Goosey and Little Man are finally on holiday break! We have two solid weeks of chill time and are already getting into the groove of not getting up at 6 AM and rushing off to school.
Last week, I chaperoned a field trip for Goosey's class to see "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_Christmas_Pageant_Ever) After returning to the school, her class had their Christmas party. It is so fun to go on these trips with Goosey. I know she was a bit embarrassed that her mom had tears streaming at then end of the play, but she will get over it.
A few days later, Little Man had his Christmas pageant where he was part of the choir. This was the very first public "thing" he has been involved in so Auntie J, Daddy Mac, Goosey and I were all in attendance. Bless his heart....he refused to wear the the shirt he made for the occasion. He was the ONLY child to be wearing a bright YELLOW shirt with a blue stripe while the rest were in white. The first song "Rudolph" was performed while standing up, with his back to the audience, and his ears covered. Followed by a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells" in which he did jingle some bells, but did not sing. The final song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" was sang with a jingle bell planted solidly in his mouth. We were proud!
Since Auntie J was in town, we decided to celebrate Little Man's third birthday with a Chuck E. Cheese lunch. He was ecstatic! He got a new train set, some serious diggers and a fireman dress up set with a book and fire truck. And because he was the birthday boy, Mama Mac did not make a huge deal out of the fact that all he ate the entire day was a candy cane and a big hunk of cake. Seriously.
Goosey had a big announcement on 12/20: She has her first loose tooth! It is truly a Christmas miracle! She is the ONLY child in her grade that has not lost one tooth. She was so excited that she took a running jump into my lap and grabbed me around the neck and squealed! Bless her. Her next few years of pictures are going to look fabulous!
So in a few days, we will open the gifts, play a bit and then hit the road to visit the Grandparents in TN. Life is busy!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Bread, Bread, Everywhere.....
I just don't know what I am thinking. I seriously wonder what I am thinking. I was given some starter for Amish bread. I made about 4 loaves which turned out to be so delicious! I had never baked anything from scratch and was amazed at how great they turned out. The only problem is that the top of the bread was a bit sunken in (due to using self-rising flour as opposed to all purpose).
So from that batch, I had three additional starters to "share" with my friends. I gave one to our Auntie Friend and then kept the remaining two for myself. This is where I feel I am CRAZY. I thought I could bake bread to give to some teachers, friends, and family. One starter can make 10 loaves. So two starters would produce 20 loaves.
I bought a couple of extra loaf pans and did four loaves this morning. Only 1 out of the 4 turned out perfect. All of them looked great until I took them out of the pan. The sugar/cinnamon mixture that is to "dust" the pans had congealed or something and was semi-burnt on a portion of the bottom of the loaves. Good grief! All that work and it can't be given to anyone.
I guess I will cut up some slices and send it to school with Goosey for the next few days. I DO NOT NEED TO PARTAKE in this bread. I WILL NOT. Nope. Not one bite.
I need to lose 30 lbs! Bread will not help.
So if you get some bread from me, know that a lot of effort and lubs went into attempting to bake. =)
So from that batch, I had three additional starters to "share" with my friends. I gave one to our Auntie Friend and then kept the remaining two for myself. This is where I feel I am CRAZY. I thought I could bake bread to give to some teachers, friends, and family. One starter can make 10 loaves. So two starters would produce 20 loaves.
I bought a couple of extra loaf pans and did four loaves this morning. Only 1 out of the 4 turned out perfect. All of them looked great until I took them out of the pan. The sugar/cinnamon mixture that is to "dust" the pans had congealed or something and was semi-burnt on a portion of the bottom of the loaves. Good grief! All that work and it can't be given to anyone.
I guess I will cut up some slices and send it to school with Goosey for the next few days. I DO NOT NEED TO PARTAKE in this bread. I WILL NOT. Nope. Not one bite.
I need to lose 30 lbs! Bread will not help.
So if you get some bread from me, know that a lot of effort and lubs went into attempting to bake. =)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
That Sick Feeling In The Pit of Your Stomach...
Every single day on the way to drop Goosey off at school, I pray over her and Little Man. We pray that God will help all of us with self-control, respect, love, endurance to get through the day. We pray for our missionary friends and pick an extended family member to specifically pray for each day. I usually end the prayer by praying a hedge of protection of Goosey's and Little Man's mind, their spirit and their physical bodies from the evil one. I hand them over to the Lord each day.
Every single day that I pick up Goosey from school, I ask her how her day went. She usually responds with comments such as: "I kept on Green! I made a 100 on my math test! I went to the book fair! We had a treat for my friend's birthday!"
Yesterday was no different. We talked up that fact that she was having her classmate over for a first playdate and discussed Bible verses that she needed to know for her Awana class at church. We spoke of how a classmate can't seem to keep quiet AT ALL and is on "red" every single day. We went over homework and chatted it up about Co-Co the Chi-La-La's virtual home on Webkinz.
But then on the way home from church, Goosey just blurted out that the "funniest thing happened at school today!" She then proceeds to tell us how they had a Code Red drill, only it wasn't a drill. It was a REAL Code Red. I had to ask what a Code Red was. She went on to explain that when there are bad people outside that may want to hurt the children or possibly snatch them, they do follow the Code Red Instructions. (Holy moly! Just typing this makes me nauseous.)
Very matter of factly and in a light hearted voice, Goosey explained that all the children move from their desks and line up underneath one wall of the class under the windows and away from the door. The sit "criss-cross applesauce" on the floor and they are suppose to be very quiet and still. The teachers have special cards that are to be taped to the window or slid under the door. Red means that they need assistance and green means that they don't. She explained that her teacher taped a green card in the window and that her teacher, the teacher's assistant and the music teacher, who happened to be teaching in their classroom, all sat on the floor with their backs near the door.
Goosey said that she wasn't scared. Her friends were. She said that she knew that if she did what she was told that she would be fine and that it wasn't too long before the day resumed. I think that they have presented this type of situation as light-hearted to the children...or maybe Goosey is just too young to understand the gravity of this situation.
I have no idea what precipitated the Code Red. I guess I should call the school. It grieves me....literally grieves me....that we live in a world where my 6-year-old has to learn how to protect herself from a potential gunman or hostage taker. I had the worst pain in my stomach while she was telling us this. I started to tear up and wanted to throw up when I heard about the card system (which is VERY smart).
So, as we drove to school today, I made sure to give thanks to our Lord and protector for answering a simply request for protection. Who knows if the situation was THAT serious....nothing was in the news....but it could have been. It has been for many schools in the past 10 years. God had his hand on my child. I give Him all of the credit!
Every single day that I pick up Goosey from school, I ask her how her day went. She usually responds with comments such as: "I kept on Green! I made a 100 on my math test! I went to the book fair! We had a treat for my friend's birthday!"
Yesterday was no different. We talked up that fact that she was having her classmate over for a first playdate and discussed Bible verses that she needed to know for her Awana class at church. We spoke of how a classmate can't seem to keep quiet AT ALL and is on "red" every single day. We went over homework and chatted it up about Co-Co the Chi-La-La's virtual home on Webkinz.
But then on the way home from church, Goosey just blurted out that the "funniest thing happened at school today!" She then proceeds to tell us how they had a Code Red drill, only it wasn't a drill. It was a REAL Code Red. I had to ask what a Code Red was. She went on to explain that when there are bad people outside that may want to hurt the children or possibly snatch them, they do follow the Code Red Instructions. (Holy moly! Just typing this makes me nauseous.)
Very matter of factly and in a light hearted voice, Goosey explained that all the children move from their desks and line up underneath one wall of the class under the windows and away from the door. The sit "criss-cross applesauce" on the floor and they are suppose to be very quiet and still. The teachers have special cards that are to be taped to the window or slid under the door. Red means that they need assistance and green means that they don't. She explained that her teacher taped a green card in the window and that her teacher, the teacher's assistant and the music teacher, who happened to be teaching in their classroom, all sat on the floor with their backs near the door.
Goosey said that she wasn't scared. Her friends were. She said that she knew that if she did what she was told that she would be fine and that it wasn't too long before the day resumed. I think that they have presented this type of situation as light-hearted to the children...or maybe Goosey is just too young to understand the gravity of this situation.
I have no idea what precipitated the Code Red. I guess I should call the school. It grieves me....literally grieves me....that we live in a world where my 6-year-old has to learn how to protect herself from a potential gunman or hostage taker. I had the worst pain in my stomach while she was telling us this. I started to tear up and wanted to throw up when I heard about the card system (which is VERY smart).
So, as we drove to school today, I made sure to give thanks to our Lord and protector for answering a simply request for protection. Who knows if the situation was THAT serious....nothing was in the news....but it could have been. It has been for many schools in the past 10 years. God had his hand on my child. I give Him all of the credit!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
He's Bringing Sexay Back....Yeah!
Well, our Christmas celebrations are off to a running start! On Saturday alone, we had a long day full of activities that directly relate to Christmas. I woke up and was off to the church to help in making 1500 sandwiches and packing them up in sacks. After I did that and ran some errands, it was Daddy Mac's turn to help with the sandwich distribution. Local motorcycle riders donated a toy and helped to deliver them all over the County. Our church was responsible for providing lunch to 1500 people in less than a 30 minute time frame!
After all that was over, I got the kids ready to head to the babysitter's house so that we could attend a Christmas party with our Sunday school class. It was a mad frenzy and Daddy Mac at that last minute offered to pick up one of Goosey's little friends and transport her to the sitter's also. I had to get ready and so we were all running around like crazy people. (Do you get the idea that we don't go out socially very much?)
We got to the party with large portions of pasta salad and presents for a gift exchange. Lots of friends, great food, and laughing ensued! Then it was time for a few "get-to-know-you" games before the gift exchange. We each were asked to write down an interesting fact about ourselves that would be read so that people could guess who wrote it. Pretty simple. Except that I could NOT think of one single appropriate fact about myself.
Now Daddy Mac had decided to sit at the exact opposite end of this long room. There were 40+ people sitting in between up as I faced him. He was snickering and writing something down and looking at me like he was writing something that I would have disproved of. I was getting worried since Daddy Mac has a bad habit of blurting things out prior to really thinking through the statement.
