I Went, I Watched....And I LOVED IT!

Can I say that I am SOOOOOOOO glad I was not disappointed!!

I have fallen in love with Twilight all over again. What is it about these books and these characters that just draws you in like nothing else? I wish more people I knew would read it and love it as much as I do.

I loved how the audience reacted to different things in the movie. The tension of when they meet and before they get together...you can feel everyone holding their breathe knowing whats going to happen. Laughing at times because we know the characters soooo well and we know the meaning behind a certain look or action, that it makes the movie so much more enjoyable.

I am looking forward to the next movie (or movies?) and OH YES their will be a next one...you can count on that one! If you haven't seen the movie yet...just you wait and see!

My favorite scenes......The baseball game (Love the song!) and the gazeebo scene (love that song too)

PLEASE PLEASE do yourself a favor and reading the freaking book and THEN go see the movie (and only in that order!) you will wonder why you waited so long to join the movement.

Hi my name is Andrea Reynolds and I am an Edward-oholic...and I am ok with that!

Only a mom can relate (Read at your own risk!)

I know it may be way to soon to have any sort of celebration dance but....Can I just say that Kaden is doing SOOOO amazingly well at using his little potty! I can't believe it. Am I on Candid Camera? We have had no accidents since Wednesday and no diapers on unless its bedtime. Well unless you count when he peed on the floor because his little penis wasn't pointed down in the toilet. By the way.....how do you properly clean the carpet anyways. I can't get the smell out!

Did I mention we only started all this on Tuesday??

Anyways, he tells me when he has to go...kind of. He has an almost desperate plea in his voice when he calls for me. Of course I'm immediately "in action" when he needs me and 45% of the time its a false alarm. Kind of exhausting but oh well. Todd says I can't let it rule my life. Um...what? How can you ask that? Of course its going to rule my life! It will rule this house until we are confident he won't pee all over our bed. (again!)

Now when it comes to poo?... As I type this Kaden is sitting on the potty next to me whining and carrying on. "I don't want it...I don't want it!" "I not do it! I not!" "No Ma no!" He has to poop but he is scared. Its really the funniest thing today yet. I can't help giggle about it. He's so serious about it while his face is turning red. Somehow when you are scared to go poo....it becomes alittle backed up. (Go Kaden go...Go Kaden go!)

We actually ventured out yesterday but stayed clear of the public bathrooms. I think we need to take it one step at a time. I don't want to scare the kid to death.

Right now he is running around and yelling to Kylers friends in the other room..."I did it! I did it!" They have no idea what he is talking about and completely ignoring him.

I guess he'll have to celebrate with his candy alone

What I love and What I hate Wednesday

I LOVE that Kaden doesn't scream bloody murder when I have him sit on the potty anymore. This is such a HUGE step in the right direction. Its so much easier to stick to it when they are more agreeable to it. This morning when I got him out of bed, I told him to quickly go sit on the potty. He said "ok!" Of course I am a broken record now too..."do you have to pee?","do you have to pee?", "do you have to pee?"

I HATE how messy this whole thing can be. But this is a time when I am grateful for hardwood floors! Instead of having him go commando, I have been putting underwear on him (Which he looks so cute in!) just so there is something there to absorb the liquid. And I have blankets on the couch and chairs because those are the things you can't very well put in the wash machine. Yesterday he peed in the toilet 2 times, peed in his pants 3 times and pooped on the floor once.

And now today is a new day. But I also hate that I feel trapped in the house. I worry about leaving the comforts of his little potty. He is terrified of public bathrooms (automatic toilets) and I hate to break the stride and put a diaper on him. So for now we are stuck here while Todd is at work till this evening and I am out of milk! Whats a girl to do???

Birthday Stuff

Yes our little guy is 3 and he had a fun birthday with family. You can see how he has grown into a very cute little man...

His 1st year and 1st birthday

2nd year and 2nd birthday

3rd year and 3rd birthday

We are not one of those people who go all wild and crazy for a birthday party when the kid won't even remember it. Kaden enjoys having family over and I enjoy cooking for everyone. Its a win win situation!

