Allie was burning up last night when I checked her when I went to bed. Her temperature was 102.5 I gave her tylenol and set my alarm for 3 hours so I could check her and give her motrin if her fever hadn't gone down. It was a LONG night. I got up twice and I made Dan get up one time. In addition to my alarm waking me to check on her, Allie also did a lot of moaning in her sleep. Her fever has stayed right around 100 today with tylenol. She has no other symptoms.
Jaelyn had a pretty bad tummy ache last night, but it seems to be better today. Caden and I both have sore throats. I haven't taken anything up until today and finally dug into the medicine cabinet. I thought I took Tylenol Cold and Sinus day-time, but I think the box must have had day and night because I took a 3 1/2 hour nap this morning. I've been in a daze ever since. I'm thankful today is Saturday and Dan is home. I need to be more careful about the medicine I'm taking.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Up to Her Old Tricks
Allie has been so much better lately about getting into things. Or maybe, I've been better about putting things away. Either way, we've had a peaceful time lately. All of that ended yesterday. Jaelyn has field day today so I got the sunscreen out so I'd remember to put it on her. I sat it on the counter (mistake #1). All four of us went upstairs to Caden's room to read. We read a few books together and then Jaelyn picked out a book to read to me. At that point, Allie and Caden decided to go downstairs to play (mistake #2). It was a new book for Jaelyn so it took her a bit to sound out all of the words. I normally have a sixth sense about Allie when she's getting into trouble, but my warning alarm did not go off. When we were almost done with the book, Caden came upstairs to wash his hands. I thought that was odd, and my alarm started ringing, but not loud enough to make me get up and run to check (mistake #3). Instead I sat and let Jaelyn finish the book while I thought about checking on Allie. I couldn't think of anything she could be getting into. When I did finally check, I was beyond mad. There are many things my dad has made me that I'm sentimental about, but of all of them, the kids' wooden rocking horse is my most treasured treasure. Let me just say that Nay Nay will be pale for the rest of his existence. No worry of sunburn for him! Oh my! He was covered in lotion. They had also squirted globs of lotion into a empty plastic tub lid. As far as messes go, it was pretty easy to clean up. Soapy water to get the lotion off of Nay Nay. It didn't damage the finish, thankfully. I used a spoon to scoop up what was in the lid - sun tan lotion is expensive and they used over half a bottle. Allie and Caden lost every ticket in their cups. It didn't phase Allie too much, but it sure had an impact on Caden. I think he'll be tattling next time instead of participating, at least I hope he tattles next time!
So the moral of the story, don't let Allie out of my sight or maybe it should be to put things away and let her out of my sight. Hmmm, I'll think about it.
So the moral of the story, don't let Allie out of my sight or maybe it should be to put things away and let her out of my sight. Hmmm, I'll think about it.
And On To Kindergarten
Allie is done with preschool. I can't believe she is 5 and starting kindergarten next year. Jaelyn seemed ready, but Allie seems too young. She's my baby girl. Putting Jaelyn on the bus last year was heart wrenching, I can only imagine putting both girls next year. Stocking up on kleenex will be required!
Allie's last official day of school was the last Friday my parents were here. Last week, her class had a picnic at a park. We had a fun time. The kids got to feed geese, fish, stomp in mud (didn't make the mommies happy) and say good-bye to all of their friends. Her teachers gave the kids a certificate and shared what the kids liked best about the year. I was the play dough mom and several listed play dough on their list. It made me feel good that my efforts were appreciated. So good, in fact, that I might sign up to be the play dough mom for Caden's class.
Allie doesn't totally understand that she's done with school or that her old friends won't go to her new school. She keeps asking me when she's going to school. I know she's missing her friends, especially the boys. Allie didn't really click with any girl in particular, but she did with the boys. Her favorites were Drew and Kyle. She gets this silly look when she talks about Kyle - her first crush!
Allie's last official day of school was the last Friday my parents were here. Last week, her class had a picnic at a park. We had a fun time. The kids got to feed geese, fish, stomp in mud (didn't make the mommies happy) and say good-bye to all of their friends. Her teachers gave the kids a certificate and shared what the kids liked best about the year. I was the play dough mom and several listed play dough on their list. It made me feel good that my efforts were appreciated. So good, in fact, that I might sign up to be the play dough mom for Caden's class.
Allie doesn't totally understand that she's done with school or that her old friends won't go to her new school. She keeps asking me when she's going to school. I know she's missing her friends, especially the boys. Allie didn't really click with any girl in particular, but she did with the boys. Her favorites were Drew and Kyle. She gets this silly look when she talks about Kyle - her first crush!
Allie standing between Kyle and Drew.
Miss Patty and Miss Barb
Allie's preschool class
Caden climbing on the playground
Pretend You're an Ant
We had a playdate this morning. Miss Karon and Eric came for a bit, then Miss Kelley and Lyssie joined us and stayed for lunch. The kids played outside and had fun looking at things through magnifying glasses (that I'd just dug out of the closet). On the way back inside, Lyssie looked at Caden and said "Pretend you're an ant." She wanted to look at him with her magnifying glass. We cracked up. I wasn't sure how to advise Caden about being an ant. So, give me help - how do you pretend to be an ant? My only thought was to carry my couch on my back, but I don't think that's possible! Here's Caden with Lyssie.
Allie didn't feel very well during our playdate and didn't eat very well. She ate most of her lunch, but it took her a long time where she normally inhales and her plate is empty. I noticed she was warm when she sat down beside me on the couch. She's has a 101 degree temperature. Oh my!
Allie didn't feel very well during our playdate and didn't eat very well. She ate most of her lunch, but it took her a long time where she normally inhales and her plate is empty. I noticed she was warm when she sat down beside me on the couch. She's has a 101 degree temperature. Oh my!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Leaving a Comment
I had someone recently wanting to leave a comment for me, but they didn't know how. I know there are a few less than computer savy people reading (how's that for politically correct) so here's how to leave me comments. At the bottom of each entry is the word "comments" with the number of comments that have been left. If you click on it, it'll take you to a new screen. There's a text box to enter your comments. After that, you retype the word verification and then you can either enter your google account and password info or if you choose, you can click on anonymous (just sign your name in the text box if you do that or I won't know who the comment came from). Click "publish your comment" and you are all set. No logging in required.
And the Phone Rings
Last night was session 5 of our foster classes. It was Anna's birthday (our babysitter) so we baked her cupcakes in the day, made play dough to play with, and made her a present. We left Anna and the kids happily eating pizza.
About 1 1/2 hours into our class, the phone in the room rang. I should back-up and say cell phones aren't allowed in the courthouse so we left that phone number as an emergency number for Anna. My heart immediately dropped. I was sure it was going to be for us and I was right. Poor Anna. Jaelyn was pitching an all out fit and was refusing to put on her pajamas, go potty, get into bed. I could hear her shrieking in the phone. Anna was beyond her experience and had no idea what to do (as most people would feel when dealing with Jaelyn's tantrums). Anna managed to get Jaelyn on the phone and between her sniffling, she actually talked to me. She didn't want to go to bed. It was as simple as that. Jaelyn and I compromised. Bed was not negotiable, but pajamas, potty and a pull-up were. I told her to get into her bed in her day clothes (as they call them), be very still and quiet and STAY AWAKE. If she didn't want to go to sleep, she didn't have to, but she had to be in her bed. Pick your battles, right... I then talked to Allie, who was laying on Daddy's pillow reading a book and being very good, and Caden, who was in pajamas and ready for bed as well.
Our class wrapped up early, thankfully. We have a quiet class, except for one person. I'm sure the instructor would like more interaction and discussion, but I'm getting a lot out of just listening and don't feel the need to discuss things in front of everyone else. Dan and I usually have a good talk on the drive home, but I'm off topic now. We got out early, about 8, and drove home as fast as we could to rescue poor Anna (and on her birthday no less). All was quiet when we got home around 8:30. Anna said she thought they were asleep since they'd been quiet for a little while. Sounds can be so deceiving with my little angles though so I went upstairs to check. First Caden's bed...no Caden and then I heard a loud crash from the girls room. I checked there next and found a mountain of books on the floor. I peaked in Jaelyn's bed and found Caden on the end preparing to throw another batch on the floor. Jaelyn's bed was full of books as well. Apparently, the kids had been very stealthy and had gotten all the books out of Caden's room. They had also cleared the girls' bookshelf. I turned their lights on, told them to clean them up, and then left Dan to supervise while I took Anna home.
I think I was awake half the night last night (and the circles under my eyes this morning confirm it) trying to figure out how to make them be good for her. Bedtime is the issue. The conclussion I've come up with is that bedtime is stressful when I'm doing it, and I've been doing it for 4 1/2 years. Next time, I'm going to have her get them ready for bed and then have her park them with their pillows and blankets in front of the TV to watch a long movie with the threat of going to bed if they get up. If nothing else, we only have 4 more classes to go until we are done. Just please pray the kids will be good for Anna so she'll keep coming!! We really need her.
This is Anna with the kids wearing our birthday hat from Baba. The kids said she didn't wear it while she blew out the candle on her cupcake and they were singing to her, though. :p
About 1 1/2 hours into our class, the phone in the room rang. I should back-up and say cell phones aren't allowed in the courthouse so we left that phone number as an emergency number for Anna. My heart immediately dropped. I was sure it was going to be for us and I was right. Poor Anna. Jaelyn was pitching an all out fit and was refusing to put on her pajamas, go potty, get into bed. I could hear her shrieking in the phone. Anna was beyond her experience and had no idea what to do (as most people would feel when dealing with Jaelyn's tantrums). Anna managed to get Jaelyn on the phone and between her sniffling, she actually talked to me. She didn't want to go to bed. It was as simple as that. Jaelyn and I compromised. Bed was not negotiable, but pajamas, potty and a pull-up were. I told her to get into her bed in her day clothes (as they call them), be very still and quiet and STAY AWAKE. If she didn't want to go to sleep, she didn't have to, but she had to be in her bed. Pick your battles, right... I then talked to Allie, who was laying on Daddy's pillow reading a book and being very good, and Caden, who was in pajamas and ready for bed as well.
