Little bean is the size of a pea at this point. I have my first appointment with the OBGYN to measure the little bean and look for the heartbeat next Thursday, Jan 22. Keep me in your prayers. I am a nervous wreck until we see that heartbeat...

Shannon and I are doing well. I am exhausted all the time these days, but otherwise healthy. No morning sickness to speak of. I did not have it with Sophia or Gavin, so I don't expect it this time around either. Although it could creep up on me what with the 5 babies (according to Sophia) growing in my belly! I really should be writing down all of the funnies that come out of her mouth. She really is a joy to have in my life and makes some of the most mundane things joyful.

I have been listening to the This I Believe volume 2 on CD. If you have not been introduced to this series, I can't say enough good about it. I cry, I laugh and I think about what it is that I believe. Having listened to these essays has made me a more thoughtful person. You should check it as well.

I think we finally did it!

2009-01-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

Gavin and Sophia have been paci free for two nights now. Both had the most minor of troubles the first night. Gavin seems to have forgotten they even existed and Sophia has only complained a couple times. The Paci Fairy came and took them to give to other children who need them. If they could be gracious about letting them go she would bring the movie Tinkerbell (a movie about fairies) to them. They have received Tinkerbell today and will find out once I pick them up from school. I am pleased at how well this went. I can't tell you how much I was dreading this.

Happy New Years!!!

2009-01-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

Really crappy picture, but hopefully you get the point!

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-25T07:50:00.001-08:00

Message From Santa Claus

If it were in my powers,
I would bring peace and love,
To this world of ours,
But I don't have magic enough,
I can cross the sky,
and pass by the stars,
But I can't seem to stop,
Any of hatred's wars,
I see children on the street,
With no hope left,
in the eyes.
So many homeless people
with no where to sleep.
And my heart cries.
I can't give the things they need,
Oh But God I would try.
I'm only a fantasy,
that once took wings to fly,
Some are deceived,
by the gifts that money can buy,
But those who truly believe,
see the gift with the heart,
not with the eye,
I sometime stop and go to my knees,
and pause,
and I too always pray,
That we will find a end to wars,
and live in peace one day.
For all those who believe in me,
I will continue my cause,
Across the stars,
over the wars,
On Christmas Eve,
For the hearts that still believe,
In Santa Claus

©Judy Arline Puckett

Here it is!

2008-12-08T09:07:00.001-08:00

Santa Claus!

2008-12-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well, my scanner is broken so I can't get the picture up here yet, but I am working on it.

We went to the mall to see Santa today. I was anticipating an obnoxious Gavin and trying to get a picture with him and Sophia and Santa that looked like something out of a Vacation movie. I got a little break! Sophia, who for the last 2 Christmas's has screamed bloody murder at the sight of Santa, did very well. She was a little cautious at first, giving him high five and a hug before climbing into his lap. I think Sophia rubbed off on Gavin and before I knew it he was in Santa's lap too. He was tentative and we never did get a picture of him smiling in the pictures, but he did smile. Santa was terrific. He gave them candy and color books. So overall I am a very pleased mommy.

Black Friday

2008-11-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am finally recovered enough from not going to bed to get my Black Friday deals in. I stayed up (knowing myself, if I went to sleep I would not let a little thing like an alarm force me out of bed) and went to the Mall, which opened at 1AM. I did not really need anything at the mall, but thought it would give me something to do while waiting for the stores I wanted to visit to open. I then went to AC Moore to get in line for a Thomas the Train wooden train set, according to the ad it retails for 179.99 and I got it for 49.99 (thank you Grandma Dee). Then I came home to catch a couple hours of sleep while waiting for the kids to wake up, so I could take them with me for the rest as Shannon had to work. I rounded out the day heading back to the mall to hit the anchor stores that did not open until 5, Michaels and Walmart. I was so excited Walmart advertising they would price match only to get there and be disappointed they did not have the things I was looking for (DVDs). I went to Lowes today to get a few more things, including a poinsettia centerpiece for my table and a live wreath for the front door. I am tired and will be recovering the next couple days, but I am glad to have a decent start to my shopping. I love this season!

Family Night.

2008-11-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

Sophia had her first onstage debut. It was GREAT. Except for the video I took, it turned out badly. But it is posted in my dropshots account, the link is to the right.

Election Day

2008-11-04T05:06:00.001-08:00

It is that time, GO VOTE!

Holloween

2008-10-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of my little boo and penguin.

Minivan confusion

2008-10-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

I wish I would have taken a picture. Instead I will try to set the scene. I went to Costco. I went in and went about my shopping. I came out walked up to a van, thinking it was mine and tried to get in. I could not. I tried hitting the unlock button and it wasn't working. I glanced down at the drink holder and noticed this was indeed not my car! I went to the next van and got in, luckily it was mine. I look down the row of cars to see 5 gray Honda Odyssey's in a row! They all looked EXACTLY alike. I really need to get a monogrammed sticker or something for the back to distinguish it from all the others.

I am a horrible blogger!

2008-10-13T10:19:00.001-07:00

Why is that I cannot seem to update this blog with any regularity? I keep saying once... happens (the kids go back to school, Sophia starts Bible Study Fellowship, Shannon starts taking Fridays off) I will have more time to blog. Yet, I can't seem to get it done. I wonder how I can fit about 3 more hours in the day, without losing sleep?

Some things I have been doing instead of blogging:

selling the children's old toys and clothes at our church consignment sale. Rumor has it I was the top seller (if not top very, very close). My total was 400.00 (my portion was 280.00). This required two trips for me to haul all of the loot to the church. So I was pleased my effort paid off. I would have made a lot more selling on ebay, but it would have been a LOT more work, so this worked out well.

My Mustard Seed Group is reading:

We did a book on children last time and decided to a book on marriage this time. It is turning out to be a helpful book.

I have been consumed with the election. I make no bones about being a liberal democrat, so I am thrilled and cautiously optimistic that Obama will be our next president. I was not always so gung ho about him. I am still a Hillary Clinton supporter. But, John McCain and Sarah Palin, in my opinion would be disastrous to this country. Go Obama!

Gavin and Sophia have been doing really well in school. Sophia can now spell her name! We are so proud of her. I have been trying to work on helping her memorize our phone number, but that is not working out so well. Gavin is FINALLY starting to talk a bit more. He says no, hello, more, bye, mama, dog and some other words I have not yet figured out.

I went to the learning store and bought a couple books, one called Toddler Theme-a-saurus and the other The Little Hands Art Book, I plan to cut further into my blogging time by doing more at-home art projects with the kids.

I have been trying to get all the clutter in our home dealt with. Too many Triple coupons and not enough storage space! I did manage to go through the toy bin. That was pretty successful. I am at a loss as to what to do. We really don't have the space for a ton of toys, nor do I think the kids need that much stuff. For some reason I can't look at a children's magazine or walk through a toy department without thinking about which toys the kids would like.

Triple coupons were at Lowes Foods last week. I made a few trips there, but I am about tripled out. Shocking I know! I am just sticking to HT triples from now on, I think!

So, despite the fact that blogging has taken a back seat, I am still here.

Updates

2008-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Sophia has a bacterial infection (probably either strep or staff) on her behind. How do they get this there? At any rate she is on an antibiotic for 10 days. On Friday she was reprimanded for choking another child out. Saturday she stole a pack of gum from Harris Teeter. I don't know what has gotten into her lately. I am not sure what to do about all of this.

Gavin is doing well for the most part. He is starting to experience some seperation anxiety and drop off at school is a bear. But, today pick-up was better than it has ever been. So, hopefully he will adjust nicely in the next couple of weeks.

