Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Honey Bun
OMGosh, I had no idea that a Honey Bun from a snack machine has over 600 calories. Yikes!!!! I ate it anyway. :)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Catching Up
Where has the time gone? Blogging is so time intensive that I really just don't have time to sit and get it done. However, I miss reading the record of our life. My memory is so blotchy at times and even though I try to sit and "soak up" every moment in efforts to remember it forever, I just can't.
First and foremost, I have decided to homeschool Gavin and Owen this coming school year. I felt pretty confident about homeschooling Gavin, but for some reason, feel very inadequate about schooling Owen, mostly because his skills are through play and doing and he needs soo much help with each task, I am afraid there won't be enough time to accomplish everything we need to and still have a life outside of the home. I am planning on continuing to work part-time, however, I don't want to work more than two days per week and ideally only one. On the days that I work, I will send Gavin's assignments to his grandmother's each morning.
This has been a big decision for Eddie and I, but after visiting and observing a classroom in our local public school and over a year of agonizing and many prayers, I finally feel at peace. Our plan is to reevaluate after one year(less actually, as we will need to come to a decision next spring) and do this each year.
Gavin graduated from kindergarten on May 21, 2009. I broke down during the ceremony when they showed all of the kids' baby pictures. It is really bittersweet to see all of these milestones happening. Pretty soon, he will be graduating from high school and I will wonder where all the time has gone. He was definately my hardest child. Not necessarily because of him but because of myself and my selfish desires. I willed him to sleep, to stop crying, to walk(so I wouldn't have to carry him), to eat solids(so I could stop buying formula), etc. Now, in each and every moment that passes, I will time to stop. Although I am thrilled with each of the milestones that the kids go though, I no longer will them to happen, as I now realize how precious and how fleeting time really is. Eddie's parents used to always tell us, "Don't wish your life away!" I never listened. I wanted to be married(now), I wanted a job(now), I wanted kids(now). Now, I have EVERYTHING I have ever wanted and am ready for time to stop. Pray with me as I try not to have "empty nest syndrome" before it's time. Pray that I will cherish each moment, but that my thoughts won't be filled with worry and dread due to the passing of time.
Emma Kate's first year has passed a lot faster than either Gavin or Owen's first year. (How does that happen, really? She is so smart and sweet. She can throw a ball really well, she loves to eat and will grab most anything away from you, she loves to get into trouble(i.e. play in the toilet, dig in my bathroom drawers, eat crumbs off the kitchen floor(the good thing about this is that it forces me to vaccum the floors more often) and scream in church). She can put caps on top of containers, clap, stand on her own, draw with sidewalk chaulk(though she loves to eat that, too), "drive" her toy car, and make a clicking sound with her tongue. She loves to hold babies(dolls) and loves to hold children as well(mostly boy children which is kinda scary). Her favorite toys are: the swimming pool, dolls, cars and trucks, fridge magnets, cell phones, remote controls, and my laptop. One of her favorite things to do is emptying the baby wipe box and then wiping the floor, toys, furniture, etc. all over the entire house. She is going to come in handy as soon as she can walk. ;)
Owen celebrated his fourth birthday last weekend. We have plans to go to the beach for his and EK's birthdays next week so we wanted to do the cake and presents here as our Durango will be loaded with gear as it is without having to bring along huge toys, balloons, cake, etc. He wanted everything having to do with firemen and fire trucks(something he has loved for awhile now)for presents, so I decided to call and see if we could get a tour of the local firehouse. They were more than happy with our request so we made plans to meet them and then have pizza afterwards with a firefighter cake. I invited several of Owen's friends, however, only Bennett was able to meet us there. We had also invited, Mack and Miles. The firefighters really outdid themselves. We were able to see the trucks,(the boys got in them) see them slide down the pole(Gavin slid down halfway, as it was too dangerous to slide all the way down), see their laundry room where they also hung their gear, and saw their living quarters. The guys also gave the kids a lesson on "Stop, Drop, and Roll" and put on their gear so that they would know not to be scared in the case of a real fire. They also had treats for the kids: firehats, erasers, stickers, tattoos, rulers, and glow sticks. It was a big hit with all the boys, especially Owen. We then stopped for pizza and cake and then headed back home to open his presents. He has been playing with his new firehouse and firetruck all week long and begs me to play with him as well. I have been working full-time this week and haven't been able to indulge him as much as either of us would have liked. Hopefully, this weekend I will be able to remedy that.