They say a woman's place is in the kitchen and they are right....at least on that day! 5 hrs....60 enchiladas and 1 chocolate sheet cake later....and everyone was my best friend!

Another successful day of eating cake and getting presents! Can't think of anything better then that. And I think Kaden would agree.

Thanks everyone!

(Now we have just another 2 months until Kylers)

From 0 to 3 in what seems like seconds!

As much as I didn't want this day to come....it did! I have a REALLY hard time watching my boys get older. But as sad as I am that my baby is growing up, I am excited for all the new things Kaden is going to learn and discover this year. (Specifically learning and discovering the potty!)

Its seems like yesturday he was so little and new. Kaden filled an empty hole in our family!

I remember everything about the last 3 yrs! And I hope I will never forget.

Here are some things about Kaden that you may not know about....

*He loves his bwankie like nothing else (no that is not a typo)*

*Kaden knows that we are depending on him to bail us out, so he's starting his strategies early*

*His brother is his best friend*

*Mickey is only ok if he is on TV*

He is not impressed with the Pinnochio ride...at all!*

*Spiderman has nothing on him when it comes to climbing the walls*

*He knows how to get his cousin to do his bidding*

*Not really a fan of birds*

*He's already a smooth talker with the ladies. (Must get that from his dad!)*

* His food tastes better when its put between the toes first*

*He is the destroyer of all pokemon! (much to Kylers dismay)*

* Could be cast in the next "A Christmas Story" movie. What do you think?*

Of course there are so many things about Kaden that can't be captured on film. Like the fact that he LOVES hugs, snugglies and kisses. He does not call me Mommy...its always Ma! (Like we live on Little House on the Prairie or something). Kaden is so easy to put to bed! All I have to say is "is it time for bed?" and he answers"ok!" And sometimes he tells ME when its time to go to bed. Also he will not even sit up in his bed in the morning until I have opened his door. If he could watch tv all day , he most certainly will. Kaden does not like chocolate. He tries to like it and wants to like it , but he just can't do it. And not only does he know his ABC, shapes, colors and numbers....he can also write all that stuff out on paper. Oh and one more thing! If he hears a song once or twice....he can usually sing along with the chorus. (and I am not just talking about kid songs either. Gotta watch what you listen to!)

I love this child with every fiber of my being!

Happy Birthday Kaden!

(More birthday stuff to come after the party)

Results

Looks like your stuck with me for awhile longer. The doctor says the mole was benign and that I am going to live. Thank you Jesus!

3 Years Ago Today

3 years ago today...
I was at the hospital at 6 am sharp! I wasn't dilating or having contractions but I was determined to have you born today.

3 years ago today...
I put on my hospital gown, got my IV, took the magic pills to get my labor started and...waited

3 years ago today...
I watched tv, tried to read and tried to take a nap but just couldn't concentrate.

3 years ago today...
Visitors came and went. Nurses came and went. Time ticks on and on

3 years ago today...
I started to contract and dilate after being at the hospital for 9 hours. I cried for my epidural but the nurse said "girl, you are only dilated to 4!"

3 years ago today...
I finally get my epidural after being at the hospital for about 14 hrs. Its 8 pm and all is right with the world. Except I am really hungry!. I haven't eaten in 15hrs.

3 years ago today...
Its taking forever to get to 10. Its really late and people are waiting patiently for me to have you. I haven't quite reached THAT point. My doctor is only just on her way to the hospital. I am feeling sick and need to throw up.

3 years ago today...
My dad says (a direct quote) "That little shit's going to wait and be born on his due date!"

3 years ago today...
I throw up which thankfully puts me over the edge and ready! But..........


3 years ago today...

You were not even born yet!

Yes I do look rather puffy. But I've been on IV for 18 hours. Give a girl a break!!

