"TY!!!!!!!!!!!! Come Back...DEER!!!!!"

Oh my Tyson... he's such an interesting character.  Straight A student, Vice President of his school, loved by all of his peers and teachers, amazing athlete, and his knowledge of the Gospel is insane! An all around cool kid, until he gets around the twins and I.  Haha.  This week has been an interesting week with him.  He has tested and tried my patience like there was no tomorrow, YESTERDAY.  But, today, it was sincerely BLISSFUL! Lots of hugs, well behaved, kind and encouraging to his siblings, and loads of laughter.  I love days like that. 

This video above was taken about two weeks ago. We were hanging out in the kitchen, after school one day, and I spotted four deer.  I told the kids to quietly go to the sliding glass door, so we could stare at them.  EVERYONE listened, BUT TY. Where did he go? OUT THE GARAGE DOOR, with his BB gun in HAND, to shoot the DEER!  Thanks JAKE SHAFFER for your hunting influence.  Sigh... I tried to capture Ty, but he was hiding on the side of the house.  

AND as if that BB gun incident was NOT enough, guess what I spotted today after taking down the Christmas lights, in Lilah's room? A BROKEN WINDOW!!! From what you may ask? Well...I'll tell you.  An intuitive little boy, who thought shooting his basketball net, with his bb gun, would be fun. The bb bypassed the already broken backboard and hit Lilah's window, shattering it. This apparently happened, a few weeks back, while Darren and I were in D.C, but he didn't have the heart to tell us because he "thought [he] would get in trouble!" The insurance company politely reminded me of our $1,000 deductible that we have to pay BEFORE they would cover the cost to replace Lilah's bedroom window.  Ty said, "I figured it up. I will have to work about 1,000 days to pay this off!" Yes! Yes you will. Needless to say, the BB gun is GONE, G-O-N-E and we are considering this an early blessing/warning from the Lord that GUN SAFETY is key, even IF it's just a bb gun.  

Fun/Funny for just a few hours!

Since Friday night our home has been without power. When the 10 minute storm hit, Jax, my sister, and I were in Kroger. All of the lights went out. It was creepy and exciting, all at the same time, to experience something like that. Upon arriving home, we entered a dark house, lite up with candles.

For a while, it was fun/funny. We knew the lights were out, yet we would still try to use the electricity. For instance, my mother-in-law called and we informed her that we had no electricity. We were telling her about how hot it was and she said, "Well if you all are hot, why don't you just plug in some fans." We all laughed, including her.

In addition, my sister, after 15 hours of being without electricity, asked, "Do you have a blow dryer?" Haha. Um, not one that doesn't require electrcity. Maybe that is something I ought to invent. A battery operated blow dryer.

STILL without power, and possibly no end in sight until Saturday, we are realizing how spoiled and how dependent we really are on electricity. It cools our food, our bodies, it opens our garage doors, it charges our cell phones, and for some, it runs water. Regretfully, we had to throw out almost EVERY SINGLE thing in our freezer/refrigerator. A close friend of ours allowed us to use a section of her freezer and fridge, but most of my food was unsalvageable before we thought to make use of a friend's electricity.

We really lucked out compared to some of our close friends... we have full use of my in-laws home because they are in Myrtle Beach right now. Although we are very thankful to be cool and to have use of their beautiful home, we are really home sick :(

Hanging out in the dark.

We were at Kroger getting the family a late night dessert. I bought 10 mini ice creams for $10.00. Being we had NO IDEA how long our power would be out, the ice cream had to be eaten. I told the kids, "It's your lucky day. You can have TWO ice creams tonight."

Darren still had battery life on his cell phone, so he went inside to text around, seeing who else didn't have power.

We went outside, to enjoy the fresh, cool air. It was so interesting to witness dry lightening. Although powerful, we were amazed and in awe of it. Whitney and the kids made some funny faces to help pass the time/make light of this situation.

Lilah's "silly" face.

Jax's "funny face".

Tyson's "goofy" face.

This storm is a REMINDER of the powerful God we serve. We are weak and HE is strong. He has sent that reminder to us. Our level of patience, self-control, and gratitude has only been able to be maintained through prayer and dependence on him during this time especially.

A True Ooooopsie!!!!!

