Christmas & Birthdays

I hope everyone has had a great Christmas! We sure have! Christmas is ALWAYS an extremely busy time of year for us...partly because of how big my family is and the number of get togethers each "little part" has and partly because it's mine and Logan's birthday on Christmas too! We had our first Christmas on the 20th (with my family) and then started up again for Santa Christmas morning (and Logan's b-day that night), then Roger's family on the 26th, my Mom's family yesterday, and my Dad's family today (and his 50th b-day too!). Tomorrow we have decided will be a day of JUST staying home!!! Here are some of the pictures from Christmas day...I can post more later!

Austin & Logan on Christmas Eve after opening their one present for the night (always their matching Christmas PJ's!)...Logan seems to be intently listening as Austin is telling him ALL about what's going to be happening tonight! I thought the two of them would never GO to sleep!

Out in the front yard putting out the reindeer food! You can see Austin giggling at Logan because Logan thought he was just supposed to set out the whole bag until Austin showed him to sprinkle it around.

We thought Logan had outgrown playing in the boxes, but guess we were wrong!He thought he was funny!

Austin finally got his Moon Shoes from Santa (among LOTS of other things!!!)!

Happy Birthday to Logan...I can't believe our "baby" is FOUR already! My goodness time is flying by! It's actually kind of sad! He picked to have an Army themed party, and he, of course, had to help decorate the cupcakes he wanted! We are taking him to his favorite place to eat on Wednesday ("the place with the fire on the table" as he calls it)!

Austin trying out his new Air Soft Guns from Santa! He was very excited to get them!I was proud of how well he was listening about the safety and rules! He actually shot them pretty well too! He loved hitting the targets! He's getting big too!!!

Logan was also VERY excited about his big brother's guns! He got mad that he couldn't shoot it by himself, but Santa brought him his Marshmallow Shooter he asked for! He had no problems shooting that thing by himself, but he won't stay still to shoot it. He runs around the yard like crazy! Good thing the "ammo" in that is extra soft!

New Family Photo

Can I just say that Picture People's does a really good job??? We went this past week to do a "whole family" photo with Roger's family (all 10 of us), and EVERY picture turned out fabulous! The photo session itself lasted only twenty minutes, but deciding on what to order took almost an hour! Here's one of our family photos for now...I'm heading down to wrap while I am "childless!"Logan (almost 4 years old) and Austin (8 years old)

A Week of Daily Doctor Visits and Tests at the Hospital...UGH!

Here are a few pitiful picture of our little man... :(

(And these were taken during days when he hasn't been at his worst)

You can see Chick Fila beside him and a cookie in his hand. We tried some of his favorites to entice him to eat. No luck with the nuggets, but he did eat the cookie!

Giving me thumbs up during a breathing treatment (wearing his "elephant nose"). He's trying to be a "Trooper!"

Okay, so tis the season to be jolly...or so it should be, but Logan has somehow sent the message out that his season is the season to be sick. Poor fella! It all started LAST Sunday with just a fever and throwing up. We thought, "No big deal, just a stomach bug." But once his fever spiked up to 103.8 (on Tylenol and Motrin rotation) and wouldn't go down (and he couldn't keep anything down) we realized that our little man had something else. What is it he has???

That seems to be the question of the week. The worst day so far was when we had to give him only a tsp. of Pedialyte every 15 minutes, and then every 30 minutes through the night (we needed to keep him from dehydrating, but couldn't put enough in his stomach to come back up). Worse than having a newborn...as far as sleep goes! We've been going to our doctor everyday, and today's tests at the hospital made that the second trip there this week. Nothing major is showing up (which is good!), but also "stumping!" His fever isn't that high anymore, and he actually "tricked" us on Friday by having his fever go away...only to return on Saturday along with a nasty cough. So, now we are on breathing treatments & antibiotics for that. Logan is still sleeping a TON (more than a newborn) which is one of the things making us all worry. He's sleeping for about 2 hours then waking up for about 15 minutes, then he goes back to sleep. He is NOT usually a napper, and normally he wakes up early.

