Life as a Tehan

Him's Freakin Me Out...

2010-09-06T08:52:00.000-05:00

Last week was a wild week for us!! I kept everyone inside, the entire week I think, because Drew had pneumonia and I didn't want him hot and sweaty outside. We had a few dr's appointments and Houston had his 1st annual follow up with Le Bonheur (surgery last year). All appointments were great and I was one tired lady!!!
Hannah, Hollise, and Houston have started having conversations with each other. This is hilarious!! They've always talked to one another...but this is different. They're having conversations about their day or about others in the house. Hannah and Hollise will play together in one of their rooms and they make up songs together..about being "Best Sisters". It's great stuff! Hopefully Santa Clause will bring me a video camera and I can share these wonderful "tunes" with you all.
Recently, Hollise had been playing with Drew and reading him books. Mostly picture books, but she's really doing a great job. After spending quality time with the baby brother she had to move on to bigger and better things. She went to Hannah and said, "Him's freakin me out..." and they proceeded to talk about their little brother, Drew. Poor kid...he wants them to be quads so bad, LOL. I think they're already at the age where poor Drew is getting on their nerves. He wants to do whatever they are doing.

I'm trying......

2010-08-25T15:11:00.002-05:00

I have totally neglected the blog!! After seeing so many other blogs..I knew my blog was just not making the list of "Hot Blogs" ( the "hot blog" list would be MY very own mental list). I decided to take a little time and learn how to decorate my blog. I really would LOVE to know how to create cure Banners and even a little Posted By Tag or something. Anyone willing to share such wonderful tips?? I would appreciate it!

I actually LOVE to blog. I find myself not journaling memories of HHH&D the way I used to. I love living out moments with them, and the blog is such a great way to record those memories. So with that...I'm diving back in and blogging!

2010-04-07T12:32:00.005-05:00

2010-04-06T14:12:00.003-05:00

2010-03-20T21:41:00.021-05:00

Wow...The end of this week has been awesome!! Things started off a little rocky and I was feeling the stress. The beautiful weather got us outside and really enjoying each day. I have been taking pictures and trying to remember funny moments to be able to share. Let's see how this goes...

We put the inflatable bouncer up and let everyone have a little fun. Are these kids great or what?!? They have the best time together. Of course I hear, "he touched my doll" or "Hannah's not listening to me" a good bit..But for the most part they love playing with each another.

Drew had a great time outside!!

We had a great lunch...

And later that afternoon, Hollise decided she wanted to be a little model. She really has come out of her shell this last week! The girl is a hoot!!

Sweet Hannah got in a little bike ride. She doesn't like to be still for one minute. She always has somewhere to go..something to do..and she's always got something to tell you! Hmm...who does she get this from?? Oh..and her "mad face"..gotta love the "mad face".

Hollise and Houston weren't getting along so well on this particular day. As you can see they each wanted what the other had.

More great smiles from Drew Rew..this is what we all call him. We wanted him to go by Andrew, but his NICU Nurse (Cami) called him Drew. That stuck around until the kids started Drew Rew. He's always so happy! And do you see where all the sidewalk chalk is going???

On Friday evening, Logan and Papaw Tom brought goodies from Aunt Misty in Okinawa, Japan. Turns out they have an entire Hello Kitty Store and the girls are super excited about that!! They each got a pair of chop-sticks...who are we kidding...those are drum sticks, LOL. BIG THANKS TO LOGAN AND AUNT MISTY

This morning was pretty interesting....Alan was working and the kids were at the table waiting on their pancakes. By the way...I need a griddle to cook them faster! I was washing Drew's highchair tray and Houston said, "Mom..God and Jesus are at their house..they not here at our house". I was kind of caught of gaurd. At first I replied, "You're right..they are at their house..in Heaven". And Houston continued.."No Mom, they don't live here". This made me start thinking!!! Is there something Alan and I are missing. Do we simply assume God is in our home because we each trust in Him as our Lord and Savior? Have we ever asked Him to come into our home and truly be a part of this family? I don't think we have and I have never thought about going about things in such a way. Why, I'm not sure. We have been visiting a new Church, new to us, and really enjoying ourselves. We're learning a lot and we hope this will continue to be a great fit for our family to learn and grow with God. So with these new things going on, I decided are prayer before breakfast was a great time to invite Him into our home. The kids and I held hands and we prayed. I said, Amen, and Houston looked up at me..and looked at the door.."He's not here Mama" LOL...so we prayed again... :) Aren't kids amazing!! I had to stop and realize that maybe this wasn't about Houston not understanding that he can't see God or Jesus. Maybe the Lord was using Houston to teach our family and let us know He wants to be invited into our home. HOW COOL IS THAT!!!???

After filling our bellies with pancakes and Alan coming home we decided to go fishing. We haven't been to my Grandmother and Graddaddy's in a LONG time!! Drew had never been at all. The kids were so excited to see them. Houston went around the house calling for Granddaddy..so funny. They didn't catch any fish...but they sure had a great time. My Mom came out for a little bit and the kids had her read a few books. It really was a fun afternoon and I got some really good peas and cornbread!!!!

And to top off all this great fun...Alan found a 4 Leaf Clover in our backyard!!!

I have to share this....

2010-03-17T09:14:00.002-05:00

Hollise is at the table finishing her cereal. Remember..she's the Princess and late sleeper of the house. Hollise has her own time schedule and we must revolve around her...HA. I'm doing my morning thing..checking email, facebook, and having plenty of coffee. Drew and Hollise have become big buddies. Drew will play around the table until Hollise finishes her breakfast. He goes where she goes.

Just a few minutes ago, I hear Hollise say "no sir, stop that". I really didn't pay attention..she's pretty bossy with Drew. Then I hear "I'm watchin, I'm watchin" I can't help but laugh. She's so funny!!!

My camera charger is back in action. So maybe I'll get some pics up today or tomorrow. I must go...Off to save the Tehan House before the kids tear it down.or the laudry smothers it. :)

Don't Make Me Throw Me Cheerios at You!

2010-03-09T11:11:00.003-06:00

I'm really disappointed my camera charger is MIA! This morning, Houston, Drew and Hannah were all having their breakfast together. Of course, Princess Hollise was still getting her beauty sleep. Houston and Hannah were eating their Cheerios and I was feeding Drew oatmeal. And by the way..Drew will eat 2 packs of oatmeal every morning..the boy is a little pig. Hannah was telling us all good morning and saying sweet things to us. Apparently Houston was not into Hannah being so loving and nice this morning! He looked at Hannah and said, "I'll throw my Cheerios at you"..I looked up at him and he said, "I will..I'll throw'em". He had a spoonful ready to go!! How dare her say good morning and profess her love to him, LOL.

Hannah and Houston are great. They love irritating each other and wouldn't have it any other way. We've been keeping these two separated at the dinner table the last week or so. Now I'll to think of a new plan of action, since throwing food across the table has be threatened.

Thursday, Funday

2010-03-05T09:12:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was full of relaxing and fun. I had a goal to just be lazy and not go anywhere!! It was so nice and I was able to get some stuff done around the house.

The boys woke up early and took in a few cartoons together. Houston really enjoys watching Drew. He likes the big brother role and doing things with him.

Hollise likes dressing up in all sorts of ways..these are from the last week. I just wanted to share because she's so funny!!

Doesn't she have the best little personality..I love her.

Hannah, Hollise and myself got in a little girl time yesterday afternoon. The boys took a nap, so we went outside for a little while.

Hannah has some great static action going on!!

We finished up with watching a few cartoons in Houston's room. Of course this really wasn't as fun as it looks for Mom and Dad. At some point, somebody touched someone and it was all over!!

These two are best buds

2010-03-03T08:46:00.003-06:00

I'm such a slacker when it comes to the blog. I've got to get better! I would really like to sort of journal things that are going on with the kids. They are so funny and I really want to get back to journaling those moments. I kept a journal when I was pregnant with the triplets. It's so funny to go back and read..I remember almost every moment in the book and it takes me back as if I were living it again. I remember thinking they're had to be more than two babies in there!!! I wrote several times about feeling a third baby and move and sure enough...I was right..a Mother just knows.

Anyway, on to these fabulous children. We just returned from another visit with Houston's Orthopedic Specialist in Memphis. His arm looks great!!! I wish I had a scanner to show you the x-rays before and after. The cyst cavity that's left in the bone has almost been completely filled with the material they put in during surgery. There is still a very tiny space left to be filled, but that should fill in over the next few months. This does leave room for the cyst to grow back. The chance the cyst will grow back are really high. But, Houston has reached the 6 month mark since surgery and that risk will start going down now. I am so excited for him. He's eating again with his left hand, batting with his left hand, hitting his sisters with his left hand..hahaha..things with his arm are normal for him again.

Little Drew has developed such a personality!!! He calls Hollise LuLu, Hannah is Nanna, and Houston...not sure he's calling Houston anything yet. Drew and Houston play together so well. It's great seeing Houston roll the ball to him and say, "come on buddy". They all love Drew so much and they're just as excited as Alan and me to see him do new things. He walks around and behind everything, but walking without holding on is not his thing yet. He is almost 15 months and I keep thinking he's just like Hollise. Hollise was the child that almost never walked!! As long as we carried her when she needed us to there was no point in walking, LOL. Drew loves music and has really likes dancing!! He sings Twinkle Twinkle Little Star several times a day..and his sisters like singing with him.

Hollise has always been a little princess...but things are getting serious. She wants to be woken up and carried to the breakfast table. She expects you to cover her feet when she's cold..even though the blanket is on her..moving her own feet around under the blanket is not an option. She likes her clothes to fit a certain way..especially the socks. The seam at the toe of socks drives her crazy. This seam has to be in the perfect place before putting on her shoes and if it's not..we do it over until it's perfect. There are several other things she expects these days..these are just a few. At first, I would get a little frustrated..ok sometimes a lot...and make her hurry up or do as everyone else does. But with some of these things I'm letting her be her demanding little self. She knows what she wants and doesn't settle for less!!

Hannah..oh my..Hannah is sort of like rising myself. It's pretty hard!!! God Bless my parents!! Hannah says things like, "Dad, it's necessary you let me walk", "Houston, are you kidding me" (with her hands out), "no, that just doesn't make sense". She's 3...what is to come? This little girl is so precious and so appreciative of everything there is in life. She's excited to start a new day..with "good morning" having to be said to everyone she meets after waking. There is just something about her little spirit..I can't put my finger on it..she's just excited to welcome a day and take in everything she can. She uses such big words and knows what they mean! But along with all of this wonderfulness is a little girl that will not stop talking!! She talks all day long..she even mumbles when nobody is around. It wears me out..silence is not an option for her. If she wants my attention, or Alan's, she will say the same thing over and over until we stop and do whatever it is she's asking. I'm working really hard to make her understand that I have heard her request...and I will help her as soon as I can. There is no need to say things 50 times until it's done!! I don't want to get in a habit of satisfying whatever it is she wants just to get her to stop saying it over and over. For example.."Mom, I need a drink", and if I'm busy putting Drew to bed or anything else, she will say this over and over until I stop and take care of her need or want. It's testing me!!

Okay...gotta run and get the crew dressed to take on the day!

2010-01-22T09:14:00.002-06:00

I have such big plans for today! I just need motivation to get things going :) The weather was so nice yesterday and the kids were able to play outside...almost all day!! That was amazing! I just knew they were going to sleep great last night, but nope, everyone woke up at least once. I'm not sure how to get Hannah, Hollise, and Houston out of this habit!! Any suggestions are welcomed.

I'm starting to teach the kids to spell and write their names. One of the last things I saw at daycare, before taking the kids out, was the three year old class writing their names. I was shocked, you could read what they were writing!! It's been a goal of mine to teach them to write their name and address when they turned 3....maybe it won't take me the entire year. I haven't been doing much "teaching" lately. Really, it's been several months since I set the kids down in the morning for any lesson. I hope to start that part of our schedule next week.

Ok..gotta run..maybe I can blog more later today :)

2010-01-18T11:45:00.004-06:00

We're off to a fresh start with this fabulous new year! We've already had our hands FULL of crazy things going on and we're only 18 days into this year. But, that's just the way things go with 4 young children.
Houston has torn some scar tissue from surgery and is back in a cast. We will go back to Memphis tomorrow to remove his cast and see how his arm looks. Drew is just before walking. He loves to stand at the windows and watch the cars go by. He will run around everywhere as long as he's in his walker or your holding his hand. I'm trying to keep him out of the walker so maybe he'll get some practice on his own. Hollise and Hannah are growing more everyday. They love helping cook and clean...sure hope that lasts! They sure do listen to every single word I say...bc I hear them telling their dolls what I tell them!! Sometimes I think I'm a little hard on them when I hear them bossing their dolls around, LOL.
Houston just rand up to me on his stick horse and said, "mommy, i'm a cowboy..yeehaw". He changes characters throughout the day...he's already been Spiderman and a Fireman this morning. The boy has a great imagination!! Lately he's running around pretending to fly. And as wild as he is, I'm having to make sure he doesn't really attempt to fly!!!
I better go, Hollise isn't feeling well this morning and I need to check on her. Oh..as bad as this may sound...I'm glad over 300 people logged on and read what a JERK Dr. Cain was to Drew and how lazy OCH is at handling situations with their doctors that are MEAN and irresponsible with their care for patients..especially babies!! I have an amazing amount of respect for certain nursing staff and the other physicians, so I sure don't mean to disrespect their work ethics!! But, things need to change for the better with the way this hospital handles complaints...and really quick!!

We should all do a little better!!!

2009-12-29T21:05:00.004-06:00

**Warning..I ramble a LOT here!!

After reading the Starkville Daily News articles on the fires Monday I have just become more and more heartbroken for these families. I am such a worrier and I worry about those surviving this tragedy. I know I can pray..but those of you that know me well...know I want to be right there holding their hands and I don't even know them!! It has frustrated me to the depths of my soul that there is a comment about "no maintenance complaints are recorded" from any of these people. I understand they've written both sides of the story, tenants say they've complained numerous times, and landlord says there is no record. I appreciate both sides speaking their peace about it...but I feel it's insinuated that since there is no record they must not have complained.
To me, if the neighbors were having to sleep with an oven on to stay warm at night bc the central heating unit wasn't working...surely they complained to someone!!!! Especially when they pay rent and fixing the repair would not be their cost. My first thought was, "just because you don't have a record doesn't mean they didn't complain!! Someone just didn't write it down!!" Which would be a reason it would take weeks for repairs...no good records on file!!

I'm really tired of peoples lack of efforts to help one another in this society...especially when they're being paid to do a job! In the last year or so I've been ran over so many times by people that were ugly, unprofessional, rude, down right mean, and those people were in jobs of customer service and the medical field. I won't let it happen anymore that's for sure!!
Almost everyone reading this would never have known this happened, but in April of this year I had a HORRIBLE experience with Dr. Cain at our hospital. I sat on the edge of a bed while Drew laid in his hospital bed with pneumonia and asked Dr. Cain for help. I asked for help changing to a local oxygen company and he refused..saying he didn't know "those people" and he wasn't calling them. I began to cry after asking for his help in a few different ways, explaining I was not a medical physician and he was NOT helping me...I expressed he had gone to medical school, yet he pointed to the wall where Drew's oxygen was hooked up and said, "I know nothing about that stuff there up on that wall"..another family member in the room stopped me and thanked Dr. Cain for all the help we had received, but told him I had taught myself everything I knew so far with Drew and I was only asking for help in another direction. My family member asked what Dr Cain would do if this were his child or grandchild..Dr. Cain said and I do quote, "I don't know, that there means nothing to me"!! And he left the room!! He did all of this with myself, another family member, Drew, and a nurse in the room...so it's sure no secret that he did this bc we all heard him loud and clear. You all have NO clue how much I complained to Administration..have they done anything NO!!! I've had a meeting, written a letter, made phone calls, and NOT so much as an I'm Sorry has come from anyone!!!! There is a little more to the conversation that morning but you get the point..it was so uncalled for!!! There are at least 4 members of Administration that could have made efforts to do something about this and they've done NOTHING!!! That doesn't mean Dr. Cain didn't do something wrong..it just means they let my complaints sit on their desks!! But that's okay, I keep SUPER records on the subject..so let them be lazy!
You never know what can happen if you let the ball drop in your court. People are complaining because there is a problem. Not because it's fun and they want you to have a bad day. Take people seriously..listen to their troubles...you never know when God was testing you!

