I Have Failed as a Mother

A funny thing that's been happening in our house is that Addison got a camera for Christmas from her Grammy and Pappy. She loves taking pictures of everything, from the TV to the cat to her brother. The other day I got her out of the bathtub and told her to put her undies and robe on while I cleaned the tub out. The next thing I know I hear the camera clicking, and I say, "Addi, did you get your clothes on already?" She says, "No, I'm just taking some naked pictures of myself." I holler, "Addison, we do NOT take naked pictures - you understand?!?!" I never thought I'd be saying these words to my child. But then, I guess I'd rather be telling her now than when she's 15 or something. And yes, I explained to her that no one should be taking pictures of her and went over all that stuff - don't worry - it ended up being a great teaching moment. Below are some of the pics Addi's taken. Luckily only the G-rated ones turned out.

Cam with a squirrel

Lalaloopsy doll

Confused Camden

Her favorite boots

Sophie, the cat

Addi's Daddy

On Wednesday, I took Addison and Camden to the park to have a picnic playdate with Addi's friends and their moms from cheerleading. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we had a great time. For a while, Addison picked about 50 dandelions and gave me the big bouquet. The kids had lunch and cake pops and then started to play again. Now the other two little girls we met were having fun playing Princess on the playset. My daughter, however, had a different idea. She asked me to help her slide down the pole. So I helped her, and then she wanted to do it over and over again. I tried to deter her and encourage her to go play with the other girls. It didn't work. Then she did it by herself and was shouting, "I did it Mommy! I did it! I went down the pole all by myself." I told her, "Great, honey!" though I didn't want to. I pointed it out to the other two moms that while their daughters placed Princess, mine was sliding down the pole. Great. As those of you who read my blog know, Addison already loves wigs, shoes, and sparkly things. Now she has also learned about the pole - which she talked about the whole way home from the park. Where did I go wrong?

Then, yesterday after work I got home and started changing from my work clothes. Addi comes in and I asked her about her day and if she got to play outside at daycare. She told me that she did and she decided that Lincoln is her boyfriend. I didn't think I heard her right so I asked her to repeat herself, which she did and said exactly what I thought she said. She said that her friend Makenna also wants Lincoln to be her boyfriend. Love triangles apparently start at the age of 4 now. Addi said she told Lincoln she wants to marry him because she wants to kiss him.

This week's chain of events has me worried. I have failed as a mother. I may have to send her to the convent at age 5.

March Madness

I can't believe the month of March is almost over! It's been amazing as far as weather goes, sunny and warm; the warmest I can ever remember. This winter was really warm overall. Now I'm just expecting a cooler-than-usual summer or a scorchingly hot one. We shall see. As long as boating season isn't ruined, it'll be fine.

Due to the nice weather, we've been playing outside a lot. I believe that Camden may end up being a landscaper when he grows up. They boy is obsessed with mulch. It doesn't matter where we are - he will find the mulch. He loves to walk in it, even when he's barefoot, loves to roll in it, and loves to throw it in the air. I am constantly saying, "No mulch, Camden." And he just says, "much, much." It's like he speaks Japanese, no "L's" yet. He also says, "Damn it" a lot. It's so hard not to laugh, especially because he says it in context. So Ike and I are just trying to avoid saying it because I'm sure he heard it from us.

My Little Landscaper

Addison's season with the Tiny Terriers ended too. It's amazing how much she's learned in just a year. She learned her backward roll, her cartwheel, and she's working on her back kickover. She's done it a few times, but it's not a consistent thing, but at 4 years old, I'd say that's pretty impressive! Her end-of-the-year party was last night. She was given the "Tiny Dancer" award because of her dancing abilities and how she just beams during the dance section of her routine. The former cheerleader & dancer in me was so proud. She's going down the same path I was with cheerleading, gymnastics and dance- except even faster than I did. I sure wasn't close to getting my back walkover at age 4. Yes, I'm bragging about her a little.

Addi getting her "Tiny Dancer" Award

The party was held at a place that sells recreation equipment, there are all kinds of swing sets for the kids to play on inside the big showroom. Camden was running around like a banchee. One lady noticed me chasing him constantly and how he'd grin and be rotten when I got close and then run. She told me, "Wow, he's pretty darn cute, but he's going to be trouble!" Gee thanks. Is the cute part supposed to make up for the trouble part? Sometimes it does, I guess.

