That long?

***shy giggling***Well, I don't know what to say except, you know me, I am kinda sparatic, well, we have been busy, lots went on, I can't really explain. . . Who cares the excuse, it has been a busy year and here is a month-by-month explination of the Key's house. I will spare you a full years update by starting January.

January: Justin's cousin, Britni, married John in Tulsa. Russell was the ring-bearer. This was his first BIG production. He did such a great job. I only know about his steller performance second hand because I chased Wilson all over the church during the wedding Wilson wasn't willing to sit still for any sort of bribe. It was such a great time even if he kept me on my toes. The new couple put on a great party for everyone to enjoy. The kids definitely stole the show for a few dances at the reception.

February: Russell turned 4. His party was at Chuck E. Cheese, otherwise known as the kiddie casino in our house. It was really a great party. Grandmother and Grandaddy-o came down for the weekend, and Mi-Mi came for the special event. Russell had some of his closest friends around to play games. I think he got every kind of super hero toy out there. With Batman, Spiderman, and Ironman protecting the house we have nothing to worry about!

March: Busy with school and track. We really enjoyed a mild spring. We stayed home for Spring Break. Not a whole lot to tell.

April: Nana and Grandpa Ralph came to visit us! We had a wonderful visit, and Rusell and Wilson really enjoyed showing off any new tricks. We took them to a couple of local hotspots--like the park. I always love when my parents visit because I know that they are going to cook it up!!

Easter was really fun this year with both boys able to "search" for eggs. Russell was the only one brave enough to try out the hunt at Creekmore Park. I bet half the town showed up to try and find a prize. We dyed some fantastic eggs and just enjoyed the beautiful weather for the rest of the month.

May: As most of you know it is really hard for me to keep a secret. Somehow it got out that I was turnig 30. I don't know who told, but I will forgive you just because that is the kind of person I am! No, really, I celebrated my birthday the whole month. I figure 30 days for my 30th year, right?! The celebration started with Justin taking me to Fayetteville for dinner and dancing. I had one of my all time favs--Powerhouse. That place just gets. it. right!

During Memorial Day weekend, we all met at Rib Room for a really great time. I had a fantastic time and really appreciate everyone that came out to jam with us! It was such a diverse crowd with friends from forever to friends made recently.

The Southside track team brought home a State title. Justin had the privledge of working with some of these talented athlete, and he was so proud of them. They had a special dinner for the coaches at Shoguns and presented them with their plaques.

June: Summer, Summer, Summer! Justin surprised me with a trip to Vegas. He said it was for my birthday, but I opted to say it was for our 5 year anniversary (seeing as I just spent 30 days celebrating me). We had so much fun. It was my first time staying on the "Strip". I can gamble with the best of them, but I really enjoyed seeing all of the neat casinos. My absolute favorite is the Beatles stuff at the Mirage. They have a tribute show, therefore they have tons of Beatles stuff. I loved it! I rode the roller coaster at New York New York while Justin gambled. It was truely awsome to get to the top of the first hill and look out over the whole "Strip". Oh yeah, I also met Bob Guiney at Planet Hollywood. Going into the trip my only goal was to meet someone famous, and he was so nice. Kinda fitting as I l.o.v.e The Bachelorette/ The Bachelor! While we were in town, Allison and some friends threw a baby shower/couples party for some close friends. We had a really good time hanging out and learning Sing Star. I never knew a baby shower could get so competative.

We also took a trip to Chicago for Justin's parent's anniversary. The Archer family, Grandmother and Grandaddy-o, and the Key clan took to the streets (and cabs) for our family adventure. We had so much fun visiting local sites such as: the hands-on science museum, Navy Pier, Cheesecake Factory, Lincoln Park Zoo, ESPN Zone, Geno's East, and we managed to get in a carriage ride. It was a very busy and fun-filled vacation. I was even able to make a wedding shower for Shannon (and Ryan). It was so great to meet new friends and see a few of the one I already know.

July: Wilson turned 2. We decided against the group party and headed to the lake house for a quiet gathering. Wilson has been obsessed with motorcycles since he could make the sound so it was an easy theme to pick. Grandmother got a motorcycle themed cake, and we got him a Lil Trikes ride that looks like a Harley. Chester's sister, Marie, drove in just for the party. It was really nice of her to attend the festivites and a good time was had by all. The lake house provided a mini-vaca a couple of times this summer. It is really great for the boys because they can fish, boat ride, and get good "man activity" time while I get quiet!

I started taking inservices at the beginning of the month, and I am glad I did. I had some really great sessions at the Janet Huckabee center and a really informative sessions on Autism. The summer seemed so short, but we were still able to enjoy weekends at the pool and hot afternoons on the slip and slide.

August: I can never believe how fast the summer passes. This year was not any different. With everything else going on (back-to-school events, preseason games, and professional developments) the month was jam packed.

September: WHEW, I can breathe a big sigh of relief that you are caught up. We have had a wonderful time cheering on the Rebels so far this season. Justin and I also had the pleasure of going to a Hogs with a few other couples.