On Thursday, I dropped the twins off at preschool and headed to get my hair done. While getting my hair cut, I received a text message from the preschool director that read:

Kelley: "Kristin, I have a hilarious story for you, but you have to promise to laugh and not get upset?"

Me: "Ok!"

Kelley: "So Ms. Amy was fixing Lilah's shoes... Lilah did NOT have any underware on."

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT A GOOD COMBO when she's wearing a dress. AHHHH! Where in the world were my brain cells that morning.

No pictures will be attached to this post :)

Whatever COULD go wrong, DID go wrong!!!!

Last night, While Darren was at the Tech/Clemson game with friends, I took the kids to their favorite store to "shop" and eat... Sam's Club. Upon entering the store, the sales clerk asked to see my club card. I desperately searched for my wallet and quickly realized *I left my wallet* at home. SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!?!?! I drove almost 16 minutes from home and forgot the means by which I could pay for my purchases???? THIS IS NOT HAPPENING! Bound and determined to not have to go home, I asked the sales clerk what my options were.

The sales clerk instructed me to go to customer service so I could get a temporary card. "Shew!" I thought! The solution to my problem. Or so I thought... The line was OUT THE DOOR. Was I missing something? Did Christmas come and go and it just so happened to be the day after Christmas? You know, where everyone rushes to the store to return their unwanted gifts. It certainly seemed that way. I *stood in line for 20 minutes* waiting "patiently" with three kids. While waiting in line, a Sam's Club associate decided to pass out free drinks to test taste. These drinks were NOT provided to us in mouth wash sample cups. *He gave each of my children a 16 ounce FUZE drink.* I tried desperately to convince Lilah to let me help her drink it, but to no end she would repeatedly say, "No! I do it!" It wasn't even 2 minutes and 2 sips in that she failed to sip the drink properly. *The drink poured out all over her.* She's been sick, so every little thing has been setting her off. This set her off AND me. I recall saying aloud, "Serves you right! I told you I would help you but no......" I wasn't hateful, just matter of fact with her. Her little cheeks were filled out, like a hamster preparing for hibernation, with this FUZE drink. It was too much to swallow so...... what can't go down, must come OUT! *And out it came. She was coughing and spitting the remaining BIG GULP all over herself.* The line behind me thought she was puking.

I get my temporary card and head over to the food stand. The kids agreed they wanted pizza. Oh how I should receive the "mother of the year award" for this dinner menu. I stand in that line for 5 minutes or more. I finally get to the register and begin placing my order. As I slowly start to say, "I'll take 2 slices of cheese pizza", the lady says, *"We don't have any cheese pizza left.* It will take 8 minutes at least." What's 8 minutes when I've already been in this store for 45 minutes without accomplishing a thing yet?, I recall thinking. So I said, "That's fine!" I ordered two hot dogs in the mean time and got the crew situated. As Jax prepared to take his first bite, he *fell backwards and busted his head on the table's bench behind him*. He received a golf ball size knot on his head, in the same place he fell playing in the rain a few weeks back. Geez, will that wound ever heal? I finally calm him down, we eat, and we prepare to shop. PS. I forgot my wallet at home, so HOW did I pay for our FOOD? I had my check book. Praise God they take checks. I didn't realize a store even accepts them anymore.

Lilah, "*I have to pee." Mom, "Of course you do!" Jax, "I have to pee too.*" I leave my 6 year old to watch the shopping cart filled with my purse, our coats, our left over food, Lilah's baby etc.... and I bring the twins into the bathroom. Lilah is sitting on the toilet and *smells poop (someone else's poop).* She thinks it's coming from her stall and her toilet bowl, so *she refuses to use the bathroom*. Jax then decided he doesn't need to go, BUT, both kids have now touched everything in the public restroom, so we have to still wash 2 sets of hands. AHHHHH! SERIOUSLY!!!!!! I just want to get food for my house and go HOME.

While shopping, *Jax gets his hands stuck in the shopping cart.* MINOR bump in the road compared to the knot on his head.

We complete our shopping experience. While standing in line to pay, the Bolling kids decide to play "ring around the rosie." And of course what goes along with that song....."WE ALL FALL DOWN". Yup, onto Sam's nasty/dirty floor. Oh well. Bath time is approaching rapidly.

