Here is a little Christmas Q & A, everyone is tagged... I love learning more about people's traditions!
Christmas a la Stephanie -
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg nog for sure!!!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa opens everything and it's fully operational and play ready when everyone gets up!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? WHITE with a splash of red
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? I try the week after Thanksgiving but this year but it wound up being very late.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Honey baked ham and cherry coca cola salad (My mother in laws)
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? The anticipation of Christmas morning and all the surprises. I also loved looking at Christmas lights.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? We were in Georgia celebrating Christmas and My sister and I were already in bed, my aunt had been telling us all about reidneer on the roof and we heard a real thud. Meshaun, my aunt, jumped up and ran Mimi and I also ran to find that my grandmother had fallen out of the attic and shattered her elbow. She had been getting presents down from Santa!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always opened our family gifts on Christmas eve. We often tried to keep it to one but it never worked. We also tried to go around the room but it always dissolved into a frenzy of paper and squeals!
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Sugar cookies with sprinkles
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE IT :)
12. Can you ice skate? If holding on to the wall the entire time counts then yes I'm a pro.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Barbie dream house
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Red Velvet cake and chocolate pie
16.. What tops your tree? An angel from my grandmother.
18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving because the look on their faces is great.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Carol of the bells and O Holy Night
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I really love the soft peppermints not the chewy but the dry soft ones.
Merry Christmas everyone! It's almost here.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Aren't the holidays insane?
Yes we are alive! Yes we've been doing all the crazy holiday stuff. Getting up the tree (late) wrapping packages, over shopping, running all over town for just the right gift and all the hustle and bustle that goes along with Christmas. I've totally bought into the "commercialism". We are attempting to teach the kids all about the real meaning being all the traditions and start a few new traditions of our own. After we finally talked my mom into using paper plates for Christmas eve dinner, the door flew open ushering in a series of new traditions and best of all options!!! Last year for example we had an Italian feast on Christmas eve. This year it's TEX-Mex at Mimi's! This has been a difficult year for my mom and now Christmas is even harder. She has lost her father, her husband and her best friend in the last 18 months. She did a lot with Mis P during the holidays and now she is gone and mom's having a hard time of it for sure. We are having family come in next week and that will help. Mom seems to flourish in chaos. She will have a house full and love every second of it. She is also having eye surgery next week to remover a cataract that is a result of her diabetes. Maybe she will be able to drive and get out of the house more often.
Christmas eve has always been the biggest time for my family. We opened all the family gifts and then set out cookies for Santa (carrots for the reindeer) and tried to stay up as late a humanly possible to catch a glimpse of the fat man. My mom impressed upon us that if we always "believed", there would be a gift under the tree. I think I was 16 or 17 before I ever admitted I knew the truth. I was great fun because my brother is 11 years my junior and I got to help play Santa for him.
For my kids we start the traditions on Thanksgiving with a letter to Santa with their cousin Peyton. The waiting game and the anticipation builds for the whole month. Garrison has already asked no less than 20 times, "Now when is Christmas eve?" He and Kamdyn just stare at the piles of presents that are stacked under the tree for friends and family.
Kamdyn had surgery on Monday of this week. It was minor and she did a great job. They would not let Sean and I back in recovery with her and I jokingly asked the nurse if they had restraints. She actually did awesome. She has had a sinus infection forever and the ENT removed her adenoids. She really hasn't even slowed down.
Bella (the new Christmas dog)is getting huge already. She is a really sweet dog and I simply must brag on Garrison. He has really stepped up to take care of her. He adores that dog and the feeling is mutual. There is something truly wonderful about a boy and his puppy. All my friends think we are nuts "over here at the zoo" but honestly it has been a great experience.
If she'll just stop pooping on the carpet it will be even better!
We discovered that Chi Chi the cat had cancer. She was put to sleep today. It had advanced to the point that there wasn't much to be done for her. The kids are okay but Kamy keeps asking where she is. The shelter where we got her promised us another cat but you'll be happy to know I turned them down. Thank you but no than you! Duncan, Bella, Clause and Sunny Funshine are plenty for this family.
Because my friend reads this and is homesick (I'm sure) I won't go into detail about how much I miss her and her family. You see, they moved to Abilene last week. While it's not very far away, it seems like forever when I'm used to being 3 minutes from her.
I miss you, Erica. My heart is sad.
Signing off!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Thoughtful and thankful
God is amazing.
Tonight, I read a story of God placing a baby in the arms of two terrific people across thousands of miles. Two people, friends, who longed to have a child and were a perfect match for a baby born 8 months ago in China. Without God this would never have been possible. Who but God would have known how this would turn out.
I learned of my good friends mother, who just a week ago the doctors were not sure she would leave ICU or get over her pneumonia and today she is sitting up, talking to her family and in a private room. They are getting another chance because of the power of prayer. Don't tell me miracles don't exist today.
Every day I look at my children and how their little bodies are growing so fast and how they are changing everyday and I'm thankful for their health but thoughtful of the quick passage of time. I wish I could stop time for a while just to have one more day of play dough and finger paints.
I think of my friends and that one of them os moving very soon. I hurt inside because I feel like a hole in my heart is getting bigger every day but I'm also excited for her family and for what's in front of them, just over the horizon.
I am thinking about marriage and how downright hard it is at times but how richly rewarding it is and that God's plan for one man and one woman is so beautiful and such a mirror image of His unimaginable love for each of us.
I think of a restored friendship with an old and dear friend and the possibilities of the fun we will have tomorrow and the next day and the next day....
God is so good and so faithful. He leads us (sometimes kicking an screaming) right where we need to be to be to do His work. I pray that God leads me the do His will and not ask questions and not complain just know he has a plan and that it is a zillion times more beautiful and wonderful than I could ever imagine.
Tonight, I read a story of God placing a baby in the arms of two terrific people across thousands of miles. Two people, friends, who longed to have a child and were a perfect match for a baby born 8 months ago in China. Without God this would never have been possible. Who but God would have known how this would turn out.
I learned of my good friends mother, who just a week ago the doctors were not sure she would leave ICU or get over her pneumonia and today she is sitting up, talking to her family and in a private room. They are getting another chance because of the power of prayer. Don't tell me miracles don't exist today.
Every day I look at my children and how their little bodies are growing so fast and how they are changing everyday and I'm thankful for their health but thoughtful of the quick passage of time. I wish I could stop time for a while just to have one more day of play dough and finger paints.
I think of my friends and that one of them os moving very soon. I hurt inside because I feel like a hole in my heart is getting bigger every day but I'm also excited for her family and for what's in front of them, just over the horizon.
I am thinking about marriage and how downright hard it is at times but how richly rewarding it is and that God's plan for one man and one woman is so beautiful and such a mirror image of His unimaginable love for each of us.
I think of a restored friendship with an old and dear friend and the possibilities of the fun we will have tomorrow and the next day and the next day....
God is so good and so faithful. He leads us (sometimes kicking an screaming) right where we need to be to be to do His work. I pray that God leads me the do His will and not ask questions and not complain just know he has a plan and that it is a zillion times more beautiful and wonderful than I could ever imagine.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Questionaire....
1. First name? Stephanie
2. Were you named after anyone? Not sure, I think my moms first doll
3. Do you wish on stars? Occasionally, for fun
4. When did you last cry? Today, Death of a baby at our church
5. Do you like your handwriting? Yes
6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Roasted Chicken Breast
7. What is your birth date? Jan 27
8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Almond
9. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Yes, because I'm crazy.
10. Do you have a journal? no
11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? No, well sometimes
12. Would you bungee jump? No! or skydive! But I’d SCUBA.
13. What is your favorite cereal? Special K Strawberries, Maple mini wheats
14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No
15. Do you think that you are strong? Physically no, emotionally yes!
16. Shoe Size? 8.5
17. Red or Pink? Red
18. Who do you miss most? My Dad
19. Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? Yes
20. What color of pants (trousers) and shoes are you wearing? denim skirt, barefoot
21. Last thing you ate? Cheddar Chex Mix
23. What are you listening to right now? Jack Johnson (Brushfire Fairytales) Josh Smith (Only You) John Mayer
24. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
25. Last person you talked to on the phone? My friend Traci
26. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes, strong jaw
27. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes / Vinice Lay
28. Favorite Drink? Peach Fresca
29. Favorite Sport? Football
30. Hair Color? Brown speckeled with gray
31. Eye Color? Hazel Brown
32. Do you wear contacts? Sometimes
33. Favorite Food? Tex Mex, Greek
35. Last Movie You Watched? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chicken Little
36. Favorite Day of the Year? Halloween
37. Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy Endings (and sometimes scary movies)
38. Summer or winter? Winter
39. Hugs or Kisses? Yes!
40. Favorite Dessert? Crème Brulee
41. Most likely To Respond?
42. Who Is Least Likely?
43. What books are you reading? “Gianna” (Non-Fiction Bio) "The Broker" John Grisham
44. What's On Your Mouse Pad? No Mouse pad/Laser Mouse
45. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? The Office on DRV
46. Favorite Smell? Peony or Ylang Ylang
47. Favorite Sounds? My children’s voices
48. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles
49. Furthest you've been from home? St. Lucia, Netherlands, Antilles Islands 1998
2. Were you named after anyone? Not sure, I think my moms first doll
3. Do you wish on stars? Occasionally, for fun
4. When did you last cry? Today, Death of a baby at our church
5. Do you like your handwriting? Yes
6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Roasted Chicken Breast
7. What is your birth date? Jan 27
8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Almond
9. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Yes, because I'm crazy.
