HaLlOwEeN!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Announcement
I had lunch with Hudson today like I do every week. He's currently in a cluster of desks with two little girls and another little boy. Today's lunch request was Burger King ... it's been Soup Kitchen for a while (yum!), but he went retro on me today. So, we're starting to eat and he accidentally skims his puddle of ketchup with his forearm. My instincts kick in, and I start cleaning him up. While I'm working on that, he's admiring his other - cleaner - forearm and makes the following announement:
His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as he gazed in amazement at his forearm which is perched in a horizontal position as if checking the time. He looks toward the girls and states it again, with an even more convincing tone:
They are not amused, and I don't think they quite knew to what he was referring. He looked at his buddy, Whit, across the desk from him and - with a giggle - tried to one-up him (since Whit just announced that he's already six years old):
Whit just kept talking about whatever it was he was talking about. Not impressed at all. I was impressed, though, and gave Hudson a sweet squeeze. And, yes, there are little dark brown slivers of silken hair scattered over those little arms.
Randy just came home . . . I heard Hudson greet him at the door, arm poised . . .
I'm getting MAN HAIR!
His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as he gazed in amazement at his forearm which is perched in a horizontal position as if checking the time. He looks toward the girls and states it again, with an even more convincing tone:
I'm getting MAN HAIR!
They are not amused, and I don't think they quite knew to what he was referring. He looked at his buddy, Whit, across the desk from him and - with a giggle - tried to one-up him (since Whit just announced that he's already six years old):
I'm getting MAN HAIR!
Whit just kept talking about whatever it was he was talking about. Not impressed at all. I was impressed, though, and gave Hudson a sweet squeeze. And, yes, there are little dark brown slivers of silken hair scattered over those little arms.
Randy just came home . . . I heard Hudson greet him at the door, arm poised . . .
I'm getting MAN HAIR!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Say What?
There were several reasons to laugh with the kids today. Here's a few:
While driving to school this morning:
H: I wonder if someone should tell those people they have construction paper on their house?
Me: Construction paper? Where?
H: Right there! (He points to a house that has it's front porch wrapped in that yellow crime scene tape; guess he's see it used at construction sites as well!)
While helping Hudson finish up in the shower tonight, he starts singing opera music. I don't really notice at first, I just keep soaping his little body. After a few minutes, Olivia walks in and asks if this is a "soap opera". Hudson says that it is, and he keeps doing his best tenor voice. Olivia turns to me and says, "A soap opera is an opera sung in the bath when you feel all soapy, clean and relaxed, right?" At this point I realize they are serious. Unfortunately, I burst her (soap!) bubble and let her in on the fact that a soap opera is a not-very-nice TV show that's often showing things we don't need to watch. Kind of ironic isn't it?
After baths, we made hot chocolate and watched the first few performers on Dancing with the Stars. It showed one of the dancers receiving a massage after rehearsal. Olivia, knowing how much I don't like massages, says with a smirk, "Oh, Momma. Wouldn't that feel good?" Before I could reply, Hudson -- who's studying this massage thing rather intently -- says in a complete dead-pan tone, "Yeah, that would feel great. I haven't had a massage in weeks." I just had to crack up!!!
While driving to school this morning:
H: I wonder if someone should tell those people they have construction paper on their house?
Me: Construction paper? Where?
H: Right there! (He points to a house that has it's front porch wrapped in that yellow crime scene tape; guess he's see it used at construction sites as well!)
While helping Hudson finish up in the shower tonight, he starts singing opera music. I don't really notice at first, I just keep soaping his little body. After a few minutes, Olivia walks in and asks if this is a "soap opera". Hudson says that it is, and he keeps doing his best tenor voice. Olivia turns to me and says, "A soap opera is an opera sung in the bath when you feel all soapy, clean and relaxed, right?" At this point I realize they are serious. Unfortunately, I burst her (soap!) bubble and let her in on the fact that a soap opera is a not-very-nice TV show that's often showing things we don't need to watch. Kind of ironic isn't it?
After baths, we made hot chocolate and watched the first few performers on Dancing with the Stars. It showed one of the dancers receiving a massage after rehearsal. Olivia, knowing how much I don't like massages, says with a smirk, "Oh, Momma. Wouldn't that feel good?" Before I could reply, Hudson -- who's studying this massage thing rather intently -- says in a complete dead-pan tone, "Yeah, that would feel great. I haven't had a massage in weeks." I just had to crack up!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Puppy Love
We gave in! Can you blame us? Look how sweet . . .
Twilight and Twitter are their names -- little lab mixes; both girls.
Twilight and Twitter are their names -- little lab mixes; both girls.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rescue Me
I had to go to Chick-Fil-A today. Nope. Not to eat ... although I was tempted ... but to return a cooler that belongs to this particular store. They did some catering for us at work last week, and I needed to get this item back to them. This Chick-Fil-A will live forever in my brain, and, today, that pondered memory came to the surface.
Olivia and I used to go to that Chick-Fil-A a lot. Sometimes we'd picnic on a blanket in the grassy areas of their parking lot (I keep a tablecloth in my van for such times); sometimes we'd sit inside if the harpist was playing (crazy, but true); most of the time, we ate by the windows where we could see the ultimate reward for eating a good lunch ... the outdoor Climbing Tower of Glee. She learned to scale the ropes and levels with precision and grace; it took a while, though, as she was rather rotund in those early years. She'd actually roll up onto the platforms - so cute!
I think she was not quite three when this episode occured. She ate her lunch; we went outside; she met a new friend (always); and proceeded to climb to the top. Where she stayed. For a long time. I'm enjoying the sunshine; eaves-dropping on all the other conversations; admiring the babies around me; not realizing she hadn't come down in a while. After about 30 minutes of play time, it was time for us to go.
I go to the side of the tower and in my best sing-songy mommy voice say, "Oliviaaaaaa. Time to say good-bye to Chick-Fil-A. Come down please."
She almost always came down on first request. Not this time. I wait about 15 seconds or so, and I do it again to make sure she heard me.
"Oooolliiivvviiiiaaaaaa. Come to mommy"
From the depths of the tower, I hear, "I can't."
Now, this is a control issue. She COULD come down. She'd done it plenty of times before. She just didn't WANT to come down. Her new friend of the moment sends a report, "She's stuck."
"Olivia are you stuck?" I ask.
"Uh huh. Come get me." I was NOT going to climb up there this day. I was wearing a skirt, and she knew that if I had to climb up there that I wasn't going to be happy. I'm not petite, and I'm more likely to get stuck than she was.
"Olivia, you are not stuck; I can see you. Come down, please."
"No. I don't want to come down. I'm stuck, so I have to stay."
