Short Lived

This could very well be a short lived thing, coming back to blogging but I thought I would give it another shot.  **Thank you Amy for the push!!!**  I find as the kids get older, it's harder to just sit and type, though I somehow find time to surf facebook.

Brock has been sick for about 6 days now with some kind of mean upper respiratory bug.  He's now taking steroids, antibiotics, an inhaler, nose spray, cough syrup and Tylenol for the fever.  Poor kid.  He missed 4 days of school this week.  *SIGH*  Berkley has the horrible cough too.  Speaking of school, our Brock is a wiz!  He's excelling in everything imaginable and is reading over a 4th grade level while in the first grade!  Wow!

Berkley started pre-school where Brock used to go.  We didn't start her at the beginning of the year (August) because she was struggling with UTI's and issues.  She finally started in January and the first day was fine.  We decided to move her to another class which was more on her level because she had never been in school and also a smaller class size.  Needless to say we had 2 weeks of "terribleness".  She cried and begged and pleaded for me to take her with me and for me to not leave.  They would have to peel her away from me.  I waited around in the hallway to make sure she was fine and she surely was.  She LOVES school now and wants to go more than twice a week!  Whew!

Greg and I were married for 8 years in January.  We hope to plan a real honeymoon at some point and also hope to get to take the kids to Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida soon.  We haven't been on a vacation together nor have we had a family vacation either.

I have lost around 30 pounds!!!  Around a year and four months ago, I stopped taking antidepressants that I had been on for years and years.  The weight started to fall off.  I weigh around 110 now which I haven't seen before my wedding day 8 years ago!  I actually went to see a plastic surgeon this past Thursday to consult with him regarding a mini tummy tuck. I'm so sick of the bulging pregnant looking stomach and the extra hanging, sagging skin.  (I'm well aware that not a lot of people feel I shouldn't do this or even think about it, but my body, my decision!)  He checked me out and said I'm actually NOT a candidate for a mini and that I'd have to have a full one done (hip bone to hip bone).  A mini deals with the muscles below the belly button only.  I actually have muscle separation from underneath my bra all the way down.  He said "THAT NO AMOUNT OF SIT UPS WOULD CHANGE MY BELLY!!!"  That was nice to hear seeing as I've heard, "just do some situps" from Greg.  (haha honey...told you.)  The surgery is very lengthy, taking 3 hours, and the recovery would be very tough.  I pretty much had my mind made up going in but now I'm really considering many more things.  I have to make sure the kids will be cared for and that recovery doesn't involve me missing out on anything with the kids or regarding the kids.  It is possible that if I decide to do this, I may have it done in April, but may wait until Winter before I have it done.  Just have many things to go over.  With Greg working out of town and not being here most of the time, the burden of child care and taking care of me will fall on Granny or my mom, so I have to clear scheduling with them as well.

I hope everyone in the blogging world is well.  I'm going to try to update and post some pictures since I'm about a year and a half behind!

Take care,
Crystal

Sweet, Sweet Papaw...

As the kids get older, I find myself getting busier and with less time to do the things that I enjoyed.  I'm not complaining though.  It's so amazing to see these little people transform in what seems to be overnight, into happy, healthy, whole individuals.  Brock is now 6 years old and is in Kindergarten.  He is excelling in school!  So much, that they are testing his reading level within the next week to see what grade level he is actually on.  He reads all the Kindergarten material like it's a breeze and almost like it's boring!  Berkley is hell on wheels but I love every minute of it!  She has such a fun and care free personality and is stuck to me like glue!My grandfather, one of the loves of my life, passed away on Christmas Eve night.  He suffered from some liver problems and it finally shut down on him.  We knew it was coming but not that quickly.  They called in Hospice and he only had them coming to the house for around 2 days before he passed.  He was always there for me.  ALL.MY.LIFE!!!  All I have now are the memories, and I can say that they were all good.  He was my biggest supporter and up until his death, I would still crawl up in his lap and he would rock me.  I miss him so much and I still cry every day because he isn't here.  I know time will heal but his memory remains in my mind and heart forever.  One of the toughest things right now is dealing with the kids.  Brock tells me all the time he misses his papaw and Berkley says that she wants papaw to be with us and to come to Granny's house.  She says he is with the angels in heaven.  It's almost like she has hope that he will come back to Granny and back to us (insert tears...).  It does seem to give her a sense of peace, that he is with the angels.  Brock has had a harder time because he knows he isn't coming back.  It's just sad.  I knew this would happen some day, of course.  As my grandparents get (got) older, it is inevitable...we are all here to die.  I still have Granny and she is precious.  She is my best friend.  Unfortunately, her care taker, life partner, best friend and soul mate isn't here anymore....  At least I have her, I'd just love to have them both.  Someday, I know I'll be with him again.  My worst feer now, is losing Granny.All in all, life is good and I will try hard to update more, if anyone out there is still reading.Love,Crystal

It has been FOREVER! In the meantime...

