...And back to square 1

Yesterday was NOT a good day for my little challenge! I tried to get on the computer so I could vent about it, but it was just that bad that I didn't get enough time to do that!!
Gabe pushed EVERY button he knew to push to get me to yell... it worked! I found that after I yelled the first time (more of a scared yell because he JUMPED on McKenzie Grace) I felt bad. I apologized to him and asked him to forgive me and of course he looked at me weird and said "Yes, Ma'am..." This melted my heart... but then the little "angel" tormented me over and over!! He kept jumping at McKenzie Grace, which of course got her worked up and believe me, she is a drama queen already and does not need his help! Neither kids would nap yesterday and I really needed those few minutes of quiet time... yeah, didn't happen. McKenzie Grace cried if I ever left her sight and Gabe would destroy any and everything.
Last night was Cubbies for Gabe (which I need to get him to say his verse on video so I can share it with you all) and Seth and I are going to take turns keeping McKenzie Grace or helping in Sparks (they don't have nursery) and I told Seth that I was not going to be keeping 23 five and six year olds... I would not survive ... or they wouldn't = P
Needless to say, yesterday was no good, but today we have started out decent. Gabe has thrown quite a fit about a color of a bowl, but I didn't raise my voice and calmly dealt with him. I showed mercy by giving no spanking (Angela Thomas would be proud!) but giving him a good talking too!
So maybe we aren't back to square one because it doesn't seem as hard to not yell and I do feel bad right after, if not when, I am doing it.

I will post Gabe's Week 2 Cubbies verse today and possibly some pics- right now Gabe is wanting a book read and McKenzie Grace is wanting to eat (as always!!)

So far, so good

I have gone 2 DAYS without screaming at my children! (Does Mac count... ? If so, then that isn't true!) I am honestly surprised! It has been difficult and again to be honest, I have wanted to "beat" (have to put that in " " because you know I don't beat my children, but some people may take this literally if reading) them since I have no outlet of screaming! I have to leave the room and BREATH and come back. I don't think Gabe likes this way- he gets talked to and then spanked! I really can see his little wheels turning thinking he got away with something and then I lay him over my knee, kicking and screaming, and give him the much deserved spanking! I do feel better while he is getting his spanking because I am calm AND I feel like he knows the reason he is getting this spanking- since we talk about it and I make him look me in the eye and tell me what he did wrong.

Bible study has been great! McKenzie Grace is not really behaving... she cries most of the time... I don't remember if Gabe put up a fight this long with the separation anxiety, but I think she is more of a Momma's girl than he was a Momma's boy.
I have a smaller table that we are sitting at this time and Jessica and Heather are the only ones from my previous studies that I know. I like that we have a smaller group because we all get our chance to speak, but I miss all the laughs we all had in our big group! We have decided to try and go out to eat at Chikfila or someone's house afterwards on days that we can. Today we went to Chik-fil-a and McKenzie Grace ate just as much, if not more, than Gabe! It didn't surprise me really because she has been doing it, but I think it shocked others! She had 2 chicken nuggets and fries and her juice AFTER she had 2 jars of baby food at bible study nursery!! She is my little eater! (and not a picky eater either!) If I am eating it then she wants it!

Well, I hope everyone is having a nice week- here's to the rest of it!

One week... shouldn't be THAT hard...

I was doing my quiet time over the weekend and it was on mercy. I am so very thankful for the mercy that God has shown me over and over and over again! The study was trying to get me to see all the aspects in my life that I have been shown mercy from others and how I can show mercy to others. She pointed out that most mothers show mercy to others on many issues, but to their children... well not so much. That is me!! I was talking with Seth about this last night and he pointed out the only problem that I had with it- I don't need to let them "get off" with too many issues because they are learning right from wrong and that what Momma says goes... but I thought I could change my way off dealing. I am so comfortable that I will BLOW UP without even thinking! I'm actually surprised often at how much I yell at the kids and usually just to try and get my point across, but does that really work?! Probably not. At this point (yes, already!) I'm wondering if even talking to Gabe is getting across! He is so hard-headed and will not even look at you even if you have his head in your hands!!
SO, my challenge for myself- to not yell at the children for a whole week. Shouldn't be that hard, right? Well, it is only 9:30 on Monday morning and I have had to hold back several times! I am amazed at how many times I have had to... really puts things into perspective!
Seth thinks that I'm setting too high of a goal! He believes I should strive for ONE day! Well, I'm going to prove him wrong- at least I'll make it to two!

