Last night Little Miss and I were in bed cuddling. I said to her, "S, do you know how much I love you."
"No,"
"I love you more than any words can describe."
"I love you that much too mommy."
There was silence while we hugged, then I heard her little voice say, "Mommy -- I love you as much as I believe in God."
Wow!!! I was in awe.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Soccer
Now that soccer season is over for Little Miss I figure I should actually post about it. No time like the present and all.
Little Miss thought she would absolutely LOVE soccer.
Until...................the first soccer game when Blue Socks sent her flying face first into the dirt. Maybe he thought he was playing football?
The coach was awesome and ran her around the field holding her hand just to get her to play. Seriously though, there were not any other kids to play and that is the only way he could get her back on the field.
Turns out Little Miss is really, really good at soccer.
She consistently scored 3-5 goals every single game. She drove the ball from one end of the field to the other, at least, 20 times every game, weaving in and out of the kids, darting around them to get the ball, running full out to get to the ball first. I was awe-struck watching her play the first time she did so well. It was so surprising.
She is that good.
Little Miss thought she would absolutely LOVE soccer.
Until...................the first soccer game when Blue Socks sent her flying face first into the dirt. Maybe he thought he was playing football?
The coach was awesome and ran her around the field holding her hand just to get her to play. Seriously though, there were not any other kids to play and that is the only way he could get her back on the field.
Turns out Little Miss is really, really good at soccer.
She consistently scored 3-5 goals every single game. She drove the ball from one end of the field to the other, at least, 20 times every game, weaving in and out of the kids, darting around them to get the ball, running full out to get to the ball first. I was awe-struck watching her play the first time she did so well. It was so surprising.
She is that good.
Geek
Geek would actually be what J affectionately calls his Greek class.
Mom to J - Why aren't you doing your presentation in color?
J - Geek's didn't have color then.
Good answer, J!! Works for me.
Mom to J - Why aren't you doing your presentation in color?
J - Geek's didn't have color then.
Good answer, J!! Works for me.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dishes
Little Miss LOVES washing the dishes by hand. Oh, Lord, thank you for sending her to me. We needed one of those in the family!!!
Busy
I want to keep up and have lots to write about, lest we put our rose colored glasses on and forget what actually took place, alas...............................there is not enough time in the day.
~ J dropped my laptop on the ground today. Note to self: Don't put a gentlemen with a broken arm in charge of getting laptop to and fro.
~ E's school is getting better. Note to self: Only one child in public school at a time or at least until one child knows what they are doing and what is expected of them. Remember everyone is human. There have been many little mistakes which could turn into big mistakes if not taken care of. This is time consuming.
~ Apparently the same 10 parents volunteer for everything even though there are 1500 students. This may be an exaggeration.
~ Violin/piano lessons are going great. M LOVES violin. This has surprised me.
~ S has a great coach for soccer. When a boy pushed her from behind and sent her flying through the air she came off the field determined to NOT play soccer again. This is actually NOT okay when you are five and playing soccer, but it was the first game and no one knew what to do. Thankfully, her wonderful coach, lacking enough players to play, convinced her that she would not have to play when "blue socks" was out there and he would hold her hand the whole time. She ran him all over the field and would run off the field when "blue socks" was cam back out. It was enough of a confidence booster that she is fine now. And, the rule has been stated that if someone does that again, play is stopped and the child is either removed from the game or made to apologize and told the rules.
~ School is going great for us here at home. There are mainly smiles and lots of laughter. I am having such a great time with J.
~ We picked up a little kitten. She is so cute and.............such a little monster. We now close all doors when sleeping because she chews on our hair, plays with our hand/feet/legs/whatever and completely disrupts our sleep. If we lock her in the bathroom because she won't stop climbing our clothes, she meows until we let her out.
~ I love fall. And Serena has told us it is fall because, "You can see the leaves falling from the trees."
Gotta go get some school finished. Lunch is over.
~ J dropped my laptop on the ground today. Note to self: Don't put a gentlemen with a broken arm in charge of getting laptop to and fro.
~ E's school is getting better. Note to self: Only one child in public school at a time or at least until one child knows what they are doing and what is expected of them. Remember everyone is human. There have been many little mistakes which could turn into big mistakes if not taken care of. This is time consuming.
~ Apparently the same 10 parents volunteer for everything even though there are 1500 students. This may be an exaggeration.
~ Violin/piano lessons are going great. M LOVES violin. This has surprised me.
~ S has a great coach for soccer. When a boy pushed her from behind and sent her flying through the air she came off the field determined to NOT play soccer again. This is actually NOT okay when you are five and playing soccer, but it was the first game and no one knew what to do. Thankfully, her wonderful coach, lacking enough players to play, convinced her that she would not have to play when "blue socks" was out there and he would hold her hand the whole time. She ran him all over the field and would run off the field when "blue socks" was cam back out. It was enough of a confidence booster that she is fine now. And, the rule has been stated that if someone does that again, play is stopped and the child is either removed from the game or made to apologize and told the rules.
~ School is going great for us here at home. There are mainly smiles and lots of laughter. I am having such a great time with J.
~ We picked up a little kitten. She is so cute and.............such a little monster. We now close all doors when sleeping because she chews on our hair, plays with our hand/feet/legs/whatever and completely disrupts our sleep. If we lock her in the bathroom because she won't stop climbing our clothes, she meows until we let her out.
~ I love fall. And Serena has told us it is fall because, "You can see the leaves falling from the trees."
Gotta go get some school finished. Lunch is over.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Dance Mama Dance
Today we woke to two sick kiddos. Thankfully Perry was supposed to be off, which really turned into a work-from-home day. He stayed home with the two sick kids and I took J and S to co-op. They enjoyed their time, but while there S and I began to feel slightly nauseous.
Knowing that we had a 45 minute drive home we decided to make the most of it. I turned the radio on. S and I danced in our seats. There was construction and really slow traffic. S and I were enjoying ourselves, be-bopping along until J changed the station. No problem, I thought. I just changed my car dancing to suit the music. Then, the music changed again.
Finally, I looked at J. He was embarrassed. I started laughing and dancing and added in some singing. He kept changing the station. Rock. Pop. Christian. Country (not my fave, but hey I know the most popular songs). Didn't matter I could totally change my car dancing to match the music. And, I could sing along. No problem. If I didn't know the words, it was easy enough to make up some new words. He was mortified by this point. S was laughing.
I thought back years ago to when the kids and I would have the suburban rocking back and forth with our car dancing. I wondered if E was with me if he would've joined in or been embarrassed. I'm thinking he would've joined in. He likes to dance.
After about 20 minutes of car dancing and laughing we settled back and enjoyed the ride home. It was totally worth the extra headache and nausea to see the embarrassed smile on J's face.
Knowing that we had a 45 minute drive home we decided to make the most of it. I turned the radio on. S and I danced in our seats. There was construction and really slow traffic. S and I were enjoying ourselves, be-bopping along until J changed the station. No problem, I thought. I just changed my car dancing to suit the music. Then, the music changed again.
Finally, I looked at J. He was embarrassed. I started laughing and dancing and added in some singing. He kept changing the station. Rock. Pop. Christian. Country (not my fave, but hey I know the most popular songs). Didn't matter I could totally change my car dancing to match the music. And, I could sing along. No problem. If I didn't know the words, it was easy enough to make up some new words. He was mortified by this point. S was laughing.
I thought back years ago to when the kids and I would have the suburban rocking back and forth with our car dancing. I wondered if E was with me if he would've joined in or been embarrassed. I'm thinking he would've joined in. He likes to dance.
After about 20 minutes of car dancing and laughing we settled back and enjoyed the ride home. It was totally worth the extra headache and nausea to see the embarrassed smile on J's face.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Life - As It Happens
Perry was attempting to find the/a stud in the wall so he could hang the television up. The stud finder found all kinds of studs. After 6 holes in the wall he said, "I'm not going to drill another hole."
"Why don't you just knock on the wood and I'll tell you when it sounds different?" I replied.
He knocked across the wall.
I told him when to stop.
He drilled right into the stud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lest you think this is normal.................
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were driving the white suburban to two different residences to let them test drive it. After the first guy told us all the things wrong with it I told Perry I didn't think the other people would buy it so, "Why don't we leave the black one in the store parking lot and drive together. That way we can enjoy each other's company for the 30 minute drive north?"
We drove together.
They bought the suburban.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We try to balance living a full, safe life vs letting fear lead our lives or our kids' lives. So, when J wanted to play football this year, we agreed to let him. The football practices start Tuesday.
J will be having his broken arm reset under general anesthesia Tuesday.
Thank God I don't have to worry about J getting hurt playing football.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been telling E for weeks that if he's not careful when he comes to a spinning, sliding, grinding halt on his bicycle that he is going to crash. His is an adult mountain bike not really made for that I tell him.
He now has chunks out of his hands and knee just so I could be right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is a reason that there are doctors who are specialists.
Remember that.
We, apparently, need constant reminders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are going to fall and break a bone requiring a trip to the ER, please make sure to do so when you have lots of company over for dinner.
It totally saves the parents having to get a babysitter for the other kids.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After we left to take J to the ER because his arm was at an angle bones just don't bend, Little Miss discussed with Carrie the relative functionality of a Ripstick.
"That thing is NOT safe. Well......unless you wear handcuffs."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm helping coach S's soccer this year. She is so very excited to be playing after watching her brothers play for 5 years.
We were practicing changing sides and going the other direction like they will do at half time.
Two times I told the kids they were going the wrong way when they were not.
Sure glad I can be of assistance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I explained to J gently, "Honey. Seriously. You can't stay home for 6-8 weeks until your cast is off. It's not even "on" yet. We have games to go to. Co-ops to attend. Life to live. "
His reply, "I am getting a pink cast and staying home until it's off."
A sense of humor is important.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Why don't you just knock on the wood and I'll tell you when it sounds different?" I replied.
He knocked across the wall.
I told him when to stop.
He drilled right into the stud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lest you think this is normal.................
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We were driving the white suburban to two different residences to let them test drive it. After the first guy told us all the things wrong with it I told Perry I didn't think the other people would buy it so, "Why don't we leave the black one in the store parking lot and drive together. That way we can enjoy each other's company for the 30 minute drive north?"
We drove together.
They bought the suburban.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We try to balance living a full, safe life vs letting fear lead our lives or our kids' lives. So, when J wanted to play football this year, we agreed to let him. The football practices start Tuesday.
J will be having his broken arm reset under general anesthesia Tuesday.
Thank God I don't have to worry about J getting hurt playing football.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been telling E for weeks that if he's not careful when he comes to a spinning, sliding, grinding halt on his bicycle that he is going to crash. His is an adult mountain bike not really made for that I tell him.
He now has chunks out of his hands and knee just so I could be right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is a reason that there are doctors who are specialists.
Remember that.
We, apparently, need constant reminders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are going to fall and break a bone requiring a trip to the ER, please make sure to do so when you have lots of company over for dinner.
It totally saves the parents having to get a babysitter for the other kids.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After we left to take J to the ER because his arm was at an angle bones just don't bend, Little Miss discussed with Carrie the relative functionality of a Ripstick.
"That thing is NOT safe. Well......unless you wear handcuffs."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm helping coach S's soccer this year. She is so very excited to be playing after watching her brothers play for 5 years.
We were practicing changing sides and going the other direction like they will do at half time.
Two times I told the kids they were going the wrong way when they were not.
