Friday's at the library

We spent Friday morning in our usual location but brought a little friend along this week. Karston was one of the little guys I kept at the school and his grandma needed someone to watch him for the day....everyone enjoyed him. Weighing a hefty 25 pounds at 9 months provided a mini work out of sorts. He is a sweet boy.

 

 

Can you get enough of this outfit? Little man loves his cowboy boots and doesn't want them covered by his pants. Believe it or not, this is an improvement....typically we wears them with athletic pants.

 

I have no idea if he was doing this before playing in our house but at this point he was raising Buzz Lightyear over his head and growling. It just seems like the kind of thing we would teach someone else's baby.

And one of my favorites....chubby baby hands.

Missing her

I finally uploaded photos to create my 2012 Shutterfly family album; a project I tackle every January. Typically. Life's been a bit busy. I ran across photos of the kids with my grandma and spent some time reminiscing. I then wrapped up our first Senior photo order. When I pulled out the notes I had taken last summer pertaining to that order and saw Grandma's request written, I broke down. Tears silently fell for a few minutes. I still can't believe she's gone. I miss her.

The grief hits me at odd times. I never really know when memories will come flooding back. It takes me a second to pull my thoughts out of the sadness when they appear. Anne and I perused an antique warehouse a few weekends ago and one booth contained depression glass. I was instantly taken back to her kitchen as I inhaled the dusty air of that old warehouse; the floral scent of Grandma's house being a sharp contrast. Whereas that home is holding new memories for a young family now, in my mind I can travel there for the briefest of moments. The sadness quickly passes as her smile and laugh interrupt my thought process. She wouldn't want me tearing up over her. I can hear her firm tone letting me know it too.

Recently heard....

Kate informed me she needs to see Justin Beiber in concert this year because he turns 20 next year and then he'd be too old for her. I let her know he is already too old for her. She responded that at least he's still a teenager.

I asked Ty to stop kicking his ball in the house. He scowled but then took a few minutes to perfect that scowl. I asked what he was doing and he said he was making Avry's mean face.

22 month old Devyn continues to power off the computer by pushing the power button. I have redirected numerous times so I sat her in a mini time out of sorts. Devyn was un- phased but Ty was distraught. He told her I was mean and she was little. He was pretty upset with me as he adores that little girl.

Last weekend Ty was out in the field, exploring the "bunny homes" with most of the neighborhood when Avry walked out to join him. Ty looked at our neighbor and said, "oh no, here comes Avry. I am about to get irritated".

When encouraging Ty to eat his vegetables, I tell him he will grow big and tall if he eats them. Ty informed our neighbor he must not eat his vegetables because he isn't very tall. That man is not taller than me but I am surprised Ty has figured that out. You would think everyone would be "big and tall" compared to Ty! Thank God our neighbor has four children and a sense of humor.

I took the girls shopping for summer clothes and Lauren picked up a little plaid shirt asking if everyone thought it was cute. Erin said, "it looks like something a hooker would wear" to which Lauren replied, "I think I would wear it to church camp". We didn't purchase the shirt.

Ty said, "that's a bunch of easy" when he was dressing himself this morning. He also uses the phrases, "I cannot know how" and "I cannot like that" regularly. 

Remember When....

I cannot tell you how many times I have questioned, "remember when". I think it shows my age especially since I have heard my dad start far too many conversations that way over the years. Lately, the price of gas and food have been discussed because I feel badly for my kids. They can't clean the change out of the car to get gas and go out and about for the weekend like I did as a teen. Trips to the mall now have to consider the gas expense. And don't even get me started on the price of anything they would purchase once they got there. Seriously, when did $150 become acceptable for a pair of jeans? It still isn't in my house but I know several people willing to part with that cash for something I consider disposable. And I wear my jeans for a decade or until they literally fall apart at the seams....like my favorites I have still been unable to replace. Even Target is pricey lately. Retailers have us over a barrel of sorts. We have to eat, use  personal care items and clothes are essential.

