Idle prattle by me...a mom.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T01:51:00.002-05:00

Happy mothers day

How many of you make your bed everyday? Me, I'm luck to make it once a week, really once a month. But when I do I feel so good. Walking past the room makes me think how clean it looks. Getting into a made bed makes me think of hotel rooms with clean fresh sheets. And I hope someone else will notice. But tonight as I climbed into bed, still appreciating my handiwork, I realize no ones gonna notice. All 3 boys are asleep. Darrell has already messed up his side as he snores on. Maggie, who might have noticed, is away on an overnight GS trip. And I feel slightly robbed. Like a kid who's brushed her teeth but didn't get the gold star for the chore chart.

Which reminded me of something my mom said to me a few years back. Everything was difficult. Darrell was gone every night on the late shift. I was forced to cook almost every meal. I was constantly cleaning up something, cooking something, doing laundry, picking up toys, vacuuming endless hairballs from the dogs, and no one noticed. No one offered me a gold star, a pay check, or even a thank you, gee the house looks great. It was depressing. I was depressed. I called mom one day after coming to see a whole new meaning of the phrase target practice with Gabe toilet training. And someone was sick, maybe a dog. Anyway, I was fried and mom suggested I write down my accomplishments each day. Things I wanted people to have noticed. Or maybe even that I'd wiped down the bathroom 5 times that day. So I did. I diet show anyone it. But I saw it and my mental gold star was brightly shining on that chart.

I hope you moms get a gold star today and if not,

Know that I'm sending one your way! Happy mothers day!

Its a tree fort.

2011-04-06T20:16:00.007-05:00

So we promised the kids a tree fort if we got rid of the swingset. And we got rid of the swing set. So...that meant we'd better get our butts in gear and get it done. But Darrell and I aren't always the best at working together. It was a bit of a dread to both of us. But as luck would have it, Darrell's cousin Brennan was on his way to Seattle and asked to stop in. Not only did he get to watch the kids in Wizard of Oz, but he helped Darrell rip out his tree stand and rebuild it onto our tree. Here's how it began.

Boys being boys...they decided the floor boards would be put to better use as ramps for skateboards and things. It lasted for only a while.

Then the floor boards started going up and the kids started to decide they were going to climb. Darrell hung a tree climber on the tree and up they went. Here Maggie was "helping" Brennan with something like maybe handing down his water.

Darrell then added the "trusses/tresses" I forget what they're called. I'd call 'em cross braces. This really solidified the frame and started making it look more like a tree house and less like a floating floor.

Then when all this was looking good, the play was starting and the boys needed to shower while the kids and I scurried to get their costumes and makeup on. Brennan had to leave the next morning but he promised breakfast in the fort before heading out. Here are those shots.

This meant Darrell and I would have to do a few things ourselves. Could we do it? Oh sure we could. And do it we did (Get your minds outta the gutter folks!!) Tuesday morning after the kids got to school (and I got outta bed) we packed up and went to home depot. We got our 4x4 and 1x1 railing pieces and then found these cool post caps that are solar lights. Awesomeness!!!

It did take us two days to get the railings done, but they're done and now the kids can use it almost safetly. There are a few small things we've yet to do, but for now, its awesome fun!!

My spinning wheel adventures

2011-03-08T16:01:00.006-06:00

I wanted to let people see what I'm doing with the wheel and I think this is going to be the best avenue for that. I brought the wheel home from my mom's house this Sunday. It's beautiful and I'm so glad to have it.

There was a part broken, but luckily Darrell was able to glue it together and it is holding for now.

My grandfather made it the same year I was born. So technically it isn't an antique (right??), but it isn't a new fangled expensive one either.

But I don't know the first thing about wheels or spinning. But thankfully Tracy volunteered to help me out learning all there is to know about these things. She came today and we fiddled a bit with it.

Here's a bit of spun wool on it. But when we were spinning, me first to no great result, and Tracy second to no really fabulous result either. We decided that the wood was so dry and needed some hydration. Tracy was totally impressed with the craftsmanship, but there were a few things that just weren't working as well as she was sure worked really well when it was made. There were little things that really made her excited. Like these removeable pieces that hold the wheel in place.

So she told me all the things I needed to do to get it cleaned and shiny and hydrated.
So I'm taking it apart and washing it all down with Murphy's Oil Soap. Tomorrow I will be applying the first coat of Boiled Linseed Oil. Then I'm going to put it back together and see how well it's spinning.

I filed the inside of the spools so they fit better on the wheel thingy. And I filed and steel wooled the rust off the metal pieces. I can't wait for it all to be finished.

I'm gonna have to learn the technical terms soon. I'm still refering to things as the THINGYs all the time!

2011-02-02T22:04:00.001-06:00

Again I'm taking a cue from Kate and linking my blog to twitter and Facebook. Hopefully this will motivate me to post more often. The snow fell and has allowed the kids to be home for 3 days in a row. Hopefully we all survive tomorrow and they'll be allowed to return Friday. Our neighbor plowed more snow onto our hill so that allowed a bit of a deprive to our day. I didn't do any of the baking I had hoped to do. Maybe tomorrow. I did get baking done. Now to finish up my stinking socks. I don't know why any sane person knits socks more than once. Argh!!!!

2011-01-23T17:26:00.001-06:00

Trying this again. Thanks Kate for helping me figure this out. I wasn't sure what I was looking for or even where to look. Maybe know I will post a bit more frequently having the ability to do it from my phone. What did we do before smart phones again?? Here's how cute Maggie looks in her dress. Someone suggested I make vests with the same pattern for the boys. Now I'm rethinking the shirts and leaning more toward the vests. Hmm…

2011-01-23T17:17:00.000-06:00

knitting away

2011-01-22T16:03:00.003-06:00

Wow its been a long time since I last blogged. Mostly because I'm using my phone for all my internet instead of sitting at my big computer. But also because I'm spending so much time knitting. I have totally lost myself in the wild world of wool and I don't know that I ever want to return. Its so amazing to see a picture of something, find the pattern, start knitting and then end up with the final project. I'm going to start a hat next for myself and I'm so excited about it.
I've just finished up a dress for maggie.

Next I'm going to be knitting this shirt for the boys to wear on Easter.

I hope to do a better job of posting things now. I've got to figure out an efficient way to do it on the iPhone!!

Momology-My Book Review...I think

2010-06-08T08:47:00.003-05:00

So a bit ago I was contacted by MOPS to review a book on my blog and I was so excited. A free book? That they want me to review? Awesome right? Well, sort of. This book Momology A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids is an amazingly insightful book. So why am I not sure I should call it amazing. You'll laugh.

Since I started knitting in February, that's what's really consumed my life. And I'm making amazing projects that I can't wait to finish to start the next one. We were going to be going on vacation this past week and I was busily working on the washclothes for a gift. And this book was so engaging, I had a hard time putting it down. And I haven't figured out how to read and knit at the same time. Momology makes you think. It makes you look inside yourself. And with all this self-reflection, I was finding it hard to follow a pattern.

So my advice to you...BEGIN this book, but hold off on the rest of your projects. It's worth your time.

Okay, so now onto the book. It's broken into four big chunks. They are amazing sections that really help you form a plan, a life goal perhaps, for making your life a healthier one to raise healthy kids. And I don't just mean eating well. No, this includes mental health, spiritual health, you name it, there is a piece of advice to improve it! The four parts are Core, Finesse, Circle, and Grandscape. I have to tell you that the first part Core, spoke the most to me. It's the part I have the hardest time addressing myself. So I'll address them all, and maybe more it later posts. But today I most want to focus on the core.

So part one. In the introduction, Shelly Radic wrote a little blurb about each section that I thought was perfect. So I'll include this blurb at the beginning of each section in purple. Knowing who we are: building a healthy, resilient mom CORE. Really doesn't that say it all? Knowing who we are is really the only way that we can help our kids become themselves. Confidence is a really important thing that I want my kids to learn. That's the best way to survive in this overly competetive life we live. And if my own confidence is lacking, how can I help build theirs? It seems the worse my confidence is, the faster I am to try to pull down everyone around me right down to the depths of despair with me. One of the definitions of core Shelly has given is (noun): a mom's unique, inner self, including her temperament, life experiences, emotions, passions, and potential. Wow! That seems a daunting task to improve upon right? It was hard enough trying to keep these things through high school. Am I sure I can really dig deep enough to find out how to improve them now...like temperament? Really, have you met me? Emotions, mine are always outta control. Passions? Do I even have Passions anymore? But after reading this section I found it wasn't as hard as I've always thought to "Find Myself Again". And let me tell you, it was great to meet myself again. It had been a long time since I'd really been in touch with my inner self. I push her away so willingly when things get tough. But I'm actually the one I should be talking with the most in those really tough situations!

Resilience has been identified as one of five factors known to reduce child abuse and neglect. (child welfare packet Promoting Healthy Families in Your Communities) According to the US Dept of Health and Human Services, resilient parents and children are likely to feel that
1. they are important and valuable to all that support and care about them
2. no matter how bad life gets, they can feel good
3. they understand there is more to life than just them and now.

I like to think of myself as a really resilient person. I don't mind change. I know I'll survive. But I find that it takes a lot of steps for me to convince myself that all will be well. And I tend not to do it all that quietly. So perhaps I need to do things a bit more gracefully. And wouldn't you know it, Ms Radic provided four exercises for building resilience.
1. Incorporate at least one stress management technique (exercise, listening to relaxing music, or journaling) into your daily life
2. Make a plan for crises BEFORE you need one. What life circumstances do you fear most? Create a list of resources to use if this happens.
3. Reduce stressors. Make a list of things that regularly cause stress in your life. Select one and find a way to reduce its impact.
4. Learn to ask for help, for answers, for advice. Write down what needs to be said and practice saying it in front of your mirror. Learn to ask yourself: what do I truly need?

Funny that many of these suggestions were made during Darrell and my marriage counselling. That no matter What issue you are trying to fix, the steps are all the same. Why aren't we all doing something from this list of 4 things every day? They aren't hard. And I haven't even done it successfully since reading this section. But just having a game plan seems to help me. Dear Abby once wrote "Don't let your past dictate who you are, but let it be a part of who you will become." Enough said.

Another part of this Core is mental health. And let me tell you that's a touchy subject for me. I have always dealt with depression, but it wasn't ever talked about it my family. Although I think many had the same battles that I have with it. So why aren't we trying to help each other. And recently, we found out my oldest is struggling with depression. At 9 yrs, it's a tough thing to deal with. He hasn't had enough time to really pull from self experiences to know he'll bounce back. He hasn't really built up enough confidence in himself to know that if he's really sucking it up in one aspect of his life, he can fall back on his strengths to boost up his self worth. So it falls on my shoulders as his mom. Let me tell you, it is no easy task. Depression is difficult at best. It's hard and raw and frustrating. The person struggling with it seems so unreasonably upset to those on the outside so it's really difficult to be empathetic. And when your own cup is only half full, sometimes it feels as though there isn't enough to give.

Did you know that 20 to 25% of women experience depression? Me either! That's 1 in every 4 or 5 women. That's crazy! Depression has been called the most significant mental health risk for women, especially women of childbearing and child rearing age. (well no duh! Hormones Suck!!! They are crazy and get worse I swear when you lack sleep.) Postpartum depression, PMS, perimenopause, winter depression, and biochemical imbalances are some of the most common forms of depression mothers experience.

Here's another scary fact: The longer depression is left untreated, the more likely it is that her child will experience some form of depression. So here is where I keep adding on to my list of faults. Did I cause Arlington's depression? Well, even if it was just biological, I know it was mostly me. So now there are two factors from me contributing to Arlington's depression. And I'm still battling with depression. But then I remind myself that I am aware of my issues. I ask for help when I can find a sympathetic ear or shoulder. I have an amazing support system of family, friends, community. Arlington is a brilliant kid and so many of the adults he interacts with see that in him and can "forgive his faults" to monopolize on all his strengths. Everything that I could do to help him out, I am doing. Even if it isn't always from ME, he's getting it from those he can trust. And isn't that what we are supposed to do as moms? Teach our kids that it isn't always MOM who will help them? That they need to learn from everyone around us?

