Spring break week had just flown by!
We came back from a pleasant (though a bit wet) weekend from Anacortes on Monday. Anacortes was nice on Sunday, but we still kept busy on the rainy Saturday. Mike and I went to the St. Mary's rummage sale and filled up a bag full of stuff for $3.00 (by item count, everything turned out to under .10 Each.) Mike took the boys swimming with the Skoog family. I took the opportunity to let the dogs run a bit in the dog park, visit a second hand store on the hunt for books (note: cheaper prices than used bookstores, but hit and miss success if looking for something specific), and picked up a luxury coffee for Mike and I to warm ourselves up with because the cold is seeming to seep into our bones. The other highlight of the weekend, Thank you Peter and Lynda, was the indulgence in the seafood buffet on Friday night. The crab was delicious, firm and sweet, and quite a breed variety to sample. The kids were barely containable in their excitement the moment that they heard the words crab and casino. They are crab crazy, gee wonder where they get that from?!
Tuesday, Grammy treated the boys to a Pump it Up session in which they played with cousin Tessa. It was very fun, and worked well to get their wiggles out. We ate lunch (again thank you Grammy), and then met Mike for a bit of swimming at the club. Quite a full day!
Wednesday, I treated the boys to a playgroup that met at the Burger King. They needed to see their friends, get wiggles out, and it was raining... so where were we going to meet that didn't include cleaning up someone's house so that the kids can ransack it all over again? Worked well. And then I grocery shopped.
Thursday, I worked while Daddy watched the kids.
Friday, I worked while Daddy watched the kids. Then we scouted the prices of things for a MOPS craft that is coming in May.
Saturday, I worked and took the kids (isn't that nice), then we visited the Friends of the Library book sale and scored a few cheap books (probably could take them to the used bookstore and get trade in credit for more than I paid to get the book.) Then it was a quick bike ride in the neighborhood and then who knows....
Sunday, church.
Monday, back to the regular school, work, cleaning, grocery shopping, work, clean, routine.
The kids are enjoying more and more of the outdoors. And sigh, they have discovered the joys of MUD. A little mud never hurt anyone, well their theory... Alot of Mud is a laughing matter and results in an equally fun shower. They are trying their hand at baseball-esque activities, although occassionally they are misguided in their attempts to see how close they can aim the ball at Shooter Rabbit (who is equally excited by the out of the cage freedom that the nice weather brings.)
So that's a little catch up. Hope all it well with you.
(Carolina, if you're reading this, you are my new inspiration for positivity under stress. Book give-away contests to commemorate spinal taps, brillant and I'm in awe of your perspecitive and outlook. Still praying for good results on those tests for you.)
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
The weekend is here!
As soon as Caleb is out of school, we are going to head out to Anacortes (Washington Park) for the weekend. Well, more than the actual weekend, with Spring Break next week, we decided to stay through until Monday. So it will be like a mini-vacation. Mike is very excited for the first trip this year/season, and he's messed with the truck a bit and has to try it out.
Both boys are very excited to camp. Caleb has though we were leaving that day for the last 4 days. And they are fighting over who gets to sit in Wyatt's lap, since our friends are coming up to Anacortes too (although they are are not staying in the same campgrounds as us). The rain might come, but right now it's just overcast. So I'm planning on a dress warm, lucky if we get a fire, maybe a garage sale or two, hot cocoa with a good book kind of weekend. And MAYBE the boys will go swimming and/or bowling. I say boys because as of yesterday, I'm come down with the icks. I'm still trying to be optimistic that it is just allergies really bad... but a fever is kind of the defining difference and I had a low grade one yesterday. But at least we get to do something with Mike's long weekend. And I'm hoping that some daddy time will straighten out Jockey a bit, he has really been acting up this week, especially at school and Awana. Won't listen, won't obey, disruptive talking and even called something stupid. So hopefully we can get back on track with this weekend.
The rabbit stays here and should be fine. We are taking the dogs with us, but I have to watch Zuma carefully. One of the screws from her leg repair has started to move/shift and work it's way out. It's been doing so for the last 4 months. At first it was just a small lumpish look, now it's quite obvious that it is the head of the screw. The area is now pink and beginning to lose it's hair. I'm not sure if it will callous over, or whether it will break the skin and become a source of possible infection. Should the later happen we will forced to face some difficult choices: 1)euthanize, 2) amutation, or 3) another costly repair that we hope will last longer than a couple years. I've already had to start talking to the boys about maybe having to send Zuma to heaven and not to harass her in her small amount of time left here. It's sad to have to talk about this now when she would have had another 3-5 years to go minimum. But I've made the choice to begin preparing my sons for the eventual inevitable, rather than shock them later. I think it will ease the experience for them if they understand the circumstances and can slowly get used to the idea that our time left with Zuma is temporary and to slowly say good bye. I do worry about them, of course, and the best way to deal with this. The last time Jockey was too small, and Caleb was very small but still asked questions about the time we didn't think he even remembered Ike.
Sorry to end on a low note, but that's our life today. Rainy, gray camping and animal issues and a bit of illness. Maybe the weekend will give me a chance to rest up because next week I've got plenty booked to accomplish.
Have a good weekend.
As soon as Caleb is out of school, we are going to head out to Anacortes (Washington Park) for the weekend. Well, more than the actual weekend, with Spring Break next week, we decided to stay through until Monday. So it will be like a mini-vacation. Mike is very excited for the first trip this year/season, and he's messed with the truck a bit and has to try it out.
Both boys are very excited to camp. Caleb has though we were leaving that day for the last 4 days. And they are fighting over who gets to sit in Wyatt's lap, since our friends are coming up to Anacortes too (although they are are not staying in the same campgrounds as us). The rain might come, but right now it's just overcast. So I'm planning on a dress warm, lucky if we get a fire, maybe a garage sale or two, hot cocoa with a good book kind of weekend. And MAYBE the boys will go swimming and/or bowling. I say boys because as of yesterday, I'm come down with the icks. I'm still trying to be optimistic that it is just allergies really bad... but a fever is kind of the defining difference and I had a low grade one yesterday. But at least we get to do something with Mike's long weekend. And I'm hoping that some daddy time will straighten out Jockey a bit, he has really been acting up this week, especially at school and Awana. Won't listen, won't obey, disruptive talking and even called something stupid. So hopefully we can get back on track with this weekend.
The rabbit stays here and should be fine. We are taking the dogs with us, but I have to watch Zuma carefully. One of the screws from her leg repair has started to move/shift and work it's way out. It's been doing so for the last 4 months. At first it was just a small lumpish look, now it's quite obvious that it is the head of the screw. The area is now pink and beginning to lose it's hair. I'm not sure if it will callous over, or whether it will break the skin and become a source of possible infection. Should the later happen we will forced to face some difficult choices: 1)euthanize, 2) amutation, or 3) another costly repair that we hope will last longer than a couple years. I've already had to start talking to the boys about maybe having to send Zuma to heaven and not to harass her in her small amount of time left here. It's sad to have to talk about this now when she would have had another 3-5 years to go minimum. But I've made the choice to begin preparing my sons for the eventual inevitable, rather than shock them later. I think it will ease the experience for them if they understand the circumstances and can slowly get used to the idea that our time left with Zuma is temporary and to slowly say good bye. I do worry about them, of course, and the best way to deal with this. The last time Jockey was too small, and Caleb was very small but still asked questions about the time we didn't think he even remembered Ike.
Sorry to end on a low note, but that's our life today. Rainy, gray camping and animal issues and a bit of illness. Maybe the weekend will give me a chance to rest up because next week I've got plenty booked to accomplish.
Have a good weekend.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday and all's well.
Caleb was blissfully ontime for school. In kid language that means he had time to run around crazy before the bell for class. And today, they are actually going to the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett for a field trip. He was really excited, which was a big rebound from thinking he wasn't going to go because he had forgotten to bring home and return the permission slip. I had the parent-teacher conference yesterday and it was brought up much to my surprise. So I got the paperwork taken care of then, but perhaps cruelly let him bring it up later so that he would understand the consequences of not bringing home work/papers. I hope that he learns his lesson with something like this before the issue is really big later. He was still tearful that neither Mike nor I could accompany him, but I explained that that was also a consequence of not bringing home the work he should have. He seemed to understand that he had made the choice and now he just has to stay close to his chaperone. So it's a 2pm pick up for him today.
As to the results of the parent-teacher conference... He has shown some areas of improvement, and some area's that are confusing as to why they slid back a bit. He went from being about to count to 21 to 43. His reading comprehension showed improvement, though the teacher admitted that the first test was taken in a group and the second was one-on-one which may mean more focus and better results. He can comprehend and complete patterns very well. His handwriting has improved and shifted to using the lower case letters; we are also working on this at home with the piano and stregnthening his hands. He knows his letters, though still turns a few of them backwards. At home however, it did take well over 30 minutes and help to get the lower case written out. I find that the Font that the paperwork chooses sometimes confuses Caleb, like the small t, with it's little tail... to him he starts thinking it's a j. The teacher seemed to say that Caleb wants to be right so badly, that often he chooses to copy other's rather than act independently. He also sees everything very black and white/right and wrong and tries to get others to follow along with what's right. (Gee, wonder where he got that???! :) ) He is caring for others and tries to adapt so the seat changes that occur every week now. Caleb has also discovered soccer, not that the teacher told us, it's just something he finally talks about. And of course, he has been discussing/planning/inviting (and dis-inviting Jockey each time he's mad) from his birthday party... for the last 2 months! I finally told him to stop talking about it until April 15th! Didn't work by the way.
Jockey, still 3 and crazy as ever. *TMI warning* I want him to learn to wipe, but NOOO, he just "assumes the position" most often leaning into the bathtub and waits for me and hollers until I get there. He's in love with showers. He wants to be a superhero. He's still whinny, but is also picked on a bunch. He's starting to put his socks on by himself, but WANTS us to do it... a battle every morning. He's still not such a great eater at the table... but would each 3-4 apples a day and a carrot too if I let him. This morning in the car, after dropping Caleb off, he saw the crossing guard and their flag... he says to me "S-T-O-P, stop." I'm thinking WOW, hello, WOW. Did you read that buddy? "No, it's just in my brain." Do you know why you go to school? No. To put more stuff in your brain. We were a bit early today, he joyfully played in their art/messy room. Water and a turkey baster were the focus catchers of the day.
Tonight we will be going to dinner at Grandpa Dahl and Grammy Dahl's house. We will see Cousin Tessa, Kristina (I don't know about Ryan). Jockey will spend the night with Grammy and Daddy will bring him home after work tomorrow. Should be good. He is so different by himself. He talks alot, and will also sit and draw by himself, and talk to himself. Very different from Caleb who wants to be entertained by others.
Have a great Tuesday!
Caleb was blissfully ontime for school. In kid language that means he had time to run around crazy before the bell for class. And today, they are actually going to the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett for a field trip. He was really excited, which was a big rebound from thinking he wasn't going to go because he had forgotten to bring home and return the permission slip. I had the parent-teacher conference yesterday and it was brought up much to my surprise. So I got the paperwork taken care of then, but perhaps cruelly let him bring it up later so that he would understand the consequences of not bringing home work/papers. I hope that he learns his lesson with something like this before the issue is really big later. He was still tearful that neither Mike nor I could accompany him, but I explained that that was also a consequence of not bringing home the work he should have. He seemed to understand that he had made the choice and now he just has to stay close to his chaperone. So it's a 2pm pick up for him today.
As to the results of the parent-teacher conference... He has shown some areas of improvement, and some area's that are confusing as to why they slid back a bit. He went from being about to count to 21 to 43. His reading comprehension showed improvement, though the teacher admitted that the first test was taken in a group and the second was one-on-one which may mean more focus and better results. He can comprehend and complete patterns very well. His handwriting has improved and shifted to using the lower case letters; we are also working on this at home with the piano and stregnthening his hands. He knows his letters, though still turns a few of them backwards. At home however, it did take well over 30 minutes and help to get the lower case written out. I find that the Font that the paperwork chooses sometimes confuses Caleb, like the small t, with it's little tail... to him he starts thinking it's a j. The teacher seemed to say that Caleb wants to be right so badly, that often he chooses to copy other's rather than act independently. He also sees everything very black and white/right and wrong and tries to get others to follow along with what's right. (Gee, wonder where he got that???! :) ) He is caring for others and tries to adapt so the seat changes that occur every week now. Caleb has also discovered soccer, not that the teacher told us, it's just something he finally talks about. And of course, he has been discussing/planning/inviting (and dis-inviting Jockey each time he's mad) from his birthday party... for the last 2 months! I finally told him to stop talking about it until April 15th! Didn't work by the way.
Jockey, still 3 and crazy as ever. *TMI warning* I want him to learn to wipe, but NOOO, he just "assumes the position" most often leaning into the bathtub and waits for me and hollers until I get there. He's in love with showers. He wants to be a superhero. He's still whinny, but is also picked on a bunch. He's starting to put his socks on by himself, but WANTS us to do it... a battle every morning. He's still not such a great eater at the table... but would each 3-4 apples a day and a carrot too if I let him. This morning in the car, after dropping Caleb off, he saw the crossing guard and their flag... he says to me "S-T-O-P, stop." I'm thinking WOW, hello, WOW. Did you read that buddy? "No, it's just in my brain." Do you know why you go to school? No. To put more stuff in your brain. We were a bit early today, he joyfully played in their art/messy room. Water and a turkey baster were the focus catchers of the day.
Tonight we will be going to dinner at Grandpa Dahl and Grammy Dahl's house. We will see Cousin Tessa, Kristina (I don't know about Ryan). Jockey will spend the night with Grammy and Daddy will bring him home after work tomorrow. Should be good. He is so different by himself. He talks alot, and will also sit and draw by himself, and talk to himself. Very different from Caleb who wants to be entertained by others.
Have a great Tuesday!
Monday, March 23, 2009
So everyone is healthy. It is the start of a new week. It looks like it might be a really nice day out if a bit chilly. I know what's for dinner for the next three nights and so I don't NEED to drag the kids into a grocery store iminently. I work 2 days this week, Mike 4 and then we are off the Anacortes for camping this weekend. Because it's Caleb's spring break next week, we will most likely make it a long weekend and use the vacation time while Caleb has it.
We went to Jockey's preschool Easter Carnival/Egg Hunt/ Fundraiser. It was ok. PACKED with people, which is good for the school but hectic for us. The Egg hunt was poorly organized and suffered from a false start leading to my sons tearfully upset over only getting one egg each...(BUT the bright side is that for the first time in 4-6 years, Mike will have Easter weekend off work and we will be able to seek out other egg hunts for the kids and he will be there to manage the kids with me... after nearly loosing Caleb at one when I was by myself, I'm a little crowd shy.) Jockey did win the Cake Walk, and the fished for toys. The items we donated brought in decent money. The bouncy house was wet and being finicky, my boys didn't jump in it. Jockey loved the sand art, but chewed a hole in the cross and the sand started sifting out. Sometimes, I just don't get it.
Yesterday ended with dinner at Papa Bill's and Grandma Judy's. The boys are still unruly, even when we did bring things for them to do. But at least they harassed the dogs less than usual. And when asked, yes, they would like just ice cream for dinner next time. (rolling my eyes at the silly kids, of course, that is their preferrence, mine too right?)
Saturday we attended a choir concert for a friend of ours. It was good music, but making our sons sit for 1.5 hours in chairs was a test of creativity, endurance and patience. At one point, they tried to make and throw paper airplanes! Then, Joshy got to brush my hair to keep him quiet. It worked for the longest period of time. But Mike and I were both worn from trying to keep them contained and quiet for that long in a 4'x2' area.
So that's the update. Have a great week.
We went to Jockey's preschool Easter Carnival/Egg Hunt/ Fundraiser. It was ok. PACKED with people, which is good for the school but hectic for us. The Egg hunt was poorly organized and suffered from a false start leading to my sons tearfully upset over only getting one egg each...(BUT the bright side is that for the first time in 4-6 years, Mike will have Easter weekend off work and we will be able to seek out other egg hunts for the kids and he will be there to manage the kids with me... after nearly loosing Caleb at one when I was by myself, I'm a little crowd shy.) Jockey did win the Cake Walk, and the fished for toys. The items we donated brought in decent money. The bouncy house was wet and being finicky, my boys didn't jump in it. Jockey loved the sand art, but chewed a hole in the cross and the sand started sifting out. Sometimes, I just don't get it.