Sure glad I can be of assistance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I explained to J gently, "Honey. Seriously. You can't stay home for 6-8 weeks until your cast is off. It's not even "on" yet. We have games to go to. Co-ops to attend. Life to live. "
His reply, "I am getting a pink cast and staying home until it's off."
A sense of humor is important.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, August 22, 2009
River Hopping
Every day we drive over a bridge that leads us out of our neighborhood. The river is as low as it gets for this time of year. Every day I look out from the passenger's side window and the rocks just look as if you can hop from rock to rock, landing on the other side. So, yesterday I told Perry that I wanted to take the kids and try it.
Since he didn't want to load up the two canoes, he reminded me that I wanted to hop from rock to rock at the river. Silly man. It looked so easy from the car. hahahahaha
We parked close to the river and climbed out of the suburban. We hiked down to the river telling each boy to find a buddy to stay with. At first, it was simple. We hopped from rock to rock, never getting our feet wet. The current wasn't very strong. It was a beautiful, sunny, but not too hot kind of day.
Then.......................we ran out of rocks. The boys, naturally, plunged ahead not caring if they got wet. Pretty soon they were up to their necks playing with the current. Perry was thinking this wasn't the best idea I've had, but I assured him the water wasn't really up to their necks, they were floating on purpose.
Little Miss likes adventures. She likes water. But, the other day she fell down the stairs and scraped her forehead very badly. We really didn't want water to get on her forehead so we needed to be careful. And, the rocks under the water were, of course, very slippery.
We hiked down a ways, trying to determine where it would be easiest to cross. Finally, Perry decided we should go back to where the rocks had become scarce and follow the pattern. He carried Little Miss and I carefully followed behind.
The boys had already reached the other side so we had them sit on the rocks (out of the water) so we didn't have to concern ourselves with their safety while we crossed. To my surprise the river was cool, not cold and it felt like we were in a hot tub, with the jets spraying on us, without the hot water.
Well, it felt that wonderful until I misjudged a step and hurt my foot really bad. But, I figured the cool water would numb it eventually and if I could put weight on it, it must not be broken, so we continued on.
We had a really good time. Once Little Miss and M's lips turned blue we decided we should head back and end our adventure. Next time we decided, we would bring life jackets. That way, Mom and Dad could relax a bit and everyone would be much more safe. There wasn't a time when the water was over any one's head, but you never know.
Once we arrived back at the suburban Perry and I laughed together because lo and behold..................all the life jackets were in the back of the suburban from when I took the kids to a different river a few days before.
Since he didn't want to load up the two canoes, he reminded me that I wanted to hop from rock to rock at the river. Silly man. It looked so easy from the car. hahahahaha
We parked close to the river and climbed out of the suburban. We hiked down to the river telling each boy to find a buddy to stay with. At first, it was simple. We hopped from rock to rock, never getting our feet wet. The current wasn't very strong. It was a beautiful, sunny, but not too hot kind of day.
Then.......................we ran out of rocks. The boys, naturally, plunged ahead not caring if they got wet. Pretty soon they were up to their necks playing with the current. Perry was thinking this wasn't the best idea I've had, but I assured him the water wasn't really up to their necks, they were floating on purpose.
Little Miss likes adventures. She likes water. But, the other day she fell down the stairs and scraped her forehead very badly. We really didn't want water to get on her forehead so we needed to be careful. And, the rocks under the water were, of course, very slippery.
We hiked down a ways, trying to determine where it would be easiest to cross. Finally, Perry decided we should go back to where the rocks had become scarce and follow the pattern. He carried Little Miss and I carefully followed behind.
The boys had already reached the other side so we had them sit on the rocks (out of the water) so we didn't have to concern ourselves with their safety while we crossed. To my surprise the river was cool, not cold and it felt like we were in a hot tub, with the jets spraying on us, without the hot water.
Well, it felt that wonderful until I misjudged a step and hurt my foot really bad. But, I figured the cool water would numb it eventually and if I could put weight on it, it must not be broken, so we continued on.
We had a really good time. Once Little Miss and M's lips turned blue we decided we should head back and end our adventure. Next time we decided, we would bring life jackets. That way, Mom and Dad could relax a bit and everyone would be much more safe. There wasn't a time when the water was over any one's head, but you never know.
Once we arrived back at the suburban Perry and I laughed together because lo and behold..................all the life jackets were in the back of the suburban from when I took the kids to a different river a few days before.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Great Mother
What must it be like to live through so much history? To have one's views challenged as life continues and times change?
To embrace life.
Live life.
To people, it's history. To a person living, it's just their life, I would imagine.
It was wonderful to hug and feel Great Mother. Her skin is so soft and silky. Her eyes so sharp. Her mind so sharp.
We arrived in the late afternoon. I was so tired and thankful when E dominated the conversation. Just soaking in the familiar, but not, surroundings. Pictures, knick-knacks I've seen since I was a child. Memories returning of times running through her house, sliding through a heater vent in the floor, running through the living room that overlooked Resurrection Bay, back up the stairs, back through the heater vent.
Remembering staying the night with Great Mother in a huge building, that was her "house". It was later bought by the city of Seward, I think. She would bathe me in these huge utility sinks, washing my hair so gently, drying it so that it didn't tangle. Brushing it out so carefully. I specifically remember the drying because my hair has always tangled easily due to the curls and I have tried to copy what I remember her doing when I now dry my own hair and Little Miss's hair.
Listening to my oldest son talk so eloquently of life. Amazed that we were there sitting in front of her, seeing her face. It seemed like it had been forever and just yesterday at the same time. To us, she looked the same even though it's been 10 years since we've seen her.
Watching M lay on her couch, completely comfortable in her presence. M has always been my "radar" for people. He was 100% comfortable, although was very concerned and asked, maybe not quietly enough, what was wrong with Great Mother's hands. "Feel them M, if you get the chance. They are sooooo soft." I replied. I need to ask him if he got the chance.
Little Miss traipsing up and down the stairs, blessing us with her presence and then, apparently, blessing Aunt and Uncle with her presence. She really enjoyed Aunt and Uncle.
She sat in Great Mother's lap telling her a story. Little Miss was concerned about hurting Great Mother so that didn't last long. That was my fault. I didn't know what to expect so had told the kids to be extra special careful and considerate. I might've gone a little overboard!!!
The second day, J dominated the conversation. He talked more than I've heard him talk to one person in a long time. Just telling stories of our life. I was surprised. He was just relaxed and as animated as can be, sitting in a chair a couple feet from Great Mother.
J-man came more into play this day also. He would wander in and out. Talking, saying nothing, just talking. Just enjoying family. Enjoying being in the presence of this woman he's heard so much about.
It was nice to see my Aunt. It's been awhile.
We then headed down to Seward and on our return to Anchorage the night before we left were very sick. That was unfortunate. I was able to see Great Mother once more while Perry took the sick kids to buy souvenirs and back to our campground. Many thanks to him while I also visited a girlfriend and laughed and laughed and stayed out quite late.
I talk to Great Mother often. I didn't have anything to tell her that she didn't already know. Just being in her presence and letting the kids get to know their Great Grandmother was heavenly. A dream come true for all of us.
To embrace life.
Live life.
To people, it's history. To a person living, it's just their life, I would imagine.
It was wonderful to hug and feel Great Mother. Her skin is so soft and silky. Her eyes so sharp. Her mind so sharp.
We arrived in the late afternoon. I was so tired and thankful when E dominated the conversation. Just soaking in the familiar, but not, surroundings. Pictures, knick-knacks I've seen since I was a child. Memories returning of times running through her house, sliding through a heater vent in the floor, running through the living room that overlooked Resurrection Bay, back up the stairs, back through the heater vent.
Remembering staying the night with Great Mother in a huge building, that was her "house". It was later bought by the city of Seward, I think. She would bathe me in these huge utility sinks, washing my hair so gently, drying it so that it didn't tangle. Brushing it out so carefully. I specifically remember the drying because my hair has always tangled easily due to the curls and I have tried to copy what I remember her doing when I now dry my own hair and Little Miss's hair.
Listening to my oldest son talk so eloquently of life. Amazed that we were there sitting in front of her, seeing her face. It seemed like it had been forever and just yesterday at the same time. To us, she looked the same even though it's been 10 years since we've seen her.
Watching M lay on her couch, completely comfortable in her presence. M has always been my "radar" for people. He was 100% comfortable, although was very concerned and asked, maybe not quietly enough, what was wrong with Great Mother's hands. "Feel them M, if you get the chance. They are sooooo soft." I replied. I need to ask him if he got the chance.
Little Miss traipsing up and down the stairs, blessing us with her presence and then, apparently, blessing Aunt and Uncle with her presence. She really enjoyed Aunt and Uncle.
She sat in Great Mother's lap telling her a story. Little Miss was concerned about hurting Great Mother so that didn't last long. That was my fault. I didn't know what to expect so had told the kids to be extra special careful and considerate. I might've gone a little overboard!!!
The second day, J dominated the conversation. He talked more than I've heard him talk to one person in a long time. Just telling stories of our life. I was surprised. He was just relaxed and as animated as can be, sitting in a chair a couple feet from Great Mother.
J-man came more into play this day also. He would wander in and out. Talking, saying nothing, just talking. Just enjoying family. Enjoying being in the presence of this woman he's heard so much about.
It was nice to see my Aunt. It's been awhile.
We then headed down to Seward and on our return to Anchorage the night before we left were very sick. That was unfortunate. I was able to see Great Mother once more while Perry took the sick kids to buy souvenirs and back to our campground. Many thanks to him while I also visited a girlfriend and laughed and laughed and stayed out quite late.
I talk to Great Mother often. I didn't have anything to tell her that she didn't already know. Just being in her presence and letting the kids get to know their Great Grandmother was heavenly. A dream come true for all of us.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Voice
J's voice is changing. Every day it is becoming more obvious. I first noticed it breaking about a month ago. When we were in AK it became obvious that we were getting closer. Today, his voice breaks/squeaks/cracks almost all the time. If he tries to yell or talk loud only some of the syllables come out.
I've talked about this time for years because J has had the highest pitch voice out of all of our kids. When he was young it was hard to understand him because his voice was so high.
Not anymore!!!!!
I've talked about this time for years because J has had the highest pitch voice out of all of our kids. When he was young it was hard to understand him because his voice was so high.
Not anymore!!!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Alyeska - Alaska
I am going to just tell stories about our trip instead of reenacting the whole trip since I figure I would get details out of order anyway.
August 1st was my birthday. We stopped in to say hi and bye to Great Mother since we were headed out of Anchorage that day.
I was finally able to answer a strange phone number that turned out to be my friend. My phone had issues while in AK. Sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn't. Perry's had even more issues than mine.
Anyway............after consulting with Merriah (who lives in Girdwood) we decided to take the tram up to the top and hike down. In hindsight - that wonderful thing - the reason my throat hurt is because I was sick. Perry was sick. The hike may not have been such a good idea after all.
We started down the path. It was fairly well-groomed and zig-zagged back and forth. When it was safe to do so I would let M and J-Man go down between the zigs and zags, waiting for us to reach them.
We met a really nice woman who was hiking up the mountain who informed them that, "Hey Dudes, if you fall you're going to roll all the way to the bottom and kill yourself." S and I were close enough to her that S, totally oblivious to what Lady said, told her it was my 40th birthday. Lady replied, "Well, I'm sure your mom would like her kids to stay alive on her birthday. Are you all hiking all the way down?"
