Oh no.....UGH

My boys seem to have found some sort of bug somewhere. So far Brennen and Tanner both have low grade fevers and noses that are just FILLED to overflowing with snot. Yuck, I know. Tanner was devestated when we took his temp last night to find it was 100.2 as he was all set and ready to go to his friend's birthday party. I felt HORRIBLE telling him he couldn't go since this was, no joke, only the 2nd party he'd ever been invited to in the 3 years that he's been in school. Apparently my kid is odd. So yeah, I felt like a world class ass telling him he wouldn't be able to go. Brennen's been not quite himself for several days now. Nights are the worst. I think it's just a cold but last night was the first time in 4 nights that he wasn't crying in his sleep for hours. I gave him Triaminic though last night. There aren't decongestants out there for kids under 6 anymore. New research and all....screw the research, my boy needed help! PLUS, research showed it was safe to give them those meds when my older boys were little.....somebody probably didn't give the proper doseage, their kid experienced something bad and the parents sued. Isn't that just the way of the world today? Branson is really stuffy now too. AND I am scheduled to work in the church nursery in 2.5 hours! I guess all I can do is see how they all are once they finally wake up. By the way, my man Bran has been sleeping ALL NIGHT! Only every other night though. Weird. But he went to bed last night at 11 and didn't wake up until 7:30. He nursed and went right back to sleep! He's SUCH a gem.

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!

Really? Again?

Yesterday, Tanner was SO excited because he was going to go hang out with my brother for a "play date." Rob had planned on picking him up after work on Tuesday but ended up working late so he came yesterday instead. Tanner was looking forward to it all day....watching the clock, watching out the window for Rob. Finally Rob came and Tanner was beyond thrilled. Even though he had told me that he had a headache, he was super excited. He ended up FINALLY ready to turn off the video games and come home with me at around 10:30. On the way home he casually mentioned, "I don't really feel very good mom." Oh. Great! He went on to tell me he couldn't really describe how he felt bad....he had a headache, was tired, his legs hurt. Oh, and the sore throat. Again....Great! Took his temp at home and sure enough he had a low grade fever. He ended up passing out on the couch and I let him stay there. Sometime in the wee hours of the morn, he made his way down to my room and crawled into bed with me. When he finally woke up around 10, he said his chin hurt. I looked at him and he had a rash all over his face that looked suspiciously like poison oak! Fan-freakin-tastic! I gave him a benadryl which seemed to help with the itching but of course did nothing for his increasing fever! (not that I expected it to) Later on in the day, I had to take a couple of the boys for their allergy appointment so Tanner stayed with my mom. I came home to find a puffy, red-faced boy with a fever of 103.9! Then, to make matters worse, my dad casually mentions that Brennen felt a bit warm. Checked his temp and lo and behold....102! UGH! Didn't I just finish up with a lovely round of summer colds? What in the hell is THIS? Judging by the sore throats, it very well could be strep. I guess I know where I'm taking them tomorrow if they still feel crummy....... Should make for a fun holiday weekend!

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!

How could I forget?

No, I didn't actually forget or anything but I AM a day late in this posting. Yesterday, my Tanner Bananer turned 7! I can hardly believe it! He is incredibly imaginative and VERY mischevious. If you've ever seen Dennis the Menace then you know just what kind of boy Tanner is. He always has pockets full of treasure and can get away with so much just by batting his gorgeous eyelashes. He's a gem, that's for sure! Happy Birthday Tanner Jay!

An interesting May 20th tidbit.

Today has, twice, been named as my due date! Strange, huh? I was due to have Jon on May 20th although according to MY calculations, I was 40 weeks on May 23rd which just so happens to be the evening I went into labor. He was born on the 24th. I was also due to have Tanner on May 20th. He was more stubborn. I had no calculations for him so I went with the May 20th prediction. I was induced on May 23rd. I was in labor ALL DAY LONG and then sent home having made NO progress. I swore then and there I would wait it out....no matter HOW long it took. I was NOT going to try an induction again because, well, frankly, it sucked. I was back 5 days later. Being induced. He NEVER dropped! The nurses literally had to push from up above so the doctor could even touch his head! (TMI?) I was SO done with the pregnancy though....I was hardly able to breathe since he was so up in my ribs. So, Tanner came May 28th. Strange though....same due date....

It's May 18th....

seriously, already? How did this year go by so quickly? In just 18 way too short days, the boys will be done with school! What in the world is a mom to do?