"Olivia Grace, this is not an option. Come down now, please. Mommy does not want to climb up there."
Here come the tears. Big ones. Loud ones. The eaves-dropping tables have turned.
I let her cry for probably half a minute. Seemed like 10. I could feel the redness climbing up my neck with much more agility than I was about to display. Sweat slid down my back faster than a three-year-old on the curly-q slide.
"Olivia, mommy is not coming up there. You have got to come down to me, and come down now. Please." I was trying to use my manners in front of the mommies.
More tears. Big ones. Loud ones. At this point, the ordeal had been going on about 5 minutes. Seemed like 30.
Realizing that I needed to end this battle. I hiked up my skirt, kicked off my shoes, and proceeded to bump and grind my way to my little perched preschooler. I had done this before, and I vowed this was the ABSOLUTE LAST time.
And it was.
So today, as I pulled into that Chick-Fil-A ... where me and my Little O used to go ... I looked at the Climbing Tower of Glee, and I wanted to rescue her. I wanted her to have a full tummy of nuggets, lemonade in the corners of her lips, and little sparkly shoes stowed in the cubby of the play area.
But, I can't go backwards. And she's moving foward at warp speed. But when she needs rescuing, I'm gonna be there. Skirt and all.
Olivia and I used to go to that Chick-Fil-A a lot. Sometimes we'd picnic on a blanket in the grassy areas of their parking lot (I keep a tablecloth in my van for such times); sometimes we'd sit inside if the harpist was playing (crazy, but true); most of the time, we ate by the windows where we could see the ultimate reward for eating a good lunch ... the outdoor Climbing Tower of Glee. She learned to scale the ropes and levels with precision and grace; it took a while, though, as she was rather rotund in those early years. She'd actually roll up onto the platforms - so cute!
I think she was not quite three when this episode occured. She ate her lunch; we went outside; she met a new friend (always); and proceeded to climb to the top. Where she stayed. For a long time. I'm enjoying the sunshine; eaves-dropping on all the other conversations; admiring the babies around me; not realizing she hadn't come down in a while. After about 30 minutes of play time, it was time for us to go.
I go to the side of the tower and in my best sing-songy mommy voice say, "Oliviaaaaaa. Time to say good-bye to Chick-Fil-A. Come down please."
She almost always came down on first request. Not this time. I wait about 15 seconds or so, and I do it again to make sure she heard me.
"Oooolliiivvviiiiaaaaaa. Come to mommy"
From the depths of the tower, I hear, "I can't."
Now, this is a control issue. She COULD come down. She'd done it plenty of times before. She just didn't WANT to come down. Her new friend of the moment sends a report, "She's stuck."
"Olivia are you stuck?" I ask.
"Uh huh. Come get me." I was NOT going to climb up there this day. I was wearing a skirt, and she knew that if I had to climb up there that I wasn't going to be happy. I'm not petite, and I'm more likely to get stuck than she was.
"Olivia, you are not stuck; I can see you. Come down, please."
"No. I don't want to come down. I'm stuck, so I have to stay."
"Olivia Grace, this is not an option. Come down now, please. Mommy does not want to climb up there."
Here come the tears. Big ones. Loud ones. The eaves-dropping tables have turned.
I let her cry for probably half a minute. Seemed like 10. I could feel the redness climbing up my neck with much more agility than I was about to display. Sweat slid down my back faster than a three-year-old on the curly-q slide.
"Olivia, mommy is not coming up there. You have got to come down to me, and come down now. Please." I was trying to use my manners in front of the mommies.
More tears. Big ones. Loud ones. At this point, the ordeal had been going on about 5 minutes. Seemed like 30.
Realizing that I needed to end this battle. I hiked up my skirt, kicked off my shoes, and proceeded to bump and grind my way to my little perched preschooler. I had done this before, and I vowed this was the ABSOLUTE LAST time.
And it was.
So today, as I pulled into that Chick-Fil-A ... where me and my Little O used to go ... I looked at the Climbing Tower of Glee, and I wanted to rescue her. I wanted her to have a full tummy of nuggets, lemonade in the corners of her lips, and little sparkly shoes stowed in the cubby of the play area.
But, I can't go backwards. And she's moving foward at warp speed. But when she needs rescuing, I'm gonna be there. Skirt and all.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Not a Sub
Hudson's teacher was out sick last week for three days. This little conversation happened yesterday:
Me: Hudson, was Mrs. Prine back in class today?
H: Yes, and boy were we glad to see her.
Me: But you had nice substitute teachers while she was out.
H: No, we had SIDE-KICK teachers, not whatever that word was you said.
Me: Hudson, was Mrs. Prine back in class today?
H: Yes, and boy were we glad to see her.
Me: But you had nice substitute teachers while she was out.
H: No, we had SIDE-KICK teachers, not whatever that word was you said.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Match Maker
This story just cracked me up. I hope I do it justice as I try to retell the tale ...
Tonight was the first home football game of the season at CAK ... vs. SEYMOUR (our alma mater) of all teams! There was a "new family welcome dinner" prior to kick-off, and I met Randy and the kids there so we could have dinner together. After dinner, we all went to the stands, and they sat near me (I was in the pressbox); them sitting still in one spot lasted the first half of the first quarter.
Our playgrounds are adjacent to our football stadium and are staffed so the children can play with some supervision while the adults visit & watch the game. Funny how a trip to the bathroom turned into me not seeing Randy and the kids until well after half-time! Yep, Hudson figured out the playground option. So, Randy checked the kids in at the gate and he found several of our Seymour friends to visit with along the fence line at the field.
Apparently, once in the playground area, Hudson found a friend from his class (Whitt, whom Hudson actually calls Went), and they were off and running. Olivia perched herself atop of some play equipment to scope out someone her age to play with. Most everyone, she noticed, already had a buddy. She was okay with that, but really wanted to connect with someone. She scaled down to the ground and found Hudson; she shared her dilemma with him. He said, "Don't worry, Sissy. I'll find someone just your size for you." Rememer, this is Mister Bashful we're talking about here.
Hudson has always tried to guess the age of other kids by "mentally measuring" them. If he can count to 10 as he scans them with his eyes from head to toe, then they must be 10 years old. If the scanning process ends in a count to 7, then the child must be 7 years old. Such logic! So, he scans Olivia to confirm her age (I'm serious), and he starts his search. After a few minutes, he comes back to her with this announcement: "Okay, I've found a girl who I think is your age and your grade and she looks like she'd like to play with you." He points out the girl to Olivia, and Olivia makes her move. She says: "This might sound crazy, but my brother thinks you and I might have fun playing together. My name is Olivia; I'm 10 and in the 5th grade." The girl replies, "Sure, let's play! My name is Rebecca; I'm 9 and in the 4th grade."
