my farm kids

Still taking medical terminology... I am still trucking away at a chapter a day.

I have some cute kid stories to share, here is when I take time to write intentional memories...

Sunday Tony and I went shooting at my mom's farm. We took the kids with us but I forgot Troy's shoes. So, we stopped at Target on the way there and picked up a pair of cheap shoes for him to wear. I ran in while Tony drove around the parking lot. I found him a cute pair of knock off crocs that looked like Lightening McQueen from the Cars movie.. they were on clearance for $4, can't beat that. They were a little big but I figured they'd work and Troy loves Lightening McQueen so I knew he'd like them. I just didn't know how much. The shoes kept falling off of his feet while he walked in the clay around the barn. He would stop and pick up the shoes and try to put them back on. Eventually I gave up and let him walk and ruin a pair of socks. When we got home, I took the shoes and put them on his shelf with the rest of his shoes in his room. Last night after his bath he was running around his room wearing his diaper and he found the bright red car shoes. He chased after me saying "EEZZZZ" and hitting the shoes on his foot. I asked him, "Do you want to wear them?" He gave me the shoes and sat on the ground. I would put the shoes on him and he'd walk very slowly so that he could keep the shoes from falling off. He loves them. He looked so cute. His curly brown hair, pop belly, saggy diaper, and red shoes. What a sweetie he is.

Sophia and Troy got in a fight last night- a real fight. Rolling on the kitchen floor, screaming at each other, one on top of the other, they were fighting over an Elmo book that my aunt got Sophia for her birthday when she was 2. They were both wearing fleece pajamas, slipping and sliding around the floor. I came in the kitchen and grabbed them each in one hand and they slid apart, still screaming. I yelled "be quiet" and they both stopped, looked at me, and both started crying. I picked them up and carried them into the other room and sat them down, I was so shocked that they were fighting and I really didn't know what to do, I said "you figure it out" and I walked away to contemplate my next move. They were sitting on the floor in the dining room looking at my crying. I walked into the kitchen got the book, put it back in Sophia's room. I told Sophi "your book stays in your room"... I really still didn't know how to handle it so I turned around to figure out how to handle the situation. Then I looked, Sophia had crawled over to Troy and they were holding each other. Sophia was rubbing his head saying "I'm sorry Troy" and he was clinging to her saying "Titty, oh Titty". Not five seconds later they were up and playing again, loving each other. So sweet. I guess I don't always have to know what to do, they "figured it out"

Tonight Troy was climbing all over Sophia while she laid on the floor wrapped in a blanket, she says "I'm wrapped in a cuddle." She hugged Troy and said "I'm thanksgiving for you Troy" :)

I hope everyone has a good thanksgiving, I'm thanksgiving for you :)

God is Good

This week has flown by. I started taking medical terminology online so that I can get a J-O-B. It was a decision that I have gone around and around with. I really didn't want to have to put the kids in daycare. With the possiblity of us moving I didn't want to add more change by going back to work and then having to put the kiddies in daycare. Lots of prayers and some jobs presented themselves that I could work at night or some days, but it really wouldn't affect the kids schedule and they wouldn't have to go into fulltime daycare, which I thought was an answer to prayers. I applied for the job only to be turned down, I needed medical terminology. So- I checked into the classes and the hours and days would no way fit in with our everyday life. I prayed about it more and God opened another door and my good buddy Kelly showed me that I could take this class online. She had already started it, as she too is finding herself in a life changing time. I started it and have been trying to complete a chapter a week, thus the lack of attention on my blog this week. I gave tonight to tackle the loads of laundry that has been piling up in my room all week. I folded laundry for two and a half hours straight! It is all done though and I think most of our clothes are clean, folded, and put away.
Sophia still is doing great with no seizures. The nuerologist said that she thinks the medication that Sophia was on was aggrivating her seizure condition instead of helping it- I think she may be right. Her mood is so much more stable. She is still they typical three year old with tantrums and high emotions. But all of that is so much easier to understand. She is so happy and hasn't once had a depressed day like she used to say she didn't want to get out of bed, she would say she wanted to stay in her room... she hardly ever complains of her tummy hurting- unless it really does. :) She is doing really great. Praise God for that!
Troy is doing good. He has been sleeping so much better. This week he has slept until about 4:30 every morning, only to eat a bottle then he goes right back to sleep until around 7:30. He is such a sweet little guy. He is talking more. He started saying some new words this week "Muck" which is milk, "Bah Bah" for his bottle.. he calls Sophia "Titty" because he can't say Sissy.. now that's funny right!?
Well, I'm really tired. I hope everyone has a great weekend. :) I'll update more later.

