The sex talk, minus the sex

Friday night is family movie night at our house, a tradition we just recently started. Tonight we rented "Look Who's Talking" so the boys could see a newborn baby with his "daily thoughts". Anyway, as soon as the movie started, you have the sperm swimming to the egg. From that point on, Cullen tried to ask a million questions during the entire movie. I tried to fast forward through a few parts, including the opening, but that didn't stop him. I told him to hold all his questions until the movie was over, and for when his brothers weren't around. Then Aiden chimes in, "We're ALWAYS going to be around!". So sorry we picked this movie! When it was over, it was late, almost eleven, and I told Jude to have a seat because I was not doing this sex talk alone. I already knew the questions to expect for the most part, but I was SURE he was going to ask about the birds and the bees. We haven't had that talk yet. He's ten.
So, Cullen starts the conversation off asking if those were sperm. "Yes, they were."
C: "What were they doing?"
Me: "Swimming to the egg."
C: "The woman has the egg?" "Yes."
C: "How do they know to come out?"
Me: Thinking logically, I said "Gravity". I was thinking the wrong way.
Jude: "When a man and woman are married, the sperm just know that it is time to come out."
C: "Then how come people who aren't married have babies?"
Me: "Because you can do anything you want to do with your life, but there will be CONSEQUENCES! Some people make the wrong decisions before marriage."
C: Starts going through a list of young people he knows that are single parents.
Me: "Do any of those people have wonderful family lives or do they struggle taking care of their child alone?"
C: "Struggle." I gave him a few examples.
Me: "You can do anything you want, in the end, it is your decision, your life, and you are the one who will suffer the consequences." I then brought God into the conversation and also informed him that just because the girl has the baby doesn't mean she will raise it. He could end up raising the child, and I told him to look at his little brothers as examples of how demanding children can be. You don't get a break. They are permanent.
The conversation continued with questions about sperm donors, enemas, and lesbians; not in that order.
Jude tried to answer the sperm donation question and it started off with "A man puts his sperm in a jar...". I almost fell out my chair to stop him. I told Cullen it is a very technical medical procedure and is something he can wait to learn about later on in life. There is a such thing as TMI.
The entire talk was an awkward conversation to say the least, but he did not once ask about the actual act of "sex", and it was too late in the night for me to dive into it. My brain was half off. I am a little worried he may already know things I don't want him to know from his peers.
My parents didn't have the birds and the bees talk with me until it was too late. I don't want that for him, but I am also clueless in this area on what to say. I think I need a book of some kind. Any suggestions?

(Let me just end this post with, as an adult, I am aware of many healthy, wonderful, families who are headed by single parents, but I am not about to fill my young child's head with stuff I do not want for him. I only pray he does not knock up some teenage girl, which could make me a grandparent in the next three to nine years.)

Our despicable weekend

Friday I went to the OBGYN for a shot, and got the results of my blood work from Wednesday's testing. I have to start taking these iron pills as I am anemic, though very low range. Saturday I took one of those funky pills and felt disgusting all day. They gave me terrible indigestion, so I pretty much slept off and on all day while the children entertained themselves. I haven't taken another one since!
Sunday I even slept through church. Jude took the boys to mass and I stayed in bed. Later, we took them to to movies to see "Despicable Me".

It was really cute. Sunday evening I went to the Parish to see Stacey; she was having a home-business party.

It was great to see her and her family, as Stacey and I have been friends since we were about eight. I have moved many, many times in my life, and have never lost contact with her. She'd call my momma and find me:) and she's always been pretty easy to find, herself. I'd call her momma. She is a true friend and a wonderful one to have.
(*As you can see, pregnancy is now catching up with me. My face is starting to swell. Wonderful! Only ten weeks left.)

