Surprisingly, despite the fact that I’m seven months pregnant, I’m not referring to a food craving here. Think back in your life to times when you can identify traveling through the valley. You know, times when circumstances seem bleak, you may be questioning "Why' certain things are occurring, and if you are anything like me (scary thought, perhaps) at those time you crave the Lord. You crave His word, time with Him, and do whatever you can to feel His presence.
Thinking about a particular time?
Well then, fast forward from that time to one shortly after, when the circumstances that caused your travel through the valley had changed - maybe a month or two after coming out of your valley. Did you still crave the Lord?
I hope you did.
Unfortunately, I find myself falling into an unhealthy pattern with regard to my personal peaks and valleys. During the 'valley-times' I am consistent in my quiet time, I seek God's guidance in virtually everything, stay in contact with people who can and will pray for me and hold me accountable, and have conversations in my head with Him almost all day long, trying to discern His guidance and grabbing hold of His promises. I understand my NEED for Him desperately during these times because my circumstances are simply too much for me.
But then something changes.
It certainly isn't Him, because He doesn't change. According to Hebrews 13:8 (NIV), we know that ‘Jesus Christ is the yesterday and today and forever.’ So the change that occurs must lead back to me. I change. When my circumstances aren't so bleak, when He's brought me out of yet another valley, I change. My attitude changes. My focus changes. For some strange reason, I feel like I can handle things on my own and I don't NEED Him as much. I don't seek Him as much, and my spiritual-discipline slowly fades away.
How crazy is that?
The very guidance, strength and promises that I NEED during the valleys are the same guidance, strength and promises I NEED when my circumstances have changed and He's now placed me on the top of the mountain. I NEED Him in all situations.
Is it any wonder that He continues to allow me to go through valleys, since it is during those times I'm closest to Him?
“Come near to God, and He will come near to you…” James 4:8 (NIV)
Lord, help me to draw closer to you not only in the valleys of my life, but in times when my arrogance and self-sufficiency rise up and I feel I can make it on my own. Help me to remember that no matter what my circumstances may be that my need for you never changes.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Stepping out
So I mentioned a few posts ago that the Lord has been speaking to me about venturing out in a specific direction. To sum it up, I feel like I'm supposed to be using the situations that He's led me through in a more public way to help others. You know, allow others to try and learn from my mistakes and experiences by illustrating God's help in getting through those various situations.
Well, I have been thinking on this for over a month, and I have come to realize why this has been such a struggle for me. Is struggle the correct word? I've been stagnant in this venture, but still feel called to move in that direction. Let me clarify, I have figured out at least one reason, er...excuse, that I'm allowing to impede this journey.
You see, many of the situations that I'm more comfortable sharing about that I've been through I consider "not my fault". Dealing with postpartum depression - not my fault. Struggles with raising strong-willed children - not my fault (or at least not ALL my fault). Balancing breastfeeding while working full-time - not my fault, well, it was my choice, but really no 'fault' in that situation. Losing one of the twins with this current pregnancy - not my fault (and yes, many of you are now probably scratching your head, saying, 'huh?' It's a story to come.) I can handle discussing those issues, because I feel like the Lord has helped me through those issues when I was struggling, but I wasn't necessarily struggling because of my choices - or should I say my sin.
Because that's really why I've not moved forward with the one story that's already written - and has been for almost a month now. What I went through and wrote about in that story was a clear result of my sin. And although God led me through it and I'm a better person now because of the lessons He taught me then, I still find it difficult to discuss in a wide-open setting. And the various possibilities for using the story I've written will all be in a wide-open setting, with my name attached. My sin exposed.
The bottom line - I'm scared.
I have wrestled with asking myself this question, "What is it that I'm scared of?"
Here's what I've discovered, or at least what I've admitted to myself.
But you know what, it shouldn't matter to me what other people think as long as I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. What God has asked of me to do.
Even if people think less of me.
Even if people judge me.
Even if people questions my decisions.
Even if I'm embarrassed.
Even if people look at and treat me differently.
That should not matter to me, so long as I place my trust in the Lord and follow what He's asking me to do.
Well, I have been thinking on this for over a month, and I have come to realize why this has been such a struggle for me. Is struggle the correct word? I've been stagnant in this venture, but still feel called to move in that direction. Let me clarify, I have figured out at least one reason, er...excuse, that I'm allowing to impede this journey.
You see, many of the situations that I'm more comfortable sharing about that I've been through I consider "not my fault". Dealing with postpartum depression - not my fault. Struggles with raising strong-willed children - not my fault (or at least not ALL my fault). Balancing breastfeeding while working full-time - not my fault, well, it was my choice, but really no 'fault' in that situation. Losing one of the twins with this current pregnancy - not my fault (and yes, many of you are now probably scratching your head, saying, 'huh?' It's a story to come.) I can handle discussing those issues, because I feel like the Lord has helped me through those issues when I was struggling, but I wasn't necessarily struggling because of my choices - or should I say my sin.
Because that's really why I've not moved forward with the one story that's already written - and has been for almost a month now. What I went through and wrote about in that story was a clear result of my sin. And although God led me through it and I'm a better person now because of the lessons He taught me then, I still find it difficult to discuss in a wide-open setting. And the various possibilities for using the story I've written will all be in a wide-open setting, with my name attached. My sin exposed.
The bottom line - I'm scared.
I have wrestled with asking myself this question, "What is it that I'm scared of?"
Here's what I've discovered, or at least what I've admitted to myself.
- Despite the fact that many people who know me might say that I'll do whatever without worrying about what people think, I DO actually worry about what people think.
- I'm worried that people will judge me for my actions and question my decisions.
- I'm scared that I'll be embarrassed.
- I'm scared that people will look at and/or treat my differently.
But you know what, it shouldn't matter to me what other people think as long as I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. What God has asked of me to do.
Even if people think less of me.
Even if people judge me.
Even if people questions my decisions.
Even if I'm embarrassed.
Even if people look at and treat me differently.
That should not matter to me, so long as I place my trust in the Lord and follow what He's asking me to do.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
I don't understand why I have gone through some of the things I have, but it's not for me to understand. It's for me to simply trust that I went through, am going through, and will go through things in my life for a reason. Those reasons may be revealed to me in time, but there is also just as likely of a chance that they will not.
And I need to be ok with that.
I need to be ok with doing WHAT God tells me to do, WHEN He tells me to do it, regardless of whether or not it makes sense to me.
Will you pray with me as I travel this road?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Your Work is Part of God's Plan
I received this via email today, and thought it was so good that I had to share it. This really spoke to me, because sometimes I just get in a routine and forget that I'm doing what I'm doing because God put me here to do just that as part of a much bigger plan - one that I might not see for quite some time, or ever, here on earth.
Your work is part of God's plan
by Rick Warren
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
"The gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have -- they were genetically encoded into you by God."
Your work can be an act of worship. No matter what you do, it's never just a job if you are a believer. This is because God designed you with talents, gifts and interests that He wants used for His glory.
You are custom-made. There's nobody like you in the whole world. And the gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have -- they were genetically encoded into you by God. God made you with a specific mission in mind -- and He wants you to use the gifts he's given you in your work.
The Bible says you are God's workmanship. The Greek word used for workmanship is poema. That's where the English word poem comes from -- you are God's poem! You are God's work of art. You are God's masterpiece.
Your work is part of God's plan for your life and that is why, as you work, you worship God.
Your work is part of God's plan
by Rick Warren
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
"The gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have -- they were genetically encoded into you by God."
Your work can be an act of worship. No matter what you do, it's never just a job if you are a believer. This is because God designed you with talents, gifts and interests that He wants used for His glory.
You are custom-made. There's nobody like you in the whole world. And the gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have -- they were genetically encoded into you by God. God made you with a specific mission in mind -- and He wants you to use the gifts he's given you in your work.
The Bible says you are God's workmanship. The Greek word used for workmanship is poema. That's where the English word poem comes from -- you are God's poem! You are God's work of art. You are God's masterpiece.
Your work is part of God's plan for your life and that is why, as you work, you worship God.
Friday, April 16, 2010
St. Jude Trike-a-Thon!
So today was the Trike-a-Thon at Tatum's school...doesn't she just look adorable?? She was SO EXCITED this morning as we took her bike and gear to school because she was GOING TO GET TO RIDE HER BIKE with all of her friends! It was almost all she could talk about this morning, on the way to school, and then once we got inside the building.
So precious.
In case you're wondering, it's not too late to donate toward her riding in the Trike-a-Thon. The funds are being donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and you can donate directly online in support of Tatum's efforts.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Astros
They aren't Kellen's team this year (he's a member of the Phillies team), but he's having a hard time distinguishing between t-ball teams and the real deal. After his game tonight, he told me that the worst part was that they had to play the Astros...'cause they're the team he really likes!
Funny boy.
Funny boy.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Prayers for guidance
The Lord has been speaking to me about writing. (Don't laugh, while you're taking into consideration how much the blog gets updated - or doesn't). But I came across a website tonight and am going to pray and ask for guidance on whether or not I'm supposed to tweak and submit an article I wrote about a week or so ago.
In case you're wondering, the opportunity currently in front of me and something I just discovered was the submission process for Proverbs 31 Ministries magazine.
Pray with me for guidance?
In case you're wondering, the opportunity currently in front of me and something I just discovered was the submission process for Proverbs 31 Ministries magazine.
Pray with me for guidance?
She Speaks Scholarship Contest
On another blog I frequent, a writing contest for a scholarship to She Speaks was posted. Although the timing is bad for me this year, with the conference scheduled right over my due date, I thought I would post the link for the scholarship and information about the conference here for anyone interested.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Family Update
It's been a while since I've just updated on everyone, and the moms board I'm on had a thread like this, so I thought I would take a quick moment to give an update on US.
Kellen is nearing the finish line of first grade (goodness where has the time gone??). He'll be tested this month for G/T (5 testing days for an hour each day) and we should know his placement mid-May. I'm not worried about it...he tends to get bored in school easily and when he does, he gets in trouble (not BAD trouble, but he's a class clown (can't imagine where he gets THAT from), talker, etc kind of kid), so we try to keep him busy. He's currently in t-ball (twice a week practices for another week and then who knows what the game schedule will look like), Tae Kwon Do (during Kids Klub one day a week), Cub Scouts (weekly den meetings and then monthly pack meetings), and Awana's at church. He has an AMAZING memory for scripture and blows me away nearly every week when we're practicing his scriptures for Awana's. He has such a sensitive spirit and is SUCH a wonderful big brother!
Tatum is 3 now, and I remember why I later scoffed at the 'terrible two's' even though they began at 18 months with both she and Kellen. The 3's are infinitely worse at our house! She (and Kellen) are both such strong willed children and some days are just exhausting. However, I'm blessed to have strong willed children that know their likes/dislikes...it's the molding of them that makes it all a challenge. She's doing wonderfully at her daycare, and is participating in KinderTots (combo dance and gymnastics) once a week there. She's Kellens biggest cheerleader at his sporting events, and wants to get out there and play right along with the boys. She's oh-so princess yet such a down and dirty tomboy. And despite the strong willed challenges, she is so sweet! She's my snuggler, and I am trying to get as many snuggle moments as I can with her before #3 comes along.
Speaking of #3, we settled on a first name for peanut, Jacey. We're still working on a middle name, but I'm feeling better about the fact that she has a name other than peanut now. However, the kids are still calling her peanut, so I'm thinking that nickname might stick for a while. I'm over 23 weeks along, and July seems like it's speeding toward me. I'm pretty much past the nausea now (yes, I know...I'm quite far along to still have been struggling with that some days), but am still having random food aversions. Peanut butter sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cereal are my staples. And Freeb!rds burritos seem to be my constant craving. And Olive Garden salad. Yummy!
Work for me is pretty much the same...still incredibly busy but I get lots of reminders that I'm exactly where I need to be. One of the presentation proposals that I'm part of (group of 3) was just accepted as a pre-conference workshop for the annual advising conference to be held in October, so I'm trying to figure out the funding to go along with that travel. It's a huge honor to have been selected for a pre-conference workshop: the session is longer than a regular conference session AND the participants have to pay an additional cost on top of the conference registration fee to attend. Wow! I think I'm still in a little bit of shock about it but am very excited!
Matt is still working from Conroe selling insurance, commuting back and forth 2-3 days a week and working from the house the other days. With his work schedule and the kids activities, I feel like I don't get out much for me, but we're surviving! Our house may not stay clean, but the kids are loved and happy, and that counts a whole lot more in my book!
Kellen is nearing the finish line of first grade (goodness where has the time gone??). He'll be tested this month for G/T (5 testing days for an hour each day) and we should know his placement mid-May. I'm not worried about it...he tends to get bored in school easily and when he does, he gets in trouble (not BAD trouble, but he's a class clown (can't imagine where he gets THAT from), talker, etc kind of kid), so we try to keep him busy. He's currently in t-ball (twice a week practices for another week and then who knows what the game schedule will look like), Tae Kwon Do (during Kids Klub one day a week), Cub Scouts (weekly den meetings and then monthly pack meetings), and Awana's at church. He has an AMAZING memory for scripture and blows me away nearly every week when we're practicing his scriptures for Awana's. He has such a sensitive spirit and is SUCH a wonderful big brother!
Tatum is 3 now, and I remember why I later scoffed at the 'terrible two's' even though they began at 18 months with both she and Kellen. The 3's are infinitely worse at our house! She (and Kellen) are both such strong willed children and some days are just exhausting. However, I'm blessed to have strong willed children that know their likes/dislikes...it's the molding of them that makes it all a challenge. She's doing wonderfully at her daycare, and is participating in KinderTots (combo dance and gymnastics) once a week there. She's Kellens biggest cheerleader at his sporting events, and wants to get out there and play right along with the boys. She's oh-so princess yet such a down and dirty tomboy. And despite the strong willed challenges, she is so sweet! She's my snuggler, and I am trying to get as many snuggle moments as I can with her before #3 comes along.
Speaking of #3, we settled on a first name for peanut, Jacey. We're still working on a middle name, but I'm feeling better about the fact that she has a name other than peanut now. However, the kids are still calling her peanut, so I'm thinking that nickname might stick for a while. I'm over 23 weeks along, and July seems like it's speeding toward me. I'm pretty much past the nausea now (yes, I know...I'm quite far along to still have been struggling with that some days), but am still having random food aversions. Peanut butter sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cereal are my staples. And Freeb!rds burritos seem to be my constant craving. And Olive Garden salad. Yummy!
