kellymcfeaters

I'm Back!

2007-11-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

Since my last post was over 6 months ago, I really don't know where to start. Though I must say that when I looked over my last few posts, I was relieved that I am beyond that point in Bryce's scrapbook!

Over the past 6 months we have been on many camping adventures (since we bought a pop-up in June), we went to the beach with my family (always a great time), and we got a swing set for the kids (they LOVE it!)! Now that you are up to speed on our lives (yeah!) . . .

I just had to post these pictures of the kids in the snow! Last night we got home from Steve's parents about 9:15 (which is later then normal!) and Bryce was so excited (His exact words sounded more like "I am sho exshited") about the snow. So Steve told him that we would put his boots on and he could go out with Cooper.

Needless to say, it was 10:45 til they came in and Bryce announced that they built a snowman named Frosty (I didn't have any carrots for the nose, so Frosty has a gourd for a nose!)! Notice in the picture that Bryce is holding Frosty's hand! This afternoon after naps, I bundled both the kids up and we went outside for a little bit. Bailey looked like a ball all bundled up! They both loved the snow and didn't seem to mind the cold . . . so if it snows this winter we should have fun!

Reuben Dogs & Tractor Fun!

2007-05-02T08:41:00.000-04:00

In case anyone else is also curious about Reuben Dogs here is what they are: cut up hot dog and lay on a plate, layer with sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing and Swiss Cheese, then microwave for about a minute or more until the cheese is melted . . . very, very yummy!!!!

Yesterday I had Lindsay and after preschool I took Devin home and since I would have had to pick him up again at 4:00 for a sleepover at my mom's with Bryce, he just grabbed his overnight bag and came home with me to play with Lindsay for the afternoon. After Lindsay left and both Bailey and Bryce were up from there naps we were all outside and Bailey climbed up on Bryce's John Deere tractor and figured out that when you press the pedal, it goes!!! She loved it . . . she thought it was the greatest thing in the world. It was so funny to watch this little girl love the tractor at such a young age, when Bryce really doesn't ride it. The last time he did, he drove it straight into the dog kennel ~ I think it scarred him b/c he hasn't ridden it since (and boy do I try to get him to!)

This one is for you, Jena!

2007-04-20T12:53:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. It has been FOREVER since I posted last, but since Jena tagged me on this survey thing, I can't disappoint her!!! Somehow life has gotten extremely busy. Now that April 15 (or in this years case 17) is over, I now have nap time and after bed time back ~ no more working on tax returns (except for 2 amended returns). In the past 2 months since my last post, a lot of exciting things have happened. Bailey turned 1 ~ I can't believe my baby is a year old! And I decided to become a Tastefully Simple Consultant ~ so far it is pretty fun!!! (If you would like to have a party, let me know!!) I have also agreed to co-direct Vacation Bible School this year. I am on the committee to plan my 10 year class reunion ~ which is keeping me very busy! More recently though, Bailey was sick this past weekend, vomiting ~ Poor thing. And now, she has a few chicken pox from her vaccine 2 weeks ago. Luckily, they don't seem to bother her! I included the most recent picture of Bryce and Bailey together, which is sad since it is over a month old!! And now, on to the Survey!

Survey
1. How old will you be in 10 months? 29
2.Do you think you'll be married by then? Yes, I hope to STILL be married!
3. What do you look forward to most in the next 3 months? Hot Weather & the beach
4. Who was the last person you called? Mom
5. Who was the last person to call you? Lawanda
6. Do you prefer to call or text? call

7. Do you have any pets? A dog named Cooper

8. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Married
9. When is the last time you saw your mom? About 10 minutes ago when she dropped off Bryce ~ She called before I arrived at Giant, she was in the parking lot and wanted to know if he wanted to go with her to Kmart. Then of coarse she took him to McDonald's for lunch!
10. How many states have you lived in? 1 ~ Good old PA

11. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Bare feet ~ part of why I love summer!
12. Are you a social person? Yes
13. What was the last thing you ate? Reuben Dog's ~ yummy!
14. What is your favorite ice cream? Chocolate Marshmallow
15. What is your favorite dessert? Brownie's, Chocolate Chip Cookies, pretty much anything will do!

16. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Homemade strawberry
17. Do you like coffee? Yes
18. How many glasses of water a day do you drink on average? 2-3
19. What do you drink in the morning? Coffee
20. Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone? with Steve
21. Do you know how to play poker? Nope
22. Do you like to cuddle? No
23. Have you ever been to Canada? No
24. Do you eat out or at home more often? At home
25. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? yes, my hubby! He is 4 years older.
26. Do you speak any other languages? No
27. Have you ever gotten stitches? Yes ~ wisdom teeth & childbirth
28. Have you ever been in an ambulance? No
29. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Love the beach, but love the pool more then the actual ocean!
30. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? Window
31. Do you know how to drive a stick shift? Once upon a time, yes. I guess it would come back to me.
32. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Photo developing, kids clothes, scrap booking supplies

33. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Yes
34. What is your favorite TV show(s)? I have no idea, we catch Deal or No Deal every once in a while. The TV isn't on very often.
35. Can you roll your tongue? Yep
36. Who is the funniest person you know? Oh, my, I don't know ~ I guess it would be Steve, he can be pretty funny!
37. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Yes, my nanny had a dress hand smocked for me. I wore it in my 1 year pictures and just recently had Bailey's 1 year picture taken in it.

38. What is the color of your bedroom walls? Light Blue ~ but if you ask Steve, he might say white!
39. Do you shut off the water when you brush your teeth? Sometimes

40. Do you sleep with your closet doors opened or closed? Don't know!

41. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? bees
42. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? BBQ Sauce
43. Can you change the oil on a car? No, though I have begged my dad to teach me how ~ he never would!
44. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Oh, yes, several ~ I think 3, though I have gotten out of a lot more!!!