Yesterday ended with dinner at Papa Bill's and Grandma Judy's. The boys are still unruly, even when we did bring things for them to do. But at least they harassed the dogs less than usual. And when asked, yes, they would like just ice cream for dinner next time. (rolling my eyes at the silly kids, of course, that is their preferrence, mine too right?)
Saturday we attended a choir concert for a friend of ours. It was good music, but making our sons sit for 1.5 hours in chairs was a test of creativity, endurance and patience. At one point, they tried to make and throw paper airplanes! Then, Joshy got to brush my hair to keep him quiet. It worked for the longest period of time. But Mike and I were both worn from trying to keep them contained and quiet for that long in a 4'x2' area.
So that's the update. Have a great week.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday!
No fever, no hives, the barest of coughs... these kids will finally get out of the house and get to school. They have cabin fever really bad. But I couldn't let them out with fevers to play in the back yard, nor did I feel right about dragging feverish kids through stores infecting everyone. But today finally, they will get out among the short half of our population, run a little and laugh (hopefully) alot.
Caleb is growing so much. Most of his shirts are in Joshy's dresser in the place I put those things in limbo between the boys. He has grown 1 1/2" in the last few months! His pants are suddenly pulled on and look like Urkele (old TV show) pants without the suspenders. And just today, we discovered that his shoes no longer fit and had to move him up to the next size (fortunately, we had those on hand). He's still a little peanut comparatively with his peers, but he is progressing!
Joshy is growing in his own right. And he can't wait to be a big boy. It's hard to say good bye to the cute clothes as he grows out of them. BUT, after going through 2 boys and most often we bought them used or were given them... the clothes are looking their best, rag bin quality not donation quality. They play hard, what do I expect?
I have more to say, but I have to get the kids to school and myself to work. More later.
No fever, no hives, the barest of coughs... these kids will finally get out of the house and get to school. They have cabin fever really bad. But I couldn't let them out with fevers to play in the back yard, nor did I feel right about dragging feverish kids through stores infecting everyone. But today finally, they will get out among the short half of our population, run a little and laugh (hopefully) alot.
Caleb is growing so much. Most of his shirts are in Joshy's dresser in the place I put those things in limbo between the boys. He has grown 1 1/2" in the last few months! His pants are suddenly pulled on and look like Urkele (old TV show) pants without the suspenders. And just today, we discovered that his shoes no longer fit and had to move him up to the next size (fortunately, we had those on hand). He's still a little peanut comparatively with his peers, but he is progressing!
Joshy is growing in his own right. And he can't wait to be a big boy. It's hard to say good bye to the cute clothes as he grows out of them. BUT, after going through 2 boys and most often we bought them used or were given them... the clothes are looking their best, rag bin quality not donation quality. They play hard, what do I expect?
I have more to say, but I have to get the kids to school and myself to work. More later.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday...
Here we are, Caleb still hasn't been to school yet. Fever has kept him out for the last few days, but yesterday morning started with hives of a sort. And I thought that the antihistamine and hydrocortizone cream had taken care of it, but then this morning it was double the problem... 80-90% of his body is covered including his face. So I have given him another antihistamine, gave him a shower, fresh towel to dry off, fresh clothes, and slathered him in the hydrocortizone again. I'm in limbo now to see if that is going to work, or if I have to get him into the doctor.
He hasn't has any new foods, so the nearest guess Mike and I have come up with is 1) For Caleb's fever we've given him a new kind of children's Advil... a ocean blue one with Cool Berry Taste. It could be the food coloring in that, but he's never had a skin reaction to food coloring before. or 2) zuma is shedding and her little needle hairs can pierce the skin and if pollen is on it... instant reaction. This one I doubt. It does appear to be an allergy type thing to a untrained observer, but I really hope it's not some virus strain that is going around.
So in limbo I will be for a little bit more.
We did get word that the interested parties involved in the conference with Caleb could not make the rescheduled time, therefore, they went ahead and approved the paperwork for Caleb's retention. All Mike and I have to do is sign it, and it's done. I don't know quite what changed their minds from needing a conference to not needing a conference, but I'm glad; I hate red tape and hoops. So, hurray, it's Kindergarten again for Caleb. He'll be happy, know 1/2 the things already, on the brink or fully reading and thus at the top of his class, in a familiar environment hopefully we are still waiting to hear about the intradistrict transfer. I expect him to be more mature and stronger and able to deal with learning and even failure better.
With him being out now 4 days straight, I feel less pressure about trying to cram in and catch up on what he's missing since he'll see it all again next year.
Joshy is on the mend. He's down to maybe 6 coughs a day, and the nose down to a dull strickle. I think he can get to school tomorrow. Caleb, still not so sure about. I have to work tomorrow, and I have MOPS on Friday. And that's a snapshot at the rest of our week.
Here we are, Caleb still hasn't been to school yet. Fever has kept him out for the last few days, but yesterday morning started with hives of a sort. And I thought that the antihistamine and hydrocortizone cream had taken care of it, but then this morning it was double the problem... 80-90% of his body is covered including his face. So I have given him another antihistamine, gave him a shower, fresh towel to dry off, fresh clothes, and slathered him in the hydrocortizone again. I'm in limbo now to see if that is going to work, or if I have to get him into the doctor.
He hasn't has any new foods, so the nearest guess Mike and I have come up with is 1) For Caleb's fever we've given him a new kind of children's Advil... a ocean blue one with Cool Berry Taste. It could be the food coloring in that, but he's never had a skin reaction to food coloring before. or 2) zuma is shedding and her little needle hairs can pierce the skin and if pollen is on it... instant reaction. This one I doubt. It does appear to be an allergy type thing to a untrained observer, but I really hope it's not some virus strain that is going around.
So in limbo I will be for a little bit more.
We did get word that the interested parties involved in the conference with Caleb could not make the rescheduled time, therefore, they went ahead and approved the paperwork for Caleb's retention. All Mike and I have to do is sign it, and it's done. I don't know quite what changed their minds from needing a conference to not needing a conference, but I'm glad; I hate red tape and hoops. So, hurray, it's Kindergarten again for Caleb. He'll be happy, know 1/2 the things already, on the brink or fully reading and thus at the top of his class, in a familiar environment hopefully we are still waiting to hear about the intradistrict transfer. I expect him to be more mature and stronger and able to deal with learning and even failure better.
With him being out now 4 days straight, I feel less pressure about trying to cram in and catch up on what he's missing since he'll see it all again next year.
Joshy is on the mend. He's down to maybe 6 coughs a day, and the nose down to a dull strickle. I think he can get to school tomorrow. Caleb, still not so sure about. I have to work tomorrow, and I have MOPS on Friday. And that's a snapshot at the rest of our week.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday---
Home and sick.
Jockey is congested, runny nose and coughing.
Caleb has a 101.2 temp last night at 6, so no school today. He's pale, coughing, and moving slower.
I've also had to cancel his parent/teacher conference and am waiting on the reschedule date. As it turns out (without telling me, so it feels like an ambush) there were going to be other people involved in the parent teacher conference, the principal &/or the school psychologist, maybe the school counselor too, with the intent of further discussing Caleb's retention for next year. I'm glad that the retention issue is going forward, but I hate ambushes, and there has been ample amounts of time to tell me who will be added to the parent-teacher conference. So perhaps I showed my cards a bit too much when I said that if this one lady that I've come in contact with before is the psychologist, then I don't want her there and prefer the principal. I didn't like the way she stood between my son and I; nearly an anti-family vibe from her. Perhaps this is a adversarial approach, but I view this as a battle. And as a strategy, I have to take out the opposition one by one and the "easy" way with a simple request first. I can deal with those people who don't force my hackles up on sight. So now the meeting will be rescheduled, and hopefully with people whom I've dealt pleasantly with in the past and feel truly have Caleb and his family's interests in their sights.
Caleb and I had to have a talk today about no adult at school gets to have a meeting/conference/talk with him without me knowing. Our family is a team, they aren't always on our side, especially if they don't understand Jesus and follow our Bible. Mom and Dad are going to be with him and on his team long after he leaves the 6th grade where as they are not. They will try to be sneaky in their questions and it is mom's job to fight for him and our team. It really was a revelation to him when I told him that Grandma Bishop had to have this same talk with mommy when she was little in school. Wow, for him; deja vu, for me. He is now to say "No meetings without my Mom, Call my Mom, I don't feel safe." (speak in their terminology and they might get it.)
My sick boys are playing Hungry Hippoes. I'm still fighting the getting of it with just a mild sore throat but I'm holding out hope that I won't get it full blown. We'll be staying close to home and resting trying to get better. So that's our day.
Home and sick.
Jockey is congested, runny nose and coughing.
Caleb has a 101.2 temp last night at 6, so no school today. He's pale, coughing, and moving slower.
I've also had to cancel his parent/teacher conference and am waiting on the reschedule date. As it turns out (without telling me, so it feels like an ambush) there were going to be other people involved in the parent teacher conference, the principal &/or the school psychologist, maybe the school counselor too, with the intent of further discussing Caleb's retention for next year. I'm glad that the retention issue is going forward, but I hate ambushes, and there has been ample amounts of time to tell me who will be added to the parent-teacher conference. So perhaps I showed my cards a bit too much when I said that if this one lady that I've come in contact with before is the psychologist, then I don't want her there and prefer the principal. I didn't like the way she stood between my son and I; nearly an anti-family vibe from her. Perhaps this is a adversarial approach, but I view this as a battle. And as a strategy, I have to take out the opposition one by one and the "easy" way with a simple request first. I can deal with those people who don't force my hackles up on sight. So now the meeting will be rescheduled, and hopefully with people whom I've dealt pleasantly with in the past and feel truly have Caleb and his family's interests in their sights.
Caleb and I had to have a talk today about no adult at school gets to have a meeting/conference/talk with him without me knowing. Our family is a team, they aren't always on our side, especially if they don't understand Jesus and follow our Bible. Mom and Dad are going to be with him and on his team long after he leaves the 6th grade where as they are not. They will try to be sneaky in their questions and it is mom's job to fight for him and our team. It really was a revelation to him when I told him that Grandma Bishop had to have this same talk with mommy when she was little in school. Wow, for him; deja vu, for me. He is now to say "No meetings without my Mom, Call my Mom, I don't feel safe." (speak in their terminology and they might get it.)
My sick boys are playing Hungry Hippoes. I'm still fighting the getting of it with just a mild sore throat but I'm holding out hope that I won't get it full blown. We'll be staying close to home and resting trying to get better. So that's our day.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Caleb stayed home from school today. A bit of a fever on that one.
Joshy is acting normal, but occassionally still has a bit of a cough. We're keeping it under control with a natural honey based cough syrup.
Mike's recovered enough to spend the next three days off of work.
I get to go out with the MOPS ladies tonight, if I don't come down with the ick between now and 7pm.
Until then, we are enjoying a peaceful day at home in the sun. The boys (despite being sick) are in the back yard in the sun and fresh air doing their darnest to plant apple seeds in the hopes that one day they will have a tree that bursts with apples on which they would never have to ask permission to gorge. The rabbit is hopping blissfully around them enjoying an exploratory jaunt after being couped up the last few cold and snowy days. The dogs are blissfully hoping to get their chance at the rabbit or their turn in the yard. Mike has taken it into his head to cook something... what do I care, I'm going out tonight. And I'm going to take an easy day and scrapbook and read.
It's turned out to be a fine day despite the illnesses in the household. In fact, more days could be like this and it would be fine with me.
Joshy is acting normal, but occassionally still has a bit of a cough. We're keeping it under control with a natural honey based cough syrup.
Mike's recovered enough to spend the next three days off of work.
I get to go out with the MOPS ladies tonight, if I don't come down with the ick between now and 7pm.
Until then, we are enjoying a peaceful day at home in the sun. The boys (despite being sick) are in the back yard in the sun and fresh air doing their darnest to plant apple seeds in the hopes that one day they will have a tree that bursts with apples on which they would never have to ask permission to gorge. The rabbit is hopping blissfully around them enjoying an exploratory jaunt after being couped up the last few cold and snowy days. The dogs are blissfully hoping to get their chance at the rabbit or their turn in the yard. Mike has taken it into his head to cook something... what do I care, I'm going out tonight. And I'm going to take an easy day and scrapbook and read.
It's turned out to be a fine day despite the illnesses in the household. In fact, more days could be like this and it would be fine with me.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Still sick.
Mike's recovered. Last night was the first night he wasn't coughing up a lung and all his stomach contents.
Jockey though, his fever climbed to 101... hence, he did not go to school today. He's a little seal cougher right now too.
Caleb... well, he felt a little warm, but I'm going to check him in a little bit to determine about tomorrow.
I think we are going to skip Awana tonight. Joshy wouldn't be able to go, but dragging him back and forth in the cold/dark to drop off and pick up Caleb would be hard on him. Caleb's completed 97% of his book with 2 months to go anyways, so there is plenty of time to work on it.
This coming Monday, I have a regular progress teacher's conference with Caleb's teacher. I'm hoping that she'll report some improvement. However, it was discovered that he was 'copying' off his neighbors often in the attempt to 1-complete work on time and 2- correctly because he didn't want to be wrong or late. Of course if undetected, leads us to believe he's finishing on time, correct work when he truly isn't and needs attention/help or more time. Time to buckle down again and stand like a hawk over his shoulder and see what he can actually complete without help or prompting. And obviously, I have spoken with him about not looking at his neighbor's paper and instead raising his hand for help or saying when he didn't understand something. We'll see what the teacher has to say.
We are looking forward to a calm weekend with a bit of recovery for the sickies. And if we are recovered, dinner at Papa Bill's is scheduled for Sunday. So far, I'm not yet sick, and I'm still hoping I don't get it.
Have a great weekend.
Mike's recovered. Last night was the first night he wasn't coughing up a lung and all his stomach contents.
Jockey though, his fever climbed to 101... hence, he did not go to school today. He's a little seal cougher right now too.
Caleb... well, he felt a little warm, but I'm going to check him in a little bit to determine about tomorrow.
I think we are going to skip Awana tonight. Joshy wouldn't be able to go, but dragging him back and forth in the cold/dark to drop off and pick up Caleb would be hard on him. Caleb's completed 97% of his book with 2 months to go anyways, so there is plenty of time to work on it.
This coming Monday, I have a regular progress teacher's conference with Caleb's teacher. I'm hoping that she'll report some improvement. However, it was discovered that he was 'copying' off his neighbors often in the attempt to 1-complete work on time and 2- correctly because he didn't want to be wrong or late. Of course if undetected, leads us to believe he's finishing on time, correct work when he truly isn't and needs attention/help or more time. Time to buckle down again and stand like a hawk over his shoulder and see what he can actually complete without help or prompting. And obviously, I have spoken with him about not looking at his neighbor's paper and instead raising his hand for help or saying when he didn't understand something. We'll see what the teacher has to say.
We are looking forward to a calm weekend with a bit of recovery for the sickies. And if we are recovered, dinner at Papa Bill's is scheduled for Sunday. So far, I'm not yet sick, and I'm still hoping I don't get it.
Have a great weekend.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sick-ies again?
Mike is still sick. And now, Jockey appears to have gotten it. He's developed a cough and a low grade fever. So I guess it is a good thing that I don't have to work tomorrow since the chances are high that I'll have to keep him home from school. I haven't seen any sick signs from Caleb yet, and I'm holding out hope.
On the bright side.... the $74 of cough and cold meds that I bought for "Free" (ok, $7 of sales tax) is coming as a huge blessing and being put to use! The cough drops are natural, the child cold syrup, the Theraflu for Mike, the elderberry immunity booster that protected Caleb and Joshy last bout, etc.etc. I thought even I was a little excentric "buying" a whole lot of free cough/cold stuff in July/aug, but turns out to be a huge blessing brought on by a little wisdom from above coupled with opportunity, and the innate excentricity, of course. (Note to friends, read "Death of a Garage Sale Newbie" to truly understand my tangibly, physical, pathological inability to buy anything at regular retail cost.)
Caleb spent a nice weekend with Grandpa and Grammy Dahl. The weather was a bit cold (snowy) and wasn't cooperating with the bike riding plans. But, none the less, they had a good time, Caleb came home with thrift shop/garage sale treasures and the tale of eating a whole crab at the casino.
Jockey and I made the most of the weekend with attending a birthday party for not-so-baby Emily. And the of course we dragged out every artsy thing he had. Markers, crayons, finger painting, water color painting, play doh. He loved it. He spent hours doing these things. And watching Caillou. A near bliss weekend for him. (THANK YOU GRANDPA AND GRAMMY, of course he'd love to be the one to go camping next occurrence.)
