My camera is broken. I miss it.

My camera was broken just a few weeks before Christmas and I didn't realize how much I would miss it. There have been countless pictures that I have missed which makes me a little sad and my blog entries are going to be a little boring until I get a new one. Theses past few weeks have been quite eventful.

**I organized the kids toys and closets before the big day and LOVE how everything has a place and that we, I mean, I no longer have to pick up every single toy that they own at the end of the day. I made some room in my craft closet (a.k.a the boy's closet) and put all of the old toys in there. I organized all of Kaia's stuff and put it in the top of hers. She is only allowed to play with one thing at a time. I should have done this a long time ago. She really seems to enjoy playing now.

**We finally bought the boys booster seats since they were oozing out of their 5-point harness car seats. Seriously, it was almost impossible to buckle them in. They are some big boys. I am afraid to see them as teenagers.

**Christmas was great this year and is still wonderful. Matt has been off from school since the 19th. We have been hanging out with the kids during the day and eating ice cream and watching movies at night. We even missed church this past Sunday because we decided that there was just too much snow on the ground and that we were still on "vacation". I know I am a sinner but at least I am honest.

**One day when I was upstairs with my bedroom door wide open playing on the computer (shame on me!) Kaia and Gatlin thought it would be fun to paint the living room with food coloring. I was frantic and Matt was surprisingly calm. He returned from the store right after it happened. My sister gave me a tip to help get the color up: 1/4 cup of ammonia dilute with water in a spray bottle, a damp white rag, and a hot iron. Saturate the stain, place the damp rag over it, and begin to iron. An hour and a half later, my beige carpet still has huge pink spots but the blue, green, and yellow ones are gone. (thanks again Summer! I love you!) All I can say is they are both still alive, I still love them, I am so glad we are renting, and I am not allowed to play on the computer in my room anymore. I got in trouble this day too. Oh and the next day I tied the legs of my chairs to the table. Ha! Take that you naughty little kids! Now lets see how you are going to get into the cupboards...I am sure they will figure out another way.

**Two days ago, I received the best present ever!!! I love my Mattie. Anyway, me and the kids got up around 8:00. I made pancakes and cleaned up. Matt got up around 9:30. I went back to bed at 10:00 and slept until noon. I ate lunch and told Matt that I just wanted to stay in bed and didn't want to be bothered. He said that was fine and to enjoy my day. Really? I went back to bed watch a little T.V. and feel asleep at about 1:30 and slept until 3:30. The kids were in bed by 6:30. Matt and I watch a couple of episodes of The Office and I was back in bed at 10:00. Oh and no I am NOT pregnant (sorry Mom) I was just exhausted! The past month has been a busy one. I have honestly wanted a day like this one for a long time. I suggested to Matt that maybe we could start doing it once a month. (fingers crossed)

**Gabriel fell today and has a huge black eye. My poor big bubba. He is tough and only cried for a few minutes. At least for a little while people will be able to tell them apart.

**Finally, it has snowed. A lot. Most people think I am crazy but, I LOVE the snow. I am not sure why but, I love it and I am happy that it is finally here.

Only 4 More Days!

(Our tree is very nice. It is the children that are naughty. The crib is for it's protection.)

We are waiting for you Santa!

Detective Mom

About two weeks ago, I came down stairs to find Gabriel scratching the back of his neck. I moved his hand away and he had about 5-6 hives on his neck. "Weird," I thought. I didn't think too much of it and continued my house work. About 10-15 minutes later the hives had spread from the back of his neck to his forehead, checks, and chin. "Whoa, scary!" I thought. I remained calmed and called my Mama. This time she told me to get him to the E.R. as soon as I could. I knew that Matt was still in class (seriously, he is ALWAYS in class LOL) so I called my good friend and neighbor to come to my rescue. Lucky for me and Gabriel, she was avaliable to come and sit with Kaia and Gatlin. I took Gabey to the E.R. right here in town and they took us straight to the back. (Whew, my luck is never this good) After lots of questions and a thorough exam they gave Gabriel some Benadryl and a steroid. He obviously had an allergic reaction but to what? For the next 4 days he kept breaking out and I continue to give him Benadryl around the clock. Then, one day I passed by our entertainment center where I had placed some cinnamon scented pine cones. Then, this picture popped into my head.

