Feels Like Forever

Enjoying the "pool"

The kids love that there is plenty of room to play at the farm

Neither one of the kids would look at the camera!

We ended the busy weekend by going to Gallatin to visit Nene and Pop.  It has been two weeks since we saw them in Rugby, but it seems like ages ago.  Both kids were excited to be there.  Luke decided before we went that he wanted to get in the pool.  Since it has been so hot we let them.  I could not find Katherine's bathing suit anywhere, so she went redneck style in her diaper and t-shirt. She loved the water just as much as Luke did!

After the pool they got out their riding toys until time for supper. We grilled ham and had fresh corn on the cob and salad.  All was yummy! It was nice to end the weekend on a relaxing note!

Little Helpers

Katherine hitching a ride

Paul got up extra early this morning, like 4 am, to go help with ServPro's water station at the Country Music Marathon.  The kids and blissfully slept until almost 7 which was wonderful.  We enjoyed cooking breakfast together and playing before Paul got home around 10.  He immediately started mowing the lawn and spraying weeds.  We headed back to Mom's this afternoon to do some more work.  Paul and Luke went home this afternoon to nap.  Katherine stayed with me and fell asleep late afternoon.  Mandi cooked a yummy supper and we headed home in time for the kids bedtime.  It has been great having Andrew and Mandi here and it is amazing how much got done at Mom's with their extra help!

He's Back and Wacky Tacky!

Decked out for Wacky Tacky Day

Enjoying supper with Uncle Andrew

Even though the last few days have not been what I had hoped for I wouldn't change it (well, maybe Andrew needing staples in his head).  Even though Luke was sick it gave us some one-on-one time that we would not have had otherwise.  We built an awesome train track that has brought hours of entertainment already, took naps, ate at "fun" places and got to hang with Andrew. 

I dropped both kids off this morning for Wacky Tacky Day.  Luke went all out picking the most mismatched clothes he could find - right down to two different color Crocs!  I didn't get a pic of Katherine, but she was equally as tacky!

Andrew and I worked at Mom's all day and got a lot accomplished.  We cleared out most of the storage unit she has rented for the past few months, hung lots of garage and closet shelving and unpacked lots of boxes.  Tonight we went to eat at Shane's Rib Shack.  It took longer than we thought so the kids, Andrew and I ended up driving to the airport to pick up Mandi!  She was excited to see the kids there to pick her up. 

It Gets Better and Better

Luke slept good last night with the help of the Tylenol.  He did not have a temp all day today and we do not see any spots in his mouth of anywhere else.  He felt so good he asked to go to McDonald's after we took Katherine to school.  I obliged him.  We then ran a couple of errands before coming home.  One good thing is the school said Luke can return to school tomorrow as long as he stays fever free without medicine -- fingers crossed!

Andrew came over mid-morning to help me carry some furniture downstairs.  Paul is still not 100% with his back and we don't want to risk him re-injuring it.  Andrew climbed on a patio chair to unlock the lock on our patio door (they are really tall doors with a safety lock at the top).  He flipped out of the chair and gashed his head open!  After he examined it we figured out it probably needed some medical attention.  He stayed alert during all of it but did get a little dizzy.  Since I wasn't sure how long it would take Mom left work so Luke wouldn't have to see what all would happen to Andrew's head.  I called an urgent care clinic and they were able to see him.  We wanted to avoid the ER if possible.  He and Mom were gone less than hour.  Andrew came back with 8 staples and a prescription for Lortab as well as strict orders from the doctor to take it easy for the rest of the day - no driving, no lifting. 

So, he hung out at the house with Luke and me.  He rode with us to pick Katherine up this afternoon and then we took him to Mom's.  After we got home I was cooking supper while the kids played in the dining room.  The next thing I knew I heard a crash and ran in to find a broken bottle of red wine all over the floor, on the wall and on my silk drapes!  That was the icing on the cake.  The kids were fine.  I think Katherine knocked it off the wine rack somehow.  Honestly, I am surprised this has not happened before.  Paul got home just as I was finishing the clean up.  I hope I can find someone that can get it out of my drapes!

Luke seems completely back to normal so I am planning on both kids going to school tomorrow --- one day alone is better than none!

No Vacation for Mama

Today was the start of my mini vacay from work.  This Winter has been way too busy at work so I requested a few days off to get some things done that were long overdue on my to-do list and to spend some time with Andrew.  Luke had something else in mind.  Today was Western day and Luke had been looking forward to it for over a week.  We got his cowboy costume out last night and he was so excited.

