Well, we saw our first nephew graduate from high school on Friday night in Arkansas. It was a bit chilly because I packed when it was 80, not paying much attention to the cold temps this weekend.
We traveled just over 1,000 miles this weekend. We left Thursday around 4 p.m. (ask Gene why it wasn't closer to 3:30 p.m.) We returned today around 4 p.m. We stayed at a Comfort Inn in Fayetteville, Ark.; a Super 8 in Jacksonville, Ark.; a Drury Inn in Springfield, Mo. We decided to make a mini-vacation out of the trip, so we drove back toward Branson on Saturday (ugh! I much prefer the other route, less hilly and all four lane).
We were "robbed" at Branson's Wax museum, which the boys were mostly scared of, but we did better at the indoor mini-golf course down the road. Remember, it was COLD and I packed us for 80-degree weather. We bought cheap hoodies/sweatshirts/coats at Walmart this a.m. before we headed to Fantastic Caverns, which both boys really enjoyed. A much better investment than the Wax Museum, but you live and learn.
A huge thanks to the Dunstans for loaning us two portable DVD players (the boys certainly had their moments on the trip, but these helped immensely.) Yeah for hotel swimming pools, the cheapest and favorite kid attraction.
And yeah for free breakfasts, especially when you have Jared in tow. Our little one LOVES breakfast, and he will eat and eat and eat. This morning he wanted to go back and get more (again), and I asked him where he was going to put it all. Without missing a beat, he said "plate" and kept eating.
The boys are already asleep, and I hope they will be eager for the final full week of school. Only 7.5 more school days until the joy/terror of summer vacation begins.
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My mom the rockstar
My mom is a rock star. My husband took me away for Valentine's and had arranged for the boys to stay with my mom and dad. Two minutes from their house, our littlest guy was throwing up in his jacket.
Uh-oh! Instead of canceling my Valentine date, my mom shooed me away for the weekend while she washed both clothes and Jared numerous times. Sunday she took him to the doctor and learned he has a bad ear infection and is short one ear tube.
Then Monday and Tuesday, she kept him so I could continue to pound away on my relentless schedule.
As if I don't already owe this woman a huge debt of gratitude for giving me life and all. I know she's tired, and she always works hard. But, she's always right there to save the day. I guess being a mom is really a forever thing.
So today, I am just extremely thankful for mine.
By the way, I want to also note that my dad pitched in, too. And my sister Jenny whisked Jacob away from the barfy times at grandma's to fun and games at her place.
Uh-oh! Instead of canceling my Valentine date, my mom shooed me away for the weekend while she washed both clothes and Jared numerous times. Sunday she took him to the doctor and learned he has a bad ear infection and is short one ear tube.
Then Monday and Tuesday, she kept him so I could continue to pound away on my relentless schedule.
As if I don't already owe this woman a huge debt of gratitude for giving me life and all. I know she's tired, and she always works hard. But, she's always right there to save the day. I guess being a mom is really a forever thing.
So today, I am just extremely thankful for mine.
By the way, I want to also note that my dad pitched in, too. And my sister Jenny whisked Jacob away from the barfy times at grandma's to fun and games at her place.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Shopping with daddy
There's a birthday party to attend, and a gift is needed.
Typically a mom's chore, but daddy fills in tonight. The toy section is tempting for any 4-year-old boy and his 2-year-old brother. Though generous to a fault, it's hard to understand why the birthday child and the giver cannot both receive gifts.
A toy is selected. The older brother and the soon-to-be-giver of the toy claims the holding privilege. The youngest waits for his chance and violá, the toy is his.
A lot of parents would not blame this daddy. They have been there in the store with a screaming child. But, two of them is hardly a fair fight.
One toy become three toys, and all are pleased.
Perhaps the brothers continued to torment their father until he, too, had to have a toy for his desk at work. Those naughty boys!
Typically a mom's chore, but daddy fills in tonight. The toy section is tempting for any 4-year-old boy and his 2-year-old brother. Though generous to a fault, it's hard to understand why the birthday child and the giver cannot both receive gifts.
A toy is selected. The older brother and the soon-to-be-giver of the toy claims the holding privilege. The youngest waits for his chance and violá, the toy is his.
A lot of parents would not blame this daddy. They have been there in the store with a screaming child. But, two of them is hardly a fair fight.
One toy become three toys, and all are pleased.
Perhaps the brothers continued to torment their father until he, too, had to have a toy for his desk at work. Those naughty boys!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Bunk Beds
There is no more crib in my babies room. Almost five years ago, Gene put together that little bed with lots of love and cussing.
"Did it make you want to cry to take the bed apart," I ask Gene.
"No, I wanted to cry putting it together. It was much easier to take apart."
Now my little boy of four years sleeps on the top bunk and my little boy of two years sleeps on the bottom bunk.
Before they sleep, however, they giggle, they get out of bed again and again, they dance, they turn up the CD player too loud, they fight and they drive mommy NUTS.
Finally, perhaps realizing it's not a good idea to push mommy one inch further, they nestle in to sleep. And the little boy of four years who earned two naughty notes today and the little boy of two years who screamed most of the morning, suddenly become the purest little angels ever … until the morning.
"Did it make you want to cry to take the bed apart," I ask Gene.
"No, I wanted to cry putting it together. It was much easier to take apart."
Now my little boy of four years sleeps on the top bunk and my little boy of two years sleeps on the bottom bunk.
Before they sleep, however, they giggle, they get out of bed again and again, they dance, they turn up the CD player too loud, they fight and they drive mommy NUTS.