Also, we picked a name over the weekend for Baby IIII. The winner is...
Preston Rene
Preston=ends in a N, like all the other boys; definition: priests town
Rene=after my dear friend Brandi Renee, whom passed away when Roman was three months old in August 2007

Our day, child vs. mom

My child's view of our Tuesday

• Awoke
• Breakfast served to me with my favorite chocolate milk
• Went to the gym and played with my BFF for an hour
• My BFF came to my house and played for a couple more hours
• Had lunch with my BFF from Cane's
• Took a nap
• Woke up and played Lego's
• Went swimming in the pool and the "water slide" for an hour or two
• Got dressed, had dinner, played more
• Went to the movies with mommy and daddy to see Toy Story 3...It was great!
• Came home and went to bed

Mom's view of our Tuesday

• Awoke
• Made breakfast for everyone and had a cup of coffee to get some energy, cleaned up
• Went to the gym in the rain and worked out for an hour, even though I didn't feel like it
• Watched four kids and tried to wash clothes for a couple hours
• Had lunch with my BFF from Cane's, while arguing with Aiden the entire time because it was past nap time and he was a big crank ball
• Took a nap
• Woke up to referee arguments over Lego's and prepared dinner
• Cooked dinner and watched the children play in the little pool for some time, making sure no one drowned the other one
• Dressed the kids and served everyone dinner, ate, cleaned up
• Went to the movies to see Toy Story 3...It was great! Spent $35.
• Came home, blogged, and went to bed

Our days are so similar, yet so different. Oh, to be a child again!!

Just ONE date, please

Jude was off Thursday and Friday this week, which is different. Thursday we had a ton of to do's and didn't get to spend a lot of time together. But today (Friday) we made up for it.
We woke up late and went to the gym with two of the little monkeys. When we got home, I was sitting here thinking it has been forever since we have had a date. So, Jude called his parents and they agreed to babysit for a few hours. We dropped all three boys off and went to lunch at Copeland's. We had tickets to go see Sex and the City 2

and were enjoying our nice relaxing adult (child free) time when Cullen's dad called me and asked if we could bring Cullen to a baseball tournament game on the WB at 8:00pm. Ughh, children! Of course, I said yes. We went to the movies and I loved it. Our only issue was there were these obnoxious women at the very top we were sitting near who were so loud and ridiculous, that we actually moved many seats down (after people behind us cursing them out). Odd, adults don't know how to act. We were running very short on time; we rushed to Jude's parents to get Cullen, rushed to our house to get his glove, rushed to Eddie's mom's house to get his uniform and bat and then rushed to the field, only to arrive just minutes before the game started. We missed warm up. It was sweet to watch Cullen pitching, as his dad has pretty much taken over the sport of baseball with him, near his home.

Jude tried to take a few pics, but the lights and camera didn't mix well together.
After, we brought Cullen to sleep at his Maw Maws' and had a very late dinner of McDonald's, then went to bed. It was a long day, with just a touch of relaxation in it, that must get me through the next few weeks of summer until we can sneak away again.

School is out for summer

Today was Cullen's last official day at school and ALL three children will now be home ALL day on a some what regular basis till the middle of August. (Please pray for my sanity!) When I picked Cullen up from school, he and I went to the store to pick him up a new bike for having all A's and B's all year in academics (not conduct). He did so good on his LEAP tests, too. He really tried this year, you could see his efforts, and it was a brand new school that he had to adjust to on top of it all. He has made us proud and I felt he needed a little reward to encourage him for the next school year. He is now entering the fifth grade. Wow! I told Jude that it really makes me feel old because I can remember the fifth grade like it was yesterday. Now, I am the mother of a fifth grader. *Looking in the mirror for wrinkles.*
Also, I picked up Aiden's report card today from school and he had all 3's (equals proficient) for his final grades, which is the highest you can get. My little Pre-K'er did so well! He also got all green smiley faces in conduct ALL year long except ONE yellow face ONE DAY (for looking under a bathroom door, lol). That is a big change from what I experienced with Cullen in his younger days. I was the parent always in the parent/teacher conferences, trying to explain his behaviors with reasons and trying to find solutions. That boy put me through some sh*t. Aiden's conduct IN SCHOOL is very refreshing!
After, Jude and I took the three boys to see Shrek 4 and it was cute. Cullen thanked us over and over, telling us he had such a great day today, and you know what, I did too:)

Are cavities contagious?

