Fun times

First of all, let me say that my week has gone smoother then I had expected. Luke's t-ball was canceled on Tuesday so that really helped us out. And just so you know, Luke was PERFECT at the dentist both visits. He was excellent. I was so proud of him. He didn't whine, cry, he wasn't scared. What an angel boy he was. On the way to the dentist he prayed that God help him be strong like Superman and the Power Rangers. It worked, he was :)
Speaking of Power Rangers, they have invaded our house and lives this year! There are 6 different series of them on TV--Jungle Fury, Operation Overdrive, Mystic Force, etc, etc. The boys LOVE them. Mike and I found some PJ's at Kohl's on the clearance rack, picked them up for Luke and Kaden--oh my goodness, best $4.40 we ever spent I think! They were overjoyed. Here are the boys posing like the Rangers:

For Kaden's birthday I bought him a singing station. It's basically a little karaoke machine with a camera that puts the kiddos on the TV! We finally got batteries, (it seriously takes 10!!!!!) and they were incredibly excited to see themselves on the big screen.
That Kaden is hilarious. I need to get a video of him singing Rock Band for you guys, he loves the microphone that is for sure. Isn't he adorable?!

Drumroll, please!

If I don't have the CUTEST 10 month 22 day old baby girl Josie in existence, then I sure don't know who does! The other night before Josie went to bed she got a hold of the Rock Band drum sticks. OHMIGOODNESS! She was so proud of herself. Mike and I were in the kitchen and we heard the sticks clickin' away in the family room. Just look at that smile and listen to her laugh! There is not a better sound in this world!!! Rock on Josie Claire!!!

Sickness update: Gabriel is feeling much, much better! Praise God for that. The other 3 seems to be doing fine though I am extending my prayers for at least the rest of the week! I'm all but better, still don't have much of an appetite but I guess this was just a restart to my diet--right? :)

Singing and sickness

Well it was a quick and (for the most part) wonderful weekend for us. Michael got home on Friday evening, the kids were so excited, they about tackled him as he came in. Michael and I played Rock Band all night long--so fun. (Mel, Psych has upgraded from a van to a bus and then a jet--we are world-wide with over 300, 000 fans. Pretty fun!) Saturday we went to Luke's basketball game:And we got a visit from Kelly in the afternoon! Thanks for coming over Kelly, it had been too long and it was so good to see you! Saturday night Michael and I played again! :) Then as we were heading to bed at 12:30, Gabriel got up puking and puking some more. Lovely. He threw up ALL night long! I "slept" with them, though we never went more then 45 minutes without him getting sick. Sunday I ran to the store to get some last minute things before Michael left (yes, again!!!!) We missed out on Kaden's t-ball practice (yeah, it's February and they have started practice!!!), since Michael left at 2, there was no way for me to get him there with a continuously puking Gabriel. He continued to get sick until about 4pm. He did great last night, slept very well. During the night though, I threw up--just one session, but that was enough. I am not feeling terrible today but not well either. Yuck. Gabriel was sick again this morning, bless his bones. Fortunately we made it to Kaden's school without him getting sick in the car. We shall see what happens when I go pick up the boys!

Let me give you a run down of our week. Monday--Luke t-ball practice at 5:15 (about 9 miles from our house) Tuesday--Luke dentist for 2 more fillings at 3, t-ball at 5:15, basketball at 6. How are we going to do that one? Wednesday--AWANA (church) starting at 6:15. Thursday--Luke t-ball at 5:15. All this with a sick Gabriel? I don't know how yet. I am praying and praying that no one else gets sick. Feel free to join in with these prayers! I'll let you know how it goes or doesn't go for that matter.

So for some smiles, here is a video of Luke singing "My Sharona" with some help from Gabriel. Pretty cute.

And just wait Uncle Thaddeus, Kaden has started "singing" to Epic, the end of the song. "What is it? It's it.....What is it?......What is it? It's it.....What is it." It's hilarious! Trust me.

And last but not least, a Josie Claire update---she continues to eat well and is gaining weight like crazy! We will go back to the gastro doc next week sometime. She has had a little bit of a cold and Saturday I noticed why--she's working on 3 new teeth, 2 top and 1 bottom. They broke through this weekend. 8 teeth now for my angel girl.

