Deborah's Birthday

Saturday night, my friend Deborah celebrated her (cough, cough) 35th birthday! We met over at Paiges, and then headed downtown to Iron Cactus. We had a good time, but I was ready to head home at the end up the night. After 2 nights of checking on Collin (all night), I was tired.

Kiddos are getting well....

Reese ended up getting a little sick on Friday. She woke up from her nap, Friday afternoon, with a fever. We have been doing breathing treatments, nasal saline, and decongestants to try to get her and Collin well. Reese has felt much better than Collin overall, but Collin is finally getting back to his old self. Today was the first day he was back at activities or school. Poor kiddos, hope they will stay well for a while.
Since we stayed in all weekend, Jeff tilled the flowerbed and planted some yellow and orange mums, plus we put out our pumpkins. The house is looking like "fall" and the kids are enjoying the new decor.

Ramblings of a tired Mommy....

Collin woke up around 3AM Wednesday, poor kid said he felt bad and he was HOT. I didn't even take his temperature, I just gave him Motrin and put him back to bed. He woke up early Wednesday morning around 6AM saying his throat hurt, so we took Reese to school and Collin went to the doctor. Of course while there, he was acting perfectly healthy and full of energy. Dr Nail asked him, "does your throat hurt?" and Collin boldly said, "Noooo" and then Dr. Nail asked him, "did you have a fever?" and again loudly proclaimed, "Nope." So, there I sit looking like a big, fat LIAR. Dr. Nail just laughed and said, "kids will throw you under the bus everytime". Clearly, I would prefer Collin to be at school and for me to not be dishing out $$$ to the doctor. So, Dr. Nail says Collin has laryngitis and a virus and I am left realizing I shouldn't have taken him in the first place. Then, Collin takes a nap and wakes up miserable and we go get Reese. Same story on Thursday. Then, last night (Thursday), I go to give him Motrin before I go to bed and he SOUNDS horrible and his is HOT--I take his temp. and it is 102 (under the arm), so probably more like 103. Jeff goes out and buys a new humidifier (ours is a P.O.S.) and I WORRY....WORRY....WORRY. I check on him every hour or so. He finally cools down, so I feel a little better. Jeff checks on him at 4AM (which is when he gets up for work) and said he sounds BAD. To make a long story....even longer....he is STILL sick. Completely stinks. Of course it is "invite a friend to dance day" and Abigail is supposed to be meeting us there. I can't take Collin. So, my friends Julianne and Janis, step up to the plate and help me out with Reese. I am really hoping Reese doesn't get sick and Collin gets better. I leave next Thursday for NY, and I would hate to leave behind sick little monkeys. I bet Jeff would hate it worse....

Plano Balloon Festival

Plano had its annual balloon festival (hot-air ballons) this last weekend, so we decided to go Sunday morning. We went with The Devlin's, and Amy and Brian scoped out an awesome place for us to watch--AND it was free!!! The balloons normally lift off around 7:00AM, so we decided to get donuts, chocolate milk and set up blankets and chairs for the kids. We met at Dunkin' Donuts at 5:45AM, are we crazy??? I am serious. It was so worth it. The kids had a blast and the balloons came directly over us as they were about to land. Collin's favorite balloon was the dinosaur and Reese's was the flower. We had a great time!

The Seibert Family--update

(a cherished photograph by photographer Deanna at

www.devine-memories.com)

Please pray for this amazing family. Chris has fought his battle with cancer long and hard, and his liver is now failing. The prognosis is not good and they are preparing for the worst. I would like to ask for lots and lots of prayers for them. Please pray for Christopher to be free of pain and suffering and to be as comfortable as possible. Please pray for Denise to have strength to take care of Christopher AND Ethan and to be able to reach out and ask for the support she needs.

Chris and Denise have suffered a great deal financially, and this is another tremendous way to help. This is not an easy time financially for anyone, but even $5-$10 donations add up and help!! You can donate at this link: (http://www.ourseibertfamily.com/)

Another great way to help--Our neighbor, Lauren, has organized a yard sale for our neighborhood and the proceeds will be donated to The Seibert Family, so if you have anything you would like to sale, please drop it by to me (or I will be happy to come pick it up) and we will sale it for you!!!!

I could not sleep last night, just lying awake wishing I could do something to ease the burden for this family. I am so saddened by all of this, it just seems so unfair!!! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Children definitely speak the truth

So, yesterday, Reese and I are sitting on the couch and we have a conversation that goes like this....

