TTT: Season 3, Episode 46

1. It's been a good week around The Asmussen Abode. We kicked off a new "project" of sorts this week and it has been going really well! It's kind of hard to define the project...mission, experiment, lesson, overhaul...all of those things somewhat suffice to say. Basically, over the past few weeks...especially with all of the Christmas toys and ads out... I've noticed my kids have majorly bad cases of the "I wants" and "I'm the boss." Of course, when you get everything you want, you naturally think that you are the boss, so these two go hand in hand. I, however, have been feeling more of the I'm-not-going-to-raise-a-bunch-of-spoiled-kiddos and it's-seriously-time-for-a-"stuff"-purge-around-here. Thus, Mark and I decided it was time to go a little drastic and start a new, six-week family mission. This past Tuesday marked six weeks until Christmas. So we explained to the boys that over the six weeks, we were going to refrain from "extras" or "treats." No slurpies or pretzels at Target, no Sonic runs, no sneaking in a Hot Wheels at the grocery store. No getting to share a soda at Pinkie and Pa's house. You get the idea. Instead, we are giving those things up as we prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord. Furthermore, we've made it a mission to learn the Fruits of the Spirit (on a kiddie level, of course) and how they apply to our words, actions, thoughts, tone of voice, etc. They have caught on very quickly. "Kolbe, that wasn't very kind." "Mom, Rudy is not using self control! He just took Grant's toy!" (Ha!) Really, I just figure that this is the simplest way for the boys to connect the outcome of their actions with the motive of their actions. Why are they doing what they're doing? Is it something God led them to or not? You might be rolling your eyes and thinking this is way too deep for a couple of pups, but really, they're smarter than you think. They certainly still act impulsively and it's a constant process but it has been very cool to see them really start to think about motives and consider God in their actions. And let me just tell you, it's been as much of a challenge for me as it has for them! The last little element of our mission has to do with discipline, generosity, and the mandatory before Christmas purge. ('Cause when new stuff comes in, old stuff needs to go.) When poor choices are made (no, not every single time...) they have to go select one toy that they no longer use or want. Then, just before Christmas, they will all be bundled up to leave for Saint Nicholas so he can take them to other boys and girls. It's a win-win; they learn the fruits of the spirit, they learn how to apply them to their behavior, we purge toys in the process, and nothing new comes in until Christmas!!!

The boys and Dada helped me make a Fruits of the Spirit board so we can all have them memorized by Christmas!

2. It's been a long time coming, but I think we have finally turned the corner with the weather here. As in, the kids can play outside without fear of a heat stroke. And I can go outside and watch them without needing to shower immediately after. We've had about a week now of temps in the seventies and it has been so nice! The boys have spent hours out back exploring, digging, climbing, wrestling...boy stuff. And it's actually given me some time to do some much needed cleaning up while I can watch them from the porch or out of our many windows. And let's not forget the best part: by bedtime they are completely exhausted! That being said, the one total downside has to be the bi-annual switching over of wardrobes. Here, once the fall finally arrives, you do have to switch over to pants for bottoms, but then the tops are still a mix of short sleeves, long sleeves, and the occasional sweatshirt. Going through all of their clothes and deciding what needs to be stored, what needs to be donated, what needs to be replaced is one of my most loathed of all mother chores. But I have to give a huge shout out to my massive storage closet upstairs. It sure is nice to walk in, select a tub, pull out the bags and get to storing. Or pulling "new" items for Grant. And I'll also give a good horray to the fact that Kolbe and Rudy are the same size. In everything. Three drawers: pajamas/undies, pants, tops. Covers them both. And at the rate he's going, Grant may be caught up before long too!

3. Kolbe had his last soccer game this past weekend. What a fun, fun season! When we started out, we were really debating back and forth on whether we should even do it or not. After all, he was only four. And I can't stand investing money in something that's a total flop. Would he even be interested? Needless to say, it was one of the best moves we made. Not only did he absolutely love it, but we all loved watching and taking part too. Plus, it gave us an opportunity to meet other families, gave us something to look forward to each Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon, and burned a lot of the endless supply of energy these boys have. And though I try not to be competitive while he's at such a young age, it's safe to say that Kolb is quite the little soccer player. I'll totally admit that I had to beam a little bit when a parent from another team came over to tell us how good Kolbe was at one of his last games. That's muh boy! He says that for now he's happy that the season is over, but that he's already looking forward to playing again next year.

