Well, today has been just about as berzerk as yesterday...it is now past dinner time....and nothing to show for the day coming and going..
We finally got a call back from our kiddos' dr office with the bacterial strep results still being negative, but the viral strep results way beyond positive....yep, just our luck, we got the rare viral strain instead....loverly....
Soo...that means we were prob contagious days ago, and will be contagious as long as kiddos are running fevers and breaking out with any symptoms....we will need to not be around people as much as possible for the next 7-10 days probably. Shouldnt be too hard, considering we do school and everything at home, mostly. Next week looks pretty quiet as far as activity level for the kids, and hopefully we can keep rest of kiddos from getting it too...keep your fingers crossed.
Today was also adventurous for me. I always get a personal phone call from the Red Cross staff AND our ward blood drive rep. The last couple of times have been successful, so I was hoping things would be ok too. After the 90 min check in and set up, the best guy on the floor took a stab at me - literally. He got the needle in, except he MISSED the vein. While I squeezed a soft ball to death and curled my feet up into my shoes, he dug around until he finally hit it (can you say OW!!!!) Then it literally took me 5 minutes to fill the pouch and give them all the vials they needed. I have never been finished that fast before. It was kind of crazy, but someone must be in need of it more than me. The only way that I can have this much success is if Heavenly Father knows someone is waiting for it....and I am happy to give it. When I was done I sat and chatted with a fellow ward member, and our stake patriarch, while we nibbled some snacks and juice. All, in all, it really was a positive experience again this time. Maybe making up for lost time, for all those times they had to turn me away, or turned me into a pin cushion. It is good to be able to serve others in some small way.
Today was supposed to be full of adventure and fun, instead we had to cancel the fun and replace it with hanging out here at home with little and big people not feeling well, and just mostly scratching the day's efforts...there is always tomorrow, I guess, and the weekend to see what we can get caught up. I think the closer we get to summer break, the more we are all looking forward to it. For now, we just take a day at a time and do the best we can.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A TRYING DAY
Today has been one challenge after another...but also with one blessing after another.
1) The Beast's "engine in distress" light went on again late yesterday - took it in again this morning. They ended up keeping it for several hours. Found out the repair would cost $700+ - OUCH. Found out repair isnt critical to life or limb of the beast - and does NOT need to be done now, or maybe ever unless we really want to or unless we see a steep decline in gas mileage.....WHEW...Not knowing if we would have the car back in time, I ended up having to cancel Colton's OT appt in Philomath....threw a definate wrench into our plans....Had the blessing of having my kind, sweet, wonderful friend be willing to help chauffeur me back up to the car repair shop to pick up the beast so I could get ceana picked up from music class on time. Thank you C, I really dont know how I will ever re-pay your daily kindnesses and and never-ending help! Love ya tons!!!
2) Computer programs still missing from my laptop - not able to get work or schoolwork done again today - gggrrrr - With help of a patient husband, over the phone, I was able to re-install said programs, so hopefully tomorrow much needed projects will be able to be completed...sigh....Thank you, love, for always being so patient with me.
3) Kaeli woke with migraine and VERY sore throat again today. I was checking her temp - which was normal - only to have Kels fuss at me that she needed a "turn" too. I humored her, except the joke was on me when I went to read it to her and SHE had a fever! What? The more Kaeli and I chatted and I checked her, the more concerned I got about her listlessness, and pain. I went ahead and made a call to the dr office - confirming that they for sure wanted me to take the girls down to be checked....aaauuugghhhh! I quick called Colton's OT specialist and found out his slot was still open and we could still come. I also quick called Preston who agreed to meet me at the dr office and take colton to OT while I stayed with the girls...Thank you, my love, for being so willing to help, even at the last chaotic minute...
4) Looks very likely that both Kaeli and Kels have strep throat. Every symptom and indication is a whopping yes. Dumb quick culture said no...will have to wait for confirmation phone call from our cute little nurse tomorrow early AM. If it comes back negative too, it will confirm a more rare virus that acts and looks like strep (like we had last year) and we will know either way for meds for the girls, or having to let everyone know we have yuck we might have passed on in the last few days without knowing....So thankful for a wonderfully, sweet pediatrician who we can trust completely. Thankful to know that he is on call this weekend in case we do have strep and rest of kiddos get it too....(side note since I got pulled away while trying to get this written, Colton has started with a slight temperature and a scratchy looking rash on his upper torso - another symptom of strep - lovely....) We know that our dr will call in meds for whoever needs them and we wont have to run down to his office again....so wonderful that he cares about our family so much.
5) Was able to get chinese and kiddo food take out for dinner....just couldnt even think about food after how the rest of the day has gone....
6) Was able to head off our cute friend who had come for the kids' piano lessons before we shared our germs....
7) Get to enjoy the last little bit of sunshine for the day...the most sun we have seen all day....crazy rain every other 5 minutes was kind of fun today too...silly thing to think of as fun, but it just makes you shake your head as you stare out the window watching the weather literally change every minute or two...or walk outside, barely missing the torrential downpour....(lucky us, huh, Christy?)
8) Having the blessing of kind, wonderful, generous neighbors. Our neighbors across the street are wonderfully sweet, amazingly talented people who are willing to share their time, talents and thoughtful gifts with us. We were given a surprise gift today of a HUGE bulletin board just because our neighbor knew it would be perfect to show off the kids' art/school work. Her children are all grown now, and far away...and I think she and her husband are very much enjoying having all the neighborhood children around to enjoy. They are becoming good friends and we are lucky to have such good neighbors in a nice area here on our street and around us.
9) Have had very difficult time with sleep since I had to turn in my loaner CPAP and have been waiting for the new one to arrive from being on backorder. Sleep and REM cycles have been so intense I have been waking often because I have drown or died or something very intense has happened. It has made it very hard for me to help the kids or even be able to get through the most basic of house jobs or driving or anything. Today, just as we were heading out the door, I got a surprise phone call from the medical equipment office. My new CPAP and all the needed extra parts arrived today - way ahead of schedule (we were told it would be 2 weeks, minimum) I was ecstatic and so was the respiratory therapist who had been through all the stress with us. Even the office receptionist knew all the struggle we have been through, and she is also a mom, so she understood very well the strain that a sleep deprived mom puts on the family and home. I cant wait to get it all set up tonight - I am hoping I can remember all the instructions....
I am sure there are more things I can write about, things my brain would process if I was more coherent...but for now, I am going to try to get some real sleep tonight now that little people have finally crashed....I am truly grateful for many blessings that have been given today.
