A year ago my family was sitting in a hospital, praying my niece would live. It was every mother's nightmare come true for my sister. She was at dinner with her husband and in-laws when they got a frantic call from their 11 yo. "DAD, ANGIE FELL IN THE POOL AND SHE'S NOT BREATHING!" My sister could hear even though the cell phone was up to my brother-in-law's ear. They left the restaurant to head home, only to find out when they got in the car that they would be sending her by medivac to a hospital in the city, not far from the restaurant.
I had no idea what I was going to hear when I walked in those hospital doors. My sister had called me at home to tell me it was not good and to get down there quick. It was the longest and most frightening ride. Your mind just goes in a thousand different directions, all while you are praying and begging God not to take her yet!
Today she is a happy and healthy 4 yo. She did have some post traumatic stress in recent months, but considering what she went thru it's not surprising. It definitely leaves a lasting impact on you; I still look at her with amazement that she is here. No one, not the doctors, the nurses, the EMT's that worked on her, thought she would be here today. She was in the hospital for almost three weeks before she came home; walking and functioning like normal. One of God's miracles, for sure.
On a lighter note, this Memorial Day weekend was spent having fun and socializing with friends and family. The weather was absolutely perfect the whole time and we spent plenty of time outside soaking it up. Jeff's family came on Saturday to celebrate Remy's birthday and it was great to see the kids running and enjoying each other. The "Great Aunt Jean" stayed from Friday night until Sunday and the kids just lapped up her attention.
I hope all future Memorial Day's are as great as this one; and last year's is never repeated.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dear Child
You turned eight years old the other day (yes, I planned to do this ON his birthday, but you know how it goes.....) and I wanted to take the time now to capture the things you are doing, both good and bad. One will be a short list; care to guess which one? ; )
From the moment you could talk clearly you have made us laugh. Sometimes it is just you laughing that makes us laugh. It is probably one of the best laughs I have ever heard. Many people have started laughing hysterically after hearing it; Aunt Jean and Mom being the ones that jump to mind. You have such a great sense of humor. It always amazes me how easily you can laugh at yourself. What a wonderful trait to have, my son. Humor can make alot of things appear better than they are. The saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." is so true. The fact that you can look at a mistake you made, and instead of being embarrased, laugh about it, is a positive attribute. I hope that you never lose that.
When you were diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome it confirmed our decision to homeschool. We didn't want you picked on or teased; to be left behind or bored; or in trouble for doing things on your own timetable. It has been a wonderful experience, and we're so happy God led us in this direction. You simply excel at Math, and always have. I have started giving you 4th grade work and you have no problems with it. Occasionally I have to explain something to you, but once you get it you have it mastered. Reading is a different story. I struggled for a time with letting you go at your own pace. It's only just recently you've shown more of an interest. If I had to guess, you are probably a little behind in this area, but I'm sure you will make it up in time. Watching you sound out all the signs we pass makes me smile. Now I have to start paying attention to you when you try and read over my shoulder ; )
Your brother and you have been best friends since the time he could walk. It's been wonderful to see you guys play and have fun. Lately, it's been more frustrating as I watch everything become a competition. It's not so fun listening to you guys argue about who did what with whom. Your father tells me it will only get worse before it gets better. Wonderful. I grew up with only one brother, but a houseful of girls, so this sibling rivalry is new to me. Sure, my sisters and I fought, but it was usually over clothes or whose turn it was to empty the dishwasher; not whether or not it was a foul ball.
As for complaints, I really only have one: your smart-mouth. In fact, I'm ordering a book this week that will hopefully help me figure out how I play a part in your back talking. I know I do since I argue back when I shouldn't, so I'm going to put a stop to it. We will work it out, I know we will because I can tell you want to be a good kid.
Jeremy, you are a very sweet and loving little boy. I am most honored to be your mother. You were very much hoped and prayed for, and you have lived up to our expectations of parenthood. Watching you with your younger siblings, and seeing how patient you are with them, makes my heart swell. You are quick with a hug or a kiss and never shy away from my lovin'. I keep expecting that one day you will feel to old to hug and kiss me, especially in front of your friends, but so far you haven't. It doesn't even faze you when I grab you as you walk by and plant smooches all over your face. I so love that about you.
You are one very special boy, Remy! I hope your father and I always make that clear to you.
