Friday, August 31, 2007
The Hanging Tooth
Hey, Girls. Thanks for all your kind words regarding my little mini breakdown. I am feeling much better this morning.
Yesterday I woke determined that it would be a better day. My two oldest boys each had dental appointments, at different offices, at 10:30am. Great planning on my part. Luckily the offices were only a few blocks apart so it all worked out.
I don't think I ever told you all about Zach's (15) little accident. He and his Dad had gone down to the baseball field one Saturday afternoon, around a month ago, for some infield practice. I was out by the pool watching the other kids when about 30 minutes after they left, they reappeared.
My sweet husband comes up to me and says "We had a little incident". Here I am thinking something happened to the car. I ask if they are OK when I get a glimpse of my oldest son standing before me with blood all over his face. It seems the ball took a bad hop and hit Zach hard in the mouth, knocking out the two teeth next to his front tooth on the right side of his face.
Well, I freaked out. He had just gotten his braces off and now he had knocked out two of his teeth. They weren't actually all the way out, just hanging there by a thread.
I promptly call the orthodontist who actually picked up his cell phone on a Sunday afternoon. I was so impressed. He tells me to call his friend, the oral surgeon, and see what he thinks I should do. He gives me the name of his friend and I realize we know this family also. Our boys had gone to school together.
So, having their home number I call and leave a message. His wife calls me back really quick asking what the emergency is and what is wrong with Zach. I tell her the whole story which she relays to her husband, the oral surgeon, who's name is Art.
She tells me that Art would have me bring Zach over to the office but they were bowling....in MARYLAND. There sons play hockey and they had a tournament all the way across the country in Maryland. She was calling me from the bowling alley.
Art gets on the phone and tells me to have Zach put the teeth back into place (it seems once swelling sets in you cant get them back in) and to go to the Emergency room of the hospital about 30 miles away. Not the emergency room in our town. They don't have a good oral surgeon on call. Ain't that cute?
After I get off the phone with Art I realize I can't go the emergency room he told me to. I forgot we had switched to an HMO last January and I couldn't just go where ever I wanted. So, Dave decides to take him to the ER at our HMO. The doctor looks at him, and by then the teeth had set back in, and though there was some swelling, this doctor thought they were OK.
Our wonderful orthodontist calls us back that night to find out what had happened. I tell him what Art said and what we actually did. His office is closed in the morning but he wants to look at Zach himself (since Art couldn't) and make sure everything is really OK. He goes into his office Monday morning at 7:00am and Dave meets him their with Zach. He agrees that Zach did a really good job of placing the teeth back where they should be and they seemed to have attached back really well. He tells them the tooth may be dead so we need to get an x-ray asap to check on that. If it is he will need a root canal. If the tooth starts to hurt definitely go see the dentist.
Zach said the tooth felt fine and I put it on my "To Do" list to go and get the tooth x-rayed.
The only problem was that my child had a baseball tournament all week in another town and was never home for me to take him. After that we all just kind of forgot about it. Everything seemed to be OK.
Until the morning Zach came in to me and said that his tooth was really hurting. Had been hurting for a while. Whey didn't you tell me when it first started to hurt? I didn't want to go to the dentist. Great.
I call the dentist, who is on vacation. They tell me to take him right on over to the endodontist who will see him immediately. I take him in. He needs a root canal. Not only that, his tooth has now died, and is discolored. Just what we had been warned may happen if we didn't get it taken care of.
Thankfully, we have wonderful dental insurance which paid for his root canal 100%. The only problem was that his tooth was now brown, not white. The cost to make it white again was going to be $250.00. Ouch.
Does a boy really need to have white teeth? I mean who would really notice. Well, everyone. Hubby told me to go ahead an have it whitened.
This is why he had a dentist appointment yesterday. He was getting the whitening finished up. They drilled a hole in his tooth, but the bleaching solution in there, and then the tooth whitens from the inside out. Very interesting I thought.
Yesterday, they had to take the bleach out, and I then need to take him back to the regular dentist to get a filling in the tooth where they drilled the little hole for the bleach.
On our way home Zach is complaining to me about how much it hurt. How they shot fire into his mouth. On and on he went. I had no choice. I had to remind him that he would not have had to go through the bleaching process if he had just told me when his tooth first started to hurt. Also, I would have saved $250.00.
He didn't complain for the rest of the day.
I guess the point of this story is that while I was waiting for Zach to get finished I was thinking about how Blessed our family truly is. Even though we live in a town with over 200,000 people it still feels like a small town where people really care about each other.
From the Orthodontist who came in on his day off to check him, free of charge, to our friends who were willing to drop everything to check on our first born. If only they hadn't been thousands of miles away.
My family is healthy, we have good friends, a home to live in, and my husband has a good job that he loves. What more could I really ask for?
God has really been talking to me over the last few day's about my attitude and it hasn't been pretty.
So, today I am counting my many blessings, trying not to sweat the small stuff which really has no eternal consequence, and being the best servant of our Lord that I can possibly be.
Happy Friday!
Yesterday I woke determined that it would be a better day. My two oldest boys each had dental appointments, at different offices, at 10:30am. Great planning on my part. Luckily the offices were only a few blocks apart so it all worked out.
I don't think I ever told you all about Zach's (15) little accident. He and his Dad had gone down to the baseball field one Saturday afternoon, around a month ago, for some infield practice. I was out by the pool watching the other kids when about 30 minutes after they left, they reappeared.
My sweet husband comes up to me and says "We had a little incident". Here I am thinking something happened to the car. I ask if they are OK when I get a glimpse of my oldest son standing before me with blood all over his face. It seems the ball took a bad hop and hit Zach hard in the mouth, knocking out the two teeth next to his front tooth on the right side of his face.
Well, I freaked out. He had just gotten his braces off and now he had knocked out two of his teeth. They weren't actually all the way out, just hanging there by a thread.
I promptly call the orthodontist who actually picked up his cell phone on a Sunday afternoon. I was so impressed. He tells me to call his friend, the oral surgeon, and see what he thinks I should do. He gives me the name of his friend and I realize we know this family also. Our boys had gone to school together.
So, having their home number I call and leave a message. His wife calls me back really quick asking what the emergency is and what is wrong with Zach. I tell her the whole story which she relays to her husband, the oral surgeon, who's name is Art.
She tells me that Art would have me bring Zach over to the office but they were bowling....in MARYLAND. There sons play hockey and they had a tournament all the way across the country in Maryland. She was calling me from the bowling alley.
Art gets on the phone and tells me to have Zach put the teeth back into place (it seems once swelling sets in you cant get them back in) and to go to the Emergency room of the hospital about 30 miles away. Not the emergency room in our town. They don't have a good oral surgeon on call. Ain't that cute?
After I get off the phone with Art I realize I can't go the emergency room he told me to. I forgot we had switched to an HMO last January and I couldn't just go where ever I wanted. So, Dave decides to take him to the ER at our HMO. The doctor looks at him, and by then the teeth had set back in, and though there was some swelling, this doctor thought they were OK.
Our wonderful orthodontist calls us back that night to find out what had happened. I tell him what Art said and what we actually did. His office is closed in the morning but he wants to look at Zach himself (since Art couldn't) and make sure everything is really OK. He goes into his office Monday morning at 7:00am and Dave meets him their with Zach. He agrees that Zach did a really good job of placing the teeth back where they should be and they seemed to have attached back really well. He tells them the tooth may be dead so we need to get an x-ray asap to check on that. If it is he will need a root canal. If the tooth starts to hurt definitely go see the dentist.
Zach said the tooth felt fine and I put it on my "To Do" list to go and get the tooth x-rayed.
The only problem was that my child had a baseball tournament all week in another town and was never home for me to take him. After that we all just kind of forgot about it. Everything seemed to be OK.
Until the morning Zach came in to me and said that his tooth was really hurting. Had been hurting for a while. Whey didn't you tell me when it first started to hurt? I didn't want to go to the dentist. Great.
I call the dentist, who is on vacation. They tell me to take him right on over to the endodontist who will see him immediately. I take him in. He needs a root canal. Not only that, his tooth has now died, and is discolored. Just what we had been warned may happen if we didn't get it taken care of.
