Buster Update

It is Friday morning and I just got off the phone with Carol, Buster's foster mom. She was scheduled to come get him sometime tomorrow and I am having doubts about giving him back.

Since I talked to her on Wednesday Ethan has really warmed up to the dog. He has been petting him and following him around saying, "dog, dog". In the last two days everyone has seemed to really start to adjust. (THAT FIGURES!)

Last night Zoe and Buster played for hours. They were rolling around on the floor playing and they were even playing with Dallas. Zoe has suddenly given up so much of her control. I can pet Buster without her showing teeth and if she feels left out she just starts playing and getting involved in the action.

This morning Buster didn't even stay in the house once the kids got up. He went outside and played with Zoe. The dogs still argue over food but otherwise they seem to really like each other.

Buster is such an obedient dog I am afraid we won't find a better mannered dog. I caught him on top of the hot tub yesterday evening and yelled at him. You would have thought by the way he was acting that I beat him. He jumped off and went to the ground. He laid on the ground with a horribly sad face forever. He must have thought I was really mad and I started to feel bad. I had to go pet him and tell him it was okay but that wasn't a place for doggies.

I have noticed in the last few days that Zoe's tail has been wagging and she is starting to resemble the dog we had before Bruce died.

I thought Carol would be irritated with me for changing my mind but she actually was thrilled. She said due to the economical downfall many people are turning animals over to the organization and NOBODY is looking for a new pet. Buster is such a special, sweet dog and she is worried that he won't find a home because of the economy. She said that another lady is interested in him but it isn't the best situation. She could only give me certain details due to privacy but pretty much the lady lives alone in an duplex. She works 8 hours a day and has no backyard. She wants to make him an inside dog that she will walk when she gets home. That isn't going to work for Buster he has too much energy for that situation. The lady doesn't have any other dogs or kids to play with and that means he will chew her entire house up. The obvious best match is us. Buster spends most of his time outside at our house and I can't imagine that large dog stuck in a small duplex all the time alone.

So now my decision is even harder! I think I over reacted to the kids being knocked down and I didn't give him enough time to adjust to our routine. Yesterday at lunch he came inside and said hello then went back outside to play. He figured out in two days that lunch time is only a temporary visit time and I have things to do during that time. I told Carol I would call her with my final decision this evening. She said she will gladly tell the other lady that I changed my mind and Buster is staying with us. However if we keep him for the next week of his scheduled two week sleepover and decide not to adopt him, he will have no one else waiting for him. So pretty much I have to decide whether to turn him over to the lady in the duplex or keep him for our family...

It's going to be a long day! Thanks for listening everyone.

Kai is here!

Okay first thing I need to apologize for the "It" blog accidentally sent out the other day. It was so funny to get responses from everyone. "What, what is it?" So, sorry about that!

I have once again gotten behind in my blogging and this time it was because of an audit at work. Those of you who have known me for years know that every 3 years or so we have an audit at work and it is always unbelievable. I was literally living at work for the last few weeks until last Friday. Diane, my boss, is having knee surgery next Wednesday so she got a letter from her doctor to postpone the audit. Thank Goodness! Since NASD has changed to FINRA the rules have changed and it is going to take us a little while to verify that everything is correct. Now that I have a little free time I am going to try to catch up on blogs. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

On Saturday, February 21st April and Mike had their new baby boy. Kai Michael Schumann was born at 3:52 pm weighing in at 8 lbs 9 ozs and 20 1/2 inches long. He is a beautiful little boy with pudgy kissable cheeks.

April went to the hospital at 7 am on Saturday and they broke her water at 8 am. Once her water was broken it was discovered that the baby had had a bowel movement in the sack. This is always scary since the matter is dangerous to the baby. She was constantly having to move position because the baby was getting very tired from the contractions. The staff thought that the baby's cord was probably wrapped around his neck; therefore, they were on high alert. They moved in a neo natal team and prepared April and Mike for the delivery.

Dr. Gordon who also delivered our twins told them that they would NOT hear the baby cry when he came out. They didn't want him to cry until they got all of the bowel out of the baby's airway. How scary! April was of course upset and worried what mother wouldn't be. I arrived at the hospital around 12:30 pm once our kids were down for nap. I had perfect timing because her family and Mike were taking a lunch break. I got to go sit and talk with April by myself. I reassured her that Dr. Gordon would not allow anything bad to happen to baby Kai. I told her how much I trusted the hospital and staff where she was delivering. I understood her fears but wanted her to know I truly believed everything would be okay. I sat with April as long as I could before she had to rest. I kissed her on the head and told her I would be here if she needed me.

