Remember when....

Paige turned SIX...two months ago.  Her kindergarten graduation happened to fall right on her birthday as well.  So for me, it was a doubly special day.

Kindergarten Graduation consisted of both classes putting on a program - 2 songs, walking down the aisle as graduates, and receiving a graduation certificate.  Not a huge production, but for Paige who absolutely loathes being center of attention, (regardless if it's a group or solo), she's not really a fan.  Obvious?

She did not want to go at all, was actually a little stressed about it.  I finally told her that if she didn't go she wouldn't graduate.  Lies, I know, but I didn't know how else to get her there "willingly".

Anywho, back to the topic at hand.  SIX years old!  We celebrated with a party at AIM gymnastics with a bunch of her friends.  So much fun they had :)

Happy Birthday girlie!

Oh nuts.

Look at this boy.  He's adoreable.  And kinda bad. But so cute, it gets over looked.  And kinda fiesty.  But so cute, it also gets overlooked.

He's also allergic to EVERYTHING - and this can not be overlooked.  I wish it could.  The latest is a PEANUT ALLERGY.

When he turned a year old I gave him his first taste of peanut butter.  Minutes later, I notice his cheeks are really, really red and splotchy.  I suspected that it was the peanut butter but didn't know for sure.  (At this point his skin {particularly his cheeks} had finally begun to heal from chronic exczema that lasted nearly 10 months.  He continues even now to have exczema, but no where near as bad as the first year).

Anyway, I decide to avoid the peanut butter for the time being.  Then a few months later, I think "maybe it wasn't really the peanut butter" and I attempt it again.  I gave him the tiniest piece of a PB & J sandwich and instantly his neck and cheeks get red and then hives (big ones!) start appearing rapidly from the neck up.  He is furiously itching at his face too.  I give him Benadryl (oh yeah, and I freak out) and in a few minutes it starts to subside.  (phew).

So....his doc recommends a visit to the allergist.  And it is confirmed that he has a peanut allergy.  (Luckily no other nuts, but the allergist says it's likely he can become allergic to all nuts.  Awesome.)  I'm also instructed to carry an Epi-pen and Benadryl at all times.  He described it as a glass of water being filled each time he has a reaction - meaning each one gets worse.  He said that 80% of kids do not out grow this and have it forever.  (Which means 20% do, and I'm really holding out for that!)

Either way, this whole thing freaks me out a little.  Right now, it's not really a big deal because he's always in my care and I'm always the one preparing his food.  But come school/preschool age, what am I gonna do????  I'd like to tattoo on his head "I HAVE A PEANUT ALLERGY!!!!" but I think I might get in trouble for that.  Of course there's always a permanent marker....haha.

I'm also sad that he'll never enjoy a PB & J sandwich.  What kind of a childhood is that?  And do you know how hard it is to make a PB & J sandwich and not use the same knife for the jelly jar.  Try it.  It's not easy to remember.  He now has his own jelly jar in the fridge so I can be certain no peanut butter has accidentally gotten into it.  It's the only peanut product I have in the house - how do I get rid of it when Caiden and Paige (and my husband) (and me) eat it all the time???

Ohhhhhhhh, it so stresses me.  My poor Preston.

Figures...

It figures that as soon as I post about our new kitty and it's miraculous wonders, that it RUNS AWAY.  I feel a little hurt that once it got it's eyesight it bolted.  We really were nice to it.  Honest. I don't know.  Maybe it found someone that actually let it inside their house.  Hmmm...

Either way, the kids are sad.  Caiden especially.  He really has such a giant heart.  Come back to us Buttercup!

On another note, I still have so many pictures to post!  When will I do it????

Buttercup

We have a new kitty.  I had a moment of weakness, and took in a kitten that a friend of mine found.  It is (was) tiny.  Couldn't even eat on it's own, I had to feed it with an eye dropper.  This got old real quick.  I started regretting taking in this kitty that was beginning to feel like a baby....hand feedings...cleaning up its poo.  I even started to think something I rarely EVER think....."I should have listened to my husband".

But we kept it.  I didn't really have a choice unless I was willing to emotionally scar my children.  They instantly gave it about 6 different names, (I think we've settled on Buttercup?) and Paige was drawing it pictures...daily.  "Look mom, this one says I LOVE YOU!"  Oh dear.  I think we have a cat.  Permanently.

Then, I start to notice that there's something odd about the way it follows you.  Like it can't see you, only hear or smell you.  We take it to vet for shots.  I ask the vet about it.  "The eyes look okay" (proceeds to throw something past it....and nothing.)  More examining.  "Well, it appears to be able to differentiate between light and darkness, but doesn't appear to see objects very well."  Awesome.

So...obviously it doesn't venture past the patio.  Which means it poops all.over.my.patio.  All over.  All freaking over.  I'm not having very loving thoughts towards this kitty.  I'm trying.  It's not going well.  I start to try to convince the kids that it would be better for the kitty to go to someone who can let it live indoors.  Caiden cries.  Cries.  So, again.  I think we have a cat.  A blind cat.  Permanently.