Our class wrapped up early, thankfully. We have a quiet class, except for one person. I'm sure the instructor would like more interaction and discussion, but I'm getting a lot out of just listening and don't feel the need to discuss things in front of everyone else. Dan and I usually have a good talk on the drive home, but I'm off topic now. We got out early, about 8, and drove home as fast as we could to rescue poor Anna (and on her birthday no less). All was quiet when we got home around 8:30. Anna said she thought they were asleep since they'd been quiet for a little while. Sounds can be so deceiving with my little angles though so I went upstairs to check. First Caden's bed...no Caden and then I heard a loud crash from the girls room. I checked there next and found a mountain of books on the floor. I peaked in Jaelyn's bed and found Caden on the end preparing to throw another batch on the floor. Jaelyn's bed was full of books as well. Apparently, the kids had been very stealthy and had gotten all the books out of Caden's room. They had also cleared the girls' bookshelf. I turned their lights on, told them to clean them up, and then left Dan to supervise while I took Anna home.
I think I was awake half the night last night (and the circles under my eyes this morning confirm it) trying to figure out how to make them be good for her. Bedtime is the issue. The conclussion I've come up with is that bedtime is stressful when I'm doing it, and I've been doing it for 4 1/2 years. Next time, I'm going to have her get them ready for bed and then have her park them with their pillows and blankets in front of the TV to watch a long movie with the threat of going to bed if they get up. If nothing else, we only have 4 more classes to go until we are done. Just please pray the kids will be good for Anna so she'll keep coming!! We really need her.
This is Anna with the kids wearing our birthday hat from Baba. The kids said she didn't wear it while she blew out the candle on her cupcake and they were singing to her, though. :p
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Final Notes from Baba
Kelly, I've finally settled down long enough to finish my notes from our trip to your house. After reading the events at your house recently though, I think maybe our week was not as eventful as I thought. It was probably just a normal week.
These are just a few things that I forgot to tell you.
Each night I let the kids rotate who said the blessing first. On the night that it was Allie's turn to be first, I guess she wasn't fast enough and Jaelyn jumped in first. To get Allie to calm down I told her to just say two blessings which she did. The next night when Jaelyn was first she hadn't forgotten the double blessing so I think you could say she had a triple blessing. For a moment, I wasn't sure we were going to get to eat.
Monday night after you got home Caden was still thanking God for bringing back his Mommy and Daddy. What a sweetheart!!
I forgot to tell you that the day Allie and Caden were so wild before bed I had fed them brownies at Chic-fil-a. I didn't think they put that much sugar in them!!!
The first time I picked up Allie at school, as I went in the door way down the hall, I saw her class walking back to her classroom. All of a sudden in a very loud voice, I heard "Baba, there's my Baba. There's nothing quite like the excitement in a child's voice.
Jaelyn got green lights all week!! I knew she could do it.
When we went to IKEA the first time, Caden insisted on wearing his hiking boots so he could be tall enough to get in the play area. They made him take them off but he was tall enough anyway.
I guess I was so tired to describe the carnival to you the first time I wrote about it. It really was fun. The kids started off by getting something painted on their arm. Jaelyn got a horse, Allie got a flower, and Caden got a chocolate ice cream. Our next stop was the tatoo table. Jaelyn got a big cat, caden got a purple cartoon animal (?), and Alllie got a butterfly. At the third table they all made bracelets out of beads. The forth stop was golf. The girls got tickets (to spend later) for trying but little brother Caden stepped up to get a hole in one. He got a stuffed animal. At the fifth booth, the kids got four chances using a very heavy mallet to send about five inch long bugs flying through the air into the mouth of a frog. Unfortunately no one was able to feed the frog so they all got tickets for later. The next booth was rolling golf ball into slots and trying to get twenty one. Allie and Jaelyn tried and both got tickets for later. With me holding Caden up so he could play, he rolled his five balls and guess what. He got twenty-one!! He walked off another stuffed animal. The last booth that we went to was a ring toss and pencil pull. All three kids got their rings over a stuffed animal. All three got prizes. The pencil pull was pretty easy. Hand over a ticket and pull a pencil. It as a lot of fun for only ten dollars. As we left the carnival, we cashed in our tickets for later for little prizes and then we took time to let the kids play on the jungle gym. We learned that no one is quite ready for the monkey bars yet!! Hanging in mid air is no fun.
Caden got the bruise under his chin when he flew from the couch to the ottoman. Is he allowed to do that?
Allie got the knot on her forhead when she ran into your bedroom door. She had a long morning and I had just gotten her calmed down when she turned to leave the room and ran straight into the door. She's your murphys law child for sure. When we went to Target, she touched a night gown and it literally jumped off the hanger. If it's going to happen, it seemed to always happen to Allie.
Taking the kids to see Nim's Island at the movies after you got home was fun. We really enjoyed the movie but I think the kids enjoyed the popcorn the most.
Finally that last trip to Ikea was great. I love that you can eat, have babysitting and shop all in one place. There's no doubt that Ikea helped us to fill up that third suitcase that then cost us $25 to bring back.
We're looking forward to all of you being here for a couple of weeks this summer. Our big adventure will be camping at Wales West. We're looking forward to taking the kids on the train around the park, watching the fireworks, cooking out, swinging in our new hammock, swimming, working puzzles, playing board games and just being together.
Kelly, I'm glad to know you've forgiven me for forgetting you in High School. Since you forgot Jaelyn in elementary school and I forgot you in high school, do you think your brain is going faster than mine?
The next time you hear from me will be at the Adventures of the Traveling Lake House. When I have time, I'll be entering my journal since we got our motorhome in 2006 and then I'll make entries about our trips and maybe other things that seem important to me.
To everyone reading this - I hope I get to meet you one day if you're a friend of Kelly!! I already know a lot about many of you! All good of course.
These are just a few things that I forgot to tell you.
Each night I let the kids rotate who said the blessing first. On the night that it was Allie's turn to be first, I guess she wasn't fast enough and Jaelyn jumped in first. To get Allie to calm down I told her to just say two blessings which she did. The next night when Jaelyn was first she hadn't forgotten the double blessing so I think you could say she had a triple blessing. For a moment, I wasn't sure we were going to get to eat.
Monday night after you got home Caden was still thanking God for bringing back his Mommy and Daddy. What a sweetheart!!
I forgot to tell you that the day Allie and Caden were so wild before bed I had fed them brownies at Chic-fil-a. I didn't think they put that much sugar in them!!!
The first time I picked up Allie at school, as I went in the door way down the hall, I saw her class walking back to her classroom. All of a sudden in a very loud voice, I heard "Baba, there's my Baba. There's nothing quite like the excitement in a child's voice.
Jaelyn got green lights all week!! I knew she could do it.
When we went to IKEA the first time, Caden insisted on wearing his hiking boots so he could be tall enough to get in the play area. They made him take them off but he was tall enough anyway.
I guess I was so tired to describe the carnival to you the first time I wrote about it. It really was fun. The kids started off by getting something painted on their arm. Jaelyn got a horse, Allie got a flower, and Caden got a chocolate ice cream. Our next stop was the tatoo table. Jaelyn got a big cat, caden got a purple cartoon animal (?), and Alllie got a butterfly. At the third table they all made bracelets out of beads. The forth stop was golf. The girls got tickets (to spend later) for trying but little brother Caden stepped up to get a hole in one. He got a stuffed animal. At the fifth booth, the kids got four chances using a very heavy mallet to send about five inch long bugs flying through the air into the mouth of a frog. Unfortunately no one was able to feed the frog so they all got tickets for later. The next booth was rolling golf ball into slots and trying to get twenty one. Allie and Jaelyn tried and both got tickets for later. With me holding Caden up so he could play, he rolled his five balls and guess what. He got twenty-one!! He walked off another stuffed animal. The last booth that we went to was a ring toss and pencil pull. All three kids got their rings over a stuffed animal. All three got prizes. The pencil pull was pretty easy. Hand over a ticket and pull a pencil. It as a lot of fun for only ten dollars. As we left the carnival, we cashed in our tickets for later for little prizes and then we took time to let the kids play on the jungle gym. We learned that no one is quite ready for the monkey bars yet!! Hanging in mid air is no fun.
Caden got the bruise under his chin when he flew from the couch to the ottoman. Is he allowed to do that?
Allie got the knot on her forhead when she ran into your bedroom door. She had a long morning and I had just gotten her calmed down when she turned to leave the room and ran straight into the door. She's your murphys law child for sure. When we went to Target, she touched a night gown and it literally jumped off the hanger. If it's going to happen, it seemed to always happen to Allie.
Taking the kids to see Nim's Island at the movies after you got home was fun. We really enjoyed the movie but I think the kids enjoyed the popcorn the most.
Finally that last trip to Ikea was great. I love that you can eat, have babysitting and shop all in one place. There's no doubt that Ikea helped us to fill up that third suitcase that then cost us $25 to bring back.
We're looking forward to all of you being here for a couple of weeks this summer. Our big adventure will be camping at Wales West. We're looking forward to taking the kids on the train around the park, watching the fireworks, cooking out, swinging in our new hammock, swimming, working puzzles, playing board games and just being together.
Kelly, I'm glad to know you've forgiven me for forgetting you in High School. Since you forgot Jaelyn in elementary school and I forgot you in high school, do you think your brain is going faster than mine?
The next time you hear from me will be at the Adventures of the Traveling Lake House. When I have time, I'll be entering my journal since we got our motorhome in 2006 and then I'll make entries about our trips and maybe other things that seem important to me.
To everyone reading this - I hope I get to meet you one day if you're a friend of Kelly!! I already know a lot about many of you! All good of course.
Success at the Gym
We spent an hour at the gym this morning. Caden did great. I talked his ear off on the way about playing and having fun and mommy being right outside the door. I reassured him over and over that I was coming back to get him. He did great. Allie was with him, but I never saw him playing with her (I peeked in quite a bit).
My ankle is feeling better. It's only sore if I turn or rotate my ankle - like sitting indian style on the floor still hurts. Walking in a straight line doesn't hurt. I did 20 minutes of cardio on the treatmill and even jogged 1 mile with only a 1 minute break in the middle. It wasn't a fast mile (just 8-9 minute miles), but still, I'm happy. I'm itching to have one of the trainers do the measurements again, especially the body fat percentage, but I'm giving myself a couple more weeks.
