Just Add Sun

It's no secret that the Mowry's are ready for warmer days. The clouds and rain yesterday and today are such a bummer around here.

Our trip to the outlets this weekend was so refreshing. We had a great time wandering from store to store and shopping for us (and throwing some things here and there for the kids). We stocked up on some much needed summer clothing, ate late, slept in and really enjoyed one another's company. Of course, everywhere we went we were reminded of the kids and we were glad to get home to them. Glad for about 10 minutes before Cooper began his 6 hour crying spree. We still have not figured out if he was just extra tired from a couple days with Mimi and Pappy, if he was upset because his routine was disrupted, in pain because of his ears or hurting because he closed his hand in the door at Mimi's. Perhaps it could have been all of the above. But one thing was for sure, he was not our Cooper last night. It took hours and a ride in the car until we were finally able to get him down for the night. He fought a good fight, that's for sure. Luckily he only got up once during the night and that didn't last for long. We weren't sure what to expect this morning but were pleasantly surprised when we were greeted with a "HI" and a huge smile.

(Please excuse the mouthful of oreo's)

This afternoon Earl and McKenna went to the movies to see Monsters Vs. Aliens. They both reported that it was very funny and that they had a great time and great popcorn. Then they headed to Wal-Mart because McKenna insisted that she needed a new pair of sunglasses (which she had been saving her money for) another sign that we're ready for some warm rays of sunshine. I spent the afternoon cleaning out my closet. Getting rid of old stuff and making room for new. I didn't think I had much to "clean out" considering we just moved 4 1/2 months ago, but I must not have done a very good job the first time around. There's nothing better than an organized closet! It's a sickness, I know.

The kids and I spent the remainder of the afternoon playing in the firetruck tent, reading books and doing puzzles. Dinner is done, thankfully, and soon we're on to baths and bed.

Earl and I are not necessarily looking forward to the week as he is going back to evenings, two nights of overtime and 24 hour call this weekend. Ugh!! It stinks on so many levels. I hate when I don't see him all week, which is funny considering that was our life for the two years he was in school. I guess I'm just used to having him around in the evenings even if he's sometimes at work until 7pm. Oh well. We're just blessed to have good jobs.

I am really hoping to NOT have anything for Not Me Monday tomorrow, but who knows what could happen between now and then. Please keep praying for Baby Stellan as he is continuing to decline. Take care and have an awesome week.

Short and Sweet

Unfortunately, this post will have to be a short one as I attempt to do 500 things at once. I should be fairly good at that by now since I seem to always be doing at least 499 things at once, but I'm tired tonight.

Here are the pictures I promised from last weekends trip to Lewistown. Geez, that feels like just yesterday. We have continued our week at lightening speed and have not been home before 8pm any night this week. Today we were in State College for "spring" pictures. I wish I could post them here, but I guess you'll just have to trust me that they turned out awesome.

Tonight I'm attempting to get the house cleaned up, the laundry done and the kids packed for a night at Mimi and Pappy's. Earl and I are going to Lancaster tomorrow to do some shopping and maybe catch dinner with some friends. On the list, Pottery Barn Outlet, where perhaps we can finally find some end tables and maybe a lamp or two, "something" to hang on the wall above our couch, and any other fun stuff that might be a deal. We came close to staying home since the kids are still coughing and hacking, but as my mom suggested, "they can be sick at my house." You heard it...she definitely said that. She might change her mind if Cooper's mood does not rapidly improve. However given the chance to spend any amount of time with Pappy usually perks him up.

The weather is pretty yucky and rainy today but it's looking great for tomorrow and the weekend. Hope everyone has a good one.

Everyone's Doing It

Just a quick post for those of you out there who are not already praying for baby Stellan, please do so. You can catch up on his story at www.mycharmingkids.blogspot.com Everyone's doing it!