This was actually from very early in season but was one of the best videos we got of Kolbe playing.

Pa entertaining Grant

Of all our babies, Rudy is the cuddliest. He just curled right up with Pinkie and took a nap after the soccer game.

Two brothers hugging.

I know this is horribly blurry, but this pic is SO my life. Beautiful chaos!

Ready for a Grantness overload!?!...

Getting soooo big, but still a blankie boy.

Totally thrilled that Kolbe let him sit in the driver's seat...even though his foot can't reach the pedal.

Showing off his new Chuck Taylors! (we had to get some shoes with ties...he's in the phase where if you leave him alone with velcro shoes on, they're coming off instantly.)

TTT: Season 3, Episode 45

1. Better late than never! It's been a busy, busy week. And I have to admit, a bit of a bummer. You win some and lose some and this week was a loss on several levels! For one, the "open house" last Friday was just what I thought it was going to be just even less successful than imagined. Apparently in years past, it was held in the afternoon hours on a Saturday. You know, when ladies have time to sneak away for a bit and shop. Other than Friday nights being super busy for most people, it was also the night of The Woodlands vs. College Park: the ultimate high school football rivalry in these parts. (the two local high schools) I've always known this was a huge game...heck, Mark took the boys to it last year! But since Mark was on-call and not planning to go to the game, I didn't know it was the night of the open house. I'm going to estimate that maybe fifteen people came through, most of them being close friends or family members of someone else selling at the open house. (There were seven of us.) Everyone was interested in popping in for a few snacks and a glass of wine but no shopping. And by no shopping, I mean no shopping. I left with every single item I arrived with. I know my friend who invited me to sell felt horrible and it certainly was not her fault. The redeeming factor is that everything I had there to sell is completely sell-able in my online shop. In fact, eight of the items have already gone out this week, which has made for a much lighter workload for me and several are planned for Christmas gifts. So I guess the open house wasn't totally a bummer...I'll consider it getting ahead for the busy holiday season that looms!

2. The second "bummer" is a whole conglomeration of issues. Mainly revolving a big little fella commonly referred to around here as "Sir." That would be Sir Grantness. (He picked up the "Sir" during the Olympics when it was decided that he should be a royal.) Ooooooohhhh Sir. Let me just start by saying that the whole "extra hour of sleep" that's celebrated nation wide when "fall back" occurs is an event only celebrated by people without children. Or people with teenagers. Not people with one-year-olds. Kolbe and Rudy used to get up around seven-ish, I'd get breakfast ready, and then go get Grant. So now, it's Kolbe and Rudy getting up around six-ish with the same routine. "So put them to bed a little later so they'll sleep a littler later," you're thinking. It doesn't work that way, my friends. If you put them to bed later, they still wake up at the same time. You could put them to bed at midnight and they'd still wake up at the same time. Their bodies just know. But the problem with Grant revolves around the naps. He just recently...about a month or so ago...officially gave up his morning nap. But since he's been waking up at six instead of seven, he's completely exhausted and ready to crash by ten. Instead of making it to the afternoon nap he's been taking around noon. (Yes, he gets sleepy by eleven but we do lunch and stretch it to noon.) Anyhow, I don't want to go back to two naps because it makes things really "off" for everyone else but man, he's just miserable in the mornings! And adding to his misery are the four teeth that have decided to come in at the same time. Two bottom molars that have broken through and two eye teeth that are in the process. When he's on Motrin or Tylenol, he's his normal happy self. But as soon as it wears off, Lord, help us all! I feel so sorry for him because it looks so painful and miserable, but I hate the idea of keeping him on medicine non-stop too. And other "remedies" have done nothing. Poor little fella. I've decided his fictional counterpart is Animal from The Muppets. But back to the sleep issues. The smart person would just go to bed earlier so that getting up earlier wouldn't be so bad. And I have done that a few nights. But then others I've stayed up until midnight...such as the night of the election...just to encounter another bummer. I could write a whole post about that one. And probably should. But there's so much to digest about that and so many different thoughts I've had about it that it's all just jumbled thoughts in my head right now. There were so many elements that went in to this election. And I can honestly see why certain people and groups feel and believe the way they do about certain issues. The same way I feel so strongly about certain issues too. It's what makes America America. But overall, especially when it comes to the economy and the overwhelming dependence on government that has developed in our nation, it's just hard for me to see how the majority of American voters can think that the best path for our nation is to continue down the same road we are on. I've always been so proud to be an American. And I still am. I love and respect the rights and freedoms we have here and I just hope and pray that my children...and all children...will have the same. I love all of my Republican friends, Democratic friends and everyone in between, and my prayer now is just that we can start to bridge the massive gap between the two parties and start to truly do what's best for our nation. Okay, getting long winded and totally not on the same topic that I started out on. Stopping. At least for now. *Must figure out way to process and publish deeper thoughts instead of just weekly ramblings.*