My ankle is feeling better. It's only sore if I turn or rotate my ankle - like sitting indian style on the floor still hurts. Walking in a straight line doesn't hurt. I did 20 minutes of cardio on the treatmill and even jogged 1 mile with only a 1 minute break in the middle. It wasn't a fast mile (just 8-9 minute miles), but still, I'm happy. I'm itching to have one of the trainers do the measurements again, especially the body fat percentage, but I'm giving myself a couple more weeks.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Purple Phantom, A Haircut, and a Fat Lip
This is Allie's favorite costume (the hat and the mask). I bought 3 Mardis Gras masks at a garage sale a few weeks ago. Allie loves to wear hers. She even went disguised to a birthday party last weekend. Silly girl!
Jaelyn has been begging me to cut her hair. I really wanted to let it grow, but brushing is no fun as her hair is fine and knots up very easily. Jaelyn and I went to Great Clips on Saturday morning. She says she doesn't like her new do, but I think that's more listening to me saying I don't like mine. I think she looks adorable and I am able to brush her hair again without a single complaint.
Caden fell getting out of the bath tub tonight. He caught his mouth on the corner of our ceramic tiled tub. Ouch. He cut the inside of his lip and it bled quite a bit. His teeth seem to be fine - at least nothing is loose. Poor little man - his first fat lip!
Jaelyn has been begging me to cut her hair. I really wanted to let it grow, but brushing is no fun as her hair is fine and knots up very easily. Jaelyn and I went to Great Clips on Saturday morning. She says she doesn't like her new do, but I think that's more listening to me saying I don't like mine. I think she looks adorable and I am able to brush her hair again without a single complaint.
Caden fell getting out of the bath tub tonight. He caught his mouth on the corner of our ceramic tiled tub. Ouch. He cut the inside of his lip and it bled quite a bit. His teeth seem to be fine - at least nothing is loose. Poor little man - his first fat lip!Sunday, May 25, 2008
Mama's Boy and the Price of Exercise
Thursday was the first day I was able to get back to the gym last week. I was concerned about Caden wanting to go into the childcare after our trip and leaving him with a babysitter Wednesday night (Anna did great again, btw). And I was right. He was a little sad when I left him, but was holding it together. I got Allie settled in her Ballet class and managed about 8 minutes on the treadmill before Lisa came and got me. My poor little man. He was trying his best not to cry, but he just couldn't help it. The sobs were coming from deep down. Tears were streaming down his face and his bottom lip was quivering. I calmed him down and showed him where I was, but it didn't work. I ended up spending Allie's ballet hour with Caden in the playroom chatting with the workers. I'll try again next week when Allie can be with him.
Friday, Dan was off so I went to te gym by myself. I love my Friday morning class, but it's a little scary. It's an interval class - switching between free weights and step. I'm fine with the weights, but the teacher moves so fast through the step moves. It's not just step on, step off. Every move is very complicated. I actually asked Janine a few weeks ago about a basic step class so I can learn the steps more slowly. So anyway, in the middle of "around the world lunges" I stepped onto the edge of the step instead of the middle. My ankle rolled and popped and I fell flat on my bottom. How embarrassing! I know it happens all the time, but to have everyone's attention - not fun. My ankle didn't swell or bruise immediately, but I noticed it was a little swollen last night. I'm taking advil 3 times a day and hopefully, it'll be okay by Tuesday so I can get back to the gym with Allie in the playroom with Caden.
Friday, Dan was off so I went to te gym by myself. I love my Friday morning class, but it's a little scary. It's an interval class - switching between free weights and step. I'm fine with the weights, but the teacher moves so fast through the step moves. It's not just step on, step off. Every move is very complicated. I actually asked Janine a few weeks ago about a basic step class so I can learn the steps more slowly. So anyway, in the middle of "around the world lunges" I stepped onto the edge of the step instead of the middle. My ankle rolled and popped and I fell flat on my bottom. How embarrassing! I know it happens all the time, but to have everyone's attention - not fun. My ankle didn't swell or bruise immediately, but I noticed it was a little swollen last night. I'm taking advil 3 times a day and hopefully, it'll be okay by Tuesday so I can get back to the gym with Allie in the playroom with Caden.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
And the Worst Mommy Award Goes To...
Me! Friday was an early release day. I knew it when Jaelyn went to school. I reminded her she was getting out early and I'd see her at 1:00 as she walked out the door. Well....I have the short-term memory of a peanut so you can guess how well that worked. Dan was off yesterday for the holiday weekend so after lunch, the four of us piled into the van to run errands. We got home around 1:40. As I'm walking around the van to get Caden out, movement across the street catches me eye. The person looks familiar but it literally took a second to comprehend that it was Jaelyn running towards me from Miss Angie's house. I immediately started running through reasons why Jaelyn would be at Miss Angie's house instead of school and then it dawned on me that she got out early. It was one of those V-8 bonk yourself in the head type of moments. Thankfully another mom grabbed Jaelyn from the bus stop and then Angie (who also forgot so I shouldn't feel too badly - but at least she was home) saw them and took Jaelyn home with her. Jaelyn had fun playing with Angie's kids, Brianna and Mark, so she wasn't too upset that I forgot.
So, Mom, I guess I need to stop giving you a hard time about forgetting me in high school and having to have Mr. Millstead drive me home, huh?
So, Mom, I guess I need to stop giving you a hard time about forgetting me in high school and having to have Mr. Millstead drive me home, huh?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Talking in My Sleep
Dan has always enjoyed telling me about what I say in the middle of the night. Thankfully, I've never said anything too embarrassing. He told me I talked to him this morning, but I have no recollection of it. He kissed me bye when he left for work and I said "Bye Stiff Neck. That's your Indian name." How funny and random is that that I'd say it in my sleep? He hurt his neck and thought I was being mean about it until I talked about the Indian name and then he realized I was totally asleep.
A Day With Friends
When I originally scheduled our vacation, I knew we were flying through San Juan. It wasn't until afterwards that the light bulb went off and I added Puerto Rico behind San Juan. I have a friend who moved to Puerto Rico last year whom I would love to see. I checked with Michele and then called the airline and changed our return flight so that we would have a 10 hour lay over in Puerto Rico. I've been really excited about our trip and half of it was because of our day with Michele and her family.
I first "met" Michele through the Internet in 2003. She had been pregnant with twins, Gideon and Grace, who were born much too early. I watched her journey as she and her husband grieved the loss of their beautiful children. I don't think I know another single person that has the strength, faith, convictions or love for the Lord that I have seen in Scott and Michele. I was so blessed to be able to meet Michele in person in September 2003 at a Hannah's Prayer retreat. Since that time, we've both grown our families. In 2004, God blessed Scott and Michele in a miraculous way. Identical twins, Clara and Libby, were born in October just a few short months before Caden was born. Michele was my role model. I watched everything she did with the girls to know what to do with Caden. I was okay once Caden was 8 months old (the age we brought Allie home), but I was totally at a loss before then. Michele was even a single parent while Scott went through a school when we were in Germany and I watched and learned in preparation for Dan's deployment.
So anyway, we flew to San Juan on Saturday and Scott, Michele and the girls picked us up at the airport. Michele, I already knew, is awesome in real life (don't laugh at me for all of my internet friends, Angie), and her husband Scott is just as great. I needed one more day to get Clara and Libby to warm up to me. 8 hours just wasn't enough. They weren't quite sure about us. We got a tour of old San Juan and had lunch at a restaurant that's been there since the 1800's. After that, we went back to paradise, I mean their house. Seriously, if I were Michele, I would think I was on vacation for the next 5 years. I would live on their patio and in their pool and never clean my house. It's a good thing I live in Maryland. Dan got to catch up on sleep in a recliner while Michele and I chatted in the pool.
For dinner, Michele made us chicken caeser salads very reminiscent of the days when Mom and Dad tore out their kitchen. She thawed the chicken out in the bathroom sink and served us dinner on paper plates. It was perfect. (I should probably add that Michele is getting a new kitchen - she doesn't normally thaw out chicken in the bathroom. At least I don't think she does.)
Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home and showing us around. It was so nice to see you again and I hope we can do it again soon, only with my kiddos as well!
I first "met" Michele through the Internet in 2003. She had been pregnant with twins, Gideon and Grace, who were born much too early. I watched her journey as she and her husband grieved the loss of their beautiful children. I don't think I know another single person that has the strength, faith, convictions or love for the Lord that I have seen in Scott and Michele. I was so blessed to be able to meet Michele in person in September 2003 at a Hannah's Prayer retreat. Since that time, we've both grown our families. In 2004, God blessed Scott and Michele in a miraculous way. Identical twins, Clara and Libby, were born in October just a few short months before Caden was born. Michele was my role model. I watched everything she did with the girls to know what to do with Caden. I was okay once Caden was 8 months old (the age we brought Allie home), but I was totally at a loss before then. Michele was even a single parent while Scott went through a school when we were in Germany and I watched and learned in preparation for Dan's deployment.
So anyway, we flew to San Juan on Saturday and Scott, Michele and the girls picked us up at the airport. Michele, I already knew, is awesome in real life (don't laugh at me for all of my internet friends, Angie), and her husband Scott is just as great. I needed one more day to get Clara and Libby to warm up to me. 8 hours just wasn't enough. They weren't quite sure about us. We got a tour of old San Juan and had lunch at a restaurant that's been there since the 1800's. After that, we went back to paradise, I mean their house. Seriously, if I were Michele, I would think I was on vacation for the next 5 years. I would live on their patio and in their pool and never clean my house. It's a good thing I live in Maryland. Dan got to catch up on sleep in a recliner while Michele and I chatted in the pool.
For dinner, Michele made us chicken caeser salads very reminiscent of the days when Mom and Dad tore out their kitchen. She thawed the chicken out in the bathroom sink and served us dinner on paper plates. It was perfect. (I should probably add that Michele is getting a new kitchen - she doesn't normally thaw out chicken in the bathroom. At least I don't think she does.)Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home and showing us around. It was so nice to see you again and I hope we can do it again soon, only with my kiddos as well!
Whisked Away to Splendor
***Under construction - come back to see pictures and videos. Also scroll down - Baba has one more blog entry she's working on***
A few days before our trip, Dan called Sandals to ask a question, they told him once we got to St. Lucia, we'd fill out a form and then they'd whisk us away to splendor. Sounded good to me!
