Boys Rule?

Strep has hit the little peanut. She is so miserable. I feel so bad for her. Daddy took her to the Dr. yesterday and she is now on antibiotics. We are leaving for Indiana on Thursday. Hopefully she will be feeling better and the plane ride will be ok for her. I will admit I am a little nervous to be going with both girls even though I know we will be fine. I am almost packed. Just need to get the stuff in bags. I have the stuff already pulled out and in piles.
The boys are actually excited that the "girls" will be gone and they are gonna do boy things cause you know Girls drool and boys rule according to them.
Not much else going on here.

A Little of This and That

Can someone spell busy? Life has been crazy busy here but I seem to thrive in a chaotic lifestyle. Maybe that is why my sister thinks I can manage 4 children like it is the norm. This week I have been filling in as a nanny for a friend whose nanny is sick. I am taking care of a 6 month old and a 7 month old. I love every minute of it and which it could be more of a permanent Part time situation. The girls really enjoy each others company and I actually have time to get little things done. The two of them are so adorable when they lay under the activity gym and stare at each other and then try to grab each other's hands. Their interaction is so sweet. We make quite the scene when I take the kids to school. I carry Gracie in her sling and push Sophia in her stroller. I wish we had a double stroller.
The girls and I are getting ready for our mini trip next week to Indiana. I need to start packing and prepping. I do not want to leave it to last minute like usual. Kiarrah is very excited. I am just trying to figure out the best way to travel with two car seats. I pray that we have a good flight with good weather and no delays. I need to make sure that I prep good carry on bags for a situation like that.
Dominic just got over strep. I hope it's over in the house. I am so sick of all of the illnesses. I think it is due to the fact that we have had such a mild winter.
We had the boys IEP's at school and I am pretty pleased with them. We are going to be getting the services that we need. Jim went with me to the one for Rey and after a little friction we were able to express our concerns and let them know what we expected. Now to figure out what to do with Kiarrah for this Fall. We had planned to have her home schooled by a friend but after speaking to the Neurologist I am just not sure if that is the best thing. Any advice. She is extremely bright and high functioning just has a major lack in impulse control and hyperactivity. She is extremely bossy also. I could really use some input on this. Kindergarten registration is in May so I have until then to make up my mind. I need to sit down and figure out the pros and cons and also find out what the home school rights are in New Jersey.
Not much else going on here. A lot of our friends are going through struggles and that has all been so heavy on my heart. I want to help and reach out. My time is limited but I am making it a priority to do what I can.
On another note I have applied for college. I am anxious but scared to get my butt back in there. I keep playing with a major but in all honesty I have realized that I keep trying to run from what I know I am supposed to do. I want the easy way out. I know that is not what I am to do though. I would really like to pursue the nursing and work in the child psychiatric department. I know I have a long hard road a head of me but I am not going to listen to people tell me that I can't do it. I have a passion there. I am just going to start out school part time and go from there. Heck it is never to late to start. I am not going to waste this life.

Little Miss Peanut

My Handsome Fellows

KiKi is Back

My KiKi girl is finally feeling better. I took this picture of her when she was really down and out with Strep this past week. Where did her infectious smile go? Doesn't she look pathetic. I will try and get a smiley picture of her tomorrow.

Prejudice in 2nd grade?

I am so livid right now and need some advice on how to handle this. My son came home from school today because some little girl in his class told him that she was going to be mean to him because he was black!!
How would you handle this???????????

My FFF for this Week

I love this picture of Jim. I can't beleive that we are going to be married for 14 years next month. Isn't he a hottie?? Gotta love those eyes.

Friday Rundown

I have been out of touch in the blog world. Can't wait to catch up with everyone. Not much going on in the homefront. The sick germs have invaded our home and I am doing everything I can to evict them. Miss Butterfly has Strep right now. SHe has been so mellow and sick. I have enjoyed the mellow part immensely but not the sickies. Finally today her fever is down.
Been a busy week prepping for IEP meetings with the school. Reys is on monday and I am already tense about it. Jim is going to go with me for support. I want so much more for this child and all they care about is the fact that he is passing. I have been working with him on a daily bases and that is the only reason he is reading. He is a yr behind. It ticks me off that I have to fight so much for him to get him what he needs. This no child left behind crap is exactly that.. crap, Whoever came up with it must not have special needs children. Ok off my box.
Dominic still loves to read. He is enjoying the Captain Underpants books. I would love some recommendations for books for him. He is 8 and into chapter books. I just bought him 2 biographies for black history month that he is ready to read.
Gracie is being cute as ever. She has been spending a lot of time on her belly and is trying so hard to rool over and get on her knees. She sees the other kids running around and she wants to be moving with them. She gets so excited when they are around but she also loves her QUIET( yes that does happen for a few hours a day) time cuddling with mommy. She managed to bring her toes up to her mouth today by pulling on her footie jammies.
I sent in my admission papers for School next fall and did the financial aid. I am excited about that. Not much more except I have been working on my Ebay store to try and supplement our income. Check it out if you get a chance.Kiarrah's Closet