From the moment you could talk clearly you have made us laugh. Sometimes it is just you laughing that makes us laugh. It is probably one of the best laughs I have ever heard. Many people have started laughing hysterically after hearing it; Aunt Jean and Mom being the ones that jump to mind. You have such a great sense of humor. It always amazes me how easily you can laugh at yourself. What a wonderful trait to have, my son. Humor can make alot of things appear better than they are. The saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." is so true. The fact that you can look at a mistake you made, and instead of being embarrased, laugh about it, is a positive attribute. I hope that you never lose that.
When you were diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome it confirmed our decision to homeschool. We didn't want you picked on or teased; to be left behind or bored; or in trouble for doing things on your own timetable. It has been a wonderful experience, and we're so happy God led us in this direction. You simply excel at Math, and always have. I have started giving you 4th grade work and you have no problems with it. Occasionally I have to explain something to you, but once you get it you have it mastered. Reading is a different story. I struggled for a time with letting you go at your own pace. It's only just recently you've shown more of an interest. If I had to guess, you are probably a little behind in this area, but I'm sure you will make it up in time. Watching you sound out all the signs we pass makes me smile. Now I have to start paying attention to you when you try and read over my shoulder ; )
Your brother and you have been best friends since the time he could walk. It's been wonderful to see you guys play and have fun. Lately, it's been more frustrating as I watch everything become a competition. It's not so fun listening to you guys argue about who did what with whom. Your father tells me it will only get worse before it gets better. Wonderful. I grew up with only one brother, but a houseful of girls, so this sibling rivalry is new to me. Sure, my sisters and I fought, but it was usually over clothes or whose turn it was to empty the dishwasher; not whether or not it was a foul ball.
As for complaints, I really only have one: your smart-mouth. In fact, I'm ordering a book this week that will hopefully help me figure out how I play a part in your back talking. I know I do since I argue back when I shouldn't, so I'm going to put a stop to it. We will work it out, I know we will because I can tell you want to be a good kid.
Jeremy, you are a very sweet and loving little boy. I am most honored to be your mother. You were very much hoped and prayed for, and you have lived up to our expectations of parenthood. Watching you with your younger siblings, and seeing how patient you are with them, makes my heart swell. You are quick with a hug or a kiss and never shy away from my lovin'. I keep expecting that one day you will feel to old to hug and kiss me, especially in front of your friends, but so far you haven't. It doesn't even faze you when I grab you as you walk by and plant smooches all over your face. I so love that about you.
You are one very special boy, Remy! I hope your father and I always make that clear to you.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Birthdays...One With US, One Without
Eight years ago today I was filled with so much anticipation, you can only describe it if you've been there. Tomorrow, May 19th, is the birthday of my first born. He was due May 12th, but apparently was quite comfy in there. My induction started at 7:30 am. I had him by c-section at 7:44 pm. He was 10 lbs 2 oz, 22 inches. My "peanut" was as cute as anything I could imagine. My MIL and SIL were there (my family was at my sister's wedding; yes, I was talked into an induction on my sister's wedding day, can you believe it? It's one of my very deep regrets.) and they were almost as thrilled as we were. It was such a special time and one of the many happy memories I have of Mom.
Today is my MIL's birthday. She would've turned 72. My eyes still fill with tears when I think about her; I miss her so much. It's been four years since she passed away. We found out in January that she was full of cancer and she left us on March 14th. It was too fast; we were all a bit stunned, to say the least. The Lord couldn't have given me a better MIL. She was amazing and I could probably spend a long time bragging about her, but I will just say she was a strong, loving, and compassoniate woman. There are many days I feel so weak, ready to cry and quit, and I think of her; all that she endured and yet was such a happy person when I met her. Almost everyone that knew her called her "Mom"; I think because she treated everyone like her own kids, but mostly because they all wished she was their mom. I think she was the least judgemental person I have ever met, which doesn't mean she always agreed with your decision but that she had a knack for telling you so while also respecting your feelings. If my kids love me half as much as her kids loved her, I will be a very happy person.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you.
