The Guitar Hero

This picture was just too priceless not to post - last night we got out the guitars for the first time since before Hurricane Ike. Drewski desperately wanted to battle Uncle Matt. He was strumming the strum bar & hitting the buttons like a champ. Please disregard the shot of Aunt Deachi's grannie panties in the background. She was too busy feeding baby Max his rice cereal to realize she was putting a distraction in the photo op of the year.

Thanksgiving & decorating for Christmas

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving....we had a nice gathering of family at our house this year. We set up our dining room & kitchen tables in the living room so we could all eat together. Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving & from decorating the house for Christmas this morning.

Corry & Drew taking in some cartoons Thanksgiving morning. I couldn't get Drew to even look at the camera, let alone smile.

Baby Max showing off his indian garb that he had help creating in arts & crafts Wednesday morning.

The babies enjoying Thankgsiving dinner. They actually ate before everyone else got there because it was past their normal lunchtime and rapidly approaching naptime. We were fighting successive meltdowns so they had cajun fried turkey & Easy Mac.

The turkey centerpieces the kiddos created for our Thanksgiving dinner tables. They actually got to use glue this year!

Drew furrowing his brow - he does this ALL the time. I think he's going to have some serious worry lines when he gets older!
Corry in her Santa hat. Its actually the topper for our Christmas tree. When Jimmy put the hat on top of the tree she said, "hey, is that MY hat?" She got a little teary, but we assured her we could purchase another Santa hat just for her.

Jimmy putting up the massive tree. I think its a 15 footer....not easy to decorate.

Here's a video of Drew throwing a fit. I don't even know what he was crying about. I'm not sure if he knew why he was crying. He throws at least 2 of these every day. I guess this is part of the terrible twos everyone always talks about??? Corry didn't really have terrible twos - she waited until she was 3!

Here's a video of Corry reading the Australia Wildlife book Grandma Chebs & Grandpa Bob brought back for her.

Time Out for Corry

As she gets older, Corry seems to change her methods of combat when it comes to Drew frustrating her. Her first method of attack was through biting. Poor Drew contantly had rings of teeth on various parts of his body. Ever since we had to spank her for biting him she stopped doing that and moved to using her claws. He has a scar on his face from a scratch that happened back in August. The new thing is to put him in a choke hold until he releases whatever it is he has that she wants.

This morning she was lining up her plastic play food on the coffee table when Drew decided the fake chocolate donut looked awfully tempting. He went over & picked it up and she immediately put the choke hold on him. As he was gasping for air I was yelling at her to let go. I had to pry her arms off of his neck and set her in time out.

The whole time she was sitting in time out she kept saying - "He makes me so frustrated. As soon as I get out of time out I'm going to pinch him!" She just kept saying that over and over. She needs to learn how to keep those thoughts to herself instead of thinking out loud because they just kept her in time out for that much longer.

A little later in the morning she had him in the strangle hold again for drinking her gatorade. I got to her right as she put her arms around his neck and gave her the warning look. She told me "He makes me so angry!"

Aside from that - everyone is feeling better today. Corry only threw up twice with this last little bug. Drew hasn't gotten sick yet - I'm sure that's coming tomorrow when everyone is at our house for Thanksgiving. Please keep your fingers crossed that isn't the case.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll post some pictures of our gathering at some point!

Great Grandma is Here!

We've kept Great Grandma Bullard busy since she got here Friday evening. Friday night Jimmy made steaks & we all had dinner to celebrate Grandma's arrival & Matt's 33rd birthday. Yesterday morning Great Grandma got to watch the kids do gymnastics & then the grandmas fed the kids lunch while the guys golfed & Deachi & I attended a baby shower. After naptime all the grandparents came over & watched all the grandkids so Deachi, Matt, Jimmy & I could go to a going away party for our friends/neighbors/co-worker Sandi & Les who are moving to Phoenix :( So, great grandma is probably already exhausted from watching these little maniacs so much - we'll try to give her a break today. Here are a few pictures from the last week.