I know I have been neglectful about blogging, hopefully now that the kids are in school I will have more time.

New coupon blog

2008-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

I changed the blog address for my couponing stuff.
HERE is the blog.

Soccer Girl

2008-09-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Sophia started Soccer Friday evening. Let me start by saying: She is sooooo cute in her 'gear'.

We arrived at the field about 40 minuted early. I thought it would be nice for Gavin to get to play a bit before Sophia took center stage.

We were eventually rained out before anything began. Disappointing for the first week! But, I did manage to get a few good action pictures.

and finally Sophia and her friend Dylan walking to the car.

We are back!

2008-08-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great time, but are tired! I will post more later.

Finally!!!

2008-08-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

I finally got some pictures downloaded. I am about 1/3 of the way done downloading them to my dropshots account, so you can check that out. I will also be posting a few here, once I get them to dropshots.

Enjoy!
SEATTLE PICTURES

Still no pictures :(

2008-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

I still have not taken my digital camera in to get the pictures loaded onto a disk so I could post them. Bad Dandy, I know. But, we have been so busy I just have not done it.

Today Sophia and Gavin, well really it was Gavin and Sophia (he was the instigator) learned how to use the doggie door. I am very surprised they both could fit through it, Charlie is so small the door is not very big at all. But, they both crawled through back and forth several times. I did get a few pictures on my cell phone, but I am technologically impaired when it comes to sending the pictures from my cell to my email. It always gives me an error, which leads me to believe I am not allowed to do this while roaming. So, I will try when I get home.

We had a wonderful time at the acorn's party yesterday. Ona announced she is pregnant! Congrats to Ona-Lysa and Andrew, you will be wonderful parents. I believe she is due in early April.

We went to Southcenter Mall today and shopped til we dropped, or until Gavin passed out and then came home to hang out. Tomorrow I will be going in to get my hair done, I really need to! My gray hairs are getting outta control. I am only 32 years old how is it that I have any? At any rate I will take before and after pictures and post them sometime, hopefully before we fly back to Charlotte.

I still have not completed ANY of my to do list! I will start working on that Wednesday, maybe we will try to go to Snoqualmie Falls, I think it will be hot here, and probably a bit cooler there.

I will try to keep the blog updated. We miss you all.

Dandy, Sophia and Gavin

Adventures in Seattle

2008-08-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pictures to show, but I know everyone wants to hear how we are doing. Sophia, Gavin and I arrived in Seattle after a very long, but uneventful flight. I almost think having a lay over to get off the plane and stretch their legs is worth the hassle. Luckily Gavin has a killer smile, so the lady in the seat next to us didn't mind getting up for us to 'restroom' a gazillion times.

After landing we went straight to Taco Time, man I miss this place. If I were to return to work, I should think I would want to open up a Taco Time franchise (good thing for Shannon I am allergic to work).

We have been working on establishing some sort of routine since we got here. The sleeping situation is not the best, but we are all coping. Gavin wakes up at 7AM no matter what time I put him to bed. At home this is OK, but I am on vacation and I want to sleep in! Oh well, at least it is 7AM pacific and not eastern time. Sophia has been staying up rather late for her, I hope I am not setting myself up for issues when we return to Charlotte and our 'normal' routine.

Mom had her 50Th Birthday Bash. What a great time had by all. Gavin was so tired he laid down on the dance floor to try to sleep, amidst all the music and dancing. Silly boy. HE finally went to bed about 9:30. Sophia stayed up dancing and playing the night away. I got the best picture of her and her new 'boyfriend' Brendan. I will try to get it downloaded and post it this weekend. Mom is now a half century! AS one of her friends said in a card "how the hell did that happen". I can only imagine how I will feel when I am that age.

We have done several shopping trips, much to the kids' dismay. Gavin was so tired he slept in the stroller, he has never done that (well, maybe when he was an infant). We went to visit my great grandpa, Sophia and Gavin's great-great grandpa! He is 93 and still hanging in there. Shannon teases that he has no hope of out living me. IF he had grandma Pat for a wife he would! She really keeps Grandpa healthy. It was great seeing them and I did get a good picture of the 5 generations that I will post when I can get the pictures downloaded.

I went to a Mariner game with Sarah and Robyn. We won, I was too busy talking to catch most of the game. As I once told Shannon when I was ready to go to bed and he was trying to catch a score: "somebody won, somebody lost; come to bed"

We have plans for dinner on Sunday with the acorns (Ahearn's for those that don't know, they are part of my moms family on her dads side this includes Sarah and Robyn, with whom I went to the Mariner game with). I am really looking forward to that.

To Do:
Snoqualmie Falls
Woodland Park Zoo
Playdate with some of the July05'ers (Stephanie if you see this email me)
Seattle Center
visit Mars Hill Church

We have 2 weeks to do these things, so I think we should be able to get to it all.

I promise to try really hard to get the pictures done this weekend, really!

Love to all,
Dandy, Sophia and Gavin

New Blog

2008-08-08T22:42:00.001-07:00

I have a new blog dedicated to my 'couponing'. You can view it HERE .

pictures

2008-07-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of my many finds at HT during triples.

Sophia's 3 year and Gavin's 18 month check-ups

2008-07-26T18:18:00.001-07:00

Sophia and Gavin saw the pediatrician on Friday. Here are the relevant stats:

Sophia
36 pounds, 90th percentile
40.75 inches 97th percentile
blood pressure 88/32

Gavin
25 pounds 50th percentile
34 inches 90th percentile
19.25 head circumfrence 75th percentile.

Both kids are healthy!

Another HT triples round...

2008-07-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in a LONG time, so sorry! I have been busy doing a lot of nothing and blogging felt like the last thing I wanted to do.

HT had triples again July 24, 25 and 26th. I will post photos as soon as I can download them off my camera. But, my totals are:

Out of Pocket: $16.17
Total Saved: $722.79

I got countless boxes of cheerios and windex (seriously, more than 20 bottles of windex and probably 15 boxes cheerios). I got so many pouches of tuna, brownie mix and a lot of Mott's apple juice. I will try to get the pics up tomorrow.

Everyone is doing fine. I will try to start blogging more, I promise!

Dandy

Book Tag

2008-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

I steal tags from other people! I don't think enough people know I have a blog, so I never get tagged. But, I saw this and thought it looked fun.

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.

This is from Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

"You are confessing to me!" Jake said with a laugh.

"Yeah. We are confessing to you. I mean, I am confessing to you."

"You're serious." His laugh turned to something of a straight face.

I told him I was. He looked at me and told me I didn't have to. I told him I did, and I felt very strongly in that moment that I was supposed to tell Jake I was very sorry about everything.

"What are you confessing?" He asked.

I shook my head and looked at the ground. "Everything," I told him.

"Explain," he said.

"There's a lot. I will keep it short," I started. "Jesus said to feed the poor and to heal the sick. I have never done very much about that. Jesus said to love those who persecute me. I tend to lash out, especially if I feel threatened, you know, if my ego gets threatened. Jesus did not mix His spirituality with politics. I grew up doing that. It got in the way of the central message of Christ. I know that was wrong, and I know that a lot of people will not listen to the words of Christ because people like me, who know him, carry our own agendas into the conversation rather than just relaying the message Christ wanted to get across. There's a lot more, you know."

I know I did more than 5 sentences, but only 5 was not enough. I just finished reading this book and I loved it. It is subtitled Nonreligious Thoughts on Christianity. I am a very liberal person, anyone who knows me knows this about me. And even though I have recently found Christ I am still the same person. I have always associated Christianity with people like Jim Baker who had the TV ministries. It's a shame I didn't realize I could be me and love Christ a lot sooner.

