Day Six (posted late) of baby rabbits.

Not much has changed, just bigger, more fur, less fragile, more sure in their movements and a couple seem to be determined to be active while others sit calmly in my hand. The littlest baby is still smaller than the rest, but the little pee-wee is holding his own in still growing and getting his belly full. Surprisingly he is one of the more active ones. Rosie is becoming a new "Normal" of more calm and less afraid of us. She approaches us, she will sit and wait for our hand to pet her (rather than run from us until cornered). I try to bring her treats or something to "make friends" each time I go out to see the babies.

For now, names have been developed for a couple so that we can talk about them. We have Darko (curtesy of Caleb), Pee Wee the runt, and Shooter Jr because of the same coloring as daddy. And there was one that Caleb wanted to call dribbles (for obvious reasons) but I forget which one that was.

So pictures:

Shooter Jr.

Darko & Pee Wee just next to him. See the size difference.

Good shot of the teeth and foot with little toenails. Shooter jr is the one on top.

Day Five of Baby rabbits and other.

First the other. Jockey has finally caught the stomache bug that has been going around. He was up every 45 minutes since 2AM and on through the morning. And perhaps TMI he's got it coming out both ends. The little guy has nothing left in him, and he's not really hungry. We are making water, broth and crackers available to him, but he's just not eating. Rather he is sleeping. We are on a second load of laundry today. I've told the boys to NOT share food or drinks etc in the hopes of preventing the spread, tried to keep washing my hands, and spray disinfecting the bathrooms and the air. I don't want a second boy tossing his cookies. And I can't afford to be sick until the 14th and even then only for 2 days. So it just doesn't work into my schedule. So we are doing all we can to prevent it. I'm pretty proud that my kids have taken this long to get it and that they haven't had anything else for quite a while. Keep Jockey in your prayers. He will be missing Awana and pretty sure he'll be missing school tomorrow too.

As for rabbit news. Ok, either both mike and I are awful counters, or the mass of wiggly things is just troublesome and a count shouldn't be attempted,... or mama canabalized one and we can't find the parts (I know, gruesome but it happens.) But I counted 7. That's it, 7. I'll check the rest of the box for whatever a bit later, but 7. 4 speckles/brokens and 3 darks. (**edited, we have 7, there were 8, don't know where/what happened but it's no longer present.) Still one of the darks is a small fella/gal, but oh boy was there a full round little pot belly on it this morning! It has chowed down. They look to be a little bit more at peace and even more so less fragile. A couple of them settle down and just rest in your hand, others fidget and pee (yes already.) They have more fur and are warm and fuzzy. It's amazing the "heat seeking" quality of them. They could be set down anywhere and they have an innate sense to burrow down and find their siblings for warmth. A good example of God's perfect programming.

Here's the family:

This is the littlest guy/gal:

This is the big brother/sister (this one loves to just sit calmly in the palm of my hand):

More later if anything's pertinent.

Day four of baby rabbits.

Much like yesterday actually.

We have 3 dark ones and the rest are white/speckly mix (best observation). One of the dark ones truly is a runt and about a third to half in size than the others; at this point I don't know if that one will survive, but so far so good. They seem to be less fragile with each day passing. And of course eventually they will be used to being handled. I'm surprised that the boys haven't asked to hold them yet today, but that is a good thing today. Each passing day the babies are more resillient than the day before.

Pictures of today:

Day three of baby rabbits.

We haven't lost any to exposure/lack of feeding etc. Rosie is still doing great and will even approach us while holding her babies. The babies are a little bigger, more sure in their movements though still jerky (especially when you uncover them in the nest so that they think food is coming and they are going for it), they are covered in peach fuzz now and you can start to see what their colorings will be. I think we have a couple like papa who are "broken tortise"(white and mottled/marbled brown) and a couple like mama (I think), but we'll have to wait another week and a half to be sure. They have bright nubs of TEETH, already! Well, they are rodents I suppose.

The boys are thrilled with the bunnies, but are doing really good at only going out once in a day to look and bother them. I'm sure when they are a bit bigger with their eyes open the boys will be out there all the time (another great reason for a gentle winter/early spring).

Caleb thinks we should keep at least four (my eyes roll), but I think I might have found 2 more homes... that's a total of 3 maybes. Not bad for 3 days of searching for homes.

So here are today's pictures:

(see the speckles mid-back, those will be brown... anything pink will be white.)

This will be dark/tortise (rosie colored).

Another dark one whom the boys call Darko for now.

This one is just a little mostly white some speckles precious. (held by Jockey)

Day two of baby rabbits...

There are definately some larger and some bigger, although exact count is not possible because they would get too cold while we figure it out. Some have darker skin indicating a coming darker coat, some of them are speckly maybe meaning "broken" fur patterns. No guess yet as to what genders.

Jockey yesterday said "here brother pet this one, it's the cutest"... how does he determine which is the cutest when they are all basically the same and a quivering, flopping pig pile of bunnies. Go figure.

Here is the picture of one of them today.

Moving into a new nexting box...

Yes these are jockey's fingers in comparison to their size. They are about 3" long.

All four of us has a part in building the nesting box, the boys even screwed in a few of the screws. Then we got it all ready and then transfered the babies to the new box. (They were at risk of wandering out of the old "nest" and getting too cold, getting hurt on the wire floor, or trampled into the wire mesh.)

So one by one we placed them into the nesting box. Yes, there are 8. So far to the untrained eye there aren't any obvious runts who won't survive, but time will tell. The boys are of course excited. Rosie seems to be doing just fine and is actually more mellow and friendly (nuzzling, greeting and eating out of our hands.)

Rabbit is as Rabbits does...... Surprise Babies. I thought Mike was joking today when he says to come outside I've got to see something. But sure enough... best count 6 rosie red curled up bald things.


Want one???


edited to add: Yes, I know HOW these things happen, but I didn't know that it took less than a minute for rabbits. Seriously, less than a minute.

And added pictures:

Eyes open in 10 days. And the last count, although they move around alot and don't like up like hot dogs, is 8 babies.

Caleb's birthday came early this year. Rather than a gift that we have to store... Grammy and Papa Dahl got Caleb a really awesome zoo membership (for the family& bring guests) that can be used unlimitedly for the next 10 months. We broke it in with a trip to the zoo today joined by Tessa, Grammy and Papa.

The rain broke about an hour into our excursion into the park. Which worked out fine since the first thing we did was visit the new penguin exhibit and then duck into the indoor Day/Night exhibit. The Day/Night exhibit is closed forever starting Monday, so it was a real blessing to visit it one last time before it's closed and the animals scattered. We also got to view the 9 month old snow leopard cubs. Caleb made Bug World a must see, and Jockey signed up for the kangaroos. (Caleb made the astute comparison today that Kangaroos are like T-rexes with little arms and big back legs.) We were at the zoo for about 4 hours and walked ourselves tired. Then it was bad to the club for a swim with Tessa. We are finally home and ready for a calm down.

That's all for now. I'm beat.

So how's your week going?

We got into the swing of things here with school, school work, bible study. A call from the principal about "no toys at school" (yes, caleb's been sneeking toys to school). More school, work for me, Awana, more school and work. Caleb got additional stages today and Wednesday. We are just not figuring this out... oh, that would be until we talked through his entire day. 5 words.... M&M's, Jelly Beans, Popcorn (commercial type), Frosting cookies, and juice. Can we say Food Coloring? Not to mention the sugar. So I had to be the confrontive parent and shoot off and email (afternoon session is still going) to the teacher to get her back on our side of this issue.

We were blessed to get Caleb's Birthday present early this year. A zoo pass for the family. (Thank you Grammy and Grandpa Dahl.) So we are thinking of going there on Sunday if the weather remotely cooperates with us.

