Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share

Apparently, my kids don't think they have a share in cleaning up the toy room. I sent them in there the other day, closed the door, and told them not to come out until the room was picked up.  Well, it must have been opposite day because they did the opposite of what I asked. They took every bucket, box, bag, game, puzzle and dumped it out. I was past aggravated at that point. Thankfully when Chad got home he had them clean up. Whatever was left on the floor was put into a box and taken away. It's days like this that I would gladly give away every toy we own and let the kids play with sticks, rocks, and dirt. 

Black Eye

A few weeks ago Marlee fell off of her bed and hit the corner of the side table. The force of the fall was so hard that it ripped some of her eyelashes out. Poor girl. It looked awful for several days. Thankfully, all is healed now. We're just waiting on the eyelashes to grow back. 

The Success

I had my gallbladder removed on January 13. I was a tad bit nervous because I don't like needles or being put to sleep. I will admit the whole process went better than I expected. The staff at the hospital made me feel very special even though I was just another surgery on their same day services board. I chatted with several of the nurses and shared stories with the anesthesiologist while waiting to go into the OR.

I felt soreness in my abdomen for several days. I did jump the gun and do more physical things than I should have been doing. My body quickly let me know that I should slow down and heal. I go back this Friday for a follow up with the surgeon.

I hope to get approval to get back in the gym. I was doing so good there for a while then got busy with life. I was really proud of my progress and loss of 20 pounds. Thankfully my messed up stomach allowed me to maintain the weight loss.

As far as my stomach goes, I haven't indulged in the juicy, fat steak that seemed to trigger my attacks. I actually haven't eaten a steak in nearly 3 years. I'm not sure I want to eat one, but I do like having the option now. What I have indulged in is SALADS. I missed them so much.

Thanks for all the thoughts and well wishes. I really appreciated them!

D-Day is Quickly Approaching

Well I never posted about my follow up appointments with the GI doctor and surgeon. The ultrasound showed I do have gallstones. The GI recommended that we wait on an upper GI probe about my heartburn and indigestion because he thinks it is directly related to my gallbladder. I met with the surgeon this past Monday, and he agreed that yes, my gallbladder does need to be removed. I am going to have the surgery next Thursday the 13th. It is outpatient, so I hope to be home resting by late afternoon. So say a little prayer for me next Thursday. Thanks!

Well I Finally Did It

If you remember I have complained about my gallbladder for some time now. I finally went to the doctor a few weeks ago about it. My family doctor referred me to a general surgeon. I had that appointment today. He said he is a conservative doctor and won't just schedule a surgery without due cause. Since it has been a few years since I've had anyone look at my gallbladder, he wants me to get some tests done. I go next Tuesday to have an ultrasound of my abdomen and blood work done.

I've also been having some other gastrointestinal issues, so the surgeon wants me to see a GI doctor to diagnose what's really going on. I hope they find some gallstones so I can have my gallbladder removed. Otherwise he said they would have to run some more tests to figure out the source of my pain. So keep me in mind next week with my appointments. Pray that I get these issues resolved and taken care of soon. I sure do miss my salads, steaks, and eggs.

Looking in the Mirror

Sometimes when I watch you playing, it's like stepping back in time. I see so much of myself in you. I don't know if that's a good thing sometimes! You bring intensity to everything that you do. I love your competitive nature. You want to be the best at everything. I know that drive will take you far in life. I've never been the type of mom to dress you up just because. I have always allowed you to be yourself. I love how that independence is developing alongside your desire to "dress up" when we have somewhere special to go.

I love how you watch me get ready; inspecting every step I make. I love you adding your input into what I need to wear or how you compliment me when I dress up. I love your creative nature. You can take your imagination to far off places just like I did as a child. Your love for art and desire to learn amaze me. You can translate just about anything into something. I love your attempts at randomly singing like me. You give it your best shot at making up songs. I love how we spend mornings putting on a "show" for each other singing silly songs.

