Gas leak scare!

We had a pretty scary weekend at the house this past weekend. Jack and I were playing "Chutes and Ladders" in the living room and I was laying on the floor by the fireplace. Suddenly I noticed the smell of gas, so I opened the fireplace doors and smelled around here there, but didn't smell anything. I finally smelled the little valve in the floor and that's where it was coming from. I called Vectren and told them about it and the lady on the phone took all of my information then told me she was going to "read some safety precautions to me." It went something like this: "Do not turn on any appliances... Do not turn off any appliances... Do not light any candles... Do not turn on or off any lights... Do not answer the phone... Do not hang up the phone... Grab your cell phone and get your family out of the house immediately. Good bye." Needless to say, I was TERRIFIED! Missy was in the shower, the girls were taking a nap, and Jack was laying on the couch watching TV!!!

Well, we chilled out for about 20 min. and then Vectren arrived. The guy went in and checked the valve on the floor, and sure enough, we had a gas leak! He told me all he had to do was "make the situation safe" and turn off our gas, but that would mean we'd have no heat and no hot water until we could fix the problem! So I asked him if there was any way he could just turn off the gas to the fireplace since we never used it. He said maybe there's a valve on the pipe that leads to the fireplace and if so, you could shut it off there. So I said, "OK, that sounds great!" So he said, "OK, go under the house and check it out!" And I said, "Huh? Isn't that your job???" And he said, "Uh no. That's YOUR job!" YIKES!

The guy looked just like Santa Clause and was very funny. He kept telling me everything I needed to do to fix it. He was talking about plugs, unions, nipples, check values, etc. and I finally stopped him and said, "I'm sorry. I have no idea what your talking about." He looked at me real funny and said, "What line of work are you in anyway?" I said, "Computers." He said, "OK, that explains it!"

So anyway, I had to put on the coveralls and crawl under the house to check out the gas pipes.. I was pretty scared going down there b/c I'm not crazy about going under the house anyway, but I was VERY nervous going under there with a gas leak. Unfortunately, there was no valve on that pipe so he had no choice but to shut off the main gas supply to the house... We were going to the RC Christmas Party that night and Mom was supposed to come over to our house to watch the kids, so it was a very hectic afternoon trying to sort all that out. We ended up taking the kids to Lori's house so she could watch them and then spending the night there too.

Greg came over the next morning and helped me (actually, he did all the work!) put a plug on the pipe that goes to the fireplace. There was a "union" there (I finally learned what that means through all this) so all we had to do was disconnect it at the union and screw in a plug. It was pretty scary working down there knowing there was stray gas in the area, but everything worked out great and we got the gas back on in a couple of hours. Jack even went down there with us and he was pretty proud of himself!

Ally-speak

Ally is doing such a great job talking and it is sooo cute watching her learn how to put words together. We got this email from Lori today:

I forgot to tell you...the other night when I had the kids....I had a really bad belly ache. So, I kicked back in the recliner, I had my shirt up, and was rubbing my belly.....well, Ally would come over to me and say..."NO RI-RI....SHIRT DOWN!!" So, I said you dont like my belly. I said, Dylen is in there...and she goes..."BELLY SCARE ME!!!!!!"

I also heard her say her first 4-word sentence yesterday: "Jack Hit Face Me" !!!

Precious!

Kids

Well, Miss Ally finally started dance class at Acros. She was SOOOOOO cute! Although, she was the only one without tights, ballet shoes and even leg warmers!! I thought I'd be in there with her but all the parents went out to watch through the window so I left her in there. I wanted to cry but she was smiling so much and waving. She tried so hard and did exactly what the teacher told her to do. About half way through, they put on these pink fluffy tutus and she was so proud. She tip-toed around and loved it!! I can't wait to take her back!

The last 2 times I've picked up Jack, he's wanted to bring Nico Brougham home with us. I finally told him that I would call his Mom. So, yesterday, I called his Mom and asked her if Nico could come home with us next Monday. Jack is so excited!!

Abby isn't doing much. She's as quiet as a mouse and loves to unfold and organize the washclothes and PJ's on the changing table. She's also facinated with all their ponytail holders.