So there you have it. Jena is the only person I know that blogs, so I guess I can't really tag anyone . . . though if you would like to continue on through email, I would love to see everyone's answers!!

Hey Ryan ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Bowling Fun!

2007-02-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is almost 2 weeks again since my last post. I have been trying to keep these kids of mine healthy! Bryce has been fighting a cold for the past week and now Bailey has a cold, on top of getting her first tooth! On Sunday, Steve's niece, Lindsay, had a birthday party at the bowling alley. We decided to take Bryce and leave Bailey at home with MawMaw and Papa! Bryce had so much fun bowling! And he did really well, he was close to beating me until I got a spare in the 10th frame (FYI ~ I am a pathetic bowler!!).

Bailey is quite the dare-devil these days! The other day she climbed up on her little rocking chair and stood up on it and rocked back and forth. She usually doesn't hurt herself when she falls, so I took a moment to grab the camera and take a picture. After she did that twice and discovered that she wasn't going to get away with doing it, she decided to go climb up on Bryce's Little People Ramps Around Garage. Not only did she somehow get herself on it, she stood up on it also! All this from an 11 month old! She is going to keep me on my toes!

Till next time . . . (hopefully it won't be another 2 weeks!)

Happy Valentine's Day, Steve!

2007-02-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

I am going to steel Jena' idea (who stole it from one of her friends) and do a little post about my husband on Valentine's Day. Here are a few things that I love and appreciate about Steve, in random order:
1. He puts my needs above his ~ we were outgrowing our vehicles, his truck more then the Escape, but after discussing the problems and solutions decided that we would replace the Escape first (more for my convenience then a need)!
2. He is a kid at heart ~ he is so good with the kids, he isn't really into the whole newborn and diaper things, but after they are 6 months old and have clean diapers, watch out! He encourages creativity with Bryce (which is great b/c I have none!). Steve is forever making up songs about the silliest things and already at 2 and a half Bryce will be sitting and playing singing an original song!!
3. He doesn't mind doing laundry ~ I don't really enjoy folding laundry, he often pitches in and helps me. Also, if he needs something that is dirty, he doesn't ask me to do it, he just gathers enough for a load and does it on his own!
4. He allows me to do things that he "should" do ~ I love to put stuff together (like our desk) and he knows that. So while he wouldn't mind doing it, he just lets me go ahead and do it b/c he knows I will be proud of myself. . . then when I show him he gets all gushy and says I'm cute!
5. He doesn't take a minute for himself when he gets home from work ~ Usually I am making dinner when he walks in the door, so he always takes the time to play with the kids (usually allowing Bryce to "help" him change cloths!) or feed Bailey, whatever it is I need him to do at the moment!

And those are a few of the reasons I love my husband . . . the list could go on. Happy Valentine's Day!

Ear Infections :( & Soccer Mom???

2007-02-12T22:29:00.000-05:00

Bailey got her first ear infection . . . odd how it started the same day that I quit breastfeeding her!! On Friday afternoon, she didn't really seem herself and her head felt pretty warm. So we gave her Tylenol. Then on Saturday she woke up pretty congested and she slept a lot. Sunday, Steve stayed home from church with her & Bryce b/c he (Bryce) was a sleepyhead and only woke up at 9:40 ~ I had long since left for Sunday School!!! Sunday night we were over at Steve's parents and Bailey was really clingy and fussy and she just kept getting warmer and warmer, so we came home around 7:30 and she had a fever of 102.5. I gave her Tylenol again and just held her in a onsie until she didn't feel so warm, then I dressed her for bed, she did sleep pretty well then. I took her to the doctor this morning and he said that she definitely has an ear infection in her right ear. I was pretty surprised though when she weighed in at 21 lbs 4 oz (with clothing, but still!)! At her 9 month appt she was 19 lbs 4 oz and I figured that she would probably be right around 20 lbs at her 1 year check up (which is still another month and a half away) (since she is walking, and on the move ~ full speed ahead!)! I remember Bryce only gained a half of a pound from his 9 month appt to his 1 year appt ~ I guess he worked off his baby fat, where she didn't really have much!!!

Anyway, now on to the Soccer Mom issue! And odd how I am excited about this. We traded in the Escape for a minivan! Yep - that is right, we picked up our Chrysler Town and Country tonight! Now I can haul all of the "neighborhood" kids around in it!!!

I hope you enjoy the pictures . . . Bryce being silly, as usual! In the top he is holding Bailey's "Baby Bailey" and rocking her like mommy rocks Bailey. He has just rediscovered sunglasses and is very much into wearing them when it is "sunny out"! In the bottom picture he wanted them on one afternoon while he was playing on the windowsill and it was "sunny in my eye's, mom!" He looked so goofy, I had to take a picture!

Yum!!!

2007-01-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

The other day I gave Bailey her first Bitter Biscuit . . . and she loved it!!! At first she wasn't too sure but then she just went to town! As you can see in the picture she had it in her nose, between her fingers and all over her face and hands!!! Not very fun to clean up, but she had a blast eating it! Somehow my life has become very hectic lately! Maybe it was the "stress" of getting Bailey's scrapbook caught up, I don't know. But I have really felt like I don't have any time lately!!!! I do have Bailey's scrapbook done through October, so I am only 3 months behind now. At least I feel like I am not so far behind anymore. Last night, Steve and I went to eat at Red Lobster with Kylene and Eric . . . no kids!!! It was rather pleasant! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but it was nice to not have to cut anyones food or try to get them to eat just a little bit more!!!! I went to Sunset Outlet on Wednesday (with the kids) and they had Boys Pull-Ups $8.99 for 44 which was a good price, then I had coupons for $2 off. So I ended up paying only $6.99 per pack (I bought 6 packs!!!) I was so excited!! Such odd things that a mother gets excited over!! Well, I just felt like it has been a while since my last post, but for now I must go to bed! 10:00 Saturday night and I am exhausted!! Til next time. . .

Home "Alone" & Picture Fun!!

