My wonderful sister

Boy do I love her!

Fun new phrase

Anyone else notice that your kids only listen when you finally yell and get angry? The past 5 times that you reminded them nicely to finish there food was disregarded almost immediately.

So, tonight this familiar scene was acted out go the 437th time. I got angry, and I yelled. And then.... The tears start flowing, the face screws up into an open mouth wail, and--- "you hurt my feelings!"

Seriously?! How many times did I calmly ask you to eat your food? And when I yelled because you didn't listen you throw a fit because your FEELINGS were hurt?! You are lucky your butt doesn't hurt.

But really, this my fault. I should've told him once, gave him a warning, and then issued a punishment when he did not listen. But I didn't, so I got to deal with a fit. Thankfully it ended fairly quickly--he saw my face.

Well, my sinus infection/bronchitis/cold (and every other ailment that I self diagnosed) has been confirmed to be bronchitis.  So I did have one good guess in there.  In my defense, I was told that your immune system can just fight off bronchitis.  Not so much.

It was bad enough that they took a couple x-rays to rule out pneumonia.  The Dr. listened to my lungs and said "eww."  Not joking.  It was really funny though.

So, I am on antibiotics and a hard-core cough medicine.  I read up on the cough med, and it sort of freaked me out because it is an opiate.  I tried not taking it today, but I gave in as the coughing intensified.  I'm always worried I am going to become dependent on stuff like that.  It has never happened, but drugs scare me.  I am a baby.

I  am worried that Noah's cold will develop into bronchitis as well, since mine started off as a cold as well.  And David has developed an occasional cough as well.  Please pray that both kids' ailments will pass through their systems as the common cold.

Dave has finished all of his medication for his pneumonia, but he is still exhausted and coughing.  His boss told him (i believe he has had it before) that the symptoms can last MONTHS, and you really have to take care of yourself so that you do not relapse.  It's not really in Dave's nature to take care of himself.  He is more of the "run-yourself-into-the-ground-till-you-collapse type."

Please pray for the health of our household!  Thanks so much!

Thanksgiving

The day went very well.
Lunch at Leah's was delicious.
Dinner at home with my in-laws went very well, despite the fact that the turkey was done an hour later than my calculations foretold.
I am very full now.

just when i think it's over

I went to the dentist yesterday.  She is so sweet and kind, and all of the staff is as well.

Some how "The Accident" came up during some medical questioning while she was looking at my x-rays.  As she peered at them, she made a simple comment that hit me right in my overly-emotional-about-anything-concerning-accident-related-injuries spot.  "Don't be surprised if a couple teeth suddenly die.  It's fairly common especially with injuries like your's."  She gestured to an area on the computer screen illuminating the x-ray of my bottom front teeth.  "This right here looks a little funny," she explained circling the bottom portion of the root of my tooth with the cursor. "Usually when I tooth dies, we never know the cause of it, but now hearing your story we would know exactly what caused it."  (I would like to repeat now that she is WONDERFUL. She was simply explaining what the x-rays showed.)

Great.  

I know it's not the end of the world.  And like she said, in the event that it happened, they would just do a root canal and that would be the end of it.  But really?  Teeth dying YEARS later because of that air-headed moron?!

Then Dave is asking if I know where all of the paper work concerning the insurance information from the accident is.  Yes, I do.  But I was hoping to never have to look through it, call about it, or explain another injury to a random stranger on the phone.

I have imagined seizures and spontaneous brain bleeds, so a couple tooth fatalities should not be a big deal.  It is just frustrating when little things like this pop up.  It leaves me shaken all over again like parts of me are going to start spontaneously breaking.

I thought I was losing my mind a couple weeks ago.  I couldn't find my father-in-law's house that is literally 10 minutes from us, and i have driven there 50 times.  I was about to cry.  I held it back because I had kids with me.