Work for me is pretty much the same...still incredibly busy but I get lots of reminders that I'm exactly where I need to be. One of the presentation proposals that I'm part of (group of 3) was just accepted as a pre-conference workshop for the annual advising conference to be held in October, so I'm trying to figure out the funding to go along with that travel. It's a huge honor to have been selected for a pre-conference workshop: the session is longer than a regular conference session AND the participants have to pay an additional cost on top of the conference registration fee to attend. Wow! I think I'm still in a little bit of shock about it but am very excited!
Matt is still working from Conroe selling insurance, commuting back and forth 2-3 days a week and working from the house the other days. With his work schedule and the kids activities, I feel like I don't get out much for me, but we're surviving! Our house may not stay clean, but the kids are loved and happy, and that counts a whole lot more in my book!
Sunday, April 04, 2010
We have a winner!
Well, Friday was Matt's birthday, and despite the fact that he added a year to his age on Facebook, I think he had a pretty good day. Both of the kids were out of school on Friday, but TAMU was up and running (at least for faculty/staff), so I went to work while he stayed home with the kids. Shortly before his parents were slated to arrive (we ended up going out to eat with them Friday night), I sighed and told Matt that I really wanted us to work on a name for peanut.
He started playing on name websites, I got out my phone, which holds the 'list' of names that I had compiled, then whittled down (based on popular names of 2009), and off we went. We had a couple of 'maybe's' from him for those on my list: Aliza (joyful); Bianca (white); Leala (faithful, loyal), but we really weren't both sold on any of those yet. I had already vetoed Riley (which was # 109 in 2009, putting it on the officially ok list, but was 36 in 2008 and 52 in 2007, which in my opinion was just too common too recently for me). So Riley got the official veto. Matt wasn't liking Shilo (God's gift), so we were still in the looking phase. Well, he starts rattling names off of whatever website he was on, and said "Jacey." It apparently means healer and is of Greek origin. And it's in the 800's on the most popular names list.
So, we both really like it and it's official. Peanuts' real name is now Jacey.
We're still working on her middle name, so stay tuned.....
He started playing on name websites, I got out my phone, which holds the 'list' of names that I had compiled, then whittled down (based on popular names of 2009), and off we went. We had a couple of 'maybe's' from him for those on my list: Aliza (joyful); Bianca (white); Leala (faithful, loyal), but we really weren't both sold on any of those yet. I had already vetoed Riley (which was # 109 in 2009, putting it on the officially ok list, but was 36 in 2008 and 52 in 2007, which in my opinion was just too common too recently for me). So Riley got the official veto. Matt wasn't liking Shilo (God's gift), so we were still in the looking phase. Well, he starts rattling names off of whatever website he was on, and said "Jacey." It apparently means healer and is of Greek origin. And it's in the 800's on the most popular names list.
So, we both really like it and it's official. Peanuts' real name is now Jacey.
We're still working on her middle name, so stay tuned.....
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Nice...
Nice things....
1. Terrible two's that began at 18 months (with both kids). Really. 'Cause they are NOTHIN' compared to how my kids act once they turn 3. There should be a word to go along with the 3's, but it has to be much worse than terrible. Tatum reminded me about how much trouble the 3's were on Monday and Tuesday evenings when we were attending functions as she morphed into a monster.
2. Strong willed children. Because really, I would rather have strong willed children who stand up for what they believe in than one who is swayed by whatever. I must continually repeat this as I deal with the molding of said strong willed children.
3. Reminders about how great the Mommy hat is that I wear. They come in the form of, "Mommy, you're the best Mommy ever. Did you know that?" Tatum said this to me tonight after asking who bought her the ballerina outfit she was putting on and I answered that I had.
4. The love my kids have for each other. It's demonstrated in so many ways. Kellen will crawl into Tatum's bed to snuggle with her just because. It's demonstrated in the 'hero saving the princess from the monster' games that are currently taking place as I type this. And in the fact, that many a morning, I see two little heads walking into my room, hand-in-hand, to climb into Mommy and Daddy's bed. And because Kellen will throw a fit if someone other than him makes lunch for Tatum to take to school. And when Tatum insists to go with me into Kids Klub to pick Kellen up from school. And in the 'let me help you' I'm now hearing from Kellen as he's trying to calm and soothe her since she just hurt herself.
1. Terrible two's that began at 18 months (with both kids). Really. 'Cause they are NOTHIN' compared to how my kids act once they turn 3. There should be a word to go along with the 3's, but it has to be much worse than terrible. Tatum reminded me about how much trouble the 3's were on Monday and Tuesday evenings when we were attending functions as she morphed into a monster.
2. Strong willed children. Because really, I would rather have strong willed children who stand up for what they believe in than one who is swayed by whatever. I must continually repeat this as I deal with the molding of said strong willed children.
3. Reminders about how great the Mommy hat is that I wear. They come in the form of, "Mommy, you're the best Mommy ever. Did you know that?" Tatum said this to me tonight after asking who bought her the ballerina outfit she was putting on and I answered that I had.
4. The love my kids have for each other. It's demonstrated in so many ways. Kellen will crawl into Tatum's bed to snuggle with her just because. It's demonstrated in the 'hero saving the princess from the monster' games that are currently taking place as I type this. And in the fact, that many a morning, I see two little heads walking into my room, hand-in-hand, to climb into Mommy and Daddy's bed. And because Kellen will throw a fit if someone other than him makes lunch for Tatum to take to school. And when Tatum insists to go with me into Kids Klub to pick Kellen up from school. And in the 'let me help you' I'm now hearing from Kellen as he's trying to calm and soothe her since she just hurt herself.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Rollin' along
I had the dreaded glucose test today, and oddly enough, the orange drink was better tasting than I remember it being the last time I ingested it. Changes in the recipe, perhaps? Who knows. I'm not calling it great, but I didn't have that hard of a time getting it down, either.
Last night I asked Kellen to help me remember NOT to eat when I woke up, showed him the orange drink, and told him I was taking a special test in the morning using the orange drink. When I went into he and Tatum's room this morning to check on them and wake them up, Tatum woke with her usual happy-go-lucky, morning person self and Kellen yawned, rolled his head to face me, and mumbled, "Mommy, remember that you can't eat anything this morning because of your test." It was just the sweetest thing! He then got up, got dressed, and headed out to the kitchen, where Daddy has assembled quite the feast for their breakfast, opened the refrigerated and then proceeded to hand me my orange drink, "Here's the special drink for your test, Mommy." He was just the sweetest thing!
He and Tatum both were oh-so-concerned about me as I clocked myself drinking the juice, and then made note of the finish time. I think they were wanting to see the next step, and didn't quite understand that it wasn't taking place in the dining room, but at the doctors office.
I had a quick visit with the nurse, passed the glucose test apparently with flying colors, and then chatted with the doctor for a bit. I have another sonogram scheduled for Monday, just to get all bone measurements, since Peanut was facing the wrong way and a little uncooperative for those measurements during the last u/s. Then I'll see the doctor in another month! So far, so good with how things are progressing.
Medical updates aside, last week was spring break, and we had a variety of activities planned for my actual days off. The shot at the doctors office apparently worked pretty well, because I felt pretty well Thursday and Friday. A little too well, perhaps, as I seemed to overdo it and paid for it on Saturday and Sunday. At any rate, Thursday we went to 7 Acre Wood where the kids played for HOURS. Tatum was enthralled with the animals, petting the llamas, goats, and riding the pony. She loved the pony so much that she rode it twice, then proceeded to ask Paw Paw to buy her a pony. I think we might have brought a quarter of their dirt and sand back with the kids, actually.
On Friday we headed into downtown Houston and went to The Downtown Aquarium. The kids just LOVE that place! Tatum was really into it this year, more than last year, but she still wouldn't pet the stingrays. Go figure. We timed it just right to watch the switching of the tigers and then enrichment at the tiger exhibit, and then made it outside in time for the live animal show and was able to take our picture with one of the animals. (I'm trying to upload the pictures into a program so that I can link the slideshow on here, we'll see how that works. So far it's uploaded 36% of the pictures in the time that I've been typing, so I may have to add that slideshow at a later date. If you're on Facebook, check out my photo album.)
As I already mentioned, Saturday and Sunday were a bit of a blur for me, as I just layed around and realized that I had overdone it. I'm sure the kids had plenty of fun on Saturday with their Maw Maw, Paw Paw and Daddy and then Daddy on Sunday, but I slept through most of it, so I can't really comment too terribly much on those activities. Except that I do know that Kellen, Daddy and Maw Maw went shopping and bought Kellen an Easter outfit that is a surprise for me. Kellen doesn't want me to see it until he puts it on Easter morning. I have no idea why that is, but that's ok.
So right now, things seem to be rollin' right along. Kellen started t-ball this week, our family organizational and scheduling skills need to step it up a notch to handle two nights a week of practice, but yesterday afternoon went really well. I found out today that I was selected to model for a local photographer who wanted some maternity bellies for some ideas he has, so I'll do that in a couple of weeks and then get another shoot once Peanut gets here. I'm really looking forward to that because despite my desires to do so, I haven't gotten maternity pictures actually done with any of my pregnancies. Taking pictures of myself in the mirror or handing Matt or my parents the camera and trying desperately to get some belly shots and belly shots with Kellen minutes before I left to go to the hospital didn't exactly fulfill my 'maternity picture' ideals. We'll see how the shoot goes.
Despite the hectic nature of life right now, God is giving me calm. And I am really enjoying it.
Last night I asked Kellen to help me remember NOT to eat when I woke up, showed him the orange drink, and told him I was taking a special test in the morning using the orange drink. When I went into he and Tatum's room this morning to check on them and wake them up, Tatum woke with her usual happy-go-lucky, morning person self and Kellen yawned, rolled his head to face me, and mumbled, "Mommy, remember that you can't eat anything this morning because of your test." It was just the sweetest thing! He then got up, got dressed, and headed out to the kitchen, where Daddy has assembled quite the feast for their breakfast, opened the refrigerated and then proceeded to hand me my orange drink, "Here's the special drink for your test, Mommy." He was just the sweetest thing!
He and Tatum both were oh-so-concerned about me as I clocked myself drinking the juice, and then made note of the finish time. I think they were wanting to see the next step, and didn't quite understand that it wasn't taking place in the dining room, but at the doctors office.
I had a quick visit with the nurse, passed the glucose test apparently with flying colors, and then chatted with the doctor for a bit. I have another sonogram scheduled for Monday, just to get all bone measurements, since Peanut was facing the wrong way and a little uncooperative for those measurements during the last u/s. Then I'll see the doctor in another month! So far, so good with how things are progressing.
Medical updates aside, last week was spring break, and we had a variety of activities planned for my actual days off. The shot at the doctors office apparently worked pretty well, because I felt pretty well Thursday and Friday. A little too well, perhaps, as I seemed to overdo it and paid for it on Saturday and Sunday. At any rate, Thursday we went to 7 Acre Wood where the kids played for HOURS. Tatum was enthralled with the animals, petting the llamas, goats, and riding the pony. She loved the pony so much that she rode it twice, then proceeded to ask Paw Paw to buy her a pony. I think we might have brought a quarter of their dirt and sand back with the kids, actually.
On Friday we headed into downtown Houston and went to The Downtown Aquarium. The kids just LOVE that place! Tatum was really into it this year, more than last year, but she still wouldn't pet the stingrays. Go figure. We timed it just right to watch the switching of the tigers and then enrichment at the tiger exhibit, and then made it outside in time for the live animal show and was able to take our picture with one of the animals. (I'm trying to upload the pictures into a program so that I can link the slideshow on here, we'll see how that works. So far it's uploaded 36% of the pictures in the time that I've been typing, so I may have to add that slideshow at a later date. If you're on Facebook, check out my photo album.)
As I already mentioned, Saturday and Sunday were a bit of a blur for me, as I just layed around and realized that I had overdone it. I'm sure the kids had plenty of fun on Saturday with their Maw Maw, Paw Paw and Daddy and then Daddy on Sunday, but I slept through most of it, so I can't really comment too terribly much on those activities. Except that I do know that Kellen, Daddy and Maw Maw went shopping and bought Kellen an Easter outfit that is a surprise for me. Kellen doesn't want me to see it until he puts it on Easter morning. I have no idea why that is, but that's ok.
So right now, things seem to be rollin' right along. Kellen started t-ball this week, our family organizational and scheduling skills need to step it up a notch to handle two nights a week of practice, but yesterday afternoon went really well. I found out today that I was selected to model for a local photographer who wanted some maternity bellies for some ideas he has, so I'll do that in a couple of weeks and then get another shoot once Peanut gets here. I'm really looking forward to that because despite my desires to do so, I haven't gotten maternity pictures actually done with any of my pregnancies. Taking pictures of myself in the mirror or handing Matt or my parents the camera and trying desperately to get some belly shots and belly shots with Kellen minutes before I left to go to the hospital didn't exactly fulfill my 'maternity picture' ideals. We'll see how the shoot goes.
Despite the hectic nature of life right now, God is giving me calm. And I am really enjoying it.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
More updates...
So for one, it's spring break. And I'm officially off of work. For some reason, I had been working under the illusion that I had Wednesday through Friday off when in actuality it was just Thursday and Friday. I came to that realization last week. And I've been mourning the loss of that 'vacation' day in my head since then.
But you know what, it all worked out ok. IF I had been off of work, I most likely wouldn't have been in town. And I would have delayed going in to see anyone about my sore throat, coughing, and occasional sneezing, despite the fact that I've just felt 'off' for the last (almost) week. And the bronchitis would have gotten MUCH worse.
Yes, I have bronchitis again. I must be very good at bronchitis, or at least a good hostess to it, because it seems to come and visit me often. I also apparently have fluid behind my ears. My mother so brilliantly pointed out to me that might explain my dizziness and feeling faint when I go from a sitting or kneeling position to standing up. Never crossed my mind until she said that, but it certainly seems to explain things. At least a better explanation than, 'Oh, I'm just pregnant.' My sinus cavities are also apparently clogged. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, because the PA was very surprised I hadn't been having headaches or pressure because of this. Nope. This might also explain, in part at least, why I'm having trouble sleeping. Because if you can't breathe very well when you're sitting up, which apparently I cannot, due to all of my blockage, breathing when you're trying to lie down is quite a bit more difficult. Again, a much better explanation than, 'Oh, I'm just pregnant.' And it was apparently a good thing that I went in when I did and caught it early, because in the PA's words, 'You would have been in urgent care later this week or this weekend,' if I hadn't come in today.