No Excuses

I know I promised pictures and I have loads of them from this past weekend's visit with my grandparents and cousins. However, I'm not going to have time to post them tonight. The beginning of this week has been extremely busy, though I realize that's not much of an excuse.
Last evening Earl and I had parent/teacher conferences at the daycare. I'm happy to report that Cooper is developmentally on target right down to the occasional episode of pulling hair when he's frustrated with someone (lovely). According to his teachers he love books, singing, lunch and he really loves routine. I have no idea where he gets that...and please try to stifle your laughter! Let's face it, that kid doesn't have a prayer.
McKenna also continues to do well in Ms. Lorraine's classroom. Ms. Lorraine says that McKenna is certainly ready for kindergarten despite the fact that her mommy is not. My favorite thing to hear was not that she's beginning to read or that she knows her address and phone number or can count to 100. I was most excited to hear that she is considerate of others. Apparently she is very attentive to the little kids and the kids who don't have anyone to play with at a particular time. I'm so glad that she thinks of other people's feelings.
Today I had Cooper back at the doctor, a whopping 1 day off of antibiotics and his ears are a mess again. So, after six bilateral ear infections since December, we're off to see ENT. I'm going to be counting the days until we can get those tubes popped in.
This weekend Earl and I are planning a long weekend in Lancaster if the kids can behave themselves and stay healthy. Until then we will be crossing our fingers!
I promise pictures with the next post. Take care everyone!

Nothing to Report

I hope everyone had a great week and now you're ready to enjoy the weekend. I know our week flew by. I can't believe it's Friday. We enjoyed the couple of evenings this week when we could get out and play or walk outdoors. The kids love our new neighborhood.
Tomorrow we are heading to Lewistown to see my grandparents so I should have lots of cute pictures for my next post. Saturday night is a homemade ice cream party at my mom and dad's. Sounds fattening but fun. I don't know about anyone else, but I need the weather to stay nice so I can get out and get some exercise. My jeans are getting a little (okay a lot) snug.
Earl is on vacation this week so I decided to take a few days off also. Thursday we're heading to State College to get the kids' pictures taken. Then maybe lunch with Kelly and Parker. Friday Earl and I are thinking of going to Lancaster on a little shopping excursion. My mom was already planning on keeping the kids overnight so that Earl and I could spend some time together. We just are having trouble coming up with something to do. But a little trip to the Pottery Barn Outlet ought to cure that!
So, not much to report but thanks for checking in anyway. Have a blessed weekend. See you back here in a day or two with some new pictures.

Blessed

Today when I picked Cooper up from daycare there was a plastic twisty straw in his cubby. I picked it up, not sure if it belonged to someone else or if it was for him. His teacher saw me and gave me the reasoning behind the straw. You can imagine my surprise when she said it was Cooper's prize for saying his Bible verse. I honestly didn't know they were practicing Bible verses. I guess it never crossed my mind since we are talking about a group of one year olds. She called Cooper over and had him repeat the following : "Jesus is the son of God". He repeated (I do use that term loosely) each word then clapped for himself when he was finished. It truly warmed my heart and once again confirmed the God had led us to the right choice with daycare and certainly the right school.



After gathering Cooper's things we walked down the hall to McKenna's room. Her teacher stopped me part way down the hall and pointed out a painting on the door that McKenna had made that day. On it the teacher had written what each child felt blessed with. The answers ranged from various toys to sun and just about everything in between. McKenna's said, "I am blessed with my family. Especially my brother Cooper." Once again I thought my heart would melt. If any of you read my post from the weekend (which I will now admit was a bit dramatic, though not out of character for me) you would know that we didn't have the greatest weekend in the Mowry house. It was a bit stressful and at times it felt like no one could get along...especially McKenna and Cooper. I suppose that made McKenna's painting a even more special. I'm glad that at 5 she can realize that we all have bad days but that we still are blessed.



These are just the small ways that I feel like God shows himself to us every day if we're willing to see Him.