A cute fact popped into my head; however, I never thought that they would choose to read it aloud. How can you compete with an Army pyrotechnic guy? or a man with a third nipple? or someone who ate her share of crayons as a child? I felt pretty safe with my benign fact.
And then it happened....the reader started reading my fact out loud: This person states "My husband is the SEXIEST man in this room!" The reader then says, "There better be more than one lady stand up...on the count of three....1,2,3!"
There were about 4 of us that stood to our feet and then other three sat down. Everyone was looking at me, including Daddy Mac. He cocks his head to the side and looks confused and says "What are you doing?" Then as if a huge breeze came through the room, EVERY.SINGLE.HEAD turned toward Daddy Mac and the hoots and hollers began. I seriously don't think that I have ever seen him blush so deeply in my life!
I then announced, "Yep! I have the sexiest husband in this room!" and strutted my stuff down the length doing a little dance and planted a big smooch on his cheek! He looked as if he wanted to be swallowed up into a hole that might miraculously open beneath his chair!
The remainder of the party was so much fun! Daddy Mac will have a long time before he lives down his sexiness. He has new names: Sexy Beast, Wild Man, The Sexiest Man....the possibilities are endless.
To say that Sunday school the next morning was interesting would be an understatement!
After all that was over, I got the kids ready to head to the babysitter's house so that we could attend a Christmas party with our Sunday school class. It was a mad frenzy and Daddy Mac at that last minute offered to pick up one of Goosey's little friends and transport her to the sitter's also. I had to get ready and so we were all running around like crazy people. (Do you get the idea that we don't go out socially very much?)
We got to the party with large portions of pasta salad and presents for a gift exchange. Lots of friends, great food, and laughing ensued! Then it was time for a few "get-to-know-you" games before the gift exchange. We each were asked to write down an interesting fact about ourselves that would be read so that people could guess who wrote it. Pretty simple. Except that I could NOT think of one single appropriate fact about myself.
Now Daddy Mac had decided to sit at the exact opposite end of this long room. There were 40+ people sitting in between up as I faced him. He was snickering and writing something down and looking at me like he was writing something that I would have disproved of. I was getting worried since Daddy Mac has a bad habit of blurting things out prior to really thinking through the statement.
A cute fact popped into my head; however, I never thought that they would choose to read it aloud. How can you compete with an Army pyrotechnic guy? or a man with a third nipple? or someone who ate her share of crayons as a child? I felt pretty safe with my benign fact.
And then it happened....the reader started reading my fact out loud: This person states "My husband is the SEXIEST man in this room!" The reader then says, "There better be more than one lady stand up...on the count of three....1,2,3!"
There were about 4 of us that stood to our feet and then other three sat down. Everyone was looking at me, including Daddy Mac. He cocks his head to the side and looks confused and says "What are you doing?" Then as if a huge breeze came through the room, EVERY.SINGLE.HEAD turned toward Daddy Mac and the hoots and hollers began. I seriously don't think that I have ever seen him blush so deeply in my life!
I then announced, "Yep! I have the sexiest husband in this room!" and strutted my stuff down the length doing a little dance and planted a big smooch on his cheek! He looked as if he wanted to be swallowed up into a hole that might miraculously open beneath his chair!
The remainder of the party was so much fun! Daddy Mac will have a long time before he lives down his sexiness. He has new names: Sexy Beast, Wild Man, The Sexiest Man....the possibilities are endless.
To say that Sunday school the next morning was interesting would be an understatement!
Monday, November 26, 2007
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas....Now That Thanksgiving is OVER
I am the first to admit it: I struggle with the whole Christmas thing. By "thing" I mean the way society is forcing the commercialism a week prior to Halloween and then wanting to ignore why we even have this holiday in the first place because it is offensive. I find myself grumbling about the songs on the radio 24 hours a day starting on November 1 and the mall trees being up that early too.
However, I am TRYING to be in the mood for some Christmas fun. Thanksgiving is over and it seems like the appropriate time to start being festive. We put the tree up and have started to decorate it and that is about as far as my decorations will go. I just did not get that gene...the knack for decorating.
Thanksgiving went well! We had Daddy Mac's entire family down over the long weekend. The kids were so excited to have their grandparents stay with us. Goosey Lou was ecstatic to have Auntie J come down for a visit too. She is so "cool. Everyone else just takes a back seat when Auntie J arrives. =)
Daddy Mac's brother and family stopped by during their travels. It was so much fun to see toddler boy cousinent! He and Little Man could pass for brothers! They have same hair color, the same walk, the same way of dumping out ALL of the toys and then playing with them. They actually played really well together. Now that they live a bit closer, we will have to try and get together for some cousinent time!
So now we begin the preparations for Christmas. I am going to be jolly. I am going to be jolly. I AM going to be jolly.
However, I am TRYING to be in the mood for some Christmas fun. Thanksgiving is over and it seems like the appropriate time to start being festive. We put the tree up and have started to decorate it and that is about as far as my decorations will go. I just did not get that gene...the knack for decorating.
Thanksgiving went well! We had Daddy Mac's entire family down over the long weekend. The kids were so excited to have their grandparents stay with us. Goosey Lou was ecstatic to have Auntie J come down for a visit too. She is so "cool. Everyone else just takes a back seat when Auntie J arrives. =)
Daddy Mac's brother and family stopped by during their travels. It was so much fun to see toddler boy cousinent! He and Little Man could pass for brothers! They have same hair color, the same walk, the same way of dumping out ALL of the toys and then playing with them. They actually played really well together. Now that they live a bit closer, we will have to try and get together for some cousinent time!
So now we begin the preparations for Christmas. I am going to be jolly. I am going to be jolly. I AM going to be jolly.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Today is my Birthday!
My birthday! I am 22 years old today. Those that know me might scratch their heads and think..."Wow! I knew that she looked young, but I did not realize that she is THAT young!"
It was 22 years ago on this day, November 13, 1985, that I became the adopted daughter of the Maker and Creator. The great I AM. It was on this night that I made the conscious realization that there was absolutely no good in me. That I was a young woman who was trying to do all the right things, be the right person to my family, friends, community and finding that it just did not measure up. I realized that no matter how great I seemed to be, on the inside, I was filthy. I knew that I needed someone or something to make me new.
Romans 3:23 says that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That was me! Also in Romans (6:23), it says that death is what is to be paid for my sins. I realized with absolute clarity on that night 22 years ago, that my eternal fate based on my life that far would be hell. Pure and simple. I had sinned (lied, disobeyed, dishonored authority, etc.) and because I knew that God could not be in the presence of sin, that I could not enter into heaven without something to remove it from me.
Did God create me for eternal damnation? No. God wants everyone to be reconciled to Him. "He demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to this earth to die on a cross, bearing all MY sins and YOUR sins, as the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who suffered a terrible death, was buried and raised from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven and currently sits on the right hand of my Father.
So that night, I asked God to forgive me for all the wrong that I had done. I believed that He sent His son, Jesus, to stand in my place and take the death that I deserved. I asked that God to make me new and accepted Jesus into my life. I did not want to sin. And because of Christ, when God looks at me, He sees me as pure as snow. No blemishes. No spots. No sin...because it has been paid for.
Do I sin? Yes. Do I mess up? Yes. But I know one thing.....Jesus Christ is the reason I can claim my place in Heaven...my inheritance. I believe this with all my soul. I am not the same person I was before November 13, 1985. I am the daughter of a King!
It was 22 years ago on this day, November 13, 1985, that I became the adopted daughter of the Maker and Creator. The great I AM. It was on this night that I made the conscious realization that there was absolutely no good in me. That I was a young woman who was trying to do all the right things, be the right person to my family, friends, community and finding that it just did not measure up. I realized that no matter how great I seemed to be, on the inside, I was filthy. I knew that I needed someone or something to make me new.
Romans 3:23 says that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That was me! Also in Romans (6:23), it says that death is what is to be paid for my sins. I realized with absolute clarity on that night 22 years ago, that my eternal fate based on my life that far would be hell. Pure and simple. I had sinned (lied, disobeyed, dishonored authority, etc.) and because I knew that God could not be in the presence of sin, that I could not enter into heaven without something to remove it from me.
Did God create me for eternal damnation? No. God wants everyone to be reconciled to Him. "He demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to this earth to die on a cross, bearing all MY sins and YOUR sins, as the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who suffered a terrible death, was buried and raised from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven and currently sits on the right hand of my Father.
So that night, I asked God to forgive me for all the wrong that I had done. I believed that He sent His son, Jesus, to stand in my place and take the death that I deserved. I asked that God to make me new and accepted Jesus into my life. I did not want to sin. And because of Christ, when God looks at me, He sees me as pure as snow. No blemishes. No spots. No sin...because it has been paid for.
Do I sin? Yes. Do I mess up? Yes. But I know one thing.....Jesus Christ is the reason I can claim my place in Heaven...my inheritance. I believe this with all my soul. I am not the same person I was before November 13, 1985. I am the daughter of a King!
Cowboy Mama or Alicia Mama?
For over a year now, we have been seriously concerned about Little Man's expressive speech abilities. He has babbled a lot and has been difficult to understand. We have had him tested for some delays, but have been told that he will catch up by the time he turns three.
T-minus 6 weeks and counting and Little Man is really taking off with his talking! So much so, today while we were outside playing in the gorgeous weather, he decided to play cowboy. With a vest made by his great grandma for his daddy, Little Man strutted his stuff around the yard. When he put on a dilapidated straw hat, he became "Cowboy Little Man".
A few minutes went by and he decided to take off the hat. Handing it to me, he said "Put it on mama! You are Cowboy Mama!" And so our game of pretend began. Cowboy Mama simply wanted to sit and watch Former Cowboy Little Man ride his three-wheeled horsey across the concrete range. However, I had to get up and follow him around being "Cowboy Mama" for a long while.
Then we proceed to the swingset, where Little Man transformed into Diego. This is done by sitting in the swing seat, leaning back and singing the "Go, Diego, Go" song very loudly. After a few minutes of ripping down the zip line of the swing, Little Man says, "Mama. You are Alicia Mama". Alicia is Diego's older sister, who evidently loves to push Diego on swings.
