7 years ago

On this day in 2004, I received this note when I went to pick up Jen for dinner at her apartment.  We were going to The Melting Pot and celebrating her acceptance into nursing school...or at least that is what she thought.

During dinner, she told me that we should definitely wait to get engaged/married until after nursing school so she can just focus on school.  After internally freaking out because her engagement ring was in my pocket, I decided to ignore that suggestion and ask her anyway.  I figured a diamond would change that tune real quick!!

After asking her to marry me and Jen responding with "I don't feel so good" I had to ask again...when she FINALLY said yes!  That was a pretty long 9 seconds if I have to be honest with you.  In her defense, after that initial conversation,  I think she was caught a little off guard.

Jen forgot all about saying that she wanted to wait as we called our parents to tell them the big news.  When Sissy found out, she yelled so loud in Middleton library that they asked her to leave!!!!!

That night was one if the best memories I have.  I am so thankful for my best friend and all the happiness she continues to bring me. 

I love you Jen.  Thanks for saying yes.

Mother's Day 2011

This is an uber special day in the Connison household.  These 5 dudes would be lost without our momma.  Everyday should be Mother's Day where Jen gets any and everything she wants.  She deserves that treatment WAY more than just once a year. 

For a special dinner, GaGa, Pops, Sissy and Uncle Doose came over and we had steak, shrimp, and chicken kabobs, bacon wrapped asparagus, and onion potatoes. Jen and I prepped everything while the dudes were napping. Jen topped it off with awesome fruit pizza.  It was delicious!

It was a really nice day to celebrate my wife, best friend, and best momma we could ever ask for. Thanks for all that you do for us.  We love you!

B, O, P, J, and B

The Next Top Food Toddler

On those occasions where Owen decides that he doesn’t feel like taking a nap, Jen puts his behind to work in the kitchen!!!

Note to Owen: Opt for the nap buddy, you will thank me later.

Surprise…you’re 30!

My wife is a liar. Jen told me that she didn’t have anything planned for my birthday. She said “I’m sorry, but when do you think that I would have had time to plan ANYthing?” (with quite a tone in her voice might I add). We had already discussed no surprises and I didn’t really want anything because I just wanted 30 to come and go and it not be that big of a deal.

I got home from work on Friday where I was surprised with my sister, her boyfriend, and MM and PP at the house. She got me, I didn’t expect that. The next day, we grabbed Ben and packed up a few adult beverages to peruse campus and see the sights for the Tennessee game while MM and PP watched the big kiddos. “Let’s go visit Katie and Rob over at the Parade Grounds first” she says…another lie. We walked up to a big tailgate filled with a bunch of my friends and food and the whole works – SURPRISE!!! She got me again. Jen was able to round up as many of my friends as she could and with the help of David and Regina, was able to pull it off. She must have also coordinated with LSU and God to have a home game with spectacular weather on my birthday. She is good, real GOOD.

We were out there tailgating for a while when we closed up shop to head to La Carreta to eat and watch the game (and have cookie cake). 4 quarters later, a ruckus ensued where LSU lost, then…SURPRISE, LSU won the game!! It might have been the most retarded 30 seconds I have ever seen in college football. I told you she was good, Jen wanted to give me that one last surprise on my birthday, an LSU win.

I said it in my last post, but I will say it again. She is amazing. Thanks so much Jen, for all your planning and everything else, and also my family and friends, I had a great 30th birthday!!

SAHM/Homemaker/Superwoman Extraordinaire

If Jen needed to write a résumé, this would be an appropriate job title, though I don’t think the last one does her enough justice.

Jen is amazing…AMAZING. She has the toughest job in the world and she seems to do it with ease. Jen’s 4 bosses are way more demanding, unreasonable, and unforgiving than mine. She handles them like a champion and I really don’t know how she does it. Regardless, she was meant for this job. Don’t get me wrong, she is a terrific wife and excellent nurse, but her mom-a-bilities are phenomenal.

