I had the pleasure of going to Charlotte, NC this weekend for the Women of Faith conference with about 45 ladies from my church. It was such a wonderful time. I know Brian and the boys missed me, but as I told the boys, I needed to go so I could come back a better mommy and a better wife. I feel re-energized from the much needed time away. Don't get me wrong, I adore my family...but I also really appreciate my sanity!
I was completely exhausted when I got home this afternoon, and Brian was wiped out, too. But wouldn't you know it, the boys had more energy than they knew what to do with. Finally, I sent them outside to play. Garrett wanted to play catch with real baseball gloves. Hunter decided that he was a big boy today (and he really is!) and quite brave...he asked for the training wheels off of his bike. So, Brian had him wheel the bike into his workshop and removed the training wheels. Riding his bike was much easier for me when I didn't have to hold the bike. But, I am so proud of his determination.
It is finally fall, and if the temperatures outside aren't enough proof, I have a yard full of leaves as evidence. I really do like the fall...it's just a lot of work for Brian. Thank goodness for the leaf bagger on the riding mower!
Well, I am officially too tired to recall any more from today. I will have to come up with something more tomorrow!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Strange, but it seems to work!
I received an email yesterday that claimed if you put Vick's Vapor Rub on the soles of your feet at bedtime and cover your feet with socks, that this would help with coughing. I thought I would try it...anything is better than the horrible coughing I hear come from Garrett. And oddly enough, it worked. He woke this morning far less congested and not coughing like he had been. Of course, I also gave him a breathing treatment last night, too. These usually don't work immediately, so I think there must be something to the vapor rub on the feet. I am certainly going to be adding vapor rub to our nightly routine for a while!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Doctor's report
Well, I took Garrett to the doctor today and the great news is he does not have strep or any other infection. The not so surprising news, although I was not wanting to hear it, is that Garrett has asthma. He is fighting allergies right now, and he is experiencing some asthmatic symptoms. So, we start him back on nebulized medication during flare ups, and he will now take Singulair again for allergies/asthma. Like I said, this is not a surprise...I just assumed he would have to have a serious attack before he would get an official diagnosis. Now we just move forward with more knowledge and try to avoid some of the triggers (outside for starters!). Oh, the many adventures I have with Garrett...
I don't know about anyone else, but I am ready for some real fall weather. Sure, some leaves have started to change color, but there are far more brown leaves around than anything else. It is so dry here. I guess one plus is there is a burn ban because of the drought, so I am not inundated with the smoke from the burning leaves.
Our church held a Harvest Festival this weekend. They were estimating about 3000 people would attend, and Brunswick stew and BBQ was prepared for 3000. By 2:30 PM, all of the food was gone. They went and got 2000 hot dogs, and those were gone very quickly, too. They now believe that over 6000 people attended. We did not stay too long, but while we were there the boys had so much fun. Garrett rode on a pony, Hunter threw a softball into a target and won a t-shirt, and they both jumped in the leaf pit. They got to do a few more things, too...but the lines were so long that Garrett got very impatient. All in all, a good time.
Last night and this morning Garrett is really feeling puny. His allergies are driving him crazy. He was in bed by 7:40 last night...and asleep in minutes. He told me his neck hurts when he eats. I think he really means his throat is hurting, but I am not sure. I suppose this means a trip to the pediatrician today. I don't think I want to take any chances that something more serious is going on. This also means no school today. I do feel he is not contagious, but to be safe, I will keep him home today.
Well, a hungry three-year-old is wanting some breakfast. I better go before he tries to fix himself something!
Our church held a Harvest Festival this weekend. They were estimating about 3000 people would attend, and Brunswick stew and BBQ was prepared for 3000. By 2:30 PM, all of the food was gone. They went and got 2000 hot dogs, and those were gone very quickly, too. They now believe that over 6000 people attended. We did not stay too long, but while we were there the boys had so much fun. Garrett rode on a pony, Hunter threw a softball into a target and won a t-shirt, and they both jumped in the leaf pit. They got to do a few more things, too...but the lines were so long that Garrett got very impatient. All in all, a good time.
