What am I going to do with this blog????

Make it into a book. Awesome! Thanks Karen for passing this site along. I am so excited.

http://www.blurb.com

Election 2008!!!!

Barack or John? Who will it be?????? I have said it before and will mention it again, if you have NOT taken the time to educate yourself on some very important issues, please do so TODAY!

Go to www.rockthevote.com to find the voter registration deadline for your state. Make sure you CAN vote. The deadlines are fast approaching with Oct. 6th being IT in Florida.

Go to http://www.votebyissue.org/election2008/ if you REALLY want to honestly see which candidate you agree with the most. I know too much about both Obama and McCain so obviously when I took the quiz, I knew where my results would lead. I agreed with Obama on 9 issues and McCain on 2. BUT this is really cool for anyone who is undecided or wants a quick way to figure out who to research first.

Here is Obama's website: http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Here is McCain's website: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/

Now YOU have NO excuse.

Top 10

Top 10 list from our week in San Destin:

10-The jellyfish (only part of the top 10 b/c they were cool to look at, fun to catch in the net and did NOT sting any of us)

9-Piling in the van over and over again just so we could all ride together

8- ZERO work stress!

7-Playing on the playground with the kids

6-Family time!!!!!!!

5-Crabbing on the warf (Bryan and Jennifer's first time)

4- Great food and live music (dancing) at Poppy's

3-Watching the kids play on the beach

2-Seeing sweet Jackson (last time I saw him he was 10 months old!)

1- GREAT times with GREAT friends!!!! Reece's, we miss you guys!

My first crown

I got my first crown!!!!! HOWEVER, it is not the beautifully jeweled princess kind that I would accept gladly. This crown I did NOT want. So here is the story:

On Monday, the day before we were supposed to leave bright and early for a week long vacation, I took a bite of a miniture chocolate chip cookie while the kids were sleeping and immediately felt like my tooth had crumbled. I spit everything out in my hand and confirmed my suspicions....my tooth was in about 13 small pieces. I washed my mouth out, looked in the mirror and freaked! I had 1/3 of a tooth left on my 4th tooth from the front!!!!!! The rest was nasty, jagged and black. Lovely, huh? Do you want to throw up yet? If not, read on.

I called our amazing sitter right away and she ran over. The kids were asleep so I left to go to the dentist....the dentist I have had weird feelings about for a year now. He told me that I had a HUGE cavity, my tooth was broken to the nerve and to "go on vacation, try not to eat or drink much (LOL) and come back on Monday for a crown.". He looked at my chart, told me he filled that cavity in 2006 and must not have gone deep enough. People....I have had 3 cleanings since then AND x-rays!!!!! If the cavity was big enough that I lost a tooth, it must have been big enough to see on x-rays!!!!!! OK, so as you can imagine, I was not too happy with his opinion.

I left this doctor and headed straight to the one I have been wanting to visit for some time. (Recommendation from a friend, thanks Michelle!) This office was amazing and OUTRAGED! I showed them my tooth and they freaked out. The immediately cleared Dr. Lewis's morning and made room for me 1st thing so we could still go on vacation.

Yesterday I spent from 8:30-12 at my new dentist's office. After a root canal and a temp. crown, I was allowed to go home. However, this doc told me this should NOT have happened, that I also have a few other "bad fillings" from this man and that I need to get all my records. ARGH! I have been the victim of a dentist who does not know jack! From here I get to go have some nasty gum/bone surgery thing, come back for a new temporary crown and then wait 3 weeks for my real crown. Then we will address issues 2-5, I suppose. THEN Phil will go see him and we can fix all the problems Dr. Joyner (old dentist) may have caused him.

So today Phil and I talked about what our second honeymoon to Peter Island WOULD have been like. Instead we will have a few crowns, etc. and not the sparkely princess kind either!

Princess Sunscreen

What started as a normal Sunday morning, quickly turned into a funny "situation". Phil, the kids and I left the house on our way to run some errands. We headed to Lowe's first, got what we needed and moved on. We were almost home and decided to run into McDonald's to pick up some parfaits for the kids. If you have never had a parfait from McDonald's, they are YUMMY (vanilla yogurt, fresh berries and granola).

