Within the next month, Seth and I will celebrate 7 years of marriage. Now, I've heard mention of this thing called, "The Seven Year Itch", but never would I have thought, in a million years, that it would happen to me.
But now, with lucky number 7 looming in the not too distant future, I've finally figured out the meaning:
Upon the approach of the seven year mark, one will go through an insatiable need...
To purge.
Over the past day and a half, I have literally gone through every item of clothing in my wardrobe, and have filled garbage bags FULL of items that I have stored since the day we got married! And I'm so ashamed to say that some of these items I still wore!
I can't even explain the immense desire I have right now to get those items out of my house!
Seven years is way too long to be toting around some red and white striped pajama pants with santa fur at the bottoms, can I get an AMEN??
Or how about those nursing nightgowns I've had in my drawer since before Madison was born? As if I think I'll use them with any consecutive child, when they weren't even considered the first time around?
And about those jeans that are 4 sizes too small? I mean, who are we kidding? They didn't fit seven years ago, they're probably not going to fit in the next seven years.
In case you're wondering, Seth and I are excited to be celebrating 7 years together. And that stigma that hangs over said anniversary? I think I'll throw it out with those belts from 2002.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
All Better!
I spent a good hour and a half last night trying to get this really cute video of Mathias singing "Twinkle, Twinkle" uploaded to either my blog, or to youtube, but after that amount of time and many failed attempts, I gave up, and shut down the computer!!
But I now realize that I should've at least let you all know that Mat's home from the hospital!!
They discharged us yesterday morning around 11, but gave Mat a prescription for Amoxicillin and strict instructions not to return to "daycare" for the rest of the week.
As I said on Tuesday, the oral steroid they gave Mathias worked wonders. He eventually did come "down" off of it, but he slept really well that night...probably better than his poor Mama, who had to sleep on the plastic-y couch in the room. He hardly coughed at all during the night, and I could barely hear his breathing! (Big difference from the night before!)
Seth stayed home from work again today with Mathias, and they spent the day doing laundry and playing together with Malachi. Then Becca came home from work with me around 10 am to babysit while Seth, Malachi and I went to Madison's school to watch her end of Kindergarten Program.
Seth brought Mathias into my office about 10 minutes before 5 so that he could go to the farm. Mathias colored and talked (non-stop) until it was time to leave. Then, when we got home, Mathias and I took a nice little walk and had some supper.
There!
Now that you've been properly updated, I'm going to sign off and enjoy another couple of minutes alone with my son before I take him up to bed.
Thank you ALL for your prayers and concern for Mathias during his illness. We love you all!
But I now realize that I should've at least let you all know that Mat's home from the hospital!!
They discharged us yesterday morning around 11, but gave Mat a prescription for Amoxicillin and strict instructions not to return to "daycare" for the rest of the week.
As I said on Tuesday, the oral steroid they gave Mathias worked wonders. He eventually did come "down" off of it, but he slept really well that night...probably better than his poor Mama, who had to sleep on the plastic-y couch in the room. He hardly coughed at all during the night, and I could barely hear his breathing! (Big difference from the night before!)
Seth stayed home from work again today with Mathias, and they spent the day doing laundry and playing together with Malachi. Then Becca came home from work with me around 10 am to babysit while Seth, Malachi and I went to Madison's school to watch her end of Kindergarten Program.
Seth brought Mathias into my office about 10 minutes before 5 so that he could go to the farm. Mathias colored and talked (non-stop) until it was time to leave. Then, when we got home, Mathias and I took a nice little walk and had some supper.
There!
Now that you've been properly updated, I'm going to sign off and enjoy another couple of minutes alone with my son before I take him up to bed.
Thank you ALL for your prayers and concern for Mathias during his illness. We love you all!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Updatius Maximus
Hello!
Seth, Mat and I just returned from a walk around the Women and Children's unit here at the hospital, and I can safely say that Mathias walked us!
The nurse came in about half an hour ago and gave him an oral steroid to reduce the possible swelling on his vocal chords. She warned us that it might make him hyper, but we weren't expecting this!
He said "hello" to everyone he met in the hallway, making instant friends! One nurse remarked, "You're going to get yourself kicked out of here, acting like that!"
We were able to speak to Mat's doctor around lunch time. He came in and looked at Mathias' films, and decided that we should keep him over night once more, take a couple more x-rays tomorrow morning, and go from there.
He's been off Oxygen most of the day, and we've been continuing to monitor his levels. They've stayed up around 100 all day, so hopefully they stay that way through the night.
Thank you all for your prayers! I have no doubt that this is the end of it, and we'll be able to be back to normal in no time!
God is so good!
Seth, Mat and I just returned from a walk around the Women and Children's unit here at the hospital, and I can safely say that Mathias walked us!
The nurse came in about half an hour ago and gave him an oral steroid to reduce the possible swelling on his vocal chords. She warned us that it might make him hyper, but we weren't expecting this!
He said "hello" to everyone he met in the hallway, making instant friends! One nurse remarked, "You're going to get yourself kicked out of here, acting like that!"
We were able to speak to Mat's doctor around lunch time. He came in and looked at Mathias' films, and decided that we should keep him over night once more, take a couple more x-rays tomorrow morning, and go from there.
He's been off Oxygen most of the day, and we've been continuing to monitor his levels. They've stayed up around 100 all day, so hopefully they stay that way through the night.
Thank you all for your prayers! I have no doubt that this is the end of it, and we'll be able to be back to normal in no time!
God is so good!
Please Pray
As time allows, I promise to update you on our Holiday weekend, and to get back to our regularly-scheduled mediocre content. But right now I want to ask you for your prayers:
Kinda brings back memories from about 20 months ago:
This morning, Mathias was admitted to the hospital with Pneumonia. He was up much of the night crying and wheezing, so finally around 12am (after waiting for a call for 2 hours from the On Call doctor that never came) we decided that Seth should take him into the ER.
His O2 saturation levels are at around 80% on their own. Right now he's receiving oxygen through his nose, and they plan to keep him here until his O2 levels stay at 100% on their own for 24 hours.
Please pray that this happens sooner rather than later, and that our busy 20 month old can get on with his little life. I imagine he's not going to be very content to just sit in a crib (jail cell) for the next day or two.
Thanks for your prayers, and we'll keep you updated.
For now, here's a photo of the little guy:
Kinda brings back memories from about 20 months ago:Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
"Wha' Happened?"
My 20 month old Mathias is adding to his vocabulary daily. Besides his constant immitation of everyone around him, he's come up with little phrases unprompted as well.
His newest is the title of this blog:
"Wha' Happened?" He says this all the time, at both appropriate and inappropriate times. It makes me laugh every. time.
One afternoon a couple of weeks ago, Mathias was eating his snack at the kitchen table, and I was folding the laundry from the dryer just 10 feet away.
He casually asked me, "Huh Daddy?" (Where's Daddy?)
I replied, "Daddy's at work."
He pondered my response for a few seconds, then asked,
"Daddy S'eepin'?"
His newest is the title of this blog:
"Wha' Happened?" He says this all the time, at both appropriate and inappropriate times. It makes me laugh every. time.
One afternoon a couple of weeks ago, Mathias was eating his snack at the kitchen table, and I was folding the laundry from the dryer just 10 feet away.
He casually asked me, "Huh Daddy?" (Where's Daddy?)
I replied, "Daddy's at work."
He pondered my response for a few seconds, then asked,
"Daddy S'eepin'?"
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sweets, Shreds and Giveaways
This morning was day 6 of THE SHRED for me. Now, for those of you keeping track, yes, today should be day 8, but I was lazy and didn't want to leave the warmth of my hubby in my bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings. So day 6 it is.
Let's be honest, it is getting a little bit easier to get out of bed in the mornings.
(Yes, I did just put the word "easier" into a sentence containing the phrase "getting out of bed".)
Of course, at first it was a real struggle to turn off the alarm for the last time at 5:30. I just had to tell myself, "I could decide to stay in bed for another half-hour, hitting that annoying alarm every 9 minutes, only to still be tired and frustrated at 6, or I could get my *bottom* out of bed, do the shred for 25 minutes, and feel really good about what I've already accomplished by 6 a.m."
And, despite my arms reminding me daily of my decision to switch from wimpy little soup cans to those 2 pound weights with iron pumping ability, I feel like maybe I'm ready for level 2...but just to be sure, I'll wait until day 11, and spend 10 days on each level.
Have any of you tried any new workouts lately? How are you doing?
Today at lunch, Becca and I made a quick run to DQ. When you work in a town with 2 fast food options, it doesn't take long to tire of the same old, lame old. But today, Becca and I decided to try DQ's new Fudge and Nut Waffle Bowl.
It was devine.
Well, except for the waffle bowl. I'm not really a fan of the Waffle Bowl.
It's a hot fudge sundae. With nuts. And melted peanut butter!
Let me tell you. It is worth every calorie.
I can tell you one thing. The Fudge and Nut Waffle Bowl I consumed today at lunch will not be my last. I think I may need to Shred 7 days a week in order to withstand all of the melted peanut butter I'm about to consume.
Finally, lest I forget, Sophie over at BooMama is doing a giveaway of a great new (so new it's not even released yet) Worship CD by Travis Cottrell. So head on over and sign up!
Let's be honest, it is getting a little bit easier to get out of bed in the mornings.
(Yes, I did just put the word "easier" into a sentence containing the phrase "getting out of bed".)
Of course, at first it was a real struggle to turn off the alarm for the last time at 5:30. I just had to tell myself, "I could decide to stay in bed for another half-hour, hitting that annoying alarm every 9 minutes, only to still be tired and frustrated at 6, or I could get my *bottom* out of bed, do the shred for 25 minutes, and feel really good about what I've already accomplished by 6 a.m."
And, despite my arms reminding me daily of my decision to switch from wimpy little soup cans to those 2 pound weights with iron pumping ability, I feel like maybe I'm ready for level 2...but just to be sure, I'll wait until day 11, and spend 10 days on each level.
Have any of you tried any new workouts lately? How are you doing?
Today at lunch, Becca and I made a quick run to DQ. When you work in a town with 2 fast food options, it doesn't take long to tire of the same old, lame old. But today, Becca and I decided to try DQ's new Fudge and Nut Waffle Bowl.
It was devine.
Well, except for the waffle bowl. I'm not really a fan of the Waffle Bowl.
It's a hot fudge sundae. With nuts. And melted peanut butter!
Let me tell you. It is worth every calorie.
