Life likes to sneak in just when we least expect it doesn't it? Except that we do expect it-we just think it will never happen to us. We were clippin along at a good speed, bought a new car, started attending Wednesday night church as a family, really started acting like a full fledged normal family. Yes, I said normal (Ha!)
Then G had a pain in her back. Pain like she had last summer when her journey with kidney trouble began. Reminiscent of July 2009 when all of a sudden on a perfect sunny day my daughter woke up from a nap at grandmas and ended up 3 hours away in an ER in Indianapolis before the day was done. Life unexpected. This fear, this unexpected, snuck up on us like a freight train and brought fear to our hearts like we were just beginning to think we would never have to experience again.
G was miserable for several hours before we took her in to be seen by our local Dr. We try not to panic every time she has a twinge of pain here or there or a tummy ache. This time something was different. Not a normal growing pain. When I couldn't even rub my daughter on the side gently I knew we had to go. 3 weeks later I am here to tell you to always trust your gut and always stand up for your child. Long story short, what was diagnosed as just your average UTI 3 weeks ago was actually more than likely a kidney stone and now hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys) in both her left and right kidney. After a recent trip down to our favorite Children's hospital(gotta love life unexpected huh!) We are now on pause mode again in our life. Pausing for some kidneys to prayerfully heal on their own with a little TLC and plenty of drinking & peeing.
However, I wish to share not only the story of G for those of you who know her but also some things that were/have been pointed out to me or thought about during this new chapter. As I was having a mini-breakdown 2 weeks ago, a very good friend of mine reminded me that while I did not want to be thrown back in this situation it was God's will and it may have been for the benefit of someone else who needed us to be down there. EX. G always likes to take things to her nurses and this time we baked cupcakes. We made a special visit up to the floor the night before her appointment to see one nurse whom we have missed every time we have been back down. Her name is Erin and she was just training when she took care of G. This loving nurse actually went out and bought our little girl Ariel stickers one night b/c she heard how much she loved Ariel, on this visit she purchased a special bracelet for G and informed us she still has the picture G drew for her up on her fridge at home. It dawned on me on our drive home that maybe just maybe, G gives hope and encouragement to some of these nurses with her kindness. I went down with the thought of looking for someone to serve in terms of buying a lunch, or spotting money for the parking garage. I was disappointed when we left that I had purposely been searching for a reason to be there and it very simply may have been my daughter.
Ex2-(this has turned looong-sorry) We were on the fence about buying a new vehicle. We bought the vehicle Tues and the next Sunday had to make this long drive. Just another reason to believe everything happens for a reason. It may not be our reason or the time we feel is right but it may be our time. Life Unexpected. No matter what kind of a day or week you are having/have had....think about the difference you might make even when you may not realize you are making it.
Sarah
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
#48 & #87 (101 in 1001)
I know it has been a while since I have last posted. It has been a busy end to summer and beginning of a school year for us. Despite all of this activity I am still plugging away at my 101 in 1001 list. Here are some of our latest accomplishments.
#48-get LJ off of bottle. This is not one I was looking forward to. For anyone who knows my son well you know he has a stubborn streak. And I mean STUBBORN. He knows which cabinet his formula is kept in, he knows which drawer his bottle pieces are kept in. Every night when he gets tired he goes to the drawer opens it and cries in a most pitiful voice...bah-bahhhhhh.......bah-bahhh.....BAH-BAHHHHHHHH.... louder and longer until we finally get the poor baby his bah-bah. I knew we were in for a battle. Battle it was-I will admit, it did not last as long as I thought it would. Much as I have learned in my short term of mother-hood so far; Most of the time it is worse for us then them. He did cry for a few nights. We changed the word from bah-bah to drink. We had to adjust from a sippy with hard mouth piece to a plastic soft one. The worst was the fact that he completely refused to drink milk for about 2 days. I did not panic-I just added a little formula and kept on giving him his sippy cup. Eventually I won! ;-)
#87-teach G to tie her shoes- Now this one was not a battle, this one was more a test in my patience. I for some reason can not teach my daughter to tie her shoes. Nothing I tried felt right and she just kept getting discouraged because the way I was trying to teach her she could not master. Enter-Scholastic Book Magazine.....just as I was about to give up and make Jon take on this lesson, we received our trusty Scholastic Book magazine that had a cute little book toting 8 rhymes and learning laces to teach your little one to tie shoes! SOLD!! For a price of only $7...I decided this was worth the money if it could teach my daughter what I for some reason could not! One day after receiving our book and after only having read the first rhyme...Grace could magically tie her shoes! She uses the bunny-ear method...one that I was not familiar with.....so, I may not have actually taught my daughter to tie her shoes but she did learn-I consider this one done!