We decided it would be ok to let the kids have their treats as we drove home. Half way there I looked behind me and the kids were eating peacefully with HUGE smiles on their faces (b/c like mentioned before parfaits rock). We were getting off the highway at our exit and I turned around again. This is what I saw:

and

I said "Samantha, what did you do?". She looked right at me with the most innocent smile and said "Princess sunscreen Mama.". We just laughed. What a clever child. ;) (BTW, the picture does not do it justice. Let's just say she was ready for a day on the beach with FULL sun. The girl was head to toe in "princess sunscreen".)

Remembering....

This morning I saw an ambulance with it's lights on racing down the highway. I almost started crying. I have seen this before and have not been phased..besides saying a quick prayer that everything will be ok for the person inside. Today was different. I saw the ambulance and immediately was inside holding onto Samantha wanting to fall apart inside.





Last February Samantha had a febrile seizure. Samantha and I were rushed to Wolfson Children's Hospital in an ambulance while she received oxygen and fluids. I was strapped to a stretcher and held onto her for dear life. I was scared to death! I thought I was losing my baby girl.....my precious angel. It was then that I learned how fragile life is and that things can change in an instant. Lucky for us, we learned that Samantha has JUST suffered a febrile seizure (actually fairly common) and that she would be just fine! We returned home that night and continued on with our amazing life. We were so lucky and ARE so blessed.





Here is the story:


Samantha woke up in the morning and acted completely normal. I took Cooper to school and Samantha and I headed home. She started to act funny and felt warm. I took her temp and it was a scary 104. I immediately put her in the tub and called her doctor. We left about 15 minutes later, met with the doc, gave her a dose of Motrin and headed home. My neighbor got Cooper from school since I was at the doctor. Samantha played with Cooper and was acting 100% normal. I was thrilled that the Motrin had kicked in and she was fine. I put both kids down for a nap about 1pm. At 1:30 Sammy woke up moaning. I went in and gave her a half a dose of Tylenol. She seemed ok so I walked out, ran next door to get more Tylenol (I had run out and Michelle ALWAYS has extra) and came back. This all took about 3 minutes. I went in to give Samantha the second half of the dose and found her limp. She was in bed, completely limp, staring into space, tiny pupils and making the most ghostly moaning sound. I grabbed her as I was screaming "Sammy, what is wrong. Wake up, Wake up!!!!'. She was dead weight and was not responding. IT sounded like she was not even breathing. I ran outside and across the street to a neighbor who is a nurse. I banged on her door and no one came. I yelled for help and the pool guy next door (they were building a pool) ran over to me. I was on the phone with 911 when the pool man told me he was a paramedic. He took the phone and told me to bring Samantha inside. 911 told us they were on their way and told me to let this man, this angel man, take Samantha. At this point I was emotionless. It was like I was completely out of my body. I was just there, watching my baby suffer some horrible thing and was completely powerless!





The man took Samantha, lifted her upright and immediately she started breathing. She looked at me and stopped moaning. 1 minute later 5 paramedics ran through my door, grabbed my baby and started an IV on her. She was not responding like they wanted and they told me she would need to be transported to Wolfson. I called my friend Sybil who rushed over to take care of Cooper (who slept through this all). I got in the ambulance where they strapped me down and handed my baby back to me. She had all these wires on her testing her oxygen and things, an IV and a mask. She would not look at me or answer me when I spoke to her. She would also not take a paci which is SO WEIRD! We left the neighborhood with lights on and I called Phil to tell him we were on our way in an ambulance to Wolfson. That was about all I could get out. I called my mom to tell her to start praying. It was about 5-6 minutes later when Samantha pulled on the green string holding her mask on and said "pretty mama". I think my heart skipped a beat, it was the first time I thought things may be ok. The sweet lady EMT riding with us told me about Febrile Seizures and speculated that it was what had happened. The way I described it was correct and she was slowly coming back, which is typical.





