We are thrilled to have a laid back weekend ahead. It drives me nuts when I have to spend the whole weekend running from one place to another, cleaning, doing laundry, and catching up on the work I can't get done during the week. The worst part of going back to work in the fall is giving up our relaxed family time on the weekends.
I have some me time planned tomorrow, and I am going to have my hair done. There is nothing more relaxing to me than having someone do your hair. Evan and I are going to church just the two of us on Saturday, and just me and the boys are going out to breakfast on Sunday morning. I am promising myself to spend as much time as I can on Sunday hanging out with my kids. I am going to soak up their sweetness.
My Mom always had a plaque hanging in whichever room was the nursery at the time that had a saying on it that went like this:
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
For children grow up, we've learned to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs
And dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby
And babies don't keep
I always pish poshed it in my mind as a child, back when time stretched on forever, and moved at a snail's pace. Now I feel time burning at my heels, and I want to bottle up my kids, keep them forever at a size where they will fit in my lap and in my arms. I wish I could make them stay an age where they will always let me plaster them with kisses.
I don't have forever, but I do have this weekend. And I am going to use it.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Harry Connick Jr...Cutie Patutie And Singer Extraodinaire
Thanks to the wonderful ladies at the One2One Network I had the opportunity to listen to Harry Connick Jr.'s new CD, Your Songs. I will admit to you, because I know you won't laugh at me, that when the CD came in the mail, I had to look at the cover photos for a good 5 minutes before I could even put it in the CD player. Isn't Harry the most adorable? That face combined with that voice is just awesome.
We played Your Songs for the first time during dinner on Wednesday. I've been inspired by NieNie lately, and the way she exposes her children to so many wonderful types of music, so I have been making an effort to do the same. It's perfect music for dinner and relaxing. Evan remarked that he felt like we were at a fancy restaurant with Harry's lovely melodies playing in the background, and I had to admit, so did I. Remember my obsession with the TV show Dallas? I love how the family always had to dress for dinner, and how they always had cocktails first. I like to imagine my family doing the same, someday when the children are not inclined to come to the table with bugs clutched in their muddy fingers, or with kool-aid stains plastered around their mouths. I am going to add this CD as a soundtrack to my imaginings. Perfect cocktail before dinner music!
The songs on the CD are covers of several artist's hits. Harry includes everything from the Beatles "And I Love Her", The Carpenters "They Long to Be Close to You", Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love With You", and Frank Sinatra's "All the Way". This is my kind of music. The Carpenters and the Beatles are on my top 5 list for my favorite artists. I love Big Band, so the Sinatra and Nat King Cole selections had me swooning. I will admit though that these same songs also had my husband puking. He is a classic rock man at heart, and I could tell he was suffering through to make me happy. He is also a purist, and as a man who loves the Beatles and Elton John as themselves, I could tell it made him want to crawl under the carpet to hear someone else doing their songs.
The boys and I loved it though, and it made for some great dancing music, as I took my three most handsome boys for spins around the living room. Your Songs has already taken up residence in my iPod, and we have been listening to it daily ever since.
I love you Harry (just don't tell my husband)!!! Thanks for the great music.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Feeling Better
Thanks everyone for you kind thoughts and comments!!! Bloggers are the best, no?
Evan is feeling much better today, and his cough is almost gone. Charlie and Sammy are still okay. The only one I am still worried about is Jeff, who woke up yesterday sounding like a bull frog. He has a productive cough and stuffy nose, but no fever or anything, so maybe it is just a common cold. It's a scary world when you have to be so suspicious of every cough and sneeze.
I spent yesterday disinfecting the house, and lamenting the horrible end to the Nebraska vs. Virginia Tech game. Lost in the last 90 seconds what I was sure they were going to win. Jeff screamed so loud at the end there, that Evan came running from downstairs, sure that he was having a heart attack. We were that shocked. Sad day here in Husker country, that's for sure.
I did get to sneak away in the evening for a bit. Have I ever told you that I love to sing? I was in choir in high school and I sing periodically at church services at school. I was super excited when our church announced a few weeks ago that they would be forming a choir. (We are a new parish, and are slowing getting groups like this off the ground). When I was a single gal, I sang at the church where Jeff and I belonged before we were married. I think he saw my wistful look when they announced the choir forming at church. He galantly offered to be on kid duty while I went to practices and services. Saturday was our premier, and it was so much fun. I am so grateful my husband knows what I need to feed my heart, and is giving enough to help me experience it. He rocks.
We are all praying for a week of health around here. I will be stuffing my family with chicken soup and orange juice for dinner tonight.
Evan is feeling much better today, and his cough is almost gone. Charlie and Sammy are still okay. The only one I am still worried about is Jeff, who woke up yesterday sounding like a bull frog. He has a productive cough and stuffy nose, but no fever or anything, so maybe it is just a common cold. It's a scary world when you have to be so suspicious of every cough and sneeze.
I spent yesterday disinfecting the house, and lamenting the horrible end to the Nebraska vs. Virginia Tech game. Lost in the last 90 seconds what I was sure they were going to win. Jeff screamed so loud at the end there, that Evan came running from downstairs, sure that he was having a heart attack. We were that shocked. Sad day here in Husker country, that's for sure.
I did get to sneak away in the evening for a bit. Have I ever told you that I love to sing? I was in choir in high school and I sing periodically at church services at school. I was super excited when our church announced a few weeks ago that they would be forming a choir. (We are a new parish, and are slowing getting groups like this off the ground). When I was a single gal, I sang at the church where Jeff and I belonged before we were married. I think he saw my wistful look when they announced the choir forming at church. He galantly offered to be on kid duty while I went to practices and services. Saturday was our premier, and it was so much fun. I am so grateful my husband knows what I need to feed my heart, and is giving enough to help me experience it. He rocks.