Kelley, a mom of one was quoted in this book and it really got me thinking. "In many ways our culture encourages mom disconnect-we drive our own cars, cook in our own kitchens, do laundry in our own laundry rooms, and sit in our private homes raising our kids alone. We must find ways to connect and mother together-co-cook, carpool to the grocery store, take turns doing laundry at one house, and join a mom group." I laugh at some of the ideas, like I can't imagine inviting moms to my house to see my laundry piled up to the ceiling of my basement and covering half of the floor in that room. But maybe if I knew once a month people would come here and once a week I'd go somewhere else, I wouldn't struggle so much keeping up with my laundry. Joan, my neighbor and close friend, and I have always dreamed about starting a once a month cooking group where we bring ingredients for 20-30 meals that can be made ahead of time and would make dinner times so much smoother. We just haven't really invested the time to getting it going. But I think Kelley makes a good point. All those things we do by ourselves, they used to do together before all this technology. And I think that's what makes the past so romantic to moms. Seeing all those families playing together in the community while the moms sit together cooking, doing dishes, or folding laundry. I like that idea. And I hope my enthusiasm will rub off on some in my MOPS group and we can get a little bit of the past brought back into our community. Maybe I'll hold off on the laundry though for now.

Something we'd discussed often in our MOPS group are our strengths vs. our weaknesses. I think often times they can be the same things, but its just how we go about viewing them. My depression is a constant battle. But I think sometimes it makes me a bit more empathetic. It also doesn't let me feel sorry for slackers. Stop blaming the world and others, face your issues and move on. Now, as long as I keep that statement a bit more positive, it can really help others find their own inner strength and move on. Shelly Radic talks about this and names it "self-talk". Her examples are perfect so I'll list a few. "I'm so controlling, that's why bedtime around here is such a misery." but what she realized she should be saying is this "My need to have things under control helped us find a better bedtime routine." Interesting isn't it? It's the same thing. Just one has a negative vibe while the other she spun positively. Wouldn't it be nice if we had something in our brain that could self edit. So we might think the negative, but it instantly translated into the positive. Hmm...that would be nice. But since I don't see that happening anytime soon, we should probably rely on what Shelly mentioned she'd learned to improve our SELF-TALK
1. Working from my strengths is more effective and positive than working from my weaknesses.
2. Weaknesses are mostly the flip side of strengths.

While being aware of and managing our weaknesses is good, constantly focusing on them is harmful for our self-perception and ruins God's purposefully and wonderfully designed image we should have of ourselves. Benjamin Franklin said "Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What use is a sundial in the shade?"

Boundaries were also a part of our core being addressed in this book. I find boundaries really help me survive in life. I'm not so good when I have total freedom. I don't set good limits for myself. So I have come up with some ways to survive with this weakness. My family has had it drilled into their heads and now often times tell others "We are a family of rule followers." It isn't hard to do, just follow the rules that are already set for us. You won't get in trouble often, and if you do, you can't blame anyone but yourself. You know exactly what is expected of you, so you don't have to think so hard about what to do. And oftentimes, people reward good behavior, so you will be praised often enough to fill your cup of self worth. I like it! Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, authors of Boundaries, say two reasons boundaries are important are
1. to distinguish what is my responsibility and what isn't
2. to keep the good in and the bad out.

Another thing listed in this core section is Personal Care. This is a tough one for me sometimes. I love getting totally invested in something, but often times that means letting other things fall to the wayside. And usually the first things to go are bedtime (sleep) and bath time. William Shakespeare once wrote "Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin as self-neglecting". Isn't that true? We are much more forgiving of a high maintenance person that someone who seems to have no regard for personal hygiene. Is it because at least we know they care enough about themselves to bath? I don't know. But I do know that in my mean judgemental state, I will judge more the sloth and less the vain.

Okay, so now that this post is so lengthy, I'm going to end with Radic's descriptions of the next 3 sections and I will post more about these in the next few days.
Finesse Knowing what we're capable of: developing FINESSE in the ways we daily interact with our kids.
Circle Knowing who we can count on: interacting within a CIRCLE of relationships that support us and our kids.
Grandscape Knowing who God is: engaging with him in his GRANDSCAPE

So many things

2010-04-30T13:17:00.006-05:00

Easter Pictures. I can't believe I didn't have someone take a picture of the family with me in it. We all matched nicely. Bummer!!

Crazy hair day at the school and Maggie turned 7.

It seems ages since I've written and when I checked, it has been. November was my last post. Where has time gone? I realized that it's about the time I got L at my house. Having a baby around really throws off my schedule. But I'm loving having him here. Now he's almost 8mths and moves around like crazy. I've also got a 3 mth old now B and her older brothers who I had before for a while. It keeps me hopping.

The only major drawback of babysitting is the lack of being able to participate w/ my own kids classes. But Darrell has stepped up a bit to volunteer for field trips and that takes the edge of guilt off a bit.

So what's currently going on in my life besides the 7 kids (8 if you include Darrell) I'm watching? Well, our MOPS group is really doing well. We're going into our 5th full year. I stepped down from Coordinator (and am more than happy to do so!) and will now assume the Care Team leader. All that's required is know what is going on with all our members and see if anyone needs anything. Perfect! I was told I do that naturally already. Which is probably true since I seem to know more in 4 yrs about these women than some know after a lifetime. What can I say? I'm NOSEY! I got an e-mail from corporate and was asked to do a book review in a few weeks about a new book called Momology A Moms Guide to Shaping Great Kids. I can't wait. I think it will be a great read.

I'm also still going crazy with the knitting! Hats, baby blankets, washcloths, leg warmers, arm guards for bow hunting...you name it, I'm gonna try it!

The sunhats I made Maggie and myself
The sweater I was making. I'll have to get a picture of me wearing it finished. I love it! I'm going to make myself another one.

Arlington is turning 9!!!!! tomorrow. I can't believe it. It's a sure sign I'm getting old!

Favorite Gabe and the Surgery Quote

2009-11-18T10:41:00.003-06:00

I totally forgot my favorite thing about this whole surgery and Gabe.

So we'd all been talking to Gabe about what was going to be happening during the surgery and what he needed to expect. I told him he'd go to sleep after breathing in medicine and then they'd just pull out the tonsils and take out the adenoids and he'd feel a little cruddy for a bit and everything would be better. He talked to his preschool teachers about it and must have asked how they'd get 'em out and they said they go in through his mouth.

So Gabe comes home and asks me "How are they gonna get that small??" He thought the Drs would shrink. Which of course makes me think of Willy Wonka's TV machine. LOL. Gabe told me after the surgery that little mice crawled in and got it all out.

really? Am I that bad?

2009-11-17T10:18:00.001-06:00

So it seems I didn't let ANYONE know about Gabe's surgery. Maybe I am a chicken w/ my head cut off. I swear if it wasn't attached I'd loose my head. I've been so disorganized lately and I'm just keeping my head low and plugging along.

Gabe has had long standing issues w/ hearing and liquid behind his ear drums which caused a lack of vibrations in his ear drums. So after years of trying to figure it out w/ hearing tests, allergy tests, etc. we visited and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist and they said his tonsils were awful and his adenoids most likely so swollen that his ears couldn't drain like they're supposed to. So the surgery was scheduled this July or August and yesterday we had it.

I had heard it would be 4 hrs before surgery of pre-prep work, 45 mins for the surgery and then 4 hrs in recovery. We'll we woke up at 5:30 and Gabe wanted to know why we were getting up at night for his surgery when I told him it was a morning surgery. LOL. Mom came and picked me up at 6 and we were at the hospital at 7. They filled out some charts and he was taken in around 8:15 for the anesthesiologist to do her thing. He was in surgery by 9 am and we left before 11:30. It was nutty. He did great! He wasn't nervous. He asked everyone if he could keep his scrubs but the answer was always no. He did get to keep his cap and slippers. He also got a blood pressure cuff that works! It's so cool. He got his mask that helped him "fall asleep". He got his wrap that they covered his IV needle. I felt like we took home a mini hospital!

Today he's doing amazingly well. He's wanting to eat and move about. He's just taking tylenol and antibiotics. He's pretty chipper too. A little pale, but I can't imagine not being after your body's been through that much. Here are some pics of the event.

Modeling the yellow cap, slippers and scrubs. Loading into the chair to head for the anesthesiologist.

Waking up was kind of difficult. He was exhausted. But got to sit on my lap in the 2nd recovery room. He had to stay in the bed in the first recovery room.

Eating the popsicles. We were almost ready to go by this time. You can see much more color in his face and pep in his eyes can't you.

Arlington is going in for an evaluation on Friday. We know his tonsils are fine, but his adenoids could possibly be part of the issues with his asthma and snoring. We'll see. I might have some pics soon of Arlington after surgery.

my non-existent life

2009-09-01T19:20:00.007-05:00

So I feel like I haven't been connecting for a long time and I'm gonna apologize for that. But fact of the matter is I've not been very good at keeping this thing up except in the beginning. I'm so envious of my friends who are regulars at maintaining their blogs. You rock!

So, instead I'll post a few pics and try to keep you hanging. ;)

These are the only pics I took from the 1st day of school. I didn't take any of the kids I babysit. That would have been nice of me. But I don't think the 5th grader would have cooperated. For Gabe's first day of school, I forgot my camera. Thankfully Miss Sheila let me take pics w/ her camera. She printed this one out for me.

Here is the chalkboard that Darrell's grandfather had made. It was originally green, but the surface needed a lot of care. So I got a can of chalkboard spray paint and took care of that. Then I wanted a new wipe board that had 2-3 months instead of just one. So I pulled out a white metal surface sheet I had and put that in the frame. Darrell cut the vinyl for the board to include 2 months and the daily job chart for a week. He also cut the phrase above so it looks nice.

We've been busy with lots of little nothings.

2009-06-30T10:23:00.009-05:00

I know that I've been terrible maintaining my blog for a long while. But my life feels so monotonous and I just can't see people caring about any of this. But now that we've done so many little nothings...I feel I can share a little again.

So we've been busy with ball games. Maggie and Gabe have finished their t-ball games.

They both really enjoyed themselves. And I can't find any of the pictures I took this year. What a mom huh? So here's one a friend of mine took.

Arlington is still playing for the next two weeks. I'll be glad when his season is done.

He's been doing pretty well hitting. I still think he's not going to be our athlete. There just is a lack of enthusiasm for it. But he seems to enjoy going at least.

Maggie and Arlington are in a play this summer. It's called "How to Eat Like a Child...And Other Lessons In Not Being a Grown-up." It is based on a book by the same name. I really can't wait to see it. This is where Arlington's talents should really excel!

We are preparing for our annual 4th of July party and part of that prep included t-shirts. So the kids got to make their own this year.

We've also had the summer reading program at the library. We go every Wednesday and they hear a story, sing and dance, do some sort of craft and have a snack. They have to turn in points for every minute read and after 600, get a free ticket to the Peoria Chiefs game. We have gone 2 (maybe 3) times now and just love it. It's such a great time and since it's library night, they always have the kids walk around the field before the game and fireworks after. Its a great time!

(Gabe's in the yellow shirt w/plaid shorts on the left, Arlington on the right in camo, and Mags is on the right w/ a pink hat and pink Talk, Talk, Talk shirt.)

Darrell and I have been busy trying to get our yard in decent shape and we had tons to do before he left this morning for WI for the next 3 days working. We planted lots in front of our house, he got the gate built for our fence and we weeded our garden (it was in a sad state of affairs!!) The kids spent most of the time in the pool while we worked, but when we were done, they played in the front getting fireflies. Gabe was at Grammy's this particular weekend, so he's not in the photos.

