Cute Things Kids Say

When I picked up Lauren today, she was deep into telling a dramatic story when she kicked out a "Well Holy Cat Tails!"

Sorry so busy:(

Hey all! Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know what all is going on.

First, Mom is doing well. She had her 3 month scans done today. She is tired, but in good spirits. She will go to the doctor next week for the results and her monthly checkup with the oncologist.

Secondly, I am busy at work and at home. Weekends seem to be packed with school activities, birthday parties, yard and housework, cutting trees, shopping and preparing for a new baby. We still have been getting Mom at least one day a weekend. It is a break for both Mom and I, it gives her a chance to get out and me a chance to stay home.

The baby doctor visits are going well. About 5 weeks left. I am finally starting to slowly get over my chest cold and congestion that I have had for two and a half weeks now. Still no room painted, no bed up, no name, no godparents; but we will be ready when our little guy decides to come into this world.

On the 19th, Lauren was in a beauty pageant at her school. We were so proud that she did it. She won a metal. And got lots of flowers from all of her "fans" (Thanks Nonnie!). We were so surprised that she walked on stage and did her twirls and occasionally gave a smile and a little wave to me. My sweet little angel ~ I am so proud of her. She is just getting so big - so fast. From there, Chris and the girls were off to Landon's Birthday Party; while Mom and I came home to get some housework done. It doesn't sound like fun, but was great to clean (really clean) my house in 2 1/2 hours. What a great treat for me!

Last weekend was not as productive, I was in slow motion and had a hard time getting going. With so much going on and a busy next couple of weeks and weekends, I will do my best to get some pictures of our activities and scoop posted as soon as possible.

Take care to all and sorry for those of you who I haven't gotten around to emailing back.

What a Great Weekend!

On Friday evening, we did not do much; but, oh how nice that was. Saturday, I decided that I needed to start getting ready for the baby. Therefore, where else would I start but off to the mall with Granny and Marty. Thanks to Marty our baby boy will have some clothes to wear. This eased my mind enough that shopping for the day was over. From there, we went back to their house where Chris and the girls met me.

Chris had a great day, he was at their neighbor's house trimming trees and splitting wood. He was so in his element; plus the bonus was the kids were not around. Lauren and Annalise were playing with Nicholas and Landon; and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kylie (Lauren's BF) and Brant (her brother and Nick's friend). The kids played and played. They could not have been happier. And me either, Chris was in the trees, the girls were playing outside with their cousins and friends, and I was sitting outside on the swing watching everyone so full of life and happiness.

Mom spent the afternoon with Christi and David at Caitlyn's gymnastic meet. In which, I understand she did great (as always). Keep it up Caitlyn!

Although, I did not get anything that I had planned done... I had a remarkable weekend.

D.C. Update

Dodie came home last night from the hospital. Kyle says she is doing better.

"The Big Sisters" Get Prepared

This past Saturday, Annalise and Lauren both took separate classes on how to be a big sister. Annalise was a little apprehensive, but later in the weekend showed she was listening. She was all eyes in the hospital tour and loved all of the books about babies and siblings and what she could do. Her favorite part - the certificate, big sister sticker, and pin "I'm A Prepared Big Sister".

Annalise with her pin.

Lauren was in a large class and was very active. She listened, answered and asked questions. She knows her role and that she will definitely have to learn everything so she can help Daddy when Mommy and Baby Boy (still no name) are in the hospital for those 2 days. She has the details worked out for her, Annalise and Daddy until I get home and then some.

Lauren feeding and diapering her anatomically correct baby boy.

Update on Dodie

She was moved to a room yesterday and is feeling better. Her throat is sore and she is coughing alot. She is getting lots of rest now; which enables the fluid in her lungs to break up and come out. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Thanks to my California Cousins!!

Special thanks to two of my cousins on my father's side who came from California and stopped by today for a visit with Mom and lunch with us. It was such a welcoming break. It is amazing when you begin to visit with someone you have not seen in 15+ years. They had not changed much from what I remember. It was so good to see pictures of my Aunt Voncile also. I remember going to her house after my father passed away and listening to all of the stories that her and my Uncle Eddie told. Those are such great memories to have and pass down to my girls.

Mom was thrilled and so in her element with their visit. I have heard from her numerous times about how nice it was and how glad she was to have that visit with them. Special thanks to them for the visit and lunch! Especially making Mom so happy:)

Prayers are always appreciated

My friend Dodie is in the hospital in critical care. She was admitted into the hospital on Monday with pneumonia. I went to visit her in ICU this morning; only to be greeted by her parents, sister-in-law and doctor. The grim look on their faces really made my heart sink. Dodie was laying in that bed obviously scared. The doctor started telling us that he was going to do a broncioscope (sp?) to test the matter in her lung. This is a highly dangerous procedure; therefore, she would have to be placed on life support.

