Jase and Greta

sick, blah, blah, antibiotics, blah, blah

2012-01-28T17:46:00.002-05:00

this is just for the record books

I've been sick. It has been a long five or so long weeks around here (yes, I said 'long' twice). I've slept a lot. Remember some. Whined a lot. Done little housework.

Fortunately, it has rained a lot, which means Jason can't work - and has been home to help out. Unfortunately, it has rained a lot, which means Jason can't work.

The first two or so weeks I just knew I'd be better soon, but continued to feel crummy. Then I started a z-pack for a sinus infection. By the end of those five days, I wasn't doing better and my jaw/ears throbbed. I started a 10-day round of Augmentin to work harder to clear up the sinus infection. I felt awful so I saw my allergist to make sure this was my only option. By day 8 and 9, I spent two days in bed, in more pain than I'd like to remember. I have a really high pain tolerance, but this was more than I could bear. And I was living on Percocet and Lortab with not much relief.

I couldn't get in to see my ENT for three weeks. I called my Dad and he called in a for me (it helps that he and my ENT are old college buddies) and I got in the next day, which was a major blessing. After I described my past four weeks, he scoped my nose (an unpleasant-never-want-to-do-that-again experience) and he did x-rays. He was horrified by what he saw and said it was a "medical emergency" sinus infection. Apparently, even after two round of antibiotics, my maxillary sinus cavity was full of puss, causing all the pain in my face. It is never reassuring to have a friend/laid-back doctor act that concerned.

So, I got three days of rocephrin antibiotic shots, which are worth 24 hours of IV antibiotics. Then started a 20-day round of Omnicef. He told me to do nose spray (which he gave me), keep doing my allergy meds and, because of my pain he told me to take 3x the Lortab dose I had been taking.

So, I was sleeping even more, but getting some relief. I am on day 8 of Omnicef, which means I've been taking antibiotics for 23 days, with 12 to go, and maybe more. I hate taking antibiotics and I hate taking pain meds, but I know how much pain I was in and I'm trying to be a good patient. In another week I go back for more x-rays and that will determine if I have to take a second 20-day round of Omnicef.

*sigh*

And that is the reason for the lack of blogging.....

Baby Mia

2012-01-27T17:39:00.001-05:00

For two years I've babysat my little buddy, David, two days a week. Back in November he got a sister, Mia. Now, David is in preschool and I'm keeping Mia two days a week. Sweet, very happy child.Mac even enjoyed getting in on getting her to laugh.

Because of reflux she sleeps in her carseat, which is what we like, because for the first two days I had her this week - She WOULD NOT take a bottle. She'll learn, right?

Snowflakes in the kitchen

2012-01-18T17:35:00.002-05:00

Remember when we made snowflakes with Aunt Sharon, I put them to good use.
Especially since we don't seem to be getting any snow this year.

Forced Rail Construction

2012-01-16T12:15:00.002-05:00

Mortgage rates are low, so we decided to refinance the house. (Please don't get Jason started on this frustrating process), but in order to get an approved appraisal, we needed a rail on our front porch. This is something I desired when we moved in 8 years ago and I feared children falling off the edge. But, we never did it and the kids survived. Now we are being forced to do it.

Of course, this is one of Jason's expertise, it is just a matter of paying for the lumber and having the time to do it.It was fun to see Tavis get into helping and learning a few things.
In the end, the rail looks great and adds a little more character to our home.
The handrail was a little more of a pain, but manageable for my "semi-professional" husband (family joke).Fortunately/Unfortunately, the bank approved it without it being painted.
Hoping we can get it painted within the next five years or so. JK, honey!

Mac's "other" birthdays

2012-01-15T17:11:00.003-05:00

Birthday with the Brown's

Daegan reading Mac his card

A gun for Mac!

Birthday at the Caines - Mommy and her boy!

Brownies!Apparently, it was a Lightening McQueen themed birthday - cars, squinkies, and play doh.

He's 5 now!!!!

My Baby is 5!!

2012-01-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

*sniff*sniff*

Jason doesn't think this fact is sad, but it makes me very sad. No more babies around here. I know there had to be a "last child" sometime, but the reality that my baby is probably going to kindergarten next year makes me very teary.

Today is Mac's 5th birthday. We celebrated as a family last night to avoid the chaos of Sunday. Mac loves to look at the balloons at Publix, so I thought it would be fun to get him some for his birthday. Of course, they were a big hit! Angry Birds and Super Heroes. Jason and Mollee went to pick up pizza for dinner - here are the big boys waiting patiently for dinner with the birthday boy!

Mac doesn't eat a lot of dessert, but he requested chocolate covered doughnuts and doughnut balls (aka. holes) - I'm not sure he ate any of them. P-A-R-T-Y T-I-M-E!!!

Mac opening Green Lantern, with Daddy's Green Lantern T-shirt in the background. We are all about Super Heroes over here.

He really, really, really wanted an Xbox R2D2

Now he wants to know: Is he going to school tomorrow? And, are we getting bunk beds for the big boys room for him to move downstairs? Two things we've discussed, "when you turn 5...." I just didn't realize he expected it immediately.

The Blog is Suffering

2012-01-14T16:50:00.003-05:00

I've had two posts since the New Year. I can't promise that will get better, but I can promise I will try. I've been sick for about three weeks and I've been trying to get back into the swing of life. I think I am on the mend and hope my blog will suffer no longer.

A few months ago I printed my 2009 blog book and I love having it. I can't wait to print 2010 (when funds allow), so I am determined to keep blogging to preserve our memories.

Fingers crossed.

Monkey Burrito

2012-01-10T08:55:00.002-05:00

More often than not, when I wake up Capps for school he is wrapped tightly in his comforter between his mattress and the wall. (my iPhone not a fan of dark rooms, this was the best picture I could get)

Why I'm a fan!

2012-01-07T18:38:00.007-05:00

For those of you sad souls (*cough*Moriah*cough*) that don't care about sports, this will bore you. For the rest of you, I have a wide range of teams and thought I'd reflect why?

College Football - Alabama. In 6th grade, I had a crush on a boy. I was the girl that didn't have a lot of boyfriends, but had tons of friends that were boys. This particular boy was a flirt and I got to wear his BAMA hat all the time. I've been saying, "Roll Tide" ever since. Thank goodness he wasn't a UT fan - whew! Unfortunately, my eldest son has been corrupted by Uncle Daniel and cheers for UT. My second son has been corrupted by Uncle David and cheers for UGA.

NFL Football - Dalla Cowboys, Ameria's Team. In 1989, I decided I needed to pick a team. I always enjoy a good underdog win, so I picked the worst team in the NFL. They were 1-15 that year. Then, in 1992, they won the Super Bowl. I just might have had a huge lone star in the back window of my car. I had posters hanging over my bed in high school that looked like this:NHL (hockey) - Colorado Avalance. I grew up watching hockey. I love hockey! I've even played a very non-official family game on my grandparents frozen creek. When Jason joined the family, he was forced to be a fan, but he willingly was forced. After Jason had a better understanding of the game, he really enjoyed watching CLAUDE LEMIEUX play. He was a dirty player, the kind you either hate or love. We have a puck signed by Mr. Lemieux and we also have a poster that was signed by the entire 2001 Avs team. Shortly after we got the poster, they won the Stanely Cup. So awesome!
Baseball (MLB) - St. Louis Cardinals. No, I'm not a jump-on-the-band-wagon-fair-weather-fan. If you know my family, you know it is true. Unfortunately for my father, I'm not a huge baseball fan. I do love to go to games, but lets be honest, that is mostly for the cotton candy and hotdogs. Plus, it isn't hard to cheer for this cute guy.

Basketball (NBA) - Jason hates basketball and I'm tired of these babies. I liked the Detroit Pistons, and, of course, I loved the Chicago Bulls - Scottie Pipen, Michael Jordan, etc. Hated everything Boston Celtics. Now, I have a few players I enjoy following, but I it is hard to get into it when your husband doesn't enjoy watching.