I love how you sneak into our bed at night and cuddle up as close as you can to me and sigh. I know you feel loved and safe and secure. You don't show affection as much as I would like, but I know you're sincere when you do hug me or kiss me or tell me you love me. I love when you or I both get angry one or the other can smile or laugh and make it all better.

Most of all, I love you for being you!

The Best of Both Worlds

When I taught, I loved it (aside from the occasional ugly parents and the mounds of paperwork). I loved the kids, loved the planning, and loved the learning that took place. As soon as I became a parent my perspective changed. I knew being a mom came first, but my desire to be a perfectionist at teaching tugged at me. I never seemed to find a good balance between being a great mom and a great teacher. I am grateful that I have been able to stay at home with the kids for nearly 2 years. I have loved more than anything that I'm the one giving them their foundation for learning. (Behavior is another issue) It seems to come natural to both of them. I credit that to the hundreds of teachable moments throughout the day. I work it in without even thinking about it sometimes. It happens at breakfast, riding down the road, walking into a store. I love how they've developed different interests and styles of learning. They are now moving away from playing with the same toys to playing with their own toys.We have a good routine established, and we all seem to enjoy how things are working now.

The only negative to staying home is no paycheck for all my hard work. It is hard to go from 2 great salaries to just one. You really have to adjust your budget and figure out the needs vs. wants (We're still working on that).  I have been actively looking for a job since April. There just aren't many teaching jobs available. Honestly, I'm not even sure I want to go back to the classroom full-time. (You hardworking teachers/former teachers know what I am talking about). Thankfully some prayers were answered recently. I'm going to be working part-time at Marlee and Cooper's preschool. I will be helping out the two days they go to school. I'll get the "teaching fix" I've been missing but still be able to stay home with the kids. I'm excited about my role of aligning their curriculum to the TN standards, creating fun projects and crafts for the kids, and helping the teachers streamline their materials for effective learning.  I'm hoping this will be the best of both worlds. Wish me luck on this new adventure!!

I'm a Cowboy!

Cooper got his first pair of cowboy boots and hasn't taken them off yet. Actually, he wore them out of the store and even to bed last night. Thankfully I was able to get them off before he got in bed. We stopped by Target this am, and he even wore them in there with shorts. He now declares himself a cowboy. Marlee was kind enough to let him have one of her horses. She said all cowboys ride horses.

Beauty Shop Barbie

The kids and I were playing in the toy room the other day when Marlee decided to play beauty shop on my hair. It dawned on me that she had an unopened Christmas present in the top of her closet. She spent a good 45 minutes working on Barbie. The best part were the stick-on fingernails we did afterward. She would hardly use her fingers for fear of popping off a nail. Finally she asked me to take them off. I think her hands were beginning to cramp!

2nd Time Around

Marlee was potty-trained before her second birthday, then regressed 100% within 6 months. Granted, we had a lot of changes happening, it was frustrating none the less. So with Cooper, I wasn't going to worry about it and let it happen on it's own. Well, the bug has really bitten him over the last few weeks. He's asking not to wear a diaper. He prefers to be bottomless, but will wear a pull-up or big boy underwear. He goes to the potty on his own and will run out and tell us he has gone potty. He's very proud of himself. Yes, there are accidents, but not many at all. Actually, he has fewer accidents when he's running around bare.

Also, Marlee dropped her paci when she was 8 months old. We never had to break that habit for her. Cooper on the other hand could hardly leave the house without one in his mouth. I was getting worried that he would still be sucking on a paci walking into kindergarten. Thankfully, his preschool teachers have helped break the paci. He's been paci free for almost 2 weeks!! This is huge for Cooper. He doesn't ask for one, and we never mention it to him. The downfall, he's been a lot more cranky and has also been skipping naps. Oh well, this to shall pass.

Even though we've already experienced the first time moments with Marlee, the second time around provides many first time moments, too.

