Introducing Butterflies

Today Scott had to work today so Ryan and I decided to go out and have some fun. We went to the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens so I could introduce Ryan to butterflies. The butterfly exhibit was great. When we got there, Ryan went in and didn't know what we were looking at at first. Then a couple of beautiful blue and somewhat large butterflies flew right in front of him and the chase was on. He followed different butterflies throughout the exhibition.

At the end of the exhibition we saw a very large moth. This moth was approximately two hands wide and was spectacular. It is hard to imagine the size of this moth. Just to give you an idea the tree it is on was about 12" in diameter. It was such a magnificent creature.

After chasing the butterflies Ryan wanted to go outside and look at the flowers. Unfortunately he couldn't keep still long enough for me to take a decent picture. This just means we will have to go back again sometime. We both like it there so I'm sure we'll make it back again soon.

Our Little Designated Driver

Since getting married and having Ryan, Scott and I don't get out and "party" like we used to. We currently joke about going to Happy Hour. Of course, the Happy Hour we are referring to is the one at Sonic for half priced fountain drinks. This particular afternoon we met Poppy and Mimzy at Happy Hour so they could see Ryan for a little bit before they had to go back to work. While the adults were chatting, Ryan was playing in Mimzy's car. He liked it so much he started crying when we had to leave.

On the way home we took Ryan to the park. He liked the wooden truck at the park a lot that day too. This got us thinking...maybe we could get Ryan to be our designated driver when we go to Happy Hour! (I can still dream can't I ?)

The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2007

Julie is an old and dear friend of mine. I have known her since 8th grade (and I'm now almost 40 years old!) She has a 9 year old daughter, Josie, who was just diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. When we heard that Josie was sick we wanted to do anything we could to help. Unfortunately, all we could do was pray for Josie and her family. Then I found this information online. Please take a few minutes needed to help and then spread the word to increase awareness.

There is legislation in the Senate right now for the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. This will provide 150 million dollars over 5 years dedicated just to childhood cancer in order to expand childhood cancer research, create a national childhood cancer registry to track pediatric cancer, and increase services to patients and families affected by the disease. There are 52 senators that support this bill right now and we need 8 more to reach 60, which would make a majority to help pass this landmark legislation.

Please honor Josie, as well as those children that have been fighting for their lives for years by taking 5 minutes to e-mail your senator. If you go to this site:

http://www.curesearch.org/support_curesearch/raise_awareness/index.aspx?id=5442

There is a link that says "Send a letter to your Member of Congress..." On the next screen click "Send a letter to your elected officials", type in your zip code and click "Go", then click on "The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act S911" link in the Action Alert box. This will bring up a form email that you'll be able to personalize as you wish.

Thanks for your support!

Mommy Chaos

1st Time Out on the Boat

Saturday we went out on the boat for the first time since Poppy had it fixed. As a gift to us for Christmas, A & D put the boat in a slip at Joe Pool Lake. The weather was so nice this weekend that we thought it would be a good time to take it out. It didn't take Ryan long to get used to being on it. He was a little impatient while waiting for Scott and Poppy to get the boat filled up with gas. But once we were on our way he was fine.

Mimzy and Poppy were nice enough to get a loaf of bread so we could all feed the ducks. At least that was the idea. When we got the bread out to start feeding the ducks, Ryan decided to have a slice. By the time it we got back to the marina, Ryan had eaten almost 4 slices!

Since I had never been out on the boat before I got an idea of what to expect. It was nice and fairly relaxing to be on the lake. Although it was a bit chilly out on the water, I could picture being out on a hot sunny day. I can't wait, I may actually be able to get a tan this summer!