Finally, perhaps realizing it's not a good idea to push mommy one inch further, they nestle in to sleep. And the little boy of four years who earned two naughty notes today and the little boy of two years who screamed most of the morning, suddenly become the purest little angels ever … until the morning.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The trip to Kohl's
Two items in a bag with a receipt. I needed to walk into the store, take a left and then a right to reach the customer service area. No biggie.
I had a list of items for Sam's Club and the grocery store. Oh, and I had my two boys. Naughty and VERY NAUGHTY.
I tried to put Jared in the stroller/cart Kohl's has available. He was not pleased with this and began screaming his "Help! I'm being murdered scream." I shove him in there and start pushing, sort of.
Jacob, despite having a front-row seat to Jared's meltdown, wants to push the stroller. I tell him I just want to get it going so Jared will stop screaming. Grudgingly he moves aside at a snail's pace.
Meantime, Jared gets even more cranked up. I am pushing quickly as I am getting lots of looks. There is no line, so I decide to just deal with it, but I am still holding out hope that the screaming will stop.
I pride myself on how my children generally behave in the store. Every now and again, we have a small problem. We've been in line too long or it's getting late or they are hungry.
It's wrong to negotiate with terrorists, but I decided to try. I take my little terrorist out of the stroller contraption. He bolts away (still screaming, incidentally)
The girl behind the counter has to take a phone call, and I have to take the screamer around the corner so the poor girl can hear!
Jacob is no longer interested in pushing the stroller, and why I think it necessary to lug it back to the front of the store is beyond me. I think it's rude to just abandon your cart in the wrong place, but maybe I had a good reason today. Still, I head for the front carrying the hysterical child and pushing the cart while telling Jacob repeatedly he isn't getting another stuffed animal. And, it's only a quick trip to the front. Surely he will stop screaming, I think.
People are really looking me know. I am losing my cool. I want to beat him. I spank his diapered butt, but he only screams louder.
We get out of the store as quickly as possible, and I again spank the terrorist who is doing his best to kick, bite and pinch me in between screams.
I wish I could have had Harry Potter's magic wand to force my child into his carseat. I think I got a scratch on my face. He was pretty livid by now.
Once the car started, he calmed down rather quickly. I wondered if I should chance Sam's. Some may have considered throwing in the towel at this point, but not me. I drove across the parking lot and geared up for round two --- mom vs. Jared.
I let him walk up to Sam's to butter him up a bit. He wasn't pleased that I held his hand, but he relaxed when Jacob took his other one. Laughing, I scoped him up and deposited him into the cart. He looked at me, and I looked at him. "Go ahead and make my day, child."
He smiled and threw his little head back and laughed. I watched as my little screamer turned into the resident greeter, waving and calling "hi!" to all we encountered.
With a successful trip to the grocery story following, I tally the score. Mom wins, 2-1.
I had a list of items for Sam's Club and the grocery store. Oh, and I had my two boys. Naughty and VERY NAUGHTY.
I tried to put Jared in the stroller/cart Kohl's has available. He was not pleased with this and began screaming his "Help! I'm being murdered scream." I shove him in there and start pushing, sort of.
Jacob, despite having a front-row seat to Jared's meltdown, wants to push the stroller. I tell him I just want to get it going so Jared will stop screaming. Grudgingly he moves aside at a snail's pace.
Meantime, Jared gets even more cranked up. I am pushing quickly as I am getting lots of looks. There is no line, so I decide to just deal with it, but I am still holding out hope that the screaming will stop.
I pride myself on how my children generally behave in the store. Every now and again, we have a small problem. We've been in line too long or it's getting late or they are hungry.
It's wrong to negotiate with terrorists, but I decided to try. I take my little terrorist out of the stroller contraption. He bolts away (still screaming, incidentally)
The girl behind the counter has to take a phone call, and I have to take the screamer around the corner so the poor girl can hear!
Jacob is no longer interested in pushing the stroller, and why I think it necessary to lug it back to the front of the store is beyond me. I think it's rude to just abandon your cart in the wrong place, but maybe I had a good reason today. Still, I head for the front carrying the hysterical child and pushing the cart while telling Jacob repeatedly he isn't getting another stuffed animal. And, it's only a quick trip to the front. Surely he will stop screaming, I think.
People are really looking me know. I am losing my cool. I want to beat him. I spank his diapered butt, but he only screams louder.
We get out of the store as quickly as possible, and I again spank the terrorist who is doing his best to kick, bite and pinch me in between screams.
I wish I could have had Harry Potter's magic wand to force my child into his carseat. I think I got a scratch on my face. He was pretty livid by now.
Once the car started, he calmed down rather quickly. I wondered if I should chance Sam's. Some may have considered throwing in the towel at this point, but not me. I drove across the parking lot and geared up for round two --- mom vs. Jared.
I let him walk up to Sam's to butter him up a bit. He wasn't pleased that I held his hand, but he relaxed when Jacob took his other one. Laughing, I scoped him up and deposited him into the cart. He looked at me, and I looked at him. "Go ahead and make my day, child."
He smiled and threw his little head back and laughed. I watched as my little screamer turned into the resident greeter, waving and calling "hi!" to all we encountered.
With a successful trip to the grocery story following, I tally the score. Mom wins, 2-1.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Monday's report and camping
(yes, I should be grading, but I need a break, OK?!)
