pets, cont...

It has happened again. The kids have found a pet. Today it was early in the morning. We had just arrived home after spending the week in VA for Spring Break. We took the very long route, and drove into our driveway at 1:30 in the morning. Eddie had to be at the soccer field at 7:30 in the morning. After spending time encouraging a losing team and making a stop at the grocery store, I arrived home. Chris was pulling weeds. Lana was helping with her tank top and pull-up. Noah came running out with his boxers on. That was when it happened. A very cute, tiny dog, that looked like a miniature pit bull, came running up. The kids were delighted! I knew in an instant that I was in trouble the second they scooped him up and said: "Can we keep him?!"

And then another, bigger version came. "Two dogs! I can't believe it!" Once again the kids were in heaven. I could just see the light in their eyes as they plotted to make them family. They had even named them. (Poachi and CoCo) They even came in the house. They even had a photo shoot. The two dogs even scared a little boy riding his trike down the street. For a few hours my kids owned their own dogs. As they ran inside, I even had visions of them peeing on my floors. "Mom. Of course we can keep them. They don't have tags. They don't belong to anyone. Please!!!!"Well, finally, after the dogs had scared the little boy to tears, I knew the dream had to be broken. I didn't want the accusing dad to think we actually owned this dangerous duo. We had Poachi and CoCo jump into our car to be driven around the neighborhood until we found the true owners. I'm happy to report they are safe and sound and tomorrow there will be no signs posted of two very cute dogs missing.

Noah Turns 4!

Noah was my easiest labor and birth. That morning I knew I was having some contractions, but they were not bad at all, and I decided to just call the DR. just to see what she would do. I was 2 weeks early. I was never early with the other crazy ones. I went to the DR's office and they did the monitor thing and decided that I should be admitted. SOOOO, I took my own sweet time. I ran to the grocery store. I had to go home and get the kids stuff to ship off to friends for the day. I got my stuff ready. I went to the school to get Ceily. I called Chris. I took the girls to a friend's house. I went back home and waited for Chris. I really didn't experince bad contractions. I thought I had hours. Chris finally arrived to get me and it was maybe 2 hours later. We arrived at hospital about 1:15pm. "Hi. I'm Jayne and I'm checking in." "Oh! We have been waiting for you! Where have you been?" These were not the nurses that had been phoned by the doctor.
These were the very old volunteers that work the front desk! I was a bit surprised. I thought that they were making a big deal about this. I mean, I wasn't in real labor yet.Chris and I were completely alone. I have mentioned that I enjoy my family and extended family and friends and neighbors at my deliveries. We had called Chris' parents when we knew we were going to the hospital, so they were on their journey from home. Chris' dream had finally come true. It was just him and me and the nurse and the beeping monitor. And a lame anethesiologist.To make a long story short, as the anethesiologist was trying to administer my epidural, which he did not do successfully, I HAD TO PUSH!!!! I'm sitting there, scrunched over, my back exposed, a huge needle being put into me, and a guy asking me dumb questions and making jokes and saying it wont take much longer and I HAVE TO PUSH!!! Finally the nurse realizes the truth to my HAVE TO PUSH!!! comments and she quickly calls the DR. The DR. is not in the hospital and she tells me- "Now don't push hon. We have to wait for the doctor." Noah is litterally there, and I HAVE TO PUSH!!! But I can't. Finally, the doctor arrives, she puts her gloves on and I GET TO PUSH!!! Noah is there in one PUSH and all is well. The time is 2:30pm. Good thing we decided to go the the hospital.

Well, since that day four years ago, we have had much fun with our Noah. He's a happy, happy kid. He loves to talk. All the parents at school always comment on how much personality he has for a little guy. He's been my craziest one. He's not afraid of anything. We took a trip to Disney last year, and he wanted to do all the rides. He wasn't scared to go upside down.
He's loving and kind. He gives the best hugs and kisses. He makes us all laugh. He would love to be a fireman or a super hero. He yoves (loves) to kiss on the yips (lips). He can run as fast as Dash in The Incredibles. He feels the "Holy Ghost when he thinks of Jesus." He thinks he can read. He's had stiches already. He has almost drowned 3 times. (Under the watchful eyes of Chris I might add.) He's not "ascared" of anything. He really does want to watch Harry Potter 6. (I wont let him.) I tell him that he sold me out. I was counting on him to be my one baby that looked like me, with lots of dark hair. No such luck. This morning we woke up and I asked Noah what we were going to do for his birthday. "Eat cake!! Open presents! Oh, and one more thing- PINATA!!"
Noah is four today. I really can't believe my baby is four years old. I keep telling him he'll always be my baby and he can never grow up. He usually gets quite offended because he is "NOT A BABY!!" But you'll always be mine I quietly add.

Spring Has Sprung!