AIDS Walk April 6th

This year in memory of my brother Stephen, Scott and I are participating in The Tarrant County AIDS Walk on April 6th benefiting the AIDS Outreach Center. The AIDS Outreach Center is the leading organization in Tarrant and eight surrounding rural counties serving men, women and children with HIV and their families, educating the public about HIV prevention and advocating for sound HIV public policy. Although Stephen lost his battle with AIDS 15 years ago, I still think of him everyday. I don't want another person to go through what my brother and our family had to. This is why your support would mean so much.

Please sponsor me online. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. You can make a donation by clicking one of the links next to the picture on my page, a link to which is below:

http://www.firstgiving.com/mommyschaos

Thanks very much for your support, it means a lot. Both AIDS Outreach Center Inc and I thank you in advance for any support you can give.

Best Wishes,

Mommys Chaos

Happy Easter

Ryan went on his first Easter Egg hunt yesterday. It was held at the church that Ryan goes to school twice a week. Within the church is a courtyard with a playground and that is where the eggs were hidden. Ryan knows his way around the church so I thought he would be more likely to participate since he would be in a familiar place.

Once the hunt began, he didn't seem to understand what the big deal was. After picking up his first filled plastic egg he decided to open it and play with the egg itself. After some coaxing I got him to pick up two more eggs.

After that he decided it would be more fun to play on the play ground. He played and played and played.

We all enjoyed the Easter egg hunt and even though I like all the eggs, chocolate, and the Easter Bunny, I am looking forward to the day that Ryan can understand the real meaning of Easter. Until then we'll just let him be a very blessed and loved little boy.

Why I Love my Husband

Today I went to the doctor to have a procedure done to reduce the pain in my back. I had an MRI which showed that I have little cartilage between a couple of vertebrae in my lower back. This causes me a lot of pain in my back and hips. The doctor first gave me three shots to help block pain, then he put a needle in my back that sent radio waves (for 60 seconds) directly to the nerves near the vertebrae causing the pain (3 different nerves). The radio waves will basically kill the nerves for a while until they grow back. All I know is that it felt like I was being stabbed for 60 seconds with a hot sharp knife.

After the procedure I got a couple of perscriptions (for pain) filled. When I got home Scott was playing with Ryan. Scott told me that he would watch Ryan for the day so I could take my pain meds and relax. He is so nice to me!

I know this act of kindness wasn't a big deal to Scott but it was a very big deal to me. It gave me a chance to relax (like the doctor ordered) and helped me to get the pain under control. If he hadn't done this I am sure I would have overdone it which would cause me to be in even more pain. This is just another reason why I love my husband!

Home Sweet Home!

I survived a short spring break road trip with a toddler! To make a long story short....

The hotel screwed up our reservation and gave us a single room with a king sized bed instead of a suite. Ryan had to sleep with Scott and I so none of us slept very well. Ryan was fussy more than usual during the trip because he is teething and the lack of sleep. We ended up leaving a day early because of the sleeping arrangements and it was raining.

The trip wasn't a total loss though. We did take Ryan to the Riverwalk. He seemed to like the boat ride and all the people. Ryan really is a "people person".

After the boat ride, we stopped to get some dinner. It was getting late and Ryan was starting to get a little cranky. Luckily, after a little fussing Ryan decided he would act silly instead. He thought it was cute that he could hold a spoon in his mouth while shaking his head from side to side.

The next day we took Ryan to Sea World. He watched as I fed the dolphins (he was somewhat intimidated by their sheer size).

Ryan wanted to do some running around so we found a good spot for him to have a snack and roam around.

I think all the excitement wore us all out. The next day on the trip home Ryan slept almost the entire time (a little over 4 hours)!

Spring Break Toddler Style

Spring Break officially started today :) Scott & I are feeling a little adventurous so we are taking Ryan on a short road trip to San Antonio. We thought we could take Ryan to Sea World and check out the Riverwalk, etc.

Little did I know when I planned this trip what planning would have to occur in order to go. We will only be gone 4 days but I am feel like I am packing for a 10-day overseas journey. When I was single I would go to Europe once a year (twice if I was really lucky). When I would go it would be for weeks on end. Even then it didn't take me as long to pack and plan.