So, a shot of rocephin (and I have no clue as to whether or not I'm spelling that correctly, but whatever) and a prescription for an antibiotic and mucinex D later, I went back to work. Limped back to work that is. Those shots are painful! I'm still feeling the effects of the actual shot tonight!
Oh, and did you know that pharmacies aren't allowed to sell you mucinex D through the window? As in drive through window that I thought would be much quicker for getting my prescription? It wasn't. Who knew?
At any rate, the antibiotic shot should get my healing process started much quicker, and maybe this round of bronchitis won't wipe me out for a month like the last one did. But hey, I didn't wait nearly as long to go into the doctor this time, did I?
Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, and who knew that my having to work a day I thought I was getting off would help me out in this way?
But you know what, it all worked out ok. IF I had been off of work, I most likely wouldn't have been in town. And I would have delayed going in to see anyone about my sore throat, coughing, and occasional sneezing, despite the fact that I've just felt 'off' for the last (almost) week. And the bronchitis would have gotten MUCH worse.
Yes, I have bronchitis again. I must be very good at bronchitis, or at least a good hostess to it, because it seems to come and visit me often. I also apparently have fluid behind my ears. My mother so brilliantly pointed out to me that might explain my dizziness and feeling faint when I go from a sitting or kneeling position to standing up. Never crossed my mind until she said that, but it certainly seems to explain things. At least a better explanation than, 'Oh, I'm just pregnant.' My sinus cavities are also apparently clogged. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, because the PA was very surprised I hadn't been having headaches or pressure because of this. Nope. This might also explain, in part at least, why I'm having trouble sleeping. Because if you can't breathe very well when you're sitting up, which apparently I cannot, due to all of my blockage, breathing when you're trying to lie down is quite a bit more difficult. Again, a much better explanation than, 'Oh, I'm just pregnant.' And it was apparently a good thing that I went in when I did and caught it early, because in the PA's words, 'You would have been in urgent care later this week or this weekend,' if I hadn't come in today.
So, a shot of rocephin (and I have no clue as to whether or not I'm spelling that correctly, but whatever) and a prescription for an antibiotic and mucinex D later, I went back to work. Limped back to work that is. Those shots are painful! I'm still feeling the effects of the actual shot tonight!
Oh, and did you know that pharmacies aren't allowed to sell you mucinex D through the window? As in drive through window that I thought would be much quicker for getting my prescription? It wasn't. Who knew?
At any rate, the antibiotic shot should get my healing process started much quicker, and maybe this round of bronchitis won't wipe me out for a month like the last one did. But hey, I didn't wait nearly as long to go into the doctor this time, did I?
Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, and who knew that my having to work a day I thought I was getting off would help me out in this way?
Peanut cooperated
So for those of you who read this on occasion and don't have a Facebook profile, I realized that I have neglected to update the world via this format on the gender of peanut.
Peanut was fairly cooperative when Matt and I went in for the ultrasound, and gave us a fairly clear view of HER bottom.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we're having another girl!
It's been a couple of weeks now since we found out, and Tatum has adjusted quite nicely to the idea. She's having a hard time with grasping that she'll be both a little sister AND a big sister. She continues to think that she'll be a little sister and a big brother. Go figure. We're working on it...
As for Kellen, it seems as though he truly feels he'll never get to speak again. He's blessed with one complete chatterbox of a sister, and thinks that is how all girls are. So in his mind, if he has a hard time getting a word in edgewise now, it's never gonna happen when there are two of them hanging around. We'll have to be sure and give him some one-on-one time so that he can actually talk with us! And perhaps not come down on him too hard when he interrupts, because I can't entirely say that I'll blame him.
When I did mention that the two girls will most likely share a room when Peanut (no, we still haven't settled on a name yet) gets a little older, Kellen's response was a very sad, "But who am I going to share a room with?" So I guess the results are in with the room-sharing experiment. They really like being in the same room!
Peanut was fairly cooperative when Matt and I went in for the ultrasound, and gave us a fairly clear view of HER bottom.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we're having another girl!
It's been a couple of weeks now since we found out, and Tatum has adjusted quite nicely to the idea. She's having a hard time with grasping that she'll be both a little sister AND a big sister. She continues to think that she'll be a little sister and a big brother. Go figure. We're working on it...
As for Kellen, it seems as though he truly feels he'll never get to speak again. He's blessed with one complete chatterbox of a sister, and thinks that is how all girls are. So in his mind, if he has a hard time getting a word in edgewise now, it's never gonna happen when there are two of them hanging around. We'll have to be sure and give him some one-on-one time so that he can actually talk with us! And perhaps not come down on him too hard when he interrupts, because I can't entirely say that I'll blame him.
When I did mention that the two girls will most likely share a room when Peanut (no, we still haven't settled on a name yet) gets a little older, Kellen's response was a very sad, "But who am I going to share a room with?" So I guess the results are in with the room-sharing experiment. They really like being in the same room!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Happy Birthday sweet Tatum!
3 years ago Tatum came into the world and forever changed my life. She brings such joy to each and every day and I cannot imagine my family without her. Happy birthday, Tatum!!
She realized today that it was REALLY her birthday. She's been calling herself three since the party on Saturday, and it didn't make much sense to try and correct her. Maw Maw apparently tried to tell her yesterday that her actual birthday was today, but she didn't accept that. This morning; however, after she and I talked about it, she ran around the house singing "Happy birthday" to herself and having a grand ol' time. She is so precious.
I realized again today just how truly blessed I am. Some of the reasons for that continued realization and reminder are fodder for another post, so I'll get back to them later.
After picking her up, we swung by the house, she watched an episode of "Yo Gabba Gabba" then we went to pick up her brother. The surprise was then ON...to McDonald's we went for a treat dinner. And the additional surprise was that I had called Nikki and arranged for Logan and Kylie to play with the kids for her birthday. She had asked about them earlier in the day, so we were able to connect so they could have a birthday play date. Then back to the house for a birthday cupcake and cake, then off to the bath and bed...
Goodnight world, and Lord, help me never to forget how truly blessed I am with the wonderful children you have bestowed on Matt and I to raise.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Family update
Well, I went in for a regular appointment today, and a month ago the doc told me I would leave this appointment with the 'reveal' scheduled. As we chatted, I asked when I would be finding out...his reply, "Schedule it, then come back and see me in a month." So, I went to set up the appointments before I left the office and lo and behold, there was an opening for TOMORROW with the sonographer. Sooooo, if peanut cooperates, we'll know the gender of our family bookend tomorrow shortly after 1 PM. Oh, and if you missed it, we're having our #3. I'm 17 weeks and a handful of days, with a due date of July 31st.
Both of the kids want a baby brother. Some friends insist that the fact that they BOTH want a brother MUST mean I'm having a girl. Others say that kids are pretty accurate (Kellen was with Tatum!). My office co-workers did the string and pencil trick over my belly today and it went in a circle, which apparently means a girl.
Who knows?
But, we'll find out tomorrow (at least if peanut is cooperative).
In other news, we're gearing up for Tatum's third birthday party this weekend. After asking her repeatedly who she wanted to come to her party, we settled on her very consistent answer, and are going with a low-key party with three friends plus Kellen. So as I type, the kids are picking up stray toys, book, articles of clothing, and other miscellaneous stuff from around the house in preparation for the carpet cleaning which will commence tomorrow (preparations made courtesy of Matthew...he's desperate to get the carpets cleaned and stretched). I'm hopeful for a nice day so we can go out in the backyard, but since our weather has had the equivalent of bipolar mood swings lately, I'm not banking on that and have back-up indoor activities ready to go. I went and picked out princess party gear yesterday (instead of going home after our department closed down due to inclement weather). I now have pink and purple princess plates, napkins, cups, goody bags, and a purple Happy Birthday tiara for the birthday princess.
Speaking of inclement weather, we had SNOW yesterday! And enough of it for the kids to have a snowball fight. No snow angels or snowmen, much to Aunt Boo's dismay, I'm sure, but they had fun outside nonetheless. Even if their fun only lasted for as long as it took for the snow to make their gloves wet. Which, in case you're wondering, is about five minutes. And then all schools (at least the ones I'm concerned with) didn't open up as scheduled this morning. Tatum's daycare opened at 9:35, Kellen's school started at 9:50, and TAMU opened at 10.
In case you're wondering, snow day + cold night + delayed school startings = ONE LAZY MORNING at the Hapes household. And it was VERY nice.
Both of the kids want a baby brother. Some friends insist that the fact that they BOTH want a brother MUST mean I'm having a girl. Others say that kids are pretty accurate (Kellen was with Tatum!). My office co-workers did the string and pencil trick over my belly today and it went in a circle, which apparently means a girl.
Who knows?
But, we'll find out tomorrow (at least if peanut is cooperative).
In other news, we're gearing up for Tatum's third birthday party this weekend. After asking her repeatedly who she wanted to come to her party, we settled on her very consistent answer, and are going with a low-key party with three friends plus Kellen. So as I type, the kids are picking up stray toys, book, articles of clothing, and other miscellaneous stuff from around the house in preparation for the carpet cleaning which will commence tomorrow (preparations made courtesy of Matthew...he's desperate to get the carpets cleaned and stretched). I'm hopeful for a nice day so we can go out in the backyard, but since our weather has had the equivalent of bipolar mood swings lately, I'm not banking on that and have back-up indoor activities ready to go. I went and picked out princess party gear yesterday (instead of going home after our department closed down due to inclement weather). I now have pink and purple princess plates, napkins, cups, goody bags, and a purple Happy Birthday tiara for the birthday princess.
Speaking of inclement weather, we had SNOW yesterday! And enough of it for the kids to have a snowball fight. No snow angels or snowmen, much to Aunt Boo's dismay, I'm sure, but they had fun outside nonetheless. Even if their fun only lasted for as long as it took for the snow to make their gloves wet. Which, in case you're wondering, is about five minutes. And then all schools (at least the ones I'm concerned with) didn't open up as scheduled this morning. Tatum's daycare opened at 9:35, Kellen's school started at 9:50, and TAMU opened at 10.
In case you're wondering, snow day + cold night + delayed school startings = ONE LAZY MORNING at the Hapes household. And it was VERY nice.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Rough day for the Kellen-bellen
It appears that today has just been an all-around rough day for the Kellen man.
First, he forgot his backpack this morning. And remembered it as I was dropping him off. I mean literally...the door was open, he was out of the car, looked back for his backpack and it wasn't there.
He actually said he had a good day at school...no tallies, but also told me he went to the safe place twice during the day because he was so sad. Apparently he missed me very much today. Oh yeah, and his grandparents, too.
In the car after school and Kids Klub and we're headed to get Tatum. He proceeds to make a string of bad choices that end up making Mommy very upset. I threaten dinner and then bed. Mommy asks him to help Daddy with a project: he argues. Repeatedly. And then proceeds to get Daddy upset as well. After blowing all of the chances Mommy gave him, he's made the choice. Dinner and bed.
During dinner, he finishes his piece of pizza and asks for more. There is no more. So Mommy gives him breadsticks, and he proceeds to bite his cheek on said breadsticks.
Oh, and to top it all off, he reminds me that today was spring picture day. Yes, Mommy completely forgot about spring picture day. And he proceeds to tell me how sad he was when he remembered about picture day after getting to school because everyone was dressed so nicely and he was in his everyday clothes. And he didn't have a backpack with him get to his extra clothes to change clothes!
Oh the horror. There's only so many times one can apologize for being a terribly forgetful Mommy. I'm not sure I'm at that limit yet, though, as he's still terribly sad about it. And don't forget embarrassed. He was apparently oh-so-embarrassed because he had to sit on the white steps in his everyday clothes.
Considering the events of the day, I don't think an early bedtime is all that bad. Let's put an end to this bad day for my Kellen-bellen.
Surely tomorrow will be better for him, right?
First, he forgot his backpack this morning. And remembered it as I was dropping him off. I mean literally...the door was open, he was out of the car, looked back for his backpack and it wasn't there.
He actually said he had a good day at school...no tallies, but also told me he went to the safe place twice during the day because he was so sad. Apparently he missed me very much today. Oh yeah, and his grandparents, too.
In the car after school and Kids Klub and we're headed to get Tatum. He proceeds to make a string of bad choices that end up making Mommy very upset. I threaten dinner and then bed. Mommy asks him to help Daddy with a project: he argues. Repeatedly. And then proceeds to get Daddy upset as well. After blowing all of the chances Mommy gave him, he's made the choice. Dinner and bed.
During dinner, he finishes his piece of pizza and asks for more. There is no more. So Mommy gives him breadsticks, and he proceeds to bite his cheek on said breadsticks.
Oh, and to top it all off, he reminds me that today was spring picture day. Yes, Mommy completely forgot about spring picture day. And he proceeds to tell me how sad he was when he remembered about picture day after getting to school because everyone was dressed so nicely and he was in his everyday clothes. And he didn't have a backpack with him get to his extra clothes to change clothes!
Oh the horror. There's only so many times one can apologize for being a terribly forgetful Mommy. I'm not sure I'm at that limit yet, though, as he's still terribly sad about it. And don't forget embarrassed. He was apparently oh-so-embarrassed because he had to sit on the white steps in his everyday clothes.
Considering the events of the day, I don't think an early bedtime is all that bad. Let's put an end to this bad day for my Kellen-bellen.
Surely tomorrow will be better for him, right?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
What a morning...
Here we were, out the door ON TIME - 7:18 AM. I was able to get Tatum to school in time for Kellen to come into daycare with me so he could properly say "Bye" to her for the day. I was able to talk with her teacher for a bit, get Kellen and I back in the car, and head to his school. Made it there with no problems, sent him off with an "I love you and have a GREAT day today!"
And then to the office....where I realize that I have made it to work with ZERO make up on. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Completely bare faced.
Oh my.
No, I don't wear make-up on the weekends, or even wear much of it during the week. But let's just say that my face hasn't taken on the radiance of pregnancy quite yet.
