I'm supposed to be in mad party prep mode right now, but I'm not. I've done my fair share for today, so I'm sitting. I'm entitled to that. Yes, the floors need scrubbed something terrible before guests arrive, but if that doesn't happen, too bad. If I don't get the chance to spray down the wood floors on my hands and knees with vinegar, pre-party, too bad. If I'm lucky, I will wipe down the stairs since they will be seen! I've already resigned the fact that the doll house will not be done for several more weeks, so even though the siding arrived today, I still haven't opened the box.
But what I did do today, was brown up and freeze the last 5 pounds of hamburger for the tacos so that Saturday, I can throw it in the crockpot lickety split. All the while, I was making up clues and hiding eggs for Preston who was begging for a "hunt." We did this twice today, and I expect we'll be doing it multiple times daily until Easter is over. I did a little organizing, too, but it's stuff no one but me will notice, like the junk drawer, Kate's closet. Tomorrow I plan on making some sugar cookies to give out as party favors. It's her big double digit debut, so I'm going all out! Am I looking forward to making 4 dozen cookies with a 5 year old? Not really. Can you already sense that Sunday, I'll be heaving a HUGE sigh of relief to have everything over? Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
I gotta say a HUGE "Happy birthday!" to my sis, Ali!!!!!!!! Happy 17th! Geez! It seems like yesterday that I was having fun putting piggy tails in your hair! Love ya!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Shouting it from the rooftops!
I've been keeping it a secret for two weeks, but finally, I can shout it out! I'm going to be an aunt! My sweet sister-in-law, Jessica and her husband are expecting TWINS in November! They have been trying for almost 2 years, and I am so overly thrilled that they are finally going to be parents! They got the family together today, under the disguise that it was for my 30th birthday, and told everyone the news! Congratulations, Jess and Reid!!!!!!!!
So aside from that excitement (which was the best part of the weekend, by far), our weekend was busy. We went to my sister's birthday party Friday night and the kids had a blast! Prior to going, Kate was trying to get Preston to wear his WeePublican shirt, and long story short, she told him exactly what she thought about Obama and Democrats! Atta girl! He did end up wearing it, and it was a hit!
Saturday was Preston's girlfriend's party and that was the highlight of his weekend, by far! He was so sweet and picked her a vase of daffodils, which she loved! Her mom got a picture of the two of them together with the flowers that I'm going to have to get a copy of because Preston would just LOVE to have a picture of Maddi for his room! Did I mention before that he says he plans to marry her? Too sweet!
Still no tv for us, and we won't have any until thursday. Ugh! I feel so unconnected. I have no clue what the weather will be like, I haven't watched Hannity since Monday. What's a girl to do? Our recievers did come, but I had to fetch them off our neighbor's porch because the FedEx guy delivered them to her house (the 2nd time he's done this). But Christopher can't get the satellite to work with either reciever, and they have to send out a service guy on Thursday. At least they're comping us for the time we will be without TV and the service call will be free. We think when the reciever blew the other day, that it screwed up the dish as well. Oh well.
So aside from that excitement (which was the best part of the weekend, by far), our weekend was busy. We went to my sister's birthday party Friday night and the kids had a blast! Prior to going, Kate was trying to get Preston to wear his WeePublican shirt, and long story short, she told him exactly what she thought about Obama and Democrats! Atta girl! He did end up wearing it, and it was a hit!
Saturday was Preston's girlfriend's party and that was the highlight of his weekend, by far! He was so sweet and picked her a vase of daffodils, which she loved! Her mom got a picture of the two of them together with the flowers that I'm going to have to get a copy of because Preston would just LOVE to have a picture of Maddi for his room! Did I mention before that he says he plans to marry her? Too sweet!
Still no tv for us, and we won't have any until thursday. Ugh! I feel so unconnected. I have no clue what the weather will be like, I haven't watched Hannity since Monday. What's a girl to do? Our recievers did come, but I had to fetch them off our neighbor's porch because the FedEx guy delivered them to her house (the 2nd time he's done this). But Christopher can't get the satellite to work with either reciever, and they have to send out a service guy on Thursday. At least they're comping us for the time we will be without TV and the service call will be free. We think when the reciever blew the other day, that it screwed up the dish as well. Oh well.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A+ for American Girl!
It's no secret that American Girl is tops in our house. I'm just as enamored with them as Kate is. She got the Chrissa Stands Strong DVD for valentines day and just today, sat down to watch it. The only time she slows down to watch tv is when she's sick (I wish Preston was like that!). I didn't catch all of the movie, but did catch bits and pieces, and the last half hour. What an amazing movie! I teared up a few times at how strongly they are portraying the strength of these young girls that are the same age as my Kate! It's a very encouraging movie, and strengthens my view of American Girl as a very positive role model for young girls. Not that my view needed any strengthening! Kate really liked the movie as well, and I liked to see her pointing out the girls that were being mean, and that it wasn't nice of them to be treating Chrissa and her friends the way that they were.
My mom got Chrissa for Kate's birthday, and she's going to be thrilled! She's been saving her allowance for her, and she's up to $50, plus a $25 gift certificate, so this will be a big surprise! Of course, this means that the money she currently has saved will then go towards buying Kirsten, the doll next in line. She has a goal of owning all of them, and I no doubt believe that she will reach it! So far she has Jenna (a Just like You doll), Kit, Julie, Samanta, and Nellie. She still has a way to go, but she's well on her way.
Way to go, American Girl!
My mom got Chrissa for Kate's birthday, and she's going to be thrilled! She's been saving her allowance for her, and she's up to $50, plus a $25 gift certificate, so this will be a big surprise! Of course, this means that the money she currently has saved will then go towards buying Kirsten, the doll next in line. She has a goal of owning all of them, and I no doubt believe that she will reach it! So far she has Jenna (a Just like You doll), Kit, Julie, Samanta, and Nellie. She still has a way to go, but she's well on her way.
