Marleigh on her first day of 7th grade...
Elliot on his last first day of elementary school, 5th grade...
Selah on her first day of 1st grade...
And little Tess, my Kindergartener...
8.20.2007
First Day Photos
As promised, here are some photos of each kiddo on the first day of school. This working full time thing is still taking some getting used to. I was so busy that first morning that I really rushed taking pics so I got some out-of-focus shots. Oh well, what can you do, right?
Marleigh on her first day of 7th grade...
Elliot on his last first day of elementary school, 5th grade...
Selah on her first day of 1st grade...
And little Tess, my Kindergartener...
Marleigh on her first day of 7th grade...
Elliot on his last first day of elementary school, 5th grade...
Selah on her first day of 1st grade...
And little Tess, my Kindergartener...
8.19.2007
More tooth fairy woes
Some of you may remember Elliot having some tooth fairy issues a year or so ago. Looks like the tooth fairy is still having some issues.
Last night Selah pulled a tooth. She worked on that thing forever. I'm not sure why she was so intent on getting it out but she finally got it. Then she made Tess scale the pantry shelves to get a ziploc bag for her so it wouldn't get lost while laying under her pillow.
So this morning Hubby is doing his business on the potty when Selah walks in, ziploc bag in hand and a big huge pout on her face.
Selah: "Daddy, look!"
Hubby: Looking up from his magazine he stares blankly at the baggie for a second before he realizes what it means. "Uh oh! The tooth fairy didn't come last night?"
Selah: "No!"
Hubby: "Oh you know what? It was raining all night. The tooth fairy probably couldn't come because her wings would get wet. She wouldn't be able to fly with wet wings. We'll try again tonight."
Wow. I'm really impressed with the way Hubby is able to come up with that sort of thing on the fly. I mean, it totally makes sense, right? Teeny tiny little tooth fairy. How would she be able to fly if her wings got wet?
Hopefully the tooth fairy will make it tonight and we won't have a repeat of Elliot's poor tooth fairy fiasco.
Last night Selah pulled a tooth. She worked on that thing forever. I'm not sure why she was so intent on getting it out but she finally got it. Then she made Tess scale the pantry shelves to get a ziploc bag for her so it wouldn't get lost while laying under her pillow.
So this morning Hubby is doing his business on the potty when Selah walks in, ziploc bag in hand and a big huge pout on her face.
Selah: "Daddy, look!"
Hubby: Looking up from his magazine he stares blankly at the baggie for a second before he realizes what it means. "Uh oh! The tooth fairy didn't come last night?"
Selah: "No!"
Hubby: "Oh you know what? It was raining all night. The tooth fairy probably couldn't come because her wings would get wet. She wouldn't be able to fly with wet wings. We'll try again tonight."
Wow. I'm really impressed with the way Hubby is able to come up with that sort of thing on the fly. I mean, it totally makes sense, right? Teeny tiny little tooth fairy. How would she be able to fly if her wings got wet?
Hopefully the tooth fairy will make it tonight and we won't have a repeat of Elliot's poor tooth fairy fiasco.
8.15.2007
First day of school
Oh, how I'd love to share pictures of my kiddos on the first day of school. Alas, my slow-as-molassas computer forbids me from doing so. I am in the processes of editing the pictures but because of said slow computer it'll probably be a couple of days before I can actually share photos. So in the meantime, I'll just bore you with the details.
Tess: First day of Kindergarten today. She did great and met some new friends that she played with this morning while I was observing in the classroom. Being the first day the parents had to stick around to do some things and help the kiddos feel a bit more at ease. The little girl Tess was playing with kept telling her mom that she could go home now. Tess was content just having me watch. Until it was time for me to go when she broke down in big sobs and said she didn't want me to leave. Poor thing, she stayed in the line to go to recess just holding a friends hand and tears were streaming down her face. Ugh. Very hard to be the Mommy and have to stay strong when you really just want to scoop her up and take her home and snuggle. She went out to recess where she continued to cry even harder when she saw her teacher from last year. I think the familiarity of her just set her off. Then she even saw Elliott and Selah and was STILL sobbing. Poor thing. At some point she finally did settle down and enjoyed the rest of the day enough to announce this afternoon that today was, "The best day EVER!"
Selah: She had a lot of fun today. She loves her new teacher and I'm a lot happier with her teacher assignment this year than I was last year. I've heard several parents say that this teacher isn't very good but I'm pleased with her disposition and am just crossing my fingers that she'll be a good fit with Selah this year. I'm so happy that Selah is also branching out of her shell a bit and isn't as shy as she has been in the past. She's open to making new friends and came home this afternoon telling me about the new friends she made today.
Elliott: He's pleased as pie with his class full of rowdy boys. Apparently his teacher is one that can reign them in and more power to her. When I saw the list of names for his class I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I'm not sure what the ratio of boys to girls is but every single boy in there is a handfull I think! Elliott is a terrific student but loves to entertain so friends encouraging that behavior isn't always good. From what I hear though this teacher is able to be strict and discipline the children but they also all really like her. When Elliott came home after school I asked him about his day and he said, "My teacher is really strict". I asked if he liked her even though she was strict and he was pretty hesitant before saying yes. I imagine that she's starting the year off letting them know who's boss and before long he'll be telling me how much he likes her.
Marleigh: Bless her heart. She had a bit of a rough first day of 7th grade. First she set her alarm wrong and woke up late. I would have gotten her up but I was out on my run and so was Hubby. By the time we got home she only had about 30 minutes to get ready. Apparently not enough for a 12-going-on-18 year old. Then I got a call from Hubby at 10:15 informing me that Marleigh started her period. Poor thing! It's been so inconsistent and she just doesn't really know when to expect it. Of course she didn't have anything with her and she bled all through her brand new shorts she bought last night for the first day of school. She was miserable and embarassed thinking that other people saw the back of her pants and then was terrified that I'd be made that she'd messed up her new shorts. Poor thing. I brought her home to change and get cleaned up and before too long she was much better. I'm sure this will be one of those things she looks back and laughs about in 10 years but today it was far from funny!
It was an emotional day for me. Sending Tess off to Kindergarten, the first real official year to be in school. Elliott went to his last first day at elementary school. And Marleigh went to her last first day in middle school. Next year I'll have two in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in junior high. Heaven help me! And while You're at it, make these kids slow down and not grow up so fast!
Tess: First day of Kindergarten today. She did great and met some new friends that she played with this morning while I was observing in the classroom. Being the first day the parents had to stick around to do some things and help the kiddos feel a bit more at ease. The little girl Tess was playing with kept telling her mom that she could go home now. Tess was content just having me watch. Until it was time for me to go when she broke down in big sobs and said she didn't want me to leave. Poor thing, she stayed in the line to go to recess just holding a friends hand and tears were streaming down her face. Ugh. Very hard to be the Mommy and have to stay strong when you really just want to scoop her up and take her home and snuggle. She went out to recess where she continued to cry even harder when she saw her teacher from last year. I think the familiarity of her just set her off. Then she even saw Elliott and Selah and was STILL sobbing. Poor thing. At some point she finally did settle down and enjoyed the rest of the day enough to announce this afternoon that today was, "The best day EVER!"
Selah: She had a lot of fun today. She loves her new teacher and I'm a lot happier with her teacher assignment this year than I was last year. I've heard several parents say that this teacher isn't very good but I'm pleased with her disposition and am just crossing my fingers that she'll be a good fit with Selah this year. I'm so happy that Selah is also branching out of her shell a bit and isn't as shy as she has been in the past. She's open to making new friends and came home this afternoon telling me about the new friends she made today.
Elliott: He's pleased as pie with his class full of rowdy boys. Apparently his teacher is one that can reign them in and more power to her. When I saw the list of names for his class I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I'm not sure what the ratio of boys to girls is but every single boy in there is a handfull I think! Elliott is a terrific student but loves to entertain so friends encouraging that behavior isn't always good. From what I hear though this teacher is able to be strict and discipline the children but they also all really like her. When Elliott came home after school I asked him about his day and he said, "My teacher is really strict". I asked if he liked her even though she was strict and he was pretty hesitant before saying yes. I imagine that she's starting the year off letting them know who's boss and before long he'll be telling me how much he likes her.
Marleigh: Bless her heart. She had a bit of a rough first day of 7th grade. First she set her alarm wrong and woke up late. I would have gotten her up but I was out on my run and so was Hubby. By the time we got home she only had about 30 minutes to get ready. Apparently not enough for a 12-going-on-18 year old. Then I got a call from Hubby at 10:15 informing me that Marleigh started her period. Poor thing! It's been so inconsistent and she just doesn't really know when to expect it. Of course she didn't have anything with her and she bled all through her brand new shorts she bought last night for the first day of school. She was miserable and embarassed thinking that other people saw the back of her pants and then was terrified that I'd be made that she'd messed up her new shorts. Poor thing. I brought her home to change and get cleaned up and before too long she was much better. I'm sure this will be one of those things she looks back and laughs about in 10 years but today it was far from funny!
It was an emotional day for me. Sending Tess off to Kindergarten, the first real official year to be in school. Elliott went to his last first day at elementary school. And Marleigh went to her last first day in middle school. Next year I'll have two in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in junior high. Heaven help me! And while You're at it, make these kids slow down and not grow up so fast!
8.13.2007
Smartie pants
You know how sometimes your kids your kids have a certain way of pronouncing things when they are small? And you know that they'll grow up and not say things like that anymore and you want to keep them small as long as you can so they'll always say those silly things?
Well, Selah and Tess both pronounce their r's wrong. Selah seems to be growing out of it this summer. But I can count on Tess for at least another year of silly pronounciations. For instance, the sentence "Tomorrow you need to go to the store and get more animal crackers" sounds more like, "Toomawoah you need to go to the stoowah and get moowah animal quackoors" in Tess's world.
So this evening at dinner Selah announces that Tess can now say her r's correctly. Our conversation went something like this.
Selah: Did you know Tess can say her r's now?
Mom: No I didn't know that. Tess is that true?
Tess: Yeah, listen. *concentrating really hard she says* "I are smart!"
Gotta love that girl!
Well, Selah and Tess both pronounce their r's wrong. Selah seems to be growing out of it this summer. But I can count on Tess for at least another year of silly pronounciations. For instance, the sentence "Tomorrow you need to go to the store and get more animal crackers" sounds more like, "Toomawoah you need to go to the stoowah and get moowah animal quackoors" in Tess's world.
So this evening at dinner Selah announces that Tess can now say her r's correctly. Our conversation went something like this.
Selah: Did you know Tess can say her r's now?
Mom: No I didn't know that. Tess is that true?
Tess: Yeah, listen. *concentrating really hard she says* "I are smart!"
Gotta love that girl!
8.07.2007
A stadium full
On Saturday I was a chaperone for Marleigh's junior high church group. I always help out with the group on Wednesday nights during the school year but haven't gone on a trip with them for quite a while.
Saturday was a surprise for the kids. They didn't know what our plans were as we loaded the people movers and headed out of the parking lot. It was a jam packed day that started with a drive to Tulsa. Then we went ice skating and afterwards we headed to Incredible Pizza to chow down and play hard. As if our bellies weren't full enough, we then visited a nearby Marble Slab for ice cream all around.
Finally our exhausted group headed to the ballpark to watch the Tulsa Driller's baseball team. As the group headed to the top of the stadium in search of shelter from the hot sun, I chose a seat several rows below them. Leaning back, with my legs draped over the bleacher in front of me I just took it all in. It was definitely hot but the wind was blowing and the sounds and smells of the field were slowly lulling me into a trance. I found myself staring off towards the outfield when I realized what I had found. Patterns! Lots of them, full of colors and shapes. From the blue bleachers and the shiny metal fencing to the rows mowed into the grass. A stadium full of patterns.
See more patterns at the Self Portrait Challenge
Self Portrait Challenge website.
8.01.2007
Thirty4
Can I really be that old?
I remember when I met Hubby. His two brothers are 10 and 11 years older than he is and they were just turning 30 back then. I thought they were ancient. I specifically remember thinking that they were so old that it was all pretty much downhill from there.
Now here I am, turning 34 today. I feel like there is so much in my life that I have yet to accomplish. Like there is still so much left for me to do. In some ways I feel like my life is just beginning.
I had two friends sing Happy Birthday to me today. One of them had her 5 year old in the background. Can't beat the voice of a little birthday wish like that. And of course my fam sang to me too. My kids, and Hubby, really do rock.
It was my last day at the "old job" today. That was a little bit bittersweet. I will miss just knowing exactly what to do and not really having to think about it. Although I know that feeling will come with the new job in time. I got to choose where lunch was brought from at the office and had a big brisket salad.
Then Hubby took the kids and me out for Japanese hibachi and sushi. It was yummy but way too much food. I think I'll just roll myself into the bedroom tonight.
My little sister sent me a beautiful new necklace and a friend gifted me with two new magazine suscriptions. I'm such a magazine junkie! Hubby gave me some wonderful smelling perfume and a gift certificate to Payless. My favorite shoe store! As many shoes as I buy it's a good thing I like the cheap ones.
I think my favorite gifts were from my sweet little kiddos. Selah and Elliot both made me cards with poems they wrote. Tess made me a little card and wrapped two of her special worry dolls that she made at Selah's birthday party up in a bandana for me to have. Marleigh used her own money to buy a frame. Then printed a photo of me with all four kiddos just after Tess was born. She printed "Mother Love...is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible" on a sheet of vellum and mounted it over the photo, placing them in the frame. It's beautiful and just reminds me how special all of my children are and how incredibly blessed I am to have them as mine!
Hopefully tomorrow I can share a photo of my birthday goodies. Tonight I'm wiped out and ready to lay down and snuggle with Hubby and think about how wonderful I hope this year as 34 will be.
I remember when I met Hubby. His two brothers are 10 and 11 years older than he is and they were just turning 30 back then. I thought they were ancient. I specifically remember thinking that they were so old that it was all pretty much downhill from there.
Now here I am, turning 34 today. I feel like there is so much in my life that I have yet to accomplish. Like there is still so much left for me to do. In some ways I feel like my life is just beginning.
I had two friends sing Happy Birthday to me today. One of them had her 5 year old in the background. Can't beat the voice of a little birthday wish like that. And of course my fam sang to me too. My kids, and Hubby, really do rock.
It was my last day at the "old job" today. That was a little bit bittersweet. I will miss just knowing exactly what to do and not really having to think about it. Although I know that feeling will come with the new job in time. I got to choose where lunch was brought from at the office and had a big brisket salad.
Then Hubby took the kids and me out for Japanese hibachi and sushi. It was yummy but way too much food. I think I'll just roll myself into the bedroom tonight.
My little sister sent me a beautiful new necklace and a friend gifted me with two new magazine suscriptions. I'm such a magazine junkie! Hubby gave me some wonderful smelling perfume and a gift certificate to Payless. My favorite shoe store! As many shoes as I buy it's a good thing I like the cheap ones.
I think my favorite gifts were from my sweet little kiddos. Selah and Elliot both made me cards with poems they wrote. Tess made me a little card and wrapped two of her special worry dolls that she made at Selah's birthday party up in a bandana for me to have. Marleigh used her own money to buy a frame. Then printed a photo of me with all four kiddos just after Tess was born. She printed "Mother Love...is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible" on a sheet of vellum and mounted it over the photo, placing them in the frame. It's beautiful and just reminds me how special all of my children are and how incredibly blessed I am to have them as mine!
Hopefully tomorrow I can share a photo of my birthday goodies. Tonight I'm wiped out and ready to lay down and snuggle with Hubby and think about how wonderful I hope this year as 34 will be.
7.27.2007
Full-timer
It's official. I'm a full-timer. Well, it's not actually official until next Thursday when I start for real. But since I only work M-W-F at my part time job (through next Wednesday, which happens to also be my birthday!) I went in yesterday to my new job for the first time.
It was interesting. Tuesday's and Thursday's we have med-clinic. Which means that we have patients coming in those days to see the doctor. I am being trained by a retired employee who I would describe as old school. Actually, the whole place is old school. Lots of things could be done on the computer that is being hand written right now. Perhaps at some point I can update those things. We'll see.
The lady training me, Carol, is nice. But she's set in her ways. I think she said, "My personal opinion" about 20 times yesterday. I politely agreed with her and made lots of mental notes to do things differently once she cuts me loose.
Carol seems to get frazzled really easily. Actually, there's no "seems to get" about it. Any little thing not going the right way gets her completely frazzled. Several times she mentioned that although it was ovewhelming it was a good day for me to start because I was able to see exactly how crazy things could get in the office on med clinic days.
Um, ok.