College Basketball - Duke. We don't have cable, so we don't get a lot of games, but I love March Madness. I won the family NCAA pool last year and I don't think there was enough praise for that - I'm just sayin'. I've always enjoyed watching Duke play. I had a huge crush on Christian Laettner in Jr. High. Other favorites: Grant Hill and J.J. Redick. Now that my little brother has graduated with a Masters from Duke and has bought us t-shirts, we are a family of fans!

NASCAR - This is a tricky, most recently changed, one! I don't know how I started watching, but I have for as long as I can remember. When Kyle Bush started driving the M&Ms car I decided that he was a perfect match for me. Yes, it was a dorky reason to cheer for someone, but if you knew my love for peanut M&Ms you'd understand. In recent years, I've not really aproved of some of Kyle's antics, but I don't like wishy-washy fans. After the last few races of this past season I declare myself, "Not a Kyle Bush fan". I can't handle it anymore. So, I'll go with my kids and say, "Go, Carl Edwards". Who doesn't like someone that flips off his car backwards if he wins? Tennis - always a huge fan of Andre Agassi and of Monica Seles. Monica got stabbed by a crazy fan and her game was never the same. Agassi retired in 2007 and I'm still not sure who I'm cheering for. I feel like I'm supposed to cheer for Andy Roddick to cheer for the American, but I really like Novak, Djokovic.

Golf - yep, I've even been known to sit a watch a whole match of golf. I enjoy cheering for Jesper Parnevik. Partially, because it bugs my Dad and, partially, because I enjoy his clothes (as I flipped through pictures to pick for this blog entry, he kinda reminds me my Daegan). He broke his back and I'm currently looking for a new player to cheer for! Not that I have to say this, but in the Olmpics, I'm cheering for USA (I LOVE THE OLYMPICS). Ruth, you better be cheering USA also!!!!

Uncle Paul and Aunt Sharon

2011-12-30T21:44:00.008-05:00

Uncle Paul is my Mom's brother. As a kid, I loved the one week each Summer that we got to spend at my grandparents house and I loved the nights that goofy Uncle Paul and Aunt Sharon would come over to visit. I absolutely cherish those memories.

Because of the 15 hours between us, we don't see them often. This past week they have been in town and what a joy it has been for me to see my own kids develop a love and admiration for them, just like I have! Also, I've gotten to know my 15-year old cousin (their daughter) that I don't know as well.

After I got my paperwork done each day, we've ventured down to my parent's house and hung out.

Aunt Sharon made snowflakes with them
She is amazingly patient!Of course, there were puzzles with Grandma J
I think Mollee loved having a 'big sister' all week and Dana enjoyed having a 'little sister' all week - so fun!
They played Memory alot.
And Uncle Paul enjoyed setting up Dominos and filming them crashing down. If you could hear Uncle Paul's laugh, you'd know just how fun it was!
Here were some girl cousins/second cousins together!
They also came down to our house to play some Kinect. I love how my Dad gets into the playing!
Even Dana was a good sport about it (maybe with a little prodding from Uncle Render).

Mac and Uncle Paul quickly became glued at the hip. Mac seems to capture everyone's heart!
Here is Mac (in his Jack Sparrow hat) between his Great-Great Uncle Paul and his Great Uncle Paul
Somehow the boys talked Dad and Uncle Paul into some football (old against young)
I love Uncle Paul
and Aunt Sharon!
So sad to see them head home, but so thankful for the time we got to spend with them! (and thankful for the chocolate they brought us from Pennsylvania)

I didn't feel like they were quiet that long.

2011-12-28T20:35:00.006-05:00

This is a little delayed, but I needed it recorded for the history books, so I'm adding it two weeks late.

I was babysitting my nephew, Malachi, when I realized it had been awhile since I saw Mac and Malachi. I didn't think too much of it, but went to find them. I knew they had been playing on the front porch.

This is what I found : two cheery boys eating candy canes and using their faces as canvases.

Their smiles faded as I started to find all their other canvases.

Front porch pillar Front Porch Screen
Garage DoorChair
Other garage door frame
Both sides (different colors)Recycle can
And, the bumper of my van
*sigh*

You have to wonder what in the world was going through their minds that made them think that this was ok?

65 years!

2011-12-28T19:22:00.002-05:00

My grandparents were married 65 years ago today!!! Love them!

Kinect produces fun pictures and many laughs!

2011-12-27T20:18:00.003-05:00

This picture is worth a re-post. Between the opposite arm moves, the no pants on Daeg and Mac trying to kick the ball from the side, it was worth a re-look. Dad came down to try out our new toy. There might even be a video to view.
Dad really got into it and had his fair share of turns.When Mac plays it always has to be re-calibrated for shortness.
Spectators -
Check out the height Mollee gets on her jumps - it is like she has springs in her feet!
Capps trying to get in on the fun, Daegan with pants second time around.
So fun!

Uncle Daniel and Aunt Heather - thanks, and when can you come over for me to take your picture playing?

Caines Christmas Chaos 2011

2011-12-25T20:02:00.009-05:00

I don't think there is any way to describe the chaos that occurs at a Caines Christmas. We try to keep it organized and one gift at a time, but it always unravels quickly. This year we were even missing the Isaacs and the Harris', but we still had 15 adults and 16 kids. Both Great-Grandmothers were there!

Cousins exchanged gifts and Papa and Grandma gave gifts

Me (Ganch - nickname from Emma at age 2) and Emma

Granny handing out cards
with Sarah
After all the gifts had been handed out, Capps asked if he could go "where no one was". I found him on Papa's bed building his Hero Factory.
Afterwards, Uncle Philip letting the little guys play on the iPad
A few different games happened
Grandpa J took a lot of naps and snuck a lot of M&Ms
The kids watched a movie

And Jase and Papa worked on the crossword puzzle
And the kids snuck in a little more Kinect when we got home.

Whoa! A long, good day!

DPP #25 - Christmas Sunday Photos

2011-12-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Jason with the J.Crew model shot!

Christmas 2011 with the Browns

2011-12-24T21:09:00.008-05:00

Always Christmas Eve Evening with the Browns.

A nice dinner first
Uncle Daniel and Aunt Heather Love!
And then on to the gifts.

Mollee got more fashion - the boots!
Pops and Mimi opening their personalized ornament

Mac giving Pops a ceramic ice cream cone he painted.
Giving Mima a picture
Date Night for us!
Pops trying out his new headphones and getting attacked by Tavis' new remote control helicopter.
And the kids got a Kinect for Uncle Daniel and Aunt Heather
Playing with gifts:

Our Christmas!

2011-12-24T20:42:00.006-05:00

We always start our Christmas with gifts made at school from the kids. Mollee made a tin punch - which I used to love to do as a kid!
And a similar snowman to the one I got last year (and I'll probably get three more)
This next picture didn't turn out as clear as I liked (and Santa didn't bring me a new camera yet), but Tavis was with me at Wal-Mart last week and thought he needed to buy an ornament with lipgloss in it for Mollee. With his money!
We go one at a time with opening gifts.
Usually!
Some are more enthusiastic ......
...than others.Mac got a lot of Imaginex

Mollee got a lot of fashion items this year.

Daegan excited about everyone's gifts.
Mac remembering to pose.
The gift that made me Mommy-of-the-Year, the bow and arrow (also the gift that made me second guess my sanity)
Didn't all the new PJs look good? ha

DPP #24 - Fun with lights!

2011-12-24T13:26:00.001-05:00

They were such good sports!

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T23:30:00.003-05:00

That is what we called it growing up, but Dusty says we should start to say Christmas Adam. It might just be catching on!