Took the fellas camping Friday with a 30 percent chance for storms lurking. Should have known given my day that camping was not a good plan. Went anyway. Here's the top 10 things NOT to do when camping with a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy.
1) Think you are properly organized when in fact you are NOT.
2) Assume that the baby who usually sleeps in a crib will just "adjust" to the big tent.
(these are not exactly in order)
3) Forget lawn chairs.
4) Camp next to a family who brings other families and has at least 14 kids running around until midnight.
5) Have to run to the store before you leave when it's already well after dinner time.
6) Try camping and mounting bike carrier on car in same day.
7) Ask husband questions when he is putting said carrier on said car.
8) Pack up kids and leave at 2 a.m. because of lightning.
9) Look at lake water. Best just to get in at planned time.
10) Expect children to behave while you are putting up the tent.
Took the fellas camping Friday with a 30 percent chance for storms lurking. Should have known given my day that camping was not a good plan. Went anyway. Here's the top 10 things NOT to do when camping with a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy.
1) Think you are properly organized when in fact you are NOT.
2) Assume that the baby who usually sleeps in a crib will just "adjust" to the big tent.
(these are not exactly in order)
3) Forget lawn chairs.
4) Camp next to a family who brings other families and has at least 14 kids running around until midnight.
5) Have to run to the store before you leave when it's already well after dinner time.
6) Try camping and mounting bike carrier on car in same day.
7) Ask husband questions when he is putting said carrier on said car.
8) Pack up kids and leave at 2 a.m. because of lightning.
9) Look at lake water. Best just to get in at planned time.
10) Expect children to behave while you are putting up the tent.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
My family
Here is the photo taken at the reception to honor my grandparents, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, May 28. They were married in Hiawatha, Kan.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Swimming, Take 2
OK, last night was the second night of the scary swimming.
Jared did much better. The shoes were a definte help. He did not care about the ball, but the ring floatie device proved to be a comfortable distraction.
He actually walked around the pool, splashed and generally had fun. He did go completely under twice, and he did not cry a bit either time. I think the third time will be a charm. I am still getting looks from those who clearly think I am pushing too hard or torturing my child. Trust me. If he was having a major problem, the whole city of Topeka would hear him.
Jacob desperately wants to learn how to swim, but I have yet to sign him up for lessons. I think they will go much better this year.
Hooray!
Jared did much better. The shoes were a definte help. He did not care about the ball, but the ring floatie device proved to be a comfortable distraction.
He actually walked around the pool, splashed and generally had fun. He did go completely under twice, and he did not cry a bit either time. I think the third time will be a charm. I am still getting looks from those who clearly think I am pushing too hard or torturing my child. Trust me. If he was having a major problem, the whole city of Topeka would hear him.
Jacob desperately wants to learn how to swim, but I have yet to sign him up for lessons. I think they will go much better this year.
Hooray!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Swimming
My baby boy hates the pool, which is not good considering we have to go at least 19 more times to make our pool pass cost efficient.
It took about an hour and a half for him to agree to cling to me with his upper chest and lower body submerged.
Jacob, however, loves the pool and wants to do everything. He was quite sad when the lifeguard told him he wasn't big enough for the rope game at the pool. His biggest problem, like genenrations of others, is not running at the pool. He listened fairly well, which was good because Jared was stuck to me like glue.
Jared hates being barefoot, first of all. Then there's the "shower before you enter the pool area" that he's not a big fan of either. We had not even made it out of the locker room before I my child was hysterical.
He loves baths, so I figured walking into the water would please him. Yeah, not so much. I'm sure the other parents there thought I was a horrible mother torturing my poor baby.
Maybe next time will be better. I've got the pool shoes and I'm bringing him a ball. He loves balls, so surely that will work. (Quit laughing. I need support here.)
It took about an hour and a half for him to agree to cling to me with his upper chest and lower body submerged.
Jacob, however, loves the pool and wants to do everything. He was quite sad when the lifeguard told him he wasn't big enough for the rope game at the pool. His biggest problem, like genenrations of others, is not running at the pool. He listened fairly well, which was good because Jared was stuck to me like glue.
Jared hates being barefoot, first of all. Then there's the "shower before you enter the pool area" that he's not a big fan of either. We had not even made it out of the locker room before I my child was hysterical.
He loves baths, so I figured walking into the water would please him. Yeah, not so much. I'm sure the other parents there thought I was a horrible mother torturing my poor baby.
Maybe next time will be better. I've got the pool shoes and I'm bringing him a ball. He loves balls, so surely that will work. (Quit laughing. I need support here.)
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
10 Years
This Thursday will mark the last day of the first 10 years of my marriage. Wow. Ten years. I am not sure what to blog in this space. Perhaps a rundown of the last 10 years. That could be tricky and really test my memory.
June 7, 1997: OK, that's easy. I married my sweetie at 6 p.m. in Mound City, Mo. I could not wait to walk down the aisle. It was awesome to celebrate with family and friends, but it would have been the same if it had just been Gene and I and the preacher.
1998: I graduated with my master's from KU and Gene gets the job he loves as Washburn's SID
1999: I live in Maryville, Mo., and Lawrence, Kan., as I spend 10 months teaching at NWMSU. A lot of miles on our little black Cavalier. I have a husband and a roommate.
2000: We decide to move to Topeka. We closed on our first house on June 7, 2000. I also start my job in alumni at Washburn.
2001: We work. Back in the these days, I would frequently travel on weekends with Gene to football and basketball games. Of course, I often read my book, but we were together. We work, go to church, spend too much money.
