Little J has moved into 9th place on the Top Ten Badge Board! Yay!!! To all of you who have donated thank you!!! I am so grateful for all of your support! I am so happy, that we are raising a little awareness for Angelman Syndrome and a little money for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. In order for Little J to get the matching donation from Hanes, he needs to get to the top 6 badges. Right now, he is 24 donations away from taking over 6th place. Obviously that changes daily based on donations being made to the other charities. So keep spreading the word for Little J!!
In other news, Princess J is doing well! She had her 4 month checkup today. It seems like she's been here forever, yet only arrived yesterday....if that makes any sense! She is doing so well with her milestones! She's even accomplished a few things that are generally achieved around the 6 month mark. With everything that has gone on with Little J, I am so anxious at every doctor visit following Princess J's progress. I know she's fine, but just need that reassurance. She's on track to be a tall girl, right now her height is in the 85th percentile! Grow baby!!! Yay!! Her rash seems to be clearing up, she's been on the hypoalergenic formula for a week now and we are continuing it for another week. If all goes well, we'll be introducing her to a soy formula and then on to rice ceral! Wow! Solid food already! I just can't believe how fast she's growing and how much she changes everyday!
Hopefully I'll get to do a little scrapping in the next few days...or at least get a few new pictures of the kiddos. I'll definately be scrapping on Sunday! Can't wait to get together with my homies and just hang out for some good times!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Slipping a Little
Little J is still in the Top 10 for his charity badge! Yay Little J!!! He has 11 donations totaling $320! Thanks again to all of you who have donated! Thanks also to all of you who have slapped Little J on your blog or your MySpace page! I think there are at least 5 other places besides this blog and my MySpace page where Little J's smile is beaming from!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! We have until September 16th to keep this going! I am still hoping that we can get Little J's badge at least into the top 6 so the Angelman Syndrome Foundation can benefit from the matching donation from Hanes. I still have hopes that he can be the top badge, but we are a long way from there. I think the top badge has about 110 donations! So, keep slapping his badge up on your blogs and keep spreading the word! Afterall, that is really what this is about. Raising awareness and seeing what one Little boys smile can accomplish....with a little help from Mommy and some great supporters!If you haven't read our story, please see post from July 28th 2007!
On other fronts, Little J's sidekick Princess J is struggling with a bit of a rash. We think it's a combination of milk allergy (since her daddy and I both suffered from this when we were wee little ones) and a bit of heat rash. She's been on this really nasty smelling formula for almost a week. Her doctor warned us that the smell was awful and told us we could try the soy formula if either we or Princess couldn't handle the other stuff. Well, since the nasty smelling stuff if supposed to be the gold standard when it comes to the milk allergy, G and I are determined to put up with the smell. Especially since she doesn't seem to mind drinking it down. she goes back to the pediatrician on Monday, so we'll see how this all works out. If she clears up, then we'll try the soy formula and see if she has any reaction to that. The soy formula would be much better for our wallet.
I have been lucky enough to get a little scrapping in too! Yay me! I've been so happy with my mojo lately! Although sometimes, trying to think outside the box and come up with ideas makes my head hurt!! LOL!!! Everything I came up with this time was girlie too, so Princess J is the headliner of the scrapping this time around. To anyone who is worried that I'm neglecting to scrap Little J, don't worry I just developed several new photos of him and have a few ideas I've jotted down.....now if I can just find the time to implement them!!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Little J is in the Top 10!
Only a few days after making the badge for Little J, he has 8 donations for a total of $250! Thank you everyone who has donated and who has sent words of prayer, love and support. We really appreciate it. We also want to thank those of you who have slapped Little J's badge on to your blogs and Myspace pages!! Very awesome! Not only are we raising money for a great organization that really supports families of this rare neuro-genetic disorder with contacts and lots of education. They also are the primary fiancial support of research to help find medical treatment and hopefully someday a cure! We are also getting the word out about this disorder. One of the things that I hear from other parents and I've experienced myself is that many have not heard of this disorder and many in the medical community are not familiar with it. It is so frustrating to go into an ER with your child sick and the medical staff has no idea what your talking about when you tell them your child has Angelman Syndrome. Even better, is when you tell someone and they look at you like you have 10 heads! Thankfully, that has not happened for us at our local medical facilities. Currently Little J's badge is sitting in the #8 spot. In order for him to get the matching donation he needs to be in the top 6. There is a minimum donation of $10, but again, it is the quantity of donations not the total dollar amount that they are counting.
If you do not know our story or have not yet read our story, please do so below. I will continue to update Little J's progress here periodically along with that of his new sidekick Princess J!
Thank you again for all your continued support both with this campaign and for all your prayers and support.
If you would like to post Little J's badge on your blog, just let me know and I can forward the HTML codes to you!! We'd love the help! Thanks so much!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Raising Awareness and the Hardest Day Ever!
I don't even know where to begin with this story. I think I have typed stuff in and deleted it about 100 times already. Many of you who know me well, are very aware of everything that our family has been through in the last year as to you I am an open book and feel very comfortable sharing myself, my family and our struggles with you. It is because of the love that you have all shown to me, G, especially Little J and now our Princess J. It is because of you that I feel that I can share our story here now, publicly and hopefully raise some awareness.
At Little J's 12 month check up, I posed some concern to his pediatrician that he was not yet pulling up to try and stand or walk. She was not overly concerned, but felt that we should make an appointment with a developmental pediatrican (since it takes at least 3 months to get an appointment) just to be pro-active. On April 11th 2006, we went to that appointment. Little J was evaluated by a child psycologist and the developmental pediatrician. After the extensive examination and quite a bit of questions and answers she told me that she had a gut feeling about a diagnosis for Little J. She wasn't 100% sure and wanted to have some blood work done just to be sure. This was the first time I had ever heard of Angelman Syndrome. Before we left, she told me not to go online and start looking for information as she wasn't 100% sure at this point, but wanted to start with the easiest and least difficult test. I held out as long as I could. I typed those words into the computer and what I read devistated me. I was drowning in fear and felt like our entire life, future and dreams were being ripped out from underneath us. That night, I slept on the hardwood floor of Little J's room with just a pillow and a blanket crying my eyes out. At this point we still hadn't done the bloodwork and I put it off for a couple of weeks, fearing what the answer would be, but yet wanting to do the work to prove that my Little J did not have this disorder. I finally took little J down to get the bloodwork done and on May 1st 2006, we got that phone call. Our regular pediatrician's secretary called to tell us that our doctor would like to meet with us in her office. I imediately broke down in tears, for I knew deep in my gut that Little J now officially had Angelman Syndrome. I called G at work and told him that the doctor wanted to meet with us in her office, so he was on his way to meet us there. On May 1st, through tears, our pediatrican told us that Little J had Angelman Syndrome. I had so many things racing through my head, but I think the thing that sticks with me the most, is seeing my husband cry. He had his arm around me and was trying to comfort me, but he couldn't hold back his own tears.
For the next two weeks, things were up and down for both of us. Things I loved to do, I didn't want to do. I walked around in an almost robotic daze, just going through the motions of everyday life. The only thing that wasn't robotic was seeing, being with and taking care of our beautiful little boy. We jumped right in, getting him set up with appointments that his doctor felt were necessary, such as a genetic counselor, a neurologist, as well as getting him Early Intervention services. It was such a whilrwind.
Angelman Syndrome is a rare neurologically based genetic disorder. It is believed to occur in 1 in every 15,000 to 20,000 births. It is often misdiagnosed as Autism, Cerebral Palsy or other childhood disorders. There are a few diferent causes of this disorder. The type that Little J has in simplistic terms is that there is a small portion of his 15th chromosome missing. This is the most common type of this disorder with 70% of children having it in this manner. Some challenges faced by patients with Angelman Syndrome are developmental delay, profound speech impairment, movement and balance disorder, ataxia, short attention span, hyperactivity, sleep disturbance, and siezures. Little J has many of these symptoms, but not all of them. One symptom that many of the patients with AS have is a very happy demeanor. Little J definately has this! Thank goodness!
A year later, things are so different for us now. Little J is still the same amazing boy, but making so much more progress everyday. Today, I don't feel devistated by his diagnosis, but blessed. This doesn't mean that days are not hard, or that some days I don't have a mini pity party for myself, but I know in the grand scheme of things we are very blessed and lucky to have this little boy. He is an absolute joy to be around. I have never seen this kid wake up on the wrong side of the crib. If you need a smile, a hug or a big wet kiss, he has one for you. Little J makes friends with everyone anytime we go to the grocery store...or anywhere else for that matter. We have been so blessed to have so many wonderful doctors on his team. We also have been so lucky to have wonderful therapists working with him who are so invested in him and his progress and accomplishments. They have also been such great advocates for him and our family when dealing with the different programs that he is involved in.
I will also say here, that my faith in GOD has never been stronger. When we were first diagnosed, I know that HE was there to help us through that rough patch. HE put many people in our path that had just the right thing to say, or what we needed to hear at that moment. People who we didn't know very well reached out to us and shared their own stories with us. Our church reached out to us. I feel so blessed by all of this. I miss church right now.....might have to go early tomorrow with just Princess J. It is just to difficult right now to go on a regular basis with both kiddos while G is working on Sunday. I'm thankful to know that our church is working to revamp the childcare program to include children with special needs though. This warms my heart and I can't wait till the ball gets rolling with that and I can help!
Okay, now that you have read this big long post, I should get to the part about raising awareness. Kevin Bacon has founded Six Degrees.Org. Six Degrees, in partnership with the Network for Good and Hanes, Hanes will donate up to $10,000 to the top 10 badges charities! The top 10 badges are determined by the number of unique donations, not by the amount of the donation. A unique donation means getting different people to support your cause. They will be checking all of the donation records for each charity badge at the conclusion of the campaign; duplicate email address and credit card combinations will only be counted once, because they violate the spirit of Six Degrees. So please, no intentional gaming of the system or encouraging others to do so; efforts like this will jeopardize your eligibility. Past recipient charities are not eligible.
I hate asking for things, but I hope you will find it in your heart to donate! I would love to see this raise awareness of Angelman Syndrome as well as to support the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. They support many families with information, education and connections. They are also funding a lot of research! Little J will be participating in some research programs at UC San Diego later this year. I would love to see Little J's badge be one of the top 10!!!!
You can donate directly by using the badge you see on the sidebar of my blog. Just click the button that says "DONATE" All donations are handled and directed by the Network for Good.
Edited to add: Someone from another site sent me a question asking if Princess J was affected by this disorder as well. She is not. She was tested during my pregnancy and is negative for this disorder. The type that Little J has is generally not hereditary so there is not an increased risk of reoccurence. Our risk of having a child with AS was the same as every one else, about 1% risk.