The biggest news this month is Ryan's wedding in Indianapolis. Russell was the ring "security" again. Russell shined the whole time. It was the best behaved I have ever seen him. He performed perfectly, had a blast on the bus ride around town, and entertained everyone with his funny faces and booty shaking! Ryan and Shannon looked so happy entertaining their friends and family, and I am proud to have a new sister. I wish I could get them down here for a Razorback game or good fall weather.

I have to apologize again for falling down on my blogging duties. I failed to mention that I changed schools last year. It was a wonderful move, but it has kept me busy. I was ready to challenge myself professionally. I have always said that my heart was with the forgotten, but I realized that I can still touch kids while enjoying every minute of teaching. I am now teaching Math and Science at Euper Lane. It really allows me to test my creativity with hands on learning. I am super excited to be a Euper Eagle.

I hope this finds all of you happy and healthy. I am going to try to post some new pics, but if I can't you can always send me your e-mail for monthly picture updates. Love and hugs.

I have a MD, thank you!

I know that some of you are probably what took me so long to blog. Let's just say that no one was in a hurry to get us the results. Everyone reassured me that this meant it was good news, but as the mom of the kid in question, I just want a definite answer.

I finally heard from the nurse today. She said everything is fine.. . . he just has a big head. Um, really?! I think I told you that!! I am glad that Dr. Johnson wants to err on the side of caution, but it is funny to hear the nurse say, "well he is just going to have to grown into his head". Obviously she doesn't remember Russell and his huge melon. I wondered more than once if he would topple when he started to walk.

I really believe that moms every where should be awarded our own MD's--Mother's Degree. We usually know in our gut what/if something is wrong. I just always felt like everything was going to be okay. I lifted this up for God to handle, and now I thank Him for the peace he gave me. It made the whole thing better than I thought. Thanks again for all of the prayers and positive thoughts! love and hugs

Some updates

Let me go through our day with all of you. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Wilson, you know that he loves to eat. His appointment today was scheduled for 10:30 am. He wasn't allowed to have any solids as a precaution if they had to sedate him. He was only allowed clear liquids up to 8:30 am. That means no milk (his favorite). We tried to trick him with Pop-Ice for breakfast, but I don't think he really fell for it.

We get to the waiting area at the hospital, and Wilson had fallen asleep in the car. He slept on Justin's shoulder/chest for about 30 mins. There were twin girls waiting in the same area (they were 3), and when Wilson woke up they wanted to play with him. We had to wait about an hour and 1/2. I finally went up to the nice lady at the reception area and very carefully explained that I was waiting with a very HUNGRY one year old. She assured me we would be next.

When we got back to the room for the CT scan I was relieved. I thought he was going to have to be in the "tube". This scan was done with a machine that looked like a donut. We were able to hold his hands while he was wedged into the head brace. They didn't have to sedate him. Wilson was so still. He didn't move at all!! I was so proud of him. The nurses said that they always try to get the scan without sedating the kid, but most of the time the kid will move. Wilson did get a little scared, but he was such a trooper. The scan itself didn't take but about 2 mins.

As soon as we finished we drove to Wendy's to pick up lunch. I can say (without ANY guilt) that I fed my sweet, starving little guy french fries the whole ride home.

Now we just wait for word on Monday. I don't know if it is hopeful thinking or just positive feelings from today, but I really feel confident that the scan will come back good. I want to thank everyone who gave us prayers and positive thoughts today. I love all of you!

Hello again, did you miss me?

I know, I know!! You can put me in time-out later for being such a bad blogger. I have news that you want to hear. I know you want it.

Wilson had a wonderful birthday. He had all of his friends (ie the coaches' kids) at his party. We even had a big blowup water slide. It was tons of fun. He loved, no I am sorry DEMOLISHED his chocolate cake. Grandpa came up for the big day, and it was really great to see Russell and Wilson having fun with him. He had the two big "hits" for presents. The first was a bubble gun that Russell adored.

The other was a chair that has a little table attached. It has three different setting (ABC's, music, and games). Wilson gets so excited every time he see that chair. Now (a couple of weeks later) he has figured out how to stand up in the chair.

All in all the kid had a fantastic birthday. We took him to his one year check up, and he is growing like a weed. He is 30 1/2 inches and 27 pounds. He is in 18-24 month clothes (quickly growing out of them). He wears a size 5 shoe and diaper.

The upsetting news is that they are concerned about his head growth. As you all know, my babies have BIG heads. I have always just thought that meant they would be geniuses. Unfortunately, the doctor doesn't share my opinion. He head spiked in growth between 6 months and 9 months. WAIT you say, this was his 12 month check up, right. YES--the doc didn't catch it last time. Anywho, let me get back to the explanation before I go on a doctor tirade. As I was saying, his head spiked in those 3 months, and the female doctor thinks it could be an indicator of something. She wouldn't say what it might indicate, but she tried to reassure me by saying that he is otherwise normal. She also pointed out that this is the reason we have check ups every 3 months. She ordered a CT scan to be done next Friday. Wilson will have to be sedated. I think that is the scariest part. I am hoping that since they scheduled it around his nap time (10:30) that they will only have to give a light dose of sedative.