So, that's the update. Enjoying the snow out there? We did, but now it's melted, dark and SO cold. But we'll all be cozy in warm blankets soon. Good night.
Mike is still sick. And now, Jockey appears to have gotten it. He's developed a cough and a low grade fever. So I guess it is a good thing that I don't have to work tomorrow since the chances are high that I'll have to keep him home from school. I haven't seen any sick signs from Caleb yet, and I'm holding out hope.
On the bright side.... the $74 of cough and cold meds that I bought for "Free" (ok, $7 of sales tax) is coming as a huge blessing and being put to use! The cough drops are natural, the child cold syrup, the Theraflu for Mike, the elderberry immunity booster that protected Caleb and Joshy last bout, etc.etc. I thought even I was a little excentric "buying" a whole lot of free cough/cold stuff in July/aug, but turns out to be a huge blessing brought on by a little wisdom from above coupled with opportunity, and the innate excentricity, of course. (Note to friends, read "Death of a Garage Sale Newbie" to truly understand my tangibly, physical, pathological inability to buy anything at regular retail cost.)
Caleb spent a nice weekend with Grandpa and Grammy Dahl. The weather was a bit cold (snowy) and wasn't cooperating with the bike riding plans. But, none the less, they had a good time, Caleb came home with thrift shop/garage sale treasures and the tale of eating a whole crab at the casino.
Jockey and I made the most of the weekend with attending a birthday party for not-so-baby Emily. And the of course we dragged out every artsy thing he had. Markers, crayons, finger painting, water color painting, play doh. He loved it. He spent hours doing these things. And watching Caillou. A near bliss weekend for him. (THANK YOU GRANDPA AND GRAMMY, of course he'd love to be the one to go camping next occurrence.)
So, that's the update. Enjoying the snow out there? We did, but now it's melted, dark and SO cold. But we'll all be cozy in warm blankets soon. Good night.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
How did the meeting with Caleb's teacher go?
Well. I had filled out a questionaire, and so had his teacher. When the scores were within 5-6 points of each other and both scores fell into the "good candidate for retention (i.e. repeating kindergarten)". The counselor was there too. We discussed and wrote out the pros and cons, something that Mike and I had gone through at home, but they needed to know what we were thinking. There were dozens of pros, one maybe two cons that's it. Most importantly, this is 1) what we want as parents and 2) when asked, this is what Caleb says he wants. Those weigh heavily into the decision. Mrs. Gillespie fully supports our decision and can see the value in it based on her experience with Caleb. The counselor commended us as parents for looking at this decision so maturely and with such an open mind, most parents seem to think that a child's age mandates them into a school grade... you're going into kindergarten because your 5, come hell or high water, etc. She thought that it was great that we were trying to make a good Caleb decision. And that is our intent, not just to make a good '09-'10 decision, but a good decision that will give him a good footing for the next 15 years.
Thinking on the various points brought up at the meeting brought a dawning revelation to me: Caleb in his personality truly wishes to lead and be a role model to other kids. However, right now he lacks confidence and is so afraid to fail and face humiliation (points brought up by his teacher) that it is actually stunting that desire in his true personality. Thinking on that, coupled with the idea of not fighting my child's nature as lectured on at one of our MOPS meetings, I've developed the belief that maturity gains easier comprehension, full comprehension leads to confidence, confidence leads to leadership. I will be affirming Caleb's nature and personality by giving him the opportunity to mature and build into himself comprehension, success, and confidence.
So all in all the meeting went well. I have the teacher and counselor on board. The counselor has paperwork to fill out and to meet with the principal to make the final decision. I was told that at another school this might not be possible, but that our principal is in favor of retention when it is appropriate; this makes our intra-district transfer that much more critical... turned that paperwork in today too. And while I was at it, I told them I needed AM kindergarten for my job... I figured I'd get all my demands out on the table while I was in the building. So we are just waiting on paperwork and a meeting that should be pretty cut and dry because we (the parents and child) want this so strongly. I'll be praying and holding my breath in the meantime.
That's the results for today. I have to get the kids to Cubbies and Sparks.
Caleb has school tomorrow and then will be going camping with Grandpa and Grammy Dahl in Anacortes. Jockey and I will have some quality time (maybe slow bike rides and painting) while Daddy is working most of the weekend. So that's it in a nutshell.
Well. I had filled out a questionaire, and so had his teacher. When the scores were within 5-6 points of each other and both scores fell into the "good candidate for retention (i.e. repeating kindergarten)". The counselor was there too. We discussed and wrote out the pros and cons, something that Mike and I had gone through at home, but they needed to know what we were thinking. There were dozens of pros, one maybe two cons that's it. Most importantly, this is 1) what we want as parents and 2) when asked, this is what Caleb says he wants. Those weigh heavily into the decision. Mrs. Gillespie fully supports our decision and can see the value in it based on her experience with Caleb. The counselor commended us as parents for looking at this decision so maturely and with such an open mind, most parents seem to think that a child's age mandates them into a school grade... you're going into kindergarten because your 5, come hell or high water, etc. She thought that it was great that we were trying to make a good Caleb decision. And that is our intent, not just to make a good '09-'10 decision, but a good decision that will give him a good footing for the next 15 years.
Thinking on the various points brought up at the meeting brought a dawning revelation to me: Caleb in his personality truly wishes to lead and be a role model to other kids. However, right now he lacks confidence and is so afraid to fail and face humiliation (points brought up by his teacher) that it is actually stunting that desire in his true personality. Thinking on that, coupled with the idea of not fighting my child's nature as lectured on at one of our MOPS meetings, I've developed the belief that maturity gains easier comprehension, full comprehension leads to confidence, confidence leads to leadership. I will be affirming Caleb's nature and personality by giving him the opportunity to mature and build into himself comprehension, success, and confidence.
So all in all the meeting went well. I have the teacher and counselor on board. The counselor has paperwork to fill out and to meet with the principal to make the final decision. I was told that at another school this might not be possible, but that our principal is in favor of retention when it is appropriate; this makes our intra-district transfer that much more critical... turned that paperwork in today too. And while I was at it, I told them I needed AM kindergarten for my job... I figured I'd get all my demands out on the table while I was in the building. So we are just waiting on paperwork and a meeting that should be pretty cut and dry because we (the parents and child) want this so strongly. I'll be praying and holding my breath in the meantime.
That's the results for today. I have to get the kids to Cubbies and Sparks.
Caleb has school tomorrow and then will be going camping with Grandpa and Grammy Dahl in Anacortes. Jockey and I will have some quality time (maybe slow bike rides and painting) while Daddy is working most of the weekend. So that's it in a nutshell.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
"MOMMY, I dressed myself today!"
That was how I was greeted today (after a potty run) by Josh. This is the very first day that he had ever picked out his own clothes, put them on and came out ready for the day. Minus socks of course. But still. He did really good and totally independent! I keep staring at him some days because he is morphing into a big boy every day. It's happening right before my eyes and I'm amazed.
Caleb is on the big boy cruise. He's growing taller, 1/2" in the last 2 months or so... but he is about the same daily. He'll be on this big boy cruise phase for a while I think. We asked him again his thoughts on Kindergarten and he is sure he wants to do it again. I received the questionnaire that they have parents fill out to see if the child would be a good candidate for retention. The questionnaire only confirmed my decision to put him in Kindergarten again. Very few questions had any academic components, very reassuring. They had questions like: are there more than 3 grades difference between siblings. Yes. Is your child significantly, slightly smaller or significantly/slightly larger than most kids in his class... significantly smaller. Where is the child's birthday in the calendar year? What kind of interest does the child display in school? These things only reinforced my belief that this isn't an academic decision, but rather a maturity and developement decision. So now it's going through the red tape with the school.... Starting this Thursday, meeting with the teacher.
Mike's on his second week of working opening hours. I think he might be adjusting and hopefully that means more family time with the boys in the afternoons.
I have put in my request to be on the craft team again for MOPS next year. It was gladly/gratefully accepted. I'm working today. I received my meds and will embark on a hopefully life changing process at the end of this week/weekend... although it will probably be rough and a huge shock to my system. Patience to just wait it out and let the meds work and see what improvements come of it. I'm hopeful.
That's it for now. Time for school and the day to start.
That was how I was greeted today (after a potty run) by Josh. This is the very first day that he had ever picked out his own clothes, put them on and came out ready for the day. Minus socks of course. But still. He did really good and totally independent! I keep staring at him some days because he is morphing into a big boy every day. It's happening right before my eyes and I'm amazed.
Caleb is on the big boy cruise. He's growing taller, 1/2" in the last 2 months or so... but he is about the same daily. He'll be on this big boy cruise phase for a while I think. We asked him again his thoughts on Kindergarten and he is sure he wants to do it again. I received the questionnaire that they have parents fill out to see if the child would be a good candidate for retention. The questionnaire only confirmed my decision to put him in Kindergarten again. Very few questions had any academic components, very reassuring. They had questions like: are there more than 3 grades difference between siblings. Yes. Is your child significantly, slightly smaller or significantly/slightly larger than most kids in his class... significantly smaller. Where is the child's birthday in the calendar year? What kind of interest does the child display in school? These things only reinforced my belief that this isn't an academic decision, but rather a maturity and developement decision. So now it's going through the red tape with the school.... Starting this Thursday, meeting with the teacher.
Mike's on his second week of working opening hours. I think he might be adjusting and hopefully that means more family time with the boys in the afternoons.
I have put in my request to be on the craft team again for MOPS next year. It was gladly/gratefully accepted. I'm working today. I received my meds and will embark on a hopefully life changing process at the end of this week/weekend... although it will probably be rough and a huge shock to my system. Patience to just wait it out and let the meds work and see what improvements come of it. I'm hopeful.
That's it for now. Time for school and the day to start.
Friday, February 27, 2009
A pretty smooth week.
Everything has clicked along as expected. With the exception of snow on the grass, roof and trees yesterday morning... followed by beautiful sun in the afternoon and this morning.
We are looking forward to the weekend. Mike is off for the next three days. Caleb has a birthday party to attend, his first birthday party for a classmate this year.
I have an appointment to speak with Caleb's teacher and discuss her observations about Caleb's development in comparasion to his peers. I hope to get a confirmation to the general decision we have made in terms of putting him in Kindergarten again. Everyone I've spoken with has confirmed the decision in various ways. But, the red tape starts with a teacher conference, therefore that's where I begin.
So that is all for right now. Have a great weekend.
Everything has clicked along as expected. With the exception of snow on the grass, roof and trees yesterday morning... followed by beautiful sun in the afternoon and this morning.
We are looking forward to the weekend. Mike is off for the next three days. Caleb has a birthday party to attend, his first birthday party for a classmate this year.
I have an appointment to speak with Caleb's teacher and discuss her observations about Caleb's development in comparasion to his peers. I hope to get a confirmation to the general decision we have made in terms of putting him in Kindergarten again. Everyone I've spoken with has confirmed the decision in various ways. But, the red tape starts with a teacher conference, therefore that's where I begin.
So that is all for right now. Have a great weekend.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Just a little catch up...
Friday was MOPS. Jockey loves going and eating the mommy's food. Mike picked up the boys so that I could pack everything away after the craft at MOPS.
Friday night we had "movie night" at Jockey's preschool. They wore pj's and watched some cartoon that had them entertained. Mostly it was just something to do and hang out with Jockey's buddies. The mommies got to talk a bit too.
Lots of "stuff" to do this week without anything major to report. Household chores etc. Sunday was church, nice. Grocery shopping, laundry, the usual.
Joshy had decided that he likes girl's bums and their long hair.... don't really know why.
Caleb's opinion is that he would like to be in Kindergarten again and learn everything fully, be the oldest and biggest and smartest in class and read... So I'm going to look into what it takes to re-register for Kindergarten. He can always take AP classes in High School, do running start, or be skipped ahead a grade, but it would be awful to endure being the smallest (too small sometimes) for sports, youngest to get his license etc, and too young to be mature enough for college.
So another week has begun and pretty much more of the usual.
Friday was MOPS. Jockey loves going and eating the mommy's food. Mike picked up the boys so that I could pack everything away after the craft at MOPS.
Friday night we had "movie night" at Jockey's preschool. They wore pj's and watched some cartoon that had them entertained. Mostly it was just something to do and hang out with Jockey's buddies. The mommies got to talk a bit too.
Lots of "stuff" to do this week without anything major to report. Household chores etc. Sunday was church, nice. Grocery shopping, laundry, the usual.
Joshy had decided that he likes girl's bums and their long hair.... don't really know why.
Caleb's opinion is that he would like to be in Kindergarten again and learn everything fully, be the oldest and biggest and smartest in class and read... So I'm going to look into what it takes to re-register for Kindergarten. He can always take AP classes in High School, do running start, or be skipped ahead a grade, but it would be awful to endure being the smallest (too small sometimes) for sports, youngest to get his license etc, and too young to be mature enough for college.
So another week has begun and pretty much more of the usual.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hello and happy Sunday.
Life is just clicking along here on President's Day weekend.
I passed another kidney stone (not as bad as Nov or July's, but not painless mind you.) In church, I was reminded once again of the blessing of the God-given/provided ways and tools to deal with this reoccurring event in my life. Sometimes God takes us around the same tree (aka, trial) because we didn't learn or didn't learn it all the first time, but sometimes we have to go around the same tree of blessing to be reminded of God's constantcy, renew our gratefulness, and see the depth of the blessing and provision for us. So another stone passed with a few bumps, and for those who are counting, that is 3 strained and caught in 8 months!
Mike and I have made a huge decision to register Joshy for a second year of Preschool rather than put him into Pre-K for the '09-'10 school year. He is chronologicially allowed to move forward, but after talking with other moms of boys with close to the cut off birthdays... and thinking ahead... It is our choice to give Joshy the advantage of being the oldest, more intellectually developed, probably still not ever going to be the tallest, most socially developed kid in his class. He'll be 16 when he starts his sophmore year (rather than just before Junior), he'll be 18 his entire senior year, and a full19 when he goes into college. We looked at all the advantages and there was just one disadvantage of having peer pressure to buy smokes in the senior year. He will be legally able to get a job, old enough to drive to it, he'll be able to get to more extra-cirricular activites/sports etc. I think we are making the right choice, although I had to face my selfishness in trying to get more time for me sooner and get him into Kindergarten in '10 rather than the pre-k he'll now go into that year. Once I swallowed my selfishness, I was able to see the advantages and started to feel objective about this choice. I do worry about putting that much more time between the boys in school/peers, but then again there's more time between having to pay for college for the boys now too. I do worry about Joshy sooo wanting to be a "big boy", but I really don't want him to be the runt in his class (more than just the inevitable physical). I think this is a good decision, and I'm hoping that the undeniable confidence in the decision will come the closer we get to it. If anything, I'll get to keep my "baby" with me longer, right? Does this mean I get to stay in MOPS longer too?!
So no school tomorrow, but lots of errands.... with both kids, sigh. Well, it can't all be sun and roses.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Life is just clicking along here on President's Day weekend.
I passed another kidney stone (not as bad as Nov or July's, but not painless mind you.) In church, I was reminded once again of the blessing of the God-given/provided ways and tools to deal with this reoccurring event in my life. Sometimes God takes us around the same tree (aka, trial) because we didn't learn or didn't learn it all the first time, but sometimes we have to go around the same tree of blessing to be reminded of God's constantcy, renew our gratefulness, and see the depth of the blessing and provision for us. So another stone passed with a few bumps, and for those who are counting, that is 3 strained and caught in 8 months!
Mike and I have made a huge decision to register Joshy for a second year of Preschool rather than put him into Pre-K for the '09-'10 school year. He is chronologicially allowed to move forward, but after talking with other moms of boys with close to the cut off birthdays... and thinking ahead... It is our choice to give Joshy the advantage of being the oldest, more intellectually developed, probably still not ever going to be the tallest, most socially developed kid in his class. He'll be 16 when he starts his sophmore year (rather than just before Junior), he'll be 18 his entire senior year, and a full19 when he goes into college. We looked at all the advantages and there was just one disadvantage of having peer pressure to buy smokes in the senior year. He will be legally able to get a job, old enough to drive to it, he'll be able to get to more extra-cirricular activites/sports etc. I think we are making the right choice, although I had to face my selfishness in trying to get more time for me sooner and get him into Kindergarten in '10 rather than the pre-k he'll now go into that year. Once I swallowed my selfishness, I was able to see the advantages and started to feel objective about this choice. I do worry about putting that much more time between the boys in school/peers, but then again there's more time between having to pay for college for the boys now too. I do worry about Joshy sooo wanting to be a "big boy", but I really don't want him to be the runt in his class (more than just the inevitable physical). I think this is a good decision, and I'm hoping that the undeniable confidence in the decision will come the closer we get to it. If anything, I'll get to keep my "baby" with me longer, right? Does this mean I get to stay in MOPS longer too?!