At Little J's 12 month check up, I posed some concern to his pediatrician that he was not yet pulling up to try and stand or walk. She was not overly concerned, but felt that we should make an appointment with a developmental pediatrican (since it takes at least 3 months to get an appointment) just to be pro-active. On April 11th 2006, we went to that appointment. Little J was evaluated by a child psycologist and the developmental pediatrician. After the extensive examination and quite a bit of questions and answers she told me that she had a gut feeling about a diagnosis for Little J. She wasn't 100% sure and wanted to have some blood work done just to be sure. This was the first time I had ever heard of Angelman Syndrome. Before we left, she told me not to go online and start looking for information as she wasn't 100% sure at this point, but wanted to start with the easiest and least difficult test. I held out as long as I could. I typed those words into the computer and what I read devistated me. I was drowning in fear and felt like our entire life, future and dreams were being ripped out from underneath us. That night, I slept on the hardwood floor of Little J's room with just a pillow and a blanket crying my eyes out. At this point we still hadn't done the bloodwork and I put it off for a couple of weeks, fearing what the answer would be, but yet wanting to do the work to prove that my Little J did not have this disorder. I finally took little J down to get the bloodwork done and on May 1st 2006, we got that phone call. Our regular pediatrician's secretary called to tell us that our doctor would like to meet with us in her office. I imediately broke down in tears, for I knew deep in my gut that Little J now officially had Angelman Syndrome. I called G at work and told him that the doctor wanted to meet with us in her office, so he was on his way to meet us there. On May 1st, through tears, our pediatrican told us that Little J had Angelman Syndrome. I had so many things racing through my head, but I think the thing that sticks with me the most, is seeing my husband cry. He had his arm around me and was trying to comfort me, but he couldn't hold back his own tears.
For the next two weeks, things were up and down for both of us. Things I loved to do, I didn't want to do. I walked around in an almost robotic daze, just going through the motions of everyday life. The only thing that wasn't robotic was seeing, being with and taking care of our beautiful little boy. We jumped right in, getting him set up with appointments that his doctor felt were necessary, such as a genetic counselor, a neurologist, as well as getting him Early Intervention services. It was such a whilrwind.
Angelman Syndrome is a rare neurologically based genetic disorder. It is believed to occur in 1 in every 15,000 to 20,000 births. It is often misdiagnosed as Autism, Cerebral Palsy or other childhood disorders. There are a few diferent causes of this disorder. The type that Little J has in simplistic terms is that there is a small portion of his 15th chromosome missing. This is the most common type of this disorder with 70% of children having it in this manner. Some challenges faced by patients with Angelman Syndrome are developmental delay, profound speech impairment, movement and balance disorder, ataxia, short attention span, hyperactivity, sleep disturbance, and siezures. Little J has many of these symptoms, but not all of them. One symptom that many of the patients with AS have is a very happy demeanor. Little J definately has this! Thank goodness!
A year later, things are so different for us now. Little J is still the same amazing boy, but making so much more progress everyday. Today, I don't feel devistated by his diagnosis, but blessed. This doesn't mean that days are not hard, or that some days I don't have a mini pity party for myself, but I know in the grand scheme of things we are very blessed and lucky to have this little boy. He is an absolute joy to be around. I have never seen this kid wake up on the wrong side of the crib. If you need a smile, a hug or a big wet kiss, he has one for you. Little J makes friends with everyone anytime we go to the grocery store...or anywhere else for that matter. We have been so blessed to have so many wonderful doctors on his team. We also have been so lucky to have wonderful therapists working with him who are so invested in him and his progress and accomplishments. They have also been such great advocates for him and our family when dealing with the different programs that he is involved in.
I will also say here, that my faith in GOD has never been stronger. When we were first diagnosed, I know that HE was there to help us through that rough patch. HE put many people in our path that had just the right thing to say, or what we needed to hear at that moment. People who we didn't know very well reached out to us and shared their own stories with us. Our church reached out to us. I feel so blessed by all of this. I miss church right now.....might have to go early tomorrow with just Princess J. It is just to difficult right now to go on a regular basis with both kiddos while G is working on Sunday. I'm thankful to know that our church is working to revamp the childcare program to include children with special needs though. This warms my heart and I can't wait till the ball gets rolling with that and I can help!
Okay, now that you have read this big long post, I should get to the part about raising awareness. Kevin Bacon has founded Six Degrees.Org. Six Degrees, in partnership with the Network for Good and Hanes, Hanes will donate up to $10,000 to the top 10 badges charities! The top 10 badges are determined by the number of unique donations, not by the amount of the donation. A unique donation means getting different people to support your cause. They will be checking all of the donation records for each charity badge at the conclusion of the campaign; duplicate email address and credit card combinations will only be counted once, because they violate the spirit of Six Degrees. So please, no intentional gaming of the system or encouraging others to do so; efforts like this will jeopardize your eligibility. Past recipient charities are not eligible.
I hate asking for things, but I hope you will find it in your heart to donate! I would love to see this raise awareness of Angelman Syndrome as well as to support the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. They support many families with information, education and connections. They are also funding a lot of research! Little J will be participating in some research programs at UC San Diego later this year. I would love to see Little J's badge be one of the top 10!!!!
You can donate directly by using the badge you see on the sidebar of my blog. Just click the button that says "DONATE" All donations are handled and directed by the Network for Good.
Edited to add: Someone from another site sent me a question asking if Princess J was affected by this disorder as well. She is not. She was tested during my pregnancy and is negative for this disorder. The type that Little J has is generally not hereditary so there is not an increased risk of reoccurence. Our risk of having a child with AS was the same as every one else, about 1% risk.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
That's Funny!
Princess J is growing so fast!!! I can't believe how big she's getting and how her personality is emerging more and more every day! Lately, she loves to have very long conversations. They are so fun, listening to her "talk" to us in her baby babble! She loves to chat and when you chat back with her, she throws in those cute little smiles and lots of laughing! So stinkin' cute.....even at 2 in the morning!!! Friday, Little J had an appointment at Children's Hospital for a check up. Princess J had awakened at midnight for some food. She went back to sleep rather quickly and let me tell you I was so happy, as there would be no sleeping in for me if we were gonna get to that appointment on time! Well, Princess J decides that 2 am would be a good time to wake up and have a conversation and tell me a few stories. That little girl cried until I picked her up, and when I did, she was all smiles and ready for a chat. She did her incessant babble for an entire hour! She finally had enough at 3 am!!! Needless to say, I didn't run and grab the camera at 3 am, but I did manage to get her in action having a go at Daddy!!! I was so stinkin' tired, but I couldn't help enjoying the chat we had!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Harry Potter Palooozaaaaa!
So, the time has come for the final Harry Potter book to be released. In case you've been living under a rock or have been away in the forrest somewhere for while, the new book is called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Last week, I decided that it would probably be easier for me if I had the new Harry Potter delivered to my doorstep instead of heading out to brave the crowds on Saturday. I headed over to my favorite booksellers website....Barnes and Noble and decided to not only buy Harry Potter (making sure I would recieve it on its release date) but to browse through new books. On this website, the allow you to make a wish list of 25 books. Of course mine is full. I've also been checking out Good Reads. I've been spending a little time each day entering the books I've read and the ones that are on my "to read" list. That list is currently 18 books long and growing...rapidly.
This brings me back to Mr. Harry Potter. Why did I find it necessary to make sure I got my copy of Harry Potter by July 21st the day of its release? I still have to read #5 and #6! So obviously I won't be cracking it open on Saturday when it arrives. I know it's because I got caught up in the Harry Potter Palooozaaaaaaaa! It is going to be so difficult to navigate myself away from the spoilers and to keep myself from accidentaly finding out how the book ends or things that happen. When I say accidentaly, I am sincere about that. When it comes to books, I don't want to know any of the details. I want to read it and be engrossed in it. I want to be clinging to every word to find out what's going to happen next! The longer it takes me to get to the book, the harder this task will be. So, I have resolved that as soon as I finish the book I am currently reading, I am going to read through the 3 Harry Potter books.
The moral of this blog post is PLEASE! Do not spoil Harry Potter....or any other book for that matter for me!
And, since I have this love for buying books and making my "to read" list longer and longer....if you've got a book you love...name it so I can add it to my list!!!
This brings me back to Mr. Harry Potter. Why did I find it necessary to make sure I got my copy of Harry Potter by July 21st the day of its release? I still have to read #5 and #6! So obviously I won't be cracking it open on Saturday when it arrives. I know it's because I got caught up in the Harry Potter Palooozaaaaaaaa! It is going to be so difficult to navigate myself away from the spoilers and to keep myself from accidentaly finding out how the book ends or things that happen. When I say accidentaly, I am sincere about that. When it comes to books, I don't want to know any of the details. I want to read it and be engrossed in it. I want to be clinging to every word to find out what's going to happen next! The longer it takes me to get to the book, the harder this task will be. So, I have resolved that as soon as I finish the book I am currently reading, I am going to read through the 3 Harry Potter books.
The moral of this blog post is PLEASE! Do not spoil Harry Potter....or any other book for that matter for me!
And, since I have this love for buying books and making my "to read" list longer and longer....if you've got a book you love...name it so I can add it to my list!!!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Napping!!!
Why is it when we're kids we did everything possible to avoid taking the dreaded nap. If we only knew then what we know now. Today, I had a really busy day. Got up early, got dinner started in the crock pot and Little J had 3 appointments back to back this morning. Thankfully, all the appointments were here at home! After all was said and done, I was exhausted afterwards. G got home and had a bite to eat, and then I headed off to have a nap! A glorious nap!!! It was so wonderful!!! I love naps!!! Oh to be a kid again and be required to take a nap everyday again!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Priceless.......
1 County
1 Big Company
1 Locked Door
500 Workers
2 Weeks worth of garbage sitting on your curb
2 Weeks worth of dirty diapers created by 2 kids sitting on your curb
200 Replacement Workers
Seeing the Garbage Truck (along with Garbage Truck Security) on your street........
PRICELESS!
Never thought I'd be so happy to see the garbage man....much less taking photos of his arrival!!
1 Big Company
1 Locked Door
500 Workers
2 Weeks worth of garbage sitting on your curb
2 Weeks worth of dirty diapers created by 2 kids sitting on your curb
200 Replacement Workers
Seeing the Garbage Truck (along with Garbage Truck Security) on your street........
PRICELESS!
Never thought I'd be so happy to see the garbage man....much less taking photos of his arrival!!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Lucky 7-7-07 was Scrapalicious!!!