I can tell you one thing. The Fudge and Nut Waffle Bowl I consumed today at lunch will not be my last. I think I may need to Shred 7 days a week in order to withstand all of the melted peanut butter I'm about to consume.
Finally, lest I forget, Sophie over at BooMama is doing a giveaway of a great new (so new it's not even released yet) Worship CD by Travis Cottrell. So head on over and sign up!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Stiff and Sore sure feels good.
I've been trying a few new things lately, and since I've now decided I kinda like them, I'm going to share them with you:
1. I've started a new skin care regime. Remember my complaints about my pepperoni pizza skin here? Well it was about that time that I decided to try Big Mama's suggestion of Olive Oil and Castor Oil.
I know putting oil on your face sounds counter-productive, but something about this mixture of a cleansing oil like Castor oil, and another pure oil like EVOO, has had an amazing effect on my skin! In fact, when I started this regimen, I took "before" pictures of my face...and although I won't be posting them on the INTERNET for all the world to see, I myself can already tell the difference!
Personally, I mix 1 Tablespoon of Castor Oil and 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil at a time, and that lasts me about 2 weeks of applying the mixture every other night. If you decide to try this mixture, you may find that a different ratio works better for you. The morning after this cleanse, I merely rinse my face in the shower, using only water. If, when applying my makeup, I feel my skin is particularly dry, I simply add a light moisturizer before starting with the makeup.
On my "off" days, the days I don't use this oil mixture, I use my regular cleanser and moisturizer.
If you have any issues with your skin, I suggest giving this a try!
2. Another thing I've tried lately is Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.
I've been saying for a while now that I need to do something to get active. I really don't have time to go to a gym. Seth leaves the house at 5am, and I'm not getting up before then to EXERCISE! (Or for any other reason, for that matter!) And when he gets home at night, I'd rather spend time with him and the kids than EXERCISE! (Do you see a pattern here?)
So anyway, when I read this post by Vicki Courtney, I decided, "What the hey? I'll try anything once".
Famous Last Words...
This morning was Day 3 of the Shred for me. And I can hardly hear anything above the screaming that is coming from my calf muscles right now.
Listen, I haven't worked out since high school! And the only reason I did then, is because it kinda came with the territory when you played organized sports.
After my first morning, (I get up at 5:30 in order to have a little personal space while I'm doing the workouts.) my legs and arms were like jello. I know this because after my shower, (since I don't smell very good post-workout) I was carrying Mathias down the stairs and Madison was walking right in front of me. I told her to hurry up so that I wouldn't run her over. Right at that very moment, my right leg involuntarily came out from under me and caught Madison in the behind!
I immediately apologized profusely, trying to explain to her that I wasn't trying to kick her, I just had no control over my body!
But for some reason, I don't think she really understood that one could actually lose control of their own bodily extremities, because she told me it was okay, but her face said it wasn't.
So now, in the name of exercise, I've started abusing my own children...I blame Jillian Michaels.
1. I've started a new skin care regime. Remember my complaints about my pepperoni pizza skin here? Well it was about that time that I decided to try Big Mama's suggestion of Olive Oil and Castor Oil.
I know putting oil on your face sounds counter-productive, but something about this mixture of a cleansing oil like Castor oil, and another pure oil like EVOO, has had an amazing effect on my skin! In fact, when I started this regimen, I took "before" pictures of my face...and although I won't be posting them on the INTERNET for all the world to see, I myself can already tell the difference!
Personally, I mix 1 Tablespoon of Castor Oil and 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil at a time, and that lasts me about 2 weeks of applying the mixture every other night. If you decide to try this mixture, you may find that a different ratio works better for you. The morning after this cleanse, I merely rinse my face in the shower, using only water. If, when applying my makeup, I feel my skin is particularly dry, I simply add a light moisturizer before starting with the makeup.
On my "off" days, the days I don't use this oil mixture, I use my regular cleanser and moisturizer.
If you have any issues with your skin, I suggest giving this a try!
2. Another thing I've tried lately is Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.
I've been saying for a while now that I need to do something to get active. I really don't have time to go to a gym. Seth leaves the house at 5am, and I'm not getting up before then to EXERCISE! (Or for any other reason, for that matter!) And when he gets home at night, I'd rather spend time with him and the kids than EXERCISE! (Do you see a pattern here?)
So anyway, when I read this post by Vicki Courtney, I decided, "What the hey? I'll try anything once".
Famous Last Words...
This morning was Day 3 of the Shred for me. And I can hardly hear anything above the screaming that is coming from my calf muscles right now.
Listen, I haven't worked out since high school! And the only reason I did then, is because it kinda came with the territory when you played organized sports.
After my first morning, (I get up at 5:30 in order to have a little personal space while I'm doing the workouts.) my legs and arms were like jello. I know this because after my shower, (since I don't smell very good post-workout) I was carrying Mathias down the stairs and Madison was walking right in front of me. I told her to hurry up so that I wouldn't run her over. Right at that very moment, my right leg involuntarily came out from under me and caught Madison in the behind!
I immediately apologized profusely, trying to explain to her that I wasn't trying to kick her, I just had no control over my body!
But for some reason, I don't think she really understood that one could actually lose control of their own bodily extremities, because she told me it was okay, but her face said it wasn't.
So now, in the name of exercise, I've started abusing my own children...I blame Jillian Michaels.
Friday, May 08, 2009
The Center of our Entertainment
Seth and I have been searching for a while now for that perfect piece of furniture to complete our living room, or, you know, a house for our television and all of it's components.
Up until this past weekend, our tv had it's place upon one of our end tables. This worried me to No. End.
I've heard horror stories of children pulling heavy things down on themselves, and I could only pray that that wouldn't happen with our tv in such a precarious position.
So Seth and I scoured furniture stores, garage sales, and various classifieds such as craigslist.com in search of the entertainment center to die for.
Which, if you've heard of craigslist, you're probably well aware that that may be something to worry about.
But we were not to be deterred.
And our efforts were not in vain. This past Saturday, we found an ad for a corner unit. (which is about the only thing that will work in our open living room.) The description sounded like what we were looking for, but since there were no pictures, we asked the owner to e-mail them to us.
We received the e-mail Sunday after church, and since it was exactly what we were looking for, we were sold! However, if we wanted this particular entertainment center, we were going to have to drive an hour and a half one-way to get it.
We decided to offer about 25% less than the asking price, stating our mileage situation. The owners took our offer if we could come RIGHT NOW! (I'm not exaggerating when I say this, but we got a steal!)
Anyway, I called my sister Becca to see if she'd be willing to watch the kids while we were gone, and since she was leading a drama practice, and had plans afterward, she recruited one of her drama kids to help us out.
I was a little uneasy about having a complete stranger in my house, with my children, but Jewels turned out to be a great babysitter! I'd totally recommend her. (And I knew that my dad was across the street, and Becca was in town in case anything happened.)
It's a good thing we left when we did, because the craigslist advertiser had moved the entertainment center out in front of their house, and a couple was out of their vehicle looking at it! I'd like to say that I don't think they would've sold it before we got there, but let's be honest, it's craigslist.
But I digress. I'm sure you want to see pictures, so here they are:
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The Dash Don't Be Silent
Maybe you've seen this before.
I received the following e-mail this morning from a co-worker, and it made me laugh out loud!
How would you pronounce this child's name:
"Le-a"
Leah? NO
Lee-A?? NOPE
Lay-a?? NO
Lei??? Guess again.
This child attends a school in Detroit, MI. Her mother is irate because everyone is getting her name wrong.
It's pronounced "Ledasha", when the mother was asked about the pronunciation of the name, she said, "the dash don't be silent."
SO, if you see something come across your desk like this, please remember to pronounce the dash.
If they axe you why, tell them the dash don't be silent.
I received the following e-mail this morning from a co-worker, and it made me laugh out loud!
How would you pronounce this child's name:
"Le-a"
Leah? NO
Lee-A?? NOPE
Lay-a?? NO
Lei??? Guess again.
This child attends a school in Detroit, MI. Her mother is irate because everyone is getting her name wrong.
It's pronounced "Ledasha", when the mother was asked about the pronunciation of the name, she said, "the dash don't be silent."
SO, if you see something come across your desk like this, please remember to pronounce the dash.
If they axe you why, tell them the dash don't be silent.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Once Upon A Time...
Tonight, Seth and I are leaving the kids with my family and driving far, far away.
Well, like 45 miles south of here. But it would be far if you were a turtle. Or a SWINE.
Unless you "Flu".
Ha ha, get it?
Okay I'm sorry. That was really bad.
So anyway, we're going to visit our friends Justin and Chelsea, play BINGO tonight, stay over at their house, and go garage sale-ing tomorrow!
The End.
Well, like 45 miles south of here. But it would be far if you were a turtle. Or a SWINE.
Unless you "Flu".
Ha ha, get it?
Okay I'm sorry. That was really bad.
So anyway, we're going to visit our friends Justin and Chelsea, play BINGO tonight, stay over at their house, and go garage sale-ing tomorrow!
The End.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
30 Days Hath September...
And the number one reason why it's a good idea to know how many days are in a month:
So you don't send out "Out of office" replies to everyone who e-mails you that say:
I will be out of the office the afternoon of April 30th. I will respond to any messages on Friday morning, April 31th.
It might also be a good idea to know that the proper abbreviation for "first" is "1st".
Hope this made your April!
'Cause it did mine :D
So you don't send out "Out of office" replies to everyone who e-mails you that say:
I will be out of the office the afternoon of April 30th. I will respond to any messages on Friday morning, April 31th.
It might also be a good idea to know that the proper abbreviation for "first" is "1st".
Hope this made your April!
'Cause it did mine :D
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wisconsin Weekend
As you know, we attended a pancake feed in Wisconsin this past weekend.
We got up at the crack of 3am on Saturday morning, after staying up until 11:30 the night before making sure the house was spic and span. We knew that we'd be gone until sometime Sunday afternoon, and we didn't want to have to worry about cleaning the house for Bible Study once we got home. As it turns out, we didn't even have Bible Study due to illness.
As you can see, Peaceful Pines is a more than appropriate title for this property:
Isn't this beautiful? Seth's sister Maretta was married on that bank (just a smidge left of the center of the photo.) Seth and I had been dating about 2 months at the time. It really was a beautiful wedding: her bridesmaids walked down the hill barefoot and in black dresses, their hair spiraling down their backs. Maretta walked down the "aisle" to Enya's Only Time.