3. I have to end the week on a positive note. Today was my Kolbe's fifth birthday. Five. Five. How can it be that five years have passed since I first lay eyes on that precious boy? It's amazing the boy he has turned into in just five short years and even more amazing how he's changed me. I love being Kolbe's mom. He's so smart and so talented. A typical oldest child. Every bit as bull-headed as his mother; evidence that God most definitely has a sense of humor. I love this little guy oh so much. That little face and precious smile never hesitate to make my heart skip a beat. God loves me enough to let me be Kolbe's mama. May I always cherish it as much as I do today.

Happy Birthday, my Kolbe!!!

What's a birthday without a cherry donut!?! (he insisted on wearing his hat from pre-school on Thursday to the donut shop this morning)

Enjoying the sunshine! (it's still shorts and t-shirts weather here...)

Cutest little spider man ever!

My three little monkeys! Keeping Dada busy while Mama was at the open house.

Grant goes so hard that when he crashes, it's over!

Last night we went to a pizza place with Kolbe's soccer team for an end of the season party. They all got their medals! This is Kolbe with his coach, Miss Erica, who is a local high school senior who was kind enough to couch the kiddos as volunteer work.

Mark's grandpa, "Grandpa Selso" is a phenomenal artist! He sends us cards for every single holiday. And not just one....one for each kid! The boys love getting his cards and Kolbe is determined to be able to draw like Grandpa Selso some day. And that would be quite the achievement!

TTT: Season 3, Episode 44

1. Tomorrow is the highly procrastinated anticipated open house that I'm selling at. Yay! And that's a "yay" as in "Yay. Glad it's here. Note to self: Don't sign up to do any in-person events ever again unless you're way ahead on everything else." Eek. I know that probably sounds so rude and unprofessional. But I've come to a realization about the whole self-owned business thingy. In-person sales are fantastic for selling items that can easily be made in bulk, items that involve designing and outside production (such making a graphic design and then having ten copies of it printed...only took time to make one!), or items where the seller is a sales rep for a larger company. (jewelry, make-up, etc.) Or, I suppose, handmade businesses that are starting out and don't have an internet presence yet. It's definitely a way of getting business/orders. But the reality of my business right now is that since I've spent several years building the internet side of things, I don't have to do anything to get business. Just sit here and wait for the ding to go off on my phone. And the orders I receive dictate what I make. Whereas with in-person sales, you have to pre-make a bunch of things that may or may not sell. (By the way, let me pause for just a moment. The Christmas shopping season is just around the corner. 'Sell' and 'sale' are two different words. One is a verb and one is a noun. The poor misuse of these two is driving me crazy lately.) Back to what I was saying. I think I've been drawn to the whole in-person handmade market thing because I've seen photos and blog posts of so many and they just look oh-so-pretty and fun. Time to see other handmade products, time to be "all in" with my business, and heck, a break from the kids to spend sipping wine and chatting with other ladies! But I think the idyllic view I had of it all changes a bit when I think of what I've put myself through over the past week to try and squeeze everything in. Sure, I have several baskets of products to sell, a cool new handmade "catalog" for in-person orders to be placed, order forms, pricing sheets, the whole nine yards. But what am I going to do with all of this stuff after tomorrow!?! If the products don't sell, I'll essentially have to sit on them until I receive an order for each color/design online. And create individual online listings for the custom blankets I made. The other stuff? Who knows. I suppose it will sit in a bin in my sewing world until I agree to do another one of these someday. Please, don't listen to me ramble on and on about this. I'm obviously exhausted from staying up until at least midnight every night this week. Who knows...I'll probably come back next week raving about how well it went, how much fun I had, and how I can't wait to do it again. It's the lack of sleep talking here!