This particular night Gabriel had just finished some cinnamon/sugar oatmeal. Hmmm, could he be allergic to cinnamon? I immeadiately got rid of the pine cones and washed the beloved blanket that he drags everywhere. The next day he had a couple of break outs but not as consistent or as bad as before. It gradually got better and better. He has been break out free for about a week. Well, today I was snacking on some cinnamon nougat candy. Gabriel came wondering over and wanted some. I know, I know I am mean but I gave him a little bit just to see what would happen. About an hour later, he broke out in hives. I started to think back to the night I bought the pincones. I put them in the center of our table. I also have christmas placemats on the table. Before I went to bed that night, I moved the pinecones to the entertainment center. The day that Gabriel first broke out he was laying next to the table, by a placemat that had been pulled onto the floor, with his blanket. He must be allergic to the scent of cinnamon too. I began looking on the internet and found this written by a women on a website about cinnamon allergies:

"I have been allergic to cinnamon all my life. But up until 3 weeks ago, it was just a minor irratant. I know I can't have certain foods, or I break out with a rash or hives; depending on the dose of cinnamon I come in contact with. I avoid retail stores of any kind, after Halloween- because of the cinnamon candles, and poporri. But now, the boss decided to sell cinnamon rolls. I was getting very high doses of cinnamon on the nights I worked! I not only got the hives, but I had a hard time breathing! I had blisters on my tongue, and my throat started to swell shut! I am now taking Benadryl to help me not break out. But it has been 3 weeks, and I am still breaking out! I thought I was the only one allergic to cinnamon!"

I am not 100% sure but I am pretty confidant that I may have figured out what is ailing my big bubba. Darn, I really love cinnamon especially this time of year. Oh well, we will just have to make some adjustments.

Ms. Fashionista

I came down stairs this morning and found Kaia wearing my boots. Give yourself a few more years baby girl. =c)

G.A.S

I sort of snapped at Matt tonight while I was bathing the kids. After everyone was out and dressed I had relaxed. I tried small talking with him and he said,"Are you done being grumpy now?" Then I said, "I can be grumpy because I am P.M.S-ing." He rolled his eyes and said, "I guess that means that I can be grumpy because I have gas." *sigh*...men.

I am living with a monkey. HELP!

Tonight after waking up for a cat nap on the couch, I began making dinner. I had just finished draining some meat and set the calender in the sink. Then, I turned back around to face the stove and finish dinner. Gatlin decided it would be fun to play with the greasy calender. (Surprise, Surprise) Matt came to the rescue and took it from him. Then, he ask if I was losing my peripheral vision. Really, I don't have eyes in the back of my head Mr. Smarty Pants! Keep in mind he was in the living room "watching the kids" while I was cooking. It is really hard raising 4 kids sometimes. LOL Anyway, I have decided that Gatlin must lay in bed every morning and think of ways to completely annoy me. He is very stubborn and has strong determination. Currently, his playground is my kitchen. He is constantly throwing silverware, Tupperware, cups, and anything else he can get his hands on. The other day he managed to open the dishwasher and threw all but 3 of my glass bowl on the floor and broke them all! He has dented the side of one of my pots. While I was getting ready the other day, he climbed into the sink and began playing in the dirty dishwater. I hate to admit the next part but, he even chewed on the S.O.S pad that I left in there. I know, I know C.P.S would definitely get me for that one. *sigh* I think it is time to call the zoo. I believe they are missing a monkey...a very naughty one.

(I took away his S.O.S pad.)

There is nothing like...

...turkey, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, stuffing, crescent rolls, and pumpkin pie...mmm...I love food. Apparently, my children do too. The kiddos are all carboholics like their mama. The boys filled up on rolls and sweet potatoes. Kaia had a little turkey, but she also devoured the rolls, sweet potatoes, and played in her corn (apparently it is fun to squish it between your fingers).(Gabriel eating some yummy sweet potatoes.)(He may look like his daddy, especially in this picture, but he LOVES bread like his mama.)(Gatlin really wanted to play with the camera.)(He takes eating his bread very seriously.)(Oh Kaia, daddy can always make you laugh.)

(She really does love him.)