Way to go, American Girl!
No tubes... yet
I've been dealing with the frustration of this all day even though I fully trust Dr. S's word. He's been nothing but overly helpful with both Kate and her tonsils/adenoids, and with Preston's ears, and certainly made a positive impact on their health. But today's appointment was both encouraging, yet frustrating.
Here's the deal. His ears are both clear, for the first time in almost 2 months. That's great news! But because they are clear, Dr. S doesn't want to put new tubes in, despite 4 rounds of antibiotics this winter. He agrees that he does not want Pres to be on antibiotics that often, but since it is spring, and it's likely that he won't be getting many colds, he thinks it's best to wait. However, he did say that Preston is "one of those kids" that have issues post-tubes and likely need a second set. He says he has a 50/50 chance of needing a new set between now and fall. Once fall comes, his likelihood of needing new tubes is around 80-90%. But, if he has another infection in the near future, he said we'd just have to go ahead and do it. Therein lies the frustrating part (other than knowing his chance of needing another set is so high). He's got a snotty nose, and Kate woke up with a full-blown cold this morning, which of course, he'll get. And you can guess what that means... an ear infection.
So it was all I could do to keep from crying out in frustration. As a mom, you never want your kids to go through being sick often, and with his past, I don't see it calming down. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, other than Preston not acting like himself again, which makes me think he's starting to get sick, too. Not a good thing with a busy weekend. We have my sister's birthday dinner tomorrow night, and Saturday is Preston's girlfriend's birthday party, which he is super excited about! On Sunday, there's a special lunch planned. Shhhhh!
Here's the deal. His ears are both clear, for the first time in almost 2 months. That's great news! But because they are clear, Dr. S doesn't want to put new tubes in, despite 4 rounds of antibiotics this winter. He agrees that he does not want Pres to be on antibiotics that often, but since it is spring, and it's likely that he won't be getting many colds, he thinks it's best to wait. However, he did say that Preston is "one of those kids" that have issues post-tubes and likely need a second set. He says he has a 50/50 chance of needing a new set between now and fall. Once fall comes, his likelihood of needing new tubes is around 80-90%. But, if he has another infection in the near future, he said we'd just have to go ahead and do it. Therein lies the frustrating part (other than knowing his chance of needing another set is so high). He's got a snotty nose, and Kate woke up with a full-blown cold this morning, which of course, he'll get. And you can guess what that means... an ear infection.
So it was all I could do to keep from crying out in frustration. As a mom, you never want your kids to go through being sick often, and with his past, I don't see it calming down. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, other than Preston not acting like himself again, which makes me think he's starting to get sick, too. Not a good thing with a busy weekend. We have my sister's birthday dinner tomorrow night, and Saturday is Preston's girlfriend's birthday party, which he is super excited about! On Sunday, there's a special lunch planned. Shhhhh!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Smoke, sparks, and excitement
Ah, what a day! We got a new tv today, which meant that we had to get a new tv stand because it was too wide to fit in our armoir. We moved our old on downstairs. As Christopher went to plug the Directv reciever into the coax cable on the old tv, sparks start flying, and smoke rolls out! The reciever is fried! Great! He told me to go check upstairs to see if the DVR was still working... NOPE! It got fried, too! After a call to Directv, and them never hearing of something like this happening before, we have 2 new recievers coming our way. Talk about crazy! Now we're without tv until Friday. At least they're doing this at no charge!
Other than that, things are uneventful here. Tomorrow is Preston's ENT visit to see if new tubes are in order. I'm hoping he's not getting sick, as he's had a runny nose all day and he just wasn't himself- whiny, crying, acting up. Then Kate comes home from school with a sore throat and cough. Ugh! Is it summer yet?
Other than that, things are uneventful here. Tomorrow is Preston's ENT visit to see if new tubes are in order. I'm hoping he's not getting sick, as he's had a runny nose all day and he just wasn't himself- whiny, crying, acting up. Then Kate comes home from school with a sore throat and cough. Ugh! Is it summer yet?
Monday, March 23, 2009
How does it feel to be 30?
That's what my sister asked me this morning, and I told her it felt no different than 29! I'm glad to be 30, but really, it feels no different! I had lots of birthday wishes today. Thanks to everyone who called, stopped by, and ahem, texted me to say that my Rascle from the Scooter Store would be in next week! I'm not that old! Gotta love my little brother! And gotta give him credit for remembering my birthday!
It was a really nice day weather-wise, so Preston and I spent the day outside riding bikes, painting the sidewalk, and just having fun. I'm really enjoying the warmer weather! My tulips are just about ready to bloom, too! I'm even looking forward to the big spring storm we're expecting tomorrow night. I love thunderstorms, especially when I'm trying to sleep- they knock me out! One of my favorite memories is going out of the front porch with my dad during a thunderstorm, watching the lightning, and pretending it was fireworks. I think I've told the kids that story so many times that they recall it for me all the time!
It was a really nice day weather-wise, so Preston and I spent the day outside riding bikes, painting the sidewalk, and just having fun. I'm really enjoying the warmer weather! My tulips are just about ready to bloom, too! I'm even looking forward to the big spring storm we're expecting tomorrow night. I love thunderstorms, especially when I'm trying to sleep- they knock me out! One of my favorite memories is going out of the front porch with my dad during a thunderstorm, watching the lightning, and pretending it was fireworks. I think I've told the kids that story so many times that they recall it for me all the time!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Good-bye twenty something
Tonight, I say good-bye to my twenties, and get ready to welcome in a new decade in the morning. It doesn't feel any different, and birthdays are not really exciting anymore, but it's something new.
