Easter--Kind of..

I had planned on posting some nice Easter pictures on the blog, which would have included the boys in their Easter outfits and a spectacular family picture where all of us were looking at the camera and smiling. Didn't happen. Not because we tried, but because Easter Sunday didn't go as planned--what else is new?!

I had my 3rd (and final?) sinus surgery on the Wednesday before Easter and so far, everything is looking good! My mom was here to watch the boys and then she took them home with her for a few days. Remember, Kieran was just getting over the stomach flu and now he had a cold and Kiptyn started running a fever. Mom had to take Kiptyn into a First Care place in Kearney on Saturday morning---after I had to drive up to our local grocery store and fax a permission slip out there so they could treat my son!--and he had an ear infection, sore throat and a touch of bronchitis. We met mom in York, picked up the boys (which we were planning to do that day anyway) and started the antibiotic on a very fussy, not feeling well little boy!

Needless to say, the boys and I stayed home from church on Sunday morning to keep from spreading sick germs! But, we did have a nice meal with some of Chuck's family on Sunday afternoon and the antibiotic kicked in right away for Kiptyn!

So, I'm hoping to get that nice picture this Sunday!!

Kieran had a special Cross project to do for preschool. He decorated a Cross with his name and pictures of his family, stickers etc. Then the preschool hung them on a wall that said, "Jesus Died For..." It is a pretty sweet sight to see! Kieran also brought home a Easter coloring book from school and he was telling me about how Jesus died on the cross. A heart grabbing moment as I realize Kieran is slowly starting to understand what the death of Jesus means..

The finished product:

And this is what happens when you leave your camera ON and sit it down on the table within little arms reach:
Kiptyn pushes the button!

Bubble Sword!

Kieran received a Bubble Sword for his birthday from our friend, Tara. It makes HUGE bubbles--we all had fun trying it out this week!:

Wordless Wednesday

A Bad Mommy Day..

Kieran had his 4 year check-up at the pediatrician's office today. He doesn't like visiting the doctor's office, I knew that and that's why I didn't even mention it until this morning. Of course, I played it up about how fun it would be, he could get a sticker etc. Then he says what I was expecting him to say, "Do I have to get a shot?" I knew the question was coming and I was hesitant to tell him no because I wasn't 100% sure that he wasn't getting a shot but I knew his vaccinations were up to date etc. So, I replied, "No, you don't have to get a shot today." Let's remember that I'm not a doctor and should choose my words wisely!

Of course, we get to the doctor's office and he whined, fussed and threw a fit when the nurse asked him to step on the scale, have his height checked etc. Mommy's blood was pumping at this point! The doctor comes in and we discuss the usual stuff and after the examination is done--which was another whiny, fit throwing fiasco--we discuss the vaccination list. I guess our doctor goes ahead and gives the Kindergarten vaccines at this age--at which my heart dropped to my stomach when I heard that news! Also, Kieran needed an influenza B vaccine because they were running short last time we were in--a year ago. So, I quietly ask the doctor how many shots were talking here and he holds up 4 fingers. Gasp!! My mommy of the year award just went down the toilet!!

We could have waited on the shots, came back in a few months and did the whole "my son hates the doctor's office" routine again or get it done today. Of course, I opted to just get it done now while we're here--one less co-pay too! Long story short, I had to hold Kieran down for 4 shots, he's screaming at us to stop, I'm holding back tears and now Kiptyn is crying too because his brother is upset. Wow!

I try to console him on the way out to the car by telling him we're going out to eat, he can have a kid's meal with a toy etc. On our way to eat, Kieran says, "But you said I didn't have to get a shot!" Ugg--a stab right to the mama's heart! I start apologizing all over the place. He forgives me. Kids are so gracious!

I didn't even make him eat 1/2 his meal before I let him have the cure all cotton candy flavored sucker from the doctor's office. The incident has been forgotten, until he sees the bandaids on his legs, I'm sure. I'm not even touching those!!

Next step, our first visit to a pediatric dentist. Oh, I can't wait for that....

Toy Story Birthday Party #2

As mentioned in the previous post, we had to postpone Kieran's birthday party with our friends, and thankfully they were all still able to come! I made some cupcakes, Kieran opened his gifts and it was a good time!

The morning of Kieran's birthday, he received a package in the mail from our friends:

So, after 3 birthday parties (something I was trying to avoid this year! oh well) the birthday festivities have come to an end. Kieran loves all his new stuff--as does Kiptyn--and I can't believe he's 4 years old already! Wow!!

Now we're looking forward to celebrating Easter together on Sunday!

Fun-Filled Family Weekend!

What a whirlwind of a week we had last week! Some of Chuck's family was coming from out of state to stay at our house, I had daycare going on, we had Kieran's birthday party planned for Saturday with 20 people coming--including my parents and my brother's family from out of town! Guess what?! Kieran came down with the stomach flu on Thursday! So, we went into flexible mode!!

He was still sick on Friday so we postponed the birthday party with our friends and neighbors until Monday, but my family went ahead and came up--and we're so glad they did! Kieran was much better on Saturday so we were able to hang out with my family and it was a great weekend. Here's some pictures of our fun--in no particular order:

Eating Out

Ready to go Swim at the Hotel


Family Swim Time!

Grandpa playing trains!

The kids hanging out in the van watching a movie while the moms shopped!

Kieran's Buzz and Woody Birthday Cake!

Presents!!

The kids playing Hungry Hungry Hippos! Can you say LOUD?!!

Grandkids with Grandparents!

The Easter Bunny (aka grandpa and grandma) hid eggs in the backyard--among other special treats!

The fun-filled weekend wore Kieran out!

Pajama Picture Please?

Trying to get both boys to

1. Look at the Camera

2. Smile decently

3. At the Same Time

Is next to impossible most days:

Birthdays with the Bear's

Last Saturday, we spent the afternoon with some of the Bear family to celebrate March and April birthdays! Kieran was one of the kiddos having a birthday!

Kieran with his birthday cookie!

A new nephew is due to arrive in August! My niece will be a big sister again and my nephew will be the big brother!! Kiptyn and his cousin Luke playing.

New Tonka Truck!

Search and Find Book!

Outdoor Toys! He wanted to know why we couldn't go hook up the sprinkler for his new water toy! After all, it was 80 degrees that day!!

A new monster truck and a movie!

Daddy taught them this trick!

Chuck and his siblings used to push around his littlest sister in the Tonka Truck! Also, notice the silly/crazy bands on Kieran's wrist--he received those for his birthday too and he's had to wear them everyday since then!

My family is coming to town this weekend to help us celebrate Kieran's birthday too with some friends and neighbors!

Stay tuned...