My poor co-workers. My poor students. A little bit of powder and lip gloss (applied both to my lips and eyelids - and no, I don't know if that's ok to do or not) and we'll see if I can make it through the day without wondering ALL DAY LONG how horrid I look! Oh well!
And then to the office....where I realize that I have made it to work with ZERO make up on. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Completely bare faced.
Oh my.
No, I don't wear make-up on the weekends, or even wear much of it during the week. But let's just say that my face hasn't taken on the radiance of pregnancy quite yet.
My poor co-workers. My poor students. A little bit of powder and lip gloss (applied both to my lips and eyelids - and no, I don't know if that's ok to do or not) and we'll see if I can make it through the day without wondering ALL DAY LONG how horrid I look! Oh well!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Silly songs...
'Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. When you see a crocodile, don't forget to row faster.' - Tatum, as sung during her bath last night.
Yes, my kids are hilarious!
Yes, my kids are hilarious!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
I know no one.
According to Tatum, that is. She's watching Yo Gabba Gabba, and has repeatedly asked me, "Who is that?" My continual response, "I don't know, baby."
The last time she asked, and I responded in my usual way, she retorted in an exasperated manner and stated, "You don't know ANYONE, Mommy!"
The last time she asked, and I responded in my usual way, she retorted in an exasperated manner and stated, "You don't know ANYONE, Mommy!"
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Cinderella
Is Tatum's favorite movie. During our mommy-daughter afternoon yesterday, we watched it twice. We're watching it again now while she's having her lunch snack before nap.
Some observations:
Tatum: That cat is NOT nice. But the doggy is nice. But not the cat. He's a MEAN cat.
Some observations:
Tatum: That cat is NOT nice. But the doggy is nice. But not the cat. He's a MEAN cat.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Christmas Count-down calendar
I'm not calling this an Advent calendar, although that's where I got the idea, because I'm not following all of the Advent rules. So, the original idea for this came from my crafty blogging friend Kendra, from this post she did last year. Yes, I've been thinking about doing this for a year. So a few weeks ago, I started collecting our finished toilet paper rolls and asked that Maw Maw and Paw Paw do the same...and then I kept our paper towel rolls as well.
And today, I started and completed the project. In my opinion, it's not nearly as cute as Kendra's, but hey...I happen to like it! (And by the way, if you agree that it isn't as cute, you don't have to post a comment to that effect...but you're welcome to tell me if you like mine or make additional suggestions about activities to include, even though I've filled out the days...I can always add activities and scripture to days throughout the month!!).
So here is a photo journal of the project!
And today, I started and completed the project. In my opinion, it's not nearly as cute as Kendra's, but hey...I happen to like it! (And by the way, if you agree that it isn't as cute, you don't have to post a comment to that effect...but you're welcome to tell me if you like mine or make additional suggestions about activities to include, even though I've filled out the days...I can always add activities and scripture to days throughout the month!!).
So here is a photo journal of the project!
Phase one...wrapping the individual rolls...3 per color of wrapping paper.
Laying them out in the pattern....
Beginning the assembly. My first attempt was failed and this was actually the back-up, which worked much better. Ribbon was used to tie the rolls together, with the edges of the ribbon sticking out on alternating sides.
Assembly is complete, and it's now hanging, with the use of a zip-tie. (Matt's gonna wonder where all of his long zip ties have gone, because they're coming in handy for a variety of projects now-a-days).
Close up so that you can see the ties and wrapping paper.
Dates are now on the individual rolls. Thank GOODNESS for sticker numbers! And an even bigger thank GOODNESS for ones that I already had in my existing supply!!!
Now there are "to-do" items in each of the dates, corresponding with things that already exist on our calendar and I tried to think ahead (i.e., the Christmas farm we want to go to is ONLY open on the weekends, etc...).
So there it is...our Christmas count-down. And yes, we do have another one that you move the numbers along and we'll be using that one, too. You know, once I get it out of the Christmas decoration box. I can't remember which day I put "put out Christmas decorations" on....
Long time, no update
Such is life...it's been crazy around here. The kind of crazy that you wake up every day and pray for the strength to get through the day, but hey, God is good. He's still the same God He was yesterday and will be tomorrow, despite the craziness that's going on today. The question is really, "What will I learn and allow God to show me in the midst of and from the craziness?"
That's a million dollar question, now isn't it?
At any rate, I have a lot to be thankful for, and have been blessed by those around me who love and are caring for me, and am creating a detailed list JUST SO THAT I DON'T FORGET IT! And I'm choosing to thank God for all of the ways that I'm seeing Him move in my life.
Today the kids and I went out to purchase the gifts for the child we adopted for Christmas from the Angel Tree from church and the two kids we chose to buy from from the office adoption list (their mom was killed in a car accident about a week and a half ago in a car accident and her older daughter is one of my students). We talked about why we choose to give gifts at Christmas - it's to show God's love to others, just like God showed His love to us by sending Jesus to earth for us. They had a good time picking out the presents for the children and, for the most part, didn't ask for things for themselves!
That's a million dollar question, now isn't it?
At any rate, I have a lot to be thankful for, and have been blessed by those around me who love and are caring for me, and am creating a detailed list JUST SO THAT I DON'T FORGET IT! And I'm choosing to thank God for all of the ways that I'm seeing Him move in my life.
Today the kids and I went out to purchase the gifts for the child we adopted for Christmas from the Angel Tree from church and the two kids we chose to buy from from the office adoption list (their mom was killed in a car accident about a week and a half ago in a car accident and her older daughter is one of my students). We talked about why we choose to give gifts at Christmas - it's to show God's love to others, just like God showed His love to us by sending Jesus to earth for us. They had a good time picking out the presents for the children and, for the most part, didn't ask for things for themselves!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Hapes hilarity - of the Tatum kind
We're on day 2 of being home, and Tatum is still running a slight fever. Nothing too bad, but elevated enough to let us know that her body is trying to fight something. Well, she certainly still has her spunk, and I'll demonstrate by listing things that she's done to, shall we say, keep me on my toes.
- I've realized that she can't totally be left on her own to use to potty, and wipe. Wanna' know how I realized it? I went in to check on her just in the nick of time, as she was looking down at a toilet FULL of wipes. She had pulled out wipes from the container and managed to pull about 1/8 of the container, empying it, and deposit said wipes into the toilet. Luckily, I caught her before she flushed.
- We were exchanging kisses and she arranged my head so that she could kiss me on the hair. "Mommy, your hair is messy. You didn't fix your hair." Me, "Yes I did, Tatum. I fixed it this morning." Her, "Let me see," moving my head around for closer inspection, "No it's not." Apparently, my hair is not fixed to her standards. What a shame, considering that I actually got a shower today, unlike yesterday. (Don't judge).
- We had finished watching The Jungle Book shortly before she was scheduled to lay down for a nap. I needed to vacuum, but hadn't dared to so while she was in the midst of any movie, lest I anger the child, 'cause you're princess when you're sick. Or in her case, even when you aren't. She was finishing her snack of Cheerios and water, sitting in the recliner, listening to the music that plays during the menu options while I was vacuuming, and I see her lips moving. I stopped the vacuum and asked what she needed. "I can't hear the MUSIC! Are you DONE?" No darling, but for both your sake and mine, I sure wish I was.
- In our one hour attempt to get her to lay down and actually go to sleep for her nap, during one of the times she came to the gate by her door she looked at me and said, "I laid down and closed my eyes. That was a good nap, right?"
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
So what is it THIS time?
Tatum has diarrhea and was running a fever yesterday afternoon/evening, yet the mere mention of the fact that she's "sick" makes her insane. So here I am again, at home, working to clear my schedule and disinfect the house. At least I don't have to go to the store and stock up on supplies again, right? On the other hand, I feel like I just did this, didn't I, only it was with Kellen? Oh, the joys of parenting and the cycles of neverending chores that must be completed. Including dealing with sick kiddos.
The poor thing.
We have begun our movie marathon, and it's starting with Bolt, one of her all-time favorites. I'm guessing Cinderella and Enchanted are in the cards for us today as well, and possibly multiple times for each.
I have my temperature and "symptom" sheet started, and so far she's only had one 'bout' this morning. We'll see how the rest of the day progresses, but I may be going to the store not for cleaning supplies but for additional pull-ups instead. I'm not going with her undies with this type of symptom going on here...Can you blame me?
Well, she's saying she's hungry, so I'm off to make her some toast. Whatever it takes to make her feel better!
The poor thing.
We have begun our movie marathon, and it's starting with Bolt, one of her all-time favorites. I'm guessing Cinderella and Enchanted are in the cards for us today as well, and possibly multiple times for each.
I have my temperature and "symptom" sheet started, and so far she's only had one 'bout' this morning. We'll see how the rest of the day progresses, but I may be going to the store not for cleaning supplies but for additional pull-ups instead. I'm not going with her undies with this type of symptom going on here...Can you blame me?
Well, she's saying she's hungry, so I'm off to make her some toast. Whatever it takes to make her feel better!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Success!
Yesterday I successfully completed my first triathlon sprint. Probably my first and only, but that's beside the point. In case you're wondering, "success" was defined by me for the purposes of this event as completing without injury, and a sunburn didn't count as an injury. Neither did a jolt to my pride. More on that later.
Matt and I took the kids to Conroe Saturday and dropped them off with Maw Maw, Paw Paw and Aunt Boo for their weekend retreat. (Sidenote: I'm sure fun was had by ALL during this retreat, which included a trip to a pumpkin patch and a birthday party at a skating rink). He and I then made our way to the race packet pick-up and I proceeded to go through the check-in. I looked over my packet and tried to verify that all numbers for all equipment pieces were in order and that I had everything else I needed for the race. We headed out, left the mall, stopped at another store, and during this time I had been reading the packet material and realized I had a white swim cap, which designated me in the women 30-39 age group. While that in and of itself is correct, I had signed up to race as a newbie, which meant that I was planning to swim the shorter distance, and not the full swim, which the age bracket I was designated in was supposed to be swimming. I should have had a green swim cap.
Houston, we had a problem!
I quickly called one of the girls I had been training with, who had picked her packet up a couple hours earlier. She had the correct color swim cap - green.
So we turned around and headed back to the mall, determined to correct the registration issue. I felt comfortable that I could handle the newbie swim, but NOT the full swim. Luckily, when I went back, they didn't give me any problems. One gentleman asked if I wanted a green cap and I quickly corrected him, laughingly saying "Oh no, I NEED a green cap." He thought that was pretty funny, too. A chat with the laptop lady - AKA the registration lady - took care of officially correcting me as well. A few minutes in there and I was fully corrected as a newbie for registration purposes.
Whew!
Back on the road and Matt and I were enjoying each others company so much that we missed the turn to my friends house via the directions he provided, so we took the long route there. I'm trying to remember the last time he and I had some quality and quantity time together and I'm coming up blank, so it was obviously much needed. We finally got to the Murdock Manor much later than we had originally anticipated, and then there were some slight grill-lighting, propane issues that had to be addressed and resolved. Once those issues were taken care of, dinner was finished and was fabulous! Sam and Krissy went all out...bread with dipping sauce, cheese and pepperoni for appetizers, steak, and pasta with two kinds of homemade sauces. Oh my goodness...it was delicious! And then Sam topped it off with homemade canoli's, although I was so stuffed with everything else that I couldn't even finish it off! We watched the triathlon episode of Scrubs while eating our dessert, feeling full as ticks, then went to bed. I certainly carbo-loaded adequately!
We tried to leave their house by 5 AM the next morning, and had plans to meet the girls by 5:30...we didn't quite make it. I'm not sure if we left later than we wanted to, or if it simply took longer than we thought to get from their house to the race, but we finally got there at about 6 AM. We unloaded the bike, gear and got my body markings - race number on my forearms and my age on my calf, then headed to the transition area to set up. We found the girls fairly easily, then just hung out until racetime.
Since we were the newbies, our wave was the last to go, so we made it in the water shortly after 8:15AM. The water was cool, but not as cold as I was anticipating. What I had been told about, but couldn't really plan for, were the people kicking me...so I treaded water and held out in the back of the pack. In retrospect, since I'm not the greatest of swimmers anyway, that probably wasn't the best of plans. I never did make that time back up. I was one of the last people to get out of the water and pretty much brought up the rear for the rest of the race.
Which leads me to that jolt to my pride statement....
So I'm out of the water, get to the transition area, and I pretty much have it all to myself. I look up and see Matt filming and wonder to myself why on earth he's trying to film me in the horror that is me attempting to change clothes without the world seeing anything. He must have read my mind, because I think at that precise moment he quit filming. Me actually trying to change clothes was a rookie mistake...I should have just pulled the dry clothes on OVER my swimsuit and ridden my bike in that, but oh well. I get my clothes on - WITHOUT anyone seeing anything, mind you, and head out of the transition area. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, that wasn't the jolt to the pride story) Then on my bike I go...then I realize I didn't have my sunglasses, that they're still in my purse, in the car.
Great.
Anyway, on the bike, here I go, heading out for a 15 mile bike ride. A little bit into it an older gentleman passes me, then a motorcycle comes up behind me, comes beside me, and then says to me, "You know you're the last one, right?" Inside my head I'm thinking, 'Gee thanks, buddy...I needed THAT right now.' I just looked at him. He continues, "You aren't going to let that 72 year old guy beat you, are you? You know, the one that just passed you?" Did you feel that hit? Because I certainly did. Let me just note that it wasn't coming across as nice, these comments he was making. If he was going for motivating, he was certainly missing his mark.
So I looked at him and said, "I'm not worried about BEATING anyone. My goal is simply to finish." And then I smiled at him and kept right on cycling. I was determined to NOT let that comment persuade me to quit. And you know what, a few more miles into the cycle I wasn't the last one anymore...and he rode by me and told me so. And he also made a point of telling me every so often how good I was doing, too.
As I was finishing the bike portion, it was ever-so-obvious that the "non-newbies", oh heck, who am I kidding, and many of the "newbies" had been done for quite some time, as the race and surrounding area was clearing out, but folks were very gracious to the steady gal on the bike, number 444, and certainly cheered her on! It was quite nice. There were a few of us hitting the run at the same time ('cause remember, I said I wasn't last anymore), and we wound around the lake that really tempted me to jump back in it and around the neighborhood for a "quick 3 miles". HA! I think the exact words out of my mouth were 'smooth like butter' as I started that run and I don't exactly know where those came from...