Thankfully, we have wonderful dental insurance which paid for his root canal 100%. The only problem was that his tooth was now brown, not white. The cost to make it white again was going to be $250.00. Ouch.
Does a boy really need to have white teeth? I mean who would really notice. Well, everyone. Hubby told me to go ahead an have it whitened.
This is why he had a dentist appointment yesterday. He was getting the whitening finished up. They drilled a hole in his tooth, but the bleaching solution in there, and then the tooth whitens from the inside out. Very interesting I thought.
Yesterday, they had to take the bleach out, and I then need to take him back to the regular dentist to get a filling in the tooth where they drilled the little hole for the bleach.
On our way home Zach is complaining to me about how much it hurt. How they shot fire into his mouth. On and on he went. I had no choice. I had to remind him that he would not have had to go through the bleaching process if he had just told me when his tooth first started to hurt. Also, I would have saved $250.00.
He didn't complain for the rest of the day.
I guess the point of this story is that while I was waiting for Zach to get finished I was thinking about how Blessed our family truly is. Even though we live in a town with over 200,000 people it still feels like a small town where people really care about each other.
From the Orthodontist who came in on his day off to check him, free of charge, to our friends who were willing to drop everything to check on our first born. If only they hadn't been thousands of miles away.
My family is healthy, we have good friends, a home to live in, and my husband has a good job that he loves. What more could I really ask for?
God has really been talking to me over the last few day's about my attitude and it hasn't been pretty.
So, today I am counting my many blessings, trying not to sweat the small stuff which really has no eternal consequence, and being the best servant of our Lord that I can possibly be.
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Why Am I Singing The Blues?
For the past few days I have been feeling a little overwhelmed...OK, A lot Overwhelmed.
I don't know what is wrong with me.
I am usually a glass is half full type of person but lately I have been feeling a lot more like the glass is half empty.
I want to stay in my bathrobe all day, lock my bedroom door, and not talk to anyone.
Not exactly practical for a mother of five.
The house is a mess, I can't seem to keep up with the clutter, which drives me absolutely INSANE.
I think this all started when Garrett went back to school last week and the other kids were still at home on the "it's still summer schedule".
I need them all to go back to school.
So I can clean my house from top to bottom and regain some order.
Those of you who are home schoolers I am in awe of you. I love my children more than anything in this world but if they do not go back to school soon you may have to lock me in a padded room for a while.
I think they feel my need for some time to myself. I heard them whispering to each other that something was wrong with Mom. I feel so guilty even writing those words down.
Mom's should not need time to themselves. We should always be happy, sweet, kind, and lovingly available.
Shouldn't we?
Well, I have a confession to make. I am only human. I need my kids to go away for a few hours.
I seriously think I am starting to lose my mind. I had to solve a simple subtraction problem yesterday while paying some bills and it took me a full 30 seconds to remember how to subtract four digit numbers. What is up with that? I had a major panic attack thinking I was encountering an early Alzheimer's symptom.
Perhaps it is just a sign of exhaustion.
I have never had my kids home all summer. We have always been on a year round schedule. Three months on, one month off. I loved it. Just when the kids were getting a little bored they could go back to school. When you get tired of homework, it is time for another break. I love love love this schedule.
I will never have that schedule again now that I have High Schoolers.
Oh, well. I know they will go back to school next week and within a few days I will be missing them like crazy and wondering what I was complaining about.
I usually love my kids being home with me and dread them going back to school. That is why I really do not understand what has come over me.
I hope I wake up in the morning feeling like my old self. This new person...I really do not like her.
I hope she goes away soon.
Thanks for listening.
I don't know what is wrong with me.
I am usually a glass is half full type of person but lately I have been feeling a lot more like the glass is half empty.
I want to stay in my bathrobe all day, lock my bedroom door, and not talk to anyone.
Not exactly practical for a mother of five.
The house is a mess, I can't seem to keep up with the clutter, which drives me absolutely INSANE.
I think this all started when Garrett went back to school last week and the other kids were still at home on the "it's still summer schedule".
I need them all to go back to school.
So I can clean my house from top to bottom and regain some order.
Those of you who are home schoolers I am in awe of you. I love my children more than anything in this world but if they do not go back to school soon you may have to lock me in a padded room for a while.
I think they feel my need for some time to myself. I heard them whispering to each other that something was wrong with Mom. I feel so guilty even writing those words down.
Mom's should not need time to themselves. We should always be happy, sweet, kind, and lovingly available.
Shouldn't we?
Well, I have a confession to make. I am only human. I need my kids to go away for a few hours.
I seriously think I am starting to lose my mind. I had to solve a simple subtraction problem yesterday while paying some bills and it took me a full 30 seconds to remember how to subtract four digit numbers. What is up with that? I had a major panic attack thinking I was encountering an early Alzheimer's symptom.
Perhaps it is just a sign of exhaustion.
I have never had my kids home all summer. We have always been on a year round schedule. Three months on, one month off. I loved it. Just when the kids were getting a little bored they could go back to school. When you get tired of homework, it is time for another break. I love love love this schedule.
I will never have that schedule again now that I have High Schoolers.
Oh, well. I know they will go back to school next week and within a few days I will be missing them like crazy and wondering what I was complaining about.
I usually love my kids being home with me and dread them going back to school. That is why I really do not understand what has come over me.
I hope I wake up in the morning feeling like my old self. This new person...I really do not like her.
I hope she goes away soon.
Thanks for listening.
Labels: Mom Stuff
Monday, August 27, 2007
Our New Fury Friend
Tyler turned 14 a week ago Friday. He got lots of cash and spent the better part of last week deciding what he could buy with his big windfall.
Hours were spent online looking at the newest game systems, paint ball and air soft guns, and assorted other items.
I suggested that he save the money in his bank account. To which I was rewarded with one of those "Oh please Mom" looks.
A couple of days ago we were in the local pet store and he spotted this really fancy bunny hutch. Tyler loves all animals and he especially loved our Rabbits until there death a few years ago.
He asked his Dad and I if he could buy the Rabbit house and get himself a new bunny? We agreed as long as he took "sole" responsibility for the rabbits care and well being.
I will also add that we made him wait a couple of days to really think about it. I wanted to make sure this wasn't an impulsive decision.
Yesterday after Church he said he still really wanted to get a rabbit. So off the whole family went to buy the bunny house.
Then we had to find the perfect bunny.
We found a breeder not to far from our house. She had an exotic bird farm with all kinds of animals that I had never seen before. That is a post all in itself.
Anyway, he fell in love with this cute little six week old bunny. He is a lions mane bunny. He has a puffy mane just like a lion and he is oh so very cute. His name is either Simba or Peanut. Tyler can't decide.
Here are Garrett, Samantha, and Tyler with the new bunny.
Samantha loves the fact that Tyler lets her brush its hair. The bunny seems to like it too!
This morning Samantha and I helped him put a coat of Thompson's weather proofing wood seal on his new purchase. Here they are working away.
Paige decided she wanted to live in the little house with the bunny. I am sure her brother's wouldn't mind locking her in there every once in a while.
I must say this little bunny is going to live like a king.
I guess that is only fitting for a bunny named after the King of the Forrest.
Hours were spent online looking at the newest game systems, paint ball and air soft guns, and assorted other items.
I suggested that he save the money in his bank account. To which I was rewarded with one of those "Oh please Mom" looks.
A couple of days ago we were in the local pet store and he spotted this really fancy bunny hutch. Tyler loves all animals and he especially loved our Rabbits until there death a few years ago.
He asked his Dad and I if he could buy the Rabbit house and get himself a new bunny? We agreed as long as he took "sole" responsibility for the rabbits care and well being.
I will also add that we made him wait a couple of days to really think about it. I wanted to make sure this wasn't an impulsive decision.
Yesterday after Church he said he still really wanted to get a rabbit. So off the whole family went to buy the bunny house.
Then we had to find the perfect bunny.
We found a breeder not to far from our house. She had an exotic bird farm with all kinds of animals that I had never seen before. That is a post all in itself.
Anyway, he fell in love with this cute little six week old bunny. He is a lions mane bunny. He has a puffy mane just like a lion and he is oh so very cute. His name is either Simba or Peanut. Tyler can't decide.
Here are Garrett, Samantha, and Tyler with the new bunny.
