Happy Birthday Dad!!!

I want to wish my Dad, also known around these parts as Tata, a very Happy 61st birthday today. He’s such an amazing dad, and he has blessed my life a million times over. I love you Dad!

Happy Birthday!!!

Santa Time!!

We saw Santa a few weeks ago, and just like we expected, Anderson was not a fan!!!

 

 

 Look at those tears and poked out lip!

 

He did better when I went in for the covert attack instead!

 

And Jackson kept messing with his shirt, but it's still a really sweet pic. I love this time of year, and Jackson was super excited to get another email video from Santa this year. Watch the video to find out if Jackson is on the naughty or nice list!

 

Take care and safe travels!

 

 

 

Hives, Hives, and More Hives

It's been a stressful week, with much going on, and apparently my body decided to react to the stress by covering me in hives. It started Monday evening, with a few spots on my right elbow. Tuesday morning I had a few more, but nothing that really concerned me. I figured that they would go away. Well, I was wrong. By the time I got home from work Tuesday afternoon and took off my work clothes, I realized that I was covered in hives in patches randomly on my body. I took some Benadryl and covered myself in itch cream and tried to fight through it, without much success.

Wednesday morning found me covered in even more hives, and by this time I realized that I would probably have to go to the doctor to get this treated. I fought through it again during the day, but by Wednesday afternoon my hands were so swollen that I couldn't get my rings off my fingers. Talk about panic! I skipped church last night and took some Benadryl. I dozed off around 7 and at 8 moved into our bed to sleep. I woke up in a panic at midnight and realized 2 things: Jeremy had turned the ceiling fan off and I was burning up, and the Benadryl had worn off and I was itching like a dog with fleas. Nothing would make it stop. It was awful. Literally the only place that I didn't have hives were on the bottom of my feet. Even my palms had spots, and they were quickly moving onto my face.

So at 1:15 in the morning I got ready and went to the urgent care place in Prattville and got a steroid shot. The doctor said that my case of hives were a 10 out of 10, and then he had me stop by Walmart at 2 in the morning to get some Zyrtec. I followed doctors orders and so far the spots are still there, my hands are still swollen, but I'm not itching anymore.

So that's how my week has gone. Good times, huh? So all this girl wants for Christmas is for these hives to go away!!!

Meet Our New Nephew, Cannon!!!

Yesterday morning our new nephew, Cannon James Wade, made his appearance into our world. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21 inches long with a head full of blond hair. Isn’t he adorable!!!

Congratulations Ben and Lacey!!! We can’t wait to meet  your sweet little guy this weekend!

Day Of Silence And Support For Sandy Hook

Lessons In Parenting Volume 467

Kids take everything as truth

I told Jackson the other day that I had seen a picture of an elf that was touched by a 2 year old in the family. The elf was in a miniature bed and covered with band aids. As you may or may not know, the elf on the shelf visitors cannot be touched, or they lose their magical abilities. The family said in their post that their elf had to spend 2 days in the North Pole Memorial Hospital, and that another elf had send a letter to the family telling them where their elf was. Jackson took it to heart, and during RA's on Wednesday night, Jeremy said that Jackson quietly waited his turn during prayer requests and when his name was called said, "We need to pray for an elf that was touched by a little girl. The elf is at the North Pole Hospital right now, and he could use some prayers."

Note to self....what is said at home, doesn't always stay at home!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

A few weeks ago a friend of mine from high school, Meredith Cooper of Cooperspective Photography, took some amazing pictures of our family at the Riverfront in downtown Montgomery. Meredith has two daughters that are almost the same ages as our boys, so she was super prepared for two kids running in opposite directions! Anderson refused to cooperate for 90% of the photo shoot, but Meredith persevered and got some great shots. We were so pleased with the pics, and I’ve never been happier with our Christmas card. Enjoy the pictures!

Have a great day!!

What This Mommy Wants For Christmas....