This should be some really interesting blog posts this week!

Cubbies

Tonight was Gabe's first Awana Cubbies meeting at church. He did AMAZING! He knew his verse (see video) and he kept saying how much fun he had at Cubbies! He told us all about playing, running around in circles and playing "Red light, Green light". They must have really worn him out because he said that he was tired before we even got home! He fell fast asleep before I even got McKenzie Grace to bed! This NEVER happens! He wants to watch a movie and most times is still up even after that, but not tonight!
Seth and I are going to help out in Sparks (which is 5 and 6 year olds). We will probably take turns each week because they don't have nursery for McKenzie Grace. She did great tonight though. She wants to play with the older kids so much! Everyone commented on how happy she was- as long as she is with Momma or Daddy that is!
Here is the video of Gabe saying his verse. We are going to record each week his new verses

It is such a blessing to see Gabe learning and LOVING to learn God's Word.

"I'mmmm BAACK!!"

I have started reading a journal I was keeping when Gabe was McKenzie Grace's age and then remembered that I even had a blog at one point! I have spent way too much time today on here reading and  loved EVERY single post... so I just have to start back! I don't know when I will have time between my new job at Gymboree, kids, bible study, tonight starting Awana, trying to get my own business with Gold Canyon off and running and trying to clean (I say trying because this is my "blah" part of everyday!) I find so much other things I could do- and most just involve sitting in front of the tv or computer... bad! Bad, Merideth! But, I really want too! I have started putting a few things in the journal at night too.
I want to make this blog pretty! I want to make it enjoyable- and with my kids that is a no brainer! They are just so much fun! (and not to mention C-U-T-E!)

So, for today (or for the time being at least) I have spent too much time at the computer and Gabe is whining to me wanting "Purple Juice" and it's lunch time... Welcome back to "Our Life"!

PS. Let's come up with a better name for this blog! I am NOT creative at all... so what do you think???

Kisses- just make it all better!

This morning I woke up on "the wrong side of the bed"... I knew that I was going to have to go into work, that I had to get up and take a shower and Gabe woke up a whole 45 min. before I needed to get up and take a shower... grrr!
I tried to be pleasant... and I think I pulled it off pretty good, but Gabe must have known that what I needed was just a sweet "good morning kiss" that I didn't ask for. Those are the best right?! I mean, I love the kisses even if I ask for them,  but when he comes up and just gives me one for nothing and without me saying "Momma wants a kiss..." Man, it just brightens my day and makes my whole demeanor and mood and outlook on the day change! I have a sweet little boy who still loves me even if I did just bite his head off because he was whining wanting to watch a movie! haha! What could be better than that?! Sweet, sweet love that could only come from a sweet little boy that God has given to me! Man, I am one lucky, blessed woman!

Sweet words

Gabe can be the sweetest little guy and him trying to talk has just melted my heart! Today I sneezed and he says "Teesh To" (bless you!)- Oh man, I just grabbed him up and gave him a faceful of kisses! I always say "Bless you" to him and Seth and sometimes when I sneeze (which has been a lot recently, think I'm getting allergies) I say "Bless Me"! haha!
Gabe has really picked up on a lot of what we say daily. When I'm getting on to him and I don't think he is listening to me (say he is walking away from me) I will say "Did you hear what Momma said?" and he'll say "No, No, NO"! I used to smile at this, but now I just say "Well then listen to me, please?!"
Today we played outside for a bit and then I thought we would take Mac for a walk to the next street and back. Both boys did really great, but I was ready to get rid of Mac and just watch Gabe play more so we take him to the house- Gabe decides that he wants to stay and watch "Buzz" (oh our fascination with Toy Story)... I tried to keep him outside and kept saying "Gabe come on, lets go play and go down the slide" he turns around and looks at me and says "NO, NO, NO"! lol! I just laughed and said, alright, alright, lets go in then- what else could I say?!

Hope you all have had a wonderful day!

3 months... really?!