*I used to think putting it out there was the wrong thing to do...almost as if I was bad mouthing Dr Cain. But you know, he sure didn't care about being ugly to Drew and me!!

2009-11-09T09:58:00.004-06:00

This morning, I sit at the table with busy little boys and girls riding their toys in circles around me. My coffee is cold, but the warm strawberry croissants were great! It has been weeks since I made time for the blog...I'll have to do some picture posting and decorating for sure.

I have been under so much stress the last few weeks. The weather wasn't so nice out...so guess what that means...me and 4 small kids INSIDE! I've been a crazy woman, lol. Last week things started getting better. We went for wagon rides together....which was super nice. Drew is big enough to sit in the wagon now and Hollise is small enough to sit in the seat with him.

Ok...the kids are using the couch cushions as a trampoline...so I better go. I'll try blogging again this afternoon.

Tastefully Simple Open House!!!

2009-10-16T12:38:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is my Fall, Tastefully Simple Open House. I can't wait to see how things go...this will give me more ideas for the future. Everything is coming together so fast that I am sure to forget something. For those of you that have never heard of or tried Tastefully Simple, this is an awesome way to taste the products!! All of our products are "Open & Enjoy" or add one or two ingredients. The dips come in large seasoning style containers. This is really nice because you are able to cook with them as actual seasonings and use them as a dip. TastefullySimple.com provides over 200,000 recipes for our products....so you really can put them to good use in your kitchen.

Tomorrow we will be tasting the following items, and more:

*Truffle Fudge Brownies
*Absolutely Almond Pound Cake
*Bountiful Beer Bread
*Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread
*Raspberry Syrup
*Key Lime Ball
*Apply Crisp Ball
*Spinach & Herb Dip
*Sweet Bell Pepper Dip
*Oh So Olive Dip
*Cheesy Chive Warm Dip
*Mulling Spice

And plenty more. All of our items will offer a nice change to your tailgate snacks!! Also, everyone stopping by will get there name in "the pot" for chances to win the Mystery Host Rewards. More chances in the pot for those placing orders. The Drawing will be held at 1:00 pm. Hope to see you there!!!

Of course you can always check out our products and order online at: www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mtehan

Location:

Our Home
100 Edgewood Dr.
Starkville, MS
for directions: tehantriplets@yahoo.com

She's at it again....

2009-10-13T08:19:00.003-05:00

*notice the hello kitty socks
Hollise is really into dressing herself these days. If I would let her wear these stripped pants everyday she would do it! So, finally I took the hint and bought her some new leggings this weekend, ha. Yesterday she found a box of clothes from their first birthday. She pulled out all the clothes (yes, i keep birthday outfits) and started layering things on. The child put on her birthday sweatshirt she wore to Harvey's on their actual Birthday....it was just a little small!

2009-10-07T13:20:00.002-05:00

This morning I had everyone in the living room to get dressed...everything happens in the living room. I hear Houston say REALLY FAST, "picked a pepper-picked a pepper-picked a pepper, he ran away with the spoon, ha-ha he went up and fell down and broke it". He was looking at his Mother Goose book, lol. He actually listens to me...such a rewarding feeling. Oh...and I loved it when he said "Muffet is scared of that spider"...me too baby!

A fly on the wall...

2009-10-05T09:12:00.003-05:00

I wish so many of you could just peek in on us during our day. Hannah, Hollise, and Houston are so funny to watch while they interact with each other. They're so smart!! And at first I thought..pat on the back to me and Alan...we're really teaching them things in the midst of the craziness! I'm not sure that's what is happening, lol.

They see something they aren't sure about and they figure it out together. Since there is more than one child watching Mickey Mouse Club House they talk to each other out loud when helping Mickey decide which "mouse-ka-tool" would work best. Or the City work trucks. I had no clue there was a garbage truck, sweeper truck, and a truck that picked up your tree limbs and such. Well, my kids will let you know real quick there is a difference!! Houston says, "see, it's real close to the edge bc it's sweeping up the street". I didn't teach him this, he just figures it out. Such smart children!! Now I have to help them keep up these good learning habits! Hopefully we'll be able to put them in preschool next August.

Lately we've been meeting friends (cousins really) at the park twice a week. The kids LOVE this and Drew really enjoys watching them play. I take his walker with us so he can stand and see them better. Maybe it will be nice later in the week and we'll have a picnic.

Tomorrow I'm taking Houston back to Dr Heck's for x-rays. I'm sure everything will be great. I am a little concerned about his cast going in the dirty pool last week, but YAY for being able to get a new one tomorrow. I am assuming we will get another one....maybe not.

Drew had been pretty sick over the weekend, but is doing much better today. Still off oxygen!!

Happy Monday everyone!

Gap Casting Call

2009-10-01T08:59:00.006-05:00

Good Morning Everyone...I finally have everyone up on the Gap Casting Call. Well, I do have to put Drew's pic up today!! I just took a good one yesterday. You can go to GapKids.com and Click on Casting Call. You'll have to create a free Log In or you may already have a Disney Log In since Disney is Hosting this year. Either way, you can vote once a day until November 17!!! We just put them up so we only have a few votes....some kids have almost 2000 votes...so serious voting to be done people, come on!!! :) lol

You can search by typing in my parent ID: tripletsplusmom

Or by typing in one of the kids photo ID's, not sure the girls pics are approved for voting yet:

949503334
529503534
329503488
599503150

Onto the kids....

Drew is going everywhere in his walker!!! The little guy loves to sneak up on us. Right now he's in his walker lined up with Hannah and Houston watching Mickey Mouse. I catch him just watching Houston, he thinks he's so funny! Drew has now been off oxygen 3 wks!!! He's doing great and really having a growth spurt, finally. His little personality is growing every day. With the oxygen, I now see that his body was almost always resting (mind & body). He's really starting to come out of his shell. We go back to Pulmonary on Oct 22, but I'm trying to change to the Tupelo Clinic bc there are TONS of Swine Flu cases at LeBonheur. I know we can pick it up anywhere, and washing hands is best, but really...why walk right into it, ya know. I have other options and that's what I'm going with. It may take a little longer to get in there, but that's just fine.

Hollise is developing some crazy habits! The girl is doing all sorts of crazy things in her sleep. Two nights ago she sat up in her bed screaming as if someone was after her. I walked in, she was sound asleep!!!! I laid her down and she was out cold...never made another sound. At least twice a week she's waking up in different clothes than she went to bed in. Really it's only happened twice I think, but in the past wk. She's changing clothes A LOT during the day and walking around in a hat all the time now. Maybe she's just really into fashion, I don't know. But she's super cute doing it!

Hannah, my goodness she's a little mother. Don't do this, do this now, don't point at me, don't spank me, move, no you right now...what am I to do with this one. Oh...and Houston just got her good!! He took her paci and said, "no more paci!". She's down to one paci and I'm all for her loosing that thing. She goes through good times and bad with it...right now she won't let it go. But I'm hoping Santa Claus will take it with him, :)

Houston has got to stop eating paper!!! Seriously the boy is like a goat. He's doing great with his arm, but yesterday I did have some trouble with him. He dunked his entire cast arm in the kiddie pool!!! Which had water from the past two wks of rain and was just nasty water. I'm sure almost everyone saw this coming at some point..but UGH!! They didn't want him in a waterproof cast bc he DIDN'T need to get his arm wet. There is a surgery incision in there that's only been unwrapped to get air for about 20 mins and it just doesn't need nasty water all over it. I tried texting my brother in law, brian (he does casts) but couldn't get him. So, I took a hair dryer to it, lol. It stinks, but worked.

Okay, off to get the kiddos dressed and playing.

Vote for Houston!!!!

2009-09-24T22:17:00.003-05:00

My cousin Rosemary has reminded me about the Gap Casting Call!!! I LOVE entering my kids, lol. I just entered Houston and after looking over some of my photos I'll enter Hannah, Hollise, and Drew this weekend. I just happen to like the pic of Houston I entered and recently put it on my computer. So I'm not playing favorites, promise :)

You can vote for Fan Favorites!!! Houston's Picture ID is: 599503150

So go to the Gap Casting Call on the GapKids web page and Vote for Houston...others to come :)

Fundraiser Time!

2009-09-22T13:59:00.003-05:00

For the month of October I'm offering Fundraisers through Tastefully Simple! This is super easy for everyone involved. We now offer email catalogs, online shopping, and little work efforts left up to individual(s) holding the Fundraiser. Products are shipped directly to customers...which means Parents don't have tons of sorting to do in the end.

Great for Individual Classroom Fundraisers, Ball Teams, Fire Departments, other Public Service Agencies, etc. How do you earn your money?? Instead of receiving Free Host Products, you get the cash!!! Ask me for details, this will be awesome and a FUN Event for those wanting to participate. October is coming up soon, so let me know if you're interested.

Thanks,

Michelle Tehan
tehantriplets@yahoo.com

My First 40 Days is almost up!!!

2009-09-20T22:32:00.002-05:00

As of Friday, September 25, I will have completed my First 40 Days as a Tastefully Simple Consultant. Because of so many of you, these first 40 Days have been much more than expected! I have been able to introduce Tastefully Simple to family, friends, and I have even made a few new friends. You're finding out how easy these products really are to make and fit into your everyday life. People are asking for your new recipes and Tastefully Simple is becoming a pantry staple in Starkville.

All products are add one or two ingredients, or open and enjoy! We have breads, desserts, appetizers, snacks, main dishes, gifts, seasonings, you name....we have it!!! By the end of this week I will have completed my First 40 Day, Company Goal of 4 Parties in 40 Days. I am SO close to reaching my Product Sales Goal as well!!! Now is a great time to try these new products. Check out my web site:
www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mtehan
You can purchase directly through the web site and you will have these delicious products in your home in about 6 days. If you order early tomorrow morning, chances are you can have your products in by Friday or first thing Saturday morning. Just in time for Tailgating. Please do contact me anytime with questions or products orders. I'm always happy to help.

Thank you again,

Michelle Tehan
tehantriplets@yahoo.com

****Also, New Consultant Blast Off Kits are available for only $99 until the end of September. This is a huge savings and tons of goodies inside. Enough products for yourself and your first four parties. Ask me how to become a New Consultant if you're interested.

On to the kiddos...

Hannah, Hollise, Houston, and Drew are fabulous!

Hannah is becoming seriously chatty, yes...more than even me. I don't know how that's possible, but the girl can't be quiet lately.

Hollise decided she needed a little more attention last Thursday. She climbed onto the table, buckled herself into Drew's table-top high chair, couldn't get herself out...and I asked her to wait a minute bc I was cooking....so little stinker scooted herself right off the table!! No, I'm not kidding. So..another Tehan trip to the ER because her left foot was swelling and she couldn't wiggle her toes. No broken bones, thank goodness!!! But they (er staff) thought she was going to be pretty bruised and possibly not want to walk the next morning. Whatever..the girl still isn't walking. I do feel bad for my sweet girl, she's crawling everywhere and the bruises on her foot are coming to the surface just today. It's not fun!

Houston is back to being the sweetest little guy ever. He's such a thoughtful child. Full of life and loving his Basketball and Soccer. He's really gotten into soccer with his arm hurting. I'm telling you, the child is super talented. I don't know many two year olds that would still practice their dribbling (is that a word?) with a long arm cast on.....and actually walk around while dribbling. Crazy, but he's so good at it.

Drew, has been OFF oxygen 2 full wks now. He has also had a pretty good growth spurt! I'm excited about his checkup later this week to see how much he's grown. He's crawling a little, saying da-da when HE wants to, and he'll give his Daddy high-5, lol

2009-09-10T10:44:00.002-05:00

This week has been a turning point for my boys. Houston's attitude has really changed for the better. The entire summer Alan and I watched him get aggravated, angry, and frustrated with almost everyone, about everything. He was hurting, pain meds did nothing for him, and he was just doing whatever he could to make himself comfy. That was a really hard time bc we struggled with disciplining our child that was clearly doing wrong, but he was in so much pain at times...what do you do? This surgery has really made a difference in all of our lives! Houston feels so much better, the girls can actually play with him, I'm not saying the same things over and over...it's really nice. Don't get me wrong, our household is still wild and crazy...but the attitudes are so much better.

Yesterday Houston and Drew played on the floor together for an hour or two. That's never happened before! He told my Mom thank you for playing football with him, he says excuse me when passing the girls in the hall....my sweet little ball player is back!

Drew is starting to wave!!! We're working on a few more things but watching him learn these first little things is so awesome. I went back to work when the triplets were 4 months old and even went back part time 2 wks after Drew was born (for about a month) to save up my leave time for when he came home. I missed lots of firsts and fun little moments to get things done at times....but I'm really soaking that up right now. I'm here, days are great, days are hard, and you just have to dive in and love the moments with your kids..good or bad, happy or sad.

Our little Princesses are still the same little girls. Thank goodness for that! But they are getting a little more opinionated! I thought I could wait until they were 13 or so before I got "Mom, stop it". Nope, it's already starting...gotta get control of that one.

Okay, off to clean some and play hard before lunch. Great hopes for the kids taking a nap today!

These are the Good Old Days...for my kids

2009-09-07T10:12:00.002-05:00

There is just something special about watching your kids have moments that you had years ago....moments you have remembered your entire life. I stop and watch them teach Drew to crawl forward and not backwards. Hollise and Houston lined up beside him on the floor as if they were about to race. Over and over they crawled across the floor and still...Drew goes backwards, laughing. He loves getting their attention! Sometimes I think he won't crawl forward just so they'll play with him.

Hannah woke up and while getting everyone ready for the day I notice the Parent Trap is on Disney. MY FAVORITE!!!! I remember laying on the floor, on my parents mauve carpet:), watching this black and white movie my Mom said over and over I would like. I wasn't so sure about that because I didn't like "new" movies at all. Boy was I wrong about this one. The Parent Trap is really the first movie I remember watching, liking, and understanding the funny things happening in the movie. So here I sit this morning trying to get my 2 yr old girls to enjoy the same moment I did years ago. But it's not working!!! They're 2 and I was about 5 or 6, lol..so for now it's a hope for them to love the Parent Trap just as I do.

Yesterday the Temptations movie was on vh1. For those that don't know me so well...I'm just sort of a Fan! If I ever bumped into Mr. Otis he would get such an earful from me!! I at least want to sing my girl with them once...come on...they don't know I'm tone deaf, lol. I take the kids and twirl them singing.."my girl, my girl..or my boy, my boy". They love it and say, "do again Mommy". Randle and I always knew it was a good day when we woke up to the Temptations, Supremes, or Van Morrison and the sound of the vacuum going. Awkward combination, yes I know. We would get out of bed, bc that vacuum was so loud, and open our door to Mom dancing and singing. We had a clean smelling house, folded clothes on the table...for us to put up..and there was just something calming about that. It was a good day, good times, and good music. That kind of music can change any bad day for me....it's feel good music!

Ok...updates

Houston is just fine! Other than the big, blue, splint on his arm he's fine. This ABC and surgery hasn't slowed him down one bit. We go back on Friday for his Post Op.

Hannah...well, Hannah is trying to convince Alan and I that she needs a Pink Dog?

Hollise wants everyone to chase her. I'm glad she's not in school right now with this crazy flu stuff. She would be so caught up in kiss chase she would get everyone sick, lol.