Drew getting squeaky clean in the bathtub - he usually wants to take about 50 baths a day.
Corry smiling in the Thanksgiving jammies that Grandma Chebs found.

Corry & Drew hiding in the couch cushions

Corry & her Daddy. This morning we were talking about what we are Thankful for, and she said "I'm thankful for my Daddy!" What a sweet baby.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Carlie Stinks

Carlie (my parents lab) smells terrible. She smells like our dogs do whenever they have ear infections. Mom called for back-up at lunchtime because the kids had really given her a run for her money this morning & she felt she could use a little assistance for lunch. Matt & I brought the kids some Arby's. While we were there mom decided to try and treat Carlie's ears with some ear wash in hopes that it would kill the smell a little.

She squirted it in her ears and the odor was even worse than the stinky ear smell. Mom said "this smells like a crotch." Of course, Drew immediately repeats "smells like crotch" then starts gagging. About that time Calyn walks in and says "Aunt Meme, what do you have in your mouth?" I told her "I don't have anything in my mouth." She said, "Well I smell something and it smells YYYYUUUUUMMMMY!"

So, what was repulsive to everyone else smelled terrific to little Miss Calyn. Hopefully everyone will calm down and be nicer to Grandma Chebs this afternoon. At least it was almost naptime when we left!

Sick little girl....

Just in time for the holidays - Corry has a cold. Lots of snots, puffy eyes, fever, and coughing. I took her to the doctor yesterday, but not because of the cold symptoms, but because she hadn't gone to the bathroom in almost 24 hours. She needed to, but every time she would try she would cry and say it hurt. We thought maybe it was a bladder infection, but from the urinalysis they did, it doesn't look like it. They did notice some irritation in that area, so she's on a cocktail of lotrimin, hydrocortizone, & neosporin. We have to apply that to the area 2-3 times a day and also no more bubble baths, make sure she's wiping appropriately, & start washing her undies in fragrance free detergent. Poor pookies!

I haven't really had any great Drew & Corry stories this week. Both were super cranky this morning, so I feel for my mom. Hopefully they'll change their tunes and decide to be happy the rest of the day. I'm just hoping that Drew doesn't end up with the cold too. Time will tell!

Funny stories from the weekend

Drew's been up to his old tricks today - yesterday was an exhausting day. The kids fought all day long and wanted me to entertain and/or hold them constantly (happy birthday to me). Today has been a completely different story. They've played beautifully together & have been more than happy to enterain themselves.....HOWEVER, entertainig oneself isn't always a good thing when it comes to the little man. Jimmy was in the shower & I was checking emails. Drew came into the study bringing me the keys to the red truck & the white car (he knows the difference between the two sets of keys). I didn't really think much about it until Jimmy walked into the kitchen & found Corry totally naked sitting on the kitchen counter top. She had taken all of his money out of his money clip and was arranging it on the candle holders setting on the pass-through opening. A kitchen chair had been strategically placed at the kitchen cabinets and the cabinet doors were all opened. We asked Corry how she got up there and she explained that Drew brought the kitchen chair over so they could get up there.

We went to buy Corry some fall shoes to wear with dresses at Target. I found some cute little brown leather shoes and she chose some wonderfully tacky Dora Crocs. Drew also put on a pair of Dora Crocs & didn't want to take them off. I was sure we were going to have to buy him some, but he eventually shed them for his prized red crocs.

We took the kids to Build A Bear this afternoon. Corry picked out a penguin who she named "Zooey" (not sure where that name came from) and Drew chose a black puppy named Meemers (one of our many nicknames for Maddie). Both animals are dressed for the holidays in Santa suits. Corry was so cute when we got home. She brought Zooey upstairs and in the sweetest voice said, "Welcome to our room, Zooey. this is where we rest." When she went down for her nap she had Milo on one side & Zooey on the other. She's so precious.

