Take Two: Ear Tubes

Mac had ear tubes placed three years ago. They worked wonders. The tubes grew out at some point this past summer, and he almost immediately began having problems again. After quite a few nasty ear infections (you know they're bad when the doctor looks in his ear and says, "Wow. Ew. That's a nasty one," I knew a visit with his ENT was in order. His ENT confirmed what I already suspected - that he was keeping fluid behind his ears, there was negative pressure, and he was suffering from some hearing loss. Dr. Cawthon suggested placing another set of tubes, especially since swimming season is almost upon us. I definitely wasn't against it since the first set proved to be advantageous.

Mac is a trooper and has a tolerance for pain like I've never seen before, but he has been very ready to have this done and for his ears to feel good again. However, his first surgery also included a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The tonsillectomy was pure hell. The pain medicine burned his throat. It was very hard to get him to take it. Since he hurt so bad he didn't want to drink much less eat. He quickly became dehydrated which resulted in a day in the ER for IV fluids. Not fun. He automatically associated tubes with that experience. We assured him this go around would be nothing like that. Thankfully we were able to schedule the surgery quickly so he didn't have too long to worry.

Today was the day. I'm happy to report he made it through with flying colors. His surgery was the first case, so we were in and out of there and headed home by 9:15 a.m. After a stop by McDonald's for hashbrowns and finally being able to drink his morning coffee, he's good to go. He's supposed to take it easy the rest of the day. That may be the toughest part of all. ;)

Of course I had to take some pictures.

First getting into a room - a bit anxious

Nerves turned into a bit of irritability...
I just want my coffee!!

Seriously??? You have to take a picture of me in this dress gown?

Daddy, it's not really a dress. It a gown. And I have to wear it. :)

Sweet loves

After a dose of some medicine to take the edge off.
What nerves? I'm great! haha
And in case you can't tell Chris loves pictures. ;)

Chris doesn't share in my desire to document every.single.detail (plus everything went rather fast), so there isn't a picture of Mac sitting in my lap on the bed as we're being wheeled down to the holding room. But let me tell you, it was fun. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat the entire way. He thought that was pretty cool.

I know this surgery is very simple and routine. It is not, however, routine for us. Naturally any time your child is put under anesthesia it brings about some concern. Many thanks to everyone who prayed for us. All the prayers were deeply felt.

My patient is requesting some Skittles (thanks to a Costco-size bag from Meems). Skittles it is. :)

The Big Weekend: Part 2

Remember the Part 1 post a couple of months back? Well here is Part 2 of that weekend. Better late than never. 

My boys also had a big day the Saturday of B's birthday weekend. A while back my Uncle Kenneth (a/k/a Uncle Stinky - and no, he doesn't stink) texted me asking if he could take Grant to Auburn's homecoming. Kenneth took me to my first Auburn football game so I thought it would be super special if he could take Grant to his first as well. I knew how much Professor would appreciate it. However, I was a bit torn because I knew Mac wouldn't understand. He bleeds orange and blue. He would be devastated to know Grant was going and he wasn't. I didn't immediately respond and instead called Rachel to seek some advice. In true RaRa fashion Martha said, "I'm taking the girls so I'll just get an extra ticket and take my Baby Love with me."

So it was done. Both Grant and Mac would have their first Auburn football experience with two of the biggest Auburn fans on the planet. Perfect!

Well almost.

What about Reid?

Initially I planned on letting him hang with us girls but not only did I not want to take away from Bethany I also wanted him to have a special day. Meems to the rescue. And let me tell you, he thought he was big stuff having Mimi all to himself to do whatever his heart desired. Leading up to that day, every time Grant and Mac would talk about going to the game Reid would follow with, "YEAH, but I get to stay with Mimi ALL by myself." :)

It was an early kickoff that day which meant they would all be leaving before the chickens even woke up. Being that I was going to be in Decatur until late Friday night, mom and dad kept the boys for me. It worked out perfect because Kenneth and Rachel and the girls were all headed to mom and dad's Friday as well. They would all be under one roof, ready for Saturday.

I knew Bueller would have the time of his life with his RaRa, GaGa and Mags.

FACE PAINT!! I told him for my first game I got tiger paws
painted on my face. He wanted them too. ;)

And of course he did. He received the whole Auburn football experience with some of his favorite people. What more could a little Auburn fan ask for?

