Simon is starting to sit up. I cannot prevent it although I am trying. He is held 90% of the time, so we delayed it a bit:)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Quick Update
Simon has a double ear infection. He's on his first antbiotic. I don't think it is working.
Next week is going to be CRAZY. The children have three performances for choir, Simon has 2 doctor's appointments, Camille has Spanish class and a partridge in a pear tree.
I cannot wait until next week is over.
Our Christmas letter is done. I just need some Chirstmas stationery to print it on. WalMart didn't have any tonight.
Thanksgiving was nice. Olaf made the turkey and used Williams Sonoma brining stuff. It made for a juicy, moist, well seasoned turkey. Thank you Pioneer Woman.
Talked to my girfrin' on the phone for a long while today and laughed and laughed. That is always fun.
It's late. Super late. I don't get enough sleep anymore. Simon still wakes up about every two hours (yes, I know I am crazy!) but I just love holding him so I don't mind. I guess being old makes me a tad more sentimental. Half my life is over; I am going to enjoy every single second of this baby while I can.
I love Jen. She always takes the time to comment. Thank you, friend.
Next week is going to be CRAZY. The children have three performances for choir, Simon has 2 doctor's appointments, Camille has Spanish class and a partridge in a pear tree.
I cannot wait until next week is over.
Our Christmas letter is done. I just need some Chirstmas stationery to print it on. WalMart didn't have any tonight.
Thanksgiving was nice. Olaf made the turkey and used Williams Sonoma brining stuff. It made for a juicy, moist, well seasoned turkey. Thank you Pioneer Woman.
Talked to my girfrin' on the phone for a long while today and laughed and laughed. That is always fun.
It's late. Super late. I don't get enough sleep anymore. Simon still wakes up about every two hours (yes, I know I am crazy!) but I just love holding him so I don't mind. I guess being old makes me a tad more sentimental. Half my life is over; I am going to enjoy every single second of this baby while I can.
I love Jen. She always takes the time to comment. Thank you, friend.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
This made me smile
The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List
By Deborah Markus, from Secular Homeschooling Magazine, Issue #1, Fall 2007
1 Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2 Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you're talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we've got a decent grasp of both concepts.
3 Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.
4 Don't assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.
5 If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a "reality" show, the above goes double.
6 Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You're probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you've ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.
7 We don't look horrified and start quizzing your kids when we hear they're in public school. Please stop drilling our children like potential oil fields to see if we're doing what you consider an adequate job of homeschooling.
8 Stop assuming all homeschoolers are religious.
9 Stop assuming that if we're religious, we must be homeschooling for religious reasons.
10 We didn't go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.
11 Please stop questioning my competency and demanding to see my credentials. I didn't have to complete a course in catering to successfully cook dinner for my family; I don't need a degree in teaching to educate my children. If spending at least twelve years in the kind of chew-it-up-and-spit-it-out educational facility we call public school left me with so little information in my memory banks that I can't teach the basics of an elementary education to my nearest and dearest, maybe there's a reason I'm so reluctant to send my child to school.
12 If my kid's only six and you ask me with a straight face how I can possibly teach him what he'd learn in school, please understand that you're calling me an idiot. Don't act shocked if I decide to respond in kind.
13 Stop assuming that because the word "home" is right there in "homeschool," we never leave the house. We're the ones who go to the amusement parks, museums, and zoos in the middle of the week and in the off-season and laugh at you because you have to go on weekends and holidays when it's crowded and icky.
14 Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we're into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don't have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.
15 Stop asking, "But what about the Prom?" Even if the idea that my kid might not be able to indulge in a night of over-hyped, over-priced revelry was enough to break my heart, plenty of kids who do go to school don't get to go to the Prom. For all you know, I'm one of them. I might still be bitter about it. So go be shallow somewhere else.
16 Don't ask my kid if she wouldn't rather go to school unless you don't mind if I ask your kid if he wouldn't rather stay home and get some sleep now and then.
17 Stop saying, "Oh, I could never homeschool!" Even if you think it's some kind of compliment, it sounds more like you're horrified. One of these days, I won't bother disagreeing with you any more.
