Crying it out, and other things. . .

*SIGH* Until Braelyn I never had a child that didn't sleep through the night.  On occasion the boys would wake if they were really sick, or had a bad dream--but that was it.  Right now, we are going on about 2 weeks of Braelyn waking up about 3 and then every 30 minutes or so after that.  We tried putting her in the bed, but honestly, she takes up more than Jason and I combined--and it's really not a good habit to get into.  When we were in Florida I let her cry it out once, I was in the room, I could see her and I knew she was fine-but when Daddy got there it was a no-go!!  He kept saying, she just sounds so upset.  .  .(insert eye roll here, she has him completely wrapped)
Last night I was DETERMINED that she would cry it out.  .  .She cried for 20 minutes and FINALLY gave it up.  You have to understand, she is VERY dramatic and really if you didn't know her better you would think she was in some real trouble in there.  I pretty much had to threaten Jason to stay put!!!  When she was all done, I went in to check on her and what does she do--SITS UP AND STARTS SCREAMING AGAIN (doh-smacking my head).  .  .oh well, I tried.  After that she woke up once more, cried for a second and went back off to sleep.  Here's my question--at what point to I take her to see if there is something wrong (i.e. ears??)??  I suspect she is teething, but I don't want to just keep doping her up.  She's really been waking about when her Motrin would be wearing off so that's a sign there is something going on right??  Okay, I'll give it to the end of the week.  .  .

Braelyn after the girls lost Trivial Pursuit on Thanksgiving-ha!

.  .  .other things.  .  .HOW DO YOU GET YOUR KIDS TO KEEP THEIR ROOMS CLEAN?  I've tried so many different methods, easy organizing things so that they can drop their stuff in buckets, or in a drawer, etc.  .  .but it's not working.  I go in and do a clean out about once every couple of weeks, throw things away, choose things to donate, etc-but the CRAP (and I do not use that term lightly) just multiplies!!  Camden has built in shelves and he displays EVERYTHING, his argument is "it's his room, technically he's correct but I get anxious every time I walk in there b/c of all of the crap.  Anxious & frustrated that everything I've worked so hard to make nice and neat is now a flipping mess again!  Do I just let it go and let him have his space, or do I stay worked up all the time trying to get him to keep it tidy??

Me and the Boys at Margaritaville for Evan's Birthday

Are y'all ready for Christmas?  I'm not.  .  .thinking about Braelyn and my decorations is exhausting and I haven't even lugged them out yet!!  :)  I've been trying to do things here and there this week to get me in the Christmas Spirit!

Pinning!!

As you know, I do love some Pinterest.  I've tried lots of different recipes and ideas from there and I try to post on FB or "repin" into my Tried it and Loved it board if it works for me.  Here are a few I've tried lately:

#1

Source: food.com via Melanie on Pinterest

This one wasn't my favorite, I think it has potential, maybe less velvetta and more cheddar.  Jason enjoyed it, which totally surprised me because I thought he would think it was bland!

#2

Source: rachelschultz.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!  I wouldn't say that this was "The World's Best Chicken"-but it was pretty darn good!!  A nice change from your ho hum every day chicken meal, and if you are careful not to over cook it (like I did) a very delightful meal!  I served with roasted potatoes, green beans, and corn (for the kids).

#3

Source: ourbestbites.com via Melanie on Pinterest

I think this has been my most successful & shockingly delicious Pin so far!  It was phenomenal, and healthy!  A real crowd pleaser (except mom because she doesn't like sweet potatoes or pumpkin).  I challenge you to step out of your box though--you can't really taste those two flavors.  I really made this for Jason because he loves sweet potatoes, I'm glad I did!

#4

Source: sohappytobehere.com via Melanie on Pinterest

So technically, I haven't tried this one yet.  It's on the menu for tomorrow!!  Yahoo!!  I'll let you know!!

What have you pinned lately??  Anything good?

From 0 to 4. . .

...in the blink of an eye!!!!!  Our little Evan turned 4 last week, and once again I just can't believe how fast these years have flown by!!  You are such a big boy now, and you have been through so many changes this year.  Your excitement for life blows me away!  I love watching you experience new things, I love that you are such a sweet and loyal friend to all of your buddies!!  Unlike your brother you are a social butterfly--you will tell everyone you meet what your name is, and how to spell it-along with what my name is (and that they can call me Ms. Melanie), your brother and sister's name and ages.  .  .remind me never to tell you any top secret information!

Where you Started!

First Christmas

 Evan, you love ALL heroes!  You love that your Daddy is a Seabee and you can't wait to be IronMan the Firefighter one day!!  In fact, we went to the Fire Station tonight with your brother's Tiger Cub Den and when all the 1st grade boys were saying how scary and weird the firefighter looked in his gear, you just stared in awe and whispered "He's awesome".  .  .I wish he could've heard you because it was the sweetest thing!