Drew is reaching for you to pick him up. He has only said Momma once and this morning Alan heard him say Hey. He can give you "high 5" and as I said above he's working on crawling forward. Thanks to Mimi and Papaw he got a walker and his well on his way to running!

Love you all...thanks for the Prayers. Alan and I had such a calming feeling the morning of Houston's surgery. We couldn't have stressed over Houston if we wanted to. I of course lost it one good time when my sweet boy was taken from me. But, we could actually feel God keeping us calm. Houston had a wonderful surgery day. The MRI wasn't so fun, but he was just fine for surgery. Never cried that morning, didn't fuss going with the doctors by himself. He is such a strong little boy! None of us could have made it through that week without all of you and your Prayers...Thank you again.

In our room and settled

2009-09-02T18:20:00.003-05:00

We've been in our room since lunch. It's taken Houston a while to get comfortable for any period of time. The nursing staff is taking such good care of him and super nice and willing to offer any help they can to make Alan and I comfortable. This is such an awesome hospital and I'm sure I've NEVER been in a place where every employee appears to be happy!

Our family is so wonderful and has been so supportive through all of this. It usually takes everyone doing a little something for us when we have to be out of town like this. Mom, Gina, and Jackie just don't get enough credit from us....not enough thank you's...they're great and they just do whatever we need at a moments notice. I love them!!! Houston thinks they're pretty special too:)

Here's a few pics of Houston back in our room. I know ourparents have been asking what type of cast he has now, etc. and everyone else is curious as well.

Feel free to google an ABC, Aneurysmal Bone Cyst. I'm not really sure how to explain it..I know considering the size of the cyst this is a great diagnosis and outcome. This ABC is still at a very high risk of growing back. We'll know more about the area around the growth plate at our follow up next week.

Thank you all for your prayers!!! God IS so good to our family!!!

Random thoughts by someone...they're pretty funny

2009-09-02T18:18:00.002-05:00

I copied this from Laura Tomlinson's Blog...too funny Laura!!!! Gave me a good laugh sitting here at the hospital...the nintendo one is my favorite! Matt Hewlett taught me and Randle to blow on the game to get it to work,lol. Can't believe I remember that.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my ownstory that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
-Nothing stinks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?
-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like checkyour watch orphone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magicallyfix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all knowhow to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards orFAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
-There is a great need for sarcasm font.
-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
-How in the world are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags up my forearms than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I trying to finish a text.
- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you s*ck at it.
- Was learning cursive really necessary?
- Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else tosay".
- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a moron from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said"Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"
- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."
-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
- Bad decisions make good stories.
-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that theirprofile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if Ido!
-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring wouldprobably just be completely invisible.
-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to goaround and say their name and where they are from, I get so incrediblynervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be aproblem....
-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at workwhen you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anythingproductive for the rest of the day.
-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond after leaning your chairback a little too far when you're sure you're going to die.
-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear Idid not make any changes to.
- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this, ever.
-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dangit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goesto voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
-When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, thenI like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speedfor pedophiles.
- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.
-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey -but I bet my a - - everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...
-My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what wouldhappen if you ran over a ninja?" How the heck do I respond to that?
-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating torequire such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fatty before dinner.
(I did not write this, but I wish I had.)

Surgery

2009-09-02T08:31:00.004-05:00

Things have gone pretty smooth this morning. Houston got in the van and said, "We're going to the hospital".

We got him changed into his gown and some pretty cool socks...only Alan and I thought they were cool. Houston is NOT a fan! We waited about an hour and got plenty of quality time playing with Spiderman, Backhoe, and Roller...goodness. He got to go to the Bunny Room and pick out a toy prior to surgery. He picked out a little tool set, which we should probably figure out how to open for when he gets back. You know toys aren't the easiest things to get into these days!!

Dr. Heck said the MRI looked just as he thought, an ABC. They are first doing a biopsy and will look at the biopsy with the Pathologist (I hope I have that correct) before continuing surgery. There is a 1 in 10 chance they will not be able to diagnose the biopsy today. But there is a 9 out of 10 chance they will and will continue the surgery as planned today. If they do not get a clear diagnosis they will stop operation until diagnosis is completed and complete surgery another day. Please be praying they are able to complete the process of surgery today along with your prayers for Houston and our family.

Thank you all for praying and thinking of our family. We appreciated the emails, messages, texts, calls....we know so many of you are thinking of us.

Michelle and Alan

Oh....I've been meaning to thank some of the Starkville Firefighters for showing Houston, and his brother and sisters, the Firetruck the other day!!! This really made Houston's week and he hasn't stopped talking about it yet!!! Now, Hannah and Hollise...they just want to drive the firetruck...so watch out!

MRI Done....

2009-09-01T14:15:00.002-05:00

This morning went just fine. We got to the hospital at 5:45 this morning and Houston was pretty excited about being around all the lights, animal sounds, and cool kid stuff LeBonheur has. We made it back to Radiology...and waited for quit a while..this was the worst part. Houston wasn't so excited about the little gown he had to wear, nor was he a fan of getting the IV! The MRI took about 30/40 mins and Houston woke up pretty easy.

We don't know the results, but Dr. Heck's office said he would go over the results with us in the morning. Tomorrow we will be back at the hospital at 5:45am and surgery at 6:30. Alan or I will update the blog as soon as we get a chance tomorrow. Thank you again for all of your prayers.

2009-08-28T21:09:00.005-05:00

We didn't get to do the MRI today! We were told Houston could have a lite breakfast this morning, just nothing past 8:15am. Turns out a lite breakfast meant clear liquids and not 3 or 4 spoonfulls of Cheerios washed down with a little milk at 7am. And the poor boy wasn't even hungry! Me and his Gammy made him take a few bites of dry cereal bc we didn't want him starving on the way to Memphis. Poor little guy. Alan was pretty mad!!!! They could do it 8 hrs later, but that was 3pm and the only MRI's done there after 3 are emergency only.

So, we go back Tues for the MRI at 6am and Wed surgery at 6am. I'll double check with Dr. Heck that this is ok for him to be put to sleep twice in 24 hrs. I'm sure Radiology wouldn't have scheduled it for Tues if it wasn't ok. We'll see....crazy things keep happening. I think God is forcing me and Alan to ride together and talk since by the time we have the chance at home we are passing out, seriously, we're so tired!

We really do appreciate all your prayers. So many of you have placed our family on your Church Prayer List, Thank You. Please put us on your Church Prayer list if you haven't. Prayer is such a wonderful gift...God is so good to us!!

I read great news on Lana Taylor's page on Dale!!! Congrats....Prayers answered.

Surgery...

2009-08-27T21:47:00.002-05:00

Houston's surgery will be next Wednesday, September 2 at 6 am. He will be the first surgery for Dr. Heck that day. We're headed back to Memphis tomorrow morning for Houston's MRI. The MRI is at 11:15, check in is 10:15....don't you like how they demand I be there an hour early, lol. If Dr. Heck has an opportunity to read Houston's MRI results...IF is a big maybe.... then I will know the results after 3:30 tomorrow. So I'll update tomorrow as soon as I know something...either way.

Thank you for all your prayers. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel tomorrow, the MRI, girls and Drew away from us once again. So much going on for us.

Please also say Prayers for Dale and Lana Taylor (and their children). They have so much going on right now...makes me stop complaining!!! Hug and Kiss each person in your family...love them every moment...you just never know when things will change.

2009-08-26T15:12:00.003-05:00

I have sat at this computer several times since last night. I just haven't found the energy to update. Sitting here and typing really forces me to think and write things as they are...and things as they are right now aren't that wonderful. No doubt things for our family could always be worse! But I really feel like I'm juggling all I can right now. There is a fine art to balancing a household, taking care of 4 small kids, your marriage, cooking, etc...I really could make a huge list here. The fact is I'm tired. I'm tired for my kids. I am tired of taking my kids to hospitals/doctors. I am tired of saying the same things over and over that involve my children that are sick. I am tired of not loading up with groceries bc I don't want everything to be wasted since I don't know when appt times are in the upcoming days....which means I'm tired of running to the grocery store so often! Ok...enough with me being SO negative! As I said before, things could be worse. So I suck it up, and just move on. As my Daddy has said for years, "I'm tired too, but sometimes you just do what you have to do". That's what I am living off of right now....that and God.

I thank you all for praying for our family. So many times in the last couple of years I have asked you all to pray for the health of my children. Usually they were little babies and unable to tell me when things were bothering them. But, when Houston looks at me with those huge, blue eyes and says it hurts mommy (speaking of his arm) I just feel helpless. Knowing that I can't just kiss it and make it better hurts really bad. Houston is such a strong little boy. And he has a pretty high pain tolerance...didn't get that from me! He isn't complaining much about his arm, but he lays around a lot. He has a short temper with all of us, especially his sisters. He doesn't want anyone in his space, playing with his toys, or anything else similar. He isn't sleeping good anymore (about a wk now) bc he just can't get comfortable for very long. He comes to our room and asks for his cartoons. He will sit in the middle of our bed and watch tv for hours at a time. Most of you know Houston is a BIG sports fan. He's not really a fan of sports players...he's a fan of the actual balls, lol! He LOVES baseball, basketball is a really big deal for him and now with his arm hurting he has developed a LOVE of soccer. Houston is playing with some sort of ball at all times! He also has a new buddy, Terrell Owens. It's all imaginary so don't get excited, lol. He saw the TO show a few weeks ago and saw him playing basketball...although Houston understands he plays football...and they've been big buds ever since :) My mom brought Houston a stuffed horse (this is his favorite animal!!) and he named it TO. Seriously, TO goes everywhere...he goes to bed with him, went to the hospital with him, eats lunch with him, and we all have to stop and watch the TO show if it comes on the tv!! I'm waiting for him to notice him playing football on tv this season. That's will be funny!Oh...let me post this video from yesterday. We were in the van headed to memphis:
The boy is just too funny! And sorry it's sideways..oops.

Anyway now for the serious stuff. For those that don't know what's going on, Houston has a tumor growing in one of his bones at his left wrist. For Houston's age this is very rare that a tumor is growing in the place that it is and at the rate it is growing. It's doubled in size at least twice, if not more, since they found the tumor. They discovered the tumor/cyst (I say both bc until the MRI it's not clear exactly what it is) on 4/30/09 when Houston broke his arm from simply falling off the couch, hands first. He had a small buckle fracture and when it healed without any harm to the tumor things were fine. We knew/thought years down the road we may have to have it drained or removed if it grew or caused further weakening of the bone. In July it grew over a weeks time and we made another appt to follow up with our Orthopedic doctor. He x-rayed and said it had more than doubled and would like us to see a Pediatric Ortho, who sent us to Dr. Heck in Memphis. Dr. Heck is an Oncologist that works with all sorts of tumors in and of the bone. This doesn't mean Houst has cancer...I know most people hear/read Oncology and get worried. But that's not the case, they work with all malignant and benign tumors.

We do not know exactly what this tumor/cyst is but they (all of our Ortho Dr's) assume it is an Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). This is a common bone cyst, but not for someone Houston's age. If this is the case it is highly likely it will grow back. Which means it is highly likely we will have to go through this process several more times. If this is an ABC, the plan is to do the surgery and scrape out/hollow the area the cyst is currently in. Dr. Heck will fill the cavity with a man made material that promote bone growth over time. This will allow Houston's bone to hopefully grow back and over time the man made material will go away. Yes, if it comes back this process will have to be repeated! This means Houston will have several x-rays a year to check the progress of the bone growth and determine if anymore cyst are growing.

Also, this tumor/cyst is growing VERY close to Houston's growth plate at his wrist. If it is touching (and I do believe it is, but dr will not confirm until surgery) the growth plate Dr. Heck will not remove the cyst/tumor closest to the growth plate. This would be very dangerous for the future growth of Houston's arm from elbow to wrist. Dr. Heck said he wouldn't discuss this matter further until after surgery bc this is not the main priority right now. Remove the area near/at the growth plate will require another surgery in about 3 years. This is going to really be a long process for Houston and our family. Please remember us in your prayers. Please put us on your Church Prayer List....we appreciate all the prayers and God does listen!

Ok...a few more things

The girls are loving getting attention from their grandparents without Houston around. Their Mimi has painted their toes, my Mom brought them a neat wooden bench for their room..and they've loaded it up with dolls, this Friday their Gammy will be here. They're loving it!

Drew is doing really good wheening off the oxygen. He stayed off Monday night and Tuesday night, but I think he's pretty glad to have it back tonite. He's sleeping so good.

While we were in Memphis we took Houston by Graceland...Go ahead and get excited Myra, lol...Jenn you get a good laugh, ok..moving on. We sat him on the "wall" to take a picture and...turns out this is a No No! He had to get down before we got the pick. But the funny thing is we have the Elf on the Shelf book we bring out at Christmas. It has a little Elf that you name and he comes to watch over the kids for Santa during the Holidays. So, our Elf's name is Elfis! Houston thought we were at Elfis's house...not Elvis, lol!!

2009-08-20T13:43:00.001-05:00

Party on the Plaza...

2009-08-14T08:48:00.003-05:00

Me and the kids are having so much FUN this morning! Every Friday morning we eat breakfast, watch the Today Show and wait on the Concert to start. A month or so ago the Black Eyed Peas were on and Houston let loose!! As we speak Hannah is saying, Boom Boom Pow...Boom Boom Pow. They think every Friday is Boom Boom Pow day at NBC. We dance in the middle of the floor, Hollise practices her finger snapping, and it's just Fun!!
So, with that....I have to go watch my babies get low to Apple Bottom Jeans, lol! They LOVE it!

2009-08-11T16:55:00.001-05:00

I am placing a Tastefully Simple Order tonight about 7 or so. Email me if you would like to place an order or give me a call. Email: tehantriplets@yahoo.com
I'm only charging $1 per person for shipping
To view products go to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mtehan

Family Fun...

2009-08-10T22:27:00.000-05:00

It's Big World, It's a Big-Big World......

2009-08-10T12:26:00.004-05:00

This schedule change is really working in my favor! Since the kids didn't like the word NAP we have changed it to "quiet time"..wink wink! After lunch they were sitting on the couch and watching PBS (it's a big world, barney, etc) and then getting back up to play. I just couldn't get anything done! But waking everyone up by 7am, getting dressed, breakfast, playing hard inside and out, little project, and a good lunch....it's paying off!

They now have quiet time from 12-2 and I don't care if they play in their room, take a nap, whatever...but they have have to stay in their room. This took about 5 days of me sticking with my choice to have a 2 hour break for everyone. It was really hard the first day or two, especially since we're in a new place and new routine. I stood outside their rooms somedays making them stay in there,lol.

Now, I'm enjoying a quiet lunch all to myself! Leftover vinegar/bacon greenbeans and grilled catfish....so good!! But I have plenty to do when I'm done...laundry, sweeping/mopping, shower, maybe I'll have time to start unpacking in mine and Alan's room...that's stretching it a bit...we'll see.

I wanted to finish with some of the funny things the kids are doing now...

Hannah:
*She's really into putting her hands out and saying "He does it everytime!". Speaking of Houston hitting her.
*"Mom, I can't want it". No matter how many times I tell them it's "do not or don't want", they still say "I can't want". Maybe they just can't do it, no matter how hard they try...so I'm giving up on that one for now.
*The girl LOVES a bath!.
*She's really missing her friends from school now. But their friend Chloe is coming to play this week.

Hollis:
*My goodness is she girly!!! Hollise is a proper princess born into the wrong royal family!
*Her new thing is, "What"...
*Her and Hannah both have become Hello Kitty fans!
*She has developed a great love for folding clothes. Or shall I say wadding them up and saying "here mom, i did it!". But they have to start somewhere and I'm excited about this.
*If they are all getting a drink from my cup of water, she'll say "that's enough". Bless her..she gets this honest. If Randle and I had to share a drink I had to say "that's enough" the entire time he drank ALL the drink!! I never got any.