18 If you can remember anything from chemistry or calculus class, you're allowed to ask how we'll teach these subjects to our kids. If you can't, thank you for the reassurance that we couldn't possibly do a worse job than your teachers did, and might even do a better one.
19 Stop asking about how hard it must be to be my child's teacher as well as her parent. I don't see much difference between bossing my kid around academically and bossing him around the way I do about everything else.
20 Stop saying that my kid is shy, outgoing, aggressive, anxious, quiet, boisterous, argumentative, pouty, fidgety, chatty, whiny, or loud because he's homeschooled. It's not fair that all the kids who go to school can be as annoying as they want to without being branded as representative of anything but childhood.
21 Quit assuming that my kid must be some kind of prodigy because she's homeschooled.
22 Quit assuming that I must be some kind of prodigy because I homeschool my kids.
23 Quit assuming that I must be some kind of saint because I homeschool my kids.
24 Stop talking about all the great childhood memories my kids won't get because they don't go to school, unless you want me to start asking about all the not-so-great childhood memories you have because you went to school.
25 Here's a thought: If you can't say something nice about homeschooling, shut up!
By Deborah Markus, from Secular Homeschooling Magazine, Issue #1, Fall 2007
1 Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2 Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you're talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we've got a decent grasp of both concepts.
3 Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.
4 Don't assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.
5 If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a "reality" show, the above goes double.
6 Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You're probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you've ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.
7 We don't look horrified and start quizzing your kids when we hear they're in public school. Please stop drilling our children like potential oil fields to see if we're doing what you consider an adequate job of homeschooling.
8 Stop assuming all homeschoolers are religious.
9 Stop assuming that if we're religious, we must be homeschooling for religious reasons.
10 We didn't go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.
11 Please stop questioning my competency and demanding to see my credentials. I didn't have to complete a course in catering to successfully cook dinner for my family; I don't need a degree in teaching to educate my children. If spending at least twelve years in the kind of chew-it-up-and-spit-it-out educational facility we call public school left me with so little information in my memory banks that I can't teach the basics of an elementary education to my nearest and dearest, maybe there's a reason I'm so reluctant to send my child to school.
12 If my kid's only six and you ask me with a straight face how I can possibly teach him what he'd learn in school, please understand that you're calling me an idiot. Don't act shocked if I decide to respond in kind.
13 Stop assuming that because the word "home" is right there in "homeschool," we never leave the house. We're the ones who go to the amusement parks, museums, and zoos in the middle of the week and in the off-season and laugh at you because you have to go on weekends and holidays when it's crowded and icky.
14 Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we're into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don't have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.
15 Stop asking, "But what about the Prom?" Even if the idea that my kid might not be able to indulge in a night of over-hyped, over-priced revelry was enough to break my heart, plenty of kids who do go to school don't get to go to the Prom. For all you know, I'm one of them. I might still be bitter about it. So go be shallow somewhere else.
16 Don't ask my kid if she wouldn't rather go to school unless you don't mind if I ask your kid if he wouldn't rather stay home and get some sleep now and then.
17 Stop saying, "Oh, I could never homeschool!" Even if you think it's some kind of compliment, it sounds more like you're horrified. One of these days, I won't bother disagreeing with you any more.
18 If you can remember anything from chemistry or calculus class, you're allowed to ask how we'll teach these subjects to our kids. If you can't, thank you for the reassurance that we couldn't possibly do a worse job than your teachers did, and might even do a better one.
19 Stop asking about how hard it must be to be my child's teacher as well as her parent. I don't see much difference between bossing my kid around academically and bossing him around the way I do about everything else.
20 Stop saying that my kid is shy, outgoing, aggressive, anxious, quiet, boisterous, argumentative, pouty, fidgety, chatty, whiny, or loud because he's homeschooled. It's not fair that all the kids who go to school can be as annoying as they want to without being branded as representative of anything but childhood.
21 Quit assuming that my kid must be some kind of prodigy because she's homeschooled.
22 Quit assuming that I must be some kind of prodigy because I homeschool my kids.
23 Quit assuming that I must be some kind of saint because I homeschool my kids.
24 Stop talking about all the great childhood memories my kids won't get because they don't go to school, unless you want me to start asking about all the not-so-great childhood memories you have because you went to school.