Thursday

We are enjoying life here. Things just never seem to slow down. I guess that is life with 4 kids. My sister claims I have a gift of going on in life like having four kids is normal. LOL Isn't it? I guess for some people it isn't. And to think I would love another one.
Gracie is gaining weight. She is now 13.7 pounds and 25 inches long. She is now in the 5 percentile. YEA!!! She loves to eat and how dare you eat anything in front of her with out giving her some. She will start hollering at you and start smacking her lips. She has quite the personality and sure makes all of us laugh. Her brothers and sister adore her. Kiarrah is doing better with her but I still have to closely monitor her with her because she gets rough or get a sudden jolt of energy and doesn't stop to think that she could hurt Gracie. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is some nasty stuff. I wish I could get into her mind and truely understand what she is feeling. Everything is so off all the time. It is like two minds are trying to run one body.
The boys are doing ok. Reynaldo has been having issues with cycling. Spring is upon us and his Bipolar seems to get so out of wack this time of year. I am trying so hard to learn when he is at the breaking point so that he can be redirected but I am not always so lucky. Please keep us in prayers because this gets so difficult at times. Dominic is doing great. Just sassy and fresh like most 8 year olds.

Guess Who is 7 Months

Update on Life

Life has been a little on the busy side lately. Haven't had much time to blog. Things are good. Just s short little summary for you.
Dom and Rey both did really good on their report cards this quarter and made Effort Roll. I was so proud of them. They are both enjoying their classes at the Arts Academy. Dominic loves to paint but is struggling with having to do still life stuff. He much prefers being free and using his imagination. He does need to learn these concepts though. Rey loves his hip hop class. I have yet to see any of his moves. The teacher has informed me that he does dance. I need to just spy on him on of these days. Just don't want to get caught and have him not want to participate.
Kiarrah is in ballet tap. It is a great way for her to get her energy out. Especially with the tap dancing.
Gracie is growing. We got back to the Dr. on thursday for her to get weighed. I got her a highchair and she thinks that she is big stuff sitting in it. She is such a messy eater too.
Not much else to get into right now.

Someone get the Lysol

I want to scream!!! Cover your ears!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH. We just got all the sickie germs out of the house and alas they are back. I got a call from the boys school today. Reynaldo was throwing up. Not again. This is one major disadvantage to having 4 kids. Now I am on a mission to keep them away from each other so they don't share. Yes dear children I like when you share but not this time.
I did something exciting. I bought plane tickets to go back to my parents next month. I am taking the butterfly and sweet potato. Daddy is gonna keep the boys. We will all head out there this summer for a week or two. The price of tickets was amazing. The whole thing was my DH's idea. It will give Ki and me a chance to maybe work on our relationship.

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by my wonderful buddy Sarah who is new to the blogging world. She has amazed me with her new found abilities to link and use the word meme. I have been blogging for a year and never new what that term meant nor did I master linking. This is the very reason that it has taken me so long to respond to this tagging. I needed time to look up how to link to Blogs so this is my first attempt.
Here are the rules to the Meme.
1) Link to the person who tagged you. 2) Post the rules on your blog. 3) Share 6 non-important things ,habits, quirks about yourself. 4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blog. 5) Let the random people know that they have been tagged by leaving comments on their blogs.
Ok Now for the List of Quirky Things about me. Are you sure that you are ready for this??

1) I can pick up quarters with my toes. I am ashamed to admit that this talent was discovered during my Wild Drinking Days. After a quarter bouncing, shotglass filling and then slamming down of alcohol night I discovered this easy feat with my feet. Who would have know I could have such a talent with my pretty pedicured toes. Oh to have those youthfull pretty tootsies again. Honey if you are reading this I am in need of a day of pampering. This wonderful talent did come in handy when I was very pregnant and couldn't bend over to pick things up.

2) I have a love for Fresh 350 or higher threadcount sheets. There is nothing finer and more soothing then sleeping into bed with these luxurious sheets. I can't stand cheap sheets. Call me a sheet snob if you must. I have acquired this from my mother dearest. I especially love when you go to a nice hotel and they have the whole upscale bedline. You want to leave there and purchase the whole $2000.00 dollar line.

3) I am petrified of mice. I have nightmares about them either. Have since I was little. It can even be a fake one and I will be lifting my feet and screaming my head off. When I was younger I had gone out to the garage to get the bag of grass seed for my dad and one of those evil critters jumped out of the bag and ran over my hand and landed on my barefoot. I screamed.

4) I love kid movies. Shhhh don't let this get out and please don't tell my kids. Mary Poppins, Summer Magic, High School Musical, even Teenage Mutant Turtles. Coawabunga Dude. Of course I make the kids think I don't like what they are watching but secretly I am "helping" them decide on a movie based on what I want to see. I even enjoy Gracie's Baby Einstein movies. We just borrowed a great movie from my neighbor called The Praise Baby Collection. It is so soothing.