It was all I could do to paste a fake smile on my face and wish her a nice hike. Really, really thankful she was going the opposite way of us. I mean, seriously, what a great thing to say to kids who clearly have their parents permission to be doing what they are doing. They were not in any more danger than the rest of us. I realize a lot of people use fear-based-parenting as I refer to it. I try not to. Unless, I need to. ;-) But, really, there is no way they would've rolled to the bottom. There were too many trees in the way.
I then explained to the boys that they were fine and could continue doing what they were doing. Reminding them to slide on all fours or their hineys if it felt too steep or to just turn around and crawl down.
We took a wrong turn and hikeda long ways a bit out of our way. It took forever us a bit longer than we anticipated to get down and meet up with my friends.
What a wonderful time we had reminiscing about the past and learning about each other's lives. We talked for hours while S slept and the boys alternately listened and played game systems. They were a bit tired from the long hike.
We left Girdwood around 8:30 p.m., stopping at Summit Lake to have a delicious blackened halibut dinner. We arrived at our campground around 11:30 p.m. Perry's goal was to have me at the ocean on my birthday because he knows how much I like it. He made it. Thanks honey. I know you didn't feel good but you made it a wonderful birthday for me.
August 1st was my birthday. We stopped in to say hi and bye to Great Mother since we were headed out of Anchorage that day.
I was finally able to answer a strange phone number that turned out to be my friend. My phone had issues while in AK. Sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn't. Perry's had even more issues than mine.
Anyway............after consulting with Merriah (who lives in Girdwood) we decided to take the tram up to the top and hike down. In hindsight - that wonderful thing - the reason my throat hurt is because I was sick. Perry was sick. The hike may not have been such a good idea after all.
We started down the path. It was fairly well-groomed and zig-zagged back and forth. When it was safe to do so I would let M and J-Man go down between the zigs and zags, waiting for us to reach them.
We met a really nice woman who was hiking up the mountain who informed them that, "Hey Dudes, if you fall you're going to roll all the way to the bottom and kill yourself." S and I were close enough to her that S, totally oblivious to what Lady said, told her it was my 40th birthday. Lady replied, "Well, I'm sure your mom would like her kids to stay alive on her birthday. Are you all hiking all the way down?"
It was all I could do to paste a fake smile on my face and wish her a nice hike. Really, really thankful she was going the opposite way of us. I mean, seriously, what a great thing to say to kids who clearly have their parents permission to be doing what they are doing. They were not in any more danger than the rest of us. I realize a lot of people use fear-based-parenting as I refer to it. I try not to. Unless, I need to. ;-) But, really, there is no way they would've rolled to the bottom. There were too many trees in the way.
I then explained to the boys that they were fine and could continue doing what they were doing. Reminding them to slide on all fours or their hineys if it felt too steep or to just turn around and crawl down.
We took a wrong turn and hiked
What a wonderful time we had reminiscing about the past and learning about each other's lives. We talked for hours while S slept and the boys alternately listened and played game systems. They were a bit tired from the long hike.
We left Girdwood around 8:30 p.m., stopping at Summit Lake to have a delicious blackened halibut dinner. We arrived at our campground around 11:30 p.m. Perry's goal was to have me at the ocean on my birthday because he knows how much I like it. He made it. Thanks honey. I know you didn't feel good but you made it a wonderful birthday for me.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
I don't get it.
I absolutely love being a mom of boys. I respect men and think they are God's gift to women.
Some things, however, I just don't get.
For as long as we've had kids the rule is if you want your window down, no problem. I don't even care if the heat is on and it's freezing outside. I don't care if the air conditioner is on and it's boiling outside. If you want your window down, have it down. Now, notice that I changed the pronoun to I.............Perry, doesn't feel the same way. But, we've agreed to disagree on this so if the kids and I want the window down, he attempts to not say anything or roll his eyes or something equally wonderful like that.
The part that I don't get.............Little Miss is 5. Oh, back to the rule. The rule is that when we are pulling into a parking lot or a place where we are going to be getting out of the car, PUSH THE BUTTON THAT ROLLS THE WINDOW UP. Simple, huh? Well, apparently, not so much.
Back to Little Miss......who, did I mention is 5!!!?! For over a year now, as soon as we pull into a parking lot she will, without being told, roll up her window. So that when we stop and turn off the car her window is already up. When we pull into our driveway, she will, yes, without being told, roll up the window. When we are pulling into Perry's work, yep, roll up the window. And, she is like me and rolls it down every chance she gets so it's not like the boys have it down and she doesn't.
The boys...............when we pull into a parking lot, we shut off the car, turn around and, yep, the window is still down. Almost every single time. They have had more years to learn this important lesson and yet......................
I just don't get it. Some things I've decided will be saved for them when they are parents and Perry and I will laugh our rear ends off!!!
Some things, however, I just don't get.
For as long as we've had kids the rule is if you want your window down, no problem. I don't even care if the heat is on and it's freezing outside. I don't care if the air conditioner is on and it's boiling outside. If you want your window down, have it down. Now, notice that I changed the pronoun to I.............Perry, doesn't feel the same way. But, we've agreed to disagree on this so if the kids and I want the window down, he attempts to not say anything or roll his eyes or something equally wonderful like that.
The part that I don't get.............Little Miss is 5. Oh, back to the rule. The rule is that when we are pulling into a parking lot or a place where we are going to be getting out of the car, PUSH THE BUTTON THAT ROLLS THE WINDOW UP. Simple, huh? Well, apparently, not so much.
Back to Little Miss......who, did I mention is 5!!!?! For over a year now, as soon as we pull into a parking lot she will, without being told, roll up her window. So that when we stop and turn off the car her window is already up. When we pull into our driveway, she will, yes, without being told, roll up the window. When we are pulling into Perry's work, yep, roll up the window. And, she is like me and rolls it down every chance she gets so it's not like the boys have it down and she doesn't.
The boys...............when we pull into a parking lot, we shut off the car, turn around and, yep, the window is still down. Almost every single time. They have had more years to learn this important lesson and yet......................
I just don't get it. Some things I've decided will be saved for them when they are parents and Perry and I will laugh our rear ends off!!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Providential
Some days are....................strange.
We decided to hike from our house, walk about 1 mile up the mountain and connect with a trail that would lead us to Little Si. Kind of reversing what we normally do.
We started out at a slow, but steady pace because it's quite steep.
Within 5 minutes J was complaining because this stoopid bee would not leave him alone. He, being especially paranoid about getting stung due to his allergy, was doing everything he could think of to get this/these bee/bees to leave him alone. Finally I told him to walk back to Perry and let the bee circle Perry. This worked.
For all of 30 seconds anyway. Pretty soon all of us had a bee or bees circling us. There seemed to be nothing we could do to get rid of them. We would kill one, then 30 seconds later another would appear to start the whole stoopid circling again. We turned S's shirt inside out, just in case the flowers on her shirt were attracting them.
We sprayed our bodies with bug spray just in case it was our scent they were attracted to. We closed up any water bottles in case it was the water.
We were really close to where we would turn off onto the Little Si trail but at this point we were all paranoid of getting stung because of the stoopid bees.
Perry and I decided to head back down the mountain instead of connecting and continuing on because of the bees.
It took us about 30 minutes to walk back down the mountain. When we were close to the bottom E stopped us and remarked about the lack of bees. It then occurred to all of us that we had not had one single bee circle any of us once we had turned around and headed back down the mountain. Not a single, stoopid bee.
Thank you Lord for your, obvious, protection. I pray that we always listen to You. We may never know why we were turned around, but turned around we certainly were.
Providential indeed!!!
We decided to hike from our house, walk about 1 mile up the mountain and connect with a trail that would lead us to Little Si. Kind of reversing what we normally do.
We started out at a slow, but steady pace because it's quite steep.
Within 5 minutes J was complaining because this stoopid bee would not leave him alone. He, being especially paranoid about getting stung due to his allergy, was doing everything he could think of to get this/these bee/bees to leave him alone. Finally I told him to walk back to Perry and let the bee circle Perry. This worked.
For all of 30 seconds anyway. Pretty soon all of us had a bee or bees circling us. There seemed to be nothing we could do to get rid of them. We would kill one, then 30 seconds later another would appear to start the whole stoopid circling again. We turned S's shirt inside out, just in case the flowers on her shirt were attracting them.
We sprayed our bodies with bug spray just in case it was our scent they were attracted to. We closed up any water bottles in case it was the water.
We were really close to where we would turn off onto the Little Si trail but at this point we were all paranoid of getting stung because of the stoopid bees.
Perry and I decided to head back down the mountain instead of connecting and continuing on because of the bees.
It took us about 30 minutes to walk back down the mountain. When we were close to the bottom E stopped us and remarked about the lack of bees. It then occurred to all of us that we had not had one single bee circle any of us once we had turned around and headed back down the mountain. Not a single, stoopid bee.
Thank you Lord for your, obvious, protection. I pray that we always listen to You. We may never know why we were turned around, but turned around we certainly were.
Providential indeed!!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Homeless
I'm sure everyone drives by people, standing at intersections, holding signs lamenting lack of work, lack of home and/or lack of food. We have our fair share of this and go through phases where we stop and help. Today, was one of those days. It's always awkward knowing we have so much, but there is always the overriding thought that Perry works hard for our family.
E and I were driving away from Costco. We were each getting ready to take a bite of pizza when we saw this thin, twenty-something man holding a sign that said, "Homeless. Out of work. Anything is helpful. Starving."
Neither of us could take that bite of pizza. We had both lost our appetites. The light turned green. Off we went. I looked at E. E looked at me. "Want to go back and give him the pizza that's left in the box," I said. E was relieved.
We circled around, pulled back into Costco's parking lot. E asked if he could also give him some bottled water. "Of course," I replied. He took the 6-7 remaining pieces of pizza and a bottle of water, ran across the intersection and handed them to the extremely grateful looking man.
My heart broke as he dropped to the lawn, opened that bottle of water and chugged half of it. When we pulled back up to the intersection, ready to go home, he yelled, "Thank you so much."
One more memory for E and I. We've talked about this off and on today. It's often hard to know what is the right thing to do. This, felt right, but still weighs heavy on our hearts.
E and I were driving away from Costco. We were each getting ready to take a bite of pizza when we saw this thin, twenty-something man holding a sign that said, "Homeless. Out of work. Anything is helpful. Starving."
Neither of us could take that bite of pizza. We had both lost our appetites. The light turned green. Off we went. I looked at E. E looked at me. "Want to go back and give him the pizza that's left in the box," I said. E was relieved.
We circled around, pulled back into Costco's parking lot. E asked if he could also give him some bottled water. "Of course," I replied. He took the 6-7 remaining pieces of pizza and a bottle of water, ran across the intersection and handed them to the extremely grateful looking man.
My heart broke as he dropped to the lawn, opened that bottle of water and chugged half of it. When we pulled back up to the intersection, ready to go home, he yelled, "Thank you so much."
One more memory for E and I. We've talked about this off and on today. It's often hard to know what is the right thing to do. This, felt right, but still weighs heavy on our hearts.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sometimes It's Better Not To Look
Oh. My. Word.
I sent the 3 younger kids outside to play. I'm watching out the window and see Serena get the trapeze bar swinging by grabbing ahold of the rings hanging below it, swing her legs up and over the bar, still swinging. She then hooks her knees over the bar and lets go, still swinging. She grabs ahold again, swings her body at an odd angle and flips off the trapeze swing. The momentum sending her into a run. Either that or fall flat on her face.
