Our Love Story

Everyone has their own unique love story, and since today is our tenth wedding anniversary, I thought I would write a blog entry about ours!

One of my good friends in high school was Stacie Reed. We met at church, and really started hanging out together my junior and senior year of high school, which would have been 1992 - 1993. I knew Stacie had a brother, Brian, that was attending UT in Austin, but I hadn't met him before.

I graduated high school in 1993, and in the fall, moved to Austin to attend UT. The following year, in the fall of 1994, Stacie came to UT, and we roomed together in the dorm. I spoke to Brian a few times on the phone when he would call for Stacie, but that was the extent of our interaction.

The summer of 1995, everyone found themselves coming home for the summer. I would hang out with Stacie at her house, and Brian was there too. We started to talk more and became friends. On July 7, 1995, we had our first date. Yes, I remember the actual date! We went on a double date with Ryan & Stacie to see Apollo 13. We went out a lot that summer, and just hung out at Brian and Stacie's house too. At this point, Brian and I were "officially" dating.

In the fall of 1995, we all went back to UT for school. Stacie and I had found an apartment together, Ryan found one just a stone's throw away, and Brian found an apartment across the street. We were all together again! During that fall was when I really started to think that Brian and I would get married someday. I just knew he was "the one". Brian and I continued to date throughout the rest of our time at UT. Here's a picture we took on some bridge in Austin. I cannot remember where this is!



And here is a picture of us when we went to Colorado to go skiing during Spring Break 1998.

After graduating in 1997, Brian and I both moved back to the Dallas area, so we could find gainful employment. And in August of 1998, Brian proposed! And on April 24, 1999, we were married! Here is a picture of us on our wedding day. Look at those young kids! :)

I know our marriage has been truly blessed. I was lucky enough to marry my best friend, and the person I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. We endured some difficulties in starting a family, but now have two beautiful boys! Here is a picture of all of us at Easter this year.

Here is to a wonderful ten years, and another fifty or sixty more!

Ethan's Surgery

After three ear infections over the course of two months, and a failed hearing exam at his four-year old checkup, Ethan was referred to a pediatric ENT. We went to see him, and they did a traditional hearing test, much more accurate than what they do at a regular pediatrician. He did show slight hearing loss due to the buildup of fluid in both ears. So, the ENT recommended that Ethan get tubes. At the same time, the doctor would look at his adenoids to see if they were inflamed or infected. If they were, then he would perform an adenoidectomy, as well as the tubes.

So, on Friday, April 3rd, Brian, Ethan, and I headed off to the pediatric surgical center, while my mom babysat Kaden. We checked in around 9:45 a.m., and as typical with anything medically-related, it was hurry up and wait. Here's a picture of Ethan playing in the outside waiting room, before they took us back to the patient area.

Once they took us back to the patient area, they got Ethan all set up with a DVD player, and whatever movie he wanted to watch. At that point we were waiting for the doctor, who was running a bit behind. Ethan didn't mind the waiting; below is a picture of him watching a movie.

After waiting probably an hour or so, the nurse finally came back to give Ethan his "silly juice". That is how they refer to the sedative that they give them so they are relaxed when going back to the operating room. Brian and I thought they were going to have to come back with a second dose, because after close to 30 minutes, Ethan was still his usual bouncing off the wall self. But it finally seemed to take effect, and they wheeled him off to the OR. Here is a picture of Ethan playing "patient". I think he might have started feeling the effects of the sedative at this point, as he was getting a little unsteady!


Brian and I were shown to the parent waiting room, and about 15 or 20 minutes later, the doctor came in to update us. The doctor scoped Ethan's adenoids, and they were not inflamed or infected, so he got to keep them! The eardrums were cut, drained, and tubes inserted with no problems. About five minutes later, we heard Ethan crying in the recovery area. They came to get us, and poor Ethan was so disoriented, he was just crying over nothing. The nurses were fantastic, and I sat with Ethan in a rocking chair and rocked him while he zonked out for a bit, letting the anesthesia wear off. Rocking a four year old is quite a feat! After about 45 minutes, Ethan was somewhat awake, and ready to go home. He slept most of the way home in the car, and when he did wake up, he would complain that he was very sleepy. But, in typical Ethan fashion, once we got home, he perked up and wouldn't take a nap!

