Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Onto Birthday Parties...

Christmas is over and now we are onto birthday parties!!! James will be 3 on January 6th and Becca will be 7 on January 7th (her golden birthday). I don't have babies anymore...it's so SAD!!! We are going to celebrate just us as a family on their actual birthdays and then each one will have their individual birthday party with family/friends and Becca will have an extra party for her and her friends. It is a busy month, but it is so wonderful celebrating my MIRACLES. Every year about this time I remember the words out of the Doctors mouths and the Geneticist's mouth "you should look into adoption or Donor eggs". Yep, that's what they said. Look at us now...we are celebrating birthdays. OMG...what would I do if we would have stopped trying...I wouldn't have these 2 beautiful children. Well, I'd better get off and keep planning these parties and maybe post some Christmas pics. Happy New Year to you all!!!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Random O'Connor things

So, this past weekend Jason went up to Chicago for a meeting, and I stayed home with the kids. Friday night I took them to the mall, they love going there, so this was a treat. Becca loves eating at the Food Court, so we ate, rode the carousel, rode the escalator, saw Santa, and bought a couple of gifts. Quite an exciting night. Saturday we drove up to Gibson City and went to Strictly Kids to look for snow boots for Becca (I just can't pay $30 full price for a pair of boots that she will wear maybe 10 times). We ate lunch at McDonald's then came home to do some laundry, wrap some presents, etc. We went out for dinner at Culver's and ran to Rural King since we were out of dog food. Sunday we went to a Christmas party at the VFW. They had lunch and presents for the kids, so it was a fun/busy day. Went and visited my mom for a bit- she was down and out for the weekend with a flu bug (we think). Jason got home about 6:30 on Sunday, we went out for dinner with him and then home to put the kids to bed. This was one of the first weekends that I can remember that we had absolutely NOTHING to do...and man was it wonderful.

Today I went to Springfield with Mom for a followup. The Dr. said she can go back to work whenever she is ready...this was VERY exciting for her. I think she is planning on going back after the first of the year. Her job duties are going to have to change since she is not allowed to lift anything, and I hope they allow her to do this. We have to go back over on Friday to see the radiation oncologist so that they can go over radiation, what will happen, etc. She will do radiation here in Champaign, so that is a good thing. It will be about 6 weeks long, monday-friday, similar to what she did the last time. She is doing SO well, I am so impressed with her. She is an amazing person!!!

What is up with the kids...well Bradley is doing OK. He is doing OK in school...could be better, but you can't tell him anything. Becca is 6 going on 16. She drives me CRAZY most days, and her and I go round and round often. James is quite the talker. Nonstop talking all the time!!!

I go in on Thursday to have a mass looked at by the general surgeon...who knows maybe I will get surgery for Christmas!!! :) We'll see!!!

Not much else happening...sorry for the long delay in posts. :)

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Busy Weekend

So, I got home on Thursday from Springfield, thanks to my Mom's wonderful Best Friend Becky Jane, who came over and stayed with mom. I worked Thursday and Friday, and then friday after work, we decided to take the kids to see "Where the wild things are", but James had a terrible cough so I left early with him. He was running a fever when we got home, so Jason called the Patient Advisory Nurse who said she thought what he had sounded like viral bronchitis, so we gave him some tylenol, corn syrup(for kids under 6 they can take that to help with the coughing), bought a humidifier for their room, and a cool bath. Becca and I ran over to the Assembly Hall to the Cris Cringle Craft Show and got a few presents for others and for ourselves, then we went to Steak-n-Shake for dinner, it was a good "girls" night out.

Saturday, Jason took James to the Dr. to have his ear looked at, it has been draining for over 10 days, even after 7 days of ear drops. He has infections in both ears, so he is now on oral antibiotics and 7 more days of ear drops. Poor baby!!!! I did NOTHING all day. I think I finally took a shower around 5pm, and then we went to McAllisters for dinner and a quick trip to Sam's. After that we came home and my Uncle and cousin came over and we played Band Hero for a couple of hours...it was a LOT of fun!!

Sunday, Jason and the kids went to CCD and James and I stayed home and started cleaning. I had 3 things on my list to get done: garage clean so the van will fit in it, van cleaned, and pictures of the kids at the park. We got 2 out of 3 done, so that's not too bad. The van can be cleaned out pretty easily...but I am ECSTATIC about the van fitting back in the garage!!!!! :) We then had dinner, got the kids showered and in bed, and are now relaxing in front of the TV and computer!!! Yeah!!! It was a productive day...and laundry even got done!! WOW!!!

Here are some pictures of the kids:



Heading back to Springfield tomorrow...hope everyone has a GREAT week!!!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Home Sweet Home

Well, 3 weeks ago tonight we were coming over to Springfield for my Mom's surgery. Wow, I can't believe it's been 3 weeks. We are in the home stretch...the Dr's are saying they are going to let her go home Thursday or Friday. I don't think I've seen such a big smile on her face as when they said that for a long time. She is SO ready to go home.