Thursday is Thanksgiving and we're going to the circus on Sunday. Jack is also exciting about decorating for Christmas. Should be a fun weekend!!

Missy

While Jeff was gone to the Colts game (he'll write later), Jack went to Grant McAtee's house and went golfing and Kyla came to watch the girls. Nothing much to report but it was the first time we've ever used a teenage babysitter!

Today is my 35th birthday and I think this one is harder than turning 30. Life is just flying by too fast...

Camping is over too!

Finally done camping this year...we went to Scales for Halloween weekend and it was pretty cold...not as cold as Lake Rudolph was last year but still a little too cold for me! The kids had a great time. Now, we have a list of things to do like clean out the camper, clean up the camper and winterize it. Jeff is also taking it to get a hitch put on the back for transporting the scooter and bikes. It was definitely a better summer with the new camper!

Now that the trees are down, the fence guy is coming Saturday to estimate a new fence.

Mom and Lori and I are going to lunch and to get her registered on Sunday. Jeff is going to be gone to the Colts/Patriots game with his brother and Mom (he'll write more about that later!) so Jack is going to go to Grant McAtee's house to play golf, etc and Kyla Butts is going to come over and watch the girls for the first time.

The kids loved Halloween. Jack was an Army Man and the girls were Colt's cheerleaders. They all looked so cute! Both girls are candy freaks but Abby won't stop saying 'Un canny"!!

Both girls are talking ALOT!

Jack is still in love with Avery!

I'm working a ton of hours so gotta go!

Soccer's over!

Last Saturday was Jeff and Jack's last soccer game. It was cold! Jack didn't score any goals but had a GREAT block in front of the other team's goal. After the game, the league had a trophy ceremony. It was quick but very nice. Jeff did a great job handing out the trophies to his Purple Team. The trophies were nice and big and the kids loved them! After the game (and after we got home from camping!), Jeff got a very nice email from Anna's Mom...

"Kyle and I just wanted you to know that Anna had a great time learning and> playing soccer. She has had fun and is excited about playing again next year! She can't stop talking about her trophy! Thanks again for your dedication. Dottie and Kyle Merris. PS good luck next year."

Jeff did do a great job!!

So many updates!

Jack:
Sunday, August 26 - We had a bicycle birthday party for Jack at Audubon Park in Henderson. I handmade the invitations to look like wheels. Jeff and I went early to set up. It had been sooo hot that week but we were VERY lucky to get a break that day. Jeff put together a great obstacle course for the kids including cones, street signs, a basketball goal, a slide and a tunnel. It was perfect! We had black and white balloons and checked flags everywhere. When Mom got there with Jack, he ran as fast as he could to see everything. He was so excited!! We only invited 12 kids and it ended up being perfect. After making nameplates for their bikes, they just rode and rode the whole time. He got a new tent from Grandma, clothes and toys. He had an awesome party!

Tuesday, August 28 - we went to Chuck-E-Cheese's for my family's dinner with Jack. He got new cleats from us and a lantern from Grandma and Papaw. Again, he had a great time!

Wednesday, August 29 (his actual bday!) - Jack took cupcakes to school to celebrate. When I went to pick him up, he had on a bday hat and sticker and a birthday bag full of stuff! That night, we had Jeff's family over to celebrate. He got a new soccer goal from G&B, a baseball game from Grammie and a guitar from us. I'd say he had one awesome bday!!

Monday, September 17 - Jack had his 5 yr checkup. He weighed 49 lbs (80th%) and was 43.5 (60th%) inches tall! He's grown 4.5 inches in one year!! He's easily wearing a 5/6 in clothes and a size 11.5-12 shoe. He had a really good appointment with Dr. Cochran until he was done and said "he gets 3 vaccinations". YIKES! I thought he would get them next time but since he will start kindergarten before he turns 6, they wanted to do them now. I talked to him about it while waiting for the nurse and the nurse explained everything to him. He was good through all that. She told me to hold his hands because kids his age tend to try to grab her hands. So, I held tight. He didn't try moving but just cried his little heart out. then he got his finger poked. He had a rough time. I felt so bad for him. We immediately went to the gas station and got him some Airheads and Bug Juice! His asthma is flaring up so he's now taking 2 inhalers. He's not getting any better though.