First and foremost, I have decided to homeschool Gavin and Owen this coming school year. I felt pretty confident about homeschooling Gavin, but for some reason, feel very inadequate about schooling Owen, mostly because his skills are through play and doing and he needs soo much help with each task, I am afraid there won't be enough time to accomplish everything we need to and still have a life outside of the home. I am planning on continuing to work part-time, however, I don't want to work more than two days per week and ideally only one. On the days that I work, I will send Gavin's assignments to his grandmother's each morning.
This has been a big decision for Eddie and I, but after visiting and observing a classroom in our local public school and over a year of agonizing and many prayers, I finally feel at peace. Our plan is to reevaluate after one year(less actually, as we will need to come to a decision next spring) and do this each year.
Gavin graduated from kindergarten on May 21, 2009. I broke down during the ceremony when they showed all of the kids' baby pictures. It is really bittersweet to see all of these milestones happening. Pretty soon, he will be graduating from high school and I will wonder where all the time has gone. He was definately my hardest child. Not necessarily because of him but because of myself and my selfish desires. I willed him to sleep, to stop crying, to walk(so I wouldn't have to carry him), to eat solids(so I could stop buying formula), etc. Now, in each and every moment that passes, I will time to stop. Although I am thrilled with each of the milestones that the kids go though, I no longer will them to happen, as I now realize how precious and how fleeting time really is. Eddie's parents used to always tell us, "Don't wish your life away!" I never listened. I wanted to be married(now), I wanted a job(now), I wanted kids(now). Now, I have EVERYTHING I have ever wanted and am ready for time to stop. Pray with me as I try not to have "empty nest syndrome" before it's time. Pray that I will cherish each moment, but that my thoughts won't be filled with worry and dread due to the passing of time.
Emma Kate's first year has passed a lot faster than either Gavin or Owen's first year. (How does that happen, really? She is so smart and sweet. She can throw a ball really well, she loves to eat and will grab most anything away from you, she loves to get into trouble(i.e. play in the toilet, dig in my bathroom drawers, eat crumbs off the kitchen floor(the good thing about this is that it forces me to vaccum the floors more often) and scream in church). She can put caps on top of containers, clap, stand on her own, draw with sidewalk chaulk(though she loves to eat that, too), "drive" her toy car, and make a clicking sound with her tongue. She loves to hold babies(dolls) and loves to hold children as well(mostly boy children which is kinda scary). Her favorite toys are: the swimming pool, dolls, cars and trucks, fridge magnets, cell phones, remote controls, and my laptop. One of her favorite things to do is emptying the baby wipe box and then wiping the floor, toys, furniture, etc. all over the entire house. She is going to come in handy as soon as she can walk. ;)
Owen celebrated his fourth birthday last weekend. We have plans to go to the beach for his and EK's birthdays next week so we wanted to do the cake and presents here as our Durango will be loaded with gear as it is without having to bring along huge toys, balloons, cake, etc. He wanted everything having to do with firemen and fire trucks(something he has loved for awhile now)for presents, so I decided to call and see if we could get a tour of the local firehouse. They were more than happy with our request so we made plans to meet them and then have pizza afterwards with a firefighter cake. I invited several of Owen's friends, however, only Bennett was able to meet us there. We had also invited, Mack and Miles. The firefighters really outdid themselves. We were able to see the trucks,(the boys got in them) see them slide down the pole(Gavin slid down halfway, as it was too dangerous to slide all the way down), see their laundry room where they also hung their gear, and saw their living quarters. The guys also gave the kids a lesson on "Stop, Drop, and Roll" and put on their gear so that they would know not to be scared in the case of a real fire. They also had treats for the kids: firehats, erasers, stickers, tattoos, rulers, and glow sticks. It was a big hit with all the boys, especially Owen. We then stopped for pizza and cake and then headed back home to open his presents. He has been playing with his new firehouse and firetruck all week long and begs me to play with him as well. I have been working full-time this week and haven't been able to indulge him as much as either of us would have liked. Hopefully, this weekend I will be able to remedy that.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Our Day
We had a busy day yesterday. I got all the kids up and out the door in a hurry since Gavin had an Easter Egg Hunt at school and Emma Kate had her 9 month check up. (She is actually nine months and three weeks old.) We made it to the Dr.'s office on time(I am usually late). I had an appointment in the Annex, a building where only well children are seen. Our main office is separated into sick and well waiting rooms, but at the annex, even the examining rooms are for all well children. I really like going on that side. Plus, they see you quicker over there since there is only one doctor at a time. We were in and out in one hour, whereas at the main building it usually takes two. We had to eat breakfast(granola bars for Owen and I and a cereal bar for EK) in the examining room though. Pretty gross, but we managed.
