What does this equal?

This


Plus This




Equals This!

Poor Will ran behind Mae's swing and BAM! It was all over but the crying. He's perfectly fine...other than a big fat lip!

Now the poor thing looks like Angelina Jolie!

Bless His Heart!!!!

Incidents

I just noticed that I haven't posted any pictures in a while. So...I'll go take some soon and post them. I need to show ya'll how warm it is here so hopefully we'll all be in our shorts.

Anyway...I wanted to tell ya'll some funny things Will has said and done lately. I feel like I talk about him a lot. I guess I'm with him more than anyone else and...well... he is funny. So, here goes.

Incident One: Today while fixing Will his lunch he said, "No, Mama. I want Santa Claus crackers!" What?! in the world are Santa Claus crackers? Well, I realized that Santa Claus crackers are plain soda crackers, not the Ritz I was about to give him. Why are they Santa Claus crackers? They are the crackers we serve to our elves at Christmas....of course!

Incident Two: This weekend Rusty came into the Kitchen to find Will up on a stool that he had pushed over to the counter leaning over a pile of gum wrappers and gum while chewing with all his might.

Incident Three: While driving the big kids to school yesterday I noticed a woman wearing all white (White coat, white little hat, white pants, white shoes) running down the sidewalk. Now, she wasn't just out for a leisurely jog, she was literally sprinting. She looked like she was running for her life. Will proclaimed in his deepest gravely voice, "OOOO! Look at that woman! She is RUNNING down that sidewalk!"

Incident Four: Now this isn't just one incident. This is something he does every time. Every time Will uses his potty he yells at the top of his lungs, "I SPRAYED IT!!!!" He's so proud. And so am I!

I'm sure I could come up with about a million incidents. He is just so funny to us.

Remember...check back soon. I'll post some sunny pictures for all of you stuck in the bitter bitter cold.

Life in the Desert

We are all feeling good here in the Workman Five house. The kids are all running and ripping around upstairs while I sit on the couch and type this post. Life is good. It rained today bringing a break to the wonderful weather. It has been sunny and in the upper 70's for a while now. It has been so so nice. We have all really tried to take advantage of it. This is another blessing of our new home. Arizona has brought us many little gifts that have taken me by surprise. I never thought that I would begin to love our new state as much as I have.

Today I had my women's bible study. We meet at a friend's house. This little group of women has turned out to be yet another blessing. I just love it. I've enjoyed meeting new people and growing in my faith with them. Today I was asked to lead the study. I was honoured to be asked, and it was easier than I thought it would be. I really don't know why I was worried with this fabulous group of laid back women. I was definitely missing the intimate relationships that only a bible study can bring.

In a few months we will have been in Arizona for one year. It's amazing to think about this, but it's also very comforting. I know what to look forward to. I know what's getting ready to come. I also have made lots of new friends. I now can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know. It's all very refreshing. I'm slowly beginning to make this place we call the desert my home.

As I reflect on all of this I'm so glad that God led us here. Our family has grown closer as we each have expanded our horizons. We are all better people for having had this wonderful opportunity.

Inauguration Day!

Well... Will and I are at home enjoying a lovely case of the stomach virus. Will has it. The other two children had a little diarrhea, but they are ok now. I feel a little queasy and tired, but I'm sure that's just me being a hypochondriac. I always do this with the stomach virus. Anytime anyone gets it in my family, we ALL end up getting it. So....every time one of us gets its, I immediately think,"Well, I'm next. It's all over, but the crying...or the pooping"

So...here I sit on my couch...waiting on the next diaper change....wondering if I'm getting sick....playing with stickers with Will. (Who feels and looks fine, by the way.) All while watching the Presidential Inauguration.

Well....Everyone said it was going to be a memorable one!

100

Have you ever wondered what 100 of something looks like?

The 100th day of school is coming up. The kids are so excited. They have brought home activities and are planning parties for the big day! Thrilling!!!

One of John Russel's activities is to count and glue 100 "somethings" onto a piece of paper. These "somethings" have to be small enough to fit onto a regular 8 and 1/2 by 11 piece of paper. HMMMM.....what shall we do....I'll have to think on that one.

Mae, on the other hand, who was not assigned such an endeavour from her Kindergarten teacher, couldn't resist the temptation to count out 100 things and take them to school. After much conversation and deliberation and argumation (ok...not a word...but fits perfectly) we decided to count out 100 of her favorite "things" on the face of the earth, take a picture, and she could take ONE of these "things" to school with her. (Even though she was NOT assigned to do so)

Soooo....Off we go to count. I help her as we break these "things" into groups of 10. "We need 10 groups of 10." I tell her as we count. I wasn't really sure she had 100 of these "things", but I really shouldn't have doubted. She not only had 100, she had like 115 or so. AND...I'm sure there were a few more of these "things" hiding under some one's bed or in the car or in the closet. She and I then arranged these "things" lovingly and aesthetically on her bed. She then squeezed herself into the picture and I got it!

What did we get 100 of? I know you're dying to know....

Well, 100 stuffed animals of course!