I am taking a break right now from packing. I'm just about finished, just waiting for the last load of clothes to dry. I am so tired that I just want to go to bed and finish in the morning but I know that would be a huge mistake. Ryan will be up at the crack of dawn so I have to get everything done tonight or else it may never get done. Let's just hope I don't forget anything important. I'll let you know in a couple of days. Wish us luck...looks like we may need it ;)

Draggin' Ass

Last night I went to bed at 9pm (again), with the hope that if I got plenty of sleep I would feel better in the morning. Sounds simple enough, huh? Well, Scott decided to stuff the Easter eggs for the church Easter egg hunt at midnight. Our bedroom is fairly close to the kitchen where he was busy stuffing plastic eggs. He didn't realize how loud he was being and accidentally woke me up. I was able to go back to sleep easy enough.

Then at 1:30 am Ryan woke up crying. I went in to see what was wrong and since he's not talking yet I played the guessing game. Dirty diaper? No. Want a drink of water? No. Hungry, ahh, of course. He is on steroids (to help his ear infection, sinusitis and bronchitis) which increase his appetite a lot! I fed him and finally got him back to sleep.

When I went to go back to bed it was 2:30 am. Then Ryan woke up again at 5 am. This time Scott told me that Ryan was asleep and just making noises (Ryan does that sometimes, he'll just yelp and when you run in to see what's wrong he is sound asleep. Ryan finally woke up for good at 6am. I don't have any idea how much rest either of us actually got. All I know is that I am draggin' ass (as Scott would say) and it's only 10am!

Is everyone this damn tired or is it just the mommies out there?

We're All Falling Apart Over Here

As you know Ryan has been sick the past several weeks. First with pink eye, then an ear infection, then the flu! Well, on Friday Ryan woke up wheezing and I knew something was wrong. I took him to the doctor again. Our regular pediatrician was out so I had to take him to Cooks Children's Clinic. After several chest and sinus x-rays Ryan was diagnosed with sinusitis, bronchitis and an ear infection! They immediately put him on breathing treatments for his bronchitis, antibiotics and a steroid for his ear and sinus infections. My poor little man. I feel so bad! I should have known something was wrong. I just thought he might still have the flu so I didn't think much of it until he started wheezing!

If that wasn't bad enough, I woke up Saturday with a major ear ache, sore throat and cough. Scott teaches on Saturday mornings so I had to call in the troops (aka A & D). They were nice enough to come over to watch Ryan (who was zinging around like a toddler on speed thanks to the steroid). I went to a doc-in-the-box and two hours later found out that I have sinusitis and an ear infection! They gave me a steroid shot and sent me home with a script for an antibiotic. We're just all falling apart over here!

Last night I didn't fall asleep until almost 2 am (thanks to the steroid shot). I had to take not one but two sleeping pills to finally fall asleep. Ryan was up at 6:30 am! Scott fed him and then needed help with the breathing treatment. Have you ever tried to hold a toddler still with something over his face for 5 minutes? It should be a test on Survivor! Then I had to give him his speed....I mean medicine. I just wanted to go back to bed. Scott was sweet enough (after some coaxing) to take care of Ryan so I could get some rest.

I just woke up and Scott took Ryan to meet Poppy and Mimzy (A & D) for lunch. When he gets back he has to go fix a tenants sink in Dallas so I will be on my own for a couple of hours with Ryan. Hopefully the medicine's speed like effect will wear off by then. All I know is Ryan goes to bed around 7 pm and his Mommy will be in bed by no later than 7:15 pm!

Some Crazy Texas Weather

Yesterday it was like spring at 68° F and today it's snowing!! Here in Texas when it snows it is a major event. Everything shuts down, it's great! Since Scott didn't have to work tonight thanks to the "snow" he thought it would be fun to introduce Ryan to snow. Ryan was memorized!