Samantha loves the fact that Tyler lets her brush its hair. The bunny seems to like it too!This morning Samantha and I helped him put a coat of Thompson's weather proofing wood seal on his new purchase. Here they are working away.
Paige decided she wanted to live in the little house with the bunny. I am sure her brother's wouldn't mind locking her in there every once in a while.
I must say this little bunny is going to live like a king.
I guess that is only fitting for a bunny named after the King of the Forrest.
Labels: Pets
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Happy Days Are Here Again....
Today was the first day of Winter Baseball. My hubby was SOOOOO happy. He almost skipped down the stairs this morning.
He's the manager of Garrett's team. They are the Yankees this year. This is very unsettling for the Yankee hating Red Sox fans who also live in our home. The things we must endure.
Only my deep and abiding love for my child could get me through actually having to root for a Yankee team. Somehow we all survived. The kids did great and more importantly had a fantastic time.
Garrett is just as excited as his Daddy. They are like two pea's in a pod. Very sweet.
In other news I won the book Cant Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg from Heidi a few weeks ago and am hopefully going to start reading it this weekend. I can't wait.
I heard from the out of control Mercedes owner. It seems it cost her $200.00 to get the little scratch fixed on her car. I was pretty sure they could just buff it out, she said they couldn't. I asked to see the bill from the repair shop. She is sending it to me.
Paige now loves school. When I dropped her off last Thursday we were a little early so had to wait outside the gate. She kept banging on the gate saying "let me in" and "I'm Here". She cried when I picked her up. She didn't want to leave. I am so thrilled.
Well, I guess I better go. I've been sitting here typing and yelling at the kids to leave me alone. Paige just came over to me, put her hands over my mouth and said, Shhhh mommy. No Yell.
I guess I should go give my little blessings some attention.
Have a great weekend.
He's the manager of Garrett's team. They are the Yankees this year. This is very unsettling for the Yankee hating Red Sox fans who also live in our home. The things we must endure.
Only my deep and abiding love for my child could get me through actually having to root for a Yankee team. Somehow we all survived. The kids did great and more importantly had a fantastic time.
Garrett is just as excited as his Daddy. They are like two pea's in a pod. Very sweet.
In other news I won the book Cant Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg from Heidi a few weeks ago and am hopefully going to start reading it this weekend. I can't wait.
I heard from the out of control Mercedes owner. It seems it cost her $200.00 to get the little scratch fixed on her car. I was pretty sure they could just buff it out, she said they couldn't. I asked to see the bill from the repair shop. She is sending it to me.
Paige now loves school. When I dropped her off last Thursday we were a little early so had to wait outside the gate. She kept banging on the gate saying "let me in" and "I'm Here". She cried when I picked her up. She didn't want to leave. I am so thrilled.
Well, I guess I better go. I've been sitting here typing and yelling at the kids to leave me alone. Paige just came over to me, put her hands over my mouth and said, Shhhh mommy. No Yell.
I guess I should go give my little blessings some attention.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Hi, My name is Julie, and I seem to have an addiction
I have been so behind on laundry that this last weekend I did 12 loads and still could not see the tile on my bathroom floor.
Who do all these clothes belong to?
When I started folding and putting things away I discovered something I was unaware of. I am one of the major culprits in the over abundance of laundry in this house.
I have a little dresser in my closet where I keep all my pajama's. I love pj's. Soft and cotton. As I was folding and putting away I discovered I had no where near enough room in that dresser for all my pj's.
I decided to clean out the drawers.
You know what I found?
Twenty four pairs of pj's. Who needs that many? I seem to have a problem. Other women love shoes. I love pj's.
Most of the pajama's were not even old. I could only part with a few items.
I like to wear a new fresh pair of pj's each night. So, with my regular clothes and my pj's (not even adding in any pool attire) that is 14 outfits a week just for me.
Now, in my defense when my boys started getting older and I had all these boy/men and their friends traipsing about my house all the time I thought I should get some nice lounging pajama's and probably not wear my normal little t-shirts.
So, you see, this whole thing started out quite innocently.
Have I also told you that I take my kids to school in my pj's. When you have cute ones you don't really have to worry about getting dressed in the morning.
My sister bought me a nice new pair for my birthday. She said she didn't want the kids to be embarrassed by their pj wearing mom.
My mom is aghast at this. She got up every morning, did her hair, put on makeup and real clothing, and then left the house.
I always think I am such a disappointment to her in this area. Of course, she always says's I am not.
My mom thinks I am wonderful even if I do have a strange addiction and refuse to put on real clothing before 9:00am.
So, if there any other pj wearing, slow to get started in the morning mom's and grandma's (or singles or just marrieds) out there please let me know.
Us pj wearing folks need to stick together.
Who do all these clothes belong to?
When I started folding and putting things away I discovered something I was unaware of. I am one of the major culprits in the over abundance of laundry in this house.
I have a little dresser in my closet where I keep all my pajama's. I love pj's. Soft and cotton. As I was folding and putting away I discovered I had no where near enough room in that dresser for all my pj's.
I decided to clean out the drawers.
You know what I found?
Twenty four pairs of pj's. Who needs that many? I seem to have a problem. Other women love shoes. I love pj's.
Most of the pajama's were not even old. I could only part with a few items.
I like to wear a new fresh pair of pj's each night. So, with my regular clothes and my pj's (not even adding in any pool attire) that is 14 outfits a week just for me.
Now, in my defense when my boys started getting older and I had all these boy/men and their friends traipsing about my house all the time I thought I should get some nice lounging pajama's and probably not wear my normal little t-shirts.
So, you see, this whole thing started out quite innocently.
Have I also told you that I take my kids to school in my pj's. When you have cute ones you don't really have to worry about getting dressed in the morning.
My sister bought me a nice new pair for my birthday. She said she didn't want the kids to be embarrassed by their pj wearing mom.
My mom is aghast at this. She got up every morning, did her hair, put on makeup and real clothing, and then left the house.
I always think I am such a disappointment to her in this area. Of course, she always says's I am not.
My mom thinks I am wonderful even if I do have a strange addiction and refuse to put on real clothing before 9:00am.
So, if there any other pj wearing, slow to get started in the morning mom's and grandma's (or singles or just marrieds) out there please let me know.
Us pj wearing folks need to stick together.
Labels: Girl stuff
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Our Adoption Journey Has Changed Course
A lot has been happening around our house over the past few weeks regarding our adoption journey.
Our adoption application has been approved and we received the "big packet" in the mail with all the paperwork and directions to guide us through this exciting journey.
Needless to say my desk is overflowing with forms, folders, and notes. I am just trying to keep it all organized right now. We have a great agency rep who is working with us. He is truly a God send.
In other news...we changed our adoption application from Russia to Ethiopia.
I won't go into detail about why we decided to switch. Just that it felt completely right and our family is very excited about the new addition to our family.
To say I am overjoyed would be an understatement. I have had that excited feeling in the bottom of my stomach for a month. I feel like I did when I found out I was pregnant with the other children. Very very happy.
So, the paper pregnancy has begun. I pray it will not take to long to complete. We all know how patient I am.
Now, I'm off to have a piece of cake and some ice cream. It has been calling my name all day.
Haven't you heard? I'm expecting. My cravings have already begun.
Our adoption application has been approved and we received the "big packet" in the mail with all the paperwork and directions to guide us through this exciting journey.
Needless to say my desk is overflowing with forms, folders, and notes. I am just trying to keep it all organized right now. We have a great agency rep who is working with us. He is truly a God send.
In other news...we changed our adoption application from Russia to Ethiopia.
I won't go into detail about why we decided to switch. Just that it felt completely right and our family is very excited about the new addition to our family.
To say I am overjoyed would be an understatement. I have had that excited feeling in the bottom of my stomach for a month. I feel like I did when I found out I was pregnant with the other children. Very very happy.
So, the paper pregnancy has begun. I pray it will not take to long to complete. We all know how patient I am.
Now, I'm off to have a piece of cake and some ice cream. It has been calling my name all day.
Haven't you heard? I'm expecting. My cravings have already begun.
Labels: Adoption
Friday, August 17, 2007
Our Little Escape Artist
My four year old is exhausting me. She wants to be outside ALL THE TIME.
Sometimes us Moms have things to do inside. Like laundry or cook a meal. She will have none of that.