These 3 weeks have put a lot of things in perspective for me. When faced with a life/death situation (I know her situation wasn't necessarily life/death right now, but if she would have decided to do nothing...it would have been death), you really think about things and realize how some things are so important to you, while others that you thought were important, really aren't. My kids and Jason are the most important part of my life, I have missed being with them and seeing them everyday. My mom has to be the next most important thing. Before her surgery I kept thinking of all of the what-if's...what-if she dies, what-if she's not here to see her grandkids grow up, what-if the Dr's screw up, etc. I had a hard time of thinking about the "when this is over with and she's fine" details. I was scared, I cried, I screamed, I showed more emotion than I had in a long time. Has my mom's life changed? Oh yeah. Has she changed? No. She is still the most caring, loving, compassionate person I have ever met.

I wish I was able to stay home everyday with my kids. I wish I didn't have to work or that we made more money so that this could be a possibility. I love what I do and I love our participants, it just sucks to know that I only see my kids/family maybe 3-4 hours out of a day. I hate that!! I want to raise our children, and right now other people are. You can't make-up all that time you missed out on during the weekend...it's not possible. During these last 3 weeks, I have missed a lot of time with my kids. Do I regret my decision to be here with my mom...absolutely not...I would do it all again. We are just ready to go home, and be a family again!!!

Hopefully on thursday or friday we will be headed to: Home Sweet Home!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Mom's surgery


Wednesday, October 7th, had to have been the longest day of my life.

Katie and I didn't go to the hospital with my Mom and Kent, we showered and then headed over and got there about 6:00am. She was in the pre-op room already, so we just hung out in there and watched some TV while the Dr's came in to see her. They took her back at 7:30 and said they would call us with updates.

We went down to the surgical waiting room and waited for the first phone call. The nurse called at 8:30 and said that she was under, her body was prepped and they were starting the first part of the surgery. Dr. Johnson had told us the first part would be checking the lymph nodes in the groin and up near her kidney. If the nodes up near her kidney were cancerous he would cancel the surgery, that would have meant that the cancer had spread too much. We waited and waited on that phone call telling us if the surgery was continuing. About 10:30 the nurse called back and said that Dr. Johnson was almost done with his part: hysterectomy/vulvectomy. I asked about the lymph nodes and the nurse said that he had taken about 6 nodes out and all he knew was 1 was positive and 1 was negative. I asked where the positive one was and explained about how Dr. Johnson had said he would cancel the surgery if 1 was positive...he said it must all be good because he went ahead with surgery. That was the biggest relief of the day.

We got phone calls from the nurses every 2 hours for the rest of the day. Each of the Doctors except Dr. Johnson had come out after their part and said how well surgery was going and they were very pleased with how well she was handling it. About 5:00 the nurse called and said Dr. Johnson was finishing up and he thought he would be done by 6:30. Well, 6:30 came and went and then of course we went into panic mode again. At 7:30 (12 hours of surgery) Dr. Johnson came out and said "Divine intervention was on her side today, she did Great!!" I don't think he thought that the nodes around her kidneys had cancer in them, but I think it was in the back of his mind that they might. We then waited another 2 hours till they got her moved up to ICU, then we headed up there to tell her we loved her and we would see her in the morning. She was alert and shook her head after we each told her how great she did and that we loved her.

I always knew my mom was strong, and this proved how much!! I am so proud of her and SO glad that the cancer is out of her body and we are on the road to recovery. I love her SO much!!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Life and how important it is...

When someone gets sick it makes you realize how short or how fast things can change in your life. The people that you care about the most can be gone in the blink of an eye. When my mom got the news that her cancer was back and the Doctors didn't call us back about her CT scan, all I could think of was, "Is this the last birthday my mom will be here for?", "Will she be here for Christmas?", etc. It scared me. I want her here for me and for my kids, is that selfish?? At times I feel very selfish...I want my mom, and I want her healthy, I want her to see my kids graduate from school, I want her here to see them get married, I want her here to see her great grandkids. Why am I being selfish??

I sit back and wonder what is she going through?? How hard is this going to be on her? Is she ever going to leave her house after she gets done with the surgery and heals? Will she feel comfortable emptying her bags out in public? My questions go on and on... I want her to be happy, healthy, and I want her to want to live. My Dad died before I was born, I was raised by my single mother. We lived with my Grandparents till I was 5, and then she bought her house (that she is still living in), we lived together for 3 years in our house till she married my step-dad. I feel that I got screwed...I never called my step-dad "Dad", he wasn't, my Dad was gone...I hated that. My mom is such a STRONG woman that I know she will get through all of this, she has gone through so much in her life...and it's not FAIR that she has to deal with all of this Cancer crap!!!

