It's been a while...

Okay, okay, okay...it has been way too long since I blogged. I am going to try to start over. I even considered starting a new blog , but decided not to. I couldn't think of a name for it and it was just way too much effort. By the time I would have gotten it all set up I probably wouldn't have had time to write anyway. That seems to be the problem lately. So many things I want to do vs so many things I need to do and then it feels like nothing gets done.

The boys are getting so big. Connor will start Kindergarten in the fall. It is hard to believe. The time seems to go by faster every year. Aiden has a little over 2 weeks left of first grade. I don't think he's ready for summer vacation. Ean is looking forward to starting mothers day out next fall. He will go 2 days a week and I'll have 10 whole hours a week to myself. What will I do?? I don't think that there will ever be a problem with me finding something to do.

Israel got a promotion and started his new job this month. He will be working from home two days a week. He also tore two ligaments in his ankle a couple of weeks ago. He's been on crutches and has been in a lot of pain. His ankle/foot/leg is still extremely swollen. I'm hoping he doesn't have to have surgery, but it just doesn't seem to be getting any better. Because of his ankle we have been inside a lot more than we usually are this time of year. Camping plans have had to be canceled and anything requiring movement is now completely my responsibility. We are still in cub scouts. Israel is the pack master and a den leader, so that keeps us pretty busy. We decided not to do soccer this year, which is probably a good thing because with Israel's ankle he wouldn't have been able to coach.

I just finish the 7th Harry Potter book. I started at Christmas and decided I wanted to read them all straight through. I did stop once or twice to read another book here and there, but for 4 months I was mostly consumed with Harry Potter. That is, when I wasn't cooking, cleaning, bathing, helping with homework, trying to do my own photography work, keeping the boys from torturing each other etc... I was actually quite sad for the story to be over.

I'll try to add some updated photos of the boys and hopefully I'll be able to blog again soon.

Some pictures

I am still working on my vacation blog. LOL! Maybe I'll get it up soon. I also haven't edited any pictures from vacation either. Here is one of Aiden and one of Ean that I took awhile back. Connor hates having his picture taken, so its very hard to get a shot of him with his face in it.

Back from vacation

Here are some pictures from wadding in the river. My monitor seems to be off on the color/contrast...something. Haven't figured it out quite yet, but the pictures look different depending on where they are opened. I need to calibrate my monitor.We have been back from vacation for awhile , but I just haven't had a chance to blog. I really don't have time now, but the things I need to be doing...I just don't feel like doing.

We got to our camping cabin on Friday evening. The cabin was cute. It had a double bed, bunk beds, cable tv, refrigerator and a microwave. Outside it had a grill, picnic table and fire pit. We had to walk to the bathrooms, but they were really nice. Aiden wasn't real fond of having to walk to the bathroom. I wasn't to sure about it,but it turned out fine. That night we went out for dinner at a nice restaurant. The four adults and Ean sat at one table while the 5 boys sat at the other table. Aiden was tired from the long trip and didn't do so well.

Saturday we went to the outlets to shop. It was tax free weekend, so it was packed. I don't like crowds, so we went in one store and was done. Having a stroller and two kids walking through tons of people is never fun. Connor was so busy looking around that he walked right into a medal garbage can and ended up with a black eye. I think he ended up walking into a couple of things during the trip. He likes to watch people. After shopping we went back to our cabin for lunch and a quick nap. We met up with the Ostranders at Splash Country around 3 and spent a couple of hours. We bought 3 day passes to Splash Country and Dollywood because it was actually cheaper than buying two days.We all went back to our cabin and grilled for dinner.

On Sunday Israel got up and cooked bacon and eggs. I found a single burner really cheap at big lots. We packed a pot and a pan so we didn't have to eat out much at all. We headed to Dollywood around 10. We got the fast passes, so we didn't have to wait in the lines. With the kids being so small I only got to ride a couple of things. We went to see Zooboomafoo after lunch and it was quite entertaining. Because of our passes we had great seats about 3 rows back and in the middle. We spent the entire day at Dollywood and still didn't get to the kids stuff. Finally we decided to separate. The only thing Aiden had said he really wanted to do was ride the train. Adria and I got the little kids. Israel and Gary got the older kids so they could go ride some more roller coasters. When we got to the train we had missed the last run.

Monday we had planned on spending the entire day at Splash Country, but went back to Dollywood to ride the train and a few of the kids rides. We walked over to Splash country (where we parked so we didn't have to pay for parking twice) and had lunch in the car. The road was so hot it was melting mine and Israel's water shoes. LOL! At splash country I stayed with the little kids while Israel took Aiden down some water slides. Adria watched the boys long enough for me to go down one slide. We only got to spend a few hours at Splash Country because they closed at 6. We all headed to the cabin again for hot dogs and smores.That night we went to the Ostranders hotel to let the kids swim. There was a water slide, so Aiden and the big kids had a blast.
Side note: Aiden has such a strong personality. He loves meeting people and makes friends so easily. Here is an example. There were probably about 15 kids in line for the water slide at the hotel. All of a sudden they all started chanting Aiden, Aiden, Aiden. He's so crazy. We aren't sure why they were calling his name, but it was funny.