10. Do you have a journal? no
11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? No, well sometimes
12. Would you bungee jump? No! or skydive! But I’d SCUBA.
13. What is your favorite cereal? Special K Strawberries, Maple mini wheats
14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No
15. Do you think that you are strong? Physically no, emotionally yes!
16. Shoe Size? 8.5
17. Red or Pink? Red
18. Who do you miss most? My Dad
19. Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? Yes
20. What color of pants (trousers) and shoes are you wearing? denim skirt, barefoot
21. Last thing you ate? Cheddar Chex Mix
23. What are you listening to right now? Jack Johnson (Brushfire Fairytales) Josh Smith (Only You) John Mayer
24. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
25. Last person you talked to on the phone? My friend Traci
26. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes, strong jaw
27. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes / Vinice Lay
28. Favorite Drink? Peach Fresca
29. Favorite Sport? Football
30. Hair Color? Brown speckeled with gray
31. Eye Color? Hazel Brown
32. Do you wear contacts? Sometimes
33. Favorite Food? Tex Mex, Greek
35. Last Movie You Watched? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chicken Little
36. Favorite Day of the Year? Halloween
37. Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy Endings (and sometimes scary movies)
38. Summer or winter? Winter
39. Hugs or Kisses? Yes!
40. Favorite Dessert? Crème Brulee
41. Most likely To Respond?
42. Who Is Least Likely?
43. What books are you reading? “Gianna” (Non-Fiction Bio) "The Broker" John Grisham
44. What's On Your Mouse Pad? No Mouse pad/Laser Mouse
45. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? The Office on DRV
46. Favorite Smell? Peony or Ylang Ylang
47. Favorite Sounds? My children’s voices
48. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles
49. Furthest you've been from home? St. Lucia, Netherlands, Antilles Islands 1998
Thursday, November 24, 2005
I'm Thankful For...
1. God, and that we live in a country where we are able to worship God and celebrate being a Christian.
2. My family; my terrific husband who loves me (no matter my mood), my bright energetic, thoughtful son, Garrison and for my tiny ray of sunshine, Kamdyn, who tells me almost hourly that she loves me. They make my life happy and fun.
3. My mom and my brother and sister. They are many memories that I hold dear and they are my link with my childhood and many wonderful times gone by and time to come.
4. My Dad. Even though he's gone I am thankful for the impression he left on my life. I'm thankful that no matter what he made me feel special and like a lady. I know that he loved me and was proud of me; Still is!
5.My extended family all over the U.S. Joy and Larry, Gretchen, Tracey and Greg, Jack and Bailey, my Granny Woman and Pop, The Walicek's and all my family that I don't get to talk to nearly enough.
6. My very special friend. I do not know how I would have made it through the last 2 years without your love and support. You know who you are. I love you.
7. My circle of girlfriends. Never has there been, in the history of the world a more loving, honest, supportive and kind group of friends and I consider my self blessed to share in your friendship.
8. America and freedom! That I can say what I want when I want without fear and that I have the right to worship and teach my children about God and His plan for this world.
9. My home and all the memories we have made and the ones yet to come.
10. Physical health and doctors.
11. My children's pediatrician, who never makes me feel like an idiot mother and/or a worry wort and because he treats us like we are his only patients.
12. The stories that my children tell, their voices, their laughter and all their craziness, antics and drama!
13. Starbucks White Mocha Grande! Target, Toys R Us, Kohls, Dillards, Libby Lu's, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill and all the rest...
14. Chocolate!
15. Sale shopping! Particularly after Thanksgiving!
16. Blogs, so that I can reach out over the miles.
17. Lexapro!
18. Penson and Tickelopes (www.tickelopes.com)
19. President Bush and his family. I believe he is doing the very best job that he can for this nation.
20. Our troops all over this world who are spending this holiday very far away from their families so that we can all enjoy the holidays with ours.
21. My Camera so that I can capture moments in time and save them forever.
22. Healthcare.
23. Disney, because of the pure, innocent, unadulterated joy that spreads across my children's faces at the mere mention of Cinderella or Mickey Mouse.
23. And many many more people and things that I will run out of room before I could list them all.
2. My family; my terrific husband who loves me (no matter my mood), my bright energetic, thoughtful son, Garrison and for my tiny ray of sunshine, Kamdyn, who tells me almost hourly that she loves me. They make my life happy and fun.
3. My mom and my brother and sister. They are many memories that I hold dear and they are my link with my childhood and many wonderful times gone by and time to come.
4. My Dad. Even though he's gone I am thankful for the impression he left on my life. I'm thankful that no matter what he made me feel special and like a lady. I know that he loved me and was proud of me; Still is!
5.My extended family all over the U.S. Joy and Larry, Gretchen, Tracey and Greg, Jack and Bailey, my Granny Woman and Pop, The Walicek's and all my family that I don't get to talk to nearly enough.
6. My very special friend. I do not know how I would have made it through the last 2 years without your love and support. You know who you are. I love you.
7. My circle of girlfriends. Never has there been, in the history of the world a more loving, honest, supportive and kind group of friends and I consider my self blessed to share in your friendship.
8. America and freedom! That I can say what I want when I want without fear and that I have the right to worship and teach my children about God and His plan for this world.
9. My home and all the memories we have made and the ones yet to come.
10. Physical health and doctors.
11. My children's pediatrician, who never makes me feel like an idiot mother and/or a worry wort and because he treats us like we are his only patients.
12. The stories that my children tell, their voices, their laughter and all their craziness, antics and drama!
13. Starbucks White Mocha Grande! Target, Toys R Us, Kohls, Dillards, Libby Lu's, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill and all the rest...
14. Chocolate!
15. Sale shopping! Particularly after Thanksgiving!
16. Blogs, so that I can reach out over the miles.
17. Lexapro!
18. Penson and Tickelopes (www.tickelopes.com)
19. President Bush and his family. I believe he is doing the very best job that he can for this nation.
20. Our troops all over this world who are spending this holiday very far away from their families so that we can all enjoy the holidays with ours.
21. My Camera so that I can capture moments in time and save them forever.
22. Healthcare.
23. Disney, because of the pure, innocent, unadulterated joy that spreads across my children's faces at the mere mention of Cinderella or Mickey Mouse.
23. And many many more people and things that I will run out of room before I could list them all.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
A Day in the Life...
Today has been one of those days (I can not say rare around here) when it seems like drama is the theme of the day.
It all started about 6:00 am with Kamy coming in and announcing that she was ready to watch "Little Enistein" on the Disney Channel.
The morning went fairly well and we made it to school with time to spare! Major accomplishment. So far so good.
About 10:0Oam, I was looking at some Christmas Card designs in the school foyer area and Kamy's teacher and Kamy come out of the class room. Mrs. Holly is laughing and has a look of aghast on her face. Kamdyn is right behinds her and soon we can all see why Mrs. Holly is laughing. Kamdyn had glued her hair straight up in the front! There is a huge glob of white elmers glue right in her bangs and looks a little reminicent of Cameron Diaz in "There's Something About Mary". Everyone had a great laugh about that. I just had to smile and say what can you do but love her!
I had to wash her hair three times before all the glue came out.
About that same time or a little earlier, in Garrison's class, one of his best little friends is vomiting on her journal. Garrison said her got right in her face after she did it so I'm sure we'll get to enjoy that virus. Poor Lexi! She is such a sweet girl and I hate it that she is sick. I'm sure chaos reigned in that class for a little while. Poor Mrs. Rutledge, too!
For the first day, in my class, no one slept and that makes for a long afternoon. But that was fine. Garrison always comes into my room about 2:00 and Kamdyn usually sleeps until I go down and get her. Today she and Garrison arrived about the same time. I also had promised Garrison, if he had a good day, that he could have our carpool friends over after school to play. He did have a fair/good day so Ashlyn and Trinity were going to come over and play.
Before any of that could take place Garrison opened a cabinet door on his own face and now has a slightly black eye. I'm still not sure how he hit himself but never-the-less, there you go.
Garrison, Kamdyn, Trinity, and Ashlyn played animals until we left school and borded the French Express Van. No major problems there.
Here come the drama!
About half the way home, all is going well. I'm on the cell with my mom and Trinity starts screaming and crying hysterically. I quickly hang up amid the chaos and ask everyone, "What on earth just happened? Trinity, Honey! Talk to Miss Stephanie!"
Garrison says, "Oh my gosh! Trinity's bleeding! There's blood everywhere!"
