No Lika Change

When it comes to electronics, I have one philosophy. Learn what I need to know and remain baffled with the rest. I know how to email WITH ATTACHMENTS, and blog. I can check a few web sites and create a newsletter. I am very hip and trendy. Earlier this year, after SEVERAL failed attempts, Keith even taught me how to transfer pictures and post them on our computer. That small feat alone makes me feel like I'm finally getting a grip on this computer thing.

Wrong. I married a techie, I married a man who loves to upgrade to the newest, fastest, and complicated devices on the market. It doesn't matter if we will never use 90% of the capability. He needs it. He is fascinated by tarabytes and gigs - I don't even know what those are and am pretty sure they aren't spelled properly.

So my loving husband has gone and changed everything. I finally figure out the old camera, and he bought a new one. I grow comfortable with posting pictures and this new camera's SIM card doesn't fit in my ancient laptop. BUT, it does if in Keith's new Mac I Book... or whatever it's called. That thing scares me. It looks so simple and yet it terrifies me. It's so sleek and skinny. It's plain. I know it's a trick to make me feel less of a person. I'm sure it will freeze up and die when I press the wrong button. Then Keith will freak out - I just don't need it.

I was going to write a post about TuTu's and post the cutest pictures. But considering the very confusing way I would have to go about it, you will have to imagine how cute these things are. My mom and I made these HUGE tutus for my nieces and fellow adoptive daughters. Each one is made with no less than 12 yards of tulle. They are girlly girlly. It was such a change of atmosphere in the house with all the tulle piled on my tables and floors. I even had to use two certain little dudes in this house to model the lengths. Now you're really wishing I knew how to post the pictures, aren't ya? I'm sure they'll forgive me one day. I can't wait to see the girl's faces when they open their very large and full tutus. I can't wait to see them all wear them and twirl around standing 3 feet apart given the girth of the skirts.

So, imagine how cute these things are and I will work on expanding my computer knowledge.

So much to talk about

I'm sorry little blog, I've neglected you so.

Now, I have so much to talk about and so little time. It's hard when you let things pile up. This is a lesson I've learned the hard way a million times and it still hasn't changed my way of doing things. O well. I'm sure my children will learn from my mistakes.

Actually, I am stalling. I am not motivated to clean and pack. We are driving back to Texas for Christmas. Yes, we have lost our minds. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends. It's the drive I am absolutely dreading. I can not express to you how much un-fun traveling for very long times with two children, two dogs, and a cat can be. A good mom would be anticipating, planning and preparing fun things to keep her children occupied with. A good mom would be concerned that it's an even harder trip on them. I am not. I openly admit that I am hiding in the corner with my eyes closed. I've been twitching my nose just praying I can transport us in a flash just like Bewitched. This drive is LONG and should not be attempted 3 times in 18 months.

Children, I am so sorry. I am sorry for the car seat sores you might endure. I'm sorry Brad you can't start school. You aren't potty trained for the sole purpose of this drive alone. I don't need anything else making it harder. I'm sorry Cole that you must listen to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as many times as possible in a two day span. I am sorry that instead of the calm, easy-going Ashley, we'll be making this drive with Daddy. (he doesn't do well in confined spaces for long) I'm deeply concerned for his future mental health.

My to-do list today is to clean their rooms, print up insurance cards, check the highway conditions for 6 of the largest states in the Union, and start to separate "things to take". Sigh..... we'll be there once I can willing strap myself into the van....

Tato Head

As I was getting ready for church, Brad was playing with Mr. Potato Head by putting all the parts in the wrong places of course. Then I hear this:

Brad (in high pitch voice): "My hinney ho, my hinney ho, my hand is in my hinney ho"

Here We Go Again

Keith left this morning. Mentally, it's just for 12 days. That shouldn't be too bad, right?? WRONG! I don't know why they leave on Saturdays. It's the loneliest day of the week without Daddy around. It hit me after about 2 hours this morning with the boys eating everything in sight. In 3 hours they've had yogurt and granola, bananas, almond bars, cheese, and now they are digging through the candy bag. Time to start lunch.

Where's my diaper changing help? Where's the pancake maker? Where's the get-up-and-out-of-the-house motivator? Where's the guy that knows how to help me with the computer program I can't figure out? Depressing.

Tagged

I've been tagged in a friend's blog. There's rules and I'm suppose to tag 6 others. We all know I'm a rule breaker so I will only adhere to part of the game. I am to write 6 random things about me. In keeping with the "baby book" theme, these are things about myself my children will probably never know:

