Update; from Matt

This is Matt. Carmen is in Knoxville now, on her way to Charleston, SC for a beach vacation with the kids.

No Beach

Well, we are not heading to the beach after all. We had decided on not going to Flordia because it really looked like the panhandle would be hit which is where we were headed. We then tought about going to South Carolina but mom thought we should get reservations if we were going to go there. I'm still not sure what her logic was on that one. We could go to Flordia without reservations but not to South Carolina? Anyway Gabe is very disappointed as am I. I was not going to tell Gabe because I didn't want to get his hopes up but mom told him yesterday that we might go. Oh well. We will try again next year. Hopefully we can make it then. One good thing with this is that I don't have a 14 hour drive ahead of me now.

Possible Florida Vacation......Tomorrow

Last night my mom called and said whe wanted to go to Florida. As the conversation went on she told me she wanted to take both my sister and our respective kids as well and the only time she could see it working out for all of us to go would be this weekend and part of next week. This sounds like fun but I have several reservations.

1. Katrina is suppose to hit Flordia and then move into the Gulf. I'm not sure where it will hit and the projected path online doesn't really tell me anything either.
2. Several sites I have been to are not taking any reservations due to damages from Dennis. This makes me wonder about the conditions of the beaches in those areas where hotels, condos, and beach front houses are open.
3. No one has made a solid decision yet. If we are going I'd like to know so we can make plans. I also need to decide wether or not to drive directly or to meet my mom and sister in Chattanooga and go from there.
4. My sister-in-law is due to have a baby on the 15th. Mom is suppose to watch her oldest, though my dad could watch him, but chances are we'll be gone and she'll go into labor. Isn't that how things work?
5. I also feel that it is a very long drive to make for two nights. I hope that we can work it into 3 or 4 nights.

If we can get it to work out I will be going and the kids will have a great time. The kids will miss their first week of school next week though. At least they are just in preschool otherwise I wouldn't consider it.

I hope it works out it would be cool to spend a couple of days at the beach.



Update: WE ARE NOT GOING TO FLORIDA ANYMORE!!!!!

Today I am happy...

because I finally talked to the doctor about the pain in my leg. He said that it was probably a nerve and suggeted either physical therapy or a chiropractor. Then he gave me a list of physical therapists. None of which are in network but atleast I'm making progress.

I am also happy because I got a letter from a friend today that I have not talked to since before we moved. It was good hearing from you Pheobe.

Splashing Cousins

Gabriel and Karoline splashing in the water. Look out for throw up Karoline doesn't keep her mouth shut and swallows too much water. At least this time it was on someone.

Gabe Jumps!!!

It took him all summer long but Gabe is now jumping from the side of the pool and having a blast!!!

Abby Enjoys Playing With the Hose

Abby enjoys playing with the hose in the baby pool more than swimming right now. I think there is just too much water. But she was enjoying herself in this picture. The water bill is worth this picture.

Today I am happy...

because I have pictures on my blog.

because we took the kids to the park.

because my house is clean.

because I spent quality time with my family this weekend.

Zebra Stripes

Here is another sewing project that I just recently blogged about. There are two of these valances in the kids bathroom. The bathroom is a jungle theme. I am especially proud because I did this competely without any pattern or help from anyone.

Karoline's Dress Part Two Completed

Here is the finished dress that Gabriel cut with the scissors. It is already in the mail to my sister. I finished it just in time for the Kaleb's dedication. Thanks to my good friend Jeanne at Stitcher's Playhouse for coming to my rescue. She pleated up a new dress and did the machine sewing for me to help me save some time. It was a wonderful help and I am so glad it is finished and on the way.

Today I am happy...

because it is the weekend and Matt does not have any work to do this weekend.
AND
because the kids went to bed peacefully and I have precious moments to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening with nothing pressing to do.

Today I am happy...

because last night I went for a walk with the kids around the neighborhood. Gabe rode his trike and said Hi to everyone we saw. I am also happy because I invite a neighbor over this weekend to go swimming. Chris and Sarah have a daughter named Abby who is a month younger than our Abby. It would be nice for the two to become friends. Things are finally beginning to settle in for us.

The Side Effect of High Gas Prices and Living Away From Family

Last night my sister called to tell me she had scheduled the date for her youngest to be dedicated to the church. The date will be Labor Day weekend. His birthday is the 8th and his sister's is the 25th of September. Before we moved this would not have been a problem but now with such a long trip and gas prices so high I have to choose when we want to go to Chattanooga to celebrate with the family. I would love to make the trip for both the party and dedication but with gas prices being $2.76 here in Indiana it's just getting to expensive to travel anywhere. Even when at home I try to make my outings all to the same area of town so to save money in gas. If we were still in Murfreesboro, TN it would be more fesible to travel more often but it would still be quite expensive. I hope prices drop soon but I am not holding my breath.