2. Among the personal madness mentioned above, my gig as mom has continued on as normal. Yes, the boys do know that I sew during nap time and sometimes after bed, but I'm pretty sure they're totally unaware of some of the insanity I put myself through. Anyhow, we had a blast doing Halloween festivities yesterday and carving pumpkins on Monday. Rudy, especially, is a huge fan of Halloween. Several of my parent's neighbors go all out with decorating their houses and giving out all kinds of gifts and goodies so we headed over there early last night. While living there for a few months when we first moved down, we became friends with many of their neighbors too so it's nice to meet up with everyone again. Then we headed back to our own street and had fun visiting with all of our current neighbors. Mark, unfortunately, got stuck in a long surgery and didn't make it home until all of the trick-or-treating was over but he still got to see the boys in their suits and help them rifle through all their goodies. The excitement was so high that they were very late to bed last night and then up early this morning so we could go to mass for All Saints Day. The older two and I had deep discussions about how the saints became saints and Kolbe informed me that he didn't know if he'd ever be able to be one because he didn't know if he could be that good all the time. Ha! While it's certainly my utmost goal to raise little saints, I appreciate his honesty! And, of course, I told him that many of the saints were the biggest sinners before they dedicated their lives to serving Christ. His response was, "Ok, well I'll try." That's my Kolb.

3. As I mentioned earlier, my brother Pat has been here off and on for the past few weeks. It has been great to spend some quality time with him! The boys love Uncle P. Unfortunately, my grandmother and aunt didn't get to come because of the hurricane, but hopefully they'll be able to reschedule soon. Despite the crazy busyness, I love this time of the year most especially for the time with family. (certainly not for the Houston weather) Next week we have tons of "events" surrounding Kolbe's birthday, the end of the soccer season, etc, but it won't be long until we are headed to Lubbock to celebrate Thanksgiving. We haven't been to Lubbock since last Christmas. It has been way too long and we can't wait! ...Maybe it won't be in the 80s when we get there...

Mama and her super heroes!

Kolbe's new favorite quiet time activity: scavenger hunt. He has to read the word and go find the object somewhere in the game room all by himself.

Carving pumpkins!

This is how our Halloween morning started. Someone found a mud puddle. It's hard to see in the picture, but knees to toes were completely submerged. 

Uncle P teaching Grant how to play with Power Rangers!

TTT: Season 3, Episode 43

1. It's been a big, long, exhausting...but fun!...week. Last week I was fretting over our trip to Austin for my cousin Audry's wedding. Despite the usual dramatics and the "anything goes" mentality that accompanies traveling with young children, we had so much fun and came home completely spent. Back in August of 2009, Kolbe, at only twenty-one months old, was quite possibly the cutest ring bearer of all times at Uncle Brian and Aunt Cristi's wedding. But Rudy most definitely gave him a run for his money this past weekend. He was oh-so-adorable and did a great job at hanging in there for all of the events and pictures. He definitely enjoyed his special moment, though he was not a fan of the tux shoes. Apparently they don't make them in wide widths for little boys with Fred Flintstone feet. We somehow crammed Sixth Street (with babies!...for the rehearsal dinner), the Congress Street Bridge, several yummy restaurants, a trip to my childhood home, the Capitol, and the wedding all in to one weekend. And the Tech game too, of course. We definitely got our dance on as well. And I might just add that Audry was a stunning bride. Any function with our family is a blast and the wedding was no exception. So. much. fun!!!

Mr. Handsome.
There are many more pics to come from the wedding...this was just the best one I had on my phone!

2. After returning from Austin it was immediately back to the real world and the reality of Kolbe's impending tooth extraction. He knew it was on the horizon but kept trying to avoid the topic. Who am I kidding...I put it off for roughly a year because I didn't want to have to see him go through yet another something or other for his mouth. We knew it needed to be done; it was causing further damage to his front tooth. Poor guy. The night before, just like the night before school started, he cried and got all emotional but refused to admit that he was nervous about the dentist. Then he teared up again when we dropped Rudy and Grant at my parent's house and they wished him luck. Luckily, it was all done with sedation so he didn't have to feel or at least recognize what was going on. We got to sit together and watch a movie while the medicine took effect and then they took him back all by himself while "mom went to the bathroom." It only took about forty-five minutes to remove the tooth and do his two fillings. He was awake the whole time but calm. He came out and said, "Mom! Now that I know what it's like to get a tooth pulled, I won't ever be nervous any more!" Hopefully it won't have to happen again any time soon, kiddo. The dentist said it was pretty rough because of all of his scar tissue from his previous surgeries. I was worried about the pain he'd experience later in the day but she said that once the medicine wore off, he should be fine and not need anything else. Despite my skepticism, she was right. Took a long, peaceful nap and then right back to life as normal. Not a single mention of any mouth pain. Must just get worse when you're an adult 'cause I know my mouth was killing me after my cavities! Anyhow, he also got a visit from the Tooth Fairy last night which was oh, so special to him. (and me!) He had so many questions about the Tooth Fairy so we explained that she is one of the guardian angels that God sends to watch us while we sleep and when little boys or girls are extra special brave with their teeth, she leaves a little prize. She also left him a letter telling him how proud God, his mama and dada, and family and friends are of him for all he has gone through with his mouth. And boy, was she right! ;)