We left early Tuesday morning (kissing my sleeping kids good-bye was rather difficult) for the airport. Everything was good. Dan got himself breakfast and me a cup of hot chocolate. I bought us trident pina colada gum to "get us in the island mood." We boarded the plane and had an uneventful ride to Puerto Rico. As soon as we landed and people started getting up, I noticed Dan checking his pockets and then searching through his backpack. I wouldn't say he was frantic, but definitely was urgently searching. My stomach of course dropped to my knees as I asked him what he was looking for...HIS WALLET. Oh no...yes, indeed, his wallet was missing and we could only guess that it was somewhere in the Baltimore airport with $60, his credit cards, his military ID, driver's license, bank cards, the kids social security number...you get the picture. I will admit to having a slight panic attack and freaking out on him a teeny tiny bit (Do you feel the need to comment on that, Daniel???). We had enough time on our layover to cancel all of his cards and call TSA in Baltimore - no wallet turned in. The lost wallet definitely put a damper on the beginning of our vacation.
We made it to our hotel - being whisked away to splendor didn't have quite the effect it was supposed to on me. Once there, we discovered our calling cards wouldn't work from the hotel and in a moment of sheer stress, I made the executive decision to just use our cell phones and pay the phone bill when it comes (I'll update when it shows up). The kids and my parents made it through their first day (and the rest if you've read Baba's absolutely hilarious entries). After calling home and having the first of many fruity adult beverages, I was able to calm down and made a decision to deal with whatever came with the lost wallet after we got home. We were on vacation and needed to enjoy it.
And enjoy it, we did! The first night, we got dressed up and had dinner at a restaurant called the Pier. The food wasn't very good, which surprised us. We had a chance to walk around the property and take pictures on the beach. We also scheduled tours and outings for the rest of our trip. The Halcyon resort was beautiful. It was kind of bungalow style (where the other resorts felt more hotel-y). I loved all of the beautiful tropical plants and it smelled so good when you were walking around. The stress just kind of melted out of me as I took in everything - or maybe it was my 2nd pina colada :p. I loved the atmosphere of the resort - no kids, all couples. It was laid back and everyone stayed to themselves.
Wednesday morning, we had breakfast delivered to our room. We ate on the patio overlooking gardens and the ocean. Next, we headed to the gym and actually exercised. It was only about 20 minutes on their machines, but I could feel it the next morning. Don't worry, that was the only day we were crazy. We never saw the gym again - I had been feeling the wallet tension and needed to work it out. Then we lathered on the sunscreen and boarded a bus for the marina and snorkeling. St. Lucia is a beautiful island. It was more mountainous (or maybe hillier) than I was expecting. I loved the tropical plants everywhere. Things that we have to pay tons of money for and work hard to keep alive were growing wild everywhere. We saw poor areas like you would think of seeing in a third world country, but we also saw very wealthy areas with huge houses built on the hills overlooking the ocean. The snorkeling trip was great. I haven't been snorkeling since our mission trip to Key West in college. They took us on a 20 minute boat ride to Rusty's Cove. I loved the ride. We sat up top with the wind in our faces. The water was cold when we jumped in, but I quickly warmed up. It was beautiful and so peaceful looking under the water. I saw black sea urchins with nasty, poky spines. There was lots of Nemo and Dorie type fish. I saw 2 squids and a couple of long thin eel looking fish. We didn't see anything too exciting like sharks thankfully. They let us stay down about thirty minutes before taking us back to the resort. I took pictures with an underwater camera. Maybe I'll remember to take it to Walmart to get the pictures developed one of these days.
Back at the resort, we decided to learn how to sail a hobie-cat. The instructor took us out and showed us the basics. He sailed it out for us and then let Dan sail it back in. I LOVED it. From there we took turns sailing it in and out to the end of the cove. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Keeping the rudder straight was a challenge, but I've been exercising you know, so my muscles were up for the challenge :p. I loved the feeling of flying over the water. It was a little scary when I was in charge and we got going really fast, but oh the thrill. Our only trouble was turning around. The first time on our own, it took us several tries to get the silly boat to turn. Once we got it figured out, we didn't have any more troubles, but there for a second, I thought we might be stuck in the middle of the cove forever. At least we didn't tip it like someone else we saw. I managed to spend an hour or so on the beach after sailing, but you'd never know we'd been on a tropical island for 4 days by looking at either of us now. For dinner that night, we ate at an Italian place. Marios was much better than the Pier.
Thursday was by far our busiest and most fun day. We slept in Thursday morning and had breakfast at their buffet (which was great - the fresh fruit was unbelievable). We left at 10 for a "Rain Forest Canopy" tour. We drove for about 45 minutes to get there and saw more of the island. The zip line wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I think I've spent too much time watching Diego. There was a movie a long time ago called the Medicine Man with Sean Connery. I think I was expecting to be in an undeveloped rain forest where we would see exotic plants and animals. Instead, we got a theme park type tour of a rain forest canopy...which was fine because it was a load of fun doing the zip line. We did about 8-9 different lines and had a couple of rope type bridges to cross. It was a little scary at first for them to hook you up to this wire and send you sailing through the jungle, but after the first few times, I was able to relax and enjoy the ride. We were at the end so one of the guides took our camera and followed us taking pictures for us. I love the last video he shot.
After our tour, as if we hadn't done enough exciting things for the day, we took the shuttle bus from the Halcyon to the Grande and spent the afternoon there. After lunch (pizza and another fruity adult beverage - I drank more diluted down drinks over those 4 days than I've had in the rest of my life), we left the resort and went to Pigeon Island - which really isn't an island and just involved a 5 minute walk. We hiked up a large hill to Fort Rodney which is a military fort that protected the island eons ago. In the states, there would have been steps and guard rails and the areas that weren't safe would have been closed off. Not in St. Lucia. We could go in any of the old remains we wanted to. The view from the fort was breathtaking. From there we hiked even further up to Signal Point. It was a good hike and even involved some climbing where I needed to use my hands and feet. The view from Ft. Rodney was nothing compared to Signal Point. You could look out into the ocean (or Caribbean Sea maybe - I don't know) and see the curvature of the earth. It was really cool.
On Friday, our last day in St. Lucia, we scheduled a shopping trip and snorkeling. I enjoyed the shopping and we needed to do it to bring back souvenirs, but I would have been fine without seeing the market and shops. If you've been on a cruise and gotten off at a port, that's what the shopping and market was like. The only interesting thing to mention is Scary Bob who was scary and crazy. He enjoyed harassing the tourists trying to sell them palm frond woven bowls. Dan actually had a small conversation with him because he wouldn't leave him alone and he was too polite to just turn his back or walk away like I did. Another couple from our tour had to get a cop to help because of an incident with Scary Bob. They went home with a funny story to tell.
Unfortunately, our guide and other shoppers were late getting back to the bus on our 2 stops so we were late getting back to the resort. We missed the snorkeling tour by about 5 minutes. Our silver lining was the hobie-cats that we had been debating about - Did we want to go snorkeling again or sail a hobie-cat??? We were totally bummed to walk down to the beach and learn the red flag was up and the water was too rough to take one out. I spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach reading a book, but not getting any sun because of the overcast skies. That night, we went to the Regency Resort for dinner at Kimonos - Hibachi. They had a fancier name for it, but it was Hibachi. The food was excellent and my favorite meal of our entire trip (well except for maybe at Michele's the next day, but that was all about the company). Anyway, our cook didn't put on a typical Hibachi show. He was kind of boring actually, but I didn't mind because the view of the water and sunset behind him was plenty of show.
We flew home on Saturday which I'll write about in another entry. All in all (if you forget about the wallet incident), we had a wonderful, relaxing escape. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for coming and doing such a great job of taking care of the kids. Special thanks to you, Mom, for keeping my blog updated. I was laughing so hard, I was crying when I read your entries. I can't wait until you have your blog up and running to follow the adventures of your traveling lake house!
A few days before our trip, Dan called Sandals to ask a question, they told him once we got to St. Lucia, we'd fill out a form and then they'd whisk us away to splendor. Sounded good to me!
We left early Tuesday morning (kissing my sleeping kids good-bye was rather difficult) for the airport. Everything was good. Dan got himself breakfast and me a cup of hot chocolate. I bought us trident pina colada gum to "get us in the island mood." We boarded the plane and had an uneventful ride to Puerto Rico. As soon as we landed and people started getting up, I noticed Dan checking his pockets and then searching through his backpack. I wouldn't say he was frantic, but definitely was urgently searching. My stomach of course dropped to my knees as I asked him what he was looking for...HIS WALLET. Oh no...yes, indeed, his wallet was missing and we could only guess that it was somewhere in the Baltimore airport with $60, his credit cards, his military ID, driver's license, bank cards, the kids social security number...you get the picture. I will admit to having a slight panic attack and freaking out on him a teeny tiny bit (Do you feel the need to comment on that, Daniel???). We had enough time on our layover to cancel all of his cards and call TSA in Baltimore - no wallet turned in. The lost wallet definitely put a damper on the beginning of our vacation.
We made it to our hotel - being whisked away to splendor didn't have quite the effect it was supposed to on me. Once there, we discovered our calling cards wouldn't work from the hotel and in a moment of sheer stress, I made the executive decision to just use our cell phones and pay the phone bill when it comes (I'll update when it shows up). The kids and my parents made it through their first day (and the rest if you've read Baba's absolutely hilarious entries). After calling home and having the first of many fruity adult beverages, I was able to calm down and made a decision to deal with whatever came with the lost wallet after we got home. We were on vacation and needed to enjoy it.
And enjoy it, we did! The first night, we got dressed up and had dinner at a restaurant called the Pier. The food wasn't very good, which surprised us. We had a chance to walk around the property and take pictures on the beach. We also scheduled tours and outings for the rest of our trip. The Halcyon resort was beautiful. It was kind of bungalow style (where the other resorts felt more hotel-y). I loved all of the beautiful tropical plants and it smelled so good when you were walking around. The stress just kind of melted out of me as I took in everything - or maybe it was my 2nd pina colada :p. I loved the atmosphere of the resort - no kids, all couples. It was laid back and everyone stayed to themselves.