We have decided to do Christmas a day early. With Christmas on a Sunday morning, we don't want to feel rushed. We are doing Christmas Eve night with the Browns like always. Usually we have Christmas Day all to ourselves, but we are doing the Caines Christmas after church. So tomorrow we will wake up and do presents at home.

Therefore, tonight, the kids got their regular Christmas Eve gift.....PJs. The tradition started because I wanted them to have fresh new pjs in our Christmas morning pictures - Jason is a little horrified by this push on my part, but I don't regret the tradition.

And Jason sometimes gets new PJ pants (aka Fat Pants) but this year, a new t-shirt from the kids. Even more, a Green Lantern t-shirt.

After PJ gifts we popped some popcorn and watched "Elf" as a family. And then the traditional Christmas Eve threatening of the children not to wake up too early. :)

DPP #23

2011-12-23T08:43:00.003-05:00

Does a Mama's heart good to wake up to three boys around the Christmas tree reading in the wee hours of the morning.

Cookie Day with the Kemps

2011-12-22T23:52:00.005-05:00

Today was one of my favorite traditions that started about four years ago. Cookie day with the Kemps (beware of photo overload).

We always pick a day that we make a ton of cut-out cookies during the day with Rachel and then we decorate the cookies after dinner with Dusty and Rachel. So fun!

We even let Mollee roll out the last batch - of course, she was thrilled!
Dusty brought dinner and some pre-cookie iPhone entertainment!

Mac really got into it this year.....yep, there is a cookie under there!
The finished product (and I finally think I found a cookie recipe and a icing recipe I liked - and I wrote them down)
A few highlighted cookies:

"The Dusty" - where you hide the decorations under the icing. Thanks a lot Dusty!The only Gingerbread house we cut out? Who cares that it got Easter sprinkles?
The Jackson Pollock Cookie - again, thanks Dusty!
Daegan's colorful (we expect nothing less) snowman
Afterwards - group shot!
And I guess Rachel took a picture of the tree (thanks!)
Jason checking out his gifts under the tree.
And tomorrow is Christmas Adam (because Adam comes before Eve)! Right Dusty?

DPP #22, part two

2011-12-22T21:20:00.002-05:00

DPP #22 - Cookie Cutters and Dough

2011-12-22T16:10:00.001-05:00

Into the Christmas Craziness!

2011-12-22T15:24:00.001-05:00

(I need this in the history book)

Capps got invited to a Christmas party that Michaela was having. Those two have such a good time together. Capps told me Michaela laughs at her all the time in class. Michaela told me that Capps is very fun and silly!
When I dropped Capps off, his three brothers were also invited to stay and play with Christopher. (or, apparently, play with the DS?)
Mollee wasn't with me because after cutting out the cookies, she went home with Rachel. Apparently, she got to play Wii Dance with Dusty on his lunch break.

Busy, but fun, Day!

Jason wasn't at work because of all the rain the past few days, but he has been working on a project at home. I'll post about it with lots of before and after photos when it is completed!

DPP #21

2011-12-21T20:32:00.002-05:00

Green sparkly toes for the holidays!

DPP #20 - Peppermints

2011-12-20T23:23:00.000-05:00

Red Glasses

2011-12-20T13:21:00.000-05:00

When Daegan got glasses two years ago, he really wanted red. But we couldn't find a cheap pair that fit his face, so we got a blue pair and a copper pair.

He gets a new prescription every six months and he has taken incredible care of his other glasses, but we usually just have new lenses put in the old frames.

This time he got new ones - and he got red ones! Which will be great since he always wears red!

DPP #19

2011-12-19T20:58:00.002-05:00

Our new ornament: One of my favorite ornaments is one I got (below) from my good friend, Shannon. She and I did everything together as we started having babies together. Her daughter was even named after me - what an honor! She bought this for me Christmas 2001 and it is a favorite to pull out of the box each year. Shortly after she gave this to me, she moved away. :(

I miss her terribly!!!! Merry Christmas, Shannon!!!

DPP #18 - Advent

2011-12-18T12:36:00.001-05:00

The Griggs

2011-12-17T23:12:00.001-05:00

We love these people!

Beth, I didn't post it on Facebook, but I needed to post it here for memories sake!

DPP #17

2011-12-17T22:21:00.003-05:00

Roasting marshmallows, hoping my kids don't burn themselves or anyone else, freezing backside, scorching frontside, looking for the chocolate bars and crackers in the dark, history lesson on graham crackers (Presbyterian minister - look it up!) from an iPhone, hoping my kids don't burn anyone, dark walk back to the house for potty breaks, more marshmallow roasting.....

A perfect evening!

School Christmas Parties

2011-12-16T21:15:00.005-05:00

Capps and Goodwin Capps building a snowman
Healthfood galore!Mollee and Rami
Are you smarter than a 5th grader game?
Snowman
Peppermint Pass Race in Daegan's class
Daegan (and Olivia) being anal about crafts
And Daegan being a goof about food
Tavis working on a jingle bell bracelet
Peppermint Pass Race (same room mom as Daeg's class)
Tavis' cookie - a diabetic nightmare

DPP #16 - Snowman?

2011-12-16T21:12:00.003-05:00

At Capps' Christmas Party today, he built this snowman, I took a picture and he ate it (didn't even offer me one bite)!

DPP #15 - Dash

2011-12-15T20:27:00.001-05:00

Not enjoying this common site these days.

One more day until Christmas break!

DPP #14 - Can you say selection?

2011-12-14T00:51:00.000-05:00

Note to self: Do not buy any more clearance wrapping paper at the end of the season this year. (Some of these we've seen under the tree for a few years now) And, by the way, all done with shopping and wrapping!!

DPP #13 - Blue, Snowflake, Flannel PJs

2011-12-13T20:45:00.000-05:00

DPP#12 - Confession

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'd like to say my coat rack is festive. I have to admit that stocking has been hanging there since last year.

Cookin' Up Christmas!

2011-12-11T21:06:00.003-05:00

This kids had their Christmas choir performance tonight. It was a lot of fun and they did a great job! Mollee was Martha Steward. Joined by many other famous chefs
and the kids sang!Daegan and Capps requested not to be in choir this year. Jason and I respected that and they got to sit and read during choir each Wednesday night. Really, I know they enjoyed it, but the thought of a performance is not something they enjoy.

Tavis loves it!Mac has also loved it and has been singing all the songs at home and showing me all the hand motions, but this is all we got out of him tonight.
I had to get his picture with Mr. Rich afterwards.
It is funny the normal combinations of pictures you get of your children. I'm not sure I have many of just Tavis and Mac?
But I do have a lot of this friendship love/hate relationship! ;)
Good work, kiddos! And Mrs. Mindy, blue candy canes? Seriously? ;)

DPP #11 - Be fruitful and multiply

2011-12-11T21:02:00.003-05:00

Our kids choir singing for morning worship.How fortunate are we to have a Mrs. Mindy?

(Mac's first year in the choir)

DPP #10 - Bob's

2011-12-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Love me some Bob's Candy Canes!!!

No other brand will do!

State Project - HAWAII

2011-12-09T20:48:00.001-05:00

4th grade always does a huge State Project. They draw the state out of a hat. With about 65 students, they get some duplicates, but not many.

Tavis got Hawaii.

He has been working on a history project in class. He had to do a poster, which is what we were working on last weekend. He also had to do a salt map to represent mountains, rivers, etc. (that is when you wish you got Oklahoma). And he had to do a t-shirt.

We got the poster done last weekend, the salt map done Monday night and had the t-shirt to do. I bought iron on decals that you could print on and then you just iron them on the shirt, that is what we did for Mollee's and it worked beautifully. It was Thursday night before we got to it (right before I was leaving to go to a Christmas dinner, see next post) and guess what? I bought sew-on, not iron-on. So after my dinner I got to sit up half the night and sew on all his decals.

Then they had a State Fair in the gym where the entire elementary school and parents were invited to see all the states.2nd grade - Daegan and friends being supportive!Two state projects down, three to go!