The little fella was just about right! Isn't that crazy? Well, it gets better. After a bit, Rebecca tells Olivia that two very nice 5th grade girls are in the playground area, and she thinks they'd like to meet her. Introductions are made, and a little 10-year-old-trio is born. The evening ends in hugs, the two CAK girls giving Olivia a balloon as a little gift, and all saying "see you at the next game" ... so sweet ... thanks to our miniature match-maker!
Tonight was the first home football game of the season at CAK ... vs. SEYMOUR (our alma mater) of all teams! There was a "new family welcome dinner" prior to kick-off, and I met Randy and the kids there so we could have dinner together. After dinner, we all went to the stands, and they sat near me (I was in the pressbox); them sitting still in one spot lasted the first half of the first quarter.
Our playgrounds are adjacent to our football stadium and are staffed so the children can play with some supervision while the adults visit & watch the game. Funny how a trip to the bathroom turned into me not seeing Randy and the kids until well after half-time! Yep, Hudson figured out the playground option. So, Randy checked the kids in at the gate and he found several of our Seymour friends to visit with along the fence line at the field.
Apparently, once in the playground area, Hudson found a friend from his class (Whitt, whom Hudson actually calls Went), and they were off and running. Olivia perched herself atop of some play equipment to scope out someone her age to play with. Most everyone, she noticed, already had a buddy. She was okay with that, but really wanted to connect with someone. She scaled down to the ground and found Hudson; she shared her dilemma with him. He said, "Don't worry, Sissy. I'll find someone just your size for you." Rememer, this is Mister Bashful we're talking about here.
Hudson has always tried to guess the age of other kids by "mentally measuring" them. If he can count to 10 as he scans them with his eyes from head to toe, then they must be 10 years old. If the scanning process ends in a count to 7, then the child must be 7 years old. Such logic! So, he scans Olivia to confirm her age (I'm serious), and he starts his search. After a few minutes, he comes back to her with this announcement: "Okay, I've found a girl who I think is your age and your grade and she looks like she'd like to play with you." He points out the girl to Olivia, and Olivia makes her move. She says: "This might sound crazy, but my brother thinks you and I might have fun playing together. My name is Olivia; I'm 10 and in the 5th grade." The girl replies, "Sure, let's play! My name is Rebecca; I'm 9 and in the 4th grade."
The little fella was just about right! Isn't that crazy? Well, it gets better. After a bit, Rebecca tells Olivia that two very nice 5th grade girls are in the playground area, and she thinks they'd like to meet her. Introductions are made, and a little 10-year-old-trio is born. The evening ends in hugs, the two CAK girls giving Olivia a balloon as a little gift, and all saying "see you at the next game" ... so sweet ... thanks to our miniature match-maker!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Kindergarten Kapers
Well, Hudson started school on Wednesday. He'll go half days through the end of this week before going all day starting next week. Here are a few tales from the back seat as we drive either to or from school:1st Day
Me: So, what did you think of Kindergarten?
H: I can handle this, mom. All we did was color, have snack, go on the playground ... AND ... there's NO HOMEWORK!
2nd Day
H: This tucking in the shirt thing is killin' me!
3rd Day
H: Mom, there's this blue thing at the water fountain that "scans" people when they take a drink.
Me: Really? Are you sure? I can't think of what that would be for.
H: I think it's to check for villans.
4th Day
H: I had a good day, but I'm pretty sure I haven't learned to read yet.
5th Day
H: We're going to dress up as presidents one day.
Me: For President's Day?
H: Nope. Just for a regular day. My president costume will be green.
Me: Green? Why green?
H: That's the color of all the statues of the dead ones.
More to come. Stay tuned!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Softball Tournament
Look at my girl ... I love this picture! This is Olivia walking to take her position in left field in game #2 of the tournament her team played in at the end of June in Crossville, TN. She played pretty well ... made some plays, got some hits, stole two bases on one pass around the bags (2nd and home - SLIDING correctly both times!), and ... her crowning achievement: sliding HEAD FIRST into home to score during a different time on base. I just happened to have my camerea poised and ready, so I could capture every split second of it ...
It was an awesome moment for her ... for all of us, really. So proud!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Through Their Eyes ...
Two funnies from this week ... all because they see it like it is!
One from Hudson ...
Olivia went to softball camp at UT Monday - Wednesday. Hudson stayed with Nana on Monday and had this little conversation:
N: "I sure hope Olivia is having fun playing ball today."
H: "She's not playing ball; she's gone to COLLEGE to go CAMPIN'."
One from Olivia ...
A car passed us that had some sort of business advertised on it. Pretty sure it was with magnets, but it could have been those large cling things. Anyway, here's what she said (and she rambled just as I've typed it; and, yes, I had a difficult time responding with a straight face!):
O: "Mom, there's something I just don't get. You know sometimes when we're at South-Doyle High School for like basketball or something? Well, there are these cars there ... and I know it's a really big deal when you learn how to drive and that you're all about letting people know 'HEY, I'M DRIVING NOW' but I don't understand why kids would want to junk-up their cars by putting these HUGE stickers all over them that say "STUDENT DRIVER". I mean, wouldn't just one small one be enough, and do you really want people to know that you're still not a really good driver yet?"
One from Hudson ...
Olivia went to softball camp at UT Monday - Wednesday. Hudson stayed with Nana on Monday and had this little conversation:
N: "I sure hope Olivia is having fun playing ball today."
H: "She's not playing ball; she's gone to COLLEGE to go CAMPIN'."
One from Olivia ...
A car passed us that had some sort of business advertised on it. Pretty sure it was with magnets, but it could have been those large cling things. Anyway, here's what she said (and she rambled just as I've typed it; and, yes, I had a difficult time responding with a straight face!):
O: "Mom, there's something I just don't get. You know sometimes when we're at South-Doyle High School for like basketball or something? Well, there are these cars there ... and I know it's a really big deal when you learn how to drive and that you're all about letting people know 'HEY, I'M DRIVING NOW' but I don't understand why kids would want to junk-up their cars by putting these HUGE stickers all over them that say "STUDENT DRIVER". I mean, wouldn't just one small one be enough, and do you really want people to know that you're still not a really good driver yet?"