Tuesday we headed for home, but went through Gatlinburg and through the Smokey Mountain Park. We stopped and let everyone wade/swim in the river. I'll post some pictures later. The Ostranders had to book it back home, but we stopped and had a picnic lunch.

That was our trip. It was nice to get away, but we were sooo tired when we got home. Israel took Wed. off to recover. We plan to go back next year.

Happy Birthday Winnie!

Here is a picture (from left to right) of Teri, me and Winnie. Winnie is one of my best friends from school. We have known each other since the 6th grade. She lives in Chattanooga now. I haven't seen her in about a year and a half (since Teri's wedding..I was pregnant with Ean). A couple of weeks ago I got an invitation in the mail for her birthday party. Israel and I wanted to go, but didn't have anyone to watch the kids (as usual). Teri (another one of my best friends from school) called me last week and said her husband couldn't go. So, Teri and I hopped in the car and went to Chattanooga Saturday night. Winnie had no idea we were coming... since Teri and I are both horrible about calling people. She was so surprised to see us. We had such a good time. Winnie's parents, grandparents and one of her cousins where there. All of whom I have known as long as I have known Winnie. It was so nice to see everyone. Teri and I drove back home Saturday night. I got home around 1am.
I have been very lucky to have several great friends in my life. Friends that I have known for what seems like forever. The kind of friends that you can go a year without talking too and when you see them, you can talk to them like time hasn't passed. I just can't seem to make connections with people like I did with these girls years ago. I hope that everyone has a chance to have friends like these in their lives. Teri, Winnie, Jennifer, Julie...I love you guys!! I miss you all! Happy Birthday Winnie!!

Good times!

A couple of weeks ago we took the kids to the drive in. We saw a double feature with Kung Fu Panda and Get Smart.The kids brought blankets and pillows so they could lay down in the back of the van. It was about an hour drive. The one we went to was the only one I found where you could buy a food pass and bring in food. They were all about the same distance away,so we decided to pack a cooler and drive the hour to get there. It only cost $20 including the food pass. Ean didn't do so well, but it was late. After the first movie Connor and Ean fell asleep. Aiden is a die hard and stayed up until we headed for home. We didn't get home until 1:30am.

Last week the kids and I went to a play group at Don Fox. It's a park that has a large castle play area and a wadding pool with fountains to play in. We hopped back and forth between the playground and the pool. For lunch we found a shady spot under a tree laid down a blanket and had a picnic. We played a little more and then got in the pool right before we left to cool off. It was a great day. I just wish Israel could have been there to enjoy it with us. It has been so nice the past couple of weeks. Highs in the upper 80's. I can't remember the last time I have enjoyed a summer so much.

We had a great 4th of July. On Friday we headed down to Chapel Hill. We stayed through Sunday. Gary and Adria bought so many fireworks that it took two nights to shoot them off. Friday they had friends and family over. The adults got into a water fight. It took 3 women and 2 men, but we almost had Israel in the pool. We put him down so he could take off his shoes and he got away. There was a feast of Lobster, shrimp, fish etc... They just came back from Boston, where they ordered a ton. Their family is a hoot. All the kids played in the rain. They were already in there swim clothes and it wasn't storming, so we let them. They had so much fun. Good times!

My sister called me on Saturday to tell me that she was in town. The boys and I went down Thursday to spend the day with them. We all went to chuck e cheese because it was raining. We didn't want them to be cooped up in the house all day. When we got in the car to leave Aiden started to tear up and said he missed Rowen. I wish we could have spent more time with them and I really wish they could live closer.

The rest of this week the kids and I haven't done much. It has rained a little and the highs have been in the upper 90's. When it gets this hot I really don't care to go outside.

We have made reservations to go to the mountains before school starts. We're going to stay in a camping cabin. It's cheaper than a hotel. It has electric, air conditioning, a little fridge, double bed and bunk beds and a grill outside. It has a nice bath house. Israel wanted to tent camp. I think he forgets how hot it gets here in the beginning of Aug. I also like the idea of being able to lock up our things instead of leaving them at a camp site. He keeps calling me a wuss We are staying for 4 nights, so it will nice to have a bed too. We'll go to the theme park one day and the water park another. Gary and Adria and their boys are going also. We'll take one day to hit the outlet malls. I need to get Aiden some school clothes. I'm not really sure how this trip will go with 3 little ones. Aiden and Connor will be fine. It's Ean that I worry about. He is just at a hard age.

