Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Matthew Things
This weekend:
Mowed
Weed whacked the yard & play area
Supervised yard clean-up
Single handed re-arranging our bedroom and cleaned!(fantastic)
Cooked all of our meals
Dealt with the turtle tank, cleaning and re-doing it
Helped with shopping
Helped with laundry
Bought me a new computer chair and assembled it!
Gave me several back massages
Watched Big Brother with ME!
Helped go through our dresser to pack a bag for GoodWill
Brought in the paper and pulled out all of the ads for me
Was the best Dad ever!
He was very productive and I am very fortunate :-)
Mowed
Weed whacked the yard & play area
Supervised yard clean-up
Single handed re-arranging our bedroom and cleaned!(fantastic)
Cooked all of our meals
Dealt with the turtle tank, cleaning and re-doing it
Helped with shopping
Helped with laundry
Bought me a new computer chair and assembled it!
Gave me several back massages
Watched Big Brother with ME!
Helped go through our dresser to pack a bag for GoodWill
Brought in the paper and pulled out all of the ads for me
Was the best Dad ever!
He was very productive and I am very fortunate :-)
Some days are easy, others are quite the opposite
Saturday as we were heading out for a day of family shopping and togetherness, T had a monster meltdown. She wanted to wear her headband that her Mammaw had just given her, so I made it look really pretty and we all oooh-ed and aaaah-ed and enjoyed it. My only instruction being, "Don't mess with it, or it will take me awhile to fix it" Oh my word....
Matthew was on teeth-brushing-duty and what do you know, T had her hair band off, trying to do it herself, totally messing up her hair in the process. So, I said let's just wear this to Church tomorrow and wear our normal ponytail today.
There were tears, squealing, folded-ever-so-tightly arms, dirty looks, and crumpled up heaps of 5 year old writhing around on the floor. When this happens there is no quick fix. She has to get it out before she will even listen to what you have to say. Her ears and brain go on standby and we just have to wait until she stands up and we can talk it out. All the while the rest of the family are ready to head to the mall!
So, after a few minutes she gets herself up and climbs into my lap, and we talk about breaking the rules, and all of that good stuff.
Through tears, she looks at me and says, "Don't forget my Care Bears when I go to another family, I want them".
It was a very emotional moment. That after almost eight full months in our family she still thought we were going to pack her up and move her to some other family. She's been thinking this for a few weeks now.
It hurts, we both cry a little, and we try very hard to get her to understand she is not leaving.
Back when she moved in and we had to give her a time-out she would cry and say , "Mommy doesn't love me!" I heard from the last foster mom that she did the same thing to her. Well, the past few weeks it hasn't been the I'm-not-loved emotion. She now apparently is confident in being loved, but her new time-out outburst is "I don't love you anymore", switching it around to revoking her affections from us. Actually, this outburst causes less sympathy from me, since I know she is just being upset, whereas the earlier statement made me question her acknowledgement of our love for her. After her time-out she says, "I love you again" and we talk about how she shouldn't say those things, etc. etc. The therapist says it is perfectly normal for her background and progress.
Just another hurdle.
Matthew was on teeth-brushing-duty and what do you know, T had her hair band off, trying to do it herself, totally messing up her hair in the process. So, I said let's just wear this to Church tomorrow and wear our normal ponytail today.
There were tears, squealing, folded-ever-so-tightly arms, dirty looks, and crumpled up heaps of 5 year old writhing around on the floor. When this happens there is no quick fix. She has to get it out before she will even listen to what you have to say. Her ears and brain go on standby and we just have to wait until she stands up and we can talk it out. All the while the rest of the family are ready to head to the mall!
So, after a few minutes she gets herself up and climbs into my lap, and we talk about breaking the rules, and all of that good stuff.
Through tears, she looks at me and says, "Don't forget my Care Bears when I go to another family, I want them".
It was a very emotional moment. That after almost eight full months in our family she still thought we were going to pack her up and move her to some other family. She's been thinking this for a few weeks now.
It hurts, we both cry a little, and we try very hard to get her to understand she is not leaving.
Back when she moved in and we had to give her a time-out she would cry and say , "Mommy doesn't love me!" I heard from the last foster mom that she did the same thing to her. Well, the past few weeks it hasn't been the I'm-not-loved emotion. She now apparently is confident in being loved, but her new time-out outburst is "I don't love you anymore", switching it around to revoking her affections from us. Actually, this outburst causes less sympathy from me, since I know she is just being upset, whereas the earlier statement made me question her acknowledgement of our love for her. After her time-out she says, "I love you again" and we talk about how she shouldn't say those things, etc. etc. The therapist says it is perfectly normal for her background and progress.
Just another hurdle.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Shots
I've not been doing very well at taking pics that somewhat disguise the kiddos. I'm not Michael Jackson, after all.
I will be so glad when the adoption is final and I can stop worrying about these things.
I'm very frustrated.. the car company is ticking me off... I am starting to have the worst upset tummy EVER.
I mean, maybe I am new to getting a car fixed, but Wachovia never told me to get repairs. IN fact, they told me to get estimates and pictures and send them in. Now they say I should have had the work completed already!! I am about to tell them to take the $940 check from my car insurance and stick it in their ears!!
Here is my correspondence today:
The latest from them:
From: Wachovia
Most body shops deal with insurance claims. They know they will not get paid until the repairs have been completed and proven. Once I have the pictures of the repairs, I can endorse and overnight straight to body shop for payment. I will be out of the office until Monday, Aug. 17th so if you need further assistance with this, you can call Carlos at
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Smith Family
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:44 PM
To: Martha
Subject: Re: account#
Martha,
Hello. I think there has been some miscommunication along the line.
When I called Wachovia, initially, to find out how to get the insurance check endorsed, they told me to mail all of the pictures to you, shop estimate, etc.
I cannot obtain the repairs until I have the check for 940 that I forwarded to your dept. I know I have to add in my deductible, but I cannot pay for the repairs up front.
What should I be doing? I am very confused now as to the process to get the car fixed.
My assumption was I paid the deductible (or the repair cost minus the insurance pay out)
please advise.
=================
Samantha Smith
----- Original Message -----
From: "Martha
To: "Smith Family"
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 8:44:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: RE: account#
Hello, I still need pictures of repairs completed. I only see the damages on vehicle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Smith Family
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 4:20 PM
To: Martha
Subject: account#
Here are a few pictures of the 2006 Nissan Sentra that you did not receive with the insurance info.
Please let me know if you need more info.
=================
Samantha Smith
Am I just completely dumb?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A day with NO Naps...
and the best part was it was I who did not require napping! So, hopefully getting back to feeling normal again, although the penicillin is doing catastrophic things to my tummy.. eew. If I suddenly keel over this week, you can tell the doctor I have some images on the cell phone that may need a specialist! :/
So, Saturday was good. We went to the end of summer-league party, and made it over to do Fall sign ups. They have 3-4 weeks of no sports activities before we start over again. YaY for the parents!
We went to Mass this evening, and came home and relaxed.
Tomorrow (hopefully I will feel up to it) we have a big day of errands scheduled. My car is neding an oil change and a wash. It is covered in tree sap. Where I park it rains down these little chunks of apple-butter-looking-stuff and makes the car all sticky. Icky.
Then to do some last minute department store shopping for undies, socks, and other back to school needs.
Oh, I nearly forgot... WHAT?!?!?!... I really loved that old movie/musical.. now I wil never think the same way about it.
Special prayers tonight for all believers to receive Baptism.
So, Saturday was good. We went to the end of summer-league party, and made it over to do Fall sign ups. They have 3-4 weeks of no sports activities before we start over again. YaY for the parents!
We went to Mass this evening, and came home and relaxed.
Tomorrow (hopefully I will feel up to it) we have a big day of errands scheduled. My car is neding an oil change and a wash. It is covered in tree sap. Where I park it rains down these little chunks of apple-butter-looking-stuff and makes the car all sticky. Icky.
Then to do some last minute department store shopping for undies, socks, and other back to school needs.
Oh, I nearly forgot... WHAT?!?!?!... I really loved that old movie/musical.. now I wil never think the same way about it.
Special prayers tonight for all believers to receive Baptism.
Friday, August 7, 2009
As the world stops turning...
Prayers have been answered, but, of course, God still has quite a few of mine still crammed into his INBOX.
KNOXVILLE - Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee announced Friday that it will not relocate its Knoxville Health Center to Homberg Drive in Bearden.
The organization's planned move had prompted the formation of the Bearden-based Pro-Life Coalition of East Tennessee, which opposed the move with a Web site, a press conference earlier this week and a three-week campaign of writing and calling the property owner, management company and contractors, urging them not to work with Planned Parenthood.
The coalition had at first opposed the move based on the belief that the Planned Parenthood would perform surgical abortions in the new facility. But Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee President and CEO Jeff Teague said the organization would not perform surgical abortions in Knoxville as long as there were other providers. Planned Parenthood does dispense RU486, which can terminate pregnancies up to nine weeks.
The coalition then argued that Planned Parenthood had no place in a "family-oriented" neighborhood such as Bearden. A rally planned for Saturday will continue as a "celebratory" event, said coalition spokeswoman Lisa Morris.
I had received notification by e-mail this past week from a fellow pro-life volunteer/organizer I worked with at St. Jude's and also the St.Jude's Deacon who helped Matthew and I come into the Church. I also received an e-mail from the spokeswoman, Lisa Morris. So, easily to say, I felt called to go up tomorrow and help make a presence. That was before I was completely wiped out this week with strep throat.
Thankfully, the Lord hears, and has answered. Much like He worked through the Chattanooga Pro-Life organizations to stop a clinic from coming into our town last year. PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE.
This week we were also caught off guard a bit when one of the same "contacts" above let us know of two precious children that needed a home. Matthew and I have both discussed increasing our family.. in about 5 years! :-)But, there is always room for more love, so I called the contact, and then the other contact, and heard a remarkable story of two children who I know God will find their forever family for. I can be 99% sure that it won't be us, but I couldn't do anything but pray and be happy for the Will of the Lord. We are praying extra hard for these little ones and their extended family!
Today I have stayed awake longer than any other day this week combined! I am having a lot of neck/gland/throat pain, but it is not knocking me down to where I am laid up in bed anymore. fingers-crossed.
The darlings started their new school this week, and they are doing exceptionally. These kids had no problem transitioning, and I am so glad. We are so thankful to our friends from Church that are helping us. I think we had a conversation around Christmastime about school zones, and I remembered her little girl went to the school ours would be zoned for. I asked if it would be okay for them to ride to school with hers and they said yes! The kids adore the entire family, and we are so grateful for the morning transportation dilemma to be over! Thank the Lord for good people.
KNOXVILLE - Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee announced Friday that it will not relocate its Knoxville Health Center to Homberg Drive in Bearden.
The organization's planned move had prompted the formation of the Bearden-based Pro-Life Coalition of East Tennessee, which opposed the move with a Web site, a press conference earlier this week and a three-week campaign of writing and calling the property owner, management company and contractors, urging them not to work with Planned Parenthood.
The coalition had at first opposed the move based on the belief that the Planned Parenthood would perform surgical abortions in the new facility. But Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee President and CEO Jeff Teague said the organization would not perform surgical abortions in Knoxville as long as there were other providers. Planned Parenthood does dispense RU486, which can terminate pregnancies up to nine weeks.
The coalition then argued that Planned Parenthood had no place in a "family-oriented" neighborhood such as Bearden. A rally planned for Saturday will continue as a "celebratory" event, said coalition spokeswoman Lisa Morris.
I had received notification by e-mail this past week from a fellow pro-life volunteer/organizer I worked with at St. Jude's and also the St.Jude's Deacon who helped Matthew and I come into the Church. I also received an e-mail from the spokeswoman, Lisa Morris. So, easily to say, I felt called to go up tomorrow and help make a presence. That was before I was completely wiped out this week with strep throat.
Thankfully, the Lord hears, and has answered. Much like He worked through the Chattanooga Pro-Life organizations to stop a clinic from coming into our town last year. PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE.
This week we were also caught off guard a bit when one of the same "contacts" above let us know of two precious children that needed a home. Matthew and I have both discussed increasing our family.. in about 5 years! :-)But, there is always room for more love, so I called the contact, and then the other contact, and heard a remarkable story of two children who I know God will find their forever family for. I can be 99% sure that it won't be us, but I couldn't do anything but pray and be happy for the Will of the Lord. We are praying extra hard for these little ones and their extended family!
Today I have stayed awake longer than any other day this week combined! I am having a lot of neck/gland/throat pain, but it is not knocking me down to where I am laid up in bed anymore. fingers-crossed.
The darlings started their new school this week, and they are doing exceptionally. These kids had no problem transitioning, and I am so glad. We are so thankful to our friends from Church that are helping us. I think we had a conversation around Christmastime about school zones, and I remembered her little girl went to the school ours would be zoned for. I asked if it would be okay for them to ride to school with hers and they said yes! The kids adore the entire family, and we are so grateful for the morning transportation dilemma to be over! Thank the Lord for good people.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Made it to School
Wow, almost two months! I made it without editorializing anything for nearly two months! Well, I've been one busy Momma, what with kids, work, Big Brother (woot!woot!) and summer baseball league.
Tonight was the kid's open house/orientation. I was so proud! We got there early, all four of us, got our mountains of forms, went to a quiet spot in the cafeteria and managed to do in 15 minutes what would have cause me a headache and 30 minutes of Matthew reassuring me I had filled out everything properly. Thank the Lord we were all there.
I was a mess today, sick is such a slight word. I was woozy, wilted, and whiny. I managed to get the kids off to daycare, drive about 1/3 of the day to work, then had a 15 minute public restroom trial (and tribulation!) and then decided to go home.. there was no way I could put in any decent work today.. just wasn't happening.
I went to sleep and stayed there until I absolutely HAD to go get the kids.. skipping lunch, skipping getting all presentable for school... just managing to show up where I was needed. Once Matthew showed up I was SO relieved! He went to the 1st grade orientation and I sat in a tiny little seat in Kindergarten. Both classrooms are exactly opposite each other in the hallway.. so I hope that will be more of a blessing than a curse!
The teachers seemed genuine, nice, and truly happy to educate.. which made me very happy!
I am going to go pass out now.. school starts Th. and the kids have 1 half day at daycare until they are officially back to 'Big Kid' school!! Hip Hip Hooray!
Tonight was the kid's open house/orientation. I was so proud! We got there early, all four of us, got our mountains of forms, went to a quiet spot in the cafeteria and managed to do in 15 minutes what would have cause me a headache and 30 minutes of Matthew reassuring me I had filled out everything properly. Thank the Lord we were all there.
I was a mess today, sick is such a slight word. I was woozy, wilted, and whiny. I managed to get the kids off to daycare, drive about 1/3 of the day to work, then had a 15 minute public restroom trial (and tribulation!) and then decided to go home.. there was no way I could put in any decent work today.. just wasn't happening.
I went to sleep and stayed there until I absolutely HAD to go get the kids.. skipping lunch, skipping getting all presentable for school... just managing to show up where I was needed. Once Matthew showed up I was SO relieved! He went to the 1st grade orientation and I sat in a tiny little seat in Kindergarten. Both classrooms are exactly opposite each other in the hallway.. so I hope that will be more of a blessing than a curse!
