Buried With Children

Rockin' Out

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:28:00 +0000

Quinn LOVES 'Boom Boom Pow' by the Black Eyed Peas.
We get in the car and he shouts, "Boom Boom Pow! Boom Boom Pow!"
But I can't blame him for his love of this song because it is great for shakin' your groove thang.

He is such a good little car dancer.
I am so proud.
Because when it comes to car dancing,
I taught him everything he knows.

Bubble Gum Will Not Stay in Your System for Seven Years

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:58:00 +0000

I really, really like Halloween. It is a fun holiday. But what I like most about it is that the candy that it produces is the prefect ammunition for getting the kids to eat all of their supper.

You see, when the kids push away their plates and refuse to eat, Jeff or I will ask a simple question of them.

"Do you want to have a treat?"

Then when they nod their little heads 'yes' with great anticipation, we add the one and only condition.

"Well, if you want a treat then you need to eat your supper."

There usually is still some protesting and grumbling but then we bring out the bag and set it on the table. That usually is enough for them to eat.

Once they have eaten, the bag full of Halloween candy goodness is passed around and each child has his or her pick.

This conversation took place between Jeff and I during one of these candy passing sessions.

"You can't give Quinn a piece of bubble gum," I whined.

"Why?" Jeff answered me. "Are you afraid that after he chews it, he will swallow it?"

"Well, no," I said unsure of myself, "Not really."

"Because it will not stay in his intestines for seven years," Jeff said with a cockiness in his voice.

I just looked at him and waited. Trying to give him my most annoyed look.

"I know this because once when I was at Cub Scout Camp, I chewed and swallowed piece after piece after piece after piece of bubble gum and when I got home, I pooped a rather large poop that was pink with brown swirled through it. So you don't have to worry about it staying in his system for seven years. It won't even stay for seven days."

All I could do was laugh until I cried and watch Quinn chew and then swallow his piece of bubble gum.

Of This I am Proud

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:18:00 +0000

Writing has always been my outlet. It has been a way for me to cope with life. The good, the bad, the funny, the sad and all the other stuff in between.

When I was a freshman in college, my mom got sick. She was really, very sick and they had no idea what was wrong with her. She was in a coma and we didn't know if she would ever wake up.

She of course did get better and is fine today but the whole experience was unsettling to say the least. It was my first experience of dealing with the morality of my parents. And at the tender age of 19, that is a very sobering thing.

Once my Mom was better and life had returned to normal, inspiration hit me to write a poem about the whole experience. It was my way of wrapping the whole experience up and putting it away.

I vividly remember the inspiration hitting me. It was in the Spring and I remember walking out of class back to my dorm room when the words just started to come. They just started to spill out of me. I couldn't control it. I remember running back to my dorm so that I could grab a pencil and write it down.

I presented this to my Mom on Mother's Day. She cried when she read it and I remember being so proud that my words could touch her in that way.

So because today is her Birthday and any day is a good day to tell your Mom that you love her, I want to share it all over again.

It is amazing how quickly life can change.
I went about a normal day, when the phone rang....
The news was not good, "Mom is sick, you better come."

I have never been so scared.

The trip to the hospital seemed to take hours.
I walked through the hospital doors and into a weekend that would forever change my life.

"You can see her now," they said.
Lisa and Dad went first.
Lisa came back with her eyes full of tears and said, "That's not my mom."

I went to see and was in shock.
What's happening? What's going on?
I asked the nurse, "Is she going to die?"
"Prepare yourself," she said, "We just don't know."

Alone with you, I took your hand.
I didn't want to cry but tears rolled down.
"You can't die," I said, "I still need you, I need my mom."

I longed for a hug, words of comfort but nothing, only the sound of breathing.

I left your side and cried.
I cried until only dry sobs were left.

"My mom might die," is all I could think.

Two days past with no change.
I ached to hear your voice, for you to grab my hand.

Then suddenly, you began to move, thrashing, squirming, yelling for the bathroom.
I thought my knees would give,
for my mom was dead but now she lives.

One day more and I received my hug.
To be in my mother's arms, oh joy, oh bliss.

Each day, I came to see you and each night I had to leave.
The leaving was hard.
I sang to you to ease the pain,
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...."

After time, you came home.
I felt so proud, like a mother bringing home her newborn baby.
I have my mommy back.

I have learned to cherish you.
Each word you speak is priceless.
Each hug you give is like gold.
The time we spend together is a memory set in stone.

On this day, I celebrate you, your love, your friendship, your health and your motherhood.
I love you, Mom.

My Mom meeting Hayden for the first time.

This post has been part of Writer's Workshop.
Go see what other people are writing about.

"I Think You've Hit The Jackpot!"

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:54:00 +0000

The sky was a bright blue and there was a crispness in the air that sun could not cut. It was unusual to see the sun in December but is was good to feel none the less. It must mean that good things are coming. Today was a good day. Today was the day that we were going to see our baby for the first time.

I found out that I was pregnant the day before Thanksgiving. The treatments had finally worked. No more hormone shots. No more every other day blood work. No more uncomfortable vaginal ultrasounds. No more wondering if I would get pregnant. No more being disappointed.

I was pregnant again for the second time. My HCG levels had been low but steadily rising. Even though the treatments put me in a high risk for multiples, with the lower HCG levels meant that this really wasn't possible.

We were going to complete our family with one more baby and today we were going to see that little bean with the little flickering heart beat.

I was so anxious. I just wanted to be reassured that everything was alright and that there was just one baby. I wanted to see that little heart beat.

We arrived at the doctor's office and waited for my turn. I tried to busy myself reading but I just couldn't. I let my eyes wonder around the room. I watched another couple comfort each other in the corner. Then all my emotions seemed to hit me in the face. I tried to control myself but I just couldn't.

The last twelves weeks of the treatments had been an emotion hell for me. The constant worry and wonder if I would be able to get pregnant. How far would we need to take this? Could I be alright with just one child? Would I be able to adobt a child? Could we afford this? As I watched the woman cry with her husband, I too felt a tear run down my cheek. I knew the reason she was crying, I could feel her pain. Because I had been there, I was there.

I was snapped back when my name was called. Jeff took my hand and together, we walked back to the exam room.

