It’s been a while…again, but things have been super hectic around here. Last week, after closely monitoring Taylor’s head injury and being elated that we were in the clear, we got hit with the stomach bug. Todd had the worst of it for a few days. I was unwell a few days later, but nothing like how he had it. I opened the windows and cleaned everything multiple times per day in hopes that the kids would avoid it, and it seemed to work. We had a wonderful weekend, and even got to spend some time at the playground on Sunday.

Come Sunday night into Monday morning, Taylor got hit with the bug – hard. She ran into our room (at 2am) and up to me in bed with handfuls of throw up. Poor girl. She had a few rough days but is back to her regular, happy self!

I was so excited that she made it through the entire school day with no issues today. When the boys and I went to pick her up from school, they were overly excited since we hadn’t been there in a few days. I was talking to one of the other moms as the boys were anxiously waiting for their sister to come out. They kept going near the sliding, automatic doors and putting their hands near them. I told them multiple times today (and on many other occasions) that they were not allowed to touch them and that someone was going to get hurt. They love watching the “magic doors” open and close. As I was standing there, I witnessed Jackson get hurt; it was almost like watching a slow-motion replay of something, but it happened quickly – within seconds, if that makes any sense. As the door was sliding open to let someone in, Jackson stuck his arm in between the doors, which quickly slid closer to him, consuming his entire arm. I screamed and ran to him (I was two feet away) and had to stop him from pulling himself, as I was afraid he was going to dislocate something or break his arm. At the same time, I was trying to pull the inner most sliding door (which was now stuck) off of him. I’m here to tell you that Mom-Strength is a real thing. I always wondered how people lifted cars off of people in emergencies, and although this doesn’t compare to a car, the door was heavy and not meant to be pulled apart. I somehow managed to pull it off of him, while holding him still. Another mother ran over to see if he was okay, and then to check on me once we knew Jacks was okay. Jackson screamed and cried and somehow walked away with only a small red mark on his arm. I am so relieved that he is okay and so irritated that he didn’t listen in the first place! These two goons can find trouble inside a paper bag.

 

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. To say it has been a crazy week would surely be an understatement. It was a week filled with emotions, illness, and stress, but I made it through in one piece, so that has to count for something. Right?

Last Saturday night, Taylor got a head injury. She had an instant hematoma. After talking to the on call doctor at her pediatrician’s office, we determined that she needed to be brought to the emergency room to make sure that there wasn’t a skull fracture or anything worse, because of the location. Keeping calm throughout this was no easy feat. The only saving grace was that Taylor was acting perfectly normal (aside from being sore) and there was no blood involved. I called my mom, who came over with my brother so they could watch the boys. Todd and I rushed Taylor to the emergency room for her first major emergency. We went to the emergency room with her once before when she was two weeks old because they suspected she had pyloric stenosis, but thankfully nothing came from that. Todd and I were beyond frazzled and quite scared when the doctor said she needed to have a CT Scan. Words like radiation, brain bleed, and skull fracture swam around in our heads. We didn’t understand how our perfect girl who was sitting up making jokes could have something so wrong internally. The words scared us, but we kept ourselves composed and did what we had to do. When Taylor was put on a gurney, she said “Hey! This sure is a comfy bed; anyone have a pillow?” She told the head of pediatrics about exactly how and why a snowflake formed when she was asked if it was still snowing outside. She told the nurses about her dog, Ranger, and how the one she had with her was pretend but the “exact same real one” was at home. She thought it was incredible that one of the techs who helped wheel her to radiology said he was her “train driver” and his name happened to be Gordon (from Thomas and Friends). She was hilarious, well-behaved, and kind the entire night. Even though she was scared, she was a trooper. She went through the CT Scan being completely still, hugging her dog. I was right there with her to hold her little feet and talk to her the entire time. I kept myself composed for almost the entire night. When I came back from radiology with her, I took a minute to go to the bathroom to have a super quick cry and text my best friends while Todd stayed with her. The doctor came in and gave her a cool magnetic doll toy for her to decorate and play with (and take home!) while we were waiting for results. I thought that was such a kind thing to do and they went above and beyond with the gift. They surely didn’t need to give her anything, but it made our girl so happy during a scary time.

When the doctor came in the room to give us the results, I literally felt weak in the knees and was sure I would fall over. I heard her say the words “All clean” and remember thinking is this real? After such a scare, to hear that she was perfectly fine was beyond amazing. I don’t know what I would have done if the results were different, but I sure am glad we didn’t have to find out. We thanked the doctor and nurses profusely, and went home where we did “cheers” with sparkling cider. I didn’t sleep at all that night, but my girl was safe and that’s all that mattered. We followed up with another doctor’s appointment where it was determined that Taylor really is just fine. I have never been more thankful in my life. When my gray hairs start poking through, I will be able to have Taylor reference this particular post.

