On a better note!

Jen and I busily got on the phone and computer to find replacements for sitters and if worst  came to it, we were going to take the children with us since all week the Chef at Quiessence had been planning our menu and prepping. We were not going to let it ruin our evening ;-)

I couldn't believe the outpouring of support and those wanting to help out our family yesterday! Everyone I called was willing!! Thank you so much ladies!

My friends are just amazing and our girl Kate came with her new baby and husband and watched the Zoo so we could go on our very much anticipated date with our new friends Jen and Mike.

The food was amazing!! The company was even more so!! I think my favorite dish was the cheese gnocchi. It was a lighter gnocchi than the traditional and it has spicy sausage and roasted red peppers. We had, I think, 8 courses! Jen help me out! ;-)

We began with oysters on the half shell and even Mike ate it, I was so impressed by him! Gosh, I keep trying to remember all the food we have, but I can't remember the order. But we had a sliced meat course with different types of salami and such, a melon salad for me and Mike had a tongue salad and he enjoyed it! Jen and Mike also had different salads, so much food I just can't remember! We had the most delicious scallops with mussels as well. It was my second favorite. A creamy celery, I think LOL, soup, it was so delicious. Our main course was short ribs with mashed potatos, then an cheese, nut, and plumcot fruit course, and then ended with an array of desserts including a goat cheese cake, coffee chocolate truffles, and a pecan pie with carmel sauce. Oh and all the different wines we tried with the direction of Jen's hubby Mike! He has such a knowledge of wines, I told him Mike and I would love to learn more from him!

We know what we like, but putting it into words can be tricky for anyone. 

We all had literally talked the entire time too. So much to say and learn, and Mike and Mike had I good time I think quoting films and getting good chuckles of it. Mike and I loved getting know them and can't wait to see them again!

We we told it would be 2-3 hours and it was 4!! The time just flew by!! I felt bad getting back late for Kate, almost a good half hour, but she was so understanding and I couldn't thank her enough.

When Teagan woke up this morning she asked for Kate and told me about how Micah was a baby and he was sweet and he cried. And Riordan said that Kate's daddy was so much fun! I cracked up at that. We have talk about husband's and wive's before, so I re explained again to him again and then said and Jason is Kate's husband but that he was Micah's daddy.

This morning, too, Mike had to go to traffic school. It was his third appointed class, he kept forgetting the date for the previous ones and it would be his last chance to go so he did. Tomorrow we are having The Walsh family over lunch! I have a workout session at 7 pm, so I wanted to be sure we could see them. 

I'm going to volunteer in Caden's class on Tuesday, Wednesday is busy with Teagan at Dance while Riordan is at school, Thursday I have MOPS, and Friday is my Lasik Surgery! I can not wait to have that done! I get to sleep when I get home because it encourages healing ;-) YAY for me! So next weekend we don't have much going on but Riordan's soccer game. We still haven't received a call on who his coach is and practice's even though I called the organization on Thursday to inquire about it. Hopefully we will know something soon! Mike is going to take all four to the game on Saturday! So amazing!

Unsettling feeling

This was started on Saturday, but I finished it at 6:30 am on Sunday

I am completely thrown this week. I have an unsettling feeling in my stomach.

I opened my home, my children, and we opened our hearts to a young girl.

She has had a hard week, but made some not so professional decisions when concerning a commitment she made to our family. Mike and I decided to approach her on it. I was very nice and gentle, yet she was very upset. Again she's had a hard week. I felt really bad, timing is definitely everything and I apologized for it.

I get an email at 2 am that I she has never been spoken to like that before and therefore can no longer work for us. I read that at 5:30 am. I know in my heart, Mike was there and God knows that I did not take a bad or mean tone with her. The devil really did a number this time.

I even emailed her back apologizing for making her upset and that I merely was trying to get her to see our side of the situation and to please reconsider. We know she's a good person at heart.

The reply back was very painful and very upsetting, again saying that they way I spoke to her was wrong. And that she can no longer feel comfortable in our home?!!

So I have this really big unsettling stomach ache. 

How does one make themselves at home in our home, spend the night with our children, and can so quickly just toss you aside as if you mean nothing? Why is it okay for her to bring up issues within the home that pertain to her, but when the tables are turned instead of being an adult that she has portrayed herself, she makes up falsity's and quits. She and her sister were to babysit last night for me and another friend. Mike is so upset for me, he was there, he knows how and what I said and can't believe either the backlash I have gotten from it.

So again unsettling feeling. How could I have misread someone so wrong and how was I able to have her in my home? It is a big world out there and if me confronting an issue of commitment to our family is unnerving for her, what is she going to do in college or at a school where she wants to work? All I can do is pray for her. 

She totally disrupted our family. The children were really upset yesterday when they asked when she was coming and I had to tell them she never was again. We then prayed for her to be in a better place and wish nothing but good things for her. Hopefully one day she will be convicted and can look back on this and learn that she was a very rash in her decision. She painted a horrible picture that was completely untrue.

Character Counts!

Mike took both Caden and Riordan for Caden's Character Counts morning for Respect. He got a certificate, a ribbon and he got donuts and milk before school! A big treat and a big one for Riordan as well! Caden's friend Dominic and Logan received it as well for their class ;-) Way to go boys!

11 months!

Aislinn is 11 months today!

She is just such a sweet girl and gives out a lot of smiles as long as mommy is nearby!

Her first and only word is "Bye" with a nice southern drawl and if your real lucky you'll get a "Bye Bye" with a wave! She did this for Julie in context! about a month ago and has really got it down!

She is really cruising all over the place and will hold on with one hand to walk from the ottoman to the couch. She loves to play in the playroom by herself and the doodle pros have to be her most favorite toy! Mostly to chew on the pen, but she will draw! Such the artist already!

This month seems to have gone by the fastest! She is so happy, doing better in the nursery and loves the food she is limited too, thankfully! Now if the poor girl would get some hair, however I have never seen a prettier shaped head ;-)

Her first birthday party, we are trying to plan, but it will be when Mike's parents come and visit the first weekend of October! This will be the first time they get to witness a first birthday for our children. So it's very special to us ;-) I can't believe she will be ONE in a month, unreal!

It's official!

I am done with Physical Therapy! What a long 4 3/4 months it has been! Holly and Brian even gave me a certificate of completion, because I was so disappointed I didn't graduate a few weeks ago! I'm gong to miss seeing them, but I am so happy my back is healed, I'm running again, and in a month now I can start hitting golf balls and work my way up to tennis again! Instead of 6 months, if I go slowly, I could be back swinging the racket in about 3 months! Hurray!

I went for my run this morning. I did not get in any cardio the past two days, and I could tell in my pace. It slowed just a bit. I also did not fuel up properly, even though I had a nice carb dinner last night for energy. Fuel is the key to the right work out for sure! But the run was nice and I'm ready to take on the day!

Which is a playdate with Carson and Amy and also bonus Megan while her mom goes to the doctor! Then tonite I have Art Masterpiece training for Caden's school! I am so excited to do it! The PTO has planned a lot of great events this year already from Doughnuts with Daddy, to a movie night, "Speedracer", a skate night!, and the annual Fall Festival! We also are having a Veteran's day celebration in honor of all active and nonactive military people. What a great and neat idea! Details to come, don't want to spoil any surprises. ;-)

And while we are on the subject, Caden is being recognized on Friday morning in the Character Counts program for his school. It's the first recognition of the year and it is Respect! Only a few students all year will be chosen for different things like respect, citizenship, etc. Mike and I were so impressed and just so proud of him to get this! So he will have breakfast with the principal on Friday morning, get his picture taken for the 08-09 Character Counts wall, and a certificate! Okay this is when I would love to scrapbook! Maybe I am finally inspired! ;-) I'll make sure Mike takes his camera! Caden is all about eating doughnuts before school!!