He's a handy man to have around

Uh oh! Andrea's in trouble! The look on his face says a thousands words, don't you think? I did it again........I clogged the kitchen sink, again. At least we can assume it was me since I am the only one in this house that knows how to pick up a dish and clean it. This is probably the 3rd or 4th time in last 4 months. I don't know what I am doing wrong! Since its actually deep into the wall, we own a 15 ft auger to help us out. (Like I said ..this is the 3rd or 4th time.)

Usually it works pretty quickly but this one was being stubborn.

He is so patient with me. Here I am being "miss paparazzi", not helping at all! He has to rely on our children for help

Can I just take a moment and just say that I really appreciate how great Todd is as a father. He is so patient with the kids. I am sure he was irritated by this whole mess and trying desperately to not call a plumber. But he didn't take it out on anybody! Especially the kids while they were running around, asking a million questions and trying to help out. That's just the kind of guy he is and I really love that about him. Heck he's so patient, he let the kids try and figure it out for him

He is close to admitting defeat! All the usual tricks aren't working. We know that the plumber will charge at least $300 to come out and fix it. Don't give up honey...Don't give up!

This is the "I'm missing My Name is Earl" look.

Well fortunately we didn't need to call a plumber. Todd went to Lowes and bought a $10 Drain Cleaning Bladder (our last resort!) and we were fixed in no time. Well maybe not "no time"! It took us 2 days to get it figured out.

I'm sorry..please don't be mad! I'll try not to do it again.

$10 is better the $350 right? right?

Ah see! He forgives me. All is right with the world again. He loves me! (until next time at least)

Please Pray

Today I woke up feeling anxious and a little nervous. I had to go to the doctor and have a mole removed. I had been avoiding it for about 2 yrs. I knew that the doctor wanted me to have it removed but a) I don't have insurance and would cost me a few hundred dollars and b) the thought of actually having it removed was somewhat scary. I am afraid of pain and I didn't want to think about it having to be tested and stuff. But I could avoid it no more. When my aunt found out about all this she took charge and made me do it. Which is a good thing. sometimes I need someone to take over and make sure I take care of myself.

I was so nervous walking in. You would think I would feel I could do anything after having 2 children ripped from your loins! But I think it was the unknown part of it. My doctor is so super nice and did a great job. And it only hurt just a little bit.

But now it has to go in for testing and that's what I am worried about. Todd thinks the doctor was acting pretty positive but still, how can you not worry. So please pray for me this week and that all will be well. I go in next Friday to have my stitches removed and will then get the test results.

For The Sake Of The Children

Its only the beginning of November but I have to insist on mentioning Christmas. I have a strong desire to have traditions for my kids but I have a hard time coming up with ideas that I will actually follow through with. I usually start thinking about this around December 15 (10 days away from the big day) and I find myself to overwhelmed with the fact that I am running out of time for ideas. So this year I am starting to think early. But I need some help! I need some ideas! Some of the very few traditions we have are

*Go see the professionally done gingerbread houses at the Convention Center

*Have a baking day with my mom -in- law

*Go to the Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach (this has already been nixed this year by Todd because he says its the same every year and its always cold ...blah blah blah)

So that's it folks. Pretty pathetic. So for the sake of the children...pleeeaase share some ideas.

If you are reading this...if ANYONE is reading this please take the time to comment. Am I just talking to cyberspace or anyone even listening????? I don't even think my own family is listening. How sad is that?

Creature of Habit

In case you didn't know....I am a creature of habit. Sometimes it bugs me but most of the time its somewhat comforting because I have enough decisions to make about everyone else around me so at least I don't have to think to much about myself.

I have the same thing for breakfast 98% of the time.......Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds

I have the same thing for lunch 99% of the time (if I am home).....Sandwich and tomato soup w/pepper and hot sauce


My style of clothing never really changes because a) I rarely shop for myself and b) when I do shop for myself it has to be on sale and I have to make sure it goes with multiple things and is comfortable (so it almost ends up being t-shirt and jeans) (and its mostly black)

My style of decorating has always been the same....eclectic with no theme because I hardly buy anything new so alot of what I have is hand me downs

My hairstyle has been the same for 15 yrs

And when I do have lunch outside of the house it always Mcdonalds. I never venture anywhere new because I LOVE Mcdonalds. Yes I will admit that I love the place and I will not feel ashamed! But I do try and restrain myself to no more then 2-3 times a month.



