Crazy Week Ahead!

We have had a busy weekend and this next week is going to be pretty busy as well. Eli missed his first two soccer games - but Jamie is one of the coaches so he had to be there regardless. We won both games. We went undefeated last season so we hope for a repeat!! No pressure, Dad. Eli is feeling much better. His fever broke Friday night and he is back to his usual self. Jill had a birthday party on Saturday so when Dad got home from soccer, Jill and I loaded up and went to the new "jumping place" here in Chelsea. That was over at 3 so I brought Jill home and headed back out to church. We had a "Women's Night of Worship" complete with dinner, worship and a wonderful guest speaker!!

Today was church, then home for lunch and Luke's nap - boy will I be glad when we don't have to arrange our day around naptime!!!! Jamie headed out on a bike ride to Childersburg - his hometown- and after about an hour and a half the kiddos and I loaded up and headed that way. We pulled into Nanny and PaPaw's drive right behind Jamie - perfect timing. We were there to check out the kitchen renovation my in-laws just completed. It looks amazing. We ate dinner with them and then headed back home for baths and bed.

I am now in the basement to clean before heading up to bed myself. I am filling in this week for a friend of mine who is an audiologist in Trussville. I am working Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for her. Now I know a lot of you work outside the home as well as being a full-time parent but not me. And let me say my hat is off to you. I do not know how you get it all done!! I am already stressing and the week hasn't even started. Lift up an extra prayer for my little ones, they very rarely are without Mom and this will be really tough on them. But it is just three days so life will be back to normal by Friday. Friday is my mom's group meeting so that will be fun for me as well as the kiddos. And then Whew, the weekend again.

Speaking of weekend again - Nikki, we will be in Tuscaloosa on Saturday to see the Blue Angels. Are you and David going to make the show? Also, Eli and Jamie will be there again on Sunday for a soccer game. I think Eli is playing at Sokol? Not sure - will let you know.

Everyone have a great week and I will post if I have time to breathe again this week - hahaha.

It is Strep...

Last night was a little nerve-racking for me and I am glad the night is over. Eli's fever got as high as 104.5 under his arm - which as you know you are supposed to add .5 to .8 degrees to the temp you get under the arm. He was shivering with the chills and felt like he was on fire. You could feel the heat coming off of him if you stood close to him. I would put a cool cloth on his head and within two minutes the cloth would be warm. It took the motrin an hour and a half to bring the fever down to 103.6. We alternated motrin and tylenol every three hours and by this morning when we got to the Dr. his temp was 98.3 - finally!!

They did a strep and flu test and fortunately it is strep!! That means he got an antibiotic shot and prescription for a Z-pack so he should be good soon. Now if we can just keep the other two from getting it. I just hate it when my kiddos are sick. They are so pitiful and as a Mom you just wish it was you not them.

This means that Eli will miss his first two soccer games for the spring season, however they may be rained out anyway. I guess we will have to wait and see.

104.5 - Could He Have the Flu??

Okay, you all say a quick prayer for Eli. I checked his temp about an hour ago and it had shot up to 104.5, this is when I start freaking out just a little! I gave him motrin and am about to head back upstairs and see if it has kicked in yet. I guess we know where I will be headed in the morning - to the Dr. That should be fun with three children!!

My Eli

Yesterday I was able to go on a field trip with Eli to Montgomery. We went to the Rosa Parks Museum, The Capital, History & Archives, and Old Town Alabama. I remember this same field trip when I was in the fourth grade. Eli loved everything!! I wish we had more time but it is only Montgomery so we will just have to go back. I think it would be a great trip for Eli and Anna Beth - she would love it as well.

Today, however, Eli is home sick. He woke up with a headache, sore throat and a low grade temp (99.1). Usually, if Eli is going to run a temp it instantly goes to 104, so 99.1 really doesn't alarm me. He feels terrible though. We just cannot get the headache to go away. Motrin helped ease it for about an hour or two but then it came back. Tylenol hasn't been able to touch it but fortunately we can have motrin again soon. He is sleeping right now so I guess it eased enough that he was able to fall asleep. Say a prayer for him.

Back to School

Well, it is a sad day in the Alexander house. Spring Break is officially over and the kiddos are back to school. Eli was out the door at 6:45 to wait for the bus and Luke and I will leave shortly to take Jill to MDO. Luke will not know what to do without them here! We had such a great week, thank you God for the beautiful weather. This week has, in more than one way, left me longing for summer! Days spent with family and friends, at the park, playing outside, they are just the best in my book.

Eli has his first soccer game this Friday night and his second this Saturday morning. We have a very busy weekend in store! Jill is going to be starting soccer on April 8th and we are very excited about that. The rule in our house is that you have to wait until you are 4 to play a sport but Jill will get to start her sport three days before she turns 4. I figure we have made her wait long enough. I am sure I will have lots of pics to post from that!!