EXACTLY what you want to hear on the expressway at 65 mph merging onto a tollroad about one of your friend's children in your car!
Ashlyn begins to cry, Kamdyn begins to cry, Garrison keeps saying things like, "She's bleeding a lot, Mom! Look at all the blood! Trinity are you okay?"
Trinity is still extreamly upset. I'm swerving over to the nearest exit ramp to try and find somewhere to pull over and see what in the world has just happened to a 3 year old, strapped into her carseat, in the back row of a mini-van with no protruding surfaces or hard objects anywhere!
It is at this point (mind you this is all happening at once) I happen to glance in the rear view mirror at sweet little Trinity. She has her hands up over hed face and all I can see is blood beginning to trickle between her fingers and her tiny nose. I grabbed my cell, called her mother and said, "There's been an accident and Trinity is hurt!" Of course that was true but a poor choice of words! Steph (Trin's mom) thought we had been in a car accident! I did finally expalain that there had been no car accident!
I managed to pull off the tollroad and the nearest place was: a liquor store! I jumped out of the van, climbed in the trunk space behind Trinity and began attempting to see where the bleeding was coming from. There was enough blood that I couldn't even tell WHERE it was coming from. I could tell that it was not coming as fast. I also didn't see any major gaping wounds so it became clear that we were going to Trinity's house
I'm trying to calm everyone down now. My heart is pounding because there are really two things you don't want to see in car pool.
1. Vomit
2. Blood
I have to say, I was very proud of how well Trinity handled it after I got her some baby wipes (that's all I had in the car) to hold on her face and forehead. Ashlyn was also very brave by attempting to console Trinity and keep her own cool under control.
I got them all the Steph's very fast and she met us in the driveway. We got Trinity out and were all amazed to find that a tiny gash above her left eyebrow caused so much blood. Now how did it happen? What made the cut in the first place? Trinity had been pulling on the center seat shoulder belt attached to the roof/header of the van. It snapped back into place and in doing so, hit her very hard in the forehead!
After a little boo-boo-bear time, clean-up and a Dora Band-aid we eventually made it back to our house. Everyone came home with us like originally planned. The kids played in the yard, threw sand at one another, attemped to cover Trinity in sand, played space ranger (with toy laser guns), and had a terrific time!
I'll tell you I'm glad this is one for the history books. I'm exhausted and ready to go to bed! Kamdyn has already crashed and Garrison is currently fighting it.
Oh one last thing, Kamdyn pooped in her bath water! So in one day I had glue, vomit, blood and poop somewhere in my vicinity. Such is a day in my life!
It all started about 6:00 am with Kamy coming in and announcing that she was ready to watch "Little Enistein" on the Disney Channel.
The morning went fairly well and we made it to school with time to spare! Major accomplishment. So far so good.
About 10:0Oam, I was looking at some Christmas Card designs in the school foyer area and Kamy's teacher and Kamy come out of the class room. Mrs. Holly is laughing and has a look of aghast on her face. Kamdyn is right behinds her and soon we can all see why Mrs. Holly is laughing. Kamdyn had glued her hair straight up in the front! There is a huge glob of white elmers glue right in her bangs and looks a little reminicent of Cameron Diaz in "There's Something About Mary". Everyone had a great laugh about that. I just had to smile and say what can you do but love her!
I had to wash her hair three times before all the glue came out.
About that same time or a little earlier, in Garrison's class, one of his best little friends is vomiting on her journal. Garrison said her got right in her face after she did it so I'm sure we'll get to enjoy that virus. Poor Lexi! She is such a sweet girl and I hate it that she is sick. I'm sure chaos reigned in that class for a little while. Poor Mrs. Rutledge, too!
For the first day, in my class, no one slept and that makes for a long afternoon. But that was fine. Garrison always comes into my room about 2:00 and Kamdyn usually sleeps until I go down and get her. Today she and Garrison arrived about the same time. I also had promised Garrison, if he had a good day, that he could have our carpool friends over after school to play. He did have a fair/good day so Ashlyn and Trinity were going to come over and play.
Before any of that could take place Garrison opened a cabinet door on his own face and now has a slightly black eye. I'm still not sure how he hit himself but never-the-less, there you go.
Garrison, Kamdyn, Trinity, and Ashlyn played animals until we left school and borded the French Express Van. No major problems there.
Here come the drama!
About half the way home, all is going well. I'm on the cell with my mom and Trinity starts screaming and crying hysterically. I quickly hang up amid the chaos and ask everyone, "What on earth just happened? Trinity, Honey! Talk to Miss Stephanie!"
Garrison says, "Oh my gosh! Trinity's bleeding! There's blood everywhere!"
EXACTLY what you want to hear on the expressway at 65 mph merging onto a tollroad about one of your friend's children in your car!
Ashlyn begins to cry, Kamdyn begins to cry, Garrison keeps saying things like, "She's bleeding a lot, Mom! Look at all the blood! Trinity are you okay?"
Trinity is still extreamly upset. I'm swerving over to the nearest exit ramp to try and find somewhere to pull over and see what in the world has just happened to a 3 year old, strapped into her carseat, in the back row of a mini-van with no protruding surfaces or hard objects anywhere!
It is at this point (mind you this is all happening at once) I happen to glance in the rear view mirror at sweet little Trinity. She has her hands up over hed face and all I can see is blood beginning to trickle between her fingers and her tiny nose. I grabbed my cell, called her mother and said, "There's been an accident and Trinity is hurt!" Of course that was true but a poor choice of words! Steph (Trin's mom) thought we had been in a car accident! I did finally expalain that there had been no car accident!
I managed to pull off the tollroad and the nearest place was: a liquor store! I jumped out of the van, climbed in the trunk space behind Trinity and began attempting to see where the bleeding was coming from. There was enough blood that I couldn't even tell WHERE it was coming from. I could tell that it was not coming as fast. I also didn't see any major gaping wounds so it became clear that we were going to Trinity's house
I'm trying to calm everyone down now. My heart is pounding because there are really two things you don't want to see in car pool.
1. Vomit
2. Blood
I have to say, I was very proud of how well Trinity handled it after I got her some baby wipes (that's all I had in the car) to hold on her face and forehead. Ashlyn was also very brave by attempting to console Trinity and keep her own cool under control.
I got them all the Steph's very fast and she met us in the driveway. We got Trinity out and were all amazed to find that a tiny gash above her left eyebrow caused so much blood. Now how did it happen? What made the cut in the first place? Trinity had been pulling on the center seat shoulder belt attached to the roof/header of the van. It snapped back into place and in doing so, hit her very hard in the forehead!
After a little boo-boo-bear time, clean-up and a Dora Band-aid we eventually made it back to our house. Everyone came home with us like originally planned. The kids played in the yard, threw sand at one another, attemped to cover Trinity in sand, played space ranger (with toy laser guns), and had a terrific time!
I'll tell you I'm glad this is one for the history books. I'm exhausted and ready to go to bed! Kamdyn has already crashed and Garrison is currently fighting it.
Oh one last thing, Kamdyn pooped in her bath water! So in one day I had glue, vomit, blood and poop somewhere in my vicinity. Such is a day in my life!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Kid K-nex, Shampoo and Udder Butter
This is my other niece Bailey and Kamdyn at Chuck E Cheese from a previous post.
_________________________________________________________
My Garrison has a huge imagination. Today he is in outerspace with Kamdyn working on a space ship, the "Gulinator 0-3-36,000". It was constructed to "fight the debil in space"
This is the "Gulinator"
He didn't have a great day at school yesterday (he apparently did redeem himself a bit after lunch) so he is restricted from the computer today. As you are already aware this is his favorite thing in the world.
He has now brought me the "Eye-Freak 6000" his latest creation. If you have little boys you have to buy Kid-K-Nex for them. Garrison will play for hours creating and tearing them apart and creating something new. It's pretty fun to watch. the other part of his punishment is to help me clean house today. Torture!
My Kamdyn has a different affinity. She like creams, lotions, soaps and anything she is not suppoed to get into like the aformentioned. This morning she has already been into my lip gloss, lotion, sun-tan lotion and hand soap. Last night she stayed at my mom's (Sean and I were at the Leon Rabin Theater Awards in Downtown Dallas) and she got in to shampoo all over my mother new carpet. Have you ever tried to clean shampoo pools out of carpet? Long story short, it's nearly impossible. It will be the one spot in the room that will collect the most dirt FOREVER! I have trails up and down my hall from the bathroom to the den where it has leaked out while running from me or daddy. Yes, I keep it put up high. Yes, we have child proof cabinets. Yes, she continues to get in trouble for doing it. But as best as I can tell it's like a force she can't control. Yesterday at school her teacher wrote a note saying , "She had fun with the Udder Butter." I'm assuming she got into the diaper rash cream at school! We have dubbed her the loveable mess (AKA Dennis the Menace as a girl)
Even as I write this post, she has found the gold craft paint in my office. Garrison actually saved this mess because he took it away from her before she could get it all over the place. Nice Save Garre-bear!