Little Stinker

I also turned 33 this month. That just sounds so much older than 32. I'm almost to my mid 30's. Whoa. I had to work on my actual birthday but then a bunch of my fabulous and fun co-worker friends came out to Kilroy's to celebrate with me. We had a blast and the $5 individual pitchers of Long Island Iced Tea made it even more fun. I seriously work with some of the coolest people ever. That's another reason I don't want to leave the PICU - because I love my friends there and I'd miss them terribly if I left. We definitely have a bond that other people don't understand because of the stuff we see and deal with on our unit. We are able to vent to each other and we understand because we've all been in similar situations. Anyway, I'm just thankful for my friends who helped me celebrate my 33rd year of life.

Fun Chicks

PICU RN's are the coolest

Ike and I celebrated my birthday the Sunday after. We went to church, which admittedly, we haven't done in a long time, then went to my favorite breakfast spot - Cafe Patachou. Of course there was a wait and we didn't get seated and served until it was Camden's normal nap time - so he was throwing a fit basically the entire time. It was my fault though for choosing to go somewhere after church, instead of dinner. Cam is just miserable if he misses his nap, and all of Cafe Patachou was able to witness that. My apologies folks.

My best friend, Melissa took me out to lunch and to see the Hunger Games to celebrate my birthday because we are both obsessed with that series. The movie was awesome and I can't wait to see it again. And I kind of have a girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence now, not gonna lie. I wish the movie could have been longer to go more in to depth with the characters and their relationships, but it is already a 2 hour + movie. Thanks Melissa for taking me out to see it. You're the best! Can't wait to see the other two with you. And for those of you who haven't seen it - go. I think even people who haven't read the books will like it. I'm making Ike go see it with me and he didn't read the books, so I'll give you an update after I take him.

We've also been to the Zoo and to the Children's Museum. It's been a busy month!

Addi watching Cam in amazement as he pours sand on his face.

Who says you shouldn't have a fabulous pose even when you're by a walrus?

The eye of the tiger; notice Cam is backing up. He's smart.

We love spring!

On to April!

The Epic Mexican Wedding

Ike and I just got back from Mexico on Monday night. We were there for my college roomie's wedding -aka the "Epic Mexican Wedding." It was just perfect. . . epic really, hence the title. I actually cried when we left the resort to come home. Does that make me a bad mom? Here's a recap.

Wednesday night Ike and I dropped the kids off at my in-laws house because we had a 6 a.m. flight Thursday morning. This was to be our first time ever away from the kids at the same time. We'd taken trips separately, but one of us had always been home with the kids prior to this, so we were both a little nervous. But we said our good-byes and waited until Camden was asleep before we left. Addison was so excited and said it was a vacation for her too. Thank goodness for FaceTime, which we did everyday.

We didn't have any trouble at the airport. Our first flight had such a nice surprise. Apparently, Mary Katherine Gallagher, Superstar, is now a flight attendant for Continental! Who knew? I wanted to get a closer shot of Continental Mary Katherine, but this was the best I could get. Same haircut, same glasses, same outfit. Continental MK also had some similar facial expressions to MK Superstar.

Continental Superstar!

 Then, when Ike and I got to Mexico and waited in line for Customs, we had two ladies people behind us who looked like they came straight from Jersey Shore. They were super tan, had bigger muscles than my husband, bad make-up, and huge injected lips with bedazzled jeans and black tank tops. I wish I could have gotten a picture for you, but I probably would have gotten beat up. Not a good look ladies peeps, not a good look at all.

Anyway, we got to the resort and it was awesome. It was called Le Reve located in Riviera Maya, Mexico - about 45 minutes away from the Cancun Airport. Jenn and Curtis rented the whole thing out, so it was just all of the wedding attendees and the Le Reve staff. We immediately got our swimsuits on and went out to the pool to visit with everyone who'd already arrived. Of course pool time meant drink time. Keep in mind we had only had breakfast, and it is now about 2 or 3. Anyway, we had so much fun hanging out in the pool and having drinks, I didn't realize how many drinks I consumed. I got in the shower and started to get ready for the white party to be held that evening at 6:00, but after I dried my hair I ended up passing out for a few hours. Oops! Ike kept telling me to get up but I just couldn't. I think I was so tired from getting up at 3 a.m. and drinking all kinds of stuff, I just couldn't do it. I finally got my booty up at 7:30 and got ready. The white party was so fun. It was on the beach. There was a bunch of food and a mariachi band - which I didn't make it in time to see, but I think they woke me up. We made s'mores on the beach in a fire pit in the sand. I wish I wouldn't have been two hours late, but I'm glad I wasn't passed out the whole time.

