New Blog...

Ok guys, most of you know by now that we're expecting baby #3. I have to find a new doctor and I need help thinking of questions to ask him, so go to my new blog http://the3rdtimearound.blogspot.com/ and help me think!

The Middle Mom....

Ok, so let me just say that Christie Erwin is my HERO. Maury Draper is another of my heroes. I don't know Christie Erwin at all, and don't really know Maury all that well, but I love them. They are amazing women who are doing amazing things in their everyday lives, and I'm pretty sure they deserve the Congressional Medal of Honor or something. They are both foster moms.

Recently, Maury posted on yet another online networking site that she was going to a book release party for a friend. Her friend, the aforementioned Christie Erwin, had written a book about her experiences as a foster mom. (www.themiddlemom.com) I picked up my copy at the post office this morning. We left Oakdale, LA at noon and finally got to Fordyce for a certain cousin's graduation at 5:40 pm. Graduation was at 7, there was a gathering at her grandparents afterward, and I think the kids and I finally made it to the in-laws at sometime around 10 pm. Some time around 11, Ethan asked to go to bed so we did. I thought I was too tired to read, but I was intrigued by this book so I started it. It is not 1:47 am and I have read 12 out of the 18 chapters and I really don't want to stop. I have to though, because my sobbing is disturbing my sleeping 4 year old and I definitely don't want to wake her up. Besides, I'm getting a headache so I'd better get to bed.

Anyway, I'm not sure how much sense any of the previous stuff made, but here's the moral of the story: READ THE BOOK. And if you are so convicted, find your way to help. Also, hug a foster mom and dad!

Cascarones

Well, I was thinking that ever since we got married and moved to the border, we've always had cascarones on Easter. I can't believe I let it slip my mind on our first year away! For those of you who haven't lived on the Mexican border, cascarones are confetti filled eggs that you break over people's heads and the superstition goes that it's supposed to bring you good luck. Anyway, they're tons of fun and kids LOVE them. Here are some pics from the past few Easters and all the fun we've had with cascarones.

Abby's 2nd Easter, but the first one she actually got to participate in!




I love these two...."what was that?"





"What are you doing to me?" If looks could kill....poor Alessandra!

My sweet baby! 2006









These are from 2007. It had been raining for several days and we weren't even sure if we'd be able to go outside because it was COLD....in the 30's I believe which is VERY cold for Del Rio!





Our friends' little boy, Raymon, was very serious about this!

Abby had a blast!

See the store bought ones? Those were the ones I brought! ;)

I'll have to get the laptop out for the ones from last year. I'm too lazy for that right now! More later!

Bippo the Hippo

Well, I finally got up the nerve to take the kids to the dentist this year. I'm horrible, but I never wanted to take Abby to anyone that might scare her or make her dread the dentist like some people do. I searched for a pediatric dentist while we were in Del Rio, but the closest was in San Antonio which was a 200 mile drive and I just couldn't imagine driving that far and still having a pleasant experience with a child in a dental chair.

After we moved, I found www.bippothehippo.com and to my delight Dr. Brasher was only 35 miles from us! So, new dental insurance card in hand, I took her. Matthew took the day off and stayed with Ethan because I wasn't sure what to expect from her. To my surprise, she did amazing, and was HAPPY to be there! Her hygenist's name was Carrie, and she showed her everything before she started, brused her teeth (they don't use the electric polisher thing on the kids), flossed, then she asked Abby if she could take pictures....and Abby said YES! She did an entire set of x-rays, which they said some 6 year olds won't do, and never flinched.

The worst part for her was when Bippo the Hippo came out to take a picture with her. She did take the picture, but she was clutching my hand while she stood on one side of the water fountain and Bippo stood on the other side. They printed us pictures, and even made her a button with one. If I ever get my scanner back, I'll post it, because it's hilarious.

Anyway, yesterday was Ethan's turn, and, well......look for yourself!

Needless to say, he did GREAT! Completely cooperative! You'd never know that I literally have to HOLD HIM DOWN to brush his teeth most days. When his daddy asked him what his favorite part was, it wasn't the stickers or balloon, or goody bag he got....it was the motorcycle he is holding in the pictures. They have a toy room and they got to play before and after his checkup, but he didn't get to bring that motorcycle home. I did promise him something if he was good, and Abby too if she behaved while he was there. They were angels. So, I asked them if they wanted a toy (a small one) or if they wanted to go to the movies....they agreed (gasp) that they wanted to see Monsters vs. Aliens. So we did.

It was a great day! And I didn't feel crazy at all yesterday, which is a real accomplishment for me!

Feelin' crafty....

I've been looking around for new Easter baskets for the kiddos because ours have seen better days. I really wanted the ones from Pottery Barn Kids, but I just can't make myself spend that much on baskets, no matter how cute they are. Besides, they were out of the one I wanted for Ethan. :)

Anyway, I found this idea for personalized canvas bags on http://asisterforthebean.blogspot.com/ . I decided to give it a try, and it was SO easy, and I absolutely love the kids' bags!

And while I'm not going to use these for Easter, I still LOVE them. I did find some baskets at Michael's and I'm thinking about making liners for them....we'll see if I get around to that.

I can't believe it's March!

We moved in December, is it really possible that it's March already? I still have boxes of stuff that need to be unpacked. I'm seriously thinking about just having a yardsale with them because I obviously don't NEED what's in them.

We're still trying to sell the house. Monday our realtor called and the same people who submitted an offer last week wanted to re-submit it this week. Last week they started at $18,500 less than the list price, and after all of the negotiating they had come up in price a whopping $5,000. After all of that they still wanted us to pay their closing, repairs, and buy them a home warranty. We came down as much as we feel is acceptable, and gave them our lowest offer again yesterday so we'll see what happens. I'm actually getting annoyed with them, but I would love to sell the house.

We found the kids a pediatrician finally! One that went to medical school in this country, and not Belize. (I know that may sound a little nuts, but I had a bad experience with the first doctor I took Ethan to.) They saw her yesterday and she assured me that Ethan's stiffening/holding his breath until he passed out fits are perfectly normal for a 2 year old. Ethan also got the second dose of his flu shot, which surprisingly, didn't make him cry. He whimpered just a little, but then she put on a SpongeBob Band-Aid and he was fine! Just like every other time they get a shot, I took them to WalMart to pick out a toy. After looking at ALL of the stuff in the store, he decided on a $1 bag of plastic coins with the Easter stuff.

Abby asked to eat lunch at Wendy's because she hasn't had Wendy's since we moved. My kids are so strange. :) It was nice to get to explore in a new direction. Their doctor is in Eunice which is south/southeast of where we live. And on Saturday after Abby's soccer game we're going to go to Lake Charles and explore over there as well. Matthew has an eye appointment there, and we'll have a few hours to waste so that should be fun.

We had Matthew's parents and nephew here last weekend, and on the 21st we're expecting his aunt and uncle to come down. It's actually nice to have regular visitors, especially when they don't stay an entire week! But if someone wants to come and see me for a week, bring it on!

ATTENTION: NEW EDINBURG (AR) GRADS

Ok, so my Papaw (Jerry Langford) is trying to round up the class pictures from New Edinburg. (The big composite ones that are displayed of the entire class.)

Some classes apparently had 8x10 composites just like the big ones made. If any of you have one, your mom or grandma, aunt, or whoever has one, he would like to get a copy or at the very least get it scanned onto the computer so he can get one made to hang up at the old school.

So, get out the pictures and get to diggin!

Brandy