Last night and this morning Garrett is really feeling puny. His allergies are driving him crazy. He was in bed by 7:40 last night...and asleep in minutes. He told me his neck hurts when he eats. I think he really means his throat is hurting, but I am not sure. I suppose this means a trip to the pediatrician today. I don't think I want to take any chances that something more serious is going on. This also means no school today. I do feel he is not contagious, but to be safe, I will keep him home today.
Well, a hungry three-year-old is wanting some breakfast. I better go before he tries to fix himself something!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
OUCH!!!
The title says it all...we got flu shots yesterday! Oh, that was fun. By 7:30 last night I was wiped out on the couch and my arm was so sore I could hardly move it. Keep in mind, I get an allergy shot in my arm every week, but they never hurt like this one. Enough of my whining...I just needed to get this off of my chest.
Being the kind mom that I am, I bribed the boys with ice cream if they behaved while getting their shots yesterday. That worked out well, until I was ordering the ice cream and Garrett decided to walk from booth to booth at McDonald's! But the best part was the older woman who cleans the lobby telling Garrett not to do that anymore. I was fine with her correcting his poor behavior...Garrett was set to tears, though. He kept telling me the lady had a "mad face" and you could definitely see the displeasure in her face. From then on, if Garrett even thought he might see her, he hid his face. Maybe I need to adopt a "mad face" every now and then to get my points across with Garrett. The older woman came and apologized to me for correcting Garrett, and I told her not to worry about it. She also apologized to Garrett for upsetting him. I again told her not to worry about it. I don't think Garrett will walk on the booths in a restaurant again any time soon.
Well, I hope that the ounce of prevention is worth the pound of cure they say...I DO NOT want the FLU in my home this year (or any year for that matter). I am sure my arm won't hurt so much tomorrow.
Being the kind mom that I am, I bribed the boys with ice cream if they behaved while getting their shots yesterday. That worked out well, until I was ordering the ice cream and Garrett decided to walk from booth to booth at McDonald's! But the best part was the older woman who cleans the lobby telling Garrett not to do that anymore. I was fine with her correcting his poor behavior...Garrett was set to tears, though. He kept telling me the lady had a "mad face" and you could definitely see the displeasure in her face. From then on, if Garrett even thought he might see her, he hid his face. Maybe I need to adopt a "mad face" every now and then to get my points across with Garrett. The older woman came and apologized to me for correcting Garrett, and I told her not to worry about it. She also apologized to Garrett for upsetting him. I again told her not to worry about it. I don't think Garrett will walk on the booths in a restaurant again any time soon.
Well, I hope that the ounce of prevention is worth the pound of cure they say...I DO NOT want the FLU in my home this year (or any year for that matter). I am sure my arm won't hurt so much tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
'Tis the Season
I am sure any of you who read this blog understand the season that I am talking about...cold, flu, and/or allergy season. I am equally certain that the unusually hot, dry weather is not helping at all! In the grand scheme of things, we have not been hit too hard (yet), but we all have scratchy throats and Garrett has a yucky nose. I am calling today to get flu shots. I do not want that to enter the doors of my house!
On a serious illness note, our 4 week old niece Erin (the cute baby Garrett was holding) has been hospitalized with RSV, a virus that is like a severe cold in older children and adults. Hopefully she will come home today...for her sake and for Tiffany's sake. I told Garrett that baby Erin was sick and in the hospital and his first comment was, "We need to get her a bucket!" I told him she wasn't that kind of sick...I am so amazed at his ability to be sweet and kind. He then prayed for Erin, "Dear God, get Erin better now." Oh, the faith of a child. Any of my blog readers who think about it, please pray for Erin.