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Merry Maid
Earlier this month, Olivia was in a cleaning mood ... she took it quite seriously and decided to pretend she was a cleaning lady at Disney. She stocked her 'cart' with TP, paper towels, windex, Buzz Lightyear sheets, a Disney parks brochure (to put on your pillow), and other random cleaning supplies.She started in her room and did a GREAT job! I was so impressed that I told her I'd pay her to do other rooms in the house ... mainly the master bath. I showed her what to use and where, and she went to town. She even took a hand towel and two wash cloths and made a Mickey head out of them similar to what was in our room at Disney!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
This little rhyme of mine
Wrote this for my parents as their Christmas gift several years ago. Found it on a disk when cleaning out files. Will add other poems here as I come across them!
The Gift
I saw you today.
You were in my hands
As I fastened tiny buttons
And played pat-a-cake . . . again.
I heard you today.
You were in my voice
As I sang silly songs, read another story,
And told her how much I love her.
I felt you today.
You were in my heart
As it ached when she cried
And swelled when she reached for me.
I missed you today.
You were in my thoughts
As I searched for answers to questions
I never thought of until now.
I thanked you today.
For being wonderful parents and
For instilling in me the desire of
Wanting to “be the mommy” one day.
I loved you today.
Just as I have every day.
It’s because of you, I am who I’ve become.
A daughter. A wife. A mother.
Thank you for this gift.
-- Amy Williams
November 1999
The Gift
I saw you today.
You were in my hands
As I fastened tiny buttons
And played pat-a-cake . . . again.
I heard you today.
You were in my voice
As I sang silly songs, read another story,
And told her how much I love her.
I felt you today.
You were in my heart
As it ached when she cried
And swelled when she reached for me.
I missed you today.
You were in my thoughts
As I searched for answers to questions
I never thought of until now.
I thanked you today.
For being wonderful parents and
For instilling in me the desire of
Wanting to “be the mommy” one day.
I loved you today.
Just as I have every day.
It’s because of you, I am who I’ve become.
A daughter. A wife. A mother.
Thank you for this gift.
-- Amy Williams
November 1999
Plans ...
In my teens, I knew I would get married right out of college. I did. And he's still wonderful and the love of my life. God sent him to me, and my plan lined up with His plan.
Once married, I thought I knew my career path. My plan was okay. God's plan was better.
Once into my career, I thought we'd have children right away. A whole bunch of 'em! My plan was a dead end. God's plan was glorious.
Once pregnant with child #1, I was confident that I could go back to work ... just couldn't leave my job. God's plan was certain ... just couldn't leave my little girl.
Once child #1 entered school, a Christian education was a wish, a hope, a plan for the future. God knew the future.
Once child #2 was well into school, going back to work seemed possible ... but only on my terms -- to work during the school day, during the school year, with summers free ... just to help pay for the extras and to be with my children. God was two steps ahead.
Child #2 starts school this year. Didn't think I was ready to go back -- too soon. But, the door was opened ... part-time job at a Christian school. Not just ANY school, but THE ONE we had considered all along.
God is good. He is faithful. He is true. He knows the desires of our hearts; He is amused by our plans ... Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Me. Trusting. Praising. Giggling with my Heavenly Father for His impeccable timing and love for little 'ole me.
Once married, I thought I knew my career path. My plan was okay. God's plan was better.
Once into my career, I thought we'd have children right away. A whole bunch of 'em! My plan was a dead end. God's plan was glorious.
Once pregnant with child #1, I was confident that I could go back to work ... just couldn't leave my job. God's plan was certain ... just couldn't leave my little girl.
Once child #1 entered school, a Christian education was a wish, a hope, a plan for the future. God knew the future.
Once child #2 was well into school, going back to work seemed possible ... but only on my terms -- to work during the school day, during the school year, with summers free ... just to help pay for the extras and to be with my children. God was two steps ahead.
Child #2 starts school this year. Didn't think I was ready to go back -- too soon. But, the door was opened ... part-time job at a Christian school. Not just ANY school, but THE ONE we had considered all along.
God is good. He is faithful. He is true. He knows the desires of our hearts; He is amused by our plans ... Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Me. Trusting. Praising. Giggling with my Heavenly Father for His impeccable timing and love for little 'ole me.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Dis(ney)appointed ...
Funny how things work out, and always for good, even when we can't see the good at the time. Makes me wonder ... was this for our protection ... for something better to come ... for a little family time now and more family time later? Hard to say. All I know, is that letting Olivia play hooky from school this year has ended up coming back to haunt me both times!!
I let her skip 1/2 day on the day of the Knox County track event because I knew those not at the event would not be doing anything too academic. So, I scheduled time for us to have lunch, go to the Cupcakery for dessert, and then off to get her haircut in Maynardville -- yes, Maynardville, but that's another story. The plan was unfolding perfectly until I locked my keys in my car when we made a quick stop at the paper store on our way to get cupcakes after lunch. Randy had to come rescue us all the way from Maryville. Not good, but we rewarded him with a red velvet cupcake - we killed our waiting time by walking there and back, yes, on Kingston Pike. His one comment was, "This is what you get for skippin' school." Very funny.
Anyway, with haircut rescheduled for a little later, we start the drive to Maynardville and were running ahead of our new schedule. Get to the last leg of the trip and I make a wrong turn - the Garmin wasn't on; I was using my spiritual gift of navigation. So, now we're running late to the appointment. Once there, I whisk Olivia in and run back to the car to grab my checkbook - plastic not accepted here - and to get a Food Chopper our stylist had ordered on our last visit. I'm apologizing profusely for our crazy afternoon and start to write my check while O's enjoying her shampoo. Yep, you guessed it, there are NO CHECKS in my checkbook. Gracious! I ask Laura if she'll trade a Food Chopper for a haircut. She agrees. Whew! And, yes, I had brought her a cupcake, too. Afterward, on the way to pick up Hudson from Katherine's, I miss the exit for Chapman Highway and end up going toward our house instead. Had to alter plans once again.
Later that night, we saw Olivia's teacher at the ball field. I shared our story with her, and she said, "That's what you get for skippin' school!" Dejavu? Too bad I was all out of cupcakes.
SOOOOOOOO ... we've had this trip to Disney planned for months. It was originally scheduled to take place during Spring Break, but that foiled with the house flood. You'll have to go back to eariler posts to read up on all of that fun. This trip required that Olivia miss the last day and a half of school as we left on Wednesday night after Randy got off from work. Hudson has been dealing with a little cough since around the 23rd-ish of April ... no fever, no other symptoms, just an annoying allergy cough. Last week, Randy fell ill and it is thought that he had walking pneumonia. Great. Hudson was definitely exposed to this even though we tried to keep everyone apart as much as possible. We even put H on an antibiotic just in case, and he was prescribed a steroid to make the cough finally disappear. He had been seen by his doctor several times over the last couple of weeks, so this was the final option - and one that usually works.