Christopher and I talk about this quite often. It's something that has shaped both of us, and given both of us something to be thankful for each day. Ten years ago, I was turning 20, a sophmore in college, and due to have my sweet Kate in 4 weeks. Christopher and I were living 2 hours away from home while going to Illinois State, suddenly thrown into the lives of parents. Sweet Kate was born, and a month later, we were all back in Van, closer to our families. Armed with pretty plain jobs, we bought our first home 3 months later. It was a quaint little house, something that anyone else would've turned away from, but we saw beyond the super dated 60's decor, and turned it into our home. We both struggled while earning our degrees, at one point, living only on student loans because school and work were too much with being parents. Too proud to ask for a handout, we scraped by, never missing a payment, but doing without a lot of wants. We never stopped going forward. Christopher graduated and earned not just his bachelor degree, but earned his Masters degree as well. I finished my education with my political science degree. Preston arrived shortly after, and I continued to do what I loved the most- stay home with my children. We eventually sold our first home, and bought our current home, and that's where we are today.
We went from dirt poor, to middle class. We spent years having nothing, but having everything we needed. As tough as those years were, we look back and are thankful for them and what they have done for us. When I turned 20, I had no idea what I wanted to be, where I thought I'd be 10 years from then. It was those ten years that helped me to discover myself, and who I really am. I feel more confident in myself today, but know that these next ten years will continue to shape who I am. I look forward to my thirties and what they will bring. So good-bye twenties! I'm off to my thirties!
Christopher and I talk about this quite often. It's something that has shaped both of us, and given both of us something to be thankful for each day. Ten years ago, I was turning 20, a sophmore in college, and due to have my sweet Kate in 4 weeks. Christopher and I were living 2 hours away from home while going to Illinois State, suddenly thrown into the lives of parents. Sweet Kate was born, and a month later, we were all back in Van, closer to our families. Armed with pretty plain jobs, we bought our first home 3 months later. It was a quaint little house, something that anyone else would've turned away from, but we saw beyond the super dated 60's decor, and turned it into our home. We both struggled while earning our degrees, at one point, living only on student loans because school and work were too much with being parents. Too proud to ask for a handout, we scraped by, never missing a payment, but doing without a lot of wants. We never stopped going forward. Christopher graduated and earned not just his bachelor degree, but earned his Masters degree as well. I finished my education with my political science degree. Preston arrived shortly after, and I continued to do what I loved the most- stay home with my children. We eventually sold our first home, and bought our current home, and that's where we are today.
We went from dirt poor, to middle class. We spent years having nothing, but having everything we needed. As tough as those years were, we look back and are thankful for them and what they have done for us. When I turned 20, I had no idea what I wanted to be, where I thought I'd be 10 years from then. It was those ten years that helped me to discover myself, and who I really am. I feel more confident in myself today, but know that these next ten years will continue to shape who I am. I look forward to my thirties and what they will bring. So good-bye twenties! I'm off to my thirties!
Welcoming spring!
We ushered in Friday with a spring cake to celebrate! Preston thought it was wonderful! It was a little chilly, so we didn't get out too much, but at least it was nice to say that it was finally spring!
Saturday was a busy day for us, as all nice days are. Christopher took down the trellises out front and transplanted the clemtais plants out back. It looks so much nicer out front, now! I'll spare the details of sucking out the sump pump, which was a nasty task! Eeeeeeeew! Me-maw had the March birthdays dinner, which was the same time we already had plans to eat with mom, Granny and Pa, so we stopped by Me-maw's beforehand to visit with everyone. Then it was off to Los Amigos for a yummy dinner of chicken fajitas. The excitment for the day came later that night when Christopher severly burned a bag of popcorn in the microwave. There was so much smoke that you couldn't even see in the kitchen! The house still smells like smoky popcorn!
Today was more relaxed- working on the dollhouse and going to mom's for dinner. Nothing exciting today!
Saturday was a busy day for us, as all nice days are. Christopher took down the trellises out front and transplanted the clemtais plants out back. It looks so much nicer out front, now! I'll spare the details of sucking out the sump pump, which was a nasty task! Eeeeeeeew! Me-maw had the March birthdays dinner, which was the same time we already had plans to eat with mom, Granny and Pa, so we stopped by Me-maw's beforehand to visit with everyone. Then it was off to Los Amigos for a yummy dinner of chicken fajitas. The excitment for the day came later that night when Christopher severly burned a bag of popcorn in the microwave. There was so much smoke that you couldn't even see in the kitchen! The house still smells like smoky popcorn!
Today was more relaxed- working on the dollhouse and going to mom's for dinner. Nothing exciting today!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
So exciting!
Tomorrow is the big day... SPRING!!!!!! Say good-bye to winter! I'm thinking I'll surprise the kids and throw a "spring is here" party tomorrow just to do something different! I already have to make cupcakes to stash in the freezer for all of the upcoming birthday parties, so we'll just turn it into a party! They'll be thrilled!
Today was Preston's last dose of his antibiotic. In all, he's been on them for 4 1/2 weeks. We go to the ENT Thursday to find out the verdict. Since he started the 3-week round, I realized that this was the 4th round of antibiotics he's been on for his ears since November- something I didn't realize until afterward, and something Dr. S. doesn't know because some of those were prescribed by his ped. So if there's no fluid, I do plan to bring this fact up, because really, we're not much different than last winter. Four rounds in 4 months is too much. His ears aren't better. I hate the thought of him needing more surgery, but I hate the idea of him having more infections even more. Poor guy.
Today was Preston's last dose of his antibiotic. In all, he's been on them for 4 1/2 weeks. We go to the ENT Thursday to find out the verdict. Since he started the 3-week round, I realized that this was the 4th round of antibiotics he's been on for his ears since November- something I didn't realize until afterward, and something Dr. S. doesn't know because some of those were prescribed by his ped. So if there's no fluid, I do plan to bring this fact up, because really, we're not much different than last winter. Four rounds in 4 months is too much. His ears aren't better. I hate the thought of him needing more surgery, but I hate the idea of him having more infections even more. Poor guy.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I spy with my little eye...