I could elaborate on a hundred different instances of how she makes our lives better, but I will spare everyone the details. It boils down to this: I love that Jen stays home to raise our boys. Almost daily, I get different picture messages of them doing whatever they do all day and it is great knowing they get to spend all day with their Momma. I know it isn’t an easy job, but having Jen around is the best thing for those little dudes. I can’t thank her enough for all that she does and I want EVERYONE to know that she is the center of the universe for all 5 boys in our house.

We love our Momma and all that you do for us!
B, O, P, J, B

TFTA: Texts From This Afternoon

(225) A certain small turd informed me that he didn't feel like taking a nap today and instead would like to sit up in mommy's bed like ”prince charming”. What does this mean and WHO TAUGHT HIM THIS?

If only this was scripted.

Scene:

Jen and Owen are grocery shopping at Albertson’s. Jen is 8 months pregnant and Owen is almost 3 years old. They approach the cashier and place their things on the belt to be checked out.

Cashier: Well, how old are you?

Owen: Almost 3 (holding up 3 fingers).

Cashier: (Looking at Jen's preggo belly) That’s great, that is the perfect spacing between children.

Jen: Yeah, you should tell that to my 17 month old twins.

Cashier: Ooooooh guuuuurl, no you DIDN’T!!!!!

Juban’s

To celebrate our 4 year anniversary, Jen and I went to have dinner at Juban’s and had Dave wait on us. We haven’t been in a long time (for my 22nd or 23rd birthday I think) but it was fantastic and even better than I remembered. We got an oyster appetizer that was phenomenal, Jen ordered BBQ Crawfish and I got the Hallelujah Crab. I should have taken a picture of it because it just looks cool (update: pic on their website). It was an awesome meal, followed by Bananas Foster Cheesecake for dessert and a cup of coffee (can I go anywhere without getting a cup??).

A lot has changed in the past four years, but I am still married to my best friend who has brought me 3 (almost 4) beautiful children and a wonderful life. Our wedding day was one of the best times in my life and I would have never guessed that everything would have turned out this way so far, but I am so blessed that it has. I can’t thank Jen enough for being the best wife, mother and best friend that anyone could ever ask for. I love you Momma.

Kelly's Kids Warehouse Sale

Since clothing 3 (almost 4) children isn’t necessarily the cheapest thing in the world, Jen has become a master at finding a deal on the boys clothes. It “only makes sense” to spend $X.XX amount of dollars if she got a good deal. Sure it does Jen, sure it does…

This past weekend, Jen had the opportunity to attend a "pre-sale sale" for Kellys’ Kids. What the heck is that? Well, Jen’s cousin Katie, has a cousin whose husband bought a business from his mom and sister named Kelly…confused yet? I am and I know what I’m talking about. Anyway, this business is called Kelly’s Kids and they sell kids clothes. Twice a year, they have a warehouse sale where they allow a bunch of crazed women (and men I guess) into their warehouse to ravage their shelves for all things $5.99. So Jen was put “on the list” and somehow conned Emily to go with her (and all the kiddos) to Natchez, MS to get into there before the general public. A 2 hour drive and 20+ items later, Jen emerged successful from her conquest. Seriously, she wanted me to call in sick to work so she could go, but she was able to somehow bribe Emily into accompanying her. The clothes are real quality and of course Jen is an expert outfit-picker-outer so the dudes will be dressed to the nines.

Antoinette was busy with her last day of school on Friday so she was unable to make it to the pre-sale sale. The Melerines came up to BR and the ladies hopped back in the car and went back to Natchez to join the general public while Vincent and I stayed home to watch the kids. A few hours later, both Antoinette and Jen arrived back home each with 20+ items (for those of you that are counting, that is over 40 items and about 8 hours in the car for Connisonville). They came back with stories of crazed shoppers that were tossing clothes from here to there and pulling and arguing over shirts, etc. They actually were in line on Saturday morning complete with tailgate tents and coolers to wait for the doors to open at nine. Those people are crazy, it’s as simple as that.

Jen was diligent in making sure that she was buying stuff that Owen could wear today, and Parker and Jack would be able to wear next summer. Depending on what pops out on August 20th, this might have been a super successful trip to Natchez. With 40 items purchased at $5.99, it is still a lot of money, but the retail value of all of these things is worth approximately $30-50 a piece, meaning….We won’t be buying anything from Kelly’s kids at retail price when we can go to the sale!!!

