It aint over til its over!

ok. who stole my child and where is she? seriously. mati claire has been a NIGHTMARE the last 2 weeks. lately, she has been a textbook case of children i only read about. i'm talking, throwing tantrums - while hitting the walls - flailing her arms and legs - screaming like an out of control psycho - backtalking - you name it. i mean really, where did my sweet little miss priss go? matt and i feel like all we have done is either spank her or put her in the corner. today, i withdrew all tv and sweets (not that she ate that much sweet stuff anyway) until she straightens up and acts right. we are at our wits end. we think it could be any number of things: 1) obviously her age --anyone out there with a 2 year old beware that the 3's are worse! 2) her antibiotic -- as a pharmacist, i know that antibiotics can cause behavioral changes in children. 3) her Gigi left and she is lashing out. geez, mom, get back here asap! or maybe its a combination of all 3. who knows. i just know she is acting like a crazy person.

I honestly believe God only gives you what you can handle...because on the flip side, Mattox got not one, but TWO teeth!!!!! Oh they are so cute (now that they're in). Its not so cute when they're actually coming in. But he has been darn near angelic the last few days. agh! i love it. he's only fussy when he's tired or hungry. and did i mention he can sit up too? he can't get there on his own, but you can leave him in that position and he can hold it for awhile. he's even started scooting backwards. i'm actually looking forward to him getting all of mc's toys. she needs a little lesson in sharing and not being the only child in the universe. yes, i'm showing a little favortism today. bad mother right? oh who am i kidding, they are both my favorite people in this world after matt. i am just exhausted.

despite mc's UTI and fever since wednesday, we enjoyed saturday morning at the pumpkin patch in brandon. then headed over to a birthday party. then i held a baby shower for our friend Tiffany this past Sunday. i just love baby showers. i love babies too, when they aren't punching my walls. then our first day back at school was the 50th day of school, so they celebrated by having a sock hop! mc was feeling a little better by then so you can see the smile returning to the pictures. needless to say, we had a busy weekend and i'm looking forward to doing absolutely NOTHING this week! So while my war wages on with a 3 year old...i am reminded of Rocky's quote: 'it ain't over til its over!' This too shall pass i know.

Pics from Pumpkin Patch

Pics from Kaytlin's Carnival/Fall Festival themed birthday party:

Pics from Tiffany's baby shower (Kaytlin's mommy)

Pics from 50's Day:

Mattox sitting up watching Mickey Mouse:

Oktoberfest

October may be the busiest month of the year. I managed to squeeze in a few work days (which is done now until next flu season), then the rest of the time has been spent with field trips, birthday parties, halloween hoopla, doctors appointments, canton flea market, church, bible studies, and a baby shower! Bring on the holidays! Whew! But oh so much fun...and making wonderful memories with great friends and family. Here's a few of the latest pics (I know mom will want to see some of these) so sorry to keep posting pics of the same kiddos over and over again.

Payton's 4th Birthday Party at Pump-It-Up :


MC rockin' her party gear! Sitting with her sweet cousin Kendall



She doesn't understand that most of the fun happens INSIDE the jumps, not just at the door.



Oh my goodness! Mattox and one of his first "girlfriends", Miss Hadley! They are about a month apart.


Winborne's Annual Halloween Party :

There are so many kids, I can't even begin to name them and some probably aren't even in it.

For some reason, MC has a total meltdown during this part of the party every year.

Princess Belle (mom made the dress! Thank you, Mom!)

Such a sweetie. He behaved SO well! guess he had to pick up the slack where sister was failing at good behavior.

My little golfer. I'm so glad Matt got to join us before headed to work. Mom made Mattox's knickers. thanks again! I've got about a thousand more pics...but you get the idea.

Hope everyone has another great and wonderful and busy week!

Things I've Learned

The past 2 weeks have been trying. I am exhausted. Isn't it always that way though?
Its been busy with as many field trips packed in as we can and as many trips as I can make to Hobby Lobby in a month! Really. I'm tired. However, I've learned alot of new things:

1. Never - EVER - give Mattox sweet potatoes. Ever again. He will be awake all night long with a tummy ache. 3 times you're out. never again.

2. Never give your credit card to your mother...she will lose it and force you to cancel the card. ha! love you mom. no worries...its all ok.

3. Never stand too close to a goat that you're feeding. He will try to eat the food AND you. Don't worry, MC is a little traumatized by goats now.



4. How to make a diaper stack cake thingy. See pic. Its still a work in progress, but I think its a good start.



5. Pistols are wonderful. Cajun pistols at the Canton Flea Market: shrimp, crab, and crawfish drowned in a cajun cheese sauce stuffed into a bread pistolette and then FRIED. To die for. Everyone should try one before they die. Or three.

6. I've learned to have patience. Mattox had his eye appointment this past Wednesday for his blocked tear ducts. Matt and I have decided to wait it out until he turns 1. Long story short, we don't want to put him through surgery over an elective problem. His vision is great however. Dr. McVey has inspired me to take MC in for her first eye checkup too.

7. Never use Pyrex cookware ever again. I have had 2 casserole dishes break either in my oven or on my stove after taking them out of the oven. guess i'm just a terrible cook!



8. Never ever wash a diaper in the washing machine. It makes for an awful mess.

9. I RE-learned why I quit my job at a pharmacy. I can't learn to say no.

aaaand #10. Top thing that I've learned in the last 2 weeks: GPS systems don't work!

New Cheese

We've been working on MC's 'smile' for the camera which has improved over the last few days. Then we have a new little ham in Mattox. He worships the ground MC walks on, and she barely gives him the time of day. Figures...isn't that just like an older sibling?? ha ;)

I know yall are tired of seeing these peeps, but I have to say I never get tired of looking at 'em! (except at 5:00 everyday). We are getting over a virus or flu-like symptoms this week. I was still running fever this morning...I haven't felt that bad in years! I hate it because we are missing all the beautiful weather! Matt has been an enormous help! He takes MC to school every morning, grocery shops, and even cleaned the kitchen! All so I could sleep.

And I would love to tell you all the crazy things MC has been saying lately, but that would take too much time. Let me just say that kids say the darndest things. She amazes me everyday with her innocent/honest/sarcastic/practical answers. I just have to laugh when she answers me correctly (but not quite the answer I was looking for). She has learned her ABC's finally! But she loves to repeat them over and over - seriously, all day long.

It actually looks a bit frightening on camera...but its really hilarious in person.

I am busy already planning his 1st birthday party!!!!!! oh I am so excited! It's PAR-TEE time! Yes, you heard it: GOLF theme! This will be an incredible party and I can't wait! See he's already into it:

Watching golf on TV