Why is cancer all around us? Why do we all know someone that has beat it, going through treatment, or has died because of it?? Why can't we predict the future?? I know a lot of these questions are open ended, and they don't have answers...I just wish someone could answer some of them!!! Hug, kiss and tell all of your loved ones that you LOVE them...you never know when you may not be able to say that again!! I love you all...my family and friends...I'm glad that I have you here in my life.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

R.I.P Duh




When I was in college I got dog, and then I quit school, and started working at a Vet Clinic. Along with that came an abundance of animals. At 1 time I had 2 dogs (Kirby and Buddy) and 2 cats (Roscoe and Frisco). I was working at a group home also in Charleston at the same time I was working at the Vet Clinic, and a friend of mine was moving apartments and couldn't keep her cat..."Duh", and she asked me if he could live with me for a while till she was able to take him to her parents. Well, months later I moved back to Urbana, and "Duh" came with me along with my menagerie of other animals.

I didn't name him...but MAN I love his name...I love that cat...and I will miss him greatly!!! He lived about 4 years longer than any of the other cats we had, and he has enjoyed himself being the "only cat" for the last 4 years. The last few months he has tried "escaping" as much as he could. He would squeeze out our garage door and "hang out" outside. He NEVER did this before...so it was a bit weird. Oh well...whatever made him happy!!

So, now we are a "dog-only" family...weird!!! I don't know if we will stay this way, or if we will get another cat sometime...I guess time will tell!!!

R.I.P Duh...we love you!!!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Life....

Somedays I just want to crawl in my bed and hide out for the entire day, week, month, year. Somedays I want to cry my eyes out. Somedays I don't want to talk to anyone. Somedays I want to scream my head off at anyone who will listen. Somedays I want to hold onto my kids and never let go (only they won't let me do that anymore). Somedays...Somedays....Somedays...

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

First Day of School Pictures

Becca getting ready to leave for school with ALL of her supplies.


Becca finding her name on the door of her classroom.


Her desk


James with his backpack, ready to leave for school.


Walking down the hallway to his classroom.


Playing with the cars in his classroom.


Drawing Mommy a picture.

No pictures of Bradley..."he's too old" for that!!! What's a Mom to do??

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Back to the Why!!

So, my mom's cancer is back...why?? Why?? Why?? Why?? I just don't understand, the 1 person in the whole world that would give up everything she had for anyone in the world. How does this happen to that person? My mom is my best friend, and I am SO scared that something bad is going to happen to her. I don't know what to think, what to do, and what to say. Just...why??

We go this week for a CT scan and to meet 2/4 doctors that are going to do her surgery. She is going to have a VERY invasive surgery that will leave her without function of 2 bodily functions. She will have a colostomy bag and possibly a bag for urine, or a permenant catheter that she will have to clip/unclip when she needs to empty her bladder. Hopefully once the surgery is over they will have gotten enough "margin", but if not...she will have to do chemo. OMG!! Her surgery is suppose to be 10-12 hours, how do I sit in that hospital for that long?? She will be over in Springfield for probably 1-2 weeks recovering, how do I sit over there and watch her in pain?? Then when she comes home she will be home recovering for months, how do I help her?? What do I do??

Why does this have to be happening?? Why??

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Do you ever wonder "why"??

This morning has been one of those mornings where I have been thinking a lot about "Why??" Why are we were we are right now? Why do I go to work everyday?? Why do I worry about what others think? Why do we never get a break?? Why is Bradley's spine curving, and he might have scoliosis? Why is he the way he is? Why does he still sneak?? Why is Becca so much like me, it's scary? Why does she continue to have ear infections and will they replace her tubes?? Why does she act 13 already?? Why is James here? (Not that I wish he wasn't, it's just we went through SO much to get Becca here and did so much once I was pregnant to keep her safe, and we didn't do ANY of it with James...it makes me wonder Why?) Why is he the cutest, smartest 2 year old I know?? Why did God want 7 of my babies before we were ready to give them to him?? Why are we living in Champaign still? Why are we in my Grandma's house? Why is Jason still trying to get a job so we can stay here? Why do I love my husband, but have a hard time showing it? Why do I get so upset with him and hold grudges? Why do I have crazy ups and downs? Why?? Why?? Why??

I have many more...but don't have all day to sit here and ponder them all. Oh well...that's where my mind is right now!!!! :)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Swimming lessons...my girl can tread water!!

So this is the 7th day of Becca's swim lessons, and she is doing so well. She still doesn't have the arm motions, and she doesn't like her face in the water, but overall is doing really well. Yesterday she treaded water for a FULL minute, did a FANTASTIC dive into the 12 feet, and her back stroke is looking better every day. Here are a few pictures!!!


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I just got done making homemade laundry detergent...I am SO excited about this. I found a recipe for "liquid" detergent and planned on making that, but then found one today on a "powder" form, and decided to go that route. All the comments on the recipe (162 positive ones), talked about how wonderful it is, how easy it is to make, and how wonderful your clothes smell and feel. The best part is if you make the large batch, it should last a long time since you only use 1-2 Tablespoons per load. I have been wanting to do it for a while now, so on my way home I stopped by the store to see if they had the ingredients and they did, so I made it!! I have a load in...so I'll post how well it did after it gets done washing and drying!!! No more big plastic bottles of detergent, color safe bleach, fabric softener, etc. for me!! Yeah!!!!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Randomness....