Wednesday morning, we had breakfast delivered to our room. We ate on the patio overlooking gardens and the ocean. Next, we headed to the gym and actually exercised. It was only about 20 minutes on their machines, but I could feel it the next morning. Don't worry, that was the only day we were crazy. We never saw the gym again - I had been feeling the wallet tension and needed to work it out. Then we lathered on the sunscreen and boarded a bus for the marina and snorkeling. St. Lucia is a beautiful island. It was more mountainous (or maybe hillier) than I was expecting. I loved the tropical plants everywhere. Things that we have to pay tons of money for and work hard to keep alive were growing wild everywhere. We saw poor areas like you would think of seeing in a third world country, but we also saw very wealthy areas with huge houses built on the hills overlooking the ocean. The snorkeling trip was great. I haven't been snorkeling since our mission trip to Key West in college. They took us on a 20 minute boat ride to Rusty's Cove. I loved the ride. We sat up top with the wind in our faces. The water was cold when we jumped in, but I quickly warmed up. It was beautiful and so peaceful looking under the water. I saw black sea urchins with nasty, poky spines. There was lots of Nemo and Dorie type fish. I saw 2 squids and a couple of long thin eel looking fish. We didn't see anything too exciting like sharks thankfully. They let us stay down about thirty minutes before taking us back to the resort. I took pictures with an underwater camera. Maybe I'll remember to take it to Walmart to get the pictures developed one of these days.
Back at the resort, we decided to learn how to sail a hobie-cat. The instructor took us out and showed us the basics. He sailed it out for us and then let Dan sail it back in. I LOVED it. From there we took turns sailing it in and out to the end of the cove. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Keeping the rudder straight was a challenge, but I've been exercising you know, so my muscles were up for the challenge :p. I loved the feeling of flying over the water. It was a little scary when I was in charge and we got going really fast, but oh the thrill. Our only trouble was turning around. The first time on our own, it took us several tries to get the silly boat to turn. Once we got it figured out, we didn't have any more troubles, but there for a second, I thought we might be stuck in the middle of the cove forever. At least we didn't tip it like someone else we saw. I managed to spend an hour or so on the beach after sailing, but you'd never know we'd been on a tropical island for 4 days by looking at either of us now. For dinner that night, we ate at an Italian place. Marios was much better than the Pier.
Thursday was by far our busiest and most fun day. We slept in Thursday morning and had breakfast at their buffet (which was great - the fresh fruit was unbelievable). We left at 10 for a "Rain Forest Canopy" tour. We drove for about 45 minutes to get there and saw more of the island. The zip line wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I think I've spent too much time watching Diego. There was a movie a long time ago called the Medicine Man with Sean Connery. I think I was expecting to be in an undeveloped rain forest where we would see exotic plants and animals. Instead, we got a theme park type tour of a rain forest canopy...which was fine because it was a load of fun doing the zip line. We did about 8-9 different lines and had a couple of rope type bridges to cross. It was a little scary at first for them to hook you up to this wire and send you sailing through the jungle, but after the first few times, I was able to relax and enjoy the ride. We were at the end so one of the guides took our camera and followed us taking pictures for us. I love the last video he shot.
After our tour, as if we hadn't done enough exciting things for the day, we took the shuttle bus from the Halcyon to the Grande and spent the afternoon there. After lunch (pizza and another fruity adult beverage - I drank more diluted down drinks over those 4 days than I've had in the rest of my life), we left the resort and went to Pigeon Island - which really isn't an island and just involved a 5 minute walk. We hiked up a large hill to Fort Rodney which is a military fort that protected the island eons ago. In the states, there would have been steps and guard rails and the areas that weren't safe would have been closed off. Not in St. Lucia. We could go in any of the old remains we wanted to. The view from the fort was breathtaking. From there we hiked even further up to Signal Point. It was a good hike and even involved some climbing where I needed to use my hands and feet. The view from Ft. Rodney was nothing compared to Signal Point. You could look out into the ocean (or Caribbean Sea maybe - I don't know) and see the curvature of the earth. It was really cool.
On Friday, our last day in St. Lucia, we scheduled a shopping trip and snorkeling. I enjoyed the shopping and we needed to do it to bring back souvenirs, but I would have been fine without seeing the market and shops. If you've been on a cruise and gotten off at a port, that's what the shopping and market was like. The only interesting thing to mention is Scary Bob who was scary and crazy. He enjoyed harassing the tourists trying to sell them palm frond woven bowls. Dan actually had a small conversation with him because he wouldn't leave him alone and he was too polite to just turn his back or walk away like I did. Another couple from our tour had to get a cop to help because of an incident with Scary Bob. They went home with a funny story to tell.
Unfortunately, our guide and other shoppers were late getting back to the bus on our 2 stops so we were late getting back to the resort. We missed the snorkeling tour by about 5 minutes. Our silver lining was the hobie-cats that we had been debating about - Did we want to go snorkeling again or sail a hobie-cat??? We were totally bummed to walk down to the beach and learn the red flag was up and the water was too rough to take one out. I spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach reading a book, but not getting any sun because of the overcast skies. That night, we went to the Regency Resort for dinner at Kimonos - Hibachi. They had a fancier name for it, but it was Hibachi. The food was excellent and my favorite meal of our entire trip (well except for maybe at Michele's the next day, but that was all about the company). Anyway, our cook didn't put on a typical Hibachi show. He was kind of boring actually, but I didn't mind because the view of the water and sunset behind him was plenty of show.
We flew home on Saturday which I'll write about in another entry. All in all (if you forget about the wallet incident), we had a wonderful, relaxing escape. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for coming and doing such a great job of taking care of the kids. Special thanks to you, Mom, for keeping my blog updated. I was laughing so hard, I was crying when I read your entries. I can't wait until you have your blog up and running to follow the adventures of your traveling lake house!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Notes from Baba
Friday morning didn't start out quit as good as the other mornings. We had a small battle over clothes. We didn't pick out Jaelyn's clothes the night before and it was rainy and cool when we got up. She chose shorts and a short sleeve shirt to wear. We just left her alone hoping to get her to change later. Later was harder than I thought. She was insisting on not even wearing a light jacket and I was insisting that she change her clothes entirely. Lou wanted to take her to school and she wanted to get wet and walk to the bus stop. Finally, after I just said she could be cold if she wanted and get wet, she put on sweatpants and a shirt with a hood. It quit raining and Lou walked her to the bus stop. Allie and Caden didn't get to go because neither of them managed to get dressed in time. Something about our morning routine didn't feel right and I discovered later that I hadn't given anyone their medicine. That's what I get for thinking I have the notes memorized.
We stayed at home all morning, played and washed clothes. The weather was the kind where you just want to curl up with a good book. No such luck in this house! Allie and Caden were playing really well upstairs so we left them alone. Big mistake! Allie managed to get past all the ties on Caden's closet and get out the Mr Incredible Suit. She helped him get dressed, mask and all. When she came down to show him off, we thought he looked so cute that we took pictures. When Jaelyn come home she discovered where they got the suit and told on Allie for breaking into the closet. Allie's a hard one to stay ahead of.
She's so bashful when she goes in at school. At about 11:00, we ate lunch and got Allie ready for school. Her lunch was salad, ham and blueberries. She was a lot more agreeable with her clothes. Lou took pictures of her last day at preschool.
After we got her settled in at school, we had to do something so we did what we've become very good at this week. We went shopping. This time at the Atlanta Kitchen Company. I was so happy to find a spatula that I've been looking for everywhere I go. It cost $19 but it's very nice and it's left handed.
When we picked Allie up, I was hoping they had found her earring that she lost the day before but no such luck. She was so upset over losing the earring the day before that I promised her that if they didn't find it I would get her another pair when I go home. I sure hope they have more. It's nice to give someone a gift that they like so much as she did those earrings. We went straight home to get Jaelyn from the bus. Lou started not feeling so well so we spent the afternoon and evening at home. Dinner was the old standby of chicken nuggets, salad and green beans. I'm not sure if Lou and I ever ate. We let the kids have a special treat and stay up late watching a DVD. What a great way to have an easy bedtime. Everyone was so tired by 9:00 that they just marched off to bed without any complaints. Jaelyn wanted me to read to her but by the time I got ready for bed she was fast asleep. I'll admit I did fool around a little.
This morning (Saturday) everyone slept till 7:00. That was nice. We spent the morning cleaning house. Jaelyn was a great help. It's obvious that she helps a lot with the cleaning chores. The basement was our only challenge. Finally, when the basement was about half clean, I told them I would count to 100 and whatever didn't get picked up belonged to me. Man, can these kids move with the right incentive.
At about 10:15 we went to Jaelyn's school carnival. It was a lot of fun for the kids. We bought $10 worth of tickets and some parent gave Allie about 10 tickets. Most things only cost one ticket so our money went a long way.
About noon time we left the carnival and headed to Cracker Barrel for lunch. We decided it was time we had a good healthy meal. The kids were great. You can really tell they've been taught how to act when they are in a restaurant. After we left Cracker Barrel, we had promised to take them to the Dollar Store so off we went. Our GPS is really coming in handy. We were going to McDonald's for dessert but Caden was falling asleep so we went home so he could take a nap. When he woke up, we all went out back and the kids played for a while. They sure love their swing set. For dinner we decided to go to chic-fil-a because Lou can do the best job of staying on his diet. Jaelyn demonstrated her ability to shoot the paper off a straw. Too bad it flying over to another table! No one ate very much but they enjoyed the play area for a few minute. After we left there, we were crazy enough to think we could take all three kids to Target. Lets just say we won't try that again without tying all three of them in a buggy. While we were at Target, we managed to buy some ice cream and cones. After dessert, we had a great time blowing up balloons and making a banner to welcome Mom and Dad home. Grandpa taught the kids how to blow up a balloon and then make it fly by letting the air out. What fun! Allie tried to sneak a balloon upstairs but once again we caught her. Jaelyn worked hard on their welcome home banner. It's 10:30 and Jaelyn and Caden are still up. They are so excited about their Mommy and Daddy coming home.
This week with the kids has sure been full of ups and downs but I wouldn't trade it for anything. We've broken a lot of rules, eaten too much sugar and lots of fat, we've stayed up too late, our clothes haven't always matched or even been right and we didn't always get our medicine but overall I think we did alright. The one thing that I'm sure we got right was that they all got oodles of hugs and bushels of love! They gave us our share of love and hugs, too. Jaelyn, Allie and Caden are the best and we are really proud of them.
We'll Kellly tomorrow I'm turning the blogging back over to you. After writing this for you, I'll read what you write every day unless I don't have access to the internet. I'm really proud of you for taking the time to write you experiences and for saving them for your children.
We stayed at home all morning, played and washed clothes. The weather was the kind where you just want to curl up with a good book. No such luck in this house! Allie and Caden were playing really well upstairs so we left them alone. Big mistake! Allie managed to get past all the ties on Caden's closet and get out the Mr Incredible Suit. She helped him get dressed, mask and all. When she came down to show him off, we thought he looked so cute that we took pictures. When Jaelyn come home she discovered where they got the suit and told on Allie for breaking into the closet. Allie's a hard one to stay ahead of.