I can not wait for Saturday night! My friend Jen and I are double dating at a place called Quiessence! We are doing their Brick Oven Table which is a 2-3 hour dinner and they cook specifically for us! They asked for our likes and dislikes! I'm just so thrilled that Jen is such a major foodie like myself and now we have friends to enjoy eating at new places and enjoying fabulous company! Thanks Leah and Hannah for letting us get out together! You girls are the best! So that's about all we have planned for the holiday weekend! Saturday can not get here any faster ;-)

A small price to pay in the end!

I just got word that ALL my data was retrieved off my bad harddrive!! I should have it by the end of the week! This is amazing news! My pictures, my emails, addresses, itunes, calendar, you name it, I'm getting it back!

A pretty penny but worth it and I will never NOT back up again ;-)

Thank you Data Doctors! You rock!

Monday, Monday, Monday!

Big big day for me! I went on my run/walk and I ran 15 mins straight!! Big big big day for me!

I took it 5 mins a time and would reevaluate how I felt and just kept going! Made myself stop at 15 because I didn't want to over do it! I did a 5k walk/run in less than 50 mins! It is a huge day for me! 

Most of you know that I was pretty frustrated with my back and not being able to run until the healing process was done. I had just bought new running shoes with my Nano Ipod and Nike attachment to track my runs! It really is the coolest tool. A chip in the shoe and a chip on the Ipod talk to each other. It tracks my pace, distance, and time! And it tells me how far I have gone at every 5 mins! Super super to get to use it again! Plus I love love love my music I have on there, but I need to add a few more songs, but they are really motivating.

That was at 5:30 this morning again, and let me tell you it is getting harder and harder to get out of bed, for just myself!  Tomorrow and Wednesday Mike is gone so I can't run and I need to crosstrain anyway, so it will be elliptical days for me.

I had another comical morning, nothing compared to last Thursday though. After busily getting boys ready for school and doing carpool, I went to go grocery shopping. As I was getting out of the car, I begin to look for my wallet, not normal, and can't find it. Frustrated I drive back home to look for it. Not here! I just had pulled out funds for the wonderful housekeepers so it can't be that lost right? I check the car, I check inside, I check the car, I check inside. I go to get the girls out of the car and look at Riordan's carseat and there's my wallet! Totally forgot I gave it to Aisie to chew on! Seriously, if my head wasn't attached, I'd trip over it.

Teagan was thrilled I found it and very excited to go grocery shopping! As was I, for our cupboard was completely bare.

We have a friend from church and her two boys to play this afternoon. I'm so looking forward to it! We have been trying to get together for some time now and I so enjoy her company!

Then I have my training with Joe at 7pm. Hope I don't fall flat on my face from exhaustion. ;-)

This week is yet another crazyyyy busy week.

I have Caden's PTO meeting tomorrow night and one of my book club meetings. I'm in two!  I love that I'm reading again. Julie is taking care of the zoo so graciously for me and then turning right back around to take care of Aislinn on Wednesday morning while I have my morning out with Teagan. Then I have training in the evening and Mike should be home. 

Thursday is hopefully a play date for Riordan with a buddy of his and then I have an Art Masterpiece meeting at Caden's school. I volunteered to teach this program, with many other moms, in Caden's classroom. I can't wait to see what it's all about!

And then Friday, I have a very very overdue QT with my friend Marcie and two of our four children while our 1st and 2nd's are at school! Saturday we get to see Mike's cousin Kevin and Saturday night we have a double date with my friend Jen and her husband Mike, such great names ;-). 

Sunday morning Mike has to go to traffic school or big trouble for him, because he has missed two dates already for running a red light! So there goes family day. Thankfully we have Monday to make up for it! Can't wait to see what we will do!

Yesterday we did a lot of games on the computer and laying on the couch. When the sun went down we did bathes outside!! The water here comes out bath warm because we are so close to the a well station, so the zoo really loved that getting showered with the hose and scrub down! A lot of squealing and a lot of running around. Just enough to get the silly's out so we could wind down for bedtime. A perfect day indeed!

Do they still do that?!

I really struggled with getting out of bed for my run/walk this morning. I set the alarm for 5 am, but Mike hit snooze for me twice! I finally got up at 5:20 and was on my way at 5:40. It was such a cool morning with the breeze blowing! I also found out that I'm better off running the side roads versus the main roads because the sun still can hide behind the houses. It was really nice, so glad I motivated to get up, because I splurged on DD's yesterday! And then today I had a churro, how can I say no?! I keep forgetting my IPOD on my mornings out by myself, but actually have enjoyed the peacefulness the morning brings before the world wakes up. Very therapeutic. Does exercise and therapeutic go together? It does now! 

On the end of my run, a few houses from our house, some one had been TP Rolled! It's actually hilarious because each yard has only two yards and about 10 bushes, but they did it and not too terribly bad that it would be a lot of clean up. But I found myself laughing out loud because I didn't know that this generation would even take the time to do that! 

So yesterday was the Zoo's last day of swim class, for a while so we can do soccer and flag football. We are trying to get a make up in there, but I'm not sure it's going to work out. BUT, I have been in tears for 24 hours because I have TWO SWIMMERS!! Both Caden and Teagan swam, head in the water, all on their own! And Caden for the very first time jumped in the pool with absolutely NO anxiety!! It was really a priceless day for me! Riordan however was grumpy old man, as Kristen as so lovingly nicknamed him and would not do anything that he normally does! I got some amazing pictures! 

More here -->CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM!

I'm struggling with possibly continuing swim, but again with Joel in the afternoons now that Caden has amazing confidence in the water. Riordan saw him and went right up to him and gave him a hug! You all know that is very unlike Riordan. He always asks for him too and had the most progress with Joel. So I'm waiting to hear back on that availability.

After swimming,  we went to Uncle John and Aunt Amy's and I brought Caden goggles! It was even more success swimming in their pool! He could see where he was going and loved loved loved it! I am just beyond proud of him and Teagan. Again grumpy old man did not want to swim and a couple of times I tricked him in the water, which he would be so mad about but would quickly enjoy a few kicks till I put him on the step. Also, it was Aislinn's very first time swimming, but we couldn't take pictures due to the fact we had four adults and five children in the pool ;-)

We had the best time and the food was amazing that John and Amy made! We all filled up to the top on marinated grilled chicken, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, guacamole, grapes, salad, pasta salad, chips! It was a feast! They swam so hard, that they were out almost immediately driving home. Oh and Aislinn and Maddy had such a fun time playing together. All Aislinn wanted to do was kiss Maddy and be all over her. She would get upset when Maddy crawled away from her and get this! THEY both are army crawlers! Hilarious! They were like little soldiers all over the floor, so cute! 

More PICS OF GIRLS AND RIDE HOME HERE!

Dunkin Donuts!

They have reopened in Phoenix and we have one not too far from here! So Mike, at 5:30am, continued our very paused routine of a dozen donuts and coffee! I requested my bavarian creme but no coffee. So after my 7 am w/o I will be splurging on my beloved donut!!