I would really like to blog more about this, but the cleaning lady is coming and I have to go 'clean' for the cleaning lady (read: pick up all our junk, so she can clean).

Tag: Anyone who wants to share part of a book you read recently is it! And please let me know if you do this, I would love to read others posts on this. Thank you Sara for posting yours.

Chuck E. Cheese!

2008-06-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

We survived Sophia's 3rd birthday party (read: I survived)! Her party went off without a hitch and was fun for everyone involved. I even think Gavin had a good time. He was tired as the day wore on and got a bit grumpy, but I think he did well considering. Sophia was in 'hog heaven' the whole day. She got to play with all her friends at the same time and eat pizza and cake, while getting to take home all the loot (gifts). She got many really cool gifts I think her favorite was a set of dress up accessories: shoes, necklace, earrings and other costume jewelry. She wanted to waer the dress up heals to the grocery store today. I had to explain they were not appropriate and the funny thing is if she could actually walk in them I would have let her wear them, but I was affraid she would fall in them.

Sophia got flowers from Grandma Dee delivered a couple days ago. Sophia wanted to model with them. Funny backstory on the flowers. When Mother's Day was here last month I received flowers from Grandma Dee. Sophia thought they were for her for her birthday. She was kinda crushed when she found out they were for me. So she got her own, for her birthday.

Sophia STILL has a black eye. This was taken when she was really tired and If I were any good at photoshop I would make this her mug shot!

I have updated many pictures on the dropshots account, click the family pictures link to the right to see more!

I hate having to come up with a title, so I won't.

2008-06-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

We have been hanging in here. I have been working on preperations for Sophia's party (read: shopping for party favors). Gavin and Sophia have been workiing on having fun and growing. They are getting so big.

I came into the living room the other day to find Sophia laying on the floor with one of the throw pillows from the couch layed on the floor and her head laying on the pillow. She had taken the area rug and lifted it up to get under it and cover herself with it like a blanket, I ran to get the camera but I was too late. Here is Gavin laying on the floor instead.

For Sophia's birhtday we decided to get her a bike. Shannon went to get it and came home just before Sophia went to bed, she spotted the balloon bouquet in the car and we decided to give her the bike a few days early, here is the first shot of her seeing her birthday present.

Sophia riding her bike! Such a diva, I know!

Some people complained they could not see Sophia's name on the birthday club page, so here is a better picture.

An update on the black eye. It looks worse now. I sure hope it is gone for her party.

my poor baby girl

2008-06-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party this afternoon for a classmate of Sophia's named Miles. The local fire department came out and let the kids crawl around on the truck. They had a ton of toys and stuff to do in the back yard. One of the things to do was a bouncy house. As we were leaving Sophia ran off to jump one more time. I wish she had listened to me now and avoided her first black eye:

I am more mad at myself. I asked her to get her shoes so we could leave and I saw her jumping into the house and decided to let her play a few more minutes. I have been feeling like all I do is say NO. All. Day. Long. And feeling like in saying no I am robbing her of some fun. So, I let her jump. Next thing I know she is screaming. And one of the moms said we had an accident. Out of the bouncy house comes my baby girl.

To add insult to injury she is bruised basically from head to toe. We went to the pool last week and she got a bruise there and the gnarly bruise on her kneee is from a fall at the movie theatre. When do they outgrow the clumsiness? It seems she cannot walk anywhere and in her haste she falls. Here is a picture of my lovely girl in all her bruisiness.

Here is to hoping we have a better week this week. Hopefully I will say Yes more often and my kids will turn out safe and have had all the fun a summer day can bring.

Summer!

2008-06-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

We have really been enjoying our summer. The kids LOVE to go to the pool. I have been trying to take them to different, fun and exciting places. I have not been shopping much (which for those of you that know me, that is amazing!). I have a few pictures to share. Hope you enjoy.

Here is a picture of them this morning being silly!

and a picture of them loving each other.

Gavin Cowboy.

Sophia Cowgirl.

And Sophia's name on TV! We are member of the Kids Club and as such each child's name is on TV during the month of their birthday. Sorry for the shadow, it was the camera, not the TV.

Blowing Rock Pictures

2008-06-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of the pictures I took of the kids in Blowing Rock.

Been MIA!

2008-06-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

We have been MIA for the last few days. Went to Blowing Rock, NC for some R&R. It was fantastic! The kids loved it! The weather was not scorching hot! They spent a ton of time playing outside and at the park with Steve and Mary and I got a little time to myself. The sleeping arrangement left something to be desired, but Wednesday before we left, Sophia slept until 7AM and Gavin until 730! So we are on the right track!

I did not take many pictures, but did get a few. I will need to download them from my camera, so look for them sometime this weekend.

======================================================

For my coupon buddies, I went to Target on Tuesday night, BEST EVER! I got $210.xx for $43.xx! It was truly exciting watching my total go down, down, down! Needless to say I have about 30 things of Pantene to donate now!

I need to go to Kmart again, maybe tomorrow! The deal there is trial sized temptations cat treats are .20 each and there is a $1 off 2 so you get paid .60 for every two you buy of those and trial sized jumbones are .20 and there is a $1.50 off giving you 1.30 overage on each one of those! Sophia needs some overnight diapers, so I am going to try to make it there tomorrow.

Dandy

Church

2008-06-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am part of a Sunday school class called Neat Young Christians. We generally study something for a few weeks before moving on. Sometimes between these studies we do a stand-alone study. This week we studied TODAY. I decided to google Rob Bell (the guy who made these videos) I stumbled across his website Mars Hill. You can download his teachings on MP3. I have really enjoyed the few Rob Bell video's we watched. Check it out, you might learn something!

My Big Boy!

2008-06-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Gavin had his first 'salon' haircut. I was shocked at how well he did. I was affraid at first the lady was going to take off an ear because he kept trying to turn around and look at her. Eventually he settled in (with a little help from the movie on the TV) and we were able to avoid losing an ear! The gentleman with his son in the booth next to us was even amazed at how well Gavin did. Here is a picture:

Sleep.

2008-06-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Gavin woke at 4:00 with a very wet diaper. Then again at 4:15. I popped the paci in his mouth and went back to sleep. Then he woke again at about 6:00. I decided to let him cry. Not sure how long he cried, 10 minutes maybe and slept until 7:15! I will be trying to move his nap to a little later, keep him up until about 7:00 PM and then 'make' him sleep until 7:00 AM. I do see a light at the end of this tunnel with Gavin, now I just have to work on Sophia!

TEN!?!

2008-06-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Created by OnePlusYou - a Free Dating Site

Monday humdrums

2008-06-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

We have a cleaning lady. Her name is Bernarda. She comes to our home every 2 weeks. I fear I may be divorced without her (just kidding, I think!). So, we stayed home most of today. Mary and her best friend Vicki came over for a bit, here are a few pictures from today.

Sophia and Vicki:

Sophia doing the 'Hokie Pokie'

Gavin got a hold of my camera and took a picture of himself. Not bad considering...

Curtians

2008-06-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Gavin has been waking earlier and earlier, much to my dismay! So, we went to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchased curtains very similar to these:

I spent about 20 minutes putting them up. I don't know why I did not tackle this sooner. I thought it would take far longer than 20 minutes. I think they need some tie backs and maybe some sort of crown molding looking valance. At any rate they are the blackout kind and his room is very dark! I will let everyone know how this works out.

Before:

After:

This I believe

2008-05-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

The fruits of creation are for everyone, wtihout exception-not something to be doled out to insiders or the 'deserving'. --Sara Miles

N.P.R. has a weekly essay called This I believe. It is an international project meant to connect people in their writing, sharing and discussing core values that guide their daily lives.