I have yet another unaccounted for conversation that apparently happened a day or two ago concerning a humidifier filter.  Dave insists that we talked about it, and he had showed me where he had cleaned it, etc.  I remember none of this.

Just when I think that i am doing better, that I am progressing, something always pops up to remind me: "Oh no, you have issues."

Regardless, of the little reminders and inconsequential occurrences, I AM better than I was that first year.  My bones have healed.  The external scars have faded.  It does not hurt to breathe.  The internal bleeding has long since stopped.  My memory IS better than it was.  I am not asking the same questions and telling the same stories over and over--unless people are just used to it and have ceased to correct me.  How would I know, after all?  I no longer required 24 hr. care.  I am not afraid to walk through parking lots or drive (usually).  And I do indeed still have all of my teeth.  And fingers.  And toes.  And limbs.  It is a wonder I am not paralyzed.  AND--Noah is perfect and healthy and has never had a single accident related problem.

No matter what little memory/attention/dental (never expected that one...) issue comes along, I need to remember that it is an absolute MIRACLE that Noah and I are alive and functioning and praise GOD for it.  Everything could have ended so much worse, and I need to remind myself of that every time I get frustrated just because I forgot to stop at 7-11 to get Dave the grape slurpee he requested.  

Thank you, Lord for Your continuous healing and protection.

sick. again.

David is getting over an ear infection.
I have a cold.
Dave has PNEUMONIA.

Of course he still went to work today even though he feels awful.  :/  oh, Dave.
He is scheduled to go out of town this Saturday evening for work, but is also seeing a Giants' game while he is there.  It is an open air stadium.  The doctor told him that unless he feels 100% do NOT go to the game.  So let's all pray that he is in perfect shape by then.  I have a feeling he will go regardless of how he is feeling, so pray, pray, PRAY!!!

David was in a musical/play at his school last Thursday.  The letter that was sent home said the story takes place in India.  Dress them in bright colors, shiny fabrics, and no jeans.  Add to their costumes if you want. So I dressed him in green pants a yellow shirt and sewed a tunic out of a bright orange pillow case and made a bright blue belt.  The sewing was far from professional.  I didn't even have the correct colors of thread.  But the letter said "India" and "costumes" so I was going to do my best.

Apparently, it was unnecessary.  I must put too much pressure on myself.  Sparkly tutus, Spiderman shirts, jeans, and Hello Kitty adorned the other children.  There was probably 3 kids total who you could tell "tried."  Oh well, David looked adorable.  And thankfully, He is not at the age of being embarrassed when he is "over dressed."  He was excited.

He loved doing the play, sing the songs, and dancing with the other kids.  He tries so hard to do everything well.  It was adorable.

As long as I get letters instructing me to put together costumes, believe me--there will be costumes!  Maybe not awesome ones, but I will not dress him in pajamas and try to pass it off as acceptable.

Weight loss update:
I lost 13 pounds altogether.  And then...  I gained 4 back.  Now I have lost 1 of those.  So i guess my "net" weight loss is ten pounds...  oops.

Thanksgiving dinner

1. Turkey
2. Stuffing
3. potatoes
4. Green bean casserole
5. corn
6. cranberry sauce
7. pumpkin cheesecake
8. chocolate pudding cake

Thanksgiving Lunch

1. Chips
2. Corn casserole

Still need to buy

1. stuffing
2. 1 can of green beans
3. 2 cans of corn
4. cranberry sauce
5. chips

Maybe apple cider.  Do you realize how much cider cost??!  it is $6 at Kroger.  SIX DOLLARS!  And I'm sure it doesn't taste that great because it is from Kroger instead of a cider mill.  

Halloween and all that

David and Noah were Thor and Hawkeye (respectively) just as planned.  Unfortunately, the crappy weather ruined our plans to trick or treat.  David has had a cough for over a week now, and we felt it was best not to keep him outside in the cold and rain for 2 hours.  They had trunk or treat planned at church so they did that instead.  They had fun even though we had to stray from our original plan.  And, of course, we have a ridiculous amount of candy that frequently lures me from my diet.