25 Here's a thought: If you can't say something nice about homeschooling, shut up!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Go back to high schooool....
This is my friend, Sandy, and me our junior year in high school. Check out the groovy hair and stupid poses. Thanks, Sandy, for making me laugh.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Disney recap
This will probably be really long. Feel free to not read it and just scroll to look at a few pictures:)
Sunday, November 4th - The Terrible, Awful, Not-So-Good Day at Magic Kingdom We arrive at the Magic Kingdom parking lot all ready for a day of fun. As we are heading up the ramp to the Monorail, Olaf runs into the heel of my foot with Caleb's wheelchair. I was wearing crocs. It is bleeding profusely and we don't have any tissues to stop the bleeding, so Olaf whips out a maxi pad and presses it on my foot. A MAXI PAD!! It looked like this after it stopped bleeding:
After I stop crying (and Olaf stops hitting himself in the head), the monorail arrives. We board in the handicapped section and realize that it doesn't seem to be heading to the Magic Kingdom. Hmmmm... I ask the strangers in the next cabin over where we are headed. Why, Epcot of course! Oh great. This trip is starting out just fabulously. So, we try to remain upbeat and take a tour of Epcot on the Monorail before heading back to the parking area of the Magic Kingdom. Once we get back, we decide to take the ferry over to the Magic Kingdom because that is the only place the ferry can go. So far it has taken us over an hour to get from our car to the Magic Kingdom. After getting Caleb's Guest Assistance Card, dropping off his medicine at First Aid, and using the potty we were ready for lunch. After our $77 lunch, we did manage a few rides with no mishaps. We left the park somewhere around 7 pm and got all the way back to the van (on the ferry again, because the monorail is satan) before Olaf realized we left Caleb's medicine at First Aid. This is his seizure medicine and he has to have it every 12 hours. Poor Olaf has to go all the way back to the park just to get the medicine. He did it in record time too. I think it only took about 30 minutes for him to return.
Monday, November 5th - MGM Studios
All I can say is this wasn't a good choice for our family. I would have loved it if I could have gone alone, but Caleb wasn't impressed. If Caleb isn't impressed, then the entire family pays. The BEST part of MGM was the Tower of Terror.
Now, I did not ride this but Caleb, Camille, and Olaf did. Caleb hated it! Olaf said he flipped out (like in an autistic meltdown sort of way) and Olaf was screaming the entire ride, "WHEN DOES THIS RIDE END?" When he came out and told me the story, I was laughing so hard. I know, I know....bad mommy. It just tickled me to no end to picture Olaf screaming for the ride to stop all the while Caleb is flipping out and peeing his pants. I am giggling right now just typing this.
Tuesday, November 6th - The Magic Kingdom again!
This was a good day at the Magic Kingdom. The weather was fabulous. Dawn and her family were there that day and we met up for an hour or so. I love Dawn! She is my twin that was separated at birth. Honestly.
And what could be more magical than losing your very first tooth at the Magic Kingdom while eating Mickey Mouse ice cream?
We stayed and watched the fireworks. It was lovely. Finally, a good day in Orlando.
Wednesday, November 7th - Epcot
I love, love, love Epcot. Mostly because they serve alcohol there.
This was a fairly good day. Soarin' is simply the best ride ever made. I love that ride. I could ride it over and over. We happened to go to Epcot during The Food and Wine Festival (purely accidental people, although appropriate.) The countries were selling small portions of local fare and we had the best dish in Mexico. It is called chilaquiles and it goes perfect with a margarita. I only had two margaritas in Mexico and they were tasty.
The children got their faces painted for the first time ever. $51.00. That is the reason we have never done it before.
John, the artist who painted Camille and Caleb was so much fun to watch. He really was a fabulous artist. He painted them so fast and with such flair. Here is John, the very "happy" artist.
Thursday, November 8th - Sea World
We spent this day with the Mosby's. Scott gave us free tickets (what is better than free?) and we spent the day watching shows and catching up! Our children love each other and get along really well.
