7 Quick Takes: Thanskgiving Rewind, Quote of the Weeks, & Space!

1. 

We headed down to my parents' house for a couple of days for celebrate "Merry Thanksmas" - a mix of Thanksgiving yummies with a ton of Christmas cheer! We play LOTS of games - Catan, Catan Junior, Poker... And, somehow...my 2 little boys got my dad (who says he is not a big fan of games, but really is...) to play Sorry with them!! I love it!! Us bigger kids got my mom to join us in a round of Cranium (she loved it!)...TOASTER! Good times.

Unfortunately, we had to cut our fun short, as 2 out of 3 of my littles were not doing so well. Austin started a fever about 2 hours into our drive to Pensacola. We stopped for dinner, grabbed some more meds, and kept on going. The next 2 days, he was better. Still a fever, but was a pretty happy guy. We've run into this kind of thing before, so we thought we were ok. Then Andrew got a fever Friday at some point... And come bedtime...no one slept well that night. So we made the decision to end out festivities and head home Saturday after lunch.

2. 

My poor little guys... Andrew and Alex have sinus infections. Austin has a mild ear infection (but on the bright side - we are past the point of ever needing tubes and he is doing just fine!! Best decision we made with our doctor. Love him!)

3. 

Happy Advent!!

4. 

Quote of the Week:

While reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas to the boys, we got to the part about the Grinch's heart and how Christmas is more than packages and things.

Me: Isn't that wonderful, guys? Christmas is SO much more than presents and packages. As long as we have each other, we can have a great time, right?

Alex: Yeah, or we can do what that guy did and just take it all.

Proud mama moment...

Um, no, dear. That is the point. Stealing isn't nice. And we don't need stuff to have Christmas. Ugh.

5. 

Feeling better is always awesome! Especially when it is warm outside and you have secrets to share.

6. 

Rainbow!

Gotta love a good rainbow in the early morning!!

7.

Oh, ready for a nerd moment? I love space. Maybe you have caught onto that with all my going ons about the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. I love that place! Anyway, December 4th, Orion was supposed to take off. Yes, I got the boys out of bed for this. And, no. It got scrubbed for the day due to winds and some valve issues. Well, today it went up. That Delta rocket took off at 7:05 eastern. I had it pulled up on the ipad for the boys to watch after breakfast. They loved it! Even Austin!

Then, around 10:15, I got the boys in the living room and turned on the NASA channel to watch history. Yes, if this unmanned rocket makes it back in one piece, successfully, no issues, etc... The next time it may be manned. And, shortly, we can get to Mars (or back to the Moon!! I'll go!). So, we watched as the module made its way back home. The boys got to see some cool things, too!

I know... But, it is awesome! Because in just moments, we saw this:

 And then, the guy at Mission Control in Houston said, "And, there's your new spacecraft, America!"

It. Was. Awesome.

Best thing since watching the very last shuttle launch with Andrew.

Woot! Go USA!!

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This 7 Quick Takes is brought to you by: This Ain't the Lyceum :) 

Happy Friday everyone!

7 Quick Takes {#31days}

I know. It's been a bit since the last 7 Quick Takes... But, here we go!

1. How we do it: The Plague

Yes, the plague. In motherhood, that is what you call it. Anything is the plague because if mama gets it the entire house WILL fall. Who is going to take care of the laundry? The meals? The questionable spot on the floor?!

"You will turn another boy show" ~ Jedi Apprentice Alex

Fortunately, the only ones afflicted with the sickness were just Andrew and Alex. And, thankfully, it only lasted a day. WHEW! Ain't nobody got time for that!

But, we had to make whatever time we had with bug decent. So, there was way too much TV, a never-ending supply of liquid refreshment, and enough Cheerios to build a life-size version of the Empire State Building (which, of course, were crushed into the carpet that I hate by a certain little one who had the quarantine lifted...)

2. SHOCKING NEWS: Superheroes beat anything in the end!

It is true. Somehow the supers always do it! Even the smaller ones.

3. Jinkies! You went to the zoo...again?! 

Groovy. The zoo is, of course, decked out for the annual Boo at the Zoo! Headed out there tomorrow night! Trick or treats and so much more!!

Though, of course, you would never know that we have been to the zoo EVERY WEEK since becoming members when Andrew was about a year old... These are some serious map guys...