Today we took all three boys to the dentist. Cullen did great, as he always has. Aiden shocked us and was very good. Last time we were there, six months ago, Aiden's head spun, he spit, and bit. I was so embarrassed. This time, you could see the fear on his face but he did fantastic. Roman, on the other hand, took over all the bad habits and he was a wild man. It was discovered that Roman has a small cavity on his back tooth and he will go in next week to get that filled, while under sedation. So tonight, we put the boys to bed; Roman in their car bed and Aiden in our bed, and we went into the living room to watch a movie. (We wait for them to fall asleep before putting them together, otherwise they will play for hours.) The house was nice and quiet and we were watching "Two Lovers", when Aiden yells from our room, "Momma!".
"What Aidennn?!", I reply.
So innocently, Aiden says "I don't want to sleep with RoRo 'cause he has cavities!!".
Poor Ro-man!

Happy 10th birthday, Culleeno!

Today, my baby boy made ten! He is growing so old, so fast. I wish time would just stop. I love the ages we are at over here: ten, four and two. Friday, Cullen and I went to the mall so he could pick out the design for his birthday cookie cake and we did a little shopping together. In true male fashion, he didn't really enjoy himself; though he did pick out some really cute shoes and a warm sweater. Then yesterday, Saturday, Jude was off work so we woke up, took the boys to eat beignets and went to see "Planet 51". It was a really cute movie and all the boys behaved to the best of their ability. It was the official kickoff to Cullen's tenth birthday weekend. Then today, we went to church together, hung out at the house, and went to eat at our favorite local Mexican restaurant. The mariachi band was there playing and we got Cullen to wear the huge sombrero

while they sang to the tune of Happy Birthday in Spanish. Again, the boys were very well behaved and it was a wonderful little lunch. When we got home, we enjoyed cookie cake and gave Cullen his birthday gifts. Just what he asked for, gift cards to Toys R' Us. He ended up with $200 in TRU gift cards and fifteen dollars cash. Eager to spend it all, we headed to TRU, just the two of us. He picked out some great gifts and was so thankful and appreciative of all of it! It was nice to see that. My baby boy is growing up!
Ro didn't want to give the hat back

Ro dancing to the sweet Spanish tunes

Aiden being good to the best of his ability

Ro presenting me with flowers he stole from the table
...Sooo "Roman"tic

Son-day

My little gang got up this morning and were getting into mischief. When I heard all the ruckus, I climbed out of bed and asked the Sunday question, "Do you boys want to go to church?". Why yes, they do! We all dressed and headed out the door. Jude was working today, but took a lunch to meet us there. All was swell till Roman's child care number flashed across the big church screen. I asked Jude "Is that us?" as I fumbled for the sticker with Roman's name and number id on it. He was already getting up to go. I said nicely, "You stay here, I'll go", but Jude wouldn't accept. He was out the door in the blink of an eye and I followed behind in under a minute. I tried to stay seated, but couldn't. Our little man had thrown up all over himself in child church. Jude kindly left with Roman, and me and the other two angels (HA) stayed at the service. After three hours at church (we had lunch there), we returned home. God, I love that place:) I did a lot of cleaning, and regular boring stuff a fortunate housewife gets to do.
When Jude came home, he was ready to watch the Saints game on the TiVo. Now, I am not a big football fan, but the passion Jude has for the Saints makes me slightly dislike watching it with him. If they are winning, he is in a great mood, and lovely to be around. But if they are losing, you would think someone had just killed his dog. He is an angry man and has little football tantrums. It takes all the fun out of watching the game with him. I try to avoid it if at all possible. So, I decided to take Cullen out for a movie. Spend a little one on one time with him. He was excited. I left it up to him if we would bring Aiden, and you can guess where Aiden spent his evening. The movie was "A Christmas Carol" and it had awesome 3-D effects.