We watched the Shamu show which was really fun!
Caleb, Camille, and I rode Kraken. It was a fun roller coaster. Caleb and I loved it so much we rode it twice.
Friday, November 9th - My 40th Birthday! The Magic Kingdom
A birthday lunch with the princesses. What could be better?
They even brought me my very own birthday cupcake.
Oh, and guess what? Caleb pulled out the sword from the Sword in the Stone! I have never seen anyone else do that. Have you? A cast member gave him a golden sticker that said "Temporary Ruler of the Realm." It was fun for him.
We got our picture taken with the Disney characters too.
We watched the fireworks from the ferry dock in the parking area then went back to our house. Oh yeah, the house! It was great! It had six bedrooms and a pool.
We had a lovely time with Scott, Frances, and Natalie.
Natalie is such a cutie. We all adored her.
Saturday, November 10th - Epcot one last time.
It was crowded, but fun. We drank raspberry wine from Poland and a special brew of beer from Sam Adams. Olaf bought me some perfume from Norway for my birthday and some martini glasses with Mickey on them. We rode Soarin' again. It was a perfect day. We stayed the night at a local resort for a fair price and all was well. Until...Sunday morning. Josiah started throwing up. The poor little guy had eight hours in the van with a plastic bag to barf into. And you all know that the stomach virus is my very favorite thing in the entire world. He threw up again this morning. Now Grace has a fever but is not vomiting yet.
Overall it was a good trip! I am already looking forward to our 2009 visit.
Sunday, November 4th - The Terrible, Awful, Not-So-Good Day at Magic Kingdom We arrive at the Magic Kingdom parking lot all ready for a day of fun. As we are heading up the ramp to the Monorail, Olaf runs into the heel of my foot with Caleb's wheelchair. I was wearing crocs. It is bleeding profusely and we don't have any tissues to stop the bleeding, so Olaf whips out a maxi pad and presses it on my foot. A MAXI PAD!! It looked like this after it stopped bleeding:
After I stop crying (and Olaf stops hitting himself in the head), the monorail arrives. We board in the handicapped section and realize that it doesn't seem to be heading to the Magic Kingdom. Hmmmm... I ask the strangers in the next cabin over where we are headed. Why, Epcot of course! Oh great. This trip is starting out just fabulously. So, we try to remain upbeat and take a tour of Epcot on the Monorail before heading back to the parking area of the Magic Kingdom. Once we get back, we decide to take the ferry over to the Magic Kingdom because that is the only place the ferry can go. So far it has taken us over an hour to get from our car to the Magic Kingdom. After getting Caleb's Guest Assistance Card, dropping off his medicine at First Aid, and using the potty we were ready for lunch. After our $77 lunch, we did manage a few rides with no mishaps. We left the park somewhere around 7 pm and got all the way back to the van (on the ferry again, because the monorail is satan) before Olaf realized we left Caleb's medicine at First Aid. This is his seizure medicine and he has to have it every 12 hours. Poor Olaf has to go all the way back to the park just to get the medicine. He did it in record time too. I think it only took about 30 minutes for him to return.
Monday, November 5th - MGM Studios
All I can say is this wasn't a good choice for our family. I would have loved it if I could have gone alone, but Caleb wasn't impressed. If Caleb isn't impressed, then the entire family pays. The BEST part of MGM was the Tower of Terror.
Now, I did not ride this but Caleb, Camille, and Olaf did. Caleb hated it! Olaf said he flipped out (like in an autistic meltdown sort of way) and Olaf was screaming the entire ride, "WHEN DOES THIS RIDE END?" When he came out and told me the story, I was laughing so hard. I know, I know....bad mommy. It just tickled me to no end to picture Olaf screaming for the ride to stop all the while Caleb is flipping out and peeing his pants. I am giggling right now just typing this.
Tuesday, November 6th - The Magic Kingdom again!
This was a good day at the Magic Kingdom. The weather was fabulous. Dawn and her family were there that day and we met up for an hour or so. I love Dawn! She is my twin that was separated at birth. Honestly.