Speaking of diet....  I have lost 13 pounds, and dave told me that I need to gain about half of it back because I am now "too bony."  "Gain 5 pounds or I will impregnate you."  That's nice.

Hmm...  What else is new?  Leah has 3 new, sweet babies finally at home with their new and forever family.  And by babies I mean ages 6, 4, and 2.  They are sweet babies  :)

 The trash is Brody's favorite place to forage.  His new love is paper.  Paper of any kind.  He is not picky.  Pain in the butt.

Been drawing lately.  When everything is all said and done, I may post them.

I have had a cough ever since I dropped a can of Bar Keeper's Friend in the tub yesterday and a big puff of cleaning dust wafted into the air and directly into my lungs.  Lovely thought, huh?  They need to come up with some sort of lung cleaning system.  The smokers of the world would be pumped.

The boys have already written their letters to Santa.  On said lists: Wii
TV for their room
Legos
Bionicles
Ice skates.

Interesting mix, huh?

Noah is coming down with something again.  His voice is all messed up.  Never-ending sickness in this house!

Vegas

Dave is going to Vegas on business for a week.  I do not know what this "business" entails--something about a convention?  i don't know.  either way he is gone for a solid week.  ugh.  hate business trips!

While he is gone....

Hopefully Noah gets over whatever bug is plaguing him.  He acted fine for the most part today, but it's still there.  David has also had something going on.  They both seem to be trying to fight it off.  Neither one is sick enough to go to the doctor.

Anyway, his week away is looking kinda busy.  I believe Saturday morning is the Sparks hayride for David, but it may be next Saturday.  I also wanted to take them both to the harvest fest at the preschool's church on Saturday evening.  The flyer made it sound fun.  As long as they are healthy for the next 2 days then we can probably go.  On Sunday we have church, and I babysit Ava in the evening.  I am thinking about asking if they can bring her here.  It would just be so much easier.

Oh yeah, David was invited to Danielle's birthday party at 3pm on Sunday.  Remember her?  Apparently David is the ONLY boy she invited.  Her mom informed me that Danielle said: "I like him."  Hearing that he is the only boy made me smile and silently groan all at the same time.  The only boy at a princess party.  We'll see how it goes.  I am planning on taking him, but we can only stay for about an hour and a half--babysitting.

I believe MOMs group is Monday, but I have to check if that is a mis-print.  It is usually on Tuesdays.  Tuesday, I have a doctor's appointment while Noah is (hopefully) at school.  Wednesday is church.  I am not sure about Thursday.  I think Friday is MOPS.

Busy, busy, busy.  I now live according to that calendar.

costume

What's that?  A Hawkeye costume?  Yeah, we found one.  Found and purchased on ebay!!

David changed his mind.  He wants to be Thor.  Thank you, Sweetie for being so easy!!  Thor is everywhere!

weight, deer, holidays

Dave:  16 lbs.
Me:  8 lbs.


in other news....
Dave was hunting all this week.  He got a deer a few nights ago, so I am now blessed with a freezer full of meat that I detest.  I'm going to try a different way of cooking it that I heard takes care of "that venison" taste.

Lots of fall decorating.  I love the fall holidays.  I think Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I know--total demonic holiday, but I love all of the cute little kids dressed up as animals and princesses and super heroes.  SO cute!  And I love all of the oranges and reds of the harvest decor.  makes me happy.  :)  But I do prefer that the weather stay in the upper 60's.