Houston:
*My goodness, I think he has proved numerous times he is all boy...enough is enough!
*His favorite thing to say right now...I'm not proud to say is..."stop it" or "no, you be quiet". I shouldn't put that out there..but that's it..that's him..and I'm working on this.
*He is the sweetest, mommy's boy in the mornings. He loves walking in my room to wake me up when his Daddy leaves for work. "Come on Mommy, time to get up".
*If he doesn't slow down he will break another bone!
...speaking of bone, we go to see Dr. Butler tomorrow to check on a bone cyst that continues to grow pretty fast. It's just a fiboris cyst, but please, keep him in your prayers.

Drew:
*The sweetest, happiest, laughing, HUNGRY, little boy!
*If he can get his arms and legs to work together he'll be crawling.
*He can roll anywhere he wants to go..usually wherever is Hollise is.
*The boy loves food! He can't get enough Sweet Peas!
*We go back to Pulmonary on the 18th..please keep him in your prayers as well. He will most likely be taken off the oxygen at night..whoo hoo.

What A Day.....

2009-08-06T22:01:00.003-05:00

Some days, like today, I find myself so overwhelmed. By the end of the day I just want to shut down and fall fast asleep...but I can't!! My mind is going in several different directions and thinking about how tomorrow can be/will be better. We live on such a strict routine and life is really peaceful this way. However, things start going so well that I start letting a few things slide. Between moving, catching up on sleep, potty accidents, Drew trying to move around more and crawl, it's much easier to say...Oh, I'll let that slide today. Well, letting things slide 3 or 4 weeks ago has become a HUGE problem today!

Somehow I have got to get my day back together for me and the kids. It isn't fare to them or me. I'm running behind them cleaning up messes, they're getting into trouble, and I feel like my days revolve around making a meal and cleaning up after the meal! When I keep them entertained, learning, artwork, etc. they really listen and interact better with one another and have an all around better day. They nap when they should because they have actually played hard enough to be tired...all that stuff works out. But me doing just what I need during a day to get through the day is for the birds!! I've had wonderful days, don't get me wrong, but today I had my limit and tomorrow is a new start.

2009-08-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

For those trying to place an order online for Tiffine Prisock's Party:

*Go to my site www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mtehan
*Place your order
*When checking out there is a place asking "Do you wish to relate this order to a Consultant or Party Host?"
*Choose YES and search for Host as Tiffine Prisock in Mississippi

email me if you have any trouble, Thanks Michelle Tehan

My Tastefully Simple Products ARE IN!!!!

2009-08-02T20:46:00.006-05:00

Call me or come by and check out my Tastefully Simple Products! As most of you know I left Mississippi State in May and as busy as my life is....I have still been looking for something to do. I needed something to break-up my daily routine, earn a little extra cash, keep me home during the day with my family, and something I would really enjoy. That's been pretty hard to find! But, when I heard about Tastefully Simple I really had to give it a go. People that know me well will not find this choice surprising!! I love cooking, I LOVE reading menus, and I always want to know what people are eating!! (some of you are laughing over the menu thing...stop it! lol) What better business to dive my time into than a business involving food.

My Sister In Law, Tiffine Prisock offered to Host my BLAST OFF PARTY. This Party is Saturday, August 15 at 11:30 a.m. You can visit my web site at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mtehan and place orders thru this site as well and Tastefully Simple will ship your order to you or anywhere else you like. Usually orders arrive within 3 business days. For those of you that have College Students looking for quick, easy meals...check out the Meal Kits, Desserts, and Breads. All of these require only one or two ingredients, such as water or eggs, to complete the dish and of course baking time. But the idea is to create really awesome dishes fast and with little work on your end. All of the kits make really great gifts!!

I have ordered some really popular items to keep on hand. These are all available for purchase and I can't wait to order more! I get excited tasting the things I haven't had before...it's all so good. I have the following items currently on hand for purchase:

Corn, Black Bean Salsa, The Trio of Dip Mixes, Spinach & Herb Dip Mix, Bacon Bacon Dip Mix (all the dip mix shakers make 7 cups of dip!), Fiesta Party Dip Mix, Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix, Truffle Fudge Brownie Mix, Nana's Apple Cake Mix, and Bountiful Beer Bread Mix...I may have a few others. All of the boxed mixes come with alternate recipes to change things up a little.

You are welcome to email me at tehantriplets@yahoo.com for more details. Also, let me know if you would like to Host a Taste Testing Party!!! I have lots of goodies for everyone to try!!!

Happy Thursday....

2009-07-30T08:29:00.004-05:00

Hollise wasn't as happy about sharing as Hannah was..
Drew...he loves to play!!!! And he plays hard!

*****Please stop copying my pics!!! If you ask, I'll probably be happy to print you copies!! It's my "thing", can't help it...I get it honest...and I don't like seeing pics of my babies popping up in people's houses when I didn't give them the pics!!! And for some reason I think I've said this before!!!! So, that simple...stop it please!.. :)

He takes my coffee!! Any by the looks of his chin he likes it!

They run up and down this hill in our backyard...or just roll down it

Bubba needed a spankin??

Hollise loves a picture

Hannah riding her baby around

Is Aunt Monica's Birthday coming up??? I think it's today or tomorrow....Happy Birthday....if not consider it a nice thought of well wishes, lol.

We are finally making progress in our new house. I think once I get the kids playroom done things will really start to come together....because they'll hopefully stay in there and play! We really enjoy being in town now. The neighborhood is great and we LOVE getting out and walking, riding bikes, and just enjoying the outdoors. Well....the kids are getting rowdy...I better go

I found a job I can do from home!

2009-07-28T13:34:00.005-05:00

I have been actively looking for something I could do from home for about a month now. I have had numerous suggestions and lots to think about. My Aunt Monica brought Tastefully Simple to my attention....and I love it! Tastefully Simple provides easy to make meals, appetizers, snacks, and so much more. Most of the products only take one or two ingredients to complete the dish. Which is FABULOUS for a family on the go!!

I have already placed an order, which includes the Bacon Bacon Dip Mix, Spinach & Herb Dip Mix, Corn Black Bean Salsa, Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread (I hear this is a "have to have"), Bountiful Beer Bread Mix, and a few other things. I have lots of samples on the way as well and I plan to place an order next week for some of the Meal Kits and Desserts. Hopefully by Monday I'll have a date planned for a Blast Off Taste Testing Party. Anyone looking to Host...leave a comment so that we can get together. You can Host an Online Party as well!! This will allow you to do very little work to earn Hostess points and will be super convenient for your guests. Ask me for details.

My web site with Tastefully Simple is www.tastefullysimple.com/web/mtehan

Let me know of any samples you are interested in....Rita, Tennille, get ready...you're hosting a party...online or at your house, lol! Val....you too!

Uh Oh Tuesday and Aunt Betty Soap!

2009-07-21T10:40:00.004-05:00

This has been a morning! I can already tell Houston is going to be somewhat like his Uncle Randle, pray for him please! lol
Houston and Hannah have been up since about 4am...again. We thought it would be smart to just let them hang out btwn us in bed. Not so smart, but they did force us to start our day pretty early. The house looks as if I'm getting nothing done...I feel like I'm getting tons done. Maybe by this afternoon I'll see results. I have lots to unpack.
On to Houston being wild-I walked into the dinning room and there sat Houston on the floor drawing all over the floor with sidewalk chalk! Once again, I had to explain this is for outside use only! And where he got it, I do not know. I decided about 8 this morning after washing 3 loads of clothes, doing dishes, and eating and feeding the kids breakfast it was time to start cleaning the kids rooms. I was cleaning the windows in the boy's room and had to come back to the kitchen for something. I was about to go back to cleaning when Hannah came to me saying, "Bubba is spraying, come see". I had no clue what that meant. He was spraying Clorox ALL OVER his new sheets!!! I made the mistake of leaving the spray on the floor..I think. Who knows bc he is one that would have climbed a mountain to get into something. So, after a good talking to and time out he said he knew that was a "no-no". He also wrote all over the dinning room floor with sidewalk chalk...which I could clean..but that's not ok!! He takes his plastic golf club and uses it as a bat! This is going to be a long, hard road raising Houston...oh boy.
He LOVES sports and I'm ready to let him dive into a sport full force. I'm ready for him to be able to play somewhere. He already walks around dribbling the basketball, he makes makes the basket almost every time he shoots. He stopped using his baseball T, now we have to throw him the ball and he swings. He's getting better each day. But his big thing is throwing the ball...with in reason he can throw a baseball anywhere you tell him to....and he's left handed. Maybe he'll make it big and I can travel around watching him play somewhere....high hopes:)
Now, the girls....such Princesses. They're doing great with potty training, loving their new space, and boy do they help clean up. They also help me a lot more with Drew now. They love playing with there baby dolls like I used to...when I was little, lol. They stroll around their babies, put things in their purses...they make up all these rules for their babies too. Too funny, I don't know where they get it. When I was little my Grandmother was making dinner and wouldn't let me have the cheese I kept asking for. It was a block of mild cheddar cheese that I called "Grandmother cheese"...she was the only person I knew that had cheese like that. So, I got pretty smart on her! I asked her to play house with me and of course she did whatever I wanted!! I was the first grandchild. I walked right up to her and said, "OK, I'll be the Mommy and you be the Baby"...Grandmother agreed...then I said, "Now let's go get some cheese" LOL. This is the kind of stuff my girls are doing to me!
Drew is being an Angel today...as always. He is a little fussy bc he's getting a top tooth in....yay Drew. He's being such a good sport about it.
Oh, about the soap....Last night I opened a new box of soap before bathing Hannah and Hollise. I turned around and Hannah said, "OH, THAT'S AUNT BETTY SOAP!!!!". She was more than excited. A few months ago we had eaten lunch at Aunt Betty's and she gave each of them this Johnson and Johnson soap that is in a little green packet. I think it's called soap buddy...not sure. Anyway, they love this soap bc I don't have to use a wash cloth...which apparently makes them feel like they're getting CLEAN! So that's not cool, but Aunt Betty soap is cool!

We've moved!

2009-07-19T22:44:00.004-05:00

Now you know Drew is just too cute!!

Hollise playing around in her Gammy's robe I have for some reason..hmmm

Our new house!!!

Hollise and Hannah

The last week has seriously been crazy!!! We've been moving to our new house, spent Monday night in Memphis with Drew......really it's been a lot of work!! But Alan and I have been pretty good sports....got on each others nerves A LOT...but we love each other, lol, we got it all done.

I'll start with Drew-his Pulmonologist in Memphis (Dr. Tutor) had requested a sleep study be done on Drew. He wanted to do this for a couple of reasons. Drew breaths REALLY loud at times. Let me make this clear...he is NOT snoring! You simply hear a very clear breath from all the way across the room. At times, Alan and I look at each other and say, "do you hear that?? does he really breathe that loud?" This test also gave them the opportunity to monitor him in a hospital setting while on room air (off oxygen) for the night. This is something Dr. Shirley had suggested be done back in April when Drew was in OCH with pneumonia. I haven't gotten the results, but I'm sure we will soon. They didn't run in and put his canula on so I'm guessing he did just fine. I sure wish they would have been able to hear his crazy breathing!! I didn't hear him through the night...So now I'm sure they think I'm a crazy lady who thinks her child breathes loud, lol. Drew also had a sweat test on Monday morning to rule out Cystic Fibrosis. I'm so proud to say his test was negating....whoo hoo!!!! He stayed off oxygen Monday and Tuesday night (a full 48 hrs) but went back on at night on Wednesday. He has a mild rattle in his chest and his O2 is falling a little below his normal. But that's what it's there for...support and allowing his lungs to relax. Other than the tests Drew is getting so big. I wish they would have weighed him while at Le Beuhner (spell?). He's only 7 months old and wearing 9 month clothes:) This is so unusual for Drew. He's like Hollise...tiny.

Speaking of Hollise...she and her sister are becoming pretty good buddies.

....well I attempted to post photos at certain spots in my post but they all end up at the top, lol. You get the idea. They are figuring out how to play together with their dolls. It's so cute for them to stroll in with their babies and say, "by, we're going to mal-mart (wal-mart, lol)...give me kiss mommy" Really, I can't wait until I can send them to wal-mart..whoo hoo to that day...but no rush, lol.

Houston has backed up his wake up time. No longer is he waking at 5am!! It's 4am now!! He's such a little talker. He's made friends with a man that lives down the road. The guy has a garden and is giving Houston all these goodies. I think he has blackberry vines too and I'll send Houston over later this week to check that out, lol.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T18:47:00.002-05:00

We have had an awesome weekend! Nothing really going on but lots of family time. We've played with our new Freeze and Play Ice Cream Ball...a BIG THANKS to Carrie Edwards and Ian. Today we made chocolate ice cream.
I want to say how lucky we are to have a Daddy like Alan. He works outside all day and comes home and gets in the floor and plays for hours with the kids. He's the calm parent and I'm sure you are all well aware that I'm the one wound a bit tight! We make a great balance for our kids and life wouldn't be the same without him as our Daddy. Hannah and Hollise love dancing with Daddy when music comes on...they stand on his feet...and Houston can't wait for him to get home so he'll have someone to play ball with. Drew loves rolling around on the floor with him and plays so hard he passes right out. Alan puts so much energy into our family. He is truly one of a kind.
I wasn't sure what to expect December 26, 2006 when we brought Hannah home. Not just from having a new baby at home, but from Alan as a Daddy and helper with our baby. He has never skipped a beat! We traded out feedings when Hannah was the only one home. Hollise came home a week later and we still were able to feed the girls with just trading out feedings. Some nights we would get up and feed them together so we could go back to bed quicker, but Houston came home a week later on January 8, 2007 and WOW...life changed! Suddenly we didn't know what to do with one more baby...I'm not kidding..we didn't have a clue. But, Alan and I learned together. He does everything I do with our kids and sometimes more. Not that I'm counting :) but he really is a partner and I'm so thankful to the Good Lord above.
I also want to say a special thank you to my Daddy. I think the world of my Daddy. I truly think my Daddy knows a little bit of everything and every answer he has is the right one. If Daddy says everything is fine..then it is. I don't know what it is about him, what he says goes and I find great comfort in that. He is a very hard worker and he works very hard for his family. I just love him so much!! Lord, Thank You for giving me the Daddy you did...He is the BEST!!

Hi everyone...

2009-06-16T16:24:00.003-05:00

We've had another great week! I'm learning to calm down and just take things as they come now that I'm at home. It really has been a learning process for me. I was trying so hard every single day to feed and take care of Drew, do some sort of school type activity with the kids, art projects, lunches, snacks, dinners, laundry, cleaning, and a nap was always a dream waiting to come true. Now that reality has set in and I know I'm going to be home for a few years I'm really enjoying my kids. Not that I didn't before, but I find I'm doing things with them I would have never done before had I been working. Don't get me wrong, I love being out with adults and working...but I'm finding this way of life is just fine right now.
The kids are so funny! Hannah ran in the other day saying, "Hey you guys..I can't find it" and she is turning flips like you wouldn't believe. She flips off the couch, recliner, really anything in the living room that looks worthy. Hollise is suck a princess! She's really getting into dress-up and LOVES wearing my high heels. Which is fine with me because I'm a flip flop kind of girl these days. She really is getting a different personality than Hannah and Houston. Hollise is very out going, but she likes being by herself. I've had her alone a few times and whew...she's a talker. I guess she gets that from her Mommy :). Houston is becoming a very accident prone child!!! This morning Hannah dropped a wooden sign on his head (she pulled off our tv stand) and he got a cut on his head. Of course he never acts like anything is wrong and blood is coming out of his scalp! So off we go to the doctor...poor Dr. Ruff and Marla...they're such troopers to put up with our household. Gotta love them for it! Houston got one little staple and we'll go back Monday to have it taken out. Drew, Drew, Drew, He's perfect! His o2 Sat is about 99 all day long and it does dip a little during the night, but that's just fine. He is still on the oxygen during the night anyway, but it won't be long.
Just wanted to do a little update and let everyone know we're here and were doing great! Love you all and keep praying for all of us!!