So, while everyone was planning their lucky 07-07-2007 to have babies born that day, buy lotto tickets, and get married. It never even dawned on me that there was any odd significance to this day until about 3 days before. Without even thinking about the actual date, I was convinced to spend my Saturday scrapping by Erin
and Janice. Still not realizing the date when I signed myself up 2 weeks ago. Little did I know that it would be the best way to spend my day!! After a rough start to the day...Little J had an appointment in the morning and trying to get my stuff together, it turned out to be so productive and relaxing for me! I used quite a bit from my stash and I was so happy with the end product!!! Lucky Me!!! I should have known that it would be a lucky day when my new kit club products arrived too!!! So, are you ready for the next lucky day of this century? If you were to write dates out in the European fashion, you would find that today would be 09-07-2007. So the next lucky day of this century will be....20-07-2007!!! Apparently just as many people in Europe are getting married, trying to have babies and such on this other lucky day of this year!!! So, I'm making plans to scrap again!! LOL!!! Actually, I don't know what I'm planning, but I'm going to try and put a little thought into the plans of this other lucky day of the year. Maybe I'll buy a lotto ticket? Gotta find something fun to do with the family!
Back to scrapping for a minute....See the heart on the top layout (inside the flower), the little embellishment that says "cutie" on the second layout and the stars on the bottom layout? Can you tell how sparkly they are? I have become addicted to this stuff called Stickles by Ranger. OMG!! It is so easy to use and it can make anything look like bling!!! I've used it on the rubber pieces you see here. In a previous post I posted a layout called Beautiful You and I used the stickles on the flower. Lvoe how it made the flower look all glittery!!! Okay, so that's my product plug for the day.
Almost time to feed Princess J and watch some Big Brother After Dark on Showtime.
Have a great day!!!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!
There is a reason this guy has been Entertainer of the Year for the past 4 years. This years Flip Flop Summer Tour was HOT! Headed out to the concert this evening with my Sister -in-law, my neice and my friend Carole! Didn't have the great seats like we did last time, but Kenny Chesney can make the lawn seem like good seats at his show. The music was great and Kenny was HOT...all of us ladies were happy!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Something HOT and Getting Tagged!
This time Monday evening, I will be sitting out on the lawn at Shoreline listening to Kenny Chesney!!!!
I have been lovin' his new song, and cannot wait for the new CD to come out in September!!!
So below, I am answering a tag I got and before I reveal the tag or who tagged me I'm gonna tell you who I'm taggin'
I'm tagging:
Jo and
Jenn
I also got tagged by Erin! So, here ya go!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name is after my grandmother.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? When our little girl was born
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, most of the time.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? Salami
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 2 beautiful kiddos!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Yes!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh Hell to the no!!!!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL? Captain Crunch with Crunchberries!
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nah, I'm hecka lazy!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Sometimes
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate Gelato!
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Shoes..LOL!
15. RED OR PINK? Pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I procrastinate
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My daddy
18. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Green sweats/bare feet!
19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Mushroom burger from Chili's
20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Kenny Chesney
21. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE? Wild Strawberry
22. FAVOURITE SMELLS? Jasmine
23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Erin
24. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Hmmm..YES!
25. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football
26. HAIR COLOUR? Brown
27. EYE COLOUR? Hazel
28. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
29. FAVOURITE FOOD? Spicey Pasta
30. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings
31. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Beauty Shop
32. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White
33. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
34. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
35. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Jenn
36. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Suzy
37. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No Mouse Pad
39. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? America's Most Wanted (you watch I will catch a criminal someday!!!)
40. FAVOURITE SOUND? The voices of my little ones
41. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I can't choose
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Italy/Switzerland/France
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Is spending a special talent?
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? California
45. WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU LIKE? Cure Children of all illnesses and disabilities
Friday, June 29, 2007
More Scrapping!!!
I got a few more layouts completed for my assignments at Picture Me Perfect. Just wanted to share them here! Still recovering, still on Vicodin, still can't be carrying around the kiddos. Luckly, I can still have cuddle time with Princess J! I would be going through complete withdrawl if I didn't get that. Time for another nap!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thanks Doc!
So, Monday was the big day! Bright and early Monday morning G and I headed down to the hospital so I could have my umbilical hernia repaired. I think I had the best anesthisologist ever! He told me I was going to start feeling a little sleepy, but probably wouldn't be completely out until we got to the OR....HA! That was the last thing I remember before I was waking up. I was glad to hear from the nurse, that while coming out of the anesthesia, I was super polite...she said every other word out of my mouth was THANK YOU!! LOL!!!
Recovery from this surgery is no fun! It's actually more difficult than recovery from a c-section! It hurts like heck...thank goodness for Vicodin!! I have been super sore and super sleepy for the last few days, which is why I haven't blogged.
Anyway, it sucks that I can't lift anything.....nothing for at least a few more days. My heart hurts when I hear my littlest one crying and I can't pick her up to comfort her. Actually, it just hurts knowing I can't just pick her up period. I miss playing around with little J too. He is just too rowdy these days for me to risk it.
Thank goodness my sister-in-law is here to help. My kiddos are loving her so much!! I couldn't ask for anyone better to take such loving care of my little ones. So, for at least a few more days I'll have to watch from the sidelines as someone else cares for my kiddos. Off to take some more Vicodin and get some sleep!
Recovery from this surgery is no fun! It's actually more difficult than recovery from a c-section! It hurts like heck...thank goodness for Vicodin!! I have been super sore and super sleepy for the last few days, which is why I haven't blogged.
Anyway, it sucks that I can't lift anything.....nothing for at least a few more days. My heart hurts when I hear my littlest one crying and I can't pick her up to comfort her. Actually, it just hurts knowing I can't just pick her up period. I miss playing around with little J too. He is just too rowdy these days for me to risk it.
Thank goodness my sister-in-law is here to help. My kiddos are loving her so much!! I couldn't ask for anyone better to take such loving care of my little ones. So, for at least a few more days I'll have to watch from the sidelines as someone else cares for my kiddos. Off to take some more Vicodin and get some sleep!
Friday, June 22, 2007
HOLY COW! I SCRAPPED!!!!!
I can hardly believe it! I've actually been able to do a little scrapping lately!! Beautiful You is the first layout I've done of Princess J! The paper is by Heidi Grace it is from the Mushroom line. I am just in love with all the Heidi Grace Paper lately!! I actually started this one at the National Scrapbook Day crop at Suzy's store Picture Me Perfect in Fremont, but today I finally finished it. Sweet Smiling Cowboy I just did today! G watched the kiddos upstairs, while I put itunes on and listened to music and got my scrap on! I did this one for the Garage Girl design team at Suzy's. The last one Thank You God has actually been in my head for awhile, but I couldn't figure out a title. Then as I was browsing the gallery at Two Peas in a Bucket, I found this title on another scrappers layout. I hope she doesn't mind that I snagged her title, but it just fit. I needed to scrap the basic feeling that G and I feel so blessed, that God has trusted the special care of Little J to us. It's not always easy, but we know it is a blessing from heaven that he is our little boy.
Seeing these completed layouts really are inspiring me in so many ways. Not only can I not wait to do some more scrapping, but I really feel the need to get down to work when it comes to organizing my scrap stuff. Putting these layouts together has also made me feel the need to start thinking realistically about purging and using my stash. Right now, it is everywhere! Whenever I go into that room, I usually feel the mojo just sucked right out of me, because it's just all over the place and unorganized. It's really driving me crazy Tomorrow, I'm going to find some time to at least get started on putting everything in its' place and finding a place for everything. If I can't find a place for everything, then I need to be real about purging it. We are getting ready to have a "garage sale at Suzy's store, so I need to get some stuff in boxes, priced and out of here! I have the perfect opportunity to actually know what I have, where it is, and be able to make a point to use it! I just hope it's not too late! I have such a limited window of time to get this done!
This weekend, my sister-in-law and neice are coming to stay with us. I'm finally going to get rid of this stinkin' umbillical hernia on Monday! So, I won't be able to lift Little J for 2 weeks! I'm kind of nervous about the surgery too. It's kind of funny that the incision for the C-section was huge compared to the tiny one for this surgery but, I didn't even blink an eye or worry about the C-section. I hope this procedure heals quickly and easily, because I have so many things I want to do when it's over. I have so many things planned in the next two weeks! We're hoping to take my sister-in-law and neice to San Francisco to see some touristy sights (not to mention some photos). We'd also like to have her take some family photos for us. It's next to impossible to use the tripod and get a really good photo with Little J. He always wants to be looking at one of us. So, if we're not behind the camera, then he's not looking at the camera. We also bought tickets to the local fair as well. That should be good for some more photo opportunities. Whewwww....I'm acutally getting tired thinking about the calender after the surgery. I better nap now!!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Melt My Heart!
I just love this little smile! This little girl can melt my heart a gazillion time a day! It doesn't matter if she's screaming demands, just looking around, or showing us one of her amazing little smiles, I feel so lucky and blessed that she is here. I can't even believe that she's been here for almost 11 weeks now! The time is just flying by! It's been a crazy whirlwind getting used to having two little ones underfoot and making sure they are both taken care of, I miss my regular sleep schedule, but I wouldn't trade this time with them for anything! I do wish that I had more time for just me and G, but I know that we will get that under control in time. He is such an amazing Daddy to our two little ones! I find myself thanking God for blessing me with such a wonderful husband who not only cares for and loves me, but also for providing our children with such an amazing Daddy. He definately always puts us first, even though he really should put himself first more often than he does. His Father's Day present is supposed to arrive tomorrow, I hope he puts it to good use and uses it to make time for himself and some enjoyment. He really deserves so much!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
We Love You Daddy!!!
You are the best Daddy in the whole wide world! Happy Father's Day! Thanks Mommy for letting us borrow your blog today! Love, Little J and Princess J!
The Regular TV Season Might be Over....
But there are a ton of shows just starting their new seasons! Thank goodness for mindless television to keep my occupied while I'm a little more homebound than normal.
Shows I'm Watching:
The Real Estate Pros -TLC
Army Wives -Lifetime
The Starter Wife -USA
Hells Kitchen -Fox
Last Comic Standing -NBC
Big Love -HBO
American Inventor -ABC
Big Brother -coming soon to CBS!
Thank goodness for good summer TV!!
Shows I'm Watching:
The Real Estate Pros -TLC
Army Wives -Lifetime
The Starter Wife -USA
Hells Kitchen -Fox
Last Comic Standing -NBC
Big Love -HBO
American Inventor -ABC
Big Brother -coming soon to CBS!
Thank goodness for good summer TV!!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
7 Random Facts About Me
Jo tagged me recently and I'm finally getting around to facing the challenge.
1.I am a book lover! I do however have a few crazy quirks about my book love. I hate library books, they stink and who knows where they've been? I can't stand the thought of some random stranger reading the book and sneezing all over it or taking it into their bathroom and reading it on the pot and then there I sit in my bed reading the same book and getting those filthy germs all over me and my bed! I never take a book from the top of the stack...I like my book to be a virgin when I open it (or at least believe it is).