Speaking of splurging, I have been really really focused on cutting out my daily splurges that I have lost 3.4 pounds this week! FINALLY!!!! All the hard strength training I have been doing since February, light cardio to no cardio because of my back, and now not nursing is starting to pay off! I can't tell you what a huge relief it is to see results on the dreaded scale that I love to hate! 

I did actually go to dinner Thursday evening with my friend Liz. We had Kona and a nice cold beer. It was really perfect to unwind the day and I'm so glad when I called her back an hour later to tell her the storm was over at my end, that she would still have me! We ended up meeting earlier and at our San Tan Village Mall, a lot closer to home, instead of Chandler Mall! I had the best time talking with her. She is such an amazing woman! She played in a band for years as a guitarist and back up singer. She's just so fun, intelligent, and just a good good friend.

Yesterday I did a walk with Heather and Jennifer at 6 am and then a workout at 8 with Joe! I made it through it and it was legs!! These double workouts are sure to get me to my goal for October, which is 15 pounds by the way and 2 pant sizes smaller, hopefully right on time. Let nothing stand in my way, I have never been more serious about eating and exercising!

We got to see our beloved Kate and her most beautiful son Micah yesterday afternoon! Oh how the zoo enjoyed meeting her son, and how much you could tell they were so happy to see her! She has been in their life for over 1 1/2 years, so the past 2 months has been a constant void in their life for sure. We can't wait to see them again!

I went to the Paper Affair last night for our MOMS Night Out. I'm not a scrapper at all, but did finally get some interest in making cards, especially for Christmas. Now we send out a lot of cards, so I'm going to have to start very early, pretty much now, so that it's not such an overwhelming project!  I had such a great time talking with all my girls, and I was able to someone draft out a schedule and an email (since the WiFi connection was not working unlike being told) for Caden's teacher for a volunteer schedule.

I'm off to workout and then the zoo has swim and we go see the Peoria Malloy's for the rest of the day! Will be posting pictures tomorrow on our BIG DAY OFF from life :-)

A Glimpse into a crazy life I lead

5:00 am :  wake up to prepare for walk with Heather, drink a Red Bull for energy, eat half a Cliff Bar for food fuel ~ check emails, can't live without my connection to the outside world

5:50 am: begin walk to Heather's house

6:00 am: Make it to Heather's house, and she is ready to go! 

7:00 am: Arrive home to zoo and begin with a huge meltdown with Riordan and it lasts for literally 30 mins.

7:30 am: Finally can jump in shower, get dressed

7:35 am: Begin running around the house crazed, trying to do Caden's hair for picture day, get Teagan, Riordan, and Aislinn fed. This lasts 45 mins, Mike dresses children, notice we are out of formula, I do Teagan's hair, throw on mascara, put wet hair in ponytail, pack Teagan's bag, Aislinn's bag, and my bag for MOPS. I am ready for a drink at this point.

8:30 am: Load everyone into the car, after yelling twice to get in the car. Drive to meet Mike at Albertson's where he went ahead to buy formula so I didn't have to unload the zoo to buy it.

8:35 am: Grab bag of formula, get kisses from Daddy and head to MOPS. T and R are already crying that they don't want to go and want me to stay with them.

8:50 am: Arrive in church parking lot, no one is crying too much, put A in stroller, put bags in stroller and R and T hold onto stroller. We arrive to a line out the door, computer malfunctioning. They are not crying though and we patiently wait till 9:10 to get checked in.

9:10 am: Riordan and Teagan are beyond hysterical being dropped off, even though I have gone in the room with them and kept them together. Finally after 5 mins I leave, with high pitched screaming, tears, snot, you know it flying everywhere.

9:16 am: Drop Aislinn off at Nursery and inform them of her new allergies and that I have forgotten her epi pen so please don't let her accidentally pick up another babies bottle or you will have to call 911, and while this is going on she is hysterical. Oh and as I leave I hear they closed out the nursery so she almost was a lap baby for MOPS.

9:20 am: Arrive into the MOPS room, frazzled, hungry, tired, sad, but glad for my time alone for 2 hours well really 1 hour and 40 mins now. Stand in line for 5 mins for food. Right when I get to a plate, I'm summoned that Teagan is still hysterical and I need to go get her.

9:40 am: Arrive back to MOPS room with Teagan in tow, after giving her 5 mins to compose herself and clean her up from hysterically crying for 20 mins. They brought her out to me so Riordan didn't see me and would stay in class. Worked like a charm. She and I grab some food and sit down for MOPS. She scarfs down fruit, since she did not eat any of her breakfast at all earlier.

10:04 am: After eating, have some wonderful chats, and playing a fun game, I am summoned again this time for Aislinn. Since it would be a complete disruption to bring her up with Teagan, I say my good byes.

10:30 am: Finally made it to the car after picking up Aislinn, then Riordan, who by the way is having a great time, so I feel bad for having to take him out. When picking up Riordan, Veggie Tales is on and Teagan now doesn't want to leave. So we sit on the back row and the three of us watched it for a bit, hoping Teagan will want to attend next time. Decide to run to AJ's to pick up food for mom's I am bringing meals to for just having babies.

10:40 am: We are inside AJ's and take Riordan to go potty. Ask Teagan if she needs to go and she says no.

10:45 am: We are at the bakery to pick out treats and Teagan screams that she needs to go potty.

10:52 am: Back at the bakery to pick out our treats, after a most gracious gentleman watched Aislinn in the buggy because Riordan wouldn't stay with her and had to go into potty with us. He rocked, he even said he would push a seperate cart around for my food, which in hindsight should have taken him up on his offer.

11:25 am: Finally making it to the cashier, after constantly threatening Riordan and Teagan to stay close, quit running, quit screaming, quit fighting, quit asking for your cookies, quit asking for your cupcakes, and I'm sure at this point AJ's can not wait for us to leave.

11:32 am: Everyone is loaded in the car, along with groceries and I am ready to now cry at the morning I have had with them. Up pulls my friend Jen, her daughter Kate, and her mom! If it weren't for them could have possible sold car with all three children in it for a bargain. They compliment me on how I am superwoman ( you do what you have to do is what I say ), how cute the kids are and such and I now have confidence to finish the rest of the day after two great hugs!

11:58 am: Pull into garage, Aislinn is asleep, Teagan and Riordan want their cupcake, I want to sit down and decompose.

12:08 am: sit at computer to check emails, check myself, while still yelling at R and T to stop being so loud, quit fighting, give cupcake and milk, and want to cry again. This afternoon I will be cooking the chicken (easy as pie) to take meals at 5 ish. Talk on phone with friend Liz who I was to have dinner with and two other friends. One of the other two is now having her baby today instead of next week, and the other friend wants to meet later for dinner/drinks at 8pm instead of 7 pm. I can't because I will be getting up again at 5 am to walk with Heather and Jen. Liz lets me out of the date, but I know she is bummed because she really needs to get out. I now feel guilty for letting her down.

Isn't she adorable?!

This almost 11 month old is just so much fun! I have to give my sister Susan props on the sink bath. It is one of the many best things I picked up from her and so good to my back! Plus Aislinn just thinks it so much fun and she makes big splash for such a little pond! She cut her SEVENTH tooth two days ago, very quickly after her sixth! The eighth one is no where to be found though, so I'm guessing a couple of months on that unless it moves a lightning speed, because there isn't even a bump!

