tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81337575998404941442024-03-05T16:07:19.057-06:00surviving sixMrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-59537060638211076552012-07-31T00:20:00.000-05:002012-07-31T00:20:49.868-05:00Conversations<b><i>One:</i></b><br />
Mr. C followed me around. All. Day. Long. And I don't think he ever stopped talking. To the point that it was exasperating.<br />
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<i>Me:</i> You're just full of questions, aren't you?<br />
<i>Mr. C:</i> My heart is full of questions.<br />
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<b><i>Two:</i></b><br />
Miss L fits the stereotype of a typical blonde - total ditz. I was making dinner and asked her to get something for me. Miss L, of course, did not know where to find it.<br />
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<i>Me:</i> At some point, you're going to have to join our family.<br />
<i>Miss L:</i> *fits of laughter*<br />
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<b><i>Three:</i></b><br />
We had a really good dinner tonight. I mean REALLY good. Grilled pizzas with homemade pizza dough and sauce, a nice salad, and angel cake with peach puree and whipped cream. The pizzas were so tasty. We told the kids they were lucky to eat so well. My husband then told Mr. B that when he grew up either he was going to have to learn how to cook or he would have marry a chef. (My husband loves my cooking and is always free with the compliments!)<br />
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<i>Dad</i>: Now your going to have to learn how to eat this kind of food at nice restaurants using good manners.<br />
<i>Miss M</i>: I like to be fancy sometimes.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-10283456200873839522012-07-28T02:33:00.000-05:002012-07-28T02:33:35.787-05:00Where to begin?I'm not sure there's anybody out there who even checks-in anymore, but I thought I'd post anyway.<br />
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Here's an update:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I worked as substitute teacher at a local parochial school from August 2010 - April 2011 when I became a permanent sub for 6th grade science and religion. </li>
<li>I was offered a full-time position, signed a contract in May, and then they backed out in June.</li>
<li>I was offered a position as a math and science teacher at another parochial school which I accepted.</li>
<li>I got my but kicked this past school year: I taught Math 6, 7, and 8 AND Earth, Life, and Physical Science. The school is small and there is only one section of each grade. </li>
<li>I am going back for more this next school year. I love the school and the community; I just struggle with the workload.</li>
<li>My full-time employment secured health insurance for my family as my husband still has not found an architecture job in this economy.</li>
<li>My husband now tends bar and waits tables for a living while running his own architecture firm on the side.</li>
<li>I lost the motivation to run after the 2010 Half Marathon in December. I have been struggling since.</li>
<li>I have gained back much of the weight I lost.</li>
<li>I desperately want to get back into running and am working hard mentally to get back to it.</li>
<li>Miss M has been diagnosed with <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001834/" target="_blank">vitiligo</a>. </li>
<li>All the kidlets are doing well; Mr. C is still giving me gray hairs.</li>
</ul>
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That's all I can think of for now.<br />
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Here's a current family picture taken just this past week while on our annual beach vacation with my parents and my sister and her family.<br />
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As you can see, the kidlets are all growing up. How quickly time passes. Mr. B will start 4th grade, the girls will start 2nd grade, and Mr. C will start Kindergarten (and hopefully not get kicked out!!). Mr. J is growing like a weed and is still such a laid-back and happy boy. </div>
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So as you can see, we are hanging in there and surviving!</div>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-41491991702154795992010-08-27T14:02:00.004-05:002010-08-27T21:30:12.371-05:00Now my summer vacation begins...That's right. This week marks the beginning of my vacation....from the kids. (I will not get much of a break as I've signed up to be a substitute with a local parochial school and with the big school district.) They all (well all but one) went back to school this week. Mr. C will start preschool after labor day (two days a week, 9 - 12), if I can get him more reliably potty trained. And after today, that's a big "if". Grrr. I'll spare you the details and have decided not to do obligatory potty-training posts. Just know, that potty training would be a GREAT birth control program for high schoolers. Mr. C in particular would have them runnin' for the hills!<br /><br />So the first up Monday morning was Mr. J. He has NEVER gone to school before. As the ADL class he goes to isn't at our home school, the bus picks him up. At 7:00 am. Ick. His nursing has been drastically reduced, but I'm fortunate to have nurses here most nights to help get him ready to go. Here's what he looked like before we put him in his wheelchair:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxnAgM5FCx0b0ac8FhN7pYcGgjpzucXNN9EsLqfHoTXrLxQqO_XCj132j1I3blUUQXeYR4KQlxMKuWIvaLpI119wIWWmbqZcHwF4K1sTrV3_iyNRn8hJTWMipZ_Yna2ES5wmg7JEe9jRu/s1600/100_2881.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510275333187833714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxnAgM5FCx0b0ac8FhN7pYcGgjpzucXNN9EsLqfHoTXrLxQqO_XCj132j1I3blUUQXeYR4KQlxMKuWIvaLpI119wIWWmbqZcHwF4K1sTrV3_iyNRn8hJTWMipZ_Yna2ES5wmg7JEe9jRu/s400/100_2881.jpg" /></a><br /><br />He starts his day at 6 am with a breathing treatment, but it's not enough to wake him completely. Once he was in his chair, he woke up...kind of. Then he got loaded up on the bus. The bus driver and aide are super sweet and I knew he'd be taken care of. I had to go up to the school later to demonstrate how to run his pump, so I knew I'd see him soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6FqCDxM1HhEeaMXiePa4cchAhX_8OxAcWIEHc_w1VZdlO7Lp4f4eGVz2TAJ2FyH9FPHhm07CrsKAlRqTAzjntlw-LmjIy0pFGI1S6-XJ_WGFG60zz1nzotUCwLapNqfiOtdQ8Zl0YKpb/s1600/100_2884.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510275359090671810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6FqCDxM1HhEeaMXiePa4cchAhX_8OxAcWIEHc_w1VZdlO7Lp4f4eGVz2TAJ2FyH9FPHhm07CrsKAlRqTAzjntlw-LmjIy0pFGI1S6-XJ_WGFG60zz1nzotUCwLapNqfiOtdQ8Zl0YKpb/s400/100_2884.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mr. C had a tough go of it. He wanted to ride the bus. He was equally distressed when we took the other four to school. Once we got home, he recovered quickly. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yy1Pyp1nwjwodxWgLaj4MeMI92B9hyphenhyphennuhkLh0vq2fdGhlVWt05YoXOovGkBlJHi-aOtoYNJa71X1N5WmOxiDn_N6BC47tNWnv5Vyitqd2BU9oGf8eYOFiSjOPLBPFxyjD91yVbKENAku/s1600/100_2890.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510275350029536354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yy1Pyp1nwjwodxWgLaj4MeMI92B9hyphenhyphennuhkLh0vq2fdGhlVWt05YoXOovGkBlJHi-aOtoYNJa71X1N5WmOxiDn_N6BC47tNWnv5Vyitqd2BU9oGf8eYOFiSjOPLBPFxyjD91yVbKENAku/s400/100_2890.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After Mr. J left, we got the rest of the crew dressed and fed. Here they are ready to go: Mr. B to second grade and the girlies to Kindergarten! My oh my, how time flies!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVg5hw51w4raXRLy4iOL5eXbFywLY6mPWo3A-rICvmjcfbt9MnrAKINNP0CzecV2ldTpoxRQS7MTch3HRavs0O291KjN9AgK_kMryWbR8uVY4ko3Aa0bSxaRjhZd_hJEVE8Wn2_yLput2V/s1600/100_2894.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510275341892456834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVg5hw51w4raXRLy4iOL5eXbFywLY6mPWo3A-rICvmjcfbt9MnrAKINNP0CzecV2ldTpoxRQS7MTch3HRavs0O291KjN9AgK_kMryWbR8uVY4ko3Aa0bSxaRjhZd_hJEVE8Wn2_yLput2V/s400/100_2894.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Miss M, Miss L, Mr. B, and Miss M.</em> <br /><br />Everybody came home from school happy, except Mr. J. I think he got the tummy bug that's been running through the house this past week (that would make it 7 out of 8 who've had it so far; I was not fortunate enough to be the lucky 1-that honor goes to Miss E...so far!). It's hard to tell with Mr. J though as he can't vomit due to a procedure he had done to his stomach while in the NICU so long ago (a Nissen fundoplication--say that three times fast!). All I know, is that he was not feeling well and had to miss school the next day. He went back Wednesday and seems to enjoy going; I get big smiles when I ask him about his day. His afternoons are busy as all the therapists have to cram their visits in those few hours and he has 7 visits a week from three different therapists! He's getting healthier very quickly, though not quite at 100% yet.<br /><br />Once we have Mr. J's therapy times set as well as Boy/Girls scouts and soccer practices, I'll feel more settled. Right now, I feel like I'm in a juggling act. It should get better. Right? RIGHT????Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-75673227574781340902010-08-17T21:26:00.002-05:002010-08-17T22:25:41.637-05:00Mr. J had ANOTHER dental appointment yesterday. I have no idea why we had to come back three months since the last cleaning for a child that has practically no teeth showing between losing 4 already and the swollen gums. Plus, we're right back there next month to see the periodontist about said swollen gums. Grrr.... Anyway, I had to take all the kidlets with me. Since only ONE caretaker is allowed in the exam room (and MOM wins by default), Jack's nurse kindly agreed to sit with the kiddos in the vacant waiting room.