MIA

I feel like I have been missing in action. It has been so long since I blogged...I feel as though I could write a book ~ I won't, rest assured. But lets update:

Illness has hit our house & doesn't seem to want to let go. Gage brought a little cold home from school which Brian immediately caught. Reece followed suit & I seemed unaffected (for a short while). I had my own problems with my back. Things seemed to be clearing up for Christmas but with all the excitement and changes in nap/sleeping schedules...it got worse. Gage's small cold turned into awful coughing. Reece's runny nose turned into a faucet. Brian's cold added stomach problems...and I got the cold. I am thankful that I have the mildest case (much more with back pain would be more than I would like to handle). The kids are on antibiotics. Reece is doing much better but Gage's cough...is not!

Physical therapy is AMAZING. I can't believe it took me this long to get started. I was told in Junior High that I needed PT...and I can't tell you how many doctors over the years have told me that too... it just seemed like something too big to start. Boy was I WRONG!!!!! They have been doing ultrasound on my back muscles and last night started me on an aggressive exercise program to strengthen my middle back. Ouch...but in a healing strengthening way.

Christmas was fantastic. Brian & I slept less than Gage on Christmas eve. We both kept waking up looking at the clock anticipating the barrage of gift opening. There were only 2 duplicate gifts and there really wasn't anything the kids didn't love! Gage is so excited with all his Star Wars stuff and Krypto the Super Dog stuff. He can't wait go to camping with his new tent set. Reece plays will all brother's stuff (until he plays with her toys) and loves all her blocks/balls, books, dolls, stuffed animals, activity table...etc No toy is left out. It did look like a toy store had thrown up in our living room Christmas evening though. After Christmas decorations are put up we will be sifting through old toys for a LARGE donation.

Reece's birthday was very quiet & low key. With all of us being sick we stuck close to home. I made cupcakes instead of a large cake (we will do that at her party). Reece devoured her cupcake. It was hilarious. She picked the whole thing up and stuck it in her face. I'll post pictures. She has no quams about getting her face & fingers dirty like her big brother does.

Well I promised no book...too late. Hope your holiday was filled with happiness. Enjoy your new years and be safe.

So I went to the chiropractor today...

JUST KIDDING. (that's for you Kris ha ha ha). My caring sister-in-law has encouraged me to forgo the back cracker, and go directly to my physical therapist. Did I make an appointment today? No. And the pain remains. "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love yah tomorrow"(Annie)..."yes yes good good....for me to poop on" (the insult dog) ...can you tell the muscle relaxer & pain killer are working? Pretty much~

Gage was very very lovey today. I bet he told me (spontaneously on his own) that he loved me 20 times today; and what a snuggle bug. Reece now has the cold that started with Gage, went to Daddy & now her. Her poor little nose runs like a faucet. I am once again reminded why I DON'T get the flu shot. Brian, Gage & Reece have all had the flu shot and have each had the stomach flu, gastro-intestinal virus and cold...me? nope...just one horrendous day of food poisoning (thanks Kris & Erin) from our spinach artichoke dip at Mimis. Can't wait to get back there...NOT. The only year I got the flu shot I was deathly ill 3 times that season. Missed 2 weeks & 3 days all told from illness that year...NOT AGAIN thank you very much.

Well..."not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" (cause Taz would eat it) "Hi ho hi ho it's off to bed I go"(Not quite Snow White) "god bless us every one"(A Christmas Carol)

Almost done...

Well I sent off Oregon gifts (all but 1 small one that I'll be sending tomorrow). Also got California gifts out and hopefully Texas gift will be sent tomorrow as well. The only homemade gift I have left is my brother..oh brother! I actually have an idea (or two) so all I have to do is construct it. I told him I was going to make him a PB&J sandwich (or two)...he said as long as I made it myself ha ha ha. The kids have purchased their gifts for daddy & mommy (with a little help). So other than buying for the kids and evening out stockings...we are next to done.

The spasm in my back is still strong...I am thinking it's time for the chiropractor. Brian thinks I may have a pinched nerve...with the way this one feels sure could be! Ouch!

Gotta go...work work work! At least until the drugs take over my brain...they have to find it first.

Remember: "There is always one more imbecile than you counted on." - especially when christmas shopping.

Conquering fear is amazing!

