story2tell

Denial????

2010-04-22T13:06:00.006-05:00

He will not entertain the idea that just maybe, he's too big for this car now.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T13:45:00.001-05:00

Trekfest QCGA Parade

2009-07-01T12:25:00.008-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

2009 Louisa County Relay For Life Fundraiser

2009-07-01T12:16:00.004-05:00

2009 Louisa County Relay For Life

Please help support the American Cancer Society by purchasing an ornament "in honor" or "in memory" of that special someone in your life that has fought the battle with cancer. Ornaments are $25 each and $10 from each ornament will go to the American Cancer Society.

Ornaments are inflatable balls that are virtually unbreakable.
Personalize them however you want as far as picking the picture, the name, the in honor or in memory, extra wording at the bottom, and color of the ribbon. Pictures can either be emailed or an actual picture can be submitted which will be scanned in and returned to you (please put your name on the back of the picture).

Name: ___________________________
In honor or In Memory (circle one)
Ribbon color: _____________
Wording under the picture (1924-1992, Relay for Life 2009, I'm a Survivor, etc.)

Please have all orders turned in by July 24. Ornaments will be available the day of the Relay. Checks need to be made out to Sportraits, LLC. Please include $26 per ornament ($1 for shipping and handling).

Orders can be turned into Jan Wagoner or Verlinda Prior. Please contact Jay Story at 919-332-7948 with design questions.
Thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society.

Take me out to the ballgame - Cub Scout style

2009-06-23T12:45:00.010-05:00

The night was off to a very, very rough start with big thunderstorms, flash flooding, etc. an hour before the start time. They pushed the start of the game back 30 minutes and thankfully the sun came out. However, there was a mix up with our tickets and it was the second inning by the time we got to our seats. Steam was coming off of me I was soooo pissed. Thankfully though by the fourth or fifth inning we were all having fun. Matt and Dalton spent the night and got to sleep in the outfield in a tent. I'm ready to do it again next month, right after I find out a way to be responsible for my own tickets and not have to count on someone else :).

I love watching the two of them interact.

Daddy and his babies. Daddy even dressed them both in baseball attire.

Interesting

LOOK!!!!

Mr. Shucks had to go put on his Hawaiian shirt and get his picture taken with this group in their Hawaiian shirts.

Can you tell what Shaun is working on?

Proof we took Three Rivers with us.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-23T12:40:00.002-05:00

How Does Your Garden Grow

2009-06-23T09:53:00.000-05:00

The last few years I've commented we should have a garden, but Matt didn't seem to want one. This year we bit the bullet and did it. Neither of us had any idea what we were doing and it grew and grew, but at least one of everything we planted has come up, so we're declaring it a success. We started out with a 24 x 30 foot garden, then added on three more times. All in all we have rhubarb, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, zucchini, onion, corn, peas, green beans, lima beans, pumpkin, cucumber, watermelon, cantelope, carrot, tomato, spinach, and lettuce.

Before it was a garden.

green bean

bloom

Part of the zucchini.

Tomatoville

Knee high by the 4th of July?

Part of the pumpkin

blueberry

onion

2009-06-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

When we bought this house, it had this cute little playhouse. Only problem it was like 6 feet off the ground. I had a 7 year old afraid of heights, an 18 month old, and one on the way. I decided we would get a lot more use out of it on the ground. We debated for a couple of years how to get it down. Long story short, the "workers" didn't agree with this method exactly, but the boss said it'll work. It's not as funny to watch now, but it was hilarious (one of those inside things I guess). The best part was watching our neighbors trying to watch us get it tipped back over without it being too obvious they were watching. When it hit the ground shingles fell off and it was apparent the roof needed reshingled. Excuse the taping as I was trying to make sure Katelyn was beside me and not where the playhouse was going to fall.

Before I painted the outside and we put a new porch on it.

Katelyn was helping grandpa put the new porch on.

