Okay on 3. . .Let Me Hear You Say:

WE LOVE SANTA!!!!!

Here are some outtakes from our at home "photo-shoot"

THE FINAL RESULT!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas Magic

So, I knew it was coming!  I knew the time would come when Christmas would be magical again!  Not that it's not always magical, but there is something about watching your kids "Believe" in the magic like you once did!!  My new favorite movie of the season is Polar Express!!  Camden LOVES it, and I tell ya-it gets me choked up every time I watch it!!

Over the weekend the boys saw Santa for the first time.  I will not post any pictures yet, b/c they made the Christmas card this year.  (oh and on a side note, there is no family picture on our cards this year.  we just ran out of time and energy to do it!)  I thought Camden was just going to FREAK, but he did well--he told Santa his name, and also told him what we are all dying to know "What do you want Santa to bring you?"
and the answer is. .  .

A YO-YO!!

He has held on to wanting that yo-yo for about 3 months, so I do hope that Santa brings one!!  Santa was at Jason's office Christmas party, and he was great!!  All of the children received gifts from him, and Camden walked by him again to sneak another peek, and Santa looked over and said "Hello there again Camden"!!!!  WOW!!

Monday night Camden left some pictures he had torn out of my People magazine (I know, random, but it kept him busy for a while), and a list for Santa on our foyer table.  Wouldn't you know it, Santa's elves came by and picked them up and left him a note from Santa with a candy cane on it!!  He was so excited, but in the midst of the excitement he asked "Mommy, which elf came for Santa?" "I don't know buddy, just one of his elves." "Well, I know which one it was, it was the one that Daddy recorded for me on ABC!"
He is so smart!!!  He's referring to the little Disney show "Prep & Landing"--if you haven't seen it yet, check it out.  It was really cute.

That's all I've got for now.  I'll post pictures from our visit with Santa, and some outtakes from the Christmas card photo shoot in a couple of days!!

STATS

So last Friday Jason and I took the boys for their 4 year and 1 year check ups!  I recruited Daddy to go along because the thought of having to deal with Camden at the doctor by myself was quite daunting!  He completely freaks out about going, and is quite difficult to hold down for shots.  Unfortunately for both of us--Camden was wheezing and couldn't get his shots, so I will have to take him at a later date for those--we did however get everyones' stats and the boys are growing like WEEDS!

CAMDEN:
Weight-38lbs 4oz (67th percentile)
Height-41.5" (73rd percentile)

So, even though he doesn't eat hardly anything he's gained about 4lbs in the past year!!  He was relieved not to have to get any shots like Evan got, but has worried about going back ever since we walked out the door!  I guess I will break down and get him in next week.

EVAN:
Weight-23lbs 11oz (59th percentile)
Height-30.5" (67th percentile)
Head-18.5" (64th percentile)

He got his shots like a champ, there were tears, but not many.  When the nurse pricked his toe to get blood he pretty much just looked at her and then tried to figure out what she was doing down there!

We are gearing up for our Christmas Season, still haven't done our Christmas cards--for those of you anxiously awaiting their arrival--it might be another week or two!  Today the boys will get to meet Santa, he is coming to visit at Jason's office party this afternoon--Camden is actually excited, he keeps talking about it!  We hope everyone is doing well!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

(thanks GiGi for your photo contribution)

Some recent pics!

Hi I realize my last post was a lot of words!! Here are some recent pics of my sweet boys!

Birthday Party:

oh yea it was the BIG SpongeBob Bouncy!! and we had it the whole weekend!

Couldn't resist these! :)

Some outtakes from our Thank You card photoshoot:

For those of you in the metro Atlanta area, we got our bouncy from www.jumpandslide.com.

We did have to pick it up (they will deliver for a fee), but we got to keep it from Friday to Monday! Due to weather we only were able to use it Friday night and Saturday but it was a killer deal $100 for the whole weekend. I would highly recommend them, they loaded it, gave me everything I needed and got it back out of the truck for me. We didn't even have to get it folded back up properly.

Hope you enjoyed the pics, and I hope everyone enjoys the Christmas Season coming up!!

The Difference Between 3 & 4

When I took Camden for his 1 year check up--the doctor warned me about the "Terrible Twos" he warned me about how bad they are, and he let me know that it would start around 18 months! That didn't give me much time to prepare my strategy!! So 18 months came and went. . .24 months came and went. . .36 months came & HOLY CRAP, forget the "Terrible Twos", we were full swing in the Terroristic Threes!! AHHHHH!!

Now in Camden's defense (and I know you've read it before)--he had a lot of changes right around the time he turned 3--new brother, daddy gone, new school, new life really--so I'll give him that! I will still say age 3 was the most challenging thus far, and I know there will be more challenges but now that I've survived year 3--I know I can handle anything thrown my way! :) ha-I'm always so confident when I'm talking with my keyboard!!

