Ever play on the play equipment until you fall asleep on the play equipment?
Well, that would be what Joshy did yesterday. Play play play until he fell asleep right there on the equipment. Of course before that he had to learn how to get in and through all the equipment and thanks to a couple girls helping him, his learning curve was quick. And being the littlest guy in there, he didn't let that slow him down. In fact, one big one 2-3 times his size, tried to take his pacifier away (a critical error in judgement); Joshy hauled away and whacked that boy who tried to mug him for his property. Don't mess with a boy's pacifier! Of course, the boy's mom came up and had to ask and try to get Jockey in trouble for hitting, which normally I don't condone, but Papa Bishop called it right, "I'd hit someone who is twice my size too, if they tried to take my pacifier."
So that was the majority of the day, then naps, dinner, biking on the patio, and a movie.
Today, I'm pinching time to write this, because we are going to Pump It Up (a bouncy house place) to try to get the boys to burn off energy that way. Then who knows. This morning is overcast, so I don't know what the weather holds, but it's definately NOT so cold it's snowing as I have heard it is doing in Washington. In fact, one day Caleb wore shorts!
Ok, that's it for now. We have to get ready and go... I'm sure Papa wants squeeze in a stop at Starbucks for his wake-up/stay awake juice.
TTFN
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday in California.... BEAUTIFUL weather.
Grandma Bishop had to go to school.
Papa and the boys and I went to let them play at a McDonalds while it was still a bit nippy out. Caleb made a friend with the one boy that was there to play with. Joshy did his best to keep up, or to stop them in their tracks so that he couldn't get left behind.
Afterward, it was warm enough that to go to the park. It was a very nice park with big equipment and lots of it. Swings and all. We stayed there for quite a while, until the sun was so warm and toasty it felt time for a nap. Of course, the boys had to play around the house an extra hour or so until they were also ready for a nap.
By the time we all woke up from naps, it was time for dinner and Grandma was home. We watched a couple movies, brushed our teeth and then it was off to bed.
We've woken up to another gorgeous sunny day, and now are planning what to do. It's hard, because there is so much to do, but also, I MIGHT be getting the flu type thing that up until this point I've avoided. Maybe traveling and watching kids on the go had gotten the better of my system. Well, I'm going to take my Claratin and see if it is just allergies, there are so many pretty flowers going to pollinate right now that I'm not use to being around.
That's it for now. We're off to another full day.
Grandma Bishop had to go to school.
Papa and the boys and I went to let them play at a McDonalds while it was still a bit nippy out. Caleb made a friend with the one boy that was there to play with. Joshy did his best to keep up, or to stop them in their tracks so that he couldn't get left behind.
Afterward, it was warm enough that to go to the park. It was a very nice park with big equipment and lots of it. Swings and all. We stayed there for quite a while, until the sun was so warm and toasty it felt time for a nap. Of course, the boys had to play around the house an extra hour or so until they were also ready for a nap.
By the time we all woke up from naps, it was time for dinner and Grandma was home. We watched a couple movies, brushed our teeth and then it was off to bed.
We've woken up to another gorgeous sunny day, and now are planning what to do. It's hard, because there is so much to do, but also, I MIGHT be getting the flu type thing that up until this point I've avoided. Maybe traveling and watching kids on the go had gotten the better of my system. Well, I'm going to take my Claratin and see if it is just allergies, there are so many pretty flowers going to pollinate right now that I'm not use to being around.
That's it for now. We're off to another full day.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Our first two days in California:
Friday we adjusted well to the weather. Though it started out a bit overcast, it brightened nicely. The boys played quite a bit with one of the big box of toys Grandma and Papa keep for them. Right after a quick snack around noon, Papa Bishop took them to a BIG McDonald's play area. It's inside, dry and the right temperature and a hot bed of kid activity. Caleb likes going and finding kids to interact with, "friends" he calls them. They played for a very long time, until Joshy just couldn't take it any more because he was so tired. That's a good day when you've played until you fall asleep.
While this was going on, I went out with my mom to do some errands she needed to get done.
The evening wrapped up with a dip in the hot tub. Joshy did really well. He didn't really move around the hot tub, rather just stayed in one spot and played and splashed, but he did so with confidence and joy. Caleb played and can walk on the bottom of the hot tub so he is a decent fish in this puddle of water. We played until the night rain began dropping cold drips on our heads and shoulders. Then we raced to the showers, then Pjs, a quick cuddle and good night to Grandma and Papa. Then it was off to bed.
Saturday, was a bit of a slow start but once we got going we hit the ground running. Papa took us to Chuck E. Cheese (code name: Rat Pizza). We didn't get any food, in fact, we packed a small lunch with us. But the kids didn't sit down a moment in over an hour, so they didn't miss the food or lack there of. Joshy is getting more independent and trying things himself, or insisting on doing it himself. Caleb is also insisting that Joshy doesn't get to help him. We didn't even use up the whole $10 that I cashed into tokens, and with that fact, the reality is that we will return later this week for more fun. And perhaps during the week will be less crazy, people packed and more relaxed.
After Rat Pizza, was naps with the promise that the bike/tricycle would be brought out when they awoke. And true to the promise, I got them out of the shed and swept the patio so they were able to ride around. They do laps around the patio set. Joshy is still just a might short to get the power to push in his legs, but he'll get there. Caleb is off and zooming.
The kids ate a good dinner for the third night in a row, of course it was the same hit that we experienced on Thursday. Chicken Alfredo. When they clean their plates, fast without arguements or cajoling, you have to stick with a hit and keep serving it. I'm in complete shock that they have eaten their meals so well without a battle. I hope it continues.
Grandma Bishop set Caleb up on her computer to play games. And she switched games for him ever time he asked. He had quite a good time Matching, repeating patterns, listening and following instructions. He did very well and played for quite a long time.
Caleb wasn't so thrilled about going to bed, and he had to call Daddy. He told Daddy he missed him, which I'm sure was true... But Caleb was trying to manipulate the situation and try to stay up, hoping that Daddy would change Mommy's rules. Not gonna happen kiddo. You're tired and whiny, and frankly, I don't want to be around that attitude, so even more reason why I stick to my "go to bed" guns.
The kids have been behaving so good, more than ever at home, and it has been so nice, but I'm seeing signs of a tide changing. Sigh. It was so nice while it lasted.
Well, we aren't entirely decided on a plan for today. I'm hoping that it is dry enough for a park, maybe one big enough to keep the boys busy for a while, or one that has a flat paved area for them to ride their bikes even more. We'll see.
Grandma Bishop is in school today. I told that to Joshy and he said "Grandma a big boy? Pee in potty?" I had to laugh and say yes, she gets to go to school because she uses the potty... since that is what we've convinced him he has to do in order to go to preschool. Ahh, the minds of children.
Friday we adjusted well to the weather. Though it started out a bit overcast, it brightened nicely. The boys played quite a bit with one of the big box of toys Grandma and Papa keep for them. Right after a quick snack around noon, Papa Bishop took them to a BIG McDonald's play area. It's inside, dry and the right temperature and a hot bed of kid activity. Caleb likes going and finding kids to interact with, "friends" he calls them. They played for a very long time, until Joshy just couldn't take it any more because he was so tired. That's a good day when you've played until you fall asleep.
While this was going on, I went out with my mom to do some errands she needed to get done.
The evening wrapped up with a dip in the hot tub. Joshy did really well. He didn't really move around the hot tub, rather just stayed in one spot and played and splashed, but he did so with confidence and joy. Caleb played and can walk on the bottom of the hot tub so he is a decent fish in this puddle of water. We played until the night rain began dropping cold drips on our heads and shoulders. Then we raced to the showers, then Pjs, a quick cuddle and good night to Grandma and Papa. Then it was off to bed.
Saturday, was a bit of a slow start but once we got going we hit the ground running. Papa took us to Chuck E. Cheese (code name: Rat Pizza). We didn't get any food, in fact, we packed a small lunch with us. But the kids didn't sit down a moment in over an hour, so they didn't miss the food or lack there of. Joshy is getting more independent and trying things himself, or insisting on doing it himself. Caleb is also insisting that Joshy doesn't get to help him. We didn't even use up the whole $10 that I cashed into tokens, and with that fact, the reality is that we will return later this week for more fun. And perhaps during the week will be less crazy, people packed and more relaxed.
After Rat Pizza, was naps with the promise that the bike/tricycle would be brought out when they awoke. And true to the promise, I got them out of the shed and swept the patio so they were able to ride around. They do laps around the patio set. Joshy is still just a might short to get the power to push in his legs, but he'll get there. Caleb is off and zooming.
The kids ate a good dinner for the third night in a row, of course it was the same hit that we experienced on Thursday. Chicken Alfredo. When they clean their plates, fast without arguements or cajoling, you have to stick with a hit and keep serving it. I'm in complete shock that they have eaten their meals so well without a battle. I hope it continues.
Grandma Bishop set Caleb up on her computer to play games. And she switched games for him ever time he asked. He had quite a good time Matching, repeating patterns, listening and following instructions. He did very well and played for quite a long time.
Caleb wasn't so thrilled about going to bed, and he had to call Daddy. He told Daddy he missed him, which I'm sure was true... But Caleb was trying to manipulate the situation and try to stay up, hoping that Daddy would change Mommy's rules. Not gonna happen kiddo. You're tired and whiny, and frankly, I don't want to be around that attitude, so even more reason why I stick to my "go to bed" guns.
The kids have been behaving so good, more than ever at home, and it has been so nice, but I'm seeing signs of a tide changing. Sigh. It was so nice while it lasted.
Well, we aren't entirely decided on a plan for today. I'm hoping that it is dry enough for a park, maybe one big enough to keep the boys busy for a while, or one that has a flat paved area for them to ride their bikes even more. We'll see.
Grandma Bishop is in school today. I told that to Joshy and he said "Grandma a big boy? Pee in potty?" I had to laugh and say yes, she gets to go to school because she uses the potty... since that is what we've convinced him he has to do in order to go to preschool. Ahh, the minds of children.
Friday, March 28, 2008
We're in California!
We arrived safely. Transported from the snow flurries of Seattle to the very comfortable sunny mid-high 60's with relative ease.
We got to the airport with plenty of time, security was the better side of what was expected. The boys were well behaved, much to my relief. Although, Joshy did try the leaving of the family bathroom before we (I) are all done trick. Fortunately, I put the bags in front of the door, and this particular room, I could jam my foot against the door. Whew!!! And the boys were mostly patient with waiting.
The plane boarded us right on time. However, there was about a 1/2 hour delay once boarded due to volume on the runways. But that was fine, until as we cued into the runway line up (next in line) Caleb says he has to go potty... and can't hold it. Fortunately the answer, No and you just have to hold it worked. The moment that that seatbelt light went off.... we were off to the back of the plane. Have you ever tried to fit a party of 3 in an airplane bathroom??! It was so loud, Caleb almost couldn't concentrate enough to have success. And I was horrified for an instant when I thought Josh had dropped his pacifier in the toilet, luckily, it had just fallen on the floor (rolling my eyes at myself.... as if the floor was any better, but at least it wasn't lost forever and washable).
The boys were awake for most of the plane trip, the fell asleep about 20 minutes before we landed. About the time they were going stir crazy and making me nuts (because they wanted nuts, they didn't want to sit anymore, they wanted to look out the window, etc) I commanded them to sleep in the best "command in public" way. And they did much to my relief. And the added blessing is that with our recent illnesses, they slept through the difficult decent and head pressure time. (I was awake and having troubles.)
We're here safe and Caleb promptly showed everyone his Cool Moves. (Joshy too, which is a crack up). The boys were both very affectionate and instantly warmed up to Grandma and Papa Bishop. I'm always concerned that the distance causes some kind of barrier to be broken through each time, but I ended up having nothing to worry about! My new camera was here waiting and so far I love it. The boys ate their dinner and literally CLEANED their plates! Without begging, ordering, arguing. Impressive. We finished the evening by watching the Celebrity Apprentice.
So here we are on our first morning. In the sun and planning our activities. The kids are playing in the backyard, or every where with the box of toys that awaited them here. So far so good.
More later, as it comes.
We arrived safely. Transported from the snow flurries of Seattle to the very comfortable sunny mid-high 60's with relative ease.
We got to the airport with plenty of time, security was the better side of what was expected. The boys were well behaved, much to my relief. Although, Joshy did try the leaving of the family bathroom before we (I) are all done trick. Fortunately, I put the bags in front of the door, and this particular room, I could jam my foot against the door. Whew!!! And the boys were mostly patient with waiting.
The plane boarded us right on time. However, there was about a 1/2 hour delay once boarded due to volume on the runways. But that was fine, until as we cued into the runway line up (next in line) Caleb says he has to go potty... and can't hold it. Fortunately the answer, No and you just have to hold it worked. The moment that that seatbelt light went off.... we were off to the back of the plane. Have you ever tried to fit a party of 3 in an airplane bathroom??! It was so loud, Caleb almost couldn't concentrate enough to have success. And I was horrified for an instant when I thought Josh had dropped his pacifier in the toilet, luckily, it had just fallen on the floor (rolling my eyes at myself.... as if the floor was any better, but at least it wasn't lost forever and washable).
The boys were awake for most of the plane trip, the fell asleep about 20 minutes before we landed. About the time they were going stir crazy and making me nuts (because they wanted nuts, they didn't want to sit anymore, they wanted to look out the window, etc) I commanded them to sleep in the best "command in public" way. And they did much to my relief. And the added blessing is that with our recent illnesses, they slept through the difficult decent and head pressure time. (I was awake and having troubles.)