I have more to write but I'll post it during nap time or after bed tonight.
Later, ya'll
_________________________________________________________
My Garrison has a huge imagination. Today he is in outerspace with Kamdyn working on a space ship, the "Gulinator 0-3-36,000". It was constructed to "fight the debil in space"
This is the "Gulinator"
He didn't have a great day at school yesterday (he apparently did redeem himself a bit after lunch) so he is restricted from the computer today. As you are already aware this is his favorite thing in the world.
He has now brought me the "Eye-Freak 6000" his latest creation. If you have little boys you have to buy Kid-K-Nex for them. Garrison will play for hours creating and tearing them apart and creating something new. It's pretty fun to watch. the other part of his punishment is to help me clean house today. Torture!
My Kamdyn has a different affinity. She like creams, lotions, soaps and anything she is not suppoed to get into like the aformentioned. This morning she has already been into my lip gloss, lotion, sun-tan lotion and hand soap. Last night she stayed at my mom's (Sean and I were at the Leon Rabin Theater Awards in Downtown Dallas) and she got in to shampoo all over my mother new carpet. Have you ever tried to clean shampoo pools out of carpet? Long story short, it's nearly impossible. It will be the one spot in the room that will collect the most dirt FOREVER! I have trails up and down my hall from the bathroom to the den where it has leaked out while running from me or daddy. Yes, I keep it put up high. Yes, we have child proof cabinets. Yes, she continues to get in trouble for doing it. But as best as I can tell it's like a force she can't control. Yesterday at school her teacher wrote a note saying , "She had fun with the Udder Butter." I'm assuming she got into the diaper rash cream at school! We have dubbed her the loveable mess (AKA Dennis the Menace as a girl)
Even as I write this post, she has found the gold craft paint in my office. Garrison actually saved this mess because he took it away from her before she could get it all over the place. Nice Save Garre-bear!
I have more to write but I'll post it during nap time or after bed tonight.
Later, ya'll
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Halloween Pix
Here are some of our Haloween photos. The kids just had a terrific time even though it was SOOOO cold outside. Some of our neighbors have a hayride and we rode on the afor a while. That helped.
These smaller pix are of the kids before going to the church fall fest with my neice who was a darling Tinkerbell!
Kamdyn was Cinderella and Garrison was his favorite computer game hero, Arkantos from Age of Mythology. Yes, he plays the game at age four and yes, hes player all the campaigns. He is a master at Mythology now. We are hoping AOE III can teach him some American History.
These smaller pix are of the kids before going to the church fall fest with my neice who was a darling Tinkerbell!
Kamdyn was Cinderella and Garrison was his favorite computer game hero, Arkantos from Age of Mythology. Yes, he plays the game at age four and yes, hes player all the campaigns. He is a master at Mythology now. We are hoping AOE III can teach him some American History.
My daughter the budding artist and my walls
Today started with Kamdyn finding my printer ink refil kit in my office and exploring her creative side, as it were.
I was so beyone mortified at the mess that I just had to laugh, then cry as I attempted to wet vac up the ink from my almost white carpet.
After a spanking, a bath and time in her room, she was very sorry and has not set foot in my office to this point.
Kamdyn in taking her second bath right now.
A picture is really worth a thousand words. 'nuf said.
I was so beyone mortified at the mess that I just had to laugh, then cry as I attempted to wet vac up the ink from my almost white carpet.
After a spanking, a bath and time in her room, she was very sorry and has not set foot in my office to this point.
Kamdyn in taking her second bath right now.
A picture is really worth a thousand words. 'nuf said.
Monday, October 31, 2005
It's OVER!!!
Once again, remember, spelling and typing - not my strong suit!
At long last the FallFest is OVER. After much tribulation on Friday and Saturday, it was a success. I am able to say that now due in part to the fact that I've slept for the first time in several weeks and because the children's faces and delight made everything worthwhile.
Garrison getting his face painted
Kmay in the obstacle course
Me getting my face painted
Here is the detail. As of 3:00pm Friday afternoon the Fall Fest was off because someone on our board forgot to turn in the necessary paperwork to shut down the street. For two hours over 43 email bounced back and forth between all the parties trying to determine if this was taking place, being postponed, how much money we were going to lose or if we were just going to cancel the entire event. I was on the phone negotation with all the entertainers to move the deposit and no sooner had I gotten and oral agreement to move the deposit and hung up the phone, than and other email flies up that the Asst. Mayor and the Fire Chief had approved the street festival without the permit being signed! Talk about scrambling! I was back on the phone making sure no one had rescheduled. Mind you, this is less than 24 hours before the event.
After all that was done, I went to Party City to reserve the helium tank and pick up the balloons. Thankfully, they closed at 11:00pm and I was able to do all I needed to that night.
Saturday was a routine straight from "I love Lucy". Jen Newman and I proceeded to buy bails of hay, move a 150lb helium tank, buy 20 pumpkins and attempt to get all this back to the pool in less than an hour. No kidding, I blew up over 350 helium balloons on Saturday.
The Entertainment guy, who shall remain nameless, was providing 2 bounce houses, strolling balloonist, cotton candy machine and a nacho machine. He was scheduled to arrive at 1:00. At 2:00 pm I called and left a message, he called back and informed me that he was running extreamly late because he blew out a tire. He would arrive a little before 3:00 pm.
At 3:10 I started calling again because the festival started in less than an hour. When I got him on his cell phone, he hadn't even been back to the wearhouse to get my stuff! Freaking out, I started loosing my cool. He then informed me that he had dropped the cotton candy machine and it was broken. So no cotton candy. My reply, "Just get your butt over here ASAP!!!"
At 3:45, My phone rings again. I am lying on the grass in front of the pool trying not to have a heart attack while my neighbor's 13 year old daughter says, over and over, "This is terrible!!! The whole party is ruined!!! What are you going to do, Stephanie???" I answer my cell and this guy says that he's blown his master cylindar on his car and can we come get the stuff!!!????
I didn't stop to yell I just ran for my car, called to the others to get the truck and follow me.
He was at an Exxon station about 2 miles from the sub-division. We loaded up, went back, blew up the equiptment and had a great time! I took my anti-anxiety med's as soon as I got back to the pool!
After the party, which really was a blast, we wnt over to a friends Halloween Party. They had terrific decoration and everyone was in costume but us. I did have a unicorn on my cheek from the face painter but no actual costumes. (Sean had a dragon on his cheek.)
We fell into be about 11:00.
Sunday, was church, where my children actually wore their costumes to Bible school because I was too tired to fight them and the church festival was after services. Almost all the kids friends were there and they had an awesome time.
Kamy in the bounce house
Two Cinderellas, Kamy and her friend Avery.
Today was the class parties and then of course the trick or treating. We have a neighborhood hayride that all the kids pile onto and ride from house to house. The kids had a pretty good time until the wind would blow. It didn't help that it was about 50 degrees out. Several time Garrison would just sit down on rhe sidewalk and say he couldn't go anymore. Kamdyn just walked from house to house with the determination of every two year-old and smiled and loaded up on the candy!
We got home and they poured it out all over the floor and laid on it. Kamy nearly fell asleep. She had 4 tootsie pops opened at one time and still nearly fell asleep!
All are in bed now and the house is quiet, except the occasional cat hiss and dog bark. I get to reflect back and think to myself, "I am so darn tired! But it was worth every second and I'd do it all over gain just to see the looks on my children's faces."
They will be little for about a half a minute and then it will be gone. Garrison starts kindergarden next fall and his whole world will change. Daddy and I are conflicted and we pray daily that we are making the right impressions and doing all that God would have us do to plant the seeds in his litttle heart and soul for tomorrow when he's too cool for mom and dad.
Kamdyn is still little and has a bit more time to learn and grow before the world calls on her. Do you ever ask yourself, am I doing absolutly everything I can to get them ready for the world? Everyday I pray for that little person out there that will becom my son-in-law and my daughter-in-law. Are their parents doing the same and asking the same questions?
Tomorrow I start my new job with Tickelopes and I'm back in the workforce. A new dynamic for us to get used to. It will be good!
Keep on praying, friends!
At long last the FallFest is OVER. After much tribulation on Friday and Saturday, it was a success. I am able to say that now due in part to the fact that I've slept for the first time in several weeks and because the children's faces and delight made everything worthwhile.
Garrison getting his face painted
Kmay in the obstacle course
Me getting my face painted
Here is the detail. As of 3:00pm Friday afternoon the Fall Fest was off because someone on our board forgot to turn in the necessary paperwork to shut down the street. For two hours over 43 email bounced back and forth between all the parties trying to determine if this was taking place, being postponed, how much money we were going to lose or if we were just going to cancel the entire event. I was on the phone negotation with all the entertainers to move the deposit and no sooner had I gotten and oral agreement to move the deposit and hung up the phone, than and other email flies up that the Asst. Mayor and the Fire Chief had approved the street festival without the permit being signed! Talk about scrambling! I was back on the phone making sure no one had rescheduled. Mind you, this is less than 24 hours before the event.