People who live where it snows must think we are a bunch of sissy's. I think they are just jealous because they have to work, go to school, etc., when it snows and we don't. Just one reason to love being a Texan :)

Something to Share

Those of you who know me know how much I like finding good deals. That being said, I recently found 2 things online I just have to share.

http://freepeats.org/ Here you can get gently-used baby, kid, and maternity items like clothing, high chairs, bouncers, swings, bikes, and toys for free from other parents who have finished with them. It's also a way to get rid of baby cast offs without having to load up the car (and the kids) and take them to the thrift store.


http://www.jbfsale.com/home/ This is the website for Just Between Friends. Started by Shannon Wilburn and Daven Tackett in September of 1997 with the hope and dream of making a little extra money and clothing our children as well. Just Between Friends gives moms the opportunity to sell their children's gently used clothes, furniture, equipment, toys and even maternity. Not only can they sell their things, but it is a great place to purchase great items at unbelievable prices.

I just love this stuff! Please let me know what you think. Also, feel free to send me any great deals you know of and I will share them on this post.

Mommy C.

On the Mend

Ready or not Ryan went back to school at TELC today. The good news is Scott & I have managed to miss getting sick so far (knock wood). That being said, there really is no bad news :)

Grumpy Flu Pants

Well, the "Grumpy Pants Family" just became the "Grumpy Flu Pants Family". The flu bug decided to stop by and pay Ryan a visit. Poor Ryan has been sick the past couple of days with an ear infection. We decided to take him to the doctor today because he didn't seem to be getting better although he has been on antibiotics for the past several days. Sure enough, Dr. C tested Ryan for the flu and the test came back positive. Poor Ryan! It looks like he will miss school this week. Dr. C also warned Scott and I that we have a good chance of getting sick!

If that isn't bad enough, we had to postpone a dinner party we had planned for Saturday night. I have never had a dinner party and I thought it would be fun to have some friends over. But, since Ryan is expected to be sick for about a week I thought it would be best to postpone the party until we were all feeling better. I'm sure our guests wouldn't appreciate it if they were to get sick because they came over and our home was still contaminated with flu cooties!

Grumpy Flu Pants Family

It's official, Ryan has his first ear infection. It took him almost 18 months to get one and is he "Mr. Grumpy Pants Junior" about the whole thing?? Of course Mom and Dad aren't feeling very well either.

I think this weekend we may have to be referred to as the "Grumpy Pants Family". Believe me you'll know if you see us. We're the family that look like we haven't slept in days (or like we just woke-up, depending on the time of day). We will all be a little short tempered and grumpy. Not to mention one or more of us may be whining to each other of just in general.

On the brighter side, two out of three of us have already gone to the doctor and are taking something to help us feel better. "Mr. Grumpy Pants" will probably be going to the doctor on Monday if he isn't starting to resemble "Mr. Happy Go Lucky" again.

Rub-a-dub-dub in the Tub

Since we are his parents Scott & I hear all the time about how cute Ryan is. Although Ryan might not be able to understand the words being said I think he completely understands the message. Just like that! It happens...our cute little toddler starts busting a move on some poor unsuspecting sweet person! They have no idea of what has happened but he now has there undivided attention. I think he has a sort of "jedi mind trick" thing going on. There is just no doubt about it....he really is CUTE :)

Saturday at the Park

One of our favorite things to do is go to the park. It was so nice this weekend we just had to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When I think of taking a toddler to the park I think of swings and slides and running around. Apparently Ryan thinks of PEBBLES! There is litterally a box of rocks (pebbles) that the swings sit in. Ryan played on the swings for about 5 minutes and with the pebbles for at least 20!
After being coaxed away from the swings (and the pebbles) Ryan tried out the slides. It's offical, Ryan likes the curvy slide as much as he likes rocks! Or it could just be that Ryan loves playing with his Daddy. Either way, he's one happy little kid :)

Our Adventures at the Stock Show

On Sunday the weather was finally nice enough to take Ryan to the Stock Show. Mimzy, Poppy, Scott, Ryan and I all piled in the car and we were on our way. Once we arrived at the Stock Show our first stop was the petting zoo. After waiting in line for what seemed like an eternity, Anthea, Ryan and I went in to show Ryan the animals. Ryan quickly warmed up to all the animals.