Unfortunately, I got the call today that my grandfather died today. It appears Great Grandpa Severson, 97, got up in the middle of the night and had an instantly fatal heart attack and was found this morning. Curiously, upon talking with my dad, we discovered that we were both awaken last night (he at 2:24 and myself at 2:22) for unknown reasons and unable to go back to sleep for quite a while. Maybe we were on the same 'wave length'. Grandpa lived a long life FULL of memories and leaves only one issue unresolved.... Dusty the cat will have to learn to like a dog to live at my Aunt Sandy's or go hungry because that is where the food bowl will be soon.

These were taken 2/6/2010. The 4 days before we went to California. Great Grandpa Severson was in good spirits, full of memories and things to say despite the increasing ailments. I'm glad the kids got to see him as near as possible to the end.

TTFN

Again very brief:

We are home safe. Relatively unremarkable on time flight.
More park visiting, did go bowling (BTW, real bowling way different than Wii bowling.), did go to Chuck E. Cheese for a good time, watched a couple neat movies in the evenings, took Skeeter (Grandma's Basenji) for walks in the evenings. More hot tubbing, pizza night, another visit with Mr. Phineas who brought the boys cool RC cars which Grandma was happy to let them run in the garage after backing out her car (they were quite noisy in the family room). Picked fresh oranges in the backyard and boxed them up to be UPS'd home....hmmm. Painted tiles for fun and posterity.

So that's the rest of the trip in a nut shell. I will post pictures as soon as I have 1) time and 2) have reinstalled the camera picture software after getting my computer wiped clean and back from Staples....

We are all hitting the ground running. I have to work tomorrow for a brand new company (doing the same old tasks) and have to learn a new software application to report my work. Awana for the boys tomorrow and 2 verses to learn to catch up. MOPS craft and meeting on Friday to get ready for and etc etc etc for the weekend. Sigh.

Good Night. We are home safe.

Ok, a mid-trip update.

Hot tubbed, check.
3 park visits (each over 2 hours), check.
2 walks with Skeeter, check.
new booster seat for Caleb, check.
1 visit for myself to dentist, check.
2 visits to McDonalds for playtime, check.
1 Caleb & Grandpa only outing for ice cream, check.
watched 2 movies (g-Force and Race to witch mountian), check.
Cartoons, check.
Playing individually and together on computer, check.
Renewed lice treatment, check. (Again, so soon, and totally unrelated to the last time? What are the chances?)
And my uncle has passed away.


Planning: Bowling tomorrow, maybe Chuck E. Cheese Tuesday. and who knows what else because the weather is great!

We are working together to turn the tide of Caleb's defiance, and Jockey trying to copy the model of definance. Some days are decent, others are rough. Jockey punched me in the rear and bit my finger yesterday, which resulted in staying home and thinking about this actions and napping while Caleb got to go out. Caleb had some defiant times and is the bad habit of talking back. We are trying to nip that all in the bud. Improvements, yes, even if slow.

And I feel good that even while on "vacation" and being out of our element, we have still been careful to stay away from food coloring, sodium benzoate and excessive sugars. Staying away from these help the boys not to have reasons (outside of childish immaturity) for poor behaviours. So the general wound up craziness is being kept to a minimum. And hours upon hours at the park are a good way to keep the worn out. They play while the adults talk and soak up the sun. Works out great.

One down side, I've been struggling with a tooth ache... so that's been my own challenge, and often it makes my patience short etc. I'll have to come home and see the dentist promptly it looks like. Could I please be hit on the head and left for the vultures instead????

Overall, a good trip, good talks, good cuddle times, good weather, lots of exercise. (even the dog is getting leaner, I've been calling her mini-keg.) More on the next update, have a great week.

Just a brief, and I mean bried update.

We've attended Tessa's family birthday party at the pool. Good times.
We visited Great Grandpa Severson (age 96/97) on Sunday. He's old yet cheerful. And we learned he likes watching sting operations where they catch internet predators...and Msnbc News. Ok Grandpa.
Caleb likes his literacy lab, and I think he's actually learning more in that 25 minutes than in regular class.
We've spent a few days at the park using the unpredictable sunshine to the max.
I have started work at an additional company, that makes 3 employers for myself... tricky keeping which tasks report to which companies! Whew!
My desktop computer has been out of commission with viruses/worms/trojans etc since last Monday, so that's the reason for few postings. Crossing my fingers that Staples can have it ready to pick up tomorrow AM....

The boys are all excited:
We will be in California from late tomorrow afternoon 2/10 through WEDNESDAY night of next week 2/17. We'll hit the ground running with school, lit lab, Awana and work and MOPS with craft that week. Pray for a safe, on time flight and our luggage lands when and where we do!

In the meantime, the boys have "packed" their back packs to include far too many beanie babies. We have an abundance of them thanks to Grandma Judy paring down her collection. And the boys have been inseparable from them. Caleb sleeps in a small pool of them on his bed each night. Jockey takes them in the car EVERYWHERE, to show and tell, etc. The one great thing is that there are so many, there are few fights and never have we not been able to find one to go with us in the car!

So that's the quick low down, good night.

What's the latest?

Caleb and I had a careful discussion when an opportunity came up. Bottom line: He has made the choice to attend a "literacy lab" program after school for 6 weeks. It is just an extra 25 minutes, so he will get out at noon. It has the purpose to expose him more to reading, phonics, sight words, word blends etc. It will probably have a different approach that I would use, and that is a good thing. No reminder needed that I did not go to college for elementary education (or patience training for that matter.) I am hopeful that he will make another leap in his abilities, provide a chance for focus. Right now he will just see the first letter or first number in the addition problem and guess. Guessing isn't knowing... and guessing isn't actually looking. I'm hoping he will improve.

Both the boys are in Tennis on Tuesdays. They love it. They also get a chance to swim and visit with Grammy and Grandpa, and GG Dahl too. And the come home tired.

Awana tomorrow night. I help. Again.

No big plans for the rest of the week. Might catch a day at the park if I can bundle up warm enough... we'll see.

More as it comes.

A Rite of Passage for kids, though not one I'd sign up to celebrate, it could be worse...


Second only in communicablity to the common cold is... lice. Apparently, we were the only guests at the hotel this weekend.

Caleb called to me this morning and said his head itched and he saw white things. Not taking him at his word precisely, I performed my own examination fully expecting dandruff and a need for extra water or conditioner. I was a bit disturbed to find...lice. Being a born "nit-picker", I looked his entire head over and killed all live ones. Then I examined Jockey, and found a few more and killed those too. This determined the rest of my day. Despite the beautiful sunshine and park playing possibities... We had a new priority.

I now know at least 5 more facts about lice now, than I did yesterday.

1- The lice do not have wings... no flying.
2- The lice do not have back legs (like grasshoppers).... no jumping. (Thus takes direct contact with head or items that have touched the head)
3- The lice will die in 24 hours without human blood.
4- Lice do not live/feed on pets because the pets are not humans.
5- Lice lay 3-4 eggs a day.
6-Hot water and a Hot Dryer are good enough for washables.
7- A good vaccumming is good for non-washables.
8- Lastly and surprisingly, there is a debate on the effectiveness of all products, shampoos and sprays, other than the comb.

As for me and my house, pesticide shampoo is the way we went, because the little bugs can transfer or fall while being combed out and I'd rather them be dead if my older eyes miss one that falls prey to gravity.

So I have discovered, diagnosed, treated and combed each boy. Phew, the hardest part was making them hold still for 45-50 minutes for the meticulous combing process. And Thank GOD they are boys and have short hair!!!
Mike and I both check out as clear, but the washing, sterilizing, vaccuming ensues to make sure there are none to transfer to us or back to the boys.

The Lice War is not a difficult war (as yet), but a great many loads of laundry.

So onward... (and I'll be calling the hotel.)

Just a little catch up.

