Swim Lessons

Week 1:
Day 1-No tears.  Did exactly as told.  Parents were impressed.  Teacher was amazed.  Mama was PROUD. Youngest kid in class by 3 years.

 

Day 2-Short nap.  Tears.  What Mama expected yesterday.  No longer likes "Wynn" (Mrs. Lynn).  Did okay.

Day 3-No power at house.  NO Nap.  Okay until his turn. Tears. Tears. And More Tears.  Mama went inside.  Did better.  1, 2, 3, "breathe" and go "NeeNix".  Typical progress.

Day 4-2+ hour nap.  Still shorter than normal.  Cried for the first 5 minutes.  Did great thereafter.  Was soo proud of himself.  Mama stayed inside "just in case."  Mama was soo proud of him.  Need to work on kicking legs still. Ran to me afterwards, "I did it, Mama, I did it."  Yes, my baby.  You did it :).

Day 5-Asked to see "Wynn" every time we got in car.  Definite progress.  Says "yes" to swim lessons today.  Yesterday was "no." No tears.  Mama started and stayed inside.

Day 6 (Make up time)-Was up from 2-5am.  Lesson at 9:00am.  Had to be woken up.  Did great with Mama outside.  That only lasted 20 minutes.  Mama went in.  Cried but listened.  Jumped off the rock (diving board).  His decision. Swam to ladder.  Amazing!  Started kicking legs a little too.  We practiced that in the tub last night.

Week 2: 
Day 1-Mama couldn't stay.  Luna had a Dr. appointment.  Phoenix was fine when I left.  Class was cut short because of storms. No pictures :(.

Day 2-Did fabulous.  No crying.  Not even when he noticed Mama had left.  Finally kicking while swimming! Slipped :(. Notice last picture.

Day 3-Was up from 11:00-3:00 the night before.  Had to be woken up.  Mama knew it was going to be rough.  It was.  He wanted nothing to do with it.  When his turn, he did great.  He even jumped off the rock before "Wynn" was in position.  Mama was proud but nervous! Overall better than Mama anticipated. Even with his attempts to escape :).

Day 4-Wanted Mama to stay outside.  She did.  He still participated in the class and followed directions.  Ran to give Mama a High Five after each and every turn.  Then returned to his spot.  Mama was proud.  Kicking and jumping great.  Asked what to do when you fall in, he responds, "Spin." Good answer!  Can't believe tomorrow is the last day :(.

Day 5:  Mama is sad.  Can't believe its already been 2 weeks :(.  Phoenix has done fabulous.  He went to bottom and got rings today.  Woo-Hoo!!!! Dada stopped by for the last 15 minutes to watch too! Mama and Dada are soo very proud.  

Happy DaDa's Day and then some :)!

We had a very busy weekend planned.  One in which, both Jason and I were excited about but exhausted simply thinking about.  Having Jason turn Father's Day into a weekend event, didn't help either :)!

We started by attending a friend's birthday party Friday evening.  Phoenix had a blast playing with his buddies and Jason and I got good quality catch up time with ours.  It was totally fun!  Jason then decided he wanted to go to Yankee's to hear the band.  Phoenix ALWAYS has a blast dancing outside and the weather was just too perfect not to.  Oh, and did I mention, we were apparently celebrating Jason ALL weekend :).  So what DaDa wants, DaDa gets.  For now anyways.

After a long night (we didn't get home until almost 11), we came  home and crashed!  The boys slept in a bit (until 8:00) and after making them breakfast, I headed out for a little ME time.  Garage sales are my absolute favorite and unfortunately I don't get to go very often since Jason is usually working.  However, I took full advantage of him being home and quickly headed out the door!  It was soo nice.  I then ran to the mall real quick to buy a gift.  Came back home to find my two bums doing absolutely NOTHING!

I got Phoenix ready so we could head to my Goddaughter's 3rd birthday party.  Jason was going to get some work done since I needed him to watch Phoenix later on while I attended a dear friends baby shower.  Well, we made it to the exit of their house and my car decides to overheat.  Phoenix, who is asleep at this point, and I pull over and quickly call Jason.  We are sitting on the side of the road, sweat dripping down our faces, dying of thirst and just plain miserable.  The time seemed forever.  Finally, Jason came to drop us off at the party while he tried to figure out the car.  Ha!  Needless to say, we left the party and went straight to look at cars.  This was sort of the icing on the cake for our week :).

