What We Call Life

Time

2011-03-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

You know how some days just simply slip away? And when the day is over, and you lay in bed at night...and think, what did I accomplish? Well, I've had many of these days! Many days where I feel like I run in circles, and get no where!

While trying to follow the blog of my sister-in-law, I came across this blog again...and I suddenly remembered how much I enjoyed sharing things. I need to get back to writing my feelings down, putting a little emotion out there. Maybe, just maybe...I might get something accomplished...or I'll just find something else to do on the internet ;)

B's Birthday

2009-09-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that a year has past! It's been very exciting, hectic and stressful! But oh so worth it!! Sorry it's taken me such a long time to post these, but here are some pictures from the party...

365 Days

2009-07-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that just one short year ago I was beginning to think "this baby is never going to come!!" I remember going to work the last night before Bradley was born, and everyone being absolutely shocked that I "was still pregnant". Mike was working second shift, and had a blitz afterward for the Country Concert. I thought I would stay up until he came home from work...yeah like that happened!! When he came home from work is when the contractions began...unfortunately for him...NO SLEEP!!

At 2:24 pm on July 12, 2008 our lives forever changed. We went from a family of three to a family of four. What a difference...and amazing difference.

Tomorrow we celebrate the first year of our wee man's life. I so look forward to the MANY years that I have left to share with him!

He's just so cute...I think we should keep him!

Father's Day

2009-06-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

This year on Father's Day I thought it would be exciting to go to a baseball game...anyone who knows us knows how much Mike loves the sport! Luckily, my work offered special seats at a Dayton Dragon's game. I thought they would have a wonderful time, and luckily we did. Nevermind me reading the tickets wrong, us showing up the game an hour early, and it being incredibly hot! Corey seemed to enjoy himself. It was obvious at various times during the game that he was bored out of his mind, but true to himself he found something to keep himself occupied.

After the game he was able to run the bases...he looked so small out there!! But again, he looked so big!! I can't believe how much he has changed recently!! So many people have told us how fun the 4-year-old stage is...I tend to agree!!!!

Summer Begins

2009-06-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

Finally we have hit that warm, sultry weather that I absolutely adore! I live for this time of year! It never comes soon enough, and ends way to early. Corey is already asking me when it's going to snow again (he wants to wear his boots for some unforseen reason). He is his father's son!!!

Corey has finished his first year of pre-school. He will go again next year, and then be off to kindergarten. For his birthday this year, we purchased a Power Wheel for him...I think he would pass out if he knew he couldn't ride it anymore. There have been times in the past few weeks that I have to stop and think, he's 4 not 15. Some of the phrases that he uses are amazing.

Bradley is crawling, and even sometimes stands unassisted. I can't believe it's time to start thinking about his birthday already. I can't believe that he's almost a year old!! He still doesn't seem that interested in walking, but who knows. At any given point, he'll probably take off!! I think that once he realizes he can go...he'll just run everywhere...and then climb. GRRR!!

Mike has decided to pursue his schooling. He wants to go back to school to be a Paramedic. I'm fully on board!! I'm so excited for him!! I think he's somewhat nervous about how hard it's going to be...two jobs, two kids (and a crazy wife!!). I just keep telling him to do it now. I don't want him to feel like he's missing out on the boys later. Now is when they aren't into eight thousand activities, let's get it over!!! Please keep him in his thoughts for the fall when his classes start.

I'm still totally in love with my job. I feel so fortunate that I decided to go and get this additional schooling...and at the time when I did. There currently aren't that many positions available out there...wow what a blessing it was to be able to pick which job I wanted, rather than just having to take the job that was available. I have been frequenting the gym now. I can't believe how much different I feel...even after only a couple weeks, I miss it when I can't go. I haven't noticed tremendous changes in my body, but I can tell it's coming! If nothing else, it's the mindset that has changed now. I think that's part of the battle!! (Admitting there is a problem is where you start!!!) Each day is a new day, and we'll get there eventually!

My Boys

2009-04-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am amazed every day at how much my children are changing. Some times I feel like I've blinked and their big. Other days, I just sit back and watch it unfold before my eyes. I feel so very blessed to be able to be a part of these boys lives!!!

Corey is doing very well in preschool! He's learning so much! He even described Easter to me this week. I almost cried! He's working on writing his name (the major thing they keep asking us to work on), and is making strides to all his other activities. We started swimming lessons a few weeks ago. He still won't put it head under water, but is at least getting better at treading water, and reach-and-pull!!