#48-get LJ off of bottle. This is not one I was looking forward to. For anyone who knows my son well you know he has a stubborn streak. And I mean STUBBORN. He knows which cabinet his formula is kept in, he knows which drawer his bottle pieces are kept in. Every night when he gets tired he goes to the drawer opens it and cries in a most pitiful voice...bah-bahhhhhh.......bah-bahhh.....BAH-BAHHHHHHHH.... louder and longer until we finally get the poor baby his bah-bah. I knew we were in for a battle. Battle it was-I will admit, it did not last as long as I thought it would. Much as I have learned in my short term of mother-hood so far; Most of the time it is worse for us then them. He did cry for a few nights. We changed the word from bah-bah to drink. We had to adjust from a sippy with hard mouth piece to a plastic soft one. The worst was the fact that he completely refused to drink milk for about 2 days. I did not panic-I just added a little formula and kept on giving him his sippy cup. Eventually I won! ;-)
#87-teach G to tie her shoes- Now this one was not a battle, this one was more a test in my patience. I for some reason can not teach my daughter to tie her shoes. Nothing I tried felt right and she just kept getting discouraged because the way I was trying to teach her she could not master. Enter-Scholastic Book Magazine.....just as I was about to give up and make Jon take on this lesson, we received our trusty Scholastic Book magazine that had a cute little book toting 8 rhymes and learning laces to teach your little one to tie shoes! SOLD!! For a price of only $7...I decided this was worth the money if it could teach my daughter what I for some reason could not! One day after receiving our book and after only having read the first rhyme...Grace could magically tie her shoes! She uses the bunny-ear method...one that I was not familiar with.....so, I may not have actually taught my daughter to tie her shoes but she did learn-I consider this one done!
Friday, August 27, 2010
#2 & #23 of (101 in 1001)
So I have started in on my quest to do 101 things in 1001 days. For those of you that might not have seen my list yet you should check it out when you are done reading this. I think I have completed four items already and at least 2 of my random acts of kindness. Go me!! It is really nice to have a list of goals - it kind of helps keep me in check.
Anyhow, I thought I would let you know how participating in item #23 turned out for us last week. We participated in our local Tour De La Porte (a bike ride/5k walk to raise money for cancer) this is put on by our local hospital each August. My family & I participated this year by working at one of the water stops about halfway (57 miles in) on the bike tour. We had snacks, water & gatorade to hand out as well as maps to show riders where to go, etc. As our stop was halfway and our shift was over lunch we had a lot of people stop (over 60) During this time we ran out of water and gatorade. We were at a stop kinda in the boondocks in the country so even though we had called for reinforcements they didn't make it before we were completely out of water. Sooo, I sent DH down to a little country store where he bought a huge (5 gallon) container of water and a 30 lb bag of ice.(This is how #2 ties in here) We couldn't let the poor bikers go without water-it was a hot day and they are out there for such a good cause!
In the meantime I thought I would share this somewhat comical (now that it is over) story about what happened to the kids and I as our shift was ending up. We were asked to stay an extra hour as there were riders that joined late - we said yes, again b/c we couldn't bear to leave someone w. the prospect of no water or food. We were at a local tourist spot that has old fashion steam trains. Soo, since the kids were getting restless I asked Jon if I could take them on a ride while he finished out our shift.
I took the kids and we bought our tickets and boarded the train. The train that is old, has no windows, and only a chain on the far side to make sure riders do not fall out. G slid in first, then LJ then I. There were lots of families on the train and little J was sooo excited because he has never ridden a train before. Off we went on our little adventure of a relaxing 20 minute train ride through the country. About 3 minutes in I felt a pinch on my back. I didn't think much about it at first b/c there was a little boy behind me with his mom & I just assumed he had brushed against my back. But then my back really began to hurt, I mean BAD. So I asked the lady behind me if there was a bee on my back. She said yes, and went for her shoe to try and kill it. In the meantime it flew into her row and proceded to sting her on the leg 2 times. At this point G is freaking out and I am going for my shoe so I can swat at it if it comes back up by us.....mind you we are on a MOVING train at this point in the middle of nowhere in the country......
Before I can get my shoe off I hear the scream and instinctively know that the bee has gotten G. She is scrambling over her brother (again on a moving train with a chain for a door) trying desperately to make it to my lap. She has been stung on the throat twice. I meanwhile am in pain myself, am concerned for the lady who has been stung behind us, am trying to make sure little J doesn't fall off the train (lest G kick him on her way to my lap) and scared that G's throat is gonna swell up and cutt off her airway in the middle of the country on our slow little train. When all of a sudden the family in front of me plucks LJ off of the seat beside me and swoops him up to the seat with them.
Now, I am thankful to them for making sure my little boy did not fall off of the train, and that they pulled him out of the bee from you-know-where's war path. However, I also wasn't entirely sure I liked the fact that a stranger took my child right out of his seat next to me (may I remind you all again that this has all taken place on a moving train!) It was nice that they took him and the lady was asking as she took him because G was screaming. But still. Anyhow, I did get G calmed down, and it was much easier w/out LJ clinging to me also......he was busy giving high-fives to the kids in the seat in front of us. I was able to get G a sip of water and watch her for a few minutes to make sure she was going to be able to breath ok. I have tried to think to myself what I would have done if I was that person in front of us....I think I honestly would have done the same. Tried to save some poor kid from harm. It might have startled that parent too but, I think in the long run the parent would be thankful like I am now too. So....whoever you were lady train saver, thanks! Anyway-for a lesson in kindness and serving others it sure turned out to be a most memorable day if not all for the wrong reasons!!