On Sunday, June 14 grandma and grandpa took Katelyn and Shaun for a few hours so we could reshingle the roof. I got the shingles for free off of craigslist and the roofing paper for $3 off of craigslist. Neither of us had ever shingled anything before, but I'm very happy with the results. The kids came back before we were completely done, so we had "help" at the end. I'm very happy with the results and glad the only injury of the day was a blister I got that then popped and I lost a couple of layers of skin on my knuckle of my finger. This is especially impressive considering Katelyn's fearless climb up and down the ladder numerous times some while I was on it. It was too cute to see her take a shingle, put it on the chair, take the measuring tape and measure it, then announce I cutting, I cutting. Such a smart cookie.

The finished product. The one shingle I didn't get on straight and I so wanted to redo it, but Matt wouldn't let me.

I need to touch up the paint on the outside, finish painting the inside, then we can put the door and windows on. I can't wait. I think the kids are going to have lots of fun.

Family Fun Fest - June 6

2009-06-23T07:31:00.001-05:00

This was our second year going to the Family Fun Fest for Tanager Place at the Rockwell Complex. Shaun and I hung outside of the big craft tent while daddy took the older two in as there wasn't really room for the double stroller and people walk all over me, while daddy pushes his way through, so no pictures of the crafts. However, we had a good time and look forward to it next year.

Dalton looks forward to this every year and takes his cereal making very seriously. He wasn't overly happy he had to pause for a second for a picture.

Poor Shaun I have lots of pictures of him chilling in the stroller at event after event. Next year you'll be right there with your brother and sister.

Katelyn did about one line on her cereal and was done with the whole decorating. Dalton just couldn't understand that, haha.

I driving, I driving. She DID NOT want to get down.

Our Easter 2008 picture with the Easter bunny she is bawling. We have no pictures with Santa Claus in 2008 or the Easter Bunny in 2009 because she would not get close enough. Mascots she's okay with as long as we are holding her and they don't look at her, haha. However, when she saw Poppytime, she went running and had to have a hug. It was too cute.

Be The Match Marrowthon

2009-06-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

Be The Match Marrowthon: Join Online: www.marrow.org/join Dates: June 8-22 Code: BTMM49 Cost: The first 1000 are FREE! Thanks to the generosity of the Be The Match and Jeff Gordon Foundations. I just did this and it took about 10 minutes. Do it for Angel Karleigh.

Prayers for the Hobart Family

2009-06-06T15:46:00.000-05:00

I had the honor of meeting Diane at the Star 102.5 Radiothon while answering phones. I then was able to spend more time with her when we had a potluck for her at work on Wednesday so she could enjoy some homecooked food, a change of scenery, and some adult conversation. I was truly honored when she took us back to the PICU to "meet" Karleigh. I can't begin to imagine what they are going through and will continue to give my kids one more kiss and hug everyday as I strive to not take things for granted.

Please say a prayer for the family and leave them a comment to let them know how many people out here care.
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/KarleighHobart

Favorite Foto Friday - Out

2009-06-05T12:18:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day weekend was kind of rough on them, haha. Too much going on.

Water Baby Wednesday

2009-06-03T22:30:00.000-05:00

Loves the water like his mommy.

Waiting Room Wednesday

2009-05-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

Shaun's making sure Uncle Denny doesn't take his bottle away.

Venturing a little closer to Uncle Denny.

Good thing GGpa has a good grip on Shaun.

GGpa to the rescue - helping Katelyn get a drink of water.

How far away can I get from Uncle Denny and still be in the same room?

When Katelyn and I came out of the bathroom and she looked around the room, looked out in the hall, then asked me where grandpa had went. I explained that GGpa was right there, but Uncle Denny had went to check on GGma. She knows he's a relative, just not sure how it all fits yet.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T05:07:00.000-05:00

Frankenstein's monster - Daddy's words

2009-05-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

This really doesn't do justice to all of the wires he was hooked up too. I'll try and get the one off of my phone. They all plug into a little "box" that had me saying "You sunk my battleship" (I'm sure you had to see it to understand, haha).

Poor kid apparently has my tape allergy. Hopefully it'll fade fast. Glad we don't have pictures scheduled in the next couple of days.