1. I love a good dance floor. I could spend all night gettin' with the get-down. I was the girl in the club who started out looking pretty attractive. After 4 straight hours on the floor, I was a sweating mess with my hair tied up and shoes usually off. Nice. And, I never turned a guy down who asked me to dance. I have yet to decide if that's a good thing or bad~
2. I like to keep my toenails cut very short, and in turn, I like to keep yours cut very short too. I worry all the time that you are going to get an ingrown toenail and it will be all my fault. I feel a slight sigh of relief once a week when they grow back out without problems.
3. I have candy hidden in the house that you don't know about and I have an unspoken motherly vow: I will always keep on hand the ingredients to make rice krispie treats. At any given moment, on request or cheer-me-up, rice krispie treats could be yours in 10 minutes. Promise.
4. I use to drive like a bat out of hell. I honestly don't know how I survived many a collision. I drove fast, furious, and aggressive. You've never seen tailgating till you've seen it done Chamness style. I once got two speeding tickets in one day. I drove like your Papa Sir and Aunt Kimi. My ways changed the first time I had to drive my one week old newborn to his first dr. appointment. I will never drive like that again putting you and others in danger. We only go as fast as the law will allow!
5. If you ever look through my old report cards, please remember... I am much smarter than I appear. I didn't apply myself if it didn't interest me. In fact ( stop reading now mom...... ) I don't ever remember - not even one time - studying. I watch your Dad study all the time, he is constantly learning. I know now that I could have done better academically, but I didn't. What a waste. Cole, you got your memory from me.
6. I love to do puzzles, mind games, and logic problems. I am very competitive about it too. I wonder why you have so many puzzles Cole????? Humm... maybe because it's what mommy likes to play with the best. One day I'll have timed contests with you. Does that sound like fun or what!?!?!

Five Years

Five Years. I can remember like it was yesterday. I think God gives moms a special gift in remembering the birth of their children. I will never forget seeing him and his first cry. I will not forget his perfect skin and smell. I remember all the chaos and commotion. The whole experience of it all can be perfectly replayed in my mind.

Now, I have no idea where the years went or where my car keys are for that matter. I know the time has been filled with laughs, family, trips, moves, learning, friends, tears and if I'm honest even time-outs, spankings, and yelling. By the way, new parents NEVER envision the frustration that comes hand in hand with child rearing a toddler.

We've tried to provide different kinds of experiences and exciting things to do. We've invested time in teaching and playing. We've researched and provided the safest environment we could afford. We've cuddled and loved, comforted and consoled, prayed and sang, disciplined and kissed, washed and clothed, groomed and swaddled. Our five year result looks like this:


And I couldn't love him more. Thank you God for this Blessing. Happy Birthday Cole!

Quick Learner

Tonight I thought I would split a bag of M&M's with the boys. Really I wanted to eat the whole bag myself, but I didn't think I could hide it from them. I show the boys the bag and ask them if they want any... duh, they didn't hesitate to yell "YES!"

I grab 2 small bowls and start to divide equal portions. Cole says "Mom, can I have ten of them?" Brad quickly chimes in.... "I want eleven"

Teeth, Glorious Teeth!

YEA for Brad!!! Have you noticed a huge gummy gap in his smile? He WAS missing 3 teeth still and I truly thought he was going to have missing teeth. However, WE HAVE TEETH! Brad's two teeth on his upper left have broken through and the one missing on his right is sooooooo close! You can see it beneath his gum line getting ready to join the group.

I'm kinda relieved. Mental note for Brad's teen years: He will always cause some kind of crazy worry, he will be late, and think nothing of it when things work themselves out. Geez mom, relax!

National Lampoon Family Vacation

We tried. Keith came home and our plans were to take a trip to Hawaii during his 2 weeks of leave. We arranged rooms (thanks to Grandma), we scheduled family pictures and bought outfits, we lined up kid friendly events and excursions, and hired a house sitter for the animals. We thought about this trip for the past 3 months. Keith even agreed that he would NOT be sick of sand and was even willing to fly 1/2 back to Guam. We told the boys stories of the sea turtles and surfers. They knew about the lizards and Pearl Harbor. Cole wanted to see coconut trees (hehehe) and crabs on the beaches.

We did everything we could to prep for this trip. All we had to do was jump on a free military charter flight out of Travis AFB. Piece of cake.

Steve called for a group meeting at 5:30 Thursday night. We looked at the flights and decided we needed to leave ASAP to try to make one of the two flights on Friday. We rushed home and packed, cleaned, and loaded the car in 45 minutes. We were on the road before dinner. I did not know that could be possible. The excitement and spontaneity were too much. We would be in Hawaii in 15 hours!!!

Keith drove through the night and we arrived at the terminal at 4:30am. To our surprise there were others already there. They must be there for another flight. Surely there wasn't anyone else trying to get to Hawaii in October!

Well we didn't make the first 2 flights. Disappointing, but we were ready to check in to biliting and NAP after our trip through the Jelly Belly Factory. We were so tired, it was time to rest up and regroup. Only the boys slept in the car all night and they were ready to go! They missed the mandatory 4 hour nap memo. One problem: The only warm clothes we had were the ones on our backs. We only packed warm Hawaii clothes and Northern Cali does not have Hawaii weather. Good thing biliting has a free laundry mat. We'll just wash our clothes EVERY NIGHT and rewear the same things... no worries - Hawaii soon! We took them bowling that night.

There wasn't going to be a flight out on Saturday so we headed to San Fransisco. It was fleet week and they were having an air show over the Golden Gate Bridge. We walked up and down the Fisherman's Warf. We went to the aquairuim and saw the sealions on Pier 39. We ate $5 icecream cones and took in the sights. We tried to catch a cruise to Alcatraz, but they were sold out (another hit of bad luck and certianly not our last)

Sunday there were two flights out to Hawaii with 41 seats available - I was already making lunch plans in Hawaii! We were not listed high enough and did not get out on those flights. Our room reservations started on Sunday and we were upset to miss out on the first night, but Monday a plane was leaving with 73 seats available!!! We couldn't be down hearted for long because Monday we were in for sure!!!! Pina Coladas on the beach, sand between our toes, all the lizards you can catch... just one more day away.