Today is my MIL's birthday. She would've turned 72. My eyes still fill with tears when I think about her; I miss her so much. It's been four years since she passed away. We found out in January that she was full of cancer and she left us on March 14th. It was too fast; we were all a bit stunned, to say the least. The Lord couldn't have given me a better MIL. She was amazing and I could probably spend a long time bragging about her, but I will just say she was a strong, loving, and compassoniate woman. There are many days I feel so weak, ready to cry and quit, and I think of her; all that she endured and yet was such a happy person when I met her. Almost everyone that knew her called her "Mom"; I think because she treated everyone like her own kids, but mostly because they all wished she was their mom. I think she was the least judgemental person I have ever met, which doesn't mean she always agreed with your decision but that she had a knack for telling you so while also respecting your feelings. If my kids love me half as much as her kids loved her, I will be a very happy person.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Cheating Times Two
And here is my second (and last! lol) post from my old blog:
Friday, February 2, 2007
19 months old
Yesterday you turned 19 months old. Is that really possible? I remember your birth like it happened last week, not 19 months ago. You were my smallest baby so far and we called you peanut, which the nurses thought funny since you were 8lbs3oz. After your older sister arriving at 10lbs4oz, you were small. It was weird putting newborn diapers on you and having them be roomy, with little chicken legs sticking out. Newborn clothes were big, too. Such a difference from your three older siblings.
And here you are, still smaller than the others at this age. You are wearing clothes that actually match your age. The shoes you are wearing are size 5½, exactly what your eldest brother wore at 10 months when he started walking. We'll find out next week exactly what your height and weight are when we go to the doctor.
It is simply amazing to watch you grow. Daddy and I think you are smarter than we remember the others being, but then again our memories aren't what they once were ; ) The faces you make are hysterical. When you say "See ya!" going out the door with Daddy, I can't help but smile. Your big blue eyes sparkle and little lips curl in the cutest smile. I keep wondering when your blonde curls will start getting darker. The attitude you sometimes display is far beyond what I would think a 19 month old would understand. We have all learned that you want what you want, when you want it, or those that defy will pay. Teaching you to share and learn patience is no easy task. It's amazing that you are different with your baby sister. It's like the older kids are here to serve you, but you seem to understand that you are to serve the baby. The way you stroke her head and give her the binky; the way you put the blanket on her; the way you understand she is hungry and mommy can't do something for you since she needs to feed the baby. I can only hope it continues and the two of you become best friends.
The skills you have already acquired amaze us. Even though you are the same size and only slightly older than your cousins you surpass them in so many things. What's even more funny are the looks you give them when they can't do what you are doing. You can't seem to figure out why they don't just hop on the tricycle and put their feet on the peddles. Climbing up the steps and going down the slide is second nature to you, yet they won't even attempt the first step. I wonder how much is you and how much is having older siblings to chase after that has you taking such challenges. You have brought so much joy into our lives. Running to the kitchen when you hear Daddy coming thru the door and jumping into his arms makes my heart melt. Hearing you giggle with your older sister brings an instant smile to my face. Watching one of your brothers help put on the shoes you insist on stomping around the house in, even if they are way to big for you. The fascination you have with other peoples' shoes is too funny. You seem to sniff out a new pair moments after they enter the house.
I have recently started to keep the binky from you except for nap and bedtime. You don't let on that it bothers you, but you have snuck up the stairs and pulled it from your crib a few times. The smile on your face when you see I notice cracks me up every time. It's clear that you understand humor. When your siblings sit down for dinner at the table you always climb up on a chair to join them, knowing they will start laughing because you are too little to sit there. Only when you are really hungry (which is rare) will you go directly to your highchair. It's amazing how you seem to grow while only eating air (or anything chocolate or sweet). You turn your nose up to: any vegetables, eggs, chicken, hotdogs, pasta. You love to eat: pancakes, applesauce, cereal, chicken nuggets, french fries, cookies, yogurt.
It is so much fun to watch you grow. I can only imagine the skills you will pick up over the next 19 months, and I am looking forward to every day of it. I love you my Charlotte Rose!
Friday, February 2, 2007
19 months old
Yesterday you turned 19 months old. Is that really possible? I remember your birth like it happened last week, not 19 months ago. You were my smallest baby so far and we called you peanut, which the nurses thought funny since you were 8lbs3oz. After your older sister arriving at 10lbs4oz, you were small. It was weird putting newborn diapers on you and having them be roomy, with little chicken legs sticking out. Newborn clothes were big, too. Such a difference from your three older siblings.
And here you are, still smaller than the others at this age. You are wearing clothes that actually match your age. The shoes you are wearing are size 5½, exactly what your eldest brother wore at 10 months when he started walking. We'll find out next week exactly what your height and weight are when we go to the doctor.