After all that was done, I went to Party City to reserve the helium tank and pick up the balloons. Thankfully, they closed at 11:00pm and I was able to do all I needed to that night.
Saturday was a routine straight from "I love Lucy". Jen Newman and I proceeded to buy bails of hay, move a 150lb helium tank, buy 20 pumpkins and attempt to get all this back to the pool in less than an hour. No kidding, I blew up over 350 helium balloons on Saturday.
The Entertainment guy, who shall remain nameless, was providing 2 bounce houses, strolling balloonist, cotton candy machine and a nacho machine. He was scheduled to arrive at 1:00. At 2:00 pm I called and left a message, he called back and informed me that he was running extreamly late because he blew out a tire. He would arrive a little before 3:00 pm.
At 3:10 I started calling again because the festival started in less than an hour. When I got him on his cell phone, he hadn't even been back to the wearhouse to get my stuff! Freaking out, I started loosing my cool. He then informed me that he had dropped the cotton candy machine and it was broken. So no cotton candy. My reply, "Just get your butt over here ASAP!!!"
At 3:45, My phone rings again. I am lying on the grass in front of the pool trying not to have a heart attack while my neighbor's 13 year old daughter says, over and over, "This is terrible!!! The whole party is ruined!!! What are you going to do, Stephanie???" I answer my cell and this guy says that he's blown his master cylindar on his car and can we come get the stuff!!!????
I didn't stop to yell I just ran for my car, called to the others to get the truck and follow me.
He was at an Exxon station about 2 miles from the sub-division. We loaded up, went back, blew up the equiptment and had a great time! I took my anti-anxiety med's as soon as I got back to the pool!
After the party, which really was a blast, we wnt over to a friends Halloween Party. They had terrific decoration and everyone was in costume but us. I did have a unicorn on my cheek from the face painter but no actual costumes. (Sean had a dragon on his cheek.)
We fell into be about 11:00.
Sunday, was church, where my children actually wore their costumes to Bible school because I was too tired to fight them and the church festival was after services. Almost all the kids friends were there and they had an awesome time.
Kamy in the bounce house
Two Cinderellas, Kamy and her friend Avery.
Today was the class parties and then of course the trick or treating. We have a neighborhood hayride that all the kids pile onto and ride from house to house. The kids had a pretty good time until the wind would blow. It didn't help that it was about 50 degrees out. Several time Garrison would just sit down on rhe sidewalk and say he couldn't go anymore. Kamdyn just walked from house to house with the determination of every two year-old and smiled and loaded up on the candy!
We got home and they poured it out all over the floor and laid on it. Kamy nearly fell asleep. She had 4 tootsie pops opened at one time and still nearly fell asleep!
All are in bed now and the house is quiet, except the occasional cat hiss and dog bark. I get to reflect back and think to myself, "I am so darn tired! But it was worth every second and I'd do it all over gain just to see the looks on my children's faces."
They will be little for about a half a minute and then it will be gone. Garrison starts kindergarden next fall and his whole world will change. Daddy and I are conflicted and we pray daily that we are making the right impressions and doing all that God would have us do to plant the seeds in his litttle heart and soul for tomorrow when he's too cool for mom and dad.
Kamdyn is still little and has a bit more time to learn and grow before the world calls on her. Do you ever ask yourself, am I doing absolutly everything I can to get them ready for the world? Everyday I pray for that little person out there that will becom my son-in-law and my daughter-in-law. Are their parents doing the same and asking the same questions?
Tomorrow I start my new job with Tickelopes and I'm back in the workforce. A new dynamic for us to get used to. It will be good!
Keep on praying, friends!
Friday, October 28, 2005
Tomorrow is the main event!
Excuse to type-o's. I never actually passed typing.
This is the kids school picture for this school year. Garrison starts kindergarden next Fall. They look like such big kids. I makes me a little wistful...
After no less than 25 phone messages and at least 100 emails we are on for the First Annual Fall Fest in our sub-division. It has been like an act of congress to get this thing approved but after special dispensation from the Mayor himself we are all a go. To say the least I have been on "pins and needles" for the last 48 hours.
Currently, in the French household, we are all sick! Bronchitis has taken ahold of both of my children and I'm sure Sean and I have the exact same thing. I have no voice and am "doped-up" on cough medicine.
Lets see, what has happened since my last blog... Garrison has had a terrific October at school, Kamdyn has also had a good month. We have had school pictures made (see above). I have a new job with a company called Tickelopes (www.tickelopes.com) as a consultant designer. I will continue working at Sunshine School when they need me but I'll be dropping Mothers-Day-Out on Tuesdays. So I'm not totally insane I am dropping one of my "duties". If I survive this weekend and the festival, then I'll be a whole new person. The kids are excited because they will get to spend every Wednesday with my mom and that will be my official work day. This will help our finances tremendously!
What is a tickelope? You have to check out the websit and see for yourself. It's much too hard to explain in the blog. It's a whole new (patented) take on the greeting card. Im thrilled about it!
My Mother's friend, Paula, has been moved to another big hospital in Downtown Dallas and they have developed a plan of action for prolonging her life and enhancing the quality of it. It's amazing what a change of scenery and a new doctor can do for a person's hope. Things are looking a tad more positive. Her condition is still grave but her attitude has improved 10-fold! EJ is due to have her 2nd baby boy, just any time, and Paula has that to look forward to as well.
Today, my good friend Traci rescued me and the kids by taking us to get my van at the train station (Thank you Traci!) I am getting ready to go to Sams (sick and all) to buy the candy and sodas for tomorrow. I keep telling myself if there are balloons and cotton candy people are bound to be happy right? I've giving them bounce houses and nachos and a professional photographer ta-boot! We are going to have a good time and that's the end of it. Afterwards Sean and I are going to a Halloween party (grown-ups only). It's been very hard to find a costume for Sean but, after many terrifing trips to various halloween Spirit stores, we have settled on, Black Eyed Peas! Sean will wear his normal clothing with the Letter P added to the shirt and a black eye. I will do the same. Or I'll be just a tad bit more creative and be a
black-eyed-susan. I know not very creative but when your husband is 6'9" tall it makes things tough!
Wish me luck tomorrow. Say a prayer and hopefully I'll be alive Sunday to enjoy my non-committed status for a while!
Enjoy!
This is the kids school picture for this school year. Garrison starts kindergarden next Fall. They look like such big kids. I makes me a little wistful...
After no less than 25 phone messages and at least 100 emails we are on for the First Annual Fall Fest in our sub-division. It has been like an act of congress to get this thing approved but after special dispensation from the Mayor himself we are all a go. To say the least I have been on "pins and needles" for the last 48 hours.
Currently, in the French household, we are all sick! Bronchitis has taken ahold of both of my children and I'm sure Sean and I have the exact same thing. I have no voice and am "doped-up" on cough medicine.
Lets see, what has happened since my last blog... Garrison has had a terrific October at school, Kamdyn has also had a good month. We have had school pictures made (see above). I have a new job with a company called Tickelopes (www.tickelopes.com) as a consultant designer. I will continue working at Sunshine School when they need me but I'll be dropping Mothers-Day-Out on Tuesdays. So I'm not totally insane I am dropping one of my "duties". If I survive this weekend and the festival, then I'll be a whole new person. The kids are excited because they will get to spend every Wednesday with my mom and that will be my official work day. This will help our finances tremendously!
What is a tickelope? You have to check out the websit and see for yourself. It's much too hard to explain in the blog. It's a whole new (patented) take on the greeting card. Im thrilled about it!
My Mother's friend, Paula, has been moved to another big hospital in Downtown Dallas and they have developed a plan of action for prolonging her life and enhancing the quality of it. It's amazing what a change of scenery and a new doctor can do for a person's hope. Things are looking a tad more positive. Her condition is still grave but her attitude has improved 10-fold! EJ is due to have her 2nd baby boy, just any time, and Paula has that to look forward to as well.
Today, my good friend Traci rescued me and the kids by taking us to get my van at the train station (Thank you Traci!) I am getting ready to go to Sams (sick and all) to buy the candy and sodas for tomorrow. I keep telling myself if there are balloons and cotton candy people are bound to be happy right? I've giving them bounce houses and nachos and a professional photographer ta-boot! We are going to have a good time and that's the end of it. Afterwards Sean and I are going to a Halloween party (grown-ups only). It's been very hard to find a costume for Sean but, after many terrifing trips to various halloween Spirit stores, we have settled on, Black Eyed Peas! Sean will wear his normal clothing with the Letter P added to the shirt and a black eye. I will do the same. Or I'll be just a tad bit more creative and be a
black-eyed-susan. I know not very creative but when your husband is 6'9" tall it makes things tough!
Wish me luck tomorrow. Say a prayer and hopefully I'll be alive Sunday to enjoy my non-committed status for a while!
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
I'm loosing my mind!!!
Just to make you smile!
This is a picture of Garrison when he was only 4 months old.