Later in the week, Todd and I both got some kind of nasty stomach bug, thankfully a day apart. I also got a foot injury that required an urgent care visit because after 12 hours, the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Let’s just say, I’m not good with the at home pedicure razor… Knock on wood, the kids are in good health. I have bleached the house and opened the windows to air everything out. It’s been a few days now, and we are all feeling well, so I hope it remains that way.

Thank you to everyone who knew about T’s injury who reached out to me to make sure she was okay. I read her all of the comments from my personal Facebook page, and she loved the get well videos she got from a few special friends.

I have friends from different parts of my life, and I truly cherish the relationship I have with each and every one of them.  They are all so different, but the one thing my friends seem to have in common is that they are all so talented. I thought I would take a few minutes today to tell you about a few people, and highlight their amazing small businesses.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am the Queen of the Amazon, since I do the majority of my shopping through Amazon Prime, but I also love supporting small businesses.  Businesses that mean something to me. People that mean something to me.

THOUGHTS ON A WALL

My friend Amber has a small business that is so much fun.  She makes beautiful wooden artwork to be hung on walls, displayed at holidays, etc.  She recently went to a craft fair during the holiday season, and was widely successful.  I am so proud of her.  I have a favorite saying, which is actually part of a Tim McGraw song.  It is Always Stay Humble and Kind. Taylor and I sing the song together, and I have taught her the meaning behind it.  I really think they are good words to live by and really wanted it as a prominent piece in our house in some way.  I gave Amber the saying and asked to see what she could come up with, and she made me a gorgeous sign that is hanging up in my dining room.  Not only is the quote special to me, but the sign itself is beautiful, sturdy, and well made. Amber also posted a video on her Facebook page with a tutorial of a way to hang her signs without putting holes in your walls.  I was skeptical at first, but since I trust her immensely, I went for it, and I am happy to say that our sign is still hanging.  You will have to check it out on her Facebook page!  In addition to signs with sayings, at Thoughts on a Wall, you can find a variety of other items.  Some of my favorites include a height chart (which would be an awesome new baby / first birthday gift), Merry Mail (for displaying holiday cards), flour sack towels, and toilet paper with sayings on them. I kid you not about the toilet paper.  She is so creative, and the toilet paper gag gifts are hilarious.  You can check out her page here and see for yourself.  I can not wait to order my next item from her!

CRAFTY DUCK

Mary has always been so supportive of me and is so creative.  She has finally started to put some of that creative energy into making cute pillows and hair accessories.  Anyone who knows Taylor knows that she has a slight pony obsession.  Mary sent Taylor the cutest little pillow for her room.  It goes perfectly with all of her decor, and as Taylor says “It’s the most cozy pillow ever and the perfect size for ponies?” She sleeps with it every single night.  Mary also makes pillows with various sports themes, which I am sure will be a big hit for Super Bowl season.  If it’s not hockey, I don’t understand it, but I am sure she will be able to make pillows for all of your various team needs! Contact her on Facebook at Crafty Duck and have her make something for you!

THE YELLOW DOG SHOP

One of my childhood friends, Lauren, started this etsy shop, and I am so impressed with what she’s done.  She is passionate about dogs and is spreading awareness, as well as outfitting dogs with really cute collars!  Her shop is inspired by the Yellow Dog Project (which I personally knew nothing about before Lauren began talking about it).  This is what Lauren has to say about her business: Welcome to The Yellow Dog Shop, inspired by The Yellow Dog Project. If you are not familiar with TYDP, it is a concept that was started in 2012 to use the color yellow to indicate that a dog needs extra space (if they are shy around dogs, people, sick, in training, etc.) Since the project was started I have been actively promoting it locally, but I would like to reach communities all over the country as well. There are a number of other places you can purchase items to promote/support the project, but I noticed there was no where to buy the very basics … like a yellow ribbon! So please enjoy and spread the word. If you would like more information about TYDP, please visit their website: http://www.TheYellowDogProject.com

So many times, people just assume it is okay to pet our dog and just go for it.  While Ranger is okay with this, many other dogs are not and people need to understand and be accepting of that.  I have been teaching this to the kids and they know that they are not allowed to touch someone else’s dog unless they ask both us and the dog’s owner.  Having something identifying, like a yellow collar or ribbon, is an amazing way to share the notion that the dog needs some space.  I really hope this catches on and people spread awareness of this. Lauren has beautiful collars for all dogs; not just dogs who need extra space.  They are durable and beautiful! Check out her shop to get something special for your pup!

