She Can't Even Handle the Birthday Song

Happy Birthday To Gia

It is finally Gia's 2nd Birthday-- her party was forever and a year ago and it has seemed to drag since that time. I can't believe she is already '2'!

'Terrible Two's' is REAL! It does not affect every child, but it has affected my child. It started a few months ago and it has gotten worse. It seems to really be bad when we are trying to eat out. I will normally have to have her in my lap while I eat; however at times- if you open a pack of sugar and pour it on the table that will help calm her down.

If you make Gia mad by not giving her what she wants she will scream and then run into a kitchen cabinet or door-- at times she throws herself to the ground. I normally just look at her and say 'I'm sorry, but I can't'- Then I will walk away and she will get up. Gia also has begun to refuse to lay on diaper changing stations. She fights, kicks, and screams. Here lately I have had to put paper towels on the floor and change her there (there was a couch at Macys I changed her on the other day - that went very well :-)

Gia has become very independent- if I give her a piece of candy- I am not allowed to open it. Gia has to open it and then the trash normally lands on the floor. Sometimes she will ask for a cookie or something else-when I try and hand it to her- she gets angry and screaches. I will then put it on the floor, walk away and then watch as she sneaks over to it, pick it up and eat it.

Gia is terrible but she has her good side also. She is so funny these days with her expanded language. She loves to copy and mimic Alexis- I 'm sure this will begin to annoy Lexi pretty soon. When she gets a treat she makes sure to grab one for Lexi and Reese. If you are coughing- she will say 'Okay?' When Gia knows that it is bedtime she will start to turn on her 'cuteness & charm'. She can be crazy. When she yells for one of her brothers- she combines their names 'Rickyryan!'

I look at her and I wonder 'How is she going to be when she is 3 or 4 or 8? I can wait to see- however I'd like for her to get past '2' stage.

It's Just Like Getting a Shot--

*You have to do it *You wait in line to see the 'Big Guy' *You cry and snot all over your mommy and daddy *It takes 10 seconds *You get a treat afterwards *When it is over you say 'That wasn't so bad'

We ventured out this morning to take the girls to see Santa--- When we told Lexi what we were planning- she was not so thrilled. Our Santa was moved from the Frisco mall to the new outside mall in Allen. The setup is outside- it is beautiful and Santa was nice enough to bring two of his reindeer with him!

The weather was a little windy, but not cold. We stood in - what looked like a short line- for probably about 45 minutes. Lexi insisted that I hold her for the majority of the time- she was a little nervous. Gia went back and forth from ALL of us-- I think Lexi made her nervous.

When we finally had our turn- Lexi sat like a scared little bird- but did not cry and whispered 'thank you' under her breath when Santa gave her the coloring book. Gia- on the other hand-- cried and snotted! (& I think let out a little package)

Even though taking these girls to see Santa is pretty stressful- it is soooo worth it AND this Santa (which is the only Santa) is the best Santa in the world! He is so patient!
click to blow up and see the girls up close

Naughty or Nice

http://family.go.com/santas-list/video/29409-aimeeandrickplus5/

Danger- Playdoh w Beads

Long story short-- Lexi brought home decorated Playdoh from Daycare-- she decorated it w little beads. She wanted to play with it- I told her to share with Gia. I gave Gia half and Gia said 'Eat?' I said 'NO EAT-- only PLAY!'

Later on- Gia came upstairs with us- I noticed a pink bugar! I thought 'Hmmmmm!'-- I wiped her nose and realized it was pink bead! I squeezed it out her nose-- no big deal! A little while later- she had a runny nose- so I went to wipe it and thought 'Maybe we should check to see if there is more up her nose.'--- We looked and sure enough a white bead was in her right nostril and was surrounded by some playdoh.

DAGGUMMIT!!!!!

We got the tweezers, held her down and tried our best to get it out. We were not successful so Jenna and I took her to the After Hour Emergency Center.

Luckily it was only a $25 co pay, we were only there for about an hour, the doctor and nurses were nice, and
it only took the doctor three different methods to get it out.

My Gia is STRONG- it took 3-4 people to hold her down--- she cried and screamed, but I think she was just sad and scared-- once I picked her up and gave her 2 suckers she was fine!

It did not surprise me that she did what she did- she is my child that eats and poops blue crayons!