We are all praying for a week of health around here. I will be stuffing my family with chicken soup and orange juice for dinner tonight.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Oink Oink!
I knew it was only a matter of time...
My kids are the biggest germ magnets. EVER. As you might remember, we have been to the pediatrician 4 times just this week.
You also might remember we went in on Thursday because everyone had bad coughs, especially Evan, who also had a bad headache, wheezing, body aches, runny nose, and sore throat. At the time, the doctor we saw (not our regular pediatrician, but someone else in the practice) thought it was probably croup.
This morning I found out that one of Evan's best friends at school was diagnosed with H1N1, or Swine Flu. I immediately felt some puzzle pieces falling into place. With the exception of a fever, Evan had all of the symptoms. This afternoon while at the doctor to remove Charlie's stitches, Dr. B confirmed that it is very likely Evan also has H1N1. The good news is that it is a very mild case. So far, Charlie and Sammy are free and clear. I am praying they stay that way.
I am thankful that if we have to deal with it, it isn't a very bad case. Maybe this is even best so Evan can get some immunity, but not any dangerously bad symptoms. The worst part so far has been the cough and lung congestion, which has aggravated his asthma, but which has been controlled through steroids.
Hopefully we will have a relaxing and healing weekend. We're going to try and lay low and drink lots of orange juice.
My kids are the biggest germ magnets. EVER. As you might remember, we have been to the pediatrician 4 times just this week.
You also might remember we went in on Thursday because everyone had bad coughs, especially Evan, who also had a bad headache, wheezing, body aches, runny nose, and sore throat. At the time, the doctor we saw (not our regular pediatrician, but someone else in the practice) thought it was probably croup.
This morning I found out that one of Evan's best friends at school was diagnosed with H1N1, or Swine Flu. I immediately felt some puzzle pieces falling into place. With the exception of a fever, Evan had all of the symptoms. This afternoon while at the doctor to remove Charlie's stitches, Dr. B confirmed that it is very likely Evan also has H1N1. The good news is that it is a very mild case. So far, Charlie and Sammy are free and clear. I am praying they stay that way.
I am thankful that if we have to deal with it, it isn't a very bad case. Maybe this is even best so Evan can get some immunity, but not any dangerously bad symptoms. The worst part so far has been the cough and lung congestion, which has aggravated his asthma, but which has been controlled through steroids.
Hopefully we will have a relaxing and healing weekend. We're going to try and lay low and drink lots of orange juice.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Ouch!
Last Friday we went to see Dr. B, our pediatrician, to get Evan all fixed up when he had strep.
On Monday we went back to see Dr. B when Charlie needed stitches.
Today I took all three boys to see Dr. B after they all woke up this morning with croupy coughs, wheezing and asthma symptoms, headaches, and runny noses. (All three are now on antibiotics and steroids.)
Tomorrow we will go back to Dr. B's office so that Charlie can have his stitches removed.
That's FOUR-count 'em-FOUR trips to the pediatrician in one week. Sheesh.
I'm thinking of applying to be the poster family for healthcare reform for President Obama. It's going to be raining medical bills around here any minute!
On Monday we went back to see Dr. B when Charlie needed stitches.
Today I took all three boys to see Dr. B after they all woke up this morning with croupy coughs, wheezing and asthma symptoms, headaches, and runny noses. (All three are now on antibiotics and steroids.)
Tomorrow we will go back to Dr. B's office so that Charlie can have his stitches removed.
That's FOUR-count 'em-FOUR trips to the pediatrician in one week. Sheesh.
I'm thinking of applying to be the poster family for healthcare reform for President Obama. It's going to be raining medical bills around here any minute!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ouch!
Monday was not a fun day around these parts.
At about 10:00 that morning, while I was teaching Reading, Charlie's preschool teacher walked into my room with my little guy. Charlie had a big gash on his forehead, which was bleeding profusely. His class had been playing on the playground, where Charlie somehow either walked into or fell into the bottom side of a metal stair tread. (No one actually saw it happen, and all Charlie will say is that he hit his head on the stairs).
I could tell right away he needed stitches (round 2 of stitches for Charlie-he is SUCH a boy!) so we zipped off to the pediatrician's office. While we were sitting in the waiting room, Charlie started to get very drowsy, and his pupils became dilated. As we were walking into the exam room, the nurse noticed that he was very wobbly, and walking like a drunk man. Dr. B looked him over, declared he needed three stitches, and that Charlie also had a mild concussion.
It was a tough session in the pediatrician's office for both Charlie and I, which included more than a few tears from both of us.
By dinner time that night, he was feeling a little more himself, and was loving showing off his cool flag band aid to Daddy.
Not to be outdone by his big brother, Sammy decided to get his own head injury tonight while we were playing outside. He had climbed up onto a lawn chair we had sitting on our front porch, and somehow made the chair tip backwards. It was one of those awful moments that move in slow motion. I saw it happen from across the lawn, but as fast as I ran, it happened before I got to him. Sam fell backwards from the front porch all the way onto the driveway, hitting the back of his head on the concrete. He has a huge purple goose egg on the back of his poor little noggin. After our brush with concussions on Monday, he is now under a lot of Mommy surveillance. I am now wanting to add a railing to the porch, and am ready to require my children to wear bubble wrap, safety goggles, and helmets at all times.