I can't believe that it has been 3 months since I last posted... really?! Time really is flying! I am not going to back track and update on all I've missed because most everyone who follows I either talk to on a regular basis or you are on facebook and you have seen everything!

Today I am in the mood- the "super mom" mood! I have cleaned floors, put away clothes, washing more, been to grocery store for little items, played with Gabe outside AND Gabe and I ate out at Burger King (all before 1:30!) So after putting this load of wash in, I thought "I really need to update the blog" ... so Super Mom saves the 3 month blog freeze!

The only other thing out of the ordinary today (besides me getting so much accomplished before Gabe's nap!) is Gabe's first trip to the bathroom to get a spanking in a public place! We were eating at Burger King (he loves their chicken nuggets and fries) and he was really doing good, until he wanted his milk. I brought a brand new sippy cup, that he had mastered at home before I brought it trying to avoid what happened. It is a "big boy sippy" and looks like an adult thermos- so there is no spout for him to bite on. He got so mad at the table and screamed like I just beat him then and there! I calmed him down, tried to get him to eat and forget about the drink for the time being... nope, didn't work. He continued... I warned him that I would take him to the potty room and he would get a spanking, this stopped the yelling for the moment. At this point its now lunch on base and its getting crowded and he starts it again- so I drop my food, hold his face so I know he is looking me straight in the eye and sees that I am DEAD SERIOUS that I will spank him. He screamed in my face, so I grabbed him out of the high chair and we went to the bathroom- leaving everything behind (including his diaper bag with my wallet in it I'm just remembering... can't do that again!) In the bathroom I explained why he was getting a spanking and he got two licks, the tears came and dried up. We went back out and low and behold, he drank from the cup and ate the rest of his meal like a good little boy! This was a huge relief because I was really enjoying my chicken and french fries and Coke too and really didn't want to grab it all up and leave! This also got me thinking- why is it that people are so against the spanking then? I truly believe that had I just picked everything up and just left that wouldn't have taught him a thing! I took him to the bathroom, explained that isn't going to happen, he got his consequences for his bad behavior and learned his lesson... I didn't beat him, just hurt his feelings more than anything else, so what is the problem with that? (not that I think any of you would think that what I did was bad- heck when I was little it probably would have been fine for Mom to stand me up, pop my butt, and then make me continue to eat!)

So Gabe didn't even make it to his "terrible twos" before he got the public bathroom whipping! 20 months- so close, yet so far away!

Well, since I'm up and feeling good I think I will catch my soaps this afternoon and continue with the clothes (and my Super Mom day!)
Love you all!

My eyes are opened!

First I will add the two videos that I uploaded last night to the computer.
Yesterday Gabe got into the pantry ... you'll see the rest!!



Gabe thinks he can't be seen if he can't see us! I love when he does this with the shower curtain or a blanket... not so much with the curtains... I think they are ruined! But, he does love it!



I love that boy! He makes life so much fun... gives meaning to it and fills my days!


Now, I would like to blog about my bible study. I LOVE going on Tuesday mornings. I wake up and I'm so excited to get going! Gabe even really likes the nursery too, so it is a plus for both of us! The ladies are great, with the exception of the older ones who stares us younger ones down because we are laughing and having a great time! LOL!
Today I was doing my "homework" for the day and came across a verse that struck me as AMAZING! "The Lord will fight for you; all you have to do is be still" Exodus 14:14. I haven't had a verse that jumped off the page at me like that and mean so much! Beth Moore (the author of the study) is amazing at going in depth on the verses so I took her "advice" and started reading the notes my bible offered on this verse and the verses that it tied to. Not only is this verse saying "Dude, shut up, be still I got this!" He is also saying to us "Watch Me, I AM God. I will not let anything EVER happen to you" He has promised us that- He will never leave us! I am not going through any "rough" time in my life that this verse brought me to tears over, but just the reminder that when I am He will be there is enough. For some reason I needed that assurance today and God knew that. I have been questioning God...not on my faith or His works, but "why do such bad things happen to good people" kinda questioning... Why do they have to suffer... The Lord is telling me to just 'shut up' and watch... listen and pray... He is working, FIGHTING for me and for those who love and need Him... I've just got to let Him do it. I am so thankful for the way He has opened my eyes today and couldn't help but share with you!
Hope you have an amazing Wednesday and a great rest of the week!