Unfortunately with his light hair I can't get a good picture of all of the glue in his hair. It's been washed once, but they say it'll take four to get it out. He was a champ getting all hooked up. She couldn't believe how chill he was with it. Want a challange, try changing a baby's diaper when they're hooked up to all of that. I jokingly asked her if she's good at untangling Christmas lights. She didn't find it as funny as I did.

They like them to be on their back or at least side for the majority of the study. He's a tummy sleeper since he learned to roll. So he'd fall asleep, she'd come in and try and put him on his side or back. He'd wake up and have a fit and he'd get put back to sleep on his tummy. Rinse and repeat all night long aside from that 60-90 minutes he didn't go back to sleep. No wonder he's slept most of today, haha.

Cabbage Patch Kid or Gerber Baby??????

2009-05-18T13:11:00.001-05:00

Favorite Foto Friday - Blooper

2009-05-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

When trying to take pictures of three kids in one pic, bloopers are to be expected.

Where's Shaun Wednesday - A day late

2009-05-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

HINT - look to the left and forward of the balloons. He's in a bright green shirt kind of on my shoulder and I'm wearing red.

Favorite Foto Friday - Lil Mama

2009-05-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

Sarah's theme this week is mommy in honor of mother's day. I have few pics of myself and I used them a few weeks ago for me, so instead I'm going to show you the best big sister/lil mama ever.

We made Katelyn a part of our pregnancy with Shaun as much as possible with a not quite 2 year old. She kissed my tummy, called it baby, etc. but we really had no idea how much she "got it".

http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/cjraceway/kph/?action=view¤t=June08057.flv

When we were in the hospital she basically wanted nothing to do with Shaun so I was a bit worried.

However, within minutes of getting home, she was all over him and still continues to be.

She feeds him, whether he's hungry or not and sometimes takes his bottle away when he is hungry.

She is the first to say "Shaun's crying, Shaun's crying" and will continue until he stops. She comes running with his bottle, pacifier (not that he ever takes it), blanket, and now toys. She says shhhh it's okay, it's okay while petting his head.

She changes diapers (have to keep a close eye on her).

I love watching them interact. They have a special bond. They will sit and look at each other and just laugh and laugh. I have no idea what is so funny, but I can't help but laugh, it's the sweetest sound ever.

She plays peek a boo with him.

When he was first born she would stand next to whoever was holding him until they gave him back. She then progressed to letting others hold him, but when it was time to go she would stand next to his car seat until he was put back in, then she'd get her coat and boots on. She's not fond of other kids touching him though.

She loves his toys (her old ones she's outgrown and not touched in forever) and always says "my turn, my turn" and then has to get in or play with them whether it be the bumbo, exersaucer, bath mat, etc. It's a good thing she's so light.

She's been allowed to hold him since he was born (with help/supervision of course). We wanted to make her as much of a part as possible so she didn't feel left out/jealous. It has worked great. When I took them for Easter pictures the photographer asked me if she could hold Shaun. I said yes, she does it all of the time. After she took the pictures she said she was very surprised as you wouldn't except that for a 2 year old and a 5 month old most of the time and I explained our reasoning.

Now that he's bigger and stronger, if she gets within his reach, he grabs onto her whether it's by the hair or shirt, and she doesn't care for that at all, haha. My brother and I have a very close relationship and I hope these two grow up the same way.

Busy/Fun Saturday (May 2) - Part One

2009-05-07T08:49:00.000-05:00

I worked until midnight Friday so got to bed about 1:30 AM. We got up shortly after 6 and went to Swisher for the big Carter sale. We managed to hit a couple of garages sales too. Then it was a quick trip home, a stop at the chiropractor, and onto St. Luke's 125th Anniversary Celebration.

