Winter, Good Riddance!

My blog performance has been downright sad. February was a gloomy month. This winter really took a toll on me. My grandparents used to always leave during the winter and go somewhere warm and now I know why. I hope that when I am retired, I will be able to afford to do the same, except they chose to go to the desert. I will probably opt for the beach! Several of my friends and I have come to the conclusion that we could have that seasonal disorder. You know, the one that just makes you not want to do anything? Basically it gives you an excuse for being lazy. I doubt that it is a true medical condition. This weekend was so awesome with the warm weather. The boys could not wait to get outside and play and even Clint was thrilled. He farmed all weekend to his heart's content, "ripping," until it stormed early this afternoon. After the weather cleared we took our first spring walk around the neighborhood. This weekend I thouroughly cleaned the inside of my car and I discovered some very disturbing items. My children are packrats and pigs. Going from a large SUV to a car has been an adjustment, but I was shocked as to how many toys, juice bottles, and wrappers my boys hide under seats and in little nook and crannies.
Since my last blog, there are a few exciting things that I want to share. One being that Owen is finally fully potty trained. It happened just as I predicted. He decided on his own that he would take care of his business and be a "big boy!" I have been keeping true to a few of my new year's resolutions. I have been running at the gym and I was slowly working my time up, but I had a weird week long virus that left me just feeling awful, so that has put me back a bit. My goal is to still run a 5K with my friend this year. Lastly, I read a great book called The Shack. I had seen it in stores, but our church did a 4 week series on it. That was the motivating factor to read it and I was so glad that I did. For anyone who has had tragedy or heartache in their life and wants to know where God fits in, you must read this book.
For now, enjoy the warm weather until the next cold snap arrives, which I think is later this week.

For Those About To Rock

I have been a little lax on my blogging, but there hasn't been too much going on. Last weekend, Clint and I had a weekend to ourselves and went to Memphis to see one of my favorite all time bands, AC/DC. Thanks to my dad, I have always loved them. They can get you fired up to do just about anything. I especially like to listen to them when I am cleaning, it makes the job so much less mundane. It was absolutely amazing to see such a legendary group of true rockers keep a crowd on their feet for 2 hours. Angus Young was so much fun to watch and I was in awe of his guitar playing. He is one of the best. It was the best concert I have ever attended and I hope that they tour again, so I can take Stephen when he is older. He was so disappointed that he couldn't go, but he is a little young! Clint and I were surprised to see such a diverse crowd. We saw people of all ages and all different backgrounds at the concert. And yes, we did see some parents who took their 8 year olds, but we didn't tell Stephen that. I did buy a dvd of the band playing live, and Stephen and Owen both really enjoyed watching it. Maybe they will grow up to be guitar prodigys...

SNOW SNOW SNOW

Teachers are as bad as students and love snow days. Yes, I mentioned in an earlier post that I was sick of winter, but I can handle a few extra days off hanging out with my kids. Stephen could play outside in the snow all day if we would let him. Yesterday he spent 5 hours in the snow, riding his four wheeler and having snow ball fights with his dad and friends. I am lucky to be married to an avid hunter, as we have an arsenal of very warm hunting clothes of varying sizes. Stephen and Owen are well prepared for the bitter cold, which was an advantage as they were able to play in the snow for quite a while. Owen was adorable in the snow so bundled up he could barely walk. He spent a majority of his time just rolling around in it. The only thing that he dislikes is when his gloves get wet from all the rolling around and his tiny hands get so cold! When I brought him inside his hands were burning and he was trying to find band aids for them. I think we are going to have to invest in some water resistant gloves for the little guy. The drawback to this weather is having to make up our school days in May, but I guess I will just worry about that when the time comes and enjoy it now!!

Things That Don't Flush

Yes, another post on potty training. It is consuming our lives here at the Willis household. We made a little progress this week, but as of Friday, Owen still feels the need to do his business in his pants. Today we had a rather messy episode, and I accidently flushed his underwear down the toilet. Needless to say, Mommy's bathroom is incapacitated at the moment. I didnt have a good enough grip on the waistband of his underwear when I flushed the toilet for a little help in the clean up. I yelled out, "NOOOO!" when the toilet overcame my weak two fingered grip on a much loved pair of Lightning McQueen underwear. I have a method to this madness, you see. As soon as it happened, I tried to get a wire hanger in the toilet thinking maybe they didnt go down very far. Do you realized how hard it is to find a wire hanger in today's households?? Anyway, Lightning McQueen is lodged somewhere in our pipes. Clint was farming and I called him just saying, "I did something bad." Stephen flushed a rubber duck down the toilet once, and the toilet had to be lifted out where ducky was lodged underneath. Each year I do something stupid that involves plumbing. Last year it was flushing wayyyyyy too many noodles down the garbage disposal and clogging the pipes. FYI, noodles dont go down the drain in a huge wad. Neither do underwear.