Anyhow, I thought I would let you know how participating in item #23 turned out for us last week. We participated in our local Tour De La Porte (a bike ride/5k walk to raise money for cancer) this is put on by our local hospital each August. My family & I participated this year by working at one of the water stops about halfway (57 miles in) on the bike tour. We had snacks, water & gatorade to hand out as well as maps to show riders where to go, etc. As our stop was halfway and our shift was over lunch we had a lot of people stop (over 60) During this time we ran out of water and gatorade. We were at a stop kinda in the boondocks in the country so even though we had called for reinforcements they didn't make it before we were completely out of water. Sooo, I sent DH down to a little country store where he bought a huge (5 gallon) container of water and a 30 lb bag of ice.(This is how #2 ties in here) We couldn't let the poor bikers go without water-it was a hot day and they are out there for such a good cause!
In the meantime I thought I would share this somewhat comical (now that it is over) story about what happened to the kids and I as our shift was ending up. We were asked to stay an extra hour as there were riders that joined late - we said yes, again b/c we couldn't bear to leave someone w. the prospect of no water or food. We were at a local tourist spot that has old fashion steam trains. Soo, since the kids were getting restless I asked Jon if I could take them on a ride while he finished out our shift.
I took the kids and we bought our tickets and boarded the train. The train that is old, has no windows, and only a chain on the far side to make sure riders do not fall out. G slid in first, then LJ then I. There were lots of families on the train and little J was sooo excited because he has never ridden a train before. Off we went on our little adventure of a relaxing 20 minute train ride through the country. About 3 minutes in I felt a pinch on my back. I didn't think much about it at first b/c there was a little boy behind me with his mom & I just assumed he had brushed against my back. But then my back really began to hurt, I mean BAD. So I asked the lady behind me if there was a bee on my back. She said yes, and went for her shoe to try and kill it. In the meantime it flew into her row and proceded to sting her on the leg 2 times. At this point G is freaking out and I am going for my shoe so I can swat at it if it comes back up by us.....mind you we are on a MOVING train at this point in the middle of nowhere in the country......
Before I can get my shoe off I hear the scream and instinctively know that the bee has gotten G. She is scrambling over her brother (again on a moving train with a chain for a door) trying desperately to make it to my lap. She has been stung on the throat twice. I meanwhile am in pain myself, am concerned for the lady who has been stung behind us, am trying to make sure little J doesn't fall off the train (lest G kick him on her way to my lap) and scared that G's throat is gonna swell up and cutt off her airway in the middle of the country on our slow little train. When all of a sudden the family in front of me plucks LJ off of the seat beside me and swoops him up to the seat with them.
Now, I am thankful to them for making sure my little boy did not fall off of the train, and that they pulled him out of the bee from you-know-where's war path. However, I also wasn't entirely sure I liked the fact that a stranger took my child right out of his seat next to me (may I remind you all again that this has all taken place on a moving train!) It was nice that they took him and the lady was asking as she took him because G was screaming. But still. Anyhow, I did get G calmed down, and it was much easier w/out LJ clinging to me also......he was busy giving high-fives to the kids in the seat in front of us. I was able to get G a sip of water and watch her for a few minutes to make sure she was going to be able to breath ok. I have tried to think to myself what I would have done if I was that person in front of us....I think I honestly would have done the same. Tried to save some poor kid from harm. It might have startled that parent too but, I think in the long run the parent would be thankful like I am now too. So....whoever you were lady train saver, thanks! Anyway-for a lesson in kindness and serving others it sure turned out to be a most memorable day if not all for the wrong reasons!!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Super Giveaway News
Over on Intenionally Katie, she is giving away a dress or skirt made by Flitterbug Designs. There isn't much time left to enter. Check it out at http://intentionallykatie.blogspot.com/
Good luck!
Good luck!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Kindergarten Interview take 2
Me: Ok Grace, how was your first day?
G: Good.
Me: What was your favorite thing today?
G: Eating lunch.
Me: Really! Why?
G: B/c I got to eat food and I like food. Food is the best thing in the world for you.
Me: Ok, well, did you make new friends?
G: Yes, Anandi, & Hannah.
Me: Did you do anything fun in class?
G: Yes, we did circle time, and I met Mrs Hay (her teacher) -(Grace then says laughing) I thought she was going to be an older lady like a grandma, but-- she is actually just a kind of old lady like you!
Me: Me thinking in my head again, not sure if this is a compliment or not....
Me: Are you ready to back again tomorrow?
G: No
Me: No! Why not?!
G: Because it might be a hot day tomorrow and I don't want to be hot on the playground, I would rather it rain, rain, rain, rain, rain...(by the end she is sing-songing rain)
Me: laughing.....well, I don't think that is a very good reason not to go back! Some days it will be hot and other days it will be cold. Did you have fun tonight at our family back to school dinner?