This week:
- I got a new washer this week for our 11th anniversary!!
- James got into all-day Preschool, starting in August.
- Bradley just finished FCA camp...and really enjoyed himself.
- Bought Becca's school supplies, still have to get Bradley's
- worked 4 days this week, have to work tomorrow 2-11, taking a group to a pool party in Decatur.
- Played softball this week and won.
- Becca had swim lessons this week and next. She LOVES the water!!
- Quincy (the dog) was sick again this week...ugh...pets!!!

Future:
- School registration in 18 days.
- I start working monday-friday August 24th.
- James starts all day preschool on August 24th
- Not looking forward to August 24th.
- Bradley and Becca start school August 20th.
- Going to the Drive in on Thursday to see "Harry Potter"
- Doing lots of laundry...just because I like to use my new washer. :)
- trying to clean house thoroughly so that it is CLEAN...and easier to keep clean.
- Enjoying my family, because I realize everyday how lucky I am to be able to share their lives.

That's what's gone on and what will be going on!!! Have a fabulous weekend!!!!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

James and Preschool

So, James got into all day preschool!! Yeah!! It is about 9 months earlier than we really needed, but if we waited we may not have a spot when we needed it in May 2010. So, he is going to First Methodist in Downtown Champaign. I was very excited when I got the call today. My mom took Becca and James to Toys r Us to get their new backpacks...James could not decide. He had a Handy Manny, Spiderman, Wonder Pets, Backyardigans, Mickey Mouse, Cars, etc, etc, etc...he finally chose Cars and got a lunch box too (he won't use it, but it was free). He is very excited about going to Preschool at his own school, not Becca's old school, or Grace's preschool. We go visit on Monday, so I'm going to take pictures of him there and post.

Even though today was a relief to know that he got in, I did have to tell Belinda, and that was very hard. She has watched our kids since they (Becca and James) were both 6 weeks old. So, I did pretty good telling her, but then called her back to tell her I'm sorry for breaking the news on the phone, talked to Tod and found out that she cried when she got home...so I started sobbing after I got off the phone with him. I know James is ready for preschool, and I know that this will be a positive thing for him...but it was still VERY hard. I'm glad that our families are such good friends, so we will "hang out" often!!

So a bittersweet moment that was going to happen sometime, has happened!!!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day to Jason!!!


Jason-
Happy Father's Day!! I just want to Thank You for being a wonderful Dad to our 3 kids. Looking back I never thought we would be where we are today, but yet here we are with 3 wonderful kids living a great life with our family and our friends. I grew up without my Dad, and watching you with our kids reminds me everyday what I missed out on. If my Dad was here today I think he would love you and be proud to call you his son-in-law. I love seeing their eyes light up when you walk into the room, them yelling "Hi Daddy!! Hi Daddy!!", and them crying at night for you to "save them"(from all the "scary" things in their rooms). You are an unbelievable Father and Husband. Thank you for all that you do for our family!!! I also know that we have 7 angels in Heaven looking down on us and watching over us everyday. I love you more than you can ever possibly know and our kids love you too!!! Happy Father's Day

-Kim, Bradley, Becca and James

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Vacation is right around the corner

Have you ever been waiting and waiting and waiting on something and it feels like it will never come? That's exactly how I and Jason have been feeling for quite a while now. I am SO proud of us for not telling the kids about Disney...I never thought I would be able to do it, but here we are 2 1/2 days away from heading up to Chicago and boarding a plane with our family to go to Disney...WOW!!! I have been using the internet A LOT about tips, packing, planning, etc. and I am finally here and ready to go. Tonight I packed James' clothes, diapers, wipes, shoes and Becca's clothes, shoes and my clothes. I was hoping to have the bags packed in the trunk of the car, so the kids don't see them. I think the next few days are going to be the hardest. My mom is going to take the kids for an hour or so on Sunday so that I can do some packing, and they are going to Belinda's on Monday morning so we can run the dogs to the kennel and pack the car. OMG...it's almost here!!! I'll keep you updated on the progress of our departure!!! We'll see if we can keep it a secret...who knows!!!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Disney


2 weeks from right now...I will be sleeping at Disney!!! I am having a VERY hard time keeping it to myself. Jason and I are trying our best...only 13 more days and the FUN will begin!!! :)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Touchin the trucks!!!

Took James over to "Touch a truck" day at the park...he wasn't too sure about it. The horns and sirens were a bit much for him. I think he was a bit overwhelmed also with the people, noise, etc. I did get a couple of cute pictures of him, but only had my phone camera, so by the time it took he wasn't looking at me anymore, or smiling. Oh well!! Hope everyone is having a good week!!!

The fire truck was a big hit!!!



Sitting in the tire of the Monster Truck

Driving the "Digger"

Sitting on the school bus!!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Week in review...

Becca had a game on Monday, so we rode bikes to the game...which was the first bike ride of the summer...FUN!! She did lose her game, but got a hit...I owe her ice cream and she hasn't reminded me...WOW!! Tuesday, her and I went shopping for some presents for friends and teachers, Wednesday her game got cancelled, so she went to Gymnastics while I was at work late. Thursday I had to work late and then play softball, so Jason and the kids came out for my game...we lost. Friday, Storms, Storms and more Storms...not much more to say. Today I worked, the kids played inside and outside, Becca went over to my Mom's, Bradley mowed, James and I went and got our hair cut and then we went over to my mom's for dinner. Overall...pretty boring week.