2007-01-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

First on the "Home Alone" - Steve had to go to Buffalo to work over night for 2 nights, Tuesday and Wednesday, so I am "home alone" with the kids. It has actually been okay. Bryce has been a Daddy's boy lately so I was not thrilled about this whole overnight for 2 nights thing!!!! But Bryce has actually handled it very well so far. Of coarse, that could all change if he wakes up from his nap crying for daddy!!! Bailey hasn't been feeling well lately and has had a low grade fever off and on since Monday. Last night, she was up several times and I gave her medicine, it made for a long night without Steve to take his turn!!! This morning Bryce was playing so well by himself and Bailey took a good nap so that allowed me to get another page done in Bailey's scrapbook!!! I am now up to 8 weeks old for her!!!! I know . . . How pathetic!!! Anyway, this afternoon Bryce and Bailey are sleeping very well again, so I went through all the pictures I have printed out. I pulled all of the ones out for Bailey's scrapbook and dated them, so I can get my butt in gear and have her book caught up for her 1st birthday party, which will be here in 2 months!!!!! I was quite disappointed in myself for the lack of pictures that I have of Bailey - it seems like a lot less then I had for Bryce!!! I guess that is normal, but I still feel bad. So now I will probably scrapbook every picture that I have of her, just to make it look like I took the same amount of pictures!!! I will have to get Bailey's book caught up b/c I would really like to get Bryce's caught up also, I don't even have his 2nd birthday done! Oh, well, that is what winter is for, right??? I thought I would put this picture in of Bryce doing his Thomas puzzle! He is on a puzzle kick right now and I am surprised at how well he does with them. He is a bright little boy! When he wants to do a puzzle he usually brings it to me and says "Mommy, I do my puzzle wifou you, myfels" (translation - I do my puzzle without you, myself)!!! Ya gotta love what your kids come up with!!! And on that note, I am going to take advantage of my still quiet house and scrap some more!!!

Another Busy Week

2007-01-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

Once again it has been over a week since my last post. Thursday Bailey had her 9 months well baby check up. She weighed 19 lbs 3 oz and measured 28-1/2 inches. On Friday night we went to see Sesame Street Live. Bryce seemed to like it but I was surprised that Bailey sat on my lap for almost the entire first half and just bounced up and down and flapped her arms in excitement! Bryce has been fighting a cold for a while now. He is congested and coughs a lot. He has been sleeping in really late (with the exception of Monday when he was up for the day at 4:45!). Other then cleaning, laundry, and that fun stuff, there isn't too much going on here. I included this picture of Bailey - no, she isn't walking quite yet. She has taken 3 steps at a time but that is about it! She stands by herself for a long time, so she has the balance down, she just needs to get her little legs going!!

Time Flies!

2007-01-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

Well, since it has been such a long time since my last post I'll just hit a few of the highlights. Christmas was good! Bryce got Thomas Trains which he loves! Bailey got the Little People Sweet Sounds Home, she actually plays with it more then I thought she would yet - not in the same way that Bryce would but she likes the people and to press the buttons!!! I would like to post some pictures, but I am not sure if it will work. I actually posted earlier today and when I went to publish it that cannot find server page came up. . . how frustrating! So hopefully it works now. Anyway, our New Years was nice. We had a small party with a few of our friends that have kids close to our kids ages, we had a really good time! Bryce and his two buddies, Braden & Jared, stayed up til midnight to bring in the new year! Bryce went to bed around 12:30 after our guests left and slept until 11:20 Monday morning! I wasn't sure if he would nap, so I didn't even try. Instead, I sent him to bed early (8:00) Monday night and he slept until 9:20 this morning and then took a 3 hours nap. He is very pleasant and doesn't act tired, he has handled the holidays very well, I am quite proud of him!!! Bailey took her first step in 2006, that is right, she took one step on New Year's Eve!!!! Then this afternoon when I was taking her back to her room for a nap she waved bye-bye to Bryce!

This morning my mom had a bunion removed from her foot, so we took dinner over and "baby-sat" while my dad went to a meeting this evening. (She wasn't supposed to be left alone for 24 hours after the surgery). She is doing pretty well, she has pretty much pain and the pain medication makes her a little bit drowsy but she really seemed to be doing a lot better then I expected! So, keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery! Well, gotta go . . . hopefully it won't be this long between posts again!!!

Another Busy Weekend

2006-12-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

Another extremely busy weekend just flew by! Friday night we had the Custer Family Gathering, we always meet at the nursing home on 934 and Christmas Carol then go to the Ono Fire hall for goodies . . . it always gets late but is fun. As we were packing up to leave Bailey got sick. She was fast asleep on my shoulder and all the sudden threw up all over my shoulder and on the floor. When we had that just about cleaned up, I was holding her on my chest and she got me drenched the next time! I was so glad we only live a mile away!!! Thankfully, that was the sickest that Bailey ever got! She didn't throw up anymore and seemed fine the next day, other then being tired. Saturday was our wedding anniversary, six years! We had Steve's work Christmas Party that night. It was at the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey, pretty nice! Sunday was the kids Christmas Program at church, which my kids aren't in yet however it is fun to see all the kids that we teach throughout the year!! Monday morning Bailey had an appointment at the Picture People to get her 9 month pictures taken. During the session, I didn't think she did all that well; however, the pictures that we got back were awesome (and I wasn't buying many b/c I figured I had just sent out Christmas Cards to everyone!)! There new digital setup is the best, they can crop and the screen is so huge, you can see all the details to know what your picture is going to really look like! Anyway, of coarse, I had to scan these and include them in my post today - probably not legal, don't snitch on me please!!! Isn't she just adorable=:) (Gee, I'm not proud am I??)