Driving down I-75 Wednesday night, Randy quickly became concerned that H's cough sounded bad ... deep, frequent, more than an allergy. But, still no other symptoms. We keep driving. We make it to Cordele, GA, and find a hotel for the night; we load Hudson up on his medications and do a breathing treatment. He coughs a lot. A whole lot. Randy didn't sleep hardly at all, and I think H finally got about 4 hours worth. Randy is more concerned. I'm trying to stay optimistic. People go to Disney all the time with much more serious health issues, right?
We call the doctor's office, and they want to see H ... tomorrow. "Tomorrow" is our first day at the parks! It's breakfast at the Castle, parades, clear balloons with Mickey ears inside and rides on Pirates of the Caribbean and Small World. It's not a drive back to Knoxville. We decide to visit a walk-in clinic instead. Sweet doctor there said H's lungs sounded clear and that we were doing all we could do.
Tough decision.
Kids, crying in the back seat.
Adults, weighing out pros and cons.
Me, being supportive of whatever Randy decides (this was hard, thanks A.T. for help!).
Randy, torn between his head and his heart.
Heart wins. We keep driving south.
Finally check-in at our Disney resort around 5:30 p.m. Hudson is coughing so much that he can't finish a sentence. We unpack the car; I unpack all the luggage and set up our room. Randy takes the kids to the hotel playground ... H's cough makes all the other parents gather their kids and leave. Great. We go to Downtown Disney (in the rain) to visit the Lego store and to grab some dinner. Same thing happens at the Lego place ... parents looking at us like we're insane and steering their children away from us.
Still, hoping for improvement, we do medications and breathing treatments ... even hook up the humidifier we brought from home. Everyone is in bed. Olivia goes to sleep. Hudson proceeds to cough ... a lot. Me, awake. Randy, awake. After two+ hours of incessent coughing, I give in to reason ...
"I'm done making lemonade," I announce in the dark.
"What?" Randy asks, sure that I'm talking in my sleep.
"I'm done making lemonade," I say very confidently.
"I have no idea what you mean," says sweet husband.
"I'm done making lemonade out of these lemons. I vote that we go home."
"I couln't agree more"
Decision made.
Adults in harmonious agreement
Kids bawling.
Adults reassuring the sick little brother that this isn't his fault. Lots of hugs.
Adults comforting the healthy big sister that she is special and that this is for the best. Lots of hugs.
Morning dawns and kids are happy. After some calls to the front desk and to the Disney travel people, we rebooked for later in the summer. I repack all of our belongings, and we head north on I-75, arriving in Knoxville at 11 p.m. The doctor's office opens for us on Saturday, and H's cough is due to severe reflux - treatable with a short-term liquid diet and long-term doses of Zantac.
Today is Sunday. H's cough is still present, but much more infrequent. Breakfast at the Castle reservations are secured for trip #2. We have the next few days with little plans since we weren't expecting to be here ... came home to a clean house, clean sheets, and very little laundry. Unpacking seemed almost hilarious -- how many times can I fold/hang these same clothes this week?
I called Olivia's teacher today ... mainly to see when she's scheduled softball camp for this summer as I thought it was this week ... but also to hear her laugh. And she did. And she said, "That's what you get for skippin' school!" Thanks, Wendy.
I let her skip 1/2 day on the day of the Knox County track event because I knew those not at the event would not be doing anything too academic. So, I scheduled time for us to have lunch, go to the Cupcakery for dessert, and then off to get her haircut in Maynardville -- yes, Maynardville, but that's another story. The plan was unfolding perfectly until I locked my keys in my car when we made a quick stop at the paper store on our way to get cupcakes after lunch. Randy had to come rescue us all the way from Maryville. Not good, but we rewarded him with a red velvet cupcake - we killed our waiting time by walking there and back, yes, on Kingston Pike. His one comment was, "This is what you get for skippin' school." Very funny.
Anyway, with haircut rescheduled for a little later, we start the drive to Maynardville and were running ahead of our new schedule. Get to the last leg of the trip and I make a wrong turn - the Garmin wasn't on; I was using my spiritual gift of navigation. So, now we're running late to the appointment. Once there, I whisk Olivia in and run back to the car to grab my checkbook - plastic not accepted here - and to get a Food Chopper our stylist had ordered on our last visit. I'm apologizing profusely for our crazy afternoon and start to write my check while O's enjoying her shampoo. Yep, you guessed it, there are NO CHECKS in my checkbook. Gracious! I ask Laura if she'll trade a Food Chopper for a haircut. She agrees. Whew! And, yes, I had brought her a cupcake, too. Afterward, on the way to pick up Hudson from Katherine's, I miss the exit for Chapman Highway and end up going toward our house instead. Had to alter plans once again.
Later that night, we saw Olivia's teacher at the ball field. I shared our story with her, and she said, "That's what you get for skippin' school!" Dejavu? Too bad I was all out of cupcakes.
SOOOOOOOO ... we've had this trip to Disney planned for months. It was originally scheduled to take place during Spring Break, but that foiled with the house flood. You'll have to go back to eariler posts to read up on all of that fun. This trip required that Olivia miss the last day and a half of school as we left on Wednesday night after Randy got off from work. Hudson has been dealing with a little cough since around the 23rd-ish of April ... no fever, no other symptoms, just an annoying allergy cough. Last week, Randy fell ill and it is thought that he had walking pneumonia. Great. Hudson was definitely exposed to this even though we tried to keep everyone apart as much as possible. We even put H on an antibiotic just in case, and he was prescribed a steroid to make the cough finally disappear. He had been seen by his doctor several times over the last couple of weeks, so this was the final option - and one that usually works.
Driving down I-75 Wednesday night, Randy quickly became concerned that H's cough sounded bad ... deep, frequent, more than an allergy. But, still no other symptoms. We keep driving. We make it to Cordele, GA, and find a hotel for the night; we load Hudson up on his medications and do a breathing treatment. He coughs a lot. A whole lot. Randy didn't sleep hardly at all, and I think H finally got about 4 hours worth. Randy is more concerned. I'm trying to stay optimistic. People go to Disney all the time with much more serious health issues, right?
We call the doctor's office, and they want to see H ... tomorrow. "Tomorrow" is our first day at the parks! It's breakfast at the Castle, parades, clear balloons with Mickey ears inside and rides on Pirates of the Caribbean and Small World. It's not a drive back to Knoxville. We decide to visit a walk-in clinic instead. Sweet doctor there said H's lungs sounded clear and that we were doing all we could do.
Tough decision.
Kids, crying in the back seat.
Adults, weighing out pros and cons.
Me, being supportive of whatever Randy decides (this was hard, thanks A.T. for help!).