The teachers seemed genuine, nice, and truly happy to educate.. which made me very happy!
I am going to go pass out now.. school starts Th. and the kids have 1 half day at daycare until they are officially back to 'Big Kid' school!! Hip Hip Hooray!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Abortion Foes Interested in Buying Slain Kansas Doctor's Clinic - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Abortion Foes Interested in Buying Slain Kansas Doctor's Clinic - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
They did the same thing in Chattanooga..
Posted using ShareThis
They did the same thing in Chattanooga..
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hiatus
taking a much needed blog hiatus. stinks that the kids aren't adopted yet. getting too busy to sit at one place too long, and summer vacation just started. we are heading on vacation tonight. yippee.
we are all good.
we are all good.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Our Lady
The news this morning was about Notre Dame and Obama.. big shocker.
I really appreciate Susie's blog on this issue.
Thank you!!
I really appreciate Susie's blog on this issue.
Thank you!!
Weekend
The weekend went like this:
Lots of cleaning, lots of tantrums, lots of rain and thunder.
T and I got out and did some major shopping Sat., and then Sunday we had the Lookouts game.
I actually found the purse which I had been looking 6 months for.. got it home to put everything into.. and DARN#$%@! the zipper was broken. So back to the store it went.
Then I found another at TJMAXX, except I had misread the tag and it was $169.99, instead if $16.99.. LOL. Man, I thought I was getting a GOOD deal!! Hahaha.
So, I have settled on a green purse from Kmart, because I am not lugging the fugly one I have now to Oklahoma. I am not getting it out of the bag though, because I may still return it if I can find a better one this week.
I bought new sheets this weekend and they are awesome. It is so weird how sheets can make you feel pampered.
I bought the rest of the birthday presents and a gift for my nephew.
Saturday night my mom came down and babysat while Matthew and I went to see the Star Trek movie. You would not have any clue as to how hard it was for me to bend,break, and twist his arm to go see it. He is a die-hard Star Trek freak and no new-fangled movie was gonna retell the stories he has been studying endlessly for his entire life! Haha.
Well, lo and behold the new movie gets a free pass. With the whole alternate-timeline-reality-thingamajig the writers basically absolved themselves from any Star Trek canon obligations. Who-da-thunk-it? My Matthew actually could NOT whine about one single thing.. heehee. He even wants to go back and see it again. Ahhh, it was awesome.
This week I am concentrating on staying home and saving some dough.
Lots of cleaning, lots of tantrums, lots of rain and thunder.
T and I got out and did some major shopping Sat., and then Sunday we had the Lookouts game.
I actually found the purse which I had been looking 6 months for.. got it home to put everything into.. and DARN#$%@! the zipper was broken. So back to the store it went.
Then I found another at TJMAXX, except I had misread the tag and it was $169.99, instead if $16.99.. LOL. Man, I thought I was getting a GOOD deal!! Hahaha.
So, I have settled on a green purse from Kmart, because I am not lugging the fugly one I have now to Oklahoma. I am not getting it out of the bag though, because I may still return it if I can find a better one this week.
I bought new sheets this weekend and they are awesome. It is so weird how sheets can make you feel pampered.
I bought the rest of the birthday presents and a gift for my nephew.
Saturday night my mom came down and babysat while Matthew and I went to see the Star Trek movie. You would not have any clue as to how hard it was for me to bend,break, and twist his arm to go see it. He is a die-hard Star Trek freak and no new-fangled movie was gonna retell the stories he has been studying endlessly for his entire life! Haha.
Well, lo and behold the new movie gets a free pass. With the whole alternate-timeline-reality-thingamajig the writers basically absolved themselves from any Star Trek canon obligations. Who-da-thunk-it? My Matthew actually could NOT whine about one single thing.. heehee. He even wants to go back and see it again. Ahhh, it was awesome.
This week I am concentrating on staying home and saving some dough.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Multimedia message
Friday, May 15, 2009
Badly Needed Update
Wow, we have been either terribly busy or blissfully unaware, because it has been longer than I like to go without blogging.
The 6th birthday party went great! I can't wait to share the pics.. one day.
J had his last ball game Tuesday night.. what a bummer! He was just getting into the 'swing' of things.. haha.
T has a game scheduled for tomorrow morning, but I am thinking from the weather right now the field will be a puddle.
Sunday we are going to the Lookouts game mid-day and J will get to wear his uniform and be out on the field for the anthem! So very cool.
We have booked our hotel and have a springtime min-vacation set to visit Matthew's relatives in Oklahoma. We leave on the 3rd of June.. and I can't wait.
I registered T for kindergarten, and had J's record moved to their new school for next year.. and that is exciting, too!
Okay, short, sweet, and to the point update.
May feel like rambling more later on this weekend.. stay tuned!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Ta-Da
Well, party organizing is going OK. I still just think they will all run around and be wild, so trying to set up a lot of games may be over-reaching.
I went and bought the hotwheels car shaped pinata and all of the goody bag treats. We rented the same room that the twins will have their party in (the end of the month). I was so glad we were able to get it. It has been nothing but soggy here, and I just knew the yard could not handle a party.
The playset guy cancelled this morning.. raining. Hopefully tomorrow will be dry. I can't wait for the kids to set their little eyes on it. I will have to get a video of it.
I can't wait until the adoption is finalized and I can start sharing my pics with everyone!
Today was another super-long day at work. Had to force myself to get up and go to the potty, and as I am sitting here I can pretty much name five things I should have squeezed in today, but didn't have time for. Then I got bad news. Ugh. I will be glad to get to the weekend, however crazy it will be.
Matthew is sick, coughing, yucky. He must have swine flu and mad cow.. I just know it. :-)
The party store totally messed me up.. haha. I went today thinking I would rack up on the 'post cinco-de-mayo' loot. Nope. The clerk tells me they just moved it all over to the 'FIESTA' section they have year-round. Gee Whiz.
Friday is J's B-Day. Boy, does he know it, too! So, should I give him something small on Friday, or keep all of the goodies until his party? At least he will get the fun of the playset beforehand.
I went and bought the hotwheels car shaped pinata and all of the goody bag treats. We rented the same room that the twins will have their party in (the end of the month). I was so glad we were able to get it. It has been nothing but soggy here, and I just knew the yard could not handle a party.
The playset guy cancelled this morning.. raining. Hopefully tomorrow will be dry. I can't wait for the kids to set their little eyes on it. I will have to get a video of it.
I can't wait until the adoption is finalized and I can start sharing my pics with everyone!
Today was another super-long day at work. Had to force myself to get up and go to the potty, and as I am sitting here I can pretty much name five things I should have squeezed in today, but didn't have time for. Then I got bad news. Ugh. I will be glad to get to the weekend, however crazy it will be.
Matthew is sick, coughing, yucky. He must have swine flu and mad cow.. I just know it. :-)
The party store totally messed me up.. haha. I went today thinking I would rack up on the 'post cinco-de-mayo' loot. Nope. The clerk tells me they just moved it all over to the 'FIESTA' section they have year-round. Gee Whiz.
Friday is J's B-Day. Boy, does he know it, too! So, should I give him something small on Friday, or keep all of the goodies until his party? At least he will get the fun of the playset beforehand.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A good night's sleep
Things have stalled out lately. Since I had to start missing evenings for the week we began contract stuff, J has regressed into bed wetting. The therapist said it would be okay, that he would naturally make the progression back.
It is rough because he had done so well. For so long there we had dry nights all around.
From my research I've decided to go with the conditioning therapy. So, basically, every two to three hours I wake up and get him up to go potty. It supposedly works because the child will get in the habit of walking from bed to toilet and back again, so it will be second nature.
The hard part is I feel completely at fault for it in the first place, having to miss about 4 afternoons with them in a row back in late March and early April.
T, in her lofty goal to have just as much or more attention than anyone else, has taken note of her brother's situation and has replicated it on a smaller scale. Apparently even negative attention still equates to attention. Her copycatting is very trying. Shrug.
Tonight J had his school musical. It was funny, although they kept the kindergartners in the back and the big kids up front.. so in a stage setting, it made no sense. In fact we were hunting for him so many times during the program the thought occurred to me that he may have gotten sick and was backstage somewhere with a teacher.. and maybe I should leave my front row seat to find him. But no, he was there, hiding behind a group of much larger kids dressed as pigs. I could make out his shoes.
Today at work was quite hellish. I hurt. My face hurt, nasal cold sores and every time I sneezed they all throbbed in a very out of sync rhythm that made me feel like I was going to fall apart. Then there was the actual work. I don't mind work, but who doesn't like to do something they feel confident doing? Today I was doing things I wasn't completely confident attempting, but willing to learn. Trying to learn and getting pulled in 15 other directions.. ick. Very challenging.
So, that was my problem today. I was stressed and sort of out of my element. So much has been going crazy lately I tried to take my time and make sure things went alright, but through the hustle and bustle I ended up having to stay late and getting absolutely no work done on my own accounts.
It is rough because he had done so well. For so long there we had dry nights all around.
From my research I've decided to go with the conditioning therapy. So, basically, every two to three hours I wake up and get him up to go potty. It supposedly works because the child will get in the habit of walking from bed to toilet and back again, so it will be second nature.
The hard part is I feel completely at fault for it in the first place, having to miss about 4 afternoons with them in a row back in late March and early April.
T, in her lofty goal to have just as much or more attention than anyone else, has taken note of her brother's situation and has replicated it on a smaller scale. Apparently even negative attention still equates to attention. Her copycatting is very trying. Shrug.
Tonight J had his school musical. It was funny, although they kept the kindergartners in the back and the big kids up front.. so in a stage setting, it made no sense. In fact we were hunting for him so many times during the program the thought occurred to me that he may have gotten sick and was backstage somewhere with a teacher.. and maybe I should leave my front row seat to find him. But no, he was there, hiding behind a group of much larger kids dressed as pigs. I could make out his shoes.
Today at work was quite hellish. I hurt. My face hurt, nasal cold sores and every time I sneezed they all throbbed in a very out of sync rhythm that made me feel like I was going to fall apart. Then there was the actual work. I don't mind work, but who doesn't like to do something they feel confident doing? Today I was doing things I wasn't completely confident attempting, but willing to learn. Trying to learn and getting pulled in 15 other directions.. ick. Very challenging.
So, that was my problem today. I was stressed and sort of out of my element. So much has been going crazy lately I tried to take my time and make sure things went alright, but through the hustle and bustle I ended up having to stay late and getting absolutely no work done on my own accounts.
Friday, May 1, 2009
you heard me, Mexican Nascar
J's party is next Saturday, the 9th. We were going to have it out in the yard, but everyone is saying rain for the next 7 days, so I am having someone check on another venue.
He really wanted Hot Wheels / NASCAR. Then he really really really wanted El Tigre. So, I compromised. In honor of his birthday falling so nicely behind Cinco De Mayo, we are having Mexican Nascar.
I went shopping tonight with T's twin's mommy for ideas for their party at the end of this month.
We went to ToysRUs and I picked up a few gifts. Then we went to the party stores and looked at pinatas.
I think I have everything:
table covers
streamers
cups
napkins
and I will be picking up goody bag stuff and the pinata next week. We even found sombreros and play mustaches (it this politically correct?) in the Cinco De Mayo section. I am really going to go after the may 6th clearances. LOL
He really wanted Hot Wheels / NASCAR. Then he really really really wanted El Tigre. So, I compromised. In honor of his birthday falling so nicely behind Cinco De Mayo, we are having Mexican Nascar.
I went shopping tonight with T's twin's mommy for ideas for their party at the end of this month.
We went to ToysRUs and I picked up a few gifts. Then we went to the party stores and looked at pinatas.
I think I have everything:
table covers
streamers
cups
napkins
and I will be picking up goody bag stuff and the pinata next week. We even found sombreros and play mustaches (it this politically correct?) in the Cinco De Mayo section. I am really going to go after the may 6th clearances. LOL
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Doctor Doctor Doctor
I was late for the Dr. appointment today. Not by much, but enough where I feel silly for trying something new out.
I have to get J out of Kindergarten before 2, get T from pre-K and then make the appt. by 3. This usually leaves me a little too much time, and since they go every other week, I thought I would try just letting him stay in school for the full duration. That would have him out at 2:20ish and then we would have plenty of time for picking up T and getting to the Dr. by 3.
That was my big mistake.
I had never experienced the high-frustration-nothing-you-can-do-but-sit car rider line. Ugh.
I now know why my sister would just take a nap in the parking lot for the privilege of keeping her 'first car' status. It took almost 25 minutes to zig and zag my car, inch by inch, through the line.
Oh well, at least school will be out soon!
I have to get J out of Kindergarten before 2, get T from pre-K and then make the appt. by 3. This usually leaves me a little too much time, and since they go every other week, I thought I would try just letting him stay in school for the full duration. That would have him out at 2:20ish and then we would have plenty of time for picking up T and getting to the Dr. by 3.
That was my big mistake.
I had never experienced the high-frustration-nothing-you-can-do-but-sit car rider line. Ugh.
I now know why my sister would just take a nap in the parking lot for the privilege of keeping her 'first car' status. It took almost 25 minutes to zig and zag my car, inch by inch, through the line.
Oh well, at least school will be out soon!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday..
I am so tired. The negotiations are over and I am so happy to get back to 'normal'. I took the day off today to repair the house.. lol.
Matthew did an outstanding job with the kids, as always, but I still have a lot to do to get things around her back to the way they were when I left them 5 days ago.
So, I am spending the day with T, doing chores, and watching Noggin.
Tonight J has a game, I missed too many games last week and this weekend, so I am excited to go.
Other than getting back to normal I am exhausted and planning on a good long mid-day nap coming up after lunch!
Matthew did an outstanding job with the kids, as always, but I still have a lot to do to get things around her back to the way they were when I left them 5 days ago.
So, I am spending the day with T, doing chores, and watching Noggin.
Tonight J has a game, I missed too many games last week and this weekend, so I am excited to go.
Other than getting back to normal I am exhausted and planning on a good long mid-day nap coming up after lunch!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sickly Sunday
... but getting much better! The kids are their usual again, being talkative, inquisitive, and trying to break the rules. Haha.
I took my excess energy this morning and cleaned up T's room and BOY did it need it, she had toys and papers squirrelled away everywhere. It took forever! I had bought J a new bookcase last night and he was so thrilled to have everything tidy again. We cleaned up his room last night. Two rooms down..
I took my excess energy this morning and cleaned up T's room and BOY did it need it, she had toys and papers squirrelled away everywhere. It took forever! I had bought J a new bookcase last night and he was so thrilled to have everything tidy again. We cleaned up his room last night. Two rooms down..
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday
We are all still sick. Fever is gone. I am feeling a lot better, but still just sleepy.
The kids actually ate breakfast and a pre-lunch snack, and are still really lethargic, but able to move around and vocalize more today.
Matthew had to work today, but he called to check in on us, being sweet.
The kids actually ate breakfast and a pre-lunch snack, and are still really lethargic, but able to move around and vocalize more today.
Matthew had to work today, but he called to check in on us, being sweet.
Friday, April 17, 2009
WooHoo!!!
