So this is Christmas...

Wow! What a whirlwind this past month has been! It started with my 30th birthday around the beginning of the month and has been non-stop since then. We still have New Years and Ray's birthday to go before all the madness ends.

Like I said, it began at the beginning of the month with my birthday. I thought it would be a rather quiet set of holidays as my in laws were going to Hawaii to spend Christmas with my sister in law and we usually go there for Christmas. So, I thought we'd just spend a quaint little day or two at home by ourselves with the kiddos. I was nervous it might not feel like Christmas but confident we'd get through it.

Boy, was I wrong?

About it all.

Have I learned nothing these past 30 years??

My in laws did indeed go to Hawaii. But they flew out of ,like they always do, and they took the opportunity to spend the night with us before their flight, like they always do. We love having them and it was our chance to have a little pre-Christmas Christmas with them. It was a lot of fun and the kids started the first round of getting loaded down. Chloe and Hunter were super excited with all of the new stuff Meme and Pawpaw bought them for Christmas. And, so were Ray and I. To top it off, Pawpaw cooked an AWESOME meal...who can top that??

I thought the rest of the holiday would go fairly quickly and uneventful. I had 99% of my Christmas shopping finished so I figured I was out of the stores and the mayhem.

Have I mentioned how wrong I was?

Last minute plans fell through, and instead of just showing up on Christmas Eve at my moms with kids and eating a meal she cooked...we changed the plans and I now had 10-12 people showing up at MY house for a meal I was expected (well, I offered) to prepare. THE NEXT DAY...aka, CHRISTMAS EVE.

I panicked a bit but headed to the store. I swear I barely made it out of Target alive. I am not being dramatic. They were trying to apprehend a shoplifter near the produce section. I happened to be in the line of fire for the RACK OF RIBS he decided to hurl from the interior of his coat before fleeing the front doors. WOW!

At the end of the day, I had all I needed to prepare said dinner. Now, I just needed to clean my mess of a house and start the meal.

I worked all day on the turkey and the casseroles. Everyone arrived around 6 and we had a blast. It was all worth it. The kids got spoiled as usual and they loved every second of it. It was such a blessing to be with everyone and I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, maybe we'll change the past tradition of Christmas Eve at my moms and start having it here every year.

Santa passed and the kids got more junk, I mean toys, this morning. Every single thing on Chloe's list in fact. And we played and played and played all day.

We didn't go anywhere. I didn't cook a turkey since I had the night before. I actually cooked a spaghetti and we had a nice, quiet day at home.

I am so thankful for the things that I am blessed with. My family and friends are irreplaceable. Everyone is healthy and for the most part happy. What else could this little cajun girl ask for??

I hope you were all just as lucky and blessed as me this holiday season.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Until next time...CNS

I am so lame...

I just figured out how easy it is to post photos on here. I mean really, there is actually an Icon that I have never noticed. I feel like an idiot.

So, here are a few pics of the kids I so often brag, I mean, talk about.

Enjoy!

The Greatest Friend on Earth...

Have you ever had someone come into your life in the most unexpected way? I mean so random that it just had to be an act of God?

This happened to me about 5 years ago and I have never been the same.

This person has lifted me up when I was sure I would never rise again. Encouraged me when I thought that it was impossible to go on. Made me smile when I was sure the frown would never leave my face, and listened to me, I mean really listened to me when no one else would. Stood beside me when I was otherwise standing alone.

And when I am having the worst of the worst days and I feel like I can't go on, my dear friend always knows exactly what to say to make me life my head from my desk and my heart from my toes and keep on keepin' on. Dear Friend ALWAYS saves me.

Just thinking of him and knowing he is there if I need him helps keep me sane. Knowing that I am lucky enough to have had him choose me as a friend, well, that helps me live, it helps me breathe and it helps me go on every second of every single day.

The fact that I can count on our daily conversations keeps me alive. See, we don't live close to one another anymore and I miss my dear friend so much it HURTS. Not just sometimes, but ALL of the time.

I know for certain that my friend has no idea how absolutely spectacular he is, because he couldn't. He couldn't even imagine how wonderful it is to be his best friend.

I write all of this because this time of year is a time to reflect on all we are grateful for. I am grateful for my husband, I am grateful for my children, and I am so incredibly grateful to have found a life long best friend that is as amazing as my dear friend that it needed to be shared with the world.

So thank you, my friend. Thank you for ALWAYS reminding me that life is not all bad. Thank you for choosing me as your friend because honestly, my life would be much less spectacular without you in it.

Until next time...CNS

Because 30 is the new 40, right?

What the hell does that mean anyway? 30 is 30 and 40 is 40 but whatever. Seemed like an appropriate enough title for the day of my 30th birthday. Otherwise known as FREAK OUT day.

Just kidding. Kind of.

In all honesty, 30 is my scary age and I have been dreading this birthday for most of my adult life. I mean, it just seems like a milestone that I am not entitled to yet. I don't feel like I've done enough. It's like I haven't earnedit. Does that make sense? Do I ever?

Anyway, so the day has arrived and it isn't all so bad. I don't feel any different. Maybe I should but I don't. And really, I am kinda relieved to say goodbye to my twenties anyway. I mean, I had some good years. Some of the BEST years of my life. I got married and had babies. But, it is now time to move on and I think I am finally ready.

So, here I am. I am THIRTY years old and I am fine with it...

Now, that is what I call maturity!!

In other news, we attended my company Christmas party this weekend which was GORGEOUS as usual and we had an entire night without both kids which has never happened before. Let me tell you, we had a good time!!

Then on Sunday we got our Christmas tree and decorated the house and yard. It is beginning to finally look like Christmas at the Schneider house.