Okay--I've covered the threes, now let me tell you a little about the FANTASTIC FOURS!! It's like we have a completely different kid. There are still some meltdowns here and there, and some attitude (to be expected, he is his mother's child)--but seriously, I can't believe the difference between 3 & 4. Camden does chores (he's yet to clean his playroom-see note about "some meltdowns"), he puts away his underpants and socks (bottom drawer), he puts his hang up clothes on hangers, when we come in from school he gets his folder and lunch box and puts them in the kitchen and then he hangs up his book bag!! It's great!! Another thing that we've noticed is he is so much more affectionate, he loves on us ALL the time. Not an hour goes by without him stopping what he's doing to tell us that he loves us. Now, I'll admit, sometimes it's a delay tactic, but I pretend it's not and just take it all in!! He's always willing to pitch in when it comes to Evan--most recently Evan has had to start getting breathing treatments (he hates them), and Camden will come in and do his best to entertain him! Camden dresses himself (this was not an easy feat), is learning to give himself a bath (daddy has a hard time with this one), and currently we are working on wiping our own bottom (and by "our own" I mean "his", and it's a work in progress)! STILL-big changes in the Conner household people, BIG changes!

I write this post not to tell everyone how perfect my child is--he's not! I write it to give hope to the Mom's out there who are at their wits end with their 3 year old! You are not alone, you are not doing anything wrong, and I promise--there is an end in sight!! I think 3 is a tough age because kids are learning independence and they aren't sure they want to be independent. . .but they aren't sure they want to be babies either. They are also learning to communicate better, but it's frustrating to have to repeat yourself to Mommy and Daddy all the time. You know, I really have no idea! All I know, is the changes I've seen in my little man in the past couple of months are welcome ones!!

Evan

Dear Evan,

It's really been a year--a WHOLE year!! I can't believe it! This milestone for you has been a rather emotional one for your mommy! We started out a little shaky, you were definitely a more "high maintenance" newborn than your brother :), but we made it through the crying (it took about 3 months, and we were BOTH crying!) and we made it through your Daddy being gone, and well--we made it through mommy learning how to be a "stay at home" mommy!! You are such a sweet sweet little boy! Your nickname is MonkeyMan and you come by it so very honestly!! Again, unlike your brother, you are very
adventurous and seriously all over the place!! I remember the whole spill we got at the doctor about leaving toilet seats down, bathroom doors closed, doors to the outside locked when we took your brother to his 1 year check up. It didn't really apply there--but to you--to you it APPLIES ten-fold!!! Let me offer you an example, while it's fresh in my memory: Last night in the period of about an hour and a half you closed your arm (yes your whole arm) in a drawer, tried to crawl into the bathtub with your brother using a stool that was next to the tub (and if it hadn't been there you would've pushed it there), tried to crawl over the gate keeping you from the stairs to the playroom, and crawled into a laundry basket and then face planted to get out. . .

Now I know what you are thinking, you are thinking "wow mom, you might want to keep a closer eye on me", maybe you are right, but truly I turn my back for a second and you are out of here!! :)

You are at the stage where you eat anything put in front of you!! It's a great stage! I'm hoping it sticks longer for you! You love pb&j, and bananas, but your love for eggs seems to be dwindling. You have such an infectious smile, whenever I tell you "no" you look at me for a second stunned and then flash it for me! I can't help but smile back! My favorite thing that you do right now is come up and lay your head down on me, or give me a hug! It's very very brief (as you don't really stay still long), but so wonderful just the same!! Here are some things you LOVE right now:

Your Big Brother! You would follow him anywhere, even to the ocean!

Your dog Penny! you do your best to play with her, and nothing thrills you more than when she is receptive.

Your monkey/blanket thingie-every time I put you to bed you look for it!

Stacking cups

Music--it is so fun to watch you and your brother dance around to the Laurie Berkner band

Any sort of electronic-remote, laptops, phones, etc--if you shouldn't have it, you really want it! That's a pretty typical male trait!

I'm sure there are so many more things for me to share, like you don't take a bottle anymore, and you hate for anyone to feed you--you'd rather do it yourself. However, I'm going to have to bring this letter to a close now! You will be waking up from your nap very soon and I still have some chores to do!! Your Daddy and I love you very much!! You have added nothing but joy to this family! We are so excited to watch you grow over the years, but I would like to request that you not grow too fast as my heart just can't take you boys growing so quickly!!