I'm still surprised...the kids have 5 days of school this coming week, 4 the following week, and then 2 1/2 days, and then they are out for the summer. My kids will be in 8th grade and 1st grade next year, and my baby will most likely be going to an all day preschool...OMG...what will I do???

Well, next week doesn't look any more exciting...but I'll let you know!!! Have a good one!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day

As you can see, my Mother's Day present was a new family picture. We started doing this last year, and I hope to do it every year. I enjoy seeing how much our family changes over the year. Since the last picture, Bradley has grown about a foot, Becca has lost MANY teeth, and James has gotten a haircut. There are many more differences too, but too many to list.

I did get to sleep in today, the house was quiet until 9:30...that's really late for us. Jason and James went to get the paper and some donuts, then we just lounged around the house all morning. We ran up to "Do-it-Best" and got annuals to plant out front and then went to lunch with my Sister and BIL and my MOM. After lunch Becca had a game, which was much better than the last 2 games we have played. Of course she got a hit...so off to Marble Slab we went, then home to plant flowers, take my MOM her present and then home to put kids in bed for the night...busy, busy day.

I have reflected some on the day, and thought I would share: When Jason and I got married I could not wait to start having babies, when I had my first miscarriage my doubts of having a family started to go downhill. Thankfully they did a D/C so that they could test chromosomes...this is something that they usually don't do for a first miscarriage, but our doctor asked if we wanted to and we said "I guess so". This was when we found out that the baby had a trisomy. They wanted to test Jason and I to find out if one of us was a carrier, so we did that, and found out that I have a balanced Robertsonian translocation of the 14/15 chromosomes. They also ran some tests and found out that I had PCOS (this is what Kate has from "Jon and Kate + 8), so getting pregnant and keeping the baby was going go be quite difficult for us. Talk about feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders...I thought we would never have kids because of "me"...and I hated that feeling. We got pregnant again, and had another miscarriage. In the middle of all of these miscarriages we changed insurance carriers, so I started going to Carle and that's when we got involved with the RE department. We got pregnant again and had another miscarriage. After a long talk with the RE and the Perinatologist we were quite frustrated and our hopes of having a family were going downhill...FAST. We decided to try AI, the next month we were able to try again. We started all of the meds/shots, and got pregnant with Rebecca. I don't think I have been as scared as I was those first 12-14 weeks of that pregancy. Because of all of the miscarriages we got to go in every 2 weeks for ultrasounds and at 17 weeks we got a Level 2 ultrasound...and at each of them she was growing the way she was suppose to. After that ultrasound we didn't have another until 32 weeks...that was a long 15 weeks, when you had been able to see her every 2 for so long. So we were blessed with Becca on 1/7/03.

During that whole time trying and trying to have a baby we started the adoption process because we thought for sure that we were never going to have a baby. I know, I know...once you adopt you will get pregnant...and guess what...it worked for us (not that we were adopting only for that reason...I just wanted to be a MOM). Bradley came to live with us in June 2002 and was adopted May 28, 2003. And oh boy was he a handful!! 6 years old and a boy...what were we in for??!! NO...really he's a good kid...he just has his moments.

So...we decided we wanted to try again and got pregant on our own. Miscarriage. We then decided to do AI again, miscarriage. And we did AI again, miscarriage. Finally I said...enough is enough...this is going to have to be OUR FAMILY...the 4 of us. Well, that thought didn't last too long and I decided that I really did want to have 1 more. Since we did AI with Rebecca I knew the exact day that she was conceived...and that day was going to be coming up in my next cycle...so we tried this time on our own...and got pregnant. We decided against doing all of the "medical" stuff, so no shots, no progesterone, no meds...if it was meant to be it would be OK. We were blessed again...with James on 1/6/07. After James was born...I had my tubes tied...and NOW we are a family of 5. It was a LONG road and one that I will never forget and I hope no one ever has to go through what we went through.

One thing that helps me deal with all of this is, that I have 6 girls and 1 boy up in heaven looking down on me and our family every day. I was blessed with the understanding that life sucks sometimes...but in the end...God has his reasons for everything, and no matter how hard it was or how much it hurt...God knew what he was doing...and he has made me cherish my kids and my family more than I would have without all of the issues we had to deal with. My dad died 2 months before I was born, and I know right now he is watching his 7 grandchildren up in heaven and that gives me the strength to go on everyday!!

Being a MOM is the best thing in the world and I owe it all to GOD!! Thank you!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Becca and baseball

So, Becca had her first game this week (I forgot the camera for the first game), her team isn't very good, but the coaches are good and the kids have fun...isn't that what's important. She did get 1 hit, stopped a ball, and got the game ball...yes...it did go to her head!! However they lost!!