<br /><br /><div align="left">They all brought a small bag with things they packed themselves to stay entertained, but for most of them watching <em>Shrek The Third</em> on the waiting room TV was entertainment enough.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VTousy5TEyUGbSJAuG8ds6JVJDpNqKzAu1Hi75xptD1Kxds8W3UdFGnCk1jEHeYRsxWy8egmNEfQv7XaWjEA6pDRaLh71LmwH6dS0SxYazjO78g3Sejm-SA_A_CZvT9cEcwOy_UTL5Ye/s1600/kids+at+jack%27s+dental+appt+aug+2010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506570692872601762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VTousy5TEyUGbSJAuG8ds6JVJDpNqKzAu1Hi75xptD1Kxds8W3UdFGnCk1jEHeYRsxWy8egmNEfQv7XaWjEA6pDRaLh71LmwH6dS0SxYazjO78g3Sejm-SA_A_CZvT9cEcwOy_UTL5Ye/s400/kids+at+jack%27s+dental+appt+aug+2010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they adorable? They were so good and stayed quiet and still while Mr. J had his teeth brushed. They were still like this when I came back; even Mr. C.<br /><br />Oh. Did you notice Miss L's hat? I have no idea what's up with that. Miss E started the trend and the other two have followed. Miss L is the only one who's made it out of the house with her hat on. While I think it's kind of cute (in a skater girl kind of way), it was 102 degrees at the time! Miss E actually brought hers on vacation!<br /><br />In all seriousness, though, my husband and I have always said we would have no problem with our kids expressing themselves. In fact, this summer, I reorganized the drawers and closet in the girls' room to allow them to choose their own clothes. No more coordinating "triplety" outfits (more of a sanity saver for me than trying to dress them alike). But if you look closely at the picture, they all match. Miss M and Miss E both have a pink polar bear shirt on and Miss L has a similar white panda bear shirt. But at least it's their choice now. :)Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-33525283558030569042010-08-15T21:14:00.003-05:002010-08-15T21:44:08.329-05:00Our Annual EscapeSorry for the long absence. It takes a lot out of a girl to pack up a family of eight for a six day beach vacation. My parents rented a house for the fourth consecutive year and my sister and I took our families down there to enjoy the sun. So between packing, dealing with the nursing hour reduction for Mr. J, landing a job (substitute teacher - it's the flexibility I need right now), and starting half-marathon training, I'm swamped!<br /><br />We had the best time. It was sooooo nice to get away. We strolled down the historic area of town, explored the aquarium, and played miniature golf (very fun, but VERY hot!). But mostly, we just hit the beach. And do you know the best part of this family vacation? The WHOLE family came along! That's right -- Mr. J made his first appearance on the gulf shores! Nurse K joined us for a couple days just to help out (Mr. J is a full time job!). Mr. J hung out at the beach and even sat in the waves. We were a little nervous about his still open stoma, but we covered it with a waterproof bandage and that did the trick. Unfortunately, his poor neck could only take two days of the adhesive before turning to hamburger. Between his poor neck and the slight sunburn he got on his legs on his second day out (two layers of sunscreen and he still got burned; he's just not used to the sun at all!), he was done. Two trips was plenty. My parents were great and sat with him with him on the days that Nurse K was not there. Mr. C had one sick day and my Mom stepped in again to help out.<br /><br />Enjoy just a few pictures from our escape...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlLvL9zHuwSzjnT_JJCwPjAwvrmsQRN7JPIA6I25lElQaY2qdCC6s2IwPiSJVTwWMqQOToLKivbutXVhQNLXqYDSmVG9fZ6-xi18Tnxo_gZ6uTItZXAlf-_l6UCnDEZj4Q_PDqNTH2d0q/s1600/100_2866.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505827984883674498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlLvL9zHuwSzjnT_JJCwPjAwvrmsQRN7JPIA6I25lElQaY2qdCC6s2IwPiSJVTwWMqQOToLKivbutXVhQNLXqYDSmVG9fZ6-xi18Tnxo_gZ6uTItZXAlf-_l6UCnDEZj4Q_PDqNTH2d0q/s400/100_2866.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Daddy and crew working on a sand castle.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6EFV57wpBhRBvu5oOY9LSg8rdyB98sghVB6sclphlNfl_TVO4ApmF7AdzmTxAryrcCe-tqzusqEnirc3emlAeCaMParVK1YU8rxXW_5CBASoiTSteeVxqwuFzWaFGAjKrnqvkJ50L1RJ/s1600/100_2790.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505827972047989874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6EFV57wpBhRBvu5oOY9LSg8rdyB98sghVB6sclphlNfl_TVO4ApmF7AdzmTxAryrcCe-tqzusqEnirc3emlAeCaMParVK1YU8rxXW_5CBASoiTSteeVxqwuFzWaFGAjKrnqvkJ50L1RJ/s400/100_2790.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Mr. J and I enjoying the waves. Mr. J's very first time at the beach!!</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwDfPCrK0IjS7dbG6JoEsgnhvzA8g6D47MDwHQun0mFRl8Q8OWAXEtCkcZbm0Jln0fWA8ozi3Rpw20ZZxOf647PbHjdhteimwIYpFExgWB_bWpCP3H9YfGfImW4580cwfANDH6jWdA2Mp/s1600/100_2795.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505827975585192162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwDfPCrK0IjS7dbG6JoEsgnhvzA8g6D47MDwHQun0mFRl8Q8OWAXEtCkcZbm0Jln0fWA8ozi3Rpw20ZZxOf647PbHjdhteimwIYpFExgWB_bWpCP3H9YfGfImW4580cwfANDH6jWdA2Mp/s400/100_2795.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Daddy taking Mr. J and stowaways (Miss L and Miss M) out for a ride. Since Mr. J couldn't go out and jump the waves, we wanted to make sure he got to experience them somehow.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnPCabdDYXWItnAwoeLhIFNgDd_3Zy5gCIrKC5CcpNimUQVJwtSWvc_9NjLCtzW5Eod6Fem7fXPOLzvp6yAmTS6JkMV6NbEiRgrEV9YwZXQKnlO3JTactDI-8ezRLOhtSVSTSxcBMA7KC/s1600/100_2781.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505827966150509426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnPCabdDYXWItnAwoeLhIFNgDd_3Zy5gCIrKC5CcpNimUQVJwtSWvc_9NjLCtzW5Eod6Fem7fXPOLzvp6yAmTS6JkMV6NbEiRgrEV9YwZXQKnlO3JTactDI-8ezRLOhtSVSTSxcBMA7KC/s400/100_2781.jpg" /></a><br /><em>The kids and cousin C in the historic downtown area. Mr. C was back at the house sick. :( The sign way above the kids' heads denotes the water line during Hurricane Ike in 2008. Crazy!</em>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-77532079961683481222010-07-22T22:33:00.004-05:002010-07-22T22:50:01.790-05:00Bobs and the Clam ShellThe process of getting the girls' hair ready for the day was starting to get arduous. Most days one of the girls (usually more) would end of in tears as I tried to get the tangles out. Even with the detangler spray, it was tough. The more they fussed, the more I threatened to cut their hair like Mr. J's. They always responded, "NO!" I just said, "Long hair is going to tangle. If you want long hair, you're going to have to put up with this."<br /><br />Finally, one of the girls (I forget which) said they wanted short hair, like their 3-year-old cousin's. Quickly, all three of them were clamouring for haircuts. So, Tuesday after VBS we went. And they got haircuts. And you know what? I think they look super cute, if I do say so myself!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHTlGLnrz889Ga7lY4we3MjoWCupkpLsZ3McGmM9iznoDPe2JKmt3QGcmkXzVkoW5yG3VZ7heclymTO9mqaGlnyhGPHH7VntZYqxbRzDhQiEVNPTUOlT_ph2yhabkPPeKL643ww3NtiCc/s1600/100_2319.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496940587937166594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHTlGLnrz889Ga7lY4we3MjoWCupkpLsZ3McGmM9iznoDPe2JKmt3QGcmkXzVkoW5yG3VZ7heclymTO9mqaGlnyhGPHH7VntZYqxbRzDhQiEVNPTUOlT_ph2yhabkPPeKL643ww3NtiCc/s400/100_2319.jpg" /></a><br /><em>The Bobbsey Triplets. :) Mr. C couldn't help himself and had to try and get in on the action.</em><br /><br /><br />And the clam shell part? Mr. J got a new brace. To help with his scoliosis (curvature of the spine). We call it the clam shell. So far he only wears it in the standing frame until we can see his doctor and get a more specific wearing schedule. This is what my son now looks like for about 2-hours twice a day:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid592tbMYo9c2XjFtaa5sAz6HW69FkMkx335r1RaokqrfuU-iiboHg7fS7oVZAGUo9K87KbxqbTCxZruYnpG3J6ZUfOoMy-uuHyT7SGOnTBKlI90HTOIL2XJgtFObYUy5L_ITARiZ_NSxK/s1600/100_2322.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496940601005397586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid592tbMYo9c2XjFtaa5sAz6HW69FkMkx335r1RaokqrfuU-iiboHg7fS7oVZAGUo9K87KbxqbTCxZruYnpG3J6ZUfOoMy-uuHyT7SGOnTBKlI90HTOIL2XJgtFObYUy5L_ITARiZ_NSxK/s400/100_2322.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Eeyore pillow around his neck is to keep his head up. The blanket around his arms is to keep his arms from just falling back. The clamshell is for his spine. The hole in the clamshell is for his g-button through which he is fed. And the standing frame is for his bones. Before the clamshell, he could wriggle some which helped his core muscles, but now the clamshell does the work for him. We're going to have to come up with a new plan. Despite all his "stuff", he still looks happy, doesn't he?Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-67108337465159344192010-07-20T21:28:00.005-05:002010-07-20T22:17:59.859-05:00The FourthYep, it's the 20th of July and I'm just now posting about the fourth. But, two posts in a row! Gotta love me! :)<br /><br />We started our fourth out on the morning of third of July with the local neighborhood parade (I ran first with my running group; I'm a running freak!). We sat in the front yard of dear friends who live along the route and met my sister and her family there. The kids had a blast and we were blessed with overcast skies due to the threat of rain, but no rain. Nice breeze, lower temps, no sun = perfect. And even better? My husband joined us as he didn't have to be at work (bar tending) until just a little later (he left directly from the parade). Unfortunately, with the threat of rain I didn't feel comfortable bringing Mr. J due to the fact that the stoma (hole) left from his tracheostomy has still not healed (grrrrr). Hole in neck plus rain is not a good combination in my book. So he stayed home with his nurse and continued his daily routine of being spoiled rotten. :) After the parade, we headed home so I could bake the goodies for the next day: cupcakes, blueberry cobbler, and peach/blueberry pie. Oh, and I made the custard for the homemade ice cream.