Has anyone else noticed the absence of others in their lives? I blamed it on the Holidays, but am not so sure. Do we get so busy, so caught up, that keeping in touch is the first thing we set aside? I don't think it is just personal contact. People are blogging less, emailing less, writing has almost become obsolete. Even calling each other seems to take too much time. I know I slacked off some over Christmas. I wasn't in a very good mood and didn't have much to say.
So where is everyone?! My "other daughter" Brenda hasn't been seen or spoken to since near the end of October. I have left numerous messages, nada. My younger brother pulled his disappearing act back in September. Those are the ones that really worry me. The rest of you I worry about, but not about being dead or alive. I worry how you are, what's going on that has you so caught up. Is it good things or problems? Is it the worry that I have enough on my plate already? PUHLEASE! Knowing you are having tough times isn't going to stress me to my breaking point. I will worry and try to help in whatever way I can, but I think I can handle it. If it is just a matter of life being so busy it has you going at top speed with no time to breathe.. it would be a relief to know that. Trust me, I know how that is!
I know I asked for the gift of your time for Christmas, but it doesn't mean that if you can't give me your undivided attention I don't want to hear from you. It doesn't mean I only care about the ones who are right here around me. I have had most of my friends for many, many years. I have some I have only known a few. You are all important to me. So take care and keep in touch when you can. I miss you, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mexican Beef Casserole
I am part of a meal exchange group as part as the Jax parents of multiples. We get together once a month. We make 10 of an entree or, like this month, we make 5 of something and 5 of another. Then we get together and swap meals. It helps stretch the grocery bill and also gives us a break form our own cooking. I made Chicken tortilla Soup this month and also a Mexican Casserole. The Casserole originally called for Chicken, but there were already alot of chicken items listed, so I decided to make it with Beef. Then I noticed the other ingredients were meant for use with chicken. So I took the basic recipe idea and made it completely different. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't! This time it worked and actually turned out really good.. so here is is;
MEXICAN BEEF CASSEROLE
Ingredients;
*1 pound of ground beef
*1 pkg taco seasoning
*3/4 cup water
*2 cans bean w/ bacon soup
*1 can rotel tomatoes (your choice of original, mild, or hot- there are green chiles in with the tomatoes) Do Not Drain.
*1 bag corn chips, crushed or broken up (I used regular, but the original recipe was with Doritos.)
*2 cups cheddar or cheese of your choice
*1 4.5 oz can green chiles (optional)
*sour cream (optional, amount based on your preference)
Prep;
*Cook ground beef, drain off all fat.
*Add 3/4 cup water and 1 pkg. taco seasoning. Stir well, then cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
*Add 2 cans bean with bacon soup & 1 can (undrained) rotel tomatoes. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
Use any medium - large casserole or baking dish. Layer items as follows;
*1/2 the bag of crushed corn chips
*1/2 the beef mixture
*remaining crushed corn chips
*remaining beef mixture
*spread 2 cups cheese of your choice over mixture
*sprinkle green chiles on top (optional)
Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Can be served with sour cream (optional)
My family also enjoyed it as a dip using the chips to scoop it up rather than having them in the casserole.
MEXICAN BEEF CASSEROLE
Ingredients;
*1 pound of ground beef
*1 pkg taco seasoning
*3/4 cup water
*2 cans bean w/ bacon soup
*1 can rotel tomatoes (your choice of original, mild, or hot- there are green chiles in with the tomatoes) Do Not Drain.
*1 bag corn chips, crushed or broken up (I used regular, but the original recipe was with Doritos.)
*2 cups cheddar or cheese of your choice
*1 4.5 oz can green chiles (optional)
*sour cream (optional, amount based on your preference)
Prep;
*Cook ground beef, drain off all fat.
*Add 3/4 cup water and 1 pkg. taco seasoning. Stir well, then cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
*Add 2 cans bean with bacon soup & 1 can (undrained) rotel tomatoes. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
Use any medium - large casserole or baking dish. Layer items as follows;
*1/2 the bag of crushed corn chips
*1/2 the beef mixture
*remaining crushed corn chips
*remaining beef mixture
*spread 2 cups cheese of your choice over mixture
*sprinkle green chiles on top (optional)
Bake in 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Can be served with sour cream (optional)
My family also enjoyed it as a dip using the chips to scoop it up rather than having them in the casserole.
Friday, January 16, 2009
He's in the Army Now!
