Coming up for air...

Nolan is finally better after what is turning out to be a viral thing causing fevers. Before that Mark had a nasty Strep infection (sandwiched in there was the Christmas concert!).... Before that was what turned out to be pneumonia for Caleb! He was not that sick so that was a real surprise but I'm so thankful that his doctor had the instinct to have him go for a chest x-ray on a Friday afternoon.

All I can say is wow. Praise the Lord for 1. Good medical care 2. Insurance (as thin as it may seem) 3. My mom who stayed with us last week and REALLY helped out during Mark working like a mad dog while sick as a dog and I was crazy enough to sing in the concert too! (It was fun though and a great, great music set as well). 4. Mark who is a hard worker and loves me even though I can get a little (don't laugh) stressed out.

Today was a day I could have really gotten things done but as usual I get stuck doing something silly like trying like mad to figure out the label thing in Word. I know, Emy, get with the 20th century... wait! It's the 21st century! That's my problem. I'm a century behind. Why was that so hard anyway? I can cut and paste with the rest of them (maybe not the best of them). Why were there a few cells not printing? Don't I sound official? I can't stand it when I can't figure something out. Well, tons of time later.... wa la. Not figured out per se (what does per se mean anyway?) but shifted around and deleted the virused cells and replaced with new ones that worked. I felt like a scientist in the most mommified way, mind you. With the baby schmutz on my jeans as my lab coat.

WHAT????? NINE DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS???? It's a good thing we don't do too many gifts around here.

Fevers, Milkshakes, and Theology

Day 2 of fevers for Sir Littles (Caleb... I know it's an oxymoron with him). He's acting sort of ok playing at times, eating of course, sleeping so-so, but coughing a fair amount with congestion and he's whiney. I'd be too with fevers like that and not feeling well. Poor little man. If he has a fever in the morning, I've been instructed to call back to Dr. Day.

I'm tired and in need of a bubble bath. Coming up!

Mark is in the full swing getting ready for the Christmas concert in addition to the Sunday morning worship sets.

Nolan had a great day at school. I let him have a milkshake afterward really because I've been holding off on the Peppermint Chocolate Chip from Chic-Fil-A long enough now and well I just NEEDED one. And it was go oo ood. Tonight when tucking Nolan into bed he asked me if Jesus sins (NO) and how was He made. I've been waiting for that one but have forgotten to look up the best way to answer it. I just told him He was the beginning (as in Alpha and Omega), so anyway, yeah. If anyone has any ideas let me know!

I'm an ornament man....

..... said Nolan as he was doing so well helping Daddy decorate the Christmas tree tonight! He's so wonderful. When I was telling him tonight how much I love him, he said, "and Daddy and Jesus. He loves us all even when we sin. And we have to ask Him to forgive us when we sin." Amen Nolan!

We started our Advent Wreath tradition last night. This first week of advent is hope. Last night with some scripture reading we also talked about our hope in Christ, our hopes for this week, this season, and the long-term. That was a fun exercise for us. Tonight we talked about blessings that each of us have. Nolan is most interested in the flame on the candle but we've had some good discussions! Wanting to keep Christ in Christmas more than anything else.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving here at the house with my parents and my aunt Linda from San Antonio. The food was delicious - thank you mom! Then the next day I launched into the Craziest Weekend Ever. I did the last minute shopping for my big inaugural Once a Month Cooking extravaganza. I did some of the prep of the foods (mistake number one - starting too late and not finishing that day).

On Saturday, the day I like to refer to as the Almost Last Day of Cooking Ever for me.... hmmmm..... slow going, time rapidly going by, and 12 hours in my back hurting pretty bad. I got 9 of the 15 recipes done (each with double packages). I used to like to cook until this day. Felt defeated.

Sunday was a new day and cleaned the kitchen before church. Great lunch out with the fam, quick cat nap back at home then finished the last 6 recipes (doubly packaged = 12 more meals) by 9:45. All my muscles ached including weird ones like my wrists. Why do we use our wrists so much when we cook? Anyhoo.... all said and done the freezer is full of homemade meals ready to heat and eat! Do I still like to cook again? I think so. Will I do this nonsense again? Most likely. With some adjustments to the schedule (like starting three days in advance, not one).