<br /><br />After Mass on the morning of the fourth, my husband went to work and I finished the goodies: I frosted the cupcakes and froze the ice cream. The cupcakes (courtesy of the July issue of <em>Good Housekeeping</em>) were supposed to be topped with coconut and blueberries and raspberries. Only I didn't want to pay for raspberries and the kids wouldn't eat them as well. Instead, I chopped up strawberries knowing full well the liquid would cause the frosting to run. So, if you check the photo out carefully, you can see chunks of strawberries that have dripped off the sides. No worries, though. They were still super yummy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2UxAjFURRXDfXc8oQ5ltxaQ2aIEmBABqwwd8GjMazNnGCJrb7m7yOLpi51IaSUXk-IQ2Fkp3UMyuCmYsPTUN8PZJmF14BkpQpg-YhD88VBpR2wyMWieeXX9DkZMieOf1ehFCUInhA08i/s1600/100_2072.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496183030039547826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2UxAjFURRXDfXc8oQ5ltxaQ2aIEmBABqwwd8GjMazNnGCJrb7m7yOLpi51IaSUXk-IQ2Fkp3UMyuCmYsPTUN8PZJmF14BkpQpg-YhD88VBpR2wyMWieeXX9DkZMieOf1ehFCUInhA08i/s400/100_2072.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We soon headed over to my aunt and uncle's house to swim and eat. Perfect combo. The pool was super chilly which didn't seem to phase the kids but sure kept me out of the water. After lots of swimming, we did lots of eating. Then the kids and I went home to reorganize and head out to see fireworks.<br /><br /><br />Fortunately, we live near a country club that puts on a super fireworks show. And the lawn of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluhm7CAxQX9HIK4xQFE47G8grhR7wSYIStxphsOW26NOn_AqfdleY6HVTFBRXlSm4W0_LpXkp7mWYNXzxzIETrPFWU-lgOEGp2X0946_Pfbnt8R5M8IzRnkADzG8pCL_IjGRZWubNmSly/s1600/big+bruno"></a>the library two blocks away is a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlx3jcTWWH0_DzMKg3ps8o4lSl9_Xx9olRbkPzntmnNPfwVcsRBs_A5ZXaTw-td2_OyDyOsM4-HnOZ89LCUxmHjjXNE4_OdLmwkFBRS4OcuWpyvZIqhEvVgjVXmj18qs4A_lO2nrsQgrF/s1600/big+bruno"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496184814831833826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlx3jcTWWH0_DzMKg3ps8o4lSl9_Xx9olRbkPzntmnNPfwVcsRBs_A5ZXaTw-td2_OyDyOsM4-HnOZ89LCUxmHjjXNE4_OdLmwkFBRS4OcuWpyvZIqhEvVgjVXmj18qs4A_lO2nrsQgrF/s400/big+bruno" /></a>perfect vantage point. I loaded my granny cart (L.O.V.E. my <a href="http://www.elderstore.com/big-bruno-folding-shopping-cart.aspx">granny cart</a>!) up with blankets, chairs, and new Crayola flashlights for the kids (distractions, baby!). Oh, food and water, too. [It never fails that they get "sursty" whenever we stray from the house. Plus, you have to keep them occupied while you wait or they'll turn on you. It's ugly. Trust me.] Then we walked down for the show. Walked. WALKED! Heavenly. Oh, then get this: we WALKED home! I so love where we live!<br /><br />The kids had a great time watching the fireworks and an even better time playing with the flashlights. Except for Mr. C who threw his to the ground so many times, that the bulb broke. I actually had an extra flashlight that met the same fate. Hard lessons. We had a great surprise, though. Right before the fireworks started, my husband joined us! He managed to escape the bar and join his family. The only one missing was Mr. J who was done with outtings for the day and stayed home to be pampered by his nurse. <br /><br />On the fifth we repeated the previous evening's activities. Almost. You see, the city usually puts on a big fireworks show. Except they had no money, so they cancelled. Then two companies stepped in and offered to sponsor so it was back on. Only, the company hired to do the fireworks had already taken another gig (on the fourth--go figure!). Which brings us to why we had Fourth of July fireworks on the fifth.<br /><br />My mom babysat Mr. J (he's at the point now that he's trach-less that I can have my mom babysit him -- thank God for small miracles) until his night nurse came. I took the rest and got a good spot. Of course, to get a good spot you have to get there early. I came prepared. The granny cart was once again loaded with food (left over cupcakes!), water, flashlights, blankets, chairs, and this time a craft: black construction paper and chalk so they could draw fireworks.<br /><br />This time around, the kids were noticeably crabbier. But two late nights will do that. I also got lots of "sursty" complaints, but I was stingy with the water. I did not want to figure out how to get them to the bathroom and watch my stuff at the same time.<br /><br />At one point, I was reading a magazine (<em>UsWeekly</em> or <em>People</em> -- mind expanding literature, I tell you) when the man behind us (who was there with his wife and 1-year-old child) commented that he was impressed that I could sit there and read with five small children. Then, he asked how I did it. I just smiled and said that I was just blessed with good kids (which I am). Then he said, "My wife could really use the advice." By the look on the wife's face, she was not only mortified but definitely did NOT want any such information. I can't remember what I said next, but something about how hard it is with the first (which it is). Can you say "awkward"? They didn't have anything for that kid to play with and no food or special "treats". They'll learn, though. Keep them feed and distracted. I'm not above bribing with candy. :)<br /><br />All was going well. The kids were pretty good, considering their level of exhaustion. Again, it was a gorgeous night: not too hot and a great breeze with clear skies. The wood symphony performed live and sounded beautiful! William Tell Overture -- enough said! Then the fireworks started. And they didn't shoot them high enough. A big tree in front of us blocked the view, so I grabbed the kids and moved closer, praying to God that the thieves would too busy jockeying for position to notice my unattended things. But moving away from the tree didn't help much: the building (which wasn't very tall) that they had us sit in front of (in a big plaza), blocked the bottom half of most of the fireworks. Big let down. They kids were pretty bummed. Then we had to get back to the car with the other thousands of people. Oh, then there was the drunk guy. "Stay close to the cart kids. STAY CLOSE TO THE CART!"<br /><br />I'll end there. Whew. That was a lot. If you're still with me, bless your heart! You want more? Well, I got nothing left. Except this slide show. Enjoy!<br /><br /><img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNzk2ODE*NTg4ODAmcHQ9MTI3OTY4MTQ2MzY3NyZwPTI2ODQxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /> <div style="WIDTH: 466px"><object width="466" height="375"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.photoshow.com/psp_assets/exbed_player.0.2.0.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="showCode=dV5gP8Nj&systemConfigUrl=http://cdn.photoshow.com/publish/system_config.0.2.0.xml&viewerWidth=466&viewerHeight=375&autoPlayBack=false&muteOnStart=false&useWidgetMaker=false"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="quality" value="high"><br /> <embed src="http://cdn.photoshow.com/psp_assets/exbed_player.0.2.0.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="showCode=dV5gP8Nj&systemConfigUrl=http://cdn.photoshow.com/publish/system_config.0.2.0.xml&viewerWidth=466&viewerHeight=375&autoPlayBack=false&muteOnStart=false&useWidgetMaker=false" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" width="466" height="375"></embed> </object></div>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-29802184526342815612010-07-19T14:25:00.003-05:002010-07-19T14:42:25.900-05:00Sweet SixteenAs of Friday, my husband and I have officially been married 16 years. Oh my!! It's amazing how much stuff has happened in such a relatively short time!<br /><br />We couldn't escape until Sunday evening, but we had a wonderful night out. Dinner and cocktails with my favorite guy. What could be finer?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3FIzeE5mv424wSf1I-1NAB9qIC5A59yKRNImhwjoRuaf0L8Gj6u4yQBxNMF9Td60x9uiEaI7dTH8TjIP86D1Rwm-hEv53Ou_YeBXKXuiNYNZobEL0z2CI508bn5OrKKs-ECWWz4BX5Se/s1600/100_2310crop.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495701262639134194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3FIzeE5mv424wSf1I-1NAB9qIC5A59yKRNImhwjoRuaf0L8Gj6u4yQBxNMF9Td60x9uiEaI7dTH8TjIP86D1Rwm-hEv53Ou_YeBXKXuiNYNZobEL0z2CI508bn5OrKKs-ECWWz4BX5Se/s400/100_2310crop.jpg" /></a><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />BTW: Thanks to "Anonymous" and her comment on <a href="http://survivingsix.blogspot.com/2010/06/rain.html">Rain</a> for the kick in the pants I needed to post. Yes, I know it's been a long time. I promise to do better (heard that one before?)<br /><br />It's just C.R.A.Z.Y. around here. My husband was laid off at the end of February so we are trying to make do on any money he can bring in waiting tables and bar tending. I'm half-heartedly looking for something, preferably part-time with benefits close to home (a girl can dream, right?), but I'm starting to get more serious as we are dipping into our Emergency Fund (really grateful for that right now). Mr. J's nursing hours were cut by 56 hours a week, so I'm trying to adjust and figure out just when I truly need nursing help. One of his long time nurses is moving so I won't have her help after August. I also signed Mr. J up for school this year (AHHHHH!); half-days for now. He hasn't had an ARD meeting (won't happen until August--after summer school is over) so I have no idea when the bus will pick up and drop off. I HATE being in a state of limbo! The other kids have been busy with camps, VBS, swim lessons, and the playing at the pool.