Bradley is getting into everything! Now that he has figured out he can crawl, he just doesn't want to sit still!!! He has finally started pulling himself up on furniture...not much, but he's getting there. I remember it happening so much faster with Corey. I guess he's just different!! He's giving high fives, and waving (mostly to Daddy for some reason). He is just such a happy baby. If only we could get rid of this respiratory stuff. We go to the Dr again on Monday for a check up...half tempted for him to refer us to someone. Is it allergies? Asthma? Someone just tell me why he sounds likes this all the time!!!

Update on Bradley

2009-03-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin with the little guy?!? He's been sick since the end of February. With respiratory stuff, gets better and never goes away! Then gets worse...grrr!!! We went to the doctor for the second course of antibiotic, and three days later he begins with vomiting and diarrhea. On Saturday (after 4 days of vomiting, and only getting worse) we finally decided to take him to the ER. We had been able to keep him as hydrated and well fed as possible, but Saturday was just awful. We spent the night in the ER, hooked up to an IV, yeah! They sent us home expecting him to feel and be better.

Sunday morning (after only 3 hours of sleep) he woke up hungry! I gave him just a little bit of formula, and it instantly came back up. Well back to pedialyte! I decided maybe a bath would make him feel better. Oh no...got sick twice in the bathtub. Had more diarrhea while I was getting him dressed...guess we'll be headed to Children's this time.

After some persuasion to the Dr...they decided to keep us. It was frustrating because no on seemed all that concerned that he was loosing everything from both ends. Mike and I were extremely frustrated with their attitude to it. Two nights in the hospital, and they sent us home...it's a virus, it'll go away. We had to just trust that they knew what they were talking about, and hope he would be okay.

Luckily we are getting better. He's back to crawling all over and getting into everything. And for some crazy reason, he's trying to eat us out of house and home!!! He isn't sleeping through the night anymore, and is starting to get congested again...yeah. When does it stop?!?!?!?

Corey's "Birthday"

2009-03-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

The morning of Corey's birthday I woke him up singing "Happy Birthday," he just rolled over and went back to sleep. Pretty typical! I continued to make a big deal about the fact that he was now 4, and he just looked at me. Then, with his little matter-of-fact attitude, he says "I'm already 4." I had to explain to him about the birthday "party," and how it was only a party to celebrate his birthday...that that day was his actual birthday. I still don't think he gets it.

My mom and I ended up taking cupcakes to pre-school, and we all sang to him there. He was very excited!

Here are some pictures:

I'm not near as talented as some of my friends, but I tried my best! Don't asked what happened to the D...the icing had an explosion!

Corey's Birthday Party

2009-03-11T22:51:00.001-07:00

We had Corey's 4th Birthday party this weekend at a local jumpy place called Jumpy's (very creative, right?!?). I think it was a success...here are a few pictures to show!

Just Breathe

2009-03-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been very difficult here. We have all been sick, and I'm sick of it!! Corey started two weeks ago with a fever, and a nasty cough. Mike then got a fever, chills, and just felt plain crappy. Bradley started fussing, not outright crying, more like a whine. I at least had a few days before it hit me allowing Mike to breathe and me to take care of the boys. I just keeps lingering. We finally got the baby an antibiotic, and he seems to be doing much better, but is still not acting his normal self. It's been two weeks, why aren't we feeling better?!?!?!?

Corey's birthday party is this weekend...I'm still flabergasted that I have a child who is almost 4. He is very excited! We have many family and friends that are going to share this time with us. I'll be sure to postpictures on here, and on my Picasa website.

Bath Time

2009-02-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

While bathing the boys, I usually put both of them into the bath tub. Bradley is my first target. Corey sits patiently (well as patiently as a three-year-old can), and plays in the water. Once I am finished bathing the baby, I get him out and lotion and dress him. The last few times, he has gotten very upset with me. I have stood him up against the tub, because he acts like he wants to see Corey. He gets SOOO excited! I think it's really cute how much he just talks and laughs at Corey. I really think he would stand there all day (with a little assistance).

Check out these hamhocks! Gotta love baby fat!

I'll Still Be Me

2009-01-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how a song can catch you off guard everyonce in a while...this one totally made me cry! I love it!!