And, he still hasn't eaten much either. We are waiting to hear back from our doctor (which we LOVE!!!) in the morning when she gets the tests results back. She's trying to treat him out patient and keep him out of the hospital because his immune system is weakened and she doesn't want him to pick anything else up.We hope to know how to help him get better very soon!

All of our family and friends have been very supportive and great through all of this! Don't know what we'd do without them!?! Austin has been a super big brother through all of this too. He's given Logan pretty much everything he wants to try to help him fell better. He even let him play his DS (which is a rare occasion) to try to help him perk up! Keep him in your prayers, and hopefully we'll have answers very soon!

Happy Thanksgiving and Our Tree...

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! This is the first year since we've had the boys that we had to "bounce" to both sides of the family in the same day. It was A LOT of eating for one day, but both places were delicious! The craziest thing that happened was that Roger and I braved the crowd at Toys R Us at midnight! I am still in shock that he agreed to come with me then! We ALWAYS do the shopping for the boys together (for most of it anyway), but he's not a "real" shopper and would prefer not to be in crowds and lines. I ALWAYS go the day after Thanksgiving and he stays home with the boys. The other milestone about this was that since we were going out all night to shop...BOTH the boys had to spend the night out. So, Logan had his first sleepover last night (though I keep telling myself it doesn't REALLY count because I wasn't home to really notice)...ha ha! We decided that while we were out we might as well do as much as we could; so, we went to Walmart and Gamestop too. We finally got home and to sleep somewhere about 7:30 this morning (YAWN!).

The other amazing thing that happened today was that our Christmas Tree went up! We always put it up the day after Thanksgiving, but after the "festivities" of the crowds, lines, and very little sleep I wasn't sure if we'd be up to it. The boys remembered though. As I drove home with them, Logan asked me, "When we get home can we go in the attic and get the tree to put up?" I told him we'd have to ask his Daddy when we got home. That's when he informed me, "We don't have to ask him. You can just tell him and he'll listen to you cause you said." So, we got home and did the tree. We are holding off on the outside stuff until tomorrow though!

It wouldn't be "normal" if I didn't have to take 30 pictures to get one good one! Here are my little helpers being silly! :) They were great helpers with the tree. Austin even read Fred's book (Elf on the Shelf book) to Logan while we strung on the lights. Wonder where Fred will be hiding tomorrow???

A Fairytale Ending Even at 70...

Here comes the bride....(my grandmother)

Many of you already knew that my grandmother was getting married again. I have not seen her THIS happy in quite a while! Talking with her in the weeks/days leading up to the big day she sounded like a 16 year old girl gushing over her first love. It was really sweet. I am so happy that she has found someone that makes her happy, and together they will have a great journey ahead of them! Welcome to the family, Jim!

Here I am (with Haylee) sneaking in a "Congrats Kiss" after the ceremony. I am so happy for my grandmother! She SO deserves to be happy!!!

Here's a picture of my family with my grandmother...notice the lovely face that Logan is making. This was one of the best ones we got (so you can imagine what the others look like). I'm sure these will be treasured photos (as ALL of mine are!), but it makes me a little nervous about our "real" family pictures this Wednesday...ha ha!

Okay, proof there's hope in a "regular smiling face" picture. Now, we just need to get Austin to not lean...ha ha! I feel so lucky to have all three of my boys! They are my heart and soul! I love 'em "to Pluto and back" as they say!

Happy Halloween!!!

Woohoo! Another posting and it's not even been a week...ha ha! The boys have had a blast today! They really love Halloween. This is the FIRST year that Austin actually helped carve a pumpkin. he usually gags at the smell and can't even stay in the kitchen, but this year he carved his own. His art work is the bat pumpkin. Logan actually (mostly) carved his too. I drew it out for him, and he cut out the black parts. He wanted to do a silly face. The spider one was done by yours truly. I was proud of my boys and their handy work! Glad to finally have some help with them!

Here they are, all aglow (sp?)!

Here are my little Clone Troopers in front of the spooky police helicopter.