We went over to pet the Llama and the darn thing bit at my shirt and wouldn't let go! Bad Llama!! Of course Ryan thought it was the funniest thing he had ever witnessed. Of course Scott was able to even capture the event on camera for prosperity sake.

After leaving the petting zoo and getting a bite of lunch we ventured out to find some more animals. Here is Ryan and Mimzy meeting a goat. Ryan was also able to meet some more goats, few sheep, a rather large cow and a couple of horses.

It was starting to get late as we made it over to the midway. Scott and I decided to take Ryan on a carousel ride before we left.

On the way to the car we just happened to walk right by the pony rides. We all knew that the day would not be complete without Ryan having a ride on a pony...so here we are. All in all I have to say the day was exhausting and a complete success.

Merry Christmas

Okay, this year I might have gone a little overboard on Christmas. But, by the look on his face, Ryan didn't seem to mind.

At least the gifts for Ryan. In my defense, last Christmas Ryan was only a few months old and slept most of the day, so this year I was ready to make Christmas a little more memorable for him.

The plan was to have Ryan open a few gifts throughout the day. After opening the first couple of presents it was clear that Ryan was somewhat overwhelmed. I should have realized Ryan would have the attention span of a 15 months old which is equal to that of a knat.

Ryan was more than happy to give his Mimzy & Poppy their gifts, most of which consisted of items to adorn the shrine to their beloved grandson.

I have never cooked a Christmas dinner so A & D came over and together we made a feast. I say "we" but A & D did most of the work.

Happy Thanksgiving

We spent this Thanksgiving at A & D's house (Scott's parents, Anthea & Dan aka Mimzy & Poppy). They prepared an excellent meal that we all enjoyed. Being the President and Vice President of Ryan's fan club they made their favorite (and only) grandson a batch of homemade mashed potatoes. Ryan, being a potato connoisseur, was especially happy to give thanks for the meal.

After enjoying a meal together, we gave Poppy a guitar (his belated birthday present). Anthea had researched guitars and shopped around for the perfect one. I think Dan was genuinely surprised. I think Ryan going to start his own fan club for Poppy's new solo career.

Busted!

This is what happens in our house to little boys when they misbehave. We are in the process of teaching Ryan what "no" means. When Ryan doesn't do what he is supposed to we tell him that he has to go to jail. Here he is in jail with Tigger (his lawyer). He gets one free phone call (on his toy telephone) and he has at least learned when to call his attorney ;)

Happy Halloween!

We live in a great neighborhood that has a lot of young families with kids. That being said, we knew that we would have lots of kids ringing our doorbell wanting candy. This year we thought Ryan might want to join in on the fun. He dressed up like a cute little puppy dog that was carrying a frog in his mouth (he was teething and wanted something to chew).

Of course Mimzy & Poppy came over to join the fun. We only went to three houses but Ryan had a blast. He is so sociable. Not to mention he loves the ladies, what a little flirt!

A Day at the Ft. Worth Zoo

Scott played hooky today so we could take Ryan on his first trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo. Talk about fun! Ryan would look at the animals and get the funniest looks on his face. He especially liked the otters. He followed them as they swam in the tank. He was so cute.

Of course we had to take a ride on the train. When we were kids, both Scott & I used to love riding on the train at the zoo. Apparently Ryan is a fan of the train as well. On the way out of the zoo we couldn't resist stopping by the gift shop. As soon as Scott spotted the stuffed otter named "Ozzy " we knew we had to get it to commemorate our first trip to the zoo as a family.