We made it thorugh the busy-ness of last week. Leadership meetings, Awana, School, Mops, etc.

Then it was off for a 5+ hour drive Friday to Hayden, ID for a visit to an indoor water park at the Holiday Inn Express. They have an arcade with tokens and prizes, indoor play structure for the kids, mini golf and bowling (which we didn't do) and a "Raptor Reef" dino-themed indoor water park. Three slides, a wave pool with zero depth shore, and a kids play structure set in nearly a foot of water that has it's own slides, sprinklers, sprayers etc.

The kids were a little car weary, but they are quickly learning use every rest area we offer them. (Which I used nearly every one in the Eastern part of the state for my own reasons.) Every kid needs to learn to use the facilities when it's offered; I learned at the age of about 7 going through Arizona... long story. So we got there with time to eat dinner and hit the slides. Caleb was tall enough for one solo, and the other two with an adult, so both Mike and I got our sliding quota in... and Grandpa Dahl too. Jockey was a little left out of the slides... but you couldn't tell from the way he zipped around the kids area and dove through the waves.

Saturday was rainy, and although a beautiful walk and a really cool children's park were tempting in Couer D'alene, we were nevertheless rained out. We did hit a few thrift stores and found treasures in cheap books (me) and a couple stuffed animals for the boys. Then it was back into the pools for fun. Then dinner and back into the pools again. I treated the boys to a little $5 of arcade fun somewhere in there too.
Sunday was a wake up, breakfast, clean up the room and back into the pools type of day. We made a couple stops on the way home, most noteably at "guy mecca" aka CABELA's. Then onward home arriving late about 8:30pm.

Monday we did not have school, but finally having a break from the rain we spent a long, bundled up 4.5 hours at the park meeting friends from school... both by arrangement and by coincidence.

It's been a busy few days. But it's beautiful outside, almost like spring, especially when I saw the hydreangea starting it's new sprouts. Hmmmm. Did we skim through this winter without a trace of snow accumulation?

The first week of the new year...

Caleb was VIP this week at school. What does this mean? He got to be line leader, choose helpers, make the runs to the office and library as needed. He had show and tell, he got to bring snacks. Lastly, he got to invite special guests and introduce them and talk about them and field questions from his classmates. Grammy Dahl and Papa Bill (the non-working local grandparents) were gracious enough to share time with 28 little kindergarteners. They were asked stuff like "what's your favorite cookie/lunch/animal" "what do you do with your grandparent" etc. I learned that Papa Bill and I both like Oatmeal raisin cookies. Grammy shared a very interesting bit of information about when she was in Kindergarten.... in her school the boys and girls did not play together, or even walk down the same hall way/ stairs. That was a bit of a brain warp for the kids. Hard to imagine, especially during their friendship week when they are assigned rotating people to befriend, play with and talk to during recess. MOST boys are asking to be with other boys by the way, but have come to terms that there is a majority (70-80%) of girls in the class and there just might be a time they are teamed up with a girl. ewww yuck.

So after visiting the Caleb's class, there was time to go and visit Jockey's class before it was time to actually take Caleb away from school. So we had nearly 30 minutes to see Jockey in action tearing up the playground and being a little leader. Everyone chased him or did what he did, even if that meant breaking the rules and throwing rocks... we're working on that. Good leaders have to set an example. Then it was off to chapel and a lengthy discussion about what color the robes of the angels might have been wearing when they visited the shepards in the fields the night Christ was born. There were many votes for light blue and light green, several other colors, and a surprisingly decided vote for Black... huh? We we ended with a quick prayer of repeating after the pastor, true to Lutheran form, and we were off to get Caleb. Papa Bill went to get burgers while we returned to the house. After a surprisingly in-our-seats lunch, the boys introduced Papa Bill to the Wii and got him to play bowling with him.

It was a great day of crisp sunny weather where we all enjoyed the outdoors. The boys lucked out with outside recess, we took Papa Bill to see the house we are thinking about if we actually sold this one, and then I took the boys to the park... I mean it was sunny after all. A non-rainy day should be used for maximum enjoyment. And we did just that.

No idea what our weekend plans are, but there is Sparks tonight. Cubbies has been cancelled for the night and might have to be for the rest of the year due to lack of leaders... I pray not. So that's the scoop.

Have a great rest of the week.

Happy New Year!


We rang in the new year in a quiet sort of way. Sleeping or working on projects. Might as well start the new year true to personality.

We have taken down our tree now. It really was a great tree this year. I hope we have success next year at picking out another nice one. Everyone helped take it down. The boys especially found joy in helping, just as much as putting it up really.

The boys are now healthy (at least mostly). Jockey attended a birthday party today. It was at the fire station. It was actually a really great birthday party. They gave us a tour, let us ride in a fire truck, let the kids spray a hose that they had taken off the truck and hooked up, gave them goody bags and hats... it was really neat. Jockey has already asked if he could do this for his birthday; so don't be surprised if it happens.

School is just around the corner. I'm not sure I'm ready for it all to start back up again. But there's no choice for any of us. But it helps to have something to look forward to and that is a vacation to California in mid-February. Sun, warm... nice.

So that's our update. A slow and steady week and new year with the knowledge that life's going to kick into high gear any moment.
Hope you're having a great start to a new year too.

We got an unexpected visit of a fever upon Jockey last night. About 12:45 AM he was using the restroom and coughed and sounded like he threw up. I went to check on him and he was burning up. The highest last night was 103.6. I iced him, cold washclothed him, Tylenol, Ibrophened and prayed. He was down to 101.9 at 6 Am when we finally went to sleep. He's spiked back up to 103 mid-morning before more medication was put into him. But he's handling it well. I was wondering for a moment if I was going to have to hold him down in a cold bath, but we made it through the night. He has a very very bad cough, but thanks to our Rite Aid deals in August, I have all the sore throat meds he could need. So despite the beautiful sunny crisp day, we are going to stick close to home. Where did he pick this up... probably the Children's Museum one week ago. He'll make it through. I just pray the rest of the family doesn't follow in his footsteps on this.
Thanks to every one for their generosity to our family this Christmas and your prayers for Jockey getting well.

Our Christmas...

In SHORT, because We are all tired, and I'm beyond exhausted...So more pictures than words. The boys were blessed almost into the area of indulgence. But they are grateful and playing with everything in turn with sheer joy. The family was blessed with working/matching phones! Several great scrapbooking items/tool came my way, and Mike is enjoying his coffeemaker even as I type. And it appears that the handmade gifts were received with pleasure over... reluctance.

Crisp sunny day, very different than last year's foot of snow, but just as enjoyable. Casual and family, nothing better.

On to pictures. In reverse order of the day:

Dinner at Kristina, Ryan, and Cousin Tessa's.

Hugs after a fun morning.

Hugs and presents in the morning:

Stockings before breakfast:

That's our Christmas in a Photo-nutshell. On to sleeping and maybe a bit of compulsory tidying.

Merry Christmas.

It's CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQyXWllz5Ao


Hope you and your families have a great day of joy and fun.

Christmas is almost here!

This is such an enchanting time of the year. The general cheer is brought on by the meaning of the year, the lights, the beautiful decorations.

A week ago we attended Jockey's Christmas Program. Here is a picture of him proudly dressed in his "handsome clothes" as he's called them. Of course, he had to be unique for the program, and there is just one word to describe his performance: spinning. You can imagine what he did by himself two steps to the right of everyone else.