And where would we be without Baby Jaguar...also known as Ansley, our pet dog. This wasn't received well from Ansley, so she pretended to be Baby Jaguar in our minds.
He is such a hoot!
T-minus 6 weeks and counting and Little Man is really taking off with his talking! So much so, today while we were outside playing in the gorgeous weather, he decided to play cowboy. With a vest made by his great grandma for his daddy, Little Man strutted his stuff around the yard. When he put on a dilapidated straw hat, he became "Cowboy Little Man".
A few minutes went by and he decided to take off the hat. Handing it to me, he said "Put it on mama! You are Cowboy Mama!" And so our game of pretend began. Cowboy Mama simply wanted to sit and watch Former Cowboy Little Man ride his three-wheeled horsey across the concrete range. However, I had to get up and follow him around being "Cowboy Mama" for a long while.
Then we proceed to the swingset, where Little Man transformed into Diego. This is done by sitting in the swing seat, leaning back and singing the "Go, Diego, Go" song very loudly. After a few minutes of ripping down the zip line of the swing, Little Man says, "Mama. You are Alicia Mama". Alicia is Diego's older sister, who evidently loves to push Diego on swings.
And where would we be without Baby Jaguar...also known as Ansley, our pet dog. This wasn't received well from Ansley, so she pretended to be Baby Jaguar in our minds.
He is such a hoot!
Monday, November 5, 2007
A Sincere Offering
Since Goosey has been in the first grade, she has been required to attend the Sunday services in the sanctuary with us and then go on to her Sunday school class. She is allowed to bring her church bag with her Bible, a pen, some paper, and maybe some other trinket to keep her still during the sermon.
Every Sunday, Daddy Mac gives her some money to put in the offering plate. She is so sweet and reverent as she puts her money in the plate and passes it on to the next person.
Yesterday, I noticed that she was fiddling around with an envelope and her money. I leaned over to see what she was doing. She whispered her explanation: I made this envelope at home to use here today. Is it OK if I put my offering in it?
I looked at the envelope that had written upon the front: To: God, Love: "Goosey" and had little hearts drawn all over it. It was very humbling.
The Bible instructs us to give with a cheerful heart. To be faithful. To come to Him as a child.
How can I say no to her?
Every Sunday, Daddy Mac gives her some money to put in the offering plate. She is so sweet and reverent as she puts her money in the plate and passes it on to the next person.
Yesterday, I noticed that she was fiddling around with an envelope and her money. I leaned over to see what she was doing. She whispered her explanation: I made this envelope at home to use here today. Is it OK if I put my offering in it?
I looked at the envelope that had written upon the front: To: God, Love: "Goosey" and had little hearts drawn all over it. It was very humbling.
The Bible instructs us to give with a cheerful heart. To be faithful. To come to Him as a child.
How can I say no to her?
Instantly Annoyed
Goosey and I were coming home from church last night when I turned on the radio. I was surfing the channels when I came across the voice of Burl Ives...BURL IVES, people! It is November 4th!!!! Holly, Jolly Christmas. GIVE.ME.A.BREAK.
Goosey started singing and was so excited! I instantly became annoyed. I went on a five minute rant (which then ran into "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" and "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") about how Christmas is totally being crammed down our throats for 8 weeks in hopes that we purchase so many things that we go into debt and the banks make lots of money on the interest on our credit cards and how it is NOT about the birth of Jesus, but about the re-birth of our economy during a 4th quarter slump.....
Goosey was so polite. She sat and listened to me gripe and complain and gripe some more. Then she said some pretty wise words:
"You know, mom. Little kids don't know all about that stuff. All we know is the good stuff and that is why I am SO excited about Christmas music....it means that Christmas is coming!"
I was a bit surprised at her comment. It is true. Christmas is so much fun when you are a kid and on the receiving end. It is a fun time. You get to see family and eat and open gifts and not once think about the national economy.
So I told her that I would suppress my annoyance and allow her to listen to the Christmas music until we got home. It is only 5 more minutes, right? I bit that tongue until that dang "Little Drummer Boy" pa-rump-pa-pump-pa'ed onto the airwaves.......
Goosey started singing and was so excited! I instantly became annoyed. I went on a five minute rant (which then ran into "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" and "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") about how Christmas is totally being crammed down our throats for 8 weeks in hopes that we purchase so many things that we go into debt and the banks make lots of money on the interest on our credit cards and how it is NOT about the birth of Jesus, but about the re-birth of our economy during a 4th quarter slump.....
Goosey was so polite. She sat and listened to me gripe and complain and gripe some more. Then she said some pretty wise words:
"You know, mom. Little kids don't know all about that stuff. All we know is the good stuff and that is why I am SO excited about Christmas music....it means that Christmas is coming!"
I was a bit surprised at her comment. It is true. Christmas is so much fun when you are a kid and on the receiving end. It is a fun time. You get to see family and eat and open gifts and not once think about the national economy.
So I told her that I would suppress my annoyance and allow her to listen to the Christmas music until we got home. It is only 5 more minutes, right? I bit that tongue until that dang "Little Drummer Boy" pa-rump-pa-pump-pa'ed onto the airwaves.......
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Jesus is in the truck.....
I am not sure if Little Man really understands prayer. Today we saw an ambulance screaming down the street. He starts pointing and hollering "Am-bance tuck! Am-bance tuck!" I tell him that they ambulance is going to help some sick person and take them to the hospital. I ask him if he would like to say a prayer for the sick people.
Me: Dear Lord, please be with the sick people the ambulance truck is going to help. in Jesus' name, Amen.
LM: Amen.
LM: Mama! Jesus in the tuck! Jesus in the tuck!
Me: No, baby. Jesus is in heaven. A sick person is in the ambulance truck.
LM: Otay.
Me: Dear Lord, please be with the sick people the ambulance truck is going to help. in Jesus' name, Amen.
LM: Amen.
LM: Mama! Jesus in the tuck! Jesus in the tuck!
Me: No, baby. Jesus is in heaven. A sick person is in the ambulance truck.
LM: Otay.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
A Shiny Day, Mama!
Today was a gorgeous day! The leaves are really starting to change; the sky is ultra blue; and the temperature is getting brisk.
The kids and I were heading out the door in a major rush for church this morning. I am barking orders and just overall frustrated with how UN-smoothly the day had started out.
Little Man stopped in the driveway and was looking up at the sky. He started turning around and around and said "Mama! It is a shiny day! A shiny day!" and gave me the biggest grin.
That made the morning a lot better!
The kids and I were heading out the door in a major rush for church this morning. I am barking orders and just overall frustrated with how UN-smoothly the day had started out.
Little Man stopped in the driveway and was looking up at the sky. He started turning around and around and said "Mama! It is a shiny day! A shiny day!" and gave me the biggest grin.
That made the morning a lot better!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Webkinz? A Chi-la-la? or a drug?
Goosey Lou received her first grade card in first grade on Friday. Ms. Lou received straight 4's in every subject and kept her race car on the track EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! We are so proud of her. Her teacher told me that she is the top student in the class and is always polite and very mature. She said that she has never had a student as smart as Goosey! (Proud mama beaming!)
As a reward (I know that you aren't suppose to reward for good grades) I told Goosey that she could purchase a Webkinz of her choice. After weeks of thinking about it and perusing the stores, a cute little chihuahua named Co-Co was adopted and brought home.
If you are not familiar with Webkinz, it is a stuffed animal that has a code attached to the tag. You log into www.webkinz.com and enter your code so that your animal has a virtual existence online. There are games to play and jobs to do and faux chat rooms and tournaments where you earn webkinz money to buy food, furniture, toys, etc. for your online animal.
Let me tell you...this thing is addictive! Goosey has given me permission to log in and earn her some spending points playing games (there are some that can only be played once a day and I cannot do those). Games similar to tetris, bejeweled, and others are there for the playing! Lots of fun!
Little Man likes it too. He is not allowed to play on the computer yet. He just can't be nice to the very expensive piece of machinery. However, he loves to watch his big sister hold Co-Co the "chi-la-la" and play on the computer. Bless him he is so sweet.
This morning, the kidlets had to have their flu shots. Poor Goosey was distressed the minute I put the numbing cream on her arm. She was whimpering and whining and protesting the entire morning. Little Man was excited to have a boo-boo bandaid on his arm. I was shocked at how smoothly this went down. Little Man went in and I handed him a sucker. He was so busy that he had no idea what hit him. He looked around and saw a new bandaid and a Superman sticker and he was ready to go. Not one cry or whimper.
Goosey, on the other hand, came in from the hall and started fighting the moment she hit the door. The nurse told her to blow really hard and the next thing you know, it was over. She looked surprised when the nurse told her to hop down. Was it worth it all....all the protest, the crying, the whimpering? Well, only if she can go home and play with her Webkinz.
A monster I have created.........
As a reward (I know that you aren't suppose to reward for good grades) I told Goosey that she could purchase a Webkinz of her choice. After weeks of thinking about it and perusing the stores, a cute little chihuahua named Co-Co was adopted and brought home.
If you are not familiar with Webkinz, it is a stuffed animal that has a code attached to the tag. You log into www.webkinz.com and enter your code so that your animal has a virtual existence online. There are games to play and jobs to do and faux chat rooms and tournaments where you earn webkinz money to buy food, furniture, toys, etc. for your online animal.
Let me tell you...this thing is addictive! Goosey has given me permission to log in and earn her some spending points playing games (there are some that can only be played once a day and I cannot do those). Games similar to tetris, bejeweled, and others are there for the playing! Lots of fun!
Little Man likes it too. He is not allowed to play on the computer yet. He just can't be nice to the very expensive piece of machinery. However, he loves to watch his big sister hold Co-Co the "chi-la-la" and play on the computer. Bless him he is so sweet.
This morning, the kidlets had to have their flu shots. Poor Goosey was distressed the minute I put the numbing cream on her arm. She was whimpering and whining and protesting the entire morning. Little Man was excited to have a boo-boo bandaid on his arm. I was shocked at how smoothly this went down. Little Man went in and I handed him a sucker. He was so busy that he had no idea what hit him. He looked around and saw a new bandaid and a Superman sticker and he was ready to go. Not one cry or whimper.
