Just woke up...

 

Yes, this blog has officially just woken up! Almost a full years nap, it's time to get busy in this special space in cyberland...

 

Below is the full video I had promised of Griffin from when he was 2 (I had posted a 15 second snippet on Instagram a few weeks ago)... he sings so sweetly towards the end, but the most hilarious part is throughout the whole video when the conversation repeats itself as such...

Momma: "Griffin, are you tired?"

Griffin: "No mom, I just woke up! K?!"

 

It's literally like 11 pm and he had been up since 4 am, slept a couple of hours and decided to "wake up"! This was very common during this stage of being two. But I love the video mostly because of his talking... which we prayed and worked so hard for... it's a treasure to us for sure... (warning: this is over a 6 minute video that only we may consider pure cuteness and worth watching every second over and over - - - so if you skip it, we won't be offended!)

 

 

 



In recent McMahan news...


Hunter kicked it Boy Scout style at the Pinewood Derby race, bringing in a 2nd place trophy!

 

 

Writing our names... over and over and over and over...



Snow days in abundance...







 

 Griffin turned a whole hand worth of fingers, five in all!

Lil' Pip made his 3D debut and made us all gasp "He's real!"

Well, I kinda live the real factor every day - but I still gasped...

I can't stop staring at him.

 



A "See ya in 2 years!" from his cardiologist made turning 5 even sweeter...

 

A Griffin health update...

Since my last post a year ago (which as I re-read, that day floods back like a violent storm of emotions...) we have came through a lot in Griffin's health. Through his team of doctors, we tested him with a CPAP machine in a second sleep study, this brought his numbers down significantly! Enough for them to say no tonsils removed, no jaw surgeries needed, as long as the CPAP continues to keep his airways opened & working... & it is! As far as his thumb/hand... we're still praying about the direction we will be taking... & second opinions are in the work.

 

Heart/Cardiology: This past week Griffin had his yearly check-up. They ran the routine tests and took lots of pictures. He was a champ as usual and other than having a mild birthday sugar hangover, he cooperated very well. Our appointment took twice as long as they usually do, all the while each person we saw kept saying "Everything looks great!" I kept thinking, really? Then why are you re-checking and rescanning and taking so long... but by the time we saw his cardiologist at the end of the morning, it all made sense. She said that Griffins heart has not changed one bit since last year! Not one! The tests showed no increased stress on his heart, no size difference, nothing! This is HUGE! The heart defect that Griffin has, although mostly repaired when he was 4 months old, leaves his pulmonary valve not working at 100%. Therefore his heart has to work harder to get the blood where it needs to go. By the time he is in his late teens, he will have to have this valve replaced. For now, it is completely healthy enough to live life as normal. The effect of this is Griffin does not have the energy endurance like most kids his age and over time this could become more evident, could. As his heart works a little harder over the years they'll see slow thickening of the walls and a slight change in his heart size. I say slight because every year it will be minor, so very minor. But the fact that there was NO change is a HUGE PRAISE! It means his tiny body that we worry so much about not gaining and growing like a "normal" kid his age - well it's kicking strong and doing over and above in the heart department! So his cardiologist gave him a "See ya in 2 years instead of 1" card and gave this mom a boost of confidence as far as the heart is concerned!

 

Craniofacial: This past October we had a day long appointment where we saw the entire team that it takes to monitor Griffin's craniofacial needs. Plastic surgeon, orthodontist, genetics, psychologist, speech, language, ENT, oral surgery and a few more I've forgotten. Overall the outlook is good - one of waiting - which we like! There is no rush for Griffin to have any major facial surgery or jaw distractions at this time. He is eating well, continuing to progress on target in speech and with the help of his CPAP at night, his airways are staying open and allowing him to have rested and healthy sleep. We walked away from that busy day with appointments for one year and a few follow-ups that are soon approaching. Griffin has shown an unwavering hypernasality in his speech which is leading them to believe there is some deformity in his soft palette. We will be pursuing non-invasive testing to evaluate and officially diagnose. This is nothing that needs to be surgically repaired immediately, as it doesn't effect his breathing or everyday functions. We appreciate our Craniofacial team at U of M for their approach to these unique issues. We are in no rush to alter Griffins appearances to reach a level of "normalcy" that some people unfortunately feel is necessary - & our team leads the way in this thought process as well. Any procedures done in the future will be done for the single purpose of quality of health - as Griffin grows older and an independent adult, if he feels more cosmetic surgery is necessary for his well being, that will be his choice. The definition of normal is not based on looks for us - but rather on reaching the best quality of health to function and live a quality life... this is quickly becoming a passionate point for us as Griffin gets older.