This is one of the little cabins of Peaceful Pines:
Here's a view of the inside:
And a view of the little creek behind the cabin:
Why am I the only one smiling in this picture?
Here is the bus that Grandpa slept in during the summers when he would be working the fields and processing his syrup:
Here is Uncle James' new Sugar Shanty. Uncle James took over the syrup making hobby when Grandpa Henry died.
Seth's twin sister Sandy and her husband Davy also made the trip to WI, bringing with them their newly restored Mini Cooper. Upon Seth and My "test drive" of Sandy's new baby, we checked out Seth's family's former homestead:
This is (was) the barn. Seth said it was really cool because there was a silo in that part that juts out. And you can't really see in the picture, but there were high beams that the seven of them would run across.
We got up at the crack of 3am on Saturday morning, after staying up until 11:30 the night before making sure the house was spic and span. We knew that we'd be gone until sometime Sunday afternoon, and we didn't want to have to worry about cleaning the house for Bible Study once we got home. As it turns out, we didn't even have Bible Study due to illness.
We were out the door by 4, and Seth drove the entire way.
While I slept.
And he rubbed my feet.
He is all mine.
We got to Peaceful Pines (As Grandpa Henry had named it) around 9am, had our breakfast and took the kids on a little hike through the property
As you can see, Peaceful Pines is a more than appropriate title for this property: Isn't this beautiful? Seth's sister Maretta was married on that bank (just a smidge left of the center of the photo.) Seth and I had been dating about 2 months at the time. It really was a beautiful wedding: her bridesmaids walked down the hill barefoot and in black dresses, their hair spiraling down their backs. Maretta walked down the "aisle" to Enya's Only Time. Anyway, although the ground was very wet, the kids had fun "skipping rocks" like daddy, and exploring the woods.
This is one of the little cabins of Peaceful Pines: Here's a view of the inside: And a view of the little creek behind the cabin: Why am I the only one smiling in this picture?Here is the bus that Grandpa slept in during the summers when he would be working the fields and processing his syrup: Here is Uncle James' new Sugar Shanty. Uncle James took over the syrup making hobby when Grandpa Henry died.Seth's twin sister Sandy and her husband Davy also made the trip to WI, bringing with them their newly restored Mini Cooper. Upon Seth and My "test drive" of Sandy's new baby, we checked out Seth's family's former homestead:This is (was) the barn. Seth said it was really cool because there was a silo in that part that juts out. And you can't really see in the picture, but there were high beams that the seven of them would run across.
They were a very cautious and boring family.
And here's the farmhouse:
When Seth's family moved to MN in 1988, the house stood vacant for a couple of years, then suffered a beating from various renters before being sold just a couple of years ago. So needless to say, the house has seen better days.
Unfortunately.
Now, for a couple of my favorite pictures:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tune in tomorrow, same time, same channel, for some of the same randomness...
Our weekend in Wisconsin was interesting to say the least. Despite the fun time we had at the pancake feed, and the fact that it didn't rain, although the forecast predicted PLENTY of it, Madison and I both had some stomach upset.
That's why I'm making this post brief, and promising to re-cap the weekend tomorrow, perhaps.
For the ride home from our hotel on Sunday morning, we stopped at a corner Walgreens (is there any other kind?) for some motion sickness tablets, a receptacle for bodily fluids, and miscellaneous other things, as you'll see below.
Because it's always good to be prepared. Like a boy scout, or whatever.
But you may also want to measure them.
I'll give you one guess as to who bought these. And you're not going to need it.
Madison with carsickness, and I with the flu.
That's why I'm making this post brief, and promising to re-cap the weekend tomorrow, perhaps.
For the ride home from our hotel on Sunday morning, we stopped at a corner Walgreens (is there any other kind?) for some motion sickness tablets, a receptacle for bodily fluids, and miscellaneous other things, as you'll see below.
Because it's always good to be prepared. Like a boy scout, or whatever.
You know, for those times when you not only want to contain your stomach contents,
But you may also want to measure them.Also, one can never have too many obnoxious screen tees:
I'll give you one guess as to who bought these. And you're not going to need it.Friday, April 24, 2009
What is this thing called McDonald's Sweet Tea?
Yesterday afternoon/evening was uncharacteristically warm, with temperatures near 90 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!
So I took my hot, hungry kids to Mickie D's for supper.
I ordered something new for a change: The Sweet Tea.
You need to take your hind end over to your friendly neighborhood McDonald's and order yourself a Sweet Tea.
It's only a dollar, and it's served in a Big Gulp (just ask for little to no ice...I think that's where they get you.)
Oh Sweet McTea, if loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right.
So I took my hot, hungry kids to Mickie D's for supper.
I ordered something new for a change: The Sweet Tea.
You need to take your hind end over to your friendly neighborhood McDonald's and order yourself a Sweet Tea.
It's only a dollar, and it's served in a Big Gulp (just ask for little to no ice...I think that's where they get you.)
Oh Sweet McTea, if loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Just in case you wanted to know...
Malachi and Mathias share a bunk bed. Mathias sleeps on the bottom, for obvious reasons, and Malachi, the top. One of the reasons we feel safe having Mathias in his own big-boy bed, is that his is full size, so there's plenty of room to roll. Another reason, is that he has this huge, oversized duck that we strategically place between him and the edge of his bed. Think the movie Click, only without a horny dog.
Anyway, every morning, while Malachi still sleeps, I walk into Malachi and Mathias' room, and Mathias greets me with a "hi".
This morning was no different. However, when I went over his bed to lift him off of it, he smelled horrible! Since he had a dirty diaper yesterday morning, I figured this was the case. And since Malachi was still sleeping and I didn't want to wake him just yet, I took a diaper and the wipes into my room to change Mathias.
It wasn't until I brought Mathias into the light that I noticed that he was covered in (dry) puke!
What in the world?
And it was as if Mathias himself was totally unfazed by the whole situation.
I took him into the bathroom, where the mess could be better contained, and discovered that he also had a poopy diaper. And that his poopy diaper was pure liquid.
Okay, there was no way I was bringing him to Angie's. But what was completely bewildering to me, was that he showed no other symptoms of the flu...there was no fever, no chills, nothing. And other than another runny diaper, he hasn't had any symptoms since.
Bizarre.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure a couple of us will be missing our Incredible Years class tonight.
Bummer.
Hopefully this is the end of it (the vomit, not the class), because I've already missed a lot of work this week, and we're leaving early Saturday morning for Wisconsin.
When Seth's grandpa Henry was alive, he'd harvest and process his own maple syrup. Then he'd have all of his rellies over and have a big ole pancake breakfast for everyone. Since his death in 2005, there have been efforts to keep the tradition alive. The kids and I have never been able to go, so when we found out they were doing it again this year, there was much begging and whining.
Seth told me to pull myself together, but ultimately agreed to take us! We've even booked a hotel in the area for Saturday night. We're all really looking forward to it!
And, to top off our weekend in another state, we've offered to host our Bible Study group this Sunday night. So naturally I'm grateful to have been able to stay home today to get some things done before we leave. Aside from the never ending laundry, I've been able to get everything done today except the washing of the floors and some finishing touches on the bathroom.
I'll keep you posted.
Anyway, every morning, while Malachi still sleeps, I walk into Malachi and Mathias' room, and Mathias greets me with a "hi".
This morning was no different. However, when I went over his bed to lift him off of it, he smelled horrible! Since he had a dirty diaper yesterday morning, I figured this was the case. And since Malachi was still sleeping and I didn't want to wake him just yet, I took a diaper and the wipes into my room to change Mathias.
It wasn't until I brought Mathias into the light that I noticed that he was covered in (dry) puke!
What in the world?
And it was as if Mathias himself was totally unfazed by the whole situation.
I took him into the bathroom, where the mess could be better contained, and discovered that he also had a poopy diaper. And that his poopy diaper was pure liquid.
Okay, there was no way I was bringing him to Angie's. But what was completely bewildering to me, was that he showed no other symptoms of the flu...there was no fever, no chills, nothing. And other than another runny diaper, he hasn't had any symptoms since.
Bizarre.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure a couple of us will be missing our Incredible Years class tonight.
Bummer.
Hopefully this is the end of it (the vomit, not the class), because I've already missed a lot of work this week, and we're leaving early Saturday morning for Wisconsin.
When Seth's grandpa Henry was alive, he'd harvest and process his own maple syrup. Then he'd have all of his rellies over and have a big ole pancake breakfast for everyone. Since his death in 2005, there have been efforts to keep the tradition alive. The kids and I have never been able to go, so when we found out they were doing it again this year, there was much begging and whining.
Seth told me to pull myself together, but ultimately agreed to take us! We've even booked a hotel in the area for Saturday night. We're all really looking forward to it!
And, to top off our weekend in another state, we've offered to host our Bible Study group this Sunday night. So naturally I'm grateful to have been able to stay home today to get some things done before we leave. Aside from the never ending laundry, I've been able to get everything done today except the washing of the floors and some finishing touches on the bathroom.
I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
It's all I can do not to watch Idol and DWTS without him...
Seth's working late tonight. Word has it that he'll be working until 10 or later, and with his hour-long drive home, it may be close to midnight when he finally gets in! And have I mentioned that he gets out of bed around 4 every morning?
Say a prayer for him, if you think of it.
Meanwhile, the kids are currently enjoying a little "Campout" in the living room, while they watch Finding Nemo, and I watch the robin on my front porch.
It's been a really nice evening; For once, when we finally got home, I wasn't super-crabby, and the kids weren't A: bouncing off of the walls, or B: super-crabby themselves. It was a recipe for a nice evening.
Madison asked if she could go to Grandma's, so Grandma and Grandpa invited her and Malachi to join them for supper at Pizza Ranch! Since I am a domestic goddess and a gourmet cook, and I already had a pizza in the oven, Mat and I stayed behind to do some laundry and some mommy-son bonding.
I was actually able to give him some one-on-one playtime! It was the first time since starting our Incredible years class that we've had the opportunity to have playtime, just the two of us.
Surprisingly, I've actually been enjoying our class. Well, if you don't think about those awful videos. Videos which feature little families where the dad wears glasses you would otherwise find on Nicole Richie, and excessive facial hair. (The dad, not Ms. Richie.) A dad who wears super short-shorts and tube socks up to his knees and says cheesy things to his children like, "You're pretty handy with those fingers, Sunshine."
Anyway, Mat and I had a great time together; It was divine. There was much laughter and singing and intellectual conversation.
Or just laughter and singing.