As you embark on this awesome 4th year I hope that you continue to love life, I hope that you never stop looking for my hand when we are walking together, and I hope that you continue to let your imagination provide your hours of entertainment!  We love you more than I could ever express in this blog post Evan!  Thank you for all of the joy you bring to our lives every day!!

4 Years Old!

Her Tear Ducts Grew 3 Sizes That Day

This morning one of my favorite radio personalities Jenn Hobby was discussing movies and tv shows that should be avoided during pregnancy.  For those of you who haven't been pregnant, you have to understand, any little thing will set you off-you will literally cry over killing a fly.  This got me to thinking though--because, I was definitely that way when I was pregnant-ask my mom, she was totally ready to kill me.  BUT listen ladies, it doesn't go away once that baby is out.  I swear, my tear ducts grew 3 times the day Camden was born.  Let me explain.  . .

So, first you should know, I don't like to cry in front of people--EVER!  Once I had kids though, it's like an uncontrollable phenomenon.  I cry over everything.  I've always been someone who chokes up at the National Anthem, it's true, you'll see me wiping my eyes at ball games or military events when they sing it---but put a flag in my kids hand and have him say the Pledge of Allegiance you might as well hand me an entire box of tissues  Something else that shocked me-I cry on their birthdays--it's true, EVERY SINGLE YEAR!  When the kids sing Happy Birthday-it's why I hate starting it at their parties because I'm usually totally choked up and can't get through the first line.  The first time I took the boys to the circus, I cried through the whole show.  The sheer excitement and joy on their faces.  . .OMG!  I've always cried at weddings, but the last one I attended (and was in by the way)-cried uncontrollably--WHAT??  I cry at romantic comedies, cute kids on tv, sappy commercials, songs that have a nice message, anything military, I mean--I probably cry at least once a day--and I'm generally a happy person.  I'd say for the most part, they are happy tears.  It's just something about becoming a mom-it changes your perspective on everything!

WOW-I realize for those who aren't mommies yet I've probably just made you SO EXCITED to enter my world-haha!  It really is great-you just turn into a total sap!!

7 Years Old!

Y'all--can you believe it's been 7 years??  I can't--7 years ago our lives changed forever, and I wouldn't change it back for anything!  My sweet Camden came bursting into this world 6 weeks early, I remember it as vividly as if it were yesterday--seriously, I'm crying as I type!  Every November 4th my mind wanders backwards, I ask myself--remember that entire pizza you ate?  remember how you just wanted to go to bed, but you had this feeling something wasn't right?  remember how you and jason vowed not to say anything to your parents b/c you didn't want to freak them out--then you accidentally gave the doctor your mom's number to call back?  how about the way you kept checking the clock while you were in triage that night b/c you knew you had a shower the next day and BOY were you going to be exhausted.  .  .heh heh heh--little did I know 3 days later you would be making your appearance!

Where we started!

Needless to say, I didn't make it to any of my showers.  Wait--no, I take that back, I made it to one shower!  I think we even considered having them after I came home from the hospital, but I couldn't bring myself to celebrate anything until I brought Camden home.  He stayed in NICU for 3 weeks, not long compared to others, but too long for me!  To this day I still hate the beeps of the monitors, and the word "brady" still makes my stomach turn.  (Sorry Brady Ratchford--your name is fine, it's just when it's used when referring to heart monitors--not like you are reading anyway).  Camden was a champ though--got up to 5 lbs and learned to eat and got to come on home with Mommy and Daddy the day after Thanksgiving!

A little bigger-this was the birth announcement pic

Fast Forward 7 years--WOW KID!!  We have watched you turn into such a sweet little boy!  Even though you pretend like you don't "love" being the big brother we know you do!  I've never had anyone complain about your manners, or your ability to follow the rules.  You charm everyone one you come in contact with, especially once they manage to make you smile!!  You don't make it easy to earn your real smiles, but once it's been earned you give them freely.  I love that you are eager to learn, and you are so proud to bring home good grades, and good citizen awards.  Besides the typical 7 year old activities you love playing with your baby sister, I know I can leave her with you (for a second) and she will be in good hands!  Even though your brother drives you nuts, you have a super soft spot in your heart for him, you always give in when you see that his sensitive side is coming out!  I would describe you as a cautious observer, however, you aren't the introvert that everyone thinks you are.  You are just shy, but much like your mommy, once you warm up to someone there is nothing shy about you!  Camden we couldn't have asked for a more perfect first born!  You bring us so much joy, and we love you so much.  We can't wait to see what your future holds for you!

Camden 7 Years Old-Flashing a "real smile"