Lastly, here's a few pics we let the kids take just before going to catch the fireflies.

The Dance Recital

2009-06-01T16:32:00.004-05:00

It was so much fun! They had Tap, Tumbling and Ballet and really did fantastically on all three. Here are a few highlight pictures.

Hey all

2009-05-21T10:25:00.002-05:00

Life is continually flying by and someday I hope to catch up to it. How will I do it though?? Lord knows, but I'm hoping that the summer will be the perfect time to regroup and hang out with the kids. We have our first baseball game tonight and our first t-ball practice tonight also. LOL! Talk about being pulled from all directions!

We are also getting our fence put up so the dogs will be able to play w/o being tied up and then we'll also be able to get our pool up. It is just a 13'x40" pool, but just perfect to keep our air conditioning off more and the kids out more. Our summer reading program also starts the first Weds in June at the library and that is always fun. When its all done we always get to go to a Chiefs game and they have great fireworks. We love it!!

I will be adding pictures soon, but I just wanted to drop a line by to say Hello again!

My guy is 8...

2009-05-01T08:37:00.007-05:00

Seems like just yesterday I was changing OBGYNs since my "ulcer" didn't seem to be healing and I still thought something else must have been going on. Then the new doc was telling me that it was a tumor or I was pregnant and that it had a heartbeat. I'd never heard of a tumor w/ a heart beat, but we'd figure it out. But they insisted it was a baby and 5 mths later, sure enough, along came Arlington. And since then we've had quite a life...here are some moments in his past 8 yrs.

Arlington minutes after being born.

Arlington just at 1.

Arlington almost 2.

Arlington almost 4.

Kindergarten photo.

6th birthday.

7th birthday.

Arlington in 1st grade.

Best shoes ever created

2009-03-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

How do I not own these yet??

best link ever

2009-03-31T14:27:00.003-05:00

I was looking for different images of Kermit the Frog and came across this website. And being that Christian Bale is right up there with most beautiful man ever created, and Kermit is the best muppet ever created...I thought it a very appropriate link. Enjoy.

Oh, you do need to click the "link" in the link I've provided. The 2nd link is too long for blogger to publish evidentally.

The New Dog

2009-03-25T16:40:00.004-05:00

So we had joked over and over about getting a new dog and I searched and searched showing Darrell dog after dog. But we never really agreed on anything. So we just continued joking and never really doing anything. But then Darrell decided he did indeed need a dog of his own. Not some stupid little white lap dog that dresses in pink dresses and sits only on my lap. He wanted a huntin' dog. Even though Millie shows great promise, she's a girl. And girls are apparently just not as good as boys. So he started looking. My one request was that we get a big dog. I mean big. I wanted an irish wolfhound or newfoundland, but of course that wasn't up to Darrell's standard of hunting mutts. So he set his heart on a German Short Hair. And wouldn't you know it he found a few. And after much visiting and deciding this dog wouldn't work, that dog was too shy, etc...Darrell found his dog. Moses. He was at a foster family fromt he Henry County Humane Society. He is 3 yrs old. They say he's a german short hair mix, although we think he's more a lab mix. But he's beautiful either way. And so well behaved. He's been a fantastic addition to our family. We've welcomed him with open arms and hearts.

3 days off of school makes a mama go crazy...

2009-01-15T18:30:00.002-06:00

Our first day off the kids got to play in the snow because it was still warm and we had atleast 4 inches.

They had such fun running around the yard while I sat on the radiator INSIDE and took pics of them playing.

I love this picture of Maggie gathering branches to make antenna for the snow bugs they made.

Today and tomorrow though, no one will be able to play outside since it has been in the negatives before the windchill and it just isn't safe to be out there. Hopefully the weekend will warm up and they'll be able to make a snowman or something fun.

What I've been busy doing...

2009-01-11T13:43:00.004-06:00

So this year has been busy already, but our most exciting time was Maggie's birthday celebration at Chuck E Cheese with her cousin Miles (who's mom, Maggie's godmother, Shelly also had a birthday).

Here are a few pics from the day...

¡Feliz Compleaños!

2008-12-30T11:01:00.003-06:00

Last year in celebration of Maggie's, Auntie Shelly's and my birthdays, we went to Chuck E. Cheese and then out to Mexican. And if you're celebrating a birthday, they dress you up in these ginormous sombreros and sing around you. It is such fun and we are hoping to do a repeat this year. Can't wait.

Merry Christmas, Love Grammy

2008-12-23T21:01:00.002-06:00

The day our tub went in. It's such a big soaker tub (6' long and 31" deep) The kids are so happy Grammy got us a tub for the bathroom that works! They can even go swimming in it!!

The next day Gigi (Darrell's mom) came and helped us tile it. So here is Darrell admiring his handy work...now we just have to grout.

Here it is all grouted up. We used black grout to match our floor. I have yet to try the shower, but the tub is HEAVEN. And my friend Em just sent me some wonderfully decadent Chocolate covered Cherries bubble bath for my birthday. So I have already tried that today. Yum!

I'll follow up more once we get it all trimmed out and looking magnificent.

I'm glad we did the card yesterday.

2008-12-11T07:28:00.003-06:00

I felt the need yesterday to get lots of the stuff I'd been putting off done. And I'm so glad I had the forsight to do it. I don't often do things ahead of time anymore. I guess I've always been better under pressure (why I don't know because I HATE pressure). But it seems this year, with all the sh!t going on, I happened to think...maybe not the best time to just wait.

My Aunt Karen was diagnosed with cancer in May and on Monday we were told that the cells are so aggresive that the liquid they were feeding her through a shunt was giving her no nutrients, but only feeding the cancer. The cancer cells were growing so quickly that they were starting to crowd her heart and lungs that she would probably be suffocated in days to weeks. But on Tuesday, my mom called to let me know Karen's doctor had called to say that they hadn't realized she was in renal failure. Her liver had shut down. She only had hours.

Well, she passed away yesterday at 4:30pm. I'm really shaken. My kids are really shaken. Its all a bit too much and selfishly I've cried about our loss. But I've not even really wept for my cousins. My cousin Ann, 31, won't be able to have her parents around for a wedding, kids, first home. My cousin Jeff, 28, is expecting his 2nd (although this will be the family's 3rd) baby and his parents won't be able to share in the joy. My cousin Matt, 25, won't be able to have his parents by his side for a promotion, an engagement, a family. This would be devastating. I remember a huge sense of loss for a father I never really had on my wedding day. My brother, who I always knew would, walked me down the aisle. But I didn't get to dance with my father at my wedding either. This is not how life should be.

But worst of all, they won't have Mom around this Christmas. She was the rock of the family and even in all our families. If you needed a sensible, responsible answer, you knew to ask Karen. One of the best pieces of advice I ever learned from her was "To pick my battles". This is what I will remember about her.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

2008-12-10T14:52:00.001-06:00

injustices

2008-12-08T13:08:00.002-06:00

As I prepare for Christmas and lament our lack of finances, I'm slapped across the face by many struggles that others are facing. While no money is a HUGE struggle and the stress it causes is insurmountable, I have what many people are going into this holiday w/o. I have a family.

I have a great friend who just lost her second baby after years and years of trying to start a family, I have an old school buddy who just lost his father in a battle with cancer, I have a minister who's one brother is fighting a losing battle with cancer and another brother who is currently MIA overseas, I have an aunt who lost her husband a few years ago to cancer and is now herself dying from cancer.

Life doesn't seem to make sense right now. Why is it we have to struggle so, especially in this time of year when we are supposed to be grateful for the gift God gave us (Jesus people). I understand loss around Easter. It would be symbolic of his sacrifice. But Christmas is supposed to be joyful and yet it seems to be one of the hardest times of year for so many, loss/lack of family, loss/lack of finances, traveling in really crappy weather, stress.

Hopefully the arrival of the new year will bring great things to those who are feeling such loss in this current year. The promise of change in the government and the hope of change in other things will hopefully allow many of us some rest from stress.

I pray for all of you and hope for joy and an overabundance of love from everyone who surrounds you.

silliness

2008-11-22T10:24:00.002-06:00

The Bucket List

Hit forward and place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not, and send it to your friends(including me). This is for your entire life!

( ) Gone on a blind date
( ) Skipped school.
(x) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
(x) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robber
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke :
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(x) Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere.
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
( ) Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Gone to the movies

1. Any nickname: Brey, Ab, Abby
2. Mother's name? Lynn
3. Favorite drink? Coffee/Dr. Pepper
4. Body Piercings? Yes ears
5. How much do you love your job? Sometimes I love it, sometimes I loathe it
6. Birth Place:Sandwich, Illinois
7. Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere with my family
8. Ever been to Africa ? No
9. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? yes
10. Ever been on TV? Yes
11. Ever steal any traffic signs? Not that I can remember
12. Ever been in a car accident? yes
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? van
14. Can you drive a standard car? Yep and sometimes even miss it
15. Favorite pie? Rhubarb
16. Favorite number? 8
17. Favorite movie? I think right now Penelope, but all time Little Women with Winona Rider
18. Favorite holiday? Halloween
19. Favorite dessert? Coconut tempters
20. Favorite food? Corn dog
21. Favorite day of the week? Wednesday
22. Favorite brand of body soap? Dial
23. Favorite toothpaste? crest
24. Favorite smell? Clean laundry
25. How do you relax? Hot bath, listen to music or read with a lit candle
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Killer gardens, busy with the kids school and maybe even teaching myself
27. Furthest place you will send this message? TN
28. Who will respond to this the fastest? I don’t care, I just thought it was kind of fun.

Some thoughts on friendship

2008-10-28T07:31:00.001-05:00

This came on the weekly MOPS newsletter and I loved it and wanted all of my "best friends" to know this made me think of you.

Have a great day.

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Best Friends
Marcie Ciha, Council Coordinator

My husband laughs at me when I tell him to turn up the radio because my "favorite" song is playing. My favorite song list is at least 50 songs long. I have a lot of favorites because it all depends on my mood that particular day. Each song stirs up a variety of emotions and memories.
However, I'm the exact opposite when it comes to friendships. I truly desire to have one "best" girlfriend. One person I can relate to, share the deep secrets of my heart with and connect with on a deep spiritual level. The problem is whenever I think I have found her, typically, she moves away. This leaves me completely crushed. So what is the point – why go through the heartache?
As I listened to my daughter Victoria the other day, telling me about her best friend, I realized this was a different best friend from just the other day. Yet to her, for that day, she had a best friend. It didn't matter to her the length of time their friendship would last. She was willing to invest herself in another person regardless of any future pain. Even if a friendship is short lived, her reaction to the situation is completely different from mine. She mourns the loss and tries to keep in touch, but is always eager to find another best friend. She is never cautious to reach out to another person. She gives it her all.It’s time I learned from my daughter. I want to "be" a best friend first and foremost, just like Victoria. I want to relax and enjoy my friend as long as I possibly can. It’s time to invest in someone else's life just as so many have taken time to invest in mine.

I'm still alive

2008-10-14T16:49:00.003-05:00

It has been a long time. I'm tired and wiped out and haven't really felt like writing much. But I've decided that I have to write today to see what people think about the kids school pictures. We just got the proofs today and I'm sure about one and can't decide about the other 2.

So I like both of Gabe's and I can't decide if I like Pose B best since he's got such a big grin or if I like A best because it is a sweet little smile.

Arlingtons for me is a clear-cut winner. Pose B is fantastic!!

Maggie's I can't decide if I should have her retake them?? They're not BAD, but they don't rock you know?? I want some other opinions.

