Orgeron Family 365 2011!

9/365

2011-01-09T16:08:00.001-08:00

‎Today we didn't do much of anything and it was NICE.. hubby worked in his mancave.. installed lights and a dimmer.. working on closing in the bar and sheetrocking the shed... I did my online orientations, ordered books.. kids spent most of the day playing and watching TV.. just another nice, quiet Sunday at home!

8/365

2011-01-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

‎We made it to the playoffs!!!!! And... lost in the first round to the Seahawks... Still very proud of my team! We'll get em next year! Whodat?!?!

7/365

2011-01-07T14:49:00.001-08:00

Today we had our AARD meeting, officially putting Parker in Special Ed. It was really really hard for me.. just when I think that I have accepted what has happened to my sweet baby, I fall apart all over again. Special Ed is not what it used to be. Parker will be getting speach therapy twice a week and a teacher for the hearing impaired twice a week to work with him to learn better listening skills. He will also have an aid 30 mins a day during Reading and Language that will work one on one with him to make sure he is not missing anything. He will still be in a normal classroom and recieve normal grades. I feel so blessed to have the support system that we have at his school. His teacher, Mrs. Hayes is amazing.. they have all gone above and beyond to get him on track. I was very happy with their suggestions and the meeting was better than I imagined.
I am a little embarrassed that I still can't manage to get through a conversation about his hearing loss without crying. Maybe I will get there one day.
I am SO proud of my baby boy. He is so strong and resiliant. After all that he has been through in the last year he is still happy go lucky, smart, funny...
It's hard to watch your child suffer.. I think I have mourned more than he has.
Mrs. Hayes said something to me that has really helped me cope.. and that was something along the lines of this: that she believes that when he lost his hearing it was to strengthen some other part of him... some other sense or character trait that will lead him on his path to do something amazing. He is so strong willed and determined and I can't wait to see what amazing talent or skill he will gain from this.. and so I try to focus on the positive.. that he can hear again and that he has the best character possible to deal with something like this. I will try not to dwell so much on what he has lost from this and look forward to all that he will become and gain from it.

6/365

2011-01-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

I have some of the BEST friends EVER! Alba, Joey and I went to dinner at Tx Roadhouse and then Brit met us for a movie after. We saw Little Fockers... had a few great laughs. Love you girls to pieces! Thanks for another great night out!

5/365

2011-01-05T18:44:00.001-08:00

My sweet Bari James. I can't believe how fast you are growing! Seems like only yesterday I was rocking you to sleep and laying you down in your crib. We have been through sooo much. You never cease to amaze me. You have overcome more in your little life than ever should be expected of a child. I am SOSOSO proud of the sweet, smart, loving boy you have become. No matter what is thrown at you, I know you will come out on top. You are a shining star!

Day 4- Jan 4, 2011

2011-01-04T17:48:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been a LONG 2 weeks and I am very happy to say the kids will be at school again tomorrow!!! As they are not on my good list today, the dog wins again!

My poor muffin! He has been such a good boy since he got home.. not that he is every really bad.. probably hoping if he is good enough we will not send him away again. I have been really good about keeping him off of the couches and let him have the chair and ottoman.. but my mommy guilt prevents me from kicking him off tonight. Is he not the cutest puppy ever?!?!?!

Day 2- 1/2/11

2011-01-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Today we drove to Houma to see Adam's grandmother and his brother's family and cousins. We had quite a time trying to get a photo of the kids together and my favorite shot was this one of Adam, Maw Mazi and the boys.

Day 1- Jan 1, 2011

2011-01-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! We had our family Christmas at my sister Tasha's house today. This is our first family photo since the boys were adopted in 2006. I love it! With Sandie in Maryland and myself in Texas, it is not often we are all under the same roof at the same time.

I quit :(

2010-03-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am sorry friends but I just cannot keep up with school and kids and life.. my 365 is just an added stress right now. I will be following yours and look forward to all of your beautiful pictures!

Day 74 (3/15)

2010-03-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of spring break and after the crazy weather we have had, it was nice to actually have spring weather. The boys and I cleaned the house and then I took them outside to ride their bikes and decided to weed my flowerbeds. I walked into the garage to put the trash can back and in walks Xaver, "Here mom, I found some more around your tree"... Xavier pulled up all of my tulips! At least he was trying to help!

Day 73 (3/14)

2010-03-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I LOVE weekends. I have my own personal chef ;) Hubby takes good care of me... he is also the reason I am back on diet pills :P

Day 72 (3/13)

2010-03-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Bari James.. my baby is getting so big!

Day 71 (3/12)

2010-03-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of bummed that this is the first day I forgot to take a picture. So I am going to improvise because I did scan almost 100 old pictures from highschool yesterday. So I am going to use my 2 favorites as my 365 for yesterday.

"And if I had it to do all over, I'd do it all over again, If tomorrow I found one more chance to begin, I'd love you all over again"

Wow, how young we were! This is the morning after my junior prom; I was 17 years old. It was also Adam's 21st birthday. Prom was a Thursday night and all of my friends skipped school the Friday and hung out and got drunk with Adam for his birthday. I had a test and couldn't skip. So here I am in my uniform getting ready to go to school! So many people probably thought we were crazy for getting married so young but I was never more sure of anything in my life. How many people get it right so young? We have already shared so much of our lives with each other. Now here we are over 10 yrs and 4 kids later and I couldn't love him more. <3

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everyhwere."
---Tim McGraw

AWWWWW! My girls! We had sooooo much fun together. I just absolutley LOVE this photo. It was the night before graduation at the Plaza! I was sick as a dog for graduation but this night was sooooo worth it!