My Gym

By far the BEST birthday party I have thrown for my girls! My Gym is the ultimate birthday party place :-) At first I was a little nervous about the cost and the number of kids that may or may not show. Luckily I had around 15 kids that showed up to party- some were invited and some were 'tag alongs' (which was fine w me) - my goal was to have 20 kids show because that was the 'up to' number of kids that I paid for.

My Gym was fabulous because the entire room was reserved for us and the kids got to run FREE and play! The My Gym employees were also great- they were involved w entertaining the kids, they wiped my child's nose, they had energy and they looked like they loved what they do. In addition, they were also very patient- when the kids did not cooperate during Circle Time- they allowed them to go ahead w their free play time.

Loved it Loved it Loved it-- May have Lexi's party there in April :=)

Birthday Song and Ride

Happy Birthday Miss Giada

Crack Me Up

Only wore them for 2 minutes to watch 3D Shrek

My Lexi Can be Terrible

My precious Lexi has 'gone bad'--- she tells her mommy 'no', she screams, she yells 'I am SO mad', she hit her friend today and was shocked when after Mommy gave her multiple warnings that she was disciplined! When mommy puts Lexi on the potty and she poops Lexi says 'Let's call that done!'- even though she is far from done and then when Mommy says 'UH NO'-- she gets really mad. The other day when we were eating I said 'One more bite' and she said 'No it will make me poop!' (What the heck?!?!) What is a mommy to do!?

My Fear

I have to say that I have a huge fear of mice. I can handle mice that are 'caged' or dead, but I cannot handle mice that are in MY HOUSE or in any house that I may be in!!!!

This fear came when I was a child-- probably around the age of 7 or 8. (Give or take a year). We moved into a home that was near a creek. With the creek came mice-- BIG mice-- to a little kid--- HUGE mice and lots of them!

I vividly remember my mom and her husband putting 'rat' traps in our garage-- One day I peeked in and saw that the rat traps actually worked--tons of dead MICE/RATS. I remember my mom and her friend commenting that one day when they were in the garage a mouse ran up one of their pants leg. True? Not sure- maybe they were messing w my little head. I learned that mice can run and squeeze perfectly under a closed door, I saw a dead mouse in my dog's outside water bowl and was punished because I refused to dump the bowl w the dead mouse in the alley, I remember seeing 'rat droppings', and I have a scared memory of hearing mice under my bed-- maybe it was my active imagination, but I swear I heard little mouse finger nails scratching on boxes that may have been under my bed!

Last night- I was in bed watching television with my husband. We were actually RELAXING for once! The only light was the light from the television. ALL OF A SUDDDEN I saw something all too familiar-- a quick 'something' shooting from the hallway under our closed bedroom door. 'Oh my God- I think I saw a mouse-- Oh my God--- Oh my God' I could not stop saying those words-- I was in a panic.

My brave husband jumped up out of bed- grabbed some pants- turned the light on and was ready to take on the mouse. I was brave enough to turn the lamp on that is next to my bed. I pointed to the 'bed pillows' that are in the corner of our room. These are the pillows you are suppose to buy that make your bed look nice when it is made-- we never make our bed so they are piled on the floor! He tossed one pillow one by one and when he got to the 3rd pillow--- SCEAT SCAT--- it was on the run- back underneath our door.

My husband opened the bedroom door and it was gone. He ordered me to tell the boys to go to Walmart and buy some 'sticky traps'-- Surprisingly w/o complaint they did it.

When they got back-- I told them that I felt like the little rodent would be in the closet directly across from our bedroom door. This is a closet- as most of my closets are-- that is filled with STUFF- lots and lots of stuff.

As I sat on my bed w a towel underneath my bedroom door- the Fauci men- prepared a trap. They blocked the hallway off and had a bucket/bowl in hand. My husband opened the closet and began to empty the contents. All of a sudden I hear my husband say 'It's in here- dang it went inside a box!' Boy, was I happy to hear that they tracked it down.

I'm not sure what was said next-- but I heard chaos! Then I heard Ricky say 'I got it!'-- He trapped it w the famous pink barf bowl! Yipee- Praise God! They somehow scooped it up and threw it back outside. I was hoping they would have put it in our neighbor's mailbox! JUST JOKING (sorta).

I think that was a little mouse that may have gotten away from its mom and somehow snuck in our house. We planted some trees lately-- not sure if it came w the trees or maybe it snuck in while we did some handy work on our house. Not sure- we still have some sticky traps down and luckily they are still empty. I am confident that we don't have any--- I'm actually really hoping- anyway.