Then.......while I was serving on that jury a couple weeks ago, I was carpooling with a fellow juror, Ruby, who had no car.  She was an interesting lady, super nice, but interesting.  We get talking about our pets one day and I mention our blind kitty that poops on my patio.  She tells me she's gonna pray for it.  And I'm not kidding...the kitty miraculously got it's eyesight.  AND it discovered the nearby landscaping and poops in the dirt!!!!!!  (Thanks Ruby!)

So, we have a kitty.  A kitty that can SEE and POOP in the DIRT.  Permanently.  :)

Spring done sprung...

Continuing on...

Just as soon as the weather began to warm up, Caiden and Paige went through a serious rock-collecting phase.  Who knew the dirty old rocks in the landscaping were so fun..."Look!! This one has PURPLE in it!!!"

Preston also discovered how much he loved to be outside wandering around the driveway with random objects (like a Halloween bucket :) and going on tricycle rides with Caiden.

Meanwhile, Casey and I were busy painting the house...we're nearing completion...sorta.  Those pics are to come.

Oh, and I began work on my glorious garden.  Seriously, it's amazing.  That one for sure gets its very own post...soon :)

And just because these are cute....

Preston has a habit of laying on anyone cuddled up on the floor, particularly Paige.  She loves it.

...and this one...

...first, how funny it is that he can climb all over them and they barely take their eyes from the TV.  But I especially love how Paige is holding his little hand and then watches that he doesn't fall off...so sweet!

More to come....

As promised....

This is my catch-up post :)  (One of them, at least) Let's time-travel back to March.

Caiden played Spring Soccer and also played as goalie much more than he wanted.  It's not his favorite position, but really he did a great job.  Poor thing gets so discouraged if a ball gets through.  Doesn't everyone?  I, of course was a super proud mama.  I mean, just kicking the ball down the field without tripping and falling over it is skill INDEED in my book :)

Also, in March, we took our annual Peart Family Snowbird trip.  As always, we had fun on the slopes...

...and not only was the outside mountain scenery amazing, but the scenery inside as well. Take a look at these hotties - my husband, brothers, and brother-in-law thought it would be funny to shave off their beards/goatees and sport hideous Chester-Molester-Handle-Bar mustaches. (Hey, I write this, I get to name it whatever I want :)  

Jesse gets the top Chester award I think.  That pose is classic.  And scary.  If he hadn't have just fathered such a sweet precious little girl, I would maybe be having the don't-go-anywhere-or-take-anything-from-Uncle-Jesse talk with my kids. 

But, really Paige summed it up best when she crawled into my lap while fearfully looking at Casey, and said "Mommy....why is daddy different?"   Don't worry, sweet girl, he'll come back....if he wants a ride home, that is :)

More to come....

Passing time...

I'm excited as the next kid when summer comes along.  Simply the greatest.

Unfortunately, on the second day of summer I had to report for Jury Duty, where I was selected to be on a trial.  The estimated 2-3 days slowly turned into 4 days, the last day lasting into the late night hours.  My kids missed me.  The pool missed me.  And most of all I think my husband missed me since he was the one who mostly stayed home with them.

And to top it off, right in the middle of my absence Preston came down with the Plague, otherwise known as the dreaded Hand-Foot-Mouth virus that has rapidly spread through town, sentencing us to another 2 weeks of homebound-ness (I may be creating new words here).

I especially felt bad that Caiden and Paige, who are perfectly healthy have to suffer their first couple of weeks of summer...not being able to go anywhere.  So, I made a mental note that I'd make it up to them by pretty much saying "yes" (as much as I could) to everything they asked for for one whole day.  And hearing them say to each other repeatedly (in very surprised and excited tones)  "This is BEST.DAY.EVER!!!" leads me to believe it worked.  Maybe it was the popsicles, cheetos, and coke we had for dinner....or the huge mess they made that I simply turned a blind eye to....I don't know.

So this is how we are passing time - Slip N Slides and Popsicles!

Next week, we hope to finally get out of this house!

June?

I'm behind. 

Ugh.

All I have to say is, Paige turns 6 tomorrow.  Holy cow.  

Yesterday I was messing around with Preston and Paige walked in and somehow had the impression someone was in trouble.  (I must be loud.)  

I said "You are!!"  

Paige:  "Why?"

Me: "Because you're turning 6, and you're not supposed to.  You're supposed to stay 5 forever!!!!"

Paige:  (thoughtful....& with sass)  "Well.....you didn't."   

Oh. Okay.

I hope to catch up...soon.  You've not heard about our new kitty.  You know the one I've been wanting to chase away mice and rabbits and skunks and neighboring pitbulls?  Too bad it's BLIND!  

....and HOW have I not posted a pic of my husband sporting an incredibly scary handle-bar mustache???

.....and Paige's sweet and hilarious/slightly embarrassing Mother's Day card she made for me at school.  

.....AND my lovely first-time garden happens to be flourishing!  (I've never used that word before.) 

....and did I ever mention my stolen purse.  Right out of my car.  Right in my very own driveway.

We've much to discuss.  Someday....