Winter Blues

The cold weather has taken a toll on my mind and body. This winter has not been snowy or icy, but the cold temperatures and wind have gone to the core of my soul. I detest it. I seriously think I have a case of winter blues. I am tired and just so BLAH lately! All I can think about is the warm sun and my favorite vacation place, Destin, Florida. The crystal blue water and white fluffy sand would be the perfect remedy right now. We had no plans of going there again this year, but I am starting to wonder if there is a way. Hmmmmmm.......

Super Sunday

Today was a fantastic family day together. This morning I received my 7:30 wake up call from Owen. The child never sleeps late and is always the first one up. I can count on him to wake me up, let the dog out if he needs to go out if I am still sawing logs, or even sneak into the kitchen cabinet to get himself a snack. Stephen was up as well so I decided we would just go to the 9 am church services. Clint even decided to come along today. He hadn't been to Cape La Croix yet, and I was a little nervous as to what he would think since it is so far off the traditional catholic upbringing that he was raised with. When we pulled into the parking lot, Owen was so excited because he loves going to the "tree" church, because of the massive rainforest they have in the children's annex. Clint was open minded about the experience, but he did say it was different. I felt the same way at first, but now truly enjoy going each week. I have never WANTED to go to church before until now! Is that normal??
After church, we went to Best Buy to get a wii fit. They weren't open yet, but I knew that they would have some in. We sat in the parking lot for about 15 minutes and then other people started pulling up. Finally 5 minutes before they opened the door, the crowd gathered at the front door in a small mob to get a wii or wii fit. I felt ridiculous. However, I got the wii fit and everyone here is happy. After Best Buy, we hit Logan's for a quick lunch and everyone was good! Usually we have fighting or table issues, but today was a great day. We came home, but we decided not to break out the wii fit just yet. Clint had to watch the football game, so I took a nap. The boys played with very little fighting, might I add! Tomorrow Stephen and I are off, which makes the weekend even better.

Poop by Owen

"Poop is stupid."

This was Owen's response, very matter of factly, when I asked him if he needed to go potty. I could not help but laugh hysterically. The kid does have a point, but I am afraid that this is something that we can hardly change about nature. So by that response, you can tell that we have not moved any farther forward in our quest for potty independence.

Avon Annie

I just love make up.I love getting new things for my face! I rarely go anywhere without putting make up on because that is just the way I am. Call me a priss.The past few years, I have been using a lot avon products because I like them so much, so I decided I would go out on a limb and become an avon lady. Just call me Avon Annie. Anyway, what girl doesn't like make up and all the other fun cutesy stuff that avon has in their catalog? I am not out to make tons of money in this little endeavor, just maybe some pocket change and enough to pay for my beauty supplies. I certainly don't think anyone can complain about that!

The Wii Fit Hunt

Today I decided that it was time that I buy a wii fit for the family. Not really for myself, but for Clint. He has gained a few pounds and it is very important that he keep his weight within a certain range due to his back problems. It is so hard not to stay in our exercise routine in the winter time, but for his health, it is crucial that he keeps his core muscles strong. So, after church, I started my quest. 30 minutes later, I was still searching. I went EVERYWHERE. Finally after 2 hours of going to every possible place in Cape Girardeau that sells electronics, I surrendered. I guess even after almost 3 weeks after Christmas, no one around here believes in restocking their shelves? Ugh! I even looked on ebay, where people are selling them for almost double the retail price. No thank you. Clint gave me "the look" about the whole situation, but I told him not to mess with me about it. I know what is best when it comes to my boys around here. I am going to be his worst nightmare if he doesnt do what I say. HA! And yes, I will admit, I do want to use it too. So, if you know of a place that has some wii fits, please let me know!!