She's so bashful when she goes in at school. At about 11:00, we ate lunch and got Allie ready for school. Her lunch was salad, ham and blueberries. She was a lot more agreeable with her clothes. Lou took pictures of her last day at preschool.
After we got her settled in at school, we had to do something so we did what we've become very good at this week. We went shopping. This time at the Atlanta Kitchen Company. I was so happy to find a spatula that I've been looking for everywhere I go. It cost $19 but it's very nice and it's left handed.
When we picked Allie up, I was hoping they had found her earring that she lost the day before but no such luck. She was so upset over losing the earring the day before that I promised her that if they didn't find it I would get her another pair when I go home. I sure hope they have more. It's nice to give someone a gift that they like so much as she did those earrings. We went straight home to get Jaelyn from the bus. Lou started not feeling so well so we spent the afternoon and evening at home. Dinner was the old standby of chicken nuggets, salad and green beans. I'm not sure if Lou and I ever ate. We let the kids have a special treat and stay up late watching a DVD. What a great way to have an easy bedtime. Everyone was so tired by 9:00 that they just marched off to bed without any complaints. Jaelyn wanted me to read to her but by the time I got ready for bed she was fast asleep. I'll admit I did fool around a little.
This morning (Saturday) everyone slept till 7:00. That was nice. We spent the morning cleaning house. Jaelyn was a great help. It's obvious that she helps a lot with the cleaning chores. The basement was our only challenge. Finally, when the basement was about half clean, I told them I would count to 100 and whatever didn't get picked up belonged to me. Man, can these kids move with the right incentive.
At about 10:15 we went to Jaelyn's school carnival. It was a lot of fun for the kids. We bought $10 worth of tickets and some parent gave Allie about 10 tickets. Most things only cost one ticket so our money went a long way.
About noon time we left the carnival and headed to Cracker Barrel for lunch. We decided it was time we had a good healthy meal. The kids were great. You can really tell they've been taught how to act when they are in a restaurant. After we left Cracker Barrel, we had promised to take them to the Dollar Store so off we went. Our GPS is really coming in handy. We were going to McDonald's for dessert but Caden was falling asleep so we went home so he could take a nap. When he woke up, we all went out back and the kids played for a while. They sure love their swing set. For dinner we decided to go to chic-fil-a because Lou can do the best job of staying on his diet. Jaelyn demonstrated her ability to shoot the paper off a straw. Too bad it flying over to another table! No one ate very much but they enjoyed the play area for a few minute. After we left there, we were crazy enough to think we could take all three kids to Target. Lets just say we won't try that again without tying all three of them in a buggy. While we were at Target, we managed to buy some ice cream and cones. After dessert, we had a great time blowing up balloons and making a banner to welcome Mom and Dad home. Grandpa taught the kids how to blow up a balloon and then make it fly by letting the air out. What fun! Allie tried to sneak a balloon upstairs but once again we caught her. Jaelyn worked hard on their welcome home banner. It's 10:30 and Jaelyn and Caden are still up. They are so excited about their Mommy and Daddy coming home.
This week with the kids has sure been full of ups and downs but I wouldn't trade it for anything. We've broken a lot of rules, eaten too much sugar and lots of fat, we've stayed up too late, our clothes haven't always matched or even been right and we didn't always get our medicine but overall I think we did alright. The one thing that I'm sure we got right was that they all got oodles of hugs and bushels of love! They gave us our share of love and hugs, too. Jaelyn, Allie and Caden are the best and we are really proud of them.
We'll Kellly tomorrow I'm turning the blogging back over to you. After writing this for you, I'll read what you write every day unless I don't have access to the internet. I'm really proud of you for taking the time to write you experiences and for saving them for your children.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Notes from BaBa
Kelly, please forgive me for waiting till Friday to write in your blog. This is just the first time I've stopped enough to type on the computer. I have no idea how you keep up with this in your day but I'm glad you do.
Tuesday started off good. Everyone was up and dressed (including shoes) by 7:00. Jaelyn was a big help getting breakfast and her lunch ready. She's the most self-sufficient five year old I've ever met. Kelly, in case you don't know, she knows where about 99% of everything in your house is. I asked her so many questions, that she finally asked me to leave her alone so she could eat her breakfast. This turned out to be a great way to keep her from getting in trouble and keep her from whining at me to get her way. Grandpa, Allie and Caden walked Jaelyn to the bus.
Since we were successful at getting through the first few hours of the morning, we decided to go on an outing to IKEA. They had to remeasure Caden without his shoes to make sure he was tall enough to play. He passed by about an inch and he and Allie were off to play in the play area. We were allowed one and one half hours to shop without them. You can get in a lot of trouble at IKEA in that length of time as we discovered at checkout. We bought everything from organizers to dishtowels. We even have a live plant to take home on the airplane.
We couldn't figure out anything that we wanted to eat for lunch at IKEA so we went to Chic-fil-a for lunch. Wow was it busy. The kids sat very politely at the table with grandpa while I ordered the food. Caden ate several chicken strips and fries with milk to drink. Lou told me later that he didn't like it because I didn't get him chocolate. Oh well, Baba's can't be perfect all the time. Allie ate a salad and chicken strips. I love the way she'll pick a salad over a cookie. After eating, they got about ten minutes to play. There were so many kids in the play area that I was just glad they came out with no new bruises.
That afternoon when we were having snacks, I got myself a banana. When I walked into the living room with it, Caden was quick to tell me that bananas didn't belong in the living room. That is exactly how he said it to me! Caden took his nap on the ottoman in front of the TV. After Jaelyn got home and we had snacks again, we all went to the basement for playtime. Everyone was silly making faces. Lou took some videos and pictures of everyone. Allie and Jaelyn decided to have eggs for dinner. I let Jaelyn fix the plates while I cooked the eggs. She chose to have eggs, pickles and pretzels. Caden definitely didn't want that and by then I was too tired to think about dinner so we piled everyone in the van and went to the McDonalds. We brought our food home to eat.
Bedtime was a small challenge. After everyone finally got ready for bed, I read the beginning of two books. Since it was obvious that no one was listening to me and I didn't like either book, I switched to Winn Dixie and read the first six chapters. They didn't have a clue what I read but I thought it was a good story. Finally, by 8:30 everyone was fast asleep or at least made me think they were so I headed downstairs. About ten minutes later after a loud crash and Jaelyn screaming Baba at the top of her lungs, I went up to find the door closed, the night light unplugged and Allie with books all over the floor. Several had pages ripped. I threatened to take all her tickets and her Polly pockets so she settled down. That was my last trip up the stairs until Lou and I went up to recharge for our next big day. Kelly, you notes are great!
Wednesday started off great. Allie climbed in bed with us at 6:30 after going to the bathroom. Caden came in right after her. He had also already gone to the bathroom. The way I could tell was because he didn't have on anything from the waist down. He was dry yesterday and again today. He was really proud of himself. After Grandpa, Allie and Caden, walked Jaelyn to the bus, we decided to play outside. The kids had a great time and we got some good videos and pictures. The sand in the sandbox was wet so by the time we went in we had a giant mess. Kelly, on a different note, you have the prettiest purple iris blooming in your back yard that I have ever seen. We went inside, had baths and lunch before taking Allie to school. Since Lou and I seem to forget that we also have to eat, once again we went off to Chic-fil-a. This time there were very few kids so after lunch Caden got to play in the play area all by himself. While Allie was at school, we took the chance to go grocery shopping. Before we dropped Allie off at school, I asked her what she wanted from the store. The only thing she could think of was spinach for her salad so that’s what we bought her. I've decided it wont surprise me if she is a vegetarian one day.
We decided that Wednesday evening would be dinner at home night. While I was cooking, the kids were so rough that I threatened to restrict Grandpa to the bedroom the rest of the evening if they didn't get off him. He might have liked that but I promise you they didn't like that plan. They left him alone the rest of the evening. Being a little tired myself, I decided bath time would be better with one child at a time. It worked out ok but next time I'll just do it all at once and get it over with.
Bedtime was a huge challenge. Jaelyn and Caden had to go up early because they wouldn't mind. By the time they were to the top of the stairs, they were both screaming and out of control. I didn't even know Caden had it in him to act like that. While I settled them down, Allie got a little extra time to watch TV. When she came up, she started jumping in tune with their screaming. On a good note, at least they were all in bed. I just got a book and started reading. At some point, I realized that the screaming had tuned into whimpers and Allie wasn't bouncing as much in her bed. Finally I could go collapse on the couch.
No such luck! I heard a little voice calling BABA. Guess who? It was Caden needing to go poop. You can't say no to that so up I went upstairs again. After letting Caden sit on the potty for about twenty and nothing happening except our visiting, I told him I didn't really think he needed to go and maybe he could try tomorrow. He agreed with me but he also told me that he thought his poop was probably just having a nap. What a great note to end the evening on. Kelly, you're right about getting to bed because morning comes early. Unfortunately we didn't listen and stayed up until 11:00 to watch the shows we like.
Thursday started off just as good as the previous days. The main difference is that we didn't do a good job of reading all your notes. Jaelyn went off to school in a dress and nice brown shoes. Oops, this is soccer day. Today I walked to the bus stop. On the way home, we decided to take a walk. Allie showed us where the play area was so we rested there and let them play and swing. Allie and Caden really like to swing. On the way home, Caden spotted a rabbit. It seemed like it had been around people so we stopped and watched it for a while. After the kids played for a while, we had a snack and Allie got ready for ballet. I went in with her to meet her teacher. After she introduced me to her teacher, her teacher asked her if she was wearing her bathing suit. Oh well, It looked like a dance outfit to me and she picked it out.
Lou, Caden and I went to shop at Kohl’s since we couldn't watch the class. What a sale they were having. Allie and Jaelyn got new polka dotted night gowns and Caden got a new shirt. Lou and I got knives for our motor home. When we checked out, the clerk let me pick off ticket since I didn't bring one. I got one for 30% more off. We like shopping in Maryland. When we picked up Allie, Caden and I got to go in and watch them dance with their batons. I thought she looked great in her bathing suit!