Ethan's ears so far seem to be doing well. We had to do antibiotic eardrops twice a day for a week, so that was a challenge, to say the least! But once those were completed, everyone was much happier! We go back for a checkup in a few weeks, where they will do another hearing test. So here's hoping for a good report!

Illness Invades the Reed Household

It's been quite a roller coaster of illnesses in the Reed household in 2009!

Let's start with Ethan! Ethan caught his first cold of the year at the end of January, which then developed into an ear infection, so he got a round of antibiotics. Then in the early morning hours of February 18th (one day after his actual birthday), Ethan came downstairs barely able to breathe. It scared the wits out of me, and one phone call later, my parents were here, and my dad and I took Ethan to the ER while my mom stayed with Kaden at home. Ethan had come down with croup, and after a dose of oral steroids at the ER, we were sent on our way with a prescription for 3 days of oral steroids to take at home. So poor Ethan had a rough week getting over the croup, and unfortunately, probably didn't enjoy his 4th birthday party as much as he would have normally, since he was still quite tired.

A couple of weeks later, I took Ethan in for his four year old well-check. He had lots of fluid in his ears, but they were not infected at that point. However, he did fail his hearing screening, so we were referred to a children's ENT. And the poor kid had to endure four booster shots, which he did not enjoy!

A week later, Ethan was back in the pediatrician's office for another ear infection, and therefore, another round of antibiotics. In the meantime, I had made an appointment with the ENT, but it wasn't for a few weeks. And then, yep, you guessed it!, about two or three weeks later, we are back in the office for ANOTHER ear infection. That was on a Monday, and his ENT appointment was that same week, on Wednesday, so I was very glad I had that scheduled!

Ethan and I went to his ENT, and he had a great time doing the hearing test! He thought that was quite fun. But he did show minor hearing loss due to all the fluid in his ears. Met with the ENT, and he recommended Ethan getting tubes, since he had had fluid in his ears for three months now, and it was not going away. So, Ethan was scheduled for surgery that Friday. I will make a separate post later about his actual surgery.

Now, let's move on to Kaden! Kaden started off his year with his six month old well-check and shots. He was quite healthy at that point! Then, several days after Ethan came down with croup, Kaden started running a high fever. One trip to the pediatrician determined he had a double ear infection, his first ever. So, he was prescribed a round of antibiotics. After 3 days, the poor baby was still running a 103 fever, so I brought him back in, and his ears were no better. So, we had to switch to a different antibiotic. Thankfully that one seemed to do the trick. A few weeks later, we were back to our pediatrician's office (yes, they are making their house payments off of us this year!), and Kaden had another double ear infection. So, another round of antibiotics, which he just finished up about a week ago. Tomorrow we go in for his nine month well check, and I hope to hear that his ears look great and there is no fluid retention!

Kaden has also been teething like a madman, but unfortunately, none have popped through yet. He is getting four at once right now, and is not a happy camper. Which means Mommy is not a happy camper either!

And lastly, now onto me! I woke up early in the morning on Friday, March 13th (yes, Friday the 13th) with pain in my abdomen. I have had this happen twice before since having Kaden, a couple of months apart, so I didn't think too much of it, other than, here we go again. But it usually went away in a couple of hours. I always thought it was indigestion, gas, etc. But this time it didn't go away, and the pain got worse, and localized to my right side, and radiated to my back. By 1:00 in the afternoon, I was doubled over at the kitchen table while trying to feed the boys lunch! Thankfully Brian was home, so he took the kids to their pediatrician check-up (to see how all the ears were!), while I hightailed it to the doctor. Xray, CT scan, and a phone consult from a surgeon, and by 3:30 pm, I was on my way over to the surgeon's office with the information that my gall bladder was very enlarged, and that I probably had gallstones. Met with the surgeon, and he said I definitely needed to have surgery to have it removed.

The surgery is usually an outpatient day surgery, but since I was coming in on a Friday afternoon, it wasn't going to be so simple for me! The surgeon wanted to admit me to the hospital that evening because he said if I had a gallstone blocking my common bile duct (the information you learn when necessary!), then bacteria can collect there very quickly, causing an infection that can be very dangerous. So, I raced home, threw some stuff into a bag, tried to explain to Ethan where I was going, and raced back to the hospital to get admitted before the front desk closed. After I was admitted, Brian brought the boys up to the hospital, basically so Ethan could see where I was, and that I was okay. I had to have IV antibiotics that evening to prevent any infection.