Today she had her 2nd game (against Leah), and she hit the ball right to 1st base and got out, the second time she got up she did not get a hit. Definitely was not their best game, they have a lot of learning to do. Their team is very young, and I don't think they "fully" understand the game. It's fun to watch and cheer on their "small" accomplishments though. Here's some pics from tonights game....ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

James and the Orpheum Children's Museum

Sat around the house most of the day. After lunch tried thinking of something to do...decided to take James to the Orpheum. Becca had been there before on a couple of fieldtrips, but we had never been there before. So...off we went...we had about an hour and a half to play before we had to be home for the other 2 to get home from school. I think James could have played for about another hour or so...he was NOT happy to leave. Here are some pictures from our afternoon...it was FUN!!
How do I catch this ball???


Playing in the sand...such concentration.


Peek-a-boo!!


Oooh...sand!!


The water is FUN!!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Is the weekend over already??

So, the weekend came and went...I can't believe it. I worked yesterday and Jason took the kids the library to see Superwhy, which is James' favorite cartoon. However, in person he was not a fan. He liked him from a distance, but no so much face to face. Wish I could have been there to see it. We sold our Barbie Jeep and bought an Escalade (Power wheels) for the kids. James was VERY excited about his new "truck". Becca didn't get a chance to ride in it till today, but she was very happy with the trade...the new truck "goes SO much faster"...she was very happy with that.

Today it rained...and rained...and rained. It was a very lazy day around the house. We did go out to lunch at Taco Bell (kids' choice) and then came home for naps. Becca had baseball practice from 4-5, and is VERY excited about baseball and is ready for her first game (at least she thinks she is). I am going to run to Wal-mart later tonight after everyone is in bed and get some of the things that we need.

Tomorrow and Tuesday I am off, however I am going to my program tomorrow night at Papa Del's...YUM!!! So, I have a few more days off...which will be nice!! I have a lot that I could do around the house, but don't have the "want" to do it. Oh well...it will be there when I do.

I hope everyone has a GREAT week!!! Bring on the warmer temps!!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter Weekend

So, we spent the better part of the weekend cleaning inside the house and the play area in the backyard. It felt good to clean the whole house (except our bedroom, and the basement)...those are my next challenges. So, we woke up this morning and the kids got their Easter baskets, and then hunted for eggs around the house.

Then it was off to the races to get to church on time. We did make it, but had to take 2 cars and I left right after communion...James had, had enough. After church we came home and the kids hunted for eggs outside with the neighbors (4th annual egg hunt with 4 families). After that it was a bit of down time and we just picked up the odds and ends around the house.eggs in our yard and the 3 yards across the street...LOTS of eggs!!


Neighborhood hunt


My mom and step-dad, Jason's mom and sister, Katie and Troy and Troy's dad came over for dinner. It was 12 of us...and it was really nice. We had A LOT of food, and will have plenty of leftovers for a LONG time. The kids got presents from both grandma's and Aunt Katie...can I call them spoiled?? :) After everyone left we ran over to my mom's and the kids got their Easter baskets over there and hunted for more "candy filled" eggs!!! OMG we will be eating chocolate eggs and candy till Halloween!!!

Came home, kids got their PJ's on, brushed their sugar coated teeth, and went to bed!! BUSY DAY!!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Getting ready for Easter!!

So, we are hosting Easter at our house...this means LOTS of cleaning. It's been a while since we did a "real" clean, so it's a bit nasty right now. My mom, stepdad, sister, brother-in-law, Mother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousins, and anyone else that I am forgetting will be here. It should be lots of fun!!

We are going to try and get the kids to the Easter Egg hunt in the morning at West Side park. Hopefully I will get some good pictures!! After that Becca has a birthday party at The Little Gym that she is excited about. Then over to my parents for dinner. Pretty busy day tomorrow.

I have the next 4 days off, so hopefully I can go through some closets, get mine and Bradley's summer clothes out, and hopefully get down to the basement to work on it for a bit. We'll see...I have BIG dreams!!

Have a great weekend and I will post Easter pictures soon!!!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

We really are still alive!!!

Well, it's been almost a month since I posted last. Sorry!! What's been going on...

Bradley- had a 90 minute meeting at school that pretty much was exactly what we expected. We had gotten his new "diagnosis" so we thought we would be able to get his IEP back with an "ED" diagnosis. Yeah...he didn't get it. I have not been so pissed off for a long time. He is SO behind in social skills (he has no friends, has never gone to a birthday party, doesn't talk about anybody at school, etc)...he really needs some social skills training. They are going to modify his 504, which I just about laughed my ass off when I heard them say this. He is suppose to have already been getting social skills training...they are just going to work at it a bit harder. Are you serious?? My biggest fear is that he has 1 year left before he goes to high school, and then he will pretty much get lost in the crowd. It is so important to help him RIGHT NOW, there isn't 1 person on his "team" that could look at me and tell me that they think he will be OK. UGH...Unit 4 school district SUCKS when you have a child that has a disability, but doesn't have a BIG enough disability. You can only advocate for your child for so long before you just get tired of getting screwed over.