 

I woke up just in time, check my mohawk - crazy wind.

The Girls

Friday the waters were really rough so we didn't get to go on the catamaran cruise/snorkeling as originally planned, but we had so much fun at the resort. I imagine there would have been a lot of "motion sickness" had we all been on the ship together after all the boozing Thursday night. We hung out by the pool and went swimming in the ocean. Everyone was so cool. I felt like we were all long-lost friends. Everyone got along perfectly. Late afternoon, Ike and I went upstairs to get cleaned up before dinner. I was drying my hair and looked outside and down to the pool to see a crowd gathered by the pool bar. Then I saw the monkeys! No, no, not the band. . . RIP Davy Jones. Anyway, Jenn has always loved monkeys and Curtis surprised her with two spider monkeys. Jenn was in tears she was so happy! I enjoyed the monkeys as well until one of them pooped on my foot. Luckily Ralph, Jenn's dad, was there to pour beer all over my toes to wash it away. He's a quick thinker, that Ralph. So the monkeys left after dark and we finished getting cleaned up, which included rewashing my feet that now smelled of monkey crap and beer.

Prior to Poop Foot

Post Poop Foot

We ended up having dinner at the resort. There were just a couple of us at the table, but more and more people started coming and the staff kept adding more and more tables to our table until our one long table took up half the room. I had the best soup of my life that night - creamed corn chowder. To die for. I think I will crave that soup for the rest of my life. We had some great laughs. I seriously haven't laughed that hard in ages. Once dinner was over, Jenn went to bed in preparation for the big day. The rest of us went to the pool bar to have drinks, hang out and play Jenga. Since we were in Mexico, we called it "Henga." We got a whopping 31 levels. Check it below. Lisa kept calling me the "Phantom" because she was never paying attention when it was my turn and I kept telling her I went, but she never actually saw me take my turn. I did though. I promise. 

Henga with my Model Friends

Saturday morning came and Ike and I hung out on the beach in the morning. I read my book - Catching Fire - the second of the Hunger Games series. I am obsessed and can't wait for the movies!! I'm currently on the last book, Mockingjay. Anyway, it was nice and relaxing. Here's a view from my chair that day. Jealousy alert.

Not too shabby, huh?

Then of course, we had some pool/drinking time. Then it was time to get ready for the wedding. I wore a purple dress. Little did I know that this was also the color that Jenn chose for the matron of honor, Angi, to wear. So I looked like a bridesmaid wannabe (even though I was, I promise I didn't wear that color on purpose).

Wannabe Bridesmaid

There was a little rooftop area above the pool bar where all the Le Reve staff guys sat to watch the wedding. Once Roberto (our favorite worker) saw Jenn (who we couldn't yet see since we weren't high in the sky like he was), he turned to Curtis and gave a big smile and thumbs up. It was so cute. Then Jenn appeared with Ralph and she was absolutely stunning!

Here comes the Bride!

She was glowing, radiant, beautiful! She looked the happiest I've ever seen her, with maybe the monkeys a close second. Curtis' reaction to her was adorable too, all teary-eyed. The ceremony was perfect and sweet and then it was off to cocktail hour, where mojitos flowed.

The New Mr. & Mrs.

Then it was dinner time. The reception was in the same restaurant where we had had all our meals before but it was transformed and looked gorgeous. Lots of candlelight, beautiful floral arrangements, twinkle lights over the dance floor. The ambiance couldn't be beat. The food was amazing, probably the best I've ever had at any wedding. The dancing started and it was a full on party from there on out. I remember hearing Rick Astley, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and of course a bunch of new stuff. It was such a fun night filled with lots of love and lots of laughter, and mustaches.