What Grant didn't know before he got to Auburn was that cousin Anna had some connections from her time working as a Tigerette. She worked for the Athletic Department in student recruiting. (I hope I got that right, Anna). Boy did she ever hook him up! He received the AU royal treatment and then some.

In the Heisman room with Stinky

Dyer's {now former} locker

Championship ring

Pre-game press conference :)

In awe of Cam's jersey and Heisman trophy

The official Trooper Towel

National Championship Trophy

New hat and jersey

Meeting up with brother
They both got the jerseys they wanted. Of course.
Spoiled much? :)

The lady who made it all happen

You can read Anna's account of the day here. She was very sweet to keep me posted all throughout the day with lots and lots of picture and text messages. Between Anna, Rachel, my mom and Kenneth I'm surprised my phone wasn't smoking. ;)

While Grant and Mac were living it up in Auburn, Reid was having a big time himself - just he and his Mimi. A movie, a visit to the mall, a train ride, and his favorite:

Build-A-Bear!! All things Auburn was the theme for the day, naturally.

Truth be told this post has been sitting in my drafts for quite some time. I didn't know how I wanted to go about bringing this next part up. Although it had to be because it was such a big part of why the day was so special. I won't really get into specifics other than to say that my aunt and uncle have two little boys in heaven. Anna's two brothers, Joshua (who actually had a twin they lost very early in the pregnancy) and Zachary went to be with Jesus after only a few short hours on this earth. Anna (born on Christmas Eve) is their miracle baby. Kenneth made the comment more than once throughout the day with Grant that, “This is what it would have been like.” It was a very emotional day for everyone, especially Kenneth.

And while I don't understand – because they're two of the most good-hearted, God-fearing people I know and I can't think of two people who would be better suited to raise boys - why he never got the chance to have those days on this earth with his own sons, I'm beyond touched and honored that my son was the one with whom he had his “best day ever in Auburn.” I look forward to the day when Grant is older and I can share with him just what this day meant.

And of course there were some funnies along the way too. Kenneth emailed me a few days after the game so I would have a record of the day. I hope he doesn't mind that I'm sharing it so I will always have it.

April, 

I will remember 11/19/2011 for the rest of my life. Memories were created that made me laugh so hard that I think Grant thought I was crazy.  Thinking back on the memories I tend to get a little choked-up, too.  Anyway, the day started with the ride to Auburn and the questions began. Gee-whiz!!! The questions ranged from my GMC pickup to being a college student/athlete.  We get to Auburn. He did not know about going inside Jordan-Hare to visit the locker room, etc.  Anna was the perfect hostess.  He was treated like a recruit by everyone!  I was treated like yesterday's newspaper.  His eyes lit up when Anna asked him if wanted to go on the field.  So, we walked on the turf of Pat Dye Field!!  He kept saying: "This is awesome." Went back into the locker room.  All he wanted was to see Michael Dyer's locker.  Anna found it and he just stared at Dyer's uniform, pads, helmet, shoes, etc.  Again - awesome.  So after some time he decided he was hungry and wanted to go shopping.  We stop by a Starbuck's where he had "The best hot chocolate, ever!" Then the shopping began.  He's a patient shopper.  $40 must be spent....today!!!  He FINALLY found himself a fitted Auburn cap and couple of other things.  Total cost $22.00.  He asked me how much that left I told him $18.00.  He shouted "Only $18.00!"  He just shook his head.  We had breakfast at a local eatery where he had a chocolate chip cookie and a Sprite.  (I quickly realized that Sprite is the beverage of choice)  He did buy an Auburn football and few other things depleting the remaining $18.00.  Mission accomplished, the money was spent.   