So no school tomorrow, but lots of errands.... with both kids, sigh. Well, it can't all be sun and roses.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The boys both had their valentines day parties today. (No school until next Tuesday).
They are both delighted with the goodies that they received.
I think we have entered into a new phase though. Caleb promptly sorted out all of the girly valentines (pricess, dora, fairies) for disposal; thanks for the candy but, he didn't want them because they are girly. He kept the TMNT, Transformers, Spiderman, Batman, Power Rangers etc; these are all tucked away in his room. That's boys for ya. I know we are in a phase, I can only pray that it lasts until he's out of his teens for a less complicated life... and then swings definitely and inevitably back for his twenties. I was just surprised and humored by his opinion of girly valentines.
They are both delighted with the goodies that they received.
I think we have entered into a new phase though. Caleb promptly sorted out all of the girly valentines (pricess, dora, fairies) for disposal; thanks for the candy but, he didn't want them because they are girly. He kept the TMNT, Transformers, Spiderman, Batman, Power Rangers etc; these are all tucked away in his room. That's boys for ya. I know we are in a phase, I can only pray that it lasts until he's out of his teens for a less complicated life... and then swings definitely and inevitably back for his twenties. I was just surprised and humored by his opinion of girly valentines.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Another week has begun... with a little of the white stuff.
Yes, we have a trace amount of snow lining our grass this morning. Nothing on the roads fortunately, which meant that school was on schedule. The sky is now a crisp blue with just bit of white clouds beginning to roll in. I checked and we aren't forecasted for more snow, but we can always hope! Tuesday night/Wednesday is good for me.
Caleb and Joshy were excited about the snow, and I can be that this afternoon is going to be an outdoor, wet, cold and fun kind of day followed very closely with hot cocoa and naps... Sounds like a great day to me!
Joshy (unfortunately) is beginning to follow in his brother's footsteps. Since we began to take the pacifier away, he has begun to suck his thumb. sigh. Just when you think, hey we did ok with this one, we can ALWAYS take away a pacifier, he switches and gets ahead of us. Why don't these kids come with a rule book?!
Speaking of rule books....
Last Friday was MOPS. It was probably one of the most impactful topics (for me) to date. Basically it was on reinforcing/affirming the Nature of our Child. The nature of our child as defined by their gender. The long story short, reinforcing and stregnthening their gender defined role to increase self-awareness and self confidence. For me, I paid attention mostly to the boy specific details being as that is most applicable in my life. What I came away with has given me insight to boys, and a little bit of grace for their stupid actions.
Boys should be trained up in a manner that will form them into good men. Good men are Priests (spiritual leaders of the house), Providers (of more than just financial) and Protectors (of all aspects: emotional, social, psychological, physical, etc). Because of these future roles they will behave in ways meant to develope these aspects of their lives.
Jumping off the couch is not mere an attempt to disobey and annoy Mom (please note, mom is a girl and it isn't built into her the need to do this). Jumping off the couch is a way for boys to conquer and explore. Conquering the couch is a boy expression that developes them into courageous protectors. Understanding this, I can change my perspective and be a bit more graceful and less high strung. Boys will turn everything into a weapon, it is a natural expression of the wish to protect. Granted they need direction with in that activity that will prepare them for the role.
These boys will need to be trained to be "gentlemen", not because women are able to open a door or walk on the correct side of the sidewalk... but because it affirms, rather than contradicts, the boys nature to protect (and women will inherently feel protected by these actions).
As married men, my boys will have to be the leaders of the household and ensure the spiritual wellbeing and growth. This has to be modeled to them. HOW to do this role. Pray with the children to teach them HOW to pray, and often to teach them to be in the habit. I must pray for my children of course because I can't do this on my own. They will need to be taught HOW to study, How to pursue God's will, How to living in the morals the Bible teaches... and to be strong enough and wise enough to lead others in these skills too.
And Providers, obviously there is the financial, but it is so much more. They need to provide environments where others can express themselves. To provide information, skills for care-taking, finances, etc.
NOW, I know how to appeal to their boy nature in their discipline and training. Caleb hits Joshy, now I say... that doesn't follow God's law (golden rule), that doesn't follow God's command to be your brother's keeper, and as family Caleb need to protect Joshy not hurt him. And then later in the day, Joshy hit Caleb and we go around the tree again... different boy. I know that I will attempt to draw to one of these three roles into my disscussions and discipline of/with the boys. They need to be following God, they need to be responsible for the care of others, commitment to providing for the tangible needs of their family. And as a Mom (and Dad MUST help too as the BIGGEST role model), it's my job to get these boys trained. I'm not just trying to get them through childhood alive and eating with a fork while sitting at the table.... It's a bigger job than just making them civilized. I have mini-men that need to know how to do it right.
Like I said, the best MOPS to date.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Yes, we have a trace amount of snow lining our grass this morning. Nothing on the roads fortunately, which meant that school was on schedule. The sky is now a crisp blue with just bit of white clouds beginning to roll in. I checked and we aren't forecasted for more snow, but we can always hope! Tuesday night/Wednesday is good for me.
Caleb and Joshy were excited about the snow, and I can be that this afternoon is going to be an outdoor, wet, cold and fun kind of day followed very closely with hot cocoa and naps... Sounds like a great day to me!
Joshy (unfortunately) is beginning to follow in his brother's footsteps. Since we began to take the pacifier away, he has begun to suck his thumb. sigh. Just when you think, hey we did ok with this one, we can ALWAYS take away a pacifier, he switches and gets ahead of us. Why don't these kids come with a rule book?!
Speaking of rule books....
Last Friday was MOPS. It was probably one of the most impactful topics (for me) to date. Basically it was on reinforcing/affirming the Nature of our Child. The nature of our child as defined by their gender. The long story short, reinforcing and stregnthening their gender defined role to increase self-awareness and self confidence. For me, I paid attention mostly to the boy specific details being as that is most applicable in my life. What I came away with has given me insight to boys, and a little bit of grace for their stupid actions.
Boys should be trained up in a manner that will form them into good men. Good men are Priests (spiritual leaders of the house), Providers (of more than just financial) and Protectors (of all aspects: emotional, social, psychological, physical, etc). Because of these future roles they will behave in ways meant to develope these aspects of their lives.
Jumping off the couch is not mere an attempt to disobey and annoy Mom (please note, mom is a girl and it isn't built into her the need to do this). Jumping off the couch is a way for boys to conquer and explore. Conquering the couch is a boy expression that developes them into courageous protectors. Understanding this, I can change my perspective and be a bit more graceful and less high strung. Boys will turn everything into a weapon, it is a natural expression of the wish to protect. Granted they need direction with in that activity that will prepare them for the role.
These boys will need to be trained to be "gentlemen", not because women are able to open a door or walk on the correct side of the sidewalk... but because it affirms, rather than contradicts, the boys nature to protect (and women will inherently feel protected by these actions).
As married men, my boys will have to be the leaders of the household and ensure the spiritual wellbeing and growth. This has to be modeled to them. HOW to do this role. Pray with the children to teach them HOW to pray, and often to teach them to be in the habit. I must pray for my children of course because I can't do this on my own. They will need to be taught HOW to study, How to pursue God's will, How to living in the morals the Bible teaches... and to be strong enough and wise enough to lead others in these skills too.
And Providers, obviously there is the financial, but it is so much more. They need to provide environments where others can express themselves. To provide information, skills for care-taking, finances, etc.
NOW, I know how to appeal to their boy nature in their discipline and training. Caleb hits Joshy, now I say... that doesn't follow God's law (golden rule), that doesn't follow God's command to be your brother's keeper, and as family Caleb need to protect Joshy not hurt him. And then later in the day, Joshy hit Caleb and we go around the tree again... different boy. I know that I will attempt to draw to one of these three roles into my disscussions and discipline of/with the boys. They need to be following God, they need to be responsible for the care of others, commitment to providing for the tangible needs of their family. And as a Mom (and Dad MUST help too as the BIGGEST role model), it's my job to get these boys trained. I'm not just trying to get them through childhood alive and eating with a fork while sitting at the table.... It's a bigger job than just making them civilized. I have mini-men that need to know how to do it right.
Like I said, the best MOPS to date.
That's all for now, have a great week.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!
The weekend gets to begin for a lot of us (not Mike unfortunately).
MOPS is this morning and Jockey is looking forward to his class. Caleb gets to go to school. And of course, I get to hang out with the Ladies of MOPS. And drum roll, I'm going to go to Snohomish for their annual city antique sale! Kind of excited to go. Still probably won't buy anything... but it's the idea that the dream is 10% off and therefore 10% closer. Like having 4 of the 6 numbers in the lottery insteal of just 3. (3 #'s in the lottery equals just going to the antique stores without children).
So the kids and I are going to kid back with a $5 pizza and hang out tonight. Should be mellow. Talk to you later.
The weekend gets to begin for a lot of us (not Mike unfortunately).
MOPS is this morning and Jockey is looking forward to his class. Caleb gets to go to school. And of course, I get to hang out with the Ladies of MOPS. And drum roll, I'm going to go to Snohomish for their annual city antique sale! Kind of excited to go. Still probably won't buy anything... but it's the idea that the dream is 10% off and therefore 10% closer. Like having 4 of the 6 numbers in the lottery insteal of just 3. (3 #'s in the lottery equals just going to the antique stores without children).
So the kids and I are going to kid back with a $5 pizza and hang out tonight. Should be mellow. Talk to you later.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Sick....
I've still got the bug, mostly in my throat and chest. I thought it was over on Monday, but, yesterday I think I had a fever in the morning while I was working.
Jockey is better.
Caleb (CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!) hasn't gotten it. I gave him Elderberry Immunity booster (part of my free stuff purchased months ago) and I'm hoping that it will help him avoid the flu.
Mike, he says he isn't feeling well. But he's still getting to work because no worky no payee.
Jockey is still adding "ee" to everything he says. "truckee" "brotheree" "shirtee"
Caleb's done excellent at school having gone several days/weeks without stages. Everyday I ask him to tell me what he did at school... he says patterns. I'm looking for Reading, Counting, Math, Money, etc...
For Awana, Caleb is learning the challenging feat of memorizing the 27 books of the New Testament. It's been rough drilling him, but he's gotten it in chunks, the final test is saying all 27 together!
Well, off to school for Caleb, and I have to drive.
I've still got the bug, mostly in my throat and chest. I thought it was over on Monday, but, yesterday I think I had a fever in the morning while I was working.
Jockey is better.
Caleb (CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!) hasn't gotten it. I gave him Elderberry Immunity booster (part of my free stuff purchased months ago) and I'm hoping that it will help him avoid the flu.
Mike, he says he isn't feeling well. But he's still getting to work because no worky no payee.
Jockey is still adding "ee" to everything he says. "truckee" "brotheree" "shirtee"
Caleb's done excellent at school having gone several days/weeks without stages. Everyday I ask him to tell me what he did at school... he says patterns. I'm looking for Reading, Counting, Math, Money, etc...
For Awana, Caleb is learning the challenging feat of memorizing the 27 books of the New Testament. It's been rough drilling him, but he's gotten it in chunks, the final test is saying all 27 together!
Well, off to school for Caleb, and I have to drive.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Uh-oh, Sick.
I came down with the flu/cold last night, literally within an hour I went from feeling normal to shoving Comtrex in me and heading for bed. Joshy's got it too. Ick.
It's hard to find separation in the house to prevent anyone else getting sick. The boys will sneak sharing drinks and food. And right now they are curled up with Mike watching Football, which means breathing the same air. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion when one person gets it, we will all get it. Frustrating.
I'm already looking at paring things down to the minimum for myself and the boys. I'm hoping I'm over this fast. I have to get to work tomorrow (a job I can/do take the kids with me). And I can push everything else back until Thursday. I am suppose to help with Awana Thursday, but if one of the kids is sick I have to stay home with them and can't help. Sigh, how inconveinent. I don't want the boys missing any more school. Caleb's missed so much due to snow and floods...
Well, it's not in my control so I guess I'll just get over it and find some yummy soup.
I came down with the flu/cold last night, literally within an hour I went from feeling normal to shoving Comtrex in me and heading for bed. Joshy's got it too. Ick.
It's hard to find separation in the house to prevent anyone else getting sick. The boys will sneak sharing drinks and food. And right now they are curled up with Mike watching Football, which means breathing the same air. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion when one person gets it, we will all get it. Frustrating.
I'm already looking at paring things down to the minimum for myself and the boys. I'm hoping I'm over this fast. I have to get to work tomorrow (a job I can/do take the kids with me). And I can push everything else back until Thursday. I am suppose to help with Awana Thursday, but if one of the kids is sick I have to stay home with them and can't help. Sigh, how inconveinent. I don't want the boys missing any more school. Caleb's missed so much due to snow and floods...
Well, it's not in my control so I guess I'll just get over it and find some yummy soup.
Friday, January 30, 2009
A funny story from this week...
One morning, Joshy came crying and screaming to me. He had huge tears and was scared and was saying "my weiner's broken". Never one to jump to a state of panic, I'm thinking I'm going to have to explain to him morning incidents that happen to boys sometimes (read between the lines). No. He is pulling down his underwear as if to show me something. Ok, now I'm a little concerned... blood, something else... doctors might have to get involved. He is still crying huged amounts of tears and thinks something horrible is wrong with his boy parts. He shows me this flesh colored lump in his underwear and says it pulled right off of him; in his mind, part of his weiner is in his underwear. I look at it.... GUM!
WHY DO YOU HAVE GUM IN YOUR UNDERWEAR? In the MORNING, has it been there ALL NIGHT? WHERE did you get it? And most certainly... NO!!! you may NOT chew on it!
Once he realized what it was, and that he was intact, he recovered quickly and said that it was silly. But then he didn't quite understand why I wouldn't let him have the gum, uh mmm duh!
The rest of the week was fairly routine. I worked. Jockey and I got to go to a playgroup with the MOPS moms. Caleb didn't have stages at all this week. Jockey got a new teacher. We enjoyed the one day of light snow. And now it is sunny and we have the full 3 days off of school and work. What to do, what to do....
So that's the week in a nutshell. Have a great weekend.
One morning, Joshy came crying and screaming to me. He had huge tears and was scared and was saying "my weiner's broken". Never one to jump to a state of panic, I'm thinking I'm going to have to explain to him morning incidents that happen to boys sometimes (read between the lines). No. He is pulling down his underwear as if to show me something. Ok, now I'm a little concerned... blood, something else... doctors might have to get involved. He is still crying huged amounts of tears and thinks something horrible is wrong with his boy parts. He shows me this flesh colored lump in his underwear and says it pulled right off of him; in his mind, part of his weiner is in his underwear. I look at it.... GUM!
WHY DO YOU HAVE GUM IN YOUR UNDERWEAR? In the MORNING, has it been there ALL NIGHT? WHERE did you get it? And most certainly... NO!!! you may NOT chew on it!
Once he realized what it was, and that he was intact, he recovered quickly and said that it was silly. But then he didn't quite understand why I wouldn't let him have the gum, uh mmm duh!
The rest of the week was fairly routine. I worked. Jockey and I got to go to a playgroup with the MOPS moms. Caleb didn't have stages at all this week. Jockey got a new teacher. We enjoyed the one day of light snow. And now it is sunny and we have the full 3 days off of school and work. What to do, what to do....
So that's the week in a nutshell. Have a great weekend.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Not a tragedy, but a comedy. I had to share.
All this time, we've been training our kids to keep the dogs and rabbit apart. Keep the doors closed when the rabbit is out, put the rabbit away before the dogs can go outside. etc. etc. Today, their training failed and rather than a tragedy, we had a comedy.