I love this time of year. There are so many things that I am thankful for: my family, my Savior, my Heavenly Father, the gospel, this country, our soldiers, my health, my friends, and the holidays. =c)

Brotherly Love

They started out in their own beds but, it just must have been too lonely.

Because it's Halloween! It's Halloween!

Finally, the big day arrived. Halloween! This year, I thought it would be fun to do a Dr. Seuss theme. We dressed the boys as Thing 1(Gabriel) and Thing 2 (Gatlin). Kaia went as Cindy Lou Who. The costumes turned out great and the kids really enjoyed themselves this year. Kaia was so excited. Today, every time one of us would walk out the door she would ask, "Are we going trick or treating?" and would grab her shoes. For her, it was a long day. She loved running from door to door with Daddy and impressed everyone. Everyone loved her costume and just had to know how we got her hair to stay that way. (My secret: a styrofoam cone.) Gatlin and Gabriel were so happy to be outside and even happier when we kept feeding them suckers. And as usual they were a hit. (If you like attention, just have twins.) It was a wonderful night. A bit chilly but, we had a blast hanging out with our friends and spending time together as a family. I just love the holidays! Now, it is time to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wow, it is really hard to believe how fast the time flies. Where did 2009 go?

We took this picture next to the fire pit. It came out a little blurry. Ooops! I was just too cold to move.

"Is that's my punkin, Mama?"

What kind of family would we be if we didn't take advantage of the pumpkin patches? The fall season here in Ohio is quite surreal. I feel like I am in a dream as I drive down the road lined with orange, red, and yellow leaved trees. It is so beautiful. Last year, we went with some friends to the Red Wagon Farm. We decided to go again this year for a picnic lunch and to pick out some pumpkins. We sent Kaia out on a search for the perfect one.Her and I found a nice big one, but she was having a hard time holding it. She found this one by the checkout stand and just had to get it. She kept asking, "Is that my punkin, Mama?"

Showing Daddy her "punkin" and telling him all about it.She was SO excited and proud!G & G were just happy to be outside and eating Goldfish. Yes, I know they are such laid back boys. I love them. Matt finished up finals this past week and we decided that we definitely needed some good, quality family time. We couldn't have picked a better spot. Oh and P.S. "Punkin" had to sit next to Kaia on the way home. I think she has a new friend. =c)

My time is just too precious.

Some people think I am crazy but, my children do not take naps. I prefer to put them to bed early (between 6:00 and 7:00). So, instead of naps I do "quiet time." I put them upstairs, put on a movie, lock my bedroom and bathroom door, and gate off the stairs. They have to stay up there until I am ready for them to come back down. I usually take anywhere from an hour and half to two hours for myself. I do check in on them here and there but, for the most part; they enjoy the time to play and watch a movie. Well, today G & G decided they didn't want to have to watch "The Little Mermaid" for the 10 millionth time or play in their room. They were pretty desperate to find a way to bust down the gate. Yes, I know I am horrible but, I did tease them by taking pictures. The moment was just too cute for me not to take a few shots. =c)

What are you two doing???

Sorry Gatlin, it is still quiet time.

*Sigh* He was beginning to give up...I know he looks pretty pathetic.

Gabriel isn't much of a fighter and thought his adorable little face would be his ticket out. Ok, so he almost got me. I stayed strong and showed them how fun it was to play with their cars. Then, I took another 30 minutes for myself. =c)

A catch up post.

This weekend I finally finished my Halloween decorations. It is the first year that I have ever made them. My friend and I decided to get together and make some cute things on our "poor student" budget. We did it! We got our ideas from marthastewart.com but we changed them up a bit to make them a whole lot cheaper! I just love Halloween! There was some candy in these but, Matt got a little hungry. I guess I will have to go get some more. This was a sticker we found at Michaels for $1.99. We just couldn't pass it up.This one is my favorite. We thought it would be fun to make ornaments for each holiday/season and keep it out all year. This is the Holi-Dog my mom made for me. You just make a different set of ears and hand pick for each holiday and change it every month. I just love it. The grave yard I made out of a piece of scrapbook paper. It only costed me $.50. I just love decorating my house. I am a lot like my Mama. We both love change. The holidays give me an excuse to change things up a bit plus, it is fun for the kids. Today was also Kaia's first day riding the bus home from pre-school. Her school provides buses just for the preschool children. It picks your child up right in front of your house and drops them off too. There is an aid that rides on the bus with them to help them in and out of their car seats. Right now, we are just having them drop her off until she gets used to it. It will be nice once the snow starts falling. I won't have to bundle and load everyone up to take her and pick her up. Although today, I have to admit it made me a little sad to see her so grown-up. Her teacher called me to let me know that she just hopped on the bus and was really excited. When they dropped her off, the aid and driver said she did really well.