Puzzles? Please, way to boring. Quite time. No Way. There are bugs to catch and swings to swing on. Outside is the place for her.
Hubby had to put one of those chain locks, up high, on the back door to keep her in. She figured out she could put a chair in front of the door and open the lock. He is moving it up higher today.
She recently has figured out how to open the dead bolt on the front door. I almost cried when I figured out she could do this.
We went and bought another chain lock to put on the front door to keep her in. Unfortunately neither hubby or I have taken the time to put it up.
Until today when were shamed by our neighbors into actually securing our home.
This is how the week has gone.
Garrett (8) is the only one is school right now. I take him around 8:00am and usually all of the kids are still asleep. If Paige is still asleep I leave her in her bed and let one of the kids know I am leaving for a few minutes.
On Monday when I drove back onto our street my sweet neighbor was walking said four year old back across the street. It seems she had woken up in the 4 minutes I was actually gone, took the lock off the door, and went across the street to ask where her mother was? Why she didn't just go into one of her siblings bedrooms is beyond me. But she didn't.
I felt the big L emerging onto my forehead for "LOSER PARENT OF THE YEAR" when my neighbor and her husband asked who was suppose to be watching Paige while I was gone? (Did I mention I was only gone a few minutes?)
Anyway, this really scared me and needless to say I started waking her up and taking her with us for the morning drop off.
Now, I should probably tell you that since neither hubby or myself had gotten the new locks on the front door this week I was using the living room couch to block the door. Hey, it isn't pretty but it worked.
This morning when we got home I went to put the couch in front of the door and discovered one of the kids had slept their last night. Not wanting to wake him I just left the couch there figuring I was home and could watch her to make sure she did not escape.
Oh, what a fool I was.
A little while later while sitting in the family room talking with Tyler (14) I hear a sweet voice come into my home. "Julie, I have brought your daughter home again."
I turned white for before me was my little Paige, buck naked, leaves she had collected out front in her hand, smiling sweetly at her mama, while holding the hand of my understandably disturbed neighbor.
"You know, you really need to put a better lock on your door. Someone could have just driven up and taken her".
The L for loser is now across my entire body.
However, as of a few minutes ago we have a lock on the front door that even Fort Knox would be proud of.
I will be having the neighbors over later to inspect the fine craftsmanship. Just so they can be assured no naked four year olds will be showing up on their front porches any time soon.
Sometimes us Moms have things to do inside. Like laundry or cook a meal. She will have none of that.
Puzzles? Please, way to boring. Quite time. No Way. There are bugs to catch and swings to swing on. Outside is the place for her.
Hubby had to put one of those chain locks, up high, on the back door to keep her in. She figured out she could put a chair in front of the door and open the lock. He is moving it up higher today.
She recently has figured out how to open the dead bolt on the front door. I almost cried when I figured out she could do this.
We went and bought another chain lock to put on the front door to keep her in. Unfortunately neither hubby or I have taken the time to put it up.
Until today when were shamed by our neighbors into actually securing our home.
This is how the week has gone.
Garrett (8) is the only one is school right now. I take him around 8:00am and usually all of the kids are still asleep. If Paige is still asleep I leave her in her bed and let one of the kids know I am leaving for a few minutes.
On Monday when I drove back onto our street my sweet neighbor was walking said four year old back across the street. It seems she had woken up in the 4 minutes I was actually gone, took the lock off the door, and went across the street to ask where her mother was? Why she didn't just go into one of her siblings bedrooms is beyond me. But she didn't.
I felt the big L emerging onto my forehead for "LOSER PARENT OF THE YEAR" when my neighbor and her husband asked who was suppose to be watching Paige while I was gone? (Did I mention I was only gone a few minutes?)
Anyway, this really scared me and needless to say I started waking her up and taking her with us for the morning drop off.
Now, I should probably tell you that since neither hubby or myself had gotten the new locks on the front door this week I was using the living room couch to block the door. Hey, it isn't pretty but it worked.
This morning when we got home I went to put the couch in front of the door and discovered one of the kids had slept their last night. Not wanting to wake him I just left the couch there figuring I was home and could watch her to make sure she did not escape.
Oh, what a fool I was.
A little while later while sitting in the family room talking with Tyler (14) I hear a sweet voice come into my home. "Julie, I have brought your daughter home again."
I turned white for before me was my little Paige, buck naked, leaves she had collected out front in her hand, smiling sweetly at her mama, while holding the hand of my understandably disturbed neighbor.
"You know, you really need to put a better lock on your door. Someone could have just driven up and taken her".
The L for loser is now across my entire body.
However, as of a few minutes ago we have a lock on the front door that even Fort Knox would be proud of.
I will be having the neighbors over later to inspect the fine craftsmanship. Just so they can be assured no naked four year olds will be showing up on their front porches any time soon.
Labels: kids
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Beach Day
Yesterday our family spent an afternoon at the beach. Temperatures hit 100 degrees at our house but the beach was a wonderful 79. Not to hot and not to cold.
Dave and I plunked down into our lounge chairs and pulled out our latest reads. We took turns chasing after Paige, who at four years old has no fear of large waves or anything else.
Our second grader, Garrett, saw a friend from his old Football team and was off to Bogey board with him. Zach (15) brought a friend along and they along with Samantha (11) and Tyler (13) were having a great time jumping into the waves and swimming in the surf.
I kept looking up every few minutes to see where each of the kids were. At one point we couldn't find Samantha, Zach, and his friend Matt. We finally spotted them, and they were a little farther out than really made me comfortable. I watched them for a while and for some reason they didn't seem to move from the spot they were in.
At this point Dave is down in the water with Paige looking in the direction of the three kids (having the same thoughts I was) when we see a lifeguard boat head in there direction. The boat then seems to pluck someone out of the water and head for the shoreline. We see a young man jump off the boat and head up onto the beach. We then also see Matt, Zach and Samantha on the shore and Samantha seems to be crying.
At this moment I knew. They also had been rescued by the life guard. The lifeguard had thrown them a rope and pulled them to shore.
The reason they had not moved from the same spot in such a long time is that THEY COULDN'T. They were stuck in an under tow (or whatever it is called). Or what Samantha later called it "The Swirling Vortex of Terror".
It seems that Samantha swam out and then got stuck. She kept trying to swim back in but the current kept pulling her back out. She kept fighting the waves but seemed to only stay in the same place. Zachary was able to swim out to her but the current was so strong he couldn't swim himself and help his sister. Matt tried to get out to both of them but couldn't. It was about this time that the life guard figured out they were in some trouble.
They said they had been stuck for about 10 minutes but it felt like much longer. I asked why they didn't start yelling and waving their hands? Well, because they thought they could get out of it themselves.
You see, Samantha and Zach are both very similar in personality. They are both Type A and highly competitive. This similarity causes them to not get along all that well and not a day goes by without the two of them going at it about something. They both say mean things to each other which generally gets them sent to there rooms.
Samantha is sure that Zach really cares not one bit about her or her well being. He has said it to her face a few times. I have told her that they BOTH need to be nicer to each other and that if push came to shove and she was in real danger he would be there for her.
She never believed me.
It seems when Zach figured out his sister was in trouble he swam immediately over to her, getting himself stuck in the process. His friend Matt tried to swim out and help but he couldn't get to them. I find this very interesting. Matt is a big athletic boy standing 6'2". Why is it my 5'8" son was able to reach his sister but his friend couldn't? Was it the adrenaline from sheer fear and panic? Hmm.
I asked the two of them about this later and they just looked at each other and turned away, not wanting to admit to anything. Something special happened between them yesterday. They realized that no matter how much they fight, they really do care about each other, hopefully it was a lesson they will be remembered for a while.
Later in the day when I was walking down the beach with Paige two young men were coming out of the surf talking about the strong pull in the water. I asked them about it. They told me they had a really hard time swimming back and it was very scary. I told them about Samantha and they were amazed she could tread water for that long in the strong current.
This sent a shiver of fear up my spine. I am so thankful for the life guards who were so carefully watching my children and to God for keeping His protective hand upon them. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about what could have happened. I know I need to let it go. They are OK. As a Mom, that is just really hard to do.
The kids seem no worse for the experience. They were back in the water within 5 minutes.
However, there Dad and I were not reading any more. I for one never took my eyes off the water.