You can visit the 'This I belive' website HERE

TAG

2008-05-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

If you have been tagged, just copy and paste the rules and the questions onto your own blog or post. Then delete answers, and insert the ones you think your child/children would choose. At the end of the post tag 5 others and then let them know they have been tagged.

1) My name is: Sophia Pearl/Gavin Walker

2.) My first word was: Mama/Gavin hasn't really said any words yet.. he grunts and points

3.) My favorite food right now is: anything candy related/anything! Gavin would eat paper if I would let him.

4.) My favorite song is: Jesus Loves me/anything I can clap my hands to

5.) My car seat color is: both the kiddos have brown seats

6.) My room color is: lime green/light mocha brown

7.) I love to use this kind of shampoo: We both HATE having our hair washed.

8.) The thing that can make me the maddest is: Getting our hair washed

9.) My favorite person right now is: Mommy/Daddy

10.) I like to read this book over and over and over: Anything by Karen Katz/anything that is very short, I don't like to sit still long!

11.) My brand of diapers is: Sophia only wears a pull up at night (GoodNites by Huggies I believe) and G wears mostly Luvs, but if I can get a deal on something else I will get them.

12.) The cutest thing I say is: EVERYTHING!

13.) My favorite fruit is: Watermelon or Cantaloupe for both kiddos

14.) When I get hurt I want: a hug and kiss

15.) I mostly ride around in a: Grey Honda Odyssey

16.) I go to bed at: 7:00PM for both

17.) I wake up at: 6:30 for Sophia Gavin usually a few minutes earlier. I am trying to get him to sleep a bit later and we are already keeping him up an hour later and still have not seen a difference in his waking time :(

18.) My nap time during the day is: Sophia no longer naps most days/Gavin naps for about 2 hours every day, the times change drastically from an early nap (9:30-11:30) all the way up until a late nap (1:00-3:00). If I give him a late nap he will sleep longer sometimes as much as 3 hours.

19.) My most favorite thing to do is: go to the park or eat candy

20.) My favorite show/movie is: Super Why on PBS.

Tag: Anyone who has not been tagged, I think I was the last to get this, so if you have not been tagged and happen to peek at my blog feel free to do this, it was fun.

Petting Zoo

2008-05-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

We went to the drive-thru zoo today. Sophia was terrified. I hope I did not do any permanent damage! We started out being stocked by either an Emu or Ostrich, they both look the same to me. I unfortunately forgot my camera in my haste to get out the door. We will be going back, hopefully next week and I won't make that mistake twice. They had llama's, pot-bellied pigs, all kinds of goats, deer, zebra, giraffe, a rhinoceros, cows (different kinds including the longhorn variety), and more I am sure I am forgetting. It was raining pretty hard by the time we were done with the drive-thru part so we opted to skip the petting zoo part. We will go on a sunny day next time.

Funny story: I did not read the little brochure before going on the drive. It advises you to not feed the animals with your hand, to let them eat out of the buckets. It also lists the animals NOT to feed. I got to the Zebra's area and after feeding the goats and such the zebra looked mighty intimidating, so I thought I would stick the bucket out for him to get a little snack and I would take it back. That is really laughable. He snatched the whole bucket out of my hand dropped it on the ground and ate the whole thing in about 3 bites! After this I was reading in my brochure where NOT to feed the zebra's. Bad Mommy. It was very cool to see the animals up close. I can't wait to go back. I am hoping Sophia will be more into it next time.

Pat's Party

2008-05-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

Shannon has a 2nd cousin (I think?) who was recently diagnosed cancer and his family had a big picnic. We spent the afternoon eating, swinging and having a great time. I am glad we got to go and be a part of the day.

Here is a shot of Sophia when we first got there

Shan swinging Gavin.

Probably my favorite shot of Sophia alone today. Her hair is a MESS, but she was having so much fun and you can tell.

Sophia and I went shopping this morning for a hat to wear today and this was the one we ended up with:

We couldn't leave Gavin out of the hat hunt!

Shan, Suzanne and Gavin:

Sophia and Mama Mary:

The lone shot of me today, I had to take it myself!

Mama Mary teaching Sophia to play frisbie.

There were many, many more pictures taken. Go to my dropshot account to see. The link to the right.

Dandy

Thank you God for parks and time spent in them!

2008-05-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

We have a tradition in my small group at church. We do a 'popcorn' prayer. The leader opens the prayer, then we give thanks and everyone just pops out things they are thankful for, then we offer up our prayers of confession, then we do our prayer requests and close.

Today I am thankful for parks and time spent in them! Leslie called this afternoon, her son Dylan wanted to go to Gofia's park (read: Sophia's park). We have a small neighborhood park near our house that is great because I don't worry too much about either child. The equipment is pretty doable for both kids, you can see the entire park from anywhere in the park and being small there generally is not a TON of people. There is a small trail that loops around the park and a good sized grassy area for the kids to run and play and chase each other around. We left and got there about 4PM today. I was thinking a quick play date would help them. Boy, was I right! Sophia took quite well to two moms and their kids throwing a Frisbee and tennis ball. She had a blast! At one point I looked over and one mother was chasing her around tickling her, Sophia was truly enjoying herself. It reminded me of the old saying "it takes a village...".

Gavin started out on the swing like he normally does, but once he got accustomed to the children there he wanted out and he went ALL OVER. This was a bit new for him, usually he sticks pretty close. He wanted to go on the slide, which he does normally, but he wanted to do it over and over and over again, so much more than before. I can see that park time is going to be increasingly difficult to pull them away from. I am just glad it is so close and our weather permits almost daily visits. I did not bring my camera and wish I had.

I spent a good portion of today organzing my stock pile. I hope to get it finished and get some new pictures up soon. I don't want you all to think I live in such chaos all the time (even though I do!).

The season finale of Grey's is on tonight. How much of a dork am I that I am soooo excited about this I can hardly contain myself. I read somewhere that the producer said they were going to reunite Meredith and McDreamy and I.CANNOT.WAIT. And it's a 2 hour show! I hope it is all I imagine it to be.

sleeping babies

2008-05-20T19:48:00.001-07:00

Sophia and Gavin are so peaceful when they sleep! I had to snap a couple shots of them sleeping tonight.

Gavin's last day of 'school' is tomorrow. I made his teachers gift baskets. It is a popcorn tub (microwavable popcorn in a tub like you would get at the movie theatre) with Coke, and assortment of candy and gift card to the movie theatre. Here is the picture of how they turned out.

More Triples!

2008-05-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

I could not help myself from going back to Bi-Lo today. I had 20 Scott paper towel coupons I was trying to use up. They also had Mott's juice on sale and with the coupon from Sunday's paper it was free. Sophia and Gavin drink a lot of juice. So, I ended up getting mustard (free), 2 bottles of juice (free), 14 rolls of paper towels (free), a can of sweetened condensed milk, a pound of butter, several packages of taco seasoning and a partridge in a pear tree (just seeing if you are paying attention) for 1.07! I am now trying to talk Shannon into a stand alone freezer. Look-out triples if I get a freezer.

Totals

2008-05-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Total money spent OUT OF POCKET $35.30 (this included 4 gift cards for 10.00 each)
Total spent on gift cards $29.63
Total coupons tendered $915.03

stock pile pictures

2008-05-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

I still don't have my totals together yet. The cleaning lady is here now, maybe once she leaves I will get my totals together. But, in the meantime here are some photos. And no. I am not C.R.A.Z.Y. I just love free stuff!

Dammit!