Chad left Jan. 6th for Basic Training. The first week was mostly in-processing. The hard stuff was supposed to start this week. He only gets to call on Sundays. Part of me would love to be a fly on the wall when they are in his face about making his bed right, or folding his clothes properly.. or better yet.. waking him up at dawn wether he wants to get up or not! The other part of me wants to sit on his shoulder and keep buzzing in his ear.. You can do this. You can make it. Just one more push-up, just one more mile.. You can do this!
It is hard to know your little bird, who is far from little now, has long ago sprouted wings but has yet to fly. Then one day, out of the blue, he takes flight and is gone. As crowded as the nest may be, it is hard to know he feels the need to fly away. It is a good thing, a very good thing. It was long overdue. I am proud of him.
The two parts of me will always be at odds about his leaving, about his need to leave. Hopefully he will, once in a while, feel the need to fly home again on his way to wherever he is going with his life. It was a beautiful thing to watch him spread his wings, and know he has the strength to fly wherever the wind takes him.
It is hard to know your little bird, who is far from little now, has long ago sprouted wings but has yet to fly. Then one day, out of the blue, he takes flight and is gone. As crowded as the nest may be, it is hard to know he feels the need to fly away. It is a good thing, a very good thing. It was long overdue. I am proud of him.
The two parts of me will always be at odds about his leaving, about his need to leave. Hopefully he will, once in a while, feel the need to fly home again on his way to wherever he is going with his life. It was a beautiful thing to watch him spread his wings, and know he has the strength to fly wherever the wind takes him.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A wonderful weekend..
My friends, Terry & Terri, have both given me the gift of their time recently. It was great! Terry came up from where she lives in South Florida and visited for a few days. We celebrated her birthday and spent New Year's together. It was good to spend time with her and talk. Then this past Saturday night Terri & her hubby, Dwight, and Brian & I all went out on a "Date Night". We saw the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino (very good movie!), and then went to a pub for a drink and a bite to eat. Then we went to St. George Street and stopped at a place there for a nightcap. Brian & Terri played a bowling video game.. I think he won. It was great to get out with grown-ups! Brian & I were able to enjoy an empty house with just the two of us for the night thanks to Brianne & Justin keeping the kids for a sleepover.. thank you, thank you!
Then Sunday Terri & I spent the day together. We went to an arts and crafts festival and out to lunch. We caught up on everyone & everything. Enjoyed walking, talking, wine & coffee.
So Thank You Terry, Terri, Dwight, Brian, Bri & Justin, for a wonderful weekend!
Then Sunday Terri & I spent the day together. We went to an arts and crafts festival and out to lunch. We caught up on everyone & everything. Enjoyed walking, talking, wine & coffee.
So Thank You Terry, Terri, Dwight, Brian, Bri & Justin, for a wonderful weekend!
Alexa at Laurie's
There was a time when this little girl couldn't stand to get her hands dirty! I posted a couple pix sent to me by a friend who watches the kids sometimes. She has twin girl's about a year younger than Tristan & Alexa. Click on this pic to access the photo gallery to see them!
Do I "work"?
The time flys by and things happen, life happens and you don't know where it all went. I often think of when the older kids were little. I think about the kind of parent I was, how I handled things back then. I think about the choices we make in parenting and how even the smallest thing makes a difference in how we influence a child and what type of person they will become. I worry, as most parents do, if I make the right choices. We all know the definite right and wrongs. Yet there are so many little things that are so gray in color, it can be hard to know the "right" choice to make in parenting. I know I do not do things the way I did when the older kids were small. Life is different, it is a different time, I am different. But there are some things I do the same and feel strongly about that will not change. There is no rule book. There is no easy button. It doesn't matter how many children you raise, or have raised, they are all individuals and each have their own personalities. What works with one, may not work with another.
There is no perfect parent, and no perfect child. It is constantly a work in progress. I am still learning from them and learning with them. I have to remind myself sometimes that it is ok to make a choice others may not agree with. I am living this life, I am making the choices the best way I know how. No matter what you do or how you do it, there are days that being a parent will just plain suck. So you move forward and keep going and enjoy the good days when they come and appreciate that you have the ability to learn, to grow, to make a difference. Bad days are only as bad as you let them be. Dwell on it, or let it go. We can't go back and change it, so go forward and make changes as needed.
Everything in life is work. Marriage, parenting, family, jobs.. nothing is a cake walk. The rewards are as great as you let them be. There are times I see so much clearer what is good in my life. Other times it can be a bit foggy and harder to see. Grief can put blinders on you and limit your vision. It can block out so much light that everything becomes gray. It has been a long journey and there may still be times when the fog rolls in, but I refuse to let those blinders block my view.