Isn't that pathetic!

Stupid?!

Last night around 9:00 Rusty went outside for his usual "break". He opened the door and told me to come out. He seemed rather excited so I stepped out to take a look. The following conversation followed:
(First let me describe the landscape behind our house. We have our little rock yard that has an iron fence in the back. Just beyond that is dessert. Then there is the pecan grove. Way in the distance you see mountains.)

Rusty: "What is that?" Pointing to a hazy orangy light in the distance.

Anne: "I don't know? Maybe an airplane coming over the mountain."

Rusty: "I don't think so. Maybe they are working in the pecan groves."

Anne: "This late?" Well, maybe."

Meanwhile the light is getting a little brighter and bigger. It seems to be moving towards us through the leafless pecan trees. We are both silent as we stare.

Anne: "Maybe it's E.T.!" Kidding a little, but becoming a little alarmed.

More Silence.

Rusty: "Oh, Hell.....It's the moon!"

Anne: "He, He He, well.. it is! Isn't it pretty!"

Rusty: "Man, I'm glad there is no one out here with us. We are so stupid!"

It came up so fast and was so big and orange and pretty. I wish ya'll could have seen it. There is nothing like seeing the moon rise over the desert, or, er.. Pecan Groves!

Nothing!

Well... I was going to tell you about my horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day yesterday, but I'm not. I'm tired of talking about it. I'm sure you are glad, too. No one likes a whiner!

So....What should I tell you. Let's see. What have we been up to.

Not much.

Isn't that great! We are finally settling into our normal routine. It's so nice to get up in the morning and take the kids to school. It's so nice to not have anything pressing to do. I love the fact that we don't have major plans around the corner.

I know this is a very boring post. But, I'm glad it is.

Now, let's all take a deep breath and enjoy having "nothing" to do!

Bloody Murder

*Look at sweet Mae on her Birthday with her friends...Imagine the opposite for this post*

Today the two older kids had their yearly check-ups with the pediatrician. We made our long way to the doctor's office after school. During our trip I explained to the kids why they were going to the doctor. Mae quickly asked, "Do I have to get a shot?" I told her that she shouldn't because she was caught up, but that she could ask the doctor when we got there. I'm not sure if she didn't hear me or if she just wasn't satisfied with the answer I supplied because she asked me about five more times as we traveled through town. When we got to the doctor's office all was well. They each weighed, had their hearing and vision checked and loved showing off how smart they are and how well they could behave. When the appointment was drawing to a close just after the doctor gave me all of the height and weight percentages the doctor dropped the bomb. "You know....your kids are missing some shots." She proceeded to tell me that the doctor's office in Memphis probably didn't send the correct information because we had gotten into school with a shot record from the Memphis office. During our discussion the doctor and I came to the conclusion that it would be best to go ahead and get the hepatitis A shot today and if they really were missing their second chicken pox vaccine then I could come back and get it later. It wouldn't hurt to give them another hep A vaccine if they had already gotten it.

So....... I said, "Well, guys. It looks like ya'll are going to have to have a shot after all."

Oh My Lord. That's all I can say for the reaction that Mae had. That girl started screaming at the top of her lungs as she clawed at the paper on the examination table trying to climb into the wall behind it. All I could do was stare. I have NEVER seen such! I'm telling ya'll it was B-A-D. She gave to meaning to the term screaming bloody murder.

Finally after much sweet talking, threatening, and promises of ice cream was I able to calm her down. The nurse was very sweet and calm. We let John Russel go first. Don't you just know that after his shot went in and out without incident he started to cry. He, the child who has gotten an allergy shot a week for the past 2 years of his life, started to CRY, ya'll! I don't know, maybe it burned or something....who knows. All I do know is that this did NOT help matters with Miss Mae Mae Workman! This set off a new set of hysterics.

Here we went again. Promises, threats and sweet talking. I held her in my arms and made her look the other way while she screamed in my ear. (My ear is still ringing by the way) The shot went in and out and after she cried a little bit longer.Then finally it was over.

Can you believe it? I can't. I have NEVER seen such in my life.

On the way home I called Rusty to tell him about it, and I couldn't resist to call Mother and tell her. Mae told me to quit talking about her and making up stories. Oh Girl.....Making up stories....I'm sorry, I know that one day you'll probably talk about me in therapy. Better yet you'll sit around your dorm room with your friends and talk about how horrible your mother was to you. You'll even have the evidence to prove it.... The Workman Five Family Blog.....

Too Much TV?

*This is a picture of Mae that I didn't mean to put on here*

*This is what the kids took pictures of when they got a chance with the camera*

TV....television....the ol' boob tube....the tele....Whatever you want to call it has become (well, let's face it, has always been) a problem in the old Workman house. John Russel and Rusty are the biggest TV heads of the family, but we all watch it way too much. It's a sin! How could I do this to my young children's' developing brains. I've probably stunted their intellectual growth by about 10 years.

Here are a few ways to know that your children are watching too much TV:


* They recite the "sayings" from fast food restaurants. Just today Rusty said that we should get Subway. John Russel pipes up from the back seat of the car. "Subway...Eat Fresh!"

