they've been promoted!

Tucker and Tanner had a karate belt promotion today. I wasn't sure if we'd make it or not with the arrival so up in the air. We made it. I am pleased to say that both boys received their new belts. I am even MORE pleased to announce that Tanner Bananer actually remembered his FORMS! This current form is one that he's been learning for the past 3 mos or so and he's never been able to memorize it. He finally got it! If he couldn't remember it, they wouldn't let him get his new belt. This belt was SUPER important because Tucker was at a purple and Tanner was one belt below him at a blue advance. BBC2 class starts off at purple. SO, I've been having to get two boys to 2 lessons a week but 2 different class schedules. It's not been fun. or easy. NOW though, they are both in the same class! Only one schedule to stick to. Life is suddenly made that tiny bit easier. All because Tanner remembered his form! Wahoo!

Oh, and I've been having LOTs of contractions since the belt promotion. Not that it necessarily means anything....but a girl can hope!

I started and finished the baby's blanket today. I figured maybe that's all he was waiting for? No? It has been chilly lately...you never know!

awesome...

So, the tournament went really well yesterday. Well, for ONE of the guys anyway. Tanner was his typical spastic self. I think he didn't REALLY take his meds even though he told me he had. He was SO unfocused and naughty. He couldn't remember ANY of his forms past the first two moves. It was somewhat embarrassing. BUT, I had to get over it because I cannot control the way he acts so.... Tucker on the other hand kicked butt.....literally. He did ok on his forms. There are a lot of moves to remember and he gets anxious about that. BUT, I was totally impressed with his sparring. He used to be so timid when he was up against another kid. Last tournament he actually cried when he lost his match. This time though was different. He had a fire in his eye and he was so determined. He ended up having to spar with 3 different boys and he took first place! I was SO proud of him. He was SO excited it was awesome to see. Unfortunately, you only get a trophy for placing in forms. He got a cool medal though for forms and a gold medal for sparring. Now we know what to focus on for next time. He's bound and determined to get himself a trophy! I'm sure he can do it!

Another busy weekend in the house of testosterone.

The weather should be nice and there is plenty of work to be done. Let me tell you, nothing is more thrilling to my boys than knowing that due to their poor behavior, their weekend will include picking up poop (chicken AND dog) and doing other various odd jobs at mom's whim. Jake, Tucker and Tanner just insist on learning all lessons the hard way. I guess that's fine. It means that I don't have to do these gross jobs. I told them that since they choose to act in such a disgusting manner, they can do ALL the disgusting jobs I can come up with. Looks like I no longer have to scrub the urine stains off the tile in the bathroom either! YEAH!

May....the month that rivals Christmas in terms of $$$

May is ALWAYS a busy month here in my house. In just 10 days I hope to find out if my dream of having a daughter will be fulfilled or if I will be forced to wait for the daughters in law....

In just 11 more days, Tucker will be 11! He's got major preteen attitude flaring up already. So much so, that he may have to *skip* the party this year.

In a mere 23 days, I will become mother to a 15!!!! year old!!! (YIKES! Not too much longer until this one's driving!)

In 27 short days, my little Tanner will be 7! I know the experts say that 7 is the age of reasoning. I think Tanner may need a couple of extra years. He's still impulsive and odd in a fun eccentric sort of way.

I hope your May isn't going to be as insanely busy as mine!

A Beautiful Mind.....