Well, all of our important pics, music, and docs have been transferred, Matthew came home and formatted the old hard drive and reinstalled XP. We now have a like-new computer! Although I think Windows will be seriously updating it all night.. haha, only 7 yrs worth of updates!
Today was stressful. To give a short description, both kids have strep, and Momma ain't feelin' too good herself.. with a possibility of Daddy showing up late to the strep-party.
Matthew is on a rescue mission right now to pick up everyone's prescriptions and grocery shop for absolutely nothing but 'comfort' foods.
No baseball this weekend... everyone is bummed about that. The kids are just sleeping constantly now while they are still feverish.
Today was stressful. To give a short description, both kids have strep, and Momma ain't feelin' too good herself.. with a possibility of Daddy showing up late to the strep-party.
Matthew is on a rescue mission right now to pick up everyone's prescriptions and grocery shop for absolutely nothing but 'comfort' foods.
No baseball this weekend... everyone is bummed about that. The kids are just sleeping constantly now while they are still feverish.
Hopeful
Well, after the 30 minute frustration of my computer at home not even pulling up to login, I finally was able to come up under Matthew's login, and am slowly transferring all of our files onto the hard drive. As long as I ignore all of the system error pop ups and work around them, I should be able to finish transferring sometime this weekend.
I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't shut down during all of this.
I am really glad I was able to find a good deal at Best Buy yesterday.. it saved me $50!
I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't shut down during all of this.
I am really glad I was able to find a good deal at Best Buy yesterday.. it saved me $50!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Please Pray for Us!
Our computer caught a virus. So, I downloaded and ran free virus scans, to no avail.
The computer ran slow, had a million pop ups, etc.
Last night it decided to just shut down the entire system after I logged on for a few seconds.. repeatedly. I can log on to Matthew's logon, but from his desktop we cannot get the internet to pull up with any of the three browsers we have.
It is not looking good.
Ugh. I just hope we can find a way to salvage 7 years worth of digital pictures and music onto either a new computer or an external hard drive before the whole thing dies.
So, I am open to suggestions.
The computer ran slow, had a million pop ups, etc.
Last night it decided to just shut down the entire system after I logged on for a few seconds.. repeatedly. I can log on to Matthew's logon, but from his desktop we cannot get the internet to pull up with any of the three browsers we have.
It is not looking good.
Ugh. I just hope we can find a way to salvage 7 years worth of digital pictures and music onto either a new computer or an external hard drive before the whole thing dies.
So, I am open to suggestions.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tax Woes, be Gone
I was super frustrated last night (hence the rambling blog below).
This morning I woke up with a clearer idea of what I needed to do. See, I had been checking myself with several programs.. but I actually e-filed with TaxAct using a different login.. grr. I can't believe I didn't think of it last night, but apparently I had to learn the lesson to step away from my frustrations instead of flying around the house like a crazy person, haha.
So, the power finally came back on after 12 hours of being off. The freezer defrosted, the fridge became warm.. and all of our food needs to be replaced. Yippee.
We spent the evening eating dinner outside ( I guess we need a patio now too, adding to my list ) burning more sticks, chopping down more little 10 ft. trees, and listening and watching the neighbors chainsaw their huge tree that fell on them the previous night. I got a load of dishes done and Matthew caught up the laundry some, but I am looking forward to an evening with nothing planned so I can get EVERYTHING back into it's place in my house. I hate clutter.
Tonight we have two ball practices. I hope it isn't too windy.
Wednesday night I am going to the Ladies Guild meeting at church. One of the ladies called me up and said they wanted me to come to the meeting, that they had heard we were foster parents and wanted to do something small for me. That is so sweet, and at this point of our journey with the kids I would just like to get a greeting card every now and then, lol.
Thursday we have more ball practice and a game. As tiring as it is becoming, having the kids be a part of their teams really lets them get excited and I know it is good for them.
Friday the caseworker comes for her monthly visit, and then it will be the weekend again!!!!!!
This morning I woke up with a clearer idea of what I needed to do. See, I had been checking myself with several programs.. but I actually e-filed with TaxAct using a different login.. grr. I can't believe I didn't think of it last night, but apparently I had to learn the lesson to step away from my frustrations instead of flying around the house like a crazy person, haha.
So, the power finally came back on after 12 hours of being off. The freezer defrosted, the fridge became warm.. and all of our food needs to be replaced. Yippee.
We spent the evening eating dinner outside ( I guess we need a patio now too, adding to my list ) burning more sticks, chopping down more little 10 ft. trees, and listening and watching the neighbors chainsaw their huge tree that fell on them the previous night. I got a load of dishes done and Matthew caught up the laundry some, but I am looking forward to an evening with nothing planned so I can get EVERYTHING back into it's place in my house. I hate clutter.
Tonight we have two ball practices. I hope it isn't too windy.
Wednesday night I am going to the Ladies Guild meeting at church. One of the ladies called me up and said they wanted me to come to the meeting, that they had heard we were foster parents and wanted to do something small for me. That is so sweet, and at this point of our journey with the kids I would just like to get a greeting card every now and then, lol.
Thursday we have more ball practice and a game. As tiring as it is becoming, having the kids be a part of their teams really lets them get excited and I know it is good for them.
Friday the caseworker comes for her monthly visit, and then it will be the weekend again!!!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Screaming obscenities
Today has been rough. So many things going on with the power outage, work, money, etc.
I left work and headed to DFCS and had a good conversation with the kids' caseworker, turned in some papers, and got some advice about the neighbors.
We were really excited to see the house across the street from us find renters, but now they have become the talk of our little street.
I am nestled inbetween a nice family. The house on our right is owned by a really nice woman who sometimes comes over and gives us the latest gossip while we are working outside. The house on the other side is her son and family, then next to him is more of their family, so our little house is kind of an island in a sea of relatives. The good thing is the house on our left is going to be a foster family soon.. YaY!
Last night she came over and said she had to call the police because cars were speeding up and down the road and the (now known as crazy/bad) neighbors had their kids unsupervised in the road, on their bikes(bigwheels, etc)and the smallest (2,4,7)almost was ran over. Ick.
So last night as our kids sat inside and watched TV before bedtime, Matthew and I were outside cleaning up the chairs, toys, tools we had been using. The neighbor lady and us were all out in our yards and the crazy/bad neighbors kept locking their toddlers out on their porch. They cried, pounded their hands on the doors, to no avail. It was dark and scary, and cruel. Plus, they keep two little yapping dogs on the porch and I had seen the Dad earlier that day literally shovelling the poop off the porch.. so you can imagine the state of it.
So, today I was letting my caseworker know that the family across the street was attracting the wrong kind of attention to the neighborhood.. so tomorrow I call another lady.
Today I planned to come home and do my taxes. I had already filed federal, since we were getting $ back, but the GA state taxes kept me agitated and I procrastinated. Turbotax says I owe 31, TacAct says I only owe 253.. go figure. I brought home the forms, instructions, and schedules to try and do it all by myself... but that proved useless. I was only a few minutes into it and ready to run into the yard kicking any available object and screaming obscenities into the yard of the bad/crazies. Ugh.. I hate taxes.
So, I don't know how much I owe. I have to do a partial year, and they want all of this info from the federal return that I have no clue what it is referring to, and since the IRS website says I did get my fereral refund on 2/18/09, I know I e-filed it through TaxAct, yet when I log in they show no record of them e-filing anything for me.. sheesh. So, I don't know what is up with that. I filed through the website, I have e-mail confirmations that I created and started a return.. and I finished it.. but they don't have anything on the site to confirm that.. ugh. I am so over it. Tomorrow I cam going to pay 39.99 to turbotax so that I will have the joy and priviledge to pay GA 31.00.. of which I am sure to get audited because I have no clue how to do the partial return, and neither does TurboTax or TaxAct, it seems... and I don't feel like paying the tax places in town 100 to tell me they don't know.
So, it stinks, and it makes me hurt. I fell off the chair this weekend and bruised my arm, back, and rib.. trying to figure out taxes tonight just made me cringe up all over again. Poor muscles.
We went to the Ringgold HS helicopter egg-drop-egg-hunt-disaster-of-09 on Saturday. It was horrible. They had way too many kids there, and probably half of those kids never got to lay their little hands on an egg. The front line was like a vacuum just leaving nothing in it's wake. Luckily T got 5.. because I pushed out ahead of the front-liners. Poor J didn't get anything. The people were upset, kids were upset. It was just too many people for the football field. They should do it at the Battlefield next year. It was horrible.
I left work and headed to DFCS and had a good conversation with the kids' caseworker, turned in some papers, and got some advice about the neighbors.
We were really excited to see the house across the street from us find renters, but now they have become the talk of our little street.
I am nestled inbetween a nice family. The house on our right is owned by a really nice woman who sometimes comes over and gives us the latest gossip while we are working outside. The house on the other side is her son and family, then next to him is more of their family, so our little house is kind of an island in a sea of relatives. The good thing is the house on our left is going to be a foster family soon.. YaY!
Last night she came over and said she had to call the police because cars were speeding up and down the road and the (now known as crazy/bad) neighbors had their kids unsupervised in the road, on their bikes(bigwheels, etc)and the smallest (2,4,7)almost was ran over. Ick.
So last night as our kids sat inside and watched TV before bedtime, Matthew and I were outside cleaning up the chairs, toys, tools we had been using. The neighbor lady and us were all out in our yards and the crazy/bad neighbors kept locking their toddlers out on their porch. They cried, pounded their hands on the doors, to no avail. It was dark and scary, and cruel. Plus, they keep two little yapping dogs on the porch and I had seen the Dad earlier that day literally shovelling the poop off the porch.. so you can imagine the state of it.
So, today I was letting my caseworker know that the family across the street was attracting the wrong kind of attention to the neighborhood.. so tomorrow I call another lady.
Today I planned to come home and do my taxes. I had already filed federal, since we were getting $ back, but the GA state taxes kept me agitated and I procrastinated. Turbotax says I owe 31, TacAct says I only owe 253.. go figure. I brought home the forms, instructions, and schedules to try and do it all by myself... but that proved useless. I was only a few minutes into it and ready to run into the yard kicking any available object and screaming obscenities into the yard of the bad/crazies. Ugh.. I hate taxes.
So, I don't know how much I owe. I have to do a partial year, and they want all of this info from the federal return that I have no clue what it is referring to, and since the IRS website says I did get my fereral refund on 2/18/09, I know I e-filed it through TaxAct, yet when I log in they show no record of them e-filing anything for me.. sheesh. So, I don't know what is up with that. I filed through the website, I have e-mail confirmations that I created and started a return.. and I finished it.. but they don't have anything on the site to confirm that.. ugh. I am so over it. Tomorrow I cam going to pay 39.99 to turbotax so that I will have the joy and priviledge to pay GA 31.00.. of which I am sure to get audited because I have no clue how to do the partial return, and neither does TurboTax or TaxAct, it seems... and I don't feel like paying the tax places in town 100 to tell me they don't know.
So, it stinks, and it makes me hurt. I fell off the chair this weekend and bruised my arm, back, and rib.. trying to figure out taxes tonight just made me cringe up all over again. Poor muscles.
We went to the Ringgold HS helicopter egg-drop-egg-hunt-disaster-of-09 on Saturday. It was horrible. They had way too many kids there, and probably half of those kids never got to lay their little hands on an egg. The front line was like a vacuum just leaving nothing in it's wake. Luckily T got 5.. because I pushed out ahead of the front-liners. Poor J didn't get anything. The people were upset, kids were upset. It was just too many people for the football field. They should do it at the Battlefield next year. It was horrible.
Long Holiday Weekend
Friday both Matthew and I were off, and we sat at home, watched the thunderstorms roll by, was visited by my Mom (bearing Easter gifts), had the best time keeping T's twin and playing, and finally had a good dinner with the kids, T's twin and his Mommy.
Saturday we woke up and cleaned, went to the home improvement store and bought the necessities to construct a fire pit, and then commenced chopping and burning our brush pile. We had a fun egg hunt in the yard, and played their new Easter games. Matthew got all dressed up and went to the Easter Vigil Mass and sponsored Aaron. It seems so long ago that we began RCIA. It was my second year in a row that my person had dropped out. LOL. I think we will take a year off.
Sunday we spent outdoors and in God's beautiful sunlight. The kids played ball, helped clear out the sticks from the yard, and we all had a good day of quality time. Surprisingly, we were able to clear a good portion of our backyard, and finished about 1/3 of it in one day. Whew, we are so tired! We cut down small trees, raked leaves, and just cleared out a lot of groundcover and under-brush that hadn't been touched in Lord-knows-how-long. The house is a mess from going outside to inside so many times, but we all slept well last night!
This morning there was a bog BOOM at 5:00, waking me up to the distinct silence of a power outage. We got the kids up and in our room, and slept another half hour. We got everyone dressed and ready by flashlight and out the door. Our neighbor came over and told us the house next to us had a tree fall on it's roof, knocking the power out. Ick. Then the schools closed and I had to go retrieve poor J from Matthew (they were waiting on the bus). He was so ready to get back to school!!!
Saturday we woke up and cleaned, went to the home improvement store and bought the necessities to construct a fire pit, and then commenced chopping and burning our brush pile. We had a fun egg hunt in the yard, and played their new Easter games. Matthew got all dressed up and went to the Easter Vigil Mass and sponsored Aaron. It seems so long ago that we began RCIA. It was my second year in a row that my person had dropped out. LOL. I think we will take a year off.
Sunday we spent outdoors and in God's beautiful sunlight. The kids played ball, helped clear out the sticks from the yard, and we all had a good day of quality time. Surprisingly, we were able to clear a good portion of our backyard, and finished about 1/3 of it in one day. Whew, we are so tired! We cut down small trees, raked leaves, and just cleared out a lot of groundcover and under-brush that hadn't been touched in Lord-knows-how-long. The house is a mess from going outside to inside so many times, but we all slept well last night!
This morning there was a bog BOOM at 5:00, waking me up to the distinct silence of a power outage. We got the kids up and in our room, and slept another half hour. We got everyone dressed and ready by flashlight and out the door. Our neighbor came over and told us the house next to us had a tree fall on it's roof, knocking the power out. Ick. Then the schools closed and I had to go retrieve poor J from Matthew (they were waiting on the bus). He was so ready to get back to school!!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Holy Thursday
I took the day off of work yesterday. The kids went to spend the day/night with my sister. I met her with them and spent about an hour before saying my goodbyes and heading off to the bank, post office, lunch with a friend, and back home again.
They were absolutely over-the-moon about getting to spend time with her and my nephew. I am glad that now that they have been with us and are adjusted to us they can go and enjoy getting to know 'Aunt Stefanie'. LOL. It makes me smile.
One of the strangest parts of being a foster/adopt parent was the whole 'frame of reference' aspect. To us and to our family it had just been 'us two' for over six years. Now suddenly we had insta-family-just-add-water and to us and to everyone else we have had to change the way we see ourselves. I know it has to be strange too, for our family to see us in that parental light.
But it is what it is, and we are where we are thanks to Providence. I am thankful for each day, and I hope soon to be able to post pictures, and have two more Smiths. Three months already.. time is flying past us so quickly.
