FACT OR FICTION?

Vampires aren't real, right? Right. I have been known to find a vamp or 2 quite intriguing, though.

Carlisle Cullen

Edward Cullen

Emmitt Cullen

Jasper Hale

Lestat

Louis

ArmandBut my own son? No. No. No. Ha, ha, ha, I always joked about him taking "Team Edward" very seriously, but it was always a joke, right? Right.....I think. Remember that whole, "hopefully not being a bully.....he's kind of rotten these days if you haven't gathered that :( " statement in my last post? Mandi called less than 5 minutes after pressing the [PUBLISH POST] button to tell me that my son had bitten another boy.....came up behind him and bit him in the neckish region. She reassured me that "kids bite", that "it didn't leave a mark" and that "he's only 1", but I may go to the grocery store and buy some garlic cloves just in case.

I have obviously neglected this blog page for an extended amount of time. No worries, I haven't dropped off the face of the planet, I've just been a bit "distracted". Let's get caught up!

We're definitely still busy at our household. Wrestling season is over, finishing up with a tasty banquet. Dance, cheer and girl scouts are still in full swing, but Joe can help a bit more with kiddo patrol since he no longer has practice! This past week has been pretty rough for me. (Get out your cheese, because I'm getting ready to whine.) As Myer will be 14 months old this month, I decided I really needed to bear down on weaning him. Don't get me wrong, he was only nursing at bedtime and when he woke up during the night. (That's right, he still doesn't sleep through the night. Kailyn didn't until she was 18 months old!) Anyway, it's taken me a while because at 1:30am, when there's a baby screaming at the top of his lungs because he doesn't want his pacifier or sippy cup of water, I'd rather just put him on the breast than have him wake up Joe and Kailyn. Monday night I got down to business, though. I nursed him at bedtime, but when he woke up at 1am, I let him scream at me for an hour until he finally took his pacifier and went to sleep. Same story at 3am. The next day, I was in an extreme amount of pain. I haven't ever felt anything quite like it. I decided that while I was already going to die, I may as well just cut Myer off totally. Tuesday night, Myer went to bed fine and woke up twice, but took a swig or two of water and his pacifier and went right back to sleep. I slept for about an hour because I was in that much pain. It honestly felt like alligators were trying to hatch out of my boobs. I slept with ice and took ibuprofen, but nothing helped. Wednesday, Joe and I did some research on the internet and found that cabbage was about the most popular cure for pain and swelling. (Not that Joe has minded the swelling.....) So, being the awesome hubby he is, he brought me a head of cabbage to work and I started making coleslaw in my bra. Eh, it was ok, but once the cabbage was room temperature, it no longer helped, so I had to reload a lot. My mom picks Kailyn up on Wednesday's, so she was nice enough to bring me some major ice packs that my stepdad has for his neck. They were like icebergs from heaven. While everyone was outside playing, I went in to do some icing and start supper. (No worries, it wasn't cabbage.) A bit later, my mom came in and said that Kailyn was having a major meltdown. It started off she wasn't ready to come in, but blossomed into she didn't want Mimi or Papa to go inside, and finally that she was sure her Mom didn't love her as much as Myer. Well that does wonders for a Mother's self esteem. Not only am I in the midst of an emotional separation from my one last baby, never to have another cuddly newborn who yearns for me, now my daughter thinks I don't love her. Should I just take the ice packs off and die a deserving, slow, painful death?! And my mom kept on and on and on about it, as if I didn't feel horrible enough, so I finally said the obvious, "I get it, Mom, how many times have I told you how I think Aaron is your favorite, or how many times did I threaten to move in with dad because you didn't give me what I wanted?" I know this is in no way, something to ignore, but she's 7 and she's a girl. Us girls, we're dramatic. I'm doing my very best to split myself evenly between 2 children, a husband, my job, 3 dogs and my household duties, but sometimes it's hard. To be brutally honest, I haven't slept through the night since I was six months pregnant with Myer. For those of you who are as great at math as me, that's 17 months without a full night's sleep. Needless to say, I'm tired. No matter, I will continue to be the best I can and hope it works! I don't plan on saying anything to Kailyn, because I'm afraid she'll know my Mom told me what she said and that will crush her barrier of trust. Like I said, I'll just do my best. Back on track, Wednesday night, Myer did well again going back to sleep, other than kicking me in the boob once, almost sending me to Saturn through our roof. Yesterday was St.Patrick's Day and Kailyn's Spring Parent Teacher Conference. I was in much less pain all day, not applying cabbage or ice at all! Kailyn's Conference was FAB, duh! She is accelling everyday and is beyond ready for 2nd grade ;) She is an amazing storywriter, mathmetician, speller and is well on her way to being an excellent time teller and money counter! We went to the bookfair afterwards and got a couple books (they were buy one get one free) before heading home and then to cheer. I will tell you, however, that Kailyn's teacher did mention that she always teases Kailyn about her brothers. She'll try to get her to say something bad about them, but she just never will.....I don't know. Anyway, Myer only woke up once last night, so that rocks!