The boys like having the Christmas Vacation. Staying up a little later, sleeping in a bit too. We've done some fun things too. Last Friday we took them to the Children's museum in Everett. They love to run around and trying everything, although they do have their favorites. On Saturday, we bundled up and went to Leavenworth for the city lighting, songs and various munchies (chesnuts, cider, cocoa, brats, etc.) This year the kids were all about the sledding. They were blessed with receiving a sled from Papa Dahl and this year they just zoomed down the hill. They were a little better about watching out for others and now getting plowed into. Jockey still took a couple hits, and was almost done with the whole business until I told him I'd slide down with him. Finally he did say that he wanted to go look at stuff and eat things. It was surprising that he was so very interested in looking at all the things in the stores. It didn't matter if it was a soap store, a painting store, or what. He just wanted to look at everything. Of course, he would frequently land on the stuffed animals. Cats particularly. He has a fixation. Caleb tolerated the food and a couple stores, but really it was all about the sledding and he couldn't wait to get back to it.

So we've spent a couple days back at the house getting things done in preparation for the big

day(s). Projects, cleaning, laundry, walking around the neighborhood looking at lights etc.

The best thing is that I discovered free online Christmas shows/movies. The boys come into the office and choose something and sit with me as I work on projects. Before Christmas didn't seep into the office and I felt like I was missing the season while working so hard for it. That's changed now, the Christmas spirit and cheer has filled the office as we've watch the old favorites and new fun shows with the boys. The boys like choosing a show whenever they want rather than waiting for the tv programming to finally put it on, and I like them with me so I can keep an eye on them while getting things done! Still more work to do, and now it doesn't feel like such a dry task but a near budding Christmas tradition for us.

So the rest of the week: Nothing for the boys and they like it. I work briefly Wednesday and Thursday. Christmas Eve service on Thursday, with a small dinner afterwards at our house. Christmas morning mayhem of breakfast and gifts at our house with Papa & Grammy and Papa Bill and Grandma Judy. Then Christmas dinner with the Surfaces and others. And maybe, like last year, we'll visit Candy Cane lane on our way home from West Seattle. After than, who knows. Rest maybe, just maybe!

Merry Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

A christmas favorite.

Christmas happens for everyone around the world.

See how they decorate/celebrate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEdy4Cc5m5s

Thanks for looking.

Another Christmas song with a bit more depth than a santa song...

To the loved ones we've lost or who are just away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvWTJ44Am4g&feature=related

Each Christmas, the boys are older, we've all lived a little longer, experienced a bit more of life, view things a little big different or deepr. Being a mom has changed the scape of what christmas looks like. This song gets me every time as a mom.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34

Christmas blessings...

1- Despite Jockey microwaving a pancake for 6 minutes causing a microwave fire of 3-4" flames inside the microwave and smoke filling our main level.... No damage, just icky smell. The microwave is not going to come all the way clean, but it does still work. We are all safe.

2- I just got notice yesterday that the boys are now on the WA state medical coupon system!!! We were hoping for their highest tier qualification, but they gave us the mid-tier and therefore even cheaper premiums per month. We just saved 89% per month on the boys medical! Which is such a blessing because we had to cancel their medical due to strangling costs.


I'm a crazy one, hoping for snow this winter, so we are on Snow watch at our house. Should be a great Christmas season. Caleb says that Christmas is his favorite day of winter.

Jockey had a christmas program this Sunday, he still went up and sang despite having said "mommy, please don't sign me up for that". He wore his "handsome" clothes, a suit thing. He loves it, and has worn it several days in a row since Grammy got it for him.

On our way to school today I was giving Caleb warnings about the slippery icy ground, that even if he doesn't see it, it is still there. Jockey promptly asked if ice had super powers like a super hero because it was invisible.

Love to say more, but I have stuff to do.

Enjoy...

http://www.nightingalecreations.com/MerryChristmas2009.html

Merry Christmas

Christmas....

Why do we have to buy new??? Just a thought.

The boys are going to love their beanie babies, regardless of whether they are used or not.

We're back safe from California.

On the plane Caleb said he missed Grammy Bishop. And every time they are down there, they say they don't want to leave and want to stay forever.
They were kept pretty busy in the sun and parks, the McDonalds, and the new toys at the house.

We hit the ground running with school, work, keeping the house picked up, Awana, and projects today. And it just keeps going and going. We might take a breath on Monday or Tuesday!

The Christmas season is upon us fast, and there is much prep to do.

We're still praying for the perfect buyers, the perfect house, the greatest interest rate, etc,etc. Feel free to pray too.

Thanks and good night.

California update.

In the crisp and beautiful days we have taken the boys to the parks.
The boys have hot tubbed. They've played with new toys (legos, rc car, star wars learning laptop, bendaroos, color wonder painting set.) Grandpa Bishop built/set up a computer just for them to use and play their games on (a bit hit.) They've worn themselves out twice at McDonalds, to the point they asked to go home and nap! Grandma took us to the movie "planet 51" and it was really cute and good for a few grow-up laughs too.

On today's agenda , the Sacramento Railroad museum with Papa Bishop.

We've made Grandma Bishop's Christmas present, and the boys helped with that. They were really excited to be a part of the christmas making process.

Santa (aka firemen) drove around the neighborhoods last night and in a blaze of lights, wished everyone a merry christmas while giving out candy canes. The first truck gives the announcement and you have two minutes to rush outside. Grandpa heard that and got us rushing out. We all made it, but Caleb was sans shoes and Jockey sans jacket. But we at least made it.

We had out Thanksgiving feast Sunday afternoon and saw Mr. Phinas and Great Grandma Dyer, as well as a friend named Julie and her grandson Gregory. He, a big 9 year old, captured the attention of Jockey and Caleb for the afternoon. They built things with legos, build forts, watch a pig movie etc etc. They were really happy to have a friend visit them.

Tomorrow we return to Washington late in the evening. (9pm-ish) So we will probably have time to squeeze in some other activity tomorrow too. We'll see.

Jockey has impressed Grandma with his learning. Caleb can read but he's being shy in front of Grandma when it comes to this, but not when wrestling or in eating. Both of the boys decided that their previous shirts were no longer adequate, and with Grandma, they went through her laundry in search of new "yummy" "fluffies (aka shirts)". So now they are both running around/sleeping with the shirts of Grandma Bishop. Of course, last night the request was to tie them on their heads and add eye patches so that they could be Ninja Pirates. Jockey has also lived up to his reputation of wanting to be "handsome" and saying the word "perfect" often. Caleb has cuddled down with them in front of shows too. Caleb and Grandma have had some in depth conversations where Caleb's "been thinking and....". Funny.

So that's what's been up in sunny bright California with the "another grammy" and "another papa" in Jockey's words. More when we return.

We have arrived safely in California.

Although, about 13 hours later than we thought. Apparently they cancelled the flight in early October and just sent an email which I never got.... we found out last night in the airport. Jockey bawled that he didn't get to go to California to see "another grammy". I convinced him we'd really get to go. Lynda drove back and picked us up and we returned to have a bite to eat with Mike and Peter.
Then it was home to bed and early to rise. Had to make the most of "Black Friday". We were at Fred Meyer just after 5AM (with the other insane people). We got some really good deals and were out of the store in 20 minutes. The boys were kept busy and didn't see anything either. We struck out at Walmart... in fact, we didn't even get in the door since it was too early, too dark and too cold to wait in the line that stretched around the outside of the building. Target, we got in the door, but none of the prices were better save on two items, but even those weren't worth waiting in the hour long line just to pay. On the bright side, we browsed Petsmart and had just a fun time looking at animals. (Jockey's idea.)
We were to the airport with plenty of time, rode the "train" for a few loops and the rest was smooth. We are here now and the boys are already settled in and at home using the hallway as a running track, using the special computer Papa Bishop set up, and playing with their belated birthday gifts. Plans for the trip... the railroad museum, Chuck E. Cheese and McDonalds with Papa.
So that's the first update from California.

What would Jesus do????

A harmless question until tonight at dinner.