Cruising Along

We've had another busy week around here. Chad was off on Monday, so we spent the day together as a family and shopped around town. We headed to the mall for the first time in forever. The kids had preschool two days and really are starting to enjoy themselves and are making friends. We went to a local sandwich shop that serves ice cream one afternoon with a few friends and enjoyed the cold ice cream while trying to beat the heat. Thursday we headed down to see an old friend and her daughter. We visited around her house for a while then headed to a local bounce house to avoid the hottest day of the year thus far. The kids had a great time. Cooper did awesome climbing the wall to the slide and took directions very well when I would tell him where to place his hands or feet while climbing. Today we spent the morning at the pool with new friends and old friends. I'm loving life right now and thankful for the many paths that brought us to this point on our lives. I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend. Check back in a few days for a video of Marlee swimming under water. Natural born talent as a swimmer, and maybe the next Michael Phelps!

Ramblings

Sorry for the lack of blogging the past 2 weeks. We've been super busy around here. Chad went to New Orleans last week for a work conference. The kids and I traveled back to Middle TN for my first jewelry party. It was a huge success! I couldn't have been more pleased with the way it turned out despite the rain. Thank you SO MUCH Barbie and everyone that bought jewelry!!!

Marlee stayed with Mimi for a few days and hung out with Caroline and Matthew and Koen (all cousins). She had a wonderful time and is still catching up on sleep. Her toes are green and fingers were purple plus she had tons of stories to share about her adventures. Cooper enjoyed a little one on one time with mommy and daddy. He's not use to all that undivided attention. I think he enjoyed himself, too.

I had another jewelry show Friday night, and Saturday evening we went to watch a friend's baseball team play in a tournament. I was able to snuggle with a almost newborn, Baylor and rock her to sleep in my arms. It gave me baby fever...kind of :)

This week we have been trying to get ourselves back into a routine. The kids are having fun at preschool. The drop offs have been a little difficult, but they are getting better. Cooper's teachers said he is finally starting to warm up to them. Marlee is really enjoying show and tell everyday. We make a big deal about what toy she's going to take and share. She loves to tell me about what the other kids brought.

This weekend's agenda is full, too. Friday night we're headed to a local drive-in to watch Toy Story 3 with some friends. The kids have never been to a one, so it should be fun. Saturday, we may head off to the zoo early in the morning before the heat kicks in and we sweat to death.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I promise to get the camera out of the bag and start snapping some pictures!

Bookwise

How sweet! Mar and Coop enjoying a book in the middle of the kitchen. Actually, Cooper used the book to distract Marlee from her mission to take something away from him. Just another day in the McCormick House!!

Family Fun

We've just been living here lately. Nothing new is going on. We've loved taking advantage of the beautiful weather by playing outside everyday and going on walks, bike rides, and stopping at the playground. Marlee and Cooper have made a new friend and just love him. I think they could all move in together and be happy as a lamb. LOL

This past Saturday we went to the Orange and White game. Marlee wasn't crazy about it. In fact, she freaked out a little bit. She didn't like the loud noise. Thank goodness Chad has Cooper to go to games with him. LOL She and I left and walked around campus. I know she just LOVED hearing all about where Mommy went to school. We even walked around the UC and stopped off at the bookstore for a browse.


Tracy and I at the O&W game.

Chad with the kids before going into the stadium.

Cooper, Marlee, and Jacob stopped on the bridge before going to campus.

Cooper stopping to smell some flowers the other day.

Oh, Sunny Days!

We were blessed with a few warm, sunny days a few weeks back. The kids took full advantage of the extra Vitamin D. They rode their bikes and played soccer. Cooper loves to swing like Super Man. We went to the park by the pool for a change of scenery, too.

Here's a link to videos of Marlee and Cooper riding outside. We realized that Cooper needed a helmet. That was on his birthday list, but we went ahead and gave it to him. So he now has one to wear while performing his Evil Kenevil stunts outside.

Marlee is flying.