Tucker met with his doc on Monday and she thought I should try him back on his ADD meds until Spring Break. So, he's taken his meds now for 2 days and WILL not be continuing them. Yesterday was odd, to say the least. Around 3:30, while I ran in to the grocery store, Tucker started in on his homework. I figured that the meds were helping him prioritize and I thought nothing more of it. He was working diligently, or maybe OBSESSIVELY is a better word for it, until around 9:30. I kid you not, he was like Russell Crowe in a beautiful mind. He was so quiet and so frenzied in his work. He wasn't even working on actual homework but was trying to create a "fractions graph" I'm not sure what it is but it involved a ruler and a pencil and a look of concentration that I've never seen on his face. He turned down dinner, he worked right on through it....He let the ice cubes in his soda melt....he was completely involved in the task at hand. Around 8, I suggested he try to eat. He reheated his hamburger but it was probably cold again before he stopped to even take one bite. Jared told me this afternoon that Tucker had a really hard time getting to sleep because he was too "energized" At one point, he was seeing what he called "fleas" jumping all over his ceiling. Jake was really put out by the fact that Tucker was frantically searching his room, trying to locate the fleas. Tucker woke up at 6 am and watched several infomercials. He even took down some numbers in case I'm interested in making millions on the internet while I sleep. When I woke up, he jumped up to show me what he was working on at the moment....sheet music! Yes, my son who is only doing music for the first year, is trying to write music! As I type, he's busy making paper airplanes and jets. He's been working on them for the past 3 hours at least. He actually already had several when I picked him up from school. He's not sat down, he's not had a snack, he's not gone to the bathroom. He's just driven to make these airplanes. Again, he WILL not be taking these meds again tomorrow. The ONLY thing that has changed since he last took his meds is the fact that he had his tonsils and adnoids removed. I don't quite understand how that could make such a dramatic difference but it's just odd. He's also doing a weird thing with his mouth, licking his lips a lot and doing a chewing sort of movement. Who KNOWS why the meds are affecting him like this or even why they seem to be lasting so long. These meds are supposed to last 10-12 hours but yesterdays dose still seemed to be in affect this morning. It's SO strange.

still hanging on....

Tucker is still home from school. His throat is still hurting and he doesn't eat much. I do think he's going back Friday though. I know he desperately misses his friends. I'm just afraid to send him back too soon and have him running around (which he's NOT supposed to do) Also, he can't eat much so lunches pose a bit of a problem. He really is the whiniest patient EVER! It's driving me nuts. He won't take his pain meds, he hardly eats, hardly drinks, LOVES to complain. It's SO frustrating. I am really looking forward to having my life back to the normal routine. Tucker also loves to yell and whine at Jake and everything Jake does. 2 nights ago, Jake snuck up on Tucker (I don't think he was being malicious) but Tucker didn't hear him and he screamed really loud! After that, he was spitting up blood. LOVELY! That is to be expected though as the healing process progresses. I won't tell you all the gory details but it's normal. I just wish I could convince him to keep the whining, yelling, and grunting down to a minimum. It is, after all, in his best interest!

slowly going insane....

Yep, that's me. I've been Tucker's nurse all week long and he's driving me nuts. I know he's in pain and all but he has not been eating or drinking much and he flat out refuses to take his pain meds because they don't taste good. Instead, he just moans and groans on the couch and wakes me up in the middle of the night crying. I feel bad for him, I really do but enough is enough already! If it hurts, take your meds! They REALLY work well when he takes them. I had to get really serious with him and told him that if he doesn't eat and drink he'll end up right back in the hospital with another dreaded IV. It's the truth! So, he's been a bit better as far as eating goes but geesh, he really needs to just take the pain meds. I think I'm just a bit snappier than normal because I've not got that lovely virus that all my boys had. Fun, fun, fun! Fever, sore throat, headache.....just lovely. I'm having a fabulous weekend. I know, you're probably thinking "at least it's the weekend and Jared can help out with the kids." I thought the same thing for a second before I remembered who my hubby is....He spent all day yesterday outside. Not helping with the baby AT ALL! I was SO upset. Man, men really can be jerks. I even told him that I need help with the kids. Instead, he stocked up on firewood because, well, there's a storm coming. Never mind that we don't have a freakin fireplace!!!! It's for his fire pit outside. THAT'S helpful! UGH, I could just strangle him.

Tucker

Tucker's surgery went really well. He had to spend one night in the hospital for observation but he came home yesterday morning. He's been super tired and he is in pain but he's been a real trooper. He HATES the taste of the pain meds so he tries so hard not to need it but I've made him take it a few times. It's really hard to watch your kid in pain. He's been eating a bit but not much. I stocked up on ice cream, popsicles, pudding, soups and other soft foods....I just wish I could get him to eat more. His voice sounds a bit off and should be back to normal within 6 weeks. In the hospital, right after his surgery, he sounded like a deaf person when he talked. He found that to be VERY frustrating. He was getting SO upset because he just couldn't say some words. I'm glad that he's talking better now....it was sort of scary....thinking "what if he talks like this from now on?" All in all, he seems to be doing very well. He may miss up to two weeks of school which was longer than I remembered with Jon. I think we just need to play it by ear and see how he feels. He definitely needs to take it easy. I've mentioned before how wonderful his principal is at school....well, he actually called from home last night to check on Tucker. What a sweet, sweet man. We just love him! Thank you all for your well wishes.....