Love,

Mommy

Camden

Dear Camden,

It's hard to believe that it's been ALMOST 4 years since your Daddy & I first brought you home (we didn't actually bring you home until the day after Thanksgiving)!! You entered this world 6 weeks early, but it has never held you back in any way! You bring such joy to our lives every day! You have turned into such an affectionate little boy, daddy and I are showered with hugs and kisses from you every day. You and I were able to get to know each other VERY well while your daddy was away last year. The most important thing I learned about you is that you may LOOK like your daddy--but you ACT like your mommy!! Let me tell you some things about you:

--you LOVE TV, especially SpongeBob! you come by this pretty honestly, your Mommy & Daddy have a love for TV as well!!

--you are a VERY PICKY eater! What you ate yesterday, you probably won't eat tomorrow. The only thing that is consistent is chicken nuggets, and cereal--it could be worse, but it's frustrating just the same. I know you'll be fine because I was! I was the same exact way, and I LOVE to eat now--it will come!!

--you LOVE your little brother. you have amazed us from the very first minute you were in the room with Evan. Daddy and I are so proud of how good you are with him!

--you really enjoy school, you usually come home singing and you always have some sort of craft you have made for me!

--favorite color: red

--favorite food: tacos

--favorite Disney Character: Buzz Lightyear

--for your 4th birthday you got a new bike (from mommy & daddy), and a 4-wheeler (from your grandparents)--we just knew for sure that once you got that 4-wheeler you would never ride your bike, but you know what??? WE WERE WRONG! You love your bike, and ask to ride it almost every day!!

--you still sleep with your "Mr. Frog", he's been your loyal buddy since Day 1! when you are tired you still smell his feet, and when mommy isn't feeling well you will bring him to me and stick his feet to my nose! he always makes us feel better!

--you are a very cautious, shy, and quiet (till I get to know ya) kind of kid! this is comforting for a mommy, I'm hoping you stay cautious but break away from the shy a little!

Buddy--that's a lot about you, and I know there's a lot more! Our lives changed the moment we found out you were coming! You really are such a blessing and a joy for all of your family, and we know you will continue to be!!

Love,

Mommy

ps--my favorite words from you lately: "Mommy, I need some mommy-time"

Normal. . .

What is normal exactly?? The question of the month for me has been--"SO, have things gotten back to normal yet? "

If you've asked me this question, don't worry-you aren't the only one, and it really is a valid question!! Before Jason left we had a 3 year old and a 6 week old, now that he's home we have a 4 year old and an almost 1 year old. . .that being said, there was no normal for Jason to come back to!!

As far as Jason and myself go--we have gotten back to normal. We were pretty much there as soon as we said our hellos in CA! We are lucky that way, it's never really been a problem for us to just pick up where we left off. Now that we are back home I have to give Jason big props--he's fallen into step with the boys, and in some ways it's like he never left!! I feel like I never slow down--which is funny b/c I really had dreams of having more time to myself once Jason got home. . I'm still waiting on that time :) I honestly feel like I'm busier now than I was before, however, I don't feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders--when I'm having a bad day, I know that I will have a bit of relief in the evening, and Fridays actually feel like Fridays!! The big joke amongst some of the wives while the guys were gone was "TGIwhat?? " Everyone around us was always so happy for the weekend, but for us it just meant 2 more days that would be longer than the others b/c everyone else was doing family stuff and we were most likely going to be doing the same thing we'd been doing the 5 days previous, only alone! We have seen lots of changes in Camden as well! I'm not sure if it's that he's growing out of his 3's or if he's just more at ease with Daddy home!! He seems happier, and more obedient (?sorry, I know that's probably not the word I'm looking for, but it's the only one I can come up with to describe it). The manners that we've been pushing for so long finally seem to be clicking, and for the most part he stays in his own bed ALL NIGHT!! It makes me happy that he is doing so well!!

Since Jason has been home we've had a case of H1N1, 3 cases of pink eye, and a trip to the hospital for wheezing (Evan)! We also had a wonderful trip to Disney, the beach, and a soggy Halloween with friends and family! Things have been busy, and it seems will continue to stay that way!! We are looking forward to celebrating the boys birthdays next weekend and enjoying all of the holidays that are coming!!

I have so much more to share and I do apologize for my lack of posting, but we really have just been so busy!!! I'll try to post on Camden's birthday later this week--we did a family celebration and he got a bike from Mommy & Daddy--which he LOVES!! (SIGH OF RELIEF)

HOMECOMING!!

Well, he's home!! It was a long 10 months--but we made it! I travelled to CA on 9/26, and the Main Body of NMCB 24 arrived in the US on 9/29!! I really wasn't sure what to expect with this whole "homecoming" thing. I was nervous, anxious, emotional, excited, any emotion you can think--I was it!! The days leading up to the 29th I cried over EVERYTHING! Every time we talked about the guys coming home, and them seeing their kids, etc--I CRIED! So I knew for sure that when I saw him I was just going to lose it. . .we saw the buses pull up and I teared up, and the doors opened and again the lump in my throat, and when I finally spotted him from across the parking lot (please remember the guys are all in the same outfit!)--a sudden calm just sort of came over me. It was like my wedding--I was a nervous wreck leading up to it, fighting back tears until those doors opened and I saw him and literally RAN down the aisle dragging both of my fathers behind me!!!