 

Speech/Language: Griffin is thriving in his preschool setting. He attends 5-half days, riding the bus and charging through the challenges! He no longer receives speech/language therapy on a weekly basis at school, as he has exceeded their expectations and qualifications to need this service. They monitor him once a month along with the physical and occupational therapy. Although the school system sees no need for extra therapy, we are in the process of setting up private therapy through U of M. From their medical perspective, there are always barriers to help Griffin prepare to jump, especially with his struggle with hypernasality... and we 100% agree. This has been the blessing of switching to U of M, many of my gut feelings in a lot of areas over the past 5 years have been affirmed through his team... for that I am grateful. With this additional therapy, it will help him be ready for KINDERGARTEN this fall!

 

Ear/Nose/Throat: We finally got the official diagnosis within the past 6 months that Griffin is completely deaf in his left ear. We have honestly known this for awhile, but they would never write it in stone because the physical makeup of his ear is so small, they felt their testing was inconclusive over the years. So this diagnosis changes absolutely nothing. We are noticing Griffin independently working to adjust himself to hear what's going on around him better. Within the classroom, he is responsible for bringing the teacher her microphone she wears that projects her voice through a speaker system, helping him (and the other average hearing children!) to hear her better. This has been a great aide for him to stay focused in a busy classroom setting.

 

Weight Gain: We are happy to announce that Griffin is consistently staying above 30 lbs!!! He may hover at 30.2, but we'll take it! It seems like 29 was the only number the scale knew how to give us every time he jumped on. His nutritionist has not been concerned, even though he is so small, he has maintained his own curve. Which means he follows the outlined curve of an average sized child his age, just way at the bottom of the graph. But the good news is he is finally on the graph!!! 3%percentile!!! Our family made a huge lifestyle change last May which has proven a huge success in helping him gain and maintain (& helping mom & dad gradually lose along the way). We strive to make sure that what goes in Griffins mouth on a regular basis (90% of the time, with plenty of splurges along the way) is of full nutritional value and substance. Whole, real, clean foods. There was a small uprising for 2 days when cereal was completely banished from our house, but it didn't last long when smoothies, homemade breakfast burritos, bacon and egg sandwiches and yogurt parfaits replaced the once was. Plus, they know that cereal isn't gone forever as long as grandparents are in the picture & Valentines day surprises exist!

 

Thank you for your concerns & prayers over our family, especially Griffin as we continue on this journey with him. Your support is always overwhelming and empowering...

 

What I know for sure...

 

These 3 boys (plus one unseen) make my heart swell... My Hunter is becoming a little man more and more each day, he is so insightful, generous and sensitive... it is my priority every day to make sure I look directly in his eyes and hug him tightly and tell him how important he is and how much he is loved. This feeds his soul more than healthy avacados ever will. And just how he is filled, he fills others the same way. His words of affirmation to each of us in this family are astounding. Sometimes they're whispered, sometimes they're written... but they flow easily and freely without hesitation. Even Little Pip is being affirmed as he grows in my belly. On the days that Hunter is over the top rowdy, not listening, carrying on like a typical 7 year old... I dig deep to remember all that I just wrote above. It's hard work being a parent... but the focus and energy is worth it when their actions of love come through.

 

My Griffin is turning into a big boy, his toddler tendencies lingered a little longer than usual with tantrums and moodiness, but he is quickly learning to express his feelings and do so with manners and self control. I've had to change my parenting styles with him about as many times as I change my underwear (daily if you're wondering)... his personality is complex and beautifully out of this world. He asks me out of the blue at least once a week "Is being a mom the best job ever?" With you as my son - absolutely buddy. His humor and quirkiness, creative mind and artistic abilities, along with his cuddling can just about make us explode with gratitude.