All-in-all, I finished the race in about 2 hours 15 minutes. Whoop!
Matt and I took the kids to Conroe Saturday and dropped them off with Maw Maw, Paw Paw and Aunt Boo for their weekend retreat. (Sidenote: I'm sure fun was had by ALL during this retreat, which included a trip to a pumpkin patch and a birthday party at a skating rink). He and I then made our way to the race packet pick-up and I proceeded to go through the check-in. I looked over my packet and tried to verify that all numbers for all equipment pieces were in order and that I had everything else I needed for the race. We headed out, left the mall, stopped at another store, and during this time I had been reading the packet material and realized I had a white swim cap, which designated me in the women 30-39 age group. While that in and of itself is correct, I had signed up to race as a newbie, which meant that I was planning to swim the shorter distance, and not the full swim, which the age bracket I was designated in was supposed to be swimming. I should have had a green swim cap.
Houston, we had a problem!
I quickly called one of the girls I had been training with, who had picked her packet up a couple hours earlier. She had the correct color swim cap - green.
So we turned around and headed back to the mall, determined to correct the registration issue. I felt comfortable that I could handle the newbie swim, but NOT the full swim. Luckily, when I went back, they didn't give me any problems. One gentleman asked if I wanted a green cap and I quickly corrected him, laughingly saying "Oh no, I NEED a green cap." He thought that was pretty funny, too. A chat with the laptop lady - AKA the registration lady - took care of officially correcting me as well. A few minutes in there and I was fully corrected as a newbie for registration purposes.
Whew!
Back on the road and Matt and I were enjoying each others company so much that we missed the turn to my friends house via the directions he provided, so we took the long route there. I'm trying to remember the last time he and I had some quality and quantity time together and I'm coming up blank, so it was obviously much needed. We finally got to the Murdock Manor much later than we had originally anticipated, and then there were some slight grill-lighting, propane issues that had to be addressed and resolved. Once those issues were taken care of, dinner was finished and was fabulous! Sam and Krissy went all out...bread with dipping sauce, cheese and pepperoni for appetizers, steak, and pasta with two kinds of homemade sauces. Oh my goodness...it was delicious! And then Sam topped it off with homemade canoli's, although I was so stuffed with everything else that I couldn't even finish it off! We watched the triathlon episode of Scrubs while eating our dessert, feeling full as ticks, then went to bed. I certainly carbo-loaded adequately!
We tried to leave their house by 5 AM the next morning, and had plans to meet the girls by 5:30...we didn't quite make it. I'm not sure if we left later than we wanted to, or if it simply took longer than we thought to get from their house to the race, but we finally got there at about 6 AM. We unloaded the bike, gear and got my body markings - race number on my forearms and my age on my calf, then headed to the transition area to set up. We found the girls fairly easily, then just hung out until racetime.
Since we were the newbies, our wave was the last to go, so we made it in the water shortly after 8:15AM. The water was cool, but not as cold as I was anticipating. What I had been told about, but couldn't really plan for, were the people kicking me...so I treaded water and held out in the back of the pack. In retrospect, since I'm not the greatest of swimmers anyway, that probably wasn't the best of plans. I never did make that time back up. I was one of the last people to get out of the water and pretty much brought up the rear for the rest of the race.
Which leads me to that jolt to my pride statement....
So I'm out of the water, get to the transition area, and I pretty much have it all to myself. I look up and see Matt filming and wonder to myself why on earth he's trying to film me in the horror that is me attempting to change clothes without the world seeing anything. He must have read my mind, because I think at that precise moment he quit filming. Me actually trying to change clothes was a rookie mistake...I should have just pulled the dry clothes on OVER my swimsuit and ridden my bike in that, but oh well. I get my clothes on - WITHOUT anyone seeing anything, mind you, and head out of the transition area. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, that wasn't the jolt to the pride story) Then on my bike I go...then I realize I didn't have my sunglasses, that they're still in my purse, in the car.
Great.
Anyway, on the bike, here I go, heading out for a 15 mile bike ride. A little bit into it an older gentleman passes me, then a motorcycle comes up behind me, comes beside me, and then says to me, "You know you're the last one, right?" Inside my head I'm thinking, 'Gee thanks, buddy...I needed THAT right now.' I just looked at him. He continues, "You aren't going to let that 72 year old guy beat you, are you? You know, the one that just passed you?" Did you feel that hit? Because I certainly did. Let me just note that it wasn't coming across as nice, these comments he was making. If he was going for motivating, he was certainly missing his mark.
So I looked at him and said, "I'm not worried about BEATING anyone. My goal is simply to finish." And then I smiled at him and kept right on cycling. I was determined to NOT let that comment persuade me to quit. And you know what, a few more miles into the cycle I wasn't the last one anymore...and he rode by me and told me so. And he also made a point of telling me every so often how good I was doing, too.
As I was finishing the bike portion, it was ever-so-obvious that the "non-newbies", oh heck, who am I kidding, and many of the "newbies" had been done for quite some time, as the race and surrounding area was clearing out, but folks were very gracious to the steady gal on the bike, number 444, and certainly cheered her on! It was quite nice. There were a few of us hitting the run at the same time ('cause remember, I said I wasn't last anymore), and we wound around the lake that really tempted me to jump back in it and around the neighborhood for a "quick 3 miles". HA! I think the exact words out of my mouth were 'smooth like butter' as I started that run and I don't exactly know where those came from...
All-in-all, I finished the race in about 2 hours 15 minutes. Whoop!
Kids say...cont.
Kellen to me, after Tatum was being particularly...herself, or shall we say challenging, "It must be difficult to be the Mommy somedays." {Buddy, you have NO idea}
After taking Tatum's booster seat off of the table, since she no longer wants to sit in it, Kellen informed me that we needed to keep it in case he has a baby brother someday. Because, he's ..."wanted a baby brother since forever." Really? 'Cause I'm fairly certain that your FIRST request was for a sister. And that request was granted buddy.
So Tatum is now ill...running a fever that disqualifies her from attending school for at least tomorrow and had a few bouts of diarrhea today. As I was getting her ready for bed, she was desperate to give her Kellen a night-night hug and kiss. Unfortunately, I had to tell her I couldn't let her do that because she was sick. "I'm not sick!" she screamed repeatedly. "I'm not supposed to be sick! I need to give Kellen a night night hug and kiss!" Me, "But you can't, because you're running a fever and you're sick." Her, "No I'm NOT! I'm not sick!"
After taking Tatum's booster seat off of the table, since she no longer wants to sit in it, Kellen informed me that we needed to keep it in case he has a baby brother someday. Because, he's ..."wanted a baby brother since forever." Really? 'Cause I'm fairly certain that your FIRST request was for a sister. And that request was granted buddy.
So Tatum is now ill...running a fever that disqualifies her from attending school for at least tomorrow and had a few bouts of diarrhea today. As I was getting her ready for bed, she was desperate to give her Kellen a night-night hug and kiss. Unfortunately, I had to tell her I couldn't let her do that because she was sick. "I'm not sick!" she screamed repeatedly. "I'm not supposed to be sick! I need to give Kellen a night night hug and kiss!" Me, "But you can't, because you're running a fever and you're sick." Her, "No I'm NOT! I'm not sick!"
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quotable quotes
'Cause I think my kids are that funny, interesting and sometimes say the darndest things....
"Life is good." - Kellen, as said to me on our way to church this morning. This was after detailing the beautiful day outside, the fact that we hadn't been outside playing in our backyard on our swingset much lately because of all of the rain. Why did it have to rain so much Mommy, 'cause it had been raining for like a thousand years or something.
"Darn-it [emphasized by slamming both fists on the table], I am NOT naughty!" - Tatum, at lunchtime today while not sitting as she was supposed to be. Sidenote: Mommy had not actually called her naughty.
And I'm not sure why I can't think of additional ones, because they consistently crack me up at every turn. I MUST find ways to document them better, because they're pricess, and my memory does not remember everything it hears....it simply remembers something funny was said, and if you're lucky, it might remember the topic of the funny comment.
"Life is good." - Kellen, as said to me on our way to church this morning. This was after detailing the beautiful day outside, the fact that we hadn't been outside playing in our backyard on our swingset much lately because of all of the rain. Why did it have to rain so much Mommy, 'cause it had been raining for like a thousand years or something.
"Darn-it [emphasized by slamming both fists on the table], I am NOT naughty!" - Tatum, at lunchtime today while not sitting as she was supposed to be. Sidenote: Mommy had not actually called her naughty.
And I'm not sure why I can't think of additional ones, because they consistently crack me up at every turn. I MUST find ways to document them better, because they're pricess, and my memory does not remember everything it hears....it simply remembers something funny was said, and if you're lucky, it might remember the topic of the funny comment.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Shout it out...
Well, we're trying to do something of the sort with the recent illnesses in the house. Kellen is home today and he doesn't feel well. Perhaps I should say that he didn't feel well. He seems to be feeling much better, which is GREAT! He was running a low-grade fever this morning and had a variety of symptoms that assured me he wasn't faking, so I spent some time clearing my calendar, made arrangements for a conference call on the item that couldn't be put off, then got the Tatum-tot ready for school. I apparently had too many irons in the fire, as I made it to school with Tatum but no lunch for her. Ug. I corrected that small oversight, then Kellen and I made a quick trip to the store to stock up on a variety of antibacterial cleaning supplies so that I could attempt to clean EVERYTHING possible in the house today. Unfortunately, I didn't expect my conference call(s) to last as long as they did. But you have to do what you have to do, right?
Anyway, with the assistance of some caffeine, delivered by an incredibly thoughtful friend, I feel like I have been fairly productive today...I have kept the laundry going, cleaned the kitchen (counters, including moving items and cleaning backboards); swept and mopped the floors; cleaned the trashcan exterior; and ran the dishwasher twice; cleaned the stove; and dishwasher exterior. I disinfected the kids bathroom, including a VERY thorough cleaning of the toilet - ALL of the toilet, including behind it. Sidenote: Daddy needs to chat with Kellen about aiming. 'Nough said. I changed the linens in both of the kids rooms and disinfected the mattress and bed frame in Kellen's room. In case you're wondering, I lysol'ed the loveseat, then put a clean sheet on it and he's been camped out there for the day...his own little "set-up" and he loves it.
Luckily, I like the citrus smell of the cleaner I bought, and I have really put a dent in it so far! Hopefully I'll knock out whatever germs are floating around in this house...and hopefully they haven't already spread.
I'm not through yet, so wish me luck! And stay healthy yourself!
Anyway, with the assistance of some caffeine, delivered by an incredibly thoughtful friend, I feel like I have been fairly productive today...I have kept the laundry going, cleaned the kitchen (counters, including moving items and cleaning backboards); swept and mopped the floors; cleaned the trashcan exterior; and ran the dishwasher twice; cleaned the stove; and dishwasher exterior. I disinfected the kids bathroom, including a VERY thorough cleaning of the toilet - ALL of the toilet, including behind it. Sidenote: Daddy needs to chat with Kellen about aiming. 'Nough said. I changed the linens in both of the kids rooms and disinfected the mattress and bed frame in Kellen's room. In case you're wondering, I lysol'ed the loveseat, then put a clean sheet on it and he's been camped out there for the day...his own little "set-up" and he loves it.
Luckily, I like the citrus smell of the cleaner I bought, and I have really put a dent in it so far! Hopefully I'll knock out whatever germs are floating around in this house...and hopefully they haven't already spread.
I'm not through yet, so wish me luck! And stay healthy yourself!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Progress Report
We've made it through the first six weeks for Kellen, and Daddy and I had the parent-teacher conference today. Considering that he had come home with a few "Needs Improvement" on his weekly progress charts, we weren't surprised that he had some of those on his report card for behavior-related issues. Shocked, we were not.
It was; however, nice to know that when tested, he was at a 2nd grade reading level. And he is performing at an Excellent (Note: 95-100) level for mathematics for what is expected right now. And for the remainder of his Academics, he scored nothing below a "S" on his report card. In addition, he's getting some additional challenge practice for reading because he's reading at such a high level (teacher's aide pulling him and one other kid from his class and another from one other class out and working with them in a small group at their level) three times a week for about 45 minutes each time. In addition, he's getting "Enrichment" activities, which was explained to us as activities for students early-identified as those who most likely would be testing into GT.
All-in-all, I'm thrilled with how he's doing academically! Now, if we can simply try and pinpoint and improve on some of his behavioral issues, we'll be in better shape. Which is not to say we aren't in good shape now, it's simply to say that there is room for improvement.
So, our action plan is that for the next couple of weeks is that we'll be receiving a daily email letting us know if Kellen started the day with a positive or negative attitude. We're going to try and see if we can identify the "why" on his beginning-of-the-day attitude to see if 1) I need to change the morning routine; 2) he needs to get more sleep; 3) Daddy needs to commute more; 4) we need to scale back on some of the extracurricular activities; or 5) some combination of all of the above. If we can make progress in one area, that will be good enough for me!
Moving on....
Sparks.
Kellen is doing wonderfully at Sparks. He is FABULOUS at memorizing scripture. We went through a lesson tonight and the scripture was the first part of one, and he already knew the entire thing. It's amazing what he's learning from listening to the Sparks CD at night! So, just to see what he knew, I asked him the scriptures through the remainder of the book, and he knew all of them with the exception of 2, but knew those 2 with the one or two word reminder to start things off. His goal is to finish the book out this week - I suggested that we shoot for the end of the month.
I have gone through the book and made index cards with all of the scriptures on them in flash card style so that we can continue to go over them even after he finishes the book. Plus, it's helpful for me, even though I have no problem saying that Kellen has these verses down much better than I do!
It was; however, nice to know that when tested, he was at a 2nd grade reading level. And he is performing at an Excellent (Note: 95-100) level for mathematics for what is expected right now. And for the remainder of his Academics, he scored nothing below a "S" on his report card. In addition, he's getting some additional challenge practice for reading because he's reading at such a high level (teacher's aide pulling him and one other kid from his class and another from one other class out and working with them in a small group at their level) three times a week for about 45 minutes each time. In addition, he's getting "Enrichment" activities, which was explained to us as activities for students early-identified as those who most likely would be testing into GT.
All-in-all, I'm thrilled with how he's doing academically! Now, if we can simply try and pinpoint and improve on some of his behavioral issues, we'll be in better shape. Which is not to say we aren't in good shape now, it's simply to say that there is room for improvement.