...my baby Brock turned 6 YEARS OLD!  You said what?!  Yep.  He turned 6. Okay, he isn't really a baby anymore but it is so hard for me to believe!  It really seems like yesterday he came into my life and he has truly been the light of it ever since!  He is just so precious.  Here is a sneak peak of our HUGE celebration this past Saturday!

I promise to blog more.  It's been so hard getting on here.  The kiddos keep me so busy during the week...I have no time!  Brock is now on a strict schedule because of KINDERGARTEN!  Yes, I said it...KINDERGARTEN! 

Berkley's 3rd Birthday Party is this coming Saturday so I'm sure I'll blog that!

Much love,
Crystal

Brock & Berkley-ism's

Brock:  Mommy, when I stick my finger in my ear like this (sticks finger in his ear)

Mommy: Uh huh.

Brock:  I almost can touch my brain!

Mommy:  Um.  Really?

Brock:  Yeah.

Can't Get this Out of My Head!!!

Orianthi
According To You lyrics

According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.
According to you
I'm difficult,
Hard to please,
Forever changing my mind.
I'm a mess in a dress,
Can't show up on time,
Even if it would save my life.
According to you. According to you.

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
So baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you.

According to you
I'm boring,
I'm moody,
And you can't take me any place.
According to you
I suck at telling jokes cause I always give it away.
I'm the girl with the worst attention span;
You're the boy who puts up with it.
According to you. According to you.

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
So baby tell me what I got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you.

I need to feel appreciated,
Like I'm not hated. oh no
Why can't you see me through his eyes?
It's too bad you're making me decide

But according to me
You're stupid,
You're useless,
You can't do anything right.

But according to him
I'm beautiful,
Incredible,
He can't get me out of his head.
According to him
I'm funny,
Irresistible,
Everything he ever wanted.
Everything is opposite,
I don't feel like stopping it,
Baby tell you what you got to lose.
He's into me for everything I'm not,
According to you. [you, you]
According to you. [you, you]

According to you
I'm stupid,
I'm useless,
I can't do anything right.

 

I have no idea why I woke up this morning with this song in my head!!!!!  Well, I guess I do but I am not getting into that.  Some days things are just fine and the next they seem to fall apart.  Not too much I can do about it anymore...

 

On to positive notes, Brock is doing so well in school!  YAY!  He literally skipped into school yesterday he was so excited to be there!  Whew! Finally!  We have parent/teacher conferences next week to talk about his progress and readiness for Kindergarten.  He does not have a choice about going as we already held him back a year.  He will turn 6 before October 1st so it is mandatory for him to go.  I am not worried, however, as he seems to be bored with pre-school and ready to move on.  He is a lefty so writing is not the easiest for him and none of us are left handed so it is very difficult to practice that with him because I cannot show him how to hold the pencils or form his letters.  He seems to write the letters differently (backwards of sort) as a lefty.  He cuts right handed and does pretty much everything but writing and eating with his right hand.  Hmmm.  Maybe ambidextrous?  We will see!

Anyhoo, it is like 6 am and I am very tired.  Until next time.  And I will be posting newer pics of the kiddos.

Bowling Green Hot Rods Pictures!

GETTING READY TO LEAVE THE HOUSE FOR THE GAME!

WATCHING SOME OF THE PLAYERS WARM UP.

BROCK HANGING OUT. WE BOUGHT AN EXTRA SEAT SO NO ONE WOULD SIT NEXT TO US! SAD I KNOW!





WATCHING THE PLAYERS STRETCH. MOMMY HAS NO COMMENT! (HEHEHE)




MORE WARMING UP.