I was scheduled for the laparoscopic surgery on Saturday around 9 am, however, being the weekend, I got bumped twice for emergency surgery cases. Finally, around 3 pm, it was my turn. They wheeled me down for surgery, gave me a sedative, I kissed Brian, and they wheeled me off to the OR. I don't remember more than 2 minutes in that OR, which is fine by me! Woke up from anesthesia, crying my eyes out, but not upset. It's very strange to basically have your eyes cry, but not feel sad or upset or anything! Wheeled me back to my room, and found out that the surgeon took out the gallbladder, and tried to flush out the gallstones, but that I had one stuck in the common bile duct that they couldn't get. So I was going to have to spend the night again, and have a gastroenterologist do a scope procedure the next day to get any remaining stones. So, another night in the hospital, another round of IV antibiotics, and more saline! Have I mentioned that at this point I haven't eaten since Thursday? Friday I was nauseous and didn't want to eat. Then once I was admitted to the hospital, I could only have clear liquids until midnight, and then nothing the day of surgery. After the surgery, again, it was only clear liquids until midnight, and then nothing the day of the scope. I actually wasn't hungry most of the time, but a drink might have been nice every once in a while!

So, Sunday rolls around, and they finally get around to doing my scope procedure at 4 pm. Again, more anesthesia, and again, waking up crying. This is apparently my typical reaction to anesthesia, as I know now! The gastroenterologist said he was able to remove the gallstones, but that I would need to spend ANOTHER night in the hospital. So, night number three! Ethan was not happy with me at that point, and was wondering when I was coming home! Poor boy! I got a nice dinner of liquids, and then it was bedtime. Have I mentioned that it is impossible to get a decent night's sleep in a hospital? I'm sure any of you reading this that have stayed in one understand!

Finally, my surgeon comes by Monday around lunchtime and tells me that I can go home. I finally walk in my front door around 4 pm, and am attacked by Ethan. But that hug was one of the best ones ever!

So, now I am gall bladder-free, no complications, and just received a good result from labwork this week. So hopefully, I will stay healthy! I have enought to deal with just with the boys!

I should definitely mention that my parents were my lifesavers that weekend, because they took care of the boys while Brian stayed at the hospital with me during the day(s)! And Ethan had a wonderful time playing with them, and having someone's attention all day long!

Here is a picture that Ethan and Papa had taken in a photo booth at Grapevine Mills mall. Too cute!

Ethan's 4th Birthday

I am so far behind due to illnesses and surgeries in our household, but that is all for another post later!

So, way back in February... Ethan turned 4! His actual birthday fell on a school day, so much to his delight, he got to wear a birthday crown, and Mommy brought cupcakes for all the kids to share. After he got home from school, we let him open his presents from us. Just what he was begging for... a "slotcardirtracetrack" (and yes, that is all one word). Here's a picture of Ethan wearing his crown and displaying his loot.




For Ethan's birthday party, he went back and forth about what type of birthday party he wanted, but in the end, a pirate theme won out. Now, I don't really go "all out" for these things, but just do the pirate invitations, thank yous, goody bags, and most importantly, the birthday cake!

This will probably be the last year I have the stamina to make and decorate his birthday cake. For birthdays one and two, I really enjoyed doing it. Then year three came, and I didn't enjoy it so much! This year, I really dreaded all the time it was going to take. But hey, three hours later, I think it looked pretty good!

This year I decided that I was not going to take a chance with the weather being bad, so we had his party at Boomerang's, one of those indoor bouncy house places. Which was a good thing, because it wound up being extremely cold and windy that day! Here's a picture of Kaden trying to get in on the bouncing action... maybe next year Kaden!



And here is the birthday boy! I can't believe my baby is four years old now!

Absence

So, I'm way behind on posting! We had some situations around the house that have kept me off of blogger. The first one was that our home computer crashed and burned, and tried to take the hard drive with it. Fortunately, we were able to get the data back from it, which was especially important to me, since ALL my digital pictures were on there, and stupid me hadn't backed them up. So, one new computer AND one new backup drive later, we are good to go there.