DPP #9 - Cloudy, Winter Night

2011-12-09T20:13:00.002-05:00

From my sidewalk

(not taken with iPhone)

Ladies' Christmas Dinner

2011-12-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

Mollee and I attended our 12th dinner together! So glad to sit with and hang out with friends!
My DPP #8 Dessert table was from this lovely event.

DPP #8 - Dessert Motto

2011-12-08T21:15:00.001-05:00

Life is uncertain,

Eat dessert first!

DPP#7 - Folded Hands

2011-12-07T20:21:00.001-05:00

A child's hands folded in prayer, doesn't get much better than that!

DPP#6

2011-12-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

Making the frig festive!

DPP#5

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Remember this. Then, last Saturday, I was at the Minute Clinic with Daegan. He had fever and a bad cough. It ended up being bronchitis and an ear infection.

This Saturday, fever and a bad cough = pneumoniawhich leads to breathing treatments and stronger antibiotics.

He is right on track for the regular 20 days he misses from school each year. Poor kid, he can't catch a break!

DPP#4

2011-12-04T14:20:00.002-05:00

Project Saturday

2011-12-03T22:42:00.002-05:00

A few days ago I mentioned that I was a creature of habit. I am also a list-maker. Without them, nothing would get done. I posted this for Saturday - projects that we've put off and put off and now have to be done.

Tavis and his State Project. He got Hawaii! He has to do a posterboard, a t-shirt and a typography salt map.We got the poster done.

Daegan didn't have a project so he got to put address labels on envelopes.Mollee had an Emotion Map Book Report - don't ask?
Capps had to decorate a Gingerbread Man. Let me tell you, it was a big deal!the finished projectDaddy was working and we did projects and no one got hurt!

New do

2011-12-03T14:18:00.001-05:00

Remember back in September when I used some semi-permanent color on a whim to have red hair. I liked it and it was fun, but it was starting to look a little pink. I got a gift card to a local salon that I used to go to and they colored it again and cut it. Have you ever tried to take a picture of yourself with a phone? So awkward!It was nice to have it straightened professionally, but it won't happen often. This is what it will look like when I go to bed with wet hair, which will be most of the time. Who knows what color will be next?

DPP#3

2011-12-03T00:20:00.001-05:00

My snowman purchase this year. I LOVE SNOWMEN! They are supposed to hold pictures and I'm hoping to locate some old Christmas Card Photos for them to hold. We'll see if that happens before the New Year.

Rogue Squirrel

2011-12-02T19:18:00.000-05:00

I don't think this is what the teacher had in mind when she asked Daegan to color the squirrel.

DPP #2

2011-12-01T22:40:00.003-05:00

I shouldn't have to say much about this picture, except it represents good times, shared stories and lots of laughs. And a few hours without kids.

And I'll have to add the picture below (Lisa, you missed all the fun by leaving early) to ask, how many women does it take to figure out how to use jumper cables? Only one if you have Nikki.

and thanks to a stranger-man from Massachusettes.

DPP #1

2011-12-01T00:13:00.003-05:00

My first few DPP will be different Christmas decorations. And their story. These bears were given to us by a sweet elderly couple that lived across the street from us in our previous home. The Doubs. Mollee had just been born and they brought these to her. They aren't always kissing, but they have magnets in their snouts to help out.

Who's with me?

2011-11-30T11:53:00.007-05:00

In the 3 years I've had a blog, I've participated in a December Photo Project (DPP): Take one photo each day for the first 25 days of December and post it to your blog. In this month of celebrations, there is always something new to see and document each day. The DPP is a fun way to challenge yourself creatively and share the results with your friends on a daily basis.

I've decided to twist my DPP a little this year. We'll see how it goes and I may or may not stick with 'the twist'.

I got an iPhone a few weeks ago. My old phone wasn't holding a charge as well and since the 4S came out, the iPhone 4 has been on sale and I had an upgrade credit. There have been many times I've been out and needed something faxed or e-mailed for work, so I've had to go back home to take care of it - and I can't complain, I get to work from home! So, to have an iPhone is going to make that part of life a lot easier.

So....

My twist is, I'm going to see if I can do my DPP thru my iPhone. The picture quality is only as good as a steady hand taking the picture, not my specialty. There are options to add borders, mess with the lighting, etc. so we will see how it goes.

Who else is gonna do DPP this year?

Looking for some holiday spirit

2011-11-28T22:35:00.003-05:00

So, as I've shared before, I'm a creature of habit. I take family pictures at the same time each year (except maybe Thanksgiving this year), I've had the same bank account since I started babysitting at age 14 (except now they are charging fees) and I always put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving (except this year when there is a lack of holiday spirit).

We've had a rough few months. Jason has been home a lot, we've had a lot more homework to deal with and the kids seem to be getting lazier and lazier and I.had.had.enough! The straw that broke the the camel's back was when Tavis couldn't find his shoe. Well, of course, he couldn't find it. Have you seen his room?

Let's just say, I had a "Mommy Moment". Not a proud one, but I had one. The kids were looking forward to doing the tree, but instead, in severe frustration, I grabbed two huge (45 gal?) garbage bags and made the kids fill them. Broken toys, old lego boxes and kleenex boxes and whatever else in one bag for the trash and toys that no one plays with in the other.

I think they thought I was kidding at first, but it was no joke.

So, we didn't do the tree. We didn't do it Saturday. We didn't do it Sunday. I just couldn't find the 'oomph' to get it done.

Today I cooled off enough to do the tree. I wanted to put the tree up and the lights by myself, even though I know the kids like assembling (sorry for all you real-tree-people) the tree. I was afraid, if I didn't put it together myself in peace, we might get delayed another night. But I had had a long weekend with Thanksgiving and a lot of paperwork to catch up on. By the time I got started, was about the time Jason went to pick up the kids.

So, I started without them, but they got to help assemble the tree - mostly! Mollee is all about the decorating and I'm sure the four day wait almost killed her.
We did it in stages. We put the tree together and put the lights on
then had cocoa and some ham and eggs for dinner.
After dinner, I pulled out their individual boxes of ornaments and they got busy decorating and telling stories about different ornaments, which I love.
I like the pictures when you can feel the mood of Christmas, but this is what I get with my 6 year old camera:
There might have been some iPhone play during this family time? I'm just sayin'.So, the tree is up! And I love having it up! And, it is November, and it snowed today - no accumulation, but it definately snowed. And the kids are on Christmas Countdown - 27 DAYS!

Two things I've learned this weekend:

One, my kids can bite their tongue and they know that if a 'Mommy Moment' happens, don't ask! (eg. When are we going to do the tree?)

And two, don't let the kids be in the car when you haul the big bag of toys to the Thrift store - after I dropped it off I noticed Mac was crying. When I asked him what was wrong he said, "That was my favorite (doubtful) train toy!"

*sigh*

'Tis the Season....

2011-11-27T15:39:00.000-05:00

when your turkey tin looks like this.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T21:31:00.008-05:00

The Caines turkey centerpiece and name cards ( I might have 'doctored' this one)
I think one word that would sum up a Caines Thanksgiving is: COMPETITION

A friendly game of carroms
The girls just being girls
The boys competing who can eat the fastest The Polish Horseshoes cheer section (video coming soon - when I combine all the iPhone video) David about to catch the bottle on this one:Florida Boy giving it a try (wait until you see his video)
Even the old man gets in on the actionThen the cheer section turns into the annual cousin football game. This has happened as long as I can remember. Of course, I'm the one always behind the camera. Even 20+ years ago in the hills of Asheville, NC (thanks Heidi for remembering from otherside of the world and curious if the game has gone on!)