 

Now that boy looking straight on at the camera... the bearded one... he is a gift from God to help hold me together. That's why I love this picture so very much - in it's selfie glory - because it represents my earthly rock perfectly. My blessing of a husband - the very best friend I've ever had - the one I look forward to each and every day. The fact that the boys & I are looking off at who knows what, but my husband is zeroed in on the target... that represents our life lately. He's focused, completely tuned into God's desires for this family, pulls my crazy worrisome self back into play and keeps us grounded in what matters most and leads us to wherever our ship is sailing during this chapter of our life. Seriously, my heart swells - literally swells - that my boys have this man to look up to as a father & watch him as a husband and amazing follower of Christ. I am a grateful girl.

 

Thanks for reading my update... my not so transparent self is building courage to open up weekly... my prayer is that I don't have to wake this sleeping giant up yearly. The question lingering in my mind lately is "If you could do anything you know you wouldn't fail at or be judged doing... what would it be?" This blog, my friends, is at the top of the list...

 

Well, that's enough transparency for now... have a good day! 



Just being honest...

I just threw Griffin's stack of appointment papers. I leaned on the kitchen counter and sobbed uncontrollably. I am still sobbing. I can't stop and it's ticking me off. I am angry. I am ugly. I am in the pit of my selfishness and I am clawing at the sides trying to get out. I told Johnny last night, I'm clawing and I feel like all that's happening is dirt is getting in my face and eyes. I can taste it. I hate dirt under my fingernails.

Today is probably the worst day to post anything. My personal way of dealing with bad news, stress or anything hard is to have my day of crying and curling up in a ball... then pull up my breeches and continue on. Enter most Instagram or blog posts. The refined, almost have it together Jessica.

I wish I could say I was always refined. That I accept most news and Dr. visits with grace and ease.

I don't.

But what I've been thinking about a lot lately, ironically, is that I need to be more transparent in these moments. For the sake of anyone who cares to try and understand. Mostly for the sake of any mother in my shoes who would happen to stumble on this blog anytime in the future. I don't want to ever make our life appear fluffy and carried on a cloud of perfect attitudes. On the other side, I don't ever want to appear as a complainer or without hope.

Most days, we try and project our faith that God is in control. We DO BELIEVE THIS without a shadow of a doubt.   This is our life, our rock, our TRUTH! But I'd be a liar if I pretended that we never have bad days. That our human nature of worry, fear and trying to figure everything out ourselves doesn't creep in on a regular basis.

God never promised a life free of challenges or struggle. But He did promise that He would always be with us and help us through it.

It takes effort and prayer and a lot of work to accept His peace and promises. It takes focus and a constant state of oneness with Him to tune out the world and hear only what He has for us.

It's hard.

It doesn't come easy.

But it's worth it.

In this moment, I am in the midst of struggling to allow His peace to overcome my worry and my overwhelmed heart. Oh my gosh we are overwhelmed.

A couple of weeks ago, after receiving the news about Griffins sleep study {he has moderate obstructive sleep apnea}, we were scheduled with 3 follow-up Dr. visits. First was ENT, with the probability that Griffin would have to have his tonsils removed. At first, I freaked!  Because I HATE him having to have surgeries. But after another impromptu scope down the throat and a now petrified son who fears doctors {NEVER has he feared them, NEVER. He once had 5 viles of blood drawn, sat and watched them and never cried or flinched. Not once! He's now ruined.} ...after that traumatic visit, I walked away WISHING for a tonsillectomy. He couldn't promise it would work, his opinion was that Griffin's jaw has gotten to the point that it is not holding his tongue in place while asleep, causing him to stop breathing. We knew this would happen eventually. Just not now. Not at 4 years old. Not now. Not now. Not now.