1) The Beast's "engine in distress" light went on again late yesterday - took it in again this morning. They ended up keeping it for several hours. Found out the repair would cost $700+ - OUCH. Found out repair isnt critical to life or limb of the beast - and does NOT need to be done now, or maybe ever unless we really want to or unless we see a steep decline in gas mileage.....WHEW...Not knowing if we would have the car back in time, I ended up having to cancel Colton's OT appt in Philomath....threw a definate wrench into our plans....Had the blessing of having my kind, sweet, wonderful friend be willing to help chauffeur me back up to the car repair shop to pick up the beast so I could get ceana picked up from music class on time. Thank you C, I really dont know how I will ever re-pay your daily kindnesses and and never-ending help! Love ya tons!!!
2) Computer programs still missing from my laptop - not able to get work or schoolwork done again today - gggrrrr - With help of a patient husband, over the phone, I was able to re-install said programs, so hopefully tomorrow much needed projects will be able to be completed...sigh....Thank you, love, for always being so patient with me.
3) Kaeli woke with migraine and VERY sore throat again today. I was checking her temp - which was normal - only to have Kels fuss at me that she needed a "turn" too. I humored her, except the joke was on me when I went to read it to her and SHE had a fever! What? The more Kaeli and I chatted and I checked her, the more concerned I got about her listlessness, and pain. I went ahead and made a call to the dr office - confirming that they for sure wanted me to take the girls down to be checked....aaauuugghhhh! I quick called Colton's OT specialist and found out his slot was still open and we could still come. I also quick called Preston who agreed to meet me at the dr office and take colton to OT while I stayed with the girls...Thank you, my love, for being so willing to help, even at the last chaotic minute...
4) Looks very likely that both Kaeli and Kels have strep throat. Every symptom and indication is a whopping yes. Dumb quick culture said no...will have to wait for confirmation phone call from our cute little nurse tomorrow early AM. If it comes back negative too, it will confirm a more rare virus that acts and looks like strep (like we had last year) and we will know either way for meds for the girls, or having to let everyone know we have yuck we might have passed on in the last few days without knowing....So thankful for a wonderfully, sweet pediatrician who we can trust completely. Thankful to know that he is on call this weekend in case we do have strep and rest of kiddos get it too....(side note since I got pulled away while trying to get this written, Colton has started with a slight temperature and a scratchy looking rash on his upper torso - another symptom of strep - lovely....) We know that our dr will call in meds for whoever needs them and we wont have to run down to his office again....so wonderful that he cares about our family so much.
5) Was able to get chinese and kiddo food take out for dinner....just couldnt even think about food after how the rest of the day has gone....
6) Was able to head off our cute friend who had come for the kids' piano lessons before we shared our germs....
7) Get to enjoy the last little bit of sunshine for the day...the most sun we have seen all day....crazy rain every other 5 minutes was kind of fun today too...silly thing to think of as fun, but it just makes you shake your head as you stare out the window watching the weather literally change every minute or two...or walk outside, barely missing the torrential downpour....(lucky us, huh, Christy?)
8) Having the blessing of kind, wonderful, generous neighbors. Our neighbors across the street are wonderfully sweet, amazingly talented people who are willing to share their time, talents and thoughtful gifts with us. We were given a surprise gift today of a HUGE bulletin board just because our neighbor knew it would be perfect to show off the kids' art/school work. Her children are all grown now, and far away...and I think she and her husband are very much enjoying having all the neighborhood children around to enjoy. They are becoming good friends and we are lucky to have such good neighbors in a nice area here on our street and around us.
9) Have had very difficult time with sleep since I had to turn in my loaner CPAP and have been waiting for the new one to arrive from being on backorder. Sleep and REM cycles have been so intense I have been waking often because I have drown or died or something very intense has happened. It has made it very hard for me to help the kids or even be able to get through the most basic of house jobs or driving or anything. Today, just as we were heading out the door, I got a surprise phone call from the medical equipment office. My new CPAP and all the needed extra parts arrived today - way ahead of schedule (we were told it would be 2 weeks, minimum) I was ecstatic and so was the respiratory therapist who had been through all the stress with us. Even the office receptionist knew all the struggle we have been through, and she is also a mom, so she understood very well the strain that a sleep deprived mom puts on the family and home. I cant wait to get it all set up tonight - I am hoping I can remember all the instructions....
I am sure there are more things I can write about, things my brain would process if I was more coherent...but for now, I am going to try to get some real sleep tonight now that little people have finally crashed....I am truly grateful for many blessings that have been given today.
Monday, April 26, 2010
100 Things About Me- 15 Years Old
1. It really bugs me when someone spells something wrong, and if I don’t know how to spell a word, I go and look it up right then and there.
2. Blackberry jam is my favorite.
3. I love long walks on the beach.
4. Horses are my favorite animal, and always have been, ever since I can remember.
5. My favorite temple is the Salt Lake City, Utah temple.
6. My dad ROCKS (yes, he hacked my post and changed this one).
7. I like peanut butter and raisin sandwiches.
8. I don’t like pumpkin pie.
9. I want to go to OSU for college (Oregon State University).
10. I want to be a vet.
11. I like to drive.
12. I don’t like it when people get into fights.
13. My favorite saying is “spoons are overrated”, because I don’t like to use spoons, I prefer forks.
14. I like real wheat bread, not the fluffy stuff.
15. I play the French horn and the piano.
16. I want to learn how to play tennis.
17. I want to learn how to waltz.
18. I have a fear of heights, and looking over the edges of things (that includes walking over bridges and looking over banisters).
19. I have never been skiing.
20. My favorite high school sports are football and basketball.
21. My favorite team is the Beavers, of course.
22. I like the idea of growing up and living in this world, even with all of its trials (actually that’s the part I want to experience).
23. I love camping.
24. Fire is mesmerizing to me, I could sit and stare at it for a very long time.
25. I am OCD about the different colors in playing boxes; they all have to be in their own space, they can’t be mixed.
26. I love board games.
27. Picnics are wonderful.
28. I collect stickers.
29. I love to bake.
30. I don’t really know how to cook (yes, baking and cooking are different things).
31. I like to do yard work.
32. I get really hyper with my friends.
33. My favorite flavor is grape.
34. My favorite candy is 100 Grand.
35. I like caramel in chocolate, but not by itself.
36. I learned how to cross stitch and scrollsaw.
37. My favorite movie is Phantom of the Opera.
38. I sing in concert choir at the high school.
39. My favorite children’s book is “Toestomper and the Caterpillars”.
40. I don’t like to write, I like to read more.
41. I like writing research papers.
42. I like historical fiction and fantasy books.
43. I love dragons.
44. My favorite shape is a trapeziod and I have no idea why.
45. My favorite song is “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.
46. My favorite genre of music is country
47. My favorite actor is Gene Kelly.
48. I prefer dancing with someone rather than just by myself in a group.
49. I love getting mail.
50. I am not grossed out with animals (body, sicknesses, etc.) but I don’t like human anatomy at all (blood, puke (haha), etc.).