From what I can tell, the definition of "crazy" at my new job would be an extremely slow day at my current job. I do know that the 7 short months I worked in my current job will come in handy since both positions are in the medical field. But honestly, I think this new job will work out great. Especially once I get in and get the hang of things and my daily duties become second nature.
I also think that if I have to work full time, this is the perfect job to do it in. I should be able to get my 40 hours/week and still take off here and there to attend the kids school functions that they have periodically throughout the year. Yeah!
Of course, it helps that my boss is my friend. Can't beat that. I worked my old job today and then went in to the new one for just a few hours this afternoon. My boss/friend, Leah, and I went to Wal-Mart to buy a new mirror and lamp for the office. Then we went back and decorated so it was more homey. It looks 100% better already. I might actually like spending time there! And bonus...we can pay off so many bills with my new income.
Yippee!
It was interesting. Tuesday's and Thursday's we have med-clinic. Which means that we have patients coming in those days to see the doctor. I am being trained by a retired employee who I would describe as old school. Actually, the whole place is old school. Lots of things could be done on the computer that is being hand written right now. Perhaps at some point I can update those things. We'll see.
The lady training me, Carol, is nice. But she's set in her ways. I think she said, "My personal opinion" about 20 times yesterday. I politely agreed with her and made lots of mental notes to do things differently once she cuts me loose.
Carol seems to get frazzled really easily. Actually, there's no "seems to get" about it. Any little thing not going the right way gets her completely frazzled. Several times she mentioned that although it was ovewhelming it was a good day for me to start because I was able to see exactly how crazy things could get in the office on med clinic days.
Um, ok.
From what I can tell, the definition of "crazy" at my new job would be an extremely slow day at my current job. I do know that the 7 short months I worked in my current job will come in handy since both positions are in the medical field. But honestly, I think this new job will work out great. Especially once I get in and get the hang of things and my daily duties become second nature.
I also think that if I have to work full time, this is the perfect job to do it in. I should be able to get my 40 hours/week and still take off here and there to attend the kids school functions that they have periodically throughout the year. Yeah!
Of course, it helps that my boss is my friend. Can't beat that. I worked my old job today and then went in to the new one for just a few hours this afternoon. My boss/friend, Leah, and I went to Wal-Mart to buy a new mirror and lamp for the office. Then we went back and decorated so it was more homey. It looks 100% better already. I might actually like spending time there! And bonus...we can pay off so many bills with my new income.
Yippee!
7.25.2007
Natural exfoliation
Why pay $40 for a pedicure when you can get such quality exfoliation for free on the beach?
See more self portraits
here.
7.18.2007
Major changes
Oh. My. Goodness.
Can I first just say that I had nearly my whole entire entry typed out and then lost it somehow. Who knows what on earth I hit but it deleted everything.
Not to worry right? Because "Now Blogger saves your drafts automatically!" Unless you delete them accidentally. Whatever. I'll just start over.
So anyway...
One of my favorite little co-workers left my office a few weeks ago because she was offered a full time position with great benny's and it was a lot less stress than our current situation. She's a single mom. Would have been stupid to turn it down.
I talked to her on her first day at the new job. She joked about how weird it was to have so much responsibility and how the following day she would be interviewing applicants for her receptionist. She said, "I wish you could work full time because it would be so cool to have you here with me."
Well, I don't want to work full time. Right? I'm not ready to be a full time worker who isn't home when her kids get home from school. Not ready for full time. So not ready.
Then I mentioned to Hubby that she was looking for a receptionist. He perked up immediately , wondering about the pay. Bless his heart. For so many years he's basically worked 2 full time jobs to support our family. And he saw the light at the end of the tunnel with the possibility of me bringing in an actual income.
So last week I went and interviewed for this position. I'd be the secretary to the director of the med clinic for a non-profit mental health agency. Just so happens that the director is my buddy. ;)
Well, today I heard that they wanted to officially offer me the position. Yee haw! 40 hours/week with a salary. Super cool. Of course I told them yes. I should have a final start date tomorrow when I talk to my current office manager and find out my final day at my current job.
So now of course I'm freaking out. What on earth am I going to do with my kids when I'm at work? What will they do after school when I'm still at work? How will I get them to their piano/volleyball/gymnastics/cheer practices? Ugh. It's too overwhelming.
I need to order extra bon bons.
Can I first just say that I had nearly my whole entire entry typed out and then lost it somehow. Who knows what on earth I hit but it deleted everything.
Not to worry right? Because "Now Blogger saves your drafts automatically!" Unless you delete them accidentally. Whatever. I'll just start over.
So anyway...
One of my favorite little co-workers left my office a few weeks ago because she was offered a full time position with great benny's and it was a lot less stress than our current situation. She's a single mom. Would have been stupid to turn it down.
I talked to her on her first day at the new job. She joked about how weird it was to have so much responsibility and how the following day she would be interviewing applicants for her receptionist. She said, "I wish you could work full time because it would be so cool to have you here with me."
Well, I don't want to work full time. Right? I'm not ready to be a full time worker who isn't home when her kids get home from school. Not ready for full time. So not ready.
Then I mentioned to Hubby that she was looking for a receptionist. He perked up immediately , wondering about the pay. Bless his heart. For so many years he's basically worked 2 full time jobs to support our family. And he saw the light at the end of the tunnel with the possibility of me bringing in an actual income.
So last week I went and interviewed for this position. I'd be the secretary to the director of the med clinic for a non-profit mental health agency. Just so happens that the director is my buddy. ;)
Well, today I heard that they wanted to officially offer me the position. Yee haw! 40 hours/week with a salary. Super cool. Of course I told them yes. I should have a final start date tomorrow when I talk to my current office manager and find out my final day at my current job.
So now of course I'm freaking out. What on earth am I going to do with my kids when I'm at work? What will they do after school when I'm still at work? How will I get them to their piano/volleyball/gymnastics/cheer practices? Ugh. It's too overwhelming.
I need to order extra bon bons.
7.16.2007
Sister slumber party
On Friday night I had the pleasure of hanging with my two favorite sisters. Ok, so I only have two sisters but if I had three I feel certain that these two would be my faves.
Emily was in town from New Mexico and we all met up at Amy's house for what I hope will be the first of many future Sister Slumber parties.
What, you ask, is necessary for this type of shindig? Well, a tub of cookie dough is always important. Cookie dough shaped like a big cow patty? Even better!
You'll also need a spoon for each sister. Now, be aware that your sisters will probably double dip. Just try not to notice and remember how much you love them.
Finally, you'll need a couple sisters. Funny ones are best. If you can find one that snorts when she laughs...even better. Lots of childhood memories and deep conversation about bra sizes will help keep things rolling.
I had a blast guys, thanks for being my sisters! *smooch*
Emily was in town from New Mexico and we all met up at Amy's house for what I hope will be the first of many future Sister Slumber parties.
What, you ask, is necessary for this type of shindig? Well, a tub of cookie dough is always important. Cookie dough shaped like a big cow patty? Even better!
You'll also need a spoon for each sister. Now, be aware that your sisters will probably double dip. Just try not to notice and remember how much you love them.
Finally, you'll need a couple sisters. Funny ones are best. If you can find one that snorts when she laughs...even better. Lots of childhood memories and deep conversation about bra sizes will help keep things rolling.
I had a blast guys, thanks for being my sisters! *smooch*
7.12.2007
Sew productive!
So I have this huge list of things that I really would like to get done around here. One of them is to find uses for all of the scraps and remnants that I have laying all around this place. It's a bit overwhelming, considering the seriousness of my fabric addiction. It's bad.
I got this great book by Amy Karol of The Angry Chicken. I just found her blog last week and can I just say I love her and she's not at all angry! I had some orders to work on today so while I did that I supervised Marleigh making Amy's No Cash Wallet from her book.
This was her first real sewing project to do on her own. I helped her just a smidge but I'm so proud of what she did. She liked it so much that she ended up making a second one and even bent the rules a bit more and changed it up a bit all on her own! Bonus: She used a bunch of my scraps!
Aren't those cute! She has a school trip to Italy next spring break and is really hoping to go. I told her we'd need to start saving money and she's all bummed out that she's only 12 and can't get a job. (Remember those days? When you were too young to have a job and hated it. Man, I'd love to be there again!) I'm considering letting her open an Etsy shop and the two of us can put goodies in there to help fund her trip. Whaddya think?
While she was working I made two aprons for my friend. She's been taking an annual trip with her Hubby to visit friends in Connecticut that have two little girls. Last time they went, her Hubby spent a fair share of his time there playing kitchen with the girls. So she ordered aprons for each of the girls from me. I love the colors in the fabrics she chose.
Feels good to have those done. Now I just have to get them monogrammed for her. And I'm getting ready to cut out some fabric for some PrettyMat orders that I desperately need to get done.
All in all, a very productive sewing day. Go me!
7.10.2007
SPC1 - The Flame
My first entry in the Self Portrait Challenge This months challenge is to photograph the elements. Earth. Water. Fire. Air.
I choose Fire.
Fire is mesmerizing to me. I love just sitting and staring into the flame, dreaming of times gone by.
Fire and flames bring back memories of cherished times (and not so cherished) with my family. The top three most significant memories are:
1. Congregational Church. Loveland, Colorado. Leaned over during the candlelight child as a small child and caught my hair on fire. Mmmm. Burning hair. Yuck.
2. First Presbyterian Church. Tulsa, Oklahoma. Candlelight service = Silent Night. My mom died in 1993 but I can still hear her singing alto every time I listen to Silent Night. Looking into the flame of a fire this is what it most reminds me of.
3. Bon Fire. Memorial Day 1992. I went camping with a friend, her friend, and who I now fondly refer to as Hubby. We were out of firewood. So future-Hubby and I went stalking around other camp sites stealing firewood from other campers. Man, we were bad. *snort*
I choose Fire.
Fire is mesmerizing to me. I love just sitting and staring into the flame, dreaming of times gone by.
Fire and flames bring back memories of cherished times (and not so cherished) with my family. The top three most significant memories are:
1. Congregational Church. Loveland, Colorado. Leaned over during the candlelight child as a small child and caught my hair on fire. Mmmm. Burning hair. Yuck.
2. First Presbyterian Church. Tulsa, Oklahoma. Candlelight service = Silent Night. My mom died in 1993 but I can still hear her singing alto every time I listen to Silent Night. Looking into the flame of a fire this is what it most reminds me of.
3. Bon Fire. Memorial Day 1992. I went camping with a friend, her friend, and who I now fondly refer to as Hubby. We were out of firewood. So future-Hubby and I went stalking around other camp sites stealing firewood from other campers. Man, we were bad. *snort*
7.08.2007
Change is good
Right?
Well, I'm not one for change. Never have been. My office has been going through a lot of changes lately. New computer program, co-workers leaving, new employees. You name it, it seems to be happening at my office. I don't like it.
I don't like the change happening with my children. I want them to stay little, to just freeze time. I should be happy that they are growing and thriving and I am. But I know that with each passing day they are that much closer to growing up and leaving me. What if I'm not done with them yet?
The change I see happening with my parents is scary. My mom has passed away but there's my Dad and Step-Mom and my Step-Dad who are all big pieces of my life. I seem to have successfully frozen them in time, keeping them all at an age that is much younger then they are now. Then I'll talk with one of them on the phone or see them and I realize that just like my children, they have aged. They've changed. Change I just don't want to deal with.
This photo was taken on our trip in May. I love it because it reminds me of what God is capable of. This morning at church the sermon was the last in a series about the intersection of Life and Faith. I was reminded that God is reliable. That He is the constant in this world that is ever changing. I may not be able to control everything. And things are bound to change and become uncomfortable, mostly right when I finally think I have it all figured out. But to know that my God has been and will be there through it all is certainly comforting.
As the service ended today Marleigh was taken up front with her youth pastor. A couple weeks ago while at camp she was baptized and today she declared her decision publicly in front of our congregation. Yet another change, my baby girl growing up and making decisions on her own. This was, of course, one of those decisions that I didn't have to argue with her about. I'm so proud of her!
Well, I'm not one for change. Never have been. My office has been going through a lot of changes lately. New computer program, co-workers leaving, new employees. You name it, it seems to be happening at my office. I don't like it.
I don't like the change happening with my children. I want them to stay little, to just freeze time. I should be happy that they are growing and thriving and I am. But I know that with each passing day they are that much closer to growing up and leaving me. What if I'm not done with them yet?
The change I see happening with my parents is scary. My mom has passed away but there's my Dad and Step-Mom and my Step-Dad who are all big pieces of my life. I seem to have successfully frozen them in time, keeping them all at an age that is much younger then they are now. Then I'll talk with one of them on the phone or see them and I realize that just like my children, they have aged. They've changed. Change I just don't want to deal with.
This photo was taken on our trip in May. I love it because it reminds me of what God is capable of. This morning at church the sermon was the last in a series about the intersection of Life and Faith. I was reminded that God is reliable. That He is the constant in this world that is ever changing. I may not be able to control everything. And things are bound to change and become uncomfortable, mostly right when I finally think I have it all figured out. But to know that my God has been and will be there through it all is certainly comforting.
As the service ended today Marleigh was taken up front with her youth pastor. A couple weeks ago while at camp she was baptized and today she declared her decision publicly in front of our congregation. Yet another change, my baby girl growing up and making decisions on her own. This was, of course, one of those decisions that I didn't have to argue with her about. I'm so proud of her!
7.06.2007
Why can't I put a title on my post? I don't get it. I'm actually having all sorts of issues. I've found a new thing to add to my sidebar and of course I can't for the life of me get it added. It's really ticking me off.
So if I could add a Title it would be something like, "I heart photography". Or maybe, "A new obsession".
Hubby got me a new a camera for Christmas and I have really been enjoying it. I'm trying to teach myself Photoshop. Holy cow, that is one crazy program! I haven't seen more gadgets and gizmo's since I was allowed to go in the cockpit of an airplane as a little girl.
(Ahhh, remember the good old days? When you could go in and meet the captain and see where he sat to fly the big airplane and he'd give you your own pair of little wings. And you could ring the little bell and the stewardess would bring you a deck of cards that you got to keep. And then you and your brother would make your little sister laugh so hard that she'd throw up in the doggie bag and the stewardess would then give you really dirty looks and whisper to her co-workers how she hated kids flying alone. Um, nevermind.)
So anyway, I really am loving taking pictures. I'd love to improve to a point where I could do some photography for others. I don't know if that will ever happen but a girl can dream. Right? And in the meantime I get to lust after all these cool contraptions that would help my picture taking and then things like
these that are just plain cool!
Hopefully in the next few days I will share some picture. But first I have to figure out this whole blog issue I've got going on!
So if I could add a Title it would be something like, "I heart photography". Or maybe, "A new obsession".
Hubby got me a new a camera for Christmas and I have really been enjoying it. I'm trying to teach myself Photoshop. Holy cow, that is one crazy program! I haven't seen more gadgets and gizmo's since I was allowed to go in the cockpit of an airplane as a little girl.
(Ahhh, remember the good old days? When you could go in and meet the captain and see where he sat to fly the big airplane and he'd give you your own pair of little wings. And you could ring the little bell and the stewardess would bring you a deck of cards that you got to keep. And then you and your brother would make your little sister laugh so hard that she'd throw up in the doggie bag and the stewardess would then give you really dirty looks and whisper to her co-workers how she hated kids flying alone. Um, nevermind.)
So anyway, I really am loving taking pictures. I'd love to improve to a point where I could do some photography for others. I don't know if that will ever happen but a girl can dream. Right? And in the meantime I get to lust after all these cool contraptions that would help my picture taking and then things like
these that are just plain cool!
Hopefully in the next few days I will share some picture. But first I have to figure out this whole blog issue I've got going on!
7.05.2007
Stick-to-itiveness
I've never really had it. Ever.
I remember being a young girl and thinking it would be fun to rearrange my bedroom. I'd get nearly halfway done and decide I didn't really have that much interest in it after all.
At a young age I learned to do needle point and cross stitch. I can't tell you how many of those unfinished projects I have still laying around here.
Then there is every January 1st when I make a bunch of revelations to be healthy and happy and lay off the bon bons. I'm sure you can guess how long those generally last.
I just have never been one who could stick with things. My parenting skills are no exception.
Today we had to go to OKC for Elliot's Dr.'s appointment. Tess wasn't all that good during the appointment, she was cranky and loud and I attributed it the cold or whatever it is that has plagued our family lately.
After the appointment we headed down the street to a Border's so we could look at all the books and magazines. I love a big book store and could get lost in it forever just checking out every aisle and shelf. I'm so happy that my kids have inherited my love of reading and they were all excited about looking around.
So after we'd been there for a while Tess comes up to me with a stuffed animal. Seriously? Do you know how many stuffed animals there are in this house? After 33 years and 4 kids the last thing we need is a new stuffed animal. So I explain as best as I could that she was under no circumstances getting it but that I was happy to get her a new book.