G: Yes
Me: What was the best thing you had to eat tonight?
G: Dessert, I loved the little brownie. (We had an ice-cream Sundae bar)
Me: Did you enjoy spending with the whole family?
G: Yeah, it was fun seeing the whole family and eating. They like us kids and adore us alot....adore means we are cute and they kind of like us I hope.
Mama, would you like to be my assistant and play school?
Me: G-if we had time I would love to but now it is almost time for bed.
So, I think this went a little better than this morning. We both survived at least!
Sarah
G: Good.
Me: What was your favorite thing today?
G: Eating lunch.
Me: Really! Why?
G: B/c I got to eat food and I like food. Food is the best thing in the world for you.
Me: Ok, well, did you make new friends?
G: Yes, Anandi, & Hannah.
Me: Did you do anything fun in class?
G: Yes, we did circle time, and I met Mrs Hay (her teacher) -(Grace then says laughing) I thought she was going to be an older lady like a grandma, but-- she is actually just a kind of old lady like you!
Me: Me thinking in my head again, not sure if this is a compliment or not....
Me: Are you ready to back again tomorrow?
G: No
Me: No! Why not?!
G: Because it might be a hot day tomorrow and I don't want to be hot on the playground, I would rather it rain, rain, rain, rain, rain...(by the end she is sing-songing rain)
Me: laughing.....well, I don't think that is a very good reason not to go back! Some days it will be hot and other days it will be cold. Did you have fun tonight at our family back to school dinner?
G: Yes
Me: What was the best thing you had to eat tonight?
G: Dessert, I loved the little brownie. (We had an ice-cream Sundae bar)
Me: Did you enjoy spending with the whole family?
G: Yeah, it was fun seeing the whole family and eating. They like us kids and adore us alot....adore means we are cute and they kind of like us I hope.
Mama, would you like to be my assistant and play school?
Me: G-if we had time I would love to but now it is almost time for bed.
So, I think this went a little better than this morning. We both survived at least!
Sarah
First Day of Kindergarten
Interview with Grace:
Me: So Grace are you excited for today?
G: Yeah, Why do you say so?
Me: Because its your first day of big school and I wanted to ask you some questions about it.
Me: Do you think you will like your new teacher?
G: Yes
Me: Why do you think you will like her?
G: Uhhh....Becasue she will be MY teacher (said with some attitude!)
Me: Are you excited to make new friends?
G: yes
Me: thinking to myself--I think it must be too early to try this interview, the cahtterbox is only giving me yes answers and no cute details....hmmm....we may have to try this after school.
Me: What are you going to wear today?
G: My new outfit!
Me: again thinking to myself--guess I will be done for now....I think we will try later for an opinion of how the day went.
Check back tonight to see how the first day went!
Me: So Grace are you excited for today?
G: Yeah, Why do you say so?
Me: Because its your first day of big school and I wanted to ask you some questions about it.
Me: Do you think you will like your new teacher?
G: Yes
Me: Why do you think you will like her?
G: Uhhh....Becasue she will be MY teacher (said with some attitude!)
Me: Are you excited to make new friends?
G: yes
Me: thinking to myself--I think it must be too early to try this interview, the cahtterbox is only giving me yes answers and no cute details....hmmm....we may have to try this after school.
Me: What are you going to wear today?
G: My new outfit!
Me: again thinking to myself--guess I will be done for now....I think we will try later for an opinion of how the day went.
Check back tonight to see how the first day went!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Summers.
It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks. Since I last wrote we have gone to an amusemant park, visited one of our favorite little beach towns in Michigan and we are gearing up as we speak to help host a fundraiser for our favorite childrens hospital-Riley Childrens Hospital in Indianapolis. Although it has been a busy few weeks we will not complain...if not for our beloved Riley we may have not been having quite such a good summer this year.
Last summer out of the blue our daughter Grace woke up from a nap in excrutiating pain. We rushed her to our local hospital where they thought she had kidney stones-a rare thing for a 4 year old. Our hospital, nor the ones close by, had the capabilities to treat her at such a young age and we were transferred out to Riley in the middle of the night. Never have I been so scared in my life. I had a new baby (LJ was only 4 months old) my four year old was crying and puking, and I was told to run home and pack a bag and drive to Indianapolis as quickly as we could ( a 3 hour drive-like it could be quick! HA!) Long story short-she did not have kidney stones but a rare birth disorder with her kidneys and ureters. After a 3 day stay to find out what was causing her the pain we were sent home. Two weeks later we returned for a surgery. After another 4 day stay in the hospital we returned home for 2 days before my daughter was spiking fevers and writhing in pain again. The culprit was another rare post-op infection. This time we were rushed by ambulance in the middle of the night from our small town back to the big city. 2 more trips for inpatient stays to continue fighting the infection, a trip back to get her stent out. Several more follow up trips as her kidney still didn't want to function well after surgery......majority of summer 2009-spent in a hospital.