Noah has been saying for a while now that he wants to be "The Archer" (aka Hawkeye) from The Avengers.  I am fine with that, except....  I have never seen a Hawkeye costume.  I could maybe figure out a way to fashion one because, honestly, in the movie he's just a guy wearing black and carrying a bow.  In the comics he looks like that:  <<<  We shall see what the store has when it come time for costume buying.  Dave said he wants to be the red and gold iron man.  That shouldn't be too hard to find.

weight loss competition

Before official start:
So i joined a weight loss competition with some ladies at church and 2 men.  One of those men is my husband.  We are on opposite teams.  I have a feeling that he will kick my butt, you know, cuz he's a guy and has more weight to lose.

Today is day 6:  
Dave has lost 12 pounds.  TWELVE.
I refuse to step on the scale.  I did on day 2 and saw I had lost 3 pounds.  I have been scared to since.  I guess I will see on Friday.  Friday is weigh-in day.

You and your team receive points for weight loss and exercise.  .5 points for every 30 min of exercise and percentage points for weight loss.

Dave has worked out every day except 1 for an hour and a half.  Last night it was 2 hours.
I've worked out for an hour every day and a half hour one of the days.

Yup, he's kicking my butt.

down side...  we are both starving and crabby.

"Look, Mom!  I am a girl!"
--says Noah as he slings my bra over his shoulders and strikes a pose.

spiky things

While helping Noah get dressed this morning...
  I was wearing shorts and sitting on the floor.  He sat in my lap so I could help him put his shirt on.  He pushed himself up a bit so he was sort of hovering above my legs with a slightly pained expression.
N: What are those spiky things?
me: What are you talking about?
N:  Those spiky things is hurting me.

oh my word.  he's referring to my unshaven legs.

not without difficulties

The second day of Kindergarten did not go as well as the first.

When David first got into the car after school, he seemed like his normal happy self.  Maybe a bit tired, but nothing that I immediately thought "oh no!"  I asked how his day went.  He said fine.  But then....  He told me a little girl, that he had mentioned the day before, told him "I don't like you anymore; I don't want to be your friend."  Little girl is lucky that big angry mama was not there.  There are very few times when I have wanted to punch a child...  joking.  kind of.

So I gave him the stereotypical talk:  'If she doesn't want to be your friend then that is her loss because you are awesome.  And you don't want to be friends with someone who is mean anyway.  Now if she is nice to you again and talks to you, be nice to her, but you don't have to play with her if you don't want to.'  He said OK.

Now this was also Noah's first day at preschool.  He is going to the same preschool that David went to last year.  However Noah is in the 3 yr old class not the 4 yr old class, so he has a different teacher.  David asked him if he had seen his (David's) old teacher, Miss Joy.  "yeah."  David: "What shirt was she wearing?"  Noah: "um, flowers."  David: (nods his head knowingly and sadly) "hm, flowers.  I miss Miss Joy!!"

David just lost it.  He bawled his little eyes out.  So I turned the car around and drove to the preschool.  David gave Miss Joy a huge hug when he saw her.  She looked down and saw his weepy face and scooped him right up.  She sat in a chair and held him for quite a while as he sobbed.  It was heart breaking.  I could tell that she hated to see him sad.  She was so awesome.  She talked to him about his new school and the naughty little girl and assured him that he could visit any time.  She made sure tell him that she would be praying for him.  I love that teacher!

He was much better when we left, and was acting like his regular self soon after we arrived home.  He and Noah both had fun at AWANA later that night.  Noah is a Cubbie now and David is in Sparks.  Afterward, Dave and David had a good conversation which really boosted him up.  They were chanting.  :)
Dave:  What are you gonna do tomorrow?!

LEGO Batman:  Bringing kids together.

David:  Make a new friend!
Dave:  How are you gonna do it?!
David:  Talk to them!
Dave:  What are you gonna talk about?!
David:  Batman, Spiderman, or Transformers!
Dave (laughs): Talk about any of the stuff you like, Bud.
David:  OK!