2009-06-03T21:46:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I know it's been a LONG time!!

2009-06-03T21:12:00.003-05:00

I was able to load messages from me cell phone, but Houston broke it :(. Now I'm somewhat back in action. So much has been happening since I last updated. I may repeat myself because I didn't look at my last update. For those that don't know...Houston BROKE his arm!!
About 4 weeks ago he was playing in Drew's car seat (on the couch). No matter how many times I said STOP, he wouldn't listen. He fell and tried to stop himself with his left hand. He broke his arm so easy because he has a dense spot in the bone leading to his thumb and it broke right through this place. He loves spiderman so much that he wanted his Uncle Brian to put on a Spiderman Red Cast. And that's exactly what he got. Yesterday we went back for an x-ray and things are looking great. His arm is healing great and he got a new, shorter, waterproof, orange cast. It's funnier hearing Houston say all that rather than just reading it, lol.
On to Drew's updates...Drew is doing awesome! He has been off oxygen during the day for a month now. He is on 1/8 of 1 liter still at night...but he tries to pull out his cannula as often as he can. He just had an x-ray on Monday and another echo done at LeBehuner. Wow..they spent more time doing his echo than UMC has done all together with the 2 they've done. I couldn't believe how wonderful these people were. We will go back in July for a sleep test and a sweat test the next morning. They're doing the sweat test to check for Cystic Fibrosis. They said at some point since birth he as had symptoms of this and they want to test to be sure. Although it is a manditory test in MS at birth they would still like to do the test to be sure. I feel confident he doesn't have it.
Hannah and Hollise are two of the biggest helpers I could ask for!! The other day Hollise actually fed Drew by herself. Now, keep in mind I was right there with her :) Hannah is such a talker (like her mom) and Hollise is one to take everything in and make sure you do things right.
They're all doing so good and I'm learning how to be home all day with 4 small children. Hannah, Hollise, and Houston can say there days of the week, their months of the year, ABCs, and counting to 10....so I think I'm doing pretty good so far.

**Babycenter Chat Girls*** I miss you all SO much!! I've gotten your messages, emails, etc. I wish I could chat with you girls from my phone. But I just can't get on the computer much during the day!! Why don't you all add me to your Facebook...Michelle Tehan...add me! I miss y'all!

Enjoy the pics

Wild Friday at Aunt T's

2009-05-15T12:17:00.005-05:00

Whoo Hoo for Friday!! This week has been awesome, horrible, fun, hard, and I could think of plenty more adjetives, but I'm sure you get the point. Drew has decided he doesn't need oxygen anymore!! He has been off during the day and on at night. But last night Alan thought we should let him stay off because every morning when he wakes up Drew has already taken off his canula. Drew was awesome and did not need oxygen the entire night!! His alarm never even sounded!!

I really think the Lord has been going over and beyond to tell me I'm supposed to stay at home with our children. I love to work and really enjoy being in the company of others and completing a task. But, it's very clear that our life has been changing drasticly in 2009 and now that I've submitted to God's will things are starting to come together. Sorry it took me so long!!

We've been out visiting at Tiffine's this morning and the kids have been playing together. They love playing with Hayes and Paisly. Here are some new pics

2009-05-11T13:42:00.001-05:00

I have had a wonderful weekend. The kids made me beautiful Mother's Day cards and took a long nap with me yesterday afternoon. The highlite of our day was Drew being off his oxygen!
Drew had been taking out his canula so much i thought i would see how he did without it. He didn't want me to put it back on last night, but i did anyway. He's moving too fast for me now!

Spiderman Tuesday...

2009-05-05T10:11:00.002-05:00

Well, we have had an eventful weekend!!! Last Thursday Houston was playing in Drew's car seat (on the couch). He rocked and rocked until he rocked himself right off the couch. He's left handed, so of course he tried to brace himself with his left hand and now he has a "buckle" fracture at his wrist. Today we went to get his cast on and he had to have Spiderman Red for his cast color.

Drew is having a great week! He's growing so fast now...for a while he kind of hung out at 10lbs. He's now at 11lbs 8oz and getting so long. Hannah and Hollise have been playing dress up a good bit. They love walking around in my heels...hopefully they won't brake an ankle!!

2009-04-28T19:07:00.001-05:00

Things went great today at the Cardiologist! The "leakage"in his valves was very minimal compared to the last echo done... And there wasn't a lot in the one on 3/26. We'll go back in 3 months. Dr Smith said babies usually out grow this as they continue to grow and i have witnessed this being the case with Drew. Thank You Jesus!
My Mother rode with me today. She talked with other families that were there bc their children had a hole in the heart. One was a little girl and the other a boy. There were little babies about Drew's age and hospitals are there babies' lives. Just take a moment please and pray for these two. They've each been to DC for operations and have many more to come!
Hannah, Hollise, and Houston had fun at Mimi's today! Well, as long as Papaw would stay away from their cookies. I believe Hannah told him not to touch!
Thank you all for your prayers! Please, please continue
*hope things are spelled right. I did this from my phone. Can't proof read very well!

2009-04-28T07:01:00.001-05:00

Headed out this morning for Drew's appointment in Jackson. We're seeing a cardiologist today at 8:45, and those that know me well know i will never make on time! Update later.

2009-04-22T17:35:00.001-05:00

We have made it home and have settled in. Things are going good with drew. He's resting for the first time today. I know hannah, hollise, and houston are going to be happy to get home and see him. Thank you all for your prayers! Please continue to pray for this pneumonia to finally come to an end. We really need to get over this to get off the oxygen.

2009-04-22T00:07:00.001-05:00

I can post from my phone now! Yea

Another Hospital Stay..

2009-04-21T23:16:00.002-05:00

Super Bulldog Weekend just wasn't that super for us! Saturday night I went back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to get dressed and take Drew up to the ER...this was almost midnight. Something just wasn't right and after talking with my SIL, Misty, and two great nursery nurses I decided to brave the possible drunk filled ER.

Dr. Shaw (hope I'm spelling right) was wonderful!!! He saw us walk in with Drew's portable oxygen and didn't even wait for his chart. He walked right in and began asking questions. He monitored him a few hours, ran some blood work (which was pretty good), and did an x-ray. The x-ray showed Drew still had pneumonia!! Now..we had just been to the Pediatric Clinic Friday bc Drew cried for 3 hours!!! And for those that have ever stuck him with a needle you know Drew just doesn't cry over anything. His right ear was pretty nasty but at the time the dr (not my favorite Dr. Ruff) said his chest sounded great. Dr. Shaw said you really couldn't see any difference btwn Drew's March 25 x-ray (when sent to Jackson) and the one Sunday morning...Dr. Shirley was on call over the weekend and she agreed with Shaw and thought he should be admitted. So, here were are. We've had 3 Rocephine (spell?) shots and will receive one more tomorrow and go home with antibiotics.

I really need to brag on the Respiratory Therapist here. In my personal opinion they have gone over and above what anyone else has ever done. A lady named Rite Sheffield really took time to go over some things I could do at home, she showed me better ways to position his O2 probe to get the best reading I could probably get, gave me some tips, and left me feeling so much more confident and what I'm doing with Drew at home. I really feel that God sent her in our room on Monday...I needed her that day. I have now purchased my own stethoscope and learning to listen and know when there's a normal rattle and when there really may be something going on.

Our Pediatricians are working to get us into Le Bonheur in Memphis or into UAB. I've asked to see a Pediatric Pulmonologist and one of these places bc it's taken us so long to get into University and even though I really like the Pulmonologist there, he is only working on Friday's and helping out until their new doctors come on sometime in May. Which means I would have to start all over! So, Alan and I are really ready for a PLAN for Drew and ready to take steps to get him off this oxygen...we've been ready! I think we're heading in the right direction. I know we are!!

Alan's Grandpa Frazier is a Preacher...he came in Sunday and prayed with us. Before leaving he said, "Michelle, you mark my word. From this day forward Drew is going to get better. There's going to be no going back". And if you heard him and Grandma Frazier pray you would have no doubt knowing he was right!!!

The Lord has been so wonderful to us. I know I don't stop and thank him as often as I should, but I'm so thankful. He has given Alan and I 4 wonderful children. Not only that, he has given us the family support from our Mother's and Step Mother that we really need. Alan's Dad and my Daddy help too, but I'm telling you..without Mom, Gina, and Jackie we just couldn't do it. I've been emotionally wore out lately and they've really each supported me in different ways and have helped build me back up..thank you for that.

Also, I would like to thank the person who has anonymously donated leave to me. That support means so much for my family. Tammye, the same for you. I'm not sure you know what a gift this is for my family at this time. That is something very personal you donated and Alan and I really are grateful.

Just a few more things....Hannah, Hollise, and Houston are learning all sorts of new words!! Caterpillar is a favorite lately. It's a lot of work, but having them all at home is been really a joy. I'm getting to know so much more about their personality and it really is so much fun. There is a blog I follow Teach Your Tot that I take tips from to work with the kids. They give all sorts of neat projects, songs to sing, books to read, it's just awesome. Check it out.

Congrats to Brandon and Anna..having a new baby at home is going to be lots of fun!

And finally...I'm so excited about our new NEPHEW on the way!!! Lee and Lauren are having a boy!! Corbin Lee Tehan...I can't wait to meet him!!

2009-04-13T11:17:00.003-05:00

Easter was fun! The Easter Bunny came and brought all sorts of goodies!! Thank goodness he brought Houston Spider Man Sunglasses...I don't know what we would have done had he not.

Last night was wild...but not for me and Alan, lol. Randle joked around (my brother) like he was taking Hollise to his house and she actually wanted go!! So they all went!! This morning my brother has new appreciation for everything we do. But the kids had a great time playing with Hayes and Paisly.

Thank you all!! Michelle and Alan

What a week....

2009-04-11T12:56:00.005-05:00

Little Drew
Hollise loves to take a picture

Go Houston...

Hannah likes to slide

Snow Cones...mmmm Good

My Great, Great Aunt Evelyn

Lunch at Aunt Betty's..Houston loves her food!

Our Sheep

This was the first week with Hannah, Hollise, and Houston out of daycare. They love it!! They're still learning things at home...this week was about Farm Animals. We made sheep together. Who knew I was such a little teacher...it's been fun..we'll see how this next week goes.

Not sure everyone knew we took them out of daycare. We LOVED! our daycare and really enjoyed everyone there. There were so many stomach bugs, colds, etc. going around and with the kids coming home with all those germs Drew just couldn't stay well lately. So, since there is so much going on in our life right now that we can't control we decided to do something about the things we can control. Right now we're just doing what we can...I know everyone has opinions about what we should or could do with Hannah, Hollise, and Houston right now..but we're doing the best we know how right now.

Drew had his Pulmonary appt this past Friday. The dr said Drew's pneumonia is gone but his lungs weren't normal by any means. He set up a Cardiology appt for April 28 and from there he will make a decision about medications for Drew. He was glad we had taken the children out of daycare and suggested as little exposure to the public as possible for Drew. I'm happy with the results. We also had an appt in Starkville with an Ear, Nose, and Throat dr and I'll just say that visit didn't go well!!! It didn't happen at all. We had to reschedule for May 11. I'm just not sure why people don't listen to me!!! The girl at the front counter tried to tell me several times Drew wasn't insured and I told her just as many times his insurance number and he was covered. Several calls later I hope this girl takes some time off bc she was moody and I proved her wrong :)

The kids are SUPER excited about the Easter Bunny..I sure hope he stops by our house.

Not Just Another Tuesday...

2009-03-31T18:36:00.004-05:00

Today has been a really special day. Hannah Parker got to stay home with Mommy today...this has never happened before!! I know, hard to believe, but it's true. I have kept Houston home for a "special" day and poor Hollise had a "special" week bc she was sick...so over the last two years either Hannah has been well and in daycare or home with Hollise or Houston sick.

I wish I could just bottle the smile that was on her face this morning when she realized she was staying home with me. And I let her just enjoy her time with me...as I did her. We baked brownies for the Montforts, made sugar cookies with blue icing (picked out by Hannah), she ate whatever she wanted all day, and nearly past out at 4 this afternoon from being wore out. I hope she enjoyed herself today bc I sure did!!! Each of our children are SO different in their own way and I wish you all could feel the love from my children. Many times today Hannah would tackle me with a great big hug and look at me and say, "I love you Mommy"....oh, I just wish you could feel what happens in my heart. I want to laugh and cry all at the same time. I hope they don't ever loose this way they have with showing their feelings.

Also, we had a bit more excitement today. We got a new o2 monitor for Drew. And this one is portable...Whoo Hoo! After the girl tried numerous times to find a good place to get a reading on Drew she expressed her appreciation and understanding of my frustrations and understood why I wanted a new monitor!!!

Thursday we'll go to an Ear, Nose, and Throat dr with Drew. This is a regular follow up since he was on the Oscillator and a Ventilator. I'm sure we won't have any trouble...but who knows the way things are going. Please keep this appointment in mind when praying for Drew.

We have a follow up appt Friday with Dr. Ruff and again the Pulmonary appt is April 10.

Please continue to pray and again...we really feel your prayers! I was so tickled to get a comment from Mrs. Linda and Mr. Ed, I LOVE THEM!!! Who doesn't!? Anyone can leave us a comment by choosing to leave an "anonymous" comment and of course you can type in your name during your message. I didn't realize how many people reading this now. It really means so much for people to care so much for our family.

Budget girls, love and miss you!!!

Oh...I've slept great this weekend!

2009-03-29T09:50:00.002-05:00

Being home has been so nice. Even though we were only gone a couple of days...with 6 people in our house having to be situated it seriously turned our world upside down! We came home finding the kids cups still having a little chocolate milk in them from breakfast..ugh...they quickly went to the garbage.

Drew is really sleeping good back in his bed. He is waking up about midnight and btwn 4 and 5 in the morning. I'm sure he's needing that extra fluid right now and it amazes me how God equips them with the knowledge of things they need. His tummy is still a bit upset from the antibiotics and his cough is extremely wet. He's getting enough up this morning that I can start suctioning his mouth some to help get rid of all that. On that note...

***Shout out to anyone, you know who you are!, that have any of those wonderful bulb syringes that you get from the hospital :) Our house could use a couple of those...no pressure

Hannah, Hollise, and Houston have been having the best time going back and forth with Grandparents. They'll be back home tonight hopefully, we'll see how Drew does today.

Thanks everyone for Praying for us! On our end we can actually see God working in our lives.

Coming Home...

2009-03-27T12:26:00.002-05:00

We're coming home this afternoon. With blood work and everything showing no infections there's no reason for us to hang out here anymore :) They're sending us home with breathing treatments, 10 days of antibiotics, follow up with Dr Ruff next week and well come back for Pulmonology appt April 10th. He's still on 1/2 a liter right now but doing wonderful! Still a little fussy and restless this morning but he's been on strong antibiotics so that's to be expected.

Probably will be a few days before I'm able to update again but I can update facebook from my phone. So that's what I'll do as I get a chance. Thank you all and keep your Prayers coming!!

Good Morning

2009-03-27T08:17:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure if I really feel rested today or maybe I just don't know the difference anymore. I know if I don't watch Alan he'll be taking a nap before I know it :) I wish I could do that. He is really good about trying to nap/sleep when Drew does. I'm terrible at that!! It takes so long for my mind to stop thinking of so many different things so that I can actually sleep. But I did sleep about 5 hours last night!!

Ok..since the first paragraph I've been trying to complete this update for the last hour. Drew took priority being really fussy and uncomfortable this morning. He's eating good, but not so much 4 ounces at one feeding right now (which is normal for him). He's eating a couple of ounces here and there. His tummy is hurting some, or he appears as though it is. He's having a bit of an upset stomach this morning, but I've got him comfortable and watching his mobile right now.