Needless to say, in 6 months, Daddy has been instructed to take off of work that day so Jen can “save money.” I just have to love that woman and her ability to rationalize bargain shop.

"That's Mommy's car"

So I bit the bullet and did something that I NEVER thought I would do…I bought a minivan. Not just any minivan, a Honda Odyssey. Granted it is a “nice” minivan, but it is still a minivan. Jen is really happy with this new (used) purchase, but I just haven’t been able to accept it yet. Maybe I will come to terms with it with enough time. That is doubtful, considering I had to trade a significant portion of my manhood to acquire this vehicle. Seriously.

The reason for this purchase was simple…to make it easier to get everyone in and out of the car, with enough room to handle all of our stuff. The GMC Suburban wasn’t the easiest to get everyone in and out, but considering the amount of little children in our car, no car is “easy.” The Odyssey is really the only car that currently fits us. Anything with bucket seats didn’t really work (or won’t be easy in a few months. It has a bench seats, but is has the option of removing the middle portion (making them buckets) with the ability to move the two buckets together (no other minivan that we saw does this). This allows for easier access to the back were Jack and Owen sit. Owen is the far corner so he can climb in himself, but still needs some help buckling up, so you kind of have to climb in the car to accomplish this. These logistical issues are what you get when you have that many car seats!!!

Needless to say, everything is going to get a bit easier as everyone gets older and is able to be a bit more independent with getting in and out of the car. This is part of the reason that a minivan is acceptable, I know it is short term. I can see an end in sight. I can one day reclaim my manhood.

I don’t have the same issues getting all the boys in and out of the car that Jen has – baby Quatro is really hindering her ability to pick everyone up and put them where they go. I guess they don’t design cars thinking that most families will A) have 4 kids, B) have 4 kids so close together, and C) have 4 kids so close together and who will actually pack them up to go ANYWHERE.
So we traded in our GMC Acadia (which we really liked) and bought the Odyssey (which Momma really likes). Since Owen has had a recent obsession with cars, now whenever we see an Acadia, he says “That’s Mommy’s car.” Not anymore buddy, not anymore. We sold the Acadia and got a decent check to show for it so I guess I can't complain about that.

I really think Jen’s love for a minivan is solely based on this video:



PS – Owen is now requesting the “where my kids at” video and has started to learn the words…we have created a monster.

Happy Mother's Day from the boys

A little belated, but in honor of Mother’s Day, I am writing this post on behalf of each of the boys in the same way that Jen does to them.

Mommy, I love you so much. I love how you tell me “Guess What?” and I say, “I Love You.” I love how you tell me you are going to check on me when I’m in bed. I love how you go somewhere and make me feel better by telling me Mommy always comes back. I love to watch you from the window and say that’s mommy’s car. I love how you stay home with me every day and make me lunch and watch Sesame Street with me. I love how you read books with me and how we play outside. I love how you give me a chewy when I get a bobo and how you are always there for me. Thank you for everything. I love you Mommy!!
Love, O

Ma-Ma, I know I can’t talk very well right now, but I am trying. I can say Ma-Ma sometimes when I feel like it and before you know it, I am going to be calling you ALL THE TIME. I’m sure you remember that with Owen… he always says Mommeeeeeeeee and he told me that you will never get sick of it. Pretty soon I will be walking all over and you are not going to know what to do. I plan on running through the house just like my big brother and you are not even going to remember what quiet time was like. I love you so much – Thank you for being my Ma-Ma!!
Love, P

Ma-Ma, Parker pretty much summed it up but I wanted to add that you make us laugh a lot and we love playing with you. Reading books with you is really fun and you make P and I feel special in our own way. I can’t wait to play in the backyard with you this summer and have play dates with Aunt Katie, Mack, and Kevin. I know it was rough for a while with us chickens, but we are better boys because you stay home with us. We all survived year one and it is all because you sacrifice for us. I know you are the best nurse, but thanks for putting that aside for now and focusing on being the best mommy. I love you a lot!!!
Love, J

PS - Please don’t bring us through any more carwashes!!!

