Today marks the 3 year anniversary where A- I learned a week after our 5th anniversary where we went on a cool gambling cruise {and unfortunately I had a few to drink!- How was I to know?!} That we were going to be expecting our second little spitfire Brendan Michael March 21st, 2006! Now that's what I would call a hell of a belated Anniversary present No??! Was I surprised? Hell yeah! Excited? Triple hell yeah! Tom stunned? shocked? taken aback? all those things guys feel when they're told they're going to be a dad whether the first or tenth time? Hell yeah! When I found out, I was back on the wagon smoking again at the time. When I first found out I was pregnant with Thomas, I threw the pack away but snuck a few for a couple weeks, but this time I said , I'm going cold turkey and not looking back. I had been meaning to quit anyway, and this was my perfect opportunity!SO B- It is also the 3 year anniversary where I am smoke free! Yes! On August 15th, 2005, the day I found out I was INDEED 3 months pregnant with Brendan, I literally threw my pack of Marlboro lights out the window, and never looked back! I'm so much better without them too! I can taste things better,when I excercise say on the treadmill or do cardio,I don't get out of breath and can go longer durations, I have a keener sense of smell, my clothes don't smell like smoke, my breath doesn't smell like an ashtray, and I probably put 10 years back on my life or more! And the best part is I'll be around later in life for my kids to see them grow up and be a part of their lives when they get older. Who'd a thought a little piece of paper with shredded leaves in it could do so much damage ? Had I really known then when I was 15, I probably never woulda picked one up, but funny what peer pressure does to ya! I got hooked for the next 20 years! I'd say I was due to quit , and what a nice round number to quit at too!Now if only I can get Tom to stop too, Our family would be all set with all the pesky second hand smoke, but that's an ugly battle in itself.. He's trying- he's got the patch on as we speak - all we can do is pray and send vibes and hope it lasts forever! God Willing! I won my battle- His Journey's Just begun....
August 15, 2008
3 Years Smoke Free!
August 13, 2008
Not My Couch!!!
This morning as I was potty training Brendan, I took a break to make the boys breakfast. As I was in the midst of doing so, Brendan decided to repay me by getting curious and sneaking off with the pen I used to chart his Output and times in the bathroom in the notebook and stickers I used to be creative on my tan leather couch and express his creativity! I flipped! I only noticed he had done something, because he had pen scribbles on his knees that gave him away. I said " where did you get these from"? he said I " mydonno".... I said " Brendan, where did you get the pen sweetie? he said dere" and pointed to the sink- I was like "Oh crap!" and immediatedly started searching the walls for artwork as he liked to do that with pencils from Thomas' pencilbox when raided { yes this has happened before!} quite the budding artist he's becoming! I finally found his artwork on my tan leather couches of all things!!! I was like "BRENNNDANN!" I couldn't help myself, he got a swat on the cheeks. I tried EVERYTHING to get it off- windex, leather cleaner, baby wipes, clorox wipes, axe body spray, hairspray, perfume, rubbing alcohol, the only thing I found that semi worked was the hairspray- and only to a point where if used a little bit with a damp cloth then the the color was stating to come off . theres still pen mark on it, I was referred to the perfume and the body spray and alcohol, but it takes the color out of my couch , so i stopped. the other things - the wipes, ad leather cleaner did nothing. Tom's gonna have a fit. He already knows- he called to see how I was doing and I let him know- NOT happy Man, why couldn't he just have an accident on the couch or something- something I could clean up that wouldn't leave a mark?? damn! Blue pen? Seriously? Have a been that terrible of a mom you had to pull this? Thanks buddy, I love you too! What else you got up your sleeve for this week???....