2008-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Shannon and I have had an exhausting weekend. The kids have really kept us on our toes. Between over 20 trips to Harris Teeter over the last 3 days I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed. So today after a long day Shannon came into our bedroom and said Dammit! these kids are wearing me out. Not 5 minutes later Sophia said Dammit! my foot hurts. I had to explain daddy did not mean to say that word, you may not say that word. Daddy had to explain how wrong he was and let her know if she said it again she would be spanked, and if he said it again mommy would spank him too! It was all I could do to keep from falling off my chair laughing. It was really a funny moment in a long day.

I need to get my receipts together for my triples savings, but I did really well! I will get a picture up of my loot later this week.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-09T19:50:00.001-07:00

Isn't she lovely! This was my Mother's Day gift. I feel blessed everyday we chose to send her to Carmel Baptist Wee School. Her teachers are so creative and fantastic. Sophia Loves, Loves, LOVES school. I really could not have asked for a better experience. Gavin will be there next year and I can't wait to see if he ends up loving it as much as Sophia has.

This was my 'hand picked' bouquet of flowers!

Same old, Same old.

2008-05-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy! School is nearing its end, mother's day is rapidly approaching and between gifts and running to the post office, I'm feeling a little drained. Triples are coming up next week at HT and that has me a little anxious. Who knew saving money could make someone so happy!

Sophia is doing wonderfully with her training. I now consider her day potty trained. We will need to work on night at some point, but I am in no hurry right now. She has her first dentist appointment Thursday May 14. I am not looking forward to that. I hope that there is some sort of built in mechanism that prevents cavities in children, I do not see how she could NOT have them with the poor gene's she got from us and her inability to brush them well on her own coupled with her insistence she do it herself, followed by her screaming if I go anywhere near her with the toothbrush!

Gavin is doing so well. He has a very contagious smile. Everyone he meets comments on it. He had to go to the dentist this morning for his first visit. He has some bleeding from his frenulum (? the little skin that attaches at your lip and right above your two front teeth). The dentist gave him the all-good. We need to get him in for a cleaning and such, but with 8 teeth (and 4 molars sprouting with some eye teeth teething) I don't see the need just yet. I will plan to do that late summer/early fall.

For those who may read my blog in Seattle: the kids and I will be in town for my moms 50th birthday late July through the 22nd of August, over 3 weeks! Shannon will be lost without us, but I am so excited. email me if you want to plan to get together-- dandyhendrick@gmail.com

New haircut for Sophia

2008-04-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jess! Sophia's hair turned out fabulous.

Sophia's potty training is much better. No accidents in a week. Even at school and church. I am so proud (and so is our diaper budget)!

Gavin is starting to babble more. I love listening to him when he first wakes up in the morning, he is so full of energy at that time. It seems to deplete so quickly and he is truly his best for about the first 2 hours of the day. I think he doesn't want to nap as much as he needs for fear of missing out on something. By the time he finally hits the sack for bedtime he is an angry, crying, screaming mess. He seems to be teething, hopefully once these molars come in he will go back to his normal happy self.

Check out the drop shots account, many new pics were added tonight.

2 steps forward 1 step back.

2008-04-21T12:12:00.001-07:00

Shannon and I went on a long weekend to Blowing Rock, just the two of us. I dropped Sophia off at school Friday and told her to have fun with Grandma Mary. She had 2 accidents at school. Saturday she has more accidents and told Mary to put her in a diaper. Sunday after we got home she did not have any more accidents, but I am not sure how many, if any, she had before we arrived home. This morning she had one more accident.

Feeling like I was not doing her right. I bribed her! I told her if she could make it through school today without an accident I would bring her a treat. When I arrived to pick her up she was wearing the same clothes I dropped her off in! YAY! Sophia. To keep my word I took her an Gavin to Chuck E Cheese's for an hour of fun!.

I don't have the desire to go to Chuck E Cheese every afternoon, but hopefully it was enough to kick start her brain into knowing when to go potty.

First day of school in panites!

2008-04-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sophia headed back to school today, ending her break for Spring. I decided no pull ups, we did that yesterday at church and I think it's just a glorified diaper (that she treats as such). We took a step back yesterday with her wearing it, so today we went back to panties. I packed her bag with 3 changes of clothes. I was very pleasantly surprised when I picked her up she was wearing what I dropped her off in! She did poop and had to have her undies changed, but I am still very proud of how well she is doing.

Tomorrow I have pilates and Suzanne will be here to watch the kids. Then I think if Sophia does well I need to take her to the park for a treat (and wear her out a bit). Gavin loves to swing.

Shan's birthday is on Wednesday, he will be 36!

Mary is watching the kids this weekend so we can have some alone adult time. This will be the first time we have left both kids. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.

Potty Training update.

2008-04-12T17:19:00.001-07:00

We had a great day yesterday. No accidents.

This morning we went to the Post Office to get tax stuff mailed off. I took Sophia with me. We got to the PO 10 minutes before they opened and being the Saturday before Tax Day, the line was out the door. Unfortunately we could not get through that line in a timely manner and Sophia had an accident. I felt bad, but then realized we just spent 45 minutes in the line, which only had 1 person working. You would think they would have been more prepared for that.

Other than that accident she is doing fantastic. She goes on her own or tells me she has to go, if we are out. Hopefully she will continue to do well, then we can start on training at night. But, for now I am just glad to be nearly daytime trained.

Potty Training Day 4.

2008-04-10T16:39:00.001-07:00

No accidents again today! And we took it a step further. Sophia went potty on her own, without me asking her to go 2 times! And one of them was a 'do do' as Sophia called it! LOL. It is funny to me that this is so exciting to Shan and I. Who would have ever thought I would be excited about my daughter pooping on her own on the toilet (and blogging about it none the less)? We will see what happens when she goes back to school Monday, but for now she is doing a fantastic job with it.

Potty Training Day 3!

2008-04-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

No accidents today! I told Sophia we would pick out a new toy (from the toy closet) tomorrow to celebrate. I am so proud of her! She even had to go on a port-a-john today at the park (one of the cleanest portable potties I have EVER seen). We thoroughly sanitized before and after using it. LoL.

Gavin is staying Mary and Steve tonight. Only the second time I have been without him EVER. Mary said he walked around exploring for a bit, then got too tired and had to go to sleep shortly after arriving.

Yesterday was Suzanne's birthday and Shannon's is coming up next week. So tonight we had dinner at Firebird's Rocky Mountain Colorado Grill. It was a fun time and we got to visit with everyone. Sophia pottied in the restaurant. I like that we can go places and she will go potty while out.

Not much else to say about today.

Potty Training Day 2

2008-04-08T17:20:00.001-07:00

Today was about the same as yesterday. A bit more frustrating. But 2 accidents that I think should have been avoided. We got up at 6:30 and went right into panties. We had a play date at the park at 10:00 and I wanted her to be able to go to that without having an accident. So, I had her sit on the potty at home a lot! She did not really go before we left, but had very little to drink so I didn't dwell on it. We were at the park for about an hour and I diligently asked if she had to go potty, to which she kept replying that no she did not.

After leaving the park we went to Costco and I asked her several times if she had to go. We left Costco and went to McDonald's. At this point I SHOULD have taken her to the bathroom, but I assumed (incorrectly) that she would let me know when she had to go. So there I was paying for our lunch when she pottied all over the McDonald's lobby! So I had them bag our food up. No playground for us today. We got home and I sat her on the potty where she finished pottying.

She went potty several times and later this afternoon after Shan got home from work I asked her to sit on the potty, which she did for several minutes. She insisted she did not have to go. Not 5 minutes after we got her all dressed she wetted again! I don't feel quite so bad about the McDonald's incident now.