Calgon, Take Me Away

If any of you have recently been on Facebook, you will see that my status says "This is not how I pictured my weekend". I can't say it any better than that. I was so looking forward to a nice, beautiful, long weekend. I got the long weekend, but not the nice part which is making it hard to enjoy the beautiful part.
Let's just recap here:
Friday: Wake up late, my back is killing me from being up with Cooper most of the night. He's obviously not feeling well but I really need to go in to work to get a few things tied up because I'm off Monday. I take him to my mom's armed with a couple of donut holes and a movie. She e-mails a few hours later to ask what she can give him for his runny nose. He's not eating, not playing much and miserable. Great. I leave work early to take him to the doctor. Diagnosis: what else but bilateral ear infections -AGAIN. So we're off to CVS for antibiotics. I realize that I'm for sure getting what I had coming since I plagued my own parents with countless ear infections when I was a kid. By now Cooper is completely miserable and I have yet to pick McKenna up from my mom's and get at least a few groceries. I give up and come home...both will have to wait. At home I plan to put Cooper in for a nap, but he's not having any of that. He cries so I hold him. He cries some more, so I try rocking him. He continues to cry so I put on a movie. Nothing is helping. Soon we're both going to cry. I try singing to him (for what that's worth) and it works a little. After about an hour he's fallen asleep. Unfortunately that lasts for all of 20 minutes and we're right back where we started. This goes on for most of the evening and into the night. Both Cooper and I sleeping fitfully in all rooms of the house until the morning when Earl gets up and sends me back to bed. I wake up Saturday morning, my entire body stiff from sleeping on the couch half the night...but I'm ready to go. Silly Me!
Saturday morning is met with tears from not only Cooper, but McKenna too. She's sick is what you're probably thinking. I can almost say that I wish that were the case. No, she's 5 and she's apparently going to start arguing with me about what she wants to wear. In the case of Saturday morning it was a tank top that led to our demise. I want more than anyone else to put on summer clothes (well, maybe that's a stretch. It would be nice to lose a few pounds first) however it's a little too soon. So, after much argument McKenna found herself punished to her room until she could turn off the tears and get along with everyone. Let me just tell you that it's Sunday afternoon and we're still working on that. Today it wasn't the outfit, but the fact that she wanted to wash rocks in a bucket of water at 10am.
To some of you it might not sound like an all together bad weekend, and I guess it isn't. I guess maybe I'm just tired of cleaning up mud, washing clothes (that have mud on them), wiping noses, doing dishes, cleaning up yogurt raisins that Cooper tried to feed the dog, cleaning up more mud...I'll spare you the rest of the details. Let's just say I've not been able to get a single thing done. We've been in damage control mode since Friday. So, there you have it, the reason for the title of my post. Which by the way...do they still make Calgon or am I really dating myself?
It's good to remember that I am lucky to have kids and a dog and a brand new muddy front yard. I am, deep down, thankful for all of these things. Thankful that Cooper only has an ear infection and not something much worse. Thankful that I have three days to spend with them even if they are driving me crazy. Thankful that I have friends like you who will surely laugh at me when you read this, but are just there to listen. Thankful that I have been blessed with everything I could possibly ask for...except maybe less mud and someone to come clean my carpets. But that too will come with time (Earl doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be cleaning these carpets next week during his vacation. Sounds fun huh?)
So, I guess I'll check in on Facebook and change my status to something a little more upbeat...at least until the next time Cooper is crying and the dog tracks in more mud.

WOW Was It Windy!

Well, I must say that those of you who prayed along with me last night for wind for "Kite Day" really must have done the trick. A full blown 'wind advisory' was not exactly what I had intended, but hey, it made for great kite flying.

After flying kites I headed to get my haircut and do a little shopping with my mom. It wasn't exactly a glamorous shopping trip, but a trip to Target to pick up some of the things I forgot last weekend at the mall. I managed to remember pillows and sheets but once again came home without a crockpot. I seriously am having issues. I went for pillows, sheets and a crockpot...that's it! How can I keep forgetting the crockpot? Oh well!

The kids are currently soaking in the tub as we await Earl's arrival home from work. Must have been quite a day. He'll be thrilled to know that Cooper ate his first marshmallow peep today. Great food for a toddler right? Oh well, who cares. He liked it and has been walking around saying "peep" ever since. Luckily they are gone so I don't have to worry about him asking for more.

Tomorrow is back to work and school again. These days off go by so fast. Hopefully Thursday and Friday will go as well as the first part of the week. The kids and I are looking forward to another three day weekend! YEAH!! I love when it works out that way. Then again, who wouldn't?

I'm not really sure what the reason is behind my post tonight. I was actually in bed, but something told me I should get up and blog for awhile. Strange! The thing is that I was dreading this week...the time change, the change in the kids schedule, work...you name it. But it has turned out to be such an awesome week so far. Not because of any one thing in particular, it's just been great. For one thing no one has been as tired as I thought they would be in the mornings. And I've had a blast (yes, I really did say that) at work the past two days. My co-worker and office mate, Tara, and I have been laughing non-stop for two days. Again, over nothing in particular. But again, ti's been great.