It is completely different when her brothers do it. Their hands either reach or come really close to reaching the ground when they hang upside down. She's a good 18 inches from the ground.
The only comment I made to her, even though I really wanted to tell her to just s.t.o.p., was she couldn't be in a full swing when she does this.
Whatever happened to sitting on the floor coloring? Isn't that what girls are supposed to do?
I sent the 3 younger kids outside to play. I'm watching out the window and see Serena get the trapeze bar swinging by grabbing ahold of the rings hanging below it, swing her legs up and over the bar, still swinging. She then hooks her knees over the bar and lets go, still swinging. She grabs ahold again, swings her body at an odd angle and flips off the trapeze swing. The momentum sending her into a run. Either that or fall flat on her face.
It is completely different when her brothers do it. Their hands either reach or come really close to reaching the ground when they hang upside down. She's a good 18 inches from the ground.
The only comment I made to her, even though I really wanted to tell her to just s.t.o.p., was she couldn't be in a full swing when she does this.
Whatever happened to sitting on the floor coloring? Isn't that what girls are supposed to do?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Fourth
It has been really nice to have Perry home a little more often. His job is a demanding job. He's good at what he does. This weekend he was needed at work, but due to the wonderful technology that is life he was able to do the same work from home. It was interesting watching him work and always gives better insight to what a demanding job he has.
Today, we went for a bike ride. We haven't been on a long bike ride in forever and boy oh boy did I feel every one of S's 40 pounds. We all struggled, but finally reached our destination where the kiddos swam for awhile.
The ride back totally rocks because it's all downhill. We made awesome time. We then ate hamburgers and lit fireworks. We had watered our woods and lawn because when we did fireworks earlier in the day we started a small grass fire at our neighbor's. Thankfully, there were no fires from our night fireworks.
The only remarkable, besides being exhausting, occurrence from our bike ride was when a medium size dog came running at us, viciously snarling, lunging towards our legs. Perry, being the ever fearless man he is, managed to plant himself between the dog and the rest of us. This is not an easy feat when there's 6 of us, but we were all happy to get behind him. He courageously kept the dog away from us while we quietly and slowly got on our bikes and kept going.
I asked him later if he was ever scared. Because, let's be real here, I sure was. I really thought one of us was going to have a dog's jaw wrapped around a leg. He said, "No, I wasn't scared that I would get hurt, but I was afraid for the rest of you because it had to come by you before I could get to you." My knight in shining armor. I love you, hon. I'm sure glad you're with me.
Today, we went for a bike ride. We haven't been on a long bike ride in forever and boy oh boy did I feel every one of S's 40 pounds. We all struggled, but finally reached our destination where the kiddos swam for awhile.
The ride back totally rocks because it's all downhill. We made awesome time. We then ate hamburgers and lit fireworks. We had watered our woods and lawn because when we did fireworks earlier in the day we started a small grass fire at our neighbor's. Thankfully, there were no fires from our night fireworks.
The only remarkable, besides being exhausting, occurrence from our bike ride was when a medium size dog came running at us, viciously snarling, lunging towards our legs. Perry, being the ever fearless man he is, managed to plant himself between the dog and the rest of us. This is not an easy feat when there's 6 of us, but we were all happy to get behind him. He courageously kept the dog away from us while we quietly and slowly got on our bikes and kept going.
I asked him later if he was ever scared. Because, let's be real here, I sure was. I really thought one of us was going to have a dog's jaw wrapped around a leg. He said, "No, I wasn't scared that I would get hurt, but I was afraid for the rest of you because it had to come by you before I could get to you." My knight in shining armor. I love you, hon. I'm sure glad you're with me.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Can You Say EWWWW!
S and I were walking around looking at different garage sales. I felt something down the front of my shirt. Because I didn't want to freak out in front of a lot of people have more control of myself as I get older I carefully looked down my shirt to see what exactly was down it.
Turns out it was a lady bug. Ahhhh!! How cute.
I called S over because she likes to let lady bugs crawl on her hands. I, however, don't feel the same way so I told her to take it off my shirt. In the process of this, somehow it didn't go according to plan and then instead of a cute, little lady bug crawling inside my shirt, I then had lady bug guts sliding against my skin.
I then took a yellow flower (did you know lady bug guts are yellow) and scraped the "guts" off and pretended all day that there was just the yellow from the dandelions on my shirt.
EWWWWWW!!!!!
It's all in the mind baby, all in the mind.
At least that's what I kept telling myself.
Turns out it was a lady bug. Ahhhh!! How cute.
I called S over because she likes to let lady bugs crawl on her hands. I, however, don't feel the same way so I told her to take it off my shirt. In the process of this, somehow it didn't go according to plan and then instead of a cute, little lady bug crawling inside my shirt, I then had lady bug guts sliding against my skin.
I then took a yellow flower (did you know lady bug guts are yellow) and scraped the "guts" off and pretended all day that there was just the yellow from the dandelions on my shirt.
EWWWWWW!!!!!
It's all in the mind baby, all in the mind.
At least that's what I kept telling myself.
Gentle Girls
It is not unknown here how much M doesn't like girls. Even though we have all assured him that, 'This too shall pass." However, he has disliked girls with an intensity that is so HIM.
Enter in to this complicated equation two gentle, soft-spoken, fun girls. One is 10, the other is 8. When they are over he'll want to play with them and S will get so upset. She's never had to compete with him for her girl friends.
I'm just glad that there are girls like these two that have completely changed his view on girls. It is all completely innocent and friendly and the girls are two of the sweetest girls I know.
Enter in to this complicated equation two gentle, soft-spoken, fun girls. One is 10, the other is 8. When they are over he'll want to play with them and S will get so upset. She's never had to compete with him for her girl friends.
I'm just glad that there are girls like these two that have completely changed his view on girls. It is all completely innocent and friendly and the girls are two of the sweetest girls I know.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Words
Today Little Miss and I were visiting with my mom. Checking in on her before we left for the day. Little Miss asked to see her stitches or lack thereof because they've been taken out.
My mom lifted her shirt and said, "Grandma, you should clean it better."
To which my mom replied, "It's too tender."
"What does tender mean?"
My mom said, "Well, tender means it hurts to touch it."
S said, "Well, tender also means soft."
My mom lifted her shirt and said, "Grandma, you should clean it better."
To which my mom replied, "It's too tender."
"What does tender mean?"
My mom said, "Well, tender means it hurts to touch it."
S said, "Well, tender also means soft."
14th birthday pictures
Happy 14th birthday E!!
M and J-man
We went to my mom's deck so she could join us. There's a really funny story behind this picture, but I'm too tired to do it justice.
I was laughing so hard the camera was shaking.
Silverwood/Camping
I just had to take this picture. What it doesn't show is that M was crying because he wanted 
We had just finished a long, but satisfying day at Silverwood. It was after 7 and we were waiting for Perry to finish changing.
This was the single most important item that we took camping.
Just like Will Farrell!!
Perry doesn't know what he was missing. It was all of 5 a.m. here. Maybe 4:45. See the tent on the upper right of the screen? Those were the Party Guys. I would've invited them for coffee. What? 4 hours of sleep isn't enough? No way!!!
Pictures from Camping/Silverwood
This is what Perry saw when he looked in his rear-view mirror.
Waiting ever so patiently to get going.
We're 
Silverwood - Right before we took Perry on About E's Birthday Letter
Once Upon A Time a son walked into a room and his mom was crying.
"What's the matter Mom."
"I'm writing your birthday letter."
Son walks away saying, "I can't wait to read it. This must be good."
So, today, I set it to post at 6:26 on 6/26/09. I know he gets up early and is dying to read it.
And.............it didn't post.
But.............here it is, son.
"What's the matter Mom."
"I'm writing your birthday letter."
Son walks away saying, "I can't wait to read it. This must be good."
So, today, I set it to post at 6:26 on 6/26/09. I know he gets up early and is dying to read it.
And.............it didn't post.
But.............here it is, son.
Happy 14th Brithday - Birthday Boy
Dear Oldest Son of Mine,
Wow - The years have been so good to us. You are growing into a young man. I could talk more about that on this 14th birthday of yours, but I want to address one specific character trait about you instead.
What I see, unequivocally, as your greatest asset, you see as your greatest flaw. Now, dear son, you know that I am always right, so listen carefully.
Your ability to feel and embrace your emotions. Let that sink in for a moment.
Truly, I know you would like to be able to be stone-faced and not FEEL like you do, but what allows you to FEEL also allows you to forgive. Quickly. Easily. Forever.
You don't hold grudges. You totally and completely accept your responsibility for any wrong you may have committed. This is HUGE. It is a large premise of our parenting. Accept responsibility for your own actions. Accept your part. Then, move on.
You have already learned what many adults cannot/will not do.
I love talking to you. I will miss you so much next year when you spread your wings and soar. You won't just fly. You will soar, like an eagle ( Isaiah 40:31). I am ready to let you soar. What a poignant moment we are entering with you.
I know you were nervous when we introduced you to the people at your new school. I know they were thinking "typical" homeschooler when I talked to them on the phone.
Then,..............they met you, you looked them in the eye, shook their hand, they started softening. By the end of both meetings, they were anticipating your move into their school and what you and your personality would bring.
Lij, the ability to embrace your feelings and accept them and deal with them is huge. As your dad says, it's a double-edged sword. And, yes, I agree, but it also makes for some wonderful relationships. Deep, lasting relationships. Meaningful relationships.
You were our smallest baby. You slept on my chest so I could feel you breathing. Your dad just brought an outfit to me and said, "Why are you keeping this?" I do not keep a lot of material items, but I just couldn't part with the preemie outfit that was too big on you. It is so tiny, it looks like a doll outfit. It's hard to imagine the tiny baby you were to the broad-shouldered teenager you have become.
You were not an easy baby nor an easy toddler (that would be an understatement actually), but you have turned into the best son one could possibly wish for. I pray the rest of your life is as blessed to you as you are a blessing to us.
Know that you are loved.
Greatly.
Wow - The years have been so good to us. You are growing into a young man. I could talk more about that on this 14th birthday of yours, but I want to address one specific character trait about you instead.
What I see, unequivocally, as your greatest asset, you see as your greatest flaw. Now, dear son, you know that I am always right, so listen carefully.
Your ability to feel and embrace your emotions. Let that sink in for a moment.
Truly, I know you would like to be able to be stone-faced and not FEEL like you do, but what allows you to FEEL also allows you to forgive. Quickly. Easily. Forever.
You don't hold grudges. You totally and completely accept your responsibility for any wrong you may have committed. This is HUGE. It is a large premise of our parenting. Accept responsibility for your own actions. Accept your part. Then, move on.
You have already learned what many adults cannot/will not do.
I love talking to you. I will miss you so much next year when you spread your wings and soar. You won't just fly. You will soar, like an eagle ( Isaiah 40:31). I am ready to let you soar. What a poignant moment we are entering with you.
I know you were nervous when we introduced you to the people at your new school. I know they were thinking "typical" homeschooler when I talked to them on the phone.
Then,..............they met you, you looked them in the eye, shook their hand, they started softening. By the end of both meetings, they were anticipating your move into their school and what you and your personality would bring.
Lij, the ability to embrace your feelings and accept them and deal with them is huge. As your dad says, it's a double-edged sword. And, yes, I agree, but it also makes for some wonderful relationships. Deep, lasting relationships. Meaningful relationships.