What's that? A picture?!?!?!?! I just HAD to go out and take this picture of our apricot tree in full bloom! It's absolutley gorgeous! And to make it even better, the bees were out, flitting between the blooms. I am so thrilled that spring is 2 days away! It was so nice outside today, so we spent the majority outside. Christopher got all of the leaves gone, which is a HUGE task under our belts! I did some raking, tidied up the area around the fountain, and picked up some sticks. Light duty today! Preston enjoyed riding around in his monster truck, playing some baseball, and digging a hole looking for oil! Atta boy! You go right on and dig for that American oil! We didn't strike it rich today- but he did dig a hole almost a foot deep! Kate was at school today, and by the time she got out, it was raining a perfect spring rain, so she didn't get to go outside.
Preston and I had our little shopping trip yesterday. We got the supplies we'd been looking for, Kate's gifts, her Easter outfit, birthday party outfit, and some swim trunks for Preston. He got invited to his girlfriend's birthday swimming party and had to have new trunks for the occasion! It was a good day! Preston loves to go eat at St. Louis Bread Co. even though there's nothing there he can eat, so he got BK, and I got a Sierra Turkey and broccoli cheese soup. YUM! We did see two cars get in a "wreck" backing out of two parking spots at Target as we were walking to the car, and to Preston, that was the highlight of the day! Boys!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Oceanfront property
There's an old George Strait song that I remember from my childhood that really sums up the Obama administration right now.
I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona.
From my front porch you can see the sea.
I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona
If you'll buy that I'll throw the Golden Gate in free.
Why does this song have relevence now? Because you can't belive a word that comes out of their mouths! You've got Obama himself promising no earmarks, yet he knowingly signs his spending bill chock-full of pork! He promised transparency. Where is it? He tries to scare the American people into thinking we're in a disatrous economy reminiscent of the Great Depression when we're no where near that level (although with him in office, it's a possibility). Then you have Bernanke saying that we'll "probably" be out of the recession in 09. BULL **** NO FLIPPING WAY! Don't let them even fool you!
This administration has quickly become an administration full of lies and deception. The American people are quickly realizing this, and what damage he's causing us, and the people are MAD! And they have every right to be! Obama's approval ratings are plunging, and he's been in office less that 100 days. He's bringing change alright, but it's not the change we need. We don't need socialism. And I think it's absolutely hilarious that when Geithner tried to pitch Obama's stimulus plan to France and Germany, they basically told him we're crazy for implementing such a plan! At least someone's got some sense!
Obama's promising that oceanfront property in Arizona. Hopefully no one tries to buy it.
Leaves
Preston and I went outside today and I just felt like raking leaves. Preston went along with the plan, mainly because I think he just wanted me to build a fire! He did help, though! I managed to rake a little from the fence, some from the fountain, and cleared out the mystery plant bed, and got them all burnt. Of course, we smelled quite lovely afterward! I barely made a dent in it! Christopher told Preston that we'd be raking all the rest of them Wednesday on his day off. Fun...
Preston and I are off tomorrow to Fairview to buy the rest of Kate's party supplies and birthday gifts. I told him we had to keep her gifts a secret or they wouldn't be a surprise, so let's see how long this secret it kept! I think I know what all I want to get her along with what we've already gotten her, so it should be a fairly easy task. Kate has Just Say No after school tomorrow, so we have an extra hour to shop, which is always nice when you have to make a quick trip!
Preston and I are off tomorrow to Fairview to buy the rest of Kate's party supplies and birthday gifts. I told him we had to keep her gifts a secret or they wouldn't be a surprise, so let's see how long this secret it kept! I think I know what all I want to get her along with what we've already gotten her, so it should be a fairly easy task. Kate has Just Say No after school tomorrow, so we have an extra hour to shop, which is always nice when you have to make a quick trip!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday already
Where did the weekend go? I hate Mondays, so I always hate to see the weekend end. I really like to sleep later than 6:45!
Things were pretty busy this weekend, as predicted! Knowing that we would be switching Kate's bedroom suit, we had to unload all of her drawers and take everything out of her room. We stuck it all in Preston's room, which was so full that you couldn't even walk in! Putting it all back was no treat, but her room looks really nice, and she really likes it, so that's all that matters! I do have pics, but in order to really see the room, I had to take 2 angles, and uploading 2 pics takes almost an hour, so sorry! You'll have to stop by and see it! She had a good time at her Girl Scout event that afternoon, too, with the higlight being that they got lost! When we weren't working on Kate's room yesterday, we were outside raking up gumballs from the yard. The entire acre... Luckily, I only did a small patch, but poor Christopher was out there all day. The yard does look really nice, now, though! I imagine this weekend we'll be raking the leaves along the fence... Ah, gotta love spring!
Today we went to Pizza Hut for lunch with Christopher's parents and Jess and Reid, which was a good time. Then when we went out to my mom's, we decided to make a trip to Effingham to eat at Steak and Shake because she hadn't been to the store and didn't want to cook! So we had a junky food day, but oh well! I didn't make it to Fairview, but Preston and I plan to go on Tuesday. The party store in Effingham didn't have what we needed, and we don't have all of her gifts bought, so we're just going to go. Every weekend is full up through April 18, so if I don't go during the week, we won't get there.
Things were pretty busy this weekend, as predicted! Knowing that we would be switching Kate's bedroom suit, we had to unload all of her drawers and take everything out of her room. We stuck it all in Preston's room, which was so full that you couldn't even walk in! Putting it all back was no treat, but her room looks really nice, and she really likes it, so that's all that matters! I do have pics, but in order to really see the room, I had to take 2 angles, and uploading 2 pics takes almost an hour, so sorry! You'll have to stop by and see it! She had a good time at her Girl Scout event that afternoon, too, with the higlight being that they got lost! When we weren't working on Kate's room yesterday, we were outside raking up gumballs from the yard. The entire acre... Luckily, I only did a small patch, but poor Christopher was out there all day. The yard does look really nice, now, though! I imagine this weekend we'll be raking the leaves along the fence... Ah, gotta love spring!