A lot has gone on in the last little bit. The doctor and RT listened to him this morning and thought his wheezing was getting better and really they weren't hearing any this morning. They both said they could hear a little more air moving in the upper right lung than heard yesterday. Recent blood work and urine are coming back negative for infection...WhooHoo! This means the Rocephine (spell?) and fluids are working. Drew is trying to cough up a good bit of stuff. It's not actually coming up but it sounds as though it's loosening in his chest...which is great. The doctor this morning told me not to be surprised in the next day if all of a sudden he has lots of stuff coming out his nose. To me things are starting to look and sound a little better.

He's still the happiest, sick baby I've ever seen! I always thought me and my brother Randle were the only kids who loved having our blood pressure taken. We thought the thing tightening on our arm was really cool...go figure. But Drew is fan as well, lol.

So...let me just throw this out there for all of the nurses out there. Well, not all.... the majority are Happy, Nice, Pleasant Nurses. Keep in mind I'm NOT a nurse..this is me speaking as a Mother!
*If you've never been introduced to me or my child and your taking care of us for the next 12 hours it would be nice when you walk in to SMILE and introduce yourself.
*Given the fact your taking care of us in a hospital or doctors office is a sure sign that WE are the ones having the BAD day!! So you may want to check that attitude at the door.
*When I ask you questions...I'm not questioning your abilities as a nurses!! I'm questioning you because I haven't had any medical training so some words you use are foreign to me or I may simply want you to explain something a little more. Also I may be questioning you bc the last shift nurse may have given me a different impression....so I have been told two different things and you are the one here now so you are the one stuck explaining the entire thing again and why he/she may have told me something different. Please don't sigh, shrug, or roll your eyes!
*Just like in my job where I key several different data entries concerning numerous people, I understand you see TONS of patients in a day! But, you happen to be in a profession (which you chose) that requires you to stop, take a moment and remember that I have been waiting several hours (in a hospital setting) for you to walk in the door and give me some sort of update. So please try to appear to be happy, attempt to care, and treat us as actual people and not just another part of your job.

I don't mean at all that we're having a bad experience here!! It's AWESOME!! I think just lack of sleep, being away from Hannah, Hollise, and Houston, and Alan not being with me when they were going back and forth about the appt just sent me for a loop.....which is why is would be good for people to SMILE

Hope I'm not offending anyone!! Then again maybe I've been offended today. We are not seeing the Pulmonologist today. I know just like Alan and I so many of you have been waiting on this appointment with us. Apparently lack of communication somewhere gave me the impression until about 9 this morning that we would be having someone come and get us to take us to the appointment. The doctor has come by and explained the Pulmonologist has been updated on Drew and is comfortable waiting until April 10 to see him. It will also be a follow up of sorts I guess. I'm okay with this now...I had just been told a few different things and didn't understand how 3 different people in a matter of hours were telling me different things.

Well...that's enough for now. Drew is sleeping now and not moving around as though he is uncomfortable anymore. So hopefully he will rest for a little while. Alan has gone home to change out or clothes and get Drew his bouncer/swing. One of the girls from the Activity Room are coming to sit with him in a little bit so I can go down to the cafeteria. By the way the bacon here in the morning is SO good! And directions here are tricky to catch on to but I'm getting the hang of it. For instance...if someone tells you take a left, your first right, look for the ATM's, right again, thru some doors and then you'll see it....this means you must assume they're telling you to go to the first floor, take a right off the elevators, go down a ramp, find the correct hall to be on then follow directions. Oh and a right turn could really be a curve in the hall or a zig zag to the right, lol. But this place is wonderful!

Update this morning....

2009-03-26T09:55:00.002-05:00

We made it through the night just fine. Drew is resting really well without all the crazy things going on at home. You know it's never quiet at our house and really someone is always demanding some sort of attention from Alan or me. We're able to stop and be right here for Drew with any need he has.

He came down to 1/2 a liter yesterday, back up about midnight to a 1 liter and now he's doing good at 1/2 a liter. At home he's been fine at 1/8 a liter with only being turned up to about a 1/4 sometimes at night. So he has needed more oxygen with the pneumonia...but I feel that's to be expected so it has not made us uncomfortable that he's needed more. Actually I feel it's giving him a break right now from working so hard. Also, given his past troubles and pneumonia now I think he's holding his own pretty well!!! He's a very tough little boy.

This morning they were taking some blood and Drew does not have the best veins!! He just smiles and the nurses and doesn't shed a tear..unless he's getting a shot. For some reason you can take all the blood you want but don't put anything in...he doesn't like that :) He gets this from his Daddy and Houston for sure. You never know they're sick unless a test tells you they are, lol. They're tough guys.

Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. Along with Drew, Alan and I are really worn down. I'm so tired and have a terrible cough!! Hannah, Hollise, and Houston are doing great. They didn't like getting dropped of at school today by Mimi...they wanted to sucker her into keeping them all day! They're having a good time at their house. They all love their GrandMama, Mimi, and Gammy but really it's their Papaw's that tend to get all the credit :)

We'll update again after seeing the doctor today. I'm going to get a shower (thank goodness!!) because Mom and Grandmother are coming to visit and bring me some medicine!!!

Sick Again

2009-03-25T23:12:00.002-05:00

Just as everyone got over the stomach virus this terrible cough took over! Hannah, Hollise, and Houston have the typical cold/allergy stuff from all the pollen in the air (ugh!!). Little Drew on the other hand had just a cough and now he has pneumonia.
He had been coughing, along with the other three, for the last few days. He hasn't been running a fever and everyone by last Friday night really appeared/sounded better. Drew began loosing his voice...he would cry or attempt to make noises but you couldn't hear anything coming out. We got a humidifier and that really helped loosen things up. I really thought he was getting better too. Until this morning...
About 3 or 4 a.m. Drew started this terrible cough. Much worse than he has had. It was a constant cough that just would not stop. He threw up his bottle from his deep coughing and he was producing tons of bubbles and drool from his mouth...much more than should ever have been coming out. A little blood work, a few x rays, and one ambulance ride later and here we are in the Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson.
Drew has pneumonia in his right lung. We have had to go up a good bit on his oxygen today and since about 4:30 this afternoon he's been steady at about 1/2 a liter. His heart rate is good and his respiration have come down to a normal range. This morning he was breathing pretty fast!
They're running a few more test in the morning. We'll update tomorrow after we've talked to his doctor. Not sure there will be much to report, but we'll wait and see.
Thank you all for praying on such short notice today!!! Please continue to pray for out little guy. Drew has been very patient with all that is going on. I'm so proud of him. He's a very strong little boy. Hopefully Alan and I can get some sleep tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's seriously needed.
Daddy and Gina have Hannah, Hollise, and Houston...word is they could care less about Mommy and Daddy right now. I'm sure they're having a good time. We've borrowed my brother's lap top so we'll be able to continue updating everyone as we can on the blog.

BBC girls...I miss you all too. Maybe I'll be able to chat a bit with you all tomorrow.

Michellle

No Fun at Our House!!!

2009-03-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

This last week has been filled with sick little children. It all started with getting back to school and finding out there was a "possible" tummy virus going around. Let me point out that if someone has a tummy virus at school "possible" isn't the word to use...it's there and it spread like wild fire!
Hannah had it first followed by Hollise only hours later. A few hours in the ER, good meds, and we got a little sleep (i stress little). Things were going right along and we thought we had it made with only the girls getting sick until Wednesday. Houston got sick and the poor baby even got sick during the night. I felt so bad for him. But once I was home with Houston and Drew all by myself I just know Drew was going to get sick. I stressed and stressed until I found myself in tears!! My Mom came out and rescued me...but Drew still got sick. He's getting a little better. We're still on diluted formula right now bc he just can't handle regular strength. But all in all things are starting to look better. Thank you Jesus!

Today the triplets have gone to watch Uncle Parker and Uncle Presly ride horses...maybe they'll come home really tired :)

I don't mean to brag or anything :) but our kids are so cute!!!

2009-03-02T11:26:00.002-06:00

So I don't update for several days and now I'm loading pics like crazy :)

2009-03-01T23:13:00.003-06:00

I know I've got several pics in pj's and Hollise does have pretty bad bed hair, but what can I say....We're loving just being lazy

2009-03-01T21:42:00.002-06:00

We are enjoying family time!!

2009-03-01T10:03:00.007-06:00

We do have our appointment now with the Pediatric Pulmonologist. We'll go to Jackson March 27th for the appointment. I'm not sure which doctor we will see (or if there's more than one?), but that's when we're going. I'm feeling really good about Drew's progress this last week. On oxygen he's been holding his saturation above 95 (anything over 92 is good). I have been able to take him off oxygen each morning for a couple of hours this week!! That's awesome!! I'm really proud of him. When he takes a longer nap and at night I have to turn him up a little higher on the oxygen, but that's to be expected. I feel confident we'll have a good appointment.

On to other things...Friday, Alan was home because of the rain and we got a wild hair. We called some friends that have a condo in Gulf Shores and it was empty this weekend. So we loaded up the van and down we came. We all needed a break from the same old scenory. Of course with Drew we can't go out to eat and do the normal beach stuff. But that's just fine! Being able to be in a different place and just hang out in pj's and ordering out good food has been great for us. It's also taken the kids away from all their toys and they've started noticing Drew more. They's been talking to him and making him laugh. Alan and I have stopped several times to just watch and enjoy our wonderful gifts from God. We're so fortunate to have these 4 children. About 3 this morning I woke up to tell Alan Drew was awake and he should get up to feed him (ha!)....and I looked over and Houston and Hannah were curled up together like they used to do in the isolate in the hospital. They were the sweetest I've seen then in a while. At home they have separate beds and haven't slept together since they were about 3 months old. It was so nice to see them in that moment.

I hope you enjoy some new pics

Finally an update....

2009-02-17T11:08:00.002-06:00

Sorry it's been so long...I've been a little busy. We had an appointment this morning with our pediatrician and things are going good with Drew. We've had a few ups and downs this last week, but I think I've got it under control.

Last Thursday night we were woken by his monitor and he had stopped breathing for at least 20 seconds for the monitor to sound. His heart rate was dropping a little, but again the alarm sounds at 98 and this still isn't bad. He usually stays in the 130's with his heart rate. I moved him around a little and he quickly caught his breath. We haven't had any trouble with that since. We have an O2 monitor at home now so we can watch his oxygen saturation levels....thank you Jesus and Dr. Ruff! I'm having to go up a little on his oxygen at night bc he's still such a heavy sleeper. We'll have an appointment sometime within the next month with a Pediatric Pulmonologist (spell?) , not sure where or who yet, to better check Drew's progress. But, for now all is well and and we're better than we were last week.

Hannah, Hollise, and Houston are getting used to having a new brother at home. It's funny to hear them all arguing over whose brother he is...they just don't get it. Hannah and Hollise think he's a real baby doll and they feed their babies, change their diapers, use burp cloths and the whole bit when we feed Drew. Houston on the other hand likes Drew just fine as long as he's not in my arms. He's just not so sure about a new brother. But, he's gotten new boots and a hat out of the deal so I think he'll be fine :)

We've been taking time on the weekend to have one on one time with each of the kids. Last week I took the girls to Dandy Doodles (you can see pics on their web site under customer creations). Houston got to go out for ice cream and fell asleep before getting to the end of our road. He and Alan are going to watch the dirt bikes this Friday night so he'll have fun then I'm sure.

I'll post new pics when I'm around a computer with DSL...dial up is just too slow for me!

Thank you very much for all your prayers..Please keep praying. We still have a ways to go to come off this oxygen. But of course the Lord could change that for us!!

Have a good week everyone

2009-02-01T17:06:00.002-06:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to update after Drew's doctor visit. He had a great appointment and he's gained a whole pound since coming home...he needed his Mommy :) We'll go back in two weeks for his Synagis (hope i spelled it right) shot (RSV) and hopefully they'll set up monitoring at that time without the oxygen. Some people having been asking if Drew is on oxygen all the time and how much. He is on the oxygen 24/7 unless where changing his clothes or giving him a bath. And by the way he loves his bath! He is on 100ml of 100% oxygen per minute. This isn't very much oxygen at all. I know the 100% sounds strong but really he's only getting 100 ml of the 100%...which is really little oxygen. He mainly needs the flow.

Today is Alan's 32nd Birthday!! It's wonderful sharing this day with our entire family together. We're not having cake because our friend Brandy makes such wonderful brownies my husband is on a brownie kick. So we're having brownies instead...good luck to me on making them.

Thanks everyone and please keep your Prayers coming...God is listening.

2009-01-28T10:36:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone,

Things are going great with Drew at home. Hannah and Hollise love to feed him and Houston...he thinks Drew is great as long as long as he is in the swing and he can swing him higher and higher. (just when we're not looking)

Drew has an appointment tomorrow at 1:30 with the Dr so I'll update later.

Andrew is finally home!!!

2009-01-25T14:36:00.011-06:00

Houston is so tired from playing with Drew all morning...thank goodness, lol

Doesn't Hannah look like a Happy Big Sister

They're wearing their "I'm a Big Brother/Sister Shirts and seeing him in person for the first time. You think Hollise is excited?

This past week has been full of so many ups and downs. Earlier in the week Andrew was put back on the oxygen because he was sleeping so sound and dropping his O2 level. He is not exactly having trouble breathing, he's not always expanding his lungs enough to oxygenate the blood as he should. His doctor said that would push back or date for bringing him home. Alan and I talked with his doctor about bringing him home on oxygen. We had a very healthy, month old boy in NICU that could be healing and on oxygen at home. It was so hard on all of us being so far from him. I just knew if we were able to have him at home he would progress much faster. I was only able to feed him once a day and see him just over an hour a day. After 37 days I just needed my little boy home and God has given me that wonderful gift.

We have him at home with portable oxygen tanks and a machine that uses the air in our home to generate his oxygen. We were a bit concerned about the kids...3 2 year olds, tubes, tanks, machines, new little brother....just screams trouble. But this has been far from what has happened. They love him so much and understand the "tubes" are there to help Drew. Drew's first feeding at home he had plenty of helpers!! They all brought him a diaper and burp cloths and wanted to hold his bottle. They've really been a big help.

Drew is adjusting really well. At first it was really quiet in our room and Drew was used to constant noise..he didn't like the quiet so much. Now he's sleeping so good when it's nice and quiet. He started fussing yesterday because I was talking on the phone in our room. He's such a peaceful little boy and we're so thankful he's home.

He will have a check-up next Thursday and they'll monitor him off the oxygen in 3-4 weeks. Hopefully he won't need it at all by then, if so that's fine. He will heal in God's time and although I'm not patient my Mother and Step-Mother told me this past week sometimes we just have to be patient and wait for God. How right they are. Thursday I was at the hospital thinking about all the changes the Lord had made in our lives just the last week and I can't help but think of the verse Dennis Crabtree kept on his desk. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" Psalms 27:14 That's exactly what Alan and I had to do...we just needed to be patient and wait for Him.

Thank you very much to Carrie Edwards and Dawn Morgan for dinner last week. I'm not sure if Alan or the kids liked the ice cream better. It was a wonderful dinner and the thought from the both of you really made me feel so good. I just can't describe what that meant to me.

Brandy Monfort....the last brownie was eaten about an hour ago!! I don't know what you do different than I do, but Alan thinks they're fabulous.

Mr. Tommy Luke, I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers for our family. Thank you for the diapers!!!

Thank you all for keeping up with our family and keeping us in your prayers. It means so much to us. Please keep your prayers coming.

2009-01-16T10:36:00.003-06:00

Drew and His GrandMama

Drew with Mimi

Drew and Gammy

This morning Drew had some bloodwork done along with an x-ray. His x-ray shows his lungs are clear!!!! His bloodwork was great...Prayers are being ANSWERED every day!! God is just so good.