Well, I typed this up pretty fast, so if it doesn't make any sense...you know why. I'll try to post some pictures later. Yes, I know...I keep saying that. :)

How do you see your back?

The other day the boys were having lunch while I loaded the dish washer. I had my back to them, but I knew Aiden was doing something I had told him not to. I told him to stop doing...whatever it was. After a pause and me refilling a drink or two, Aiden asked me "How do you see your back?". I wasn't really sure what he was asking, so I preceded to ask questions. I finally came to the conclusion that he wanted to know how I saw behind me. He couldn't figure out how I knew that he was doing something he shouldn't. He truly believed that I could see behind me. I told him it was a gift....

Last week the boys and I went to a play group. Connor's hair has grown out quite nicely. It's getting a little long and looks like a beach bum. Many people have commented on his hair and how cute it is. His looks have really changed now that he actually has hair. ...I will post some pictures soon.... I've decided he will probably keep his hair a little long to cover up his Jimmy Neutron head. Anyway...getting off subject.
My friend ,that lives down the street from us, was at the play group with her little girl and baby. (She is the brave sole that kept the boys while I was in Canada). We haven't seen them much lately. Her little girl is a few months younger than Connor. I have watched her a few times. She is probably one of 3 kids that Connor plays with on a fairly regular basis. After being at play group for a while, Julianna walks up to Connor and says "Hey Connor! *slight pause* What happened to your hair?". I think it was the fluctuation in her voice that made this funny. She was just like...oh my gosh...he has hair. I guess I don't notice how different he looks because I see him on a daily basis.

So, I'm not so good at blogging.

So, I'm not so good at blogging. LOL! I am even worse about mailing out pictures of the kids. I have envelopes full of pictures that have been addressed since last may *blush*.Um that's May of 07. Yes...horrible!
Since I blogged last, we have been really busy. Aiden is out of school. Connor is completely potty trained (whoo hoo!). Soccer is over and the summer heat is here.
Last week we went to a Nashville Sounds baseball game. A vendor that Israel works with does a family night every year. They have food, drinks, ice cream etc. I was afraid that we would get hot, but this week has been nice. I actually started getting cold toward the end of the night. We managed to stay for the entire game because Aiden wanted to run the bases. The sounds games have a bunch of fun things for the kids to do. The game ended late. Ean was tired, grumpy and ready to go home. We had a fun time as a family and I got to see an old co-worker. It's always neat to run into people.
Fathers day weekend we went to Chapel Hill to visit some friends. Their 3 boys weren't home, so we traveled down Saturday night. We put the boys to bed when we got there and hung out for a while. Sunday, Gary and Israel went golfing. They played 18 holes, so we were there most of the day. We always have a blast with them.
Today the boys and I met up with Cordy, her Mom and sister at the library park. Cordy and Aiden played like they were getting married. Aiden had a slight panic look on his face. Afterward Cordy said to him "We aren't getting married for real silly. We'll get married when I'm an adult." LOL! Just thought I'd share.
Our neighbors hot water heater busted a few weeks ago and soaked through to our carpet. It was finally the motivation we needed to buy new flooring. Israel has all of the floor and baseboards installed. We still have the quarter round and some painting to finish. Everything is moved upstairs, so that's where we have been living. I can't wait to get finished and have a living room again. Our main computer and the phone (vonage) has been disconnected for a couple of weeks now. Once we get the computer up and running I will download pictures of the progress and post them.
Israel had a busy week last week. Tuesday night was the sounds game. Wednesday he went golfing. Thursday and Friday night he helped a friend tile his bathroom and this weekend he wanted to finish the living room...but decided he needed to rest instead.
I recently decided to resign from chorus. I have signed up for a home study course with the New York Institute of Photography. That's about it for me.
Hopefully before another month passes, I will blog again and post some living room pictures. :)

Just some pictures

I don't have much time, so I thought I would just post some quick pictures. The school year is over and here is a picture of Aiden with his teacher. I included one of Connor and Ean so you can see how big they are getting. I will try to blog when I have a chance. :)

Sayings

The boys often say or do something that makes me crack up. I'm going to try to start posting them here. There are so many things that I wish I would have written down. I may even start posting some funny memories that I have too. We'll see how it goes.


Yesterday, Aiden was playing with a McDonald's toy. Right now they are little plastic people. They are promoting American Idol and when you raise the hand it plays music. Each little person is dressed a certain way and plays music according to that genre. Aiden had a girl with a peace sign around her neck. He asked what it was and wanted to know what it meant. I told him that peace meant calm, no fighting (trying to use words that he'd understand). Then he looks at me and says " No. Cordy's Mom said it means that she hugs trees and flowers."

Here is what Cordy's Mom said when I told her about it.