Tonight is Ray's company Christmas dinner and obviously it happened to fall on the night of my birthday. The scary part is that it is at a local Mexican restaurant and I made Ray swear there would be no singing to me while forcing me to wear a sombrero. I would sooner die and I hope his co-workers are aware of this.

Hope everyone is gearing up for Christmas and having a great week.

Me, I am gonna go ahead and begin to enjoy my next decade.

Until next time...CNS

Random Rambling...

Man, I have so much going on these days that I should be blogging more often. I mean, I could probably write two or three posts a day but I just haven't found the time to sit down and actually do it. Then, when I do my brain is so fried that I have a hard time getting it all down. So, here goes nothin'...

First and foremost, we had a great trip home. We spent most of our time with Ray's family and didn't get as much time as I would have liked to visit friends but it was a great trip! We had a fantastic Thanksgiving lunch. I mean, Ray's dad always goes all out and we all ate until we couldn't move. It was pure bliss.

Then, on Friday night Ray and I got away for a while and went to the Casino. We had such a good time. It was nice to be out all alone and I had forgotten how much I love to play blackjack. Seriously, good thing I don't live anywhere close to a casino cause I might be in trouble.

Sunday was a long drive home. It always seems a bit longer because we are tired, but mostly because I don't ever want to leave. The kids hate leaving too so they are pretty cranky and it makes for a miserable trip. To top it off, Ray got a ticket for not stopping completely at a stop sign in Iowa which was complete BS but I won't rant about that, as much as I really want to.

Monday was back to the daily grind. I hated getting up and going to work. I didn't want the weekend to end. But, me and the people I work with had tickets to see The Eagles so I was pretty stoked about that. It was a super fabulous fun night with only a few hiccups. I really wish grown people (especially MEN) would learn how to control themselves when they drink alcohol. I mean the guy I work with got so wasted he couldn't stand up and he was acting like a fifteen year old that had never been drunk before. It was so aggravating!!

I didn't get in until TWO in the morning and the hubby and kiddos were obviously already fast asleep. But, when Chlobug woke up and saw me this morning her face lit up brighter than any Christmas tree I have ever seen, and she whispered, "Mommy, come see what I have to show you in the kitchen!". She tip toed ahead of me and could hardly contain her giggles as we approached the breakfast room. Suddenly, she picked up a piece of paper, which was a "sunshine report" from school. Basically, they get these when they have a completely fabulous day and don't get in trouble at all. As some of you may know, my baby girl struggles a bit in school and so these are few and far between, but that makes it all the more special when she does get one. I told her I was so proud of her and she informed me that her daddy was also proud of her and that we should frame the sunshine report. I am going to buy a frame today because she DESERVES it!

All in all I have to say that I am THANKFUL for my life. I am so grateful for all of the people in my life that make me the person that I am. So, if you are reading this and I have forgotten to remind you lately...THANK YOU for being you and helping to make me, me.

Hope everyone enjoyed the first holiday of the holiday season as much as I did!

Until next time...CNS

A True Champion...

For several years now, my little brother has been training with all he had in mixed martial arts. He has come so far and has really taken this opportunity to take all the pain and hurt in his life and channel it into something positive.

After years of discipline and training, he starting fighting professionally and so far he has a stellar record.

While it is hard to watch, I am so proud of him. That being said, please allow me to brag on him a bit. Below is a write up in the major paper in Baton Rouge about the fights. My brother's name is Jace Pitre and they say some pretty flattering things about him that I just had to share....




In the small college town of Hammond, there could not have been more excitement on the night of Friday, Nov. 21. It was fight night as the Xtreme Fighting Championship came to Chevy's. All in all, it was a great night of fights with some vicious knockouts and not one fight going past the Second Round.



Kurt Halobaugh, Brian Daricek, Wesley Little, Ray Mulkey, Jace Pitre, Frank Couste and Justin Cowart all had very impressive and entertaining victories while Jeff Dement and Kirk May were very impressive in defeat. There were no serious injuries, thanks to the doctors at ringside and fighters such as Brian Torzewski showing a great deal of class.



205 pounds Brian Daricek (T B3 & Elite MMA) 0-1 vs.

Nick Sanders (Hammond) 5-6

Brian "Zoolander" Daricek landed huge leg kicks and several devistating rights to knock Sanders to the ground. One-sided knockout by Daricek was mercifully stopped by ref.



Daricek defeats Sanders by Knockout in the First Round

160 pounds Chad Ferris (Gracie-Barra) 0-0 vs.

Jace Pitre (Team Tooke & Team B3) 1-0

Jace Pitre came right out in the First Round, a huge body slam and immediately transitioned into a full mount. Pitre completely controlled the first round with superior jiu-jitsu and devistating strikes. Ferris tried to use his jiu-jitsu to get Pitre off of him, but Pitre resembled a swarming hornets nest, completely locking Ferris down. The bell at the end the first round was the only thing that stopped Pitre.



Ferris came out and landed some good shots in the Second Round, but never phased Pitre who had every intention to punish his opponent. After receiving more pounding strikes and perfect text-book takedowns, Ferris eventually got caught in a Triangle. A very impressive complete package in Jace Pitre who represented Team Tooke and his management Team B3 and Ragan McDaniel in dominating fashion. With Team B3 in his corner, look for the name Jace Pitre in the big show soon.



Pitre defeats Ferris by Submission (Triangle Choke) in the Second Round

150 pounds Justin Cowart (Gracie-Barra) 0-2 vs.