You were our smallest baby. You slept on my chest so I could feel you breathing. Your dad just brought an outfit to me and said, "Why are you keeping this?" I do not keep a lot of material items, but I just couldn't part with the preemie outfit that was too big on you. It is so tiny, it looks like a doll outfit. It's hard to imagine the tiny baby you were to the broad-shouldered teenager you have become.
You were not an easy baby nor an easy toddler (that would be an understatement actually), but you have turned into the best son one could possibly wish for. I pray the rest of your life is as blessed to you as you are a blessing to us.
Know that you are loved.
Greatly.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I like to smile
When I asked M what he wanted for a cake, remember we have very specific tastes here, he replied, "A pikmin cake."
"What exactly does a pikmin look like?" I inquired. M told me togoogle bing it, so I did.
Hours later, lotsa food coloring and dye later, E, S and I had made a pikmin cake for M. He loved it. This made me smile.
When we were waiting for everything to come together so we could light the candles, M was so happy and smiling. He looked so handsome. He looked so excited and confident. This made me smile.
When I highlighted E's hair last night. He let me have free reign to do what I wanted. This made me smile.
When E let me fix his hair, like a movie star, even though he knew his one brother, who will remain anonymous, would tease him. This made me smile. And, his hair looked really good. That was just a bonus.
While decorating the cake, somehow S managed to get blue food coloring all over her pink jogging pants. This didn't exactly make me smile, but whatever, she has lots of pants. However, when she undressed to get in the bath with me and her hiney was blue. This made me smile. And laugh. But, then I wasn't allowed to laugh. But then I was. You never know if you're allowed to or not.
Then when Perry promised not to laugh she told him to come in and look at her hiney. We were laughing and he couldn't figure out why because the blue had faded just enough that now it looked like a huge bruise. His reaction made us smile.
When S told J and I that she was going to marry someone as close to, as just like her daddy as she could. This made me smile.
When she explained that it was because he "protects his kids and wife and makes us all feel safe." This melted my heart.
When J-man showed me his new "trick" and it was blowing bubbles way up and over the rim of his milk cup. This made me smile. And think that his brothers used to do that all. the. time.
When Perry came homeon time early for him. This made me smile.
When Perry took S and I to see the sunset at The Falls and swung her over the Jumping Logs. This made me smile.
When S informed my mom and I that she, too, is sometimes, "shellfish". This made me smile. Then when she informed us, very seriously, that she feels bad about being, "shellfish". I smiled some more. I don't think I could stop smiling.
What a blessed day.
"What exactly does a pikmin look like?" I inquired. M told me to
Hours later, lotsa food coloring and dye later, E, S and I had made a pikmin cake for M. He loved it. This made me smile.
When we were waiting for everything to come together so we could light the candles, M was so happy and smiling. He looked so handsome. He looked so excited and confident. This made me smile.
When I highlighted E's hair last night. He let me have free reign to do what I wanted. This made me smile.
When E let me fix his hair, like a movie star, even though he knew his one brother, who will remain anonymous, would tease him. This made me smile. And, his hair looked really good. That was just a bonus.
While decorating the cake, somehow S managed to get blue food coloring all over her pink jogging pants. This didn't exactly make me smile, but whatever, she has lots of pants. However, when she undressed to get in the bath with me and her hiney was blue. This made me smile. And laugh. But, then I wasn't allowed to laugh. But then I was. You never know if you're allowed to or not.
Then when Perry promised not to laugh she told him to come in and look at her hiney. We were laughing and he couldn't figure out why because the blue had faded just enough that now it looked like a huge bruise. His reaction made us smile.
When S told J and I that she was going to marry someone as close to, as just like her daddy as she could. This made me smile.
When she explained that it was because he "protects his kids and wife and makes us all feel safe." This melted my heart.
When J-man showed me his new "trick" and it was blowing bubbles way up and over the rim of his milk cup. This made me smile. And think that his brothers used to do that all. the. time.
When Perry came home
When Perry took S and I to see the sunset at The Falls and swung her over the Jumping Logs. This made me smile.
When S informed my mom and I that she, too, is sometimes, "shellfish". This made me smile. Then when she informed us, very seriously, that she feels bad about being, "shellfish". I smiled some more. I don't think I could stop smiling.
What a blessed day.
Happy Birthday Middle Son Of Mine
Dear M,
Happy 10th birthday. Double digits. Wahoooooo!
You have been, by far, our toughest child to raise. We know, if we can do this right, that what makes you tough to raise will also make you a very strong adult/man. You can't imagine how often your dad and I pray that we do it right.
You love heights. Anything high up exhilarates you. You scare people half to death with your fearlessness of heights. I remember when you were 1 and 1/2 years old, we were playing with some friends at a park. I had J-man in a snuggly on my front. My friend softly said to me, "Michele, I don't want to frighten you, but M is, um, up there." She was pointing wayyyy up.
My heart dropped. You were on the roof of the play structure. The play structure that was about 15 feet high. I quickly handed her J-man. She gathered all the other kids. I remember getting as close to you as I could and then directing you, softly, carefully to climb back down. Praying the whole time you wouldn't fall. It was a square structure so you would've fallen all the way to the ground if you had fallen.
It scared me to death. You were fine and had no idea of the danger you were in. I watched you like a hawk the rest of the time. Kind of ruined the fun time I was having.
That same year you ran ahead with your brothers to some bleachers. I was walking, carrying J-man, with a different friend. The bleachers that were already 10 feet tall or so also had a chain-link fence off the back that was another 7-8 feet tall. Once I realized what you were going to do I ran, yelling at you, "Do not climb that."
You did anyway. I remember arriving at the bleachers, climbing them, still holding J-man, wondering what I was going to do with him while I rescued you. You had climbed up the bleachers, up the fence and climbed over the top so you were on the back of the fence with only hard dirt 17-18 feet below you. You weren't scared. I was terrified.
Friend stood below the bleachers where you would hopefully land if you fell. I climbed the fence, pulled you back over, all the while praying the fence would hold our combined weight. I had set J-man in Friend's stroller so both of us would have our hands free.
Your greatest gift from God is your mathematical ability. Your mind thinks in numbers/percents/decimals, etc. It is interesting to hear you and how your mind works. You will come up to me and say something like, "Mom, did you know the half percent of the tenth of the decimal of blah, blah, blah is 5.218? My reply, while attempting to figure out if you are correct, is usually, "Ahhh, no I didn't know that." To which you will reply, "Yep, that's it. Now you know."
Recently you told me that once you figured out how many seconds were in a day, blah, blah, blah was easier to figure out. I wasn't aware 9 year old's just one day decide to figure out how many seconds are in the day.
I was reading a blog and found a post about you. Scroll down to Difficult Child - June 21st.
Yeehawwwwww!!! I think I managed my first link. Oh, yeah........this is about M. Okay.
Anyway.........all you kids fit this description, but you are definitely at the top. But, you are our child and we love you and rise to the challenge of raising you into a Godly, gentleman.
Next year was going to be your first year of public school, but after spending our vacation time with you and your younger two siblings, we decided to continue homeschooling you and your two younger siblings until high school.
I am looking forward to letting you be the "oldest" instead of the "middlest". I think it will be good for you and look forward to seeing you operate outside your older siblings influence.
Thank you for teaching me so much about patience. You, J and E were instrumental in shaping me into the mom I am today.
When you were a baby, toddler and preschooler you didn't like any stranger (which included just about everyone) to touch you. You spent most of your time in my arms. I remember being pregnant, wayyyy pregnant with J-man. J and I had to get blood work done because he was so very sick and I was pg. I took all of you to the lab with me because your dad was working.
I sat you in the stroller, having E stand by you holding your hand. I sat 3 feet away in the chair holding J on my non-existent lap for the blood work. I sat still without flinching, of course, while they did my blood work. J decided that was quite easy and obviously didn't hurt and just stuck his arm out for his blood work.
Once the needle pierced his skin he absolutely freaked out and became this little screaming, biting, scratching terror. You started screaming in your stroller because J was screaming. I was still trying to hold J, but he kept slipping down my legs. A nice lady said she would pick you up and you then completely freaked out while I was trying to tell her that you would do better if she handed you to 4 year old E. She didn't believe me, I kept trying to hold J in my non-existent lap while you screamed and reached for me. It was a nightmare.
I was so glad to gather all of you, leave the lab where I strolled to a bench, put as many of you in my lap, against me as I could and held everyone until we had calmed down. People looked strangely at us. I assured everyone we were okay and just needed to be left alone.
I just want your wife to know that I will absolutely come to any blood work she needs to do and hold any babies so she doesn't have to go through this kind of experience.
Right now you only want a wife because I told you you have to be married to have kids and you do want kids. I promise you, sometime soon, that you will actually WANT a wife to go along with those kids.
I am looking forward to watching your face as you experience new things this next year. I think this next year will be a year of maturity for you. I'm looking forward to watching you grow into a man.
I pray for you daily and am glad that God gave you to me. I love you my dear son.
Happy 10th birthday. Double digits. Wahoooooo!
You have been, by far, our toughest child to raise. We know, if we can do this right, that what makes you tough to raise will also make you a very strong adult/man. You can't imagine how often your dad and I pray that we do it right.
You love heights. Anything high up exhilarates you. You scare people half to death with your fearlessness of heights. I remember when you were 1 and 1/2 years old, we were playing with some friends at a park. I had J-man in a snuggly on my front. My friend softly said to me, "Michele, I don't want to frighten you, but M is, um, up there." She was pointing wayyyy up.
My heart dropped. You were on the roof of the play structure. The play structure that was about 15 feet high. I quickly handed her J-man. She gathered all the other kids. I remember getting as close to you as I could and then directing you, softly, carefully to climb back down. Praying the whole time you wouldn't fall. It was a square structure so you would've fallen all the way to the ground if you had fallen.
It scared me to death. You were fine and had no idea of the danger you were in. I watched you like a hawk the rest of the time. Kind of ruined the fun time I was having.
That same year you ran ahead with your brothers to some bleachers. I was walking, carrying J-man, with a different friend. The bleachers that were already 10 feet tall or so also had a chain-link fence off the back that was another 7-8 feet tall. Once I realized what you were going to do I ran, yelling at you, "Do not climb that."
You did anyway. I remember arriving at the bleachers, climbing them, still holding J-man, wondering what I was going to do with him while I rescued you. You had climbed up the bleachers, up the fence and climbed over the top so you were on the back of the fence with only hard dirt 17-18 feet below you. You weren't scared. I was terrified.
Friend stood below the bleachers where you would hopefully land if you fell. I climbed the fence, pulled you back over, all the while praying the fence would hold our combined weight. I had set J-man in Friend's stroller so both of us would have our hands free.
You have more control now. Thank God. You still don't fear heights, but if I told you not to climb something, you would obey. Thank God.
Your greatest gift from God is your mathematical ability. Your mind thinks in numbers/percents/decimals, etc. It is interesting to hear you and how your mind works. You will come up to me and say something like, "Mom, did you know the half percent of the tenth of the decimal of blah, blah, blah is 5.218? My reply, while attempting to figure out if you are correct, is usually, "Ahhh, no I didn't know that." To which you will reply, "Yep, that's it. Now you know."
Recently you told me that once you figured out how many seconds were in a day, blah, blah, blah was easier to figure out. I wasn't aware 9 year old's just one day decide to figure out how many seconds are in the day.
I was reading a blog and found a post about you. Scroll down to Difficult Child - June 21st.
Yeehawwwwww!!! I think I managed my first link. Oh, yeah........this is about M. Okay.
