Drama King: Terrible Two's came 6 months early...

So, I have always heard about the "Terrible Two's"--I am sincerely hoping that Kenwood has just developed this "syndrome" early and it's not just going to get worse.  We are having some serious trouble with throwing fits.  And I'm talking, dramatic fits where he throws himself on the ground in a fake cry when I take something away from him that he shouldn't play with or when I tell him he's not aloud to RUN across the couch, or he can't use Owen for a stepstool to get on the couch, etc. etc.  And it's not like I'm not nice about the "No's".  The conversation usually goes something like this:  "Come here please sir..that is not a toy.  Can you share it with Mommy?" And then I take it away-and the Drama King comes to life.  Yes, I call my son Sir. Along with, Mister, Captain, and Boss.  Don't judge me. It's a mental thing...I do it to my husband too.  It's one of those, "let him believe he's right, even though we all know he's wrong" type of things. But Dillon, honey, don't worry I really do believe you're usually right.....(in your own far off fairytale world).

So, back to Wood the Drama King. I don't even know where to start.  I can't really spank him--which I've tried, so obviously I'm not the type of mother that is against spanking when it's necessary (and with boys I'm sure it will be necessary at some point because boys tend to not rationalize)--because if I try to spank him he laughs.  Now, I know why kids always "pretended" like the spank hurt because it just pisses your parents off even more when you laugh! So, spanking isn't really working...and he's too young for time-out because he doesn't understand it...and I don't like to raise my voice at him because I feel like maybe thats where he has learned to yell during these infamous "fits" he's been throwing. So, this is one of those parenting moments where I feel like I'm SINKING....hopefully someone will throw me a lifevest soon and help me fix this little problem. 

Doggie Update

It's been about 5 days since Boz went to his new home and we found out Owen has heartworms....but things are looking up!  We've had 2 updates from Boz's new owner, and he has taken extremely well to his new home and his new "inside dog" routine.  No potty accidents yet, which is a miracle in itself!  He must really like his new place and not want to make his new daddy mad :)  What a blessing that he is so happy!

Owen has officially moved back to an "inside dog" as well.  He and Kenwood are best friends.  Owen especially likes to rummage around the high chair after mealtimes.  He is loving being inside, but is still anxious to get outside to burn off his energy and do his business during the day.  He has been PERFECT.  We got him a new bed the day that Boz left, but he likes to lay by us, so we've had to move the bed to the middle of the living room so he'll actually use it!  He does however, sleep in it all night long and then comes in to let us know when he's ready to get outside. 

Owen will undergo his heartworm treatment while Dillon and I are on our trip to the Master's.  This way, he will be in good care with the vet and they can monitor him closely.  We are praying that all goes well.  Kenwood is getting very used to having Owen around to play with!  What a darling pair they make.

Dogs are family too

Today is NOT a good day for the Orr family.  Our first children--the dogs--are having some lifechanging experiences going on right now. 

About a week ago, Boz (the Mastiff) took a snap at Kenwood. Ummm...SCARY!  This dog is 120 pounds and could KILL an adult male with those teeth--I realize that he has anxiety and jealousy toward Kenwood, but that is not acceptable in this household.  So, while we have had many many many tears over this issue, Dillon and I decided to find a home for him.  Did I mention how hard I cried? I truly think that God loves dogs equally as much as humans, because He found Boz a home that is far better than ours!  Boz will have a new brother and sister to play with on 2 acres and will be an inside dog.  His new brother is also a Mastiff and they are only a few months apart, so they are bound to be best friends.  His new "Dad" literally brought me to tears with how much he immediately cared for Boz and treated him like part of their family.  We could not be happier with the new life he is going to have and we can even visit him whenever we want! It's such a blessing!  Today is Boz's last day at home until he goes to his new family.  It is bittersweet, to say the least.  We're going to miss him greatly.

So, as if it wasn't bad enough that we are having to give away one of our family members-we find out today at the Vet that Owen (the Boxer) has heartworms. Just to top off the anxiety he's going to have when his brother doesn't come home.....Um, thanks God-I know You have some plan in order, but I'd like to know it ahead of time so I don't literally break into thousands of pieces!  This issue with Owen is an even tougher decision because Owen has been through so much pain in the last few years after his car accident, hip replacement, and lately his anger at the world because of the pain in his hip-and likely the pain from the heartworms.  But, he is a strong and mighty dog and if any dog can survive this-we think he can.  It's a matter of the pain that is killing me.  I can't bear to watch him suffer but I can't bear to lose him either.  We were thinking of getting Owen another playmate if he had a tough time losing Boz...but now that might not be an option because he won't be able to handle the excitement.  This is a decision that has God written all over it.  I give up- He can tell us what is best for our little angel.  Lots of prayers going on today.  I really should pray this much on a regular basis, it is so reassuring talking to God this often.

