A Better Day

Well, we had a much better day today. Emma had a friend over - which can sometimes be difficult with the boys. But they all played well together and the boys left them alone - for the most part. The one time he did play with them, he came out dressed like a girl- pink dress, make up, head band, and all!!! I have to say, he'd make a pretty cute girl! Ha!

I got a lot done around the house today...so that always seems to make me feel better. I cleaned the carpets in the living room with the help of my assistant, Logan. That child helped me clean every inch of that carpet. I could have done it myself in half the time, but I'm going to make him a good husband some day! He loves to help clean and cook. He sits on the counter every time I make something - he has to be involved in everything. He can tell you exactly how to make macaroni and cheese. (we eat a lot of it!). He is a sweet boy, but he has his moments - just ask the grandparents!! Yesterday, while I was at a doctor's appointment, I got a call from my babysitter (who is awesome by the way!!!), saying that Logan was being mean. Apparently he didn't get his way and threw a temper tantrum. It was a side of him Rachel had never seen and she didn't know what to do. I had to laugh - he is like Jekyll and Hyde. He got over it real quick and was back to his sweet self by the time I got home.

I had my follow up appointment for my ankle yesterday. The doctor told me I basically have to live with the pain until I can't stand it anymore. The arthritis is so bad that he can not go in and scope it. My only option is to have it fused - which is a last resort (when I am old and gray - okay, old and gray-but colored!). He said there is new technology on the horizon for ankle transplants, so maybe someday in the future that will be an option. There is also one more procedure where they take cartilage from the knee and put it in the ankle, but it is a very invasive procedure. I have good days and bad days, but I'm not to that point yet! He is ordering me an ankle brace which I can wear to help the pain as well. Boy - when did I get this old?! It seems like just yesterday that Leanne and I were dressing Nathan up as a girl (remember that Nathan? I have pictures to prove it!) - Now my kids are torturing each other - geez, time flies.

Max (or Maxipus as my friend from school taught the boys - thanks Heidi!) is doing great. He is really warming up to the family. He loves to play and he cuddled up and slept with the kids today. They adore him...and I have to say, I'm pretty fond of the little guy myself. Jonathan can't wait to meet him - okay, well maybe he can - but he has been polite and asked about him through email. He's probaby saving the lecture to give to me in person. He's having fun in Tokyo. Don't be fooled - he's not working - well, not business work. He is volunteering for the Star Wars Celebration conference (like we did in London last year). He is actually giving a presentation on Monday on food collectibles. He's becoming a Star Wars celebrity...ooh la la! I guess his classmates knew what they were doing when they voted him most likely to succeed. Hopefully he doesn't have to present in Japanese.

Well, that's about it for today. We're looking forward to tomorrow. Uncle Brett, Aunt Katie, Connor, and Maisie are coming by for a visit. Yay - adult interaction!

Alone Again!

Well, we are on our own again. Jonathan left for Tokyo yesterday morning and will be gone till late Tuesday night. It seems to get harder and harder each time he leaves. Sometimes I think I'm speaking a different language because my children do not listen to me at all!!! I sometimes wonder where we went wrong. I have little patience left - especially for Owen's behavior. I pray that we are able to medicate him and that it helps him. He scares me sometimes - his favorite sayings are "I hate you" and "You're stupid". I am at a loss as to what to do. I have tried ignoring, time outs, spankings, a sticker chart,etc; Of course, Logan is starting to repeat the things that Owen says - I just don't know what to do!!! Hopefully when he goes back to school, the structure and routine will help get him back on track. Any suggestions...I am open to them!

Meet our newsest addition!

Yes, I am insane, but he purred when I held him!!! He is so sweet. We adopted him through Pet Smart. He's 11 weeks old and has been neutered and has all of his beginning shots. The kids decided to name him Max - that was the best choice out of some interesting names they came up with!

Mom is Stylin!

My cell phone broke while we were on vacation, so I took it to the At&t store. They told me it was done for, so it was time for a new phone. Jonathan talked me into getting a blackberry. The teenager that sold me the phone at Best Buy told me that it was a "sweet" phone and then he told Emma that her mom was stylin'! Imagine that! Anyways, he got me all hooked up and I love the phone. I just hope that I don't become addicted to it like Jonathan. The kids are enjoying playing with my old phone. Emma carried it with her to the store...to let people think she's cool with a cell phone! In her dreams!

More Magical Memories

A group shot in front of the Tree of Life.










Another group shot in front of Mickey's Hat at Hollywood Studios.








Which one is Goofy?

Another Glitch

We took Owen for his EKG last week before our trip. The pediatrician had this test run to make sure his ticker was healthy before starting ADHD meds. I should have known that something was wrong when they called me three times while we were on vacation. Owen's EKG showed signs of sinus arrhythmia. The doctor's office said that it's probably nothing and that we just need to see a pediatric cardiologist to have it checked out. So, we're off to the cardiologist next Tuesday. I'll keep you posted!

Magical Night at Cinderella's Castle

One of the best nights we had was our first night at Cinderella's castle. It was Nana's birthday and we surprised her with a flower arrangement and a special chocolate slipper dessert. Everyone sang happy birthday to her and even the Fairy Godmother came by to see her. Logan fell asleep halfway through the meal. The food was delicious, our waiter was incredible, and everything about it seemed magical. To end it all, we watched the fireworks through the castle windows.