Update

It's been quite some time since I've really posted anything. I thought maybe I should post an update since there is so much going on.

Jon has been really focusing on his grades lately. I have to say that I am VERY proud of him. He brought home a 3.0 for his first high school semester! I know he could've done much better and after seeing the progress he made with just a tiny bit of effort, he's finally decided that it's worth his time to just go ahead and try hard the whole time. This is a huge step for him and I hope it sticks.

Jake has been transitioning to public education. This is his second try at this. It's very difficult for him to go from the sheltered, minimal amounts of work, lots of therapy to just regular school. He's managing to fit in well. His grades leave a lot to be desired but we're finding he has some holes in his skills. Luckily the school he's going in to is VERY willing to work with him. He's now spending half his day at regular school and the second half at his private school. He should be full time in middle school by April! Jake also just landed a Macy's job. The only catch is it may only appear in Hawaii! If not, he'll be in the Macy's one day May Day sale! Look for him!

Tucker has started taking meds for ADHD. He was having some focus problems in school which may be due to his recently diagnosed Sleep Apnea. He's been doing amazingly well with the meds. It's even helped him recognize how it's not always in his best interest to align himself with big bro Jake. Tucker is due to have his surgery on Tuesday the 17th. Tonsils and Adnoids are coming out. He will have to spend one night in the hospital to be monitored but then he'll be home. Pray that all goes well and he makes a speedy recovery. Who knows, he may not even need the meds afterwards!

Tanner has also started meds. Docs think most of his problem is depression. I think it's environmental. Living with Jake is tough. I feel it too.... BUT, I see him struggling with school and if just ONE thing can be made easier for him, I'm all for it. We've been noticing great changes in him an his happiness and focus at school. Not so much at home as with Tucker though, but it's still good.

Brennen is COMPLETELY potty trained! He was SO easy. He hasn't had in accident in the longest time and he rarely wakes up wet in the morning. He's wearing pull ups at night but I think it's just about time to ditch those. I've also discovered that I was making bedtime more difficult than neccessary by rocking him. One night while trying to get him to settle down, I told him that if he didn't stop squirming, I was going to put him in his bed. He said, "Please put me in bed Mom!" I did and he went right to sleep! Man, all those tough nights....when all the poor kid wanted was the peace and quiet of his own bed! I do find though that he's not too happy to go to bed unless I'm in MY bed too. Most nights that works out fine though.

The guys have also just gotten over some nasty virus. It looks just like strep throat. Fevers, RED throat, miserable. Lasted 2-5 days and was gone. Unfortunately it hit our house in two rounds. Tanner and Brennen had it two weeks ago. Jake and Tucker had it last week. Jon seems fine. He's always healthy. Lucky dog!

Well, I think that's about it for here! What's new with you?

Miraculous!

Thank God! My boys have been cohabitating for several days now and they are BOTH still alive! Very much so, as a matter of fact. Why didn't I do this sooner? There has been peace between the two. There have been shared jokes at the dinner table and LAUGHTER! Yes, laughter, at MY table! Between Jake and TUCKER! I'm still waiting for all hell to break loose but they seem to have turned a corner. By they, I mean Jake. He's been so much happier! It's amazing! Tucker's always been a big fan of Jake's so the fact that he's going along with the good vibes is no big surprise. I am just estatic over this change.

Now if I could just get Tanner's ADHD results and some meds for him.....

Well, I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too, huh?

It has HIT the fan!

