Vroom Vroom Vaccuum

So I got a vacuum last week and finally took it out of the box today. It is a Dirt Devil cyclonic lightweight type. It was on sale at Target for $40 so I bought it (I previously only had a dirt devil one that had a long handle but also converted to a hand vac so not too powerful). This new one is loud, but powerful! Delaney did not like it, but they both followed me from room to room and helped. And I like my brush attachment that did all my dusting for me (minus smelly good polish) !!

-Rachel Bright
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Boring Monday

I didn't have a very eventful day, and nothing remarkable is coming to mind either.

It was super cold, gloomy, and we never left the house. Well, I left the house after David got home to grab dinner and milk from the store and make a bank deposit. But the total "time out" was about 45 min, 20+ which were spent in my car waiting on dinner. We had No. 1 Kitchen: Sushi and Beef Lo Mein. MMMMM.

I did manage to put away all the kids laundry as well as strip theirs and our beds, wash and replace sheets (well, mine because they're my favorite, but they got different ones and I still need to put the washed ones away lol)

We read some books today and played mostly all day plus the lengthy afternoon nap.

Well thats about it for the Bright Family today. Perhaps this week will be more eventful as the weather warms up and we get out and about and have some visitors!

Favorite Moments from the Weekend

Buddy had to get a breathing treatment tonight because he was having some wheezing and coarse lung sounds. I haven't had to do a treatment on him in several months and was so proud of him at how cooperative and sweetly he sat there and took his treatment without even so much as a single protest!
Playing "telephone" during his breathing treatment. So PROUD of him for this cooperation!
The kids and I went to IHOP early this morning with Auntie Kelly. They had a good time, pi's, socks no shoes, and all!
David Paul exiting the bounce house. He loved it because the exit is a slide! SueSue is behind him to catch him.
Delaney jumping (and loving it) in the bouncy house from Good Shepard's Grand Opening Sat.

Love and errr...other drugs

Yes, I watched the movie tonight. And yes, I had some tears. Partly because it is a tearjerker movie for the sentimental hearts, but more because I was comparing myself to "Maggie" and David to "Jamie"...-but not the jerk Jamie, the love and acceptance Jamie has of Maggie and her disease.
Now granted I don't have Parkinsons, but I do have a rare disease. And while it is supposed to be self-limiting, my self has yet to make that happen for oh, 5 years now.
Like Maggie, I have good days and bad. And like Maggie, I want the world to see only the good days. It is better to try and emit positivity and good health than to have others sympathizing over you.
After reading that you can see why I don't talk about this too much. Not that it bothers me to talk about it, but I'd rather just have everyone else think I'm doing just fine, even when I'm not.
I am so thankful for my husband who has never left my side. I "got sick" when we were only dating about 4 months. He could have bailed on me. But he didn't. He loves all of me. Just as our vows said "for better or worse, in sickness and health". He keeps true to those. For that I am eternally grateful.

-Rachel Bright
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Purge the Cloth

I have been meaning to take action on this for quite some time. And today, I did just that. And man, what a good feeling! What AM I referring to? Thats right, the Big Closet Purge 2011 appropriately named because thats what I did!!

When I was pregnant (2009) and in a depressed state of big body little clothes syndrome, I took ALL regular clothes and packed them into a massive suitcase (the size you take on an international month long trip big) and stowed it on the top shelf of my closet. From time to time I would have David bring it down for me to review. I almost crushed myself one time doing it myself and learned to ask for help! I rarely ever, err, never, found anything that would fit. And it would go back "up top".

I finally decided to take it down and get rid of everything in there. Well that was my plan any ways. And I was very good and realistic and evaluated each piece of clothing as if I were on TLC's What Not To Wear. I did find several tops that are super cute that I bought a month or two before I got pregnant. And this time, they fit. So I pulled them out and onto hangers. And threw the rest of the stuff into a giant pile to go. Then I proceeded to go through the rest of my closet and pull stuff to go, and pull seasonal or work attire that I don't currently need immediate access to and put into the suitcase. I did the same with shoes!!!

Overall, I was QUITE pleased with myself! And I will be even more proud when I load it all up and deliver it to the Salvation Army. I like donating there because they actually give out vouchers at the homeless shelter for items and the homeless people can take the vouchers (yes, they get bus tokens to get there) to the store and "buy" stuff.