Gage overcame his terror/fear of nose spray today. After we tried Benedryl/Robitussin and his nose was still stuffed up he wanted more meds. I explained the only way to get his nose to open up was to use nose spray...the reaction was immediately no no no... about an hour later, he found the saline nose spray that we have practiced with (on Daddy & Mommy...NOT Gage) took off the cap & sprayed it in his nose all by himself YEAH! Then it was ok to use the medicated stuff... ahhh to have a nose that can breath...he was a whole new kid! The best part was he did it on his own time and counquered that fear without pressure.

Yesterday we fought to crowds at the mall to see Santa. After our experience last year I was a bit nervous how the kids would do....AMAZING. Reece smiled at Santa, Gage told him he wanted a black four-wheeler & a train set and they both posed for a great picture (see below).

Well I'm off to enjoy my anti-inflamitory/muscle relaxer/painkiller combo. I had to go to Urgent Care for a back spasm today. Even with the great drugs I still have pain. This one was a DOOZY! Not quite drooling yet but there's still time.

Happy Holidays

TIP: if you need to heat an injury (doctor's say moist heat is the only way to go) run hot water into a (clean) disposable diaper and you can wrap any part of your body or open in flat to use on your back or even your belly for cramps. It is awesome. I will always have diapers in my house for this exact reason!

Ho Ho Ho 

40% Done

Well I feel like I am 40% done with Gifts for christmas (bought or made). But...christmas is only 9 days away and 1/2 of them need to be shipped...so no prob... OH MY GOD~ I actually am remaining very calm...ok...somewhat calm...well...maybe not freeking out yet. I still feel like I have adequate time if I use every spare moment to prepare for christmas and not clean house, cook or work. Hmmm that actually sounds not to bad. Wonder how Brian would like it ha ha ha. Gotta run, thought I could clean the house before the kids woke up but I have been working on gifts instead and haven't picked up a thing...and of course both children are up!

Be safe on those roads with all the other "shoppers" this weekend. Should have pictures with Santa to post tomorrow night.

BUNCO BUNCO BUNCO!!!!

I love BUNCO! Last night was our christmas/ornament exchange Bunco for December. I always have a blast with the ladies in our group. I look forward to my Bunco night more than any other non-mommy activity. It's too bad I'm so shy and I have a hard time cutting loose at these parties...ha ha ha...for any of my fellow Bunco Babes you can attest to how UNTRUE that is! Thank god my husband saw the calendar last night or I might have missed it. It was a mad dash getting out the door but I made it (better late than not at all)....and I won my money back plus $5...not too shabby.

Gage continues to amaze/astound/amuse us. His comprehension is beyond ours! This morning he wanted to take the singing dog puppet he received from Aunty Kris to school this morning. Brian & I were explaining it's not a good idea to take toys to school because...we paused to find the right words...Gage interjected.."the other kids might get jealous?" Exactly! No more explanation needed. Another example...last night Gage was climbing the gate to get upstairs to see daddy...he was grunting like it was hard work & he was superman so Brian started laughing upstairs. Gage immediately asks "Are you laughing at me daddy?" you can't get away with anything around him; he catches EVERYTHING! Too smart for our own good.

Reece also continues to create her own personallity. She communicates VERY well without many words at this point. She understands most of what we say and is very good at pointing to what she wants. We are encouraging words...even if they are not "real" words...if she at least tries to babble she gets what she wants much faster. She is a shameless flirt (same as brother) and has daddy absolutely whipped!

Take a deep breath; Smile at a child; Wave at a neighbor; Think positive thoughts and enjoy being alive today!

When does big brother start singin' ? 

One step ahead of the class 

We wish you a merry Christmas 

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells...

As a mother you don't expect to teach your son the Batman Smells version of Jingle Bells right before you find out he has a christmas program in a few days...it just happens.

Gage had is very first school program tonight and he was incredible. He sang all the words to "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and all the RIGHT words to "Jingle Bells". If you were listening closely you would have heard a very big sigh coming from the front row. Every time we practiced his songs he only sang "batman smells, robin laid an egg...bat mobile lost it's wheel & the joker got a way...Hey" But during the program he refrained from our "silly" rendition to sing the PC jingle bells.

Well this proud mommy is going to relax with a cup of Cinnamon Hot Cocoa and watch the Rock..he is in some show where he beats some people up...it's not like I actually watch anything else when he's on TV...hubba hubba.

Fresh out of imagination...