51. I hate sirens, they freak me out.
52. I have fainted at least twice, once at Crater Lake, and once at the doctor’s office.
53. I like hosting parties at our house.
54. I am more computer savvy than my mom.
55. I think Kenya is a cool name for a girl.
56. I have only come to love big rollercoasters this last summer, although some still freak me out (which is good).
57. I hate first aid training.
58. I like scrapbooking- not the online kind.
59. To me, the idea of forever is almost scary.
60. I like reading during rainstorms.
61. I love thunder and lightning and when the power goes out.
62. I would rather be too cold than too hot.
63. I love walking barefoot.
64. I look good in black, and in blue.
65. I love the smell of campfires.
66. I love the smell of horses.
67. I like BBQs a lot, and my favorite meat is chicken, or hot dogs, burnt by the BBQ.
68. I don’t like seafood.
69. I can’t step on sidewalk cracks, and I always count how many steps are in a cement block.
70. I sleep on my stomach, buried in blankets, with my head between two pillows.
71. I need dark and quiet to sleep.
72. My favorite Disney movie is BOLT.
73. I love splashing in puddles
74. My favorite theme music (other than my favorite movie) is Lord of the Rings.
75. My favorite number of the alphabet is purple.
76. Rubbing a cotton ball between my fingers gives me shivers (the same feeling you get when you hear nails on a chalkboard).
77. I love swimming.
78. My favorite household chores are sweeping and vacuuming.
79. I am very good at hula-hooping.
80. I like to jump rope.
81. I (we) own a dog who gives me hugs!
82. I don’t like leaving messages.
83. I sing second soprano at school and church choir.
84. I like Owl City.
85. Without lists I would die.
86. I like typing in green.
87. I am short, and proud of it, because every tall person needs a short buddy.
88. I don’t like missing seminary.
89. I like to play cat’s cradle and marbles.
90. I love Bryan Adams.
91. I love the little things in the world that are simple.
92. I like the way everyone smells different (yeah, that might sound weird, but it’s true).
93. My favorite smell is vanilla.
94. I don’t like going to the dentist.
95. I like singing harmonies to the songs on the radio.
96. I like to give hugs.
97. I love the smell of spring rain.
98. My favorite number is 0 or 10.
99. I collect crab shells when I go to the beach.
100. I love the beach.
By Happy Sammich
2. Blackberry jam is my favorite.
3. I love long walks on the beach.
4. Horses are my favorite animal, and always have been, ever since I can remember.
5. My favorite temple is the Salt Lake City, Utah temple.
6. My dad ROCKS (yes, he hacked my post and changed this one).
7. I like peanut butter and raisin sandwiches.
8. I don’t like pumpkin pie.
9. I want to go to OSU for college (Oregon State University).
10. I want to be a vet.
11. I like to drive.
12. I don’t like it when people get into fights.
13. My favorite saying is “spoons are overrated”, because I don’t like to use spoons, I prefer forks.
14. I like real wheat bread, not the fluffy stuff.
15. I play the French horn and the piano.
16. I want to learn how to play tennis.
17. I want to learn how to waltz.
18. I have a fear of heights, and looking over the edges of things (that includes walking over bridges and looking over banisters).
19. I have never been skiing.
20. My favorite high school sports are football and basketball.
21. My favorite team is the Beavers, of course.
22. I like the idea of growing up and living in this world, even with all of its trials (actually that’s the part I want to experience).
23. I love camping.
24. Fire is mesmerizing to me, I could sit and stare at it for a very long time.
25. I am OCD about the different colors in playing boxes; they all have to be in their own space, they can’t be mixed.
26. I love board games.
27. Picnics are wonderful.
28. I collect stickers.
29. I love to bake.
30. I don’t really know how to cook (yes, baking and cooking are different things).
31. I like to do yard work.
32. I get really hyper with my friends.
33. My favorite flavor is grape.
34. My favorite candy is 100 Grand.
35. I like caramel in chocolate, but not by itself.
36. I learned how to cross stitch and scrollsaw.
37. My favorite movie is Phantom of the Opera.
38. I sing in concert choir at the high school.
39. My favorite children’s book is “Toestomper and the Caterpillars”.
40. I don’t like to write, I like to read more.
41. I like writing research papers.
42. I like historical fiction and fantasy books.
43. I love dragons.
44. My favorite shape is a trapeziod and I have no idea why.
45. My favorite song is “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.
46. My favorite genre of music is country
47. My favorite actor is Gene Kelly.
48. I prefer dancing with someone rather than just by myself in a group.
49. I love getting mail.
50. I am not grossed out with animals (body, sicknesses, etc.) but I don’t like human anatomy at all (blood, puke (haha), etc.).
51. I hate sirens, they freak me out.
52. I have fainted at least twice, once at Crater Lake, and once at the doctor’s office.
53. I like hosting parties at our house.
54. I am more computer savvy than my mom.
55. I think Kenya is a cool name for a girl.
56. I have only come to love big rollercoasters this last summer, although some still freak me out (which is good).
57. I hate first aid training.
58. I like scrapbooking- not the online kind.
59. To me, the idea of forever is almost scary.
60. I like reading during rainstorms.
61. I love thunder and lightning and when the power goes out.
62. I would rather be too cold than too hot.
63. I love walking barefoot.
64. I look good in black, and in blue.
65. I love the smell of campfires.
66. I love the smell of horses.
67. I like BBQs a lot, and my favorite meat is chicken, or hot dogs, burnt by the BBQ.
68. I don’t like seafood.
69. I can’t step on sidewalk cracks, and I always count how many steps are in a cement block.
70. I sleep on my stomach, buried in blankets, with my head between two pillows.
71. I need dark and quiet to sleep.
72. My favorite Disney movie is BOLT.
73. I love splashing in puddles
74. My favorite theme music (other than my favorite movie) is Lord of the Rings.
75. My favorite number of the alphabet is purple.
76. Rubbing a cotton ball between my fingers gives me shivers (the same feeling you get when you hear nails on a chalkboard).
77. I love swimming.
78. My favorite household chores are sweeping and vacuuming.
79. I am very good at hula-hooping.
80. I like to jump rope.
81. I (we) own a dog who gives me hugs!
82. I don’t like leaving messages.
83. I sing second soprano at school and church choir.
84. I like Owl City.
85. Without lists I would die.
86. I like typing in green.
87. I am short, and proud of it, because every tall person needs a short buddy.
88. I don’t like missing seminary.
89. I like to play cat’s cradle and marbles.
90. I love Bryan Adams.
91. I love the little things in the world that are simple.
92. I like the way everyone smells different (yeah, that might sound weird, but it’s true).
93. My favorite smell is vanilla.
94. I don’t like going to the dentist.
95. I like singing harmonies to the songs on the radio.
96. I like to give hugs.
97. I love the smell of spring rain.
98. My favorite number is 0 or 10.
99. I collect crab shells when I go to the beach.
100. I love the beach.
By Happy Sammich
100 THINGS
A friend of mine did a fun thing on her post. After her 100th post on her blog, she made a list of 100 things about herself. We have posted WAY more than 100, but I thought it was a fun idea and would put something new here since I havent been able to update all our fun adventures yet. So here it is....just random.