Dinner tonight was a snap. Heated up Chicken and Broccoli Rolls paired with fruit and a salad - yum! Yeasty rolls with curried yummy filling - much better than any hotpockets out there I'd say. I am crazy to do this... and I may remain crazy for a while.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Well, we celebrated on Saturday with my mom and dad and my Aunt Linda. We went to Babes Chicken Dinner House and it was DELICIOUS! Caleb ate and ate and ate and ate and ate.... we then came home for cupcakes and presents. We had the traditional Storms' cake of yellow with chocolate frosting. Mmmmm but I couldn't eat even one after Babes! Today was just a do a ton of laundry, bake pumpkin cheesecake, color turkey Thanksgiving placemats kind of day getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Caleb tried to take a couple of steps.... so close (I'm not readyyyyyy!!!!!)

Birthday week...

.... we took Caleb for his first birthday pictures and he did well! I didn't know how that would go but he did great, staying still and smiling a bunch! We were all set to have the whole family photo'd if they would waive the sitting fee but they didn't so we didn't give in.... just Caleb! So annoying to me because they would have made more money for sure if we all took pics! Some people have no business sense.

We then went for a family date lunch to Rosa's and it was YUMMY! This was followed by some luscious custard (Nolan calls this a Scoopie because that's what they call them at Culvers....) This was Daddy's idea and we were stuffed!! Whew, what's this dietitian doing anyway??

Caleb got a birthday package from MeMa Judy and Pa Pa Dude in NJ and they were footie jammies! Whoa oh oh oh oh oh - we're puttin' on jammies! That's the song we sing with the boys to the tune of MC Hammer - Can't Touch This. We are goobers I know..... :) Thank you Mema Judy and Pa Pa Dude!

Sir, Yes Sir!

Nolan got to sing with the Allelujah Aquatic Academy (aka Kids Choir) at church today and Mark and I have been waiting four long years to see this day! It does our hearts so well to see him sing praises to the Lord! So fun ..... pictures to come one day!

Thanksgiving Feast at Kids Day Out!

Cute 'ums

I should also say...

..... and loving, supportive parents (both sides)! How can I leave that out??? Brain dead after a long day that's how!

Beautiful day outside today. Ahhhh, fall! As our Christmas gift from MiMi, Ben came over this morning to put the Christmas lights up and now we can't wait to turn them on! (But we will....) Paid bills - hallelujah for provision :) Ran a bunch of errands while Mark was home with the boys. Our family is going to celebrate the Advent season this year with a traditional homemade wreath and go over a devotional book for families that includes crafts & other fun things - can't wait! What's that you say? Yes, I DID say homemade wreath! I know, I know, I don't homemake anything except meals but I got the goods at Hobby Lobby today and hope to make it soon. We'll see how it looks but you know, I think the homemade lookness of it all will be the most memorable thing! I also picked up an Advent calendar to do with the kids (ok, Nolan).... the old school kind with a piece of chocolate behind each little numbered door. I did that as a kid and thought it was so COOL! Welp, off to cuddle with my honey and maybe have a little Mexican hot chocolate and peppermint cookies to nibble. Yes, this dietitian does indulge from time to time.

Seriously??? 6 months??

Wow! Time has gone by so fast that it's been 6 months since posting! I cannot believe that Caleb will be a year old in 10 days! Anyhoo, wonderful busy life with Awana Cubbies, Kids Choir, chasing after Nolan and Caleb and gearing up for my first Once a Month Cooking day in 13 days! What can I say? A wonderful husband, laugh a minute boys, my Bible study girls, a cozy home, and last but certainly not least a loving Savior! Nolan loves, loves, loves Awana and is thriving in preschool. We just started the application for Coram Deo Academy for him for kindergarten next year. Wow. Oh, yeah, and almost final on refinancing the house which will save us 7 years of payments AND will be a little less each month - woo hoo!! Caleb is the chubbies cherub that's ever graced this home and is so sweet, saying "Yah" all the time kind of amish like. Love!

Saturday...