2006-12-14T19:36:00.000-05:00

Last night we did not go to AWANA b/c Bryce was sick and Steve only got home from work at 7:00. I put Bailey to bed at 8:00, then headed to church for cantata practice at 8:30. After that I made a Walmart run. We needed more Pedialyte and a few other things. I got home around 11:30, I was exhausted since I was up at 5 AM which I am not used to!

This morning Bryce woke up feeling better. He drank alot but didn't really want anything to eat until lunch. Mid morning, he told me that he had to pee, so we went to the bathroom and he said he wanted to stand . . . okay, he has done this before, and it isn't too bad. Well, he had to pee alot and with so much force that he couldn't really control his aim, he had pee on the wall, the cupboard, the floor, running down his own leg and yet a surprising amount actually made it in his potty! So, needless to say, he got a bath, and I cleaned that mess up. This afternoon, I made cookies and I just finished mixing up the icing when Cooper wanted out, so I opened the door and let her out. Meanwhile, I began to icing the cookies. About halfway through, I went to let Cooper in and she was muddy! So I wrapped her up in the towel that I had laying at the door to wipe her feet on (since it was damp out today) and carried her back to the tub. Just as I put Cooper in the tub, I hear Bailey dump Coopers food dish on the floor . . . So I told Bryce to stand at the tub and not to let Cooper out (yeah, right) while I go get Bailey. So I rushed out to the kitchen and scooped Bailey up in my arms, only to rush back and meet Cooper in the doorway of the bathroom. Somehow, I stopped Cooper before she got to the carpet without dropping Bailey! Then with Bryce on one side of me and Bailey on the other, I proceeded to give Cooper a bath. Bathtime for Cooper was over and I discovered that all her towels were downstair (emergency baths don't usually happen), so I dried her off with the "cleaner" side of the towel that I was using to dry her feet off with all day and had just carried her back to the bathroom in!!!! She is a dog, it doesn't really matter, right? At least she wasn't muddy anymore! After that I continued preparing dinner only to find out that Steve would be home late (9ish). Had I known, I would have made something other then sausage and Brocooli Alfredo! Oh, well, the good news is that Steve is going to eat it when he gets home. Sometime when he is working that late, they stop and get something on the way home - I guess he liked the sound of dinner!!! (I don't want him to starve or anything, but I don't want to slave away for myself and a 2 year old that is just getting his appetite back!) Well, I gotta go nurse Bailey and put her to bed, then after that Bryce is going to bed early also. I have had enough!!!!

More on Bodily Fluids!

2006-12-13T18:30:00.000-05:00

Yeah, just when you think it can't get any worse . . . your 2-1/2 year old gets sick!!!! Bryce was up at 5 am this morning throwing up. He threw up 4-5 times between 5 and 8! Then again around 9:30 and 1:15! I feel so bad for him. If you recall how it feels as an adult to be sick, when you are done vomiting, you just want to curl up on the bathroom floor and go to sleep. However, as an adult you can usually muster up the strength to make your way to the sofa or back to bed! Bryce just curled up in my lap (I was sitting on the bathroom floor to help him hit the toilet - he did surprisingly well!) and closed his big brown eyes. . . it just melted my heart that I could not make this illness go away, I could only help him cope the best I knew how! So that pretty much summed up my day. At least I got the floors mopped! Bryce is now asleep on the sofa, since 5:45! Who knows how long he will stay asleep, I just hope that he can sleep better tonight. Even though he rested all day he only slept 1 hour and 20 minutes b/c he just didn't feel good! Poor Bryce! I hope that tomorrow he feels better!

Nap Time, Bodily Fluids & Santa

2006-12-11T13:11:00.000-05:00

What exciting stuff since Friday . . . Bryce is boycotting naps - something that I am not ready for him to give up yet. Friday he was in bed talking to himself for about 2 hours. I finally decided to give him 15 more minutes and then I was going to go get him up. But he fell asleep, then an hour later I had to wake him up b/c we had our Adult Christmas Party at church and some of the youth were going to watch the kids upstairs. Then Saturday he laid in bed for about 2 hours and I went and got him b/c it was getting too late for him to fall asleep. Sunday we had the extended family McFeaters gathering at Levitz Park and til we got home it was 3:45 and he was really tired, so he did end up falling asleep within a half hour of when we put him down. I just don't know what to do about the whole nap thing. Do I make him have a "quiet time" in his room for a specific amount of time or what??? Any suggestions would be great!!! So far I am planning on continuing to make him "rest" for a little after lunch and I guess if he doesn't fall asleep, I'll have to let him get up. When he falls asleep too late, he isn't tired for bed and then it is frustration again at bed time!!! HELP!!!!!!

On to more fun things. . .at the McFeaters family gathering yesterday they had a Santa to give the kids gifts. Bryce wanted to see him so bad and seemed rather excited when Santa came in the door. But when Santa called his name and I took Bryce up to get his present, he just clung to me for a little bit. Pretty soon though he relaxed and was able to stand next to Santa for a picture!!! Bailey didn't care, I think she liked all the hair!!! In the morning we went to see Steve's neice and nephew's Christmas play at Trinity UMC and Bryce actually went into there nursary and played willingly!!! No tears or anything!!!

This morning I had to take Cooper to the vet for her shots (we are a little behind), she did really well on the way there and while we were there she was really good. But . . . on the way back home she got car sick! So I penned her outside and came inside to get stuff to clean the car out and my mom (who came to stay with the kids(I am not crazy, I would never take a toddler, and an infant with to the dog's vet appointment - unless I had too!!)) said that Bryce pooped on the carpet twice (he had been a little loose, but it hasn't been as bad - I don't know what his problem was). So I finished cleaning up after Bryce and then went outside to clean up after Cooper. Then my mom left and I was carrying Bailey and she spit up on me . . . I could have screamed!!!!

Bryce is fast asleep, he only talked for 10 or 15 minutes! However, now Bailey is up there crying after only sleeping for 35 minutes!!!! If it isn't one, it is the other!!!!

Shopping and Bathtime Fun!