The rest of the absentee time will be chalked up to illnesses. Ethan's, Kaden's, and mine. Ethan came down with croup in February, and that necessitated a trip to the Emergency Room at 3 a.m., since he was having trouble breathing. I didn't want to mess around with that! Then Kaden came down with a cold, then a lingering fever, which, after a trip to the doctor, was determined to be a double ear infection, and wheezing lungs. So, two antibiotics and breathing treatments later, he's on the mend (I can only hope he stays that way!). Then I came down with what was most likely the same virus that caused Ethan's croup. I could barely speak for 3 or 4 days, and am still getting over the cough and hoarseness a week and a half later. So, fun times at our house!

But I will be posting more... in fact, I will hopefully post again later today about Ethan's birthday party!

Funny things a 3 year old can say...

1. Today Ethan and I were outside soaking up some sun and playing while Kaden took a nap. I sat down on our driveway, and Ethan decided to lay down in the shade next to me, and look up at the sky. He then told me, "I'd like to go to outer space later, but it might be scary because you have to go fast on a rocket ship. But I can't see outer space right now, because the sky is in the way." (By the way, anything that is not RIGHT NOW, is LATER...)

2. I have been dubbed Princess Mommy, but also, "Mr. Mommy...."

3. When asked by me if there is anything hard to do at school, Ethan said "eating lunch. Because sometimes things are hard and you have to crunch them. Like a banana." (Note: he doesn't even eat bananas, won't touch them, and since when have bananas been crunchy anyway?!?)

That's all I can think of right now, but I really should write these things down, because they happen at least once a day!

Kaden's Dedication

Today we had Kaden's church dedication. That is where we, as his parents, basically promise to bring him up in Christ and in His teachings. Our pastor took Kaden to pray for him, and he told us later that he was quite the hefty boy! He didn't need to tell us that! :)

Kaden was quite serious in taking in all these people that were looking at him! And Ethan did such a good job standing up there as well! He whispered to me "Mommy, this is my church!"

Computer genius?

Today I find Ethan sitting in front of our computer in the office. He was watching Veggie Tales using the Slingbox application on our computer. For those that don't know what a Slingbox is, in basic terms, it's something you hook up to your tv at home, and it is connected to your home computer. Then you can watch your tv via your laptop anywhere you can get online. We have this because when Brian is traveling overseas, in particular in Asia, there are usually two English channels, and they are all news, and usually repeat themselves after about 30 minutes. Yes, I have experienced this for myself! So there is that reason, and also so Brian can watch any college football game he wants to, even when he's traveling! :)

So, Brian was working in the garage, and when I asked him if he started that program for Ethan on the computer, he said no. So we came inside and asked Ethan about it, and he said "I did it myself." We did figure out that the last time Brian used the Slingbox, he had it on that same channel, so Ethan didn't change the channel, but he must've managed to double click on that icon to launch it, and then presto - Veggie Tales! Must be magic!

So, I don't know, computer genius? Or just a lucky click?

Ethan's first swimming lesson!

Today was Ethan's first swimming lesson. I wasn't sure how he would react to the water. He has been in a pool a few times, but always with Brian or I, and sometimes he has not wanted to get in. But he did really well today, and seemed to do everything the teacher asked him to do! He needs a lot of practice, of course, but he seemed to have a great time. Afterwards, he immediately asked when he was coming back, so I'm going to take that as a good sign!

Prunes!

Kaden's first food last week was pears. So, today he had his first taste of prunes! From the picture above, do you think he enjoyed them? :) Some may wonder why we didn't start with cereal, and instead introduced pears, then prunes. If you have to ask that, then you're not thinking hard enough! :)

First Tooth!

Kaden officially got his first bottom tooth poking through yesterday! The second bottom tooth is right behind, I thought it would actually come through first. Let's just hope that all teeth are not this "traumatic" for Kaden to deal with!

Hmmm, Pears, Yummy!

So today was a milestone day for Kaden. He got to taste solid food for the first time! Well, as solid as pureed fruit can be! We started him off with pears at lunchtime today. He DIDN'T make a face when tasting it for the first time, he actually seemed to enjoy it a bit. Look out, food, here Kaden comes!

Christmas #4 - at the White House

So, the final Christmas event was at my parents house, known as Nana and Papa's to Ethan. The gathering was my parents, my sister, my brother-in-law, and my two nephews, Owen (almost age 5), and Warren (just turned 2). The boys had a lot of fun playing together during their visit! Below is one of Ethan's prized presents from the day, a pirate ship! He said "Argh, mateys!"