<br /><br />Really overall, we're quite happy and having a blast. I don't like to whine as it really gets you no where. The lack of a job and the nursing hour cuts have just been big stressors. I'm hoping something will come up soon in the job market. <br /><br />So with all my excuses out of the way, I will try to catch y'all up on what we've been up to in the next few posts. Stay tuned!!Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-86018105934090620342010-06-30T00:06:00.002-05:002010-06-30T00:12:37.460-05:00Rain!Mr. B spent a long weekend away. He went with my parents to a family reunion. His brothers and sisters missed him a lot. He was due home Monday evening. So after dinner, we headed out to the front porch to eat dessert and wait. But it was raining. A good thing, though, as we are pretty behind in the rain department. The rain was not too heavy, just steady.<br /><br />After trying fruitlessly to keep the kids corralled on the porch and somewhat dry, I gave up. It was pointless. Since there was no thunder or lightning (I'm a safety nut about lightning), I decided to let them have a good time and get soaking wet. And they did.<br /><br /><img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNzc4NzQzMTczMDkmcHQ9MTI3Nzg3NDMyNTcwMSZwPTI2ODQxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /> <div style="WIDTH: 466px"><object width="466" height="375"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.photoshow.com/psp_assets/exbed_player.0.2.0.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="showCode=aY9Nv7jM&systemConfigUrl=http://cdn.photoshow.com/publish/system_config.0.2.0.xml&viewerWidth=466&viewerHeight=375&autoPlayBack=false&muteOnStart=false&useWidgetMaker=false"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="quality" value="high"><br /> <embed src="http://cdn.photoshow.com/psp_assets/exbed_player.0.2.0.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="showCode=aY9Nv7jM&systemConfigUrl=http://cdn.photoshow.com/publish/system_config.0.2.0.xml&viewerWidth=466&viewerHeight=375&autoPlayBack=false&muteOnStart=false&useWidgetMaker=false" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" width="466" height="375"></embed> </object></div><br />Mr. B was a little shocked when he got home to see his sister drenched, but he definitely ate up his very warm reception! We are glad he's home. :)Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-20746851583140643372010-06-15T22:25:00.002-05:002010-06-15T22:44:50.676-05:00Bonus Baby Turns ThreeThat's right! Our little buy-seven-get-one-free baby turned three on Wednesday! Can you believe it? Mr. C is THREE!<br /><br />He had his party last Sunday. He was so excited!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhZ2EAOS9z9AovkRZcO84coW1gDbOsWyjLw5ybrD_gB0q8oW1_oj80YjGLUfkM4z-gN6zF02KnmHvT8ACZ0fmi0d2UODIqrRmwZHvQxKwIPOaWVUO3sEMvoBitwtUHgxglcPAyQGD9ERI/s1600/100_1806.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483209057123881810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhZ2EAOS9z9AovkRZcO84coW1gDbOsWyjLw5ybrD_gB0q8oW1_oj80YjGLUfkM4z-gN6zF02KnmHvT8ACZ0fmi0d2UODIqrRmwZHvQxKwIPOaWVUO3sEMvoBitwtUHgxglcPAyQGD9ERI/s400/100_1806.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After giving Daddy several cupcake choices, he chose koi. So, Mr. C got an edible Koi Pond for his birthday party.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2rm0DcH3M78IGxjfgjOgrzh3enBmuMk9VdNr9dOKtv1m13DNp2z6vxG0Cxs4Va69M9urPwG4_b5xYUN6T8ApewILcxXuUXwWHQAMkkK6l9nrqCx1OxxydobtPhkO7WtNeN4WqOjSqkkd/s1600/100_1802.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 562px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483209045320083202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2rm0DcH3M78IGxjfgjOgrzh3enBmuMk9VdNr9dOKtv1m13DNp2z6vxG0Cxs4Va69M9urPwG4_b5xYUN6T8ApewILcxXuUXwWHQAMkkK6l9nrqCx1OxxydobtPhkO7WtNeN4WqOjSqkkd/s400/100_1802.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXd0LKWw26PeNMbVPBC1tyQmca12Il8w5kaQkf5V3QQy6N3BjWOcsTO6xDPdk5U_v0h3lAyVpP-vdQMb4NqgyihzvYzbSPxD8LOPZZPFnRnJDmpShxODAhMdGjAt0zj9ZyMC7tf29YK2N/s1600/100_1799.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483209041950953442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXd0LKWw26PeNMbVPBC1tyQmca12Il8w5kaQkf5V3QQy6N3BjWOcsTO6xDPdk5U_v0h3lAyVpP-vdQMb4NqgyihzvYzbSPxD8LOPZZPFnRnJDmpShxODAhMdGjAt0zj9ZyMC7tf29YK2N/s400/100_1799.jpg" /></a><br /><br />He was so excited to blow out his candles, only getting a little help from me (without his knowledge, of course, because he "can do it by my OWN self" and insists he can with just about everything--he's three, ya know).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSyFdy68kasekZ81B-b5ZQ0zEBCFlRyn5cGRDMh8Qu5EkaVmdbTI5pJThqpg7kiJhRAO1xF9AOIUrm6xAzHd6RibACaXIJwTtLKDbqk6c2jyzWZFISW-fB1Pau5eJ4DaMpH8HDFoDHjQS/s1600/100_1815.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483209028885032434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSyFdy68kasekZ81B-b5ZQ0zEBCFlRyn5cGRDMh8Qu5EkaVmdbTI5pJThqpg7kiJhRAO1xF9AOIUrm6xAzHd6RibACaXIJwTtLKDbqk6c2jyzWZFISW-fB1Pau5eJ4DaMpH8HDFoDHjQS/s400/100_1815.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Happy Birthday, Little Man! We couldn't imagine our family without you!Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-82787843776962564572010-05-27T20:32:00.004-05:002010-05-27T20:56:05.252-05:00Family Fitness FunIn my <a href="http://survivingsix.blogspot.com/2010/05/new-kind-of-date-night.html">last post</a>, I talked about how my husband and I had a date night based around a 5K run.<br /><br />Well, two days later we had a family outing revolving around a 5K run (except Mr. J: he stayed home with his nurse who doesn't like to travel).<br /><br />My husband and I signed up to run a 5K supporting a rare childhood disease called <a href="http://www.bdsra.org/">Batten </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ae4Yx-Iht2s157kZlFaBd48fbIEK2I284SD2K_Y7enXdCrKKrBjoeKbKuHIbR1jcmGNjcGKIkr6lESLygbjfUAVIEcKld1SWBb2spI7alzTcbczyw37ny2ZN5OBhgTckt0CPjb0Pfig9/s1600/mrbill-pic.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 113px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 109px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476129860623126946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ae4Yx-Iht2s157kZlFaBd48fbIEK2I284SD2K_Y7enXdCrKKrBjoeKbKuHIbR1jcmGNjcGKIkr6lESLygbjfUAVIEcKld1SWBb2spI7alzTcbczyw37ny2ZN5OBhgTckt0CPjb0Pfig9/s400/mrbill-pic.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.bdsra.org/">Disease</a>. It's organized by a lady who has two grandchildren effected by the disease. It's a small race, so some running clubs formed teams. Each team member pays an extra fee and scores are based on times at the race compared with personal records. The winning team wins the "goat trophy" and the extra money raised is donated in the winning team's name. It adds to the fun! One team is Goldilocks and the Three Bears: all the female members wear Goldilocks wigs and the men wear bear ears. :) Our team's organizer's name is Bill so we had shirts made with Mr. Bill on them.<br /><br />My parents met us out there and watched the kids on the playground during the race. They LOVE it. Right by a lake. Near an airport. Lots to see and do! My husband and I both had great runs and set personal records!! I was hoping to run under 30 minutes, but ended up running a 28:27! I was thrilled! My husband ended up with 2nd in his age group. After the adults raced, there was a kid race--a 1K which is about 2/3 of a mile. Mr. B and Miss M wanted to run but the other girls said "no". Of course, when the start time came around, they both were in tears because they changed their minds, but it was too late. I ran with the kids and they did GREAT! There weren't many kids running but even so Mr. B got 2nd in the boys' category and Miss M got 3rd in the girls'! They both got trophies and the event organizer gave medals to all the kids.<br /><br />As it happens, the race was very near where our boys are buried. We headed there next. The kids like to help clean off the grave stones and arrange the flowers. In previous visits, they noticed that other people leave trinkets on the other graves so this time they brought their prizes from the previous night's school carnival and each kid left two trinkets for each of their brothers. It was very sweet. On the way back to the van, the kids did their usual "tour" to see what others left their babies.<br /><br />We finished off our Fun Family Fitness Outing with lunch outside on the deck of a local Mexican restaurant. (My husband and I thought it was only fair to the other patrons that we eat outside as we were pretty stinky and sweaty from our run; plus it was a beautiful day.) The kids did wonderfully, we enjoyed our food, and a customer sitting next to us complimented the kids on their behavior as we left. :)<br /><br />Next year, I'll sign-up all the kids for the 1K run. It's fun to share my passion with them!Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-69929517545459288592010-05-18T22:05:00.002-05:002010-05-18T22:27:39.125-05:00A New Kind of Date NightThursday, my husband and I had a kind-of date night.<br /><br />We ran a 5K. That's right. Our "escapes" now revolve around exercise. And we LOVE it!<br /><br />My parents watched the kids while we hurried off to the race. I'll be honest: we argued most of the way there, especially as the stress of finding a parking space grew. We eventually found one; after circling a garage several times we ended up parking on a side street somewhere. Of course, by the time we parked, we only had a few minutes until the start time. So we ran. And we ran. And we ran. I looked it up later. We ran about 1 mile to get to the START! Geeze Louise.