2006-12-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

Well, I did manage to get a picture of the kids for the Christmas Card . . . what an ordeal!!! This morning my mom came back at 8:00 to stay with the kids while I did some "last minute" Christmas shopping (Thanks, Mom!!)! First I had to go to Sam's Club to get the Christmas Cards made, then I made a few other stops until I was at Babies-R-Us. I bought Bailey's Christmas dress, and Easter dress (the Easter dress was on sale and way to cute!!). It was a little after noon when I got home. My mom stayed and had lunch with us then Bryce (who has had loose bowels lately) had a little accident in his pants. Well, I told my mom not to bother putting clean clothing on him, I will give him a bath. Well, no 2 minutes later, he pooped on the carpet, totally gross but I felt bad for him b/c it really was a accident. (He also probably thought he was going to get beat b/c that is what happens to Cooper when she poops on the carpet!!) Anyway, I then put both kids in the tub together and they had a blast! They were splashing each other and were both laughing so hard - they made me giggle!!! Anyway, I gotta go do some laundry and tell Bryce to stop talking, lay down, and go to sleep!

2006-12-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures I tried to upload yesterday and for some reason it wouldn't let me. Bryce is mostly the problem in picture taking this year . . . he has that cheesy smile!!!

Haircut & Picture Fun

2006-12-06T10:09:00.000-05:00

Once again it is Wednesday and I finally have the opportunity to post. Life is so hectic this time of year, however it is slowing down a bit. This past weekend wasn't too busy, we had a dinner with our Sunday School Class on Saturday night, very fun!!! Monday night I had Woman-to-Woman at church, which was enjoyable, as always!! Last night, I gave Steve and Bryce haircuts, which was interesting . . . Steve would not sit still. No really, it was Bryce!!! I have always cut Bryce's hair during the day and he doesn't really like it very much, but he does okay. Well, this time I decided to wait until evening so that Steve could play with Bailey and she wouldn't wake up in the middle of the haircut or start screaming or whatever. I just thought that would be the easiest way. Boy was I wrong!!!! Bryce screamed and wouldn't sit and was reaching up at his hair, so Steve ended up holding Bryce's head almost still while I cut! Bryce screamed, Bailey was screaming from her walker because Bryce was screaming! It was just not a good time. Then this morning I noticed a few spots that I missed with the clippers, so after Bailey was down for her nap, I stripped Bryce down and put him in the tub (the tub was empty!) and away we went again. . . only this time he did much better!!! No screaming!!!! Over the past few days I have been snapping pictures of the kids in hopes to get a good one for the Christmas Card. You can see for yourself how that is going! I would love to get one with the dog in also, but I think if I can get a good one of just the kids, I'll have to go with it - I am going to SAM'S on Friday morning, so they have to be done by then!!! Yesterday, they were doing pretty well and then Bailey crawled over my legs and tumbled onto one of Bryce's trains so her eye was a little red a puffy for a while. Hopefully Bailey wakes up happy and Bryce stays in a pleasant mood so that we can get a good picture this morning! Well, I gotta go - I need to read over my lesson for Sparks yet and get some props ready for Picture Time! Okay, sorry no pictures for now . . . I can't upload them for some reason. It says my request is being denied!?!

2006-11-29T15:14:00.000-05:00

The last week and a half have been rediculously busy . . . I am hoping it isn't like this until Christmas!! We had a good Thanksgiving, we were with the McFeaters for lunch (Bailey took a 3 hour 20 minute nap there - an all time record and in a pack-n-play at that!!). Then for dinner we went to the Hostetter's. The plan was to leave the McFeaters around 2 to get Bryce home for a nap, but since Bailey was snoozing away Bryce didn't get a nap. He did pretty good but I can tell it is catching up with him, he is taking pretty good naps these day! Friday, I didn't join the nuts out there until later in the afternoon (instead we went to get our Christmas tree in the morning). I went to Staples to get a desk (which was an awesome deal) only to find out that I could have stayed at home and ordered it online b/c they ship it free regardless! Monday morning I had a dentist appointment and I took Bryce with me b/c he will have to go soon (new thing, they want to see children at age 1 or within 6 months of getting there first tooth - dumb but I held out til 2-1/2!). He did really good watching me and playing in the corner of the room! Tuesday, I had Lindsay but while she was at preschool my mom and I went to Hornings for some groceries. Shortly after we got home the desk that I ordered on Friday came, I couldn't wait to start putting it together but I had to wait til after lunch and Bryce and Bailey were napping. So that is what I did . . . Lindsay helped (I stayed up til 12:30 working on it and then continued this morning and I just finished now!). Then I made a big purchase on eBay . . . we got a Rainbow (a little less then a year old, newest model for a grand total of $540!!). Last night we went to my parents to check out Ryan's deer. Tonight we have AWANA, which I have to teach, so I must go and study!!

2006-11-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

What a busy weekend!!!! Last Thursday night, we went to Walmart (all 4 of us) to get a new TV for in the basement. . . the family trips to Walmart always tend to be adventuresome. Bryce had to go to the bathroom twice! Which I don't understand, I take the kids by myself and he never has to go. Maybe it is b/c I usually move through Walmart at lightening speeds so that there isn't time for tantrums and such, but when you are TV shopping you have no other choice but to browse! Friday morning, a few of my friends from High School came over to visit! We had a great time, as always!! Saturday morning I made BBQ and Cheesy Potatoes and took it over to my mom's for Sunday lunch. Saturday night my parents came and stayed with the kids while Steve and I went to the wedding reception of a friend of mine that I used to work with. Sunday morning we had Baby Dedication at church (Bailey was dedicated). Ryan and Jena and Steve's parents and his sister, Sheila, and her son, Cole were there. Then afterwards, my family went back to my parents to eat the BBQ and potatoes that I made on Saturday! We had a good time. I took the kids home for a nap while Steve stayed and watched the football game with my dad and Ryan! Then in the evening I had Cantata practice at church and then met up with Steve and the kids at his parents for our usual Sunday night gathering there. This morning I did laundry and dealt with a grumpy Bryce (which is understandable considering the busyness of the weekend). Now here I am blogging and checking out eBay (I actually listed a few things this morning - I am a little nervous!!). Bailey is really stuffy again - Steve and I are thinking that she is allergic to Cooper! She cleared up the week that I had the Rainbow and now she is really stuffy again! Now we are thinking a Rainbow is in our near future and the dog may have to live outside come Spring!!! Enjoy the pictures! Bailey actually pushed that toy a few steps before falling to her knees!