Boz as a puppy getting to know his new big brother Owen

Boz and Owen during the house remodel at our new house

Exterior Pics I promised

Here is a picture of the rock fasad (keep in mind it's still being finished)  The mortar is pretty dark.  I'm pretty sure it will lighten up as it dries...the guy doing it nodded yes when I asked--but he doesn't really speak English so I'm hoping he knew what I was saying! :)  Oh, and please forgive the disassembled fountain and my beautiful flower bed [insert sarcasm here]...it's basically been DESTROYED from all the trampling of workers feet...wonderful.

The finished expanded patio...it's still drying but I am soooo excited to put new patio furniture out!  The bottom corner is the existing patio---it's just really dirty so thats why it doesn't match.  But it matches perfect in "real life" :)

Remodeler's Anonymous

Ok, I sincerely think that my husband and I have a serious remodeling addiction.  It's not that we aren't satisfied with what we have, because trust me--we know exactly how blessed we are.  A lot of my addiction comes from the fact that we bought my Grammy's house.  So, for me this was a house that would forever be in my memory.  But, I wanted our house to be OUR house--with OUR things--and OUR preferences.  Not so much of the feeling of "Grammy's House" that I will remember everytime I think of my childhood.  Which, interestingly enough is the same house that Dillon lived in with Grammy for a summer when he had an internship up here in OKC....and, coincidentally we are now sleeping in the room he lived in for 3 months-since we kicked ourselves out of the master due to the dust.  Talk about a blast from the past :)

Well, mission accomplished.  The last part of our house that really still reminded me everyday that I was living in my Grammy's house (and not my own) was the master bathroom....and the front and back exterior for that matter.  All of which are being addressed during this go-round of "renovation". 

As I stated in an earlier post we are doing a simple change of shutters and front door, we got a new front patio and we did decide to go with a rock fasad on the picture window in the front as well as around the front door (we'll see how it turns out, I'm kind of nervous!).  My fear with the rock fasad is that it will LOOK like we put it there, looking totally random and not like it was built with the house....however, we decided to put a rock frame around the front door as well as a matching rock flower bed liner...so I'm hoping it will all tie in.  The rock should be finished tomorrow-they started today, how awesome is that?-so I will post pics when it is finished. I'd appreciate the feedback, because we can always take it down if it looks horrendous!!

You would think I would be totally and completely SICK of remodeling after the initial 3 month remodel 2years ago when I was pregnant....and especially now when I have at least 15 strange men working around my house 8 hours a day....when all I want to do is take a shower and not have to chase Kenwood down out of the workzone every 5 minutes!!  But, the thing is, I get some kind of weird pleasure out of everything that is being accomplished!  I just LOVE it!  I'll post pics later, the camera is in Dillon's car! :(

My next project is the backyard...and in the near future Kenwood's new "big boy" room when he moves to a toddler bed--give it another few months.  But don't worry, I'm already looking for new fabrics for his bedding and decor theme.  Until then, I'll focus on the things going around my house right now, and I will sulk in decorating my mom's new house---as soon as she finds and buys one! However, I'll try not to look too far in the future! :)

Healthy eating, Healthy child

Ever since Kenwood was born, I've wanted him to eat healthy.  I am the type of person that will eat just about anything.  I love my vegetables, I love fruit, I love whole grains...but on the same standard, I love greasy fast food, tons and tons of cheese, and plenty of unhealthy induldgents.

We have been the type of parents that had the "Do as I say, not as I do" motto.  Until now.  Ever since we started the infamous Biggest Loser family competition, Dillon's and my eating habits have changed significantly.  So, now it's alot easier to get fresh fruits and vegetables for Kenwood to eat, because we can eat them too! If you have only one person--nevertheless a one year old--that is eating fresh produce, it goes bad REAL fast.

My other "rule" for Kenwood's eating habits is a rule for me! The simpler and quicker prep time...the BETTER! Here are some great finds I've done for Kenwood at mealtimes.

Steamables Vegetables For One---it comes in 4 individual packets, and he loves them!  1 minute in the microwave and TA-DA! They also have full servings that include potatoes, rice, veggies, etc that are enough for an entire meal.