Kirk May (Elite MMA & Team B3) 1-0

Apparently Justin Cowart took a page out of Muhammad Ali's playbook with some serious rope-a-dope. Cowart showed heart by coming back from a First Round beat down, and I mean beat down, from Kirk May who showed superior strikes and also scored a couple of amazing takedowns. Clearly a 10-8 first round for May who controlled the action. It was either the rope-a-dope or one heck of a Second Round speech by his trainer that inspired Cowart to take a tired May to the mat. He then got a full mount and just ground-n-pounded May until the referee called the stoppage.



Cowart defeats May by TKO (Strikes) in the Second Round

155 pounds Ray Mulkey (Gracie-Barra) 0-0 vs.

Jeff Dement (Team B3 & Team Chaos) 0-0

Ray Mulkey and Jeff Dement put on a show that was worth the $25 entrance fee. Dement came out of the lockerroom lead by his manager Team B3's Ragan McDaniel and had a look of intensity in his face. That intensity carried into the cage where Dement threw bombs that some consider lethal. Mulkey appeared to lock in an armbar, but Dement picked up Mulkey with his arm still fully extended and body slammed him to the mat, getting a roar from the Mulkey based crowd. Even though Dement worked to get out of the submissions, Mulkey was determined to end the fight by tap out. After several tries, Mulkey finally sank in a Triangle Choke to force Dement to submit at last, ending the pounding Mulkey was taking.



Mulkey defeats Dement by Submission (Triangle Choke) in the First Round – Wins "Fight of the night" honors

Other than that, there is a lot going on that I will post about later. Right now, we are enjoying spending the Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends in Louisiana!

Until next time...CNS

What Up Peeps?

So, it's been a while since I posted and I am feeling pretty RANDOM today so I decided to lay it all out there in some good ole' bullet points. I know, I know, I am so freakin' creative I can hardly stand it.

- We are going home to Louisiana for Thanksgiving and I am STOKED. I am staying for 4 whole days and cannot wait to see all my peeps. My besties are waiting and I couldn't be happier!

- However, we are NOT going home for Christmas because the in laws will be in Hawaii so we will be staying here and having a quiet Christmas by ourselves. I might be nice, actually. The holidays are usually spent running from house to house and state to state so a quiet morning at home with the kids is probably just what the doctor ordered.

- Chloe is getting so big and so smart. She is starting to be self-conscious (at FOUR) and she is starting to care what she wears. It is adorable and terribly frightening all at the same time. It seems like just yesterday she was a baby and now she is a little person with her own thoughts and feelings. And those of you that know my daughter can about imagine how freakin' hilarious she is right about now.

- Hunter has started to talk and babble so much and it is hilarious. He says a few words other than mamma and daddy now and he is so stinkin' proud of himself. It is super cute to watch. He has this old man chuckle that is to DIE for. I love him to pieces and we are enjoying this time with him soooo much.

- I will be THIRTY in 3 weeks! How did that happen? It hit me like a ton of bricks this past week. I know, I know, it really isn't old. But, it's always been my "scary" age and I can't help that. I am terrified.

That's about it for now. Well, not really. I could go on for days but since you probably stopped readying about 5 minutes ago, I will spare you the boredom. And no, I am sorry, I cannot give you back the 5 minutes of your life you might have wasted reading this post.

Happy Thanksgiving Peeps!

Until next time...CNS

I Take Care Of Mine...

Being born without mature lungs, being 100% dependant on a ventilator AND an oscilator, 3 blood transfusions, spinal tap, 4 chest x-rays per day, having his blood drawn every 4 hours EVERY day, chronic ear infections (basically the last one lasted 4 months until Texas Childrens could fit him into surgery), chronic bronchitis; I am sure I have left some things out. You would think that would be enough for my sweet baby boy to endure in a mere 13 months. The first 13 months of his life. But, oh no. That would be fair. Nope. Not in the Schneider household. We don't know much about that.

It started on Monday. I picked him up from daycare and my normally giddy, goofy, happy, can't-get-me-down, baby boy was a bit cranky. So, right around bedtime I was walking the floors with him, trying to get him to sleep. Out of the blue, I hear a little rumble in his tummy and before I knew what was happening he began projectile vomiting all over the place. Did I mention that I was lucky enough to be standing in such a way that his exorcist like vomiting episode managed to cover my brand new couch and area rug? Oh yes my friends, I am lucky like that. And the smell...oh the smell.

So we did the usual. Up all night until he stopped puking right around 3am. I still got up and went to work and my mom came to the house to watch him.

For two days she watched him for me. The vomiting had subsided but the substances coming from his other end would not stop. And we are not talking every hour or even ever two hours. We are talking every 10-15 minutes. You can imagine what that had done to his little hiney.

So, today I stayed home with him because he continued his condition through last night. We got up this morning and he was in good spirits. I swear, we had not been up for 15 minutes when he burped. I thought, "hmmmm, that sounds quite "wet". For once I had my quick thinking mommy skills in place and decided to sprint to the bathroom and turn his head toward the tub (gross, I know, but better than the bed AGAIN or the carpet AGAIN). Sure enough, the exorcist reappeared. Not good.

Of course, I immediately called the doctor and asked to move my 2pm appointment up to 12pm. He saw the doc and she switched his antiobiotics and gave him something for the rash and vomiting.

I would like to say it's working, it isn't. I mean, he hasn't thrown up since his random episode this morning but the poop continues. And he is cranky ya'll. I know you are thinking that is normal. But, he NEVER gets this cranky. Not even when he is super sick. But, that's not my worry. My worry is that my instinct is telling me they missed something. You know that mommy feeling you get in your gut. The one that says, "he shouldn't be acting this way". He has suffered more than this and NEVER acted this way before. Furthermore, his symptoms are not improving. If anything, they are getting worse. The fever persists and the poop will not stop. I really think they missed something.