"That is so funny. I was saying yesterday that it sounded like hippy music. He asked what hippy was and I was babbling saying a hippy was a tree hugger or a flower child. He’s got a great memory. I didn’t even think he was paying attention to my ramblings. That cracks me up. I was rambling on about the punk one too, sounding like Devo. I wonder if he’ll pull that one out one day. "

LOL!

Unexpected Visitors and A Night Out!

Time sure does fly. Before I know it, a month has past since I have blogged. Soccer is now in full swing. Israel and Aiden are both enjoying themselves. Aiden even scored the first goal at the first game. He is doing so much better at school and hasn't had a bad day in several weeks. They had a field trip to the zoo today and their class chicks hatched. The school year is getting close to the end.

Connor is no longer Connor. He has become very brave and independent. I'm still not sure that it's a good thing. I've been picking on him. I keep telling him I'm going to call him by a different name every day. Elroy, Frank, Bob, George, Susie...he didn't like any of them and made sure that I knew he was Connor. He also has found a new love and asks for candy all day long. First thing in the morning...Connor:"Can I have some candy?" Me: "No!" Connor: "But WHY?" Me: "Because it's breakfast time." Connor: "But I don't want breakfast!" Me: "Tough!"...he eats his breakfast. 10 Min's later..Connor:"Can I have some candy?" Me: "No!" Connor: "But WHY?" Me:"Because you just had breakfast." Connor: "But I'm hungry!" Me: "Tough." 20min later...Connor: "Can I have some candy?" Me: "NO!" Connor: "But WHY??" Me:"Because it's too early!" ect...you get the point.

Ean is a tough little boy. He already has Aiden beat on injuries. He falls ALL the time and usually just gets up and goes about his business. He doesn't trip over things, he just falls. He doesn't try to catch himself or anything. The other day he fell and hit his ear on a chair. He hit the top cartilage of his ear and it really swelled. I have never seen a ear swell like that. I even called the Dr. office. It is still purple and red, but he's fine. Ean already climbs out of his crib. He pulls himself up by his gigantic arm muscles and just lets himself fall on his head. Yes, again...he is tough! He can climb over baby gates. Oh...he even broke through the window screen in the kitchen. Luckily I was watching closely because Aiden and Connor were out front playing. He knows how to nod yes and no. He tries to sing the ABC's (which is super cute) and tries to copy quite a few words. He thinks he's big!

Israel is excited to be playing golf again. He is doing really well at work and has won 3 prizes so far this month. He really likes coaching Aiden's soccer team. He is so happy to finally be getting out of the house some. Ummm...I think that's about it for him.

The weather has been really nice lately. They have been doing some major road construction close by and we have received some unexpected visitors. We currently have birds in the attic. They drive me crazy, because they are not quiet birds. Israel wants to wait until the babies leave the nest before he destroys their home. We also had our very first mouse. I saw him run behind the tv and I screamed like a 3 year old little girl. I went to wal-mart at 11:00 at night to get some traps. Everyone that knows me, knows that if I leave the house at 11:00pm...I'm dedicated. The mouse ran to one corner under the book case. We decided to set up a blockade and put sticky traps as the only paths out. We would see him come out and look at us. Finally one of the sticky traps disappeared behind the blockade and he was caught. We are pretty sure that was the first time he had come in and he was gone before we went to bed. Israel killed him quickly so that he wouldn't suffer. We felt bad, but sorry little mouse...it's our house.

Israel's birthday was last week. A friend of his from work, gave us the name and number of the girl that babysits their kids. They have 3 kids about the same ages as ours, so I gave her a call. She came over on Saturday night so Israel and I could go out. We went and ate at the Palm. For those of you that have never heard of The Palm, it's a very expensive restaurant. They have free valet parking, so we valeted the mini van. It was actually quite funny because in front of us were a Jag, Hummer, Land Rover and then...the mini van. LOL! We had tickets to go see Bill Engvall, but it got cancelled. :( It worked out, because we ended up spending the money I had budgeted for dinner plus the money the tickets cost, on dinner. We ended up going to Books a Millon and walking around for a while afterward. It was nice to be in a store without kids. Israel and I haven't been out anywhere without kids since last May when John and Arleen came down. We had a great time. The boys really liked the babysitter. She is 15 and seems really sweet. They played monopoly, hide n seek and with play doh. She said they were very good, so hopefully we can have her come over again. :)

I'm back!

Hi all! I finally have some tension lifted and found time to blog. This weekend was our chorus and quartet competition. Our chorus was once again number 1 in the region. I got my first medal! We will get to compete at international Nov. 3-9 of 2009 IN NASHVILLE!! We are all very excited. The first place quartet was Fiddlestix which has two members from our chorus...one of which is our director. They get to compete at international in Hawaii this year. The second place quartet was Last Minute...the young women's quartet (who are awesome!) from our chorus. My quartet (Backstage Pass) came in 16th. We had a ton of fun. We had two goals. One, was to not wet our pants on stage and two, was to not be last. We met both of our goals and I think the performance went well. There were about 22 or 23 quartets competing. We have only been doing this 3 months and some of these quartets have been together for years and years. We had some positive feed back from the judges and some things we needed to work on...which we expected. One thing about this hobby is that there is always more to learn. I put a picture up of my quartet.