When we got home, Allie brought me a banana peel that she had stored under the end table. I know it had been there for a while because it was black. I guess she doesn't know the rules about no bananas in the living room. Allie really does like to take care of herself when it comes to her food. Earlier in the week Lou caught her with the orange juice container EMPTY! We don't have a clue how much she drank all at once. At some point later in the afternoon, I heard Lou fussing at Allie and discovered she was unrolling the toilet paper that I had left to take upstairs all down the stairs. I thought it was funny but Lou sure didn't. Lou's nerves seem to be getting a little frazzled. I may have to restrict him to our room for a rest.
We picked Jaelyn up at soccer with water and a snack in hand. She said they asked her why she wore a dress to school. We went to McDonalds for dinner. Everyone was really good so we had ice cream for dessert. We went home and played until bath time. I put everyone in the big bathtub. That was a lot easier. When we brushed Jaelyn's teeth we could see one cusp of her upper six year molars coming in. I'm surprised they don't hurt they are so swollen.
Bedtime went pretty well. I only had to make a few threats. They chose not to have me read. Allie only had to have one five minute time out in the hall. She hugged me at the end of time out. All is well that ends well! During the night, Lou got the hiccups and went downstairs to lay on the couch. He said heard Zoe playing with something in the entrance way. When he got up to check, she was playing with his wedding band that he had left on the kitchen counter. I think she may be a sweet packrat. This has me all caught up.
Tuesday started off good. Everyone was up and dressed (including shoes) by 7:00. Jaelyn was a big help getting breakfast and her lunch ready. She's the most self-sufficient five year old I've ever met. Kelly, in case you don't know, she knows where about 99% of everything in your house is. I asked her so many questions, that she finally asked me to leave her alone so she could eat her breakfast. This turned out to be a great way to keep her from getting in trouble and keep her from whining at me to get her way. Grandpa, Allie and Caden walked Jaelyn to the bus.
Since we were successful at getting through the first few hours of the morning, we decided to go on an outing to IKEA. They had to remeasure Caden without his shoes to make sure he was tall enough to play. He passed by about an inch and he and Allie were off to play in the play area. We were allowed one and one half hours to shop without them. You can get in a lot of trouble at IKEA in that length of time as we discovered at checkout. We bought everything from organizers to dishtowels. We even have a live plant to take home on the airplane.
We couldn't figure out anything that we wanted to eat for lunch at IKEA so we went to Chic-fil-a for lunch. Wow was it busy. The kids sat very politely at the table with grandpa while I ordered the food. Caden ate several chicken strips and fries with milk to drink. Lou told me later that he didn't like it because I didn't get him chocolate. Oh well, Baba's can't be perfect all the time. Allie ate a salad and chicken strips. I love the way she'll pick a salad over a cookie. After eating, they got about ten minutes to play. There were so many kids in the play area that I was just glad they came out with no new bruises.
That afternoon when we were having snacks, I got myself a banana. When I walked into the living room with it, Caden was quick to tell me that bananas didn't belong in the living room. That is exactly how he said it to me! Caden took his nap on the ottoman in front of the TV. After Jaelyn got home and we had snacks again, we all went to the basement for playtime. Everyone was silly making faces. Lou took some videos and pictures of everyone. Allie and Jaelyn decided to have eggs for dinner. I let Jaelyn fix the plates while I cooked the eggs. She chose to have eggs, pickles and pretzels. Caden definitely didn't want that and by then I was too tired to think about dinner so we piled everyone in the van and went to the McDonalds. We brought our food home to eat.
Bedtime was a small challenge. After everyone finally got ready for bed, I read the beginning of two books. Since it was obvious that no one was listening to me and I didn't like either book, I switched to Winn Dixie and read the first six chapters. They didn't have a clue what I read but I thought it was a good story. Finally, by 8:30 everyone was fast asleep or at least made me think they were so I headed downstairs. About ten minutes later after a loud crash and Jaelyn screaming Baba at the top of her lungs, I went up to find the door closed, the night light unplugged and Allie with books all over the floor. Several had pages ripped. I threatened to take all her tickets and her Polly pockets so she settled down. That was my last trip up the stairs until Lou and I went up to recharge for our next big day. Kelly, you notes are great!
Wednesday started off great. Allie climbed in bed with us at 6:30 after going to the bathroom. Caden came in right after her. He had also already gone to the bathroom. The way I could tell was because he didn't have on anything from the waist down. He was dry yesterday and again today. He was really proud of himself. After Grandpa, Allie and Caden, walked Jaelyn to the bus, we decided to play outside. The kids had a great time and we got some good videos and pictures. The sand in the sandbox was wet so by the time we went in we had a giant mess. Kelly, on a different note, you have the prettiest purple iris blooming in your back yard that I have ever seen. We went inside, had baths and lunch before taking Allie to school. Since Lou and I seem to forget that we also have to eat, once again we went off to Chic-fil-a. This time there were very few kids so after lunch Caden got to play in the play area all by himself. While Allie was at school, we took the chance to go grocery shopping. Before we dropped Allie off at school, I asked her what she wanted from the store. The only thing she could think of was spinach for her salad so that’s what we bought her. I've decided it wont surprise me if she is a vegetarian one day.
We decided that Wednesday evening would be dinner at home night. While I was cooking, the kids were so rough that I threatened to restrict Grandpa to the bedroom the rest of the evening if they didn't get off him. He might have liked that but I promise you they didn't like that plan. They left him alone the rest of the evening. Being a little tired myself, I decided bath time would be better with one child at a time. It worked out ok but next time I'll just do it all at once and get it over with.
Bedtime was a huge challenge. Jaelyn and Caden had to go up early because they wouldn't mind. By the time they were to the top of the stairs, they were both screaming and out of control. I didn't even know Caden had it in him to act like that. While I settled them down, Allie got a little extra time to watch TV. When she came up, she started jumping in tune with their screaming. On a good note, at least they were all in bed. I just got a book and started reading. At some point, I realized that the screaming had tuned into whimpers and Allie wasn't bouncing as much in her bed. Finally I could go collapse on the couch.
No such luck! I heard a little voice calling BABA. Guess who? It was Caden needing to go poop. You can't say no to that so up I went upstairs again. After letting Caden sit on the potty for about twenty and nothing happening except our visiting, I told him I didn't really think he needed to go and maybe he could try tomorrow. He agreed with me but he also told me that he thought his poop was probably just having a nap. What a great note to end the evening on. Kelly, you're right about getting to bed because morning comes early. Unfortunately we didn't listen and stayed up until 11:00 to watch the shows we like.
Thursday started off just as good as the previous days. The main difference is that we didn't do a good job of reading all your notes. Jaelyn went off to school in a dress and nice brown shoes. Oops, this is soccer day. Today I walked to the bus stop. On the way home, we decided to take a walk. Allie showed us where the play area was so we rested there and let them play and swing. Allie and Caden really like to swing. On the way home, Caden spotted a rabbit. It seemed like it had been around people so we stopped and watched it for a while. After the kids played for a while, we had a snack and Allie got ready for ballet. I went in with her to meet her teacher. After she introduced me to her teacher, her teacher asked her if she was wearing her bathing suit. Oh well, It looked like a dance outfit to me and she picked it out.
Lou, Caden and I went to shop at Kohl’s since we couldn't watch the class. What a sale they were having. Allie and Jaelyn got new polka dotted night gowns and Caden got a new shirt. Lou and I got knives for our motor home. When we checked out, the clerk let me pick off ticket since I didn't bring one. I got one for 30% more off. We like shopping in Maryland. When we picked up Allie, Caden and I got to go in and watch them dance with their batons. I thought she looked great in her bathing suit!
When we got home, Allie brought me a banana peel that she had stored under the end table. I know it had been there for a while because it was black. I guess she doesn't know the rules about no bananas in the living room. Allie really does like to take care of herself when it comes to her food. Earlier in the week Lou caught her with the orange juice container EMPTY! We don't have a clue how much she drank all at once. At some point later in the afternoon, I heard Lou fussing at Allie and discovered she was unrolling the toilet paper that I had left to take upstairs all down the stairs. I thought it was funny but Lou sure didn't. Lou's nerves seem to be getting a little frazzled. I may have to restrict him to our room for a rest.
We picked Jaelyn up at soccer with water and a snack in hand. She said they asked her why she wore a dress to school. We went to McDonalds for dinner. Everyone was really good so we had ice cream for dessert. We went home and played until bath time. I put everyone in the big bathtub. That was a lot easier. When we brushed Jaelyn's teeth we could see one cusp of her upper six year molars coming in. I'm surprised they don't hurt they are so swollen.
Bedtime went pretty well. I only had to make a few threats. They chose not to have me read. Allie only had to have one five minute time out in the hall. She hugged me at the end of time out. All is well that ends well! During the night, Lou got the hiccups and went downstairs to lay on the couch. He said heard Zoe playing with something in the entrance way. When he got up to check, she was playing with his wedding band that he had left on the kitchen counter. I think she may be a sweet packrat. This has me all caught up.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Off to St. Lucia
Dan and I leave in the morning to fly to St. Lucia for some much needed couple time. I can't wait. While we are gone, my parents have promised to try and post about their adventures as babysitters so check back this week. It should be fun.
Oh - and off topic, but our first foster class is tonight...something else to be very excited about!!!
Oh - and off topic, but our first foster class is tonight...something else to be very excited about!!!
She Can Spell...D-A-R-N
We checked High School Musical out from the library this weekend. Everyone around us is so enthralled with it, I decided it was time to find out what the fuss was about. It's a really cute movie - the parts I watched anyway. My kids loved the singing and dancing. Dan came to sit with us while we watched and I said "It's a cute show and I've only heard one not so good word." I spelled the not so good word: D-A-R-N. Jaelyn looks at me, smiles a very mischievous grin and says "Darn." She can spell! Darn. How are we going to talk without her knowing what we are saying? I think Dan and I are going to have to learn sign language now.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Clowns in My Three Ring Circus
I've always said I'm the ringmaster in my own personal three ring circus. Spend any amount of time with us and you'll understand. So anyway, today Jaelyn was being silly and we called her a "clown." The conversation continued and then ended with me making her picture into a clown. I also transformed a picture of all three. Gotta love photoshop. 