What a fun week we have had so far! Monday was Teagan's playgroup over at our beloved Tripp house! It is so nice, because now our 5 and 4 or almost 4 year olds are in school, so it truely is a 2 year old playgroup with THEIR baby siblings. This cycle of doing things for just the girls is truly interesting and throws me off kilter in the fact that I am STILL in this cycle after 6 years. But not complaining about it, but talk about being stuck in de ja vu for so long ;-) 

Tuesday I had an impromtu lunch date with more of Teagan's girlfriends! We had Jen and her girls Kate (who is in dance with Teagan and Macey) and sister Lauren, Faither and her daughter Ella and son Cooper, and Heather and Macey! Jen picked up Paradise bakery for us, SO AMAZING, and Heather made PB & J's for the girls! Again this cycle of just the girls and no boys, because Riordan had a rough morning and feel asleep in time out! LOL I am truly feeling so spoiled and enjoying my time with this year. I do however ache so much for my first baby, Caden. It is so hard on him when he gets home, he's still so tired and hungry. I'm hungry to know what he did for the day, but he doesn't want to share.

He did get really upset last night though, because they had a mock lock down. He's used to them from Basha High last year, but then he was talking about practicing Fire Drills. I know he did these as well last year, but he's been having nightmares about fires, especially at Granny and Papa's house I KEEP FORGETTING TO TELL YOU MOM! He says that you guys make it out fine and don't get hurt, but your house is on fire. And then I make the mistake of telling him how as a little girl I did fire drills and tornado drills! Wish I could take that one back because now he doesn't want to go to Georgia for the fear of a tornado! I think I got him calmed down and told him they come in the spring and that we are going in the fall. Talk about feeling bad as a mother last night though. Daddy came home early from his baseball game and really got him in a better mood and no tears going to sleep.

Today is picture day for him to! I gave him a hair cut and Riordan as well. Teagan still will not let me cut her hair! So frustrating!

Riordan has really been enjoying school and is really becoming so fun! I love his creativeness. It is totally flourishing. A couple of nights ago he layed out my 200 pillows, I know ridiculous, from my bed and made a train track! He was the train and would go forwards and backwards, fast and slow, all on his own. These little things may seem so trivial but to see Riordan do them, after such a very uninvolved person, he just impresses me every minute of the day. Oh and the smiles I get from him. Just a knock out he is!

On to me! I finally gotten over my hump of NO weight loss for over 4 months! Yes I was maintaining, but it really was frustrating to work what I thought was a hard work out and eat a balanced diet with a few splurges and nothing happen. Well I took away some food, and a lot of splurges, added in more cardio and so far this week I have lost 3 pounds and already hit my goal for this week! My official check in date is tomorrow morning! I am so motivated to keep on this straight and narrow path of making it worth it when I splurge! I haven't all week!

I did yesterday though! I had my afternoon 'off' from the zoo and I went to check out patio furniture, then to Kona, and the movies "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants part 2" (girls bring your tissues!) and there I had me a small bag of popcorn with my milk duds. Yet again a fabulous tip from my sister, put the milk duds in the bag and create your own carmel corn!

I was afraid of what it would do for me this morning, but I lost another .4 pounds!

I am off to meet my girl Heather for a walk/run at 6 am! Again tomorrow morning too with her and Jen! So off to finish my Red Bull so it kicks in when I get sluggish and what a crazy day I have ahead of me! But I will tell you about it later!

Our 24 hours

Our self portrait

My handsome hubby

Me

The Praying Monk on Camelback Mountain, the view from our room

Our living room in our casita

Our getaway was so wonderful! We truly made the most of our time and had such great conversations, a lot of silliness, and a lot of peace! 

First, Leah was amazing and TOOK the zoo to Barnes and Noble, Wendy's, and to get a movie! I hardly do that much with them! She said they all had such a great time! We had no tears when we would talk on the phone either! Caden did wake up in the middle of the night with maybe a nightmare and afraid of the big Tigger that has been in his room since he was 9 months old. He was really upset, Leah said. She got him calmed down and layed down with him til he feel asleep. Then not 5 mins after that Aislinn woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep so Leah gave her a bottle that did the trick. Leah is going to be so ready for her own family when her day comes! So nurturing and just quick on what to do next! We are so grateful for her gift of letting us get away for 24 hours! It was priceless! Thank you Leah!

So we left about 11 ish and both of us were starving. At first we were going to drive to Scottsdale Fashion Park, but I didn't think I'd make it! We stopped at our Chandler Mall and got some Kona baby! Loved every morsel! Then I needed a new lipstick and Mike needed a wedding ring. Yep, a wedding ring. He lost his 5 months ago! He wore a key chain ring for the longest time! LOL I made an announcement that today would be the day we would be remarried. We found one that almost identical! We are now remarried ;-)

At about 1 ish we headed up to Sanctuary. We were about 2 miles away when we were pulled over! There was a mix up at the DMV a few weeks ago. We ordered Mike a custom plate and while they sent the correct registration, they sent the wrong plate! The officer believed us, told Mike he should have paper work on it and to go get it while we waited for the tag to either be returned where it was accidentally sent or have another on remade. Well that was enough excitement for us!! Thankfully he let us be on our way, even though our tag is invalid, even though they sent us a new sticker while the first plate was being made.

We arrived at the hotel and our room isn't ready yet, but we could go early down to the spa for our treatments. Mike and I part ways here for a bit. I took a nice whirlpool soak for 10 minutes and then just hung out till it was time for my facial. The spa is beautiful. They have small casitas for each treatment. 

Here is were I start my critiquing. Being that I have been in the beauty business for 15 years and food for 20+, it's hard not to critique. My esthetician was very nice and welcoming. She did a good job overall, however the massage part of the facial was lacking. She did however did a stellar job with extractions. It's been a long time since anyone attacked them, I was always told I didn't have any when I knew darn well I did. While they do the facial, their signature is a foot and back detoxifier. Pretty neat. 

Next was our couple's massage. I had specifically requested someone with knowledge on my SI condition. When this started back up I had gotten a horrible massage that triggered my inflammation in April. It was by the way, a chronic issue, so it was over due for me to get it checked out, but sucks to know that a bad massage can cause inflammation. They highly recommended the therapist that I had. He and I discuss what has been going on with me and I felt he was very well educated on SI Dysfunction.  Now, I have had this cold as you know for over a week. The moment I lay my head face down I was in pain. The pain was overwhelming most of the time. Also, the massage wasn't a massage much to my disappointment. He called the technique like putting a finger on butter and it puddles. So that's what he did. He would lay his arm on my muscle and leave it there for minutes at a time! This was for 1 1/2 hours! I can say that it worked in loosening a lot of my muscles, but it was not the typical relaxing muscle rub and that's what I was looking forward to. Mike however got that and fell asleep at least 4 times that I could count! LOL It was adorable and I was so happy for him that he was getting a much deserved massage! I still enjoyed my time at the Spa portion and just left it as it is what it is. Next time I will be sure to request someone who is well educated and actually manipulates the muscle!

We got our key to our room and are so impressed with our casita! It's beautiful, huge, and just so cool. We made our selves at home, ordered a steak salad to split and tide us over till dinner, and made a couple of cocktails. We took our time getting ready and had some silly time on our porch taking pictures and just admiring the quaintness of the desert and mountain.