When he got up this morning he started saying he didn't feel good. I kind of dismissed him since he knew Iwas off I thought he just wanted to stay home. He got dressed but still said he didn't feel good.  I decided to go ahead and take him to the doctor kind of as a lesson about how you should not fake being sick.  We dropped Katherine off and headed to the pediatrician.  We had to wait forever.  The front desk thought it would be quicker for us to see a doctor instead of doing the Fast Track clinic.  We were there an hour and a half.  They did a strep and a urine test.  Turns out Luke has hand,foot and mouth.  There have been a couple of cases of it at the school. We think he actually got it from Katherine.  She ran a temp for 24-36 hours last weekend and had a poor appetite.  Katherine will get a temp fairly often that goes away on its own and poor appetite is not an indicator of illness with her.  She is such a picky eater, we dont' think twice about her not eating well for a day or two. 

The doctor gave us a script for Tylenol with codeine and fully prepared me for this to be a bad case.  She advised him not to return to school for the rest of the week.  When we got to the car I sat there and cried.  I was just so looking forward of three days to myself.  Luke asked if I was crying or yawning (I said yawning).  The crazy thing was he acted fine -- no temp, appetite good, etc.  I decided to go on to Mom's to help Andrew do some things.  Luke was fine until the afternoon then he started getting whiny and fussy.  He started running a low grade temp.  Here's hoping it doesn't get as bad as the doc said!

Blast From the Past

It is "The Week of the Young Child".  So, the kids' school is celebrating by having a different theme each day.  Today was "blast from the past" day.  We are not very creative around here so the only thing we could come up with was for Luke to wear some overalls.  Katherine just went as her cute self.  I couldn't believe how many of the kids really went all out dressing up.  There were a lot of 80's outfits which was hilarious. 

Her Own Space

Not the most flattering picture of K, but had to share.  What Mom's tonight she found the perfect spot to have a snack.  I don't even want to think about how dirty this step stool is, but she loved it.  It was her own little picnic table!

After Supper Treat

Last night Paul and I had a date night.  It was the first one since my birthday in February!  Mom kept the kids.  We ate at Chuy's on Broadway.  It was our first Chuy's experience.  It was packed, but we didn't have to wait too long.  It has a very cool atmosphere and the service was excellent.  The food was good and quick, but we honestly didn't think it was any better than our local Mexican favorites.  The Preds were in town tonight so by the time we finished eating the crowds had died down considerably.  Everyone had gone to the game or were at a bar watching it.  We tried that but every where within walking distance was packed with no seats available.  So, we ended up at Noshville for dessert and to catch some of the game.

Katherine was excited to see us when we got to Mom's.  She felt a little warm so we were glad we were taking her home with us.  Luke spent the night.  K did have a low-grade temp when we got home. 
I worked today and Paul actually had to go to work for a little while, too.  Mom watched both kids again.  We didn't all get home until close to 4.  Katherine ran a temp off an on all day.  She doesn't seem like anything in particular is bothering her though.  Her appetite is kind of down, but that is not unusual for her. 

Paul cooked supper tonight which was nice.  Luke asked if we could go somewhere for a treat.  He chose Dairy Queen.  It was good.  We have already decided that Katherine can not go to Sunday Scool in the morning so Mom will watch her for us so we can teach our class.  I bet Mom is already regretting moving so close!

Easily Entertained

Most afternoons Katherine is pretty clingy to me. She is definitely going through a mommy-phase right now.  Usually she wants me to hold her or play with her as soon as we get home until after we eat supper.  This makes cooking the actual supper fairly difficult.  Today she happened to be entertained by the laundry hamper and a trash can.  She pushed them all around the house including the back porch.  She would take the trash can in and out of the hamper. She would get so mad when the hamper would not go over door ledges, etc.  This did allow me to cook supper without her holding on to my leg the entire time which was a nice change.

Uh-Oh We're In Trouble...

Yep, that is the American Girl catalog that Katherine is drooling over!  Since the Easter Bunny brought a new outfit for Bitty Baby the mail lady seems to bring a new catalog a couple of times a week.  Katherine loves it!  She gets so excited and looks at it page by page oohing and ahhing over everything.  I know he will hate me saying this one day, but Luke likes to look at it, too.  Today he picked out something "for Katherine's birthday" to which he added "but, she will have to share with me won't she mommy".  Ummm...sure....