We decided to head to the Factory Outlets and drive through Napa Valley. We ate In and Out Burgers, Keith had his beloved Togo's, and wouldn't you know that we tired to eat at Chick-fil-a twice and they were closed (bad luck sign #6 and 7)

Didn't matter... Monday morning bright and early we were getting on a plane to Hawaii!!! We set an early alarm and pack everything up. Each time we had to unload the car seats and Keith had to take the car to extended parking. There was a retired man who shuttled people back and forth to extended parking for a gas donation (I'm telling you that guy is the richest man at Travis!)

As we check out of biliting we hear a rumor... no seats available. We drive to the terminal and it's confirmed. There aren't any seats going out on today's flight and there isn't a flight leaving on Tuesday. We didn't know what the schedule would be on Wednesday and besides there were several more people ahead of us. Goodbye Hawaii vacation. All our plans and the gracious rooms from Keith's Grandma... gone. We headed home at 6am. Tension was high so we decided to take a pit stop at Lake Tahoe. We got a room and spent the day touring around the town. We went to the spot where Keith and I were married, we ate the best brisket sandwich EVER, and bought Brad a warmer jacket to ride up the Gondola to the top of Heavenly. We take our new purchase and head to the window..... guess what... it was closed. I'm not kidding. It was running an hour earlier. Bad Luck.

We enjoyed a great dinner and nice rooms and Stephen drove us home the following day. It reminds me of what it says in James 4: 13-14 about making plans.. they are not our own.

Instead we enjoyed our time as a family and did other things together. We went to the river and hunted bugs, fished at the pond, hosted a Crab Boil, went to Cole's soccer party, hung out, and went to church together. All things that were not part of the Hawaii vacation we envisioned. And we had fun.

Today Keith went back to work and Cole went back to school. Life has returned to normal. Well, the chaos filled McDaniel kind of normal.

Finally

Together Again. Families aren't meant to be separated for so long, but the joy of reuniting is unexplainable. The boys were over the moon to see their Dad. Brad won't let Keith out of his sight and Cole is trying to play catch up. "Dad, do you want to play outside with me?" "Dad, can we play sock war?" "Dad, want to play soccer?" "Dad, want to ride 4-wheelers?"

We got to see Keith fly over the base and then land. As he flew over I told Brad that Daddy was in that plane and he started to cry. Oh - break my heart. Cole was waving his flag and holding the sign he painted. So precious.

Keith has been back 48 hours and is in full Dad-mode. I feel a little bad, but my favorite quote from him today was "I feel so scatterbrained, it's like I take one step forward and 10 back" Bless his heart. I say the same thing daily. Ah, it's so good to have him home to share the load.

Real Quick

Brad hasn't been counting. Out of the blue yesterday he counted up to 11! So random, but yea Brad.

Last night as I was putting Cole to bed, he wanted to say a special prayer. Do you know who for? He wanted to pray for my grandpas that are in Heaven. I love his little heart with all of mine.

Carried Away

Ok - the countdown is on! Here is my to do list. I think I might be in over my head but totally do-able right? I've already briefed the boys that this week is serious and I will expect them to keep their toys upstairs. I think they understood and will comply to this request.

*Do all laundry AND put away. This will be a milestone because I don't think all the clothes have been put away since....... June 1st. It's my least favorite chore ever.
*Dust the whole house
*Clean all the bathrooms
*Change litter box
*Mop floors by hand
*Take Mike Victor to Boise to get fixed
*Detail clean the bathrooms
*Detail clean the kitchen
*Find the floor of the office and file all the paperwork. This hasn't been done since.... June 1st. Get it ready for our house guest to stay while we're in Hawaii.
*Vacuum (no problem there) and Steam Clean the entire house
*Tackle the boys rooms and organize the toys
*Make grocery list and shop
*Prepare special meals in advance
*Bathe the dogs
*Clean the windows
*Brush the spiderwebs off the front door
*Clean out the car, detail
*Paint fingernails and toenails, maybe a nice facial mask
*Lose 10 pounds and fit into old clothes
*Take care of all MOPS planning through October


All of this is to be done between meetings, soccer practices, Bible Study, haircuts, school, and nightly plans. Totally do-able. Honey, please overlook some details if it doesn't ALL get taken care of..... especially the 10 pounds part. I'll try to adjust you to reality slowly. Now, if anyone catches me on the computer in the next week, please recite this list to me.

Meet Bluebell

Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? She's finally here. Meet the newest member of our family, Bluebell. I've named her that because she's blue and ever since Amy Garrison told me about BlueBell Ice Cream's latest flavor Candy Jar, I can't get it out of my head. (inquiring minds: it's full of all different kinds of crushed candy bars. CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?!)

Bluebell is my 7th Anniversary gift from Keith. Typically men should shy away from appliances as anniversary gifts, but this is an exception. She's perfect. I think Dysons should make their way into every home in America. If I ran the world, it would be standard issue. They'll be like televisions and computers... you watch. They'll catch on. I got to test run my friend's vacuum, but it did not prepare me for today. I love her. She's light, easy to handle, not very loud, good at her job, and leave the prettiest little vacuum tracks.

