Oklahoma Weekend Oct 2014

Way back before we moved to TX, our friends Sara & Andrew were planning a trip to Oklahoma for his brother's wedding.  His brother was getting married in Edmond and so we offered P/V's house for S/A and their family.  Everything was planned.  Then we moved and thought it would be a great chance to see our friends for a weekend, so we decided to drive to OK to see S/A and P/V.

We checked R out of school about 30 minutes early to get on the road.  Everything was going great and even the traffic wasn't that bad.  We hit a little traffic in Dallas but the majority of the trip was easy driving.  Lorenzo was house sitting and dog sitting for us.  I think it was around 10:00 pm when we arrived and all the kids had fallen asleep.  They woke up to visit with Gran & Papaw for a while, but the Daniel kids were already asleep.  We set up their sleeping bags and put the kids to bed.  I think we stayed up with S & A talking til around 1 am. 

Friday morning Gran made us breakfast of bacon and eggs.  S&A didn't have to be anywhere early so we had a chance to have a relaxing morning with them.  We took the kids to the playground in the neighborhood and they played in the backyard too.  It was just a nice morning with friends and family.  We left to meet Papaw for lunch and then took a trip to Walmart to find B and OU hat.  Gran picked up a few things for the kids to do at her house.  I think it was around 3 in the afternoon when we made it back to their house and E took a nap.  I dozed on the sofa while Gran played with the 3 bigs.  I don't even know what B did for 2 hours.  Our Friday night plans included a high school football game at B's Alma Mater, Edmond Memorial.  We watched the Bulldogs play West Moore HS and ate dinner at the game.  R loved watching the cheerleaders and A enjoyed the football game.  I think E was frustrated being in her stroller but Gran took her out for a bit.  The weather was great and we had a good time.  We left shortly after the half-time show to head back home for bed time.

R watched the cheerleaders the whole game.  One came to talk to her during half time

Hanging out in the back yard

Being silly

Saturday morning started out rough when W puked pretty much in his sleep.  It was the strangest thing.  B and I were awake but just laying in bed and then we heard sounds that were similar to the sound Cooper makes when he vomits.  All four kids were in the room with us and we knew it wasn't E, but it was a toss up to which of the other 3.  I pulled my phone out and used the flashlight to discover W's poor head near a pile of vomit.  It was gross and sad.  He was upset and obviously didn't feel good so we took action.  We put A and R in the bed to get them off the floor.  I took W to the bathroom and put him in the shower and B started cleaning up the floor.  While in the shower, W called out that he needed to poop, so I took soaking wet W and put him on the toilet...poor guy had diarrhea too.  I think once he got it all out of his system he was fine because that's the only time he got sick.  We thought maybe it was the food he ate at the football game.  Either way, we got it cleaned up and it made for a gross/funny story later that morning.  A/S had a brunch with their family so they were busy.  We made plans to eat at First Watch with Gran and Papaw, so that's where our day started.  Breakfast there was very good and most everyone cleaned their plate.  After the yummy breakfast, we headed to a park so the kids could play for a while.  I don't even know the name of the park we went to, but it was near some water supply.  It was cute and the kids had a great time.  On our way home, we stopped by a cute pumpkin patch that had free train rides and face painting, which the kids absolutely loved! By the time we got home, E had passed out so she took her afternoon nap (while I slept on the sofa again). Gran cooked spaghetti for dinner and it was delicious.  It was nice to eat at home after eating out for 3 days.  We all had a craving for ice cream for dessert so we headed to Brick-town in OK City.  It was a nice evening and we enjoyed walking around together.  I think we stopped at a Marble Slab and it's been years since we've been to Marble Slab.  The one in Wakefield NC shut down a few years back.  Our visit was coming to a close and Marble Slab Ice Cream was a great way to end it.  Ice cream always makes things better.  After getting all the kids into bed, we stayed up with S/A until 1:00 am again just chatting and catching up.  They had an EARLY flight Sunday morning that I felt bad about keeping them up but....we never seen them anymore!