I disrobed and waited for the doctor. I folded my arms over my belly and said a little prayer, "Please God let the baby be alright. Please God let me just see a strong beating heart."

The doctor entered the room and began the examination.

When was the dose of medication?

When was the date and time of intercourse?

When was the date of the positive pregnancy test?

When was your blood work drawn?

And so on, as he reviewed my charted. I room was quiet for a moment while he read and then suddenly he looked up and said, "Alright then, lets have a look."

My heart raced with anticipation and fear. "Please God....." I prayed and he slipped in the probe and moved it around to find what we were looking for.

"Well, I think we have hit the jackpot!" He said.

I was so busy preparing my heart for bad news, for something to be wrong that it took me a moment to realize was he was saying. When the word 'jackpot' registered, I opened my eyes a looked at the screen.

When I saw the screen, I knew. I saw two small beating hearts on the screen. Not one but two babies. All I could think was "two babies, two babies." Then the doctor spoke again, "Well, I see two here and then there is something else."

I whipped my head towards the screen as in that moment the reality hit me. "Something else? Something else? Please God let it be a tumor."

"Yup, yup there it is. See there? Its another heartbeat. So we have three strong beating hearts," the doctor said as he verified each one. "So, I would say that you hit the jackpot. Congratulations. Everything looks good so far but I will want to see you again in two weeks."

And with that he handed me the picture of the three bean looking babies and left the room. It was then that I remember that Jeff was sitting in the room with me. I looked over at him sitting in the corner, still and quiet as a mouse. I hopped off the table and got dressed.

We walked out of the room, made the follow up appointment, laughed when the receptionist said, "Wow, three babies. That's awesome," and headed out to the parking lot.

As we approached our cars, I looked at Jeff and finally spoke, "So what do you think?"

Jeff looked up at me and said, "I can't talk now. Later. Later, we will talk. Bye." And with that he lightly kissed me on the cheek, got into his car and drove off.

I then walked back to my car and once I was safely inside, I cried. I cried for joy. I cried for fear. I cried for Hayden. I cried for the unknown. I cried for the three babies. I just cried.

Let's Go: A Vlog

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:22:00 +0000

I wanted to go to the store. So I decided to take you all with me.

Note: Ok so, when I was in the store, I totally chicken out. There were people around and I was afraid that they would watch me.
I know that is the point of a vlog but I guess I am just shy.

Mama Kat's Losin' It
My-Sparrow

"Can I Be In Charge?"

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:11:00 +0000

"Mom, please, Please, PLEEEEASE! Can you leave me in charge? I am 5 years old now. I can do it."

"Sure fine, Hayden. You can be in charge. Now what movie do you want to watch?" I asked with an exhausted sigh.

There was at least 45 minutes, 60 tops, left of Jake, Quinn and Claire's nap time and all I wanted was to lay down for 20, maybe 30 minutes and take a power nap.

"Now sit nicely and watch your movie. I am going to lay down." I instructed as I left the room.

"Alright, Mom. But I am in charge, right Mom?" Hayden called after me.

I mumbled something to him, hoping that he would just be quiet. The siren song of my bed was just too strong and I couldn't ignore it any more. I wanted to curl up in the covers and go to sleep.

As I pulled the covers back and got into bed, I heard Claire moaning on the baby monitor. I thought nothing of it because she will do this every so often in her sleep. Once I was in bed, snuggled up tight, I listened again.

Nothing. Silence.

"Yippee!" I thought to myself, "This is actually going to work. Power nap, here I come."

I closed my eyes and willed myself to sleep as fast as possible when I heard this over the baby monitor, "Claire. Claire. Its alright, honey. You can get up now. Mommy is asleep and I am in charge. Come on downstairs with me."

Really, I rolled my eyes in my head. I guess I forgot to give Hayden the memo about Claire's moaning.

"Come on, Quinn. You can come too." I again heard Hayden on the monitor. I listened to the kids walk downstairs. I was hoping that they would just watch the movie and I could still get my power nap. There was still hope for this nap.

"WHAAAAAAA!" I heard Quinn's distinctive 'Mommy where are you?' cry.

"Here Quinn, I will take you to Mommy. She is in her bed. See, Hi Mommy, here she is. Get up there and jump on her." And with that statement. I resolved never to leave Hayden in charge again.

Good bye power nap. Someday, we will be together again.

Trick or Treat

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:21:00 +0000

It was finally time to get ready to go to my parent's house to go trick or treating. Hayden was so excited. I pulled all the costume together and Hayden came over to approve my work.

"Mom? Where's my Darth Vader costume?"

I looked at him with shock, 'What? Well, I don't have a Darth Vader costume for you. Remember, we got you this sword and shield?"

"But Mom, I told you that I wanted to be Darth Vader," he whined at me.

"Hayden, we talked about this on Monday at the store. You wanted the sword and shield," I tried to remain calm because it was about two hours before we would be actually going out and there really wasn't time to get him something new.

"But I told you, " he said as his lip began to quiver. I could see the tears start to form.

"I am sorry Hayden, this is all I have. You are just going to have to use the sword." And with my response, he ran crying up stairs to his room.

I looked at Jeff and he looked at me, "What are we going to do?"

We did the only thing that we could, rack our brains for a costume that would be cool enough to satisfy the needs of a five year old and consist of items that we had on hand.

The one suggestions that we came up with was a Scare Crow. I said a little prayer that Hayden would like the idea as we went in to share it with him.

And thankfully he did, really, really did.

So I give you Hayden the Scare Crow, Quinn the Dog, Jake the Lyon and Claire the Princess.

The rest of the night went seeming smoothly, we even captured a picture of all six kids (my sister's two included) in full costume.

But there was this one house the really scared the kids. It was not because it was all decked out in spooky decorations, no it was because of the dog.

I heard the dog barking fiercely as we approached but it was no where to be seen. The owner opened the door to hand out the candy and then the dog came running fully speed at us. Thankfully, it was contained in the house and came no where near the kids but it was pretty scary none the less.

Which was evidenced by the comments of the kids. Jake, Quinn and Claire screamed at the top of their lungs, "Ahhhh! Doggie get me! Doggie get me! Ahhhhhh!"

and Hayden, well he told me, "Mom! That dog was so scary that my eyeballs fell right out of my head!"

Once everyone was calmed down and eyeballs were returned to their rightfull sockets, we were able to continue on.
And had have a pretty good night.