• The chance, just for 1 day, to sleep past 5:30 in the morning on the weekend.
• To eat one meal in peace, while my food is still hot.
• To eat one meal in peace, without having to share my food.
• To be able to go to the bathroom, alone, every now and then.
• To be able to take a shower, every now and then, without a crying toddler beating on the bathroom door because he's furious that I won't let him in.
• To take a nap, uninterrupted and alone, for as long as I like.
• To be completely caught up on laundry for just a few hours.
• My van and travel car to be detailed, from the dusty dashboard to the crusty cup holders. No doubt, I have mommy cars!
• A cleaning, cooking and laundry fairy to live in my house and take care of our every need!

As tired as I am all the time, and sometimes completely overwhelmed with housework, working full time outside-the-home, and taking care of responsibilities at church, I wouldn't trade my family for anything. Even for a long Sunday nap!

What Do I Tell Him?

Jackson went to Walmart with me Sunday afternoon while Jeremy stayed home with Anderson and per the usual now, asked to go to the bathroom before we left. Bearing in mind that I have a buggy full of paid-for groceries, walking to the family restroom at the back of the store doesn't seem like an option. I pushed the buggy up to the entrance of the restroom at the front of the store and motioned for Jackson to walk into the ladies side of the restroom. He looked at me and said, "Mom, I need to go to the bathroom, and I'm a boy. I'm supposed to go to the men's room."

What do I say to that?

In this day and age of child molestation and kids being hurt and killed by sex offenders and predators, there is not a snowballs chance that I'm letting my 6 year old child walk into a men's public bathroom without a trusted adult going with him. Heck, I don't even like him going to the bathroom at church without me. I know this probably sounds insane, maybe not, but I live in mortal fear of something bad happening to one of my boys, and me not being able to stop it.

I want to tell Jackson...

"Son, I know you are embarrassed about going into the ladies room, but you will NOT walk into a men's room when I don't know who could be lurking behind that door just waiting for an innocent child to walk in..."

"Jackson, I KNOW you are a big boy, but I also know about all the bad things in life, and I want to keep that from you...."

"Sweetie, I can't keep all the bad in life from you forever, but for right now, this very moment, I don't want to unknowingly send you down a path in life that can't be reversed, simply because you want to show me how big you are...."

"Jackson, I know this is not a fool-proof statement, but in this day and age, I simply trust women more than men..."

I recently pulled up the sex offender registry for our area, and within a 5 mile radius of our house there are 40 registered sex offenders, both compliant and non-compliant, all males of every shape, size and color. While many of them looked super creepy and skeevy, there were just as many that could have been anybody, anywhere. I browsed the pictures and many of their crimes until after a few minutes, I had to look away.

As a mom, I just couldn't do it anymore. I wish my boys had the chance to grow up in a time when I didn't have to fear strangers, because they might hurt my boys.

I wish my boys had the chance to grow up in a time where they could ride their bikes and play unsupervised without having to fear that they would never come back home.

I just wish my boys had the chance to be boys....

I don't want to raise my boys to be fearful of the world around them, but I want to raise them to be cautious, wise and strong.

I don't want to raise boys that blindly trust people, even church people, males or females, just because a person is in a position of leadership.

I don't want to raise boys that keep secrets, because sex offenders and predators thrive on secrecy.

I don't want to raise boys that don't trust their instincts.

I don't want to raise boys that don't think they can come to Jeremy or I with any problem that they have.

So for today I'll continue to be a helicopter parent in this regard, and take the role of a mean, overprotective mom. I won't apologize for trying to keep my boys safe, even to the dismay of a independent 6 year old boy who, one day, will probably be grateful for this mean mama.

I'm the Mom, and if someone has to be the bad guy, I would much rather it be me, than someone who doesn't have my child's best interests at heart.

Weekly Random

• Anderson is 18 months old today! The little stinker has completely stolen my heart in a way that only the "baby" of the family can. He can stay my baby as long as he likes!!! He still isn't saying anything except, "eh" and we have his 18 month checkup next week where we will discuss speech therapy. I know he understands what we are saying, I just wish he could contribute to the conversation other than by pointing and grunting like a caveman!
• Nothing makes you feel better about being a hard working, tax paying citizen than seeing a brand new vehicle parked outside a food stamp office.
• I picked up Home Alone for Jackson at the movie store yesterday and we watched it last night. I had completely forgotten about the "a" word and "hell" being in there. Repeatedly. Nothing like having to pause a movie and tell your six year old, "That is NOT a word you are ever to say, and I want you to forget that you ever heard it." His response, "What word?" A few minutes later he said, "Mama, what was that word that I'm supposed to forget again?" Nice try kid, nice try.
• It's the 7th of December and I have ZERO Christmas decorations out yet. That's the plan for tomorrow! I feel like I've stolen half of Christmas from my kids, but alas, that's life!
• I checked my bank balance this morning and all 5 accounts showed a $0.00 balance. What a way to get your heart pumping!!! For a split second I was so freaked out, and then I realized that the bank was having a glitch. When I refreshed, my money magically reappeared. Not much money reappeared, but alas, that also is life!

