Things I've Done Since I Last Blogged

*Went to a hotel by myself with all four children (Travis had to unexpectedly go to a funeral visitation.)

*Developed a cyst on the top of my foot (on the tendon).

*Fell down an entire flight of stairs in my house.
  Three days of awful pain.  I could barely move and could not stand up straight.  And of course this happened while Travis was gone.

*Survived a week alone with the kids 24/7 while Travis was in Colorado for work

*Took Violet to a pediatric hematologist to confirm she doesn't have a rare blood disorder that we knew she didn't have.  (At least Travis and I had a fun overnight trip to Iowa City with just Violet and Thomas while Madeline and Zella stayed with Granny)

*Managed to not cuss at the Sears repairman who told me it would be over two weeks before my washing machine was fixed.  (STILL waiting for parts.  I detest Sears.)  I did, however, tell the repairman that I was going to take a deep breath so I would not cuss at him. 


Things That Need to Happen SOON Before I Lose My Mind:

*have washing machine fixed

*Have Violet's tonsils removed (she just had strep AGAIN!)  Now that we are cleared from the hematologist I NEED to have the surgeon schedule her surgery.  Poor girl is miserable.

*Have the cyst disappear so I can walk and exercise without pain

*Have Thomas sleep through the night.  Mama needs some SLEEP.



Hilarious Things That Happened to Lighten the Stress I've Felt The Last Month:

*The podatrist thought I was a serious runner who overexercises for hours a day.  Not to be mean to myself, but there is no way I look like a runner.  I informed him I hurt my foot walking 30 minutes a day on the treadmill and dancing to MC Hammer's "You Can't Touch This" on the Wii.  (For real, that is the truth.) 

*The podiatrist told me to have complete rest and stay off my foot for TWO weeks while utlizing ice and elevation.  I literally laughed.  I have four kids!  Two flights of stairs!  My husband out of town!  Sorry doctor but that is not possible.

*Violet has started saying "I'm SHOCKED" in response to almost everything anyone says to her.  That little girl requires all of my patience (and then some) but has a great sense of humor!

*Thomas started laughing after he passes gas.  Dimples included.  Super cute. (Even though it is smelly!)

So there you go.  My crazy few weeks summed up in a super long, wordy post.

Big thanks to my sisters Karen and Bonnie who helped me at the hotel, and to my mom for letting me borrow her washing machine for a couple days.  Thanks also to Travis who took nine loads of laundry (not even all of it!) to the laundry mat for me.  He was Mr. Mom for a couple days while I laid on the couch with a heating pad on my shoulder/back and ice on my foot.  I do not recommend falling down the stairs while having a painful cyst on your foot.  Not a great combo!

More later,
Lori

Thomas

Violet - Three Years Old

Zella

Madeline

Pictures

I realized something since last updating the blog.  Apparently having four kids (one being a baby who doesn't sleep through the night) hinders my ability to post pictures of my adorable kids and tell adorable (pointless) stories. 

It also hinders my ability to string together a normal, coherent sentence but I won't let it stop my tonight.  I can no longer allow the Internet to be deprived of these amazing pictures of the kids.  Think I'm exaggerating?  You may change your mind after you see these pics. ;)

I can hardly stand the cuteness!

More later,
Lori

Million Dollar Smile

Mom, I need to talk to you about something.

I'm a little confused and I need some answers.

 

Why is this hairy thing with the cold wet nose

always sniffing me?

And why are you making all those funny faces and noises at me?

Are you trying to get me to show my dimples?

Okay.  I will.



I know how much you love my smile.

Annual Deer Hunting Trip

Every year in early December we head to my sister Lisa's house.  Travis hunts and the kids and I hang out with Aunt Lisa and all the cousins.  It is such a fun time and something we look forward to each year.  Travis really enjoys hunting and loves being out in nature.  I love hanging out with my sister and nieces and nephews.  It's a win-win situation.

My brother-in-law Chris and nephew Christian with his buck.

Travis and Christian

Papa and his girls.

Aunt Lisa snuggling Thomas

This year Travis got an 8 point buck on the first morning out hunting.  He was very excited!  He is having it mounted so if you would like to come meet Bambi, you can.  (The deer was supposed to go in his studio but now we aren't sure if it can be out there.  So we are negotiating where it will hang in our house.  I"m trying to compromise, people!  Wish me luck!)

He also got a big doe when he went hunting with his mom's neighbor back in Milo.  (I don't have any pictures of that one yet.) 

The girls love venison and can't wait for deer steaks.  They can have my portion.

And Papa can't wait to take his girls and Thomas hunting one day.