I'm Ready To

*Have a vacation
*Get a break
*Sit down and relax
*Eat something good
*Have my house completely decorated for Christmas
*Have my Market order paid for and complete
*Watch a good movie w/o interruption
*Stop having nosey neighbors
*Figure out what to get the boy's for Christmas
*Have my house clean 110% of the time
*Take a nap

Trick or Treat

Halloween 2008

Tinkerbell and Arial

We left our house around 5:45pm and walked to a nearby neighborhood.

Our neighborhood is (possibly) one of the worse neighborhoods for kids.
I believe it was meant to be a retirement neighborhood- so porch lights are out at 8pm and some were not even turned on.

The neighborhood we ventured to was a 'fun' neighborhood. Most of the neighbors were at the end of their driveway, dressed up, and ready to
hand out candy. The only bad part about this neighborhood was that if
the neighbors were not at the end of their driveway-
it was a really long walk to their door!

For the most part, the girls did really good. Lexi said her standard 'Trick or Treat' and 'Thank You', but she was very nervous about the scary decorations and insisted on being held and at times refused to go to certain houses. Gia did what she was told- no matter if the house had scary decorations or if the homeowner was dressed as Frankenstien. The only set back for her was that when the candy bowl was put in front of her she would go to grab for one and then drop it and then stare at the candies in the bowl. It was like she could not decide. The homeowners were very patient.

After around an hour- the girls were 'BEAT' and ready to go home. We threw them in the stroller and I made sure to run to each house that had a 'Help Yourself' sign and grab some candy-Once house had BIG candy bars--always very exciting.

I wanted to go to Chili's before we went home to grab some FOOD, but Lexi really wanted her bed. After spreading out their candy, opening a few, spitting out the candy they did not like- Lexi passed out! Gia, on the other hand, hung out with her dad in the backyard and waiting for trick or treaters-- I think we found 3 and insisted that they take a handful of candy.

I Just Wanted Some Dickey's

So after the last daycare child left- I decided that I was hungry. I looked around and realized that I was not hungry for anything in the house. I thought about making tacos, but then realized that it would only be Rick and I eating.

So I grabbed some cash, got my purse, and sneaked out- leaving Gia and Lexi to stay w dad while I ran to get some grub. Poor Rick- the girls FREAKED out when they realized I was gone.

As I was heading down Custer-- nearing my destination---I kept thinking--'This road sucks-- it is too busy and way too dark w too many headlights'. Then - up ahead- I saw a motorcyclist pull out a few feet in front of me. As he pulled out I thought 'Man, I'm glad he is way up ahead of me-- 'cause he is hard to see!' Then all of a sudden---BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!! Motorcyclist DOWN!

I don't think anyone was hurt, but I am sure the motorcyclist, the car(s) involved, any and everyone around them were scared to death!

After some crazy 'stand still' traffic- I got my Dickey's!!!!

I Am Really Bored

'

This is how big my belly got w Lexi. She was kind!




















This is what Gia 'the Monster' child did to me!

I Was Ready w My Camera This TIme

My Girls Are Starting to Get It- Well Kinda

Gia--- Absolutely no bottles since Sunday-- Whoppeeee. Gia now screams for at least 5 minutes before falling asleep-- as annoying as it is- I am okay with that! I'd rather her scream in her crib than at Walmart in the candy or toy aisle. During the day- she will still scream 'Bottle Bottle'- but I will quickly correct her and say 'Sippy Sippy' and she will repeat me and take the Sippy Cup. I am so happy that she has accepted giving up the bottle so easily-- Now she likes to eat food-- thank goodness.

Off topic- sorta--- Gia loves to eat food now that she has given up her bottle that she will let Lexi feed her! The other day Lexi had yogurt and Gia yelled 'Bite' and Lexi spooned yogurt in her mouth! Much neater than having Gia spoon yogurt in her own mouth.

Gia has started to tell me when she has pottied in her diaper and sometimes when she needs to poop! Code "Princess Potty-Poop"------Love it!

Lexi--- Lexi has begun to wear panties at home during non sleeping times. She is accepting this more and more everyday. She still asks for a 'white diaper'- she is testing me! For the most part we go through about 6 pair of undies a day. This is mainly due to 'skids' and minor accidents.