Oh Mornings... I hate thee!

Today I woke up in the worst mood! There is a reason behind this though- SETH MAGGARD!! He wakes up before us to go to work; that would be fine if he would actually GET UP when the alarm goes off! This morning, literally I'm not lying, for an HOUR I was awake because he has to hit snooze! Usually, this happens once or twice... it can get frustrating, but thats 20 min or so and I still get a decent amount of sleep until Gabe wakes up... this morning he hit the snooze SEVEN times!! Yes, seven!! Not only does he have the regular alarm, but also on his cell phone- that makes 2 alarms going off!!! Oh, I was livid at the 5th time! When he finally gets up and I say "Go on and kiss me now so you don't wake me up again" he wonders why I'm so ill this morning!! Really?!

Anyways, that gave me more motive to get out and hit the gym- power was today (nothing but weight lifting and squats!) and I hit it hard... so I'm going to be VERY sore tomorrow I have a feeling!! But, at least I did get there and had a great workout and that made me feel much better. Then I came home and saw the house and realized what all needed to be done today and got back in a "cruddy" mood... I need my "Jesus time" time to make me feel better, so I think I'm going to take that now!

Hope everyone has a GREAT day and rest of the week!

"Movin' on up"... in height and shoe size!

Well, before I begin I have to say a big "ROLL TIDE!!" Gabe has been saying it non-stop so we let him stay up last night, a little past his bedtime for the kick-off of the big game, but he was pooped and went to bed shortly after. This morning, however, when I went in his room to get him out of his crib he said "Tide...?" ; almost like a question! I told him that yes, we had won and he seemed to understand! lol (yeah, right!)

So, the other day I'm getting my big man ready for the gym and I have him dressed and I put on his shoes and realize that my child has grown inches over night! haha! The pants that he just wore LAST week were "floods"... I couldn't let my child walk around like that so we changed, but seriously over night!! Then yesterday he didn't want to put on his shoes and really pitched a good fit about it... and I remembered that he had little scabs on his toes and I thought, "Well, maybe its his shoes..." I had felt for his toes and they weren't stuffed in there by any means, but they were a little snug. A few months ago I bought him a pair of Nike's at a consignment sale (that were still in the box!) and they were a size 6 and were HUGE (literally fell off his feet when he tried to walk!), but I knew he'd need them someday and it was too good a deal to pass up... well he wears them now! He looks so darn cute in little tennis shoes! He really seems to like them too! I'll have to take a picture and post it; he's just adorable... and getting too big for me!
By the way, he is wonderful at the gym and in church nursery... he doesn't care at all that I leave him. It's wonderful, don't get me wrong, but really brought tears to my eyes the first time he just walked away from me and went to play... in a good way of course! He just really isn't my little baby anymore... and where did the time go?! I can't believe that this time last year he wasn't even CRAWLING and now he is leaving me to play with older kids and not thinking twice... Oh I'm going to be a basket case when I drop him off for his first day of Kindergarten ... and even worse when he's in Junior High and Lord help me on the day of his high school graduation... oh boy, its gonna be such a bittersweet ride!

New Year- New Beginning

Today I went to a new bible study at the church that I mentioned in the previous post. I saw it in the bulletin on Sunday morning and I thought it would be perfect for me because they even have child care- and it was! It was exactly what I thought it would be and then again it was different. I knew that we were going to be doing a Beth Moore study (and I LOVE her studies... even though I had only done one other one years ago) and I can't wait to get into it and do my "homework" for this week! Watching the introduction to the study already got me fired up! Anyways, so I show up and of course I'm the youngest there... but there was a group of women who can't be much older than me and they have children closer to Gabe's age too, and they invited me to sit at the "Young table" as they called it because there really is a lot of 'older' women there. They warned me before it began that they talk alot and might get some stares from the old ladies (and they did!) but it wasn't too much to where it was distracting. (well not for me anyway!) To sum up (because I could just ramble on and it seems that I have a bit!) I had a great time getting to meet new ladies and the bible study, I believe, will be so enriching for me! I have been  needing something like this and I'm so glad that I have found it... it's like God has literally been pointing me this way and like Beth said today in the study "He is PURSUING ME!!!" That feels great!
Gabe did wonderful again in the "nursery"... he didn't cry when I dropped him off- granted he was in a room FULL of nothing but girls... he was in heaven! It makes me so happy to come back and see him playing and not worrying where I have gone to, but then it really makes me realize how much he is growing up... he's not my little "baby" anymore. Speaking of that, he has gone 3 nights in a row with no paci and just went down for the 4th nap without one! I sure hope that potty training him will be just as easy as getting him off the bottle and now paci... although I guess he could "relapse" but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Alright, I've got clothes in the wash and need to pick up around the house a bit while my own personal tornado is down for a nap and I can have a few hours of cleanliness before he awakes!