First, Shooter rabbit was out and running around and the back slider door was open. Then Zuma got a hold of a pizza crust (thanks Jockey) and then was allowed into the TV room (again, thanks Jockey). I leapt up to grab Zuma, but thinking that I was going to take her crust away, she ran outside. She ran to the side of the fence and began crunching on the crust. Contrary to my expectation, Zuma didn't chase the rabbit on sight. The rabbit hopped to about 3 feet away. When Zuma was preoccupied with the crust and didn't go after the rabbit on sight, I decided to see what was going to happen. The rabbit approached Zuma. He hopped up and sniffed Zuma in the front, then nose to nose, and then he hopped around Zuma and sniffed her back leg. It was only then that she was "oh, what's THAT sniffing me". Then Zuma began to walk toward Shooters hutch and the rabbit ran at her to defend the hutch. So then Zuma walked to the middle of the yard. And oddly enough, the rabbit hopped out to her and sniffed and then charged at her. He circled Zuma and hopped under her and charged again and circled. They were acting like two dogs playing/wrestling, just like Tigger and Zuma do when Zuma goes under Tigger. I was amazed and shocked. I was actually worried that the rabbit would bite and draw blood from Zuma and send her yipping and howling. If I hadn't of been worried, I might have had happiness rather than simple shock. It was actually quite funny to see the little 4 pound rabbit charge and take on a 23 pound dog and try to "play". (I'm choosing to be optimistic and view it as play rather than aggression.)
I'm still shocked and humored by the charging rabbit boldly approaching and playing with a dog. Granted, Shooter didn't sprint anywhere and tempt Zuma's love for a good game of chase. But I am relieved that this was a comedic event rather than a blood bath. I only wish I had the camera in my hand. I don't know whether we should risk it just for a picture. But that's what memories are for. Hope you enjoyed the story.
All this time, we've been training our kids to keep the dogs and rabbit apart. Keep the doors closed when the rabbit is out, put the rabbit away before the dogs can go outside. etc. etc. Today, their training failed and rather than a tragedy, we had a comedy.
First, Shooter rabbit was out and running around and the back slider door was open. Then Zuma got a hold of a pizza crust (thanks Jockey) and then was allowed into the TV room (again, thanks Jockey). I leapt up to grab Zuma, but thinking that I was going to take her crust away, she ran outside. She ran to the side of the fence and began crunching on the crust. Contrary to my expectation, Zuma didn't chase the rabbit on sight. The rabbit hopped to about 3 feet away. When Zuma was preoccupied with the crust and didn't go after the rabbit on sight, I decided to see what was going to happen. The rabbit approached Zuma. He hopped up and sniffed Zuma in the front, then nose to nose, and then he hopped around Zuma and sniffed her back leg. It was only then that she was "oh, what's THAT sniffing me". Then Zuma began to walk toward Shooters hutch and the rabbit ran at her to defend the hutch. So then Zuma walked to the middle of the yard. And oddly enough, the rabbit hopped out to her and sniffed and then charged at her. He circled Zuma and hopped under her and charged again and circled. They were acting like two dogs playing/wrestling, just like Tigger and Zuma do when Zuma goes under Tigger. I was amazed and shocked. I was actually worried that the rabbit would bite and draw blood from Zuma and send her yipping and howling. If I hadn't of been worried, I might have had happiness rather than simple shock. It was actually quite funny to see the little 4 pound rabbit charge and take on a 23 pound dog and try to "play". (I'm choosing to be optimistic and view it as play rather than aggression.)
I'm still shocked and humored by the charging rabbit boldly approaching and playing with a dog. Granted, Shooter didn't sprint anywhere and tempt Zuma's love for a good game of chase. But I am relieved that this was a comedic event rather than a blood bath. I only wish I had the camera in my hand. I don't know whether we should risk it just for a picture. But that's what memories are for. Hope you enjoyed the story.
What is it with boys and forts?
I mean I get the fort thing kind of, I liked them when I was a kid.... but Caleb and Jockey are near obsessed. I've built forts for them plenty of times, but I can't keep up with the voracious fort appetite. So their forts end up being a pile (and I mean a big pile) of blankets. They bury and nestle themselves in and thinks it is great. Their favorite is when they build said forts in front of the tv and get to watch a cartoon, or in a bedroom and they get to sleep in it.
They received a pile of cars and trucks this week from Mike's co-worker. From that point on, they have been playing with cars non-stop. The cars even made Joshy's show-n-tell priority. He's got plenty of things to take, but he is latching on certain cars, a blue one his day, a purple one the next. I love that they boys are brought joy by the simplest things.
I've been reading Caleb some scholastics readers books from Auntie Kristina. (Huge thanks Aunt Kristina). They really are helping him. It's vastly frustrating when he wont even look at the book's page or the word I'm directly pointing at. However, he is actually sounding out words. He shocks me when he actually does try that he really does know what he is doing. I can't seem to get him to want to read. I don't think this is an uncommon problem, so who do we get past this?
Joshy's make up Christmas program was this week. I sped through work and made it back to his school in time to see him perform. Of course, I forget the camera. He was so cute, he actually did sing about 4 words and then huge pauses and back to the same 4 words. He actually stood (not sat) on the stage. But when he saw me, he screamed out Mommy and tried walk to me. Twice.
MOPS, FINALLY! The Ladies finally were able to get together, no more floods, blizzards etc to cancel our meetings. We had a good time chatting and getting to work on the craft that I prepared. It was alot of work, but very worth it. I can't wait until the next MOPS.
Otherwise the week is has been busy but routine. The weather is chilly, but it's going to be sunny! We've got the whole weekend to go. You have a good weekend yourselves.
I mean I get the fort thing kind of, I liked them when I was a kid.... but Caleb and Jockey are near obsessed. I've built forts for them plenty of times, but I can't keep up with the voracious fort appetite. So their forts end up being a pile (and I mean a big pile) of blankets. They bury and nestle themselves in and thinks it is great. Their favorite is when they build said forts in front of the tv and get to watch a cartoon, or in a bedroom and they get to sleep in it.
They received a pile of cars and trucks this week from Mike's co-worker. From that point on, they have been playing with cars non-stop. The cars even made Joshy's show-n-tell priority. He's got plenty of things to take, but he is latching on certain cars, a blue one his day, a purple one the next. I love that they boys are brought joy by the simplest things.
I've been reading Caleb some scholastics readers books from Auntie Kristina. (Huge thanks Aunt Kristina). They really are helping him. It's vastly frustrating when he wont even look at the book's page or the word I'm directly pointing at. However, he is actually sounding out words. He shocks me when he actually does try that he really does know what he is doing. I can't seem to get him to want to read. I don't think this is an uncommon problem, so who do we get past this?
Joshy's make up Christmas program was this week. I sped through work and made it back to his school in time to see him perform. Of course, I forget the camera. He was so cute, he actually did sing about 4 words and then huge pauses and back to the same 4 words. He actually stood (not sat) on the stage. But when he saw me, he screamed out Mommy and tried walk to me. Twice.
MOPS, FINALLY! The Ladies finally were able to get together, no more floods, blizzards etc to cancel our meetings. We had a good time chatting and getting to work on the craft that I prepared. It was alot of work, but very worth it. I can't wait until the next MOPS.
Otherwise the week is has been busy but routine. The weather is chilly, but it's going to be sunny! We've got the whole weekend to go. You have a good weekend yourselves.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Another week in our New Year.
It seems like forever ago already that 2009 started.
This week we were blessed to find Caleb a "new" $10 bike at Value Village. It is the next size up and will keep him cruising happily, especially with the (cross our fingers) spring/summer warm months just around the corner. Consequentially, Jockey has inherited Caleb's stellar red bike, and Daddy at this exact moment is getting the training wheels back onto it so that the little dude has a chance at keeping up with Caleb. We'll see how he does, before this he has been enjoying the wonderful tricycle that Tessa and the Surfaces blessed him with.
This is a three day weekend with the boys getting Monday off. Their biggest thrill on the weekends is to share the same room. This time they have enjoyed a camp out in the living room, sleeping bags and movies, etc. It was great, and they are even sleeping in a bit in the morning which is a gift to us.
They are getting to be well known at church. They are recognized by the teachers, and more importantly, Caleb is recognizing kids from his classes and getting more personable. I know that this is not my strong suit (remembering names and particulars and building friendships) so I'm pleased to see him succeeding in an area that I might not be able to help him with as much as I would like. But conversely, I hope that he will build the relationships that HE enjoys without my pushing him. I'll still guide him away from the problematic boys, but not push into what he isn't ready for.
Joshy is also growing dramatically. He's adapting to the school routines, can say a quarter of his alphabet, count to 9 or even up to 12. He knows his shapes, but is still a little erroneous on his colors.
Up until now, the growth on a daily basis is so subtle that it is hard to see for a mom... but lately, I can see near weekly changes in the boys. They are rapidly becoming capable of conversation that keeps flowing similar to adults. They are comprehending more, their interests are developing. Of course, Joshy is very into testing me and the limits (often in the form of justification... "I'm just.... mom." Yes, I know Josh, but the answer is still no.) They are nearly different kids every month. I still have the goal of Caleb reading by the time he enters first grade and Daddy is working a deal with him to motivate him to work towards that goal. Josh, I want him to learn his colors and obediance. It doesn't sound like a lot, but for the "baby" in the family, learning to not be self-absorbed is big thing. Heck, isn't that hard for every body, to learn that we are not what the entire world revolves around.
In church, I was praying for my kids today and the Lord really brought it to me that it is never too early and they are never too young to begin the pursuit of God's Wisdom. In reflection on my childhood and adolescence, praying for wisdom/discernment was a major part of my life and the receiving of such was a huge blessing in my life and kept me out of several pitfalls most teenagers fall into. I want to make it part of my parenting to teach my children the value of, how to study to attain and how to receive (and use) God's wisdom. It will be priceless tool/blessing in their lives. I'm grateful that the Lord brought that to the forefront for emphasis in my parenting. My sons are bright and sensitive and strong, add to that godly wisdom/discernment and they will be powerful individuals. If they weren't so cute right now (chubby little kissable cheeks) I'd wish to fast forward to see what mighty awesome God following young men they will be. All in good time.
The day is very crisp outside at 36 degrees, but the sun is out and none too soon. Those gray days were getting me down and today is exactly the refresher that I needed.
This week, we visited the recycling center. We've been saving our pop cans, and Daddy brought home HUGE bags from a co-worker. With the entire back end of our truck filled without an ouce of space to spare, we trekked across town to see what $ they would fetch. 248 pounds!!!!! $50! The boys were enormously blessed with that kind of loot, but they got $5 ea and Daddy for his hour efforts kept the $40 to spend on things for the house (lunch for us etc.) The boys learned about tithing, about saving, and then making wise choices with the remainder. They were eager learners, and Caleb was beautiful in his generousity in buying his brother a slurpee for good behavior in the grocery store. He's trying to be a big boy, big brother and I see him mimicking my actions... good behavior get rewarded, bad behavior has consequences. I do worry about him having the "first child" syndrome behaviors of bossy, controlling, over responsiblity. I am working on it. Just like I try to work on Jockey not to have the second child, "baby" syndrome of selfish, helplessness, taking for granted that other's will pave the way and him not having to make an effort. But it was a bright point of the week, it felt like a successful day. We got $, we were recycling and good for the environment and we learned some lessons and got some cool (cheap) toys. Positives all around.
Last week we visited our friends Dave and Anne and their kids. Both our sons are now in LOVE with their oldest Wyatt, 11. They have got him on such a pedestal for study, sharing and just being around. They want to do what Wyatt is doing and learn from anything Wyatt is willing to show him. A near idolization is the best description. They fight over who gets to sit next to him etc. And Wyatt is great with them. Plays with them, piggy backs with them, shows them the safe way to play with cap guns, the cool collections he's got, the interesting things he's doing. He has patience with them and can snag their attention like few things/people do. I'm thinking I see a baby sitter in the making! Just a little bit more time and it will be ideal. In fact, the night we were over at their house, he kept the boys occupied and entertained so much, Mike did slip him a couple bucks out of appreciation. He seemed to get a sense of pride and responsiblity. Again another positive that has occurred this week.
So that's the last week in a nutshell. This week dawn's with a day off for the kids, a couple of days of working for me, MOPS on Friday (crossing my fingers and holding my breath that NOTHING will threaten it's cancellation like the last few meetings). I have to pull together a craft for the ladies for Friday, a responsiblity that is actually fun and not drudgery. The boys have school and Awana. And away we go. Busy busy.
I hope you all have good weeks. Full, exciting, restful and centered.
TTFN, I have to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.
It seems like forever ago already that 2009 started.
This week we were blessed to find Caleb a "new" $10 bike at Value Village. It is the next size up and will keep him cruising happily, especially with the (cross our fingers) spring/summer warm months just around the corner. Consequentially, Jockey has inherited Caleb's stellar red bike, and Daddy at this exact moment is getting the training wheels back onto it so that the little dude has a chance at keeping up with Caleb. We'll see how he does, before this he has been enjoying the wonderful tricycle that Tessa and the Surfaces blessed him with.
This is a three day weekend with the boys getting Monday off. Their biggest thrill on the weekends is to share the same room. This time they have enjoyed a camp out in the living room, sleeping bags and movies, etc. It was great, and they are even sleeping in a bit in the morning which is a gift to us.
They are getting to be well known at church. They are recognized by the teachers, and more importantly, Caleb is recognizing kids from his classes and getting more personable. I know that this is not my strong suit (remembering names and particulars and building friendships) so I'm pleased to see him succeeding in an area that I might not be able to help him with as much as I would like. But conversely, I hope that he will build the relationships that HE enjoys without my pushing him. I'll still guide him away from the problematic boys, but not push into what he isn't ready for.
Joshy is also growing dramatically. He's adapting to the school routines, can say a quarter of his alphabet, count to 9 or even up to 12. He knows his shapes, but is still a little erroneous on his colors.
Up until now, the growth on a daily basis is so subtle that it is hard to see for a mom... but lately, I can see near weekly changes in the boys. They are rapidly becoming capable of conversation that keeps flowing similar to adults. They are comprehending more, their interests are developing. Of course, Joshy is very into testing me and the limits (often in the form of justification... "I'm just.... mom." Yes, I know Josh, but the answer is still no.) They are nearly different kids every month. I still have the goal of Caleb reading by the time he enters first grade and Daddy is working a deal with him to motivate him to work towards that goal. Josh, I want him to learn his colors and obediance. It doesn't sound like a lot, but for the "baby" in the family, learning to not be self-absorbed is big thing. Heck, isn't that hard for every body, to learn that we are not what the entire world revolves around.
In church, I was praying for my kids today and the Lord really brought it to me that it is never too early and they are never too young to begin the pursuit of God's Wisdom. In reflection on my childhood and adolescence, praying for wisdom/discernment was a major part of my life and the receiving of such was a huge blessing in my life and kept me out of several pitfalls most teenagers fall into. I want to make it part of my parenting to teach my children the value of, how to study to attain and how to receive (and use) God's wisdom. It will be priceless tool/blessing in their lives. I'm grateful that the Lord brought that to the forefront for emphasis in my parenting. My sons are bright and sensitive and strong, add to that godly wisdom/discernment and they will be powerful individuals. If they weren't so cute right now (chubby little kissable cheeks) I'd wish to fast forward to see what mighty awesome God following young men they will be. All in good time.
The day is very crisp outside at 36 degrees, but the sun is out and none too soon. Those gray days were getting me down and today is exactly the refresher that I needed.
This week, we visited the recycling center. We've been saving our pop cans, and Daddy brought home HUGE bags from a co-worker. With the entire back end of our truck filled without an ouce of space to spare, we trekked across town to see what $ they would fetch. 248 pounds!!!!! $50! The boys were enormously blessed with that kind of loot, but they got $5 ea and Daddy for his hour efforts kept the $40 to spend on things for the house (lunch for us etc.) The boys learned about tithing, about saving, and then making wise choices with the remainder. They were eager learners, and Caleb was beautiful in his generousity in buying his brother a slurpee for good behavior in the grocery store. He's trying to be a big boy, big brother and I see him mimicking my actions... good behavior get rewarded, bad behavior has consequences. I do worry about him having the "first child" syndrome behaviors of bossy, controlling, over responsiblity. I am working on it. Just like I try to work on Jockey not to have the second child, "baby" syndrome of selfish, helplessness, taking for granted that other's will pave the way and him not having to make an effort. But it was a bright point of the week, it felt like a successful day. We got $, we were recycling and good for the environment and we learned some lessons and got some cool (cheap) toys. Positives all around.