Last weekend Lexi & I went to Walmart to pick out some undies-- we bought a 3 pk of Little Mermaid and a 3 pk of My Little Pony undies.

Oh Geez Louise why did I not buy eight 3 packs of My Little Pony panties? She gets so upset when her My Little Pony panties are dirty!

Lexi normally has codes to tell me that she is needing to go or is in the process of going. These codes include 'Mommy I don't want to be a big girl!' (this means she is going)---- 'Mommy-- no-- not yet!' (this is her answer when I say 'let's go potty' and she is in the process of needing to poop). She was adorable the other day--- She was in the family room and she looked at me and said so sweetly 'Mommy I had an accident'--When we went to the potty she said 'See mommy?'

I am confident that my Lexi will get the Poopy on the Potty process down! Especially if you guys send some prayers my way.

First Day of Lexi's New School

Lexi seemed to have a great day at her new school. She woke up at the normal time and was very excited to be able to play w her friend Reese before she had to leave.

Daddy took Lexi to school and the kids at school were sitting in a circle listening to a man playing his guitar. Lexi joined in.

After school- Lexi rode home on the bus. She got home really really fast because she was the only student. She said the bus assistant was nice to her. (I wonder if Lexi talks on the bus or just sits there and looks out the window).

When Lexi got home I tried to ask her questions but she was toooooooooooo tired and only wanted to lay down. After 20 minutes she was passed out.

After Lexi woke up - she was nice enough to share her day with me. She said that the 'man teacher' sang and played music and that she ate rice, chicken and drank milk for lunch. She could not tell me her teacher's name and they did something about a fireman. She said that she was coming back tomorrow---SO that was a good sign.

Sounds like she had fun and I am so happy. I do wish that she was not the only kid on the bus, but in time- she may not have to be.

My My How Things Have Changed

Back in the mid 90's things were just a little different than they are now. I am referring to Birthday Party planning.

Back in the mid 90's:
*You could call the party place at least two weeks before the party and a spot would be available
*It cost $10 a head minimum 10 kids (siblings not included in the 10)
*Sometimes they would even throw in the cake

Nowadays:
*You have to call & schedule- it seems- more than a month ahead of time
*The cost normally ranges to around OVER $200 and a bit under $300
*Minimum 20 kids-- who in the heck on this Earth knows 20 kids---So if 10 kids show up- it is still the same cost

My baby will turn '2'- she does not care or will even remember if she has a party, but I feel like I should give her a birthday FUN day-- maybe even two or three because she is my baby. It is fun to see the same kids/parents come to each party and watch them interact.

After a small stressful day of planning yesterday- I found the perfect party place at My Gymn. I did have to bump it up to about 3 weeks before her birthday, but I don't think she will care.

Now- in order to feel like I am getting my money's worth-- I must find 20 kids to invite and convince them that this will be the ultimate party & they won't want to miss it.

The Debate is On!

So --- I went and had a mini tour of Lexi's new school/ daycare. I have to say it scared the heck out me!

I have to admit that the timing of my tour was really BAD. It was 'free time' and they were getting ready for a Halloween parade. Maybe I am over reacting but my first thought was 'Oh my- this is an actual daycare!'- which I knew it would be, but I guess I pictured it differently. There were around 15 kids per 1 teacher and 1 assistant that looked 14 or 15 years old. I saw no 'bubble' in the room just exhaustion by the two teachers- watching that many 3-4 yr olds would make me exhausted and a little crazy also.

Some of my fears is: Lexi will be another daycare kid, she won't be 'touched' (one on one), her teacher really won't get to know her (lex will only be there for 2 1/2 hours a day - so will they see her as important), I won't have quick access w her new teacher, not good communication and the list goes on...

I found out that I have an option of putting her back at her old school and they would work with her w continuing to advance her! That is good news for me, but it makes me want to just go ahead and put her back in the original school. I know I need to have an open mind and see how it goes for the next week. I can't just make the 'easy' and most 'comfortable' decision for me. As a mom- I should do what I think is best BUT do I really know if it is best for her to go to Primrose or stay at Bennett.

Argh!

Oh Lordy Lord

'Bottle' 'Bottle' !!!!!! These are the words of Gia and they are not nice!

I have decided- well actually I decided a LONG time ago that Gia was too old for the bottle. So last night I decided that it was time --- this decision was helped by the fact that I had no clean bottles and that the milk was in the garage fridge. I layed her down- she screamed 'Bottle, Bottle!!'- cried for 4 minutes and passed out. Yea Happy!