<br /><br />Usually at a race where both my husband and I participate, we run separately. He takes off at his pace and I follow at mine. But since we had another 5K to run on Saturday (yes, ANOTHER!) where we wanted to go all out, we decided to take it easy. So, we ran together. Oh, and by the time we got to the start line, we were 7 minutes behind the clock! Thank goodness for chip times. It was a crowded race, so there was much dodging to go around people, but not too bad. When we were about 1/2 mile from the finish, I let him "go" and he took off. He had a decent time of 29:25 and I ran 30:15 (a 9:44 pace!). I took it "easy" and PR'ed (personal record)! Crazy. <br /><br />After the race, we headed down to the food (beer) area and promptly grabbed a beer and then a margarita. We also had water and fruit and eventually a taco. It was pretty crowded, but we managed to run into a few friends. It soon got old though and the clock was ticking (I told my parents we'd be home by 9:00), so we took off, this time WALKING the 1 mile back to the car.<br /><br />Still hungry, we headed up to a new location of a local burger joint. While in line, we ran into a running buddy and her husband (she didn't run the 5K). It was a wonderful coincidence. So while we enjoyed our burger (we split one--awwwww!), we had adult company. Yea!<br /><br />We had such a great time and it was good to get out as a couple. Good for the marriage. Good for the body. Good for the soul. :)Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-25623831080643700052010-05-11T23:26:00.002-05:002010-05-11T23:44:33.483-05:00Tea Time!Every year at the preschool my kids attend, the 4-year-old preschool classes and their teachers put on a Mother's Day Tea. The kids help make muffins and fruit salad as well as create gifts for their moms. The tea ends with a performance of songs they have learned including a very cute rendition of "Happy Happy Mother's Day" (they even sign parts of it!). Two years ago I went with Mr. B (I posted a picture of it <a href="http://survivingsix.blogspot.com/2009/03/you-asked-for-it.html">here</a> as it was right before I started Weight Watchers and I was at my heaviest). Friday I went with my daughters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnMXgVrnKZ7EYad01jxoi48ZLlXcW9Z-YE_RcKti2-CGN-53GtIRk0j8bUp1wYkk4hapqZs41jCWehSQxVBpq2Be0-il8UOd1sqJ5258x2DpHRjxxV1EW3EAve5akoaUWgRmGRFakdCq5/s1600/100_1618.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470236706690317010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnMXgVrnKZ7EYad01jxoi48ZLlXcW9Z-YE_RcKti2-CGN-53GtIRk0j8bUp1wYkk4hapqZs41jCWehSQxVBpq2Be0-il8UOd1sqJ5258x2DpHRjxxV1EW3EAve5akoaUWgRmGRFakdCq5/s400/100_1618.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Miss M and her gift.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuUIztBsWgZj7PRQ284PcoxnlM5Hifypc6xVa5isjkYfKNbIJUiUtnGq1X6_bk8bPkxgFAajHEpbSag-ZYJP3XAJs5A1CJmorZjw7W1SX0IbOU4o2ku76Y6vSWG64nI810P3SeQEMVHRt/s1600/100_1619.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470236696367762306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuUIztBsWgZj7PRQ284PcoxnlM5Hifypc6xVa5isjkYfKNbIJUiUtnGq1X6_bk8bPkxgFAajHEpbSag-ZYJP3XAJs5A1CJmorZjw7W1SX0IbOU4o2ku76Y6vSWG64nI810P3SeQEMVHRt/s400/100_1619.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Miss M</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHmfdxs8o7GPLghDO_scKVK0BuK1WF8sSGanU2NbR13D6IVYcCCdRJXJzPHomHpP_Jaor1Qj586MYTRlt8rHOuwM9TlJcc5wxwHmMVcSVbZtaApveZvZsMKQQ-e9fmxgzfmSsc5s34Pqb/s1600/100_1622.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470236685055811922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHmfdxs8o7GPLghDO_scKVK0BuK1WF8sSGanU2NbR13D6IVYcCCdRJXJzPHomHpP_Jaor1Qj586MYTRlt8rHOuwM9TlJcc5wxwHmMVcSVbZtaApveZvZsMKQQ-e9fmxgzfmSsc5s34Pqb/s400/100_1622.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Miss L</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGc67pRHqSwz6jpTnZFF9wsZGPkMSa7-aA19dT1LjSxjvB_NoVbWyOUAg3ufNs9QK6Sjjmn9vhfQegS664LgmN063m8wE-hOY03FRHqlQbLjYN3sdP8mpdObNndyAmo1cH3ydFB1irXbf/s1600/100_1636.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470236678072893234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGc67pRHqSwz6jpTnZFF9wsZGPkMSa7-aA19dT1LjSxjvB_NoVbWyOUAg3ufNs9QK6Sjjmn9vhfQegS664LgmN063m8wE-hOY03FRHqlQbLjYN3sdP8mpdObNndyAmo1cH3ydFB1irXbf/s400/100_1636.jpg" /></a><br /><em>The girls each made me a paper plate wrist corsage, so of course I had to wear ALL three! I had to rely on Miss M to take the photo, so that explains it's tilted nature. :)</em><br /><br />I had such a nice time with the girls and their hard work paid off. And they looked so beautiful all dressed up!Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-81524963364629552102010-05-06T21:54:00.002-05:002010-05-06T21:59:04.119-05:00Hint, hint...While at the doctor's office (nothing serious), Mr. C grew tired of the children's reading material and grabbed one of the grown-up selections. Being the crab that he was, he would not pose with the book for me. But Miss M volunteered, after perusing the selection herself.<br /><br />Do you think they are trying to tell me something?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrAe2wg0SYBxtcWPgbTbxHjuNn0J_j0pl3NUvBEy_KDOcpyqCAVAtaUssW154q94N0rLxjpLqEJQXjxUSxfyJTnu9yUMWPmxxkX0-qM0vqWEtoXm2gOJAmi8poOdfD69ssAurXIPoUqgN/s1600/mia+with+sib+bk.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468356250951338530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrAe2wg0SYBxtcWPgbTbxHjuNn0J_j0pl3NUvBEy_KDOcpyqCAVAtaUssW154q94N0rLxjpLqEJQXjxUSxfyJTnu9yUMWPmxxkX0-qM0vqWEtoXm2gOJAmi8poOdfD69ssAurXIPoUqgN/s400/mia+with+sib+bk.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I started reading it after I took the picture. I may have to purchase it. The next trick would be to find the time to read it, but one hurdle at a time. :)Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-65954099656336750422010-04-29T22:09:00.003-05:002010-04-29T22:27:15.939-05:00It's Out!Mr. J and I are back home. And it's out! His <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tracheostomy</span> tube is out!<br /><br />Mr. J arrives at day surgery check in.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa_k-t3AfMYx0-t9Sqh-dKSqHihZY46DSOjlU14WBj2ZYIsgWWsQK8btEnLcAbLjFc-sXp8X_uCxS_ECLycSe8JCajcE_Z7QK2fdZdHtMHdiC8H8nbOCGWokdoOwv-jpwPmjVbPVzgVgV/s1600/100_1607.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465763889151566210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa_k-t3AfMYx0-t9Sqh-dKSqHihZY46DSOjlU14WBj2ZYIsgWWsQK8btEnLcAbLjFc-sXp8X_uCxS_ECLycSe8JCajcE_Z7QK2fdZdHtMHdiC8H8nbOCGWokdoOwv-jpwPmjVbPVzgVgV/s400/100_1607.jpg" /></a><br /><br />He was in such a good mood! Which was a good thing as we had to wait a LONG time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iMFtr2jR_tSsN9QKWSbMTBwQyJPEXpjsfDtFi8aPzflapDQj8FF9AaizI9MyfX_TJAbUriLz9jUI42U37xtkwmw5OBPAuo_vxwKy7J5bGnr6LirZDdeEDTMsT1XKONbhkhieTDYer7Z5/s1600/100_1609.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465763884486675778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iMFtr2jR_tSsN9QKWSbMTBwQyJPEXpjsfDtFi8aPzflapDQj8FF9AaizI9MyfX_TJAbUriLz9jUI42U37xtkwmw5OBPAuo_vxwKy7J5bGnr6LirZDdeEDTMsT1XKONbhkhieTDYer7Z5/s400/100_1609.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Waiting some more in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-op: still smiling!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0BgZQlylUBRMkRxhuKch7Oua_ZQ9NxEm4FtbqCZOZ16P9CuvMF06E6rXqITjD_ejDx_jjH_cp4v-mwF6TSySMYxMkJJ4CG7ivjGz9EoDmwCI0R5PdsAhWdksZNU0MlSIbr7Hn0F-fdGF/s1600/100_1614.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465763878304948002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0BgZQlylUBRMkRxhuKch7Oua_ZQ9NxEm4FtbqCZOZ16P9CuvMF06E6rXqITjD_ejDx_jjH_cp4v-mwF6TSySMYxMkJJ4CG7ivjGz9EoDmwCI0R5PdsAhWdksZNU0MlSIbr7Hn0F-fdGF/s400/100_1614.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I caught up with him in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">PICU</span>: totally no big deal!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz7-ljLEp3pMRljO35wMDlzfs83N1TKvKNn5jGz1Ld2KNIv0eZ3INBJx5oiKVeYM760MwjpOiJhtsPgncJVyo-Cglspgnt7ETm7XTrzSIw0dR_2wzk2JfaNShRl29jAGesH7yTW5ZEZfW/s1600/100_1615.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465763863616169106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz7-ljLEp3pMRljO35wMDlzfs83N1TKvKNn5jGz1Ld2KNIv0eZ3INBJx5oiKVeYM760MwjpOiJhtsPgncJVyo-Cglspgnt7ETm7XTrzSIw0dR_2wzk2JfaNShRl29jAGesH7yTW5ZEZfW/s400/100_1615.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Either Mr. J didn't notice or didn't care. I actually think he's happier without it: his throat is no longer irritated. In just the short time it's been out, I've noticed FAR less coughing! :) We are so thrilled to watch him progress! Way to go, Mr. J!Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-7039783246447687092010-04-25T08:24:00.007-05:002010-04-25T21:45:28.389-05:00Make Them LaughWell, in this case, it's "Make Mr. J Laugh". With no nurse last Sunday, the kids hung out in Mr. J's room all afternoon. And they love to make him laugh! In this video, Mr. J is in his side lyer (it helps to slow his scoliosis by keeping his spine straight) and Mr. B and I (the girls were present, but too shy to perform on camera) pull out all our tricks to get him to smile and laugh.<br /><br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bHQ9MTI3MjI*OTYwMjcyMCZwdD*xMjcyMjQ5NjQ1MDQxJnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid59.photobucket.com/albums/g319/gklg723/videos/100_1572.flv"></embed><br /><br />And in an effort to make you laugh, here's the famous number from <em>Singing in the Rain</em> by Mr. Donald O'Connor. Priceless!!<br /><br /><object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/FW02c5UNGl0/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FW02c5UNGl0&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FW02c5UNGl0&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />And if you are the praying kind, I have a few requests:<br /><br />1. For Mr. J's primary day nurse: she had emergency surgery this week. She is in the hospital still but doing MUCH better. But, she will be out for a while and will be dealing with some health issues long term. We are blessed that Mr. J's other three nurses are working together to get all the shifts covered.