Goosey, on the other hand, came in from the hall and started fighting the moment she hit the door. The nurse told her to blow really hard and the next thing you know, it was over. She looked surprised when the nurse told her to hop down. Was it worth it all....all the protest, the crying, the whimpering? Well, only if she can go home and play with her Webkinz.
A monster I have created.........
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Fire Engine! Fire Engine!
Last week at preschool, Little Man's class was able to visit a fire truck and meet some firemen as part of Fire Safety Week. He LOVES fire trucks! When we see them out on the road or parked outside of a restaurant or wherever, Little Man becomes so excited that he starts pointing and jumping and saying "fire engine, fire engine" repeatedly until someone acknowledges that yes, indeed, a fire engine is within our line of sight.
So today heading back to the house, a fire truck was heading toward us with their sirens on high and lights flashing and heading to some sort of an emergency. Little Man starts hollering "fire engine, fire engine, mama!" Here was our conversation:
Me: Yes, it looks like they are going to an emergency to help someone.
LM: Hep some 'un?
Me: Help someone. I bet there is a fire or someone is sick. Maybe we should say a little prayer for them.
LM: Otay.
Me: Dear God, Please be with the people the firemen are going to help. Keep the firemen safe too. In Jesus' name, Amen.
LM: ....Long Pause.....
LM: Mama, where de fire engine go?
Me: Remember, it was going to help someone who needs help.
LM: Otay. Fire engine hep Jesus.
Little Man thought that the fire engine was on its way to help Jesus! So cute!
So today heading back to the house, a fire truck was heading toward us with their sirens on high and lights flashing and heading to some sort of an emergency. Little Man starts hollering "fire engine, fire engine, mama!" Here was our conversation:
Me: Yes, it looks like they are going to an emergency to help someone.
LM: Hep some 'un?
Me: Help someone. I bet there is a fire or someone is sick. Maybe we should say a little prayer for them.
LM: Otay.
Me: Dear God, Please be with the people the firemen are going to help. Keep the firemen safe too. In Jesus' name, Amen.
LM: ....Long Pause.....
LM: Mama, where de fire engine go?
Me: Remember, it was going to help someone who needs help.
LM: Otay. Fire engine hep Jesus.
Little Man thought that the fire engine was on its way to help Jesus! So cute!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Flying Solo & Scary Monster Spiders
Goosey Lou decided that she wanted to try out for a solo part in the children's choir. Evidently, she is the only female first grader that even wanted to try out. So we practiced and practiced and practiced the part that she wanted to sing. We have been playing the CD alot in the car. Little Man sings along too! It is so sweet.
She tried out for the part a few days ago and we still have not heard if she made it or not. I explained to her that God has given her a gift (can carry a tune) and that all He asks is that she is willing to use it for Him (trying out). If she doesn't get the solo, then she can try out next time. She looked at me so seriously and said, "Mom, I know I am going to get it. I sang really well that night." We'll see......
On the Little Man front, we ventured back to the local museum. The same one with the same program we had to leave after being there only a few minutes last month due to a horrendous meltdown. I am happy to say that he did great this time. He half-listened to the stories, but was VERY excited about the crafts. He was able to make a spider from pipe cleaners and egg cartons. He named it "Scary Monster Spider". He loved making "Ghost" out of kleenex and even colored a picture of a pumpkin. So maybe we have arrived at a new era in our social life....we can participate in one!
She tried out for the part a few days ago and we still have not heard if she made it or not. I explained to her that God has given her a gift (can carry a tune) and that all He asks is that she is willing to use it for Him (trying out). If she doesn't get the solo, then she can try out next time. She looked at me so seriously and said, "Mom, I know I am going to get it. I sang really well that night." We'll see......
On the Little Man front, we ventured back to the local museum. The same one with the same program we had to leave after being there only a few minutes last month due to a horrendous meltdown. I am happy to say that he did great this time. He half-listened to the stories, but was VERY excited about the crafts. He was able to make a spider from pipe cleaners and egg cartons. He named it "Scary Monster Spider". He loved making "Ghost" out of kleenex and even colored a picture of a pumpkin. So maybe we have arrived at a new era in our social life....we can participate in one!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
"Boy, You Were L.U.C.K.Y.!!!!"
Yesterday was super busy for me. There are only two mornings a week that I have to accomplish some errands sans kids. Yesterday happened to be one of them. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit a dear little baby, Ava, that was born on Monday. Her parents are very dear friends of mine and because both of the kids were in school, I was able to visit her in the hospital.
Then I had to run an errand in town and then back to preschool to pick Little Man up in the nick of time! We went home and had a quick lunch. After an hour of playtime and TV watching, it was time to get back into the car and head over to pick Goosey up from first grade.
As I was corralling Little Man out the door, I heard the faint sound of beeping coming from upstairs. Since we had recently moved our answering machine upstairs, I realized that I had at least one message. There was NO time to check it at the house, so I called the phone and decided to check it on the way to pick up line.
New message 1, Wednesday, 7:58 AM: "Mrs. Mac, this is Goosey's school. We just wanted to let you know that Goosey tripped on her way to the classroom and skinned her nose pretty badly. She insisted that we not call you and said that she felt fine. We applied neosporin and a bandaid over her nose. Just wanted to let you know so that you did not freak out when you pick her up this afternoon."
OK. So now it is almost 7.5 hours later and I just get this message. So I am telling myself that Goosey must be OK since they did not contact me on my cell phone, which is ALWAYS on my presence....well, not ALWAYS, but I usually have it with me wherever I go.
As Mrs. First Grade teacher is putting Goosey in the car, she inquires if I did not get the message. I explained that I had just gotten the message on my home phone and since I was on my way over at the end of the day, I did not want to disrupt her class. She told me that Goosey was a tough cookie and probably needed a special treat for being so brave.
Holy cow! Talk about a tough cookie! When we got home, I took the bandage off of her nose and it looked terrible! One side of her nose had been scratched to pieces, her lip had been scraped, the bridge of her nose was raw and her gum had been cut! She looked like someone had punched her in the face. Evidently, she tripped some how and fell smack dab on her nose. There were some minor scrapes on her wrist, but none on her knees or hands. Bless her heart.
She is so upset about it. She cried when I told her that she had to go to church last night (we both teach classes) and whined we she realized she had to go to school today. She was crying saying that she was hideous and that everyone would stare at her. It made me want to cry....it does look pretty bad.
I took her by the doctor to make sure that there wasn't anything more I could do other than to clean it and keep antibiotics on it. The doctor said, "Boy, you were so lucky!" She was surprised that there was no bruising or swelling; that all of her teeth were intact; that she did not split her nose down the middle and require stitches; that she did not lose consciousness. That is really good news. The bad news is that it will get worse before it gets better. It will be a few weeks before it heals, so she will have a bandaid across her nose for a while.
I wish that I could keep her from getting hurt...physically and emotionally. It is like having my little heart running outside of my body.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Eclectic Days
The past few weeks have so busy that I have not had time to post. A couple of weekends ago, I went away for my annual church retreat to the beach and Daddy Mac was left in charge. I think that they had fun. They were alive, fed, and semi-clean!
Last weekend we traveled to Tennessee to celebrate our toddler cousinent's first birthday. That definitely was a lot of fun. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since her birth. She has an adorable scooting crawl and a faulty walk. She is talking and laughing and just a sweet as pie. She really seemed to enjoy Goosey! She would laugh and holler for her by name.
Little Man seemed to show more interest in toddler girl cousinent. He would smile and play peek-a-boo. Yesterday, a whole week after we had seen her, he started pacing the hallway to the main door. He was babbling like crazy and finally came in next to me and said: Go to Ko-eee's house! Go to Ko-eee's house! Otay?
I am afraid that Little Man is getting sick again. The weather had started to change and the temperatures have finally dropped into the upper 40s/low 50s. His nose has started running and he is coughing a bit. Good grief! But despite this, he is speaking very clearly with more and more words. This weekend he can clearly say the following: rocket shiP, blasT ofF, drinK of wateR. It is as if he is hearing the end of sentences.
Goosey has started to have graded work in her class that has nothing to do with doing it at home. She has had her first science test (100%); first social studies test (100%); reading comprehension based on in class reading (100%). She is doing fabulous! The end of the first nine weeks is coming to an end very soon. She is going to get a Webkinz (a dog) for her great effort. She has kept her name on green since the first day of school too! That is so huge for a six year old!
Life is a hodge podge of everyday, eclectic experiences. It is going by so fast...
Last weekend we traveled to Tennessee to celebrate our toddler cousinent's first birthday. That definitely was a lot of fun. It is hard to believe that a year has passed since her birth. She has an adorable scooting crawl and a faulty walk. She is talking and laughing and just a sweet as pie. She really seemed to enjoy Goosey! She would laugh and holler for her by name.
Little Man seemed to show more interest in toddler girl cousinent. He would smile and play peek-a-boo. Yesterday, a whole week after we had seen her, he started pacing the hallway to the main door. He was babbling like crazy and finally came in next to me and said: Go to Ko-eee's house! Go to Ko-eee's house! Otay?
I am afraid that Little Man is getting sick again. The weather had started to change and the temperatures have finally dropped into the upper 40s/low 50s. His nose has started running and he is coughing a bit. Good grief! But despite this, he is speaking very clearly with more and more words. This weekend he can clearly say the following: rocket shiP, blasT ofF, drinK of wateR. It is as if he is hearing the end of sentences.
Goosey has started to have graded work in her class that has nothing to do with doing it at home. She has had her first science test (100%); first social studies test (100%); reading comprehension based on in class reading (100%). She is doing fabulous! The end of the first nine weeks is coming to an end very soon. She is going to get a Webkinz (a dog) for her great effort. She has kept her name on green since the first day of school too! That is so huge for a six year old!
Life is a hodge podge of everyday, eclectic experiences. It is going by so fast...