Mommy, I know I am not even born yet, but you are doing a fantastic job growing me. Thanks for the delicious Galatoire’s the other day. Seriously, who doesn’t love lump crabmeat? Sorry I am a surprise, but so were all my brothers so whatev. If I am another boy, I wonder if you are going to baby me since I will be the last one?? If I am a girl, I know we will have so much in common and I apologize in advance for my teen years. Anyway, thanks for all that you do for me and my brothers – you are a great baby maker and mother. I will see you soon enough after I am done baking!!!
Love, Baby in the Belly

NOLA Weekend

Jen and I enjoy each other’s company, apparently a little too much - hence the abundance of Connison children running around. Regardless, we do what we can to get away and have some time alone thanks to wonderful grandparents. They say that honeymoons are the reason for your first child and grandparents are the reason you have more kids!! When we got the chance, Jen was spontaneous and booked a hotel in NOLA for the two of us.

On Wednesday, we received a postcard in the mail that was advertising for $99 for two nights at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans. Of course, I was instantly skeptical and of course, Jen immediately called the number. Turns out it was for some presentation for a travel club and required you to sit through their presentation (90-120 minutes) and then you got some other free gifts. Sounded a bit too good to be true, but we went for it anyway. MawMaw and PawPaw were coming into town on Thursday and we had already had plans for Jen's birthday lunch at Galatoire’s on Friday, so it worked out perfectly.

We packed our bags and headed for the Astor after everyone was going to bed on Thursday. We were able to snag Case and Lea’s parking pass in the quarter and went to check in. After a number of phone calls and messages (that Jen didn’t check), we ended up finding out that we had to check in at a tourist booth on Canal. I dropped Jen off and learned we were about 15 away from losing the whole deal - I guess it was meant to be…

After walking the “2 blocks or so” (as Case put it) from the parking lot to the hotel, I met back up with Jen and we headed up to the room. Note to Casey: This is not 2 blocks. It really didn’t matter as it was still better than paying an arm and a leg to valet. Jen and I had a laugh because we are not used to the city life where you walk everywhere and I am sure that everything is “2 blocks or so.”

"Homer said it best, "Ooh, I'd sell my soul for a doughnut."

We made a plan to walk down Bourbon and make our way to Café Du Monde (probably 2 blocks or so, just kidding) for beignets and chocolate milk. I know what you are thinking…they serve coffee and you didn’t get any? Due to the humidity, hot coffee was out of the question. I know their frozen Café Au Lait is absolutely delicious but we both went with the chocolate milk anyway. No need to worry, we had already planned ahead to hit up PJ’s on Bourbon in the morning for our coffee fix.

After sleeping late (7:20a) and a coffee date, it was time to come back to the hotel, take showers, and get ready for lunch. Kaya was having her going away lunch and Jen and I were combining that with Jen’s early birthday lunch since we had MM and PP in town. Kaya has been at Galatoire’s since Jen was a hostess back in our pre-marriage/baby days, but she is leaving and headed to the Philippines for a while. Jen always says it was the most fun job she has ever had. She used to call me when they got slow on the weekends and I could usually guess how many sweet old fashioneds that Arnold “forced her to drink.” We made our way past the crowd in the lobby to our table and were immediately greeted to various wigs (Kaya’s themed lunch was Wigging Out and everyone was supposed to wear a wig). Case had a lovely hat that I modeled as I was the only guy at the table of 11 girls. I am not sure if I was supposed to be their pimp or gay friend, so I played both parts, complete with a hat and a wig.

Also known as Adam Lambert.

Jen looks amazing and I look like I belong in the '20's.

