Thankful

So, Monday started quite the crazy week for us! Jeff was scheduled for work in St. Louis for the week. We woke up, got ready and the kids and I headed over to my dad and Laura's house for waffles with Michele, June, Gramma, and Grampa, just like we do every Monday morning. Jeff headed out for St. Louis shortly after that. At about 9:45 a.m. while the kids were playing and Callum was sleeping, I got a call from Jeff. "Hey babe, um, leave the kids there, I need you to come get me, I've been in a bad accident" He had an eery sense of calm about him, and I was in full on panic mode. He assured me he was okay, but kept telling me, be careful and just come get me giving very few details while on the phone. He was on I-70 past Odessa (that's about 30 miles east of KC). His rear tire blew while on the interstate, that caused his car to go crazy, he spun around from the left lane into the right (now facing oncoming traffic) and then rolled twice landing with the driver's side door/window on the grass. After the car stopped, he was greeted by several people who stopped to help, he climbed out of the passenger side window (it was broken and shattered everywhere) and stood back to check everything out. Still walking. Still breathing. Nothing broken. I still can't believe it.

Jeff's car before

While on the phone with Jeff, I jumped up to leave to pick him up, then realized, Callum had no milk at dad's house. If Callum woke up and there was no milk...everyone would be sorry. My mind was scattered but Laura and Michele helped me figure everything out. Michele took my house keys and went to our house and got the Callum boy some milk (only setting off the alarm once hehe). I set off for Odessa and about 5 minutes into the trip, realized my gas light was on. I had to stop quickly, fill up and head back out on the highway. It felt like the longest trip of my life. I'm pretty sure I was driving 95-100 mph the whole way, which was something I had no idea my car could do. I didn't know what I was going to show up to. Jeff wouldn't give me many details over the phone, he was surrounded by other people and the police officer. He just kept telling me, "be careful and come get me." When I finally got to Jeff he was waiting in the police officer's car and his car had already been towed away. I followed the officer and Jeff to the tow lot the whole time thinking, "I just want to see him, touch him, and make sure he's alright" When we got to the tow lot, I got my first glance at the car and immediately thought to myself, there's no way he's "fine". I parked the car, and ran to Jeff who was waiting for me and hugged him for a bit. He seemed "fine". He still had this eery sense of calm about him and I didn't know what to make of it. I should've known better though, Jeff is always the one who stays calm and collected in any intense situation. I'm sure he was still processing everything as well. We cleaned out the car, which was full with work supplies, clothes for the week, and lots of other miscellaneous items. We finally got in my car to come home and I finally felt like things were okay. He was in shock, I could see it on his face.

...and after

That afternoon we went to our family doctor's office just to make sure there wasn't anything wrong that we were missing. The only thing he had to show for the accident, was a few cuts on his hands and forearms. The doctor did a very thorough check and gave us a clean bill. He told us a few things to watch for and sent Jeff home with some good meds for the pain that was sure to be setting in through the next couple of days. Jeff got a little sore as the day went on, even worse the next day but by Wednesday he said he felt much better. I still can't believe it.

For me, this has brought me to realize how grateful and lucky I am to have Jeff as my husband. I realize more than ever how much I need him, how much we need him. I am thankful beyond words that it wasn't any worse. I still can't believe it.

The rest of the week was spent talking to a lot of different people from our insurance company, shopping for a new car, and taking care of all the details in between. We settled on a Toyota Prius for our new car. We love it, and especially love its gas mileage! Since Jeff travels so much for work, we decided that a better fuel efficient car was definitely the way to go. (I tried to work out a mini van, but it got out voted) There isn't a car out there more fuel efficient that a Prius, and we like all the other benefits that a hybrid has to offer. We've started out with a light green 2006, but may be switching things up today with CarMax. (we always seem to end up there for car shopping, and they've always been really good to us. I recommend them for sure!) After we purchased the green Prius, we looked online and found another one that we aren't sure how we missed. Its a year newer and has half the miles. Today we go back to CarMax (who offers a 5 day penalty-free return policy) to check out the other Prius and will probably be bringing it home instead. Be looking for a post on Jeff's blog about all the wonderfully green aspects of the Prius (that was for you Jeremy)

I don't have any pictures fo the green one, but this is the one we're looking at today

I want to say thank you to everyone who has kept Jeff in their thoughts this week. We have had a lot of time together to realize how very very blessed we are to still have him with us.

p.s. upon researching the Prius we found that they are coming out with a Prius mini van!! Be looking for that to join our family in a few years!

just a little bit of life...