Here are some pictures of our way to exciting day.
Sisters.
Garrett digging for crabs.
Burying Tyler in the sand. All that sand on his face didn't seem to bother him.
Heading out to catch some waves.
A girl and her daddy.
Dave and I plunked down into our lounge chairs and pulled out our latest reads. We took turns chasing after Paige, who at four years old has no fear of large waves or anything else.
Our second grader, Garrett, saw a friend from his old Football team and was off to Bogey board with him. Zach (15) brought a friend along and they along with Samantha (11) and Tyler (13) were having a great time jumping into the waves and swimming in the surf.
I kept looking up every few minutes to see where each of the kids were. At one point we couldn't find Samantha, Zach, and his friend Matt. We finally spotted them, and they were a little farther out than really made me comfortable. I watched them for a while and for some reason they didn't seem to move from the spot they were in.
At this point Dave is down in the water with Paige looking in the direction of the three kids (having the same thoughts I was) when we see a lifeguard boat head in there direction. The boat then seems to pluck someone out of the water and head for the shoreline. We see a young man jump off the boat and head up onto the beach. We then also see Matt, Zach and Samantha on the shore and Samantha seems to be crying.
At this moment I knew. They also had been rescued by the life guard. The lifeguard had thrown them a rope and pulled them to shore.
The reason they had not moved from the same spot in such a long time is that THEY COULDN'T. They were stuck in an under tow (or whatever it is called). Or what Samantha later called it "The Swirling Vortex of Terror".
It seems that Samantha swam out and then got stuck. She kept trying to swim back in but the current kept pulling her back out. She kept fighting the waves but seemed to only stay in the same place. Zachary was able to swim out to her but the current was so strong he couldn't swim himself and help his sister. Matt tried to get out to both of them but couldn't. It was about this time that the life guard figured out they were in some trouble.
They said they had been stuck for about 10 minutes but it felt like much longer. I asked why they didn't start yelling and waving their hands? Well, because they thought they could get out of it themselves.
You see, Samantha and Zach are both very similar in personality. They are both Type A and highly competitive. This similarity causes them to not get along all that well and not a day goes by without the two of them going at it about something. They both say mean things to each other which generally gets them sent to there rooms.
Samantha is sure that Zach really cares not one bit about her or her well being. He has said it to her face a few times. I have told her that they BOTH need to be nicer to each other and that if push came to shove and she was in real danger he would be there for her.
She never believed me.
It seems when Zach figured out his sister was in trouble he swam immediately over to her, getting himself stuck in the process. His friend Matt tried to swim out and help but he couldn't get to them. I find this very interesting. Matt is a big athletic boy standing 6'2". Why is it my 5'8" son was able to reach his sister but his friend couldn't? Was it the adrenaline from sheer fear and panic? Hmm.
I asked the two of them about this later and they just looked at each other and turned away, not wanting to admit to anything. Something special happened between them yesterday. They realized that no matter how much they fight, they really do care about each other, hopefully it was a lesson they will be remembered for a while.
Later in the day when I was walking down the beach with Paige two young men were coming out of the surf talking about the strong pull in the water. I asked them about it. They told me they had a really hard time swimming back and it was very scary. I told them about Samantha and they were amazed she could tread water for that long in the strong current.
This sent a shiver of fear up my spine. I am so thankful for the life guards who were so carefully watching my children and to God for keeping His protective hand upon them. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about what could have happened. I know I need to let it go. They are OK. As a Mom, that is just really hard to do.
The kids seem no worse for the experience. They were back in the water within 5 minutes.
However, there Dad and I were not reading any more. I for one never took my eyes off the water.
Here are some pictures of our way to exciting day.
Sisters.
Garrett digging for crabs.
Burying Tyler in the sand. All that sand on his face didn't seem to bother him.
Heading out to catch some waves.
A girl and her daddy.
Labels: kids, summer time fun
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Little Bit Of This And That, Oh And Some Yummy Food Too!
Today was a very busy day. I went to Wal Mart, the Grocery Store, the Post Office, and Sams's Club all by 1:00pm.
I was hoping to beat the heat which hit 107 degrees today. My feet were so swollen they actually were aching. My body does not like the heat.
To offset the heat I bought a beautiful fall centerpiece for my dining room table while I was out. I couldn't help myself.
Fall is my favorite time of year.
When I got home from all my morning errands I had to take Paige to her second day of pre-school. To be honest I was dreading it, worried she would refuse to go.
We have been talking a lot about school and when I told her this morning she would be going she didn't protest, instead she went and got her back pack.
She was a little tentative when we got their but did go with the teacher. When I picked her up she was very glad to see me but said "Yes" when I asked her if she had fun with Miss Naomi and her new friends.
Her teacher told me it was definitely a better day. She still refused to participate in the class activities but she did not cry nor did she hide under the desk the entire time.
Definitely a better day!
So, to celebrate I have decided to share with you my families Most Favorite Slow Cooker Dinner Recipe. It is actually just one of their favorite dinners right now and happens to be cooked in the slow cooker.
And here is is.....Barbecue Beef Brisket.
Oh my, and it is just sooo easy to prepare, but tastes like you have been slaving over a hot stove all day long.
All you have to do is take a Brisket and lather the top of it with a good quality Barbecue Sauce. Wrap the meat up tight in Aluminum foil and place in slow cooker. Cook on high for six hours (you might want to consult your cook book that came with your slow cooker).
When the meat is done it just falls apart. I usually warm up some BBQ sauce and the kids use it for dipping. Serve with salad and some potatoes and you have an easy (and inexpensive) yummy meal that hardly took any work to prepare.
A few nights later I generally turn the left overs into BBQ beef sandwiches or serve it for a warm lunch. That is my favorite part. Yummy.
Last week when I made this meal the kids and I decided to make a special desert to go with it. There Dad really likes peanut butter so we decided to try this new recipe we found.
Peanut Butter Silk Pie
Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 Tbl. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup heavy cream, beaten until stiff
1 9" prepared chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
Topping:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 Tbl. brewed coffee
Chopped peanuts for garnish
1. Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter, butter and vanilla in large mixer bowl, until creamy. Gently fold in half the beaten cream, then fold in remaining cream until bended. Spread filling in crust: smooth top.
2. Make topping: Combine chocolate chips and coffee in microwave proof bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on High 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool chocolate slightly then pour over top of filling. Refrigerate pie 1 hour until chocolate is firm, then cover loosely and refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired (I used pecans because that is what we like).
This is a great recipe for kids because it is a no bake pie and they can do almost all of it by themselves.
One word of warning though. When we started making this pie I didn't realize it had to set over night so the kids were a little disappointed they didn't get to eat it right away. Just remember to plan ahead for this one.
Hope you enjoy!
I was hoping to beat the heat which hit 107 degrees today. My feet were so swollen they actually were aching. My body does not like the heat.
To offset the heat I bought a beautiful fall centerpiece for my dining room table while I was out. I couldn't help myself.
Fall is my favorite time of year.
When I got home from all my morning errands I had to take Paige to her second day of pre-school. To be honest I was dreading it, worried she would refuse to go.
We have been talking a lot about school and when I told her this morning she would be going she didn't protest, instead she went and got her back pack.
She was a little tentative when we got their but did go with the teacher. When I picked her up she was very glad to see me but said "Yes" when I asked her if she had fun with Miss Naomi and her new friends.
Her teacher told me it was definitely a better day. She still refused to participate in the class activities but she did not cry nor did she hide under the desk the entire time.
Definitely a better day!
So, to celebrate I have decided to share with you my families Most Favorite Slow Cooker Dinner Recipe. It is actually just one of their favorite dinners right now and happens to be cooked in the slow cooker.
And here is is.....Barbecue Beef Brisket.
Oh my, and it is just sooo easy to prepare, but tastes like you have been slaving over a hot stove all day long.
All you have to do is take a Brisket and lather the top of it with a good quality Barbecue Sauce. Wrap the meat up tight in Aluminum foil and place in slow cooker. Cook on high for six hours (you might want to consult your cook book that came with your slow cooker).
When the meat is done it just falls apart. I usually warm up some BBQ sauce and the kids use it for dipping. Serve with salad and some potatoes and you have an easy (and inexpensive) yummy meal that hardly took any work to prepare.
