New Year's Gift!!

Well, it is New Year's Eve!  Hard to believe 2010 is almost over.  It has been a good year all in all.  As I look back and reflect we have all grown so much.  The kids have grown and matured and can do so many things they couldn't do last year.

Peanut is edging closer to graduation and closer to more adult responsibility.  He is now gainfully employed and learning how to manage his time and money.  I pray that he will have a positive 2011 and mature into the man we know is in there somewhere.  I also pray that he would put God more prominent in his life and ask himself WWJD when he is faced with challenges and temptations.

Woobie is growing so much as well.  He is reading and doing 2nd grade math or better.  He is more independent and seems so much more settled.  He is sleeping so much better and not having night terrors like he used to have so often.  He is becoming quite a little gentleman.  He is so sweet and loving with his younger brother and sister as well.

Schnooky Bear is doing well at recognizing his letters and simple words and even dabbling in some math problems as well.  He is becoming more independent and loves to do what his big brothers do.  He is such a quirky funny guy and always make me laugh.

Missy has matured so much and can take on any adult in a conversation.  She knows all her colors and shapes and even recognizes some letters and numbers.  She loves to sing and has an exceptional memory for songs.  She is a tough cookie too.  Kind of has to be to keep up with 3 older brothers.  She gives them a run for their money and doesn't back down from a challenge.

The little boys are learning to be a part of a team as they completed their first season of tball this year as well.   They do so love and support each other and their teammates.

I feel like Sean and I have grown as well.  Our spiritual lives have really grown and our relationship with God and each other has really strengthened so much this last year.  It has been so wonderful to grow closer to my God and my husband.

Sean, Peanut and I brought in the New Year with our dearest friends at the Wynsma's house.  I so cherish our friends and our time together.  We have all grown closer to God together this year with our couples Bible Study as well as our individual men and women's studies.  Our teens have joined in on many of our meetings as well which is so important for them to help grow their faith as well.

We had a fun evening of reminiscing and eating way too much yummy food and then we watched the ball drop in Time Square and wished everyone a Happy New Year before heading home a little after midnight!!

The little ones stayed with Grandma and Grandpa and had a party as well, complete with party hats for all three of them.

New Year's Gift to you all!!  Here's to a blessed and memorable 2011!!!

Date Night and The Hard Rock Hotel!

I worked Monday (12/28) while Daddy stayed home with this little ones.  It was a smooth day at work and I was able to get home by 4pm which was so nice so I could spend some extra time with the family.

I was playing with Missy after I got home and kissing her toes.  She told me I shouldn't kiss her toes because they were fragile and they might break!!!  So funny!

Tuesday was Daddy on duty again while I worked.  I arrived home from work in time for Bible study with the girls and Daddy went to his Bible study.  The kiddies had a sleepover with Grandpa.

I had the day off on Wednesday (12/29).  We went to get "pinches" and then hit the mall to get an invisishield for the iPad and the Peanut's iPod and to get a case for the iPad.  Then we grabbed some lunch at the food court.

When we arrived home it was time to put all of the Christmas decorations away and tuck them in the attic.  It is so great to have the decorations up, but when they are all put away it is nice to have everything back to normal.

Then Daddy and I went on a date night for some one on one interfacing!  Once again we thank Grandma and Grandpa.  We went to Smokey Bones and then ran to the mall to get Peanut and Woobie's 2010 ornaments.  I had to order Schnooky and Missy's online because they were sold out.  Thank goodness for EBay!!

Thursday I worked and Daddy had a free day to do things around the house while my mom watched the kiddies.  I got home about 6pm and freshened up and changed.  We went to mom's house to visit with the kiddies for a little while before heading to Kathy and Steven's engagement party at the Hard Rock Hotel.

It was quite a party.  We had great music, food and drink.  Then all of us party guests got a big surprise when Brett Michaels came on stage and performed for everyone.  Marcy already knew and she pulled me on stage right up front before he came out and told me to stay put and wait for the surprise 80's star to arrive.  I tried to guess who it was but I never did figure it out before he arrived.  We left about 1030 to head home for the night.

Combs Family Christmas!

Christmas is almost here and the kids are so excited.  Grandma and I took the three little ones for some last minute shopping and Daddy stayed home to wrap presents.  I needed to buy the kids some dress shoes and also wanted to get Missy a new Christmas dress because her one from last year was getting too small.