Aside from all the soccer fun and Easter business, I thought I'd share some of the day-to-day happenings that have been going on around our house. First of all, we've been struggling with Adrianne making it through the night without pottying. Since she was about 2 1/2 we've put her in a pull-up for bedtime. Lately, as we were still putting her in a pull-up for bed time, she started taking advantage of the pull up, and not going to the bathroom in the toilet because it was just easier to go in the pull up. Needless to say, that was unacceptable for my fully potty trained (except at night) 4 year old to be doing. So, the pull ups went away and a potty chart went up. For every night that Adrianne wakes up without an accident she puts a sticker on her chart, after 5 stickers she gets a prize. (she's created the list of prizes) For her first prize, she asked to go to Paradise Park. For those of you who aren't familiar, Paradise Park is ultimately a children's museum type place that Adrianne loves to visit. For this trip we brought June and Savanna along, and we all had a great time! Since this trip she's gotten two more prizes. One was a trip to feed the fish and skip rocks with her dad and as I type this, she is seeing the movie "How to train a dragon" in 3D at the theater with Jeff. I'm sure she's having a blast. I've learned through many many peed on sheets the past few weeks that she is a very sound sleeper and is unable to wake up to go to the bathroom. If I set my alarm for midnight and wake her to go, she almost always wakes up dry. I'm not sure how long it will take me getting up with her for her to make it through the night by herself, but I think we're one step closer!

All the girls with their faces painted

Callum got new sippy cups in his Easter basket and gave them a try. He loves to play with the cup and can grab on to the handles to pick it up. If I hold it for him, he'll take drinks out of it. Its hard for him to hold it up high enough to get a drink out. He loves chewing on the spout too.

Callum also got a new chair for the table. The high chair was taking up too much space in our cramped kitchen and I saw this hook-on chair in a babies r us ad. We got it for our table and Callum loves it! He really likes being at the table with us when we're eating. He feels like such a big boy!

I'm a big boy!

Here are some pictures from the past couple weeks of the kids.

Adie and her best bud Emily

Callum boy, such a great smile!

Even though Adie's eyes are only half opened, I love this picture!

Coming up with a naughty plan I'm sure!

We decided this weekend to try to sell our house. We have wanted to sell it for a while now, but have been unsure if we'd be able to. Hopefully our realtor is able to make it happen for us. We would love some more space, and a place to settle for many many years. If it doesn't sell in the next 6 months or so, we're going to take it off the market and stay here a little longer. We'll just have to see what happens! If you know someone interested in a starter home, please send them our way!

Easter fun

Our kids had a fantastic Easter. It was fantastic, but it was BUSY. I don't think there is an event anymore that isn't busy. Adrianne had her first egg hunt the week before Easter at a co-worker's house.

Adrianne and Melissa (the hostess)

The Saturday before Easter, Jeff and I had the family over to our houe to celebrate with an egg hunt. Adie and June had a blast scouring our back yard for the eggs. I think they had even more fun sneaking in as much candy as they could before getting caught. We had a delicious meal after the hunt. We're lucky to have such great cooks in the family!

June found one!

All of Adie's goodies

I'm pretty sure that marshmallow went into her mouth seconds after this picture was taken

Cousins!

Easter morning went great too! Our Easter bunny is a little tricky and hides the baskets throughout the house. Adrianne found hers in the dryer and she helped find Callum's under his exer-saucer. She had a harder time finding Callums (in the middle of the living room) than her own. Sometimes it just has to smack ya in the face!

Where's Adie's basket??

Callum's first Easter

"Lookie what I got!!"