I don't know why I said that, other than that it sounded good in my head.
Speaking of my head, lately I've seemed to have broken out into some pepperoni pizza-like acne. Well, more now than usual. It seems, that since I was blessed with a good complexion throughout Jr. High and High School, that this is some sort of remuneration. Right now it is so bad that I'm seriously considering going to my MD tomorrow to find out what's going on. I blame hormones, although you would think that there would be some sort of pattern from month to month if that were the case.
OOH! I totally forgot to tell you; This past Friday, Mathias went potty on the potty chair! It's not like I can throw away the diapers any time soon, but I am so proud! He's only 19 months old!
As is the ritual after Seth and the kids come home from the farm on Fridays, we plopped the kids directly into the bathtub. Mathias had been in there no longer than 5 minutes, when he grabbed his little behind and said, "poopy". I dried him off as best I could and set him on his little potty. I covered him with a towel, so he wouldn't get too cold, and went back to shampooing Malachi's hair. Seth came into the bathroom a couple of minutes later and discovered pee pee in the potty!
We lavished on the praise, as we should do throughout these incredible years. (See? I'm such a good pupil...)
Well, my little robin friend has long since flown away, Nemo has been found, and although Seth is still working, I'm going to have to save some of this randomness for him.
Have a good night!
Say a prayer for him, if you think of it.
Meanwhile, the kids are currently enjoying a little "Campout" in the living room, while they watch Finding Nemo, and I watch the robin on my front porch.
It's been a really nice evening; For once, when we finally got home, I wasn't super-crabby, and the kids weren't A: bouncing off of the walls, or B: super-crabby themselves. It was a recipe for a nice evening.
Madison asked if she could go to Grandma's, so Grandma and Grandpa invited her and Malachi to join them for supper at Pizza Ranch! Since I am a domestic goddess and a gourmet cook, and I already had a pizza in the oven, Mat and I stayed behind to do some laundry and some mommy-son bonding.
I was actually able to give him some one-on-one playtime! It was the first time since starting our Incredible years class that we've had the opportunity to have playtime, just the two of us.
Surprisingly, I've actually been enjoying our class. Well, if you don't think about those awful videos. Videos which feature little families where the dad wears glasses you would otherwise find on Nicole Richie, and excessive facial hair. (The dad, not Ms. Richie.) A dad who wears super short-shorts and tube socks up to his knees and says cheesy things to his children like, "You're pretty handy with those fingers, Sunshine."
Anyway, Mat and I had a great time together; It was divine. There was much laughter and singing and intellectual conversation.
Or just laughter and singing.
I don't know why I said that, other than that it sounded good in my head.
Speaking of my head, lately I've seemed to have broken out into some pepperoni pizza-like acne. Well, more now than usual. It seems, that since I was blessed with a good complexion throughout Jr. High and High School, that this is some sort of remuneration. Right now it is so bad that I'm seriously considering going to my MD tomorrow to find out what's going on. I blame hormones, although you would think that there would be some sort of pattern from month to month if that were the case.
OOH! I totally forgot to tell you; This past Friday, Mathias went potty on the potty chair! It's not like I can throw away the diapers any time soon, but I am so proud! He's only 19 months old!
As is the ritual after Seth and the kids come home from the farm on Fridays, we plopped the kids directly into the bathtub. Mathias had been in there no longer than 5 minutes, when he grabbed his little behind and said, "poopy". I dried him off as best I could and set him on his little potty. I covered him with a towel, so he wouldn't get too cold, and went back to shampooing Malachi's hair. Seth came into the bathroom a couple of minutes later and discovered pee pee in the potty!
We lavished on the praise, as we should do throughout these incredible years. (See? I'm such a good pupil...)
Well, my little robin friend has long since flown away, Nemo has been found, and although Seth is still working, I'm going to have to save some of this randomness for him.
Have a good night!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
You Likey?
Hi All!
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Check out my new digs, courtesy of thecutestblogontheblock.com.
Please, give me some feedback.
Faux Pas
As is often the case in the steel industry, or at least in my office, certain material is acquired almost later than it is needed by the customer. That is to say, "the customer needed this material yesterday!"
When this is the case, it is part of my job to be a bug in the ear of the salesperson we bought the steel from, trying to get our material ready to ship and released NOW, as it is HOTT!
All the while using all of my God-given grace and poise so as not to offend our suppliers.
The following story is no exception:
We bought a coil in Alabama and needed it to ship to Texas. Yesterday. Because I am always bugging these same suppliers for all of the different sales divisions that I work with, I thought I'd change it up a little. You know, make it not quite seem as annoying the 33rd time today that our steel is hot.
Here's what I meant to say:
Hi Liz,
Could you tell me when the two coils on this PO will be ready to ship? We are UBBER hot for this material.
Thanks Liz,
Rachel
There. I threw in a hip word meaning "Super-duper". That ought to take the annoyance level down a notch.
However, since Spell Check is my arch-nemesis, what was actually sent to Liz, was a request for our steel, which was "RUBBER" hot!
As if I were trying to peel out of the plant with 45 thousand pounds of steel!
Of course, this whole fiasco could've been avoided if I'd actually known how to spell "ubber" in the first place. Because, in fact, the proper spelling is "uber", bearing little resemblance to the word "rubber".
Furthermore, when I typed in "ubber" on urbandictionary.com, (far too late to avoid this faux pas, I might add,) I was given this definition:
ubber
It is the product of poor spelling and ignorance, the actual word is uber.
So I did what any good Purchasing Assistant with a trace of her God-given grace and poise remaining: I put my poor spelling, ignorant tail between my legs, and sent this e-mail:
Dear Liz,
I'm sorry, we are not "rubber" hot for anything.
I meant to say Ubber...but my computer had a meltdown, and wouldn't allow it.
Have a nice day!
When this is the case, it is part of my job to be a bug in the ear of the salesperson we bought the steel from, trying to get our material ready to ship and released NOW, as it is HOTT!
All the while using all of my God-given grace and poise so as not to offend our suppliers.
The following story is no exception:
We bought a coil in Alabama and needed it to ship to Texas. Yesterday. Because I am always bugging these same suppliers for all of the different sales divisions that I work with, I thought I'd change it up a little. You know, make it not quite seem as annoying the 33rd time today that our steel is hot.
Here's what I meant to say:
Hi Liz,
Could you tell me when the two coils on this PO will be ready to ship? We are UBBER hot for this material.
Thanks Liz,
Rachel
There. I threw in a hip word meaning "Super-duper". That ought to take the annoyance level down a notch.
However, since Spell Check is my arch-nemesis, what was actually sent to Liz, was a request for our steel, which was "RUBBER" hot!
As if I were trying to peel out of the plant with 45 thousand pounds of steel!
Of course, this whole fiasco could've been avoided if I'd actually known how to spell "ubber" in the first place. Because, in fact, the proper spelling is "uber", bearing little resemblance to the word "rubber".
Furthermore, when I typed in "ubber" on urbandictionary.com, (far too late to avoid this faux pas, I might add,) I was given this definition:
ubber
It is the product of poor spelling and ignorance, the actual word is uber.
So I did what any good Purchasing Assistant with a trace of her God-given grace and poise remaining: I put my poor spelling, ignorant tail between my legs, and sent this e-mail:
Dear Liz,
I'm sorry, we are not "rubber" hot for anything.
I meant to say Ubber...but my computer had a meltdown, and wouldn't allow it.
Have a nice day!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Geez, Lady
Our church, like may other churches, has Wednesday night activities for kids.
Madison has only begun going to these activities a week ago with her friend Jaedyn.
Now it's all she cares to talk about!
So naturally, at about 6:20 tonight, she and I jumped into the car and headed to church.
"Will Jaedyn already be there, Mommy?"
"Will I get to sit with my friends, Mommy?"
"What time are you coming to get me, Mommy?"
Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!
Obviously we are making her go to church, and she doesn't have any fun at all.
Anyway, we entered the church with a dad and his kids right behind us. I steered my over-excited little girl in the direction of the auditorium.
But alas, as we entered the auditorium, she suddenly became shy. She attached herself to me and wimpered a little.
"Come on, Madison," I said. "If you do that, we're going right home."
My voice was firm.
The dad behind me passed me down the aisle and cranked his head to look at me like I had three heads or something!
Madison and I walked a few more steps down the aisle, and once she spotted Jaedyn, she practically forgot about me, in fact, I had to practically beg her for a hug and a kiss before I left.
So let me ask you: was I too "hard" on her?
Or should "dad" mind his own business?
Madison has only begun going to these activities a week ago with her friend Jaedyn.
Now it's all she cares to talk about!
So naturally, at about 6:20 tonight, she and I jumped into the car and headed to church.
"Will Jaedyn already be there, Mommy?"
"Will I get to sit with my friends, Mommy?"
"What time are you coming to get me, Mommy?"
Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!
Obviously we are making her go to church, and she doesn't have any fun at all.
Anyway, we entered the church with a dad and his kids right behind us. I steered my over-excited little girl in the direction of the auditorium.
But alas, as we entered the auditorium, she suddenly became shy. She attached herself to me and wimpered a little.
"Come on, Madison," I said. "If you do that, we're going right home."
My voice was firm.
The dad behind me passed me down the aisle and cranked his head to look at me like I had three heads or something!
Madison and I walked a few more steps down the aisle, and once she spotted Jaedyn, she practically forgot about me, in fact, I had to practically beg her for a hug and a kiss before I left.
So let me ask you: was I too "hard" on her?
Or should "dad" mind his own business?
Monday, April 13, 2009
As promised, more Easter
We spent Friday evening at Seth's brother Michael's. Michael and Cara are re-doing their main floor bathroom and needed Seth's electrical expertise.
Every year, Seth's twin sister Sandy, and her husband Davy who elect to remain childless for the time-being, bring candy-filled eggs for all of the nieces and nephews. Sandy says it's because she wants to get the rest of us fat so that she can be the skinniest.
My brother Paul, our world renown photographer, tried (sometimes unsuccessfully) to get us all to pose for the camera.
In this one, "You're tigers, you're ferocious tigers!"...Apparently Amy and I didn't get the memo. 
In this one, I think we're supposed to be monkeys, or begging dogs, or praying mantises, or dopey seals...I'm not sure which.
On Saturday, we had our Easter meal at Seth's sister Maretta's. There were about 25 of us there, and only 8 pies for us to share!
I'm kidding.
Subtract one of the pies for me, preferably Sandy's Coconut Creme, and there were only 7 pies for the other 24 to share.