THE SWEETEST 4 WORDS I'D HEARD IN A WHILE!!!!!




I have to say--Jason and I sort of picked right back up where we left off for the most part! We stayed out in CA for almost a week after he arrived and just enjoyed hanging out, catching up on shows, happy hour, a little site seeing, and I'd love to say eating--but for the most part the food we ate was VERY disappointing!!

After enjoying our week in CA it was time to head home and have Jason's real homecoming and reunite him with the boys. . .MORE ON THAT LATER!! :)

A Day of "Yes"!!

The boys in their BigBrother/LittleBrother shirts

Okay--so last weekend as I was running around all day Saturday to showers, and birthday parties I started feeling a little guilty. Here it was one of the last weekends that it will be just me and my boys and I've gone and filled it so full--I won't even see them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sad that my journey of deployment is coming to an end, but I have oddly mixed emotions about this special time with just me and the boys is ending. . .maybe I've just gotten used to it? I don't know. Anyway, I decided last weekend that this weekend was going to be just me and the boys for the most part doing --who cares, just doing, just being together! We've gotten our act together and now it's all going to change again--for the better, but still a change and major disruption for such little boys!

So Saturday morning started like no other--Evan up around 7:30, and went back down for a nap before Camden pulled himself out of bed around 10:30--woo hoo!! (it didn't last mind you, they were both up at 7am on the dot this morning, so don't be too jealous) Anyway, Camden asked if we were going to school and I said no, and so he said "can I watch tv then??" SURE!! Then he said, can you bring my table from my playroom down so I can sit in here and eat and watch tv?? and I heard myself saying "Sure, honey--what would you like to eat?" Cheerios and yogurt--"no problem"--about 30 minutes later, he said he was "still hungry" and wanted fruit snacks--"Okay, sure, what kind do you want??"--Thus starting the "day of 'yes'"!!! It was such a great day, and though he did get several no's in there--for the most part it was all "YES!"

A few weeks ago my aunt sent me a blog article about how to take time to enjoy your kids. I am always thankful for things like this b/c it always makes me stop and evaluate my actions. One of the things it said was "say yes for a change"--so I did--and you know what, it was a PERFECT day!! I got so many "yes ma'ams" and "no ma'ams" with no prompting I couldn't believe it! Now, this doesn't mean that every day is a yes day, but I will probably do it more often!

One other thing--today Evan is 10 months old!! I can hardly believe it--it has seriously just FLOWN by!! I forgot to post his 9 month stats b/c things were just so crazy around that time--3 Friday's in a row at the Doctor's office--YUCK!

MonkeyMan!

Weight: 21lbs 13.5oz (64%)

Length: 28.5" (50%)

Head: 18.25 (75%)

Not as big as you thought huh?? Although, it was pointed out to me today that maybe it's b/c his head is so big that everyone thinks he's so big!! :) hehe!!

Camden's 1st Day of School-this is the only one he would let me take. . .

B-O-Y-S--BOYS!!

Hey everyone!! I hope you are all doing well--I only have a minute to spare because my hubby will be home IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS and there is much to do around here before he arrives!! I did, however, want to take a quick moment to share a fun story that made me realize all at once I am the mother of 2 B-O-Y-S BOYS!!

So this morning I was getting Evan's room picked up and I hear some giggling coming from the bathroom. . .and the door was closed--for anyone who isn't a parent, this is never good news for you--just so you know!! I open the door to see what is going on and Camden is standing naked over the toilet (poised to pee), and Evan is on his knees HANDS IN TOILET, while Camden is flushing it. . .
The water was clear so either Camden had just peed (all over his brother I'm sure), or had yet to go. . .I can't imagine girls finding this fun. . .it hit me right at that moment as I'm trying not to laugh, and am thinking internally "that toilet really needs to be cleaned" I am the mother of B-O-Y-S boys!! :) Battery taking out, "poo-poo" yelling (Camden's favorite word of the moment), shoot-em-up playing--BOYS!! and I LOVE EVERY BIT OF IT! :)


Okay--I have to run!! I have TOILETS to clean! :)

UGHH--I THINK I'VE HIT A WALL!

So I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to get myself motivated to get in the gym!! Today I gave up after about 20 minutes on the elliptical--well really, I gave up about 8 minutes in, but I pushed myself to at least do 20 minutes. I'm not sure if it's b/c I have so many things to do at home, or because we are starting a new routine with getting Camden to school--I'm just not sure. Anyways--something's gotta give! It's one thing to not work out, it's quite another to not workout yet stuff yourself with jalepeno bacon ranch burgers, a side of fries, and wash it down with M&MS and a Miller Lite--YIKES!!