Day 70 (3/11)

2010-03-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

My little man has been having more problems with his ears. His hearing seems to be getting worse and he is constantly crying that his left ear hurts. His specialist at TX children's would not put tubes in his ears bc it is his bad ear that had the fluid and it wouldnt improve his hearing anyway.... soooo I got another opinion and I MUCH rather his new doctor. Right away she suggested tubes and after hearing my baby cry throughout the night with his hurt ears for the last month I am happy we did it. Even if it doesn't improve his hearing, I don't want my baby in pain. He was such a trooper. All of the nurses and even the anesthesiologist(sp?) fell in love with him. He walked off to his surgery like such a big boy, not scared at all. The doctor said his left ear was really really bad.. it was already draining by the time he got to recovery. So heres to my little man feeling better and hopefully hearing better as well!

Day 69 (3/10)

2010-03-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

I meant to take a picture of Daddy and his boys before they left and forgot so I rushed and snapped one of the boys in the van! Daddy and the boys had a guys night. he took them watch his old college team, The Colonals play in the tournament in Katy. They were told they could only go if they had good days at school and don't you know Xa and kari come home with bad days. We let them believe they werent going until after Bari and Parker were already in the van and then caved... we are such saps! I don't care.. I would feel worse if I made them really miss it! They had such a GREAT time. They came home still yelling GO TURNALS!!!! Parker was quite upset that they lost but they all enjoyed their night out with Daddy!

Day 68 (3/9)

2010-03-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Parker made a lion mane at school today.. tonight daddy tried to teach him how to roar... this was as ferocious as he got!

Day 67 (3/8)

2010-03-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

Girls night at the rodeo!!! Karla, Alba, Candy and i went see Tim Mcgraw (swoon) at the rodeo. We got to ride on a bus that provided supper and drinks on the way there! Thanks Candy for hooking us up! I had a GREAT time. Tim was fabulous and I just love my girls!

Day 66(3/7)

2010-03-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to the park for a few hours.. had a picnic, hubby played Tball with them and they made lots of little friends. It was a very nice, relaxing Sunday!

Excuse the photo, it was taken on my phone. I did remember the camera, but forgot the SD card in my computer!

Day 65 (3/6)

2010-03-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

300 days to go! WOW!

Hubby and I went out to Los Cucos to celebrate Karlita's 25th birthday. We had a great time. I LOVE my friends :) Carnalas por vida!

Day 64 (3/5)

2010-03-05T16:34:00.001-08:00

My little Cowboys!!! They are too cute. I got them hats and shirts and Bari said momma we need big belts! LOL They had to settle for regular belts.

Day 63 (3/4)

2010-03-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I've avoided pulling that tooth for as long as I could manage. His dentist said if we didnt have those two front teeth out by Spring break he needed to pull them. So, this is Xavier's new smile... what a difference one tooth makes! He looks too big now! One down, one more to go. *sniff*sniff*

Day 62 (3/3)

2010-03-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

It is rodeo time in Houston! YEEEHAW! The boys have rodeo day at school Friday so I spent the day looking for cowboy hats... finally found some at Party city. The boys LOVE them! They have been running around yelling "yeeehaw riding on a cowboy!" No matter how many times I tell them it is "ride um cowboy," they insist it is "riding ON a cowboy!"

Day 61 (3/2)

2010-03-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

Parker has never had a problem playing by himself. While the boys were at school he decided he wanted to go grill some chicken. He has an empty bottle of seasoning in one hand and a sauce brush in the other. As you can see he borrowed various other items off daddy's pit. He was "painting, seasoning, and flipping" his chicken. Love their imagination!

Day 60 (3/1)

2010-03-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

Sir barks a lot got a much needed hair cut. Isn't he a cutie?

Day 59 (2/28)

2010-03-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

It was a BEAUTIFUL Sunday, and my hubby had to go to work. Rather than waste the day I took the boys out to Denny's and they drove me absolutely crazy!!!! I don't know why they behave so much better when daddy is around but while we were waiting for their food they were so impatient.. fighting, crawling under the table, bouncing on the seat.. needless to say momma will only be taking them out to FAST food when Daddy is not able to come with us for a while!

Day 58 (2/27)

2010-03-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

We spent this Saturday shopping with the boys and then I went to the movies with my friend Johanna. We saw Brother's and it was a really good movie.. I love the movies and am so lucky to have found such a great movie date! When I got home this is how I found my dear husband.. lying on the couch watching non other than southpark on his laptop! I realized that I did not get a picture all day so he once again is my subject.

I am really starting to slack on my 365.. forgetting til the last minute to take pictures and not being as creative as I intended to be.. but since the semester started I am so busy.. but determined to see this thing through... I will try to be better! :)

Day 57 (2/26)

2010-03-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Bari is my video game addict. Xavier and Kari also like to play but they will put it down to go outside. If the Wii is on, there is no chance of getting Bari out of the house. I have to limit him or he would be on this thing all day! As much as I don't want him to play all of the time, it is the biggest bargaining chip I have with him. We tried everything to get him to behave at school and so far the only thing he will work for is his hour a day with the Wii. Whatever works right?

Day 56 (2/25)

2010-02-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

Whats the best thing about having sooo many brothers the same age? You get to pick a new best friend every day :D Today it was Kari and Parker!