As soon as I get the pictures uploaded and drop off my stuff, Ill add the pics!

What I Wanted to Do, and What I Did...

Well, I had hoped to do a "What She Wore Wednesday", however, OOPS!!! Thats right people, I FORGOT to take the pictures!!

Heres a cute mental picture for you: Delaney wore a coral colored long sleeve shirt with a sparkly dog from Childrens Place and some black velour pants from Target and her pink sparkly slip on kicks. Her hair was in pig tails and she also had two little sparkly butterfly clips on each pigtail. It was a cute outfit but nothing too fancy today.

We got treated to diner at Sante Fe Steak House by my mom tonight. The kids had the catfish nuggets, fruit cup and fries. They liked it all. I ordered the coconut shrimp which are GIANT butterflied shrimp and marmalade sauce. Mmmmm good. The sweet potato was disappointing... not enough of the jazz for me. David tried the grilled catfish and rice and cleaned his plate. Mom was just snacking because she ate a very late lunch. All in all it was a delicious dinner. Thanks mom!

Well, thats it. No pictures so that is why I didn't put the official WSWW title!

To The Rescue...!!

As I came out of the doctors office, I realized the temperature had dropped and it was drizzling. I quickly got to the van, loaded DP in, turned on his movie, tossed my purse in the front seat, hit the "unlock" button on my keys (since I was about to put them in the front seat with my purse), and closed the door. I held Delaneys hand and let her walk around the van to her side. She was so excited. Until we realized it was locked. Hmmm. Perhaps I didn't hit the button enough times. We went back to DPs side to open the door. IT WAS LOCKED!!!
I remembered two women sitting in the lobby. Delaney and I ran in and called David. He called the police and was also driving to us. The police informed him that they no longer help with this and to call a wrecker. SO he continued driving to the house to get the spare keys. I was at 31 and memorial. We live at 101 and Elm. He works at 31 and Yale. In the mean time the woman came back outside and we called the Eastside district # who gave us the Eastside Fire Dept #. Once the lady knew they were coming for us, she went back in. It was cold and rainy and we didn't have our coats on but I didn't want to leave DP who was at that point crying and shaking his head no. Poor baby! Another man who had previously held the door for us in the doctor office came out and offered to let me use his phone to call David back. Then I realized he and I grew up in the same neighborhood, rode the bus together, and went to elementary and middle school together. Thank you Mr. Andre Cotton!
As I was on the phone with David telling him about Mr. Cotton we heard it: the sirens of the fire truck! I looked behind me to see the Firetruck exiting I-44. They proceeded with lights and sirens until they reached us. I felt very special and important! There were three of them and they worked their fireman magic and got my door opened in moments! THANK YOU FIREMEN!
We loaded up and called David who had just gotten into the house. I told him we could just meet for lunch since we were all out. We rendezvoused at Hideway Pizza for some yummy lunch.
This afternoon we napped and then SueSue came over for dinner!
As for the doctor appt: DP has dried blood in his ear, a large blister, and fluid. He also has some pretty crazy allergies going on. The doctor thinks the allergies are contributing to the ear problems because he is inflamed, which is preventing proper drainage. We are doing allegra, some nasonex, and recheck in two weeks. But had to cancel the hearing test until his ears are cleared. Boo!

-Rachel Bright
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Not so sweet Sunday

So today we took the kids out to SueSues (Davids mom) house in Beggs. She has a ton of property and it's nice and secluded. David and his mom did some target shooting while the kids and I hung out inside with their Mum (Davids gma). It was mine and the kids first time out there. It's nice out in the country, however, my health meter was at the low end so I wasn't having the best day. I hate days like this when I feel crappy like this. But hey, that's my life, right!?
I tried to make the best of our day and the kids seemed to have lots of fun!
See video on FB from this am where Delaney says Suesue! Too cute!

-Rachel Bright
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Double Trouble

Thus evening our good friends the Durhams came over. Our twins are one week older than their twins. It was toddler mayhem...in a good way. They all four played really well together and were being so sweet to one another. After dinner we let them color while we cleaned up. It never even dawned on us the time because they were all having a blast. The kids stayed up until 830 (normal bedtime is sometime around 7). It was a great time had by all!
This morning my VBF brought by a huge container of clothes for me to go through for Delaney. Her 5 and 12 yr olds came too and they just adore D & D and had fun too!
All in all it was an excellent and busy day of playing and visitors.
Tomorrow we head to Beggs to visit SueSue!