Pep talk from Crazy Coach Uncle David
Even Aunt Heather filled in on some plays to make the teams even
The cheer sections during the football game

Capps was pitiful most of the day with a mouth full of cold sores, so he got to sit on the porch with Uncle David's phone during the games.
After a late big lunch, Polish Horseshoes, and football, we celebrated five birthdays that were close to Thanksgiving (Mary, Jack, Jonah, Abby and David).

Today, Black Friday, I went shopping and finished all my shopping. What I didn't get, I was able to order on Amazon.com this afternoon.

Tonight we went to Jason's parents for a much calmer and quieter Thanksgiving Round #2.

What I am Thankful for....

2011-11-24T00:06:00.000-05:00

in no particular order.

My husband, the perfect match for me!

My freedom, as we pray for Gideon every night, I am so thankful to be an American!

My children, no matter how crazy they can make me, I am thankful for them, their love for the Lord and for their health.

My home, a warm (or cold) place to sleep!

Skype, I know we are spoiled, but I am thankful we live in a time that it is an option.

My friends, near and far!

And, lastly, but most importantly, an unchanging Lord that promises to take care of us and not to give us more than we can handle.

Painting with Daddy

2011-11-22T10:17:00.004-05:00

Jason is home this week working on some household projects. Remember a year ago, we started to paint our house? Well, we finally got a second coat on the back of the house (far side still needs to be painted). We went from off-white and brick to sage green and brick.

Yesterday, Jason started to paint the shutters. You can see that they were blue, not so pretty with the sage green. So Daddy and Mac primed them yesterday. Jason couldn't believe the non-stop talking he got to 'enjoy' with all the 'help'. And today they are turning black!

My Far Away Brother and Sister And Niece

2011-11-22T10:11:00.002-05:00

at Fish Hoek Beach! Gary, Ruth and Lilly (in utero)

Weekend Recap

2011-11-20T20:13:00.003-05:00

It has been a good weekend, so I wanted to recap it!

Is it fair to recap just because it was good? Well, it is my blog and I can post what I want! Right?

It started with Jason picking up the kids from school Friday afternoon. Any day that I don't have to carpool is automatically good. At about 4:45 I got a text from a friend to see if we could get a last minute babysitter and double date. We usually hire babysitters for date night, but I called Mom and she was willing to help out. Yeah for Grandma!

We went to an awesome "burger lounge" that we had never been to before - and we had a gift certificate, bonus! Ironically, I didn't get a burger, but had an incredible salad that was covered in sugar snap peas, asparagus, beets, corn and sun-dried tomatoes. It was so yummy! I must confess it wasn't a decision to be healthy - I also enjoyed some potato skins and some incredible onion rings.

Saturday morning I took Tavis to the library, which was fun because he was amazed at the size of the local library compared to the one at school. I'll try not to mention the fact that we were looking for a book for him to read for a book report due on Tuesday - he had already read one book but failed to keep track of the book, so we were making him read another whole book this weekend. When I got home, I got a call from my sister-in-law to meet for lunch. We met, ate, visited and then shopped a little together.

I came home, worked on my digital scrapbook while sitting on the deck, took a nap, served cereal, mac-and-cheese and popcorn for dinner (I know, stellar mom award!) and enjoyed watching a really exciting football game with the hubby.

Today, Sunday, consisted of going to church, lunch at Mom's, a beautiful day for the kids to play outside, and some reading time at home for EVERYONE. Then we watched 'Thor" as a family (good flick), ate cereal for dinner again (because that is what we do on Sunday, no matter what) and now the kids are in bed, I'm blogging while keeping track of the NASCAR lap-by-lap online and watching a football game and Jason is playing Xbox.

A perfect weekend!

Friday Nights

2011-11-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

at Pops and Mimi's Tavis testing Pops' TV headphones

Not adjusting to the cold weather

2011-11-14T08:43:00.001-05:00

To say that Mac HATES pants is an understatement. I don't know if it is his eczema or what, but he HATES pants.

I've bought him all sorts of cute snuggly pjs, but he insists on his shorts sets. And we keep it cold in the house, I'd feel better if he'd go with the snuggly ones.

This morning, I told him to get dressed and remember - it's cold! This is what he came up with: Can't complain about the shirt! :)

Turning 10 Party for Tavis

2011-11-12T20:32:00.006-05:00

We only do a 10-year old birthday party. When I reminded Tavis of this a few weeks ago, we came up with the idea of taking him and his friends to the Tellus Science Museum - no siblings!

So, today was the day! Christine came and stayed with the siblings and Jason and I took four of Tavis' friends to the museum.

Everyone came around 12:30 and we left the house at 1:00. It is about a 45 minute drive. We went through very quickly as they each wanted to see the next thing and the next thing, but I think they had fun.

The cool Earth's Rotation Pendulum.

The large amethystObserving the different earth layers.The fossil exhibit
Checking out the "first" cars
and the control panel of a space shuttle.
Digging for fossils
and panning for gems.

Go, Go, Go!

We headed back to the house for cookie cake

and presents before the parents came back.
I don't know about the kids, but Jason and I will sleep well tonight!!

Tavis' "other" birthdays

2011-11-11T19:23:00.000-05:00

Tavis' birthday Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa's!

and a lot of cousins!
Of course, the famous oreo cake!

(a noisy football that sounds like a bomb)
And his Friday night birthday at Pops and Mimi's

Tavis hits double digits!

2011-11-09T19:17:00.004-05:00

Tavis is a people pleaser. When I asked him what he wanted for dinner he said, "pizza". This morning, I said, "pizza, right?" He shrugged and said, "Yeah it's easy!"

So, I asked him if nothing mattered (money or convenience) what would he want. He said chicken from Krystal, curly fries from Arbys and mac-and-cheese.

So, that is what he got. Sorta. He is lucky that Krystal and Arby's are right next to each other in our part of town. He was unlucky because I had no mac-and-cheese and I ran to CVS to get some and all they had was their brand. It was 5:30, so I had no other option. It was disgusting!

Regardless of that, he got his chicken and fries and, of course, oreos! (I love how Daegan is also 'blowing out the candles' while he video tapes with his own camera).It pained me, but I bought him some Tennessee items - a wallet and a shirt.I think he liked them!
I also got him rocks, yes, rocks! See how happy rocks make him!Of course, they aren't just any rocks - they were so amazing!
He also got some Star Wars blasters - General Grieveous, Captain Rex, and Cade Bane10 is the only birthday we do a party for, so we are looking forward to Saturday with some of Tavis' friends at Tellus Science Museum.

The pregnancy and birth of Tavis

2011-11-09T06:29:00.003-05:00

Like I said last week (with Mollee's birth story), we got pregnant with Tavis when Mollee was only a few months old. I nursed Mollee through most of this pregnancy, even though I was encouraged to stop. I had very little nausea with this pregnancy, but was really, really tired. I slept a lot, thankfully, Mollee was a good napper.

Baby #2 wasn't nearly as active as Mollee, but I did start to feel him around 16 weeks. I had a lot of Braxton Hicks, probably as a result of nursing. The third trimester I couldn't walk around a lot without a lot of pain that night.

At 36 weeks, I was one point off from the toxemia level that labels you as a "warning". My blood pressure was high and I felt awful. At 37 weeks, I went to midwife and my blood pressure was so high she wanted to induce the next morning. At 6 AM on a Friday, I was given pitocin and started having cramps, but no major contractions. At 9:30 the midwife checked me and my water broke - or shall I say gushed!

Immediately, contractions started hard and fast and I quickly asked for an epidural. At 10:15 AM I told the nurse to find the midwife, I was ready! Anna got back to my room, I pushed through one contraction and Tavis MacGregor was born, weighing 7 lbs 4oz.

He was good baby! Jason would like to say he doesn't remember Tavis as a baby. Tavis was born a year and nine days after Mollee - so Jason was always on Mollee duty. Plus, Tavis was so happy. We called him lump-on-a-log. He just sat around enduring whatever came his way. It was such a blessing. Of course, I was pregnant again within six months.