Sorry if these pics gross you out...we share partially just for our own family records/memories but also for anyone else who has to go through this or wonders about clefts. This is the "before" shot.

And here's after! Plus a good view of his lip and palate repair scars from roughly four years ago.

Brave little guy leaving the office.

3. Tidbits! (and more pictures)
- We are finally getting our fall "cool front" tomorrow. Highs in the seventies for the next week, thank goodness. Today it was ninety degrees. The boys and I went to the park and came home sweaty like it was June. I miss the four seasons.
- The holiday open house that I'm a vendor at is a week from tomorrow. Don't ask how many items I have ready to sell.
- My brother Pat is in town this week and next. He's awesome and we love him. And my grandma and Aunt Debbie are coming all the way from DC next weekend! I love family!
- I love football season too. Goooooo Tech!

I lived in Austin from the middle of kindergarten to the middle of 4th grade. This was my elementary school that I walked to each day!

And outside of our little house on Wing Road. Seven people lived in there. Must remember to pull this pic up every time I feel crammed for space! 

By the Congress Street Bridge. I love my little family!

Prior to dressing for wedding pictures, I gave Rudy a bath and wrapped him in a towel. He was cold, we had an hour to burn, and I knew it would be a long night so I put him under the hotel bed sheets and he slept like a little angel wrapped in his towel. So sweet!

Checking out a Christmas toy catalog with Pinkie. Hard to believe it's just two months from today!

Post soccer practice dip cone with Dada!

And while the boys were at soccer, Mama and Grant were working on the yard. That was until Grant threw a rock into an ant bed and then went and got it. *Mom Fail.*

Don't you love kiddie drawings!?! Kolbe disappeared tonight and came down stairs a few minutes later with this picture of a bat for us. He even wrote "BAT" on the back. I asked him how he knew how to spell it and he said, "Mom, it starts like 'Buh, buh, buh' so that's B. Then it's 'a, a, a,' so that's A. Then 'tuh, tuh, tuh' so that's T. Did I get it right!?!" The reading process is coming along! Oh, and Happy Halloween from Kolbe's little bat! And All Souls and All Saints Days, too!

TTT: Season 3, Episode 42

1. I'm burning the candle at both ends right now! We leave tomorrow around lunch time for Austin to attend my cousin Audry's wedding. As I mentioned last week, Rudy is going to be the ring bearer and he's so excited for his moment in the lime light! Just as how life typically behaves prior to any form of traveling, there's been a massive snowball effect taking place across all aspects of life around here. And though my mind has typed out my packing list, not a stitch has been pulled from the drawers. Heck, the suitcases aren't even out yet. Tomorrow morning promises to be a madhouse. But I have to say, I can't wait for the wedding! It's been a long time since I've seen my mom's side of the family all in one place. (I missed the huge family reunion the took place just days after Grant was born last summer.) Considering the family is so massive, there's never a dull moment and it's a blast getting to have fun and catch up with everyone. But back to Rudy....Be still, my heart!

Really!?! He's literally the cutest little man to ever wear a tux. And actually, I'm quite fond of knowing he's mine! (this adverb-happy caption is just for you, Mom and Dad! ;)

2. One huge component to the snowball effect taking place around here is definitely the whole sewing machine transition. In fact, I'd consider it to be the avalanche. Not sure if I've ever explained this on here before, but I run on a one week timeline for my shop. So if a customer places an order on Thursday, it will ship by the following Thursday. Usually, it's fairly easy for me to keep up with this schedule. But when you spend two full nap times shopping for a new sewing machine instead of filling orders...and this just days before leaving on a weekend trip...well, the rest is history. But alas, I do have an awesome new sewing and embroidery machine sitting up on my sewing table. I ended up spending way more than I imagined, but I think in the end I'm going to be glad that I did. And heck, she'll pay for herself quickly. I'd classify her as a dream machine. At least for what I'm needing right now. Just a few days in and I'm already in love!