This Drives Me Crazy and Other Random Thoughts

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:15:00 +0000

It is time once again for me to let the Blog Farts fly. So here we go well, I clear my mind and stink up the blogoshpere.

******

I have been thinking about changing my url. I want to be become a big girl blog with a dot com address. I have been thinking about this for a very long time. I have talked to a lot of people about it and they say that it is no big deal. It is a smooth transitions that most people don't even notice but I am scared. I don't want to loose all my readers and friends. If I do switch and if things go wrong, will you all promise to come and find me?

******

This

and this

drives me absolutely nuts.
I mean, is it really hard to see that they are upside down?
Sometimes, I have been known to switch them.
Come one people, put them away the right way.

******

Claire has really been into playing in her little kitchen. She is always telling me that she is making dinner. I keep wondering when I will be able to really let her make dinner. Because as much I like to cook, I would like to turn the reins over to her on some days.

******

We have been having some early morning adventures, like 5AM early, lately. Jake has taken to getting up this early and he is now tall enough to turn on all the light switches through out the house. So when I get up and after I get blinded by all the light, I take him back to bed. I tell him it is still night night time. Does he listen and go back to sleep?
No. That would be to easy. What he does do is turn the lights on in his room which is also Quinn and Claire's room and wake them up. So I end up with all three of them awake before 6AM. It is not good.

Oh and he has alos taken to stripping, including his diaper and hiding them. I still have not found a couple.

******

Speaking of Jake, he really loves the pumpkins that we carved. He goes outside and he will sit by them and talk to them and he takes them for a walk. Well on one of these walks, he thought it would be a good idea to throw one down the street. And we live on the top of a hill. So there was one of our pumpkins rolling down the street with me chasing after it. It was awesome. But don't worry, the pumpkin is safe. I got to it before it was harmed.

******

This is my poor sweet Hayden. He is sick with the flu for the very first time.
I am doing everything possible to make him feel better.
But seeing him like this really makes me want my mom.
I remember being little and being sick with the flu
and there was nothing like just being with my Mommy.
There was just something about being in her arms that made me
feel all better.
I want my Mommy.

The Tale of the Red Eyes

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:13:00 +0000

Just like every other night after finishing my post for the next day, I headed off to bed. I walked by Jeff, who was playing World of Warcraft at the kitchen table, and kissed him on the top of the head.

"Going to bed?" he asked.

"Yeah. Are you coming soon?" I questioned.

"Yup. Yup. Oh man, those mother 'effers. What? Yeah, I be there soon," he answered.

Talking to Jeff while he is mid game is always interesting. He is usually only half paying attention to me. But I am used to it. I knew his love of all things video game before I married him.

I kissed him once again on the head and said, "Please don't stay up too late". And I went off to bed.

Once my nightly ritual was complete I settled under the covers to doze until Jeff came in. One of the side effects of being married is that sometimes I can't fail asleep if Jeff is not in bed with me. This happened to be one of those nights.

I let my mind wonder and hoped that sleep would come, even though Jeff was not in the bed. But then I heard it the distinctive sound of Jeff pushing his chair away from the table. "Yeah," I thought to myself, "Sweet sleep will finally come to me."

I felt a presence in the room and just assumed it was Jeff, emptying his pockets of his wallet, phone and keys and getting undressed.

The whole time he was doing this, I felt his stare on my back. I could just feel his eyes boring into my back. It was not his normal behavior but sometimes, Jeff can be weird.

But this time, it was creeping me out. I felt very uncomfortable and I just wanted him to hurry up and come to bed so that I could go to sleep.

But he still didn't come. He just seemed to be standing there staring at me. I could feel his eyes on my back. He was totally giving me the chills.

This was getting ridiculous. What in the world was he doing that was taking so long? And why was he staring at me?

"Jeff! What are you doing?!" I said in a huff as I turned over onto my other side to face his side of the room.

Once I was on that side, I stopped short. For I did not see what I expected. I thought that Jeff would be right there, standing next to the bed. I felt his presence in the room. I felt his eyes on my back. But the room was dark. The door was closed and there was no one there.

"Jeff?" I said again, just in case he was hiding at the edge of the bed and at any moment going to jump up and scare the crap out of me.

"Jeff?" I said again. My heart was now starting to race. I looked at the door and saw the glow of the kitchen light still on. Jeff was not in the room with me that was for sure. But who was in the room. I could still feel someone there.

I looked around the dark room as best I could.

I was now sitting straight up in bed. My heart was beating so fast that I thought at any moment it would leap out of my throat.

I did not see anyone in the room with me but I still felt eyes boring into me. I was scared stiff. I wanted to run out of the room. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. But, nothing. I was unable to do anything.

Then as I sat there my eyes were pulled to the corner of the room by the door. And it was there that I saw two glowing red dots... eyes, staring right at me.

I could not move. It was as if those eyes held me in place. The only thing that I could do was blink and when I did, the eyes were gone.

I felt alone in the room for the first time since I got into bed.

I ripped the covers off my body and bolted out of bed like a cat with its tale on fire. I ripped the door open and I burst into the kitchen. Jeff was sitting at the table playing his game, completely unaware of what just happened to me.

He paused for a moment and gave me a confused look, questioning the commotion that I just caused as I entered the kitchen.

"What?" I said to him. "I just remember I had to check my email one more time."

There was no way I was going to tell him what just happened. I was not even sure what just happened and I still don't know.

This post has been a part of Spooky Writer's Workshop
It was also inspired by this blogger and this post.
Happy Halloween.

Past and Present Pumpkin Processes

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:50:00 +0000

We don't usually do much in the way of Halloween preparations or decorations, much to Hayden's chagrin.

He really thinks that we should decorate the house, top to bottom in all things scary and spooky.
Me, on the other hand, I am not so convinced.

But when though, we don't decorate or even make fun Halloween crafts,
we do do
PUMPKINS!

And I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and look at
Pumpkins of year's past.

Here they are, our little pumpkin family of three.

I thought they were cute but Hayden well, he wasn't quiet convinced.

Then again, maybe he was crying because the next year brought these guys.

But not to worry, there were still pumpkins.
Just a lot more pumpkins.