Mollee's birthday with the Brown's

2011-11-06T19:22:00.003-05:00

Since we had plans the Friday before Mollee's birthday, we had to celebrate well into November (or so Mollee thought). Look at this beautiful ice cream cake! thanks to Uncle Daniel and Aunt HeatherMollee got $ from Mima and an Ipod Shuffle from Uncle Daniel and Aunt Heather, which we have been busy filling! look at Mac in his skeleton costume AGAIN!She also got a shopping trip with Mimi where she got some new Polly Pockets and some new clothes.

She is in that in-between stage where she still wants toys, but clothes and music make perfect gifts also.

Gideon

2011-11-06T12:56:00.000-05:00

We pray for Gideon and his radio ministry in Nigeria all the time. It was so nice to be able to hug his neck at church!

Making the NRA Proud!

2011-11-05T11:07:00.001-04:00

(excuse the crumbs please)

As I was cleaning out the van, this is the arsenal of guns I found!

Grandparent's Day

2011-11-04T15:47:00.003-04:00

Of course, I don't usually go to Grandparent's Day, but I went today to help my Mom and Grandma J get to all the locations they needed to go to. Things started with a program! (Daegan may have spotted the camera)
I never get good pictures in an auditorium.Alternate Title: Divide and Congquer!

Mom has 9 grandkids at CCS. I went to help Mom see some and Grandma J see the others. I think it all ended up going smoothly!
Group Shot!
Next year, one more will be added to this chaos!

Mac-aroni

2011-11-03T12:08:00.000-04:00

Love this boy! And so thankful I get to work and be home with him!

The pregnancy and birth of Mollee

2011-11-01T19:36:00.002-04:00

This is what I wanted to do for each birthday this year, but forgot to get Mollee's done in time, so here it is:

We lost our first baby in December 1999, but we got pregnant by mid-February. I was working as the Office Manager at Realty Center and kept working until about 34 weeks. I can remember being very tired in the first trimester. When you are the Office Manager for 90 real estate agents, they all try to keep you happy. Someone just happened to bring me a Cherry Limeade and/or a Butterfinger to work every day. So healthy, I know!

I don't remember why I quit working by 34 weeks, but I needed a cut off date and Jason just wanted me to be done. I try to remember back to four weeks with no job, no kids and not much responsibility, but I think I probably slept thru it.

It was a Tuesday morning, Jason was getting ready for work and I remember thinking, "I think I just peed on myself". I know in Hollywood every one's water breaks, but my doctor informed me many times that it doesn't happen as often as you think - so I denied that that was the case. Jason was not appreciative of me saying "I THINK I'm in labor". He wanted to know, yes or no! So, he stayed home, thankfully! I had been having uncomfortable cramps all night, but I didn't want to be the one that rushed to the hospital twenty times (I saved that for #3).

I got to the hospital around 8:00 AM and I was 3 cm and yes it was my amniotic fluid leaking, but the sac hadn't fully broken yet. At 9:00 I asked them to check me again (of course, I felt like they thought I was a first time mom that didn't really know anything), but I was already 8 cm. I pushed through two contractions and baby was here by 10:44 AM, but the nurse didn't check the clock until later and wrote 11:15 on half the documents. And to add to the document confusion, some things said she weighed 7 lbs and some things said 7 lbs. 5 ozs.

I didn't want anyone in the waiting room, waiting on me to have a baby. For some reason, that was very unnerving. So, Jason and I decided, from the beginning, we wouldn't call anyone to tell them we were at the hospital. And everyone was surprised when we called and just said, "Hey, Mollee is here!" My Mom and I both had our first babies on Halloween.

I wanted seven boys and Jason really wanted a girl first. He said he always wanted a big sister, so he really wanted a girl first. We wanted our names to reflect Scottish heritage. We chose Scottish clans for their middle names and wanted something unique for their first name. We decided to spell Mollee's name an old Scottish way: Maili. Last minute we decided to change it to -ee at the end.

It was a quick delivery, yes, my quickest one. I can remember being so overwhelmed with emotion that it went too fast and I couldn't believe a baby just came out of me. I wanted to enjoy and savor labor, which might sound weird, but it is what I wanted. Mollee freaked the nurses out because she didn't even cry. She just looked around with her big eyes checking out the world - now that we know her, we would say she was the quiet nosey one in the background from the beginning.

Recovery from delivery was rough. I don't know if it is normal for it to be so much rougher with the first one, but after this birth, I switched to the midwife. I feel like she didn't rush my other labors and recovery seemed a lot easier.

Mollee Fraser was a rough baby. She cried a lot, but as new parents, we weren't really sure if it was normal or not. Eventually, she was diagnosed with GERD and with meds she became a litte more pleasant. We got pregnant again less than 4 months later, which we think was a good thing, before we changed our minds about having more kids (then #2 was an easy laid back kid).

Not good for the waistline

2011-11-01T13:04:00.003-04:00

When you have some of the only kids in the neighborhood, all the old people look forward to spoiling your children.
And this is what you end with. My teeth ache just looking at it!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:17:00.003-04:00

My Princess - even tho I wanted to say she was a Queen. My Super Heroes: Capps as Iron Man and Mac as Captain America
Tavis as Snake Eyes (G.I.Joe for those of you that don't know).
Daegan as a Power Ranger.
The Crew before begging for candy.
Checking out the loot at home!
This was Mac's original costume (found for $1.50 at thrift store), but then we couldn't pass up the Captain America, so he had some fun PJs tonight. Looks like he needs a chiropractor!
And everyone goes to bed with a sugar-high!

Mollee Moo turns 11

2011-10-31T20:15:00.003-04:00

She had to have this cake: Blue Flowers with Pink letters. It was surprisingly good - thanks Wal-Mart! It is always a rushed celebration. :)I'm glad she still isn't too old for dolls.
And she loves a good character tee.
The birthday buddies on Sunday (Uncle JR turning 40 today!)

Jase and Emma

2011-10-30T17:58:00.002-04:00

Our niece, Emma, and Uncle Jase have a special bond. They always pick at each other at the dinner table - probably Jason mostly picking on Emma.Emma used to spend the night with us and they were goofy together then too! When she spent the night at age two for Halloween, I even bought her a Tigger costume to answer our door and hand out candy!I just wanted to document this fun relationship!

Bulletin Robot

2011-10-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

Somehow, the stained glass window on the front of the bulletin ends up looking something like this each week:

Pumpkin Carvin'

2011-10-27T20:18:00.004-04:00

I actually learned a lesson last year, that I applied this year! While the kids were at school, I cleaned out the pumpkin and toasted the seeds. That way, it was ready to carve after dinner and there wasn't a lot of waiting around. I guess it is sorta like getting the lights ON the Christmas tree before inviting the kids to help - still haven't applied that one.

I got two pumpkins this year. Jason always carves the pumpkin while the kids crowd around him, but I decided to do one while they were at school. It took awhile, but their excitement when they got home was well worth it! Then tonight after dinner, it was Daddy's turn!

Tavis enjoyed family time by reading in the next room!The request: A dragon!
So pumpkins don't look as cool when they are just carved,
but they look awesome all lit up!
(sorry for the poor picture quality, I have a camera that hates not using it's flash)

The College Fund

2011-10-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

Yep, that is what we call it!

One Day, for the past 18 years

2011-10-26T00:29:00.002-04:00

October 26, 1993 - I'm a Senior in High School. No more big siblings in the school. I'm having a good year - couldn't make it without Julie. I get to start my day in Calculus with Mr. Sneller and that makes it worth getting up in the morning!