So, our action plan is that for the next couple of weeks is that we'll be receiving a daily email letting us know if Kellen started the day with a positive or negative attitude. We're going to try and see if we can identify the "why" on his beginning-of-the-day attitude to see if 1) I need to change the morning routine; 2) he needs to get more sleep; 3) Daddy needs to commute more; 4) we need to scale back on some of the extracurricular activities; or 5) some combination of all of the above. If we can make progress in one area, that will be good enough for me!
Moving on....
Sparks.
Kellen is doing wonderfully at Sparks. He is FABULOUS at memorizing scripture. We went through a lesson tonight and the scripture was the first part of one, and he already knew the entire thing. It's amazing what he's learning from listening to the Sparks CD at night! So, just to see what he knew, I asked him the scriptures through the remainder of the book, and he knew all of them with the exception of 2, but knew those 2 with the one or two word reminder to start things off. His goal is to finish the book out this week - I suggested that we shoot for the end of the month.
I have gone through the book and made index cards with all of the scriptures on them in flash card style so that we can continue to go over them even after he finishes the book. Plus, it's helpful for me, even though I have no problem saying that Kellen has these verses down much better than I do!
Monday, October 05, 2009
Growing pains
In case you were wondering, growing pains are very real....and poor Kellen certainly had his share of them tonight. He's going through yet another growth spurt (I feel like he JUST did this!) and was in terrible pain tonight, complaining about his knee joints hurting. He was almost inconsolable before bedtime. Poor guy!
I think Tatum is going through one as well, although her growth spurt doesn't seem quite as painful as Kellen's. It will be interesting to see how much he's grown since his last growth spurt, which I believe was mid-summer...we'll measure him the next time he goes to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's to see....
I think Tatum is going through one as well, although her growth spurt doesn't seem quite as painful as Kellen's. It will be interesting to see how much he's grown since his last growth spurt, which I believe was mid-summer...we'll measure him the next time he goes to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's to see....
Monday, September 28, 2009
Kids say the darndest things
And mine are no exception.
Today when I picked Tatum up and we were leaving her school, she stopped at the front desk to say, 'Bye' to her director, Ms. Nazneen. After talking with her for a moment, Tatum asks, 'Are you brown?'
I laughed, put my hand over my mouth, and just looked at Tatum and Nazneen, who is, in fact Indian.
Nazneen just laughed, looked at me, and remarked, "You're going to have to get earmuffs, because that's just the type of child she is!"
My response was a very articulate, "Well...."
Nazneed turned and answered Tatum laughing, "Yes, Tatum. I AM brown!"
Everyone in earshot of that particular conversation probably got an ab workout as well.
At least we know she speaks the truth!
Today when I picked Tatum up and we were leaving her school, she stopped at the front desk to say, 'Bye' to her director, Ms. Nazneen. After talking with her for a moment, Tatum asks, 'Are you brown?'
I laughed, put my hand over my mouth, and just looked at Tatum and Nazneen, who is, in fact Indian.
Nazneen just laughed, looked at me, and remarked, "You're going to have to get earmuffs, because that's just the type of child she is!"
My response was a very articulate, "Well...."
Nazneed turned and answered Tatum laughing, "Yes, Tatum. I AM brown!"
Everyone in earshot of that particular conversation probably got an ab workout as well.
At least we know she speaks the truth!
Lost a Tooth!
Now, while a picture IS worth a thousand words, I feel that I need to describe my tough-as-nails little boy, determined to lose his first tooth. I have had a slight delay in posting the pictures, because he wanted the experience to be a surprise for Daddy, and the losing of the tooth occured last Thursday night. The tooth started becoming earlier in the week - we noticed the permanent tooth coming in the weekend prior. Yup. You read all of that correctly, as in weekend before last.
So, on to the story. On Wednesday night he asked for some string to tie around his tooth so that he could put the string on a doorknob and slam the door shut to try and get the tooth out. I said, "No." Instead, I suggested that he simply wiggle his tooth using his fingers. So he did.
On Thursday night he again asked for some string. So I relented and gave him special tooth string, AKA dental floss. He asked me to help him wrap it around the tooth so he could pull. I did. He kept pulling up, and the string kept sliding off of the tooth. I reminded him that if he continued to pull up, that the string was going to keep sliding off of the tooth. He had an epiphany, and asked me to put the string UNDER the sides of the tooth, so that he could pull down and pop the tooth out. I did, and he started pulling down in a very determined, controlled fashion.
Sure enough, he popped that tooth right outta' his mouth!
The look of amazement on his face, then horror as he realized he was bleeding was priceless. Had I actually thought he was going to go through with it I would have been capturing the experience on video, but I really thought the pain would be too much for him! Silly mom, he sure proved me wrong!
We cleaned up the gums, rinsed his mouth out repeatedly, cleaned the tooth, then discussed the tooth fairy. He let me know that the tooth fairy brought small toys in exchange for teeth. Who knew? I told him that I thought he had to stay in bed so that the tooth fairy could use her fairy vision to double check that the tooth under the pillow matched the hole in his mouth.
At any rate, Kellen has lost his first tooth, and he did it in a Herculean way! Way to go, Kellen!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Reminder
I don't know about you guys, but I considering that I've been out of commission for almost three weeks now, I certainly need a reminder that I cannot do it all. So, I went through my old posts and am linking this Pursuit of Perfection post as a reminder to myself. I haven't been able to do much lately because of the bronchitis and getting over that...and it's showing, but I have to recognize my limitations, and realize what is REALLY important in life. And it's certainly not whether or not my kids can eat directly off of the floor.
Great ending
I picked Tatum up from school on Friday and headed home. As I pulled into the driveway and hit the garage door opener, Kellen ran out to inform me that I had to stay in the car. After persuading he and Daddy to let Tatum and I come inside to put an end to her screaming to get OUT of the car, and after promising to stay away from whatever surprise they were working on, they acquiesced and let us come inside.
A few moments later, I was shown the surprise.....a print out of a picture Daddy had taken on his phone, indicating that...
Kellen was chosen as the Junior Klub Kid of the Week!!!!
So, we scrapped any ideas we had about making dinner (it was going to be a somewhat 'fend-for-yourself night anyway), and decided to use some coupons we had and treat Kellen to CiCi's as a reward - but as a surprise!
He was thrilled, and even moreso when he was able to 'pay' for the entire family himself!
I'm so over-the-moon proud of him!!!
A few moments later, I was shown the surprise.....a print out of a picture Daddy had taken on his phone, indicating that...
Kellen was chosen as the Junior Klub Kid of the Week!!!!
So, we scrapped any ideas we had about making dinner (it was going to be a somewhat 'fend-for-yourself night anyway), and decided to use some coupons we had and treat Kellen to CiCi's as a reward - but as a surprise!
He was thrilled, and even moreso when he was able to 'pay' for the entire family himself!
I'm so over-the-moon proud of him!!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The best cure for a rough morning
So how sweet is it that when I'm having a rough morning that included a variety of kiddo mishaps and poor choices (although all normal in nature, the combination of them all in one morning makes for one "rough" morning) that as I stop, put my head in my hands and take a deep breath, Kellen remarks, "Mommy, are you having a rough morning?"
To this inquiry I reply, "Yes, Kellen, I just need a minute."
His response, "Mommy, do you want me to pray for you?"
You can melt now. I sure did.
My response, "That would be wonderful Kellen. Why don't you say a prayer."
And he did. It went something along these lines...(and I'll have to paraphrase, but I'll get it pretty close), 'Lord, help Mommy to not have such a rough morning and help me and Tatum not to frustrate her. In Jesus name, Amen.'
And you know what, our morning went much smoother after that prayer was uttered.
To this inquiry I reply, "Yes, Kellen, I just need a minute."
His response, "Mommy, do you want me to pray for you?"
You can melt now. I sure did.
My response, "That would be wonderful Kellen. Why don't you say a prayer."
And he did. It went something along these lines...(and I'll have to paraphrase, but I'll get it pretty close), 'Lord, help Mommy to not have such a rough morning and help me and Tatum not to frustrate her. In Jesus name, Amen.'
And you know what, our morning went much smoother after that prayer was uttered.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Diagnosis: Bronchitis
Well, I'm on Day 8 on my illness, and "IT" was officially diagnosed as bronchitis yesterday morning by the doctor. He also commented that I'm 'very sick'. It was so nice of him to confirm that for me, and I'm truly not being sarcastic at all. You know it's bad when the doctor winces as he's palpating your glands. That's all I'm saying.
So, armed with a myriad of Rx, all of which were of the much stronger variety than the OTC things I had been taking, I went to Kroger to get them filled. It was there I was told that many of them required lots of fluids and water. People, do you not realize that the sole act of swallowing has actually been waking me up for the past week? As in, fall asleep...NOT swallowing for 30-45 minutes, swallow in my sleep, which then would actually wake me up from the act of sleeping. At that point, I would coat my throat with throat spray and repeat this process. It has NOT been a fun week.
And I'll also mention that I just love getting sick at the beginning of an insurance plan year...for those of you who have to meet a prescription plan deductible, you'll know what I'm talking about. I no longer have to worry about meeting mine for the year after this illness. It's just too bad that it's an individual and not a family deductible, you know what I'm saying?
At any rate, with a wide array of new and improved drugs coursing through my veins yesterday, I DID feel much better yesterday afternoon and evening. So much better, in fact, that I put in a few loads of laundry and had the energy burst to make dinner last night and actually ate with the kids! Yay for me, more than one meal in a day, which has been what I've managed to swallow this past week, if that. This morning; however, I woke to the realization that the evenings energy burst and feel-good sensation was, in fact, drug induced. The drugs had worn off throughout the night and this morning I opted to take it easy, continue to stay home and rest, let the drugs kick into my system a little longer, and try to recover today and through the weekend before heading back to work. Luckily, because I haven't run a fever through any of this, the doctor indicated that I haven't been contagious, so the two attempts I've made to go into the office haven't been detrimental to anyone's health.
I will say that the kids have been really sweet through this...Kellen has said quite a few prayers asking for Mommy to get better. Tatum has gotten the doctors kit out and used it on me and has given me lots of hugs and pats to try and make me feel better as well. And I have no idea how many cups of hot tea Matt made for me when he was home with me on Monday. They're just so precious!
So, armed with a myriad of Rx, all of which were of the much stronger variety than the OTC things I had been taking, I went to Kroger to get them filled. It was there I was told that many of them required lots of fluids and water. People, do you not realize that the sole act of swallowing has actually been waking me up for the past week? As in, fall asleep...NOT swallowing for 30-45 minutes, swallow in my sleep, which then would actually wake me up from the act of sleeping. At that point, I would coat my throat with throat spray and repeat this process. It has NOT been a fun week.
And I'll also mention that I just love getting sick at the beginning of an insurance plan year...for those of you who have to meet a prescription plan deductible, you'll know what I'm talking about. I no longer have to worry about meeting mine for the year after this illness. It's just too bad that it's an individual and not a family deductible, you know what I'm saying?
At any rate, with a wide array of new and improved drugs coursing through my veins yesterday, I DID feel much better yesterday afternoon and evening. So much better, in fact, that I put in a few loads of laundry and had the energy burst to make dinner last night and actually ate with the kids! Yay for me, more than one meal in a day, which has been what I've managed to swallow this past week, if that. This morning; however, I woke to the realization that the evenings energy burst and feel-good sensation was, in fact, drug induced. The drugs had worn off throughout the night and this morning I opted to take it easy, continue to stay home and rest, let the drugs kick into my system a little longer, and try to recover today and through the weekend before heading back to work. Luckily, because I haven't run a fever through any of this, the doctor indicated that I haven't been contagious, so the two attempts I've made to go into the office haven't been detrimental to anyone's health.
I will say that the kids have been really sweet through this...Kellen has said quite a few prayers asking for Mommy to get better. Tatum has gotten the doctors kit out and used it on me and has given me lots of hugs and pats to try and make me feel better as well. And I have no idea how many cups of hot tea Matt made for me when he was home with me on Monday. They're just so precious!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Scheduled
Kellen is sufficiently scheduled for the semester.
He's participating in Awana's again through the church, and has been reading his Spark's book and listening to the CD every night. We had the family night Sunday before last and it officially starts up this coming week. He's SO EXCITED!! I'm just amazed at how well he can memorize scripture. It blows my mind and melts my heart.
He'll also be continuing with Tae Kwon Do once a week during Kids Club. He's already moved up two belts, and really enjoys that...it's a little later than it was in previous years, if I remember correctly, finishing up at 5:30 this year. I just have to be sure and not arrive earlier than 5:30 to pick him up on those days.
We'll do Flag Football again this season, and we requested a different night from Tae Kwon Do. We did the same last year, but apparently there weren't enough folks to run those nights, so we got bumped to different days last year. I'm hoping that doesn't happen again this year, because going from Tae Kwon Do to football made for one VERY tired Kellen. We should hear about that sometime next week, I believe...there is a coach's meeting next week.
He wanted to play soccer, but apparently the soccer league runs year-round here, so we'll look at getting him into soccer once football is over and before T-Ball begins. I asked him why he wanted to play soccer this year and he replied something to the effect of, 'I've never played it and I want to try it out.' I couldn't have asked for a better answer than that, now could I?
He's of the age for Cub Scouts now, and we went to the introductory meeting tonight. We're all signed up for that as well, but I'm not sure what the time commitment is on that one...Pack meetings once a month, and there is another meeting next week where they're going to split up the den's and go over that stuff.
Whew. Quite honestly, I'm tired just thinking about all of the stuff that he's into! But he's excited, and we talked about making sure that he got enough rest so that he would be able to make good choices at school and Kids Club and listen to his teachers and counselors, etc...
As for Tatum, we're also looking at Kindertots, a dance and gym program through her daycare. She's already taught herself a front somersault and dances to ANY music that she hears - either for real or in her own mind. I need to call and find out which day it is held, because I don't want it to interfere with her being able to visit Maw Maw and Paw Paw during the week for story time at the library. Considering that she sings when she runs out of things to actually say, it might not be a bad idea to consider some musical things as well, but let's start small, shall we?