I guess I need to get Jill ready for school. I will try to post more later. Have a GREAT day all!

How to Use a Cell Phone 101

Luke (19 months) & cousin Dylan (28 months) at Aunt Donna's house in Gadsden. What fun we have had!! Is this week really almost over?

Wednesday already?

I cannot believe half the week is gone already! Where did the time go. We enjoyed another beautiful day today and we have taken full advantage! After running a few errands, we went to our local Chelsea Rec Park and played for an hour before a late lunch and nap. While Luke napped, Eli, Jill and I jumped on the trampoline and cleaned out the Suburban. Jill and I washed it yesterday - Jill called it our "girl time." We hope it doesn't rain and mess up the good job we did!

We are headed to Aunt Donna's tomorrow and we are so excited. Katie has a soccer game tomorrow night and this will be our first time to get to see her play. Jill will most definitely have to play now. Why not add something else to our plate, it's not like we are busy or anything, right?? I am sure I will have pictures to post when we get home.

Here Comes the Sun!

What a great day! We needed the sunshine and some time outdoors so this morning we stopped by Zaxby's and picked up lunch then headed to the park! We ate and played and then headed to the lake to feed the ducks. Unfortunately the ducks were no where to be found. We played a while longer then enjoyed a snack before packing it up and heading back home. Grammy and Poppa had to leave the park early because Grammy had her Dr's appt. They met us back at the house just a few minutes after we got home. Grammy feels much better now that the splints are out. She has her little nose back and it looks great! Here are a few pictures of our day.

Poppa & Grammy with 5 of the grandchildren at Spain Park.

Luke enjoyed some playtime at the park!

Taking in a play at the park. Poppa had his hands full!

Eli and Dalton outside this morning in their pajamas!!

Poppa enjoying some down time with two of his "boys." They really love their Poppa - and he loves them!

Donna, we are looking forward to seeing you on Thursday! Hope you are ready!

A House Full!

We are so excited to have Grammy & Poppa, Aunt Ash, Dalton & Dylan here for a visit. Grammy has her follow-up Dr.'s appt. for her nose tomorrow in Birmingham so they came to visit. We asked Aunt Ash and the boys to come along. Here are a few pics from the day.

Jill helped Dad cook us some hamburgers. We were supposed to grill but it was still raining.

Luke wasn't sure if this was a hug or a choke-hold.

Jill helped Aunt Ash make brownies and Aunt Ash let Jill lick the spoon - We made it to 3 years & 11.5 months before she discovered raw brownie dough. Thanks Aunt Ash!!

A Rainy Day

Today has been really yucky outside so we have had a lot of inside play time. This of course means lots of toys to clean up tonight!!

Eli had lots of X-Box time!

Jill played with her dolls.

Luke - well, since Jamie started back riding his bike, Luke wants his bike helment, even while watching TV.

I was able to sneak out and buy a few groceries and go to the Summit with a girlfriend. Thanks, Jamie! Of course while at the Summit I only bought things for my children, nothing for myself except Starbucks - yummy!

Finally Friday!

I am so excited that it is Friday. Now I know you are probably wondering why it should matter to a stay-at-home mom if it is Friday or Wednesday, however this officially marks the beginning of our Spring Break! Also, it means we have Dad for the next two days. All next week is supposed to be pretty and highs in the low 70's that means LOTS of outside time. We don't have any special plans as Eli has soccer and Tae Kwon Do, but we will be hitting every park in Shelby County. We will also be heading to Gadsden for a quick visit Thursday/Friday. Jill cannot wait to see Katie and Luke is excited to see "BaBess" (interpretation - Anna Beth). Eli just can't wait to have a week out of school. Gotta run, Luke is napping and Jill and I have tons of cleaning to do. She said she would clean the bathroom sinks while I cleaned my room. I thought that sounded like a good deal!

These Are a Few of our Favorite Things

Tubing, enough said!


Spending time at the Lake!


Build-A-Bear!


The Carousel


Anything with our cousins!!!

These are just a few but they are definitely some of our favorite things.

"You'll Have Curly Gray Hair, Mom!"

So I have a funny one to share from yesterday. Jill, Luke and I were on the way to Mom's Day Out (MDO) with Jill. Currently, Jill is really into her babies and taking care of them, so it came as no surprise when she asked when she could be a real Mommy. I told her that in 25 years or so she could be a Mommy. Then I proceeded to tell her that when she became a Mommy I would become a Grandmommy. I heard her chuckle so naturally I asked why she was laughing. She responded with, "You'll have curly gray hair, Mom!" Got to love how a child's mind works.