Israel is going to coach Aiden's soccer team this season. He is pretty excited. They will be having their first practice this Thursday. Starting April 12 they will have a game every Saturday through May. He is also excited about the weather turning nicer so he can start golfing again.

Aiden had spring break this past week. We got to do some fun stuff. Monday Aiden had a dentist appointment. and I had a cardiologist appointment.. Fun..fun...right?!? LOL! Aiden did great at his appt. and had another good check up with no cavities.Tue. we got to meet up with Cordy (Aiden's best friend) her Mom and sister. We went to the Discovery Center and then to McDonald's for lunch and play. Wed. we had a play group at a place called the Monkeys Tree house. The boys loved it. Especially Ean, because he got to run around everywhere...with me following his every move. I left Thursday for Chattanooga, so the boys got to play at a friends house for a few hours until Israel got home. Israel has gotten a couple of X-box games to play with the boys. They have spider man , shriek and they played Lego star wars. I really hate getting the boys into video games, but it is something they all enjoy and can do together. We just try to limit the time. Aiden is pretty good and Connor is catching on. Ean has his own controller, that doesn't work. He gets it and sits like he is playing along. Occasionally he will figure out that it doesn't do anything. He'll get mad and try to take Connor's. Ean already messes with Connor. If Connor is playing with something Ean will come and sit right on top of it just to irritate. He is SO much like Aiden. If I put him down he just takes off. He doesn't look back, slow down or anything. He just goes. Lord help us!

Just a quick medical update. My heart is the same as it was. No change like they had hoped, but at least not any worse. I had a sleep test done a few weeks ago and they found that I have sleep apnea. It could be the cause of a lot of my problems. I go back next weekend for another test to find out how much air pressure I need from my CPAP machine that I will have to sleep with. My cardiologist is hopeful that this could help my heart. I'm just ready to feel better. So, I'm a little excited to get my machine and hopefully join the world of the living again.

Happy Belated Valentines Day!

Happy Belated Valentines day!! This month has been super busy for us. Since the last time I blogged I have had 3 Dr. appointments and a dentist appointment Israel also had a Dr. appointment and a dentist appointment. Oh...and Aiden had strep and had to go to the walk in clinic. Among all the other stuff.

We finally had a snow day!! On the 13th they closed schools for snow. I had Aiden dressed and ready to go. There wasn't anything outside. For some reason (maybe a glimpse of my psychic abilities *snicker*) I decided to call the snow hot line. Sure enough they were closed. I was actually shocked and called back to make sure that's what I heard. Within an hour or so the ground and roads were covered. The kids were excited. Aiden and Connor went out and played for a few mins. They couldn't handle that cold for too long. LOL! I'll try to put up some pictures.

My quartet (and 10 others) did singing valentines as a fundraiser for the chorus. Israel took Valentines day off so I could participate. I left the house at 7 in the morning and got home at 7:30 that evening. We had a great time, but were worn out by the end of the day. Friday the 15th I left for chorus retreat. Israel had fun with the boys on Saturday and ended up at our friends house in Chapel Hill for the night. My retreat was 5 min. from their house, so it worked out for him to pick me up on Sunday.

Aiden was out of school on Monday ,the 18th, for presidents day. We met up with his friend ,Cordy, for a play date at the kid park. He met Cordy at mothers day out last year and loves getting together to play. She also has a younger sister (Sidney) that is Connor's age. Also, Aiden has been doing good at school the past three weeks. Yay! His teacher has started a new system with him that lets him know how he is doing through out the day.

There really isn't much to say about Connor. He is such a "go with the flow" kind of kid. We did finally get his hair cut and yet...he still has some sort of strange birds nest on his head. Toward the back, around the crown, a big curl has developed. ??? I think that is the cause. It takes some work to get it to stay down. LOL!

Ean is a stinker. He says " I want my Momma" pretty clearly. I think he tries to say banana and of course Aiden (Adan), Connor (Onnor), Momma and Dada. He is into EVERYTHING!!

Israel has been staying busy with work. In fact he has been working tonight since we put the boys down. He got my lap top working and yet...I'm on the PC. hmmmm... He bought me my camera for an early valentines day present. It's the Canon XTI. It's wonderful and I can't wait to play with it more.

I go Monday for my results to my last Echo. They did an IV so they could see better. Hopefully it'll be good news. I also go for a sleep apnea test in March.