I headed back to the waiting room and stayed until about 3:00 pm. She was dilated to a 7 and I thought it could take a while longer so I headed home to help Dallas with the kids. I got home and ended up having to go to the grocery store for food for the kids. While I was at the store I get a text that she had the baby at 3:52 pm. Dang it!!! Of course as soon as I leave she has him. Kai was born with the cord wrapped around his neck twice but was doing really well. There was no need for any NICU time or any other assistance. They cleaned him off and their beautiful baby was here!

After everyone left the hospital to let April rest she called me to come back up there. I rushed to the hospital with food the poor girl hadn't eaten since 9 pm the night before. It was nice to see April relaxed and not in anymore pain. I stayed with her until she was moved into her postnatal room. I still hadn't seen the baby and was anxiously awaiting his arrival. April called the nursery and they said Kai would be ready by 7:30 pm. They brought him to the room around 8 pm and he was so gorgeous. He had such perfect skin and those cheeks were to die for! I couldn't hold little Kai because I had a cold. Boo hoo! I left the new family alone to face their first night together.

April and Kai were released home on Monday and they are all doing well. Kai is now almost three weeks old and already growing like a weed. April went back to work with the baby this week to see how it would go. Kai did really well and she actually got some work done. April you are superwoman lately and I don't know how you do it! Dallas and I are so excited to have a new baby to hold, kiss, love on and then give back. :) Reese has been an amazing big sister! You can't say, "the baby" or "baby brother" its always, "My Baby Kai"! Congrats guys!



Only 4 hours old!


First day home with baby Kai.

Buster- Stay or Go?

We finally decided to get another dog for Zoe and our family. We looked at many animals online and wanted to adopt one from a rescue or the pound. We both have issues with paying a large amount of money for an animal from a puppy mill when there are so many animals that need good homes. We fell in love with a 2 year old boxer, pit mix named Buster. We called the Pet Connection organization and arranged for him to come stay at our house for a two week sleepover. His foster mom, Carol, brought him over to the house Friday evening.



I was really nervous for some reason as the time of his arrival drew closer. How would Zoe react? How would he react to the kids and the kids to him? Had we made the right decision or was this all a big mistake? Would our house be up to par for the adoption agency? My mind was running a mile a minute and it hasn't stopped since.

We had to fill out an application and be approved for Buster to come stay with us. They verified everything from our vet records to our personal details. I have to say I was impressed and irritated with the process. I understand the reasons behind the detailed questions especially since some of these rescue animals have been through so much all ready. However I was hardly prepared for the questions that came about Bruce and Brianna. I emotionally was unprepared to handle talking about it all so much.

As you already know Bruce was our Boston terrier that got very sick back in August and we eventually had to put him to sleep in late September. It has been almost 6 months since that horrible day and it still hurts so much.

Brianna was our Pomeranian that we had for over 7 years. She was old, tiny and moody but I loved her so much. On December 13th AT&T workers were at our house to upgrade our TV programming. They had problems with the split wiring in the backyard and were unable to upgrade without digging up our yard. While they were in the yard looking at the wires they failed to tell me that they moved one of the stones that blocks the opening under our gate. I had no idea and Brianna squeezed through to go exploring. We haven't seen her since. I know someone picked her up because she never goes more than one house away when she gets out. She was just so tiny that she could get out easily through a very small opening. I put up signs, went to the pound and kept hoping that someone would give her back. I finally gave up hope a few weeks ago and broke down. We were sitting at home, Dallas was watching Animal Planet and a skunk ran across the TV screen and reminded me of Brianna. The skunk had the same gallop that my Bri had and I lost it. I wailed like a baby for hours and my poor husband didn't know what to do. I think it was good for me to finally face the fact that she is gone but it still hurts. I just have to hope she is being taken care of somewhere.

Zoe has been so lonely since Bruce and Brianna are no longer in our home. We decided that it would not only be good for her but also a new animal might help us heal. Buster and Zoe met on the front lawn and then we moved them to the back yard. Zoe was growling and barking but her hair wasn't raised so that meant no aggression. We let them have plenty of time out back before we brought them in the house. Buster was very submissive he knew it was Zoe's house and had no problem with that. Ethan was a little thrown off by his size at first but Paige liked him immediately. Buster weighs 65 lbs and is definitely bigger than I had imagined. He is about the sweetest thing you have ever met! I don't think that big ol' baby has a bad bone in his body. We made the mistake of letting him sleep in our bed the first night and now it has been hell trying to get him out of our bed.