And because it's finally been announced at work, I can announce it here too...I've decided to go part time in August. Some of you know that it was pretty much an agonizing decision for me. I've been thinking about it, praying about it, thinking about it, praying about...well, you get the picture. There were finally enough little "things" that fell into place that I eventually said, "Okay, I've got it Lord, you've allowed all these things to happen for me and I'm listening." I won't lie and say that I'm as at peace with the decision as I thought I would be. My job has been such a huge part of my life and such a huge commitment for the past 9 years that I'm not sure how all of this is going to work. But, my kids and my family are an even bigger part of my life and they certainly deserve more of my time and commitment than my job. I am hopeful though that I will have more of an opportunity to get back to hands on patient care which I miss so much. I've really felt called to get back to that in the past few months.

In other news, Cooper said three words in a row tonight..."Momma, book please". It's been hard not to compare his vocabulary and language development to McKenna who has had a gift for gab since day one. But, he's coming along and saying more and more every day. It's amazing to me the fact that I feel the same sense of joy seeing him reach milestones as I did with McKenna. I guess I just thought it would be kind of like old hat with the second one but it's not. It's almost even sweeter because you cherish all those little moments a little more. It's like with the first one you're so intent on "teaching" them things. With the second one you're a little more relaxed and they just "happen". For me it's just a whole new experience and a whole new view.

Tomorrow is Kite Day in McKenna's class. They are studying wind this week and tomorrow they are going to fly kites. They've asked for a few parent volunteers since helping 8 kids fly kites at once is bound to be interesting. So, of course I signed up. I'm not sure how much help I'll be, but what the heck. McKenna is super excited because she got a brand new kite at the beach this past summer and she's dying to fly it again. So please, if you're reading this before 11am on Wednesday, pray for good weather so we can get outside and fly those kites. McKenna continues to amaze me with her maturity and the fact that she's growing up so fast. She can now shop in the "big girls" section at the Gap. I could cry over that...but I'll save that for a more private time so you all won't laugh at me. Seriously though, she picked out two new shirts and a pair of flip flops this weekend and she looked so stinkin' cute and so grown up in them.

Well, I should head back to bed. Tomorrow is a busy day all around. Hopefully tomorrow night I'll have pictures from Kite Day.

Whew...What a Weekend!

Yeah, spring has sprung!!! Well, at least around here we're declaring winter over and welcoming anything other than 30 degree temperatures. Our three day weekend was packed with fun and family. Here's the run down:

Friday we welcomed my cousins Julie and Nicole and their significant others, my brother, parents and my Gram and Pap Landis. Our we pigged out on pizza and some other goodies for lunch. After lunch the girls played with the kids while the guys caught a quick nap. Not sure why it's always the guys that get a nap, cause I sure could have used one! Anyway, the kids had a great time playing. Hayden is so cute and so much fun. Cooper wasn't sure what to think about her at first but soon enough they were chasing each other around the dining room. We enjoyed the nice weather that afternoon as we played with the bikes and took a walk around the neighborhood. It was so nice to have everyone together and to watch the kids play. I have tons of pictures but have only posted a few since it takes so long for them to upload.

McKenna and Hayden

Mommy and Cooper

Nicole and Jon (the picture is a little blurry...but it's priceless!)

McKenna and her "favorite" Uncle Shane. (He pays her to say that!)


Saturday morning we were up early, had french toast for breakfast and then headed for the park. We had a great time swinging, sliding and running around. Again, it was so great to be outdoors. We have confirmed that Cooper does not fear a single thing as evidenced by his numerous trips down any slide we would allow him on. He is so different from McKenna in that respect considering that she would not go down the tube slide until she was almost 4! The afternoon brought more time outside riding bikes with the neighbors. It does my heart good to see McKenna play and ride bikes with the girls from up the street. It brings back such memories. I just pray that she has a great childhood like I did. Saturday night we took a quick trip to the mall for a new set of sheets and a new crockpot. We came home with new sneakers, a pair of flip flops and two shirts. I guess the crockpot and sheets will have to wait until next time when Cooper is in the shopping mood. After stopping for a quick dinner we headed to Mimi and Pappy's for a short visit. Cooper loves to go see his "Pap-Pap" (and Mimi too...although he is clearly a Pappy's boy.)