Y'all have a great weekend!!

Ask Amy Anything

I'm in a bit of a bloggy funk. It feels like I don't have anything to say, other than: we were sick, we are now well, Anderson STILL isn't talking, I have so much Christmas shopping left to do, our house isn't decorated, we don't have a tree yet, and various other things that require time I don't seem to have.

Soooo.....

I'm opening today up to another round of "Ask Amy Anything" and give you the opportunity to, well, ask me anything. So hit that comment button and get to asking. I need your help to end my bloggers block!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Despite his best efforts, Buzz Lightyear the elf was thwarted last night in his escapades to destroy my house. Stay tuned for more drama, as Buzz seeks his revenge....

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

 

I want to wish my Mom a very Happy 60th birthday today! She is the best mother I could ever ask for, and she has blessed my life in more ways than I could possibly count. I am so happy that we are super close friends, but I'm honored to call her my Mom!

 

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!! We love you!!!!

Another Wade Bites The Dust

So far this week, Anderson's been sick with a bad stomach bug.
Anderson's chronic ear drainage has tested postive for MRSA, thankfully his ear isn't draining and he's not considered contagious.
Jeremy's eyes have been red, itchy and swollen
Jackson's been sick with a bad stomach bug.
And I'm now sick with a bad stomach bug.

I'm taking another day off from the blog and checking the stock prices for Lysol.

Wordless Toddlers

Anderson still isn't talking, despite the fact that he is about a week away from turning 18 months old. For the most part, he gets his point made, but his lack of speech definitely comes with frustrations, on both sides of our "conversations." Case in point...

Anderson: (Pointing randomly over Jackson's shoulder) "Eh."
Jackson: (Picking up Anderson's sippy cup and giving it to his brother) "Here you go little buddy."
Anderson: (Throwing the sippy cup and still pointing randomly over Jackson's shoulder) "Eh."
Jackson: (Picking up Anderson's ball and giving it to his brother) "Want your ball? Here you go."
Anderson: (Throws the ball, and not in a pleased way, still pointing randomly over Jackson's shoulder) "Eh."
Jackson: (Picking up Anderson's truck and giving it to his brother) "Here's your truck. How about that?"
Anderson: (Drops the truck on the ground and melts down into a puddle of toddler tantrum, looks up and points randomly over Jackson's shoulder) "EH!!!!"
Jackson: (Looking around and giving up) "You really should learn to talk, Anderson. You're life would be so much easier."

The Week In Review

The last 6 days in review....

Breathing treatments for Jackson, beach packing, beach driving, beach enjoying, shell hunting, Wade family time, good food, good fellowship, great Thanksgiving, great seafood, amazing beach house, Anderson throwing up, Anderson upper respiratory infection, Anderson diarrhea, Anderson throwing up.

So basically we started and ended the last 6 days with a sick child, but we had the best time at the beach with Jeremy's family. We couldn't have asked for better weather and a better time with the Wade's. It was wonderful!!! I'll post pics when I can catch up from the sick baby!

Laberne and Charlie

I have no idea where he came up with this, but Jackson has taken to calling his fists, "Laberne and Charlie." Apparently, Laberne is for slapping and Charlie is for punching and hitting. We've tried correcting him a million times that the correct names are "Laverne and Shirley" but Jackson is insisting that he's right. This is what our house has been like the last few days:

 

Jackson: "Mama, we're gonna have to do something. Laberne just got me again."

Me: "What do you mean, 'Laberne just got you again.'"

Jackson: "Laberne just jumped up and got me on my cheek. She's good at slapping."

Me: "You better get Laberne under control."