A few nights later I generally turn the left overs into BBQ beef sandwiches or serve it for a warm lunch. That is my favorite part. Yummy.
Last week when I made this meal the kids and I decided to make a special desert to go with it. There Dad really likes peanut butter so we decided to try this new recipe we found.
Peanut Butter Silk Pie
Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 Tbl. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup heavy cream, beaten until stiff
1 9" prepared chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
Topping:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 Tbl. brewed coffee
Chopped peanuts for garnish
1. Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter, butter and vanilla in large mixer bowl, until creamy. Gently fold in half the beaten cream, then fold in remaining cream until bended. Spread filling in crust: smooth top.
2. Make topping: Combine chocolate chips and coffee in microwave proof bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on High 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool chocolate slightly then pour over top of filling. Refrigerate pie 1 hour until chocolate is firm, then cover loosely and refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired (I used pecans because that is what we like).
This is a great recipe for kids because it is a no bake pie and they can do almost all of it by themselves.
One word of warning though. When we started making this pie I didn't realize it had to set over night so the kids were a little disappointed they didn't get to eat it right away. Just remember to plan ahead for this one.
Hope you enjoy!
Labels: Developmental Delays, kids, recipes
Monday, August 13, 2007
The First Day Of Pre School In Review
First off, thanks to all of you regarding your sweet comment's on Paige's first day of pre-school.
I wish I could tell you it was a smashing success and she enjoyed it immensely.
Unfortunately I can not.
When we got to school she really didn't want to go in with the teacher so I went in with her. They immediately went to the classroom, put their backpacks down, and an aide took all the children (their are only five in her class) to the bathroom.
She was a little unsure but did line up with the other kids and walked to the bathrooms. I spoke with her teacher for a few moments and then left before her group got back.
Well, when I went to pick her up three hours later she did not look happy. The teacher told me she hid under the desk the entire class time and refused to come out until it was announced they were going outside to play.
Oh, and how this child likes outside play. I guess the sound of the children playing outside was to much for her and she ran out to join in.
Until they came back into the classroom. When she promptly ran back to her favorite spot under the desk until I came to pick her up.
The teacher, Ms. Naomi, told me she had been crying the entire time (except during recces of course) and no amount of coaxing would bring her out to join in all the fun they were having.
Upon quick inspection of said child I noticed that her eyes did not seem puffy and their were no splotchy marks on her face like their should have been if she had been crying all that time.
This led me to only one conclusion. SHE WAS FAKE CRYING!
Would Paige do this and try to manipulate the teacher like that?
Oh, yes ma'am she would. She is the master at just such manipulation.
My guess is that she was very irritated to find me gone when she came back to class and thought she would show all of us just who was boss.
As I was leaving the school that day I almost went back to say goodbye but was afraid if she saw me again she might not let me leave. She goes to Church each Sunday and does fine so I opted to not go back. In hindsight I probably should have.
Even though I had been talking with her and telling her about school it was a new environment and I am sure she was a little uneasy. Paige also does not like ANY KIND OF CHANGE so I am not surprised she did not take to this new experience without a few bumps in the road.
As I have told you all before her class is a special education pre-school for speech and language delayed 3 and 4 year olds. Her preschool is conducted at one of the nearby Elementary schools and is set up just like a regular classroom.
I am hoping all the fun toys and activities will call to her this week and she won't be able to resist. We will see. She goes back tomorrow for her second day.
Please pray she has a great day. I so want her to participate so she can get the help she needs.
We had kind of a hard day with her yesterday, we had gone to visit relatives and she was in to EVERYTHING. It is so hard when you have a four year old that acts like she is a two year old. Others don't really seem to understand.
We had one of those days when I start to wonder if their is something else going on with her other that speech and language delays. But then when we got home she seemed to be her normal happy self again.
It is just so hard to know. Like all of us we just want what is best for our children and sometimes figuring out what that is can be an exercise in frustration.
Thanks for listening. I needed to rant and rave a little.
And give the who thing to God.
Which I am trying very hard to do.
Have a great week, girls (and boys, I know you are lurking out there....smile)
I wish I could tell you it was a smashing success and she enjoyed it immensely.
Unfortunately I can not.
When we got to school she really didn't want to go in with the teacher so I went in with her. They immediately went to the classroom, put their backpacks down, and an aide took all the children (their are only five in her class) to the bathroom.
She was a little unsure but did line up with the other kids and walked to the bathrooms. I spoke with her teacher for a few moments and then left before her group got back.
Well, when I went to pick her up three hours later she did not look happy. The teacher told me she hid under the desk the entire class time and refused to come out until it was announced they were going outside to play.
Oh, and how this child likes outside play. I guess the sound of the children playing outside was to much for her and she ran out to join in.
Until they came back into the classroom. When she promptly ran back to her favorite spot under the desk until I came to pick her up.
The teacher, Ms. Naomi, told me she had been crying the entire time (except during recces of course) and no amount of coaxing would bring her out to join in all the fun they were having.
Upon quick inspection of said child I noticed that her eyes did not seem puffy and their were no splotchy marks on her face like their should have been if she had been crying all that time.
This led me to only one conclusion. SHE WAS FAKE CRYING!
Would Paige do this and try to manipulate the teacher like that?
Oh, yes ma'am she would. She is the master at just such manipulation.
My guess is that she was very irritated to find me gone when she came back to class and thought she would show all of us just who was boss.
As I was leaving the school that day I almost went back to say goodbye but was afraid if she saw me again she might not let me leave. She goes to Church each Sunday and does fine so I opted to not go back. In hindsight I probably should have.
Even though I had been talking with her and telling her about school it was a new environment and I am sure she was a little uneasy. Paige also does not like ANY KIND OF CHANGE so I am not surprised she did not take to this new experience without a few bumps in the road.
As I have told you all before her class is a special education pre-school for speech and language delayed 3 and 4 year olds. Her preschool is conducted at one of the nearby Elementary schools and is set up just like a regular classroom.
I am hoping all the fun toys and activities will call to her this week and she won't be able to resist. We will see. She goes back tomorrow for her second day.
Please pray she has a great day. I so want her to participate so she can get the help she needs.
We had kind of a hard day with her yesterday, we had gone to visit relatives and she was in to EVERYTHING. It is so hard when you have a four year old that acts like she is a two year old. Others don't really seem to understand.
We had one of those days when I start to wonder if their is something else going on with her other that speech and language delays. But then when we got home she seemed to be her normal happy self again.
It is just so hard to know. Like all of us we just want what is best for our children and sometimes figuring out what that is can be an exercise in frustration.
Thanks for listening. I needed to rant and rave a little.
And give the who thing to God.
Which I am trying very hard to do.
Have a great week, girls (and boys, I know you are lurking out there....smile)
Labels: kids
Sunday, August 12, 2007
My Sanity May Be A Thing Of The Past
My middle two children are big Harry Potter Fans. They found this on you tube and have been driving me crazy singing there own versions of this little theatre production. The four older kids have been singing this together all day. Breaking into spontaneous song at the strangest moments.
We have a two hour drive to my sisters house this morning.
Please pray for me. I have a feeling their will be lots of (obnoxious) singing in the car.
If you are a Potter Fan check this out. It starts out slow but is pretty amusing by the end. If you aren't you may want to skip it.
Happy Sunday!
Updated to Add: For some reason the video isn't loading completely some times. If it doesn't for you just click on the little red box at the top on the right and it will take you there. Hope you enjoy!
We have a two hour drive to my sisters house this morning.
Please pray for me. I have a feeling their will be lots of (obnoxious) singing in the car.
If you are a Potter Fan check this out. It starts out slow but is pretty amusing by the end. If you aren't you may want to skip it.
Happy Sunday!
Updated to Add: For some reason the video isn't loading completely some times. If it doesn't for you just click on the little red box at the top on the right and it will take you there. Hope you enjoy!
Labels: kids
Thursday, August 09, 2007
She's Off To Her First Day Of Pre School
Labels: Developmental Delays, kids
Yeah, uh huh, I'm Awake
I told you all that Garrett went back to school yesterday. He had a wonderful day and came home in the best mood. He really missed school.
To make things a little complicated the high school and middle schoolers do not go back to school until the first week of September.
They are still in woo hoo it is summer mode.