And what could be more magical than losing your very first tooth at the Magic Kingdom while eating Mickey Mouse ice cream?
We stayed and watched the fireworks. It was lovely. Finally, a good day in Orlando.
Wednesday, November 7th - Epcot
I love, love, love Epcot. Mostly because they serve alcohol there.
This was a fairly good day. Soarin' is simply the best ride ever made. I love that ride. I could ride it over and over. We happened to go to Epcot during The Food and Wine Festival (purely accidental people, although appropriate.) The countries were selling small portions of local fare and we had the best dish in Mexico. It is called chilaquiles and it goes perfect with a margarita. I only had two margaritas in Mexico and they were tasty.
The children got their faces painted for the first time ever. $51.00. That is the reason we have never done it before.
John, the artist who painted Camille and Caleb was so much fun to watch. He really was a fabulous artist. He painted them so fast and with such flair. Here is John, the very "happy" artist.
Thursday, November 8th - Sea World
We spent this day with the Mosby's. Scott gave us free tickets (what is better than free?) and we spent the day watching shows and catching up! Our children love each other and get along really well.
We watched the Shamu show which was really fun!
Caleb, Camille, and I rode Kraken. It was a fun roller coaster. Caleb and I loved it so much we rode it twice.
Friday, November 9th - My 40th Birthday! The Magic Kingdom
A birthday lunch with the princesses. What could be better?
They even brought me my very own birthday cupcake.
Oh, and guess what? Caleb pulled out the sword from the Sword in the Stone! I have never seen anyone else do that. Have you? A cast member gave him a golden sticker that said "Temporary Ruler of the Realm." It was fun for him.
We got our picture taken with the Disney characters too.
We watched the fireworks from the ferry dock in the parking area then went back to our house. Oh yeah, the house! It was great! It had six bedrooms and a pool.
We had a lovely time with Scott, Frances, and Natalie.
Natalie is such a cutie. We all adored her.
Saturday, November 10th - Epcot one last time.
It was crowded, but fun. We drank raspberry wine from Poland and a special brew of beer from Sam Adams. Olaf bought me some perfume from Norway for my birthday and some martini glasses with Mickey on them. We rode Soarin' again. It was a perfect day. We stayed the night at a local resort for a fair price and all was well. Until...Sunday morning. Josiah started throwing up. The poor little guy had eight hours in the van with a plastic bag to barf into. And you all know that the stomach virus is my very favorite thing in the entire world. He threw up again this morning. Now Grace has a fever but is not vomiting yet.
Overall it was a good trip! I am already looking forward to our 2009 visit.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Hello from Orlando
Yep, we're here. Yep, my sister in law has a laptop. It's my first time using one and they are pretty darn nifty if I do say so myself. But it is very late and I need to get to bed. I will update later in the week if she lets me:)
Friday, November 02, 2007
Friday Felicities
- Family Vacations to Disney World
- Children giddy with excitement and packing everything
- BIRTHDAYS!
- Birthday presents (hint, hint)
- Fabulous friends, old and new. (Hi Laurel!)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
So much to do
and so little time. I am feeling very overwhelmed. Looks like we'll be packing Friday night and getting very little sleep. Oh well...
My friends, Tammy and Terry, came over this evening and gave me an early birthday present. A whole batch of the best homemade chocolate chip cookies ever (her cookies are fluffy, mine are flat), some Godiva Chocolate, (I LOVE this woman!) and a Yankee Candle in the Autumn Wreath scent. To top it off, the cookies were wrapped in a Williams Sonoma dish towel. What could possibly be better? Thank you so much my friend.
I spoke with Karen's husband, Darren, tonight. I guess he accidentally messed up the template of Karen's blog and called to ask me to fix it. It was great talking to him. He shared Karen's last few hours on earth with me. He sounded so happy for her, but of course, grieved for himself and his children. Her body was cremated at her request and the memorial will be on Sunday. I will be in Orlando, but Karen would want me to go on vacation with my family. I know she would. I can hear her voice in my head right now. "You go Miss Misty! Don't even think twice."