But today is a different day. I don't know what it is (maybe cuz its election day! Sorry sorry I can't help myself and you don't even know why I'm saying it all day) but today I needed something different. I needed to do something for myself for a change. I have been going through some stuff the last month or so, and maybe I will write about it.... but I don't know yet. So Kaden and I left the house (yes I actually left the house!) and we went on the hunt for a few new pieces of clothing. I wanted to find something beyond my usual t shirt/ jeans and add a little style to myself. And wouldn't you know that when I decide to buy something for myself, I couldn't find anything I liked. That is so very frustrating. But I am not giving up.

So after we were done I was hungry so where do we go?? You guessed it... Mcdonalds! And what I forgot to mention is the fact that I ALWAYS get the same thing. Quarter pounder meal w/ diet coke. Always Always Always! But since today was a day of a little change I decided I wanted to try this...



I almost backed out at the last minute when I got to the drive thru. I was seriously arguing with myself. I mean this so opposite of my habit. But I followed through and I can I say one thing???? YUMMY! It was sooo good. I am finding out that good things can happen when you step out of your comfort zone. (Is it bad that I want to go get another one???)

My Only Political Post

Its election day today

(just incase you forgot after the millions of television ads invading us everyday)

I don't usually do a ton of research for this day because I almost always know in my heart who to vote for. (even though I have to admit that this time has been tough) And I don't mean to be straight republican but it just always tends to turn out that way. I read alot of blogs and the theme these day seems to be worry, fretting and down right panicking! Good grief people get a hold of yourself! Do you not know that God is and always will be in control? I remember a sort of freaking out feel when Clinton got elected. He has come and gone but God is still in control. Bush has come and will go but God is still in control. And the same will happen tomorrow when we wake up with a new President...

God Is In Control!!

He is the common denominator in this equation

And its a great feeling to know that and I encourage you to place everything, especially this election, at His feet because He does great things when you give up control and let him take over. Because ultimately our lives are not our own....they are his so let him do with it what he will. Its just so much easier that way!

And because I have to...

And because it just wouldn't be right if I don't on this day....

I have to give a shout out to those few people who will be the only ones who know what I am talking about......

Cuz Its Election Day!!!!!!!!

(Even though I am not worrying to much I still encourage you to NOT vote for Obama because I really don't want to move to another country! And that's all I'm going to say about THAT!)

Halloween Unwrapped

Halloween...here today and gone tomorrow, as usual. Every year when I sit myself down and really REALLY think about it, I can't help wonder at the craziness of the whole Halloween concept. Dressing up and going to the neighbors house to beg for candy. Its just so crazy! But crazy or not we did it again this year and we'll do it again the next 10+yrs

Lets me introduce you to this years characters

Mr Indiana Jones. We had an "understanding" this year that he had to pick something non-scary

Yo Ho Ho.. a pirates life for me!

I love that I spent under $10 for both of their costumes!

The weather was believe it or not...perfect! It was raining earlier in the day but stopped around 4 pm and the sun peeked out alittle. The temperature was probably high 50's. First year in a long time that it wasn't frigid out. It also helped that we adults had our own "little orange pumpkin filled /energy giving" drinks to keep us company along the way. Hey if your going to be force me to walk around all night, I might as well have my own fun too!

Kaden picked up the concept real fast! He marched his little pirate feet up to front door after front door happily exclaiming "Twick or Tweat!" And seriously after EVERY SINGLE house he yells "Ma...I got more candy!" Like it was a surprise everytime. Gotta love that kid.

Halloween 2008

It came

We dressed up and.....

WE CONQUERED!!