ONE OF THE PLAYERS CAME OVER AND SIGNED BROCK'S BALL!
ACTUALLY, TWO PLAYERS DID!

HEY BATTER, BATTER, BATTER!!!





THE PITCH!





DADDY AND BROCK. BROCK WAS SHOWING HIS "BIG EYES!"



HE WASN'T WANTING ANYMORE PICS!

THE HOT RODS MASCOT, AXEL. THEY WERE SHOOTING T-SHIRTS TO THE CROWD.

WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!

Bowling Green Hot Rods

We have our very own minor league baseball team now, complete with a brand new stadium. Greg took me and Brock to a game tonight and we had a ball. Brock loved it when the crowd cheered! He also got a couple of signatures on his ball! I'll post pics soon. My allergies are on the brink of making my head explode so I'm going to bed! Night all!

Gone Fishin'

My parents took me and the kiddos to Campbellsville to visit my dad's great aunt who is 93. We do this every Memorial Day weekend and have since I was a kid! While visiting, Brock got to go fishing with my dad(papaw) for the very first time!!!

Checking out the pole!




He reeled it in all by himself!!!

Brock decided to name him BUDDY! He had to pet him before we let him go. When we baited the hook with the worm he was afraid it was hurting the worm. Dad told him that it didn't hurt the worm and the worm was happy to catch the fish for us!!!

There's the BEAST! Buddy the Blue Gill.

Taking the hook out of him to set him free!

Fun times with family today! (hubby had a previous engagement today so he didn't get to go this time.)

Mommy has the preschool blues...

I can't believe tomorrow is Brock's LAST day of preschool! I have gotten really comfortable with him being at his "church school" and I hate to see him take the leap into kindergarten! I REALLY AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!! I have already cried and school doesn't start until August 4th. Mark your calendars....Crystal will be a mess anywhere near that time!

Brock's preschool program is Thursday night so I will post some pics after the show!

BTW, I have a new follower!!! I am totally stoked about it! I am a terrible blogger!!! Check our her at Pretty Personal Gifts!!! There is a link to her store there. She creates some beautiful items and has some for everyone!!!

Migraine

Brock coughed most of the night. To the point of gagging and almost losing his supper. I patted his back most of the night. He would roll over and say "mommy, pat me." He was so, terribly pitiful. About 2:00 a.m. I woke up to the most horrible migraine I have had in a long time. Then came the involuntary upchuck. It has been forever since I've been like this or have had one to this extreme. I almost went to the ER it was so bad. I took something and went back to sleep. Woke up at 5:45 with the same headache...still in horrible pain. I inevitably had to call into work and was at the doctor at 9:00 a.m. for meds. It was absolutely horrible but has gotten a bit better. Still a twinge in the forehead but nothing like it was. I felt like I was having a baby...in my head.

Fabulous Friday

Mommy is so proud!

Brock has had a bit of trouble with #2 on the potty. He has been terrified and has refused to do that on the potty. While in the bath tonight, I suppose the pain hit him. When I went back into the bathroom, he proclaimed, "MOMMY, I POOPED ON THE POTTY!" Of course I praised him and told him how proud I am of him! He had to call Nana and Papaw, and Granny and Papaw to tell them what he did! Afterward, we made a little chart with the days of the week on it. I made some random boxes and told him that every time he pooped on the potty, he would get a sticker and when the whole chart was filled up, he would get a big prize! We have Thomas the Train reward stickers that I have been holding onto and this is the perfect thing to use them for! Pray it works for us! He's definitely ready...finally! Pee pee on the potty isn't an issue and maybe we are about to tackle the other!

Yay!

Sit here or exercise?

I think I'd much rather sit here than exercise. I have got to get off my large booty and start doing something. My friend over at My Delightful Obsessions started using the elliptical machine and she got slim and trim and even more beautiful! She makes gorgeous jewelry btw. Check out the link to her etsy store from her site. Anyone know where I can get an elliptical for cheap??

We had a really fun Easter! Brock and Berkley got waaaay too much stuff as usual. They were sooooo cute in their Easter outfits too!

He's so cute...I just can't get enough of him and his sweetness!

They love each other...most of the time!


He was so excited about his TON of eggs!


Berkley actually, really got into it!!!


Posing on mom and dad's porch swing!

Much love to all.
Crystal

Snotty nose, busted mouth, not enough hands and too much to do!