2. Ever since Little J was born and I had those 2 am feedings, I found Korean Dramas on AZNTV. I have been addicted ever since! They are basically soap operas that actually come to an end. So, if you don't mind reading subtitles, then give them a try. They are really entertaining.
3. I have been watching the Young and the Restless off and on since about 1980! I can't believe that I've been keeping track of that soap for almost 27 years! Oy vey, that makes me sound really old, but I'm not! It's amazing the things that can happen in a soap opera...where else can a stripper end up running for senate? Where else can a pool boy end up marrying both of the sisters in the family he worked for and then marry the other daughter of the rival prominent family and become a member of the board of directors of rival families company?? And, how come they never got a replacement pool boy?
4. I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but here it goes. Back in the 80's I was a huge Whitney Houston fan. I so wanted to be Whitney! Thank goodnes for unanswered prayers! The first concert I ever went to was Whitney Houston at the Concord Pavillion. I think it was sometime around 1986. I totally remember trying to work out the scam to get away with going to the concert, because at the time I was under strict parental control and this was not going to happen by just asking if I could go. Anyway, as always my scam was detected and I was in huge trouble. I don't know how I ended up getting to go, but I remember it being a fun road trip from Santa Rosa to Concord with 2 of my co-workers from factoid #5 about me. That would have been Vicky and Rich who went with me. Thank goodness Vicky always had my back and helped me get away with a few things that were not on the allowed to do list.....
5. My first job was at Burger King! Ugh! I can't believe that I actually wore that polyester nightmare of a uniform! Just thinking about that polyester with all the grease floating around makes me ill! I can still imagine that smell! Ick!!! Oh well, it was a great time though! Made some great friends and had an awesome time working the drive-thru with my friend Chris from high school. That girl could make anyone on the other end of that speaker laugh out loud! Oh and my cousin worked there at the same time too. Sadly, after 1 year I had to leave the fun of Burger King behind, because I got a better job at Baskin and Robbins!! YUMMY ICE CREAM and no grease!! It was right across the parking lot from Burger King, so I still saw my friends on a daily basis.
6. In 1988 I was the 1st runner up in the Apple Blossom Queen competition in Sebastopol which made me an Apple Blossom princess. Fun times!!
7. Okay, and last but not least I know someone who shall remain nameless that used to dance for MC Hammer. HA!
Now, I'm supposed to tag a few peeps to share their 7 facts. I'm going to tag....Jenn (mesogoofy), Jen (islandgirl) and even though she hasn't finished the tag I did last time, Erin!!
1.I am a book lover! I do however have a few crazy quirks about my book love. I hate library books, they stink and who knows where they've been? I can't stand the thought of some random stranger reading the book and sneezing all over it or taking it into their bathroom and reading it on the pot and then there I sit in my bed reading the same book and getting those filthy germs all over me and my bed! I never take a book from the top of the stack...I like my book to be a virgin when I open it (or at least believe it is).
2. Ever since Little J was born and I had those 2 am feedings, I found Korean Dramas on AZNTV. I have been addicted ever since! They are basically soap operas that actually come to an end. So, if you don't mind reading subtitles, then give them a try. They are really entertaining.
3. I have been watching the Young and the Restless off and on since about 1980! I can't believe that I've been keeping track of that soap for almost 27 years! Oy vey, that makes me sound really old, but I'm not! It's amazing the things that can happen in a soap opera...where else can a stripper end up running for senate? Where else can a pool boy end up marrying both of the sisters in the family he worked for and then marry the other daughter of the rival prominent family and become a member of the board of directors of rival families company?? And, how come they never got a replacement pool boy?
4. I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but here it goes. Back in the 80's I was a huge Whitney Houston fan. I so wanted to be Whitney! Thank goodnes for unanswered prayers! The first concert I ever went to was Whitney Houston at the Concord Pavillion. I think it was sometime around 1986. I totally remember trying to work out the scam to get away with going to the concert, because at the time I was under strict parental control and this was not going to happen by just asking if I could go. Anyway, as always my scam was detected and I was in huge trouble. I don't know how I ended up getting to go, but I remember it being a fun road trip from Santa Rosa to Concord with 2 of my co-workers from factoid #5 about me. That would have been Vicky and Rich who went with me. Thank goodness Vicky always had my back and helped me get away with a few things that were not on the allowed to do list.....
5. My first job was at Burger King! Ugh! I can't believe that I actually wore that polyester nightmare of a uniform! Just thinking about that polyester with all the grease floating around makes me ill! I can still imagine that smell! Ick!!! Oh well, it was a great time though! Made some great friends and had an awesome time working the drive-thru with my friend Chris from high school. That girl could make anyone on the other end of that speaker laugh out loud! Oh and my cousin worked there at the same time too. Sadly, after 1 year I had to leave the fun of Burger King behind, because I got a better job at Baskin and Robbins!! YUMMY ICE CREAM and no grease!! It was right across the parking lot from Burger King, so I still saw my friends on a daily basis.6. In 1988 I was the 1st runner up in the Apple Blossom Queen competition in Sebastopol which made me an Apple Blossom princess. Fun times!!
7. Okay, and last but not least I know someone who shall remain nameless that used to dance for MC Hammer. HA!
Now, I'm supposed to tag a few peeps to share their 7 facts. I'm going to tag....Jenn (mesogoofy), Jen (islandgirl) and even though she hasn't finished the tag I did last time, Erin!!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
25
So I got tagged by Jenn!
1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Venice, Italy or Montreux, Switzerland
2.What's your favorite article of clothing? My cute new shirt from The Limited
3.Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? eyes
4.What's the last CD that you bought? Kenny Chesney Live
5.Where's your favorite place to be? at home
6. Where is your least favorite place to be? The dentist
7.What's your favorite place to be massaged? Feet (love a sweet pedicure & massage)
8.Strong in mind or strong in body? neither, but it is okay. i am doing fine. :) ditto what Jenn said here!
9.What time do you wake up in the morning? 8:00am
10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? rice cooker
11.What makes you really angry? ignorance
12.If you could play any instrument, what would it be? I already play the flute, but would love to play piano
13. Favorite color? Pink and Red
14.Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? SUV
15. Do you believe in an afterlife? absolutely, but not like reincarnation, like heaven
16.Favorite children's book? Where the Sidewalk Ends closely followed by Everyone Poops.
17. What is your favorite season? Spring
18. Your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom
19.If you could have one super power, what would it be? manage time better, so I would have more when I need it and I could make the bad stuff be over with quick!
20.If you have a tattoo, what is it? I'm afraid of needles...
21.Can you juggle? Nope
22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My grandfather
23. What's your favorite day? FRIDAY!!!
24. What's in the trunk of your car? DH used the car last, so there is a backpack with a change of clothes for work, a moving dolly and a few tools he loaned to a co-worker. Oh and I left a box of Hot Chocolate in there.
25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? burgers
I'm tagging: Krista, Erin and Jo!!
On a side note Jo tagged me with a challenge the other day and I promise I'll get her challenge done!!
1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Venice, Italy or Montreux, Switzerland
2.What's your favorite article of clothing? My cute new shirt from The Limited
3.Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? eyes
4.What's the last CD that you bought? Kenny Chesney Live
5.Where's your favorite place to be? at home
6. Where is your least favorite place to be? The dentist
7.What's your favorite place to be massaged? Feet (love a sweet pedicure & massage)
8.Strong in mind or strong in body? neither, but it is okay. i am doing fine. :) ditto what Jenn said here!
9.What time do you wake up in the morning? 8:00am
10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? rice cooker
11.What makes you really angry? ignorance
12.If you could play any instrument, what would it be? I already play the flute, but would love to play piano
13. Favorite color? Pink and Red
14.Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? SUV
15. Do you believe in an afterlife? absolutely, but not like reincarnation, like heaven
16.Favorite children's book? Where the Sidewalk Ends closely followed by Everyone Poops.
17. What is your favorite season? Spring
18. Your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom
19.If you could have one super power, what would it be? manage time better, so I would have more when I need it and I could make the bad stuff be over with quick!
20.If you have a tattoo, what is it? I'm afraid of needles...
21.Can you juggle? Nope
22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My grandfather
23. What's your favorite day? FRIDAY!!!
24. What's in the trunk of your car? DH used the car last, so there is a backpack with a change of clothes for work, a moving dolly and a few tools he loaned to a co-worker. Oh and I left a box of Hot Chocolate in there.
25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? burgers
I'm tagging: Krista, Erin and Jo!!
On a side note Jo tagged me with a challenge the other day and I promise I'll get her challenge done!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
I never thought I would hear someone say.....
"I can feel the hole in your stomach!" That my friends is what the doctor said to me. I knew going in, that was what it was, but still I never thought I would hear that sentence! It totally made me laugh. Anyway, so I headed to the OB today and was given the news that I do in fact have an umbilical hernia most likely brought on by pregnancy. So it is in fact the pregnancy that keeps on giving. She referred me to a surgeon and told me to call right away to get it taken care of. I called when I got to the parking lot and was told that they can't see me for 8 weeks! Um..hello...is this thing working...I have a hole in my stomach that the doctor can feel, and I would like to get it fixed....is there a possibility of a cancelation list that I could be on? Oh, no one ever cancels here, this doctor is very popular. WHAT??? So, I head back into the OB's office and chat with the receptionist. I ask if there is another doctor I can be referred to. She checks the list and goes back to talk to the doctor. When she comes back and gives me another name, she says that they were shocked that they couldn't get me in for 8 weeks and was glad I let them know. So, I called the second doctor. Apparently he is quite as popular I'll get in next week and they have me on the list for cancellations, because they do happen at this office.What the heck is that all about? 8 weeks to get in to see a surgeon? Who waits that long? If I could go get this thing fixed tomorrow, I would be all over it. I mean, by the time your referred to a surgeon, they know you have some need for a surgery, why would the wait need to be so long? That is just CRAZY!!! Also, what's with the "popular" comment? It's not like it's plastic surgery and I'm trying to get in to see Dr. 90210, I just want my freakin' hernia fixed! I'm starting to see why so many people are rushing to the ER for these things. Might as well just wait it out until it ruptures. Then someone has to take care of it ASAP without you having to jump through all the hoops. I suppose you could just go to the ER and complain of extreme pain without the rupture part and they would probably just take care of it too. Seems to me there should be a better system for all this. Oh well. I just keep posting photos of the little cutie patootie to remind me of the extreme treasure and that this really is a small price to pay.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Pregnancy: The gift that keeps on giving!