New Church

I have found a new church here that I really think I'm going to enjoy (The Church of Severn Run). I went again this morning and had a great time in worship. I miss having a choir, but that's not what church is about.. they have a praise team that fills it ok. I really love the Children's center that they have. It seems very safe (they way they have an entrance and an exit to keep check on who comes in and no one can come in the exit- and so forth) Gabe must really like it too. I came back to get him and he was just a playing by himself (there was one other little girl in there- seems all the other kids are older) and the teacher said that he didn't cry not once! I was so excited!!! It makes me feel so good that I can worship and not worry about him!

Gabe has been doing so good lately. We're trying to get off the pacifier and last night he slept all night with out it again! (and he hasn't had it yet today!) He is such a little playful guy now! He still loves to read EVERY book, but he is starting to play with his trucks and little cars now too. I love to watch him play and him being so happy! We are truly blessed!

Looking back on 2009

2009... looking back it has really been a great year for me... but also a very trying time for those in my family. There have been times of pure happiness and then times of nothing but heart break for those that we hold dear, so it will be nice to say good-bye to this year and invite in the new one.

Seth and I decided to turn down plans to meet with friends and just stay home tonight and spend this night together. Last year we didn't get to be together because he was in Iraq (he came home on the 25th of Jan... hasn't even been home a year yet!) The year before that I was pregnant and all I remember from that night was being sick and Seth calling me back into the room where we laid on the air mattress and watched the ball drop... (Seth was about to leave for Iraq on the 4th and I was moving back to Alabama so we had all of our stuff in storage!) The first New Year's we celebrated together (end 2006) we had a party at our house and that has been the best one yet! Our kiss was great and the following year was great- we learned we were pregnant that year and who could ask for better! (2007). Needless to say, we are looking forward to tonight laying on the couch with eachother and enjoying a glass of champagne and toasting this coming year - and praying for the best!

So, I thought I would look back on this year and include little pictures (if I can) for each month! Its fun to look back-

January was the month I had been waiting on since January 2008. I was moving back to California to set up our house and Seth came home! That was one of the best months this year!Ok, that took me awhile because I had to watch all my videos and talk to Seth about it and Gabe watched... Oh, I just love that we caught it all on tape!February and March just flew by... Gabe getting bigger and we just lived every day life to the fullest! Here's some footage of Gabe around the end of Feb, I can't believe how much he has grown! He had started to feed himself with the bottle, tries so hard to say Da-Da and meets "Sunny the Shark" for the 1st time! (yes, he still loves that puppet to this day!)
In March, Gabe got in his pool for the 1st time... yeah don't think we'll be able to do that this year! Seth couldn't resist jumping in the pool with Gabe and everytime afterwards too!

April was the month we got visits from Gram and Uncle Kev for Easter and then Uncle Joe a week or so later! Surprisingly, I couldn't find any pictures of Gabe and Uncle Joe together! In April, Gabe also got to see Mickey Mouse for the 1st time IN PERSON! We went to Disney Land with friends from Camp Pendleton and had a great time!

In May Gabe and I went back to Alabama for a few weeks and we were lucky enough to stay long enough to see Uncle Kev graduate and Seth flew home to surprise Gram and Uncle Kev! It worked- they were both so surprised and we had a great time the rest of the weekend.

Through June and July we spent time at the house. We had great family time in the water - because Gabe LOVES water! We went out on a paddle boat, took him to the pool a lot, and to the beach only one time- this is only because he wouldn't keep the sand OUT of his mouth!! Then he didn't like the sand too much if he couldn't eat it... ended up being a short trip compared to what I thought we were going to spend there!