It's been a week since my last blog and for good reason. I've been busier than a one-armed paper-hanger in a hurricane! PFTH projects, meeting with a company about the future of PFTH and possible consultant opportunities, planning the Fall Fest, watching Cinderella 10 times, starting a new long-term sub-job, keeping Mothers day out, and being as sick as I've ever been with a stomach virus, TWO weekends in a row!
The kids have faired pretty well through me nervous breakdown last week. In the middle of all that I managed to finish their halloween costumes and they turned out great. Garrison is going to be Arkantos, a mythical (and totally fictious) Atlantian hero from his favorite cumputer came, Age of Mythology. He is now an expert in Greek Norse and Alantian Mythology. Remember he's only 4 and this is what he'd ralther do than play outside or throw a ball. I'm raising a computer geek just like his daddy. He and his dad and our closest friends went to the Stars Hockey game last night at the MAerican Airlines center and he is talking about it a lot this morning.
Kamdyn is going to be, you guessed it, Cinderella and she insists on wearing it every time the movie is on, which is pretty often since it's new. There is a lot of spinning and singing that goes along with the routine. She has also managed to find all the Beanie Baby mice (3) in the house and they are her "friends" that she pushes in the grocery cart. Her cosutme was purchased but as per my M.O. I've embellished it so it's got more sequins and bows on it. It's it makes it another three weeks I'll be shocked. If it's torn, we'll just tell everyone she is Cinderella,
pre-fairy-godmother.
Garrison has been a little better at school. We've been working on listening and responding the first time. I have been giving him time warnings like, "two minutes until you have to stop." He seems to understand that concept and we've also startd rewarding the positive instead of focusing on the negative.
This parenting thing is really tough stuff and not for the faint of heart!
My mothers friend Paula has asked me to do the flowers for her funeral. Of course, I'll do anything for her. I cried and cried about that. My mom is holding it together pretty well even though Mis P asked her to help he pick out her dress for the casket. I think if mom doesn't think about it than it makes it a little easier to deal with when she is confronted with a decision.
I pray that no one gets the "garbage" I had on Friday night. I'm still sick but not to the extent I was Friday. I'm a grown woman of 35 and I wanted my mommy! My kind brother-in-law went and picked them up and brought them to my house at 10:00 pm because I was ready to call 911! Sean and had taken the kids to Grandma and Papa's. In a way I am glad now that no one was here to see me in such a pathetic state. Mom Thinks I might have had food poisioning becasue of it's fast on-set but since I'm still under the weather two days later.
I'm thinking virus.
Well that is the most recent update in the insanity we call normal life. Cinderella is calling for her toys and I have to go run Garre off the computer. Until next time friends.....
Friday, September 30, 2005
Bridal gowns and "Chuckie Cheeszit"
Read on to learn about these photos......
Well, I am officially drowning in my inability to say no. That's all I'll say about that.
I do have an update on my moms friend, Paula. The reports have come back and the news is not good. She has developed cancer in several main organs and they have not given her very long to live. Her only daughter is 8 months pregnant with her second son and of course, heart-broken.
My mom is just heart sick as well because this woman is a true friend to her and our family and they have seen their way through many rough times leaning on one another for support. Sometimes limping but never down because they both found the strength to forge ahead, many times together. Mis P is more like a sister and an Aunt to me. So for my family my mom has lost her father (my Pop), her husband (my Dad and soon one of her dearest friends, all-within 18 months. There are really no words that express the emotions of the last two years. "Turmoil"barely scratches the surface.
My prayer is that there is a sense of God's presence and His peace on EJ and Mis P and everyone involved. Please pray.
On a lighter note, Garrison had (by all accounts) a TERRIFIC day at school this week. We have been talking a lot about respect and following directions, two things essential for surviving that "life-journey" we call Kindergarden. Kamdyn is as busy as ever and a true charmer at school. I think her teacher wonders if she has an off/on switch somewhere; a la the energizer bunny!
(Right, MRS. Haaa-leee?)
My niece came over today and boy did they play. It was Kamdyns first dress-up play day and they made the MOST of it. Tonight, we went to "Chuckie's Cheezits" for pizza and games with "G-Joy" "Bampaw", "Aunt G", "Geg", "Ant T", "Bay-lee" and "Jat". Everyone had a great time.
What else? Well as usual I am working on PFTH and the Fall Fest in the sub-division. I am about to begin a sub job for a teacher who will be on maternity leave until Christmas. Thankfully Sean's project is beginning to slow down so I have him back around to help. Poor man! He is so tired! I'm glad it's slowing for him because he is exhausted and I know he misses the kids. They have missed him for sure.
Well here is another day coming to an end. I'm getting ready to start tonights work on a different project (not worth detailing) for PFTH. I need to send to proof to the client tomorrow evening. Up at the crack for a 2 year-old birthday brunch! Kamy is so excited about this she wouldn't even go to sleep. She even cried because the party wasn't tonight! Funny kid!
Goodnight all and to all goodnight!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Family Friend
Two days in a row! Imagine that. We just got some really bad news. A family friend who has been a friend for a lifetime has just been diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer. They will be performing a biopsy today to determine the stage of the cancer and next steps needed. They have told her to get things in her life in order and that is never a very positive way to begin any type of treatment. It is very serious and we need those prayers to flow heavenward ASAP. She has been such a good friend to my mother throughout the years and this sort of came out of no where. She had been feeling under the weather but didn't take it very seriously. Please pray!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Playing Catch-up
Things have been so crazy for the last week and a half it has been hard to find the time to add any new thoughts. Sean has been pulling major hours at his company and I've been doing double duty with the kids.
I have a whole new respect for single mothers and families where dads travel a lot.
My house has fallen into total disaray; not that it's ever very far from there on a normal basis. I've been working on the Fall Fest which is actually taking shape nicely due in part to canvasing the neighborhood and begging for assistance but also because a positive attitude truly is infectious. Everyone on the team has gotten as excited about it as I am and things are starting to happen! God at work through prayer!
The kids are doing okay. We are going through a tough time with Garrison. He's really acting out since Sean has been working so much. His school teacher is one of my dearest friends so we have terrific communication about his habits and attitude at school. He loves it once he's there I just have trouble motivating him. He's NOT a morning person. He also has a nasty habit of ignoring me and it MAKES ME CRAZY!!! Apparently, it's fairly normaly behavior out of a four year old, I'm trying to find the humor in it.
Kamdyn, on the other hand, is like a sunny light at 6:00 a.m. I can hear her on the monitor just happy to be awake. I wish she'd sleep a little longer but it helps get the morning going with much joy whet she is in a good mood. She pesters Garre until he is also in a good mood.
On the way to Mothers Day Out, she threw-up three times before we even got to the highway! I made the mistake of letting her have dairy before the drive. Kamdyn gets car sick and I know better but we were running late and it was a quick easy b-fast. SO, I have once again learned that lesson. Hopefullt for the last time!
Garrison is screaming, "THERE'S SOMETHING COMING OUT OF HER MOUTH!!! GROSS!!! THERE SHE GOES AGAIN!!!" Poor Kamy just sits there trying to figure out what is happening to her and I'm attempting to remain calm as I drive at break-neck speed back to the house to, no kidding, hose her off, the car seat, the seat belt, the floorboard and her shoes and socks. She had to have a full shower and hair wash before we could gat back on the road. Once there, and hour and 1/2 late, we all discovered that she was actually sick with a virus because she started throwing up again at lunch. Now she is running fever, and all the other gross things that go along with a stomach virus. Tomorrow is a day off from school and work. Laundry and lots of patience are on the agenda.
What else, I'm exhausted and ready to fall into bed everynight but other than that things are good. Nip/Tuck's new season begins tonight and I'm ashamed to admit it but I totally hooked on that show. It always makes me feel better about who I am and where my family is in life. Those characters are so messed up!
Have a good one!
I have a whole new respect for single mothers and families where dads travel a lot.
My house has fallen into total disaray; not that it's ever very far from there on a normal basis. I've been working on the Fall Fest which is actually taking shape nicely due in part to canvasing the neighborhood and begging for assistance but also because a positive attitude truly is infectious. Everyone on the team has gotten as excited about it as I am and things are starting to happen! God at work through prayer!
The kids are doing okay. We are going through a tough time with Garrison. He's really acting out since Sean has been working so much. His school teacher is one of my dearest friends so we have terrific communication about his habits and attitude at school. He loves it once he's there I just have trouble motivating him. He's NOT a morning person. He also has a nasty habit of ignoring me and it MAKES ME CRAZY!!! Apparently, it's fairly normaly behavior out of a four year old, I'm trying to find the humor in it.
Kamdyn, on the other hand, is like a sunny light at 6:00 a.m. I can hear her on the monitor just happy to be awake. I wish she'd sleep a little longer but it helps get the morning going with much joy whet she is in a good mood. She pesters Garre until he is also in a good mood.