BTW...Tina, tell the kids thank you for the valentines. It made their day getting mail. :)

Ean and Connor's Dr. appts and stuff

Today Connor and Ean had their 1yr and 3yr doctor's appointments. Connor really didn't want to cooperate. He doesn't like new people. He is very shy and will answer NO to any question. He doesn't want to do anything willingly. We weren't able to get his blood pressure, ear test or eye pictures. It’s not a big deal. I did make him get on the scale so she could weigh him. He weighs 31 Ibs and is 38 In tall. He is in the 50th percentile in height and between the 25th and 50th in weight. His body mass index is in the 25th percentile...I've never seen them do that before.
Ean weights 24 Ibs and is 30 In tall. He is in the 50th percentile in both. His head...well, it's in the 95th percentile. Connor always had a big head too LOL! They must get that from their Daddy. Ean had to have 3 shots. :( They both fell asleep in the car and are still sleeping. Yay! Actually I think Ean is waking up.

Aiden had a good day at school on Wed. he got his 14 check marks that he is suppose to get out of 17 possible. Then on Thursday...he only got 6. Yes...6. That means he got 11 frowny faces!! What am I going to do with this child? Any ideas? Anyone know of a good kindergarten military school? LOL! Just kidding! He is just very active and doesn't like to listen very well. *sigh* We just keep working on it.

Israel is changing positions at work...kind of. He will be doing the same job, but for better accounts. I think he will miss his team because he has been with them for so long and had them trained the way he wanted. He is starting to work on his next career move and is hoping to get there within the next 12months.

On Tuesday I got an e-mail that our chorus had been contacted and asked to audition for America's Got Talent. It's a TV show for those of you who may not have seen it. I caught one or two episodes last season. We managed to get 73 of us together to audition last night. They will probably use us when they show the Nashville auditions. The people that get a call back will be contacted in March or April. The ones that get a call back, get an all expense paid trip to LA. With that said...I can't see them paying for 90+ women. I hate to be negative so, on the upside, they knew how many people we had when they called us. I wasn't real happy with our song selections. With new people and some people not making it, we were a little limited. Also, we just had a riser placement a couple of weeks ago. They needed to pick something that the chero was the same no matter where you stand. They also contacted one of our quartets to audition. A group of young women ages 21-25. They have been together for several years and are really good. They are also a very cute group of girls. The funniest part of the evening was when the quartet went to change for their audition. Right after they left, we were asked to leave the risers for something. When we turned around...there they were...changing behind the risers. I know they were embarrassed, but it sure was funny. They just grinned and tried to hide themselves. They were good sports and laughed about it too.

What a morning!

Aiden is home from school today because of Martin Luther King Jr. day. The boys have been really rowdy this morning. Since it has been so cold here we haven't gotten out to do much. They usually get a little crazy when cooped up for several days.

Ean has been walking for about a week now. He is so proud of himself. I think he is going to be my really clumsy child. The other two are clumsy too, but Ean actually hurts himself. This morning he fell and hit his mouth. It scared me because of him knocking out that one tooth. He has a deep cut on the inside of his lip and is bleeding on the outside. Looks like it almost cut all the way through. Poor guy. The bleeding is stopping, but he will have a very sore fat lip for awhile.

Julie (most of you know Julie) called me this morning. They found a mass on her Mom's lung last week and found out that it is cancer. She has fought brain cancer twice, so this is really scary for them. Please say some prayers for their family.

Oh Heck

It's been over a month since I have posted. We have stayed busy, yet haven't really done anything. Imagine that. Aiden was out of school for 13 days and Israel was off of work for 11. I had several things that I wanted to get done around the house. None of which was accomplished. Connor and Ean had pink eye for a few days so we were stuck at home until they got better. Because of the pink eye we were home for Christmas with no visitors. The boys played all day and we made a big breakfast and dinner. We were able to go to the park a couple of times while they were home because it was nice outside. We went down to our friends in Chapel Hill between Christmas and New Years. Ean cried the entire night so Israel and I didn't get much sleep. I believe he may have had an ear infection. We met up with Nana for about 20min. at Burger King on the way home. We also made it to Chattanooga to see Grandpa and Meemaw. Israel went back to work on the 2nd and Aiden returned to school on the 3rd. Aiden was excited about going back to school, however Israel was not quite as excited about returning to work.

The weather here has been record highs. The other day it was in the 70's. I had the windows open and the boys played outside in short sleeved shirts. A couple of days before that we got some nice snow showers. I really wish it would stay cold. I want some snow.

Oh Heck...Looking through the local phone books you don't see many (if any) Heck's. Aiden asked me the other day if ...since our last name was Heck...it was ok for us to say it. Oh yes...the light bulb comes on. Ya see, here in the south, heck is a bad word to many people. You know like awww heck instead of awww ...well you get the picture. I was also talking to one of the other mothers from his class. She was asking what our last name was because her son was talking about Aiden Heck and she told him that wasn't a nice thing to say. He told her it was Aiden's last name and I guess she didn't believe him. LOL! Now we know why not many Heck's live in the Tennessee.