This begs that mommy quesiton....."what to do?"

You KNOW they won't take me seriously when I go back AGAIN tomorrow and tell them that my gut tell's me something isn't right. I mean, they are the ones with the $100,000 education right? They know better than me don't they? I just don't think so. I think there is something they haven't caught yet. I really do.

So, me and my big mouth are marching in that doctor's office tomorrow and as much as I hate it, they are running every test they have on him just to make sure.

Cause that's me, and I take care of mine. That's just the way it is.

It's gonna be a GREAT weekend!

Until next time...

Just What I Needed...

So, as some of you might remember from a few days ago, I have been feeling a little down on myself concerning my mommy skills. Well, to add insult to injury, my baby boy developed a BLOOD INFECTION from an apparent insect bite on his finger. I think he might have bitten while I was letting him play, and run, and frolic in the grass at Big Sister's soccer practice. And while he enjoyed himself immensely, the nasty insects were enjoying my sweet baby a little too.

Well, that was the icing on the cake. I suck. And then my bestest friend in the whole wide world, knowing I was down on my parenting luck sent me this:

You really are a great mommy, please don’t take this wrong…Hunter has health problem that most parent couldn’t handle but will grow up stronger that us all, Chloe is perfect, smarter than us and energetic but not the model of what the teachers/society may want (screw them BTW, she will be the president one day), so she needs extra attention and more of every aspect of your time. My point is…God gave them to the right girl. Ray would be dead without you, Acergy would have to hire 3 – 5 persons to replace you and I need you more than I can admit, and those babies, well they are in the perfect place. i don’t know how to say this and not sound condescending but here goes… I am proud of you everyday; I do not know of a better employee, a better mother, a better wife or a better friend. I think you are so great that I count myself lucky and will put it on my list if I get to the pearly gates; that you are my friend and that I may hold a small part of your heart; so I can’t be all bad right? I never take it for granted that you make time for me, I love you.

I mean, really. I was speechless. Do friends get any better than this? It made perfect sense, really. No matter what, my babies are in the right place. They were meant for me. And now, I finally get it. I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be me. Because I love my babies and I try my hardest each and every day. So, while I am flawed, I am strong. I love my kids and I love being a mother. Amen.

Don't be gettin all jealous about my awesome friend either.

Until next time...CNS

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Sweet 16?

Seriously, while flipping through the channels, I landed on MTV. Now, usually MTV is good for mindless television on a otherwise boring day. Keeping me up with my guilty pleasure, which I am ashamed to admit, is "reality" TV.

So, while I have seen glimpses of this particular show, the show they call "Sweet 16", I have never really watched an episode because it is nauseating.

Well, I made the mistake. I did it. And, it was worse than I could have imagined. Not only are these parents dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on BIRTHDAY parties for their SIXTEEN year old CHILDREN, they are raising pure evil offspring.

These girls are not only ungrateful, they are rude and disrespectful and unpleasant. Trust me, I could go on. They speak to adults like I would not talk to my dog (although, I do talk pretty sweet to my dog, but you get the picture).

I mean, maybe I could try to wrap my brain around these extravagant parties if they were raising sweet, respectful, productive human beings. But, on the contrary. How does this happen? Who thinks this is ok?

For instance, on one episode a girl just had to have a Jaguar. Brand spanking new Jaguar. Well, her mother decided it would be a great idea to not only purchase this car for her spoiled, stinkin' rotten 16 year old, but to give it to her at her party rehearsal rather than the actual party. She is probably like me (well she is NOTHING like me) and just couldn't wait to see her baby's face light up when she gave her the gift of her dreams. Well, this brat (I could think of a better world, but will refrain from offending anyone) throws an all out fit claiming that her mother has RUINED her birthday and her party by not presenting her with this extravagant and unneccessary gift in from of all of her friends. Because apparently that is the point behind it all.

This is sickening ya'll.

And, most of these people are considerably wealthy. You can tell by their homes. However, some of them you can tell are not quite what you might call wealthy, yet they try to buy their children's happiness by sending themselves into bankruptcy for a birthday party!

I could go on, but I won't. Because I cannot seem to convey my disgust properly onto this blog. But ya'll. Let me tell you, I. am. disgusted.

Anyway, hope you all voted today. I hope and pray that this country is smart and strong enough to make the right decision. If not, I pray that God helps us over the next four years!

Until next time...CNS

Motherhood, Decisions, Life...

Wow! What a title right? I mean, that pretty much covers it all, which is what I am feeling right now anyway.

I mean, I guess what I am saying is, I just don't "get" how people do all of the things are are "supposed" to do everyday and make it look so effortless while I am so down in the dumps because it always seems to be a little too much for me.

And boy, does the guilt set in when I say that outloud.

I am blessed, I know this. I have two beautiful children, a supportive husband, and a great job. That being said, that is A LOT of responsibility and some days I feel I am just not up for the task.

How do I do it all and still be me?

How do I do it all right?

Am I totally screwing it all up? Probably.

My oldest daughter, Chloe, she is the love of my life. The apple of my eye. The whole enchilada. You get the picture. Don't get me wrong, I love both of my children the same...but she was my first born and so she is what I experience first. So I don't love her more, just differently. Well, she is having some issues and I don't know how to help her or fix them. It is the most helpless feeling in the world. It feels like no matter how much I try to prove my love to her (I know, that is part of the problem) it just doesn't heal her heart from whatever has scarred it in the first place. I know most of you don't know what is going on, and I don't exactly feel comfortable posting it here, but basically I have to make the decision to medicate or not to medicate. I made that decision and now I don't think it was the right one and I am DEVASTATED. She seems depressed, she seems more moody, she seems worse, and I did that in one stupid mistake.