Shaun got a shirt and was in a picture of babies born at St. Luke's. Then we hit the "fair". I had no idea how much stuff was going to be there and we ended up spending two hours there. We ended up with two sweatshirts, two t-shirts, a jump rope, water bottle, backpack, pinwheels, visor, bike helmet and more. We also got to enjoy cupcakes, popcorn, snack mix, and cotton candy while there. Katelyn got to play some games and if not for the huge fear, could have had her picture taken with McGruff the Crime Dog, Lovey Bear, and the Roughrider mascot. She also got fingerprinted and both kids had their height and weight taken.

They had two sizes of shirts for Shaun; one that would fit that today but not tomorrow and one that will fit in two years, so I planned ahead, lol.

I have a feeling we will have to be very specific with our rules for her, I like her way of thinking though, lol. This booth was ran by the Cedar Rapids Parks and Rec who I made sure to let know how much we LOVE them. They allowed Dalton to play one level below his age and he has excelled. Unlike flag football he is on the ball all of the time (according to him, he's velcroed to the ball). This league has high school kids for coaches instead of one of the parents, they start out teaching them skills via games and with each kid having their own ball. I don't know if it's the difference in sports, the method of teaching, the coaches or what, but it's the difference between night and day for Dalton and is doing wonders for his self esteem.

Another bean bag toss.

Wearing her new bike helmet.

We stopped at Pool & Spa Warehouse for chemicals to get the hot tub cleaned and refilled. They were having their annual sale so we got free hot dogs/brats, chips, and pop.

We stopped at home briefly and let the kids continue their nap in the van. Then we headed up to HyVee for kids day. They had a police car, firetruck, command center, and lifeguard on hand for the kids to climb on, have pictures taken with, etc. We also got some BBQ ribs from the rib wagon there that day.

Hopefully this is the only time she's in there.

We timed it perfect so that we were there when lifeguard took off.

Then we went to Thomas Park as Dalton's Cub Scout pack was picking up trash. After they picked up trash, we played for an hour.

Katelyn mastered going up and down the slide all by herself.

Shaun enjoying Thomas Park.

After a stop at Wal Mart, we went home to clean out and refill the hot tub, play outside, and eat supper outside before settling down to watch the Nascar race.

She loves her brother.

It was a busy, long, fun, cheap, and exhausting day.

Hearts for Hearts - 2009

2009-05-06T06:48:00.000-05:00

A group of us at work decided to put a team together and walk in the American Heart Association walk. Kris came up with our name Heart for Hears 2009 and we had shirts made at the Cotton Gallery (highly recoomend them as they're great to work with, good quality product, cheap, and very supportive of community events).

The day of the walk looked like rain so only about half of us showed up. Shaun slept in his car seat most of the walk well protected by the umbrella on his car seat and on the stroller from the rain. Katelyn wouldn't leave her umbrella up so she was wet like mommy, Kris, and Jan. I had an umbrella, but not enough hands to carry it. Katelyn wanted to walk, but was getting ran over, so Aunt Jan was carrying her. Then we tried her on her "leash", but she wanted to hold the other end. Mommy finally came through by enticing her into the stroller with food.

We enjoyed the walk, but could have done without the rain.

Shaun sleeping and dry in his cocoon.

Our attempt at a team picture after walking in the rain. Katelyn's eating her apple that Kris "opened" for her (she took the first bite).

Katelyn in the bounce house, though she didn't last long as the big boys knocked her down.

The drowned rat look while coloring in the coloring book from the Coralville Police. I had to strip her completely down and put warm dry clothes and blanket on her to stop the shivering.

Giving Shaun fluffy to chew on.

The brief time she was okay with Aunt Jan holding the leash.

Wordless Wednesday - He shoots, he scores

2009-05-06T05:08:00.000-05:00

The Iowa Children's Museum

2009-05-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

We have had plans for well over a year now to go to the Iowa Children's Museum during Family Night (last Friday Night of every month is Family Night, which means it's free admission), however with race season it limited when we could go and it seemed there was always something going on. In March I said we're doing it, then Shaun was admitted to the hospital, so when I found out I had to take a class and not get off work until 4 on the last Friday of April, it worked out perfectly.