In August my little baby turned ONE! I couldn't believe that a year had passed! We had moved out of California and we were on the way to Maryland around his birthday, so we took a pit stop for a few weeks in Alabama to celebrate his birthday. We had a great party with family and friends and Gabe made a MESS of the cake, but was absolutely beautiful doing it!


September we just got used to our new home. Gabe finally got the idea of walking! October brought Gabe and I back to Alabama! We spent a week or two there catching up with family again! (we have really been blessed in being able to see everyone as much as we have)

We went to DISNEY WORLD for Thanksgiving and had such a great time with my parents and Uncle Joe and Uncle Kev. Gabe loved all the parades and lights. We made many memories that will be cherished!
December brought Gram and Uncle Kev back to US in Maryland. We weren't able to go back home for the holidays so they joined us here, in the snow! We had the record amount of snow for the season in just one storm right before they came, so we still had a little snow on Christmas. Gabe had such a good time opening his presents from "Ho, Ho, Ho" and from all the grandparents! With all of us opening our gifts, it took 2 hours to finish! That is a record for the books I'm sure!


I hope you all have a Happy New Year! I hope to keep up with the blog too... I love to do it, just hard to sit down and do it! See you all in 2010!

FOUND!!

I haven't put up any pics of Disney because I lost our camera... yeah, wasn't too happy, but the other day a lady from Southwest called and they found it!! I was shocked that someone had turned it in and not taken it for themselves! We really do have a few more good people in the world and we were lucky enough to come across one of them! Needless to say I am waiting (impatiently) to get the camera back to see the pics that I do have... cause I can't remember what I had taken so it's going to be a nice (short) trip down memory lane!

Gabe has been so sick the last few days. His fever had peaked at 102.9 (under arm so really 103.9!) I was really scared... when I took him to the Dr. on the 8th they couldn't figure anything out... then the temp kept rising so I took him back yesterday and they finally found out what he has! Strepp! I hate strepp... I had it alot as a kid and I hate the fact that he has been hurting and me NOT knowing what is wrong... makes me sad. But now, he has had 3 doses of the antibiotic and he is just about to his old self- playing in the living room with his toys as we speak! I, on the other hand, am feeling a little yucky this morning... but determined not to get sick! I'm going to get going cleaning the house and move around and forget about my headache and pressure on the neck and ears! I think I can, I think I can!

Gabe has decided to bring me blocks and not relent on the fact that I'm going to play with him, so I better be going!

Snow Day!

Wow! I just read my last post and that was a LOOONGG time ago, huh?! Well, I do have pictures from that trip to the aquarium and I will post those... but not tonight! We also have gone to Disney and I'll update on that ... but not tonight!

I have a headache and the house to myself tonight (Gabe is down and Seth is at work) so I want to relax and watch tv - with no house cleaning in between! So I'm going to update about today and then I PROMISE I will update and give pics of the past few weeks!

It snowed at least 3 inches today! It is so pretty and I was so against it snowing, but so glad that it did! Gabe just didn't know what to do with it all! The video shows that! When he falls he doesn't know why his hands get so cold and he seems to be unable to move! lol! Mac was running in circles until I took the phone out to record! Oh well, you can tell he is just as excited!Plus, we had an awesome game tonight! Alabama is now the SEC Champions (and if you didn't know that then you apparently weren't in the U.S. or at least the southern states today!) Gabe was saying Roll Tide with me and yelling and clapping. We had a great time watching the game together. I love that little man-he is growing up so fast! Enjoy the videos and pictures and I WILL update soon!

Well, as I'm sure all of you know, Gabe was (or is) sick. I think that he is feeling SO much better now though. I took him to the hospital and they said he had the flu, but yesterday he broke out into a rash on his "trunk"... it wasn't one you could feel- just little red spots all over. I called mom and she said Roseola... looked it up and it seems to fit. He had a high fever for 3 days or more and then when it broke he breaks out into the rash... it is contagious, but seems to affect children 6months- 3years.