I have no witty title prepared. My imagination has been tapped by a make-believing 3 year old. We have played Cowboys/Trucks/Dentist/Contractor/Doggies and that was all before noon. They are napping, the house is quiet...ahhhhhhhhh! Gage has a new thing lately... "mom, mom, mom, mom, Mom, MOm, MOM, MOM"...this precedes almost every conversation. I guess I'll never forget who I am ha ha ha. Reece is testing boundaries. She goes to every cabinet/drawer/door in the house that she knows she is not supposed to open, stops, looks and OPENs. Let the marathon of wills begin. She is persistent I can tell you that. Our usual exchange includes no less than 8 "Reece, hands off". Now if daddy tells her...once will bring about Niagra...yet she still goes back (tears and all). Oh how I remember the days with Gage. At least this time I KNOW it does stop...well not stop...but evolve.

I guess I should get some work done during my quite time...who knows what make-believe adventure we will be on this afternoon.

PS: Want to send out love & prayers to Brian's step-mom, she is in a rehabilition hospital after breaking a vertabre this weekend, falling in the kitchen. Get better soon, Judy! Hang in there Bob!

"the biggest diamond I've ever heard"

My son..cutest little guy on earth...brought me a "diamond" tonight and said "mommy, here's the biggest diamond I've ever heard." I said, oh, I didn't know diamonds made any noise, what sound does a diamond make?.... His response was classic: "it says Ring Ring Ring" Daddy & I were laughing so hard...of course a diamond says ring ring ring...at least to women it does. He keeps us in stitches that's for sure.

Well we helped Matt & Kris move today (at least the loading up part). The kids were amazing! Gage entertained himself and Reece had a blast watching all the craziness from her walker. I was able to do my most favorite household chore: Vacuuming...honestly...it is my favorite! There is something about the white noise & not really being bugged while you're vacuuming. It was sad to see them go but we'll see them again soon. It will be great for Kris to be around her friends and family and Matt's drive will be significantly shorter. No, Rick we are NOT moving to Parker...ha ha ha...although the softball pitch almost won me over...I miss playing so much.

Well I just had to share the "sound of a diamond" before heading off to sleepy town. Good night & sweet dreams.

"It's not a tumor"

But it is a huge headache! I must have laughed too hard last night. I went to see "I love you, You're perfect, Now change" at the Carousel Dinner Theatre lastnight with a woman's group...it was great. I had seen a production of this in Denver with Carla a couple years ago but hanging out with some friends (without kids or husband) was well needed. After a mini-vacation last night I was back in full swing this morning. Even though I had a refreshing laughter filled evening last night I don't feel as "refueled" as I thought I would...I just want more. Just typing that makes me feel guilty. The kids are awesome, I just feel less than mediocre today. It could be the headache & insatiable desire for a nap talking!

We went to help Aunty Kris this morning with a few boxes. The kiddos did better than I expected playing with Uncy Matt while we packed. It's so much more fun to pack when it's not your stuff and you don't "HAVE TO". Uncy Matt & Gage played star wars with their paper towel tube & water bottle light sabors. Wasn't exactly a fair fight since Darth Matdar was layed up on the couch but it was exactly what Gage needed (maybe Uncy Matt too). When Karen arrived we took a break for lunch before we headed home. I spent a good chuck of the time in the bathroom with Gage (poor little dude, his tummy has been bothering him for a while) and Reece fell asleep snuggling Aunty Kris.

So here we are, Gage is finally asleep and Reece is surprisingly refreshed after her 20 min cat nap...and mommy...is a zombie. Here's wishing you all happy nappy time (for those of you lucky enough to steal one every now and again)! Totally tired, signing off!

What's in a name?

This is Noodle. I am Noodle.

Long ago in a land far far away a beautiful princess was born.... ME! I cannot recall exactly why I received the nickname (sure my folks could tell you) but for whatever reason...Noodle it was. Growing up we all had our titles. Match / Lealu / Zoomer...as do my own children. Gage has had a plethera of "names" including but not limited to GW, Gager-Rager, Stinky, Maniac but the one that has stuck around the longest is "Handsome". Reece on the other hand has had 2: Lil Bits & Reece-a-Bug. Daddy has held onto Lil Bits but mommy definately goes for Reece-a-bug (could be because I was nearly obsessed with Lady Bugs when thinking of having a little girl). I digress: As I was laying in bed (@3:30am) thinking about starting a blog I was brainstorming names. Oodles with Noodle came to mind along with many others. While creating my blog I tried out the other names...they seemed to be quite popular since someone else already had them...Surely no one could have Oodles with Noodle...NOPE, it is all mine. ..."and that's how I came to be"...