Today we went to Pizza Hut for lunch with Christopher's parents and Jess and Reid, which was a good time. Then when we went out to my mom's, we decided to make a trip to Effingham to eat at Steak and Shake because she hadn't been to the store and didn't want to cook! So we had a junky food day, but oh well! I didn't make it to Fairview, but Preston and I plan to go on Tuesday. The party store in Effingham didn't have what we needed, and we don't have all of her gifts bought, so we're just going to go. Every weekend is full up through April 18, so if I don't go during the week, we won't get there.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Busy weekend
Lots going on this weekend, so I thought I'd better get on here tonight because I really doubt I have time until Sunday night! Tomorrow, Preston and I are off to Effingham after preschool to hit the dollar store and party store to finish up with the party supplies. I really want to get it all out of the way so that come party week, all I have to buy is food (it doesn't seem so bad then). That, and it's just so much less stressful, and who couldn't use a little less stress? Kate has a Girl Scout event all day Saturday, so she'll be gone while we bring in her new bedroom suit. OK, so it's her Aunt Jessie's old set, but it's new to her. ;) Kate was in deperate need of a new bed since she's nearly broken the one she's using because she's so rough (it was mine and my mom's, so it's over 40 years old), and Christopher didn't want to spend the money on a new suit, so we're taking this one. I really need to go to Fairview Sunday to pick up more dollhouse shingles, but I doubt I make it. There's just too much going on!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Picture day!
Today was picture day at Preston's preschool, and of course, I waited until the last minute to figure out what he was going to wear, even though I knew about this weeks ago. So yesterday I was seriously debating driving to Fairview just to buy him a new polo, when I remembered the new Gymboree I'd gotten him and stuck in his dresser until it was warmer. BINGO! A new, cute polo! I was all ready, got it washed, and when we woke up this morning to 28 degree temps. (as opposed to Tuesday's 76), I knew there was no way I could send him to school in short sleeves. Sigh... Luckily, he has a long-sleeved Mini Boden shirt that I got him to wear for Easter, so that became the impromptu photo shirt. I was terrified it would be ruined, but it came home spotless!
And what would make picture day more memorable? We were running late... really late. Miss Kate decided to wait until 8:00 to even attempt getting ready, and we had only 10 minutes until we had to go. So instead of getting out at 8:10, we left the house at 8:25. I was MAD. Not because we were late, but because she had horsed around for half an hour and made us late. So, in attempt to hopefully teach her a lesson, I took Preston to school first, which involves getting out, signing him in, waiting for him to wash his hands, hanging up his stuff, waiting for him to hang his name on the door, and saying good-bye. So she was late, risking a check mark from the teacher, and she was MAAAAAAAAAAD! We'll see how early she gets ready tomorrow!
Today, I finally accomplished a task I'd been meaning to do for months now. I finished my picture wall in the dining room. I had an 8x10 from the family photo shoot last summer that needed hung still, so I printed off 2 more 8x10's from recent shoots, tramed them, and hung them. It looks FANTASTIC! I have seriously walked past it and smiled countless times today! I LOVE it! If it wouldn't take 20 minutes to upload, I'd go take a quick pic and post.
And what would make picture day more memorable? We were running late... really late. Miss Kate decided to wait until 8:00 to even attempt getting ready, and we had only 10 minutes until we had to go. So instead of getting out at 8:10, we left the house at 8:25. I was MAD. Not because we were late, but because she had horsed around for half an hour and made us late. So, in attempt to hopefully teach her a lesson, I took Preston to school first, which involves getting out, signing him in, waiting for him to wash his hands, hanging up his stuff, waiting for him to hang his name on the door, and saying good-bye. So she was late, risking a check mark from the teacher, and she was MAAAAAAAAAAD! We'll see how early she gets ready tomorrow!
Today, I finally accomplished a task I'd been meaning to do for months now. I finished my picture wall in the dining room. I had an 8x10 from the family photo shoot last summer that needed hung still, so I printed off 2 more 8x10's from recent shoots, tramed them, and hung them. It looks FANTASTIC! I have seriously walked past it and smiled countless times today! I LOVE it! If it wouldn't take 20 minutes to upload, I'd go take a quick pic and post.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Mmmmmm Barbecue!
For those of you that know me well, you know that I'm not much of a meat eater. But one of my absolute favorites is some good barbecue. I swung by the meat shop today and picked up a tub of their pulled pork BBQ, and it was all I could do to wait until dinner! Let me tell you, it was to die for! You can't buy this stuff pre-packaged at the store! Midway through cooking, I realized that it would be even better if I had some slaw to slap on top of it, but I didn't think of that this morning when I could've picked up a head of cabbage. I hid the leftovers in the veggie crisper underneath the lettuce so that Christopher wouldn't eat it all. I'll be having a YUMMY lunch tomorrow!
And the boy that can't catch a break, has caught something else... another cold. I swear! At least the antibiotics should keep his ears from becoming infected (which they would if he wasn't on anything), but it won't prevent them from filling up with fluid. If Dr. Smith says he doesn't need a new set when we go back, I'll be one frustrated mamma. Seriously, if he still gets infections everytime he gets a cold, then he NEEDS new tubes. Argh... Sigh...
And the boy that can't catch a break, has caught something else... another cold. I swear! At least the antibiotics should keep his ears from becoming infected (which they would if he wasn't on anything), but it won't prevent them from filling up with fluid. If Dr. Smith says he doesn't need a new set when we go back, I'll be one frustrated mamma. Seriously, if he still gets infections everytime he gets a cold, then he NEEDS new tubes. Argh... Sigh...