My Little Fighter

2oo9 has definately come in with a bang! Monday was back to school for Stephen and I. We reluctantly drug our feet out of bed, but by the next day, we were back in our routine. As for Mr. Owen, not so much. Getting him out of our morning routine over Christmas break took a toll on him. Mornings here were in a word, haneous. His behavior at home this week has not been so good and I have had sort of a Mommy meltdown. We are struggling with pooping in pants, fighting with his brother, and being just plain hard headed. Owen has been special in his own right since before he was born. 8 weeks before my due date, he wanted to come out and see the world. 6 weeks before my due date I was in a horrible car accident where I broke 3 ribs and had to be cut out of my Explorer with the jaws of life. Again, he wanted to come out and say hello. Finally, Owen won out and was almost 4 weeks early. The name "Owen" means fighter or warrior in the English language. And that is exactly what he is. Owen has always done things his own way and in his own time. He crawled late, walked late, and even talked late. And yes, I guess the pooping on the potty will be late too. He makes me crazy but we love him so much. He is sweet, caring, loving, and mean as a snake at the same time! As for my other son, I couldnt be prouder of him! Stephen brought home an almost perfect report card and I am so proud. When I think back to Stephen's preschool years, I can remember some hard headedness, but I know how different it was with just one child. Stephen is so excited that baseball is right around the corner.

Friday night I needed some much needed time to myself, so I went and saw Bride Wars with my friend Julie. I must say, it is one of the best chic flicks ever. It is chick flick greatness.
My wonderful parents saw my need for Mommy alone time, and took the boys overnight. Clint and I went to Belle Italia tonight and had a wonderful dinner and actually adult conversation without being interrupted. It was wonderful. Then we did a little shopping and came home.

Tomorrow I look forward to going to one of my new favorite hang outs, Cape La Croix church. Each time I go, I truly receive such a great message about what God wants for me. Last week was to simplify life for God. I am ready to do that, but still trying to figure out just how!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! Last night we rang in the new year by going to a murder mystery dinner. Clint's cousin, Matt, and his wife, Britnit threw the dinner. Kids were also invited, but they were corralled in the basement with plenty of things to do. Anyway, to make the mystery dinner more fun, each character had to dress their part. My role was an airline attendant (who really was an FBI agent) and Clint was a bodyguard. He had to wear athletic wear, a tacky chain, and he could not take his sunglasses off throughout the dinner. The setting was 1985 in Denver, Colorado. Britni and I had a blast searching for the perfect outfits at the Salvation Army thrift store. We found lots of 80's garb to wear, and it was very hard to narrow down our outfits. We also could not contain ourselves with our hair and make up, which I must say, was very 80's. I think we used an entire can of hairspray to prepare for the event. After the dinner was over, I got out of my God awful flight attendant attire and several of us rocked out with the Rock Band game. I still looked the part of an 80's rocker though with my hair.

Goodbye 2008!

2008 was another busy year for us. I watched our boys get bigger with mixed emotions of excitement and sadness. We have lots of things to be thankful for this year, as God has kept us safe and healthy. Here is a recap of our year.

January: The year started out not so well with Clint having excrutiating pain in his lower back. Several trips to the back crackin' chiropractor were to no avail. He went 2 more months in lots of pain before finally having major back surgery.

February: Clint and I took a much needed vacation away and went to Lexington, Kentucky to see a UK Wildcats Basketball game. We had always wanted to go to a college basketball game and see UK play. They won the game, but they did not have a very good overall season.
THE ICE STORM came. So many of our friends went without power for days. We were blessed that our power was only out for about 8 hours total. Needless to say, no school for several days!

March: Clint had his back surgery on March 7 and couldn't work for 3 weeks. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Tolentino, was AWESOME. Clint is almost as good as new!
Flooding rains came. It rained 13 inches in 24 hours time. I thought God was sending the second coming of Noah. No school due to rain!!
Due to rising gas prices, I traded in the gas guzzling Yukon for a Toyota Camry. I love my Camry, although I do miss the space between my boys for fighting reasons.

April/May: Stephen started his 3rd baseball season, with Clint as one of the coaches. Stephen is a pretty athletic kid. Baseball is going to be the sport for him. His favorite position seems to be catcher, but Clint is already worried abouth is knees....good grief. He is 8! We also went to our annual Cardinals game with seats right behind the Cardinal dugout. Stephen stood behind the dugout begging for a player to sign a baseball for him, but to no avail. Albert Pujols snubbed him and now he does not like his once favorite player.