Gold Medalists
Our last night of gymnastics was last week. I wish I'd taken my camera, but I didn't know they'd be having a ceremony. Sorry. At the end of the class, the teacher put up a little platform and had the kids one at a time stand on the platform. They gave them each a medal and had them raise their hands over their heads while the parents clapped. It was a lot of fun and the kids loved it. Jaelyn, Allie and Caden are all very proud of their medals. They've worn them constantly and shown them to anyone who looked at them. While I've enjoyed gymnastics and I've loved that they could all participate, I'm kind of glad our Monday night commitment is over.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
And Off to Crazy I Went
I had no plans to share this. It wasn't feeling very funny yesterday, but today I'm able to laugh about it. Yesterday was a bad morning. You know those mornings, the kind that you crawl right back into bed and hide from. That's not really possible with three kids. So anyway, it was just bad. I yelled all morning. At one point, I actually told the kids they couldn't use the word "mommy" or any form of it the rest of the day. If they want to talk to me, just talk, no need to scream mommy 10 times at me while coming up the stairs. I was horrible, I tell you and I had no control.
Not only is it the stress of getting everything ready to go off and the stress of actually going off so far away and leaving the kids, but I got my hair cut 2 nights ago. I wasn't crazy about it that night, but decided it would be better when I fixed it. Wrong. I took the same picture I always take. She left the layers really long in the front and then thinned the bottom (more on 1 side) so it just looked like straw with spiky ends. With bad hair day motivation and parenting frustration, I got out my scissors and took out what I hadn't taken out on my kids on my hair. You should have seen the hair in my trash can. I mean, I've trimmed my banges before, but this was totally different. I had a small rabbit worth of hair in my trash can. I cut a LOT. Anyone ever done that? I did manage to get it together yesterday and apologized to all the kids and let them call me Mommy again.
I've made a list and started working down it. Somehow having my house in order always calms the chaos in my brain; so that was the goal for yesterday. House picked up, check. Mother's Day presents in the mail, check. Allie and Caden's bloodwork drawn for their physicals, check, check. Yard cut, check. I've got most done except cleaning my bathroom and the spare bedroom.
The most important thing though is I went to Great Clips today and spent $12 to fix my $40 bad haircut. It was horrible to go and admit what I had done - I've never been so out of control in my life, literally. The funny part is the sections that I cut didn't require much trimming. It was the rest that was really out of wack. I am in love with my cute, sassy haircut this afternoon. It was very easy to fix and didn't require tears or snipping from the scissors. Why didn't I think of that yesterday???
Not only is it the stress of getting everything ready to go off and the stress of actually going off so far away and leaving the kids, but I got my hair cut 2 nights ago. I wasn't crazy about it that night, but decided it would be better when I fixed it. Wrong. I took the same picture I always take. She left the layers really long in the front and then thinned the bottom (more on 1 side) so it just looked like straw with spiky ends. With bad hair day motivation and parenting frustration, I got out my scissors and took out what I hadn't taken out on my kids on my hair. You should have seen the hair in my trash can. I mean, I've trimmed my banges before, but this was totally different. I had a small rabbit worth of hair in my trash can. I cut a LOT. Anyone ever done that? I did manage to get it together yesterday and apologized to all the kids and let them call me Mommy again.
I've made a list and started working down it. Somehow having my house in order always calms the chaos in my brain; so that was the goal for yesterday. House picked up, check. Mother's Day presents in the mail, check. Allie and Caden's bloodwork drawn for their physicals, check, check. Yard cut, check. I've got most done except cleaning my bathroom and the spare bedroom.
The most important thing though is I went to Great Clips today and spent $12 to fix my $40 bad haircut. It was horrible to go and admit what I had done - I've never been so out of control in my life, literally. The funny part is the sections that I cut didn't require much trimming. It was the rest that was really out of wack. I am in love with my cute, sassy haircut this afternoon. It was very easy to fix and didn't require tears or snipping from the scissors. Why didn't I think of that yesterday???
Can't Wait for Monday
I just talked with the coordinator for Cecil County's Pride class. We got a slot so we will start Monday night. My parents will be here to help with the kids for two classes and then Anna will babysit for the others. We'll miss 1 class while we are in St. Lucia that we'll make up in September. If everything goes according to plans, we'll be licensed by late fall or early winter. I feel like jumping up and down. We are going to get that 4th little person...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Fabulous Five - Not so Fabulous Check-up
Poor Allie. She had her 5 year old well child check up today. The appt started off badly by having to sit for 30 minutes while we watched child after child go in ahead of us. I finally asked the receptionist and she said there was one person in front of us...lie. We got called back immediately and in the course of our conversation, Dr. Falcon told me she'd been sitting at her desk waiting for us. She thought we were late. The receptionist messed up and then lied about it - arggh. I LOVE Dr. Falcon so I'll deal with that. Allie is 42 inches and 40 lbs. We found 2 new issues: a very slight scoliosis that'll require a referral to a orthopedist and then Allie failed part of her vision exam. We aren't too concerned about the eyes and will retest in 6 months. I haven't noticed any issues with her eyes and they did the exam AFTER they gave her 4 shots. I felt so horrible. Allie does not like shots and she got so upset that she had Caden practically in tears. She was petrified and screamed and screamed, begging me to take her home. I have orders for bloodwork but skipped it for today so I could pick up a prescription for numbing cream so maybe that won't be so traumatic. At least the good news is she won't need any new shots until she is 11. Boy, am I glad that's over!
For Those Around Our Children
We've talked more with the kids this weekend about becoming a foster family. I'm writing this mainly for the people who are around or talk to our kids on a regular basis. We have not mentioned adoption to the kids and we don't plan on it until a placement becomes an adoption placement. We want to protect them as much as we can. We've explained all the reason why a grown-up cannot take care of a child and why the state might have to help. It's actually been good because I've had some good discussions with Allie and Jaelyn about their birthmothers. As far as our children know, we will be giving a safe, loving home to a child that needs one for as long as he needs it. We keep emphasizing that it's temporary and that the child will go back to his regular home. I think Jaelyn gets it as much as she can. She keeps asking me "when are we going to get our baby to love on?" If/when a placement because an adoptive placement, we'll talk to the kids about it then. I just want Jaelyn and Allie to know that they are permanent. Adoption is permanent and they aren't going anywhere. So anyway, if you see/talk with the kids, we would prefer you not mention adopting a baby, but instead use the term "fostering." Thank you.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fun Banana-Pops
My friend, Denise, gave me this idea and it's been swirling around in my head for several summers. I finally decided to try it and it was a hit. We cut bananas into thirds and put them on popsicle sticks. Then we dipped them in melted chocolate. You could probably also use yogurt and you could sprinkle with sprinkles, chopped nuts, coconut, etc, but we didn't. We froze them overnight and I let Allie and Caden have one as a mid-morning snack. They were really good. No more sugary popsicles for us!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Our 12th Anniversary
Dan and I have been married 12 years today. I can't believe it's been that long. We will be celebrating in ten days when we leave for a 5 day trip to St. Lucia. I can't wait.
I've spent a few hours this weekend shopping. I've bought, returned and shopped some more for a bathing suit. I have 2 fun new dresses and some cute summery shirts. My new really cool, super girly suitcase is on it's way. I still need to buy a waterproof camera and get my hair cut. I need a cute sassy cut to go with those cute new clothes :p! Then all we need is to pick up Grandpa and Baba from the airport to watch the kids and we'll be all set. (I'm sure they'd appreciate prayers while we are gone.)
So, anyway, back to my original topic. Happy Anniversary to us! I love you, Danny!
I've spent a few hours this weekend shopping. I've bought, returned and shopped some more for a bathing suit. I have 2 fun new dresses and some cute summery shirts. My new really cool, super girly suitcase is on it's way. I still need to buy a waterproof camera and get my hair cut. I need a cute sassy cut to go with those cute new clothes :p! Then all we need is to pick up Grandpa and Baba from the airport to watch the kids and we'll be all set. (I'm sure they'd appreciate prayers while we are gone.)
So, anyway, back to my original topic. Happy Anniversary to us! I love you, Danny!
Sorry, the quality is bad, but I scanned a tiny wallet sized print.
My Latest Knitting Projects
I thought you might like to see pictures of my latest knitting projects. I finished Jaelyn's scarf (which took FOREVER) and moved on to a pair of slippers for Allie. I was really impressed with how they turned out. There's one mistake in the 2nd one I made, but you wouldn't know it unless I showed it to you. I wasn't quite sure how what I was knitting was going to turn into slippers, but they did. Allie loves them and makes sure they are by her bed every night so she can put them on when she wakes up. 
My next project after the slippers was head scarves for two very sweet little girls. I had to learn how to decrease and change knitting needle sizes with this pattern. Here's Jaelyn modeling one for me.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Pretzel Making Fun
I love making pretzels with the kids. We made them last night - well, I actually made them because we had a friend over and they were having too much fun playing. Here's my recipe from Highlights...
Highlight's Easy Pretzel Recipe
Prehead over to 400F.
Spray a cookie sheet with vegetable oil.
1. Sprinkle a package of yeast into 3/4 c of WARM water. Add a tbsp of sugar and stir. Let stand until mixture foams.
2. Put 2 C of flour and 1/2 tsp of coarse salt into a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and stir.
3. Sprinkle flour on the counter and knead the dough until it's smooth.
4. Roll pieces of dough into ropes and make fun shapes.
5. Beat an egg with a fork.
6. Brush pretzels with the egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
7. Ask an adult to put the pretzels in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until light brown.
I normally put salt on half and put cinnamon sugar on the other half. I can't decide which I like the best so I eat way too many of both!
Highlight's Easy Pretzel Recipe
Prehead over to 400F.
Spray a cookie sheet with vegetable oil.
1. Sprinkle a package of yeast into 3/4 c of WARM water. Add a tbsp of sugar and stir. Let stand until mixture foams.
2. Put 2 C of flour and 1/2 tsp of coarse salt into a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and stir.
3. Sprinkle flour on the counter and knead the dough until it's smooth.
4. Roll pieces of dough into ropes and make fun shapes.
5. Beat an egg with a fork.
6. Brush pretzels with the egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
7. Ask an adult to put the pretzels in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until light brown.
I normally put salt on half and put cinnamon sugar on the other half. I can't decide which I like the best so I eat way too many of both!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Ready for Kindergarten
I took Allie to Emmorton this morning and she's now registered for Kindergarten. How in the world did she get this old? She's really excited about going. Everytime she told Jaelyn she was going to "her school" this morning, Jaelyn growled at her. I guess Jaelyn's not too thrilled about the idea, but she did promise to be nice to Allie and help her.
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