Adrianne and all her new stuff

After the kids checked out their goodies, and Adie had a little more candy (so what if it was breakfast time) we got them dressed in their Easter get-ups. We went to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's for a dinner and egg hunt then headed to Grammy Gill's for another hunt and dinner. I couldn't even think about eating again. Don't worry, I made sure to take home some of her delicious sweet potatoes and ham and ate on it through the week. No matter how full I am, I can't pass up those sweet potatoes! By the end of the day, we were all more than exhausted. We are always reminded on holidays like this how lucky our kids are and how lucky we are to have such an amazing family.

My children (take 1 of many)

Adrianne in egg hunting action!

Callum found an egg too!

My kiddos, aren't they adorable!?! (take 2)

My Family.

I don't think I could be any prouder!

Soccer!

Well, Adrianne has had her first and second games of soccer! The games are just about hysterical to watch and Adrianne tries her best to keep focused but finds that to be a challenge most of the game. Its hard to keep focus when there are other kids walking, or people sitting on the side lines, or grass to be picked, or wind blowing. Pretty much anything causes her to take her focus off of the ball and onto something else. However, when she does have her attention in the right place, she does great! She follows the ball, tries to get in the huddle of kids to kick it, and if she's close enough to the goal, she tries really really hard to get one in. The games are a little too long for her, she's usually ready to be done about halfway through the second (of four) quarter. She does tough it out and plays the whole game, but man, she's exhausted by the end.

Adie right before game #1

Adie and her new (and old) soccer friends

Go Adie Go!!

June got a great view!

"I'm ready to be done!"

Big Cal before game #2

Adrianne with Grandma and Aunt Vanna

Callum hanging out with Aunt Lyn

Adrianne catching up with the ball

...and this is Adrianne twirling, rather than playing.

Where to begin?

We have had a crazy busy weekend (and even a little more than that). Its hard to decide where exactly to begin, but I think I'll start with Thursday. The day was beautiful, there was LOTS to do around the house, and the case load at work had been pretty light due to Spring Break for a lot of the doctors. I decided to give work a call and let it be known that if I wasn't needed, I would be glad to stay home. Luckily, they made my day and told me, "stay home!". I had already asked for Friday off to get ready for the Stone Church Preschool PTA garage sale (that took place on Saturday). I thought to myself, "awesome, 4 full days off, I'm going to get so much done!" As the days went by, I realized that wouldn't exactly be the case. Anyway, I digress. Thursday was a beautiful day. Jeff had gotten back home from work and we were anxious to play outside once Adrianne got done with school. I spent the morning with Callum at the school sorting and pricing lots of other people's junk dropped of for the sale. That afternoon, at lunch time, we decided to give baby food a try with Callum. We started with sweet peas. We got the bib on Cal, put him in the high chair and gave it a go. This is the reaction we got :

"Peas are gross!"

After fighting through the gagging and crying every time the peas touched his tongue, Jeff suggested trying some carrots. I thought to myself, "they probably won't work, this is probably just his reaction to food, but we'll give it a try" Luckily we did because this is the the reaction we got from them:

Success!

After we cleaned up lunch, we headed outside to soak up some of the beautiful sunshine and warm weather. Adrianne had a blast running through Jeff's garden (the start of his garden, that is). We worked on kicking the soccer ball, played t-ball and got on the swing. Callum even joined us for the swinging, but this time he was much less impressed. He didn't last too long in it, I believe he was taken to his bed shortly after that and crashed out for a nap. Adrianne has taken an interest in scaring the life out of me by kicking her legs up as high as she can so that she all but dumps out of the swing, and when I panic and rush tocatch her she cracks up laughing. I'm telling you, it was just hilarious, really. (please note the sarcasm)

Adrianne giving me a panic attack (by now I knew what to expect, so I took a picture)

A couple of cuties!

"This was a lot more fun the last time!"