Not-So-Lazy Lazy Day

Well we did NOT go outside today. In fact I barely opened the door for the dogs (they had to squeeze through). Gage & I made my special chocolate chip cookies today. We had a blast. I measured, he poured, I added, he mixed. He was quite the helper (not to mention helping himself to a little of the dough throughout the process).

I discovered Reece is our "shedder". Every time I went into her room...she had her socks & sweatpants off. She thinks it's funny to hide her detto (aka: pacifier) between the crib bumper & the wall, throw out her blanket & now shed her clothing. Ahhh what fun we will have. Gage only took off his jammies once...he was 2 & bored AND they were full zip fuzzies. Today was NOT the day to be without layers. Thank goodness the house stayed fairly comfortable. I was going to get plastic up on the windows but it appears there is enough ice built up around the edges of the glass to seal out the cold air. Hmmph go figure ~ procrastination works sometimes.

Well the house is quiet so I am going to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of the christmas tree before I turn in. Goodnight to all! Sweet dreams!

p.s. Janet, icicles sound so much more painful than snowflakes

-21* with windchill (-8* without) @ 7:00am this morning

I think the title says it all. Our high today is going to soar to 6* We'll be fartin snowflakes today! At least there is no wind (knock on wood). It is so beautiful as I look out at Horsetooth Mountain but I think I'll stay inside and admire. I thought about venturing out but don't want to freeze the children.

Bundle up all you shoppers. The more padding you have on the more you can push people out of your way ha ha ha. Our big project for the day is making cookies. I have been promising Gage for a few days. This seems the perfect day to crank up the oven and get flour everywhere. Enjoy the crisp arctic air!

Brrrrrrrrrrrr

It's frickin freezin in here Mr. Bigglesworth

A big yellow monster bit me!

These are the words I heard through tears at 3:30am this morning. Man do I wish I could kick some Monster @$$! After I calmed Gage down last night and came back to bed I was just dozing off when we received a visitor. It must have been a doozy cause he was still shook up. He snuggled in with Brian as Reece started to cry. Once again down the stairs mommy went. I had another snuggler that did NOT want to be let go. Every time I attempted to lay her back in her bed the SCREEMING began. We slept a bit on the couch until I thought it was safe to lay her down in her own bed...I was WRONG. Since Gage was upstairs in my bed I figured I would use his, so we slept the rest of the wee hours of the morn in big brothers room. As I was frustrated/grumpy/pissy/you name it...about what little sleep I got and how a break from beeing mommy would be nice...I read my sister-in-laws blog and about cried. How much we take for granted the hard times when the good times far out number them. As I reflect on her anguish my heart breaks 'cause I know just a brief glimmer of her feelings. I wish all the late night feedings, middle of the night nightmares, fits, fights and minor injuries on her & my brother because all that comes with that is bliss! In my heart I know it will happen (I know!).

Well the wind has calmed a bit to a constant breeze. It doesn't feel as cold in the house as I expected with arctic temperatures. Gage made it off to school today with Daddy and Reece and I had fun playing this morning. As she grabbed her "detto" (pacifier) and her blanket she was about asleep on the living room floor. We snuggled & sang and now she is talking/whining in her bed. Strong wills run in our family. I have a bit of work left to do...but not much. So I guess it is time for a drop off/pick up of more work today. It has been fantastic to be able to do work from home during nap times and in the evenings. I am able to get in 10 hours a week without a struggle but I have to stay dilligent to attempt more. I knew being a mommy was fulltime but sheesh :)

As we come closer the new year Brian is anxious about getting lasik surgery on his eyes (& so am I). It will be so nice for him not to have to wear glasses (especially when it is wrestle-mania in the living room). I will be setting up my vein closure "procedure" ASAP as well. As it turns out I have something called superficial venuos reflux disease that causes pain & fatigue. I thought it was just in my head that my legs felt like boat anchors and hurt all the time...but it's not. Thankfully to my good friend & neighbor Susan Panjabi (who had the procedure in one leg after the birth of her second child) I found out some more information. Check out the link www.vnus.com This is the procedure I had heard tid-bits about years ago. I did NOT want to have my vericose veins stripped nor did I want saline injections. It appears this is "mostly" covered by insurance and since we have flexible spending money this year we are both able to get "fixed up". If there is any money left over I will be looking into another "procedure". For those of you who know what the women in my family are cursed with you will know exactly what procedure :) ha ha ha.

Well Reece doesn't seem to be giving up the fight no matter how exhausted she is but I stand firm...she will stay in there until she passes out from fatigue. Good day to all, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

No caption necessary - just pure beauty 

Hangin' at the Poudre 7/1/05 - Aren't I the coolest?