They wheeled us into the ER and looked up and there was Phil, scared to DEATH. Samantha and I saw him and both immediately burst into tears. All emotion came back in that instant. It was like I was told "ok, now you can feel because Phil is here to help". They ran some more tests, did a catheter and finally told us we could go home. My parents came down immediately and helped us that evening since we were not doing so well. I sat by Samantha and watched her ALL NIGHT! We woke up the next morning and life moved on.....normally, with a PERFECTLY healthy baby girl.

Since that terrible day I have learned a ton about Febrile Seizures. It is not likely that she will suffer another one. Once she turns 5, the likely hood is even more slim. She cannot get hurt during one but they TERRIBLE to watch. Our friend and several doctors have said Febrile Seizures and Heart Attacks are about the worst things you can possibly witness. And I had to see it happen to my princess.....only 18 months old!


So, every day I thank God for the blessings in my life. I have two very healthy and alive children, a supportive family, an amazing husband, a GREAT roof over my head, etc. But it was THAT day that I knew just how blessed I truly am. I don't think the memories and emotions from that experience will ever fade, they are just too real.

I am obsessed!

One of Phil's coworkers sent this link to me http://www.yearbookyourself.com/ and since then I have been obsessed. I think it is the most hilarious website ever! Have fun!

Bowling

Last weekend we went bowling. I was reminded while watching 90210 (I hear angels singing in my head b/c I love the new 9'er soooo much!) of how much fun bowling can be. I used to make my friends (Josie....remember?) in high school go. I let my college friends off each but drug my ATL friends along a few times after college. I love bowling and have not been in FOREVER!



So, Sybil and I were talking about the idea and decided it was a sure thing. We asked my babysitter (I am SO OLD) where a bowling alley is and Phil called to check on times. Little did we know you have to have a reservation for cosmic bowling! Thank goodness Phil called because we got one of the last two lanes avaliable.



We got our shoes, found our balls (lol) and settled into our lane. I bowled a strike on my second try and then talked some smack. However, that was the LAST good bowl I had in all 3 games. It was an amazing night with great friends having quality fun. The blacklights were on, the music was pumping and the keg beer was nasty! Just what you would expect from a night of cosmic bowling.

Little did I know, Sybil and I STINK but Phil is amazing. He is pretty competitive and seems to pick up any sport he tries, really well. He did so well he even won a free game for next time. YES, there WILL be a next time. Want in????

I felt HORRIBLE the next day, probably from the pitchers of nasty beer we consumed. BUT I would not trade the evening for the world. It brought back so many bowling alley memories of good times with good friends. Try it, I think you will like it.

And it OBVIOUSLY enabled us to act like the mature adults we are! YES, this guys is a doctor folks....scary huh? (sorry Mark!)

Now I better go get ready for White Trash Bunco tonight. I am serious!!!! Look forward to that post tomorrow.

4 in a bed....

We have been having some bed issues at our house lately. Cooper has been having "weird dreams" about dinosaurs and Samantha has been falling out of bed. So, this results in all 4 of us in our bed! Just think about it for a minute and you will laugh.

The evening usually starts out with Phil and I in our bed. Then about 2 am we hear tiny feet and Cooper comes into our bed, taking over the middle spot. Usually about 4 or 5 am Samantha starts crying. I get up and head to her room to find her in lots of weird positions...sometimes falling our of bed. (Samantha sleeps in the iron bed I gre up in. It is very high but we have rails on either side. She STILL manages to find a way to fall out!) I try and sleep in her room with her but she usually cries and wants "mama's bed". We got back and have to fit into my spot...together. Samantha likes to flip in circles during her sleep so I am laying on about 4 inches of matress (this is all I get when all 4 of us are in bed) and I have two stinky 2 year old feet in my face. Then about 6 am Cooper usually makes a noise and Samantha freaks out yelling "Bubbie is awake Mommy! Toons time!!!!!!". (Toons time = cartoon time)

We have talked about the issue and think we have solved half of it. We went this weekend and bought Samantha the most adorable 1940's twin bed. It is low to the ground, she feels extra cozy in it and she has slept ALL night for the past 2 nights. (Knock on wood....) Now we have to figure out Cooper's issues and we will be all set. But at least for now, 3 in a bed is better than 4!!!!!