In just 6 days, I will be celebrating a 15th birthday with Jon! I know, I know, I AM far too young looking to have a child that old! In just 9 days, Tanner will be 7! I can hardly believe that. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital hearing the doctor say, "OH, is this a problem?!" as she pointed out the VERY MUCH THERE penis!

Seriously though, summer is coming...... I'm much more worried about that than the fact that I have yet to do any birthday shopping for Tanner. (Hey, there are 3 bdays in May, I like to take em one at a time....) What will we do for the whole summer? It's always so short yet SOOOOOO long. If you have any brilliant ideas, I'm super open to suggestions. Free ideas are the best since it costs a small fortune just to take 5 boys to the movies. I'm not made of money, ya know! PLEASE, give me your best ideas.....

the last day

I have been helping out volunteering as a leader for the monthly book club at Tanner's school. Today is the LAST day! It's also the last day that the teacher needs help with stations. This means that I no longer have any volunteer duties at the school for the year! More importantly, this means school is almost over! Summer is definitely closing in on us. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by.

When do your kids finish up?

PS- before you go throwing a Mother of the year award at me, be advised that this is also one of the first years in a long time that I was ABLE to volunteer. Seems I always have a little person tagging along. The schools sort of frown on you bringing your babies into the class while you volunteer.

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!

Thanks

I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and pink thoughts. Many of you have asked whether or not I intend on finding out the sex of the baby. I always have in the past and more than likely I will do my best to find out this time. Believe it or not, my ultrasound is exactly 3 weeks from today! Hopefully this baby will cooperate and not be too shy. Tanner was *supposedly* a girl so I no longer take what the tech says as the absolute truth. I believe my first words after Brennen's birth were, "Is it really a boy?" So, I *hope* to find out....we'll see. I'll keep you all posted.

quiet-ish weekend and a BIG birthday!

I am having a quieter weekend than is the norm. Jon is away at a Boy Scout staff training weekend. (He's been chosen to help staff Brownsea this summer!) Jared, Jake and Tucker went up to Sonora to help my dad out with some work on one of his rental houses. (God only knows how they're all getting along!) I am home with just Tanner and Brennen. That doesn't really mean it's too quiet since they are both fairly active and quite loud. Still, it's a break. I was disappointed though to find that there were no good kid movies playing at the theater. We went out to lunch yesterday and had wanted to catch a movie but there was just NOTHING. Not even at home on Pay per View! We ended up having a "slumber party" in my room where we watched one of the dvds we already own. It was nice. The evening was not relaxing and I didn't sleep much. (they sleep EVERY which way) but it was great to have some time with just the little two. The big guys all return today and we will be having a big family dinner at Grandma's. 13 years ago today, Jake entered this world! He's always been extremely opinionated and marches to the beat of his own drum. It seems appropriate that he's finally hit the teenage years since he's had a teenage attitude for his entire life. Hey, maybe now he'll be sweet and compliant! A mom can dream, right?! He'll make one great adult....if he makes it that far!

Happy Birthday Jake!!!!!!!!

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?

crappity crap!

Tanner DOES have strep! I just looked up his lab results, fully expecting to see them being negative since he was feeling so much better yesterday. But, NO, it was postive! This sucks! He spent the day home yesterday jumping around like a wild boy indoors for the first time. THEN, last night he decided he wanted dry cereal and raisins so in goes the hand.....into the FULL raisin/cereal container. UGH! Where's my Lysol?!?!?

The good news is he should be FINE by Friday which is his fun Fall Festival at school.

But still.....UGH!

Bug

Tanner and Brennen seem to have some sort of bug. Different though, than each other. Fun, you say? Not really! Tanner had come home early Monday but had no fever, just a bit of a tummy ache which seemed to resolve itself rather quickly. He went back to school yesterday and even went to karate after school with no complaints. Last night, shortly after dinner, he started complaining of a sore throat saying it really hurt to swallow. We gave him a popsicle (don't tell the brothers!) and it seemed to help a bit. About an hour later though he was in tears and could not be consoled. I checked his throat and it was pretty red so I got on the phone to book an appointment to rule out Strep Throat as that is something I don't want to mess with at all. (again)