When my teens were little, we always held memberships to the local science center. It was an annual expense of $35 and it reciprocated all over the country. We used it at numerous zoos and science centers when we visited friends in other states. Now that membership is $89 and no longer reciprocates with many other locations and typically only offers a 50% discount. Ty has asked to go to the zoo quite a bit lately and we plan to take him over spring break. Given it will cost Greg and I $60 to walk through the gate with two kids, we are likely biting the bullet and hope it inspires us to frequently visit this year.

Remember when it was considered unacceptable to hover over your children, bubble wrapping them so they wouldn't get hurt? I cannot tell you how many times people knocked on our door when the kids climbed the maple tree in our front yard in Ohio to tell me how unsafe they considered it. They were being kids.....playing in the magical world they created in that tree. How could I rob them of those memories in an effort to keep them safe from falling? Obviously I don't want to see my children injured but at some point, when we fail or get hurt, we learn life lessons. The real question is, how can I rob them from learning how to pick themselves up and move forward more determined to succeed?


I remember when the girls played with the Fisher Price doll house. The people were all named and did things that mimicked our family life fairly closely. Roles and activities were somewhat predictable. I recently pulled the doll house out of the attic for the little girls who spend a few mornings a week here and Ty has taken to it. Watching him play doll house is nothing like watching the girls. There are no rules. Ty prefers to use imaginary people as to not be committed to keeping up with figures that fail to cooperate with his plans. The motor scooter is his chosen method of transportation throughout the house.  It enters and exits the house through windows and deposits imaginary people into their beds....where the little boy gets to sleep with his mommy and the dad can sleep on the couch. Welcome to the world my son creates when he is in charge.

Our Story

My friend and I have been exchanging emails for a few weeks. We have an interesting friend story as she and I fought over the same guy in high school. She won. Sort of. Let's just say he wasn't the prince he should have been to have won this beautiful friend's heart. She has been through a lot of hard life as result of "winning" a husband out of that man. Her life is full and rich today but not without battle wounds. We've connected through another friend and Facebook. Since we both decided Facebook was no longer something we wanted to invest in, an email exchange began. We've covered kids, jobs, headaches and life in general but on Friday she asked me to share my love story. I decided it would be fun to post it in this little part of my world. So dear friend, here goes......

When I was a Senior in high school, I worked for Lazarus at the Salem Mall. I had a co-worker who was only a year older than me but was married and had a baby. Her life was chaotic and I felt badly for her. I ended up providing a lot of her transportation and fell in love with her baby. Shortly after we met, her husband left her. She very quickly started dating a really great guy. His name was Greg and I met him the week after I graduated high school and he graduated college. I liked him immediately and wondered why on earth he was with this girl who was a mess of one poor choice after another. He liked me too and tried to set me up with his friend. Bob was nice guy but not meant for me. I eventually lost patience with my friend's on-going self destruction and distanced myself. At that point, I was recruited to be an assistant manager for a Lane Bryant store. I will pause here and tell you that I was not well liked in that role being a size 2 but I made friends among other mall employees and spent my social time with them. One of those new friends was singing Karaoke at Bolt's Sports Bar one night and a group of us were going to support her. As I walked in, Greg and his dad were walking out. Greg and I started talking and his dad left because thank God, they drove separately. As it turns out, Greg had also decided that girlfriend's drama was too much and had also gracefully stepped out of the situation around the same time I had. We both mentioned how much we cared for the baby. We talked for hours and exchanged phone numbers as we parted ways that night. We talked several times that week and had our first date the following weekend in March 1993.

On our first date, Greg picked me up wearing a high and tight hair style and a diamond earring. He had just placed second in a body building competition and my dad was less than thrilled as I walked out the door with him. We went to a comedy club and three weeks later, I knew I would marry him. He teases he was a little slower picking up on it but he also realized we were meant to be together. By our second date, my dad was ready to show Greg his hunting guns and Greg was impressed. I should have known then I would have my hands full but to this day, they are friends and ornery together. My dad kept telling Greg he would sell me for 50 cents and there would be no refunds. So during our ceremony, Greg handed my dad a 50 cent piece. In the receiving line, Dad gave him 5 cents change. Apparently, there was a discount that day. Believe it or not, they both love me.