We mustache you a question

The next morning, Ike and I walked down to breakfast and once we got downstairs everyone in the restaurant gave us a round of applause. Apparently we were rockstars Saturday night. Well duh. Always. Everyone left that day, except Jenn, Curtis, me & Ike. So we were really fortunate to be able to hang out with the newlyweds all by ourselves! Jenn and I took a nap on the beach together. Just like old times at BSU. We were such nappers back in the day. We were having a conversation and the next thing you know we both fell asleep. We ended up going into Playa del Carmen that evening, went to Senor Frogs, did some souvenir shopping, and ate dinner. Our cab ride home consisted of our cab driver blaring "Ice, Ice Baby" on repeat. No matter. We all sang all the words each time regardless.

Senor Frogs in Playa del Carmen

Monday we had to go back to Indiana. Ike and I got up early to take a long walk on the beach. This trip was so good for our marriage, we really needed it. We were able to actually have a conversation without getting hit in the head with a flying pacifier or interrupted with "Mommy, Cam's putting a Lego in his ear" or the smell of a poopy diaper, etc. We adore our children, of course, but it was nice to reconnect and let loose like we used to. Then, Ike and I met Jenn & Curtis for breakfast. Jenn and I had one last Sol (beer) for good times sake. Once our taxi came, we said our goodbyes and got in our taxi. The door shut and I cried, just like the girls do when the Bachelor closes their taxi door shut. Luckily I didn't have a camera in my face, even though the videographer was still at the resort and I was threatened that he would be in the taxi as we left. But he wasn't, thank God. He would have captured the ugly cry. I just had such a good time. Everyone there was awesome and I felt like I made some new friends. Things really couldn't have been better.

Okay, get ready to pull out your violins. And I hope you like cheese, but this is my blog and I like cheese. So deal with the cheesiness. I tried to warn you.

I told Ike that I feel like I have such few really good friends anymore and Jenn is one of them. I love her and miss her so much and seeing her almost made it harder! Many friends have come and gone, but Jenn's always been there, through the good times and bad. And even though we live on opposite sides of the country, whenever we do talk, we pick up right where we left off. Of course I missed my munchkins, but I truly had one of the best weekends of my life.

I'll never forget Sol, Miami Vice, Henga, "have you ever skinny dipped with a model?," wearing Pete's shirt, "chubbin' it up," churros vs. churros (rolling the r makes it sound much different to Mexicans apparently), "5, 6, 7, 8," calling everyone a Sally, Ralph's effort to save my foot from monkey turds, and so many more. I wouldn't have changed a thing, right down to the monkey pooping on my foot. Okay, maybe I would have changed that.

Thanks Jenn & Curtis for allowing us to spend your special day with you. Your wedding was perfect. Jenn, you were the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. The weekend was perfect. You could feel the love you two have for each other, which is how all weddings should be. Thank you Jenn for being my forever friend, I love you and I am so incredibly, truly happy for you.

It's Already Started?

The other day Addison came home from cheerleading practice and told me a story that made me angry and sad all at the same time.

Keep in mind, she's only 4. Ike had taken her to practice. We take turns going with her since we both like to watch her practice and learn new things. Anyway, she told me that her coaches had changed around some of their routine. The Tiny Terriers, Addi's squad and all of the teams, have their recital aka "The Dawg Show" this weekend. So Addison proceeds to tell me about her new part at the end where she gets to do a forward roll and a cartwheel or something like that and then does an ending pose. So at the end of the routine she's by a little girl whose name I haven't heard before. She tells me that she was trying to talk to this little girl and the little girl kicked Addi and said she didn't want to talk to her because Addi doesn't have her back-walkover. Are you effing kidding me? Addi was sad about it. Not only did the girl kick her, but also insulted her because she doesn't have a tumbling move. I am planning on emailing Addison's coach about it just so she's aware of what's going on. Yes, I'm going to be that parent.

I didn't think this sort of thing would happen until at least 2nd or 3rd grade. The main thing I'm upset about is the fact that the girl kicked her. Do parents not teach their kids to keep their hands and feet to themselves anymore? I realize that kids do this sort of stuff, but this girl is at least 5, if not 6. She's obviously already in school and I can't imagine she kicks kids in her school. But who knows? Kids bring guns to school nowadays.

I remember holding Addi for the first time and thinking I would hurt anyone who hurt her. Now of course I'm not going to hurt this child, but wow am I disappointed in the lack of parenting this girl must have. I don't think it would do any good to go to the girl's mother. I don't want to be the type of parent who is always telling the teachers/coaches about other kids, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let my daughter be kicked or hit without doing anything about it. And I know many will disagree with this statement, and I know violence begets violence, but I told Addison if she ever is in a situation that she can't get out of and she doesn't find anyone to help her - to fight back.