Reese: "Mommy, sometimes you have a baby in your tummy."

Me: "No, I really don't, why do you think that I have a baby in my tummy?" (knowing EXACTLY where this is going)

Reese: "Because your tummy is BIG" (she even giggled a little)

Me: "No, there is no baby in my tummy, I just have a big tummy." (I couldn't decide to laugh or cry)

The scariest part of this conversation is now I am afraid of who else she might say this too. So, if she happens to say this to YOU, just know you aren't alone...better go start doing some sit-ups.

Dinner with Friends

It is so much fun, when us "moms" can get out for dinner and drinks without the kids!! We did this last night and had a great time. We went to The Frisco Bar and I had a yummy "Strawberry Shortcake" martini.

Fun with the girls

Jeff had planned on taking Collin camping (not hunting) this past weekend, but with the hurricane and all of the wind and rain that was in the forecast they decided not to go. Reese and I had already made "girly" plans with friends Janis, Ashton & Arabella, so we kept ours. Collin ended up spending some one on one with Daddy and Reese and I headed to the movies. We met up with the girls, and saw "Fly Me to the Moon" in 3D (check out the 3D glasses). It was such a cute movie and the FIRST time Reese has been to the movie theater. She loved it and all the girls got lots of treats (Icees, popcorn, candy, etc.). After the movie, we had lunch and then headed to the Disney store. Reese picked out her Halloween costume and then headed home. Now I really want to take Collin to see the movie. Not sure how he will do in the theater, but you never know if you don't try!! Thanks Janis, Ashton & Arabella, we had so much fun!!

An exciting morning

Collin got up this morning and was asking to color, so I put him at the breakfast table, got him some markers and a coloring book. I thought I heard a bird chirping, and was about to ask Collin if he could hear it. Then it started to get louder and louder and started sounding more like a yelp! I started thinking that Sophie, our cat, maybe got a hold of a bird. So, I went to open the patio door and standing right there, ready to dart in was Sophie with a FURRY CREATURE in her mouth and all I could see was blood. I sort of kicked at her to scare her back outside, but she just dropped this creature inside the house and she ran back outside. I screamed and wanted to make sure I could see where it was going. I soon realized it was a baby bunny, but I could see blood and, if you know me well, you KNOW I was NOT going to be touching this bunny. So, I pick up Collin and I call Jeff and start screaming and crying what happened and now there is a bloody baby bunny in our house and that I CANNOT pick it up. He quickly let's me go and calls our neighbor. I am trying to tell Collin not to be scared, but why wouldn't he be, his mom is a complete FREAK about these kind of things and can't even control myself with my kids around. Joel (our neighbor), comes over, get the bunny out from under the couch and checks him out. He says he has a little wound, but nothing that looks too serious. He takes the baby bunny out, across the alley and let's him go. I have put our cat back in the house and pray that she does NOT do something like this again!!! Poor Collin is probably scarred for life, but he seemed fine after we explained to him that Mr. Joel caught the bunny and let him run to find his Mommy and Daddy. Collin was glad to know the bunny was okay and that he would be reunited with his family. Quite an exciting morning around here!!! Reese woke up right as Mr. Joel was leaving, so she missed the whole thing. Funny enough...as I was getting ready this morning and the kids were playing in the playroom--I could hear Collin yelling, "the baby bunny is going to get me, the bunny is going to get me". I went in there and reminded him that the bunny was OUTSIDE and he said, "I know Mommy, I am just pretending."

First Day of School

The kids started back to school today and were so excited! I surprised them with their new backpacks and lunch boxes yesterday, so they were thrilled to take them to school today. I love our school and it was so much fun to see the kids back with their friends. Looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Brynn's Birthday Party

Brynn (Mimi & David's daughter) had her birthday party this last Sunday--isn't she beautiful???? The party was at Chuck E. Cheese and the kids had a blast! Their son is Drake--check out his precious picture with Reese.

Fun things over the last couple of weeks....

Girls Night out with the girls I used to teach with "Book Club" (heehee)--several of us are heading to New York October 2---YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!

We spent several days with Nana and Apa' (my mom and Fermin)--the kids has the BEST time. One day we passed a little stand set up with pony rides, so this is them riding the ponies.