Jackson: "No kidding...I would hate to have to get Charlie involved."

 

Do I dare mention that he's named his feet, "John Michael and Jace"? I've been warned that I really don't want to see what they can do.

 

It's like I'm living in a Laverne & Shirley meet the Three Stooges episode. One thing for sure...life is never boring around here!

 

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

 

How stinking cute is my big boy? He makes life so much fun, ripped jeans and all!

The Penny Project

We've been having some major issues lately with Jackson not wanting to listen. He hears what we say, he's just choosing to do whatever the heck he wants to do anyways. It doesn't matter what the request; he has an excuse for not doing it. If it's time for bed, he's too tired to walk to his room. If he needs to brush his teeth, he "can't" get the toothpaste out by himself. If his shoes need tying, he doesn't feel like doing it. You name it, this kid has turned into the king of excuses and the master of procrastination.

The "Mom of the Year" in me tries to ask nicely. And then I ask again. And again. And then the bear in me comes out and I start yelling when he still hasn't done it. I hate it, but I get so tired of repeating myself. I publicly apologize to my parents for doing the same thing as a kid. I had no idea how frustrating I was to you. I've entered into parental purgatory.

This weekend I stumbled into the best tool ever: Bribery.

We've instituted The Penny Project in our house. I made up the project this weekend, and I'm thinking of applying for a copyright, but basically, it comes down to sheer bribery.

Here's what we are doing: I got a big empty Mason jar and put it on the kitchen counter. For every task that Jackson needs to accomplish he is given a penny when he does the chore the first time he is asked. Every time we have to repeat our request he will lose a penny. When he reaches 100 pennies in the jar he will get $5 to spend however he likes. Yes, I realize the math doesn't add up to $5, but my plan is to wean him back to lesser rewards after we've reestablished a routine of obedience.

Jackson will earn pennies for getting dressed without fussing, brushing his teeth and hair, putting his shoes and jacket on, and helping with other chores around the house. I don't like to bribe, but thus far, this has worked like a charm. Jackson has 10 pennies in the jar, and none have been taken out yet. I'm done repeating myself and fussing; if Jackson can't do what he's asked to do the first time around, I just take a penny out. I figure it won't take long before he figures out the mathematics of this.

Fingers crossed that it keeps working, otherwise the Mama bear in me is going to have to figure something else out quickly, before I resort to telling Santa how the kid is acting!

The Day After

Devastated doesn’t come close to describing how I feel right now. I know that God is in control, but I am so fearful for the direction our country took last night.

We’ve re-elected a leader that knowingly left our troops to die in Benghazi after begging for help, and we ignored their requests. He’s never answered for this.

We’ve re-elected a leader that is in full support of partial birth abortion.

We’ve re-elected a leader that is an admitted socialist, and has never shown his original birth certificate for college transcripts, yet as a country we cried foul over tax records for a man that we deemed “too rich.”

We’ve re-elected a leader that has more Americans receiving entitlements than ever before in history.

We’ve re-elected a leader that’s answer to everything is to blame and punish rich people for their success.

We’ve re-elected a leader that lied to the American people in every debate, and never had to own up to the truth.

We’ve re-elected a man that has brought us $3+ gasoline, and he voted against a pipeline to allow for cheaper fuel for Americans.

We’ve re-elected a man that has spent millions of taxpayers dollars on lavish vacations and parties, while his constituents suffer under his policies.

We’ve re-elected a man that had the support of dictators like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro in his re-election bid. What does that tell you?

America has asked for 4 more years of failed policies and liberal ideology. As much as I love being an American, I would rather have a civil war over this and live the way my “half” of America wants to live. We’ve turned into a country of “what can I get” instead of “what can I do.” I’m heartbroken at the knowledge that America is now rewarding laziness instead of hard work and dedication. Where will we be in 4 years?

I have prayed for this country for years, and I will continue to do so. I don’t understand how anyone can support Obama, and I never will, but I pray that our country will be able to withstand the consequences of our decision, and that the America our founding fathers dreamed of is still standing in 4 years, and not brought to our knees in desperation.

I Believe In America, And This Girl Is Voting For Romney!!!

