4.28.2009

Brad's Work

Well I probably shouldn't go into too much detail (you never know who is reading what), but if anyone wants to know all of it, then you can call me and I'll gladly let you in on everything.

Update:
I've read, re-read and re-written this post so many times. What I don't want to happen is to have my blog get Brad into trouble at work. So if anyone wants to know full details, I can email you - so sorry for the secrecy.

Brad was involved in an accident at work on Josh's birthday. Long story short, Brad was trapped in a backhoe and could have died! (details if you want them) It was very scary and I'm so thankful that he made it out alive and unharmed.

Again, long story short - Brad has been on Administrative Leave (paid) until the company could investigate and figure out what the punishment (if any) would be. Well that was 12 days ago - 7 working days. So we've been on one heck of a roller coaster of a ride. We've been stressed about the uncertainty of our future, and about not knowing what punishment was going to be dealt out. I just want to know what is going to happen. We can deal with what ever they throw at us, as long as we know what it is. If he is going to get fired, then we can deal with it - and Brad can find a new job. If he doesn't get fired, even better - but this whole hanging in limbo is just killing us.

Update:
Brad got home yesterday at about 3pm - and the final verdict is 30 days off UNPAID! Thirty days. I am still in shock. And yes, it could be worse - but that's 2 full paychecks that we'll be missing out on. Luckily we still have a lot in our savings to cover a full month of bills, groceries, car payments, gas, and still have some left over - but it's still going to be a shock.

4.27.2009

Maddie is 16 months

Time is just flying by with this kiddo. She is getting some more teeth - two molars and maybe another of the front on her right side. She is definitely getting a little more of an attitude - her independence I guess I should say. She tries to be just like Josh and climb, run, and dance just like he does. I just wonder how different it would have been if she had been the first born child?

My friend, Melissa, and I have talked about this before. Madison learns almost everything, good and bad, from Josh and that's where things get tricky. Because more often than not I'm at a loss with my patience from dealing with Josh that Maddie kind of gets the short end of the stick. I find myself yelling a little more than I should and wonder if it would have been different, but that's life.

The newest things she's doing are: she freely gives hugs (to Josh especially), she gives slobbery kisses, she finally knows what waving means, she grabs her nose with her fingers when we say "pee-ew" - it's really cute. What else? She runs all over the place and is getting faster by the day. Her hair is finally starting to get longer to where I can put it in pig tails. So here is to my 16-month old.

This and That

I figured I should probably post something, since it's been a little while since I did. It seems like we've been busy, but then again it doesn't. A lot has been going on with Brad's work, but I can't post anything on that yet - it still isn't resolved yet.

So last week we had the doctor's appointments, which I already wrote about. Josh had school on Tuesday and Thursday, which is going a lot better now that I've had a talk with his teacher. I will also have to write another post on that, because it's a REALLY long story.

Wednesday I went to get a WA state driver's license. And I hate going to the DMV, but it had to be done. It was a pain in the butt because they had me in their system under my maiden name, and it was taking some time to get things switched over. I almost had to take another test. Yikes! So now the only thing left to do is get Brad's car switched over to WA plates, and it will be complete. We'll finally be WA residents again.

Josh had bike day at school on Thursday, in which all of the kids brought their bikes, trikes, or scooters to ride. I was a little worried at first because we just got Josh a bike for his birthday and he hadn't been riding it that much before this bike day. He did get on it a couple of times, but for no longer than 10 minutes each time. He can ride in our driveway, but it's not very big - we have gravel going from the road and up to our driveway. But to my surprise (as usual), he did great. The teacher told me that he didn't get off of his bike the entire time. And when I went to go pick him up, he didn't want to leave. The other assistants had spray painted a "road" on the cement track, so the kids loved that.

Friday we spent the day with Brad's cousin and her little boy. We went to the park, which is in a perfect location - not too close to the parking lot with lots of room for the kids to run. Everyone came back to our house for lunch and then Brad's uncle and aunt stopped by as well. It was good to see them and I'm really glad that we've moved closer to family. This is what I've always wanted.

Sunday we went to Tri-Cities again to drop Brad's dad's truck off. Brad had borrowed it earlier in the week to build a workbench and pull some dead trees around the yard. It was sunny (a little windy), but nice weather and Josh didn't want to leave. Someday he'll spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Well that's all for now. This week is going to be a little busy, but hopefully not too bad. I've already accomplished vacuuming, sweeping and mopping all of the tile (quite a hefty job), dusting and doing a little laundry. I'm beat!

Mental note: post about Josh's school and Brad's job.

4.20.2009

Doctor's Appointments

Today we headed down to Tri-Cities because both of the kids had doctor's appointments. Maddie had her 15-month (only a month late) and Josh had his 4 year appointment. Josh is still so little, weighing in at only 30 pounds and he was 38.25 inches tall. Maddie weighed 19 lbs, 12 oz. and was 29.5 inches long. Josh weighed 19 lbs, 3.5oz at his 15-month appointment, so she is still outweighing him. Maddie had to get one shot and we had the option to do Josh's booster shots for Kindergarten or to wait until next year, and I said let's wait. Just the thought that Josh will be in Kindergarten next year blows my mind. It's so crazy, but it will be good for both of us.