It was adorable.  The third day went much better.  He had made a friend that day named Gabe.  They played Batman at recess.  :) :)

I just wanted to cry when I saw my baby so upset on his 2nd day of school!  It wasn't suppose to be like that.  He has always LOVED school and was SO excited to start.  It was just heart breaking to see him so upset.  I know it was a combination of factors: over-tired, new place, new teacher, new kids, new rules, and a mean girl.  He was completely out of is comfort zone, and he broke down.  It has been better since.  He seems to have made a new friend every day since then.

Noah is doing very good in preschool.  He really likes it.  'What's your favorite part?'  'Going outside!'  duh.  His teacher is very nice, and said he was very well behaved.  That is always good to hear seeings that he can be such a little stinker at home.  He even came home with a complimentary cold.  yay.   

Frat House pt. 3 (it's a doosie)

So, I was lounging around in my underwear last night after the kids were in bed.  I know, this is a great start to any story.  It was around 9:30ish, so it was dark out.  The dogs started to whine that they needed to go out.  So I flipped on the porch and front yard lights, and let the dogs out the front door.  A few minutes later I opened the door to let them back in.  Dave came up while the door was still open, looking past me into the yard.  "hold on a minute..."  I look back outside to see what he is staring at.  He PUSHES me out the front door and locks the door behind me!

That's right, locked out of the house on the front porch, lights a-blazin' in my UNDERWEAR!!  I start pounding on the door and screaming for him to let me in.  The front door is glass, so I get to watch him laugh at me.  "Just one car!  Just one car!"
"No!"
"Just one car! HAHAHA!!!"
"No!  With my luck, that 'ONE CAR' will be our Pastor!!"
Dave kept laughing but let me in.

school

Here's my boy looking all spiffy.

About to go into school.  He was so excited!

Walking with Daddy and Noah. 

Pointing to his name on the bulletin board.  Yup!  There you are!

Sitting at his table in the gym, waiting to be dismissed to class.

At his table.

   David did great on his first day.  He was very excited with just a pinch of nervousness.  He didn't shed a single tear, but I didn't expect that he would.  He got a necessary crash course in the workings of his belt from Dad that morning.  I did up his little belt, then Dave and I looked at each other and realized "this kid is going to be trapped when he has to go to the bathroom!"  So, Dave worked with him for a few minutes on it.  

    His teacher is very nice and seems like she will be lots of fun.  He said he had fun, and he liked it.  Yes, he made friends, but he can't remember all of their names.  No, no one was mean.  Good!  Granted, it was the first day, so not everyone has shown their true personality yet.  That was sort of pessimistic...  Let's just keep praying that everyone will be kind to each other.    

   Yes, i cried.  My little boy is going to be away from me ALL day for FIVE days a week.  

Me: I wish I could just text him and make sure he's ok.

Dave:  I'm glad you can't.

Eating breakfast.

Running to the car with David.

SO excited to be going to preschool!  Loves that lunchbox--

It stays on his dresser during nap time.

Walking to the door.

Correction:  running to the door.  He was very annoyed when 

he was unable to open the door himself.

Plopped right door and started playing.  I had to initiate the "goodbyes."

   He loved it.  His teacher said he was so good and SO cute.  :)  That was good to hear.  He did not have any problems.  He got to be one of the line leaders.  He was very excited about that.  (Big surprise--he always wants to be the "ducker" in Duck, Duck, Goose too.)  Yes, he wants to go back tomorrow.  

I did not cry this time.  It is only 2 mornings a week; and I already know, like, and trust the workers there.  But, rest assured, I will absolutely cry when he starts kindergarten.

___________

And what did I do with my morning?   

• did some laundry
• bought some bread 
• worked out
• showered for a 2nd time.

It was a fairly productive morning.

2 busy days down....

Numbers 4 & 5 can be crossed off of the first list,  1 &2 off of the second.

I'm so worn out...