Camden's First Day

It has finally arrived folks--Camden's first day back at school!! He started 5 day preschool today, and it went quite well!! There were no tears when I dropped him off, and he was excited about his day when I picked him up. I was excited that he was singing "Clean up Clean up Everybody Clean up" as we pulled into the driveway b/c he'd already been told that was expected of him before we watched Dinosaur Train this afternoon!!

So the day started out as most do, except this morning Camden said--"Mommy, what time do we leave for school?" I was quite thrilled actually that he was looking forward to it, because those of you who have little ones know that if they don't want to go to school, it's probably going to be a traumatic experience for all involved when you are making the 'drop'!! So everything was going fine until. . .I told Camden it was time to get dressed--school starts at 9:30 and we leave the house around 9:20--I told him at 8:50 (so I gave him extra time, normally I make him get dressed and then watch TV, after today that will be the way it's done from now on). Now that I've told him it's time to get ready there is some whining about being tired, and not wanting to go. It didn't last too long, and while we were getting ready I tried to let him know that getting dressed, brushing teeth, and washing our face and hands were going to be expected of him every day. I find that letting him know my expectations usually works to my benefit--not that he wants to please me, but more so I can say--"Hey, I already told you this is how it's gonna be" :)

While Camden was in school, I went about my day getting calls made and chores done. I had been thinking for a while that I wanted to do little pizzas with him, and he was gone all weekend so tonight would be my opportunity. Normally I would make that a weekend thing, but it was his first day at school so I was going to go for it. . . After school I told Camden we were going to the store to pick up snacks for his class (we have duty Thursday), and stuff to make mini pizzas with--I explained how exciting this was b/c he could put whatever he wanted on his! He seemed pretty pumped and the rest of the afternoon went great, other than the occasional whine here and there we were good to go!
When it came time to make our pizzas, Camden wasn't too interested--I mean for one he was going to have to wash his hands and SpongeBob was on. . .I was hurt by his halfhearted effort but quickly reminded myself that he's a boy and he's 3 and well, maybe making pizza isn't that cool to him! Maybe he's like his daddy--you cook, I eat. . . ;) So he did put a pepperoni or two on, and ate about 20, and got super excited that Evan was going to eat pizza too. He begged, he salivated, he whined for the next 15-20 minutes until it was done. I started him on carrots and grapes so that he would at least have some form of veggies and fruit. When the pizza came out and I put it on his plate--HE CRIED. . .no seriously, he cried. FIRST: IT WAS ROUND, SECOND: IT HAD SAUCE. . .um--yes it is round it's a flat biscuit, remember you helped me shape it, and you helped me put the sauce on, and HELLO--it's pizza, last I checked those were the 2 requirements for pizza!!! Needless to say, he didn't eat, he actually got down went to his room and played quietly until I came to check on him.
For the first time ever--I'm feeling like, "Okay--it's time for him to cut ME some slack"--I even told him he hurt my feelings, I don't think he got it. He looked at me, blinked and said "what shoes can I wear on our walk?" oh well!!

Seriously, I look back on the day and laugh--I mean if you don't you would just cry!! I am so glad he enjoyed school, and when I asked him tonight if he wanted anything special in his lunch tomorrow he said "yes, I think I would like Chick-lil-lay" HA! He's crashed out right now--I knew he would be tired. I think it took him all of about 3 minutes to fall asleep!! Those eyes were heavy! Evan on the other hand is still crashing around up there!

For the first time in a while--I think I'll be ending the night with a beer!! Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm gonna be ready for it! :)

Freedom Alliance Concert

Sorry I'm so behind on posting. It's funny, I have so much to say that it overwhelms me, so I just say nothing at all!! I've been putting off writing about the Freedom Alliance Concert b/c I actually have some great pics to post, but my computer is still in the shop so I guess I won't be able to post the pics right now!!

A couple of weeks ago I was offered the opportunity to attend the Freedom Alliance Concert with some of my fellow navy wives. I wasn't sure how the opportunity came about, but I found out that they did a random drawing over where our husbands are and the names that were pulled were offered the VIP tickets and they were able to take guests. I think Andrea called b/c she knew I was in DESPERATE need of a kid-free night out, or maybe she just thinks I'm super-cool, we'll probably never know! ;) I was honored to be her guest, and was thrilled that she had also chosen our Command Ombudsman (say it 5 times fast, I went 6 months without saying it b/c I knew I would mispronounce) to attend with us!