So two accidents yesterday and two today. At least we are not getting any worse!

Potty Training Day 1!

2008-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sophia is on spring break from preschool this week. I decided with so many days off in a row it would be a good time to potty train. My intent was to get her into panties as soon as she got up this morning. Instead I had a quick errand to run and it ended up being about 9AM before I got her into her big girl panties.

I took her diaper off and put her on her potty. We had poops first thing! Woo hoo! I put her big girl panties on and set the timer for 45 minutes, gave her a glass of water and waited. And waited. Finally the timer went off, sat her on the potty, we had pee! Lots of pee! All in all we had a good day, only two accidents. I have her in a nighttime diaper. I am not ready to work on nighttime training.

I am so proud of how well she did today. I am curious what tomorrow will bring.

YAY! Sophia!

Sophia's hair

2008-04-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Need Help! What to do with Sophia's hair. Taking suggestions!

HT Tripples.

2008-03-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

Harris Teeter had their tripple coupon promotion Thursday, Friday and today. I got:

7 packs of tic tacs
18 packages of rice *several varieties
5 air freshners
14 boxes of cereal
5 bottles of mustard
9 gallons of bleach
11 clorox wipes
2 magazines
18 oranges
2 containers of sour cream
18 packages of link sausage
9 Hormel Compleats
2 cans refried beans
2 packages of sponges
5 1/2 gallons of juice
3 sticks of deoderant
2 packages of pens
1 greeting card
3 packages of meat (pork chops, chicken tenders and ground beef)
10 produce items
10 packages of Kraft cheese singles
4 packages frozen bread products
9 bags of chips
2 containters of smart balance
2 jars of peanut butter
1 dozen eggs
2 6-packs of Coke
Foil
Wax paper
2 Reynolds Handi-vac
20 cans of soup
a box of facial tissue
13 toothbrushes
6 Sani Hands wipes
a box of pancake mix
pepperoni
2 tubes of blistex
zip loc bags
2 tubes of toothpaste
nekots
3 cans of fruits/veggies
lunchable
2 3-packs of irish spring
cottonelle wipes
2 boxes of band aids
3 oscar meyer deli creation sandwiches
5 frozen veggies
2 fresh bread products
goldfish crackers
2 individual size nuts
3 bags of skittles
4 bottles of salad dressing
4 bottles of coffee creamer
box of pasta
1 lb of deli meat
muffins from the bakery
4 boxes of stouffers mac and cheese
frozen fish
3 bottles of Dasani (tripples makes me thirsty)

Total before coupons 796.49
Coupons Tendered 630.20
VIC savings 166.29
Out of Pocket 45.51
Mail in Rebate 10.00
Net 35.51

I cannot tell you how fun it is to pull all my coupons together and go make this happen! And Shan sure appreciates the savings!

Goodbye July 05!

2008-03-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

After months and months of agonizing over the state of things at www.july05moms.com I have finally left. I spent over 3 years with many of these women through the pregnancy and birth of Sophia. Wondering how to raise little Sophia these women offerd up suggestions I had never thought of, support when I felt like a failure as a mother and we cried together when we lost one of our own. I am not sure when the mood changed, but change it did. I finally decided that engaging in the 'drama' was not getting me anywhere and by staying I was condoning the behavior of these grown women. It feels a bit weird not logging in. Several times I have accidentally gone to the site, 'forgetting' that I am no longer a member. I chose this, but still it is a bit bittersweet. I know given a few days this will all pass.

To those members who might view my blog: "behavior is a mirror in which everyone displays his own immage" Goethe.

To those who I said were evil and did nothing wrong, I have a few points I would like to make. First I am sorry I lumped you all together. Many of you have been nothing but generous with advice and warmth towards me. I appreciate that. Diane, you specifically. I always enjoyed reading your posts. I wish you nothing but the best. There are many others that this would apply to and only a select few I have don't have anything good to say, and will therefore say nothing at all. But the few I have nothing nice to say about have ruined the rest for me. I feel like the bad behavior is condoned by the rest of you. While I am sure my leaving came as a blessing to you all, I would ask that you think seriously about how you would feel if your daughters were spoken to in the manner in which many of our members have been spoken to. Would you still condone that behavior? We have run off many members who have chosen not to engage in the debate. Perhaps my posts the last few days at J05 were less than becoming of me. This is why I left. I do not want to be 'that' person anymore.

"in the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" MLK Jr.

ABCs and walking

2008-03-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have not been doing a very good job of keeping up with this. I am sorry!

Sophia has learned, her ABCs in that 2 year old kind of way. It is too cute

And not to be outdone, Gavin has started walking! Today was the first day he walked more than crawled, it isn't going to be much longer and he will be walking all.the.time!

You can see video for both of these on my dropshots page, the link is to the right.

door to door salespeople

2008-02-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

I was awoken this afternoon from our nap (Gavin and I) to the door bell ringing. I thought perhaps Shannon had ordered something online and I needed to sign for it, so I went to the door. It was two young girls, probably late teens. They were selling magazines to try to raise money for a trip. I looked through the list and decided on Bon Appetite. Much to my dismay this is going to cost me $57.00 for 2 years! Wow, that seems like a lot. But, it is for a good cause, right?

A couple things that bothered me about this transaction. 1. They wanted to come in my house and sit down to fill out the slip. 2. They asked to use the phone to call the order in (it seems like they should have a cell phone for that, or maybe do it when they get back home). I have visions of getting some $2000.00 phone bill from their using my phone. I am saddened by my mistrust of these two young girls, but in today's day and age how can I not be leery? I feel that by trying to do a good deed I will be robbed or have my identity stolen. How can I change this way of thinking.

I heard a story on NPR today. There was a nun in the Amazon Rain Forest who was murdered. She was walking through the forest on the way to a meeting with some landowners when someone stopped her. They pulled a gun. She said please don't shoot, pulled out her Bible and read a passage, put her Bible back and was shot and killed. I like to think she knew she was going to die and in the moment read the passage to try to save her killers soul. I want the faith she had to be comfortable with her mortality and the conviction she had to preach to the murderers. I want her way of thinking. Even though she was going to be killed she did not let it take away from her doing her job.

Gavin took his first step tonight. One, Glorious, Unassisted step! He also said Ma Ma for the first time! What a Glorious day at the Hendrick house today!

Happy Valentine's Day-- I don't like you!

2008-02-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sophia informed me that she did not like me! We were coming home from school and I would not give her the Valentine candy from her classmates to eat. She threw a fit and said she did not like me. Rather than upset me like I thought it would I calmy told her that was ok, it will make it that much easier to put you down for your nap! She did not like that one bit.

Lent

2008-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am struggling with what to give up for Lent. There are so many things I want to do (not give up, but do, like blogging more, spending more time cleaning, reading, with the kids etc) that it makes it difficult to decide what I want to give up. Once I decide what to give up, it should leave me some free time to do some of the things I want to do, and need to do. When I think about all the things to cut back on time wise, sadly the only doable option is to cut back on my online time. So, I will limiting myself to 1 hour during the week and 2 hours on Saturday and Sunday. That is an insane amount of time anyway. I wish I had the will power to give it up altogher for lent, but I don't think I could and if I cheated I would have no problem cheating for several hours a day.

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

I registered both the kids for preschool next fall. They will both be doing a 3 day, Monday, Wednesday, Friday program. Sophia is currently enrolled at this school and it is FANTASTIC. I can't wait to get Gavin involved. I was lucky to get them both in my first choice. It is crazy how people camp out to get their kids in the right school. Shannon did it for Sophia to get in last year, I was thinking it would make Gavin a shoe-in. Little did I know it would not. I was very lucky we did not have to put him on a waiting list. With that out of the way I can focus on enjoying them this summer, and planning all kinds of wonderful adventures.