So that brings us to today. I must admit that I do not look forward to this day...the day after we turn the clocks ahead. I like the fact that it is almost 7pm and still light out. But I hate the fact that tomorrow morning when the alarm goes off it is going to feel like 3:30am instead of 4:30am. I know by now to expect that the kids will be "off" all week...YUK! Oh well, I guess we have to take the good with the bad.

Here's to a good week, tired or not!

Thank Goodness It's Almost....Thursday???

Tonight we enjoyed an evening out to dinner with my parents and my brother, Shane. Tonight was celebrity service night at AppleBee's in Lewisburg. This is our second year attending. The local State Police wait tables and all the tips go to Camp Cadet, a summer camp for kids interested in careers in law enforcement. It's something my dad really supports so we try to support them too. We had a great time, although we ate too much, as always!

Tomorrow is our "Friday", thank goodness. We are ready for a day off. We are spoiled in that we do not often work/go to school more than 2 or three days in a row. This week I took off Friday because my cousins and grandparents are coming (but I think I already mentioned that in a previous post). Anyway, it's been a long week and we are all tired. We can't wait for our three day weekend! And good weather!! Well, at least a little warmer perhaps. Cabin fever is just about killing us. We're so ready to get outside, enjoy our new neighborhood, plant some grass and get some landscaping done. I don't want to wish my life away, but let's face it...it's time to be done with winter!

Sorry this post is a little random, but that's our life lately....a little of this and a little of that. We're so thankful to have the opportunity lately to spend time with friends and family. Nothing beats that.

Well, I better run. Earl is attempting (without much luck) to tuck McKenna in to bed. She's upset because she wants to camp out in our room for the third night in a row. Not gonna happen. I'm sure glad Earl is dealing with this one.

Our weekend in pictures.

"I love birthday parties"

Why feeding your kid Chef Boyardi's is wrong on so many levels.

Tired out after a long weekend.

Still going strong!

So, there you have it. A little slice of our weekend. We spent Friday evening at home watching movies and playing board games. I'm sorry to report that my five year old daughter beat my pants off in a game of Memory. Apparently I don't have a memory any longer. Although I am able to remember being five years old and beating my mom at Memory.

Saturday morning we were up and dressed and on our way to Harrisburg for a birthday party. We left a little early so that we could stop at the Ethan Allen furniture store to continue our quest for end tables and a dining room set. And once again...a total waste of time. We had a nice time at the birthday party but had to leave a little early because I needed to attend a function at work. McKenna spent the night at Mimi and Pappy's last night. She had a 'camp-out' with Tighe and Mimi in the sun room.

Today was the usual, groceries, laundry, vacuuming, dinner, and let's not forget a quick trip to Target. That's become one of my favorite diversions. We had hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill tonight - just proof that our cabin fever rages on. I am sincerely hoping that we don't get ANY snow tomorrow.

The kids have been keeping us very entertained lately. McKenna is always teaching us something new. Last week was about the dentist and caring for your teeth. This week we have moved on to the food pyramid. She analyzes every meal that I serve...the good and the bad. Let me just tell you that my shopping cart was extra full of fruits and veggies today so that I don't feel so guilty when we she points out the "junk" that's around the house.

Cooper is turning out to be the comedian of the family. He loves to make everyone laugh and he's pretty good at it too. His vocabulary multiplies on a seemingly daily basis. He is finally able to say "help" which is a huge. He has also mastered potato, shoe, coat, bath, yogurt, cheese, and stool. Oh, and he will now tell you, "I pooped". Lovely.

We're looking forward to a visit from my cousins Julie and Nicole and their husbands/boyfriends/kids on Friday. It ought to be a full house since we will also be hosting my gram and pap, mom and dad and Uncle Shane.

I should head off to finish getting things ready for tomorrow though and get the kids to bed. With any luck I'll be able to read a little tonight before heading to bed...but I won't count on that.

Have a great week!