Buster has been at our house for a little over 5 days and I am absolutely lost as to what to do! He is such a good dog but I am having serious doubts about him staying with us. He is a chewer which I knew ahead of time but I didn't realize how much of a chewer he was. He has chewed up all the toys I bought the dogs including three of the kids balls, a princess doll, a sippy cup, our door stop and a Z. He likes to go to the frig and snatch off the magnetic letters thus he ate a Z. Ha! I have tried to give him bones to chew but I end up taking them away because him and Zoe fight over them. He already dug two holes in the backyard and he brings in so much dirt. He is such a big baby that he wants to get in your lap which is not good due to his size. He bailed out the front door yesterday and ran circles around the neighboring houses until I finally got him back in the house.

Zoe has started to play with him which is wonderful to see. She has always been the largest animal in the home and she is not very fond of being the small one. If she is standing in front of me and he wants to be pet he can easily push her out of the way. In so many ways she deserves it. Zoe used to push Bruce and Bri out of the way all the time. She always used her size to her advantage. She used to bug Bruce to play constantly and now the tables have turned. I don't think Buster is anywhere close to two years old. He has so many puppy mannerisms. I didn't want a puppy because we really don't have the time to give a puppy enough attention.

I just want a dog to play with Zoe and be her buddy. Even though they have been playing rope and tug she still growls and barks every time I touch the dog. If you pet him she gets upset. If the poor dog tries to eat Zoe has a fit. It is so frustrating to have to deal with her loud barking. If I put them outside because the babies are asleep then I have to worry about waking up the neighbors. In the mornings Buster really wants to play and neither Zoe nor myself are in the mood. Zoe ends up barking at him and I end up yelling at them both not to wake up the kids, sticking them outside only to have to put them right back in the house so the neighbors aren't woke up at 7 am. GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR!

Buster has been really good with the kids for the most part. Paige likes to pet him and ride him. The first time she walked up to him and sat on him he didn't even raise his head. He has never even flinched when they scream, run by him or slap him on the head (their version of pet). I do have one BIG problem with him and kids. He wants to lick them every single time he sees them. Now I don't have a problem with licking but when he comes at them he is so large he knocks them down. Then in the process of getting excited and licking them he steps on them. Paige has only been knocked down once as we were walking in from being gone all day. Ethan however has been plowed over a good four times. He of course screams because the dog weighs 65 lbs and it hurts when he steps on my bare foot let alone Ethan's little body. If I turn my head Buster tries to lick them and Ethan ends up crying. Ethan actually started running from him every time he sees him which broke my heart. I can't allow my son to feel threatened in his own home. I can deal with all the other issues that have come up with Buster but not stepping on my children.

I spoke with Dallas about my concerns and decided yesterday to call Carol to come get Buster. He is simply too big for our family. She was of course very disappointed but she understood. She ask if we were interested in another smaller dog or if we were done. I told her we were still interested but honestly I don't know anymore. I didn't realize how much easier life was with only one dog. Every time I turn around Buster is under my feet, opening doors I didn't shut completely and getting in my way. Zoe doesn't chew, dig, knock over the kids and she knows to stay out of my way. I can leave the house with toys all over it and nothing will be missing when I return. Does Zoe even want another companion or does she want to be an only dog? She looks happy when playing with Buster but she is also very irritated and pissy when he is around.

Last night Dallas looked so sad every time he looked at Buster. I kept thinking well maybe I didn't give him enough time to adjust to our home and our rules. Can a dog really adjust in only 5 days to a new environment, people and another animal? To top it all off this morning Ethan was petting the stupid dog and acted like he wasn't scared at all. Now I am wondering if I acted too early in my decision to send him back or if my gut feeling was correct. The kids will grow bigger and Buster can be taught to be gentle with the kids. Am I simply returning the dog because I don't want to deal with all the additional crap a 65 lb dog brings with it? I feel like I should call Carol and tell her to let him stay for the entire two weeks and give him more time to adjust. The other side of me feels like dropping him off today at her door and being done with it. Maybe I should just focus on giving Zoe more attention and she will be fine by herself. Were we really only wanting a new dog to feel the void left by our first two animals?