So, I guess we have officially entered the baby doll stage.  I understand this can last for years -- if it lasts as long as Luke's infatuation with Thomas the Train has any purchase made will be a good investment!

Rugby!

Troutt Family Photo

Katherine got the good end of this deal

Jon taught Luke how to hike

Luke earned the name "Mountain Man"

Dinner by candlelight

We had an absolutely marvelous day in Rugby! The weather was beautiful - a little on the cool side, but perfect.  It has been so relaxing. Everyone went on a hike and insisted on Paul and I staying at the house to rest and take a break.  We did just that.  Paul's back has flared up again, so he is trying to take it easy.  I took advantage of the quietness and took a nap.

By all accounts Luke is a natural when it comes to hiking.  Everyone said he did great and loved it.  Katherine rode on Pop's back the whole time and dozed off and on.  We enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by Jim and Claudia tonight.  The girls made a great cake that we all devoured before going to bed.  We are planning to eat a late breakfast at the local restaurant before heading home tomorrow.

Getting Out of Town

We have had our weekend getway with the Troutts planned for awhile now.  We have wanted to go to Rugby for a long time.  The Troutt's friends own a house there and it is lovely!  Paul and I went once several years ago and really enjoyed it.  We got on the road tonight after work.  We put both kids in their pj's because we knew it would be bedtime when we arrived.  They both slept most of the 2 1/2 hours there which was nice.  Luke went to bed with Bill and Paula pretty quick after we got there.  Katherine would have nothing to do with it and ended up staying way past her bedtime while Paul, Jon, Kristen and I stayed up chatting.  We really didn't worry about it too much since we have absolutely nothing that we have to do tomorrow and that is what I am looking forward to most!

The House That Built Me

Since the contract was put on Mom's house a month ago the award-winning Miranda Lambert song has had a new meaning to me.  Although we have encouraged Mom to sell her house for years, now that it is actually here it is pretty hard.  I know it is "just a house", but it was more than that for me.  It is the only house  I remember living in although I lived in two others before we moved to 1237 when I was three.

It was where I learned to ride a bike by Dad pushing me down the hill in the back.  It was also home to our first pet - Lucky - who "wasn't very Lucky".  She was ran over the first week we had her.  We had many Girl Scout functions there when I was growing up including the annual Halloween party as well as having an 18-wheeler full of cookies back down the driveway every winter.  Memories were made with my childhood friends from playing HillTop daycare with Suzy to making the walk through the neighbor's yards and up the hill to her house to hide-and-seek.  Then came my Sweet 16 Birthday party where my parents and friends went all out with a 50's sock hop theme complete with a DJ, homemade burgers and milkshakes.  The driveway was home to my first kiss and the "garrett" became a favorite high-school hang out for all my friends.  Fellow band members hung out their on Friday nights before football games.  There were many slumber parties and pick up basketball games.

When I went to away to college I loved coming home on the weekends and smelling something yummy cooking in the kitchen.  I remember the December after dad died putting garland on the front porch and telling Mom that Dad should be pulling in the driveway any minute.

After I finished Graduate School at Auburn I moved back home and got my first job.  I actually stayed there until Paul and I married in 2005.  We have wonderful memories from holidays and special events.  1237 will always hold a special place in my heart, but know that it is not just the house, but the people you love that make you who you are.  We are looking forward to making many more memories in Mom's new place....

Crazy Monday!

Katherine chose to wear Luke's apron and her rain boots to help me clean tonight!

Paul's back is not much better.  He was home all day and spent the majority of it in bed.  He called and talked with the doctor's office and the prescribed him oral steroids in addition to the nasal spray and muscle relaxer.  He seemed some better by the time the kids and I got home after 5 tonight. 

Mom was supposed to close on her house today and purchase her new home, but it didn't happen,.  I can't even begin to understand, much less explain what happened.  Bottom line is some piece of paper was not filled out in a timely manner so it is going to delay the selling of her house until Wednesday at the earliest.  Andrew and I are furious, but mom seems to be taking it all in stride.  We see the end in sight -- it is just taken us longer to get there than we thought.  Hoping that she will be settled in her new place by the end of the week!

My boss returned to work today after being off with an injury for 3 months.  Hoping work starts calming down as well.  I am mentally and physically exhausted from everything that has been going on at work and our lives lately!  This mama needs a break!