June: I taught summer school for vacation money. Stephen fought going to enrichment summer school every single day and informed me that he will never attend again. Other days were filled with time at the pool and baseball! One of my best friends was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28. I am only including this because as of now she is through with chemo and just had her new implants put in. I am so proud of her strength through her ordeal. And maybe a little jealous because she has new boobies.... ha ha.

July: Clint and I went to Destin, Florida for our 10th wedding anniversary, which was June 12. My beloved parents kept the boys for an entire week! We had a great time and I cannot wait to go back. We celebrated Owen's 3rd birthday with a romp n' stomp party with his best friends.

August: Back to school time! Stephen entered 2nd grade and Owen started preschool. Owen loves school and especially riding the bus! I officially started my 10th year of teaching.

September: FOOTBALL. Stephen started playing his very first season of tackle football with the local youth league. I don't know who was more excited, Clint or Stephen. Football proved to be very time consuming with practices twice a week and games on Saturdays. Stephen's team, the Colts, were the second worst in the league. Stephen learned a lot about football and Clint learned that you cannot live vicariously through your children. Clint's parents came to visit us from SC and to watch Stephen play football.

October: Clint was very disappointed that he was unable to go on his annual Canadian bird murdering hunting trip....let's blame the economy for that. However, plans are in the works for a 2009 trip. Can you believe Stephen is begging to go? Stephen turned 8 years old and I still can't believe it.

November: The election. Republicans such as myself and my entire family grimaced. I can only hope that the change that we have been promised is coming. Thanksgiving came with the stomach flu hitting the house canceling our plans, but we were still together.

December: Lots of holiday activities. Stephen performed in his first Christmas concert. Owen exhibited true Christmas excitement. He loved looking at any Christmas lights, making me circle our neighborhood on our way home in the evening. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, all he could say was "pwesents." We celebrated with both sides of our family on different days.

Finally, we overcame many obstacles. Financially, we have taken a hit like so many other families. Cutting back has been difficult, but it has made us truly value what we have and the time that we do spend together. The "little" things have so much more value. I always say that things could be so much worse. We are all healthy, we have a roof over our head, and family and friends that love us. It is hard not to want something bigger and better, but looking around what truly matters makes you reconsider. I could not ask for anything bigger and better than our 2 boys!

Winter Break--Please Don't End

I think teachers don't want to return to school any more than students do after Christmas. I have enjoyed being home with Stephen and Owen so much! Ahhh, my boys. Fighting and destroying the house, constant eating and drinking whatever they can get their hands on, and Owen sneaking into corners going potty where he is not supposed to! UGH! However, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Summer time is usually a little more structured with all the camps, baseball, swim lessons, etc..., but this is a time where we just do WHATEVER! Highlights of the past week and a half have been all the Christmas excitement. Stephen has put together all of his lego projects, including his castle. He is so good at the whole lego thing and really enjoys them. Owen is highly entertaining because one, he constantly talks to himself as he plays or a television show if he watches it. And I was worried he would NEVER talk! He loves his new Mickey Mouse racetrack and all of his new art stuff. I am a little disappointed because his new twin mattress is still not in, and I was hoping to have his bedroom redone as an official "big boy" room by the weekend. Hopefully the adjustment to the big boy bed won't be as bad as the potty training has been!!
I DO NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK FRIDAY. It is just a work day for teachers, and then Monday we are back to the real thing. I have news for the kiddos in my class. I am laying the smackdown on them. I don't have a real good crew this year and before Christmas I was about to pull my hair out with them.

Clint has been Mr. Fix It today, hopefully saving us $600 with his quick thinking. Our hot water heater was on the brink of explosion and one phone call to the warranty company (that I forgot we had) saved us a lot of money. We thought that we were going to have to replace the heater and pay for the install ourselves. We got a new heater at no cost, and now he and a buddy are attempting to install the new one themselves. Pray no one gets hurt.... Homeowner life is no fun at times.

Here We Are....

Several of my good friends have family blogs and I think they are so neat. What a great way to keep a diary of what our family is doing, going through, and for myself to reflect on these happenings. Also, I hope to keep friends and family updated on the newest and latest Willis happenings. Thanks to Sarah for finally getting me to become a blogger!