So, since the fever has broke and we have been locked in the house ALL week- we are going to the Inner Harbor today! I'm so excited! Seth and I went there when we were dating and I can't wait to look at it now. I keep thinking if it will seem as beautiful as it did 3.5 years ago when I was sooo caught up in everything that had to do with Seth and oh so in love! Not to say I'm not in love still! haha! No, you know how it is though- seeing everything through "rose colored glasses" I guess. Now, it will be a totally different experience taking OUR CHILD there! Gosh, I remember day dreaming about that when I was here with Seth then... oh, how married life and kids would be! I must say that I'm as happy as I thought I would be!

Well, that was a sappy little post, huh?! I love it though! I will take pictures and update when we get back (or tomorrow more likely!)

Sick...?

For the past few days Gabe has been so cranky and whiny and really draining me of energy!! Everytime he goes down for his nap I've been picking up a bit and then crashing with him again because I'm so tired! This morning he woke up with a slight fever... gave him tylenol and it went down, but all day he has been warm (tylenol has been our friend!) He keeps grabbing on the back of his head... don't know if maybe he has a headache or what, but the tylenol doesn't seem to be helping that aspect.

He went down with no problem tonight - and with hardly anything in his tummy... I don't like to eat much when I feel bad either, so I didn't force anything, just made him eat a jar of carrots! I'll keep you updated on how he is tomorrow.

True Colors!!!

Last night I was able to catch Gabe's true colors just for all of you! I know that you dear, sweet grandparents don't think that your adorable little grandson has a temper, but I caught it!!
Let me set it up for you: We have a laundry room off the kitchen and then inside there to the right is another little room where we keep Mac's cage and vacuums ect. We have to keep the door closed to both because I also keep recycling in there and that is TRIPLE stuff that Gabe LOVES to get into! Last night, I fed Mac and left the door open so he could come and go as he pleases... I notice that Mac keeps running into the living room and whining and Gabe is no where to be found... he's silent and you all know what that means - he was into something! I knew it wasn't kitchen cabinets because he loves the pans and I knew he wasn't upstairs since it was blocked off (and Mac should have been a hint! lol!) I'm calling for him and follow Mac to his cage and I find this-now usually when he goes in there he goes all the way and gets IN Mac's cage, but this time he settles for harassing Mac with playing with his food!
When I took him out of there for the 3rd time, finally closed the door so he couldn't get back in.... I get this!He hasn't really ever done this when I've gotten on to him and MADE him do what I say... all I could do was laugh! (that's horrible, right?!... I really have turned into my mother!!)


Later on, after all the screaming ended and Mac ate his food in peace, we get the other sweet side of Gabe. I love his laugh and I couldn't resist taping it... sorry if it is a little "everywhere" but I was laughing and trying to show you Seth jumping that was making Gabe laugh so hard. He was really laughing hysterically before I finally got the video, so sorry if he sounds a little tired, he had been doing it awhile



Hope you enjoyed seeing the REAL Gabe! He is such a treat! I love him!

Day out

I've been doing so good with going to the gym and working out (and Gabe has gotten a lot better at staying in the kid's room and not pitching a fit, so I can have my whole work out!) Today though, I woke up not feeling like getting into my workout clothes and actually working out... just feeling bloated and fat and not a day to work out! So... I needed to by a few things so me and Gabe made a day of it at the mall and Wal-Mart. He was a trooper and at the end- we got ice cream!! (like I needed it since I didn't work out today... oh well!) The sweet picture is of us there in Cold Stone. We were the only ones there and he was just a talking about the pictures on the walls and LOVING the ice cream! He would make this funny noise when he wanted more... don't even know how to explain it, but it made me laugh everytime and he got his spoonful of ice cream!

I haven't written in a few days, but there wasn't too much to write about... We did go pumpkin hunting and found one, and got it carved, but Gabe didn't like to play in it like we thought he would... maybe next time! So we didn't get any cute photos of that. But, we did get some of the jack-o-lantern and Gabe in the background and they are on the camera and I'm not sure how to get them off and into the computer... it used to be so simple, but not so much anymore and I"m not sure why!

I do have 2 very short videos to share with the cutest man in the world though! He is loving the Chicken Dance Elmo that Gram got him for Christmas last year... he never actually lets it dance though! He has to be holding it and not letting it run across the floor (which Mac appreciates- he doesn't like it when its walking!) Enjoy! Love you all