I didn't tell her this but I feel like "narcs" get the crap beat out of them, but kids who fight back don't get picked on as much. I remember getting pushed down a huge flight of stairs in high school by a couple older girls. I so badly wish I would have just fought back when I look back at the situation now. I never wanted to cause any drama though. Always wanted to be friends with everyone. However, I think other girls saw how I let that happen and didn't do anything to help myself, and so they started to pick on me too. I became an easy target.

I think Addi is the same in that she wants to be friends with everyone. But I want her to stand up for herself more than I stood up for myself. I don't want her to be a fighter or anything, and I know she won't be - it's just not her nature, but I do want her to be able to protect herself when it's needed. Ike wants to get her in Tae Kwon Do and I think we will soon. I know kids have always been mean like this, but I never remember it starting this young.

It's hard not to worry about the things my kids are going to face in school, and in life in general. Of course I want my kids to be witty and smart and try to talk things out, but there are so many ignorant people in the world that don't know how to do that and just resort to violence. So I'll prepare my kids for both types of people. That's all I can do as a mother. I wish I could protect them from every unkind word, every insult, everything that hurts - but that is not possible. It is just sad that my four year old is already experiencing this type of hurt. And when she hurts, I hurt.

The Ho-Ho-Holidays!

Happy New Year! I hope that all of you have a wonderful, prosperous, healthy and happy 2012! I feel like it's going to be a great year.

Christmas came and went so fast this year. I always get a little depressed when Christmas is over. I always put our Christmas tree up the weekend before Thanksgiving, but I always take it down the day after Christmas. I don't know why I do that. Every year I vow that I will keep it up until New Year's Day, but I never do. I think it's an OCD thing or something. Vacuuming all the plastic needles is very satisfying to me. One thing I have left up is a neat little project I learned to do on www.pinterest.com. Check it.

Cam's handprints are the top two rows and the bottom two rows are Addi's

We had a wonderful Christmas. We tried to take the kids to see Santa again. Cam still hates Santa. If you ask him if Santa is coming to his house he'll shake his head and say, "Noooo noooo!"

Secrets

Still hatin'

My mom came into town from South Carolina for about a week and a half and I got to hang out with her quite a bit, though it wasn't enough. I still had to work and what not. We're not allowed to take more than 12 hours of paid time off between Christmas and New Year's, so I wasn't able to be off much. Christmas Eve we went to my sister's church and then went to Bravo for some great Italian food. Addi wore her dress from Harajuku Mini. They carry the line at Target and it is freaking adorable and very affordable!! She loves it too. Cam wore his little sweater vest and looked like a dapper little gentleman.

Christmas Kids

Camden does this thing where he closes his eyes, swings his head back and forth, and lip syncs. He kind of looks like he's imitating Stevie Wonder. I have yet to get a good video of it, but below are some pictures of him doing it. It is seriously hilarious. He will usually do it when he's in the high chair at a restaurant and music is playing in the background. Everyone at the table just about chokes on their food from laughter. That kid is the best I tell ya.

Christmas morning, Cam woke up at his usual 6:00. I decided to wake Addi up. And just like I thought, when I told her Santa had been at our house, she popped right out of bed. Took the kids downstairs and they had so much fun opening their stuff. Their reactions were so great. I think Addison was excited about every single thing she got - even panties! I'm not going to be one of those people who tell you everything my kids got. I get so annoyed with people who post pictures of a living room filled with presents. What's the point of that? It seems like bragging or something. I will tell you that Santa brought Addison her Rapunzel wig, and my mom bought Addi a few more wigs. We are just feeding into her addiction I think. We're enabling her. Take a look. Notice the alter ego with the wig on - the stance, the pose.

She loves her wigs

So excited!

 Christmas afternoon we went to my sister's house and celebrated Christmas with her in-laws, my mom, and my in-laws. It was so nice to have everyone in one place so we didn't have to split time between families on Christmas day. Everyone gets along great, so it was a lot of fun. The food was awesome too - which always makes it even better. Here's a pic of Cam and his cousin. I have a feeling a similar pic will be taken in about 15.2 years.