Simon will be six months old on the 4th. Can you believe that? Six months old. He is so big and so long. I nurse him and just stare in amazement at how big that child is. He still doesn't sleep well at all. He's like a newborn; worse than a newborn actually. He is up every 2 hours on a good night. On bad nights I can't put him down at all. He just likes to sleep ON me which makes for a long night sitting up against the headboard with a few pillows. However, I am still loving it because at my age (very nearly 40, my friends!) you never know if you will be blessed with another one. I am taking full advantage of every minute to hold that baby. I know far too well how incredibly fast they grow up. Karen's life has taught me the importance of every single minute on this earth. We are not guaranteed our next breath. Make every second count. Love is something that no one will ever regret on their death bed.
Speaking of more children, I watched Kids by the Dozen on TLC last night. It had on the Gonya Family and they were fabulous. No Duggar matching outfits or organization. Just a house that would run a lot like ours if we had twelve children. I enjoyed watching them and their family dynamic. I think they may have been Catholic, but that wasn't addressed in the episode. They just seemed to really like each other but yet were real and chaotic and normal. Camille enjoyed watching the show as well. She loves her siblings and wants more. She is begging for at least one more little girl. Like I can choose the sex of the baby. She is a fabulous big sister and helps me SO much. I don't know what I would do without her. I really don't.
Alright, it's 11:23 pm and I need to get some sleep. It just seems futile when I know the baby will wake up just as I am drifting off. I wish bodies could function on 2 or 3 hours of sleep.
My friends, Tammy and Terry, came over this evening and gave me an early birthday present. A whole batch of the best homemade chocolate chip cookies ever (her cookies are fluffy, mine are flat), some Godiva Chocolate, (I LOVE this woman!) and a Yankee Candle in the Autumn Wreath scent. To top it off, the cookies were wrapped in a Williams Sonoma dish towel. What could possibly be better? Thank you so much my friend.
I spoke with Karen's husband, Darren, tonight. I guess he accidentally messed up the template of Karen's blog and called to ask me to fix it. It was great talking to him. He shared Karen's last few hours on earth with me. He sounded so happy for her, but of course, grieved for himself and his children. Her body was cremated at her request and the memorial will be on Sunday. I will be in Orlando, but Karen would want me to go on vacation with my family. I know she would. I can hear her voice in my head right now. "You go Miss Misty! Don't even think twice."
Simon will be six months old on the 4th. Can you believe that? Six months old. He is so big and so long. I nurse him and just stare in amazement at how big that child is. He still doesn't sleep well at all. He's like a newborn; worse than a newborn actually. He is up every 2 hours on a good night. On bad nights I can't put him down at all. He just likes to sleep ON me which makes for a long night sitting up against the headboard with a few pillows. However, I am still loving it because at my age (very nearly 40, my friends!) you never know if you will be blessed with another one. I am taking full advantage of every minute to hold that baby. I know far too well how incredibly fast they grow up. Karen's life has taught me the importance of every single minute on this earth. We are not guaranteed our next breath. Make every second count. Love is something that no one will ever regret on their death bed.
Speaking of more children, I watched Kids by the Dozen on TLC last night. It had on the Gonya Family and they were fabulous. No Duggar matching outfits or organization. Just a house that would run a lot like ours if we had twelve children. I enjoyed watching them and their family dynamic. I think they may have been Catholic, but that wasn't addressed in the episode. They just seemed to really like each other but yet were real and chaotic and normal. Camille enjoyed watching the show as well. She loves her siblings and wants more. She is begging for at least one more little girl. Like I can choose the sex of the baby. She is a fabulous big sister and helps me SO much. I don't know what I would do without her. I really don't.
Alright, it's 11:23 pm and I need to get some sleep. It just seems futile when I know the baby will wake up just as I am drifting off. I wish bodies could function on 2 or 3 hours of sleep.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Finally, a real update
Simon is in his jumpy thing and being so cute right now. I thought I'd jump on here and give ya'll a real update even though there is nothing new under the sun. Hey, I think someone said that before;)
The children are fine and super excited about Disney. We leave next Saturday. Olaf is outside detailing our minivan to sell it. It has been such a fabulous van that I hate to see it go. If you are local and know someone who may be interested, here is a link to what it is worth via Kelly Blue Book. Our price is $6,000 firm. It's actual value is closer to the 'excellent' price. Olaf kept meticulous records. It just turned 85K miles and we are the only owners.