Baby Lane Meets D&D

Tonight our friends Chris and Lindsay Simmons brought their new son Lane over for a first time visit! Lane was born one month ago and we were all meeting him for the first time! DP was sweet and touched his leg and face and loved staring at him. Delaney loved watching him also and was smiling at him when I helped her touch his hand. It was precious! D&D didn't stay up long because it was close to 8 by the time the Simmons arrived and they were sleepy. Lane was quite the little gentleman and quietly napped on his mamma while the parents hung out. We all stayed up wayyyy to late but hadn't seen each other in so long and we had a blast.
Tomorrow: The Durham Family comes for an afternoon visit!

Three Things Thursday

I know I posted already but that was backtracking to yesterday :-)

I am going to do a Three Things Thursday that my friend Martha V. does!

1.) BBU today was great. Delaney was actually playing and having a great time as opposed to her usual shyness.

2.) Stopped at Old Navy to do a little more of my tax return shopping and got a great deal on layering camis ($3 yeah baby), found the black flats I've been hunting for, and got two super cute cotton dresses for summer!

3.) Christina came over this afternoon for some tax help. She brought me a Sonic Coke...mmm! And as always, love hanging out with my friend!

There you have it! I don't know if that is the "correct" way to do the Three Things Thursday post, but its my rendition of it.

What three things did you do today?

(Also, if anyone knows how to attach Martha on here as opposed to just putting her name, PLEASE let me know!

Fun drawing

This was from yesterday but I didn't make it onto the blog last night!
The kids needed a little focused activity so I sat them at the table and pulled out the paper and markers. They had a good time and did 2 "paintings" a piece. I wrote the date on them (along with helped them write twit names) and stashed them away.
I have a crafty idea for these early pieces of artwork. I plan on keeping a collection for a while (DP painted for the first time at Sahars on Tues and she gave it to me too). Once I have several I plan on cutting small squares out and piecing it together into a frame to hang in each of their rooms. I will probably collect for about a year or so in different mediums as they grow and experiment with things like paint, pencils and so forth. I think it will make a fun conversation piece for when their a little older and can see that even then we took pride in their work!
What did you do to preserve early artwork!?!

Busy busy first day of March!

We have started out March (one of my busiest months in a while) at full speed!
Delaney had her big appointment at the Developmental Pediatrician today. I had to have DP to Sahars by 745ish to get her there by 830ish. We were of course delayed by a train and then a big wreck on the way to the doctor. BUT we made it, and Dr Del Castillo is fantastic! She did great and actually interacted with him (normally is super shy around anyone). She got pretty good scores overall and he said continue her therapies and start OT. Yay for a great appt.
We swung by Target on the way to pick up DP. Delaney was thrilled to ride in the basket!
DP was quite happy with his putting as well and got to paint for the first time ever! He really loves Sierra and Sonora!
Then we got home, ate, and napped until 3.
DP woke up on the wrong side of the bed and was in a foul mood this afternoon. In an attempt to please him and relax, we headed out back to play in our "park". It worked and he was contented!
David came home early so I could work on spending my portion of the tax money before TMOMs. I got a few cute shirts at Ross which I cannot wait to wear!
Then, TMOMs!!!! We had a good meeting and I had a small "presentation". I always love my TMOM nights!
After the meeting it wa back to Target to return some pants and shirt from my earlier visit that didn't fit (nope, i don't try stuff on when I have kids in tow).
I proceeded to continue my shopping until my friends who were waiting on me at Fridays called and told mento hurry!
I met my buddies for a "drink" (I had a coke and an appetizer).
I ended my night trying on the shirts from Ross with the pants from target and I must report that Im pretty excited about my new spring "look" (includes a lot of softer colors, lace, and more feminine textures, and blues!).
Goodnight friends, whew what a great busy day!