If I were rich all of you would be looking at your next Christmas present, but.... I'm not. It's the thought that counts right? To those of you who have been telling me to get on the bandwagon sooner, I'm sorry. You were right. Wendy, my heart aches for you a little more today. You'll be reunited soon ((hugs))

Undeserving

I have the greatest friends. I wish I was articulate enough to compose the most touching letter to each and every one of you. I have been beyond blessed in the girlfriend department and I truly treasure time with you all.

I USE to have these two friends by the name of Erin and Ashley. I say "use to" because I'm not sure what my status is to them after this morning. They volunteered to help out with MOPS this morning and were in the infant classroom. I peeked my head over and there were NINE babies screaming all at once. They are supermoms, but there's really only so much human ears can take. I kid you not Erin was bottle feeding two different children and changing a diaper all at the same time. Ashley was bouncing a crying infant in her arms and with her leg rocking a bouncy seat. And with all those tears came runny noses. I think we lost count in the nose wiping department. AND THEN - they stayed and helped me clean up! Pretty great, huh?

They helped me out because they have big hearts. I appreciate it more than words and I'm sorry for the constant ringing in your ears for the rest of the day. It would be a very depressing life without my military family here in Idaho. Thanks again. Please answer the phone when I call you later this afternoon!

NNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

This is what was screaming inside my head when I found this:





Thanks Brad. That trick couldn't wait till Daddy gets home? Now what do I do??? Move the guest bedroom upstairs by myself, somehow block the stairs in case he tries this in the middle of the night??? Watch out world, there's no stopping him now.

I.T.D.M.Y.C.I.D.K.W.W.

In other words: If this doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will.

Emotionally, this has been a rough summer. Keith has been gone almost 4 months and the boys have been missing him like crazy. If ever there was a dream Daddy, it would be Keith. He's the greatest mixture of fun, crazy, stability, honesty, caring, mentoring, and patience. Since he's been gone, Keith has sent packages, presents, postcards. He calls daily and talks with the boys. Keith has tried to do everything in his powers to keep in touch with them. Reminding Cole and Brad of his love for his two little buds.




However, I think the best gift has been a book he wrote for the boys. It's affectionately known as "Daddy's Book" around here. With a little help from Shutterfly, Keith's book is full of pictures and stories of what he's been doing. He explains to their little hearts why he had to leave. He details his trip and captions the pictures highlighting all the important parts (read:BUGS).







We read it everyday. I wish you could hear how excited Cole and Brad get as we go through page after page. I wish you could see the devotion in their eyes looking at pictures of Keith. I wish their daddy was home... soon. Keith, on behalf of your kids, thank you for this book. You're a good daddy and we love you more than words.

Reality Check

Today was a reality check. Boise Botanical Gardens hosted a Mad Hatter's Tea Party. GREAT! That sounds like fun. Alice in Wonderland is a fun movie, the boys will like it. So we drive out to Boise, pay to get in, grab our tickets and head to the Mad Hat Making Tables. This set the tone for the rest of the day....

Reality Check - I have boys. Boys that are obsessed with getting dirty, boys that have the attention span of a fly, boys that can't sit to watch a movie unless strapped in a car seat, boys that don't like to sit and color or work on anything crafty. Ashley and I crafted.. the boys looked for bugs.







They amused me and my efforts to do different things and I love them with all my heart. I promise... next year I won't forget Bug Day.

Birds and the Bees

Cole told me that kissing on the lips for a long time means your pregnant.



ummm... I think I'm going to let him believe this to be true for a very very very long time. See, self teaching is the way to go!

Jumping Jacks

Is this cute or what? I love little kids doing things for the first time. I'm tempted to not teach him the correct way of doing jumping jacks. I could watch this all day.

Consumer Reports

Do you also know of my love for vacuuming? It's my favorite chore and do it almost every day. However, like a skilled surgeon.. you're only as sharp as your scalpel. I totally just made that up, but you get my point. I am not happy with the vacuum I have now. Currently I am the owner of a Eureka The Boss Smartvac. It's serving it's purpose, but there are several things I can't stand about it. Did you know this vacuum is rated #1 by Consumer Reports for a bag vacuum in price and preformance? Mind boggling, but that's another issue.

My heart and eye has been very curious with the Dyson vacuums. However, my brain kicks myself when it comes to the price. Do you know how many Coach purses you can get for that price?! WAIT.... I have to be sensible.... Or how much compounded interest that could generate in a college account for your young children? (if you go to a Coach outlet TWO purses!!)

Today I've conducted a very scientific study. I vacuumed my carpet with the Eureka Boss and then vacuumed my carpet with my friends Dyson. I think the pictures speak the results.

The Eureka Smartvac

Floor after vacuuming with Eureka Smartvac. Keep in mind the floor has been vacuumed 3 times in the past 4 days.

The Dyson with an empty container

The floor after vacuuming with the Dyson - the exact same areas. I did not try to be sneaky and move furniture to get more dirt.

I accidently dropped the container on my way to dump it, so the evidence is on the vacuum.

There is the excess of the container.

Verdict: The Dyson picked up dirt the Eureka missed for the past 4 days. I did not WANT to like the Dyson. I did not want the Dyson to pick up more. I don't need more of a reason to justify spending that much money on a vacuum. <<<owell>>> I guess I'm a material girl living in a ma ma terial, ma ma terial, ma ma terial world.