But we could never have asked for a better place! Our Dr. is a Christian, our nurses remember our daughter by name. We still write to a few on occasion. We have visited and taken treats and at Christmas, my daughter insisted on making all the nurses on the floor, as well as her Dr.- homemade Christmas ornaments. The staff helped us with places to stay and tips on food (Ronald McDonald house!) everyone was friendly and nice and you could tell they all loved kids and Riley! Bonus: they SAVED our daughters life!!!
So anyhow, fast forward to summer 2010. We are having a summer. A summer we are extremely grateful for in so many ways! Not only do we have a healthy happy 5 year old-who will start kindergarten in a week! We have a rambuncious 16 month old-who survived the trauma of it all (thanks to grammy & papa who drove down to stay in hotels close by every visit last year to support us and allow me time with my baby!)We have focused on family and how important it is this year. We had a family vacation to Virginia Beach and Charlottesville for a family wedding. We went to Indiana Beach as a family. We have stayed home many a weekend or weeknight and had cookouts and kids splashing in the pool.
And that brings me to this weekend. This Saturday and our busyness. Our busyness hosting a fundraiser to earn money to send to Riley. We are doing it together as a family. We are doing it to support a great hospital. We are doing it in the hopes to send money to help other families in need. It is the weekend before back to school, it is the day of our big camping sleepover with friends, and it will hopefully be the day to start a new family tradition of paying it forward. In the midst of all our busyness we need to remember to make and take time to do the things that are good and right with our family. Happy remaining summer to all of you! I hope we have helped inspire you to pay it forward to a cause that is near and dear to your heart!! :-)
Last summer out of the blue our daughter Grace woke up from a nap in excrutiating pain. We rushed her to our local hospital where they thought she had kidney stones-a rare thing for a 4 year old. Our hospital, nor the ones close by, had the capabilities to treat her at such a young age and we were transferred out to Riley in the middle of the night. Never have I been so scared in my life. I had a new baby (LJ was only 4 months old) my four year old was crying and puking, and I was told to run home and pack a bag and drive to Indianapolis as quickly as we could ( a 3 hour drive-like it could be quick! HA!) Long story short-she did not have kidney stones but a rare birth disorder with her kidneys and ureters. After a 3 day stay to find out what was causing her the pain we were sent home. Two weeks later we returned for a surgery. After another 4 day stay in the hospital we returned home for 2 days before my daughter was spiking fevers and writhing in pain again. The culprit was another rare post-op infection. This time we were rushed by ambulance in the middle of the night from our small town back to the big city. 2 more trips for inpatient stays to continue fighting the infection, a trip back to get her stent out. Several more follow up trips as her kidney still didn't want to function well after surgery......majority of summer 2009-spent in a hospital.
But we could never have asked for a better place! Our Dr. is a Christian, our nurses remember our daughter by name. We still write to a few on occasion. We have visited and taken treats and at Christmas, my daughter insisted on making all the nurses on the floor, as well as her Dr.- homemade Christmas ornaments. The staff helped us with places to stay and tips on food (Ronald McDonald house!) everyone was friendly and nice and you could tell they all loved kids and Riley! Bonus: they SAVED our daughters life!!!
So anyhow, fast forward to summer 2010. We are having a summer. A summer we are extremely grateful for in so many ways! Not only do we have a healthy happy 5 year old-who will start kindergarten in a week! We have a rambuncious 16 month old-who survived the trauma of it all (thanks to grammy & papa who drove down to stay in hotels close by every visit last year to support us and allow me time with my baby!)We have focused on family and how important it is this year. We had a family vacation to Virginia Beach and Charlottesville for a family wedding. We went to Indiana Beach as a family. We have stayed home many a weekend or weeknight and had cookouts and kids splashing in the pool.
And that brings me to this weekend. This Saturday and our busyness. Our busyness hosting a fundraiser to earn money to send to Riley. We are doing it together as a family. We are doing it to support a great hospital. We are doing it in the hopes to send money to help other families in need. It is the weekend before back to school, it is the day of our big camping sleepover with friends, and it will hopefully be the day to start a new family tradition of paying it forward. In the midst of all our busyness we need to remember to make and take time to do the things that are good and right with our family. Happy remaining summer to all of you! I hope we have helped inspire you to pay it forward to a cause that is near and dear to your heart!! :-)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Trademark.
My little boy- Little Jon (LJ) is 16 months old. Since he was born he has been attached to his pacifier and a blankie. It was obvious he would like to hold things as he came out of the womb clenched to the umbilical cord for dear life. The Dr. had to actually pry his little fingers away.
We knew we were a paci family before he was born because LJ's big sister had a paci when she was little. We had planned to make LJ a paci boy as we like the idea we can take away a paci and we can not take away a thumb or a finger. Little did we know we would not only be a paci family but a combo-paci & blankie family. I was not prepared to tote a blankie with me every where we went! We have been smart about our blankies though; we have introduced little man to a variety of blankies from the beginning. For fear the dreaded blankie get lost like so many a paci have!