He's participating in Awana's again through the church, and has been reading his Spark's book and listening to the CD every night. We had the family night Sunday before last and it officially starts up this coming week. He's SO EXCITED!! I'm just amazed at how well he can memorize scripture. It blows my mind and melts my heart.
He'll also be continuing with Tae Kwon Do once a week during Kids Club. He's already moved up two belts, and really enjoys that...it's a little later than it was in previous years, if I remember correctly, finishing up at 5:30 this year. I just have to be sure and not arrive earlier than 5:30 to pick him up on those days.
We'll do Flag Football again this season, and we requested a different night from Tae Kwon Do. We did the same last year, but apparently there weren't enough folks to run those nights, so we got bumped to different days last year. I'm hoping that doesn't happen again this year, because going from Tae Kwon Do to football made for one VERY tired Kellen. We should hear about that sometime next week, I believe...there is a coach's meeting next week.
He wanted to play soccer, but apparently the soccer league runs year-round here, so we'll look at getting him into soccer once football is over and before T-Ball begins. I asked him why he wanted to play soccer this year and he replied something to the effect of, 'I've never played it and I want to try it out.' I couldn't have asked for a better answer than that, now could I?
He's of the age for Cub Scouts now, and we went to the introductory meeting tonight. We're all signed up for that as well, but I'm not sure what the time commitment is on that one...Pack meetings once a month, and there is another meeting next week where they're going to split up the den's and go over that stuff.
Whew. Quite honestly, I'm tired just thinking about all of the stuff that he's into! But he's excited, and we talked about making sure that he got enough rest so that he would be able to make good choices at school and Kids Club and listen to his teachers and counselors, etc...
As for Tatum, we're also looking at Kindertots, a dance and gym program through her daycare. She's already taught herself a front somersault and dances to ANY music that she hears - either for real or in her own mind. I need to call and find out which day it is held, because I don't want it to interfere with her being able to visit Maw Maw and Paw Paw during the week for story time at the library. Considering that she sings when she runs out of things to actually say, it might not be a bad idea to consider some musical things as well, but let's start small, shall we?
Thursday, September 03, 2009
A little slice of heaven...
In case you're wondering, a little slice of heaven today includes snuggles with my sweet little girl, who is celebrating her 2 1/2 year birthday today, as I was rocking her and putting her to sleep. It also includes listening to my 6 year old read to himself from down the hallway in the meantime.
It's a good way to make up for not being able to make it to Ladies Night Out tonight...God sure knew what I needed, huh?
The kids were well behaved, finally agreed on a movie, ate their dinner, and didn't even balk when I had them get ready and go to bed before the movie was over. Now I know Wall-E isn't the most interesting movie in the world, but they both enjoy it and neither wanted to be through watching it, so it means that they were really being behaved and obeying tonight. And after the week I've had, I really needed them to behave so I could have that little slice of heaven tonight.
Thank you, Lord.
It's a good way to make up for not being able to make it to Ladies Night Out tonight...God sure knew what I needed, huh?
The kids were well behaved, finally agreed on a movie, ate their dinner, and didn't even balk when I had them get ready and go to bed before the movie was over. Now I know Wall-E isn't the most interesting movie in the world, but they both enjoy it and neither wanted to be through watching it, so it means that they were really being behaved and obeying tonight. And after the week I've had, I really needed them to behave so I could have that little slice of heaven tonight.
Thank you, Lord.
Evolution
And we wonder why girls have image issues?
Check out these series of Dove videos online at the link below.
http://www.dove.us/?dl=/features/videos/default.aspx%7Ccp-documentid=7049579&source=shareBlogger
And we wonder why girls have image issues?Check out these series of Dove videos online at the link below.
http://www.dove.us/?dl=/features/videos/default.aspx%7Ccp-documentid=7049579&source=shareBlogger
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Week in review
Well, this was an incredibly busy week for us!
The week prior to classes beginning for TAMU is always hectic for me, and my Monday began with an all day New Graduate Student Orientation. Yes, the same day as Kellen's first day of school and Tatum's first day in her new daycare. The rest of the week seemed just as crazy, but it was pretty usual, so we'll just ignore it.
As for Kellen, he's LOVING first grade, enjoying his teacher, and having a good time of things so far. Kids Klub has been great, and he's even asked me why I have picked him up before it was over. Um, I thought getting me getting off of work on time to get you was a good thing?
And Tatum, she seems to be adjusting well except for a slight reverting with her potty issues. She started out the week with quite a few more accidents than normal, did progressively better until Thursday when she had ZERO accidents, then had lots of accidents on Friday. She'll get there! Socially, she's doing great...the teachers and other students with whom I see her interacting really seem to enjoy her, and she enjoys them, so I feel comfortable with the transition. I just have to get used to packing her lunch and preparing extra snacks in case they're serving something she can't eat. But from her end, she feels so independent carrying her backpack and lunchbag into that school! I can tell that it brings her such joy and that she feels like such a big girl with just that little bit of responsibility!
Training is still training, and the end of my borrow month is coming to a close. I have had the pleasure of borrowing a wonderful bike to train on for the month of August and I believe I am now spoiled to this bike. I am so grateful for the opportunity and generosity of the loan! We're really pushing ourselves, and it's nice to be working out with other ladies that will push....this has been a really good experience. We all have our "off" days, but luckily they're never on the same day so we all end up encouraging each other!
I pray that the kids have another wonderful week! We have a lot in store this week for various members of the fam...Texans game, Astros game, first Aggies game (anyone catching a theme here?), and Mommy also gets a Ladies night out this week!
The week prior to classes beginning for TAMU is always hectic for me, and my Monday began with an all day New Graduate Student Orientation. Yes, the same day as Kellen's first day of school and Tatum's first day in her new daycare. The rest of the week seemed just as crazy, but it was pretty usual, so we'll just ignore it.
As for Kellen, he's LOVING first grade, enjoying his teacher, and having a good time of things so far. Kids Klub has been great, and he's even asked me why I have picked him up before it was over. Um, I thought getting me getting off of work on time to get you was a good thing?
And Tatum, she seems to be adjusting well except for a slight reverting with her potty issues. She started out the week with quite a few more accidents than normal, did progressively better until Thursday when she had ZERO accidents, then had lots of accidents on Friday. She'll get there! Socially, she's doing great...the teachers and other students with whom I see her interacting really seem to enjoy her, and she enjoys them, so I feel comfortable with the transition. I just have to get used to packing her lunch and preparing extra snacks in case they're serving something she can't eat. But from her end, she feels so independent carrying her backpack and lunchbag into that school! I can tell that it brings her such joy and that she feels like such a big girl with just that little bit of responsibility!
Training is still training, and the end of my borrow month is coming to a close. I have had the pleasure of borrowing a wonderful bike to train on for the month of August and I believe I am now spoiled to this bike. I am so grateful for the opportunity and generosity of the loan! We're really pushing ourselves, and it's nice to be working out with other ladies that will push....this has been a really good experience. We all have our "off" days, but luckily they're never on the same day so we all end up encouraging each other!
I pray that the kids have another wonderful week! We have a lot in store this week for various members of the fam...Texans game, Astros game, first Aggies game (anyone catching a theme here?), and Mommy also gets a Ladies night out this week!
Monday, August 24, 2009
1st Day of School
Well, I'm glad that the kids are excited about school.
Kellen, at 4:30 AM this morning, excitedly declared, "This is the BEST DAY EVER! The first day of first grade!"
(I told him it was NOT wake up time and to go back to bed. I know, I know. I'm a kill-joy. I figured Daddy would have not been happy if the two kids would have been awake as I was leaving for my workout.)
Not to be outdone in the quest for independence, Tatum simply blew me a kiss and nonchalantly said, "Bye, bye, Mommy!" when I dropped her off in her room at her new daycare. Amazingly enough, she remembered a girl, by name, from visiting the school last week (she was there for 2 hours on Thursday) and Tatum seemed quite a bit more at ease this morning than the girl she tried to befriend!
I guess it's a good thing that they can adjust easily to new surroundings, right? It just kinda takes me aback when I realize that Mommy and Daddy are doing a good job of teaching them to be independent. The other side to that coin is that they are independent - as in - they didn't really need us all that much today.
And THAT, my friends, means that my kiddos are actually growing up. When did THAT happen?
Here are some pictures of Kellen before leaving for school. Pay special attention to the apple. It was a must-have for the first day of school. Why, you ask? Because as everyone knows, you give apples to teachers. "That's what first graders do."
Kellen, at 4:30 AM this morning, excitedly declared, "This is the BEST DAY EVER! The first day of first grade!"
(I told him it was NOT wake up time and to go back to bed. I know, I know. I'm a kill-joy. I figured Daddy would have not been happy if the two kids would have been awake as I was leaving for my workout.)
Not to be outdone in the quest for independence, Tatum simply blew me a kiss and nonchalantly said, "Bye, bye, Mommy!" when I dropped her off in her room at her new daycare. Amazingly enough, she remembered a girl, by name, from visiting the school last week (she was there for 2 hours on Thursday) and Tatum seemed quite a bit more at ease this morning than the girl she tried to befriend!
I guess it's a good thing that they can adjust easily to new surroundings, right? It just kinda takes me aback when I realize that Mommy and Daddy are doing a good job of teaching them to be independent. The other side to that coin is that they are independent - as in - they didn't really need us all that much today.
And THAT, my friends, means that my kiddos are actually growing up. When did THAT happen?
Here are some pictures of Kellen before leaving for school. Pay special attention to the apple. It was a must-have for the first day of school. Why, you ask? Because as everyone knows, you give apples to teachers. "That's what first graders do."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Officially on vacation....
Yes, you read that correctly. I have taken the week off. The WHOLE week.
Officially, my last day of work before the vacation was a long one...beginning at 6:45 AM and lasting until 6:30 PM...and I only ended the day because my co-worker stayed and helped me, despite me trying to make him leave. It would have been a much longer day without him. We began with graduation breakfast, then lining students up for graduation, then ran to get something to eat ('cause I had more attend the breakfast than had RSVP'ed, and the food was perfect for the students and their guests, it just didn't cover faculty/staff very well), then it was a mad scramble to finish everything on my list that needed to be done before I left and prepared for me for when I get back...back to a full-day new graduate orientation.
I'm so kind to myself, aren't I?
Anywhoo....I finished working, made it home, packed up, and headed back out....to a Ladies Slumber Party!!! The ladies from our Sunday School class have decided to really try and work on some fellowship opportunities lately, and this was just an "extra" thing that was scheduled. It was a lot of fun, and I am so glad to be getting to know so many more ladies around here!
Saturday was pretty relaxing...headed back home, hung out with the kids, tried to keep the laundry going and clean up the house, you know....normal Saturday activities. I think there might have even been a nap in there, too.
Sunday I had a nice combo bike/run workout (~6 miles bike/15 min run) with my ladies at 6AM, then after church and naps, we loaded up all of the swim accessories, headed to a friends house for a cook-out, set up the pool and slip n slide, and let the kids have at it while the adults chatted. After the kids were through playing, we then exposed them (and me!!) to their Wii...and played bowling. I just WISH I could bowl that well in real life! Kellen was doing great, Tatum liked it, but wasn't grasping the letting-go-of-the-button aspect, and Matt, well....watching Kellen and Daddy play was quite entertaining.
Monday morning, my first "official" day of vacation, began quite nicely...4:30 AM to get up and meet some ladies for a long bike ride (~9 miles). It was a good ride, despite having some equipment issues and falling off of the bike when I stopped (not even a cool story!). Honestly, it was good for me to fall off, considering I'm terrified of doing so. I did it and it wasn't that big of a deal. Not to say I want to do it again, but hey... We also learned that we'll have to evaluate our bike routes for our 5 AM rides...it was fairly dark for a ride that early, and many of the street lights weren't actually on.
Anyway, we got ready and headed out to Waco - destination: Cameron Park Zoo. Our plan was to meet up with Jules & her kiddos. We left about 45 minutes later than I had intended, but considering that there was no real schedule anyway, I guess it wasn't that big of a deal (Jules may disagree). The kids were SO well behaved in the car on the way there...there were no random outbursts from Tatum, Kellen played his Leapster with his headphones in, and everyone just chilled out. When we FINALLY got there. The directions on their site are slightly misleading...it's difficult to get there from University Parks Dr unless you know where to turn. I didn't know where to turn. I knew I was close, and was driving around looking for 4th street or an entrance from University Parks, had the kids singing, "Zoo, zoo, where are you?" I finally found an entrance, from neither of the streets the website had indicated...5th Street!! They had a GREAT time at the zoo, and we finished up in there shortly after 1:30 PM, and headed to Cameron Park for our picnic lunch and playing. We were on the road headed back to the motherland by about 2:45, and the kids were O-U-T by the time I got onto Hwy 6, and slept the entire trip back.
Last night we watched Underdog, then ate dinner, and everyone was in bed fairly early, including Mommy!
Today, my second day of vacation, began slightly different than yesterday. Other than the normal Kellen-in-bed and Tatum-crying-at-5:30-and-needs-to-go-back-to-sleep, I was truly awoken this morning by Tatum handing me her pullup (we tried it yesterday and last night...worked great! Stay tuned for how her skin reacts.) with a "present" in it - "present" side up and pullup completely off of her body....It was like she was handing me something on a silver platter, and it's quite a bit different than breakfast in bed. Needless to say, I was up in a flash!
My plans for today are a little more laid back than yesterday...perhaps some playing in the backyard, the pool, a walk to the park to feed the ducks, and throw in the laundry now and then to keep it going. The dishwasher is running, and I might get energized and sweep, mop, vacuum, but who knows? I told Daddy that I was on vacation, meaning that I wasn't going to houseclean, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to make good on that one (not that Daddy will mind). They both wanted to play with cars this morning, and then asked to watch Cars, so that's what they're doing right now.
When the software decides to cooperate, I'll upload some pictures from yesterday...
Officially, my last day of work before the vacation was a long one...beginning at 6:45 AM and lasting until 6:30 PM...and I only ended the day because my co-worker stayed and helped me, despite me trying to make him leave. It would have been a much longer day without him. We began with graduation breakfast, then lining students up for graduation, then ran to get something to eat ('cause I had more attend the breakfast than had RSVP'ed, and the food was perfect for the students and their guests, it just didn't cover faculty/staff very well), then it was a mad scramble to finish everything on my list that needed to be done before I left and prepared for me for when I get back...back to a full-day new graduate orientation.