We're here safe and Caleb promptly showed everyone his Cool Moves. (Joshy too, which is a crack up). The boys were both very affectionate and instantly warmed up to Grandma and Papa Bishop. I'm always concerned that the distance causes some kind of barrier to be broken through each time, but I ended up having nothing to worry about! My new camera was here waiting and so far I love it. The boys ate their dinner and literally CLEANED their plates! Without begging, ordering, arguing. Impressive. We finished the evening by watching the Celebrity Apprentice.
So here we are on our first morning. In the sun and planning our activities. The kids are playing in the backyard, or every where with the box of toys that awaited them here. So far so good.
More later, as it comes.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A packing I will go, A packing I will go.
I know that there are people out there who start a week or more in advance packing for a trip. I am NOT one of those people. And, I have the mentality, that it's just going to shift in the plane anyway. So I pack the clothes/shoe etc the night before by just throwing them in. The morning of I throw in the toiletries (contacts case, solution, make-up etc) on top. Done. So, for waiting until the last day, I'm about 2/3 of the way there. .
This works great, because the boys thought it was fun to climb into the 1/2 full suitcase and hide. And hid toys, and pull things out, and jump in them. I'd be really frustrated if everything that folded and placed perfectly.
Caleb doesn't have a fever again. And he is alot more perky today in general. I think I'll try school again, even if it *technically* breaks the 24 hour rule. I think that the fever yesterday was just a body response to activity.
I still have lots of laundry to put away. And I am considering cleaning the entire house to perfection. It would be nice knowing that I'm leaving it that way. But it won't be that way went I return so it will be like a clean that I didn't get to enjoy and live in for even a day. I wouldn't want any false/subconscious explectations of coming home to a house the way I left it.
Joshy was up until 1:00 AM. We put him to be HOURS before that. But he just wouldn't stay in his room and wouldn't sleep. He kept telling me that he was afraid of the dark, of the trains, of the frogs that he could hear across the street. I had to repeat dozen's of times that the frogs won't come in the house. I left the light on a little. And the trains naturally passed and didn't return. That didn't help. He wanted to be in our room. He climbed in 3 different times with us. I prayed with him and had to explain that we are God's children and Jesus is in our hearts, and that Jesus gave us the power to command the things that make us afraid to leave. That seemed to make some affect. But he still was roaming around the house. It was a long process. Finally at 1, that was the last "tuck-in" time and he stayed put! sigh. Fortunately, in the morning he did crawl into my bed but he went right back to sleep until 8:30, very unusual and merciful of him. Normally, no matter how late he stays up, he always wakes up by 7:30 and most often earlier.
This morning, he told me he was hiding his poop. Shock rippled through me. W-H-E-R-E? I was horrified to contemplate the mess lurking undiscovered in the most difficult place to clean in the most inconveinent location, just waiting for an untimely and most likely physically disgusting finding. To my relief, he said that it was hiding in him bum and diaper. SIGH, I was never so relieved to have a dirty diaper to change in 5 years. This one had it's own vibrantly offensive odor that demanded to be addressed, but at least this one didn't smell like manure. One of his diapers last week very literally smelled like cow manure. And while less offensive in actual odor, the uncanny similarity was too much to ignore. I told Joshy that he and his diaper smelled like cow... to which he responded "Moooooo, me cow".
Enough about p**p for now. Because I'm sure most readers are gratefully past this particular phase in your lives and aren't anxious to relive.
I will try to update the blog while in California, but if I don't, see you back on April 7th or 8th depending on what time I finally get home and how busy I am unpacking. The boys have been asking or trying to leave for "fornia" for over a week now, but today they are in utter disbelief and comprehension that tomorrow the day. Odd.
Well, that's it for now. I hope you've gotten a little humor out of today. TTFN
I know that there are people out there who start a week or more in advance packing for a trip. I am NOT one of those people. And, I have the mentality, that it's just going to shift in the plane anyway. So I pack the clothes/shoe etc the night before by just throwing them in. The morning of I throw in the toiletries (contacts case, solution, make-up etc) on top. Done. So, for waiting until the last day, I'm about 2/3 of the way there. .
This works great, because the boys thought it was fun to climb into the 1/2 full suitcase and hide. And hid toys, and pull things out, and jump in them. I'd be really frustrated if everything that folded and placed perfectly.
Caleb doesn't have a fever again. And he is alot more perky today in general. I think I'll try school again, even if it *technically* breaks the 24 hour rule. I think that the fever yesterday was just a body response to activity.
I still have lots of laundry to put away. And I am considering cleaning the entire house to perfection. It would be nice knowing that I'm leaving it that way. But it won't be that way went I return so it will be like a clean that I didn't get to enjoy and live in for even a day. I wouldn't want any false/subconscious explectations of coming home to a house the way I left it.
Joshy was up until 1:00 AM. We put him to be HOURS before that. But he just wouldn't stay in his room and wouldn't sleep. He kept telling me that he was afraid of the dark, of the trains, of the frogs that he could hear across the street. I had to repeat dozen's of times that the frogs won't come in the house. I left the light on a little. And the trains naturally passed and didn't return. That didn't help. He wanted to be in our room. He climbed in 3 different times with us. I prayed with him and had to explain that we are God's children and Jesus is in our hearts, and that Jesus gave us the power to command the things that make us afraid to leave. That seemed to make some affect. But he still was roaming around the house. It was a long process. Finally at 1, that was the last "tuck-in" time and he stayed put! sigh. Fortunately, in the morning he did crawl into my bed but he went right back to sleep until 8:30, very unusual and merciful of him. Normally, no matter how late he stays up, he always wakes up by 7:30 and most often earlier.
This morning, he told me he was hiding his poop. Shock rippled through me. W-H-E-R-E? I was horrified to contemplate the mess lurking undiscovered in the most difficult place to clean in the most inconveinent location, just waiting for an untimely and most likely physically disgusting finding. To my relief, he said that it was hiding in him bum and diaper. SIGH, I was never so relieved to have a dirty diaper to change in 5 years. This one had it's own vibrantly offensive odor that demanded to be addressed, but at least this one didn't smell like manure. One of his diapers last week very literally smelled like cow manure. And while less offensive in actual odor, the uncanny similarity was too much to ignore. I told Joshy that he and his diaper smelled like cow... to which he responded "Moooooo, me cow".
Enough about p**p for now. Because I'm sure most readers are gratefully past this particular phase in your lives and aren't anxious to relive.
I will try to update the blog while in California, but if I don't, see you back on April 7th or 8th depending on what time I finally get home and how busy I am unpacking. The boys have been asking or trying to leave for "fornia" for over a week now, but today they are in utter disbelief and comprehension that tomorrow the day. Odd.
Well, that's it for now. I hope you've gotten a little humor out of today. TTFN
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tuesday.
Where to start. Caleb hadn't had a fever since midday Monday, so he was able to go to school. He was acting whiny, cantankerous, and bossy enough to indicate he was feeling better.
When I dropped him off, he was acting rather subdued, quiet and shy. He would not engage the other kids, he was instead clinging and holding my hand. It was rather unusual for him to do exactly as I asked, and walk over and quietly write his name and find his name card to place in the basket. Normally he is bouncy, chattering, and I'm unable to get his attention let alone get him to obey. He had trouble being around his schoolmates after being gone all last week. Miss Cheryl said that for a while he was really reserved, but he did brighten up after awhile.
When I picked him up, Caleb actually asked to leave, when normally he wants to endlessly run around with his buddies.
Now he is at home and fell asleep in just minutes... and I took his temp... it's back up to 101.2 I guess he added activity of today (more than any other time this last week) wore down his system and set us back.
We'll see, later if he's better.
Joshy is ok. He's getting into everything, climbing everything and being a little bully. And he is insisting that he wear sunglasses and calls himself a "cool dude". And he helped me grocery shop, he likes to hold the list.
I'm hoping tomorrow is better for Caleb.
Where to start. Caleb hadn't had a fever since midday Monday, so he was able to go to school. He was acting whiny, cantankerous, and bossy enough to indicate he was feeling better.
When I dropped him off, he was acting rather subdued, quiet and shy. He would not engage the other kids, he was instead clinging and holding my hand. It was rather unusual for him to do exactly as I asked, and walk over and quietly write his name and find his name card to place in the basket. Normally he is bouncy, chattering, and I'm unable to get his attention let alone get him to obey. He had trouble being around his schoolmates after being gone all last week. Miss Cheryl said that for a while he was really reserved, but he did brighten up after awhile.
When I picked him up, Caleb actually asked to leave, when normally he wants to endlessly run around with his buddies.
Now he is at home and fell asleep in just minutes... and I took his temp... it's back up to 101.2 I guess he added activity of today (more than any other time this last week) wore down his system and set us back.
We'll see, later if he's better.
Joshy is ok. He's getting into everything, climbing everything and being a little bully. And he is insisting that he wear sunglasses and calls himself a "cool dude". And he helped me grocery shop, he likes to hold the list.
I'm hoping tomorrow is better for Caleb.
Monday, March 24, 2008
It's a brand new week and it is absolutely gorgeous outside.
But, it was another rough night with the sick guy (Caleb).
Mike and I were up late playing Scrabble, and then I didn't go directly to bed, laundry picking up etc. Just as a last thought, just as a mom covering the based so that I can sleep at night... I decided at 12:45am to check Caleb's temperature. That must have been the Lord urging me to check, because he was at 103.6 and climbing. Mike did get up with me and we were in a fight with the fever until 3:30Am because it spiked up to 104.6. Mike even got dressed to take Caleb to the hospital because it was taking too long to get him cooled off, and because Caleb was shaking ALOT. What scared me was that he was sooo hot, but his hands and feet were cold and pale white/bluish. I was worried that with all of his shivering and racing heart that he wasn't getting enough oxygen and he did throw up. He had a cold bath, he had a cold shower, we ick packed his armpit, back, neck and head. We gave him Tylenol, iced water and juice, frozen fruit to eat, etc. Lots of prayer. And it came down.
I was so worried that it would spike back up that I couldn't sleep. We kept Caleb in our room and I even set alarms to wake me up and check his temperature. I didn't even need the alarms until after 5:00am. But I did set one so that I could wake Mike up.
It was a long night. Now Caleb still has a fever, 101 or less, but he feels better than the higher temps, which means he is more fiesty... and after a rough night he is tired too. Me too. Daddy too. BUT, Not JOCKEY! He is running around with 9 hours of sleep, and green streams from the nose. Fiesty, too.
On such a beautiful day, sigh, we could have been feeding ducks. And I'd start packing if I wasn't so tired. Thursday is just 4 days away. Joshy tried to go last night. He pulled on his coat and demanded help finding his shoes. So I asked him where he was going, he said "fornia" he was ready to walk out the door and be there. He was upset that we weren't leaving right that moment.
Well, that's all for now. We are having another quiet day at home, and I'm really hoping that Caleb loses his fever in time to got to school (worry free, not contagious). It would be so sad for him to not even say goodbye to his friends before spring break. But I can't change whatever it is, so I have to just get over it and make sure Caleb's fever stays in a safer range.
That's it for now. I'll keep you posted.
But, it was another rough night with the sick guy (Caleb).
Mike and I were up late playing Scrabble, and then I didn't go directly to bed, laundry picking up etc. Just as a last thought, just as a mom covering the based so that I can sleep at night... I decided at 12:45am to check Caleb's temperature. That must have been the Lord urging me to check, because he was at 103.6 and climbing. Mike did get up with me and we were in a fight with the fever until 3:30Am because it spiked up to 104.6. Mike even got dressed to take Caleb to the hospital because it was taking too long to get him cooled off, and because Caleb was shaking ALOT. What scared me was that he was sooo hot, but his hands and feet were cold and pale white/bluish. I was worried that with all of his shivering and racing heart that he wasn't getting enough oxygen and he did throw up. He had a cold bath, he had a cold shower, we ick packed his armpit, back, neck and head. We gave him Tylenol, iced water and juice, frozen fruit to eat, etc. Lots of prayer. And it came down.
I was so worried that it would spike back up that I couldn't sleep. We kept Caleb in our room and I even set alarms to wake me up and check his temperature. I didn't even need the alarms until after 5:00am. But I did set one so that I could wake Mike up.
It was a long night. Now Caleb still has a fever, 101 or less, but he feels better than the higher temps, which means he is more fiesty... and after a rough night he is tired too. Me too. Daddy too. BUT, Not JOCKEY! He is running around with 9 hours of sleep, and green streams from the nose. Fiesty, too.
On such a beautiful day, sigh, we could have been feeding ducks. And I'd start packing if I wasn't so tired. Thursday is just 4 days away. Joshy tried to go last night. He pulled on his coat and demanded help finding his shoes. So I asked him where he was going, he said "fornia" he was ready to walk out the door and be there. He was upset that we weren't leaving right that moment.
Well, that's all for now. We are having another quiet day at home, and I'm really hoping that Caleb loses his fever in time to got to school (worry free, not contagious). It would be so sad for him to not even say goodbye to his friends before spring break. But I can't change whatever it is, so I have to just get over it and make sure Caleb's fever stays in a safer range.
That's it for now. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Pictures from the Egg Hunts. 1 at preschool and 2 at home (and one little Jockey who got up in the middle of the night as mommy was finishing putting together the surprise...
Preschool event... Attended by Daddy, Mommy, Grammy Dahl, Papa Dahl, Papa Bill, and Grandma Judy.
Joshy last night; He woke up while Mommy was getting ready for Easter... I didn't let him get into anything, but I did make him pose!
Easter Morning... the traditional trail of jelly beans to their individual baskets....
Joshy thought the idea was to eat the trail... not just to collect the trail and follow it.