Joy Ride

I love how Addi is still smiling amongst the chaos of the boys.

Christmas day this year was hard in that it was the six month anniversary of my Dad's passing. It was strange not having him there being first in line for the food and having the grandkids jumping all over him. But it was comforting knowing that he was with Jesus on His birthday. What a celebration they must have in Heaven! It's just nice knowing that because God gave us Jesus, and the promise of eternity by believing in Him, I'll get to see my Dad again. I think I just worry about my Mom now more than anything. I just hope 2012 is a good year for her. I'm so lucky she's my mom.

I believe 2012 will be a good year for the Eichers. Eric (aka Ike) started his own business, Addison will be starting kindergarten (how I'm going to be able to handle that, I don't know), and Cam will be turning 2. I'm still working in the PICU at Riley and loving it. My New Year's resolution is to just give it all to God. I'm going to stop worrying so much, and enjoy life more. This past year and my job have taught me that life is short and you can't take anything for granted. There's a verse in the Bible that I need to call on when I start to worry. I hope you'll do the same. It's from Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and were able to make many great memories with family and friends. And may you all have a spectacular 2012! Cheers!!

Ready to go Home

There's an article that has been circulating recently about Steve Jobs and what his final words were. Reportedly, his last words were "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow." What do you think he was talking about? I think he was getting a glimpse into heaven and was amazed by it. Check out the article here. With the recent passing of my Dad, seeing kids die in the PICU, and now hearing Steve Jobs' last words - I've really been thinking a lot about what it must be like to pass on to heaven.

My sister and I were there with my Dad. His blood pressure was really low towards the end, so he wasn't totally with it, but I do know that he was with it enough to answer yes and no questions by nodding or shaking his head. I don't know if any of you have read Heaven is For Real, but I highly recommend it. It's about a little boy who visited heaven for a short period of time while he was very sick. He couldn't have made the story up, he was only 3 or 4 when it happened. Anyway, I think my dad was probably seeing heaven even before he went. His eyes were closed, but I asked him if he was ready to go to heaven, and with his eyes still closed he immediately nodded his head yes. I didn't expect him to answer so quickly and to be ready so soon. I put it off for a while and didn't really say anything. I thought maybe he was just loopy from the sedatives he was given and the fact that his brain wasn't getting much blood due to the low blood pressures. My mom was able to talk to him on the phone one last time. She was to catch a flight back to Indy the next day, so she wasn't able to be with him in the hospital the night he passed. While he wasn't able to talk to her because of the breathing tube, I held the phone up to his ear. He was shaking his head no very adamantly about something she had said. Of course I couldn't ask him what she said, but I later asked her and she had told him to hold on and that she would be there the next day. He didn't want that, he was ready. Luckily, my mom and dad had had a very good conversation earlier that day. Part of me thinks he knew that that was his last day. He didn't even pack an overnight bag to stay in the hospital even though he was told he was going to be staying overnight. I asked him again shortly after that if he was ready to go to heaven and he emphatically shook his head yes. I told him he'd get to see his mom and dad, his in-laws, his brothers and some of his friends. I think he had already seen them waiting, along with the beautiful face of Jesus. I'm sure there was music and beautiful colors and lots of light. And I told him how we would miss him so and that he was the best father and that we didn't want him to leave us, but that we'd see him again. And like I said before, my sister and I said a prayer over him and asked the Lord to take him quickly and as soon as we said, "Amen," he went asystolic. I bet he ran to the light once he was able and we let him go. Even though he looked so tired once his soul had left his body, he looked at peace.

It's the same thing in the PICU. I swear to you that we've had kids die and after we bathe them and get their little bodies ready for the parents to hold them one last time, they look like they are smiling. Honest to goodness this is the truth! I think they are smiling. They are no longer in pain and in the most beautiful of places, nothing on earth can even compare to what it must be like. And obviously, their little souls have left their bodies, but I believe God puts a smile on their little shells to let us on Earth know that they are happy and they are home. It's like reassurance or something.