It is simply amazing to watch you grow. Daddy and I think you are smarter than we remember the others being, but then again our memories aren't what they once were ; ) The faces you make are hysterical. When you say "See ya!" going out the door with Daddy, I can't help but smile. Your big blue eyes sparkle and little lips curl in the cutest smile. I keep wondering when your blonde curls will start getting darker. The attitude you sometimes display is far beyond what I would think a 19 month old would understand. We have all learned that you want what you want, when you want it, or those that defy will pay. Teaching you to share and learn patience is no easy task. It's amazing that you are different with your baby sister. It's like the older kids are here to serve you, but you seem to understand that you are to serve the baby. The way you stroke her head and give her the binky; the way you put the blanket on her; the way you understand she is hungry and mommy can't do something for you since she needs to feed the baby. I can only hope it continues and the two of you become best friends.
The skills you have already acquired amaze us. Even though you are the same size and only slightly older than your cousins you surpass them in so many things. What's even more funny are the looks you give them when they can't do what you are doing. You can't seem to figure out why they don't just hop on the tricycle and put their feet on the peddles. Climbing up the steps and going down the slide is second nature to you, yet they won't even attempt the first step. I wonder how much is you and how much is having older siblings to chase after that has you taking such challenges. You have brought so much joy into our lives. Running to the kitchen when you hear Daddy coming thru the door and jumping into his arms makes my heart melt. Hearing you giggle with your older sister brings an instant smile to my face. Watching one of your brothers help put on the shoes you insist on stomping around the house in, even if they are way to big for you. The fascination you have with other peoples' shoes is too funny. You seem to sniff out a new pair moments after they enter the house.
I have recently started to keep the binky from you except for nap and bedtime. You don't let on that it bothers you, but you have snuck up the stairs and pulled it from your crib a few times. The smile on your face when you see I notice cracks me up every time. It's clear that you understand humor. When your siblings sit down for dinner at the table you always climb up on a chair to join them, knowing they will start laughing because you are too little to sit there. Only when you are really hungry (which is rare) will you go directly to your highchair. It's amazing how you seem to grow while only eating air (or anything chocolate or sweet). You turn your nose up to: any vegetables, eggs, chicken, hotdogs, pasta. You love to eat: pancakes, applesauce, cereal, chicken nuggets, french fries, cookies, yogurt.
It is so much fun to watch you grow. I can only imagine the skills you will pick up over the next 19 months, and I am looking forward to every day of it. I love you my Charlotte Rose!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Cheating
Yes, I know I didn't post yesterday, but I'm here today, so be happy. I am. Last night while I was trying to fall asleep and thinking about the fact that I didn't post that day, I started thinking about what I would post today. And nothing came to mind. So, I decided to cut and paste one of the posts I did on last's years blog :-P
So, here it is.......and it's just hysterical that I thought the price of oil then was high. Seriously, I'm laughing all the way to my empty checkbook.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Energy..where art thou?
Zzzzzzzz.........I must get sleep. Dear children of mine, please, let me sleep. I understand that you like to see my smiling face, but it would be a much bigger smile if it was daylight when you first wake up. This little game of tag in the middle of the night isn't fun for me anymore. Please stop.
We braved the frigid temps yesterday to visit with a friend. I think the high reached 16 degrees; add in the wind chill and it felt like single digits. After having such mild temps in December, this truly bites. Give me sun....give me warmth....winter be gone. Sometimes I think if it's going to be cold, let there be snow. Then I think of the wet gloves, boots, and coats that will be all over my kitchen floor. The "I have to go potty." I'll hear after I get them all bundled up, and well, snow isn't such a wonderful thing, afterall. Just bring me the sun, dammit.
With the weather so cold we're going thru heating oil like....well, like some might go thru chocolate. Not me, of course, but some people eat a lot of chocolate. Our last fill up was 2.5 weeks ago and we got 150 gallons at 2.06 a gallon. Um....I checked today and it's almost on "E". Excuse me? Rumor has it that the price is now back up to 2.22 a gallon. It would probably be cheaper to heat this house on chocolate. Did I mention that I hate winter?
And there you have it.......February 2007 I was crying over 2.06 a gallon. I'd be crying tears of happiness for that price next winter.