Allow me to brag on Hunter...He is so smart! He has already memorized his "doubles" addition facts (1+1 to 9+9) and he knows his plus 1's (2+1, 3+1, etc.) Honestly, I had third graders that had trouble with this. I am so proud of him. He gets so excited about school time. He informed me the other day he was a "math genius."
Garrett is showing signs that he is ready to start learning his letters and sounds...he already knows some. He came crying to me the other day, saying he can't read and he wants to read his books. Now, I don't want him to cry or be upset, but this may be the motivation that he needs to start the reading process.
I am going to have to go now and start school with the boys. I will have to write more later. Again, please say a prayer for Erin!
On a serious illness note, our 4 week old niece Erin (the cute baby Garrett was holding) has been hospitalized with RSV, a virus that is like a severe cold in older children and adults. Hopefully she will come home today...for her sake and for Tiffany's sake. I told Garrett that baby Erin was sick and in the hospital and his first comment was, "We need to get her a bucket!" I told him she wasn't that kind of sick...I am so amazed at his ability to be sweet and kind. He then prayed for Erin, "Dear God, get Erin better now." Oh, the faith of a child. Any of my blog readers who think about it, please pray for Erin.
Allow me to brag on Hunter...He is so smart! He has already memorized his "doubles" addition facts (1+1 to 9+9) and he knows his plus 1's (2+1, 3+1, etc.) Honestly, I had third graders that had trouble with this. I am so proud of him. He gets so excited about school time. He informed me the other day he was a "math genius."
Garrett is showing signs that he is ready to start learning his letters and sounds...he already knows some. He came crying to me the other day, saying he can't read and he wants to read his books. Now, I don't want him to cry or be upset, but this may be the motivation that he needs to start the reading process.
I am going to have to go now and start school with the boys. I will have to write more later. Again, please say a prayer for Erin!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fun on the Farm
Tuesday Garrett's preschool class went to a dairy farm for a field trip. The kids had a wonderful time. We got to go on a hay ride, pet a two week old calf, see the huge hogs, and see where the 80 cows are milked. After the tour of the farm, the kids had a snack picnic and then they had a pumpkin hunt. Garrett was so proud of his cute little pumpkin that he found in the hay.
The only downside to the field trip was the heat...it was 92 degrees Tuesday, which only made the smells of the farm all the more stinky!
Hunter informed me that he had already been on the farm trip last year, so he did not need (or want) to go again. Thankfully, I had a friend who could watch him for the morning. The next trip is to the fire house...I think Hunter will go on that trip. Last year, the firemen came to the school...this year the kids get to go to the fire station.
The only downside to the field trip was the heat...it was 92 degrees Tuesday, which only made the smells of the farm all the more stinky!
Hunter informed me that he had already been on the farm trip last year, so he did not need (or want) to go again. Thankfully, I had a friend who could watch him for the morning. The next trip is to the fire house...I think Hunter will go on that trip. Last year, the firemen came to the school...this year the kids get to go to the fire station.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Great family time
We had a great weekend this past week. We got to go to Richmond to visit family, including the newest addition, Erin. She is just precious! Of course, the boys loved playing with their cousins, David and Emily, too. 
We got to go to play miniature golf, which was not as much of a challenge as I had envisioned. Four children 5 and under playing putt-putt and no one got seriously injured! And they all seemed to have a really good time. 
We also got to spend time with both Grannys, which is such a treat for the boys. They don't get to see either Granny very often, so to see them both in the same day...just wonderful.
Mom fixed us a wonderful dinner of grilled chicken, baked potatoes and broccoli. The boys loved it...and the ice cream for dessert! Mom just loves to feed people, and my boys love to eat. This is a match made in heaven! As we were leaving, Hunter said very emphatically," THAT is a REALLY NICE lady!" What a smile it brought to my face that my children recognize and appreciate love and hospitality.