what's going on with us

I should be sleeping.. Sophia is spending the night at her Mimi's house (my mom) and Troy is in bed. Tony however, is playing video games... would you believe that he is almost 30 and still playing video games!? Men really are big kids. Now, I must say, it's not a kids game, but I don't see many video games that I think are good for kids these days. Maybe the Leapfrog games but those aren't really "video games"... he is playing some war game. What a nerd, I'm almost embarrassed to type that... LOL

This has been a good week for us. Troy is recouping from his nasty sinus infection. He is such a sweet boy. The quick weather changes in Florida are hard on the kids immune systems. It went from 65 degrees to 85 degrees in two days, it has been warm here. I hear another cold front is moving in this week, meaning back in the 60's... I know to most of you that doesn't sound cold, but for us Florida kids, we are used to the 90's. I've never even seen snow, so anything under 65 is freezing in my book. :)

Some of you have asked about the new house... well, no it didn't work out. Tony put an offer and they wouldn't take it- Tony said he really didn't care for it anyway, so it was for the best. Then we decided to stay put until our house sells.. two weeks later they called to say they accepted our offer. Although it was hard to turn down, we figured it would be best to stay until the house we are living in sells. In the meantime, I have still been looking and it sure is a buyers market. I am just hoping this house sells because I have my eye on a beautiful house at a great price. We will see... I am praying for a buyer to come along and put an offer on this house. Things have stabilized in Tony's job, at least for a while, and he is feeling more secure. That feeling of urgency is gone and we are just watching and waiting. I know God will provide and we will be OK, where ever we are. I am just thankful that Tony has a job and we got the insurance thing situated, for now anyway... life really can change in an instant. I guess we are supposed to hold on, and enjoy the ride. :) For those of us control freaks... hold on and close your eyes I guess, you never know what twists and turns are next and your strapped in and can't get out and... well, that's just how I feel... but I am trying to hold on, and enjoy it. I really am. :)

Tomorrow is church and then I think for lunch, we are going to use the Outback Steakhouse gift card that's been sitting in Tony's wallet for too long now. Yummy!

Hope everyone has a good weekend. :)

three year old with an attitude

Yesterday morning she told me she couldn't go out of the bathroom without her make up on...




What do you do with a three year old with the attitude of thirty year old?
Love her, I guess, and lots of prayer!

Last week we were driving to Chick Fil A to meet my friend Megan and her daughter for dinner and so the kids could play. On the way there Sophia's shoe fell off. I told her I'd get it when we got to Chick Fil A. She was screaming, "My shoe! My shoe!" Breathe, I reminded myself. I told her to calm down and stop asking, I will get it when we get there.
She was quiet for a couple minutes then let it out- "MOMMY, IF YOU DON'T PULL THIS CAR OVER RIGHT NOW AND PUT MY SHOE ON ME I AM GOING TO GET YOU OUT OF THIS CAR SPANK YOU AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO CHICKALAY!!"

Are you kidding me! I didn't know what to say. I just ignored her, probably wrong thing to do but I didn't think I could address her without laughing and I knew that wouldn't be good.

sick again...

Poor Troy. That baby can't catch a break. He has been to the doctor three times in two weeks. He isn't throwing up anymore, but now he has a nasty sinus infection. I think he handled the stomach thing better than this. He has been so miserable. He just laid around tonight, moaning, cooing... he is so sweet. He is sleeping now and I am hoping he can get some good rest now that he has some antibiotics in his system. His fever has been high since last night, 104... I am hoping the Motrin keeps it under control throughout the night. Well, I am exhausted he was up a lot last night and only took a 45 minute nap today. I folded a load of clothes and laid my head down on the pillow and immediately heard him start fussing. No rest for the weary...
Troy in the wagon fishing with Daddy in the spring.