HAPPY EASTER.... aka Resurrection Sunday.
We are home from church today... the Nursery won't take Joshy because of the runny nose of green goo. And Caleb has has a fever in the last 24 hours (more on that in a sec). So we have had to have our own Easter celebration. We listened to a store on CD, music and of course kid-oriented fun. I felt so bad that we missed all the activities yesterday, that I prepared an Egg Hunt here at the house, a game and baskets. So it was a cheery morning of exploring the new $-store toys and chocolate bunny and praying hands... and an egg hunt. I found a package It was a built in Easter activity and so I put the animals in the eggs and hid them. As well as the pieces to the game to be played and a couple stretchy bunnies. Not much, really since I broke open the packages and made multiple gifts out of it all. But the kids had a GREAT time. Even if I had to wipe Joshy's nose 4 times in 30 minutes.
We so far are playing it easy on activities. It's raining out so nothing outside to do really.
I have to do a temperature check on Caleb and see how he is doing. He wasn't bad this morning comparatively....
Yesterday, in the mid-afternoon, about the time I would have liked to go to the last activity that was available, I checked Caleb's temperature and he was ***104.5*****! YIKES! So I know that if you have something that high, generally, the books say, I'm suppose to call the hospital or take him right in... but with little bro sleeping, and I hadn't even tried to get it down, I opted to make some attempt to get it down before I panickked and took him to the ER. I immediately got cold wash clothes and started wiping him down. I made him drink cold fluids and take Tylenol. It was helping, but I wasn't happy with the slow rate that it was dropping. I ended up doing something that I had vivid awful memories of... the cold bath. Caleb was still near 104 and I wasn't happy with that, so I took him in and made him lay in the cold water. I remember screaming and clawing in terror when I was little. Caleb, however, was brave and completely shockingly stellar in his behavior (very very little complaining and no crying) and he was very obedient and laid there. I tried to think back to when I was going through it all and tried to think of what would have made it better for me... what I came up with was a towel over him as he lay in the water and douse the towel so that it wasn't such a shock to his skin. He laid there and I put water and wash clothes on his head and poured water onto the towel. He did so great. And it worked. He came down to below 102 ( I was comfortable with anything in the 101 range). It took 45 minutes to get him down to a reasonable fever temp, but I did it and he was so great. I tried to talk calm and tell him that it was important but not overexplain. He was patient with me taking him temp ever 3-5 minutes. If I had to get a high fever, I couldn't have asked for a better child experience. We ended by putting Vicks on his chest and a nap right next to me so that I could watch him as he slept.
I'd like to say that that was it for yesterday... but about 10:30PM, Caleb spiked up again over 104. Daddy was here this time. Long story- short, after an hour, it did eventually come down with tylenol, a cold shower, ice packs, and a little more drama. Caleb did got to bed with a 101.3 temp with just a sheet over him, other blankets near by, a bible store read to him, and vicks on his chest. AND Daddy's alarm set to 2Am so that the next dose of Tylenol could be given so that another fever spike didn't occur.
Like I said, i haven't checked him this morning because of all the activites, but I know that he isn't soaring/searing hot. But he is due for a check. And we will see how he is.
So that's the story of our Easter. Jesus loves you all and died and rose again for the sins that we have all committed. And fortunately, He is also our healer... and don't think for one second I wasn't praying with all my words for Caleb's temperature to come down... both times.
Have a Great Easter; and remember bunnies, chicks and eggs are cute and Family and ham are pleasant, but He is Risen after buying our Salvation with His life and that's what Easter is really about.
We are home from church today... the Nursery won't take Joshy because of the runny nose of green goo. And Caleb has has a fever in the last 24 hours (more on that in a sec). So we have had to have our own Easter celebration. We listened to a store on CD, music and of course kid-oriented fun. I felt so bad that we missed all the activities yesterday, that I prepared an Egg Hunt here at the house, a game and baskets. So it was a cheery morning of exploring the new $-store toys and chocolate bunny and praying hands... and an egg hunt. I found a package It was a built in Easter activity and so I put the animals in the eggs and hid them. As well as the pieces to the game to be played and a couple stretchy bunnies. Not much, really since I broke open the packages and made multiple gifts out of it all. But the kids had a GREAT time. Even if I had to wipe Joshy's nose 4 times in 30 minutes.
We so far are playing it easy on activities. It's raining out so nothing outside to do really.
I have to do a temperature check on Caleb and see how he is doing. He wasn't bad this morning comparatively....
Yesterday, in the mid-afternoon, about the time I would have liked to go to the last activity that was available, I checked Caleb's temperature and he was ***104.5*****! YIKES! So I know that if you have something that high, generally, the books say, I'm suppose to call the hospital or take him right in... but with little bro sleeping, and I hadn't even tried to get it down, I opted to make some attempt to get it down before I panickked and took him to the ER. I immediately got cold wash clothes and started wiping him down. I made him drink cold fluids and take Tylenol. It was helping, but I wasn't happy with the slow rate that it was dropping. I ended up doing something that I had vivid awful memories of... the cold bath. Caleb was still near 104 and I wasn't happy with that, so I took him in and made him lay in the cold water. I remember screaming and clawing in terror when I was little. Caleb, however, was brave and completely shockingly stellar in his behavior (very very little complaining and no crying) and he was very obedient and laid there. I tried to think back to when I was going through it all and tried to think of what would have made it better for me... what I came up with was a towel over him as he lay in the water and douse the towel so that it wasn't such a shock to his skin. He laid there and I put water and wash clothes on his head and poured water onto the towel. He did so great. And it worked. He came down to below 102 ( I was comfortable with anything in the 101 range). It took 45 minutes to get him down to a reasonable fever temp, but I did it and he was so great. I tried to talk calm and tell him that it was important but not overexplain. He was patient with me taking him temp ever 3-5 minutes. If I had to get a high fever, I couldn't have asked for a better child experience. We ended by putting Vicks on his chest and a nap right next to me so that I could watch him as he slept.
I'd like to say that that was it for yesterday... but about 10:30PM, Caleb spiked up again over 104. Daddy was here this time. Long story- short, after an hour, it did eventually come down with tylenol, a cold shower, ice packs, and a little more drama. Caleb did got to bed with a 101.3 temp with just a sheet over him, other blankets near by, a bible store read to him, and vicks on his chest. AND Daddy's alarm set to 2Am so that the next dose of Tylenol could be given so that another fever spike didn't occur.
Like I said, i haven't checked him this morning because of all the activites, but I know that he isn't soaring/searing hot. But he is due for a check. And we will see how he is.
So that's the story of our Easter. Jesus loves you all and died and rose again for the sins that we have all committed. And fortunately, He is also our healer... and don't think for one second I wasn't praying with all my words for Caleb's temperature to come down... both times.
Have a Great Easter; and remember bunnies, chicks and eggs are cute and Family and ham are pleasant, but He is Risen after buying our Salvation with His life and that's what Easter is really about.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Happy Weekend.
It's Saturday and it is beautiful outside. Sunny, even though a bit chilly.
Caleb didn't fall asleep until nearly 2AM! this morning. He wasn't feeling good, he wanted to see Daddy etc. etc. But when he woke up at 6:30 with a cough, he also had a fever. I think that is pretty much under control now though. If the whinning and fighting with Joshy is any indication.
I am feeling sooo bad about him not getting to do anything for Easter today. We missed the city events/jumpy house etc, the city Egg hunt, the Snohomish parade. There is one thing left at 1:00 and I'd LOVE to take the boys to it. With being sick all week and at home, they are REALLY (I repeat REALLY) stir crazy. BUT, as I think through it all, with 4.5 hours of sleep, dragging the boys, especially Caleb, out during naptime, probably isn't the best idea, even if Caleb is feeling better. I just feel awful that they won't get to participate today. I feel bad that we don't participate in all the "holidays" that are out there, let alone the "traditional" way, so when there is something that is ok to join in on, I feel like we should.
I'm still battling my own sick-ish feelings, valiantly I might add. I'm still with a sore throat and just mild achy-ness. (Oh, and tired, because I was up with Caleb.) But no fever, no cough, so congestion nasal or chest. So I'm still feeling a head of the game, just a sore throat really. And that can still be allergies.
I'm still holding out for Caleb to feel better. Everyone else is decent to good in the house.
Just stir crazy. Especially now that the beautiful sun is out.
Well, I'll have to find something to do for them.
Have a great Easter!
It's Saturday and it is beautiful outside. Sunny, even though a bit chilly.
Caleb didn't fall asleep until nearly 2AM! this morning. He wasn't feeling good, he wanted to see Daddy etc. etc. But when he woke up at 6:30 with a cough, he also had a fever. I think that is pretty much under control now though. If the whinning and fighting with Joshy is any indication.
I am feeling sooo bad about him not getting to do anything for Easter today. We missed the city events/jumpy house etc, the city Egg hunt, the Snohomish parade. There is one thing left at 1:00 and I'd LOVE to take the boys to it. With being sick all week and at home, they are REALLY (I repeat REALLY) stir crazy. BUT, as I think through it all, with 4.5 hours of sleep, dragging the boys, especially Caleb, out during naptime, probably isn't the best idea, even if Caleb is feeling better. I just feel awful that they won't get to participate today. I feel bad that we don't participate in all the "holidays" that are out there, let alone the "traditional" way, so when there is something that is ok to join in on, I feel like we should.
I'm still battling my own sick-ish feelings, valiantly I might add. I'm still with a sore throat and just mild achy-ness. (Oh, and tired, because I was up with Caleb.) But no fever, no cough, so congestion nasal or chest. So I'm still feeling a head of the game, just a sore throat really. And that can still be allergies.
I'm still holding out for Caleb to feel better. Everyone else is decent to good in the house.
Just stir crazy. Especially now that the beautiful sun is out.
Well, I'll have to find something to do for them.
Have a great Easter!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happy Friday (Good Friday.)
And Happy Birthday Tigger... Our not so small, but youngest, member of the family is now 2!
I joyfully attended Mops today, bookending it with jobs before and after.
However, I woke up with a worse sore throat than I've had in the last 2 weeks. I took a Claratin and that cleared up the congestion... But by the time I returned to the house, I had a huge headache and started with some muscle/joint achiness. And I woke up from a nap (which I took and forfeited other productive activities) with a large naseuas feeling, fighting a fever.
Joshy on the other hand, is better/healthy, with the exception of a runny nose. But he's always that way a little, most likely allergies. Daddy is on the down swing as well.
Caleb had a high fever today with accompanying rosy clown-spots on his cheeks. He, of course, is taking the proper medicines to deal. But I made him a special fruit smoothy from our frozen fruit reserves from last Summer. I have a theory that if you cool from the inside out it fights fevers better; sure enough, he woke up from his nap with just a low grade fever, if at all.
With all of the illness that is going around, I'm a little sad about the timing of Easter. (which is remarkably early, and won't be this early again for something like 95 years). I saw a parade advertised, I saw a Monroe sponsored Egg Hunt, and church in Monroe is sponsoring and Egg Hunt, all for tomorrow in the morning. I highly doubt that tomorrow morning, I'll feel well enough to take two kids out by myself if I'm truly coming down with the Ick. And it's a toss up as to whether Caleb will be well again with another good night's sleep. I'm sad that I won't feel up to doing something for the kids. Alone would have been difficult, but sick too, I'm not a miracle worker; I keep having tormenting flashbacks to last year when I almost lost Caleb boy. In literally 4 seconds he was swept away by the crowd (non-compliant parents who entered into the egg hunt field against the rules) and was over a football field away and disoriented in 2 minutes. That was true terror that I'm still not over, evidently. I wish that he and I were better. If he was better, then I'd want even more for him and Joshy to have a good time, and I'd feel even worse because it would be just me holding him back. I'm trying to remember 1- it's not about the activities, it's about Jesus' sacrifice for use and His unique and triumphant resurrection, and 2- There will be another 10 years of Egg hunts, I shouldn't get hung up on the one that I happen (and Caleb might still be) sick for.
Joshy is really feeling the best in the house, and as a result he is getting into everything and testing the limits when the rest of us are sick and slow to react. He always says that he is "too little to ____", but somehow that doesn't stop him getting to all the things that he shouldn't, climbing closet shelves, tossing toys everywhere and at Caleb. etc.
And Caleb is feeling so icky, all he wants to do is sit on the couch and watch a movie. Which I suppose is the best for a little body to get rest. But he also falls victim to a pushy little brother and flying toys.
I'm looking forward to health. And hopefully and re-energized feeling and ready to dive back into teaching Caleb his reading and numbers. He already does verbal math but he isn't so hot on the written portion of it.
And MAYBE, I'll feel so great, Joshy will get potty trained! Right now, it's one of the things he says he is too little for. But it is coming time to decide and put a deposit down on Fall pre-school and I was really hoping to get that figured out for him. We'll see.
I hope that you all are healthy and have a great weekend.
And Happy Birthday Tigger... Our not so small, but youngest, member of the family is now 2!
I joyfully attended Mops today, bookending it with jobs before and after.
However, I woke up with a worse sore throat than I've had in the last 2 weeks. I took a Claratin and that cleared up the congestion... But by the time I returned to the house, I had a huge headache and started with some muscle/joint achiness. And I woke up from a nap (which I took and forfeited other productive activities) with a large naseuas feeling, fighting a fever.
Joshy on the other hand, is better/healthy, with the exception of a runny nose. But he's always that way a little, most likely allergies. Daddy is on the down swing as well.