Soft-shell crab, creamed spinach, oysters en brochette, crawfish maison, whiskey sours, milk punch, Richards coffee, and 4.5 hours later, we finally finished lunch…at 4pm!! So we headed back to the hotel and changed clothes on the way to this wonderful vacation club sales pitch. Don’t buy it, don’t buy it, don't buy it, don’t let Jen buy it…was running through my head. It sure did sound like a wonderful plan; unfortunately, we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel when vacations and vacation budgets enter our world again. There were a number of jokes regarding baby sitters, 4 children in 3 years, etc so it wasn’t terribly hard to say no to the pitch…however, they sure did try by lowering the buy in, and making the monthly note affordable (yes, it required a financing option!!). Regardless, it surely isn’t for us right now and we were able to walk out of Canal Place with a $50 visa card and $25 gift certificate for breakfast the next morning. Sweet, the fat kid inside of me couldn’t wait until we eat again!!

On the way to the presentation, Jen spotted an Asian massage parlor…not that kind (at least I don’t think it was). They really spotted her and it doesn’t take too much convincing to get her to get a massage. She sat down for a foot massage and I was there for moral support…note to self: Asian massagers don’t give up easily. They were not happy until they were rubbing some part of me, so I got a scalp massage. Every bald guy needs one because it was pretty awesome and Jen was satisfied with her oily feet slipping and sliding out of her sandals as we left the place.

Still stuffed from lunch we lounged around the hotel until we decided to eat dinner. Palace Café it is…a short walk back down Canal (I had to stop Jen from visiting the Asian massage parlor again), and we sat for dinner. Jen was craving a salad so we each had a side salad as our main course. We did manage to split an oyster loaf appetizer and strawberry shortcake for desert, which pretty much made the meal. We stopped and watched the makeshift band on the corner of Bourbon and Canal hoopin’ it up to the crowd and we commented on the dancers in the middle of the street – “this is why tourists think this town is crazy.” Since our hotel was connected to the Bourbon House, I decided it was only fair to partake in a drink. Two words - Woodford Reserve. One more word – Delicious.

Then Saturday morning came so I hiked it back to the car while Jen finished getting ready and we went to breakfast. After a quick call to Casey to find out where the restaurant was, we knew it was on Decatur and of course it was “2 blocks or so.” I was worried. No need, it was only a block past her apartment so I secretly apologized to Case for doubting her. Breakfast was awesome and I want to go back now. For some reason, they loved us and were lobbying Jen and I to keep that as our “New Orleans breakfast place.” Casey confirmed they do that to everyone, so I felt a little less special after that but it was still awesome.

Back to Gaga and Pop’s house to drop Jen off where she was then headed to a surprise lunch/baby shower for Stephanie and I was on my way back to BR to see our dudes. Walking in the front door, I saw Jack in MM’s arms and he started to get excited to see me, then Parker caught my eye as well. They were even cuter than when we left them and I was glad to see them. Owen on the other hand says “I gotta take a rest. Don’t worry, we’ll play later. I gotta go read some books and then go to bed.” And he ran into his room with PP and took a nap. Wow, I didn’t expect that one; I guess he grew up a lot while we were gone.

Thanks to MawMaw and PawPaw for letting us get away enjoy and remember why we have the life we do - with ALL those kids. It was great to hang out with my best friend like old times and I fell in love with her all over again. I thought was funny was that MM and PP felt “safe” that they could leave Jen and I alone - because there was no chance for us to have another baby!! Thanks for the vote of confidence…

In case you are keeping track for the weekend, this was how we ate our way through New Orleans:

1. Café Du Monde
2. PJ’s Coffee
3. Galatoire’s
4. Palace Café
5. The Bar at Bourbon House
6. Magnolia Grill

The Mardi Gras Mambo

A bit delayed, here is our Mardi Gras adventure.

After a number of us were sick the week before, I finally decided that I needed to go to urgent care last Saturday morning because we would be in NOLA until Mardi Gras Day. I needed something to kick to gunk that I had so after 1:15 minues, I finally got a steroid shot and some antibiotics and I was feeling like a million bucks. Due to this lengthy wait, we missed the day parades on Saturday but were determined to make them on Sunday with the kiddos. We gathered all our gear (and kids) and headed to St. Charles to catch Mid City, and Toth. It wasn't the best planning on our part, so P and J stayed in the car this time due to the poor nap situations. It wasn't lengthy, but it was just enough for Owen to get excited about the parades. He did a great job of yelling "Throw me something...MIS-TER!!!" Not sure why he liked to pause halfway, but that is how he rolls...