Do I wish I could go back and erase the difficult times I had with Kierra? Or with any of my children? I can think I may have avoided that conflict/ confrontation, but I know there would have been another around the next corner. You can second guess yourself on every choice you have ever made.. and waste alot of time and energy. I will continue to make the choices I feel are right as a parent. I will not slack off on my convictions to avoid making a child unhappy or mad at me. They will get over it and so will I. Those unhappy moments will be slim compared to the happy ones. Again, I can dwell on them or let them go.
It is so important to have the support of the person parenting with you. A united front is so much stronger than standing divided. Kids are smart, and they know how to push your buttons and work any weakness in your defenses. Sounds like a tactical battle doesn't it? Well, sometimes, especially in the teen years, it can be. It helps to have someone on your side, who can balance you when you go off kilter, or when you are worn out from the emotional toll parenting can take form you.
I can be just as exhausted from a problem free, good day with the kids, as I can from a chaotic, problem ridden day. When even the simplest decision is more than I want to make. Having Brian there to take over or pick up the slack can really be a lifesaver for me. And for the kids too. It helps me look foward to the years ahead with more anticipation than hesitation. To look forward to the fun times, knowing I can handle it when it is not so fun to be a parent.
I am often asked the question.. "Do you work?" I usually say no, I stay at home with my children. But that isn't true. I have one of the hardest jobs on earth. It is a challenging job. A job worth having, worth sharing. It is a job I sometimes take for granted. A job with unlimited benefits. A job that even when I need a coffee break, I am ready, when it is over, to get back to it.
So with a smile, let me say.... Hi Ho, Hi Ho.. off to work I go!
There is no perfect parent, and no perfect child. It is constantly a work in progress. I am still learning from them and learning with them. I have to remind myself sometimes that it is ok to make a choice others may not agree with. I am living this life, I am making the choices the best way I know how. No matter what you do or how you do it, there are days that being a parent will just plain suck. So you move forward and keep going and enjoy the good days when they come and appreciate that you have the ability to learn, to grow, to make a difference. Bad days are only as bad as you let them be. Dwell on it, or let it go. We can't go back and change it, so go forward and make changes as needed.
Everything in life is work. Marriage, parenting, family, jobs.. nothing is a cake walk. The rewards are as great as you let them be. There are times I see so much clearer what is good in my life. Other times it can be a bit foggy and harder to see. Grief can put blinders on you and limit your vision. It can block out so much light that everything becomes gray. It has been a long journey and there may still be times when the fog rolls in, but I refuse to let those blinders block my view.
Do I wish I could go back and erase the difficult times I had with Kierra? Or with any of my children? I can think I may have avoided that conflict/ confrontation, but I know there would have been another around the next corner. You can second guess yourself on every choice you have ever made.. and waste alot of time and energy. I will continue to make the choices I feel are right as a parent. I will not slack off on my convictions to avoid making a child unhappy or mad at me. They will get over it and so will I. Those unhappy moments will be slim compared to the happy ones. Again, I can dwell on them or let them go.
It is so important to have the support of the person parenting with you. A united front is so much stronger than standing divided. Kids are smart, and they know how to push your buttons and work any weakness in your defenses. Sounds like a tactical battle doesn't it? Well, sometimes, especially in the teen years, it can be. It helps to have someone on your side, who can balance you when you go off kilter, or when you are worn out from the emotional toll parenting can take form you.
I can be just as exhausted from a problem free, good day with the kids, as I can from a chaotic, problem ridden day. When even the simplest decision is more than I want to make. Having Brian there to take over or pick up the slack can really be a lifesaver for me. And for the kids too. It helps me look foward to the years ahead with more anticipation than hesitation. To look forward to the fun times, knowing I can handle it when it is not so fun to be a parent.
I am often asked the question.. "Do you work?" I usually say no, I stay at home with my children. But that isn't true. I have one of the hardest jobs on earth. It is a challenging job. A job worth having, worth sharing. It is a job I sometimes take for granted. A job with unlimited benefits. A job that even when I need a coffee break, I am ready, when it is over, to get back to it.
So with a smile, let me say.... Hi Ho, Hi Ho.. off to work I go!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
De-Christmasing Day
I have almost de-Christmased the whole house! My tree is down and boxed. I have all the decorations in the front dining room and am working on putting them all away. My furniture is back in place and my mantel is back to normal as well. It looks so clean and stark with all that stuff gone! I left it up a few extra days because my friend Terry always visits for her birthday, 12/31, and we celebrate Christmas again with her. So officially the holidays are now OVER!!