To my friends in TX...

As I watch CNN from my living room in Florida, my Houston friends are on my mind. Ike is about to slam into Galveston and make it's way to my old home during the night. Our friends have stayed in town and have plans to hunker down. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers this evening and during the next few weeks. My hope is that Ike can die down soon and not cause the massive destruction that is being forcast. However, no one asked me and hurricanes tend to have minds of their own.

Please keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers:

The Reece Family

The George Family

The Harms Family

The Williams Family

The Hughes Family

The Calland Family

The Kalmus Family

Kelly

Marcus

Brian

The Apex Houston team

The Rylander Team

We are thinking about you!!!!!!!!

Very true! Check this out.....

I came across this blog by reading the comment section on my friend's blog. With this whole "political mess" going o right now, I think it is important to educate yourself, choose a stance and VOTE! Until recently I was one of the many who "never talked politics" and "was too busy"....or so I thought. Then I decided to WATCH CNN with my husband, read about Obama and McCain and educate myself. As soon as I did, I got FIRED UP! How can anyone sit back this year and let this election come and go? The issues are TOO important to NOT act. Please, whatever you do, just spend the next 10 minutes reading about the upcomig election. Log off Facebook, return emails later, close your office door, whatever you have to do......just try. You have less than 2 months to make a difference.

http://martynoliver.blogspot.com/2008/09/going-long.html

Maybe THAT will encourage you.

Now see if you are registered to vote: https://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php#

90210

Remember these amazing people that invaded every house in America during the 1980's and 1990's? When the show began my mom overheard me having a conversation with a friend about something Brenda had done. My mom said "Katie, you know this is not real life, right?". My mom always tried to point that out to me. When I was 15 I would roll my eyes and think to myself "whatever mom". But now that I look back on my obession with West Beverly High, Brenda, Kelly, Dillon, Brandon, The Peach Pit and so on......I realize why my mom was concerned.

Maybe it was the fact that I grew up with 90210. I watched it religiously every week and often caught reruns on the off days. I went to Junior High, High School AND college while my 90210 friends completed their 4 years of high school (LOL, seriously it went on forever!).

In High School Ashley and I would sometimes sit on the phone DURING the episode so we could discuss it. Then in 1996 I went off to college and was SO lucky to meet 3 amazing friends who valued their friendships with the stars as much as I did.

Megan, Kristen, Kelley and I had specific rules during 90210! NO talking, NO answering the phone and NO visitors. This was a time of no TiVo and if you missed it, you missed it. Can you imagine missing Donna almost lose her virginity or Brandon and Kelly's first kiss? OMG, NO!

Senior year Kelley, Megan and I sat on the floor of our apartment and cried together as we watched the final episode. Not only had we grown up with 90210, we had bonded and spend MANY hours watching it together. We cried because we would miss our West Beverly friends, our weekly tradition and EACH OTHER (graduation was near).

So, 90210 holds a very special place in my heart. I cannot think of another show that changed my life in so many ways. (I can hear my mom right now....."Oh my goodness did she REALLY just say 90210 influenced her?")

You can just imagine my excitement when I heard there would be a NEW 90210. Last week was the premier and yes, I watched it. I hurried home from my junior league meeting, freaked out until I found the right channel and stayed up till 10 (a rare thing for me these days) just to meet my new West Beverly friends. I am addicted again. I am not sure if it even has anything to do with the current show or the fact that I am just so happy to have 90210 and all the fuzzy memories it provides me back in my life.

SO, thank-you CW....you have made me a happy woman!

A great day!

Yesterday Phil woke up and said "I am taking the day off!". Of course I did not think he was serious until he asked Cooper if he wanted Daddy to take him to school. Phil and I got the kids ready, walked them into their classrooms and then enjoyed 3 hours of alone time shopping and just hanging out. We sat in the bookstore for a while reading new books, walked through Costco and even made it to the Town Center.

Eventually we got the call from school that Sammy was upset so we headed to get the kiddos. The four of us went to lunch, shared a milkshake and annoyed lots of people on lunchdates. ;) The kids took a wonderful nap, I grocery shopped ALONE and Phil and I ate dinner and watched CNN together until bedtime.