2002: We take a fun cruise to mark what we planned to be our last anniversary without children. Our plans prevail. And, we love cruises.
2003: Our first baby boy, Jacob, is born, March 23. What a screamer. Is this baby ever going to go to sleep?
2004: We start to realize the full impact of parenthood. We were too tired the first year, and I don't actually remember a lot of it. We start thinking we had better have another baby before I lose my nerve. My mom said we couldn't not "plan" children, but we did pretty well. We were hoping for April babies both times and got March and May. Pretty darn close.
2005: Our second (and last) baby boy, Jared, is born, May 26. He was 9 pounds and four ounces. Perhaps God thought my prayers for a healthy and SMALL baby went unheard.
2006: A hard year at times. With my sister facing cancer, it really did change our focus. Jared also got ear tubes this year and was sick a lot. Jacob starts preschool and does quite well. The year ended very well though as my parents were baptized Dec. 30.
2007: The boys drive our world in a big way. We visit the zoo, take bike rides, pull the wagon, visit Sam's Club, ride the train at the park, fix meals that end up on the floor, and watch our boys grow. We love to hear Jacob's prayers from the heart and watch as Jared soaks up everything Jacob says and does. (and yes, that includes the spitting and the sassy mouth!) Gene and I still love to goof around and spend time just the two of us.
I'm a very lucky girl. It's been an awesome 10 years.
June 7, 1997: OK, that's easy. I married my sweetie at 6 p.m. in Mound City, Mo. I could not wait to walk down the aisle. It was awesome to celebrate with family and friends, but it would have been the same if it had just been Gene and I and the preacher.
1998: I graduated with my master's from KU and Gene gets the job he loves as Washburn's SID
1999: I live in Maryville, Mo., and Lawrence, Kan., as I spend 10 months teaching at NWMSU. A lot of miles on our little black Cavalier. I have a husband and a roommate.
2000: We decide to move to Topeka. We closed on our first house on June 7, 2000. I also start my job in alumni at Washburn.
2001: We work. Back in the these days, I would frequently travel on weekends with Gene to football and basketball games. Of course, I often read my book, but we were together. We work, go to church, spend too much money.
2002: We take a fun cruise to mark what we planned to be our last anniversary without children. Our plans prevail. And, we love cruises.
2003: Our first baby boy, Jacob, is born, March 23. What a screamer. Is this baby ever going to go to sleep?
2004: We start to realize the full impact of parenthood. We were too tired the first year, and I don't actually remember a lot of it. We start thinking we had better have another baby before I lose my nerve. My mom said we couldn't not "plan" children, but we did pretty well. We were hoping for April babies both times and got March and May. Pretty darn close.
2005: Our second (and last) baby boy, Jared, is born, May 26. He was 9 pounds and four ounces. Perhaps God thought my prayers for a healthy and SMALL baby went unheard.
2006: A hard year at times. With my sister facing cancer, it really did change our focus. Jared also got ear tubes this year and was sick a lot. Jacob starts preschool and does quite well. The year ended very well though as my parents were baptized Dec. 30.
2007: The boys drive our world in a big way. We visit the zoo, take bike rides, pull the wagon, visit Sam's Club, ride the train at the park, fix meals that end up on the floor, and watch our boys grow. We love to hear Jacob's prayers from the heart and watch as Jared soaks up everything Jacob says and does. (and yes, that includes the spitting and the sassy mouth!) Gene and I still love to goof around and spend time just the two of us.
I'm a very lucky girl. It's been an awesome 10 years.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sister from another mister
I have this wonderful friend, Anna, who I happened to see a couple of days ago. She is the older sister I've never had. We have both sold Pampered Chef (very good stuff, by the way) and attend church together. She took care of my boys and has three boys of her own. Our relationship has just deepened with each layer added.
She is a very direct person, which I totally appreciate and get in a person. There are just so many reasons why I love this woman. Mostly though, it's her uncanny ability to say just the right thing to me always on cue. But there is one small thing that we disagree on — the power of breathing.
She's always telling me to slow down and breathe. I completely see the merit in this advice, but I find it must more enjoyable to harass her constantly over the steady advice quip. "Just breathe, sweetie."
I wonder how many women she has cared for with these three little words. I know I'm not the only gal who calls to bend her ear. She's truly an amazing blessing to all of us girls who know her.
She is doing a great job on her own fitness journey, and I am so proud of her for that.
She's also become a writer as of late, and I can't wait to read what she has so far on her novel. That might be another blog or perhaps a post on hers.
If you want to meet Anna, scroll down and click on the link to her blog. She's quite a gal.
She is a very direct person, which I totally appreciate and get in a person. There are just so many reasons why I love this woman. Mostly though, it's her uncanny ability to say just the right thing to me always on cue. But there is one small thing that we disagree on — the power of breathing.
She's always telling me to slow down and breathe. I completely see the merit in this advice, but I find it must more enjoyable to harass her constantly over the steady advice quip. "Just breathe, sweetie."
I wonder how many women she has cared for with these three little words. I know I'm not the only gal who calls to bend her ear. She's truly an amazing blessing to all of us girls who know her.
She is doing a great job on her own fitness journey, and I am so proud of her for that.
She's also become a writer as of late, and I can't wait to read what she has so far on her novel. That might be another blog or perhaps a post on hers.
If you want to meet Anna, scroll down and click on the link to her blog. She's quite a gal.