The kids will all be back in school on Monday, which will be a happy day for all of us! Everyone is feeling good so I hope that means the sickness has left our house for good, well at least until the next virus or stomach bug decides to invade!
The kids will all be back in school on Monday, which will be a happy day for all of us! Everyone is feeling good so I hope that means the sickness has left our house for good, well at least until the next virus or stomach bug decides to invade!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Jan 2009
OK, I was asked to post a more recent pic, here it is. (wearing size 14/16) I am looking for a "before" pic, I am posting one in the photo gallery, (wearing size 20) but I have tended to not let my picture be taken very often, so I don't think this really shows how heavy I was. If you have a "before" pic of me please email it to me. Don't be kind, I want a true pic so I can finally see the difference!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
My Top 40 for 2008
1.) What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Lost 40 lbs
2.) Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No I did not, and I probably won’t.
3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Several people.. a very busy baby year!
4.) Did anyone close to you die?
Not close to me, but close to people I care about.
5.) What countries did you visit?
Bahamas, Honduras, Belize, Mexico (Cruise Oct. 2008)
6.) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Better Financial stability and tolerance.
7.) What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Several, some happy, some sad, top of the list.. the week we spent on a cruise with my parents (and 2 of my sisters.) It was a once in a life time trip for them and memories that will last my lifetime.
8.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Quitting soda and losing 40 lbs (and still going)
9.) What was your biggest failure?
What failure, I survived another year!
10.) Did you suffer illness or injury?
Some illness, nothing serious.
11.) What was the best thing you bought?
Tickets for a cruise.
12.) Whose behavior merited celebration?
Many to be proud of, you know who you are.
13.) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Many who should not be proud, and they know who they are!
14.) Where did most of your money go?
House, kids
15.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Losing 40 lbs! (and all the emotional and health benefits that go with it!)
16.)What song will always remind you of 2008?
All those on the CD Brian made me for our 25th anniversary.
17.) Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier?
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? Poorer
18.) What do you wish you'd done more of?
More time with my horses
19.) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasted time & energy on unimportant things.
20.) How did you spend Christmas?
With my husband and children/grandchildren at home, coddling a sick and feverish child, & cooking Christmas dinner.
23.) What was your favorite TV program?
Desperate Housewives? Didn’t really stick on one show, watched what I could when I could.
27.) What did you want and get?
The twins into preschool
28.) What did you want and not get?
The twins in the same preschool
30.) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I survived the day and I turned 45
31.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
One thing? Satisfying? You asked for it.. more ---!
32.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Comfy, easy, able to disguise multiple children’s dirty handprints!
33.) What kept you sane?
Horses, reading, Brian (not always in that order!)
38.) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Remember then, appreciate now, take one step forward at a time.
39.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Bring on the rain (by Jodi Messina)
Another day has almost come and gone
Cant imagine what else could wrong
Sometimes Id like to hide away somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war (cause)
Its almost like the hard times circle round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah, I might feel defeated,I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing - but Im not dead
Tomorrows another day
And Im thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain
Im not gonna let it get me down
Im not gonna cry
And Im not gonna lose any sleep tonight
So bring on the rain
40.) Of all the influences, experiences you had in 2008, is there one that stands above the rest?
Marking my 25th wedding anniversary with my husband. For very personal reasons we did not celebrate it publicly, but will always share the precious memory of our wedding day. You're Still The One Brian!
Lost 40 lbs
2.) Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No I did not, and I probably won’t.
3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Several people.. a very busy baby year!
4.) Did anyone close to you die?
Not close to me, but close to people I care about.
5.) What countries did you visit?
Bahamas, Honduras, Belize, Mexico (Cruise Oct. 2008)
6.) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Better Financial stability and tolerance.
7.) What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Several, some happy, some sad, top of the list.. the week we spent on a cruise with my parents (and 2 of my sisters.) It was a once in a life time trip for them and memories that will last my lifetime.
8.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Quitting soda and losing 40 lbs (and still going)
9.) What was your biggest failure?
What failure, I survived another year!
10.) Did you suffer illness or injury?
Some illness, nothing serious.
11.) What was the best thing you bought?
Tickets for a cruise.
12.) Whose behavior merited celebration?
Many to be proud of, you know who you are.
13.) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Many who should not be proud, and they know who they are!
14.) Where did most of your money go?