1) I love being a wife and mom
2) I like chocolate soy milk on my cereal (Crispix cereal is best!)
3) I have the most patient, forgiving, loving husband that ever walked the Earth
4) I have now re-developed intolerances for anything with dairy or yeast. May be life-long...it has been a huge change in my life
5) I have the 2 bestest friends in the whole entire world, who stick by me through thick or thin, when I am grumpy or happy, and always offer smiles, hugs, and never failing friendship every minute of every day. Thanx to M & C, I don't know what I would ever do without you!
6) I love watching sunrises and sunsets, esp at the coast
7) I need "white" noise to help me sleep (ocean waves, fan, fireplace, etc)
8) I now have to use a CPAP to allow me to sleep safely
9) I have the bestest massage therapist/health specialist in the world. She knows me so well and we have been through so much together. Thanx tons W for all you do for me, you are appreciated and loved more than words can ever say!
10) I love photography and enjoy (and sometimes lament) that there is always something else to learn or do better.
11) I am seriously considering training for and participating in my first triathlon - yikes!
12) I love to swim, it is relaxing and great exercise
13) I dont love planting a garden, but I love eating all the yummy fresh veggies at harvest time
14) I can live the rest of my life happily without eating brussel sprouts, crunchy peanut butter, or creamed corn ever again
15) I love to take naps when I can squeeze them in
16) I have run a 1/2 marathon, and once was enough experience for a lifetime
17) I enjoy teaching my daughter's sunday school class - it is an awesome group of kids!
18) I am not very good at riding a bike
19) I am allergic to lint - esp in kleenex!
20) I get the hiccups for hours at a time
21) I sneeze like the big bad wolf - I huff and puff and usually blow down anyone in my near vicinity...I also usually sneeze several times in a row (10+)
22) I like listening to my children laugh and play together
23) I love Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzards (at least they used to be my fave)
24) I love taking photos of every day things that most people don't even notice (dew drops, bees on flowers, the woodgrain in a tree stump, little bugs, etc)
25) I love to cook & bake (thanx Aunt M, I miss you!)
26) I did not inherit the "green thumb" that runs in the women of my family - I have a "black" thumb which is why all our live plants are in the yard, instead of in the house
27) My favorite color is purple
28) I have known and loved my husband for 23 years
29) I hate snakes. I cant even talk about them or look at a picture of them without feeling like I am going to throw up...
30) I am the bug/spider killer at our house
31) I am irrationally afraid of bridges over water (go figure, esp with my husband being a bridge designer/structural engineer)
32) I dont like wearing shoes, and only put them on when absolutely necessary
33) I spend most days in sweats or PJ's
34) I am not very good at making crafty things (scrapbooks, painting, cards, etc)
35) I love to do all my scrapbooking/journaling online and with digital programs
36) I love foreign foods, and will usually try just about anything once
37) I try really hard to remember to say thanx to others, for things big and small
38) I get my own personal phone calls from the Red Cross, or ward blood drive reps because of my universal blood type
39) I hate needles, esp the big monster ones they use when I give blood
40) I am allergic/have a high sensitivity to TONS of medicines
41) I have gone through 11 different surgeries in my life so far
42) I will usually delegate washing dishes and folding laundry - they are my least fave house chores because they are never caught up/finished
43) I have never broken a bone or had any cavities
44) The stones on my wedding ring match the number of kiddos we have
45) My favorite flowers are Tiger Lilies, Lilacs and Gladiolas
46) I love reading. My favorite genre is historical fiction and anything about dragons
47) If I could be anyone in the world, I would be Samatha Stevens from Bewitched - having her powers would make life totally awesome
48) I do not usually enjoy watching or paying any attention to sports.
49) I do not have a "techy" brain - software programs drive me batty, and I have just barely learned to use text messaging....will be a slow road to learning about all those newfangled gadgets out there
50) I do not know how to sew - I can manage to repair a loose button, but that is about it
51) I love soaking in a hot bath with peppermint and orange oils
52) I have attempted to learn to play the piano 3 times...sigh, maybe some day
53) I love pancakes, esp drenched in syrup
54) Log Cabin or Mrs Butterworth's syrups are the BEST
55) I love spice cake with lots of yummy white frosting
56) I am a perpetual worrier, something I am working on every day
57) I have scars in unusual places, and unusal stories about how I got them
58) I get terrified speaking in front of people
59) I think I am a terrible singer
60) I usually write things with colored pens
61) I journal kid things on our monthly calendar
62) I am the oldest child in my family
63) I love potatoes in any way, shape or form (esp love homemade hashbrowns & jojos)
64) I do not like looking at myself in a mirror
56) I do not like to fly in airplanes
57) I am a home-body, and I dont esp like to travel too far from home
58) I dont like camping
59) I love spending time at the coast, just playing or walking on the beach
60) I have never been a waitress or worked in a fast food restaurant, but have done just about every other kind of odd job here and there
61) In a previous "life" I taught school for 8 years, off and on, including owning and running my own preschool
62) I have had gray hair since I was a teenager (family genes)
63) I love the smell of lilacs, freshly baked bread, campfire smoke, and freshly washed children (esp kels' hair)
64) I collect nativities, and have several from around the world
65) I love anything Celtic, but esp music.
66) I like my meat WELL DONE, not even with the slightest pink
67) I spent a lot of my high school years writing poetry and creative stories
68) I sit in my chair with my left leg tucked underneath me
69) I have a favorite spot that I always sit in when I am on the couch in our TV room
70) I still bite my nails
71) When I am nervous I twist my wedding ring
72) I have flannel sheets on our bed year round, and sleep with extra quilts
73) I love eating corn on the cob & fried zuchinni cold, right out of the fridge
74) I eat green beans cold, right out of the can
75) If I didnt color my hair, it would be completely white
76) I like hosting parties, but I am always afraid no one will come
77) I often repeat myself when I talk
78) When I get extra anxious, worried or scared, my hand itches like it is on fire
79) My favorite number is 2
80) My most favorite random saying is "purple hippopotamus"
81) My favorite music in the world in Pachabel's Cannon in D
82) My favorite song is "The Prayer" by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli - it still makes me cry no matter how many times I hear it
83) I can quote a line out of a movie from just about any word I hear or say
84) I am not a "dump & pour" kind of cook, but I can make just about anything if I have a recipe
85) I love making & eating omelets, esp stuffed full of yummy things
86) I can't tolerate touching cotton balls or any fabric that has a similar texture
87) I took violin lessons when I was younger
88) My favorite candy is peanut M&M's, or 100 Grand Candy Bars (at least they used to be)
89) I dont like marshmallows
90) When I used to eat choc, it had to have something in it (caramel, nuts, etc), dont like just plain chocolate
91) I love flavored hot chocolate (gingerbread, raspberry, etc)
92) I love to listen to the frogs and bugs chirping at night
93) I dont usually like surprises, I am a "have to have a plan" kind of person
94) I had to take my driving test 2x
95) I legally changed my name in 2003
96) I am famous for being able to go anywhere, even far away from home, and still run into someone I know (a friend used to tease me that she could never take me anywhere...LOL)
97) I am afraid of heights
98) Sometimes when I dream at night, I can fly, be an olympic ice skater, and sing like a pro
99) I am a very symmetrical person - I am a picture straightener, have to have everything balanced when I am looking at things. Abstract or uneven drives me crazy
100) I dont wear lipstick, ever, it is just yuck
1) I love being a wife and mom
2) I like chocolate soy milk on my cereal (Crispix cereal is best!)