Yesterday, during the short car ride to drop the boys at their various schools, Jake and Tucker were literally trying to KILL each other. This is not the first time these two have gotten into it physically but it may very well be the last time. I decided then and there that my "24/7" plan was going in to effect. When Jon and Jake used to fight when they were younger, there were times when I would actually strap them together, forcing them to learn to work together. It always worked. SO, I've decided to go back to my parenting roots and am doing the same thing with Jake and Tucker. Last night, after MUCH effort from my and Jared's part, the boys are now roommates. Jake is PISSED, to say the least. I had wanted to sit him down and tell him once Jared got home but Tanner being Tanner, let it slip. Holy cow! Jake flipped out and demolished his room. It was the craziest I think I've ever seen him. BUT, I've decided that I'm not cutting him any slack any more and he was made to clean it up. I think overall, I WILL get the desired results. Failure isn't an option for me. He WILL behave in a kind way to Tucker. I am so sick of him picking on Tucker. They're both grounded until next Thursday so they will have nothing but time to spend with each other. Pray for us! This could get real ugly.

Tucker

I've been taking Tucker to various doctors, trying to figure out what's going on with him. He seems incredibly immature for his age at times and he's really always struggled socially and academically at school even though testing and a conversation can prove how bright he is. I recently took him to a developmental pediatrician who, along with a long series of questions was able to tell me that Tucker's brain works in a very dyslexic way. That's not to say that he is dyslexic, just his brain is not functioning like the average persons. BUT, since he's so intelligent, he's come up with many coping techniques. She also suggested that I take him for a sleep study. Sleep Apnea is something I've suspected for awhile with Tucker. I'd taken him to the ENT years earlier and he told me I needed to "watch Tucker sleep" Uh, I have several kids and when they sleep, I typically sleep too! That never happened. The new doc sent him to a sleep lab and what do you know? Tucker has mild to moderate sleep apnea! I took him back to the ENT and sure enough, his tonsils and adnoids ARE enlarged and DO need to be surgically removed! This is something that they could've diagnosed via xray, years ago! SO, Tucker is currently having a wide array of tests done at school for his IEP this month. He will be having surgery probably early next year and I'm hoping and praying that this will all help him be a happier, more successful kid! Because, MAN! He's getting irritable!

Tucker's first Halloween.

Mariah is having an AWESOME contest over at Help! I have a teenager. Seems that Halloween is her favorite holiday and she's requested a little Halloweenie from all entering her contest. This here is one of my best Halloween stories....

My first 3 boys were born in May, March then May again. Since they were all born around the same time of year, they all wore the same Halloween costume for their first Halloween. Or....for MOST of their first Halloween. The costume was SO cute, a little dalmation puppy outfit. Jammies really, so it was cute and functional being that I could put my passed out puppies directly to bed. Well, Tucker decided to break out of the mold and do something a little different. We were all ready and set to go to our friends Halloween party. I had my puppy dressed and ready. Then it happened.....he had one of those massive blow outs that only little babies are capable of. There was poo everywhere! I was thisclose to simply throwing the puppy outfit out. It was horrible. Halloween was ruined. I had NO back up costume for him and we had to leave. My mom had a great idea. She went rummaging out in her storage shed and came back with an outfit that fit perfectly. Yep, my boy Tucker spent his first Halloween as a girl! He wore the CUTEST ever pink dress and headband. Nobody would've known that he was in costume either. I mean, strangers never would have guessed because he looked so dang pretty with his blond hair, blue eyes and rosy cheeks. Man, makes me want a girl just thinking about it! So there you have it.....my Halloween story!

fully scheduled

I had to have a little sit down with my calendar yesterday to map out my life. It's looking pretty full already and school hasn't even begun for the year. What HAS started is football and soccer. Jon is, once again, playing football. This year it's a bit different though.....my baby is playing HIGH SCHOOL football. I know what you're thinking, I AM far to young to have a high schooler. BUT, he is indeed a freshman this year. We picked up his schedule and he's already got his student ID card. VERY strange sensation for me.....having a high school aged child. You'll know what I mean when you get there..... Both Tucker and Tanner are playing soccer this year. It's a sport I know nothing about. I've never played. Not even in PE. I really hope they enjoy it and have a good season. Tucker tends to have a lot of anxiety about new things so I'm hoping he does ok being that most of the kids on his team have been playing for years already. Tanner is a go with the flow kind of kid but he definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. I'm just praying that his drum will be keeping time with the rest of the team otherwise we'll be in for another chaotic season (tball was a BLAST, let me tell ya....) I also have to figure in the activities that they already have going.....karate, Boy Scouts, uh, some family time.....Tanner wants to join Cub Scouts too. All that and if Jake continues to do modeling.....It's gonna be a fast paced year! BUT, I enjoy the rigidity of a schedule. I like knowing what I'm doing and when I'm doing it. I think it makes our life a bit more manageable. Wish me luck anyhow if you would......