House, kids
15.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Losing 40 lbs! (and all the emotional and health benefits that go with it!)
16.)What song will always remind you of 2008?
All those on the CD Brian made me for our 25th anniversary.
17.) Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier?
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? Poorer
18.) What do you wish you'd done more of?
More time with my horses
19.) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasted time & energy on unimportant things.
20.) How did you spend Christmas?
With my husband and children/grandchildren at home, coddling a sick and feverish child, & cooking Christmas dinner.
23.) What was your favorite TV program?
Desperate Housewives? Didn’t really stick on one show, watched what I could when I could.
27.) What did you want and get?
The twins into preschool
28.) What did you want and not get?
The twins in the same preschool
30.) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I survived the day and I turned 45
31.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
One thing? Satisfying? You asked for it.. more ---!
32.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Comfy, easy, able to disguise multiple children’s dirty handprints!
33.) What kept you sane?
Horses, reading, Brian (not always in that order!)
38.) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Remember then, appreciate now, take one step forward at a time.
39.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Bring on the rain (by Jodi Messina)
Another day has almost come and gone
Cant imagine what else could wrong
Sometimes Id like to hide away somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war (cause)
Its almost like the hard times circle round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah, I might feel defeated,I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing - but Im not dead
Tomorrows another day
And Im thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain
Im not gonna let it get me down
Im not gonna cry
And Im not gonna lose any sleep tonight
So bring on the rain
40.) Of all the influences, experiences you had in 2008, is there one that stands above the rest?
Marking my 25th wedding anniversary with my husband. For very personal reasons we did not celebrate it publicly, but will always share the precious memory of our wedding day. You're Still The One Brian!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Written Word..
I recently had an email that wasn't supposed to be meant the way it was written. In the past few weeks I have had a text message that struck me the same way and I am hoping wasn't meant the way I took it either. The problem with the written word is the lack of communication. The communication of tone, of intention, of emotion. Sometimes there is too much emotion in the words that are written. No matter how the writer felt, the reader can't help but read it with their own emotions, whatever they are. And once on paper, you can't really take it back. It is there, in the eye of the reader, in their mind and memory in the manner they took it, wether you meant it that way or not.
How easy it is to spew forth with words of hurt, or anger. How easy to vent on whoever happens to read it. How easy to put down on paper something our conscience might hesitate to let come out of our mouth. How much easier to not be in audience as the words sink in and the reader shows the emotion caused by what you have written. How easy to be absent from the consequences of your words. An apology for something said seems to be easier to accept than one for something written and sent to someone.. via email or snail mail. Damage is done much deeper it seems when it is written. Wounds seem harder to heal.
I try to be careful of that here. There are things I have posted here and elsewhere that may seem harsh, but I wrote them willing to take responsibility for those words because they were how I felt, and my intent was clear. I did not and do not regret writing them. That is the choice we make when we write. To own what we put down, good, bad, or indifferent.
I have things saved from over 25 years ago. One I would like to think the writer regrets. I also have love letters from Brian, notes from my children (good & bad), journals I wrote in a different place and time. Watch what words you say, and write. Once out there they have a life of their own..
How easy it is to spew forth with words of hurt, or anger. How easy to vent on whoever happens to read it. How easy to put down on paper something our conscience might hesitate to let come out of our mouth. How much easier to not be in audience as the words sink in and the reader shows the emotion caused by what you have written. How easy to be absent from the consequences of your words. An apology for something said seems to be easier to accept than one for something written and sent to someone.. via email or snail mail. Damage is done much deeper it seems when it is written. Wounds seem harder to heal.
I try to be careful of that here. There are things I have posted here and elsewhere that may seem harsh, but I wrote them willing to take responsibility for those words because they were how I felt, and my intent was clear. I did not and do not regret writing them. That is the choice we make when we write. To own what we put down, good, bad, or indifferent.
I have things saved from over 25 years ago. One I would like to think the writer regrets. I also have love letters from Brian, notes from my children (good & bad), journals I wrote in a different place and time. Watch what words you say, and write. Once out there they have a life of their own..
Round Three
Well, Hunter is now throwing up. The upside is, (LOL) with this virus, that usually only lasts a couple hours. The fever is the part that won't let go. The twins seem to be on the mend. I am keeping everything disinfected and squeaky clean to hopefully prevent any further outbreaks! Can't think of a better way to spend the Holidays... NOT!