What a busy but fun day today! We started off bright and early with Nolan's last soccer game of the season. He had a great time and so did Mark coaching. This was followed by playing in the bounce houses they had set up and eating hot dogs (for Mark and Nolan). Caleb helped me at the renovating Super Wal-Mart where it's always an adventure finding what you need! It should be nice when it's done though... Then we went to our Carlson friends' combined birthday party at the Denton Waterworks water park and that was so much fun! Nolan had a blast swimming with his friends and daddy while I relaxed with Caleb and visiting with friends. A flurry of activity when we came home to get two very tired & hungry boys to bed and now looking forward to a good day of worship in the house of the Lord tomorrow!

Happy Friday

OK it's cracking me up seeing little Caleb's natural mohawk in the bluebonnet pictures! His hair is filling out all around now and I know I need to post new pictures.... the past month has been rather consumed with Upward Soccer practices and games and Mark planning and rehearsing for the awards ceremony last week. Nolan has improved so much and really LOVES to play! Of course, he's one of the most timid out there because he's not a natural tiger but it would be so cute how he'd call out from the field to me, "Mommy, did you see me run FAST??" Oh, how I love, love, love, this age! The past couple of weeks have also been filled with swim lessons and we are having so much fun with Coach Minich and our friends! I'm so proud of Nolan doing so well and being so brave in the water. He doesn't like to go under water much but he does it at times and I'm so proud of him! We're looking forward to tomorrow's last Upward Soccer game and our Carlson friends' birthday party at the Denton Waterpark. Nolan and Mark will brave the lazy river, etc while I hang out with Caleb on the sidelines. Caleb's growing like a weed and we call him our little Chunk-a-munk! He's eating some baby food and loves that as long as we shovel it in without missing a beat. He's taking his last bottle of the day by about 8:00 and then sleeps until 8 or 9 am!! Wow, what a blessing that is to have good sleep around here! I'm able to get up early for my "quiet time" with the Lord and have found some time to get back to the gym. I'm back to my prepregnancy weight but would like to be a little more fit. My main goal though truly is good health. I try to make healthy meals for the family so all of that keeps me busy to say the least! Some of my favorite things are to play Candy Land with Nolan and snuggle, giggle, and tickle Caleb. Mark's doing well, too.... working lots AND coaching Nolan's team!

Day in the bluebonnets...

I've since learned that snakes like to slither around bluebonnets so this may be the first and last year we do this - enjoy!

KDO Spring Concert - Nolan sang & did motions!

Field Trip to California Pizza Kitchen with friends!

Caleb Andrew

Easter morning and coloring eggs

First Upward Soccer Game!

Nolan at the Kids Day Out Easter Egg Hunt!

Caleb playing in his "intellitainer"... notice the pillow he's standing on!

Caleb in his high chair!

Thursday...

What beautiful weather this week! Sunny and in the 80's... awesome! On Tuesday I did my Grocery Game shopping at Kroger and spent $54 and saved $96 - love that! Nolan had his soccer practice that evening and had sooooo much fun :) We are keeping our hearts and minds set on Resurrection Sunday, the most joyous day of the year. I accepted Christ as my Savior on Easter Sunday 1999 so my spiritual birthday is coming up and I guess I'm 11 now! What a special time in my life. Oh, how could I forget??? Caleb had his first breakfast of rice cereal this morning and did really well! He liked it and did pretty good keeping it in his mouth :) Good job Caleby!

Monday

I got up at 5 am this morning to do my Bible study then went back to the gym for the first time since knowing I was pregnant with Caleb and got back before anyone was awake. It felt so good! Caleb's well check went well with normal growth and everything looks clear (ears, etc) so the doctor thinks his low-grade temps are due to teething. He got 2 shots and did pretty well. Nolan, Caleb and I went to Academy sports to get some shin guards for Nolan then on to the mechanic for an oil change in Oscar. Nolan loved all the model cars in the office! Mark spent all day putting weed killer and fertilizer on the lawn. We then all went out to the pharmacy for Caleb's reflux medicine and dinner at Dickey's.... I had a coupon for buy one dinner get one free and kids eat free with an adult meal so we got all 3 meals for $9! At dinner Nolan said of him and Mark, "we are slow and Mommy you are FAST!" just talking about our speed of things in general and I was like yes, you are 100% correct!!