Becca- had her parent teacher conference tonight. She is reading at a middle of the year 1st grader (she's in kindergarten). Her math skills are VERY high also. Her only problem right now is that she is being a bit defiant. She gets up from carpet time and goes over to the sink or her cubby or wherever she wants when she is not suppose to. She always has an excuse to have gotten up, but it's never a "real" reason. I am wondering if she is bored. We talked about it a lot tonight when we got home, so we will see if Spring Break will help.

James- is pooping pretty much all the time on the potty. He asks to go sit on his potty and he also asks to go to the bathroom when we are out at restaurants or wherever else. Peeing is another story...he doesn't have that "feeling" under control yet. He did get into Faithful Friends preschool next year, in the 5 day program, so we are pretty excited about that. I think it will be really good for him to be around kids his own age.

I am still enjoying my van...and it's clean...which is even better. We are going to High School Musical on ice tomorrow night!!! We are also going to try to go to the free movie on Saturday morning. Sunday we are driving down to my grandma's in southern illinois. Next Friday we are going up to Arlington Heights to a waterpark/hotel with the Courtneys. The kids are very excited about this. I am excited about going to IKEA!!!

Nothing else really going on here. Work, work, and more work!!! Hope all is well with everyone...have a GREAT Spring Break!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Randomness....

Well, it has definitely been a while since I posted last. What's been up?? It doesn't feel like too much...the big highlight is we got a new (to us) van. Yes, we traded in our 10 year old van...finally!!! 2008 Grand Caravan, and I love it!!!

We also joined the Fitness Center as a family. We are hoping to go 3-4 days a week, Becca and James go to the playroom, and seem to really like it. I went twice last week...I know...I didn't do accomplish my "goal". This week I will have to go 4-5 times. I did the elliptical once and the bike once, along with weights. I would also like to do some of the classes that they offer, only I have never done anything like that before...and I feel really self-conscious, but we'll see!!

The kids are doing well. James has had a terrible cold this weekend, running a fever, nasty stuff dripping out of his ear, etc. Other than that...it was a good weekend...LAZY and not a whole lot got done, but a good weekend none the less.

My co-workers and I went out for dinner and a movie, and saw "He's just not that into you"...I think that was the name...it was the first time in as long as I can remember that I went to a movie after 7pm, with adults only!!! It was a lot of fun!!! It's nice to have co-workers that get along and enjoy being around each other.

Well, I guess I will go on with my "boring" life...I guess it's kind of nice being "boring". You don't have to get so bent out of shape with all of the big things that go on in life!!! Have a good week!!!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

What's been up??

Well, it's been a while since I posted last...sorry!! Not a whole lot has been going on.

Work, work, and more work...and it doesn't look like it's going to get a whole lot better. It's going to be a long week or so with all of the things that are "due" in the near future...UGH!!

The kids have been great. James is talking SO much. He has a couple of books that we have read a lot and he will then sit on the couch and "reread" it...it is so funny...he has them pretty much memorized...how old is he again...2??? Becca is still loving school, hasn't missed a single day (knock on wood), and we are going to have lunch with her tomorrow...she's more excited that James is eating with her than Jason and I...oh well. Bradley is still Bradley...still sneaking things to his room, lying, talking back...what to do?? We have NO idea.

Jason's birthday is on Tuesday. My mom is going to watch the kids so we can go out and get some dinner...I don't know where we are going...it will just be nice to go out for "dinner" alone. He is going to be 32...wow...he's old...just teasing!!

The dogs have been sick, finishing up their last day of antibiotics, they had some infection in their intestines...yuck...diarrhea, vomit...what more can I say...I'm just glad they are feeling better!!!

We have enjoyed the wonderful weather this weekend. I opened up the windows on Saturday and aired out the house...it was so refreshing!! We went for a couple of walks, and tried spending as much time outside as we could...can't wait for spring!!!

Here's a picture of James we took last weekend...thought it was pretty cute!!!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Girl Scout Cookies anyone??

We have to turn in our order form this Saturday...let me know if you want any!!! $3.50/box!!! Yum Yum!!!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Disney...anyone??? Yes...The O'Connor's

We are going to Disney!!! I can't believe it!! We are leaving June 9th for 8 days and 7 nights. I can't wait to see the kids' faces when we are there. However, we are going to TRY to not tell the kids till we are in the van on the way up to Chicago to catch our flight!!! I have never been as excited as I am right now...well maybe I have...but this is so exciting!! OK...I'm off to bed...I just had to tell someone!!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Weekend update

