Thankful Thursday? Seriously?

Who came up with that title anyway? Just kidding. The kids have been a little wild today. Trevor and Caleb have been feeding off one another all afternoon. I think the whole "swine flu" thing has us feeling all cooped up. Although, Mimi did come out and join us for a trip to the library. We stocked up on bunches of videos and books to keep us occupied. People laugh at me over being afraid of the swine flu, but is seriously sucks for us germ-a-phobes. My hands are so dry from washing that they are cracked and bleeding.

OK...back to Thankful Thursday. I am so thankful for my family. My immediate family AND my in-laws. I am so very fortunate to have such loving people to surround myself and my children. I am thankful for so much more in life, but I will hopefully have many more Thursdays to tell you about it. Gearing up for Trevor's first baseball game tomorrow night. Inevitably, it will be canceled. But, I am so excited and so proud, I can hardly wait to watch him.

Trevor Tuesday

It has been a LONG, LONG day with the kids. They had great behavior this morning (and I was feeling more normal than I have in quite a while). This afternoon, however, it was a whole new ballgame. I think they could tell I wasn't feeling up to par, so they took advantage of me and were running wild and acting like pent up animals.

I love this picture of Trevor. He got his uniform yesterday. He was so excited to show me. I feel awful, he wants me to come to his practices and games, but it is a little difficult with Caleb and McKenna in tow. They really aren't that interested. They are interested in running all over the over crowded parking lot. I hope to make a few practices and a few games. He was super excited to show off his uniform. Go Bats!!

McKenna Monday

Did you all miss me?? I am finally getting back to normal. I spent two nights in the hospital after having surgery Monday afternoon. I went in for surgery, came home and went back a day later because of bleeding and horrific pain. I am still having a little of both, but am much, much better. Thank you so much for helping. Gladys, Gary, Mom and Aaron...I could not have done anything without your help. I am so appreciative for all that you guys do to help my family. I think it has been nice for the kids to spend so much time with you all as well. And Sonja...you were my only visitor (aside from Mom). It is nice to know I have friends to count on to cheer me up as well. I am so glad to have you too. As much as I missed my kids, I'm glad to be home. Thanks everyone for the support.

A friend I met in the hospital...

Happy Earth Day

Although I am still in massive amounts of pain, we found time to celebrate Earth Day. The boys and I read about saving the earth and other means of conservation and we decided to start a compost bin as well. The kids loved this. I think we are going to start a small garden too. Who knows. I think I need to completely recover first. I am not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I would certainly hope it can only get better from here... Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. Keep them coming, I could use all I can get. Hope everyone is well.

Hush Little Baby/ Goodnight Moon

This is just a sample of the wonderful little blessings I get to experience each night around 8:00pm every evening. How awesome is that??

AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

It is like the kids are on speed. They are cute, but, seriously...My surgery and recovery are going to be a vacation compared to what the boys have put me through this last week.
Trevor's ear...still hurting.


MJ playing at the park


More playtime at the park



Finding dandelions

Indianapolis Childrens' Museum...Never Again

We took a little road trip to the Indianapolis Museum this week. I was so glad to have the help from my mother in law. Not only did she ride with me, but she helped to maintain the brood amongst 2000 other preschoolers at the place. I have never seen so much chaos and mass amounts of children in one location. We lost Caleb once, had all three kids in three different directions several times, and were told that we could not eat in the only area designated for eating. I think every school in the tristate area decided to go the same morning we attempted this venture. I could not have done that alone. Through the years of dealing with difficulties going places alone, I have overcome most and can go most places...NOT HERE...NEVER AGAIN. Here are some pictures to prove I went. There will never be pictures like them again, because I don't think I will ever go back.

Not sure why, but this was Trevor's favorite thing...a handheld video game

Trevor walking like a dinosaur

A little sibling tea party

A day with Oma

McKenna making music with the Indy crew

MJ standing and watching the others singing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Our HUGE snack of apples, chips, pretzels, fiber bars and apricots...yummy

I don't know why, but I took lots of pics in the mirror rooms. The only pics I get to have of myself

Another one. I really liked this one.