Playing at the house, tons of dress-up, even in their regular clothes (constant changing which equals more laundry).

Probably last swim of the season. Mommy didn't swim, water was too chilly.

Helping Daddy shop-vac the kitchen floor (check out her outfit--AWESOME!)

Loving on Sophie (our cat), she is the most tolerant cat in the world. The kids adore her and she allows them to hold and love on her all of the time.

Meet-the-Teacher

Last night we had meet-the-teacher. Jeff and I LOVE both of their teachers and can't wait to see all that they will learn this year. We walked into Collin's room and met his teacher, Ms. Rachel. He was so excited to meet her and seemed to warm to her quite easily. Collin has 5 or 6 kids from his class last year , in his new class, and he was thrilled to see them. After Jeff and Collin got settled, I took Reese onto her room. We walked in, with a warm greeting from Ms. Nish (rhymes with wish) and her assistants Ms. Melody and Ms. Sonja. Reese wanted me to hold her and just dug her face into my shoulder and wouldn't look up. She finally looked at me and said "I want to go give Collin a kiss". I just teared up (and am tearing up just typing this) and it took everything in me not to start crying. I was so sad for her, but realized this is EXACTLY why I had put them into separate classes. I explained to her that we will go give Collin a big hug and a kiss, and then we are going to come back into Ms. Nish's room and color and see our friends. So, that is what we did. She gave Collin a hug and a kiss and we headed back to her room. I could hardly keep it together--but we managed. She was such a big girl, she found her seat, saw her friends and jumped right in. Reese has 6 kids from last years class in her new class (including dear friends Ashton and Arabella), so that will definitely help being away from Collin. Jeff and Collin came in about 10 minutes later and he was able to meet Reese's teacher and Collin got to see where his sister would be. Their teachers are so sweet, they told me they are trying to schedule recess together, so they can see each other throughout the day. At the end of the evening, Reese actually cried because we had to leave. So, even though she had a hard time at first, at least she wanted to stay. We feel so blessed to have amazing teachers and anticipate a wonderful school year. The count down is on---Tuesday cannot come soon enough!!!! We are ALL ready.

Our neighbor's--The Seibert's

As many of you know, we live in a neighborhood with many young families. The Seibert's, who live 2 houses down from us, have been here since we moved in. We quickly became friends, along with several other couples on our street. Although we don't have as much time to hang out and enjoy one another as we used too (kids, work, other obligations, etc.) they are wonderful people, with the most loving marriage, and amazing parents to a 2 year old son named Ethan.

In 2007, Christopher was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. The cancer has spread to his liver and is covering 50% of it. He has been recieving weekly chemotherapy treatments and is fighting this battle with everything he has. I am amazed at the strength and positive attitude of each of them, when it would be just as easy to crumble. They both work full-time jobs, and Christopher works 60+ hours a week AND is doing chemo treatments. They are needing assistance. Their financial resources are all tapped out--they need help--and a great way to help would be to make a donation. Any donation, no matter how large or small, would be of great help. If you only have $10 to donate and 200 people donated $10--this adds up to ALOT of money. They could also use prayers. Please pray that Christopher fights this cancer and that the cancer will shrink. Please also pray for them to continue with their incredibly positive attitude, they have to stay strong and beat this cancer once and for all.

Denise's friend Amber, set up a page for them, so people can donate. If you would like to read more abt them or their story-OR donate-click here. http://www.ourseibertfamily.com/

Denise also has a blog that you can read for updates, and their personal story. To read her blog, click here, http://livestong.blogspot.com/

Christopher and Denise would never, ever ask for help, but I have read about their financial needs from a photographer we both use. Please consider helping them out, and please, please pray for them.

4 year Doctor's Visit

Reese and Collin had their 4 year well-check last Friday. The appointment went well other than the shots they received at the end of their visit. I felt so bad for them, thank goodness Jeff was their to assist in comforting. Reese took it a little harder than Collin, but they both survived and hopefully won't have to have anymore shots for a while.

Collin's Report Card
Weight 40 lbs. (75-90%)

Height 41.5 inches (75-90%)

Vision & Hearing Screenings checked out great

Physical Exam: A+

Development: A+

Reese's Report Card

Weight 41.8 lbs. (90%)

Height 43 inches (greater than 97%--off the charts)

Vision & Hearing Screening check out great as well

Physical Exam: A+

Development: A+