A life in the day as "MOM"

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still In their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was The front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding Into the entry , he found An even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked Over, and the throw rug was Wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a Cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and Various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, Breakfast food was spilled on the Counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog Food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a Small pile of sand was spread By the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over Toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried She might be ill, or that Something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, Scummy soap and more toys Strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a Heap and toothpaste had been Smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed In her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What Happened here today?" She again smiled and answered, "You know every Day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all Day?" "Yes," was his incredulous reply She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it.."

Poor Baby~

I had a horrible night. Madelyn was sick with more throwing up. Terry, Nathaniel and I just finished up playing some MarioKart, and Madelyn puked all over me. It amazes me how much can come out of such a little body! It was very sad. So, I hopped in the shower, and we headed to bed. Maddie woke up at about 2:45 AM. I brought her in bed to nurse, and I woke up to her puking on me (again). It was awful! After Terry changed the sheets, Madelyn and I took a shower. She was so out of it. Terry and I were getting pretty concerned about her because she was just kind of limpy and we did not want her to dehydrate. So, Terry tried water in a bottle, and he had to squirt it in her mouth. About 15 minutes later, I tried to nurse, and she wasn't interested...but she puked all over me again! Yuck, yuck. Ok, back in the shower for me, and Terry gave Maddie a bath.

After all this, Terry gave Maddie some pedialite in a bottle. She did manage to get down 2 1/2-3 oz. By this time it was 3:30, and Terry had to get up in an hour to go to work. He decided to just sit in the recliner with her so she would be upright. An hour later (after he didn't get any sleep) he put her back in bed with me. I feel so bad that his sleep was interrupted like that.

She wanted to nurse, and I was a bit apprehensive to do so...but, I did. I sat up, though...and prepared for the next explosion. She kept it down though, and for that I was so happy. I gave her a small amount of oatmeal cereal for breakfast and Caleb had toast and apples. Both kids kept their food down. At 9:30 AM Caleb was asking for Mac-n-cheese, so that's what he ate (2 bowls!!) I think Caleb is good, but I am still going to be a bit cautious with food choices. Madelyn is a little fussy, but she is better, too. I am so happy that they are on the mend. However, Caleb had a nasty (BM) diaper, and after I cleaned him up, I noticed lots of red dots all over. I am not sure what that is, but I am sure it is itchy.

Thanks for the prayers...we ALL appreciated it!

Contests

Look at the amazing contests over at Momsational
» Win a Nikon CoolPix P5100 12.1 MP Camera courtesy of MyPicTales.com : ends January 21.
» Win a Designer BLVD Ivy Backpack Diaper Bag : ends tonight at midnight! (January 14)
» Win an Evenflo Triumph Advance Deluxe Convertible Car Seat : ends January 22.
» Win a boatload of fabulous products for parents and children : ends January 17.
» Win a complete organizational system from Day Runner to help you get your New Year started on the right foot :ends January 23.

I would be happy to win any of those!
Classy Mommy is giving away a DVD: "My baby can talk"~ a signing video! I would love this! Contest ends: January 19.

Mama K NJ is giving away one pair of organic cotton Babylegs to one lucky winner! I love
Baby Legs, so I hope to win! She will close the contest at 10pm on January 25.

Teresa is running her first contest of the year over at her personal blog. You have a chance to win a beautiful turquoise bracelet created by Lori Jaclyn. She’s willing to ship anywhere and that means anyone is eligible to participate and win.

**Don't forget to sign up to win a Boon Groovy – Interlocking Plate and Bowl Set: GO HERE! Contest ends on January 17!**

We have been hit with another virus....