Alex is showing where we are on the map. Andrew is pointing out the hawk around the turn. So cute.

4. What does the fox say? Get-get-get-get-me-out!! 

Kidding. Austin was the one who wanted to get him out! He FINALLY got to see HIS FOX. Oh, yes. His fox, Zookeeper Girl. When we got to this habitat and he saw that fox running around, he stretched out his little arms and made that grabbing motion with his hands. Alex told him, "That's a fox! He lives here!" Andrew was pointing out the glass (hand on the window). Austin was not at all impressed and just kept wanting to get his fox. It was pretty cool watching The Zookeeper work with the fox while we were there.

 5. What's weirder than that song??

These.

There are just really no words. But I'll try. See (stupid Target and October's Pumpkin Obsession), these were on "clearance" (just stop it Target...a 45-cent mark-down is NOT clearance...). And, hey, it's October. I love me some pumpkin. Why not?

Well, they aren't bad... But, they aren't amazing. I don't know. Alex said a very clear "YUCK!" while Andrew was just being nice by saying, "They are good, but I don't want anymore. I want to eat all my lunch." Austin, however, was the biggest fan. Of course, he hold the current title of Bottomless Pit, so what does he know? I'm not completely hating on them, but I think I'll just stick to my Pumpkin Spice Lattes and where ever I can find a gluten-free Pumpkin Pie treat.

6. Boys can play dress-up, too!

Cuteness, right??

 
But where did we get all this awesome stuff???

Well, many places. But, yes, mostly Target. The Dollar Spot this time of year ALWAYS has some great items to add to your dress-up stash. Wands for girls...swords for boys. Hats of all kinds. And accessories galore. Good stuff.

Also? The Halloween section....the week AFTER Halloween. When everything goes on clearance, I go take a peek. You never know what you may find still hanging around. We got a great fireman jacket and very durable fire hat a few years ago on clearance for around $8 or something.

Another great spot to check? The consignment and thrift shops! I have 2 army green cargo vests that the boys use for exploring and all kinds of things. Both were in the $2-4 range. Score.

7. Saved the best for last!

This guy.

 This is my youngest brother, William! Today is his birthday!! The big 13!

Let me just tell you how cool this guy is:

1. The boys ALL love him to death and always ask about him.
2. William is the only brother of mine that Jason has known almost  his whole life. (Jason and I met when the summer before he turned 2).
3. And, because of that cool fact, William was our ring bearer!! (He was about 5 and half).
4. William is SO funny!
5. He thinks he can beat me at Mario Kart
6. But really he is going to get blasted by yours truly

Kidding! We love you William! You are one awesome brother! Happy birthday!

(Now, go turn on your wii and invite me!!)

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Sick N Stuck {#31days}

Sick and stuck... Not exactly a fun combination, you know?

Unfortunately that's what it was for us Tuesday. But, thankfully, today (Wednesday) everyone is MUCH better. Not more fevers and no more yuck. Everyone is just now down for naps and I'm going down, too. Mama needs a siesta (and a margarita).

While we rest up to 100%, here are some pics from yesterday plague.

Not a fan of the boys being quarantined... He wanted his brothers so bad!

From Instagram: Military Vs. Monsters - who will win this epic battle?!

Cool army guys - we found these at Target in the "Toy Spot" next to the toy department. Very cool!

Cannot believe that he is almost 1!!! Look how big he thinks he is! So cute!! He loves those superheroes :)

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Weekly Goals & Menu Plan {Back to School - Week 2}

WHOA! Time out!

Back to school...week 2?!

That's right! This mama has 2 days to actually get things done! Without little people running around asking for numerous things that they may or may not actually need...most of the time it is not a need.

But, hang on! Before we get going on that business, let take a look back at last week's happenings.

 {MONDAY}

 Andrew worked on his project for the 1st day of school :) We had to add pictures and things showing why he is special. When he was finished and we talked about it. He said, "Wow. I have a lot of big boys that are uncles." I said, "You do! That must be one of the things that makes you special, huh?" He said, "I think maybe so. And, I'm almost 4! I get to have big boy legos!" Haha! 

{TUESDAY}

 

 Top left: Andrew's first day of school!!