An incident occurred, regarding farting into the oven. The boys, being boys, thinks this is hilarious. Mommy, being mommy, does not think this is appropriate behavior and thinks we should discuss rudeness. I tried to introduce the guideline "What would Jesus do" as a standard for appropriate action. Did you ever think that you would have to say: "Do you think Jesus would fart into the oven?" Somethings you just can't say with a straight face, even when trying to teach a serious lesson.

It's getting to be that time of year.
"Season of prohibition" on buying things for yourself (or others, if it isn't going to keep until Christmas.) It was a rule growing up, buy nothing between Thanksgiving and Christmas; one year we even waited until after Christmas clearance sales to get our Christmas gifts.
However, today I was at a crossroads. Jockey and I were in the store finishing grocery shopping. He requested to visit the toys, and I said we were just looking... in fact, only looking for brother. So he looked and looked and pointed and "I want this" and "Buy me that please". He was turned away with "I'll think about it", I'll talk to Dad about it, "I don't think so", you won't use that, too many small pieces. etc. EXCEPT for one toy. Of all the games, action figures, hot wheels etc, it was a stuff (beanie babie-esque) cat. A little gray and white striped off-brand cat. I told him it was not on sale, too much, wouldn't be fair if brother didn't get one, way way too much if brother was to get one too. 10 minutes to get him out of the department after "price scanning" it twice to show him the cost. He bawled from one side of the store to the other as if I had cut off his arm. That's all he wants, nothing for Christmas. I'm hurting his heart he says. None of his other toys at home are cute now. He doesn't want to live near me when he grows up now. By now I'm feeling like the worst mother, but a decent budget hold-out. ($7 each, too much for stuffed cats!) I call Mike to be reaffirmed that I'm not cruel and unusual.
In the end, after brilliant parallel parking and a visit to St. Vincent de Paul, and negotiation there.... two stuffed cats (one IS a beanie baby), 2 mini-beanie baby bears, 1 mini-beanie baby dino, and a stashed away beanie baby (WITH TAGS) for Christmas.... $1.63 with tax. 1 christmas gift, 2 happy boys, totally affordable, and a relieved mommy in a pear tree. Jockey said in the car, "Mommy, you made my heart happy". I did have to explain to him that waiting and seeing if Mommy can find a way sometime gets better/more than the thing he cries over right NOW NOW NOW about. He understood. Lesson hopefully learned, even if I was manipulated for $1.63.
A rough but successful mom-ing day.
After last week's MOPS speaker, I'm trying to be more "intentional" in my parenting. Finding what works/lights up my child in their minds and hearts and develope that; working on first time obedience (starting to see minor improvement already, although the frequency of "consequences" has increased). We were encouraged to ask "What did you want from your Mother?" (and I've tried to include father, and want Mike to ask both questions of himself to work from that perspective.) I decided that I would ask the boys that question. Caleb understood a little better (or maybe Jockey does understand, and I don't want to understand his answer.) Caleb said he wants me to take him to the park more and sit with him more, and got to the Children's museum more. OK, Can do. JOCKEY, on the other hand... When I said what do you want out of mommy more, what more do you want from Mommy? Answer: A baby, a baby brother. I'm just closing my eyes and shaking my head. This from the boy who said he wanted to hold his baby brother by the foot/leg upside down so that it won't bite him like the rabbits!

Ok, so that's todays points of interest. Hope it was worth a chuckle.

We made it through last week. All the homework got completed, craft projects were don, school attended, MOPS attended, etc etc.

Now on to this week. Just 2 full days of "normal" until Thanksgiving craziness of packing, flying, driving, eating, Mike' working and whatever else. The boys and I fly out at 7:55 pm from Seatac. They might snag a swim at the club before we head to the airport, but other than that... I think we are going to chill at the house, pack the clothes, and eat McDonalds. I might even slurge for something that is NOT on the dollar menu to make it a "Big" meal that Thanksgiving is expected to be. And maybe a toy for the plane ride will be extra distracting from the 2 hours sitting in one plane seat without moving and (please, God) quiet! We will return Wednesday of next week, just in time to got to work and school the next day! Then MOPS and school on Friday. Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Christmas Tree cutting on Sunday... whew, anyone exhausted yet.

Jockey is trying to learn to write his name. He's trying hard. He has J-O and E-Y. So he is a JOEY. He is suffering from an identity crisis. Joshua, Josh, Jockey, JOEY. How is he ever going to learn to write his name when he has so many! Something that he already needed to work on based on the conference with his teacher. He also has a small class party on Wednesday celebrating Thanksgiving.

Caleb had a "Celebration of Learning" today. (Does that seem Hyper (as in over the top) PC to anyone else?) I made it back from work in time to see him mumble words in front of all the parents. He really doesn't like singing in front of people. I'm wondering if I should even bother with the "around the world" (another PC terminology) December concert. He mumbled last year, and will probably do so again. I don't know whether we should go... I guess that decision is still to come. But Caleb was very happy to have someone come on his behalf.

So that's the update for now. Have a good Thanksgiving.

And a new week begins....

We've started off strong this week.
Caleb's looking over a new-to-him LEGO magazine, and my hope is that he finds he really wants to know what is being written about the LEGOs. One of his chief complaints about school is that they teach boring things... "Who cares about the rat with a pack?!" He seemed to prize the magazine and so my hope is high right now. Unfortunately, that means this afternoon I will be having to read a LEGO magazine. But that's what moms do I suppose.

Jockey is doing well at school. A little girl named Carlee really likes him, and he's indulgent. He lets her chase him. In a dog pack it's the leader who is always chased, a leader never chases. I wonder if the same is true in children?

We toured another house last week. Mike's in love. I'm reserving emotion so that I don't feel the crash of disappointment if it doesn't work out. It would have to be a series of miracles and fulfilled "Ifs" to get it... fortunately, we know and talk with the Master of Miracles, God. It would be a dream because of the size of land and square footage, and neighborhood atmosphere, and schools (basically our choice) and bus service right at the corner of the lot I think. The boys LOVE the big trees, and it comes with a tinker toys style hardy swing set. It's decorated in 1990's... mauves, purples, a poster -style picture in a set of 3 metal tubed frames (found at any value village) would fit in PERFECTLY with this house. But nothing is broken or unsafe! It's all just comes down to personal preference, which means we change it when we can afford it, use it until then. It has 4 big bedrooms, plus a large bonus upstairs, plus an "alcove/library" with built in shelves and a cushionless window set that look out over the entire backyard. It has a goat/loafing shed plumbed with water, perfect to house the rabbits or any future animals we need to breed to eat. The lot is 2.65 acres, house is 3078 sqft, with a 3 car garage. Plenty of room to plant the fruit I want, and already comes with a producing apple tree and 4 plum trees. Two downsides. 1) the taxes on 2.65 acres is obviously higher than our .12 lot; meaning we'd have to look into negotiating with the county (based on the sale price) a lower assessed value. and 2) on the back half of the lot is powerlines; not great for resale...however, at the price we are looking at, we would NEVER lose money, in fact, we'd do very well for ourselves, so that is a moot point for us. Especially since we are thinking we'll be in this house until retirement (barring disasters). So right now we are praying that we will have clear guidance for or against this house. And we are waiting on getting more information from the listing agent.
By the way, the last house I mentioned, the "treehouse", we prayed about and it was a clear no.... and I'm grateful in the end because it really was a lot to bite off and try to fix. Would have been worth it in value, but probably more headache than we should take on. The answer to prayers sometimes is no, and still is a good thing.

The rest of the week we'll just plug along on laundry, work, homework, Awana, finding something to do on Veteran's day, and I'm probably going to go help a MOPS mom with some things at her house. No big plans otherwise.

More later as it occurs.

November Already!



Fall is flying by. The boys and I experimented with dipping the beautifully colored leaves in wax to preserve them. Jockey was way more interested than Caleb. And it turned out well, the ones that were dipped in barely melted wax rather than really hot wax. I think they has just as much fun choosing leaves as doing something with them.