Christmas at the Shores'
Christmas Eve we had Terri, Dwight, Savannah, Jessie, Greta, & Randy over for an Italian dinner and to do the Christmas thing. It was fun. Brianne & Justin stayed over Christmas Eve and helped me wrap presents and put things together. I was just setting out the last Christmas stocking at Hunter's door when I heard that he was awake. I had to dash to my room and barely made it before he came in to say Santa had been here! That was at about 6:30 am. We tried to hold off on getting everyone else up but it didn't last long. With Alexa being sick it wasn't as chaotic as it would have been. She just sat in the chair with me and looked pathetic. The boys would bring her presents and she would say she couldn't open it, it was too big. Even her excited face was sad.
We had pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Since we had a turkey & ham for Thanksgiving we decided to do something different for Christmas. I fixed a standing rib roast, loaded mash potatoes, and fresh green beans with leeks and pine nuts. I had 7 layer cookie bars and pumpkin pie for dessert, but everyone filled up on everything else.
It was a good day. We got the kids a puppet theater to share. The Teddy Ruxpin we ordered never came in, but they had enough stuff to not even miss it. They all got Leapster 2 game systems, and clothes. The boys got Star Wars and Indiana Jones toys, Potato Heads, puzzles, books, and several other things. Alexa got princess dolls, fairies, and lots of girly stuff. It was scaled down alot from last year. Alexa's doll bed and pram stroller for her dolls was back ordered, so we may save them for her birthday if they come in by then.
It was a good day. We take those good moments when we can get them and appreciate every one. It seems easier to look back and remember. Not less painful, but I think I am getting used to and accepting the pain rather than fighting it. The remembering is painful, but pleasant as well, so I focus on the pleasant part and let the pain come. We are making new memories and want to enjoy these times and moments as well.
Hope you & yours had good moments and good memories. Hallalujah, the holidays are over!
We had pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Since we had a turkey & ham for Thanksgiving we decided to do something different for Christmas. I fixed a standing rib roast, loaded mash potatoes, and fresh green beans with leeks and pine nuts. I had 7 layer cookie bars and pumpkin pie for dessert, but everyone filled up on everything else.
It was a good day. We got the kids a puppet theater to share. The Teddy Ruxpin we ordered never came in, but they had enough stuff to not even miss it. They all got Leapster 2 game systems, and clothes. The boys got Star Wars and Indiana Jones toys, Potato Heads, puzzles, books, and several other things. Alexa got princess dolls, fairies, and lots of girly stuff. It was scaled down alot from last year. Alexa's doll bed and pram stroller for her dolls was back ordered, so we may save them for her birthday if they come in by then.
It was a good day. We take those good moments when we can get them and appreciate every one. It seems easier to look back and remember. Not less painful, but I think I am getting used to and accepting the pain rather than fighting it. The remembering is painful, but pleasant as well, so I focus on the pleasant part and let the pain come. We are making new memories and want to enjoy these times and moments as well.
Hope you & yours had good moments and good memories. Hallalujah, the holidays are over!
Sick & sleeping Christmas Day
Tristan was sick the week before, and then Alexa woke up with a fever Christmas morning. This virus seems to run 4-5 days and the fever is stubborn. Brian & I spent yesterday stripping all the beds, washing all pillows and blankets and disinfecting the whole house. Brian has been sick with a cold and Hunter has started what seems to be a cold as well. We were supposed to go to Greta & Randy's for a family Christmas/ Birthday get together yesterday and to Disney with my sister, Robyn, & her grandkids today & tomorrow. But with everyone sick it just wasn't happening. I had a dizzy spell in the early hours of Friday morning when I was in the kitchen getting Alexa some medicine. I passed out and hit my head on the floor. I thought it might be the virus the kids have had, but other than a headache I was fine and haven't felt sick or had any other symptoms. My blood pressure and sugar levels have been running low, so that was probably it. We are using alot of lysol & antibacterial gel!
They have been so sick and miserable they are just now getting to enjoy their toys. We have been taking it easy and sticking close to home. At least they were out of school anyway and didn 't have to miss any days other than Tristan missing the last day before the holiday break.
They have been so sick and miserable they are just now getting to enjoy their toys. We have been taking it easy and sticking close to home. At least they were out of school anyway and didn 't have to miss any days other than Tristan missing the last day before the holiday break.
Bri & Justin
This was at Bri's company Christmas party. I have posted more pix on the photo gallery, click on any pic to get there and enjoy!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hunter's 8 years old!