Today, Kailyn doesn't have school, so she is having a playdate with Gma! They will have tons of fun for sure. Then she'll go to her dad's tonight for the weekend. Myer is playing with the other kiddos at Mandi's and hopefully not being a bully.....he's kind of rotten these days if you haven't gathered that :( I have done LOTS of work this week, but made sure to get it all finished up yesterday and plan on having a very easy Friday! I hope it doesn't rain too much this weekend, I'd like to play outside! Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder for a bit, I feel much better now ;) Bob Marley said,

"Don't worry about a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!

"Rise up this mornin',

Smiled with the risin' sun,

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true,

Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.

"Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

My favorite radio station in 106.9 (Y107) out of Columbia. I love Cosmo and JC in the mornings and the flashback lunch. I "listen live" everyday on my computer at work. Every year Cosmo and JC do a Radiothon for Children's Miracle Network and MU Children's Hospital. They broadcast for 2 straight days from the lobby of the hospital. They have tons of patients, past patients and parents come in and tell their stories and how MU Children's Hospital has helped them. Every year I say I'm going to become a Miracle Maker. A miracle maker pledges $15 a month for 12 straight months. Today is day 1 of the 2011 Radiothon. As I was tearing up listening to one of the many, many stories about the miracles that this great hospital performs, I thought about how truly lucky I am. I am blessed to have 2 VERY HEALTHY children. If, God forbid, something were to ever happen to one of my children; I would go to this hospital. "Anything from a bad splinter to cancer" is what JC always says. And do you know that MU Children's Hospital has NEVER turned a child away regardless of their parent's ability to pay? Last year alone they wrote off over 3 million dollars of unpaid patient bills. They are able to stay open because of local donations. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are other fabulous children's hospitals surrounding us in KC and STL, but Columbia is where my family would go. We have family and friends who live there and that's where we would feel the most comfortable, if you know what I mean. So what I'm trying to say is, it's worth it. My children are worth it. I challenge you to make today your day. RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

Going on right now at MU Children’s Hospital!
The Y107 Missouri Credit Union “Miracles For Kids” Radiothon is today (3/3) and tomorrow (3/4)!
Y107 is broadcasting live both days from 6AM to 6PM from the lobby of MU Children’s Hospital. Tune in to hear the stories of children and families touched by the hospital.
Show your support by donating. You can call in your pledge to 866-970-GIVE or donate online.
PLEASE help kids and their families right here in Mid Missouri with Missouri Credit Union and Y107

Through a Lens

I always read these wonderful love stories. Stories about accidental meetings or amazing happenings where 2 people that were destined to be soulmates fall deeply in love. For a long time, I stopped believing in happily ever after. I thought it just wasn't possible and you were just supposed to find someone who was bearable and that was your life. And when I stopped looking (in all the wrong places) for my Mr. Right, he showed up right in front of my face. Don't get me wrong, the hubby and I don't live some sort of fairytale. We argue in front of our kids and we burp and fart and pick our noses in front of each other, but we love each other whole heartedly. Joe has always been a really great sport about getting his picture taken, especially since my super awesome friend, Kathy, makes it pretty fun. She has always made me very proud by saying that you can always tell that Joe and I don't fake our love or our love for our kids, and you can tell in our pictures. I was casually changing my profile picture on facebook today and went back through some of my favorite Kathy McCloy sessions, thinking of how blessed we are to have such an amazing family and such a strong bond with each other. Just look at how we've grown:

March 2008 (session #1)

October 2008 (session #2, he liked it so much, he put a ring on it)May 2009 (session #3, unknowingly with a bun in the oven.....Kathy too.....our boys were born 3 days apart)May 2010 (session #4, add a precious baby boy)August 2010 (session #5, in 5,000 degree Missouri heat)I LOVE looking back at Kailyn's little baby face in our first pics and Myer's little no hair baby head! As always, thanks to Kathy McCloy for such amazing memory markers! I can't wait for our next session!