We were so looking forward to our dinner at Elements, which was just footsteps away from our room. We remembered fondly at how yummy it was the last time we had been there. We were sadly disappointed. Mike, who is easily pleased, did not like his main entree at all. The waitress let us order a side of mashed potatoes when it was already on his plate. The steak was not a succulent piece of meat as we remembered. I had the short ribs and they were so bland it was unbelievable! Last time they melted in my mouth! To top it all off, it was hot. We were both sweating and when we brought it up, she let us know that the side of the room we were in was in the process of having extra vents put in and yes it was hot and she was sorry. Didn't ask if we wanted to move, and we should have just requested it. We didn't order dessert, nothing looked appealing and I remember from the time before I didn't like what I had. But with all this said, we really still had a nice time and enjoyed our time together. However, we will never dine there again. We keep talking about how much we loved our meal at City Hall and will go there the next time we are out. 

We moved to the bar and watched the Olympics and enjoyed our wine. We enjoyed people watching, joking with our servers and mingling with a few of the regulars. There was a young crowd there, because of a wedding. And it seemed to be a hot spot for those on the going out tour, even though it's off the beaten path of bar hopping. We went to bed abut 11:30! We slept hard! I woke up at 6 am!! LOL I couldn't go back to sleep! We ordered delicious, scrumptious room service. This is where we are mystified. Our steak salad was delectable the day before. Now we assume that all this food is coming from Elements, since that what the room service menu says! So how our dinner was so awful and room service rocked, remains a mystery.

We made a phone call home to check in and then decided to pack it up about 9:30. Mike really wanted to get Dunkin Donuts. They just reopened up in the Valley. I wanted to stop at Sprinkles, a cupcake store. We got to Sprinkles and pick out a dozen cupcakes. Drove by the Double D's and there was a line OUT the door! They are giving away free coffee every day till almost the end of August and Mike decided it wasn't worth it even though I was willing to wait for a Bavarian creme donut. Once the excitement dies down, we will loving our Double D's again.

The cupcakes were yet again another huge disappointment! My sister seriously needs to consider baking for a living! She is the best from scratch baker ever! These cupcakes looked amazing and beautifully decorated, but lacked the moist cakeyness a cupcake should have, you could taste they were from scratch because the ingredients were not well mixed. The frosting for the most part is pretty bland, which I didn't know was possible for frosting! The Zoo loves them though and the only once the is more than halfway decent is the cinnamon sugar cupcake and it doesn't even have frosting on it.

I know this is a lot of complaining. I would like to reiterate that we had such a great time regardless and didn't let any of our disappointments rain on our time away. We are already thinking about where we will go next. Leah said she enjoyed the children so much see was willing to do it again! YAY!

The weekend was just what we needed to reconnect and worth every single penny!

Mike and I are getting away!

At about 11 we are out the door for a 24 hour get away! I am so excited!

We are going to do a little window shopping in Scottsdale and eat lunch then we will head to the hotel where we will have our facials and couple massage. Then a little relaxing by the shaded pool, it really is nice in the shade in the desert, and then take our time getting ready for our 8 pm dinner. 

I'm up early because the girls woke up. They are back to sleep now and I just pray that they sleep well for Leah. 

We had a late night for them. We hosted small group here. We are studying "The Truth Project" It is so good! I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever had any and all doubts about Jesus.

So Teagan didn't make it to stay at the 'kid's house'. Where we drop off so the kids can play while we host here. She got so upset and anxious about staying there, that she threw up and on the babysitter, our beloved Chris from church. She threw up on Mike. She threw up on herself. When Mike and she walked back through the door last night, they were such a sad sad sight to behold. Got them both changed and she watched 'Incredibles' in our room while we were in the main room. By the end, she was either on my lap or Mike's.  The boys were exhausted when they got home and very cranky. Such a long long day.

Oh and an update again on my Physical Therapy. Everything is staying put again and if it does for the next two weeks, I'm done. Fingers crossed!

I thought I had hurt it again earlier this week. Riordan was trying to get to the potty in our room and tripped over the stool. He face planted on the rim of the toilet. It was one of those cry's, you know as a parent the difference, that he was really hurt. Blood everywhere! His eye tooth almost went through his lip! He has a puncture mark on the outside of his lip from it hitting so hard on the inside! So in the moment, I couldn't get to him fast enough and my back felt like it went out of whack. Once I had calmed him down with love, cold wash cloth, and daddy got him and icee, I then iced my back. I hate saying now it's doing good because I'm fearful now of more set backs!

I worked out yesterday morning for the first time since last Saturday. I have had no energy or be able to breathe well because of this cold. So we went for a walk with a couple of jogging intervals yesterday. It was such a great feeling to run outside! Today I have another session, actually in about an hour. Then rush home for swim lessons at 9 and find sometime to pack in there in between!

Please pray for the children to be on their best behavior, to be well, and for all to be safe and us all have a good time for this next 24 hours!

Oh and you will notice that I have a new link on my right. One of my dear friends, that I have been out of touch with from back home in Georgia, has a super cute blog that she writes! Also she wrote a book for newlywed girls that comes out in September! Lo it's so nice to be back in touch with you!! I'm so proud of you and you never cease to amaze me! You rock! I can't wait to read your book! Much love to you guys and hope we can meet up in October!

Our week

Has been rather easy to say the least, even though I have had a rough time with this summer cold!

Aislinn cut her sixth tooth, finally! it was a doozy, on Wednesday! Her seventh on the bottom is right behind it.

Teagan had yet another fun time at dance class and asks all the time when does she get to go back! Her friend Macey was there as well as her friend Kate too! Wasn't hard to talk her into it! ;-) They were adorable!

Riordan is still loving school! You know it really says a lot about Ms. Angela. I mean every day Riordan was to go to school last year he cried and I would practically have to threatened him to get him in the car to leave. Then he wouldn't get out of the car. Then I would have to take him in instead of him walking in. I hardly ever get a hug and kiss from him now! He's excited, he smiles, he talks about it all day long when he gets home! Today a little emotional for him, he didn't get his hug and kiss and he could hear me outside and as I walked away he started to cry! Broke my heart! He said he didn't get his hug and kisses, so I wrapped my arms around him and gave him big kisses and he stopped crying and was ready to go on about his day! He is just such a different child than a year ago! Where now he strikes up conversations on his own, plays jokes, and is a cuddle bunny. Last year, no eye contact, no smiles, and God forbid if you wanted to give him a hug or kiss! I don't know what happened, but I am so grateful to see such a happy, fun-loving boy that I knew he could be!

Caden is having a hard time with after school. He is so overstimulated, over tired, and starving and is making it hard to enjoy him in the afternoon. I think he's about to make our sitter Leah quit! It's obviously so hard on her that he doesn't mind and is hyper, cranky, and just down right disobedient. It's easier for me to handle because he knows what buttons are being pushed to far. But with Leah, it's making it so hard on her on Wednesday's. When he starts doing things he shouldn't then Riordan does. So my newest suggestion is to just let him eat whatever healthy snack he wants and make it more of a meal than a snack. He eats at 10:55 for lunch! So early and then a light snack in the afternoon at school, where usually we eat little meals all day long. Plus he is just so tired, so if he needs to go have some downtime in our room with some tv then whatever works! I pray that he shows the fun, non-cranky, mindful child we have been so proud of this weekend for her while we take 24 hours to reenergize ourselves and have some good adult conversations without constant interruptions. I honestly don't know what else to do for him other than that. And thankfully I'm not in this boat alone. My friends who have children that just started full day Kindergarten this year are having some big issues as well with acting out of character.