July 22, 2008
Animal Kingdom
June 13, 2008
Fort Spongebob
Lately the kids came up with the idea of making a fort in the living room.{Fort Spongebob for the name] that was a no brainer since they watch like EVERY episode like a MILLION times! At first, I wasn't too keen on the idea, since Tom telecommutes right in the adjoining dining room,and the kids are ANYTHING but quiet when they play! But nonetheless, I caved and agreed. We took an extra comforter from an old bed set, and a folding stepladder in between our couch set and clipped a clamp on to keep the comforter from slipping and viola! a fort! I have to say,it's quite roomy under there! I didn't expect there to be so much room- either that or I'm shrinking day by day! We fit me, Thomas AND Brendan under there, and a folding stepladder, so If Tom calls me fat one more time , I'd like to see HIM crawl under there! HMPH!Anyway, Thomas liked it so much he actually spent a night under there in his sleeping bag. I checked on him in the middle of the night and he was fully stretched out and at total peace.So sweet. Today we Battled Daddy who tried to attack us, but we won by blinding him with the flash of the camera -who hoo! {I'm not permitted to post pics of said event :( although I am permitted to post the attack- ah well cant win em all! ;) The night before Thomas pitched a tent in our living room- I think he's getting a bug for camping what do you say? Brendan even was hanging out with him of course- he goes EVERYWHERE his brother goes.. Even in the tent . You wanna talk about best buds? I love the way they keep each other company- theres not alot of kids to play with around here, and they just seem to be just right for each other depite their age difference- its great- theyll play any game, its like in home babysitting. Only sometimes I have to be a referee. ;) I love it when the boys find something in common and can get along so nice and the house just runs like one of those commercials- even if it iS for a couple hours! Helps ya catch your breath for a bit and smile at life's pleasures. Like the two you created running around laughing their little heads off..
June 10, 2008
Work w Daddy Day
Today Thomas went to work with Tom. He has been dying to go work with him for as long as I can remember. We had been using the excuse that he had school, and school was important, and big people go to school and little boys go to school, and just plain no, you'll be bored theres nothing for you to do there, Daddy's going to work , and that's that! Well, now Thomas is out of school, and last night he said to me, "Mom?does Dad have work tomorrow?" I said "Yes, " He said "Is he going to the office or staying home?"I said "he's going to the office" So his eyes lit up and he said 'Mom! I have no school! that means I can go to work with Daddy!" Aww man! Now what? so to get it out of his system, we allowed a bring your kid to work day to let him see just how bored he was going to be! He got up this morning,got dressed, had breakfast, packed his Gameboy and some snacks and lunch and some drinks, and they were home by noon because he was bored! Thank you very much! We tried to tell him all Daddy does is talk on the phone all day just like he does at home- he can't spent much time with him, and he got his wish- he finally got to go to work with Daddy-his buddy..I gotta get this boy into camp before he thinks of something else to con us into! The summer just started!
June 4, 2008
Cheezer Awards
Thomas recently got the awards of Shining star of the week and award of effort from his school. Ahh more awards! Kid just keeps pullin em in! This time for the shining star award, he got to take home this stuffed rat named "Cheezer " whom he really took a shine to and had to write in a journal everywhere he went with it and what they did, and make up a board of 6 -10 pictures that describes him to honor him for the week which I though was very nice! He also go to bring in 3- 6 items for show and tell that describes him as well pictures, trophies, awards, etc.. no toys. so we did that on Monday. He came out of school all upset because he wasn't allowed to keep Cheezer. He said on Tuesday, His teacher said whoever she felt did their best could keep Cheezer . So he had this in his head that he wasn't smart enough. Nice to give him a complex !So He asked for a healthy breakfast Tueday morning of eggs and toast and juice to make him smart so he could win Cheezer that day. - Hes funny. At least I got through to him that a healthy breakfast is brainfood and he needs it for school in the morning- he's listening to me at least! Doesn't eat one, but at least I know he's listening! Needless to say, Tuesday I am met with again tears when I picked him up at the bicycle gate. - No Cheezer. he's heartbroken.:( his friend Ethan won Cheezer. I said well, don't cry . I'm sure the others wanted Cheezer too. That's what being a good sport is about. You should tell Ethan congradulations, and that you're happy for him, and to wish him a happy Summer and hopefully get to see him and play with him this summer. and he lightened up and went off to look for him , but couldn't find him. so we agreed to tell him tomorrow as it was hot as hell out and to go home and have some fresh cookies I made before daddy eats them all. Then i noticed someone backed into my van in the parking lot and didn't bother to leave any information which really pissed me off! I 'm on the search for a white pickup with baby ble paint on it and get their info.. Othe than that That's the latest here at the Higdon house. One day left of school. It's gonna ge awful noisy here in the next few days.. swim school starts in the next week , then off to dad's for 3 weeks WHOO Hoo! I've been looking forward to that! we all have !God I mossed him! and the rest of the family! seeing them every two years or as long as I have just doesnt cutit any more I want more! until then, I can't believe schols over, Whered the time go? Here comes second grade already. WOW.