What a wonderful day! It is those little spur of the moment decisions sometimes that mean so much to your family. I know the kids enjoyed having Daddy home and I LOVED shopping around town (alone) with my husband. Thanks Phil....for a great day! We love you.

HAPPY GRANDPARENT'S DAY!!!!!

Cooper and Samantha are BLESSED with the four best grandparents on Earth! They provide constant love, support and encouragement to the kids; weekends away, financial contributions and advice to Phil and I. If you ask either of our kids who their favorite people are, numbers 1-4 on their list include Dede, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa (in no particular order, lol). Each night we pray for our special loved ones and wish they were closer. I try and explain to Cooper and Samantha how lucky they are to be so loved by so many.

So Dede, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa.....we would like to wish you a VERY Happy Grandparent's Day. The only thing that could make today better would be to spend it with you. We love you!!!!!

In Cooper's words:

Dede, I like when she give me hugs. I like when she goes to my birthday. Dede brings me Pez.

Papa, I like when Papa cuts down tree branches with me. I like when Papa lets me pet Raga.

Grandma, I like when Grandma makes me popcorn. I like when Grandma paints with me.

Grandpa, I like when Grandpa gives me hugs. I like to go to Grandpa's house in the snow.

In Samantha's words:

Dede, Dede my pretty.

Papa, Papa sing songs me.

Grandma, Like grannma go school.

Grandpa, Grandpa hold me.

Safety First!

Mom: in Kohl's parking lot "Sammy, hold Cooper's hand or my hand." (usually she will hold Cooper's and I will hold his other hand. We make a nice long chain!)

Samantha: "No mommy, I hold Sammy's hand." Then she puts her two hands together like opera hands and proceeds to walk to the car.

All the while I am screaming at her to come hold one of our hands because holding your own hand is just NOT safe. People were looking at me like I was crazy! Samantha was just strutting her terrible two little self across the lot holding her own hand.

Then today at the beach we were getting ready to cross the street. I was hoping she had forgotten her new safety trick. I asked Samantha to hold my hand and she said:

"It ok mama, I hold Sammy hand."

Oh goodness!

In memory of Jimmy and honor of Kit!

Last night CBS, ABC and NBC collabrated to Stand Up 2 Cancer! http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/index.php

Did you know:

1 in 2 men will get cancer
1 in 3 women will get cancer
550,000 Americans die every year from cancer, 6 million world-wide
cancer is the number 2 cause of death in children
1500 Americans dies EACH DAY from cancer, one a minute
cancer affects every age, race, economic level, and every family!

Personally I have lost an amazing uncle to the battle, watched my High School best friend's mother fight and ache for a neighborhod mom dealing with chemo right now! I do not want this list to grow.

Last night they mentioned a cure could be about 20 years away. That would be when Cooper and Samantha are in their early 20's. With funding, the research can continue at a faster pace and we could see a cure as early as 5 years from now.....when my kids are 7 and 8!!!!

You can donate all week at 1-888-90-STAND or http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/index.php.

1st day of school

Well, this morning I packed lunches, loaded up the backpacks, embroidered a quick gift for the teachers (of course, haha), dressed the kids and we were OFF! We were the first ones to get to school. I am very prompt! We went potty and hung out in the hallway greeting other kids. Cooper was VERY excited and Samantha seemed to be ok too. She was quiet but sat on the floor waving at her teachers.

(note, I cried once in the car on the way to school but quickly gathered myself.)

9:00 came around and Cooper walked into his classroom. He was off and started his day with no problem. He absolutely LOVES school and has attended Precious Promises for 2 years now so he is comfortable there. His friend and neighbor, Logan, is also in his class and that is exciting.

I took Samantha down the hall and there was a boy screaming for his mom. He was sitting on the teacher's lap, a few kids were wandering about the room and Samantha walked in very quietly. She looked at me and I walked away. I did not want to prolong anything or make her cry. As I started walking out of the building, I LOST it!!!!! My baby just started preschool.