Cooper is preparing to slide. He always turns himself around and slides on his belly.

Cooper doing his Super Man.

They are both going to be good at soccer.

Totally Worth It

If I could have one talent it would be to play the piano. I think it is so soothing and relaxing. Beautiful music is a wonderful way to de-stress. I love how music can tell a story without lyrics. It amazes me how someone can hear all of those notes in their head and transform it into something beautiful.

A few months back my friend, Elizabeth, was helping to spread the word about a former colleague's cd. Chad Watkins was the half-time music teacher my last year at Big Creek. I recently bought his cd, and it is WONDERFUL!!!!

If you are looking for some beautiful music for yourself or your children, go to his website and check it out. You won't be disappointed!!

Hello, Links, and Helping

Just dropping in to say hey! We've not been up to much since the snow or should I say ice we had last weekend. Several schools were still closed Monday after the snow/ice from Thursday. That's a rare occurrence around these parts for sure!! It has warmed up as the week has moved along. We've been able to make use of all the cute hats and gloves we got for Christmas.

Marlee and Cooper are doing great. Playing just like best friends and fighting like brother and sister. It is a wonderful sight (and comical and irritating) to watch everyday. Everyday is an adventure. Their new favorite things are using the laundry baskets as race cars, climbing on top of them like mountains, racing Monster trucks, and by far bathing in color. Marlee has become a pro at making ice cream, via play-doh, and she's the queen of of Hi-Ho Cherry-O.

In other news, I read a great post the other day that really struck me. With the chaos that's our life, it is sometimes easy to miss those small moments that happen everyday. Then with the sadness that's happening in Haiti right now, I realize I am how grateful I am for the path that brought us here and for the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom regardless of how long it lasts.

When tragic events like this happen, I find myself glued to the tv. I know it's not good for me, but I can't help myself. I have been watching CNN and have seen so many stories involving children. My heart is breaking for those children and their parents. I wish I had tons of money to donate to the many organizations that are helping with the relief. If you haven't donated yet, check out this link and pick an organization and donate what you can.

I hope you can help!

Biker Kids

Marlee got a scooter for Christmas from Mimi. We brought it inside, and it hasn't left yet. So we brought Marlee's old "bike" in for Cooper to ride around. They have spent a lot of time riding around the house chasing each other. It is so cute because they park their bikes in different spots around the house. It took me back to my childhood and playing outside with my bike pretending to be parking my car.

They are growing right before my eyes. Marlee is 3 years old and Cooper is 3 months shy of his 2nd birthday!

R & R

Well there is no rest and relaxation with a 3 yr old and 21 month old running around all day! But the R & R stands for Recap and Resolutions. 2009 was a wild year so I want to remember some of the highlights.

2009 Recap:

Cooper started walking and talking and turned one.
We went on our first family vacation with the four of us (and Nana and Papa).
I was a stay at home mom for a full year. Missed the money but loved the time with the kids.
Marlee turned 3 and continued her love affair with horses.
We were able to spend quality time with our families.
I celebrated my "last" birthday (29)! ha ha

I'm sure there are plenty of more moments to celebrate, but these came to mind first.

2010 Resolutions:

I tend to dwell on the negative in situations (I know, shocking!!) but I really want to focus on the positive in 2010. I want more patience with myself and the kids and life in general. With that, I want to focus on quality time with my family. I want to look back at my time home with Marlee and Cooper and not wish that I had done this or that with them. I see how quickly time is moving, so I want to cherish every moment I have with them. I want to focus on myself more by doing more things for myself and spending time with my friends. I know a happy mom means a happy family. I also want to be better at time management. I tend to over-extend myself which leads to stress. I hope that all of that leads to health and happiness for myself and my family.

Boy, doesn't that feel good?

Cooper is finally getting his revenge for all the times Marlee has been mean to him.

> He hits and says, "Stop it, Sissy!" all at the same time.

Chad called attention to the smirk on his face in this picture!!

He had just socked her in the head here!