As you can see I am really torn on this issue. Please email me or comment on your opinion. I need help deciding what to do!!!!




He is short but very stocky and heavy. He is so sweet!

Thursday play date

Last Thursday Cheyenne came over after work and brought Kingston to play. Life has been busy lately for everyone and we haven't gotten the kids together to play in a long time. Ethan was so excited to see Kingston that he literally ran circles around him. Kingston just stood there laughing. Paige kept running up to him and telling him everything that he had missed since they last saw each other. The kids had such a great time playing together. They were all exhausted when it came time for bed. Thanks Cheyenne for bringing your little man over to play!


Look how big this little guy has gotten!


I didn't take that many pictures. We were too busy playing. :)

Valentine's Day Party

The AMOM's Valentine's Day Party was held at a park near our house this year on Saturday, February 14th at 11 am. We were supposed to bring a picnic lunch for our individual families and a goodie to share. I was excited about taking the kids but was a little apprehensive because Paige had a runny nose and was starting to act sick. I ultimately decided that if she had a cold or if it was allergies then there was nothing we could do about it and an hour at the park wouldn't really matter. I woke up with my rib hurting again and I didn't really feel like going anywhere but I knew the kids would have fun. Julie is probably one of the only reasons we went to the party. She ran to the store that morning for me. She helped me get the kids ready to go and even made their sandwiches. She was going to go to the park with us before we took her back home from babysitting the night before.

We arrived at 11 am on the dot simply because we were less than 10 minutes from our house. We are never on time unless we have very little distance to travel or a miracle happens. The second we arrived the kids were squirming to get out of their car seats. They have now figured out what "play" and "park" mean. We sat them down and they were gone.



The park was really nice and we had the entire place to ourselves. It had two separate equipment areas, a swing area, a duck pond, a walking trail and a lot of room to run. Both the kids were extremely interested in the ducks and the water. Paige wanted to see the ducks and Ethan pretty much just wanted to get in the water. We will have to take them back soon and feed the ducks. I wasn't prepared that day with bread or anything.



This visit to the park differed from all of our prior park experiences. The kids really understood what they were doing this time. They climbed all over the equipment and went down all the slides on their own. They would scream "Wee" and off they would go. They ran from play thing to play thing in excitement. I have to say I enjoyed this trip to the park more than any other time. It was a great help to have Julie at this event as well. I could take pictures and have one person per kid while doing so.




Ethan and Addison running together.



My Boys!

The kids acted like they had never been on swings before just screaming with delight. Paige was leaning back in her swing holding her arms out like she was flying. She kept kicking her feet and laughing. Ethan thought it was fun to lean forward of course making me a nervous wreck. He just leaned up, looked straight down and laughed. They both really had fun on the swings and so did their Daddy.










The kids couldn't figure out what Daddy was doing.

The kids were dressed in their Cowboys jerseys because they were supposed to wear sports outfits for pictures. Our AMOM scrapbook is themed "A Sporting Good Time in 2009" since we don't play sports yet we decided to go in Cowboys gear. Daddy was of course happy with that decision and the kids always look adorable in their jerseys.

Hair Cuts

Last Friday I finally make it to get the kids hair cuts. I picked up Julie at lunch so she could babysit for us to go see Keith's band later that night and she went with me for hair cuts too. I probably would have lost my mind if Julie hadn't been with me. We arrived a little earlier than our appointment hoping they would get started early but they were packed. The kids played until it was their turn with only a few issues; Paige turning the TV off and running into the back of the store. Ethan went first and did very well. He doesn't mind getting his hair cut and he even lets them use the clippers to make him look extra snazzy.



Once Ethan was done it was Paige's turn. I did not want to cut Paige's hair I just wanted to trim her bangs. She looked so unkempt with her bangs jagged across her forehead. I warned the lady that she would probably be difficult and I was right. She sat in the car and immediately she did not like the cape being put around her neck. Then she tried to climb out of the seat even with the seat belt on. The lady was very patient and actually she thought Paige was hilarious. I just wanted to be done and on my way home. I tried to take a few pictures of her first trim but I only got a few before I had to put the camera down and hold her. She was slapping the woman's hands, scissors and all. She put her head down and started swinging not to mention she was squealing in disagreement. I literally had to hold her head still so the woman could cut a straight line. Thank goodness we can just let her hair grow.




Look at the lady laughing at her :)

It is amazing what a little snip can do for a person. Paige looks like a new child with her bangs cut. Ethan is once again a little man with his new hair cut. Thanks Julie for helping me chase them!