The game - Our seats where in the upper deck section 61 row 23 seats 9 and 10.  Why are the sections, rows and sets numbered? A suitable explanation was given.  The word awesome described the view, the Auburn Tigers, the Auburn University Marching Band and the eagle's, Spirit, flight around Jordan-Hare prior to kickoff.  Mid way during the 1st quarter Grant was looking up and behind him.  I asked him what he was looking for and he said the concession stand.  I told him that we had to go down the steps to the concession area.  He was not thrilled.  The steps are kinda steep.  He waited and decided the hunger was too great and would venture down the steep incline.  So, we risked life and limb and travelled down to the concessions for popcorn and Sprite.  We make it back to our seats.  Mid way during the 2nd quarter Grant says:  "Oh, no.  I have to go to bathroom."  Not waiting to travel back down the steps he looks at me and asks:  "Do you have an empty water bottle?"  The gentlemen sitting in front of us doubled over laughing.  I said no so we went back down the steps.  (I think he would have used a water bottle if I had had one)  He enjoyed the halftime show by the AUMB.  Mid way during the 3rd quarter he asked:  "How much longer?"  He wanted to go throw his new football. We stay until the beginning of the 4th quarter.  As we were walking down from the upper deck he said "I have not seen a Dippin' Dot's.  Do they have one here?"  Thus the search began.  As our search is going on I notice the crowd begins to cheer so we run up on the tunnels to see what's going on.  As we're running up the tunnel we're met by a guy that looks like Santa Claus but in regular clothes!!  Long white beard, hair and chubby.  I said "Look Grant it's Santa!"  Grant came to an immediate stop and just gazed at the guy.  The man heard me, winked, and looked at Grant and said: "I guess I'll see you next month."  In a high pitched whisper Grant said "Yes, sir."  I said to Grant "Who knew that Santa was an Auburn fan!"  He said "I guess he was in his regular clothes so he could enjoy the game without being bothered." The people standing around us watching the entire scene unfold and laughed, loudly.  Oh, yes, there is one vendor at Jordan Hare Stadium that sells D-Dots.  A chocolate order was placed.  We found a couple of empty seats and watched  some of the 4th quarter.  I asked him how were the D-Dots.  He said "They're good.....taste like dirt."  He ate 'em.  Goofy kid.  As we're walking back through the campus headed to the truck he says he has to wiz, again.  He looks up says "Bushes, I can go there"  I said "Dude, NO!!  I know of a business we can go to that has a restroom."  Look, I'm a guy too and I know that we think that the world is our urinal but gee.  So, anyway we make it back to truck, get his football and throw it to each other near Toomer's Corner.  Rachel, the rest of the kids, Anna and Brent meet us there, too.  

So many more things I will tell you about that day.  I will say this is the first time that I have been to an Auburn game where the game did not matter.  Spending time with others you love is what's important.  Thanks to you and Chris for letting me spend the day with Grant.  I'll always remember that day. 

Love you more!!!
Kenneth

Kenneth, thank you. I don't think any of us will ever forget that day.

And because after that email I feel the need to clarify, my boys don't make it a regular occurrence to use a water bottle as a urinal. Obviously sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and my empty Dasani bottles rolling around on my floorboard have come in handy a time or two. That's just one of the advantages of having boys. They do, however, use the outside on a regular basis AT HOME (that's a plus of where we live). We've since had the talk that it's only ok at home. Or the hunting land. Or out back at Mimi and Granddaddy's house. Or at Big Daddy and Grandmama Norton's house. Ok I see where this could get confusing. I'll admit... I'm a bit envious. If only it were that easy for us gals. :)

I think it's safe to say Grant and Mac's first experience with Auburn football was a hit.
And as much fun as Reid had, he will quickly let you know that it's his turn next. ;)

Allow me to brag for a moment

The boys' school takes part in the Accelerated Reader program. When Grant was in Kindergarten (which was also the first year Redland Elementary was in existence) students didn't start AR until first grade. It was not implemented in Kindergarten. However, last year all that changed. I guess they realized Kindergarteners are very capable of reading and testing on AR books.

Grant's teacher requires at least one AR test a day. There are some exceptions (i.e., if they don't have a chance to visit the library for a new book or they're reading a chapter book which obviously takes longer than a day to read). But for the most part it's a book a day to read and test on. That's a lot of books. So Mac has spent many afternoons/evenings sitting with Grant and me while we read. He would comment that he couldn't wait for it to be his turn when he would be the one reading a book to me.

Well that time has come. 

Mac brought home his first AR book the other night. I was blown away with how well he read it. Not only did he know his sight words but he was also able to sound others out. He needed help on a few harder words, but for the most part he read the entire book himself. They have to read a book three times before they can test on it, so we read it three (or maybe four) times until he felt he was ready for the test. I signed him up for a test. Bueller commented in the carpool line the next morning that he was "already shaking" about taking the test. :) I told him to do his best - that I knew he would do great.