But we carved them all the same, expect for the tiny ones.
Jeff and I deemed them too small to carve.
So the next year, we bought six good size pumpkins and the plan was to have a whole
Jack 'O Lantern Family.

But even with the kids help, there were just too make to clean and carve.
So the 'mommy and daddy' pumpkin, well they were just 'shy' and had no face.

Now that brings us to this year.
We learned our lesson and got just enough pumpkins to cover the kids.
And Jeff and I were excited because we thought the kids would be gun-hoe about helping us clean them out, like last year.

I mean what kid doesn't want to get all dirty and make a mess.

Hayden, he jumped right in, almost literally.

Jake was all to happy to help.

Quinn, well, he really couldn't be bothered to help with the pumpkins.
The dinosaur stickers were just too much fun.

And Claire, she was all about helping clean out the pumpkins.
She took her shirt off so that it wouldn't get dirty.
She got up on her chair and was so ready to jump in until she saw the inside of a pumpkin.

Then I couldn't get her to touch it with a ten foot pole.

But who can really blame her, pumpkin guts are really slimy.

But not to worry, once I gave her a spoon she dug right in.

And we were able to successfully carve pretty awesome pumpkins.

If I do say so myself.

Wordful Wednesday is host by

Seriously, This Kid

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:14:00 +0000

Hayden, Hayden, Hayden. There really is never a dual moment with that kid. Even something as simple as going to the doctor for his five year old check up can be a laugh-a-minute, unexpected journey.

This morning, I told Hayden that we would be going to the doctor's office for his check up. Now a normal kid probably would have thrown out a couple, 'Aw Mom's' and stomped off to his/her room. But no, not Hayden. When I told him, he let out a very loud, very excited, "YIPPEE!" Then proceeded to run around the room, jump on the furniture and knock over a sibling or two.

Once he had calmed down by spending time on the naughty chair, he came up to me and asked me to feel his forehead. I rolled my eyes at him and complied with his request.

"Hayden you feel fine," I told him.

"No, Mom. I think that I have a feeber. I think that I need to go to the doctor now," he whined at me.

"Hayden, you are fine," I stated.

"But Moooooma. I have a really, really big headache. Puhleeesa take me to the doctor now." He whined once again.

I then firmly told him that we wouldn't be able to go until after naps when Papa could come and watch Jake, Quinn and Claire. He dramatically sighed at me and stomped off to play.

Finally, after a nonexistent nap it time to go. During the car ride there, he had a question for me.

"Mom, do you think I will have to get a shot?" he asked.

"I don't think so, Hayden. I think that you had them all last time." I answered.

"Oh. But if I do need to get a shot, I will try really hard not to cry. I will be a really big boy so it is alright if I have to have a shot," he said.

"Well that is good but I don't think that you will need to have a shot." I told him once again.

"Whhhay?" he whined. "I really want to get a shot."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. What child wants to get a shot? So I probed more into why this was such an issue. And lets just say, I wasn't really surprised by the answer.

"Mom, I need to get a shot so that I can get candy. They give you candy after you get a shot. Remember when I was four and I got shots. They had candy for me," he informed me.

After convincing him that he could still get candy for just going to the doctor, he quit whining and sat back to enjoy the rest of the ride.

Once we were checked in and all the necessary measurement were complete, Hayden undressed and we waited for the doctor. I don't know why Hayden has such love and affection for a man that he only sees once a year. Maybe its all the undivided attention that is give to just him. But he could hardly contain himself waiting in that room for Dr B. He was like a hamster running on one of those wheels. He was just spinning and bouncing and climbing on EVERYTHING!

Finally, Dr B. enter the room and the rest of the appointment went off without any major problems but there were two incidents that still make me laugh.

I learned that my son, reaches into his underwear to grab and play with his penis each and every time he is asked a question. I don't know if it helps him think or what. But I am really hoping that he is not doing this in school.

And the highlight of the appointment, mostly because it didn't happen to me was this. Dr B. asks Hayden to take a big breath in and let it out so that he can listen to his lungs. Hayden is more than happy to comply. He takes him one exaggerated breath and then lets it out right in the doctors face. Dr. B is literally blown away. After regaining his composure, he asks.

"Hayden, what did you have for lunch?"

After playing with himself for a few seconds, Hayden proudly answers "Peanut butter and jelly."

Dr B. replies, "I thoughts so because that breath was like eating a Reese peanut butter cup with out getting to enjoy the chocolate."

Jeff and I look at each other and then back at the doctor and we can all no longer control ourselves. We all bust out laughing. Hayden is a little take back by this and screams for us to stop laughing as he runs to me.

Well, I wipe my tears of laughter away and compose myself, I squeeze him tight and tell him, "It's alright, Buddy, you are just too funny!"

A smile returns to his face and he says, "I love you, Mom."

I pull him close for another hug and say, "Thanks for making this the best doctor's visit ever and now take your hand out of your underwear."

Call Now for a Live Chat

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:30:00 +0000

When you dial a phone number it is just natural to expect to be connected with the person that you called. Sure, every now and again you dial the number wrong and get connected with someone else but that is really not the norm.

I am no different. When I dial a phone number, I expect to get connected to the person or place that I am calling. Well, I used to expect this. But now, my phone dialing expectations will never be the same.

During one of my shifts at work, a couple of the monitors that we use to keep tract of patient's vital signs weren't working properly. After switching the patients to different monitors, I got the phone number to call our customer service rep to try and fit the problem.

I dialed her number which led me to her voice mail. It stated that she would be on vacation for the next week. Well, this problem couldn't wait that long. So I called the person that she said was covering for her. The number once again led to voice mail.

This was a time sensitive matter so waiting for this woman to check her voice mail and get back to me wasn't an option. In her message, she thankfully left a number to a customer service center which could be used when she wasn't available. I listened carefully and wrote down the number.

I hung up the phone and dialed the 1-888 number she left. I waited for the automatic system to pick up the line. But when it did, I was really confused by the response.

"To speak with a live person and chat, call 1-886-XXX-XXXX."

Totally didn't expect that but I wrote the number down, hung up the phone and dialed the new number. Again, I waited for the automatic options to be told to me.

"Welcome to Live Chat. There are hot, sexy girls waiting to chat with you. Press 1 to chat with Monica. Press 2 to chat with Tiffany. Press....."