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Awesome Afternoon!
Spring isn't techinically here yet, but it's popping up everywhere around here! After 4 days of 70+ degree temps, green leaves are popping out, and we even spotted some pretty yellow and purple crocuses that have bloomed! Of course, it's supposed to ger cold again this week, but it's nice to know that spring is almost here! Being that it was so nice, albeit CRAZY windy, I decided that we'd go out to Granny and Pa's early and just let the kids go wild running around, which they did! They wanted to take a hike up to the water tower, so we trudged through the woods, and it was so easy because all of the underbrush was dead. We heard some loudly croaking frogs, so we took a detour to a nearby little pond, and they had a blast looking for frogs. They spent the longest time there, and I so wished that I had brought the camera, even though lugging the Nikon through the woods would've been a chore, but I could've gotten the cutest shots! There's always next time! Preston fell going down the hill and fell and cut his hand on a thorn bush, so he cried all the way back to their house. Poor thing!
The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful. Christopher was gone all day Saturday working on the car at his dad's and then helping Reid do some drywalling, so we were stuck here without any carseats. We spent a good deal outside, baked some cookies, and worked on the dollhouse, which I want finished by Kate's party in 4 weeks. I did get her invites ordered, so that's a plus! I plan on going to the party store Friday when I go to Effingham, and getting the rest of the supplies. It's sneaking up on me!
The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful. Christopher was gone all day Saturday working on the car at his dad's and then helping Reid do some drywalling, so we were stuck here without any carseats. We spent a good deal outside, baked some cookies, and worked on the dollhouse, which I want finished by Kate's party in 4 weeks. I did get her invites ordered, so that's a plus! I plan on going to the party store Friday when I go to Effingham, and getting the rest of the supplies. It's sneaking up on me!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
As promised, an update
Of course, Preston woke up this morning with no trace of the mystery rash, thanks to the Benadryl. He does have some eczema flares, but no rash or hives. Ugh, how frustrating! Christopher's mom agrees that it could be the antibiotic, so we're watching him closely to see if anything else develops. At least he's healthy and not feeling bad.
I can't say the same for me, as it's been a really rough day, starting bright and early at 6:45 when I didn't hear Kate's alarm clock going off and she couldn't figure out how to turn it off. She was ticked, and the rest of the day followed suit. And my ear is still bothering me, moreso today than the past week, and I can't hear much of anything, hence not hearing her alarm. My good ear is all plugged up, and I have hearing loss in my other ear, so it's pretty rough. Now I know exactly how Preston was last winter when he flat out flunked his hearing test. I put both kids to bed at 7:00. I had all of the fighting I could take for one day!
We're supposed to have a few nice days in the 70's, so hopefully getting outside will get a little tension out of all of us. Preston and I got out today, but it was SO incredibly windy, that it was cold and didn't feel like 64 at all! We did take a look at my flower garden, and bulbs are starting to shoot up all over the place! I remember last year that I was able to pick a beautiful boquet for Kate's birthday, so in about 5 weeks (barring any late freezes) I should have a garden full of gorgeous, sweet smelling flowers! How sweet spring is!
I can't say the same for me, as it's been a really rough day, starting bright and early at 6:45 when I didn't hear Kate's alarm clock going off and she couldn't figure out how to turn it off. She was ticked, and the rest of the day followed suit. And my ear is still bothering me, moreso today than the past week, and I can't hear much of anything, hence not hearing her alarm. My good ear is all plugged up, and I have hearing loss in my other ear, so it's pretty rough. Now I know exactly how Preston was last winter when he flat out flunked his hearing test. I put both kids to bed at 7:00. I had all of the fighting I could take for one day!
We're supposed to have a few nice days in the 70's, so hopefully getting outside will get a little tension out of all of us. Preston and I got out today, but it was SO incredibly windy, that it was cold and didn't feel like 64 at all! We did take a look at my flower garden, and bulbs are starting to shoot up all over the place! I remember last year that I was able to pick a beautiful boquet for Kate's birthday, so in about 5 weeks (barring any late freezes) I should have a garden full of gorgeous, sweet smelling flowers! How sweet spring is!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Allergies 101
After discovering a head-to-toe rash all over Preston tonight, and wracking my brain to figure out what might be the cause, I realized that allergies was a subject that I had never went into detail about here. I've referenced his allergies, but never really delved into it. Sometimes I feel like I should be an expert on the subject considering how much we've dealt with them in the past 5 years.
Flash back to 5 years ago this month. Preston was 6 months old and we decided to give him his first try of rice cereal. Up until this point, he was exclusively breastfed. Within hours, he started having a really runny nose, and his eyes started swelling. We didn't think too much of it, until it started back up the next day when we tried it again. I called the ped., who told us to stop the rice cereal, and in a week, try oat cereal. We did this, and this time, he broke out in welts. Not hives... full-blown welts that looked like someone had hit him with a whip. It was scary! We stopped the oats immediately, and were advised to wait a week and try barley. Guess what... same reaction. By this time, we're pretty frustrated and worried. We stopped solids for a while to let his body rest. Besides, all he really needed was my milk. Once starting solids again, we were told to avoid all grains, milk, and eggs until after 1 year. Little did we know that introducing peas, however, would lead to another scary welt-inducing reaction.
Things started slowing down on the allergy front once we were avoiding his allergens, and possible allergens. Then, at 10 months, Christopher's dad let him play with a coffee creamer at lunch one day, and Preston bit through the lid. Just those few drops of creamer set off a 3-day reflux flare and more nasty welts. At this point, we were given a referral to an allergist, which we finally saw when he was 16 months. Testing ruled out rice, oats, barley, and peas, which they said he could've outgrown. Milk was a problem, though. So we left with strict limitations on his diet- NO milk, eggs until 2 years, NO peanuts (because of his pea reaction), tree nuts, shellfish, or fish.