Just for the record, right at this very moment, I happen to be ALONE.  I'm never alone.  Paige is at school all day today because it is their Aquatic Center Field trip and Preston is sleeping.  The house is strangely quiet....and clean. I'm not sure what to think.  Do I like it?  Is this how it will really be all next year??

Pulling Teeth

Look at these two!  Who fed them miracle grow???

Let me begin by saying how much I HATE the teeth pulling process.  I just can't handle it.  It makes me nauseous.  It makes me cringe.  It's totally Casey's job, which is good because it doesn't phase him one bit to rip a tooth right out of their mouths.  Eeek!  Barf on me all you want, but don't ask me to pull your tooth! AND I hate it because once they lose their baby teeth and get their new big teeth...they start looking BIG and OLD!  Especially the front teeth :(

Anyway, this was a new experience for all.  Caiden and Paige went in for a routine dentist visit and because their permanent teeth were coming in before the baby teeth were ready to come out the doc recommended they be pulled ASAP.  And he wasn't kidding.  At 5:00 the next morning (yes, morning!!!) they were scheduled for "surgery".

They gave them just enough gas to knock them out for about 10 min, pull their teeth, wake up and go home.

I had no idea how absolutely hilarious Caiden was going to be.

He was high as a kite.  Once he woke up, he couldn't stop laughing and swaying to and fro.  As I'm trying to walk him to the car, he's barely on his feet, swaying, LAUGHING....now I'm laughing...nurses are laughing.  We get to car and he has to climb into the back.  Can't get his drunk legs and arms to work, finally manages to get in the back and goes to sit in his seat and completely falls into the window.  His head and chest are against the window...and he's LAUGHING.  I'm dying myself at this point.  I manage to get him in his seat and buckled, which you guessed it...was HILARIOUS to him.  Then, he says (between laughter) "MOM,......I feeeeeeeel........less....SMAAAAARRRTER - hahahahahahahahahahaha!"  Yes, son.  I think you might be.

Then I have to go back in and get Paige.  I look back and see him still swaying to and fro...and laughing.  SO.SO.FUNNY.

Paige was much less high.  I'm not even sure they got the same stuff.  She couldn't stop touching her teeth, or more the abscence of.  Both her front ones were pulled.  On the way, home she suddenly says "I can't make the sound of the letter "f"!!!  I can't make the sound of the letter "f"!!!"  And Caiden found that very hilarious :)

Extreme Home Makeover: Part 1

Is it time for some "before" and "after" pictures already?  I think so!  Not that anyone really cares too much about this....  but it sorta consumed my life for the past several months.  All winter long we have been painting...and painting.  And by "we" I mostly mean "I".  Just thought I'd throw that out there :)

This is the "before" picture of the family room.

When we first moved in only the one bookshelf (on the left) was up.  I always thought it looked weird and very unsymmetrical.  But to our delight, we found the exact same bookshelf hiding out in the garage.  I guess they never got a chance to put it up?  Anyway, I got to work priming and painting them both white.  Along with the fireplace...  I really don't love the green tiles, nor the decorative plate around the fireplace, but as money doesn't grow on trees (so my daddy taught), I did what I could with paint.  I mean, really, the gold has got to go..... (excuse my kids Monoply game there, I was forbidden to move it :)

And wa-la....here it is all finished!  Do you love?  I love!

Fresh coat of paint (everywhere!) including trim, bookshelves, mantel, window frames, and of course the walls.  It took me 150 years.  The best part was going on a little shopping spree at Hobby Lobby for some new home decor.  Not kidding, that I want move in to that store.  The only thing left is the dreaded carpet (don't get me started)....and I'm thinking a much bigger TV should be hanging above the fireplace.....just a thought (Santa can you hear me??).

THEN, I moved on to the kitchen....here's the "before" - hated the backsplash and knobs....

And "after"....

We knocked off the old tile backsplash, threw up some super fun mosiac tiles, replaced the knobs, painted a little, and updated the plain wood door to a fresh white one.  Me love!  I do think stainless steal appliances are in order, no?  And granite countertops - yes that would be fabulous!


This is the eating area "before".  Check out how ugly the light is...it is literally sponged painted teal to match the ugliness throughout the house.

And a little red paint later.....it now looks like this!  I love the red....Casey probably not as much :)

Anyway, I didn't get before pictures on the entry way, dining room, and living room.....but everything was a horrible peachy-pink.  (Ugh.  It still makes me shudder a little).  And the front door was teal.  Yes, teal.  I also took down all the trim, sanded, primed, and painted it white.

The living room is still lacking in furniture... sad, beat up futon is acting as a couch.  (Again, Santa - are you listening??)

Aside from that we are so happy with the new look :)

Now that the weather is warming up, and I am getting really tired of holding a paint brush, I have moved outside to...my garden.  Oh my.  What is the world coming to.  Me - a gardener??  Well, I guess we should wait to use such a term until anything actually grows.  This is the area I designated for it last year.  I walked out there a couple weeks ago and...yikes.  It needs a bit a work, ya think?

But I did it, and currently peas, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, and onions are peacefully growing.  So exciting!

We are also painting the entire outside of the house and soon as it gets warm enough.  Very much looking forward to that project being completed.  Until then.....