Caleb had a high fever today with accompanying rosy clown-spots on his cheeks. He, of course, is taking the proper medicines to deal. But I made him a special fruit smoothy from our frozen fruit reserves from last Summer. I have a theory that if you cool from the inside out it fights fevers better; sure enough, he woke up from his nap with just a low grade fever, if at all.
With all of the illness that is going around, I'm a little sad about the timing of Easter. (which is remarkably early, and won't be this early again for something like 95 years). I saw a parade advertised, I saw a Monroe sponsored Egg Hunt, and church in Monroe is sponsoring and Egg Hunt, all for tomorrow in the morning. I highly doubt that tomorrow morning, I'll feel well enough to take two kids out by myself if I'm truly coming down with the Ick. And it's a toss up as to whether Caleb will be well again with another good night's sleep. I'm sad that I won't feel up to doing something for the kids. Alone would have been difficult, but sick too, I'm not a miracle worker; I keep having tormenting flashbacks to last year when I almost lost Caleb boy. In literally 4 seconds he was swept away by the crowd (non-compliant parents who entered into the egg hunt field against the rules) and was over a football field away and disoriented in 2 minutes. That was true terror that I'm still not over, evidently. I wish that he and I were better. If he was better, then I'd want even more for him and Joshy to have a good time, and I'd feel even worse because it would be just me holding him back. I'm trying to remember 1- it's not about the activities, it's about Jesus' sacrifice for use and His unique and triumphant resurrection, and 2- There will be another 10 years of Egg hunts, I shouldn't get hung up on the one that I happen (and Caleb might still be) sick for.
Joshy is really feeling the best in the house, and as a result he is getting into everything and testing the limits when the rest of us are sick and slow to react. He always says that he is "too little to ____", but somehow that doesn't stop him getting to all the things that he shouldn't, climbing closet shelves, tossing toys everywhere and at Caleb. etc.
And Caleb is feeling so icky, all he wants to do is sit on the couch and watch a movie. Which I suppose is the best for a little body to get rest. But he also falls victim to a pushy little brother and flying toys.
I'm looking forward to health. And hopefully and re-energized feeling and ready to dive back into teaching Caleb his reading and numbers. He already does verbal math but he isn't so hot on the written portion of it.
And MAYBE, I'll feel so great, Joshy will get potty trained! Right now, it's one of the things he says he is too little for. But it is coming time to decide and put a deposit down on Fall pre-school and I was really hoping to get that figured out for him. We'll see.
I hope that you all are healthy and have a great weekend.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday, and Caleb is still running a fever... or rather again. Back up to 101.6. So no school today.... sigh. I really feel sad for him to have missed his friends. And today is show-n-tell day too. Unfortunately, I'm thinking Awana (Cubbies) is out too. And now, I'm now even sure if he will be able to go to Easter Sunday... they won't let kids in with a fever in the last 24 hours... It's a little early to tell now, but I'm preparing myself for the feelings when we don't get to go.
Joshy is acting better, running around the house at 7 something this morning waking the sick ones up. But he still has nose stuff going on. (Another issue, he might not allowed in the Sunday nursery with colored nose discharge or his cough.)
My throat is worsening, and I'm just barely starting to feel congestion, no fever yet. I'm going to take a Claratin and test the allergy idea.
Mike is acting better. I think the "stir crazy" at home feeling has force him to force himself to get better.
So that's it for today. Stayin' home, trying to get well.
Joshy is acting better, running around the house at 7 something this morning waking the sick ones up. But he still has nose stuff going on. (Another issue, he might not allowed in the Sunday nursery with colored nose discharge or his cough.)
My throat is worsening, and I'm just barely starting to feel congestion, no fever yet. I'm going to take a Claratin and test the allergy idea.
Mike is acting better. I think the "stir crazy" at home feeling has force him to force himself to get better.
So that's it for today. Stayin' home, trying to get well.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Another sick day and home from school for Caleb. His fever is still sticking around, but lower than yesterday. Joshy is mostly over the fever, but green stuff-nose, 'nough said.
Daddy felt better today, or at least had no choice because he was covering some's shift.
And (still crossing my fingers) I'm not SICK, per se, just a sore throat/post-nasal stuff... ALLERGIES I'm believing and telling myself. I tried to get a fever yesterday, but a cold drink to cool off the insides and I'm good.
So we are sticking close to home and playing various games. Forts out of card tables, kiddo computer games, haircuts, etc. The kids are as hungry as usual, which is great because being around food right now isn't doing so hot for my stomach. The boys and I are on our own tonight, so I am trying to think of something fun and edible for the boys.
In other news, our camera broke. No more zoom feature for us. Any recommendations? (afforadable PLEASE). I LOVED our camera, and I'm sad to see it go. And as the primary memory capturer for the family, I miss it the most. When I look back at the scrapbook pages I do for each of the boys (one page for each month of life, done at their birthdays) I'm SOOO glad that I have as many memories to pass on to the boys. Caleb had such interest and excitement in the stories and where he was when... All this tells me, that I have to continue.
Just a week to prep the house and pack for California. And then we are gone for 12 days. Fun Fun.
Ok, so that's about it. More as life happens, later.
Daddy felt better today, or at least had no choice because he was covering some's shift.
And (still crossing my fingers) I'm not SICK, per se, just a sore throat/post-nasal stuff... ALLERGIES I'm believing and telling myself. I tried to get a fever yesterday, but a cold drink to cool off the insides and I'm good.
So we are sticking close to home and playing various games. Forts out of card tables, kiddo computer games, haircuts, etc. The kids are as hungry as usual, which is great because being around food right now isn't doing so hot for my stomach. The boys and I are on our own tonight, so I am trying to think of something fun and edible for the boys.
In other news, our camera broke. No more zoom feature for us. Any recommendations? (afforadable PLEASE). I LOVED our camera, and I'm sad to see it go. And as the primary memory capturer for the family, I miss it the most. When I look back at the scrapbook pages I do for each of the boys (one page for each month of life, done at their birthdays) I'm SOOO glad that I have as many memories to pass on to the boys. Caleb had such interest and excitement in the stories and where he was when... All this tells me, that I have to continue.
Just a week to prep the house and pack for California. And then we are gone for 12 days. Fun Fun.
Ok, so that's about it. More as life happens, later.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Hello again.
Well, the Egg Hunt and Fundraiser was fun for the kiddos. Although, Joshy, having not napped at all that day, was a bit moody and shocked me with not wanting to participate in the gathering of eggs. Caleb liked the bouncy house, especially since he was in there with his two buddies. He fished, he scooped up ducks in the "duck pond" and he even did the cake walk and won! It was a very nice day of events, and even the weather cleared just in time. The evening ended with Papa Bill and Grandma Judy over for dinner. It was a long day for those who hadn't napped, but fun anyway.
The downside: Joshy got sick the morning of the Egg Hunt... and it has continued. Then Daddy picked it up and has been home the last two days from work. THEN this morning Caleb woke up with a very hoarse cough and a bit of a fever. So we are keeping him home from preschool today just in case he is contagious (preschool rules, no fevers within the last 24 hours.) Although the way he and Joshy are bickering, fighting and biting, you wouldn't know either one of them are sick.
So far, I'm the only one not in the thick of sick (crossing my fingers), but at this stage I am of the mind that it is only a matter of time. I do hope that I'm over all of this by Friday for my MOPS and my work day which cancelling on is not an option. Work must go on. And I hope that we don't have to fly next Thursday with stuffy heads and the cabin pressure of the airplane (yikes!).
Well, that's the story now. I guess I should feel glad that the last time the kids or I were sick was 6 months ago (sept) and not more recently.
So that's what is up with our little family in our little niche of the world. Hope you all are staying healthy, and to do that, you might have to stay at a distance from us for a few days. Only temporary, I'm sure. Have a great day. We will try.
Well, the Egg Hunt and Fundraiser was fun for the kiddos. Although, Joshy, having not napped at all that day, was a bit moody and shocked me with not wanting to participate in the gathering of eggs. Caleb liked the bouncy house, especially since he was in there with his two buddies. He fished, he scooped up ducks in the "duck pond" and he even did the cake walk and won! It was a very nice day of events, and even the weather cleared just in time. The evening ended with Papa Bill and Grandma Judy over for dinner. It was a long day for those who hadn't napped, but fun anyway.
The downside: Joshy got sick the morning of the Egg Hunt... and it has continued. Then Daddy picked it up and has been home the last two days from work. THEN this morning Caleb woke up with a very hoarse cough and a bit of a fever. So we are keeping him home from preschool today just in case he is contagious (preschool rules, no fevers within the last 24 hours.) Although the way he and Joshy are bickering, fighting and biting, you wouldn't know either one of them are sick.
So far, I'm the only one not in the thick of sick (crossing my fingers), but at this stage I am of the mind that it is only a matter of time. I do hope that I'm over all of this by Friday for my MOPS and my work day which cancelling on is not an option. Work must go on. And I hope that we don't have to fly next Thursday with stuffy heads and the cabin pressure of the airplane (yikes!).
Well, that's the story now. I guess I should feel glad that the last time the kids or I were sick was 6 months ago (sept) and not more recently.
So that's what is up with our little family in our little niche of the world. Hope you all are staying healthy, and to do that, you might have to stay at a distance from us for a few days. Only temporary, I'm sure. Have a great day. We will try.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
I think MOPS has finally delivered on the idea for the help I need.
I think this will finally be what keeps the boys BUSY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiqVygN-w0
Enjoy!
And we are off to the Egg Hunt in minutes.
Tessa, we are SOOOO sorry you're sick. We will miss showing you Caleb's preschool!
Joshy was sick last night too. Fever was 102.9 under the arm! I was fighting hard to get it down, and it was this morning at 9:30 when he and I finally crawled out of his tiny twin bed.
And in answer to all prayers, I see the sun peaking out just now.
Ok have a great weekend and Tessa get better soon.
I think this will finally be what keeps the boys BUSY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiqVygN-w0
Enjoy!
And we are off to the Egg Hunt in minutes.
Tessa, we are SOOOO sorry you're sick. We will miss showing you Caleb's preschool!
Joshy was sick last night too. Fever was 102.9 under the arm! I was fighting hard to get it down, and it was this morning at 9:30 when he and I finally crawled out of his tiny twin bed.
And in answer to all prayers, I see the sun peaking out just now.
Ok have a great weekend and Tessa get better soon.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The week is over, strangely enough, today felt more like a Saturday than it did a Friday.
I woke up this morning and had to start making mini-cakes for the Bake Sale that will take place at Caleb's pre-school. I'm kind of proud of the little star-shaped delights with the perfect Easter/plum-blossom pink frosting, courtesy of my frozen beet juice in reserve. Caleb is looking forward to tomorrow and seeing everyone and I hope it is a fun time for everyone who comes.
Laugh of the Day: While trying to potty train Joshy today. I had him sitting there. He actually said "Me to whittle (little) to Fart." That was so funny. (Daddy's response, "I'm too big, not to!")
The report on the dentist.
Good news: 1-we got Caleb in there, 2- there are things we can do 3-we are starting in on doing those things (and for Joshy too as preventative). Some of the steps, we had to get special (that's code for EXPENSIVE) flouride prescription toothpaste. We have to get special dental flossing things. And I've decided that we will add brushing his teeth after lunch too.
Bad news: He has a mouth that has an environment for bacteria. We are on a fight to change the environment now. He has 5 cavities. Their choice of treatment is, because he is so little and they can not afford to cause emotional trauma in a little person, he will be referred to a periodonist and most likely be put under and then have all five repaired at the same time. (As apposed to multiple visits and pain and long term mental trauma.) They gave him a flouride treatment and have set up a "new patient" appointment for full x-rays etc while we wait for the referral to the periodonist and to get into get their office for their opinion, and then get in for the actual repairs.
And I'm very grateful that Daddy has stepped in to take Caleb to these appointments. I couldn't do it with Josh in tow most certainly and I couldn't do it in general. I have anxiety about the dentist and I think I would feed that into Caleb. I can't handle it well seeing him in such a distressing situation in a place that I already feel such anxiety. Like I said before, the thought of taking Caleb to the dentist makes ME want a sedative. I can make the appointments, but Daddy will just have to be the one to attend, but it's just not in my power.
And as a prevention, we SHOULD put Joshy on dental and get him familiar with the whole process. But that is just going to make our medical/dental insurance go up from it's shockingly outrageous $620/mo. Mortgage and med/dental ins is over 50% of our take home pay... how's that for debt ratio in this "modern" world! Perhaps even more shocking, I still won't vote for any candidate who wants the government to be in charge of my healthcare. But that's all aside.
As for tomorrow, we have had a heart to heart with Caleb about the Easter Egg Hunt. We are encouraging him to still "hunt" for as many as he possibly can. But we will exchange ALL the candy for something else. Joshy too. And Caleb seems on board with that. I really don't want him to get shy about hunting for eggs (as I was as a kid) or feel deprived of surprise/joy of what's inside. BUT, of course, he can't have the candy either. We think that we've come up with a good solution. And very smartly, Caleb has asked that any candy that is in the house be removed and thus remove the temptation. What a smart kid! If only we adults did that. Please don't get the idea that I buy candy for the kids... he's STILL working on "Harvest" carnival candy from OCTOBER! But, yes, Caleb we will help you out by getting rid of the temptation.
All, in all, I feel ashamed and embarrassed about Caleb's teeth. But a little optimistic with Daddy for help and a plan in place for Caleb (and a plan of prevention for Joshy, Dentist said that if Caleb's mouth fosters bacteria like this, so will little bro).
I look forward to tomorrow of family and fun. And for everyone else, have a happy weekend.