Melt down.
Yep, right there my 5 year old cried and clung to that animal like it was something she'd had her whole life that I was horribly making her give up. I think if I'd told her she could have it if she'd let me cut off her legs she would have learned to walk on her hands. She wanted it that badly. Seriously.
But I'd told her no. And for some reason at that point I decided that today is the day that I start sticking to it. No more giving in. No more threats without following through. I told her she could get a book and that was it. I also told her if she didn't chill out she'd end up with nothing. No surprise here...she didn't chill out.
As hard as it was, and it was really hard, I kept my word. She stood in the line while I was checking out just sobbing and watching all three of her siblings pass their new treasures to me to buy. When I asked her if she thought she should have minded a little better when I asked her to she flat out told me no. Nice.
I did have a talk with her afterwards and told her that from now on she needed to behave or she wouldn't get treats. I told all of them actually and they all told me they'd mind better. Now I guess we'll see if they follow through with it. And we'll see if I can finally stick to it.
By the way, the Dr. isn't 100% sure what is going on with his ear but it didn't show that it had changed in his audio today. So we're still "watching" him. Whatever that means. I wonder if he'll start doing tricks if we watch long enough.
I remember being a young girl and thinking it would be fun to rearrange my bedroom. I'd get nearly halfway done and decide I didn't really have that much interest in it after all.
At a young age I learned to do needle point and cross stitch. I can't tell you how many of those unfinished projects I have still laying around here.
Then there is every January 1st when I make a bunch of revelations to be healthy and happy and lay off the bon bons. I'm sure you can guess how long those generally last.
I just have never been one who could stick with things. My parenting skills are no exception.
Today we had to go to OKC for Elliot's Dr.'s appointment. Tess wasn't all that good during the appointment, she was cranky and loud and I attributed it the cold or whatever it is that has plagued our family lately.
After the appointment we headed down the street to a Border's so we could look at all the books and magazines. I love a big book store and could get lost in it forever just checking out every aisle and shelf. I'm so happy that my kids have inherited my love of reading and they were all excited about looking around.
So after we'd been there for a while Tess comes up to me with a stuffed animal. Seriously? Do you know how many stuffed animals there are in this house? After 33 years and 4 kids the last thing we need is a new stuffed animal. So I explain as best as I could that she was under no circumstances getting it but that I was happy to get her a new book.
Melt down.
Yep, right there my 5 year old cried and clung to that animal like it was something she'd had her whole life that I was horribly making her give up. I think if I'd told her she could have it if she'd let me cut off her legs she would have learned to walk on her hands. She wanted it that badly. Seriously.
But I'd told her no. And for some reason at that point I decided that today is the day that I start sticking to it. No more giving in. No more threats without following through. I told her she could get a book and that was it. I also told her if she didn't chill out she'd end up with nothing. No surprise here...she didn't chill out.
As hard as it was, and it was really hard, I kept my word. She stood in the line while I was checking out just sobbing and watching all three of her siblings pass their new treasures to me to buy. When I asked her if she thought she should have minded a little better when I asked her to she flat out told me no. Nice.
I did have a talk with her afterwards and told her that from now on she needed to behave or she wouldn't get treats. I told all of them actually and they all told me they'd mind better. Now I guess we'll see if they follow through with it. And we'll see if I can finally stick to it.
By the way, the Dr. isn't 100% sure what is going on with his ear but it didn't show that it had changed in his audio today. So we're still "watching" him. Whatever that means. I wonder if he'll start doing tricks if we watch long enough.
7.04.2007
Apparently not
I asked last blog if a girl could catch a break. Actually, a 'freakin' break was the exact terminology. I now have my answer ...apparently not.
We just can not seem to get better around here. Elliot has lost hearing in his left ear. That would be his good ear. Good meaning the one he can actually hear out of. I took him in on Monday to the ped in hopes that he'd have an ear infection. Weird, I know. What sort of Mom actually hopes her kid has an infection? The kind that is looking for a reason for hearing loss other than "looks like the left ear is doing it now too."
Of course there wasn't any fluid so tomorrow we head to OKC for another audio to see what's going on with that. The ped did think he has a sinus infection and put him on some antibiotics. As of now, it doesn't seem to be working. The kids are all coughing and hacking but still going 110%. Hubby and I aren't feeling quite as well, but can't take the time to slow down.
I've been keeping track of everyone's temperatures for several days now. Everyone seems to just linger in the 99's although they've gone up to 100.5 or so on occasion. Certainly not the sort of fever you discover in the middle of the night and wonder if you should call a doctor. But if 98.6 is normal then we are definitely not normal. Right?
Wait, don't answer that.
We just can not seem to get better around here. Elliot has lost hearing in his left ear. That would be his good ear. Good meaning the one he can actually hear out of. I took him in on Monday to the ped in hopes that he'd have an ear infection. Weird, I know. What sort of Mom actually hopes her kid has an infection? The kind that is looking for a reason for hearing loss other than "looks like the left ear is doing it now too."
Of course there wasn't any fluid so tomorrow we head to OKC for another audio to see what's going on with that. The ped did think he has a sinus infection and put him on some antibiotics. As of now, it doesn't seem to be working. The kids are all coughing and hacking but still going 110%. Hubby and I aren't feeling quite as well, but can't take the time to slow down.
I've been keeping track of everyone's temperatures for several days now. Everyone seems to just linger in the 99's although they've gone up to 100.5 or so on occasion. Certainly not the sort of fever you discover in the middle of the night and wonder if you should call a doctor. But if 98.6 is normal then we are definitely not normal. Right?
Wait, don't answer that.
6.12.2007
What a start to summer
Is it time to go back to school yet?
We got home from our cruise and on the way home I realized Selah felt warm with fever. We got home on Saturday and I took her in to the walk-in c linic on Sunday. I was concerned with the fact that we'd been out of the country and she was sick. That first day at the doctor's office they drew some labs which were normal, did a strep-test which was negative, and looked in her ears to rule out an ear infection. They let us go home saying that she must just have a virus of some sort.
She had to stay home on Monday since she was running a fever and she was not at all happy with that. She'd already missed a week of school since we'd been gone and was anxious to see her friends. Her only symptoms were a little cough and a fever. She actually didn't act like she felt just awful but these symptoms wouldn't go away. So I took her back to the doctor on Wednesday where they did a urinalysis which was negative. The doctor then put her on a 3 day course of antibiotics for "bronchitis".
Well, the following Wednesday she still had a fever. Since this was day 12 with a fever I took her back in and my doctor said that this was absolutely NOT normal and ordered all sorts of test. Another CBC, a Chem14, mono test, and although her lungs sounded clear she ordered a chest xray as well. Turns out she had pneumonia. Who'd have thunk it! She had to get a Rocephin shot which she HATED but she got better right away.
That was on Wednesday and on Friday Elliot woke me up saying that his throat hurt. I told him to take some Ibuprofen, that it was probably just allergies and drainage making his throat a bit raw feeling. I had to work that day and then had a dentist appointment. On my way home he called crying saying that he felt awful and that his temperature was 101. Great.
I was home for about 30 minutes before he started throwing up. He did it a few times before I finally caved and gave him a Tylenol PM which knocked him out. He p0assed out on the couch and slept until almost 11:00 at night when he woke up and threw up again. Then he couldn't stop. He threw up every 15 minutes or so for a while and then was able to get a little bit of sleep before he woke up and it started again. At 5:30 am I was in the bathroom with him when Hubby came in and said, "I think we should take him to the ER".
I took him in and he was completely dehydrated so they had to give him IV antibiotics for a couple of hours. He was, as usual, hard to get the needle in which was difficult to watch. His white blood cell count was sky high and that concerned me too.
I took him back to the doctor last Wednesday to have his blood drawn again. The doctor called that afternoon to say that other than still being a little dehydrated everything looked good. His wbc was down from 22,100 to 11,000.
Then this evening Hubby and I went to have dinner and Marleigh was babysitting. She called to tell us that Elliot had come home from swimming with a friend and was home for a bit before he said he didn't feel well and then threw up. Before we could get home she called us again to say he threw up again. Luckily, he hasn't done it since we've been home but WHY is he still throwing up?!
And the kids just came to give me some good night hugs. Tess felt hot so I stuch the thermometer in her mouth. Her temperature is 101.3.
Can't a girl catch a freakin' break?!
We got home from our cruise and on the way home I realized Selah felt warm with fever. We got home on Saturday and I took her in to the walk-in c linic on Sunday. I was concerned with the fact that we'd been out of the country and she was sick. That first day at the doctor's office they drew some labs which were normal, did a strep-test which was negative, and looked in her ears to rule out an ear infection. They let us go home saying that she must just have a virus of some sort.
She had to stay home on Monday since she was running a fever and she was not at all happy with that. She'd already missed a week of school since we'd been gone and was anxious to see her friends. Her only symptoms were a little cough and a fever. She actually didn't act like she felt just awful but these symptoms wouldn't go away. So I took her back to the doctor on Wednesday where they did a urinalysis which was negative. The doctor then put her on a 3 day course of antibiotics for "bronchitis".
Well, the following Wednesday she still had a fever. Since this was day 12 with a fever I took her back in and my doctor said that this was absolutely NOT normal and ordered all sorts of test. Another CBC, a Chem14, mono test, and although her lungs sounded clear she ordered a chest xray as well. Turns out she had pneumonia. Who'd have thunk it! She had to get a Rocephin shot which she HATED but she got better right away.
That was on Wednesday and on Friday Elliot woke me up saying that his throat hurt. I told him to take some Ibuprofen, that it was probably just allergies and drainage making his throat a bit raw feeling. I had to work that day and then had a dentist appointment. On my way home he called crying saying that he felt awful and that his temperature was 101. Great.
I was home for about 30 minutes before he started throwing up. He did it a few times before I finally caved and gave him a Tylenol PM which knocked him out. He p0assed out on the couch and slept until almost 11:00 at night when he woke up and threw up again. Then he couldn't stop. He threw up every 15 minutes or so for a while and then was able to get a little bit of sleep before he woke up and it started again. At 5:30 am I was in the bathroom with him when Hubby came in and said, "I think we should take him to the ER".
I took him in and he was completely dehydrated so they had to give him IV antibiotics for a couple of hours. He was, as usual, hard to get the needle in which was difficult to watch. His white blood cell count was sky high and that concerned me too.
I took him back to the doctor last Wednesday to have his blood drawn again. The doctor called that afternoon to say that other than still being a little dehydrated everything looked good. His wbc was down from 22,100 to 11,000.
Then this evening Hubby and I went to have dinner and Marleigh was babysitting. She called to tell us that Elliot had come home from swimming with a friend and was home for a bit before he said he didn't feel well and then threw up. Before we could get home she called us again to say he threw up again. Luckily, he hasn't done it since we've been home but WHY is he still throwing up?!
And the kids just came to give me some good night hugs. Tess felt hot so I stuch the thermometer in her mouth. Her temperature is 101.3.
Can't a girl catch a freakin' break?!
5.28.2007
I ran 13.1 miles!
So I'm slow in posting about it but I did it!
If you would have asked me a year ago I would have told you that there was no way I could ever run a half marathon. I did it though, and I'd do another one.
As I got closer to the big day and my long runs became longer and longer I really started having troubles with my knees. Actually, it was my ITBands, both my right one and the left one. I had pain in my hips and knees that got to be almost constant. I can't imagine always running that much and hurting like that full time. I know that it was because of the long distances I was putting in though and I've been pain free since the run. And I'm still running too! Not nearly as much because I'm not "in training" but I'm trying to do about 3 miles, 3 times a week.
The morning of the run we got up at 4:30 which was one of the worst parts! We got dressed and headed to my sister's hotel to pick her up. Then we went to my other sister's hotel to pick her and her boyfriend up. After that we headed to the starting line and I was amazed at the number of people who were there. It was pretty overwhelming!
They sounded the start of the race and we just sort of shuffled along since we were so jam packed. We had to start back a little bit so as we all neared the line the 5 of us joined hands and started the race as one. It was so cool!
We were spaced out enough after crossing the line that we were able to start running then. We all stayed right around each other until about 4 minutes in when I decided I should take a walk break. I felt like I could run forever but I knew that if I overdid it in the beginning that I would never make it to the end.
There is so much adrenaline pumping through you during a run that you don't really notice a lot. At least at the beginning. I did great for the first 3 miles or so. Time seemed to just fly by, my breathing wasn't labored, my legs felt great. It was pretty awesome.
Then I hit mile 4 and my right IT Band started hurting. Not just a little bit of pain but enough to make me think that I should quit right there. Generally I could make it through about 6 or 7 miles before I started having trouble so to know that it started so early had me worried that I wouldn't make it. From mile 4 - 7 I walked more than anything. I was so bummed out that I'd worked so hard and wasn't going to finish but I finally decided that even if it took me 7 hours and I walked the entire thing, I WOULD finish.
I started doing a bit better at about mile 7 and was able to run more frequently and go for longer periods of time. I still thought I was way behind where I needed to be to reach my goal of finishing under 3 hours. Then at some point shortly after that I passed a sign that said I was on pace to finish in like 2 hours and 50 some-odd minutes. It was then that I realized that I must have been walking fast or had gained enough ground in the beginning to keep me at a good race pace.
So I kept going and found that as long as I was running I was ok. It was the starting and stopping that hurt. So I ran like crazy, taking very few walk breaks. And I finished. I did it! The benefit of running with a group and having it be your first time is that you have your own little cheering group waiting for you at the finish line. As I neared the end I heard my name being screamed by my little sister and looked out to see Hubby and the whole crew cheering me on yelling for me to finish strong.
I also looked over to see on the side lines one of my sorority sisters! I have since found out that Kerry has been running for 4 1/2 years. I hope we can run together sometime in the future. She's done a couple marathons even, WOW!
Because my body wasn't used to running for more than about 5 minutes at a time and I had some pretty long stretches of running towards the end of the race, my hip was really in bad shape. I think without realizing how much I did it, I favored my left leg and then my right hip took the brunt of the pounding force. I spent most of the rest of that day hurting but I had such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that I would do it again.
No plans yet to do another one but hopefully we'll be deciding on something soon. It sure does keep me motivated to keep up my training when I'm actually working towards something!
If you would have asked me a year ago I would have told you that there was no way I could ever run a half marathon. I did it though, and I'd do another one.
As I got closer to the big day and my long runs became longer and longer I really started having troubles with my knees. Actually, it was my ITBands, both my right one and the left one. I had pain in my hips and knees that got to be almost constant. I can't imagine always running that much and hurting like that full time. I know that it was because of the long distances I was putting in though and I've been pain free since the run. And I'm still running too! Not nearly as much because I'm not "in training" but I'm trying to do about 3 miles, 3 times a week.
The morning of the run we got up at 4:30 which was one of the worst parts! We got dressed and headed to my sister's hotel to pick her up. Then we went to my other sister's hotel to pick her and her boyfriend up. After that we headed to the starting line and I was amazed at the number of people who were there. It was pretty overwhelming!
They sounded the start of the race and we just sort of shuffled along since we were so jam packed. We had to start back a little bit so as we all neared the line the 5 of us joined hands and started the race as one. It was so cool!
We were spaced out enough after crossing the line that we were able to start running then. We all stayed right around each other until about 4 minutes in when I decided I should take a walk break. I felt like I could run forever but I knew that if I overdid it in the beginning that I would never make it to the end.
There is so much adrenaline pumping through you during a run that you don't really notice a lot. At least at the beginning. I did great for the first 3 miles or so. Time seemed to just fly by, my breathing wasn't labored, my legs felt great. It was pretty awesome.
Then I hit mile 4 and my right IT Band started hurting. Not just a little bit of pain but enough to make me think that I should quit right there. Generally I could make it through about 6 or 7 miles before I started having trouble so to know that it started so early had me worried that I wouldn't make it. From mile 4 - 7 I walked more than anything. I was so bummed out that I'd worked so hard and wasn't going to finish but I finally decided that even if it took me 7 hours and I walked the entire thing, I WOULD finish.
I started doing a bit better at about mile 7 and was able to run more frequently and go for longer periods of time. I still thought I was way behind where I needed to be to reach my goal of finishing under 3 hours. Then at some point shortly after that I passed a sign that said I was on pace to finish in like 2 hours and 50 some-odd minutes. It was then that I realized that I must have been walking fast or had gained enough ground in the beginning to keep me at a good race pace.
So I kept going and found that as long as I was running I was ok. It was the starting and stopping that hurt. So I ran like crazy, taking very few walk breaks. And I finished. I did it! The benefit of running with a group and having it be your first time is that you have your own little cheering group waiting for you at the finish line. As I neared the end I heard my name being screamed by my little sister and looked out to see Hubby and the whole crew cheering me on yelling for me to finish strong.