First stop was Wal-Mart and we hit the jackpot in the kids clothing section.  I got Missy the cutest little dress for $4.  At first glance on the hanger I wasn't too impressed, but I figured for the price I wasn't going to be terribly picky.  Grandma bought Tinker Bell jammies for Missy and Thomas jammies for Schnooky, but she told them that they had to let her wrap them and put them under the tree for them to open later that day when Uncle Bobby came over for dinner.  I also picked up some stocking stuffers for Daddy and a new lightweight jacket for Woobie.

Next stop was the Dollar Store to get some more stocking stuffers and Grandma picked up a few more things for the kiddies. 

Then we braved the crowds at the mall to get them some new shoes from Payless.  We got three pairs of black dress shoes and headed for home.  The crowds weren't too bad and we had a descent parking spot too.

We arrived home in time to get everyone bathed and out the door to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner with Uncle Bobby, Regina and Kelsey.  By the way, Missy's dress looked absolutely adorable once we put it on and she had her cute little tights and new black dress shoes.  The kids got to open a few gifts before dinner which they were totally thrilled about.  They got Lincoln Logs from Grandma and Grandpa.  Wow-what a blast from the past.  Who ever thought they still made Lincoln Logs.  We loved playing with those when we were kids too.

We had turkey and all of the trimmings for dinner.  I ate way too much to say the least.  We left about 515pm to head to church for Christmas Eve service.  It was a nice family service.  Only Schnooky and Peanut stayed in with us.  Woobie and Missy decided to stay in the nursery with Grandma.  Schnooky did very well during the service and he enjoyed the music and candlelight part too.

We went back to Grandma and Grandpa's for dessert and then it was time to go home and tuck everyone in bed in anticipation of Santa's arrival.  Schnooky was so eager to get home to bed.  He could see that it was getting dark during Christmas Eve service and he kept telling me that we needed to hurry and get home so Santa could come.

We left cookies for Santa and 3 carrots for the reindeer.  Everyone was asleep about the time their heads hit the pillows, which was good since mommy still had lots of wrapping to finish up before calling it a night.

Earlier in the day, Schnooky was sitting with Daddy and announced that he didn't want to have a beard.  When we asked him why he replied, "because that would mean I would be a daddy".  We then asked him why he didn't want to be a daddy and he said that he wanted to be a kid forever.  Out of the mouths of babes.

Well, Christmas dawned a little after 0700 with everyone piling in our bed and saying it was time to open presents and wanting to know if Santa had been here.  We then barged into Peanut's room to wake him up and wish him Merry Christmas! 

We then gathered around the Christmas tree and read the Christmas story before tearing into all of the gifts.  Everyone made out very well.  Missy got a big dollhouse complete with the family and all of the furnishings.  She also got a Disney Princess dress up trunk and little dolls with snap on clothes and many other goodies.  Peanut got lots of money to help fund his Senior Ski trip and an Ipod touch.  Woobie got a big remote control Mustang, a fire truck, a sword and shield and lots of other goodies as well.  Schnooky got a new red big boy bike, an ambulance and a sword and shield.  Both boys got nerf dart guns and goggles as well as lincoln logs.

I was very fortunate to get the new laptop that I am typing this update on right now.  It is so fast and I just love being able to relax on the couch and blog away.  I also got a new bluetooth headset and a digital photo frame as well as some other treasures.

We also got an Ipad for the whole family and Daddy got an Apple TV. 

Thank you to all of our wonderful and generous family!!

Grandma and Grandpa arrived a little after 0900 and we opened some more gifts and then had yummy cinammon rolls for breakfast.  A special treat for sure.

I then left about 1140 to head to work.  Yes, the sick people are still sick even on Christmas day.   It wasn't too bad though.  I only had to see 12 people and was back to Grandma's for dinner by a little after 5pm.

We had a repeat of turkey and all the trimmings for dinner and then pumpkin pie for dessert.  Then it was time to put all of the Christmas munchkins to bed and call it a night because work would dawn bright and early the next morning.

Daddy took everyone to church the day after Christmas.  They got to take their favorite toy for the blessing of the toys.  Woobie and Schnooky brought their sword and shields and Missy brought her Belle doll.

I arrived home to Grandma's in time for a yummy roast dinner and all the fixins'.

Great Family Moments!

Well, it has been a few weeks since I posted.  We just seemed to have one thing going after another this last few weeks and I wasn't able to steal any time to catch up my blog.  