He is Risen!

The Bunny Came!

The kids scoping out their gifts

Katherine got a new outfit for Bitty Baby

Luke needed some help getting his bike helmet on

Sibling love?!?!

Katherine was not a happy camper last night.  She woke up around midnight and would not go back to sleep.  This has not happened since she was tiny.  Paul went to her first, but then I ended up staying up with her for almost 2 hours. She did not want to get in her bed or rock.  I walked around the house with her.  It brought back memories of the newborn days.  We finally laid down in Luke's bed and she went to sleep.  So, it was after 7 this morning before we got up!  We were running late.  The kids looked at their bunny stuff.  Luke got a bike helmet, a baseball, glove, Lego firetruck set and a few other things.  Katherine got some books, an outift for bitty baby, sunglasses and some Hello Kitty sippy cups.  We quickly got ready for church after we ate.  The 830 service was packed!  I was not expecting that big of a crowd at the early service.  The message was wonderful!  We really do enjoy Bruce.  He always offers messages from a perspective I have never heard before. 

Paul and I taught our Sunday School class.  We went from having 2 kids to 13 in less than 5 minutes.  It was kind of hectic, but overall the kids did well.  After church we met Nonna at Cracker Barrel.  I was really wanting a traditional Easter meal and we figured that was as good a place as any.  Luke went home with Nonna while the three of us went home for naps before going to Nonna's to finish the last minute packing!

While we were home Paul piddled outside -- washed the cars, sprayed the weeds, etc.  Somehow he aggravated his back injury.  We went on to Mom's but he was in severe pain.  He basically laid in the floor and could not do anything.  Our evening of packing was cut short.  He still had a prescription for an anti-inflammatory nasal spray the doctor gave him a few weeks ago.  We ran home to get it and called around to find a pharmacy that was open and had the med in stock. It is a new med on the market and it isn't available everywhere.  We ended up at the Walgreen's on Charlotte Pike and White Bridge.  Paul was in agonizing pain on the way down there.  It was 7 o'clock by this time and we had not had supper.  We grabbed a bite while we waited on the script to be done.  There is no way Paul will be able to work tomorrow.  He can hardly walk.  He took a dose as soon as we got it.  I am hoping it provides some instant relief. 

Easter Happenings

Pop read the Easter story from the Gospel of Luke

We were so glad Memaw and Kitty were with us!

Katherine loved the watermelon!

Luke spent about 30 minutes "digging a tunnel"

The kids (and adults) enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt

Today was busy!  I started off by getting a hair cut that was long overdue.  I headed to work after that with great intentions of playing "catch up" with all the paper work I am behind on. The hospital census had another thing in mind.  I had 17 patients to see which is about what I average on a week day!  Needless to say I was tired when I left there around 4 to go to the farm for Easter.  Paul had the kids all day.  They came to Gallatin after lunch. 

It was a beautiful day and perfect weather for an egg hunt.  The kids loved it.  Katherine knew what to do since the kids had an egg hunt at school on Thursday.  She just isn't quite as fast as everyone else, but she still managed to get several.  She and Luke took turns pushing the bubble lawnmower.  It is a favorite every year!  We grilled burgers for supper and had the first homemade ice cream of the season!  After supper we worked on our plans for the family weekend in Rugby that is coming up! 

We left in time to get the kids in bed at a decent time.  Both fell asleep on the way and didn't give us any trouble when we put them down.  This Bunny has been busy and didn't have time to get everything for the kids baskets, but they will love them just the same!

Our Cleaning Lady and Some Easter Eggs

The kids illnesses were short-lived, thank goodness!  Katherine actually did not run much of a temp after Sunday night.  We did stay home Monday and had a good day.  Luke was definitely back to normal.  He wanted to be entertained all day. We watched a little more TV than I like to, but I figured we don't get to do it often.  I ended up being able to be off all day.  I had planned to go in when Paul could come home.  But, one of the other girls was working Monday on something else and she called and offered to work for me when she found out the kids were sick.  It worked out perfect.  I will just work the remainder of the week and Saturday.

After supper tonight we tried to get the kitchen cleaned up.  Katherine wanted the broom to sweep, then the mop to scrub the floors. She would get so mad when the broom wouldn't "go" on the rugs.  She still loves to clean!  We dyed some eggs tonight.  Nothing fancy -  just the $1 PAAS kit.  The kids loved it!