sick boys

The boys have been sick lately.  Tanner had a fever virus most of last week and over the weekend...one of those nothing you can do but wait viruses.  I loved having both boys home for several days...together...waking up and reading on the couch, drawing and having helpers to cook breakfast. One of the things I took for granted before Tanner began K was our mornings at home.  I really miss these mornings.  Even though Sam is still home most days I miss not having to get up and go somewhere. 

In other news, we had a big ALLERGY scare with Sam on Saturday.  Long story short...benadryl did not work...the Minor Med was a waste of time...they ended up sending us via ambulance to the ER.  Sam's face was swollen...eyes, lips, cheek...hives covered his body from arms to belly to legs but it never affected his breathing.  He was given a shot, orapred and an Epi-pen.  Long, long night...very scary but again grateful for family...thanks Mom and Dad for keeping Tanner. 

We went to see the pediatrician and they did blood work to run allergy tests. They also refered us to Dr. Blaiss who Tanner will be seeing for his asthma. 

As I type this, Chris is having hot flashes next to me, he has the flu. 

Always sucking that thunb

Making a list for Target

Bumble Bee Boy

fireman SAM

One of the perks of my job is always being right down the hall for all of the fun activities with Sam's class.  Sam loves firetrucks BUT seeing as he has been in an ambulance twice in the last few months he was terrified the "medics" were going to take him. 

wild boys

Sometimes my house looks like this...almost every pillow and blanket we own in the boys rooms.  They love jumping off of the stairs to the bunks...safe...I'm not so sure but FUN...yes?

 

brrr...

We have spent most of our week inside despite the fact that I just finished reading this book which  encourages you to be outside...we did ride some bikes and go to the park...yes I am that mom that takes my kids to the park when they are sick! Bring your lysol wipes next time you go bc we might have been there.




It has been a rough month at our house...Sam is in FULL STRONG WILL mode.  I am in perma-sweat mode...he has a tantrum pretty much everywhere we go.  For those of you who are SPED trained readers...no antecedents that I see just random tantrums...AGH!  Think throwing his lunch in Easy-Way, knocking oranges off a stand and waiting in the line at Whole Foods while Sam is violently screaming and trying to hit me but I was leaving with what I came for. We hear lots of "fine i'll do it myself", "ahhh-ahhhh" and "do it right now".  Needless to say I have also recently reread this book in hopes that it will inspire me to get through this stage.



In the midst of all of the STRONG WILL I am trying to remember he is so funny, he is the best snuggler, he loves to be read to and has such a compassionate little heart for his friends at school. I know this stage will pass but oh me oh my.

"love goggles"

mamarazzi...31 day photos

A few days ago, I mentioned I knocked off a New Year's "Goal" by attending Good Golly Photography's Mamarazzi photography class.  It was for those of us who own a DSLR but shoot in AUTO...guilty.  I will say I do edit everything...at least what I print or blog.  In my class, I learn how to shoot in Manual...woo-hooo...ok so I stink but I'm learning. I have been chasing the boys around with the camera for 8 days now...I have gotten lots of photos with faces covered BUT no blur since I know now about Shutter Priority...whoop!
These are just of few photos of my attempts to take better photos most start black or so blurry...it takes me about 5-8 shoots to get a decent one:)



stomach bug

forts at the front door...it was their castle

a favorite photo...a favorite frame...my grandparents Secretary's desk...and tiny handprints

swords stay in my car in case we need them...today we did

snapping green beans...not the same without Nora and Maw

attitude...not a problem to capture at my house

some crazy light assignment...chris was in class...the boys and I had sooo much fun

more forts...the top sheet is attached to the air vent

doing laundry...who forgot the clothes
yes this is life with 2 boys, a stinky dog, a husband in school and a part-time job

crafty boys

my crafty boys

Turning our coat closet into the "art and school" closet a few years ago has been one of the best things we did in our small house. Craft supplies are right at the boys fingertips. Now...with that said you must be willing to put aside your neat-freak, OCD and controlling wayat least I can organize the closet when they destroy it...right?
Here is why I love that the "art supplies" are at the boys fingertips. This is what I came out of the shower to see last Friday morning. Tanner helped get Sam paint and he had gotten contact paper and scissors for himself. I never heard a fuss or a peep during my shower(this is when you wonder if everyone is still alive) BUT Sam had painted his entire body...I washed him in the tub pre-photos.
They are big "window" decorating fans so now we are all ready for the BIG upcoming holiday...
Happy Valentine's!

MAMARAZZI

GOOD GOLLY MAMARAZZI

This past Saturday, I took my first photography class. Totally worth it...Molly is an excellent teacher considering teaching was her first career though her degree has always been in photography.  Needless to say talent flows through her blood. The class was held at the Botanical Gardens and despite the rain, I left finally off of AUTO...still confused not  really!  I now just need LOTS of practice and some children who don't run when they see the camera:)



Look at our goodies and coupons...I just ordered my new camera strap..$5 off woo-hoo!

Here is the group from the class...I can not wait for the next one.

31 DAYS TO A BETTER PHOTO

In true teacher fashion we were given homework. 

Day 1...something that makes you smile

Day 2...shadows

Day 3...attitude

reflection

First, let me say that Chris and I are so grateful for God's provision during a rocky few months.  Life is good with a steady job and Chris just finished his second class at Union University.  I was given a few more responsibilities at work so I am learning to efficiently juggle those from home. Our biggest lesson from all of this was that it can all go away tomorrow so don't spend your time storing up your treasures on Earth.  We are trying to use this as our guide for our budget and giving this year.
God was not done with testing our faith.  In December I found a lump...before you finish reading everything is fine. In the midst of no income or clarity about our future it was the last thing I needed on my plate. Long story short the mammogram look ok...clear for radiologist but a little "white" so she referred me to Dr. Berry.  When my OB saw the films she agreed but I was feeling good...radiologist said "I looked good" so I just pushed it aside. Fast forward, I very confidently go to the "breast surgeon"... next time I hope it's for elective surgery!!  I shower, put on a cute trendy outfit and load a new book onto my iPad...I'd been warned it was slow AND I went solo. ( For those of you who are moms...you understand the importance of mentioning the shower, no yoga pant outfit and time to read book:) Everyone offered to go with me but I was fine according to the radiologist SOOO I went alone. After the ultrasound Dr Berry said alot but all I heard was lobular CARSINOMA..."what I'm sorry I've been cleared by the radiologist so I'm fine...wonder how he missed that memo?"  Needless to say I heard nothing he said after that.  Long story sort of short...I had a fine needle aspiration done a week later and a few days later (I took Chris with me this time) and I got the call a few days later that it was normal breast tissue.  Of course I missed 3 of the phone calls bc my phone stinks but my frugal side  is patiently waiting for the free or cheap upgrade!
I can not even begin to express the paralyzing emotions of wondering if you have cancer. 
We have had so many dear friends have cancer or have loved ones with cancer and though we have tried to be good friends, it is only now that I sort of understand the overwhelming, uncontrollable emotion that goes with the diagnosis.
That said...
we have some very dear, very precious friends who found out their nephew of just 9 months has cancer.  I found out about his cancer in the midst of waiting to get my results and I just cried ( I was on a field trip with Tanner...thank goodness for great friends).  My heart can not even begin to image if one of my boys had cancer.  I have spent the last week on my knees praying for this precious baby boys and his dear family.
Will you pray also for baby Cam?

This is not what I intended to write about this morning...I planned to write about the messes below, the quiet time I so desperatly desire and how thankful I am for the friendship my boys are developing...guess God had another message?