At about 10:00 that morning, while I was teaching Reading, Charlie's preschool teacher walked into my room with my little guy. Charlie had a big gash on his forehead, which was bleeding profusely. His class had been playing on the playground, where Charlie somehow either walked into or fell into the bottom side of a metal stair tread. (No one actually saw it happen, and all Charlie will say is that he hit his head on the stairs).
I could tell right away he needed stitches (round 2 of stitches for Charlie-he is SUCH a boy!) so we zipped off to the pediatrician's office. While we were sitting in the waiting room, Charlie started to get very drowsy, and his pupils became dilated. As we were walking into the exam room, the nurse noticed that he was very wobbly, and walking like a drunk man. Dr. B looked him over, declared he needed three stitches, and that Charlie also had a mild concussion.
It was a tough session in the pediatrician's office for both Charlie and I, which included more than a few tears from both of us.
By dinner time that night, he was feeling a little more himself, and was loving showing off his cool flag band aid to Daddy.
Not to be outdone by his big brother, Sammy decided to get his own head injury tonight while we were playing outside. He had climbed up onto a lawn chair we had sitting on our front porch, and somehow made the chair tip backwards. It was one of those awful moments that move in slow motion. I saw it happen from across the lawn, but as fast as I ran, it happened before I got to him. Sam fell backwards from the front porch all the way onto the driveway, hitting the back of his head on the concrete. He has a huge purple goose egg on the back of his poor little noggin. After our brush with concussions on Monday, he is now under a lot of Mommy surveillance. I am now wanting to add a railing to the porch, and am ready to require my children to wear bubble wrap, safety goggles, and helmets at all times.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Thanking God for His Protection
Tonight my brother Creighton was in a very bad car accident on his way home from work. He was traveling west bound on the interstate, when he saw a large accident coming up in front of him, and he noticed that traffic was really slowing down. Creighton began to slow down as well, but was then hit from behind by a drunk driver in a van going around 70 miles an hour. The force of the impact spun his car in circles across all three lanes on the east bound side. The car stopped in the middle of a lane of traffic, facing the oncoming cars. Unable to get the car to move or to open the door, he did a "Dukes of Hazard" and climbed out the open window so he could get to the shoulder of the road.
Because of the overtime put in by his guardian angel and a God that is SO good, Creighton walked away with no major injuries. The other driver also had insurance, so we are hopeful they will replace his now ruined vehicle. Thank God he wasn't on his motorcycle, or I would be writing a very different post.
I am so thankful. SO thankful. I love that guy a lot, and I am not ready to stop pestering my little brother.
Because of the overtime put in by his guardian angel and a God that is SO good, Creighton walked away with no major injuries. The other driver also had insurance, so we are hopeful they will replace his now ruined vehicle. Thank God he wasn't on his motorcycle, or I would be writing a very different post.
I am so thankful. SO thankful. I love that guy a lot, and I am not ready to stop pestering my little brother.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Totally ANNOYING!
Our neighborhood is located a ways outside of the city limits. While our neighborhood is nice, but not particularly rich, the neighborhoods surrounding us are. Because of this, several different companies who go door to door have been dropping off van loads of their door to door salesman in and around our neighborhood. In the last week alone we have been approached by 5 different people.
What drives me nuts is that these so called "salesmen", who are usually peddling magazines, candles, candy, or cleaners, usually look like gang members recently released from the state pen. They usually arrive when Jeff isn't home from work yet, and I am alone with the kids. Charlie and Sammy are trying to hang out the door to talk to them, the cat is trying to run away, and meanwhile the gang member is letting loose with a really aggressive sales pitch. Being alone, I have the vague feeling that I may get shot if I refuse to buy something. The other day my neighbor Tom helped me get rid of one guy who was extremely pushy. I was SO grateful, but I am ridiculously annoyed by these people. Today I was ready to pull into our driveway when I noticed another salesman at our neighbor's house. In order to avoid him, we drove around our neighborhood for 10 minutes, because I didn't want him to accost me while I was getting the kids out of the car.
Is there someone I can call about this? I have no idea, especially as we are outside of the city limits. I noticed one of our neighbors had affixed a no soliciting sign to their door today, so I did the same. I don't know if it will help, as I have the feeling some of these people can't read, but I am hopeful. You shouldn't have to be afraid when your doorbell rings.
What drives me nuts is that these so called "salesmen", who are usually peddling magazines, candles, candy, or cleaners, usually look like gang members recently released from the state pen. They usually arrive when Jeff isn't home from work yet, and I am alone with the kids. Charlie and Sammy are trying to hang out the door to talk to them, the cat is trying to run away, and meanwhile the gang member is letting loose with a really aggressive sales pitch. Being alone, I have the vague feeling that I may get shot if I refuse to buy something. The other day my neighbor Tom helped me get rid of one guy who was extremely pushy. I was SO grateful, but I am ridiculously annoyed by these people. Today I was ready to pull into our driveway when I noticed another salesman at our neighbor's house. In order to avoid him, we drove around our neighborhood for 10 minutes, because I didn't want him to accost me while I was getting the kids out of the car.
Is there someone I can call about this? I have no idea, especially as we are outside of the city limits. I noticed one of our neighbors had affixed a no soliciting sign to their door today, so I did the same. I don't know if it will help, as I have the feeling some of these people can't read, but I am hopeful. You shouldn't have to be afraid when your doorbell rings.