Trick or Treating was different this year. Since Roger was home with his hurt foot, it was just me and the boys. We just walked up and down our street, and the boys' pumpkins were full and heavy just from that. (We have sweet neighbors) As we walked and trick or treated I kept thinking of Jerry Seinfeld's Halloween book and giggling in my head because the boys kept fussing about how sweaty their masks were (and their hair was wet from sweat...yuck!), and how hard it was to see out of them because they were getting all foggy, and how it was hard to breathe with it on and see where they were walking. Once we got home and they dumped all their candy out on the table, they forgot all about the costume discomfort! Wonder what time I'll get them to bed with their sugar highs? Ha ha!!!

Finally....a Post!!!

I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post! Our computer messed up...again...and well, we've been busy! School, football, soccer, bronchitis (Logan), the flu (me), and Roger's almost broken ankle have all consummed A LOT of time! Though we've been busy, the boys have been having a blast! Austin's last football game for this season is Thursday. He's actually done pretty well this year, and he really seems to enjoy it! He loved hearing his name called out on the loud speaker last week! Logan is loving soccer too! He'll tell us before every game, " You know, #5 always scores a goal!" He scored at least 6 today! Yeah!!! We are anxiously getting ready for Halloween. The boys finally agreed on a big pumpkin today, and then they both got their own small one. Logan let me take a picture of him with his, and I will take more this week and post them next week. I'll also post some pictures of the boys in their costumes. Here are a few pictures from the past two months.... :)

Austin with Bree by the pool

(She would not stay still for a good one...we tried several!)

Logan with his small pumpkin

I'll try hard to post again next Sunday after Halloween with more pictures! It really shouldn't be two months between my posts! :)

Dentist and Toothfairy...

Austin showing off his "snaggletooth!"

Logan showing off his "special nose!"

I thought February was Dental Health Month! Ha! Well, anyhow, teeth has been a very prevalent theme in our house this month. We all went for our regular cleanings before school started, and while Roger and I were cavity free...both the boys were not. So, the nightly routine of brushing has been lengthened, and Mom is helping the little one...even though he INSISTS he can do "all by myself!"

They both went for their fillings this morning (and sealants for Austin too), and I'll tell you, I was quite worried about Logan going to have this done. Dr. Sturkie mentioned last time that he thought he could do Logan's with JUST the gas and no shot...which was good/bad (for ME). I am petrified of the dentist...hate it, hate it, hate it (though since we've switched, I shouldn't complain at all!!!). So, the thought of getting a filling and not being numb...well....I was nervous for him. But, he was quite the TROOPER!!! No tears, mouth wide open, and even a little silly (hence the laughing gas....)!!! He loved wearing "his special grape-scented nose!" Of course, to him it was very cool (because his brother didn't have one).

On top of all that, Austin lost three teeth in 2 days. So, our house got visited by the Toothfairy twice in the same week. Good thing she had cash! :)

Six Flags

We drove down to Atlanta after Austin's birthday party on Saturday and got up Sunday and went to Six Flags! The boys had an absolute blast. We went with Roger's parents and Caleb got to come too. Kamy was sick and couldn't... :( We've gone to Carowinds in the past over the summers, but this was our first trip to Six Flags. Austin will tell you that it was Gr8 (catch the number joke?)! They rode LOTS of rides. Even though it was quite hot, we were able to cool off with some water rides. Logan got COMPLETELY soaked on ThunderRiver! He had water rush in on him from some rapids, AND he got stuck under the waterfall! Luckily, he thought it was funny! Austin and I didn't get too wet, though, we got lucky! We all had a good time! Here are a couple of pictures...

Here we are with Foghorn Leghorn (one of my daddy's favorite characters!)

We were glad Sylvester and Tweety stopped for a picture even though the lady leading them was trying to get them to leave! :)

Austin was an awesome BIG brother looking after his brother on the rides!


This is Logan under a bridge in Thomas Land. He was excited to ride on the Thomas Train, but that's really all that was in that part. We were a little disappointed because they advertised Thomas Land like it was a big deal...oh well! Logan smiled, and that made it worth it!