When Cooper went to school for the first time it was one morning a week and he was 20 months old and I had a 4 month old. I cried for HIM. I was scared of what it would be like, if he would have fun, if he would do ok, and all that. This time Samantha is starting school at 26 months old but for 3 mornings a week. (They canceled their other programs.) I cried this time because my BABY, the one that is always with me on errands, in the house, in the car, etc. was gone. I cried for ME! I know she will be ok. She is strong, a second child and has watched Cooper go to school for two years. I got the the car, looked back and saw two empty car seats. I know I need this time....alone time. I have devoted every day and every hour for the last few years to my kids and this is "good". (Or so everyone says!) I just think being with ME will take some getting used to. I will miss my buddies.

I went to Hobby Lobby, one of my favorite stores, and seemed to wander around in the silence for a good hour. I went up and down every aisle and just thought. Then the phone rang. Samantha was crying for me and they thought I would want to know. I am not sure if I was secretly excited or what but I RUSHED to school (3 blocks away, I had not gone far), got my baby and we were off to the mall till Cooper was ready to be picked up.

SO, the director says it may just take some time for Samantha to adjust to being there the whole time. I really think Samantha is just taking care of her mama because truthfully it may take ME some time to adjust and I am 100% ok with that! Together my baby and I will ease into this whole "school" situation.

Looking back.....

I was looking for something on my computer and found this:

Cooper, 9 months, taking his first steps. OK, so you cannot pick the time babies start walking and dress them in a cute outfit and then grab the camera. Cut me some slack on the fact he is wearing a diaper and nasty drooly t-shirt. LOL.

Bristol Palin

I have been thinking A LOT about Palin's daughter, Bristol and how she must be feeling right now. She is a pregnant teen, probably scared to death and most likely feeling like she let her parent's down. Then her mom gets chosen as McCain's running mate and I am sure she feels even WORSE! I bet she lays awake at night thinking that she will hurt her moms chances, embarressed her family, etc. Then I heard what Obama said and that made me feel sooooooo much better. Basically he told the world to LAY OFF her and not to bother anyone's family! "Family is off-limits". Why can the media not do it?

The girl, just 17, made a freaking mistake but choosing to face the situation head on and make a family out of it. She should be respected and not gossiped about. Anyhoo, Phil knew I was kinda sad about the situation and found this link. I am so proud of this girl for writing "her" story and HOPE more people will voice theirs as well to show everyone to quit making such a big deal of this. Regardless of who to vote for, this is a young girl who is just living her life and now her life is in the living room of every American watching tv. I just really feel for her and what she must be personally trying to process (not to mention with pregnant AND teenage hormones and a mom who is probably not really "avaliable" to chit chat).

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-73320

Kenny Chesney and Good Friends

On Saturday our good friends, the Falks, came down from Atlanta to celebrate Shannon's 30th birthday with us.....and Kenny Chesney. We had been up all night the night before with Cooper because he was having issues with his asthma/cold. Our friends, Sybil and Mark had graciously volunteered to keep our kiddos for the evening so we could stay downtown after the concert. Needless to say, I was a bit apprehensive after our LONG evening with our sick boy. A day of breathing treatments later, some major TLC from our good friends, homemade pizzas and sleeping bags on the floor, Cooper and Samantha had a BLAST at the Brodeur's house. It is amazing to have such wonderful friends. I cannot wait to repay them and spoil their girls like they did Cooper and Samantha. (disclaimer....I would not typically leave my son sick with friends BUT Mark is a doc so he knew just what to do.)

I told Cooper, "If you feel sick, tell Ms. Sybil." and Cooper relied, "Why would I tell Sybil mommy. Mr. Mark is a doctor!".

So, we headed downtown, got set up in our hotel rooms, cracked a few bud lights, put on our hats and sang the night away. The concert was amazing, it was fun to see old friends and sleeping in....well that is always a bonus. (Thanks for coming Todd and Shannon!)

The concert was about 5 million degrees so we are nice and sweaty in the pics!!!!! (Kell, sorry I called you in the middle of the concert. I apprently thought you may want to hear it. LOL.)