We adjusted to his diet easily, and it really wasn't hard for P because he had never been exposed to a lot of things, so he didn't know what he was missing. It was much harder for family to grasp, and has taken a lot of education to get them to realize the seriousness. It's still an ongoing process... Preston does carry an Epi-pen in case he does have an anaphylactic reaction. Luckily we have never had to use it, and hopefully never will! Along with his food allergies, he also has medical allergies to penicillin and prednisone, with the prednisone being the scariest reaction because it left him so lethargic (from decreased blood pressure) that he couldn't even move.
So what's the cause of tonight's reaction? We don't know. We're pretty sure it wasn't food induced. The only thing we can land on, is the antibiotic that he's on. It's not penicillin, but in the same class, and they said there was a very small chance of a reaction, but it wasn't very likely. He's never been on this one before, and I expressed my concern to his ENT and the pharmacist last Thursday. So if there is a rash tomorrow, I'll be calling his ENT to see what he thinks, and if we need to switch antibiotics (or stop them altogether). There's no fever to make me think it's viral, so all I can think of is the Keflex.
Stay tuned for an update tomorrow night. That is, if I can even get on here to update. We have GOT to get a new PC.
Flash back to 5 years ago this month. Preston was 6 months old and we decided to give him his first try of rice cereal. Up until this point, he was exclusively breastfed. Within hours, he started having a really runny nose, and his eyes started swelling. We didn't think too much of it, until it started back up the next day when we tried it again. I called the ped., who told us to stop the rice cereal, and in a week, try oat cereal. We did this, and this time, he broke out in welts. Not hives... full-blown welts that looked like someone had hit him with a whip. It was scary! We stopped the oats immediately, and were advised to wait a week and try barley. Guess what... same reaction. By this time, we're pretty frustrated and worried. We stopped solids for a while to let his body rest. Besides, all he really needed was my milk. Once starting solids again, we were told to avoid all grains, milk, and eggs until after 1 year. Little did we know that introducing peas, however, would lead to another scary welt-inducing reaction.
Things started slowing down on the allergy front once we were avoiding his allergens, and possible allergens. Then, at 10 months, Christopher's dad let him play with a coffee creamer at lunch one day, and Preston bit through the lid. Just those few drops of creamer set off a 3-day reflux flare and more nasty welts. At this point, we were given a referral to an allergist, which we finally saw when he was 16 months. Testing ruled out rice, oats, barley, and peas, which they said he could've outgrown. Milk was a problem, though. So we left with strict limitations on his diet- NO milk, eggs until 2 years, NO peanuts (because of his pea reaction), tree nuts, shellfish, or fish.
We adjusted to his diet easily, and it really wasn't hard for P because he had never been exposed to a lot of things, so he didn't know what he was missing. It was much harder for family to grasp, and has taken a lot of education to get them to realize the seriousness. It's still an ongoing process... Preston does carry an Epi-pen in case he does have an anaphylactic reaction. Luckily we have never had to use it, and hopefully never will! Along with his food allergies, he also has medical allergies to penicillin and prednisone, with the prednisone being the scariest reaction because it left him so lethargic (from decreased blood pressure) that he couldn't even move.
So what's the cause of tonight's reaction? We don't know. We're pretty sure it wasn't food induced. The only thing we can land on, is the antibiotic that he's on. It's not penicillin, but in the same class, and they said there was a very small chance of a reaction, but it wasn't very likely. He's never been on this one before, and I expressed my concern to his ENT and the pharmacist last Thursday. So if there is a rash tomorrow, I'll be calling his ENT to see what he thinks, and if we need to switch antibiotics (or stop them altogether). There's no fever to make me think it's viral, so all I can think of is the Keflex.
Stay tuned for an update tomorrow night. That is, if I can even get on here to update. We have GOT to get a new PC.
Monday, March 2, 2009
I can't wait for spring!
It's not just me, it's all of us. Cabin fever is getting a little too strong, and the surprise warm days that pop up here and there only make us itch for spring even more! Poor Christopher is just dying to take down the Christmas lights that are still hanging! Preston and I made a paper chain to count down the days until spring- there's just 18 left if you were wondering! This week is supposed to be warm and in the 60's pretty much every day, so maybe we'll get outside and run around!
And with spring comes all the outdoor projects that we've been talking about with more and more frequency as spring nears. We've been planning on re-siding the house and replacing the windows, and now we've begun looking at flyers and such in preparation of the purchase. We're ready! As soon as we find what we like, buy it all, and planting season is over, it's time to start renovations! Yeah! And for those of you who are thinking, "Wait a minute. They're doing the Total Money Makeover. What are they doing spending all that money?" Good question! Really, the money has been waiting since last spring when we got the money from the insurance co. after the hail storm. So don't worry. Nothing will be going on a credit card, and it won't be taking away from our snowball. Plus, it will be SOOOOO nice to be able to open the windows!!! And then our green house will be a different "green." The color will change, but the new windows will make it even more "green." After all, I am the Lean Green Mamma!
And I have to say that the kids are wanting us to keep the green siding pretty badly!
And with spring comes all the outdoor projects that we've been talking about with more and more frequency as spring nears. We've been planning on re-siding the house and replacing the windows, and now we've begun looking at flyers and such in preparation of the purchase. We're ready! As soon as we find what we like, buy it all, and planting season is over, it's time to start renovations! Yeah! And for those of you who are thinking, "Wait a minute. They're doing the Total Money Makeover. What are they doing spending all that money?" Good question! Really, the money has been waiting since last spring when we got the money from the insurance co. after the hail storm. So don't worry. Nothing will be going on a credit card, and it won't be taking away from our snowball. Plus, it will be SOOOOO nice to be able to open the windows!!! And then our green house will be a different "green." The color will change, but the new windows will make it even more "green." After all, I am the Lean Green Mamma!