Day 55 (2/24)

2010-02-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

I forgot again to take a picture.. it was late and hubby and I were watching American Idol... shoulda stuck with the dog! LOL

Day 54 (2/23)

2010-02-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

Isn't this cute? This is what my darling child has looked like for about the last 2 hours. Somebody has his toy, its not the show he wants to watch, he can't drink pepsi... the list goes on and on and on... he was not too happy to see that his tantrum is not getting the attention he desires.. in fact he was quite upset to see me pull out the camera ;)

Day 53 (2/22)

2010-02-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

So the sun has made only a few brief appearances in the last few months... we are taking advantage while we can. The boys have been out in the back yard since they got home. We are looking at possible snow tomorrow night... no wonder we all stay sick!

Day 52 (2/21)

2010-02-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you husband for buying my children these hideous shoes!!! Bari and Parker just had to have the police light up sketchers.. I must say if hubby had not been there, my kids would have left crying but momma would have loved their shoes! They are lucky to have him. He will give them anything they want.. I told them their shoes were "fonky"(tacky) and now they are telling everyone... and I do mean EVERYONE, including the waitor at Chili Beans(chili's), that they have new ponky shoes. They think it is something good! LOL As much as I hate these shoes, I am happy my hubby made me get them for my kids... bc they are extremely happy with them! I guess this is one fight I am glad I lost... sort of!

Day 51 (2/20)

2010-02-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Adam, his father and Arik before they left for the basketball game.

Day 50 (2/19)

2010-02-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today I started off with the plan of shopping til I dropped!... then I realized the boys had a half day of school so that plan was shot down. Eli ended up in the hospital and so Matt and lil E came over to play. The boys played so well. Monster Jam of course. ♥ these boys!

Day 49 (2/18)

2010-02-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

I am loving all my MNO to the movies lately. I could go every day! Tonight Johanna and I saw New Moon.. her first time, my third, and I still love it! I had a great time! Thanks for being my date Jo! :D

Day 48 (2/17)

2010-02-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

They are not really playing guitar hero.. just making pretend that they are "big rock stars!" Parker was singing "Eye of the Tiger!"

Day 47 (2/16)

2010-02-16T13:33:00.001-08:00

Today we had Parker's long anticipated final hearing screen.. we thought we would get GREAT results and it wasnt exactly what we were expecting. My baby is almost deaf in his left ear. Its really hard to accept that this all came from a flu but as hard as it is, I am sooooooo thankful that he can hear and is doing so well.. a few months ago we were devastated to find out he may never hear again... he has been amazing and so strong through this entire ordeal. I love my little angel.

"God Grant Me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change,
Courage to change the things
I can, and the wisdom
to know the difference."

Day 46 (2/15)

2010-02-16T13:32:00.001-08:00

Yes, I forgot to take a picture and all of the boys were in bed... Colston is my go to guy!

Day 45 (2/14)

2010-02-16T13:31:00.001-08:00

We spent the day with the kiddos.. hubby grilled ribeyes and shrimp... we played some backyard foodball with the boys... and hubby worked with them on their touchdown dances... boy are we in trouble!

Day 44 (2/13)

2010-02-14T08:15:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I went out with Karlita and Eric tonight. We had Japanese hibachi for dinner... our chef was awesome!!! he turned the eggs h e was frying into a rooster!!!! and was just really really funny! then we went midnight bowling and I started off okay.. I was shocked.. hadn't bowled in years.. but I... quickly lost my mojo and lost last place only to Karla! Why is it damn guys are better at EVERYTHING? We had a GREAT time! ♥

Day 43 (2/12)

2010-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Soo I am cheating in a way because the photo of parker was taken yesterday but the other 3 were today!

Parker's little girlfriend Scarlett is in the class next door to his.. she walked over and gave him a special heart sucker.. his teacher made sure to tell me that she did not get this for anyone else in her class... they tell everyone that they are going to marry each other ♥

Today I went to school for Kari, Bari and Xa's Valentine's parties and I feel bad that I have to split myself in three.. I spend the whole time running between classes because I want to be there for all 3 of them. It has always been very important to me that I am there for as many school functions as I can be and I was reminded why today. A little girl in Bari's class was crying her eyes out because her Mommy didn't come see her at school and she never gets to see her Mommy in the morning before school... it just broke my heart... I literally had to walk away while the teacher handled it... I know some Mom's have to work and can't take off but I am just soooo thankful that I am not one of them! I even got to read a story to Bari's class! ♥

Day 42 (2/11)

2010-02-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

MNO-Dear John. OMG Such a GREAT GREAT movie! It is not often that I like a movie better than a book but the ending to the movie was soooo much better... Channing was very easy on the eyes and I enjoyed the company of some fabulous ladies! ♥

Day 41 (2/10)

2010-02-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that this child loves to eat?

Day 40 (2/9)

2010-02-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the expression on my lovely child's face.. they are getting a little tired of my camera! Wow.. I have 325 days left and am running out of things to take pictures of! So... I am getting a little playful in photoshop... tonight its a cartoon version of Xavier!

Day 39 (2/8)

2010-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today Bari was being very "special." That is my nice way of saying he screamed and threw tantrums from the second we walked through the door. He had a fit to do his homework and then screamed he was sorry for 40 minutes because i told him to go take a bath... apparently he thinks bathtime is a punishment! Bari has a way of testing me like you would not believe. After he finally took his bath and chilled out he came downstairs for supper in a much better mood.