On our way out I wanted to take a picture with the roller coaster in the background, and Austin had the idea that he wanted it to look like he was holding it up...Mr. Tough Guy! He has such a sense of humor!

Where Has Our Summer (and Toddler) Gone?

Okay, so EVERYONE that has had children before always tells me that they grow up way too fast, but you don't truly understand that until you have your own. It seems to happen in the blink of an eye. I seriously can remember when Austin was just learning how to do all of his "firsts," and now our "baby" isn't even a toddler anymore...or at least that's what he tells us! All in the same summer he's lost his diapers and is fully potty trained (yeah, no more buying diapers... and :( because that really means he's getting big), AND last week he learned how to swim withOUT his floaties. He's quite proud at both accomplisments (as are we!), but how it makes us realize even more how quickly our little guys are growing up! No matter how big they get, they're still always going to be MY babies!

This is Logan in his "Hulk" towel. Of course, it's his favorite so I have to wash it ALL the time...and hear a little fussing if it's not clean, but then we go with a blue one (his favorite color).

This is Logan swimming ALL by HIMSELF for the vey first time! You can see "Coach JD" close by, just in case. WOW!!! He was SOOOOO excited! Of course, he had to call everyone to tell them about it later on!

This was from the first day of Austin's football practice (before pads). I'll take pictures this week with his pads on and post one of those later in the week. He's LOVING football, and he is very proud of the couple bruises on his arm from all the blocking! It's really "cute" (not sure if it's a good word to use when describing football, but hey, I'm still a mom) to see him look over at us with a huge grin after blocking or tackling someone! His coach is GREAT, and so far football has been a good experience for all of us. His Sportsarama is the 11th. Can't wait to see him play in a game! :)

Camping Out for the First Time

One of these days I will remember that when I am uploading pictures to start with the "last one, first..." either way, here are some pictures from our little camping outing just last night. Austin really wanted a tent so he could camp out, and before we went out to a "real" place we tried it out in our backyard. We weren't 100% that the boys would actually sleep in there and be fine without any electronic stuff. But, we had a GREAT time! They loved helping Dad put up the tent, making the fire, and roasting marshmallows for the Smores! They even liked "night swimming" in the pool! You can see from the picture above that Bree got to join in on the fun with us. I think I even surprised Roger by making it out there all night...other than a quick trip to the bathroom at 4:3o am! That was the only down side. We're going to look into real places to go this Fall. :)
Logan eating the marshmallows. He really wanted to just catch them on fire after doing a couple.

Tent, ready or not....here we come! :) Gotta LOVE summer!!!

Beach Fun & Father's Day

We went to the beach the week before Father's Day..Cherry Grove, N. Myrtle Beach. The boys had an absolute blast! We were very surprised by how much Logan loved the ocean. He wasn't scared about the waves going over his head at all! He kept saying,"Take me to the farthest and the farthest!" Austin was a "fish" too! He loved going out far and riding the waves in on his boogie board. We went with my family (minus my two brothers this time...maybe next time!). My boys can't wait to go back!

Me and My Daddy!

Happy Father's Day to two of the BEST DADS EVER!!!

My boys with their Daddy!!!

Parasailing...

We went parasailing while we were there. Austin, Katelee (my not so little anymore sister), and I had a smooth, quite humorous sail over the Atlantic. Or, at least Katelee and I thought it was funny. Austin stuck it out and convinced himself he wanted to do it, but he was very nervous (and a little freaked out) the entire ride. When we got dipped in the water, he got the laughs because he was he only one NOT to get wet! I think he's proud of himself for doing it, though I'm not sure he'll askto do it next year! :) I was something the three of us will always remember!

School Carnival and Yamatos

Austin thought it was really neat inside the ambulance at the school carnival, though he said he hopes he never has to ride in one for real (and Mom agrees!!!)!

Austin, Brantlee, and Logan "cheesing" for the camera at Yamatos. We went to celebrate Zach's graduation from Young Heroes (through City Year). He even received an award for a paper he had to write...Way to go Zach!