5) I hate socks and shoes. I love to have naked tootsies. I would run around barefoot all the time if I could. I especially hate wearing socks to bed and kick them off immediately if I wear them to bed. I do love shoes and pretty socks but naked feet is my first choice. I have been wearing shoes and socks lately though because it has been so cold and could it have anything to do with the fact that I need a pedicure? See number 1

6) I am a horrible front seat passenger driver. I am surprised I haven't put a hole in the floor board where my imaginery brake pedal is. I know that I drive my DH crazy but....... Hey, he scares me sometime.

So there you have it. The real Jenn..... Can't wait to read yours. I tag

Lori
Desiree
Julie

Gracie Smiles

Well actually, She has before but I haven't been able to capture it on camera because I usually need the flash and it makes her close her eyes. Her eyes actually twinkle when she smiles.

Thrilling Thursday

Let's start off the post with a sweet picture I took the other day.

Aren't they cuties? Today is filled with cleaning the house, listing on ebay and paying bills. FUn FUn FUn.

Kiarrah is doing a little better with Gracie. We have been working on that relationship and my relationship with Kiarrah. It was headed down the toliet but we are trying. She is one of the most stuborrn children I have ever met and I have met my match so to speak. My DH feels we are a lot alike. I just don't see it. I have been trying to spend some one on one time with her and we went and ran errands on Saturday. Just her and I. She bought Gracie a cute little pink elephant for her collection. It is for Valentine's Day so Shhhhh don't tell Gracie.

I finally found some products that work in KiKi's hair. The first one I found works great but is too expensive but we are having really good luck with Infusium 23. She had taken scissors to her hair twice now and I finally have it looking good. I can get a wide tooth comb throough it with ease. Hopefully it will keep it hydrated.

Look at me

Gracie girl thinks she is big stuff when she is propped up to sit. Well, she had her Dr.'s appointment and weighed 12 lbs 4 oz. She is just gonna be a tiny little thing. She is a little behind on some things but she was also 5 weeks early. She got three of her shots and ran a low grade fever. Yesterday and today she is fighting a bug. I have it too but not full force yet. You know when you hurt so much even your hairs on your head hurt? That is what I am starting to feel like. Jim was an angel today and helped me so much this morning. I am so incredibly blessed to have him.
The other three are good. Kiarrah has been up to her usual antics. She managed to get her hands on some scissors again and cut her hair. It is such a mess. We had a babysitter Saturday night so that we could go to a dinner for married couples at our Pastor's house. She was great with the kids and did Kiarrahs hair into a beautiful little style that will work until her hair grows in some more.
We are trying to figure out what to do with her next school year. We have a close friend that has offered to homeschool her with her child. She is a wonderful woman of God and has the patience on a Saint. She also truly "gets" Kiarrah. Not many people do but Kiarrah listens to her also. We are going to do some research on it and check on books and such. She wants to use the Abeka program with her. Any of you have experience with it?
What is really nice about this option is that they can work at their own pace and advance if need be. Please keep this in prayer along with us. I just feel if I send Ki to the public school it is going to be hell. She will eat them alive and become the class bully/trouble maker. The FASD has affected her so much and I am seeing it more and more.

6 Months old Already???

My baby girl is 6 months old today. Where has the time gone? I have been trying to cherish every moment but it still is flying by. We are going to the Dr. today for her check up and shots. I hate the shots part. She actually does pretty well with them. She is loving eathing solids. She has now had applesauce, pears, peaches, green beans, peas and sweet potatoes. She has also had squash but it caused her to break out on her face so we need to wait on that and try again later. Last week when she went to the Dr. she weighed 12 pounds so hopefully she gained alittle more. She is staying steady at the 3 precentile.

On another note, the butterfly had the 24 hour bug yesterday. Nothing knocks her down though. She is fine today thank goodness.

Pruning

Did you ever notice that it hurts when God Prunes us? This has been on my mind a lot this morning. Gracie got the dreaded stomach bug. Started throwing up last night a little after ten. I feel so bad for her. We are taking it easy today and she is sleeping. Just trying to keep the other little monsters quiet so she can sleep.

Baby Food

Have any of you made your own baby food? I would really like to do this for Gracie but need some help and input. What kind of fruit could I make? I know that it would be more economical to make it myself. Gracie is loving food. I tried to make her green beans and she wouldn't eat them. She loves the jar kind.

Nanny Days

Boy am I exhausted today. I worked as a nanny for a friend and it wiped me out. It is hard to believe that I did this as a profession for 15 years. I do have to remind myself that I am a lot older and I have 4 children now and I actually took care of my 5 month old today too. It is so different when it is your own child. I did really enjoy it but know that I couldn't do this on a everyday basis. The girls are a month apart and wasn't much different from when I took care of the twins for 8 years.