Now I mentioned these were VIP tickets--and I mean--VIP they were!! First we got to wear those super cool neck things, with our names on them so that everyone knew we were special --WHOOP WHOOP! When we arrived we got special parking and were whisked away to a reception with delicious food and beverages! We also had someone assigned to go with us everywhere (even the ladies room) and to get us where we needed to go! While at the reception we got to meet and greet with people like Sean Hannity, Oliver North, Jon Voight, Lee Greenwood, Charlie Daniels, Michael W. Smith, etc!! It was super cool to be in a room full of celebrities!! We also saw that there was an NMCB 24 flag hanging up in the room and Andrea's husband was one of the people who signed it!! Cool that it had been there and now it was here, so close, so tangible!
We were also able to meet one of the Freedom Alliance Scholarship winners--what a thrill to hear he attended none other than GA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY! Yea baby, GO EAGLES! :) He was as sweet as he could be, and I had a great time talking to him and reminiscing about Statesboro!

So as special VIP attendees we were able to have a meet and greet with some of the celebrities, and I even got Charlie Daniels' autograph!! We waited the longest to see him, but we got to chat with Jon Voight a bit while in line, and afterwards got to talk to these 2 guys who had been in Iraq. Obviously I came in on the tail end of the conversation b/c it wasn't until Charlie and his band got up on stage that I realized I had been chit-chatting with 2 of his band members. . . :)

During the concert they brought the wives who had been chosen up on stage for a "special surprise"--they had their husbands via satellite from Iraq!! :) It was such a touching moment! Most of us are able to see our spouses on a little screen every so often--but to see them, and to see them sharing that moment was just awesome!! I'm not gonna lie, I boo hoo'd!! I will say, I was sort of glad it wasn't me and Jason b/c we probably just would've been like "Hey" and then that's it! :) (oh, and I would've totally been crying the whole time--and it would've been the "ugly cry face" as some like to call it)!!

It was a very special night for all of us involved! I'm so glad I was given this special opportunity!

ahhhhh--what a week!!!

Well, this has been a busy week! We are all one step closer to being back together but I feel we will have much frustration and stress before we get there!! :)

I'd like to start out by saying HAPPY 9 MONTHS BABY EVAN! He marked the day by snapping his mobile in half. . .I went in to get him up this morning and his mobile was in his lap and he had a HUGE grin on his face! :) Oh well, I guess we were done with it anyway. . .(his 9 month check up is next week-so I'll post his stats then)

We also got an official email this week regarding homecoming for Jason! I won't give any specifics but it is very exciting!! My friend and I had already jumped the gun and made our flight reservations which now have to be changed. . .apparently when you use frequent flyer miles you have to pay $100 when you change your flight. I tried to explain to the nice woman on the phone my situation and her response was that "maybe I should write corporate". . .sure, I'll get right on that! I won't give up that fight--especially since I know that American Airlines and Airtran both make exceptions for military families. I'll get a number and I'll make some calls--try to engage my "Kasey button"! Anyways, this ticket is causing lots of stress at the moment, and anticipation and shear exhaustion can get tempers flared more than normal. I've vowed to sit on it for a week or two before making any decisions. I can't control it, and I can't change it so at this point I'm going to have to let it go. Kind of like the food battle with Camden!

In other news, school hasn't started yet but Journey class has!! Woo hoo!! Journey is similar to Awana, or any Wednesday night program that your church might have. It's at Mt. Zion Baptist and Camden loves it. We got into it last year right after Jason left. Truly, it was a night out and gave me a few minutes to decompress while Camden learned a little! What was just going to be a one time thing turned into a weekly thing, and now Camden is signed up again. He also is signed up for the 3 year old Handbell Choir. . .yes, you heard me--3 YEAR OLD HANDBELL CHOIR, it's a handbell choir for 3 year olds. God bless the teacher :)! He seemed to enjoy his first session last night and was ready to go back today!

We are chugging along, Mommy is mentally marking days off of my calendar and trying to stay focused on home and kiddos!! I'm getting a night out this weekend, heading to the Hannitry Freedom Concert complete with a reception prior to the concert. I'm very excited and looking forward to an adult night out!! I feel like it's been a while!!

Sorry for no pics, but my computer is still being repaired!! maybe by next week we'll have it all fixed!!