We load our food/toiletries onto the conveyer belt and the cashier says, "You're total is $182.51." I replied, "Great, no problem. I do have to write you a check though okay? I left my entire wallet at home." The cashier was fine with that. I pull out the check book that I used to pay for our $8.00 dinner and was mortified to witness *THERE WERE NO CHECKS LEFT.* Are you FLIPPIN kidding me? Okay, no worries. I have 3 checking accounts. I pull out my next check book and to my TOTAL shock, *that check book had no checks left either.* I forgot I had given my last check to my cleaning lady on Thursday. Okay, praise God for three checking accounts. I pull out my FINAL check book to find that that check book only had 1 check left *BUT IT WAS A STARTER CHECK.* The cashier took it, but then said, "I'll have to see your i.d." HELLLLLLOOOOOOO! I left my wallet at home remember? After holding up the line and explaining all of my drama to the manager, in hopes she'd have compassion on me, she finally let me use the starter check.

We pay. We head towards the doors that lead us outside and guess what happens NEXT? YES, something ELSE actually WENT WRONG. *It started to DOWN POUR rain.* And not in 90 degree weather either. In 45 degree weather. So here I am pushing a heavy cart full of food, with one sick child soaking wet, with one child who has a golf ball knot on his head and bruised fingers, and with one energetic 6 year old (who thinks this cold rain is "awesome"), heading towards my vehicle. The wind was blowing like crazy, Jax was screaming crying because it was so cold, and I was ready to throw my hands up. We find the car and *I cannot find my keys.* It was dark out and my purse wasn't organized like normal. I finally found them though. I put the kids in the car and I open my trunk to put my stuff away and *I find 3 LARGE rubbermaid containers in the back of my van* that I meant to bring to Once Upon A Child. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Where do I put the food???? I had to utilize my entire vehicle to store the food (front, back, sides, and waaaay back!).

I headed to Once Upon A Child around the corner and dropped off the tubs. It was at that moment that *Jax decide he needed to poop.* I left Tyson and Lilah in the car and ran him inside Once Upon A Child to use the bathroom. Once I got back with Jax, guess what happened next? YUP, you got it, *LILAH had to pee.* With twins, things NEVER happen ONCE. They always happen in 2's.

WHATEVER COULD GO WRONG, DID GO WRONG THIS NIGHT!"

Needless to say, it's moments like these that I swear to never shop with my children again. :)

Poor Judgement Call

Every day I put Jax and Lilah down for a nap, I allow them to pick one or THREE books to bring into their crib with them (it's hard to believe they are almost 3 and still in a crib!). On Friday, I made a HORRIBLE judgement call. I allowed Jax to "sleep" with "bro-bro's" most prized possession... his 1st YEARBOOK! By far, this is Tyson's favorite thing he owns even above and beyond his Nintendo DS. I entered the twins' room, about 15 minutes after laying them down, because I heard some raucous and to much shock and disappointment, this is what I found when I entered.

(The Old Year Book!)

Needless to say, Jax was in deep trouble. As I was reprimanding him, Darren walked in and was livid. Jax got a good, three hard spankings from Daddy AND let's just say, I, too, got yelled at. "What in the world were you thinking? Do you realize how devastated Tyson is going to be?" YIKES. It's never fun being the one on the receiving end of daddy's wrath.

We hid the torn yearbook from Tyson until I was certain that it could be replaced. Ty's teacher saved the day, really the year, by finding a new yearbook that we could purchase.

(The new year book!)