What's happenin?

Summer is more than half over! WOOhOOO! What have you all been up to? It's been a busy time here but I feel like I've been doing next to nothing......
Jon just returned from ANOTHER boy scout camp. He had a great time and even rode horses. If you know Jon, you'll know how funny that is to picture. He seemed to really enjoy it and is now pleading his case for getting a horse! Like I have the time or money for a hobby like that! He's been "dating" a girl....Dani. He says she may be "the one" It's so cute because I remember being seriously in love with Doug Pochard when I was about his age. Honestly, the love didn't last and I've no idea what ever became of him. I can't imagine that Jon will marry Dani since they are going to rival high schools and all but you never know. My cousin married her high school sweetheart....they NEVER dated anyone but each other!

Jake is still somewhat of a train wreck. His "blowouts" are more frequent than ever before and he's just downright nasty a lot of the time. I took him to see a new doc and she asked if he was ever tested for Autism! I will be having a phone appointment Wednesday as a first step for that testing. After looking up info online, I have to say, I wouldn't be surprised if they say he has Asperger's. I have been searching for answers for SO many years that I'd love to have something concrete as a starting point. So, please pray that the docs can tell me SOMETHING!

Tucker had his first sleepover this Sunday! Yes, he IS 10 but he's always been so nervous that I've never really pushed the issue. It was so cute when I dropped him off. His buddies ran out the door to meet him...."TUCKER'S here!" He had THE biggest grin on his face. He ended up having a fabulous time. I'm so proud of him.

Tanner's been looking for trouble as usual. Man, oh man! The things that this kid comes up with.....He never ceases to amaze me. I think he must've changed his clothes at least 4 times yesterday! I really think Dennis the Menace is a true story....based on Tanner! But, gosh, he sure is cute. I think that may be his one saving grace.

Brennen is just more and more of a big boy every day. He's become quite a biter lately. He's teething and all....Now though, when I tell him that it hurts me, he kisses the spot he's just bitten. Because, well you know, Mommy always kisses boo boos so that's just how you do it. He was having some problem with his ear last week. I took him to the Dr. and he didn't have an ear infection but it was obviously very uncomfortable. I couldn't even touch the outer part of his right ear without him looking as though I just shocked him. We got some drops and he's now all better! He's even been sleeping through the night for the last 3 nights! This is SO wonderful because I was getting really grouchy for a second there..... I guess the teeth have all poked through and now that the ear's better, he's good to go. Sleep is an awesome thing!

Nothing too fun planned this week. We may have to hit Great America one day. I'm throwing my brother's fiance a Bridal Shower on Saturday. Never done that before but I think it's all coming together nicely. We'll be off to Lake Tahoe soon enough too! Can't wait for that! Of course it's a forced vacation as our house is being tented for termites. BUT, the kids are SUPER excited. We didn't go at all last year!

the monkeys are taking over the zoo!

Tucker's been suspended! Apparently, he was quite rude with his teacher on Friday and then there was an "incident" on the playground where he was upset because a girl took his ball so he pulled her necklace. OY! What do I do with this kid?!?! Between him and Jake, I'm going NUTS! He's been suspended for today. I tried to explain to him that had he told a yard duty like he was SUPPOSED to, SHE would have been in trouble and not him. The problem with Tucker is, he's SUCH a vengeful person. If he feels he's been wronged, he MUST exact some hideous revenge. It drives me insane and I cannot seem to convince him that it is such an ugly behavior. My mom suggested I take him on errands.....all.day.long! This kid HATES running errands. Maybe I'll run him ragged today. The sad thing is, he's SUCH a sweet kid but he just has that overwhelming sense of, "I MUST get back at him!" Any fabulous ideas that I'm just not seeing here?!?! If you've got an idea, throw it my way. If you've dealt with something like this and been successful in re-routing the behavior, I think that's just something I NEED to hear about!

Job 1...done!