Proud sister
It takes a lot of guts to "do what it takes" to follow your dreams. My youngest sister recently moved back to town (yeah! Gene and I often call on her to sit with the boys after they have gone to bed, so we can run here or there)
At any rate, she knew she needed a job immediately, so she went out and got one. She's worked seven days in a row at a local fast food restaurant. Nope. It's not a glam job. She stands on her feet for hours and comes home smelling like old food, but she's there every day.
I hate hearing people say that "I would never work fast food" as if the job and the people who do work there are below them. No one is below any job, frankly, and I am very proud of her to stick with this while she looks for something better.
And for those who say you can't make it on a fast-food income, it's probably easier than making it on zero per month. In fact, we sat down with a financial spreadsheet, and it's easier than you might think to make it on the income if you live within your means.
Anyway, way to go, little sis. Be patient. Good things do come to those who work hard while they wait.
At any rate, she knew she needed a job immediately, so she went out and got one. She's worked seven days in a row at a local fast food restaurant. Nope. It's not a glam job. She stands on her feet for hours and comes home smelling like old food, but she's there every day.
I hate hearing people say that "I would never work fast food" as if the job and the people who do work there are below them. No one is below any job, frankly, and I am very proud of her to stick with this while she looks for something better.
And for those who say you can't make it on a fast-food income, it's probably easier than making it on zero per month. In fact, we sat down with a financial spreadsheet, and it's easier than you might think to make it on the income if you live within your means.
Anyway, way to go, little sis. Be patient. Good things do come to those who work hard while they wait.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year!
I have been home with my fellas this week, actually I have been with them pretty constantly since Dec. 22, but who is counting.
My mom called me today to ask me if I knew where the lid to her new crockpot was as I was the one who put the crock away. I didn't know where the lid was because I don't think it was on it when I put it away. I hope she found it. We did not talk long because Jacob and Jared were engaged in World War Ten Thousand.
I wish being healthy worked more like child's play. All I would need are pictures or videos of people eating healthy and exercising and I would do whatever it took to have the very same thing, even though it would seem that I am perfectly content to eat crap and shun exercise.
My boys have WAY TOO MANY TOYS. We have enough toys for most of Topeka to have one, but no toy is greater than the one the other brother beholds. I think if one of my sons was playing with dog poo, the other would not be happy until he had the poo. Not some of the poo, or poo of his own, but ALL OF THE POO from his brother.
Why is this? Then Jacob crawled under the desk to hang out while I was trying to do one little thing on the computer. Jared thought it would be fun to crawl under there, too. Apparently, Jacob was trying to push Jared out, but ended up getting his finger bit instead.
By the way, I do have a membership to the gym. I have not gone yet, but I was missing some vital things. I did not have any tennis shoes, and I moved up another size. Geez, even my feet rebel against me. And, as I might see a student of mine, I wanted to wear presentable workout clothes. I have plenty of T-shirts, courtesy of WU athletics, but no non-embarassing bottoms. I am now the proud owner of work out pants. I gave up shorts a few years back, and I didn't see any workout capris.
Now I am ready. For what, I have no idea.
My mom called me today to ask me if I knew where the lid to her new crockpot was as I was the one who put the crock away. I didn't know where the lid was because I don't think it was on it when I put it away. I hope she found it. We did not talk long because Jacob and Jared were engaged in World War Ten Thousand.
I wish being healthy worked more like child's play. All I would need are pictures or videos of people eating healthy and exercising and I would do whatever it took to have the very same thing, even though it would seem that I am perfectly content to eat crap and shun exercise.
My boys have WAY TOO MANY TOYS. We have enough toys for most of Topeka to have one, but no toy is greater than the one the other brother beholds. I think if one of my sons was playing with dog poo, the other would not be happy until he had the poo. Not some of the poo, or poo of his own, but ALL OF THE POO from his brother.
Why is this? Then Jacob crawled under the desk to hang out while I was trying to do one little thing on the computer. Jared thought it would be fun to crawl under there, too. Apparently, Jacob was trying to push Jared out, but ended up getting his finger bit instead.
By the way, I do have a membership to the gym. I have not gone yet, but I was missing some vital things. I did not have any tennis shoes, and I moved up another size. Geez, even my feet rebel against me. And, as I might see a student of mine, I wanted to wear presentable workout clothes. I have plenty of T-shirts, courtesy of WU athletics, but no non-embarassing bottoms. I am now the proud owner of work out pants. I gave up shorts a few years back, and I didn't see any workout capris.
Now I am ready. For what, I have no idea.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Now I'm the weak link
Or was, rather.
Jared has had the stomach flu. He threw up three
times Tuesday and managed to generate almost three loads of laundry
just himself. Last night was my turn. My momma came over yesterday from
KC to watch Jared, who I still didn't feel was quite back to himself,
and I had planned to work Thursday night and get up early Friday to
head to work before my dentist appointment in Lawrence.
Ha. Ha.
I am miles behind and anyone who knows me knows how much of a baby I
can be when it comes to throwing up. Gene took good care of me last
night, and I even encouraged him to go ahead and sleep with Jacob. I
spent all morning in bed and the afternoon on the couch. Now I'm trying
to fake normalcy b/c Jacob was convinced that the flowers he and Gene
brought me would heal me completely. I love them both so much.
And then there's Gene, who might be wishing he had slept with Jacob right about now. He had to go to a b-ball game in Emporia and was supposed to be on the radio tonight. He thought throwing up in the parking lot would be more fun.
Well,
I'm a bad mom, too. I ordered Pizza Hut for the boys tonight. I hope to
spend the rest of the night quietly with the boys. I'm praying
fervently that Jacob does not get this crap, too, especially after
cheese pizza!