Friday, August 28, 2009
This is a picture of me when I was 16 years old:
I am on the right with that incredible mane of hair. I am trying to grow my hair out right now, and I would kill to have some of that back. I am standing with my bestest friend in the whole world, Katy. I love that girl to pieces. She has stood with me through thick and thin, and through every bad decision I've ever made. And I am the queen of bad decisions, so I really gave her a workout in the best friend department.
There have been a flurry of old pictures of me and high school friends appearing on Facebook the last few days. I love looking at them, and remembering fun times, and dearly wonderful friends. I had the best friends in high school, and I will love them always. I love looking back at how their faces looked when I first came to love them.
But sometimes? When I look back at myself at this age in pictures, it makes me weep. The late teen/early twenties years are such an incredible time. A time when you don't have the responsibilities that come with age, and the only thing you really have to focus on is you. You are on the brink of your life, and every decision you get to make can be so important. When I look into this girl's face, my 16 year old self, I remember how idealistic I was, how self assured, how cemented I was in my convictions and that I would conquer the world. I just knew that I had the power to make the world a better place. And when I see her face, and remember how it felt to be her, I miss her terribly. I feel her loss way down to my bone marrow.
Is she still in here somewhere? Burried under all the pressures of adult life? It's not that I don't love my life right now. I am blessed, and I have everything that I prayed for and wanted at age 16. I became a teacher, married, and have a family. But being a wife, mother, and teacher means that all day every day people are depending on you and taking your time, energy, thoughts, and patience. When all is said and done, I probably have about 15 seconds a day for reflection, or me time, or getting to know myself. Or finding the self that I lost. I love the roles I have to play in life, but I wish they allowed for more time for me to be me. And not the Christy that is Wife Christy, Mother Christy, or Mrs. Kleffman the teacher Christy. I want to be ME. Just Christy Christy. I want to be able to reach back to 1994 and grab that girl's hand, and pull part of her back to the present, and find a way to weave all of it together.
How? I'm not sure or I'd do it right now. A vacation by myself? Maybe-but who has the time and opportunity to do that?! I think I need to add this to my prayer time. Or maybe I just need to squeak in a walk by myself in the evenings once in awhile. At any rate, I am going to be searching around inside myself to see if I am still in there somewhere. I'd like to renew my acquaintance.
I am on the right with that incredible mane of hair. I am trying to grow my hair out right now, and I would kill to have some of that back. I am standing with my bestest friend in the whole world, Katy. I love that girl to pieces. She has stood with me through thick and thin, and through every bad decision I've ever made. And I am the queen of bad decisions, so I really gave her a workout in the best friend department.
There have been a flurry of old pictures of me and high school friends appearing on Facebook the last few days. I love looking at them, and remembering fun times, and dearly wonderful friends. I had the best friends in high school, and I will love them always. I love looking back at how their faces looked when I first came to love them.
But sometimes? When I look back at myself at this age in pictures, it makes me weep. The late teen/early twenties years are such an incredible time. A time when you don't have the responsibilities that come with age, and the only thing you really have to focus on is you. You are on the brink of your life, and every decision you get to make can be so important. When I look into this girl's face, my 16 year old self, I remember how idealistic I was, how self assured, how cemented I was in my convictions and that I would conquer the world. I just knew that I had the power to make the world a better place. And when I see her face, and remember how it felt to be her, I miss her terribly. I feel her loss way down to my bone marrow.
Is she still in here somewhere? Burried under all the pressures of adult life? It's not that I don't love my life right now. I am blessed, and I have everything that I prayed for and wanted at age 16. I became a teacher, married, and have a family. But being a wife, mother, and teacher means that all day every day people are depending on you and taking your time, energy, thoughts, and patience. When all is said and done, I probably have about 15 seconds a day for reflection, or me time, or getting to know myself. Or finding the self that I lost. I love the roles I have to play in life, but I wish they allowed for more time for me to be me. And not the Christy that is Wife Christy, Mother Christy, or Mrs. Kleffman the teacher Christy. I want to be ME. Just Christy Christy. I want to be able to reach back to 1994 and grab that girl's hand, and pull part of her back to the present, and find a way to weave all of it together.
How? I'm not sure or I'd do it right now. A vacation by myself? Maybe-but who has the time and opportunity to do that?! I think I need to add this to my prayer time. Or maybe I just need to squeak in a walk by myself in the evenings once in awhile. At any rate, I am going to be searching around inside myself to see if I am still in there somewhere. I'd like to renew my acquaintance.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Inspiring
If you have an extra second today, go visit here and read the amazing story of a mom with four children who will soon be going to Uganda to adopt 2 beautiful daughters.
I so wish that adoption like this would be an option for us. I would love to open our hearts and home to a child in need. Unfortunately, the expense is huge, and I think my husband would need a brain transplant to want another child. Although I may have to add this to my prayers and conversations with God. Miracles can happen, right?
At any rate, get a dose of inspiration at Moments with Love. You won't be sorry.
I so wish that adoption like this would be an option for us. I would love to open our hearts and home to a child in need. Unfortunately, the expense is huge, and I think my husband would need a brain transplant to want another child. Although I may have to add this to my prayers and conversations with God. Miracles can happen, right?
At any rate, get a dose of inspiration at Moments with Love. You won't be sorry.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Finish Line
My dad finished replacing the wood work today, and a few little finishing touches. I so wish I had even 1/3 of his handiness. We would get a lot more done around the house!!! He did such a great job, and I love my Daddy-O tons.
LOVE IT!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Almost to the Finish Line!