May 30, 2008
The Wandering Pony
The things that show up on your doorstep or front lawn these days are something else! Today I was tidying up around the house, cleaning up after my little trashmasters, when I get a knock at my front door, and wonder, " who could that be? " So I of course go to answer it, and it's my neighbor Pam from next door saying "come see what wandered onto your lawn" so I wonderingly wander out my front door like " okayy.... what is it? and look to my left and there's this 18 hands high chestnut HORSE mindlessly eating my lawn!! I was like WHAT THE !$%!!!?? Where did HE come from?!! I've had alligators, snakes, florida softshell turtles, birds, {cranes} lizards, opossom, raccoons, tortoises trying to SLOWWWLY race each other across the road, but NEVER have I imagined a HORSE on my front lawn! Out of our complex and down the street there's a cowfield and I know theres a single horse that grazes in the field there, I wonder if he somehow got out of the pasture? But WHOAH! It was VERY friendly and tame- I walked right up to it and started petting it and stroking it, it gave me a big PBBBBBBBand shook its mane and decided to walk off. Pam tried to hold it off while we called the sherriff's office to come get it, but it walked of and into a trot down the street. The kids followed it to the main road where I prayed it didn't get hit or cause an accident! Not your everyday a horse goes trotting by free! These days I coulda used it to get Thomas to school with the gas prices the way they are! I only hope the police caught up with it and brought it to safety and home to it's proper home . I have to say I was half tempted to keep it had We owned bigger property given the finders keepers rule! I always wanted a horse!BUT they can be expensive to keep, maybe one day, just not now... Beautiful horse though Someone owns and is missing one beautiful horse...
May 20, 2008
Tiger Cub Badge
Last night Thomas had his Cub Scout meeting for the month of May. He was a bit excited because he knew what he was in for. He had been working hard to earn his Tiger badge and we had recently been running around town finishing up his requirements to complete certain tasks so he could earn his Tiger badge. Certain requirements included visiting a troopers station and finding out what they did for the community and interviewing them, visiting a newspaper office and finding out what goes into making a newspaper, going to a library, making a scrapbook, going for a hike or walk with the family or pack, recycling, clothing the needy { making a goodwill bag} and donating food to the needy - { we gave food to the church} So we did it! Last night Thomas earned his Tiger Badge, his one year service star, two tiger beads for other extra achievements he's done throughout the year, and an attendance star {which was on backorder but will get it soon} He was pretty proud as was I! He kept asking me when I was gonna put it on his shirt, I guess I gotta do that soon! I put his cards for his badges in his binder, and when he saw his badges, I guess he forgot or didn't realize he got so much and said 'Are those my badges '? I said sure are! he was like whoah! And got a bit MORE proud of himself! Way to go Thomas! I'm glad he's found something he enjoys doing and feels good about.
