A Gift From God...

You know, just when you feel you're going to lose your mind, and you get a little reprieve? That was us tonight. The boys were great. We had so much fun. Lucas was all smiles and Ethan was the perfect big brother. No accidents, no screaming matches- nothing! Just good fun~ exactly what i needed before our big trip! Now, I should be grading papers, but nah... I'm going to watch my TV shows and eat brownies while sipping hot cocoa... This is the life! Of course, I should be packing, but the boys are sleeping, and I don't want to wake them up! At least that's the excuse I'm going with!

Good Night....

A fun weekend... A fussy baby... A wild child... A good visit with my friend, Jess... Papers to grade... Laundry done... Procrastinating greatly...This is a picture of our boys watching a movie together. I remember before I had kids when I was so against little ones watching tv... Boy does that change... All in moderation, of course, but what a sanity-saver at times! As you can see, Ethan loves to cuddle. Lucas doesn't seem to mind - good thing, because Ethan is determined!

Here's another great picture- but the quality is weird. The battery was dying when I took it, but it's worth a look just for that smile - drop dead gorgeous that boy is!

hickeys....

So we took Lucas to the doc, because he was so fussy. He weighs 13, 11 now - right on track. Of course, no infection yet, but the potential for one.... We got the ethical doctor, so he wouldn't give us any antibiotics pre-emptively. Darn. But then, of course, after spending the money to go - he slept for longer than he has, maybe ever. He slept 8 and a half hours, ate, went right to sleep and then is still asleep now after 4 hours. Brian and I have made a deal that I can spend the second half of the night in the nursery- because his sleep is usually restless. So I am actually feeling somewhat rested!
I get the idiot of the year award. I was playing with Lucas' pacifier while he was sleeping- suctioning it to my face. When Ethan woke up he said, "Mommy, owie!" My lower lip is covered in hickeys. I couldn't figure out why the nurses were staring at me last night. Then I remembered and tried to explain and then they just thought I was an idiot. I could tell. They were right. I am really praying that concealer will work a miracle here!
Pictures today- I promise. The camera was dead last night.

zzzzzzzzzz......

So Ethan is a potty master! He's only had two accidents so far- both at daycare. We're very proud of him for that. Not so proud that he was in time out several times today for biting. It's so embarrassing to pick him up and hear that he was naughty! Then I'm the one walking out with my head down, tail between my legs. Gives me a new appreciation for my kids' parents!
We're all exhausted here. Lucas has an awful cold and is quite the screamer. If he stops eating, I'll take him to the doctor, but as for now, he seems okay. Just miserable. We all are!
I'm sore from playing in the staff vs. student basketball game yesterday. It was a lot of fun. I have one boy from my class now on the team and one boy that I had last year, plus a lot of the boys I have in different groups. I want to go to their games tomorrow, but not with potty training and sicko- even I'm not that crazy!
Hopefully tomorrow, I'll put up some pictures of our big boys!

Yeah, sure!

Ethan has apparently become Canadian. He used to say Yep, then Yes, then Yeah, and now it's, "Yeah, sure!" Such a goof. Tomorrow he goes sans diaper to daycare. Wish us all luck! The only thing I'm worried about is the car seat... and his shoes... But, we decided it's time to take the plunge- here's hoping!
Lucas seems to be gigantic all of a sudden. It feels like he's growing up faster than possible. We think he might be working on a tooth- Ethan was this early, so it's all together possible.
My class earned the spirit stick this week - for their improvement in behavior. Of course, then they were absolute pills yesterday - but today was great. I have two boys who are always awful on Wednesdays. They say that it's just the way it is - they hate Wednesdays. We'll see about that. I'll figure out some way to manipulate the situation. I do love the problem-solving of teaching.
It's nice to have Brian home tonight. I think I'm learning through all of this to be appreciative of what I've got - especially him. It would be so hard to do it on my own. I know many people out there do- I admire their strength! I'm lucky to be married to someone so giving and helpful. He's a good guy.

Weekend's over already?

Time flies... It literally feels like this weekend was over in a snap. We survived. Brian worked all day Saturday and went to work a while ago tonight. Yesterday we had great fun- Lucas has learned how to "play". He's grabbing at his toys and smiling and gurgling. That may not seem like much, but to us it's amazing! We played and played and played some more. Here's a picture of Ethan "sharing" his toys with sleeping Lucas.... cute...

Ethan has not had one single accident this weekend. He hasn't even gone in his pull-up - even at night. Impressive, I must say! I'd say we are well on the way to being without diapers! Well, for that one.... The other one made good use of his diapers again and again.
This week we work at transitioning into Brian's work schedule, but the boys are still in daycare full time for two more weeks. We were hoping Brian would find something before then, but it's not looking too hopeful. It's just a stinky time to be looking. Mark's sermon this morning was about giving up all worry and relying on God to calm us. I kept thinking about that verse, I think it's in Philippians, about not being anxious about anything, but giving it all to God. There's a lot I want to be anxious about, but really, what's the use? God'll get us through. And, he has given us caffeine and that is a big help! Good thing Lucas doesn't seem to mind when I drink a lot of it!
I'm off to finish lesson plans - I've got to get ready for the week. I've got to figure out how to talk about reproduction without the kids getting squirrelly. And I was hoping for a calm week!

Picture Day!

Today was picture day at daycare. We won't see the finished product for awhile, but here's a preview....

Tonight was Brian's first night back. It was a disaster here at home, but I just keep thinking, there's no way but up! Lucas went on a nursing strike- I think it was the fiber bar I ate for lunch. Ethan was throwing a tantrum when I picked him up and didn't stop until after dinner. There was constant crying tonight and it wasn't just me! Actually, though, it really wasn't that bad, considering. I'm sure we'll figure it out.