Saturday the family time continued. The boys and I went to Timberlake Christian School for a volleyball tournament that cousin Sydney was playing in and Aunt Tammy was coaching. We watched 4 volleyball matches and spent much time on the playground in between games. While Sydney's team did not win the tournament, they did win their first two matches. I was so proud of these middle school girls and their efforts. I think Sydney was touched that we came to watch her play. By the way, she is a pretty good volleyball player.
Sunday we just spent time together at home. After church, we had lunch and watched football. Well, I watched the inside of my eyelids and at some point a show was put on for the boys. All in all, a good day.
Well, I am realizing the time and need to get boys up and moving. Garrett has a trip to a farm today with school. I will write more about that later!
We also got to spend time with both Grannys, which is such a treat for the boys. They don't get to see either Granny very often, so to see them both in the same day...just wonderful.
Mom fixed us a wonderful dinner of grilled chicken, baked potatoes and broccoli. The boys loved it...and the ice cream for dessert! Mom just loves to feed people, and my boys love to eat. This is a match made in heaven! As we were leaving, Hunter said very emphatically," THAT is a REALLY NICE lady!" What a smile it brought to my face that my children recognize and appreciate love and hospitality.
Saturday the family time continued. The boys and I went to Timberlake Christian School for a volleyball tournament that cousin Sydney was playing in and Aunt Tammy was coaching. We watched 4 volleyball matches and spent much time on the playground in between games. While Sydney's team did not win the tournament, they did win their first two matches. I was so proud of these middle school girls and their efforts. I think Sydney was touched that we came to watch her play. By the way, she is a pretty good volleyball player.
Sunday we just spent time together at home. After church, we had lunch and watched football. Well, I watched the inside of my eyelids and at some point a show was put on for the boys. All in all, a good day.
Well, I am realizing the time and need to get boys up and moving. Garrett has a trip to a farm today with school. I will write more about that later!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Corn Maze
By the temperatures outside you would not believe it is Fall, but it is, in fact, October 1st. We took full advantage of the wonderful weather this past weekend, spending a lot of time outside. The highlight for the weekend was going to a corn maze that was a blast! I need to mention, too, that I have always wanted to go to a corn maze, so this was a "dream come true" (according to Hunter).
In the maze there were strategically placed scarecrows that were numbered, and we had a set of clues that corresponded to the scarecrows. You were told to turn left or right depending on the answer to the clues. The boys loved this. It took us about 30 minutes the first maze and a bit less time the 2nd.
In addition to the mazes, there were other events as well. The boys got to ride on a "cow train" and we took a hay ride. We got to fire corn cobs out of a small cannon, shooting at targets, there was a corn crib (like a sand box) with lots of toys and shovels. The had a "mini maze" for kids to walk through and my favorite, the no-left turn maze. In this maze, you were only take right turns to get through. This was quite a challenge. Sadly enough, I did not figure it out...the boys didn't care what the intent of the maze was, and they got out taking the most direct path. They got bored with me trying to figure it out...so I, too, took the easy, direct path out. Maybe next time I will be able to figure this one out.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who lives near Montvale, VA...it was well worth the drive and the admission.
In the maze there were strategically placed scarecrows that were numbered, and we had a set of clues that corresponded to the scarecrows. You were told to turn left or right depending on the answer to the clues. The boys loved this. It took us about 30 minutes the first maze and a bit less time the 2nd.
In addition to the mazes, there were other events as well. The boys got to ride on a "cow train" and we took a hay ride. We got to fire corn cobs out of a small cannon, shooting at targets, there was a corn crib (like a sand box) with lots of toys and shovels. The had a "mini maze" for kids to walk through and my favorite, the no-left turn maze. In this maze, you were only take right turns to get through. This was quite a challenge. Sadly enough, I did not figure it out...the boys didn't care what the intent of the maze was, and they got out taking the most direct path. They got bored with me trying to figure it out...so I, too, took the easy, direct path out. Maybe next time I will be able to figure this one out.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who lives near Montvale, VA...it was well worth the drive and the admission.
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