Thursday, February 27, 2014

Life updates

So I've been really terrible at blogging lately.  I am hoping it is just a phase and I'll get back into it one of these days (perhaps when we actually get to go outside and I am motivated to take more pictures).  Things have been busy as January and February always are.  I work for a public company, in the financial reporting department, so January and February mean 10-K time.  We filed the K last week and everyone is breathing a much needed sigh of relief.  Unfortunately we still have a bunch of projects due in the next few weeks, but the big, ugly one is out the door. 

Brad is the Trauma chief right now and has a mentality that his feet should be the first in the door and the last out the door each day.  As you can imagine, he has had some long days. 

The boys are growing as fast as ever. 


Ryan is talking more and more and appears to be on the verge of being potty trained.  I think we are going to give it another effort this weekend and see what happens.  Ryan is as much of a stinker as ever and is taking the baby of the family role seriously.  He likes to get his way and throws down his awesome two year old tantrum whenever he doesn't get it.  At the same time he is a sweet little boy who rarely declines a snuggle.  He is much more outgoing than Mike was at this age and will happily talk to anyone he meets.

 

Mike is an inquisitive, smart, funny four year old who frequently points out to me how curious he is.  He asks questions about everything from how electricity works to why I can't put the "green" gas (aka diesel) in my car, but grandpa can put it in his truck.  He has a thirst for knowledge that I love, but also find frustrating at times when I honestly have absolutely no idea how to answer his questions.  He loves to sing and dance and will ask to watch music videos and have dance parties.

 
 
 I mentioned on instagram a month or so ago that I was participating in a weight loss challenge at work.  It has been going really well.  I've been watching my diet (not restricting what I eat, just how much I eat) and exercising 6 days a week.  Since 1/1/14 I have dropped around 15 pounds.  Brad has been making it a point to watch what he eats and has slimmed down as well. 

 Last week Brad was in Memphis for a conference and of course Ryan got sick.  I picked him up from daycare on Friday afternoon, promptly gave him a dose of Tylenol and then checked his temperature 90  minutes later.  It was 104.2?!?!  I called Brad and he instructed me to take Ryan to the ER.  Turns out it was "just" an ear infection, but I learned a strong appreciation for pharmacies that are open late and have drive-thru service (thank you Walgreens).  Luckily a co-worker/neighbor was available and came over to watch Mike while I took Ryan so the stress factor was minimally less.




 Now everyone seems to be healthy again and we have a vacation coming up next month so things are looking up!

Monday, February 24, 2014

Monday, February 17, 2014

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Things Mike Says: Intellect

The other day we were driving in the car.  Per usual, Mike was asking me questions about anything and everything.  The particular focus this time was something to do with chemistry.  I gave him the best answer I could and then said "You know who you should ask about that?  Daddy!"  Mike calmly replied "Why Mommy?  Because he is smarter than you?"


 
 
Nothing like the "innocence" of children. This is currently one of Brad's favorite stories.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Monster Truck Jam

Brad had the brilliant idea of taking the boys to the Monster Truck Jam for Ryan's birthday this year.  I (reluctantly) agreed and we bought tickets.  The night of the "Jam" Brad was on call.  Naturally, he got called in to operate literally as we were driving (separately, in case this happened) downtown for the show.  He sadly went to the hospital while I pulled up my big girl pants and carried on toward the stadium.  I parked in a garage a few blocks from the stadium and lectured Mike about the importance of listening to me and following directions.  He diligently held my hand or my coat as I carried Ryan and we trekked the 3 blocks to the stadium, then half way around it to the Will Call window, then back around to the entrance, then throughout the stadium to our seats.  


The show started and the boys were enthralled. Then I bought cotton candy which results in massive sugar highs, quickly followed by massive crashing from my 4 and 2 year olds. Luckily right around this point was when the trucks started doing what you would expect monster trucks to do (the Freestyle event): going off big jumps, crushing little (normal sized) cars and flipping upside down. The boys were loving it. 


However, every time one of the trucks would get stuck upside down, a Ford F-150 would come out with Rampage in the back and sling-shot t-shirts into the audience. Ryan thought this was the best part and would excitedly scream "TRUCK, TRUCK, TRUCK." Apparently the normal pickup truck was WAY cooler than the monster trucks in the eyes of a 2 year old. Who knew.

 
 About half way through the Freestyle event Brad showed up. I was really confused because 1) I had his ticket and 2) well, I had his ticket. Turns out that towards the end of a Monster Truck Jam security was a little lax and he was able to walk right into the stadium. What was perhaps even more astounding was that he was able to find us in a sold out football stadium. 



Monday, February 10, 2014

Monday, February 3, 2014