Little man likes to put his own spin on the pacifier though. Literally. Since we can remember, our boy, has liked to suck on his paci upsidedown. At first we would gently turn it around. Flip. Back upsidedown it would go! We eventually came to understand he didn't mind it that way-he actually preferred it this way. Although we have gotten used to it and know that this -as we call it,is his "trademark". Many a stranger or fellow church member has been quite bothered by the fact that he insist on keeping it in the wrong way! I however love that it shows his individuality at such a young age!
Tonight as I was rocking him to sleep, he made me want to write about this trademark. He was being rocked gently with his paci,of course, upsidedown. When his blankie started to slip slowly off of his lap and away from the grasp of his little fingers. He immediately stirred and began to awaken. Eyes closed still, he frantically moved his hands all over searching for the blankie. I placed it gently up by his cheek and he sighed,grasped his blankie tightly, nestled in again, settled right down, sucked a few more times on his upsidedown paci and fell peacefully asleep again. Sweet dreams baby boy, sweet dreams.
We knew we were a paci family before he was born because LJ's big sister had a paci when she was little. We had planned to make LJ a paci boy as we like the idea we can take away a paci and we can not take away a thumb or a finger. Little did we know we would not only be a paci family but a combo-paci & blankie family. I was not prepared to tote a blankie with me every where we went! We have been smart about our blankies though; we have introduced little man to a variety of blankies from the beginning. For fear the dreaded blankie get lost like so many a paci have!
Little man likes to put his own spin on the pacifier though. Literally. Since we can remember, our boy, has liked to suck on his paci upsidedown. At first we would gently turn it around. Flip. Back upsidedown it would go! We eventually came to understand he didn't mind it that way-he actually preferred it this way. Although we have gotten used to it and know that this -as we call it,is his "trademark". Many a stranger or fellow church member has been quite bothered by the fact that he insist on keeping it in the wrong way! I however love that it shows his individuality at such a young age!
Tonight as I was rocking him to sleep, he made me want to write about this trademark. He was being rocked gently with his paci,of course, upsidedown. When his blankie started to slip slowly off of his lap and away from the grasp of his little fingers. He immediately stirred and began to awaken. Eyes closed still, he frantically moved his hands all over searching for the blankie. I placed it gently up by his cheek and he sighed,grasped his blankie tightly, nestled in again, settled right down, sucked a few more times on his upsidedown paci and fell peacefully asleep again. Sweet dreams baby boy, sweet dreams.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
101 in 1001
I must admit I was drawn to this after seeing it on blogger Intenionally Katie's page. It has taken me almost a week to finalize my list and I feel like it should not have taken me that long. I even looked at other pages for some ideas! I hope you enjoy my list!! Here's to getting it all done by April 24, 2013!!
101 In 1001
1. Go charter boat fishing
2. Complete 30 random acts of kindness-3 so far
a.Purchased water for a place that ran out
b.Donated money to fill a Propane tank for someone who can't afford it
c. wrote letter to elderly friend
3. Make a family time capsule
4. Make a family mission statement
5. Go one week w/out raising my voice
6. Help J host a poker night
7. Walk or ride in a 3K
8. Take a family photo-just done 10/16, waiting to see finished product!!
9. Make homemade cookies w/ the kids
10. Loose 20 lbs.
11. Start a compost pile
12. Make a rain barrel
13. New roof on garage
14. Organize garage/shed
15. Send my mom a card just b/c
16. Go to Disneyworld
17. Go on a 10 year anniversary trip
18. Paint upstairs bathroom
19. Finish painting dining/kitchen trim
20. Start Christmas Club account
21. Open little J a savings account8/21/10-we started both G & J a treehouse club acct @ our credit union today!
22. Write a paper letter to a friend
23. Volunteer in the community w/ the kids8/22/10
Tour De La Porte bike race for Cancer-we worked at a relief station handing out water and snacks!