I decided for my 365 instead of focusing my day on the bad to document the one cute thing he did this evening :) Daddy cooked us meatball stew and corn on the cob. Bari pigged out and when he was finished showed me his belly and said he was sooo full he was having a baby in his belly.... his teacher is on maternity leave ;)

Day 38 (2/7)

2010-02-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

THE SAINTS HAVE WON THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!! I think I am still in shock! I just love my football team. I also love my friends! Thanks for another fabulous time! Carnalas por vida!!!!! ;D

Day 37 (2/6)

2010-02-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

This morning hubby decided to teach the boys the art of paper football... he even went into the garage and constructed them some uprights and used the green from his golf putting set to make them some turf!

I love the weekends when they get to spend this quality time with their daddy. He works so far away that they are usually in bed by the time he gets home. They sort of stalk him and I don't mind ;D

Day 36 (2/5)

2010-02-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

WHODAT?!?!?

Day 35 (2/4)

2010-02-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

These boys are loud, crazy, messy, funny, silly, loving.. my house is anything but quiet and is only clean when they are not home. A friend posted this poem today and I just love it and find it quite fitting:

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there,
Ours boasts it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges are on the doors.
I should apologize, I guess,
For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with my children
And we played and laughed and read.
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other,
I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,
But first I'll be a mother.

Author Unknown

Day 34 (2/3)

2010-02-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

Xavier and Kari have the worst hair ever.. Xaviers is coarse like a brillo pad and kari's is very thin and he has a receding hairline. Thank God they both look GREAT bald! I can't stand it when their hair starts to grow out and ideally I would cut it every weekend but I push it to every other week. I just love their little bald heads! ♥ my hot boys

Day 33 (2/2)

2010-02-02T18:06:00.001-08:00

Colston Brees! The best and the worst dog on the planet! He better thank the puppy Gods that hes so darn cute!

Day 32 (2/1)

2010-02-02T10:43:00.001-08:00

I HATE dieting and I LOVE to eat... it sucks! Thankfully All-recipes.com has a great healthy living section which is where I found this very simple Basil Parmesian chicken recipe. Who would think diced tomatoes, basil, onions, garlic and salt could be so yummy? Here's to shedding a few lbs in 2010!

Excuse the fine China! I am getting lazy on my 365 and have resorted to taking a photo of food.. I will do better! LOL

Day 31 (1/31)

2010-01-31T15:57:00.001-08:00

I have survived a month!!! WOW! What a commitment this has turned out to be!

Onto the photo... Kari is quite possibly the sloppiest eater I have ever seen. I know 2 yr olds that make less mess when they eat. He has a spoon as you can see but ALWAYS has to put his hands in his food and by the time he is done you can see it smeered allover his face. Really disgusting. As messy as he is, I love feeding him. This child will eat and enjoy ANYTHING! He loves veggies, sushi.. anything!

While he was eating dinner tonight he was singing "moving my hips like yeah!"

Day 30 (1/30)

2010-01-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

The kids were already in bed and I realized I forgot to do my 365 today... I started off with a picture of a slice of pizza and then decided the fire was a little more appealing.

We spent the whole day inside. It is FREEZING.. I read most of the day and hubby and the boys watched all of the Back to the F...uture Movies.. then hubby and I curled up in front of the fire to watch Saw IV! So romantic I know :D Here's to lazy days!

Day 29 (1/29)

2010-01-29T16:04:00.001-08:00

"We are not twins!" As a little girl I always dreamed of having twins. God blessed me beyond my wildest dreams the day he made me their Mommy. They don't like being called twins. I have never found they looked alike at all but recently I am seeing it in their eyes and smiles.

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel... our adoption worker called today and says we should have the final paperwork in the next few weeks and then we will be on the list for an adoption date which will have to be within 60 days once those papers are submitted... so I am praying for this all to be over by April! We have been through such an emotional rollercoaster trying to get our babies adopted and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. The weight of the world will be lifted off my shoulders the day we sign those final papers and make it official!

Day 28 (1/28)

2010-01-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

Went to dinner and a movie with some of my fabulous mommy friends. We recently started a book club and our first book was Lovely Bones. It is really nice to have so many fabulous friends to escape with! Looking forward to our next date! ♥

Day 27 (1/27)

2010-01-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today the boys didn't go to school bc they had dentist appointments and a social worker visit. Bari and Kari decided to try momma's bootcamp DVD... They were so into it.. Bari for about 5 minutes... Kari lasted about 20! LOL

Day 26 (1/26)

2010-01-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Parker went get a hair cut with Daddy yesterday and I was looking at him today thinking how big he is getting. He definitely has his big boy face. No baby left. What a handsome little man he is turning out to be! I can't believe he will be 5 in a few months!

Day 25

2010-01-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

I finally got my desk today. I am SO tired of seeing my mess all over the kitchen table. School books, lap top, bills... everytime we have company I have to find a place to put my stuff and I am constantly worried about the kids dumping things on my computer or books. I was very specific on what I wanted. A small roll top and I found it today!!! Now I have my own space and I can hide my mess away simply by closing the top!

Day 24 (1/24)

2010-01-25T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today hubby made me some fabulous terriyaki(sp?) ribs and we watched the Saints been the Vikings in the NFC Championship game! I nearly had 10 heart attacks watching this game and I still cannot believe the SAINTS are going to the SUPERBOWL!!!! Black and Gold superbowl baby!!!! WHODAT!