Ball has slowed down because of the weather and the Holiday coming up.. but their baseball pictures are soooo cute!
After Matthew left work we met at the house and spent some time roaming the mall, commenting on how every store keeps moving around, and how we really dislike all of the clothes nowadays. This is a sure sign of getting old, when I can not pop into JCPenneys and find a handbag... there IS something wrong with this picture!
We enjoyed a lovely dinner (with yummy desserts) at Red Lobster. The entrees were not so great, but dessert was, and just having the time to ourselves was special.
They were absolutely over-the-moon about getting to spend time with her and my nephew. I am glad that now that they have been with us and are adjusted to us they can go and enjoy getting to know 'Aunt Stefanie'. LOL. It makes me smile.
One of the strangest parts of being a foster/adopt parent was the whole 'frame of reference' aspect. To us and to our family it had just been 'us two' for over six years. Now suddenly we had insta-family-just-add-water and to us and to everyone else we have had to change the way we see ourselves. I know it has to be strange too, for our family to see us in that parental light.
But it is what it is, and we are where we are thanks to Providence. I am thankful for each day, and I hope soon to be able to post pictures, and have two more Smiths. Three months already.. time is flying past us so quickly.
Ball has slowed down because of the weather and the Holiday coming up.. but their baseball pictures are soooo cute!
After Matthew left work we met at the house and spent some time roaming the mall, commenting on how every store keeps moving around, and how we really dislike all of the clothes nowadays. This is a sure sign of getting old, when I can not pop into JCPenneys and find a handbag... there IS something wrong with this picture!
We enjoyed a lovely dinner (with yummy desserts) at Red Lobster. The entrees were not so great, but dessert was, and just having the time to ourselves was special.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Right
I still carry a balance on my Lenscrafters card.. I admit it... like 2 years running... but of course it is like the lowest bill on my high stack of people needing my money.. so I still have a balance.
This morning I make a payment online and see my available balance is 0.00! I call the guy (a foreigner I can actually understand, and vice-versa!) and apparently GE Money, who holds the card, has a new policy. I had not been skipping payments, or running the balance up, or anything abusive.
Due to the economic upheaval my card has been cancelled. They 'do not have the right' to carry my credit for longer than 18 months. What a load of bull.
So, now this is even less incentive to pay the darn thing off... I mean, if I can not use my card, why would I want to pay if off quickly?
And not to mention Matthew and I were supposed to get lenses in his frames this week... guess I will be pricing that out for cash..
So disappointed. The point of credit is to initiate and sustain spending, not to withhold availability.
:-)
This morning I make a payment online and see my available balance is 0.00! I call the guy (a foreigner I can actually understand, and vice-versa!) and apparently GE Money, who holds the card, has a new policy. I had not been skipping payments, or running the balance up, or anything abusive.
Due to the economic upheaval my card has been cancelled. They 'do not have the right' to carry my credit for longer than 18 months. What a load of bull.
So, now this is even less incentive to pay the darn thing off... I mean, if I can not use my card, why would I want to pay if off quickly?
And not to mention Matthew and I were supposed to get lenses in his frames this week... guess I will be pricing that out for cash..
So disappointed. The point of credit is to initiate and sustain spending, not to withhold availability.
:-)
Friday, April 3, 2009
So glad to be home
This week was exhausting. I worked super hard. We figured it out today. Just this week (and not last week) we put in 61 hours. Of course I was only paid for 40, haha.
Matthew has definitely been schooled on dealing with behavioral issues this week. We never imagined it would be easy for him, but the kids really didn't like me being away so much. I can't blame them (of course, considering) but Saint Matthew only had to use my super-momma skills once via the phone, otherwise he was an excellent Dad.. of course, he could have made a larger effort on the dishes.
I will have to say, being back to work on Monday will be nice, these 12-14 hour days wore me out.
This weekend I intend to clean up the house, play with the kids, go to the park, and chill out!
Matthew has definitely been schooled on dealing with behavioral issues this week. We never imagined it would be easy for him, but the kids really didn't like me being away so much. I can't blame them (of course, considering) but Saint Matthew only had to use my super-momma skills once via the phone, otherwise he was an excellent Dad.. of course, he could have made a larger effort on the dishes.
I will have to say, being back to work on Monday will be nice, these 12-14 hour days wore me out.
This weekend I intend to clean up the house, play with the kids, go to the park, and chill out!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Seriously..
Oh my goodness, I am seriously exhausted. We had union negotiations Monday and Tuesday and all I am (able and going to) say is I am still exhausted.
Matthew, the SAINT, took over (with a little help from family and friends). He made sure baseball pictures for T were made, baseball pics for J were picked up and paid for, games went to, etc.
J ended up having 3 games on Tuesday night. By the time I arrived from the meeting it was a little after nine and J had began his 3rd straight game.. on a school night!! Luckily, the power went off, so my Mom and I got a little reprieve. Matthew was already home with T, and I was glad when we got there and had lights!
This week I have felt like a zombie.
Next week we go M-Fr straight in negotiations and Matthew will have the brunt of all of the responsibilities around here. Heck, I was gone for two days and I am just now caught up on laundry, and almost there on dishes.. but he made sure the kids were perfectly cared for, loved on, fed, and bussed around, so I am still rallying for his canonization.. haha.
Matthew, the SAINT, took over (with a little help from family and friends). He made sure baseball pictures for T were made, baseball pics for J were picked up and paid for, games went to, etc.
J ended up having 3 games on Tuesday night. By the time I arrived from the meeting it was a little after nine and J had began his 3rd straight game.. on a school night!! Luckily, the power went off, so my Mom and I got a little reprieve. Matthew was already home with T, and I was glad when we got there and had lights!
This week I have felt like a zombie.
Next week we go M-Fr straight in negotiations and Matthew will have the brunt of all of the responsibilities around here. Heck, I was gone for two days and I am just now caught up on laundry, and almost there on dishes.. but he made sure the kids were perfectly cared for, loved on, fed, and bussed around, so I am still rallying for his canonization.. haha.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Busy Bees
J had baseball games Friday night, Saturday and two games today! Whew!
He finishes the tournament tomorrow, and I will miss him getting his very first trophy!
Poor Matthew gets both kids and countless baseball practices and games for pretty much the next two weeks because of union negations. I am not certain when I will get home, but he is being the saint that I know he is.
J did so well in his games! The team tonight was winning so much they put J (normally catcher and outfield) onto third. He stopped two balls and got an out on third! We are so proud, and he is doing really well!
T has had a lot of frustration over getting dragged to the ballfields and having to sit, but she has her 'my little ponies' and coloring books packed so she can distract herself.
I am a very proud Momma.
He finishes the tournament tomorrow, and I will miss him getting his very first trophy!
Poor Matthew gets both kids and countless baseball practices and games for pretty much the next two weeks because of union negations. I am not certain when I will get home, but he is being the saint that I know he is.
J did so well in his games! The team tonight was winning so much they put J (normally catcher and outfield) onto third. He stopped two balls and got an out on third! We are so proud, and he is doing really well!
T has had a lot of frustration over getting dragged to the ballfields and having to sit, but she has her 'my little ponies' and coloring books packed so she can distract herself.
I am a very proud Momma.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Taking our chances
This week has started off really well. T fell asleep in between us at church and we blanketed her over with her jacket and she nestled up to Matthew, and he sat there and gently stroked her hair back. She, of course, is always the best at finding the person best suited for giving out attention - to her - in any given situation. It was really endearing though.
I promised the kids a cake, and when (at their bedtime) I realized I had no eggs, I improvised. I found a Betty Crocker Blueberry muffin mix, and a Betty Crocker Strawberry muffin mix. I mixed them both up with the needed milk portions and baked one very scrumptious 'muffin cake' in the cake pan. The kids thought they were really doing something special getting to eat 'cake' for breakfast the next morning! God Bless Betty Crocker and easy-mixes!
Monday we had the caseworker visit and recap the previous week's court proceedings. I really hope we are on track for wrapping this up soon!
J had his baseball photos made that evening, and boy was he so cute in his little uniform. Thank goodness for modern technology, because I was able to go ahead and see the pics on his computer screen, instead of waiting on proofs to come in.
Today I stayed home from work and ran around shopping with my Sister. We are falling into an every-other-Tuesday routine, it seems. :-)
The kids had their Dr. appointment, and then a quick dinner out and then off to baseball practices.
T did really well, although she still has a tendency to find more enjoyment in the grass, but she is improving. She finally got her ball cap and shirt tonight and was thrilled to have her own, since she had been really jealous when J was given his.
Then J had his own practice, and my-oh-my he has definitely improved! His confidence, attention, effort, and his abilities are all growing. I am really thankful for that, because I was really worried he would find something to be discouraged about.. but it is still early. Right now he just needs to get to know his teammates, I think that is a big thing in getting over the 'jitters'.
I promised the kids a cake, and when (at their bedtime) I realized I had no eggs, I improvised. I found a Betty Crocker Blueberry muffin mix, and a Betty Crocker Strawberry muffin mix. I mixed them both up with the needed milk portions and baked one very scrumptious 'muffin cake' in the cake pan. The kids thought they were really doing something special getting to eat 'cake' for breakfast the next morning! God Bless Betty Crocker and easy-mixes!
Monday we had the caseworker visit and recap the previous week's court proceedings. I really hope we are on track for wrapping this up soon!
J had his baseball photos made that evening, and boy was he so cute in his little uniform. Thank goodness for modern technology, because I was able to go ahead and see the pics on his computer screen, instead of waiting on proofs to come in.
Today I stayed home from work and ran around shopping with my Sister. We are falling into an every-other-Tuesday routine, it seems. :-)
The kids had their Dr. appointment, and then a quick dinner out and then off to baseball practices.
T did really well, although she still has a tendency to find more enjoyment in the grass, but she is improving. She finally got her ball cap and shirt tonight and was thrilled to have her own, since she had been really jealous when J was given his.
Then J had his own practice, and my-oh-my he has definitely improved! His confidence, attention, effort, and his abilities are all growing. I am really thankful for that, because I was really worried he would find something to be discouraged about.. but it is still early. Right now he just needs to get to know his teammates, I think that is a big thing in getting over the 'jitters'.
Friday, March 13, 2009
One more week..
For the third time I had the honor of giving back my lay-off letter. Yippee! Although working half days is really turning me into a zombie, and quite counterintuitive because now I have all of the free time to scavenge clearance racks at stores I wouldn't normally have time to visit. Ugh. So is life, blessed, cursed, yet forced to deal with it.
The kiddos are a handful of energy, they had last week when the weather was excellent and they were able to play outside anytime. Now this week is cold, dreary, and a reminder that it isn't exactly springtime yet. Just a few more days until it is Spring on paper, though!
They both have games scheduled in a tournament tomorrow, but I am pretty much aware (and have been letting them understand) that it will surely be rained out, bummer! They are really getting into the 'part of a team' mentality now. I went in at noon today so they had some play time before daycare and they were playing around and J says, "I am with the Cardinals" and T says "Oh yeah? I am on the Royals!" Haha. They crack me up. They are still excited about it, so I hope their enthusiasm doesn't fizzle out.
I went to McKays and picked them up some DVDs to watch since the rain will keep us inside this weekend. They were so appreciative. :-)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
heehee
It is supposed to begin raining today. Which means baseball practices and games tonight and this weekend will most likely be cancelled, such a disappointment!
I was able to spend time with my friend Kim yesterday and that was great. Matthew met us for dinner and the kids were visiting their sister's family.
I came home and caught up on chores, and read a few books with the kids.
School is out today so I am ready to leave work early and go home with them and finish up the stack of library books.
Nothing new and exciting going on here, just a lot of prayers as today is another court date on their behalf.
Monday, March 9, 2009
The weekend
We had a great weekend of sunny days and lots of energy.
Saturday my mom kept the kids while Matthew and I attended the day's events at St. Jude. We really enjoyed Scott and Kimberly Hahn! We each got a book we were interested in and I had mine signed, woohoo! It was so great to get to listen to them both, because they are phenomenal. Matthew was very impressed too, and had already started a bible study on his own yesterday.
J had his first 'practice game' and he was the catcher. We missed it, but my Mom got to take him and I know she shouted and cheered louder than we would have.. haha.
Sunday T had her first T-Ball practice! She was more focused than I had imagined she would be, and seemed to like it. Before bed she had to play pretend and I had to pretend to throw a ball to her and she had to pretend to snatch it up in her pretend glove from the ground and throw it to another pretend player. She has the 'stance' down pat. So cute!
Saturday my mom kept the kids while Matthew and I attended the day's events at St. Jude. We really enjoyed Scott and Kimberly Hahn! We each got a book we were interested in and I had mine signed, woohoo! It was so great to get to listen to them both, because they are phenomenal. Matthew was very impressed too, and had already started a bible study on his own yesterday.
J had his first 'practice game' and he was the catcher. We missed it, but my Mom got to take him and I know she shouted and cheered louder than we would have.. haha.
Sunday T had her first T-Ball practice! She was more focused than I had imagined she would be, and seemed to like it. Before bed she had to play pretend and I had to pretend to throw a ball to her and she had to pretend to snatch it up in her pretend glove from the ground and throw it to another pretend player. She has the 'stance' down pat. So cute!
Friday, March 6, 2009
... but it is our life
Work is going well. Everyone seems to be working together and I have yet another week to relax and get a paycheck.
I am working half days next week, so it will be interesting. I have enjoyed this week having so much time to get things done.
The kids are fabulous. We have been so proud of them, and good things are happening! Wednesday my sister and nephew came down for a "play in the yard" visit. It was great, except for the baseball in my nephew's face, and then a rushed trip to repair eyeglasses. Ahh.. our life.
Matthew and I are going to St. Jude's church tomorrow to see Scott and Kimberly Hahn! I am super-excited, and will be taking some serious notes during their lectures!
Mom is watching the kids, and taking J to baseball practice. I am really glad they are getting some time to get to know each other. Living in Georgia is excellent, and growing our own family here is what God intended, but we do miss the daily contact and quality time we were used to having when we lived so close to everyone.
Finally.. to some current events...
Remember the lady who had her face ripped off by the chimp? Maybe that's what happened to Michael Jackson.. remember.. he had a chimp, too! Yeah, I know.. I'm being rude. I wouldn't go and see him if he was doing a free show in the parking lot. He will never be as good as my "Bad" cassette way back when.
I am over the whole Chris Brown thing, he needs to go to jail.
Poor Obama, the stocks have tanked, highest unemployment in 25 yrs, and he wants to spend, spend, spend.. money that doesn't exist. Well, I want to spend money that doesn't exist, too.. how would I go about doing that?!
Ugh..
I am working half days next week, so it will be interesting. I have enjoyed this week having so much time to get things done.
The kids are fabulous. We have been so proud of them, and good things are happening! Wednesday my sister and nephew came down for a "play in the yard" visit. It was great, except for the baseball in my nephew's face, and then a rushed trip to repair eyeglasses. Ahh.. our life.
Matthew and I are going to St. Jude's church tomorrow to see Scott and Kimberly Hahn! I am super-excited, and will be taking some serious notes during their lectures!