24. Take G to Kids club church program
25. Go on a family picnic
26. Read the Bible
27. Scan all of G's art onto the computer
28. Take the train somewhere
29. Take kids to see a live Nativity
30. Have a tea party w/ G
31. Go to a hot air balloon launch
32. Play in the rain w/ the kids
33. Learn to play piano
34. Sponsor Christmas Angels
35. Install closet organizer
36. Make wills
37. Journal my childhood memories
38. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
39. Let G have more playdates
40. Use fabric grocery totes
41. Create emergency kits for basement
42. Have a family sleepover
43. Attend a marriage conference
44. Get J his truck-not actually a truck but SUV-it'll work for now!
45. Pay off ALL debt
46. Go white water rafting
47. Donate to the Salvation Army at least 6 times
48. Get J off of bottlethis has been accomplished for about a month now, yeah! (done August 2010)
49. Volunteer to help at G's school
50. Read one book to G every night for one month
51. Get J sleeping in toddler bed
52. Make green household cleaners
53. Create menu plan book
54. See new casino
55. Go ice skating
56. Build a living room fort
57. Take G to a drive in movie
58. Donate wagon to Childrens hospital
59. Play a practical joke
60. Make my own pasta
61. Sit for longer than 10 minutes and color w/ G
62. Practice extra for softball to have a better season
63. Become a better photographer
64. Ride amusement park rides w/ kids- G 8/1/10
65. Catch up on kids baby books
66. Fill out Life question book from Jenni
67. ORGANIZE desk area-not just clean up
68. Budget w/ Rachele
69. Take kids to Lake Michigan
70. Go shooting w/ J- this is a big fear
71. Clean underneath couch and cushions
72. Take photos of "naturally" occurring letters in nature
73. Start taking vitamins
74. Enlist in J's help w/ bills
75. Go to winery in MI
76. Document all possesions for insurance purposes
77. Go to Farmers Market done-August 2010
78. Release a message in a bottle
79. Have photos taken in a photo booth
80. Finish landscaping project in backyard
81. Have a family game night w/ extended family
82. Sing Karaoke? - another fear
83. No bank overdraft fees
84. Get back utility deposit
85. Photograph old barn in town
86. Put together all of G's scrapbooks
87. Teach G to tie shoes done-Sept 2010
88. Get up on time
89. Feed children healthier breakfast
90. Make new bedroom curtains
91. Clean out dog kennel
92. Plant garden in 2011, 2012 & 2013
93. Learn to can/freeze garden items
94. Take kids to Shedd Aquarium
95. Make throw pillow for bed
96. Finish painting wall in bedroom
97. Pay forward gift we received last year
98. Do something for L & L just because
99. Go away for a weekend alone with J
100. Take kids camping 8/14/10
101. Find a way to become a Stay-At-Home-Mom
101 In 1001
1. Go charter boat fishing
2. Complete 30 random acts of kindness-3 so far
a.Purchased water for a place that ran out
b.Donated money to fill a Propane tank for someone who can't afford it
c. wrote letter to elderly friend
3. Make a family time capsule
4. Make a family mission statement
5. Go one week w/out raising my voice
6. Help J host a poker night
7. Walk or ride in a 3K
8. Take a family photo-just done 10/16, waiting to see finished product!!
9. Make homemade cookies w/ the kids
10. Loose 20 lbs.
11. Start a compost pile
12. Make a rain barrel
13. New roof on garage
14. Organize garage/shed
15. Send my mom a card just b/c
16. Go to Disneyworld
17. Go on a 10 year anniversary trip
18. Paint upstairs bathroom
19. Finish painting dining/kitchen trim
20. Start Christmas Club account
21. Open little J a savings account8/21/10-we started both G & J a treehouse club acct @ our credit union today!
22. Write a paper letter to a friend
23. Volunteer in the community w/ the kids8/22/10
Tour De La Porte bike race for Cancer-we worked at a relief station handing out water and snacks!
24. Take G to Kids club church program
25. Go on a family picnic
26. Read the Bible
27. Scan all of G's art onto the computer
28. Take the train somewhere
29. Take kids to see a live Nativity
30. Have a tea party w/ G
31. Go to a hot air balloon launch
32. Play in the rain w/ the kids
33. Learn to play piano
34. Sponsor Christmas Angels
35. Install closet organizer
36. Make wills
37. Journal my childhood memories
38. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
39. Let G have more playdates
40. Use fabric grocery totes
41. Create emergency kits for basement
42. Have a family sleepover
43. Attend a marriage conference
44. Get J his truck-not actually a truck but SUV-it'll work for now!
45. Pay off ALL debt
46. Go white water rafting
47. Donate to the Salvation Army at least 6 times
48. Get J off of bottlethis has been accomplished for about a month now, yeah! (done August 2010)
49. Volunteer to help at G's school
50. Read one book to G every night for one month
51. Get J sleeping in toddler bed
52. Make green household cleaners
53. Create menu plan book
54. See new casino
55. Go ice skating
56. Build a living room fort
57. Take G to a drive in movie
58. Donate wagon to Childrens hospital
59. Play a practical joke
60. Make my own pasta
61. Sit for longer than 10 minutes and color w/ G
62. Practice extra for softball to have a better season
63. Become a better photographer
64. Ride amusement park rides w/ kids- G 8/1/10
65. Catch up on kids baby books
66. Fill out Life question book from Jenni
67. ORGANIZE desk area-not just clean up
68. Budget w/ Rachele
69. Take kids to Lake Michigan
70. Go shooting w/ J- this is a big fear
71. Clean underneath couch and cushions
72. Take photos of "naturally" occurring letters in nature
73. Start taking vitamins
74. Enlist in J's help w/ bills
75. Go to winery in MI
76. Document all possesions for insurance purposes
77. Go to Farmers Market done-August 2010
78. Release a message in a bottle
79. Have photos taken in a photo booth
80. Finish landscaping project in backyard
81. Have a family game night w/ extended family
82. Sing Karaoke? - another fear
83. No bank overdraft fees
84. Get back utility deposit
85. Photograph old barn in town
86. Put together all of G's scrapbooks
87. Teach G to tie shoes done-Sept 2010
88. Get up on time
89. Feed children healthier breakfast
90. Make new bedroom curtains
91. Clean out dog kennel
92. Plant garden in 2011, 2012 & 2013
93. Learn to can/freeze garden items
94. Take kids to Shedd Aquarium
95. Make throw pillow for bed
96. Finish painting wall in bedroom
97. Pay forward gift we received last year
98. Do something for L & L just because
99. Go away for a weekend alone with J
100. Take kids camping 8/14/10
101. Find a way to become a Stay-At-Home-Mom
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Taking it all in.