My family

2008-09-23T07:52:00.003-05:00

For any of you who know my family, you'll know how nutty we are. Our sense of humor is usually more apparent than the average joe. But not everyone believes me when I say it. So now there is proof of the wit. Check out a collaborative effort from my cousin Matt and Uncle Jerry, with some little blurbs from other family members at www.halfpeck.com. I think it's worth a couple of minutes.

Some of you might just get a bit of in site to me.

What a day

2008-09-02T19:11:00.009-05:00

Today I got up and got everyone ready for school, big kids at 8:10, Gabe and his friend at 8:50. Then I went to breakfast with Darrell and we went to the gift shop to take inventory on my card sales, 26 this month. That is awesome!! Afterwards, we came back home and I did some Wii Fit exercises while Darrell mowed. My favorites are the Hula Hoop and Step exercises.

Then I picked up Gabe and Bella from Preschool and got Arlington out of school so he could got to his allergist appointment. We didn't know what to expect with that. I was so relieved Darrell took the day off so he could keep Gabe and pick up Maggie and my friends son, Isaac from school. I have pictures of Arlington's visit.

Here's the concept. They take forty common allergens; ragweed, molds, pets, blah, blah, blah; and then graph your skin with numbers and begin pricking your skin forty times. Right after being pricked.

Then you sit for 20 mins to see how you react. Now, after being poked 10 times, Arlington was about ready to expire and had a hard time not crying (although nobody would have minded if he did cry).
Some of the spots started swelling right away,

others took a bit longer,

but from my eye, it didn't seem like any stayed regular. Even in just a few minutes.

around 10 mins later

The nurse came in after about 10 mins and told him to just hang tight (as he's writhing in pain and itchiness) and the dr came after the 20 mins were up. He said "Let's see what you're allergic to" and after seeing his back, he laughed and said "It'll be easier to tell you what you're not allergic to." Upon closer examination, he concluded that Arlington is allergic to everything, even the placebo. Hmm...so now we've got a plan of attack that even the Army would get nervous about. It'll be a lot of work, but we'll do a little at a time and see what happens. We've got all new medications. I'm hoping for big changes, in allergies, asthma and attitudes!!

hello out there

2008-08-26T11:09:00.003-05:00

So today I went on my first official "school has started and I'm all alone to myself with Millie" walk. It was GLORIOUS. I mean it. She and I walked for 50 mins. I got home and my legs were all tingly with blood flowing faster then it has in weeks. I feel so rejuvinated. I came home and drank some OJ and had a cereal bar. Isn't that crazy healthy?? I've been waking up and drinking my 3 cups of coffee before taking the kids to school. Then I come home and have a piece of fresh fruit and run Gabe and a friend to preschool. So today when I got home, I pulled down the old treadmill in the mood for a good round of exercise. But it's 80 degrees outside and I know Millie needs to get out too. So we went. The weather is supposed to hold out all week, so I'm hoping to shed a pound or two here. Fingers crossed. We've already got some trees turning and dropping leaves. The grass smells of fall. It's almost beyond blissful.

I'm going to clean out our pit of a van. I really should take before and after photos. You'd never believe the horridness of it. Have a great day!!

Oh and check out this song...

I can't get enough of

2008-08-20T21:54:00.002-05:00

James McAvoy. He's brilliant in all the movies I've seen him in and there is just something so endearing about him. I just keep watching the movies we have with him in them. You know, The Chronicles of Narnia, Becoming Jane (AWESOME), Atonement, Penelope (a new fav!!). I don't know exactly what it is about him, but I truly can't get enough. I want more!!

The song Cha, Cha, Cha by the Little Ones from the Penelope soundtrack. So catchy. I could not guess who was singing this song when I first saw the movie. Ah...because I'd never heard of them. Gotta check it out.

I'm also in love with Mirah's The Garden. Rockin'! Go check it all out!! You won't regret it.

what I've been doing lately

2008-08-15T20:12:00.006-05:00

School starts MONDAY! Ack! I can't believe it. So I've been busy stuffing bookbags with all the labeled supplies. We've gotten all but our dental appts done and the dentist is scheduled. Everyone is getting crazy excited to start going. Especially I think Mom!! I am really looking forward to a set schedule and routine for all of us again.

I made the teachers gifts and I was so excited with them I thought I share with you guys.

I put the chalk board stamp on the back of the envie and the books are stamped on the inside of the cards. It's hard to tell from the pic, but the apple and supply mug are cut out and attached with a dimensional so they are raised a little but. Each teacher will get 8 of these notecards. Isn't it the cutest? I hope they love them as much as I do. Ha!

so I chopped it off

2008-07-30T23:03:00.003-05:00

Usually when I'm feeling helpless and out of control, I need to change something. So I chose to change my hair again. I chopped it off. I love it, but I can't get a good picture. Mostly because I've gained weight again and I hate the holdie-outies that make my chin fat so pronounced. So here's the one you're gonna get. It isn't styled particularly well nor do I look especially great, but it's me and that's good enough for now. And you can all see my messy desk. UGH!! Oh yeah, ignore the date too. My camera is off about a month...aren't we all??

It's my time

2008-07-23T23:48:00.002-05:00

So it's 11:50 and I should be going to bed. But alas, it's almost midnight and I'm wired. As always, when I have something to do the following day, I get energized just about the time I need to be sleeping. Why is that? Who the heck knows. I have always been this way. That and I've not gone to be before one am for almost 2 mths. Did I mention I've been reading really good novels lately? Okay, so they're not "really good" in the traditional sense of a novel. They're not Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Jane Eyre. They're smutty, romance novels and I can't get enough. Ever hear of Bertrice Small?? If not, you should check her out. Engrossing books that have just enough historical facts that make it almost excusable. But I'm addicted. I'm knee-deep in the Skye O'Malley series. And I've yet to read Skye O'Malley. Oh well.

So I'm mostly pumped tonight because I just watched Definitely, Maybe. Wow! This is an AWESOME movie. I loved it. Of course, I love Ryan Reynolds. Always have since Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place. But this movie is fast and smart. I can't get enough of that kind of movie. Watch it people. I'm watching it again already. I've gotta go to bed and read a few before finally crashing.

too long, too little

2008-07-23T21:25:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since I've written. Too long even. But there hasn't been much to write about in my life. I've been busy planning the upcoming MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) year and it is going really successfully. I'm trying to get in all the Dr appts I should have done in the beginning of the summer. Tomorrow is school registration day. Arlington will be in 1st and Mags will be in Kindergarten.

Arlington has been taking swimming lessons this week and last. It's been a very exciting time for him. He's a natural swimmer which has really helped him out. We have bible school next week and that will be such an exciting time for all of the kids. They so look forward to seeing all of their friends after a long summer of seeing a few friends here and there.

I'm sure once school begins and our lives have less "freedom", I will find more time to write. I've always been better with a schedule and some boundaries.

This is me

2008-06-30T13:08:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've last written and things have been pretty crazy here. The summer always seems impossible to me with all of its unstructuredness. Some days it's almost too much for me. I hardly ever see my type-A personality coming out, but when I don't have a routine, it comes screaming at everyone around.

But today I got an e-mail from the MOPS international and it really hit home. This is something we're going through and I feel a bit buried most days. It's good to read how someone else is handling it. Ours is not because of Darrell's job, but just life in general. I hope if any of you are going through the same thing, this can bring you some peace.
Embracing Simplicity
Jolita Peterson, Council Coordinator
For the past year, our family has been experiencing very lean finances due to difficult and unexpected circumstances with my husband’s career. Financial troubles can be emotionally overwhelming, at times pulling an entire family down into a quagmire of hopelessness and helplessness. For a while I fumed and fussed, resisted everything about our situation and watched my attitude descend into despair, along with our checking account balance. Gradually though, as reality set in, I began to look for small blessings alongside the daily struggles of spending cutbacks. At Christmas, I rejoiced that I didn’t have to join the masses heading to the mall. I’m spending less time running errands since I’m buying less (and saving on gas at the same time!). I’ve been amazed at what we can do without.Our family has grown stronger during this past year, no question. I’ve discovered the joy of making pizza with my kids instead of ordering take-out. Rather than renting or going to the movies, we’ve been reading together more often as a family. My husband offered to highlight my hair for me since a salon visit was out of the question – and we created another unforgettable bonding moment in our marriage (and he did a great job!). We’ve also been blessed by countless friends and family members – hand-me down clothing, shoes, prayers and support, and – during some very lean months – food, gas cards and homemade meals. When I’m tempted to whine about our circumstances, I can always find something to be thankful for – health, friends, family, a roof over our head and food on our table. Do I get tired of telling my kids “no” when they ask for things? Of course. Am I looking forward to more financially stable days ahead? Absolutely. But here and now, in our present circumstances, I’m choosing daily to embrace simplicity and find joy in small ways.
Prayer From a Mother's Heart
Dear God, teach my children to be thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Summer haircuts a la Papa

2008-05-24T12:35:00.002-05:00

This is Gabe's I know where your family lives look. I wanted sweetness and light, but again, he does his Papa proud and completely disregards what I ask.

Here I was able to get a cuter picture of all of them. I still don't love this look, but after 3 years of asking, I've conceded and let the arguement die.

My family will need some prayers

2008-05-15T15:44:00.005-05:00

Hey there everyone. I have been busy busy busy with painting and planting still this spring. And baseball is in full swing. We have our last days of school tomorrow for preschool and on Tuesday with 1 hr on Thursday for Arlington. Life has been pretty great for us.

But then last night I got a call from my mom. Her sister Karen, who just lost her husband a little over 3 yrs ago to cancer, has cancer herself. She had some of it removed and we are just waiting to see what the drs say. I'm not sure if someone knows more and it's just too hard to write it right now. But this seems crazy that cancer could strike them twice. Neither of them smoke and lived pretty stand up lives. Larry's seemed pretty much a result from his parents having smoked. But Karen's is a huge shock! Please, please, please pray for her and her 3 kids. It will be a trying time for everyone.

I love you all.

Do you post your family pictures online? Read this.

2008-05-12T09:41:00.001-05:00

I forgot to credit this post to Claudine Hellmuth. It only took seconds to get the letters to the senators because they have prewritten letters. All I had to do was type in my personal info and they plugged and chugged. So please take a second to check it out for yourself. I know that there are still plenty of people out there who could get the pics and use them illegally, but it's nice to know that there would be legislation against it.

Friday, May 09, 2008
do you post your family photos online? read this!
There are two bills that are coming up in the House and Senate that will change copyright as we know it.They were shot down once before because of action against it --- but now they are back as bill numbers H.R. 5889 The Orphan Works Act of 2008 and S 2913 The Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008If you post your family photos on Flickr, anywhere on the internet or on your blog read on!Could you imagine if someone used your child's photo in an unsavory advertisement and you had no say and no rights to make them stop using it! This could easily happen if these bills are passed. There has already been an instance of Virgin Mobile using unauthorized Flickr photos of children in advertisements & billboards and that is before this law was proposed. We do not need to make it easier for them to steal your family photos!If you are posting your photos online, you should read below and then send a letter (there is an EASY fill out form on the Illustrator Partnership web site all you do is enter your info and press send!)Takes 1 minute!!!This is NOT a hoax. This is FOR REAL. And it is scary. Some people say us illustrators and designers are being alarmist, but I would rather err on the side of caution, defeat this bill and keep my copyrights as they are now. These bills were shot down once because of strong resistance from Illustrators, designers and photographers we can defeat these bills again!This is text from the Illustrator Partnership web site:
Due to the lack of publicity about this bill, the most innocent victims of this plunder – those who put images online - are still completely unaware of it. Who am I talking about? Average American families who have enjoyed the internet as a way to share the happiest, and even saddest, moments of their lives with their friends and family across the country, and even around the world, through the wonders of technology. Google has already said they plan to use these orphan works in the millions. Why should companies like this be allowed to to harvest our property from private web pages, blog sites, share sites and the like?On all my illustration and licensing boards we have been talking about it for weeks but now the day of reckoning is almost here and not enough people know about it to help us strike it down in the Senate. We need to make our feelings heard.If you want to protect your rights go here and send a letter. It only takes 1 minute. Here is the link. Then tell all your friends!Thanks to everyone posting on their blogs and message boards about this important issue! Super thanks to my friend Tim Holtz for also posting and linking here. Getting the word out and getting people to send in letters is so important right now. it really only takes a minute via this widget! Time is of the essence!thank you!!!EDITED: Saturday at 12:50Because this is such an involved and confusing topic, I am directing you to Tammy Browning Smith. She is a lawyer for the licensing and craft industry and she has posted to her Arts and Crafts Law Blog where you can get really informed answers from her, here's the link: http://artsandcraftslaw.blogspot.com/

So much in a short time

2008-05-09T10:03:00.004-05:00

My life has been completely crazy and it seems as though the crazy train just ain't stoppin'. Last week was the birthday week. This past week has been the doctor week. Like almost everyone else I know, I hate changing doctors. I hate finding a new office that accepts the kids insurance. I hate explaining all the issues they've had up to this point. I hate the small talk. I hate the nervousness they have (mostly Maggie) leading up to the appointment. I myself haven't been to a doctor since Gabe was 1yr and that was 2 1/2 yrs ago. I haven't been to a regular dr for 8 yrs and the dentist for 11 yrs. I have some serious catching up to do. But I'm getting the kids squared away and I'll do mine eventually (maybe).