Today was a "Mom Day" as we call it. That means no MDO for Jill so she and Luke get to spend the day with me. By about 8:45 I knew we had to get out of the house or else Luke would empty every drawer and cabinet in the place. So we headed to Target for paper towels and apple juice. Of course $45 later we were on our way back home for lunch and naps. I had hoped to post while the kids were napping however I was already a day behind in my new Bible study so I had to play catch-up. Eli should be home any minute now and we will quickly get on home work. We have church tonight and Jill's choir is singing in church. That is always cute. Hopefully she won't have a shy night. I will try to remember that camara and will update with pics tomorrow.

Where are my blogging counterparts?

Hello Ashley, Christy and Jennifer - Where are you guys?? And Ashley, just wishing John a Happy B'day doesn't officially count as a post!!!

A Great Morning

This morning was wonderful if I may say so. On Tuesday and Thursday, Eli rides the bus because I have to take Jill to Mom's Day Out. He leaves on these days at 6:45. With the time change, Jill and Luke slept until 7:30! This meant that I had enough time to have a really good quiet time this morning! My day always goes so much better when I have that time alone with my Jesus before the day really gets started!! Thank you Lord for guarding that time for me today!

On that note, I recently started a new Bible study, Creative Correction. I have read the book several times and I love it. It is by Lisa Welchel - Blair from the Facts of Life. I haven't had the opportunity to do the Bible study until now and so far it is really good. You know, as a mom, I often feel overwhelmed and inadequate for the daunting task before me - raising 2 Godly little boys and 1 Godly little girl. I am so glad that God's word reminds me that He is able and He is faithful (II Timothy 1:12). I have made James 1:20 my goal in dealing with my children and it is a tough one - "The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." And when I remember this verse I have to also remember verse 19 of the same chapter that says, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger..." Boy, can that be a tough one some days!! It definitely helps when I can start each day off like I was able to today!

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord." Isaiah 54:10.

A Beautiful Day

I hope you all were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather God gave us today! We enjoyed a lot of outside time and the kids loved it!! We even grilled out tonight. Jamie and I have been waiting for it to get warm enough for that so we took full advantage. We even tried a new veggie on the grill. We tossed some fresh asparagus in Balsamic vinergrette and grilled that - it was very yummy! Even Eli liked it! Aunt Leesa, Nanny, and PaPaw joined us for dinner and as you will see from the pictures, Aunt Leesa got a little "jump time" in with Eli and Jill. Thanks Aunt Leesa - they loved it!

Looks like tomorrow will be more of the same weather so after church I am sure the Alexander family will be outside again. I will leave you all with a few pics from the afternoon outdoors.

A Busy Week

It is going to be a busy end of the week for the Alexander family. I have an Audiology conference on Thursday and Friday so I will be gone all day both days. The Alexanders (Nanny and PaPaw) are watching the little ones for me so say extra prayers for them - the grandparents that is. The kids love getting to spend time with their grandparents and it is so nice to finally have family close by. I love that my parents and Jamie's parents are really getting to know our children now and that our children are really getting to know their grandparents. My mom kept all the kiddos a few weekends ago while Jamie and I went to a dinner at church. The kids had the best time!! She was in the floor with them playing picnic with Jill's pretend food when Jamie and I left and four hours later when we arrived home she had them snuggled on the couch watching a movie. Luke woke up the next morning asking for "Mamie" (Grammy)rather than "Mommy."

Friday is Jamie's birthday!! Yeah, we get to have cake! We will have to celebrate on Saturday because of my conference but we will celebrate! I think dinner at Moe's might do the trick.

Well, I have tons to do to get ready for church tonight and the house ready for tomorrow. I probably will not get to post for the next few days but will return this weekend.

I'll leave you all with one last picture. This is Luke's new obsession...CLEANING. He is his daddy's son!

Things That Make Me Smile

The challenge from my cousin Christy was to write about what makes me smile so here goes...

Eli signing "I Love You" as he heads to the bus stop.
Jill saying her sweet prayers.
Luke's big smile from behind his paci as I walk into his room each morning. And without removing the paci, he sweetly says, "Mommy."
The sound of the garage door opening as Jamie gets home, accompanied by my children shouting joyfully, "Daddy's home!"

Lots of things make me smile throughout the day. These are just a few. I am blessed.

We still have snow

It is very rare in Alabama for snow to fall one day and not be gone by nightfall, however when we awoke this morning, WE STILL HAD SNOW ON THE GROUND! Jill wanted to know if it had snowed again. I told her that fortunately we wouldn't see that much snow for another five to ten years. She was a little bummed about that. I think Luke would be just fine if that is how it worked out. When we took him outside yesterday, he kept sneaking back into the garage to try and get the umbrella.

Well, we actually ended up with about 5 inches of snow. At times it was snowing so hard you could only see a short distance from the house. It was truly a beautiful sight. I'd say March came in like a lion!

We woke up to a beautiful sight this morning - SNOW. This was the first snow Luke has seen and only the second or third snow Jill has experienced. Luke didn't know what to think but Jill loved it. I measured and it looks like so far we have about three inches.