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

Both of the kids are doing well. Sophia is finally counting! For her mid-year testing she passed everything except the counting. She knows shopping, but not counting. Talk about guilt! I have been working with her, while we shop about how many bars of soap are there etc, and it seems to be working! YAY! Dandy!

Gavin is soooooo close to walking. I can't wait to see him take off. He wants it so bad, but is still holding on to a little bit of fear. He is so cute it makes me ache sometimes. He is growing so quickly. He is still not sleeping through the night, but no longer needs fed, just a pacifier and he is back out. I look forward to getting rid of the paci's soon. If I were a stronger person they would go with Lent as well.

Oh well, maybe next month!

Dandy

Gavin had his first birthday!

2008-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

I don't have any pictures downloaded yet, but Gavin had his first birthday celebration. G-Lo came from Las Vegas to participate in the festivities. We ordered 2cakes from Edible Art, one for us (almond flavored) and one for Gavin (vanilla). Gavin seemed to really enjoy his cake, I felt bad for him later though, he threw up 2 times. He did not even eat that much cake, but I think it was too rich for him.

Sophia is doing terrific. She has really grown up a lot in the last couple of weeks, emotionally. She does the cutest things, like count 1...2....3 at Gavin when he does not do what she wants. It really is funny. I try so hard no to laugh when she 'punishes' her dolls. I don't know what I ever did before I had kids. They are the best things to ever happen to Shan and I.

Mom is in town and sleeping with Gavin, well, I should clarify that. She was sleeping with Gavin, but he apparently doesn't take kindly to sharing his space. He woke up and would not go back to sleep. So, Grandma Lo has been sleeping on the sofa. She went to Mama Mary's house tonight to try to get some sleep. I hope she is able to.

It is late, I am heading to bed!

Dandy

I really need to keep this updated.

2008-01-15T20:19:00.001-08:00

I feel like I need to post pictures to keep this updated and so I haven't posted. Well, I am just going to plug along without pictures. I am hoping that someday the kids can read this online journal to learn about the fun, and not so fun, things they did from day to day.

Today Sophia had Bible study study as she calls it. She has been feeling under the weather and did not eat breakfast this morning. She drank like a fish, but no food. Mary picked her up and took her to the church where Sophia promptly threw a fit as she thought they were going to eat. I had to laugh out loud; I told her she was going to BSF and then out to eat with Gavin and Suzanne.

Sophia likes to eat outside as she calls it (eating out). I think she would eat out every meal of everyday, despite my 'awesome' cooking. Everything I make is awesome according to Daddy and Sophia.

Gavin is plugging along. He is not talking or walking yet, but I don't think it will be much longer. He likes to wave to himself and say bah bah bah. He is still a little peanut compared to his sister. His next well visit is Friday, I will know more about where he falls on the growth chart then.

It's a little late to be thinking about New Year's resolutions, but one of them for me is to keep this updated. My goal, ideally, would be daily. But, in shooting for the realistic I would like to have this updated at least 3 times a week, so check back often.

Dandy

Preschool Fall Par-tay

2007-10-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sophia had her Fall Party today at school. Parents were invited. Even though I was sick and feeling unwell I did not want to be the mom that missed her daughters first Fall Party. I took a ton of pictures between the birthday party for her classmate Melissa and the party this afternoon. Check out the dropshots account for more pictures. This video is kind of long, but Sophia LOVES this song. She sings it ALL. THE. TIME. Last night I had to get her out of the tub because she was doing this in the tub and I was affraid that she would hurt herself. She makes Shannon and I take turns and Gavin, even though he cannot walk let alone run, is also given a turn. Mary and Steve were given turns in bath last night. I think she likes to sing and jump more than anything else right now.

When we got to the party they were eating cupcakes and drinking apple juice. It really was apple juice. Even though Sophia likes to call ALL juice apple juice. Here is a picture of Sophia enjoying her cupcake. Gavin was such the mac daddy. ALL the kids loved him. One girl took a special interest in him, he was in heaven! I love this kid. He is sooo cute, I could eat him with a spoon. Here are a few with him and various friends.

OK, I am not sure if blogger is going to post these pictures/video so, they are all on dropshots for your viewing pleasure!

Enjoy,
Dandy

Halloween Hullabaloo

2007-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to church tonight for their Halloween extravaganza. Sophia was not really 'dressed' as anything, but her dress was Halloween-y. I purchased this outfit off ebay and she should be able to wear it next year too.

Gavin was a monkey. He is a monkey, so it was quite fitting. The costume is to die for and I will surely have to get some professional pictures for his first Halloween.

Sophia and I both seem to be sick. I think Gavin has lucked out so far. Considering Shannon was alseep at 7:00 when I got home I think he may be feeling a bit under the weather too.

We finally got some decent rain today. Thanks be to God. We really needed it.

I don't really have a whole lot to add tonight, I am tired. Look for a better update later in the week.

Elmo. I don't like him. Well, maybe I do.

2007-10-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

I had to buy Sophia the must have toy last year for Christmas. That toy was the TMX Tickle Me Elmo. She was only 18 months at the time and did not really care for it. Recently I was going through her closet and found it. I brought it to the room she was in (which happened to be the bathroom, she was bathing) and put him down on the floor and 'tickled' him. She screamed and said, "mommy, I don't like him." She was adamant that she did not like Elmo and wanted him out of her sight. She spent the next few days running over to my ebay pile and yelling, "Elmo, I don't like you!"

Gavin woke up early one day from napping and I put him in his bumbo while I was trying to finish folding some clothes. I had the Elmo, so I thought I would see if it would entertain him. It worked. So I have one child who doesn't like him and another that finds him rather funny. Gavin likes to immitate Elmo slapping his leg. It is rather comical to watch.

We had tickets to go to Sesame Street Live. I was a little worried with her new found disdain for Elmo. But, we packed up and went Saturday morning to check it out. We met our friend Dylan and his mom Leslie there. Sophia was scared of these life sized hairy people at first. But, by the end I think she had a good time. We came home with a Zoe toy and an Elmo balloon (thank you Leslie!). I think Elmo is back in her good graces as she now carries the balloon all over the house! I am waiting to break out Tickle Me Elmo and see what happens.

Did you miss me?

2007-10-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sophia went to stay with her Grandma Mary and Papa Steve last night. I am certain she had fun. So, when I picked her up I asked her if she missed me. She nodded her head and said yes. I asked her if she missed Gavin, again she nodded and said yes. I asked her if she missed daddy, she shook her head and said uh-uh! I told her she shouldn't tell daddy that ;)

We got home from school and I played with her for a bit before it was time for her to take her nap. We had fun cuddling and watching Bob the Builder on PBS. She tuckered out and slept easily. Shannon was home by the time she woke up. I went to get her up and brought her out. I had a thing to go to so I asked her if she wanted daddy to hold her. She laid in his arms for several minutes, just hugging and cuddling with him. It was very sweet. I suspect she did in fact miss daddy afterall.

She has been sleeping better. It is no longer a struggle to get her to go to bed and stay in bed (knock on wood). She is also napping and sleeping in (until 6:30-7:00). She has almost stopped asking for wubanub completely. Eating is still a bit of a struggle, but somedays are better than others, and that gives me hope.

Gavin I have decided wakes when Sophia does, or rather, maybe she wakes him up. With Sophia gone Gavin slept until 7:00, had a bottle and went back to sleep until 8:30, when I had to wake him to go to his MMO (Mother's Morning Out) program. He ate a hearty breakfast of an order of pancakes from McDonald's. He really does eat a lot.