We still have 2 more appointments to go through before this specific issue is decided. One with the sleep disorder specialist next week, where we will discuss his opinion and the option of using a CPAP machine. This sounds like a good, non-surgical solution... but we know it's temporary. The inevitable is surgery. Which is our final appointment with Craniofacial, where we will discuss the third option of beginning Griffin's jaw distractions. The dreaded distractions that we so easily could talk about when he was a baby... because it was so far away. We still thought we had years. We hoped we had years before this would begin. But here we are. The hardest thing? It has nothing to do with his face and what he'll look like, which is what the doctors always assume is your concern. Are you kidding me, how shallow do they think we are? But unfortunately, we have learned, this is what most parents are worried about. It's sad. Our worry is Griffin himself.  The pain, surgery, and having pins in his face that we have to twist every so often to help that bone stretch. Ugh. It makes me sick. Physically sick. I just want it to be me, please oh please if I could just switch places... But, God, I will not forget your promise. A physical sign of your plan. His extra rib. When they first told us that they use a bone graft from a rib to place in his jaw... and that Griffin was born with an extra rib... I thank you for such a tangible promise of your hand in his life...

I wish I could stop there. We have been in prayer and working our attitudes to align with Gods as we await our appointment next week... But yesterday I took Griffin to his new hand doctor to establish care as we've been switching everything over to the U of M system. It was Johnny's birthday and I told him I was fine going by myself, it wasn't going to be a big deal. If anything, it would be fun because Griffin has been so proud of his little thumb lately, learning to move it at the base.

Griffin was born with an underdeveloped left thumb (hypoplasia thumb). He is missing muscle at the base and in his palm, also missing some key bones and joints. Which means he has trained himself to move it at the base (something he is VERY proud of) but he cannot bend his thumb or independently move it enough to pinch with his pointer finger. He has adapted well, his OT at school says he doesn't even need therapy because he is doing great! Our previous Dr. had given us hope that eventually when Griffin was bigger and there was more to work with; he could have surgery to add muscle on that side, that they could rearrange some tendons and ligaments to give Griffin more motion and use out of that thumb. It was just a waiting game, to see how Griffin adapted.

So the fact that Griffin was moving his thumb at the base was HUGE to us! HOPE! Right?! Well, my bubble was popped yesterday. Our new Dr. is great, let me say that first. But his opinion (I stress opinion) is that he personally would have surgically taken care of Griffin's hand at the age of 2. That we need to get moving. The options and decisions we have to make are so complex and so heavy, I'm not ready to share them yet. Johnny & I have a lot to pray about. A lot.

But this sent me over the edge.

I'm just being honest.

We haven't even figured out facial surgery that may happen this year. Now hands. I am desperately thinking of the perfect hole to dig and climb into with my family and hide. Hands off people. Hands off my boy.

Yesterday during X-rays the tech told Griffin to put his hand on the table. Griffin instinctively put his right hand up, he's right handed, and he's four. The tech says "No, we need pictures of your bad thumb, right?!"

Excuse me? Bad thumb? *insert not nice thought and name calling in my head. not proud. just honest.*

"Silly Griffin, put your SPECIAL thumb up there so they can get a picture!" I responded LOUDLY.

It's not the techs fault. We live in a society that anything out of the ordinary is "bad" and needs to be fixed. We are conditioned this way. It takes extra effort, a positive open mindset and literally seeing through the eyes of Jesus to see people for exactly who they are. That this is their normal.

7 years ago this week, Hunter was born with 2 toes on each foot attached to each other. The first thing we all thought and our doctor confirmed "We can get those separated!" I seriously THANK GOD that the foot specialist we were sent to saw this as Hunter's normal. He gave his medical opinion, saying separation would be very painful... & that keeping them attached would not effect his ability to walk correctly. But the part I remember the most was his relaxed "what's the big deal" attitude. I remember walking away,  new young parents, feeling like idiots! We got in the car and it was like, "Yeah, what is the big deal?!" Now, Hunter thinks they are so cool! This year, he has made a new best friend in his class and after a sleepover at his house, he came home proclaiming that his new friend had toes just like him! I mean, seriously, how cool is that?!