Running through daddy's garden

Now, onto Friday. Adrianne has done an excellent job with all of the changes a baby brother brings to the house. Lately however, she's been having a little bit of a struggle with the lack of attention from Jeff and I, and extra fussing from Callum. Jeff and I kind of got a wake up call that she needs a little more from us than we've been giving her, so we're trying to fix that. Friday morning I spent the morning working on the sale and Jeff held down the fort with Adrianne and Callum. At lunchtime I came home and we all went to Crown Center for their Fairy Tale Village exhibit and plans to eat at Fritz's restaurant. Apparently, it was such a good idea, that everyone else in the greater KC metro area did the same thing. The place was packed with people and the line for Fritz's was super long. We opted out of waiting there, and just grabbed some sandwiches and pizza from da'bronx. After lunch we headed to the exhibit which was also very busy. Adrianne was a little timid because of all the people, but still had a good time going from house to house checking out all the different sights. They had all kinds of stops ranging from the 3 bears house to Cinderella's carriage. I followed her around everywhere she wanted to go, and she loved that. After the Fairy Tale exhibit, we stopped at the candy store and let Adie pick out some of her favorite sugary treats. (great idea, I know) It sure did make her day. I will have to say, I think she's been hanging around her Grandpa Johnson a little too much because her choices of candy are sub-par. She filled her bag with black licorice and candy corn. Jeff and I had to toss some of our favorites in there just so we could sneak a few bites of something we'd enjoy. After loading up on candy and princesses, we headed home so that I could start baking for the bake sale (at the same time as the garage sale). I baked the entire evening and completely destroyed my kitchen. After I got it all picked up and put back together, I crashed in bed, knowing that I had to be up bright and early the next morning.

Adrianne and her daddy on our way Crown Center. (we had to park 3 blocks away because the garage was full. By the time we had parked and walked down, the garage was open again. Isn't that just our luck!)

Adrianne bursting with excitement to check out the Village

Riding in Cinderella's carriage

Callum tolerated the Fairy Tale Village very well!

Adrianne warping out from all her candy

Adie and daddy (looks like the candy's kicking in)

Adrianne and I

Enter Saturday. Saturday morning, I got up at 6:00 am to be to the garage sale at 7:00 in order to get it ready to open at 8:00. I woke up, took a shower, then glanced out the window. "oh great, the weather people were right, we got snow dumped on us" I thought to myself. The snow made for a wonderful day for a garage sale. I spent the whole day there, and only about 30 people came through. We had tons of tables filled with stuff, and it had to be gone on Saturday by 4:00. No body was coming through, and we still hadn't found anyone to come by and pick everything up. I was panicking a little bit. At the last minute, we got ahold of the Disabled American Veteran's and they were able to come by and collect everything that didn't sell. I don't know if they knew what they were in for, but they got a heck of a load from us. Jeff and Adrianne came up to the sale at about noon, brought me lunch, and hung out with me for the rest of the time until we were all done loading up the DAV truck. I was so grateful to have them there with me to help pass the time. After we were all done, we picked up Callum from MeMe and PaPa's house and headed home until dinner time. We met Jeremy, Christy and Emily for dinner, which was really nice. We enjoyed visiting with them. When we were done, I think we were all ready to crash. It had been a long day for all of us. I don't usually have any trouble falling asleep, but Saturday night, I really didn't have any trouble!

This brings us to Sunday. Today. Because we've been so busy, we spent the day today trying to reclaim our house. Jeff tackled the bathroom and I folded the most laundry I have ever folded at one time. Here's proof!

Yikes!

Since we still have a bunch of snow on the ground, Jeff took Adrianne out for one last (hopefully) day in the snow. They built a snowman and had a snowball fight. I stayed in side with Callum and made some hot chocolate on the stove for them when they got done. Adrianne loved drinking her hot cocoa out of a coffee cup. She thought she was such a grown up!

The finished product!

Now-do you see what I mean? This weekend has been a lot of fun, a lot of work, and very busy. I am a little bit glad to have a low key, very little plans kind of week this week. It will give us all a chance to breathe!

Here's a couple pictures of Callum too. He recently found his tongue and his newest thing has been sticking it out and moving it all around. He also screeches at the top of his lungs while he's got his tongue stuck out. Its hilarious! Stay tuned for some video, we're trying to capture it but every time we pull out the camera, he doesn't cooperate.

And here's a cute one from today. Jeff put Cal in his diaper box, it sounds a little strange, but he loved it!

That's all for now, I hope everyone enjoys their week!