May 11, 2008
Mother's Day
Today was Mother's Day/ It started out very nice. I got to sleep in a little bit, until I couldn't sleep anymore, then got up , had breakfst with the kids, hung around and watched T.V. with Tom, then decided to get my act in gear as Thomas needed to be at church for the 11:00 mass for the Crowning of the Blessed Mother this morning, annd we needed to pickup a bouquet of flowers from walmart before church. First we needed to get DRESSED an do our hair, then go to church. The boys came out SO cute as they both got their hair cut yesterday and i decided to give them the same haircuts upgrading brendan from a little boys haircut to a big boy cut- GOD does he look Adorable! I spike it right in the bang area and what a little cutie! I got mine cut and collored and hilighted- we won't discuss the price or I'll start to hyperventilate again... what IS it with salons that need to charge a kidney for hhair do's these days? good lord??! I need to find a new place- a CHEAPER place- that's all I'm sayin ! I don't wanna get all worked up again. . AnyWAY back to today, we go to mass, and the boys are noisy as heck , but cute as a button. I have to keep reminding them to be quiet, and that this isnt a playground, its church, otherwise they were good. we drive home and they were so loud they could have driven me off the road! I need to instill a quiet rule while Im driving or something- yeah- like that'll work - who am i kidding? we get home and decide to go to Coquina beach. That was fun. Brendan had a time chasing the seagulls while Tom and Thomas romped in the water. After a while , we all had our fun and decided to go home where the boys took a bath to wash the sand off and Brendan ruined it by "adding a few souveniers to the water " shall we say! Thomas was horrified! he said what's this? because he went to pick it up and when he realized what it was, said " aaaggh! I'm oouutta here! ' I touched pooo! while Brendan had this look on his face like what? what's the matter. what's goin on? LOL It's funny but it's not. I told him from now on you don't have to bathe with Brendan anymore- this was a deal breaker for sure. and told him how sorry i was, but not as sorry as I was going to be when i had to clean it up! Thankfully i could take it out with toilet paper and drop it in the toilet. Just eww. He's been VERY good with the potty training and he went just before the bath, I donno what triggered this- the warm water relaxing him , but UGH- gross. Thomas did this when he was little and I was NOT looking forward to having it happen AGAIN EVER! After all were immediately evacuateed and clothed we had a nice ziti dinner and later boys watched t.v. and we watched ours. Just a nice Relaxing Mother's Day with a Little bit of excitement to spice things up for memories sake I guess you might say. There's always SOMETHING happening that eacked out around here! must be the God's with a sense of humor! a weird one! That's my Mother's day in a nut shell.. Hope You had a Wonderful one too...
May 2, 2008
Time To Go
Today it looks as it's going to be Brandy's last day at the Higdon household. No matter what we try, walks, Supervision, parks, attention, She just is INSISTENT on escaping! We are up to our eleventh and final cement block that spans completely across the entire bottom gate on the right side of the house, and she STILL is trying to dig UNDER the stones to escape! I don't understand what the problem is, we don't abuse her, starve her, or any of that, we give her a good home, and make her happy, but apparently she's not. :( Otherwise she wouldn't have this obsession to keep wanting to run away. She's a good dog, She craves love, and we give it to her, sure when she jumps iup on people and the couches, we tell her to get down and when she begs for food, we tell her no - which is normal training and if she doesn't like that, well sorry! And if she can't go everywhere we go and has to stay home sometimes when we go out, sorry too, other than that, I don't know why else she should want to run away so bad- she has it pretty good here. we bought the electrical fence for 200.00, but found you had to carve into the driveway, and landscaping with trimmers would accidentally make one nick and the system would be crap so we returned it. Another one of the minor flaws was the kids were beginning to { or they always did} chase her out of their rooms all the time } this was done since she was a puppy so she wouldn't go after their toys and chew them and make in their rooms , But I think they built up a kind of fear that kind of backfired- Thomas would play with her and her toys , and Brendan would push his rocker after her around the house in a playful manner so maybe not..I'm gonna miss her- awkwardly I fed her, brushed her, walked her, picked up after her, and she was afraid of me! I to this day cannot figure that out! She loved Tom the best! laid by him while he worked, waited for him to come home,cried when he left, was all over him when he entered the room, Just nuts for him - she was his dog . what the hell? That's gratitude for ya! Was it the energy I gave off or something? Oh Cesar Why do you have to live in California? We could really use you about now... I really hope she goes to a nice family . She's a sweet dog and still a puppy. She just has That one issue where we don't know what to do anymore. A tie out in the back yard - she'll get tangled up or she's strong enough to yank it out of the ground . Heck I took her out for a walk from the front door one day and damn near took my shoulder out of it's socket when she took of like a rocket from the front door! Tom thought it was the funniest thing- ME? not so much! I damn near put Brendan in the ground! I wish Brandy all my best wishes for a speedy adoption to a new and happy family . I know shell get adopted- shes a sweetheart, shes young and great with kids and great other dogs and healthy, we just can't keep her anymore. I'm sorry baby. you just gotta go. You'll be in my prayers. I hope you find your perfect home.