For those of you who don't know, my dad was blind in one eye. He went blind because an artery behind his eye became completely occluded. He never really complained about it, but would always joke about it - so we often forgot he was blind because his eyes didn't look different from one another. Anyway, my sister had a dream about my dad a month ago. She said it was short, and it was just him and he came up to her and said, "I can see out of both of my eyes now!" How awesome is that? I had a dream about him probably about 6 weeks after he died. In my dream I saw him from afar, and he looked healthy and much younger. He was wearing his football coaching gear he wore when he was head coach of Manual High School's football team. I always loved when he wore that outfit. I also think this is my Dad's way of telling us he is healthy and happy.

And while I miss him every single day, I am so happy that he is okay. I know he is. My faith gets me through this. I really don't know how people who do not have the promise of the Lord make it through times like these. And while I love my life on Earth, when it's my time to go home I am sure I will be saying, "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow."

South Carolina and Santa Claus

So here it is December 1st already. I've taken a little hiatus from blogging recently. But I'm back. Here's an update on what's been going on in my life.

My sister and I went to visit my mom in South Carolina the weekend before Thanksgiving. We had a great time just visiting, shopping, and eating. Eating out A LOT! My mom doesn't really get to go out to eat anymore since my dad passed away, so that's really all she wanted to do when we were there. Because who wants to go out to a restaurant by herself? My mom and dad would eat out all the time; I'm pretty sure that was their favorite thing to do. It always cracks me up though because my mom lives in SC with all these great local restaurants, and do you know where she wanted to eat when we were there? Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Outback. She also really loves Steak 'n Shake, but they don't have those out there in SC. So of course when she comes back home for 2 weeks this month, we'll be making a trip to Steak 'n Shake for sure. I'm willing to do whatever makes her happy though. She's the best. And I'm amazed by her strength and courage through all of this. Even though she may be the one who suffered the greatest loss, she has still managed to comfort my sister and me a lot. Like I said, she's awesome.

I've recently found Pinterest.com and I love it. If you haven't joined, please do. It's neat because you can find ideas you like online and 'pin it' to your 'boards' so you can reference it later instead of having to print pages or anything like that. I've found a lot of recipes I want to try, along with pretty outfits, ideas for the home, and crafty stuff. Unfortunately, I really suck at crafts, so I get a little depressed when I see all these neat things people can make and then I think about how inept I am at making anything. I can bake, but I can't do much else. I could have never been an elementary school teacher, that's for sure.

I've gotten most of my Christmas shopping done - especially for the kids. Holla! However, with Addison's attitude lately, I'm not sure she'll be getting any presents. She went from 4 to 13 in a week. Talking back, disobeying, saying, "Whatever Mom." I really have no idea where she's getting it. The only shows she watches are on Nick Jr. or Disney movies - all of which I have watched and none of which have actual people - just animation. And Spongebob is not allowed in our house! So she must be picking this up somewhere else, I just got to figure out where. They always say she's so perfect at pre-school, so I don't know. I'm just getting worried. She's such a good girl, but I'm not sure where this rash of sass has come from. I just hope it goes soon because I can only threaten "Santa Clause is watching!" for a few more weeks. And don't worry, I do give her time outs. I'm definitely not one of those parents who has a child that suffers from No Discipline Syndrome. Not my kids. Never!

We went to see Santa last week and I think Camden may be scarred for life. I'm anal about my Santas and they must have a real beard. I don't want my kids suspecting anything too early. We stood in line and inched closer and closer to the front. Camden saw Santa from afar and noticed little kids sitting on Santa's lap. Then those kids got up, and the next kids sat on his lap. You could just see the little wheels spinning in his head. Like he knew this would also be his fate. Last year he was only 8 months old and he did just fine. This year, not so much. Once we put Cam on Santa's lap, Cam started screaming. Even Santa said, "Will you hurry and take the picture?" to the picture-taking lady. He was nice, I think he just thought the less he had to torture my child, the better. So the pic was snapped and Camden was off his lap in 1.2 seconds. Here's the finished product.

Then, of course, Addison had to tell Santa what she wanted. An Easy Bake Oven, a Rapunzel wig, and a make-up set. Sounds like she is on her way to being a made-up housewife! She seriously is in love with wearing her red wig. I have had so much bright red hair wrapped around the brushes of my Dyson. Now I'm going to have long blonde ones too. Oh joy. I never had an Easy Bake Oven, but I've been told they make disgusting food. That's going to be fun - yay. Gonna have to pull out my acting skills and my best, "Yum, that is delicious, Addi!" for her. You think I tease, but you know I will.