Mom is watching the kids, and taking J to baseball practice. I am really glad they are getting some time to get to know each other. Living in Georgia is excellent, and growing our own family here is what God intended, but we do miss the daily contact and quality time we were used to having when we lived so close to everyone.
Finally.. to some current events...
Remember the lady who had her face ripped off by the chimp? Maybe that's what happened to Michael Jackson.. remember.. he had a chimp, too! Yeah, I know.. I'm being rude. I wouldn't go and see him if he was doing a free show in the parking lot. He will never be as good as my "Bad" cassette way back when.
I am over the whole Chris Brown thing, he needs to go to jail.
Poor Obama, the stocks have tanked, highest unemployment in 25 yrs, and he wants to spend, spend, spend.. money that doesn't exist. Well, I want to spend money that doesn't exist, too.. how would I go about doing that?!
Ugh..
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Whatta Tuesday
My first full day off in our reduced schedule.. I am liberated! I slept in, woke T up later than we had imagined she would sleep, and got going!
I was able to finish a lot of housework, while Matthew headed off to take J to the bus and take himself to work. T had breakfast and watched a little TV while I was buzzing around and getting myself ready. She made it to "her school" at a respectable time, and I headed off towards Hixson. I met Stefanie and browsed the mall, ate a pretty awesome lunch, and then looked around ToysRUs.
Then it was off to check J out of school early, pick up T from pre-K and then off to their Dr. appointment.
I came home to leftover chicken pasta salad dinner (simply THE BEST) thanks to Matthew, the kids had a new fave: mini-corn dogs (I tried one, not too bad!). I ran out and grocery-shopped while the kids (Matthew included) watched some TV.
All in all it was a pretty productive day.
The kids were a little rambunctious after their appointment, but by the end of the night it was all reading and hugs and kisses.. just they way it ought to be!
I was able to finish a lot of housework, while Matthew headed off to take J to the bus and take himself to work. T had breakfast and watched a little TV while I was buzzing around and getting myself ready. She made it to "her school" at a respectable time, and I headed off towards Hixson. I met Stefanie and browsed the mall, ate a pretty awesome lunch, and then looked around ToysRUs.
Then it was off to check J out of school early, pick up T from pre-K and then off to their Dr. appointment.
I came home to leftover chicken pasta salad dinner (simply THE BEST) thanks to Matthew, the kids had a new fave: mini-corn dogs (I tried one, not too bad!). I ran out and grocery-shopped while the kids (Matthew included) watched some TV.
All in all it was a pretty productive day.
The kids were a little rambunctious after their appointment, but by the end of the night it was all reading and hugs and kisses.. just they way it ought to be!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday!
Well, everything worked out OK at work.. for the time being. I was able to hand back my lay off notification, and we will be going a week at a time. One good thing is with reduced hours I should have plenty of time to blog.. since I seem to be vague recently. I will have conversations with the kids, and I will think.. I should write this down, and then it flows right out of my mind.
Today was cold! We got all prettied-up and made it to church, and then straight home and into a chicken-noodle soup lunch, it seemed appropriate.
Today was cold! We got all prettied-up and made it to church, and then straight home and into a chicken-noodle soup lunch, it seemed appropriate.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ashes n More
Today went OK, we had a lot of stuff going on at work, I got served my official lay-off envelope.. ick. I am still confident I will be able to turn it back in on Friday once everyone gets on board with this new time-off policy. Fingers Crossed and Prayers Sent.
Today was Ash Wednesday, so we kept the kids out late and attended service. We had time to prep them to what it was, what was going to happen, etc.. and they were just so darn adorable. J kept saying through Mass... "I want ashes.". Oh so cuddly cute.
He has had a lot going on with his forehead today! I received a call at work from the school nurse today around 8 a.m. and she said J had walked smack-dab into a door into the cafeteria, and had a huge blue knot on his head to prove it. She had observed him for 30 minutes and was sending him on to class. In his backpack we found instructions for how to deal with head injuries.. oh, the joys of parenting! So, from Saturday's baseball practice he has a black eye, and then from Tuesday's dentist appointment he has a busted lip (when it was numbed he would not stop chewing on it.. grr..) and now he has a knot on his head. This kid looks like he's gotten into a nasty fight, poor guy.
So, anyways, the kids were better than we had hoped for at church, and staying up past their bedtimes, and even running into the Dollar General for a quick cereal bar buy didn't really throw them off their schedule. They were so proud of those ashes, they both got upset when I told them they had to come off before bed. Cuties.
Today was Ash Wednesday, so we kept the kids out late and attended service. We had time to prep them to what it was, what was going to happen, etc.. and they were just so darn adorable. J kept saying through Mass... "I want ashes.". Oh so cuddly cute.
He has had a lot going on with his forehead today! I received a call at work from the school nurse today around 8 a.m. and she said J had walked smack-dab into a door into the cafeteria, and had a huge blue knot on his head to prove it. She had observed him for 30 minutes and was sending him on to class. In his backpack we found instructions for how to deal with head injuries.. oh, the joys of parenting! So, from Saturday's baseball practice he has a black eye, and then from Tuesday's dentist appointment he has a busted lip (when it was numbed he would not stop chewing on it.. grr..) and now he has a knot on his head. This kid looks like he's gotten into a nasty fight, poor guy.
So, anyways, the kids were better than we had hoped for at church, and staying up past their bedtimes, and even running into the Dollar General for a quick cereal bar buy didn't really throw them off their schedule. They were so proud of those ashes, they both got upset when I told them they had to come off before bed. Cuties.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Down and Out
So today wasn't all it was hyped up to be. Fat Tuesday turned out to be a pain in the rear.
I was told today that I was going to be laid-off effective Monday. Poop. The great thing is they are flexible, and as long as everyone in the office cuts some hours (like 80.. 2 positions!) then me and my co-worker can avoid being laid-off. Yippee.
So, now we have to come together and decide on a week by week basis our scheduled time off to make up those hours.
I am not going to be crazy and tell you I am not scared as all get out. I mean, I can't afford 20 hours a week, but I will have to see what God has in store for me this time.
I had a union dinner where we went over contract proposals and I learned like 1,000,000 things.
When I got home Matthew and the kids were already asleep. I had to wake him up to tell him how horribly wrong my day was, and all he had to say was that I should find another job. Yeah, oh so helpful, and exactly what I needed to hear.. geez. Remind me not to wake Matthew up and try to expect compassion and understanding, because it is just not there.
Then I realized I had not made time in this crazy day to get J's new prescription filled.. ack! So I ran out to Walgreen's 24 hr. pharmacy.. and a 30 minute wait.
So, in my 30 minute wait I pulled out the Ipod and my rosary and had a nice little prayer and devotional time.. just for myself. I have decided to give up some of my precious free time for Lent, and do more praying.. because I think we really need it now.
I was told today that I was going to be laid-off effective Monday. Poop. The great thing is they are flexible, and as long as everyone in the office cuts some hours (like 80.. 2 positions!) then me and my co-worker can avoid being laid-off. Yippee.
So, now we have to come together and decide on a week by week basis our scheduled time off to make up those hours.
I am not going to be crazy and tell you I am not scared as all get out. I mean, I can't afford 20 hours a week, but I will have to see what God has in store for me this time.
I had a union dinner where we went over contract proposals and I learned like 1,000,000 things.
When I got home Matthew and the kids were already asleep. I had to wake him up to tell him how horribly wrong my day was, and all he had to say was that I should find another job. Yeah, oh so helpful, and exactly what I needed to hear.. geez. Remind me not to wake Matthew up and try to expect compassion and understanding, because it is just not there.
Then I realized I had not made time in this crazy day to get J's new prescription filled.. ack! So I ran out to Walgreen's 24 hr. pharmacy.. and a 30 minute wait.
So, in my 30 minute wait I pulled out the Ipod and my rosary and had a nice little prayer and devotional time.. just for myself. I have decided to give up some of my precious free time for Lent, and do more praying.. because I think we really need it now.
Monday, February 23, 2009
On your mark, get ready,... LENT!
I kinda feel like I didn't see it coming this year.. let alone have some really good devotional time to contemplate giving something up. I have a few ideas I am tossing around in my head. Good thing I have a few more days.
Oh, and fish Fridays will make the kids very happy!
Oh, and fish Fridays will make the kids very happy!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What a Saturday
Friday went well, we all went to Sale Creek to celebrate my Dad's birthday, and the kids enjoyed visiting and seeing our dog, Toodles, running around and enjoying "country-life". He is on permanent loan to my parents, who can make sure he has a better life. He was happy here, but he was not as loved on as the cats. But now he is in doggie playland, enjoying his freedom and having people around more!
This morning I was feeling so bad, can't hardly talk (let alone have a commanding "Mommy" tone when I would like). We were up and had breakfast and meds, then Matthew had to go leave to work at the church.
The kids and I went to get J some baseball pants, which of course they had every XS in white, not grey. Then we headed off to the library, our new favorite hangout. We sat, picked out a kazillion books, and then went to the children's area for the 11:00 story time. The lady that reads the stories is so good at keeping their attention!
Then it was off to baseball practice, 2 hours! I was so proud of J, he was paying attention, listening to the coaches better, and having a good time. This was amazing because in the first 2 minutes he had gotten a ball right in his face, which immediately made his nose and eye swollen. After a hug from the coach, my little tough guy kept right on playing!
T and I watched proudly, snacking on Cheez-Its and trying to keep our noses from running too badly. I was so poorly though I think I could have fell asleep right there on the bleachers had it not been for the horrible winds.
We picked up some lunch on the way home and I took a (wonderful, glorious, much-needed) nap while Matthew read new books to them and made sure they had a wholesome dinner.
This morning I was feeling so bad, can't hardly talk (let alone have a commanding "Mommy" tone when I would like). We were up and had breakfast and meds, then Matthew had to go leave to work at the church.
The kids and I went to get J some baseball pants, which of course they had every XS in white, not grey. Then we headed off to the library, our new favorite hangout. We sat, picked out a kazillion books, and then went to the children's area for the 11:00 story time. The lady that reads the stories is so good at keeping their attention!
Then it was off to baseball practice, 2 hours! I was so proud of J, he was paying attention, listening to the coaches better, and having a good time. This was amazing because in the first 2 minutes he had gotten a ball right in his face, which immediately made his nose and eye swollen. After a hug from the coach, my little tough guy kept right on playing!
T and I watched proudly, snacking on Cheez-Its and trying to keep our noses from running too badly. I was so poorly though I think I could have fell asleep right there on the bleachers had it not been for the horrible winds.
We picked up some lunch on the way home and I took a (wonderful, glorious, much-needed) nap while Matthew read new books to them and made sure they had a wholesome dinner.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sick Again
Today was pretty great as far as work goes, stayed busy, etc.
When I was driving home though, my chest started aching, and I started getting dizzy.
I took the next exit, which is a route to my Dr. office, and called from the parking lot.
My throat had gotten so hoarse I could barely talk, let alone breathe properly. So, I got a shot in my caboose, and a breathing treatment. It made me feel much better, but jittery.
Thanks the Lord for Matthew, who picked the kids up and made the best spaghetti dinner ever! Even the kids ate more than they normally do!
When I was driving home though, my chest started aching, and I started getting dizzy.
I took the next exit, which is a route to my Dr. office, and called from the parking lot.
My throat had gotten so hoarse I could barely talk, let alone breathe properly. So, I got a shot in my caboose, and a breathing treatment. It made me feel much better, but jittery.
Thanks the Lord for Matthew, who picked the kids up and made the best spaghetti dinner ever! Even the kids ate more than they normally do!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Dr. Dr. Give me the NEWS
I had my tummy ultrasound this morning. I took T, because she didn't eat a very good breakfast and I wanted her to have some extra time.. glad I did since she slept the entire time there and in the waiting room.
We went to eat at IHOP, a sensible breakfast and I remember why I don't really like their food.. it is too darn expensive for eggs and pancakes. Oh well, we had a good time.
I took her to daycare, since she wanted no part of hanging out at the house with me.. she wanted to see her brother at the daycare. So, I cleaned up around the house.
Then I went to my 3:00 Dr. appointment and lo and behold my ultrasound came back with an enlarged spleen, and the Dr. says it is MONO. Ugh. I had more blood drawn to confirm, but it would explain why I have felt like manure the past month.
Well, at least I am not going crazy. For a good two weeks I have been pondering the notion that I have just gotten depressed, with the body aches, the fatigue, I thought I was getting depressed and/or lazy!
Turns out I can blame MONO.
We went to eat at IHOP, a sensible breakfast and I remember why I don't really like their food.. it is too darn expensive for eggs and pancakes. Oh well, we had a good time.
I took her to daycare, since she wanted no part of hanging out at the house with me.. she wanted to see her brother at the daycare. So, I cleaned up around the house.
Then I went to my 3:00 Dr. appointment and lo and behold my ultrasound came back with an enlarged spleen, and the Dr. says it is MONO. Ugh. I had more blood drawn to confirm, but it would explain why I have felt like manure the past month.
Well, at least I am not going crazy. For a good two weeks I have been pondering the notion that I have just gotten depressed, with the body aches, the fatigue, I thought I was getting depressed and/or lazy!
Turns out I can blame MONO.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Home, Sweet Home!
Oh, we had the best time in Atlanta! The retreat was packed full of relationship-enhancing and we are already communicating better using the skills we learned. It was a great group of couples and we did not feel as shy as we normally would, because who doesn't want to talk about your kids with other people who've had the same journey? We are so glad we went.
The hotel was near the Perimeter Mall and we had some interesting meals, a lot of walking and browsing, and finished our trip at Ikea, where we were certain to buy something... and ended up not wanting anything!
There will be an alumni retreat in March, and we may go to that also.
It sure was great to get back home, unpack a little, and get back to normal though. I am so glad we had to take pictures of our kids to the retreat, because I looked at them several times this weekend. I missed them so much!
Tomorrow I have an ultrasound on my stomach.. it may or may not be dysfunctional.. haha. I just go around a lot being queasy and sickly. Don't worry, no bun in this oven, though.
J heads back to school and T will go to daycare for my testing. Then I have another Dr. appointment.. it will be one non-relaxing day off from work.
I will put up some pics later, but I posted a few to facebook this weekend.
The hotel was near the Perimeter Mall and we had some interesting meals, a lot of walking and browsing, and finished our trip at Ikea, where we were certain to buy something... and ended up not wanting anything!
There will be an alumni retreat in March, and we may go to that also.
It sure was great to get back home, unpack a little, and get back to normal though. I am so glad we had to take pictures of our kids to the retreat, because I looked at them several times this weekend. I missed them so much!
Tomorrow I have an ultrasound on my stomach.. it may or may not be dysfunctional.. haha. I just go around a lot being queasy and sickly. Don't worry, no bun in this oven, though.
J heads back to school and T will go to daycare for my testing. Then I have another Dr. appointment.. it will be one non-relaxing day off from work.
I will put up some pics later, but I posted a few to facebook this weekend.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Bugs!
So, I was in the shower this morning (running late from being up late & sick) and my cell phone rings.. and rings... and rings. But I could not do much of anything, other than hurry hurry.
J had thrown up on the bus to school, and was in the office waiting to be picked up. Oh No! So, I hurry, get me and T in the car and head out. Poor J, was asleep in the office, looking rather ill. On the way to the car he threw up twice more..ugh.