So Gabe went first. His was Monday and he was feeling pretty good. We went and I talked about his constant snotty nose (or as he'd say knotty). I talked about how he doesn't say S's ever at the beginning of words and how he seems to be getting worse about all consonants at the beginning and end of words and now just makes one gigantic mess of a word with his sentences. Its horrible. We also discussed his frequent ear infections as of late and his glands that are always swollen. (Let me tell you folks, there are days I feel like I have Munchhausen and they'll just drag my kids away as I scream in my straight jacket.) But the results are always there and the dr took me seriously. We are trying Benadryl for the runny nose. I will be starting one breathing treatment of albuterol to see if his cough at night is truly an asthmatic cough as the dr suspects. We will be going back in 3 mths so the dr can check the size of his glands again. He is not really happy about those. They are not quite big enough to immediately suspect cancer, but he is a bit concerned. He is looking into some information on Gabe's allergies/sensitivities to grapes and apples. The dr seems to think there is something else to that and just doesn't know yet.

But the biggest thing...the doc said that he'd better really check out his ears. But there was so much wax in them that he had to go get the scoop. Ugh, it brought back horrible memories from my childhood when the ent would grab long things and shove them down my ears. And I never really understood why he was doing it. Ick. So he scooped and scooped. And after about 5 times, he could see Gabe's eardrum. Which again, had fluid behind it. So doc decided to pull out this contraption that sent puffs of ears with a really irratating beep and then read how much his eardrums vibrated (I'm guessing very similarly to how bats use sonar). Well, Gabe's eardrums didn't vibrate AT ALL! So we're of to an audiologist. No wonder we're constantly screaming at the boy. And mom said that is exactly what I went through. The same thing. So we'll see what happens next.

Then it was Maggie's turn the next day. There wasn't much with her except for the issues with pooping. But the night before she hadn't slept well and complained of an earache. In the office she was a bit warm and really weepy. Actually she cried a couple of times and I'm pretty sure if she could have, she would have run to the van and never gotten out w/o the promise of never returning. But I don't break easily and made her stay. She had pretty good (or bad) infection in her ear, but the doc hoped she could tough it out a day or two and let it run its course. If not he prescribed some amoxicillin, but we didn't need it and never had it filled. Although I'm sure nerves got the best of her because by the time we got home, she was throwing up. She stayed home from school and just layed on the couch outside under the umbrella as I scraped and painted. And we have a course of action for her bathroom routine. There were some extremes mentioned like enemas and probing, but I thought that might be a bit traumatic for her AND myself. So we opted to try some prescription laxatives for a few weeks and some scheduled bathroom time. We hope to resolve this issue soon. Other then that, she's growing and gaining weight appropriately and he wasn't all that worried about her at all. Whew!

That same day, Arlington had baseball practice from 5:15-6:30 so dinner has to be early and I had to go to a meeting by 7 pm so bedtime was fast. I hate days like this, but luckily a lady from our church was willing to come to our house while the kids were in bed to sit FOR FREE. Thank goodness for good people.

I also got the side of the garage painted. Thanks to Darrell for doing some scraping. Although I would have done a more thorough job, it would have taken me another week just to scrape. So I suppose having it done enough for now is fine.

I have trim work to do now with the darker green and painting the window frames white so they look like our new windows on the house. But won't that be great? It almost looks like a nice garage. I also will be mulching along the side which should really improve the look.

Here are some pics of the kids playing outside.

our shade is no more.

2008-05-01T09:55:00.003-05:00

Our trees in front of our house have been dying since we moved here and they are starting to fall apart (quite literally). So the city has decided to cut out the worst one and have put the other on their list of to-dos. It was all quite exciting to the kids Saturday morning when they started. Here are the pics of it all happening.

Before

The tree is starting to fall

Starting to chop it up

Not much left

It's gone

Things I've been busy doing.

2008-05-01T09:43:00.004-05:00

First on Friday I chaperoned Arlington's field trip to the Bloomington Children's Discovery Museum.

Then on Saturday I went to the White Sox game with Darrell and a couple from his work. They won. It was AWESOME. Nick Swisher totally rocked that night. Yippee.

Then Saturday we celebrated Arlington's 7th birthday with my brother's family, Mom, and my grandparents and Auntie Karen. It was a really great time.

Then on Tuesday I went again with the preschool this time to the Bloomington Childrens Museum. Darrell got to come also so that was really nice.

Tuesday night Arlington started baseball. Summer is really gearing up to begin already.

Last night we made star cupcakes for Arlington's birthday treat today. It is officially his birthday. And Happy May Day to all!

My new favorite song

2008-04-23T21:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, so aside from Jason Mraz's I'm Yours, which I'm totally in love with because it just makes me feel good, I LOVE Matt Costa's Mr. Pitiful.

Let me know what you favorite song right now is. I've got a list a mile long in addition to these, but when these 2 come on, I almost have to stop what I'm doing to listen.

hey

2008-04-22T20:09:00.002-05:00

So...what's been going on in my life? Nothing. The weather has been gorgeous. I've been walking, walking, walking. The kids have been playing outside. We've been enjoying nature. I stamped some Mothers Day cards, sympathy cards and masculine birthday cards with my mother. Then I made Arlington's birthday invitations. It seems crazy to me that I am making 7th yr birthday cards. 7 yrs that boys has been a part of our family in less than 2 weeks. Just 1 week and 2 days to be exact.

Oh well, I will move on and continue watching them grow up. Life will continue zooming by. Baseball was supposed to start tonight, but apparently my prayers were answered by a cancellation because of team changes. This was heavenly. I'm not ready for summer stuff yet. We just started the spring. It seems like summer is getting shoved down my throat like Christmas has been lately. Lets take things one day at a time here people!! Sheesh.

I wanted to give a shout out to two of my friends that are expecting babies! Aaron and Kelli are now expecting their addition within days. And Ryan and Brooke are in the 2nd trimester from what I've gathered. This was such exciting news to me.

Another of my friends, Sandi from Henry, has just miscarried and I'd love if you guys could say a little prayer for her too.

I'm sending out big cyberhugs to you all tonight. Oh...and I'm feeling fantastic after an Andrew Lloyd Weber American Idol. Hoorah for broadway!!

my cut and my work

2008-04-16T13:55:00.003-05:00

So I think I finally have a few pictures I'd be happy enough with here to show off the cut. I straightened it today with the flat iron. Those things are amazing.

And I've been busy painting the garage doors. Here are pics from when we first bought it, when Darrell painted the green and the door I finally got scraped and painted. Isn't it coming along nicely?

some local business shout-outs

2008-04-11T18:46:00.004-05:00

So I don't know if any of you know but I have begun to sell my cards at a local gift shop. The shop's name is Parkside Cottage. While I was taking inventory there the other day, Darrell decided to browse and noticed some coffee syrups and other things like that. I just found that they have an online store. This place is Java & Co. I recommend all of you come to Henry to visit me and these two wonderful businesses. And then we could stop by The CoffeE Cup.

a whole lot of nothin'

2008-04-11T15:44:00.002-05:00

So I just felt like writing. Nothing much happening here. Thank goodness the kids are all healthy. I'm still healthy and so is Darrell. Life is pretty much fine. We had pretty nice weather yesterday, so I spent a lot of time scraping the garage and the doors. I still have much to do, but it will look fab when it's done. I should be taking progress photos.

Today is blustery almost. It was gorgeous and sunny this morning at 7, but within an hour it had started getting cloudy and chilly. Then the rain came. It was mostly just drizzly. The rain had plenty of breaks though so Arlington was able to have recess outside, Darrell and I went for a walk to get coffee and oil and filter. Then when I got home, my friend Mary Jo called to see if I wanted to walk and get the kids from school. So we left about 40 mins early and walked around Stoner Park (that's really the name!). As we started walking home with the kids, it started sprinkling again. Luckily it wasn't much.

I feel great with the exercise I got today. I love that feeling after a good workout.

Do any of you notice you cry more that you're older? Or is it just me? I have been watching American Idol and this week was the Gives Back week. So they show kids in America and Africa that desperately need help. And I just sit and ball. It's pitiful. I watch movies and tear up. I cry because I'm tired and worn out. I'm sick of crying. I can't decide if its from exhaustion or hormones or from having kids or just age. Probably its a combination of it all. I'll be glad for nice outside weather so I'll spend less time watching tv. That'll mean less crying, I hope!

It's almost here...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-09T14:41:00.001-05:00

I am such a dork, that I've subscribed to a Wii newsletter just to find out when the Wii Fit will be here. And it will be May 21st. I think I'm requesting it as my Mother's Day present. I don't know when Mom's Day is, but I'm guessing it's only about a week off. How perfect will that be?? Check out the link to all the cool things this will do. Yippee!

a worthy cause

2008-04-08T20:14:00.003-05:00

I think we all can do a little something to make a big difference. So, to go along with the fitness challenge this month here is a link to go check out. Or click on the cute little advertisement on my page. Feel free to add one to your page!!

I hope everyone who reads my blog is willing to give this a shot. I'd wager that most of us have a brita filter somewhere in our house and why not do a little more?

hello folks

2008-04-08T16:39:00.002-05:00

Hey there. A few questions for all y'all.

First...do you enjoy the music player on my page? I love having music, but sometimes I don't want it. So I'll turn it down or just off. But I know people who absolutely hate it. So I'd like to know the majority vote here.

Second...have you tried to subscribe to this blog and had issues? I was e-mailed by a friend who is having issues. And she is using the same subscription service on her page, so I'm not sure of the issue. I tried another of my e-mail addresses and it seemed to go, but I don't see the address yet on my maintence page. Let me know if you tried and it doesn't work.

So that's all for my questions. As for life, we're pretty good. Everyone seems to be on the mends. We are going to switch drs, so maybe that should help. Yesterday was a relatively beautiful day, but today is rainy and stormy. I'm really looking forward to spring. I don't mind storms, but it's still COLD!

I love you all and hope this finds you well.

this is dumb I know but...

2008-04-02T20:31:00.002-05:00

I'm watching American Idol (hey, that's not the stupid part of this post!!!!) and they are showing some past idols and I realized that one of my favorite couples had their twins on this show. What are the odds?? So here I've put the pictures for you to decide.

Found another new band

2008-03-31T16:19:00.001-05:00

They are newer I'm sure because they don't have many songs that I can find. But their sound is incredible. I'm going to try to find more on them. We'll see. But check 'em out and let me know what you think.