After the yummy lunch, and Maretta's son Jack's birthday cake, (Did anyone even eat any cake after all that pie?) The adults went outside to hide the tote full of Easter eggs for the kids to find.
Every year, Seth's twin sister Sandy, and her husband Davy who elect to remain childless for the time-being, bring candy-filled eggs for all of the nieces and nephews. Sandy says it's because she wants to get the rest of us fat so that she can be the skinniest. Do you see what I married into?
It's a wonder I have any self-esteem left at all.
Between the three of my children, we usually bring home at least a quarter of a grocery sack full of candy.
But I'm not complaining.
After our sugar-filled afternoon, we headed back to Michael and Cara's for Seth and Michael to finish up the wiring in the bathroom. We wanted to go to Herberger's for some last minute additions to our Easter ensembles, but weren't sure we were going to make it. As it stood, we had to get home, feed the kids, and at the very least get them bathed before bed.
So we opted for plan B. I called my amazing, thoughtful, extremely helpful sister Brittany and bribed her with McDonald's in exchange for the afore mentioned duties.
She happily (I think) obliged!
Sunday morning began bright and early, as I had to be at church at 7am for Choir. But an hour long afternoon nap made up for it.
By the time the kids and I had finished drooling on our pillows, David and Paul and Amy were already at my folks' house.
Becca's boyfriend Trevor also joined in the (loud) festivities, and lucky for him, we were able to refrain from breaking out into anything remotely resembling 4 part harmony while he was there.
I'd say that's a new record.
Anyway, after lunch, we girls were finally able to take our "sister pic":
My brother Paul, our world renown photographer, tried (sometimes unsuccessfully) to get us all to pose for the camera.
In this one, "You're tigers, you're ferocious tigers!"...Apparently Amy and I didn't get the memo.In this one, I think we're supposed to be monkeys, or begging dogs, or praying mantises, or dopey seals...I'm not sure which. This is our impression of someone who had the winning lottery ticket, and lost it.
And this, purely for your viewing pleasure: Our impression of Liz's face as she's thinking: "What's a lottery ticket?"
Finally, we got a keeper:
We hope you all had a Blessed Easter 2009!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter, Etc.
Since both sets of families live within 40 miles of us, we had two Easter celebrations this weekend.
But before I divulge the details of the weekend, let me tell you what this Easter has meant to me.
For the past couple of months, Seth and I have been involved in a small group Bible study. Last week, we watched a Louie Giglio video from his Indescribable tour.
Louie talks about the size of the Universe we live in, and pointed out how incredibly small we are. (Duh.)
We who think the world revolves around us, who think things like weight loss and American Idol even matter.
But God, the omnipotent Creator of this Universe, loved little old me so much that he sent his only son Jesus to DIE an unimagineable death, so that I wouldn't have to suffer forever in hell because of the many mistakes I've made in my life.
But the best part is, this tragic and violent death wasn't the end of our Savior. Three days after his brutal crucifixion, he ROSE from the DEAD!
The promise of Salvation is that we may now spend ETERNITY (that's a long time) with HIM!!
Kinda makes a girl feel unworthy sometimes.
I've really been reflecting this past week on the ginormity of God's indescribable creation. I start to think of him as WAY out there- further than I can even imagine. Then I see Him zoom way in to that hill at Calvary, where three lone crosses stood.
I see him weeping, just as I might weep if it were one of my sons hanging there. Maybe even harder, seeing the weight of my sins on his shoulders.
And in that moment, when Christ breathes his last breath, my Father turns his tear stained face from his only, dearly loved son, not able to face the impurity he carries. Impurities he doesn't deserve to carry.
Not only did Jesus endure a violent, torturous death, but he endured the shame of my sins.
God sacrificed His son. For me.
For you.
Jesus' body lay in a cold, empty tomb for three days. His spirit resided in Hell for as long.
But on that third day, Christ's prophesy was fulfilled!
He arose!
Now I can spend forever and ever with him!
I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.
But before I divulge the details of the weekend, let me tell you what this Easter has meant to me.
For the past couple of months, Seth and I have been involved in a small group Bible study. Last week, we watched a Louie Giglio video from his Indescribable tour.
Louie talks about the size of the Universe we live in, and pointed out how incredibly small we are. (Duh.)
We who think the world revolves around us, who think things like weight loss and American Idol even matter.
But God, the omnipotent Creator of this Universe, loved little old me so much that he sent his only son Jesus to DIE an unimagineable death, so that I wouldn't have to suffer forever in hell because of the many mistakes I've made in my life.
But the best part is, this tragic and violent death wasn't the end of our Savior. Three days after his brutal crucifixion, he ROSE from the DEAD!
The promise of Salvation is that we may now spend ETERNITY (that's a long time) with HIM!!
Kinda makes a girl feel unworthy sometimes.
I've really been reflecting this past week on the ginormity of God's indescribable creation. I start to think of him as WAY out there- further than I can even imagine. Then I see Him zoom way in to that hill at Calvary, where three lone crosses stood.
I see him weeping, just as I might weep if it were one of my sons hanging there. Maybe even harder, seeing the weight of my sins on his shoulders.
And in that moment, when Christ breathes his last breath, my Father turns his tear stained face from his only, dearly loved son, not able to face the impurity he carries. Impurities he doesn't deserve to carry.
Not only did Jesus endure a violent, torturous death, but he endured the shame of my sins.
God sacrificed His son. For me.
For you.
Jesus' body lay in a cold, empty tomb for three days. His spirit resided in Hell for as long.
But on that third day, Christ's prophesy was fulfilled!
He arose!
Now I can spend forever and ever with him!
I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Rental Cars and Other Things of that Random Nature.
I really don't have a lot to say today, other than to fill you in on the pure, unimaginable fun that is a Preschool Easter Party.
So that is what I will do.
This morning was, in fact, one such party at Malachi's school. A classmate's mother had committed to bring a dozen hard-boiled eggs for dye-ing. (His class consists of only 6 students, so last time I checked, that's two eggs per child. I know, I'm a genius.)
The kids had a blast fighting over the 5 coffee cups full of different colors, and breaking every last egg shell.
When they were good and stained, Mrs. B. took the kids to their carpet square circle and told them the REAL meaning of Easter while I took our pre-packaged, candy-filled eggs out to the playground to "hide" them.
About halfway between the preschool door and the swingsets, there was a lone traffic cone. I thought this would be a great place to "hide" an egg for a group of 4 and 5 year olds; Not too challenging- in fact, just at their eye level. But wouldn't you know, every single one of them walked right by it on their quest to find sugar.
It was the best part of the whole morning! See? It doesn't get any better than this.
Then everyone went home. The End.
I only wish Malachi's genius mother had remembered to check the batteries in her digital camera before the party. Because what good is a brand new memory card without the power to focus and flash? I tell you, pictures would've made this post a lot more interesting. My apologies to the other 5 mothers. Your room parent has failed you.
In other news, yesterday I was asked to book a rental car on priceline. Of course I said that I would, and I also happened to mention that I'd never booked a rental car before.
I have never seen such a blank look! I'm talking crickets here. He even called his wife to tell her that he had, in fact, found someone who had never entered an online bidding contest for a car before! "Hey, come look at what I've found! I've never seen anything like it!"
In my own defense, I've only been able to legally rent a car for 4 1/2 months. But combine that with the fact that I travel about as often as I change my own oil, and you've basically got yourself a bona fide science experiment!
Thanks for stopping by.
So that is what I will do.
This morning was, in fact, one such party at Malachi's school. A classmate's mother had committed to bring a dozen hard-boiled eggs for dye-ing. (His class consists of only 6 students, so last time I checked, that's two eggs per child. I know, I'm a genius.)
The kids had a blast fighting over the 5 coffee cups full of different colors, and breaking every last egg shell.
When they were good and stained, Mrs. B. took the kids to their carpet square circle and told them the REAL meaning of Easter while I took our pre-packaged, candy-filled eggs out to the playground to "hide" them.
About halfway between the preschool door and the swingsets, there was a lone traffic cone. I thought this would be a great place to "hide" an egg for a group of 4 and 5 year olds; Not too challenging- in fact, just at their eye level. But wouldn't you know, every single one of them walked right by it on their quest to find sugar.
It was the best part of the whole morning! See? It doesn't get any better than this.
Then everyone went home. The End.
I only wish Malachi's genius mother had remembered to check the batteries in her digital camera before the party. Because what good is a brand new memory card without the power to focus and flash? I tell you, pictures would've made this post a lot more interesting. My apologies to the other 5 mothers. Your room parent has failed you.
In other news, yesterday I was asked to book a rental car on priceline. Of course I said that I would, and I also happened to mention that I'd never booked a rental car before.
I have never seen such a blank look! I'm talking crickets here. He even called his wife to tell her that he had, in fact, found someone who had never entered an online bidding contest for a car before! "Hey, come look at what I've found! I've never seen anything like it!"
In my own defense, I've only been able to legally rent a car for 4 1/2 months. But combine that with the fact that I travel about as often as I change my own oil, and you've basically got yourself a bona fide science experiment!
Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, April 06, 2009
My Drug of Choice
First of all, I wanted to give credit to my sis-in-law Amy for the title!
Tonight, it begins: Possibly the last season of The Hills.
Don't judge me.
Okay, I'd judge me.
But every mommy needs herself a little DRAMA! And The Hills is like crack to me.
I blame Allison R. Sweet, bubbly little Allison. She lured me in with her cute, exciting re-caps of prior seasons. So much so that I had to go out and start renting them from the very beginning. She twisted my arm, I tell ya!
Now, I can hardly go a week without a dose of the dramatic lives of Audrina, Lauren, Heidi and Whitney.
As if I could even begin to relate?!
I know they call it "Reality TV" But who are we kidding? That "reality" is the farthest thing from my life as one could possibly get.
I mean really, who wants sticky fingers on their new Marc Jacobs?
To be completely frank, the only way I'll ever own an MJ is if I myself had "sticky fingers."
But you get the idea.
Tonight, it begins: Possibly the last season of The Hills.
Don't judge me.
Okay, I'd judge me.
But every mommy needs herself a little DRAMA! And The Hills is like crack to me.
I blame Allison R. Sweet, bubbly little Allison. She lured me in with her cute, exciting re-caps of prior seasons. So much so that I had to go out and start renting them from the very beginning. She twisted my arm, I tell ya!
Now, I can hardly go a week without a dose of the dramatic lives of Audrina, Lauren, Heidi and Whitney.