He has to get his lungs ready....

That's what Nolan says before every dose of getting his eye drops! He says that he needs to get his lungs ready then breathes rapidly in and out - I hope he doesn't hyperventilate!

Ice Cream, Pink Eye, and Fever

Nolan woke up with pink eye on Thursday morning. Antibiotic drops were called in for him that day. Yes, called in - they didn't want him coming in and infecting the pediatrician's office! Well, he's had to take them 3 times/day for 5 days! At first it was a major struggle until friends on Facebook told me the best way was for him to lie down with his eyes closed, turned to the side. I put the drops in the corner of the eye by the bridge of the nose and they roll in and he blinks - worked like a charm! To reward him, I took him to Beth Marie's last night for a junior chocolate scoop with sprinkles - yum! Unfortunately, Mark stayed home with Caleb because he ran a fever yesterday afternoon after being on antibiotics for 9 days for an ear infection. I stayed home with him this morning and the plan is to bring him in for his already scheduled 4 month well check tomorrow. We'll see what they have to say! Nolan and Mark are going to Pa Dan's 60th birthday party after church today then Mark goes back to church for Children's Choir. I'm sad to miss the party but I think it will be best to have Caleb rest at home. Happy birthday Pa Dan!

Trip to San Antonio for Uncle Sal's Memorial Service

My Uncle Salvador Tufino passed away a believer in Christ on March 17th. Although sad, we rejoice in his salvation in heaven! We went to San Antonio for a couple of days to see the family and participate. We miss you Uncle Sal! This picture is of Caleb with Aunt Linda, Uncle Sal's wife.

Caleb's haircut

Well, Caleb's "faux"hawk finally fell down and was looking like a horrible toupee so we went ahead and cut it. He must be the youngest baby to have a haircut at 4 months!

TDA

I had the privilege of attending this year's Texas Dietetic Association (TDA) conference which was held in Dallas. What an inspiration it was for me professionally and personally to truly take care of myself and help others eat well for good living. The keynote speaker was Dr. Michael Roizen of "YOU on a Diet", made famous with his collaborations with Dr. Oz. It was awesome! They were even giving away his $27 hardback book away for free to us who attended. I'm so looking forward to starting up a new business plan based around being able to stay home with the boys. What a blessing! Thank you to Mark who changed his day off so he could be home with the kids so I could attend.

one of the pictures of Nolan's 4 year shoot

Nolan's been inseparable from Tigger!

nice day...

This morning I took Nolan and Caleb over to my friend Erin's house so she could take their pictures. It was Nolan's 4 year old pictures and Caleb's 3 month pictures taken at almost 4 months :) There were a number of circumstances that had us reschedule pictures several times but they're done now! Nolan had fun playing with Morgan and Cooper and Caleb was in a great mood. We then met Daddy at Dickie's BBQ for a delicious lunch - yum! Rest time this afternoon and gearing up for church tonight. Looking forward to a field trip tomorrow with a number of friends and their kids to tour Market Street store in Coppell. I don't know much about it but it should be fun!

Nolan Sayings.....

Yesterday when Caleb was in his carseat crying, Nolan leaned over to him and said, "Don't worry Caleb, God is always with you!" So cute....

Then, this morning at breakfast, I said in my best nasally Paula Deen voice, "Hi y'all!" and Nolan said, "You sound like a pig!" Ummmm.... no comment!

Caleb and the Bumbo

Caleb has a bumbo seat that he loves! Nolan didn't have this and I wish I knew about it then!

Gorgeous day!

What a beautiful Lord's day of 70 something degrees and sunny! Great morning at church, lunch at home with the family & my parents then a few errands for me in this gorgeous day. Now Nolan's helping daddy in the garage and I just finished planning our week! Caleb is resting a little before his bath & last bottle of the day - what a blessed day :)

Nolan's 4th birthday!

Record breaking snow!

my boys

Upward Soccer First Practice!

Nolan's very first day of sports in his little life and daddy is his coach!