Please keep us in your prayers. I know in my heart of hearts that it is a good thing that Dr. Johnson caught the mistake this time instead of letting go even longer. I just am so scared of what it all might mean.

We love and miss all of you.

I've been TAGGED!

Thanks, Mary Kate, for TAGGING me. I hope everyone learns something new about me through this blog.

10 years ago: I was in my first year at college (U of A). I was really not wanting to be there. I was having way too much fun, but I knew my heart didn't belong in Fayetteville. I was trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. My major was still undecided.

Things on my to-do list:
1. Finish Laundry (always on the list)
2. Do a mini-pedi
3. Get ready for track practice tomorrow
4. Be sure to bring Russell's back pack to school
5. Pray for my students and the Benchmark

What I would do if I suddenly became a billionaire: I would pay off our debts and any debts that my family has. I would take my loved ones and close friends on a fantastic trip. I would buy a beach house (or maybe a whole island) so that I can see the beach whenever I please. I would set up the college funds for my children. I would give LOTS to my favorite charities. I guess I would invest some.

My bad habits:
1. Smoking
2. Not fully listening when someone is talking to me
3. Talking smack when someone does something silly driving
4. Not sticking up for myself as much as I should

5 jobs I have had:
1. baby sitter at a fitness club
2. Lifeguard
3. Bank Teller
4. Children's Librarian
5. Teacher

Things people might not know about me:
1. I always wanted to enter a beauty pageant just to see what it is like.
2. I have a burning desire to go to Australia.
3. I am an avid crossword puzzler and word searcher.
4. I want to go on a reality TV show (but NOT FEAR FACTOR)
5. I constantly worry that something is wrong with me (either health wise or other)

Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy a post about myself. I don't really use this to talk about me, but I thought this one would be fun. Thanks again, Mary Kate.

Our adventure in the safari (Arkansas style)

Many of you have already seen the pictures of our Safari Adventure over Spring Break. I thought I would tell a few fun facts that many of you don't already know.

#1 Russell is completely NOT afraid of animals (except for bugs). He kept asking to get out of the car to play with the animals. I think he might be the next Jeff Corwin. He was braver than all of the rest of us. It isn't hard to imagine him being braver than me, but he was even braver than Kaden and Jake. I think he impressed the older boys with his snake handling skills.





#2 Camels will eat anything and everything you put out there. We tried bread, animal crackers, grapes, bananas, and raisins. I really have to suggest the larger items of food. They pick up food like horses do (with their lips), and unless you want tons of dirty camel slobber on you (I experienced lots of it), then the larger items are the way to go.

#3 They have built suitable living quarters for the large cats. I previously heard that the cats were kept in tiny enclosures. I was not really happy about the idea of showing my kids animal abuse. I was really pleased when we saw the new cat area. They have room to run, jump, and climb. They seem to be happy.

#4 Go in the spring so you can see baby animals. I am not saying that the other times of the year are less fun, but we really enjoyed seeing the little ones. Not all of the animals had babies, but the ones that did were SOOOO cute.

#5 Drive thru twice. We found that the first time thru we were timid and scared. After our first drive thru we went to the petting area. That gave us a chance to see some of the animals up close. We decided to drive thru one more time, and the second round was a whole lot more productive. We fed more of the animals, and we (and really I mean me) were more comfortable with the idea of animals sticking their heads in the car.

all inn all I really enjoyed watching the boys with the animals. It was an adventure that I will not forget. I doubt that Russell will either. I can't wait for Wilson to be old enough to try and one-up his big brother!!

Spring Break

I know it has been forever since I last posted, but I have been really busy. Let me inform you of everything by each person.

Russell: He had his 3 year check up and is growing like a weed. He is 38 lbs and 38 1/2 inches tall. He is talking in complete sentences, although he will still mix up beginning and middle consonants. He is barrell of laughs, and I think he got the entertaining bug from his mom. He loves his little brother and is ready for him to start "playing".

Wilson: At his last checkup he was 21 lbs and 25 inches (I think). He is doing really well even though he just cut three teeth at once. We have been battling the wheezing for too long, but I think it is just allergies. He still has to recieve breathing treatments twice a day. I think that it is something that will continue into childhood, but maybe he will outgrow them later on. He is sitting up on his own and is content to sit for an hour or two if he has toys around him. He is beginning to try to pull his knees up, and I know this means that crawling is not far away.

Justin: He is coaching baseball and doing workouts for football. Thankfully, this year he will only have one game during Spring Break. It allowed us to take a wonderful family vaca to Tunica. Sounds like a funny place to take the kids, but we had a blast. Justin is not looking forward to the spring/summer chores, but I know he will be excited to be outside.

Myself: Well, I have been busy with school and two kids. Not a whole lot exciting has happened to me. I enjoyed out zoo trip, and I got in some good outlet mall shopping while in Tunica.I am contemplating transferring schools next year, but I am waiting to see what the options are. I have been trying to keep myself as low stress as possible, and it has worked for the most part. I have added some pics of our trip. I hope you enjoy.