Our baby boy turned 8 today. Note the wrapped left arm.. it is a hard splint to protect what they think is a cracked growth plate in his wrist. He fell off a bunk bed ladder and landed on his hand while at his Nana's house yesterday morning. He failed to tell her about it because he didn't want to have to leave. Later at home he went to do something and said he couldn't because his hand hurt. Off we went to the ER and he sees his orthopedic specialist on Friday. In the mean time we have to keep him down to a dull roar since he has a very high pain threshold and could make it worse if he reinjured it before they hard cast it. Never a dull moment!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Something to talk about..
When the kids hung ornaments the other night Hunter wanted to hang one of Kierra when she was about a year old. The twins asked who the baby was and Hunter told them it was their Mommy Kierra. That seemed to satisfy them and they finished hanging the other ornaments.
Later I caught the tail end of a conversation between Hunter & Alexa. The part I heard was Alexa asking him "Will Mommy die driving her car?" He quickly told her "No, God wouldn't take both your Mommies away." She accepted that and they moved on to look at another ornament.
I debated bringing it back up, then decided to wait. I asked Hunter about it when I was tucking him in. He said Alexa had asked him where Mommy Kierra was and he told her she was in Heaven. She asked if that was far away. When he told her yes, she asked how she got there. He told her she died and when Alexa asked how she died Hunter told her she died in a car crash when she was driving her car to work one day. That is when I caught the end of the conversation. Hunter asked me if it was wrong to tell her. I told him no, I just wondered if she was old enough to understand. We agreed if it comes up again we will all talk about it together. I thanked him for reassuring her and for being such a great big brother.
I have thought countless times what it would be like to tell them. I wondered when would be the right time. I didn't think of it being part of a simple conversation between 2 children. I forgot how matter of fact Hunter can be, and that I always tell him to be honest. I think he handled it very well. I hope I can handle it as well when they start asking me questions about it.
Later I caught the tail end of a conversation between Hunter & Alexa. The part I heard was Alexa asking him "Will Mommy die driving her car?" He quickly told her "No, God wouldn't take both your Mommies away." She accepted that and they moved on to look at another ornament.
I debated bringing it back up, then decided to wait. I asked Hunter about it when I was tucking him in. He said Alexa had asked him where Mommy Kierra was and he told her she was in Heaven. She asked if that was far away. When he told her yes, she asked how she got there. He told her she died and when Alexa asked how she died Hunter told her she died in a car crash when she was driving her car to work one day. That is when I caught the end of the conversation. Hunter asked me if it was wrong to tell her. I told him no, I just wondered if she was old enough to understand. We agreed if it comes up again we will all talk about it together. I thanked him for reassuring her and for being such a great big brother.
I have thought countless times what it would be like to tell them. I wondered when would be the right time. I didn't think of it being part of a simple conversation between 2 children. I forgot how matter of fact Hunter can be, and that I always tell him to be honest. I think he handled it very well. I hope I can handle it as well when they start asking me questions about it.
All I Want for Christmas..
I have been asked several times what I want for Christmas. Honestly, truly, I do not want anything. I know like us, many people are on a tighter budget this year. What I would really like is the gift of your time. I don't want much, or even immediate use of your time. But maybe give me a call and let's meet for coffee, or lunch, or a walk in the park. Let me know if you have a day when you can go to the barn with me, or go kayaking. Maybe go to a movie. I really miss spending time with the people I care about. We all get busy, I am the first in line to claim being guilty of being too busy sometimes. But I will commit to making time for you if you make the commitment too, okay? You don't have to wrap it, or fuss with a bow.. see how easy it is?
Alexa 12.18.08
She was all dressed up for her Christmas show at school, click on this pic and go see the other pix in the gallery. She was a Christmas present for the show. You should have heard them singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth", "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", and my favorite, "Hooves, Belly, Antlers, Nose", which was a version of "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" that I had not heard before! She practiced hard and was so excited. Yes, I got it on video!
Tristan & the North Pole, AKA Puking & other tidbits..
I think I am almost done with all the Christmas decorations. I have added some snowflakes outside and have hung some large ornaments in the archways inside the house. The only thing left to do is finish putting the ornaments on the tree. The kids did some of them, but there is more to do. At night when the lights are on it looks great, but in the light of day it looks like an oversized version of the Charlie Brown tree!
Tristan walks around and thanks me for all the decorations almost every day. He and Alexa would also point out (before it was up) they couldn't thank me for the tree because it wasn't up yet! They can be too smart sometimes. We put together a box to send to Alex in Iraq and we put in some candy that was called reindeer food. Tristan said maybe it would help him fly home fast like the reindeer can fly with Santa. Alexa looked at him so seriously and told him it would have to be flying camels, because they didn't have reindeer where he was, just camels!
