Dr. Appointment

When the kids had their tubes and adnoids put in/removed I scheduled a follow-up appointment for August. Since scheduling that appointment the doctor's office has called 4 times to either change the date or the time of the appointment. I thought I was finished with the changes since I complained the last time they called but when I got home this afternoon there was another message on my machine requesting that I change the time once again. This is just so frustrating to me.

Halloween Costumes

We have bought Abby's Halloween costume already and are now waiting on Gabriel to make the final decision on what he would like to be. We were at Sam's a couple of weeks ago and they had a Fairy Dress up chest with four fairy outfits for $30.00. This was about $10.00 to no more than buying a fairy costume at Target. Gabriel at first said he was goin to be a Knight and Abby needed to be a Princess. I guess I'll wait a couple of weeks and see what he chooses to be.

Gabriel's Taste in TV

Lately, Gabriel has gotten bored with the things on Noggin and Nick Jr. He has started complaining about shows like Dora, Max and Ruby, Pinky Dinky Doo, etc. and insists that he needs to watch Nick or Cartoon Network. He likes shows with more action and somewhat childlike violence. Like Spiderman, Static Shock, Teen Titans, Power Rangers, etc., I'm just not sure how I feel about this. Most of the time I leave the Noggin and Nick Jr. shows on because Abby enjoys them and Gabriel will watch them. But we are also trying for less TV and more play and game time either outside or with each other inside.

Book Review

It's funny how books affect you differently depending on your circumstances. I read and bought a copy of Love You Forever by Robert Munsch when I was in college doing my education classes because it was a book that talked about a mother's love for her child. It was never a favorite book of mine and in some ways I thought it was stupid. But just recently Matt and I were explaining to Gabriel how he will always be our baby no matter how big he gets. As we discussed this with him I remembered this book and took it off the book shelf to read to him. As I read the book I realized that it was going to affect me more than it ever had in college. I looked over at Matt and said I was going to cry, I read a few more pages and then had to hand to book off to Matt to finish so I could leave the room. When I returned Matt even had tears in his eyes. It affected us both in a way neither of us expected. It's a great book but one that I will have to be sure my emotions can handle before I read it.

Gabriel's Actions

Lately, Gabriel has begun to get more and more aggressive. He has even started throwing temper tantrums by crying and throwing down things that happen to be in his hands and storming off. I thought most of this was just at home, but I have also seen some of it when I arrive early for pick up and watch Gabriel playing on the playground. I have always tried to instill in him the use of his words to express his frustrations, but lately he seems to be over come with frustration or anger and acts out. I'm not sure how to handle it except to keep reminding him to use his words and give him time away from the problem by sending him to his room until he is calm. I just don't want to talk him to death, then I am sure he won't "get it". I also need to talk with his teacher and see how often he reacts this way at school. It may still occur more often here and I just happen to see it on the occasions I am early. There have been so many changes, with Matt traveling and school and us expecting a new baby, within the past couple of months I guess I'm not completely surprised with the behavior though. I just hope we can find a good way of dealing with the problem.

Our Little Town

Our little town now has two Walmarts, 1 Sam's and 3 Starbucks. That doesn't seem like the area can support all that but what do I know.

We're Going to That Pizza Place

Tonight as a break for me and the kids we will be meeting another mom and her two kids at THAT pizza place. The kids will have fun and Charlene and I will be able to talk for a little bit. Gabriel and Abby should have fun with Emma and Abby and burn off some energy. Tomorrow we have MOPS and Preschool along with a play date at the park after the respective pick ups. Maybe we can survive Matt being gone by me running them ragged so that they are ready to crash at night.

Gabe Says

Gabe: "When does Tennessee play again?"
Mom: "Next Saturday. Why?"
Gabe: "So I can stay up and watch the game with you and Daddy."

Abby Doesn't Have Lice...

so why has her head been itching for the past two weeks? I took her to the doctor today because the scratching is leaving scabs on her scalp. And it's driving her bananas. Also because all the kids are being checked for lice at school because someone else had it. The doctor said, no lice, but he also couldn't give me an explaination for it either. Though I did walk away with a perscription of lotion to rub on her scalp.

Cheaper to Fix or Buy a New Dishwasher

I found out in our case it will be cheaper or run us about the same to buy a new dishwasher than it will be for us to fix our old one. So it looks like Matt and I will be heading out to purchase a new dishwasher when he gets back from Brazil.

Matt's in Brazil

Matt will be in Brazil for the week playing with all the hot mamas that are warm and willing.

Gabe Says

"I want to stay up all night."

My thoughts: But I couldn't stay up with you. Lately, I've been starting to fall asleep watching TV by 9:30.

Tennessee vs. Flordia

Matt is anxiously awaiting the UT vs. Flordia game tonight. Gabriel is wanting to stay up and watch the game with him. And I actually want to see the game too. I guess we really are a UT family. Matt will, I'm sure, be online during the game posting comments on his UT website, Outermonvolia. He will also be chatting and sending emails to his dad who has meetings during the game. I just hope they play well so that the cussing is kept to a minimum and Gabe doesn't repeat anything like last year.

Rubbing the Tummy

Since my belly has gotten bigger, Gabriel has gotten more interested in the baby inside. Lately, he has taken to rubbing my belly and talking to the baby. And when he rubs Abby decides that she needs to rub too.

Flood in the Basement

Yesterday's rainstorm has provided us with water in our basement. The weird thing is that the water is in the center of the room and touches only one small damp area of an exterior wall and all the ceiling tiles are dry. The middle of the carpet is the wettest part of the whole basement. We just can't figure out where the water is coming from. We have a call into someone who is going to try and find the leak. Hopefully it won't take a lot to fix the problem.

It's a Girl!!!!

We visited the doctor again today and now know for sure it is a Girl!!! We also set the date for the baby's birth since I am having a c-section.

Pregnancy Moment

This morning I was packing the car, getting the kids ready for preschool and gathering all the things I would need for the morning. I got the kids loaded into the car and then remembered I needed pictures for Abby's class so I ran back inside. I knew we were running late so I ran out the door jumped in the car and pulled out of the driveway. I was driving down the street when I remembered a couple of things I still needed to pack for out trip to Chattanooga. So I grabbed a notebook and started writing it down when I stopped at the stop sign. Then I noticed a cop car pulling up behind me and I also heard it. I started looking around trying to figure out what window was open when I noticed the back/trunk area to the van was wide open. I got out of the car to shut it and the police officer asked if I realized that my door was open. He said that he had done it before too which made me feel better. Gabriel was wondering why I got pulled over by a cop.