Randy, torn between his head and his heart.
Heart wins. We keep driving south.
Finally check-in at our Disney resort around 5:30 p.m. Hudson is coughing so much that he can't finish a sentence. We unpack the car; I unpack all the luggage and set up our room. Randy takes the kids to the hotel playground ... H's cough makes all the other parents gather their kids and leave. Great. We go to Downtown Disney (in the rain) to visit the Lego store and to grab some dinner. Same thing happens at the Lego place ... parents looking at us like we're insane and steering their children away from us.
Still, hoping for improvement, we do medications and breathing treatments ... even hook up the humidifier we brought from home. Everyone is in bed. Olivia goes to sleep. Hudson proceeds to cough ... a lot. Me, awake. Randy, awake. After two+ hours of incessent coughing, I give in to reason ...
"I'm done making lemonade," I announce in the dark.
"What?" Randy asks, sure that I'm talking in my sleep.
"I'm done making lemonade," I say very confidently.
"I have no idea what you mean," says sweet husband.
"I'm done making lemonade out of these lemons. I vote that we go home."
"I couln't agree more"
Decision made.
Adults in harmonious agreement
Kids bawling.
Adults reassuring the sick little brother that this isn't his fault. Lots of hugs.
Adults comforting the healthy big sister that she is special and that this is for the best. Lots of hugs.
Morning dawns and kids are happy. After some calls to the front desk and to the Disney travel people, we rebooked for later in the summer. I repack all of our belongings, and we head north on I-75, arriving in Knoxville at 11 p.m. The doctor's office opens for us on Saturday, and H's cough is due to severe reflux - treatable with a short-term liquid diet and long-term doses of Zantac.
Today is Sunday. H's cough is still present, but much more infrequent. Breakfast at the Castle reservations are secured for trip #2. We have the next few days with little plans since we weren't expecting to be here ... came home to a clean house, clean sheets, and very little laundry. Unpacking seemed almost hilarious -- how many times can I fold/hang these same clothes this week?
I called Olivia's teacher today ... mainly to see when she's scheduled softball camp for this summer as I thought it was this week ... but also to hear her laugh. And she did. And she said, "That's what you get for skippin' school!" Thanks, Wendy.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Finally ... Easter!
Just a little behind on getting an Easter pic or two on here. It was a beautiful day in K'town - a little chilly, but beautiful. What a great day to celebrate our Saviour. Earlier in the week, I spent some time with Hudson making cookies in the shape of bunnies, chicks, flowers, and crosses - the only appropriate cutters I could find in my stash. Hudson really wanted to do an egg shape, but I didn't have one. He used a circle instead ... surprising since he's usually very particular and a stickler for protocol. Later, when he was putting on the icing and sugars, I told him I was sorry that his eggs were just circles. He replied, "Don't worry, Momma. Since they can't be eggs, they can be the TOMB!" Notice the 'tomb cookies' in with the others below ...
Olivia loves that hat! She's had it for several years and wears it every Easter. Will probably need to get her a bigger size before too long!
Olivia loves that hat! She's had it for several years and wears it every Easter. Will probably need to get her a bigger size before too long!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sacrifical Rabbit
Yesterday morning, there was a rabbit in our front yard that Hudson spied out of his bathroom window while brushing his teeth. He yelled for me to come see it, and we talked a little about the rabbit -- it's size (it was fat!!), what it was doing etc. Always looking for teaching moments! The rabbit and Hudson made eye contact, and I think had a little mental telepathy-thing going on. Hudson was fascinated!
A few minutes later when we were getting in the van to go to school, he told me he wanted to go see the bunny. It was still there, but it hopped away as Hudson hopped toward it. He got in the van, and the following conversation took place ...
H: Mom, I think you need to discuss (big word!) with daddy us getting a bunny.
Me: Really?
H: Yes. I think we need one to keep at our house.
Me: Okay, but I don't think daddy is going to like that idea.
(we're now at the front of our subdivision where we can see a rabbit in a hutch at the house across the road)
H: I can see their bunny in its house!
Me: Yep, it's a bunny kind of day.
H: Of course, if we got a bunny, we'd have to SACRIFICE it.
Me: (not really believing what I just heard) What? Sacrifice it?
H: Yeah, you know, kill it.
Me: I know what it means, but why would you want to do that to a rabbit?
H: 'Cause that's what you do to rabbits ... you sacrifice them.
Me: What ever gave you that idea?
H: That song that daddy sings.
My mind is racing at this moment trying to put the pieces to this puzzle together. Going out on a limb I say ...
Me: Is it this song, (doing my best Elmer Fudd)"Kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit ..."?
H: Yes! That's the song!
I was laughing so hard and still get cracked up when I think of this!
A few minutes later when we were getting in the van to go to school, he told me he wanted to go see the bunny. It was still there, but it hopped away as Hudson hopped toward it. He got in the van, and the following conversation took place ...
H: Mom, I think you need to discuss (big word!) with daddy us getting a bunny.
Me: Really?
H: Yes. I think we need one to keep at our house.
Me: Okay, but I don't think daddy is going to like that idea.
(we're now at the front of our subdivision where we can see a rabbit in a hutch at the house across the road)
H: I can see their bunny in its house!
Me: Yep, it's a bunny kind of day.
H: Of course, if we got a bunny, we'd have to SACRIFICE it.
Me: (not really believing what I just heard) What? Sacrifice it?
H: Yeah, you know, kill it.
Me: I know what it means, but why would you want to do that to a rabbit?
H: 'Cause that's what you do to rabbits ... you sacrifice them.
Me: What ever gave you that idea?
H: That song that daddy sings.
My mind is racing at this moment trying to put the pieces to this puzzle together. Going out on a limb I say ...
Me: Is it this song, (doing my best Elmer Fudd)"Kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit ..."?
H: Yes! That's the song!
I was laughing so hard and still get cracked up when I think of this!
Friday, April 3, 2009
My Favorite Flower
Yesterday was a pretty day, and Hudson's class got to go on the playground during school. Last night, Hudson had a t-ball game and he came up to me before the game and asked where I'd put his jeans he wore to school. I told him they were in the den where he had changed into his ball clothes. Good, he said, because he had picked me a dandelion on the playground and had put it in his pocket to bring home. Sweetness.
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This morning, the bud had opened up into a full, yellow pom of beauty. I think the dandelion is now my favorite flower ... might just grow a yard full of them. You never know when one will be needed in the middle of the night!