So last and certainly not least, I get to share with you about my sister Jennifer. She is 15 weeks this week! But for almost two months now she has dealt with the diagnosis of cancer. It's a blood cancer that presents itself in the skin. It is an extremely rare cancer that only 1500 people a year are diagnosed with. It is called Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. She will always have it for the rest of her life. There is no cure, but there is remission. 

It is THE slowest growing cancer however. They, the cancer specialist in Atlanta, are very confident that it is in early stages. With her being pregnant she is limited to treatment, but a topical cream is allowed and keeps it from spreading and keeps it from staying inflammed and swollen. It's an interesting cancer none the less. She can keep using the cream and it won't be visible anymore, but it will still be there! Obviously because it's a blood cancer and most blood cancers you can't see physically! LOL She has been treating it for 8 years and only just recently decided to have a dermatoligist diagnos it because she was pregnant. It was then that she had a biopsy done and they came back with cancer, which flipped her world upside down immediately! And then of course as much as I was trying to be her support I found myself not sleeping at night and just thinking, why nnow?! Why now when she has been given this gift of her heart's desire to have another baby!

Thankfully, it's not in a serious stage so more aggressive treatment, if needed, can wait till after the baby is born. They did do three more biopsy's of the area yesterday and drew blood. She goes back in 2 weeks to get more results, her exact stage and where and what they need to do after. She will keep seeing the specialist as well, especially since she is pregnant. She is so much more relaxed now that she has answers, and knows that so far it's not life threatning.  She is of course now at higher risk for other cancers and will be seen on a regular basis for it, I think! That's one of my  questions!! She was lucky to catch it so early because it presented itself on her skin!

Please keep her and her baby in your prayers for good health! She finds out in 4 weeks what she's having! Oh I can't wait! I have been buying clothes already! Awful I know! But I'm just so darn excited for her!

So that brings me to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Walk! Oct 18th our family is walking in it with a lot of our friends in honor of my friend Rena who beat Leukemia this year. In fact, it marks that date of her one year anniversary of her bone marrow transplant from her brother! 

I have two reasons now to walk, Rena and my sister!! 

I am raising money for the walk and in lieu of birthday gifts for Aislinn this year, we would rather have monetary donations in honor of her Aunt Jennifer and good friend Rena! We are so wonderfully blessed with a million gazillion toys, clothing, and books. We seriously have no more room for them and what better use for your money and to donate it to LLS so they can find cures and better treatments!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE ANY AMOUNT YOU CAN!

One of my fears

has come to light. Caden being bored this year in Kindergarten because he had Kindersteps last year. For over a week now, he either says he is bored with school because "all we do is color and trace" or he says "i'm sick and i can't go to school".

He never ONCE said any of this last, in fact on the day he was sick with a fever of 103, he cried because he was missing school.

Mike and I just look at each other. I have felt lost on what to do with him. I feel that boredom leads to misbehaving! (funny Dani to read your blog huh?!) I would hate to lose my good natured, well mannered little boy!

So I was sharing my woes with my girl Kristi yesterday. I was wondering should I just persue him going into the 1st grade, is it too late?, and then I don't want him turning 6 when most of his friends would be turning 7!

She says, "Why don't you look into the gifted program." I was in shock! Why hadn't someone told me about this before! Of course!! And I never knew they had one for Kindergarten. Well I called the CATS program, and they do! They have testing 3 times a year, the first one in September. If he tests well for the program then we would have the option, if there was room, to go to the school where the program is offered on a whole for Kindergarten, or remain at his school and a CATS teacher would assign him extra work. I prefer the latter of course.

Mike and I are so pleased with this opportunity! While we love his teacher, we can't expect her to challenge Caden more when most of the class is just beginning Kindergarten. I need to mail in his application today to get a time and date for his testing, which will be on a Saturday in September.

On a another note, another one of my fears, is my horrible summer cold has gone into my chest. Once again, Kristi to the rescue and she recommended Mucinex! Let me tell you it started working within the hour of releasing the tightness in my chest and making things a lot more productive!  It still amazes me where all this crud comes from! So today I'm breathing easier I think due to the Mucinex loosing up my nose and my chest. A lot of my pressure in my sinus is gone, just feels a little inflammed.

Today we will again take it easy, as I did yesterday. Take the Ca(y)dens to school and then come home to work on the playroom. Teagan is so excited for dance tomorrow and keeps talking about her teacher Miss Mimi!! And she especially keeps talking about her girlfriend Macey ;-)

And now I'm sick...

I started a sore throat yesterday afternoon about 4 ish. Never a good sign to happen in the middle of the day. Still went to the Braves game where we beat the pants off the DB's. Mike and I stayed till the end of the top of the 9th. Chipper hit a homer for us!

Our section had quite a few Brave's fans. We had four guys sitting to our right, three of them from Savannah! I immediately felt like I was back at home from there southern drunken drawl's and watching the game at Turner Field instead of Chase Stadium.

Sore throat was still there, but a little number by the huge cup of beer I drank. We got home abut 10:30 and soon fast to sleep. It was such a long day. In the middle of the night I woke up to swollen touching tonsils and searing pain and a stuffed up nose. Nothing soothed it :( I pray it's not strep but will give it another day. I do have a yucky nose, and my throat is still irritated from laryngisitis in June, so the combo could be the reason for such inflammation. 

I still made it to training this morning, which seemed to help dull the pain.. all those endorphine's running through my body. But an hour or so later, it came back just as fierce. I did manage to make it to sprouts to pick up food for Aislinn. I have been in bed since I got home.

I'm not able to go out tonite with the girls either, which I have already talked with Marcie and she's so understanding. It sucks, I hate to miss it, but I have to rest and get well to tend to the zoo come Monday.

Mike took everyone to swim class! He's so amazing!

So I'm just resting and I'm starving, but I can't eat LOL.. great! I needed a good fast ;-)

Friday friday Friday!

So glad it's Friday!

This seriously has been such a busy week!

Yesterday we had MOPS and it was so much fun! It was our kick off so all of us, mom's and children, were in the worship center. Snow White was there and a princess bouncer! Both Teagan and Riordan jumped so much and for so long! Teagan got pushed around by a little boy, so that ended it for her. We mingled, hung out with friends, and ate snacks. By the time it was over, we were all pooped, hot, and grouchy though LOL. Came home and Aislinn had a longggg nap.

Then we had everyone's dentist appointments at Dr. Welch's office. Mike was able to help out this time! Thank God! Caden of course was his usually friendly self.  He did say he was a bit nervous, but soon was feeling just fine. Teagan, I'm so proud of her! She let them do x-rays and a little cleaning! However when Dr. Welch came in, she flipped out, but still let him check all her teeth! No cavities for her! Caden has two again. Poor guy has my yuck mouth. Riordan however, was all talk up until and then flipped out. Didn't help that his assistant shamed him on crying saying he would make the other children in the office upset and scared. Instead of tackling her to the ground, I told Riordan that it's okay to cry and he didn't have to do what he didn't want to do. I think that was good enough. She should know better! So no x-rays, cleaning, or a open mouth check on Riordan.. next time should be better. He was so ready to show Dr. Welch his sugar bugs!

After that I rushed to my PT appt, while Mike took the zoo home. It feels so much better since it was moved back into place and I have just a slight twinge of pain on the left where it moved, but my SI is still not inflammed and my right side's tightness went away by Tuesday morning, the day after it was corrected! So he said he see's no reason that my next appointment can't be my last! HURRAY!! I asked when I could golf and play tennis again and he said to wait a good 6 months to really strengthen my back. Try golf first for a month and then tennis. So 6 months, I will be out swinging again! I'm so ready!