You know, Alan and I knew we had things good. But it wasn't until we started hearing other stories or seeing others going through similar situation that we see how wonderful our family really is. Our Mothers and our Step-Mother have stopped, rearranged, changed plans and done whatever is needed to help Alan and me. We know they don't mind and that's just the supportive family we have...we're truly fortunate because not everyone has that kind of support. Our Dad's help too, but my Mom, Gina, and Jackie really do so much for us. They have been keeping Hannah, Hollise, and Houston for us (often). They've stopped work to help us, they've cooked, cleaned our house, given baths, ran errands, anything we've needed to keep things going. I can't thank the three of you enough. We just couldn't go through this without you. And I know there are so many more to thank, but these women are truly wonderful and so special to us and our children's lives.

Thank you

Drew is officially the coolest kid in the NICU

2009-01-15T09:39:00.005-06:00

Oh no!! Mom has covered my hands...where did they go???

I love my hands

Mommy fixing my tubes :)

Daddy and my new swing

Check out his new swing!! Drew is now 4 weeks old and as I said before he's staying awake more often. He needed something to keep him occupied. He gets so relaxed after his afternoon feeding in this swing.

He's still on the nasal cannula, but he really is doing great. One of his Respiratory Therapist talked to us about the amount of oxygen he has been on and explained some of this to us. We just didn't understand why he had been doing great around 30% and the last day or two he's been on 6o% or around that. I was actually worried he was going backwards with this. But this isn't the case. He's only on 100ml of flow per minute of the percentage of oxygen. So the RT said this is like standing on one side of the room and blowing him a puff of breath and him catching it....it's really very little. He said at this rate with the 100ml of flow it's really the flow he's needing more than the oxygen (probably). He just needs that push into his lungs rather than him taking that full breath alone. This made us feel much better about everything. He just needs time to grow his lungs and we'll be just fine with waiting on God's timing and Drew's. Although I have to admit it's very hard.

His doctor will probably do another x-ray of his lungs on Friday along with checking his blood gases and checking for infections. He doesn't show any signs of infection, it's just a precaution and normal procedure. The amount of oxygen he requires actually tells them more day-to-day what's going on with his lungs rather than an x-ray. The x-ray just confirms the direction things are going right now. So we'll just have to see.

Lisa, thank you so much for taking time to make dinner for our family. We were able to have leftovers too...and the corn casserole was awesome!

So, Drew has had a big week meeting his Mimi on Monday, GrandMama on Tuesday, and today he gets to meet his Gammy. Tomorrow I'll post pictures of him with each of them. I wanted to wait to be able show them all at once...I'm weird I know.

2009-01-13T11:07:00.006-06:00

***You'll need to pause the music at the very bottom to be able to hear the video

As soon as I think I'm missing out...God proves me wrong!!! Which is just fine with me. Yesterday the nurse asked if I would like to give Drew a bath and I have to admit I was nervous. Gina (Mimi) was with me and she videoed the whole thing so Alan would be able to see it.

My Mom is coming today (GrandMama) and this is her first time to see Andrew in person. She's only seen him through a window and pictures. She can't wait to get her hands on him!!! I'm excited.

Here's the video of his bath...it's more a soaking bath..but it was fun

2009-01-12T10:25:00.009-06:00

For some reason reality set in the first weekend Andrew was born about how sick he really was and somehow that reality slipped away from me. He's maintained his weight really well and now he's really starting to gain weight and grow. Last night he weighed 6lb 10oz. It's really deceiving holding him, feeding him 80 ml of formula and seeing him want more. He's awake from early, early morning until mid afternoon looking around and checking out his little crib. He falls asleep after we feed him in the afternoon and then he only wakes up to eat until about 2 or 3 a.m. By that I mean he only wakes up for his feedings between that time. He doesn't sleep for 12 hrs.

One of his doctors gave us the go ahead Saturday afternoon to try him off the nasal cannula. I was changing his clothes and after about 15 mins off the oxygen his stats were fine. The doctor happened to be standing there and thought..why not..let's give it a try. Drew was able to stay on room air a little over 2 hrs before going back on the oxygen. I thought he did wonderful..2 hrs is a long time after being on oxygen every day of your life. He has started sleeping so sound late afternoons and evening that his oxygen is turned up to 45%-60% and he's on a little lower in the mornings. The doctor also told us they would like to monitor him 5-7 days after he's off oxygen to make sure he has no apnea spells or anything. That's comforting knowing we'll be bringing home a healthy little boy. On the other hand that tells us we've got a ways to go to get him home.

Last night was really hard for me. I called a little after 10 to check on him and he was swinging. They had him in a swing keeping him occupied until time for his feeding. After hanging up I lost it..tears, runny nose, couldn't breathe, the works. This is our last little baby and still we haven't had the opportunity to bring any of our children home and cuddle with them or anything within days of being born. I'm sure this sounds like I'm a whining...I just can't help it. Drew is days from being a month old and still our family is split between locations. Many families have to go through much harder times I know, but for us this is harder than what we had with our triplets and that's tough. Thinking of my little boy laying in a nursery crib, looking around for hours just isn't comforting. I feel like I should be right there...and I can't. Hearing he was in a swing last night just brought the reality back. He's growing and changing and he's experiencing things like a swing, bouncer, baths, etc. in the hospital and for all of those firsts we haven't been there. It's heartbreaking. On the other hand he's where he needs to be. His nurses spoil him and I truly feel like they give him special attention. I'm just having a hard time right now...keep us all in your Prayers.

2009-01-07T10:08:00.004-06:00

Great news today....Andrew is moving to the third step-down room this morning. They were admitting more babies and once again he is the wellest (i'm sure this isn't a word) of the sick and gets to move. This is great! He has eaten 80ml (90ml is 3 ounces) through the night and this morning. I told you he's a little pig. They don't plan to do another x-ray until later in the week. But they tell us the amount of oxygen he actually requires tells them more than the x-rays sometimes. God is truly amazing...I feel we are getting closer every day to Andrew being at home.

Hannah, Hollise, and Houston love being back in school. We love it too because they're finally just as tired as we are after supper, lol.

**Watch the slide of pics even after it shows the ones on the page bc there are more coming.

Our Family

2009-01-07T10:07:00.001-06:00

2009-01-05T09:47:00.010-06:00

This is where he was...scroll down..he's overcome so much!!!
He's a very determined, strong, little boy

Daddy feeding Andrew for the first time

Andrew and Hollise have dimples (this was yesterday)

Andrew's first bottle

So tired after visiting their brother

Visiting Andrew yesterday was so much fun for the kids. He was right under a window and they were actually able to see him good for the first time. They saw me change his diaper and feed him. They would just smile and say "hey Andrew". It was nice for them to know he really does exist. We were worried they would think he was just this picture on our fridge...but they love him. Houston was disappointed this morning he was going to school instead of seeing Andrew...but once he was with his friends he was just fine.

Alan and I are so glad they were able to go back to school today. They've enjoyed being home, playing with grandparents, and being lazy...but they really needed something normal in their schedule. This will be really good for them.

Andrew is now eating just over an ounce of formula...he's a little pig. He's still on the nasal canula and between 30%-40% oxygen. He's doing great and he looks wonderful as you can see in his pictures. He's such a happy little boy.

Please keep praying for our family! We appreciate all your prayers and support.

**Brandy...thank you for the club sandwiches and rotel!! I finished them off yesterday, :)

Andrew's moving to a crib today...

2009-01-02T12:53:00.002-06:00

We had a great update this morning. Andrew is still on the nasal canula with a little bit of oxygen...but he's getting to move to a crib. He'll still be in NICU for a little bit but this is such a big step for him...and for us. We were told to bring him some clothes to wear. I'm so excited about getting to dress him. He's going to be the cutest little man in the building!! We will also get to hold. Alan can't wait!! They've allowed me to hold him once for a few minutes, but Alan hasn't been able too.

Please continue to pray for our family and all the babies in the NICU. We know we're only getting through this hard time because of all your prayers. We can feel God taking control of our lives right now..it's nice to know we're in such Awesome hands.

Thank you all. I'll try to put some pictures on tomorrow.

He's off the ventilator!!!!

2008-12-29T16:15:00.002-06:00

Andrew had a great weekend...we all did. Saturday morning we found out Andrew had been taken off the oscillator and put on a conventional ventilator. He wasn't on that 24 hours and with being off the pain meds/sedatives as well he just didn't like that tube being in his mouth. We came Sunday and were so excited to see he was only on the nasal canula. He's been off the dopamine for his blood pressure since Friday and yesterday they started 8ml feedings by tube. Today this has been uped to 16ml per feeding (every 3 hrs.).

He's awake more and looking around. He's so peaceful now without the vibrations of the machines bothering him. Things are starting to look up, but he's still got a ways to go. If his resperations will come down to a normal range he'll get to try a bottle. I think this may still be a few days away.

We're thankful for all your prayers!!! We truly see God's work in progress with our family every single day. Alan and I wouldn't be able to do all of this without your prayers. God's somehow allowed us to be calm throughout this process. Please keep your prayers coming!!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T19:39:00.002-06:00

Today has been an Awesome Day. This morning we woke up to three beautiful children ready to see what Santa had brought. We called to check on Andrew and we were told his oscillator setting had come down just a bit (4th day in a row!) and his x-ray looked about the same. The kids played until lunch and we headed out for Tupelo.

Alan and I went in to see Andrew and take him a few things for Christmas...and we were the one he surprised with gifts. He was moving around so much, which is a huge change from being sedated most of the day. We talked to him for a bit and told him today is Jesus Birthday and we told him about the gifts Santa had brought. He began to open his eyes, just as he has tried the last day or so, and today he was able to open BOTH eyes!!! They've been so swollen he hasn't been able to get his right one open. He kept them open for an hour and moved around and held a finger here in there. We finally left because he was getting a little excited and trying to pull at his tubes. We had to let him rest.

The settings on his oxygen have come down to 42 and the nitrous was at 6.8 when we left. This is awesome considering the nitrous is what is showing the Pulmonary Hyper Tension is improving...meaning the setting coming down is showing improvements in his actual problem. His dopamine has gone up just a little, but he's still maintaining all his stats.

We've had a wonderful Christmas, thank you Jesus!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve...

2008-12-24T19:19:00.002-06:00

Alan and I are waiting to go in to see Andrew. I saw him earlier today and I thought he was looking a little bigger. We had noticed he was getting a little roll under his chin yesterday. It's because he's gained 12 ounces in fluid and swelling! They told me to expect him to loose a good bit of weight after coming off the machines, but that would be a good thing.

His dopamine was turned back up this morning. They were cleaning his tubes and things and of course he got a little testy. But he's been maintaining a good blood pressure the rest of the day. The amplitude on the oscillator has been turned down twice today and it's now at 29. The pressure is around 14. To Alan and I this is a really big deal considering the amount of support it was providing him over the weekend. The oscillator is a type of ventilator and they have told us he will step down to a conventional ventilator when the time comes. Right now he's staying somewhat sedated to keep him from trying to breathe over the machines. He just needs to relax and let his medicine and machines do the work. He's been doing a great job with that since early Monday.

We haven't heard about an x-ray of his lungs in the last day or so. We'll ask about that when we go in tonight.

We've been hearing about all sorts of people from all over praying for our family. We really appreciate the prayers and we can see God's work in progress. Thank you all!!!!

2008-12-23T20:26:00.003-06:00

We have found a donor for Andrew. My sister-in-law Tiffine is able to donate to him. Right now the doctor said we need one donor because that will give for units for an infant. He will only possibly need 2-3 more transfusions. We appreciate all that quickly replied as good donors. We may need you in the future, but right now were okay.

No new news this afternoon...and that's good news!!! His oxygen is slowly being brought down, the pressure on the oscillator is about 14.5 right now and that's wonderful compared to 24 over the weekend. He's still maintaining his blood pressure with the dopamine.

They admitted a new baby while we were there this morning. It's so hard to see other children coming in there. They're in a wonderful place, but I know that's another family going through a difficult time. Please continue to pray for Andrew and for all the babies in the NICU.

I'll update again tomorrow sometime after lunch, hopefully.

Andrew Update

2008-12-23T10:14:00.002-06:00

Sorry we haven't been able to update anything. We've been busy back and forth to Tupelo, taking care of Hannah, Hollise, and Houston and recovering....needless to say Alan's tired!!!

Andrew has Pulmonary Hyper Tension, Low Blood Pressure problems, and Premature Lungs. His x-rays over the past few days have shown a little improvement to his lungs. Sunday Andrew had several setbacks that ended up as improvements. The tube to his lungs was a little small and allow air to leak. He was getting extra gas on is tummy and he was trying to compensate and breathe over his oscillator (not sure of spell?) which was causing his stats to not look good. His blood gases weren't getting better and were actually starting to look worse. They reintubated (spell?) him and put a better size tube in, made changes to his oscillator (type of ventilator) through the night and since Monday around 4 a.m. he has been stable and consistent with his numbers. His blood gases have continued to improve which tells them they are moving in the right directions with his machine settings.

He has been on antibiotics since he was at OCH to prevent any infection. He was having blood pressure problems between 2 and 4 a.m. where his blood pressure would drop really low and that hasn't happened in two nights...Thank you Jesus!! He is on Dopamine for his blood pressure and they've lowered that over the last day. His oxygen level continues to go up and down depending on the last time they had to work with him. We were getting so excited as his oxygen would come down but we've come to learn this will just about go up and come down every single day. He did have to have a blood transfusion yesterday. Newborns don't create new blood cells until they're about 3 months old. They've been testing his blood gases so often they're having to replace his blood.

A good day for us right now is when he's stable and thankfully this has been the case since 4 a.m. Monday. We're waiting to go in to see him now. Please check out information on Pulmonary Hyper Tension. Andrew is very touchy. He doesn't like any stimulation..good or bad. I've been able to hold him one time and bless his heart he cried. He doesn't like to be moved, rubbed, or even have a diaper changed!! He's very sensitive to noises and we pretty much leave him alone. We can touch the top of his head and he appears to be happy with that. He does move around a bit when Alan and I talk to him.

We'll have a chance to update again tonight.

**Andrew's blood type is A+ and he may have to have 2-3 more transfusions depending on his time here. He can have A+, A-, O+, and O-. If you are able to donate to him please let us know so that we can put you on the list to donate as soon as possible.

Thanks..or email address is tehantriplets@yahoo.com Thank you so much for your prayers and please keep them coming.

Update on Andrew

2008-12-19T19:38:00.005-06:00

Today has been a bit crazy for us. Around 4:30 a.m. one of Andrew's doctors came to our room and told us he needed to be transported to Tupelo. Andrew had been having some trouble with his lungs and after treating him with meds here and observation they decided it was time to transport him. Alan went to see him around lunch today (i'm still in hospital) and was able to spend about 45 mins with him.

When he hears our voices or feels us touching him his numbers start to rise and he gets a little more relaxed. He's on 96% oxygen this evening to keep him from having to work so hard on his own. He has Pulmonary Hyper Tension and my understanding of this today is he's not able to get proper blood flow through his lungs to carry oxygen to his heart.

We will try to keep everyone updated as best we can. I'll "try" to update after Alan and I visit him tomorrow. Please keep Andrew in your prayers. He's a strong little boy and likes to be left alone. He doesn't like people bothering him...he's like his Daddy. Also, keep Hannah, Hollise, and Houston in your prayers. They're going through a big change right now.

Andrew has arrived!!!

2008-12-17T20:25:00.011-06:00

Hi everyone..we're so happy Andrew is finally here. He was born this morning at 10:49 and weighs 6lbs 3.1oz and 19 inches long. To Alan and I he looks like such a chunk!! He's almost double what Houston weighed and he's 4 inches long than he was.

The Lord has blessed us with 4 amazing children. I can't tell you all how lucky we feel. Andrew looks so much like Hannah, but at the same time he looks so much like my brother Randle. He is on oxygen tonight, it was at 80% around 6 tonight, due to his lungs being a little wet/damp. He was breathing so hard and heavy so the oxygen is giving him a break. They're watching him very close and giving him antibiotics just to be proactive with his chest. Keep in your prayers please.