I missed my friends baby shower.  I was soo very sad about it.  I ran to the store the day after I got the invite to get her gift because I was soo excited to see her and celebrate her baby.  Life just isn't fair sometimes.  This was when Jason was suppose to watch Phoenix.  My "me time" always seems to get interrupted one way or another.

Okay, well after the baby shower I was SUPPOSE to attend, we had a very BIG celebration for one of our dearest.  Kissa Kissa was turning 40 and baby with us or not (we were planning on taking him before all this drama), we were going to be there to celebrate her.  Well, we finally finished looking at cars and Phoenix was exhausted since he didn't get to nap.  Being down a car, and how totally paranoid I am driving Jason's truck, we sadly decided to miss the celebration.  We all love Kissa Kissa more than anything and it makes me soo sad we weren't there to celebrate her.

We picked up food and Jason's Father's Day cookie cake and came home.  The way our day had been, we thought it safer to just stay put at the house.  So glad we got that cake because we sure needed it!  Nope, we didn't even wait until Sunday to eat it!

Sunday morning we skipped Church in order to attempt getting my car home.  After success, along with it running totally fine, we headed to Cracker Barrel.  No showers, no brushing of hair, nothing.  We just went to enjoy a nice family breakfast for DaDa's Day.  After breakfast we headed home to do NOTHING.  We just lounged around for hours.  It was fantastic!  Jason opened his gifts from Phoenix and Luna and we ate more cookie cake.  We eventually got motivated and took my car up to Firestone to figure out whats going on.  Jason said I wasn't allowed to drive it until we knew it was safe again and Phoenix starts swim lessons Monday, so we HAD to get it there.  We drop it off and Phoenix decides to nap.  I run into Best Buy for a quick "need a new phone" and almost an hour later I walk out.  Oh by the way-that was my Father's Day gift to Jason.  Not the new phone (insurance covered that) but waiting forever in that store where apparently the air was broken or they were being cheap because I likely had a heat stroke.  We went back home.

Firestone called and said a cracked radiator (which is what Jason said), but wouldn't know if it was more until after that was fixed.  Fine, just fix the darn thing.  Five hundred plus dollars later my car was fixed.  Was it worth the money???? Absolutely if it'll buy us a few more months before having to get another car.  Besides, I love my car.  However, that is a lot of money for a car that has over 200 thousand miles on it.  Whatever, if I can get to where Phoenix and I need to go and thats all that matters right now.  Safely, that is.

After that news, we decided to order a pizza and just continue chilling. Keep in mind we just spent over $7,000 on Jason's truck a month ago.  Cars are not my friend at the moment.  We had a nice pizza picnic in the den and then called it a night and a weekend.  I have never been soo excited to see a Monday before in my life!

So although this DaDa's Weekend was a bit more than any of us bargained for, it was nice spending time together.  More time than we usually get to spend in a month.  Coincidence or not, I will NEVER allow for another DaDa's Weekend again.  We will simply stick to DaDa's Day from now on.  Sorry Jason.

And although everyday is a different ride, we wouldn't trade cars (ha) or horses for anything in the world.  We love you to the moon and back, DaDa!

Pickin' Berries

My sister invited us to Sunshine Farms with her and the girls to pick strawberries.  Phoenix isn't a big fan of strawberries, nor are Jason and I.  However, I still thought it'd be a fun way to spend the day.

We met at her house at what was suppose to be a 9:00 departure, but I should've known better with 5 girls!  We finally hit the road-along with the 5 sippy cups and sunscreen she left on the back of her car :).  Abbie and LuLu rode in our car.  We had fun times talking and singing loudly!  It definitely made the hour ride seem a lot shorter!

We exited and stopped to buy some peaches.  Now, those I LOVE!  It was a cute little place that sold just about anything.  We then hopped back in the car for what seemed like forever.  We finally spotted the strawberry fields.  Phoenix was super excited.  Little did he know it was a million degrees outside and he was about to be in for some seriously hard labor!

We picked and picked and picked some more.  His basket slowly filled up and he kept on like he was being paid to fill it.  It was so cute.  He even refused to let me carry his basket for him.  Regardless of how heavy it got or how much he was struggling.  Mr. Independent.

It was a fun-filled day that left one little boy napping before we even made it back to the interstate :).  Maybe next time, we'll try picking watermelons.  Phoenix loves those :)!