Matt and the kids picked me up and we went and ate at La Reyna (which we highly recommend) then were off to the Museum. I'd never been inside and really had no idea what it was going to be like. I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't PACKED. There was minimal waiting and plenty to do. I felt a little like I was rushing Katelyn as we got there two hours before closing and not knowing how much there was, I wanted to make sure we saw everything. We could have easily spent the entire day in there. Our only "bad" experience was in the barn play area where I finally had to physically hold back kids who were 8+ (when the sign said for kids 5 and under only) so that she could go down the slide as they would just push right past her. I really wanted to be at the bottom to catch her, but she did fine.

I'll let the pictures show you what all we did.

Matt took this picture and the next and I had no idea until I was going through the pictures later on as I was in there with Katelyn. I love how she's so intent on what she's doing.

She loves her bread, though she eats the crust and throws the good part away, silly girl. This was all in the grocery store.

This totally cracked me up and had Matt going what in the world is she doing? She was saying "I sopping, I sopping" while pushing one cart and pulling the other, which is exactly what I do when I have both kids by myself (back when I took Shaun in the stores in the car seat). I would put Shaun in one cart and Katelyn sitting in the other and then have to push one and pull the other (especially at CVS and Walgreens where they have the worlds smallest shopping carts.

She wasn't quite sure what to make of the huge toothbrush and teeth.

She was all about the packpack, not so much on the hat.

This was a stage they had set up for the kids to put on costumes and then perform. She had more fun climbing all over the stuff and she's laughing here as she had just hit me in the head with the noodle and we about both fell off of the stage.

Shaun had fun chilling in the stroller.

When we went into the ambulance there was a baby doll in there, so Katelyn did the natural thing, changed it's diaper, haha. She's tried doing this to some of the kids at daycare too I hear and of course does it to Shaun also. A guy standing there said "I know every time I've been in an ambulance there has been a baby having it's diaper changed". I wanted to tell him maybe he should spend less time in ambulances.

There was a big room with multiple activities in it that included the slide. We probably only did about half of the things in there as there were some lines in here and some of it was kind of above Katelyn, plus we were in a hurry.

Daddy said I wasn't doing it right, so I made him go up and help Katelyn drop the golf ball.

Shaun was all about chewing on the alphabet.

Katelyn held this up and said U (while Matt and I about fell over) before giving it to Shaun. So then Matt held up a W and asked her what it was. She said red (which it was), but we repeatedly asked her what letter only to be told red, like duh don't you guys know your colors.

When we go to LaReyna, Katelyn needed an outfit change. However, no Katelyn pants in the van, luckily though there were a pair of 12 month jeans for Shaun for next year we had recently bought. It cracks me up though that she has this much diaper showing with 12 month pants on. I hope we can find shorts that stay up this summer.

Playing house. They have some of the cutest things there and some really creative people.

Feeding the baby doll a flower, good to know not only does she eat them, but she thinks others should too.

Washing her hands.

This doesn't cover near what all there is to do there. I highly recommend it. I think it helped we went on the first nice Friday of the year (so a lot of people were outside doing stuff).

Favorite Foto Friday - Run

2009-05-01T12:33:00.001-05:00

Dalton was a lot more enthusiastic about helping once he saw Katelyn wanted to.

Helping grandpa start the fire by gathering up leaves.

Dalton running at soccer as he scored a goal for the other team.

Way Back Wednesday

2009-04-29T08:06:00.000-05:00

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-04-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I'm all about a good deal. My brother once asked me if I pay full price for anything and at that point my answer was yes, ink for my printer and gas. Now that's no longer true since I discovered Rapid Refill Ink and HyVee gas (daily discount plus an additional three cents a gallon if you pay cash).

However, in addition to getting a good deal, I also like to support the small businesses. I've already told you about a couple of those that I love (Sportraits LLC and Betsy Milder Photography) and I'm going to share another one today (be on the lookout for more in the future).