Guess what? He did! He made a 100 on his very first AR test. He was ecstatic and couldn't get the car door open quick enough that afternoon to tell me all about it.

Grant got my camera and snapped a few pictures while we were reading.

Apparently to him it looked like a Kodak moment.

This one is hilarious to me. It speaks volumes about my mental state as I listen to a new reader trying to finish a book. It's not so much like that now with Grant because he reads fairly smooth, but oh my nerves for this stage in reading. Sweet? Yes! Very! I love that he's excited about reading. He doesn't get it from me that's for sure. Am I proud? Of course! I teared up as he started reading the first few pages, amazed that since August he has gone from just recognizing his letters and knowing a few sounds to reading a book cover to cover. But I'm not the most patient person. It surely isn't easy on the nerves hearing...

Big lion. [PAUSE............................................................................................................]

Big n-ehh-t NET.

Big t-rrrr-ooo-ow-...trrroh.. [looks at me for help - "trouble," I say] TROUBLE.

Big lion. Big net. Big trouble. [And big smile on his face after reading that page.]

BUT THAT WAS JUST ONE PAGE.

Ok I'm sort of kidding. I have learned through the years to enjoy it and not try to rush through that time with my children. It goes by so fast, and I will miss the days they are excited to sit and read with their momma. But I would be lying if I said it didn't try the ol' nerves a bit. That's just who I am. Don't worry, though. I keep it together. No gnashing of teeth or throwing of books just yet. And it's great comical relief when he doesn't recognize the word "as" and tries to sound it out... "asssss." Hilarious.

I know. I'm terrible.

My hat's off to teachers. It takes a special person.

Now on to Grant. Yesterday was 2nd Grade Honors Day. The Kindergarten class doesn't participate in Honors Day because they don't receive letter grades yet. However, Mac's teacher allowed him to accompany me to Grant's ceremony. Our little Professor received recognition for all A's the first two nine weeks (this nine weeks he had 100s in every subject except one and that was a 99), outstanding conduct, and an AR award for having 50 or more AR points so far this year. Most of their books are worth 0.5 points, so in order for a student to have at least 50 points they would have to read at least 100 books - a job well done!

Receiving his awards for all A's and good conduct

Stopping for a quick pic after walking off stage

Receiving his AR award

A quick pic with little bro

Another with mom

And one more with Ms. T

Too bad there's not a picture of me receiving my award for Mother of the Year. Not only did I forget my camera I also forgot it was awards day. As in I completely forgot all about it until we pulled in the carpool line and I saw all the parents parking and going inside. Grant and Mac both have baseball on Tuesdays and Thursdays so they were dressed in sweatpants and t-shirts to be ready to go to ball after school. I kicked it in high gear, made a flying trip to drop Reid off at preschool then back home to grab Grant a change of clothes. I made it in the nick of time. Who schedules something like this the day after a long holiday weekend anyway??? Don't they know I have CRS disease? hehee Never mind no one else forgot. 

SO very proud of my guys. They're following in their Sissy's footsteps who continues to do very well in school herself.

I can only imagine what next year will be like when they're ALL in school.

Speaking of Sissy...

Unbeknownst to me she checked out of school early Friday. It's a bit scary how good she was able to pull off calling me at 3 p.m. telling me she was just getting on the road. A few minutes later Reid came running in the kitchen saying, "Sissy's here! Sissy's here!" I barely got the words, "No she's not. She just le...," out of my mouth when in she walked. What a sweet surprise! We had a wonderful, lazy weekend full of popcorn, movie watching, eating, coffee drinking and being complete couch potatoes while the guys hunted.

Perfection.

Sometimes if you put a little note in their lunchbox...

I used to do this every day for Bethany. She never ate in the cafeteria, so every morning I fixed her lunch and wrote a note on her napkin. The notes almost always had something to do with "marvelous" on Mondays, "terrific" on Tuesdays, "wonderful" on Wednesdays, Thursdays I mixed it up, and of course Friday was "fabulous" or "fantastic." The boys are like Sissy and rarely eat in the cafeteria (not that I blame them). Pizza is the only thing they'll eat. I don't write a note every day for the boys, but it's a fun surprise when I do. Mac loves leaving me little notes which I take to mean he probably appreciates them in return. He's just learning to read so I have to keep his notes short and simple - limited to words I know he'll be able to read.