Life's Little Reminders

Yesterday, we went over to Phoenix's Godfather's house for a last-day-of-school-year party with all of our friends.  I love that all of our kids are as close as my girlfriends and I.  I was super excited because Phoenix LOVES playing with all of his friends and he loves his "Aunts" just as much!  I was looking forward to him having a Blast while I finally got some good "catch-up" time with my girls.  We even convinced Dada to come over after work!

We get there and everyone was playing, laughing, eating.What fun!  They have 2 cats-Lola (LuLu) and Jack (????) and a dog named Sammie (Sam).  I don't think we've been over to their house since the Big Halloween Party back in October.  Phoenix immediately went over and started playing with Lola.  "Hi cat, hi cat" he kept repeating as he pet her.  It was way too cute!  Sam, who was outside when we arrived, made his way into the house.  Phoenix immediately runs over to him, "Hi Dixie, hi Dixie."  The tears immediately came.  My heart broke into pieces hearing my son remember Dixie.  Sammie looks a lot like Dixie, just a whole lot more active and a bunch of pounds lighter, so I totally got it.  I'd get the tears dried up and Phoenix would start playing with "Dixie" all over again.  It was a nasty, nasty cycle that just kept throwing daggers straight to my heart.  

We kept telling Phoenix the dog's name is Sam, but it didn't seem to matter in his eyes.  All he saw was Dixie.  My poor buddy :(.  We somehow managed to keep Jason, Phoenix and Sam away from each other in fears of what it might do to Jason's heart.  The few times Phoenix would call him Dixie after Jason arrived, Sam was usually sleeping, so Phoenix would say, "Shh-finger over mouth-, Dixie sleeping."  Fortunately the kid knows how to whisper because I'm sure Jason would've picked up on it at that point.  

We ended up staying WAAAAY past Phoenix's bedtime (like 10:15) but it was totally worth it.  Phoenix, myself, and Jason all had a blast and are totally looking forward to more get togethers now that summers here. 

 My heart hurt for the loss of our dog, but grew even greater with love for my son and his sweet innocence.  

Even Phoenix will let you know.  Dixie may be gone from our daily lives, but she is never gone from our hearts.  

Last Family Photo 1.4.13

The Best One to Date

Yesterday was by far the BEST Mother's Day ever.  Seriously, my two boys made it ALL about me.  Never have I felt soo spoiled in my life.  It was wonderful.

The morning started out with none other than my regular from Starbucks.  I swear, it tasted twice as good just for the fact that I wasn't the one who went to get it :).  We then laid in bed together just playing with Phoenix.  We finally convinced ourselves to get up.

So out of bed we got and straight to the car we went.  No showers, no getting dressed, just up and left out for a fabulous breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  It was perfect.  Our waitress was beyond wonderful and Phoenix behaved perfectly the entire meal.  Oh-he also ate a TON!!!! Jason and I were amazed at how much food he put down.  And it wasn't even a kids meal :).

We then came back home to shower and get dressed.  Once that was handled, we packed our bags and loaded the car for a fun day at Homestead Hollow.  We went last year during November and we had a blast.  I was truly looking forward to spending great quality family time together while allowing Phoenix to be outdoors and just wonder around looking at everything.  The crowd was just right and the weather was beyond perfection.  We walked, shopped and ate for hours.  Anything we felt like eating or buying or browsing, we did.  Absolutely NO stress or care in the world.  God must've been on our side too because the day seemed to pass as slowly as sand in an hour glass.  For that, I will be forever grateful.  All 3 of us had the best day we've had in a long time.  And for that reason alone, my Mother's Day was beyond BLESSED.

However, it didn't end there!  We came home and Phoenix took a nap.  So of course, Jason and I did too :).  Then Jason got up and ran to the grocery store for me.  I stayed in bed!  Upon returning, Phoenix and I were outside playing in the yard.  We then headed in for dinner.  Dinner that I didn't have to go buy nor cook.  Boy was it nice.  After dinner we just lounged around for a bit.  Around 8:00 I decided I needed, yes NEEDED, a piece of cheesecake.  I thought for sure my Mother's Day had ended and I'd be headed to Cheesecake Factory for myself.  But no-my wonderful Jason surprised me and went and got me cheesecake and chocolate cake from there.  We all 3 shared a delicious piece of cake before Phoenix headed to bed.  A sweet ending to a perfect day.