My Big Girl!!

2006-11-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

Bailey started pulling herself up at the sofa a few days ago, but this morning was the first that she had pulled herself up at her crib!!! Needless to say, I immediately lowered the crib to the lowest setting!!! She is also starting to resist naps b/c she sits up and still tries to pull herself up. So this morning we went to Walmart, got quite a few more Christmas gifts crossed off the list! The kids did really well. Bailey is sleeping soundly now, I hope it lasts - yesterday she took 3 short naps and then was ready for bed early. Tonight is AWANA at church, so early to bed isn't an option!!! Well, that is all for now, I really only wanted to post this picture!!

the end of the Rainbow

2006-11-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

Not much exciting has happened the last few days. I had to return the Rainbow! I used it one last time yesterday. Just as I finished loading it in the back of the Escape we got a phone call from the guy who is helping us finish the basement. He called to let us know he would be here in the morning. . . So yesterday I felt so good about my clean house and today he had to saw out the old windows, so there was a layer of dust everywhere!!!! I think I got most of it but it just isn't the same as being able to see the dirt trapped in the water of the Rainbow!!! What can I say I guess I am a fan of that little machine!!!! This morning I wanted to do some Christmas shopping (my mom offer to keep the kids!!). Since it was Tuesday and I had to drop off Lindsay at preschool at 9 and then pick her up at 11:30 it really didn't leave much time. So I decided to just go to the Lebanon Valley Mall . . . I had coupons for KB Toy, so I figured they would have everything I need to get most of the kids done. Well, they didn't have a single thing on my list which consists of Rescue Heroes, Little People, and Thomas!!! So at that point I didn't have enough time to run to Walmart so I ended up stopping at Big Lots, who had some pretty good deals!!! Tonight the Wolfe's stopped by and our "men" when spotting while Ky and I visited while the kids played! It was fun, it seemed like a while since we had a chance to visit.

Mommy Brain!!!

2006-11-11T12:14:00.000-05:00

I just need to tell you all about my day yesterday, I sometimes wonder about myself!!!! In the morning I took the kids with me into Lebanon to get my driver's lisence picture taken which went surprisingly well. Then we came home so that Bailey could get her morning nap in. Bryce and I played in the leaves, and the rest of the day progressed well. I got 4 scrapbook pages done while the kids napped and they both woke up around 3:15. We got the mail and there was a postcard from my parents, which Bryce loved! Then I decided to go to Giant for some groceries, Bryce wanted to take the postcard with, that was fine. We got our groceries, put them in the car, returned the cart and got the stroller out, then walked to Big Lots to look for more "potty stickers". They didn't have any, so we went into Eckert and got some there. We were just about back to the car when Bryce said that he lost his postcard in Giant! So I thought we would just retrace our steps in Giant to look for it. Our efforts were fruitless as we came out of the store without a postcard . . . I am hoping that the nice person who finds it puts it back in the mail! Then as we approached the car I reached into my pocket to get my keys and they weren't there!!! I then search the diaperbag, my other pockets and the stroller (I had the double, so there isn't any compartments for them to get lost in). I could not find my keys, so I thought about where they could have dropped out of my pocket with out my knowing. We went into Eckert where Bryce finished his lollipop and I had to stop to clean him up. After retracing our steps in there and at Big Lots and asking at the register of both places, I decided that I only have one more option . . . I had to call Steve. By this time it was 5:00 and Steve said he was getting ready to leave work, however, work was a jobsite an hour and 15 minutes away!!!! So he kept asking me questions as I did a once over in Giant. We were discussing who to call to come get me and the kids b/c my parents are away and his parents don't have any car seats and we only have one spare key to the Escape and it is on his keyring!!! Then it hit me, I tucked them in the stroller's sunvisor thing. So then everything was okay and we headed home. Once at home, I nursed Bailey and then put the groceries away as the kids played downstairs. On one trip back down the steps I noticed that Bailey was on her way up! Yes, that is right, my 7 and a half month old little girl was ready to come up the steps after me!! I couldn't believe it! The rest of the evening went okay, we went to the Wolfe's for dinner and I managed to dump just about the whole bottle of Ranch dressing on Bryce's plate (I just assumed that it had the top with the hole in it - I was wrong!)!! So I believe that was my day, I don't think I left anything out!!! I hope you get a good laugh out of it, I know I do!

One more thing. . .

2006-11-09T14:53:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot to write about this one. On Sunday in church, Steve was doing the soundboard so I sat by myself near the back. Then pretty soon Kylene came and sat with me since Eric had to work. Anyway, through out the entire announcements we had to listen to the people behind us talk. They were older, both single/divorced. However, some of there comments (which we didn't need to strain to hear) were rather interesting! The church presented Pastor Doug and his family with money that was collected during the month of October, this man proceeds to say that he doesn't agree with the whole thing. The pastor has a job and get's paid to do it, just like the rest of us blah, blah, blah! Kylene and I were shocked. At the end of the service, which was over 15 minutes early b/c Pastor Doug wasn't feeling well, they said "Ah, a little over an hour, this is how it should be every week!" Again, we were shocked to hear such comments being made right in church!!!! Ky- if I missed any other good ones please include them in your comment!!

Another year gone by . . .