Last week we visited our friends Dave and Anne and their kids. Both our sons are now in LOVE with their oldest Wyatt, 11. They have got him on such a pedestal for study, sharing and just being around. They want to do what Wyatt is doing and learn from anything Wyatt is willing to show him. A near idolization is the best description. They fight over who gets to sit next to him etc. And Wyatt is great with them. Plays with them, piggy backs with them, shows them the safe way to play with cap guns, the cool collections he's got, the interesting things he's doing. He has patience with them and can snag their attention like few things/people do. I'm thinking I see a baby sitter in the making! Just a little bit more time and it will be ideal. In fact, the night we were over at their house, he kept the boys occupied and entertained so much, Mike did slip him a couple bucks out of appreciation. He seemed to get a sense of pride and responsiblity. Again another positive that has occurred this week.
So that's the last week in a nutshell. This week dawn's with a day off for the kids, a couple of days of working for me, MOPS on Friday (crossing my fingers and holding my breath that NOTHING will threaten it's cancellation like the last few meetings). I have to pull together a craft for the ladies for Friday, a responsiblity that is actually fun and not drudgery. The boys have school and Awana. And away we go. Busy busy.
I hope you all have good weeks. Full, exciting, restful and centered.
TTFN, I have to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.
Friday, January 09, 2009
So it's the end of another week. Already the "new year" seems to be whipping by and going so fast.
The CA trip was good. The boys got to have a good deal of fun between running until they dropped at McDonalds and TWO visits to Chuck E. Cheese. The played with new action figures and nerf dart shooters, you'll never know all the places that those dart stuck!
They had a good time helping Grandma and Papa Bishop open the presents we brought down. And they cuddled a bunch as we watched some rented movies.
The plane rides were uneventful MOSTLY, a little bumpy on the way back... but the boys slept through it.
We plunged right back into the routine of school and work. Caleb attended school Wed and Thurs and I worked Thursday. We even made it to Awana last night. But then the FLOODING in the area sent our schedules askew once again. School was adjusted to Two Hours late, which cancels AM kindergarten AND it in turn cancelled MOPS for me. But I still got out to work today while Mike watched the boys.
So we are going to enjoy a safe and warm at home rest of the day. And we'll see how the rest of it all goes.
I'll try to get pictures up soon from the trip and anything else that's good.
TTFN.
The CA trip was good. The boys got to have a good deal of fun between running until they dropped at McDonalds and TWO visits to Chuck E. Cheese. The played with new action figures and nerf dart shooters, you'll never know all the places that those dart stuck!
They had a good time helping Grandma and Papa Bishop open the presents we brought down. And they cuddled a bunch as we watched some rented movies.
The plane rides were uneventful MOSTLY, a little bumpy on the way back... but the boys slept through it.
We plunged right back into the routine of school and work. Caleb attended school Wed and Thurs and I worked Thursday. We even made it to Awana last night. But then the FLOODING in the area sent our schedules askew once again. School was adjusted to Two Hours late, which cancels AM kindergarten AND it in turn cancelled MOPS for me. But I still got out to work today while Mike watched the boys.
So we are going to enjoy a safe and warm at home rest of the day. And we'll see how the rest of it all goes.
I'll try to get pictures up soon from the trip and anything else that's good.
TTFN.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
We are back SAFE. It was a good trip, but honestly it was such a long day that I'm tired and will have to post more about it another time. The kids had a good time and I think they miss Papa Bishop and Grandma Bishop already, and they missed Daddy the entire time. Overall good, and we hit the regular routine fast tomorrow Bright and Early.
More later, good night.
More later, good night.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year...... almost.
The boys have been asking for three days if it is the day we go to California! Finally, today is the day. Their traveling backpacks are ready and will hopefulling keep them interested for the flights. Their clothes are packed so that they won't have a choice but to wear clothes (given a choice they wouldn't.) The Christmas presents for Grandma and Papa Bishop are packed.
Just a few last minutes details to toss into the bags and we are set. I'm a little nervous about this TIME of flight. It is the first time that I have flown in the evening and I just don't know whether they are going to stay awake or not; if NOT, are they going to behave and stay in their seats quietly... or are they going to act like nightmare, disobedient, spectacle creating children. I guess I'll find out because there is nothing that I can change about it right now. I know I'd try to fall asleep on the plane if given a choice, won't the bumpy landing wake me up?
I've already tried to talk to them about the rules at Grandma's house. I will go over the rules again. I'm trying to think ahead and believe that the reason why they get into so much is because it is an unfamilar environment and the adjustment period is what is annoying.... optimistic, sure. But the alternative is knowing they are just careless and choosing reckless, disobedient, disrespectful behavior. I'd rather look at the positive side until proven otherwise.
The New Year is just hours away. We will begin a fresh in our minds (nothing is truly totally fresh.) I hope to instill in my sons confidence in who they are as people and follower's of Christ. I hope to give them confidence in their skills, and acceptance in their weakness and how to seek out balance in friends (and eventually spouses) that are strong where they are weak. My sincere wish that Caleb will be reading by the time school ends, although it's like trying to get a grasshopper to sit still and focus. And little Joshy is the "test-o-matic", a true second child who is testing all rules and boundaries for weakened resolve. I'm going to have to keep my eye on him and follow through on all consquences with that guy. It's hard to believe that I have a come up on 6 year old, and by the time school starts again, I'll have a 4 year old.
Time has just whipped by. All the baby stages are GONE for these two. I forgot to mention that Joshy has got about month of dry nights. He is a "Big boy" now without accidents at night! I'm proud of him. I don't know if it is an absence of urge, because I can't say that he is actually getting up in the middle of the night either. (Which makes me be ready for backsliding in the back of my mind.) But he is dry and he is so excited to wear just underwear! He darn near cries if I even ask him to wear a pull-up. So sucess until further notice!
Caleb told me that I should get a job the other day. He said I could keep the job I have now and just have 2 jobs. I asked him what that job would be. He said that I should deliever newspapers on my bike, and that those newspapers should have news that Jesus is alive on them so that everyone will know. Good thought towards the end of the conversation, however, I did have to have the talk about all the "jobs" that mommy actually already has...Hmmmm.
The New Year will begin for us in California, and I'm hoping to see a little sun while we are there. Then it can snow again all it wants once we are back. (I would like a safe arrival back home, but then snow snow snow). I never get tired of it. It's always so bright and peaceful to look at. And that's about all I do is look at it.
Happy New Year. TTFN.
The boys have been asking for three days if it is the day we go to California! Finally, today is the day. Their traveling backpacks are ready and will hopefulling keep them interested for the flights. Their clothes are packed so that they won't have a choice but to wear clothes (given a choice they wouldn't.) The Christmas presents for Grandma and Papa Bishop are packed.
Just a few last minutes details to toss into the bags and we are set. I'm a little nervous about this TIME of flight. It is the first time that I have flown in the evening and I just don't know whether they are going to stay awake or not; if NOT, are they going to behave and stay in their seats quietly... or are they going to act like nightmare, disobedient, spectacle creating children. I guess I'll find out because there is nothing that I can change about it right now. I know I'd try to fall asleep on the plane if given a choice, won't the bumpy landing wake me up?
I've already tried to talk to them about the rules at Grandma's house. I will go over the rules again. I'm trying to think ahead and believe that the reason why they get into so much is because it is an unfamilar environment and the adjustment period is what is annoying.... optimistic, sure. But the alternative is knowing they are just careless and choosing reckless, disobedient, disrespectful behavior. I'd rather look at the positive side until proven otherwise.
The New Year is just hours away. We will begin a fresh in our minds (nothing is truly totally fresh.) I hope to instill in my sons confidence in who they are as people and follower's of Christ. I hope to give them confidence in their skills, and acceptance in their weakness and how to seek out balance in friends (and eventually spouses) that are strong where they are weak. My sincere wish that Caleb will be reading by the time school ends, although it's like trying to get a grasshopper to sit still and focus. And little Joshy is the "test-o-matic", a true second child who is testing all rules and boundaries for weakened resolve. I'm going to have to keep my eye on him and follow through on all consquences with that guy. It's hard to believe that I have a come up on 6 year old, and by the time school starts again, I'll have a 4 year old.
Time has just whipped by. All the baby stages are GONE for these two. I forgot to mention that Joshy has got about month of dry nights. He is a "Big boy" now without accidents at night! I'm proud of him. I don't know if it is an absence of urge, because I can't say that he is actually getting up in the middle of the night either. (Which makes me be ready for backsliding in the back of my mind.) But he is dry and he is so excited to wear just underwear! He darn near cries if I even ask him to wear a pull-up. So sucess until further notice!
Caleb told me that I should get a job the other day. He said I could keep the job I have now and just have 2 jobs. I asked him what that job would be. He said that I should deliever newspapers on my bike, and that those newspapers should have news that Jesus is alive on them so that everyone will know. Good thought towards the end of the conversation, however, I did have to have the talk about all the "jobs" that mommy actually already has...Hmmmm.
The New Year will begin for us in California, and I'm hoping to see a little sun while we are there. Then it can snow again all it wants once we are back. (I would like a safe arrival back home, but then snow snow snow). I never get tired of it. It's always so bright and peaceful to look at. And that's about all I do is look at it.
Happy New Year. TTFN.
Monday, December 29, 2008
It's the dawn of a new week!
I have narrowed all my to-do's down to one priority in the next two and half days. Packing for California. Of course, packing requires processing laundry which requires putting away what I'm not packing. And to pack, I have to get the suitcases down. Normally, I get anxious and try to clean the whole house and get it show perfect and get tons of other things done too. Not this time. I just want to throw clothes into a bag and go. That theory seems to be what the kids already think the visit involves, so why make it more complicated. They are so excited. I told them again on Sunday that we are going to California and they were jumping around, hugged me and Mike, and squealed out thank-yous. They were told when we are getting on the plane; the excitement seems to have melted all their memory because the boys keep asking over and over when we are going. I hope that California hasn't erradicated Christmas as fast as they have here, because it will be neat for the boys to see it all lit up and festive.
Well, contrary to our usual pattern of lingering as long as possible in the holiday enjoyment and beauty, we took down our tree yesterday. Caleb was very sad about that, surprisingly so. I didn't want to take the tree down, but I'll be gone and won't have time to take the tree down in time for the free pick up day (yes, I'm frugal and like convienence, to a fault). So it came down. The boys helped some, but it was such a tall tree, eventually it required a ladder. Everything in th house is now packed away. (I'm even allowing next year's Christmas spirit to sneak in, I packed so that next year has one specific box to pull down.) Caleb helped carry everything to the garage. A good helper. The only thing left up is the outside lights. There is just too much snow and ice on the house to get up on the roof safely.
The boys have played and played and played for days. We haven't HAD to go anywhere so we have enjoyed the freedom of staying home. They are playing lots and playing well together. Lots of "clean-up" sessions though. Toys and "forts" make for a big mess often. Their forts end up being a pile of blankets and pillows that they jump off of the bed and land in. (That is if I can contain the fort's construction to a bedroom.)
The snow is still lingering on th roads and yards. The yard is still up to 6 inches thick of snow/ice pack. And the main roads were only just scraped this weekend by the city. Without being scraped, the largest divets and ice contrived potholes had formed. When I went to work on Friday, let's just say, it is a good thing I have an all-wheel drive car and my shocks work. The kids would have though we were off-roading and should be in the bronco if they were in the car. As it was the foot+ of snow on the roof of the car was jostled so much that huge hunks were tossed off with each rocking back and forth.
So now, a-packing I will go. And to keep the kids busy, I think they will have to find homes for their new pile of toys. Daddy wants his hunting rubbermaid bins back. If I'm ambitious, we'll go out and look at some stores' holiday clearance sales, you know, getting ready for next year.
Have a great week and a Happy New Year. We will try. This is the first holiday season travel I've ever done. And the boys and I will be spending New Years' even on a plane and arrive in California with just a scant couple hours to go before 2009 is ushered in. I hope the New Year brings new adventures.
I have narrowed all my to-do's down to one priority in the next two and half days. Packing for California. Of course, packing requires processing laundry which requires putting away what I'm not packing. And to pack, I have to get the suitcases down. Normally, I get anxious and try to clean the whole house and get it show perfect and get tons of other things done too. Not this time. I just want to throw clothes into a bag and go. That theory seems to be what the kids already think the visit involves, so why make it more complicated. They are so excited. I told them again on Sunday that we are going to California and they were jumping around, hugged me and Mike, and squealed out thank-yous. They were told when we are getting on the plane; the excitement seems to have melted all their memory because the boys keep asking over and over when we are going. I hope that California hasn't erradicated Christmas as fast as they have here, because it will be neat for the boys to see it all lit up and festive.
Well, contrary to our usual pattern of lingering as long as possible in the holiday enjoyment and beauty, we took down our tree yesterday. Caleb was very sad about that, surprisingly so. I didn't want to take the tree down, but I'll be gone and won't have time to take the tree down in time for the free pick up day (yes, I'm frugal and like convienence, to a fault). So it came down. The boys helped some, but it was such a tall tree, eventually it required a ladder. Everything in th house is now packed away. (I'm even allowing next year's Christmas spirit to sneak in, I packed so that next year has one specific box to pull down.) Caleb helped carry everything to the garage. A good helper. The only thing left up is the outside lights. There is just too much snow and ice on the house to get up on the roof safely.
The boys have played and played and played for days. We haven't HAD to go anywhere so we have enjoyed the freedom of staying home. They are playing lots and playing well together. Lots of "clean-up" sessions though. Toys and "forts" make for a big mess often. Their forts end up being a pile of blankets and pillows that they jump off of the bed and land in. (That is if I can contain the fort's construction to a bedroom.)
The snow is still lingering on th roads and yards. The yard is still up to 6 inches thick of snow/ice pack. And the main roads were only just scraped this weekend by the city. Without being scraped, the largest divets and ice contrived potholes had formed. When I went to work on Friday, let's just say, it is a good thing I have an all-wheel drive car and my shocks work. The kids would have though we were off-roading and should be in the bronco if they were in the car. As it was the foot+ of snow on the roof of the car was jostled so much that huge hunks were tossed off with each rocking back and forth.
So now, a-packing I will go. And to keep the kids busy, I think they will have to find homes for their new pile of toys. Daddy wants his hunting rubbermaid bins back. If I'm ambitious, we'll go out and look at some stores' holiday clearance sales, you know, getting ready for next year.
Have a great week and a Happy New Year. We will try. This is the first holiday season travel I've ever done. And the boys and I will be spending New Years' even on a plane and arrive in California with just a scant couple hours to go before 2009 is ushered in. I hope the New Year brings new adventures.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!!!!
I hope all of your Christmases were fun, cheerful and safe.
We woke up and started getting things ready for the day. We actually had to wake the boys up to get them going today. They were excited about their stockings. They began to play with their toys and greeted our guests excitedly.
We breakfasted on our traditional Swedish pancakes with accompanying sausage, eggs and pineapple. The boys were exceptionally patient waiting for everyone to be finished eating and getting the kitchen cleaned up. We actually fit the table and 8 people into our kitchen!
So then it was on to gifts. What I liked most is the slow pace and the boys played with each toy and gave each toy it's due attention, rather than a massive and quick greedfest of opening. This Christmas could be summed up as "Merry Batman Christmas". Caleb got a little figure, a big figure, a car, a rappeling batman gun thing, a batman game; Holy smokes Batman, am I forgetting something batman? There were other things too. A DVD, board game, nerf dart target board. But he is in love with it all. The big challenge is ONE TOY At A TIME! Otherwise I'll be trailing after him every 10-15 minutes picking things up over and over and over. Joshy got a little bit more variety, but he did have a few batman things too. He really liked the Hungry Hungry Hippos, and well everything. He's played with everything in a rotating order. What I like most is that the boys have been sharing and playing together rather than fighting and taunting each other. It is such a nice peace that I can't describe the relief that I haven't had to mediate today. I'm crossing my fingers that it continues.
It SNOWED most of the day, until at least 1PM. It varied between light and heavy. I'd say we got at least another 2-3 inches over the course of the day. It snowed so much that Papa Bill, Grandma Judy, Papa Dahl and Grammy changed their evening plans. It ended up that everyone came back to our house bringing their entrees with them. We cooked up rib roast and king crab. Delicious. It was a pleasant evening of good food and good company. Of course, we forgot dessert... Well, it would have been nice, but perhaps our bodies are better for doing without.