Brennen has been waking every morning with a horrible cough for about a week or so. I'm pretty sure it's just from his allergies (yes, lucky boy! He's got em too!) Last night though, he woke up at 2 and just couldn't get comfy after that. I brought him into our bed where he tossed and turned all night long. Around 5, he was begging for juice so I got up and got him some water. I couldn't have pried that cup out of his hands if I had wanted to. The poor kid was SO thirsty. Right at I was FINALLY getting to doze off a bit (because, you KNOW I was awake since 2) I heard it, that wretched retching sound....the one mothers everywhere abhor. He was throwing up. In MY bed. I jumped out of bed, grabbed the cord of my bedside lamp to turn it on and couldn't manage to get it on! I kept turning the dial and on.off....on.off....giving the whole scene a somewhat strobe light effect. I finally managed to keep the light on and I whisked the baby into the bathroom to clean him up and strip him down. Of course he was throwing up all over me on the way to the bathroom. (Yes, a mother's job is QUITE glamorous!) Jared woke up long enough to strip the sheets off (gee, thanks) But poor Brennen did not stop throwing up until well after 10! I felt SO bad for him. He just lay there, limp and whimpering. Every time I made eye contact with him he would moan, "juice" Heck no! I wasn't falling for that again! I felt SO bad. It was obvious from looking at his pale little lips that the poor guy was parched. He only made me feel worse when he kept licking them and making a sour face. Fortunately, he seems to be feeling better. He's been happily sucking down grape Pedialyte for about an hour and his fever is gone.

I, on the other hand, am completely wiped out! Oh, and get this.....after his few minutes of helpfulness, Jared fell back to sleep and even got to sleep in! WOW! Sometimes I just wish I was the dad.....

There must be something in the air

Tanner has been SUCH a terd lately! Man oh man! He's driving me insane with his smart mouth and his snarky little under the breath comments. I know he's a little under the weather....we all are here. (It's inevitable and happens every fall) He's been naughty at home and uncooperative in karate. I'm hoping that when he's feeling a bit better his attitude will improve as well. How about you all? Are your kids turning with the season?

noticeable....

Just a quick note to say......


Tanner's martial arts instructor noticed a big difference in Tanner's attitude and attention span tonight in class. She was VERY impressed and proud of him. Hmm, I don't think I'll EVER give him artificial dyes again!

Feingold

As you all know by now, my boys are a bit on the rambunctious side. Well, I may be getting some relief very soon. Dawn and Julie both emailed me separately about the Feingold Diet Dawn was sharing her new found "cure" for her son and Julie was giving me some "been there, done that" advice. Both found this program to be nothing short of miraculous when it came to the behavior in their children. I did a bit more research online, bought the book at half.com (for just $.75!) and found that some people get results by simply cutting out all foods with Dyes in them. That seemed like a far less daunting task than changing our entire way of eating. I figured I would try that first. I read that sometimes you can get results from that. I also remembered my mom had to deny my brother his beloved bologna and hot dogs as a kid because it had red dye #5 in it and Rob would be zinging off the walls if he ate anything with that. I half heartedly started this change yesterday, late morning-ish. I must say, Tanner has been noticeably different today. He's listening more, talking quieter, playing nicer and smiling tons. We had a small issue this morning when we got to soccer pictures and someone on the team was giving all the kids mini bags of skittles (yeah, at 10AM!) I told Tanner that he wouldn't actually be able to eat them and he did have a bit of a fit but it was over practically before it started. I told him that when we went to Target I would find a treat that he could have....since he was so good about not eating the skittles.


I must say, there are artificial colorings in EVERYTHING! Reading labels is monotonous and boring too! BUT, I'm noticing a difference in my kid and it's only been 1 day. This is FAR sooner than I thought I'd see a change, IF I saw one at all.

SO, as a result, Tanner's ADHD packet that I picked up on Friday will just sit, gathering dust, for the time being. I'm going to continue with this change and hope and pray that this is the answer I've been looking for all along.

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......

cute conversations had in Tahoe....

Brennen, after seeing Tanner so excited about his Bingo winnings (YES! We won the black out bingo jackpot of $55! I split it with the boys...)
Ok, so Brennen: Dodder, dodder, dodder....
Grandma: What's he saying?
Me: I think he wants a dollar.
Grandma: Really?
Brennen: I wan buy sometin.
Grandma: You want to buy something?!
Brennen: yep!

Really? Is he just 20 monthes? He amazes me!

About 2 minutes later....

Grandma: Oh, I hope he's like this for Auntie Faith, she'll just melt!
Tanner: Who's Auntie Facial?

What a goof ball! If you think about it though, it DOES sound like Auntie Facial!