Jack is still LOVING school. They did 2 weeks of a different color each day so that was fun and now they are working on the alphabet. We've been to Mayse Farm already and he's having a great time. He asks every day if he gets to go to school today. On Saturdays and Sundays, he gets upset because it's not a school day. What a difference! There's only one issue with school...he's in love! All he talks about is Avery Fisher. He says she's his girlfriend. He talks about her non-stop. On Monday, Oct. 1, they walked to McCullough Library to talk about street safety, etc. Well, when I went to pick him up that day, Mrs. Wheatley said to me "You have a lover boy on your hands". I just laughed. She said "Today was a very romantic day and I have pictures to prove it!". When we were in the van, Jack said "today I was holding Avery's hand but my teachers told me to let go." Great!!! It's so funny! I guess we'll see if this romance lasts until May!! :-)

Abby:
Monday, August 27 - Abby started tumbling class at Acros. She absolutely LOVES it! Her favorite thing is the trampoline but she likes everything else too. Jeff went once and took pictures and they were so cute. Neither one of us realized how much she smiled during the class until we saw the pictures. Mom and Dad came once and Lori came once. They all loved watching her! She's now running down the tall balance beam, pulling her toes up while hanging from the parallel bars, and hanging from her knees. She can do a somersault and a head stand. And, she looks adorable in her leotard!! She's perfect for this. Her teacher, Miss Katie, says
that she's always surprised how strong she is! After she's done with this in November then Ally will start dance.

Abby has had a couple haircuts and looks so cute. She's got a little bob and it makes her look like a teenager!

Friday, September 21 - The girls had their 2 yr checkup. Abby weighed 23 lbs 7 oz (10th%) and was 33.5 inches (45th%). She's so tiny! She ran circles around Dr. Cochran so he could definitely tell she was the more active one.

Abby is just so cute. She's funny and wild at the same time! She doesn't talk as much as Ally but still holds her own. She'd rather play by herself than with Jack and Ally. She loves her tumbling and also loves to dance. She can't stand still! She's still wearing 18 mo. clothes and about a 5.5 shoe. She can still wear the 5s too. She'll go potty every now and then if she wants. and loves to take her diaper off. Lovely! She's got the most beautiful, petite face and I love her eyelashes! She's our 'Lil Bit'!

Ally:
Friday, September 21 - Ally weighed 28 lbs 12 oz (75th%) and was 36 inches (95th%). She is now the same height as Jack was at 3 yrs old! While we were there, Abby was on my lap and Dr. Cochran was looking at her. Ally walked up and said "Abby sick?". She's definitely the "Mommy" of the two!

She also went to a PT appt today and is doing wonderful. After her next appt (in 3 weeks), if she's doing this great then she's going to discharge her.

Ally loves to dance and enjoys her books and puzzles. She talks very well now. She walks down the hall and says "Jack's pictures" or "Where Jack go?", "Where Daddy go?". She also says "watch TV"! :-) Her new thing is "I princess!". She's so cute and clumsey. She has the most beautiful hair and loves to cuddle. I love it when she says "Mommy sit" so that I can hold her and snuggle. She makes me slow down! I can't wait to get her in dance class. She's going to adore it!!

Saturday, September 22 (their actual bday) - The girls and I started the morning with cinnamon rolls with a candle to pratice blowing them out. They didn't have any trouble! Later, Jack had a soccer game (where he scored 3 goals!) and then we went to Roca Bar in Newburgh with my family. We had pizza and the girls opened their gifts. Abby got a cash register she loved and Ally got a puzzle. They were in heaven! After we got done eating, we sat them at the end of the table and sang Happy Birthday. When we were done, the whole section of Roca Bar clapped and whistled. It was so neat and nice. They are very special girls!