We are still adjusting to not having Ella here. We still walk softly in the places she used to sleep afraid that we are going to make her yelp if we get too close. I don't have to sleep with my bedroom door closed anymore because her snoring no longer wakes me up. I miss her.
Need to run. Simon needs me. He is so darn cute.
The children are fine and super excited about Disney. We leave next Saturday. Olaf is outside detailing our minivan to sell it. It has been such a fabulous van that I hate to see it go. If you are local and know someone who may be interested, here is a link to what it is worth via Kelly Blue Book. Our price is $6,000 firm. It's actual value is closer to the 'excellent' price. Olaf kept meticulous records. It just turned 85K miles and we are the only owners.
We are still adjusting to not having Ella here. We still walk softly in the places she used to sleep afraid that we are going to make her yelp if we get too close. I don't have to sleep with my bedroom door closed anymore because her snoring no longer wakes me up. I miss her.
Need to run. Simon needs me. He is so darn cute.
Friday, October 26, 2007
A true story
I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner. I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?'
'No, I had to stop drinking years ago' , the homeless woman told me.
'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.
"No, I don't waste time shopping," the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.
'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.
'Are you NUTS !' replied the homeless woman. 'I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'
'Well,' I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'
The homeless woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'
I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments and wine'.
OK, it's not true!:)
'No, I had to stop drinking years ago' , the homeless woman told me.
'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.
"No, I don't waste time shopping," the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.
'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.
'Are you NUTS !' replied the homeless woman. 'I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'
'Well,' I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'
The homeless woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'
I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments and wine'.
OK, it's not true!:)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Cool Beans
I just learned today that my digital camera has the ability to take videos. My friend, Misty, told me (Thanks woman!). So, here is Grace.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Weekend
I guess it's officially the weekend since it is after midnight. It seems like I never get to bed prior to midnight anymore. This baby thing can be tough on a 40 year old.
I got my hair trimmed today (and an eyebrow wax which was a total splurge for me) and as I was looking at myself in the mirror, I was just completely taken back at how fat and old I am. It was weird. Like all of a sudden I saw myself as other people see me. Blech. After our vacation I really need to step it up a notch.
The family is still reeling from the death of Ella. We received a sympathy card in the mail today from the vet's office. I cried when I read it. The entire staff signed the card. She was such a good dog. Too bad we couldn't have had her a few more years. Deacon has been waiting for her at the door. When we take him out to go potty, he looks for her. He is confused. I miss her terribly.
We are going to see Thomas on Sunday. It's about a 2.5 hour drive, so it will be a trial run for our upcoming Disney trip. I hope the baby does okay. With all that room in the new van we should be okay.
Please pray for my friend, Karen. The news isn't good, but their faith is amazing. I heard she cut her hair but I haven't seen it yet. Karen has always had one LOOONNNGGGG braid down her back. She got it cut chin length I think. Everyone says it looks fabulous. I bet it does. She cut it in case she has to have intrathecal chemo to the brain. Let me see if I can find a photo of Karen at my baby shower.
See that braid running down the right side of her neck?
I need to get to bed. My little man will be up any minute wanting his mama.
Did I mention I need a massage??
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Just one more...
My friend, Jeff, sent this to me in an e-mail.
MENOPAUSE JEWELRY
My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings,
bought me a mood ring the other day
so he would be able to monitor my moods.
We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood,
it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood,
it leaves a big red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond.
MENOPAUSE JEWELRY
My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings,
bought me a mood ring the other day
so he would be able to monitor my moods.
We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood,
it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood,
it leaves a big red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond.
Monday, October 15, 2007
BWAH HA HA!
A friend, who shall remain nameless for her own protection, sent me this via e-mail. It is too good not to share:
To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.....................................
As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of sh .. .
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service.
To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.....................................
As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of sh .. .
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