Yesterday, we decided to get a desk. We had to go about 45 minutes away to get it. We were going to go out for supper after we got the desk. I don't know what prompted me to bring an extra outfit for Caleb (I rarely do that anymore), but I am so thankful I had it with. It must have been the Holy Spirit who prodded me. ANYWAY...we were driving down the road, when I heard a terrible sound....Yep, Caleb had started throwing up. OH, IT WAS NASTY! I couldn't just pull over there, so we drove just a little bit more and headed up the ramp. There was an Applebee's there, so that is the parking lot we went to. We had the truck, and all 3 kids in the back, so it was a bit tight back there. Caleb was in the middle (fortunately). Terry took Maddie out and handed her to me, then Nathaniel, Maddie and I went in to get paper towels. Terry stripped Caleb's clothes off and put the car seat and clothes in the back of the truck. He had a towel (thankfully) in the truck and he started the clean up process. A few trips from the bathroom with dry and wet paper towels, it was managed to get cleaned up...mostly. Then, we got Caleb re-dressed, and had to buckle him in the seat belt. I know that is against the law, but what were we suppose to do? We couldn't put him back in the puke!
We were only about 10 minutes from getting the desk, so we headed over there. Terry loaded up the desk while I sat in the (puke smelling) truck with the kids. Caleb had the dry heaves and still had more to get out of his little body. I just kept that towel in his lap. It was so nasty. I was happy that I wasn't pregnant, because I have a weak stomach anyway...but pregnancy magnifies it.
When we got home, Caleb got a bath, and some snuggle time. We gave him a Mr. Freezy...and that didn't last real long. Then, he just had some water. After awhile, we got him down to sleep for the night. He was very tired. We only had to change the bedding once that night. I am glad it was mainly water. He had about 4 glasses of water during the night after that.
This morning, I was nursing Maddie in bed. I was startled when I heard the terrible sound come from her, too. Yep, she has the virus now, too. Oh Joy! So, her and I got cleaned up and changed our clothes. We changed the bedding, and laid down a towel in our bed (for precaution). I did get another hour and half of sleep, then she puked again. Poor little girl. I have never seen a baby puke like that...it was NOT baby spit up.
NOW, the kids are dealing with it on the other end. This is so not fun. I gave them both toast for breakfast. Caleb had apples, and Terry gave Maddie mixed cereal and applesauce. I really didn't think she should have the cereal, but Terry thought she would be ok. Well, she ate all her food, and Caleb just nibbled at his. I wasn't going to make either of them eat much...just what they wanted.
I went to change Maddie (because of the horrible smell). I laid her down on the changing table, when she threw up again. Poor baby!! Ok, now to the tub she goes. I gave both kids baths this morning. I hope the day goes better. I don't like when they are sick. I feel so bad for them. I think we are just going to stick with toast and broth today. I am sure I will have to pick up bananas, too. Oh, yeah...Terry is thinking he may be coming down with this two. Well, if he does...that just leaves me and Nathaniel to run through it.

I am listed in 5 Minutes around the Blogosphere!

I am so excited that I was picked as one of the blogs mentioned in the weekly column "5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere!" This column is a part of the blog, 5 Minutes for Mom. Click here to check it out. If you haven't been to 5 Minutes for Mom, you'll definitely want to
visit their site! This blog is ran by 2 moms (who are sisters) Janice and Susan. They are work-at-home moms. They both just had babies, too...and they are so cute! They run two toy stores: A Rocking Horse to Love and Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles. You should see the amazing and adorable products they have! Janice and Susan have a section of Readers Blogs to find other great blogs to read, too.

**Don't forget to enter my contest giveaway for a Groovy Plate from Boon Products!

Caleb is a riot!

Last week we were getting ready to leave and I asked Caleb for a kiss. After he kissed me, I wiped off my mouth. He said, "I got my snot all over you!" I said, "Yeah, I know that was gross." He said, "NO, that was funny!"


Caleb was putting on his clip-on tie yesterday, and after he had it on he said, "When I am bigger I will be Pastor Al!" (He is the Senior Pastor at our church~ and the only Pastor who wears a tie) It was really funny.

Last night, Caleb got in trouble. Daddy caught him picking a booger and putting it on the table. Here is the conversation:

Dad: Caleb, don't pick your nose and wipe it on the table!
Caleb: Can I wipe it on my shirt?
Dad: No.
Mom: NO, You can wipe it in a Kleenex.
Caleb: No, I can wipe it on you.