Emma Kate weighed in at 18 lbs 7 oz(45%) and is 28 3/4 (75%) inches long and her head was 17 3/4 inches around.
Since she had a CBC last time, I asked Dr. A if I could see her results since it contains markers of Beta Thalassemia Trait(a genetic blood disorder the boys have that causes anemia). She definately has it. She will have a larger CBC panel run in July to make sure. This bothers me a bit since she is a female and because of menstrual cycles and pregnancies, she could become really anemic very quickly. My theory that she doesn't have it since her jaundice levels never became really high was wrong. :( My children will also need to evalute their partner's blood since two parents with the trait can have a child with Cooley's anemia which is fatal. I want grandchildren. :(
Other, than that, everything is normal. I did request a lead test at her one year checkup since she is constantly putting everything in her mouth. I have even noticed paint scraped off of some of the toys. She also eats paper, grass, etc. (I do take this stuff away from her, but as the quick baby of three children, sometimes I am not fast enough for her.) Dr. A also mentioned that since I am still breastfeeding, that EK should get direct sunlight several times per week without sunscreen so that her body will produce enough Vitamin D.
Owen isn't feeling well. He has a cold that results in a constant runny nose that has really chapped his upper lip. He wants to constantly lick, wipe, or water on his upper lip to alleviate some of the discomfort but really is just making it worse.
After our appointment, we went to the park to meet Gavin's class for his egg hunt. I really like watching Gavin from a distance interacting with other children. It just makes me well up with emotion inside. It is neat(and scary) that he has a life outside of us. (I want to elaborate on the scary part. I just want to protect him and keep him safe, and yes, I realize I can't baby him forever.) The egg hunt was neat, but I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I wanted. I think Gavin was, and know Owen was irritated at me for interrupting their fun for pictures. The party moms arranged for a Shave Ice guy to be there which was really neat. It has been sooo long since I have had one of those.
After that, we joined my parents for lunch and then headed home to play outside. We took a nature walk(well, I walked and the boys drove their Power Wheels and EK rode in her push car) and found some caterpillars. We brought them home on a stick(we scared the poor things, poking and proding them so much), took pictures and talked all about their life cycles. Last night, we read, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle and created the life cycle of a butterfly. I let each of them choose their media. Gavin chose markers and paper and Owen chose playdough. I also had Gavin label his stages as well, then they both verbally told me the different stages. How is that for an impromtu lesson?
Emma Kate weighed in at 18 lbs 7 oz(45%) and is 28 3/4 (75%) inches long and her head was 17 3/4 inches around.
Since she had a CBC last time, I asked Dr. A if I could see her results since it contains markers of Beta Thalassemia Trait(a genetic blood disorder the boys have that causes anemia). She definately has it. She will have a larger CBC panel run in July to make sure. This bothers me a bit since she is a female and because of menstrual cycles and pregnancies, she could become really anemic very quickly. My theory that she doesn't have it since her jaundice levels never became really high was wrong. :( My children will also need to evalute their partner's blood since two parents with the trait can have a child with Cooley's anemia which is fatal. I want grandchildren. :(
Other, than that, everything is normal. I did request a lead test at her one year checkup since she is constantly putting everything in her mouth. I have even noticed paint scraped off of some of the toys. She also eats paper, grass, etc. (I do take this stuff away from her, but as the quick baby of three children, sometimes I am not fast enough for her.) Dr. A also mentioned that since I am still breastfeeding, that EK should get direct sunlight several times per week without sunscreen so that her body will produce enough Vitamin D.
Owen isn't feeling well. He has a cold that results in a constant runny nose that has really chapped his upper lip. He wants to constantly lick, wipe, or water on his upper lip to alleviate some of the discomfort but really is just making it worse.
After our appointment, we went to the park to meet Gavin's class for his egg hunt. I really like watching Gavin from a distance interacting with other children. It just makes me well up with emotion inside. It is neat(and scary) that he has a life outside of us. (I want to elaborate on the scary part. I just want to protect him and keep him safe, and yes, I realize I can't baby him forever.) The egg hunt was neat, but I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I wanted. I think Gavin was, and know Owen was irritated at me for interrupting their fun for pictures. The party moms arranged for a Shave Ice guy to be there which was really neat. It has been sooo long since I have had one of those.