The Paper Raincoat

Here are the kids playing playdoh

2008-03-29T11:04:00.003-05:00

We made this homemade playdoh. They got to pick their colors and it really made the night go by much smoother. Yea for playdoh and simplicitic fun!

Yea for good days

2008-03-29T10:36:00.003-05:00

The sun is bright and almost warm. I have 3 kids that have been playing well building, inventing, pretending. A husband who is sound asleep still after returning home early this morning from work. And I feel great. My coffee is delicious, the dog is playing quietly next to me. Life is good people. We will go outside and play and everyone will feel fantastic.

Last night was a good night too. We made playdoh, a coconut cake, pudding for dessert and have plans to make jellobeans today. I got a super cute craft magazine yesterday and we may make something out of that. These are the days that remind me to be grateful to be a mom and wife. It's okay to just enjoy life.

Horray for spring and feelings of "rebirth"!!

a new rockin' singer

2008-03-27T15:36:00.002-05:00

Okay, so she's not so new, but I've just found her music and I don't know why I haven't heard of her before. Was I just not listening?? Maybe I just overlooked her music because I wasn't in the mood for it before. But now I'm loving her. Her name is Missy Higgins. She also makes me want to chop off my hair again. Hmm...so much to consider in my life.

Others I think you should check out if I haven't told you about them yet are Joshua Radin, Tegan and Sara, Rachael Yamagata, Schuyler Fisk (yes girls, she starred in Babysitter's Club), Yael Naim (she sings mostly french, but you know the rockin' Apple Laptop commercial? Well it's her. So I've linked to the video, so you can truly enjoy a song you can understand), Jem (she's been around a while, but I love her), the Fratellis (they just rock!), and the Chamber Strings.

Let me know if you've seen or heard any new stuff. Or maybe an old favorite. Like REM or Barenaked Ladies or Guster perhaps?

Easter Pics

2008-03-25T20:06:00.004-05:00

Hey there. The Easter pics are here. I'll put a few here and the rest on Flickr. I'm so glad they turned out as well as they did. Last year's were not so good.

Deep thoughts, by everyone but me

2008-03-21T10:26:00.002-05:00

That's going to be the name of the next blog I make. I seem to keep finding words that inspire me, yet I can't think of anything myself. I guess that's all part of learning. Anyway, I get a daily e-mail from Dr. Jon of PetPlace and today it had a link to this letter. I think it is genius and if we could all live by thes, we'd be a great nation.

I Believe...Read it - it will inspire you
By: PetPlace.com User

This is a wonderful inspirational email that we wanted to share with you. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

I believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe...That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe...That it is taking me a long, long, LONG time to become the person I want to be.

I believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe...That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

Things we've been up to...

2008-03-19T18:30:00.004-05:00

So I took the kids to the dr to find out why the heck we've been dealing with puke and poop for as long as we have. They sent me home with rubber gloves and containers to collect stool samples. Oh yea, that's what I want to do. Spend more time with their body "fluids". Great. But the dr also decided that Arlington indeed had a cough due to his asthma and should be on a nebulizer and prescribed a new allergy medicine. So now he does his nebulizer and allergy meds 3 times a day and takes his Singulair nightly. His vomiting has been eliminated.

When I got back from the dr, Gabe's preschool teacher called and in conversation wondered if Gabe was allergic to anything else like he is to grapes. Then I remembered thinking before the holidays that Gabe was allergic (well, they're really sensitivities, allergies would be life threatening reactions like some have to strawberries or nuts) to apple juice. But in the hustle and bustle, I'd forgotten why I wasn't getting apples and juice here. I thought it was because the price of apples had gone up a dollar per pound. So when prices went down again, I bought more and started poisoning Gabe again slowly and adding more stress to my life. We've eliminated apples from his diet and solve his sick issues. Sometimes I feel like such an idiot!!

For the last week, I've been bombarded with headaches. Two of them have been severe ones and one was a migraine. I'm sick of this. And I'm pretty sure Darrell is too!! I might have to go to the dr soon if it doesn't let up.

Tomorrow is the last day of school until after spring break. It is wear your art day, so we made t-shirts after school. Here are the results of our art project.

the meaning of Easter

2008-03-19T18:23:00.003-05:00

From my MOPs e-mail. Sorry for all of these, but they mean so much to me and I hope they will touch you too.

The simplest meaning of Easter is that we are living in a world in which God has the last word.(Unknown)

The Easter Story
Carla Foote, Director of Media
Acting out stories in the living room was a favorite activity of my children as preschoolers. For holidays, the living room plays became even more elaborate and included any young friends who were joining our family for a holiday meal.One particular Easter will live forever in our memories. The time came in the story for Jesus (older brother) to come out of the tomb. The angel (a visiting friend) was standing nearby, but the Roman soldier (younger sister) was quite stubborn and wouldn’t let Jesus out of the tomb.The story ended in gales of laughter as Jesus had to push his way past the Roman soldier who was quite determined not to leave her post.I’m not sure how this re-enactment of the Easter morning truth of Jesus’ resurrection affected the spiritual development of my children, but it certainly has lived on for many years in the re-telling. I’m sure when they have children and are enjoying Easter dinner as a family, versions of this story will be retold, even if some of the details become fuzzy over the years.Thankfully, the truth of Easter is bigger than our small re-enactments, and we can celebrate that Jesus is alive and came to give life to each of us, and to our families. If you have questions about the Easter story, download this free Easter resource.

Prayer From a Mother's Heart
Dear God, thank you for giving us Jesus so that my children could have life eternal.

sick again

2008-03-13T10:54:00.002-05:00

The boys are throwing up again! Ugh. I'm so tired of this. Both of them are having issues top and bottom. Arlington was sitting on the potty this morning and then threw up and unloaded all over the floor. He tried his best, but what can you do when you're already on the toilet? And Gabe just threw up in his bed again, but thought he pooped in his pjs. Which he did. So I put him in our bed after throwing on him one of my t-shirts. Then this morning I noticed he had pooped on our bed. Yuck! I want this all to be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you are all fine. We are supposed to have another day of 50's with rain and Saturday will be in the 40's with 1-3" of snow and then rain. LOVELY! I want SPRING. And warm thunderstorms with doors open to hear the storm pass. I'm tired of the chilly weather with snow and slush. I am the first to admit I love the winter and I would be devastated to move somewhere that doesn't have it. But I'm sick of it now.

Well, I'm off to wash the bedding...AGAIN!

The handsomest man EVER!

2008-03-11T16:46:00.002-05:00

Ladies, eat your heart out. This is why I married him.

Okay, well he has in some candy teeth that the kids got on Halloween that I wanted to throw out. He wasn't pleased I was going to put the on here, but come on...everyone should be allowed to see this beautiful face. We really got a kick out of this. And since I've been trying to focus on things that make me happier...well, here you go.

Life...for me. It's just plain ol' boring.

2008-03-10T21:17:00.004-05:00

Have I been hiding? No, just trying to keep up with life. It has been relatively uneventful, but so busy. I've read in Arlington's classroom, gone Easter outfit shopping, shopped for Easter presents, played outside and done laundry, laundry, laundry.

I keep meaning to clean Maggie's bedroom which rivals any mess I had as a child. But I've yet to do it. It will take a lot of time and I just don't want to sit in that room by myself and work on it.

I have spent much time in contemplation of the struggles that two of my girlfriends (Kate and Em) are now going through. My heart is aching for them. I don't know what to do and that is an unfamiliar (or just uncomfortable) feeling for me. I want to help. If I knew it would make a difference, I would drive to WI and MI to do something...anything. But there isn't anything. There is just pain and emptiness and the bitter disappointment every month that reminds them of the lack of control we have on our own lives. We all feel this desperation at times in our lives, but very rarily do we have to be hit in the face with the reality of it all, over and over, month by month. So I'm consumed with thoughts of what to do. Nothing. I have to sit and wait, just like them and hope and pray for the best.

I hope the rest of you are staying happy and healthy. I miss you all and hope to hear from you soon. I'd love to have you here to join me for a cup of coffee at our local coffee shop. Think about it!

the title picture

2008-03-04T16:22:00.003-06:00

Okay, while this isn't the most flattering picture, it is really showing what I'm longing for most. Sitting on a deck, while the option of a pool in the background, with family and friends and enjoying the warm weather. I want fresh air, outdoor exercise. I need it. I'm tired of "hibernating" in this once warm and cozy den of mine. Now it's stiffeling and I'm feeling cabin fever, stir crazy.

The boys have been throwing up for over a week now. They were rotating nights, as though taking turns to drive me crazy. But last night, bless their sweet little souls (can you hear the sarcasm???), they decided to share the night. Gabe at 9:30 and Arlington at 2:30. But the thing that was worst, we realized Gabe had gotten it in our bed and by the time Arlington was sick, we didn't have extra clean pillows. No, we were out. I'm tired of puck. The smell, the laundry, the cranky kids and me.

Then to make things simpler, Maggie has decided pooping is an optional thing. So she'll go weeks with out going. But she'll ruin 5 pairs of underware a day because it is "leaking" out of her body. This past month she's had issues with it getting over everything (her winter coat, the toilet seat, handle, bathroom floor, etc. You get the point.) So I've spent my days cleaning crap and vomit. I'm desperate for a vacation (sans kids)!

taking stock??

2008-02-26T22:31:00.002-06:00

So I decided to do as I do and follow Ember's lead of sorting posts. It would be nice to look back here and find a post I made about whatever. But I tend to blog a lot, about nothing. How do you catagorize crap? I don't know. I pulled a few out specifically about Millie.

So I'm reading through the posts trying to find a common link between any of them. The only thing I can find...

I start WAY TOO MANY sentences with SO...

Who does that? Am I retarded? That's like going to listen to someone talk and they say um... or like. It's so irritating and frustrating. And really makes me look stupid. At least in my opinion. Do other people do this? Or even notice this? I know I ramble and write in run-ons or fragments. But that's me. I can accept this about myself. But the SO has got to go. But it's so ingrained in my person, I don't know if I'll be able to stop it. Doesn't the boss on "Office Space" say that all the time? Soooo...I'm gonna need you to come in on Saturday...?

So (ah...stop!!) if you want to find a post I've written, check under Millie or SO.

Friends

2008-02-26T09:43:00.002-06:00

Wow! I don't think I could say enough about the friends I have. Amazing women with strengths that strengthen those of us lucky enough to be around them. With weaknesses they are kind enough to share with the rest of us so we can share their sorrows and try to help build them up. At this point in my life, I am in desperate need of friendships. It is a hard place to be in. I've grown up, I am most definitely an adult. But as a mom and wife, my own identity is constantly shoved to the back and often gets lost. But thankfully, I have friends who can see past all my daily labels and see me. They can bring me back to myself. "Hello Aubrey, it's nice to see you again. We should keep in better touch with each other."

Here are a few quotes I've read recently and enjoyed. I hope you all have a wonderful day. We are getting another blanketing of snow and its beautiful. The sun is just bright enough to make the world seem hopeful. It's fresh and bright, clean and white. Promising a wonderful warmth inside with our loved ones. I love you all!

"We are all blessed to have our lives filled with love, family and friends."
"True friendship is seen through the heart, not the eyes."
"The most important things in life...aren't things."
"May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows."
All of these came from an amazing catalog of items from Country Door in Monroe WI. If I had my own retreat space, it would be filled with stuff from this catalog. I love it!!! Check it out if you get a chance at their website.

another interesting fact

2008-02-22T09:15:00.003-06:00

Hey all. So I received my first copy of Body and Soul magazine that my friend Kate got me for my birthday. And wouldn't you know it, the first page had 6 simple ways to better your life and the planet. While this initially might not seem like such a fantastic thing, the number one thing it had listed was this:

"Chat it up

Grabbing a cup of tea (I hope coffee is okay but I'm guessing not) with a friend might boost your mental health as much as your social life. A recent University of Michigan found that if you socialize for just 10 min. a day, you can sharpen your mind as much as you would by doing brain games or crossword puzzles."