Shaggy kids

I have been trying to get the kids hair cut for the past week with no luck. Last Sunday I wanted to go but I was out voted and we went to Home Depot instead. Ethan is looking so shabby lately and Paige needs something done to her hair. I don't want to cut the length but the front looks horrible and she is constantly moving her hair away from her ears.

Wednesday I even tried to go after work. Doing anything on a weekday is usual pointless but I was determined to get their hair cuts. When I got off work I ran by the house and grabbed a few necessities for the venture out. I hurried to Melissa's to get the kids. When I got there I forgot Paige looked like a boy that day and thankfully Melissa had a pink shirt she could borrow. I got the kids packed up and we were on our way. I knew I was pushing it but like I said I was determined. I wanted a good picture of the kids for Valentine's Day cards and to enter in a baby photo contest that was due Friday. I had to drive all the way to the mall to Cool Cuts for Kids. I had to go to a kid friendly salon since I didn't have one adult per child. Traffic was horrible but we made good time and pulled up at 5:45 pm. It was almost too late but I was going to make it work.

Once I stopped the car I notice the building looked dark. I got out and read the sign on the door that said, "Due to a new computer system we will be closing at 5:00 pm in February." CRAP!!! I was so irritated! Now I was stuck with two pissy kids who were ready to get out of the car. Paige started screaming when I started to back out and drive again. I told her I was sorry we had to go home now. They were not amused with my detour!

By the time I got us home it was after 6:00 pm and of course the kids were hungry early. I spent the next thirty minutes cooking while they stood under me whining. I finally got their dinner ready and they didn't even eat most of it. They didn't like the vegetables and just ate their meat. It was bath night and Dallas' late night. Why did I try to do something extra on a weekday? Why?

As soon as the kids finished eating I put them straight in the bath. I finished baths and got them ready for bed. We ended up being up past our bedtime so the kids went right to sleep. I literally fell on the couch once they were in bed to take a minute to recover. The house was scattered with toys and the kitchen was a big mess. Dallas walked in, looked around and started to laugh. "Do I want to know?"

After all was said and done I didn't get Valentine's cards or pictures done. I didn't get a good picture of the kids for the photo contest. My kids still look like shabby orphans and I'm still irritated!

I am going to attempt this again this evening after work. I get off early today and they MUST have a hair cut before their Valentine's party at the park tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Play! Play! Play!

Beware I got a little carried away its a long one.

Last week I was forced to take an alternate route to work due to traffic on 287. While on my way to work I noticed a Burger King with a large indoor play area. I made a mental note to bring the kids to play sometime soon. Dallas decided to go with some work friends to Ticket Stock in Addison on Friday evening. (The Ticket is a sports radio station that Dallas listens to religiously and this was just one of their many events.) Since he wasn't going to be home I ask Melissa if she would like to go with me and take all the kids to play at Burger King. She was up for anything to get her kids out of the house.

I got off Friday a little later than usual and ran home to grab necessities to take the kids out. I arrived at Melissa's, changed the kids clothes, loaded all the kids and we were on our way. We pulled up to Burger King and walked the kids into the play area. The minute we walked in we should have turned right around and walked out. First off it was very hot in the play area and it wasn't the cleanest place I have been to. We took the kids shoes off and let them go. The ceiling was lined with bright colored tubing that looked like great fun; however, the steps to reach the tubing were huge! Addison was the only one who could pull herself up the large open areas. Melissa was half way up the steps trying to help the boys get to the top. Paige was running crazy and trying to climb up the slide. It only took a few moments to realize this play area wasn't made for young kids. Another older couple was there with their two year old boy/girl twins also. They suggested we go to McDonald's because this play area was definitely too big for our kids. Their poor twins just stood there in amazement as our four ran crazy. Their Mother simply said, "they aren't used to seeing other kids their age." Their twins were so reserved, meek and shy. I guess that kills my rationalization that our children being so wild is just a twin thing.

I took Paige to the car first while Melissa stayed with the rest of the kids. She then took Addison who was screaming, "Play, Play, Momma Play!" as she protested our leaving. I grabbed Ethan and Landon who also protested, "No Play, Play!" Poor kids didn't understand that we were going to another play ground they just thought we were teasing them. We finally got them all loaded up and were on our way to McDonald's. We decided to go the one by my house in case it blew up in our faces. Melissa and I were already sweating and I was feeling bad for suggesting such a disastrous place.