Anyway.........all you kids fit this description, but you are definitely at the top. But, you are our child and we love you and rise to the challenge of raising you into a Godly, gentleman.
Next year was going to be your first year of public school, but after spending our vacation time with you and your younger two siblings, we decided to continue homeschooling you and your two younger siblings until high school.
I am looking forward to letting you be the "oldest" instead of the "middlest". I think it will be good for you and look forward to seeing you operate outside your older siblings influence.
Thank you for teaching me so much about patience. You, J and E were instrumental in shaping me into the mom I am today.
When you were a baby, toddler and preschooler you didn't like any stranger (which included just about everyone) to touch you. You spent most of your time in my arms. I remember being pregnant, wayyyy pregnant with J-man. J and I had to get blood work done because he was so very sick and I was pg. I took all of you to the lab with me because your dad was working.
I sat you in the stroller, having E stand by you holding your hand. I sat 3 feet away in the chair holding J on my non-existent lap for the blood work. I sat still without flinching, of course, while they did my blood work. J decided that was quite easy and obviously didn't hurt and just stuck his arm out for his blood work.
Once the needle pierced his skin he absolutely freaked out and became this little screaming, biting, scratching terror. You started screaming in your stroller because J was screaming. I was still trying to hold J, but he kept slipping down my legs. A nice lady said she would pick you up and you then completely freaked out while I was trying to tell her that you would do better if she handed you to 4 year old E. She didn't believe me, I kept trying to hold J in my non-existent lap while you screamed and reached for me. It was a nightmare.
I was so glad to gather all of you, leave the lab where I strolled to a bench, put as many of you in my lap, against me as I could and held everyone until we had calmed down. People looked strangely at us. I assured everyone we were okay and just needed to be left alone.
I just want your wife to know that I will absolutely come to any blood work she needs to do and hold any babies so she doesn't have to go through this kind of experience.
Right now you only want a wife because I told you you have to be married to have kids and you do want kids. I promise you, sometime soon, that you will actually WANT a wife to go along with those kids.
I am looking forward to watching your face as you experience new things this next year. I think this next year will be a year of maturity for you. I'm looking forward to watching you grow into a man.
I pray for you daily and am glad that God gave you to me. I love you my dear son.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Rest
First off - My mom came home today. She is healing well and glad to be home. The Lord has really spared her a lot of pain through this illness for which we are all thankful.
Time seemed to be elusive for us. Everything took longer than expected and none of us cared.
We arrived at the campground hours later than we expected. The teenagers and our boys took it upon themselves to erect our tent. What a huge blessing.
I scurried around getting everything else ready while Perry unloaded the canoes and bicycles. The tent was up before we knew it. We managed to change the dinner plans since I didn't get the message that someone dropped out of our group and didn't bring extra hot dogs. Whoops!! It all worked in the end.
I felt like we were in a different state. The campground and the surrounding 26 mile lake was formed from the Grand Coulee Dam (we did go see the dam and watch the incredible light show). We climbed to the top of the Mesa. It was a really steep climb with a lot of volcanic, loose rock. We were told that if we went to the farthest point we would get cell phone service to call and see how my mom was. We did manage to get there, carrying rocks (Perry's idea because the people we were with were a bit on the fearful side of there being snakes and scared Little Miss half to death) to kill any unsuspecting snakes with.
We didn't actually see any snakes, but not for lack of looking. Nor did we mange to get enough cell phone service to call my mom. Oh well. We tried.
It was beautiful up there. Had J not poured a bottle of water in his eye attempting to cleanse it because it was stinging we may have hiked to the other side. As it was, we were all hot and tired and it was a very steep climb back down.
The days were filled with biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, canoeing and lots and lots of swimming. The swimming was awesome. We usually had a gaggle of different aged kids/teenagers with us wherever we went. S absolutely loved having girls around her all the time.
The water was really shallow near the shore in many areas. I would take a group of kids and see how far we could walk, always telling them to look for a dark area because there were a lot of sudden drop offs. We would either canoe or walk/swim across this little area and go get a mocha or ice cream from the concession stand.
The kids would jump the sand dunes, ride bicycles and scooters all around and visit from campsite to campsite. Each evening brought dinner together for all the families.
Night would roll around, our boys would build a fire and kids would gather around to roast marshmallows, potatoes, blueberries, biscuits, you name it, they roasted it. S'mores were made and eaten.
We would drop into the tent completely exhausted wishing for sleep, but instead would stay awake to the sound of people laughing, wood being chopped, partying being enjoyed. We were fortunate enough to be between two campsites, fathers/sons, that went to bed around 1-2.
Funny thing though...............the older two kids, Perry and I woke between 5 and 6. Every. Single. Morning. Not sure why, but payback being what it is and all................I'm sure the Party Guys appreciated it.
We did meet and enjoy them it was just funny the different hours we kept. Which forced both parties to adapt to the other. Hard to sleep when you're all of 20 feet from the other people who aren't sleeping.
We left a little early because Perry's air conditioner in the white suburban went out. We are all sporting new tans and/or sunburns depending on who you are, lots and lots of bug bites and sore bodies from the non-stop activities.
We all definitely want to go back again. For now though the battle of the sand begins. I, after awhile, just slept in the sand that wiggled its way into every part of the tent. It was absolutely every where. Much better than mud though. It did feel good squishing between our toes in the water. Not so much in the clothes.
Now, we prepare for two birthday's.
Time seemed to be elusive for us. Everything took longer than expected and none of us cared.
We arrived at the campground hours later than we expected. The teenagers and our boys took it upon themselves to erect our tent. What a huge blessing.
I scurried around getting everything else ready while Perry unloaded the canoes and bicycles. The tent was up before we knew it. We managed to change the dinner plans since I didn't get the message that someone dropped out of our group and didn't bring extra hot dogs. Whoops!! It all worked in the end.
I felt like we were in a different state. The campground and the surrounding 26 mile lake was formed from the Grand Coulee Dam (we did go see the dam and watch the incredible light show). We climbed to the top of the Mesa. It was a really steep climb with a lot of volcanic, loose rock. We were told that if we went to the farthest point we would get cell phone service to call and see how my mom was. We did manage to get there, carrying rocks (Perry's idea because the people we were with were a bit on the fearful side of there being snakes and scared Little Miss half to death) to kill any unsuspecting snakes with.
We didn't actually see any snakes, but not for lack of looking. Nor did we mange to get enough cell phone service to call my mom. Oh well. We tried.
It was beautiful up there. Had J not poured a bottle of water in his eye attempting to cleanse it because it was stinging we may have hiked to the other side. As it was, we were all hot and tired and it was a very steep climb back down.
The days were filled with biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, canoeing and lots and lots of swimming. The swimming was awesome. We usually had a gaggle of different aged kids/teenagers with us wherever we went. S absolutely loved having girls around her all the time.
The water was really shallow near the shore in many areas. I would take a group of kids and see how far we could walk, always telling them to look for a dark area because there were a lot of sudden drop offs. We would either canoe or walk/swim across this little area and go get a mocha or ice cream from the concession stand.
The kids would jump the sand dunes, ride bicycles and scooters all around and visit from campsite to campsite. Each evening brought dinner together for all the families.
Night would roll around, our boys would build a fire and kids would gather around to roast marshmallows, potatoes, blueberries, biscuits, you name it, they roasted it. S'mores were made and eaten.
We would drop into the tent completely exhausted wishing for sleep, but instead would stay awake to the sound of people laughing, wood being chopped, partying being enjoyed. We were fortunate enough to be between two campsites, fathers/sons, that went to bed around 1-2.
Funny thing though...............the older two kids, Perry and I woke between 5 and 6. Every. Single. Morning. Not sure why, but payback being what it is and all................I'm sure the Party Guys appreciated it.
We did meet and enjoy them it was just funny the different hours we kept. Which forced both parties to adapt to the other. Hard to sleep when you're all of 20 feet from the other people who aren't sleeping.
We left a little early because Perry's air conditioner in the white suburban went out. We are all sporting new tans and/or sunburns depending on who you are, lots and lots of bug bites and sore bodies from the non-stop activities.
We all definitely want to go back again. For now though the battle of the sand begins. I, after awhile, just slept in the sand that wiggled its way into every part of the tent. It was absolutely every where. Much better than mud though. It did feel good squishing between our toes in the water. Not so much in the clothes.
Now, we prepare for two birthday's.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Silverwood
We had a complete blast at Silverwood. Well, there was that one incident when two kids went missing. Well, not exactly missing, but we couldn't find them. They couldn't find us. Yada, yada, yada, It all worked out and it wasn't the youngest two so...........
Oh, well there was also the fact that when we arrived at Silverwood we realized that the Swimsuit Bag (that's the formal name for swimsuits in a bag) was not in the suburban.
Okay, then.
It was determined that I would just go in to Silverwood with the kids while Perry drove back to our Idahome and picked up not only the Swimsuit Bag, but towels and coats.
It only took him 2.5 hours to get back to us.
Oh, and, well, knowing how much Perrydetests loves rides, S grabbed his hand and led him straight to a twirly ride. That makes it sound like S knows he doesn't like rides. She doesn't know. I do.
Anyhoo, after the ride we ate a quick bite and Serena talked him into one more. We had already been on this ride, but let me tell you with Perry's extra weight in there we went spinning and spinning and twirling and twirling and spinning. IT WAS SO FREAKING AWESOME. For S and I anyway.
I tried really, really hard to stop laughing. So did S. It was just so much fun all that spinning.
Perry managed not to vomit. His face didn't actually turn green, but it was pretty darn close.
We took pity on him and went on the log-ride next. That was more hisspin speed.
We all found each other and went to the water park. It was great. I think S and I were in the water for the next 4-5 hours. It was really quite cold if you were out of the water so we spent most of our time in the Wave Pool or Lazy River. They offer free life-jackets which S wore the whole time.
M and J-man were with Perry, S and I 95% of the time. We would all hook our inner tubes together with S leading the way. She was FAST. M and J-man would alternately flip on and off the tube, more or less staying up with us.
At one point I decided I would like to just lay on top of the tube and enjoy the scenery. I told Perry I trust him to make sure I do not go under any waterfalls.
I am hear to say that I meant I am trusting him and so I did. Just to test me he decided to bring me just as close to as many waterfalls as he could without actually getting me wet just to see what I would do and then pull me away at the last second. It was funny. The kids laughed while I laid there. Sure in the knowledge that he would make sure I didn't go under any waterfalls.
He kept his word, barely, but that worked for me.
When we left we met a new friend at a campsite who fed us hot dogs and the kids roasted marshmallows. We really enjoyed their company and invited them to our house when they go through the Seattle area in August.
We arrived back at our Idahome around 11 p.m., exhausted, and dropped into bed .
S is snuggling E on the couch. We have three hours until checkout and a lot to do until then.
My mom's surgery was successful. They removed the cancerous tumor. The doc said her liver is a little beat up because of the chemo, but he didn't see any other cancer. I'm sure that is great news to her. We will attempt to call her when she's moved out of the ICU. Which, prayerfully, will be today.
We are looking forward to starting our camping portion of our vacation.
Oh, well there was also the fact that when we arrived at Silverwood we realized that the Swimsuit Bag (that's the formal name for swimsuits in a bag) was not in the suburban.
Okay, then.
It was determined that I would just go in to Silverwood with the kids while Perry drove back to our Idahome and picked up not only the Swimsuit Bag, but towels and coats.