I seriously wanted to stay up all night just to take advantage.  However, I'm thankful I didn't seeing that Phoenix was up 4 different times throughout the night.  Man will Jason and I be glad when this stinkin' sinus infection clears up.  I am Blessed beyond words to live the life I do.  My boys are my world and I thank God for them every day.

I Lost 100 LBs!!!!

Well, not literally.  But emotionally and mentally I have.  Although I had high hopes for my new job, I must inform you guys-it has sadly come to an end.

I was really left no other choice but to quit.  Its been a loooong time coming.  Ha--I've only been working 1 month but it seems like since day 1, me quitting has come up daily.  I tried to put it off as long as possible, still having little (but at least some) hope that it could work.  However, Jason and Phoenix didn't feel the same thing.

So, about an hour ago I went and spoke to my boss.  He's wonderful and I think part of me felt the worst for him-like I was letting him down or something.  He is fabulous to work for and does anything and everything to try and make your situation the best it can be.  So, needless to say, I was totally freaked out about this.  But I put my big girl panties on and had the talk.  To no surprise, he was 100% supportive of my decision-genuinely.  He asked me to at least consider coming back in December, when Phoenix is a bit older and Luna will be 3 months (you have to be that age to be in the infant room).  Of course I'll consider it.  I'm delighted he's willing to take me back.  Truly shows what a great boss man he really is.

I enjoyed the people I worked with.  Most of the kids brought a smile to my face.  But seeing the tears in my sons eyes even before walking thru the doors and seeing how much added stress it was putting on Jason it was just totally not worth it.  I knew in my heart it was what needed to be done-and I told myself before taking the job I'd only do it if it worked for my family.

Sadly, they were suffering.  It had to go.  Chapter over.

1 going on 3

If you are to ask Phoenix how old he is, he'll respond with 3!  Does he not know his Mama is trying to slow down time, not speed it up????  Besides, whats the big deal about 3??? Its not like you can drive a car, vote, or even drink alcohol.  Slow it down buddy.  Maybe its because he knows I'm not planning anything exciting for his birthday this year, so he just wants to skip it :).  Who knows.

He turned 22 months last week.  Seriously, just one more month before the kid is 2???? My heart grows sad just thinking about it.  He is quite the character these days and so I'm constantly having to remind myself that he isn't even 2 yet.  Its crazy how grown up I think he is, when all I really want is for him to be a baby.  It makes no sense at all.

A few of my favorite things at the moment:

• bess you (when you sneeze)
• Allah (when you cough)
• I miss you
• how he now tells me what he wants for breakfast (its usually eggs, cereal, oatmeal, muffins, waffles, or pancakes)
• oooh gosh
• woooah nelly
• mama sad or mama cry (whenever I act sad) and follows up with a big hug and kiss
• no cry baby
• how he cleans up one thing before moving on to another
• how well he follows directions
• unn kle daaanny
• how he is constantly asking for a "prize" and knows when he sees candy its a "prize"
• how when we pass by starbucks he says, "Off eee"
• and when we drive by Doodles he says, "i cream"
• he recognizes our street and says hoome whenever we turn on it
• and the post office-saying, "Mama right back" as soon as we turn in
• how he refers to Dada as Jason now
• how he says his name (neenix or occasionally we get phoenix) and recognizes himself in his baby pictures
• how he asks to sing Alleluia and The Our Father at night 
• his rendition of Happy Birthday and his love for singing it repeatedly and reblowing the candles out
• how he has changed our last name to Wang
• and the spelling of his name to Pyox
• his love for aminals :)

Again, the list could go on and on-no doubts.  It never fails that I forget everything I want to type when I finally sit down to actually blog.  Go figure.

We are finally getting over this awful sinus infection.  It has taken a long 2 weeks, a lot of sleepless nights, napless days and uneaten meals-but we have definitely made progress.  I say "getting over" rather loosely, as we are finally eating a bit more but still struggling with our sleep.  He is soo exhausted but can't seem to get comfortable.  Poor Phoenix was pathetic for a while, but he was a trooper the whole time.  I am soo proud of him.

He is still not liking the working thing very much.  I am trying really hard to not give up just yet.  We took last week off since he was sick, so we'll see how this week goes.  I might just be jobless again real soon but if thats what makes my baby happy, then I'm totally okay with it.