After that, we joined my parents for lunch and then headed home to play outside. We took a nature walk(well, I walked and the boys drove their Power Wheels and EK rode in her push car) and found some caterpillars. We brought them home on a stick(we scared the poor things, poking and proding them so much), took pictures and talked all about their life cycles. Last night, we read, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle and created the life cycle of a butterfly. I let each of them choose their media. Gavin chose markers and paper and Owen chose playdough. I also had Gavin label his stages as well, then they both verbally told me the different stages. How is that for an impromtu lesson?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring Happenings
I really don't have a lot of time to blog anymore. The laptop used to fit so perfectly on my lap while holding Emma Kate and now that is no longer the case. Lately it has been more spring-like as far as the weather so we have been spending lots of time outside which is where all three of the kids are their happiest. I have also increased my hours at work. I am still struggling with the decision to homeschool or send Gavin to public school next year and I just don't feel at peace with either option. I truely wish we could afford private school but not at the expense of not being at home to enjoy Emma Kate like I got to with the boys. I am also having to face my fears of roaches. We get the huge things in our house every summer and I am terrified of them. They make me want to bleach everything and since they are nocturnal, I have an incredibly hard time going to sleep at night in fear that one will crawl around my house. I have started early this year with pest control so we are crossing our fingers. What is bad is that the boys know this is my worst fear. I won't even let them get fake bugs from the Dollar Tree like they always ask for, because if I see a fake one laying there, it may cause unneeded stress and heart palpations. Seriously. I am not joking.
We have been trying to get up and make it for Sunday school as well as church. We haven't been to both in years, mainly for having young kids with nap times, being able to sit still, and needing to be fed(breastfeeding). We have made it to Sunday school for two Sundays. Emma Kate has been attending our class(I am just not ready to hand her off to the nursery) and Owen and Gavin attend their own class. The first Sunday, Owen went kicking and screaming and Gavin ended up having to stay in his class. This past Sunday, they both went their own ways. Gavin is tired of having to go to "baby classes" because of Owen and Owen said, "I will go, but I won't sing with them". He went but didn't sing with them. LOL
I think we all should have a child's heart when it comes to knowing and understanding Christ. Children have a yearning for God, that adults replace with other things. I know that I am guilty of this all the time. For Easter, I bought the boys an Easter story book and an animated Passion of the Christ DVD. I decided that we should go ahead and give it to them so they would understand Passover, the Last Supper, and Easter beforehand. (Gavin has Bible at school and Owen knows some about Jesus and God, but they often focus on the nativity. Owen thinks of Jesus as a baby.) I read the book to them and stopped at every page to allow time for questions and then I asked comprehension questions of them, etc. I was surprised and thrilled that Owen knew what sin was. It may have been a lucky guess or a guess based on context clues, but low and behold, he said, "When you do bad stuff." (Layman's terms, LOL) Then we watched the DVD as a family this weekend. Normally, we make them watch kid movies in their room right before bedtime so that Eddie and I can have some time alone. However, we felt that we needed to be available to answer questions, etc for them. Since then, Owen has wanted to watch the movie everyday. They definately know that Easter isn't about bunnies. We don't even tell them about an Easter bunny. They will get small baskets from us, but no Easter bunny visits or anything like that. I want them to know why we celebrate Easter and never get confused about the true meaning.
I am also excited about next week since it is Spring Break for Gavin and for the college. This means that Eddie doesn't have to teach and will be at home every night around 3:30pm. Yay for Daddy! (EK would throw her arms up in a V-shape on each side of her head and squeal, when you say, "Yay, for ...") He will be able to get much needed and deserved rest and the kids will get lots of daddy-time. Mommy will also be able to keep the house much cleaner and organized since I will have help.
This past weekend we were able to see my cousin, aunt and uncle who I have not seen for several years(long story there) and my grandmother. I thought for the first time to take a generation shot of the women(making a note to do this with papa as well with the boys). They didn't stay long, but it was neat just to see them.
Prayer Requests: Please pray that I will be lead in direction about Gavin's school. It is like I don't know how to hear God unless something is just dropped into my lap, then I question even then, whether it is truely God or not.
That said, there are a lot of great things happening at our house this spring, too. I love having fresh produce to choose from that is American grown. I don't always trust the pesticides and water-cleaning practices of foreign countries so, American grown is usually what I try to buy with the exception of bananas, avocados, etc. However, with the recent recalls on tomato, peanuts, and pistachios, I don't always feel safe eating anything these days.
