Why I haven't been blogging as of late

Reminiscent of 23 months ago, I managed to get a chip fracture in my left ankle. I'd love to be able to say it was from something noble and brave, like saving a child from a burning building. Or even something terribly exciting, like my tryout for Dancing with the Stars. But alas, as I did almost 2 years ago, I was merely stepping down a measly 1 step. I must have caught the outside of my foot and rolled it, because all of a sudden I heard a really...loud...CRACK, and I went crumbling to the ground.

We were getting ready to leave my sister-in-law's house to head back home after celebrating our nephew's 15th birthday. Needless to say, our trip home was postponed by about 6 hours as I went to the ER after my ankle began swelling up to the size of a clementine. Hours and x-rays later confirmed what I already knew - I had fractured my ankle. The ER put a temporary splint on and sent me on my merry way.

On Monday, I got to meet the man who is to be my orthopedist - I just might need to keep him on retainer! He told me that he could either put me in a hard cast, or a walking boot. The good news about the walking boot is that I can take it off to shower, or when I'm just sitting on the couch. The bad news about the walking boot is that I can take it off - thereby slowing down the healing process. Needless to say, I chose the walking boot!

Life is a little different than it was the last time I broke my ankle. We have moved and I don't have the wonderful network of friends near me to help out. 2 years ago, there were many children who came over to help me watch Brian and Sean - such a huge help. I had meals a plenty from women at church and in the neighborhood. I lacked for nothing.

This time we live in a brand spankin' new neighborhood where there are only 6 other families. I have 1 long-time friend in town. However, I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of generosity of the women that I have recently met. I joined a MOPS group in September and a local playgroup in January. Swallowing my pride, I sent out an email message that I was hurt and needed any help they could provide. These women have blessed me with their friendship and help. I have had meals provided to me, they have brought their children over to play with the boys, and they are going to have someone come and clean my house for me. I can't even begin to express the joy and amazement I have been feeling at this outpouring of love and help. I am truly feeling like this is my new home.

Boys and Their Trucks

One of the benefits of building a pool is all of the heavy equipment that comes to your house.

Colin literally stayed at this window for 20 minutes straight.

Saying hello to the digger

Brian got to "work" the mini-excavator today.

Sean just wanted to pose. I think he was a little nervous.

Look for pictures of the pool progress coming soon.

New Furniture Abounding

Part of the "problem" of moving into a much bigger house than the one we moved from is needing to fill all of the rooms. Surprisingly, we were pretty set in most areas. We have a living/dining room, and we really didn't want to put a lot of furniture in the "living" area since most of the time we are in the family room. But with just the dining room table and a love seat, the room looked pretty barren. So we set out to fill it. And fill it we did!
This is our new and improved dining room. We added a buffet and a china cabinet. When Chris got the table (right before we met), he didn't have room in his townhouse for a china cabinet. Now that we do have room, they have discontinued the line. We found another line that we like, and it blends nicely with what we have (or at least we think so!).
And here is Chris' pride and joy - well next to his family of course! We weren't really in the market for a bar, but while we were looking at the dining room furniture, Chris noticed that the store also had a selection of bars. Since we lost his wet bar when we moved, this is perfect for him. Even more so that the area we had before, since that was in the basement, and not really accessible when we entertained. This bar is in the front of the house and is REALLY nice. You're all welcome to come belly up to this bar - margaritas on the house!
Here is our new family room. We got new couches, and a recliner for Chris. We got new tables, lamps and a rug. And the big honkin' unit around the t.v. I can't tell if it makes the t.v. look bigger or smaller, but I love the way it looks regardless.
And finally, the masculine office. We sold Chris' desk before we moved, and were planning on getting him some new office furniture. When we got down here, we found out that the Bombay Company was going out of business and liquidating their stock. We found a set we liked, and waited it out. We got a great deal on the furniture and it looks beautiful. A big difference from this.

So there you have it. Our house is still a work in progress, but it's really starting to feel more like home. Well, actually anywhere that has all of my boys in it feels like home to me, but you know what I mean.

Can you say "doggie"?

Well, Colin can!

My new favorite thing

is a Slinglings sling! I've been on the search for a good baby sling. Before Brian was born we registered for a Baby Bjorn. It never really worked for me. The pulling on my back alone was reason enough to scrap that one - although Chris seemed to wear it just fine.

I received a ring sling when Sean was born that I've never been comfortable with. I always felt like the baby was going to fall out, there was too much material, and I just didn't like the way it felt.

Right before we moved, I got a Moby Wrap. I had such high expectations of this sling. However they fell (literally!) short. Every time I would put Colin in the sling and start moving around, he would sink lower and lower until I felt he was going to fall out.

I finally happened upon Slinglings in my search for a pouch sling. I am so pleased with this baby sling. I can really see it working for a newborn (if we are so blessed to have another one of those one day), and it works great for my almost 15 month old as well. I love the beautiful fabrics that she has to choose from, and it is quite comfortable. I chose to get the padded sling. I can wear Colin on my hip or my back. I feel good, and he loves being close to his mommy. It's a win-win situation.(Photo credit - Brian)

Why Do I Not Feel So Gentle?

What type of Mother Hen Are You?
by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

Well, this quiz says I am, so it must be true, right? Except for the constant yelling gentle reminding to Sean to get his hands out his pants, and that we don't leave the table until we're done eating, and please put your listening ears on...

HT: Terry & Elizabeth

Patron Saints

The other day I was reading Margaret's blog. She had done a meme on saints. One of the questions referred to who your patron saint for the year is. Margaret went off on a little rabbit trail and pointed me (and all of her other readers) to a lovely site where Marianne and Esther pick saints to be your patron saint for the year.

I was so enchanted by the idea of having a patron saint that I immediately asked for one. Esther promptly emailed me and asked if I would like each member of my family to have a saint assigned. Well, what was a good idea now became an even better one!

So without further ado, here are my family's patron saints for 2008. These saints chose each of us for a particular reason, and I'm excited to see all of the connections we have.

Cindy K. - Bl. Catherine of St. Augustine
Chris K. - St. Cyril of Alexandria
Brian K. - St. Raphael
Sean K. - St. Mary of the Incarnation, Ursuline, in Quebec
Colin K. - St. Andrew Corsini

If you request a patron saint, let me know who picks you.

And while we're on the subject

No, no more potty talk, just another big moment here in our house.

Doesn't your poop talk, too?

Brian: "Daddy, my poop said it wanted to come out, and I told it no poop, stay inside, but the poop didn't listen to me." (on why he pooped in his Pull-Up)

Daddy: "Um, yeah."

Later that day...

Brian: "Mommy, sometimes poop just doesn't listen."

You're right buddy, sometimes it doesn't!

Big Stuff

What do you get with a big pile of "big boy" underwear,

a bunch of treats,

and a lot to drink?You end up with a very big boy!

I'm so proud of Sean. We had a 3-day potty boot camp this weekend. Friday started with us "throwing away" all of our Pull-Ups. Then we picked out some big boy underwear and then the fun began. I was using the 3-Day Potty Training e-book that I had used to train Brian a year and a half ago. We started loading Sean up with juice boxes, water and milk - whatever he would drink. Friday we had a total of 4 accidents, but only 2 were pee pee. Saturday we had 2 pee pee accidents, and yesterday we were clean and dry all day long! Sean is doing such a great job of letting one of us know when he has to go to the potty. My little boy is growing up.

New Boyfriend

No, I'm not in the market, but if I were (and once again, I'm not honey!) here's the man for me:

Who is Your Ideal TV Boyfriend?

Created by BuddyTV

I knew I liked Paula - thanks for the tip.