School is really starting to turn around. We've hit a stride and I'm excited. I had a great meeting with my principal today and am feeling good about what we're doing. It's an uphill battle, but at least we're moving.
This weekend should be a little crazy. Brian works a lot - getting his training hours in, and that leaves me with the monkeys. I realize many, many women do this every day - I'll get the hang of it! Now, I'm off to grade papers! Blech...

First Shots!

Yesterday was Lucas' 2 month appointment. He weighs 13lbs, 5oz - 90th percentile and 75th percentile weight (identical to Ethan at the time). He checked out very healthy and had his first shots. He obviously did not enjoy those and was up many times during the night- not fun! He did do fine at daycare today, though he didn't eat much. We're just praying for a good night of sleep. I spent a while today chatting with Lucas' teacher - such a nice woman and great caregiver - and she said something I loved. She said that it seems like Lucas is finding his voice- so true! I like to think about how this tiny little guy with his gurgles and coos will soon be just as verbal as his brother- making us laugh all the time. My favorite new word of Ethan's is "careful". I let him have his milk with no lid (a big skill!) at dinner and always have told him to be careful, but now he's the one with the reminder. It really is a miracle the way they pick up language. Soon enough, I'll be getting calls from their teachers that they won't be quiet.
I'm starting to get better control of my class. They are a feisty bunch- but the talent there is awesome. I just have to get them to see how brilliant they are. I'm trying to do some community building to try and get them to like each other. It's a challenge, but they're coming. Of course, I'm having to drink a whole lot of coffee to keep up after the sleepless nights.
Brian and Ethan had a fun day today together. I think it was great for both of them. Things are about to get a little crazy with Brian going back to pizza this Friday. We're gearing up!

Wahoo!

Ethan is quickly becoming a potty master! We are so impressed. He's only had 4 accidents all weekend- pretty good for wearing big-boy underwear! Of course, nights are a different story, but as for days- what a guy!
Lucas was a charmer at church today- just smiling away at anyone who would look. It was fun to catch up with our friends, the Coates and Ethan and Peyton had a great time chasing each other through the church. Their little girl is adorable- so girly!
Brian doesn't go back to pizza until Friday, so he's got a week to do some chores around the house and look for better job opportunities. He's got a meeting with a Tech staffing agency tomorrow- we're praying that it's fruitful. We can survive on pizza- but we're not going to see each other much and it'll leave me alone with the boys on most of my time not working- not exactly relaxing! We can do it, though, I know that. We're currently trying to watch all the programs we have saved on the DVR in preparation to cancel Satellite- sad! I realize that's not that important, but I've grown to love pausing and recording TV....

The Good, The Bad, and the Lay Off....

What a week we've had! On Wednesday, Brian was laid off from his job. The company laid off 210 workers, not leaving them with many. Today we found out they are filing for bankruptcy. At first, we panicked, but then things worked out allright. He'll go back to being a pizza guy for awhile and continue looking for jobs in his career. Sad news, but God's taking care of us. We're lucky when I think about all the other people I know who have been laid off recently. He has a job to fall back on and we have happy, healthy babies. We can't complain.

On lighter news- we've decided to give potty training a real try. We're going to work hard this weekend and hopefully make some progress. No accidents tonight, but I'm sure they're coming. We stocked up on upholstery/carpet cleaner. This is worse than when Kenya was a puppy....

Lucas is 10 weeks! I cannot believe how fast it is going. He hasn't done too much exciting lately- but he sure is cute. I was at parent-teacher conferences the last two nights, so all he wants to do when he sees me is nurse, nurse, nurse. He's full of happy grins in the morning- I love it!
This weekend should be great- just resting and recuperating and being thankful for what all we have. We can do without going out to eat, right?!

Happy Election Day!!!

Well, not a great day for any of us, but through it all, I'm reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. I have conferences the next two nights and so took advantage of all the snuggles I could get today. I just love all my boys!
My students were insane today, but I was comforted somewhat by other teachers making the same comment. I had the kids elect a leadership council today- hoping that they will be helpful in keeping control of their classmates.
We're loving all the Election coverage tonight. It really is a historic election and it's great to be a part of it. We both got out to vote today, despite all the other craziness going on. Can't wait to see what happens!

Reflections....

Halloween- too much for the 2-year old monkey... He is still exhausted! Then he decided not to nap at daycare today. Sheesh... Isn't it funny that the more tired they get, the more they fight sleep. I don't get it!
Lucas is just growing so fast! I love going and picking him up- he's so snuggly! I put him in the high chair tonight, while I cooked dinner. I was just taken aback, remembering when I used to do that with Ethan. Where has the time gone?
I'm off to go grade papers and work on some school stuff. This week is conferences. I have a lot to do.....

Trick or Treat!

What a night it was! We were all exhausted when it was over. I think we were still exhausted today. Ethan had a great time at daycare. Then we all had a great time at "daddy's work"- they really decked it all out. I was impressed! Ethan loved it until we went into the "haunted" portion of the enchanted forest. He reached for some candy out of the bowl and Brian's boss was hiding and grabbed it from him. He was terrified. It was sad... funny, but sad... He recovered quickly though. Poor guy!

From there we went home for some pizza and then Jess and I took him around the neighborhood. At first he was a little hesitant, but once he figured out the process, he was a pro. He'd say his thank you and then say "another house mommy!" We laughed a lot.

Of course all that sugar put everyone in a rotten mood today, but it was worth it. We had a great time. Hopefully the rest of the weekend can be restful.