Here are a couple pics from my birthday party - I had lots of help opening presents. Thanks everyone for the gifts & money. I'm off now to pick up Deachi & spend all my gift cards & money.

Best Friends

Here are some silly pics of Calyn and Corry after the boys went to bed having a popcorn snack while sitting in their white trash strollers.

The first picture I took Calyn had her eyes closed, so I told her to make sure and open her eyes REALLY wide for this one - she over compensated :)
This one is great of Tweeds, Corry looks a little sober, but it is 2 hours past her bedtime, afterall!

Grandma Chebs & Singing

Here's some videos/pictures from this morning - Corry is following in Grandma Chebs footsteps & loves to sing. This morning she serenaded me with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, from one of Grandma Chebs favorite movies. There is also a video of Drewski showing his excitement over the arrival of Grandma Chebs this morning. He acts as though he never sees her, when he probably spends more time with her than anyone! I guess that's why she has such a special place in his heart.

Corry singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" Not only has she inherited Grandma Chebs love for music & dance, she also seems to have inherited Grandma Chebs singing voice. She's a little off on the words, but she tries!

Drew waiting at the front door for Grandma Chebs to arrive - also a little attack on the Papparatzi's camera.

Drew waving to Grandma Chebs as she pulled into the driveway

She's finally here! The fun can begin!

Tooting

I'm a posting machine this weekend, but this story happened this evening & I've been cracking up all night. We were all up in the exercise room & Corry & Drew were playing with a baby toy and having a blast when Corry let one rip. I asked her if she just tooted and she said "No, I farted." We told her that was not a nice word & she shouldn't use it. She kept saying it over & over. Jimmy told her the appropriate word was toot and if she said fart again she was going to have to sit in time out. So she went about her business using toot instead of fart. Then she walked over to me and said, "Mommy, did you hear me fart?" I said, "Corry, what did Daddy tell you about using that word?" So Jimmy sat her in time out. When she got out of time out he asked her if she knew why she had to sit in time out. She said "Yes, its because I farted." I guess she missed the point somewhere along the line. I really hope she stops using that word. I don't want my precious little girl teaching the kids at gymnastics, the library, or the children museum what it means to fart.

Drew's first movie

We went with Deachi, Matt & Calyn to see Madagascar II today....this was Drew's first movie. He is probably still a little too young to go to the movies. He did really well through the previews even though he was folded into a 45 degree angle with his seat (he didn't seem to care). He ate his hot dog, had some candy & popcorn, drank almost an entire large Dr. Pepper by himself. About the time the movie started he decided he wanted to run up and down the stairs. When I wouldn't let him he started throwing a fit, so I got the keys from Jimmy and figured I'd take him somewhere and come back & pick them up when the movie was over. As soon as we got into the hallway he started crying because he wanted to go to the movie. I told him he had to sit & be quiet or we'd have to leave. He sat in my lap and fell asleep within about 20 minutes. Corry also fell asleep. I really enjoyed the movie. I had never seen the first one, so I don't know how it compares, but since I rarely get to go to the movies anymore, I probably would have enjoyed just about anything.

Here are some pictures from this morning before our outing to the movies.

Drew giving big smiles in the barstools before he decided to get dressed for the day.

Corry cheesing it up in her new jacket. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be able to get a picture of her with a true smile instead of her "cheese" smile.

Chocolate faced Drewski excited to leave for the movie. What a nice mess in the background....his golf ball collections is scattered all over the room - something I'm getting ready to go fix as soon as I'm finished with this post!

I was trying to get a picture of the two of them standing together but Drew took off before I got the picture snapped wanting to "see it!"

Hope everyone had a great weekend - I'm so disappointed in the Cowboys, but probably not as disappointed as Jimmy!