This was fantastic for me. I have a really crappy mind and feel the need to do every crossword puzzle, sudoku puzzle, cryptoquote, and word jumble in the daily papers. Yet that doesn't really fill the void in my life. So I hope reading blogs and e-mails daily can do the same thing. I really feel closer to all of you when I can see what's going on in your lives. Please leave me a comment so I know it's important to you too. I know more of you are reading than writing, but let me know you care! And maybe we can schedule a date for tea and talk! Or coffee and chat.

Another MOPS mom

2008-02-20T07:53:00.001-06:00

This story reminded me so much of what my friends are going through and I hope your stories end up the same way. It also reminds those of us who made a family so easily to just say Thanks.

Cherishing Handprints
Melanie Leaver, Area Coordinator
My husband found me sitting on the stairs today, holding a paintbrush slick with fresh paint on it. He noticed there was no new paint on the walls and then saw tears running down my cheeks toward a silly grin.“Honey, is something wrong?” he inquired tenderly. “Oh, everything is so great!” I honestly told him. Moments earlier, when I went to the stairs to begin the painstaking task of painting around the handrail, I saw a landscape of handprints and messy smears – ranging from peanut butter to cheese cracker residue, dirt to other unrecognizable substances.They sneak up on me from – a doll left tucked under my pillow, a soggy cracker found in a coat pocket – reminders that my children are HERE! During years of repeated miscarriages, I wondered if I would ever have the indescribable blessing of waking up at 2 a.m. (and again at 3 a.m.) to soothe a child. Would my refrigerator ever become an overflowing gallery of precious childhood art? What about play-dates and sick days and parent-teacher meetings? God later answered the cries of my heart and gave me not just one, but two children. And my children make their presence well-known in their waking hours. The house is abuzz with laughing and crying, bickering and playing. But it’s in the quiet of nap-time or the still of the late evening hours when I feel my children’s presence most strongly. My living room floor is littered with toys, something is stuck on the ceiling fan, and I can see that my daughter has found my lipstick. Again.It’s in those discoveries when I close my eyes, push aside the grumbling housekeeper in my head, and thank God for my precious little ones and cherish the mess!

Such reassurance

2008-02-11T18:44:00.000-06:00

This came in the most recent MOPS newsletter and I think this is the reason for my funk lately. I haven't been sleeping like usual. I was spoiled by naps and sleeping through the night. But now with Millie, I stay up until atleast midnight so I can take her out before falling into a deep sleep and then I'm up at 5:30 to take her out again. We usually can fall back to sleep until the alarm goes off at 7 to start getting Arlington ready for school. So, my not-quite-6hrs of sleep is not serving me well.

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one.(Leo J. Burke)

The Nap
Rhonda Headley, Council Coordinator
Recently one morning, my husband and I found ourselves in the midst of some intriguing circumstances. The girls were away, he didn’t have to be at work for three more hours, we had no pressing demands on our time, and we were home alone. Whatever could we do with ourselves? With a twinkle in our eyes and our hearts skipping a beat, we let out the dog, turned off the phone and ran to the bedroom. The flannel sheets enveloped us, we spooned, and we immediately ... lost consciousness. That’s right. We napped! And I do not mean that as a euphemism for anything else but hard-core sleeping. In fact, two-and-a-half hours later, we awoke stiffened in our spoon positions. We hadn’t moved an inch. My husband had serious sheet prints on his face, and I think I detected a small pool of drool on my pillow. That nap was sheer ecstasy and easily one for the record book!I have always craved sleep. I am a Queen Napper. In college, I would schedule classes with just enough time between to slip back to the dorm and doze awhile. Later when I was a substitute teacher during the day, I would rush home to take a quick siesta, and then go to my second job as a restaurant server. Even now, on Sundays, I dream about taking luxurious naps while my husband and kids ignore me.However, I never knew “tired” until I became a parent. The midnight feedings, the worry, the nightmares (theirs and mine), the calls for water and back-scratches (no kidding), and a dog with no bladder control whatsoever have marred my sleep more times than you can imagine. I actually find myself daydreaming about sleep.So if you call my house during the day and you know I’m not at work, just leave a message. I’m probably taking advantage of the best guilty pleasure (besides chocolate): I’m napping!

Millie in a dress

2008-02-11T10:37:00.001-06:00

So I said I get some pics of the girl up in her dress. I've put the rest on my flickr acct. I'm gonna get Darrell holding her in her dress by the Mustang soon. Today it's only 3 degrees outside, so it won't be now.

a new car, another year

2008-02-07T20:23:00.001-06:00

So Darrell got his car. Isn't it beautiful? He's anxious to get it painted. But it runs well enough and he got it for a pretty good deal.

And on Sunday, Darrell and I will have been married for seven years. Seems crazy to me!

What's your favorite Wii game?

2008-02-07T09:31:00.001-06:00

Okay, now that we have our Wii, I'd like to know what is our best investment for game play. We have Wii Sports and Wii Play. Wii Play is really a great time with the kids. We've spent a lot of time fishing in the mornings. The game takes about a minute and a half and everyone enjoys it. I know I will be getting Wii Fit when it comes out.

I've been looking at Wii Game Party, Cosmic Family, Smarty Pants. What are you guys playing?

Fitness blah, blah, blah

2008-02-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

So after much consideration, I'm putting off the treadmill. I just can't seem to justify spending over $1000 at the tail-end of the winter. It's going to get nice soon and I'd rather walk with the kids and dog so we all get exercise. But now that we have our Wii, I've been keeping my eye out for something fun on that. And now its here! I can't wait to get this. It is a little pricey right now, but so much cheaper than even a few videos and equipment that it's so gonna be mine! My gloomy mood has brightened a bit in this dreary afternoon. That and the fact that the weather is so crappy Darrell has stayed home and now I can tag team a lot of the work I'm tired of doing. Aka...the kids and dog. I desperately needed him home today. What a relief!

ugh

2008-02-05T19:41:00.000-06:00

I'm tired, pissy and plain old miserable! I'm hating my life right now. I need a break. Like, maybe I should be playing the lottery and use my winnings for a weekend to a spa. I wish I had my favorite gals here so we could hang out and do something fun...and silly. That's what I need. Silliness. You'd think I could do that with the kids, but I'm so tired of them too. Yuck! I'm hoping I'll use my brain and go to bed early. We'll see.

my boring ol' life

2008-01-31T18:15:00.000-06:00

So I haven't posted for a bit. Not much has happened in my life. I spend most of my day getting kids dressed and fed, running Millie to go potty, feeding kids and husband, running Millie to go potty, taking kids to school, running Millie to go potty, getting kids from school, running Millie to the bathroom, checking book bags, playing with everyone a bit, cleaning up an accident of some kind (kids, Millie, mine, maybe all of them), running Millie to the bathroom, feeding kids, running Millie to go potty, bathing, reading and/or watching a bit of TV before bed, running Millie to the bathroom, brushing and dressing kids for bed and relax on the couch in front of TV. Some point in there I need to find the time to exercise. I'm thinking it needs to be after the kids are in bed. Millie will usually sleep more then and I could be doing something.

Darrell had to return the HHR today. So he's got the van tonight. Which of course is the one night in a million that I needed it. I forgot Arlington needed bite sized veggies for school and we only have bags of frozen veggies. I don't think that'd fly. So I talked to Darrell and he will be picking them up at 3 am after work.

Other than that, nothing has happened here. Darrell is hoping to get his new car on Monday in Columbus OH. He is also buying an old beater truck that he can use if he's working on the '69 Nova he's buying. He was so glad to more than triple what he paid for the Mustang after this accident. We had the HHR for 20 days. Can you believe it's been more that 20 days since the accident?? I can't. But I'm also having a hard time believing this is the last day in January. And with Ash Wednesday next week and lent starting, it's really almost unbearable. I think I'm going to give up some of my sitting on the couch time for lent. Meaning more that I'm going to exercise more during lent. My goal is atleast 15 min every day. Or at least the equivalent to that by the end of the week. We shall see.

A Treadmill

2008-01-29T17:37:00.000-06:00

So I'm thinking I need to step up my game a bit and I think a Treadmill would be a pretty good start to the whole fitness life change. But I don't know what to do. I really don't want to spend a lot. Well, cause I don't really have a lot to spend. So, there are 3 in the classifieds (2 are $300, 1 is $200) and all of these seem like they'd be fine. But who knows right?

Then, there is a treadmill reasonably priced at Wal-Mart where we'd get an extra 10% off the price. So I think this seems the most logical choice. But I'm wanting to know if any of you have some advice.

a little beauty tip

2008-01-25T20:42:00.000-06:00

So I was watching one of my favorite shows, What Not To Where (I still don't know how I haven't made it on this show, my clothes suck the big one!) and heard a great tip from Carmindy. I think this is a great tip especially in the winter.

She said, if you have really dry skin, every night scrub your skin with a little sugar for a week and by the end of the week, your skin will look rejuvenated and fresh.

We've got her

2008-01-23T20:12:00.001-06:00

We have gotten her and named her Millie. She is 4.6 lbs and the calmest, sweetest thing. She's very timid. She won't walk out of a room, even if everyone else has. She doesn't bark. I love that about her.

She has really warmed up to the kids. She loves Arlington and fell asleep on Maggie tonight. She HATES the snow and is not very thrilled that we are trying to potty train her.

Holy crap you dancin' freaks!!

2008-01-22T22:20:00.000-06:00

So I decided that I need to step it up a notch in Kate's New Years Work Out Challenge. I clearly will not be winning anything with my 10-50 min workouts a week. So I have to be creative. I need to plan when I can work out and not be watched and self conscious. So I turned on FitTV tonight at 10. I've watched Biggest Loser and am motivated by Bob's constant smile and go to it attitude.

So, to FitTV. 30 min shows, with commercials, explainations. Sure I can do this. Okay, Shimmy is on. Great! A dancing show. I love to dance...it won't feel like a workout. It'll be fun. I'll learn something I can do with the kids. Oh shit...its bellydancing. Well, Darrell's always wanted me to do a little dance for him in the bedroom. I'm not quite ready for pole dancing. This should be fine. Holy Fucking Crap this shit is hard. I highly recommend this workout. I'm making a series recording of this show. My legs and hips are so worn out. I'm a sweaty mess. And I've just learned a killer 30 second dance. Once I get a beautiful sequin skirt I'll be kicking ass in the candle light. Look out ladies...ITS ON!

No more spotted dogs

2008-01-20T16:48:00.000-06:00

So we went to go see the puppies yesterday and both of the black and white puppies have been sold. But I'm in love with the runt of the litter. She is a white dog with lots of light tan spots all over her. Very cute. She's got a sweet quiet personality. So now its just a matter of time when we can get our crap together to go get her (or whatever dog is left in the litter...). If we get a girl dog, we are vacillating on the name.

We are leaning toward Molly or Millie, but I love the name Jezebel and have yet to get an animal named that aside from a Betta fish I had that got eaten by a crab. Humph!

What shift do you prefer?

2008-01-16T17:47:00.001-06:00

That was the question they asked Darrell when he returned to work yesterday. Maybe this means they're going to move him. Or maybe a promotion. I'll keep you posted about that. But for now, we're glad they're at least asking. He said he'd prefer the weekend again. Then the same shift he's on now. He doesn't want days I guess. But that's what I think would be best. He's crazy!! I think his brain is still slow from the accident!

Yippee!!

2008-01-15T20:31:00.000-06:00

I've finally gotten music on my page. I'm not really sure what to do next. I can add 100 song to my player as soon as I figure out how. I've got 10 on it for now. I'm so excited. Music is such a big part of my life, so to have it on my page really makes it more me. So turn up the volume on your computer and enjoy my tunes with a big ol' cup of mud with me!!