I personally found it hard to understand their accents and it got a bit scary at times toward the end, but it was a must see for the theater. At one point, Cullen and I sat and were holding hands. It was soooo sweet. He leaned over and said "Mom, when you and I go places alone, I feel like I grow closer to you each time". I said with a smile "Yeah, right, you just want me to take you more places alone". He insisted he was serious and I believe in his little heart, it is true. He would sell his two little brothers in a heartbeat to be an only child! I really enjoyed our Sunday time together, and so did he.
GO SAINTS!! 8-0

Trick or treat, Smell my feet!

My favorite holiday is Halloween! I love the weather, the atmosphere, the "free" candy, dressing up, the parties, and so on. Christmas just stresses me out beyond belief. Tonight, we dressed up and headed over to Aunt Dawny's for some action. We went trick or treating in her neighborhood, visited with family, and were back home in under two hours. Both the boys are sick and Aiden has a slightly higher temperature than normal. How could I deny my children Halloween fun? They weren't acting sick, that's for sure. We had one (that's it) group come knock on our door at home for some candy before we left and one of the children was actually on her cell phone. WTH?! I told her parents that was a first for me. What is this world coming to?
My favorite part: When Aiden would say "My Mom's the devil". FYI: He asked me to dress up as the devil for Halloween. I think it was just so he could say that and get away with it. At age four!
Cullen was at his dad's house this year, but I did get a few pics.

He was an army man, straight from the war

After, Jude and I dropped the kids off at Julia and Jake's and headed to see a movie, "Paranormal Activity". Talk about some scary stuff! I have always had freaky crap happen to me throughout my life and it definitely scared me. Go see it! Maybe I will post a blog on some of the freaky things...
Me and my two little monkeys

Skeleton and Optimus Prime

Scared?

Ro was scared of his cousin, Frankenstein

Getting some loot

"Look, BUG!"

Bucket is getting a little heavy

"Trick or Treat!"

Enjoying his treats

Aiden took this pic, my little photographer

Aiden counting his gold

Roman LOVES suckers, all he wanted

Fat ass!

Jude was off work today so we decided to take the boys to see "Ice Age III". Aiden had seen it already and told me what was going to happen throughout the entire movie. I thought it was so cute, but this was his first time ever doing that. I am sure it will not be as cute on some other movies as he gets older because it drives me nuts when people do that to me. Still in all, it was adorable coming from my little four year old. As the movie neared the end, Roman couldn't take it anymore and had ants in his pants. I decided to leave and take him shopping while Jude and the two little ones finished watching it.
When Jude and I first started dating, "Ice Age I" was the first movie/thing he had ever bought Cullen, so I have this little love for it. The movie was good and I got a few laughs out of it. Can't wait for it to come out on video so I can see the end:)
If you are ever around me long enough, you may here me call Jude a "hot piece of monkey ass" or some other weird endearing term. It's a loving pet name I have given him. I sometimes will curse around my own children (is "ass" really that bad?!), not intentionally, but it happens and they know not to repeat it. Just because I curse doesn't mean they can; just like I drive a car and pay bills, they can't now, but one day I'm sure they will. Another thing you may overhear me say to Jude is "Move your fat ass!", like when he wants me to sit next to him in the one person recliner, which is pretty often. We all know Jude is thin so this isn't offensive to him. HE HAS NEVER SAID IT TO ME! Let me stress that. Anyway, getting to the point, I went in my room and joined Aiden and Jude in the bed. They were getting ready to nap. Aiden was on my side and I was propped against him. I told Aiden to move because he was in my spot. To which he replied in all seriousness, "Move your fat ass and I will." I almost fell off the bed! I cannot believe my baby said that to me without even thinking twice. I don't think he realized what he had said. I will now try extra really hard to watch what I say in front of my children!! Lord knows they are listening!