Terry found this rather funny and started to giggle. I, on the other hand, NOT SO MUCH~

Two Ladies Nights in a Row~

Last night my friends, Lisa, Jody, and "The Token 'ol Lady" got together at Lisa's house. We did our Christmas gift exchange and had a great time. It is so wonderful getting together with those ladies. We have a hoot, and mostly get out of hand with our laughter. Tonight, we have Ladies Night at church, but Lisa will be M.I.A. She gets to go away for the weekend (with out the kids) with her hubby~Lucky gal! I am looking forward to getting together with friends tonight to laugh, play games, snack...and be silly!

Have a super weekend!! Don't forget to sign up for the Boon Groovy Plate set contest! I will have another review and giveaway next week~ Stay tuned!

Boon: A Review and Giveaway!

boon n. A benefit bestowed, especially one bestowed in response to a request.

I was so excited when I received the opportunity to review the Boon products. I really like the modern style of these products. My kids have a lot of fun with the bath toys. They are foam toys, and chewable (for little ones). I really like that the balls have no holes in them. This helps greatly with keeping the mold out. There are 3 balls, 2 bath scrubbers, and many colorful shapes. My oldest son likes to make "pictures" with the shapes on the wall of the tub.

Madelyn just likes to chew on the shapes, and they probably feel great on her little gums. She is getting into throwing the balls, too, and she thinks that is funny.
As you can see in the picture, we have a Flo, too, and I love it! It has a soft, rubbery material so it helps prevent injury. Maddie loves to hit her head against it. I don't have to freak out, because it is soft on her little head. The Flo has an Easy-fill bubble bath reservoir, a one-touch bubble bath dispenser, and attaches easily and grips firmly to most bathtub faucets. I like that I can still turn on the shower head with the Flo attached. I really like this product because it makes rinsing the kids hair easier. I think Maddie really likes how it feels more like a shower. It creates a nice flow of water.

I like how you can fill the bubble bath dispenser before you turn the water on, then the kids can "help" put the bubbles in without making a mess. This is a super product for bath time, and I place it high on the list of "must-have" for homes with kids!

Our family likes to go places and it can be a challenge with everything we have to bring for the kids. I love that Boon has a super product line for feeding. The Squirt baby food dispensing spoon makes feeding on the go so convenient!

Here is what it does: allows for convenient feeding, one bite at a time. The easy-to-fill bulb holds up to 3 ounces of baby food and attaches firmly to the spoon end. Simply squeeze the bulb to dispense just the right amount of food. Squirt comes with a protective cover to seal food in and keep the spoon clean between feedings. By combining the spoon and food container into one product, Squirt makes one-handed feeding a snap.
The only thing I would do to make this product different, would be to make the spoon part a little smaller, and made of rubber. I think making these two changes would make the product more "baby friendly". Other than that, I completely love this product! It was a big hit at our family Christmas get together. My nieces (who are teenagers) wanted one. I would highly recommend this product for all parents of babies.

Another great feeding product that Boon has is a Groovy – Interlocking Plate and Bowl Set.

This is a great plate/bowl set for any toddler. I like how there are separate bowls to put the "dips." Every kid likes to dip everything...and this helps keep things a bit neater. Here are some facts: Groovy offers a fun way to serve meals in a customizable configuration. This interlocking plate and bowl set includes a toddler-sized plate with two separate compartments plus two small bowls that attach to the edge of the plate in a variety of positions. The small bowls are perfect for dipping—always an engaging activity at mealtime—or for serving small portions. The feeding line is made with non-toxic materials, so they are safe, too!
Facts about Boon
Their Style
We understand that modern parents crave clean, contemporary designs. Our products reflect this desire, with a unique style that appeals to parents and children alike.
Their Passion
We create innovative products that respond to the needs and desires of modern parents. Our products provide a modern look at an affordable price.
Their Commitment
We realize good looks only go so far. We are committed to creating products that are not only stylish, but embody the highest standards of quality and safety.
Year Founded
2004
Want to win a product of Boon's? They have sponsored a giveaway for a Groovy – Interlocking Plate and Bowl Set! Want to know how to win? Go to the Boon website and look around. Then, come back here and let me know what your favorite product is. Please let me know your e-mail address in the comments, so I can contact you when you win. This contest is open to addresses in the United States. I will leave this contest open until January 17 at midnight (CST). I will announce the winner sometime on the 18th. If you want to have 2 entries for a chance to win, post this contest on your blog with a link back to me. Then, post a separate comment with the url to your post. Please enter only once. Repeat comments will be disqualified. Thank you for stopping, and Good Luck!!