Sophia is doing great! That child amazes me! I am so happy for her health and her joy. She was so happy to go to ballet class tonight. Tony took her and I stayed home with Troy. She came home, wired! She was so happy. Dancing around the house, we kept having to quiet her because Troy was sleeping. She is so much more active. She used to lay in bed in the mornings, fuss, not want to get up... now she jumps out of bed ready for the day to start! :) That's my girl!! :)
Sweet girl and her ribbons! ;)


Well, my boy has started fussing... hope you all are having a good week. :) LATERS-

From the Dog

I'm the dog. Tater Tot, is my name. I don't know why I got such a crazy name. My dad wanted to name me, "Honey" but NO- Mom insisted on Tater Tot, she says I ate frozen Tater Tots, but I don't recall. Well, I spend most of my days lounging around the house. Occasionally mom will take me on a car ride, but more times than not I am left at home. You know, there was a time in my life when Mom took me everywhere... then she had Sophia and Troy. Now, I'm lucky if I get more than a walk. Sophia is my friend, I enjoy laying in her bed, only if I've had a bath though. Troy chases me around and I don't really care for him that much. I mean, yes, I love him, but I try and avoid him most times. He thinks he is patting me softly but he is really hurting me. I know he likes me though. Whenever he sees me he runs towards me hollering. I usually trot the other direction and act like I didn't see him. I think he knows. Tonight I fell asleep on the couch with Dad, until mom woke him and put me in this crate. You know, there was also a time when I slept in their bed. No, I'm not bitter.
Well, enough about that.. I'm a lazy dog and I'm going to sleep.
Good night,
Tater Tot

I've got to know... what does your dog have to say?

Renaissance Faire

Today we went to the Renaissance Faire, I must admit, I was a bit skeptical... I have never been to one before. Tony's mom told me to expect to see a lot of boobs, they way she said it had me concerned... if you know me, you probably know I'm ok with cleavage... LOL, but I was concerned because I was hoping for a "family environment" as advertised. It turned out to be a great day though! Yes, lots of cleavage, but mostly in a tasteful 1500s kind of way. I wish I had cleavage like Queen Elizabeth though. ;) Ok, enough about the cleavage- and more about the faire..
It was a lot of fun. Sophia loved it, there was lots of horses to look at and princesses too -horses and princesses, her favorite! Troy was very entertained the majority of the time. He did get very mad on our walk at the docks when I wouldn't let him throw himself into the lake but other than that he did really good. Tony loved it, I think he wishes he was from this time period... that "heroic alpha male, I'm your knight in shining armor let me rescue you fair maiden" kind of stuff... haha! Anyway, there were a few strange looking characters but I kept an open mind and really ended up having fun. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Tony and I participated in archery and some other fun things. There was a comedian there named Johnny Phoenix, they called him the village idiot- he was very funny. We saw knights, jousting, and again lots of horses. There was lots of food, and you know we participated in that too. :) At the bottom is the link to see all the pictures and here are a few of my favorites-

Troy trying to fling himself into the lake. Don't worry I had a death grip on him, while maintaining my smile- that's multitasking.

Tony shot a bullseye

I didn't do too bad myself...

Sophia got to meet Queen Elizabeth, Sophi said, "thank you for talking to me Queen" :)Sweet girl.

Me and Tony <3


All the other pictures...
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=11qp8sz4.70otperw&x=0&y=eoqhmv&localeid=en_US

Look What I got!!

Now, I know it's would appear to be just a button... but NO, it is an award saying I am a kreativ blogger! Ok, well, really thank you Shan for passing it on to me and other Kreativ bloggers. Part of the deal is that I...

The rules of the award:

1. List 6 things about yourself

2. Pass this award on to others

6 Things about Myself
1. I ate oatmeal for breakfast and I'm making an attempt to eat healthy, but the pumpkin pie on the counter is calling my name and I'm fighting the temptation to grab a fork and eat the rest of the pie right out of the pan, and I won't forget the Ready Whip!

2. Troy is awake in his crib and I am blogging... I should probably go get him, maybe I should have won the Addicted Blogger Award.

3. Tony calls Troy "Mommy Face", yes he looks like his daddy, but according to baby pictures his face looks just like a little Holly. No wonder everyone thinks he is so cute. :)

4. I love coffee, I'd drink it all day if it wouldn't keep me up all night, not to mention it's not good for you. But I love it!