THEN I had to rush to the grocery to pick up a few things for Aislinn and milk for the rest of the zoo, then rush home to get Caden for cirriculum night at his school. Riordan came along as well. The sky was looking dark and angry and I thought for sure it would open up while we were there. It was a good night, Caden showed me all he's little places for his work and his blanket for rest, his art projects for the special night, and so much more. Found out they have Grandparents day on Friday Sept 6th, sooo no pressure out there, but I know how much it would mean to him!! If only it were later in the month, I know!

As we made it into our driveway, the sky let out a loud clap of thunder! We had a huge duststorm and rain. Mike's car was all muddy this morning.

I finished yet another book last night, The Rent Tent. It is an amazing book! I loved it! And before that, Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was very Bridget Jones to me, but did enjoy it. Both are for my book club. I just love being able to find time to read again. I was so exhausted before, the moment I would pick up a book I'd be asleep!I'm way ahead on The Red Tent, but couldn't put it down! LOL It won't be until Sept I think that we will discuss it. My other book club we are reading, Love the One Your With. Need to still pick it up.

This morning I went and worked out, it just feels so great to work out! 6 am, then rush home to get everyone ready for school. After dropping Caden off, R, T, A, and I went to Basha's to get a few things then I took him to school. 

Mike and I have date night. Our girl Julie is coming to take care of the zoo. Let me tell you how blessed I feel to have such two amazing women in our life helping us out! Both are so sweet and nuturing too! For our date we are going to see my beloved Braves play the Diamondbacks. I haven't been to a game all year, so I'm looking forward to it!

Can't be crazy though I have a workout at 7 am with Joe!

Oh and just my gripe for the week:

I'm doing so much better with Aislinn and her allergies. However I'm a bit miffed still at a comment made by a woman I just met. When saying all the allergies she had, she goes, "Did you have them pregnant and nursing?" I said, "Yes" I know there's a theory that exposing them is might be the cause of the allergy. So she goes, "That's why she has it". Is she a doctor? I don't know, because immediately following her statement she picked up her phone to answer.

My rebuttle is, I find it hard to believe that what I have eaten, which has been the same throughout every pregnancy of all my four children and even while nursing CAUSED her to have a Milk, Egg, Peanut, and Tree nut allergy. Why did Caden, Riordan, and Teagan not get it but Aislinn did? What the heckle jeckle is a pregnant and nursing mom supposed to eat if she can't atleast have milk and egg to supply important nutrition to herself and her child?

What I didn't get to say either is on Mike's side of the family his brother and his son both have food allergies and THAT is the reason Aislinn has them. And that is from my doctor, which is why we go in every 6 months because of family history. It's just how she was made up. I would never make someone feel that why nor do I feel guilty either, but she probably didn't know that her comment could be so insulting either.

Feel better now ;-)

So weird

the pictures for Aislinn here on the blog have some how muted on her reaction.. my photos in the camera and on our harddrive show the true nature of the reaction with the redness at it's actual state.... just a note to myself ;-)

Teagan's first day of dance

It was so wonderful! She was such a sight to see!

She was shy at first, but when it came time to go into her studio, she walked in with her girl Macey and her teacher Ms. Mimi. It is only Teagan and Macey right now, but they are sure the class will soon fill up.

Heather, Macey's mom, and I got to watch them from the video camera in the room on a flat screen in the lobby! What was really cute is the girls would turn to the camera and wave hi mommy!! So adorable!

Both of them were truly amazing and completely at ease with Ms. Mimi. We both feel so lucky that they did so well! We can't wait until next Wednesday!

*tried to post this on the 6th, which is now the 7th, but the pics wouldn't up load!

Update on Aislinn

Monday's reaction to mac n cheese

Another shot (aren't her ear canals in dire need of cleaning! they are like this every day!)

the skin test (double click it to make it bigger)

Oh how I will never forget this day!

She and I went in for her appointment at 7:30 am. It's always so nice to see Dr. Rishi and her staff! We show Dr. Rishi the pictures of the reaction Aislinn had on Monday night. She asked if Aislinn had been sick recently. Why yes she has, she had Roseola and the rash was on her Saturday and Sunday.

So she thinks that Aislinn's reaction is due to the virus. Apparently even a few days after a virus the skin can react in an allergic like reaction. She says that most likely it isn't food related, which she ate mac and cheese and chicken just 10 mins before the reaction happened, and that if I wanted we could skin test her just in case including chicken.

One minute after they left, #2 popped up in a welt. I, at first, assumed it was the control test. Then I was like, they didn't tell me which one it was, should I go ask? 5 mins later the welt is huge and now another was showing up under it. I have had both she and Caden have the skin prick test and this never happened before. I immediately brace myself for our world to be flipped upside down.

When the nurse walked back in, I ask, "Is number 2 the control?" She goes, "No 1 is, no wait, I didn't do a control prick, 2 is for milk.. Is she reacting?" I show her Aislinn's back. She goes oh yeah 2, 4 and she rattled off two other numbers. At this point I felt I was in a vortex. I couldn't wait for Dr. Rishi to come back in and help me!! At this point too, the nurse did a control test to show the test was accurate.

Aislinn has a level 4 (the most severe) milk, level 3 egg, level 2 peanut, and level 2 tree nut anaphylaxis. Basically, the 2 tablespoons of milk I just mixed into her mac n cheese on Monday night is where her reaction came from. And at 7 weeks old the 3 sips of milk formula earlier in the day were her cause for the reaction as well, even though she tested negative on both skin and blood tests.

We now have to carry a 2 pack epipen where ever she goes. The hopeful news is that one day Aislinn could outgrow the milk and egg allergy as long as I make sure she is not exposed to them at all until she's 3 and 4. Peanut and tree nut can be outgrown, but highly unlikely. If you know us well, my children survive on milk. It is their security blanket. To know how she reacts to 2 tablespoons, divided at that, in mac n cheese, makes me really nervous of the sippee cups of milk laying around the house. New rules have to be in place and stricter policies on milk.

I am no longer allowed to treat her allergic reactions with benadryl. Only with the epipen, then  call 911 and go to the ER and then after 15 mins adminster the other epipen if we aren't being seen. These were my strict rules with Dr. Rishi today. The next reaction could be 100 times worse and we got lucky with the first two.

Every year Aislinn will be retested. First by the skin test. If that's negative, then they will do the blood test. If that's negative, then they will do a controlled test in the office giving her whatever she was negative for. I pray pray pray and you please pray that she out grows this. I feel so bad for her, her first birthday cake with no eggs or milk. I know there are recipes out there. I made one for a friend once and it was actually amazing. But if you have favorite recipes of anything!, please feel free to send them to me!! I would be so grateful! 

I also feel torn. How do I take away things from Caden, Riordan, and Teagan that can be such a threat to Aislinn's health. Or explaining to Aislinn that she can't have the same things that her siblings have? I know it will work out, I have watched other families deal with this. It's just so shocking and still trying to absorb it all.

When she is one she will go on Soy Milk which shouldn't be hard since she is on Soy Formula. 

So that's my life right now, finding things that Aislinn can eat. Sprouts will undoubtedly become more of a favorite for us as well as any place that carries specialty foods for us.