Everything went very well.  I didn't clean as obsessively for this party as I normally do, so I that lifted some stress.  I also did not buy plates and forks and stuff.  We had some left over, and we used real forks and bowls.  All of the food was good.  The kids had fun.  My Grandpa and Aunt from Alaska fell asleep on the couch  :).  That's what's so great about family--no pressure.  You're exhausted?  Go right ahead and fall asleep.  I take no offense in the least.  Actually, it makes me smile that they are comfortable in my home.  Granted, Papa is narcoleptic so the odds of him falling asleep are pretty high; and Aunt Penny is trying to switch from Alaska time.  Regardless, please feel free to nap here any time!

Once again, it was nice not having the house as crowded as it had been in years past.  Not as overwhelming.  Having THAT many people all in my not-quite-2,000 sq ft-house at one time is pretty stressful.  It's hard to find places to sit.  And the people who know each other tend to clump together while the ones who don't know hardly anyone tend to be segregated.  With less people there is more mingling which is nice.  Yes, it is a little more work having 2 parties one week apart, but I think it was the best decision.

Noah's Swim Party was a lot of fun.  Everyone was very nice.  It was great getting to know some of the parents better--you know, people "our age."  The kids had a blast.

 


(The pics are of a few of the gifts David received today.)
 

busy busy

The past few weeks has been so busy.  Birthday parties (of course David needs more than one), play dates, painting, babysitting, cleaning (yes, that counts cuz it takes TIME), church, school stuff, and more that I can't remember.  And it's not letting up any time soon.

Shopping List

1. shop for school supplies  (thanks, Leah for giving me a head start!!!!)
2. shop for school uniforms
3. dress for Bobby's wedding (maybe)
4. buy food for David's family birthday party
5. paper plates, plastic ware

Schedule Reminder:

1. Friday:  Castaway Cafe 11am
2. Sat:  David's party 11am,  Noah's swim party 3-8pm
3. Sunday:  Church:  graduation Sunday 9am, Right Hand of Fellowship 5pm
4. Mon:  David's well checkup and physical 1:30pm
5. Tues:  Play date w/ Isaiah 12pm
6. Wed:  Kindergarten Orientation 12-2pm or 6-8pm
7. Thurs:  Sara's birthday (unknown day and time for "girl's day")
8. Sat:  Bobby and Jaennetta's wedding

I enrolled Noah in preschool yesterday for 2 days a week.  He is actually very excited, which I was happy to see.  The paper work was technically suppose to be in last Friday...  oops.  whatever, I've been busy  :)

Ava's dad's schedule is being switched, so no more 6:30am babysitting!  I may work longer in the evenings now.  Fine with me!  

We're finally officially joining our church; effective Sunday evening at 5pm.  I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about this.  According to the Bible you become a member of the Church when you are saved and baptized.  I'm not sure it says anything about needing to "become members" in the paper work sense.  Absolutely you should faithfully attend church, hear the preaching of the Word, and fellowship with other believers, but I don't think it needs to be actually written down in an earthly book.  My name is already in The Lamb's Book of Life.  I don't really need to be in your book.  All those who come to a church, agree with what is taught, and generally like the other people there will continue attending and grow close with the other believers.  If they don't they will leave.    

Now, is there anything necessarily wrong with "becoming members"?  I don't think so, but it may reinforce the world's idea that we are like a stuck up country club, and I hate to see that.  In this day and age there are probably good reasons for "membership" such as: nursery workers and teachers.  Those caring for children should definitely be "screened" shall we say.  I do not want just anyone teaching/caring for my kids.  

Hmm...  just thinking.  Regardless, we are becoming members, and I am happy about it.

If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy, also we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for another world.

C. S. Lewis

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

C. S. Lewis

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
C. S. Lewis

snake birthday

Tummy Ache

Noah: My tummy hurts
me: want a band aid?
noah: no, something bigger
me: ok
ace bandage it is....
me: feel better?
Noah: yup!!

The bandage stayed on all through dinner.  I asked a few times if he wanted to take it off.  "No.  It will hurt again."  OK.