Here's a picture of Sherry, Jason, and Owen. Warren is just off to the right playing with his new Cars movie cars! He couldn't be bothered to take a picture!

And Ethan's last present he opened was the GeoTrax High-Flying Airport. That garnered big hugs for both Nana and Papa.

And thus ended the Christmas 2008 extravaganza. Kaden was mostly absent from the pictures since he can't open presents yet! And at least at my parents house, he was asleep in the next room, taking a much needed nap. Next year, I'm sure he will be mixing it up with the rest of the kids!

Christmas #3 - at home

So, onto Christmas #3! On Christmas Day, we flew home from Nashville. Santa had made a stop at our house while we were gone, and delivered his two requested presents, a yellow ('lellow') bike, and a slot car racetrack. Here is Ethan taking his first ride on his new bike, and yes, it is inside the house!

Ethan then opened his presents from Mommy and Daddy. He received a couple of puzzles, some new cartridges for his music game, and apparently, the piece de resistance, a truck carrier that holds some matchbox cars. Always into the trucks and cars!!

We took about an hour to breathe, and then we were onto Nana and Papa's house (my parents) for Christmas #4...

Christmas #2 - Nashville style

Christmas #2 was held in Nashville. This is Brian's extended family's Christmas get together. We flew up on the 23rd, and back the afternoon of the 25th, a very quick trip! We were able to see lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins' kids, and of course, Brian's grandma and grandpa. The above picture is great-grandma and great-grandpa with all the great grandkids that were around at that moment. Believe it or not, I think we are missing 8 more kids that couldn't make it to the festivities!

Here is a picture of Kaden with his great grandma (and great grandpa in the background). Contrary to what everyone who was present probably believes, Kaden is really a laid back baby! But he was all out of sorts with traveling, strange bed, not sleeping well, teething, etc. We spent most of the time trying to keep him from crying! But we did manage to get a couple of pics of him being his normally happy self!

Ethan had a blast playing with all his second cousins, most of which he had never met before! Here is a picture of him, and his second cousin Lily, playing underneath one of the tables.

Santa did manage to stop at our hotel to deliver Ethan and Kaden's stocking gifts. So here is Ethan opening his bright and early.

Then we ventured back home for Christmas #3... to be added later!

Christmas #1

We celebrated our first Christmas of the season with Brian's family (grandma, grandpa, aunt Stacie, uncle Ryan, and cousins Emma, Josh, and Matt) on Saturday. We decided to let the kids open their gifts at once - a total free for all! The highlight of Ethan's presents was an airport playset. The boy is obsessed with anything cars, trucks, trains, airplanes - pretty much anything with wheels. He must have told grandpa thank you (unprompted by me!) for the airport at least 6 times!

Here is a picture of Ethan and Emma opening a "shared" gift...

Here is Ethan showing off his new puzzle he got from aunt Stacie and uncle Ryan. Ethan LOVES puzzles!
And here's one of Ethan helping to open Kaden's presents. For some reason, Kaden just wasn't interested in opening his own! :)

And now onto Christmas celebration #2 in Nashville!

ICE!

We all took a family trip to the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Texan hotel. My sister and her family are in town, so the whole family went! They give you these big blue parkas to wear, since it is 9 degrees inside the ice sculpture area. Brrr! Here is a picture of Ethan under the "ice" trees.

Kaden rode is style in his carseat, bundled under two of the parkas. He was so toasty warm that he promptly fell asleep!

Here is a picture of a gingerbread house made entirely out of ice, with Ethan peeking through the window.

Everyone had to sit on Santa's lap! In the picture is my sister, my nephew Owen, Ethan, my nephew Warren, and my dad.

There was a big ice slide for all the kids (and some of the adults) to slide down on. They are sliding underneath all of Santa's reindeer. Ethan is the one sliding down!

And the best for last... the entire nativity scene carved in ice. It was really beautiful. Ethan ran into that room and yelled "Look, Mommy, it's baby Jesus!". A good way to sum up the experience!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Living in Texas, we don't usually have much occasion to wear heavy coats, hats, and mittens! But since we are traveling for Christmas, I wanted Ethan to have a nice warm coat. And since he loves to play outside, regardless of the temperature, I still needed a heavy coat for him. And I figured while I was at it, a hat and mittens wouldn't hurt! After all, we got ONE heavy snowfall last winter, and the boy didn't have any mittens or gloves or a hat that fit him anymore. So we had to make due with thick socks for gloves, and a hat that was about two sizes too small, all so he could play in the snow and make a snowman.