I also looked over to see on the side lines one of my sorority sisters! I have since found out that Kerry has been running for 4 1/2 years. I hope we can run together sometime in the future. She's done a couple marathons even, WOW!
Because my body wasn't used to running for more than about 5 minutes at a time and I had some pretty long stretches of running towards the end of the race, my hip was really in bad shape. I think without realizing how much I did it, I favored my left leg and then my right hip took the brunt of the pounding force. I spent most of the rest of that day hurting but I had such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that I would do it again.
No plans yet to do another one but hopefully we'll be deciding on something soon. It sure does keep me motivated to keep up my training when I'm actually working towards something!
5.22.2007
Saturday May 19th
It's already started. It began this morning as I was oing to the dining room in the hotel. I started thinking about the booths on the beach, which lead me to think about a big show going on this weekend that a friend is doing, which in turn reminded me that she had offered to put some of my things in her booth and I'd forgotten to get back with her about it before I left. So of course I thought, "I need to add her to my list."
It's a snowball effect. My list. I always have it with me because I never know when I might see, hear, smell, or remember something that will need to be added to it. It's an ever growing to-do list. I haven't thought ab out it since we've been on vacation, even though I brought it with me of course. Then this morning the reality of everything I left unfinished and all the things I've yet to start that I need and or want to do came looding back to me. I wish I could just always feel relaxed and at ease like I do when I'm on vacation. But then I wouldn't be me. And I should feel blessed that at least I do have the ability to enjoy things when I need to.
My Weight Watchers weigh in this week isn't going to be pretty. I am preparing for a huge gain. I can't imagine going on a cruise and not slipping up on your healthy way of eating. How would you do that? At least I can say that I enjoyed the cruise. Hopefully I can get anything I gained right back off in the next couple of weeks.
It's been over 24 hours since we got off the ship and I still feel wobbly. I never flet really awful while we were on the ship but now that we're off I do. If I shift my weight from one foot to another I feel like the earth is spinning. Hubby feels it too and has said a couple times, "Why is the ship still moving?"
I think Selah is the only kiddo having any troubles. I assumed it was the same thing Hubby and I were feeling. However, I just leaned over to give her a kiss on herr forehead and she's on fire. I don't have a thermometer but I would say her temperature has to be at least 101. She's been struggling with a yeast infection that was diagnosed a few weeks ago and just keeps coming back. Bless her heart, I'm afraid she's inherited a life of yeast problems from me. I wouldn't wish that on anyone! She does have pink cheeks from the sun so perhaps thats why she feels warm. Who knows. At any rate, I'm hoping she's ok because after missing a week of work and school, we need to get back to normal!
Really quickly before I go I have to say that Marleigh spent her own money yesterday on a pair of CZ earrings with the Chanel logo. I wasn't crazy about them but they were only $6 so I didn't say anything. Shortly after getting them she asked what I thought about them and I said, "They're ok." Which made her mad that I didn't like them. Well the flight attendant just walked by and said, "I like your earrings!" I'm sitting directly in front of her so Marleigh just reached through the seats and poked me. I turned to see her making a face as if to say, "Ha!" LOL
It's a snowball effect. My list. I always have it with me because I never know when I might see, hear, smell, or remember something that will need to be added to it. It's an ever growing to-do list. I haven't thought ab out it since we've been on vacation, even though I brought it with me of course. Then this morning the reality of everything I left unfinished and all the things I've yet to start that I need and or want to do came looding back to me. I wish I could just always feel relaxed and at ease like I do when I'm on vacation. But then I wouldn't be me. And I should feel blessed that at least I do have the ability to enjoy things when I need to.
My Weight Watchers weigh in this week isn't going to be pretty. I am preparing for a huge gain. I can't imagine going on a cruise and not slipping up on your healthy way of eating. How would you do that? At least I can say that I enjoyed the cruise. Hopefully I can get anything I gained right back off in the next couple of weeks.
It's been over 24 hours since we got off the ship and I still feel wobbly. I never flet really awful while we were on the ship but now that we're off I do. If I shift my weight from one foot to another I feel like the earth is spinning. Hubby feels it too and has said a couple times, "Why is the ship still moving?"
I think Selah is the only kiddo having any troubles. I assumed it was the same thing Hubby and I were feeling. However, I just leaned over to give her a kiss on herr forehead and she's on fire. I don't have a thermometer but I would say her temperature has to be at least 101. She's been struggling with a yeast infection that was diagnosed a few weeks ago and just keeps coming back. Bless her heart, I'm afraid she's inherited a life of yeast problems from me. I wouldn't wish that on anyone! She does have pink cheeks from the sun so perhaps thats why she feels warm. Who knows. At any rate, I'm hoping she's ok because after missing a week of work and school, we need to get back to normal!
Really quickly before I go I have to say that Marleigh spent her own money yesterday on a pair of CZ earrings with the Chanel logo. I wasn't crazy about them but they were only $6 so I didn't say anything. Shortly after getting them she asked what I thought about them and I said, "They're ok." Which made her mad that I didn't like them. Well the flight attendant just walked by and said, "I like your earrings!" I'm sitting directly in front of her so Marleigh just reached through the seats and poked me. I turned to see her making a face as if to say, "Ha!" LOL
Thursday May 17th
I didn't make notes on this night but here's a quick rundown of what we did...
Thursday:
~Key West was gorgeous! The sun was out and it was a beautiful day. After breakfast all 6 of us headed out for some shopping and looking around.
~Marleigh and I wanted to stay a bit longer than the rest of them so they went back to the ship while she and I shopped some more. I bought her a cute new dress and she took pictures for me while I got a cool henna tattoo on my foot. I think I'll buy some henna ink so that I can keep it up all summer. I'm not a big tattoo fan but I think I'd like it for just a few months.
~While the two of us were shopping we had not one, not two, but three people say something about us being sisters. LOL I think they were all just trying to make me feel good so that I would buy things from their stores. But it was still nice, even if they were totally acting like they thought we were sisters.
~Marleigh and I met up with everyone else at the pool when we got back on the ship. We had a few hours out in the sun playing in the pool and just enjoying ourselves.
~After getting cleaned up we all put on our Eskimo Joe's shirts. Joe's is a pretty famous restaurant/bar here in our hometown and they have a big clothing line too. Their catalog features a page of people in Joe's shirts. So I thought it would be fun to take a picture and submit it.
~Then Elliot climbed the rock wall and made it all the way to the top which was cool. After he did it I looked up and although I'm scared of heights I decided to try it. It sure did look a lot shorter when I was on the ground! I'm proud to say that I did it and made it all the way to the top! Go me! Hubby did it too and later told me that he didn't think I would do it and definitely didn't think I'd make it all the way up. Oh ye of little faith!
~We let the kids stay in the fun place for extended hours tonight because we had to have our bags packed and in the hallway by midnight. It was great to be able to pack without having to deal with the kids asking to go places and being bored.
Thursday:
~Key West was gorgeous! The sun was out and it was a beautiful day. After breakfast all 6 of us headed out for some shopping and looking around.
~Marleigh and I wanted to stay a bit longer than the rest of them so they went back to the ship while she and I shopped some more. I bought her a cute new dress and she took pictures for me while I got a cool henna tattoo on my foot. I think I'll buy some henna ink so that I can keep it up all summer. I'm not a big tattoo fan but I think I'd like it for just a few months.
~While the two of us were shopping we had not one, not two, but three people say something about us being sisters. LOL I think they were all just trying to make me feel good so that I would buy things from their stores. But it was still nice, even if they were totally acting like they thought we were sisters.
~Marleigh and I met up with everyone else at the pool when we got back on the ship. We had a few hours out in the sun playing in the pool and just enjoying ourselves.
~After getting cleaned up we all put on our Eskimo Joe's shirts. Joe's is a pretty famous restaurant/bar here in our hometown and they have a big clothing line too. Their catalog features a page of people in Joe's shirts. So I thought it would be fun to take a picture and submit it.
~Then Elliot climbed the rock wall and made it all the way to the top which was cool. After he did it I looked up and although I'm scared of heights I decided to try it. It sure did look a lot shorter when I was on the ground! I'm proud to say that I did it and made it all the way to the top! Go me! Hubby did it too and later told me that he didn't think I would do it and definitely didn't think I'd make it all the way up. Oh ye of little faith!
~We let the kids stay in the fun place for extended hours tonight because we had to have our bags packed and in the hallway by midnight. It was great to be able to pack without having to deal with the kids asking to go places and being bored.
Wednesday May 16th
I woke up this morning to the sound of the announcement jingle coming over the intercom in the hallway just outside my cabin. It was the captain and he was informing us that we were anchored just off of cococay and we would be waiting a bit before anyone could get off to see if the weather would improve. I took that as a sign that the weather was once again crappy and I went back to sleep.
Later when I finally woke up I called Hubby next door and the rest of them came over to my room. We got ready and were getting ready to go grab some breakfast when he captain came on again to make another announcement. This time he informed us that the weather was not going to clear, that more storms were coming to the area, and that we would not be making the stop in Cococay. I swear to you, the whole ship seemed to rock with the groans and moans of the disappointed passengers after this announcement.
We went ot the care and grabbed some breakfast while we discussed our plans for the day. Just after breakfast, Marleigh headed to the teen room while Selah, Tess, and I went to the ice cream shop so they could get a treat. After that we went to view some pictures that Hubby and I took last night. I was so bummed that they turned out awful. I was looking forward to having some nice pictures of the two of us together.
Just after that we found a band that had just started playing. The little girls had fun listening to them and we bought their CD when they were done. Then everyone headed to the movie theatre while Tess and I watched a demo from the chef's on board. It was really neat. This one guy is from the Phillipines and comes from a long line of wood carvers. So for some reason he figured that if he could carve wood then he could probably carve food too. In the 30 minutes we where there he carved an entire watermelon into a big flower and then made this huge floral bouquet out of vegetables and fruit! It was amazing!
We heard rumors that the sun was peeking through the clouds so we went to put on our suits. We we got outside, sure enough...their was sun! I felt like singing the Hallelujah chorus. We met up with Marleigh there who was swimming with some of her friends and luckily they had some chairs saved that they weren't using. Otherwise we wouldn't have had anywhere to sit! We ended up swimming and enjoying all the festivities for about 2 hours and then went back to our cabins to get ready for dinner.
Dinner was delicious as usual and as soon as it was over Marleigh and Elliot went to their kids rooms to hang out with their friends. Hubby and I had our pictures aken together again (crossing my fingers that these will be better) and then he went back to the casino while I had some pictures taken with the two little girls. I think they're going to be really cute!
We grabbed Hubby from the casino after that and saw a show. It was a Motown show with a guy impersonating a bunch of old singers. It was good and even the little girls enjoyed it!
Now I'm in here in bed ready to hit the hay. First I have to find Marleigh and Hubby. I think Marleigh is at the pool with her friends and I'm guessing Hubby is back in the casino. The little girls are here all zonked out and Elliot is ready to crash too.
We'll be in Key West tomorrow. I'm hoping for more sun and great shopping!
Later when I finally woke up I called Hubby next door and the rest of them came over to my room. We got ready and were getting ready to go grab some breakfast when he captain came on again to make another announcement. This time he informed us that the weather was not going to clear, that more storms were coming to the area, and that we would not be making the stop in Cococay. I swear to you, the whole ship seemed to rock with the groans and moans of the disappointed passengers after this announcement.
We went ot the care and grabbed some breakfast while we discussed our plans for the day. Just after breakfast, Marleigh headed to the teen room while Selah, Tess, and I went to the ice cream shop so they could get a treat. After that we went to view some pictures that Hubby and I took last night. I was so bummed that they turned out awful. I was looking forward to having some nice pictures of the two of us together.
Just after that we found a band that had just started playing. The little girls had fun listening to them and we bought their CD when they were done. Then everyone headed to the movie theatre while Tess and I watched a demo from the chef's on board. It was really neat. This one guy is from the Phillipines and comes from a long line of wood carvers. So for some reason he figured that if he could carve wood then he could probably carve food too. In the 30 minutes we where there he carved an entire watermelon into a big flower and then made this huge floral bouquet out of vegetables and fruit! It was amazing!
We heard rumors that the sun was peeking through the clouds so we went to put on our suits. We we got outside, sure enough...their was sun! I felt like singing the Hallelujah chorus. We met up with Marleigh there who was swimming with some of her friends and luckily they had some chairs saved that they weren't using. Otherwise we wouldn't have had anywhere to sit! We ended up swimming and enjoying all the festivities for about 2 hours and then went back to our cabins to get ready for dinner.
Dinner was delicious as usual and as soon as it was over Marleigh and Elliot went to their kids rooms to hang out with their friends. Hubby and I had our pictures aken together again (crossing my fingers that these will be better) and then he went back to the casino while I had some pictures taken with the two little girls. I think they're going to be really cute!
We grabbed Hubby from the casino after that and saw a show. It was a Motown show with a guy impersonating a bunch of old singers. It was good and even the little girls enjoyed it!
Now I'm in here in bed ready to hit the hay. First I have to find Marleigh and Hubby. I think Marleigh is at the pool with her friends and I'm guessing Hubby is back in the casino. The little girls are here all zonked out and Elliot is ready to crash too.
We'll be in Key West tomorrow. I'm hoping for more sun and great shopping!
Tuesday May 15th
Today just happens to be the anniversary of my Mother's passing. I can't believe it's been 14 years! It doesn't seem possible. I miss her as much today as I did the day she left.
So, um...yeah. A big day in Nassau indeed!
We woke up this morning groggy and tired but ready for a great day in the Bahamas. In the interest of saving time we decided to order breakfast last night and have it delivered to the room this morning so we could eat while we were getting ready.
We were really excited about our plans for today. A couple of weeks ago we looked online through all the available excursions. For today, we booked spots on a private island because we were afraid that we wouldn't be able to find a beach that was crowded and clean. So we were to take this boat to the island (Blackbeard's Cay) and we'd be there until noon.
We got on the boat and took a 25 minute trip to Blackbeard's Cay and it was a little chilly and there were dark clouds but at least it wasn't raining. We got off the boat and were immediately thrilled with the beach and it's cleanliness and the softness of the sand. The water was clear blue and aazing! We got the kids all lathered up with sunscreen and they headed out to the water while I grabbed the camera and started taking pictures. Within about 5 minutes the clouds opened up and thunder rolled as the rain just poured down on us. We sought shelter and waited about 10 minutes until it stopped. Unfortunately, it started right back up and has stormed off and on all day long. We spent the rest of the time on that island just sitting under a patio area. Thank goodness that was there. This wasn't just a little spring rain either. This was a thunder and lightening storm and we weren't even allowed to be in the water if we wanted to.
Somehow the time passed and after a really rocky ride on the little boat we got back to the ship. We dropped the 3 smallest kids off at what they now call "the fun place" and Marleigh, Hubby, and I headed to lunch. The we went out to Nassau to look around and do some shopping where we picked up some souveneirs before finally deciding to stop battling the rain and just go back to the ship.
We took a nice long time getting ready for the formal dinner and enjoyed being all dressed up with somewhere to go. After dinner the little kids went back to the fun place and Marleigh went to the teen room. Hub by went to the casino and won back what he lost last night and I looked around at the shops on board. Then we played bingo for a bit which was a lot of fun!
Tomorrow we get to go to Royal Carribbean's private island all day so it better NOT rain all day again!
So, um...yeah. A big day in Nassau indeed!
We woke up this morning groggy and tired but ready for a great day in the Bahamas. In the interest of saving time we decided to order breakfast last night and have it delivered to the room this morning so we could eat while we were getting ready.
We were really excited about our plans for today. A couple of weeks ago we looked online through all the available excursions. For today, we booked spots on a private island because we were afraid that we wouldn't be able to find a beach that was crowded and clean. So we were to take this boat to the island (Blackbeard's Cay) and we'd be there until noon.
We got on the boat and took a 25 minute trip to Blackbeard's Cay and it was a little chilly and there were dark clouds but at least it wasn't raining. We got off the boat and were immediately thrilled with the beach and it's cleanliness and the softness of the sand. The water was clear blue and aazing! We got the kids all lathered up with sunscreen and they headed out to the water while I grabbed the camera and started taking pictures. Within about 5 minutes the clouds opened up and thunder rolled as the rain just poured down on us. We sought shelter and waited about 10 minutes until it stopped. Unfortunately, it started right back up and has stormed off and on all day long. We spent the rest of the time on that island just sitting under a patio area. Thank goodness that was there. This wasn't just a little spring rain either. This was a thunder and lightening storm and we weren't even allowed to be in the water if we wanted to.