She, of course, is worth every moment of it and while it definitely sucks, I will do whatever it takes as will Mike. :-)

** Oh and I left out to think that in just one month I start to transistion to milk by mixing it with her formula! The thoughts!! Thank God for following the rules of no milk, peanut butter, or eggs till they are one, and actually we weren't going to do eggs or peanuts till she was three because of her first reaction!

Aislinn

Had an allergic reaction last night. Most like food, since it began right as she ended her meal of Mac n Cheese and rotissere chicken, a staple for her.

So we are off to the Allergist tomorrow morning, I'm sure for more testing. 

This is the first reaction since her first one at 7 weeks old.

It was not severe at all, and she only reacted on her face and benadryl seemed to work within the first 5-10 mins. 

Love our Allergist! We were over due for a follow up any way, and so when I called they were ready to get her in as quickly as possible due to the reaction. 

Will post as soon as I know something.

My setback

I am sooooo mad at myself right now and so beyond frustrated.

My SI did move from having to hold Aislinn all day Friday with literally no rest while cleaning and making food for my party. Plus I ran 7 mins at the beginning of the morning. So all of this compounded into weakened muscle strength and I rotated up on my left side, which normally was rotating up on my right side.

So I did not graduate from PT tonite and I will be going back on Thursday to see if I stayed in place. 

The good news is the pinched feeling on my left is nearly gone now from being rotated back, it was a very minor slip, and if I hadn't gone back in by tonite, I most likely would have began spasms on my back again.

Ughhhhh! I was so ready to get back to life again, so now 4 steps back. But hopefully I will rebound very quickly.

Pics of Helicopter

Where to start?!

We've done so much this week! I kept wanting to post but there really hasn't been a moment long enough to sit down.. Today I have it! YAY for Sundays!

Wednesday we decided to walk the whole Zoo to Caden's school to see Fox 10 helicopter land. It's not a far walk at all, but it was so hot. We were walking into the sunrise. Caden took his Razor and halfway there he got bold, went faster and wiped out. He was a mess. More scared than anything and actually didn't break skin (thank God, I always have bandaids!). So he was done and walked the rest of the way. We ran into our friends, the Jaffies, and walked the rest of the way with them.

After standing in the hot sun for 10 mins, we are all dripping sweat at this point, we moved into the shade deciding it's not worth the heat and direct sun to be that close to the helicopter. So once the helicopter came in, none of the children wanted to really be close anyway. It was really neat to see it land! The children were allowed to walk by it, in a uniform line, and meet Rick the pilot. Riordan was the ONLY one who wanted to do it! LOL 

Mike took Caden to his class with the girls and Riordan and I stood in the hot baking sun to see it. He almost did a picture with the pilot, but at the last minute changed mind. But we got to see the helicopter on all sides. It was pretty spectacular. 

We walked back home with the sun to our back, pouring sweat at this point. I gave Teagan and Riordan 3 freezies each, aka Flav-o-ice, aka Otter Pops. Really helped them to cool down and calm down ;-) Aislinn slept 4 hours!

Leah came over in the afternoon. Aislinn had a fever from the day before, which at the time was a low grade one, and became a very high one. So I had to rule out that it was related to her cutting her sixth tooth, which has just been so miserable for her. Poor Leah saw them all at their worst. Everyone was cranky and disobedient. I'm surprised she wants to come back! :-) 

Aislinn's fever finally broke on Friday morning. Today I figured out she had Roseola! Yep nice rash along her torso today, which I noticed last night but chalked it up to formula getting on her skin.

Oh and on Wednesday, I decluttered and cleaned my clutter area in the kitchen and I got on top and behind the refrigerator. Mike came home early so I got to go food shopping for my skin care party that I was having on Friday. 

Thursday was much of the same thing, cleaning and just hanging out after I worked out. Riordan had his open house that night. He was terrified and mortified. He was that child and screamed and cried for the first 10 mins and then finally got acclimated and played. Ms. Angela even let him bring home a motorcycle from school to bring back tomorrow! She is already gets him! He didn't want to leave it ;-)

Friday consisted of working out, where I ran 7 mins straight! Came home to find out my friend Liz, who was due Aug 17th, had her baby at 5:16 that morning! And what is even so extraordinary about that is our friend Steph had her baby via planned c-section that morning and they both have 3 year olds with the exact same birthday! Steph didn't know that Liz was even there! The nurses stayed till after they were off and wanted to see the look on Steph's face as the rolled her into what she thought would be her room when in fact it was Liz's room holding her baby girl!! Chill bumps!! So amazing! I went with my girls Monica, Michelle, Amy, and Marcie yesterday to go visit them both. The babies are absolutely adorable, sweet, and yummy. But no bells went off in my head, so I knew AGAIN, that we are through with additions ;-)

So back to Friday, I was on my feet literally all day long. I cleaned, I prepped, I cooked, I had to hold Aislinn who was fussy. 

I hurt my back!!! By Saturday morning I knew and was afraid I had done some really damage again. Today is much better, but still discomfort. I iced a lot yesterday and did literally nothing, except for visiting the babies, but rest. Today church and again nothing but rest. Teagan and I took a 2 hour nap together. She's so sweet. 

Caden had a first great week. Miss Williams told me that he is a huge help in the classroom and a very good boy. She's really enjoying him and he loves her! Friday, he finally found the salad bar and said he had a salad and white broccoli aka cauliflower! Every day I would ask if he went to get fruit at the salad bar and every day he would say either he couldn't find it or he forgot to ask! He was so excited to tell me he found it! I was too because now he would have a much more balanced meal instead of a main entree and dessert! He said though there wasn't any fruit on it.. hmmm  I really have no complaints about school overall. I really am pleased, and I can't wait till it's cooler, although Teagan still freaks out if we drop off Caden. She just gets hysterical! This week Heather and I are going full throttle too with carpooling. The Ca(y)den's are so absolutely adorable. They insist on being dropped off in the car line! They feel like big men on campus I guess ;-)

Tomorrow is Riordan's first day of school with Ms. Angela!! We have been talking about it all weekend and how we need to keep up with it. Tomorrow is also playgroup and I'm hosting at Chick-Fil-a. The housekeepers come so early now, at 10 am, which I love and we had moved our time to 9:30. So that prevents me from hosting here anymore unless we change the day, but it really is the best day for all of us. When it gets cooler we can meet at the park which will be really nice!

I need to make it to Dee's Dancewear for Teagan's dance shoes and clothes for Wednesday! She is looking so forward to it! So from here on out I will have just the girls M/W/F mornings! Most of the time I will be home with Aislinn for her naps, but come January I'm sure I will be able to get her down to just one!! Wow!!

Thursday is also my first day back to MOPS! I'm so thrilled. I have really missed it. Thursday is an activities day where we will meet in our worship center and there will be bouncies (which R and T aren't very fond of). It's a meet and greet kind of thing. 

Friday Mike and I have a baseball date to see my beloved Braves! We have tickets for Saturday as well, but I forgot that I had dinner plans that night for Marcie's birthday dinner.

And Sunday morning we have a birthday party for Riordan's friend Carson at Hamilton pool! They rented the whole pool! How awesome! It's Carson's and his brother Hayden and sister Skylar's birthday party as well and our whole family is invited! I can't wait, we have never been to our public pools yet and now we can as a family and check it out and enjoy it. Plus our pool across the street is now open! I want to take them there soon before it gets cooler. We have been waiting this whole year for it to open!

So that's about it for us! Just hanging out here at home, which is so nice. We need down days like this a lot more often. Good for refueling and good for family QT.