Top right two: Alex and Mommy's morning out / Andrew's apples that he drew at school

Bottom: We headed to the park for lunch and some fun in the sun after pick up time. 

{WEDNESDAY}

 

 I'm usually very worried if it is too quiet in the house... But when I looked around the corner to see just what was going on, I found the sweetest thing... They were working on a puzzle together!

{FRIDAY}

 

 Andrew came home with a yucky cough and nasty nose on Thursday...fun. Happy back-to-school, right?! Well, luckily, it only lasted through Sunday morning. But he rested up most of the day Friday and is MUCH better now! 

 After his long nap Friday afternoon, he woke up to a parking lot in the living room. Gotta love that! 

 And, after the tape was set up...Mama needed an afternoon pick-me-up iced vanilla coffee (which I'm making in just a moment again!)

We also got in a family game night on Friday, too! Love me some Candyland. But, BOO! What is up with the new version of Candyland. I need the original. It is QUEEN Frostine...not Princess Frostine.. Why did she get demoted?! Ugh...lame... But, apparently, I am the only one that cares about the issue with the characters being far from right... 

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 Last Week's Goals:

 

Family Goals:
1. School starts this week for Andrew! Re-read our back-to-school books this week. Bed by 7:30pm / Up at 6:30am
2. Family game night - Yay!
3. Continue working on the "Glory Be" with the boys before bed Andrew knows all of this prayer now!!! Alex has most of it :) YAY!!

Personal Goals:
4. Rise and shine! Waking up at 5:15 now due to school this week. Ok, only 1/2 of this happened. Really it was 530 not 515. And, I "slept in" on Friday. But, I'm crossing that one off anyway! ;)
5. Keep reading through Catholic Mom's Cafe, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy, and Glorious Grace in the morning.
6. Finish up getting hospital bag together. Didn't even touch this thing on the to do list...

Home Goals:
7. Crafting: Start working on football scarf / If fabric comes in this week for Austin's quilt, then I hope to start on that, too. Ok, the scarf is just not going to happen... But!! My mom sent me a bunch of batting that she had and it came this week. And! The fabric is here, too! So I am doing this tomorrow!!
8. Organize: Laundry room / under our bathroom sinks My laundry room is evil... I gotta come up with a way to make this area stop getting out of hand. It also acts as a "mudroom" of sorts... Suggestions?

Bonus Goals:
9. Austin's room to-do list/timeline YES! Now to just start crossing things off!
10. Freezer cooking to-do list/time line Now I just have to get to baking :)
 

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This Week's Goals:

 

Family Goals:
1. School starts this week for Alex! And, lunches will need to be packed this week for them, too!
2. Family game night - Yay!
3. Continue working on the "Glory Be" with the boys before bed

Personal Goals:
4. Wake up at 5:30 to keep reading through Catholic Mom's Cafe, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy, and Glorious Grace in the morning.

5. Finish up getting hospital bag together.

Home Goals:
6. Start gathering items for Andrew's birthday party!

7. Crafting: Austin's quilt!!

8. Organize: Laundry room 

Bonus Goals:
9. Purchase party supplies for Andrew's birthday

10.Bake 3 of the breakfast items on freezer list

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Menu Plan!

 

Monday: Labor Day! Brats, potato salad, and cookies!!

Tuesday: Fall Harvest Bake (recipe) and Monster Cookies for Alex's first day of school!

Wednesday: Chili in the Crock Pot

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Pizza, Popcorn, Movie Night

Saturday: Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Green beans, Carrots (recipe)

Sunday: Cheeseburger Casserole, Salad (recipe)

 

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What a week! hope y'all have a great one!

 

 

 

 

The Last 2 Weeks

Holy. Moly.


I get the idea that child number 3 an easier transition that child number 2. But, the pregnancy? Oh, my. I have never been so tired. I'm gone by the boys go down for nap time / quiet time. Goodness.

Anyway, here is a quick recap of the past two weeks at the house. Hope everyone is doing well and surviving the green death - also known as...pollen.

{Week 1: April 1-6}

We had a great first week of April! We played a lot outside with new sidewalk chalk and bubbles (thanks Kristie!). Alex and Braxton (and his cousins) played at the McWane Center. Alex fell asleep during our errand runs. Andy worked on his writing. And, Jason and I finally had a movie night of our own in the comfort of our living room. Great start to April!!