Can you tell from this picture that Ethan loves his "brand new coat", hat, and mittens? And we have actually had use of them all this week!

Santa Claus is comin' to town...

We took Ethan and Kaden (mostly Ethan) to see Santa Claus today. I had to coax Ethan to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas, even though he had been practicing his list. "I want a yellow bike, and a racetrack." If you saw our house, you would think we owned every racetrack in the world, but the boy is obsessed with cars and anything that cars could drive on, park in, etc.! I think Santa will be able to deliver on those two promises (see previous post about the bike!).

The girls tried to get Kaden to smile, but I just told them to take the picture... Kaden doesn't tend to smile unless it's someone he knows behind the camera making silly faces at him (usually Mommy!). Just the fact that his hands aren't in his mouth (I believe Santa is holding them down!), and he's not spitting up makes it a decent picture for me!

Advent Calendars

Each year as a child, I always had a chocolate Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. So, as soon as Ethan was old enough, Brian and I started this tradition with him. He has to impatiently wait until after lunch before he can open the day's square. He simply LOVES to see what chocolate will be inside. And I'm sure eating a piece of chocolate is no horrible task to him either!

This year at preschool, Ethan made a Christmas tree Advent calendar, and he gets to put a circle sticker over each numbered day until we get to Christmas. He loves to do this, and will actually wake up in the morning, and before even coming into my bedroom, will go into the kitchen and put on his sticker for the day!

100 Things

So, we haven't had too much going on lately to blog about. So, I stole this from a friend's blog, and thought I would use it here...

1. Started your own blog
uh, yeah, you're reading it!
2. Slept under the stars
yes
3. Played in a band
well, not in a cool rock band or anything, but I played flute / piccolo in band in high school
4. Visited Hawaii
yes - Oahu, Maui, and the big Island (Hawaii)
5. Watched a meteor shower
yes - on a church trip to Mexico in high school
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
no
7. Been to Disneyland
yes - just this past January for the first time. Ethan had a blast!
8. Held a praying mantis
yuck - no!
9. Climbed a mountain
no
10. Sang a solo
yes
11. Bungee jumped
heck no!
12. Visited Paris
ahhhhh.... yes!
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
no
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
well, I taught myself how to decorate my son's birthday cakes using cake decorator tips. Does that count?
15. Adopted a child
no - I've adopted 3 dogs though, does that count for anything? ;)
16. Had food poisoning
well, how do you know if you've had food poisoning? I'm sure I've eaten bad food and paid for it later... how's that for an answer???
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
yes, and what a long spiraling walk it is!
18. Grown your own vegetables
sort of - helped my mom with her vegetable garden in middle school
19. Seen the Mona Lisa
yes
20. Slept on an overnight train
no
21. Had a pillow fight
yes
22. Hitch hiked
no
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
Absolutely!
24. Built a snow fort
yes - but definitely not here in Texas!
25. Held a lamb
no
26. Gone skinny dipping
no
27. Run a Marathon
no
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
no - I wish! Venice is the next place I really want to go; that and Rome!
29. Seen a total eclipse
yes
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
yes
31. Hit a home run
no
32. Been on a cruise
no
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
yes
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
well, I know somewhere along the line, I had British ancestors, so I guess London counts...
35. Seen an Amish community
yes
36. Taught yourself a new language
I took 4 years of Spanish in high school, and another 4 semesters of Spanish in college, but does that count as teaching yourself? I guess not...
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
no
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
yes!
39. Gone rock climbing
hey - I've gone rock climbing on Ethan's backyard swingset, does that count? ;)
40. Seen Michelangelos David
yes
41. Sung karaoke
no
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
no
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
no
44. Visited Africa
no
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
yes
46. Been transported in an ambulance
yes, embarassingly enough...
47. Had your portrait painted
no
48. Gone deep sea fishing
oh, no, I would be sick as a dog...
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
no, I wish (see above - going to Rome!)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
yes - gorgeous!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
scuba diving - no; snorkeling - yes
52. Kissed in the rain
yes
53. Played in the mud
probably as a kid
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
no
55. Been in a movie
no
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
no
57. Started a business
no
58. Taken a martial arts class
no
59. Visited Russia
no
60. Served at a soup kitchen
yes
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
yes
62. Gone whale watching
I haven't gone whale watching on a boat (see sea sickness above!), but I have seen whales from the shore in Hawaii!
63. Got flowers for no reason
yes
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
yes
65. Gone sky diving
not in this lifetime!
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
yes - Dachau concentration camp in Germany
67. Bounced a check
no
68. Flown in a helicopter
yes - three times - once on our honeymoon in St. Lucia, once on the big island Hawaii, and once on Maui
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
yes - my mom still has my Strawberry Shortcake dolls!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
yes
71. Eaten Caviar
yes - and apparently I do not have the taste buds of the very rich
72. Pieced a quilt
no
73. Stood in Times Square
yes - as a kid
74. Toured the Everglades
no
75. Been fired from a job or asked to resign
no
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London
not the whole thing, but a little bit of it
77. Broken a bone
I am sure I have broken my little pinky toe a couple of times, and I fractured my kneecap just a few months ago...
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
no
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
no
80. Published a book
no
81. Visited the Vatican
no, but I would love to!
82. Bought a brand new car
yes
83. Walked in Jerusalem
no
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
yes
85. Read the entire Bible
yes
86. Visited the White House
yes
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
no, and if I had to, I would have to become vegetarian!
88. Had chickenpox
yes
89. Saved someone's life
no
90. Sat on a jury
no
91. Met someone famous
yes - I sort of "met" Bill Paxton at the LAX airport. I was checking in at the counter, and he caught his bag on my backpack as he was passing by me, so I did actually speak to him! :)
92. Joined a book club
no - as much as I love to read, being an English major in college kind of burned me out on doing discussion groups. Perhaps in another 10 years!
93. Lost a loved one
yes
94. Had a baby
yes - two!
95. Seen the Alamo in person
of course, who can live in Texas and not?
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
no
97. Been involved in a law suit
no
98. Owned a cell phone
yes - who doesn't these days?
99. Been stung by a bee
yes
100. Read an entire book in one day
Absolutely!