* They tell their friends at birthday parties that the gift they just witnessed being opened is something they saw on TV. You look over to see printed on the side of the art supply box "As seen on TV".

* They describe to you in detail the purse that hangs over one shoulder complete with many easy to get to pockets that you "just have to have" because it would be easier to find things. Also it comes with a little gadget that records things you might need. You can take it to the grocery store so you won't forget what you came for. "Eggs, butter, milk".

* They know all the words to every commercial and theme song on noggin or nick.

* They don't respond or even break their glare from the screen when you talk to them. You could be saying anything. Even, "Who want marshmallows and candy canes for supper?" It doesn't matter....They won't break their stare.

* They put on their little brother's clothes thinking they are their own because they can't take their little eyes away from the screen for one second. They don't even know they've done this. You have to tell them.


I could go on and on....But, I'm afraid you might turn me into the Department of Human Services.


This is something we will work on. I promise! We do spend lots of time reading, and playing, and spending time outside. The TV no longer gets turned on in the mornings and it can't be turned on until after homework is completed. Hey, some days it doesn't get turned on at all.


Oh well.....I can't believe I'm admitting it, but it's a GREAT babysitter. Hey, a mama's got to take a shower once in a while without fear that the house will come tumbling down. I know, I know, it's terrible. I can practically hear all of you gasping all the way over here.


This year we will resolve to watch less TV.


I'm sure next year we will resolve to play less video games.


Does it really ever end?

Goodbye Pass!

We've done it! I can't believe it. After 2 and 1/2 years we did it! Will no longer has his pacifier, or pass as he so lovingly calls it!

We were down to two. I refused to buy another one. I think we left one in Tennessee, or on the airplane, or maybe it's in the bottom of my diaper bag...who knows. Anyway, we lost the last one Sunday night. Soooo... we had no choice but to put Will to bed without it. He cried for a little while. I went in and gave him his blanket and put the nose up to his nose.(Ok... the "nose" is what he calls the tag on his blanket. He likes to rub it on his nose and smell it) He stopped crying. I left, and he started crying again, but only for a few minutes. And that was it! Monday at nap he did pretty well. He cried and I went in and traded one Elmo for another. That seemed to do the trick. When Rusty put him to bed last night there was no crying at all!

Hooray! I think we've done it. I'm almost afraid to talk about it for fear it will all backfire on me.

I'll tell you this, though. I thought Will talked a lot before all this taking the pass away. Man, I can't even think straight for all the chatter going on. He talks about anything to anyone in earshot. We went to Wal-Mart yesterday and he proclaimed, "Hello, Wal-Mart! Hello, Friends!" as we walked up to the store. None of the customers entering or exiting seemed interested in conversing with this talkative little guy. I guess the roll back prices had their attention. He wished everyone a good-morning at the club house where I go work out, and he analyzed every car, bird, tree, house, and lack of Christmas decorations on our journeys throughout the day.

Oh well! I'll take it. I'm so glad this transition that I've dreaded for so long has been so easy.

Now...it's on to potty training. I'll let ya'll know how that's going later! Let's all pray that it will be just as easy!

Happy New Year

Well... It's another year. I can't believe how fast 2008 went. So much has happened this past year, it makes my head spin just to think about it.

This Christmas was quite the whirlwind, too. After Santa arrived we made our way to the airport to head to Tennessee. We had so much planned I could hardly catch my breath. Rusty got an ear infection, and we all had a touch of some kind of virus. This, however, didn't slow us down much. Seeing all my friends and family was wonderful. It's amazing how much children can change in nine months. My nephew Joseph is practically grown. He towers over me. All of my nieces on both sides are blossoming into beautiful young ladies. Seeing everyone in person was just priceless. We laughed and hugged and celebrated Christmas together. What a wonderful blessing. I got to see many friends. It was so fun hanging out. Just like "old times". Visiting our old church was fantastic. I didn't know I could miss something so much. Even though we have finally found a church we like here....well, as the old saying goes "there's no place like home!"

What I wasn't counting on was how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. One week is just not long enough to visit and catch up. Nine months is just too long to be gone away from the one's you love. Although the time away made it that much sweeter to see everyone the bitterness of leaving was that much harder. I don't know. Maybe I'm too much of a "family girl" for this kind of life. I thought I could do it. The time away healed all those feelings of missing my family and friends for a while. I just didn't realize how hard it would be to visit and have to leave again. It was like ripping a scab off an old wound.

I know that God has put me here for a reason. There are so many wonderful things about being away with my little family. We are growing and expanding our horizons in so many ways. I often think that I have been given this wonderful gift and wonder what others in my family would do with such a present. What kind of person would they be? How would this experience have changed them? What would they have learned? How would they have grown?

Thinking of these things makes me realize how truly blessed I am. The greatest of these is having wonderful friends and family that miss me as much as I miss them.

So...Let's all reflect on all of our wonderful blessings this year. Let's all resolve to hold what's dearest to our hearts a little closer.

Here's to a wonderful 2009!