So, needless to say I would have the world's longest post if I tried to fit in everything that has been going on since I last posted.  I will do my best to hit the most important memorable moments.

 

First things first, I have been really enjoying my new job.  I have had a couple of late nights as I am getting used to the routine of things and with emergencies arising at the last minute.  Now I am really getting the hang of things and for the most part I have been getting home by no later than 7pm and a few times by 5pm.  I have to say the change has really been great.  I am learning so much and loving being back in the hospital setting.

Daddy has been on vacation since December 16th so he has been playing the role of Mr. Mom while I have been working.  I know the kids have really enjoyed having him home with them.

December 18th was our annual Christmas party.  Before the party we were all working together to clean the house and Woobie and Schnooky were helping to dust.  They went in their room to dust and we walked in after a few minutes to find that Schnooky had taken every book off of the bookshelf so he could dust it.  Woobie had taken my ceramic Winnie the Pooh figurines off of the shelves over his bed and put them on his bed to dust the shelves.   I quickly thanked him for his hard work and carefully had him get off of the bed so I could put the figurines back on the shelves.  He was very careful and thankfully didn't break any of them.  Got to love their work ethic!!

The guests arrived about 7pm and we shared lots of laughs and good food.  We also had a Chinese gift exchange, but this year we had a regifting exchange and everyone dug through their closets and found treasures to give and we had the teenagers join us instead of having a separate gift exchange.  It went really well and everyone had a lot of fun stealing each other's gifts.

December 22nd we made our 3rd annual trip to SeaWorld for our Christmas visit with Santa.  We have enjoyed going every year before Christmas and seeing all of the decorations and festitivites.  We also get our picture taken with Santa in the Polar Express Experience.  The weather was perfect and we had a really good time.  We saw the Sea Lion and Otter Christmas show, the Whale and Dolphin show, the Shamu show and ended our day by seeing an awesome ice skating show at Bayside Stadium.  The kids also got to play in Shamu's Happy Harbor and climb around the nets and tunnels with me and Peanut, play in the sand and go down the big slides a dozen times or so.  Woobie even rode the little Shamu rollercoaster with Grandma.  Daddy, Peanut and I got to ride Manta twice.  There was no line at all!!!  That is a really cool coaster!!!  

On the way out, Daddy bought all three of the little ones their very own Shamu!  An awesome

 day for sure.  Everyone crashed out on the

 way home and we tucked them snug in their

 beds as soon as we got home.  Each one snuggled close to their Shamu!

The Christmas Program!

I left for work bright and early today so I could be sure that I got out in time for the kids Christmas program at church.  I left Grandma in charge and was out the door by 0740.

I finished up by about 430pm and headed to the church in time for the tail end of their last rehearsal and then helped get Missy in her costume.  She was a little Angel.  So cute she was too.  Schnooky was a sheep and Woobie was a palm tree.

They all looked so cute.  I had to keep Missy with me until it was her time to make her debut in the program.  She was very antsy and did not like waiting one bit.  Schnooky lasted on the stage for about 5-10 minutes and then spent the rest of the time sitting next to Grandma.  He made a brief reappearance to go see Baby Jesus and then he was back with Grandma.  Not exactly a cooperative little lamby!!

Woobie did great as a palm tree.  He was singing all of the songs and doing his best to keep the top of the costume on his head. 

Missy finally got her turn and ran out with little Ella to join the other Angels during their song!  They were so cute.  Both girls were not too happy about having to come back to their seats.  At one point Missy got away from Grandma and paraded across the front of the sanctuary.  It was really cute!!!

All of the kids did such a nice job and Miss Karen and all the helpers put together a great show!!  After the program the kids all had birthday cake and then it was time to clean up and head to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner.

We had a nice dinner compliments of Grandpa and then it was time to get the little ones ready for bed.  Missy insisted on sleeping in her new pink tights!  I left all three of them sitting on Grandpa's lap watching Wipeout!

By the way, Missy is still doing great! Dare I say she's officially potty trained!!! Yeah!!!

Recap!

My the week just flew by.  Here is a recap of the week's events.  Just hitting the highlights.

12/3/10-I went to what I thought was going to be my first day of work, but due to an administrative issue I went home about an hour after I got there.  I went home and met the kids for lunch at McD's with Grandma, Grandpa and Daddy.  Daddy and I ran some errands together while the kidlets hung out with the grandparents. 