Having this beautiful little girl has really given me a run for my money. I will say first, that everything I have been through this pregnancy has been completely worth it, and I would do it all over again in a nanosecond! Just when I thought we were getting back to normal and getting into sort of a groove around here, I feel this sharp pain in my belly button area. It went away and I ignored it. We got back into a little groove, we were making appearances all over the place. Target, Starbucks, Costco and we were getting ready to brave the mall when the pain returned! I called my doctors office and talked to the nurse practioner and she says it sounds like I have a pregnancy induced hernia! A WHAT????? Ugh! So tomorrow, I'm off to the doctor...good thing I like her! Not sure how it gets taken care of, but everything I've read online says surgery. That should be fun!I really hate feeling like I can't get stuff done. When I talked to the nurse practioner on Friday, after she makes my appointment, she tells me that if the pain gets worse to go to the ER, and not to lift anything heavy. Ummmm...what's heavy? I realize that my 2 year old is heavy, but what am I supposed to do? He's not quite walking yet. Is my almost 2 month old heavy? Sheesh! What am I supposed to do? Leave the kids in their cribs until G gets home? So, as you've guessed, I'm still lifting the kiddos. Luckly G is off on Monday's and Tuesdays, but Wednesday all bets are off again. I really hope I can get this taken care of ASAP, because I really want to be free and mobile again. I want to get back on track, getting the kiddos out and not feeling like I'm chained to the house until G gets home. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
7 Wonderful Weeks
I can't imagine life without her. Time is flying by so quickly! I can't believe she's been here 7 weeks already. It seems like we just brought her home yesterday. So in love!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
I Give Up!
I am no longer posting To Do lists on my blog. They just don't get done, and then I have it sitting there in writing...staring at me....taunting me...that yet again...I did not get it done. Ugh!
Today's adventure! For those of you who know me, you know, that I am not one to be homebound for too long. I love to get out and about. Love to enjoy the weather, love to feel free to do what and go where I please. This task has just become a bit more problematic, with two little ones. Making the task even more problematic, is that neither of them walk! Currently, we are in the market for a double stroller, otherwise known as a baby Hummer. We have yet to find the right one, so my outings are a bit limited, to places that are either a)small enough that it's easy enough to push Little J around in the umbrella stroller and carry Princess J in her carseat or b)a shopping cart is available to put both kiddos in. Today, our adventure outing was to one of my favorite places...Target. There were a few things I needed, and Target is always a treasure hunt. So, off we go to our local Target. Little J sitting and belted into the seat of the cart, and Princess J in her carseat fast alseep in the basket portion. Little J was fascinated with checking her out, and I'm sure wanted her to be awake and entertaining him, or at least entertaining her. Nonetheless, an hour of shopping later, we head to the checkout. As the cashier is ringing us up, I am frantically looking for my debit card. UGH!!!! It's sitting on the counter at home where I left it. Thank goodness no one was behind me, cause that is super embarassing! So, thankfully, we live close to this particular Target. Back out to the parking lot, load kids back into vehicle and head for home. Run in grab debit card, jump back in vehicle and head back to Target. Park, unload kids and head back to checkout....(thank goodness I didn't have to re-shop!)..pay for merchandise, unload merchandise into vehicle, reload kids back into vehicle and head to the Drive-thru Starbucks, because now, I really deserve that Venti Mocha Coconut Frappacino with an add shot blended! I probably should have added 2 shots.
Another thing I'm giving up is predicting winners this year on reality shows.
Amazing Race...my pick = Rob and Amber / actual winner = Eric and Danielle
The Apprentice..my pick = James / actual winner = Stephanie
Survivor...my pick = Yau-man / actual winner = Earl
Dancing with the Stars...my pick = Ian and Cheryl / actual winner Apollo and Julianne
At least I can pick a mate for the bachelor...Yay for Tessa!
Today's adventure! For those of you who know me, you know, that I am not one to be homebound for too long. I love to get out and about. Love to enjoy the weather, love to feel free to do what and go where I please. This task has just become a bit more problematic, with two little ones. Making the task even more problematic, is that neither of them walk! Currently, we are in the market for a double stroller, otherwise known as a baby Hummer. We have yet to find the right one, so my outings are a bit limited, to places that are either a)small enough that it's easy enough to push Little J around in the umbrella stroller and carry Princess J in her carseat or b)a shopping cart is available to put both kiddos in. Today, our adventure outing was to one of my favorite places...Target. There were a few things I needed, and Target is always a treasure hunt. So, off we go to our local Target. Little J sitting and belted into the seat of the cart, and Princess J in her carseat fast alseep in the basket portion. Little J was fascinated with checking her out, and I'm sure wanted her to be awake and entertaining him, or at least entertaining her. Nonetheless, an hour of shopping later, we head to the checkout. As the cashier is ringing us up, I am frantically looking for my debit card. UGH!!!! It's sitting on the counter at home where I left it. Thank goodness no one was behind me, cause that is super embarassing! So, thankfully, we live close to this particular Target. Back out to the parking lot, load kids back into vehicle and head for home. Run in grab debit card, jump back in vehicle and head back to Target. Park, unload kids and head back to checkout....(thank goodness I didn't have to re-shop!)..pay for merchandise, unload merchandise into vehicle, reload kids back into vehicle and head to the Drive-thru Starbucks, because now, I really deserve that Venti Mocha Coconut Frappacino with an add shot blended! I probably should have added 2 shots.
Another thing I'm giving up is predicting winners this year on reality shows.
Amazing Race...my pick = Rob and Amber / actual winner = Eric and Danielle
The Apprentice..my pick = James / actual winner = Stephanie
Survivor...my pick = Yau-man / actual winner = Earl
Dancing with the Stars...my pick = Ian and Cheryl / actual winner Apollo and Julianne
At least I can pick a mate for the bachelor...Yay for Tessa!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Must Do Tomorrow!
I must get started on that bathroom! I have been avoiding it too long. That should be obvious, since that stupid bathroom has made an appearance on my blog 3 times now! Yikes! Here is my new updated To Do list!
Deep Clean Bathroom!
Finish organizing our bedroom
Clean out my closet!
Finish scraproom
Buy flowers to plant in front yard and on porch.
Watch DVR'd episode of King of Queens and ER!
Those are my top things to get done! I will feel so much better about actually scrapping if this stuff is complete.
These last few days have been so busy! Thursday a bunch of us headed over to La Fondue for a tame bachlorette party for Angel West. It was a lot of fun and the food was super yummy!! Friday as you know was all about taking care of these kiddos, setting up and changing some upcoming appointments, and doing the scrub down in our family/kitchen area. Saturday was a whirlwind trip to find something to wear to Angel's wedding and then heading off to the wedding sans kiddos. G stayed home with them!! Wahooo! Sunday, I way overslept, which is why there are a few things on my list to do, that I wanted to do today. Anyway, got the grocery shopping done, made cookies from scratch, and cooked up some dinner. Gave princess J a nice bath too. Love that clean baby smell!
Deep Clean Bathroom!
Finish organizing our bedroom
Clean out my closet!
Finish scraproom
Buy flowers to plant in front yard and on porch.
Watch DVR'd episode of King of Queens and ER!
Those are my top things to get done! I will feel so much better about actually scrapping if this stuff is complete.
These last few days have been so busy! Thursday a bunch of us headed over to La Fondue for a tame bachlorette party for Angel West. It was a lot of fun and the food was super yummy!! Friday as you know was all about taking care of these kiddos, setting up and changing some upcoming appointments, and doing the scrub down in our family/kitchen area. Saturday was a whirlwind trip to find something to wear to Angel's wedding and then heading off to the wedding sans kiddos. G stayed home with them!! Wahooo! Sunday, I way overslept, which is why there are a few things on my list to do, that I wanted to do today. Anyway, got the grocery shopping done, made cookies from scratch, and cooked up some dinner. Gave princess J a nice bath too. Love that clean baby smell!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Avoiding....
I am officially in full avoidance mode. I HATE to do that deep cleaning in the bathroom. No matter how much it needs it, I HATE doing it. I will do everything and anything to avoid it. I know I am officially avoiding it, when I decide it is time to move furniture and clean, vacuum and mop underneath it. Today it was the floor in the kitchen and ajoining family room. I also started on the master bedroom too. I don't know why I am in full on cleaning mode. Can the nesting thing set in AFTER you give birth? I started to get into full cleaning mode the day before Princess J decided it was time to come a week early. Same thing happend with little J. I guess when I decide it's time to clean while preggo, the kids decide it's time to arrive. LOL.
Anyway, I am going to make an admission here....I am really digging Young and the Restless. Well, I've been watching it since I was about 10. Thank goodness for Soapnet! ;) Love not having to plan my life around a specific time...now I can watch it nearly everyday without having to take up space on the DVR.
Anyway, I am going to make an admission here....I am really digging Young and the Restless. Well, I've been watching it since I was about 10. Thank goodness for Soapnet! ;) Love not having to plan my life around a specific time...now I can watch it nearly everyday without having to take up space on the DVR.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Accomplishments?
Not so much.
Who knew you could do this at Hallmark? So cute! Found this in my email box on Mother's day!
Who knew you could do this at Hallmark? So cute! Found this in my email box on Mother's day!
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| Click to play | Make your own Smilebox |
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Another Day of Survival!!
Day two of G back at work, and again I survived and accomplished a few of the things I wanted to...or at least got started on them. I even got the kiddos dressed and out of the house for a bit too!
On Krista's recomendation, I picked up a copy of Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking by Jessica Sprague. I've had Photo Shop Elements software forever, but under utilize it alot. I see all these amazing things that others are doing with their photos using this program, but I'm just using it to stitch layouts together and reduce the size of photos for emailing. What a waste of an expensive program. So in an effort to start not only using the stash of product I have laying around gathering dust and becoming outdated, I need to start using the tools and equipment I have as well. I'm hoping that this simple approach to using the program will get me started, and then maybe I can venture into even more usage. We'll see how that goes. I still have a sewing machine, a Bind-it-all and a Cricut to break in as well.
I ventured into the scraproom today, to start doing some organization. I still have a long way to go, but at least I made some progress. I've been drawing some sketches and writing down some ideas on titles and uses of product I just recently bought, and I really want to get it down on paper and into my albums.
Tomorrow, on our list of To Do's:
*Deep clean the Bathrooms!
*Straighten up our room
*Finish Laundry
*Clean up in Princess J's room
*Make sure we have everything for dinner
*Call and make a few appointments
*Little J's therapy appointment
*Go to mall and get something to wear to wedding this weekend
*Find something to wear to bachlorette party on Thursday.
*Set DVR to tape season finale of ER!!!! Oh my I almost forgot!!
*Organize my closet!
*Continue work in scraproom!
*Not to mention feeding the kids, keeping kids clean and playing
with kids!
Obviously all of this won't get done tomorrow, but at least I have a list and know what I want to work on! Let's see how day 3 goes!