It only took him 2.5 hours to get back to us.
Oh, and, well, knowing how much Perry
Anyhoo, after the ride we ate a quick bite and Serena talked him into one more. We had already been on this ride, but let me tell you with Perry's extra weight in there we went spinning and spinning and twirling and twirling and spinning. IT WAS SO FREAKING AWESOME. For S and I anyway.
I tried really, really hard to stop laughing. So did S. It was just so much fun all that spinning.
Perry managed not to vomit. His face didn't actually turn green, but it was pretty darn close.
We took pity on him and went on the log-ride next. That was more his
We all found each other and went to the water park. It was great. I think S and I were in the water for the next 4-5 hours. It was really quite cold if you were out of the water so we spent most of our time in the Wave Pool or Lazy River. They offer free life-jackets which S wore the whole time.
M and J-man were with Perry, S and I 95% of the time. We would all hook our inner tubes together with S leading the way. She was FAST. M and J-man would alternately flip on and off the tube, more or less staying up with us.
At one point I decided I would like to just lay on top of the tube and enjoy the scenery. I told Perry I trust him to make sure I do not go under any waterfalls.
I am hear to say that I meant I am trusting him and so I did. Just to test me he decided to bring me just as close to as many waterfalls as he could without actually getting me wet just to see what I would do and then pull me away at the last second. It was funny. The kids laughed while I laid there. Sure in the knowledge that he would make sure I didn't go under any waterfalls.
He kept his word, barely, but that worked for me.
When we left we met a new friend at a campsite who fed us hot dogs and the kids roasted marshmallows. We really enjoyed their company and invited them to our house when they go through the Seattle area in August.
We arrived back at our Idahome around 11 p.m., exhausted, and dropped into bed .
S is snuggling E on the couch. We have three hours until checkout and a lot to do until then.
My mom's surgery was successful. They removed the cancerous tumor. The doc said her liver is a little beat up because of the chemo, but he didn't see any other cancer. I'm sure that is great news to her. We will attempt to call her when she's moved out of the ICU. Which, prayerfully, will be today.
We are looking forward to starting our camping portion of our vacation.
First Destination
We, after a few false starts, and 5 hours and 45 minutes after we planned on leaving, finally left.
I only felt like the canoe was going to fly off the suburban once. We pulled over. Perry fixed it and then I decided that I was simply going to have to trust the 6 straps that were holding it on the suburban.
We stoppedmany times around 7 p.m. to eat dinner at Perkins. At 8 p.m. we were finally getting our food. We ate in 15 minutes and headed back out the wrong way.
Ithought I was following Perry'sirection. Elijah was saying, "No, the GPS says go straight." I turned anyway. It must say something good about me that I followed Perry's direction over the GPS. I'll follow you anywhere baby!!
However, turns out that's not what he was telling me. At least that's his story.
Sgns get confusing at times. We laughed really hard. Found a way to turn around, sure we were going to be going wayyyyy out of our way, but this time we did trust the GPS and we just couldn't see the entrance back to the freeway it was talking about.
We arrived at our Idahome (the kids nicknamed it) around 10 p.m. Pretty good since I had planned on arriving around 1 p.m. We then unpacked and loaded back into one suburban to go get a swimsuit for E.
Somehow we got lost again. Perry so eloquentlygrabbed took the GPS out of my hands and programmed it himself.
We may or may not have attempted to drop into bed by midnight. And........since we're on vacation E and J woke us up at 7 (apparently to pray for my mom) because we didn't really have to get up until 9 a.m.
The three youngest are sleeping. They are smart like that.
We are going to go to Silverwood/Boulder Beach today. It is bright and sunny.
E is fixing me more coffee because when I looked at what he brought me it was full of grounds. Ewwww.......not exactly like a chocolate covered coffee bean.
Pretend like all the letters are correct above because for some silly reason I can't edit it and it's getting worse every time I try. :-)
Please keep my mom's surgery and recovery in your prayers.
I only felt like the canoe was going to fly off the suburban once. We pulled over. Perry fixed it and then I decided that I was simply going to have to trust the 6 straps that were holding it on the suburban.
We stopped
I
However, turns out that's not what he was telling me. At least that's his story.
Sgns get confusing at times. We laughed really hard. Found a way to turn around, sure we were going to be going wayyyyy out of our way, but this time we did trust the GPS and we just couldn't see the entrance back to the freeway it was talking about.
We arrived at our Idahome (the kids nicknamed it) around 10 p.m. Pretty good since I had planned on arriving around 1 p.m. We then unpacked and loaded back into one suburban to go get a swimsuit for E.
Somehow we got lost again. Perry so eloquently
We may or may not have attempted to drop into bed by midnight. And........since we're on vacation E and J woke us up at 7 (apparently to pray for my mom) because we didn't really have to get up until 9 a.m.
The three youngest are sleeping. They are smart like that.
We are going to go to Silverwood/Boulder Beach today. It is bright and sunny.
E is fixing me more coffee because when I looked at what he brought me it was full of grounds. Ewwww.......not exactly like a chocolate covered coffee bean.
Pretend like all the letters are correct above because for some silly reason I can't edit it and it's getting worse every time I try. :-)
Please keep my mom's surgery and recovery in your prayers.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Help
Packing was coming along nicely inside so I went outside to ask Perry if he needed any help.
He laughingly replied, "If I had any more help, I'm not sure I'd get anything done."
We've greatly missed his presence around here and everytime I turn around to ask someone to do something I find them with Perry.
Imagine..........
..........packing for an outside adventure for 7 people. Like Perry says, "We'll pack what we think we need. Put it all in the suburban. Drive to our destination. Realize we forgot many things and go buy them."
But, I'm hoping to prove him a little wrong for the sake of saving some money so I'm packing......
7 pairs of sandals
7 pairs of water shoes
7 pairs of regular shoes
7 life jackets
7 boxes of food (my mom's jaw dropped when she saw them all lined up nice and neat)
7 sleeping bags
7 pillows
7 sleeping pads
7 bicycles
7 helmets
7 bicycle bags
7 bags of clothing
7 paddles
5 kidlets
2 bottles of sunscreen
2 bottles bug spray
2 DVD Players
2 Zunes
2 canoes
2 suburbans
1 refrigerator
1 microwave
1 light
1 really big first aid kit
1 husband
and a gazillion paper products and books for every one's reading delight
And...........lots of other miscellany.
The fun has only just begun. We are headed out just as soon as we get the 2 canoes and bicycles on.
As an aside......Please pray for my mom on Tuesday. She will have the cancerous part of her liver taken out at 7:40 a.m.
But, I'm hoping to prove him a little wrong for the sake of saving some money so I'm packing......
7 pairs of sandals
7 pairs of water shoes
7 pairs of regular shoes
7 life jackets
7 boxes of food (my mom's jaw dropped when she saw them all lined up nice and neat)
7 sleeping bags
7 pillows
7 sleeping pads
7 bicycles
7 helmets
7 bicycle bags
7 bags of clothing
7 paddles
5 kidlets
2 bottles of sunscreen
2 bottles bug spray
2 DVD Players
2 Zunes
2 canoes
2 suburbans
1 refrigerator
1 microwave
1 light
1 really big first aid kit
1 husband
and a gazillion paper products and books for every one's reading delight
And...........lots of other miscellany.
The fun has only just begun. We are headed out just as soon as we get the 2 canoes and bicycles on.
As an aside......Please pray for my mom on Tuesday. She will have the cancerous part of her liver taken out at 7:40 a.m.
Modern Camping
Some people were nice enough to give me their camping lists so I don't have to make one from scratch. It has occurred to me in reading these lists that I might take a few shortcuts. Well.....a lot of shortcuts. Wonder what that says about me.
They Say - Camp Stove, Pots/Pans,
I Hear - Electric Skillet and Microwave
They Say - Washtubs
I Hear - Use the containers that you packed food in.
They Say - Cutting Board
I Say - Buy it already cut
They Say - Cheese Grater
I Say - Buy already shredded cheese or use American
They Say - Sharp Knife
I Say - My kids all have sharp knives they'll let me use if I need one.
They Say - Clock
I Say - We're on vacation
They Say - Matches
I Say - We have a ton. All the kids will want toplay use them.
They Say - Beach Towels/Bath Towels
I Say - There's a difference?
They Say - Compass/Maps
I Say - GPS
They Say - Kickboards/Arm Bands/Water Toys
I Say - Life Jackets
They Say - Marshmallows
I Say - Add Chocolate and Graham Crackers and we're set.
They Say - Blue Ice
I Say - Refrigerator
And............the list goes on. Multiply everything times 7, except for the first aid kit which I add all kinds of things to just so we won't need them and we're set.
They Say - Camp Stove, Pots/Pans,
I Hear - Electric Skillet and Microwave
They Say - Washtubs
I Hear - Use the containers that you packed food in.
They Say - Cutting Board
I Say - Buy it already cut
They Say - Cheese Grater
I Say - Buy already shredded cheese or use American
They Say - Sharp Knife
I Say - My kids all have sharp knives they'll let me use if I need one.
They Say - Clock
I Say - We're on vacation
They Say - Matches
I Say - We have a ton. All the kids will want to
They Say - Beach Towels/Bath Towels
I Say - There's a difference?
They Say - Compass/Maps
I Say - GPS
They Say - Kickboards/Arm Bands/Water Toys
I Say - Life Jackets
They Say - Marshmallows
I Say - Add Chocolate and Graham Crackers and we're set.
They Say - Blue Ice
I Say - Refrigerator
And............the list goes on. Multiply everything times 7, except for the first aid kit which I add all kinds of things to just so we won't need them and we're set.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Two Canoes
We knew when we bought the first canoe that we would actually need two. On Saturday, we bought the second one.We had so much fun today. We went back up to Hyak (where the bike trail is). It also happens to have a reservoir that is, don't quote me here, King County's Water Reservoir. We have gone up there for years and let the kids play in the water. There are usually little canals and ditches that we walk/wade through.
Today, however, everything was under water. It was amazing to float over the tops of trees that we usually use as shade.
Perry and I learned today, that we are not comfortable being so far from shore with 5 kids (even in life jackets) when the water is so cold. Naturally we learned that by paddling out to an island (the second picture) and then fighting the wind to get back.
Once we managed to get back, we ate a snack and headed out again. But this time we stayed within 50-100 feet from shore so that if anyone tipped, they wouldn't freeze to death before we could get them out of the water. The reservoir is filled from the snow melt. The waterfall is pretty amazing, but boy is it cold right now.
The kids are having to learn to be still. Be very, very still. No, don't just reach over all of a sudden because that wave looked pretty and you want to touch it. No, don't do that. Perry and I feel like we're counterbalancing their movements the whole time. I'm sure we'll all get the hang of this. We just need more practice.
I Love My Brothers
It's been great that E and J have canoe duty. Getting two canoes on and off, tied and untied
I, apparently, was taking a break from my duties to snap pictures.
It was nice to see M not give up in his quest to get S up to where they were headed. She was scared and wanted to go back down, but he just patiently kept talking her into going up, never letting go of her. They tried many different ways before they were finally able to get her up safely.
They were all so proud of themselves.
Then............they walked about 3 feet behind the tree they are standing by and took the trail that leads back to the suburbans.
Go figure.
Did they learn anything?
Perry decided to take E and J out and let them flip the canoe. We get that it seems funny when you're their age and not so much when you're our age. We wanted them to get the seriousness that it can be and know what to do if it does happen.