5 LITTLE MONKEYS

Rhonda’s page makes me so happy. I love flipping through and seeing what new things she has come up with.  She makes a lot of fun shirts for her own children’s special events (holidays, first days of school, etc.) and has even made some for my kids.  Last year, Taylor was celebrating her 100th day at school and wanted a special shirt to wear for it, and Rhonda pulled through and came up with something so cute, that both Taylor and I loved! She makes the most incredible glitter mugs, ornaments, onesies, etc.  You name it, she can figure it out!  She does everything with love, and it is evident in her work.  Check out her page 5 Little Monkeys on Facebook to see what she is all about. I really love that everything she does is so customizable so it can be one of a kind.  So often, Taylor and her friends are caught wearing the same shirt (not a big deal when you are five years old) but with Rhonda’s unique creations, that doesn’t happen!

CAT CHASE DOG STUDIO

Cat Chase Dog Studio is run by my friend Lindsey.  She makes gorgeous works of art from mostly colored pencils and pens; I’ve even seen seriously impressive things she’s done with sidewalk chalk. I can not adequately express how talented she is and how beautifully intricate her work is.  I have trouble making stick figures with faces when the kids ask me to draw something, but Lindsey makes vibrant paintings and drawings…and she makes it look effortless.  Everything she creates is simply gorgeous.  The Christmas card she and her husband (and furry babies) sent us is the only one we still have on display because it is so beautiful. Her work conditions may be hampered by a curious cat or two, but that doesn’t stop her.  If you would like to see more of her work, you can check her out on Instagram @catchasedogstudio.  She can also be reached via email at catchasedogstudio@gmail.com. I am surely going to have Lindsey make a picture of our boy, Ranger at some point.  How gorgeous would his little face look on canvas?

Just a while ago, I looked at the monitor and saw a small boy with his pants down. I heard the demonic giggles, and ran into the room to tell him to redress himself. I found Jospeh, with his cannoli in his hand, pulled out over his pull-up. He was standing on the back of his bed and starting to pee on his brother’s head.

That’s all I’ve got for today. Isn’t that enough?

I thought 2016 was a crazy year, but the first few days of 2017 have been rough! These boys are going through some crazy anti-sleep phase and it is exhausting me to no end and making my patience super thin. All of us have been off schedule since Taylor was on a winter break from school. Throw in the holiday excitement and we have a disaster. They actually ripped pages out of their books and ate them during the night. They now have no books again. Just when I think they are capable of earning things back… Yesterday morning, I sent Taylor to the boys’ room to open their door and wake them up. She loves greeting them each morning. They quite obviously heard me ask her this. I happened to see them (through the monitor) get out of bed, lock their door, and crawl back into bed with the covers over their heads. I had to unlock the door and force them out of bed; they weren’t getting to sleep in after an awful night of destruction and keeping us awake! Last night, I figured it had to be better. They quickly passed out at nap time and I woke them back up about 45 mins – an hour in. They still need a nap, otherwise they are in bed by six but up at midnight. It’s pretty crappy however you look at it. Anyway, last night, they moved their little end table across the floor multiple times. They gouged the hardwood floor and made me wish I had a bottle of rum. I removed the end table from their room, but they continued to run around and play for hours. They finally fell asleep around 10:30 and I thought all was well in the world until I heard piercing screams. I walked in the room to see Joseph walking in a circle, with his right leg dragging behind him. He was screaming as if in pain. As he was doing his peg-leg circle walk, he fell over and yelled that his “leg was gone and hurt.” I immediately knew that it had fallen asleep and was uncomfortable. I massaged his little leg until he felt better, but he woke up his siblings in the process. By the time I got everyone back down, it was close to midnight. Our buddy Joseph woke all of us up again at 5am, with a bloody nose.

Taylor went back to school today, after a nice long break. She was so excited to use her new backpack (an awesome Christmas gift from my parents)! While I was helping pack all of her stuff up and asking her if she was excited to start back at school, she said “Yeah! I am. I’m going to my new school now, right?” I asked her what she meant and she said “Well, it’s time for kindergarten. Kindergarten starts now, right?” My sweet girl thought she was off to kindergarten today, and she was perfectly fine with it! I hope she has the same spirit and good attitude come September.

The kids got our old / refurbished iPads from Santa this year. It was a favorite gift of theirs. They get a limited, supervised amount of time every day and play educational apps (with the occasional Minion farting game, because, minions…) We have found a huge love for ABCMouse.com (it is so fun and educational) and we are thoroughly enjoying our trial. We found a Groupon deal, that a coworker alerted Todd about, and we haven’t looked back. Last night, the kids were all nicely playing so I snuck to the next room to empty the dishwasher. I came back into the room and Taylor was playing nicely, Jackson was doing a lesson in Spanish, and Jospeh was literally hacking into the neighbor’s wireless. These kids will rule the world one day.