Garrett had to go to bed early last night while the others got to stay up. Actually, he was so excited to be back at school that he didn't really complain at all.
This is my only concern or quandary or irritation. What ever you want to call it.
My teenage boys like to stay up until all hours of the morning.
Last night Zach had a friend spend the night and they and Tyler stayed up until 2:00am playing monopoly.
I really should have gone to bed but it is very hard for me to get to sleep if all of my kids are not tucked into their beds. No matter how old they are. So, I stayed up cleaning my desk and paying bills.
When 6:30am rolled around and the alarm went off I was not a happy camper.
It has only been one day back at school and I am already pining for the lazy days of summer.
To add insult to injury this is what I found when I went downstairs this morning.
The monopoly game, not cleaned up, even though the person on the right had obviously won as he had all the money.
They obviously had Cracker Jack's and Popcorn for a midnight snack and thought the clean up fairy was going to show up in the night and take care of this for them.
I followed the trail of destruction to this.
The boys all passed out in Zach's room. Tyler is asleep on the right, Zach is passed out under all the blankets on the left, and the friend must have lost the coin toss because he was happily sleeping on the floor.
I can't show a picture of him. I am only allowed to embarrass my OWN children.
On another note; Paige starts pre-school today. She will go from 1:00-3:30. We are very excited.
Don't you think 1:00pm is a great time for a nap?
To make things a little complicated the high school and middle schoolers do not go back to school until the first week of September.
They are still in woo hoo it is summer mode.
Garrett had to go to bed early last night while the others got to stay up. Actually, he was so excited to be back at school that he didn't really complain at all.
This is my only concern or quandary or irritation. What ever you want to call it.
My teenage boys like to stay up until all hours of the morning.
Last night Zach had a friend spend the night and they and Tyler stayed up until 2:00am playing monopoly.
I really should have gone to bed but it is very hard for me to get to sleep if all of my kids are not tucked into their beds. No matter how old they are. So, I stayed up cleaning my desk and paying bills.
When 6:30am rolled around and the alarm went off I was not a happy camper.
It has only been one day back at school and I am already pining for the lazy days of summer.
To add insult to injury this is what I found when I went downstairs this morning.
The monopoly game, not cleaned up, even though the person on the right had obviously won as he had all the money.
They obviously had Cracker Jack's and Popcorn for a midnight snack and thought the clean up fairy was going to show up in the night and take care of this for them.
I followed the trail of destruction to this.
The boys all passed out in Zach's room. Tyler is asleep on the right, Zach is passed out under all the blankets on the left, and the friend must have lost the coin toss because he was happily sleeping on the floor.
I can't show a picture of him. I am only allowed to embarrass my OWN children.
On another note; Paige starts pre-school today. She will go from 1:00-3:30. We are very excited.
Don't you think 1:00pm is a great time for a nap?
Labels: Developmental Delays, kids, summer time fun
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Morning Happenings
Today was the first day back at school for our 3rd grader. I was a little worried because he has always been at school with a sibling. However, this year his older siblings are either in Middle School or High School and his little sister in pre-school.
I quickly realized my concern was unnecessary.
We left for school early so we would have time to go and look at the posted list stating which classroom her would be in and who his teacher was.
He was happy that his best friend was in his class.
I started walking to the playground with him and he stopped me.
Mom, what are you doing? You really don't have to come with me. I just want to go and play with my friends.
OK, I smiled back (heart breaking silently) if you don't want me to I won't. Have a great day. Bye.
Bye Mom. See you later.
And then he was gone.
This new found independence really stinks!
I quickly realized my concern was unnecessary.
We left for school early so we would have time to go and look at the posted list stating which classroom her would be in and who his teacher was.
He was happy that his best friend was in his class.
I started walking to the playground with him and he stopped me.
Mom, what are you doing? You really don't have to come with me. I just want to go and play with my friends.
OK, I smiled back (heart breaking silently) if you don't want me to I won't. Have a great day. Bye.
Bye Mom. See you later.
And then he was gone.
This new found independence really stinks!
Labels: kids
Warm Thoughts
Lori over at View From Our Front Porch Swing awarded me the Thoughtful Blogger Award a few weeks ago. I was so touched by what she said.
Julie is so full of energy it makes me tired! She passionately loves God, her family and life in general. Her family is top priority always. She has a great love of children, and her family may soon be adopting. Such a giving, selfless heart. I am truly honored to be able to give you this award Julie, you deserve it!
I felt so excited when she said I had lots of energy. I have been feeling so tired lately with just all the normal things going on around here it made me feel refreshed just hearing Lori say I had energy. I guess you could say it worked kind of like a placebo....or a giant energy drink.
Seriously though, I was very touched by Lori's kind words. She is truly an inspiration to me and if she hadn't already given the award to me I surly would have passed it along to her.
In Other news.
I know I haven't talked about our adoption plans since my original post. To be honest things have been a little frustrating and slow moving. I don't know why I am surprised. Everyone warns you that the paper pregnancy is long and frustrating at times.
But as you all know, I am NOT A PATIENT PERSON.
It seems there are rumblings and rumors flying rampant that Russia will soon be changing some of there adoption laws. Something they like to do often. We were warned that sometimes this region can be unstable and that is why some agencies chose not to do adoptions with there government.
Many things have been happening. To many to tell you all about. However, we have felt some leadings to perhaps move our adoption journey to another country. We are prayerfully considering this right now. Please be in prayer for our family that we make the right decision.
I know God has a special child all picked out for us. Of that I have no doubts.
I want HIS will to be done. Not my own.
When I began praying this prayer funny things started happening to Dave and I. We started considering options we never would have before and finding out we were both heading in the same direction.
I am so excited. I know great things are coming our way.
Thanks to all of you for taking this journey with us and for all your kind words and support over the last few weeks. I can never tell you how much I truly appreciate them.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
I Most Certainly Do NOT Have Two Heads
Today is my birthday. I turned 43. 43? How could this be?
I would like to tell you that the number above you doesn't really bother me, but it does.
I don't feel 43.
In my heart I still feel 23. That doesn't really seem fair.
Until someone reminded me of this.
It is better to be 43 and feel 23 then to be 43 and feel 63.
I have to agree. So I have decided to be thankful for this number.
After all, isn't 40 the new 30 or something like that? My mom reminded me that when she turned 43 she hadn't even conceived me yet. Her 40's were her favorite time of life.
Something to definitely think about.
What, you might ask, did I do for my birthday?
Before I answer I must post a warning. If you read this you will truly understand my weirdness and what a complete nerd I actually am.
OK, you have been warned.
Dave asked me what I wanted for my birthday sometime last week. I knew immediately.
I want you and the kids to help me clean out all the kitchen cupboards on Saturday.
He looked at me quite pitifully as if to say "Wouldn't you prefer if we just bought you something"?
I have been trying to get my kitchen cupboards cleaned out for over a year. Something always seems to come up and I just don't have the time.
There level of disorganization was really getting to me and every time I had to find something in the disorganized mess I found myself feeling stressed and unhappy.
Hence, my birthday request.
Now, I would like to tell you that the children jumped into this project with enthusiasm and agreed to my request out of great love.
However, they did not.
They complained and wined on and on. There Dad was getting madder by the minute and yelling things like "Your Mom does everything for you, can't you do this one thing for her!"
The guilt job worked and together we had all the cupboards (I still have to work on the drawers) cleaned out in a few hours.
I am a much happier mommy now.
This morning we went to church and then Zach had a baseball game in the afternoon. After his game we went to the mall for a while and then out to dinner.
Where the waitress made me some sort of Trojan princess warrior head piece to wear that my family found very amusing.
The little girl in the next booth got a cute princess tiara with lace.
I guess when you are 43 you no longer qualify for that one.
My family thought today's birthday celebration was much better than yesterday's slave labor version.
Go figure?
I would like to tell you that the number above you doesn't really bother me, but it does.
I don't feel 43.
In my heart I still feel 23. That doesn't really seem fair.
Until someone reminded me of this.
It is better to be 43 and feel 23 then to be 43 and feel 63.
I have to agree. So I have decided to be thankful for this number.
After all, isn't 40 the new 30 or something like that? My mom reminded me that when she turned 43 she hadn't even conceived me yet. Her 40's were her favorite time of life.