I sat there in shock as the message played on. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I hung up the phone and tried to figure out what was going on.

"Maybe, I dialed wrong? Maybe I wrote the number down wrong?" I thought as I picked up the phone and dialed the first number again. I listened to each of the voice mail messages again and verified that I had indeed written down the correct number.

Then I once again dialed the customer service center. I once again got the message to call the 'live chat' number. I once again dialed the number.

"Welcome to Live Chat. There are hot, sexy girls waiting to chat with you. Press 1 to chat with Monica. Press 2 to chat with Tiffany. Press....."

I hung up the phone completely dumbfounded by the whole situation. Now, I had two problems on my hands. I still had to figure out how to get the patient monitors fixed but now I also had to try and explain to my boss why there are people calling live sex chat hot lines from the nursing unit.

Halloween Treats

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:44:00 +0000

I do a monthly feature over at Multiples and More about cooking with your kids. For this months feature, the kids and I made a Halloween treat and we had so much fun that I just had to share it with you too.

Since Halloween is right around the corner, the kids and I made this ghoulish snack to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Now this snack doesn't really involve cooking-----you don't have to turn on the stove or touch a pot. But it is fast, fun and produces lots of giggles and good times.

So gather your ghouligans, and let's get started.

You will only need a few things: Oreo cookies, gummy worms, wooden spoon, baggies and bowls.

Put some Oreo cookies into the bags.

I used 5 cookies for each bag and honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. Two or three cookies would be plenty.

Once the cookies are in the bags,

take the wooden spoons and smash them until you get a dirt like texture.

Just make sure that you only smash the cookies and not a sibling.
The latter results are not pretty.
(Trust me on this. I tried to capture this but I had to be the parent and stop the sibling smashing.)

Here is what it looks like when all the smashing is done.

Next pour the dirt into a bowl.

Now get ready to put the worms in.....

Careful, don't let them escape. Those worms can be tricky.

All that is left is to eat!

Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

I Know I Didn't Expect...

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:43:00 +0000

So this week, the theme around the blogosphere has been about Motherhood. I have read a lot of great posts. Some beautiful, some gave me goose bumps, some brought a tear to my eye, some have made me laugh uncontrollably and some made me question things. Which I think is only fitting because Motherhood itself is like this.

Motherhood is such a thing that really cannot be explained. You don't really get it until you have been in it. There is no way to tell some one of the love that a mother has for a child or how each minute can bring a new worry about that child. There is really not any good way to tell someone what to expect when they become a mother.

I know that I didn't expect to feel the overwhelming, head spinning, gut wrenching love that I have for my children.

I know that I didn't expect to be so physically and emotional exhausted each and every day.

I know that I didn't expect the frustrations and anger that can come with dealing with small children. I never understood how an adult could shake a screaming crying baby. I didn't expect to be in the situation and thankfully choose to walk away instead.

I know that I didn't expect to laugh multiple times a day at things my children say or do.

I know I didn't expect to long to return to a time when my children were newborn babies, to just hold them again one more time, just to take in there smell and feel their weight in my arms. But in that same moment, I didn't expect to be so excited and giddy to watch them grow up. Waiting anxiously for them to reach each new stage, beaming with pride when they do.

I know that I didn't expect to scream at the top of my lungs at the TV with my children because there is a snake that is going to get Rocket and then die with laughter afterwords.

I know that I didn't expect to second guess myself with every decision that I make. Even the simple ones like, should we go to the ER in the middle of the night for what seems to be just an ear infection? Maybe it is something else? Maybe there is more wrong, maybe not? Or to wonder, did I do something wrong in his first five years of life when he was home with me to cause these behavior problems at school?

I didn't expect to wonder if my children would get enough love from me. I am giving them enough? There is only one of me and four of them. How is it possible to meet their every need when I am so out numbered.

I know that I didn't expect to be able to instantly connect with other women, strangers, because they too are Mothers.

I know that I didn't expect to wish for a handbook or a guide as to how to deal with these children. How am I suppose to handle a son that wants to sleep with me every night, a daughter that is so suborn she wouldn't move from a spot that was on fire if I asked her and she didn't want to, or a son that is so anxious and unnerved when I leave he can barely eat.

I know that I didn't expect to long for a break away from my children and when in fact I got that break, long to be back with them.

I know that I didn't expect to get so much joy and happiness from just watching my children play and listening to them talk with each other.

I know that I didn't expect for this to be the most difficult thing I have ever done in my whole life.

I had no idea of all the emotions and feeling that waited for me before a became a mother. And maybe that is why we really have no idea because really, who would choose to have their heart literally walking outside of their body?

But I did choose to become a mother even though I didn't know what to expect. And you know what? I am so blessed because I did.

This post is a part of Writer's Workshop.

Hosted by the wonderful mother,
Mama Kat

The Lesson of Reponsibility

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:05:00 +0000

There once was a boy who's parents decided to teach him about responsibility.

For his birthday, they approve of him getting a new fish for a pet.
The boy was very happy, for he loved animals so.

The family as a whole took the pilgrimage to the store to help the boy pick out just the right ones to bring home.

Each tank was studied with care.
And after many, many, many minutes the boy finally chose, three fish to be his.

He loving named them Treasure Chest, Coral and Goldie

With the new pets in tow, the family head for home.
The first order of business in being responsible for pets is to build them a home.
So with the help of this father, the boy did.

The boy was proud of his work and his new pets.

Beaming from ear to ear, he introduced his little sister and brothers to his new friends.
It was a match made in heaven.

The boy took great care of his new pet fish. Each morning upon waking he would feed his fish and each evening before bed he would feed them again.

His parents were proud of responsibility he was learning.
They smiled and congratulated each other for this good parenting move.

But there was one lesson that they did not plan on the boy learning so soon.
For you see, fish are finicky creatures and sometimes, well most of the time, they die.

Death is said and a hard lesson to learn.
The boy's mother expected tears and much sadness when the boy learned of the terrible news.
But instead the boy just looked at her and said,
"Tomorrow can we get new fish? I was kinda sick of those ones anyway."

Living the Vegas Life

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:36:00 +0000

I just got back from Vegas.
And let me just say, I can't think of a better way to spend to start off my 30th year of life.

SITScation Totally Rocked!