This morning was a different story. She woke up and requested a Bottle-- I gave her a sippy cup with milk. She was livid! Oh Geez Louise~

I am doing my best NOT to give in--- If we can get Lex off the bottle and paci-- we are determined we can get Gia off the bottle.

What makes it a little more stressful is that Lexi is BACK in panties! She is sometimes really okay w wearing them and sometimes really really upset! 'I want my white diaper with Mickey and Minnie!'- "I don't want to be a big girl!'--- Where are sometimes she says 'I'm not a baby- I'm Lexi!' & then she names off everyone that wears panties.

So up ahead are some stressful time! Wish me luck and sanity.

If I had my camera

I would have figured out how to take a picture---

This afternoon- I was showing Lexi 'My Little Ponys' on EBAY--She started to snuggle really hard in my lap so I pulled her up in total baby/ snuggle/ fetal position. She looked really tired so I said 'You can close your eyes if you want.' She closed her eyes- I thought she was kidding around, but after a second she started breathing hard--- My baby fell asleep in my arms!!!!!! For me that was such an 'AW' moment.

After a few minutes I layed her in her bed and luckily she stayed asleep.

My Baby- Big Girl Lexi is Moving to New Heights!

Lexi's teacher called me last week and told me some really good (sad) news.

Ms V (Lexi's main teacher) explained that she noticed a HUGE progression in Lexi's learning since she was enrolled last spring. She had told me that a few months earlier and at the time I thought 'Dang they are going to kick her out of the program- how can we 'dumb' this girl up!?'

Well- needless to say--- Lexi's teacher informed me that Lexi was observed by another MISD teacher-not sure how to explain who this teacher was-- and this teacher (Ms. Barton) said 'Hmmm this little girl should probably not be in this class.'

Oh DANG!!!!!

Good News!!!! Lexi is being transferred to an ADVANCED class--- Yipee- my baby girl is catching on!

Bad News!!!! Lexi is being moved out of Bennett :-(

Good News!!! Lexi is being moved to Primrose!!!!

Bad News!!!! She will no longer be in MISD-- but a daycare environment- which is not so bad, BUT I like the school atmosphere :-(

Good News!!! It is free and she will be fed lunch :-)

Bad News!!! She will no longer have her 3 teachers-- Ms. V, Wilson, and Garner :-()

Good News!!! She will have 3 new teachers-- Primrose teacher, MISD teacher -visits daily--, and a speech teacher.

Bad News!! She may have to ride the bus to and from school.

Good News!!! She loves the bus.

Bad News!!! I like mom or dad dropping her off so she can get a kiss good bye and we can see her get out of the car happy.

BEST NEWS-----MY BABY GIRL IS GETTING SMARTER AND BIGGER----------------

'Poopy! Princess Potty'

These are the words that Gia spoke to give me the sign that she needed to POOP! I checked her diaper 'CLEAR'-- I smelled something not so pleasant & headed straight for the bathroom. She sat- continued to insist on 'PAPER'. I left the room to give her some 'time' & when I came back--- we had POOP!!!! Call the newspaper- this is an exciting moment! How wonderful it would be if I could get both kids potty trained and never have to buy diapers again (unless - of course- I created another beautiful, gorgeous, smart, adorable Fauci child!

Check Out Gia's New Dance Move

State Fair of Texas --Texas/ OU Game

We have created a family tradition and that tradition is venturing out on the day of the Texas/ OU game at the State Fair of Texas. Some would say that we are crazy because of the crowd and traffic, but we look at it as an adventure. Normally you can arrive to the fair before the game starts and know that the fair will be a little more crowded than normal- then once the game starts- you practically have the fair to yourself. After the game is over- that is normally about the time you should think about leaving. This year was a whole different year! When we arrived and once the game started- the fair had a nice and easy crowd. Once half time came around- we realized that someone left the gate open and a ton of OU and Longhorn fans had escaped. We were able to tolerate that crowd- they were mainly hanging around the big screen watching the game. After the game was something we had never experienced--- as we were walking we had walked into a swarm of orange and burgandy. There was no escaping! It was madness! After I found an opening- Jenna and the gang held onto my pants and we made our escape. Ryan was pushing the double stroller and he did an awesome job- he did run into a few ankles, but no one seemed to mind.


Do you see the orange and burgandy in the background? This was after halftime!