Greg and I actually planned our engagement. Looking back, I realize I made it way too easy for that man! We used my 20th birthday on October 2, 1993 to officially get engaged. We married the following July. We initially wanted to be married in the fall by candlelight but couldn't find a church willing to work with an evening wedding plan, nor did we want to wait that long. We also wanted to elope in Gatlinburg and to this day, wish we had. We found a beautiful chapel in the hills with a serene creek running by and almost eloped that April. We ultimately decided it would not be wise to start our marriage ticking off my mom who had visions of her daughter walking down the isle in her head. So we humored her and started our marriage a little more traditionally.

Greg's family is strict conservative. My family is not. Greg says we are only a talk show host away from a Jerry Springer episode at most extended family gatherings. He's not exaggerating. That led to the next concern with wedding planning. We opted for a quick, cake only reception to prevent too much mingling before high tailing it out of town the following morning to the big city of Lexington, Kentucky where we ended up with our "honeymoon surprise" because Lexington offered little else to occupy our time.

Aunt Kristin

Kristin brought her family down for the weekend. We enjoyed beautiful weather, a good walk, great conversation and calorie rich food. None of the calories counted though because we shared. We looked forward to seeing the boys interact but failed to grab the camera the entire weekend. So let me draw you a picture.....Avry is holding a bat making his "mean face" and Ty is crying. That should cover it. Ty cried at the drop of a hat and Avry spent a lot of time in time-out. Kristin and I needed referee whistles and duct tape. At some point, they will be friends. Or not. It doesn't matter. Their mommas love each other.

Greg, Chris and Ethan incorporated a trip to Bass Pro Shops and have plans to check out the new Cabela's once it opens next month. These kids stand no chance of avoiding each other. The dads enjoy each others company as well.

Kristin created a beautiful album for Erin's upcoming 18th birthday using her Senior photos. Time is truly slipping through our fingers. Kristin kept commenting she cannot believe we are hitting such big milestones. It was Kristin who taught Erin how to count in Spanish by allowing her to jump on the bed during a date night Greg and I took just before Lauren was born. "Aunt Kristin" has always been an active part of her life and is also processing, "how did we get here already?" It was more than appropriate to have Kristin and Chris take her Senior photos. They also wanted to capture both the little girl we still hear telling us sweet stories and pulling "pretty cute" outfits together while also acknowledging the beautiful young woman she's become.

This shot takes us back to kindergarten....the expression being one she's made for years.

My other blog.....

Anne determined the best blog we could create together would feature failed pinterest projects. Think of the fun everyone could have laughing at us. She claims she has no artistic ability whatsoever; however, the areas of her house she has decorated are beautiful. But with that being said, there are a lot of crazy ideas out there just begging to be created in our kitchens or garages while we make fun of them. We're sweet like that. In fact, we discovered people are paying for unusual products in the stores already. We couldn't even identify some of that stuff! Maybe we could start our own decorating line too? Our Pinterest blog wouldn't mention our kids and the only photos would be of the projects themselves so finding links on obscure websites would entertain us rather than alarm us. We might be onto something here......

Anyway, I wanted a sign above my kitchen cabinets. I asked Greg to cut an existing piece of plywood so I could paint it with leftover paint from the door project last year. Ty was rather impressed with Daddy's saw and immediately tackled an additional scrap piece with his plastic saw and frustrating results. He determined he would be careful with Daddy's saw if he could use it. Um, I don't think so buddy!

Reach for the sky anyway little man.

Paige popped up to help us clear the table tonight....and chances are pretty strong these two are texting each other.

In an effort to expedite the arrival of outside activities, we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace this weekend. It took the chill out of the air and provided a sweet treat as well. The cold air is no longer welcome in these parts. Even Greg sighed deeply at the sight of a few snowflakes today. We are over it. 

Robyn called to check on us because I hadn't blogged in a week. We are fine, it was just a very full week with doctor appointments, extra kids while their mom recovered from the flu and overlapping work schedules. This week promises more of the same sans the flu, I hope.

