Curtis' first day back at work

Today was Curtis' first day back to work after his R&R after the deployment. He explained to the boys that he will be back on Thursday, since they were a little concerned that he was off again for a few months. However, they weren't satisfied. So around the breakfast table this morning, the boys all voted that I go back to work instead of Daddy. Sometimes I wish!

Not much has been going on. We got through another round of illnesses. Nick and Caleb had pneumonia while Jake, Megan, Curtis, and I had colds. I think it is almost all over with now. I am tired of feeling housebound!

Happy Birthday, Curtis!

Happy Birthday, Curtis!!

Well, today was the big day. Curtis turned the double 33's. We had a great day, except for the two sick kids!! We spent the day in Kansas City area looking for the right table saw. We finally found it after numerous stores. Curtis requested a coconut cake. I had seen a recipe in a Paula Deen cookbook. So I made it up. It is the BEST coconut cake I have ever had. It is good, so if you want the recipe, let me know, I am willing to share. In fact, all this writing about it is making me think about getting another piece.....I don't want it to go to waste!

The End of Our Christmas Season

Now that Curtis came home we were able to finish our Christmas. All the gifts are finally opened and put away. So it was time to clean up. Curtis and I worked a lot of the day yesterday taking down the tree and putting away all of the decorations. This morning I noticed that I had missed something...the gingerbread house. The kids and I had made it a couple weeks before Christmas. Caleb had eyed it many times but it was high enough that he couldn't get at it. But now with it on the table, it is fair game. He is trying to get as much candy off it as possible until I confiscate it and throw it away. Hurry Caleb, I am coming!!

Curtis Came Home

Yesterday Curtis came home. His flight came in around 2:30 in the afternoon. I picked him up and brought him home to surprise the kids. (They knew that he was coming, but weren't sure when!) They were so excited to see him.

This morning Curtis had to go sign in for about 20 minutes. Caleb didn't want him to go. He kept telling us to have Daddy stay and have Mommy go to work. I think that he was afraid that Curtis would be gone 4 months again. I am sure that Curtis hopes that this attachment to him wears off soon so he can do things without Caleb next to him at all moments.

Meg's New Ears

This morning was Megan's surgery to get tubes put in her ears. We have been looking forward to this day for weeks. The surgery was quick and mostly painless. But she woke up from it as a grouch. She didn't want anything or to see anyone or to be held. It was a miserable 30 minutes til all the medicine finally wore off.



Now she is doing wonderfully. She has slept a lot today, but has been walking around, marveling at the sounds of toys that she can hear so much clearer. It is a relief to get the old Megan back.

Jake's First Lost Tooth

Well, it finally happened. Jake FINALLY lost his first tooth. The last second grader at school to loose it. But if you notice in the picture, the new tooth is already growing in behind it. Looks like daddy is going to have to start saving for braces!!