I'm so kind to myself, aren't I?
Anywhoo....I finished working, made it home, packed up, and headed back out....to a Ladies Slumber Party!!! The ladies from our Sunday School class have decided to really try and work on some fellowship opportunities lately, and this was just an "extra" thing that was scheduled. It was a lot of fun, and I am so glad to be getting to know so many more ladies around here!
Saturday was pretty relaxing...headed back home, hung out with the kids, tried to keep the laundry going and clean up the house, you know....normal Saturday activities. I think there might have even been a nap in there, too.
Sunday I had a nice combo bike/run workout (~6 miles bike/15 min run) with my ladies at 6AM, then after church and naps, we loaded up all of the swim accessories, headed to a friends house for a cook-out, set up the pool and slip n slide, and let the kids have at it while the adults chatted. After the kids were through playing, we then exposed them (and me!!) to their Wii...and played bowling. I just WISH I could bowl that well in real life! Kellen was doing great, Tatum liked it, but wasn't grasping the letting-go-of-the-button aspect, and Matt, well....watching Kellen and Daddy play was quite entertaining.
Monday morning, my first "official" day of vacation, began quite nicely...4:30 AM to get up and meet some ladies for a long bike ride (~9 miles). It was a good ride, despite having some equipment issues and falling off of the bike when I stopped (not even a cool story!). Honestly, it was good for me to fall off, considering I'm terrified of doing so. I did it and it wasn't that big of a deal. Not to say I want to do it again, but hey... We also learned that we'll have to evaluate our bike routes for our 5 AM rides...it was fairly dark for a ride that early, and many of the street lights weren't actually on.
Anyway, we got ready and headed out to Waco - destination: Cameron Park Zoo. Our plan was to meet up with Jules & her kiddos. We left about 45 minutes later than I had intended, but considering that there was no real schedule anyway, I guess it wasn't that big of a deal (Jules may disagree). The kids were SO well behaved in the car on the way there...there were no random outbursts from Tatum, Kellen played his Leapster with his headphones in, and everyone just chilled out. When we FINALLY got there. The directions on their site are slightly misleading...it's difficult to get there from University Parks Dr unless you know where to turn. I didn't know where to turn. I knew I was close, and was driving around looking for 4th street or an entrance from University Parks, had the kids singing, "Zoo, zoo, where are you?" I finally found an entrance, from neither of the streets the website had indicated...5th Street!! They had a GREAT time at the zoo, and we finished up in there shortly after 1:30 PM, and headed to Cameron Park for our picnic lunch and playing. We were on the road headed back to the motherland by about 2:45, and the kids were O-U-T by the time I got onto Hwy 6, and slept the entire trip back.
Last night we watched Underdog, then ate dinner, and everyone was in bed fairly early, including Mommy!
Today, my second day of vacation, began slightly different than yesterday. Other than the normal Kellen-in-bed and Tatum-crying-at-5:30-and-needs-to-go-back-to-sleep, I was truly awoken this morning by Tatum handing me her pullup (we tried it yesterday and last night...worked great! Stay tuned for how her skin reacts.) with a "present" in it - "present" side up and pullup completely off of her body....It was like she was handing me something on a silver platter, and it's quite a bit different than breakfast in bed. Needless to say, I was up in a flash!
My plans for today are a little more laid back than yesterday...perhaps some playing in the backyard, the pool, a walk to the park to feed the ducks, and throw in the laundry now and then to keep it going. The dishwasher is running, and I might get energized and sweep, mop, vacuum, but who knows? I told Daddy that I was on vacation, meaning that I wasn't going to houseclean, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to make good on that one (not that Daddy will mind). They both wanted to play with cars this morning, and then asked to watch Cars, so that's what they're doing right now.
When the software decides to cooperate, I'll upload some pictures from yesterday...
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Mental Health Day
Today I took almost a full mental health day for myself.
I slept in, and luckily so did Tatum, then got ready and I took her to school. I decided that I would do a combo training workout this morning, so when I got back to the house, I drove a path for the bike route - a 1 1/2 mile path. I headed out on the bike, did the path twice in 17 minutes (I have NO idea if that's a good time or not, but considering it's the first time I've been on a bike since Crazy Mike's Bike Tour in Munich, Germany in 1996, I'll take it). I then put the bike in the garage and headed out for a jog. My initial goal was 2 miles, but I quickly changed that to a 1 mile jog when a I realized that the two pieces of lead attached to my hips weren't working very well. I think the third day of three consecutive days of working out has finally caught up with me. I'm BEAT!
I made it back home just as Matt and Kellen were pulling into the driveway. Kellen and I changed clothes into our swim gear, and we headed out to our pre-planned, pool play date. We were scheduled to meet his kindergarten teacher and her son at their neighborhood pool today at 10 and just hang out all day, or at least until I had to leave to get ready for the REU poster presentations late in the afternoon. So we made a quick errand stop and got over there around 10:15 and started our lounging and playing.
It was quite the day. Just what I needed. Lounging, basking, playing, and a whole lot of nothing.
We left there mid-afternoon and headed back to the house. On the way, Kellen said, "My eyelids are heavy," and seconds later I look back and he had fallen asleep. When I got to the house, I woke him up, asked him to change his clothes and just lay down until I was ready to go. He did, and then konked out on his bed - under the covers and all. When it was time to leave for the poster presentations, I attempted to wake him up, then had to spend a few minutes calming him down. When he gets REALLY tired, he gets worked up and it takes a while to get him calmed down once he's upset. It's a learned trick that requires patience, and is incredibly frustrating, even if you KNOW he's tired and that his being tired is the root cause of his behavior. This didn't last very long, but long enough for me to be reminded that he's still my little boy that needs his Mommy every once in a while.
Anyway, we got to the poster presentations and he sat down and played his Leapster, ate the snacks I had packed for him, and was on his best behavior. He was GREAT! So great, in fact, that after it was over and we had picked up Tatum, he got a treat of McDonald's for his behavior. Lucky Tatum, she got to benefit from it as well, since they both received Happy Meal's and were able to eat it picnic style while watching Veggie Tales because of the deal! That is such a treat for them....any food, in the living room, picnic style.
He and I snuggled some more before he went to bed, after I rubbed lotion on his sunburned face (it's not too bad, but I do believe it's his first ever sunburn). His face is red and his shoulders are a little pink. As for me, I just underestimated the sunscreen for myself altogether. I'm totally sunburned and you can see the outline of the bathing suit I was wearing. Kellen looked at me tonight before getting ready for bed and asked what the outline was (around my neck).
My response, "That was the color that Mommy started out today. The other color is how sunburned Mommy is now."
Kellen: "Wow, Mommy. It's really RED! I'm not laughing at you because you're sunburned, but it's just really RED!"
Bless his heart! He remembers my REALLY BAD sunburn from last summer (our river float adventure) and brought that back to my attention tonight. As in, 'It will be ok, Mommy. You had a sunburn last year when we were at the rock house and you got better. You will get better this time, too.' And this is nothing like that one. I anticipate that by Thursday or Friday this will have tanned itself out.
At least that's what I'm telling myself. :) I've already peeled once this summer and once is my limit.
I slept in, and luckily so did Tatum, then got ready and I took her to school. I decided that I would do a combo training workout this morning, so when I got back to the house, I drove a path for the bike route - a 1 1/2 mile path. I headed out on the bike, did the path twice in 17 minutes (I have NO idea if that's a good time or not, but considering it's the first time I've been on a bike since Crazy Mike's Bike Tour in Munich, Germany in 1996, I'll take it). I then put the bike in the garage and headed out for a jog. My initial goal was 2 miles, but I quickly changed that to a 1 mile jog when a I realized that the two pieces of lead attached to my hips weren't working very well. I think the third day of three consecutive days of working out has finally caught up with me. I'm BEAT!
I made it back home just as Matt and Kellen were pulling into the driveway. Kellen and I changed clothes into our swim gear, and we headed out to our pre-planned, pool play date. We were scheduled to meet his kindergarten teacher and her son at their neighborhood pool today at 10 and just hang out all day, or at least until I had to leave to get ready for the REU poster presentations late in the afternoon. So we made a quick errand stop and got over there around 10:15 and started our lounging and playing.
It was quite the day. Just what I needed. Lounging, basking, playing, and a whole lot of nothing.
We left there mid-afternoon and headed back to the house. On the way, Kellen said, "My eyelids are heavy," and seconds later I look back and he had fallen asleep. When I got to the house, I woke him up, asked him to change his clothes and just lay down until I was ready to go. He did, and then konked out on his bed - under the covers and all. When it was time to leave for the poster presentations, I attempted to wake him up, then had to spend a few minutes calming him down. When he gets REALLY tired, he gets worked up and it takes a while to get him calmed down once he's upset. It's a learned trick that requires patience, and is incredibly frustrating, even if you KNOW he's tired and that his being tired is the root cause of his behavior. This didn't last very long, but long enough for me to be reminded that he's still my little boy that needs his Mommy every once in a while.
Anyway, we got to the poster presentations and he sat down and played his Leapster, ate the snacks I had packed for him, and was on his best behavior. He was GREAT! So great, in fact, that after it was over and we had picked up Tatum, he got a treat of McDonald's for his behavior. Lucky Tatum, she got to benefit from it as well, since they both received Happy Meal's and were able to eat it picnic style while watching Veggie Tales because of the deal! That is such a treat for them....any food, in the living room, picnic style.
He and I snuggled some more before he went to bed, after I rubbed lotion on his sunburned face (it's not too bad, but I do believe it's his first ever sunburn). His face is red and his shoulders are a little pink. As for me, I just underestimated the sunscreen for myself altogether. I'm totally sunburned and you can see the outline of the bathing suit I was wearing. Kellen looked at me tonight before getting ready for bed and asked what the outline was (around my neck).
My response, "That was the color that Mommy started out today. The other color is how sunburned Mommy is now."
Kellen: "Wow, Mommy. It's really RED! I'm not laughing at you because you're sunburned, but it's just really RED!"
Bless his heart! He remembers my REALLY BAD sunburn from last summer (our river float adventure) and brought that back to my attention tonight. As in, 'It will be ok, Mommy. You had a sunburn last year when we were at the rock house and you got better. You will get better this time, too.' And this is nothing like that one. I anticipate that by Thursday or Friday this will have tanned itself out.
At least that's what I'm telling myself. :) I've already peeled once this summer and once is my limit.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Kellen's Birthday - My little boy isn't so little!
In preparation for Kellen's birthday party, I asked him where he wanted to have it and who he wanted to invite. He thought about it, and told me he wanted to have the party at McDonald's, then proceeded to dictate the guest list.
Since it's a summer birthday, and I didn't have the foresight to get the class list and contact information while he was still IN school, I contacted his teacher for the contact information for the kids he wanted to invite.
We went with a superhero theme (surprise, surprise) and I worked up the evites and went with it...I commissioned a Spiderman cake as the "surprise" cake for the party, and we were pretty well set (I love not having to stress about party's when the location does all of the work for you!).
After church and naps, Kellen was SUPER-excited, put on his special 'birthday boy' shirt and was counting down the minutes until it was time to GO! He just had such a good time with his friends!
I look at him and honestly wonder where the time has gone...how has it been six years since he was born? He is growing into an amazing young man...so caring and compassionate, attune to other people's feelings and hilariously funny. Don't get me wrong...he's ALL BOY as well, as his many scars and my many phone calls from counselors can attest to, but he's certainly my sweetie and I love him so much!
Since it's a summer birthday, and I didn't have the foresight to get the class list and contact information while he was still IN school, I contacted his teacher for the contact information for the kids he wanted to invite.
We went with a superhero theme (surprise, surprise) and I worked up the evites and went with it...I commissioned a Spiderman cake as the "surprise" cake for the party, and we were pretty well set (I love not having to stress about party's when the location does all of the work for you!).
After church and naps, Kellen was SUPER-excited, put on his special 'birthday boy' shirt and was counting down the minutes until it was time to GO! He just had such a good time with his friends!
I look at him and honestly wonder where the time has gone...how has it been six years since he was born? He is growing into an amazing young man...so caring and compassionate, attune to other people's feelings and hilariously funny. Don't get me wrong...he's ALL BOY as well, as his many scars and my many phone calls from counselors can attest to, but he's certainly my sweetie and I love him so much!
Hmph...and it continues
2 Miles this morning (speed drills, what a thrill), and my body doesn't like me today. I picked up the bike I'll be borrowing from a friend for the month of August to practice on, so we'll see how that goes.
I'm taking almost a full day off from work tomorrow and Kellen and I will be lounging by the pool, having a pool party play date. I'm going to try and be a good girl and work out before hand (we're supposed to be there at 10, so theoretically that gives me plenty of time to get an initial bike ride in while Matt is here to watch the kids in the morning, right?) We'll see how that goes.
Whoo hoo!!
I'm taking almost a full day off from work tomorrow and Kellen and I will be lounging by the pool, having a pool party play date. I'm going to try and be a good girl and work out before hand (we're supposed to be there at 10, so theoretically that gives me plenty of time to get an initial bike ride in while Matt is here to watch the kids in the morning, right?) We'll see how that goes.
Whoo hoo!!
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Here we go...
I am now participating with a group of gals from my Sunday School class who are training...originally for a 10K, now for a tri. Not a full tri, but a tri sprint. And tonight was my first night to train with them and they kicked my tail! It doesn't help that my longest run lately has been 2 miles and they were planning to run 4-5 (or for about an hour) tonight, or that it was a night run (I typically run in the morning), and it was after dinner (I typically run on an empty stomach). So, I was destined to have a rough time of it.
But it was a great workout! We did a 1.2 mile run, drills, another 1.2 mile run, another set of drills, then ended with another 1.2 mile run. It felt great, even though it was horrid! If you work out at all, you completely understand what I mean.
I have my alarm set for 5 am and am planning on a short run for the morning.
Now, can I learn to swim and bike in less than 3 months?
But it was a great workout! We did a 1.2 mile run, drills, another 1.2 mile run, another set of drills, then ended with another 1.2 mile run. It felt great, even though it was horrid! If you work out at all, you completely understand what I mean.
I have my alarm set for 5 am and am planning on a short run for the morning.
Now, can I learn to swim and bike in less than 3 months?
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Me: Sweetie, I don't think that you can.
Tatum: 'Cause I'm not in the movie, huh?