Something to definitely think about.
What, you might ask, did I do for my birthday?
Before I answer I must post a warning. If you read this you will truly understand my weirdness and what a complete nerd I actually am.
OK, you have been warned.
Dave asked me what I wanted for my birthday sometime last week. I knew immediately.
I want you and the kids to help me clean out all the kitchen cupboards on Saturday.
He looked at me quite pitifully as if to say "Wouldn't you prefer if we just bought you something"?
I have been trying to get my kitchen cupboards cleaned out for over a year. Something always seems to come up and I just don't have the time.
There level of disorganization was really getting to me and every time I had to find something in the disorganized mess I found myself feeling stressed and unhappy.
Hence, my birthday request.
Now, I would like to tell you that the children jumped into this project with enthusiasm and agreed to my request out of great love.
However, they did not.
They complained and wined on and on. There Dad was getting madder by the minute and yelling things like "Your Mom does everything for you, can't you do this one thing for her!"
The guilt job worked and together we had all the cupboards (I still have to work on the drawers) cleaned out in a few hours.
I am a much happier mommy now.
This morning we went to church and then Zach had a baseball game in the afternoon. After his game we went to the mall for a while and then out to dinner.
Where the waitress made me some sort of Trojan princess warrior head piece to wear that my family found very amusing.
The little girl in the next booth got a cute princess tiara with lace.
I guess when you are 43 you no longer qualify for that one.
My family thought today's birthday celebration was much better than yesterday's slave labor version.
Go figure?
Labels: birthdays
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Memories Of Days Gone By
A few weeks ago our good friend Brad called Dave and I and asked if we would consider helping out with the Junior High Youth Group? He thought it would be great fun if we did it together with him and his wife, Kathy, who we have known for almost 25 years.
At the moment our church only has one minister for both the junior high and high school groups. With the size of the church this just was not working out. The junior high kids really needed there own identity.
Dave and I discussed it and with two kids in the junior high group next year and no babies currently at home we thought this was a great time to jump in and try something new. So, we said Yes.
Tonight was our first meeting. The kids swam and we BBQ'd hot dogs. We played a game and had a Bible study time and prayer.
It was a big success and the kids are all really excited for next week.
This is the thing.
Brad lead the Bible Study and I watched my kids listening to him intently. He is a really good teacher and is great with teens. He seems to have a great way of relating to them on their level.
Much the way he did back when he was in charge of my college Bible study so many years ago.
Brad and Kathy were only 4 years older than me at the time, but when you are only 18 that seems like a huge age difference.
Brad and Dave were friends. Dave liked me. You know, in THAT way. I was totally blind to him. I was pining for another boy.
It was Brad and Kathy that made me see that other boy was not for me. This guy Dave, he is really nice. He really likes you. Give him a chance.
I did.
And the rest is history.
As I was watching my children listen to this man I found myself getting all weepy eyed.
My life had come full circles. It was no longer I sitting their as the young student listening intently and looking up Bible verses. It was my children.
My children were learning about God, his word, and his love for them from the very person who had taught me two decades ago. The man who had introduced there mother to there father. The man who had married them and been there dearest friend for all these years.
I feel so blessed and excited to serve with these fine people again. To enjoy there company. To reconnect our friendship now that we both have a little time to sit and drink a cup of coffee.
Our children are great friends. Our daughters best friends. Life is so good.
Thank you God for the chance to minister to these teens. Thank you for the opportunity to spend this time with our own children in your word and watch them grow. I pray all the kids would feel welcomed and loved and that lives would be changed forever and these teens will go out and shine your light upon the world.
Amen.
At the moment our church only has one minister for both the junior high and high school groups. With the size of the church this just was not working out. The junior high kids really needed there own identity.
Dave and I discussed it and with two kids in the junior high group next year and no babies currently at home we thought this was a great time to jump in and try something new. So, we said Yes.
Tonight was our first meeting. The kids swam and we BBQ'd hot dogs. We played a game and had a Bible study time and prayer.
It was a big success and the kids are all really excited for next week.
This is the thing.
Brad lead the Bible Study and I watched my kids listening to him intently. He is a really good teacher and is great with teens. He seems to have a great way of relating to them on their level.
Much the way he did back when he was in charge of my college Bible study so many years ago.
Brad and Kathy were only 4 years older than me at the time, but when you are only 18 that seems like a huge age difference.
Brad and Dave were friends. Dave liked me. You know, in THAT way. I was totally blind to him. I was pining for another boy.
It was Brad and Kathy that made me see that other boy was not for me. This guy Dave, he is really nice. He really likes you. Give him a chance.
I did.
And the rest is history.
As I was watching my children listen to this man I found myself getting all weepy eyed.
My life had come full circles. It was no longer I sitting their as the young student listening intently and looking up Bible verses. It was my children.
My children were learning about God, his word, and his love for them from the very person who had taught me two decades ago. The man who had introduced there mother to there father. The man who had married them and been there dearest friend for all these years.
I feel so blessed and excited to serve with these fine people again. To enjoy there company. To reconnect our friendship now that we both have a little time to sit and drink a cup of coffee.
Our children are great friends. Our daughters best friends. Life is so good.
Thank you God for the chance to minister to these teens. Thank you for the opportunity to spend this time with our own children in your word and watch them grow. I pray all the kids would feel welcomed and loved and that lives would be changed forever and these teens will go out and shine your light upon the world.
Amen.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Some One Had A Birthday!
My little girl turned four yesterday. I am mourning the loss of toddlerhood. It was so much fun. Paige has been such a blessing to our family. I thank God every day for sending her to us.
Here are a few pictures of her special day.
Excitedly checking out her gifts!
Her sweet cake big sister made her all by herself.
Big brother admiring her new princess outfit and helping her play with her new phone with fur all over it. Doesn't every girl need one of those?
Since blogger is giving me fits about adding more pictures I guess that will have to be it for now.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
Here are a few pictures of her special day.
Excitedly checking out her gifts!
Her sweet cake big sister made her all by herself.
Big brother admiring her new princess outfit and helping her play with her new phone with fur all over it. Doesn't every girl need one of those?
Since blogger is giving me fits about adding more pictures I guess that will have to be it for now.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Perhaps You And The Drive Thru Window Are To Good Of Friends When This Happens
It's 8:00am and Paige and I are out running errands while the older kids sleep in.
I whip into my friendly neighborhood Carl's Jr. to get Paige some French Toast and Hash Brown Nuggets for Breakfast.
As I pull up to the window the nice cashier waves at me and says "We were all talking about you last week. We wondered if everything was OK".
Umm, yes, why?
Well, she reports, you usually come by 2 or 3 times a week and get your morning caffeine (diet coke) and buy your little one breakfast. We were wondering why you stopped coming by.
Summer vacation is what happened. I was happily sleeping in my bed early in the morning instead of yelling at children to move it along and get in the car for school.
I admit to feeling very touched that I had aparantly formed such a close relationship with the folks in the drive through.
However, I begun to wonder how much money I could save by going cold turkey and stopping my morning drive thru addiction.
Then I decided not to worry about it.
After all what kind of friend would I be if I stopped visiting and stopping by to chat about the weather and new menu items a few times a week.
My mama always told me that good friends are like gold and you can never have to many of them.
I whole heartedly agree.
I whip into my friendly neighborhood Carl's Jr. to get Paige some French Toast and Hash Brown Nuggets for Breakfast.
As I pull up to the window the nice cashier waves at me and says "We were all talking about you last week. We wondered if everything was OK".
Umm, yes, why?
Well, she reports, you usually come by 2 or 3 times a week and get your morning caffeine (diet coke) and buy your little one breakfast. We were wondering why you stopped coming by.
Summer vacation is what happened. I was happily sleeping in my bed early in the morning instead of yelling at children to move it along and get in the car for school.
I admit to feeling very touched that I had aparantly formed such a close relationship with the folks in the drive through.
However, I begun to wonder how much money I could save by going cold turkey and stopping my morning drive thru addiction.
Then I decided not to worry about it.
After all what kind of friend would I be if I stopped visiting and stopping by to chat about the weather and new menu items a few times a week.
My mama always told me that good friends are like gold and you can never have to many of them.
I whole heartedly agree.
Labels: friends and family, stuff