There were a few moments when I was wondering if the canoe was going to make it back to shore. I'm sure this wasn't exactly fun for Perry had a blast. He was a good sport and I hope the boys learned something.
Oh, I do know one thing they learned.................When you flip a canoe, you're swimming to shore with the canoe. They thought they would just be able to flip it over and get back in. Didn't work out so well.
Canoe
We had a great time trying out our canoe on Rattlesnake Lake. In the top pictures the kids are trying to flip Perry out of the canoe. He was quite patient and they didn't succeed.
J took S out over her head in an attempt to get her to be less afraid. We're trying to prepare her for the time when the canoe does actually flip. I want her to feel safe with her life jacket on so she doesn't completely panic when if the canoe flips. It will be more of a miracle if it doesn't.
Trail Along
Once, again, we will talk in reverse. I am so bad at this. These are the pictures from the other day. The post titled Then. I am going to learn to link next. One thing at a time here.When we were not able to go bicycling through the tunnel, we went the other direction. Who knew there was going to be snow? Well, I
This is our old tag-a-long. It has been used hard. It has had a good life. Doing more than what It was made to do. It has gone mountain biking. It has had the privelege of carrying 5 precious cargo's hundreds if not a thousand miles. But, who's counting. We certainly haven't. Who knew when we got It that It would play such an instrumental part in our lives. We will miss It, but It is tired and It lists to the side no matter what we do. While It is not a problem for me, per say, I mean, you know, I am not the one towing It..................It is going to join the landfill. It....we thank you for your faithfulness in our lives and for carrying our precious cargo. I'm happy to say that we now have Wee It to take your place.
Meet Wee-It. Wee-It is a nice shiny silver. Wee-It is the prized choice of carriage at this time. Wee-It...........we hope you are as wonderful as It.
Let me tell you that bicycling through the snow with Little Miss on the back is a little bit of slip and slide and pray that I am able to keep the bike upright as the back tire is slipping out from under us. But, she really wanted to, so, being the Friday, June 5, 2009
Wonderful
Our doctor called with M's blood work results. Everything, especially the lymphocytes (I think) look normal. That is absolutely WONDERFUL news.
We decided to use this as a baseline for M. We are going to go on our vacation soon, unless something goes wrong before then. Like, more lumps, lumps grow bigger or M seems obviously sick. After our vacation I will take M back to the doctor and we will determine if we continue to take a wait and see approach or get the biopsy.
Clearly, the biopsy would be traumatic for M AND IF the blood work had come back abnormal in any way we would not hesitate to get one done. But, it didn't, so that buys us some time.
The doctor says it is possible that M had strep or some type of viral illness that has caused this. It's possible we will never know.
We'll be praying that his body is able to fight off whatever is happening and all will be normal. I now know what I'm feeling so will keep a close eye on him to make sure he stays healthy.
My mom could certainly use prayers as she heads into liver surgery (they are going to take out the tumor, removing part or possibly all the left lobe of her liver) on the morning of the 16th. Philip and his family will be staying with Jered at her house. Our family will be on a vacation that we have had planned for 6 months.
I've attempted to talk my mom into waiting for 5 days so we will be back in town, but she is not willing to do that, so, as strange as it seems to be at an amusement park when she has such major surgery, I guess that is where we will be anyway.
We decided to use this as a baseline for M. We are going to go on our vacation soon, unless something goes wrong before then. Like, more lumps, lumps grow bigger or M seems obviously sick. After our vacation I will take M back to the doctor and we will determine if we continue to take a wait and see approach or get the biopsy.
Clearly, the biopsy would be traumatic for M AND IF the blood work had come back abnormal in any way we would not hesitate to get one done. But, it didn't, so that buys us some time.
The doctor says it is possible that M had strep or some type of viral illness that has caused this. It's possible we will never know.
We'll be praying that his body is able to fight off whatever is happening and all will be normal. I now know what I'm feeling so will keep a close eye on him to make sure he stays healthy.
My mom could certainly use prayers as she heads into liver surgery (they are going to take out the tumor, removing part or possibly all the left lobe of her liver) on the morning of the 16th. Philip and his family will be staying with Jered at her house. Our family will be on a vacation that we have had planned for 6 months.
I've attempted to talk my mom into waiting for 5 days so we will be back in town, but she is not willing to do that, so, as strange as it seems to be at an amusement park when she has such major surgery, I guess that is where we will be anyway.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
That could've gone better.
Today, M said, "Mom, I have had this bump under my chin for a long time. Come feel it." I walked over, put my fingers where he said and gently probed. Sure enough, there was a marble size lump there. A few minutes later I touched again and it had moved. He says he's had it growing for a couple of months.
So, instead of going to Homezone today we took M to the doctor. Clearly knowing where this could be heading I explained to M that he would probably need blood drawn. He has NEVER had any needle near his body so I knew this wasn't going to be great news. However, we are always honest with the kids about any procedures they may need to have.
So, being typical M style, he asked, "What is the percentage of chance that I am going to need blood drawn."
"About 50%," I replied. That was pretty high, he decided.
We arrived at the doctor's office and unfortunately, the doctor found more than one marble size lump. "First, we need blood work done," he said. "We should get it back tomorrow and then he'll need to have a biopsy done." We discussed his other symptoms - dark circles under his eyes, lack of energy, sores not healing quickly........not sounding real positive at this point.
The doctor also looked at J's rash and decided it was probably the sunscreen, but gave him a cream to hopefully take it away.
We headed to their little room that is their lab. I had all the kids stand against a wall quietly while I talked quietly with M. I totally bribed him with something I knew he wanted and he walked fearfully to the chair. I explained to the lab tech guy that he has never had blood drawn or had a needle near his body so he was very scared. The guy was quiet and efficient.
M was shaking so hard his whole body was moving. He had a death grip on my hand, with silent tears running down his face. I was talking quietly, reassuringly. M told me he was going to throw up. I looked at his face in time to see his eyes roll back in his head and, thankfully, I managed to catch his head before it hit the chair.
Trying to support his upper body while the lab tech removed the needle the lab tech asked J to go get a doctor while I told S and J-man to go out in the hall with E. The lab tech and I lowered M to the floor where he eventually came back to consciousness.
A doctor came in. They transferred him to a room and put cold wash clothes on his face and belly (all his pain centers in his belly when he's upset), gave him some apple juice and we stayed there for awhile.
Eventually...........around 20 - 30 minutes later, E helped M to the suburban. I had shopping planned, sandals to buy, camping supplies to buy, etc, but M's face and lips were still so colorless that we just bought some lunch instead and came home.
I talked to M about being strong mentally for what his future is going to hold. I know he doesn't get it, nor am I going to scare him, but this isn't over for him. Next week, unless the blood work is horrible - which would land us in the ER, M is going to go to a pathologist and get a biopsy.
Prayers for his well-being are greatly appreciated.
So, instead of going to Homezone today we took M to the doctor. Clearly knowing where this could be heading I explained to M that he would probably need blood drawn. He has NEVER had any needle near his body so I knew this wasn't going to be great news. However, we are always honest with the kids about any procedures they may need to have.
So, being typical M style, he asked, "What is the percentage of chance that I am going to need blood drawn."
"About 50%," I replied. That was pretty high, he decided.
We arrived at the doctor's office and unfortunately, the doctor found more than one marble size lump. "First, we need blood work done," he said. "We should get it back tomorrow and then he'll need to have a biopsy done." We discussed his other symptoms - dark circles under his eyes, lack of energy, sores not healing quickly........not sounding real positive at this point.
The doctor also looked at J's rash and decided it was probably the sunscreen, but gave him a cream to hopefully take it away.
We headed to their little room that is their lab. I had all the kids stand against a wall quietly while I talked quietly with M. I totally bribed him with something I knew he wanted and he walked fearfully to the chair. I explained to the lab tech guy that he has never had blood drawn or had a needle near his body so he was very scared. The guy was quiet and efficient.
M was shaking so hard his whole body was moving. He had a death grip on my hand, with silent tears running down his face. I was talking quietly, reassuringly. M told me he was going to throw up. I looked at his face in time to see his eyes roll back in his head and, thankfully, I managed to catch his head before it hit the chair.
Trying to support his upper body while the lab tech removed the needle the lab tech asked J to go get a doctor while I told S and J-man to go out in the hall with E. The lab tech and I lowered M to the floor where he eventually came back to consciousness.
A doctor came in. They transferred him to a room and put cold wash clothes on his face and belly (all his pain centers in his belly when he's upset), gave him some apple juice and we stayed there for awhile.
Eventually...........around 20 - 30 minutes later, E helped M to the suburban. I had shopping planned, sandals to buy, camping supplies to buy, etc, but M's face and lips were still so colorless that we just bought some lunch instead and came home.
I talked to M about being strong mentally for what his future is going to hold. I know he doesn't get it, nor am I going to scare him, but this isn't over for him. Next week, unless the blood work is horrible - which would land us in the ER, M is going to go to a pathologist and get a biopsy.
Prayers for his well-being are greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Joy
We had a really good day today. E took S to a park while I had my doctor appointment. I told her that her job was to obey E. He was The Boss. She told me later, "I didn't want to obey him, but then I remembered that it was my job, so I did anyway." They both had a great, hot time.
We then went to Bellevue Library which is a huge, huge library. We all found lots of books to read. It is such a nice, huge library. We are going to try to go once every two weeks this summer.
We then went to Bellevue Mall. I think this is the third time I've been there. E didn't find what he was looking for, but we did go out to eat at Cheesecake Factory. It was delicious. S managed to slam her thumb in the bathroom stall door while closing it which made it bleed. Then she sat back against the seat and slammed her head on what looked like padding, but was just material. Not her best hour for not getting hurt.
Finding the suburban was quite a challenge. I led E to a parking garage that was 2Z. I explained that we were in 2D so clearly we needed to walk around. We then walked around while eating our dripping ice cream cones to 2D only to realize that our suburban was definitely NOT there. We stopped some nice young ladies who explained that there were two parking garages. We, clearly, were in the wrong one.
I said to E, "Thanks for leading us to the wrong parking garage. I knew there was an east and west parking garage, but you just had to lead me to the wrong one." He laughed because I had totally told him that there was only one parking garage so we had to be in the right one when he suggested that maybe there were two.
All in all we had a great day. We ended it with a walk/bicycle ride around our property, enjoying the cool night.
We then went to Bellevue Library which is a huge, huge library. We all found lots of books to read. It is such a nice, huge library. We are going to try to go once every two weeks this summer.
We then went to Bellevue Mall. I think this is the third time I've been there. E didn't find what he was looking for, but we did go out to eat at Cheesecake Factory. It was delicious. S managed to slam her thumb in the bathroom stall door while closing it which made it bleed. Then she sat back against the seat and slammed her head on what looked like padding, but was just material. Not her best hour for not getting hurt.
Finding the suburban was quite a challenge. I led E to a parking garage that was 2Z. I explained that we were in 2D so clearly we needed to walk around. We then walked around while eating our dripping ice cream cones to 2D only to realize that our suburban was definitely NOT there. We stopped some nice young ladies who explained that there were two parking garages. We, clearly, were in the wrong one.
I said to E, "Thanks for leading us to the wrong parking garage. I knew there was an east and west parking garage, but you just had to lead me to the wrong one." He laughed because I had totally told him that there was only one parking garage so we had to be in the right one when he suggested that maybe there were two.
All in all we had a great day. We ended it with a walk/bicycle ride around our property, enjoying the cool night.
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