3) I have the most patient, forgiving, loving husband that ever walked the Earth
4) I have now re-developed intolerances for anything with dairy or yeast. May be life-long...it has been a huge change in my life
5) I have the 2 bestest friends in the whole entire world, who stick by me through thick or thin, when I am grumpy or happy, and always offer smiles, hugs, and never failing friendship every minute of every day. Thanx to M & C, I don't know what I would ever do without you!
6) I love watching sunrises and sunsets, esp at the coast
7) I need "white" noise to help me sleep (ocean waves, fan, fireplace, etc)
8) I now have to use a CPAP to allow me to sleep safely
9) I have the bestest massage therapist/health specialist in the world. She knows me so well and we have been through so much together. Thanx tons W for all you do for me, you are appreciated and loved more than words can ever say!
10) I love photography and enjoy (and sometimes lament) that there is always something else to learn or do better.
11) I am seriously considering training for and participating in my first triathlon - yikes!
12) I love to swim, it is relaxing and great exercise
13) I dont love planting a garden, but I love eating all the yummy fresh veggies at harvest time
14) I can live the rest of my life happily without eating brussel sprouts, crunchy peanut butter, or creamed corn ever again
15) I love to take naps when I can squeeze them in
16) I have run a 1/2 marathon, and once was enough experience for a lifetime
17) I enjoy teaching my daughter's sunday school class - it is an awesome group of kids!
18) I am not very good at riding a bike
19) I am allergic to lint - esp in kleenex!
20) I get the hiccups for hours at a time
21) I sneeze like the big bad wolf - I huff and puff and usually blow down anyone in my near vicinity...I also usually sneeze several times in a row (10+)
22) I like listening to my children laugh and play together
23) I love Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzards (at least they used to be my fave)
24) I love taking photos of every day things that most people don't even notice (dew drops, bees on flowers, the woodgrain in a tree stump, little bugs, etc)
25) I love to cook & bake (thanx Aunt M, I miss you!)
26) I did not inherit the "green thumb" that runs in the women of my family - I have a "black" thumb which is why all our live plants are in the yard, instead of in the house
27) My favorite color is purple
28) I have known and loved my husband for 23 years
29) I hate snakes. I cant even talk about them or look at a picture of them without feeling like I am going to throw up...
30) I am the bug/spider killer at our house
31) I am irrationally afraid of bridges over water (go figure, esp with my husband being a bridge designer/structural engineer)
32) I dont like wearing shoes, and only put them on when absolutely necessary
33) I spend most days in sweats or PJ's
34) I am not very good at making crafty things (scrapbooks, painting, cards, etc)
35) I love to do all my scrapbooking/journaling online and with digital programs
36) I love foreign foods, and will usually try just about anything once
37) I try really hard to remember to say thanx to others, for things big and small
38) I get my own personal phone calls from the Red Cross, or ward blood drive reps because of my universal blood type
39) I hate needles, esp the big monster ones they use when I give blood
40) I am allergic/have a high sensitivity to TONS of medicines
41) I have gone through 11 different surgeries in my life so far
42) I will usually delegate washing dishes and folding laundry - they are my least fave house chores because they are never caught up/finished
43) I have never broken a bone or had any cavities
44) The stones on my wedding ring match the number of kiddos we have
45) My favorite flowers are Tiger Lilies, Lilacs and Gladiolas
46) I love reading. My favorite genre is historical fiction and anything about dragons
47) If I could be anyone in the world, I would be Samatha Stevens from Bewitched - having her powers would make life totally awesome
48) I do not usually enjoy watching or paying any attention to sports.
49) I do not have a "techy" brain - software programs drive me batty, and I have just barely learned to use text messaging....will be a slow road to learning about all those newfangled gadgets out there
50) I do not know how to sew - I can manage to repair a loose button, but that is about it
51) I love soaking in a hot bath with peppermint and orange oils
52) I have attempted to learn to play the piano 3 times...sigh, maybe some day
53) I love pancakes, esp drenched in syrup
54) Log Cabin or Mrs Butterworth's syrups are the BEST
55) I love spice cake with lots of yummy white frosting
56) I am a perpetual worrier, something I am working on every day
57) I have scars in unusual places, and unusal stories about how I got them
58) I get terrified speaking in front of people
59) I think I am a terrible singer
60) I usually write things with colored pens
61) I journal kid things on our monthly calendar
62) I am the oldest child in my family
63) I love potatoes in any way, shape or form (esp love homemade hashbrowns & jojos)
64) I do not like looking at myself in a mirror
56) I do not like to fly in airplanes
57) I am a home-body, and I dont esp like to travel too far from home
58) I dont like camping
59) I love spending time at the coast, just playing or walking on the beach
60) I have never been a waitress or worked in a fast food restaurant, but have done just about every other kind of odd job here and there
61) In a previous "life" I taught school for 8 years, off and on, including owning and running my own preschool
62) I have had gray hair since I was a teenager (family genes)
63) I love the smell of lilacs, freshly baked bread, campfire smoke, and freshly washed children (esp kels' hair)
64) I collect nativities, and have several from around the world
65) I love anything Celtic, but esp music.