MOPS Kickoff

Have I ever told you how much I love MOPS? Yep, I'm kinda a nerd when it comes to this group. A total stranger knocked on my door when Cole was just a baby. It was late afternoon, I was still in my pj's, probably with spit up and food staining my shirt, and of course the house was a mess..... so it's totally a God thing I even opened the door. She handed me a brochure and invited me to MOPS. Cole was 10 months old and I had NEVER left him anywhere. Thinking of leaving him in the kids program almost kept me away. Again, a God thing that gave me courage to try it out. I went. I loved it. The impact MOPS had on my life as a new mom was a key part in leading me to Christ. I seriously would still be lost without it.

When we left Oklahoma saying goodbye to my MOPS friends was the hardest. Even harder was finding out there wasn't a group in North Carolina. That's when Gina became such a blessing in my life. I was pregnant, in a new town, and the first spouse meeting I went to... lovely Gina announces she wants to start up a MOPS group and is looking for help! We worked really hard trying to get it started, but ultimately it never got off the ground. I am still grateful for the experience because the trials we faced then prepared me for Idaho!

We got to Idaho and another new group was starting their very first year. Patty held a military MOPS on base, and I think she did an excellent job. Again, we faced many military hurdles so we decided to take the group to Calvary Chapel.

This morning was our first meeting at Calvary Chapel and it was such a success. God is truly amazing in how everything pulled together. I think the moms had a great time! (Gina, there is only 2 of us on steering and we had 25 moms with almost 40 kids!) So, today kicked off my 5th year with MOPS and I am pumped! I pray this group grows together and helps meet the needs of the moms attending... spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whew... I feel like I can relax today. Our next meeting is only 2 weeks away. I wish you all could join us! If not, please check out a MOPS group in your area. You won't regret it!

Good Night Crib

Brad is again trying to grow up on me. I only moved Cole out of the crib because I needed it for Brad. This time around I swore I would keep Brad in there as long as I could. WHY does he think he wants a big boy bed?

Last night Brad wouldn't sleep in his crib because he said there were dragons in there. Right. (thank you Cole) Today he wouldn't nap because..... there were dragons in there. Tonight, you got it, dragons. I pulled out all the tricks and I can't get that kid to sleep in his crib. So in my infinite mommy wisdom, I decided to keep him up. He'll have to go to sleep sometime right? Wrong. He stayed up and talked about "nokey nokey" (Pinocchio) Then at 11pm when I figured he was tired enough to fall asleep without fighting we headed upstairs for bed.

SIDE NOTE:I turned the lights off and he said "oh, it dark!" When did he learn that? It just dawned on me that he knows the differences. I don't recall TEACHING light/dark or day/night, but he's learning it anyway. Bittersweet.

I tell him to go into his room and Brad matter-of-factly said "No, I sleep in Co-Be's bed" and walked away. He crawled into bed next to his brother and is fast asleep.

Is this a phase? Does he just want someone close by because he's scared? Does this mean he needs a big boy bed? I can't do it. I can not take down that crib. I don't want to take it down thinking it might not be used again. So, he's going to have to tough it out till Keith gets home. And I'm not strong enough to carry the mattress upstairs by myself. I refuse to give a big boy room to my infant son.

Quick what are some nice dragon movies I can sway him with? Parenting at it's finest.

We Have a Cuspid

Another big day in the mouth of Brad! He has a lower cuspid poking through his gum line. This should be logged in a baby book, but my boys are dentally challenged. Actually, it appears he's not THAT far off with his lower cuspids. He's just over 26 months for the average 17-23 month range. Not shabby!

The upper gum line is what's worrying me. He's missing an upper lateral incisor. The average 9-13 month old has em'. Over a year behind there. He's also missing an upper cuspid.

Well, I love that gappy mouth smile. He can sway me with the gummy bridge. And if it keeps the girls from calling or strutting across my doorstep, then I just might never take him to the dentist. That's normal, right?

EDITED TO ADD: The other lower cuspid broke through 9-14-08!! Now we're minus 3 teeth and counting!

Best.Idea.Ever.

Why hasn't someone told me about this wonderful store? Really! We've been here a year and 2 months and I am regretting not finding this place 14 months ago. I'm sure some people are laughing at this. It's like I've discovered Wal-Mart. Get this - THEY HAVE FREE CHILDCARE!

They have a Starbucks, groceries with a nice organic section and produce, household goods liking Bed Bath and Beyond, flowers, clothes, furniture, a jewelry store, toys, shoes, camping gear... and all of it can be covered while your kids are in the PLAYROOM! Too bad it's in Boise, but just might be worth the drive. I'm not kidding, the drive alone might be worth drinking Starbucks with friends while kids are being watched for free. Anyone want to have a girls day out at Fred Myer? Maybe I wouldn't be so excited about this place if I wasn't at the tail end of a deployment. Dang Air Force has me all excited over a grocery store. I have to get out more.

Kindergarten

My Baby. Can you believe it? I feel like telling you to hang on to your britches, here comes the life long learning train. One would think there would be time to collect your thoughts and reflect on such a milestone. There wasn't. It was a hurry and get ready morning, eat your breakfast and go. Find a parking spot, hurry though the gate someone is holding open for you... then you take off to the playground.