So, another weekend is over and it had to have been one of the most relaxing, laid back weekends I can remember in a long time. Thursday I stayed home with the kids due to the snow day, and the fact that each of them had a Dr.'s appt. Jason took Bradley to the Orthodontist in the morning and then I took the other 2 over to Carle in Urbana for their yearly appts. James weighs 31 lbs and was 34 inches tall (60% in height and 80% in weight). Becca was 53 lbs and 46 inches tall (60% in height and 80% in weight)...omg they are so alike it's unbelievable. Becca didn't need any shots, so she just got a physical...she was very happy. When the Dr. came in she said she needed to look and see if either of them needed a shot...James piped up and said "I want shot", she told him that she may be able to accomodate that request. He had NO idea what "shot" meant. She looked him over and gave him the clean bill of health, but he did need to get a hepatitis A booster, so when she left the room to get the nurse to do the shot, James started crying again that he wanted a shot. The nurse came in and gave him his shot...he SCREAMED like bloody murder...poor baby!!! Later that night I asked if he wanted a shot...he said "NO SHOT". I think he gets it now. :)

Friday I went to work and the kids went to Belinda's, and then that evening we went to Sam's and over to my mom's for a while. Saturday we did NOTHING, Bradley and I went to Pages for all ages and bought some books and then to Walmart to pick out a new DS game for him, and then back home to watch the end of the Illini game. That evening I went to work for a while and then met the family over at my mom's again. We hung out and talked and had a good time. Sunday, Mom and I went shopping for a while and then Jason, the kids and I went back to Pages to look at books again (they were having a 40% off everything in the store sale) and then back over to Mom's for dinner. Monday we hung out in the house all day and then Becca and I took off to go to the resale shops in town because I had a 50% off coupon for one of them. It was a "mommy monday", and I got the kids some clothes for next winter and a few for James for the summer...REALLY cheap!!

Becca had gymnastics tonight, and she moved up to the "flips" class and did VERY well. She was very nervous that she wouldn't know anyone and she wouldn't be as good, but she was!! She also is in the same class as a friend of hers...which made it even better. We went to Mickey D's for dinner, came home, did baths, and bed!!! Yeah!!

We are ready for another week of work/school...it will be nice that this is a SHORT week!!!! Have a good one!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Birthdays are OVER and we made it through!!!

OK...who said having your kids birthdays a day apart was fun?? It definitely wasn't me. I didn't want them to share the same birthday though, so...I guess I don't have anyone to blame except Jason and I, huh?? :)

We had our last "birthday" party with family this past weekend. It was a lot of fun. Jason's mom/dad/sister/brother and sister-in-law came and my parents/sister and brother-in-law/Uncle and Aunt and cousins/Decka and Noah came. It was fun, hectic, and crowded. I thought the Illini game started at 3:00, so I thought we will have it at 2:00, everyone can get here, get some snacks, open presents, settle in to watch the game and then do cake around halftime. Game started at 2:00, and most all the adults (which was everyone except 4 kids) was busy watching the game. It all worked out OK...the Illini won...not a whole lot of yelling at the TV...it's all good!!!

A couple of funny things that happened during the party came out of Noah's mouth (Sorry Decka...I have to repeat them, they are really cute). Becca opened a bead kit from Grandma/Grandpa O'Connor and Noah said, "I didn't know white girls wore beads!" The room erupted with laughter and Decka's face got VERY red. Then I was trying to figure out one of James' toys and Noah said "Here's how you do it", I said "Don't break it", and then he said "A Man's got to do what a Man's got to do!". I busted up laughing at him!!! He's too cute...and not shy at all!!!

Not a whole lot more is going on...we are leading a VERY boring week, the last 2 were so busy...this is kind of nice!!! Hope everyone has a good week!!!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY REBECCA!!!

Today was Becca's 6th birthday...I still remember the night she was born...man it was a long night...but definitely worth it. Well, the morning started out good. I listened to the kids on the monitor and Becca waking up "cheery" (not a sound we hear everyday), telling James to tell her "Happy Birthday". It was cute!!! Then a quick morning and dropping James off before taking Becca and her cupcakes to school. After dropping her off, I cried the whole way to the van and the whole drive to work. Why?? Because this was the first year of her entire life that I didn't spend the ENTIRE day with her on her birthday. Is that CRAZY or what??!! I didn't want to miss any of her day, but she had to go to school and I HAD to go to work...oh to have the ability to stay home...the "what-ifs" of life. So, after school, my Uncle picked her up and took her to their house, they bought a cookie cake for her and got her a "small" gift (her "real" present she's getting from them on Saturday). They do TOO much for her...we wonder why she's spoiled!! :) After I picked her up we ran home to let the dogs out and get her gymnastics leotard and then went to Monicals for dinner with my parents and my sister. It was a lot of fun...she even got to eat off of the O'Connor Birthday Plate...she didn't know I brought it from home. Then off to gymnastics and then home for presents and cake. She really liked everything she got, and was not ready for bed...but went pretty easily...I think she was more tired than she thought.

Becca at Monicals eating off the "Birthday Plate"


Opening presents with Gee-ma and Pa-Pa


Opening presents from Gee-ma and Pa-pa


Becca and her cake


Birthday Kids


1 more party...and then we are done for a while!!! I had all of these big plans for 2 big cakes...however after eating cake 3 times this week, and throwing a lot of it away, I'm thinking I may do Rice Krispie treats with sprinkles or a couple big cookies, or something...I'm tired of looking at cake and eating it!! Oh what to do??? Well, hope you are all having a good week!!!