Me & my smallest little man at Yamatos. He wouldn't quit watching the man cook for the picture. This was he best one we got. :) You can see his mouth is (literally) saying "cheese."

Austin, Abby, and Logan at the carnival. They were getting ready to go on the tea cup ride. Bella got to ride with them, too. They had a blast! Right after this picture, Logan climbed IN the little pool for the duck game (socks and shoes ON). He was trying (and successfully so) to get all the blue ducks and he couldn't reach them all without getting in. Priceless...

The first week of summer is coming to an end. We've been busy already! We're looking forward to our beach trip next week (Tues.-Sun.) with my family. This will be the first one that Logan really remembers. I will, of course, take lots of pictures and post some when we get back!

Fun on the Lake!

Austin & Brantlee (his cousin)

I'm SOOOO glad we didn't have school today! We went out on the lake with Haylee, Paul, Brantlee, Caralee, and "Chicken Bock-Bock!" It was the first time we've gone wth them since they got the jet ski a couple of weeks ago! Boy, did we have fun!?! Austin was a little nervous about it at first, but he grew to love it. I must say, he might have a little dare-devil in him afterall! Logan liked it, but he likes the boat just as well. When Katelee and I went out the second time (and of course had LOTS of fun jumping waves and turning doughnuts), I flipped us and the jet ski! That was quite an experience! Everyone back on the boat (docked at an island) had fun laughing at us trying to flip it over ourselves, but we did it! To make matters worse, another boat came to ask if we were okay...so that gave them even more laughs! Oh well, it was a very fun day! It sure beat being in a classroom!

Me and The Boys

(This is actually a picture from last year because I forgot my camera!)

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day...(a week later)! Six long hours after Logan woke me up at 6:30 running into the bedroom saying, "Happy Mommy's Day!" We spent Mother's Day hanging out by the pool. The weather was beautiful, and though all the grown ups thought the water was much too cold for swimming, the children didn't seem to notice! We were able to get them out of the pool long enough to eat lunch and then later to help devour a watermelon...it was a BIG hit! Both my boys were sweet as ever, and they helped make the day very enjoyable!

Odds and Ends of Spring...

One of the boys favorite things to do at the zoo is feeding the giraffes!

It's so neat how you can get that close to them,

and they come right up and eat from your hand!

Here are my two sweet boys in front of the Wysteria Tree at my

Mom and Dad's! It's always SO pretty when it blooms!

It was hard to snap a good picture because of all the

bees flying around the flowers, but we managed to get one! :)

These are two of my favorite pictures of the flowers around our bird bath!

I've never planted a flower in my life before these.

It's my newest project by the pool.

I hope they stay looking this pretty for a while!

Meeting Hannah Ellis

I was very excited to meet Hannah today. I heard a few (very cute, newborn) whimpers before I went in the hospital room, but by the time I got in and around the curtain she was already curled around and sleeping in her daddy's arms tucked against his chest. I believe she's already got a finger claimed for him (she even held her little pinky out at one time). She was a great baby the entire time I was there to visit. I know Katie and Justin will be glad to get home this afternoon. I'm very thankful that (ultimately) everything worked out for them. Katie's going to be a GREAT mommy.

Field Trip

Our 2nd Grade Field Trip to the Charleston Aquarium was today. Some people might think that taking over 100 seven and eight year olds on a bus ride that far away is a crazy thing to do, but in this electronic world we live in today...it was great! The kids all played their Nintendo DS, PSPs, or listened to their MP3 Players, and the bus ride was very "do-able!" The Aquarium was also a big hit with most of the students (and the 61 chaperones as well!). The new penguin exhibit was neat, but also a little disappointing. I'm used to the exhibit here at our zoo (which is great), and the one at the Aquarium didn't even compare. They also have a Bald Eagle there now too...or as one student exclaimed, "I just saw a bald owl!!!" We sure missed Katie, AKA Mrs. Vitters, on our trip! However, we have LOTS of pictures for her, and even some filmed footage so she can watch what she missed. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

My Little Hearts!