I woke up this morning and had to start making mini-cakes for the Bake Sale that will take place at Caleb's pre-school. I'm kind of proud of the little star-shaped delights with the perfect Easter/plum-blossom pink frosting, courtesy of my frozen beet juice in reserve. Caleb is looking forward to tomorrow and seeing everyone and I hope it is a fun time for everyone who comes.
Laugh of the Day: While trying to potty train Joshy today. I had him sitting there. He actually said "Me to whittle (little) to Fart." That was so funny. (Daddy's response, "I'm too big, not to!")
The report on the dentist.
Good news: 1-we got Caleb in there, 2- there are things we can do 3-we are starting in on doing those things (and for Joshy too as preventative). Some of the steps, we had to get special (that's code for EXPENSIVE) flouride prescription toothpaste. We have to get special dental flossing things. And I've decided that we will add brushing his teeth after lunch too.
Bad news: He has a mouth that has an environment for bacteria. We are on a fight to change the environment now. He has 5 cavities. Their choice of treatment is, because he is so little and they can not afford to cause emotional trauma in a little person, he will be referred to a periodonist and most likely be put under and then have all five repaired at the same time. (As apposed to multiple visits and pain and long term mental trauma.) They gave him a flouride treatment and have set up a "new patient" appointment for full x-rays etc while we wait for the referral to the periodonist and to get into get their office for their opinion, and then get in for the actual repairs.
And I'm very grateful that Daddy has stepped in to take Caleb to these appointments. I couldn't do it with Josh in tow most certainly and I couldn't do it in general. I have anxiety about the dentist and I think I would feed that into Caleb. I can't handle it well seeing him in such a distressing situation in a place that I already feel such anxiety. Like I said before, the thought of taking Caleb to the dentist makes ME want a sedative. I can make the appointments, but Daddy will just have to be the one to attend, but it's just not in my power.
And as a prevention, we SHOULD put Joshy on dental and get him familiar with the whole process. But that is just going to make our medical/dental insurance go up from it's shockingly outrageous $620/mo. Mortgage and med/dental ins is over 50% of our take home pay... how's that for debt ratio in this "modern" world! Perhaps even more shocking, I still won't vote for any candidate who wants the government to be in charge of my healthcare. But that's all aside.
As for tomorrow, we have had a heart to heart with Caleb about the Easter Egg Hunt. We are encouraging him to still "hunt" for as many as he possibly can. But we will exchange ALL the candy for something else. Joshy too. And Caleb seems on board with that. I really don't want him to get shy about hunting for eggs (as I was as a kid) or feel deprived of surprise/joy of what's inside. BUT, of course, he can't have the candy either. We think that we've come up with a good solution. And very smartly, Caleb has asked that any candy that is in the house be removed and thus remove the temptation. What a smart kid! If only we adults did that. Please don't get the idea that I buy candy for the kids... he's STILL working on "Harvest" carnival candy from OCTOBER! But, yes, Caleb we will help you out by getting rid of the temptation.
All, in all, I feel ashamed and embarrassed about Caleb's teeth. But a little optimistic with Daddy for help and a plan in place for Caleb (and a plan of prevention for Joshy, Dentist said that if Caleb's mouth fosters bacteria like this, so will little bro).
I look forward to tomorrow of family and fun. And for everyone else, have a happy weekend.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Mid-week update.
Monday was a bit gray, but we've picked up from there.
I've cleaned the house thoroughly in the last two days. There were a few motivators, visitors, it needed it, and MOPS has a Room of the day cleaning challenge; of course I had to cram more rooms into the day than just the one they suggested. It will be a test in patience to see how few hours it actually stays clean and picked up.
Of course, when cleaning, the little guys are always up to something else. So as I cleaned the master bedroom yesterday, I started hearing wild giggling/yelling. I opened up my window and saw:
I guess this proves that you can win in some areas, but sometimes there is always a compromise somewhere.
Then Tuesday, we were excited and blessed with a dinner guest. GG came out to partake in dinner with us. I treated her to dinner, and the boys treated her to a show. Nothing beats dinner and a show. The boys were very excited to show off their cool moves, and the computer they get to play shows on, and their rooms, etc etc. They were a dizzy-ing whirlwind of activity. GG was quite dutiful and gave them their craved attention.
It was a good time that will have to be repeated. Caleb even took this picture:
Thursday, Caleb sees the dentist! We are taking advantage of the "teacher in-service" day. It's long overdue, a sincerely embarassing guilt of mine. However, it's done, appointment made. He's going, Daddy is taking him, which is soooo good, but I'm ready for a sedative just thinking of it. It's probably only going to help his one tooth, but it's a start. It just couldn't wait any more, and hopefully he is "mature" enough to understand the explanation of what is going on and accept it; when he was two-somthing nearly three, it was a dramatic disaster and traumatic failure all at once, I had to pin arms and vise grip head in an attempt to hold him tight and also get him mouth to stay open at the same time. YUCK.
Saturday is fast approaching. I have to back little cakes for the Bake Sale. And I know Caleb is looking forward to the Egg Hunt and seeing Tessa. I've learned that it is more like a carnival-esque atmosphere. Buy tickets for $1, each activity will cost 1 ticket. Bouncy houses, face painting, "fishing" etc. I can only hope for beautiful weather.
Well, it's off to work I go (outside the home), as if waking up, changing a diaper, making the kids pancakes and Daddy Egg's Benedict (with the left over hollandaise sauce from dinner with GG) isn't enough.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Good morning. It's Monday and the start of a new week.
After speaking with Grandma Bishop, I feel renewed and determined to be the calm and consistent disciplinarian. It is vital for laying the groundwork for who they are now, who they are going to become, and how we will interact when they are teens and beyond. So, no matter how tired, or what I am in the middle of and feel I have to complete, I will prioritize discipline. It sounds awful, the consequence is more "testing" from the boys, or outright disbelieve that I mean what I say and then rampant disrespect for me and the rules. I have to stop this now before the Tests, subjects and consequences are greater.
So on the heels of this reaffirmation of what I should do, I prayed.
This fit right in:
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches tha I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for---
but everything that I hoped for...
Author Unknown, but I received it in my MOPS newsletter.
So, we are going to stick pretty close to hope today. Gas prices you know. If the weather becomes more clear and less wet, I might mow the lawn. But I have the kitchen to clean and the floors to vaccum. Perhaps to be ambitious, the laundry to process.
Caleb is starting to read words. I make a deal with him, I read the books if he will read certain words in the book. hers. At first he was not focusing. But I explained to him that I was trying to help him. When he goes to Kindergarten, he doesn't want to be the kid who can't read, and is put in back of the class and called stupid, rather he wanted to be the kid who knew how to read and was well liked and asked to be helpful to other kids and the teacher. That seemed to click the motivation on.... Last night, Caleb read: Good, green, God, mom, ran, run, and a few other words. And he was really excited about it and told Daddy. I hope this continues. Reading is a MAJOR milestone in life.
I'm hopeful that by September, Caleb will know how to read and Josh will use the potty. Yesterday used the bathroom, notice I didn't say the potty... because as Daddy tells the story, I was not the potty, but the front of it and the floor, so the word bathroom is a better description. It's a frustrating mess, but at least he got the room right.
Persistence, sigh, persistence.
After speaking with Grandma Bishop, I feel renewed and determined to be the calm and consistent disciplinarian. It is vital for laying the groundwork for who they are now, who they are going to become, and how we will interact when they are teens and beyond. So, no matter how tired, or what I am in the middle of and feel I have to complete, I will prioritize discipline. It sounds awful, the consequence is more "testing" from the boys, or outright disbelieve that I mean what I say and then rampant disrespect for me and the rules. I have to stop this now before the Tests, subjects and consequences are greater.
So on the heels of this reaffirmation of what I should do, I prayed.
This fit right in:
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches tha I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for---
but everything that I hoped for...
Author Unknown, but I received it in my MOPS newsletter.
So, we are going to stick pretty close to hope today. Gas prices you know. If the weather becomes more clear and less wet, I might mow the lawn. But I have the kitchen to clean and the floors to vaccum. Perhaps to be ambitious, the laundry to process.
Caleb is starting to read words. I make a deal with him, I read the books if he will read certain words in the book. hers. At first he was not focusing. But I explained to him that I was trying to help him. When he goes to Kindergarten, he doesn't want to be the kid who can't read, and is put in back of the class and called stupid, rather he wanted to be the kid who knew how to read and was well liked and asked to be helpful to other kids and the teacher. That seemed to click the motivation on.... Last night, Caleb read: Good, green, God, mom, ran, run, and a few other words. And he was really excited about it and told Daddy. I hope this continues. Reading is a MAJOR milestone in life.
I'm hopeful that by September, Caleb will know how to read and Josh will use the potty. Yesterday used the bathroom, notice I didn't say the potty... because as Daddy tells the story, I was not the potty, but the front of it and the floor, so the word bathroom is a better description. It's a frustrating mess, but at least he got the room right.
Persistence, sigh, persistence.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
March 5th, 2008
As of last night, Caleb is officially registered for Kindergarten. I was very prepared (if I might say myself) and forged boldly ahead into the line of persons ready to register; as a splendid result, Caleb was number 6 on the registered list. We now just have to hope that the application (which I had downloaded and came with fully filled out) for the intradistrict transfer is approved (switching us from Frank Wagner to Fryelands Elementary). Fryelands would offer better class size, boasts higher scores on the WASL... especially in reading, has a newer facilities therefore more updated in it's software/hardware/and basic building (thus in our minds, no fear of asbestoes, black mold, mildew, lead poisioning etc.)
As I embarked on getting this rite of passage paved for Caleb, I realized that it is a rite of passage for myself too. I reflected back to my school age years for guidance; one thing that I took away from my memories was that my mom was always a cavalier in standing up for our best interests at school, keeping us out of certain classes, requesting specific teachers, being around the school and a bug on the wall, and a vigilant support of our right and delicate morals that (in my opinion) some tried to squash for a variety of reasons, varying from mere inconvienence to adhere to all the way to total disagreement and choiceably trying to undermine the parental moral training. I look back knowing that my mother was the advocate to my learning and morals, and I am determined to be that banner waving or banner covering my children as they try to navigate their ever widening world. When the world is scary or harsh to them, there is safety here with the family unit and at home. Because I felt this way, the communication was better with my mom, and with that, I feel my "difficult" years (from a parent's standpoint... Tweeners (11-13), and early teenager years were less of a battle of rebelliousness. (Of course, as they say, then I got older and my will which was always iron, steeled into something unbending, and stayed that way for decades while the Lord chastened me. But I will not cross that path for a while with my boys and will gratefully deal with that in a decade from now.) So I do look forward with wary optimism as my child embarks on this new adventure. I will be the sometimes silent, and oft time not, guard, in full armor ready but hoping for peace in the valley (Sky Valley that is, as that is where Monroe geographically is located).
In other news. Our goats have returned with the rest of spring. Joshy and I got out and fed them two browning carrots that were only partially munched on by the boys the night before. Joshy was so excited to run to them in the "new" experience; I doubt he remembers back 5-6 months when the goats were last here.
The day was absolutely beautiful. The best gift I got really, not to impune the very thoughtful and Very generous gifts of my family... Dad (aka Papa Bill), GG, Kristina, etc. I will relish the dreams that will come true with the gifts I was given, but the beautiful sunshine of the day was a uplift to my birthday-struggling spirits. The perfect gift from the One above. If it had been a gray, dark day, I might have had to literally stay in bed. As it was, the bright sunshine made it easier to face "mommy, I want oatmeal, don't forget my chocolate milk. And I want to eat downstairs watching a show" and one said littlest boy removing his diaper AND well, you know. sigh. Thank you to all of you who tried so hard to make the day filled with warm thoughts and specialness.
So that is all for now. I will now enjoy a delight Pizza Bank Gyro (a favorite) while watching online catch up episodes of the very few shows I actually care to catch up on. Apprentice, Lost...
Good Night. And pray for Caleb to get his transfer to the better school.
Thanks
As of last night, Caleb is officially registered for Kindergarten. I was very prepared (if I might say myself) and forged boldly ahead into the line of persons ready to register; as a splendid result, Caleb was number 6 on the registered list. We now just have to hope that the application (which I had downloaded and came with fully filled out) for the intradistrict transfer is approved (switching us from Frank Wagner to Fryelands Elementary). Fryelands would offer better class size, boasts higher scores on the WASL... especially in reading, has a newer facilities therefore more updated in it's software/hardware/and basic building (thus in our minds, no fear of asbestoes, black mold, mildew, lead poisioning etc.)
As I embarked on getting this rite of passage paved for Caleb, I realized that it is a rite of passage for myself too. I reflected back to my school age years for guidance; one thing that I took away from my memories was that my mom was always a cavalier in standing up for our best interests at school, keeping us out of certain classes, requesting specific teachers, being around the school and a bug on the wall, and a vigilant support of our right and delicate morals that (in my opinion) some tried to squash for a variety of reasons, varying from mere inconvienence to adhere to all the way to total disagreement and choiceably trying to undermine the parental moral training. I look back knowing that my mother was the advocate to my learning and morals, and I am determined to be that banner waving or banner covering my children as they try to navigate their ever widening world. When the world is scary or harsh to them, there is safety here with the family unit and at home. Because I felt this way, the communication was better with my mom, and with that, I feel my "difficult" years (from a parent's standpoint... Tweeners (11-13), and early teenager years were less of a battle of rebelliousness. (Of course, as they say, then I got older and my will which was always iron, steeled into something unbending, and stayed that way for decades while the Lord chastened me. But I will not cross that path for a while with my boys and will gratefully deal with that in a decade from now.) So I do look forward with wary optimism as my child embarks on this new adventure. I will be the sometimes silent, and oft time not, guard, in full armor ready but hoping for peace in the valley (Sky Valley that is, as that is where Monroe geographically is located).