Saturday, September 22, 2007
A Tad of Sad
Several weeks ago, the TN-GPs (grandparents from Tennessee) came to visit. Along with them, they brought two bags full of VHS tapes. This was done with the promise that Daddy Mac can convert the tapes from tapes to DVDs. We haven't gotten around to doing that just yet. However, I did decide that I needed to at least rewind and play the tapes to get the gist of what was on them.
The first tape made me feel so old. I was 16-17 and the focus was on my then 2-3 year old nephew. I cannot believe that the now 6'5" 200 lb man was sitting in my lap and giving me snuggles and dying eggs. He was so stinking cute. Honestly, he was and is so beautiful. He was wrestling with Brother B and playing with our dog, Brandy. I had the poofy bangs and large glasses, but I still look the same (give or take 30 lbs).
My grandparents were on that tape. You could hear my grandmom telling my younger brother that she loved him. This is while he was snorting styrofoam peanuts through his nose. On another day, she sat down beside my older brother on her couch and tucked her arm in his and whispered to him. It made me so sad. My grandad was interested in my little nephew....doing high fives, letting him shoot water pistols at him and reading with his magnifying glass. Just like I remember them.
The second tape was of Brother B and myself involved in various marching band activities and concert band. I had totally forgotten that Brother B had been a clown with a wig and full makeup for our Halloween marching half-time. I had been a tramped up housewife in curlers, pjs and make up galore! Good times. We looked like babies.
My grandparents would have L.O.V.E.D. my children. Goosey Lou is an exact replica of me and would have sat in her lap reading or snuggling. Grandmom always called me her baby doll in the midst of 4 grandsons. Grandad would have been fascinated at how Little Man is on the go all the time and his advanced fine motor skills.
We thought we could copy these tapes. I think that I may have to see if there is someway to remove the "noise" from them. Even if it can not be done, these tapes are priceless now. In a blink of an eye, 18 years have passed. I am guessing the next 18 will go by quicker.
The first tape made me feel so old. I was 16-17 and the focus was on my then 2-3 year old nephew. I cannot believe that the now 6'5" 200 lb man was sitting in my lap and giving me snuggles and dying eggs. He was so stinking cute. Honestly, he was and is so beautiful. He was wrestling with Brother B and playing with our dog, Brandy. I had the poofy bangs and large glasses, but I still look the same (give or take 30 lbs).
My grandparents were on that tape. You could hear my grandmom telling my younger brother that she loved him. This is while he was snorting styrofoam peanuts through his nose. On another day, she sat down beside my older brother on her couch and tucked her arm in his and whispered to him. It made me so sad. My grandad was interested in my little nephew....doing high fives, letting him shoot water pistols at him and reading with his magnifying glass. Just like I remember them.
The second tape was of Brother B and myself involved in various marching band activities and concert band. I had totally forgotten that Brother B had been a clown with a wig and full makeup for our Halloween marching half-time. I had been a tramped up housewife in curlers, pjs and make up galore! Good times. We looked like babies.
My grandparents would have L.O.V.E.D. my children. Goosey Lou is an exact replica of me and would have sat in her lap reading or snuggling. Grandmom always called me her baby doll in the midst of 4 grandsons. Grandad would have been fascinated at how Little Man is on the go all the time and his advanced fine motor skills.
We thought we could copy these tapes. I think that I may have to see if there is someway to remove the "noise" from them. Even if it can not be done, these tapes are priceless now. In a blink of an eye, 18 years have passed. I am guessing the next 18 will go by quicker.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Daddy Mac Saves the Upcoming Weekend...potentially....
After a wheezy, hacking awakening by Little Man this morning, we knew that these allergies were probably a cold. The yucks were draining out of his left ear and he was coughing more today than yesterday.
I had decided to give it a couple of more days before hauling Little Man into the pediatrician for a looksey. However, Daddy Mac insisted that he be taken to the doctor today in case he had something like bronchitis. In my mind, I thought "That is crazy. Little Man is not running a fever. He is playing normally. He just sounds bad." But to humor the Mac Daddy, I took him in first thing this morning.
Little Man has an atrocious ear infection in his right ear, draining infection in the left ear, clear lungs, and the croup. So we have drops for the ear, antibiotic for the other ear, allergy medicine for maintenance, and a steroid for his vocal cords. This could have turned out to be a long weekend of no fun if I had waited to take him. A great big THANK YOU, to Daddy Mac for insisting that he be taken in.
Now, for the past 3 days, I have had three, I REPEAT, three sets of parents tell me that their little ones who have "croup" are not contagious. Children who have croup have NO way of passing this on to someone else. I call b.u.l.l.
Mr. Pediatrician told me that croup is caused by a virus that settles in the throat/vocal cord area. It is contagious. It is a virus that is passed like any other virus.
So no wonder he has croup...three school buddies have it. I guess it is going to be a long school year.
I had decided to give it a couple of more days before hauling Little Man into the pediatrician for a looksey. However, Daddy Mac insisted that he be taken to the doctor today in case he had something like bronchitis. In my mind, I thought "That is crazy. Little Man is not running a fever. He is playing normally. He just sounds bad." But to humor the Mac Daddy, I took him in first thing this morning.
Little Man has an atrocious ear infection in his right ear, draining infection in the left ear, clear lungs, and the croup. So we have drops for the ear, antibiotic for the other ear, allergy medicine for maintenance, and a steroid for his vocal cords. This could have turned out to be a long weekend of no fun if I had waited to take him. A great big THANK YOU, to Daddy Mac for insisting that he be taken in.
Now, for the past 3 days, I have had three, I REPEAT, three sets of parents tell me that their little ones who have "croup" are not contagious. Children who have croup have NO way of passing this on to someone else. I call b.u.l.l.
Mr. Pediatrician told me that croup is caused by a virus that settles in the throat/vocal cord area. It is contagious. It is a virus that is passed like any other virus.
So no wonder he has croup...three school buddies have it. I guess it is going to be a long school year.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sleeping Sweetie
When Little Man was getting ready for bed last night, I noticed that he had a little cough and runny nose. I figure it is seasonal allergies for the most part. Bless his heart.
At 3:00 AM, I hear a small, quiet voice standing next to my bed. "Up, pease." I woke up and there is Little Man coughing a little and holding two trains in his hands, Thomas and James. I haul him up and sling him over to the middle of the bed to keep him from rolling out. I told him that it was still "night-night" and to close his eyes. After a few minutes, I feel him relax and breathing deeper. All the while, he has these two trains in a death grip in both hands. I try to ease them out and place them in between us. The little booger feels around until he gets them back and continues to sleep.
He snuggles up close and puts his feet under my knees. When I try to move, his cold little feet find my knees and warm up.
The alarm goes off at 6 AM and we wake to find Thomas and James suffocating in the grip of Little Man's fists. He lubs some 'train tracks'. He was so sweet, lying there, hogging the bed. Bless his little heart.
At 3:00 AM, I hear a small, quiet voice standing next to my bed. "Up, pease." I woke up and there is Little Man coughing a little and holding two trains in his hands, Thomas and James. I haul him up and sling him over to the middle of the bed to keep him from rolling out. I told him that it was still "night-night" and to close his eyes. After a few minutes, I feel him relax and breathing deeper. All the while, he has these two trains in a death grip in both hands. I try to ease them out and place them in between us. The little booger feels around until he gets them back and continues to sleep.
He snuggles up close and puts his feet under my knees. When I try to move, his cold little feet find my knees and warm up.
The alarm goes off at 6 AM and we wake to find Thomas and James suffocating in the grip of Little Man's fists. He lubs some 'train tracks'. He was so sweet, lying there, hogging the bed. Bless his little heart.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I Guess I Really AM Vain
It has been almost exactly two years since I have been to the eye doctor. Little Man could not walk, was still nursing, and in size 2 diapers. It is hard to believe how quickly two years can pass. In the blink of an eye.
So today I went to see my eye doctor. After a brief and painless chastisement for not coming in last year, he began his examination of my baby browns. Good news! No change. Despite a family history of Fuch's Dystrophy, I look good with no precursors that are apparent. My eyes haven't changed enough to warrant new lenses in my glasses either. However, I wanted some sunglasses.
The doc explained that I could get the transition lenses (nope) or some clip-ons (absolutely not). I explained to him that I wanted some stand alone sunglasses that look fab-u-lous. He then begins to ask why I want sunglasses: Do I have sensitivity to the sun? Blah, blah, blah. Nope. I am trying to prevent wrinkles.
Yep. Wrinkles. When I don't wear sunglasses, I squint. And when I squint, I have crow's feet around my eyes. I suppose that makes me vain. I want cute sunglasses so that I look good in them and will have less wrinkles in the future. He laughed and sent me on my way.
The optician was so nice and friendly. She helped me by picking out those frames that she thought would look good. See, I could not see very well. Dilated eyeballs make things blurry. I was in her able hands at this point. I explained that I did not want something that was yucky or blah or boring. I wanted fab-u-lous that did not make me look like a bug or like Elvis or fat AND it had to compliment my red hair. This lady totally understood. (Come to find out, she is the one who advised me two years ago on my current frames and I have LOVED them.) I will be the proud owner of some dark brownish red frames with some brown sprakles on the side. (I love my sunglasses that my friend gave me that has bling on them too...but those require contacts every day and my eyes get too tired.)
I guess I am vain when it comes to my eyeglasses investment. Holy moly! Frames are expensive! But if they are going to be used for a few years, it is worth it.
So today I went to see my eye doctor. After a brief and painless chastisement for not coming in last year, he began his examination of my baby browns. Good news! No change. Despite a family history of Fuch's Dystrophy, I look good with no precursors that are apparent. My eyes haven't changed enough to warrant new lenses in my glasses either. However, I wanted some sunglasses.
The doc explained that I could get the transition lenses (nope) or some clip-ons (absolutely not). I explained to him that I wanted some stand alone sunglasses that look fab-u-lous. He then begins to ask why I want sunglasses: Do I have sensitivity to the sun? Blah, blah, blah. Nope. I am trying to prevent wrinkles.
Yep. Wrinkles. When I don't wear sunglasses, I squint. And when I squint, I have crow's feet around my eyes. I suppose that makes me vain. I want cute sunglasses so that I look good in them and will have less wrinkles in the future. He laughed and sent me on my way.