This shows how my kitchen looks right now:
This fantastic mess is because my living room is currently residing in the kitchen. Those of you who have known me for even 5 seconds will understand that as a person with an unusually high need for order and organization, this situation is making me anxious as all get out. But since the result is well worth it, I am trying to ignore the tottering piles to the best of my ability.
Here is a shot of the living room chaos:
It does show, however, that we are ALMOST done with the floor!! We ran out of wood with one small strip to go by the wall, so we will finish up tomorrow. I am so in love with how it looks, and I can't wait to see how everything looks when it is all put back together again.
We are so, so, so blessed to have good family and friends. My dad, Jeff's dad, my brother Creighton, my dad's friend Doug, and Jeff all worked countless hours this weekend to help us get this in, and it saved us $2500 to be able to do the labor ourselves. In appreciation for all of their hard work, we are going to have them over for some steaks on the grill later this month.
And here is a close up of the finished product:
Seriously. I am in LOVE with it. Especially since I can just wipe up any mess my boys throw at it. Carpet and three boys? BAD. VERY BAD.
This fantastic mess is because my living room is currently residing in the kitchen. Those of you who have known me for even 5 seconds will understand that as a person with an unusually high need for order and organization, this situation is making me anxious as all get out. But since the result is well worth it, I am trying to ignore the tottering piles to the best of my ability.
Here is a shot of the living room chaos:
It does show, however, that we are ALMOST done with the floor!! We ran out of wood with one small strip to go by the wall, so we will finish up tomorrow. I am so in love with how it looks, and I can't wait to see how everything looks when it is all put back together again.
We are so, so, so blessed to have good family and friends. My dad, Jeff's dad, my brother Creighton, my dad's friend Doug, and Jeff all worked countless hours this weekend to help us get this in, and it saved us $2500 to be able to do the labor ourselves. In appreciation for all of their hard work, we are going to have them over for some steaks on the grill later this month.
And here is a close up of the finished product:
Seriously. I am in LOVE with it. Especially since I can just wipe up any mess my boys throw at it. Carpet and three boys? BAD. VERY BAD.
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Not So Fond Farewell
Wednesday night my Dad and his friend Doug came and ripped out the carpet in our living room. Jeff and I did the happy dance on the bare plywood when they were finished. We are so unbelievably glad to have that craptastic stuff out of our lives and our home!!!
Tomorrow is the big install day for the wood floor. Pictures to come soon!
Tomorrow is the big install day for the wood floor. Pictures to come soon!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
First Day of School
Today was the first day of 5th grade for this handsome guy:
What amazes me is that when I look into his face, the snippets of his baby and toddler self are slowly melting away, and I can now see glimpses of the man he will become. It makes me proud and heartbroken all at once. Being a mother is super hard, isn't it?
Evan had a great day at school, despite being a nervous wreck before hand, and his dire prediction that his teacher would surely hate him. They weren't given any homework, so this definitely helped cement it as a good first day, in Evan's opinion.
And here is a picture of me on my first day. Evan was tickled to turn the camera on me, and make me go through the dreaded first day of school ritual. I am wearing my rockin' new skirt I ordered on Etsy the other day.
I love how the bright yellow and orange colors make me feel light and cheery. And two of my new students today told me that they knew when to line up because they saw my yellow skirt. I was like a lighthouse beacon, y'all! But best of all, it was super comfy. When you teach primary students and get in and out of tiny chairs and up and down off the floor all day, comfy is essential.
And now that the first day is over, the worst part is over. Now we now a little of what to expect, and hopefully everyone will sleep a little more soundly tonight!
What amazes me is that when I look into his face, the snippets of his baby and toddler self are slowly melting away, and I can now see glimpses of the man he will become. It makes me proud and heartbroken all at once. Being a mother is super hard, isn't it?
Evan had a great day at school, despite being a nervous wreck before hand, and his dire prediction that his teacher would surely hate him. They weren't given any homework, so this definitely helped cement it as a good first day, in Evan's opinion.
And here is a picture of me on my first day. Evan was tickled to turn the camera on me, and make me go through the dreaded first day of school ritual. I am wearing my rockin' new skirt I ordered on Etsy the other day.
I love how the bright yellow and orange colors make me feel light and cheery. And two of my new students today told me that they knew when to line up because they saw my yellow skirt. I was like a lighthouse beacon, y'all! But best of all, it was super comfy. When you teach primary students and get in and out of tiny chairs and up and down off the floor all day, comfy is essential.
And now that the first day is over, the worst part is over. Now we now a little of what to expect, and hopefully everyone will sleep a little more soundly tonight!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Nervous Nellie
Guess what I did today?
I did 7 loads of laundry. And I mean washed, dried, folded, and put away.
I helped Evan with his home eye therapy.
I cooked a down home, Sunday dinner with all the fixins. Even gravy!
I cleaned up the kitchen, and scrubbed it down twice. Once after lunch, once after dinner.
I made and frosted cupcakes.
I labeled all of Evan's school supplies and stashed them in his backpack.
I mowed the lawn. After a recent fertilizer application and 20 million inches of rain this weekend, I managed to fill the entire 96 gallon yard waste container.
I gave 4 haircuts-one to each of my handsome guys. One of the best things my mom ever taught me was how to give a boy haircut. I think we save about $50 with each round I do at home.
I made sun tea.
I scrubbed the floors, and I vacuumed.
Don't get the wrong idea-this is WAY more than I accomplish in a regular day. So why in the world did I treat myself like a work horse today? Because...I AM A NERVOUS WRECK! And when I am nervous, I clean and organize to make myself feel better. Lucky for my neuroses, living in a house with four boys provides me with ample cleaning and organizational opportunities.