5. I grew up on a farm, but sadly I was allergic to everything that lived on it. I love horses, cows, chickens, the whole thing! It was great growing up on a farm, I wish I could have enjoyed it more. I love that Sophia loves riding and has no sign of allergies.

6. I hate folding laundry and have six loads waiting to be folded and put away...

Pass This Award on To Others

What a world, randomness of a stay at home mommy
Kati, Copy the button and accept the award.

Angels, Bambi and Garbear, and Our Journey Home already received it or I'd send it to them too!

REMEMBER...

All of the hate that is being seen as a result of Barack Obama being elected president is very disturbing... I am not blogging my personal opinions but I felt it was important to remeber this-

TEN PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Love you all have a happy week!
I'll update soon. Things have been busy around here...

At His feet, hold me

Some pictures from the pumpkin patch.


Another end to a busy week.... seems like our lives our so full right now. What a blessing it is to have so much to do. I often take it for granted but it really is a blessing to be so busy with my beautiful children. Sophia is doing great! I am so happy. She is happy, healthy, and doing great off of the medication. We are so hopeful that she will be able to stay off seizure medications. She has been seizure free as far as we can tell. We got home from the hospital Wednesday last week and Thursday Troy started vomiting. I thought he had a stomach bug... the vomiting continued and I took him to the doctor Monday. No fever, no diarrhea, in fact he was constipated. I thought maybe it was something he ate. The doctor said he was having reflux and a valve in his tummy wasn't working properly. They put him on Reglan, 30 minutes before every meal and before bedtime. It didn't help- he was still vomiting and now with white stools (TMI-I know but it was weird!). Called the doctor Tuesday night, the poor baby was vomiting and crying... they upped the dosage of the medicine and said to bring him in on Thursday. Wednesday he did better, no vomiting so the higher dosage of the medicine seemed to be working. Thursday we went to the doctor but he seemed fine, still with white poop though! If the white poop happens again we are going to have it tested. The Reglan is working and we are hoping that the valve just got irritated and it will correct itself. He is on the Reglan for two weeks and then if he is still having problems they will send him to a specialist, we are hoping that is just got irritated from a virus or something. It is very rare that a child will develop reflux at 12 months old so hopefully it's not a big deal. He kept us busy though! All that cleaning! I am glad the medicine is working. He also never got dehydrated so that was good- it could have been much worse. He is such a happy boy! I'm glad he's feeling better. He had us busy though.

Isn't it amazing how life changes in an instant. I was talking to my friend Kati about that this week. We go from so many unknowns to stability in an instant only to find something else is changing and another reason to adapt. In our personal lives, our families, our relationships, our finances, our government, our world... it is true the world doesn't stop spinning for anyone. Even when we need it to. Thank God for prayer... I don't think I could have made it the past few weeks without praying. Talking to the one constant in my life, God, the one thing that I know will never change, my God, His love.
Whenever prayer falls from my highest priority it always finds its way back to the top of my list. Not that I forget to pray, I am actually praying constantly throughout the day. I talk to God like he is in the room with me (in my mind of course, I wouldn't want people thinking I was a nut) but I think sometimes that takes the reverence of prayer (which is important). I am joining Bring the Rain in their seven prayers a day, if you don't know you should look- it's awesome! Also, I am making reverent prayer a part of my daily routine. I pray at night while I rock Troy and I love that time. I sing praises to God while I rock Sophia, and we both love that. But alone time in reverent prayer I am lacking.. and I love that too. So- think about prayer this week, it's importance, and it's place in your life.
Prayer is the closest we can be with our Holy Father. Like His child bent down at his feet.

It makes me think of Troy. Sick, tummy hurting, and standing at my feet with his arms reaching up to me. Wanting me to hold him, to take the pain from him, to make him feel better. He didn't have the words but I knew, as his mommy what he needed. And when I hold him, if just for a moment while he rests his head on me, he feels better. He can rest. I feel that when I pray. Like a little child reaching for my Father. For him to pick me up and let me rest on his chest, if just for an instant. He is never to busy for us. What a gracious, kind, Father we have to love us, unconditionally.... we really can learn by His loving example.
Thank you Father for being there to hold me, always. Like your little child you hold me.

Some Halloween Pictures for you...

HAPPY ELECTION DAY!

I hope everyone votes today!
And watch these awesome kids!!