On the way to Mothers Day Out, she threw-up three times before we even got to the highway! I made the mistake of letting her have dairy before the drive. Kamdyn gets car sick and I know better but we were running late and it was a quick easy b-fast. SO, I have once again learned that lesson. Hopefullt for the last time!
Garrison is screaming, "THERE'S SOMETHING COMING OUT OF HER MOUTH!!! GROSS!!! THERE SHE GOES AGAIN!!!" Poor Kamy just sits there trying to figure out what is happening to her and I'm attempting to remain calm as I drive at break-neck speed back to the house to, no kidding, hose her off, the car seat, the seat belt, the floorboard and her shoes and socks. She had to have a full shower and hair wash before we could gat back on the road. Once there, and hour and 1/2 late, we all discovered that she was actually sick with a virus because she started throwing up again at lunch. Now she is running fever, and all the other gross things that go along with a stomach virus. Tomorrow is a day off from school and work. Laundry and lots of patience are on the agenda.
What else, I'm exhausted and ready to fall into bed everynight but other than that things are good. Nip/Tuck's new season begins tonight and I'm ashamed to admit it but I totally hooked on that show. It always makes me feel better about who I am and where my family is in life. Those characters are so messed up!
Have a good one!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Labor day Holidays
Sean and I met his parent half way on Saturday and gave Aunt G and "G-Joy" (as she has been renamed for the fourth time) the kids. On Saturday afternoon Sean and I got stuff done around the house and had a very uneventful day, sans Garre and Kamy.
Sunday, was early services at church and a supprise lunch at Olive Garden with just my husband and I! Wow! I'd almost forgotten what it was like to sit and look at just him. Then he let me, I'm embarrased to admit it, sleep all afternoon. I slept 4 hours! We went back to evening services and then dinner with so friends. We had a really enjoyable dinner laughing and talking.
Monday, Mom and I went shopping for a bit. The sales were just too good! I did buy a bombe front chest of drawers that is handpainted. It wound up being too big for a bedside table but I'm keeping it because I LOVE it!
The kids came home with Aunt G. about 3:00 and we had a great evening. See very normal stuff.
Than tuesday hit! With as much fury as a tornado, my kids began to disassemble the house. Bible study is at our house for the month of September and it's like everything I picked up they got out three more things. For example, while I was mopping, Garrison managed to find three highlighter pens and he and Kamdyn proceeded to COMPLETLY color the ottoman, than is made of velvet. Garrison came and got me saying, "Come see what Kamdyn had done!" She got in trouble (aka spanked and time-out) while he sat and watched, quietly. When I looked at him I noticed his hands and arms were also covered in pen and asked him to fess up. He was completly fine with letting his baby sister take the rap for the mess. He also got in big trouble. I totally lost my cool and sent them to their room while I cleaned up the mess. If you do not have a Little Green Machine, run, run, run as fast as you can to get one.
Wednesday was again uneventful, mercifully but today was different. I started carpooling with a friend to school and that was a lot of fun. Both kids had a decent time at school and tonight we bought Kamy her very own potty chair.
You would have thought Santa had come for a visit! I tried to convince her that this little potty stayed in the bathroom too but she wouldn't have any of that. Instead, she proceeded to strip, buck naked, and sit in front of the TV on her potty, announcing every few minutes. " Mommy, I potty in potty!" I managed to dress her, with much kicking and screaming (Kamy not me) only to find that she had torn off her pull-up lost her dress and was again buck naked on the potty in the den. She did actually use it one time and we followed the necessary cleaning protocal (Scalding water and Lysol.)
She actually wanted it in her room at bed time but I had to draw the line at that one. I am actually considering taking it to pre-school for her class room. Miss Holly if you are reading this we can talk about it next week! Ha Ha! Won't that be funny in your room?
I'll do all the cleaning of the "Kiddo-port-o-potty".
Later all!!!
Sunday, was early services at church and a supprise lunch at Olive Garden with just my husband and I! Wow! I'd almost forgotten what it was like to sit and look at just him. Then he let me, I'm embarrased to admit it, sleep all afternoon. I slept 4 hours! We went back to evening services and then dinner with so friends. We had a really enjoyable dinner laughing and talking.
Monday, Mom and I went shopping for a bit. The sales were just too good! I did buy a bombe front chest of drawers that is handpainted. It wound up being too big for a bedside table but I'm keeping it because I LOVE it!
The kids came home with Aunt G. about 3:00 and we had a great evening. See very normal stuff.
Than tuesday hit! With as much fury as a tornado, my kids began to disassemble the house. Bible study is at our house for the month of September and it's like everything I picked up they got out three more things. For example, while I was mopping, Garrison managed to find three highlighter pens and he and Kamdyn proceeded to COMPLETLY color the ottoman, than is made of velvet. Garrison came and got me saying, "Come see what Kamdyn had done!" She got in trouble (aka spanked and time-out) while he sat and watched, quietly. When I looked at him I noticed his hands and arms were also covered in pen and asked him to fess up. He was completly fine with letting his baby sister take the rap for the mess. He also got in big trouble. I totally lost my cool and sent them to their room while I cleaned up the mess. If you do not have a Little Green Machine, run, run, run as fast as you can to get one.
Wednesday was again uneventful, mercifully but today was different. I started carpooling with a friend to school and that was a lot of fun. Both kids had a decent time at school and tonight we bought Kamy her very own potty chair.
You would have thought Santa had come for a visit! I tried to convince her that this little potty stayed in the bathroom too but she wouldn't have any of that. Instead, she proceeded to strip, buck naked, and sit in front of the TV on her potty, announcing every few minutes. " Mommy, I potty in potty!" I managed to dress her, with much kicking and screaming (Kamy not me) only to find that she had torn off her pull-up lost her dress and was again buck naked on the potty in the den. She did actually use it one time and we followed the necessary cleaning protocal (Scalding water and Lysol.)
She actually wanted it in her room at bed time but I had to draw the line at that one. I am actually considering taking it to pre-school for her class room. Miss Holly if you are reading this we can talk about it next week! Ha Ha! Won't that be funny in your room?
I'll do all the cleaning of the "Kiddo-port-o-potty".
Later all!!!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Too much to title!
It has been a whole week because I've been running around crazy with the kids starting school, working again (albeit part time) sick husband and an emergency room trip just for good measure.
Also, I am not a great typist and I can not get the spell check to work so bear with me....
Let me begin by saying I have also been obsessivly watching the television for any information on the victims of the hurricane. Yesterday I packed up my minivan and drove to our church drop site. I spent the better part of three hours sorting and oranizing with some terrific people who like everyone, just want to do something. If you are reading this and have not given in some way, you really need to because it's the right thing to do.
Monday was great everyone started school and the kids met their new teachers. It was a great day overall, for mom and the kids. Daddy, AKA Sean, was sick as a dog. He did not work and basically laid in the bed all day. I was the sub for another teacher and got to meet her class. On of the litte boys in the class was obsessed with my, how do you say this, chest. He is only two, mind you, but it was still really strange. His little eyes were like a magnet when I had my jacket off and so I had to wear my jacket all day! In the 98 temperature! He wanted me to hold him so he could lay his hear down on me and he kept on trying to grab me. It was a very wierd thing. I even commented on it to the directors of the school and showed them what was happening. It became a really funny joke by the end of the day!
Tuesday was at home doing what I love best... HOUSE WORK. I am not a stellar house keeper. I have friends who actually like to clean. I however did not get that lucky; I lothe it.
I am more the whimsical artsy type who has other things on my mind than housework.
Sean went to the doctor and got his meds so he will be returning to work on Wednesday. Before he gets fired for missing too much work....
Wednesday, was spent in front of the TV with the kids watching this nightmare unfold in LA and MS. Garre and Kamy pretended the couch was a boat and the stashed stuffed animals all over the room and set about the task of rescuing the various and sundry Care Bears and Boohbah's scattered all over the room. Kamy just "ditto's" everything her big brother does so that went on for a good long time.
Thursday was school again and I really enjoy seeing all the kids and just being out of the house. Kamdyn played so hard at recess that she looked like she had not had a bath in over a month! She really enjoyed herself. She smelled like a sweaty puppy and had wood chips in every nook and crany on her body. Snot was smeared from ear to ear, in her hair and in her eyebrows! Her little cheeks were as red as a beet and she kept saying , " I want to go back out and play!!!" Garrison had a great (uneventful) day and loves his teacher
Thursday night I had my first Fall fest meeting at the community pool and we got down to business making plans. I only had 3 other people show up but I refuse to get discouraged!
I have big plans and, by golly, these people are going to help me!
Friday I spent gathering supplies for the Hurricane relief and at my moms house. About 4:00 when we were getting ready to leave and go home, Garre and Kamy were playing with the folding doors in my moms entry hall. I had told them to stop about 6 times when I heard a loud thump and crash. I came running around the corner and there lay Kamdyn on the floor UNDER THE DOOR! She was hit across the back, on her right elbow and on the back of her head. Garrison is hollering, "It was an accident! I'm really sorry, Kamdyn!" Kamy was crying. I scooped her up and she was holding her arm. She also had a nasty bump on the back of her head. She got really sleepy and was hard to wake up so off the the emergency room we went.