She will get better, I know, but oh how it hurts my heart and my soul.

And then my precious baby boy...does he really know how much I love him. Is it normal that I leave him with sitters (only family) more easily than I did my daughter? I mean I barely ever leave either one of them, and when I do it is only with family member. But, even still, with my daughter I would agonize for days before I left her for even a few hours. With Hunter, I just drop and go.

It is because I am super busy and now I have two, I know this in my brain. But, oh how the guilt weighs on my heart.\

And then my poor husband, I can't tell you the last time we spent quality time together and I can't tell you the last time I even thought about making that happen. Why? Because I can't even make time to shave my legs half of the time, and so how in the hell am I supposed to have enough of "me" left over for quality time.

To sum it up, not only am I not GREAT at any one of the things I responsible for, it feels like I pretty much SUCK at them all...

And let me tell you...that isn't a good feeling to live with day in and day out.

How do you do it all? Am I just flubbing it all up out of stupidity or what? How do I get past all of this icky feelings and get back to where I once was? That, my fiends, is the million dollar question.

Sorry to be so depressing today, but really, that's all I have left in me.

Until next time...CNS

Quiet Time On This Sunday Morning.

It's funny how as we get older we realize things about ourselves. I mean, I have been "me" my whole life, you would like I would know everything about "me" by now. Apparently not.

See, it started yesterday. I woke up around 6:30am and was feeling rather refreshed (which is NOT normal} for me. I decided that instead of lying there and forcing myself into those past few moments of sleep, that I would get up, make a fresh pot of coffee, and tidy the house up a bit before the human tornadoes I named Chloe and Hunter rose from their slumber.

And ya'll, it was QUIET. And, it was fulfilling. And, it was stress free. And I ashamed it admit I was a bit disappointed when they awoke around 7am. Don't get me wrong, I love spending the mornings with my children. For me, those are the most precious moments. For just the first hour or so of he morning, they are SWEET.

Please don't misunderstand me, I do have charming children most of the time. Well, let's get serious, I have an angelic 13 month old baby boy who is delightful most of the time. THEN, I have a 4.5 year old daughter who acts just like her mother 99% of the time, and that is all I will say about that for fear of losing what few blogging friends I do have.

OK, so I went off on a tangent there. The point is, I enjoyed yesterday morning so much that when I stirred for the first time this morning around 6am, instead of going back to sleep, I got up and made a pot of coffee and enjoyed my "me" time. It is wonderful! I mean on the weekdays when I work, I can't do it but on the weekends this will definitely be my new routine from now on. It made me a much more pleasant mommy yesterday (and wife too) because before I could even ask for someone to give me a break, I had already had one!

It went on to be a fabulous family day with Chloe's soccer game and then my company picnic. Days like yesterday make me really appreciate my husband and children even more than I naturally do and I love feeling that way!!

So as I start my quiet morning today (well, it actually just ended because my sweet baby girl just walked from her room to the living room all sleepy-eyed, I will give thanks for all that I have and I will strive to make today even better than the pleasant day we had yesterday.

Mommy time in the morning helps that! And, you know it must be good to make me drag my derriere out of bed before absolutely necessary.

And now I must go, the rumblings from the bedrooms has begun. Mommy is ready to report to duty, already armed with two cups of coffee!

What about ya'll? How and when do you guys find time to yourself in order to keep yourself balanced?

Wishing you all a blesses Sunday.

Until next time...CNS

Fabulous Weekend

Hi! Sorry I haven't been blogging this week, I know you all are just plain devastated over it. But, things have been a little crazier than they normally are.



On Saturday, Chloe had her first game and she ROCKED it. She was awesome and we were so proud. She scored eight goals and the other team only scored two as a whole. We were so excited that she might have finally found her niche. One of the other moms came up to me and gave me the best compliment I could ever wish for as a mother. She said that it wasn't just that Chloe was talented at the game itself, but that she was such a good sport. She helped her teammates when they fell down (which at 4 years old, they did quite often) and she also tried to encourage her teammates have fun by passing them the ball and such, instead of hamming up the talent she exhibited and being a ball hog. I got all teary-eyed during that conversation because that is what I hoped to instill in my children;to be kind and compassionate to others. Hopefully, this is an indicator that she has adopted some of what we have tried to teach her.



Sunday was spent shopping at one of the best malls in the city with my hubby. My mom kept the kids and so we got some time alone. Add that with a trip to a spectacular mall and who could ask for more??



I have started my Christmas shopping and it is so stressful. I am always so worried that I won't buy the right thing. That the people I buy for won't enjoy their gift. That they will give that half fake smile all the while wondering, "what was she thinking?". I know, I know. That is so not the point of this holiday. But, I am the type of person that truly enjoys giving gifts. At times, I can barely stop myself from giving the gift before the upcoming occasion. Anyhow, I am super stoked about the holidays and hope that I am able to finish before the madness begins.

On Monday Hunter will have tubes put in his ears. This has been a long time coming since he has had a constant ear infection for the last 6 months. It was supposed to be done on the 15th of September but stupid Hurricane Ike ruined that. So, prayers would be nice.

Until next time...CNS

The Tale of a Champion - Hunter John

So, they say that writing can by therapeutic. For me, no truer words were ever spoken. I love the written word. I love to read. I am a great reader. I am a not so great writer. I am working on that.

What I am trying to say is, writing and getting things out make me feel better. So, today I decided to write the story of Hunter's birth. It is a sad and terrifying story with the happiest ending. You couldn't have paid someone top dollar to write a better ending. However, the story remains. Here it is...