I got to meet some pretty famous bloggers
Mama Kat, Summer, Heather, Tiffany, Connie, Angie, Rachel, Lolli, Shannon

And I spent the weekend having the time of my life.
I learned a lot,
talked a lot and barely stopped smiling.
But all I can show you of the weekend is this.

Because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

But I have to tell you that I do have a slightest pang of guilt for having such a fabulous time in Vegas.
Because here at home, my children came down with the stomach flu.
And as children do when the are sick, they passed it onto their caregivers----my parents.
So not only did my parents have to chase after my crazy children all weekend, they had to do while worshiping the porcelain throne.

Does This Make Me Scary or Real?

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Right here, right now, I have to put all the myths to rest. I am not the good mother that you all think that I am. Now, don't get me wrong. I love reading all the comments that say what a wonderful mother I am but I just can't live with the pressure anymore. I have to set the record straight.

So that is why I am joining in with Jill from Scary Mommy. I am going to show how I am really just a 'scary mommy or as I like to call it a 'Real Mommy'.

Let my kids run around with spoons in their mouths. I try and stop them but they are just too fast.

I have them wait in the car while I run into the post office. There is just too many of them and it is really better for the post office if I leave them in the car. Because the second they go in and look at the mail just become completely unorganized. They make chaos where ever they go. But don't worry, I leave a DVD playing for them.

We eat McDonald's at least once a week. I have no reason for this. It is just easy.

I don't change their clothes if their clothes are 'just a little' damp from a diaper that leaked or if they spill on it. Having four kids creates enough laundry and if I changed their clothes every single time they peed on their clothes or got them dirty, I would be doing laundry every single day. No thank you!

I let them jump off the stairs and furniture because how else I am suppose to exhaust them so that they will go to bed.

They watch way to much TV because I don't really know what else to do with them during the day.

I give in and say yes after I have said no twenty times just to stop the whining. I am weak and whining is just a powerful weapon. Seriously, anything to stop the whining.

I don't do crafts with my kids. I am not a crafty person so finding crafts and projects for them is not something I want to do. My idea of a craft is giving them paper and a crayon or two.

I am on the internet too much. But I try to do it when they are sleeping as much as possible but sometime I just need to get on-line and escape.

So now I hope that all of you will stop calling me a great Mom. I have put out there all my dirty little secrets. And man, what a relief.

But you know what? I don't feel bad or guilty (ok, I feel a little guilty. I am a Mom and there is always guilt) about this. I am a REAL Mom who makes mistakes. A Mom who is trying to do the best that she can. A Mom who will never claim to be perfect, in fact I won't even try.

And that is just fine with me. I LOVE my kids with every fiber of my being and that right there is enough for me and them.

Feeling Like You Are Buried with Children

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:32:00 +0000

So I am still off playing and having fun. So here is a post from another one of my favorite bloggers. I love this women! She and I just get each other. So here you go, a fabulous post written by Kathy B! from The World According to Me.

************

When Jen asked me to guest post while she was away I was thrilled ~~because no has ever been foolish enough to ask~~ because I adore both Jen and her blog. So after she asked I spent some time thinking about why I have such mad bloggy love for Jen, and the answer was simple: Jen reminds me of ME!

Sure were different...

Jen is west coast, and I am east coast (Sorry but I just have to interject here. She means, Jen is north east and I am south east.)

Jen has a career, and I stay at home

Jen has little kids, and I have bigger kids.

And Jen has triplets, and I, well, I don't!!

So if we're so different, how does she remind me of me?! Buried with Children, her blog title, pretty much sums it up. I don't have triplets but I did have four kids in four years. I remember very clearly how it feels to be outnumbered and outwitted. Actually, being outwitted by my kids is pretty much becoming a way of life in my world.

The other day the kids were playing happily in my bathroom and trying to put some of my old makeup on their dolls. They were completely engrossed and totally oblivious to what I was doing, so I took the opportunity to clean the bathroom. They were still engrossed when I finished, so I moved to the half-bath.... and the guest bath.

I went back to check on them and as I rounded the corner to the bathroom I noticed:

Quiet. Clean. Apparently they'd moved on.

They'd actually put the makeup and dolls away. I was just about to start congratulating myself on bringing up brilliant, well-behaved, neat and organized children when I saw this on my freshly cleaned, perfectly streak-free mirror:

This kinda thing would totally happen to Jen.

And that makes me feel good. And happy. Like I'm not navigating this crazy journey alone.

It makes me feel like I'm Buried with Children.

Safe Haven

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:53:00 +0000

So I am not here this weekend. I am off celebrating and having a really good time sans children. So I have given my blog over to one of my very good friends, Momma from Live. Laugh. Pull Your Hair Out. If you don't know her, you should. She is fabulous! One of my daily reads. I love the way that she looks at life and her photos are just awesome.
So with out further ado, here is what Momma has to say about childbirth and her safe haven.

**********

A wonderful gal asked me to guest post on her blog while she goes away and parties with other cool bloggers.

How dare she?

I thought about discussing these cool bloggers and how they are the "clique" that everyone wants to be friends with but no one measures up to. I also thought about bad-mouthing them all
while they are there and we are here at home eating bon-bons in front of the TV.

But that would be wrong.
So I give you this instead.

I have figured it all out.

After 30 agonizing months of pregnancy, many, many pounds of weight gain, hours and hours of painful labor and hormonal hell, I have figured it out.

I have figured out why I had two more children after having my first.

Sure they are cute, fun to dress up and make life worth living, but now I know why I went through the torture to get them here.

The hospital stay.

Yep, you you read that correctly.

I enjoyed being in the hospital.

A lot!

I call it my Safe Haven. My Comfy Place. My Retreat.

Think about it. You have just endured months and months carrying this beautiful babe and then very painfully delivered him/her and it is over.

Except now you have your healthy baby in the comfort of a hospital where the majority of people around you know all about babies.

They come and check on you every once in awhile.

Some chat. Some don't but that's OK because you enjoy looking at your beautiful baby more than talking to them anyways.

There is no cleaning to do.

No cooking.

No parenting other children.

No running errands.

No worrying about how you look.

All you have to do is admire your baby, watch some television, walk down to the kitchen area to grab some food and stay in your pyjamas all day. You have visitors coming to admire your newborn and some even bring gifts.