We took T to daycare and came home and went straight to the bath. Eww. It was all over him, his backpack, etc.
So, I am home today, pushing 7-up and water.
Yuck-o
Been yuck-o. Strep throat for me and T. We are OK, just weak now. And for some odd reason I can NOT get any sleep until past midnight, so I am waking up feeling like a ran over pile of doo doo. I am wondering if I need something to help me sleep. I guess this weekend in Atlanta will be good for me, a lot of time to rest and relax!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sicko
Do you watch medical dramas? Do you know the opening sequence where they all (usually) fall into a heap on the floor, from some odd illness? That really should have happened to me today. Suffice it to say I have been puny all day, week, coughing, sore throat, feeling dizzy, ache-y. Generally not fun.
I did go outside today and help J practice for baseball, he is so enthusiastic!
I did go outside today and help J practice for baseball, he is so enthusiastic!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Awesome Day
We went to the library this morning! WooHoo.. We ALL (and I mean ALL) had the best time, there was a story hour for the kids that started at 11:00, and they really did well listening and watching the lady.
Then we found their wishlist, books on cats and volcanoes. Then we roamed the aisles and found "extras" we just had to have.
And for the biggest event of my day: I found the book I have been searching for for 19 years! Literally I read this book in 1990 and I have been scouring the internet and libraries for it. Of course, my 10 year old mind only knew the story, not the author or title, so it has been a rough 19 years!
Today as I was passing by a bookshelf I caught it out of the corner of my eye, pulled it off the shelf, and there was the same picture that was on the same book I got out of the elementary library all of those years ago! Heaven, I was in Heaven!
We ended up walking out with 13 books between all of us.
Then we headed home for lunch, rested a while and then went to the battlefield and rode bikes, ran around, and walked the doggie.
We went for a few minutes to the Ft. O. park, but it was insanely crowded. So, we came home and played in the yard right here.
I got to speak with J's new baseball coach and we have a meet-n-greet tomorrow! Now I just have to find those baseball fields! We went to the store and bought him some new cleats, and he is thrilled. :-)
Friday, February 6, 2009
American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Obama: "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being."
American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Obama: "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being."
I wonder if in 500 years someone pulls this quote and says how Obama was pro-life.. shrug.
I wonder if in 500 years someone pulls this quote and says how Obama was pro-life.. shrug.
"She came face to face with a human being," Pennekamp said. "And that changed everything."
This should make both sides' blood boil...
An autopsy determined Williams' baby — she named her Shanice — had filled her lungs with air, meaning she had been born alive, according to the Department of Health. The cause of death was listed as extreme prematurity.
Lawsuit: Florida Clinic Botched Abortion, Threw Out Live Baby
An autopsy determined Williams' baby — she named her Shanice — had filled her lungs with air, meaning she had been born alive, according to the Department of Health. The cause of death was listed as extreme prematurity.
Lawsuit: Florida Clinic Botched Abortion, Threw Out Live Baby
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I hope I am doing this right.
Thanks to Brandy for giving me a nod....
Friends Award:
"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."
Honest Scrap award:
A) First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.
10 Things about me:
1. I am finally a Mom!
2. I generally hate complaining, although I do quite a lot!
3. I purge my closets and donate our clothes at least twice a year,which is why I hang on to what I like and end up wearing the same things forever.
4. I have A LOT of irrational fears... but you can blame my Sister for them.
5. I am constantly amazed at how old everyone I graduated with looks on facebook... and I am forever feeling "17". Must be a disorder, right?
6. I grew up without cable TV.
7. Money is tight, but love is plentiful.
8. I enjoy doing dishes, which is good since we don't own a dishwasher.. but horrible on the hands.
9. I have now lived in Ga. for 1/28th of my life!
10. Matthew and I married 6 weeks after our first date, and we are almost to our 7th anniversary!
....and the awards go to....
A Thorn in the Pew
Heidi
Jess
Niki
Maria
Susie
Friends Award:
"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."
Honest Scrap award:
A) First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.
10 Things about me:
1. I am finally a Mom!
2. I generally hate complaining, although I do quite a lot!
3. I purge my closets and donate our clothes at least twice a year,which is why I hang on to what I like and end up wearing the same things forever.
4. I have A LOT of irrational fears... but you can blame my Sister for them.
5. I am constantly amazed at how old everyone I graduated with looks on facebook... and I am forever feeling "17". Must be a disorder, right?
6. I grew up without cable TV.
7. Money is tight, but love is plentiful.
8. I enjoy doing dishes, which is good since we don't own a dishwasher.. but horrible on the hands.
9. I have now lived in Ga. for 1/28th of my life!
10. Matthew and I married 6 weeks after our first date, and we are almost to our 7th anniversary!
....and the awards go to....
A Thorn in the Pew
Heidi
Jess
Niki
Maria
Susie
Thursday night... obligatory blog.
Things have been pretty even keeled around here. Nothing crazy or too dramatic, thank the Lord above.
Work is going steady and we are all managing to tough out the recent cold snap and inability to play outside. It is looking good for this weekend though... in the 60s!
After school today we sat at the table and had art projects. My sister had given me some cool foam letters and I already had construction paper.. all we needed were glue sticks, which I picked up on the way home and we had a great time making creations. I did one, too, and they are proudly displayed on the fridge.
The kids are getting anxious about St. Valentine's Day. They are always referring to anything they draw or write as their Valentines card, it is so sweet. Too bad J will be SO OVER IT when he realizes he has to write his name on the back of 17 cards AND give away the Cars pencils that came in the V-Day cards kit. Ugh. We will probably do something low key for T, who has already had her (25!)class names list sent home.. I am thinking of just doing some creative recycling of Halloween candy... hehehe... is that bad?
This weekend I am anticipating taking the kids and the dog to the park, running around like crazy people, and just soaking up some sun!
Work is going steady and we are all managing to tough out the recent cold snap and inability to play outside. It is looking good for this weekend though... in the 60s!
After school today we sat at the table and had art projects. My sister had given me some cool foam letters and I already had construction paper.. all we needed were glue sticks, which I picked up on the way home and we had a great time making creations. I did one, too, and they are proudly displayed on the fridge.
The kids are getting anxious about St. Valentine's Day. They are always referring to anything they draw or write as their Valentines card, it is so sweet. Too bad J will be SO OVER IT when he realizes he has to write his name on the back of 17 cards AND give away the Cars pencils that came in the V-Day cards kit. Ugh. We will probably do something low key for T, who has already had her (25!)class names list sent home.. I am thinking of just doing some creative recycling of Halloween candy... hehehe... is that bad?
This weekend I am anticipating taking the kids and the dog to the park, running around like crazy people, and just soaking up some sun!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Fillings
We had a great day, even though J had an hour's worth of fillings. The gas made him groggy, but he still came out of it hungry. It was very hard to not let him have any food or water this morning, but the dentists office insisted.
Remember the vacuum calamity? Well, one of my coworkers suggested I take it back to Lowes. I said (laughingly) no, it was nearly a year old and we had bought it to bring to the new house.
So, today while I was letting J lay on the couch and watch TV while his mouth was still numb, I found my expandable file with "all things house-buying".
Wouldn't you know, there was the receipt from Lowes! So, I found Bissel's website and called them up. They ran me through some things and then suggested I take it to the nearest service retailer.. 2 hours away! So I called down there and got their weekend hours, thinking we might have time to run it in on Valentine's Day weekend, since we will be in Atlanta anyways for an adoption seminar-thingy.
Then a few hours later I was resolved to call back and let them know how upset I was that I would have to take my vacuum 2 hours away! Well, I managed to get a very receptive lady on the other end of the line, and voila! new vacuum getting fed-ex-ed within the week! YeeHaw.
Finally, something is going my way!
I do have the added annoyance of shipping mine back to Bissel, but she told me I could keep all of my attachments (apparently the newer version of mine didn't have as many bells and whistles)
Remember the vacuum calamity? Well, one of my coworkers suggested I take it back to Lowes. I said (laughingly) no, it was nearly a year old and we had bought it to bring to the new house.
So, today while I was letting J lay on the couch and watch TV while his mouth was still numb, I found my expandable file with "all things house-buying".
Wouldn't you know, there was the receipt from Lowes! So, I found Bissel's website and called them up. They ran me through some things and then suggested I take it to the nearest service retailer.. 2 hours away! So I called down there and got their weekend hours, thinking we might have time to run it in on Valentine's Day weekend, since we will be in Atlanta anyways for an adoption seminar-thingy.
Then a few hours later I was resolved to call back and let them know how upset I was that I would have to take my vacuum 2 hours away! Well, I managed to get a very receptive lady on the other end of the line, and voila! new vacuum getting fed-ex-ed within the week! YeeHaw.
Finally, something is going my way!
I do have the added annoyance of shipping mine back to Bissel, but she told me I could keep all of my attachments (apparently the newer version of mine didn't have as many bells and whistles)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday Stumblings
This morning it was early rising, as usual! We had breakfast, cleaned up, and soon my dad and nephew had arrived to join Matthew and J to go to the boat show!
Me and T took off, too, to go sign up both kids for T-ball and baseball. I am so excited!! The kids are too, but wonder why we cant play games today!
We came home and had lunch, and I went shopping for a few things, namely a new (&cheap) vacuum. Our really nice one broke, and had been limping along until this morning. So, a Kmart Dirt Devil Featherlite it was.. keeping it under $50. It works fine.. and maybe we can still use some of our fancy-shmancy pet-hair attachments.
The kids really got some good playtime outside today. We took them out and made a leaf pile, walked around, scooter-ed, bike-ed, big-wheel-ed, and golfed. But the biggest thrill was watching Matthew and J both "fishing" in the front yard.
At the boat show my nephew and J had received these little dinky Scooby-Doo rod and reels, with a plastic fish on the line. My nephew generously gave his rod to T, since he has far outgrown play rod and reels. J spent most of his outdoors time today "practicing" his technique and catching leaves, sticks, etc. It was so cute, he even had to hold his tongue a certain way... much like his Daddy.
Dinner was really great.. and we have learned to be deceptive parents. Harnessing our very small knowledge of 5-year-old logic, we actually got 2 kids excited about dinner! We were having ziti, spaghetti sauce, cheese, rolls, etc. A normal dinner. Well, they both snubbed their noses at the "spaghetti sauce".. so we said "Oh, this is PIZZA sauce... it is awesome!".. and they bought it.. big time.
Yum Yum, they sure loved the pasta with the pizza sauce. Heeheehee.
Me and T took off, too, to go sign up both kids for T-ball and baseball. I am so excited!! The kids are too, but wonder why we cant play games today!
We came home and had lunch, and I went shopping for a few things, namely a new (&cheap) vacuum. Our really nice one broke, and had been limping along until this morning. So, a Kmart Dirt Devil Featherlite it was.. keeping it under $50. It works fine.. and maybe we can still use some of our fancy-shmancy pet-hair attachments.
The kids really got some good playtime outside today. We took them out and made a leaf pile, walked around, scooter-ed, bike-ed, big-wheel-ed, and golfed. But the biggest thrill was watching Matthew and J both "fishing" in the front yard.
At the boat show my nephew and J had received these little dinky Scooby-Doo rod and reels, with a plastic fish on the line. My nephew generously gave his rod to T, since he has far outgrown play rod and reels. J spent most of his outdoors time today "practicing" his technique and catching leaves, sticks, etc. It was so cute, he even had to hold his tongue a certain way... much like his Daddy.
Dinner was really great.. and we have learned to be deceptive parents. Harnessing our very small knowledge of 5-year-old logic, we actually got 2 kids excited about dinner! We were having ziti, spaghetti sauce, cheese, rolls, etc. A normal dinner. Well, they both snubbed their noses at the "spaghetti sauce".. so we said "Oh, this is PIZZA sauce... it is awesome!".. and they bought it.. big time.
Yum Yum, they sure loved the pasta with the pizza sauce. Heeheehee.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Sweetest Thing
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Notice the time on the cable box.. this was in the morning after breakfast. They are enjoying playing their game, our little "rugrats".
T likes to keep her 4 favorite books in the bed with her.. at all times. So sweet.
J enjoys back and neck massages while zoned out in front of the TV. So sweet.
We are happy, they are happy, we are getting called "Mom/Mommy & Dad/Daddy" and J actually wanted to be picked up and held in my arms last night. Oh, and we are on our 13th consecutive day of both kiddos having dry pull-ups in the morning... Super YaY!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Equality
We strive for equality, haha. So, I ordered T a handheld game v-smile thingamajig like her brother had. I found a used one on ebay with a little mermaid game, and it was a pink and purple one!
So, in the mail yesterday was her surprise! She adores it, even though she really needed help from J on how to use it. We had to be really cautious with her too, because J would swindle her out of it easily, so for the first night we told him she was the only one who could play it, even though she was more than willing to share.
Turns out I bought a newer version, which has a larger screen. Ugh. Now J says he needs a newer one, too.
Oh, our struggles with equality...
This morning his bus broke down.. again! Thank the Lord his bus driver is super nice and called my cell phone. I drove out and met her on her route, broke down and with a maintenance truck by her side. Hopefully J wasn't very late to school.
Also this morning when I dropped T off at her daycare it was the first time she cried and protested, yelling, "Mommy don't leave!" She has really been incorporating the "Momma,Mommy & Dad,Daddy" recently. The teacher had to physically drag her back into the classroom.. and I smiled on the inside.. is that bad?
So, in the mail yesterday was her surprise! She adores it, even though she really needed help from J on how to use it. We had to be really cautious with her too, because J would swindle her out of it easily, so for the first night we told him she was the only one who could play it, even though she was more than willing to share.
Turns out I bought a newer version, which has a larger screen. Ugh. Now J says he needs a newer one, too.
Oh, our struggles with equality...
This morning his bus broke down.. again! Thank the Lord his bus driver is super nice and called my cell phone. I drove out and met her on her route, broke down and with a maintenance truck by her side. Hopefully J wasn't very late to school.
Also this morning when I dropped T off at her daycare it was the first time she cried and protested, yelling, "Mommy don't leave!" She has really been incorporating the "Momma,Mommy & Dad,Daddy" recently. The teacher had to physically drag her back into the classroom.. and I smiled on the inside.. is that bad?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Not a great start to the week
What a crap-tastic Monday!
Well, we were all just gettin' by and sickly anyways. I went into work early (5:30) driving the horrible-stick-shift-monstrosity. Matthew calls me and the bus driver never showed. I checked my cell and she had left a voicemail, the bus had broke down!
So, Matthew dropped J off at the day care since he had to get to work on time, and I sat at work feeling guilty for him not making it to school, and also feeling like I couldn't breathe!
So, I left as soon as I possibly could manage, and drove that awful stick-shift-monstrosity to the day care, got J to school, with no backpack. See, Matthew didn't leave the backpack because there was over $100 in candy sale money in it, and also because he really didn't think I would be able to leave work.
But I did, and I get to the daycare and they tell me they wouldn't have minded taking him! Ugh.