Woke up in the middle of the night and saw you sleepin'
I was hopin' you were dreamin' about me
Kissed your cheek and said "I love you"
You reached for me and then you mumbled
"I love you too, is everything ok?"
I said I'm fine baby, go back to sleep
I've just been thinkin' life is changin' 'round us
And I hope you believe

I'll still be me
Just a normal girl from small town nowhere
I'll still hold your hand and wear this ring
I'll still be meIf you can count on one thing,
I'll be here
The same girl that you've known for centuries
I'll still be me

We said we wanted all of this
We made the plans together
And promised that we'd never forget
Drinkin' apple wine in our first kitchen
Throwin' pennies in the well and wishin'
We'd spend our lives forever holdin' hands
And here we are still holdin' on
But if all the pretty things tied up in bows were gone

I'll still be me
Just a normal girl from small town nowhere
I'll still laugh at your jokes and argue over silly things
I'll still be meIf you can count on one thing,
I'll be here
The same girl that you've known for centuries
I'll still be me

Empires could rise and fall
The sun could swallow the moon
And I don't hold a crystal ball
But I promise you

I'll still be me
Just a normal girl from small town nowhere
I'll still be the mommy of our babies
I'll still be me
If you can count on one thing,
I'll be here
The same girl that you've known for centuries
I'll still be me

Updating us

2009-01-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

Now that I've had a chance to breathe since the Holidays are over, I've been able to do something with my house and kids. Bradley is starting to sit up already...yikes! He has even cut two teeth. They look adorable poking though, and when he smiles they are just there waiting! He's interacting more and more everyday, and says DaDa constantly. I know it's the sound that is easiest for them to say, however, I still secretly wanted him to say MaMa first...oh well.

Corey is doing fabulous in pre-school. He learns new things everyday! Some of the things he says and does just crack both of us up! He's so smart, sometimes it's scarey! We have recently purchased a book to help him here at home, and he's working steadily to complete it. He's almost able to spell his name (even though sometimes he claims there is a 3 in it, not an e). Working little bits each day, I think we'll slowly get there! He has suddenly came into this interest of reading, he loves it! I like it to, because it gives me a chance to sit and cuddle with him before he doesn't want to do it anymore!

Chelsea has fit into the family perfectly! She jumps on people when she seems them, and licks constantly, but I think with a little training, she'll get to where we want her to be also. For the longest time I could tell she wanted to play with Casey, and Casey wanted to play with her, but neither knew how to approach the other without making them mad. Now Chelsea just bugs Casey until she finally gives in (I guess that's the puppy in her!). We've had so many people comment on how much they look alike, it's almost like she was meant to be here! Don't get me wrong, if I could have Dusty back, I would in a heartbeat! I miss him terribly! But she seems to be helping mend my broken heart.

Mike is busy as every with work, squad and just being the busy person he is. It seems he always is going somewhere, planning something, preparing for the next adventure. Some days it seems all I can do is sit back and watch. It's challenging having everyone pulling him in so many different directions, when all I want to do is just sit with him, hear about his day or just be together. I know there are so many things he enjoys doing, that I hate to ask him to stop...but I think at some point, something is going to have to slow down. These boys will only be little once!

I have been able to revisit my passion for reading. I asked for books from I think everyone for Christmas, and received a few. It has been wonderful sitting down with a book, and just escaping into that other place. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel like I need to, I just like it! I am anxious to keep reading, and I know it is good for my mind!!

Well, the baby is crying, Corey needs help with dressing, and the dryer is sounding for me to give it attention too...little bits at a time!

Realization

2009-01-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

I have never looked back at my blogs and payed much attention to them...today for whatever reason I did...they all start with so....I'm ridiculous!!

Grandpa Marion

2009-01-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

So this has been a difficult Christmas...Mike's Grandfather had a mild heart attack just before Christmas. After being in the ER, they gave him a blood thinner to help prevent further injury. The next morning he had a stroke. Unfortunately he passed away on Christmas Eve. It's been difficult, but we are all getting through it! Mike's sister from New York was able to see him before he passed away, so everyone in the family was able to spend some time with him.

I didn't even get a chance to send out my Christmas cards this year. We definitely purchased them (they were totally cute by the way!), I just never got them addressed. So if you feel that you've missed out of the Christmas cards, sorry!!! I was unable to do many of the things I had planned...part of me feels very upset that I didn't get to do the things I wanted...while other parts of me was so thankful that we were able to spend so much time with Mike's family at Christmas. It's a catch 22.

We are slowly getting back to normal...just taking some time. I have so much to do with my house. So many toys to put away, Christmas stuff to find something to do with...laundry, dishes...urgh! It's always something.