I found out about babysoftshoes on Craigslist (I foresee another post on this one day, lol). Myself and two of my co-workers placed an order with her on our morning break on a Friday for a total of five pairs of shoes I believe. One pair was already made, however, she still needed to make the other four. Less than 12 hours later I got an email from her that they were made, shipping label printed, etc. This was not a fluke either as the next order I placed was lightening fast also. She is very friendly and easy to work with, she has great prices, she's super quick, they actually stay on, and are one of a kind. I've had a crazy number of pregnant friends and relatives this year and all of them have/are getting a pair. I've given my gift (paired with a Sportraits newborn ornament) knowing it would not be a duplicate that would be returned.

Check out her website and tell her Shannon sent you :).

Shaun is modeling his monkey shoes above.

http://shop.babysoftshoes.com/

The Versatile Tutu - Thanks Aunt Jan

2009-04-26T14:28:00.000-05:00

I saw a tutorial online to make a tuto and checked with Aunt Jan who said yes she could make it. Then I checked with Matt who was TOTALLY against it. The more he expressed his hatred for the idea, the more I wanted to do it, lol. He thought it was too girly, but I think since he has a tomboy for a daughter he can deal with the occasional girly stuff. My co-worker Kris hooked me up with the tulle at Hobby Lobby (where it was on sale and she gets an employee discount). One of the ones I saw online was hot pink and black and Katelyn has a long sleeve grey shirt that says I Love Soccer in hot pink and black. I can't wait until it is warm enough for Katelyn to wear the shirt and tutu. Tuesday at soccer it was FREEZING. Matt and I both had sore throats the next day. Shaun was in layer upon layer and then in a doubled up flannel blanket and slept the whole time. Both of the kids (Shaun and Katelyn) have multiple soccer outfits to wear to support their big brother :). We got a ton of compliments, mainly from other mommies on the tutu.

You can watch your big brother play soccer or jump on the trampoline in one.

In case you thought Shaun missed out (that's his head).

Soccer

2009-04-26T11:33:00.000-05:00

I have no previous experience with soccer. I never played myself (wasn't offered back in those days at CCHS, lol), my nieces and nephews never played, etc. So this is a whole new experience for me and I'm loving it. We did swim lessons through Cedar Rapids Parks & Rec and are now doing soccer through them too. Their moto is "noncompetitive atmosphere, all soccer players are equal, and sportsmanship is encouraged". It's very hands on, more games to teach skills than drills, etc. Dalton is thriving in this environment and I was happy to see during the scrimmage last week he was always right where the ball was.

I also love the soccer ball Uncle Jay made :).

Favorite Foto Friday - Me

2009-04-24T12:08:00.000-05:00

I've been reading Sarah's blog http://kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com/ for years now and always thought I'd participate in Favorite Foto Friday if I ever got my own blog. However, I picked the worse week to start, lol, I'm the photographer, finding pictures of me (especially since I hate having mine taken) is not easy.

So I had to go back to our last professional family pictures with Besty. I figured since I was posting one of Betsy's pictures, I'd go one step further and tell you all how much I love Betsy's pictures and how you need to give her a call for your own pics. http://www.betsymilder.webs.com/ My co-worker Kris set us to take pictures at the Marriott. Picture an almost 8 year old, an almost 2 year old, a 13 day old, a dad who doesn't smile, and a mom who doesn't like her picture taken. Betsy was great working with us and obviously use to the choas as Katelyn running all over the Marriott (barefoot no less with her pants falling off), Dalton chasing her, and Shaun wanting to eat (and then peeing all over his clothes) didn't phase her. We can't wait to get them done again soon, but outside this time.

The "me" picture.

Apparently I didn't get the memo this pictures was the "serious" one.

I love how this looks like they're being all loving on each other when really Dalton was trying to keep her from running away, lol.

I love the way she's looking at him. She wanted nothing to do with him at the hospital, but ever since we got home she's been very attentive and protective of him.

Put em up, put em up.

One of the few moments she held still.

How do you get a picture of an almost 8 year old, almost 2 year old, and a 13 day old? Have the almost 8 year old put his hand on the almost 2 year olds head and on your count, pull her to you. Very creative and worked great :).

Is she giving him a kiss or mouth-to-mouth?