Most of you haven't seen Connor in a while. The last time you saw him he probably had very thin blond hair. Well, he now has a birds nest on top of his head. His hair is getting darker, has thickened and since he wouldn't let us cut it last time... it's all kinds of crazy.I'll try to post a picture later. He has developed his wonderful 3 year old attitude. The other day I told him he couldn't have something because he had not touched his sandwich. He reached over and put his finger on it.

Ean still isn't walking. He'll take a couple of steps and fall. He seems to be perfectly happy crawling because he's fast. He has finally started to get in another bottom tooth. Now he will have two teeth on the bottom. The better to eat us with..is what I'm sure he's thinking. He has also decided to take one nap a day instead of two. I miss our afternoon nap.*sigh*

As most of you know we were planning on selling our house soon. Our plans have changed. We are going to stay here a while longer. Could be a year or two. We hope to keep this house, rent it out and buy a new one. Financially, it's the smart thing to do. We are going to replace the carpet, paint and do some other things to make us more comfortable here since we'll be staying for awhile.

Backstage Pass

Our official quartet name is Backstage Pass. We registered last week and had our first rehearsal on Saturday. We have already had 4 offers to sing this christmas and we don't even know any songs. LOL! We did sing a song last night at the TuneTown Christmas party. We got tons of compliments. Our director thought we had a really good sound. It is a pretty big thing if she compliments you because if she didn't like it she wouldn't say anything or would tell you what was wrong in a nice way. By the way...our director is the sweetest women ever!! But...to confirm that she really thinks we have potential , we were offered a chance to have a coaching session with...one of the best. I'm a little over whelmed by that. I don't really feel that we are ready for it, especially since we don't even know any music...or have any picked out to learn. It is an opportunity that we really can't pass up. He will not coach a chorus until they reach a certain level and has coached MANY international winning quartets. He coaches our chorus and has an opening for a quartet session when he comes in Jan. or Feb. (we aren't sure which yet)...we are hoping for Feb.. It's exciting, but overwhelming. So much to do and so little time. Regional competition is in March. Of course our goal is to not be in last place. :)

Happy Thanksgiving and Connor is 3

Finally, I get to sit down and blog. I have tried several times in the past week, but only got a sentence or two typed. Last Saturday (Nov.17) was Connor's 3rd birthday. We had a small party for him and Ean at McDonald's. Connor was grumpy all day despite the party and gifts. Out of all the parties we have had, McDonald's was a really great price and fun for the kids. They even supplied a cake ,hats and goody bags. I wanted to make the party as separate for the kids as possible. I made Connor a Scooby Doo cake (at his request) and Ean got the McDonald's cake. We made sure that they each had their own chance to blow out candles and open gifts.
For Thanksgiving we went down to my Grandfathers in Hohenwald (about a 1 1/2 drive). My family from Louisiana was up and it was great seeing them. The boys play with all my cousins kids and had a blast ruling the basement. We left there around 2 and headed to my Dad's in Chattanooga. We decided to take the back roads...that I got from map it. I am usually a good navigator but this time...it didn't work out so well. Grrr...darn map it! It took us a very long time, but ended up being a beautiful drive. Luckily the boys watched movies the whole way and traveled really well. They always look forward to going to Grandpa and Meemaw's house. Meemaw makes them cake and cookies and gets them all sugared up to go down to the barn. Grandpa gets the tractor out and gives Aiden rides. Connor isn't so sure about the tractor. This trip they had the neighbors horses in their pasture. The boys got to give them carrots and pet them. Connor was actually the one that did good holding the carrots and not being scared. It is strange for Aiden to be scared of something. Connor is usually the scaredy cat. We all had a good time.We stayed two nights in Chattnooga at my Dad's and just got home. Aiden has been really worked up and wild. He gets so excited about things. I'm afraid that he may be this way all through Christmas. Please pray for what's left of my sanity. At 5:00 we really wanted to put the boys to bed , but decided against it because they would be up way too early in the morning. Not that Aiden won't be up early anyway. There have been several mornings that we know he was up before 5:00 and I think that could be aiding in his craziness. 5:00 is just way too early! Connor is still working on using the potty and he is already working on writing his name. Ean,well....he bites and falls a lot. Yay, it's getting close to bed time!

