Christmas!

CHRISTmas is a wonderful time of year. Tucker and Annie are anxiously awaiting until that number on the countdown turns to one. we have been reading christmas books,watching christmas movies, baking, and circling thousands of toys/ movies/ games/ clothes in all the toy books we have received in the mail. I love to see my kids get so excited. At the same time I need to start teaching them the real meaning of christmas. I didn't go to church when I was younger, but in high school i did and when i was 18 i got baptized and accepted the lord. its amazing and I want my children to do so as well. Now i just need to find a church around here ( purcellville, leesburg) that i like and the pastor gets to me. any input is appreciated. Thanks and merry christmas!!!

kids pictures

Tommorow I will attempt to get all three kids to behave for our pictures tomorrow. Wish me luck :)

Thanksgiving break.

Well one of my favorite holidays has come and gone and what a great time was had by all. Started off Wednesday with grocery shopping for thanksgiving and heading down to my moms that afternoon. While we were down at my moms shane was up all night gutting and renovating out bathroom, it looks amazing by the way ;) Me and the kids spent the night with my nephew, Megan and Lee, it was a wonderful time. We made chef boyardee pizza which we all thoroughly enjoyed, let the kids dump everyone of Nanny's toys out and had movie night ( toy story 3) Annie was exhausted from no nap all day and finally passed out at 11. Tucker was bright out and bushy tailed until 1230 AM but slept like a rock all night. Sweet Brendan was good but was up and down all night i think because of a unfamiliar place and wide awake from 5-1130 the next morning. We woke up and had cinnamon rolls and watched the parade. Macy did my hair beautifully and we headed home around 1130. We had Shane family over and Grannie and Jackie. We had a great time with some awesome food. Thanks to everyone who brought stuff and to my mom who even made a few things and didn't come along. This year I am thankful for the closeness that has become between me and my baby sister Macy. I talk to her at least once a day and that really makes me happy. My mom also we talk all day everyday and I am bummed she works two jobs now because that certainly cuts down on out chit chats. Kel and I still remain close and me and Meg talk occasionally but we could use some more. Regardless pretty much I am thankful for my family, my children, Shane working hard so I can be home with my babies and of course Rocky for protecting our family. Many Thanks to all and god bless!!! :)

Brendan Jack Flanagan

my littlest boy :) sorry they are not in order... but you get the point:)

Brendan Jack

My third pregnancy went pretty well. Besides the fact that i had unbearable back pain, could not sleep comfortable from 5 months on, Had to wear a full pregnancy brace for support and some weight gain, all was well. He is the most precious little blessing I could ever ask for. I was due on 9/2, but because of my pain and because of Annie being a 9 pounder then decided it was safe to induce me on 8/26/11. I went to the Doctor on

8/23/11 and was 4 centimeters. No contractions at this time but I was confident that since this was baby #3 and I was so dilated he would be coming soon, well i was wrong. Wednesday came and went, Thursday(8/25) came and Shane and I went out to dinner to my favorite restaurant that night, Kobe's with my family it was fun and delicious. We got home around 730pm and did our normal evening routine. I was so excited/ anxious/ nervous about the induction the next morning I didn't get to bed until about 1045 that night. I woke up at 1130 pm and lost my mucous plug, shortly after I started to have contractions 5-7 minutes apart. I called my midwives answering service and waited the 15 minutes they ask you to wait. so I called back, fast forward an HOUR later and my contractions now being every 3-4 minutes apart, my midwife finally called. She called perfect timing, I alright had the babysitter here ( 3 am) and called the birthing inn to tell them i was on my way. We were behind the SLOWEST car ever on the way to the hospital. But i took deep breaths and we finally made it around 330 am. I got the the hospital and was taken back almost immediately. I got into out room and changed into my gown. I then went and laid on the bed and my water broke. This is particularly special to me because it hadn't happen on its own before. the nurse then checked me and I was 7 centimeters. Then instructed me to get an epidural if I wanted because soon it would be to late. That was wonderful.. felt like forever waiting with my sisters, Shane, mom and mother in law in the room but really was super quick. I was 10 centimeters my 715am started pushing then, and with one quick look in the mirror he was born at 727 am. healthy and absolutely beautiful. He took on to nursing very well and is still going strong. Annie took some adjusting, Tucker was in love. And now we are a happy family of five, and just enjoying every moment :)

Eye muscle surgery

My sweet Tucker had eye surgery on 5/26/11 to straighten his lazy misaligned eye. His left eye was the one that was weak but the doctor did surgery on both to prevent a new type of misalignment. Since the surgery, his eyes look amazingly straight. He still patches his right eye to try and improve the vision of the left. It is 20/40 but we are praying a few more months of patching( 4 hours a day, UGH) we will get it perfect. It all in gods hands.

Crayolas Colored Bubbles..

You would think it was the best invention ever right? THINK AGAIN!!!!! Although Tucker had a blast blowing the bubbles for the five minutes that I let him... they were short lived and quickly thrown away. Picture will show you why.. all fun and pretty at the beginning... then yeah... you will see, Enjoy:) Anyone else have a fun colored bubble experience?