Positively Positive Stress Reduction

So I had to take some mini online "courses" for points on a wellness program with our insurance. One of the courses was Stress Management. It had a suggestion of every night before bed to keep a notebook and joy down three positive things that happened that day and what you can attribute it to. I tried the excercise on the online portion and thought I'd share my "findings" for today's bolg!
1) I got all of Delaneys bills corrected, her appointment for tomorrow confirmed, and her prior auth with Physical Therapy corrected! It was a LOT of phone calls and took a long time but is nice to know it's all fixed! I attribute this to effective time management and the kids playing happily in their rooms while I was on the phone.
2) I returned the slide to toys r us and got some other great items instead. AKA- the kids and I did a little shopping. I attribute this to opting to shop at the 21st and Aspen store which is a traffic free drive (huge ++) and minimal other customers shopping! It was very pleasant there and we had fun!
3) I put away some of the kids clothes tonight. I attribute this to my wonderfully helpful husband who fed kids dinner and unloaded dishwasher so I could work on this!

There you have it! Maybe not everyones idea of positive, but getting these types of stressful things done and no longer a worry always makes me feel better!

-Rachel Bright
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Bass Pro with Daddy

Today, the subject of my blog does not necessarily include me!
I worked at the school today- it was a good day, nothing eventful.
David however, had way more fun!
Since his good friend Andy is in town for the weekend and they were watching the kids today, they decided to load up in the "swagger wagon" and take the kids to Bass Pro to see the fish and shop. The pic is of some cute camo hats but they did not buy them because the kids refuse to keep hats on. He did get them each a super cute dog (pink camo for Delaney and green for DP). They're beanie baby sized.
After work I went on a shopping spree at Toys-R-Us and bought way toonmuch backyard fun stuff! Pics to come tomorrow!
What did your kids do with their dad this weekend??

Productive day

I woke up bright and early to go get the labs while David watched the kids before work. On the way home I dropped off his dry-cleaning. Once I got home I realized that the tax return money had been deposited and I have been needing to get my TTL on the van for about two weeks. SO, I loaded up the kids and headed to the tag agency. While out we also made stops at two banks to deposit OMOMs $$ and our $$ and another drop at the dry cleaners to bring another load I had discovered. They did well riding around watching their movie.

Then, it was snack and nap time! We had good naps for two hours.

David Pauls ear looks better, the bleeding has decreased and he seems to be feeling better for the most part. They both still have some sniffles and cough but it is clearly resolving itself.

This afternoon we didn't do much, until they started getting cranky so we went to Ross and got them a new book, blankets, Delaney got two play dresses, I got a cute 3/4 cardigan and a pair of flats. Yay for shopping!

Tonight we had a pleasant surprise. Our friends the Shavneys stopped by for about an hour to visit. It was fun seeing them and the kids were super ramped up and bouncing all over Justin. It was hilarious!

After they left I attempted to go let my VBF's dog out to potty, however all he wanted to do was jump on my back!

Then about 10pm our friend Andy arrived from Houston and will be staying the weekend. It is always nice to see him, which is only about once every year and a half. During catching up I also managed to get all the bills paid as well, and another final load of laundry done!

WHEW, what a busy day! Thats what happens though when you've not felt good all week...things pile up :-) Oh well, now I can just enjoy my weekend with everyone!

Tomorrow...work! And maybe some shopping and the park if I can squeeze it in. :-)

Sicky sick

Well, after the kids arrived home yesterday from their night away I was sure they would be so happy to be home that they would sleep all night. Sadly, that was not the case! And I was just shy of a foot in the grace after starting some antibiotics that were literally trying to kill me. David was up with DP who was quite upset, for a while. I barely slept last night- and was up and down with my issues.
Around 930 I suddenly awoke and was pretty confused. When did I fall asleep? Where were they kids at 930?? What is going on here! They were sound asleep. I laid back in the bed and waited for them to wake. About 1015 I started getting worried and went to wake them. I woke DP and instantly discovered at some point he has thrown up and his ear was BLEEDING! it was totally occluded with dried blood. I called and made a dr appointment and quickly dressed the kids, myself, and out the door. It was one of those days. Everything was trying to keep us from getting there! And I arrived 5+ min late only to discover that the sweet receptionist (who knows how close I usually cut it) just told me 1030 so to buy me time in case I was behind! Bless her! I was not actually late!
DP has a ruptured ear drum (he probably got the infection/build up from the cold he caught from me and delaney 2 days ago. He is started on ear drops and was so sweet and cooperative tonight when I had to clean the new blood out of his ear and reapply drops!
We also napped again this afternoon from 130-4! I know right? Like I said, we don't feel good.
Hopefully tomorrow is a good day because our friend Andy is coming in late tomorrow night to stay the weekend. He and David will be watching the kids on Saturday while I work ;)
Hope you are all feeling well!
-Rachel Bright
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All About Me