Happiness

Alright, I am definitely much better today! Thanks for all the well wishes and the SWEET, GORGEOUS flowers Heidi, all was appreciated and my mood is fixed! :) I just finished on my elliptical--still love it! I am listening to Josh Groban and the African Children's Choir sing, my hubby is coming home today--HAPPINESS!!! I thought I would share some fun pics of another thing that makes me happy, a very guilty pleasure, Rock Band! :) I know, I know---Thad I can see you rolling your eyes at me! But I just can't help it! I LOVE it! Mike and I have a band called "Psych", Mel was part of it when she was here. :) She would however, NOT let me take a picture, bummer! We have JJ, the lead singer, Darth (duh) the lead guitarist, sometimes bassist, and then Guster our drummer. Yeah, you USA network faithfuls get that one! We have loads of fun singing and playing together. The boys are fascinated with it and have "played" a couple times with us. Luke LOVES to sing, he only knows one song so far because I have it on a CD in our van, "My Sharona" and he sings it with gusto, I will tell you that. I have video of it, you'll see it soon! Kaden and Gabriel both love the drums as you will see:
Just look at K's sweet face, isn't that adorable?! And then next is the Gineke tongue at work!

Crummy

Hey all, I am having a crummy day. Don't you just hate those? I am not really in a bad mood or anything, I just need a hug. Feeling a bit like Eeyore. He seems sad and down but is usually quite okay with it. Just wants his friends around. Last night was an all too familiar sight of Michael packing up his suitcase. Oh no. He will only be gone a few days, but then only gets to come home for a day and a half until he leaves us again. Poor Michael, he hates it when I say it that way--he is not 'leaving' us, just going away for a bit, that's all. We have such a busy few weeks ahead of us I was so hoping Michael would be around to make all the transitions easier, but alas AF duty calls. I am so proud of him, he continues to do great things. (Way to go, honey!)

***Yesterday we took the kiddos to the dentist, all was good except Luke has---are you ready for this---4 cavities. I feel like a complete Mom-loser. I am to blame for those, not forcing him to brush twice everyday and not checking his teeth close enough. I feel just terrible, that, of course, is adding to my crummy day. We are going to today to fill one, maybe 2 of them, depending on how he does. I am such a bad Mom in this respect, ugh. At least I can right myself for the next 3 coming along. Kaden and Gabriel look great says the dentist.

***Tonight Luke has basektball practice from 6 to 7, but he also has to meet his t-ball team at the batting cages to hit, try on uniforms, and I have to pay for the season, that is at 6:30 a good ways away from our house and the church (where b-ball is). So no balling tonight, we are hitting. Kaden starts t-ball this weekend and will practice on Mondays--probably. Luke and Kaden are on different teams this year, because of their ages, and practice at different schools, neither of which is close to home. I do not know Luke's practice schedule yet but I am a little overwhelmed at how I am going to get everyone where they need to be on time without Michael around to help out. I was worried about how to get them to school this year too and that worked out, so I guess I need to take that to heart and just chill a bit! It will all work out :)

***So, thanks for letting me vent a little. Now onto one of my 4 favorite subjects. To make me smile, to make you smile. My angel baby!

Hearts a'plenty

Happy Valentine's Day!! Hope you had a great one. We did here. Mike had a comp day but still had to go in for half of it...bummer. But he was home by 1 with Napoleon's (BEST sandwich ever) and flowers. The kiddos got an extra special surprise with candies from Ms. Kelly in the mail. Thanks for those, they were thrilled. My favorite part of Valentine's Day I have to say, was having a baby girl around! This was the first time I was able to dress someone in hearts on V-Day. :) People frown on little boys dressed covered in hearts for some reason. So here are some of my favorite pics of the day! Thanks to everyone who sent cards and candy--much appreciated! We love you right back!!!

Look at my angel girl! This was before her nap, to make sure I got a picture of her in her outfit for her Grandmom, who bought the dress by-the-way! (more to come :)

The boys opening their cards and candies. Sorry Gabe for the eyes-half-closed pic, I owe you one!And more of Josie, the sweetest thing ever!I know, I know, Mom, I will absolutely send you a copy of this picture! Love ya!