 

Obama had 4 years to bring about "change." The only change America got was more debt, Obamacare and higher unemployment. Today, I'm voting to get Obama out of office! Go vote for Romney!!!

Once A Band Geek...Always A Band Geek!!!

Way back in the day, when Jesus was a small child, I was a member of the Flag Corps of the Auburn University Marching Band. I marched for 2 seasons, the fall of 98 and 99, and loved it, even though it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It took so much hard work, hours and hours of practice, and dedication beyond belief, and it was so much fun. I learned so much from my time with the band, and it was where I learned my motto for life; In the words of former band director Johnnie Vinson, "Early is on time, on time is late, and late is inexcusable." I've lived by those words ever since.

I had the chance to return to the field this weekend as an alumni of the Auburn University Marching Band Flag Corps and it was just about the best weekend ever! We stayed in Auburn Friday night and I had to be at practice at 6:45 on Saturday morning. I quickly realized that it's a little harder picking up a flag when you haven't done it in so many years, but I think we managed okay! We had about an hour to learn both routines, which was hilarious for this old girl to try to do, but we mostly got it done. It wasn't a perfect performance by any stretch, but I had so much fun being back on the field. Enjoy the pics and video!

 

Auburn Flag Corps 1998-1999. I'm on the 2nd row, 2nd from the right. Check out those bangs!

 

 

 

It's kinda like riding a bicycle...you never really forget how!

Waiting for me to march back into the stadium, Jackson was having lots of fun with my flag!

 

Under Jordan Hare Stadium again after all these years!

 

Aubie came over to direct the alumni band, dressed to the nines!

 

After 13 years, it was just as much fun as it was then. Loved.It!!!

I'm the second flag in line.

 

 

 

 

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

It  was such a great experience returning to my alma mater, and I had a blast being part of the alumni band. I can't wait to do it again next year. Warrrrr Eagle always!!

P.S. I would like to thank God for bringing a hair straightener into my life. I only wish he had done it before I spent 2 years performing in front of 86,000 people every Saturday. That is all.

Live From Jacksonville

Jackson: "Mama, say 'under'."
Me: "Under."
Jackson: "Now say 'wear'."
Me: "Wear."
Jackson: "Now put it together and say 'underwear'."
Me: "Underwear."
Jackson: "Bahahaha. You said 'underwear'."
Me: "So did you."
Jackson: (insert stunned silence). "Oh."

Jackson: "Mama, when I was a baby, like a little bitty baby, when I was too small to sleep in a crib, did I sleep in a casket?"

Jackson: "The election is Tuesday, right?"
Me: "That's right. Only a few more days."
Jackson: "I hope that Barack Obama is fired. That man is ridiculous!"

Y'all have a great weekend. We're heading to Auburn University for me to take the field with the Auburn University Marching Band alumni. I'm so excited about performing again, and I can't wait to show you pics. Take care!

Happy Halloween!

 

The boys were decked out in their matching skeleton shirts today, and Anderson was not thrilled with Jackson trying to keep him still for the picture. Oh well...Happy Halloween anyways!

First Report Card Of First Grade

Jackson got his first "real" report card at school yesterday and he made all A's! (And by "all" A's, I mean that he made 2 A's. They only get grades in math and reading.) He made "S's" in social studies and physical education, and he got a 91 in math and a 94 in reading. We are so proud of Jackson! His teacher wrote on his report card, "Wow! So proud of Jackson. He is precious! :). We have been so blessed by Mrs. Hicks, and I can't imagine a better teacher for him. He is thriving under her, and she definitely has a gift for what she does. Just wanted to brag on our big boy. We are so proud of him for working so hard and doing so great! First grade is off to a great start!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

 

Jeremy and I want to wish his Dad a very Happy 61st Birthday today. We are blessed with a great father and father-in-law, and the boys are blessed with a great Papa. We love you!

 

Happy Birthday, Papa!!