Today I am happy...

because it is a beautiful day. The kids and I took advantage of the day and went to the park. We played on the playground and then ate a picnic lunch. It was a lot of fun. I will have to do it again on a day when Matt can meet us for his lunch break. We went to Mill Race Park which is a couple of streets away from his office. Next time I need to take the camera.

Why ask Why?

Gabe is driving me mad with the constant 'Whys' in response to anything I say to him. It could be a simple task like take your shoes to your room and I get a why. I think it is good to ask questions when they are warranted but this is crazy. When I was teaching my co-teacher would respond with 'Why Not?' This just never seemed to work for me. Not to long ago when this started I was talking to a freind of mine who has three boys she told me her response is, "It's not why. It's yes Mam and you do it." This seems like a wonderful idea but it has been months and I am still having to deal with the whys. Though I can say, "What am I going to say." and Gabe will reply with, "It's yes mam." But having to do this every time is just as bad. Does anyone have any other tips or know when this usually stops? Please help I need some advice.

Trying to Set an Example for Your Children is Hard

I have never been a fan of mushrooms but, Matt is so I try to make them for him every now and then. Tonight I made a hamburger patty smothered with gravy and mushrooms. As I was serving the plates I realized that the mushrooms were not quite finished. So I went ahead and served the food intending to add the mushrooms after the blessing. Matt went to get the mushrooms and put some on his plate then asked who wanted mushrooms. I usually avoid drawing attention to what is served so as to not influence the kids tastes. Since Matt drew attention and Gabe said he didn't want them I told Matt that I wanted some. I even ate some which was not all that enjoyable but I felt it was necessary. Matt went ahead and put some on both the kids plates and Gabe did try them. He said he liked them but did not eat much at all tonight. I guess it's as the doctor said it's quality not quanity that is important right now. Gabe did eat some of the brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes.

Here's a story that goes along with what happened tonight.

I remember when I was pregnant with Gabe that one of the teachers at school said that they had a rainbow at every meal when she was growing up. She said that her mother served almost every vegetable under the sun. She also said that she was an adult before she knew her mother did not like some of the things she served the family. I asked if she ate them anyway or if she just didn't notice her not eating it. Her reply was that they used a lot of cheese whiz at their meals. Now that I have a somewhat picky toddler I understand this much better. I guess it's time to buy some cheese whiz and smother some veggies.

Today I am happy...

because we got some much needed rain this morning.

I am also happy because I have Gabe and Abby signed up for several activities during the week.
They will be attending Preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays, MOPS on Wednesdays, and a story time on Mondays. This will give the kids several things to do and time for me to do the grocery shopping or work around the house without the kids. The MOPS program on Wednesdays will be a chance for me to meet some other mothers while the kids are having fun. I am looking forward to the end of August and September.

Happy Birthday Tommy!!!

Today is my nephew Tommy's birthday. On Saturday we had a family birthday party a Ben and Jerry's. This was a wonderful idea and fun place to have a birthday party. Tommy was very happy being the center of attention which I can understand. At Ben and Jerry's the kids got to make a Tie Dye t-shirt which was much fun for everyone involved. Then everyone got to see what was in the back room and got to walk into the freezer which was -10 degrees F. The kids got a real kick out of that!!!! Afterwards they got to choose two different ice creams for sundaes. Then they got to add their own toppings. After all the eating Tommy got to put his hand print, name and birthday on the wall. What a great place to have a birthday party. Kudos to Doug and Cathy!!! Thanks for including us.

Happy 15th Tommy

Today I am happy...

because my family is back together and we are now back at home.

I am happy because we had a safe uneventful drive back from Knoxville, TN last night.

I am also happy because Matt does not have to go to work this morning so he can accomplish some things he has been putting off.

I am also happy because my kids had so much fun with their grandparents and Aunt, Uncle and cousins.

Viral Rash or Contact Rash

Ever since Friday evening Abby has had a rash on the back of her neck. She had scratched it and so it had scabs from all the scratching. We assumed that it was due to the blueberry shampoo that we had used on her. We stopped using it and put cortaid on it and gave her some Bendryl. This really didn't seem to help as the rash continued to spread to her stomach. Then on Sunday she woke up with raised red bumps all over her body. The rash before that had been barely visable but it could be felt if you ran your hand across her body. This morning I called the doctor's office and took her in to have if checked out. They had me enter in through the back door since no one knew what it is and, so as not to infect the other children in either waiting room. The doctor looked at it and said he was fairly certain it was a viral rash though there is nothing else associated with the rash. Abby has no fever, vomiting, upset stomach, etc. Just the rash. The doctor gave us a perscription of antihistamine and told us to go home. Hopefully no one else will come down with this, especially our two month old nephew, Evan. Who Abby loved to touch and look at whenever she saw him.