<br /><br />2. For Mr. J's primary night nurse: she spent a long time in the hospital a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with cancer. Though she looks better now, she's much thinner and weaker. She is undergoing treatments with an oncologist.<br /><br />3. For Mr. J!! On Tuesday, Mr. J goes in for an bronchoscopy and if his airway looks good, his ENT will pull his tracheostomy tube! It's very exciting as it will expand what he's able to do but also very scary as we are not sure what this will mean for his nursing hours. He will spend the night in the PICU and if all goes well, he will come home Wednesday trach-less! :)Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-5547100075604006322010-04-15T22:53:00.002-05:002010-04-15T22:58:46.799-05:00Mommy! Look what I spelled!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB_Al-ELd_4lK7zYxgZPnEkUP4u6qZAmDOu-l5h7yrEJA8NQ5QoNxOeJOXx8p4Lw-ZilGxzl7aln7tsHVhm5VePts4yGrVW8W5NWvnm6IMXN8OkvWOop8Z_SjT0GaFlCE1zq-r0k-MXy-/s1600/100_1515.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460579119013991426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB_Al-ELd_4lK7zYxgZPnEkUP4u6qZAmDOu-l5h7yrEJA8NQ5QoNxOeJOXx8p4Lw-ZilGxzl7aln7tsHVhm5VePts4yGrVW8W5NWvnm6IMXN8OkvWOop8Z_SjT0GaFlCE1zq-r0k-MXy-/s400/100_1515.jpg" /></a><br /><br />"I spelled 'but'! I spelled 'but'!"<br /><br />Miss M ran around the house telling everyone she spelled 'but' and giggling about it. Of course, she was SURE she had just spelled 'butt' and was thrilled the Word Whammer had asked her to. :)Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-17280254244579315692010-04-13T21:39:00.002-05:002010-04-13T22:07:20.082-05:00Good news!Yep, we got some good news. Nope, my husband hasn't found a job yet (she says with a positive angle). It's about Mr. J.<br /><br />Mr. J had an appointment with his ENT this week. The ENT wants to do a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchoscopy">bronchoscope</a> at the end of the month to check Mr. J's airway. If all looks good, the doctor will <em>remove</em> the tracheostomy tube. It's not a given that the tube will definitely come out or if it comes out that it will stay out (the removal requires an overnight stay in the PICU), but the doctor said he felt good about it! I'm really psyched. If it works, it will open a whole new world for Mr. J. First of all, there's swimming. The child has never been in the pool! I would love to get him some <a href="http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/strengtheningexercises/a/aquatictherapy.htm">aquatherapy</a> and even <a href="http://www.americanequestrian.com/hippotherapy.htm">hippotherapy</a>! I can't believe how far this child has come.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`<br /><br />Monday night, Mr. B joined me in Mr. J's room. I was waiting for the night nurse to arrive and Mr. B was watching <em>Dancing With The Stars</em>. I just thought it was so cute how the boys were laying on Mr. J's bed together. (The room was actually quite dim, but I could not find a setting on my camera that would capture the photo! The only setting that would work made it look like daylight in there!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXQf8-RLo58NKvxMyxr2Oczt-e9HInH9u5kBzDYBoiBrQwYcjeahTihHw4DYfEqsKLUpp4_xyFnSqFaYnIm8VEidFJPBT4ShfCNYQ7ILzIFsN5iVzu3eIS1mmLd_1231xaCL-tecr2Xy0/s1600/100_1492.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459818519308643714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXQf8-RLo58NKvxMyxr2Oczt-e9HInH9u5kBzDYBoiBrQwYcjeahTihHw4DYfEqsKLUpp4_xyFnSqFaYnIm8VEidFJPBT4ShfCNYQ7ILzIFsN5iVzu3eIS1mmLd_1231xaCL-tecr2Xy0/s400/100_1492.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mr. B is an expert in getting Mr. J to laugh!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q0eVQ0vtFN5noPmmB3akX5Jk7gpiKNAVAFxB-Hux5GrYBLV7MJVhEDo0F0ux8Xx4NujVGNVCodDd4ZvEgKwlvkc9uUKz60Qz9nMKzftpKVnnaZIgjFggERol_VuTc92Mp9cNWVsoxnr3/s1600/100_1506.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459818512397305170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q0eVQ0vtFN5noPmmB3akX5Jk7gpiKNAVAFxB-Hux5GrYBLV7MJVhEDo0F0ux8Xx4NujVGNVCodDd4ZvEgKwlvkc9uUKz60Qz9nMKzftpKVnnaZIgjFggERol_VuTc92Mp9cNWVsoxnr3/s400/100_1506.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mr. B is such a caring big brother. And Mr. J eats it up!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqi7WOaRocL9jBA5yTIkoCKGafPU06FCXHhR0mn6gN9QqZlqEJv0aXqj2Yvvu4tQ3pcfHoCdGwQSV3kTmJThpX3t143KxYfIfvJhpd1UzAJYK1c36Epv_IDubh-DXdPbhfJFB2jSxni6f/s1600/100_1507.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459818503238756946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqi7WOaRocL9jBA5yTIkoCKGafPU06FCXHhR0mn6gN9QqZlqEJv0aXqj2Yvvu4tQ3pcfHoCdGwQSV3kTmJThpX3t143KxYfIfvJhpd1UzAJYK1c36Epv_IDubh-DXdPbhfJFB2jSxni6f/s400/100_1507.jpg" /></a>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-4018326273174643822010-04-07T00:11:00.005-05:002010-04-13T20:18:21.036-05:00I feel it in my fingers...I started paying bills tonight. Not fun. Especially as I know that next month the cash flow dries up. My husband still hasn't found a job. He has found some extra bartending (and bar managing) gigs as well as a small contract job, but nothing permanent. He filed for unemployment, but most of that goes to paying Cobra. Argh!<br /><br />As I was getting that sinking feeling in my stomach, I started thinking to myself, "I feel it in my stomach." Which led to: "I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes..." Then I'm humming/singing. Then I'm searching through YouTube to find the video.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3EXRPxC-5bE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3EXRPxC-5bE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Isn't it funny how the mind works? Then I start singing, "Christmas is all around us.." So I search for a "Love Actually" clip (I LOVE that movie!):<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fk_43e8KXzc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fk_43e8KXzc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I still have that sinking feeling in my stomach. But now I have a smile on my face!<br /><br /><em>[Please keep us in your prayers that my husband finds a job soon! I may be dusting off that teaching certificate soon...]</em>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-24014750816748231652010-04-05T23:11:00.002-05:002010-04-05T23:16:12.222-05:00Easter FunWe had a wonderful Easter full of family and, of course, candy. Unfortunately, Miss L, who had been battling a sinus and/or ear infection brought on by allergies, took a turn for the worse as the day went on and ended up falling asleep at my mom's house. Poor thing had a fever! But, she pulled herself together when the time came for the egg hunt and gathered a few candies before announcing she was done. :(<br /><br />I've gathered our photos into a slide show that starts last Sunday with our first egg hunt, then onto Good Friday, and finally Easter Sunday. Enjoy!<br /><br /><img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNzA1MjcwMzcwNDEmcHQ9MTI3MDUyNzA*OTc2MCZwPTI2ODQxJmQ9Jmc9MSZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /> <div style="WIDTH: 466px"><object width="466" height="375"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.photoshow.com/psp_assets/exbed_player.0.2.0.swf"><param name="FlashVars" value="showCode=ca5YS9Qy&systemConfigUrl=http://cdn.photoshow.com/publish/system_config.0.2.0.xml&viewerWidth=466&viewerHeight=375&autoPlayBack=false&muteOnStart=false&useWidgetMaker=false"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="quality" value="high"><br /> <embed src="http://cdn.photoshow.com/psp_assets/exbed_player.0.2.0.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="showCode=ca5YS9Qy&systemConfigUrl=http://cdn.photoshow.com/publish/system_config.0.2.0.xml&viewerWidth=466&viewerHeight=375&autoPlayBack=false&muteOnStart=false&useWidgetMaker=false" allowfullscreen="true" quality="high" width="466" height="375"></embed> </object></div>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-78780349264422452742010-03-31T22:18:00.000-05:002010-03-31T22:19:47.486-05:00Attempts at a Group ShotTuesday afternoon I loaded the kids up (with the help of Nurse K) and headed over to the Arboretum to try and get a group shot of the kids. I was hoping to see the tulips in full bloom and I was not disappointed! We are blessed to live so close to such a wonderful gem!<br /><br />I made several attempts. It's hard to get them all to cooperate, smile, and look at the camera. I also wanted a few shots of Mr. J OUT of his chair! Let me know which group shot is your favorite!<br /><br /><strong>Group Shot #1</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk_inkrYEVO_6IlbGtugxLDamruekYwc3F8ZTVrC33_U2NmTer9JcXXEUKb8t37DNGRkKfRVNzYMdgsUqZoeQ4BjLQVZtMJkZpDejWuNrcxdbRUGxHTsf6QVTOpD5z8K5Y36d0KT8Jl4q/s1600/100_1355.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454996335448890386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk_inkrYEVO_6IlbGtugxLDamruekYwc3F8ZTVrC33_U2NmTer9JcXXEUKb8t37DNGRkKfRVNzYMdgsUqZoeQ4BjLQVZtMJkZpDejWuNrcxdbRUGxHTsf6QVTOpD5z8K5Y36d0KT8Jl4q/s400/100_1355.jpg" /></a><br /><em>The wind was terrible! But look at those tulips!!</em><br /><br /><strong>Group Shot #2</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44o6oyI8-JmFQBVRb1jv7mziPd-H27COElRWIT0HACnqU7Pf942t4imikZJFlcEwpAjRt_KenKtUBrDZXC2hpcrXiB5o2b6qjBdCCeVik52AIdG88IMpyXaRl-WacH_OVYjm7IweIiI22/s1600/100_1357.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454996328407618402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44o6oyI8-JmFQBVRb1jv7mziPd-H27COElRWIT0HACnqU7Pf942t4imikZJFlcEwpAjRt_KenKtUBrDZXC2hpcrXiB5o2b6qjBdCCeVik52AIdG88IMpyXaRl-WacH_OVYjm7IweIiI22/s400/100_1357.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Nice shady spot with misters to cool you off.</em><br /><br /><strong>Group Shot #3</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmWdYRY5XCaTZEXtfKSP_dazFgqYVE3NMLey40igTeUHUD3FyMtFn4DW9NzMzIFN76bRF4_GXnAZPYeylv1hDM-1ScpLtrwPKcu2CZXjZmWqNsfCt0sm7jSszloONP_qLkoGRBhyn6u8g/s1600/100_1363.