For some unknown reason, I had forgotten my obligation today. I volunteered to work both morning and afternoon shifts at work. That really isn't the issue because working more, equals more on the paycheck. BUT, Berkley is SICK. The kids have done so well with sickness lately but she is absolutely miserable. The started with a runny nose and now it has went to a pouring nose, non-stop sneezing and a bit of a fever. We have to be very careful of any kind of infection because of her kidney. An infection in her body could cause more kidney damage so anytime she gets a tiny bit sick, you'll see me rush her to the doctor. There are problems with getting her to the doctor. First of all, Brock has school so mom will be tending to him throughout the day. Secondly, mom has Cody and Tanner so when Brock gets out of school, there's no way she can take her to the doctor. Thirdly, Greg just can't take her...well because I said so and because he has to work. I just feel like that's something mommy should do!!! Under normal circumstances and a normal work shift, I'd have plenty of time seeing as I get off at about 10 till 1:00. But today it is 5:00. I could take her on my lunch break but I am also going to have to drive from BG to Richardsville to pick her up. Granny will be watching her for today and can't drive her into town. She's 72 years old for Pete's sake. What a time for someone to get sick. And, I'm working on a MONDAY until 5:00. Golly GEE WHIZ! What was I thinking? I'm going to have to figure out something or another.

Little Berkley also fell on Saturday morning. She was walking across the floor with a blanket on her head and she fell flat on her face. The passie in her mouth cut the inside top lip all to pieces. It's swollen and tender. So tender that she cries when she tries to bite into something.

Berkley kissing her new coloring book.

Brock in Nana's whirlpool!



My studious little children!



Berkley was coloring very precisely. :-)



This was the night she put herself to bed!



All dressed up to see Dr. Adams at Vandy!




Emmersen's 1st Birthday at Chaney's Dairy Barn!




She loved being at the party!!!

Speaking of Berkley, she just got up around 2:00 a.m., miserable and has screamed and cried for an hour. Off to the doctor we go for sure. Bless her heart!

It's 3:37.....WHAT?

Yes, it is 3:37...in the morning. I went to bed with a pounding headache and I am nursing it this morning. I feel okay...I just want to make sure it doesn't turn into one of those screaming migraines!!!

Not much to report on the home front. The kiddos are doing well as is hubby. Berkley is repeating everything and anything anyone says. She is also trying to say some of her ABC's when you prompt her! Yes, my kiddos are smart little ones! They make me so proud (except when they act like hoodlums.) Brock has now picked up the back talking and smart mouth...naturally from kids at school. It is amazing some of the things he says and I can promise he DOES NOT get them from home. He spent most of his evening in trouble because of back talking. If you tell him to do something, he will say NO or will argue. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Berkley has also started doing everything brother does so if he yells, she yells....and so on....

Well, must get some more beauty rest (hahahaha).

Much love to all.
C

Last weekend, one of my b/f/f's stopped into Bowling Green with her fiance. Jen and I had not seen each other since I graduated from high school which was many, many moons ago. I don't remember her being quite so tall. She laughed and said "I've always been 5'8." Man I felt short! Cameron was very quiet but nice. Unfortunately because of Mother Nature and her tornadoes the night before, we didn't get to visit but walked around Sam's Club for a bit. Love you Jen!

I heart Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and Followers!

Today was Berkley's 6 month checkup with the pediatric urologist at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Vandy is a hospital unlike any other. I have never been to a hospital that is a happy place and Vandy sure is that! It is so colorfully decorated and everything is kid oriented. Our doctor was running behind and we ended up on the bottom floor where they have a big model train set up. Brock just about had a stroke (you all know his love for trains). While we were standing there, I saw a little boy that was tiny. He had a feeding tube coming out his nose and what looked like hair loss. I immediately thought cancer and turned around trying to conceal my eyes that were tearing up. I told my mom that I just couldn't look at that. Not because I was disgusted, but because I don't understand how a little child could suffer like that or why children have to fight illnesses such as cancer. I need to count my blessings more...let's put it that way!