For those of you that don't know, Hunter is my baby boy. He is 13 months old and he is the cutest baby on the face of this earth.

Anyway, when I was pregnant with Hunter, I was severely ill the entire time. I had the same issue with Chloe but this just "felt" different. I just had this "feeling" the whole time that it was much more than that. I can't put my finger on it, call it intuition.

And, being the vocal person that I am, I commented on it a lot. I said things like, "I feel like something is not right", "I am going to have this baby early, mark my words". The doctor basically ignored me. And why wouldn't he? I didn't have any real proof other that the thoughts and feelings in my head and heart.

Then, the swelling began. And ya'll, this wasn't no normal, preggo swelling. People would stop and stare. So, I waddled myself into the doctor's office fully expecting to be put on bed rest. Nope. He looked at me like I was crazy and said he knew it was uncomfortable but didn't see any problems with it. Man, I so wish I would have taken pics so that you guys could understand why I was so shocked when he blew me off that way.

Fast forward to Monday, September 10th. I was feeling ROTTEN. Just downright miserable. I spent all day at work and then came home and laid down. I just couldn't move. I started having mild contractions. But, at 7 months pregnant this wasn't anything that sent us running to the ER. I called my doctor's office to report feeling so ill and the contractions. They asked if I thought I was in labor. Ummm, if I knew that I wouldn't have called you, I would have gone to the ER. So, the answer is...I don't think so but I am not sure. She tells me to just lay around at home and go to the ER if my water breaks. Yes, I know what you are all thinking...Gosh, she was sooooo much help ;)

So, I get up on Tuesday morning. Tuesday, September 11th. I go to work because I have to run payroll but I am feeling even worse today than I was yesterday.

I get to work and begin running payroll but shortly after I begin to vomit. And, I CANNOT STOP for 3 hours. I have my door to my office closed this whole time so no one realizes how sick I am. Finally, around 2 o'clock my boss finds me and immediately tells me I need to get to the hospital. I calm him down, tell him that I have already called my little sister and she will be here in 20 minutes.

My sister gets here and we pick up Ray and head to the hospital. By this time, the vomiting is persisting and I am contracting regularly. Every 1.5 minutes. Oh my God, I am in full on labor at barely 7 months pregnant. How did this happen to me? What is going to happen to my baby? It is September 11th! I know, I know, the silliest thing to worry about at a time like this.

I got to the hospital at 4:30pm and Hunter was born via emergency c-section at 5:49pm. It was pure chaos once I arrived and they just needed to get him out, which is exactly what they did.

I knew I was in trouble when they pulled him out. I said, "Oh, he is beautiful and he has so much hair!". No response. Not from a doctor, not from a nurse, and not from the BABY. No crying.

Ya'll. That is the worst FEELING EVER.

"Why isn't my baby crying?"

"Honey, your baby is having a little trouble breathing. We have taken him away and your husband has gone with him."

That is the last thing I heard for the next THREE hours. Ray stayed while they hooked him up to machine after machine. He didn't want to leave his side and I would have been furious if he had, but, I had no idea what was going on with Hunter this entire time.

Then, Ray comes into the recovery room with the most stoic look on his face. I will never forget that look as long as I live. I asked how Hunter was. "It doesn't look good." That is all he said. And we both began to sob.

Hunter was born weighing in at 4lbs 12oz. Not too bad for a preemie. We have no idea how long he was because they didn't have time to measure. But, he was also born with severe Premature Lung Disease. His lungs just weren't ready. The doctors were hopeful at first. They treat this type of thing all of the time. When they took him from Ray they put him in Level II NICU. That is for sick babies that do not have central lines in their belly and alot of times it is merely a precaution. Within an hour, Hunter had to be moved to Level III NICU where the sickest of the sick babies are. He wasn't breathing on his own at all. They had to put him on a ventilator. Oh Dear God. How did this happen?

By the next morning, Hunter has steadily deteriorated. He would not respond to treatment. Nothing. The meds weren't helping his little body heal. He just wouldn't get better. Why? They had no idea and that scared them. Terrified us.

By the time he was 24 hours old, his lungs stopped working at all and he was not only no longer taking in oxygen, he lungs were now refusing to expel Carbon Monoxide and they were also still resisting treatment. He wasn't getting better at all, he continued to decline and they prepared us for the worst.

I wouldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. No. I . would. not. let. that. happen.

I could go on for days but to summarize for 6 straight days he laid there with no improvement and they couldn't figure out why. Why wouldn't he respond to the treatment? Why wouldn't his little body heal. He was a fighter. That much was clear. He had been fighting to stay alive for 6 longs days but he just wasn't improving and before long we would have to "make a decision". No. Not going to happen.

Then, they had to discharge me. The doctor had held them at bay for as long as possible. The day was finally here. I ha d to leave the hospital without my newborn. I forever left a piece of my at that hospital that day. I swear I will never get that tiny slice of my heart back.

That must have been the motivation that little sucker needed. I called to check in on him that night and they said they were able to lower the oxygen they were giving him for the first time in 6 days. They were going from 100% go 90%. Still far from ideal but progress. Then, the next day when I went to see him he was down to 50%. Are you serious?????? Is he really? Don't get your hopes up because they have been crushed too many times over the last 7 days.

Well, that night when I went to see him, I called into the NICU to get permission to come in and they said that I couldn't because they were doing a procedure on Hunter. Oh no. What now? That normally meant another blood transfusion or spinal tap (he has 3 blood transfusions in his first 6 days of life). No, that wasn't it. They were REMOVING THE VENTILATOR. Hunter, my friends, was breathing room air. In 24 hours he went from 100% dependant on a ventilator to breathing room air!! I don't know if any of you know this, but that is nothing short of a miracle. It really isn't.