October 26, 1994 - I am having the time of my life as a Freshman at Covenant College. I'm so glad I decided to go to college. I thought I was going to be homesick, but I never am. Classes are going ok. Dr. Beisner is impossible and I think I'm failing French, but I'm having a blast with Kristy, Ashley, Janeen, Abby and Catherine! I've also been hanging out with Philip a lot at his cabin and having fun with him and his roommate. October 26, 1995 - I made it to my Sophmore year, but living at home. Philip's roommate, Jason, and I have been hanging out a lot lately and it is easier to hang out if I am home. :) Plus, I'm not doing so well at French or Chemistry and my gall bladder issues are out-of-control. Even had the doctor tell me to take a break from school for health issues?

October 26, 1996 - Getting married today! I can't believe it! Couldn't sleep last night so I got all my thank you notes caught up. I have no voice because of a bronchitis infection, but nothing can ruin this day. I can't wait to see Jason, it was so weird to have him sleep at our apartment last night.

October 26, 1997 - First Anniversary! We are heading to Gatlinburg for the weekend to celebrate. We haven't experienced all the "first year" struggles and fights. It has been great. I loved our apartment, but we had the opportunity to buy a house and we are getting settled in.

October 26, 1998 - Two years married, I'm still at Realty Center, but I got promoted to Office Manager and I love my assistant, Kelli. We have a blast together. Jason is working at Coker Tire and has enjoyed that.

October 26, 1999 - We are heading to Atlanta for the weekend for our anniversary. We have tickets to a hockey game. And we just found out WE'RE PREGNANT! We are so excited. We had to call Heath and Shannon before we headed out the door. It has taken me a lot longer to get pregnant than I anticipated, about eleven months. We are due in June - about a week from when the Keslers are due!

October 26, 2000 - One week away from due date (baby due in June didn't make it, but we got pregnant again right away). I am so uncomfortable and ready for our little Mailie to be born. Lemaze class has helped, but I hate the "unknown". I'm not really worried about labor, just worried about knowing I'm in labor. October 26, 2001 - About a month away from a sibling for Mollee, we didn't find out the sex this time? Mollee is still nursing, but I'll have to cut her off soon. I'm starting to show signs of preclampsia, so I don't know what will happen - they may induce. The country is still trying to understand the 9-11 bombings, I doubt we will ever know the what-ifs. October 26, 2002 - Mollee is almost 2 and Tavis will be 1, nine days later. Mollee is talking up a storm and is very mature and bossy, which is funny to watch because she is so tiny. Tavis just soaks it all in. He isn't walking yet, but he is cruising and will take off any moment. Jason is now working for John Burk in remodeling. It has been crazy to venture out into the self-employed world, but it is going well. I have been working from home for some realtors, but I'll be finishing that up soon. Another baby due in March, it's a boy! We haven't fully decided on a name yet - Duncan, Daegan or Declan?

October 26, 2003 - Being a Mommy of a 7 month-old, a 22 month-old, and an almost 3 year-old is exhausting. We bought a house in August, but we are living with my parents until our new home is livable. It is nice to have the extra hands to help with the kids, but I hate that Jason isn't around much. As soon as he finishes up with work, he heads to the house to work on it. And I've had the "stomach flu" for a few weeks now, thinking I might be pregnant again!?

October 26, 2004 - Capps is 3 1/2 months old and we've finally convinced him that you sleep during the night and have awake time during the day. Daegan is 19 months old and such a happy joy! Tavis is almost 3 and Mollee is almost 4. We are loving our new house, being so close to Grandma and Grandpa is fun! Daddy is working for Jason Bowman in trim carpentry. He is loving it and we all know it changes the whole mood of the household when Daddy loves what he is doing.

October 26, 2005 - I think my body is finally recovering from four years of pregnancies. I have worked really hard and have almost gotten down to lower than my pre-pregnancy weight. It has been my dream to get into my wedding dress for our 10th anniversary and I think that is going to happen! October 26, 2006 - Kindergarten is going great for Mollee, she loves it! It was a little emotional for Mommy at first, but I blame that on the baby due in exactly three months. It is another boy, but we can't seem to agree on a name. Jason wants Jacob, I want Finbar - we are always on the extreme ends of the name. It looks like we may not know until he is here! Oh, yeah - today is our 10th anniversary too (not getting into the wedding dress at 7 months pregnant)!

October 26, 2007 - Mac is well loved around here! The kids love him and he takes all the abuse in stride. He is making no attempts to walk or even to crawl - spoiled kid! He sure is a happy butterball!

October 26, 2008 - Mollee is in 2nd grade now and Tavis is in 1st. We held Daegan back, so he will start kindergarten when he is 6. He isn't happy about that, but it is a good thing. Life is moving right along. I think today is our anniversary??

October 26, 2009 -??? October 26, 2010 - We haven't really celebrated our anniversary in a few years, but this year we have dropped the kids off at my parents and we are downtown in a luxury hotel. We are going to a fancy restaurant tonight and then we will walk around the Northshore tomorrow. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I appreciate my mom's willingness to take on five kids for 24 hours.

October 26, 2011 - Today we've been married for 15 years! Jason likes to joke, "the best 8 years of his life" ha! We have had some major ups and downs, but we've had them together, and that is what helps. I am working many hours a week from home for a real estate group. Jason is out on his own again. It has been 9 years now and I'm still not sure about self-employment, but it is where the Lord has us? We are so thankful for each other and our lives TOGETHER! We look forward to another many, many years together. Happy Anniversary, BABE! I love you!

AR Maniacs!

2011-10-25T15:39:00.004-04:00

I think I've mentioned before that our school does the AR Reading program. This means that the kids take tests on books after they read them and get points according to the level of book, the length of the book and how good they did on the test.

It is great way to make sure they are reading on the appropriate level and that they are comprehending what they are reading. Basically, they are required to get about 10 points a quarter.

We did a lot of reading this summer and they got some "medals" for that in the first week of school. Mollee got a 25 pt medal and a 50 pt medal. Daegan got a 25 pt medal. Tavis also got a 25 pt medal, but by the time I wanted to take a picture, he wasn't sure where it was. They used to have awards handed out for the past week at the end of chapel. Now they've decided to have the last chapel of each month as Awards Chapel. Today was the day.

Capps got his first ever award! He doesn't actually have to participate until second semester, but he has taken tests on his own and got an award today.Tavis is a good reader and a fast reader. He has recently gotten hold of our Percy Jackson books and they are worth a lot of points. He got two certificates today.Daegan never met a "points system" that he didn't like. He thrives at competition and he is reading a book every day and taking tests on them. He already has 70 points for the year (keeping in mind he only needs 10 per quarter). Apparently, if the teacher allows (and I'm glad she doesn't always allow), he just sits in his classroom and reads during recess. Today he got five awards, plus a 50 pt medal.The different colors are for different levels of reading.

I'm so proud of them and glad they like reading. I was always a slow reader and never cared much about it until recent years. And yes, I'm still a slow reader. I am trying to read through the Percy Jackson Series myself, which is 5 books and then another set of 2 books (so far). I started about 6 months ago and I'm on book 1 of the second series. Tavis just started and is about to finish book 5 of the first series, which means he is going to want my book soon! I might as well give it to him because he'll finish it quick and then I can get back to it.

Full Van

2011-10-24T10:42:00.001-04:00

Remember this, I posted about having my nephews one day, all the Harris' except one.

Last week I had all of them and tried to get a picture. But Tavis being funny with bunny ears blocked out Ezra. Maybe next time?

Football, Cheering, a Flashmob

2011-10-21T23:51:00.003-04:00

and it was cold!

The high school cheerleaders invited the elementary school girls to cheer at the football game tonight. They've had three practices throughout the month of October and tonight was the night. Of course, Mollee was all over that idea! Did I mention it was cold? Our kids first football game and it was under the lights! The game didn't start until 8:00.This is our favorite player - (with his helmet off) #58 - GO ERIC!The Cheerleaders!
Mollee had a blast, she even climbed the pyramid (see that smile, Daddy!)..
See loved every minute - and she knew where I was sitting to look at the camera.
The kids had fun. They had Sprites, Nachos, Lollipops and lots of friends to play with. Capps was the only one just standing in the background and watching it all. And he was the only boy that would let me write on his face?The elementary school has been working on a Flash Mob dance. The PE teacher (who is an assistant coach for the football team) has been teaching it to the kids. Apparently, they did it one day in class at 2:50 before the bell rang.