That was it - welcome to your first day of kindergarten. I guess it's a good thing. You like the school, are comfortable with the teachers, and already spotted your friends. It makes it easier to not be sad. It's a private school so in a way I still feel like I'm protecting you. AND you have to do it again next year because of your late birthday. No need to get all sad and weepy today, it's just dress rehearsal. Not that the heart-of-stone would ever get sad and weepy over such a big day in her baby's life. But I do wonder what you're doing right now, and if your happy or nervous or scared. Are you listening to your teachers, confused by the directions? Do you know where the bathroom is? SIGH - You do.

Thank you to Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Cool, Ms. Meagan, and Mrs. McCaw for the easy transition from preschool to here. What is there to be sad about? Now... whatever will I do with my time? Oh ya, I think your brother is into the markers! Have a good year baby. I love you forever - As long as I'm living my Colby you'll be.

FOUND!!!

Whew - My earrings have been found. YIPPIE!!! I want to jump up and down. There they were just sitting on my dresser. How did they ever get there? Seriously, I meticulously went through the vacuum bag (vomica) and was even tempted to go through the dog and cat poop thinking they swallowed them. Man, what timing on that one!!! Thank you God ;-)

Honey, I found my wedding day earrings. All is well and I think I can now make it a few more weeks (it sounds better than months)

Not Gonna Do It

Brad, my baby, sweet little guy, just born yesterday thinks he is ready to be potty trained. I find this highly impossible and am happy to overlook the HUGE signs pointing to his excitement over this. I am lazy, and I don't believe in infant training.

The past few nights he's been telling me "pee pee potty mommy". He takes his own diaper off and goes into the bathroom. I lift him on the toilet and he pees. Great. He will get out of the bathtub to pee (good news for Cole!), and thinks flushing is the best part! He's even tried #2.

So today I bought him a ring to sit on top of the lid so I don't have to hold him in place. Do you know that little bugger went without a diaper all evening after dinner, peed 3 times and didn't have any accidents? Well, that's fine and dandy, but I'm not ready to train him.

He's got another thing coming if he's trying to grow up on me. I should write a potty training book on reverse psychology. I could be on Oprah and get to meet George Strait....... Maybe I'll start training tomorrow.

Heartbroken

I'm over this deployment. When we were in Texas, Cole stubbed his toe and hysterically kept crying for his daddy. That was his trigger. Stubbing his toe and all his feelings of missing his dad came rushing over him. I couldn't console him. Today was my trigger.

I've lost my diamond earrings. Keith bought a pair of diamond earrings for me on our wedding day. As I was getting ready, he went to the small jeweler across the street from the Embassy Suites. He bought these earrings he probably couldn't afford. I loved them and now they're gone. There were my "something new" - my only traditional thing in my nontraditional wedding. Wearing them reminded me of Lake Tahoe and saying "I do" to my love. They're gone. Keith's gone. It sucks.

I want them back, and I need Keith back.

Granted, they are earrings - a material possession. Somewhat replaceable. ;-) My kids are healthy and Keith is safe. Life will go on, but tonight I am sad. And I'll forever be sad when I think of my groom handing me the small package before we left to get married. The boys gave me a group hug tonight in an effort to cheer me up. As they are squeezing my neck, their heads nestled on my shoulders, it reminded me of the pair I have now. The pair that isn't missing. If that is my trade up, I'll keep em'

Playdough Fun

Thank You Mrs. Owen. Cole's first preschool teacher at Protestant Preschool shared her recipe with us, and we have used it several times. The boys love it. Cole has gotten into making it with me. So on a beautiful day instead of playing outside or learning to ride a bike, the boys wanted to make playdough. Here's the recipe:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 tbsp oil
4 tsp cream of tarter
2 cups water
food coloring

Cole carefully measures off the flour

Measures the salt

Where are the rest of my pictures? Dang the electronic world. Well, mix all together and heat on medium heat, stirring constantly until all liquid gone. If you want a solid color add food coloring to the mix. You can also wait and separate into baggies and mix colors while kneading.

Midnight Madness

I really thought I would be in bed before midnight tonight. I've gotten into a bad habit of staying up late. Maybe it's the Chamness in me or that I don't like to face the reality of going to bed alone. Anyway, I've made it to bed before midnight only a handful of times since Keith's left. Ironically, he's been going to bed before 9pm. Yea, he misses me too.

So tonight as I'm turning the lights off, stepping over toys, and making two trips up the stairs carrying dogs (they are spoiled little farm dogs) I realize the cat is still outside. Back down I go. I open the door and call her and what do you know.... she just sits there! Acting like a total cat! I have to step outside and pick her up. Then I get a glimpse of what she's so unwilling to leave:

A FROG!

Now, a mother of girls would step right over this thing and head up to bed. Not me. This is way to important in the life of my sons. At midnight, I make a MAD DASH up the stairs calling for Cole. I can't wake him up fast enough. I scoop him out of bed and we run downstairs. After he realized what I was trying to tell him, he lights up! It's like we've seen the GREAT PUMPKIN.

Do you know this kid has been wanting to find a frog since spring rolled around. We had a frog last summer in our backyard, but he didn't make it through Cole's training camp. (circle of life, circle of life...) He was very upset when we told him that the frog was gone and would not be coming back. As soon as we got back from Texas, do you know he would march in my room every morning MAD at me that I did not wake him up to go frog hunting with his new flashlights. Yea right. He and Brad spent no less than 6 hours outside today looking for bugs. I think the grand total was 4 rolly pollies. It's crushing. I've even considered "planting" some night crawlers in our dry, unrich dirt for the boys to stumble upon. So you can see the importance in tonight's discovery.