The optician was so nice and friendly. She helped me by picking out those frames that she thought would look good. See, I could not see very well. Dilated eyeballs make things blurry. I was in her able hands at this point. I explained that I did not want something that was yucky or blah or boring. I wanted fab-u-lous that did not make me look like a bug or like Elvis or fat AND it had to compliment my red hair. This lady totally understood. (Come to find out, she is the one who advised me two years ago on my current frames and I have LOVED them.) I will be the proud owner of some dark brownish red frames with some brown sprakles on the side. (I love my sunglasses that my friend gave me that has bling on them too...but those require contacts every day and my eyes get too tired.)
I guess I am vain when it comes to my eyeglasses investment. Holy moly! Frames are expensive! But if they are going to be used for a few years, it is worth it.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Out of the Mouth of a Small Mac. . . .
You know, I have figured out the way of solving great problems that are perplexing a person....make an appointment. I am serious. Make an appointment to deal with the said problem and it will fix itself.
Case in point: Little Man's speech issues. I had mulled over this for a few months and finally decided that it was time to get the evaluation (see previous post). That evaluation has been less than 2 weeks ago and Little Man has come out with some verbal doosies!
He has started new classes in church on Sundays and Wednesday and also in his preschool. All three of these classes are structured (meaning that he does not get "free play" the entire time he is in there). They have lesson time, craft time, circle time, play time, snack time, number time, letter time, color time, you get the idea.
Big Sister and I were reviewing Bible verses for her class and Little Man was trying his best to repeat what she was singing/saying. He can totally get the melody, but not fully articulate the words. Anyway, she was complaining that he was too little to be saying verses. I told her that the scriptures say that "God's word never returns void" and that it was important that Little Man hear and try to repeat the verses too.
Me: Who is God's son?
LM: God loves me! God loves Darker (his name as he pronounces it).
Me: True. God does love you. God's son is Jesus.
LM: Desus?
Me: Yes. Now. Can you tell me who is Jesus' father/daddy is?
LM: (Looking around a bit...) Da Dord!
All of a sudden he is communicating with me!
Some other things he is saying very clearly:
Hey, mom! Dook at me! (doing various & sundry acrobatics)
I paying 'ite now (I'm playing right now)
Gandaddy
Giamommy? (for some reason he can't say Grandmama so he makes up a word)
Ganny
He also has a new trick: He knows not to take his cup or plate into the living room. However, he thinks that if he squints his eyes shut and tip-toes, I will not be able to see him. I can be looking straight at him and he will tip toe right by me, glancing at me through slits and head right into the living room. Poor kid.
=)
Case in point: Little Man's speech issues. I had mulled over this for a few months and finally decided that it was time to get the evaluation (see previous post). That evaluation has been less than 2 weeks ago and Little Man has come out with some verbal doosies!
He has started new classes in church on Sundays and Wednesday and also in his preschool. All three of these classes are structured (meaning that he does not get "free play" the entire time he is in there). They have lesson time, craft time, circle time, play time, snack time, number time, letter time, color time, you get the idea.
Big Sister and I were reviewing Bible verses for her class and Little Man was trying his best to repeat what she was singing/saying. He can totally get the melody, but not fully articulate the words. Anyway, she was complaining that he was too little to be saying verses. I told her that the scriptures say that "God's word never returns void" and that it was important that Little Man hear and try to repeat the verses too.
Me: Who is God's son?
LM: God loves me! God loves Darker (his name as he pronounces it).
Me: True. God does love you. God's son is Jesus.
LM: Desus?
Me: Yes. Now. Can you tell me who is Jesus' father/daddy is?
LM: (Looking around a bit...) Da Dord!
All of a sudden he is communicating with me!
Some other things he is saying very clearly:
Hey, mom! Dook at me! (doing various & sundry acrobatics)
I paying 'ite now (I'm playing right now)
Gandaddy
Giamommy? (for some reason he can't say Grandmama so he makes up a word)
Ganny
He also has a new trick: He knows not to take his cup or plate into the living room. However, he thinks that if he squints his eyes shut and tip-toes, I will not be able to see him. I can be looking straight at him and he will tip toe right by me, glancing at me through slits and head right into the living room. Poor kid.
=)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
A Three Day Par-Tay
The long weekend has come and gone. The unofficial end of summer has come and it will be a while before we get another break in the day in and day out of going to first grade.
We had a great visit with the Grandparents from Tennessee. It started with the preparation and anticipation of Goosey. She changed her outfit twice in order to set the mood for a grand welcome. She straightened her room and the playroom (although to the outside eye, it did not look like it). She planned and practiced the "Goosey-Little Man" show over and over. It was fabulous. Little Man just ran around in circles from the excitement from seeing TN-GPs. He really took to Grandad. In and out of the house right on his heels.
We did not really do anything exciting since Goosey is still recovering from a bout of strep. And it rained. Can you believe it? Rain. Here at my house. Anyway, we were able to go to the pool so that TN-GPs were able to witness with their own eyes the swimming capabilities of Goosey and the Spider Man lifevest wearing Little Man. We had a picnic that evening and stayed up to watch a bit of TV.
A good time. It is always hard to say goodbye though. We were waving from the driveway when TN-GPs pulled away to go home. Little Man promptly ran to the car and said "Go bye-bye. Bue car?" When I told him no, he turned and said "Go bye-bye. White car?" I shook my head. He dropped his chin to his chest and started crying. Boo.
We had a great visit with the Grandparents from Tennessee. It started with the preparation and anticipation of Goosey. She changed her outfit twice in order to set the mood for a grand welcome. She straightened her room and the playroom (although to the outside eye, it did not look like it). She planned and practiced the "Goosey-Little Man" show over and over. It was fabulous. Little Man just ran around in circles from the excitement from seeing TN-GPs. He really took to Grandad. In and out of the house right on his heels.
We did not really do anything exciting since Goosey is still recovering from a bout of strep. And it rained. Can you believe it? Rain. Here at my house. Anyway, we were able to go to the pool so that TN-GPs were able to witness with their own eyes the swimming capabilities of Goosey and the Spider Man lifevest wearing Little Man. We had a picnic that evening and stayed up to watch a bit of TV.
A good time. It is always hard to say goodbye though. We were waving from the driveway when TN-GPs pulled away to go home. Little Man promptly ran to the car and said "Go bye-bye. Bue car?" When I told him no, he turned and said "Go bye-bye. White car?" I shook my head. He dropped his chin to his chest and started crying. Boo.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Strep in the Second
Second week of school, that is.
After picking Goosey up from school yesterday, she mentioned that her allergy medicine must have started working because her sneezing and sniffling had stopped. But she said she could not swallow because her throat was so sore. She whimpered during her homework time, so I thought I would try to get her in to see the doctor.
Good thing. The rapid strep test came back positive. Bleck. So she missed her first day of school in the second week. She has a new allergy medicine and an antibiotic.
She has felt great today. Cleaning up her playroom, reading books, doing a little bit of extra homework, and waiting for Grandmom and Grandad to arrive for the long weekend.
Now if the rest of us can stay healthy, we will be good.
After picking Goosey up from school yesterday, she mentioned that her allergy medicine must have started working because her sneezing and sniffling had stopped. But she said she could not swallow because her throat was so sore. She whimpered during her homework time, so I thought I would try to get her in to see the doctor.
Good thing. The rapid strep test came back positive. Bleck. So she missed her first day of school in the second week. She has a new allergy medicine and an antibiotic.
She has felt great today. Cleaning up her playroom, reading books, doing a little bit of extra homework, and waiting for Grandmom and Grandad to arrive for the long weekend.
Now if the rest of us can stay healthy, we will be good.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A Puffed-Up Mama
Little Man had his speech evaluated today. He was very excited to have a new area of toys to play with and new people paying attention to him and only him. He started out throwing a small tantrum over having a toy removed from the room since it had become a HUGE distraction.
And as I predicted, the case worker scheduled the evaluation with a psychologist, rather than a speech therapist. I just sat back and kept my mouth shut. Little Man was very impressive in his fine motor development and problem solving skills. He was able to pick up a pair of scissors and cut a paper properly. (We don't allow him to have scissors, so it surprised me.) He was able to screw a bolt in and out of a puzzle, to look at a picture of a clown and then several pages later, pick out the same clown from a page full of clowns. He took apart every toy he could and put it back together. Daddy Mac would have been over the moon proud.
His speech was a tad behind, but not as far as we expected. He can say individual words clearly with the back end of the word dropped off the majority of the time. His lack of articulation and integration of into a sentence is not a concern evidently. They would be more concerned after the age of 3.
I asked if a speech therapist could look at him and lo and behold, the one speech therapist for 5 counties just happened to be in the building. (Pays not to have people come to your house for evaluations). She tested his hearing and articulation and felt that he was within a "normal" range. I felt good about hearing this from someone who deals with it day in and out.
Here is my brag: The psychologist told me that for the particular test that he was given, a normal range for all things tested was anywhere from 85 to 115 and Little Man tested at 110! She told me that he could possibly be the most intelligent client she has seen in "I can't remember seeing a child this advanced at this age!" =) She said that he had skills that she would expect to see emerging in a child that was three and a half to four years...not two and a half!
So I guess that means where he is slightly lacking in the verbal, he is more than making up in other aspects of his development!
And as I predicted, the case worker scheduled the evaluation with a psychologist, rather than a speech therapist. I just sat back and kept my mouth shut. Little Man was very impressive in his fine motor development and problem solving skills. He was able to pick up a pair of scissors and cut a paper properly. (We don't allow him to have scissors, so it surprised me.) He was able to screw a bolt in and out of a puzzle, to look at a picture of a clown and then several pages later, pick out the same clown from a page full of clowns. He took apart every toy he could and put it back together. Daddy Mac would have been over the moon proud.
His speech was a tad behind, but not as far as we expected. He can say individual words clearly with the back end of the word dropped off the majority of the time. His lack of articulation and integration of into a sentence is not a concern evidently. They would be more concerned after the age of 3.