After that short stint, and a long nap back at home, Jen and I decided to bring him back out for Bacchus. This was only possible due to leaving the ladder with Sissy and her friends and Pops dropping us off a block from St. Charles. Owen had a blast, the parade started and he was a little bit standoffish with all the people, lights, and noise, but he got accustomed pretty quickly. He liked the big gorilla that everyone throws beads at, the horses, and the bands. He was a dancing machine up on the ladder. We wanted to catch Drew Brees which we did and stayed for about 10 floats. Sissy's friends kept catching some good stuffed animals and throws and gave them to Owen. He loved it. It was getting late for the O-man, and we finally decided that it would be a good time to leave so we had Pops meet us for the pickup. Well, this didn't go as smoothly as planned. There were more people out there than I had ever seen for Bacchus. It was incredible. We had to walk a few blocks to meet him, me carrying the ladder and Jen carrying Owen, but we finally were rescued. All in all, it was worth it but it sure was interesting managing our way through those big crowds.

On Mardi Gras Day, we went out to catch Rex by the usual spot at Cannon's. This was much easier to manuever this time, with the ability to park the suburban on St. Charles while we unloaded the ladder, wagon, and all the dudes. It was a bit chilly when we first got out there, but it was a gorgeous day. There are some Holy Namers that we got to meet up with along with the Francioni's and their twins. Jen and I strapped up Park and Jack in the backpacks and went walking. Soon enough they were both out as we cruised up and down the street taking in all the sites. Owen hung back in the ladder again with GaGa and Pops. With that little nap, we made it through Rex, and part of the truck parades from 9:45 until 12:30. It was great to take everyone out, they love being outside and we like being out of the house!!

Figures that our camera battery was dead and GaGa just lost hers, so there are only a few phone pics that came out...

Jen and Owen on the new Dietz ladder

Owen and Pops catching beads

Owen and GaGa

Parker snoozin in the Snugli

Jack cruisin in the Snugli

GaGa and the boys enjoying some Cheerios

Bless You Boys!

As if we didn't love the guy already, this is just priceless.

So the New Orleans Saints did it...Super Bowl Champions!!!!

Jen and I have never been diehard fans, but we are supporters of the team. We watch the games and of course cheer for them, but we don't live and die with the Saints like other fans. We have always been bigger fans of the city of New Orleans and all that the city represents. It is Jen's hometown, and if you know anything about a New Orleans girl, that is something that never goes away. I know she will never be far from "home." We have discussed, debated, and pondered a move to NOLA many times, but it just isn't the right time now.

Now with Drew Brees and a Super Bowl win for the Saints, Jen has starting pitching the idea again..."If we move home to New Orleans, Parker and Jack will be in the same grade as Drew Brees's son. They can all play football together and we can all be friends with the Brees family." She actually thought this out in her head and it made 100% sense. This is one of the reasons that I love her, she's Crazy with a capital C.

Come to think of it, I should probably start looking for a house along a parade route...

Why I'm glad we don't have an IKEA in Louisiana.

Mom, put down the credit card...

IKEA. Another glorious reason to visit MawMaw and PawPaw in SC. It's about 40 minutes away on the north side of Charlotte, but well worth the drive. When you don't have one close, you forget the awesomeness in that big blue building.

It actually wasn't that bad, considering that Jen is a homemaker that doesn't get out much to shop anymore, it could have proven disasterous for our bank account. We both walked around that monstrosity of a building saying "when the boys get older we should get _____" Needless to say, I fear the next visit to SC. Jen "got some really good deals" on some bedding and whatnot for Owen (at least that is what she tells me). Note that Owen is still in his crib and will probably stay there until he is 12 as long as he is not trying to climb out. But when he is in a big boy bed...he is covered (literally)!!

IKEA has some quality stuff that looks nice and its relatively cheap. This is key becuase we have 3 boys so I'm pretty sure they will eventually destroy our entire house and we will have to replace all of our stuff and start from scratch. Thanks in advance boys for helping satisfy your mom's shopping habit.