Lexi and I were waiting for Jenna and Chris to get off a scary and very expensive ride. I had some tickets left so I bought some apples with caramal and nuts. If the caramal did not slide off the apple so much it would have been good.

This was Gia's first Fair ride! She never really smiled and giggled but she seemed to like it!

Thank goodness for FREE ice cream! We would not have known about this if it was not for Ryan. The girls had been so evil for the the first hour of our trip, but the ice cream really seemed to calm them down!

The sign says it all! That is the only reason Rick was at the fair!

Lexi loves to ride rides!

After a huge meltdown--- Gia passed out. We tried laying her back in the stroller, but she would get angry!
Crazy fair riders.
Overall- we had quite an experience at the fair- from way too many crowds to crying and screaming Fauci kids! Thankfully Jenna and her boyfriend arrived and helped with the girls.

Little Tornados

Why do I even bother!?!?!?!!? Lexi and Gia emptied out their drawers so their animals could have blankets?!!?!?!? Gia likes to carry piles of clothes into the living room- for what reason- I cannot even begin to guess!?!?!? I can't 'get on to them' because they are so happy and out of my hair when they are causing these tornados! I am sure one day I will BLOW UP!

Who the Heck Knew You HAD to have a Ticket?

As we read the Sunday paper-- or should I say 'As Rick read the Sunday paper and I glanced at the ads'--- we ran across a blurb that said that Giada from Food Network's 'Everyday Italian' would be in Plano at Park and Preston from 4-6pm. I thought 'WOW - how cool is that! I can have her autograph her new book and sign it to my baby and have a picture taken of her and my baby Gia.' If you don't know- our baby Gia was named after Giada. It was one of the 'spur of the moment- for no good reason' things to do. I liked the name and Rick thought she was hot- so we did it :-)

Long story short- I loaded the kids up and we headed to Plano. When we got there the line was wrapped around the building. I thought 'Gee Wiz- I can't back out now!'. Well little did I know that you had to have a magic ticket. Makes sense- but I really wish the paper would have said that. So we headed inside to take a peak at Mrs. Giada De Laurentiis. We were able to see her from a distance. As I observed I noticed that people were only taking pictures from where I was standing and not with her. So as I thought about it- it was probably good that we did not have to stand in that big long line because I really only wanted to get a pic of the two Giada's.

Meet Gia- My Big Girl

My Gia is growing right before my eyes & FAST! She is 'one of the girls'---

At night she tears the house up (we call her our Little Tornado) & plays 'mommy'. She grabs her animal or doll, puts them on the changing pad and starts 'cleaning them up!'.

I've tried practicing w her on the potty and all she wants is 'paper' and if you don't give it to her- she gets really mad.

If you are not paying enough attention to her - she will look at you and stick both fingers in her nose and laugh! She gets this from her dad.

She looks up to her 2nd Big Sis- Anything that Lexi does- Gia is like a little parrot and copies her.

Gia is funny and cute and I wonder how she will act when she is a little older-

Chloe Duyck Memorial Fund

This is our second year to this event that we have been given the opportunity attend. This was much better than the last! The girls had so much room to play and they also had fun in the bounce houses. Both girls got their face painted for FREE!

This event also had a silent auction of donated items that the money earned will go to raise awareness for CHD (tiny hearts). I bid on a lot- I know I will probably not win any of them, but it was fun. I actually hope I win a couple of items- they will be perfect as Christmas presents. I donated a Sassy Bratz birthday set- there was only one bid on it before we left- but that was good enough for me.

In the middle of the event- red and pink balloons were passed out - some in the shape of hearts. After a small speech from Chloe Duyck's mom and dad- everyone released the balloons to all of the heart angels. It was nice and very beautiful.

Heart Babies :-) See mine in the middle <-------

I Quit

Well- I officially suck- I quit the Room Mom volunteer job for Lexi's class. It was pretty misleading (in my opinion). It was said that a lot of the work could be done at home- well- not enough of it could be. With up to 6 kids at home - I really could not do it. I felt bad, but then again - a small weight was lifted off my shoulders :-) I'll just do my duty and send 'extras' when needed and asked for and when they are not asked for.

Good news- Lexi gets to dress up for Halloween at her school- YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If You've Ever Tried To Quit Smoking...

Quiting your paci is pretty much the same thing!