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454996319633793106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmWdYRY5XCaTZEXtfKSP_dazFgqYVE3NMLey40igTeUHUD3FyMtFn4DW9NzMzIFN76bRF4_GXnAZPYeylv1hDM-1ScpLtrwPKcu2CZXjZmWqNsfCt0sm7jSszloONP_qLkoGRBhyn6u8g/s400/100_1363.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Mr. B just instinctively leaned over on Mr. J. I love it!</em><br /><br /><strong>Group Shot #4</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32iSST8W_7oPSrKgwLIalqzdrRnyeyIqeObBVW7cO5And1Q-xT5DEzgWaFtxtQ9mdyadOdMMlDKYyVdOWdFp2c0SUBpBfkrovnAo4pTLH-Z1I2NeUJ2Ckze4SOwz9LFraLMB7EJdJnmvR/s1600/100_1370.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995259291550466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32iSST8W_7oPSrKgwLIalqzdrRnyeyIqeObBVW7cO5And1Q-xT5DEzgWaFtxtQ9mdyadOdMMlDKYyVdOWdFp2c0SUBpBfkrovnAo4pTLH-Z1I2NeUJ2Ckze4SOwz9LFraLMB7EJdJnmvR/s400/100_1370.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Somehow, the boys separated themselves from the girls. Or was it vice versa?</em><br /><br /><strong>Group Shot #5</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSELd0kNXK6m3RZcaCNX60xUF2jNsXj8Cl1-XLaUbd40GKwiZ3JYaVhR0QWJVC5x6oC4JxnSuGG32FJdjp-y2WXhUPtL4QA69CTsBogkNytVYKyBSb2NgCM9SkgZr3I-cMEWteX_fAONdP/s1600/100_1384.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995255282858450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSELd0kNXK6m3RZcaCNX60xUF2jNsXj8Cl1-XLaUbd40GKwiZ3JYaVhR0QWJVC5x6oC4JxnSuGG32FJdjp-y2WXhUPtL4QA69CTsBogkNytVYKyBSb2NgCM9SkgZr3I-cMEWteX_fAONdP/s400/100_1384.jpg" /></a><br /><em>I couldn't get them to all look at me and there were people waiting to get by on either side. It is a beautiful overlook with the lake in the background. Mr. J thought it was funny!</em><br /><br /><strong>Group Shot #6</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwc64mnOtagvVjuqusOHBv7U6ZViE_OpwMzYYWvogzIus3fKoK5REwHh4KcpKvewmjHI8g8Cdg_VnQY-Z0UfPyeQESLCvOmCLNXXP5fYXgBte0was4NZA3aoTIC9Bdnmb1FO5WddiMmd_/s1600/100_1399.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995244886650178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwc64mnOtagvVjuqusOHBv7U6ZViE_OpwMzYYWvogzIus3fKoK5REwHh4KcpKvewmjHI8g8Cdg_VnQY-Z0UfPyeQESLCvOmCLNXXP5fYXgBte0was4NZA3aoTIC9Bdnmb1FO5WddiMmd_/s400/100_1399.jpg" /></a><br /><em>One of my favorite spots in the gardens: the waterfalls!</em><br /><br />I also got a couple shots of just "my boys" and "my girls".<br /><br /><strong>The boys</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntdt73hTXp8DrSjNXJWBeffC07XMuoyACNGdujOF2-teXUQIuAJ_PYDfsfm_y8Rk3_o07wENJrUqTu_T2023FbHnCnjZz2rD7u3LqW_gmNhQvQEfW_-r6jwRwTquu9w4E2FCT8hd8KgvQ/s1600/100_1371.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995240359929618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntdt73hTXp8DrSjNXJWBeffC07XMuoyACNGdujOF2-teXUQIuAJ_PYDfsfm_y8Rk3_o07wENJrUqTu_T2023FbHnCnjZz2rD7u3LqW_gmNhQvQEfW_-r6jwRwTquu9w4E2FCT8hd8KgvQ/s400/100_1371.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>The girls</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SPRmNlkJ8DvLBe6GHSanA8JWCYzNUbFConuEHTw0aUCbXCJWW5bBjSQyu20SKHVjXF_EJXrvmLwwYbq_ep6_A5LaVS57DPAZrXXV-o-JlMyp_7rVIkvarOT_Uh54hOlkuzXTUQAU7Ex-/s1600/100_1375.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995227249788978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SPRmNlkJ8DvLBe6GHSanA8JWCYzNUbFConuEHTw0aUCbXCJWW5bBjSQyu20SKHVjXF_EJXrvmLwwYbq_ep6_A5LaVS57DPAZrXXV-o-JlMyp_7rVIkvarOT_Uh54hOlkuzXTUQAU7Ex-/s400/100_1375.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Then there were some candid shots. Here are a few I really liked.<br /><br /><strong>Looking at the creek</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4izTQuDhUxiokb78doBXNuPyUF3CJQy4LtsF4ahqpZmrMuvluNbDp1SfI8BEfHnV3-ewERFaWvlA27aD1gkJVt55C3BSMxTtZXeTH_SKjzLkCnlxTICxLHVxZ5Up1JcI26eu9_AxM4uY/s1600/100_1360.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454992710099480578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4izTQuDhUxiokb78doBXNuPyUF3CJQy4LtsF4ahqpZmrMuvluNbDp1SfI8BEfHnV3-ewERFaWvlA27aD1gkJVt55C3BSMxTtZXeTH_SKjzLkCnlxTICxLHVxZ5Up1JcI26eu9_AxM4uY/s400/100_1360.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Running</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9nhgPWLG2a6-rSCV9S17rNFrMNN3ilrl74Oqn2LI_G4tArgqvpdvAr_ScXtJmTWNIkpLHpnfNWLIZrfC5mW_1QlH7LNEc1vkEm6DyushdSJj9gZVWNf4xRF72zZO7gjLvyzmXgSmmLk9/s1600/100_1392.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454992704732151186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9nhgPWLG2a6-rSCV9S17rNFrMNN3ilrl74Oqn2LI_G4tArgqvpdvAr_ScXtJmTWNIkpLHpnfNWLIZrfC5mW_1QlH7LNEc1vkEm6DyushdSJj9gZVWNf4xRF72zZO7gjLvyzmXgSmmLk9/s400/100_1392.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Action shot of Miss M. The kids kept asking if they could "run". I had some tired kiddos by bedtime!</em><br /><br /><strong>Excited</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhYF8Rm62vVpF00YN1fkaN2xNzAe7E3pN0LQyr3gwuoh2jw2X5KmAz9ILKGvR3t67g06fZCcpzwjqrqULD7QFdRMVJXRjJRLogBqLjFpIEYPLsmwJOy92_nqgebZS_UahYnkmO85j9ZFK/s1600/100_1396.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454992696397363938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhYF8Rm62vVpF00YN1fkaN2xNzAe7E3pN0LQyr3gwuoh2jw2X5KmAz9ILKGvR3t67g06fZCcpzwjqrqULD7QFdRMVJXRjJRLogBqLjFpIEYPLsmwJOy92_nqgebZS_UahYnkmO85j9ZFK/s400/100_1396.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Mr. C had such a good time. He walked most of the gardens on his own. It was the first time I have taken him there without a stroller! He faced was so flushed we had a hard time telling if he was getting too much sun or too much fun!</em><br /><br />And a photo shoot of the six wouldn't be complete without some outtakes!<br /><br /><strong>A New Ride</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TNt0VXlDKPXMaPgNtkfLGQ8PIk08L8b7tz7tvZZqAppUf7BEyGfFpnQwyO8QJmqOzYWJH65JzVmm3teenWQYa9ZaLoMgPZ9zq3aYWk2vHNShu-9OGVByzzov74BHEOmL16TpjHuwqbU3/s1600/100_1378.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454992687427502898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TNt0VXlDKPXMaPgNtkfLGQ8PIk08L8b7tz7tvZZqAppUf7BEyGfFpnQwyO8QJmqOzYWJH65JzVmm3teenWQYa9ZaLoMgPZ9zq3aYWk2vHNShu-9OGVByzzov74BHEOmL16TpjHuwqbU3/s400/100_1378.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Miss M took advantage of Mr. J's sunbathing to try out his wheels.</em><br /><br /><strong>Pig Pile</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi735N39swvsULBeR7BVCxeahgfgBom5knyk8XoNWRSenkE8aULsNC4SPbvmg1izzvQ1StlDoDIsXm5cX9uUQpc4V9ERcQf0UUSriVCiFA3g5rZYQNRLvA-1X6fOjf5MhZCePmZXnxZwVTn/s1600/100_1366.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454992672980889650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi735N39swvsULBeR7BVCxeahgfgBom5knyk8XoNWRSenkE8aULsNC4SPbvmg1izzvQ1StlDoDIsXm5cX9uUQpc4V9ERcQf0UUSriVCiFA3g5rZYQNRLvA-1X6fOjf5MhZCePmZXnxZwVTn/s400/100_1366.jpg" /></a><br /><em>It might look rough, but Mr. J LOVES all the attention! It's his way of getting to be a big brother.</em>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-26725245367012688842010-03-28T22:26:00.002-05:002010-03-28T23:05:19.725-05:00Where did March go?Aside from our <a href="http://survivingsix.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-break.html">Spring Break Journey</a>, March has been so busy! I can't believe April is almost here (and Easter!)!<br /><br />The kids got to take their first bike ride of the year. What did we discover? Mr. C desperately needs a real tricycle (he'll make it until his birthday in June). The girls really need bikes, but until then we just moved the seats all the way back on their trikes. And not only does Mr. B need to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels, but he also needs a much bigger bike! Argh! These kids just keep growing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaTShOA42llLz8hnYOEcx8a3EF_eTYZ7F4mHahceWCOSIo2mdBy4RR0LejJfS63DUGTtScKua4PFVQvN3AStJROCKWnKxlLjdr9kqnu8DNhVxPnyRCO-VzEX2o7Kg7gU6q0x_Wu4Mvxnb/s1600/100_1026.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453895353423986466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaTShOA42llLz8hnYOEcx8a3EF_eTYZ7F4mHahceWCOSIo2mdBy4RR0LejJfS63DUGTtScKua4PFVQvN3AStJROCKWnKxlLjdr9kqnu8DNhVxPnyRCO-VzEX2o7Kg7gU6q0x_Wu4Mvxnb/s400/100_1026.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This month was also Mr. B's cub/boy scout troop's pine car derby. Originally, he wanted a hamburger car which evolved into a hamburger truck. But when he and Daddy went to the dollar store to find a hamburger, they couldn't find anything that would fit the bill. But Mr. B found a packet of plastic sea turtles. So the hamburger truck became the turtle truck. Shockingly (at least to me), his cute little truck won the derby! Go figure. Which meant he got to represent his troop at the regional derby along with the 2nd and 3rd place members. I got the privilege of taking him (Mr. J tagged along - no nurse). Luckily, it was held at Mr. B's school so we could walk. Unfortunately, his "Flying Turtle" (so named because the turtles flew off in each race) didn't fair as well the second time around. But, he had fun anyway.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVKleCF0WZzDA3RsAtyj767quXluv9lTQeJ0qXWoMRJWVttD5m2GMRsZxvFOtGkYM2ybPC3gwYzmbIzVV15v6JVr3xtpm9CH7d6XQVDPO-YmXFbyJoTvjsjhVWWaGxGHM2t_GmTEB-O5s/s1600/100_1305.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453895344206379794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVKleCF0WZzDA3RsAtyj767quXluv9lTQeJ0qXWoMRJWVttD5m2GMRsZxvFOtGkYM2ybPC3gwYzmbIzVV15v6JVr3xtpm9CH7d6XQVDPO-YmXFbyJoTvjsjhVWWaGxGHM2t_GmTEB-O5s/s400/100_1305.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Waiting for his truck to come down the track.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B2ih-1Tq_-c-X6pMYH4Qr0qv20JWsPIXch4oIs91jSbqnBrXGbD3tzmDZAay2lIKJKC0xC2Dtgn3zcR9H-ZG0vL102flLWP9uYGu-vAsDBmkGJGcPhziE3MRGvHeesM5QLwv-2l4hPYs/s1600/100_1318.