When we get home from the game, he goes to his pants and starts looking in all the pockets for this forgotten flower. It's not there. He starts to stress, so Randy goes to help him look for it. Still no sign of the flower. He turns to me and has tears welling up in his eyes ... I'm sorry, Momma. I had you a flower and I must have lost it. Full-blown crying sets in. I hold him in my arms and whisper to him how special he is and how good I feel knowing that he tried to bring me a flower. I thank him again for all the flowers he's brought me in the past (he loves to give flowers - picked or purchased). He sunk his head further into my neck, his face hot and wet from his sadness. Randy suggests that he can pick one just like it in our yard the next day. Nope, this won't do. Hudson declares that he wants to go out in our yard right then to get the replacement.
So, out they go -- Randy with his head-lamp on (it's after 8:00 at this point); Hudson wearing PJs and house shoes. They're gone. And gone. It's now been 15 minutes or so. I'm thinking they jumped in Randy's car and drove to the grocery to buy a bouquet. At about 20 minutes, the pair comes in the back door ... dandelion bud held tight in a five-year-old fist. Look Mom - we found one! He hugs my neck, and I fuss over this flower as if it were the bouquet handed to Miss America. I find a little bowl to float in it, and Hudson goes off to bed ... bouncing all the way, proud of his accomplishment.
I asked Randy what took so long. Apparently, our yard didn't have any that they could find (he had just mowed on Monday), so they had to keep going yard to yard to finally find one at an empty house half-way across the subdivision. Randy said Hudson was determined to come home with a flower - and it had to be just like the one picked earlier in the day.
What love. What beautiful love. It was about this time 6 years ago that we finished up our last round of infertility treatments ... all with negative results. In May of that year, God blessed us with the conception of our now almost-ready-for-Kindergarten boy ... who loves me so much. Thank you, Lord, for showing yourself to me though the blessing of little Hudson. I pray that he continues to have a heart for giving and loving others.
This morning, the bud had opened up into a full, yellow pom of beauty. I think the dandelion is now my favorite flower ... might just grow a yard full of them. You never know when one will be needed in the middle of the night!Stains
Conversation at breakfast recently right after I saw (out of the corner of my eye) Hudson spill OJ on himself ...
H: Mom, does orange juice have stains in it?
Me: Sometimes. It depends on the fabric.
H: Okay.
Me: Why? Did you spill some on your pants?
H: No . . .
(I look at him with my 'mom look' with one eyebrow raised thinking he's not telling the truth)
H: (big smile here) . . . I spilled it on my shirt!
H: Mom, does orange juice have stains in it?
Me: Sometimes. It depends on the fabric.
H: Okay.
Me: Why? Did you spill some on your pants?
H: No . . .
(I look at him with my 'mom look' with one eyebrow raised thinking he's not telling the truth)
H: (big smile here) . . . I spilled it on my shirt!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Heavenly Hot Dogs
Hudson had a hotdog with his lunch today. Being the silly family that we are, we always chuckle when people refer to hotdogs as anything other ... like a frank or wiener. That's what got this conversation started ...
H: (with a mouth full of food) Time for a bite of this wiener.
Me: It's a hot dog, and I'm glad you're eating a good lunch.
H: Yep, my lunch is good, but I think they called them 'weieners' back in Jesus' time.
Me: They didn't have hot dogs in Jesus' time that we know of.
H: Aw, fooey. (looking sad)
Me: What's wrong?
H: (pointed up toward the ceiling)
Me: Are you pointing to heaven?
H: Yes.
Me: You were hoping Jesus has hot dogs in heaven?
H: Yes, so I can eat them there, too.
Me: Sweet boy, there will be wonderful foods in heaven -- including hot dogs -- and you can eat nuts and wheat there, no allergies! God's table will be full of yummy things for you to eat.
H: Yay!! Hot dogs in heaven!!
H: (with a mouth full of food) Time for a bite of this wiener.
Me: It's a hot dog, and I'm glad you're eating a good lunch.
H: Yep, my lunch is good, but I think they called them 'weieners' back in Jesus' time.
Me: They didn't have hot dogs in Jesus' time that we know of.
H: Aw, fooey. (looking sad)
Me: What's wrong?
H: (pointed up toward the ceiling)
Me: Are you pointing to heaven?
H: Yes.
Me: You were hoping Jesus has hot dogs in heaven?
H: Yes, so I can eat them there, too.
Me: Sweet boy, there will be wonderful foods in heaven -- including hot dogs -- and you can eat nuts and wheat there, no allergies! God's table will be full of yummy things for you to eat.
H: Yay!! Hot dogs in heaven!!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Souvinier Shopping
We went to Chattanooga for a family field-trip one day during Spring Break. Our stops included the Creative Discovery Museum (which I highly recommend), a walk around downtown, the Civil War battlefield atop Lookout Mountain at Point Park, and dinner at J. Alexander's . . . and a quick trip to the mall as well!
We told the kids they could have a souvinier from one of the gift shops we visited during the day, but not something from all of them. They both, of course, couldn't stand it and chose something from our very first location -- the museum.
(The kids in the lookout tower at the Creative Discovery Museum)
(This is a replica Civil War cannon poised outside the gift shop; this pic was taken prior to the above-mentioned incident; Hudson is pouting only because climbing on the cannon wasn't his idea first. Gracious!)
After the battlefield stop, we toured around Lookout Mountain a little while -- the homes up there are amazing, and we saw the signs for Rock City so we decided to check that out. About half-way into winding toward this tourist mecca, we noticed that the signs for Rock City also included a Starbucks sign. No kidding! We thought this was hilarious, and there really is a Starbucks at Rock City -- built out of rock across from the entrance to the park.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Pirates!
Hudson's Pirate Party was a hit! Thanks in part to Captain Jack Sparrow who really threw the boys for a loop at first. Here are a few highlights ...
Friday, March 6, 2009
Hudson Dancing
I didn't realize that I couldn't change the orientation of this video when I shot it, so you'll have to turn your head to enjoy! It's hilarious. The funny thing is that he was quite sick and had just returned from the doctor's office ... where he had also performed this routine for the staff. Oh my!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Nana's Macaroni 'n Cheese
Randy's mom has made this recipe as long as I've known her. (That's us in '08 at the Mayfield Dairy - yum!) It's the most sinful macaroni 'n cheese you'll ever eat, and this is honest first-hand knowledge! I have to restrain myself these days, but there have been times in my life when I could eat the whole batch.Dangerous stuff I tell you ...
Nana's Macaroni 'n Cheese
8 oz. macaroni noodles, boiled and drained1 large can of Carnation milk
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
1 stick butter, melted
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
1 egg, lightly beaten
paprika
Coat the inside of a large crock pot with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, both milks, salt, butter, 1 cup of the cheese and the egg; stir until combined. Pour this mixture into the crock pot. Add the rest of the cheese on top and sprinkle with paprika. Cook 3 1/2 hours on low heat.