Day 23

2010-01-23T21:50:00.001-08:00

MONSTER JAM!! We had such a GREAT time with the kids today. I LOVE that we are able to do things like this with them. Nothing makes me happier than to see my boys happy. I know that we made some lasting memories with them today. It was way too hard to pick one picture from today.. I took over 300 so here are a few of my favorites. The top left is waiting to go inside, the top right is during the pit party, the bottom left was with Candice Jolly and Monster Mutt(she was super sweet!), and the bottom right is their favorite truck Maximum Destruction!

Day 22 (1/22)

2010-01-22T15:22:00.001-08:00

Xa playing a little backyard football!

Day 21 (1/21)

2010-01-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

So I went upstairs to fuss at the boys bc I could hear the boys playing in the closet. They love to play scooby doo and go ghost hunting. They were truely having a blast. I love Xavier's smile... his front teeth are so loose.. I just know they don't have much longer left. I think I may go into mourning when his perfect smile is missing a few teeth!

Day 20 (1/20)

2010-01-20T14:17:00.001-08:00

Kari drew this for me at school today. It says Dear Mom, I love you Love Kari. He says it is him and mommy at his school. I think he is trying to make the 365 every day! LOL

Day 19 (1/19)

2010-01-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

Kari gave this to Bari when he got home from school. I have no clue what the picture is supposed to say but it says: Bari Orgeron Get better. awwww I am so amazed to see how much he has learned so far in kindergarten!

Day 18

2010-01-18T15:54:00.001-08:00

My poor Bari is so sick.. he woke up at 2 in the morning puking his guts up.. and pretty much from then on all night I was shampooing his carpet and cleaning him up. Thank God for Emetrol. We got him some Emetrol this morning and it helped sooo much, no more dry heaves. this is how Bari spent most of his day with a wet rag on his head, bottle of sprite, puke bucket next to him, watching cartoons in his room.
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Day 17 (1/17)

2010-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

Parker has the strangest appetite of any child I have ever known. He will not eat even 1 vegetable, no potatoes, no CANDY, no COOKIES, no CAKE, no ICE CREAM... the easter bunny brings him black chips(BBQ lays) and meat sticks(slim jims). I somehow convinced him a yr or so ago to lick a sucker... this is now the only candy he will taste and he sticks his tongue waaaay out because he refuses to put the sucker all the way in his mouth.... he will lick it for about a minute and then it goes into the trash!
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Day 16 (1/16)

2010-01-16T19:36:00.000-08:00

WHODAT?!?!

Fifteen (1/15)

2010-01-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

A quiet rainy afternoon <3

Day 14 (1/14)

2010-01-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Daddy's sports illustrated came in today and was on the table... the boys were having snack and I was cleaning the kitchn then Xavier says hey mom do you know that drew brees is the quarterback?" and kari says "I dreamed about Drew Brees" So I turn to see what they are doing and thought they were just adorable crowded around their daddy's magazine!
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Day 13 (1/13)

2010-01-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

Xavier Maurice you are my ray of sunshine. Your beautiful smile can brighten the darkest day. Sometimes I forget how young you are because you are such a big boy. You are smart but also ditzy.. such a little jock and those eyes just melt my heart! I love you my gentle giant! ♥

Day 12 (1/12)

2010-01-12T19:29:00.001-08:00

I have started letting the boys have "rest" time instead of "nap" time because they don't have them anymore at school and they go to bed earlier at night. If I tell Parker to take a nap he has a fit... If I call it a "rest" and let him watch TV it is okay.. he is much too old for naps!

Day 11 (Jan. 11)

2010-01-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

Parker you are such a sweet boy. You are so silly and outgoing. People can't help but be drawn to you. I am amazed by how smart you are every day and how much compassion you have at such a young age. You definitely have baby syndrome even though your brothers are not much older than you. You take the role of baby very seriously. You are such a joy in my life and my heart overflows with love for my sweet baby boy. ♥

Day 10 (1/10)

2010-01-10T17:18:00.001-08:00

Today my hunny spent the whole day cleaning our disgusting garage. He is SOOO excited for his little Saints playoff party next weekend that he had to get his garage ready! It is 6:30 and he is passed out on the couch!

Day 9 (Jan. 9)

2010-01-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks!" The boys love movies... hubby and I love movies.. what a GREAT Saturday morning.

Excuse the quality.. it was taken with my small camera and I only got one shot bc the batteries died right after this picture!

Day 8 (Jan 8th)

2010-01-08T17:10:00.001-08:00

Kari you are my prince charming.... always full of compliments. You will make some girl very lucky one day! You are so smart and soft hearted, but your fuse is very short. You are one of the funniest kids I know, a natural born comedian... I hope that never changes. You have brought more joy to my life than I could ever have imagined and I am lucky to be your mommy. I love you always, forever. ♥

Day 7, 1/7

2010-01-07T15:34:00.001-08:00

Bari James, how you test me and keep me on my toes every day. You are so strong willed and stubborn yet loving and silly all the same. You are so beautiful and such a blessing. I don't know what I did to deserve to be your mommy but I pray that I am doing a good job. I love you more than life ♥

1/6, Day 6

2010-01-07T06:31:00.001-08:00

Tonight I had a much much needed MNO. We started off with a group of ladies and for various reasons it dwindled down to Jessica and I. We had a great time. We saw "It's Complicated." I thought it was hallarious! It was nice to "escape" for a few hours for a little girl talk and a great movie!

1/5, Day 5

2010-01-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

Today was the boys' last day of Christmas break and I had soooo much to do.. unpacking and cleaning from our week in La but instead we did NOTHING. It was nice. The boys played all day. This is Xavier and Parker playing football with a pair of Daddy's socks. Yes, that is my sixty pound Xavier tackling thirty pound Parker. The boys have been playing tackle since they could crawl. It will be interesting to see them start FLAG football next fall.... I have a feeling my boys will be in lots of trouble, but they are rough and tough and I wouldn't want my boys any other way!