Hangover

Jude took me out for an afternoon movie today. We went to see the Hangover and I give it an F. F for f'ing hilarious! Go see it. It was great to get out the house with him for two hours. After, we rushed off to church to meet his parents who had our kids. As soon as we walked in the cry room, I could tell it was going to be a short visit there. Aiden and Roman were so loud, and arguing, and had ants in their pants, and weren't listening, and, well, you get the point. Thank goodness no one else was in there. We tried and tried to get them to calm down and we ended up leaving ten minutes into mass in a complete tizzy. Aiden was kicking and screaming the entire walk to the car. It was a very stressful car ride home and for the first time ever in my relationship with Jude, I called him EPT. Yes, for a tiny milli-second, he was acting like him. My heart sank after it came out my mouth and I quickly continued on with what I was saying. (Just goes to show you the memories I have with the ex.) Once we got home, all calmed down and Aiden and Jude are now napping together while Ro and I watch Handy Manny together. Cullen should be coming home soon and I look forward to the upcoming week with all three of my boys.
Ro and I hanging out in the chair watching tv

Taking pics with the built in webcam

Ro discovering himself on the computer from the webcam

Funny stuff

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This evening, we went to get snoballs from our favorite stand and had a nice family time. I think Cullen has grown a few inches over the past two weeks.

Sweet Home Louisiana day 8

We arrived to land on time and waited in the herd to escape to a cab.
We rushed to the house, only to realize we had no keys. As we sat out in the hot humid heat, waiting for Jude's dad to bring the house key to us, we realized life was back to the norm. But...
We were super excited to see our boys after!!!
We took them to a movie to see "Up" (which was super cute) and then took them to dinner at Acme.
We had a great day with our boys!

The Girlfriend Experience

Tonight, Jude and I went out for a date night. Yes, that is two weeks in a row:) (We are on FIRE!) I picked a movie from the local theater and we went to see it. It stunk! Do not go see "The Girlfriend Experience". When the lights came on, everyone was moaning, and not in a good GE way. After, we went to the FQ and decided to eat at a place where they had no lines, HOB. We really enjoyed our adult time at dinner. It was so nice to get some alone time with my honey bunny. I love him so.


Side note-I got my car back yesterday. Yayyyy!!!

Trouble the Water

Jude and I watched a movie tonight that was so good I had to share.
I fell in love with the couple in the film and all I wanted to see in the end is that they were making a better life for themselves. It shows you a side of New Orleans that you will never experience in your life. You HAVE to see this movie!

TROUBLE THE WATER
Below is the description from http://www.troublethewaterfilm.com/

Trouble the Water takes you inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. It's a redemptive tale of two self-described street hustlers who become heroes-two unforgettable people who survive the storm and then seize a chance for a new beginning.
The film opens the day before the storm makes landfall-twenty-four year old aspiring rap artist Kimberly Rivers Roberts is turning her new video camera on herself and her 9th Ward neighbors trapped in the city. "It's going to be a day to remember," Kim declares. With no means to leave the city and equipped with just a few supplies and her hi 8 camera, she and her husband Scott tape their harrowing ordeal as the storm rages, the nearby levee breaches, and floodwaters fill their home and their community.
Seamlessly weaving 15 minutes of this home movie footage shot the day before and the day after the storm, with archival news segments and verite footage shot over two years, directors Tia Lessin and Carl Deal document a journey of remarkable people surviving not only failed levees, bungling bureaucrats and armed soldiers, but also their own past.

Obsessed with date night

After all the daytime fun, it was time to do a date night with Jude. Paw Paw came over to babysit the kids and we went to eat at Zea's. After, we saw the movie "Obsessed". It was a good movie. Go see it!