One more

OK. One more (with Oma and Trev doing a little dance)

Being couch potatoes in the healthy kids area

Dinomania

Caleb playing the, oh so popular, video games

Digging for dinosaur bones

Caleb and Jakob really enjoying each others company at lunch

Wacky Caleb Wednesday

OK...going to try to stick to a theme here. So I have McKenna Monday, Trevor Tuesday and Wacky Caleb Wednesday. We'll see how I adhere to it. Nothing much to say. Having another bladder surgery on Monday. I am getting fed up with this whole IC thing. It really is for the birds. There is a 20 percent chance it could put me in remission. I am holding my breath that I am in that 20 percent. Unlikely, but hopeful wishing. Will let you know how things progress. Here's a picture of Caleb while playing cops and robbers with his brother.

Trevor Tuesdays

It has been quite the week with Trevor...OK...quite the month, really. He has been flat out rotten. After being pushed to the brink on several occasions, I decided it was time to take him to the doctor to see if there was something else going on. Lo and behold, he has a double ear infection with a possible sinus infection as well. Poor little man. He was being so bad. He was throwing things, screaming, lashing out at everyone who crossed his path and was just downright crazy at times. I would have thought he would have told us a little sooner that his ears were hurting, but he didn't. At least now I can blame his horrific behavior on him being sick. Let's see what excuse I can find for next week. I tell ya...two, three and four year olds are a total work in progress. And when that is over, you just move on to the next obnoxious stage, right? I'm kidding, I know there are good parts to kids, it is just hard to realize them when you are dealing with the problems at the moment. I do realize, just how truly blessed I am. Just a little dizzy from the chaos...

Happy Easter

Sorry Aaron...I had to put it on here.

Well, we are so blessed, as usual. Had a wonderful Easter filled with happy family memories. The kids had a nice time painting eggs, making all the Easter crafts and, of course, finding their Easter baskets and going on their Easter egg hunt. We are so thankful.

Playing Catch Up

Between Aaron working, pre-Easter celebrations, loads and loads of laundry to do, dinners to cook, bills to pay, cards to make, eggs to fill and small presents to wrap, I haven't had much time to get on here with photos. There will be some pictures of all this weeks festivities posted soon. I promise. Oh yeah...and I had visits from 2 very awesome friends I hadn't seen in a VERY long time. And one, from a person I see a lot, but love every minute of it. I hope everyone has a nice Easter and remembers the true meaning. As Trevor has reminded everyone we have come in contact with...he tells them it is about Jesus and that he wakes up after being dead for a few days. He knows more, I am just too tired to post about it. Have a wonderful Easter weekend.

Say what???

Trevor:
I got a Nashcar from the store. (Nascar...)
Can I watch the Mighty Gas Car tonight? (Madagascar)



McKenna:
I me pu butt-it (I need a puke bucket)
ah hole eee (Will you hold me?)
ooh aye ee (Will you lay with me?)



Caleb:
Are those only for axes? (meaning only for adults)
I got a big D@ck (I got a big stick)

Sorry if this is a repeat picture. Aaron informed me that the last picture I had up of Caleb was "scary" so I deleted it and replaced it. Not in the mood to edit anymore tonight, so this is what you get. Haha.



I'm sure there will be more to come. I just got a kick out of Trevor asking to watch the Mighty Gas Car. Too funny. MJ continues to struggle with breathing. I am hoping she will feel better tomorrow. Although, not only is she having breathing problems, she is now having diarrhea and insanely red diaper rash.

Still sick of spring already

It has been a challenging day. Trevor continues to battle the bad behavior demons, while McKenna and Caleb are fighting the asthma demons. In fact, there was a point this evening, where I became quite concerned as her hands turned purple-like and she was having a terrible time breathing. After about six albuterol treatments and lots of cuddles and holding, she seems to be somewhat comfortable. I don't think I have slept more than 3 hours at a time in the last week. Between Caleb and McKenna being sick, they are giving me a run for the money. I probably won't sleep a wink tonight since I'll be checking on MJ all night. As much of a pain in the butt motherhood is when my kids are sick, I realize how truly, truly blessed I am. What special little gifts from God I've been given.

Snot-faced McKenna. I thought I would hold out on the editing, just for your pleasure.

Having fun at the park

Flirting for some candy before we left for our LONG walk

What I caught Caleb doing at the park (I only have so many hands people)

Trevor and Natalie chillin'

What I caught TREVOR doing at the park (seriously...two hands...it is all I have and MJ is sick and clingy) Can you believe he is getting married...or so he says.

Tell Me Nothing Tuesday