I asked if a speech therapist could look at him and lo and behold, the one speech therapist for 5 counties just happened to be in the building. (Pays not to have people come to your house for evaluations). She tested his hearing and articulation and felt that he was within a "normal" range. I felt good about hearing this from someone who deals with it day in and out.
Here is my brag: The psychologist told me that for the particular test that he was given, a normal range for all things tested was anywhere from 85 to 115 and Little Man tested at 110! She told me that he could possibly be the most intelligent client she has seen in "I can't remember seeing a child this advanced at this age!" =) She said that he had skills that she would expect to see emerging in a child that was three and a half to four years...not two and a half!
So I guess that means where he is slightly lacking in the verbal, he is more than making up in other aspects of his development!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Not much going on.....
Little Man and I are hanging out today. Goosey is at school and the house really echos when she is gone. I now know what my parents meant when I left for college...a void. Not to say that I don't enjoy my time with Little Man. Trains, sword fights, and spider man pretend keep us pretty busy.
In a couple of days, Little Man will have his speech and hearing evaluated by Early Intervention people. I am a bit concerned about it. Mostly because I think that I am going to get severely shafted. The state only provides one speech pathologist for a five county region. I "think" that we are going to get a regular psychologist to do a general evaluation. Mama Mac may have to become Mama Bear to get the evaluation that we are in need of.
Plus, on top of all of that, our case worker wanted to do the evaluation in the home. The eval room was double booked and she basically invited herself and the eval team over here. I told her to reschedule us because Daddy Mac works at home and I just do not feel comfy letting them in....like they are evaluating me instead of a speech issue. She insisted that it would be less distracting to do it at my house rather than her office which has a desk and a couple of chairs (not kid friendly). I again told her to reschedule us. We'll see how it goes.
Well, off to do more laundry. It NEVER seems to stop. Seriously.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Best Day Yet! (First Day of First Grade)
So today marked the first day of Goosey's first grade school year! It was off to a great start. She was up and excited about going, eager to get in the car, ready for us to leave. Perfect morning for a drop off. Daddy Mac, Little Man and I meandered over to the local bagel place to eat some yummy breakfast. We discussed the day and Little Man seemed to be happy with his muffin in the absence of his older sister.
Our day was pretty boring. We played trains, washed clothes, dropped by the library and Target. Little Man did do a little sneaky move: After we returned to the house, he came over and showed me that he loved my mini-muffins that I had made the night before. A few minutes later, he came by again with a stuffed mouth. I finally got up to see where he was getting these muffins, originally thinking that Daddy Mac had left some out for him. The little booger had reached up on the counter, pulled down the bowl and proceeded to eat about 9 of the mini-muffins.
Anyway, knowing that this was going to be an extremely busy afternoon, I decided to get in the pick up line at school extra early. See, Hannah's day is over at 3 PM. I needed to have her back to the house, changed, fed a snack and back in the car by 4 PM. Why? Because ballet class starts promptly at 4:30 PM and is in a town 25 minutes away.
My plan worked. I arrived early enough to be about the 10th car in line and parked in the alley on school property. It has been so hot here. Over 100 degrees every day for over a week. I let the car idle for about 10 minutes and felt guilty about our poor air quality issues and wasting gas. So I rolled down the windows, turned off the car and started reading a book.
As the kids started to come out of their classrooms, I tried to start the car. The operative word here is TRIED. The battery was dead! With approximately 300 cars behind me, I panicked! I jumped out of the car and started looking for the most
official person at the pick up station. There was another board member who I knew and I told her what was going on. She had this crazed look in her eyes and started radioing various and sundry people to help me get the car out of the way. There were four men, only one who could speak minimal English, who pushed my car to the end of the alley and then jumped my battery. I was so grateful! At least it happened in a safe place.
So my little incident caused us to be about 20 minutes later getting to the house. With a whirlwind effort, Goosey and I were back in the car within a few minutes and on our way to ballet. We were there just in time...just as the class was starting. It was nice to be able to breathe easy for the next hour.
Once the class was over, we headed back home in rush hour traffic. We arrived home later than I had anticipated and had to shovel in some dinner. Less than 20 minutes later, I was off and running to a school board meeting.
So now I am home, have a dull headache, some weary bones, and sunburned feet (from standing outside for 20+ minutes getting my car taken care of). I am going to take a bath and go to bed.
I wonder how it will be tomorrow....
Our day was pretty boring. We played trains, washed clothes, dropped by the library and Target. Little Man did do a little sneaky move: After we returned to the house, he came over and showed me that he loved my mini-muffins that I had made the night before. A few minutes later, he came by again with a stuffed mouth. I finally got up to see where he was getting these muffins, originally thinking that Daddy Mac had left some out for him. The little booger had reached up on the counter, pulled down the bowl and proceeded to eat about 9 of the mini-muffins.
Anyway, knowing that this was going to be an extremely busy afternoon, I decided to get in the pick up line at school extra early. See, Hannah's day is over at 3 PM. I needed to have her back to the house, changed, fed a snack and back in the car by 4 PM. Why? Because ballet class starts promptly at 4:30 PM and is in a town 25 minutes away.
My plan worked. I arrived early enough to be about the 10th car in line and parked in the alley on school property. It has been so hot here. Over 100 degrees every day for over a week. I let the car idle for about 10 minutes and felt guilty about our poor air quality issues and wasting gas. So I rolled down the windows, turned off the car and started reading a book.
As the kids started to come out of their classrooms, I tried to start the car. The operative word here is TRIED. The battery was dead! With approximately 300 cars behind me, I panicked! I jumped out of the car and started looking for the most
official person at the pick up station. There was another board member who I knew and I told her what was going on. She had this crazed look in her eyes and started radioing various and sundry people to help me get the car out of the way. There were four men, only one who could speak minimal English, who pushed my car to the end of the alley and then jumped my battery. I was so grateful! At least it happened in a safe place.
So my little incident caused us to be about 20 minutes later getting to the house. With a whirlwind effort, Goosey and I were back in the car within a few minutes and on our way to ballet. We were there just in time...just as the class was starting. It was nice to be able to breathe easy for the next hour.
Once the class was over, we headed back home in rush hour traffic. We arrived home later than I had anticipated and had to shovel in some dinner. Less than 20 minutes later, I was off and running to a school board meeting.
So now I am home, have a dull headache, some weary bones, and sunburned feet (from standing outside for 20+ minutes getting my car taken care of). I am going to take a bath and go to bed.
I wonder how it will be tomorrow....
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Last Day
Today is the last day of summer vacation for the Macs. Goosey will be returning to her job as a full time student of the first grade tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. However, that does not mean we get up at 8 AM....no, we get up at 6:15 AM and the chaos begins. There will be whining about getting up and crying from being plucked from a toddler bed. There will be silence while food is shoveled into the bellies. (I am so worried about her getting hungry during the day. They are having a late lunch period and I can't stop obsessing about her being hungry, which equals distracted.) There will be short bursts of commands concerning book bags, diaper bags, lunch bags, school supplies, uniform uniformity, combing of the hair, brushing of the teeth and actually stepping out the door. There will be pausing for pictures and offerings of prayer.
There will NOT be wailing and gnashing of teeth or tearing of the garments, at least from me anyway. I am ready for first grade. Goosey is ready for first grade. Little Man...well, I don't think he is going to be ready to have his big sister gone. This is where we will have a bit of a problem. He is going to be so lost for the next week or so. I will become the primary playmate, I think.
So this last day of summer vacation will be a preparation day for the school year. Lots of organizing, lots of labeling, lots or ironing and packing. A busy day is getting ready to start.
There will NOT be wailing and gnashing of teeth or tearing of the garments, at least from me anyway. I am ready for first grade. Goosey is ready for first grade. Little Man...well, I don't think he is going to be ready to have his big sister gone. This is where we will have a bit of a problem. He is going to be so lost for the next week or so. I will become the primary playmate, I think.
So this last day of summer vacation will be a preparation day for the school year. Lots of organizing, lots of labeling, lots or ironing and packing. A busy day is getting ready to start.
Monday, August 6, 2007
A Fish Is Born
Last night was a huge night. Something very important happened in the Mac family: Goosey Lou started to swim! By herself! No floaties! No kickboard!
We have been going to the pool ALOT lately. Not because the kids love it so much (they do) but because Mama Mac needs a scene change pretty frequently now that the end of summer is approaching. When I can, I have been taking Goosey alone so that we can get in the big pool and practice bobbing and blowing bubbles and floating. If Little Man goes, we normally have to stay in the kiddie pool.
So last night, we were in the big pool and Goosey was showing me how she could float on her tummy without holding her nose. She showed great proficiency with this particular task and decided to start kicking her feet and moving her hands. Lo and behold...the child could swim by herself underwater! I can't tell you how excited we were!
So we spent the next two hours swimming back and forth from one side to another of the big pool. Over and over and over. She still won't float on her back without a death grip on me, but we will take it as it comes!
As for Little Man, we bought him a Spider Man swim vest. It has little muscle bulges on it! He loves it and looks adorable. He likes to jump in the big pool holding someone's hand....that is the way we like it.
We have been going to the pool ALOT lately. Not because the kids love it so much (they do) but because Mama Mac needs a scene change pretty frequently now that the end of summer is approaching. When I can, I have been taking Goosey alone so that we can get in the big pool and practice bobbing and blowing bubbles and floating. If Little Man goes, we normally have to stay in the kiddie pool.
So last night, we were in the big pool and Goosey was showing me how she could float on her tummy without holding her nose. She showed great proficiency with this particular task and decided to start kicking her feet and moving her hands. Lo and behold...the child could swim by herself underwater! I can't tell you how excited we were!
So we spent the next two hours swimming back and forth from one side to another of the big pool. Over and over and over. She still won't float on her back without a death grip on me, but we will take it as it comes!
As for Little Man, we bought him a Spider Man swim vest. It has little muscle bulges on it! He loves it and looks adorable. He likes to jump in the big pool holding someone's hand....that is the way we like it.