They are all still healthy. Me, my chest still feels like I've run a mile and hurts, and I have a deep cough. But I'm getting better.



We went to the Fall carnival at our church on Friday night for a little fun. We were there almost 2 hours. Caleb ran into his buddy Blake and they ran around with each other a bit. They both had a really good time and found success in the games that were available to play. It was fortunate that they were both in similar skill levels because then I could keep them together in each room rather than have to split them up or take turns on who gets to do things they like. The bouncy houses were of course huge fun. We ran into Emily and Brittany and Brian. Emily was just a bit too small for the bouncy houses, so I guess we'll have to make a point of inviting her over next summer for a bit of fun in our bouncy house.



Saturday we avoided the doorbell ringers by going to Maltby Assembly's Trunk-or-treat (aka, games in the back of trunks outside fun carnival). It was alot of fun. Trunks were set up as Nerf shooting galleries, fishing, hockey, shuffle board, ring toss, pin drop. The hit was a horse trailer converted to a hay maze. The boys spent over 30 minutes going in again and again. They also had a fire truck to go in and a cake walk. It was alot of fun, if a bit wet at times and cold. (not great for my cough, but they had so much fun). We ran into the boys "idol" of Wyatt and they followed him around a bit. It was a good evening and we got home late enough to only have one person to turn away from the door.

Last Thursday, Caleb had a Farm party. Everyone dressed as people or animals found on the farm. Caleb decided that he would be a cowboy. (ok.) He was very insistent that a cowboy had a brown vest with a star on it and of course a hat. So not owning this sort of outfit, he and I headed to the St. Vincents thrift store. I felt like a good mom that day when I turned a $2 girls brown shirt into a boy's cowboy vest through a little turning inside out, snipping of the arms and front, adding buttons and a star from my scrapbook stash. He was happy to be involved in the decision process and the fitting and star position deciding. He wore the outfit for 3 days!

We had conferences last week.
Caleb: Really settling in well. The first part of the year was an adjustment, but now he's in a groove. (I'm wondering if that coincided with the restriction on milk and sodium benzoate?) He's got a couple buddies he plays with, there are a lot of girls in the class though. He is "on grade" with everything, every cateogory. He is a mid to almost higher level in the reading. (WOW, great.) He is decent on number identification, but could use a little work. He is doing ok on drawing, but needs to be able to TRY to write what the pictures show. And Caleb show interest in math. That's Caleb's conference in a nutshell.

Jockey: Surprisingly good at cutting. Can identify 75% of his letters. 50% of his shapes. Plays well, talks well. Still a bit wiggly, but has certainly calmed down from last year. I suppose a class size of 5 (over last years 17) helps. He needs to get some crayon time and draw himself, maybe with hair or something more than sticks. Also, his first response is "I don't know how" or "I don't know/can't, I never learned that". He does it at home, it's a confidence thing because most of the time he can suceed in some degree if he tries. So getting him to try without doubting is a goal for us. And he is learning some sight words which is awesome and above grade for his preschool.

Now it's back into the routine of the week. Work, school etc. No parties, no "no school" days, no long school days, no conferences... Nice. I like a clean calendar. So back at it.

p.s. Mike is back from hunting. No Elk, just a wild hare which was apparently good eating especially since it loaned a break from the chili in the morning, noon and evening pattern. A nice elk-less guys camping weekend.

We are all finally healthy! I'm still a bit raspy/coughy... but definately not contagious. I'm good enough to be helping in Jockey's Awana class tomorrow night. Oh, boy do we have to work on our verses!

Jockey had a "mouse-stache" today. That's how he pronounced mustache.
The boys discussed jail today in the car. And you get to sit in box and do nothing but pray to Jesus that you get out.
I won't repeat the mundane, no sense, viciously repeated babble that they filled my ears with, just know that it was incessant and ridiculous.

Jockey and Daddy carved a pumpkin at school yesterday. Jockey's pumpkin earned the "tallest" or the "skinniest" pumkin. I forget which.

I earn the craziest "make it work" mom award turning a brown girl's shirt into a boy's cowboy vest today. Good thing I have a scrapbook etc jumble of stuff I've hoarded (not packed) in the closet. Hey, Caleb's happy that's all that matters.
We'll be popping a bunch of popcorn tonight for his harvest party tomorrow.
Friday night is the church's Fall Carnival. Indoors, lighted, warm, $2/kid, candy, activities, jumpy houses.... what more could we want! So that's our plan. Mike hunts this weekend.

House News: Patience. Probably going to rescind the offer on the "tree house" just to have a clean slate going forward. Just reduced our house by $2,000 to see what nibbles we get. Tigger lets us know anytime someone is getting a flyer. (eye rolling.) The house is difficult to keep clean, but I have hope that this experience is going to shape cleanliness and clean patterns of clutter pick up into the boys. One of the houses we've been watching, now has a lock box... which means the bank is getting ready to list it. We are watching a few other bank owned ones. Bank owned seems to be the route we will take. Simpiler and easier chance/process than auction. Banks offer good deals, which is basically our only shot. Remember, we are ONLY wanting to do this to get a bigger house, bigger lot, and smaller payments. (Although, if approved for the children's medical that I've applied for... we'll free up some cash that we are considering if it might make sense to put towards a monthly mortgage IF we get a better/long term quality of life. Still undecided though. A vastly better and great quality of life in your home environs still dwells in an unpredictable world where life tends to throw $$$ curveballs that we need to be prepared for with a little wiggle room, not same situation nicer house/yard.)
We'll see. Still refusing to get emotionally sucked into depression/despair/drama.
The boys understand why we need to keep it clean. Caleb has developed set ideas of his own criteria for the next house. Specifically in lot size... as if HE pays the taxes!

Ok, time to cook dinner.

It is so funny how life's events shape the boys. I had to smile today when Jockey picked up his toy today and said "It's a fixer." (Not that there is anything wrong with the toy). But you just know where he picked up that term. It's hilarious to see him use the term and know that he wouldn't have even had that in his vocabulary if it wasn't for this house event. I'm going to have to watch for the other things that shape the boys, and make sure that it's good stuff.

Jockey still has a low fever, but he's feeling good. He'll be fine by the end of the day. So I hope that he can go to the field trip with his school.

Well that's it for now.

Well, last week Caleb was a bit feverish and didn't attend school on Tuesday.
This week, I guess it's Jockey's turn. He was over 102 yesterday, and still hot at 3:00am, so now he's home today from school. I hope that he is better by Wednesday, that is the day of his class field trip to the pumpkin patch. It will be fun to see him do something so exciting with his friends.... if he's well.
Caleb goes to Remlinger this Friday for his field trip. That is a fun, but pricey, place.
Conferences next week, so Caleb doesn't attend school on M, W, F. But Jockey does, except on Friday when they are both out.
There is a fall carnival that weekend to have fun at, otherwise I might've thought about "camping" at the club in a trailer. But we'll make it through the weekend with enough to do I'm sure. Mike is going hunting that weekend and Monday.

So that's the update on the kids, sicky, school and schedules.

The treehouse: We got word that the agent for the other house submitted more than just our offer to the bank (contrary to the information we were told on how things are done). We were also informed that the other offer was about 25K higher than our offer and it has an escalation clause, but it had a low down where as we have 40% down. We've decided more or less to "let it ride". We can't afford to go up 25K (and possibly more with and escalation clause) with the amount of $ needed for repairs. So if we can't go in for a pound, then we can't go in for a penny to my reasoning. We'll just have to let the bank decide. In the mean time, I keep thinking about the amount of work that it will require, and to be honest it is daunting in the volume/type of work. And I wonder about our capablities and amount of time to get it completed in. (and the finished result, we were not trained in construction you know.) So we'll just have to wait and see if this is really what we should have (work included) and if not then I'm sure that we will find something even better (ie LESS work!) God's Will, will be. We are "against the odds" here so it is either a huge area for God to show His work and power, or He is priming our hearts to be endlessly grateful for the final house which ever it is. If we found bigger house, bigger lot, suitable neighborhood, SMALLER mortgage payment, AND LESS work, that would be ideal. God does work in ideals. So we wait, we watch, we pray.