A couple of days ago I took Mac's lunchbox out of his backpack to pack it again for the next day. When I opened it this is what I found:

So you see, sometimes if you put a little note in their lunchbox, you might just get one back.

Sweet, sweet boy.

Oh, and since his note was on the same napkin, here's hoping the reason he didn't use that one was for the sake of sentimental value and that he got another one from the lunchroom to actually use. :)

Have a Fantastic Friday!

The proof is in the snow

I have a few Christmas village-type houses I put out every year as part of my Christmas decorations. It's one of the boys' favorite decorations. The little houses look so neat lit up at night. One night Jasper, our elf, brought back some "magic snow" from the North Pole he put around the village in which he made a snow angel. So the next night when Jasper moved again the snow was still there. The boys asked if they could play in it. Actually Mac did the asking. The other two chimed in once I said yes. However, I told them they could play in it just this once because it's almost like glitter to clean up, and I didn't want to be finding snow in July. As I was sweeping the other day I knew they had been in it again. Which I really wasn't upset about. I chuckled that they thought they could be inconspicuous. So I questioned Mac about it. "Me?" he said, shocked that I would even ask.

Gee. I can't imagine why I thought Mac was the culprit.

Bueller Bags One

Mr. Competitive could take it no more. Ever since Grant and Sissy got their first deer last season Mac has had the fever. He understood last year he was too small/young, but he kept telling us this year he was ready - that this was his year. To be honest we still didn't really think he was ready.

Leave it to Bueller to prove us all wrong. Yesterday my four guys headed to the hunting land in hopes of seeing a shooter for Grant.

At first it was just going to be Chris and Grant. Then Reid decided he wanted to tag along too. Mac hasn't been wanting to go much this year because he said he wasn't going unless and until he could shoot, as was the case yesterday. However, a little talk between Chris and Grant about a trip to Academy beforehand as well as candy and pizza, and he changed his tune a bit.

I bet he's glad he did.

Chris and Grant went hunting the other day and watched a spike. That same spike was in the field when they got in the stand yesterday. Chris got Grant's attention and mouthed, "Do you want to let Mac shoot it?" Grant being the sweet big brother that he is (and his sister and brothers' biggest "cheerleader")  said, "YES!" So Chris asked Mac if he wanted to shoot it. Of course he wanted to. While I'm not a proponent of killing spikes I was really glad Chris let him. Mac climbed up in his daddy's lap, got the gun situated where he was comfortable with it, and watched the deer through the scope for a while. Chris coached him for a bit and told him to shoot when he was ready. I think they took the safety off three different times before he finally felt ready. :) The fourth time he took the shot. It was a perfect shot. Chris said they watched to make sure he was down then Mac, beaming and grinning like a cheshire cat, looked at Chris and said, "YESSSSS!"

If he looks like he's about to throw up or pass out in that
picture it's because he is. He has a very weak stomach
and said the smell was "Ewwww-wee NAAASTY," and
that he was holding his breath the whole time. :)

That's one proud little 6-year-old deer slayer. Way to go, Mac!

Ok Granddaddy, break out the tools because your Mac-man is requesting a European mount. ;)

Christmas post coming soon... It honestly was the best Christmas yet. So.Very.Blessed.

They're kind of like my shadow 'cause they're everywhere I go

You probably think I'm exaggerating when I say my children are up under me pretty much 24/7. I mean, sure, maybe two of them will go off and play. But at least one is usually always with me.

See? This was Mac and Reid Saturday in the laundry room with me (where it feels like I spend half my life) while Chris and Grant were hunting. Mac was sitting playing a game on my phone and Reid was doing... well who knows what Reid was doing. At least that bag on his feet wasn't over his face. ;) They both followed me around like my shadow all. day. long.

Sometimes it's almost more than I can handle. Can't I just have any time to myself??? Thankfully those are fleeting thoughts, and I'm left with the sentiment that one day I'm really going to miss these days - the days they can't seem to get enough of their momma and days they're small enough to fit in laundry baskets.

But sometimes it would be nice to go to the bathroom alone. :)

One last thought...