After Jared goes to bed, perhaps Jacob and I can play a stimulating game of Candyland, Dora Explorer style, until it's his turn for bed.
Wow. What a Friday night, eh?
Jared has had the stomach flu. He threw up three
times Tuesday and managed to generate almost three loads of laundry
just himself. Last night was my turn. My momma came over yesterday from
KC to watch Jared, who I still didn't feel was quite back to himself,
and I had planned to work Thursday night and get up early Friday to
head to work before my dentist appointment in Lawrence.
Ha. Ha.
I am miles behind and anyone who knows me knows how much of a baby I
can be when it comes to throwing up. Gene took good care of me last
night, and I even encouraged him to go ahead and sleep with Jacob. I
spent all morning in bed and the afternoon on the couch. Now I'm trying
to fake normalcy b/c Jacob was convinced that the flowers he and Gene
brought me would heal me completely. I love them both so much.
And then there's Gene, who might be wishing he had slept with Jacob right about now. He had to go to a b-ball game in Emporia and was supposed to be on the radio tonight. He thought throwing up in the parking lot would be more fun.
Well,
I'm a bad mom, too. I ordered Pizza Hut for the boys tonight. I hope to
spend the rest of the night quietly with the boys. I'm praying
fervently that Jacob does not get this crap, too, especially after
cheese pizza!
After Jared goes to bed, perhaps Jacob and I can play a stimulating game of Candyland, Dora Explorer style, until it's his turn for bed.
Wow. What a Friday night, eh?
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday
My blog is becoming a diary of sorts, only for the masses (wishful thinking) to read.
Today was Saturday. The ending to my oldest going to bed at 5:30 p.m. was his arrival in our bed at 5:30 a.m. Wait, it gets better. He was also sort of throwing up, not really because he had not eaten for quite awhile. Poor guy. He threw up off an on until about 8:30 or so when Gene finally decided to get up. I think Jared and I slept (sort of) until 9:30-10ish.
Made a trip to Sam's Club, very exciting. Jacob wanted to eat at the "chicken" place where you get "chicken, Cheetos and a drink." Turns out, he wanted KFC.
Gene had to work at 2 p.m. and has yet to return from his two-sport day. Yet another sport day will follow tomorrow. I'm sure you can sense my joy about this fact.
Jacob and I had a busy afternoon while Jared napped it away. We raked leaves, cleaned gutters and "found" the deck. It looks so pretty now. I'm not sure how I'll feel to wake up in a few hours and likely discover it covered in leaves again. I hope raking counts as exercise b/c I drank soda and ate chips today.
Then I took Jared for an after-dinner haircut, and to top off our BIG Saturday night, we went to Wal-Mart. Yeah, me.
I did not write in on my novel today because I am feeling a bit out-of-sorts and almost rebellious. Maybe I should just go to bed.
Oh, yeah. I almost forget. I bought a new razor at Wal-Mart. Big splurge. I had to buy a new one because my old one was so old that they are no longer selling blades for it. I told Jacob and Jared they were lucky not to have to shave their legs. They just looked at me like I was nuts.
Today was Saturday. The ending to my oldest going to bed at 5:30 p.m. was his arrival in our bed at 5:30 a.m. Wait, it gets better. He was also sort of throwing up, not really because he had not eaten for quite awhile. Poor guy. He threw up off an on until about 8:30 or so when Gene finally decided to get up. I think Jared and I slept (sort of) until 9:30-10ish.
Made a trip to Sam's Club, very exciting. Jacob wanted to eat at the "chicken" place where you get "chicken, Cheetos and a drink." Turns out, he wanted KFC.
Gene had to work at 2 p.m. and has yet to return from his two-sport day. Yet another sport day will follow tomorrow. I'm sure you can sense my joy about this fact.
Jacob and I had a busy afternoon while Jared napped it away. We raked leaves, cleaned gutters and "found" the deck. It looks so pretty now. I'm not sure how I'll feel to wake up in a few hours and likely discover it covered in leaves again. I hope raking counts as exercise b/c I drank soda and ate chips today.
Then I took Jared for an after-dinner haircut, and to top off our BIG Saturday night, we went to Wal-Mart. Yeah, me.
I did not write in on my novel today because I am feeling a bit out-of-sorts and almost rebellious. Maybe I should just go to bed.
Oh, yeah. I almost forget. I bought a new razor at Wal-Mart. Big splurge. I had to buy a new one because my old one was so old that they are no longer selling blades for it. I told Jacob and Jared they were lucky not to have to shave their legs. They just looked at me like I was nuts.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Sisters
I'm the oldest of four girls, now women. As the oldest, I have managed to mother and smother all of my sisters at one point or another. I've loaned quite a few dollars that never seemed to make their way back to me.
My sisters and I are as different as night and day, which is probably one reason I tend to feel like the resident outsider. I've been referred to as the resident "dream crusher" when I've tried to help one of them reach a goal by taking a more efficient path. (Don't confuse this with trying to run their lives - ha. ha.)
I'm used to being on the outside in my family. The real break happened when I was in college. I did put some distance between my family and myself. I was selfish and only wanted to focus on me. Then I became a more relevant Christian, and I felt the divide grow even wider.
I have always hated being the one on the outside in my family. My mom reads this blog, and she might even be mad at me at the end. But, she was a mom who worked really hard while I was growing up. I was a good helper for her in many ways, and to some, especially my sisters, it would seem that I might be the favorite. And, now I'm the mother of her only two grandsons, whom she completely adores. She will gain a granddaughter sometime next year when my sister gets married, but I've generally had a good relationship with my mom.