(G & G watching for Sassy's bus.)(She did it!) (*sigh* She is just growing up too fast.)

Princess Kaia

For the past couple of weeks, Kaia has been watching "The Little Mermaid" over and over. She knows all the songs and most of the dialog. The bath tub has become her sea and yes, she splashes, sings, and quotes the movie till I literally have to drag her out of it. I am very understanding though, because I did the same thing when I was younger. "The Little Mermaid" was (and still is) my favorite Disney movie and I watched it over and over. I still know the lyrics to every song and yes, I can quote the whole movie word for word. When I was little, I would stay in the tub till the water was cold. I would splash and sing "Part of Your World" And yes, I even comb my hair with a fork. Kaia hasn't gotten to the point yet but, I know it won't be long. I especially love watching her cuddle with her Daddy and have him watch it too. I would always talk my Daddy into watching the movie with me. He would agree to watch it everytime...because, Daddys are never too tough for princess movies. =c)

Getting back into the swing of things.

This past week and a half was a huge downer. All three baybays were sick and it was GORGEOUS weather outside. Seriously, I have the worst luck. I was also a little on the gimpy side. I had 2 dentist appointments (not to self: NEVER go 4 years without seeing the dentist ever again!) and they did a lot of work. I was exhausted and doing the littlest things wore me out. We did a lot of sleeping and a lot of movie watching. Our poor Daddy had to hold down the fort. He was doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and handing out medicine. Today, on the other hand, was a good one. I finally felt like myself again. The kiddos still have a bit of a cough but, definitely have their energy back. The only bad thing about this week, so far, is that we have had rainy weather. When I open the door to get the mail, Gabriel throws the biggest fit because he has to stay inside. You would think that we were on our way to the candy store when we go to drop Kaia off at school. The boys are so happy to get into the car. I am hoping for some nicer weather soon because these guys really need a trip to the park. The leaves are starting to change so, I know winter is not too far off.

Taking New Steps.

Today was Kaia's first day of preschool. She was pretty excited.

I was nervous. I put on a happy face for her. She had a little tough time going into class but, about an hour later her teacher called to let me know that she was having a blast! (Whew) I was much better after that. Today, she was the calender helper. She had graham crackers for snack, and she finger painted which ended up all over her. Her teacher said she kept painting her face. Yep, that's my Kaia. She really loves her teacher and was all smiles on the way home. I have to admit, it was fun being with just the boys for 2.5 hours but; I really missed my girl.

Gabriel and Gatlin aren't always alike.

I learned tonight that Gabriel and cinnamon/sugar oatmeal do not mix.(Check out this red goatee awww, poor Gabriel.) (He was protesting me taking pictures of him.)

Gatlin and cinnamon/sugar oatmeal mix really well, literally.

(Yes, it was hard cleaning him up. He was happy though, and that is all that matters.)

Another reason to love the fall, it's college football season ya'll.

LSU's opening game for the season is today. We woke up and dressed ourselves for the occasion.(He has been anticipating this time of year for awhile now. He was very excited.)(We love football just as much as the guys.)(Thanks Uncle Nathan and Aunt Jill for Kaia's authentic hair bow. We love it.)(Gatlin Britt-future LSU football player. He can throw a football really well.)

(Gabriel Britt-future LSU football player too. Look, he is already practicing his game face. Isn't he so intimidating?) (It just wouldn't be a football game without Matt's DELICIOUS hot wings. Mmm, I love them.) (We've just got to have some taco dip, Britt style: refried beans, sour cream, cheese, and olives.) (Our meal wouldn't be complete without our game day Dr. Peppers because it is just what the doctor order, right?)

(Since we can't afford a 52' plasma screen T.V. just yet, we have to move our tables closer so we don't miss a thing.)

Ah yes, it is that time. The next several Saturdays are going to be quite entertaining here at the Britt house. All I can say is, "Geaux Tigers!"