As if I could even begin to relate?!
I know they call it "Reality TV" But who are we kidding? That "reality" is the farthest thing from my life as one could possibly get.
I mean really, who wants sticky fingers on their new Marc Jacobs?
To be completely frank, the only way I'll ever own an MJ is if I myself had "sticky fingers."
But you get the idea.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Share and Share Alike
A couple of months ago, our church offered an Incredible Years class. I held on to the brochure for a couple of weeks, pondering whether or not to commit myself and my family to 8 weeks of anything. When I finally decided, "why not", and called the church office to sign up:
"Pastor B. has just informed us that the class is completely full," the church secretary told me.
For some reason, even after my indecision on even joining the class in the first place, this was a disappointment to me.
So when an e-mail was circulated among our MOPS group that another class was being offered, I am pretty sure I was the first to sign up.
Last night was the first chapter in what may prove to be a waste of 16 hours of our entire lives, not to mention, a delay on all of the other important things we have to do on Thursday nights, such as watch Survivor.
I'm being a little dramatic, if you couldn't tell.
After picking up the kids from Angie's, I barely had time to feed them, so we ordered happy meals in the drive-thru at McDonald's and parked the van in the parking lot for some fancy, gourmet dining. Ketchup packets optional.
Since I'm trying a new "diet", (I'll fill you in later.) I gave them their McNuggets and McFries, and sat back to observe.
Malachi, it turns out, is a "Soaker". He dunks his nuggets in his Sweet and Sour Sauce for no less than 15 minutes, then proceeds to bite off only the portion of the "chicken" that has been drowned in high fructose corn syrup. (It is no wonder we're going to have to sell all of our earthly belongings to pay for the work that is needed to fix his teeth.)
Madison couldn't care less whether or not she gets a Nickelodeon Slime Sprayer in her happy meal. She'd rather dabble in the finer, more mature things in life, like the Snack Wrap. *Sigh* Gone are the days of cheap Barbie and Polly Pocket wannabes. My little girl has grown up.
And Mathias, well he's the "Hoarder". He sat in his car seat, pulled all of his food as close to himself as he could, stuffed as much of it into his mouth as he could, and said, (as far as I can tell) "Mine".
He knows his Mommy well.
My name is Rachel and I am a closet fry stealer.
That's right, you heard it first here. No one's fries are safe around me (well, unless you happen to be a non-member of my family...because that's just wierd.)
So I decided, in the best interest of my son (and my growling stomach) to give Mat a lesson in sharing.
It started out like any other lesson we give Mat on a regular basis, whether it be signing the word "please" or throwing away a kleenex: One of the older kids would demonstrate, in this case giving me a bite of their snack wrap, or a sauce-drenched french fry, and then be lavishly praised and/or rewarded. Simple. Works every time.
Just not this time.
Mathias defiantly looked at me and said, clear 19 month old dialect, "Uh Uh."
This went on for 5 minutes before Madison, Malachi and I gave up for the night.
Does anyone have any easy tips to teach toddlers the art of sharing? If so, I'm all ears.
We finished eating, cleaned up as best we could using only baby wipes, and headed to our class.
After a half hour of introductions and another half hour of the class syllabus, we had the joy of watching several video segments of parents at play with their children. They showed a couple of examples not to follow, and then some examples to follow.
The fact that the videos were filmed sometime in the early eighties, combined with the cheesy acting, was enough to put me to sleep.
I have to admit though, that I for one am in need of some encouragement and accountability when it comes to playing with my children. I'm not talking play as in, "Let's see who can pick up their room the fastest" or "You want to play Operation? Let Mommy show you how it's done", but actual, one-on-one, child led play. But let's be honest, as a busy mommy of three, there are enough other things that demand my time to be concerned with dressing up as Snow White and racing Matchbox cars across the coffee table.
But I realize the error of my ways and am committing myself to child-led play this week. Even if my feet are ten times bigger than Snow White's.
I'll let you know how it goes.
"Pastor B. has just informed us that the class is completely full," the church secretary told me.
For some reason, even after my indecision on even joining the class in the first place, this was a disappointment to me.
So when an e-mail was circulated among our MOPS group that another class was being offered, I am pretty sure I was the first to sign up.
Last night was the first chapter in what may prove to be a waste of 16 hours of our entire lives, not to mention, a delay on all of the other important things we have to do on Thursday nights, such as watch Survivor.
I'm being a little dramatic, if you couldn't tell.
After picking up the kids from Angie's, I barely had time to feed them, so we ordered happy meals in the drive-thru at McDonald's and parked the van in the parking lot for some fancy, gourmet dining. Ketchup packets optional.
Since I'm trying a new "diet", (I'll fill you in later.) I gave them their McNuggets and McFries, and sat back to observe.
Malachi, it turns out, is a "Soaker". He dunks his nuggets in his Sweet and Sour Sauce for no less than 15 minutes, then proceeds to bite off only the portion of the "chicken" that has been drowned in high fructose corn syrup. (It is no wonder we're going to have to sell all of our earthly belongings to pay for the work that is needed to fix his teeth.)
Madison couldn't care less whether or not she gets a Nickelodeon Slime Sprayer in her happy meal. She'd rather dabble in the finer, more mature things in life, like the Snack Wrap. *Sigh* Gone are the days of cheap Barbie and Polly Pocket wannabes. My little girl has grown up.
And Mathias, well he's the "Hoarder". He sat in his car seat, pulled all of his food as close to himself as he could, stuffed as much of it into his mouth as he could, and said, (as far as I can tell) "Mine".
He knows his Mommy well.
My name is Rachel and I am a closet fry stealer.
That's right, you heard it first here. No one's fries are safe around me (well, unless you happen to be a non-member of my family...because that's just wierd.)
So I decided, in the best interest of my son (and my growling stomach) to give Mat a lesson in sharing.
It started out like any other lesson we give Mat on a regular basis, whether it be signing the word "please" or throwing away a kleenex: One of the older kids would demonstrate, in this case giving me a bite of their snack wrap, or a sauce-drenched french fry, and then be lavishly praised and/or rewarded. Simple. Works every time.
Just not this time.
Mathias defiantly looked at me and said, clear 19 month old dialect, "Uh Uh."
This went on for 5 minutes before Madison, Malachi and I gave up for the night.
Does anyone have any easy tips to teach toddlers the art of sharing? If so, I'm all ears.
We finished eating, cleaned up as best we could using only baby wipes, and headed to our class.
After a half hour of introductions and another half hour of the class syllabus, we had the joy of watching several video segments of parents at play with their children. They showed a couple of examples not to follow, and then some examples to follow.
The fact that the videos were filmed sometime in the early eighties, combined with the cheesy acting, was enough to put me to sleep.
I have to admit though, that I for one am in need of some encouragement and accountability when it comes to playing with my children. I'm not talking play as in, "Let's see who can pick up their room the fastest" or "You want to play Operation? Let Mommy show you how it's done", but actual, one-on-one, child led play. But let's be honest, as a busy mommy of three, there are enough other things that demand my time to be concerned with dressing up as Snow White and racing Matchbox cars across the coffee table.
But I realize the error of my ways and am committing myself to child-led play this week. Even if my feet are ten times bigger than Snow White's.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Who's Your Favorite Idol?
This is the first season that I've actually been able to watch every episode of American Idol. I know that this is only possible thanks to the geniuses who invented the DVR, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.
Let me just say, that I was not even the least bit sad or surprised that Megan Joy Corkery was the eliminated contestant last night. And, to be honest, I don't think she was either.
Seth can attest to the fact that on any given viewing of the show, I could be heard stating, "she is so weird."
If flapping your arms up and down while cawing like a bird on national television isn't weird, then I don't know what is. In fact, I've started calling her Megan Joy Quirkey.
But nothing can bring me to tears faster than a Mommy who's arms ache for her child. As Megan said "goodbye" last night, she picked up the dog-tag pictures of her son from around her neck, kissed them and said, "I'm comin' home, baby, I'm comin' home!"
Another comment I'd like to make in regards to this week's contest: Kara DioGuardi, (I still don't really know who you are or why you're here), just because Scott MacIntyre is blind, doesn't mean you need to lie about his hideous hairstyle. Between last week's pink polyester pants and this week's lack of hair styling product, I'd say that Scott's stylist needs to be fired and sent back to rehab. Sheesh! I think they gave him Sanjaya's leftovers!
But I digress.
At this point, the ones I'd like to see make it through to the end are, in no particular order: Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta and Lil Rounds.
Oh, Lil Rounds. I'm going to go ahead and agree with the judges, and say that Sister needs to pick better songs! She can sing anything, and I'm just waiting for her to prove everybody right! It pains me to see her take the stage every night and then take the beating that is the judges' feedback!
How sweet is her little girl? Ryan Seacrest asked Lil's little girls if they'd like to punch Randy Jackson for the criticism he'd just dished their mother. The older one politely said "No, sir", but the second one nodded and started scooting off her chair. Ryan brought her up to Randy, and instead of popping him a big one, she and Randy folded into a sweet embrace!
Now who, pray tell, is your favorite Idol contestant? Can be anyone, past or present. GO!
Let me just say, that I was not even the least bit sad or surprised that Megan Joy Corkery was the eliminated contestant last night. And, to be honest, I don't think she was either.
Seth can attest to the fact that on any given viewing of the show, I could be heard stating, "she is so weird."
If flapping your arms up and down while cawing like a bird on national television isn't weird, then I don't know what is. In fact, I've started calling her Megan Joy Quirkey.
But nothing can bring me to tears faster than a Mommy who's arms ache for her child. As Megan said "goodbye" last night, she picked up the dog-tag pictures of her son from around her neck, kissed them and said, "I'm comin' home, baby, I'm comin' home!"
Another comment I'd like to make in regards to this week's contest: Kara DioGuardi, (I still don't really know who you are or why you're here), just because Scott MacIntyre is blind, doesn't mean you need to lie about his hideous hairstyle. Between last week's pink polyester pants and this week's lack of hair styling product, I'd say that Scott's stylist needs to be fired and sent back to rehab. Sheesh! I think they gave him Sanjaya's leftovers!
But I digress.
At this point, the ones I'd like to see make it through to the end are, in no particular order: Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta and Lil Rounds.
Oh, Lil Rounds. I'm going to go ahead and agree with the judges, and say that Sister needs to pick better songs! She can sing anything, and I'm just waiting for her to prove everybody right! It pains me to see her take the stage every night and then take the beating that is the judges' feedback!