So, T is feeling really bad and I took her out of the day care too, and we headed up the mountain. That's right... up Signal Mtn., just me, my sickly-sleepy girl and the stick-shift-monstrosity. I made it through sheer willpower and found Matthew and got my beloved car back from him, complete with carseats and one awol backpack.
We went happily back down the mountain, came home, and sacked out. She was just not able to stay awake, but not coughing like me and J were. We picked him up a little bit before the bell rang and came home and we all 3 just vegged out, slept, and waited for Matthew to get home.
I think I am going to have to stop carpooling and take the kids to the bus now.. at least I have a few vacation days left for late buses.
Well, we were all just gettin' by and sickly anyways. I went into work early (5:30) driving the horrible-stick-shift-monstrosity. Matthew calls me and the bus driver never showed. I checked my cell and she had left a voicemail, the bus had broke down!
So, Matthew dropped J off at the day care since he had to get to work on time, and I sat at work feeling guilty for him not making it to school, and also feeling like I couldn't breathe!
So, I left as soon as I possibly could manage, and drove that awful stick-shift-monstrosity to the day care, got J to school, with no backpack. See, Matthew didn't leave the backpack because there was over $100 in candy sale money in it, and also because he really didn't think I would be able to leave work.
But I did, and I get to the daycare and they tell me they wouldn't have minded taking him! Ugh.
So, T is feeling really bad and I took her out of the day care too, and we headed up the mountain. That's right... up Signal Mtn., just me, my sickly-sleepy girl and the stick-shift-monstrosity. I made it through sheer willpower and found Matthew and got my beloved car back from him, complete with carseats and one awol backpack.
We went happily back down the mountain, came home, and sacked out. She was just not able to stay awake, but not coughing like me and J were. We picked him up a little bit before the bell rang and came home and we all 3 just vegged out, slept, and waited for Matthew to get home.
I think I am going to have to stop carpooling and take the kids to the bus now.. at least I have a few vacation days left for late buses.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
not into it
Just not into doing a weekend blog tonight. Maybe in the morning. Kids are great, we've been sick, feel awful, gonna go to bed.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Staying in
Today I am staying in. I have a full blown sinus-thingy going on and I also just feel like passing out.
I send Matthew and T out to get groceries and medicines. At least I had the house in shape last night, so there is minimal chores to do today.
We have had a great week, overall. The kids have gotten to spend time with their siblings, which is a priority. They have also opened up much more emotionally, and we are getting closer to them each day.
J brought home 2 52-count candy boxes for a school fundraiser. I took one to work, and Matthew took the second. I came home with probably half, and Matthew sold all but 1!! I am so impressed!! He even wants to take more boxes next week. He is such a good Dad.
I send Matthew and T out to get groceries and medicines. At least I had the house in shape last night, so there is minimal chores to do today.
We have had a great week, overall. The kids have gotten to spend time with their siblings, which is a priority. They have also opened up much more emotionally, and we are getting closer to them each day.
J brought home 2 52-count candy boxes for a school fundraiser. I took one to work, and Matthew took the second. I came home with probably half, and Matthew sold all but 1!! I am so impressed!! He even wants to take more boxes next week. He is such a good Dad.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Pro Ecclesia * Pro Familia * Pro Civitate: Obama Culture of Death Update™: Abortion Necessary to "Ensure Our Daughters Have the Same Rights and Opport
Pro Ecclesia * Pro Familia * Pro Civitate: Obama Culture of Death Update™: Abortion Necessary to "Ensure Our Daughters Have the Same Rights and Opportunities As Our Sons"
I am just so upset. Like this country needs to focus on this. Why doesn't Obama just get on with fixing the economy!
I am just so upset. Like this country needs to focus on this. Why doesn't Obama just get on with fixing the economy!
FDA approves human embryonic stem cell study
Embryonic stem cells are blank cells found in four- to five-day-old embryos, which have the ability to turn into any cell in the body. However, when stem cells are removed, the embryo is destroyed -- which has made this one of the most controversial medical research fields in the past decade.
Federal research funds were prohibited for embryonic stem-cell research until August 2001, when Bush approved spending for research using only already-existing cell lines. Scientists later discovered that fewer than two dozen of those lines were useful for research, but abortion opponents opposed any legislation that would lift Bush's restrictions, and Bush twice vetoed congressional efforts to roll back his rules.
President Obama is expected to loosen the restrictions, which many researchers and advocates have complained severely set back work toward curing disease such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/23/stem.cell/index.html
Federal research funds were prohibited for embryonic stem-cell research until August 2001, when Bush approved spending for research using only already-existing cell lines. Scientists later discovered that fewer than two dozen of those lines were useful for research, but abortion opponents opposed any legislation that would lift Bush's restrictions, and Bush twice vetoed congressional efforts to roll back his rules.
President Obama is expected to loosen the restrictions, which many researchers and advocates have complained severely set back work toward curing disease such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/23/stem.cell/index.html
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dentists..
The kids and I trekked to the Dentist office on Tuesday. J has 3 cavities, and T has an extra tooth on her top row. So, in two weeks we will be getting J some fillings... Yay. Now his affection for the dentist will come to an end, I think.
This afternoon the kids spent a little time with T's twin and mommy. We met them for dinner out, and then they got to come see the kid's rooms and visit here awhile.
I just love all of these new-extended-family-people to pieces!
This afternoon the kids spent a little time with T's twin and mommy. We met them for dinner out, and then they got to come see the kid's rooms and visit here awhile.
I just love all of these new-extended-family-people to pieces!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Long Weekend
I can't even remember what we did on Friday.. but I think it had something to do with dinosaurs and fussy kids.. but that is in a post below.
Saturday I took T to my cousin and his wife's baby shower. She did OK, mainly because they had ham sandwiches, pretzels, and chips.. so she was able to sit for most of the time and eat. She did embarrass me one time, but we won't get into that..
When we got home we all four hung out and got ready to leave for my nephew's basketball game. On the way there it snowed, and it was all looks, unfortunately.
The basketball game was great, they liked it, and got to spend time with all of my family. When we left the snow was gone, and we went and visited Matthew's parents.
They played and had fun. We got to see the entire family in one evening.
Sunday we made it to Church, everything went fine. We went to the grocery store together and made it out with A LOT for $67! I am so happy for the Dollar General Market.
Monday, MLK Day, I had off from work. Matthew did not, so I spent the morning with the kids. We met T's twin and his mom, and their former foster mom, her son, and the kids' little sister, whew! It was awesome and we ate lunch and let the kids run around on the playground and got to talk. I am so blessed by knowing these families.
After lunch, we followed T's twin's mommy and they played at her house for a couple of hours while I was able to get to know the mom and hear about their story.
At dinner T complained for the second time that her teeth hurt. I asked her to point to it with her tongue, but I am not sure she knows exactly where it hurts, and I was not about to complicate matters by prying open her little mouth.
So, they both go to the dentist office today for cleanings, and maybe find out about the mystery pain. At least she's looking forward to going, although she has NO IDEA what a dentist does... sshhh, don't tell!
Saturday I took T to my cousin and his wife's baby shower. She did OK, mainly because they had ham sandwiches, pretzels, and chips.. so she was able to sit for most of the time and eat. She did embarrass me one time, but we won't get into that..
When we got home we all four hung out and got ready to leave for my nephew's basketball game. On the way there it snowed, and it was all looks, unfortunately.
The basketball game was great, they liked it, and got to spend time with all of my family. When we left the snow was gone, and we went and visited Matthew's parents.
They played and had fun. We got to see the entire family in one evening.
Sunday we made it to Church, everything went fine. We went to the grocery store together and made it out with A LOT for $67! I am so happy for the Dollar General Market.
Monday, MLK Day, I had off from work. Matthew did not, so I spent the morning with the kids. We met T's twin and his mom, and their former foster mom, her son, and the kids' little sister, whew! It was awesome and we ate lunch and let the kids run around on the playground and got to talk. I am so blessed by knowing these families.
After lunch, we followed T's twin's mommy and they played at her house for a couple of hours while I was able to get to know the mom and hear about their story.
At dinner T complained for the second time that her teeth hurt. I asked her to point to it with her tongue, but I am not sure she knows exactly where it hurts, and I was not about to complicate matters by prying open her little mouth.
So, they both go to the dentist office today for cleanings, and maybe find out about the mystery pain. At least she's looking forward to going, although she has NO IDEA what a dentist does... sshhh, don't tell!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
We are truly a Nation of hypocrites
Thanks to Susie for bringing this up!
Four years ago, the Associated Press and others in the press suggested it was in poor taste for Republicans to spend $40 million on President Bush’s inauguration. AP writer Will Lester calculated the impact that kind of money would have on armoring Humvees in Iraq, helping victims of the tsunami, or paying down the deficit. Lester thought the party should be cancelled: “The questions have come from Bush supporters and opponents: Do we need to spend this money on what seems so extravagant?”
Fast forward to 2009. The nation is still at war (two wars, in fact), and now also faces the prospect of a severe recession and federal budget deficits topping $1 trillion as far as the eye can see. With Barack Obama’s inauguration estimated to cost $45 million (not counting the millions more that government will have to pay for security), is the Associated Press once again tsk-tsking the high dollar cost?
Nope. “For inaugural balls, go for glitz, forget economy,” a Tuesday AP headline advised.
Four years ago, the Associated Press and others in the press suggested it was in poor taste for Republicans to spend $40 million on President Bush’s inauguration. AP writer Will Lester calculated the impact that kind of money would have on armoring Humvees in Iraq, helping victims of the tsunami, or paying down the deficit. Lester thought the party should be cancelled: “The questions have come from Bush supporters and opponents: Do we need to spend this money on what seems so extravagant?”
Fast forward to 2009. The nation is still at war (two wars, in fact), and now also faces the prospect of a severe recession and federal budget deficits topping $1 trillion as far as the eye can see. With Barack Obama’s inauguration estimated to cost $45 million (not counting the millions more that government will have to pay for security), is the Associated Press once again tsk-tsking the high dollar cost?
Nope. “For inaugural balls, go for glitz, forget economy,” a Tuesday AP headline advised.
Momma-ness
Today I have realized that under no circumstance could I ever be good as a single Mom. I mean it.
We made it to Church, and then grabbed some burgers and off to the grocery store.. which is enough to pack into a few hours in and of itself.
I have began coming down with something nasal-y and Saint Matthew took over.
He meticulously went through a bag of beans, for what I don't know, since I am NO cook. He made wonderful beans, cornbread, laid it all out on the table for everyone.
He managed to understand that J would probably eat more with BBQ sauce mixed in(it SO worked) and T would opt for sour cream.
It was a beautiful spread.
And he did all of this while managing the kids and not allowing me to wake up from my super-great Sunday nap (I needed it).
I guess I should get going on the chores now and let him veg out in front of the TV, although he is a little traumatized right now from an episode of Barney we watched earlier today. Oh the over-animated and singing children.. they are annoying! Haha.
We made it to Church, and then grabbed some burgers and off to the grocery store.. which is enough to pack into a few hours in and of itself.
I have began coming down with something nasal-y and Saint Matthew took over.
He meticulously went through a bag of beans, for what I don't know, since I am NO cook. He made wonderful beans, cornbread, laid it all out on the table for everyone.
He managed to understand that J would probably eat more with BBQ sauce mixed in(it SO worked) and T would opt for sour cream.
It was a beautiful spread.
And he did all of this while managing the kids and not allowing me to wake up from my super-great Sunday nap (I needed it).
I guess I should get going on the chores now and let him veg out in front of the TV, although he is a little traumatized right now from an episode of Barney we watched earlier today. Oh the over-animated and singing children.. they are annoying! Haha.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Kissing Dogs
That's right. I came home from work today fully expecting a huge mess in our kitchen. Since it was 8 degrees when we left this morning, I decided to put Toodles in the kitchen. For the 10 hours that we would be at work.
I came home today and "voila!" no mess! I couldn't believe my luck!
I could've kissed him!
Then as I was going to bed.. a dinosaur attacked me! Not really, but it sounds good.
Apparently Toodles has resorted to theft of property for his new chew toy, J's dinosaur.
As an added bonus, tonight was very trying. The school, or daycare, (I haven't figured out whom to be angry at)sent home suckers and Valentines Day candy. So, Matthew and I said OK, since it was Friday night and all.
Little did we know that by monitoring their sugar intake up until this point, we were really preventing chaos.
So, we had chaos. No one listened, there was a lot of bouncing, running, and screaming (just the kids, but I did have some primal screaming going on in my mind).
We ended up with an early bedtime for T, and a later bedtime for J. I am just glad we had gotten through most of the baths. :-)
Oh, but they are still so loveable. Even with the sugar induced bad behavior. Of course, we know T has a lot of insecurities, but it did feel good when I went to calm her down and explain the reasoning for her early bedtime she did use the words "Mommy " and "Daddy". A beacon of light in the middle of frustration.
Whenever we have to correct her, or discipline her, she always says "but I want you to love me" through her tears. It really is heart wrenching. And so we have this entire routine we go through now where we reaffirm our love for one another. So, tonight when Matthew had to put her in time out (I was managing J's bath) she tells me "I want Daddy to love me". So, we all went through the affirmations again. We both love her the same, she is a good girl, not a bad girl, and her punishment is a product of her behavior (in 4 year old words).
So, family movie night was canceled and everyone went to bed with the promise of being better listeners tomorrow... when the sugar is out of their system.
KRISPY KREME CELEBRATES OBAMA WITH PRO-ABORTION DOUGHNUTS
I wish I had a Dunkin Doughnuts Munchkin right now.. haha
http://www.all.org/newsroom_releases.php
Washington, DC (15 January 2009) – The following is a statement from American Life League president, Judie Brown.
"The next time you stare down a conveyor belt of slow-moving, hot, sugary glazed donuts at your local Krispy Kreme you just might be supporting President-elect Barack Obama's radical support for abortion on demand – including his sweeping promise to sign the Freedom of Choice Act as soon as he steps in the Oval Office, Jan. 20.
The doughnut giant released the following statement yesterday:
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is honoring American's sense of pride and freedom of choice on Inauguration Day, by offering a free doughnut of choice to every customer on this historic day, Jan. 20. By doing so, participating Krispy Kreme stores nationwide are making an oath to tasty goodies -- just another reminder of how oh-so-sweet "free" can be.
Just an unfortunate choice of words? For the sake of our Wednesday morning doughnut runs, we hope so. The unfortunate reality of a post Roe v. Wade America is that "choice" is synonymous with abortion access and celebration of 'freedom of choice' is a tacit endorsement of abortion rights on demand.
President-elect Barack Obama promises to be the most virulently pro-abortion president in history. Millions more children will be endangered by his radical abortion agenda.
Celebrating his inauguration with "Freedom of Choice" doughnuts – only two days before the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to decriminalize abortion – is not only extremely tacky, it's disrespectful and insensitive and makes a mockery of a national tragedy.
A misconstrued concept of "choice" has killed over 50 million preborn children since Jan. 22, 1973. Does Krispy Kreme really want their free doughnuts to celebrate this "freedom.""
http://www.all.org/newsroom_releases.php
Washington, DC (15 January 2009) – The following is a statement from American Life League president, Judie Brown.