Somehow the time passed and after a really rocky ride on the little boat we got back to the ship. We dropped the 3 smallest kids off at what they now call "the fun place" and Marleigh, Hubby, and I headed to lunch. The we went out to Nassau to look around and do some shopping where we picked up some souveneirs before finally deciding to stop battling the rain and just go back to the ship.
We took a nice long time getting ready for the formal dinner and enjoyed being all dressed up with somewhere to go. After dinner the little kids went back to the fun place and Marleigh went to the teen room. Hub by went to the casino and won back what he lost last night and I looked around at the shops on board. Then we played bingo for a bit which was a lot of fun!
Tomorrow we get to go to Royal Carribbean's private island all day so it better NOT rain all day again!
Monday May 14th
I finally found a little bit of time to sit down and catch up here. This post and the following ones are from our first big family vacation...
This morning Hubby and I ran for 40 minutes down the beach again. After that we had breakfast with the kids, hit the gift shop for some postcards to send off before boarding the ship, and then swimming at the pool. I went back to the room before everyone else so I could get cleaned up and then started getting us all packed. We get off the ship on Friday and as of this morning we didn't have a room because the hotel we were staying at was full when we first made reservations. After our run this morning though Hubby checked with the front desk and was able to get us a room that faces the ocean for our last night in Florida before we leave next Saturday for home.
Once we were all ready and checked out we drove to Miami and Hubby dropped the kids and me off while he took the rental car back. Once he met up with us and we were all officially checked in we got on board the ship and it was immediately overwhelming. Hubby and I wanted to watch the ship take off, the little girls wanted to swim, Elliot wanted to eat, and Marleigh just wanted to look around. One thing about a cruise ship is that there are so many things to do it really can be a bit confusing. You don't want to miss out on anything but if you try to do it all you won't enjoy the things that you do. Ya know?
We only had an hour before dinner after the ship pulled out of the harbor so we hustled to our rooms to figure out what we would wear on our first night. It was then that I realized that there was no iron in our cabin. Nice, huh? Well, pretty much everything we had needed to be ironed. I picked out the things that were the least wrinkled and got everyone dressed and headed to the Moonlight Dining Room.
After dinner we explored the ship some and checked out the kids' activities. I hadn't planned on even looking into it because this is supposed to be a family vacation and I wanted them with us. But man, as soon as they saw the place they loved it and wanted to stay! Marleigh said there was no way that she would go to the teen room but changed her mind as soon as she saw that she could get on the computer. The kids all wanted to stay in their classes so after signing them in Hubby and I hit the casino for a bit where he played craps and I just hung out taking it all in. When we picked the kids up later they didn't want to leave. I'm so glad they like it so much and the staff is wonderful with them. I feel like they are very safe there which is always great. Marleigh had so much fun with her new teen friends (they are all 12 which makes me more comfortable) that she ended up staying an extra hour.
The rest of us headed down to our room and just hung out while I got everything unpacked and put away. It was a challenge because the cabin's are pretty snug! After a lot of discussing and trying to figure out who would do best where we decided that Hubby would room with Marleigh and Elliot and I would take Selah and Tess. After I shut out the lights they were asleep in a matter of minutes. They are completely wiped out!
We are looking forward to tomorrow and our fun excursion to a private island on Nassau!
This morning Hubby and I ran for 40 minutes down the beach again. After that we had breakfast with the kids, hit the gift shop for some postcards to send off before boarding the ship, and then swimming at the pool. I went back to the room before everyone else so I could get cleaned up and then started getting us all packed. We get off the ship on Friday and as of this morning we didn't have a room because the hotel we were staying at was full when we first made reservations. After our run this morning though Hubby checked with the front desk and was able to get us a room that faces the ocean for our last night in Florida before we leave next Saturday for home.
Once we were all ready and checked out we drove to Miami and Hubby dropped the kids and me off while he took the rental car back. Once he met up with us and we were all officially checked in we got on board the ship and it was immediately overwhelming. Hubby and I wanted to watch the ship take off, the little girls wanted to swim, Elliot wanted to eat, and Marleigh just wanted to look around. One thing about a cruise ship is that there are so many things to do it really can be a bit confusing. You don't want to miss out on anything but if you try to do it all you won't enjoy the things that you do. Ya know?
We only had an hour before dinner after the ship pulled out of the harbor so we hustled to our rooms to figure out what we would wear on our first night. It was then that I realized that there was no iron in our cabin. Nice, huh? Well, pretty much everything we had needed to be ironed. I picked out the things that were the least wrinkled and got everyone dressed and headed to the Moonlight Dining Room.
After dinner we explored the ship some and checked out the kids' activities. I hadn't planned on even looking into it because this is supposed to be a family vacation and I wanted them with us. But man, as soon as they saw the place they loved it and wanted to stay! Marleigh said there was no way that she would go to the teen room but changed her mind as soon as she saw that she could get on the computer. The kids all wanted to stay in their classes so after signing them in Hubby and I hit the casino for a bit where he played craps and I just hung out taking it all in. When we picked the kids up later they didn't want to leave. I'm so glad they like it so much and the staff is wonderful with them. I feel like they are very safe there which is always great. Marleigh had so much fun with her new teen friends (they are all 12 which makes me more comfortable) that she ended up staying an extra hour.
The rest of us headed down to our room and just hung out while I got everything unpacked and put away. It was a challenge because the cabin's are pretty snug! After a lot of discussing and trying to figure out who would do best where we decided that Hubby would room with Marleigh and Elliot and I would take Selah and Tess. After I shut out the lights they were asleep in a matter of minutes. They are completely wiped out!
We are looking forward to tomorrow and our fun excursion to a private island on Nassau!
5.21.2007
Home Sweet Home
Mostly. We got back on Saturday, late that night. I spent all day yesterday doing laundry and trying to get things unpacked and put away. I'm still not done.
I've already hit Wal-Mart this morning for groceries. We had nothing in the house to eat and even less to drink.
Hubby and I are already feeling the stress of being back home. He's swamped at work, has a custom house he's got to finish up that closes in just a couple weeks and has a spec house that the loan is due on that still hasn't sold. Plus we have 2 duplexes that are available for rent and the 1st is right around the corner. We've GOT to get someone in those units or we'll be in deep doo doo when the mortgages come due.
I've got a bunch of blog entries to put in here from our vacation. Hoping to get that done soon so that I'm up to date here at least.
Man, wish I was still sitting next to a pool somewhere!
I've already hit Wal-Mart this morning for groceries. We had nothing in the house to eat and even less to drink.
Hubby and I are already feeling the stress of being back home. He's swamped at work, has a custom house he's got to finish up that closes in just a couple weeks and has a spec house that the loan is due on that still hasn't sold. Plus we have 2 duplexes that are available for rent and the 1st is right around the corner. We've GOT to get someone in those units or we'll be in deep doo doo when the mortgages come due.
I've got a bunch of blog entries to put in here from our vacation. Hoping to get that done soon so that I'm up to date here at least.
Man, wish I was still sitting next to a pool somewhere!
5.18.2007
Back on dry land
Well, my plan was to update each days events on my blog. But then I realized that over seas rates applied to my internet time. At $2.95/minute I decided I would catch up when I got back. ;)
I did hand write my blog each day and will update that when I return home. For now though we are back on dry land, although it seems to be spinning. We had to get up early this morning to get off the ship. Then there was lots of waiting and whining while we got our luggage, waited for a shuttle, waited for our rental car, and drove back to our hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. Selah got car sick on the way which is always fun.
We spent most of the day today by the pool. Hubby went for a run and came back to tell me that they had already started the Firefighter Challenge festivities. Apparently it's some big huge thing that is going on all weekend and for some reason Hubby mentioned that there were "booths" set up. That's pretty much all I needed to here so Selah, Marleigh and I headed over to check out said booths and I got some great stuff at this one ladies table. She made the most amazing sterling jewelry. I got her card and will have to share her website. We chatted for a bit and she even mentioned that she taught classes but of course she only does them here in Florida. Shucks!
So for now, we're back on dry land. The kiddos have all crashed and I'm getting ready to head to sleepy town myself. We're hoping for sun tomorrow morning before we have to check out and head back to our normal life. Should be an interesting week getting back into the swing of things.
I did hand write my blog each day and will update that when I return home. For now though we are back on dry land, although it seems to be spinning. We had to get up early this morning to get off the ship. Then there was lots of waiting and whining while we got our luggage, waited for a shuttle, waited for our rental car, and drove back to our hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. Selah got car sick on the way which is always fun.
We spent most of the day today by the pool. Hubby went for a run and came back to tell me that they had already started the Firefighter Challenge festivities. Apparently it's some big huge thing that is going on all weekend and for some reason Hubby mentioned that there were "booths" set up. That's pretty much all I needed to here so Selah, Marleigh and I headed over to check out said booths and I got some great stuff at this one ladies table. She made the most amazing sterling jewelry. I got her card and will have to share her website. We chatted for a bit and she even mentioned that she taught classes but of course she only does them here in Florida. Shucks!
So for now, we're back on dry land. The kiddos have all crashed and I'm getting ready to head to sleepy town myself. We're hoping for sun tomorrow morning before we have to check out and head back to our normal life. Should be an interesting week getting back into the swing of things.
5.13.2007
Mother's Day in Florida
I had a great Mother's Day today. Hubby and the two oldest kiddos went to breakfast and I stayed in bed trying to catch up on my sleep. When they came back they woke me up by opening the blinds and screaming "Happy Mother's Day!" I opened my eyes to find them standing there with a tray full of breakfast for me. While I sat and ate, I opened up all their cards they made in school and the ones that Hubby got for me.
After breakfast Hubby and I went on a run. Now there's something I never thought I would want to do for Mother's Day! We went about 40 minutes so we should have gotten in about 3 miles. I felt great for the first 20 minutes but after that I started going downhill. It's just so hot and humid here I got a bit overheated and started feeling sort of dizzy. Luckily, after getting back and drinking a bottle of water I felt a lot better.
Then we went down to the beach. Elliot and Marleigh got boogie boards from the hotel and had a lot of fun playing in the waves with them. Tess and Selah aren't nearly as fond of the beach and the ocean but they tolerated it long enough for us all to have some fun before we headed over to the pool.
I did step on a shell at the beach though and shoved in through my foot. That didn't feel so hot. I had to send Hubby up to the room to get my tweezers so I could dig it out. Ouch!
We hung out at the pool for a long time and then went back to the room to take showers and get dressed. Then we found a Target and a Walgreens. I was able to get in touch with a friend of mine who happens to also be on a cruise this week. Her husband is a doctor and she's also traveling with one of my bosses who is a doctor. They called the Walgreens for me so I now have more migraine meds for any more awful days that may come on our vacation. I have had a headache all day today actually but luckily it hasn't escalated to the migraine that I had the last two days.
While we were gone it was nice but I guess it poured here at the hotel. We were away just long enough for the storm to come through and move on which was nice. We let the kids swim a bit more this evening while Hubby and I enjoyed some drinks and now we're all back up in the room relaxing a bit before bed.
We can't get on the ship tomorrow until 3 so we'll probably swim again in the morning before packing everything up and heading over to Miami. We're all anxious to see the ship and explore!
After breakfast Hubby and I went on a run. Now there's something I never thought I would want to do for Mother's Day! We went about 40 minutes so we should have gotten in about 3 miles. I felt great for the first 20 minutes but after that I started going downhill. It's just so hot and humid here I got a bit overheated and started feeling sort of dizzy. Luckily, after getting back and drinking a bottle of water I felt a lot better.
Then we went down to the beach. Elliot and Marleigh got boogie boards from the hotel and had a lot of fun playing in the waves with them. Tess and Selah aren't nearly as fond of the beach and the ocean but they tolerated it long enough for us all to have some fun before we headed over to the pool.
I did step on a shell at the beach though and shoved in through my foot. That didn't feel so hot. I had to send Hubby up to the room to get my tweezers so I could dig it out. Ouch!
We hung out at the pool for a long time and then went back to the room to take showers and get dressed. Then we found a Target and a Walgreens. I was able to get in touch with a friend of mine who happens to also be on a cruise this week. Her husband is a doctor and she's also traveling with one of my bosses who is a doctor. They called the Walgreens for me so I now have more migraine meds for any more awful days that may come on our vacation. I have had a headache all day today actually but luckily it hasn't escalated to the migraine that I had the last two days.
While we were gone it was nice but I guess it poured here at the hotel. We were away just long enough for the storm to come through and move on which was nice. We let the kids swim a bit more this evening while Hubby and I enjoyed some drinks and now we're all back up in the room relaxing a bit before bed.
We can't get on the ship tomorrow until 3 so we'll probably swim again in the morning before packing everything up and heading over to Miami. We're all anxious to see the ship and explore!
5.12.2007
Um, oops
How has it been over a month since I last posted? I really don't know. Most of April and May up until this point seem to be a blur. Every single weekend was filled with birthday's, parties, piano, soccer, volleyball, and everything in between. It's been a whirlwind couple of months and I still feel like we just took down the Christmas tree. How is it already the middle of May?
I need to do an update about my genetic counseling appointment. I believe I mentioned it here when I first scheduled it. I had the appointment and now know more. I also need to update about our first half marathon that I'm proud to say I finished! And of course my Weight Watchers journey.
But tonight I'm going to blog about our first ever "real" family vacation. Today is day 1 of said vacation and although it's only 7:37 pm local time I am getting ready to hit the hay. I may have to drug the kids to convince them to let me go to sleep.
I had to work yesterday morning and then I spent the rest of the day, evening, and into the wee morning hours finishing up on packing and cleaning the house before we left. Hubby and I didn't get to sleep till nearly 2 am and the alarm went off this morning at 4:15. Not cool, not cool at all.
To add to the fun, I had a migraine yesterday and luckily I had picked up some samples from work. I had two more left and decided to bring one of them with me on our trip "just in case". I haven't had a migraine in months but I figured yesterday's was brought on by stress and it was possible I might have another this week although I didn't think I really would. Better safe than sorry, right. Well, me and no sleep don't get along. Add that to the stress and apparently that is my personal recipe for a killer migraine. My head hurt as soon as I woke up this morning and I took some Aleve hoping to take the edge off. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at our final destination it was a full blown migraine complete with nausea and the desire to hammer a hole in my head for some relief. I broke down and took my only pill and now I'm just going to cross my fingers that I don't have another one.
So the kids had their first plane ride today and they loved it. We've driven to Colorado before to visit my Dad and we've taken some long weekend trips to Texas. But other than that the kids haven't ever had a "real" vacation. So when Hubby earned some frequent flyer miles we decided to get busy planning. We flew to Ft. Lauderdale today and will spend the next two nights here. Monday we will hop aboard the Majesty of the Sea's for 5 days visiting Nassau, Key West, and Cococay. Fun!
Everyone did great on the plane for the most part. It's so much fun watching the kiddos experience new things and this week is going to be chalk full of them! Elliot had some trouble with his ears and I hated that I couldn't fix it for him. He was swallowing and chewing as much as he could but his left ear was really bothering him. Selah was the only one with any real fear prior to flying. She had a little bit of a panic attack as we sat waiting to take off but as soon as we were safely in the air and she realized it wasn't so bad she was fine.
When we got here we picked up our rental car and then headed to our hotel. The kids were anxious to swim in the ocean for the first time. Actually, Elliot and Marleigh have been in the ocean before but they were so small I don't think they really remember it. We took them down and Hubby swam with them while I stood by and watched, capturing their smiles and screams of pure glee on film and in my mind. They were just loving it! After about 30 minutes we headed to the hotel pool and spent an hour or so hanging out there before we came up to our room.
Now it looks like we're winding down. In the time it's taken me to type out this entry all four kiddos have asked me if they could go to bed. So off I go to clear the suitcases away and tuck them all in so that I can hit the hay myself. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm looking forward to spending the day relaxing and watching my children love life!
I need to do an update about my genetic counseling appointment. I believe I mentioned it here when I first scheduled it. I had the appointment and now know more. I also need to update about our first half marathon that I'm proud to say I finished! And of course my Weight Watchers journey.
But tonight I'm going to blog about our first ever "real" family vacation. Today is day 1 of said vacation and although it's only 7:37 pm local time I am getting ready to hit the hay. I may have to drug the kids to convince them to let me go to sleep.
I had to work yesterday morning and then I spent the rest of the day, evening, and into the wee morning hours finishing up on packing and cleaning the house before we left. Hubby and I didn't get to sleep till nearly 2 am and the alarm went off this morning at 4:15. Not cool, not cool at all.
