I got nothing...

Same 'ol around here... which is good considering the horrible destruction those in the south are facing.
I just finished 5 weeks of running 5 days a week at 5am... not for anything particular. I always try to run 15 a miles a week and sometimes I'm just not consistent- I might have to run twice a day if I over sleep to get the miles. Anyway- I wasn't trying to lose weight (although I know I can stand to lose a few pounds or ten) I just know how much better I feel when I start my day off with a run. I used to skip some mornings and then I would have to run before bed and I would dread it all day long. Rick wants to run another half marathon this year so I best be keeping up the miles.

Abby's school sent home a notice about how much kids lose what they've learned during the summer. I've heard of this before which is why last year we bought some 'homework' books. This summer, one of the first grade teachers is offering one hour 1/1 sessions with your kid one or two days a week for a small fee. They are also offering a 2-week 'First Grade Readiness' Class in August for 2.5 hours a day to help prepare them for 1st grade. I may be biased, but even though Abby is pretty darn smart I think we might sign up. The kid loves school.

Anywhere there are clean clothes (my ironing pile)- he will claim it. If I have clean sheets on the floor while I am making the bed, he will lay on them and chew his bone on them. It drives me nuts.

I don't know who took my son and replaced him with this one. This kid has been coming home every day after school and coloring. FOR HOURS.

Easter, ER and Ears

Abby drew this today at school (she goes to a Christian school for those of you who might wonder if she's drawing disturbing pictures). When I pulled it out of her backpack my eyes welled up with tears. Seeing His sacrifice through the eyes of a 6 year old.

Right before bath time tonight she asked me if something was in her ear I told her no she said it hurt. After bath she got worse- lots of tears. Rick took her to the ER where he told me he had to walk around with her because she was crying the entire time. They gave her numbing drops in her ear and tylenol with codeine. Apparently her ear is completely impacted with wax and he can't irrigate it because it will be too painful. We have to wait 10 days after her meds and for the infection to clear up and bring her back to her dr for irrigation.

*updated- this morning she woke up and her ear perforated some time during the night. The good news is she is pain free but I'm sad that it happened. again.

Where is spring???

I read in the paper that last year at this time we had 23 days (I think or it's close) of temps 60 degrees and above this year we have had THREE. No wonder everyone I am grumpy.

The past three weekends have been busy with birthday parties, play dates and I can't remember. This morning I assembled a meatloaf and baked taters, took the kids to Target, the library, to see the movie Hop, and then to Sam's house for a play date. We were done at 4:30 and I just didn't feel like cooking dinner even though it was already made so I'm saving it for tomorrow. Don't worry I didn't starve the kids. I fed them a nutritious meal from McD's.

We got a letter from Nzembi today! I have pictures waiting to be picked up at Costco so I can finally mail off our package to her.

New Boyfriend

His name is Sam. They are completely smitten with each other.

uh... where did the weekend go?

I taught Abby our phone number when she was three. I made it into a song so it was easy for her to know... Aidan is four and he doesn't know our phone number let alone when his birthday is. SO DIFFERENT THEY ARE!!! Anyway she's planning her own social schedule now and gave her phone number out to a girl at school who had her mom call me for a play date.

Saturday morning at 9am mission accomplished. I didn't feel like doing my normal Friday night grocery shopping without kids so I ended up having to take them on Saturday after play time. Let's just leave it at now I remember why I always go late at night ALONE. Rest of the day was laundry and more laundry, ironing and I dusted off the 30 day shred.

The pastor of our church has been on a 10 week sabbatical. Today was his first day back and I of course had Sunday School duty. I was bummed to miss his first sermon after his return but being with all the kids today was just what my heart needed! Went to the mall after to find Abby some Easter shoes to go with her dress. Her feet are so hard to fit because she is so skinny- her feet don't fit into shoes correctly. The ONE pair we found we still have to buy heel pads to help compensate. I used to ask her every so often about getting her ears pierced letting her know I will take her whenever she is ready or wants to. Her answer has always been no, or I want to be 20 or not at all. I never brought it up again and then last night the topic came up and she said she wants to go, I asked if she was sure and she said yes so I figured let's get it done and over with.

She's already grown a 1/2 inch since her surgery. Haven't done the weight check yet...

Abby's Alligator

Supposed to be an Ostrich

Action shot hippity hopping


Hopscotch


She did it!! Ears are pierced!




Grilled Cheese Grill!! Soooo good.

Painting with brother. Actually painting FOR brother

Easter cookie craft

2011 Easter goodies

2010 Easter goodies

They make me smile

Annual pictures. I know I say it frequently but I just can't believe how fast the time goes. I am so blessed.

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away


I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Lazy....

After the week we had and missing quite a bit of work due to the dog and spring break I declared today pajama day. I'm already bored though. Since I was home a lot during the week I was able to get the house clean and misc. errands done. I really am not motivated to do anything but I can't seem to sit still. Abby's teacher asked parents for volunteers in purchasing butterfly larvae for their butterfly pavilion. I volunteered thinking others would as well- WRONG. So me and my big mouth just spent fifty bucks on creepy crawlies. We had to separate it and fill the containers with food, mash it down, and use a paint brush to get single larvae out. I made Rick do that part. I'm just hoping they make it to Monday when they go to her classroom so I'm no longer responsible for any larvae deaths.

She loves animals. Hence the need to run around the house on all fours pretending to be one... and doing this while Mom opens the garage door. SMACK.

Abby took it upon herself to make sticker charts. They are already good kids so I kind of feel like it's a scam.

Puppy Face

Cooper is home now. We gave him a bath- he proceeded to have more diarrhea, more blood, more scooting. Rick called the vet and she called us back stating he should feel better in about 48 hours. At least for now there is no more whining, pacing, or whimpering in pain. Rick walked by him and I said, did you give him some loves? His reply was, "Not until he gives me my thousand dollars back." Apparently the relationship hasn't changed.

Night 2

We were up with Cooper from 12:30 to 4am. Another night of no sleep. Good news is his colon is empty now. Bad news is so is our bank account. We are close to $1,000 in right now. Rick took him back to the vet today. More xrays, more blood work, anal sacs were full of blood. Now they are doing a barium enema with xrays every hour. I am on the verge of tears constantly from being tired and frustrated along with the um... the expense.
Rick has a man cold so it's not helping his already crabby mood. Believe it or not this was taken this morning before he went back to the vet.