We live in such a beautiful place! Yesterday we were able to walk around downtown Charleston and enjoy Spring. Springs in Charleston don't last very long so when it's here, we can't get enough. Downtown was so pretty with all the flowers and leaves blooming. I couldn't stop taking pictures. I was also able to catch a picture of the three leprechauns. Too funny!
My sister Kasi was in town on her way to Florida. She and her friend came with their combined 5 kids. My kids were in heaven! They love their cousins and were so excited to see them for a bit. We let them stay up late Sunday night. I think they played Guitar Hero until 12:30 am. (We did make the little kids go to bed before that!) Ceily must be commended for her stellar performance. We got a call from Barbara (Yes, we are VERY friendly.) the school nurse at 9:30 the next morning. Ceily was complaining of a headache and belly ache and cough. As I spoke with Ceily, she was able to perform her cough for me and sound quite uncomfortable. I knew she just wanted to come home and hang with the girls and maybe hitch a ride with them to Disney. Who wouldn't!? As we walked around we were reminded of all the incredible history we have here. The first shots of the Civil War were blasted into downtown Charleston. George Washington walked these streets. The architecture is incredible. Everyone needs to come and experience this town first hand. And we also have the beach to offer. Can't ask for much more.

happy birthday mom. EVERYBODY loves you!

free time

This is Chris. I usually try to stay out of Jayne's way on the blog because she writes the best posts and I don't want to bring down the average. But... there were a few things I wanted to share.

Since I've left work I've probably only average 3-4 hours of work per day. I should be getting a lot done around the house, working out, fishing, etc. Not so much.

I've split the extra time between watching movies/sports late at night and hanging with the family. It's been pretty awesome (though I'll be pretty much full time next week (unless I go fishing.)

Jayne and I dropped off Noah at school this week and went for a long walk on the beach (just like our personal ads...) There were tons (I mean hundreds!) of these enormous jellyfish washed up on the shore (the one I picked up was pretty small.)

And also the rotting, half-eaten carcass of an Atlantic Sturgeon. They are different looking - Jayne thought it was part of an alligator. I wish we had a picture but for some reason, we didn't take one - probably the smell chased us away. Speaking of chase, an enormous container ship was cruising into the harbor right by us and threw up a series of waves that suddenly pushed the waves 50+ feet up the beach. Jayne running away from the wave... I also wish I had a picture of that...

Finally, Eddie has been asking for a sports jersey for some time. I love sports but was never that into the whole jersey so I ignored it until I realized it wouldn't go away. So I got him a Sean Taylor (Redskins) jersey. I showed him a Youtube video about Sean Taylor and then gave it to him and he was very excited. He immediately went outside to play football and gave a good Sean Taylor pose for the camera.

School Days

The Science Fair has finally arrived. All 5th graders were required to do a project. The last Science Fair project completed in this house was 3 years ago. That was the year Ceily chose to participate. It was fairly easy and mess free. I remember her comment: "All that stinking work for nothing."

So, when this experiment came around, she was surprisingly excited. And I've been quite impressed with her work and stamina. She never stopped doing the experiment and was always very diligent at getting her data and making notes and such. Yeah Ceily! You are growing up.

That was until 3:30 yesterday afternoon. It was crunch time. The project had to be completed and ready to take to school at 6:30am. Ceily did come home and immediately sat down and typed all her info. She didn't realize that there was WAY, WAY, WAY more to do. We had some discussions. (Mine weren't as quiet as Chris'.) But we worked through it all and finally at 1am Chris and I went to bed. Ceily had retired at midnight. She had to go to school early for Cello lessons. I'm excited to see the final conclusion. Tonight we will be attending the School Science Fair. Tonight we will see the results...

...All I wanted to do was go to bed...

But, no rest for the weary. We had to be in Lana's classroom this morning at 8:30am. Her kindergarten class was performing at the Circus! Lana was extremely excited to have been chosen as an acrobat. She was able to wear a leotard with frilly skirt to school and bounce and do cart wheels and rolls and a wheel barrel race. It's so fun to see your little one's so excited. And it's fun and interesting to see them in their environment away from home. She really didn't want to have anything to do with us. She was more interested in being with her friends.

During the Circus, her little friend was upset and started crying. I watched Lana rub this little girl's back and hold her hand and be concerned. Yeah Lana! You're a good friend.

***Ceily's Science Fair Project Update***No placement, but some positve feedback from the judges. "Everyone said I was going to win because mine looked so pretty." Maybe we'll give it another try in 3 more years.

Love Notes From Lana

Last week I got a cold. It wasn't that bad but it has sure lingered and I did lose my voice. It seems to be a trend with me. Once a year I lose my voice. And you would think I would learn.
When I can't talk, I can't yell and when I can't yell, the house is quiet.
On Tuesday morning I woke and could only whisper. All the kids were in my bathroom getting ready for school and someone, I think it was Eddie, was complaining about something. Lana said; "Give mom a break. She can't talk. Take it easy on her."
Lana is my nurturer. I've always tried to avoid labeling my children, but nurturer is a good label and she's good at it. She's little and only 6, but is always aware of who is in need. It made me smile and happy that she was taking care of me in her own, small way.(Translation of above picture: I love my mom she is pretty. I love her so much.)

(I hope you feel better. Is your voice gone?)

As I continued to whisper for a few days, all the children continued to whisper for a few days. I would ask them to do something, and they would reply back in a whisper. I was able to accomplish tasks without being the yell leader. Our home was quiet and peaceful.
And I realized AGAIN, A soft answer turneth away wrath.