So school has started for Gwinnett County, for everyone in Gwinnett County EXCEPT. . .CAMDEN!! ;)
Camden will start back to school after Labor Day and I think he's looking forward to it. I'm thinking it will settle things down at home! :) We had a good weekend, so good in fact that we ALL crashed out hard Sunday night and slept till 8am on Monday morning! Today was pretty uneventful, made it to the gym, did a lot of chores, and just listened to Camden chatter! At one point we were in Evan's room on the rocker and he had his hand on my leg--he looked at me puzzled and said "why are you wearing these?" "wearing what?" i asked. . .
"these" and he rubbed my legs again. . .HA! "I just haven't shaved in a couple of days, that's hair" "Well, it hurts and it's crunchy, and yuck!" SO HAD ME LAUGHING!! It's so funny when they are so brutally honest! :)

So today on facebook a friend posted:

it is amazing how strong you become when you have no other option. People always say "I don't know how you do it", well to be honest I don't either. Glad to have the other ladies that know what I mean. The same thing day after day. Being Mommy and Daddy. Giving every spanking, every hug, tending every "boo boo", all the laundry, every meal, every bath. It's taxing.

I truly couldn't have stated it better myself! I don't know how she does it either--she has 3 kids under the age of 3, and one was born while her husband has been gone! She seems to keep her cool in public (which is more than I can say for myself), and when asked how she does it she'll look at you straight faced and say: "OH I just lock them in the dog run for a couple of hours while I take care of things" hahaaha!!
Seriously, I often try to put into words what all of this is like--and she did it perfectly! You do what you have to in order to get by! Then you have to worry about how it will all work when your husband comes home! Jason told me his only expectation is that we not have left by the time he gets home! That's good b/c I haven't filed a thing, I'm pretty sure our grass is dying, the house is clean, but it's not neat (ever), and I'm pretty sure I do things differently than he would have. . .but what can you do?? The next time you meet someone who is in the military, or whose husband or wife or son or daughter is deployed--thank them for their service. What a sacrifice these men and women make VOLUNTARILY for our country.

he loves me, he loves me not. . .

Sorry it's been a little while folks, but I seem to be having computer problems at the moment. Just one of my little stresses right now, but it will pass--I mean, surely it will all pass, right????????

Since I've last blogged Camden and I had a trip to the lake (more on this later when I can access pictures--he had a blast!), and he had his final trip to Nana & Mopa's for the summer. I mean, I'm sure he'll go back, but not for as long since school is starting on Monday!

Sadly, this is probably going to be a venting blog--I'm so over it right now. Seriously, I think if I could check into an asylum or something for a couple of days I would, just for an escape. Some of those places are nice, right? I wouldn't want rehab b/c they probably wouldn't love me carrying in my case of Miller Lite to pass the time. . . :)
I'm having a hard time counting my blessings the past few days. I'm refusing to fall back into my June slump, but gosh, the past couple of days I feel like I'm slowly losing control again. We are ALMOST there, ALMOST done--but it seems SO FAR AWAY right now. I'm filled with so many emotions--the biggest ones at the moment--FRUSTRATION & ANXIETY!!! I feel like every day is a battle with my 3 year old. I want us to have a day when we are all happy the whole time--no crying, no arguing, no throwing ourselves in the floor b/c Mommy says "no popsicle unless you finish your spaghettios" REALLY???? YOU ARE CRYING OVER THAT!?? I'm trying, I really am. I'm letting things go, I'm trying to let him help with things, praising when he's doing good--maybe it's just that he's 3?? It's hard to step back and not think, I'm obviously doing something wrong. Or maybe it's just our situation in general--it's summer, we are stuck here together in this house day after day. I try to do special things from time to time, but there are 3 of us and naps need to be taken, meals have to be made, chores do need to be done. It can't be all fun all the time. Since Camden has been back all I hear is "well, I would do that at Nana & Mopa's, but just not here" or "I wish I could live with Nana & Mopa"--I tried the whole, "you should be thankful for me--you wouldn't be here without me" speech--I think it just went in one ear and out the other. . .(or very possibly, it could've just gone over his sweet little head) AGGGHHHHHHH--I'm at a loss. Tomorrow is a new day, I tell myself this over and over, but it's not helping much lately. I can't remember the last time I just decided--I'm just gonna call some friends and go to dinner without the kids. . .maybe July 4th? That was pretty last minute, but I think that was it, the last time I went and had dinner without kids--oh no, wait--I had lunch with some girlfriends a few weeks ago. It's not the same though as when Jason is here, right now, I have to inconvenience others and it sucks--I hate asking for help (no, seriously parents, I do--I feel the need to add this b/c I know they want to screen my calls most of the time to avoid the inevitable--"I need a favor").

OKAY ENOUGH.