Robbed

I have been robbed and the only thing missing is my sanity. I have vague memories of sanity but scarcely recall how that felt. I know I had it at moments of crazy but lost it somewhere in the midst of more crazy. I am the mom who prepared family meals every night served around the table with silverware and real dishes. Church, youth group and Awana were priorities in our weekly schedules. Sponge Bob and several Disney shows were banned because they weren't positive influences. I read books before the girls because questionable topics tend to pop up in popular novels. I prayed for them and with them. I taught them bible verses and sang Veggie Tales along with them. Our home was as peaceful and loving as possible in a family with a houseful of kids. It wasn't perfect by any stretch but making our home a sanctuary was a message I embraced and believed would shield my kids from hard life while they were too young to cope with it. I told them to be nice and taught them manners.  Family time was more important than anything else. What happened? I marked all the right boxes and yet the teens are convinced they have been ripped off in some way. They feel as though they aren't understood and we expect Pollyannas in a Snookie world. In truth, we do. Isn't that what we've invested the last 17 years creating? Yes, they will be individuals and need to find their own way but seeing them turn from our values and what we've worked so hard to provide is challenging.  It is not easy to stand back and let them flail but in reality,they need to learn from their own mistakes. Naive parents believe it can't happen to them because they've invested so wisely. Like our 401K in 2008, it can deteriorate right before your eyes. As it first began to unravel, I was grasping to hold on but found my efforts as futile as holding water in my bare hands. I recently heard a wise older woman say we cannot be anyone's holy spirit. That resonated within my heart. I want to be their conscience. I want to pull them back and lock them in their rooms until they are no longer making unhealthy choices but in truth, that isn't my role in this season. Oh I want to! I really want to. There is still accountability and this is still our home where we are leading but the condition of their heart is between them and the Lord. Thank God for his truth. I have faith they will be back.

In the mean time, my husband is trying to send strong messages to the boy we want to go away. Lauren thinks he's a prince. We know he's a toad. This is what Greg and Erin came up with this weekend while I was out.

 Erin's English teacher told her he saw this photo on Instagram and thought he should call CPS. We say, "bring it!" maybe CPS could post a notice on our front door warning all future boyfriends we are insane and willing to go to jail to protect our girls. The teacher was teasing.

Kate Ryan

Kate emerged from her room fully accessorized today. You can't ever be too prepared to tackle Lowe's or Sam's Club. Apparently my youngest daughter will not be nominated for "What Not To Wear" like her mother.

 This sweet girl wants so badly to be grown up. She teeters between diva and little girl simultaneously.

After inheriting Makenna's scarf and Erin's sleep mask, sister thinks she's a fashionista and hopes to persuade Erin to take her to the mall after school today. Rumor has it Justice has a sale and she has $9 burning a hole in her black sparkly purse.

Heaven on Earth

Ty was intimidated by the big kids on the trampoline. Typically he would join with gusto but on Sunday, he needed a nap and that wore down his resilience. I invited him to join my walk which quickly transitioned from a walk for exercise to a scavenger hunt instead. There were driveway bumps to explore with the stroller as"baby Josie" joins all our excursions these days. We had to check out the construction area where we discovered a water hole, a "mountain of dirt" with an endless supply of rocks just waiting to be thrown. I believe my son heard the Halleluiah choir sing as we encountered his Heaven on earth.

His imagination is endless. We spent an hour and a half in this spot before wandering down to the creek where the tiny dinosaurs live.

 

At bedtime his freshly bathed baby scent envelopes his stinky boy smell creating an intoxicating aroma I can't breathe in deeply enough, desperate to preserve this season. I love his endless chatter and adorable requests. As he drifted off to sleep, he told me I needed to fly up to the sky in one of his rockets and tell the storm guy he needs to calm down. In his mind, I have the incredible power to keep his world safe but make no mistake, he quickly assures me I am not the boss of him though. I pray we can safeguard his innocence and wonder.

He's been practicing his "Big T's". I think we were wise to avoid Nathanial as his birth name. We'd need butcher paper to get through handwriting practice. 

The In-Law Invasion

Around 7 pm last night I was informed Greg's parents wanted to see us today. We invited them down for dinner. It sounded reasonable until I took a look around. My mother-in-law has a white glove with her at all times. I am the only one who sees it but trust me, it's there. I suddenly needed to spring clean, grocery shop, make dessert and remind children of Grandma's behavioral expectations.