Eat More Chicken

Yesterday we made a lunch date to meet Aunt Cathy and the kids for lunch. Gabe wanted everyone to show up. I told him Aunt Cathy, Amy, Evan, Sarah, and Noah were going to meet us. He then said in a questioning voice, "Uncle Doug and Tommy too." I wasn't sure so I just told him maybe. It ended up being the first five mentioned. The kids seemed to have a good time playing on the play structure and playing together. We ended up staying a Chick-fil-a for about two hours. By the time we left everyone was hot and tired. Abby fell asleep as soon as the car started moving and Gabriel would have but I kept him awake so he would get in a full nap. As we were walking through the parking lot Gabe yelled," I'll miss you!" I'm glad he enjoys his time with his extended family.

Today I am happy ....

because Gabriel is using the potty on his own. He is telling me he needs to go potty and is finally remembering to go without me telling him. There will be accidents but this is wonderful progress.

Today I am happy...

because we are visiting Matt's family. Gabriel was so excited to see his Ni Ni and is looking forward to seeing Amy and the rest of the family. I am also hppy today because we are getting pictures made that I have been putting off for a while.

Today I am happy...

because when I picked Gabriel up from his grandparents' house I got an knock down hug from him. I also got a kiss and a I missed you.

Today I am happy...

because I will be picking up Gabriel today at his grandparents' house. I am also happy because I am meeting a friend for lunch when I go through Smyrna, TN.

Getting Gabe from Grandparents'

Tomorrow I will be leaving to pick up Gabe from my parents house. I talked to my father this morning and he said that Gabe was having a good time. This morning he went to church with his cousins. I asked how he was doing and Dad said that he was being well behaved and seemed to be having a good time. Dad said that a bedtime last night Gabe said he wanted to go to his house. My parents explained to him that it was to far and reminded him of the trip they just took. He said okay and went to sleep. I know he is having a good time but I am really looking forward to seeing him again. We will spend the night with my parents and then we are heading to Knoxville to visit Matt's family. On Friday Matt's mom will be taking part of the day off in order for me to drive to Nashville, TN to pick up Matt who will be there on business. We should have and interesting week.

A Story I'll Never Live Down

Several years ago when Matt and I were dating we were visiting at my parent's house. Mom wanted Beef Stroganoff for dinner. I told her I would help make it. As I was making it the recipe called for a can of beef bullion. I didn't realize there was liquid beef bullion, as all I had ever seen were the granules. I proceeded to open a new jar of beef bullion granules and pour it into the electric skillet. Later mom came over and tasted the Stroganoff and screwed her mouth up in a very sour expression and said it was way to salty. She asked me what I had put into Stroganoff. As she was going through the recipe she came to the bullion and asked how much I had put into the recipe I motioned to the jar of bullion sitting beside the skillet. She looked at me and asked how much I had put in I told her I had put the entire jar into the skillet. She looked at me laughing along with Matt who had come over. She explained that there was liquid bullion and that I had put in way too much as a Teaspoon of the granules is equal to a cup of the liquid. Mom doctored the stroganoff and made it edible. As Matt did last week, this story is often brought up by someone in my family especially when Stroganoff or bullion is mentioned.

Today I am happy...

because I have gotten my house clean again after the family visit.

Today I am happy...

because I will be able to spend some one on one time with Abby while Gabe is away. Though, I will miss Gabe very much this will be good for Abby.

Gabriel is visiting his Grandparents

Gabriel just left with his grandmother, aunt and two cousins. I am missing him already. It is amazing how much I was looking forward to having one less child but now that he is gone I really miss him. As they pulled out of the driveway I had tears in my eyes. I kinda hoped to get a call saying, "Can you meet us he wants to come home". But that hasn't happened. I knowhe will have a good time and that he is with people who love him but it is hard not to miss him. Gabriel is so lively and fun. He is always willing to provide the hugs and kisses we have come to expect. Matt is going to miss the "Don't go Daddy." when he leaves for work in the mornings and the "DADDY!!!!" when he walks through the door in the evening. I'm going to miss the questions, the laughter, and the talks we share on a daily basis. This will be the second time he has gone somewhere without us but it has been two years since the last time and I had forgotten how hard it can be. I am looking forward to seeing him in a couple of days.

Today I am happy...

because my kids are happy. They are happy because they have been playing with their cousins in the pool all week long.

Today I am happy...

because I had the night off while my mom and sister watched the kids. We went to dinner and then came home to a romantic getaway in our room (Thanks, to the efforts of the babysitters).

Today I am happy...

because my mom, sister and her two kids are visiting.

Today I am happy...

because Matt and I have been married 8 wonderful years. And we still love each other as much if not more than we did 8 years ago.

Improvements to my blog

Over the weekend Matt helped me to improve my blog. We added a tracker and some weather sites for the area. I have also recently changed the background to my blog. I think I am liking it much better now. What do you think? Now all I need to do is add pictures to my blog. For that I need a little instruction as I am not very computer savy.

Enjoy!!!

Today I am happy...

because I finished making the curtains for the kids bathroom.