The boys are fascinated by how the machine can sew "all by itself!"

3. Running errands with all three boys isn't easy. A four-year-old, a three-year-old, a one-year-old, a shopping cart, a list, a crowd. There are many, many variables. But lately, it has seemed like errand running with the monkeys hasn't been too bad. The older two have developed an understanding of how to act and how to help mom. But then there's Grant. He's certainly the most spirited of the bunch right now. We set out to run a bunch of errands yesterday beginning with Rudy's tux fitting. Since I knew I'd need both arms free to dress Rudy, I strapped him in the stroller. All was well for the first ten minutes. But not so much by minute forty-five when our salesman had wandered off to help another customer, Rudy and Kolbe were entertaining themselves in the mirror tunnel, and I was doing my best to avoid letting curse words slip from my mouth. Grant was in full on caged animal mode, and though I took him out of the stroller for a bit while we waited, his goal in life was to run wild in the Men's Wearhouse. I felt like I needed an alcoholic beverage by the time I left the place. Our next stop was Target. I convinced myself that maybe if I bought a pretzel to share with the boys, they'd be really well behaved while I raced through and grabbed what I needed for our trip. Luckily, this was true for the older two. But again, then there's Grant. He has figured out how to stand up in shopping carts. Even when strapped in. Why can't they make them with five point harnesses!?! So being the desperate mom that I was, I put him in the bin part of the shopping car and just decided to walk along side of it so I could hold on to him. Despite my efforts, he just had to have that last chunk of pretzel in Kolbe's hand. He went for a forward somersault move in an attempt to get it. Yes, with my ninja-like mom skills, I did catch him prior to hitting the ground. But not without incurring the wound below. And that's just half of it. The top of my foot has two similar gashes along with bruising. I'm going to go ahead and nominate myself for the first person to come out of her shoes on the dance floor at the wedding this weekend. And as for the errand trip...Grant went straight to nap time when we got home. It was for his own safety.

Part of Mama's boo-boos

Ahh. I nice, peaceful picture of the boys reading books with Dada. Wish the whole week had been this calm!

TTT: Season 3, Episode 41

1. I'll be the first to admit that one of my least favorite aspects of kiddie rearing is dental hygiene and care. My kids have never been fond of brushing their teeth. Except for Grant. Right now he thinks it's the coolest thing ever. But he seems to be the exception to many things, so Grant aside, it has always been a battle. And I'm always the bad guy forcing them to brush, "brushing too hard", "gagging them", etc. Ugh. But alas, it is a necessity. Beyond the fact that no one likes stinky breath, all kinds of problems can show up down the road when baby teeth aren't cared for properly. Plus, Kolbe has his own set of issues from his clefts. He's had an extra tooth behind his top front teeth that we've know would need to be pulled for a long time. Between Mark's job changes and changing insurance, we just haven't gotten around to doing it. About a month or so ago, Rudy fell while rough-housing in the family room and hit his mouth on the frame of our couch. His gums bled a little right after and the next day he said it hurt while brushing but then we never heard anything more from him. Sure enough, just recently we've started noticing that the tooth is turning gray. So between Kolbe's tooth and now Rudy's, we decided to head to the dentist this week. Despite the fact that they act like I'm brushing their teeth with a razor at home, they were perfect patients at the dentist's office. (Imagine that.) They each got a cleaning and x-rays done...and came home with plenty of goodies! Kolbe's tooth extraction is scheduled for two weeks from now. We've been discussing it with him for a long time so he knows it coming, but I'm sure it will still be tough. Keep the little fella in your prayers! He's been through a lot with his mouth and is always a trooper. As for Rudy, the dentist said there's no evidence of any damage or real problems so she thinks we should leave it and monitor it for the time being. He may develop more problems down the road and have to get it pulled, but it could also possibly lighten back up and be just fine. She said that since he's only three, it's better to leave it there for now and pull it down the road if it becomes more of a problem. That way he won't be missing a front tooth for roughly four years. Considering that Kolbe will be five in a few weeks and we've yet to have an ER visit, any broken bones/stitches/etc, and a "dead" tooth with Rudy is our first accident, I'd say we're doing pretty well!