So there he is, so excited and totally worth waking him up. I bet they spend 10 hours outside trying to find him tomorrow (see.... mom's not that dumb after all!) Do you know that sweet kid wanted to make sure his brother got to see it too. That's why I brought out the camera. I'm not crazy enough to wake up the whole house! Besides, Brad's a little more cranky when it comes to his sleep. He gets if from his Dad.

He looks pretty small, so we let him go back to his mommy. That's what I tell the boys with every critter they find. It's nicer than catch and release... and it keeps them OUTSIDE. Hey Keith, do you think this one hopped all the way from the duck pond to our backyard again? I miss you funny daddy. Tonight just earned myself mommy of the year. I'm out - MOTY

Word Mishaps

Funny things the boys have said this week:

*Cole doesn't like to watch girl's "belly ball" on the Olympics (volleyball) Seriously, why are the girls wearing nothing, but the men are in full jersey's and long shorts? I think belly ball is more appropriate.
*He also had fun playing "kunga fu panda" with a new friend
*I need to get Brad on camera saying "oh dang", it's too funny.
*Brad also has been repeating "superman bunked head off....... funny" over and over again.
*I was changing Brad's super messy poopy diaper and Cole commented on how his "penis looks like it has a moustache"
*Brad seems to like "little balls" (peas) and "wormies" (sauteed onions) and could catch "powees" all day long (rolly polly)
*Brad dumped a full glass of water all over my kitchen floor and I hear Cole say "Good job making a mess Brad!" But he said it like he just wrote his name for the first time - very supportive and encouraging!

It Finally Happened

We went to dinner tonight. By "we", I of course mean myself, Cole, Brad, and Ashley. Later we were informed:

As we were walking into the club a daughter of Keith's co-worker said "Hey mom, there's that neat family with two mommies!"

If that's not edgy I don't know what is. Ashley, I'm sorry others assume you are a mommy to my out of control children and we're that kind of family.

And....... We're done.

Anyone know what that is? Yea, it's the inside of a full wet diaper. Congealed Pee.


This is what happens when your 4 year old takes it off and whirls it around in a funny naked dance.



I'm pretty thick skinned, but this was one of the nastiest things I've had to clean up in my parenting days. That stuff is like jelly. It doesn't sweep, just smears around. I do not suggest letting your children do this. Not that I "let" him do that. It was a very slow motioned "NNOOOOOOOOO!" as it was happening. So, in my shock and anger I told him he is d.o.n.e. with a nighttime diaper. NEVER AGAIN. I think I just created more clean ups for myself.


for the record: He can wear big boys through the night when HE chooses - and he makes it through with no accidents. He told me he would get rid of the diaper when he turns 5. Mama just bumped it up a few months. Whose the parent here? That's right - ME! Now I'm off to clean my broom, and dress my children.

Olympic History

Last night Cole came downstairs after bedtime and asked if he could watch the Olympics with me. I said sure and we spent the next hour cuddled on the couch talking about the Olympians and their cool tricks.

Tonight I put him to bed and soon after I hear him behind me.

Cole: Can I tell you something real quick?
Me: Yes
Cole: Mom, remember when we watched the Olympics together?
Me: I sure do.
Cole: Wanna do it again sometime?
Me: How about right now?

I love that kid.

Did ya know????

Cole's favorite colors are green and orange. I guess he likes them both equally.

Brad can count, although not in order. Boy genius if you ask me! (two five two, go!) He also can hum and make up his own songs to the ABC's. No luck on saying the actual letters.

Red chicken is their favorite meal. The other half of the world knows it as chicken nuggets. They usually come in a Red Tyson bag in these parts, hince the name "red chicken".

Brad doesn't like rinds, crust or skins on his foods. You don't have to cut it off, but he will eat his way around almost anything.

Cole tans like his mom, but has the skin of his dad. Brad burns all over.

Cole can hum all of his favorite songs. He doesn't like to sing out loud unless he's making up his own tune. I even caught him humming Coldplay's new song out. He thinks it's Daddy's song because Keith used it on his video blog.

Brad repeats everything Cole says and appears to understand everything we tell him.

I gave the boys a haircut today and it's painfully obvious why I'm not a barber. I love their hair shaggy. Whoda thought?

We were going to sleep the other night in the hotel room. Cole says "do you remember the baby monkeys that were wearing diapers?" Several months ago we visited a zoo with a baby monkey. I tell him that I do. Then he says "I'm dreaming of them right now"

Brad and his love of saying "oh dang" and candy. He's got my sweet-tooth. For instance, while in Cracker Barrel Brad runs for the candy, Cole runs for the toys. I'm still convinced he's missing teeth. Good thing he has molars so a bridge will fit in just nicely.

Whenever we pull into a Chick-fil-a, Brad yells "I eat Allie" The last time he saw little Allie, they were eating Chick-a-lay. Allie said "Brad no eat me, I not breakfast" I love 2 year olds.

Cole was ready to come back to Idaho so he could see his Daddy. I had to tell him that daddy was still gone. He kept forgetting and would say it over and over again.