Raff

Monster High

Leo

E's butterfly

So Sunday around 3 am, R wakes me up that she needs to throw up.  Here we go again....Round 2 with R except she pukes 4 times between 3 am and 6 am.  I think she finally stopped at 6 and fell back asleep until 7:30.  The kids got up so I sent them down stairs for breakfast.  R tried eating a banana and she threw that up pretty much immediately.  I let B sleep since he had to drive us home and I packed all the bags and tried to clean our room up, even though it needed a good bleach cleaning due to our puke germs.  I think we finally left at 9:30 am and just started making our way back home.  We knew we didn't have Awana that night so our goal was to make it home for Sunday Night Football because the Saints were playing the Packers in the Dome. About an hour and a half into our drive, E started to fuss and we just thought she was hungry.  I gave her some cheese-it crackers and we kept driving.  Not long after that, she was still fussing so I turned around to talk to her.  Then I saw a stream of orange liquid run out of her mouth all down her into her car seat.  Round 3 in the van without any notice.  Of course E couldn't tell us that she felt bad or she thought she needed to throw up but she obviously felt bad and needed to throw up.  We pulled over at the first stop and B bought some paper towels and febreeze at the gas station.  Poor R got sick again while we were stopped.  I think that stop lasted an hour but when it was all said and done, E was naked (except her diaper) sitting in her seat with no pads (they were disgusting) but we were on the road again.  I think we made it an hour before E puked again, and without warning so there was no way for me to catch it in the throw-up bucket.  R was done by this time and finally said she felt better.  W and A were fine and wanted to eat lunch.  B & I were a little hesitant to eat a full lunch just because we figured we would be next.  We stopped for a bite to eat and then made our way to TX.  The trip lasted about 9 hours and the ended was a blur.  I remember I-45 was shut down so we had to take back roads that added extra time to our drive.  We picked up a hot and ready and made it home with time for baths before the SNF game.

How we felt on Sunday

So here's the scene.  We are sitting in the living room watching the game and eating (some of us).  I'm holding E so B can eat and I can feel her tummy rumbling and then, projectile vomit all over me and the sofa.  I couldn't do anything except for giggle and just sit there with it all over me.  Needless to say, we got back in the shower again and I washed more clothes and towels.  Poor E, that was her last time to vomit, but she went out with a bang.  I think that was possibly one of the worse travel days we've ever had! 

Together after 9 hours, 3 kids puking but we are happy!

Date Night in TX

A long awaited date night finally happened thanks to Aunt Mo and her family.  B coordinated with her and she agreed to watch our four along with her 3 on a Friday night.  We took our kids to her house and dropped them off.  Of course they were so excited about cousin time.  My kids LOVE spending time with their cousins.  That's been a huge blessing of moving to TX.  I didn't realize how much fun it would be seeing them play and interact with their cousins.  Sure, there are some problems every now and again, but that's normal.  They are learning conflict resolution right? 

Our ride to Katy

Everyone is excited!

Right after dropping the kids off with Aunt Mo

But anyways, B and I planned to go to Old Navy so I could finally use a gift card that I've had since E was born but I refused to buy any new clothes until I lost baby weight.  Well I'm proud to say that I have, so it was time.  We were going to do a little kid-free shopping then grab dinner at Red Lobster.  I knew there was an Old Navy at the Katy Mills mall so that's where we headed first.  They were having a sale so B ended up getting a pair of pants also.  We love sales and we enjoy shopping together.  Not so much with the kids, but when it's just the 2 of us, it's fun.  So after shopping we tried to find the Red Lobster, but couldn't so we ended up at Olive Garden which was just as tasty.  Overall, we had a great date night and it was awesome to just talk. 

My Love

We miss our friends from NC a lot, and one thing they've got going for them is the monthly date night rotations.  It's so important in your marriage to date your spouse and when someone can provide free babysitting, that's a huge blessing.  B and I will try to not let 4 more months go before having another date night and it shouldn't be too hard because our anniversary is in December:)

Rin's School Friend

R has made a friend named Sarah.  She seems sweet and she came over to play one afternoon.  R & Sarah walk home everyday together and one Monday afternoon, R asked me if Sarah could come over and play.  I told her we would have to ask S's mom and that day, S's mom happen to be waiting for her.  Usually we don't see Sarah's mom so this worked out great.  S's mom agreed to let S play until 5:00.  So I made them do their HW together and then they could play.  I'm so glad R has made a friend and I'm thankful that S is interested in hanging out with R.  I love R's sweet personality and friendly disposition.  She's very outgoing and bring joy to others around her.  We thank God for giving us Rin!

Pumpkin Carving....or Not?

I know it's past Halloween but the end of October got crazy busy for us!  Wow, now that I'm reflecting, I think we were gone 3 weekends in a row, wow!