In other news. Our goats have returned with the rest of spring. Joshy and I got out and fed them two browning carrots that were only partially munched on by the boys the night before. Joshy was so excited to run to them in the "new" experience; I doubt he remembers back 5-6 months when the goats were last here.
The day was absolutely beautiful. The best gift I got really, not to impune the very thoughtful and Very generous gifts of my family... Dad (aka Papa Bill), GG, Kristina, etc. I will relish the dreams that will come true with the gifts I was given, but the beautiful sunshine of the day was a uplift to my birthday-struggling spirits. The perfect gift from the One above. If it had been a gray, dark day, I might have had to literally stay in bed. As it was, the bright sunshine made it easier to face "mommy, I want oatmeal, don't forget my chocolate milk. And I want to eat downstairs watching a show" and one said littlest boy removing his diaper AND well, you know. sigh. Thank you to all of you who tried so hard to make the day filled with warm thoughts and specialness.
So that is all for now. I will now enjoy a delight Pizza Bank Gyro (a favorite) while watching online catch up episodes of the very few shows I actually care to catch up on. Apprentice, Lost...
Good Night. And pray for Caleb to get his transfer to the better school.
Thanks
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Anacortes camping was great.
"See, I found it!"
By the time we were up and moving again the weather was beautiful and sunny again. This time we discovered something new. Little Cranberry lake. It was a very neat hike. From 12th ave we turned south onto Georgia Ave, which looked like a residential area, but there was a road leading right to a parking lot. It was a beautiful lake and area. Despite the previous night's rain, most of the trail was fine, only some places were muddy. It was a 2 mile hike, some of which was exactly lakeside, some was hilly and more in the forest. For the most part, it was a private hike, in close to two hours we only encountered 10 people. 
We arrived on Friday to discovered half of the site were without power. We found a great site despite that; it happened to have a trail leading to the outside loop which was great for walking and privacy.
I built a fort out of branches for the boys. We also played a game where I hid little plastic animals and the boys had to try to find them. That seemed to go over very well!
"See, I found it!"
We napped and then ran into town and met Grammy and Papa Dahl.
Saturday was a little damp in the morning. We had breakfast in the trailer and then met Grammy and Papa at a church rummage sale, then on to the Dog Park for the pooches to stretch their legs. Caleb liked interacting with the dogs at the park; Joshy is too little to be allowed in the dog area. Then back to the trailer for lunch and a rest.
By the time we were up and moving again the weather was beautiful and sunny again. This time we discovered something new. Little Cranberry lake. It was a very neat hike. From 12th ave we turned south onto Georgia Ave, which looked like a residential area, but there was a road leading right to a parking lot. It was a beautiful lake and area. Despite the previous night's rain, most of the trail was fine, only some places were muddy. It was a 2 mile hike, some of which was exactly lakeside, some was hilly and more in the forest. For the most part, it was a private hike, in close to two hours we only encountered 10 people. We made it back to the campsite in time to make dinner and start a campfire. Fire is a big attraction for little boys, and so we roasted biscuits on a stick and filled them with jam and butter.
Sunday morning we ate breakfast and then drove to Deception pass to see the campgrounds and the beach. The boys collected rocks and even threw a few into the ocean. Then it was back to the trailer to pack up. On the way home we deterred over to Camano Island and visited with Great Papa Severson for a little while. We stayed just slightly longer than the boys could stand and then we were back on the road and on our way home.
Monday was a gray, dark, wet day without motivation so we stuck close to home.
Today we plunge back into activity... preschool, grocery shopping, preparing for making Auntie Brittany's baby announcements etc. And I work later this week.
That's all for now.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The field trip!!!!
We went to Dig It! The Fossil Workshop. It was a neat experience. Of course, all his buddies were there which was priceless. But they all got to burn off a little energy at the soft play area which happened to be adjacent to the Dig It location. They all lined up and filed into the back area where they were seated and given a few basic pieces of information and shown some fossils. MOST, if not ALL, of the pieces of information were over their heads in understanding, and definitely in retention.... but it's the attempt that counts sometimes with this age group. (Ex: there are 3 basic things that are in ALL rocks... Yeah, my four year old knows that.)
But then they were given aprons with pockets and allowed to go into the digging areas, one area at a time and a total of three areas. They found all sorts of things. They could pick up ANYTHING they wanted, but had to choose just ONE at the end (that was probably the hardest part of it all!) But they found dino backbones, shells, ebbeded and loose shark teeth, dino poo (yes, that's correct), quartz, polished rocks, geodes (both open and whole), etc.
It was fun to watch them all belly up to a sand "quarry" and start pushing sand around to discover what it underneath. And all the fossils are supposed to be real! Caleb had a very very tough time deciding which ONE he wanted. He finally chose two shells. BUT, when he saw one boy get to smash a rock (aka geode) with a hammer.... he just jad to exchange his shells for something he could smash! Then he got to sand it out on the edges and make it smooth. We browsed the store a bit, and then played just a little more at the play area, and that was it.
It was fun, although I think it would have been fun to go through the steps of an excavation and see a real, ebbeded skeleton/fossil unearthed, but I suppose the kids might get bored, want to take it home and not be able to, and Dig It! can't sell a whole skeleton of a dinosaur and actually make money, which let's face it, is their whole purpose, they really are trying to capitalize on a specialty product/experience... duh, they are in the MALL. But all in all, it was a very neat experience. Caleb wants to go back soon! (Maybe in May for his birthday, but it can be pricey.)
So that's our big adventure today. Tomorrow we will head up to Anacortes to camp. And so far the weather is looking nice out, although I haven't looked at the forecast. Ignorance is bliss and all that...
Have a nice weekend if I don't post more later.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
So this last weekend was pretty quiet.
We made sure that Caleb's tithe found it's destination at church.
Caleb was thrilled that two of the boys in his class were the ones from his Awana group. As always, Joshy cried at parting, but was fine 3-4 minutes once we were out of sight.
Mike tried to work on the Bronco during the day. I went to .25 Bingo night.
Monday we were once again blessed with clear and sunny weather. The boys played outside for over 5 hours in combination before and after naps. I'm so glad that the spring weather (and better yet the summer weather) is just around the corner. I look forward to the warm (turn my furnace off type of warm) weather, long days full of play. Berry picking in our own backyard. Maybe an campout outside. And of course, camping trips. We have several trips already planned...
This weekend we are going to Anacortes. A favorite of ours; a nice town, terrific distance away (Close so we can get their fast and start the vacation fast, close enough that if the weather turns or some snag happens we can get home), looks like the forest in the little Washington park oasis where we typically see deer daily, playgrounds both at the campground and in town, Farmer's Markets in the summer, carnival, art walk weekends, etc. Great.
At the end of March, the boys and I fly to see Grandma and Papa Bishop in California.
In mid-June, right after school lets out, we head to Yellowstone. Hopefully we will avoid the super large crowds, although the trade off is that it is still be very cold, maybe even see residual snow.
I'm already looking forward and see so much going on. All the fun is interspersed with daddy working, my odd jobs, the presumed summer camp coming, Easter, fishing day at Tye Lake.
In the new of the boys:
They are now accepting registration for Preschool for this next fall. I have to look into whether Joshy will be accepted, he might be just a hair too young.... I'm praying he will be old enough.
Caleb's kindergarten registration night is Tuesday March 4th. I have to try to get him into the Fryelands Elementary since their WASL scores are double those of the school we are districted for, Frank Wagner... and Fryelands is closer, newer, he has friends there, and we live, hello, in the Fryelands, and smaller class size, which Caleb NEEDS. And of course, I'm hoping for MORNING classes so that twice a week the boys will be in school at the SAME TIME. (Imagine the possibilities.) So have a few things I have to gather together to get prepared for registration.
Tomorrow, is Caleb's field trip to dig fossils as they have been studying about dinosaurs. And then in the evening it is Awana again. Caleb's asked me no less than 5 times a day when it is Awana, field trip or camping time. I think he is excited, but it is quickly becoming frustrating to explain it so many times a day.
March 15th at 3pm is the Easter event/fundraiser at Caleb's preschool. Bouncy house, carnival games, chili cook off, bake sale, silent auction, egg hunt etc. All Grandparents, Cousin Tessa, Cousin Gavin, think about coming.
Well, that's all I have to say for now. More probably on Thursday.
We made sure that Caleb's tithe found it's destination at church.
Caleb was thrilled that two of the boys in his class were the ones from his Awana group. As always, Joshy cried at parting, but was fine 3-4 minutes once we were out of sight.
Mike tried to work on the Bronco during the day. I went to .25 Bingo night.
Monday we were once again blessed with clear and sunny weather. The boys played outside for over 5 hours in combination before and after naps. I'm so glad that the spring weather (and better yet the summer weather) is just around the corner. I look forward to the warm (turn my furnace off type of warm) weather, long days full of play. Berry picking in our own backyard. Maybe an campout outside. And of course, camping trips. We have several trips already planned...
This weekend we are going to Anacortes. A favorite of ours; a nice town, terrific distance away (Close so we can get their fast and start the vacation fast, close enough that if the weather turns or some snag happens we can get home), looks like the forest in the little Washington park oasis where we typically see deer daily, playgrounds both at the campground and in town, Farmer's Markets in the summer, carnival, art walk weekends, etc. Great.
At the end of March, the boys and I fly to see Grandma and Papa Bishop in California.
In mid-June, right after school lets out, we head to Yellowstone. Hopefully we will avoid the super large crowds, although the trade off is that it is still be very cold, maybe even see residual snow.
I'm already looking forward and see so much going on. All the fun is interspersed with daddy working, my odd jobs, the presumed summer camp coming, Easter, fishing day at Tye Lake.
In the new of the boys:
They are now accepting registration for Preschool for this next fall. I have to look into whether Joshy will be accepted, he might be just a hair too young.... I'm praying he will be old enough.
Caleb's kindergarten registration night is Tuesday March 4th. I have to try to get him into the Fryelands Elementary since their WASL scores are double those of the school we are districted for, Frank Wagner... and Fryelands is closer, newer, he has friends there, and we live, hello, in the Fryelands, and smaller class size, which Caleb NEEDS. And of course, I'm hoping for MORNING classes so that twice a week the boys will be in school at the SAME TIME. (Imagine the possibilities.) So have a few things I have to gather together to get prepared for registration.
Tomorrow, is Caleb's field trip to dig fossils as they have been studying about dinosaurs. And then in the evening it is Awana again. Caleb's asked me no less than 5 times a day when it is Awana, field trip or camping time. I think he is excited, but it is quickly becoming frustrating to explain it so many times a day.
March 15th at 3pm is the Easter event/fundraiser at Caleb's preschool. Bouncy house, carnival games, chili cook off, bake sale, silent auction, egg hunt etc. All Grandparents, Cousin Tessa, Cousin Gavin, think about coming.
Well, that's all I have to say for now. More probably on Thursday.
Friday, February 22, 2008
It was FUN Friday!!!!!!
Chuck E. Cheese this morning with preschool buddy, Hunter R.
We stopped by the club today on our way home and picked up Jockey from Daddy. We got to spend some time in the sun with GG and Grandpa Dahl. This was especially fun. I like seeing them have such fun at Daddy's Second Home, and it's even better and memorable when it is doing something so zany and classic as wheelbarrow rides with Papa.
Then movie night at preschool with the other buddies. An evening of Bob the Builder, snacks @ intermission, and Veggie Tales. It was really fun and I was surprised at how much the boys sat still.
And if all that wasn't enough for today. I made cookies and iced them.... to take with us for snacks at Movie night. I'm very proud of them because they came out so great and everyone was appreciative. The color of the icing was a picture worthy, magenta, electric pink/rose. I will absolutely have to find something else (or and other event) to use my Beet juice-cum-food coloring again!
And now, for the humor portion of the post. Despite being February and the tail end of winter. Caleb ran outside today without a shirt on to swing and play.
"Caleb what are you doing outside without a shirt?!"
"I like the air on my tummy and nipples. I tummy and nipples are HOT!" (That's either a sweltering kid or one with a strong body image.)
At least it was a day that didn't require a coat....
So that's all for now. I HAVE to get off my feet and my contacts out. Then maybe a little R and R before getting up and going for work (yes, outside of the home and a paying gig.)
TTFN.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A "Great" mom day.
So very often I feel like I'm not a good mom. I often feel tired, and my feet hurt so much I am not inclined to walk, hike etc with my kids. Or I'm worn out and exhausted with the frustrating aspects of a "terrible" two and "frustrating" (disobediance, demanding, challenging) four year old. (adjectives derived from my MOPS forum, my new best friend). Admittedly, I have sometimes nicknamed my children (when speaking to Mike) PITA's... Pain In The A.... (that would be an example of the "bad" days, when all I want to do is lock myself in my room for quiet time and use the bathroom in PEACE! ARGHHHH!
BUT suddenly a day like today comes around, and I know that I have it in me to be a good mom and it even happens sometimes.