Ray, me and his mother wept tears of joy for hours in the hallway that night. We couldn't believe it. Our little fighter was going another round. He wasn't throwing in the towel just yet. Thank you , God. Thank You.

He still faced an uphill battle over the next 3 weeks. He had to learn to feed. He had to learn to self-regulate his body temp. It wasn't easy. He had a major setback at about 3 weeks. He was feeding off of a bottle for the first time and I was holding him and he began to seize. They don't know why. He had seizure activity in his brain up until we brought him home at 6 weeks old. They didn't know why. Maybe the spinal tap? Who know. All I knew was that even if it was a permanent condition, we would deal with it. As long as Hunter was alive, I would deal with anything. It didn't matter.

We took Hunter John home at 6 weeks old weighing a whopping 5lbs! He was so tiny! He just continued to thrive once he got home. He suffered no developmental delays at all which is a miracle in itself.

We had the follow up EEG at Texas Childrens on Dec 10th to see if he still had seizure activity in the brain. If he did, there was a good chance the condition was permanent. If he didn't, it was probably due to the trauma his body had suffered. We finished the procedure and they said they would call within the next 3 days with the results. We were all on pins and needles. THREE WHOLE DAYS! But, my pediatric neurologist was an angel. He called me that night at home at 9:30pm to tell me Hunter had NO seizure activity in the brain. He had fully recovered. We wept again. This little boy had defied all odds. He was our hero.

Today, Hunter is 13 months old and full of life. He is all boy! He has the most beautiful blue eyes you will ever see. His eyelashes make women all over the world shiver in envy. His laugh is infectious and he has completed our lives.

They say that God never gives you more than you can handle. There were times during his recovery (and lack thereof) where I questioned this. Why me? But, we are a stronger family because of it and we appreciate each day that we are given more than we ever have before. We have our son. He is happy and healthy. Nothing else matters....

Next post I will write about Chloe and her reaction to her sick baby brother...you will then understand why she will forever be my hero and my inspiration.

Hope I didn't ramble for too long.

Until next time...CNS

Our First Family Vacation...

So, this weekend Ray and I decided that it would be a great idea to take both kids to San Antonio for the weekend for our first "official" family vacation. I got a little bonus at work, and Ray has been working so hard with all of the hurricane work, we decided to treat ourselves and mostly the kids.


Oh, the visions of joy and greatness we had. This would be the best weekend vacation ever!!!! The kids would remember this for the rest of their lives! And more importantly, they would remember how hard their parents worked to afford this weekend at SeaWorld and The Riverwalk and therefore be reminded of how much they are loved.


Ha.


Double ha.


It started out on Saturday. This was the day we would spend doing "mama's thing". See, mama has gained a little weight now that his approaching 30 and needs new work clothes desperately. So daddy wanted to let her go shopping and she was soooo excited. (why am I talking in the 3rd person? Sorry, I will stop now.) Anyway, I really did have big plans about this shopping trip and also wanted to get started on the kids winters wardrobe.


Ha.


Chloe had bigger plans than shopping. Try running up and down every set of stairs she came across as we walked down the 55 miles of Riverwalk. And ya'll...that's ALOT of steps. And they are made of brick, and stone, and cement. I could just picture the ambulance ride in my head. She just wouldn't stop. Why wouldn't she stop??


Then, we decided to throw in the towel on that and bring them to the small Children's Museum.


I was impressed by this. It was much smaller than the one in Houston but much more age appropriate for Chloe and she had a blast!! But, low and behold the day couldn't begin to smooth out...oh no. We forgot the camera.


Luckily, the museum was almost directly across the street from our hotel. So, we would just run right over there, get the camera, let the kids rest their feet and then go and meet up with my sis in law and her family for a boat ride on the Riverwalk.


Ha.


Chloe somehow found an unprotected light bulb in the hotel room that had apparently been burning constantly for the last 55 days and TOUCHED it. The child screamed like someone was cutting her head off. I freaked! "What is wrong my sweet girl? WHAT IS WRONG?! Show momma what you did to your hand, please show momma. Did you smash your fingers? I swear you are not in trouble, JUST SHOW ME! Oh sweetie, you burned yourself. Oh honey, that is gonna HURT." And hurt it did. And scream she did, for at least an hour.


Ok, over the burn...


Missed the boat ride and visit with sis in law....do I even need to elaborate on the rest of Saturday? Didn't think so.


Sunday. SeaWorld. THE BIG DAY. It is evident as of early in the morning that Ray and I are much more excited about this day than Chloe is. And Hunter, well he's just along for the ride.


It did turn out to be a pretty awesome day though. Once we convinced Chloe that what she was seeing was, in fact, real...she was super stoked! We ran around that park like mad men. We rode everything she was big enough for (which was just enough), we say every show and ended up arriving at each arena at the perfect time (we laughed so hard we cried together at the sea lions), and she got to pet the dolphins (she is convinced she will never reach a higher point in her whole entire life!)!


I am very grateful that my husband and I were able to have this opportunity with the kids. We don't get to get away with them much more than the trips home to Louisiana so this was definitely an experience for us.


You know, I do feel way more exhausted now than I was before "vacation". I guess that goes along with the territory...right?


One more thing before I go, I would love to hear your thoughts...what is the best family vacation you ever had as a child? I love to hear every one's stories. My husband has lots because his parents took them on tons of vacations. My parents believed vacation was for adults so we never ever went on a family vacation...maybe this is why I am so fascinated by others' stories.


Hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as we did.

Until next time...CNS

Happy Birthday To A New Friend and An Old One...