To add to the fun, I had a migraine yesterday and luckily I had picked up some samples from work. I had two more left and decided to bring one of them with me on our trip "just in case". I haven't had a migraine in months but I figured yesterday's was brought on by stress and it was possible I might have another this week although I didn't think I really would. Better safe than sorry, right. Well, me and no sleep don't get along. Add that to the stress and apparently that is my personal recipe for a killer migraine. My head hurt as soon as I woke up this morning and I took some Aleve hoping to take the edge off. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at our final destination it was a full blown migraine complete with nausea and the desire to hammer a hole in my head for some relief. I broke down and took my only pill and now I'm just going to cross my fingers that I don't have another one.
So the kids had their first plane ride today and they loved it. We've driven to Colorado before to visit my Dad and we've taken some long weekend trips to Texas. But other than that the kids haven't ever had a "real" vacation. So when Hubby earned some frequent flyer miles we decided to get busy planning. We flew to Ft. Lauderdale today and will spend the next two nights here. Monday we will hop aboard the Majesty of the Sea's for 5 days visiting Nassau, Key West, and Cococay. Fun!
Everyone did great on the plane for the most part. It's so much fun watching the kiddos experience new things and this week is going to be chalk full of them! Elliot had some trouble with his ears and I hated that I couldn't fix it for him. He was swallowing and chewing as much as he could but his left ear was really bothering him. Selah was the only one with any real fear prior to flying. She had a little bit of a panic attack as we sat waiting to take off but as soon as we were safely in the air and she realized it wasn't so bad she was fine.
When we got here we picked up our rental car and then headed to our hotel. The kids were anxious to swim in the ocean for the first time. Actually, Elliot and Marleigh have been in the ocean before but they were so small I don't think they really remember it. We took them down and Hubby swam with them while I stood by and watched, capturing their smiles and screams of pure glee on film and in my mind. They were just loving it! After about 30 minutes we headed to the hotel pool and spent an hour or so hanging out there before we came up to our room.
Now it looks like we're winding down. In the time it's taken me to type out this entry all four kiddos have asked me if they could go to bed. So off I go to clear the suitcases away and tuck them all in so that I can hit the hay myself. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm looking forward to spending the day relaxing and watching my children love life!
4.03.2007
Twelve!
Marleigh is 12 years old today. Hard to believe it's been that long. It just doesn't seem possible.
Seems like only yesterday she was this squishy little thing with barely any hair who loved to dote on her new baby brother...
Now she's a beautiful young lady with the thickest hair imaginable and her brother drives her crazy!
Wow. Twelve years. Impossible!
Seems like only yesterday she was this squishy little thing with barely any hair who loved to dote on her new baby brother...
Now she's a beautiful young lady with the thickest hair imaginable and her brother drives her crazy!
Wow. Twelve years. Impossible!
3.22.2007
A couple more things
I thought of a couple things I meant to mention in the birthday post.
Yesterday one of Tess's little friends called on my cell phone to wish her a happy birthday. She wasn't sure who it was at first and then she finally realized it. She looked right at me and said, "It's Jacob, Mommy!" and then spoke into the phone and said, "You can sing me happy boorfday now Jacob." It was all about her yesterday!
Then this morning she woke up and came into the living room with a look of shock on her little face. She is a human heater while sleeping so she usually snoozes in nothing but her panties. Last night she apparently put on some of Selah's low rider panties that are just way to low. (I didn't realize that when I bought them or they never would have made it into my basket.) So Tess comes in and says, "Mommy look! When I toorned 5 I got too big for my panties!"
Love that girl!
On another note, Marleigh had her first real babysitting job this evening. She has of course stayed with her siblings before but we rarely pay her for it. She's also gone to friends homes before to watch their children while the adults were in a prayer group downstairs. So this was her first real alone-with-no-adults-around babysitting job. She did great! And heck, I think I'm going to start babysitting because she made a killing. Two hours and she brought home 30 bucks. I think she should pay for the movies tomorrow. Think she'll go for it? Nope, not a chance.
Yesterday one of Tess's little friends called on my cell phone to wish her a happy birthday. She wasn't sure who it was at first and then she finally realized it. She looked right at me and said, "It's Jacob, Mommy!" and then spoke into the phone and said, "You can sing me happy boorfday now Jacob." It was all about her yesterday!
Then this morning she woke up and came into the living room with a look of shock on her little face. She is a human heater while sleeping so she usually snoozes in nothing but her panties. Last night she apparently put on some of Selah's low rider panties that are just way to low. (I didn't realize that when I bought them or they never would have made it into my basket.) So Tess comes in and says, "Mommy look! When I toorned 5 I got too big for my panties!"
Love that girl!
On another note, Marleigh had her first real babysitting job this evening. She has of course stayed with her siblings before but we rarely pay her for it. She's also gone to friends homes before to watch their children while the adults were in a prayer group downstairs. So this was her first real alone-with-no-adults-around babysitting job. She did great! And heck, I think I'm going to start babysitting because she made a killing. Two hours and she brought home 30 bucks. I think she should pay for the movies tomorrow. Think she'll go for it? Nope, not a chance.
Well it's about time!
I had to switch over to the new version of blogger a while back. It made me. I wasn't happy about it either because I just don't like change. At all. And to reinforce my change issues, my blog decided to act up. I haven't been able to log in since I made that stupid switch. And I haven't been happy about it either! But here I finally am. Thank goodness.
Yesterday was Tess's 5th birthday. Hard to believe my youngest is 5. I still have issues with not having more children. Hubby says maybe we can adopt some day. I doubt we will, but at least it makes me feel like the days of little babies isn't over for certain.
Anyway, she had a great birthday. I had to work yesterday morning but after work the kids and I went bowling. After I finished her birthday outfit that I had started the night before. Hubby thinks I am insane and he's probably right. But she sure did look cute in that birthday outfit.
After bowling we did a little looking around. We went to the pet shop and then hit a couple other stores just to kill some time. Then we met Hubby at our local Japanese restaurant for dinner at the "fi-ore place". That's what Tess calls it since it's hibachi and they cook on the table and light the onions on fire. My step-dad joined us too which was a big surprise but it was nice to have him.
Tess got a new handheld Leap toy that she is in love with. I didn't think she'd ever go to sleep last night because she wouldn't put that thing down.
I sure do love that little Tea Pot. I couldn't imagine what life would be like with 4 kids when I found out I was pregnant with her. Now I can't imagine what life would be like without her. She is such a spunky little thing!
Yesterday was Tess's 5th birthday. Hard to believe my youngest is 5. I still have issues with not having more children. Hubby says maybe we can adopt some day. I doubt we will, but at least it makes me feel like the days of little babies isn't over for certain.
Anyway, she had a great birthday. I had to work yesterday morning but after work the kids and I went bowling. After I finished her birthday outfit that I had started the night before. Hubby thinks I am insane and he's probably right. But she sure did look cute in that birthday outfit.
After bowling we did a little looking around. We went to the pet shop and then hit a couple other stores just to kill some time. Then we met Hubby at our local Japanese restaurant for dinner at the "fi-ore place". That's what Tess calls it since it's hibachi and they cook on the table and light the onions on fire. My step-dad joined us too which was a big surprise but it was nice to have him.
Tess got a new handheld Leap toy that she is in love with. I didn't think she'd ever go to sleep last night because she wouldn't put that thing down.
I sure do love that little Tea Pot. I couldn't imagine what life would be like with 4 kids when I found out I was pregnant with her. Now I can't imagine what life would be like without her. She is such a spunky little thing!
2.18.2007
I did it!
Go me! The route I took was actually a little less than 5 miles, probably more like 4 1/2 miles. But I did it. And I lived to tell.
Now we'll see how I feel tomorrow. I know my legs are going to be sore. They were on fire going up a couple hills. I can deal with the normal soreness. I'm just hoping my knee is ok.
Now we'll see how I feel tomorrow. I know my legs are going to be sore. They were on fire going up a couple hills. I can deal with the normal soreness. I'm just hoping my knee is ok.
5 mile run
Yep, 5 miles. I'm getting ready to go now. Wish me luck.
After being off for a while with my knee hurting and then the whole family passing around colds and the flu, I'm finally back at training this week. Since the time until the big race is considerably closer now I had to start on week 5 of my training schedule. I'm using a program from a book that gives you the days and mileage/minutes to train before the run. There are several different options for the half marathon, I chose "To Finish". I'm not looking for some great personal best time. Although I guess any time at all would be my personal best since I've never run before. My point is that I just want to finish the darn thing.
So far my knee has held up. Although I've only run twice this week for 20 minutes each. I do 2 minutes of walking and 3 minutes of running. The guy who wrote the book I'm reading is big on walking breaks. I like his thinking. I need lots of walking breaks. So today I'm supposed to go 5 miles. Sunday's are the long run days. Hubby is out right now doing 7 miles. Makes me want to hoark just thinking of it. Yet for some reason I really want to be a runner. It can be quite addicting. Getting out there and doing it and then saying, "Hey, I just ran X-number of miles." It's inspiring.
Now I just have to pray that my knee will be ok. Hopefully it will.
After being off for a while with my knee hurting and then the whole family passing around colds and the flu, I'm finally back at training this week. Since the time until the big race is considerably closer now I had to start on week 5 of my training schedule. I'm using a program from a book that gives you the days and mileage/minutes to train before the run. There are several different options for the half marathon, I chose "To Finish". I'm not looking for some great personal best time. Although I guess any time at all would be my personal best since I've never run before. My point is that I just want to finish the darn thing.
So far my knee has held up. Although I've only run twice this week for 20 minutes each. I do 2 minutes of walking and 3 minutes of running. The guy who wrote the book I'm reading is big on walking breaks. I like his thinking. I need lots of walking breaks. So today I'm supposed to go 5 miles. Sunday's are the long run days. Hubby is out right now doing 7 miles. Makes me want to hoark just thinking of it. Yet for some reason I really want to be a runner. It can be quite addicting. Getting out there and doing it and then saying, "Hey, I just ran X-number of miles." It's inspiring.
Now I just have to pray that my knee will be ok. Hopefully it will.
5 mile run
Yep, 5 miles. I'm getting ready to go now. Wish me luck.
After being off for a while with my knee hurting and then the whole family passing around colds and the flu, I'm finally back at training this week. Since the time until the big race is considerably closer now I had to start on week 5 of my training schedule. I'm using a program from a book that gives you the days and mileage/minutes to train before the run. There are several different options for the half marathon, I chose "To Finish". I'm not looking for some great personal best time. Although I guess any time at all would be my personal best since I've never run before. My point is that I just want to finish the darn thing.
So far my knee has held up. Although I've only run twice this week for 20 minutes each. I do 2 minutes of walking and 3 minutes of running. The guy who wrote the book I'm reading is big on walking breaks. I like his thinking. I need lots of walking breaks. So today I'm supposed to go 5 miles. Sunday's are the long run days. Hubby is out right now doing 7 miles. Makes me want to hoark just thinking of it. Yet for some reason I really want to be a runner. It can be quite addicting. Getting out there and doing it and then saying, "Hey, I just ran X-number of miles." It's inspiring.
Now I just have to pray that my knee will be ok. Hopefully it will.
After being off for a while with my knee hurting and then the whole family passing around colds and the flu, I'm finally back at training this week. Since the time until the big race is considerably closer now I had to start on week 5 of my training schedule. I'm using a program from a book that gives you the days and mileage/minutes to train before the run. There are several different options for the half marathon, I chose "To Finish". I'm not looking for some great personal best time. Although I guess any time at all would be my personal best since I've never run before. My point is that I just want to finish the darn thing.
So far my knee has held up. Although I've only run twice this week for 20 minutes each. I do 2 minutes of walking and 3 minutes of running. The guy who wrote the book I'm reading is big on walking breaks. I like his thinking. I need lots of walking breaks. So today I'm supposed to go 5 miles. Sunday's are the long run days. Hubby is out right now doing 7 miles. Makes me want to hoark just thinking of it. Yet for some reason I really want to be a runner. It can be quite addicting. Getting out there and doing it and then saying, "Hey, I just ran X-number of miles." It's inspiring.
Now I just have to pray that my knee will be ok. Hopefully it will.
2.12.2007
Veggie girl
A couple years ago Marleigh came home from school one day and said she was going to be a vegetarian. I said, Um...no. I explained that she'd need to eat whatever we were eating and that I wouldn't make a seperate meal for her. I also said that it was important that she get the protein and nutrients that meat gives her. She was fine with it and that was that.
Then last week she came home from school and said she wasn't eating meat anymore. I decided this is one of those battles that just isn't worth fighting and that if she truly wanted to do this then she would. She's gone a week now and is still gung ho about it. I explained that I wouldn't go to the trouble of making an entire seperate meal for her. However, I'll help her a bit. For instance, this week one night we are having spaghetti so I'll just leave some sauce out for her that doesn't have meat in it.
I also told her that she had to be healthy. There won't be any substituting junk food for the meat. She'll need to find ways to get protein and still have lots of fruits and veggies.
I actually went without red meat for one year when I was in college. I had watched the movie City Slickers and fell in love with Norman the cow. After that I just couldn't eat meat without seeing Norman's sweet little eyes looking at me. I lasted a full year before I got so hungry one night after a concert that I made the comment that I would eat a hamburger if I had one. Knowing that all my friends were just as broke as I was I figured I was safe blurting it out. Then there was a frantic digging in the car seats and enough change was found to buy me a 49 cent hamburger at McDonalds. That was that. I was eating meat again, and I've never looked back.
It'll be interesting to see just how long Marleigh can keep it up.
Then last week she came home from school and said she wasn't eating meat anymore. I decided this is one of those battles that just isn't worth fighting and that if she truly wanted to do this then she would. She's gone a week now and is still gung ho about it. I explained that I wouldn't go to the trouble of making an entire seperate meal for her. However, I'll help her a bit. For instance, this week one night we are having spaghetti so I'll just leave some sauce out for her that doesn't have meat in it.
I also told her that she had to be healthy. There won't be any substituting junk food for the meat. She'll need to find ways to get protein and still have lots of fruits and veggies.
I actually went without red meat for one year when I was in college. I had watched the movie City Slickers and fell in love with Norman the cow. After that I just couldn't eat meat without seeing Norman's sweet little eyes looking at me. I lasted a full year before I got so hungry one night after a concert that I made the comment that I would eat a hamburger if I had one. Knowing that all my friends were just as broke as I was I figured I was safe blurting it out. Then there was a frantic digging in the car seats and enough change was found to buy me a 49 cent hamburger at McDonalds. That was that. I was eating meat again, and I've never looked back.
It'll be interesting to see just how long Marleigh can keep it up.
1.24.2007
It's not broken
It just feels like it. My knee that is. I saw the doctor today about my knee pain. He said there is definitely fluid inside and offered to drain it but I passed. No thank you. If it consists and doesn't go away with the medication he prescribed then I'll have it drained but I thought I'd hold off on the needle for now. He gave it a technical term but I can't remember it and he said it's similar to Bursitis. My cartlidge is damaged, probably from a previous injury or strain on my knee. Hmmmm, wonder if it could be all those years of pom-pon when we dropped from a standing position straight onto our knees. That was pretty dumb. Anyway, because the cartlidge is damaged there is nothing cushiony to help the bones when they bend and move so they just rub right against each other which believe me, is not pleasant. I'm to rest it for 3 more days and he put me on 8 days of Celebrex. Hopefully that will help things and I can get back to training for that half-marathon!
I haven't seen this doctor before but decided to go to him since he's my boss. So since I was a new patient he checked me over and got my history. After hearing that my Mother died of Ovarian Cancer and her sister died of Breast Cancer and her Mother went through some female cancer (I think it was cervical, or maybe uterine?), and her Grandmother died of Ovarian Cancer he decided that I have a pretty significant family history of cancer. Ya think? Anyway, he has referred me to a Genetics Counselor that I will see on May 3rd. That should be interesting. I'd love for them to tell me how to prevent getting cancer because I'm afraid the cancer card may be in the hand I was dealt at birth.
In other news, I weighed 3 pounds less at my first WW meeting yesterday. Here's hoping those 3 pounds never find their way back to this body.
I haven't seen this doctor before but decided to go to him since he's my boss. So since I was a new patient he checked me over and got my history. After hearing that my Mother died of Ovarian Cancer and her sister died of Breast Cancer and her Mother went through some female cancer (I think it was cervical, or maybe uterine?), and her Grandmother died of Ovarian Cancer he decided that I have a pretty significant family history of cancer. Ya think? Anyway, he has referred me to a Genetics Counselor that I will see on May 3rd. That should be interesting. I'd love for them to tell me how to prevent getting cancer because I'm afraid the cancer card may be in the hand I was dealt at birth.
In other news, I weighed 3 pounds less at my first WW meeting yesterday. Here's hoping those 3 pounds never find their way back to this body.
1.23.2007
Just stuff
Lots to catch up on here!