We also put together a box for their new little sister, Hayven. Alex told us when he called last week that he & Dawn had a baby girl in September. I reassured him that it was great news and I would get Tristan & Alexa big brother and big sister shirts and take pictures for him. I think he forgets we are such an extended blended family already, what's one more?! I imagine that makes it all the more difficult for him to be deployed again. I have the shirts, just have to take the pix. I will post Hayven's picture soon.
Tristan has been running a high fever since yesterday morning. They rarely run fevers. To the extent that I had to dig up the 2 thermometers we had and both had dead batteries. I had to run to the store to get a new one. He threw up some yesterday afternoon, but that stopped last night. Now he has a fever rash in his groin area. He seems to be feeling better, but that fever is hanging on.
Greta was having Hunter over for a sleepover tonight and ended up taking Alexa too. She asked Hunter if he minded sharing his night and he said Alexa could go. She had gotten very upset that he was going without her. I thought Tristan would be upset at being left home alone, but he wasn't bothered at all. Now you know he is sick!
So I am baking 7 layer bars, and trying to get the motivation to finish the tree. The breakable ornaments are going higher on the tree and I guess that is my job. This may all be done just in time to take it all down and put it away again! The kids love it and that is what counts. Personally, I think it looks like the North Pole puked all over the house!
Tristan walks around and thanks me for all the decorations almost every day. He and Alexa would also point out (before it was up) they couldn't thank me for the tree because it wasn't up yet! They can be too smart sometimes. We put together a box to send to Alex in Iraq and we put in some candy that was called reindeer food. Tristan said maybe it would help him fly home fast like the reindeer can fly with Santa. Alexa looked at him so seriously and told him it would have to be flying camels, because they didn't have reindeer where he was, just camels!
We also put together a box for their new little sister, Hayven. Alex told us when he called last week that he & Dawn had a baby girl in September. I reassured him that it was great news and I would get Tristan & Alexa big brother and big sister shirts and take pictures for him. I think he forgets we are such an extended blended family already, what's one more?! I imagine that makes it all the more difficult for him to be deployed again. I have the shirts, just have to take the pix. I will post Hayven's picture soon.
Tristan has been running a high fever since yesterday morning. They rarely run fevers. To the extent that I had to dig up the 2 thermometers we had and both had dead batteries. I had to run to the store to get a new one. He threw up some yesterday afternoon, but that stopped last night. Now he has a fever rash in his groin area. He seems to be feeling better, but that fever is hanging on.
Greta was having Hunter over for a sleepover tonight and ended up taking Alexa too. She asked Hunter if he minded sharing his night and he said Alexa could go. She had gotten very upset that he was going without her. I thought Tristan would be upset at being left home alone, but he wasn't bothered at all. Now you know he is sick!
So I am baking 7 layer bars, and trying to get the motivation to finish the tree. The breakable ornaments are going higher on the tree and I guess that is my job. This may all be done just in time to take it all down and put it away again! The kids love it and that is what counts. Personally, I think it looks like the North Pole puked all over the house!
Right in Front of Me..
Songs play on the radio,
Images flash on the TV,
Everywhere I turn, it seems,
You're right in front of me.
----------------------------------
I can hope there will come a time
when this all gets easier to do,
yet deep inside my heart I know,
I'll never get over losing you.
---------------------------------
Some say you are in a better place,
that doesn't ring true for me.
Better than here with your babies
is something I just can't see.
----------------------------------
We can't go back, this I know.
We can't undo what has been done.
So we try our best to nurture
the lives you'd just begun.
----------------------------------
They smile your smile
and it's so easy to see,
every time I look at them
you're right in front of me..
----------------------------
mjs started 11.3.08
finished 12.18.08
Images flash on the TV,
Everywhere I turn, it seems,
You're right in front of me.
----------------------------------
I can hope there will come a time
when this all gets easier to do,
yet deep inside my heart I know,
I'll never get over losing you.
---------------------------------
Some say you are in a better place,
that doesn't ring true for me.
Better than here with your babies
is something I just can't see.
----------------------------------
We can't go back, this I know.
We can't undo what has been done.
So we try our best to nurture
the lives you'd just begun.
----------------------------------
They smile your smile
and it's so easy to see,
every time I look at them
you're right in front of me..
----------------------------
mjs started 11.3.08
finished 12.18.08
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