Back After a Blogging Break

Note to self: Never take a break from blogging! I have no idea where to begin!

First of all, let me update on David. He has been back at work for about a week and a half. He is still in a considerable amount of pain off and on - especially during the night. He doesn't have to use a walker (he actually only used that for about the first week or so) and will wear a back brace for the next 8 weeks. It is a very slow process, but hopefully it will be one that he will look back on and be thankful that he went through. We should see a great deal of improvement in the coming months.

Now, on to Jackson and Carter. They have been quite the little characters lately. I feel like I always say that, but they just constantly do things to crack us up! I posted on an earlier date about how they love to run around the living room like wild children after they have their pj's on. It's like it's their cue to gear up for craziness. Anyways, their newest thing is to get their hooded towels from the bathroom and put them on their heads and pretend to be super-heroes. Jackson usually prefers the Lightning McQueen superhero towel and Carter sports Mickey Mouse, The Superhero. Carter is so cute when he comes up to me and asks for his towel. In his cute little voice he'll say "hewo" (as in "hero") and point to the towel.

We are gearing up for Jackson's big birthday. We will have a small family get-together for his actual party and then next Wednesday we're going to have some of his friends help him celebrate at our neighborhood pool. I can't believe he's going to be 4! I feel like I'm going to blink and Carter will be 2!

Also, I decided not to go back to work in the fall after all. I know, I'm so wishy-washy. But, the truth is, the closer it came time for me to actually go back to work, I decided it might not be so much fun after all :-) By the way, did I mention that both boys will be in Mother's Day Out 3 days a week starting in Sep? I think those 3 days may have been what changed my mind :-) I know there is so much more to catch up on, but for now, I'll just leave you with pictures. The video at the end is a glimpse of the superheroes in action.

Happy Birthday Nonna!!!

Evening Routine

Every night after the boys are in their pajamas, it seems that they get a second wind and explode with energy. I got a video of this last night. They chase each other around the house and it usually ends up with one or two bumps on the noggin. David and I usually just sit back and crack up watching them. Who needs TV? Here are the crazy boys running in circles around our living room. I wish I had half as much energy as they do!

Sea World and Surgery Postponed

We took our first trip to Sea World on Sunday! David's parents got all the kids and their families season passes for Christmas and we finally put it to use. It was a blast and VERY HOT! Jackson got to ride his very first roller coaster (a Shamu ride and the Log Ride.) He was very brave and was smiling every time I saw him. Carter had to spend most of the time in the stroller checking everything out and did pretty well until the very end. I think he was just tired of sitting and watching Jackson have all the fun. We fed dolphins and saw the huge aquarium and even caught a couple of shows. We only saw the very end of the Shamu show, but the kids faces while watching it was priceless! Here are a few pictures of our fun day!







Also, David's back surgery has been postponed until June 10. His surgeon ended up having to have knee surgery (wonderful) so we have to wait a while longer. We'll keep everyone posted.

I Have a Bodyguard!

I just wanted to jot this down before I forget it.

The boys and I were wrestling on our bed this morning and Carter accidentally socked me in the face. I said "No hit, Carter." Jackson came over and gave me a hug and said "It's okay, Mommy. I'm always here to protect you." I just looked at him and he smiled and patted my head. I said "Thank you, Jackson. I feel very safe now."

I love that kid!

Busy, busy, busy!!!

Wow, there has been so much going on this month that I don't even know where to begin. This is why I should never take a break from blogging for a long period of time. Trying to recap the last few weeks is a bit daunting!

OK, to sum it up, I went on a girls' trip to New York City, Jackson had his last soccer game of the season followed by a soccer party at Chuck E. Cheese, David threw out his back again and is scheduled to have a triple disc fusion (major back surgery) on June 2, My Granny Jones in Lubbock passed away and we went to Lubbock for the funeral, I sold my business (The Paper Doll Stationery) and Carter turned 18 months old! Whew! I think that about covers it :-)

So to start with, I escaped from the stresses of everyday life with a weekend in Manhattan with a few girlfriends. I had never been before and David never really wants to spend his vacation going to NYC. He would really rather relax on a beach somewhere...and now I know. There is NO relaxing in NY. I have never walked so much in my life and one night we couldn't even shower so we could get everything done that we wanted to do. We had a great time and I'm glad I was finally able to go. Here are a few pics from our weekend.





Jackson had his last soccer game yesterday and they had a soccer party at Chuck E. Cheese last Wednesday. I think I'm more giddy at the fact that he got his first trophy than he is. I proudly display it on his dresser :-) It was really a blast seeing him play his first actual team sport. I think God gave me boys for a reason. I LOVE going out to the games and watching him play....even if he is only 3. This is just the beginning! Here are a few pics from his soccer party.



Also, David has had back problems since he was a kid and his back goes out about 3 times per year unexpectedly. When he has one of these episodes, it usually takes a good week for him to recover and get back to normal. A couple of weeks ago, he threw out his back and when it didn't start to get any better and pain started going down his leg, he headed to the doctor. After much discussion, we all decided that surgery would be the best route at this point. So, on Monday, June 2, he will go in to have a triple disc fusion. The surgeon will remove the bottom 3 bulging/herniated discs and fill it in with a bone and binding solution and will use a device to fuse the vertebrae together. He will need a good 2 weeks at home to recover and then should be able to return to work (doing minimal things) after that. The doctor said that after around 6 weeks he should be feeling a lot stronger. Please keep him in your prayers.

My Granny in Lubbock passed away last Tuesday night and we went to the funeral this last Friday. She was 96 and her mind was sharp as a tack. She had been in a lot of pain and after performing a CAT scan in the hospital they found that she had cancer growing throughout her body. She stayed 2 days in the hospital and then passed away on the second night. It was a beautiful service and I can't complain. She lived a long and happy life. Here's a picture of Granny holding Jackson at about 5 months old.

Also, I sold my stationery business, The Paper Doll Stationery. I'm planning on returning to work part-time starting in September when the boys start back to Mother's Day Out. I figured now would be a good time to sell it since I don't think I'll have much time to dedicate to it once I'm back at work. Lacy Greenstreet Brown bought it and I think she'll do a really great job!

And last, but not least, Carter turned 18 months old!!! I can't believe my baby is not really a baby anymore. He is more fun (and more challenging) everyday. Here are a few pics of the boys.




I promise I won't break from blogging this long again. I feel like I just wrote a book!

Our Day!!!

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Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there. I hope you all have an awesome (relaxing) day. You deserve it!