On Krista's recomendation, I picked up a copy of Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking by Jessica Sprague. I've had Photo Shop Elements software forever, but under utilize it alot. I see all these amazing things that others are doing with their photos using this program, but I'm just using it to stitch layouts together and reduce the size of photos for emailing. What a waste of an expensive program. So in an effort to start not only using the stash of product I have laying around gathering dust and becoming outdated, I need to start using the tools and equipment I have as well. I'm hoping that this simple approach to using the program will get me started, and then maybe I can venture into even more usage. We'll see how that goes. I still have a sewing machine, a Bind-it-all and a Cricut to break in as well.
I ventured into the scraproom today, to start doing some organization. I still have a long way to go, but at least I made some progress. I've been drawing some sketches and writing down some ideas on titles and uses of product I just recently bought, and I really want to get it down on paper and into my albums.Tomorrow, on our list of To Do's:
*Deep clean the Bathrooms!
*Straighten up our room
*Finish Laundry
*Clean up in Princess J's room
*Make sure we have everything for dinner
*Call and make a few appointments
*Little J's therapy appointment
*Go to mall and get something to wear to wedding this weekend
*Find something to wear to bachlorette party on Thursday.
*Set DVR to tape season finale of ER!!!! Oh my I almost forgot!!
*Organize my closet!
*Continue work in scraproom!
*Not to mention feeding the kids, keeping kids clean and playing
with kids!
Obviously all of this won't get done tomorrow, but at least I have a list and know what I want to work on! Let's see how day 3 goes!
At first I was afraid....
I was petrified! Today was G's first day back at work and I survived! Wahoo! I'm so happy, the morning went like clockwork! I was even more productive than I thought I would be. I know G was suprised when he came home for his break. I know he thought that the kids and I would still be in our jammies....at NOON! That was not the case. Everyone was dressed and presentable! Wahooo! So excited, that I even got the dishwasher emptied and reloaded, bottle washed and the bed made! All in time to sit down for my daily dose of the Young and the Restless! Didn't get much else done, besides feeding kids and changing diapers. Since Little J had a therapy appointment this afternoon, that kind of stopped all other productivity for the afternoon. Thank goodness that G was such a sweetheart and brought me my Venti peppermint mocha frappacino with a double add shot blended. I knew (and apparently he knew too) that I would need an infusion of caffeine! Alas, that was only day 1, we'll see if day two goes as well.
I've got some things on my "I want to get this done" list. The bathrooms are really in need of that deep cleaning. They are clean, but you know the cleaning where you really get into the nitty gritty. I'm hoping to get that done tomorrow. If I can get that deep cleaning done on one room at a time over the next couple of weeks, then I can get down to hiring a bi-weekly cleaning service. I've got to do this, because I just can't seem to keep up with the mopping, dusting and bathrooms. I really also want to get into my scraproom and really get organized. Ultimately I want to get some serious scrapping done. I'm feeling the mojo lately. Hopefully, I can get in there and organize before the mojo floats away.
Reality TV...where to start! I'm sad that the CHA CHA's did not win the Amazing Race, I'm sad that Yau did not win Survivor, I'm sad that Dancing with the Stars is almost over this season (rooting for Ian and Cheryl), I'm disappointed in this season of American Idol...really, there is no one left that I think I would buy an album from. Waiting anxiously for Big Brother to come back!
This past weekend, I got addicted to a few shows that I happened to catch in rerun mode. America's Next Top Model: Cycle 8, caught this on VH-1..now I have to watch the final show on Wednesday. Hopefully Jaslene will pull off the win. For some reason, Renee and Natasha both bug me. I also caught the reality show Tori & Dean Inn Love, I don't know why I couldn't tear myself away from the television. So, do I watch season 2 when it starts?
Just received an email today, the the 2nd season of Big Love on HBO starts on June 11th! Yay!!! I think I'm going to have to get season 1 on DVD now. I was starting to get worried, that it wasn't really going to come back and they were just going to leave you wondering what happend. If that was the case, I didn't see the point in buying the 1st season of DVD's, but now that I know season 2 is coming.....
I've got some things on my "I want to get this done" list. The bathrooms are really in need of that deep cleaning. They are clean, but you know the cleaning where you really get into the nitty gritty. I'm hoping to get that done tomorrow. If I can get that deep cleaning done on one room at a time over the next couple of weeks, then I can get down to hiring a bi-weekly cleaning service. I've got to do this, because I just can't seem to keep up with the mopping, dusting and bathrooms. I really also want to get into my scraproom and really get organized. Ultimately I want to get some serious scrapping done. I'm feeling the mojo lately. Hopefully, I can get in there and organize before the mojo floats away.
Reality TV...where to start! I'm sad that the CHA CHA's did not win the Amazing Race, I'm sad that Yau did not win Survivor, I'm sad that Dancing with the Stars is almost over this season (rooting for Ian and Cheryl), I'm disappointed in this season of American Idol...really, there is no one left that I think I would buy an album from. Waiting anxiously for Big Brother to come back!
This past weekend, I got addicted to a few shows that I happened to catch in rerun mode. America's Next Top Model: Cycle 8, caught this on VH-1..now I have to watch the final show on Wednesday. Hopefully Jaslene will pull off the win. For some reason, Renee and Natasha both bug me. I also caught the reality show Tori & Dean Inn Love, I don't know why I couldn't tear myself away from the television. So, do I watch season 2 when it starts?
Just received an email today, the the 2nd season of Big Love on HBO starts on June 11th! Yay!!! I think I'm going to have to get season 1 on DVD now. I was starting to get worried, that it wasn't really going to come back and they were just going to leave you wondering what happend. If that was the case, I didn't see the point in buying the 1st season of DVD's, but now that I know season 2 is coming.....
Friday, May 11, 2007
Arriving Just in Time for Fathers Day!
Season 1 Complete with various introductions from the original Poncharello- Eric Estrada. So plan your day on June 5th to run out and get your copy!
Life Journeys
Earlier today, I posted a quote because I wanted to remember it. This last week has been full of tragic news revolving around children. I suppose these things happen every day, but for some reason, I've been running into these posts on 2peas about families that could really use some support and prayers. All these posts with links to news stories about children suffering, chidren being sick, and children tragicly dying. My heart goes out to these mothers and fathers and the families of these children. I think the story that got me thinking the most was the story of the Coble Family. How do you go on? How do you really find a way to trust that God will get you through? I mean, I know he will, but how do you trust that after such a horrific tragedy? I'm so thankful for my husband and my children. I love them with all my heart and can't even begin to imagine what these other families are going through. I'm praying for all of the families that I've heard about and read about in the last week.
Here is a link to a tribute video to the Coble family. Be warned that there is footage of the actual accident (just visual of their van and big rig) at the end. You can also go to Life to Motion and sign a guestbook and/or donate money to assist the family.
Hug your kiddos a little longer tonight and think about some families you know that could use some extra prayers especially for their children. Send those prayers up!
On a lighter note...Go to Coldstone Ice Creamery and try: Strawberry Ice Cream with white cake, strawberries and coconut mix-ins....Yummo!
Here is a link to a tribute video to the Coble family. Be warned that there is footage of the actual accident (just visual of their van and big rig) at the end. You can also go to Life to Motion and sign a guestbook and/or donate money to assist the family.
Hug your kiddos a little longer tonight and think about some families you know that could use some extra prayers especially for their children. Send those prayers up!
On a lighter note...Go to Coldstone Ice Creamery and try: Strawberry Ice Cream with white cake, strawberries and coconut mix-ins....Yummo!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Because I Need to Remember This
Trust in the Lord completely during the trials of this life and HE will see you though.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Life is about to get really interesting!
Oh my! The time has finally come....G is going back to work on Monday! It's going to be me and 2 kiddos on our own! I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. Princess J is quite demanding and is still waking up every 3 hours. Thankfully Little J is so easy going and sleeps well! The mornings are going to be a little rough, since I am soooo not a morning person. This afternoon, was probably just a tiny glimpse of what is to come. Both kiddos wanted attention at the exact same moment for various needs. My guess, is that I'm going to have to run the house like a triage for awhile. Everything will get a priority. It will all get done, one way or another. I remember when G went back to work after we had Little J, I was so nervous, but got myself into a groove and worked it out. I'm sure the same thing will happen this time too. I'm excited for the next phase to arrive and to settle into a normal routine again.
With G going back to work, I think I better get it together and get my scrap room cleaned and organized. I need to get back to scrappin' more regularly. I was so excited to get some good layouts done this weekend and feel like my mojo had returned. I'll be returning to working on layouts for the Garage Girls next month too...soooo, unless I want to be scrapping on the floor again, I better get it together.
The front of our house looks presentable again. For ages, our front yard has been a disaster of dead grass and weeds. We hired landscapers, and they have completed our front yard. New sprinkler system and all! It's nice to have beautiful green grass again. On the day that Princess J was born (my kiddos are always born in the midst of another pre-planned appointment), we'd had some arborists out to remove dead trees and trim up the good ones. Some of our front planter boxes were empty after the removal, those are now filled up with beautiful smelling Jasmine! I love to be in the front yard when that is blooming! The flower beds are all groomed and ready for some planting, so I'm going to try and work on that sometime in the next month. I've never had green thumb, so wish me luck with that. Thankfully, we have the landscaper guy coming out to keep the lawn mowed and kept up, so I don't have to worry about killing that! I'll post some photos of the before and after in the next few days.
On my agenda for the rest of the week (along with cleaning my scraproom) is a little spring cleaning. I'm planning on hiring a housecleaner a couple of times a month, because I'm pretty sure I can't keep up with the house, the laundry, Little J's appointments and the kiddos in general once G goes back to work. Got any recomendations?
In other news, (no #3 is not on the way yet...LOL!) Little J is going to join his daddy in the local parade this weekend. I can't wait to get photos of that! Princess J and I will be sitting on the sidewalk waiting to waive at them as they cruise by. So exciting!
With G going back to work, I think I better get it together and get my scrap room cleaned and organized. I need to get back to scrappin' more regularly. I was so excited to get some good layouts done this weekend and feel like my mojo had returned. I'll be returning to working on layouts for the Garage Girls next month too...soooo, unless I want to be scrapping on the floor again, I better get it together.
The front of our house looks presentable again. For ages, our front yard has been a disaster of dead grass and weeds. We hired landscapers, and they have completed our front yard. New sprinkler system and all! It's nice to have beautiful green grass again. On the day that Princess J was born (my kiddos are always born in the midst of another pre-planned appointment), we'd had some arborists out to remove dead trees and trim up the good ones. Some of our front planter boxes were empty after the removal, those are now filled up with beautiful smelling Jasmine! I love to be in the front yard when that is blooming! The flower beds are all groomed and ready for some planting, so I'm going to try and work on that sometime in the next month. I've never had green thumb, so wish me luck with that. Thankfully, we have the landscaper guy coming out to keep the lawn mowed and kept up, so I don't have to worry about killing that! I'll post some photos of the before and after in the next few days.