If you're lucky, some of those visitors will tell you how great you look.

Some won't.

But that's just fine, because you are in your Safe Haven. Life is good. All is well in your world.

Except for the sore boobs.

Bleeding body parts.

Uncontrollable tears.

and

No sleep.

But it is all worth it. Even after your hospital stay.

When my children are beating the crap out of each other and calling one another names I have never heard in all of my 34 years, I remember my Safe Haven and how much I enjoyed it.

Because I am never going back.

More Than a Mother

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:18:00 +0000

Today is my 30th birthday. So I thought it would be fitting if I asked my mom about my birth.

It was early in the morning and my Dad had already left for work. My Mom was alone when her water broke and she started having contractions. My Dad has just gotten to work when she called him and told him to come back home. She labored at home until about mid-morning and then went to the hospital. And 3 hours later, I was born. The first thoughts that my Mom had of me when I was born was that she couldn't believe how big I was, 8lbs 12oz, and that I had the roundest, fattest baby face that she had ever seen. She said that as soon as I was placed into her arms, and given her breast, I latched right on. And that was it, we bonded right away.

I listened to my Mom tell me this story and I could hear the emotion in her voice. I heard the words get choked up in her throat. I felt the love that she had for me. I understood this love because I share each of it for my own children.

My Mom and I have always had a great relationship. She is the one that I can talk about anything. She knows me. She understands me. Sure, we have had our bumps in the road but what relationship doesn't. She is my biggest supporter and pushes me to be my very best.

I have always admired my Mom. Not because she was perfect but because she did the very best that she could with what she was given.

But my admiration and love for her was taken to a whole new level after I had my own kids. We were still mother and daughter but it was at a whole new level. We were now almost like equals.

We understood each other.

She knew what I meant when I said that I was in love with my children
She understood my pain and sadness at having to leave my baby on my first day back at work.
I understand her longing to be together as a family.
We both know the worry of raising a child, the guilt and fear of doing something wrong

Motherhood bonded us together more. It brought us closer together. When I became a mother, my mother became so much more than just my mother. She became my mentor, someone to confide in, and my friend.

We are forever bonded together as mother and daughter but we have a better understanding of each other and relationship because we are also both mothers.

This post has been part of Writer's Workshop host by Mama Kat.

Wordful Wednesday Birthday Recap

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:11:00 +0000

"Hey Hayden? Did you have a good birthday?"

"Yeah!!!"

"What was the best part?"

"Getting a 'dollar' for a present and...."

my CAKE!"

That's right folks, my husband, the ace of cakes, was at it again.
He made Nemo last time, this time it was Aang from Avatar, the Last Airbender.

I am starting to wonder if we should put his talents to good use?
Maybe a part-time job as a cake decorator?
I see some more shopping in my future.

According to Plan

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:22:00 +0000

Sometime in my unorganized haze, I realized that I had not gotten my renewal notice to renew the registration and license plate for the van.

Normally, I would have just renewed the thing online the day I got it. But for some reason this year, they didn't send me one or it got lost. Which in all honesty, is probably what happened that or one of the kids ate it.

Since, I came to this realization over the weekend and my birthday is Thursday and we are leaving on Thursday, that left me little time get it renewed. I figured that it couldn't wait until we came home because, just my luck, my parents would be driving our van around and get pulled over for expired license plates.

The Secretary of State's office is only open during normal business hours aka 9am to 5pm, so going after Jeff gets home from work was not an option. I decided that I was just going to have to go during the day and take the kids with me.

I know, I know. Commit me to the loony bin now. I am totally crazy for trying to do this but I was really left with no choice.

All morning, I psyched myself up for the adventure. After naps we were going to go. I filled my arsenal with multiple tricks; DVD player, juice, snacks, DS, Leapster, coloring books, crayons, books to read, a Costco size bag of chocolate chips, etc. I was the entertainment and distraction queen.

I told myself to just expect some tantrums. I prepared myself to get scoffed at and judged. I readied myself to deal with falls, snot and poopy diapers. I was truly ready for anything and prepared to wait for days or so it felt from the weight of my diaper bag.

In a last ditch effort make a successful trip, when we got to the SoS office, I turned around in the van and addressed the kids. I told them what we were doing. I begged Jake, Quinn and Claire to please stay in the stroller. I told Hayden how proud I was of him when he acted like a big boy. I promised treats and play time at the mall for good behavior. And, I am not proud of it, I begged on my knees them to listen and obey.

They all gave me that 'your crazy, mom' look but agreed to my requests. I accepted but wondered how long this would last.

My hope began to fade and I saw failure on horizon when I couldn't get Hayden to walk with me across the parking lot because he had to check out each shiny item he saw.

But I was in too deep. We were here now and come hell or high water, we were going to get my license and registration renewed.

As we reached the door, I took a deep breath, said a little prayer and opened it. I expected to find a room to be full of people. I expected every chair to be taken and people spilling out into the lobby. I expected to have to try and maneuver my huge stroller around tons of people all while trying not to knock over some little old lady in a walker.

I expected all of that but what I actually saw what much, much different. In fact the office was just about EMPTY. That's right, there were only a hand full of people there. Now that I think about it, I may have even seen a tumble weed blowing through there.

I walked right up to the counter, told the woman what I needed and she helped me. No taking a number. No moving to the next line. She just helped me. She even made small talk with me and the kids.

The whole transaction took less than 5 minutes. Actually, it took me more time to get the kids in the stroller and into the office than it did for them to process and renew my license.

As we walked back to the car, Hayden looked up at me and asked, "Mom? When are we going to have to sit in the chairs so I can play my game?"

I looked at my registration paper and I looked at Hayden but I didn't have an answer. All I could muster to answer his question was a shoulder shrug. I was sorta in a state of shock.

I had always heard of these things happening but it rarely ever happens to me. It is just such a weird feeling when things go according to plan. Simple, easy, quick.

Dear Hayden

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:02:00 +0000

I can't believe that I have been your mother for 5 years. I am the mother of a 5 year old, a kindergartner. I am not sad that you are growing up, I am happy about it. I have loved watching you grow. Since you were young, I have always wished you to the next stage. And you have had no problem getting there, even early in fact.