My new job is going well. I am really enjoying it and like the people I work with for the most part. It's just enough hours that I can get out of the house and not be out spending money. Which is a good thing.
Tomorrow I'll be visiting one of the doctor's I work for but as a patient. After just a week and a half or so of running my left knee started hurting quite a bit. So I stopped for a couple days hoping that I'd just overworked it or something but it's still hurting. I know I said in my last entry that I was hoping for an injury but I take that back now. Hubby is still going strong and I have to say I'm a bit jealous. I want to run! Hopefully the doctor can tell me what is wrong and I can get right back into it and still do the run in April.
In other news, I started Weight Watchers last week. I have always done low carb eating which (when I stick to it) really seems to work well for me. But with the exercising I know my body needs some of the carbs I wasn't getting. So for a week or so I tried to just eat healthy and I couldn't do it. I needed someone to tell me what I could and couldn't have and how much of it was ok. Today will be my first weigh in. I'm actually looking forward to getting on the scale and seeing what it says!
Marleigh got braces a couple weeks ago. It's still a little odd seeing her smile. It takes some getting used to. She's doing great with them though and when it's all done she'll have beautiful straight teeth. At least she'd better after the chunk of change we're dropping for those things! This past weeked she had a volleyball tournament and her team ended up placing first! Last year, they were always the worst team at all the tournaments so this is quite a change. Hubby hadn't been able to see the new team play this year so he was especially excited to see the improvement they have made. Go Aces!
The kids went back to school on the 8th which was our 13th anniversary. Hard to believe it's been that long! That was also my first day of work. That Friday we had a big ice storm move in that caused all sorts of havoc. We actually got mostly sleet but many areas of the state got freezing rain which downed power lines and people are still without power because of it. I can't imagine! The following Monday was MLK day so the kids were out that day. But because of the 3 inches of sleet on the ground that thawed just enough every night to refreeze and cause the streets to be incredibly slick the next day, they ended up being out of school until Friday! I'll tell you, last week was L O N G. Lucikly, the weather guys who thought we'd get up to a foot of snow this past weekend were wrong and it ended up just raining all day Saturday. So no more snow days. Thank goodness.
So hopefully we're finally back to normal after the holidays and all the snow days and I can get back to doing what I do.
My new job is going well. I am really enjoying it and like the people I work with for the most part. It's just enough hours that I can get out of the house and not be out spending money. Which is a good thing.
Tomorrow I'll be visiting one of the doctor's I work for but as a patient. After just a week and a half or so of running my left knee started hurting quite a bit. So I stopped for a couple days hoping that I'd just overworked it or something but it's still hurting. I know I said in my last entry that I was hoping for an injury but I take that back now. Hubby is still going strong and I have to say I'm a bit jealous. I want to run! Hopefully the doctor can tell me what is wrong and I can get right back into it and still do the run in April.
In other news, I started Weight Watchers last week. I have always done low carb eating which (when I stick to it) really seems to work well for me. But with the exercising I know my body needs some of the carbs I wasn't getting. So for a week or so I tried to just eat healthy and I couldn't do it. I needed someone to tell me what I could and couldn't have and how much of it was ok. Today will be my first weigh in. I'm actually looking forward to getting on the scale and seeing what it says!
Marleigh got braces a couple weeks ago. It's still a little odd seeing her smile. It takes some getting used to. She's doing great with them though and when it's all done she'll have beautiful straight teeth. At least she'd better after the chunk of change we're dropping for those things! This past weeked she had a volleyball tournament and her team ended up placing first! Last year, they were always the worst team at all the tournaments so this is quite a change. Hubby hadn't been able to see the new team play this year so he was especially excited to see the improvement they have made. Go Aces!
The kids went back to school on the 8th which was our 13th anniversary. Hard to believe it's been that long! That was also my first day of work. That Friday we had a big ice storm move in that caused all sorts of havoc. We actually got mostly sleet but many areas of the state got freezing rain which downed power lines and people are still without power because of it. I can't imagine! The following Monday was MLK day so the kids were out that day. But because of the 3 inches of sleet on the ground that thawed just enough every night to refreeze and cause the streets to be incredibly slick the next day, they ended up being out of school until Friday! I'll tell you, last week was L O N G. Lucikly, the weather guys who thought we'd get up to a foot of snow this past weekend were wrong and it ended up just raining all day Saturday. So no more snow days. Thank goodness.
So hopefully we're finally back to normal after the holidays and all the snow days and I can get back to doing what I do.
1.06.2007
13 point how-many-miles did you say?!
There's no way. I'm thinking of all the awful illnesses and/or injuries I could come down with between now and April 29th. A half-marathon. Seriously, what was I thinking? I know what I was thinking. I was thinking that I'd prove all those people who think I can't do it wrong. Problem is, they may just be right.
I haven't thrown in the towel just yet. I have walked every day since the 2nd, which was my start date. The first couple of days I just did it on the treadmill. Then Hubby joined me after work on Thursday and Friday for a 2+ mile run/walk around the neighborhood. I'd love to say that I can run 2 miles but I can't. I have to stop to walk periodically. Unless it's downhill. Downhill running is my favorite. I feel so fast! Aren't I just pitifull! Today I did run a full consecutive mile before stopping, which I guess is an accomplishment. I just don't see how I can go from 1 mile to 13.1 in this lifetime, let alone before April 29th.
I'm hoping to lose some weight with this whole running endeavor. I've put on my fair share of pounds over the holidays and used "I'll be training for a half-marathon" as an excuse to overeat. Not cool. Now I'm big and the new pants I have to wear (scrubs, like a real doctor!) for my new job I start on Monday are showing the new dimples in my back side. Again, not cool. It seems as though I can either eat right and not exercise...or exercise but not eat right. I'm not sure how to do both things together. It's like my body and mind just won't let me do it. I'm hoping that this part time job will get me out of the house just enough to keep me away from the fridge and snacking all day long without any little eyes watching me. I can't stand when the kids tell on me. "We had cookies but Mommy ate them all." Not cool!
I haven't thrown in the towel just yet. I have walked every day since the 2nd, which was my start date. The first couple of days I just did it on the treadmill. Then Hubby joined me after work on Thursday and Friday for a 2+ mile run/walk around the neighborhood. I'd love to say that I can run 2 miles but I can't. I have to stop to walk periodically. Unless it's downhill. Downhill running is my favorite. I feel so fast! Aren't I just pitifull! Today I did run a full consecutive mile before stopping, which I guess is an accomplishment. I just don't see how I can go from 1 mile to 13.1 in this lifetime, let alone before April 29th.
I'm hoping to lose some weight with this whole running endeavor. I've put on my fair share of pounds over the holidays and used "I'll be training for a half-marathon" as an excuse to overeat. Not cool. Now I'm big and the new pants I have to wear (scrubs, like a real doctor!) for my new job I start on Monday are showing the new dimples in my back side. Again, not cool. It seems as though I can either eat right and not exercise...or exercise but not eat right. I'm not sure how to do both things together. It's like my body and mind just won't let me do it. I'm hoping that this part time job will get me out of the house just enough to keep me away from the fridge and snacking all day long without any little eyes watching me. I can't stand when the kids tell on me. "We had cookies but Mommy ate them all." Not cool!
1.01.2007
Um, oops?
I hadn't realized how long it had been since I'd made an entry here. I guess it's obvious that the holiday's have been busy.
We had Christmas day here at my house with my family. It was a nice visit with everyone but I had some major post-Christmas depression. The kids were all home with me and Hubby was at work and I just wanted him to hang around here and relax with us. Ya know?
Then last Friday we went to visit his family for our Christmas get-together. We just got back today. It was way too much time with the in-laws. I can't tell you how glad I am to be home.
So I just had pizza for dinner and tomorrow starts the new life for me. No more pizza. No more slacking off watching tv on the couch all night. No more bon bons! But the biggie is...and it's big...I'm training for a half marathon. I'm still not sure how I got roped into it. My little sister has done several walks for fundraising efforst and over a year ago she did her first run in San Francisco. Then my older sister got on the band-wagon and did a run a couple months ago. And somehow, somewhere in a phone conversation it was agreed that I would do a run with them on April 29th. The good news is that I got to buy some new workout clothes. But um, now I gotta put them on. Scary. Really scary.
We had Christmas day here at my house with my family. It was a nice visit with everyone but I had some major post-Christmas depression. The kids were all home with me and Hubby was at work and I just wanted him to hang around here and relax with us. Ya know?
Then last Friday we went to visit his family for our Christmas get-together. We just got back today. It was way too much time with the in-laws. I can't tell you how glad I am to be home.
So I just had pizza for dinner and tomorrow starts the new life for me. No more pizza. No more slacking off watching tv on the couch all night. No more bon bons! But the biggie is...and it's big...I'm training for a half marathon. I'm still not sure how I got roped into it. My little sister has done several walks for fundraising efforst and over a year ago she did her first run in San Francisco. Then my older sister got on the band-wagon and did a run a couple months ago. And somehow, somewhere in a phone conversation it was agreed that I would do a run with them on April 29th. The good news is that I got to buy some new workout clothes. But um, now I gotta put them on. Scary. Really scary.
11.09.2006
Holy Hormones Batman!
This has been quite a week in our household. On Monday, I woke up feeling awful. AF (Aunt Flo for those who aren't familiar with her) showed up on Sunday and I was crampy and crabby. I also had a horrible headache that got worse and worse as the day grew longer. Elliot complained all morning of an awful tummy ache and ended up staying home from school. Then Marleigh called around 11:00 to say she felt bad so I had to pick her up from school early.
The three of us lay around the house most of the day, nursing our ailments and hoping it wouldn't last long. By 4:00 my head hurt so badly that I thought I would hoark. So off to bed I went. The kids came in periodically to check on me and ask about dinner. Finally at 5:40 I told Marleigh to come get me at 6:00 when dinner would be done and I'd come get it out of the crock pot.
When she came to get me up I went into the bathroom and she followed me in and sort of hung around. As I was washing my hands she finally spoke up with, "Mom. I think I may have started my period." If not for my horrible migraine I probably would have had more of a reaction. As it was, with my head bowed so not to disturb the pain I moved my eyes toward her and asked her what made her think that she'd started. I was doubtful that it was truly her time. After all, I was at least 12 if not 13 when I started and here she is just 11.7 years old. I figured she'd had some discharge that she just wasn't used to.
She told me that the day before she went to the bathroom and had some "stuff" in her panties. She didn't really think anything of it until just then though because she'd gone in to the bathroom just before waking me and it was there again. Still doubtfull, I asked her to show me. Sure enough, my little girl had started her period.
That was 3 days ago. We've made it through her wearing pads for 2 days and then deciding she wanted to give tampons a try. I am so thankful that she feels comfortable enough to come to me with questions and isn't trying to figure things out on her own. Let me tell you, helping your daughter...the same one that you nursed and changed diapers for...insert her first tampon is quite a wild ride. It doesn't seem possible that I have a daughter old enough to me going through this. Apparently I do.
This evening those awful hormones got the best of her. I picked her up after school (where she was supposed to stay late for a choir practice but didn't because her tampon leaked all over the place) and we went directly out to shop for clothing for a wedding this weekend. It was several hours before we made it home and then she got started in on her homework. Of course, she chose the busiest room in the house to work (the living room) and after acting frustrated with the noise I told her she could go to my room and work on my bed. Several minutes later when I went to check on her she was sitting on my bed sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and she responded with, "I don't want to be 11. I don't want to go to school. I have so much homework, it's just too much! I can't do it!" I finally got her calmed down enough to take a deep breath and realize that the changes she's going through are making her feel completely overwhelmed. Now 2 hours later she's just about finished and ready to call it a day.
Heaven help us when all 3 girls get their periods. Hubby may as well take Elliot and run away for at least a week every month.
The three of us lay around the house most of the day, nursing our ailments and hoping it wouldn't last long. By 4:00 my head hurt so badly that I thought I would hoark. So off to bed I went. The kids came in periodically to check on me and ask about dinner. Finally at 5:40 I told Marleigh to come get me at 6:00 when dinner would be done and I'd come get it out of the crock pot.
When she came to get me up I went into the bathroom and she followed me in and sort of hung around. As I was washing my hands she finally spoke up with, "Mom. I think I may have started my period." If not for my horrible migraine I probably would have had more of a reaction. As it was, with my head bowed so not to disturb the pain I moved my eyes toward her and asked her what made her think that she'd started. I was doubtful that it was truly her time. After all, I was at least 12 if not 13 when I started and here she is just 11.7 years old. I figured she'd had some discharge that she just wasn't used to.
She told me that the day before she went to the bathroom and had some "stuff" in her panties. She didn't really think anything of it until just then though because she'd gone in to the bathroom just before waking me and it was there again. Still doubtfull, I asked her to show me. Sure enough, my little girl had started her period.
That was 3 days ago. We've made it through her wearing pads for 2 days and then deciding she wanted to give tampons a try. I am so thankful that she feels comfortable enough to come to me with questions and isn't trying to figure things out on her own. Let me tell you, helping your daughter...the same one that you nursed and changed diapers for...insert her first tampon is quite a wild ride. It doesn't seem possible that I have a daughter old enough to me going through this. Apparently I do.
This evening those awful hormones got the best of her. I picked her up after school (where she was supposed to stay late for a choir practice but didn't because her tampon leaked all over the place) and we went directly out to shop for clothing for a wedding this weekend. It was several hours before we made it home and then she got started in on her homework. Of course, she chose the busiest room in the house to work (the living room) and after acting frustrated with the noise I told her she could go to my room and work on my bed. Several minutes later when I went to check on her she was sitting on my bed sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and she responded with, "I don't want to be 11. I don't want to go to school. I have so much homework, it's just too much! I can't do it!" I finally got her calmed down enough to take a deep breath and realize that the changes she's going through are making her feel completely overwhelmed. Now 2 hours later she's just about finished and ready to call it a day.
Heaven help us when all 3 girls get their periods. Hubby may as well take Elliot and run away for at least a week every month.
10.31.2006
Can we please?
Tonight we went trick-or-treating. Marleigh went with her friend. Hubby stayed home to pass out candy and make dinner and the rest of us all went out with our neighbor and her Dad. Thank goodness the Dad came because Tess got tired half-way-through and he ended up carrying her on his shoulder's. Gotta love those strong neighbors.
Tess was dressed as Rapunzel, Selah was a can-can dancer, and Elliot was the Energizer Bunny. We went through the whole neighborhood and got lots of goods. One family gave out bananas. Seriously. (That would be "seeweyuswee" in Selah terms, which she says all the time by the way.) Elliot was very nice at the door and came out to the curb and said, "Um, that's the new "penny person". They give out BANANAS!".
We got home and all three kids went through their candy, organizing it and getting ready to trade things with their siblings. Of course, while sorting it they each were munching on stuff. Elliot just went for the first thing he could get his hands on. Selah picked through several things, opening them and then deciding she didn't like it and then would move on to something else. (She doesn't like chocolate. I think she may have been switched at birth.)
Tess however, went straight for that banana. She's like that commercial where the kid is stacking up all sorts of fatty snacks to make a stool so they can reach the Life cereal. You don't think that happens in real life but it does.
I had a lot of fun tonight. And the kids came home telling Hubby how much fun they had, which made it even more fun for me. And then Selah closed the night with this...
"Can we go trick-or-treating again tomorrow night?"
Sure we can. Who cares what the neighbors say!
Tess was dressed as Rapunzel, Selah was a can-can dancer, and Elliot was the Energizer Bunny. We went through the whole neighborhood and got lots of goods. One family gave out bananas. Seriously. (That would be "seeweyuswee" in Selah terms, which she says all the time by the way.) Elliot was very nice at the door and came out to the curb and said, "Um, that's the new "penny person". They give out BANANAS!".
We got home and all three kids went through their candy, organizing it and getting ready to trade things with their siblings. Of course, while sorting it they each were munching on stuff. Elliot just went for the first thing he could get his hands on. Selah picked through several things, opening them and then deciding she didn't like it and then would move on to something else. (She doesn't like chocolate. I think she may have been switched at birth.)
Tess however, went straight for that banana. She's like that commercial where the kid is stacking up all sorts of fatty snacks to make a stool so they can reach the Life cereal. You don't think that happens in real life but it does.
I had a lot of fun tonight. And the kids came home telling Hubby how much fun they had, which made it even more fun for me. And then Selah closed the night with this...
"Can we go trick-or-treating again tomorrow night?"
Sure we can. Who cares what the neighbors say!
10.27.2006
Mommy, why is the church man here?
Nothing like a visit from the preacher to really make you look at the way you're living. Right?
Hubby recently built a house that is right next door to our preacher's house. It's been finished for almost two months now and still no offers on it. We really need a contract on this house. So if you have any extra room in your prayers, a send up to the Big Man for an offer would be much appreciated!