In the waiting room at the dentist! Two brave boys!

2. Rudy's tooth is not the only thing that was confirmed dead this week. Sadly, my sewing machine, Number Two, was laid to rest as well. Number Two lived a short but very full life creating hundreds of items (actually, over one thousand!) for many customers. If you've been reading for a while, you're probably thinking that it hasn't even been a year since my first machine died. It's true. Number Two was purchased last December. Like I said...a short life. But she admittedly was a cheap, necessity-type buy in that my first one died, I had a huge stack of have-to-get-out-in-time-for-Christmas orders to sew and just needed something functional in a hurry. But considering the fabric that I sew with is thick and I'm sewing multiple layers of it...with thick elastic in the middle too!...it's hard for just about any machine to stand much of a chance. And I'll fess up...I'm definitely not the best caregiver. I'm usually in too much of a hurry to get one more order done or rushing off because babies are waking from naps and sure enough, the lint builds up until the machine jams and I have to take it apart. That being said, Number Two did really well considering her quality level and what I put her though. I did take her completely apart in hopes of resuscitating her little sewing machine heart, but to no avail. So this time around I'm going to make some changes. I still can't bring myself to drop roughly $2,000 on a dream machine, but I'm trying to take a little more of a get-what-you-pay-for approach along with adding embroidery since it's been something I've been needing to add to my shop options for a long time. Plus, I suppose I'll vow to provide better care and maintenance as well. I mean, it's not like a little spray down with some canned air takes more than five seconds! In the mean time, I'm working on the beauty below. She's my mom's sewing machine that's got to be a good thirty to forty years old. Sure, she's missing many, many, many of the common features of more modern machines (cough, cough- well placed thread cutter- cough, cough), but overall, she's a real work horse and is getting the job done just fine! There's something to be said for a solid metal machine that beats today's largely plastic-cased machines hands down. 

3. Time for some tidbits!

- Our colds that started last week still haven't gone away. No kidding, I woke up this morning feeling like I might have gotten a little bit worse instead of a little bit better. And I even went to bed early last night! Grant's nose is still running like a faucet and Rudy's voice still sounds like a boy going through puberty. Ten days is enough. Go away.

- I ordered, yes, ordered the boys' Halloween costumes this week. I cringe at the word only because their costumes have all been handmade in the past. But they're begging to be Hulk and Batman. Despite the fact that they've never seen a movie or show involving Hulk or Batman. And so it begins. I gave in, realizing I couldn't make their costumes for as cheap as I could buy them. Boo. Next year I will remember to plant my (much cuter!) ideas much earlier on!

- I'm looking really, really forward to next weekend. Headed to Austin for my cousin Audry's wedding where Rudy will serve as the ring bearer. Can't wait to see all of our family!

Little Rudy loves to take pictures. It's so fun to look through them and see what he sees.

I mentioned that we've developed somewhat of a war with Grant and eating. Namely, he likes to exert his power in the form of refusing to eat anything. A few days ago I was craving onion rings like crazy so Mark brought me some home. And while Grant wouldn't eat things that we know he loves, he sure did throw down on an onion ring!

A few weeks ago Mark took Kolbe on a little man trip and this week Rudy got his turn. They headed to Toys-r-us to walk the aisles and then, of course, off to get a dipped cone!

Kolbe had picture day at preschool this week and on the way out our front door  he blended in so well with our fall decorations that I had to get a pre-picture picture. He's just too cute!

Kolbe's number one fan at soccer!!!

TTT: Season 3, Episode 40

1. It's late, I'm tired, and I'm sick, so I'll (try to) be brief. It has been a bit of a long week around here as we've all drudged through our first cold in a long time. No, unfortunately I speak not of cold weather but more of the sore throat, watery eyes, congested head, runny nose variety. And for the little ones, fevers too. Oddly enough, Mark and I were the first to pick it up. Usually it's the other way around with the kiddies getting it first. And honestly, I really haven't been sick in a long time. Like maybe before I was pregnant with Grant??? At least not that I can remember. (Oh, the benefits of pregnancy/nursing mom immunities!) But it has been long days of fussy babes, long nights of restless sleepers, and quite a bit of Motrin and Tylenol. We are actually expecting our first good cold front this weekend so hopefully by the time it arrives, we'll be feeling well enough to go out and enjoy the cool weather! (and by cold front, I mean the high on Sunday of 70. Not 50 or 40.)