Day 4, Jan. 4th

2010-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

While waiting for Adam to run into Kroger for a few things this car parked accross from us. It is covered in blown glass, magnets and misc. other doodads. You cannot see in the picture but even the inside of the car has things hanging off the dash board and ceiling. I don't see how it can be legal t...o drive this car around but it definitely got a lot of attention. Everyone that passed pulled out their cell phones to get a shot!

Jan. 3rd, Day 3

2010-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today we spent the day at Aunt Ash's house watching the Saints with family. I tried to get some good shots of Lucy Mae in the Jessica Jones tutu we got her for christmas but my little firecracker doesn't sit still for long! She is such a little personality, dancing in her little tutu to "All the single ladies." I hope she is always so full of life. ♥

Jan. 2nd, Day 2

2010-01-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am sooo happy we got to spend the last few days with our family. Even though we don't see each other for months it is like we were never apart. The kids have enjoyed playing with their cousins so much. This is Kaden Mathew playing on the tire swing at Grammy and Pop's tonight. Kaden is such a beautiful child. I thank God for bringing you to our family!

Project 365, day 1

2010-01-01T18:09:00.001-08:00

One of my New Year's resolutions is to complete a 365. That is one photo a day for an entire year! I think it will be fun and a great way to practice with my camera!

My first photo is of my godson, Joseph Miles. We spent New Year's with the family today and of course I stalked everyone with my camera. Everytime baby Joseph saw Nanny's camera he gave me his "sweet eyes". He just melts my heart! Nanny loves you Jo!!!

The twins are FIVE!!!

2009-06-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go??? Seems like only yesterday they brought these beautiful newborn babies into our home and hearts... And yet when I look at the journey we have taken to get to this point it seems like an eternity! Words will never express how greatful and how lucky I am to be their momma.

They are getting SO big! Bari is so persistant... in good ways and in bad. He knows what buttons to press and just how to annoy every person in this house. LOL He also is so determined to master everything he tries. He is great with the video games, likes to color and really tries to stay in the lines, he still hasnt gotten it yet but he tries and tries to ride that bike with no training wheels. He doesn't want help. He has always been the kind of child that has to figure things out on his own. He is still very moody and the two faces of Bari are still very evident, however his tantrums are a lot less. He thrives on attention and loves to be praised. I don't think I have or ever will be as proud as I am of the progress my little boy has made... to think of the condition he was in just 3 years ago and to see the child he has become is just amazing.

Kari is a such a clown. He is always making jokes and teasing. He LOVES to make people laugh. He has mastered the art of flipping his eyelids and loves to show everyone *cringe*. He is just a FUNNY kid, even when he is not trying. He is also so so so sassy!!! He always has the last word, grunt, glare... He is such a smart child. His comprehension is unbelievable. When I can't get his brothers to understand what i am talking about he always seems to get it and explains it on their level. LOL He is my teddy bear. He loves his hugs and kisses and hugs. Kari is always complimenting me.. such a little flirt. Kari also shadows his Daddy. He wants to do everything just like him. He has to eat whatever his daddy is eating.. even the hot sauce.

My heart just overflows with the love I have for my little boys. Even on the most trying of days, I never forget how blessed I am to be their mommy. I thank God every single day for leading me down the right path to find my babies!

Parker Reid is 4

2009-05-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

My baby boy is four. Wow, I cannot believe how fast the time has flown since he was born. He is such a character; witty, BRAVE, stubborn, so smart. He is always into something and so dang sassy. I have no idea where it gets that from :P I think he makes up for what he is lacking in size with attitude. He is also so affectionate. Parker tells me he loves me and asks for his kisses and hugs a million times a day. As much as he and his brothers fight he is also very loving to them. If he hasn't seen one of them for a little while he is smothering them in kisses and hugs and will just talk their ears off. He adores his daddy and wants to do everything like him. He is such a blessing in our lives.

Little man, you will never know the happiness you bring to my life! I wish I could keep you little forever.

Been a while!

2009-05-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a while since I have updated this thing. Not too much new is going on. The kids are growing more and more every day. It amazes me the things they come up with!

A few days ago Parker broke a piece off of a wicker basket and shoved it in his ear. I had to pull it out with tweesers and it was about an inch long. The end had blood on it and Parker was screaming so I took him to the Dr. and thank god he cut his ear canal, not the ear drum. They ended up doing his 4 yr checkup(my baby is FOUR!) and he got shots and blood work. He thinks all of that was from putting the stick in his ear. Hopefully it scared him enough to never do it again! It is kind of funny though. Yesterday he was playing with some little men in the living room and I could hear him say "Oh no little brother, why you put that stick in your ear?" LMAO! It amazes me how they "play" whatever is going on in their lives. So I asked him uh oh Parker whats gonna happen to little brother? He said "Now little brother has to go to the doctor and get lots of shots!" Too cute!

We are leaving in exactly 2 weeks to go to Orange Beach, Al for a whole week!!!! We cannot wait. Everyday when the boys wake up they ask if we are going yet. We haven't been to the beach in two years bc of having to take classes to get certified for foster care in TX last summer so it is going to be a much much needed vacation!