I was not a great big sister, however. I was mean to my sisters on a regular, if not daily, basis. They were a burden to me. I had to watch them a lot, and instead of using that time for fun and bonding, I was cold and distant.
As a Christian, I believe we are forgiven, but we must always deal with the consequences of our actions. My consequence is two sisters who seem so far away, physically and figuratively, seem to have little interest in having a real relationship with me.
Sure, we play nice, talk on the phone every now and again and e-mail, but I want more. They both live in Michigan, and I am such a homebody in general. I want to understand them more, but I always tend to view things wrong when it comes to family.
I'm rather passionate about my faith, and this has caused me numerous set-backs in our relationships. Mostly it's my own fault because I seem to lack any sense of tact when it comes to my family.
I'm not sure I really even know anything about middle child number three. She makes it clear that family are really not welcome in her life details.
I was 13 when my youngest sister was born, and I do feel there is more hope overall in this relationshp because it's really just forming as she heads into adulthood. She'll be 21 in July.
I really want the four of us to take a fun, "girls only" trip to Vegas to celebrate the baby's birthday. Maybe this is just the chance to make true amends and develop a friendship for life.
Don't get me wrong. I love my sisters very much, but I want to know they really love me back. Is that so wrong?
My sisters and I are as different as night and day, which is probably one reason I tend to feel like the resident outsider. I've been referred to as the resident "dream crusher" when I've tried to help one of them reach a goal by taking a more efficient path. (Don't confuse this with trying to run their lives - ha. ha.)
I'm used to being on the outside in my family. The real break happened when I was in college. I did put some distance between my family and myself. I was selfish and only wanted to focus on me. Then I became a more relevant Christian, and I felt the divide grow even wider.
I have always hated being the one on the outside in my family. My mom reads this blog, and she might even be mad at me at the end. But, she was a mom who worked really hard while I was growing up. I was a good helper for her in many ways, and to some, especially my sisters, it would seem that I might be the favorite. And, now I'm the mother of her only two grandsons, whom she completely adores. She will gain a granddaughter sometime next year when my sister gets married, but I've generally had a good relationship with my mom.
I was not a great big sister, however. I was mean to my sisters on a regular, if not daily, basis. They were a burden to me. I had to watch them a lot, and instead of using that time for fun and bonding, I was cold and distant.
As a Christian, I believe we are forgiven, but we must always deal with the consequences of our actions. My consequence is two sisters who seem so far away, physically and figuratively, seem to have little interest in having a real relationship with me.
Sure, we play nice, talk on the phone every now and again and e-mail, but I want more. They both live in Michigan, and I am such a homebody in general. I want to understand them more, but I always tend to view things wrong when it comes to family.
I'm rather passionate about my faith, and this has caused me numerous set-backs in our relationships. Mostly it's my own fault because I seem to lack any sense of tact when it comes to my family.
I'm not sure I really even know anything about middle child number three. She makes it clear that family are really not welcome in her life details.
I was 13 when my youngest sister was born, and I do feel there is more hope overall in this relationshp because it's really just forming as she heads into adulthood. She'll be 21 in July.
I really want the four of us to take a fun, "girls only" trip to Vegas to celebrate the baby's birthday. Maybe this is just the chance to make true amends and develop a friendship for life.
Don't get me wrong. I love my sisters very much, but I want to know they really love me back. Is that so wrong?
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Weakest link
My latest theory is a spinoff of an old one. A family is only as strong as its weakest link.
This week has been a nightmare of sorts. My poor husband has spent the last several days coughing and hacking with enough passion to shake the very foundation of our little house. Cough medicine, which is to be taken only every four hours, takes a good 30 minutes to kick in and wears off 30 minutes before the next dose is due.
Brings me back to the days of nursing my oldest son. There was a "sleep window" in-between feedings, of course, but you had to be quick about getting right to sleeping. And, at the moment true contement would invade the would-be sleeper, the baby was hungry again.
My sweetie has voluteered to take the sofa, but a sick man deserves his own bed. I could take the sofa myself, but I fear that would only make him feel worse that he already does.
So, I am currently running on very little sleep, and I've been lugging my backpack around all week. It's full of stuff I need to grade desperately, but I have lacked time, energy and ability to focus.
Today I woke up to the sound of my yougest son doing his best to imitate his poor daddy. Oh, no. Here we go again.
This week has been a nightmare of sorts. My poor husband has spent the last several days coughing and hacking with enough passion to shake the very foundation of our little house. Cough medicine, which is to be taken only every four hours, takes a good 30 minutes to kick in and wears off 30 minutes before the next dose is due.
Brings me back to the days of nursing my oldest son. There was a "sleep window" in-between feedings, of course, but you had to be quick about getting right to sleeping. And, at the moment true contement would invade the would-be sleeper, the baby was hungry again.
My sweetie has voluteered to take the sofa, but a sick man deserves his own bed. I could take the sofa myself, but I fear that would only make him feel worse that he already does.
So, I am currently running on very little sleep, and I've been lugging my backpack around all week. It's full of stuff I need to grade desperately, but I have lacked time, energy and ability to focus.
Today I woke up to the sound of my yougest son doing his best to imitate his poor daddy. Oh, no. Here we go again.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Celebrate
My mom's getting baptized, and I'm so excited for her. She called to tell me today, and I was likely more subdued on the phone than I am on the inside.