66) I like my meat WELL DONE, not even with the slightest pink
67) I spent a lot of my high school years writing poetry and creative stories
68) I sit in my chair with my left leg tucked underneath me
69) I have a favorite spot that I always sit in when I am on the couch in our TV room
70) I still bite my nails
71) When I am nervous I twist my wedding ring
72) I have flannel sheets on our bed year round, and sleep with extra quilts
73) I love eating corn on the cob & fried zuchinni cold, right out of the fridge
74) I eat green beans cold, right out of the can
75) If I didnt color my hair, it would be completely white
76) I like hosting parties, but I am always afraid no one will come
77) I often repeat myself when I talk
78) When I get extra anxious, worried or scared, my hand itches like it is on fire
79) My favorite number is 2
80) My most favorite random saying is "purple hippopotamus"
81) My favorite music in the world in Pachabel's Cannon in D
82) My favorite song is "The Prayer" by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli - it still makes me cry no matter how many times I hear it
83) I can quote a line out of a movie from just about any word I hear or say
84) I am not a "dump & pour" kind of cook, but I can make just about anything if I have a recipe
85) I love making & eating omelets, esp stuffed full of yummy things
86) I can't tolerate touching cotton balls or any fabric that has a similar texture
87) I took violin lessons when I was younger
88) My favorite candy is peanut M&M's, or 100 Grand Candy Bars (at least they used to be)
89) I dont like marshmallows
90) When I used to eat choc, it had to have something in it (caramel, nuts, etc), dont like just plain chocolate
91) I love flavored hot chocolate (gingerbread, raspberry, etc)
92) I love to listen to the frogs and bugs chirping at night
93) I dont usually like surprises, I am a "have to have a plan" kind of person
94) I had to take my driving test 2x
95) I legally changed my name in 2003
96) I am famous for being able to go anywhere, even far away from home, and still run into someone I know (a friend used to tease me that she could never take me anywhere...LOL)
97) I am afraid of heights
98) Sometimes when I dream at night, I can fly, be an olympic ice skater, and sing like a pro
99) I am a very symmetrical person - I am a picture straightener, have to have everything balanced when I am looking at things. Abstract or uneven drives me crazy
100) I dont wear lipstick, ever, it is just yuck
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Demob #5
Today we were flown down to Medford for the last demobilization ceremony of the week. (There may still be one or two more next week.) This city went ALL OUT for their troops; as we drove by the armory the place was PACKED, even several hours before the official ceremony. We drove the couple of miles down the PARADE ROUTE they had laid out to the high school football stadium where the ceremony was held. At first I was a bit disappointed that we weren't marching in the parade with the troops, but I think it worked out OK as they asked us to play "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" as the companies paraded into and around the stadium in front of their friends and families. Very cool. I'm not sure the ceremony was performed exactly as it's spelled out in the regulations, but still it was very cool.
We were joined by a bagpipe and drum band (Army Reserve I think) so we traded off during the prelude and post-ceremony music. At every ceremony a lone bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" during the minute of "silence" to remember the two soldiers who were killed in action, so it was a special touch to have 12 pipers and 6 drummers for this ceremony.
Weather was great (ie no rain). Other than the snafu on our meals, things went off without a hitch! Success for the troops!
This particular ceremony was absolutely MOBBED by press folks, so I'm guessing there will be plenty of links to be shared.
KTVL (with a brief shot of the band)
KRDV
Southern Oregon NBC which notes the ceremony SHOULD have been even larger, but thanks to that ash cloud about half of the Soldiers will have yet another ceremony next week.
Photos from the local paper
We were joined by a bagpipe and drum band (Army Reserve I think) so we traded off during the prelude and post-ceremony music. At every ceremony a lone bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" during the minute of "silence" to remember the two soldiers who were killed in action, so it was a special touch to have 12 pipers and 6 drummers for this ceremony.
Weather was great (ie no rain). Other than the snafu on our meals, things went off without a hitch! Success for the troops!
This particular ceremony was absolutely MOBBED by press folks, so I'm guessing there will be plenty of links to be shared.
KTVL (with a brief shot of the band)
KRDV
Southern Oregon NBC which notes the ceremony SHOULD have been even larger, but thanks to that ash cloud about half of the Soldiers will have yet another ceremony next week.
Photos from the local paper
Demob #4
Another day, another ceremony from the same script.
Today was spent in Eugene with about 450 folks who look like me (in uniform anyway) with about 3000 of their closest friends and family. Too bad the perfect weather was "wasted" on an indoor ceremony, but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry!
The only damper on the event was the 25-minute speech given by the outgoing commander after their change-of-command ceremony. When then incoming commander took to the microphone and waved his single 3x5 card of notes, he got one of the bigger ovations of the day!
OK so enough grousing by me ... it's great to have all these folks back home!
After waiting for about 45 minutes to be able to get out of the parking lot at the fairgrounds, then another 45 or so getting around an accident on I-105, we EXACTLY hit rush-hour traffic in Portland too. Terry and Joe (I mean SFC Tuggy and 1SG Worley) had an even longer day as they started out in early-morning meetings in Salem with the Adjutant General. Even after all that, they still called to invite me to dinner at the local German establishment Gustav's.
Thinking each day would be spent in ceremonies and each evening trying to stay caught up on work, I hadn't even bothered to pack any civilian clothes for the week. Undeterred, Terry & Joe offered to stay in uniform too and still head out for sauer-this and something-kraut. The restaurant was very cool architecturally, and was decorated with murals and flags and cases of German toys ... all very cool.
The food was AWESOME. As a newbie to all things non-American, we agreed to get "The Feast" which meant they brought a huge platter of various things for the three of us to share. I'll have to look up some of the stuff I ate some other time, but the beef must have been crock-potted for several days, the chicken was pounded out and breaded beautifully, the sausages were quite tasty and I even had some of the various krauts, tried the mustards, and dipped fondue! Quite an experience for me! Even though I was overstuffed I agreed to split an apple strudel for dessert, but our waitress somehow managed to bring a piece that was probably about three times larger than any normal human would eat. To top off the meal, she also told us that on his way out the door another customer had paid for our entire meal. She said she was kind of upset about it because SHE was going to pay for it herself. Wow.
We had time to stop by Terry's to catch the ends of the Spurs-Mavs (great, close game) and Jazz-Nuggets (great blowout win for the Jazz)!
One more ceremony coming up ... then I hope they throw away that script they have been using!
Local TV News Story
And another story
And from the CBS affiliate
Today was spent in Eugene with about 450 folks who look like me (in uniform anyway) with about 3000 of their closest friends and family. Too bad the perfect weather was "wasted" on an indoor ceremony, but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry!
The only damper on the event was the 25-minute speech given by the outgoing commander after their change-of-command ceremony. When then incoming commander took to the microphone and waved his single 3x5 card of notes, he got one of the bigger ovations of the day!
OK so enough grousing by me ... it's great to have all these folks back home!
After waiting for about 45 minutes to be able to get out of the parking lot at the fairgrounds, then another 45 or so getting around an accident on I-105, we EXACTLY hit rush-hour traffic in Portland too. Terry and Joe (I mean SFC Tuggy and 1SG Worley) had an even longer day as they started out in early-morning meetings in Salem with the Adjutant General. Even after all that, they still called to invite me to dinner at the local German establishment Gustav's.
Thinking each day would be spent in ceremonies and each evening trying to stay caught up on work, I hadn't even bothered to pack any civilian clothes for the week. Undeterred, Terry & Joe offered to stay in uniform too and still head out for sauer-this and something-kraut. The restaurant was very cool architecturally, and was decorated with murals and flags and cases of German toys ... all very cool.