Happy Birthday to my new blog friend, Mama Belle. Hope it was a great day and your upcoming year is filled with joy and greatness.

Also, it was by bestest friend from high school, Annette's 30th birthday last week. All the girls from high school got together for a "Death of the 20s" party on Saturday night as we will ALL be turning the big 3-0 in the next few months. Including myself but we won't talk about all that now will we 'cause this is my blog and I can make rules like that!

Let me just tell you how good it felt to get out with old friends. It was AMAZING. To say that I don't get out much is quite the understatement. And let me tell you, it was theraputic. We talked, laughed, danced, drank and just had a plain ole good time. Happy birthday Annette! You are one of my oldest and dearest and my life would not be the same without you. There are times when I might not have made it without you. So thank you for being you. Have a great year! May 30 bring you much happiness and peace!!!

Not much going on other than that. We are taking the kids to Seaworld this weekend in San Antonio so that should be fun.

Sorry to bore you all with this post but I did not want to miss a chance to give a shout out of birthday wishes to my new friend and my dearest friend!!

Life is good!

Until next time...CNS

A rant about FEMA!

Ok, so here it goes and boy am I fired up. I am going on day 14 with no power. Like I have said before, I think I have been a good sport about it up until now but I can't take it anymore. I need relief. So, we decided last night after coming home to a dark, hot, smelly house that it is time to move into a hotel room until power is restored. The thing is, FEMA has reserved 98% of the hotel rooms in Houston. I happen to book travel for a living so I had my very qualified travel agent search every nook and cranny of this enormous city yesterday to no avail. We called in all the favors and still nothing. We were told the same thing over and over again: FEMA has them all reserved through the end of October for families whose houses flooded or have small children or elderly family members and no electricity. OK, great! I totally fall into that catagory, that is my ticket into AC.

WRONG! Guess what? I make too much money to qualify for aid??? HUH?! On a good month, we live paycheck to paycheck. Besides, I am willing to pay for the room anyway but I can't because you are HOGGING every hotel room in the 4th largest city in the country!!!!!

Seriously?! I have no recourse. No other option but to remain in my hot house with my two cranky children. I am not one to talk about fair and unfair, but come on...

Is this seriously how the system sucks, um I mean, works?

Oh well. Off to Louisiana I shall go for the weekend. At least I have that to look forward to!

Until next time...CNS

Hurricane Ike and Chloe's First Soccer Practice.

Well, we did survive the hurricane with no damage to speak of but the thing that I mentioned fearing the most in my last post is still plaguing us. That's right. Still no electricity! We are going on 12 days now and I can hardly stand it. It is H-O-T. I have NO clean clothes for myself or my children and I have had enough! I considered myself a VERY good sport for the first TEN days, the last two...not so much.

Listen, I know they are working 16 hour days and blah, blah, blah. But ENOUGH ALREADY! I want my AC, I want CLEAN clothes and my kids want some normalcy. Is that so much to ask? Apparently so. That being said, we could use the prayers for power restoration. Thanks a bunch.

On a lighter note, yesterday marked Chloe's first day of soccer practice. I was a bit nervous because, let's get serious...she usually has the attention span of a circus monkey. But, over the last year or so she has really shown a natural athletic ability (and a loathe for frilly dance costumes) so she has been begging to start soccer and she is finally old enough.

Fast forward to Monday night. Picture this: we go shopping for all things soccer related and get her all gussied up in her cleats and shin guards and such. We then tell her tomorrow is the big day of her first practice and she starts SQUALLING. She is nervous she says. She doesn't want to do it. Everyone will be better than her.

Is she serious?! She has been begging for this for months. So, I calm her down by telling my very social child that all she has to do is go and meet new friends and kick the ball around and if she doesn't like it, she doesn't have to go back. She thinks long and hard about this and is satisfied she can survive through that.

Guess what? We show up at the mosquito infested soccer field and she is a natural! She runs out there with no apprehension and she is one of the best on the team! We were sooo proud of her and she can't wait for next Tuesday.

Other than that exciting news, Hunter has started to take a few steps but still hasn't mastered walking. We think he will take off any day now!

Sorry if this post bored you too much. I just don't have too much exciting to report with NO POWER?!

Until next time...CNS

First Post and Hurricane Ike...

Well, to start, I am completely nervous about writing my very first blog post. I am constantly reading other blogs (yes, I have been a lurker so please forgive my creepiness) and enjoying them so much that I have been longing to start one myself for some time. To be honest, I just haven't had the guts. What if it is terrible? What if everyone hates it? Will they think I am completely lame? Oh, and when will I find the time. See, I have a 4 year old daughter and a son that turned one just yesterday. I certainly have my hands full. Anyway, I decided to go for it so here we are. Please forgive me if you hate it...

Now, about Hurricane Ike. UGH. That sums it up best. I should be used to this. I have lived on the Gulf Coast my entire life but each time I am faced with a storm I begin to panic at the 11th hour.

Most would ask why we didn't leave. That's simple. It is almost scarier to leave than it is to stay. There is never enough gas. And, even if you have a full tank, it is possible you will be stuck on the highway for 12+ hours and run out and then there is really none to be found. In my book, that is much scarier.

Anyway, I am sure that isn't anything you all don't already know.

So, we are staying put. I just hope it doesn't scare the kids too bad. That would hurt my heart. And, I am also hoping we won't be without power for too long because if there is one thing that i have learned to dread more than the wind and rain it is the unbearable HEAT that occurs after the storm and before the electricity comes back.

I know I am new here, but if anyone actually is kind enough to read this blog, please pray for us and I promise to blog again to update as soon as I can.

Who knows? Maybe this will be the start on my eternal blogging career.

Until next time...