"Boo-Boo" X 2

Today, I left my house at 10:15 am to drop cake pops off to our church staff. Then I headed to Ty's school. We had lunch with him in the courtyard. So sweet. On my way home to see my sick husband for lunch, Jax was upset because he didn't want to go home. They've started this thing where they say, "no home mommy. no home!" I was beat (thanks no caffeine) but I agreed with Jax. WHY am I rushing home for 10 minutes with Darren (that's all his lunch break consists of). So, I turned the car around and headed to Greenhill Park. At the park, the kids asked to take their shoes off. I agreed because they were NOT properly dressed for the park and mulch kept getting into their shoes, Lilah's especially. They played. WE played. Thank Lisa for the "duck, duck, goose" and "red light/green light" introduction because we did that again today and they were a pile of belly laughs. I swung them around until they got dizzy. The used the wooden guards as a balance beams and went around and around in a circle TWICE. It wound up being an incredible park outing. UNTIL.... Jax needed to pee. So I ran down and got the potty out of my car. He peed. Lilah watched. I then left them at the play area to take the potty back to the car (10 feet away) and all of the sudden Jax was screaming crying. I kind of ignored it for a second because I thought he was just being a weakling. He kept on and on, SO I said, "What's wrong Jaxey?" He said, "Hot" or so I thought. I said, "Well if it's hot, just get up and keep on walking." I couldn't figure out why it was hot to him but not to his "little" sister. He refused to get up and then I realized, he's not saying "hot" he's saying "hurt". NO LIE.... Jax had a 3 inch long 1/4 inch in diameter BIG splinter stick in his foot. It was NOT a splinter. It was HUGE for his tiny foot. It was so long that let's put it this way, it was 2 inches in his foot and when he BENT is big toe in the "stick" would hit it. Kind of hard to envision but I'm sure you're thinking "so what, no big deal. It's sticking half in and half out just PULL IT." I tried. No luck. I ran to the car to call Darren with Jax in my hand. Lilah was screaming crying for me. I thought she was upset because I "left" her. Well, wrong again good mommy that I am. I went to grab her and brought her to the van. As I am crying to Darren, on the phone, in panic, she is screaming in the background. I turned to her and said "BE QUIET, Jax has a booboo" She said, "ME TOO" I thought for sure she was lying and was just jealous that Jax was receiving so much attention, but low and behold she was right. She too had a "stick" in her foot. Only her's was almost in a worse condition that Jax's was because her 2 inch "stick" was inside her food. All the way in. I had two babies sitting on my lap in the car screaming crying. I wasn't sure what to do, so I tried the only EMT I know, SHAWN, no answer. I then called Jill (she's a working mommy at our Church). Her kiddoes were in school, so I figured it would be the best person to ask. She agreed to come help. Darren arrived first and was really flustered with me because he was holding Jax's leg and I was asked to pull the "stick" out and I tried and the harder I pulled the louder Jax screamed so I couldn't bring myself to do it. Eventually I did, but Darren said he had to go back to work and that we didn't have the right supplies to help with Lilah's. I was leaving to go home and halfway out of greenhill and Jill Higgs pulls in with Gretchen. AND they saved the day. They were STUNNED to see what I pulled out of Jax's foot and were even more astonished at what was in Lilah's foot. We had to lay her down in the back seat of my van, jill and I had to restrain her (those little kids are TOUGH and stronger than I) and Gretchen came with needles, tweezers and peroxide in hand ready to go to work. She "operated" on Lilah and pulled out the 2 inch "stick" in pieces. Lilah kicking and screaming bloody murder. After it was all done, Lilah was WORN out. She did thank Gretchen and Jill though. So sad and so cute. What a nightmare! My twin babies have been injured twice now in their life and Gretchen has been there for both occasions. How weird that they have been injured twice and both at the same time. I guess they are NOT called twins for nothing.

Jax's foot after "stick" was removed.

Lilah's foot after "stick" was removed.

I wanted to save the "stick" to blog about it, but upon carrying it into the house it broke in half. This was all I could salvage. If it broke IN HALF, than the this is proof that it was a minimum of 2 inches if not 2.5" - 3" longs.

To give you a idea of the thickness of it, pull a fork out of your drawer, it was as thick as ONE of a fork's "tooth". See the wood piece on the above fork?

Saving It For A Mid-Afternoon "Snack!"

Today the kids went to the movies with Allison while mommy got a much needed break. As you probably have seen, every time I take them to the movies, I let them fill a snack bag of candy up to take with them. Beats paying $4.00 for a .50 cent box of skittles. Any whoooo, today, after Lilah woke up from her nap, I spotted her sweet innocent baby and a "mid-day snack" attached or rather STUCK to it. YUCK!!!!!!!!! We were wondering where the gum disappeared to during the movies.

Thank GOD for Goo Gone and a washing machine.

PS. Notice that "Baby" also has an addition to her "attire". I was swapping out Lilah's earrings the other day and I notice she had also picked out some earrings for her baby. It calmed Lilah down knowing that "baby" didn't cry when she was putting earrings in her ears. So I let her keep them in. So sweet and so cute, I can't take it!