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453895339863762866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B2ih-1Tq_-c-X6pMYH4Qr0qv20JWsPIXch4oIs91jSbqnBrXGbD3tzmDZAay2lIKJKC0xC2Dtgn3zcR9H-ZG0vL102flLWP9uYGu-vAsDBmkGJGcPhziE3MRGvHeesM5QLwv-2l4hPYs/s400/100_1318.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Mr. B with the "Flying Turtle", his winner's pin, and participant ribbon.</em><br /><br />After the derby, the kids enjoyed the beautiful spring day out in the front yard. Mr. J looked so cute when I put a ball cap on him to protect his face from the sun that I had to take his picture. Mr. B came over to help get him to laugh and I captured this gem. What sweet boys!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq7heJApDD9ldWRAYMhUkyBtEp3CQ7N-nWfMaPmFGKDYir_hi2nLnpB6GfuHx5uTNNJwXT92E45BTE6Gm2N_2pyprZjzCJf0beRaF6ymWOoNas1pCnpOhKHqYpHwMtB-dWkQ4c_tkgwwh/s1600/100_1323.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453895329938177298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq7heJApDD9ldWRAYMhUkyBtEp3CQ7N-nWfMaPmFGKDYir_hi2nLnpB6GfuHx5uTNNJwXT92E45BTE6Gm2N_2pyprZjzCJf0beRaF6ymWOoNas1pCnpOhKHqYpHwMtB-dWkQ4c_tkgwwh/s400/100_1323.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And finally, we had our first Easter Egg Hunt of the season with our neighborhood Early Childhood PTA (again at Mr. B's school). The kids had a good time. Mr. C made the biggest haul, but he had the least competition for eggs as he got to hunt in the little kids' area. But he willingly shared some of his eggs with his siblings with a few extra for Miss L who just had a hard time with all the chaos. They all shared an egg with Mr. J who tagged along with Nurse K. They all said "Easter Bunny" instead of "Cheese" for this picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuHWuyV4-SRtJ9GBMWLqLOKH4zStDQkG6OD_m3-NWDDvc6kJB5giay-esldy6Bzwi7tHeqtURYZanmZuxijhsep-A7Xi1s2Cs0-x3xoo7d7X4ZaCAoDiY2BCWV4i76Yoi1R4TMrKjizJi/s1600/100_1347.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453895321019022738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuHWuyV4-SRtJ9GBMWLqLOKH4zStDQkG6OD_m3-NWDDvc6kJB5giay-esldy6Bzwi7tHeqtURYZanmZuxijhsep-A7Xi1s2Cs0-x3xoo7d7X4ZaCAoDiY2BCWV4i76Yoi1R4TMrKjizJi/s400/100_1347.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We have an incredibly busy week coming up. Mr. J needs scoliosis x-rays tomorrow and gets botox injections in his hands and arms on Wednesday to relax his muscles (not looking forward to this at all). I also need to get busy collecting supplies for the Easter Bunny! I so behind this year. I still need to plan dessert for Sunday, too. Oh, and dye eggs with the kids. Ahhhh!<br /><br />On a final note, please keep us in your prayers. The<a href="http://survivingsix.blogspot.com/2010/03/curve-ball.html"> job hunt </a>is not going well. No bites yet. He's picked up a few odd jobs, but nothing permanent. It's been just over a month now. We still aren't in panic mode, but we are uneasy (to say the least).Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-48730992910865463102010-03-21T23:16:00.001-05:002010-03-21T23:17:31.622-05:00Spring BreakShort post today, but a long montage. If you have about 5 1/2 minutes free, enjoy some pictures from our Spring Break!<br /><br />Later!<br /><br /><div><embed height="382" name="FLVPlayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="408" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="transparent" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=a96478dfbb745867771a9f&skin_id=1702&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com"></embed> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; PADDING-BOTTOM: 15px; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 408px; FONT: 12px/20px verdana, arial, sans-serif"><a style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt0" target="_blank">Make photo slide shows at <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-9171340956558127352010-03-11T22:00:00.003-06:002010-03-11T22:41:09.972-06:00CriblessMr. C is at a fun age. And by "fun age", I mean "frustrating".<br /><br />It's not behavior-related, though he has earned the nickname "Grumpy Old Troll (Who Lives Under the Bridge)". When accused of being a Grumpy Troll, Mr. C's favorite responses are either: 1. "I not a Grumpy Troll. I crabby." or 2. "I not a Grumpy Troll ANY more." It's a good thing he's cute.<br /><br />So back to the "fun" stuff. It's all sleep related. The thing is he really needs a nap. He likes his nap. He takes GOOOOOOD naps. But when he takes a nap, he doesn't fall asleep at night until late. Sometimes VERY late. Which makes for a Super Grumpy Troll the next day.<br /><br />His sisters went through this stage shortly after he was born. I tried sitting in their room at night after nursing Mr. C. I totally got caught up with the Harry Potter series. But it made no difference. My solution with them? Move the TV with the DVD player into their room (breaking one of my rules - no TVs in bedrooms) and instituting Movie Time Rest Time. It worked like a charm. The girls got to watch a movie daily (mostly Disney) and I got an hour and a half away from them. A fair trade really. A small price to pay for my sanity.<br /><br />So why not move the TV with the DVD player into Mr. C's room? Well, after hour upon hour of use, the DVD player no longer works. So all I'd have is a TV with no cable hook ups.<br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br />As I still think he needs quiet time to himself each day (and I KNOW I need a break from him), I've been trying to give him things to do each day during his rest so that he'll stay awake. Nothing worked. So one afternoon this week, I asked him if he wanted to take his rest in his bunk bed (he shares a room with Mr. B who sleeps on the top bunk). He was thrilled with the idea. I loaded up the bed with books, cars, and Buzz Lightyear which makes lots of noise. I also made a CD with fun music to listen to (Beatles, Raffi, Sammy Davis Jr., Julie Andrews, Carole King, etc.). Sounds good right? Well, it hasn't worked even after I added a Hot Wheels garage-thingie to the mix today.<br /><br />But it has led to something else. It took a few nights. It happened tonight. "I sleep bunk bed."<br /><br />I tried to distract him then put him in his crib. "I sleep bunk bed."<br /><br />So I gathered up his favorite beans (we call lovies "beans"--don't remember exactly how it evolved) and tucked him in. I went through the sleep rules with him (we still do this with the girls: they don't need it anymore, but it's part of our nighttime routine) and tucked him in. When I took Mr. B to bed about 45 minutes later, Mr. C was passed out. He had managed to turn himself backwards in the bed, but he was asleep. Maybe that Hot Wheels garage-thingie worked!<br /><br />I'm happy it went well, but a little sad (okay, a lot sad) to see the crib era come to an end. It's now official: he's now a preschooler. Not a baby. Not a toddler. He's a little boy!<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />All this "end of an era" stuff has me <em>Friends</em> reminiscing. So, enjoy this clip off YouTube...<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9mSQyW_FUu8&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9mSQyW_FUu8&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8133757599840494144.post-37694838259649134972010-03-09T09:32:00.004-06:002010-03-09T09:46:02.215-06:00Curve BallAt this point in our lives, you'd think we'd be used to curve balls. I'm mean, there's the sextuplets and Mr. C, just to name two. Well, we're not.<br /><br />The Friday before last, I'm out shopping with Mr. C and my niece when I get a text from my husband, "Laid off". Of course, it then included some wording that I will not repeat here.<br /><br />Wow.<br /><br />By the end of the day, we had decided that maybe it was a good thing as my husband was unhappy there. To clarify, he was unhappy with the way the office was being run (or not run), but still loved his work. It's his passion and he's very talented.<br /><br />To add insult to injury, he then had jury duty the following Tuesday and was selected, putting a big crimp into the job search. But, he's looking at it positively: it's keeping him busy so there's not much time to wallow.<br /><br />He's got a few irons in the fire, but there's not much out there right now. He's getting a six-week severance package, so we're not panicking yet. But if we don't get some nibbles soon, I might have to dust off the ole teaching certificate and reenter the workforce!<br /><br />In the meantime, I finally downloaded a month's worth of photographs off the old camera. Now it's time to start sharing. First up, our Valentine's Day. Among other themed meals that day, the kids had pink heart-shaped pancakes with mini-chocolate chips for breakfast with glasses of pink milk! I also made cute heart-shaped sugar cookies for Mr. B's class (and you know I had to frost them, too!) as well as Rice Krispie treats (made with pink marshmallows). Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 400px; FONT: 0.7em 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="400" height="300"><param name="_cx" value="10583"><param name="_cy" value="7937"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf"><param name="Src" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf"><param name="WMode" value="Transparent"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value="LT"><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="NoScale"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" width="400" height="300" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="galleryid=7242716808_bsnCG"></embed></object><div style="FLOAT: left"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/show/id/7242716808_bsnCG/t/valentines-day-2010">"<b>Valentine's Day 2010</b>"</a></div><div style="FLOAT: right"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/" target="_blank">Create a free slideshow with Picnik!</a></div></div>Mrs. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09304982757187614395noreply@blogger.com1