Sunday, September 23 - We had their birthday party at Village Green's Clubhouse. It had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. They love watching that. I had made the invitations which turned out cute. We had a small party with just cousins and friends. The girls had a ball. They danced to our birthday CD. Everyone played "Pin the Party Hat on Mickey" and "Find Plutos Bone". Mom drew Mickey and Pluto and they turned out so cute. They loved being sang to and just smiled from ear to ear. The did great at opening their gifts and holding them up for Daddy to take pics. The only glitch in the day was when I went to get the cake and it wasn't there! For the first (and last) time, I ordered it from Donut Bank online. Well, they didn't have one. So, Lori had to go to Diamond Ave and pick one up right at closing time! It was a pain but we had a VERY fresh cake!! The girls had a great time as did everyone else. They are really good girls and I love watching them interact. Besides the scratching, biting and pulling hair, they get along great! :-) We are so blessed!

Other:
Saturday, September 8 - We had a surprise retirement party for Mom at Howell Church's Family Life Center. It was such a chore to make it a surprise! Lori, Dad and I had to come up with so many stories and things to do without her to prepare, etc. I invited her to "Nicky's shower" that day and she complained and complained for a week about her shower being in the middle of the day on a Saturday. I really thought she was going to back out. So, to make her come, I asked her if she would watch the girls while I set up and then bring them because Nicky's family really wanted to see them. She said "well, Devyn has a football game...". I told her that he has more than one game and she can miss one! So, she said "I guess". I said "OK!". Lori and I went out there and set everything up at 9am that morning. Then I dropped the girls off at noon to Mom (in which she was still complaining!), went to Jack's game from 1:30-2:15 and then headed back out there to finish up. By 4pm, there was easily over 100 people there. At about 4:15ish, I looked out and saw Mom getting the girls out of the van. We told everyone to gather 'round. My heart was pounding and I was so anxious. When she opened the door, everyone yelled "Surprise" and she couldn't believe it. It was PERFECT! All the kids ran up to her and she couldn't even get in the door. They all love and miss her. She was shocked at the number of people there. We had pictures everywhere. Lori, Greg, Amanda Phelps, Teresa Berendes and I all spoke about her. She was laughing and crying at the same time. It was priceless. We got all her kids together with her and took a big picture which was awesome. Unfortunately some of the big boys had left and some came afterwards but there were 28 in the picture! It was an awesome evening and Mom still talks about it. She was truly surprised!!

Tuesday, September 18 - Mom, Brandy and I went with Lori to her ultrasound. She's having a BOY! It was plain and clear too!!

Friday, September 28 - We took the kids to Angel Mounds to Native American Days. It was a neat event. While dancing with the Indians and everyone else, a photographer from the Courier & Press took our picture. It's supposed to be in the Warrick edition on this Friday. This week is the Fall Festival. I've been 4 times and am done! We took the kids Tuesday night and Jack rode rides. Ally could've rode too but not Abby (too short!) so they only thing they did was go down the big slide with all 5 of us. They each got a corndog and munched on those for 30 minutes! Jack had a huge corn on the cob and thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Tomorrow, we're going camping at Lake Rudolph. It's one of their Halloweekends. Now, we'll be trick or treating and the high for the day is 91 degrees...too hot! The girls are going to be Colts Cheerleaders and Jack is going to be an Army Man. Jack has a camo heavy outfit, brown boots and my Dad's real army hat. He's going to burn up! It should be fun though. C&A are going to be next to us and then Lori, Mom, Devyn, Tyler and Monie rented a camper there. We should have around 20 people there! Can't wait!!

Next weekend, Amanda and I have a cabin in New Harmony to scrapbook from Fri-Sun! We are ready!! She's been so busy at work that we never get the chance to talk. Plus, I'm so far behind!!

We're off a weekend but then Halloween weekend we're going to Scales again. Hopefully it will be cooler then!

November events:
Jeff, his Mom and brothers are going to a Colts/Patriots game.
My birthday
A birthday getaway to a surprise location
Ally starts dance
Thanksgiving!

We are always so busy but we're lucky to have great family and friends and school to be a part of!!