On my agenda for the rest of the week (along with cleaning my scraproom) is a little spring cleaning. I'm planning on hiring a housecleaner a couple of times a month, because I'm pretty sure I can't keep up with the house, the laundry, Little J's appointments and the kiddos in general once G goes back to work. Got any recomendations?
In other news, (no #3 is not on the way yet...LOL!) Little J is going to join his daddy in the local parade this weekend. I can't wait to get photos of that! Princess J and I will be sitting on the sidewalk waiting to waive at them as they cruise by. So exciting!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Must Reinstate the Scrapbook Diet!
The stash is becoming overwhelming even to me...the happy collector! Finally today, I actually got a couple of layouts done and used some of the stash I've been collecting while not scrapping for awhile. I was so happy to break open some of the stamps, open some stickles, cut up some paper, open those flower packages and use some of that ink in those pens and get some completed layouts! I actually felt giddy after my first completion!! Sooooo, how am I going to do this diet. The easiest thing I can come up with is to give myself and allowance per layout completed. Now, those of you who know me, know that I could never go cold turkey.....at least not when it comes to scrap supplies. Tell me a baby is on the way, and I can give up my caffiene in a milisecond, but that won't work here. Soooooo, here is my point system in a nutshell. For every layout completed I'm putting $5 in my scrap-allowance. If I had to purchase a new item to complete the layout, then I only get $2.50. The only exceptions to this rule (meaning the allowance deduction does not occur) is cardstock and items purchase to complete a gift that will be given within 4 weeks. I can't blow my allowance by telling myself that I'm buying it to make a Christmas gift for someone!LOL I know myself well enough, that I would totally use that excuse. I must know the specific person and occasion, and it must be happening within 4 weeks of the purchase.
I'm so impressed with all the people I know purging their goods. Like Erin, so awesome that she took this cue from Ali in her AEzine. I'm just not ready to let go of the material goods yet. I must try and give myself a chance to use them! I bought this stuff with love and intention, and it somehow inspired me to think of an idea....or at least hand over some cash, so I should try and put it together. I can't let that time and money be a waste! Wish me luck!
Are you meeting your goals with using what you have on hand? How are you going to get creative, use that stash and not let it all go to waste? Share!!!
I'm so impressed with all the people I know purging their goods. Like Erin, so awesome that she took this cue from Ali in her AEzine. I'm just not ready to let go of the material goods yet. I must try and give myself a chance to use them! I bought this stuff with love and intention, and it somehow inspired me to think of an idea....or at least hand over some cash, so I should try and put it together. I can't let that time and money be a waste! Wish me luck!
Are you meeting your goals with using what you have on hand? How are you going to get creative, use that stash and not let it all go to waste? Share!!!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
The $65 Million Pair of Pants
This is what is wrong with the lawsuit system in our country today. This has got to be the craziest thing I have ever heard. Why is it, that seemingly normal smart people have to look for any opportunity to make a buck over something so trivial.
Here is a website which is currently under construction to help the owners of the dry cleaners Custon Cleaners Defense Fund
Here is a website which is currently under construction to help the owners of the dry cleaners Custon Cleaners Defense Fund
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Something More
Today is kind of a sad day. It was exactly 1 year ago today, that we got Little J's diagnosis. While we are saddened by his diagnosis, we are also very blessed to have him and he is a beautiful, wonderful, amazing joy! He is the most awesome little boy ever! We have also been fortunate enough to be blessed with Princess J as well. While today does hold some significant sadness, we also realize just how lucky we are and we are thankful to God for all of his blessings. I also want to thank all our family and friends for all of their love and support over the last year. We couldn't have gotten through those tough times without you. We also thank you in advance for your future support. We are thankful that we know you are there for us. I found this on a message board I belong to and wanted to share it.
Some Mothers Get Babies With Something More
Written By: Lori Borgman
Columnist and Speaker
My friend is expecting her first child. People keep asking what she wants.
She smiles demurely, shakes her head and gives the answer mothers have given throughout the pages of time. She says it doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl. She just wants it to have ten fingers and ten toes.
Of course, that's what she says. That's what mothers have always said.
Mothers lie.
Truth be told, every mother wants a whole lot more.
Every mother wants a perfectly healthy baby with a round head, rosebud lips, button nose, beautiful eyes and satin skin. Every mother wants a baby so gorgeous that people will pity the Gerber baby for being flat-out ugly. Every mother wants a baby that will roll over, sit up and take those first steps right on schedule (according to the baby development chart on page 57, column two). Every mother wants a baby that can see, hear, run, jump and fire neurons by the billions. She wants a kid that can smack the ball out of the park and do toe points that are the envy of the entire ballet class.
Call it greed if you want, but we mothers want what we want.
Some mothers get babies with something more.
Some mothers get babies with conditions they can't pronounce, a spine that didn't fuse, a missing chromosome or a palette that didn't close. Most of those mothers can remember the time, the place, the shoes they were wearing and the color of the walls in the small, suffocating room where the doctor uttered the words that took their breath away. It felt like recess in the fourth grade when you didn't see the kick ball coming and it knocked the wind clean out of you.
Some mothers leave the hospital with a healthy bundle, then, months, even years later, take him in for a routine visit, or schedule her for a well check, and crash head first into a brick wall as they bear the brunt of devastating news. It can't be possible! That doesn't run in our family. Can this really be happening in our lifetime?
I am a woman who watches the Olympics for the sheer thrill of seeing finely sculpted bodies. It's not a lust thing; it's a wondrous thing. The athletes appear as specimens without flaw - rippling muscles with nary an ounce of flab or fat, virtual powerhouses of strength with lungs and limbs working in perfect harmony. Then the athlete walks over to a tote bag, rustles through the contents and pulls out an inhaler.
As I've told my own kids, be it on the way to physical therapy after a third knee surgery, or on a trip home from an echo cardiogram, there's no such thing as a perfect body.
Everybody will bear something at some time or another. Maybe the affliction will be apparent to curious eyes, or maybe it will be unseen, quietly treated with trips to the doctor, medication or surgery. The health problems our children have experienced have been minimal and manageable, so I watch with keen interest and great admiration the mothers of children with serious disabilities, and wonder how they do it.
Frankly, sometimes you mothers scare me. How you lift that child in and out of a wheelchair 20 times a day. How you monitor tests, track medications, regulate diet and serve as the gatekeeper to a hundred specialists yammering in your ear.
I wonder how you endure the clichés and the platitudes, well-intentioned souls explaining how God is at work when you've occasionally questioned if God is on strike. I even wonder how you endure schmaltzy pieces like this one -- saluting you, painting you as hero and saint, when you know you're ordinary.
You snap, you bark, you bite. You didn't volunteer for this. You didn't jump up and down in the motherhood line yelling, "Choose me, God! Choose me! I've got what it takes." You're a woman who doesn't have time to step back and put things in perspective, so, please, let me do it for you.
From where I sit, you're way ahead of the pack. You've developed the strength of a draft horse while holding onto the delicacy of a daffodil. You have a heart that melts like chocolate in a glove box in July, carefully counter-balanced against the stubbornness of an Ozark mule.
You can be warm and tender one minute, and when circumstances require intense and aggressive the next. You are the mother, advocate and protector of a child with a disability. You're a neighbor, a friend, a stranger I pass at the mall. You're the woman I sit next to at church, my cousin and my sister-in-law.
You're a woman who wanted ten fingers and ten toes, and got something more.
You're a wonder!
After you dry your eyes from reading this....if you haven't already, watch the video in my previous post and do some smiling and laughing!
Some Mothers Get Babies With Something More
Written By: Lori Borgman
Columnist and Speaker
My friend is expecting her first child. People keep asking what she wants.
She smiles demurely, shakes her head and gives the answer mothers have given throughout the pages of time. She says it doesn't matter whether it's a boy or a girl. She just wants it to have ten fingers and ten toes.
Of course, that's what she says. That's what mothers have always said.
Mothers lie.
Truth be told, every mother wants a whole lot more.
Every mother wants a perfectly healthy baby with a round head, rosebud lips, button nose, beautiful eyes and satin skin. Every mother wants a baby so gorgeous that people will pity the Gerber baby for being flat-out ugly. Every mother wants a baby that will roll over, sit up and take those first steps right on schedule (according to the baby development chart on page 57, column two). Every mother wants a baby that can see, hear, run, jump and fire neurons by the billions. She wants a kid that can smack the ball out of the park and do toe points that are the envy of the entire ballet class.
Call it greed if you want, but we mothers want what we want.
Some mothers get babies with something more.
Some mothers get babies with conditions they can't pronounce, a spine that didn't fuse, a missing chromosome or a palette that didn't close. Most of those mothers can remember the time, the place, the shoes they were wearing and the color of the walls in the small, suffocating room where the doctor uttered the words that took their breath away. It felt like recess in the fourth grade when you didn't see the kick ball coming and it knocked the wind clean out of you.
Some mothers leave the hospital with a healthy bundle, then, months, even years later, take him in for a routine visit, or schedule her for a well check, and crash head first into a brick wall as they bear the brunt of devastating news. It can't be possible! That doesn't run in our family. Can this really be happening in our lifetime?
I am a woman who watches the Olympics for the sheer thrill of seeing finely sculpted bodies. It's not a lust thing; it's a wondrous thing. The athletes appear as specimens without flaw - rippling muscles with nary an ounce of flab or fat, virtual powerhouses of strength with lungs and limbs working in perfect harmony. Then the athlete walks over to a tote bag, rustles through the contents and pulls out an inhaler.
As I've told my own kids, be it on the way to physical therapy after a third knee surgery, or on a trip home from an echo cardiogram, there's no such thing as a perfect body.
Everybody will bear something at some time or another. Maybe the affliction will be apparent to curious eyes, or maybe it will be unseen, quietly treated with trips to the doctor, medication or surgery. The health problems our children have experienced have been minimal and manageable, so I watch with keen interest and great admiration the mothers of children with serious disabilities, and wonder how they do it.
Frankly, sometimes you mothers scare me. How you lift that child in and out of a wheelchair 20 times a day. How you monitor tests, track medications, regulate diet and serve as the gatekeeper to a hundred specialists yammering in your ear.
I wonder how you endure the clichés and the platitudes, well-intentioned souls explaining how God is at work when you've occasionally questioned if God is on strike. I even wonder how you endure schmaltzy pieces like this one -- saluting you, painting you as hero and saint, when you know you're ordinary.
You snap, you bark, you bite. You didn't volunteer for this. You didn't jump up and down in the motherhood line yelling, "Choose me, God! Choose me! I've got what it takes." You're a woman who doesn't have time to step back and put things in perspective, so, please, let me do it for you.
From where I sit, you're way ahead of the pack. You've developed the strength of a draft horse while holding onto the delicacy of a daffodil. You have a heart that melts like chocolate in a glove box in July, carefully counter-balanced against the stubbornness of an Ozark mule.