Weekly Confessions

• I brush Anderson's teeth to the tune of 2001 A Space Odyssey intro. We played it when I was in band in high school, and it was one of my favorite band halftime shows ever. Anderson thinks it is the funniest thing brushing his teeth to that rhythym, and his giggles are so cute that I can't stand it! This confession alone is further proof that "once a band geek...always a band geek."
• I saw the "Girls Gone Wild" party bus the other day in Montgomery. I texted my friend and said, "Just saw the Girls Gone Wild party bus. Anything you need to tell me?" She didn't see the humor. I, on the other hand, thought it was hilarious.
• I have 3 pumpkins on my front porch just waiting to be carved. One of them will somehow end up as a Vote Romney pumpkin.
• Jeremy is going on his first camping trip tonight with Jackson and my Dad. Trying to pack for them last night was ridiculous. Clearly, without a woman in sight, my child will not be dressed appropriately for the weather, despite my packing skills. 
• I'm beyond ready for this election to be over just so I can quit hearing Obama lie. I have never seen such a skilled liar, and I can't wait for him to be standing in the unemployment line with the rest of his victims.
• Jackson and I spent 20 minutes last night laying in bed just talking and laughing. He went to bed later than he should have, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. How else would I learn all the gossip of first grade?

Anything y'all need to confess? Hope you have a super weekend!

 
 

Back To Reality

Jeremy got back last night from his quarterly trip to Macon, GA for business. I was so glad to see him get home. It's crazy trying to do everything for the boys by myself, work full time, teach at church, cook meals, keep the house presentable and try to get a few hours of sleep by myself. I seriously don't know how single parents do it!

In heath news, Anderson has had a cough for the last few days, so we're keeping a close eye on that. I'm hoping that he's not about to get a bad cold, but I guess we'll know in a few days. My headaches are doing much better. I think the new BP medication is helping; I still have headaches, but they haven't been as frequent or severe. Keep the prayers coming!

And finally, Jeremy, Jackson and my dad are going camping with the RA's from church tomorrow night. Jackson is so excited, and I wish I could go, but it's a "boys only" thing. Oh well....I know he'll have a blast. Y'all have a great Thursday!

Let's Try This, Shall We?

After placing repeated phone calls to my neurologist office last week, I finally got through to my nurse to let her know that my headaches were back with a vengeance. Let's just say that I was less than thrilled with some of the stuff that she asked me, and just about everything pointed to the fact that she wasn't even bothering to look in my chart to find out the answers to her questions. A few examples...

"Did you take the steroid prescribed to break up the cycle of headaches?" No, because your office told me to quit taking the steroids after I was awake for almost 2 straight days. Did anyone bother to write that down?

"Did you follow up with the TMJ doctor like the nurse practitioner wanted you to?" No, because we discussed (and she wrote it in my chart) at my last appointment that we were going to wait until my appointment in November to even bring up the TMJ aspect of my headaches. She didn't even tell me the name of the doctor, so how, may I ask, was I supposed to follow up with him?

"We're just going to change your BP medication and let that be that for now." No, because I'm dying over here. Lady, I have a headache all day, every day. I wake up with headaches. I go to sleep with headaches. I need relief, and the only thing that is working right now is the Imitrex injections, of which my insurance company will only cover 12 every 2 months. Right now, I have 3 injections left and a month and a half to go before they can be filled again.

As of right now I'm on a new blood pressure medication, have a prescription for a pain medicine and I have a "first available" appointment with a TMJ specialist in November. Please pray that the new meds give me some relief. I'm super afraid of causing liver damage because of the insane amounts of medication I'm having to take, and I know that rebound headaches are in play from the medication. It's like a bad roller coaster that I can't get off.

Here's hoping that the new pill works, because y'all, I need a break. Jeremy will be gone most of this week and its just about impossible to function with a headache when you are alone with 2 kids. Wish me luck...

Winter Warmerland

I’m hosting a Winter Warmerland Scentsy Open House party this weekend to highlight Scentsy’s holiday catalog. There are so many cute warmers and amazing Fall/Winter scents, and I can’t wait for people to see how great this stuff is. Right now I have Autumn Sunset warming in my kitchen and it is the perfect cinnamon toned scent and I’m loving it! Here are a few of my favorite warmers. Aren’t they great!

If you are local, I would love for you to drop by my house on Saturday from 6-8 (email me at auflag@yahoo.com for directions). I’m offering free shipping to orders delivered to me. If you don’t live in the area, you can browse online at amywade.scentsy.us and see everything. Let me know if you have any questions!