Speaking of healthy kids...Berkley's kidney is doing GREAT! We go back for a checkup in November. We had been going every 3 months, then 6 months and now 7 to 8 months! He said that if she continues to do well with no infections, we will keep scheduling further out. He also spoke about the next hurdle; POTTY TRAINING! I thought...WHAT? She's almost 19 months old and we are thinking of potty training already??? He said that we could not rush her and we had to let her do it on her own time. We also have to make sure she goes to pee every hour to hour and a half. This will help prevent a UTI which is our main threat everyday. If she gets a high fever without any symptoms of something like a common cold, strains to pee, doesn't pee as much, we have to notify Dr. Adams immediately so they can get a urine sample. (This is horrible because she's too little to pee in a cup so they have to cath her.) We have had to do that once besides right after birth and luckily she didn't have an infection. Peeing every hour will also have to happen even after she goes to kindergarten. That should be interesting because someone will have to take her to the bathroom and make sure she pees everytime she goes.

Anyhow, I'm tired of typing. More to come later...it has been a really long day!

P.S. I only have 3 followers...but I LOVE them!!!

Diva in Training...

Berkley got her new shoes in that we ordered from The Polka Dot Door. They are too small but she won't take them off. Watch the video and you'll see why! They are hot pink patent leather and they...



SQUEAK!!! Wee Squeaks are the best kids shoes. They ensure that your child is walking correctly...heel to toe! I ordered hers from The Polka Dot Door. You can also find them online at www.littlemonkeytoes.com. If you live here in BG...you will find it cheaper to get them there and not pay shipping!

Brock starts soccer tomorrow! We are so excited for him. Tonight is haircut night. He has to have this mop buzzed before he can play because he gets very very hot and the hair is not helping matters! Brock has decided that he wants a hamster. I think the Easter Bunny might bring him the hamster or maybe a bird. I think birds are better...and when they bite, they don't hurt as bad as a hamster! He was so cute the other day when we went to the park. He was begging to get one because he wants to name it buddy! I miss my little parakeet, YZ. He was such a nice bird and so much fun!

Everything else seems to be going well enough. I'm still having trouble with my arms, hands and elbows but because of out insurance deductible, the test costs $479.00 and that isn't going to happen right now! Life goes on I suppose.

Hope everyone is doing well. If this video would ever finish uploading, I would actually be finished with this post!!!

Happy March!

I am a bad blogger! It seems as if I have no time these days. I don't know why though. LOL!!! Everything is going well around here. We are so ready for Spring and Summer! Brock starts soccer this Saturday and we are really looking forward to that!!! I don't care if he runs in circles, just as long as he has fun!

**I couldn't get her to be still and pose for a picture but this is her bikini! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Having a girl is so much fun!***

**One of Berkley's new spring dresses!!!**

**This is Brock shortly after waking up! Notice the bed head!!!**

**Berkley LOVES to feed herself mashed potatoes!**

**A handmade dress from www.etsy.com. It's so beautiful. I am going to go broke buying dresses! She's too precious in them though!**

Berkley has also started talking and she can say anything! Her first official sentence was "I want, I want candy!"

I'm going to try to keep up with this more! Check back!

Tonsils and Adenoids SUCK

I don't wish a tonsilectomy and adenoidectomy on anyone. Brock will have a few hours where he seems to be doing fine and then he falls apart on us. The surgery went well. He is having major ear pain as well as throat pain. He wants to eat so badly too. Of course, all of the things he isn't supposed to have such as pizza, cookies and crackers. One day at a time. If this night doesn't end soon, I'll lose my mind for sure. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night because he was up and down all night.

I'm pooped. Must pass out now!!!

Pictures. What?

I keep saying I've been horrible with posts...and it's true. I usually post colorful things with pictures. I'm having horrible trouble with carpal tunnel in both hands so typing for prolonged periods of time has become quite painful. Not only that but Berkley always wants to sit with me as I type. She is well into the terrible 2's and she's only 16 months old!

Here are some of my favorite pictures I recently snapped! As I speak, Berkley is kissing me over and over on the lips and is trying to make it "pop". I take what I said back...maybe it's not the terrible two's Maybe it is just the red hair!

I'm thrilled about my pigtails, can't you tell?!

Berkley's new winter hat!

Look at all of my beautiful teeth!

16 and counting...

He is so sweet!

Christmas morning all sleepy-eyed!!!

L & N Train Depot--The reading of The Polar Express

Mommy and Brock at the train depot waiting to board, hear the story and see Santa Claus!

Berkley on Christmas in bubby's safety goggles!

My blog format is messing up! Argh! Till next time!