But you never would have guessed that from how you were born. You were a very big baby and I was convinced that you should come early. I tried everything in my power to do that. All the old wives tales----I tried them. I ate Eggplant Parmesan like it was going out of style. One Saturday, I walked so much that I began contracting and I thought that you were coming but it was just not your time.

No you came 4 days after you were due, after 10 hours of labor, after 3 hours of pushing and after a c-section. But I didn't really care, you were here and that is all that mattered to me.

From the moment I saw you, I loved you. I was in love with you. All I wanted to do was be with you, hold you and just watch you. During the first three months of your life, we were rarely apart. Every night, I rocked you to sleep. For hours, I would just sit, rock you and sing. Tears of joy and love would just stream down my face. I never wanted to be apart form you. I hated how my arms felt when you were not in them.

I vividly remember that morning I had to go back to work. I stood over your crib watching you sleep, knowing that I had to leave but I could not let go of your crib. How were you going to survive without me? I was your mother, how could I leave you? What if you needed me?

Your first few months in daycare, I called about 4 times a day. I just had to know that you were alright. With each phone call, I was reassured that you were fine. You were happy, fed and napping.

I realize now that that day when I first left for work, things changed for us. I still loved you with all my heart and soul but we no longer needed to be together every minute. It was the first of many times in your life that I would have to learn how to let go.

I must say, you have made this lesson easy for me. My brain is grateful but my heart, well it aches for you to want me or need me once again.

You have always been a very social and outgoing little boy. Your enthusiasm for the world around you is wonderful but at times can be overwhelming. You give love to anyone who needs it. When people would take you from my arms, you never looked back, never longed or looked for me. You have always been very friendly. Your open heart is a joy to me. I love how you will befriend anyone, you except people no matter what. I pray that this continues and that the world doesn't take this from you as you get older.

I can honestly say that I am excited about this next year and the years that will follow. So many cool and exciting things are going to happen to you, being in school is the first. I know that it is not going to be easy as you grow up. But always know this, no matter how old you get and how little your need for me becomes, I will always be here. No matter what! There is nothing that you can do to make me stop loving you. And at anytime you need to or maybe when I need to, I will always be willing to hold you once again.

So Happy 5th Birthday, my sweet boy. I can't wait to see where this next year takes you. I know that it is going to be full of fun, exciting and even some scary times. But we will face them all, together.

Love, Mom.

My Wish List

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:50:00 +0000

In my blog reading the other night. One of my bloggy friend posed this question,

"What kind of things would be on your wish list if there was no money limit?"

Since my birthday is coming up this next week and Christmas is right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to make a wish list, a wish list in which I dream BIG!

Here is my Wish List:

1. A New Minivan

A 2010 Honda Odyssey to be exact.
I have to drive a minivan and the one that we have is fine but it is just a plain Jane van. It has no spark or sassiness and it is totally lacking is sex appeal.
So since I have to drive a minivan, which I never wanted to do, I feel that I should get to drive one that is sleek and cool and just oozes with sex appeal.

2. Jewelery
More specifically, I would like to have some jewelery from
Tiffany & Co.
I am not picky, anything really would be fine.

3. Plastic Surgery

Not just any plastic surgery, I would like a 'Mommy Make-over'. You know, I would like my breast put back where they used to be and my tummy scalped and shaped to look, well like hers.

4. A Boat

Well, not just any boat but a fully staffed luxury yacht where I could spend the summer (and fall and winter and spring), sailing all over the world.
Stopping in exotic ports, wining and dining on gourmet foods, and having all my whims catered to at a moments notice.

5. Money

I would like to have enough money to not have to worry about money for the rest of my life. I don't really know what the amount of that would be but just enough. Not too much to change me but just enough to take care of my family.

So there, my top five wishes. I don't think that its too much to ask for. And if you would like to help me out with getting any of these, please let me know.

How about you?

"What kind of things would be on your wish list if there was no money limit?"

And if you want to see some real gifts that make me happy,
check out my post on
Multiples and More.

All In A Day

mitcjs@gmail.com (Jen) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:03:00 +0000

"HERE COMES THE TICKLE MONSTER!" I playfully yelled as I ran in to my bedroom where the kids where playing. I heard screams of delight as Hayden rolled around and Quinn tried to scramble up the end of the bed to be tickled and join in the rough housing fun.

Then as I bent over Hayden and started to tickle him, time began to move in slow motion. I watched, helplessly, as Hayden swung his foot around and hit Quinn square in the face.

THWAP!

THUD!

CRACK!

WAAAAAAAAAA! Quinn let out a painful crying as blood began to pour out of his mouth.

With time once again at normal speed, I scooped Quinn up and ran into the kitchen. I quickly put a cool cloth to his mouth and tried to stop the bleeding.

In a few moments, Quinn calmed down enough for me to a chance to look at the wound. That was when I first realized that he has bit through his lip. I looked inside his mouth only to find that the inside lip looked like raw hamburger.

I picked up the phone and called the doctor, only to be told to head into the ER.

"Really?" I questioned the nurse on the other end of the phone. "It is just a small cut."

"Yes. You need to get this checked out by a doctor. It could need stitches or he might need to see a plastic surgeon." She stated.

"Seriously?!" I asked again. I was trying to seal the fact that I would not be nominated for mother of the year.

"Yes, it is our advice that you should go. I will call the ER and tell them that you are coming," and with that she hung up the phone.

I sighed and looked at Quinn who now had a pretty puffy red lip. "I guess its off the doctor for you and me."

I told Jeff what happened, "With the power going out this morning, not sleeping last night and now this injury this afternoon, this could possibly be the worst day ever." I said as Quinn and I headed to the hospital.

Quinn was in great spirits and even happy about the trip. He was talkative and happy and every time someone asked to see his 'big owie', he opened wide.

The doctor who took care of us was great and even gave Quinn a mustache with betadine. He assured me that Quinn would be fine and that the best thing was a little skin glue to seal the outer cut. Quinn was a champ, only getting annoyed by me and all my attempts to take a close-up photo.

In no time we were free to go home. But Quinn, he really didn't to leave. He was having much to much fun jumping on the stretcher and playing with the gloves.

But once he realized the gloves could come home with us, he was ready to go. And I was more than ready for this day to be over and so ready to curl up with a nice big glass of wine. It just goes to show, that when you think a day is bad, it can always get worse.

Hosted by Cecily and Angie