We arrived and unfortunately had to park near the back of the parking lot. All the kids had their shoes off from the previous play area so we decided to just carry them all rather than put shoes on just to take them right back off again. Well by the time we reached the sidewalk Landon and Addison had squirmed their way down and Melissa and I were in tears we were laughing so hard. It isn't as easy as it used to be to carry the two of them at the same time. I had a small advantage on Melissa because I often carry them both to her front door in the mornings. The kids ran to the play area and they were off.

There were more kids than I would have liked but the play area was much better for our age range. It was a large screened in area with smaller steps and there weren't any opening for them to fall through. Melissa and I watched as the kids played. Paige and Ethan had never been to a restaurant play ground so they were very interested and took their time exploring each area. Addison quickly made her way to the large curving slide, shot down it and was immediately back on her way up. Landon was not only playing but putting on a little dance show to the music that was blasting in the room.

I hadn't seen Paige for quite some time and was starting to wonder about her. I was standing near the end of the slide and all the sudden out comes Ethan. He sat up looking a little thrown off, smiled and immediately turned around to climb back up the slide. It was then that I see Paige come out on her back upside down! She just laid there looking shocked and surprised. I wondered if she was going to cry but eventually she just got up and walked away. I couldn't help but laugh picturing her hovering over the slide entrance looking in trying to decide what to do. I imagine she looked a little too far in the slide and ended up going down head first! It makes me chuckle even now writing about it. She went again so I knew it didn't scare her too much.

It all went pretty well for a while until time to eat. Addison wouldn't be still long enough to eat anything. Landon was so wound up he barely ate anything either. Ethan sat like a big boy at the table and ate chicken nuggets and fries faster than I could cut them. Paige only wanted to eat fries and when I refused to give her anymore she decided to take matters into her own hands. She got up and went on a fry hunt. She tried to take fries off other peoples tables and off the floor. I was so disgusted! I fought her the entire time on eating things off the floor. Once Ethan was done he decided to get his own dessert. He was starring at the floor mat but there wasn't anything in front of him. All the sudden he got on all fours and licked the floor! GROSS! I grabbed him and told him no. He then ran from me into areas I couldn't reach as well and licked the floor repeatedly. I finally got him and put him back in the play area hoping he would forget this disgusting little trick. Landon had discovered that the door to the play room had a swinging door that he could easily open. Brilliant on the part of McDonald's let me tell you! Landon's favorite game was definitely running out into the main dining room and scaring Melissa and I. Ethan eventually saw this discovery and joined him. I was done at this point!!!


Look at Addi she was in and out of the high chair in seconds.


My big kids at their first visit to McDonald's.

Melissa and I decided the "good time" was over and it was time to head home. I had already put Ethan's shoes on and was about to start Paige when Melissa finally caught Addison. She ran her out to the car and I was out numbered. Landon and Ethan kept going out the door and Ethan even made into the kitchen twice. Lord help me, why are we here without sufficient adult helpers. New rule- one adult per kid in public no matter what!!! Melissa promptly returned and took Landon. I decided to carry Paige and let Ethan walk since he had shoes on. I got about 5 feet from the car when he realized we were leaving and went dead dog on me! He fell to the ground limp and wouldn't get up. I was about to drop Paige and my drink had already fell to the pavement. I made sure there weren't any cars around and momentarily let go of Ethan's hand to readjust Paige. The instant I let go of his hand he jumped up and ran full force in the opposite direction. I yelled for Melissa and she darted after him. We were both laughing hysterically at this point. Melissa finally catches him and heads back to the car.

We get to the house and I grab Ethan thrilled to finally be home. I opened the front door, turned on the light and before I knew it Ethan was half way down the front yard. Melissa comes around her vehicle to get one of the kids and sees me running after Ethan down the sidewalk. We both were laughing so hard I could barely catch him. We finally got all four kids in the house and set them free. They played as Melissa and I tried to recuperate from our insane trip out. I apologized a hundred times for suggesting the outing but Melissa insisted it was fun.

The kids played until about 7:30 pm when my two decided that was all they could stand. Ethan laid down on the couch and Paige got in her chair. They didn't care if their friends were there or not they were pooped. Melissa headed home with hers and I got mine ready for bed. I gave them a snack and put them to bed. Safe to say they didn't make a sound and fell directly to sleep. Why do my ideas always turn out to be so exhausting? I think the kids really did have fun but we will surely not go "Play" again without an even ratio of parents to kids. Just another lesson learned in my world of parenting.