2006-11-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

I am feeling old. . . 28 years to be exact! Somehow my 27th year has slipped by, I don't know where it went but it must have been a quick one!!! I had two surprises today! The first was my bracelet with the kids names on it - I guess this wasn't really a surprise, but I hadn't seen it until this morning! I woke up in a panic at 9:00!!! Cortney spent the night last night, so I went out and found her waking up on the sofa! My two kids were still asleep - though that only lasted a few more minutes. Then out to the kitchen we went to get breakfast and on the table was a little box (wrapped very nicely by the way, Jena). I debated waiting until Steve got home to open it but I couldn't stand the suspense!!! It is beautiful!!! This morning was awesome, the weather is beautiful (68 degrees), so we headed outside and Bryce and Cooper played in the leaves!!! My second surprise came when Bailey woke up from her nap, I went to get her and Oh, my, she had pulled herself up onto her knees and was hanging onto the top of the crib!! My little girl is growing up too fast! It isn't fair, she isn't even 8 months old, she isn't supposed to be doing these things yet! She crawls all over the place and plays with Bryce's toys - it seems like yesterday I was bringing her home from the hospital! And Bryce, he is just a jabber box! It is such an awesome thing to see your kids grow and accomplish things at there own pace! And how different can two siblings be, Bryce was such a laid back infant (he still is laid back for the most part) but Bailey has a bit of determination in her!!! I guess she feels that she must keep up with Bryce! My babies are growing up!! Well, I gotta go! I thought you would enjoy the picture of Bailey crawling with Cooper by her side! Enjoy!

Potty Training Fun

2006-11-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

So my biggest potty training dilemma is #2!!! And I just don't know what to do . . . I know that he is still young, but he has gone on the potty several times before but since he is wearing his Thomas and Cars underwear he holds it and then says he is sore. I think he feels it coming and then tries to hold it in and then when we get to the potty he can't just go! Help!!!!!! It is so frustrating!

My mom called me from Florida yesterday, they made it safely! I went over to her house and stole her Rainbow Vacuum (okay, so she said I could borrow it) - anyway, I don't know that I am going to give it back to her!! I used it this morning and was shocked at how dirty the water was from the basement! The carpet has only been in for 4 months - if that! And I vacuum at least twice a week! Then I moved on to the upstairs (which is still relatively new (a little over 2 years old)) and was even more shocked. So I informed Steve that we need to get a Rainbow when our vacuum cleaner dies - we checked them out on eBay and they have tons of them!!! So this morning I was very busy cleaning and then Bryce and I made cookies to take with to Woman-to-Woman tonight! He loves to "help" make cookies! Bailey took a 45 minute nap this morning and then was fussy again around 11:15 so I put her down and she is still sleeping, I am shocked - she is going to be so hungry when she wakes up! Well, I better go, I have to find a center piece for my table tonight at Woman-to-Woman and get a shower and figure out what is for dinner . . . sorry no pic's today!

Jumping in the Leaves

2006-11-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

Oh what fun a pile of leaves can be!!! On Thursday morning, I noticed that there was a light dusting of leaves in our back yard . . . So I began to rake them and my pile got bigger and bigger and bigger until I had a difficult time moving the pile!!! Bryce loved to jump in them and Cooper runs through the pile full steam ahead!!

Friday morning I was planning to go visit my Nanny in the hospital (she was admitted on Tuesday for test - she has a few blood clots on her lungs) however I called my mom only to find out that she was coming home, which was great news!!!! So Plan B, we went to Babies R Us instead - I needed to get a baby shower gift for my cousin and his wife. While there, I was once again reminded that I am very blessed with my children, they did so good in the store!!! Friday night I stopped in to visit Nanny at home before heading over to my parents to celebrate the October and November birthday's . . . we had a good time, ate 3 different kinds of stromboli (yummy!!!!) and ice cream cake! I got a Whimsy on a Wire Watch from my parents and Steve got some Underarmor cold gear (for hunting and working outside on cold days). For those of you who may not know, Steve and I share the same birthday, 4 years apart - he jokes that he doesn't have a birthday anymore!! It is kinda weird, when he turned 30, I had a party for him and it just felt weird to plan a party when it was my birthday too! Oh, well, I try to make it special for him also.

Today has been rather relaxing other then Bailey not taking good naps (which is normal when she is out late the night before!) I did some laundry and finished "When Joy Came to Stay" by Karen Kingsbury, it was so good - I cried (not just a little, I had tears streaming down my face, my heart just ached for that little girl). It made me wonder how many other little kids are out there like Amanda Joy, I wanted to run out and become a foster parent right away (which I would love to do by the way!). Steve and Bryce played in the pile of leaves, and then while Bryce napped, Steve stained some more trim for in the basement (we will be glad when this project is done but I am sure there will be another one just around the corner!). Tonight Bailey and I went to my cousin's wife's Baby Shower, we picked up my mom. Poor Bailey was so tired, she took a nap on me there and then I put her to bed right when we got home, she was just so tired!! Steve and Bryce accompanied our youth group to Gretna Glen for a hayride . . . I just talked to them and it sounds like Bryce is having a great time!!! Steve was hoping to see lots of deer . . . I am sure I will get the full report when they get home! My mom and dad leave at 3:30 a.m. tomorrow for Florida with Bonnie and Dennis Rhoad so pray that they will have a safe trip! I believe I am going to go and take advantage of the quite time that I have for the next hour (what to do? - scrapbook some or start another Karen Kingsbury book??)

Shopping Alone?!?!