Today was All About Me...in a sense! You see, with our new insurance they have a "Wellness Program". If you participate in these required "activities" then the company rewards you with money into the Health Savings Account (HSA)...supposedly somewhere in the neighborhood of $450. We have until Feb 28th to complete the activities. Two items on the list were: See the dentist for a dental exam/cleaning/xray; Have a physical/labs done with your PCP. That is why my mom took the kids last night because her babysitting duties were needed all day today!
I slept great, and in until 9am. My friend and house cleaner arrived at 9:30 to start on my house. I left for the dentist and started that at 10am. I got out of the dentist at 11:45 and grabbed some McDonalds before deciding to have a little impromptu massage at Clary Sage. I mean it was, after all, Health and Wellness Day for me. What better way to improve my well being and health than an hour massage!!! After the massage I had about an hour to spare before my doctor appointment. I went to Old Navy on the hunt for some jeans for baby Delaney. Did I have any luck you ask? Why yes. I bought her first pair of "skinny jeans" to match mine, along with a pair of boot cut, again, to match mine :-) She also got some jelly flats but her foot has grown and I need to exchange them for a larger size! I then went off to my regular doctor for my "physical". This included ht/wt/vs and ordering of labs...which I could not do today because apparently my insurance is only accepted out at SouthCrest physicians building lab. I will go tomorrow.
Did I mention I have been sick for several days? Or that my autoimmune "stuff" has been giving me trouble the past week? My very kind doctor gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and we are going to try Celebrex. I say try because it is $125 a month! I bought 5 pills for my trial run...stay tuned for that update next week.

As I was leaving the doctor, I got the text I have been DYING to get from my VBF about the gender of her baby. ITS A GIRL!!! I am so excited for her. They were really hoping for a girl (she has two boys and one girl already, the girl being the youngest). We (meaning her, but I am borrowing all of her girl stuff) already have tons of girl things because she saved them from her daughter who is now 5. I am so excited for Delaney to have another female friend coming into our lives! Yay!
I arrived home near 4:30 from my day of ME to a clean house, and babies that were happy to see me. I was quite happy to see them as well! We played and had a good time. They are so sweet and apparently had a fantastic time at the farm. I am glad. Despite my differences and dislike of my step-father, I still want my kids to experience the farm and be able to enjoy their grandparents. Even if it means me having to bite my tongue for that to happen.
Tonight, I plan on eating some Papa Murphys pizza and watching American Idol...and taking some cough syrup because this mamma doesn't feel too swell, even after a day of wellness! Lets hope for a mild night with the kids since David is going to have to help me tonight because of the cough syrup. I sure hope I feel better soon!
What did you do for yourself today??

Going to Grandmas Farm

Well, this afternoon my mom came and picked up the kids to take them to get farm in Maramec (about 20 min from Stillwater). I have some appointments tomorrow so this is part of the babysitting. I am sure they will have a good time!
Since we were kid free tonight, David took me on a date. We went and tried the newly opened Billy Rays BBQ on 101st and Elm. The food was very good! I had my usual BBQ favorite: chopped brisket sandwich and fried okra, Mmmmm; David had a 1/2 smoked chicken with fries and tabouli which he also really liked. Then we headed on out to Broken Arrows new Cinemark Theater near 71st and 193rd to see "I Am Number 4". Let me just say: AWESOME movie!
Once we got home I settled in for some TV watching of Teen Mom 2 & Glee! What a nice evening!
Below is a pic of the kids leaving for Grandmas.

Sweet lovin' & laughin'

Kissing one another

Hugs & Kisses

Today was filled with hugs and kisses! A few days ago (specifically Saturday) DP hugge Delaney- unprompted. It was cute, but I thought it was a fluke. That is until they did it again- prompted , yesterday. Today while laying on the couch (I haven't felt well all day) they climbed up to sit by me. I asked them to hug and kiss one another and they did! Along with this came hysterical laughter (mainly from Delaney who was receiving most of the loving). It was SO sweet! These babies can sure drive me crazy at times, but these sweet moments make it all better! LML.

-Rachel Bright
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