"The next time you stare down a conveyor belt of slow-moving, hot, sugary glazed donuts at your local Krispy Kreme you just might be supporting President-elect Barack Obama's radical support for abortion on demand – including his sweeping promise to sign the Freedom of Choice Act as soon as he steps in the Oval Office, Jan. 20.
The doughnut giant released the following statement yesterday:
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is honoring American's sense of pride and freedom of choice on Inauguration Day, by offering a free doughnut of choice to every customer on this historic day, Jan. 20. By doing so, participating Krispy Kreme stores nationwide are making an oath to tasty goodies -- just another reminder of how oh-so-sweet "free" can be.
Just an unfortunate choice of words? For the sake of our Wednesday morning doughnut runs, we hope so. The unfortunate reality of a post Roe v. Wade America is that "choice" is synonymous with abortion access and celebration of 'freedom of choice' is a tacit endorsement of abortion rights on demand.
President-elect Barack Obama promises to be the most virulently pro-abortion president in history. Millions more children will be endangered by his radical abortion agenda.
Celebrating his inauguration with "Freedom of Choice" doughnuts – only two days before the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to decriminalize abortion – is not only extremely tacky, it's disrespectful and insensitive and makes a mockery of a national tragedy.
A misconstrued concept of "choice" has killed over 50 million preborn children since Jan. 22, 1973. Does Krispy Kreme really want their free doughnuts to celebrate this "freedom.""
How things are going..
great!
Wednesday the kids were still banned from petting the cats, but as a reprieve from the temptation to run over and hug a cat, they went to visit their former foster family for a few hours. I missed them terribly, of course, but they had a wonderful time. I am very happy that they got to go so soon, it seems like they are adjusting to our home very quickly. T did say it felt "weird" visiting the place she used to live. It is such a blessing that they are such wonderful people and we will continue theirs and the children's relationship.
In fact, we are doubly blessed, since next week they will also go for a few hours and visit the adoptive family of T's twin. I can not wait to meet them, even though there have been a lot of e-mails.
I am going to make a family wall in the living room for pictures of our family, as well as the kid's extended families. I am so excited!
J's report card came home and looked OK, we have a few things to work on this weekend, namely memorizing a new address and phone number. Poor guy didn't realize that by moving into our house those things changed.
Thursday they both woke up and ran into the living room and hugged the cats. It was a sight, and very cute. Finally free of their two-day hands-off-kitties-rule, they were a little preoccupied over breakfast about what the cats were doing.
Matthew took J and T Thursday morning, since it was J's first day catching a new bus, and I had to stay late at work for a union meeting. I hear everything went great, so much so that I carpooled and helped get them out the door again this morning, and I believe Matthew will be the official taking-care-of-business-in-the-morning-best-dad-ever.
This weekend me and T are going to a baby shower, and then all four of us are going to travel to see my nephew's basketball game. Yay. The kids will like it.
Sunday is Church and playing at home.
Monday I am home because of the holiday and we are going to hang out and then go out for lunch at "the indoor playground place a.k.a. Chik-fil-A".
Wednesday the kids were still banned from petting the cats, but as a reprieve from the temptation to run over and hug a cat, they went to visit their former foster family for a few hours. I missed them terribly, of course, but they had a wonderful time. I am very happy that they got to go so soon, it seems like they are adjusting to our home very quickly. T did say it felt "weird" visiting the place she used to live. It is such a blessing that they are such wonderful people and we will continue theirs and the children's relationship.
In fact, we are doubly blessed, since next week they will also go for a few hours and visit the adoptive family of T's twin. I can not wait to meet them, even though there have been a lot of e-mails.
I am going to make a family wall in the living room for pictures of our family, as well as the kid's extended families. I am so excited!
J's report card came home and looked OK, we have a few things to work on this weekend, namely memorizing a new address and phone number. Poor guy didn't realize that by moving into our house those things changed.
Thursday they both woke up and ran into the living room and hugged the cats. It was a sight, and very cute. Finally free of their two-day hands-off-kitties-rule, they were a little preoccupied over breakfast about what the cats were doing.
Matthew took J and T Thursday morning, since it was J's first day catching a new bus, and I had to stay late at work for a union meeting. I hear everything went great, so much so that I carpooled and helped get them out the door again this morning, and I believe Matthew will be the official taking-care-of-business-in-the-morning-best-dad-ever.
This weekend me and T are going to a baby shower, and then all four of us are going to travel to see my nephew's basketball game. Yay. The kids will like it.
Sunday is Church and playing at home.
Monday I am home because of the holiday and we are going to hang out and then go out for lunch at "the indoor playground place a.k.a. Chik-fil-A".
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Cat in the Tub
I found Green Eggs and Ham at the Salvation Army Thrift Store the other day. Both kids are mildly OCD about reading it. I thought they would not be interested since the modern books have snazzier pictures. T, since she hasn't been patient enough for me to teach her to recognize the words, just reads it from memory. It is really cute.
"I do not like them here or there.. I do not like them anywhere!" she says as her eyes get really large and expressive. "Try them!"
This morning was rough. Patchey, who is so good to be their pal, has finally had enough. She was the only cat they could control, she stayed in their laps when placed there, and generally liked to be in the room with them while they were playing, talking to her, reading to her, trying to interpret her "meows".
While I was getting the sink area ready for teeth-brushing time, I heard a meow like no other. I went in J's room to find T and J jumping up and down on the lid to J's under-the-bed-rollaway-storage-thingy.. with one very frantic Patchey inside.
Well, there went that. Two whole days they will have to suffer through not petting the cats. "Two whole days?!!" they exclaimed.. after lecturing them on the severity of the situation, and that we could have ended up with one squished and dead kitty, they realized it was bad. They apologized to the offended cat, and now have two WHOLE days to find more suitable things to play with.
Hooray! Hooray! The school transportation dilemma is solved!
"I do not like them here or there.. I do not like them anywhere!" she says as her eyes get really large and expressive. "Try them!"
This morning was rough. Patchey, who is so good to be their pal, has finally had enough. She was the only cat they could control, she stayed in their laps when placed there, and generally liked to be in the room with them while they were playing, talking to her, reading to her, trying to interpret her "meows".
While I was getting the sink area ready for teeth-brushing time, I heard a meow like no other. I went in J's room to find T and J jumping up and down on the lid to J's under-the-bed-rollaway-storage-thingy.. with one very frantic Patchey inside.
Well, there went that. Two whole days they will have to suffer through not petting the cats. "Two whole days?!!" they exclaimed.. after lecturing them on the severity of the situation, and that we could have ended up with one squished and dead kitty, they realized it was bad. They apologized to the offended cat, and now have two WHOLE days to find more suitable things to play with.
Hooray! Hooray! The school transportation dilemma is solved!
St. Louis Monsignor named new Bishop of Knoxville
American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic!: Breaking: St. Louis Monsignor named new Bishop of Knoxville
Finally, Knoxville has a new Bishop! YaY
Finally, Knoxville has a new Bishop! YaY
Monday, January 12, 2009
We have lift-off
The doors went back on today. We had two very grateful children who hopefully will stop locking, slamming, and imprisoning kitties in their rooms!
We had a visit today from a DFCS worker who initially brought us the kids' case files to review. It was nice to see her and hopefully she was happy we were all doing well.
She was very encouraging about talking to the children about permanency, and this being their forever family. I am so glad we are getting confirmation of that.. we were so skeptical after hearing such sad stories in class.
Work is going too slow for comfort and a co-worker was already laid off. We are all getting a little nervous, but hopefully (like it or not) when the new President takes office the economy will pick up again. Fingers crossed!
We had a visit today from a DFCS worker who initially brought us the kids' case files to review. It was nice to see her and hopefully she was happy we were all doing well.
She was very encouraging about talking to the children about permanency, and this being their forever family. I am so glad we are getting confirmation of that.. we were so skeptical after hearing such sad stories in class.
Work is going too slow for comfort and a co-worker was already laid off. We are all getting a little nervous, but hopefully (like it or not) when the new President takes office the economy will pick up again. Fingers crossed!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Kids.. spaghetti-o afficionados!
They sure are. We took them both out today to "stock up" on the essentials. All they wanted were spaghetti-os and chocolate ice cream. Funny how that little list turned into 88 bucks.
I told my sister the other day that the one thing I have noticed since having 2 little ones in the house is that we use so many spoons! I don't think Matthew and I ever used more than one or two a week, and now, I am washing spoons all day long!
This morning Matthew took J to Sunday school, which runs from 9-10:30. We all met up after he got out of class (it was only for K-5, so T had to stay with us)and went to the "big church" for their first Mass. T, surprisingly, was the most well-behaved, and sat in my lap and showered me with kisses and hugs. She pretended to read the songbook, and was better than I had ever expected. J, who really enjoyed Sunday school, was a bit more tired of it all, and halfway through he began saying.. "when do we go home?". I remember those feelings when I was little. Thankfully, they sat still, whispered, and really made me proud.
When they got home, that all changed. After over a week of explaining to T that the bedroom doors were not meant to be locked, and never to be slammed, we took a page out of the training class and Matthew took the doors off of their hinges and they are now in our bedroom. J thought it was the best idea ever, since he seemed to be always on the wrong end of a locked door. T, was distraught, but quickly learned the lesson.
Matthew took care of homework duty today, and reading!
Yesterday we read 5 books, it is fun to read Dr. Seuss again.
J had drawn a picture in one of his school folders, and it showed people and it said, "I like my family, I (drawn heart) you" and he told me it was of us.. how cute!!
The gum where my poor tooth used to reside is healing up well, it feels all "funny" and I am still medicating. Hopefully soon I will be able to venture into food that isn't stuffing, mashed potatoes, or green beans :-)
I told my sister the other day that the one thing I have noticed since having 2 little ones in the house is that we use so many spoons! I don't think Matthew and I ever used more than one or two a week, and now, I am washing spoons all day long!
This morning Matthew took J to Sunday school, which runs from 9-10:30. We all met up after he got out of class (it was only for K-5, so T had to stay with us)and went to the "big church" for their first Mass. T, surprisingly, was the most well-behaved, and sat in my lap and showered me with kisses and hugs. She pretended to read the songbook, and was better than I had ever expected. J, who really enjoyed Sunday school, was a bit more tired of it all, and halfway through he began saying.. "when do we go home?". I remember those feelings when I was little. Thankfully, they sat still, whispered, and really made me proud.
When they got home, that all changed. After over a week of explaining to T that the bedroom doors were not meant to be locked, and never to be slammed, we took a page out of the training class and Matthew took the doors off of their hinges and they are now in our bedroom. J thought it was the best idea ever, since he seemed to be always on the wrong end of a locked door. T, was distraught, but quickly learned the lesson.
Matthew took care of homework duty today, and reading!
Yesterday we read 5 books, it is fun to read Dr. Seuss again.
J had drawn a picture in one of his school folders, and it showed people and it said, "I like my family, I (drawn heart) you" and he told me it was of us.. how cute!!
The gum where my poor tooth used to reside is healing up well, it feels all "funny" and I am still medicating. Hopefully soon I will be able to venture into food that isn't stuffing, mashed potatoes, or green beans :-)
Friday, January 9, 2009
This week
Has been OK for the most part, other than the tooth giving me a fit, we have all been relatively less sick, and happy.
We had our first visit from the caseworker and all went very well.
We also had our first major blowout from T and she had to spend a minute with her nose to the door when a regular time out did not suffice.
J started back to school, and is very happy. T, unfortunately, cries when she goes to daycare without him.
Otherwise, it is all good.
I was at K Mart yesterday, and they had a special on the clothes one one particular display, 3 for $10. So, I picked out 3 things I thought T might need, and proceeded with my shopping. I found them both some super cute shoes.
At the register, the lady spent 5 minutes in confusion over the 3 for $10 deal, since it wasn't in the computer. The department lady came oven and verified they were on sale, and then the cashier had to void, and override the prices. Now, I'm trying to work on judging others, and it was 3:30 and I had had no lunch, so I may be over-reacting, but she keyed the items in at $3.75 each. That doesn't make $10.00, so I told her it was wrong. She calls the manager over, who looks at me with a certain amount of impatience and "I hate my job" and when I tell her that $3.75 on 3 items would be more than $10 for three, she whips around and says "Well, what is it then?!"
So, I had to educate the cashier and the manager to ring up 2 at $3.33, and one at $3.34 to make $10.00. Sheesh!
Matthew and T ran out to Big Lots last night and picked up the tubs we needed to put away the Christmas decorations. I waited until they were asleep and de-tree-ed the living room and put all of the holiday things away.. it is so sad!
The tooth thing went surprisingly smooth this morning, he gave me lots of nice shots of numbing-ness and proceeded to slice my tooth in half, then pry the two pieces out of my jaw. The only thin uncomfortable was having the pressure, and knowing he was prying them out of my jaw.. it was just a little disturbing. He let me see the bloody, gory teeth after he was done, and I must say I am impressed with him. So, I drove the 35 minutes home with my jaw clenching down, biting the gauze that would stop the bleeding. I get home and, just like he said, it looks hideous and gory.
But, it should take all weekend to stop bleeding here and there, and I can't have anything hot, or anything from a straw, and I can't spit. Weird.
This weekend I have planned to clean the car, play outside some, and make it to Church without someone being terribly sick.
We had our first visit from the caseworker and all went very well.
We also had our first major blowout from T and she had to spend a minute with her nose to the door when a regular time out did not suffice.
J started back to school, and is very happy. T, unfortunately, cries when she goes to daycare without him.
Otherwise, it is all good.
I was at K Mart yesterday, and they had a special on the clothes one one particular display, 3 for $10. So, I picked out 3 things I thought T might need, and proceeded with my shopping. I found them both some super cute shoes.
At the register, the lady spent 5 minutes in confusion over the 3 for $10 deal, since it wasn't in the computer. The department lady came oven and verified they were on sale, and then the cashier had to void, and override the prices. Now, I'm trying to work on judging others, and it was 3:30 and I had had no lunch, so I may be over-reacting, but she keyed the items in at $3.75 each. That doesn't make $10.00, so I told her it was wrong. She calls the manager over, who looks at me with a certain amount of impatience and "I hate my job" and when I tell her that $3.75 on 3 items would be more than $10 for three, she whips around and says "Well, what is it then?!"
So, I had to educate the cashier and the manager to ring up 2 at $3.33, and one at $3.34 to make $10.00. Sheesh!
Matthew and T ran out to Big Lots last night and picked up the tubs we needed to put away the Christmas decorations. I waited until they were asleep and de-tree-ed the living room and put all of the holiday things away.. it is so sad!
The tooth thing went surprisingly smooth this morning, he gave me lots of nice shots of numbing-ness and proceeded to slice my tooth in half, then pry the two pieces out of my jaw. The only thin uncomfortable was having the pressure, and knowing he was prying them out of my jaw.. it was just a little disturbing. He let me see the bloody, gory teeth after he was done, and I must say I am impressed with him. So, I drove the 35 minutes home with my jaw clenching down, biting the gauze that would stop the bleeding. I get home and, just like he said, it looks hideous and gory.
But, it should take all weekend to stop bleeding here and there, and I can't have anything hot, or anything from a straw, and I can't spit. Weird.
This weekend I have planned to clean the car, play outside some, and make it to Church without someone being terribly sick.
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