Riding the Tricycle & other pics

Here are a few cute pics from yesterday & today & also a video clip of Max giggling & Corry riding her tricycle. She just figured out how to make it go a couple months ago. Every time I've tried to get a video of her doing it she freaks out, but today she decided she wanted to see the video. I just realized I don't have any Calyn pictures in here - maybe next time! We're all getting together tonight to eat lasagna & watch OSU vs Texas Tech, so maybe there will be some more video/picture opportunities then.

Drew smiling really close at the camera.
Corry giving Meghan some smooches

Corry and her best friend, Milo.

Max showing off his new facial expression - he's trying to figure out what's going on with the new tooth that's thinking of popping through

Happy Drew doing some swinging in the backyard

Max giggling while swinging

Corry showing off her trike riding abilities!

Drew isn't always a devil!

Drew has been getting up with the chickens, so he's up before Jimmy leaves the house at 6:30. This morning as Jimmy was leaving he asked Drew for a hug. Drew gave him a hug, then Jimmy came over to me and told me bye & gave me a kiss on the cheek. As Jimmy was walking out the door Drew took off after him shouting "Give me a kiss! Give me a kiss!" It was the cutest thing.

Corry's new thing lately is she wants to know "how to get there" anytime we go anywhere so Jimmy always gives her the run down of what streets we'll take & which direction we'll be going. She has now asked so many times that she knows which streets we will turn on to get home as soon as we get into Harper's Landing. She knows our address as well. Her favorite part about going places is when we "go through the cave under I-45"

Glad the election is over even if I'm not hyped about the outcome!

Corry's big girl bed

Corry's been in a toddler bed for the last 6 months or so. Last weekend we went ahead and converted her to a big girl full sized bed. I haven't bought bedding for it yet (she wants orange) so right now the quilt Aunt Sandi made for her 3rd birthday is working along with the orange sheets we already had. I'm not sure what her obsession with orange is, but she reminds us constantly that it is her favorite color! I may have to commission Aunt Sandi to make us a quilt to fit a full/queen that is tastefully done with orange...is that even possible? Anyway, here are some pics of her big girl room.

The big girl bed - this was actually her crib that converted to a toddler bed, then a full size bed. Once we figure out what we're doing bedding wise we'll probably have to paint and put up different pictures, but for now, it is what it is. Didn't Jimmy (& Uncle Gary) do a great job with her woodwork?

A picture of her princess tent. She loves to go into her tent and read books.

Drew's "big boy" bed - this was originally Corry's crib until we found out Drew was on the way. Now its his toddler bed, and one day will become a full sized bed as well. He has finally learned that he can get out of his room on his own when he wakes up. Unfortunately that has been before 6:00 most days this week. I can't even image what this time change is going to do for him!

And here's the revised playroom. Seems like we change it around every few months. We did have the queen sized bed in here, but we decided there would be a lot more play room if we put the day bed in here and moved the queen bed to the exercise room for when we have guests.

I'm hoping we stay well. Drew has laryngitis (I think Mom must have given it to him) Other than a raspy voice though, he seems to be perfectly normal. Meghan (who is pictured in the playroom picture) is doing much better with her legs, but she's still gimpy. She's on anti-inflammatory & pain medication for her torn ACL and arthritis. Getting old is the pits!

Hope everyone has a good week -

Trick or Treat!

Here are some pictures from Halloween & from this morning. Corry got herself dressed in one of her new fall outfits! She's so proud of herself!


Getting ready to leave to go trick or treating. Not easy to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time!

Drew & Mommy. I tried my best on the mustache. He would only wear the pants and shirt of his costume, so I decided he needed a little something extra.

Waiting for them to answer the door. Drew's favorite part of trick or treat was ringing the doorbells

Baby Bat Boy trick or treating. Look at how big he is sitting up all by himself!

Corry & Drew being silly after having a breakfast of Halloween Candy.

Precious little Corry getting ready to watch some cartoons before gymnastics
Drew taking in some cartoons before gymnastics

Corry in the new outfit she dressed herself in all by herself! What a big girl!