Celebrate Kaden-man X 3

We had 3 separate 'birthdays' for Kaden this year. One on Tues, one on Thurs (actual b-day), and one on Fri! Let me explain a long story very short---my hubby was supposed to leave this week and the mission ended up getting cancelled (much to his disappointment and my happiness, I know that sounds bad but trust me, there was lots more to this story and I know that you guys would side with me!!!) So on Tues we opened our presents for Kaden and had his cupcakes so that we could celebrate with Daddy home. We saved presents from Grandma, Grandma Short, Aunt Belva, and Aunt Deb for his happy day. Then my cousin Mel flew in for the weekend bringing a present and some from Grandmom. Kaden was thrilled with everything and has been walking on air now that he is 5. He tells everyone he meets "Hi. I'm Kaden. I'm 5 years old." Adorable! Here are some pics from each night:

Here is a fun video of the boys dancing to Kaden's new car. It plays "Who Let the Dogs Out?" and if you listen carefully you can hear Gabriel barking right after the chorus---SUPER CUTE! Also, just listen to Kaden's laugh. I cherish that sound!

Done with 4!

Happy Birthday to our Kaden-man! He is 5 years old today! As he says "I'm 5 and just done with 4!" I cannot believe it!

Kaden was born completely naturally (I am WOMAN...), NOT by choice and boy did it hurt! But he was totally worth it. In the room with me I had Michael, my Momma, Aunt Belva, and Kelly. Thank you guys for being there! Great Granny was at home watching Luke and cousin Logan for us. Kaden was named by looking through a baby name book my Mom got at her store. Michael asked me what letter I wanted and me thinking that was not a big deal got little sarcastic with him and said "K". He found Kaden and we all liked it. And the middle name was a no-brainer, Thaddeus for my wonderful brother. So Feb 7th, 2003 we welcomed in little boy number 2, Kaden Thaddeus. Born in Oklahoma, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthdays in Florida, 4th and 5th back here in OK!

The next American Idol...

This is my hubby and boy, am I proud! :) We bought RockBand and have had a blast playing it. I have lots of pics of the kiddos and all but tonight--just the video. That is enough. This is for you James and Belva--I can hear you both laughing! :) We can't wait to play with you guys.

Lil' Baller

Luke has been playing Upward Basketball at our church and he loves it! He is by far one of the smallest ones out there, the league is K to 2nd grade. It amazes me how quickly he picks up sports. He's just like his Uncle Thaddeus---let's all start praying now he stays away from rugby...(right Jackie? :)

Here's some cute pics. The kiddos wear colored bands to know who they are guarding:

Luke getting some defensive instruction from his Daddy at the half:

Luke taking those instructions to the court---look at that! D-Fence!! Everybody cheer! D-Fence!!

You can barely make out Luke's head here (they're in blue obviously), this was his shot. Pretty good!

I am so proud of him. He LOVES being part of a team. Luke always cheers for his teammates and encourages everyone--even the other team. This attitude is being fostered by the Upward sports program. Thank you to those who started it. Love you!

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One more thing---Ms. Kelly---his team is none other then the Penguins!!! :)

School boys

I am so proud of my little man, Kaden was awarded the Kiwanis Terrific Kid at school! Unfortunately he was supposed to get it last Friday when he was home sick, so he didn't get to participate in the actual presentation part of it. Bummer, I think he would have gotten a kick out of that. He wouldn't participate in a photo op either but here is his award:Kaden's teacher aunts (Belva Jean and Jackie) will both appreciate this: Last night we were working on Kaden's homework, he has progressed to some reading work because he is doing so well!! His worksheet had pictures with missing first letter of rhyming words, okay so that is harder to explain then I thought. _IG were the words on the sheet, the pictures were of a pig, big, dig, and wig. Kaden was able to figure out all the pictures, come up with the missing letter and THEN he wrote each letter perfectly all by himself! I am so proud of how he is doing! He is enjoying school so much and Thursdays are still his favorite because he gets homework!

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Luke Thomas just had a fun project at school, 100 days celebration. They had to bring 100 things to school, or wear 100 things, or write 100 things, you get the idea. So between our brains we came up with 100 Superheros or Villians. I made the chart for him and cut out the faces but Luke helped color, wrote all 100 numbers on it and decided where each Hero or Villian should go and boy where those BIG decisions!!! Notice Uncle James that Captain America is first, that was for you. "Uncle James would like him there, Daddy likes him too." We've taught the boy well, huh? :) The whole family (minus angel baby) helped out. Kaden helped place some guys on there, Gabriel stole a marker and colored on it (so maybe that wasn't so much a help...) It turned out great and Luke is really proud of himself! What a fun project for Kindergarteners!

Placing the faces and writing the numbers all by himself:

I am so thankful that (for the moment) my kiddos LOVE school so much. I am praying it stays that way, there's lots more school to go!