Ean's 1st Birthday

This past weekend I went to a quartet workshop in Birmingham with my quartet. We had a lot of fun and hit it off really well. I have been sick and completely lost my voice. I tried to sing through my croaky voice and made the best of the situation. I got home saturday night after the boys were in bed. Israel wore them out at the park earlier that day. Sunday we went to the Adverture Science Center. We're members and they were having a special thing on trains. Everyone knows how crazy Aiden is over trains. The boys love it there and always have a good time. It gets a little crazy on the weekends, but between Israel and myself we left with 3 kids and it just so happened they were ours. Go us!! Yesterday I realized that Ean's birthday was today. I knew it was coming and have been planning a party for him and Connor, but it still snuck up on me. This morning we all stood around him as he took his bottle and sang happy birthday to him. He looked at us as if we did that every morning and continued drinking his bottle. Today I had a cardiologist appt. in Columbia. Aiden stayed home from school (he only had a half day)and came with us to Columbia. I was afraid that I wouldn't be home in time to pick him up since they were getting out early. I had tried to reschedule, but it would have been a while before I could get in. It was a good thing he was with us because I wouldn't have made it back in time. Nana met us at McDonalds and watched the boys while I had my appt. The boys had a blast! I didn't expect it to take very long, but the Dr. decided to do a "quick" echo that ended up taking 30-45 min and then blood work. My heart hasn't weakened more, but it hasn't gotten better either, I guess it's the same and that could mean upping the meds. yet AGAIN. I always end up bruised because they push so hard trying to get a good look during the echo. I go back in Jan for another one and they will probably start an IV so they can see better without having to push so hard. Now it's bath time and bed time. Yay!!
Happy Birthday to Ean!!

Just another day

Ean is feeling better and no one else has gotten sick. Yay! Sunday we went to a fall festival at a chruch. It is amazing the size of the festival (and church). We have gone before, but the kids really enjoyed it this year. They had huge tents set up for different age groups with games, music and they give away tons of candy. Outside the tents they had large blow up slides and bouncies, rock climbing walls ect. There were literally thousands of people. They also gave away free soda, bottled water, pop corn and cotton candy. Christian bands played on a large stage in the middle of it all. We had a great time even though Connor was too scared to do most of the stuff. Yesterday Aiden had a really bad day at school...his worst day yet. He had 5 warnings, so he was in trouble last night. He has half a day today and he WILL do better. When I asked him why he was acting out his reply was "I was just having too much fun." By the way...have I told you guys that he wants to be a movie actor when he grows up? LOL! Connor has decided that he does not want to use the potty and likes his diapers. He also doesn't want to go to school because he doesn't want to be like Aiden. The stuff that they come up with. Ean has 4 top teeth now, and still only one on the bottom. He likes biting everyone and that little tooth is sharp! He is a great eater and amazes us with how much food he can pack away. Israel is busy at work because it is end of quarter. He is doing really well and staying busy. I had chorus last night and I am really excited because I am now in a quartet. The other ladies in my group are awesome, so it makes me feel really good that they wanted to sing with me. I'm a little nervous because I am the lead and it just seems to have a little more pressure than a harmony part. The Lead is "in charge".We are looking for music to compete with in March.

Oh what a day!

Yesterday was a long day. Let me actually start with the night before. Wed. after school, Aiden forgot to close the van door (it has been raining all week). I noticed that it was open around 5 so I ran out and closed it. The rain was coming in from the other direction, so it didn't seem to be very wet. Thursday morning the kids woke up extra early and woke Ean up. He was crying so of course I was up. Ean had a slight fever the day before and wasn't feeling well. I thought probably from teething. When I was getting the kids in the car, to take Aiden to school ,I noticed the car didn't smell too good. I started hearing a noise. At first I thought it was the radio, but it kept going. I asked Aiden what the noise was. He started looking around and said "There's a cat in our car!". The poor cat must have gotten in the car to get out of the rain and I closed him in. He was scared and meowing which was the noise. When I went to put Ean in his seat I noticed some poop...at least it was on the plastic runner right by the door, but he peed in Ean's seat. That was the smell! We still had Ean's carrier seat in the house so I switch that out. After dropping Aiden off, we came home to get ready to go to Columbia for my cardiologist appt.. Ean was really fussy, so I put him down for a nap at 7:30 and woke him up at 9:30 when we were ready to leave. Went to Columbia (1hr drive) got my medicine increased yet...again and got a whole new prescription as well. Fun stuff let me tell you. Ean was being a little fussier that usual, but I figured he didn't feel well and wanted out of his stroller. Aiden needed some jeans (since the temp has dropped to the 50's)so we drove the hour back and went to Murfreesboro Old Navy. I exchanged a pair of jeans (that were too big for me) and got two pair of jeans for him. I got money back too woo hoo! We had to get gas and then had an hour until we pick up Aiden. We came home and I noticed that Ean was really hot! All I have right now is a cheap ear thermometer that is not accurate at all. I got readings from 102-104...not a temp. from teething. We picked Aiden up and headed to the Dr. (another 45min drive to Cool Springs).They did a blood test and it came back that he had a really bad virus (probably the flu) that could last 3-5 days. Now we are waiting to see if anyone else is going to get it. Lord help us if we all get sick. I have never known anything harder than being sick and having to take care of 3 other people...that need you for everything. It was just one of those days!