How sweet is her little girl? Ryan Seacrest asked Lil's little girls if they'd like to punch Randy Jackson for the criticism he'd just dished their mother. The older one politely said "No, sir", but the second one nodded and started scooting off her chair. Ryan brought her up to Randy, and instead of popping him a big one, she and Randy folded into a sweet embrace!
Now who, pray tell, is your favorite Idol contestant? Can be anyone, past or present. GO!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Cavities and Vacuum Cleaners
Before I begin, I feel the need to apologize for the incredibly long blogging hiatus I have put you through. I know I don't need to apologize- for one thing, as my good friend Jeannie would say, "It's your blog", and I can do with it as I please. Or don't please. Secondly, I realize that you're not sitting there, day after day, just waiting for an update on my boring life. But I'm a type A, and I want to apologize, okay?
Well, now that that's out of the way, let me give you a little glimse of what's been happening in my life as of late:
I've been working nearly full time since the end of December, nothing's changed there. Other than the fact that I thought when I signed up for this gig that I would be working for a month, month and a half, tops.
I can't complain, not everyone's company keeps an open door policy for one of their employees, especially not companies as great as this one.
But if you were to stop by unexpectedly, and be invited in (which you would be), you'd see that two full-time working parents with three children are no match for our housework. I honestly don't know what I'd do without my amazing husband. I know my family and I would be walking around undergarment-less.
You won't believe me when I tell you this, because you all know what a domestic goddess I am, but my husband does more laundry than I do.
*gasp!*
I know, but it's true. And no, he's not for sale.
In other news, I also am fully aware that I have failed to, as yet, post pictures of Madison post-surgery. My only excuse is that my camera's memory card is full, and it's WAY too hard to remember to pick one up during one of my numerous trips to Wal Mart for random necessities like diapers and deodorant. But now that I've admitted that to you all, you can be sure it's up there on my list of priorities. After all, I aim to please.
Madison is doing wonderfully, though, so thank you for all of your prayers for her before, during and after her surgery! God is so good! And she is so thrilled with the results as well. She's constantly asking me to pull her hair back to show off her ears.
Malachi went to the dentist today, for only the second time in his life! (I know, he's almost 5.) The first was because a fall from a kitchen chair when he was 3 turned one of his front teeth gray, and because I was FREAKING OUT, the receptionist at the dental clinic permitted me to bring him in although she assured me that he was "probably fine." I just knew she was wrong. After all, she's not a dentist. So I brought him in.
Guess what? He was fine.
Well, apparently you're supposed to get your kids in to see the dentist more than every 2 years, (I know, who knew?) and since his mother is totally oblivious to this, and the fact that he's inherited his father's soft teeth, the boy's mouth is chalk full of cavities.
What? I'm supposed to floss his teeth for him? And provide food and shelter and other things he can't do for himself? I must've been out to lunch for this chapter of "What to Expect".
In my own defense, my kids aren't allowed to eat much candy, and they're only offered milk or juice twice a day because of the sugar content. (Don't worry, they get their dairy in other forms, and where I come from, water is plentiful, so they're not dehydrated.) So it's not that his teeth have been sugar-rotted away, he really does just have soft teeth.
I am very proud of him, though. Seth was the one to take him to Dr. F. today, and he gave a glowing report of Mal's behavior and attitude about the whole situation. When I met the two of them for lunch, Malachi couldn't stop talking about his new Sponge Bob toothbrush and toothpaste, so apparently the prospect of a mouth full of fillings didn't put too much of a damper on his day.
Right before lunch, Seth and Malachi met me at a vacuum cleaner store in town. As some of you know, we've been "working" vacuum-less for quite some time now, and have been borrowing my mom and dad's about every other day (or so it seems) just to keep some level of sanity (and sanitation) about our living quarters. I often wonder what the people who drive by our house are thinking when they see me, or any other member of my family carrying a big ol' vacuum across the street on any given day.
You know, I've heard many women complain about their husbands getting them random appliances, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, for various holidays such as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, but I would have shed tears of joy to see a brand new upright in my living room any day of the year! Just slap a gigantic bow on that sucker, (no pun intended...okay, intended.) and make my day!
So today, my wish came true. My fabulous better half bought me a brand new Riccar! Nevermind that we had to take out a second mortgage on our house to buy the thing, at least said house will be dust and dander free!
Well, now that that's out of the way, let me give you a little glimse of what's been happening in my life as of late:
I've been working nearly full time since the end of December, nothing's changed there. Other than the fact that I thought when I signed up for this gig that I would be working for a month, month and a half, tops.
I can't complain, not everyone's company keeps an open door policy for one of their employees, especially not companies as great as this one.
But if you were to stop by unexpectedly, and be invited in (which you would be), you'd see that two full-time working parents with three children are no match for our housework. I honestly don't know what I'd do without my amazing husband. I know my family and I would be walking around undergarment-less.
You won't believe me when I tell you this, because you all know what a domestic goddess I am, but my husband does more laundry than I do.
*gasp!*
I know, but it's true. And no, he's not for sale.
In other news, I also am fully aware that I have failed to, as yet, post pictures of Madison post-surgery. My only excuse is that my camera's memory card is full, and it's WAY too hard to remember to pick one up during one of my numerous trips to Wal Mart for random necessities like diapers and deodorant. But now that I've admitted that to you all, you can be sure it's up there on my list of priorities. After all, I aim to please.
Madison is doing wonderfully, though, so thank you for all of your prayers for her before, during and after her surgery! God is so good! And she is so thrilled with the results as well. She's constantly asking me to pull her hair back to show off her ears.
Malachi went to the dentist today, for only the second time in his life! (I know, he's almost 5.) The first was because a fall from a kitchen chair when he was 3 turned one of his front teeth gray, and because I was FREAKING OUT, the receptionist at the dental clinic permitted me to bring him in although she assured me that he was "probably fine." I just knew she was wrong. After all, she's not a dentist. So I brought him in.
Guess what? He was fine.
Well, apparently you're supposed to get your kids in to see the dentist more than every 2 years, (I know, who knew?) and since his mother is totally oblivious to this, and the fact that he's inherited his father's soft teeth, the boy's mouth is chalk full of cavities.
What? I'm supposed to floss his teeth for him? And provide food and shelter and other things he can't do for himself? I must've been out to lunch for this chapter of "What to Expect".
In my own defense, my kids aren't allowed to eat much candy, and they're only offered milk or juice twice a day because of the sugar content. (Don't worry, they get their dairy in other forms, and where I come from, water is plentiful, so they're not dehydrated.) So it's not that his teeth have been sugar-rotted away, he really does just have soft teeth.
I am very proud of him, though. Seth was the one to take him to Dr. F. today, and he gave a glowing report of Mal's behavior and attitude about the whole situation. When I met the two of them for lunch, Malachi couldn't stop talking about his new Sponge Bob toothbrush and toothpaste, so apparently the prospect of a mouth full of fillings didn't put too much of a damper on his day.
Right before lunch, Seth and Malachi met me at a vacuum cleaner store in town. As some of you know, we've been "working" vacuum-less for quite some time now, and have been borrowing my mom and dad's about every other day (or so it seems) just to keep some level of sanity (and sanitation) about our living quarters. I often wonder what the people who drive by our house are thinking when they see me, or any other member of my family carrying a big ol' vacuum across the street on any given day.
You know, I've heard many women complain about their husbands getting them random appliances, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, for various holidays such as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, but I would have shed tears of joy to see a brand new upright in my living room any day of the year! Just slap a gigantic bow on that sucker, (no pun intended...okay, intended.) and make my day!
So today, my wish came true. My fabulous better half bought me a brand new Riccar! Nevermind that we had to take out a second mortgage on our house to buy the thing, at least said house will be dust and dander free!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Scarf Giveaway!!
Wanna see the cutest blog in central MN? Go HERE!!
My good friend Alison has her own little scarf boutique, and she's doing her very first GIVEAWAY!! To enter, send a picture of yourself in your favorite scarf, tied in a fun, unique way to alij@alijboutique.com! Deadline is March 13th!
Ready? GO!!
My good friend Alison has her own little scarf boutique, and she's doing her very first GIVEAWAY!! To enter, send a picture of yourself in your favorite scarf, tied in a fun, unique way to alij@alijboutique.com! Deadline is March 13th!
Ready? GO!!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Little Genius?
I've always know my kids are smart-and friends who spend any amount of time with them re-iterate that to me from time to time, but today Malachi was proving his math skills to me. Here is the conversation I had this morning with my 4 1/2 year old:
Mal: "Mommy, 1+2+3+4 is 10."
Me: (After running the math in my head), "Wow, Malachi, you're right!"
Mal: (Without missing a beat), "And 1+2+3+4+5 is 15!
Me: "That's right!"
Mal: "And 1+2+3+4+5+6 is 21."
Me: "Malachi, who told you this?"
Mal: "I learned it myself. And 1+2+3+4+5+6+7 is 28!"
Me: "Stop it, just stop it! You're too young to be doing MATH!!"
Mal: "And 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8 is 36!"
So what do you think?
Mal: "Mommy, 1+2+3+4 is 10."
Me: (After running the math in my head), "Wow, Malachi, you're right!"
Mal: (Without missing a beat), "And 1+2+3+4+5 is 15!
Me: "That's right!"
Mal: "And 1+2+3+4+5+6 is 21."
Me: "Malachi, who told you this?"
Mal: "I learned it myself. And 1+2+3+4+5+6+7 is 28!"
Me: "Stop it, just stop it! You're too young to be doing MATH!!"
Mal: "And 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8 is 36!"
So what do you think?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tenderness...
It was a tender moment...
As I was kissing my baby boy "goodnight", our eyes met. In the last light of the day, we just lay there, taking each other in.
I took advantage of our 'moment':
"I love you, Mathias." I said.
He gently took his chubby little hand, placed it on my face...
...and pushed me away.
As I was kissing my baby boy "goodnight", our eyes met. In the last light of the day, we just lay there, taking each other in.
I took advantage of our 'moment':
"I love you, Mathias." I said.
He gently took his chubby little hand, placed it on my face...
...and pushed me away.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Whoa...
Well, as promised, I'm going to spend a minute updating you on Madison's condition.
She's been doing remarkably well, in my opinion. Aside from the occasional soreness, and, as of last night, extreme itchiness, she's been a very bright, positive young girl.