12/4/10-I had my first official day at my new job.  It was a long day, but I really enjoyed it.  Daddy was on duty at home and in charge of our ongoing potty training marathon with little Missy.  It was a little rough to say the least.

12/5/10-  I had my second day of work.  Wasn't quite as long of a day today.  I made it home in time for Sunday dinner and then Grandma and I took the kids around the block in the car to check out all the Christmas lights before sending them to bed.

12/6/10- Day 3 on the new job.  I think I am getting the hang of it.  I still have lots to learn, but I am really liking the new challenge.  I stopped at Grandma and Grandpa's to see the little boys before they went to bed.  Missy was already fast asleep.  The boys ended up coming home with me to go to bed.

12/7/10-Day 4 on the new job.  I was a little tired after 3 days in a row.  Started the day by having my yearly Gyn appointment.  Always a joy!  I arrived at the hospital about 1030.  I then proceeded to get a nasty headache which I nursed for most of the day.  Not fun!  I finished up a little after 6pm and high tailed it home to tuck the kids into bed and then have Bible Study with my peeps!!  We are studying Romans.  We had yummy Muenster cheese and crackers for dinner.  I have found a new love for Muenster cheese.  It is so yummy and I was really craving it and then Lisa surprised us with the Muenster!!!

12/8/10-Day off!!!!  I snuggled with the littles in bed watching cartoons until after 8am.  The boys were both under the weather and very clingy and whiny.  Missy is still a potty training rollercoaster!  Didn't get much accomplished before leaving to get lunch at Steak n Shake and got get Woobie's pinches.  He was really not into getting his shots more so than usual, but a necessary evil unfortunately.  We then met Peanut at McD's for ice cream which no one really ate.  I got everyone home and took the boy's temps and they both had 102 degree temps and Schnooky was complaining about his brain hurting again and Woobie complained of a sorethroat. A dose of ibuprofen for both of them really helped them feel better.

I was afraid they both had strep again so when Daddy got home from his pinches we went to my old stomping ground and got them tested and thankfully they were both negative.  We then went to dinner at Sweet Tomatoes.

Missy and Schnooky gave us the biggest scare while we were waiting to pay.  I was getting my wallet out to pay and all of a sudden I looked around and they were gone.  I was freaking out.  I couldn't find them anywhere around us.  I went running around the corner and found them both climbing into a corner booth.  I was so scared!  I grabbed both of them and held them very tightly until we were at our table.  I told all three of them how important it was to stay right with us at all times.  I told them that someone could take them and they would never see us again.  Yes, I was trying to scare them.  At one point, Missy hugged me and said "It was so silly of me to runaway from you".  Then she said if someone tried to take her she would spit at them.  They all went on and on about how they would spit at the bad guys and kick them in the butt.  We let them know just how serious the situation was and to never leave our side again.

I kind of felt sick the rest of the time we were there just running over all of the what ifs and how quickly they got out of my sight.  I think I will keep them chained to my side from now on or better yet strapped in strollers.  I was so freaked out!!!

We finished dinner and headed home.  Missy fell asleep in the car on the way home and we tucked everyone into bed by 8pm.

12/9/10-Today was operation clean house.  We had breakfast and then commenced to doing laundry and vaccuuming the house.  Grandma came down to lend me a hand with the kids and the laundry.   Thank you Grandma!!!  Daddy got home early from work which was nice.  We went outside for a little while and the boys played baseball and Missy played on the playground.  Then it was time to go in and make dinner.  I took the pup for a walk while the kiddies watched Christmas shows after dinner and then it was time to tuck everyone in for the night.

12/10/10-Daddy was on duty today while I went to work.  We are making progress with Missy and her potty training.  Less accidents and she is starting to let us know when she needs to go before she goes! 

12/11/10- Long day at work today!!!  Would have been home an hour or so early, but my last patient of the day had other ideas when I walked in to find him in respiratory distress!!  Missy is doing super with the potty training.  No accidents today and she has initiated all of her potty trips!!  Yeah-I think she has got it now!!  I am so proud of her!!!

And now I am up to date!!

Finding my mind at the park!

Today started out a bit of a chaotic.  Mommy was definitely having an out of my mind kind of day for sure.  For starters the potty training is not going as smoothly as I would like to say the least.  Missy just isn't quite getting it.  She won't initiate and go to the potty by herself.  If we aren't right on her every hour or so to sit on the potty then she goes in her pants and tells us after the fact.