Why am I nervous? Because school starts on Tuesday. I don't care how many times I go through the first day of school, I am always, always nervous. I wonder if my students are half as nervous as I am. Or if they know I am nervous too, just like they are! It's always fine, but I always worry ahead of time, and I want it to be a great day for all of my kiddos. Worrying is something I am very talented at. I'll probably give myself an ulcer, but at least my house will be clean.
I did 7 loads of laundry. And I mean washed, dried, folded, and put away.
I helped Evan with his home eye therapy.
I cooked a down home, Sunday dinner with all the fixins. Even gravy!
I cleaned up the kitchen, and scrubbed it down twice. Once after lunch, once after dinner.
I made and frosted cupcakes.
I labeled all of Evan's school supplies and stashed them in his backpack.
I mowed the lawn. After a recent fertilizer application and 20 million inches of rain this weekend, I managed to fill the entire 96 gallon yard waste container.
I gave 4 haircuts-one to each of my handsome guys. One of the best things my mom ever taught me was how to give a boy haircut. I think we save about $50 with each round I do at home.
I made sun tea.
I scrubbed the floors, and I vacuumed.
Don't get the wrong idea-this is WAY more than I accomplish in a regular day. So why in the world did I treat myself like a work horse today? Because...I AM A NERVOUS WRECK! And when I am nervous, I clean and organize to make myself feel better. Lucky for my neuroses, living in a house with four boys provides me with ample cleaning and organizational opportunities.
Why am I nervous? Because school starts on Tuesday. I don't care how many times I go through the first day of school, I am always, always nervous. I wonder if my students are half as nervous as I am. Or if they know I am nervous too, just like they are! It's always fine, but I always worry ahead of time, and I want it to be a great day for all of my kiddos. Worrying is something I am very talented at. I'll probably give myself an ulcer, but at least my house will be clean.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Home Improvement
During late July, my Dad, who is super handy around the house, helped me to stain our deck and fence. I love the way it looks, and it will help the fence/ deck to last longer, but oh my GLORY! It was hard, hot work. Here it is in progress:
I think it would have gone a lot faster if this was a regular fence, but because it is a shadow weave design, it was pretty tricky to get the stain in all the nooks and crannies. And it was HOT!! Did I mention that? Or that I sweat out 20 gallons of yuck?
Here's the finished project:
In one week, my Dad and my father in law are returning to bless us again with their carpentry skills, and help us install a wood floor in our living room. My three boys and our cat have destroyed the carpet. I would show you a picture, but I don't want to make you vomit. I absolutely can't WAIT to have it out of here.
We are so thankful to have awesome Dads in our lives. I really don't know what we would do without them.
I think it would have gone a lot faster if this was a regular fence, but because it is a shadow weave design, it was pretty tricky to get the stain in all the nooks and crannies. And it was HOT!! Did I mention that? Or that I sweat out 20 gallons of yuck?
Here's the finished project:
In one week, my Dad and my father in law are returning to bless us again with their carpentry skills, and help us install a wood floor in our living room. My three boys and our cat have destroyed the carpet. I would show you a picture, but I don't want to make you vomit. I absolutely can't WAIT to have it out of here.
We are so thankful to have awesome Dads in our lives. I really don't know what we would do without them.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
School Days
This past Monday marked the end of the summer for us, as I went back to work. No students this week, just meetings and getting my classroom ready to roll for another year. Evan just went to after school care, as his first day of 5TH GRADE!!! won't be until Tuesday. It amazes me that he is just weeks away from 11, and now in the upper grades at school. Just yesterday I was walking the floor with him in the middle of the night, singing lullabies, and trying to croon my colicky baby back to sleep.
It was the first day of preschool for these two cuties though.
Charlie has moved up to the pre-k group, aka "the Busy Bees". Sammy had his first day with the big kids, as he moved out of the toddler room, and into the 3 year old preschool group, aka "the Lucky Ladybugs". Both were excited about their new and improved status at school. When Jeff asked Charlie how his first day of school went, Charlie replied, "It was so super! I was the busiest bee in the WHOLE WORLD Daddy!" It doesn't get much better than that.
It was hard to get back in the swing of things for me, much more so than the kids. I have always been a person who needs a LOT of sleep. In the summer I get a good 9 hours a night, plus a 2 hour nap every day. Not getting more than 7 hours anyday this week made for a lot of headaches. Today I got out at noon, and Sammy and I crashed together, and we all had a loooong 2 1/2 hour nap. I felt SOOOO much better! Maybe I can convince my first graders to nap with me every day.
I've been missing my kids like crazy all day every day this week, but I've also been reflecting on how much good that comes out of the kids going to preschool. We are very blessed that my school has an on site daycare for the children of staff members. The teachers there are outstanding, there is very little turn over in staffing, and it is a small environment for the kids at the daycare. There are under 30 kids in the entire center this year, which is birth to 5 years. The boys learn so much while they are there, they love interacting with the other kids, and seeing their friends. They get to visit the residents of a nursing home across the street once a week (they affectionately call them "the Grandmas") and they have various special events every single month. So while I ache sometimes to not be the one to tuck them in for nap or fix their lunch, I have to admit that they are gaining a lot, and it is a good experience for them.
The real deal starts Tuesday, and I get to meet my 29 new first graders. I am excited to get to know the people who will be my family for the next 17o school days. It's always an adventure, and I am antsy to get started.
It was the first day of preschool for these two cuties though.