I've been having Caleb save the pop cans from around the house for a couple months. Auntie Brittany and Grammy have chipped in a few cans too. Last weekend, Caleb (and mommy and Daddy helped, and even a bit of help from Jockey) got the cans all flattened. Today we took them to the recycling center here in Monroe. We asked what they do with them and learned all about that. They weighed them and then gave Caleb the money. He EARNED $3.00!!! (and the guy, although I really really tried to refuse, gave Caleb another $2.00, for a total of $5.00!!!!) Caleb was so excited, especially the recycling guy mentioned C-A-N-D-Y! So with that idea burning a hole in Caleb's pocket, we set off to the place with the best prices on Candy. Best Prices (think Stupid prices but even CHEAPER). We stopped before going in and talked about tithing, and set that money aside, then we talked about savings, and set that money aside. That left Caleb with $3 to spend, he was excited. So we went in and started choosing and deciding. I had to explain what the price tags mean, especially in quanitity of Candy etc. In the end he decided quantity was more important that size. He selected 10 /$1.00.... but when we went to the register, they were "ON SALE" (aka, in the wrong bin) and he got them for $.02 ea... meaning only $.20 total. (And the lady behind the counter had heard what I was doing, and gave me a little verbal kudos, which felt good.) Caleb was so excited because he had more money left over, to which I promptly explained that that was why Mommy shopped/bought things on sale! So then he wanted a toy, we went to the dollar store and I let him pick out a toy. I got to explain tax to him, and buying things still means that he had to follow the rules with his stuff (Ex: mommy bought the car, but I have to still drive the speed limit; he bought candy but Mommy can tell him enough, or after dinner etc, and the toy is an outside toy etc. Good lessons, all.) And then it really touched my heart when he said that he wanted a slurpee for himself and Jockey too. The slurpee part wasn't surprising, but his generous, sweet, caring heart to want to share with his little brother. AHHHH. I'll pay for Joshy THIS time. But the thought was soooo nice.
Well, such a great experience for Caleb. I'm sure that he is going to keep this up. And now, calling all cans from any who want to contribute to Caleb's cause. Caleb will completely appreciate it.
So we have recycled today and taught Caleb some valuable lessons. It is a good day in the neighborhood of motherhood. Plus it is another BEAUTIFUL sunny day. I am going to make sugar cookies and let the kids ice them.... I save the beet juice from dinner this week and will be able to color the icing with it. Perhaps the icing will be pink and more appropriate for last week's holiday... BUT I can't have great idea, great time AND a great day! And then of course is Awana tonight and I help in the classroom.
In Joshy News: He and Daddy went to the Sportsman show at the fairgrounds. Daddy was blessed that Joshy was Free, and a very kind man offered Mike a FREE ticket to get in. AND then as if Daddy-time wasn't great enough... Joshy caught TWO TROUT at the free trout pond. JOSHY'S FIRST FISHING experience. Normally he would just get one, BUT because it was during the day and so slow, he was allowed two. (Mike and I had been talking about getting some fish to smoke... now we do, and they were free... The Lord has BLESSED us today, as always! "all things work for the good for those who trust and believe in the Lord" I forget the scripture address.)
Well, that is our day so far. And I have hope that it will continue in such a fashion.
Thanks for reading.
So very often I feel like I'm not a good mom. I often feel tired, and my feet hurt so much I am not inclined to walk, hike etc with my kids. Or I'm worn out and exhausted with the frustrating aspects of a "terrible" two and "frustrating" (disobediance, demanding, challenging) four year old. (adjectives derived from my MOPS forum, my new best friend). Admittedly, I have sometimes nicknamed my children (when speaking to Mike) PITA's... Pain In The A.... (that would be an example of the "bad" days, when all I want to do is lock myself in my room for quiet time and use the bathroom in PEACE! ARGHHHH!
BUT suddenly a day like today comes around, and I know that I have it in me to be a good mom and it even happens sometimes.
I've been having Caleb save the pop cans from around the house for a couple months. Auntie Brittany and Grammy have chipped in a few cans too. Last weekend, Caleb (and mommy and Daddy helped, and even a bit of help from Jockey) got the cans all flattened. Today we took them to the recycling center here in Monroe. We asked what they do with them and learned all about that. They weighed them and then gave Caleb the money. He EARNED $3.00!!! (and the guy, although I really really tried to refuse, gave Caleb another $2.00, for a total of $5.00!!!!) Caleb was so excited, especially the recycling guy mentioned C-A-N-D-Y! So with that idea burning a hole in Caleb's pocket, we set off to the place with the best prices on Candy. Best Prices (think Stupid prices but even CHEAPER). We stopped before going in and talked about tithing, and set that money aside, then we talked about savings, and set that money aside. That left Caleb with $3 to spend, he was excited. So we went in and started choosing and deciding. I had to explain what the price tags mean, especially in quanitity of Candy etc. In the end he decided quantity was more important that size. He selected 10 /$1.00.... but when we went to the register, they were "ON SALE" (aka, in the wrong bin) and he got them for $.02 ea... meaning only $.20 total. (And the lady behind the counter had heard what I was doing, and gave me a little verbal kudos, which felt good.) Caleb was so excited because he had more money left over, to which I promptly explained that that was why Mommy shopped/bought things on sale! So then he wanted a toy, we went to the dollar store and I let him pick out a toy. I got to explain tax to him, and buying things still means that he had to follow the rules with his stuff (Ex: mommy bought the car, but I have to still drive the speed limit; he bought candy but Mommy can tell him enough, or after dinner etc, and the toy is an outside toy etc. Good lessons, all.) And then it really touched my heart when he said that he wanted a slurpee for himself and Jockey too. The slurpee part wasn't surprising, but his generous, sweet, caring heart to want to share with his little brother. AHHHH. I'll pay for Joshy THIS time. But the thought was soooo nice.
Well, such a great experience for Caleb. I'm sure that he is going to keep this up. And now, calling all cans from any who want to contribute to Caleb's cause. Caleb will completely appreciate it.
So we have recycled today and taught Caleb some valuable lessons. It is a good day in the neighborhood of motherhood. Plus it is another BEAUTIFUL sunny day. I am going to make sugar cookies and let the kids ice them.... I save the beet juice from dinner this week and will be able to color the icing with it. Perhaps the icing will be pink and more appropriate for last week's holiday... BUT I can't have great idea, great time AND a great day! And then of course is Awana tonight and I help in the classroom.
In Joshy News: He and Daddy went to the Sportsman show at the fairgrounds. Daddy was blessed that Joshy was Free, and a very kind man offered Mike a FREE ticket to get in. AND then as if Daddy-time wasn't great enough... Joshy caught TWO TROUT at the free trout pond. JOSHY'S FIRST FISHING experience. Normally he would just get one, BUT because it was during the day and so slow, he was allowed two. (Mike and I had been talking about getting some fish to smoke... now we do, and they were free... The Lord has BLESSED us today, as always! "all things work for the good for those who trust and believe in the Lord" I forget the scripture address.)
Well, that is our day so far. And I have hope that it will continue in such a fashion.
Thanks for reading.
We saw the lunar eclipse last night. It was great. I kept thinking to myself, when will my kids get to see that again. Or something just as amazing. I remember back when I was a kid, and my parents took my brother and I out to a field (far from any city lights) in Arizona, to see Haley's comet pass by. That was a probably a once in a lifetime viewing since it comes around about every 87 years, how similar will this lunar eclipse before my boys. Or for that matter, what once in a lifetime experiences can I provide for them, that they will remember years and years from now. I haven't come up with any answers, but at least I know what I'm looking for.
We also had the honor of spending a Birthday dinner with our GG Dahl last night. The boys put on an entertaining, dinner-and a -show experience for her. She expressed sincere delight in spending time with the boys and getting to know them. Caleb insisted on sitting next to GG, and then he talked with her quite a bit and gave her huge hugs during dinner. He told her all about dinosaurs and his preschool buddies. And at the end of the meal, Caleb and GG shared a chocolate sundae. It was very nice to see the oldest and youngest generations of the Dahl family spending time together. I'm very glad that GG loves my boys so very much and gleans such joy from being around them and seeing their antics.
We were sad that we couldn't make Thursday or Saturday plans because we both worked both days. But hopefully, she had a great evening. Dinner with the boys, a lunar eclipse, and we dropped her off just in time to finish a pleasant evening with a special ballroom dancing show. Sounds pretty good to me.
My boys are so very fortunate to have so many Great grandparents still alive. It is a rare and wonderful opportunity. They have 3 remaining GREAT grandparents, and they knew a 4th in Great Grandma Severson. And it brings tears to my eyes to know that Caleb even at a young age (whose memory seems to be selective or not yet fully recording) remembers Great Grandma Severson and still asks about her. I hope he never forgets her even in his limited experiences with her. But it is amazing that my boys get this time with such span of generations. I hope that they get a chance to learn from these Great Grandparents the differences of culture and technology and the memories that these treasured people can pass on.
Well, it's off to shower and go to the recycling center to turn in Caleb's hard saved and stomped flat cans into a little cash-ola. I'm hoping to teach him the values of hard work, recycling, and the value of money and making choices on how to spend it wisely and in ways that reflect the work that went into earning the money in the first place. I'll let you know how it goes.
We also had the honor of spending a Birthday dinner with our GG Dahl last night. The boys put on an entertaining, dinner-and a -show experience for her. She expressed sincere delight in spending time with the boys and getting to know them. Caleb insisted on sitting next to GG, and then he talked with her quite a bit and gave her huge hugs during dinner. He told her all about dinosaurs and his preschool buddies. And at the end of the meal, Caleb and GG shared a chocolate sundae. It was very nice to see the oldest and youngest generations of the Dahl family spending time together. I'm very glad that GG loves my boys so very much and gleans such joy from being around them and seeing their antics.
We were sad that we couldn't make Thursday or Saturday plans because we both worked both days. But hopefully, she had a great evening. Dinner with the boys, a lunar eclipse, and we dropped her off just in time to finish a pleasant evening with a special ballroom dancing show. Sounds pretty good to me.
My boys are so very fortunate to have so many Great grandparents still alive. It is a rare and wonderful opportunity. They have 3 remaining GREAT grandparents, and they knew a 4th in Great Grandma Severson. And it brings tears to my eyes to know that Caleb even at a young age (whose memory seems to be selective or not yet fully recording) remembers Great Grandma Severson and still asks about her. I hope he never forgets her even in his limited experiences with her. But it is amazing that my boys get this time with such span of generations. I hope that they get a chance to learn from these Great Grandparents the differences of culture and technology and the memories that these treasured people can pass on.
Well, it's off to shower and go to the recycling center to turn in Caleb's hard saved and stomped flat cans into a little cash-ola. I'm hoping to teach him the values of hard work, recycling, and the value of money and making choices on how to spend it wisely and in ways that reflect the work that went into earning the money in the first place. I'll let you know how it goes.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Spring has sprung at our house, and the boys have spring fever.
Spring fever, as in "no nap, no nap" pleadings... to which I gave in today so that we could all take advantage of being outside in the most unusual, beautiful, winter sun. Yesterday we put of the new (to us, bought at Value Village) swing for Caleb. It's our first Big Boy swing. Caleb really likes in. Joshy is still in the baby swing, which he is also really really liking now that I cleaned it up and wiped it down. He is insisting that I, not Daddy, push him or get him in and out of the swing. I haven't figured out what the preference is yet. I mowed the lawn yesterday and picked up after the D-o-g-s, now it is safe for them to play in foot-free play without having to run while watching where their feet step. We got a good hour and a half in the outdoors today! I pruned the hydrangea and the clematis. I thinned out the raspberry bushes of the dead wood to make room for the new growth expected this season. When I went outside, I got quite and unexpected surprise, the raspberries are already starting to sprout... see pict. Also, another confirmation that Spring has sprung, my helleborus has come to beautiful purple life, though not quite in bloom.
So while we did not have naps, that meant that the boys fell asleep early (7:50-55PM). But can you think of a cuter way to fall asleep?! Ahh, if only they were this peaceful while awake. I'll settle for this moment of happiness, calm and quiet since I was able to get a picture of the fleeting moment.
So, I am in hopes that I have stumbled upon the "trick" that is going to make Jockey potty train. He has always been in to books (way more than big brother). So today, he was sitting there by command, and I handed him Daddy's magazine. He actually sat there for 4 minutes without trying to get off. I'm thinking this is great and I will drag every children's book I've got into that room if it means he will actually sit and try to "get-er-done". Well, my bubble of hope hasn't burst yet, so I'll let that thought dance in my dreams tonight like sugar plum fairies.
We look forward to many clear and sunny days ahead and consider it a blessing to have them now. And perhaps dry both in rain and diapers.
On that note, good night and God.. please make tomorrow just as nice.
Monday, February 18, 2008
So what is with the new phase of throwing toys at each other and at other toys? The boys have entered into an enormous phase of crashing their toys into each other. I don't knwo fi they are looking for huge damage, loud noises, testing how much force it takes to actually break. Or WHAT?! I just don't get it.
And what is with the constant toys being out and not picking them up without having to be asked over a dozen times? I have gone horse a few times with the constant requests.
Just as I'm trying to house break Jockey, I'm trying to thumb break Caleb. I think it is well well beyond time to give up the thumb. It's going to be hard, but I can't help but think that the thumb has introduced germs etc into his mouth enough, perhaps in a twisted way, that is why Caleb hasn't gotten sick much, he's built up immunities due to a constant bombardment of germs into his system. But I think it's starting to move his teeth etc, and I want to stop that asap.
Well, time to move on with the other tasks of the day.
And what is with the constant toys being out and not picking them up without having to be asked over a dozen times? I have gone horse a few times with the constant requests.
Just as I'm trying to house break Jockey, I'm trying to thumb break Caleb. I think it is well well beyond time to give up the thumb. It's going to be hard, but I can't help but think that the thumb has introduced germs etc into his mouth enough, perhaps in a twisted way, that is why Caleb hasn't gotten sick much, he's built up immunities due to a constant bombardment of germs into his system. But I think it's starting to move his teeth etc, and I want to stop that asap.