I've gotta check on little buddy now.
Side note: Jockey is so talkative and smart in his deductions. His Awana teacher said he was very smart, even if he doesn't look like he's paying attention. Everything is "booaful" (beautiful). or "the worst day ever" or the "best mommy/daddy/brother/Jesus he has". He asked to be prayed for at 4Am this morning, which was sweet and nice to see he knows whose in charge. Also, Jockey really wants a little brother so that he isn't the baby.
Caleb is ATTITUDE with a capital A. And he seems to think that as a teenager you're suddenly and adult, boy is he in for a shock. He is doing markedly better with his reading though.

So that's the scoop. TTFN

October 12th.

Our house is suppose to go on the market today. (still has work to do on it. walls to wash, window sills to scour, base molding to replace, window to case, threshold thingy to put in, some molding painting, door painting to finish.) SOOO much to do, yet the house is suppose to go on the market. I've been praying for God to cultivate special grace-filled, with all the work still to be done, we'll need this quality, buyers for this house. And of course a decent to high selling price.

As for the "new" tree house, the most we know is that the sellers have signed the offer we made. They actually had to bring it back to us for slight changes (not to the deal but to who the escrow/title company would be), I actually saw their signatures on our offer! Now it goes to the bank for consideration because it is a short sale. The bank can think about it for an indetermined amount of time... two days, 6 months. They try to see if other offers will come in higher. From what I understand, any other offers would first have to go to the listing agent & sellers for signature before it would go to the bank, and they can choose to or not to sign.... whatever that means. But generally only one offer (best, not always/just the highest) is brought to the bank by the sellers/listing agent, and I think we are it right now. So it appears that we have slipped into first position and beat out the other offer for the sellers signature and submission to the bank. That's step one in this God work.

Bottom line now: Wait for the bank to give us an answer. In the mean time try to keep the house clean enough to get a screaming high offer in on this house. (and try not to sell this before we know we have the other... I don't want to be homeless... and the sad fact is that we could not afford to buy back our own house!)

This whole process is going to shape the boys. Each night we have to go through each room in the house and stand and look around for toys, shoes, shirts, dishes, etc and pick up. Each night, Each room. (sounds familiar... like from my childhood, hmmm.) I've realized my limits, and we are making one bathroom off limits for use to cut down on what I have to clean. Also the living room/ dining room is off limits. (I wasn't allowed to play in the living room dining room under normal circumstances in my childhood home either. So that feels normal to me.) I think they will appreciate the amount of work it takes to keep a house clean. Hopefully they will grow up being more participatory in the housework. It will make them better husbands I think. And I want them to feel a part of the process. This is for their life too. One of the biggest motivators for the "tree house" is the joy they have just playing in the backyard at that new house while we tromp around inside making a list of all the items that need to be done/repaired/replaced. The backyard is like being in a woods surrounded campground. (even has a former rock lined firepit).

In other notes:
Caleb is doing well in school, although not liking it in general, thinks that it's mostly a waste of time. Recess is the only worthwhile thing. He is doing great in his work though. He had got a couple dozen sight words down, and sounding out other things. His teacher visited the house, saw the rabbits/dogs/his room/ Jockey's room and they set goals for the year.

Jockey is having some squirrely issues. Each day (from any event, sunday school, awana, school) if he was bad that day he says: "It was the worst day ever. I was bad and disobeyed my teacher".... although he can't say why he did. Last week, he actually was breaking pencils on purpose. So he is going to have to replace those today. He's not looking forward to it, which means its a good thing for him to do. He is "coping a 'tude" lately on everything. I think he is just stretching his wings of independence and growing but not knowing how.

Well, there's more, but I have to get everyone ready for the day. Jockey has picture day, Caleb doesn't have school. But we are headed to a play date after school to keep the kids out of the house and not get it messy!
TTFN

It's October, and I think we've all settled into the season and the routines now.

Caleb gets dropped off a little early for school so he can burn energy and socialize before he's expected to buckle down and learn. Mrs. Adams, his teacher, is visiting the house tonight and give Caleb a chance to show her around and tell her about his interests. The house is in psuedo disaster mode due to "remodeling"/finishing but she gets what she gets. The only really bad rooms are the family/laundry room and the garage. Caleb's not sure really why she's coming. I think it's a boy thing, why does she need to know me? Well, he'll figure it out when she's here.
He actually ask, "why does she get to tell me what to do at home, I thought she only got to be the boss of me at school?"
Awana was better for Caleb last week. I'm glad he was good, because if he is leading people, he might as well lead them in a good direction not into bad actions. He really doesn't want to be responsible for others, but I'm sure he'll be ok with it as he gets older. Because that's just what he's got.

Jockey is loving school. He calls all his classmates friends, but on the other hand if he doesn't feel he plays with them enough he says they aren't his friends. So it goes both ways. He wishes that he could play longer with his friends after class, and I wish I could let him, but we always have to rush to get Caleb that he doesn't get that chance. Maybe next year when Caleb is in first grade and he is in pre-k and we don't have to rush for the brother pick up.
Awana for Jockey last week... let's just say "caught red handed" was an understatement. The teacher said he was the only one who tried to take the red stamp pad out of it's box! We washed his hands 3 times with soap, tried rubbing alcohol, and then spray and wash! And they were still pink, the funny thing was though, the teacher had stopped him by saying "oh, oh, no no no Josh" and he said "what?" as put both hands on his face (like in Home Alone). So he also had pink on his face and neck. FUN. I almost took a picture. I almost had to send him to bed with gloves on to keep everything from getting pink on it.

This last weekend. We just puttered around the house trying to get various projects done. And we attended church. Still many more projects to do. Soon we should be listing the house for sale. I did find out if the paper work closes after 10/31, then we don't have to come up with so much for taxes reserve, which is great news. Maybe by that time they'll calculate using the 2010 rates and it will be even lower! We'll see, it seems so far off and very well might be.

ok, time to start the week/day.

The boys are being real troopers with all the changes that are taking place, and the new rules that are subsequent to the changes. Basically they aren't allowed in the living room/dining room anymore. They must eat in the kitchen or downstairs with us if supervised. NO toys anywhere but in their bedroom or directly in their hands. All their legos/knex/magnets toys (small easy to scatter) have been packed up. They are having to pick up every room before bed, keep their own rooms cleaner, the backyard has been cut down to just a few outside toys.
They are focused on helping us. Jockey has decided that he is a good worker and he loves to put the "mud" wall patch on the walls. I was surprised at how much he understood and what he was capable of. I did have to go around an scrap a little of the excess off, but his comprehension was great. Jockey does seem to stand a little too close to wet paint...habitually. Caleb wants to be involved, but doesn't always stop to listen for directions. He is helpful in getting the tools or items from the house that we need to complete a project. And he is a strong and helpful lifter.
The family room has been painted and just needs crown molding. The bathroom is ready for paint and then base/case molding, vanity/sink and toilet. This is the room furthest from finished. And then we have the odds and ends and the regular cleaning. AND THE GARAGE to clean out. whew!!!! THEN we will be able to put our house up for sale.
We still don't know if our offer was signed by the owner and taken to the bank for consideration. For that matter, we don't know if the offer was driven to the agent yet. So still waiting on that account.
Caleb is doing way better in reading.
Jockey is doing better in his pen holding, and calmness at school.
Awana has started and Jockey is doing very well. He's calmed down quite a bit. Caleb, actually I got spoken to about him last time. So we had a long talk about leadership qualities and the responsibity of leading people only into good actions. He doesn't like the idea of a mantle of leadership/responsibility... well, you get what you get, that's the way God made you.
Jockey asked today how God made him...successfully dodged that with "God grew you in my tummy" to which he responded "That's so cool".