Four and a half hours, a CAT Scan and vision exam later we were at home. She is fine. Just a really nasty bump and badly bruised elbow.
Today we took Garre and Kamy to "Joy-Joy's" and "Bampaw's" Sean and came home to get somethings done before next week. I have committed to a Ladies Retreat in the Spring, Christmas at my house, Teaching October through December for a mom going on maternity leave, carpooling with Ashlyn's mommy (which Garrison is very happy!) and attempting to plan a garage sale in September, girls night out in October and oncve a moth trip to frisco the scrpbook with my best girlfriend!
More craziness to come....
Also, I am not a great typist and I can not get the spell check to work so bear with me....
Let me begin by saying I have also been obsessivly watching the television for any information on the victims of the hurricane. Yesterday I packed up my minivan and drove to our church drop site. I spent the better part of three hours sorting and oranizing with some terrific people who like everyone, just want to do something. If you are reading this and have not given in some way, you really need to because it's the right thing to do.
Monday was great everyone started school and the kids met their new teachers. It was a great day overall, for mom and the kids. Daddy, AKA Sean, was sick as a dog. He did not work and basically laid in the bed all day. I was the sub for another teacher and got to meet her class. On of the litte boys in the class was obsessed with my, how do you say this, chest. He is only two, mind you, but it was still really strange. His little eyes were like a magnet when I had my jacket off and so I had to wear my jacket all day! In the 98 temperature! He wanted me to hold him so he could lay his hear down on me and he kept on trying to grab me. It was a very wierd thing. I even commented on it to the directors of the school and showed them what was happening. It became a really funny joke by the end of the day!
Tuesday was at home doing what I love best... HOUSE WORK. I am not a stellar house keeper. I have friends who actually like to clean. I however did not get that lucky; I lothe it.
I am more the whimsical artsy type who has other things on my mind than housework.
Sean went to the doctor and got his meds so he will be returning to work on Wednesday. Before he gets fired for missing too much work....
Wednesday, was spent in front of the TV with the kids watching this nightmare unfold in LA and MS. Garre and Kamy pretended the couch was a boat and the stashed stuffed animals all over the room and set about the task of rescuing the various and sundry Care Bears and Boohbah's scattered all over the room. Kamy just "ditto's" everything her big brother does so that went on for a good long time.
Thursday was school again and I really enjoy seeing all the kids and just being out of the house. Kamdyn played so hard at recess that she looked like she had not had a bath in over a month! She really enjoyed herself. She smelled like a sweaty puppy and had wood chips in every nook and crany on her body. Snot was smeared from ear to ear, in her hair and in her eyebrows! Her little cheeks were as red as a beet and she kept saying , " I want to go back out and play!!!" Garrison had a great (uneventful) day and loves his teacher
Thursday night I had my first Fall fest meeting at the community pool and we got down to business making plans. I only had 3 other people show up but I refuse to get discouraged!
I have big plans and, by golly, these people are going to help me!
Friday I spent gathering supplies for the Hurricane relief and at my moms house. About 4:00 when we were getting ready to leave and go home, Garre and Kamy were playing with the folding doors in my moms entry hall. I had told them to stop about 6 times when I heard a loud thump and crash. I came running around the corner and there lay Kamdyn on the floor UNDER THE DOOR! She was hit across the back, on her right elbow and on the back of her head. Garrison is hollering, "It was an accident! I'm really sorry, Kamdyn!" Kamy was crying. I scooped her up and she was holding her arm. She also had a nasty bump on the back of her head. She got really sleepy and was hard to wake up so off the the emergency room we went.
Four and a half hours, a CAT Scan and vision exam later we were at home. She is fine. Just a really nasty bump and badly bruised elbow.
Today we took Garre and Kamy to "Joy-Joy's" and "Bampaw's" Sean and came home to get somethings done before next week. I have committed to a Ladies Retreat in the Spring, Christmas at my house, Teaching October through December for a mom going on maternity leave, carpooling with Ashlyn's mommy (which Garrison is very happy!) and attempting to plan a garage sale in September, girls night out in October and oncve a moth trip to frisco the scrpbook with my best girlfriend!
More craziness to come....
Sunday, August 28, 2005
New Pet and school stuff
Let's add a new pet to the ever growing menegary in the house. We now have Princess ChiChi, a rescued persian cat that is 9 years old. We have lost her in the house somewhere and she has refused to show herself despite all attempts to find her. Duncan, the scottie dog, is not pleased.
Tomorrow the kids start school along with me as teacher-in-training. Kamy is starting her first day in preschool and garrison is in his third year. It's hard to believe that he will be in kindergarden next year but it's real. I wax nostalgic as the thought.
We also had dinner with friends tonight at Chili's and I think my son is smitten with a little blond named Ashlyn. I've never seen such a display of "maleness" and "showing off" than tonight. All in the attempt to get her attention and then keep it. I see a glimpse of the future. He actually told me, "Mom, I love you only one time but I love Ashlyn one hundred times." My poor broken heart.
Hope you all have a great day!
Tomorrow the kids start school along with me as teacher-in-training. Kamy is starting her first day in preschool and garrison is in his third year. It's hard to believe that he will be in kindergarden next year but it's real. I wax nostalgic as the thought.
We also had dinner with friends tonight at Chili's and I think my son is smitten with a little blond named Ashlyn. I've never seen such a display of "maleness" and "showing off" than tonight. All in the attempt to get her attention and then keep it. I see a glimpse of the future. He actually told me, "Mom, I love you only one time but I love Ashlyn one hundred times." My poor broken heart.
Hope you all have a great day!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Kamdyn has asthma and we are restarting her on new stronger meds for the fall in the hopes that it will improve her chances for a "cleaner" fall and winter cold season. I say this as a precursor to last night's events.
She had her first neb treatment with the stronger medication and then we put the kids to bed. I began working on an order for my business and suddenly at 12:20am I hear a little panicked voice calling for me. There was Kamdyn at the office door litterly bouncing all over the place. At the time the medication didn't cross my mind but a little later (about 2:30 am) bleary eyed and barely awake that thought drifted into my mind. This continued until 3:30am when she fell asleep sitting up reading a book in her bed. Finally sleep!!! It didn't last too long because just a soon as I laid her down and covered her up, her eyes popped open. I don't know how long she laid there chattering becuase I crashed on the blow-up bed on the floor in her room. With the first light of day she was again awake! 6:15 am. I couldn't even put two words together this morning. Mercifully, Sean worked from home today and I was able to sleep for another two hours while he "watched" the kids, (which is a word here that means listened for screaming and fighting from his office).
Kamdyn and I ran mom to the kidney doctor across town at 12:00 pm and got back home 4:00pm. Yes, Dallas is a very big city that was the only errand we ran and she was only in his office for 45 minutes!
It's fund-raising season and now that school is back in session we have been blessed with a string of elementary aged children ringing our door bell hawking chocolates and tacky home decor. How crule is it to descend upon an unexpecing mother at 4:30 in the throws of refferring her young children? Maybe that is the way they planned it. Of course you're going to buy something because it either distracts the kids long enough to get a break form the insanity or because all you want at that moment is chocolate! I think I'm up to $50 in candy....
All in all it's been a pretty good day; no broken bones and sweet prayers from sweet babies sleeping soundly (for now).
Hope you have a great tomorrow!
She had her first neb treatment with the stronger medication and then we put the kids to bed. I began working on an order for my business and suddenly at 12:20am I hear a little panicked voice calling for me. There was Kamdyn at the office door litterly bouncing all over the place. At the time the medication didn't cross my mind but a little later (about 2:30 am) bleary eyed and barely awake that thought drifted into my mind. This continued until 3:30am when she fell asleep sitting up reading a book in her bed. Finally sleep!!! It didn't last too long because just a soon as I laid her down and covered her up, her eyes popped open. I don't know how long she laid there chattering becuase I crashed on the blow-up bed on the floor in her room. With the first light of day she was again awake! 6:15 am. I couldn't even put two words together this morning. Mercifully, Sean worked from home today and I was able to sleep for another two hours while he "watched" the kids, (which is a word here that means listened for screaming and fighting from his office).
Kamdyn and I ran mom to the kidney doctor across town at 12:00 pm and got back home 4:00pm. Yes, Dallas is a very big city that was the only errand we ran and she was only in his office for 45 minutes!
It's fund-raising season and now that school is back in session we have been blessed with a string of elementary aged children ringing our door bell hawking chocolates and tacky home decor. How crule is it to descend upon an unexpecing mother at 4:30 in the throws of refferring her young children? Maybe that is the way they planned it. Of course you're going to buy something because it either distracts the kids long enough to get a break form the insanity or because all you want at that moment is chocolate! I think I'm up to $50 in candy....
All in all it's been a pretty good day; no broken bones and sweet prayers from sweet babies sleeping soundly (for now).
Hope you have a great tomorrow!
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