So when the first thing the nurse said to me yesterday was "When will they fix Griffin's jaw? How will they make his ear bigger?" Trust me, I'm asked the jaw thing all the time, for medical reasons. Her question was NOT medical, it was based on looks. I have NEVER been asked the ear thing. I said "Um, we are not touching his ear. It's perfectly normal. Perfectly perfect!"

Yeah. She left that alone.

Folks, this is me in the midst of finding God's peace. I'm still allowing some anger to dwell in my heart unfortunately. I don't like exposing myself with any kind of bad attitude still in existence. But I need to. Because if you are a mom feeling this way for whatever reason, don't feel like a horrible person. It's the human nature in us. It's a process of receiving the worlds perceptions and opinions, then deciding what to do with them. Just promise me you'll move on. Stop clawing at the side of the pit and trying to get out by yourself, reach up and grab the hand of the One who has promised He'll help. I'm trying ... I can feel the warmth of the light of hope is close. Why is it so hard to turn and let it shine on us...

Last night was dark. Spiritually dark. I sobbed and sobbed. Ugly cried in the tub. Soaked my pillow with tears and felt guilty for crying while laying next to my husband who feels the same way just deals in a different form. I kept saying "I just need to fall asleep. I just need to fall asleep." The morning always brings joy. I did feel better this morning. But this time around, it's still a lingering heaviness. This morning I'm frustrated and angry and overwhelmed. The joy is here, God has not abandoned me... it's just sometimes circumstances in life weigh a little heavier and we have to work a little harder to allow our hearts, minds and attitudes to align with His.

I'm not giving up. Don't give up either. Whatever is weighing on you...

So this morning while digging through my pile of appointment reminders, maps to various offices and medical release forms... looking for today's ophthalmology reminder... I threw it all. It was stupid and childish. I sobbed. I might have growled. You know, the UGH kind of "I'm so flippin ticked and so over this" kind of growl? I know. Not proud.

Again, I beg, could I just take his place?

I keep holding in my line of vision the healing miracle that happened just weeks ago. God, you healed our sons spine. For only a short time, or forever, we don't know. But it doesn't matter. In this moment when we had expected a spinal fusion, you granted us a miracle of  healing his spine to the point that he is nowhere near the radar of a fusion. I remember this. I know this. I have not forgotten this.

I trust your wisdom will help us overcome our fear and worry for our son, that we can think logically and clearly. That we can make the decisions necessary to keep him true to who you have designed him to be, not based on what any Dr or person thinks is 'best' for him.

The surgeries in our future will be led by You and covered in your protection. I trust this. I believe this.

Right now, God, you know my heart. You know it's taking everything in myself to overcome the opinions and worries of this world.

We are focusing on You. We are focusing on the face of our child... the one you have entrusted in our care.  Always, always, always... we pray Your Glory shines bright from his life...

HE is able...

It's been a crazy couple of weeks! Lot's of dr's, tests, tubes and lollipops! I promise to update all of that soon... but in these moments of March the 5th we pause all chaos to... CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY!!!

Today Griffin turns 4! He is officially no longer a toddler, and that kind of makes me weep...

and so does the video montage I just had to put together. It's my way of processing, remembering and savoring...

enjoy...

All they want...

I am not full of many words tonight. Our days have been full of sick bellies and daily life stuff that leaves us a little sleepy...

I've started writing different posts over the last several days... but only one thing persists in my heart.

There is not much description or detail needed as I think we have all been there as a momma or a daddy... or maybe we are there right now.

God has been reminding me, several several times each day, as I busy myself finding that perfect gift for my kids... trying desperately to create Christmas memories of cookie decorating, magical reindeer food distribution, trimming the tree and smells of cinnamon...

The Lord whispers so gently to me... "All they want is you."

Although they love mixing frosting...
They adore the gift we spent so much time choosing just for them...
But as soon as the cookie is eaten and the wrapping paper is tossed aside...


The next thing my little guys ALWAYS say ... "Can you ___________with me?" Whether it's sit with me, play with me, watch a movie with me, eat with me, go outside with me... they always want to be with us. It's all they want.

Going to feed the deer.

Learning to use big guy tools.

 

Guitar practice.

Frequent wrestling session in progress.