They brought some firewood and good conversation. We had a very relaxed evening despite my initial panic.

But if you happen to stop by, do me a favor and note the clean curtains and how spotless the underside of my entertainment center appears. Thanks. 

Truth

I told Greg that I want to see the movie Safe Haven this weekend with Lauren and she added, "oh, that guy is so cute". I nodded in agreement. Greg shot me a questioning look and I said, "Oh Yes, he is cute". He shrugged a "really?" with scrutinizing eyes and I answered, "yes, you wouldn't want me to lie to you." He decided he could live with a little less truth.

Ty announced to Lauren's friend, Sydney as she got into the van today that his dad farts in his sleep. Once again, a little less truth would be appreciated.

When Erin learned she was getting a spinal tap on Sunday, she asked to be put to sleep for the procedure. The doctor grinned and let her know that wasn't the policy. Erin informed him we'd tip. He chuckled as he walked away from her failed bribe.

I took the little ones to the library today after dropping Lauren off for her internship. Ty found a cozy nook with a Thomas the Train book and magnetic letters. Kate went in search of some art books. She found two. Princess Crafts and How to Draw Insects. Sister is diverse. I think we've found a new Friday morning hangout.

Greg managed the pediatrician visit for the first time. He texted at the 30 minute mark he was not pleased with the wait. Giggle. Welcome to a very small glimpse of my world. Try tackling that chore with a van load of kids who aren't sleeping through the wait like Erin did this time. 

Erin told the doctor on Wednesday she needed to be healthy by Friday because she had tickets to the Luke Bryan concert. Dr. Rezaei said she couldn't make promises but noted that she'd met her mom and knew full and well Erin would not be going if she wasn't back to school that day. Miracle upon miracle....there was sudden healing and Erin returned to school today and is enjoying a concert with friends tonight.



Ty saw a drum set in the window of a second hand store today and declared we needed to buy it. Much to his dismay, we kept driving.

Kate read the Garden Salsa Sun Chips package in the store this week and determined they had to be healthy since they came from a garden.  I wish.

Oatmeal Cookies and Medicine

I called my dad after another failed oatmeal cookie attempt today. My dad makes the best oatmeal cookies and he treats me to my own batch every birthday, which is just about the only thing I look forward to on birthdays at this stage of my life. His recipe is closely guarded and he refuses to share it "with just anyone". I know where the recipe originated and have followed that largely publicized version, even adding the secret ingredient and whereas I can get a very similar flavor, I can't get the exact texture. And his flat, slightly spicy cookies are the ones I crave. Today though, he let his guard down. He gave me his recipe and let it slip that he melts his butter rather than softens it. Score!

In truth, I don't try to duplicate his master recipe often because there is something special about handmade cookies from my dad on my birthday. I look forward to them and don't want them to lose their specialness. Besides, Hershey makes cinnamon chips which contribute to delicious oatmeal cookies; in case you need a "healthy" cookie. Welcome to the lies I tell myself and then wonder why I am gaining weight!


Erin's health has continued to be a concern this week. She was back to the doctor today with severe head and neck pain. She is still unable to move her head. As of today, the doctor assumes she has a migraine and pulled muscle because her repeated blood work is normal. It's frustrating to have her in pain without answers. It is also exasperating to explain it to a school demanding to know why her attendance looks the way it does. She fought mono first semester and this semester has dealt her the flu, a virus and whatever she is currently fighting. Bring on graduation.....Erin isn't the only one dealing with Senioritis this year. Mom's ready to be done too.

But my dad, God love him, called to tell me he's been in his 30 year old medical book again.  He thinks he's found what the doctors are missing in Erin's case. Encephalitis. Dad, I love you but please step away from the medical book. On the other hand, Dad is a much cheaper consult than the average doctor and at times, I fear we get about the same result.