After we did the doctor's appointments we headed to the park so the kids could play since it was 80 degrees outside!!! The sun was shining and it was hot. I dressed both kids in short sleeved shirts and pants, and myself the same, because I guess I just didn't believe it was going to be as hot as it was. But hot it was - I actually got a little sunburn on my arms and so did Maddie (again, not prepared). But the kids, Grandma, Brad's sister and our niece had a blast. At the park they also have this water area where they have sprinklers and spouts that shoot out water - and thankfully I packed an extra set of clothes for both kids, because they wanted to play in it and they were drenched! I wish I'd had the camera. Maddie was completely fearless - playing with kids twice her size and running through the water. It was really cute (and scary) to watch.

After that we had some lunch, went to Grandma's house to unwind a little and then we headed home. Thankfully the kids both slept most of the way home, so it worked out great. A beautiful, fun-filled day.

4.14.2009

Sitting Pretty

Just had to share this picture of Maddie. Such a little lady!

Easter

Ok, so I'm only 2 days late. But we've been busy. Brad had to work Sunday morning, but got home early enough to do the kids' Easter baskets before we left. Brad took the kids upstairs so that I could put their Easter baskets together. I heard Brad telling Josh - "I think the Easter Bunny was here and left you something downstairs". So the kids came down, and Josh whizzes right past his basket because he is looking for the Easter Bunny - wish I had gotten that on video!

So we ended up going down to Tri-Cities for Easter. We stopped by my mom's house first to visit with her and my sister and niece. The kids did a little Easter egg hunt, but dumb me forgot to get the camera out. Then we headed over to Brad's parents house for dinner and another Easter egg hunt with his sister and our other niece. The kids had a blast and we had a good time too. Three Easter Egg hunts later - a LOT of candy was consumed.




4.10.2009

Josh Dancing

This is a toy that he got from his great grandparents. The song is Cotton Eye Joe - nice and annoying but the way he "hoe dances" is too funny nonetheless. Enjoy.

4.07.2009

Josh is 4!!!

Wow, I can't believe that I'm even writing this but today Josh turned 4. Four!!! They just grow up too fast. So much has changed since he was 3, it's really crazy. We've moved twice, Brad got a new job, we bought a new house, Josh has changed schools, etc.

He was born at 9:11am on a Thursday and he is my little buddy. He loves his sister, sometimes more than I wish. He loves to hug her, pick her up (yes, yikes), and he watches out for her. He is a running, jumping, truck playing, non-stop energy kind of boy. His new things to say are "I promise" and "Holy smokes" and "I won". He keeps telling Brad "When I get bigger Daddy I promise that I go to work with you." It's too funny.

Today he went to school and he was the VIP. So he got to bring a toy to share and I got the pleasure of trying to come up with a snack, treat, and drink for 20 preschoolers! It all worked out, but I did get a glimpse of my life in the near future of making cupcakes or cookies in the middle of the night. After I picked him up from school, we went to grab a special bite to eat and we played outside since it was so nice out.

So here is to the birthday boy! Happy Birthday Josh. I hope that he had a good birthday.

4.06.2009

Another Entry

Sorry about these lasts couple of posts, I'm really getting into doing entries. So here is another one from Pretty Pink Momma for RHB Designs. I love the jewelry from RHB Designs and would love to win something - so please check it out and do an entry for yourself.

4.05.2009

Josh's Birthday Party

Wow - it's almost time. My little guy is going to be 4!!! I can't believe it. His actually birthday is on Tuesday, but we decided to celebrate his birthday on Saturday so we wouldn't mess up any Easter plans next weekend.

We had quite the turnout - about 17 people came and it was great. The only person that I missed was my sister. She couldn't make it because she was sick, so I was a little disappointed - but what can you do? We had pizza and pop, cake and ice cream and Josh made out like a bandit as always. We had a monster truck themed party (that's what he said he wanted, so that's what we did) and it was a blast. Josh got a fishing pole, a tackle box, some tools and gloves for outside, 2 truck DVDs, monster trucks (of course), a bubble machine and a bicycle and helmet. He got a Spiderman bike from Brad and I and already had a tumble today - but he likes it. Practice makes perfect.

He did so good and everybody had a great time. When he blew out his candle, he said "I won!" It was so funny. Here are some pictures from the party.


This was when he got his truck DVDs!


Smiling for the camera

NOISY police car - yay for mom and dad

Got the gear

First attempt out

Dinner Out

This has been such a busy week for me that I've hardly had a chance to sit down and write about anything that's been going on. This week was filled with grocery shopping, a trip to Tri-Cities, organizing a birthday party, cleaning the house, doing errands, and a dinner out - all during Josh's spring break! Yikes - that's a lot.

So Brad's cousin, Cari, and I went out to dinner on Thursday night. It was really nice to be able to talk with an adult, and another mother, and get away from the kiddos for a couple of hours. We went to a really nice restaurant, ate some yummy salmon (it's so much better over here in Washington), and we each tried a mojito! The conversation was great, the dinner was awesome, and 2 hours away from the kids left me feeling refreshed. We've hatched a plan to try to do this at least once a month - we'll see if it works out. But now that my kids are getting a little older, this going out thing should be getting easier to do.