2. My hair saga continues. As I mentioned last week, I was relatively happy with my Locks of Love chop but wasn't totally sold on the all-one-length 'do the stylist gave me. I mean, really, it was all one length. No shape or style to it whatsoever. I tried tapering the front around my face just a tad on my own but realized I was going to need a lot more than just that to make it look like an intentional hairdo. So I went to the salon again. I rarely go to the salon twice in a year, let alone twice in one month. But as a stay-at-home, newly thirty mom of three, I've just been feeling a little ugh about my appearance lately and just wanted a little something to help me put my best face forward. Unfortunately, I got anything but that. I even took pictures with me of a cute cut I had in college. Specifically told her that I just wanted some shape to the sides and around my face but no length take off. Even told her how much I loathed super stacked hair cuts where the back is way shorter than the front. And what did I walk out of the salon with? The exact thing I asked her not to do. I was a little worried as I watched seemingly long pieces of hair fall to the ground, but when she pulled out the blow dryer after about ten minutes of cutting, I gave a little sigh of relief assuming that a cut that quick couldn't have been much. But then after drying it she kept going. And going. And going. And going. I think she could tell I was not a happy customer; she gave me a free styling brush and a discount on my cut without any prompting. Let me pause for just a moment. You're probably picturing me with a spiked out Kate Gosselin looking mess. It's really not that bad. In fact, the front looks okay. It's just the back that I hate. It's short. Really short. Like I walked in there with a pony tail and I won't be wearing a ponytail until at least next summer now. Yes, it's just hair and I'll make the most of it. But making the most of it is going to require lots of work and styling every single day to make it look good on me. Not to mention a truck load of styling supplies. And actually, I think I've had it shorter at previous times, it's just not what I was hoping for so I'm bummed. Mark swears it looks cute and that he's not just saying that to cheer me up. Sweet, but I still don't like it. And no, I don't have a picture to show. Lord knows with our colds I've yet to style it anywhere near picture worthy in the past few days. Now if you would all pull out your violins and play me a sad, sad song, I'd appreciate it. Whaaaah.

3. I feel like I'm in a calm before the storm with my shop right now. Why? I've signed on to participate in my first ever open house/ handmade market/ boutique/ whatever-you-want-to-call-it. It's not until the 2nd of November so I've still got a month to go but there's one major problem: In order to succeed at one of these functions, you have to actually have a product to sell! With my etsy shop, all of my sales are made to order. So even though I already have the fabric, I don't produce the item until after it has been ordered. My work time each day is essentially just keeping up with all of the incoming orders online. With throwing this open house into the mix, I'm going to somehow have to squeeze in quite a few products so that I'll have something to sell at the event. Really, I'm not sure why I bring this upon myself. Not to sound smug, but I'm certainly not struggling to get business. I guess I've always just wanted to try out something other than online sales and get the experience of actually getting to interact with my customers. Plus, two of my local girlfriends are doing it with me so it should be a lot of fun. Just might not be fun over the next few weeks trying to build up a little inventory!

Despite our warm temps, it was time to break out some of the fall decorations. Now if only we could make some decisions on Halloween costumes....

My brother, Andy, his wife Abby, and their two boys, John and Will came to town this weekend and we had a blast getting to visit with them. We watched the Tech game at my parents' on Saturday night and Pa just had to squeeze in a five baby wrestle-mania! 

Abby's mom, Miss Mary, is the wonderful creator of Grant's beloved "Blankie Blue." The only problem with Blankie Blue is that he's huge. So when Grant carries it around, the majority of it drags on the floor. Plus, it's size makes it difficult to take along from place to place but perfect for cuddles at night. When Abby arrived this past weekend, she delivered a new mini Blankie Blue from Miss Mary. Grant (and Mama!) were thrilled! Can't you tell?

Uncle Mark found someone willing to lend his baby legs for a drum solo. Poor Will! At least everyone else was entertained by it! 

Kolbe and Rudy scored scrub caps and masks in the dollar bin at Joann Fabrics the other day so they could be just  like Dada.

Grant has started trying to steal the iphone. Trouble!

This fella has always been a "witching hour" baby...enjoying a good meltdown almost nightly from roughly 5-6:30. The best way to end a meltdown? A nice bubble bath always does the trick.