The food was AWESOME. As a newbie to all things non-American, we agreed to get "The Feast" which meant they brought a huge platter of various things for the three of us to share. I'll have to look up some of the stuff I ate some other time, but the beef must have been crock-potted for several days, the chicken was pounded out and breaded beautifully, the sausages were quite tasty and I even had some of the various krauts, tried the mustards, and dipped fondue! Quite an experience for me! Even though I was overstuffed I agreed to split an apple strudel for dessert, but our waitress somehow managed to bring a piece that was probably about three times larger than any normal human would eat. To top off the meal, she also told us that on his way out the door another customer had paid for our entire meal. She said she was kind of upset about it because SHE was going to pay for it herself. Wow.
We had time to stop by Terry's to catch the ends of the Spurs-Mavs (great, close game) and Jazz-Nuggets (great blowout win for the Jazz)!
One more ceremony coming up ... then I hope they throw away that script they have been using!
Local TV News Story
And another story
And from the CBS affiliate
Friday, April 23, 2010
Demob #3
This one came up on VERY short notice ... so short that we had trouble getting a band together. Someone had the brilliant idea to ask the local high school band to team up with us, and they did!
Thanks to Forest Grove High School band for their support at the 2-218th Field Artillery Demobilization!
Oregon Live
Oregon MilDep Blog
All went well until the Howitzer team tried to fire their equipment; they tried and tried while the crowd waited. Guys ran over from the podium to give it a try. Changing shells made no difference. The band was just about to start up the final march when they finally fired it. Maybe that one was sent back from the sandbox for maintenance ...
Thanks to Forest Grove High School band for their support at the 2-218th Field Artillery Demobilization!
Oregon Live
Oregon MilDep Blog
All went well until the Howitzer team tried to fire their equipment; they tried and tried while the crowd waited. Guys ran over from the podium to give it a try. Changing shells made no difference. The band was just about to start up the final march when they finally fired it. Maybe that one was sent back from the sandbox for maintenance ...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
First of Several
Today was the first of several demobilization ceremonies taking place around Oregon in the next week or so. The 41st Brigade Combat Team (about 2700 Soldiers) is returning in stages from Iraq, and the band will be there for all of these guys.
Today's ceremony was held in a baseball stadium in Bend. The locals said it was the first decent-weather day of the spring, and tomorrow they are forecasting rain. I came home sunburned! I was somewhat disappointed in the small size of our band, given these are all high-profile events, today there weren't any work conflicts, etc. But I guess people have their own reasons for deciding to support (or not) these groups of men and women who have spent nearly a year away from their families.
On my way the streets were decorated and there were people along the roads waving "welcome home" signs. I arrived on site about the same time as the bus caravan with the troops, and there was non-stop cheering from those who had arrived early enough to see them get lined up on the field. At first the families were all told to stay back while the Soldiers were in formation. Then over the loudspeakers the announcer came on to say "Thank you for being here to welcome home your local heroes!" The applause was instant and lasted quite awhile. Eventually it died down, at which time the announcer said, "Soldiers, you are now free to go and find your families." We've all seen video and photos of that moment when Soldiers gone for an extended period of time first meet their families again, but there was something different and special about being down on the field with them.
The rest of the band arrived shortly thereafter, and we got set up for the ceremony. During this time I overheard the following conversation between a Specialist (E-4), someone I presume was his girlfriend and his mother:
Girlfriend: "Why are you carrying that flag around?"
E4: "I'm the guidon bearer, so when we are in formation I am out in front with this flag."
Girlfriend: "Why do you get to do that?"
E4, looking quite proud: "They usually pick the most squared-away soldier, the most disciplined."
Girlfriend: "You mean you're the best?"
E4: "Um, yeah."
Mother, pointing to the insignia on the uniform of someone from our unit: "So what does that mean?"
E4: "That means he is an E-6, a Sergeant First Class."
Specialist Chaney and I had a good laugh at how this self-described "best Soldier" was not able to correctly identify the correct name of Staff Sergeant Farris' rank. I suppose he had other things on his mind.
Someone said there were 400 troops in this group, and I'm guessing there were several thousand packed into the minor-league stadium, and even spilling down on the grounds since there weren't enough seats. The demobilization had all the regular elements of "rah-rahs" and "welcome homes" from the Governor, Adjutant General, Senator Wyden, the local congressional representative, city mayor and brigade commander. They also did a change of command ceremony to replace the unit's commander before he continues his career at a military school in Washington, DC. To finish it off the Governor and Senator each shook hands with half the troops while we played a few additional marches.
Sounds like the brigade is still trying to get the entire group back into the US, and there will be a series of these ceremonies over the next couple of weeks. I'm glad the band gets to be part of these times to honor the Soldiers who sacrifice so much.
One other note; on my way home I drove through the small town of Sweet Home. From the far East to far West of the main street, there were flags posted down both sides. I also saw several groups of people starting to gather for what I'm guessing will be a "welcome home" parade for their Soldiers later tonight. Small conservative towns are AWESOME.
Today's ceremony was held in a baseball stadium in Bend. The locals said it was the first decent-weather day of the spring, and tomorrow they are forecasting rain. I came home sunburned! I was somewhat disappointed in the small size of our band, given these are all high-profile events, today there weren't any work conflicts, etc. But I guess people have their own reasons for deciding to support (or not) these groups of men and women who have spent nearly a year away from their families.
On my way the streets were decorated and there were people along the roads waving "welcome home" signs. I arrived on site about the same time as the bus caravan with the troops, and there was non-stop cheering from those who had arrived early enough to see them get lined up on the field. At first the families were all told to stay back while the Soldiers were in formation. Then over the loudspeakers the announcer came on to say "Thank you for being here to welcome home your local heroes!" The applause was instant and lasted quite awhile. Eventually it died down, at which time the announcer said, "Soldiers, you are now free to go and find your families." We've all seen video and photos of that moment when Soldiers gone for an extended period of time first meet their families again, but there was something different and special about being down on the field with them.
The rest of the band arrived shortly thereafter, and we got set up for the ceremony. During this time I overheard the following conversation between a Specialist (E-4), someone I presume was his girlfriend and his mother:
Girlfriend: "Why are you carrying that flag around?"
E4: "I'm the guidon bearer, so when we are in formation I am out in front with this flag."
Girlfriend: "Why do you get to do that?"
E4, looking quite proud: "They usually pick the most squared-away soldier, the most disciplined."
Girlfriend: "You mean you're the best?"
E4: "Um, yeah."
Mother, pointing to the insignia on the uniform of someone from our unit: "So what does that mean?"
E4: "That means he is an E-6, a Sergeant First Class."