So last year after Halloween, I bought some pumpkin decorations on sale and thought it would be good to change things up a bit.  I got 2 girl and 2 boy things to be fair and every kid was happy.  So when it was time, we bought 4 pumpkins and one afternoon, Daddy took the kids outside to decorate the pumpkins.

*I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to save time and clean up.  There was virtually no mess (except trash from packaging) and it was so quick.  And the pumpkins really look cute. 

Pre-Nuptial Celebration

My cousin Kristin and her fiancee Rich had a pre-wedding party in Hammond before their destination wedding in Hawaii.  It was scheduled to be Saturday afternoon, October 4th starting at noon and the blessing was scheduled for 4 pm.  My dad and Ella were asked to lead the blessing ceremony and of course they were delighted to do that for Kris.  The day was perfect weather with a cool breeze and sunshine.  Family and friends showed up and got a chance to love on Kristin and Rich.  The prenuptial ceremony was really nice and 'Pastor Ella DeDeaux and Deacon James DeDeaux' did a great job.  I was so glad we got to be there and celebrate with them since we wouldn't be at the wedding.  Marriage is such an important bond and it's one of the closest we have to begin to understand God's love for us.  B and I prayed for K&R before we left.

my crazy big brother, Lloyd

The Happy Couple!

Reminded me of when Bubba talked at our rehearsal dinner.

My pops!

Saturday night after getting the kids cleaned and asleep, B & I played spades with Gma Lupe.  I love playing cards with G-Lupe.  I'm always her partner and we usually win.  This night was no different.  We pretty much stomped Bryce and Lorenzo.  It was fun and I haven't played cards with G-Lupe in a long time.  I look forward to playing with her again at Easter.  I love my G-Lupe. 

Abe turns 5!

Another year has gone by and my buddy A is now 5 years old.  There's so much to say about him it's hard to know where to start.  I'll start by his outward physical appearance then approach his inner self.

R gave him the shoes, we gave him the hoodie

A is getting taller and he's pretty heavy.  When he went to the doctor for his 5 year wellness visit, he was in the 50% for weight and 85% for height.  He's lean says Dr. Turner.  She was very complimentary of A when she was checking him out last week.  He passed his hearing screening and was 20/30 in both eyes for his vision screening.  Dr. Turner said when/if the eyes get to 20/40, then a more thorough eye exam is necessary.  B and I know that we need to always be looking out for our kids eyes since my eyes are bad.  It's not if, but when.  A's hair is still thick and dark as well as his skin (dark, not thick).  His eyes seems to be darkening and are more of a dark hazel now instead of green.  He's got the smallest teeth I've ever seen on a 5 year old and the cutest smile too!  He's right handed and getting really good at catching the football.  B's been working with him using his hands and he's got a great touch. 

A's still a very sensitive boy.  Since R's in school, he's my helper and my #1 go to guy.  He feeds Cooper every morning and evening, he opens Cherry's door for me and the doors of all the buildings we enter; he even pushes E's stroller for me when I need to handle something else.  A keeps watch of the house and W/E for me when I go pick up R after school.  He's turned into a very responsible boy.  When I call his name, he responds with "yes Ma'am" always!  His academics are advancing nicely and he's mastering addition and subtraction of numbers 1-10.  A is an auditory learner and he picks up his Bible verses quickly when we listen to his Cubbies CD.  I'm amazed at the number of verses he knows and remembers from last year.  He pretty much knows all of R's assigned verses too.  Since I'm not an auditory learner, I think it's interesting to watch A learn through listening.  I have to remind myself of that sometimes since it's different than my learning style.  Right now A is obsessed with Ninja Turtles and video games.  When he gets to choose a show, he asks to watch you tube videos of people playing ninja turtle video games.  It's the strangest thing!  It's like he thinks he's playing, but he knows he's not....very strange and a little cute. 

Icees with the Marshlands (sleepover night)

A's spot of choice for most of Saturday

Speaking of video games, A wanted a  Wii party.  We decided to have his Wii party Saturday at the Marshlands so Tuesday (his actual birthday) we had a family dinner of his choice.  A picked out hot dogs and popcorn with an evening of Nintendo playing. Done!  For his party, A spent the night with the Marshlands Friday night and played Wii with Micah pretty much all day on Saturday.  Micah even let A be the first player and choose the games.  A was in video game heaven!  We had a TMNT birthday cake and sang HBTY after a pizza dinner.  Uncle Topher, Aunt Jaime, Layla and Asher were with us for the celebration too.  A really had a birthday week and I was more than happy to celebrate this little guy.  His heart is big and there's a lot of love to give.