2006-11-02T08:56:00.000-05:00

I had such a pleasant time yesterday, shopping alone! Thanks to a wonderful mom, who knows when her daughter just needs a few hours of uninterrupted me-time! My first stop was the Jewelers Bench to get my ring, which is shinier than it has been in probably 6 years! At the outlets I went in The Children's Place and found a few great deals (a purple scort for Bailey for summer $1.49! - too cute - & sunglasses for Bryce for $.49). Carter's had 50% off most of there stuff, so I bought Bailey 3 outfits for winter 9-12 month, I don't know how I overlooked that size, but I have nothing for her to wear next!!! They were $8 for an outfit - top and pants, not to bad. At Tommy Hilfiger I got her this adorable corduroy long sleeve dress type jacketish thing - pink of coarse, $8.80 (reg $36) and I actually got 2 T-shirts for myself there (my collection is starting to look pretty ratty!). I found a pair of Nike sneakers for Steve at Famous Footwear or whatever it is called for $30 - he was excited to get something out of my trip I usually get so carried away shopping for the kids I forget about us! So it was a good day and knowing that the kids were at home sound asleep with my wonderful mom to care for them when they got up made the trip all the more relaxing!!!!! (Thanks a bunch mom, I love you!!!) Sorry no picture today, I put Bailey down for her nap at 8:45 and Bryce is actually still asleep (amazing for 9:10!!)!!!! Thank goodness my bro-in-law Scott called and said that he would be taking Lindsay to preschool today, otherwise I guess I would have had to call on my sis-in-law Lawanda to drop her off with Devin!!!

Trick-or-Treat & more!!!

2006-11-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was just too exciting, I had no energy left to post last night!!! We had Lindsay, so we picked her up from preschool as usual, then came home, had lunch and put Bryce and Bailey down for naps. Then I painted Lindsay fingernails so that she could be a princess for Halloween (I look forward to when Bryce and Bailey are as into Trick-or-Treat as much as Lindsay is!), fun times - she is ALL GIRL!!! Bailey reached another big milestone yesterday, she pushed herself from her belly to sitting up! It all just goes by way too fast at this stage in their little lives!!! Steve came home from work early so that we could eat before we headed out trick-or-treating! We had hamburgers on the grill since it was so nice out (easy clean up too)! Then we went to the neighbors, Mr & Mrs Reidel's (Josh, Tawn and Drake were there), Grandma Merle's, Mawmaw & Papa's (where we got to see the Hostetter clan and Bryce's buddy Jared) , Grandma Messner's , and the final stop was Grammy & Pappaw's for yummy apple pie and to see the other McFeaters' kids dressed up!! It really doesn't seem like a whole lot of stops, but it is really exhausting getting a 2 year old and a 7 month old in and out of car seats, and then Steve and I have such a great gift to gab - it can make for a long evening! As you can see in the picture that I posted, Bryce was Bob the Builder (we did get him to sing the theme song a few times) and Bailey was an angel (at least she looked like one - she didn't really enjoy getting in and out of her car seat so I just held her between some of the stops)! Needless to say it was after 9:30 til we got home and got the kids to bed! Bryce and I gave Cooper a much needed bath this morning! This afternoon, while the kids take there naps, my mom is coming over to stay with the kids so that I can go shopping up at the Hershey outlets!!! I am so excited! I got a call that my ring is fixed, so I am going to swing by the jeweler's to pick that up also!!!! I'll let you know if I find any good deals at the outlets!

Carving Pumpkins!

2006-10-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Today was a fun day! I kept Lindsay today (and she didn't have to go to preschool) so Bryce had a playmate! They played outside this morning, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was! I raked leaves while Bailey napped and Lindsay taught Bryce how to jump in the piles of leaves, they had a good time. Then after Bailey woke up from her morning nap, we went to Brent & Lawanda's farm to see the new puppies (Their dog Pepper had 9 puppies yesterday)! They were so tiny and cute! After Bryce's nap we carved a pumpkin. I wasn't too sure what to expect, last year he didn't want anything to do with it. This year, he was curious. He was very intrigued when I cut the top off and then I told him to help me get the seeds out . . . he reached his hand in and came out with a seed . . . yep, one seed at a time and you could tell by the look on his face that he just wasn't diggin' it, he thought it was gross!!! So I knew that I would have to help with that part. However he did tell me where to put the eyes and nose and how many teeth to make! So that was fun! He even posed for a few pictures!!!

Crawling?!?! & Friday Night Fun!

2006-10-28T14:28:00.000-04:00

It happened last night. . . Bailey has been pushing up on all fours for a while now and last night she made her first moves!!! Now the fun begins! I am sure that Bryce will learn to hide what he doesn't want her to have and she will scream when she can't find it!!

Last night after we put the kids to bed, Steve was reading the paper and he noticed that the Lebanon Daily News has there Who's Who Contest (you have to match the picture with the business ad of the correct person) in the paper. He made the mistake of saying that he knew 3 matches, so I went over and sat beside him and start saying all these peoples names (most were realtors). Steve then proceeded to tell me I should do it, he couldn't believe how many names I knew!! So that started a fun evening of cutting out the pictures and matching them to there business ad. . . we have all but 7 matches and we are positive they are all correct! All night, we laughed at ourselves, because this is what our Friday nights have become!!! The prize for first place is $75. I'll have to let you know if we win!! (I can't believe that I am actually going to send it in . . . but hey, for $75 I can at least try!!!)

I did it! I added a picture! Yeah! That is Bryce, Cooper and Bailey just hanging out! (I tried to get an action shot of Bailey crawling, but that wasn't working out so well!!)

Giving it a try . . .

2006-10-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

Well, after much encouragement, I am going to try blogging. I know my life isn't the most exciting around! I guess I am a bit of a home-body, I like to make sure my kids don't miss there naps!

We have all had our share of colds this past week! Bailey has actually been fighting a cold for about 7 weeks now! I have had her to the doctor 3 times (once was for her 6 month check up, but the other two times were for her cold). She just can't seem to get rid of it, maybe I am a paranoid mom but oh well! Steve and Bryce, and now me, have it too! Last night, when I tucked Bryce into bed I told him that my thoat hurt and he pointed to my throat and said "right here?" and then he kissed it . . . he can be so sweet!!!

Well, it sounds like my other little angel is waking up from her nap after only 45 minutes! How frustrating!