Brad lost his big toenail in March. It's grown back, but man is it ugly! Good thing he won't have to think twice about open toed shoes and strapey heals.

Brad loves to dance to music on tv, but won't dance to music on the radio. Figure that one out.

Believe

We've been having so much fun in Texas. I think all the family and friends have brainwashed the kids into thinking it's the best place on earth. Cole says he never wants to leave and loves Texas. He will move here tomorrow. I couldn't list all the cool things we've done and times we've caught up on in fear that I would leave something out! The boys might be slightly right.

During a quick trip to Sea World, we saw the Shamu show: BELIEVE. At the end of the show there was a little girl who got to get up close. She was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. The trainer told her all things were possible if she BELIEVED and gave her a necklace to remind her everyday. The girl sitting next to me said "girl - I bet he does that every show!" What a bubble buster, two seats down GeGe was crying at the touching one-of-a-kind spontaneous moment.

My point in all this - and I do have one - is today it happened. I NEVER thought I would see this day. Cole swam underwater! Yes, head underwater swimming. I can't BELIEVE it!! He played and played and played as he swam with all his cousins/second cousins/family. So attached are the photos as proof. Seeing is BELIEVING!

Changes in Plans

The Pioneer Woman (http://thepioneerwoman.com) recently confessed her life isn't at all what she pictured it to be 20 years ago. She posed the question: Is mine?

Well, I'm not sure. I don't think I've ever been a future planner. I'm more of the here and now thinker. I will plan the order of the day, weeks, stops on vacations.... but I've never said I want to be xyz in 15 years. Back then, the only thing I've ever known was that I was going to spend forever with Keith Lawson McDaniel. You can pretty much check that one off.

I'll go back 10 years. I was 22 and about to graduate from Texas Tech. I didn't even know what I wanted to do after college! Hello - what in the world was I thinking about for the past 4 years? See, not a planner. I wish I was. I wish I put more thought into it and went to nursing school. I would have loved being a labor and delivery nurse. I got hired on with Southwest Airlines and had some pretty memorable life experiences. I am so thankful for that job and company.

My Uncle asked me if I missed it... life with Southwest and the person I was? No, I don't. Life is so wonderfully busy, sleepless, and crazy. I am a stronger Christian now (I NEVER could go back) being married to Keith is everything I could ever want and more, and the boys are pretty much the greatest things since sliced bread.

What I didn't know: How much it hurts when Keith is gone for only 51 days. How much joy two little kids can bring. How much frustration two little kids can bring.

No, I wouldn't go back to being 22. Being Mrs. Keith McDaniel with two boys, two dogs, a cat, and a minivan in a rental house is pretty great. I'm living the dream. Thanks honey.

Keep Your Kids Away From Me!

I went to visit my dear friend Sarah today. We were roommates at SWA flight attendant training. She so nicely reminded me that it's been 10 years. Crikey. Oh - get this.... Sarah goes inside for a few minutes and I'm swimming with the kids. McKenna wants to see if I can swim from one end of the pool to the other so I say - watch this! Well, as soon as I go under and kick off, she decides to follow me. I accidently kick her in the face and when I come up, I see blood. Yeah. So I get her out and we go find Sarah. I'm like "Sarah, I think I kicked her, and there's blood" Not kidding - she opens her mouth and I knocked out her two front teeth! I FEEL SO BAD!!! Sarah says they were both super loose anyway, but still - I kicked her kid in the face! I can't believe I did that. I feel horrible. We couldn't find the teeth at first, but after much searching, they were recovered (ps. teeth sink). Precious girl kept saying "Miss Jennifer, don't feel bad, it was an accident" = worse! She was pretty proud that her teeth were gone. We went to dinner and she kept telling everyone "look at my teeth..... SHE kicked them out!" Funny girl. So, don't be surprised if we never hear from the Coopers again! Killer guilt, but a super cute toothless girl.

God is with You

Brad was crying in the car. I was trying to find out why all the tears, but nothing I offered or could do soothed the tears. Cole then told me that he just wants me. Poor Dude - that's when it happened.........

Cole so calmly says to Brad "Don't worry, your mommy is right here. You just can't see her. Mommy will never ever leave you." Heartbreaking. In my mind, all I could think about was me. I slightly felt more confident in the decision of not going to visit Keith. I knew he was too young. Then Cole added more, "Do you know who else is always with you?" "God".

Such a wise, wise kid. I can't explain the peace it gives me to hear him remember and say that! He's right, God is always with us, even when we can't see him, and will never ever leave. Brad stopped crying.

For Keith

I hope these brighten your day. I am taking a ton of pictures, but I just had to send you a teaser. Here's us today at yet another T-Lake.

Sidenote: There is a dried up lake bed in Mountain Home and the T-bolts have arranged rocks to form the squadron patch. As planes fly overhead, they can see the logo. Every time we drive by it, Brad yells "T LAKE T LAKE" even though there isn't any water in it. He has progressed to calling every puddle, pond, and stream .... "T-Lake"! T-Bolts Rule
Cole was helping my mom drive the boat, and when she let go (to show him he was driving all by himself), he let go too!
I LOVE this one of Cole. He's so good lookin'. Can you see how light his hair is getting?

Worms. Brad tried to stuff all 12 in his little fist and squeeze them to death. He was laughing and squeeling. Cole was so desperate for a hook!