We will miss you Grandpa!! I know you are happily with your wife Mary, and spending your afternoons fishing or gardening...all the luxuries of having you in the family will truly be missed!!

A Home for the Holidays

2008-12-12T22:47:00.000-08:00

So we recently ventured looking for a new dog. It has been long enough, that I was feeling like my heart and head were both in agreement that it was time. I know Casey needs the companionship, and it just felt like something was missing. Don't get me wrong, if I had the option between a new dog and Dusty...it would be Dusty hands down.

So we stated looking online, at various sites for puppies. A friend of ours mentioned puppies at the local humane society, so we started looking at the human societies in our local area. We went to the Miami County shelter one Saturday morning, and low and behold in the first cage there is a dog who is 1 year old, crate trained and potty trained...was it fate?

We continued looking, but both Mike and I kept her in the back of our minds. On Monday, he went and picked her up. She has been great so far. A few accidents here and there, but mainly because we don't know her system yet and she doesn't know ours. She has been great with Corey, and only has problems with Casey when she is getting attention from someone, and Casey comes close.

It is somewhat eerie how much the two of them look alike...some of the same markings. Their spots are almost identical, and their faces are colored much the same...maybe it was fate.

She came from a home where the wife is now about to have a baby, and they didn't want her anymore. She originally came from either TN or KY where she was bred to be a bait dog. Someone jumped the fence and rescued her. She even slept in bed with us the first night...I guess she will like it here. It's time she has a permanent place to live...just in time for the Holidays.

Welcome Chelsea!

Bradley Updates

2008-11-16T07:06:00.001-08:00

So my little man is already not so little. A couple times this week, I left Bradley on the floor (on his back mind you), and when I came back he was on his belly. Both times, Corey was in the room, and I just thought he was probably helped by his big brother. Mike noticed the same thing on Friday, and yesterday we witnessed history!

This morning, he definitely has mastered the skill. He is actually getting pretty fast at it. But now, he's forgotten how to roll the other way, and gets somewhat upset that he's on his belly. Goofy kid...

Oh how they grow up WAY TOO FAST!!!!!!!!!!

Frustrated

2008-11-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

So this year I have had to purchase more clothing for both of the boys. Corey has completely outgrown all of the clothes from last year that I was hoping he might fit into...he's just getting too tall. And Bradley was born at a completely different time of year than Corey, so all the outfits are off! I have been shopping around for some things for them, and unfortunatley if you don't have a girl most stores feel that you shouldn't have cute clothing...well unless you want to spend an arm and a leg.

I was walking around Meijer trying to find a couple shirts for Corey and started noticing...look at all the racks of girly clothing, with the bright lights shining on them. Then I turn to the boys clothing, and literally there is half the amount of clothing, and it's much darker. I was so depressed not only by the lack of options, but by the fact that there just wasn't as much detail and attention given to the boys stuff. I just don't get it!

On the flip side...it is a really good thing I don't have a girl...she would have way more clothing than she could ever wear. Maybe it's a sign...

Bradley and the Crib

2008-11-03T09:25:00.001-08:00

So I finally broke down and put the crib up. Bradley has been sleeping very well in it...however...I haven't. I've been so paranoid that I can't hear him, and something will happen! I don't know why it has been such a big deal; Corey was in the crib the second night home from the hospital. Who knows. I guess I'll get there, it's just going to be an adjustment.

He is so crazy with how warm he wants to be while he is sleeping. I need to find a way to get him

to sleep at night without having all these crazy blankets. See...and adjustment.

Casey

2008-11-03T09:22:00.003-08:00

So here are some pictures of Casey...poor thing. You could tell she didn't like the outfit, but she was a great sport!!

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

So this was my first time in two years of being able to enjoy Corey for trick-or-treat. Since I work second shift, I have not been able to experience it! However, I took a vacation day, and was able to walk around town with him, Bradley, Mike and even Casey.

Corey was Spiderman. It was a hand-me-down costume that he absolutely loved. The first time he saw it, he was so excited. Can't say that about this week, but we at least got him to wear the most of the costume while we were out. I even got a couple pictures at my mom's house. He had no interest in the whole idea of trick-or-treat until he realized people were going to be giving him candy. Then...let's go to more houses!! It was pretty cute seeing him get excited about this! It has been so much fun watching him learn about the "traditions" we call life. I'm excited for him to help Bradley understand.

Brad was our little pumpkin. He was adorable as usual. It was fun with him around town too! Everyone would comment on how cute Casey looked, and then they would see him and get excited about him too! How adorable my babies are!!