This so captures her personality.

A great picture of him where he's not making some weird face, something I can't get him to do.

One of my favorite pictures ever of him.

Here kitty, kitty

2009-04-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Dalton had his music concert on the 7th. I'm not sure who designed the parking lot at his school, but you can pretty much guarantee you won't find a spot in the parking lot and instead will end up parking four or more blocks away and walking. Since we live five to six blocks away, we decided to just walk up. We put Katelyn and Shaun in the double stroller and took off. Dalton was running ahead of us as he thinks we're too slow (maybe a little nervous energy too). He came running back at us and about the time I was wondering why, I saw a little dog who was not on a leash/chain "chasing" him. He ran behind Matt and I as the owner came around the corner and was hollering for the dog. Considering all of the animals he is around with his mom, I was a bit surprised this small dog would scare him. However, I about fell over laughing when Katelyn looked at the dog (she's usually terrified of dogs) and said here kitty kitty, here kitty kitty.

Mederma - Magic

2009-04-22T12:29:00.000-05:00

Our first and only phone call from daycare of course came the day they decided to admit Shaun to the hospital. I was at work feeling helpless as there was nothing I could do until Matt and Shaun got down here when Debbie called to let me know that Katelyn fell when they went outside and had a cut just below her eye that was pretty deep and probably needed stitches. I called Matt and told him to turn around and go back and get Katelyn. Then I set to work figuring out short of the ER where we could take her at the U to get stitches saving us a $50 co-pay and a long day in the ER. Not sure if it was pity on me for the situation or just their excellent service, but General Peds fit Katelyn in that afternoon. Daddy took her down for her "stitches" that turned into just being glue while I waited with Shaun to be admitted. They then put a band aid on it and a big piece of tegaderm. We spent the next 24 hours saying no picking as she tried and tried to get that darn band aid and "tape" off. She HATES band aids. When she gets her immunizations she rips the band aids off about as fast as they put them on, she takes band aids off of me and Shaun too. Once she got the band aid and "tape" off we thought she would leave it alone, but we were wrong. She'd look right at us and say "no pick pick" as she picked it. Needless to say by Sunday I was calling the doctor to see what to do since she had picked the glue off. They said it was too late to reglue it and at this point just to keep it clean and free from infections and try to minimize scarring. I had a few people suggest Mederma to me so for the next week or so I alternated the Mederma and antibiotic ointment. Once the scab was gone and the risk of infection was over, I went to just using the Mederma. Needless to say, we now swear by this stuff. It says for fresh scars to use 3-4 times a day for 8 weeks. We're just barely at the 4 week mark and look at the difference.

Wordless Wednesday - 5 months

2009-04-22T12:24:00.001-05:00

Hey, Hey We're the Monkeys

2009-04-21T19:57:00.000-05:00

Before

After

I would like to say he got tired of me saying hey, hey we're the monkeys when I looked at him or asking him to flip his head so his hair was out of his eyes so I could see him when I talked to him, but I think it was actually the interview that FINALLY convinced him to get a haircut and the $7.99 Great Clips sale :). Sorry about the pictures (especially the after), but he didn't want his taken so I had to pass it off like I was really taking it of the kids, haha.

What Can Jay Do For You?

2009-04-18T21:14:00.001-05:00

In case you've been living under a rock, I'd like to introduce you to one of the coolest, most original ideas I've seen in a long time http://www.sportraitsllc.com/. Mybrother has wanted to follow in our dad's footsteps of being an entrepreneur and has just been looking for the right business to do it with. He finally found that with Sportraits, LLC and his photo sports balls. I can't tell you how many jokes this lends itself too and how often we joke about Jay's balls. This business is of great interest to me in that I want to see my brother succeed and I like to take a few pictures, lol. My dad always says my kids may be afraid of thunder, but they'll never be afraid of lightening. Here are a few examples of his work and of his cute models :).

Pretty much anything you want, he can do. He also does fundraisers so if you know of a group looking to make some money, here is a great opportunity. Be sure and let him know I sent you.