I picked the kids up from my friend Angie's last night after work, and Madison was already almost in tears over her itchy ears. I tried to get home as quickly as I could, but by the time I got home, she was practically screaming! So I caved and gave her two teaspoons of Tylenol with Codeine. I don't know if it was psychological, or what, but that seemed to calm her almost instantly. (That and the Disney Channel).
Then last night as I was kissing her "goodnight", (she was already sleeping) I couldn't help but notice that her bandage was down over her eyes, and the tops of her little ears were poking out the top! I called (quietly) for Seth to come help me pull it up, but we woke her in the process. I don't know if she was hurt, or just scared, but she did NOT like that! Finally, with Seth holding her arms, and I-very gingerly trying to pull up the gauze, we did get it back up to about halfway as far as the Dr. had it to begin with. Then we wrapped her entire head with an ACE Bandage. That seemed to hold it enough for her to go back to sleep.
Seth took the day off today since I took off Monday and Tuesday, and took her back in to see Dr. J. We wanted to know that her ears were still where they were supposed to be, and that our makeshift bandage would hold up until next Monday afternoon. Their appointment with the Dr. took all of 10 minutes, and they were cleared to go! I think we'll all be a little more careful about that thing falling too far down from now on!
Just pray for patience for us, and especially for Madison. Pray also that she will be comfortable these last 4 1/2 days until she can be free from all that gauze!
Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
She's been doing remarkably well, in my opinion. Aside from the occasional soreness, and, as of last night, extreme itchiness, she's been a very bright, positive young girl.
I picked the kids up from my friend Angie's last night after work, and Madison was already almost in tears over her itchy ears. I tried to get home as quickly as I could, but by the time I got home, she was practically screaming! So I caved and gave her two teaspoons of Tylenol with Codeine. I don't know if it was psychological, or what, but that seemed to calm her almost instantly. (That and the Disney Channel).
Then last night as I was kissing her "goodnight", (she was already sleeping) I couldn't help but notice that her bandage was down over her eyes, and the tops of her little ears were poking out the top! I called (quietly) for Seth to come help me pull it up, but we woke her in the process. I don't know if she was hurt, or just scared, but she did NOT like that! Finally, with Seth holding her arms, and I-very gingerly trying to pull up the gauze, we did get it back up to about halfway as far as the Dr. had it to begin with. Then we wrapped her entire head with an ACE Bandage. That seemed to hold it enough for her to go back to sleep.
Seth took the day off today since I took off Monday and Tuesday, and took her back in to see Dr. J. We wanted to know that her ears were still where they were supposed to be, and that our makeshift bandage would hold up until next Monday afternoon. Their appointment with the Dr. took all of 10 minutes, and they were cleared to go! I think we'll all be a little more careful about that thing falling too far down from now on!
Just pray for patience for us, and especially for Madison. Pray also that she will be comfortable these last 4 1/2 days until she can be free from all that gauze!
Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Successful Surgery!
As Madison lays sleeping beside me, I can't help but thank God that everything went well during her surgery this morning.
Seth was not able to go with us to the surgery as he started a new phase of his job today. He didn't request the day off 2 weeks ago, as is proper protocol where he works. His supervisor just kept reassuring him that he could have as much time as he needed when the time came. Little did any one of us know, Seth was transferred from the shop to the field...today. Seth was unable to get ahold of anyone over the weekend to permit him to actually take the day off, so he figured he'd better show up to work...even if it meant he had to be at the jobsite over an hour away at 7am this morning.
So Madison and I, along with my mom and sister Brittany, arrived at the Surgery Center between 7:30 and 7:45. After filling out a few forms, we were brought to the back to be admitted. Madison cried from the minute she woke up this morning, to when the nurse and anesthesiologist had to pry her off of me to take her into surgery. I tried my best to encourage her, and my mom and Brittany helped me distract her.
Mom and Brit stayed with me for a while after they took Madison back. They even went out and bought me breakfast! But my mom had to teach a class at the Y this morning, so they left after a bit.
Dr. J. said that the surgery would take about an hour, so when we started gaining on an hour and a half, I started to worry. I had brought a book with me, but I couldn't concentrate on it. All I could think about were the irrational things that could be going on in the back...for your sake, I won't go there right now.
Finally, Dr. J. called me back to discuss the surgery with me. He said that everything went perfectly! He told me that he wished I could see her ears, that they looked great! He explained that she would have to wear her "head gear" until next Monday, when we'll go in to have Dr. J. take it off. After discussing her meds, he shook my hand and told me, "Congratulations" (I found that amusing).
Then the nurse took me back to sit with Madison as she slept off her anesthesia. She woke up a couple of times asking to go home, but fell immediately back to sleep. Finally, at about 12:15, we were discharged with a script for Tylenol with Codeine.
Madison occasionally stirs from her sleep to tell me that her throat hurts (they had to intibate her during the surgery since Dr. J. had to maneuver her head around some.) She's hungry, since she hasn't had anything to eat since 9:30 last night; but since she still has some nausea and vomiting, I'm starting her on the clear liquids/semi-solids rather slowly. She has had some water and about a half a cup of applesauce, and that seems to be sitting well with her for now. I've given her tylenol, and if that holds her until 3:40, I'll just give her motrin, and leave the Tylenol with Codeine alone. If regular Tylenol and Motrin work, I'm happy with that.
Thank you all for all of your love and prayers for Madison! I'll do my best to keep everyone updated on her situation.
Seth was not able to go with us to the surgery as he started a new phase of his job today. He didn't request the day off 2 weeks ago, as is proper protocol where he works. His supervisor just kept reassuring him that he could have as much time as he needed when the time came. Little did any one of us know, Seth was transferred from the shop to the field...today. Seth was unable to get ahold of anyone over the weekend to permit him to actually take the day off, so he figured he'd better show up to work...even if it meant he had to be at the jobsite over an hour away at 7am this morning.
So Madison and I, along with my mom and sister Brittany, arrived at the Surgery Center between 7:30 and 7:45. After filling out a few forms, we were brought to the back to be admitted. Madison cried from the minute she woke up this morning, to when the nurse and anesthesiologist had to pry her off of me to take her into surgery. I tried my best to encourage her, and my mom and Brittany helped me distract her.
Mom and Brit stayed with me for a while after they took Madison back. They even went out and bought me breakfast! But my mom had to teach a class at the Y this morning, so they left after a bit.
Dr. J. said that the surgery would take about an hour, so when we started gaining on an hour and a half, I started to worry. I had brought a book with me, but I couldn't concentrate on it. All I could think about were the irrational things that could be going on in the back...for your sake, I won't go there right now.
Finally, Dr. J. called me back to discuss the surgery with me. He said that everything went perfectly! He told me that he wished I could see her ears, that they looked great! He explained that she would have to wear her "head gear" until next Monday, when we'll go in to have Dr. J. take it off. After discussing her meds, he shook my hand and told me, "Congratulations" (I found that amusing).
Then the nurse took me back to sit with Madison as she slept off her anesthesia. She woke up a couple of times asking to go home, but fell immediately back to sleep. Finally, at about 12:15, we were discharged with a script for Tylenol with Codeine.
Madison occasionally stirs from her sleep to tell me that her throat hurts (they had to intibate her during the surgery since Dr. J. had to maneuver her head around some.) She's hungry, since she hasn't had anything to eat since 9:30 last night; but since she still has some nausea and vomiting, I'm starting her on the clear liquids/semi-solids rather slowly. She has had some water and about a half a cup of applesauce, and that seems to be sitting well with her for now. I've given her tylenol, and if that holds her until 3:40, I'll just give her motrin, and leave the Tylenol with Codeine alone. If regular Tylenol and Motrin work, I'm happy with that.
Thank you all for all of your love and prayers for Madison! I'll do my best to keep everyone updated on her situation.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Madison's Surgery-Before and After Part I
We promised Madison that she would have a brand new bedroom when she had her surgery...I guess a little sumpin'-sumpin' to sweeten the deal. So since her surgery is tomorrow morning, bright and early, we decided to push to finish it so that she could sleep in it the night before!
For the past year and a half, Madison and Malachi have shared a bedroom, leaving Mathias with this room as the nursery. We've decided that now's the time for Madison to once again have her own room, and to transition Mathias into his own "Big Boy" bed. In order for this change to take place, this room needed an overhaul. I have yet to hang Wall Art, and you may have noticed that the picture frames are empty, but I'm pretty happy with the outcome!
Here are the befores:
And here are the afters:
I appologize for such a dark picture, but I wanted to show you my favorite feature: the curtains. They're simply white panels with silk flowers hot glued onto them, but I LOVE THEM!
For the past year and a half, Madison and Malachi have shared a bedroom, leaving Mathias with this room as the nursery. We've decided that now's the time for Madison to once again have her own room, and to transition Mathias into his own "Big Boy" bed. In order for this change to take place, this room needed an overhaul. I have yet to hang Wall Art, and you may have noticed that the picture frames are empty, but I'm pretty happy with the outcome!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Surprise!
A couple of weeks ago, Seth informed me that I needed to clear my schedule for Friday night, February 13th. The reason being, that he was taking me somewhere, and I was not to know any more.
He worked out all of the details, including informing me what to wear and making sure the kids were taken care of (as we were going to be gone overnight).
This is where he took me:
This is the Spicer Castle Bed and Breakfast, located on beautiful (frozen) Green Lake in Spicer, MN. He booked us for a Murder Mystery Supper as well, which was a BLAST! We, along with 19 other guests, all gathered to the Main Dining room for a little role-play game of Clue! Seth and I played Richard S. and Liza S. Neak, the snoopy next door neighbors of Sir Roger Watersdown, a ficticious character who mysteriously drowned in his pool. Everyone at the table was a suspect, and it was up to all of us to find out whodunnit!We slept in a charming little cabin, called the Martha room:
Our "Bathroom"
Cozy little fireplace
Seth and I with the other Mystery guests.
This was by far the best Valentine's Day I've ever had!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Whoops!
Well, as far as some of you know, Madison could've already had her surgery today...but we rescheduled it...AGAIN.
We weren't able to get policy numbers from our insurance until today, so we pushed the surgery back (hopefully for the last time) until February 16th.
Thank you for your prayers today, and for your continued prayers for Madison. She's one blessed little girl to have so much prayer coverage :D
I'll keep you posted (I think)!
We weren't able to get policy numbers from our insurance until today, so we pushed the surgery back (hopefully for the last time) until February 16th.
Thank you for your prayers today, and for your continued prayers for Madison. She's one blessed little girl to have so much prayer coverage :D
I'll keep you posted (I think)!
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