"Momma, hold me..."

 

Lord, thank you for reminding me that our love and attention is all they really want. It's what they really need. As we lay with them at night to say prayers, read and sing... as we look directly into their eyes because I know how much I like to be heard so I try really hard to hear them... help me to always be present. Remind me that the dishes can wait, laundry will be there tomorrow, and although my alone time is important... these precious moments with our little guys count more than anything.

 

May the moments we invest in them reflect your love, SHINE your truth and stick with them forever.

 

Most of all, Lord, thank you for wanting me above all else in this world. Amen

 

In this journey together,

Jessica

 

I cried...

Griffin started pre-school this past week... only 3 days into it and he already has shown himself to be beyond ready for this next big step!

The hours leading up to the first day proved that maybe this momma's heart isn't so ready...

 



It's funny, when Hunter started pre-school, I never cried. I really didn't. He was confident and more than ready to start. So was I. His first day, we dropped him off, kissed good-bye, ran some errands, then picked him up. Bam. Hunter was in school. Our house and my emotions never skipped a beat.

 

This time around, Griffin is an entire year younger than when Hunter started... and probably 10x's more ready. Yeah. Multiply a kid completely ready for school by 10 and that's my youngest. He's amazing.

10,000 reasons...

In the design of our lives, we each have our own unique pattern that is being woven before us, through us and around us. Sometimes we don't always see the importance of sharing our design with others... we see it as unfinished and needing work. We may not know what the next part is going to look like so we want to wait until our 'design' is finished, put together and presentable. We want to see the completed work before we share it with anyone else.

There has to be a level of vulnerability to allow others to see our lives 'in the making'. Especially when there are so many complex fibers that make up each part.

But our lives were designed as a journey, a constant weaving from the moment we inhale our first breath until we exhale our last. We all know that a journey is traveled best with a friend. It's nice to have someone to talk to on the open road, to help guide you down the winding paths or when it gets foggy. Noone wants to be alone when they get a flat tire or get into an accident. The best part about arriving at a destination is sharing it with someone.

Life is meant to be shared.

We can't always worry about exposing the flaws in our design, or lack of direction in our journey. That's exactly why we need each other. To share the very things that make us imperfect. To triumph together over the moments that stitch well together. To bind together around those of us who are too overwhelmed and weak to function alone.

There are a bundle of reasons out there that I have came up with in my head not to come back to this space. It began as just a place to jot the crazy moments in life so I would laugh instead of scream. But the Lord has nudged me for many months now. Many.

There are so many MORE reasons to be here, to share.

It scares the bejewels out of me.

So today, moments away from my little guy starting a brand new big adventure... I embark on mine. Today I promise to open up our life (thank you Instagram for helping me begin to do this without having a panic attack) to share my life design, my journey in progress. It's at times messy, loud, insanely chaotic and unorganized. I fail often, procrastinate and drop the ball. I tend to get overwhelmed and curl up in a ball wanting to quit. But I'm reminded of the many times a lot of you were our support when we were weak and exhausted from it all, you prayed for us, many times you didn't know how bad it was and how much your simple words carried us. That's a huge reason for me to be here, if I can be that for just one other momma in my shoes.

My little loves are my reason to challenge the world to love and accept and serve...

 

As my pattern continues to weave before me, around me and through me ... I'll search my heart for the moments that need to be shared. For the knowledge that could help. For the opportunities that could inspire. The reasons to keep coming here.

 

May they always be led back to the ONE reason my life exists and matters. The thousands of reasons my heart will find to praise Him.

 

In this journey with you,
Jessica

Catching up ...

I've taken all the pictures - just can't slow myself down to get them on - so here we go. Our week in a blog! P.S. I have thoroughly enjoyed this so far, taking all the pictures. I'm not much of a photographer compared to everyone else - but it's fun pretending I am. It's therapy for me to slow my butt down to enjoy the tiny stupid things that really do make me happy, and to laugh about the chaos as it's happening instead of 5 years down the road. So thanks to anyone who might see this and waste their time enjoying my simple chaos!

Hello Fall! Last Saturday the boys and I were determined to enjoy the blustery morning ...