In other news--Evan has finally gotten some teeth! Well--almost! They have broken the skin on the bottom, sharp little suckers too. 3 at once (but of course), and I'm certain another is on the way. He's also crawling and putting himself into a sitting up position. . .where has the time gone??
Camden will be starting school again soon--not until after Labor Day though! He's excited, but more excited about his trip to Disney--well he was, until he found out that Penny would be staying with Nana & Mopa--he would prefer to stay there with her. . . :)

Our trip to NC

So last week I packed up the boys and headed up to do something I used to do every summer when I was a kid--spend a week at Nana & Papa's!  I was bound and determined I would do this alone, so as to prove my independence.  For the most part the trip went well.  The trip up was nice and quiet, although it did take about 5 hours to get there (it's like a 3 hour trip).  About 1/2 way in Camden told me he had to pee so I pulled off at the rest stop--then I sat there thinking "how am I going to do this.  .  ." I strapped Evan in the Baby Bjorn and headed up to the ladies room.  Once Camden was done, I took a turn (yea, if they have cameras in there I would like to play back the footage, I'm sure it's quite a sight to see a lady with a 22 lb baby attached to her hovering over the seat) and then we headed on our way!  15 minutes later I hear I'm hungry, and I'm hungry screams from the back seat.  .  .so we stopped AGAIN! :)  We did finally make it, and it felt wonderful driving up Sleepy Hollow and seeing my grandparents house!!


MONTREAT

Montreat is where I used to go to a youth conference every summer in high school about 20 minutes from Asheville.  It's a very special place full of memories for me!  I have taken Jason and Camden there before when Camden was about Evan's age, and I was excited when I found out my friends Robert & Morgan would be there for a youth conference at the same time I was in Asheville.  I took the boys on Wednesday, I wasn't really sure what we would do, but I knew there was a great playground so if nothing else we could park it there for a little while so Robert and I could catch up.  Much to my surprise Camden wanted to play in the creek!!  I had told Robert that he probably wouldn't b/c he's too much like his momma and lord knows I don't like non-chlorinated water!  Camden took his shoes off, took his shirt off and hopped in!!  I so wish Jason could've been there to go in with him.  Really, he made me see it in a different light too!  If I could've hopped in I would've, but then Evan would've been unattended on the side of the creek!  I really wish I could've just walked all around, but 3 year olds aren't big into reminiscing--so I just took pleasure in knowing that he enjoyed Montreat, we'll definitely head back up next time we are there!

WEAVERVILLE

My Aunt Le and Uncle Leigh live about 20 minutes from my grandparents in a little town called Weaverville.  The boys and I decided to give Nana the night off and drove up there on Thursday for pizza and play time with Aunt Le and Miles.  My Aunt has the best house, and her property is just beautiful.  You seriously could go and walk around all day up there and not ever leave her yard!

Had I not had Evan in the Baby Bjorn, I would've walked all over with Camden!  As it was, I did have Evan in the Baby Bjorn so I thought it best to stay closer to her house so I could sit when necessary!  

Camden took right to Le, I wasn't surprised though--she's always been great with kids.  Whenever we came to visit she would have special books and games for us to play!  As it was, she had chosen the most awesome gift in the world for an energetic 3 year old--A ROCKET LAUNCHER!  Camden was overjoyed, as was I because it gave him something to do, and a reason to run b/c he had to go get the rockets once they were launched!  

After Camden played with the rocket launcher a bit we strolled around, played hide and seek, and looked for the bunnies that Le kept promising!  We found one too--or Miles found one rather!  He stood there for about 5 minutes pointing it, it was amazing--that dog definitely does not have ADD!  In the end the bunny got away, but Le said he and Miles play that game just about every day!

We had such a great time with Aunt Le.  Camden helped put the pepperoni on the pizza, and she gave him little mini grapes (I've never seen those before), and let him try every cookie he wanted to, even when he wouldn't eat the first one he took!!  After dinner we watched some sponge bob and chit-chatted and then headed home for bed!

HEALTH ADVENTURE

Our last day we decided to take the boys to the Health Adventure downtown.  It's sort of like a kids museum, with an emphasis on health in part of it.  They also had an Arthur exhibit which I thought was supercool! :)  Everything was kid sized and Camden loved it.  They even had a green screen where you could choose and star in different videos!  You know I was all up in the middle of that--much to Camden's dismay!  He just wanted to direct us all to our seats and push the buttons!  They are actually opening a new bigger and improved Health Adventure next year I think--for anyone who is going to be in the area!!  

bubble wall

Evan in the Bjorn--I know, I'm a glutton for punishment, but he loves it!

Camden playing librarian!  His Aunt Le would be proud!

Camden showing mommy his mad skills in the kitchen!

My little engineer--this tube had air blowing out of it and you could shoot balls out of it, they had pvc pipe so you could build different tubes--he was all over it!

All in all it was a good trip!  We had some firsts, Evan's first eggs and Camden's first fireflies, and of course rock hopping!  I would love to do it again next year, but we'll have to see if my grandparents can handle us again! :)  The food was delicious--as always.  I would really love to detail every meal, but I might lose some of you so I'll end it here!  Camden and I are headed to the lake this weekend, I feel certain that will make for some good blogging next week.  .  .

EGGS!