Charlie has moved up to the pre-k group, aka "the Busy Bees". Sammy had his first day with the big kids, as he moved out of the toddler room, and into the 3 year old preschool group, aka "the Lucky Ladybugs". Both were excited about their new and improved status at school. When Jeff asked Charlie how his first day of school went, Charlie replied, "It was so super! I was the busiest bee in the WHOLE WORLD Daddy!" It doesn't get much better than that.
It was hard to get back in the swing of things for me, much more so than the kids. I have always been a person who needs a LOT of sleep. In the summer I get a good 9 hours a night, plus a 2 hour nap every day. Not getting more than 7 hours anyday this week made for a lot of headaches. Today I got out at noon, and Sammy and I crashed together, and we all had a loooong 2 1/2 hour nap. I felt SOOOO much better! Maybe I can convince my first graders to nap with me every day.
I've been missing my kids like crazy all day every day this week, but I've also been reflecting on how much good that comes out of the kids going to preschool. We are very blessed that my school has an on site daycare for the children of staff members. The teachers there are outstanding, there is very little turn over in staffing, and it is a small environment for the kids at the daycare. There are under 30 kids in the entire center this year, which is birth to 5 years. The boys learn so much while they are there, they love interacting with the other kids, and seeing their friends. They get to visit the residents of a nursing home across the street once a week (they affectionately call them "the Grandmas") and they have various special events every single month. So while I ache sometimes to not be the one to tuck them in for nap or fix their lunch, I have to admit that they are gaining a lot, and it is a good experience for them.
The real deal starts Tuesday, and I get to meet my 29 new first graders. I am excited to get to know the people who will be my family for the next 17o school days. It's always an adventure, and I am antsy to get started.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Independence
Two weeks ago, Jeff and I took a quick trip down to the KC area to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. It was just three nights, but it was the first time we have taken a trip together, with or without kids, since our honeymoon. Which should explain right there why it was a wonderful get away.
We stayed in a bed and breakfast called the Hawthorn, which is located in Independence. It is a mansion built in 1900, which has been converted to a GORGEOUS B & B. I've never stayed in one before, but oh my goodness! HEAVEN! Here is a picture of the room where we stayed, which was a hundred times cleaner, more comfortable, and nicer than any hotel I have ever stayed in:
Right outside our room was a gourmet coffee station (and for the girl who drinks at LEAST one pot a day, this was a huge plus!) and a snack bar. Every morning, we were served an out of this world three course, fresh, homemade breakfast. In fact, on Thursday night we were the only guests, so we got first dibs on the table in the sun porch at Friday morning's breakfast. Every day started with a fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola parfait. Next came a variety of fresh out of the oven muffins, and then pancakes, hash browns, breakfast meat and eggs. We were so stuffed after all this indulgence we never had lunch one day the entire trip. Breakfast was probably my favorite part of every day. Not having to prepare food, feed three kids, and clean up afterwards was the biggest luxury. I felt completely pampered.
Although the mansion is beautiful, it turns out Independence isn't. It's a pretty scary town, actually. The whole thing is like one huge bad neighborhood, with sex shops, cruddy convenience stores with shady people lurking in the parking lot, and lots of crime. Sprinkled here and there throughout the town are some pretty cool historical sites, but don't wander too far off the beaten path!
A big highlight of the trip for me was our visit to the Truman Presidential Library. Beforehand, the only thing I really knew for sure about Harry Truman was that he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. I really enjoyed learning about his life. He is one of Jeff's favorite historical figures. Jeff loves anyone who "pulls himself up by his bootstraps", and Harry Truman was certainly a bootstrap man.
This is a photo of a letter written by a father to Mr. Truman after his son was killed in the Korean War:
He sent along with the letter his son's Purple Heart. Harry kept this letter in his desk at the Oval Office for the rest of his term. It made my heart hurt to see it-a little for the parents of this young soldier, and a little for Harry Truman, who seemed to carry the loss of each soldier's life on his shoulders.
In one room they had a display of articles that appeared in Life Magazine in 1952. One of them showed this:
It's a little hard to see, but the article told of a young mother with three small children who had been stricken with polio. Having a husband who also had the disease as a child, I think all polio stories grab my attention, but I will admit I stood at looked at this picture for a good 10 minutes. The photos in the article show the mom in an iron lung, where she lay paralyzed. Hanging above her head you can see the pictures of her three children. I cried right there, thinking about how heartbroken I would be to have to lie there, unable to move, seeing my children's faces, and knowing other people were taking care of them. I wish I knew what happened to her and her family.
We also took a tour of Harry Truman's home, which actually belonged to his wife. Poor Harry had to live with his mother in law most of his adult life, who wouldn't let him sit at the head of the table, stay in the master bedroom, or display any of his treasures from the White House, even after he had been President of the United States. That's one difficult MIL.
My favorite part was the kitchen where Harry decided to put wallpaper on the ceiling, as well as the walls, because he liked the pattern so much!
Afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream at Clinton's Soda Shop where Harry Truman had his first job. Here's Jeff, making his "if you're going to take a picture of me I am going to try and look as dumb as possible so you quit trying to photograph me" face. I hate it when he does this:
Seriously. He looks like the grumpiest man in the world. But I love him anyway.
It was so nice to be away, just the two of us. I am always nervous to leave the kids, but I am always a better mom for it when I return. I wish we could get away, if only for a quick weekend, more often. But alas! The joys of having three kids, a job, and a husband with a REALLY busy work schedule make that impossible. We appreciate it all the more though when it happens. It was a great way to wrap up the summer.