And I have to say that the kids are wanting us to keep the green siding pretty badly!
The cookies are GONE!
All of the 184 boxes of girl scout cookies have found their homes! It only took all afternoon, but it's done! And maybe it wouldn't have taken all afternoon had we not spent over an hour at Me-Maw's visiting with her! ;) Other than that, it was a rather uneventful day.
So Kate's birthday is coming up in about 5 weeks, and we still hadn't set a date. The rest of the party details are in order, but no date. Her birthday falls just 2 days after Easter this year, making plans a little difficult. Having it that weekend is out because it's just too busy for everyone, not just us. Plus, if Preston has to get new tubes, it will most likely be the Friday before Easter because they schedule surgery 2 weeks from your appointment date, which is 3/26. So having a party the day after his surgery won't be wise. That leaves the 4th or the 18th, and Me-Maw said today that she'll be in Chicago the 18th, and we can't have a party without her, so it looks like it will be the 4th. I think that's a good date anyway, and then we can have her friend party the 17th and she won't have to wait until the end of the month. That's the one bad thing about her birthday being smack in the middle of April- Easter. Some years, her birthday's been the day before, the day after, and it makes planning parties rough! LOL!
Speaking of birthdays... my 30th is in just 21 days. It seems strange, but it's exciting! I can't wait!
So Kate's birthday is coming up in about 5 weeks, and we still hadn't set a date. The rest of the party details are in order, but no date. Her birthday falls just 2 days after Easter this year, making plans a little difficult. Having it that weekend is out because it's just too busy for everyone, not just us. Plus, if Preston has to get new tubes, it will most likely be the Friday before Easter because they schedule surgery 2 weeks from your appointment date, which is 3/26. So having a party the day after his surgery won't be wise. That leaves the 4th or the 18th, and Me-Maw said today that she'll be in Chicago the 18th, and we can't have a party without her, so it looks like it will be the 4th. I think that's a good date anyway, and then we can have her friend party the 17th and she won't have to wait until the end of the month. That's the one bad thing about her birthday being smack in the middle of April- Easter. Some years, her birthday's been the day before, the day after, and it makes planning parties rough! LOL!
Speaking of birthdays... my 30th is in just 21 days. It seems strange, but it's exciting! I can't wait!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Another weekend update
It seems like I never get online on the weekends anymore. That, and with this stinkin laptop and how unearthly slow it is, (it took 15 minutes just to log on here) it's just not worth taking the time... Sigh. We SOOOOO need a new computer, but doing the Total Money Makeover, we just won't spend the money. It's funny how before this, we would've run out and bought a new computer the day our desktop died, but now, we don't spend a penny more than we have to!
Anyway... Saturday was the return of the home show to Van, so we had to go. I say that it was a waste of $3 to get in. It was nothing like it used to be. We didn't win anything, but came home with a bunch of freebies, which are always fun. The kids enjoyed it! And what are the odds, that Keith and Dee, whose house was burglarized in November (no, they still haven't recovered anything), signed up to win a home security system, and WON! We still think their names were purposely picked! ;)
Granny and Pa got back from Florida Friday, so we got to go to their house for dinner tonight. We're glad to have them back! Preston picked that time to be especially grouchy and disagreeable, so it was a little frustrating for me. He's usually not like that, so I'm hoping he's not getting sick... again... He's on the antibiotics, but of course, they won't keep him from getting a cold. And did I mention how much I hate this waiting game with his ears?????
Kate and I have made a lot of progress on the dollhose this weekend. The siding came in, so some parts of the house are sided, and it looks really nice. Of course, I didn't order enough, so I have to order more. We tried to hang the doors tonight, but had to stop. Whoever came up with nails that are so minute that tweezers can't even hold them, had to be a little nuts. Seriously, HOW are we supposed to hang these doors? I told Kate we'd call Grandma Lou tomorrow to see if she has any tips. I'm about to just glue the things on!
No school for the kiddos tomorrow in observance of Pulaski Day, so we get to sleep in. NICE! We do have to deliver the rest of the Girl Scout cookies that we didn't get around to delivering this weekend. Selling them is the fun part. Delivering them... not so fun.
Anyway... Saturday was the return of the home show to Van, so we had to go. I say that it was a waste of $3 to get in. It was nothing like it used to be. We didn't win anything, but came home with a bunch of freebies, which are always fun. The kids enjoyed it! And what are the odds, that Keith and Dee, whose house was burglarized in November (no, they still haven't recovered anything), signed up to win a home security system, and WON! We still think their names were purposely picked! ;)
Granny and Pa got back from Florida Friday, so we got to go to their house for dinner tonight. We're glad to have them back! Preston picked that time to be especially grouchy and disagreeable, so it was a little frustrating for me. He's usually not like that, so I'm hoping he's not getting sick... again... He's on the antibiotics, but of course, they won't keep him from getting a cold. And did I mention how much I hate this waiting game with his ears?????
Kate and I have made a lot of progress on the dollhose this weekend. The siding came in, so some parts of the house are sided, and it looks really nice. Of course, I didn't order enough, so I have to order more. We tried to hang the doors tonight, but had to stop. Whoever came up with nails that are so minute that tweezers can't even hold them, had to be a little nuts. Seriously, HOW are we supposed to hang these doors? I told Kate we'd call Grandma Lou tomorrow to see if she has any tips. I'm about to just glue the things on!
No school for the kiddos tomorrow in observance of Pulaski Day, so we get to sleep in. NICE! We do have to deliver the rest of the Girl Scout cookies that we didn't get around to delivering this weekend. Selling them is the fun part. Delivering them... not so fun.
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