Go-Gurt---Kenwood LOVES it! But, I have to help him or it would be EVERYWHERE

Lunchables!  Kenwood takes a lunchable just about everyday to Mother's Day Out...he gets his protein, dairy, and carbs all in just the right amount for his appetite!  And they have chicken sticks now too!

We also do lots of packaged fruits and vegetables.  Experts say, they are just as healthy as fresh! So, they stay good for longer periods of time.

If you all have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!

RENOVATION UPDATE

Here is an update on what is going on around our house and our renovations!

The front porch:

In my other remodel post, I showed you the picture of the front porch stamp and stain! Well, we loved it so much we wanted to bring it out more and expand the porch area.  Partly due to the fact that we were putting in a new fence on the South side of our house and we had this ridiculous shrubbery area that was going to look so random.

Our original plans were to just expand the porch...here is the layout

This part will be stamped in a wood grain and stained like the porch area by the door to make one big porch.  Well, come to find out---the sidewalk leading up to the porch is significantly unlevel.  I'm talking like 2.5" slope!  Sooooo it would look absolutely ridiculous if we didnt replace the sidewalk now too.  So be it.

Thanks to Advanced Concrete for their expertise and bearing with us! And thanks to Kudron Concrete for accomodating the change in the amount of concrete needed for us! You all are the BEST!  Can't wait for the final results!  It's going to look awesome with the new wood shutter and Alder door that should be here any day now!

Here is my lovely photoshopping of the new front of the house :)  Except Dillon won't let me put hinges on the garage...and the rock detail around the window is in discussion.....OH and we are desperately awaiting a hail storm so we can get a new colored roof :)

The Master Bath BEFORE:

vanity areavanity area looking into shower/sink/toilet

sink area--the window is to the right

the HORRID shower next to the ONE sink in our bathroom

Master Bathroom CURRENT: Please excuse the 1960s insulation in our house!  It is LITERALLY falling off the walls.

The walls are down!! This view is looking at where the shower and sink used to be on that wall.

 

YAY!!! New plumbing lines are in! Do you think this is a child safety hazard?

looking back toward where the vanity area was

yes, there is a bathtub in my bedroom...it's cast iron about 500lbs-I paid good money for someone to put it there! Don't worry, we're not sleeping in the dust filth room...we've moved to the guest room...in a queen bed, which is a change for us because we DONT cuddle! haha Dillon has already slept on the couch one night b/c I was too close to him. LOL

This is part of my bathtub faucet...isn't it DARLING???

The exposed pipe shower system we just ordered for Dillon's shower!! YAY!!  Have I mentioned how much i LOVE www.vintagetub.com?  AWESOME quality stuff, with even better prices!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!!!!

Do a deer, a female deer...Ra a drop of golden sun...Mi a name I call myself...

For those of you who don't know me or you may know me but don't know this.  I LOVE, and I'm talking love love love, musicals.  Any musical, live on Broadway, live at the OKC Lyric theatre,  animated, or just regular movie.  I even love musicals at the children's theatre when the poor things are just learning how to act and sing or school plays! Don't get me wrong, I love to WATCH them--I never will participate in them.  Simply because, I'm tone deaf and can't sing worth a lick.  (Just ask the people in the pew in front of me at church when I'm belting out the hymns!)

Well, I knew when I had Kenwood--a BOY--that I was pretty much SOL with having a boy love musicals--quite honestly, I don't really think I want him to LOVE them...but maybe one day I'll have a little girl to share it with.  But, I do however have a mother and sister that share my love for musicals--we even have season tickets to Lyric. And, I have 4 neices that will inevitably join me when I want to see something musical Live if mom or sister can't.

Here are some of my top 5 favorite musicals:

I honestly could have thrown High School Musical in there too...I know, you all think I'm lame, but I really do LOVE that musical too :)  I think I will always be a tween at heart. haha 

Speaking of some of my favorites, I just recently went to see Wizard of Oz live and it was excellent!  Everytime I see these movies or performances, I forget how much I love them!  I'll admit, it is hard to see Wizard of Oz without thinking of TriDelt rush...which is another thing I will always love--but that's a story for another time! 

Anyway, today Kenwood was sitting on my lap wanting to play on the computer.  So, I went to youtube and started some clips of these movies and others with their songs.  He LOVED it.  I mean, he started crying everytime a song ended so I would start another one!  It was hilarious.  I'm just excited because I'm headed out to get him some new movies this weekend! Only, I will likely get him more of the "boy" musicals like Lion King and Aladdin--it will make his dad happier :)