We have been trying to get up and make it for Sunday school as well as church. We haven't been to both in years, mainly for having young kids with nap times, being able to sit still, and needing to be fed(breastfeeding). We have made it to Sunday school for two Sundays. Emma Kate has been attending our class(I am just not ready to hand her off to the nursery) and Owen and Gavin attend their own class. The first Sunday, Owen went kicking and screaming and Gavin ended up having to stay in his class. This past Sunday, they both went their own ways. Gavin is tired of having to go to "baby classes" because of Owen and Owen said, "I will go, but I won't sing with them". He went but didn't sing with them. LOL
I think we all should have a child's heart when it comes to knowing and understanding Christ. Children have a yearning for God, that adults replace with other things. I know that I am guilty of this all the time. For Easter, I bought the boys an Easter story book and an animated Passion of the Christ DVD. I decided that we should go ahead and give it to them so they would understand Passover, the Last Supper, and Easter beforehand. (Gavin has Bible at school and Owen knows some about Jesus and God, but they often focus on the nativity. Owen thinks of Jesus as a baby.) I read the book to them and stopped at every page to allow time for questions and then I asked comprehension questions of them, etc. I was surprised and thrilled that Owen knew what sin was. It may have been a lucky guess or a guess based on context clues, but low and behold, he said, "When you do bad stuff." (Layman's terms, LOL) Then we watched the DVD as a family this weekend. Normally, we make them watch kid movies in their room right before bedtime so that Eddie and I can have some time alone. However, we felt that we needed to be available to answer questions, etc for them. Since then, Owen has wanted to watch the movie everyday. They definately know that Easter isn't about bunnies. We don't even tell them about an Easter bunny. They will get small baskets from us, but no Easter bunny visits or anything like that. I want them to know why we celebrate Easter and never get confused about the true meaning.
I am also excited about next week since it is Spring Break for Gavin and for the college. This means that Eddie doesn't have to teach and will be at home every night around 3:30pm. Yay for Daddy! (EK would throw her arms up in a V-shape on each side of her head and squeal, when you say, "Yay, for ...") He will be able to get much needed and deserved rest and the kids will get lots of daddy-time. Mommy will also be able to keep the house much cleaner and organized since I will have help.
This past weekend we were able to see my cousin, aunt and uncle who I have not seen for several years(long story there) and my grandmother. I thought for the first time to take a generation shot of the women(making a note to do this with papa as well with the boys). They didn't stay long, but it was neat just to see them.
Prayer Requests: Please pray that I will be lead in direction about Gavin's school. It is like I don't know how to hear God unless something is just dropped into my lap, then I question even then, whether it is truely God or not.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Popcorn Trees and Angel Wings
If I wrote about even half of the cute and funny things the kids say, I would have a book to publish.
It is beginning to look a lot like spring around here. I see tiny bits of green sprouting in the grass, daffodils are popping up, and the trees are beginning to bloom with flowers. On the way to school yesterday morning, (we alway pass by Bradford Pear trees) Gavin remarked on how pretty the "popcorn" trees were. They really do look like they are sprouting fluffy white popcorn don't they?
It is beginning to look a lot like spring around here. I see tiny bits of green sprouting in the grass, daffodils are popping up, and the trees are beginning to bloom with flowers. On the way to school yesterday morning, (we alway pass by Bradford Pear trees) Gavin remarked on how pretty the "popcorn" trees were. They really do look like they are sprouting fluffy white popcorn don't they?
Then, last night while trying to get Emma Kate to calm down, I was singing Agnus Dei and Owen said, "Mommy, you sound like Angel Wings" so sweetly, then changing his tone into a gruff one, he said, "But, I sound like Rock n' Roll" "Like Joseph, right mommy?"(He says, "Right? Mommy" after EVERYTHING) He meant Joseph, Jesus' father. LOL Cuteness. Especially when the reality is that I really don't sound like angel wings. (I included the Third Day version, more Rock n' Roll than the version I sang last night, just for Owen. ;) It is the first one playing on my playlist. Enjoy!)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunny Days
Our weather has been really wacky lately. One day last week was 87 degrees and two days later it was 47 degrees. We took advantage of the sunny, spring weather whenever possible and spent hours and hours outside.
Gavin
Gavin is very creative and intuitive. He likes to problem-solve(when he isn't too impatient) and catches on very easily. He loves to make inventions and it is so neat to see things through his eyes.
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