Monday, July 30, 2007
A Sad Kind of Day
Today was a bit sad for us. Goosey's best little church friend is moving away on Wednesday. Her family has felt God's call on their lives to serve as missionaries in Abijan (Ivory Coast/West Africa). Our little friend is such a sweetie pie! She came over today and played dress-up, watched a movie, played outside, had a picnic and did some coloring. They had loads of fun.
Goosey had a HARD time saying goodbye. She refused to go with me to drop our friend off. She was stomping and being a bit nasty about it. I explained that I could not leave her alone and that she should say goodbye. There was a brief exchange of words and off our friend went.
We are going to miss them terribly. The girls were like little monkeys when they were around each other....playing with each other's hair, hugging, holding hands, etc. The parents are a great couple who are so faithful and will have some amazing things happen because they were obedient.
Our night ended on a funny note: Little Man had been playing with his drinking cup when it hit the floor. I told him to bring it to me and to leave the table. After he sauntered off, Goosey said, "He did that on purpose. He meant to hit the dog with his cup." I said, "How do you know that? It could have been an accident, right?" She said, "I KNOW because I am a trained expert, mom." =)
Goosey had a HARD time saying goodbye. She refused to go with me to drop our friend off. She was stomping and being a bit nasty about it. I explained that I could not leave her alone and that she should say goodbye. There was a brief exchange of words and off our friend went.
We are going to miss them terribly. The girls were like little monkeys when they were around each other....playing with each other's hair, hugging, holding hands, etc. The parents are a great couple who are so faithful and will have some amazing things happen because they were obedient.
Our night ended on a funny note: Little Man had been playing with his drinking cup when it hit the floor. I told him to bring it to me and to leave the table. After he sauntered off, Goosey said, "He did that on purpose. He meant to hit the dog with his cup." I said, "How do you know that? It could have been an accident, right?" She said, "I KNOW because I am a trained expert, mom." =)
Sunday, July 29, 2007
The State Capital of North Carolina is....Anybody? Anybody?
The answer to that question is Raleigh, my friends! Yes, Raleigh, North Carolina. The home to our Scary Aunt Jac (self-imposed name that was given when Goosey was a bit scared of meeting her for the first few times).
The Maclettes and I took to the road last week to visit our beloved Auntie. This was the first time that I had ventured to Raleigh since Jac had moved into her townhome. It is great! Plus, she has a stash of toys from the 80s that were a hit with the kids.
We did lots of fun things: library, parks, amusement play place, swimming, chilling, and tons of movie watching. I think that Beauty and the Beast was viewed at least 3 times. It was really a nice time to get away. And Daddy Mac was busy reading HP7 in peace and quiet.
There is one MAJOR note of interest that occurred while we were there. Little Man decided that the cats were too interesting to watch through the netting of his pack-n-play, so he promptly climbed out of it and was on the loose! Aunt Jac caught him in the big bed and asked him if he was suppose to be out of the crib. He covered up and said, "Noooooo". But being the good Auntie, she was going to put him in the crib and not rat him out. However, Little Man did not give her a chance....he bumped down the stairs and showed off his new talent. When I asked if Aunt Jac had gotten him out, he smiled, puffed his chest out and proclaimed, "No!"
Well, as of July 28, 2007, Little Man is now sleeping in a Big Boy bed. Daddy Mac broke down the crib and laid down the law: WHEN YOU GET IN BED, YOU STAY IN BED! (Only one time out so far!)
Big changes here...big changes.....
The Maclettes and I took to the road last week to visit our beloved Auntie. This was the first time that I had ventured to Raleigh since Jac had moved into her townhome. It is great! Plus, she has a stash of toys from the 80s that were a hit with the kids.
We did lots of fun things: library, parks, amusement play place, swimming, chilling, and tons of movie watching. I think that Beauty and the Beast was viewed at least 3 times. It was really a nice time to get away. And Daddy Mac was busy reading HP7 in peace and quiet.
There is one MAJOR note of interest that occurred while we were there. Little Man decided that the cats were too interesting to watch through the netting of his pack-n-play, so he promptly climbed out of it and was on the loose! Aunt Jac caught him in the big bed and asked him if he was suppose to be out of the crib. He covered up and said, "Noooooo". But being the good Auntie, she was going to put him in the crib and not rat him out. However, Little Man did not give her a chance....he bumped down the stairs and showed off his new talent. When I asked if Aunt Jac had gotten him out, he smiled, puffed his chest out and proclaimed, "No!"
Well, as of July 28, 2007, Little Man is now sleeping in a Big Boy bed. Daddy Mac broke down the crib and laid down the law: WHEN YOU GET IN BED, YOU STAY IN BED! (Only one time out so far!)
Big changes here...big changes.....
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Where the heck has summer gone!
Huge revelation....only 4 weeks until school starts! Where has the summer slipped off to?
We just returned from our week in the Volunteer State with our Uncle, Aunt and sweet baby girl cousinent. Goosey exclaimed after we left that we should just move in with them and live as one big happy family. She had the best time tending to Baby Girl Cousinent. Little Man was enthralled with all the Spider Man stuff he accumulated throughout the visit.
Now we are settling in for the week. Laundry has started up and routine has begun again. We have visited the pool twice and both Maclettes sincerely believe that they can swim....in 12 inches of water. They love to splash around and have races. I, on the other hand, got a sunburn on my back and love to sit under the umbrellas.
Not much planned for the next week or so. Hopefully, we will be healthy and no cholera for us!
We just returned from our week in the Volunteer State with our Uncle, Aunt and sweet baby girl cousinent. Goosey exclaimed after we left that we should just move in with them and live as one big happy family. She had the best time tending to Baby Girl Cousinent. Little Man was enthralled with all the Spider Man stuff he accumulated throughout the visit.
Now we are settling in for the week. Laundry has started up and routine has begun again. We have visited the pool twice and both Maclettes sincerely believe that they can swim....in 12 inches of water. They love to splash around and have races. I, on the other hand, got a sunburn on my back and love to sit under the umbrellas.
Not much planned for the next week or so. Hopefully, we will be healthy and no cholera for us!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Bugs and Booms
It seems like the last few nights have been late ones for the Maclettes. They have both been able to stay up WAY past their bedtimes so that new and exciting adventures can be had.
Tuesday night was so nice. It was breezy and cool and perfect for catching some fireflies. Little Man was not so sure what was going on but was happy to be outside in the dark. Goosey Lou acted all bad until I gave her a firefly and she started squealing and trying to shake it out of her hand. Little Man just walked around clapping his jar and lid together hoping that something would materialize in it that would light up every now and then. He wasn't so successful.
The Fourth was celebrated as a craft day with our Auntie, followed by a big dinner. We decided to go to the fireworks and hope that no one got upset. I am glad to say that it was a pleasant experience. The weather was so nice that it felt like we were at the beach. Little Man was a bit apprehensive and kept grabbing Daddy Mac's arm to wrap around his head and cover his ears. He was passed from Daddy's lap, to my lap to Auntie's lap. All he could say was "BOOM!"
We got home and in bed by 11 PM. I am paying for it today!
Tuesday night was so nice. It was breezy and cool and perfect for catching some fireflies. Little Man was not so sure what was going on but was happy to be outside in the dark. Goosey Lou acted all bad until I gave her a firefly and she started squealing and trying to shake it out of her hand. Little Man just walked around clapping his jar and lid together hoping that something would materialize in it that would light up every now and then. He wasn't so successful.
The Fourth was celebrated as a craft day with our Auntie, followed by a big dinner. We decided to go to the fireworks and hope that no one got upset. I am glad to say that it was a pleasant experience. The weather was so nice that it felt like we were at the beach. Little Man was a bit apprehensive and kept grabbing Daddy Mac's arm to wrap around his head and cover his ears. He was passed from Daddy's lap, to my lap to Auntie's lap. All he could say was "BOOM!"
We got home and in bed by 11 PM. I am paying for it today!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
How could I miss that it was a mountain?
Well, after another puke free day, myself, Daddy Mac and the Maclettes decided that we needed to go on an outing. We wanted to be somewhere close and outside since it was a low humidity day. We decided to hit the road to South Carolina and discover Kings Mountain National Military Park.
I am sure that history buffs can look up all the stuff on Kings Mountain but basically the Loyalist where on TOP of a mountain and the Patriots were in the valley surrounding the MOUNTAIN. The Patriots ascended the mountain and won a battle.
We decided to take the paved trail to the the battlefield. For some reason, the word 'battlefield' gave me visions of flat fields. Not so. Remember. The name of this place is Kings MOUNTAIN. We set out on the 1.5 mile loop sans strollers or backpacks. We found ourselves trucking UP some very STEEP inclines. Although paved, it was very steep.
Did I mention that the Maclettes were walking this with the adult MACs?
After a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, we made the loop and saw two very impressive monuments. Goosey mentioned that she could not read some of the plaques because they were in the British language.
It is now time for some beddie-bye. Good night.
I am sure that history buffs can look up all the stuff on Kings Mountain but basically the Loyalist where on TOP of a mountain and the Patriots were in the valley surrounding the MOUNTAIN. The Patriots ascended the mountain and won a battle.
We decided to take the paved trail to the the battlefield. For some reason, the word 'battlefield' gave me visions of flat fields. Not so. Remember. The name of this place is Kings MOUNTAIN. We set out on the 1.5 mile loop sans strollers or backpacks. We found ourselves trucking UP some very STEEP inclines. Although paved, it was very steep.
Did I mention that the Maclettes were walking this with the adult MACs?
After a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, we made the loop and saw two very impressive monuments. Goosey mentioned that she could not read some of the plaques because they were in the British language.
It is now time for some beddie-bye. Good night.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
When will it end....
.....the sickness, that is. Goosey decided that she needed to get a stomach virus a couple of days ago. Vomiting and diarrhea are a yucky combination. It seemed as if we had rounded the corner of bad health and had one day of puke-free goodness. And then today it started all again.
I just want to cry. Being emetophobic, I just don't seem to deal well with this. Daddy Mac laughs at me. Boo. That is not very nice.
Anyway, off to get the Maclettes to bed.
I just want to cry. Being emetophobic, I just don't seem to deal well with this. Daddy Mac laughs at me. Boo. That is not very nice.
Anyway, off to get the Maclettes to bed.
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