At one point in the day she pooped in her pants and it was rolling on the floor.  Oh yuck!!  Then the dog had an accident that I had to clean up as well.  The icing on the cake was when I grabbed what I thought was an empty cup to fill up with water only to find that it was already full and I doused myself and the kitchen floor with water.

/During all of this craziness the kids were all a bit nuts as well and sitting still was not on their agenda. They were taunting and teasing each other constantly.  So between that and the potty training nightmare, playing sanitation expert and than wearing a cup full of water mommy was in for a mini meltdown. 

After taking a deep breath and saying a prayer we loaded up and headed to Subway for lunch.  It was a nice treat to have Daddy join us.  They were still a bit wound up at the restaurant, but at least I had backup!

After lunch Daddy had some errands to run so I decided to take the kidlets to the park and burn off some excess energy.  We had a great time.  They all ran around and played on the playground and made a new friend with a little girl named Chloe.  Missy especially enjoyed playing with their new little friend. 

Finally about 4pm it was time to go.  I was very pleased with all of them.  They came right away when I told them it was time to go without arguing or complaining.  Missy even took a potty break half way through our play time and stayed dry the whole 1.5 hours we were there.

The day definitely got better for sure.  It was so nice to just let go of all the crazy things that happened at the beginning of the day and spend quality time with my sweet babies.  Forgetting everything else and just having a carefree afternoon at the park was just what the doctor ordered!

Top Secret Mission

Day 2 of potty boot camp.  Grandma reported that she woke up dry and didn't potty right away and unfortunately about an hour later had an uh oh!!  I arrived a little after 0800 just in time for breakfast. 

The two boys and I then left about 0945 to go get Woobie's pinches and run a few errands.  Grandpa met us at the ENT office and he and Woobie got their allergy shots.  I am so proud of Woobie.  He really does well considering he has to get two shots a week now for over a year.  He really has improved considerable though and breathes much easier.

Grandpa treated us to lunch at McD's.  The boys said they only wanted drinks, but Grandpa bought them parfaits and they ended up eating them before we left.  It was nice to chat with Grandpa and catch up.  When I was in college he used to take me to lunch once a month or so just to connect.  I always enjoyed those times.

The boys and I then headed to the Altamonte Toys R Us to get Missy's dollhouse.  I swore them to secrecy and told them we were on a top secret mission!  They were both very good and stayed right with me.  Mission accomplished we loaded up and headed down the road.

Since Missy was napping at Grandma's, I decided to stop at the uniform store and look at some comfy shoes and scrubs for my new job which I will be starting in the next few days.

The boys were not quite as well behaved this time around.  They were just a little nuts and I had to redirect them several times.  Our short shopping trip lasted longer than anticipated in part because of having to wrangle with the wild ones.

We then ran into CVS to pick up Daddy's prescription and the boys had strict instructions to be on their best behavior or there would be some serious time in the thinking chair when we got home.  They were much better and stuck close with me. 

We got back to Grandma's a little before 3pm and Missy was still asleep.  As soon as she started to stir I  checked to see if she was dry and to my delight she was and I promptly plopped her little bum on the potty and she pee pee'ed!!!  Yeah!!

Soon after I loaded everyone up complete with Missy and her potty.  Daddy was home from work and waiting for us.  He took the little boys outside for some tball practice while I stayed in with Missy close to her potty.

When Daddy came back in with the boys I left him in charge and ran to another uniform store to look for some different shoes.  I bought a pair at the first store, but after wearing them for a while my toes kept hitting the end of the shoe and didn't feel like they were going to be the most comfortable.  I found another pair which were more expensive,but much more comfortable and comfort is going to be key because I will be doing a lot of walking for my new job!!!

I got home in time for Daddy to leave for the ball fields to return equipment.  I got the little ones ready for bed and Daddy arrived back home just in time to help tuck them in!!  Missy and Schnooky were not very cooperative and I had to get Daddy to help lasso them to sleep. 

Daddy and I then helped Peanut construct an email to the UCF coach thanking him for the experience at the baseball camp on November 20 and 21.

Then I worked on the computer for a little while.  I went to bed before some photos had finished uploading and then about 1040pm I got up to check if they were done and ended up working on the computer until Missy came in and I looked at the clock and it was 1230.  I tucked Missy back in her bed and called it a night myself.