Well, tonight, all the kids knew to run on the field at half time and join in as the music blasted on the speakers. It was cute and the kids were so excited to be a part of it.
It was cold, but we won the game, Mollee got to cheer, the boys got to Flashmob, everyone got junk food, we got to sit with the Griggs and then we all crashed at home at 11:00.

A wonderful Friday night! I look forward to Friday Nights watching my own kids playing!!!

October Decor

2011-10-17T08:40:00.003-04:00

Two things I look forward to getting out each October.

These two green bean cans painted like pumpkins that I found at a craft fair. I don't know why I like them so much, but they are so cute to me. And these two bears that Uncle Daniel and Aunt Heather bought the kids different years - one in a candy corn costume and the other a ghost. They are just cute and SOOO soft. They hang out on the living room couch during the month of October.I know I said two, but I thought I'd show this too. We bought this flag when Mollee was not even born yet. It has hung each October at our house - The Great Pumpkin Patch, Charlie Brown!
But, I'm afraid this is the last year. The pumpkin is faded and if you look closely, it is starting to shred on Linus' hands.

Church Picnic

2011-10-16T17:56:00.002-04:00

So, today was the church picnic. The kids look forward to this every year! This is one of the highlights: There are not too many playgrounds around with a real merry-go-round. Last year, Capps threw up on it. This morning at breakfast he asked, "Do you think they've cleaned up my throw-up?"
The girls on the dock - Charity, Jenny and MolleeMac and Ezra discussing life and eating fruit snacksJonah and Daegan waiting for the Cake Walk
Tavis solo on the see-saw, another disappearing playground toy.
Daegan (my old-soul), playing cards with the adults
And a mean game of ladder ball - Mike and Stephen against
Jason and John
And I had fun hanging out with girlfriends! It was a lovely day!

Capps' Buddies

2011-10-15T21:25:00.004-04:00

Along with Goodwin from the previous post, these are Capps' best buddies: Aubrey, Keegan and Eli. Aubrey is always hanging with the guys!

Capps and Eli, being silly!We hear about these friends every night at dinner.

Fall Parties 2011

2011-10-13T19:50:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was in bed all day on a heating pad. I twisted funny and hurt my back - unfortunately, not my lower back, but a new problem - my upper back? Totally immobilized.

So, I was glad to be able to make it to the Fall Parties today. I was also glad that the four I had to get to were a little more spaced out than normal.

Capps' class had lots of cool crafts and they did caramel apples.

I loved this one where they traced their hand/arm for tree trunk and put fingerprint leaves everywhere!

Capps and Goodwin!
Micheala and Capps coloring!Daegan's class had a few crafts also And some goofy games outside. Tavis class had many, many crafts, but they also played outside - a little "Simon says"
And a bean bag toss.
Not sure what all Mollee's class did, but I did make it for Musical Chairs
and a mean game of Bingo!
Mollee's last Elementary School Fall Party. *sniff*

Then, back to the heating pad....

100 Years!

2011-10-11T09:59:00.005-04:00

Today, Jason's Grandmother turns 100! Can you imagine? The kids were so excited to have something like that to tell at school today.To one spunky old lady, Happy Birthday!!!

This is why I can never find a belt for the boys on Sunday morning....

2011-10-09T07:21:00.000-04:00

Flipin' Fool

2011-10-08T19:57:00.004-04:00

If you've been around Mollee lately, you may of seen her randomly break out into a cartwheel. I actually saw it happen in Wal-Mart today. "Oops" was the response.
And she wonders why her back is always sore?I can remember doing this all the time myself! *a long time ago*

At least she is the smart fan in the family!ROLL TIDE!

The Professor

2011-10-07T19:51:00.001-04:00

That is what Uncle Tom (Schreiner) calls him.

Remember this, it didn't work, but I can take a sign of relief with The Professor.
He gets an assignment every Friday that is due the next Thursday. He usually has it done by 4:15 on Friday afternoon. Thank you, Jesus!

Allergy Boy Rolls in the Grass

2011-10-05T19:23:00.002-04:00

Disclaimer: "medical" pictures ahead

Look at those legs :(

and back and arms :( :(

Too bad he isn't a happy kid!!

I see allergy shots in his future

This is what I'm up against....

2011-10-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

I love her, but she is a slob (don't judge me for letting it look like this, I don't clean it up for her) Hey, Ruth! Maybe this looks normal to you? :)

Dr. Dad

2011-10-01T20:28:00.004-04:00

I want everyone to see Jason like I see him sometimes! He is so tender and so patient and he can have such a calming spirit when the kids are in pain. Tavis got a huge thorn (?) in his foot today. So huge it went through his shoe and sock and wedged into his big toe at least an inch deep. I assumed we would have to go have it cut out, but Jason was patient and persistent and he got it out.

I love that man!

(unfortunately, Tavis is gonna be sore for awhile)

Daegan, Luke and Isaiah

2011-09-24T16:51:00.001-04:00

I scary trio!

The ABC's of me

2011-09-23T18:49:00.003-04:00

My blog has been suffering. Saw this today and thought I'd use it:

A - Age: 35

B - Bed: Queen

C - Chore you hate the most: moping

D - Dog: Nope

E - Essential start to your day: putting on my Chacos (can't go barefoot anymore *sniff*)

F - Favorite color: Green

G - Gold or Silver: White Gold

H - Height: 5'4"

I - Instruments: took piano lessons for many years, but I don't play much

J - Job Title: Wife, Mommy, Mary Kay Consultant, Jeweler, Bookkeeper, Real Estate Closing Coordinator

K - Kids: 5 energetic ones!

L - Live: Day to Day

M - Mother's Name: Linda, also my Mother-in-law's name

N - Nickname: Gretch, G, Jason calls me Greta, the JR Caines Family calls me Ganch, in high school I was called Gidgett because I went on a blind date and the guy thought he was told my name was Gidgett and that is what he called me, but I was too shy to tell him otherwise (yes, I was once shy)

O - Overnight hospital stays: with all five kids birth, slept in Mollee's bed for 5 nights at the hospital after she had her tonsils out, does that count?

P - Pet Peeves: Lying

Q - Quote from a movie: "Buzzards got to eat, same as worms" Outlaw Josie Wales

R - Right or Left Handed: Right, but I'm sure I am supposed to be Left - Jason took me to play pool a few times and couldn't believe how bad I was until he realized I aimed with the wrong eye. I blame my mom for making me right handed, after she had my brother as a left hander I think she forced me to be a right hander.

S - Siblings: Three brothers, two sisters

T - Time you wake up: around 7:00, can't usually sleep in

U - Underwear: as colorful as possible

V - Vegetable you hate: Brussel Sprouts, maybe? I love most veggies!!

W - What makes you run late: I don't usually run late??

X - X-Ray: dental, broken foot, shoulder injury, broken thumb, along with CT scans, MRI, HIDA scans, blah, blah, blah

Y- Yummy food you make: Pepperoncini Roast (that was Jason's first answer)

Z - Zoo animal: Giraffe - of course, not at our zoo

Book Share = Navy Seal

2011-09-22T07:47:00.002-04:00

Today Daegan had his first book report due. His was supposed to dress up like a character and give an oral presentation of the book.

So he found a book about a Navy Seal so he could wear this: Not sure if the Clone Blaster really goes with a Navy Seal, but.....

Cell Project - Mollee

2011-09-20T16:45:00.002-04:00

Today the big 5th grade Cell Project was due: Make a model of a cell, with all the different parts made out of different items. She had the idea what she wanted to do and did most of it by herself!