I got a new toy!!! A Canon Rebel digital SLR camera. I am excited to have a hobby and really enjoying practicing and learning. It made me realize how I haven't had anything that I do just for my own enjoyment in a very long time. I still really don't know what I am doing but I'm having fun taking pictures and learning how to edit them! I am determined to be able to take professional quality pictures of my kids myself! I am putting up a few of my favs so far :)

It is May already! Time just flies. May 6th will be 30 days since rights were terminated and then we will finally be moved in to adoptions!!! Hoping things go quickly. I will keep you updated!

Major Progress

2009-04-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

We had our court date on April 6th and FINALLY terminated rights on the twins birth mother. although they are not adopted yet, this is such a HUGE step. We have been working towards this for almost 3 years. It is such a relief to know that they have no legal ties to our children anymore. Now we just need to focus on getting them adopted and legally a part of ours. I will be harrassing an adoption working like crazy to make sure this is taken care of ASAP! Thanks for all of the prayers and support. xoxo

Court

2009-03-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we had court yesterday but I didn't update bc I was just too upset. We were hoping to terminate the twins birth mothers rights but because the childrens lawyer and her lawyer both did not show up, it is being continued. We will have court on either April 6 or May 14. I will try not to get my hopes up again. I was so sure yesterday was the day and it really hit me hard. I know that nothing with our case has gone as planned so I should have expected it. It is so hard to have to share our children and our lives with so many strangers and to always be looking forward to some court hearing or home visit. I cannot wait til the day that our children are legally OURS and we don't have all of this added stress to our lives. Hopefully we can have the boys adopted before they start school in September. The last thing they need is to be confused by a different last name from the rest of their family. We will just have to keep praying for our court date to come fast and things to go as planned. Wish us luck!

Funny things kids say:

2009-03-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

My kids are just hallarious. I have to share a few things that Kari has said in the last week or so.

The other day we were sitting on the couch watching TV. Xavier was sitting by me and Kari next to him. Xavier started squirming and says "Ugh, moooommy, he's trying to put a booger on me!" Then Kari gets very defensive and Said "No I'm not! I just ate it already!" So I was like "Kari we don't eat boogers, that is disgusting. He says "Oh yes I do." *GAG* Disgusting but so funny!

Yesterday, Parker's tad pole died. So the kids watched me flush him down the toilet. A few hours later we sat down to have lunch and while I was serving their plates, Kari tells me "Hey mom, I don't think we need Xavier anymore. Lets just flush him down the toilet!"

I thought it was so funny that he was actually trying to be funny. A lot of times I catch them saying things and they don't realize that it is funny, like the booger thing. But he was saying this to pick at Xavier. There are so many other times they have just cracked me up that I have forgotten so I will start jotting them down in my blog and hope they make you smile as well!

Just a few pictures to go along with the update:

2009-03-07T10:31:00.001-08:00

Loving life :D

2009-03-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while so I figured it was time for a little update.

First, the boys. They are growing like weeds!!!! Xavier lost his first tooth a few weeks ago! The older three are getting into video games. I have to limit them but I must say I feel a little guilty for LOVING this! When I need to get a little house work done or just for them to settle down for a while I can turn on that Wii and they are mesmorized. Parker is still obsessed with monster trucks and plays much better by himself bc he doesn't like to share.. sooo he loves when they play the games and he can veg out on the floor with his monster trucks! They are finally calming down and becoming big boys!

We have so much to look forward too in the next few months. First, we are finally going to court on March 25th to terminate the twins birth mother's rights. Hopefully there are no continuences and we can move strait into adoptions and finally be finished with all of this. Parker will be turning FOUR in April. I cannot believe my baby is going to be 4. Makes me feel very old ;) Then we are off to the beach May 17th-24th. A week in paradise!!! The boys ask almost every day when we are going! In June Kari and Bari will be FIVE! They have come so far and endured so much. In July, Adam and I will celebrate our 8 yr anniversary! I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and marriage. Then end of Aug/beginning of Sept. all of my boys are going to SCHOOL!!! They are all really excited, none as excited as I am though! They really need this time out of the house and I really need it as well. We are hoping to have the boys adopted before they start school. Please pray that all goes well

Onto myself. I am feeling great! I am so excited that I went to Houston Weight loss and will finally shed all of this weight that has been depressing me for the last few years. I can't wait to look and feel good about myself again!

We have so much to look forward to and to be thankful for!

Sad

2009-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

I know this is a controversial topic but it is my blog so I will write my views :) I am appalled at this months Glamour magazine and the way they make abortion out to be the next best thing to a condom. Seriously all of these women are telling their stories of their abortion experience and how they don't regret them and made the best decision.. some of them having more than one! I just don't understand how anyone, least of all a mother can think that it is okay to kill a baby. People using abortion as a way to correct a mistake.. how can a baby ever be a mistake? I have such strong views on this and there are so many people out there that would gladly take your baby if you can't raise it.. I don't understand how killing it is an option. I want to just go to an abortion clinic and slap those women and tell them how lucky and how selfish they are. I would have been ecstatic to get pregnant and now just as ecstatic to take that unwanted baby from them. I thank god that my boys birth mothers at least had enough sense not to kill them. They were by no means able to raise children but had they not made these beautiful boys, I would not have the joy and the honor of being their mother. It is a really sad time when murdering babies is being glorified in our society.

Great Day!

2009-01-20T20:22:00.001-08:00

My newest godson was born today!!!! Tasha had him this morning. His name is Joseph Miles and he weighs 9 lbs! He is absolutely beautiful in pictures and I cannot wait to meet him and snuggle him!! Congratulations Tasha and Joey!!!