Dr. Evil & Mini-me? 

I once caught a fish this big - 1st time fishing with Grampy Bob 9/10/05 - He did catch 3 rather large Rainbow Trout that day! 

Not in Kansas any more...

Windy does not begin to describe today...Neither does gusty. Maybe gale force winds or inland hurricane. To give you an idea, all the leaves on the plants in my house are swaying, the water in all my toilets is swishing and ever screen sounds like it is about to be ripped off the house. Gettin' a little sea sick and there is no ocean in site. Ha ha ha!

Dr. Gage has just finished fixing all my moles, fingernails, teeth and belly button. His instruments of choice were a screw driver, pliers, wrench, flashlight, sander and drill (all kid sized tools or I may not be writing this). Reece-a-bug is soundly asleep but poor baby I think she has more teeth coming in. Her new thing since yesterday is sticking her finger up her nose (I'm so proud) on the side she is madly chewing on. I think she has a lot of pressure there. So we are on Tylenol & Motrin but I'll be damned if I can find the Orajel I placed in a spot I would surely remember. I thought once you were done nursing your memory was supposed to return. HA!

We will be staying INDOORS today to avoid beeing swept off the mountain into Nebraska (I don't ever want to go back there - long story - all I can say is never get stuck in Grand Island). I can't believe christmas is soo close. I haven't even thought of cards (eCards may be going to most this year); have lots of "supplies" for homemade gifts but nothing complete to actually make something. I do have most of my stocking stuffers and secret santa gift bought and Brian & I have most of our ideas for the kids...just need to buy them when the munchins are not around. We may solicite Aunty Kris on one of her days back in Fort Collins after the move for a Santa Shopping day (hint hint for you Kris :).

Well I feel as if I should go out & put some tie-downs on the house. The sounds this house is making likens to a 90 year old man with arthritis (a man cause they whine more than women ha ha ha). Well I better get back to Mr. Gage. It is snack time and then puzzles before the peices eater awakens.

Hope all of you in Colorado you are haning onto something solid and the rest of you enjoy your day. May it not be as windy as mine.

Blowin' Snow

Well it is blowing around the snow we got yesterday. I am not sure how we have any left in our yard, unless it is the snow that was blown off the neighbors yard. We haven't had much snow this year but man the wind has been strong. I will be working on a few gifts today and cooking goodies to enjoy during the Bronco game. I'm glad I am not packing today (ha ha ha) like Matt & Kris.

I know every parent thinks their children are geniuses but even my geniuses shock me every now and again. Yesterday we got a package from Nana & Papa including photos of Gage & Reece (& Addy too). I put the pictures in the little elf holders and Reece was very excited. We put the photo within reach and Reece went directly to her photo, pointed to it, then pointed to her chest and then looked at Brian & I for approval. Our jaws were dropped but we immediately praised her. I am sure it is not the most amazing thing an 11month old can do but let me tell you it was amazing to us. She was enthralled with her photo. She should be...she's so cute :)

Gage continues to crack us up every day. His newest "make-believe" includes a light sabor. I hear dozens of times a day: "mom, can I be star wars". He doesn't want to be any specific character...he wants to be Star Wars. I think I finally have him convinced he doesn't need to ask me so now he just tells me: "mom, I'm star wars".

Well I better go feed the bottomless pit (Gage) his after breakfast before lunch snack "he's starving". Hope you all have a fantastic day.

Goodnight

Well thats that! New blog, 2 posts, fun pictures...I think I'll call it a night. More later~

Decorating for Christmas 

Gage's 1st day of Preschool 8/30/05 

Halloween 2005 - Our lil Cowboy with Sandy his horse 

Halloween 2005 - Our lil Reece-a-bug 

Oh mom, you are so funny (10/27/05) 

Reece's 1st steps 11/27/05 - her aunty Leah's birthday! 

Gage's 1st Bike 6/26/05 

Feel like the last person on earth to setup a blog...

Ok Ok...everyone and their mother (including mine) have a blog so I thought I better get with the times. I have tons of photos to share and funny "kids" stories too. Figured this might be the easiest way to get it out there to those who care :0)

I finally got everyone (husband included) to sleep so at last I have a few moments of quiet. Things have been crazy this year. I am amazed that it is almost christmas...wasn't valentines day a couple weeks ago? Not to mention I have a 1st birthday to plan too. Holy Moly!

Well I am going to try & dump some photos from my camera to the site ~ hope you all enjoy!