Specialist Chaney and I had a good laugh at how this self-described "best Soldier" was not able to correctly identify the correct name of Staff Sergeant Farris' rank. I suppose he had other things on his mind.
Someone said there were 400 troops in this group, and I'm guessing there were several thousand packed into the minor-league stadium, and even spilling down on the grounds since there weren't enough seats. The demobilization had all the regular elements of "rah-rahs" and "welcome homes" from the Governor, Adjutant General, Senator Wyden, the local congressional representative, city mayor and brigade commander. They also did a change of command ceremony to replace the unit's commander before he continues his career at a military school in Washington, DC. To finish it off the Governor and Senator each shook hands with half the troops while we played a few additional marches.
Sounds like the brigade is still trying to get the entire group back into the US, and there will be a series of these ceremonies over the next couple of weeks. I'm glad the band gets to be part of these times to honor the Soldiers who sacrifice so much.
One other note; on my way home I drove through the small town of Sweet Home. From the far East to far West of the main street, there were flags posted down both sides. I also saw several groups of people starting to gather for what I'm guessing will be a "welcome home" parade for their Soldiers later tonight. Small conservative towns are AWESOME.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
NOT SURE WHERE TO EVEN BEGIN....
We continue to have so much craziness in our life that I have not been able to get anything posted for so long. I have dozens of picts from all the fun we have been having. I keep thinking "this break, we will have time to..." but then the break comes and goes and I didnt get to one thing on my "to do" list. There is so much I want to journal for our family, and for the kids. Maybe when Summer does arrive, I will be able to find the time and energy to catch up on scrapping and posting our fab photos...sigh.
The bottom of the house looks mostly presentable these days. I am looking forward to summer when we will have DAYS to dig out the upstairs which still looks like a hurricane went through it....We are still mostly eating in shifts, and those shifts have often included snack meals like last night's dinner (zuchinni bread, hard boiled eggs, apple slices, milk) - yes, we did hit all the food groups, but it is a sign of what our days are like.
Preston is finally "home" with us after working more than berzerk hours at the office trying to meet a project deadline. We havent seen much of him though as he has had drill the last 3 days in a row since finishing the project. I keep hoping we will fall into a little better routine where he can be home to spend time with the kids and be part of our home routine once in awhile...I know there are friends out there with husbands gone 24-7, stationed far away, and compared to them I should have nothing to fuss about, but today sure was hard again....
Holidays this year seem to be another thing that just "comes and goes" without any fanfair. When the big kids were little I would decorate every inch of the house, make tons of fun treats, always have a fun holiday meal in the works. This year Preston and the kids decorated for Christmas (which as of yet still needs to be put away and back in storage - yes, I KNOW it is now Easter) Things went so awry with kiddos and scheduling this last few days that the only things we prepared was thawing the ham and rolls and boiling 4 dozen eggs...which are still in the fridge (which now smells very strongly of that particular food) uncolored and are mostly likely going to remain that way. Our traditional family egg fights might be taken on without all the fanfair this year....I think our major crazy weather (hail, rain and sunshine all at the same time, or in literally 5 minute increments) keeps me struggling to just get through each day and not finding the energy to expend to go all out. I often worry that the little kiddos are just not getting my best and are missing out on so much family fun time because I am not yet where I would like to be with my health. Their growing up years and memories will be so different from the big kids...
The Easter bunny came to our house in the way of a multi-family shopping trip during Spring break - bringing with it new "Easter Parade" clothes, including new suits for the boys and fun Spring colored outfits for the girls. Little Kels was the only one who didnt receive something new. We have had so many friends give us darling, floor length dresses for her, that she has a plethera of things to choose from. I think she enjoys picking out her dresses and already has a couple of favorites she chooses often. She is also still very content to wear her "school" shoes, or any casual shoes (like her dad's slippers) like her brothers and really doesnt want anything to do with fancy little girl shoes. I know that will change in the future (maybe?) and for now, she is much more sturdy in her play shoes for all of the running around she does with her brothers...
Guess, that is all for now. I am so hoping to get much posted and much journaled very soon. There is so much to share, so many fun things to tell. For today, though, I am just hoping that we can watch conference with calm, and the minus of major techincal difficulties and hysterical children....Hope everyone has a very happy Easter and enjoys the rest of conference weekend!
The bottom of the house looks mostly presentable these days. I am looking forward to summer when we will have DAYS to dig out the upstairs which still looks like a hurricane went through it....We are still mostly eating in shifts, and those shifts have often included snack meals like last night's dinner (zuchinni bread, hard boiled eggs, apple slices, milk) - yes, we did hit all the food groups, but it is a sign of what our days are like.
Preston is finally "home" with us after working more than berzerk hours at the office trying to meet a project deadline. We havent seen much of him though as he has had drill the last 3 days in a row since finishing the project. I keep hoping we will fall into a little better routine where he can be home to spend time with the kids and be part of our home routine once in awhile...I know there are friends out there with husbands gone 24-7, stationed far away, and compared to them I should have nothing to fuss about, but today sure was hard again....
Holidays this year seem to be another thing that just "comes and goes" without any fanfair. When the big kids were little I would decorate every inch of the house, make tons of fun treats, always have a fun holiday meal in the works. This year Preston and the kids decorated for Christmas (which as of yet still needs to be put away and back in storage - yes, I KNOW it is now Easter) Things went so awry with kiddos and scheduling this last few days that the only things we prepared was thawing the ham and rolls and boiling 4 dozen eggs...which are still in the fridge (which now smells very strongly of that particular food) uncolored and are mostly likely going to remain that way. Our traditional family egg fights might be taken on without all the fanfair this year....I think our major crazy weather (hail, rain and sunshine all at the same time, or in literally 5 minute increments) keeps me struggling to just get through each day and not finding the energy to expend to go all out. I often worry that the little kiddos are just not getting my best and are missing out on so much family fun time because I am not yet where I would like to be with my health. Their growing up years and memories will be so different from the big kids...
The Easter bunny came to our house in the way of a multi-family shopping trip during Spring break - bringing with it new "Easter Parade" clothes, including new suits for the boys and fun Spring colored outfits for the girls. Little Kels was the only one who didnt receive something new. We have had so many friends give us darling, floor length dresses for her, that she has a plethera of things to choose from. I think she enjoys picking out her dresses and already has a couple of favorites she chooses often. She is also still very content to wear her "school" shoes, or any casual shoes (like her dad's slippers) like her brothers and really doesnt want anything to do with fancy little girl shoes. I know that will change in the future (maybe?) and for now, she is much more sturdy in her play shoes for all of the running around she does with her brothers...
Guess, that is all for now. I am so hoping to get much posted and much journaled very soon. There is so much to share, so many fun things to tell. For today, though, I am just hoping that we can watch conference with calm, and the minus of major techincal difficulties and hysterical children....Hope everyone has a very happy Easter and enjoys the rest of conference weekend!
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