I attended a dinner event at church tonight. The CMS superintendant Dr. Peter Gorman was the speaker. I learned a lot about the school district Sophia will likely be a part of. They offer so much I did not know about in terms of magnet schools and such. I have some time to think about where I might like her to go, if we choose to go that route. In the meantime it gives me something to research.

I saw several people at the dinner that I knew and am starting to feel more at home at Sardis. I am planning to take the new member class in November. Keep me in your prayers that this will go well. I would like to get Shannon back at church. I know that he has drifted spiritually, I hope that I can get him back on that path.

Dandy

Updates on us...

2007-10-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Sophia is finally napping again! Yay Sophia! She is sleeping a lot better these days and I cannot complain too much. She is not eating very well at school though and if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them. She eats okay at home. At school, she only eats her fruit snacks. Should I ditch the fruit snacks and try to force her to eat other things? Right now as it is I am feeding her when we get home. I would like to avoid that.

I have not yet started potty training. But, I think we are getting close. I have some big girl undies, I may try putting her in them on Thursday and see how we do. I want to do it on a day when we will be home all day. I think there is a book out there on potty training in 1 day. I may try that route. You get a doll (preferably one that wets itself) and teach her with that. She is very much into mimicking these day and might be the way to go. I just bought a BIG box of diapers so if she were to train now it would be just my luck! (Gavin can luckily grow into them).

Gavin is also doing well. He is such a happy baby, so cute too. Everyone always comments on his blue eyes. Sometimes I think he is too pretty to be a boy. But boy he is. He is all over the place now. He army crawls better than any baby I have ever seen. He is starting to walk if you hold his hands. I don't think it will be too much longer, probably by his first birthday. He is adjusting well to his Mother's Morning Out program. He eats well, very well. More than Sophia, sometimes more than me. I am looking forward to our next trip to the pediatrician to see what he weighs now that we are done breastfeeding and he is on formula and eating us out of house and home!

Shannon and I are both doing well, staying busy and out of trouble. I have started a bible study with a group of moms with young children. I am enjoying my time and fellowship with this group of ladies and look forward to Fridays each week.

Check out the dropshots account I have added some new pictures.

Dandy

Success!

2007-10-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

We are on day 8 of no nap, however, I think she would have napped yesterday if I tried a little harder. It was kind of late in the afternoon and I did not want to mess up bed time. The really good news is that she slept until 7AM this morning. I hope that this is a new trend for us. She actually woke a little before 6, but I explainedthat she couldn't get out of bed until it was light outside and she seemed to do ok with it.

We are on day 7 of no wubbanub and I think she is just about done asking for it! I thought giving up her paci would be a lot harder than it ended up being. For that I am thankful.

Next: Potty training.

27 Minutes

2007-10-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well after 27 minutes of screaming and finally falling asleep, little miss Sophia slept for about 4 hours and came pitter pattering in our room screaming for her na-na (Sophia speak for wubbanub).

*Mama na-na, I can't find it, na-na mama.* Repeat.

I had only just laid down to go to sleep and as exhausted. Knowing I had to get up at 6AM to go to the hospital for a CT Scan, I was unable to get to sleep. Sophia was crying (sobbing really) I can't find na-na mama. WaAAAAaaah! Na-Na!!! Shannon decided that I needed to deal with her as he had to get up for work. I really did not want to cave in and give her wubbanub, so I picked her up and off we went to her bed. I put her in bed and crawled in next to her. I ran my fingers through her hair and sang our song taking turns... (na na na na, na na na na.... hey hey hey.. goodbye). Mommy my turn, nanana hey, hey, hey, bye. She is soooo darn cute when she does that. I should really get it on video and post it. After about 45 minutes I was able to get her to sleep and climb back into my own bed.

Then it was 430AM and pitter patter was approaching rapidly. No crying this time, just not tired anymore. 'Mommy I hungry!' was my greeting. So I got up and got her a sippy cup of milk. Hoping to buy me some time I put her back in bed with said sippy and told her it was the closest thing to wubbanub she was going to get and go back to sleep. I climbed back into bed once again hoping to get an hour more out of her. It was not meant to be and a few minutes later back she came.

Mary came over with pancakes for her and I was off to get my belly scanned. She went to school or shool as she calls it. And appeared to have a blast as usual. I was tired from my long night and short morning. So, I was really REALLY looking forward to nap time today. I even went out and got a gate to block her door off. I was going to nap today if she had to scream through it! So I had Todd put the gate up and I got Gavin down for his nap. I fed Sophia a snack and gave her a few fruit snacks to take in her room. I shut the door and gate and went to lay down. Soon after I left she tried to come out and was unable, prompting her to scream and scream and scream. I decided after 30 minutes I could not let her wake Gavin up (although at that point if he were going to wake I think he would have) and went to lay down with her. Needless to say she did not nap. at. all. So, we are on day 3 of no nap. A short night of sleep. No wubbanub. I am not sure how I made it through the afternoon, but I did. Yay! ME! (or more to the point how Sophia made it). Luckily I have great in laws. Mary called to check on us. I was not feeling well (a side effect of all the stuff they pumped me full of to do the CT Scan.) and Mary decided it was best I get my sleep and she came and took Sophia off to wear her out and get her some food and hopefully sleep (sans wubbanub)!

I will be going to sleep now. It is almost 8 and I anticipate a full 10-11 hours of sleep! Yay! Mary and Steve. I hope you two are faring well with the little princess.

Dandy

RIP

2007-10-02T17:38:00.001-07:00

Tonight Sophia was hopping out of bed laughing like ha ha mommy, see I don't have to go to bed. So I took one of her wubbanubs and told her if she did not go to sleep she would be loosing another. She practically mocked me, so out came wubbanub! She cried and cried for about 27 minutes. I had to go and reassure her a few times and tell her to get back into bed, but eventually (27 minutes later) she fell asleep. I am hoping that this will get easier and easier.

It started out being a punishment (that worked), but I am hoping for this to be permanent. Stay tuned for more in the continuing saga of the wubbanub.

RIP Wubbanub.

Dandy

J.D.'s 90th Birthday

2007-09-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

J.D. celebrated his 90th birthday at the Piedmont Club. Sophia had a blast with her 2nd cousin Haley. I did manage to get a few pictures worthy of sharing. To see all the pictures I downloaded check out the dropshots account, the link is on the right-hand side of this page.

Hope you enjoyed!

Dandy

Jesus had friends

2007-09-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

Sophia has friends too! This was her art from last week. I thought it was too cute not to share, I hope you enjoy!

Dandy

Sophia had her first ride in an ambulance!

2007-09-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying she is OK!

I went to workout Monday evening. I left Shannon at home with both children in bed, Suzanne had been to visit and stayed to eat dinner with us so she was here as well. I was going to water aerobics, so I left my purse (with cell phone) at home. When I returned about 2 hours later Suzanne was still here and now Steve and Mary were here, all I could think was that someone died.

It turns out right after I left Sophia decided to open (including the foil seal) a bottle of baby shampoo. She proceeded to try to drink it and get it in her eyes. She was crying so Shan went to check on her. Not knowing what to do he called Mary, who in turn told him to call poison controll. It is a little sketchy what happened at this point, but somehow 911 was called and the police along with paramedics arrived and strapped Shannon to a gurney. Why he was strapped instead of Sophia I have no idea. I think they had to put red tape on his feet and leave the door open! (joking of course).

After I got home they still had not been seen at the E.R. So, I went and picked them up and brought them home. Sophia was tired but no worse for the wear! And that was how we spent Monday night.

Dandy