You can be warm and tender one minute, and when circumstances require intense and aggressive the next. You are the mother, advocate and protector of a child with a disability. You're a neighbor, a friend, a stranger I pass at the mall. You're the woman I sit next to at church, my cousin and my sister-in-law.
You're a woman who wanted ten fingers and ten toes, and got something more.
You're a wonder!
After you dry your eyes from reading this....if you haven't already, watch the video in my previous post and do some smiling and laughing!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
OMG! This is too funny!!
This is way too funny! Thanks Jenn for sharing it. I will have to keep an eye out for more funny stuff from Anjelah Johnson.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
What do I need?
Got this from Jo's blog.
Laurie needs to read for CBE certification.
Laurie needs to get Laura off the computer.
Laurie needs mourning and rememberance.
Laurie needs to get a picture of The Soba wearing the Hello Kitty Tiara.
Laurie needs flight school.
Laurie needs daily support.
Laurie needs to lose.
Laurie needs a test instance up at the same time USU gets theirs.
Laurie needs someone who knows where he's going, not someone who will get her more mixes up.
Too funny...try it yourself.... Google LINK FIXED
Laurie needs to read for CBE certification.
Laurie needs to get Laura off the computer.
Laurie needs mourning and rememberance.
Laurie needs to get a picture of The Soba wearing the Hello Kitty Tiara.
Laurie needs flight school.
Laurie needs daily support.
Laurie needs to lose.
Laurie needs a test instance up at the same time USU gets theirs.
Laurie needs someone who knows where he's going, not someone who will get her more mixes up.
Too funny...try it yourself.... Google LINK FIXED
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Housekeeping Quiz
Here is a fun housekeeping quiz! Got this from Jenn's blog. Not that there is a whole lot of housekeeping going on here these days, but that is beside the point. LOL!
Aprons - Y/N? If yes, what does your favorite look like?
Yes. Love my Hello Kitty apron....what else would I have on my apron?
Baking - Favorite thing to bake: Cookies
Clothesline - Y/N? No
Donuts - No
Every day - One homemaking thing you do every day: dishes!!!!
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze? No
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? Yes.
Handbook - Real Simple magazine
Ironing - Love it or Hate it? Not my favorite, but I do it all the time.
Junk Drawer - Y/N? Yes, several.
Kitchen - Color and decorating scheme? Next on the list for renovation around here. Right now, it's right outta the 60's. Hate it!
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? Since having the baby, it's now cooking and baking. I liked it before, but while I was preggo, I was always too tired to even go near the kitchen
Mop - Y/N? Yes....Swifter wet jet that is!
Nylons - Nope...The Filipino in me, let's me easily skip them.
Oven - Do you use the window or open the door to check?- I usually just open the door.
Pizza - What do you put on yours?- Pepperoni,Mushrooms,Sausage and Onion. Also known as the PMS....Oh heck no I'm not cooking...call the delivery guy! LOL
Quiet - Read
Recipe card box - Y/N? Y What does it look like? I have a wooden box that my grandfather made for my grandmother to store recipes in.
Style of house - What is the style of your house? We are slowly updating it, so it's a cross between retro 60's and updating to modern neutral.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? Sometimes
Under the kitchen sink - organized in the front (stuff I use regularly) kinda scary in the back!!
Vacuum - Yes..Love a central vacuum system! One hose and attachments for upstairs and one for downstairs so I never have to lug anything around. Usually G does the vacuuming too!
Wash - How many loads of laundry do you do per week? Too many to count! Especially with the arrival of Princess J!
X's - Do you keep a list of things to do that you cross off? Always! Lists make me feel like I am accomplishing things. Plus if I don't write things down, I will forget. Sometimes I even forget where I put the list!!!!
Yard - Y/N? Who does what? We're getting ready to have a landscaper come and do our huge yard, and then we're getting a gardner! No time to keep it up with these two kiddos!
Zzz's - Clean up the dishes from dinner.
Aprons - Y/N? If yes, what does your favorite look like?
Yes. Love my Hello Kitty apron....what else would I have on my apron?
Baking - Favorite thing to bake: Cookies
Clothesline - Y/N? No
Donuts - No
Every day - One homemaking thing you do every day: dishes!!!!
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze? No
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? Yes.
Handbook - Real Simple magazine
Ironing - Love it or Hate it? Not my favorite, but I do it all the time.
Junk Drawer - Y/N? Yes, several.
Kitchen - Color and decorating scheme? Next on the list for renovation around here. Right now, it's right outta the 60's. Hate it!
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? Since having the baby, it's now cooking and baking. I liked it before, but while I was preggo, I was always too tired to even go near the kitchen
Mop - Y/N? Yes....Swifter wet jet that is!
Nylons - Nope...The Filipino in me, let's me easily skip them.
Oven - Do you use the window or open the door to check?- I usually just open the door.
Pizza - What do you put on yours?- Pepperoni,Mushrooms,Sausage and Onion. Also known as the PMS....Oh heck no I'm not cooking...call the delivery guy! LOL
Quiet - Read
Recipe card box - Y/N? Y What does it look like? I have a wooden box that my grandfather made for my grandmother to store recipes in.
Style of house - What is the style of your house? We are slowly updating it, so it's a cross between retro 60's and updating to modern neutral.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? Sometimes
Under the kitchen sink - organized in the front (stuff I use regularly) kinda scary in the back!!
Vacuum - Yes..Love a central vacuum system! One hose and attachments for upstairs and one for downstairs so I never have to lug anything around. Usually G does the vacuuming too!
Wash - How many loads of laundry do you do per week? Too many to count! Especially with the arrival of Princess J!
X's - Do you keep a list of things to do that you cross off? Always! Lists make me feel like I am accomplishing things. Plus if I don't write things down, I will forget. Sometimes I even forget where I put the list!!!!
Yard - Y/N? Who does what? We're getting ready to have a landscaper come and do our huge yard, and then we're getting a gardner! No time to keep it up with these two kiddos!
Zzz's - Clean up the dishes from dinner.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
A New Look!
So my life has been taken over by this little princess! I'm loving most every minute of it though! She's quite a demanding little one, but she deserves it! Things have certainly been crazy around here, our lives pretty much revolve around feeding kids these days. Between Princess J demanding food every 3 hours and Little J's need for his regular schedule and lots of platytime and attention from mommy and daddy there isn't much time for anything else. I LOVE IT!!
I thought that since the girl to boy ratio in this house has reached 50/50 it was time to bring a little pink to the old blog. A little brightness for when I'm up in the middle of the night unable to return to sleep! LOL! Thank goodness, for our new laptop, or I don't know if I would be online at all! Love sitting in bed while the little one sleeps next to me and getting a little surf time.
We've been taking tons of photos, I still need to get new ones uploaded and pick up the ones I've ordered from Costco. Can't wait to find some time to get some scrapping in. Well, since I'm doing nothing but rambling here and I really have nothing profound at this moment to say.....
I thought that since the girl to boy ratio in this house has reached 50/50 it was time to bring a little pink to the old blog. A little brightness for when I'm up in the middle of the night unable to return to sleep! LOL! Thank goodness, for our new laptop, or I don't know if I would be online at all! Love sitting in bed while the little one sleeps next to me and getting a little surf time.
We've been taking tons of photos, I still need to get new ones uploaded and pick up the ones I've ordered from Costco. Can't wait to find some time to get some scrapping in. Well, since I'm doing nothing but rambling here and I really have nothing profound at this moment to say.....
Saturday, April 14, 2007
So in Love!
Oh my gosh! I can't believe that Princess J is almost 3 weeks old. I just can't wrap my brain around the fact that she's actually here and I get to hold her and love her, but I also can't wrap my brain around the fact that she hasn't always been here. See what a few hormones can do to you? It's just crazy! One minute, I'm so thankful that she's here and then the next minute, I'm so sad that I'm not pregnant with her anymore! I told G that the other day, and he kept trying to remind me how uncomfortable I was the last few weeks of the pregnancy. I told him, that I realized that, but I still miss it. Things are going well, she's growing like crazy, this little girl does not miss any meals! She does not like to sleep in her bassinette yet, but we're getting there. We went from no hours in the bassinette to a 2 hour stint and a 3 hour stint all in the same night. So, like I said, we're getting there. Last night, I enjoyed a much needed break with friends. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband that was up to the task of juggling our two little ones, while I went out to visit (and get a little bit of scrapping done). It was so nice! I didn't stay very long....I really started missing Princess J after about 4 hours, but just a bit of chatting with Erin , Suzy, Michelle,Nichole and Roccio was just what this new mommy needed!
Also, a huge thank you to Roccio, who picked up some adorable little outfits and socks for Princess J! I can't wait till they fit her! She is going to be so stinkin' cute in that stuff! It's nice, now that I can actually use some pink and bling in my scrapbooking!! So many photoshoots in my head, with all the cute clothes she's received from family and friends!
Also, a huge thank you to Roccio, who picked up some adorable little outfits and socks for Princess J! I can't wait till they fit her! She is going to be so stinkin' cute in that stuff! It's nice, now that I can actually use some pink and bling in my scrapbooking!! So many photoshoots in my head, with all the cute clothes she's received from family and friends!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Look What I Found!!!
MY THUMB! It's pretty yummy too.
Just a quick hijack from Mommy to share my find! Mommy will share our trip to the Easter Bunny later! It was very eventful!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Welcome Princess J!
Wow! It's been awhile since I've blogged! I really have a very good reason though! On March 27th....exactly 1 week before our scheduled c-section, Princess J decided to make her grand entrance! She decided that she did not want anything about her arrival planned! I had my regular doctor appointment scheduled, and about a half an hour before the appointment, I thought I might have leaked some fluid. After my doctor checked me out, she sent me to the hospital to be checked. They checked the fluid, but it was negative on the leakage...Yay! When they hooked me up to the monitor though, I was having contractions 2 minutes apart. They kept asking me if I felt them, but alas I did not. I knew the minute she said I was having the contractions, that we were having our little princess that day. By the time they got me prepped for the c-section, I was having them 1 minute apart, and still could not feel them. Crazy! Poor G, was at work getting ready to teach a portion of a training day class when I called him. He totally thought I was kidding, when I said, that we were having the baby that day! She arrived at 1:43 pm completely beautiful! She has daddy completely smitten and wrapped around her tiny little finger!
We are absolutely in complete love with this little one! She really is our little princess! I am so excited, because tomorrow, we are headed to visit the Easter bunny with the kiddos. I cannot wait to see Princess J with the Easter Bunny. I still remember Little J's first photo with Santa not 2 weeks after he was born. So tiny and adorable in Santa's arms. I know it will be the same with Princess J in the Easter Bunny's arms!
Well, off to take more photos!! Will have to post some more real soon!
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