Santa bought a bike today...

Santa is planning to visit our house this Christmas with a bike for Ethan. So, to help him out, Brian and I took Ethan to the bike store today to try and figure out what size bike he needed, as this will be his first 'big boy' bike. Ethan is so used to going to the bike store, he had no idea we were really going for him! He currently has a big wheel that he rides, but he has never ridden on a 'true' bicycle. So, to our surprise, Ethan jumped on one of the bikes, and took off riding laps around the store. He was all smiles and having a great time! The best part was that I was able to buy the bike, and Brian was able to keep Ethan distracted long enough for the salesman to load it in the back of my car without Ethan seeing it. Now to find a good hiding place until Christmas!

Sickies, Sickies, and More Sickies

More sickness has invaded our home. Kaden just had two colds literally back to back, lasting about a month, which he was finally getting over about a week ago. Ethan had a cold about a month ago as well. Starting this past Sunday, Ethan started in on another cold, and then by Monday, Kaden had one too! So, Santa, if you're listening, all I want for Christmas is two healthy kids!

Tag - iPod shuffle

One of my blogger friends did the iPod shuffle tag, and I thought it was really cute and funny! So here goes - if you like it, consider yourself tagged, and add to your own blog!

Instructions
1.Put your iPod on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.

If someone asks, "Is this okay?" you say:
The Other Way - Weezer
What would best describe your personality?
Running to Stand Still - U2
What do you like in a guy/girl?
Runnin' with the Devil - Van Halen (that's a bit scary!)
What is your life's purpose?
Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters
What is your motto?
The Zephyr Song - Red Hot Chili Peppers
What do your friends think of you?
Something to Be - Rob Thomas
What do you think about very often?
Get It Faster - Jimmy Eat World
What is 2 + 2?
Fall Line - Jack Johnson
What do you think of your best friend?
Hold On - Sarah McLachlan
What do you think of the person you like?
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? - Chicago
What is your life story?
Disintegration - The Cure (that can be disturbing!)
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Won't Go Home Without You - Maroon 5
What do you think when you see the person you like?
I've Got To See You Again - Norah Jones
What do your parents think of you?
Mamma Mia - ABBA
What will you dance to at your wedding?
The Long Day is Over - Norah Jones
What will they play at your funeral?
Sometime Around Midnight - The Airborne Toxic Event
What is your hobby/interest?
Only the Young - Journey (that's appropriate right now!)
What's your biggest secret?
Clarity - John Mayer
What do you think of your friends?
Why Can't I Be You - The Cure
What's the worst thing that could happen?
Danger - Third Eye Blind
How will you die?
Tragic Kingdom - No Doubt
What is the one thing you regret?
Songbird - Eva Cassidy
What makes you laugh?
Map of the Problematique - Muse
What makes you cry?
Beautiful Day - U2
Will you ever get married?
By Your Side - Sade
What scares you the most?
Shadow of the Day - Linkin Park
Does anyone like you?
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
If you could go back in time, what would you change?
Busted Stuff - Dave Matthews Band
What hurts right now?
Nessun dorma - Turandot - Puccini
What will you post this as?
Sorry - Our Lady Peace

Another Tag - Picture Time!

This tag is one I've seen around a lot. It's the sixth picture in the sixth folder. This is Ethan at about nine months, thoroughly enjoying his dinner!