So, when hubby built this house he and the preacher (JJ) put a fence up. Since JJ's house is next door, part of the fence is technically his. So he owed us a little bit of money for supplies. At church last Sunday he said he'd come by and drop off a check. Of course, we came home and made at least the front of the house presentable. He never showed up.
This afternoon was chaos. Marleigh had gone to her friends house to help her prepare for her birthday party. Then they showed up here to get some CD's to play. I was in the living room with the two of them making sure they chose appropriate music. Selah was in the living room watching tv and since we (Marleigh, her friend, and I) were talking she had it turned up really loud so she could hear it. Elliot and his friend who is spending the night were upstairs in the bonus room playing the X-Box. Of course they are screaming at the top of their lungs because you just can't paly X-Box silently. Then on the landing upstairs is Tess with her CD player blasting the High School Musical CD and singing at the top of her lungs. Like I said, it was chaos.
As I'm sitting in the living room with the girls I hear the doorbell ring. I fully expected it to be Marleigh's friend's father who had been waiting in his car outside. Instead, I hear Selah say, "Mommy, why is the church man here?"
I turn around to see our preacher in the door. There was nothing for me to say other than, "If you'd come by on Sunday, it would have been clean and quiet around here." He got a major taste for the real life in our house. Nice, huh? Ugh.
Hubby recently built a house that is right next door to our preacher's house. It's been finished for almost two months now and still no offers on it. We really need a contract on this house. So if you have any extra room in your prayers, a send up to the Big Man for an offer would be much appreciated!
So, when hubby built this house he and the preacher (JJ) put a fence up. Since JJ's house is next door, part of the fence is technically his. So he owed us a little bit of money for supplies. At church last Sunday he said he'd come by and drop off a check. Of course, we came home and made at least the front of the house presentable. He never showed up.
This afternoon was chaos. Marleigh had gone to her friends house to help her prepare for her birthday party. Then they showed up here to get some CD's to play. I was in the living room with the two of them making sure they chose appropriate music. Selah was in the living room watching tv and since we (Marleigh, her friend, and I) were talking she had it turned up really loud so she could hear it. Elliot and his friend who is spending the night were upstairs in the bonus room playing the X-Box. Of course they are screaming at the top of their lungs because you just can't paly X-Box silently. Then on the landing upstairs is Tess with her CD player blasting the High School Musical CD and singing at the top of her lungs. Like I said, it was chaos.
As I'm sitting in the living room with the girls I hear the doorbell ring. I fully expected it to be Marleigh's friend's father who had been waiting in his car outside. Instead, I hear Selah say, "Mommy, why is the church man here?"
I turn around to see our preacher in the door. There was nothing for me to say other than, "If you'd come by on Sunday, it would have been clean and quiet around here." He got a major taste for the real life in our house. Nice, huh? Ugh.
10.26.2006
They really are exceptional
All too often I take my kids for granted. I just assume that all children are like mine. My kids fight and whine. They hate picking up after themselves. They blame everything on their siblings.
However, they are also exceptional. They are all able to sit and have a conversation with an adult. Like yesterday when Elliot took a costume over for a neighbor to borrow and was gone for twenty minutes. Turns out he went in and told our neighbor about the new music he was learning to play on the piano. He took the time to explain all the pieces of the costume to her. He told her 6 year old son he was sorry he didn't feel well. I take for granted that my children do these kinds of things. Then I think about my neighbor's son who is Elliot's age and could have more of a conversation with a brick wall then he could with me.
Last night I was reminded by a friend at church just how exceptional Marleigh is. As a Mother, it's always a treasure to hear someone talk about your child with such praise. But the comments I heard last night just made my heart leap.
Marleigh went on the Jr. High retreat last weekend. They went camping for 3 days and 2 nights out in the wild blue yonder of Arkansas. On the second day they were doing an obstacle course that was much like the ropes courses of my days. You know the kind, where you have to trust and depend on others to help you through. As Marleigh and several other friends jumped over a rope while still holding each others' hands, it was then Alex's turn to make the leap. Marleigh held her hand as she took her jump and cringed as she heard a loud snap upon Alex's landing. Thankfully, the person on the other side of her was an adult chaperone and he immediately told Alex, "Don't move. It's broken."
Marleigh has only known Alex for a few months. Yet she stayed by her side as the adults fashioned a stretcher out of a cot to get her to the car. Being in the middle of nowhere, the closest hospital was nearly an hour away. So when Alex was told she could bring a friend with her she chose Marleigh.
Last night my friend (the chaperone on the other side of Alex and one who also made the trip to the hospital) told me that he was so impressed with Marleigh's care and composure. He told me of how she stroked Alex's face tenderly, telling her it would all be ok. How she held her hand extra tight as they made their way through the bumpy terrain to get to the highway. That she kept Alex's mind off of the pain by sharing with her the story of Tess breaking her arm earlier this year and telling her funny stories about our crazy family.
At the hospital Alex was only allowed one adult in the room with her but was somehow able to con the nurses into letting her new friend Marleigh join them. And so Marleigh went back to sit by her side and help her not feel so alone.
My friend said he doesn't know many 11 year olds that can be as mature as Marleigh was that night. I feel so incredibly blessed that she's mine. At times like these, Hubby and I wonder how on earth we got such exceptional children. I need to say an extra prayer thanking the Big Man for choosing us to raise these wonderful kiddos.
Oh, and if you're wondering...Alex is doing all right. She dislocated her ankle and broke her leg in two places. From what I hear, if her ankle hadn't been dislocated she would have had a compound fracture. Ouch! It looks as though she won't have to endure surgery but she's been out of school all week. Marleigh's already been over twice to visit her. What a special girl!
However, they are also exceptional. They are all able to sit and have a conversation with an adult. Like yesterday when Elliot took a costume over for a neighbor to borrow and was gone for twenty minutes. Turns out he went in and told our neighbor about the new music he was learning to play on the piano. He took the time to explain all the pieces of the costume to her. He told her 6 year old son he was sorry he didn't feel well. I take for granted that my children do these kinds of things. Then I think about my neighbor's son who is Elliot's age and could have more of a conversation with a brick wall then he could with me.
Last night I was reminded by a friend at church just how exceptional Marleigh is. As a Mother, it's always a treasure to hear someone talk about your child with such praise. But the comments I heard last night just made my heart leap.
Marleigh went on the Jr. High retreat last weekend. They went camping for 3 days and 2 nights out in the wild blue yonder of Arkansas. On the second day they were doing an obstacle course that was much like the ropes courses of my days. You know the kind, where you have to trust and depend on others to help you through. As Marleigh and several other friends jumped over a rope while still holding each others' hands, it was then Alex's turn to make the leap. Marleigh held her hand as she took her jump and cringed as she heard a loud snap upon Alex's landing. Thankfully, the person on the other side of her was an adult chaperone and he immediately told Alex, "Don't move. It's broken."
Marleigh has only known Alex for a few months. Yet she stayed by her side as the adults fashioned a stretcher out of a cot to get her to the car. Being in the middle of nowhere, the closest hospital was nearly an hour away. So when Alex was told she could bring a friend with her she chose Marleigh.
Last night my friend (the chaperone on the other side of Alex and one who also made the trip to the hospital) told me that he was so impressed with Marleigh's care and composure. He told me of how she stroked Alex's face tenderly, telling her it would all be ok. How she held her hand extra tight as they made their way through the bumpy terrain to get to the highway. That she kept Alex's mind off of the pain by sharing with her the story of Tess breaking her arm earlier this year and telling her funny stories about our crazy family.
At the hospital Alex was only allowed one adult in the room with her but was somehow able to con the nurses into letting her new friend Marleigh join them. And so Marleigh went back to sit by her side and help her not feel so alone.
My friend said he doesn't know many 11 year olds that can be as mature as Marleigh was that night. I feel so incredibly blessed that she's mine. At times like these, Hubby and I wonder how on earth we got such exceptional children. I need to say an extra prayer thanking the Big Man for choosing us to raise these wonderful kiddos.
Oh, and if you're wondering...Alex is doing all right. She dislocated her ankle and broke her leg in two places. From what I hear, if her ankle hadn't been dislocated she would have had a compound fracture. Ouch! It looks as though she won't have to endure surgery but she's been out of school all week. Marleigh's already been over twice to visit her. What a special girl!
10.25.2006
Tomorrow I'm wearing tennis shoes
That's what Sela said as soon as she walked in the door after school today.
"Tomorrow I'm wearing tennis shoes. Know why? Because I can tie them now!"
She's so proud of herself. We wear lots of sandals and shoes that don't require tying around here. Not because she can't do it, they just tend to be cuter. I have never really worked with her to teach her to tie. I just knew she'd figure it out at some point. Sort of like at some point I figure she'll decide she shouldn't be sucking her thumb anymore. Right?
So today she got it. What a big girl!
"Tomorrow I'm wearing tennis shoes. Know why? Because I can tie them now!"
She's so proud of herself. We wear lots of sandals and shoes that don't require tying around here. Not because she can't do it, they just tend to be cuter. I have never really worked with her to teach her to tie. I just knew she'd figure it out at some point. Sort of like at some point I figure she'll decide she shouldn't be sucking her thumb anymore. Right?
So today she got it. What a big girl!
10.20.2006
I'll probably regret this
Watching my weight is a huge thorn in my side. It's been a constant in my life. It's way past old. For the last several months I've been like a yo-yo just moving up and down between 10 pounds. I get to the top of that 10 pounds and feel so disgusting that I get back on track, lose 10 pounds quickly, and then go through a couple days of bingeing and the cycle just starts right over. It's a pain. And what's so frustrating is that the bottom of those 10 pounds is actually 17 pounds MORE than where I was at one point earlier in the year.
So I'm tired of this yo-yo game and decided on Monday that I was going to get back on track and not give up when I lose those first 10 pounds. I've done great all week and am already down 10 pounds. But here's where the regret is coming...
I have a headache today. And I'm in a funk. And I just want to eat. I've been really good but then 4:00 rolled around and I ended up opening the bag of sugar free reese's peanut butter cups that I bought yesterday. Thank goodness it's a small bag with just 2 servings. I've got one cup left and then the bag will be gone. My willpower sucks. Ugh.
At least they're sugar free though, right? But the sugar free stuff usually gives me the worst tummy ache ever if I induldge too much. So I'm sure I'll regret that I ate this whole bag.
It's a viscious cycle. It really, really is.
So I'm tired of this yo-yo game and decided on Monday that I was going to get back on track and not give up when I lose those first 10 pounds. I've done great all week and am already down 10 pounds. But here's where the regret is coming...
I have a headache today. And I'm in a funk. And I just want to eat. I've been really good but then 4:00 rolled around and I ended up opening the bag of sugar free reese's peanut butter cups that I bought yesterday. Thank goodness it's a small bag with just 2 servings. I've got one cup left and then the bag will be gone. My willpower sucks. Ugh.
At least they're sugar free though, right? But the sugar free stuff usually gives me the worst tummy ache ever if I induldge too much. So I'm sure I'll regret that I ate this whole bag.
It's a viscious cycle. It really, really is.
10.18.2006
Thank goodness that's over
Today's was Tess' last trip to the pediatric dentist in Oklahoma City. This was our 5th trip and it's just not any fun at all. Poor little Tess inherited Mommy's icky teeth. At her first ever trip to the dentist she had 7 cavities. Then when we went for more x-rays it turned out there were 10. So we were referred to a pediatric dentist who was more equipped to handle the amount of work that needed to be done.
After all was said and done, Tess has a total of 7 silver crowns on back molars as well as the enamel colored crowns on her two front teeth that she got today. $2500 on teeth that will fall out in the next 5 years. Nice, huh? Not so much.
In the beginning I gave her a weeks notice that she had an appointment coming up. Then she spent the next week being a huge terror knowing that the countdown was on. So then I tried telling her just the day before. That was almost worst. Well, until I just showed up in the parking lot without giving her any warning at all. That's when she looked around and said, "Why awe we herwah?!" That was way worse. I had to basically tackle her just to get her out of the car.
So I told her yesterday that her last appointment was today. She wouldn't get out of bed this morning. Then as we got closer to the office she got more and more upset. Until we were pulling onto the street of the dentist's office and she announced, "I don't want to go to da dentist. It feels like day awe widing a bike on my teef!" Never heard that one before. Poor thing.
Ah well, at least it's over. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that the next time we go for a cleaning she doesn't have another 10 cavities.
After all was said and done, Tess has a total of 7 silver crowns on back molars as well as the enamel colored crowns on her two front teeth that she got today. $2500 on teeth that will fall out in the next 5 years. Nice, huh? Not so much.
In the beginning I gave her a weeks notice that she had an appointment coming up. Then she spent the next week being a huge terror knowing that the countdown was on. So then I tried telling her just the day before. That was almost worst. Well, until I just showed up in the parking lot without giving her any warning at all. That's when she looked around and said, "Why awe we herwah?!" That was way worse. I had to basically tackle her just to get her out of the car.
So I told her yesterday that her last appointment was today. She wouldn't get out of bed this morning. Then as we got closer to the office she got more and more upset. Until we were pulling onto the street of the dentist's office and she announced, "I don't want to go to da dentist. It feels like day awe widing a bike on my teef!" Never heard that one before. Poor thing.
Ah well, at least it's over. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that the next time we go for a cleaning she doesn't have another 10 cavities.
10.17.2006
Spys like us
First let me say that I am a big loser for not updating sooner! I often have things that the kids say or do that I mean to write in here. But the last month just seems to have gotten away from me. Obviously.
So last night we were all spys. We got "booed" a couple days ago. You get a package of goodies on your front porch with a picture of a ghost and a poem. The poem tells you that you must copy the picture of poem twice and "boo" two other people in the next 24 hours. Luckily, there was no warning like on some emails that I've gotten threatening me with my life if the task wasn't completed within 24 hours.
I got bags of goodies made up for our two neighbors across from us and when the sun went down last night we all got ready to boo. Sela and Elliot did one house, they ran across the street and rang the doorbell and then ran over to the side of the house. All the while, the rest of us are crouched down in the dining room watching through the window. We don't have a great view to that neighbor's front door but we did see the man of the house open the door and get the bag.
Tess and Marleigh got to do the other house and it was much more exciting. They had gone over once and placed the bag on the porch and ran but then we realized that only the dad was home. He must have been upstairs because although a light came on in the house no one ever opened the door. Then as Sela and Elliot were hiding in the bushes the rest of the family came home. Luckily they weren't found out. After they all unloaded from their car and got in the house Tess and Marleigh went back over and rang the doorbell again. This time they came to the door and opened it. They must have been pretty excited to get booed because they immediately went to their study (which we have full view of) and copied the papers. Then they hung the ghost in the window so everone would know they'd been booed. The Dad went outside and looked around and messed with some of their Halloween decorations. He was just several feet away from Tess and Marleigh hiding in the dark at one point but lucikly they made it home safely without getting caught.
It was fun watching the look on the neighbors faces when they saw their goodie bags. But what was even more fun was crouching down in our dark house acting like spies and seeing the looks on my own kids faces!
We'll definitely be booing again next year!
So last night we were all spys. We got "booed" a couple days ago. You get a package of goodies on your front porch with a picture of a ghost and a poem. The poem tells you that you must copy the picture of poem twice and "boo" two other people in the next 24 hours. Luckily, there was no warning like on some emails that I've gotten threatening me with my life if the task wasn't completed within 24 hours.
I got bags of goodies made up for our two neighbors across from us and when the sun went down last night we all got ready to boo. Sela and Elliot did one house, they ran across the street and rang the doorbell and then ran over to the side of the house. All the while, the rest of us are crouched down in the dining room watching through the window. We don't have a great view to that neighbor's front door but we did see the man of the house open the door and get the bag.
Tess and Marleigh got to do the other house and it was much more exciting. They had gone over once and placed the bag on the porch and ran but then we realized that only the dad was home. He must have been upstairs because although a light came on in the house no one ever opened the door. Then as Sela and Elliot were hiding in the bushes the rest of the family came home. Luckily they weren't found out. After they all unloaded from their car and got in the house Tess and Marleigh went back over and rang the doorbell again. This time they came to the door and opened it. They must have been pretty excited to get booed because they immediately went to their study (which we have full view of) and copied the papers. Then they hung the ghost in the window so everone would know they'd been booed. The Dad went outside and looked around and messed with some of their Halloween decorations. He was just several feet away from Tess and Marleigh hiding in the dark at one point but lucikly they made it home safely without getting caught.
It was fun watching the look on the neighbors faces when they saw their goodie bags. But what was even more fun was crouching down in our dark house acting like spies and seeing the looks on my own kids faces!
We'll definitely be booing again next year!
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