The Weekend Review

We traveled to Theresa's for the day on Saturday to see some of the cutest little guys I know play basketball. Brennen is eight years old and fairly confident he will play for the University of Kentucky someday. He has serious talent. I am not biased in my proud Aunt, non-sports minded opinion. He is the smallest and youngest on his team but his teammates insisted on keeping the ball in his possession.

 

 

Mason is five and whereas he enjoys basketball, he isn't quite as passionate. For everything he lacks in competitiveness, he makes up for in sweetness. He ran up and down the court in a cluster of gold shirts. Watching this particular age group left me in awe of the coaches' job. It was as successful as herding cats, but a blast to watch.

 

 

Grandma took all her grand kids (with the exception of Erin) on a "Grandma Date" to McDonald's play-land. Grandma took my girls on dates every Wednesday when we lived near her. The kids remember those dates well and this one was prompted by Lauren who called Grandma two weeks ago while eating a McFlurry. She'd not had one since we moved away over six years ago and it brought back memories; treasured memories for Grandma too.

Speaking of memories. Mom brought a box full of my Grandma's things for Theresa and I to go through. My Grandma's house will be sold this week so everything has to be removed. I don't envy the job Mom's had the last few months. The box was difficult enough for us to sort through, I cannot imagine tackling an entire house.  It's a delicate balance deciding what to keep and what to donate. This platter will now be in my kitchen where I will think of her each time I serve my family dinner. It breaks my heart to know I will never sit around her kitchen table again. I miss her.

After arriving home from Theresa's late Saturday night, Erin woke us vomiting at 4am Sunday. Anytime you start your day mopping at 4am, it's going to be a long day. She woke on Saturday with a stiff neck. We assumed she slept on it funny and needed to ice it and take ibuprofen. The vomiting hit Sunday morning and a fever set in on Sunday evening. With the addition of the fever and the realization the neck pain had increased we realized she was fighting something more than the quick stomach bug the other kids had on Thursday. I called the doctor and was instructed to take her to the ER. The staff there was prompt and thorough but Erin had a rough night. It was her first IV and hopefully only spinal tap. Praise the Lord, she has a virus and nothing as crazy as the meningitis everyone was prepared for.

When I called, the doctor sent us to the local emergency room rather than Kosair Children's Hospital. I objected and pushed for Kosair because I knew how well they treated Colby a year ago and also knew Robyn would have connections there.  Please don't judge me. I would absolutely use connections when it comes to the health of my kids but I finally relented when it occurred to me that Erin will be 18 next month! Our local hospital was fantastic. I was pleased with their response and Erin's treatment. Today though, I am a bit weepy. I am tired and relieved.

Valentine's Day

I left a bowl full of Little Debbie snack cakes on the counter with a card that simply said, "Happy Valentine's Day. Love, Mom and Dad". This morning, each of the little ones asked me independently what we got them. When I pointed to the bowl, Kate replied, "Oh, I thought those were for Erin". Huh? And Ty said he wanted a present with a green bow. Of course. But Ty got a stomach bug instead. He started vomiting at 5am, first in his bed and then in mine. It was the start to a beautiful day. Kate joined him several hours later.

Greg risked sending me a little something this year. He's not known for gift giving so I was surprised. They were delicious. Then we had a romantic sloppy joe dinner for five before deciding who got to stay with the sick kids and who was heading to teacher conferences with Lauren and Makenna this evening. Each task was equally as pleasant. We do romance well around here; however, Erin received this at school today. Her friend, Austin apparently took his cues from some other source than us.

By the way, she said, "yes".

Today

 

 

It was a busy day with a few added friends but once the snow started falling, playtime was a must.

 Guess who's about to throw the biggest snowball at me. Just kidding. He doesn't belong to me so he wouldn't dare. Now this other boy? Absolutely.

 

 Look at the size of those flakes! They were literally an inch in diameter but I couldn't get the full effect with the camera. It was as though we were in a snow globe and it was gorgeous.

I am glad we went out when we did because within hours, it was gone; melted away. Only one cup of cocoa today.

And then my sweet boy made me a Valentine. Apparently the glue was not coming out quickly enough? He was proud of his creation and I am grateful for washable glue. As for the glitter? We are still finding pink from the glitter photo shoot anyway.  Leave your mark little man.