Well, it's off to painting the bathroom.

The boys are trying to be good helpers in getting work done on the house. I hope that out of this comes a skill set they can use later, or at least feel comfortable with the idea to learn more later. And I hope that they finally grasp the idea of what clean is and keeping something that way. And working for a goal because you want it bad enough. (In this case, the tree house is a BIG motivator for Caleb for the house we have in mind. Although, I thought riding the bus would be a big plus too, evidently not because they say "keep moving back" over and over again.)

I've also had to tell them that the magic tu-tu cleaning fairy has left the building and they now have to pick up after themselves to include putting away their own laundry (after I've cleaned, dried, sorted and handed it to them- still a little of the tu-tu fairy remains).

Contrary to all of my wishes and guidelines for my kids, Jockey has a tv in his room and Caleb has the computer. I never wanted these things in the children's bedrooms, but I keep telling myself that it is only temporary. I don't want the kids to isolate themselves in their rooms, and especially, I don't want it to become a habit/lifestyle. And our eat-in kitchen only sits a very tight 3 persons, and I refuse to have the boys sit in the dining room with their food, MESSY! and over carpet, I don't think so. It's bad enough that they are eating over a tablecloth! (to hide the hideousness of the craft table come eat-in table).

We are working feverishly to get it done. SOOO much to do still. The boys are fortunately gracious to allow us to work for their "tree house". We might as well call the next house the "tree house" since that's how the boys refer to it.

It is such a blessing to have beautiful days like this so late into the summer, the sheet rock would be pretty wet when we cut it outside if it wasn't so beautiful.

The boys are settling down to school. I have so many things to remeber it is ridiculous. Tomorrow is picture day, I work, we meet with the agent and actually compose the offer and have him look at our house (EEK), we are casing and basing. We have Awana on Thursday, I work that day and also at Awana that night, our anniversary is this weekend (no plans, just house). We'll have to put a toilet and vanity in the downstairs, and finish the floor, sheetrock, tape, mud, texture and paint, and moldings. All of the work I've done, and none of it is cleaning.... so vacumming, dusting, mopping, bathrooms, desperately need attention! sigh, lots to do. I better get to...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWg5DlWVa8

Well, we've decided to skydive.... in a manner of speaking.

We have decided to put an offer in on a home WITH OUT a contingent on Moday. It needs ALOT (did I mention the holes in the family room ceiling and the missing cabinets in the kitchen and the rampant stains making the carpet untouchable, and no fence?). But it has Sqft, location, schools, and a price that is great (even if it is a stretch still.) The sweat equity will be amazing.

So now we are free falling. (And with SOOOOOO much work to do here too!)

Prayers please. The nice thing is that Caleb likes the tree house in the back.

I'll be gone until tomorrow night on a MOPS retreat.

Have a great weekend yourselves.

Our first brush with poisonous plants....

I foolishly thought that we were safe from our children consuming poisonous plants. Nothing after six years.... Nope.
Yesterday we had to do a plant search on the web, and the a quick call to poison control to find out exactly what the effect would be of a single unchewed but swallowed berry of the newly discovered Climbing/Woody/Bittersweet NIGHTSHADE!!! Hello, nightshade. Why don't they call it death berry vine. Well, Jockey my mouthy son now has his name logged into the poison control system as one who tries imfamous red berries. Fortunately, he suffered no effects, but still.... We can apparently make it out of the woods alive and not eating anything wrong, but our own backyard has berries too tempting not to try to eat. Of course we didn't know this weed of a vine imported itself from somewhere. Jockey is safe and fine now though. PTL.

Jockey is obsessed with little stuffed animals. Some Beany Babies, but he really isn't particular. He loves them all. Even the ridiculous ball of "fur" called a guinea pig from McDonald's. His latest is that he found a "cage" for them and now he cages his animals to transport them because occassionally they bite and defecate in the house (so I've been told).

Also, both boys are in love with the Angel Wars cartoon. We saw the Messengers show on TV and they are hooked. I'm happy to have them introduced to a deep concept in such a way. I'll have to source the other episodes because it's worth building their understanding.

Ok, back to work.

Saturday. Garage sale day.

Doesn't it always happen that the moment you put toys out to sell, suddenly it's the most fun, most interesting, must keep toy in the world?! Well, Joshy re-fell in love with a Spiderman (missing his shooting webs). And I said, ok, yes I broke down and said he could keep it. I told him to put it in the house, came up with a good way to play with it in the back yard, etc. Well, he didn't do it, and 20 minutes later it was laying among the other toys and someone wanted/bought it. Joshy saw that and burst into tears and ran in the house. He cried and poked his head out again "I don't want to be your boy any more", the next time he poked out "you're the worst mommy in the world" and then "now we have to buy another". Well, I don't know about the last comment. But the others... I knew I'd hear them in life. And to show him that his comments were not affecting me... I laughed. If I had not expected it, it would have hurt. But I almost feel as if we've gone through a rite of passage. Of course this effected him greatly, so I made it into a lesson that if he had obeyed the toy would have been in the house, but disobedience meant that the toy got sold. I hope he learns his lesson with this small thing.
Anyway, I've been picking up toys all morning.... on my front lawn. Everytime I get them grouped together as the set they are, the boys undo all my efforts.
Caleb has been both helpful and embarrassing. He says things to people that I just want to hide under a rock when he says them. He makes comments to people about the things that they pick up and touch. "hmm, I think that you like that, maybe you should buy it." I guess he's a used car salesman in the making. Of course, when he is not doing that, he's climbing the tree above all the toys and littering leaves (and rotten plums) on everything. Thanks.
On the bright side of things, it is bright and sunny out, just perfect for having stuff all over the front yard. There is a campfire smell in the yard that smells delicious. I've unloaded a bunch of stuff. (Alot of it the bulky stuff, SOOO happy not to have to put it all back into the garage.) SOO much more to go though. I've made a decent amount. And a highlight was meeting a lady and telling her about MOPS and finding out she'd love to go, has a son to attends Jockey's school on T/Th, likes to scrapbook, etc. We exchanged #'s. Sound great. Our chatting covered a lot of topics and flowed well, I hope we have a friend in the making for both Jockey and I.
After the garage sale, we will get in touch with Grandpa and Grammy Dahl who are watching Tessa. The boys will have fun with her I think.
Mike is till away, safe and dry the last time I talked to him.
That's our weekend. Hope yours is going well.

The boys have made it through their orientation days and their first days of school.

Caleb remembers little of what he did each day... singing and recess, nothing else. I really have to ask and ask to get information. I did find out that he saw several of this buddies at recess... which is good because I was afraid that keeping him in Kindergarten when they moved to 1st would cause a divide. It is now just like they are in different classes not different grades. GREAT, and probably the best because he doesn't have in-class distractions of his friends. Caleb knows the routine this year and I have every hope and expectation that he will do fantastic. And he knows several sight words in his reading and oral math skills.

Jockey: He plunged right in. He remembered that during circle time he gets a "listening" chair. Which turned into every other kid got his own chair. With a class size of 5, the teacher was ok with it because they all paid attention for the story. His class is bonding well already. His teacher said that she could tell that he has calmed a bit, matured over last year. And I think it will get even better when the summer wiggles are worked out and his routine is found. But he trotted off with enthusiam and that was great to see.

I've worked the last two days. I've cleaned out the garage and tomorrow is the garage sale. I have to promise myself that the unsold items will NOT go back into the garage!
Mike had ridden off on the motorcycle for a camping weekend with Grandpa Bill. He comes back Sunday.

So that's the update.