Right now we are enjoying a wind down time. The boys are back to (or still) playing with their toys. Mike's crashed on the couch and I'm sitting here updating the site. I admit I'm little worse for wear. I woke up with a headache which only got worse as the day progressed, it turned to a dizzy and nauseous experience and sent me running to the restroom. I also crashed on the couch almost uncontrollably so... and woke up with my headache back to a dull roar and well enough to hold down the delicious crab.
An eventful holiday full of joy, snow, and family. It will take days to clean up after. But I also have to plunge into working tomorrow, cleaning up the house, and getting packed for our trip to California. Never a dull moment.
Merry Christmas to you and have a great rest of the week and weekend.
I hope all of your Christmases were fun, cheerful and safe.
We woke up and started getting things ready for the day. We actually had to wake the boys up to get them going today. They were excited about their stockings. They began to play with their toys and greeted our guests excitedly.
We breakfasted on our traditional Swedish pancakes with accompanying sausage, eggs and pineapple. The boys were exceptionally patient waiting for everyone to be finished eating and getting the kitchen cleaned up. We actually fit the table and 8 people into our kitchen!
So then it was on to gifts. What I liked most is the slow pace and the boys played with each toy and gave each toy it's due attention, rather than a massive and quick greedfest of opening. This Christmas could be summed up as "Merry Batman Christmas". Caleb got a little figure, a big figure, a car, a rappeling batman gun thing, a batman game; Holy smokes Batman, am I forgetting something batman? There were other things too. A DVD, board game, nerf dart target board. But he is in love with it all. The big challenge is ONE TOY At A TIME! Otherwise I'll be trailing after him every 10-15 minutes picking things up over and over and over. Joshy got a little bit more variety, but he did have a few batman things too. He really liked the Hungry Hungry Hippos, and well everything. He's played with everything in a rotating order. What I like most is that the boys have been sharing and playing together rather than fighting and taunting each other. It is such a nice peace that I can't describe the relief that I haven't had to mediate today. I'm crossing my fingers that it continues.
It SNOWED most of the day, until at least 1PM. It varied between light and heavy. I'd say we got at least another 2-3 inches over the course of the day. It snowed so much that Papa Bill, Grandma Judy, Papa Dahl and Grammy changed their evening plans. It ended up that everyone came back to our house bringing their entrees with them. We cooked up rib roast and king crab. Delicious. It was a pleasant evening of good food and good company. Of course, we forgot dessert... Well, it would have been nice, but perhaps our bodies are better for doing without.
Right now we are enjoying a wind down time. The boys are back to (or still) playing with their toys. Mike's crashed on the couch and I'm sitting here updating the site. I admit I'm little worse for wear. I woke up with a headache which only got worse as the day progressed, it turned to a dizzy and nauseous experience and sent me running to the restroom. I also crashed on the couch almost uncontrollably so... and woke up with my headache back to a dull roar and well enough to hold down the delicious crab.
An eventful holiday full of joy, snow, and family. It will take days to clean up after. But I also have to plunge into working tomorrow, cleaning up the house, and getting packed for our trip to California. Never a dull moment.
Merry Christmas to you and have a great rest of the week and weekend.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hello and Merry Christmas EVE!
I hope you're all having an easy going cheerful day just like the boys and I. We dug out my car and I drove (for the first time this season in the snow) over to "Auntie" Brittany's this morning. We had gifts to deliver to them and they were very pleased that they got something (anything) too. It was nice that they had something to play with while we chatted.
Since it's been snowing since 2AM (yes, I was awake to see it start, projects you know) and has only has a few 15 minute breaks, we have accumulated another 4+" of snow. I keep asking the boys if they want to go outside; I even offered to put Caleb's snow shoes on him. But shockingly, they both decline. Maybe they got too cold last time. So we are cuddled up inside watching Polar Express and they are playing with their "shets" (see previous posting for what this is).
I hope that we still get to attend our church's candlelight services tonight. But regardless, dinner time comes and we will eat no matter what. But I do hope that Grandpa and Grammy get to come out and go to services, it is such a special magical thing to be surrounded by cheer and reverance.
Well, it is probably time for cocoa. I'll try to post some pictures later, I've been so busy.
Have a safe, warm, merry, blessed Christmas.
I hope you're all having an easy going cheerful day just like the boys and I. We dug out my car and I drove (for the first time this season in the snow) over to "Auntie" Brittany's this morning. We had gifts to deliver to them and they were very pleased that they got something (anything) too. It was nice that they had something to play with while we chatted.
Since it's been snowing since 2AM (yes, I was awake to see it start, projects you know) and has only has a few 15 minute breaks, we have accumulated another 4+" of snow. I keep asking the boys if they want to go outside; I even offered to put Caleb's snow shoes on him. But shockingly, they both decline. Maybe they got too cold last time. So we are cuddled up inside watching Polar Express and they are playing with their "shets" (see previous posting for what this is).
I hope that we still get to attend our church's candlelight services tonight. But regardless, dinner time comes and we will eat no matter what. But I do hope that Grandpa and Grammy get to come out and go to services, it is such a special magical thing to be surrounded by cheer and reverance.
Well, it is probably time for cocoa. I'll try to post some pictures later, I've been so busy.
Have a safe, warm, merry, blessed Christmas.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
It is Sunday night and it is STILL snowing. It did stop a couple times, but mostly it snowed all day. Some times were lighter than others, but it's coming down pretty steady right now. I think we have gotten ANOTHER 3-4 inches AT LEAST today... who knows what we will get tonight. Right now, we have probably gotten nearly 20 inches in TOTAL snowfall. Although most places are packed down by cars, foot traffic, sleds, or whatever so it's not like we have two feet everywhere. But it's just below my knee, but over the top of my boot, when I walk in the untouched areas!
The boys love it. We went out and saw Christmas lights tonight. And helped a few stuck people. But we are back and enjoying another quite night in and getting projects done. Good thing the boys are already scheduled to be out of school, because there would be no way that they would be going tomorrow!
Ok, so that's it. Tomorrow I'll try to post pictures of what we wake up to in the morning.
Good night!
The boys love it. We went out and saw Christmas lights tonight. And helped a few stuck people. But we are back and enjoying another quite night in and getting projects done. Good thing the boys are already scheduled to be out of school, because there would be no way that they would be going tomorrow!
Ok, so that's it. Tomorrow I'll try to post pictures of what we wake up to in the morning.
Good night!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I hope you're all safe and warm where ever you are....
Our house
West facing on our street
Our neighborhood, 2 blocks away
But the Rabbit is having fun! (last night)
So that's all for now, we are going to enjoy our night staying in. Have a great weekend.
We have just gotten back from doing errands which will ensure we are warm and have food to eat for the next few days. The kids are errand weary, but they are happy to eat, watch the rented movie "Wall-E" and Joshy is taking a nap. Oh boy is he a little defiant stinker when he is tired!
It is beginning to grow dim here, although it was beautifully clear and blue this morning. With being so clear came temperatures ranging from 7 to 11 degrees this morning at 9:30, and it is up to a whopping 23 right now.
More snow is expected tonight, but that's not as concerning as the forceful winds predicted of 40-60 MPH with gusts in the 70's. That wind chill is really going to bring the temperature LOW, and everyone is worried about losing power. In our case, if we lose power, we lose heat... thus, we got a Mr. Heater (with oxygen sensor) as a backup. If we don't use it, it will be returned to the store... but if it keeps up warm in some of the worst snow we've had for years, it will be worth it.
Here are a few pictures of where we live, the Fryelands of Monroe.
East facing on our street
Our houseWest facing on our streetOur neighborhood, 2 blocks away
But the Rabbit is having fun! (last night)So that's all for now, we are going to enjoy our night staying in. Have a great weekend. **************edited to add*********** 3:00PM, It has started to snow!!!!!!********
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Ok, since Saturday......
AND IT IS STILL SNOWING!!!!!!!!!
We went to church on Sunday. But, because of the snow, Jockey's Christmas program was cancelled. I feel really bad about that, but there's always next year.
Monday, it was a 2 hr late start for school, BUT Caleb still had his program. By no means should this be called a "Christmas" program. The almighty "they" have eliminated any hint of any remote reference to holidays of any sort. And the gym was a cold as the songs were to our hearts. And for all that trouble of bringing Caleb to school and arranging for Grammy and Papa Dahl to come.... Caleb sang maybe a total of a dozen words and did 4 hand motions. The best part of the night was the McD's trip with Papa afterward and the time to play with his buddies beforehand.
Then, school was out for us on Tuesday. Daddy and Papa took the kids to lunch and then Daddy took the kids with him on their work errands so that I could go to my job. It was very nice that Mike was able to do that, and I got my job done quickly. (and it turns out with good timing considering the weather).
Wednesday was another late start=no school day for Caleb. I understand that they have to make a district wide call on the weather... however, for the Fryelands ALL WALK (or parent transportation), it seems a little extreme. I mean have you see the Fryelands? It's FLAT! But what can you do. So the boys stayed home and built forts, and a variety of other things both fun and badly mischievous. Mike's men's group still went on, but I unfortunately got the news that MOPS was cancelled for Friday.
THEN, today hits... We have about 12-14 inches of cummulative snow. AND IT IS STILL SNOWING! The snow is taller than zuma's under carriage. She's highcentered trying to use the outside. Mike drove me to work and then watched the kids, and then came and picked me up. Now we are socked into the house and trying to stay busy and out of messy behaviors. The fun part... we made homemade slurpees with fresh white snow and a can of coke. This absolutely made the kids' day! And the kids take their time outside until they get too wet or cold then it is back into the house where I toss their stuff into the dryer for another trip out. They are making snowmen and snow-angels of course. We are going to break out the board (bored) games soon... and there is always cleaning or craft projects. And I've just been told that they have shut down HWY 522, so I'm not sure that Mike will even get into to work today. Regardless, we are trying to have a good time. I only wish that I had new movies and a stock pile of cocoa.
And in case you're worried, the rabbit is doing ok too. We purchased a heat light and a clamp to attach it to the hutch. We were told he would be fine with a 25 watt red bulb; we went against those directives and got a 125 heat bulb... and he is NOT "roasting", I can tell you. He sits on TOP of his nesting box practically leaning into the bulb. So no worries for him. Although, I'm tempted to let him out and see how he likes the snow!
So that's it and here are the relevant pictures.
AND IT IS STILL SNOWING!!!!!!!!!
Be safe out there.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Well, it snowed last night, but didn't stick.
Have a great weekend.
We have been watching the pass reports closely because we are heading over to Leavenworth for the tree lighting. I think that the kids will really like the whole environment created by the crowd, the singing, the snow, the lights, and of course the food. It's just a christmasy thing to do.
We'll be back tonight. So I only have to bundle us up for the time we are actually there.
In the meantime, the boys are in love with paper airplanes. They, however, call them "Paper air jets" or "Paper Jets". The eyebrow raising thing is that Jockey say jet in a way that, well, doesn't sound like jet. More like shet and we all know what that sounds like. So he is in love with flying his paper shet. It's even more funny when he doesn't specify "paper" before shet. So we often get "my shet is in the tree". "My shet fly super fast". "I need my shet". "my shet crashed". Ahhh, the possiblities are endless and always good for a laugh. I thought about taking them to the retirement home here for passing out candy canes, but I think the folks there would get a laugh with some "shets" flying around too. We'll see. Caleb gets shy easily and Jockey just copies that behavior too.
Well, I have to go get everyone ready.
Here is our tree and our superheros and the day of our outing. The boys' new thing is posing like superheroes, and yes, those are bubbles in Joshy's hand in the last photo.
Have a great weekend.Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Caleb said something very interesting.
He was drawing and drew a happy face. He said "This is how they want you to draw a happy face". That seems like a pretty innoculous statment. However, it started my wheels turning. First I thought about how children don't inherently know the icons of feelings, often they don't even know the names of their own feelings. But then I wondered who are "they", that they are dictating to my son (or anyone) was happiness looks like either literally or figuratively? Why do they dictate? Why do we listen? Why does happiness have to appear a certain way to be accepted as "happy"?
A child may be quiet, but happy. A fast moving, talkative child may not be happy. A mountian dwelling hermit can be happy knowing he's doing as he wishes rather than the door to door salesman abrading away his time? Yet, hermits are judged to be unhappy. A quiet reserved person with few things is seen as unhappy or poor. A boisterous person with a bounty of materialistic items is seen to be happy.
I don't want anyone (other than me) dictating to my children what is happiness. I don't want Caleb to ever feel sadness because he doesn't measure up to what they characterize happiness by.Possessions are often a measure of happiness in this world, especially at this time of year. But that's not what I try to teach Caleb and Josh. They don't get alot, but I still want them to be able to find happiness. In our home we measure happiness with obediance to God's word and His will. Where else can you have peace and happiness than in the comfort in knowing you're where you should be or called to, doing as you should be doing or asked to do.
One thing that I have always loved about my sons is that they monetary value of a item has never come to factor in to the enjoyment they have with it. They would be happy with a garage sale .25 something that was worth close to that new. The easy to please nature of the boys is a blessing. I can bring them joy more often when it is so easily/affordably attained. Joy comes from sharing it, so I'm joyful when they are.
I guess I've learned another lesson from a kindergartener. Interesting.
At Awana, part of Jockey's craft project (which I was parent helping with) was that the kids were asked for one thing they'd like to give or do for their parents, it was written on the card, put in a little sleeve and then sent home for under the tree. The surprise element went bust for me because I was helping... however, it was quite cute what Joshy said. He said "I want to teach my parents a lesson.... (long pause, in which I started getting a little nervous).... to swing and jump." Cute, and I'm glad he has a specific idea of what we will be taught, rather than some ambiguous "lesson" like in extreme patience.
The boys have decided that action figures are "so cool". They like to pretend to be super heroes. They switch off being batman, spiderman, super-fast ninja turtles, ironman, bibleman, etc. At least there are less toys left out during this kind of play.
So that's all for now. I've got to get back to it.
He was drawing and drew a happy face. He said "This is how they want you to draw a happy face". That seems like a pretty innoculous statment. However, it started my wheels turning. First I thought about how children don't inherently know the icons of feelings, often they don't even know the names of their own feelings. But then I wondered who are "they", that they are dictating to my son (or anyone) was happiness looks like either literally or figuratively? Why do they dictate? Why do we listen? Why does happiness have to appear a certain way to be accepted as "happy"?
A child may be quiet, but happy. A fast moving, talkative child may not be happy. A mountian dwelling hermit can be happy knowing he's doing as he wishes rather than the door to door salesman abrading away his time? Yet, hermits are judged to be unhappy. A quiet reserved person with few things is seen as unhappy or poor. A boisterous person with a bounty of materialistic items is seen to be happy.
I don't want anyone (other than me) dictating to my children what is happiness. I don't want Caleb to ever feel sadness because he doesn't measure up to what they characterize happiness by.Possessions are often a measure of happiness in this world, especially at this time of year. But that's not what I try to teach Caleb and Josh. They don't get alot, but I still want them to be able to find happiness. In our home we measure happiness with obediance to God's word and His will. Where else can you have peace and happiness than in the comfort in knowing you're where you should be or called to, doing as you should be doing or asked to do.
One thing that I have always loved about my sons is that they monetary value of a item has never come to factor in to the enjoyment they have with it. They would be happy with a garage sale .25 something that was worth close to that new. The easy to please nature of the boys is a blessing. I can bring them joy more often when it is so easily/affordably attained. Joy comes from sharing it, so I'm joyful when they are.
I guess I've learned another lesson from a kindergartener. Interesting.
At Awana, part of Jockey's craft project (which I was parent helping with) was that the kids were asked for one thing they'd like to give or do for their parents, it was written on the card, put in a little sleeve and then sent home for under the tree. The surprise element went bust for me because I was helping... however, it was quite cute what Joshy said. He said "I want to teach my parents a lesson.... (long pause, in which I started getting a little nervous).... to swing and jump." Cute, and I'm glad he has a specific idea of what we will be taught, rather than some ambiguous "lesson" like in extreme patience.
The boys have decided that action figures are "so cool". They like to pretend to be super heroes. They switch off being batman, spiderman, super-fast ninja turtles, ironman, bibleman, etc. At least there are less toys left out during this kind of play.
So that's all for now. I've got to get back to it.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Wow, what a December Saturday.