The procedure did not take long, but her parents and son had a little scare afterwards. I stayed with her so that they could all go eat. The doctor finally came back with the results of the CT scan in which he determined that they would not have to do another broncioscope. This was excellent news. He would keep monitoring her and in 24-48 hours start weaning her off of the oxygen and breathing machines. By the time I left her oxygen had been reduced from them giving her 100% to 70%. She is still heavily dependent on these machines. The next couple of days will be critical.

I hear that this is common, but I heard the doctor myself say that there were a number of things that he just could not explain. My request is that you pray for her and her family as they mean so much to me.

Tire Trouble Continues...

You can't help but laugh! I went again this morning to get my tire fixed. This time I had a nail in the left front tire. It has been there for a week or two that I noticed. I went yesterday, but they were busy; so he put air in my tire and sent me on my way until my appointment this morning.

As I walked into the door, I was greeted with a kind personable hello and a "do you want to pay today or should we bill your account". Since I had not given any information - at this point I begin to question myself if I just might frequent this place to much? As I sat and waited for the repair, I counted SEVEN (yes, 7) tires repaired or replaced due to nails, blow outs, patch replacements, etc... all since January 3.

Well, April Fools on me... I had both front tires with leaks in them. A nail in the left one and the right one was not fixed properly and the plug was already beginning to leak. Lauren and I had this one fixed two weeks ago by our house. MY tire guy warned me against that. Undoubtedly, there are different kinds of repairs. There are patches and plugs. Well, the one in the right tire was a plug that had not completely filled the hole.

Karma? Hmmm...

Grant's Birthday Party

Happy 4th Birthday to Grant!! Thanks for inviting us to your Bouncing Tiger party on Saturday. We had so much fun jumping and bouncing and running through the cool train. The "army" treat bags were a huge hit. Lauren and Annalise are still playing with them. Where else would they get army men?

Grant's Delicious Birthday Cake!! Yummy:)

Annalise, Mrs. Cara, Lauren and Grant

Annalise and Lauren

Kyndal and Annalise (Trouble x2)

Tree Cutting

We have been planning, scheduling and rescheduling for months to cut TJ's (a guy I work with) trees. Finally on Sunday, it happened. Three pine trees down and pruning of a fourth one. The weather was beautiful, we had help from Matt and Elaine; as well as Lauren and Annalise who helped pick up the limbs. I was amazed that in only 2 hours - it was done.

Sorry, you have to look sideways.

Elaboration to Easter event

Chris' black eye was the result of him breaking his nose. Sorry no pictures of the crooked nose, because he went into the bathroom and cracked it back into place before I could get to the camera. Carl was both amazed and thankful. Thankful that it was not him that got hit by the fierce vine that got caught on the rack of the 4-wheeler and popped Chris. Thankful that Chris decided not to duck and "took one for the team".

For those of you who are concerned, the vine was okay. Although, Chris did later take the machete and chop it into many small pieces for revenge.

For me, I have had a week of laughter. Since I am the one who usually does something stupid; turnaround has been really nice:) I have shared the story with everyone I know and some I did not know. Chris has been a real sport and taken the laughter in stride.

Cara- Chris says if he still has a black eye - he will be coming to Grant' s party just to give you some laughs. That will be your chance (or his) to punch the other in the nose:)

Easter

Easter was full of laughter, good food and family fun.

Here is some of the kids playing.

My favorite surprise was seeing my friend Dodie and her family.

My biggest shock - Eli is just getting so big!!

My favorite food was the brownies. Thanks Liz:)

Most shocking moment - Carl riding a 4-wheeler.

Funniest moment - Chris getting a black eye riding the 4-wheeler with Carl. hehe

Aquarium of the Americas

The day after the Christening, we decided to walk the Riverwalk and take the girls to the Aquarium. We had not been since Katrina hit in 2005. It has definitely changed since then. The girls favorite section was the Mississippi Delta exhibit. It was everything that they are familiar with (alligators, turtles, jellyfish, etc...). I was so proud of Lauren who conquered her fears and was interested in touching all the animals on display. It turned into such an educational experience for us all; as Lauren always has more questions than we have answers for. We found ourselves reading the placards to get the answers to so many of her questions.

Annalise and Lauren

Christening of the "Bill Tullier" in New Orleans

The Christening of the Bill Tullier was an amazing experience. If you ever get the opportunity to attend such an event; it would be my recommendation not to miss it. It is something that my family will always treasurer. The girls were excited about seeing a boat like Uncle Pete works on. They asked tons of questions and were intrigued by most of the events. As you can see from the pictures - Lauren, Annalise, Nicholas and Landon were little ladies and gentlemen. Thanks Billy T!!