Meeting Family

2008-10-26T15:37:00.001-07:00

So my cousin Brittney was in town this weekend, and Bradley was finally able to meet her. Of course, they were both adorable as usual!! I think Brittney was very excited to see him! And as you can tell from the pictures, he was pretty excited to see her too!

We were able to spend the day with my Grandmother, and Aunt Kris...it was so nice to just have an afternoon (without chaos and fighting) with family!

I feel so fortunate to have those that I love (most of them anyway) close, and am able to spend time with them! I always feel that when those that are far away come home. It's never long enough, and it seems like they are being pulled in so many directions! I know it's selfish of me to want to spend time with family when they are here, so I try and accomodate them as much as possible! Although there are times when I just want to say...let's go out for lunch just us...or can we have the kids get together and play?

Hopefully those that are far away will all be home soon! Circumstances our of our control, and of course the military have other ideas about that though. Maybe someday!

Bradley's New Adventure

2008-10-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

So we've decided that with as active as Brad has been with his feet that we should get the Jumperoo out. He's been adorable in it. It's hilarious how he always has these crazy big eyes when he's trying to figure something out. He was absolutely hilarious in this the first time. Check out those crazy eyes!!

Harvest Party

2008-10-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Corey is in pre-school now, and has had several interesting experiences in the last couple weeks. Last week we went to Fulton Farms and he was able to ride in a hay wagon, and then pick out a pumpkin. He had a really good time! He got to ride on the bus (and has constantly talked about it since then), go on the wagon, pick his pumpkin from the patch, and then play in their playground. We even got a little pumpkin for Bradley. I was very fortunate to be off in the morning, and able to take the trip with him.

Today was their annual Harvest Party. Each student was able to wear their Halloween costume to school. Again, he was very excited about showing off his outfit to all the other students. He says there were two Batmans, a Turtle, and many others. For this party he was a pilot. In May we were in my cousin Brittney's wedding, and so we recycled that outfit. He will be Spider Man for the actual trick-or-treat that happens here in town. I think he was very excited (and surprised) to get all the candy!

Week 14 and Counting

2008-10-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Bradley is 14 weeks old already. My how he has changed! I love looking into those big blue eyes, and having that gummy smile look back at me! He's so cute when he smiles so big that he gets dimples up by his eyes!! What a munchkin!!

I feel so truly blessed to have two beautiful-healthy children! Words don't even express how extremely happy I am! Thank God that I have been given these opportunities in life!!

4 1/2 weeks

2008-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

So I can't believe that it's been four and a half weeks since we lost Dusty. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about how much I miss him. I just feel like there is a hole in my heart. I know that no one and nothing can ever fill that void, but hopefully I can feel a little more at peace with the whole situation.

We have been discussing getting another dog. Just not agreeing on the type. I really don't want to get something bigger than what he was...and Mike just wants something. We went to a local pet store recently, and both fell in love with two different dogs. When they told us that one of them we both somewhat agreed on was on sale (half price mind you), for $1000...we decided that they just weren't for us. Neither one of us can fathom spending that kind of money ona dog. The best dogs that I have ever had have been free. Not to mention that the breeds they are coming up with now. Pugapoo, Beabull, Labradoodle...pretty sure when Iwas growing up that they would have just been called muts. Oh well...how times change.

Until we are ready, we'll just spoil the heck out of Casey. I really don't think that she is any worse for the wear. I think she loves the attention!!

Busy Days

2008-10-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

This week Mike's sister has been home from New York. It has been absolutely fabulous having her close...especially since she brought her new daughter here with her. It is always nice getting to spend time with her, but it's even more fun now.

We took the kids to have their pictures taken together. Luckily we came up with one good one. Out of all the pictures they took...we got one. Oh well. I guess that is the beauty of having small children. Corey was the handful this time. There are days he does fabulous having his pictures taken, and other that he just doesn't do very well at all. Hopefully when we go again, he'll do better.

Olivia and Bradley did fabulous! We got cute pictures of both of them...well I guess it would be more difficult if they both weren't cute!! Papaw Ray even cried when he say his beautiful babies!! SUCCESS!!! Follow this link to see our babies! The password is 8101.

Starting Something New

2008-10-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

So I have many friends that have been starting blogs. I figured that I should try and start one myself. Many of my friends and family are not as close as we would like for them to be...so maybe this will help keep us all up-to-date.

Just to start...here is a picture of our little guys...aren't they adorable?!?