Surgery went well for me and I've already been walking around and going to the nursery and back. So I'm really doing good!! Enjoy some of our pics and we love you all!

Happy Birthday Hannah, Hollise, and Houston!!!!!

2008-12-11T10:06:00.009-06:00

WOW...they're 2 today!! Can you believe it? Time is going by so fast...I wish I could get down on the floor and play with them right now. They're so funny today running around telling each other Happy Birthday. This morning I asked Hollise whose birthday it is and she says "Hannah Birhtday, Bubba Birthday"...is it your Birthday Hollise?..."yes"..more like "yeth" She likes that it's her bubba's and sister's birthday too. I'll have to remind her that at age 16 when she tells me she's tired of sharing everything :)

We have an unltrasound later today. I'll get back on this afternoon and update you all on that...surely Andrew is still a boy :)

Here's a few birthday pics

Okay..I had to show Hannah's hair curling up with all the rainy weather. She loves it!!! I had a better picture of all the curls but the flash kinda messed the pic up.

Andrew will be here in 3 wks!! ...this is a crazy time!

2008-12-01T13:15:00.010-06:00

Well...I thought being home from Wednesday to Sunday would be great! I just knew lots would get done, the kids would stay busy, and well....we're back at work and I'm more rested at this very moment than I have been in days!!

Alan was excited too about being off...but poor thing..he got sick. He felt terrible Thanksgiving Day and didn't get to go anywhere. He's such a picky eater that the food wasn't a big deal anyway...but he threw up, ran fever..slept..it just wasn't a good day for him. We had awesome food at my Grandmother's and at Daddy's...I could eat more dressing and sweet potatoes with that good crusty topping right now. Friday we all had a great day. Alan felt better..he changed Andrew's room from our "storage" room to an actual room again. Now he's just got to paint and set things up...he's excited about getting some of that done. Friday night it was me that started feeling bad. I was up at 1:45a.m. and sometime around 4 or 5 I fell asleep in the recliner. My entire body ached and I just knew I was getting the flu. But, like Alan I woke up the next day feeling great...maybe it's a virus going around.

Alan put Andrew's stroller and car seat together last night..it's coming together so fast. I can't believe he'll be here so soon! Hannah, Hollise, and Houston will be 2 next Thursday...gosh has that time gone by fast. We're having their party this weekend..I can't wait. Look for them next Thursday morning on the Birthday Bunch (WCBI)..I sent their picture in this morning. Oh...and we'll be in the Christmas Parade this Saturday night...that should be fun.

It's back to school for these kids...they're excited to go see their teacher

Hannah Playing

This was just the funniest thing ever! Hannah LOVES a tractor..and if you can ride it..WOW, it's even better

I wish Hollise's pic from the front would have turned out clear..it's so cute! Notice we put on pj's before we leave just HOPING they fall asleep in the truck, lol. Well I hoped anyway bc I knew Alan couldn't help put them to bed that night.

Houston and Hannah...aren't his boots cute!

They had tons of fun pretending this was a horse...

Rosemary....sorry by the time I got my camera out at Grandmother's it was time to eat. I'll get some of everyone at the party this weekend.

Monday...Monday...

2008-11-17T14:38:00.004-06:00

Well, it's been a very eventful weekend! We're all wore out and it's back to work all over again. Really, I think we should band together and demand Monday's off! For those of you counting down with me we have about 35 days left until we meet little Andrew...can you believe it?

Here's a few pictures from the wedding this weekend......the kids were so cute!

2008-11-12T14:54:00.004-06:00

These pictures are from Cow Patty Bingo the Pre-Vet Club held at the Co-Op this past Saturday. Houston was so excited to see a cow!!! One of the girls took them over to actually pet the cow/calf. Hannah wasn't getting anywhere close...and yes I cropped myself out on purpose!

For a friend...

2008-11-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

"wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart; wait for the Lord" Psalms 27:14

2008-11-03T13:34:00.006-06:00

Hi Everyone, I wish I were posting Halloween pics...Sorry, don't have any this year. Friday night was crazy for us and by the time we could actually put the kids in costumes we were so wore out. We felt terrible, we love dressing them up for stuff like that...but sometimes you just have to go with what works.

Now, really who is this excited about getting up in the morning. I'll have to save this picture and show them when they're teenagers telling us they want to sleep!

This morning was such a better morning that we had time to take a picture before school. Notice, Hollise wants to pose for me and she wants them to line up with her like a cheerleader and smile. Houston wants to take a picture, but really...does he always have to take a picture with the girls. Hannah was in the middle of jumping up and down so that I would have something to take a picture of. She wouldn't want to waste a picture on just a smile...she needs some action.

***I had a great lunch today..thanks to Rita, Tennille, Nicole and little Mr. Luke. I wish I would have gotten a sweet tea to go! Being back to work with a bottle of water is no comparison!

So...How was your morning....

2008-10-30T08:46:00.003-05:00

WOW has it been a morning at our house...evening, morning, a bit of both!

11:30 p.m. apparently the monitor no longer works, I wake up hearing a child
coughing,crying, almost gagging she sounds so upset.

11:45 p.m. Alan is sound asleep and not paying attention to me yelling..get up the kids are awake! :) I go in their room and Hannah looks as though she's been crying for an hour and we just haven't heard her. Houston sits up in bed and is so excited to see me...I guess he thought it was time to get up. So, instead of arguing and trying to get everyone back to sleep..without waking up Hollise..I decide to pick up both kids and take them to our bed, the big NO,NO! Yes, 30 wks pregnant and picking up two kids at midnight...what fun!

4:30 a.m. Hollise wakes up, Alan fixed the monitor before we had gone back to sleep earlier. I'm sure he didn't like all the noise we were making and woke up to fix the monitor..thank goodness, glad he did. He woke up and got Hollise, she also was wide awake and ready to play. Alan sat up with her in bed watching news, cartoons, just whatever to pass the time.

5:11 a.m. I get up because Houston has decided nobody needs to sleep anymore! He and I put a load of laundry in to wash. I get his breakfast ready, drink, and Alan comes in with Hollise so that I can shower. Meanwhile...Hannah is out cold!

5:59 a.m. It's time everyone wake up Hannah, I'm drying my hair. All of a sudden I hear Alan make this crazy noise, but I thought it was just him playing around with Hannah. Next thing I know Alan is coming down the hall telling me his eye is hurting. He sits down, I get the kids under control and find out that when Hannah reached for her Daddy to pick her up she stuck one of her fingers in his eye. Not just a little poke, Alan says her entire finger went into his eye!

6:15 a.m. Hannah gets her breakfast, others get dressed, Alan makes his lunch, I'm getting my clothes on. I discover the hamburger meat I laid out last night was nowhere to be found. I was going to brown my meat this morning and put everything in the crock pot for chili tonight..I was so excited about this too! Well, Alan helped me so much in the kitchen last night that he put the meat up and it was still frozen :( I laid itback out to cook it later on :( He meant well

6:30 Hannah's getting dressed. Her shirt looked as though it shrunk overnight..maybe she grew. Poor Alan was trying to get her dressed with one eye, although I offered to dress her, and there was no way I was going to tell him to start over and put her in something else! I picked my battle and decided to wait and change her when he left.

6:50 I get dressed, all but my actual shirt I was wearing to work... learned about putting on my work shirt last the hard way!! Alan tells everyone bye and heads to work... he was hurting and just had to get out...I don't blame him.

7:00 Hollise still didn't have her clothes on bc her pants were in the dryer. So, I get her clothes out, get Hannah's new clothes to put on, and get Houston to clean his up to head out the door. I change his diaper, wipe his face, put his jacket on and give him his toothbrush.

7:10 I do the same for Hollise, but also put on her clothes.

7:14 I again go through the routine the third time and change Hannah's clothes.

7:20 Run and put my shirt on, grab my lunch, take my vitamins...a few "no, Houston don't" and I crank the truck and put everything I need to take to daycare in.

7:25 I start loading everyone up

7:34 We can actually leave today!, thank goodness...it was a hard morning!! I didn't mention all the times we actually had to change diapers this morning, the actual 2 loads of clothes I washed, Alan unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, we cleaned up from breakfast...kind of, cereal is probably still on the counter, lol...and many other things!

8:00 I'm finally at work and Alan is telling me how much pain he is in. I get him in to see our eye dr. After looking at his eye under a light they can see Hannah actually stuck 2 fingers in his eye. He has a band-aid sort of thing over his eyeball and she gave him some drops to try and numb it for him. She did say working around dirt like he does will probably irritate it, but he thinks he'll be fine with his sunglasses on.

9:20 Telling you all about this fabulous morning and having a really good fountain Coke...thanks to my coworker Shelley :)

*I hope you all slept well! :)

**My birthday is next Wednesday, lol...no pressure

2008-10-27T13:21:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been an uneventful weekend. But I had to post this about Houston.....once he started picking things up off the ground/floor I started saying,"shew, dirty" and he would throw it down or away. He has a book about dump trucks, loaders, etc and one page it has a picture of a truck and below it says "Clean Digger", the right has another picture and below it says "Dirty Digger". When reading i say the sentence or words on the page and Houston repeats me before moving on. Yesterday I showed him a picture and he said, "Clean Digger", I showed him the other picture and I said..."DIRTY Digger", Houston said, "Shew Digger"....lol

He's too cute! But he listens to his Mommy

Just a little update...nothing going on...

2008-10-21T10:24:00.003-05:00

Well...goodbye to Myspace!! Between all the things you can do online these days I'm only going to keep up with one. I thought the new blog site would be the best way for us to share things going on with our family. On Myspace you never know whose pages are private and what they're sharing about your family with others, pictures, information, and it's no big deal but I would rather have things out on the World Wide Web that Alan and I put out here and don't mind sharing with everyone. I guess what's out there that we don't know about won't really hurt us...I would just rather it not be out there unless it's from us. You just never know...and these days I think you have to be careful about putting your children and your families pictures/lives online. So that's that...this is now the best way to check out what's going on with Alan, Michelle, Hannah, Hollise, Houston, and little Andrew.

On to other things...I'm now 29 weeks pregnant with Andrew and man does he take advantage of all this space he has. Last night I told Alan that I know good and well he could ball up and give me a little breathing room every now and then...he should have lots of room to move around! Last pregnancy I really didn't always understand the extent of how important it was for me to rest, relax, and just let the babies grow. I just don't know how I did it...we all did it. It really took so many to keep things going while I was on bed rest. Our doctors (Locke, Furniss, and Pearson) were just amazing. They were encouraging, they gave me good information, and always prepared me for "the next two weeks or week" depending on where I was within the pregnancy. I just appreciate everyone so much more through this pregnancy and I truly know what wonderful hands were in with the team at the Starkville Women's Clinic. I know Andrew will be in wonderful hands with Dr. Ruff and I'm sure he'll be telling me to relax by February when I'm bringing Andrew in for a simple cold, lol.

Oh....the kids are selling cookie dough for new playground equipment. It's $14 for a huge tub of cookie dough and there's all different kinds to choose from. They're trying to raise money for new playground equipment at their daycare. I'm also getting together a bake sale sometime in November to raise money for the equipment. The cookie dough sale gives $5.75 of every order to the school and that's wonderful, but 100% of our bake sale profits will go to the equipment. I'll know more after our meeting today at lunch. If you want to order cookie dough, send me an email to tehantriplets@yahoo.com

Love you all...have a good day

2008-10-13T11:10:00.001-05:00

2008-10-13T09:04:00.017-05:00

Good Morning Everyone!! This past weekend was full of all sorts of fun for our family! Friday was my Daddy's Birthday and we all got together to go to a Pumpkin Patch and have dinner. The Pumpkin Patch is awesome, our kids had a blast. I'm pretty sure Hayes and Paisly (my niece/nephew) loved the corn box and hay maze the best. We found all different colors and sizes of pumpkins and Hannah and Houston tried to pick of everything!

Hollise stuck pretty close to Papaw at the Pumpkin Patch, and she sure wasn't going to get dirty! If he wasn't holding her she was going to ride in style.

After picking pumpkins everyone went over to play at the corn box, hay maze, and cotton packing trailer. Hannah found something different...she ran directly to the tractor..and rode, and rode, and rode.

Houston of course enjoyed hanging out and doing a little bit of everything...

Everyone loved "packing cotton", but I think Parker said their was an age limit (Daddy!) But, I think Papaw had more fun than they did! Well, maybe not as much as Hayes...he had a pretty good time!

After all this fun we went to Reuben's (spell?) for catfish! Turns out my children LOVE fried crawfish tails. I can't count the handfuls that Hannah ate. I was really surprised they did so good eating out this time. The last few experiences haven't been so wonderful. Maybe that's because Hollise sat on the end by Papaw and Mimi...I'm sure that's it! Several of you know Hollise just doesn't like eating out right now...but as long as she's center of attention she's good to go!

Yesterday afternoon we painted pumpkins together. We wanted Hannah, Hollise, and Houston to feel like they were able to take part in decorating a pumpkin, but we sure weren't going to give them carving tools, lol! Little did we know we have wonderful artists on our hands. Houston was such a pro at painting, they all were really, but Houston acted like he had painted everyday the entire year and a half of his life..it was really cute.

I think it's pretty clear we had a great weekend. Now, maybe this next weekend we can actually make some room for Andrew.

2008-10-09T09:01:00.010-05:00

Last night we had a really cool moment as parents! I couldn't wait to post this for everyone this morning. A few days ago we received the F.A.O Schwarz Christmas Catalogue (my favorite!). Alan and I have been looking it over and deciding on a few different things, but it never occurred to us the kids may like to look at the catalogue. Now, why we thought that I just don't know. Our children love books, magazines, etc. Last night they got a hold of the catalogue and had the best time.

Alan was playing with them in the living room and I was getting our roast ready to put on the table. By the way, the roast was awesome! All of a sudden we hear this little voice screaming as loud as she can, "Daddy, Daddy, Baby, Baby". Hollise was standing over the catalogue waving and shaking her hands as if it was on fire!! We ran to her thinking something was wrong and she picked up this one page and screamed for this baby doll! We starting laughing to see her so excited about something..it was great!

We then got them all together and went through the catalogue asking them to show us what they wanted..these are their pics

Hollise's Baby Doll is in the middle :)

Hannah's truck..you just have to know Hannah! She loves her dolls, but give her something to push people/things over with and she's good to go, lol

Yes, this Houston's pick. I think the "horsie" in the picture has something to do with it!

The picture at the top is Hollise picking out which doll she wants...so cute!

Also, I've been meaning to tell everyone about Hannah's new phrase. About a week ago I came to a stop sign on our way to work/daycare and began to sneeze, Hannah looked up and said "Bless you Mommy". How cute is that! Now, every time someone sneezes Hannah blesses them. We're raising such caring children, I love it.

Halloween is coming...

2008-10-06T14:46:00.004-05:00

So, last night we tried on some outfits that a friend (Thank you Mrs. Jackson) got for the kids while overseas. Until now I couldn't think of a time they could wear them and they've been up for safekeeping. Now that we've tried them on and they actually fit I think these will make great Halloween Costumes! Some coworkers just don't think so, others think I could add a few things and they could be something like Aladdin or similar. Opinions welcome! Any other ideas would be great, but keep in mind they have to be able to fit in their car seat, not be so bundled that they get hot getting in and out of the vehicle. Remember, they will be two in December so we still visit family and friends houses..not a lot of trick-or-treating going on, lol.

Here's some photos of Houston and Hollise attempting to help me show off the outfits after their bath last night. Hannah sat in my lap to help me take the pictures, she wasn't posing for anyone!

Vote YES November 4th for Hospital Progress

2008-10-06T14:20:00.002-05:00

You will need to pause the volume on the music box below to be able to hear the commercial.