Ok, so that had nothing to do with the price of beans in China, but I was feeling blessed and wanted to share.

Kailyn and I went to see the Justin Bieber movie on Sunday. It was really good! I think the Bieb is a cutie and can sing and dance with the best of them, so I was excited to get to see his journey! Kid's got a buttload of talent, that's for sure.....I guess you could say I've got the fever! No worries, Kailyn is already writing her own songs, you know. She'll be selling out Madison Square Garden a year from now too! LOL!

Speaking of Kailyn.....she is becoming quite a sass these days :( I mean, I knew the days would come where cutsie things would be bashed to the ground by a mouthy comment, but I never dreamed it would be this early. It's even to the point where Joe and I embarrass her. She rolls her eyes at morning school drop off kisses or "love you's" and thinks our dance moves are horrid and our humor is old. For example, last night before dinner I asked Kailyn if she could get the butter out of the fridge. Joe, always looking for a laugh, yells, "Kailyn, you 'butter' not!", (That's funny people.....good stuff, seriously) to which Kailyn replies, "Funny, Joe.....real funny" with a straight face and rolling eyes. Being the innocent bystander, I'm not really sure which one I laughed at harder!

Joe leaves tomorrow with MHS's one state qualifying wrestler, Junior-Brandon Standley. He's a great wrestler with a good head on his shoulders. Good Luck, Brandon!!!!!

Have a great rest of the week!

Cute Kids

I haven't posted a picture of my cutie patootie kiddos in a bit, so here they are ;)

True American

Dear Superbowl Setup Guy or Gal,

I'm assuming that putting on the Superbowl is a pretty tough job. One can't exactly blame you for "dropping the ball" from time to time. As I am a true American and only want the best for my country's entertainment, I would like to offer my services for the future. I have been fluent in the Star Spangled Banner for close to 25 years now and, as my coworkers, friends and family can tell you, always have my singing voice warmed up. And while I may have a pesky "last name", I would like to think that my "prerecorded" voice during your halftime show wouldn't sound like I had smoked 35 packs of cigarettes before my performance. I would also promise not to "slip" any hidden messages into my lyrics. Again, I'm only trying to help in the spirit of American entertainment. If you need me, you just let me know!

Thanks,
Aimee ;)

Blizzard Shmizzard

Work, lovely work. I have never been so excited to run my fingers across this particular set of computer keys. Don't get me wrong, I think snow is pretty. I do not, however, find it necessary to dump 23 inches of snow on us with wind gusts of 40 miles per hour. That's excessive...seriously. Obviously with these amounts of snow, most all business in our small town came to a screeching halt. No work , no school. Sounds like vacation, right? Wrong. The hubby did have to work and was diligently trying to uncover school parking lots for 8 hours at a time. Supermom (me) stayed home with the kiddos! In my 2 days of "snowedinness", I learned some extremely valuable lessons about myself (Included pictures courtesy of Marshall Democrat News):

1. The life of a housewife is not for me. I commend, salute, bow down to any woman who does this. Not only would I weigh 5,000 pounds and be $3,000,000 in debt from online shopping, but I would also have to tie my son's hands behind his back and tape my daughter's mouth shut. You think that whole "payback" thing is a big joke, but it's real.....

2. No matter how long it has been since you last watched Days of our Lives, you can catch up in 20 minutes. By the way, it's still stupid.3. Dogs really do nothing but sleep ALL DAY LONG! I've always wondered what they did, but it's exactly what I thought.....NOTHING.4. I will never outgrow loving naps ;) So today I am mindlessly doing work, blogging and checking facebook, all uninterrupted. Ah, this is the life. And now, when this work day is done at 4:30, I will lovingly pick up my gorgeous babies and cuddle them for hours because I MISSED them while I was at work. Normalcy, I LOVE IT! Lots of pictures of snow fun to come ;)