Well, time to move on with the other tasks of the day.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Milestone:
Caleb rode his bike without Training Wheels!!!! He went anywhere between 10-25 feet at a time. He needed a little confidence pep talk, but then he was going and going! He needs a lot more practice, but when he really gets it, Caleb has chosen the reward of a new BLUE helment. For some reason he thinks that his red one, doesn't match his red bike. (I totally disagreed that the red and red don't match, but Daddy thinks that a milestone of achievement deserves recognition.)
Joshy has now been told that he will go into his "OWN" class at preschool if he potty trains. He understands the concept of Own, so we'll see if that plays out in an effective bribe... right now, I am trying to bribe him with showers (something he loves) if he goes to the real potty. I feel pressure to get him trained by this coming fall. I really want him to be able to go to preschool. But I also keep trying to remind myself, that Caleb wasn't potty trained by his 3rd birthday, why am I placing such high expectations in Joshy? It's probably because I want him to be able to participate in something that I know he will love and excel in.
Joshy is talking so so much more. It's hard to come up with examples because he is nearly talking with the full understanding that Caleb does. Although in his adorable baby-esque way, he adds "EE"or "S" to nearly everything. Juice-EE, Brush-EE, Man-ssss, Shoe-EEE, Fine-ss. He says prayers with us at dinner. He says thank you to God for the food. He says he is fine if you ask him if he is ok. He says he loves mommy, and daddy, and brudder, God. And says all those people love him back. He likes to sing "twinkle twinkle twinkle twinkle star". But says "no sing" (and if we don't stop he says "Stop that") when we try to sing. He's also, unfortunately, picked up "no talk that me"... translation Don't talk that way to me, something Mommy is ALWAYS saying to Caleb in our struggle to get polite tone and words from Caleb rather than demanding tones and disrespect. If only Joshy would pick up the potty training from Caleb.
This week is a pretty quiet week until later on. Potentially we have dinner with GG on Wednesday as an early celebration of her Birthday. I have Awana cubbies, and parent assisting on Thursday. Friday, we are really really hoping to get Caleb together with his preschool buddies for a little AM fun, and then home again so Daddy can take off and go to work. Saturday, Mommy AND Daddy work. And somewhere in all of that, Mommy has to hem Aunt Brittany's bedskirt and begin many of her other projects. The to-do list goes ON and ON!
So, I'll close this post with a Good Night and Have a happy week.
Caleb rode his bike without Training Wheels!!!! He went anywhere between 10-25 feet at a time. He needed a little confidence pep talk, but then he was going and going! He needs a lot more practice, but when he really gets it, Caleb has chosen the reward of a new BLUE helment. For some reason he thinks that his red one, doesn't match his red bike. (I totally disagreed that the red and red don't match, but Daddy thinks that a milestone of achievement deserves recognition.)
Joshy has now been told that he will go into his "OWN" class at preschool if he potty trains. He understands the concept of Own, so we'll see if that plays out in an effective bribe... right now, I am trying to bribe him with showers (something he loves) if he goes to the real potty. I feel pressure to get him trained by this coming fall. I really want him to be able to go to preschool. But I also keep trying to remind myself, that Caleb wasn't potty trained by his 3rd birthday, why am I placing such high expectations in Joshy? It's probably because I want him to be able to participate in something that I know he will love and excel in.
Joshy is talking so so much more. It's hard to come up with examples because he is nearly talking with the full understanding that Caleb does. Although in his adorable baby-esque way, he adds "EE"or "S" to nearly everything. Juice-EE, Brush-EE, Man-ssss, Shoe-EEE, Fine-ss. He says prayers with us at dinner. He says thank you to God for the food. He says he is fine if you ask him if he is ok. He says he loves mommy, and daddy, and brudder, God. And says all those people love him back. He likes to sing "twinkle twinkle twinkle twinkle star". But says "no sing" (and if we don't stop he says "Stop that") when we try to sing. He's also, unfortunately, picked up "no talk that me"... translation Don't talk that way to me, something Mommy is ALWAYS saying to Caleb in our struggle to get polite tone and words from Caleb rather than demanding tones and disrespect. If only Joshy would pick up the potty training from Caleb.
This week is a pretty quiet week until later on. Potentially we have dinner with GG on Wednesday as an early celebration of her Birthday. I have Awana cubbies, and parent assisting on Thursday. Friday, we are really really hoping to get Caleb together with his preschool buddies for a little AM fun, and then home again so Daddy can take off and go to work. Saturday, Mommy AND Daddy work. And somewhere in all of that, Mommy has to hem Aunt Brittany's bedskirt and begin many of her other projects. The to-do list goes ON and ON!
So, I'll close this post with a Good Night and Have a happy week.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Just a couple more clips of the boys' "Cool Moves" (Since this has become a household habit of late.)
Joshy has discovered Mommy does not have a "weiner". He was in the room with me one day as I dressed and he bent down to look and said surprisedly and concerned "no weiner?" He noticed one other day as well. He asks and is VERY concerned and sad, as if I'm an the poor unfortunate person without. It is touching that he is that concerned for my well being and being left out, and kind of humorous at the same time.
Caleb's preschool is having their Easter party/egg hunt/fundraiser/bake sale on March 15th. I'm told that they are going to have a bouncy house and everything. So Grandparents and cousin Tessa, you're invited. I'll update with the exact time and more details next week, but I hope to see you there.
Caleb is keeping on with Awana. He's doing well and learning his verses. He is even starting to like the games and "make friends". It is really nice to see. And he is REALLY getting to know his buddies at Preschool. We are trying to arrange a playdate next Friday. A big one. Chuck E. Cheese with the buddies! I'm hoping that everyone does actually show up, rather than cancel at the last moment. I could handle missing the cheesy mouse pizza place, but the little guy just crashes in despair when he gets a let down blow like that. So figures crossed and all optimism until we know otherwise!
Joshy can count to 2. He says, 1, 2 and then back to 1 (and repeat). Cute.
I try to hug my littlest guy often and hang on because he seems to be getting bigger EVERYDAY. With the exception of the diapers, I'm trying to cling to his babyhood and all of it that is left. Half the days he insists that he is a baby, and then the other half he says he's a "Brudder". It's sad to see the baby stage go, I know there are wonderful things ahead, but I haven't turned my mind eye to those things yet... I'm still stuck on watching my cuddly, simple, cute and loving "baby" melt into a very small boy.
With Caleb we are facing new challenges, and not just with learning. Behavior. Attitude with a capital A!!! Disobediance, disrespect; I'm feeling Dis-sed man! Somedays, I admit to failing and feeling like a failure when my reactions (yes, reactions, not thought out responses) are not optimal and the positive loving example of good behavior. I guess that both Caleb and I are in an adjustment phase.
In the meantime... I can't stand his (or my) behavior and everything in me is screaming to "MAKE IT STOP" and I find myself doing everything to change my entire environment. So I'm in a massive clean out phase of all the baby stuff (swing, pump, pack'n'play, toys, high chairs) to simplify life. And also every scrap of garbage needs to get out of the house. And those chores I've been putting off... or the clutter that's piled up because I haven't had time to file or organize, I'm going to start in on. I guess I'm getting the ROYAL SPRING CLEANING BUG early! I realized, I'm so stressed with the boys (whinning, fighting, complaining, demanding, backtalking, etc) that I go from room to room in the house, looking for the "oasis of peace"... and I haven't found it... so I get frantic and start cleaning to make that oasis. I haven't reached peace in the house, but the Lord's revealing the process to me and that has brought a little peace and even more hope.
Well that's all for now. It's late. I hope that you enjoyed the video clips. And yes, the one does have a diaper fly in from the right hand side and is shortly followed by a bare bummed 2yr old. ***rolling my eyes*** Dahl-house-Murphy's law: "When making a videoor taking pictures, one or both boys end up caught nekked somehow." At least it is all digital and I'm not sending the film out for prints at a store for all the clerks to see.
Ok, Good night.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
So what do you do in the middle of winter on a partly-clear (speaking optimistically) day?
And I even got a rare picture of myself with the boys!
Go to the ZOO! That's right, the hours may be slightly shorter, but the prices are cheaper, and we found a great coupon. So we bundled up and packed lunch for a day at the zoo. Our first time daring to go without a stroller. The kids did ok, with the help of daddy's shoulders and the little help I could offer to carry them. They started out strong and running everywhere they were so excited, if they were seasoned at this type of thing, then the probably would have paced themselves a bit more. But all in all we did fine.
Caleb insisted that we have to see the Bears and the Gorillas. (and Mommy's favorite is the Nocturnal house, which we saw in the last 15 minutes it was open, I was happy.) Caleb also got a huge thrill out of the Otters, especially when we were there for feeding time. The Lions and Zebra were elusive. We saw the Elephant getting a pedicure. We of course saw lots of sleeping animals. It was cold, so the animals were not highly active, but if they were out then they were holding still... good for kids.
Jockey jogged from place to place, he got tired first. But he did have a great encounter with a little black monkey (I forget the technical name).
And I even got a rare picture of myself with the boys!Our day ended with a "date". My MOPS programs brought to our attention that as Moms, we often forget that God has us prioritize as follows 1) God, 2) spouse and 3) children. Often the squeaky children get the attention over the spouse. In attempts to better find balance Mike and I had a "date", or as best as we can with no childcare. By the time we came back across 520, the kids were asleep... so we drove into Burgermaster (drive in eating) and got food, then drove to the Kirkland waterfront and sat and watched the park, the people, the water, the evening lights while eating and talking. It might have been the calmest meal I've had with the kids or my spouse in a long time. Of course, the kids took such a late nap, I'll be up late with them, but it is a fair trade off. I'm a night owl anyway (or at least in comparison to being a morning person.)
Mike will go out for a bit of guys' time tonight while I batten down the hatches (boy's room doors) a little later.
Good night for now.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Hey all.
So the snow has come and gone.
The much prepared for baby shower for Brittany has come and gone.
Mike would say his paychecks have come and gone.... as well as his weekend.
BUT.
The snow was fun, and didn't prevent Caleb from getting to school.
The baby shower went off without a hitch and everyone LOVED the flowers and little details I had put effort towards.
The alternator in my car was gratefully replaced by Mike on Sunday and so far everything is looking like it's running perfect (including the service all wheel drive light NOT coming back on, crossing my fingers still on that one).
Joshy loves the bath time color crayons I picked up for him. He is the "drawer" of the family and there's nothing like combining two of a child's favorite activities.
Josh is also developing even more verbal skills.... lately, he says "I said NO!" and "stop that". Along with others. And today he initiated conversation with the oil change staff and said "I two". Then he clammed up because he got shy! He also said today, "I do my-self!" He has entered into the understanding of pronouns... ME, you, yourself, myself, him. Although I love it when he still refers to Caleb as "Brudder".
Caleb had made DRAMATIC improvements in his letter recognition, letter sound identification and even sounding out words and "READING"! I'm amazed. Daddy and I have both buckled down on him because we are determined to put him into Kindergarten as the same (or slightly advanced than) the other kids. No one wants to be the slow kid in school. Also, his MATH is coming along. He is counting bites of food at dinner and doing substraction etc. He is really impressing us. Which is really great because he was worrying me so much that I actually went and talked to his teacher about it. She of course said he was normal and just needed a little maturing.
So that is where we are today. Moving forward (and secretly i'm starting to miss a little of the baby-hood, where I could just sit and cuddle). But Joshy helps me with that. His way of showing affection is to come up and rub cheeks with me... and it means the world to me because that was my first contact with him when he was just minutes old... I was still lying on the table being stitched up and Daddy held him up to me and we rubbed cheeks. The thought of that connection with him brings tears to my eyes.
Ok, enough mushy stuff; BACK TO WORK, time to go make dinner.
So the snow has come and gone.
The much prepared for baby shower for Brittany has come and gone.
Mike would say his paychecks have come and gone.... as well as his weekend.
BUT.
The snow was fun, and didn't prevent Caleb from getting to school.
The baby shower went off without a hitch and everyone LOVED the flowers and little details I had put effort towards.
The alternator in my car was gratefully replaced by Mike on Sunday and so far everything is looking like it's running perfect (including the service all wheel drive light NOT coming back on, crossing my fingers still on that one).
Joshy loves the bath time color crayons I picked up for him. He is the "drawer" of the family and there's nothing like combining two of a child's favorite activities.
Josh is also developing even more verbal skills.... lately, he says "I said NO!" and "stop that". Along with others. And today he initiated conversation with the oil change staff and said "I two". Then he clammed up because he got shy! He also said today, "I do my-self!" He has entered into the understanding of pronouns... ME, you, yourself, myself, him. Although I love it when he still refers to Caleb as "Brudder".
Caleb had made DRAMATIC improvements in his letter recognition, letter sound identification and even sounding out words and "READING"! I'm amazed. Daddy and I have both buckled down on him because we are determined to put him into Kindergarten as the same (or slightly advanced than) the other kids. No one wants to be the slow kid in school. Also, his MATH is coming along. He is counting bites of food at dinner and doing substraction etc. He is really impressing us. Which is really great because he was worrying me so much that I actually went and talked to his teacher about it. She of course said he was normal and just needed a little maturing.
So that is where we are today. Moving forward (and secretly i'm starting to miss a little of the baby-hood, where I could just sit and cuddle). But Joshy helps me with that. His way of showing affection is to come up and rub cheeks with me... and it means the world to me because that was my first contact with him when he was just minutes old... I was still lying on the table being stitched up and Daddy held him up to me and we rubbed cheeks. The thought of that connection with him brings tears to my eyes.
Ok, enough mushy stuff; BACK TO WORK, time to go make dinner.
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