SO, Tucker had his first job yesterday and he was a champ! There was a LOT of waiting involved and I did have to bring Tanner and Brennen along. There were 3 other kids there so they kept pretty busy playing. All in all, it was a fun time. They took SO many pictures, I'm not sure WHAT will end up on the cover. It could be Tucker, or Tucker and Zoe or Zach and Anna or all 4 of them. We shall see! Tanner was a bit of a stinker though. I think there was some jealousy over the fact that it wasn't HIS job. Or, maybe I'm reading too much into it. Maybe he was just being a stinker for stinkers sake! I had promised Tucker I'd get him the much wanted video game yesterday if he did a good job. So, as promised, I pulled into the Target parking lot at 8:30 and picked up a copy of Harry Potter 5 for our new Wii. He was SO grateful it was just adorable. He hugged that game to his chest and said, "MOM! Thank you SO MUCH!" I told him that I was proud of him and he did an awesome job and he said, "But Mom, I know you're tired and you could've said 'No, I'm not getting that today' but you didn't! You got this game and you did it JUST FOR ME!" I assured him that he is totally worth doing things for. It was just priceless. I think he was pretty proud of himself. Too cute!

Coverboy!

So, we got a call from Tucker's agent the other day wondering if he was available to work tomorrow.... I said yes. He's never had a job yet and has been SO anxious. We had to go to SF for a "go see" which made me wonder if it was an actual job or if she was just checking our availability before the client met Tucker. Well, it IS an actual job. Not only that but it's for THE COVER of a magazine!!!!! I just hope that he ends up on the mag. When Tanner did a mag photo shoot, they ended up using the other boys pic instead (Tanner was NOT cooperative!) SO, hopefully, if all goes well, you will all see a boy you recognize on the November cover of Family Fun magazine! The BEST part is.....I already subscribe to that mag so it's one I actually like! TOO COOL!

Tucker the terd.

I am starting to feel like summer is officially too long. While it sort of seems like it's just begun, I am really tired of the constant bickering. It's ALL DAY, every day! It's driving me absolutely nuts. I am also just so tired of never having help! I ask the guys to clean up their room and they simply can't be bothered! It's super irritating. The WORST offenders are of course, Tucker and Jake! It's not like I tell them "go clean your room!" I will give them each one smallish job to complete and I tell them to let me know when their task is complete and I will come and check their work. I offer breaks, snacks, tv time and all in between tasks but it seems they are unable to accomplish anything! Yesterday, I asked Tucker for the umpeenth time to please just stack his books up. 45 minutes and a lot of complaining later, he asked if he could take a small break. I told him that as soon as Tanner was done with his break, Tucker could start a small break. I then checked his progress only to find he had simply stacked maybe 30 books in the corner. Maybe 30 sounds like real progress to you? Well, when they have literally HUNDREDS of books strewn about their room, 30 doesn't seem to make much of a dent! Needless to say, after Jared gets home, we will be cleaning Tucker's room out. This means (and he is well aware of the meaning) he will be losing ALL of his possessions. He and Tanner will be left in a room with NO toys, NO books, NO games! They will have their beds and their clothes ONLY! Does this upset Tucker at all?......NOPE! I can't really get too upset with Tanner about the status of their room because he has cleaned it BY HIMSELF several times. He has a hard time staying on task when Tucker is encouraging him to play. I am truly disappointed in Tucker for the terrible example he's been setting and the blatant disrespect he's showing us by not doing his fair share. If anybody has any really good disciplinary tactics that they feel may be relevant, please DO LET ME KNOW! I am at the end of my rope with this kid. He's just informed me that he no longer wants to be my kid......... UGH!

Tucker

Tucker has been having a rough time in school and at home lately. I don't know exactly what's going on with him but he's such an irritable lil terd lately. He's argumentative, short tempered, VERY impatient. He's been talking back to his teacher even! He cries for EVERYTHING! I hope he's just feeling a little under the weather still. I know that may sound bad but what I mean is, I hope this is something he will recover from and this isn't just the "new and improved" Tucker! I almost feel like he needs to be put on meds again but he's been doing SO well. I hate to get him on meds again if he can turn things around without them. Maybe winter is just officially too long for him now.... I know seasons do affect some people.