The Stars Were Aligned

Last night Dallas and I arrived home at the same time and were both starving. It has been a while since we went out to eat with the kids but we decided we wanted to try it. We have been eating a lot of sandwiches lately and we both wanted a good meal we didn't have to cook or clean up.

We changed the kids diapers, put on their socks and shoes, packed their diaper bag and we were out the door. We decided to go to Applebee's. The kids were so cute as they walked into the restaurant holding our hands. We went straight to our table and settled in for the ride.

I brought the kids books which I have had hidden for about a month. They were so excited to read their books! I know you are thinking why would Mom hide the kids books? Because Ethan doesn't read books as much as he EATS books! Unless I watch him every second he will eat an entire book. He tends to put everything in his mouth but the books really irritate me. Grammie bought us all new Peekaboo books in December and within a few weeks they were almost destroyed. Since the books had been put away for a while the kids were absolutely enthralled with them.

The kids food came first and they were hungry. They love when we go out to eat because they get to eat things they wouldn't get at home. Last night it was fries with their chicken strips. I think all kids love fries but they just aren't very nutritionally valuable. We had received our food by this time and we were enjoying a wonderful family dinner. I was almost done eating when I realized that I wasn't sweating or arguing with Dallas. Was this possible? Were we enjoying a meal out with our kids? I told Dallas how excited and stunned I was that this meal out was going so well. He said, "I know, but it's not over yet!"

We finished our meal, cleaned the kids up, and packed up to go home. We checked out and the kids walked back out to the car. Once we were on our way home I pointed out how easy and enjoyable that trip was to Dallas. I boasted about how much older the kids were and how many factors of timing contributed to the meals success. The kids eat at 6:30 instead of 6:00 now so you have longer to get their food before they melt down. The kids also go to bed later now and that definitely helps with evening activities. After all was said and done Dallas determined that simply the stars were aligned in our favor this fateful night!

Superbowl Sunday

We went to Mikey's house in Garland for Superbowl this year. Mikey is our friend that Dallas has worked with from the beginning at TXU. He has twin boys that are now 6 years old. We rarely see them since they live so far away but we decided Superbowl was worth the drive. It was a good time with food and football galore. Grammie was nice enough to babysit the kids for us.

Thanks Grammie for babysitting and Mikey for having us out. Hope everyone enjoyed the game! Boo on the Steelers for crushing the Cardinals at the last minute and for taking the Dallas Cowboys most Superbowls won title away!

The question on everyone's mind is of course why isn't the superbowl on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. I was so tired yesterday. :) Hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

It's a Baby Shower

This past Saturday was our best friends, April and Mike's, baby shower. I threw them a small shower at our house. April didn't want anything big or complicated just a small gathering to honor their new baby boy. Mike is a huge San Antonio Spurs fan! He was of course excited about decorating the baby's room in Spurs and basketball gear. They soon discovered the same thing we did when Dallas wanted to decorate Ethan's room in Dallas Cowboys gear it's very expensive. The mobile alone for a professional sports team cost about $50.00. They have since decorated the room in tan, olive green, burnt red, and black. It is so cute and classy!

I felt that since Mike didn't get his basketball baby's room I would theme the baby shower with basketballs and "It's a Boy" decor. It turned out really cute! It was smaller than most of my parties but I really enjoyed the visiting time. I am usually running around crazy during a party and after wards I barely remember speaking to anyone. On Saturday I actually got to sit down, visit and enjoy myself. I think April and Mike had a good time and that is what it was all about. We love you guys and we are ready for our new baby boy! Kai Michael Schumann is due on February 28th. (It is pronounced like Kite without the te.)


Mantel decorations and hanging swirls with basketballs and the baby's name.


The food spread and the kitchen decorations. Cheyenne provide most of the food and drinks. Thanks, Chey!


The cake table and the amazing strawberry layered cake from Cooper St. Bakery. Yum!


Big sister-to-be, Reese, was very excited about all her big sister gifts.

She was not happy when she didn't get to open all the baby's gifts. 3 is such a fun age. I just can't wait let me tell you.

Grandma Elsie won the baby lotto game.


Silly Daddy and another gift for Big Sister-to-be.


Gift time!

Family picture. April and her mom, Karen.


Mommy-to-be and me. The happy couple and expectant parents.