So, here it is.......and it's just hysterical that I thought the price of oil then was high. Seriously, I'm laughing all the way to my empty checkbook.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Energy..where art thou?
Zzzzzzzz.........I must get sleep. Dear children of mine, please, let me sleep. I understand that you like to see my smiling face, but it would be a much bigger smile if it was daylight when you first wake up. This little game of tag in the middle of the night isn't fun for me anymore. Please stop.
We braved the frigid temps yesterday to visit with a friend. I think the high reached 16 degrees; add in the wind chill and it felt like single digits. After having such mild temps in December, this truly bites. Give me sun....give me warmth....winter be gone. Sometimes I think if it's going to be cold, let there be snow. Then I think of the wet gloves, boots, and coats that will be all over my kitchen floor. The "I have to go potty." I'll hear after I get them all bundled up, and well, snow isn't such a wonderful thing, afterall. Just bring me the sun, dammit.
With the weather so cold we're going thru heating oil like....well, like some might go thru chocolate. Not me, of course, but some people eat a lot of chocolate. Our last fill up was 2.5 weeks ago and we got 150 gallons at 2.06 a gallon. Um....I checked today and it's almost on "E". Excuse me? Rumor has it that the price is now back up to 2.22 a gallon. It would probably be cheaper to heat this house on chocolate. Did I mention that I hate winter?
And there you have it.......February 2007 I was crying over 2.06 a gallon. I'd be crying tears of happiness for that price next winter.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Return To Blogdom
Here I am, yet again, attempting to start a blog. It always sounds good in theory. My intentions are usually good, it's the time thing that usually gets in the way. But really, how hard is it to find time to do something you really want to do? Maybe I really don't want to do it? Often times I find myself watching the kiddos or laughing with my DH and find myself thinking "This is something I want to remember years from now;maybe I should keep a diary or, better yet, a blog!". So, I go about starting one, usually write a post or two (I think one of them actually had three!), and promptly forget about it for months (and months;okay, this last time was years *blush*) until another stellar moment (not that stellar moments only happen every few years....) I want captured happens and I remember........only to try and find the darn thing and forget my password so I can't log in. And the email I used where they would send me my reminder is no longer in existence. Do you see where I'm going with this? I suck at blogging.
But this time (Yes, this time!!), it will be different. I will log in daily (eh, aren't I optimistic?) and blog something, anything to keep this thing afloat. This is where I will keep track of all those stellar (and not stellar, as the case may be) moments that have been lost in this old brain of mine. One day I will be able to read to my kids all the funny things they have said and done......and all the times that they added another gray hair to my head.
Today, for instance, they are adding gray hair. I'd much rather add some more laugh lines to this wrinkling old face, but they are deadset on the gray right now. My boys have taken to the age where everything is becoming a competition. Did I mention EVERYTHING? This often turns into fighting (since we can't have two winners now, can we?) and yelling (um.....on their part, not mine. Definitely not mine.) and them being seperated. My wonderfully encouraging husband tells me "It only gets worse!" when I cry to him about our boys turning into such hooligans! He usually then laughs at me, saying they are a far cry from hooligans. *sigh* I hope he's right.
Well, it's finally sunny out today after a weekend of rain and clouds, so I will head out to enjoy it. Tomorrow will be even warmer, but I'll tell you all about that then when I log on to do another post ; )
But this time (Yes, this time!!), it will be different. I will log in daily (eh, aren't I optimistic?) and blog something, anything to keep this thing afloat. This is where I will keep track of all those stellar (and not stellar, as the case may be) moments that have been lost in this old brain of mine. One day I will be able to read to my kids all the funny things they have said and done......and all the times that they added another gray hair to my head.
Today, for instance, they are adding gray hair. I'd much rather add some more laugh lines to this wrinkling old face, but they are deadset on the gray right now. My boys have taken to the age where everything is becoming a competition. Did I mention EVERYTHING? This often turns into fighting (since we can't have two winners now, can we?) and yelling (um.....on their part, not mine. Definitely not mine.) and them being seperated. My wonderfully encouraging husband tells me "It only gets worse!" when I cry to him about our boys turning into such hooligans! He usually then laughs at me, saying they are a far cry from hooligans. *sigh* I hope he's right.
Well, it's finally sunny out today after a weekend of rain and clouds, so I will head out to enjoy it. Tomorrow will be even warmer, but I'll tell you all about that then when I log on to do another post ; )
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