{Week 2: April 7-11}

 This week started off on the obnoxious side. 

First, the boys got that wacky-no-reason-that-any-doctor-can-think-of fever virus. It was just a high fever. Nothing else. Super weird. Anyway, so because of that I couldn't have anyone watch the boys while I went to my ultrasound/checkup. I finally got Jason to stay home. I had already changed this appointment, like, 3 times. I was going to see this baby Monday, people. Not any other day. So, off I go...to find this...

 

Um, what?! Yep. A fire truck. Sweet. And where are the firemen? In my tower the floor below where I was headed... Nice. When is my appointment? In 15 minutes... I ran into some nurses and found out that there was an equipment fire on the 5th floor. And the whole tower was shut down for (what we thought) another hour or so... ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?! Luckily, by 9-something, we were finally able to get to where we were going. But the elevators where booting up, so took the stairs. And, getting your blood pressure taken once you arrive after taking 8 flights of stairs is not good. Anyway, an hour later, I finally get to see this:

 Baby number 3!!! If you look really closely, you can see little arm and leg buds. Cute.

And later that day...we came back to the doctor. On the other side of the hospital campus for the boys' appointments. Where, magically, their high fevers disappeared. It would be nice if that magic portal would appear in a much more convenient place...like the doorway to their rooms or something. Sheesh.

I had to take this pic. Bad day for BURGER King if that is all they have. Though, I wouldn't mind a Coffee King. Yum.  

Taking a day off from school to make sure Andy is better. 

Getting a car wash with yummy Sonic slushies. Those always make people feel better. 

Yucky, rainy day Thursday...

So we made paper airplanes and turned our living room into an air show! Andy LOVED it! He is pretty good at throwing them, too. He made his plane go really far!! Here is the paper airplane we made, if you want to have an air show, too.

That is it for the first two weeks of April. Next up:

Alex's 2nd birthday!!!!

Weekend Goodies

Well, this weekend was not as eventful as one would have hope with the gorgeous weather. I must have caught that yucky virus from Andy. Fun. Luckily, it was the weekend so Jason was home to take care of us. I slept it off and was fine later that afternoon. But, Alex caught it from me somehow (I thought I had stayed away enough. Boo.) and had it this morning. But, I made him sleep it off and he was (and still is) much better later this afternoon, too. So, HOPEFULLY, death is no longer upon us... We were doing so great, too... This was the first time any of us had really gotten sick since about a year or so ago. Darn.

Anyway, here are some pics highlighting some of this weekend. Enjoy!

 Jason pushing around the "bus" - aka the mega-sized box from my bulk Amazon order. I realized that I actually save much more getting cereals, toilet paper, and paper towels than using coupons at the grocery store. But, I'm sure the UPS man isn't a fan of the mega-sized boxes. Sorry, Mr. UPS Man. 

Catholic newspaper in out Saturday mail with the BEST news we have heard this year! I am SO excited for our Christian faith! Pope Francis is going (ok, from the stories I have read so far, he already is) to be amazing!

 Saturday he was all about figuring out how to ride his brother's bike AND wearing his brother's helmet. One day he will get it - a bike, too. But, not just yet ;)

Alex feeling better Sunday afternoon and taking everything in after a day of sleeping. 

Andy being a pirate...Captain Silly Pants. 

 

 Getting in on the ball-throwing fun which somehow turned into dodge ball later. Good times. 

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Here a few things I thought you might like as the weekend wraps up. Just and article and some new things I plan on trying this week at some point.

For parents of young children who have that moment every now and then when you are going to pull out every last strand of hair on your head. Then, you have that one person (or a few) tell you:

“You should enjoy every moment now! They grow up so fast!” 

Just breathe and then READ THIS. 

A recipe just for the boys: 

Easy Homemade Corn Dogs - Chef-in-Training

 Starting my trek into sewing clothes. If anyone has any tips, let me know. This one looks easy, but you never know.

Boys Shorts Tutorial - MADE

  

Realized after Wednesday night that I need one of these...

Sewing Machine Pin Cushion - I Can Find the Time

   

I hope y'all are staying well and not getting anywhere near the nasty sick bug. How was your weekend?