We stayed in a bed and breakfast called the Hawthorn, which is located in Independence. It is a mansion built in 1900, which has been converted to a GORGEOUS B & B. I've never stayed in one before, but oh my goodness! HEAVEN! Here is a picture of the room where we stayed, which was a hundred times cleaner, more comfortable, and nicer than any hotel I have ever stayed in:
Right outside our room was a gourmet coffee station (and for the girl who drinks at LEAST one pot a day, this was a huge plus!) and a snack bar. Every morning, we were served an out of this world three course, fresh, homemade breakfast. In fact, on Thursday night we were the only guests, so we got first dibs on the table in the sun porch at Friday morning's breakfast. Every day started with a fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola parfait. Next came a variety of fresh out of the oven muffins, and then pancakes, hash browns, breakfast meat and eggs. We were so stuffed after all this indulgence we never had lunch one day the entire trip. Breakfast was probably my favorite part of every day. Not having to prepare food, feed three kids, and clean up afterwards was the biggest luxury. I felt completely pampered.
Although the mansion is beautiful, it turns out Independence isn't. It's a pretty scary town, actually. The whole thing is like one huge bad neighborhood, with sex shops, cruddy convenience stores with shady people lurking in the parking lot, and lots of crime. Sprinkled here and there throughout the town are some pretty cool historical sites, but don't wander too far off the beaten path!
A big highlight of the trip for me was our visit to the Truman Presidential Library. Beforehand, the only thing I really knew for sure about Harry Truman was that he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. I really enjoyed learning about his life. He is one of Jeff's favorite historical figures. Jeff loves anyone who "pulls himself up by his bootstraps", and Harry Truman was certainly a bootstrap man.
This is a photo of a letter written by a father to Mr. Truman after his son was killed in the Korean War:
He sent along with the letter his son's Purple Heart. Harry kept this letter in his desk at the Oval Office for the rest of his term. It made my heart hurt to see it-a little for the parents of this young soldier, and a little for Harry Truman, who seemed to carry the loss of each soldier's life on his shoulders.
In one room they had a display of articles that appeared in Life Magazine in 1952. One of them showed this:
It's a little hard to see, but the article told of a young mother with three small children who had been stricken with polio. Having a husband who also had the disease as a child, I think all polio stories grab my attention, but I will admit I stood at looked at this picture for a good 10 minutes. The photos in the article show the mom in an iron lung, where she lay paralyzed. Hanging above her head you can see the pictures of her three children. I cried right there, thinking about how heartbroken I would be to have to lie there, unable to move, seeing my children's faces, and knowing other people were taking care of them. I wish I knew what happened to her and her family.
We also took a tour of Harry Truman's home, which actually belonged to his wife. Poor Harry had to live with his mother in law most of his adult life, who wouldn't let him sit at the head of the table, stay in the master bedroom, or display any of his treasures from the White House, even after he had been President of the United States. That's one difficult MIL.
My favorite part was the kitchen where Harry decided to put wallpaper on the ceiling, as well as the walls, because he liked the pattern so much!
Afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream at Clinton's Soda Shop where Harry Truman had his first job. Here's Jeff, making his "if you're going to take a picture of me I am going to try and look as dumb as possible so you quit trying to photograph me" face. I hate it when he does this:
Seriously. He looks like the grumpiest man in the world. But I love him anyway.
It was so nice to be away, just the two of us. I am always nervous to leave the kids, but I am always a better mom for it when I return. I wish we could get away, if only for a quick weekend, more often. But alas! The joys of having three kids, a job, and a husband with a REALLY busy work schedule make that impossible. We appreciate it all the more though when it happens. It was a great way to wrap up the summer.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Back to Reality
I can't wait to tell you all about our perfect weekend away in KC, and show you pictures, but unfortunately, I won't get it done as soon as I want to because I was so rudely thrown back into reality upon our return. We started off the day yesterday with a trip to the ENT, where we discovered that the tube in Evan's left ear (which has been there for over 9 years and just won't fall out) needs to be removed surgically because it has caused a tear in the ear drum, and because it is collecting what the doctor referred to as debris, it is causing a dangerous infection. So, on top of the three doctor appointments we already had scheduled for the week, we added a pre-surgery physical by his pediatrician, and surgery this Thursday morning. At least they could get us in quickly so I don't have to take time off of work.
It was a lot easier to do this with Evan back when he was 18 months old, as he was during his last surgery, when he had no concept of what was coming. Now, he wants to know the specifics of IV usage, and how anesthesia works, and if there will be any side effects, and he is a nervous wreck.
And did I mention that my MIL is coming to stay at my house only a few short hours after the surgery? Fab!
We also got school supply shopping out of the way yesterday. Is there anything worse? Mothers and children pushing each other out of the way in the aisles, crowds, long lists, and huge amounts of money to spend. Blah.
Anywho, I hope to get the pictures of our getaway downloaded soon, and maybe between trips to the doctor (we have 2 just today!!) I will get it posted here.
It was a lot easier to do this with Evan back when he was 18 months old, as he was during his last surgery, when he had no concept of what was coming. Now, he wants to know the specifics of IV usage, and how anesthesia works, and if there will be any side effects, and he is a nervous wreck.
And did I mention that my MIL is coming to stay at my house only a few short hours after the surgery? Fab!
We also got school supply shopping out of the way yesterday. Is there anything worse? Mothers and children pushing each other out of the way in the aisles, crowds, long lists, and huge amounts of money to spend. Blah.
Anywho, I hope to get the pictures of our getaway downloaded soon, and maybe between trips to the doctor (we have 2 just today!!) I will get it posted here.
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