My mom is a confirmed Lutheran, but not all churches accept the sprinkle as a true baptism. As my parents now attend a Baptist church, baptism is essential for membership in the church. Some will totally oppose this "regulation." I can already hear the responses that the masses might have. But, if you want to be a member of a certain body, you are in effect saying you believe the same things, too.
In all the churches I've attended, baptism has been described as an outward sign of an inward process. Becoming a Christian is a personal thing. It's between you and God, but your journey should not end there. If it does, you will still have a spot in heaven, but you will miss the extraordinary blessings right here on earth. And another key is that you have to be able to understand this choice before you can make it. That's why some faiths do not believe in baptizing infants. We do believe in dedicating their lives to God, but the whole personal relationship is just that -- personal. That's another reason why you won't find a "baptism primer" in our churches. We roll the baptism tank out as many times as we need to, but we don't have yearly baptisms of the 8-year-olds. However, I digress a bit.
People were made for relationships. One big relationship in particular. Basically, baptism is telling your family, friends and church family that you are a believer and have a relationship with Jesus. It's a public profession of faith. It says, "Yeah, I believe. I'm not perfect, but Jesus was. And, hey, I'm probably gonna need some help on this journey."
I will never forget the night I was baptized. It was late September, and I was a freshmen in college. I had gone on a weekend retreat with some Christian friends because it really sounded like a fun opportunity. I hate alter calls because I think they can sometimes manufacture responses. But, I was standing there thinking about my life and my walk with God and halfway wondering how many times the song would play.
Suddenly, I had this nagging and quite overwhelming desire to take my relationship with God to a new level. But, I had a little problem. I was sort of angry at my father, and that might be stating it a bit mildly. I was not sure how in the world I would ever be able to have any relationship with my dad, let alone a loving one.
Hmm. Something I could not take care of on my own was never something pleasing for the control freak in me. OK, I found myself walking down the aisle, but without the tears. I'm just not that kind of girl. I had never been baptized, but I could not recall a time I had not believed in Jesus.
I just didn't know how to make him real to my life. It was a fairly cool night in Missouri, and I shivered as I slipped into the camp pool that was being used for the baptisms. I shared why I was standing there with the excited group of students and their advisers.
As I was brought back up, I felt the most amazing things. First of all, there was a physical response for me. I felt warm and like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Actually, it was lifted. I felt it physically. It was like being wrapped up in a blanket fresh from the dryer. It was amazing. And then I felt really light and happy.
My dad was driving a truck over the road during this time, but he was home the next weekend I was home from college. That was a God thing. I hugged my dad for the first time in likely 15 years. Our relationship started right then and there. It wasn't always easy because we are both stubborn. But, now, I'm so proud to call him my dad and love him with all my heart.
My mom is a confirmed Lutheran, but not all churches accept the sprinkle as a true baptism. As my parents now attend a Baptist church, baptism is essential for membership in the church. Some will totally oppose this "regulation." I can already hear the responses that the masses might have. But, if you want to be a member of a certain body, you are in effect saying you believe the same things, too.
In all the churches I've attended, baptism has been described as an outward sign of an inward process. Becoming a Christian is a personal thing. It's between you and God, but your journey should not end there. If it does, you will still have a spot in heaven, but you will miss the extraordinary blessings right here on earth. And another key is that you have to be able to understand this choice before you can make it. That's why some faiths do not believe in baptizing infants. We do believe in dedicating their lives to God, but the whole personal relationship is just that -- personal. That's another reason why you won't find a "baptism primer" in our churches. We roll the baptism tank out as many times as we need to, but we don't have yearly baptisms of the 8-year-olds. However, I digress a bit.
People were made for relationships. One big relationship in particular. Basically, baptism is telling your family, friends and church family that you are a believer and have a relationship with Jesus. It's a public profession of faith. It says, "Yeah, I believe. I'm not perfect, but Jesus was. And, hey, I'm probably gonna need some help on this journey."
I will never forget the night I was baptized. It was late September, and I was a freshmen in college. I had gone on a weekend retreat with some Christian friends because it really sounded like a fun opportunity. I hate alter calls because I think they can sometimes manufacture responses. But, I was standing there thinking about my life and my walk with God and halfway wondering how many times the song would play.
Suddenly, I had this nagging and quite overwhelming desire to take my relationship with God to a new level. But, I had a little problem. I was sort of angry at my father, and that might be stating it a bit mildly. I was not sure how in the world I would ever be able to have any relationship with my dad, let alone a loving one.
Hmm. Something I could not take care of on my own was never something pleasing for the control freak in me. OK, I found myself walking down the aisle, but without the tears. I'm just not that kind of girl. I had never been baptized, but I could not recall a time I had not believed in Jesus.
I just didn't know how to make him real to my life. It was a fairly cool night in Missouri, and I shivered as I slipped into the camp pool that was being used for the baptisms. I shared why I was standing there with the excited group of students and their advisers.
As I was brought back up, I felt the most amazing things. First of all, there was a physical response for me. I felt warm and like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Actually, it was lifted. I felt it physically. It was like being wrapped up in a blanket fresh from the dryer. It was amazing. And then I felt really light and happy.
My dad was driving a truck over the road during this time, but he was home the next weekend I was home from college. That was a God thing. I hugged my dad for the first time in likely 15 years. Our relationship started right then and there. It wasn't always easy because we are both stubborn. But, now, I'm so proud to call him my dad and love him with all my heart.
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