So now I've got more music up. I'm loving this thing. I'd love to scream with how excited I am with this player. So I'll try to see if I can really make a few different play lists and I'll put up a work out play list. Woohoo...Big things happening now.

Politics

2008-01-15T09:21:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm not one who really tends to talk about politics. For many reasons, but a few would be A) my lack of knowledge on specific issues that people tend to focus on
B) lack of an opinion or a really strong opinion on other things
C) I learned early and often, not to talk money, religion, or politics

But after reading Kate's blog and trying the quiz, I have been reaffirmed in my choice. I'm glad to see that my gut is again steering me in the right direction. I like to think I'm a good judge of character. I have not been wrong too often, but it's nice to see proof.

Thanks girls for finding this link. Ember first posted it on her blog, but I read it on Kate's first. Very interesting. I also could have given a flying f*** about many of the issues and some I knew nothing about. But really a quick way to see who you are most in sync with.

a couple of clarifications

2008-01-14T19:06:00.001-06:00

So first things first. We still haven't gotten the dog and have yet to go with the kids to visit. The shelter is only open on Tues-Thurs 1-4, Fri 1-3 and Sat 9-1. So we really haven't had a chance to get there. But we are still planning on getting the little guy. I think our final vote on a name is Yatzee. For now atleast.

Darrell's accident info

He seems to be fine now. He got the stomach flu on Friday and I was worried that it could have been tied to the car accident. When I called the hospital about it, they thought it could be that his brain was bleeding, but Darrell didn't want to go have it checked out. Arlington had been sick on Sunday and tonight, Maggie started throwing up. So I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and guess that it really was the flu.

The accident involved Darrell driving N on Rt29 and a lady in a van driving S on Rt 29. She was turning left across Darrell's lane into the town. Evidentally she didn't see Darrell so he slammed on his brakes. They, not being anti-lock brakes, squealed and she heard that and stopped in the road. Darrell could have veered right toward a telephone poll driving about 35 mph or hopefully just grazed the front of her van and made it through w/o much injury. So he tried the latter. But she was too far over in his lane and his car did not just quickly slide off of her car. So her insurance is covering the accident. His time off of work and medical bills are going to be paid, he will get money for the mustang or they will fix it and they got him the rental. So things are going to work out we think.

The rental

2008-01-13T17:21:00.000-06:00

So the lady's insurance is going to take care of everything. And we got a rental on Saturday. Darrell got to pick the car and knows how much I like HHRs, so that's what he got. It's a red '08. Very fun. It's like the most basic model, and still so full of fun options. So it's going up there with the Vespa. My list keeps getting longer. A dog, a scooter, a car...what next? Well if we do indeed move, its a new stampin' room.

more names

2008-01-12T21:50:00.000-06:00

So a few more I've remembered or we've come up with...
Shananagans (I think this might be my favorite)
Whimpy
Big Hurt
Frankie
George

My new glasses

2008-01-11T11:51:00.001-06:00

My mom gave me money to get some new glasses for my birthday and I found a sale where you buy one and get two free. I don't think it ended up being that great a deal, but I love my glasses.

An American Eagle

2008-01-11T09:35:00.001-06:00

That's what his breed is called. How cute is that? Darrell and I went to see him yesterday. We weren't able to hold him since his 8 other brothers and sisters like to come out too. So we have to schedule something so they have some time to get him out and rally the other pups back in. The kids can't wait to meet him. We have to view them in the shelter's garage because of Arlington's cat allergy, but it should be fine. He is getting neutered on Monday and will be ready after that. We are thinking 2 or 3 weeks.

We want to rename him though. Denver reminds me of Denver and the Mile High Orchestra from The Next Great American Band show and that group was miserable. So I'd love some ideas. We've tossed around Guido, Oreo, Bruce, Ozzie, Pauly, Nacho Blanco, umm...I've forgotten some of the others. When Darrell gets up I'll post some more. We have a Sampson in the house already. So I can't use that. I thought Goliath would be cute, but I think I'm gonna get vetoed on another biblical name.

Here's what his brothers and sisters look like

It's worse

2008-01-10T08:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, so my day yesterday was crazy. I spent all the time the kids were at preschool online looking at puppies. Darrell and I laughed about it and both agreed that the last thing we really need is a puppy. So we shrugged it off and kissed and went our seperate ways. Me, I went to pick up the kids from school and get Arlington's prescription; Darrell, he went upstairs to get ready for work and headed out the door. But when I got home, I checked my messages and saw there was one. It was from Darrell I noticed on the callerID and tried to call. Nothing...straight to voice mail. So I listened to the message...

"Hey hon, I've been in a car accident. On my way to Princeton. Please call me."

Crap, shit, FUCK! I can't get a hold of him. So I call 911.

"What's your emergency?"

"Well, it's not mine, my husband got in a car accident on his way to work."

"Okay, where is he?"

"I don't really know, he's on his way to work, but on the phone he said he was on his way to Princeton. So I think he hasn't turned toward Bureau yet."

"Where was he going?"

"To work in Spring Valley."

"Where does he work?"

"The Wal-Mart DC. I don't know what he's doing near Princeton. He always takes 29 and follows it through Bureau and DePue." I start crying.

"It's okay. Please take a deep breath. I will see what I can find out okay hun? I'll call you back."

So she calls back to inform me that he's already on his way to Perry Memorial hospital in Princeton and that his Mustang is most likely totalled and I will need to pick him up from the hospital. I say that I have 3 kids and don't even know if he's okay or if it'll take all night. I start crying again as I talk about I might need to find a babysitter. She tells me to take a deep breath and to calm down again. (As if I have control over this. I'm calm bitch, I'm just scared for my husband and my family) But she calls again to get more info. He is going to get X-rays, but doesn't need stitches or anything. He is in amazingly good shape considering. It should be fine to take the kids and get him.

So we did. And he was. It was only about 15 mins we were at the hospital and the kids got the big Tootsie Pops so it was a great time for them. Darrell was pretty sore, but I was relieved to see no signs of an accident. His car, his precious Mustang, is another story. Darrell is now pre-shopping for a new one so when the insurance calls, he will be prepared.

But, talking last night after he got back, he says he's always kind of wanted another dog. And he'd feel better if there was one around when he was gone. So here it is. The one we want. The savior.

Animal: Dog
Breed: Beagle, American Eskimo Dog [Mix]
Sex: Male
Age: Baby
Size: Medium
From: Friends of Strays

Denver has 8 other brothers and sisters. They were born at the shelter on 11/6/07. These puppies are the sweetest puppies our shelter has every had. They are wonderful and loving. Will make great family pets.

Happy Birthday Dear Friend

2008-01-06T09:30:00.000-06:00

Katie,

I just wanted to wish you the happiest day today. You deserve it. I'm am grateful every day to have a friend like you back in my life. You are responsible for getting the girls back into the great support system we now are. You encourage people to be the best they can be. You inspire people to be who they are, not who we think we should be.

You are a most wonderful woman and I'm proud to call you my friend.
God bless and many more happy birthdays!

Aubrey

It sucks that Christmas AND my birthday are over

2008-01-04T08:43:00.000-06:00

I just found my dream vehicle. Well, maybe like 5th on my list. But it's so retro chic. So what I want to be and have lost since becoming a mom... Can't you just see me on one??

First moments of freedom

2008-01-03T12:48:00.000-06:00

We have just returned from dropping off Maggie and Gabe. Upon returning home, we are struck by an amazing quiet never known in this house. It's really almost haunting. I'm itching to turn on some music soon. I can't enjoy this quiet. It is too foreign to me.

How strange isn't it? That the one thing we think we want most, we find hardest to face. Although I know I will appreciate not being nagged for the next few hours of peace and tranquility. I should go lay in the tub...

My life...my time.

2008-01-02T10:17:00.000-06:00

So tomorrow starts the second semester of school and mark the start of my life as my own. Gabey will now be starting school and I will officially have 2 1/2 hrs to myself. Well, Darrell will still be home, but I won't have a child 24 hrs any more. It seems really hard to believe to me. I'm really looking forward to it.

Okay, I'm going to perfect my rendition of Braveheart..."FREEDOM!"

One day later, one year older

2007-12-28T10:43:00.001-06:00

So I had a birthday. Not a big milestone one, but a good one just the same. This one was in the style of the old days. We got together at my Aunt Joann's (my godmother) and most all of my moms 12 brothers and sisters were there. Only 3 weren't. Amazing. And we all had a great time. It was so enjoyable. Really enjoyable. So that made it great. I got some amazing gifts too. The icing on that cake. The party started at 4, but we got there and hour early. Then it was so enjoyable we ended up staying until 10:30. Which was great except we didn't get back to Henry until one this morning. LONG NIGHT driving.

Our Christmas was fantastic too. The kids got great gifts and had plenty of time to play with them. That worked out so nicely for us. Everyone (my brother, his wife and son; Darrell's mom, dad and brothers; and my mom) comes to our house and that is so much easier than packing up our 3 kids and prying them away from their new toys.

Stress sucks

2007-12-20T11:09:00.000-06:00

So even though Darrell has returned, my stress levels have come to a head. Is that the right phrase? Anyway...I have a mountain of a canker sore sitting right on the inside of my lips. It may as well be a cold sore it is so close to the outside of my mouth. And I swear it is so big, my whole face feels swollen. I have a ginormous headache that I'm sure is related. I think it's got to be similar to those coming down from a high where you feel like complete sh!t. Even though you're better off, you don't feel it. I'm good with stress, but I hate it. And now that the stress is gone, I'm showing just how hard on my body it was.

PS. Sorry to anyone who read this earlier when my canker sore was a cancer sore. I don't have cancer.

well it worked

2007-12-20T08:26:00.000-06:00

So your prayers are amazing guys. Darrell got home 2-3 days earlier than expected. It was a surprise to see him yesterday after getting home from making crafts with Arlington's class. So now it's going to take some adjustments for both of us. Darrell with the noise and craziness of life with kids again. Me with an extra body in the bed, tripping over big shoes again, etc. But we're glad to have him back. I'm now able to focus on Arlington's Christmas party tomorrow w/o any other stress. Good thing too because his teacher just had surgery and will be gone, so since I'm the head room mom, I'm in charge of it all. Oh no!! Pray for me again gals. PLEASE!

I'm thinking of you all and praying for your needs. You know who you are.

Here goes...

2007-12-18T22:43:00.001-06:00

I'll start unloading all of my crap now.

So, as many know, I am a stay at home mom to 3 beautiful kids. I've been married since Feb. '01 and feel like I've been through it all.

First I managed to set the bar super high in all of my family's expectations of myself. Then, as the great hope (myself) went to college to become a forensic pathologist, she managed to fail out in just a year. So I returned home, desolate because now my chances of finding anyone interesting was gone. I started at IVCC with the intentions of becoming a great journalist, but instead met my future husband and forgot about anything else. I have since acknowledged my addictive personality and realize that once I get interested in something, it has to run it's course before I can move on. So at break neck speed, Darrell and I dated, bought a house, became engaged, got pregnant, married, had Arlington, then Maggie, struggled with money, got pregnant with Gabe, made Darrell change careers so he joined Wal-Mart, had Gabe, moved to Henry, had a house fire, moved back and finally managed to start breathing and relaxing. All this breathing started after some great counseling this summer. But now, after all of this and finally feeling settled, Darrell has heard of a great promotion that could happen for him in Columbus Ohio. At first it was also going to require a transfer to Atlanta Georgia for a year before the Ohio move, but this has since been avoided. So I'm again feeling in limbo. But excited with the change.

So instead of finishing up my Christmas cards that I'd started 3 weeks ago, I've spent all of my free time researching Columbus and surrounding area. I need to move on right now, but I am feeling better about it.

I will write more soon.