On Satuday morning- Rick explained to Lexi that a little baby named Stephanie that lives near Jenna's apartments needed a paci really bad but her mommy and daddy were not able to give her one. He asked her if she would consider giving Stephanie her paci. Lexi said 'Maybe later'. Well - this did not sit well with Rick--so he grabbed an envelope and explained that it was important that she go ahead and give Baby Stephanie her paci. Without a fight, but with many tears- she complied with his request.


It did not take her long to calm down (I think she thought we were not serious).

After she calmed down we told her that because she was soooooooooo brave to give up her paci that we would go to the mall and buy her a special stuffed animal so she could hold IT when she was sad or scared.

We got dressed and headed to Frisco Mall. I thought she was going to pick something out of the Disney store but I was wrong. I guess she had to find that perfect stuffed animal/ doll. We went into Baby Gap and after looking for just a second she found the most perfect doll. It was a small ballerina doll with a purple outfit. It just so happened that this is the same doll that she has picked up on 2-3 occassions and we have put back before walking out of the store, so I guess it was meant to be! Lexi was also given a Hello Kitty pearl set (necklace, bracelet and ring).

Ever since Lexi has given up her paci- the following has occurred or not:

* She has not asked for it
* She has not taken a nap (that really puts a cramp on my daily life)
* She is incredibly clingy- always wants someone to lay w her (no matter what time of day) or be with her
*She either wakes up A LOT at night or really early
* She is a bit more grumpier than normal

I know that this is a phase that will pass just like anyone that has gone COLD TURKEY w an addiction that they had. I just hope that I survive through it all because it is TOUGH!!!

The Picture Pretty Much Explains Itself

My New Job

So - during Lexi's school registration I volunteered for some stuff--- don't really remember what I volunteered for BUT today I was sent an email saying that I was chosen as Lexi's AM class Room Rep. When I got the email I was like 'What the heck does that do?'-- So I emailed the lady in charge and she said that I would be responsible for 'Organizing the 3 parties, the carnival basket, teachers birthday and celebration'--Sounds like a job for me! I go to the Room Rep meeting Friday after next so I can't wait :-)

It's a Beautiful Day!

My order from Market came rolling in today and OH MY GOSH---- I have so much work to do.

First thing was first- we went to Rack Room Shoes and Converse--BOTH stores gave me tax free and BOTH stores were having a BUY 1 Get ! Half Off!!! Whew that really helped me cut down some cost--Yipee Ya Ya!!!

Now I just need to hit some stores (Target and Walmart) and buy some pacis!!!! Golly I hope Walmart has restocked :-)

Good Week

What can I say- It was a pretty good week!

*Lexi started school and did an AWESOME job at waking up and getting ready- she took an afternoon nap and went to bed by 10PM!

*I survived my work week of watching approx 3 extra kids.

*I did my best to use food we already had in our pantry and freezer in order to save money and I'll say- I did a good job w the meals I selected to make!

*I was hired to watch a 5 month old baby boy named Rocky.

*I helped to do a good deed for a friend- as painful as it was.

*Mccain chose his VP nominee- Sarah Palin --- pretty surprising, but a good choice in my opinion.

*I survived the DNC w/o throwing up --- Hillary was not so bad w her speech--- she can be pretty impressive- much more than Obama. Her opening video was interesting, but would have been 100% better if her daughter had not narrated it-- she has no personality to her voice.

*Some of my items from Sassy Bratz were taken to the Miss Latina Pageant for auction- so hopefully I'll get some more business and make some easy cash :-)

*I also got my monthly check from the daycare food program - not much but it helps

*I got my Kraft food quarterly magazine

Let's see what next week bring-- Ya Monday PAID holiday!!!!

It's the First Day of School

Today was the first day of school! Oh how wonderful! Everything went GREAT!!! Lexi got up in a very good mood-had some breakfast in bed and got dressed and was ready to go. Rick dropped her off at school and she got out of the car w a lot of excitement. Around 11:15 the bus pulled up to the front of the house and Gia, Reese, and I were there to watch her get off the bus w bells and whistles. She did not have many stories to tell, but she did come home w a smiley face sticker and a name tag stuck to her back :-)

As for the boys-- they have not come home yet- BUT it has been wonderful not to have them here. My house is clean, there is no extra and unneccessary noise and life is great.

Hopefully tomorrow turns out just as perfect!!!!!

PS Picks are out of order-- can't seem to move them where I want to move them.