What a lucky boy to be born on such a historical day! Barack Obama was sworn into office today. I am so excited. I can't remember the last time if ever I had such a good feeling about a president. Our country is facing a lot of hard times right now and I know no one is a miracle worker but I hope he can push us in the right direction!

ARE YOU READY FOR MONSTER JAM?!?!?!

2009-01-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to Monster Jam tonight and it was sooooooo awesome!!! The boys had a blast. The look on Parker's face when the trucks came out was priceless. He was actually trembling! Kari was really excited as well.. Xavier kept his hands on his ears for the entire race. Once the freestyle came up Bari and Xavier finally got into it. I know tonight is a night they will never forget! I love my kiddos :)

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe 2008 is over already! We have been living in Katy for a whole year. It is amazing how time flies once you are grown up. This past year was a lot of good and not so good.

When 2008 first started out I was miserable. Adam was always gone for work and I knew no one. I missed home terribly and thought we made the biggest mistake ever by moving here. To top that off my kids couldn't go to school! Worst of all I was certain my boys would have been adopted before the years end. Well, the year is over and not much progress has been made on their case. It really depresses me to think that a whole year has passed and we are no further than we were this time last year.

A few good things happened this year too. The twins birth father signed his rights over. After a few months of living here I really fell in love with the area. I love the convenience of living near everything and the people here are so nice. I started making friends and doing more. My friends have really started to feel like family and makes this truely feel like home. Adam went back to work for Delta and now spends a lot more time at home with us. It is so good having him around again!

I have high hopes for 2009. I really hope that this is the year we will finally adopt our boys and legally be a family. I am always starting and then quiting diets. This time I am determined to stick to it. I want to feel good about myself again. I want to be a better mommy to my boys. They are the most amazing kids. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have them in my life. I feel like a lot of times I don't show them how much they mean to me. I want to spend more quality time with them and try not to nag about the little things and remember that they are just kids. My boys WILL start school this year and I know that will be good for them and for me. I also want to get them involved in sports because I know it is something they will love! I want to make a budget and stick to it. Most of all I just want to make myself and my family happy.

Christmas 08

2008-12-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was relatively quiet but good. I am used to having a house full on Christmas so it just being us was definitely different. It really meant a lot to me to have my boys wake up at home on Christmas morning with their gifts. We went to mass on Christmas eve and baked Santa cookies.. Parker tried to eat one!!! Poppa came over in a Santa suit very early and ran past their rooms HO HO HO'ing and then ran out of the house to make them think Santa had just passed... Well Parker is the only one that woke up and he recognized his voice... Parker woke up his brothers and just kept saying all morning that Poppa is santa! We went to Louisiana the day after Christmas and spent the weekend at my sisters. That was a lot of fun. The whole family came over on Saturday and we had Christmas with them. I think the boys really enjoyed their Christmas. Here are a few pictures! Oh and hubby got me the ring I wanted... I LOVE IT!!!

Just for today...

2008-12-17T11:36:00.001-08:00

As I was going through random blogs this morning, I came accross this entry written by a mother to her autistic son. It really touched me and made me realize how often I brush my children off to do things that don't really matter. I let myself get so overwhelmed with all of the housework and trying to make the boys behave perfectly that I forget to just sit back and enjoy them. I am not saying I should let the house fall apart and the boys go crazy but they are only little once and we should really cherish as much of it as we can.

Just For Today by Sally Meyer
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face...and laugh when I feel like crying. Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly in your flannel p.j.'s...and hold you until you are ready to stir. Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear...and I will say how beautiful you are. Just for this morning, I will step over the laundry to pick you up...and take you to the park to play Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink...and let you teach me how to put your puzzle together. Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off...and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles. Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck...and I will buy you one, if he comes by. Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up...I will simply love you for the joy you bring me. Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me make cookies...and I wont stand over you . . . trying to 'fix things.' Just for this afternoon, I will take you to McDonald's and buy us both a 'Happy Meal'...so you can have two toys. Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you the story of how you were born...and how much we love you. Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the bathtub...and I won't get angry when you pour water over your sister's head. Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late...while we sit on the porch swing and count all the stars. Just for this evening, I will bring you glasses of water...and snuggle beside you for hours...and miss my favorite t.v. show. And tonight when you are sleeping safe and warm in your bed, I will think of the mothers and fathers who mourn for the children they have lost. I will remember the parents who sit by hospital beds,watching over the little ones they love. I will weep for those parents whose children are cold,hungry and suffering, and .... this evening, when I kneel down to pray, I will simply be grateful for all that I have and not ask for anything...except just one more day.
© copyright 1999 Sally Meyer(written for her autistic son, Dhylan)

I made a blog!

2008-12-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Okay so my sisters and now my bff have these so I figured I should keep up with the Jone's.

Today is probably not the best day to start this because i am closed up in a hotel room with my four very hyper children. I am losing my mind!!! I am so ready to go home. The visit has been SO nice but it is over a week now and I am missing my life, my bff, and some normalcy.

Christmas is coming!!!! I love Christmas!!! It is definitely my favorite time of year. I can't wait to see the boys faces when they open their gifts. They are going to be so excited. This year is the best so far because all of my children really believe in santa and are totally santa obsessed. Their faces when they saw him at the mall and their Christmas party were priceless. They also got to see snow on this trip which was AMAZING!!! Kari was beaming. It was great.

My baby sister is coming in January. I cannot wait to see her. I think it has been about a year? Maybe more. I am sure it will be a great time!!!!!