A toboggan. Boxers. Koozies on his hands and feet.

Standing by the fire because he's cold.

I have a feeling that boy is always going to keep me guessing.

Wrapping up October: KK Fall Fest, cookies, sugar cane and cast

Since we're well into November (with T-minus 10 days and counting until the big Sweet 16) I figure it's time I had better get my act together for a final October post.

KIDDIE KOLLEGE FALL FESTIVAL:
Reid had his fall festival a few weeks ago. Fall festivals at Kiddie Kollege are for KK students only. Reid is considered a "graduate" this year, and Hazel always makes everything extra special for graduates.

Grant and Mac had a ballgame that night so Dawnie was sweet enough to chauffeur us to the fall fest then take us to the game so Chris and I wouldn't have two cars at the ball field.

Being that this was our last Kiddie Kollege fall festival :( we soaked up every bit of it. I think Reid thoroughly enjoyed himself, as did Snuggie and I.

My Turbo

"Aint" Dawnie and Reid

Reid with Mrs. Kala
She was his teacher last year. We dearly love her.

Fun in the bounce house

Reid with Mrs. Rita
We are surely going to miss her!

Their own "pumpkin patch" :)

Trying to find his pumpkin with his name on it

Whew, all that fun and goody-gettin' wore Reid slap out. He decided to take a load off on the side walk with his bag of loot and an apple. Of all things... :)

COOKIES:
I hope you're sitting down for this next part. Because I made something. Rather I baked something. I baked something really cute. And tasty. And they look like they're difficult but... did you miss the part where I made them? It was so very simple. Although I will admit that since I don't do crafty/bake-y things a lot I didn't want to try them on my own. I needed a wingman, and Big D was the perfect person for the job. My mom was very sweet to let me come to her house and mess up her kitchen. The coffee was plentiful when I got there, and she made me my favorite breakfast - french toast and bacon. After breakfast we got down to business making... drum roll please...

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies.

How cute are they!?! I was so excited they turned out like they did. The sugar cookie recipe is one I'll keep on hand for future reference. They had a very good flavor and will be a good recipe to use over the holidays for making cookies with the kids.  The dough was easy to work with, and they would be perfect for icing/decorating.

Click on "Candy Corn Sugar Cookies" above for the link to the recipe and tutorial. But here are a few pics:

Separate dough into 3 equal parts, leaving one original color,
then make one orange and one yellow.

Layer in loaf pan and freeze for about 45 minutes

Slice dough as you would a piece of bread (sorry, no pic of that step - I
was too anxious to see if they were going to look right) :)
 then cut off ends and cut into triangles

Place on cookie sheet and bake

I will definitely be making these again, maybe even at Christmas with red, green and white since candy corn seems to make its appearance throughout the year in various holiday colors. We had a great, fun morning in the kitchen. Thanks again, mom! I hope we do it again real soon.

SUGAR CANE:
When we don't have our own, Chris will stop by a local produce stand for some tomatoes. He made a stop by there the other day and came home with sugar cane. He knew the boys had never had it (nor had I), so he wanted us to try it.

For the record let me state how happy I am that jacked up front
tooth is now gone. I didn't think that thing was ever going to come
out. And it didn't by itself, a little visit to the dentist was necessary.

As you can see we tried it. I think it's obvious from the pictures who is and isn't a fan.

CAST ON. CAST OFF.

Cast back on.

With his brothers' overseeing the process of course

Because Mac slap wore the first one out. It was unraveling, had started to rub, was nasty and let's not even get into how it smelled. GAG! That was two weeks into it, and we were really hoping we would leave there without another one. But Dr. Curtis wasn't in, and the other doctor didn't want to make that call. Bueller wasn't happy about getting another one. In case you didn't know this already, CASTS SUCK! He was tough about it the whole time, though, and knew he could handle it for one more week. He opted for a blue one the second go-around, and I think he did an even better job of wearing this one out in one week than he did the orange in two.

I think it's safe to say it was ready to come off for good. Finally.

Mackey loved our nurse. She was great.

And yes, that's the cast beside them. We saved it. I know, I know. Gross. (Even though she cut the smelly inside sock part out). But when he's a teenager we're going to look back at that cast and think how tiny it is.

You wouldn't believe some of the things I've saved. ;)

And with that I think October is good and wrapped up.