Tag - Thanks Friend!

So, I've been "tagged" for the first time! My friend Kerri, who is currently living in Paris, France with her family, tagged me to reveal six unknown, quirky or random things about myself. This takes a lot of thought since I'm not usually very good at coming up with stuff like this. So, let's see...

• I moved seven times by the time I graduated high school. My dad was in the Army, so we moved all around the country. I was born in Dover, Delaware, and have also lived in Indianapolis, Ft. Bliss (El Paso, TX), Raleigh, Olathe, KS (outside of Kansas City), Ft. Meade (outside of Baltimore, MD), Ft. Sheridan, IL (north of Chicago), and the last move to Lewisville, TX.


• I was friend's with Brian's sister, Stacie, for years before I ever met him! Stacie and I met at church when we were both in high school, and then we roomed together at the University of Texas for 3 years (she was a year younger than I, so we started rooming together when I was a sophomore, and she was a freshman). I didn't even meet Brian until she and I were living together for probably at least a semester or more, and that was just a random meeting! We all came home for the summer in '95, and I would hang out at Stacie's house, and Brian was there too, of course. So, long story short, we started dating in July of 1995, and have been together for the 13 years since!
  
• I changed my major in college... in the spring semester of my senior year. My parents probably thought I was crazy! For three and a half years, my major was elementary education. Then, after a semester of being a teacher's aide, I decided it wasn't for me. So, I changed my major to English. But it only took me an extra summer semester for me to graduate, because my elementary ed. 'concentration' was English already. Unfortunately, there's not a lot out there to "do" with an English degree!
  
• I'm NOT a morning person. If I could sleep in every day to 10 am, I would! That doesn't work out so well with two young children though!
  
• I'm an avid reader! If I don't have a book that I'm reading, I feel lost! What do I do with myself before bedtime? :)
  
• I was a total klutz when I was little! When learning to walk, somewhere around 9 or 10 months old, I took a header into the console tv, and I still have the scar on my forehead today! I also fell down the wood stairs a few times, one time even knocking myself out! I'd like to think that I outgrew that particular trait - but I can say that Ethan gets his clumsiness honestly! I was a "Mr. Bump", and so is Ethan! Maybe there is hope for Kaden!

I don't have a lot of blogger friends to tag with this post, so basically, if you have a blog, and you're reading this, consider yourself 'tagged'!

Movie Time!

Brian and I decided to take Ethan to see his first movie in a "big" movie theater today. We chose Madagascar 2. Ethan did really well, considering that when watching a movie at home, he tends to roam about the room and play with toys at the same time. He said he had fun, but half the fun for him was probably eating popcorn! Oh, and yes, singing along with "You got to move it, move it!"

Who is who?

Kaden turned four months old this week! How time flies by when there is a baby in the house! I have month by month picture frames for the first year, one for Ethan, and now one for Kaden. Which means that I have to remember to take a picture on (or around) the same day every month. This week's picture of Kaden got me thinking about Ethan's four month old picture. So, I decided to post them both here.

So can you tell who is who? And even if you can, there is no questioning that they are brothers!