Hey all,
Just a quick thought. Last night my hubby & I got to go out to eat minus our 5 year old. This may not sound like a big deal but, we were eager to go out even though it meant still having our 16 month old. While we were eating our son got restless, as children do, and I was trying to keep my cool because as you mothers know- it sometimes feels as if you never get to eat a hot or even warm meal. DH was almost done with his meal and took over so I could finish eating. JD-my son- is fussing still and keeps saying, momma, momma, momma. So I take him back and in an attempt to keep him calm until the waitress brings our check I start quietly reading him a book at the table. This instantly calms him down and he leans his head on mine while we are reading. It is at this point I happen to look up and catch the eyes of an elderly woman at the table behind us. She gave me a very knowing smile and nod. The kind that meant without words-I remember those days and miss them, enjoy these moments with your son. It is amazing how just a kind look from someone can jerk you back to reality. I had been flustered and feeling like we were disturbing everyone around us. Her look made me chill and realize these moments will not here forever, I need to continue to roll with it, and enjoy those simple momemts when my son lays his head on mine because he just wants his momma.
Just a quick thought. Last night my hubby & I got to go out to eat minus our 5 year old. This may not sound like a big deal but, we were eager to go out even though it meant still having our 16 month old. While we were eating our son got restless, as children do, and I was trying to keep my cool because as you mothers know- it sometimes feels as if you never get to eat a hot or even warm meal. DH was almost done with his meal and took over so I could finish eating. JD-my son- is fussing still and keeps saying, momma, momma, momma. So I take him back and in an attempt to keep him calm until the waitress brings our check I start quietly reading him a book at the table. This instantly calms him down and he leans his head on mine while we are reading. It is at this point I happen to look up and catch the eyes of an elderly woman at the table behind us. She gave me a very knowing smile and nod. The kind that meant without words-I remember those days and miss them, enjoy these moments with your son. It is amazing how just a kind look from someone can jerk you back to reality. I had been flustered and feeling like we were disturbing everyone around us. Her look made me chill and realize these moments will not here forever, I need to continue to roll with it, and enjoy those simple momemts when my son lays his head on mine because he just wants his momma.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Accomplishments.
So, maybe I am just a weird mother, maybe. All I know is that we took my daughter Grace, 5 to the eye Dr. tonight for her very first eye Dr. appointment. She will be starting Kindergarten in the fall and this is a requirement before she starts school. It is not like she has eye problems or anything it was just your regular run of the mill appointment. Anyway, about halfway through as we are getting the Dr's opinion that all is looking good I catch myself smiling and being proud that Grace is acing her eye exam.....weird huh? Its not like this was the Nobel peace prize or anything superb. Then I felt kinda guilty for getting so excited over a little eye exam. Oh well, it s the small things in life right?!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
A Blog You Say?
Where does a non-blogger begin? I guess with a post about me. I am seriously Sarah. My friends call me Sarah Lou. I am a fun-loving, serious gal from the heart of the midwest, a small town in-Indiana. Yes folks, there is more than corn in Indiana. Not much more but more! I am a mother of 2, a full time employee, a cook, housekeeper, laundromat, personal assistant, bill payer, teacher, (did I mention I am a mother?) dishwasher, baby rocker, diaper changer, shopper, wife, pet feeder, laundry folder, etc, etc, etc. (I mentioned I am a wife and a mother right?!) Goodness knows that I could go on and on but I don't want to bore you with my very first post!! :-) The long short of it all is this : I get up, dress children, feed children, drop off children, work, run errands (on lunch), work, make dinner, clean up dinner, start laundry, bathe children, rock small child, feed small child, read to larger child, do more laundry, say goodnight to large child, say goodnight to even larger child(husband) sorry hon!, finish laundry, clean up house, do computer things, go to bed, repeat next day. WOW!!
I love my life, I hate that I am an employed mother. I need an outlet to express my feelings so this is what I will try. If you have tips or ideas I need em. Organization ideas, I need em. Ways for me to stay at home with my babies and still pay my mortgage...yup want those ideas also!! I hope this is as fun for you to read as it has been for me to post. See you soon!
Seriously Sarah
I love my life, I hate that I am an employed mother. I need an outlet to express my feelings so this is what I will try. If you have tips or ideas I need em. Organization ideas, I need em. Ways for me to stay at home with my babies and still pay my mortgage...yup want those ideas also!! I hope this is as fun for you to read as it has been for me to post. See you soon!
Seriously Sarah
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