It was beautiful and sunny out today. And our family went out and got our Christmas tree. The boys have been excited all week to do this. Every time they would wake up either from the night or a nap they would ask if it was the day they were going to get to cut down a Christmas tree. And the day finally arrived, and it was probably the prettiest (or one of the prettiest) days that we have had for a tree cutting day. So we got all packed up today, stopped off for our usual cold sandwiches and then began the journey. We listened to Christmas songs and talked. We stopped off at the ranger station for our permit and map and then the fun really began. This is the FIRST year that we have been out with absolutely NO SNOW on the ground. I thought that it would be so easy without the snow on the ground.... Well, the driving was, in fact easy breezy. However, that usually present snow does pack down a lot of little seedlings and brush that really hung the kids (well all of us) up. But in the hiking the trees brushed against us, and we pushed branches away or even clung to them to steady ourselves, we came away with the refreshing smell of pine in our hair and lingering on our clothing. We entered and then hiked and hiked. Mike carried Jockey who was just about branch snap back height. We looked around and keep hiking. We crossed a little stream with care. The dogs excitedly got out of the truck and began to tramp in (on the way out, Zuma's previously injured leg was giving her troubles and she was wimpering.) We found a clearing and decided that one of these just had to be it. The boys were busy suggesting trees left and right. That is when Jockey wasn't BLOWING BUBBLES. That's right our littlest decided that the forest and bubbles were the perfect combination. While it was inconvienent that he wanted to blow bubble WHILE we were hiking, it did keep him busy during the time to survey, discuss and cut the chose tree. We found a good one. Mike took charge of the tree and Tigger, who didn't grasp the concept of not stepping on the trailing tree as we decended back to the road. I aimed the boys down the hill. It was rough going because it can be very slippery. I ended up having to carry Jockey most of the way. It's funny that it felt like we were so out there and it took a long time to get in and out. However, stripped down, it might be over A football field length, but not two. That's forest perspective for you. As Daddy loaded up the tree, I broke out the hot cocoa. Of course being HOT, I had to had a bit of fresh mountain stream water and it made it perfectly enjoyable for the kiddoes.
So this tree is the tallest tree we've ever had. Putting it at the highest part of our living allowed us that. It is a thick but not terribly wide tree, and wonderful NOT bare in any major/obvious areas at all... in fact it's hard to find a bare spot. I think it is one of our better/best trees. But from what Mike said, it had better be, because the thing is every bit of 100 lbs and Mike hauled it out alone. It is now finally set up. It took a while, especially since we needed to run out for more supplies because we have never had this size tree to cover with lights. The boys eagerly (an understatement) helped add items to the tree, and I slowly rearranged to create a balanced appearance. This year is the first year that we have needed a ladder (even Mike needed it to reach the top to place the star. The boys thought it an extra novelty to climb the ladder. In all previous years we had an abundance of ornaments at about 3' high, now we have them plethora at the 5' level, followed quickly with the rapid decent due to jumping off the ladder. The jumping got annoying let alone hazardous and almost drove the boys into a bedtime before the final light up and reveal. The boys are awed by the lights and the bells and all the little things on it. And it was perfect that the moment that we darkened the house and did the grand lighting of our tree for the first time, the radio came on with the sound bit from Charlie Brown's Christmas about what Christmas is all about: Jesus's birth, the celebration of the birth of the Savior of our world. It was a perfect way to finish the entire day. (Of course, that wasn't the end, there was garbage to pick up, pine needles to vaccum and all the snow clothes to pack away again... but you know what I mean.)
So we have two happy boys that were so happy with today that they didn't ask about presents at all. And they are even feeling pretty blessed and excited about sharing Jockey's bed for a camp out tonight.
This season has brought on silly songs from the boys, like 1) Rudolph the broken legged reindeer (our light up reindeer is suffering from a broken leg at the moment, and 2) Santa's dead... NOT as morbid as it sounds, really. We've explained to them that Santa/St. Nick is someone who once lived long ago, who gave gifts to others out of obediance to Christ's commandments and instructions. So when they asked if santa was alive like Jesus, we said no but we remember his generousity and obedience because it was Jesus he was obeying and Jesus first gave to us. So that's how they got that Santa was dead. I had to quickly admonish them NOT to tell anyone that because it might hurt someone's feelings if they thought santa was alive. "Ok mommy" is what they said.
So at the end of a long day, we are all tired. And I'll just have to get around to posting pictures tomorrow. Patience please. I'm going to go eat dinner now.
Good night.
It was beautiful and sunny out today. And our family went out and got our Christmas tree. The boys have been excited all week to do this. Every time they would wake up either from the night or a nap they would ask if it was the day they were going to get to cut down a Christmas tree. And the day finally arrived, and it was probably the prettiest (or one of the prettiest) days that we have had for a tree cutting day. So we got all packed up today, stopped off for our usual cold sandwiches and then began the journey. We listened to Christmas songs and talked. We stopped off at the ranger station for our permit and map and then the fun really began. This is the FIRST year that we have been out with absolutely NO SNOW on the ground. I thought that it would be so easy without the snow on the ground.... Well, the driving was, in fact easy breezy. However, that usually present snow does pack down a lot of little seedlings and brush that really hung the kids (well all of us) up. But in the hiking the trees brushed against us, and we pushed branches away or even clung to them to steady ourselves, we came away with the refreshing smell of pine in our hair and lingering on our clothing. We entered and then hiked and hiked. Mike carried Jockey who was just about branch snap back height. We looked around and keep hiking. We crossed a little stream with care. The dogs excitedly got out of the truck and began to tramp in (on the way out, Zuma's previously injured leg was giving her troubles and she was wimpering.) We found a clearing and decided that one of these just had to be it. The boys were busy suggesting trees left and right. That is when Jockey wasn't BLOWING BUBBLES. That's right our littlest decided that the forest and bubbles were the perfect combination. While it was inconvienent that he wanted to blow bubble WHILE we were hiking, it did keep him busy during the time to survey, discuss and cut the chose tree. We found a good one. Mike took charge of the tree and Tigger, who didn't grasp the concept of not stepping on the trailing tree as we decended back to the road. I aimed the boys down the hill. It was rough going because it can be very slippery. I ended up having to carry Jockey most of the way. It's funny that it felt like we were so out there and it took a long time to get in and out. However, stripped down, it might be over A football field length, but not two. That's forest perspective for you. As Daddy loaded up the tree, I broke out the hot cocoa. Of course being HOT, I had to had a bit of fresh mountain stream water and it made it perfectly enjoyable for the kiddoes.
So this tree is the tallest tree we've ever had. Putting it at the highest part of our living allowed us that. It is a thick but not terribly wide tree, and wonderful NOT bare in any major/obvious areas at all... in fact it's hard to find a bare spot. I think it is one of our better/best trees. But from what Mike said, it had better be, because the thing is every bit of 100 lbs and Mike hauled it out alone. It is now finally set up. It took a while, especially since we needed to run out for more supplies because we have never had this size tree to cover with lights. The boys eagerly (an understatement) helped add items to the tree, and I slowly rearranged to create a balanced appearance. This year is the first year that we have needed a ladder (even Mike needed it to reach the top to place the star. The boys thought it an extra novelty to climb the ladder. In all previous years we had an abundance of ornaments at about 3' high, now we have them plethora at the 5' level, followed quickly with the rapid decent due to jumping off the ladder. The jumping got annoying let alone hazardous and almost drove the boys into a bedtime before the final light up and reveal. The boys are awed by the lights and the bells and all the little things on it. And it was perfect that the moment that we darkened the house and did the grand lighting of our tree for the first time, the radio came on with the sound bit from Charlie Brown's Christmas about what Christmas is all about: Jesus's birth, the celebration of the birth of the Savior of our world. It was a perfect way to finish the entire day. (Of course, that wasn't the end, there was garbage to pick up, pine needles to vaccum and all the snow clothes to pack away again... but you know what I mean.)
So we have two happy boys that were so happy with today that they didn't ask about presents at all. And they are even feeling pretty blessed and excited about sharing Jockey's bed for a camp out tonight.
This season has brought on silly songs from the boys, like 1) Rudolph the broken legged reindeer (our light up reindeer is suffering from a broken leg at the moment, and 2) Santa's dead... NOT as morbid as it sounds, really. We've explained to them that Santa/St. Nick is someone who once lived long ago, who gave gifts to others out of obediance to Christ's commandments and instructions. So when they asked if santa was alive like Jesus, we said no but we remember his generousity and obedience because it was Jesus he was obeying and Jesus first gave to us. So that's how they got that Santa was dead. I had to quickly admonish them NOT to tell anyone that because it might hurt someone's feelings if they thought santa was alive. "Ok mommy" is what they said.
So at the end of a long day, we are all tired. And I'll just have to get around to posting pictures tomorrow. Patience please. I'm going to go eat dinner now.
Good night.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
A Long Over Due Update: 
The boys then stayed the weekend with the boys and gave myself and Mike a much needed and VERY much appreciated weekend to ourselves. We got our "Black" Friday purchasing/shopping done WITHOUT the encumberances of children, and we got up early to do so. I got to sleep in on Saturday and work on several projects (all secrets). Sunday well, read next. 
We'll call it Scraaaapy (not scrappy). It began it's arrival on Thanksgiving day. Extremely painful. I kept myself medicated. And this craggy puppy came out Sunday late morning (no, we did not make it to church, I was painfully occupied). Every bit as big as July's, and if I didn't have meds... I would have been back in the ER believe me! I was so sorry on Thanksgiving though. I scared the boys pretty bad with how much pain before I took any medicine. They were very concerned and praying up a storm over and over. It was so caring and sweet that they were praying their little hearts out in the truck as we drove to Woodinville. Caleb starts his prayer with "Hi Jesus, it's me Caleb." Cute! But it passed, and just another thing to be thankful for.
We are back into the swing of things at work, school, Awana and MOPS. I'm planning crafts and while I enjoy the theory of a TEAM, the shortest distance between idea and execution is not with a TEAM. Sigh, something I must endure and prevail in. Caleb earned yet another red jewel this week, and had store night and came home with lots of fun trinkets. The week is almost over and I'm relieved.
Other than MOPS, I have one task for tomorrow that I must get done. Finding all the boots, hats, mittens, pants and warm coats. We are going up Saturday and cutting our tree down in the woods. I'm looking forward to what has become a family tradition. We go up to Skykomish, get our permit at the ranger station, head up one of the near by forest service roads and start a looking. This year it will most likely not be very snowy (we have seen the spectrum over the last 6-7 years of tree cutting outings). This means that the tree maybe a little muddy, BUT the truck won't get stuck in the snow. I don't care, either way. As long as we are off the mountain by dusk (not worse than getting high centered in the snow in the DARK). We will probably do the usual packing up of cold sandwiches (the only food that is perfectly cool and waiting for us in the cold truck when we are ready for it). This year I'm a little ahead of the game because I've already pulled out the exact lights/ornaments I plan on putting on the tree. They kids have even left them alone for a week! This year we really put up lights on the house, which made the kids blissfully joyful and merry. So many other years they have been light observers (what goes up, must be taken down you know), however, this year we joined the ranks of colorfully decorated. They are still begging for me to get out the little lit deer. Maybe this weekend.
So that's the long update. I'm off to either reading, bed, or heaven help me, a project to work on.
Good Night.
SOOO Much has happened.
Last week, sigh, Caleb got a Stage 4 (out of a possible 5). NOT GOOD. I was called into the office for a conference and decision about what happened and discussion about the events, risks (feelings evoked from other children by Caleb's actions) and whatever. Caleb head rammed a girl twice his size. Yes he was out of control and out of line. But with a five year old's limited vocabulary, he had said (admitted, rather than lied, good for him) that he "hit" her. Which in the school inferred a fisted punch hit and things just rocketed from there. It's all resolved, and Caleb know the gravity of his actions, he wrote and apology (my idea) and came up with other ways to solve out of control feels (again my idea, what have they got NO solutions at this dismal educational system!) But it's on the mend. And, it was a huge blessing that Brittany was able to spur of the moment watch Josh while I high tailed it to the school. I would never have been able to focus proper on Caleb had she not. As it was, it took all the strength and wisdom God offered and I could absorb in the 4 minutes it took for me to get to school. Because truly, they are NOT my alia. Especially when they sneak in a staff member who flat out refuses to tell me her job title or position at the school (I found out later that she is 90% likely to the psychologist). AND, I sat in the office waiting in a chair for 10 minutes with, as it turns out, Caleb sitting a wall away from me, by himself in a conference room. IF it was their intention to give him time to cool off, okay, I could accept that. (But when asked, they said no.) So when the "Staff" member came out and got me and showed me into the conference room saying that we would wait a moment for Caleb's Teacher.... I said "I would like a moment alone with my son please". (Hindsight, Score one for the MOMMY!) That woman looked and acted so startled/shocked that I had asked and stutter stepped out the door. Of course, she wasn't so out of it to forget to convienently leave it open, yes, I know how these things work, they're trying to find out if Caleb is suffering from abuse physical or mental and THAT's the reason he would have a problem. But all I wanted is to hold my crying, broken souled child and tell him that I love him no matter what, we will get through this, and that I was on HIS side. And at the end of the conversation, I told them exactly what I thought of their stalling practice. "As much as I want to support the school's efforts, I am my SON's alia FIRST. I could have been comforting him and letting him know that I love him and this was not the end of the world while we were merely waiting for other's to show up for the meeting. Don't ever do that to me again. He is MY son." Again a shocked stare that a mom would have the audacity to pull rank. I'm not proud of my son's actions, but I'm proud of me that day. (P.s. I learned from the best.)
On to better news:
On to better news:
Thanksgiving was a great time. Papa Dahl got Caleb and Josh a very special remote control car to play with. It is Papa's car that can be used by the boys with supervision. The thing is almost big enough for them to sit in (ok not REALLY.) They had a lot of fun.
The kids got to swim for a very long time, it wore them out so much that they were actually nearly calm and peaceful during dinner. GG was there and we got to share time with her. The boys and I prepared Grandpa and Grammy appreciation scrapbook pages, they liked to do the cutting and the gluing (although I spiffened things up quite a bit once they moved on).
The boys then stayed the weekend with the boys and gave myself and Mike a much needed and VERY much appreciated weekend to ourselves. We got our "Black" Friday purchasing/shopping done WITHOUT the encumberances of children, and we got up early to do so. I got to sleep in on Saturday and work on several projects (all secrets). Sunday well, read next.Say Hello to my little friend:
We'll call it Scraaaapy (not scrappy). It began it's arrival on Thanksgiving day. Extremely painful. I kept myself medicated. And this craggy puppy came out Sunday late morning (no, we did not make it to church, I was painfully occupied). Every bit as big as July's, and if I didn't have meds... I would have been back in the ER believe me! I was so sorry on Thanksgiving though. I scared the boys pretty bad with how much pain before I took any medicine. They were very concerned and praying up a storm over and over. It was so caring and sweet that they were praying their little hearts out in the truck as we drove to Woodinville. Caleb starts his prayer with "Hi Jesus, it's me Caleb." Cute! But it passed, and just another thing to be thankful for.We are back into the swing of things at work, school, Awana and MOPS. I'm planning crafts and while I enjoy the theory of a TEAM, the shortest distance between idea and execution is not with a TEAM. Sigh, something I must endure and prevail in. Caleb earned yet another red jewel this week, and had store night and came home with lots of fun trinkets. The week is almost over and I'm relieved.
Other than MOPS, I have one task for tomorrow that I must get done. Finding all the boots, hats, mittens, pants and warm coats. We are going up Saturday and cutting our tree down in the woods. I'm looking forward to what has become a family tradition. We go up to Skykomish, get our permit at the ranger station, head up one of the near by forest service roads and start a looking. This year it will most likely not be very snowy (we have seen the spectrum over the last 6-7 years of tree cutting outings). This means that the tree maybe a little muddy, BUT the truck won't get stuck in the snow. I don't care, either way. As long as we are off the mountain by dusk (not worse than getting high centered in the snow in the DARK). We will probably do the usual packing up of cold sandwiches (the only food that is perfectly cool and waiting for us in the cold truck when we are ready for it). This year I'm a little ahead of the game because I've already pulled out the exact lights/ornaments I plan on putting on the tree. They kids have even left them alone for a week! This year we really put up lights on the house, which made the kids blissfully joyful and merry. So many other years they have been light observers (what goes up, must be taken down you know), however, this year we joined the ranks of colorfully decorated. They are still begging for me to get out the little lit deer. Maybe this weekend.
So that's the long update. I'm off to either reading, bed, or heaven help me, a project to work on.
Good Night.
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