Joys (and pains) of being a girl!

Madelyn looks so cute in dresses, and I love putting her in the dresses...but I know she gets frustrated in them! Whenever she is crawling with a dress on she gets mad enough makes changes to her crawling technique by walking with her feet, and using her hands. Some would call this the monkey crawl, but Maddie has used it as a way to get somewhere the quick route. I think it is so incredibly cute, that I had to get it on pictures. The picture of her holding her dress is really funny, because she sat up to grab it and look at it. I bet she was thinking, "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GET IN MY WAY ALL THE TIME!"

She is so cute! I think her little "Monkey Crawling" is funny and adorable! Thanks for our children, Lord, because they make life more fun!

Pebootles for Maddie

I just found out I won some adorable little boots for Madelyn! Our Blessed Arrows had a contest for Pebootles from Pedoodles, and I won! I am so excited! These look so soft and warm! Thanks so much!

Here are the stats:

*Soft, top-grade, sueded leather bootieconstruction
*Cuddly faux lambs wool lining to cradle theirtender young feet
*Exclusive PedFlex™ flat rubber soles providedurability and traction
*Velcro side entry system -- once they're on theystay on
*Flexible, breathable design promotes healthyconditions around developing feet
*Fun colors & embroidery to help stimulatechildren's imaginations

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Weekend happenings and a few thoughts

Madelyn has been sick this weekend. Her moods have been pretty good, considering, but she is a little sick kiddo. Her breathing and coughing got really bad late last night. Her coughing really scared me. She did end up throwing up from it. Terry is an EMT so he has a stethoscope, and he listened to her lungs. He said they don't sound like there is liquid in there, but that it is more in her upper chest/throat area. I think we will just keep an eye on her today to see how things go.

My mom just got out of the hospital (Saturday). She had surgery and it will take awhile to recover. Terry, Maddie and I went over there last night to visit. I brought them a meal, and Terry was going to help Dad with burning brush. (Terry is also a firefighter) I didn't know that 2 of my brothers were going to come, 2 of my nieces, one of my nephews, and my brother's girlfriend. I only made one pan of Tator Tot hotdish, so I was a bit concerned about it feeding everyone. It did feed enough, so all is well. I think the guys had fun burning the brush. The wind was a bit strong, though, so it was a bit risky. It was great to see my family.

Today, I think Terry and I will stay home with Maddie. Her cough is terrible, and I really don't want to bring her to church to spread the love around. Tonight, we will pick up Nathaniel. He was visiting his dad for the weekend. He doesn't know we got the Wii, yet, so he will be really excited about that! I didn't want to tell him on Friday (when it came) because he wouldn't have been able to play it.

I really miss the boys, and I will be happy when they get home. Terry will be picking up Caleb tomorrow night. He is with Grandma right now. I bet he is having a great time.

I really didn't get much done on my Thursday's Thirteen, but I will still make progress on that list. I need to get it all done this week. I will be starting a job next week. I get to "nanny" a little girl who is 5 days older than Madelyn. I will drive to their home daily. The hours will be 5-6 hours a day. I think it will be a good thing. I will make extra income, and still be an at home mom (just not my home). I love children, so it will be fun to play with the kids. I am looking forward to this opportunity.

Perfect for on-the-go

Seven Dogs and a Baby is having a contest for Boon products. They have the Boon Squirt, and the Boon snack ball. I think the Boon products are super! I would love to win these 2 items! The contest ends January 13th.