* she's been known to use any combination of cheese including velveeta, American, and even canned cheese soup (this makes it really good)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Let's Go to the Hop!
Tonight was the Father/Daughter Dance at Livvy's school. It's the first time they've done one, and it was so much fun! Unfortunately, Randy had class tonight, but Hudson stepped in as a willing substitute. It was a Sock Hop, and we had a blast putting together their outfits. Special thanks to the Fox's for the loan on the poodle skirt! Here's a pic or two:
Monday, February 9, 2009
Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffeecake
The credit for this recipe goes to my friend, Leigh Ann Bolton. She brought this to a Sunday School brunch several years ago, and I've been hooked ever since! You can use frozen berries as long as they were frozen whole and not in juice. There's no need to thaw the frozen berries first -- they'll soften as they cook!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffeecake
½ c. butter, softened
1 ¼ c. sugar
2 large eggs
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
¾ c. milk
¼ c. water
2 c. fresh blueberries
8 oz. cream cheese cubed then softened
½ c. all-purpose flour
½ c. sugar
2 tbsp. grated lemon zest
2 tbsp. butter
Mix ½ c. butter at medium speed until creamy; gradually add 1 ¼ c. sugar, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until blended after each one.
Combine 2 c. flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; stir well. In a separate bowl, combine milk and water and stir. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix at low speed after each mixture is added.
Once combined, gently fold in blueberries and cream cheese. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan.
Combine ½ c. flour and remaining ingredients; stir well with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375-degrees for 50 – 55 minutes or until golden.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffeecake
½ c. butter, softened
1 ¼ c. sugar
2 large eggs
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
¾ c. milk
¼ c. water
2 c. fresh blueberries
8 oz. cream cheese cubed then softened
½ c. all-purpose flour
½ c. sugar
2 tbsp. grated lemon zest
2 tbsp. butter
Mix ½ c. butter at medium speed until creamy; gradually add 1 ¼ c. sugar, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until blended after each one.
Combine 2 c. flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; stir well. In a separate bowl, combine milk and water and stir. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix at low speed after each mixture is added.
Once combined, gently fold in blueberries and cream cheese. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan.
Combine ½ c. flour and remaining ingredients; stir well with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375-degrees for 50 – 55 minutes or until golden.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Flood - Part 2
Well, the light at the end of the tunnel is near! Here is an updated set of pictures. Everything should be back to 'normal' in about a week ... we're so close, though. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I Am Stuck On Band-Aid, 'Cause Band-Aid's Stuck on Me!
Fact: Olivia LOVES band-aids. Asks for them for even the slightest bump or bruise.
Fact: Hudson HATES band-aids. Would rather bleed to death or die of infection.
Background: Olivia went for a physical on Thursday and got a shot in each arm and her finger pricked. This equals three band-aids.
Tonight the kids were snuggled up in Olivia's bed during prayer time. I was giving each of them hugs and tickles, and I apparently grazed the spot on Olivia's right arm where her injection had been. The band-aid is, of course, still there.
O: (whining) Ow, Mom, that's my sore spot.
Me: Olivia, that was three days ago. It shouldn't hurt anymore. On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad did those shots really hurt?
O: Only about a 6.
Me: I'm so proud of you for not crying with your shots. See, you're becoming more brave! Now, how about we take those band-aids off?
O: Noooo!
H: Sissy is afraid of taking band-aids off.
Me: She is?
H: Yes. And I'm afraid of putting band-aids on.
That's my boy. Always calls 'em like he sees 'em!
Fact: Hudson HATES band-aids. Would rather bleed to death or die of infection.
Background: Olivia went for a physical on Thursday and got a shot in each arm and her finger pricked. This equals three band-aids.
Tonight the kids were snuggled up in Olivia's bed during prayer time. I was giving each of them hugs and tickles, and I apparently grazed the spot on Olivia's right arm where her injection had been. The band-aid is, of course, still there.
O: (whining) Ow, Mom, that's my sore spot.
Me: Olivia, that was three days ago. It shouldn't hurt anymore. On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad did those shots really hurt?
O: Only about a 6.
Me: I'm so proud of you for not crying with your shots. See, you're becoming more brave! Now, how about we take those band-aids off?
O: Noooo!
H: Sissy is afraid of taking band-aids off.
Me: She is?
H: Yes. And I'm afraid of putting band-aids on.
That's my boy. Always calls 'em like he sees 'em!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ayer-pray Ime-Tay
I've been teaching Olivia how to speak Pig Latin this weekend. She's fascinated by this 'secret language' that she and I can use, and that Hudson can't understand. When putting her to bed tonight, she asked me if we could practice.
Me: "O-nay."
O: "Why-ay?"
Me: "It-ay is-ay ayer-pray ime-tay." (It is prayer time.)
O: "Why-ay?"
Me: "Ecause-bay it-ay is-ay ate-lay. Ow-nay ray-pay" (Because it is late. Now pray.)
O: closed her eyes; . . . silence . . .
Me: I peek at her; she peeks back
O: I probably shouldn't pray in Pig Latin, huh Mom?
Me: (grinning) Probably not . . . although, He would still understand you!
Me: "O-nay."
O: "Why-ay?"
Me: "It-ay is-ay ayer-pray ime-tay." (It is prayer time.)
O: "Why-ay?"
Me: "Ecause-bay it-ay is-ay ate-lay. Ow-nay ray-pay" (Because it is late. Now pray.)
O: closed her eyes; . . . silence . . .
Me: I peek at her; she peeks back
O: I probably shouldn't pray in Pig Latin, huh Mom?
Me: (grinning) Probably not . . . although, He would still understand you!
The Flood - Part 1
Below is a slide show of the first round of pics taken since January 13th. It's hard to really tell much from these, but they'll at least provide an idea of what's going on. The reconstruction begins this week! Yea!! Stay tuned for the progress.
Friday, January 16, 2009
When it Rains, It Pours; and When it Pours, Watch Out!
Well, a lot has happened since last Friday's post. Nothing like a busted sewer line (in two places!), a broken commode and and interior flood to give you a new agenda for your week! Pictures will be up soon of some of the damage and current state of the progress. Check back later!
Friday, January 9, 2009
All A's!!
She did it! Olivia has been SO CLOSE to making straight A's for a while. She might have done it in Kindergarden or 1st grade, but I can't remember. I know she's not done it since being at Bonny Kate. Her first set of grades in the fall had just two B's on it, and she's worked really hard the last 9 weeks to improve. She set a goal, I set a reward (a real pedicure!), and there you go - straight A's! We're very proud of her.
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