It was a bit windy - 26 miles per hour!

So we opted to be at home, filling the house with warm scents ("Leaves" from Bath and Body is my favorite fall sent!).



Enjoying the first donut and cider of the season! Yay for fall!

Little tiny pumpkins make me smile, and I especially love to find ones with the curly stems!

This is the little bit of color popping out in the neighborhood - I can see the red while doing dishes and it makes me smile!

What a great day for a nap, right? The quiet and calm lasted ... maybe enough time to change into dry warm clothes! Coziness sometimes brings sleepiness ... but not in my house!

Why am I just watching them and taking pictures? First, you need to understand that this is a daily battle. My boys think that getting from point A to point B needs to be a full adventure with pirates chasing them and scary monsters at their heels! So there are moments that I am learning to choose to pick my battle and save the freaking out for another moment ... You only have these moments once, so we can let a few rules slide once in a while ...

We have learned this week that although Hopscotch is not really into sleep lately ... if you let him romp around enough, as they say on the movie Daddy Day Care ..."What goes up, must come down!"

Hopscotch got real quiet later that night while watching a movie ...

... later this week after losing a nap battle to him again ... I found this on my bed! (Seriously, what is it with this kid and his diapers?)

The sweet sound of toddler snoring!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hopscotch: "I put it in there momma"

Momma: "Put what in where?"

Hopscotch: "In there"

Momma: "Show me"

Hopscotch leads me to my nightstand where my debit card and license HAD been. Now only lays my liscense.

Momma: "WHERE IS MY CARD?"

Hopscotch: "In there"

Momma: "SHOW ME!"

Screw driver in hand and a whole lot of prayer that what was in front of me wasn't some giant hole to China

Hopscotch: "You did it!"

Momma learned 3 things today:

1. The vents in our house are not giant holes leading to any parts of Asia!

2. Put your cards away for crying out loud!

3. I really need to open all of our vents and clean them before we rent our house! YUCK!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Insert moose of a dog who eats and destroys everything he finds. Literally. Daddy thinks he's part beaver because he eats logs from the wood pile. Today he decides to catch butterflies with Thunders bug net ...

Bear is also not allowed on the furniture.

Who knew I'd turn into a softy?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Momma: Where are you?

Hopscotch: "I got dog food!"

Momma: "Put the dog food away! That's for Bear."

Later on after an exhausting hour of dog food distribution ...

Don't you just want to kiss that tired baby!? Just look at those lips! This momma couldn't resist a smooch from her boy ...

Momma: "Hopscotch, did you eat dog food?"

Hopscotch (very sleepy): "Yeah, momma."

Laughing through the moment! What else you gonna do? Well ... maybe brush your teeth!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday Hopscotch decided to go formal. He cried and cried after I got him dressed ...

Hopscotch: "I want it on, I want it on!"

Momma: "You want what on?"

Later that day Hopscotch was a big boy on his field trip ...

Momma attempted to make spagetti for dinner, the boys beat her to it.

The day couldn't stop there - why would it?

After dinner while getting ready for baths, the toilet got plugged. We quickly realized that Daddy had the plunger in the back of his truck, we had used it at the new house and forgot to bring it in. The problem was, Daddy was hunting at that moment ... 2 hours away! Soooo, I very clearly stated "LEAVE THE TOILET ALONE! Your dad will be home soon."

Then I ran to get towels from the dryer ... BIG mistake.

Thunder (screaming like a girl): "Momma Momma Momma Momma!

It's a disaster, it's coming, oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no!"

Hopscotch: "Water Comin!"

Momma: "Oh crap."

At this point in the story, I spare you the picture of what the scene was. I did for a moment - after splashing through the bathroom and turning the water off - I paused and thought I need to capture this. But then decided against it.

I will however share with you the LITERAL pose that my children struck after all was bleached and calm. There is nothing fake about this, I pinky swear!

Ladies and gentlemen, my children.

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Sneak peak at our adventures at the farm yesterday...

Hopscotch was in his glory!

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20 minutes ago

Momma: What are you doin?

Hopscotch: Poopin

enough said